It’s C-O-L-D!

I can look at pictures of beaches all I want, but when the temperature has barely made it to 45 and there is a 30-mph wind blowing, I am NOT impressed nor do I feel a bit warmer! There is something about a cold AND windy day that makes you wish you’d purchased that hat or those gloves you were thinking about buying when November rolled around.

Depending upon where you live – now is still a good time to make sure you are ready for these nasty little cold snaps Mother Nature keeps providing. Here are a few “toasty” ideas from Hammacher Schlemmer…and just in case anyone is interested, I’ll give up being fashionable to being warm – any day!

This Subzero Warm Breath Mask is the fleece mask preferred by high-altitude mountaineers and Antarctic scientists because it humidifies and warms winter air for comfortable breathing.

A special ventilation chamber lets wearers inhale full, unhindered breaths while trapping a small amount of heated, humid exhalation. The result is a comfortable, fully oxygenated “microclimate” inside the mask with up to 80 percent humidity and temperatures 40F to 60F warmer than outside air. Medical studies by the American College of Sports Medicine show such a microclimate is healthier for the lungs, as excessive exposure to cold, dry air can trigger asthmatic symptoms.

The mask itself is breathable, wind-resistant Polartec fleece, with hook-and-loop flaps shaped to fit comfortably over goggles and helmets. One size fits all. Around $60.

The 13 Hour Heated Jacket provides continuous warmth that lasts longer than a Winter day. Available exclusively from Hammacher Schlemmer, the garment has four compact heating elements strategically embedded within the soft fleece lining, powered by a compact removable battery pack. Users can select from five temperature settings for up to 13 hours of continuous heat on the lowest level to four hours on the highest. A durable nylon exterior repels snow and sleet.

The 12-volt lithium-ion battery pack tucks unobtrusively into an interior pocket and recharges after 2 1/2 hours using the included AC adapter. Black. Men’s sizes M, L, XL, XXL. Around $300.

The Better Winter Hat.

The hat is handsewn with lock-stitched seams from a lightweight technical fabric comprised of a 75/19/6% blend of Merino wool, polyester, and polyurethane. A windproof membrane laminated to the interior reacts to changing temperatures, keeping you warm in cool weather and comfortable when the temperature rises. The interior crown has a layer of closed-cell foam for insulation and comfort. Knit earflaps extend from either side and easily tuck away for storage. Around $130.

These Heat Storing Leather Gloves use technology originally developed for NASA astronauts!

These lightweight gloves actually store heat in their microcapsule-insulated lining and release it back to you when you need it most. With a soft Italian-finished nappa leather exterior and a Thinsulate palm, our heat-storing gloves detect the temperature of your skin to ensure that no matter the weather, your hands won’t be too cold or too warm. Although they provide a snug fit at first, the leather will gently conform to the shape of your hands with wear. If in-between sizes, order the next size up. Imported.

Also available for Men. Around $80.

Stay warm – Spring is only 48 days away…

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