Five Tips for Keeping the Cold Weather at Bay

After spending five years enduring the winters of Maine, I've learned a few basic strategies for keeping warm. The best strategy is, of course, living in Southern California, but sometimes even we are faced with the cold.

With this weekend's return of cold weather — with lows as low as 33º predicted on Saturday night — here are five tips on how you can stay warm over the weekend.

• Layers: It seems simple, but can't be re-stated enough. Even a long-sleeve shirt underneath a sweatshirt can make a big difference. Make that long-sleeve shirt a set of long-sleeve thermals under a sweatshirt or fleece and you're really cooking. And keep in mind that a cold wind often brings the most discomfort — try two layers to stay warm and one on top to block the wind and you'll be all set. Putting a pair of thermals even under jeans can make a world of difference as well.
• Gloves: Keeping your hands warm can be half of the battle — especially when you meet that freezing cold steering wheel. Get a pair of gloves or dig through the dresser drawer to find that pair of mittens before the cold front hits and you'll be very happy you brought those along. And, hey, at least you don't have to shovel snow!
• Hats: When I say hats, I mean something that covers your ears — a beanie or a hunter's cap, if you're so inclined. A "Mad Bomber" hat might be a little much for Southern California, but a good beanie or wool hat can help bottle in the heat.
• Socks:: Get wool socks. If you can't get wool, get Smart Wool. Period.
• Scarves: A good, thick scarf can make a surprising amount of difference in keeping you warm. Teamed up with a pair of gloves and a jacket, the wind will have to do some dancing to get through to bother you. But the scarf alone can't help you: a scarf and a t-shirt will still leave you shivering.