We’ve been experiencing a very, very cold spell on the east coast.  Our water pipes under the kitchen sink froze three four times and with the aid of a regular hairdryer, we didn’t have to call a plumber for burst pipes.  This issue was caused by a poor plumbing plan when our house was built. We know exactly where the pipes freeze and have tried to insulate that area but when the temperature gets below 15ºF and the wind blows, there is not much we can do other than be diligent…periodically run the water at that tap and keep the doors open under the sink so some warm air gets in.

We bought a new faucet when we remodeled our kitchen and it automatically shuts off after running for four minutes.  So we can’t just let the water drip all night.

If that fails, we get out the hairdryer and blast the frozen pipes with hot air.  That usually only takes a few minutes but it’s still not fun standing on a ladder, reaching into the wall cavity through the floor joists while finagling a flashlight and the hairdryer in the COLD basement wearing heavy gloves.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the keeping warm part.

I am a tea/hot chocolate drinker.  My mornings usually consist of a cuppa tea in my new mug while leisurely reading email, blogs or doing a crossword puzzle. The only trouble with that is that the tea gets cold.

Yeah, I could get up and microwave it but I don’t want to.  Then I remembered I bought a teapot warmer several years ago.  I’ve used it in the past but out of sight, out of mind.

It’s a bit large for the mug but works just fine.  And with the little tea light, there is no need to drape an electric cord over the table.