RADAR: Warming up to winter

DON'T moan about the rain. Brittany Vonow has come up with a list to help you embrace the wet and wild.

Carlton Gardens

DON'T moan about the rain. Brittany Vonow has come up with a list to help you embrace the wet and wild.

1. Gumboots

Stomping about in yellow gumboots is one of life's simple pleasures, you don't have to worry about getting your tootsies wet when they are safely swaddled in bright rubber. And this is not just an activity reserved for kids - gumboots come in adult sizes too.

2. Hot chocolate

A steaming hot mug of chocolate is a perfect remedy to keep the winter blues away. Pop a couple of marshmallows on top and you're laughing. If you're daring, try some variations like a dark chocolate flavour or even chilli-choc mix.

3. Bad hair days

The best time to have a bad hair day is when you can cover it up with something big and fluffy. This is where beanies come into play, flattening all those rogue bits of hair and making you look charmingly warm.

4. Bed

Let's be honest, bed is amazing no matter the time of year. But winter weather gives you the added bonus of more pillows, electric blankets, hot water bottles and a reunion with your teddy. For extra warmth some may even find it useful to cuddle their pets at night. Except if you have a fish. Don't do that.

5. Soup

Summer is the time for salads, refreshing punches and watermelon but winter is the perfect time for hearty casseroles, warming soups and delicious pies. Comfort food will always stand in good stead for the winter months and you should take advantage of it while you can.

6. Deep baths

Soak in a warm bath until your fingers are prunes and the water has gone lukewarm. Delight! Cold weather gives us all an excuse to move less and relax more. If you stand in the rain for an hour you will get just as drenched but it won't have the same affect.

7. Rain on a tin roof

This comes into play when you're snuggled in bed or on the couch. The rain on the roof just reiterates the fact you are inside, safe and warm. Falling asleep to the calming pitter patter of rain is one of the best sounds of winter.

8. Ducks

Waddling through puddles and diving for bread, ducks are excellent. Unlike the good majority of us, they seem to love the wet weather. So live vicariously through ducks and enjoy the rain.

9. Less money spent on sunscreen

It's overcast and pouring down with rain. Who needs sunscreen? However, the Cancer Council advises that people can be sunburnt on cooler or overcast days.

10. Uncrowded beaches

Hardened beach-loving types can trot down to the sandy dunes anytime of the day, rain, hail or shine. There's something magical about swimming in the water while it pours with rain. Laying in the sun afterwards will not be an option.