If You Live in Illinois, You Can’t Survive Winter Without These

If you live in Illinois, you know it’s not just cold during the winter—it’s bone-chilling, face-numbing, can’t-feel-your-fingers brutal.  This year is unmatched.

Every year, I tell myself that I'll be prepared for the weather to come. But let’s face it: we’re never quite ready for what Mother Nature has in store.  She’s really testing us this winter.

I was at the Dasher Dash 5K at Beattie Park and participants were undressing to their running gear, and I couldn’t help but notice most of them weren’t even wearing gloves.

To be honest, I think we all underestimated the weather that day.  It was so cold; my fingers were hurting so much.

Get our free mobile app

That's when I grabbed some HotHands hand warmers from my car and slipped them in my gloves.  Heated up in a few minutes and defrosted my fingertips!

Suddenly, people were asking if I had more HotHands, like it was a limited-edition Nintendo Switch restock at Target. And honestly, I didn’t blame them. Those little packs of warmth are pure magic.

If You Live in Illinois, You Can’t Survive Winter Without These

If you're planning on being outside for longer than a second this winter, please stock up on hand warmers, whether they're one-time use or electric.  They'll be a lifesaver!

I’m always guilty of underdressing, too.  I think, “I’ll warm up later,” and end up freezing.  So, I've made a conscious effort to change that this year.

The real secret to surviving the cold?

• Layer up
• Hat with earmuffs on top
• Double up on socks
• Double up on underwear
• Scarf that's super thick
• Extra packs of HotHands

It sounds simple, but it’s my best winter advice.  How many of these do you have on-hand?  I bet you can't say all of them!

So, don’t be that person shivering and wishing for warmer days. If you live in Illinois, don’t mess with Mother Nature—she doesn’t play fair. Trust me, those HotHands are non-negotiable this year!