The coldest temperatures are usually around the end of December through January, with a few scattered cold days (just barely below freezing) in February and March. I've seen the temperature drop to 22 degrees, but not every year. Usually, about 28 degrees is the coldest, and it doesn't stay under freezing for very long, only a couple hours. I do have some cacti, succulents, spider plants, prickly fern (and a few other plants) outside all year, but they don't tolerate full sun, so I have them hidden, where they get very little sun, or no sun. The prickly fern, however, does tolerate full sun, no sun, partial sun, very hot weather (even up to 118 degrees F!), and the very cold, even the lowest temperatures down to 22 degrees. I lost some beautiful jades and spider plants from heavy ice on the leaves (winter of 06-07), and about eight years earlier, so I've brought all my jades inside, and some other succulents along with some cacti. They are doing very well inside! Although, I don't expect that they will flower with no sun ... - Riding 4 Life http://vj4him.blogspot.com/

Ugh, we've already had more snow this year than the last two put together. I was hoping global climate change might me it would never snow here again. Ha. Love the Cuddl Duds and I want to get a fleece lined pair next. I also ordered a pair of Saucony running pants from Sierra Trading Post and they fit like they are made for me. When the comments said that they ran a bit big in the behind, I knew they were made for me! They are mid-weight and aloig with the CDs, they are quite warm. I wanted to order a second pair but they are sold out. Boo hoo. Only cost $25! Love the tips I got here.

As said before, form follows function. Couple tips: Do your feet get cold easily? Mine don't so I don't have an issue there, but my feet do sweat easily so I have to "dress down" on the foot warmers and put heavier stuff on the body. If your feet feel chilly, wiggle your toes a lot. Sounds silly but the friction and circulation will help warm your feet and increase circulation. If you do feel chilly, stand up. It makes the heat go through the body rather than vent out the horizontal planes of your legs or more if you lie down. The increased calorie consumption produces more heat, plus, warm air rises in the body too, hence the known importance of keeping your head covered and insulated since the heat rises out of the top of your head. But your shoulders are often overlooked. Heat also leaves from the top of your shoulders. I've frozen my hands several times, last time was second degree so my hands are very sensitive now in cold weather. Even cold water running on them can occasionally be very uncomfortable. Here's someone who says layers=comfort. Also, you don't need dedicated outer wear. Things like flannel lounging pants fit under jeans nicely, or sweatpants will go over them. The old "winter woolies" as I call them, aka long underwear, union suits, etc are great, but again, if you get warm, regulate the temp. Don't overheat or you'll freeze easily. This can be a problem when you go inside. With top layers, they come off easily, but if you go into 70°-80° temps and have long underwear under several layers, you'll overheat, sweat and damp clothes are COLD clothes. You may need to change socks or underclothes if you do sweat. The biggest thing is to use common sense. If you get cold, go inside or get more clothes. Eat well. You will likely burn more calories cranking out more heat. Stay hydrated. Never thought I'd be one to say this, but it is true, avoid alcohol in cold weather. It doesn't warm you up in reality, it can cool you down. (Hence a cold beer on a hot day!! LOL) Warm beverages rather than hot are also better. And believe it or not, your state of mind will make a difference. If you think you'll get cold, you will. Not thinking about it will help. Extremities are the first things to freeze of course, so watch your fingers, toes, hands, feet and yes, your nose and ears.

Hi there Lori, I had a similar challenge and my hall closet is small! It had become so difficult to find items in that when I finally got it fixed I found I had lots of duplicates. This is what works for me: I have a small hall closet. I first assigned my closet a "role" I decided it would be used for the following: - Coats (only those we use regularly - special item coats like ski jackets went to the storage room) - Hats, gloves, scarves, - Sunscreen - umbrellas - outdoor workout gear (pedometer etc) - Lint brushes (we have a child of the furry variety too) - Emergency response kit (ie natural disaster) - Dog leash - Few outdoor toy items (bubbles, chalk, etc) - "to go center: dry cleaning, items for repair, small bag for donations." I bought a hanging shoe rack (the kind with cubbies) and labeled each 'shelf' within the rack. My DH and I each have our own cubby on the top, followed by lint brushes, sunscreen, pedometer and umbrellas), etc etc and then I use the lower cubbies for our 3 year old. When people get home I make them put their item in the respective cubby. This has worked so wonderfully because we all know where our stuff is and the closet stays clean. I hope you get the idea of what I'm saying and it works for you. If it would be helpful I can take a picture as well. Good luck! Laurie P.S. The hanging shoe/sweater racks work wonders elsewhere too. I also have one in our spare bedroom that holds our Iron, buttons, mending supplies, plug in air freshners, and spare shampoo and other toiletries for guest baskets. I have one in my 3 year old son's room too and use it to hang his shoes (so he can reach and put them back,) as well as pants.