Now that the weather is getting chillier, Recycle Devon has some lovely and inexpensive ideas to help you keep cosy this Winter.
Soups
Soups are lovely when it is chilly outside. They can be made at a very low cost and can even be done in the slow cooker. Here are some great soup recipe ideas:
Broccoli, Celery and Stilton Soup
Seasonal, thick, nourishing… What’s not to like about this classic, especially on a cold day?
Carrot and Coriander soup
This tasty soup is a great way to use up those extra carrots. As well as making a lovely warming meal it can also make a quick and healthy packed lunch idea.
Budget buster lentil soup
Lentil soup is super hearty and extremely cheap to make. This recipe works out at only 20p per serving!
Other hearty recipes
Cottage Pie
What’s better on a chilly winters eve than a delicious cottage pie? This comforting recipe will be sure to warm you up when it’s cold outside.
Click here for a vegetarian version of the classic Cottage Pie.
Veggie Stew with Buttered Cabbage
Stew is a winter favourite! Nothing beats coming home to the smell of a fresh stew ready to eat!
Chilli Con Carne
When you’re chilly, why not tuck into a chilli? This wholesome recipe can be made using mincemeat or a vegetarian alternative such as lentils or soy mince.
Don’t forget that all of these recipes can be made in a slow cooker! Simply prepare your ingredients in the morning or the night before, add them in and turn it on. Coming home to a lovely hot meal is perfect for the colder months.
Stay cosy…
DIY hand warmers
These lovely microwaveable hand warmers are easy to make and are perfect under your gloves for those particularly nippy days. You can make them using some soft fabric, a fabric pen, needle and thread and some rice or linseed.
Click here for instructions on how to make your own hand warmers.
Reusing that old woolly jumper
Do you have any woolly jumpers lying around that you no longer wear? How about cutting around them and sewing the edges to make some cosy winter gloves? Additionally, you could use the remaining wool to make some draft excluders or even some slipper socks!
Click here for inspiration on how to reuse woolly jumpers!
Rag rugs
Rugs are essential to create that cosy living area though they can often be quite pricey. How about making your own rug out of rags as a cheaper alternative? All you need is some cardboard and some material to make it out of! For the material, old bedsheets are ideal and can be picked up for a good price in a charity shop.
Click here for instructions on how to make your own rag rug.
Charity shops, Recycling Centre reuse shops and Scrapstores are fantastic for picking up materials and useful items of scrap. Why not have a look around them for some thick curtains or other useful items to keep you warm this Winter?