Keeping cozy

I spotted a list of tips to stay warm without driving up your heating bills on re-nest.com, part of the Apartment Therapy family of home and lifestyle Web sites.

With winter weather upon up, now seemed like a good idea to share these and offer my own favorite recommendations as well.

Fire up the oven: This one was on the re-nest list and is a favorite of mine going way back. My mom would always watch the weather forecast to plan when she would bake bread, and on a particularly chilly day she would whip up a batch of cookies. A roast, a casserole or even a steaming pot of soup will warm up the kitchen while it cooks, and a hot meal helps warm you up from the inside.

A hot cuppa: Whether you prefer coffee, tea or cocoa, wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of your favorite warm drink is a great winter warmer.

Let the sun shine in: When the sun peeks out, make the most of it by opening the blinds or curtains. A south-facing window can really warm things up. Several days this fall, I marveled at the way our porch roof shaded the front window this summer, but, now that the sun isn't climbing as high, lets more midday sun in.

Get to work: Certain chores always warm me right up -- washing dishes (especially by hand, but a dishwasher emits quite a bit of warmth, too), vacuuming and doing laundry. Burrow into a big pile of towels fresh from the dryer and claim you are folding them.

Bundle up: Put on a sweater and some fluffy slippers and you will feel warmer right away. I made my husband some knitted hats and he wears them around the house for extra warmth. Flannel sheets, an extra blanket and different comforters/bedspreads for various seasons will help you make it through the night.

In hot water: A nice hot shower or long bath will steam up the bathroom and chase the chill out of your bones.

What about you? Any tips or suggestions?