Use wheat or rice bags like hot water bottles

Like hot water bottles wheat or rice bags are great at this time of year for keeping warm without automatically turning up the heating. Simply put the bag in the microwave for a couple of minutes and it will keep warm for up to an hour. Ideal for taking to bed when chilly, or for warming you up at any time. Also great for treating aches (including earache), tension, tummy pain etc. Widely available in the shops or you can make your own - take a clean sock, fill the foot bit three-quarters full with rice and heat it up in the microwave. Make sure you switch off your microwave at the wall after use to save energy - Friends of the Earth