This is off topic (a bit). As I’ve mentioned, however, it’s been freezing frickin cold here so far this winter. We’ve had night after night after night of well-below-zero temps. So, at 8,000 feet above sea level, staying warm enough to play outside with Lilly and to attend outdoor classes has returned to the forefront of my mind.
I suspect that many of you do NOT face these challenges, but for those who do, here are my suggestions in no particular order:
Flannel Lined Jeans
I’ve yet to find the ones from Eddie Bauer on what I would consider a real sale, but I did find some for Tom at an Army-Navy surplus store last year for not too much, so check there too. Price issues aside. I love these jeans. Around here, they’re known as “happy butt jeans” because it’s easier to stay happy when your butt is warm.
For the younger among us, I’ll warn you that these only come with a “natural waist” cut. That means mom/grandma styled jeans for those who know that lingo. I’ll admit that’s a bit of a turnoff for me since I prefer a mid-rise jean, but staying warm is more important that looking chic sometimes.
Hats from Everest Designs
I used some of my holiday gift money to buy myself one, and I LOVE IT. I mean LOVE it, LOVE it. It’s hand-knit wool, with ear flaps and interior fleece lining. That’s key because I cannot stand to have wool on my bare skin. My hat is super-duper warm. Honestly, I’m bordering on evangelical about it. I was so excited when I got mine that I talked Tom into getting one too. His is very cute as well.
Mine is not exactly like this, but similar in color, style and pattern.
Now, the marketing materials say that the hats are made by women’s knitting co-ops in Nepal. I clicked around a little to see if I could figure out of that’s hype or true, but since the company sells wholesale to a bunch of outdoor clothing companies, rather than retail to the public, the website doesn’t say much. So, your guess is as good as mine on that part.
However, the hats are excellent. And, while a bit nerdy, I think they’re also kind of cool.
I got mine at the Great Outdoor Clothing Company. After looking online, it seems I got a good deal to boot. I paid about $8 less for my hat in person that I see them for online (even on sale).
Cuddle Duds Long Underwear
I wear the tops only because the bottoms don’t have enough stretch in them for my tastes, but I wear these thin/warm tops underneath various layers when it’s super cold out.
What I like most about them is that they are thin, so you don’t feel like killing someone while wearing them. I also love that they are silky on the outside, but cottony on the inside. So, they feel good against your skin, but they slide smoothly, rather than bunching up, under additional layers.
Black Diamond Jackets
I can’t find a good link or product photo to share, but I’m wearing my new coat that Tom bought me in this recent picture with Lilly. It’s quite thin, but still warm. So, it’s almost like a parka without the bulk. It also sports a clean, tailored line, so I don’t feel like a fullback in it. In other words, it has a bit of style.
Plus, it’s fleece-lined inside, including the arms. It always amazes me when coats focus warmth only on the core of the body. I know it’s important, but my weenie arms get cold. Brrr!!
Plea — hands and feet
As far as my hands, I’ll share that I have a old pair of polar fleece gloves (real ones, not the cheap kind) that I wear when I work with Lilly. They wash well, so I don’t mind getting training food or dirt all over them.
I also just got a good pair of glove liners to go underneath my good thinsulate gloves. It’s bulky, so dexterity is an issue, but on crazy cold days it’s the only way to go.
I wish I could say that I’ve found a good solution for my feet. I do have some good leather boots that are lines, and I do have good wool sox. I even have an industrial pair of Sorrels for the huge snows, but my feet still get cold. Heck, my feet are cold just sitting her at my desk right now. :o)
So, if you have found any good solution for feet, please do post.
Anything from Life is Good
And finally, I’m currently LOVING anything from Life is Good. Not only do the designs often feature dogs, but the added motto — Do what you love. Love what you do. — really strikes me. (They also have dog toys, leashes, etc.)
I got Tom a hiking shirt, and I got myself a sledding one.
The t-shirt quality is very nice, and the graphics are fun. My only gripe? There aren’t any showing women. Only the man character (Jake).
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