Katie Cupcake Cymru: winter

Saturday, 7 December 2013

Advent Post #7: Keeping warm this winter with Age UK!

It's a sad fact but this winter 24,000 older people could die from the cold - that’s 200 deaths a day that could be prevented.

It's important that even if we aren't living with someone elderly, we try and keep an eye on our elderly neighbours who do live alone.

Age UK have a great campaign running thought the winter months - Spread the Warmth is an integrated campaign to help older people keep warm and well this winter. There's also a great article on how to make sure you or someone you help care for are receiving the benefits you/they are entitled to - have a read here.

How Age UK helps older people in winter

Local Age UK groups offer a very wide range of services to help older people feel warm and well in winter:

They distribute essential items like clothes, heaters and electric blankets to keep older people warm.
They provide free information and advice to ease financial worries, and help older people to feel warm and well.
Their handy people provide energy services, like fitting draft excluders and radiator foils, as well as help with practical tasks around the home.
They offer shopping support so those with mobility issues can get what they need.
They run Christmas parties and provide befriending services to help fight loneliness.

Have a look ay my top 5 tips for keeping yourself warm this winter - feel free to add your own in the comments!

Layer up! Try to wear a few layers rather than one thick jumper. The layers help to trap warm air within your clothing and keep you warm for longer.
Keep your rooms cosy! Once the sun sets, draw your curtains to keep the warmth in your rooms and stop draughts creeping in.
Fuel your body! A good, warm breakfast like porridge is a great start to the day followed by tasty soups, stews and casseroles for your other meals during the day. Foods high in carbohydrates (starchy foods) are great to keep your body fueled for the day, and they're pretty cheap too! Potatoes, pasta, bread and rice are perfect to base your meal around.
Close the door! Keep windows and doors (including internal doors) closed to help keep the heat contained.
Wrap up in bed! Make sure you wear warm clothes in bed, including warm, fluffy socks!

You can have a look at the full Age UK guide to keeping warm and well here. Don't forget to keep an eye on your neighbours!

This blog post was written to promote the Age UK campaign, Spread the Warmth.

Thursday, 6 December 2012

BBC Good Food Show Winter

Last Friday, a good friend and I ventured out of Wales to The Good Food Show Winter at the NEC Birmingham. I have been to the Good Food Show Summer during June before and so was excited to see if the Winter event was comparable or not.

Well, I'm pleased to say it was fantastic! The number of exhibitors was overwhelming! We entered the exhibition halls and it was definitely bustling! After a good look around what we thought was about 2/3 of the stands, we turned a corner and found even more foodie stands around said magical corner!

There was lots of different produce on offer... from alcoholic tipples to cheese and nibbles there was something for everyone. Also, there were kitchen equipment stands, gifts and homewares - you would definitely find something for that hard to buy for family member! And as a bonus, most exhibitors have special show prices, so it's kind to your pocket too!

And of course, don't forget the many free tasters on offer!

I quickly fell in love with Rubis Chocolate Wine and just had to buy a bottle to bring home!