How to keeping skin moist in the dry winter months

A friend recently moved back to Maine from the coast of North Carolina. The first week of her return she said to me, "I forgot how dry it is here in winter."

When you are used to the moisture of the South, the cold Maine air hits hard. The December/January issue of Maine Women Magazine has a helpful article, "Hey, chill -- you can fix winter skin." One helpful hint the writer, Taryn Plumb, offers is to keep hand moisturizer next to every sink to use after washing hands to prevent dry cracked skin. To add to that, I would suggest wearing rubber gloves to do any dishes or cleaning. Also, keep a stick of lip balm in every coat pocket for when you do go outside.

The article also states the importance of wearing sun block to avoid dryness from too much sun exposure. Even in the shorter days of winter, too much sun can cause skin damage. Using mild soaps and not overdoing the hot showers is also recommended.

Through my own research I have found that moist heating pads are also better for the skin -- not as drying. If you have a sore neck or back, instead of taking a long shower or hot bath, use a microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers. Their Neck Warmers and Back Warmers can help relieve sore muscles -- and take the chill off winter.

Winter Warmers are microwave heating pads help keep you toasty warm in the cold.

Dealing with emergency power outages and keeping warm in winter

When the temperatures are in the teens and single numbers, a power outage can zap the warmth out of a house quickly. An alternative heating source can save the day or cause more harm such as a fire if not installed properly, cleaned periodically, or maintained. Planning is key to a successful back-up heat source for an emergency.

If no alternative heat source is available, i.e. a wood or gas stove, then a gas powered generator can help during a power outage. Having a professional set up a system that is easily turned on may be the best and safest way to go. Setting up a generator improperly may cause electricity to flow into the wires around your house, creating a hazzard for electrical line crews who expect lines to be dead. In spite of the warning, "No line is safe to touch -- EVER," accidents do happen.

On a blowing snowy night when it is hard to warm up -- with electrical power in full force -- it's nice to have a Cozy Cat Warmer to snuggle with. Maine Warmers has a variety of Comforting Creatures to help you through the cold months.

Maine Warmers' Comforting Creatures offer cozy companionship in winter.