5 things you need this November

The Essentials: Blankets, Electric Blankets, Candles, Hot Water Bottles and Hot Drinks

Seeing as we've arrived in November and there's a chill in air, I thought I'd talk about keeping warm and cosy in the colder months. You'll probably see a theme developing as you read, but I'm all about light and warmth right now, the season just calls for it! 

1. A blanket – If you don’t own a blanket, then I don’t really know what I can say to you, apart from GET ONE. They are so perfect in the winter, from keeping you warm in bed to keep your legs warm when you’re lounging on the sofa watching TV (admittedly I don’t watch TV, but watching it with a blanket sounds good). I actually only have one blanket that I love; I don’t even know where my other one is. My blanket was actually a present from my ex when he went to Ireland so I’m terribly afraid for the day when it has had its time, as I don’t have the slightest clue where he got it from! But it’s purple (my favourite colour) and just incredibly warm, it’s not fluffy like a lot of blankets (which I hate). Make sure you get a feel for your blanket because not all blankets are made equal! They are just perfect for keeping you cosy and warm. 

Blankets I’ve had my eye on: Fleece Blanket, Pearl Knitted Blanket, Winter Berry Blanket

2. An electric blanket – I know, you’re thinking this is overkill, a blanket AND an electric blanket? But trust me it is needed (plus I'm talking an electric UNDERblanket), if you get cold really easily like I do. Or even worse if like me, you have the coldest room in the house. You can layer yourself like a sandwich with the blanket method I have going on. I stumbled across electric blankets when I was visiting my ex’s (doesn't he feature a lot in this post) family in Ireland. Their house was seriously cold and in the middle of nowhere, so we had blankets upon blankets and then she told me “make sure you switch on the electric blanket before you get into bed to warm it up.” And I was just there like what is this contraption?! Call me dim but I imagined electric blankets to be these crinkly things you had when you went camping, I don’t even know where I got this idea from because I’ve been camping loads and never had one of them. I got given the Morphy Richards Electric Blanket (Double) a year ago and I love. I've had it out for a month, but didn't actually use it until like three days ago. If you live in the UK, you'll know that it is getting super cold. When my nephews come round, they do not move from my bed when this is on. This just a top up to adding some warmth into your life, just don’t sleep with it on all night because you will most likely wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you’re about to boil. 

For you choosing pleasure: Dreamland Double Electric Blanket, Silentnight Electric Blanket (Double)

3. Scented candles - You can just buy normal candles, but I honestly don’t remember the last time I bought a regular candle. Why buy a non-scented when you can fill your room with gorgeous smells whilst having that beautiful candlelight glow? I recently went to Primark to repurchase a favourite Sweet Vanilla & Coconut and ended up picking up Pineapple & Ginger, as well Red Berries & Orchid. I'm a lover of sweet scents and always seem to go for anything that has vanilla in it. I’m a candle whore and have tried a whole bunch, Yankee candles are obviously a favourite but Sainsbury’s have lovely smelling candles, as does TK Maxx. I actually bought the nicest candle from TK Maxx about two years ago which was eggnog scented - It was SO good, but I can't find it anymore. 

Candles I adore: Yankee Candle Strawberry Buttercream, Sainsbury's Madagascan Vanilla, For Every Body Candles (they don't seem to have the eggnog one but they do other awesome scents). 

4. A hot water bottle – Yep I have rounded it all off by coming back the topic of heat. This one is perfect for if you’re at home, at a friend’s house or at work. Obviously it depends on where you work, but I work in an office and there are forever wars about the temperature, which then results in us all working in Antarctica. So it depends on where it’s easier for you to keep one, I’ve taken mine to work because as we can tell from the above, I have enough to keep me warm at home. You can pick up water bottles from anywhere; I’m pretty sure mine is from Poundland and is like 3+ years old. 

Hot water bottles: Nordic Knit Hot Water Bottle and Cover,  Personalised Heart Hot Water Bottle Cover, Hello Kitty Hot Water Bottle and Cover

5. A hot drink – Ah to keep one’s self hydrated. Hydration is super important anyway, but of course you know during the winter you have to really amp it up. I find hot drinks are the best way to do this mainly because it keeps you warm. I am a lover of herbal teas and I'm constantly drinking green tea during the day. I buy the Sea Dyke Brand from Chinatown or my local Thai shop, but I also love camomile tea or just hot water with lemon. Find your drink and hydrate your body, it will keep your head clear and keep you warm. 

Teas I love:  Twinings Jasmine Green, Twinings Camomile & Honey

So that is it for my November needs. Is there anything you can’t do without during the winter months? Let me know, I’m always looking for things to make this time of year bearable!

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