Keeping Warm with Blankets

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

Using blankets is a very frugal strategy. The cost savings over many years makes blankets earn their keep many times over. Think of it this way: each layer of blankets that you add to your bed at night saves you many dollar a year in your heating cost.

The weather is certainly getting crisp here. After having temperatures in the high eighties in the beginning of last week, we have plummeted down to the fifties and sixties. The sudden shift makes us all feel really cold.

Although we toughed it out for a few days, my husband finally turned on the downstairs heat this past weekend. I guess he was tired of getting frostbite from the wood floors. Okay, so it isn't as bad as that. But we still keep the heat off upstairs during the day, and yes, even at night. Instead, we layer on the blankets to keep us warm. Sure, the bed is a bit cold when we first slide in, but it warms up quickly, keeping us toasty all night long.

I love lots of blankets, and to tell the truth, we probably have too many. One year, my parents asked us what we wanted for Christmas, and we told them a down comforter. It has been one of the best presents we have ever received.

It is sometimes hard, however, to find heavy blankets for children, especially toddler beds. Our strategy there is to layer many blankets. Layering works better than one large blanket anyway, as it allows warm air to be trapped between the layers.

You can also make your own blankets. Knitting or crocheting can serve two purposes: as a relaxing hobby and as a way to give you more blankets. I love hobbies that result in something useful, and what can be more useful than a blanket?

Once your babies no longer need them, sew your baby blankets together to make a larger blanket. You can then sew two larger blankets together for extra thickness, if you like. Not only will these blankets get a new life and keep your children warm, but they will offer comfort and familiarity.

How will you stay warm this winter?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot.

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