As the joys of summer slowly start slipping out of our grasp and the days become colder, the time for a warm winter fire is drawing nearer. Unless you have an endless supply of wood, making a fire every night can become an expensive undertaking. On the other hand, there are so many new and modern fireplace designs that it makes it difficult to choose the right one. Figure out which fireplace will not only be the most economical but also the most efficient.

Pellet fireplaces

Pellet burning fireplaces create heat by burning small pellets that have a similar appearance to that of rabbit feed but are made of wood and its by-products. Wood pellet fireplaces are extremely clean, for your house and the environment, easy to use, and they give off a good amount of heat. Wood pellet fireplaces look like ordinary fireplaces but actually operate with electricity. After you have bought the fireplace and the pellets and powered this fireplace it is not really the most economical, although over time you may save as a little does go a long way.

Wood-burning fireplaces

An open or conventional fireplace loses a lot more heat than a stove style fireplace and so uses more wood and doesn’t heat the house as efficiently – then there is also the worry of the smell and effects of the smoke as well as how to put it out when you go to sleep. A plate steel or cast-iron wood-burning stove, although expensive to install, can fit into your current open fireplace and you will use less wood to maintain your fire and heat the room.

Gas fireplaces

Although gas fireplaces don’t carry the magic of a traditional wood fireplace, sometimes those fake burning logs are difficult to tell apart from the real deal. Gas is effectively better for the environment and can also be cheaper to buy than wood. Gas fireplaces often come equipped with safety features and are very simple and easy to use particularly for busy people or people with smoke allergies. Most old homes have fireplaces but if you want a gas one this will need to be installed so again, initial start-up costs can be high.

Ultimately it is all about choosing a fireplace that fits with your lifestyle and family. Whatever your budget you’re bound to find one that you will love to cuddle up next to this coming winter.

A scarf can be a lifesaver, even in summer ‑ considering all the air conditioning we’re exposed to everyday. Not only is it light, warm and handy, but it can dress up a simple outfit much like a striking necklace can do. Stylish attitude can be conveyed by a scarf in the traditional way, that is, around one’s neck. But there are other ways to effortlessly dress up a look with a scarf. Think belts and hip wraps using chiffon, muslin or cotton scarves.

How to fold a scarf for a hip wrap

For a hip wrap, you’ll need to start off with a square scarf that is fairly large. Lay out your scarf and fold it in half on the diagonal. Position you hip wrap around your waist so that the triangle points behind you in a downward direction.

Now tie the front ends with a square knot and pull the sides firmly down over your hip bones.

How to wear a scarf as a belt

Start off your day by wearing an oblong scarf as a belt. This way, anytime it gets cold you can unfold it and wear it across your neck and shoulders. To fold a scarf into a belt, fold your oblong scarf lengthways. Refold it several times until you have a band that measures around 12 cm in width.

Now place your scarf around your hips and tie a bow so that the bow section of the belt is crimped to about 9 cm in width. Move the bow across to one of your hips and open the band on your other hip. By doing this you’ll have created a triangular shape, the bow being the point.

When you’re feeling the chill ‑ unwrap

If you get cold, all you have to do is unfold your scarf and place it over you shoulders. If you need more warmth, simply pull one end towards your opposite shoulder, tossing it over your shoulder as you do so.

When it’s really hot – skirts and dresses

Fold a square scarf along the diagonal to make a skirt and then fold the length into a band and position it around your waist. From there, it’s a matter of tying the scarf behind your back or over your hips.

To make a dress out of a scarf, position the scarf across your back so that you’re holding the top two corners. Now pull each end under an arm so that you can tie a knot in front. Should you prefer a more streamlined look with a V-shape neck, place the top edge of the scarf inwards so that you hide the knot and then pull down on that section.

Handbag scarf

If you’re after a dash of colour ‑ but not on yourself ‑try dressing your handbag up with a scarf. Take a small square scarf and fold it on the diagonal. Now roll it into a band and wrap the band around your bag’s handle.

It may be summer, but unfortunately we still have plenty of cold, rainy days. Dressing warmly according to the weather, not the season, will keep you comfortable. Sometimes dressing for chilly days is not only about picking out a sweater and some long trousers; it is about choosing the right fabric, too. Change your dressing style and shop according to materials and ensure that you stay warm no matter what the time of year!

Natural fabrics

Natural fabrics like wool and down make for great overcoats to cut out a cold chill in the air. Certain down coats are also made to withstand freezing temperatures and insulate in much the same way as your down duvet does. However, if you get these fabrics wet they can become cold very quickly and take ages to dry so they are not very good in the rain.

Synthetics

Synthetic materials like nylon are not great for keeping warm and offer very little insulation. However, as wind-breakers or rain coats synthetic fabrics work very well. If you are hanging out in the rain consider wearing woollen under layers with thin nylon wind-breakers on top to make the most of both fabric choices. Certain wind-breakers and the like come with a fleece lining; these are great for rain and snow as they dry quickly but keep you insulated and warm at the same time.

Keep your extremities warm

Heat is quickly lost through your hands, feet and head so make sure you choose clothing in the right materials to keep your extremities warm. Your head may not feel cold but your body is constantly trying to keep your brain insulated so you can quickly lose a lot of heat through your head. A sheepskin and leather combination works great for beanies, slippers and gloves as the sheepskin insulates and leather is well wearing and protects the sheepskin.

Keeping your feet warm not only helps you to feel more comfortable in cold weather but it also helps to improve blood circulation. Keeping the core of your body warm will also help to keep your extremities warm but if your core body temperature drops your extremities will immediately feel cold as your body fights to protect your organs. If you feel cold you also tend to be inactive and this lack of circulation simply makes your feet colder and leads to discolouration and that burning feeling you get when you are extremely cold.

Keep them dry and warm

Wet feet will feel cold quickly so make sure you keep them dry, be it by avoiding puddles or thoroughly drying them after your shower or bath. Immediately after drying make sure you adorn your feet with thick socks or slippers as once your feet get cold it is very hard to warm them up again. Sandals and flops can make your feet feel cold even on hot days.

Improve your circulation

When your feet turn blue it is a sign that your blood is not circulating to your feet and this could lead to mild or even severe frostbite. Keep your feet moving to increase circulation, either by walking or simply flexing and pointing your toes. Massage your feet regularly to improve circulation and use a lotion to lock in the warmth.

Chilblains

If you get red, itchy lumps on your skin during cold weather you could have chilblains. Chilblains are caused by your blood vessels narrowing when your skin becomes cold and then the fluid leaking from the vessels as you warm up. If your skin warms up too quickly because of a really hot bath or shower you can increase your chance of getting chilblains. Chilblains are fairly common and are often seen in people with poor circulation.

Heaters and hot water bottles can warm you up a cold winter’s night but what are they really doing to your skin? While ceramic heaters can seriously dry out your skin, a too hot water bottle can leave your skin looking mottled or you may even end up burning yourself with an electric blanket. So what is the safest way to use these products while still keeping warm on the last cold days of the year?

Drying out your skin

Heaters and electric blankets tend to dry out the air and so can leave your skin and mouth looking and feeling extremely dry. The best way to get rid of this drying effect is to use a good moisturizer and a humidifier to keep the air moist. If a humidifier is too expensive just leave a couple of bowls of water lying around your house. This will keep the air moist while locking in the heat. Electric blankets should be treated carefully – go for one that has an adjustable heat mechanism and turns itself off after a period of time to avoid drying out your skin or even burning yourself.

Mottled skin

Hot water bottles that are filled with boiling water and left on the skin for long periods of time can cause a mottled effect on the skin that may never go away. Hot water bottles should always be filled with hot water from a tap or luke-warm water and should never be pressed directly against an area for extended periods of time. On the other hand, hot water bottles really help when it comes to the easing of aches and pains and they increase circulation. Hot water bottles don’t dry out your skin and hair like heaters do and they are also more eco-friendly!

Use your heater, electric blanket and hot water bottle wisely and don’t use them for extended periods of time. Look after your skin and be careful not to apply direct heat to it as you can end up not only drying out your skin, but seriously damaging it.

An ice cold mojito or pina colada can put the cherry on top of a great summer’s evening but you may be having trouble finding a nice after-dinner drink for these cold winter days. This winter add a dash of brandy, rum or whisky into your cocktail concoction and warm yourself up from the inside. Serve your cocktails hot in a latte glass, light the fire, sit back and enjoy!

Hot toddy

A classic remedy for curing colds, a hot toddy can also be a great winter’s drink. A hot toddy is simply tea with a trickle of honey, a dash of lemon and a shot of brandy. The great thing about a hot toddy is that it is easy to make and most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

Bloody Mary

A Bloody Mary is a great, simple cocktail for winter or summer. Some tomato juice, a splash of vodka and some hot sauce or Worcester sauce is all is takes to make this delicious winter cocktail.

Apple cider

Try an apple cider or a rum based cocktail this winter. Boil some apple cider with some rum, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and orange juice. When your mixture is ready and warm, simply drain it and your ready to relax by the fire.

Glühwein

This classic winter warmer is loved throughout the world. Great for winter dinner parties, heat up some red wine with spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves. A dash of brandy gives this traditional cocktail a new twist.

The classics

When thinking of your next winter drink, don’t forget the classics. A simple Irish coffee can be a great winter warmer as can a hot chocolate with a dash of coffee liqueur or Frangelico.

Starbucks has announced its plan to serve coffee in its new ‘Trenta’ [read gigantic] cup size in the US. American punters will soon be able to buy just under a litre of coffee in one cup. The company says this is in keeping with consumer demand, and the coffee giant assures us that, in the interest of its customers’ health, only iced coffee and other low-caffeine beverages will come in a… bucket.

More than you can stomach

Canada’s National Post recently published a graphic that illustrates just how big Trenta really is – bigger than the average stomach. The biggest serving size offered by Starbucks up to now was the ‘Venti’, at just over half a litre. The Trenta is a full 325 ml (around about the size of a soft drink) bigger, meaning it contains 16 ml more than what the average stomach can hold.

What’s the big deal?

Starbucks is not the first American company to offer ridiculously oversized beverages. The Double Big Gulp sold by retail chain 7-ll holds nearly 2 litres of sugary, carbonated caffeine. The Trenta is a first when it comes to a coffee chain, though.

Not eager to come under fire for fuelling America’s obesity crisis, Starbucks has announced that the ‘sweetened’ versions of the iced coffee, iced tea and iced tea lemonade they’ll soon be super-duper-sizing will contain only 230 calories. By comparison, Starbucks’ Venti Caramel Brulee Latte packs 430 calories, while a Venti Eggnog Latte is a whopping 610 calories.

New meaning to ‘caffeine buzz’

While a diet version of a Trenta-sized serving isn’t too worrying when it comes to calories, even the ‘healthiest’ beverage in this size contains enough caffeine to have everyone but the most extreme coffee drinker climbing the walls. A ‘heavy user’ of caffeine is defined as someone who takes in 500-600mg of the stuff in a day. A Trenta drinker will take in around 400mg of caffeine – in one sitting.

There’s no news of Trenta hitting the UK yet but, unfortunately, it’s likely just a matter of time before it does.

As a nation, we’re not shy when it comes to using painkillers. According to NHS figures, the number of prescriptions for heavy painkillers in England increased from 6.2 million to 14.8 million between 1999 and 2008. While pain medication is necessary for a variety of diseases and disorders, in some cases feeling pain (and knowing why you’re feeling it) could help save your life. Here’s what to look out for.

Chest pain

Chest pain is the symptom most commonly reported by male heart attack victims. The pain is described as tightness, heaviness or a burning sensation (not unlike heartburn). This feeling starts in the chest and may radiate to other parts of the body, and it may be constant or intermittent.

The pain caused by a heart attack doesn’t always occur in the chest, though. At times discomfort is also felt in the arms, back, jaw, neck or stomach. Women are more likely than men to experience pain in the back and jaw during a heart attack. It can be difficult to tell if this kind of pain is being caused by a heart attack, but if it comes on suddenly a trip to the hospital is advised.

Stomach pain

Stomach pain which feels like indigestion or like you need to go to the toilet is the most common symptom of appendicitis. The pain often begins close to the belly button and then moves on to the lower right side of the abdomen. However, the pain could be in different parts of your stomach or on your side.

Pain caused by appendicitis may not be very intense, but if you’re experiencing it you’ll know that something is wrong. As a rule, call your doctor if you have pain in your belly for longer than four hours. If the pain is severe, call the doctor immediately.

While chronic pain (like that caused by arthritis) can and should be treated with painkillers and lifestyle changes including low impact exercise like yoga when appropriate, acute pain could be the sign of an emergency. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

Winter. Sigh. Snow is fun, but I can certainly do without the rain and wind messing up my ’do. I am not a hat kind of person, either. And there is nothing cool about parkas – the fur-lined, hooded kind, not the band. Besides, who could possibly enjoy being cold? You’re constanly shivering. You can’t feel any of your extremities. Your eyes water. Your skin is dry. But in this day of environmental awareness, switching a heater on is irresponsible, and expensive.

What to do?

The first thing is to wear appropriate clothing. I know, magazines tell us that it’s perfectly acceptable to don hot pants and mini skirts as long as we also add tights to the mix. They’re lying. You don’t have to look very far for fashionable clothing that covers every square inch. Showing less adds an air of mystery and can be very sexy.

Another thing you can do is to learn to cook. Hot food and drink help keep you warm. While you’re cooking or baking, the heat generated by your stove or oven will turn the kitchen into your favourite place to hang out. And it doesn’t mean that you have to put on weight. There are many recipes for healthy winter food available. And when you use a kettle, make sure you heat up only as much water as you require.

Exercise is also a good way for your body to produce some heat. If a trip to the gym doesn’t sound particularly tempting, grab your significant other and get under the blanket.

I imagine it’s common sense to close all the doors and windows, but that’s not always enough. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your home is properly insulated to reduce draughts. In addition, make your hot water bottle your new best friend. And there are now ecofriendly fleece blankets made of recycled material.

Simpler, really

There you have it! Winter warmth in four steps. You’ll now be able to enjoy all the wonders of winter such as snowpeople, hot chocolate with marshmallows and staying in bed while exercising option three above. Now, wasn’t that easier than you thought?

What would Christmas be without family, gifts, a tree, goose or turkey dinner, and of course that Christmas pudding or cake. However, if you plan on enjoying a bit of brandy beyond just brandy sauce or butter over the festivities, then you’ll want to check out the following Brandy Blazer cocktail recipe from JJ Goodman.

Cocktail expert weighs in

For those not familiar with his work, JJ Goodman is a renowned bartender and bar owner, best known for winning the BBC2 programme The Restaurant, back in 2009. Obviously the man knows a thing or two about mixing cocktails, and he has the perfect Brandy Blazer recipe for staying warm over the holidays. For a how-to guide be sure to watch the video below, and also to have the following ingredients on hand:

Ingredients

• Brandy (obviously)
• A brandy glass
• Fried apricot
• Raisins
• Orange (for the orange peel)
• Lemon (for a lemon slice)
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Mineral water

Perfect Christmas drink

As you can see from the video below, the Brandy Blazer is fairly easy and quick to prepare. The flaming concoction will also be guaranteed to warm you and your guests on chilly evenings over the holidays. For one final tip, few things go better with the Blazer cocktail than a side of fruit and nut mix to complement the beverage’s flavour.