How to stay warm in the winter:
Option One: Hats and scarves!
I must have about a billion scarves (and lots of winter hats as well). To me, scarves are the only fun part of cold weather. Otherwise I’d be happy if it were 75 degrees all year long.
And they double as photography props, like in this oatmeal photo.
But there is another way to stay warm…
Option Two: Henry and Batman choose to park their butts in front of the heat dish.
All. Day. Long.
They even exercise in front of it:
Strrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrretch!
(Henry is very good at downward facing dog.)
Batman is just very good at being cute.
I haven’t been posting many photos of them lately, because they live at my parents’ house and I often forget to bring my camera when I visit. But they’re just as adorable as always!
Option Three: Pumpkin Bread in a Bowl.
It’s one of my favorite warm breakfasts, and it tastes especially good with raisins. Or chocolate chips, of course! I’d share with Batman and Henry… however, they won’t even leave the heat dish for food. Their hierarchy: heat > food > walks > everything else.
Question of the Day:
Do you like scarves? And winter hats?
Tomorrow: Another way to stay warm… A chocolate way 
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{ 94 comments… read them below or add one }
I love scarves but am not a fan of hats because they make my hair get static-y and messy. Wish that wasn’t the case. I’m cursed with super-fine hair that doesn’t do much!
Can’t wait for the warm chocolate recipe tomorrow!!
They’re so cute! My cat does the exact same thing except his exercising is just taking a nap from the strenuous work of sleeping. ^^; I need to try your pumpkin bread since my mum is apt to trying it after tasting your other delicious recipes!
I am always COLD, like really cold…. Drinking hot drinks and eathing hot food warms me up better than anything else.
I had a good bowl of pumpking oatmeal this morning to warm me up! MMMmmmm!
Ooh I’ve just discovered your blog and it is absolutely brilliant (although I’m a little freaked out that we look very similar and have the same name AND you were born in London, my OH says there must be some kind of chocolate-loving-Katie-gene). I’ve probably spent about 2 hours reading it all and I’ve just made the blondes which are amazing! Thank you.
I have auto-immune arthritis so staying warm is pretty much obligatory, and I basically do what your dogs do. In fact, I’m sprawled by the heater now
and typing this with fingerless mittens and a snood on, which is not really a good look but maybe it will catch on…And I eat a lot of oatmeal.
Hello Kate …..
Are you on helpful medications?
Not to make everyone miserable ….. but, yeah, I have the same medical issues as you. Today is not a fun ….. my body is ice cold …. very sore and everything hurts. Motrin (taken all day long) is my only source of (hopeful) comfort.
Also wondering if you eat sugar …. or sugar substitutes?
Best of Kate.
Marcee
Illinois
Hi Marcee,
Sorry to hear you have it too! It’s rubbish isn’t it?
I’m on methotrexate, naproxen, Humira and sulfasalzine for the arthritis. I have tramadol too for when the pain is bad but it makes me a little high!
I try not to eat too much sugar as it isn’t great for the inflammation. Instead I tend to save sweets for a treat and sometimes use sweeteners. I reckon a few treats a week though is fair enough when you have miserable joints. I need chocolate to be happy!
How do you manage it? Have you had it long? If you do fancy a peak at my blog (it’s about cooking and eating with arthritis, and I’m still starting out with it), I’d massively appreciate any feedback – good or bad.
Hope you keep warm,
Kate
Hi again Kate.
Thought to check in to CCK again …… on a whim. Her blog is soooo popular. I love reading comments from her fans!
Ohgoshgee really? Have no idea whatsoever what all those meds are. My doctor suggested Lyrica last year. Terrible. Not sure how anyone can take that. I tried twice …. left me continually sleepless for days. Done with that. Motrin works best. For me.
Basically, you/me/anyone ….. must battle it out ….. everyday. The pain can be different, it does vary, awful no less. Love warm/hot showers! So lovely on rickety joints. Ha. Something anyway. Have you used Aspercreme? A huge helper when one is desperate for relief.
I bid you peace Kate. Let’s take care of ourselves best as possible.
Haha maybe they insert it into us in the London hospitals when we’re born?
I’m so excited you tried the blondies!
Hi again Kate.
Tried to answer your comments. They wouldn’t go through.
I will log into your blog after lunch.
Be well.
P.S. CCKatie …. thanks for letting us “dish.” Marcee.
He he! And yes, thank you Katie for letting us hijack the comments for a natter.
I love when people have conversations in comments!
I love scarves and hats! They are a great way to accessorize but also help you stay warm when you’re outside. Although hanging out indoors like your dogs sounds pretty nice! Looks like a delicious recipe!
Henry is good at “downward facing dog” = Henry is good at a popular Yoga pose! Who knew?
I love scarves! I have a collection of them- and still growing. I’m addicted! I’m not big on hats, so thankfully that leaves more room for scarves:) And those pups are adorable!
One word: AAWWWWWWWWWW
And yes, I looove scarves! I never get to wear them much in Florida, though
I have 5 really cute ones, too!
Yep …. love hats, scarves and gloves. We have sooo many, from years past, I could open a store!!! The older cashmere and wool blend scarves are the best ….. soft and well, old. Like a comfy sweatshirt.
Katie …. you look smashing in pink! Matches up w/your cheeks ….. lovely! A few months ago I gave my (twins!) great-nieces matching (all cotton) sweaters/caps in that same exact color/pattern!
Great seeing the poochies …. wow, Batman has grown. They look very healthy ….. just adorable. Is Batman a good watchpuppy?
I would consider buying one of those heat-thingies for us. Doggies love warmth in winter. Our Gidget is cuddled-up on the sofa …. in my comforter! She knows what feels good!
Awful cold here. Brrrr.
Love-love your blog (the gorgeous food is always fantabulous!) Katie.
Sweet & chocolately day!
He is! Almost too good… my sister came home for Christmas, and he was growling at her! It took him a day to warm up to her!
Ha! Cute. Love it.
All our gentle-poochies (past & present) ….. were always encouraged to bark …. growl …. throw fits!!! Ha. That is their #1 duty! To be kind + nice + sweet is #2!
We reward them with excellent grub, snacks, huggies and kissys and everything else under the sun. How many poochie-owners buy Marimeeko comforters for their bow-wows?!? (My hands are raised!)
Truthfully ….. I can only recall 2-3 of our doggies that actually bit/lightly snapped. Wasn’t a huge deal. They were basically “protecting” what was important. We would calmly explain for them to bite “nice” …. haha … funny thinking about it all.
Another day Katie!
I love hats and scarves! In fact,how should I be able to survive the cold months without my super long and fluffy scarf?! I’d end up as a living popsicle in the end!
Can’t wait for a chocolate-y way to stay warm,hehe
So cute- you look like Anna Kendrick!
Aww thanks!!
I think all hats look goofy on me, but I definitely do scarves – mostly outside though, not just for fashion!
I’ve never heard of using a heat dish before! Your pups certainly have their priorities right!
I’m not a huge scarf and toque person. Yes, it’s cold here, and I have a few toques and scarves… but I always wear the same two sets for years and years until they wear out. This is year three (?) for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic set… black/white/red knitted toque with a pompom on top and red knitted mitts with the Olympic logo on the back and big white maple leaves in the palms. I don’t know… I don’t have any fashion sense, and when it’s cold, warm is all that matters.
Your dogs are a-dog-able!
Love those pics.
Yes, I became obsessed with scarves while in France. I wear one every day in the winter and since it is cold in the office, I don’t take it off!
I LOVE scarves! My favorite is the Gryffindor scarf that my boyfriend’s mom made for me for Christmas 2 years ago!
I LOVE scarves and hats and I have a small collection of them….in the back of my closet…
Because while I got a fabulous amount of use out of them when I lived in Ohio, I have lived in Florida for the past several years and have found only one of two occasions to get them out! I miss a few of my adorable winter coats as well.
But, it’s a brisk 77 here on this January day.
As someone who grew up in Northern Canada I had a bit of a chuckle about needing hats, scarves, and heat lamps in Texas!
LOL well we don’t today! But it’s usually in the 20s-40s (at least in the mornings anyway) here in Dallas. Sometimes we even get snow. Last year we got 2 feet!
But still, that’s probably child’s play to someone from Canada!
Or to “someone” that lives in Chicago! Boooohooo.
I do so love scarves, not just for winter, but all year ’round. And I must wear hats, I’m so sun sensitive. Hats with big-wide brims. So they’re not really winter hats. Put I just put different scarves around my hat, add a seasonal pin and it looks like I have bunches of hats. Then a scarf around my neck,
I also think Henry and Batman are cute. No dogs for me now, but I have two cats. One can be adorable, when she’s not a grouch, and the other is adorable ALL the time, even when he’s bad. ♥
I love scarves, must have a gazillion myself! Hats, not so much. I also like to stay warm by standing in front of a Zac Efron poster. I pride myself on my resourcefulness (;
Girl!
You are absolutely stunningly beautiful!
I look so funny in hats. I wish I didn’t, because I love them and they keep my head nice and toasty
.
You look adorable! I’m not a fan of winter hats/beanies but I do love my scarves. By the way, your dogs are so darn cute!
Love the dogs! They are both so cute! My pup has been freezing lately but she refuses to go near the space heater! Scares her I guess!
I love to KNIT scareves and hats for winter wear. It gets really cold here, and I hate the cold, but homemade outerwear makes me feel happy and chic in the cold. Brr!
Cute dogs! Haha, I guess TX doesn’t get as cold as it does up north where I live. We have to actually wear hats instead of photoshopping them on!
Us to! Photoshopped hats just wouldn’t cut it where I live!
Katie, just to let you know if you get a lot of these bs comments (which it seems like you’re getting) they’re all from the same place. Gomi! I swear I don’t post there, but I do sometimes read the crap just for laughs at how stupid some people can be and how sad and sorry their lives are!
If I were you I’d delete the comments, because they’re TROLLS!
What is Gomi? I just thought she was making a joke about the weather by pasting on hair with a hat on it – like being ironic or something? Sorry if it was offensive in some way. I’m really confused.
Sorry Christine, but the hair in the photo is 100% mine. I have great hair… why would I need to photoshop it?
You do have great hair! I just thought you were playing a joke with the hat though. Sorry for the misunderstanding!
I agree that you have great hair!
But I don’t agree that you don’t photoshop it.
What about this photo?
http://66.147.244.204/~chocolh2/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/acorn_thumb.jpg
That photo’s from my 3000 calorie post, right? It’s obviously not a photo (in other words, I was trying to be funny with the acorn, which is obviously not really on my head!). I probably tried to fix the hair to make the acorn sit more naturally… and I say “probably” because that picture is over two years old and I don’t remember even posting it! But if you’re interested, here’s the original photo–where my hair is NOT photoshopped: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2007/10/25/wonder-no-more/
Thanks for the info – that makes a lot of sense!
I guess I just get put off by all the photoshopping. It feels fake or forced to me.
I love your food photos. Those are really great.
I guess I was just trying to be funny. Even I think it looks dumb, in retrospect. I have another photoshopped photo of me somewhere on my blog, where I put my face on a bumblebee… I did that kind of stuff a lot when I first started my blog. Nowadays I try to use photoshop as little as possible, even for my food photos (although I definitely still do use it for those)… because–as you pointed out–I’m not very good with photoshop! I’d rather spend the time trying to learn how to make them look good straight out of the camera
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Im a registered dietitian and have worked many years feeding people in all sorts of clinical situations including people who could not eat by mouth and were fed by a feeding tube.You know exactly how many calories a patient is receiving and for your information there are people who are “hypermetabolic” who do not gain weight no matter how many calories I gave them via a feeding tube . I do not know Katie personally so I cannot vouch that she eats 3000 calories a day or not. But I think it is unfair to her to say that someone cannot gain weight on 3000 calories a day. Katie- I think you are a beautiful, lovely young lady and I appreciate your blog as a registered dietitian to make desserts and treats healthy and good for you. Ive made several of your recipes- all of which have turned out deliciuos. Keep up the good work and dont let the negativity get to you.
3000 calories? You actually claim you eat 3000 calories a day????? You must be the exception to the rule of thermodynamics, the missing link, the only human alive who can eat more calories than they consume and continue to maintain an unhealthily low body weight.
I hope you get help some day.
You have the audacity to comment on this blog claiming CCK is unhealthy and underweight! There are many people who do, in fact, eat that plus more and don’t gain weight. You have some nerve picking at people you know nothing about. Keep your ignorant and foolish comments off this blog!
She didn’t say anything about your hair ..? I’m confused as well.
um yes she did. learn how to read, mel!
sorry katie, feel free to delete my response if you wish.
I love scarfs, but not hats. Chocolate ways are the best ways to stay warm!
Aww your puppies are so cute!! I don’t blame them- I’m the same way when it comes to my space heater. Staying near it reigns supreme so I try and do all tasks while sitting RIGHT in front of it. And mmm I needed a new warm breakfast option so I’ll have to make that Pumpkin one!
Haha I don’t have a choice – I live in Chicago! I have a knee-length puffy coat, a hat, gloves and tons of scarves!
Katie, those dogs of yours are total cuties! I have two little dogs myself that I use for heat–yorkies make great lap, leg, and feet warmers
I usually sit right in front of the heat covered in sweaters and blankets. Because I’m sticking to my cold overnight oatmeal and smoothies
Hats are a must for me or something to protect my ears when I run outside. They get sooo cold and I get a Mr. Misty headache otherwise. Cute pink hat you have
Yummy! You are way to inventive.
Love a good woolly hat!
You are gorgeous, CCK! Proof of that healthy vegan diet you eat?
I’m transitioning to vegan, and you’ve been a huge influence. You’re amazing!
No need to photoshop! Your fans will still love you, Katie, even if you show them how you look without “enhancement” or fake hats.
Katie, if you get a lot of these bs comments (which it seems like you’re getting) they’re all from the same place. Gomi! I swear I don’t post there, but I do sometimes read the crap just for laughs at how stupid some people can be and how sad and sorry their lives are!
If I were you I’d delete the comments, because they’re TROLLS!
I’m not sure you know what the definition of “troll” is in terms of Web forums, S. Katie, I really meant it when I said that your fans love you. How is that trolling?
That is a gorgeous picture of you!!!
I love scarves, but I think they look weird on me. I’ve been wanting an infinity scarf but haven’t found the right one yet…
Looks like your pups have their priorities straight, lol!
I, too, am transitioning to vegan and find myself coming to your website more and more. Thank you!!!!!
Adooooorable. And I do like scarves, and hats. Unfortunately I don’t love shopping so I haven’t accumulated like… any of them. Maybe two. And they were gifts, lulz.
Just thought you might be interested, I tried making your classic carrot cake recipe yesterday! It seemed to turn out well, and I used this particular kind of carrot in Tokushima called a “kintoki” carrot. It’s a vibrantly red-orange color, and I can’t wait to see what it does to the color of the interior of the cake. I still need to ice it before I serve it, but I will take pictures and link you when I do =D
Ooh I’m excited to see!
Your dogs are too cute!
I will definitely try your pumpkin “bread” sometime soon, but seeing as it is finally warmish in NC today I made a CCK-inspired sweet potato smoothie. Same flavors, but way different temperature! lol
LOVE hats! LOVE scarves! LOVE girls that love hats and scarves!
LOVE scarves. I’m a wee obsessed actually. and pumpkinbread in a bowl may be on the menu for tomorrow morning….
So I just saw a recipe for cake batter pancakes(complete with sprinkles:D)?! omnomnomnom. You should definitely concoct a healthified version of when you have a chance
I just had a “what is this model doing on this blog?” moment. UHM. You are quite stunning, my dear! Try best to stay warm, look as though the dogs are!
Awww I think you are my new best friend
. Thank you so much for such a sweet comment!
You’re so pretty! :]
I’m not really a scarf or hat fan, but I think that’s because my school permits us from wearing them. I like to wear them, if I remember to wear them on non-school days or off campus!
Can’t wait for the chocolate recipe tomorrow
http://milk-and-tea.blogspot.com
Katie! I love your pumpkin bread in a bowl but I always eat it cold out of the fridge. Do you warm it up after it thickens? Does it stay thick?
To be honest, I often eat it cold even in the winter
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But yeah, sometimes I just heat it in the microwave. It stays thick.
I love hats and scarves but I always forget I own them.
I can’t wait for the chocolate recipe tomorrow!
Just found your site and have tried a few recipes. Yum.
I’ve got the ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread in a Bowl. You mention that it’s good on a cold day but I don’t see heating instructions. A quick zap in the microwave?
And I love hats and scarves and shawls!
To be honest, I often eat it cold even in the winter
.
But yeah, sometimes I just heat it in the microwave. I especially like the banana version warmed up, because it makes the banana taste all caramel-y.
Cute pics! Love my hats and scarfs
When I read the forecast this morning for San Diego was to be 72 and sunny with a light breeze, I packed up the kids and made the hour drive to the San Diego Zoo. No hats and scarves today!! Tanktops and shorts!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!
Haha I love this post, your pups are so cute! My cat always curls up on the section of the floor which has the hot water pipes running under it to stay warm. Or we cuddle up together
I love winter scarves, I have a huge navy blue snood that I wear practically everyday because it’s so warm and comfy!
Love hats @ scarves but I wouldn’t complain if it was warm and I didn’t get to wear them!
Katie, you look absolutely beautiful in that photo!!!
Aww thank you!!
I’m a knitter and have a box packed with hats and scarves, LOVE EM! Being in Connecticut, tempeture changes day to day….gotta love New Englad weather….must be prepared for anything.
You’re dogs are so cute!!!!!! I have a heat dish too….I like to set it up so if i’m sitting on the couch i stay nice and warm. One of my dogs like to “sit” next to me….Back legs on the couch in “sitting” position…front legs standing on the floor RIGHT IN FRONT of the heater so she gets ALL the heat, and i get none. lol….i think i’m going to break down and get a second heat dish so i can get some heat too.
I don’t look good in all hats but I really love a nice warm knit toque (or beanie in the US). And scarves are lovely, my favourite part of every season – light or heavy scarves, all work! I love how you used them as photography props – great trick – thanks!
I hate scarfs I feel like I’m choking. Love hats especially when I’m having a bad hair day!
I’d agree… chocolate cures all illnesses, fixes all problems, and makes the world a better place. I’ve actually never had coconut milk before. I do have coconut oil, though I haven’t used it much since purchasing it (I always forget about it in the back of my pantry). What are the nutritional benefits of coconut milk?
Dogs in front of such an open space heater makes me VERY nervous. Be super careful…wagging tails and all!!!!
I love hats and scarves- but I hate the static that comes along with them! Do you have any alternate recipes for the pumpkin bread- it sounds like a great idea… but I absolutely hate pumpkin
Try the banana version linked on that page
My cat likes to park herself in front of the heater, too. Ha-ha, she’s very much into herself.
I love scarves of all kinds! I realized recently that I wear them so much that my students freak out when I don’t have one on
I was just going through some of your archives to see if I’ve missed any recipes lately (I try to make one of your desserts at least once a week) and I ran across this post – I have to say, your pic with your hat, scarf and sunglasses is just too fabulous! You are too cute!
Keep these awesome recipes coming – they really fix my sweet tooth…AND the fact that I can get my husband and kiddos to eat these “healthy desserts” is an added bonus!
My all time favorite cookies are sugar cookies and butter cookies – do you have anything in your “recipe repertoire” that is a healthier version of those 2 evil cookies?
All the best,
Christina
I do have sugar cookies! http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/12/01/healthy-sugar-cookies/
Don’t know what a butter cookie is… I’ll have to google it!
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