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The Journal
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
The physical and mental wellbeing of therapeutic horticulture
FIANN Ó NUALLÁIN, aka The Holistic Gardener, is a gardener, community activist, project facilitator and author. Fiann will be appearing on the Garden Stage at this week's Bord Bia Bloom as both speaker and MC. Ruth O'Connor speaks to Fiann about his own work and why gardening is so beneficial to our mental and physical wellbeing. Fiann Ó Nualláin, aka The Holistic Gardener. Fiann Ó Nualláin, aka The Holistic Gardener Fiann Ó Nualláin, aka The Holistic Gardener Tell us more about yourself? I'm a bit like Worzel Gummidge – a scarecrow with lots of different heads. On the one hand I write – I spend a lot of time researching about mental health and physical wellbeing and how to use the garden as a resource to support those things. My background is in social and therapeutic horticulture, so I am often working in the field (pardon the pun) working with different groups of people on projects that are not simply about the beautification of a space but about genuine community involvement. Describe a typical working day for you I'm an early riser. I'll usually do four or five hours of research then take a break for breakfast. I could be writing for the rest of the day or doing something where I don't know necessarily what the outcome will be. For example, I could be meeting a group for the first time – they could be into gardening or reticent about gardening. I could be working with TY students and will draw them in through their interest in the environment, beauty, sport or whatever they're into. I've learnt that human nature happens in nature – really we're just people gathered together doing what humans do which is communing with each other and with nature. I could be creating a garden based on story books at a school but really the focus is literary issues or I could be working with a mother and baby group to grow food and then bring in nutritionists to talk about good nutrition for young families. Sometimes the project centres simply around creating spaces where people can find stillness and take a break from their worries… So my role involves doing a lot of research and then putting my learnings into practice. Then there are all the other things that come with that – appearing at Bloom, doing some TV work and writing articles for the media. A previous show garden by Fiann Ó Nualláin at Bord Bia Bloom. Fiann Ó Nualláin Fiann Ó Nualláin How did you get into gardening initially? I've been hooked on gardening since I was a toddler dragging a watering can around the place. My father and grandfather gardened so I always assumed it was what people did. It was only in my teens when I had issues with depression that I found the garden was of solace to me. When I got a bit older I did other jobs but doing indoor jobs, absent from the green environment, I realised that my depression got worse. I realised that the garden was medicating me and I found that something I had discovered could also resonate with other people. When I realised that gardening and being in gardens transformed my life I wanted to be able to help other people realise that too. The wonderful thing that happens at Bloom is that people might want to have a nice outdoor space to have a glass of wine in, or they might want to improve the value of their home, but when they catch the gardening bug they realise that it brings them so much more. How important is collaboration to what you do? Collaboration is really important to what I do. I could go out and install something for somebody and there might be some pick up on it – I could petition for land, measure it up, plant out allotment plots and get five or six people interested. Within a year there might be one person left. However if I divide that same space up between a scouting group, the school and, say, a local community addiction programme and then I bring in additional people – a nutritionist, a flower arranger, a herbalist… it is more likely to be a success. A project like that has to involve people, experts, from within the community as well as outside of the community. Advertisement Fiann Ó Nualláin, aka The Holistic Gardener, on the Talks Stage at Bloom in the Phoenix Park. Fennell Photo. Fennell Photo. How have things changed since you started doing this kind of work? Years ago it was difficult to get things like community gardens and allotments to stick – people might set something up and then land would be rezoned and they'd have to move on. Now people are almost demanding green spaces as a service – people expect that they should have a green space in their area that they can walk their dog in but they are also starting to expect that the should have a space in which they can express themselves as gardeners or look after their own food security or even just unroll a yoga mat – people don't want to live in concrete jungles. On the other hand, to some people, nature can be the alien environment. You can have people living on the outskirts of cities, beside industrial estates where there are no parks, no plants or trees and to them nature is an alien environment. In that case you have to get people used to the fact that, yes, there are birds, there are bees, there are flies and this is magic of the world – this the wonder we live in – we share this world with other creatures and that gives people an appreciation for all aspects of life and for living life. Fiann Ó Nualláin, aka The Holistic Gardener is keen to encourage people to explore the physical and mental benefits of gardening. Fiann Ó Nualláin. Fiann Ó Nualláin. What has been your proudest moment so far? I worked in a place years ago where I got to introduce teenagers, many of whom had lost their place at school or were young parents, into looking at gardening and horticulture and being outdoors. We'd also cover personal effectiveness, communication skills and a bit of maths by stealth – counting out seeds and figuring out how long it would take things to germinate. In the same area recently I was talking to a mother who I had taught and the one thing that gets him into school is doing gardening in the school garden before he goes into class. I'm proud of the fact that there's something of a legacy there. Another favourite of mine was done in conjunction with Dublin City Council and a number of artists. It was a project called Plant the Placename. We went into communities, say Bluebell, and we collected seeds with the youngest members of the community, who then brought the seeds to their grandparents who grew them on, and then the parents and children would plant them back into the environment. There were three generations of families involved and everybody got ownership of the project which is very important. Fiann Ó Nualláin's GIY (Grow it Yourself) garden at Bloom. Fiann Ó Nualláin. Fiann Ó Nualláin. If you weren't doing this what would you be doing? I don't think could do anything else. Sometimes when I'm bogged down for months writing a book or something I cannot wait to get back out into working in gardens again. A lot of people come to gardens later in life, often in retirement, but I don't need to retire – I've found my home and couldn't see myself doing anything else. What can people expect from you at Bloom? You'll get all your design ideas on how to pretty up your space but you'll then wander to the nursery village and talk to people who really know their plants and can advise you. Then you'll come over to the Talks Stage where I'll be introducing experts coming from many different disciplines. We are there so that people can ask questions and pick our brains – we want people to go home with information that they can put into practice. Two of Fiann's previous books. Fiann Ó Nualláin. Fiann Ó Nualláin. What's next for you? I'll be doing plenty of garden projects – after Bloom there's always a flurry of interest. I'm currently working on a book about traditional Irish cures – I've been researching it for five years and am currently putting it together for publication. Fiann Ó'Nualláin will be appearing on the Garden Stage at this year's Bord Bia Bloom which takes place May 29th to June 2nd 2025. Tickets are priced at €30 and up to two children (under 16) go free with every ticket purchased. Visit for further information.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rochester Prep elementary students participate in Autism Awareness Walk
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Elementary students at Rochester Prep recognized Autism Awareness Month with an Autism Walk on Thursday morning. Students at the St. Jacobs Campus wore shirts for the event that celebrated 'minds of all kinds' to show their support and participate in a short walk in the area. Kelly Gardner, Rochester Prep Elementary School Principal, spoke to News 8 about the impact of students walking in the neighborhood with a message to share. LGBTQ visibility sparks debate at Waterloo School Board Meeting 'As an elementary school, we realize that we are a pillar in this community, so we wanted our students to be able to have their voices heard as well.' Rochester Prep acknowledged the walk as an event that supports not just the community, but students as well. The walk included a 'sensory tunnel' at the beginning, which school officials said brings attention to how individuals with autism may be more or less sensitive to sensory experiences with light, sound, movement, or touch. 'We have a lot of diverse learners at our school, and we have for many years.' Gardener said, 'We have a lot of different learners who have different needs, so, we like to bring awareness to our students even as early as kindergarten so that they understand why students are having maybe different accommodations in the community or learning differently, and to understand that everybody is an important part of our community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Guardian
02-04-2025
- The Guardian
‘Microadventures have transformed my life, and they can do the same for you' – Jack Harries on the power of getting out of the city
People may not realise, but there are rainforests in Britain: awe-inspiring places teeming with life, where verdant lichen and mosses cover everything and ancient trees shelter the nests of declining birds such as redstarts and pied flycatchers. I was lucky enough to spend a day recently visiting one of these rare temperate rainforests on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, soaking in the intense green landscape, with its boulders, crags and river gorges, like something from a fairytale. Everywhere you look are epiphytes – plants growing on other plants, life supporting life. Being there, surrounded by nature at its most extraordinary, had a profound impact on the way I felt. In places like that, it's impossible not to feel your shoulders drop and your heart rate slow; to feel present, alive and, by the time you leave, renewed. I love the term 'microadventure', an outdoor excursion which doesn't need to be long, but leaves you revitalised. Since leaving London for Cornwall last year, I've experienced so many of these. They've transformed my life – and I believe they can do the same for any of us, regardless of where we live. 'I find myself taking the time to appreciate what's around me.' Harries wears throughout, including the Gardener boot (below right) We're fortunate in this country that most of us don't need to travel far to take a daycation in nature and feel it shift our perspective. The vastness of nature reminds us of something larger than ourselves, making our worries feel less significant and helping us reconnect with what really matters. Where I am now, equidistant from the south coast, the rugged heights of Bodmin Moor and the Tamar Valley, nature's wild drama is all around. It's only a few hours' train journey from London – where I was born, grew up and lived for more than three decades – but it feels like a different world. I loved my life in the big city, working as a film-maker and running my company, Earthrise Studio, a media platform dedicated to raising awareness of the climate crisis. But the young people I met taking action through inspiring projects – everything from creating a local community energy scheme to rewilding ancient forests – made me want to do more, to live what I preached. When I stumbled upon an old water mill close to the Cornwall-Devon border while browsing online, I knew I'd found what I was looking for. It had an old hydro-turbine in the garden, which used to provide renewable energy but had fallen into disrepair, so I decided to embark on a long-term plan to take the property off-grid and make it fully self-sufficient. Last year, I planted the first seeds in my greenhouse – onion, chard, tomatoes, leeks, strawberries and so much more – and recently I planted an orchard of Cornish cider apple trees. There's an old hand-cranked wooden cider press at the mill and I have a dream of making cider one day. This totally different way of living is a huge challenge, and it's constantly humbling as I immerse myself in learning new skills. Nature can feel oppressive, particularly in winter, when the landscape grows bleak and unforgiving, but I've learned to see the beauty in the changing seasons and what each of them bring: allowing myself to slow down in the winter and then celebrate the abundance of the spring. And when it comes to sustainability, nature's the ultimate teacher. There's no such thing as waste in nature; everything is a resource for something else. When I look outside my windows today, all I can see is green, and it's an endless source of inspiration. Whatever the season, my pace of life is now so much slower, which has been transformative for my mental health. Like many others, I've gone through periods of depression, of feeling overwhelmed and alone while surrounded by millions of people in the city. Now, I find myself taking the time to appreciate what's around me, and it's so uplifting to take a walk through stunning scenery with my dog, Lyla. Her joy and wonder at whatever we encounter is infectious. 'I've learned to see the beauty in the changing seasons,' says Harries Gradually, I'm learning to redefine productivity, too. I used to think of time away from my computer screen as unproductive, but now I spend hours every day working outside, planting and doing carpentry, and feel an incredible sense of achievement. And when I do sit down at my desk afterwards, I can focus more easily and get more done in a shorter time. I'm more creatively inspired than ever. I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 2022, and, for a long time before that, I struggled to love the side of myself that's always been silly and playful, when I wanted to be taken seriously. But being in nature brings out that childlike side of me – how can it not when you're seeing such enchanting sights? – and has helped me embrace it. When I lived in London, most of my adventures in nature happened when I got on a plane to visit the Amazon, the Himalayas or Antarctica. Now, I've realised so much is on our own doorstep. I'm exploring the south-west by taking wild camping trips and visiting amazing places such as the temperate rainforest at Cabilla, the 120-hectare (300-acre) hill farm where Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, is working on a massive restoration project. His charity, the Thousand Year Trust, is working to triple Britain's surviving rainforest to 405,000 hectares (1m acres) over the next 30 years. He's also transforming his family's farm with agroforestry, natural regeneration and the planting of 100,00 trees. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after three tours of Afghanistan, Merlin found solace and healing in his family's forest, and after just a few hours there, I felt calm and rejuvenated. Even if you're not planning to move to the countryside, my train journeys down here have made me realise how easy it is to get out of the city to somewhere incredible. If you're feeling stressed or weary, a short trip could take you on an adventure into the wilderness, shift your mindset and help you hit the reset button. Even if just for a day, its impact can be so powerful. My daycation kit A camera I use a Nikon FM2, which is an old film camera that used to belong to my mum. It has no screen or notifications; you can't even look at the picture you've taken until it's developed. I find it helps me to really pay attention to everything I'm seeing. Gardener bootsA sturdy, comfortable pair of boots is a necessity if you're going to be walking in nature or working outdoors, in weather that's always unpredictable. Gardener boots are hard-wearing, water-resistant and stylish, and crucially, they last.A good book I've been reading Being Ecological by Timothy Morton, and I'm also reading about cider-making and British orchards, which is fascinating. A book to help me identify plants when I see them is another must; there's so much to learn. My Hungarian vizsla dog, Lyla She keeps me company on all my adventures. I love watching her sense of presence and curiosity. Plan your next outdoor adventure and get outfitted in style with the latest collection from
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Wolverhampton man works for mental health service that helped him
A former mental health patient who was offered a job at the same hospital that treated him, says the opportunity has "changed his life".Kevin Gardener, 39, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2007 and spent time in numerous mental health hospitals before he was admitted to Cygnet Health Care Sedgley House in Kanyayi, head of care at the house, said the team quickly noticed he would make a good support worker, as he often "chipped in" with jobs that would usually be done by the nursing Gardener was excited as soon as the idea was mentioned to him and said he knew it was something he "would love to do". The 39-year-old from Wolverhampton was discharged in 2021 and has been helping other men with their mental health problems ever provides care assistance, including developing treatment plans as well as administering medications, to the care provider's patients and said he was pleased to give back to the service. Mr Gardener also experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression during his teenage years and explained how his time as a patient had given him the best skills to be able to help current service users."I know what it's like on a day-to-day basis; some days can be quite hard and can be a struggle."I've got that rapport with service users that some staff might not have." Mr Kanyayi said having Mr Gardener as part of the team had helped to inspire other patients. "Some of them may not believe that they'll be able to come out and go back to work during this period of crisis, but we can use Kev as an example to the other guys that it's actually possible to continue achieving things." He met Mr Gardener on the first day he was admitted and said: "He was totally different from what he is today."Mr Kanyayi added that the progress Mr Gardener had made was rare. "Going from a service user to a support worker, it's inspiring and a magnificent journey."I'm so happy to have worked with Kev, and we are really proud that we were part of his journey and recovery." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Buzz Feed
29-01-2025
- Automotive
- Buzz Feed
Just 28 Winter Must-Haves That Reviewers Swear By
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · "It is so lovely to be able to climb into a warm bed and be cozy at night." —A reviewer raving about a heated mattress pad 1. A thermal windshield cover because scraping off the snow and ice from your car in the morning is the bane of your existence during the winter. This cover comes with elastic straps that you place around the side mirrors, and it'll make your windshield weatherproof! Promising review:"I bought the cover for my Dodge Caliber, and it fits like a glove. The straps go around the side mirrors, and the flaps get folded into the car, and you shut the doors. This keeps the fabric nice and tight so the wind will not move it. It covers the wipers and the little space between the wipers and the hood, so ice and snow will not accumulate there either. I pulled it off after light snow last night, and it just slid right off. I folded it and threw it in the back. Perfect for winter weather." — Paula Get it on Amazon for $28.98. 2. A foot heater if your dogs are always cold and tired. Prep yourself a snack, turn this bad boy on, and stick your feet in for a toasty treat and relaxing massage. Promising review:"I love this product. It's well built, nice neutral colors to blend into my carpet, so it's not an eyesore wherever I have it sitting. The fuzziness lends a cozy feel to it, as well. It offers a heat or no-heat setting and two directions for the shiatsu-style massagers to work on your heels. The inside is roomy enough that you can even turn your feet on their side to get an extra massage there as well. It's a gentle yet deep massage, so it's great for days when you've been standing for hours or walking on your feet a lot. I would recommend to anyone looking for a nice foot massager." — Gardener Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in two colors). 3. A sure-to-be beloved space heater because turning on your home heater has racked up a good amount of money or your landlord just REFUSES to up the temperature in your apartment. I think you deserve some warmth during the coldest time of the year. Promising review: "This heater is well made, solid and efficient. It has auto-off for when knocked over and Energy Star mode to save on electricity. BEST BUY EVER!! 🙌" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in two colors). 4. A pair of plush slippers so you don't have to tiptoe around your icy cold floors trying to get from the kitchen to the bathroom. Plus, they have anti-skid bottoms, so there's no fall risk there! Promising review:"These slippers are incredibly comfortable! I've had them in and out of my cart for almost an entire year, and I'm so glad I finally purchased them. The hard soles and soft memory foam padding offer a warm and comfortable base. My condo is all vinyl flooring and these kept my toes warm through the Midwest winter. They're a little tight when you first get them, but don't take much to break in. They also regulate your feet' temperature so your feet never get too hot. I wear them with both socks or just bare feet, and I love them so much! Highly recommend." — Stephanie Peterson Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes 3–12 and 14 styles). 5. Or a pair of slippers you can pop into the microwave whenever the temps start to fall and your chilly feet crave some extra warmth. Amazon Check out the microwavable slippers in action on TikTok! Promising review: "I did not know I needed these in my life, but now I can't live without them! Since I'm working from home, I'm sitting practically all day and my feet tend to get cold. With these, my feet stay warm and comfortable all day. Super happy and will be purchasing again." — Duran Get them from Amazon for $24.97 (available in two colors). 6. An extra-large blanket so your family doesn't have to fight over the best throw blanket and can instead all cuddle together under one during movie night! Amazon It's made from a temperature-regulating blend of polyester and spandex, making it softer than fleece blankets while keeping you cozy yet cool! Big Blanket Co. is a small business specializing in selling the world's largest blankets for the ultimate cozy setup in your home. Promising review:"I instantly fell in love with this blanket. I was hesitant to purchase at first with the price but I'm so glad I did. It's super soft, has just enough weight to it that it makes it soothing, and is surprisingly cool to sleep with. It doesn't get really hot like some of my other blankets do. The huge size is also a bonus, as I love hogging blankets all to myself." — Lindsey B. Get it from Amazon for $149+ (available in 17 styles and two sizes). 7. An electric heated mattress pad — imagine hopping into bed with your toes, hands, and everything in between as cold as ice and then immediately defrosting right when you lay down. It has a memory timer and 10 different heat settings, but the best part is the dual heat setting, so you don't have to fight with your partner over what the ideal temperature should be. Amazon Promising review: "I live in a big, old apartment that is difficult to keep warm in the winter without blasting the heat. This mattress pad is a luxury that I don't think I'll be able to go without now! It is so lovely to be able to climb into a warm bed and be cozy at night without having to crank up the heat! It also is so soothing on an achy back! Definitely recommend." — Bethany M Get it from Amazon for $69.95+ (available in twin– California king sizing). 8. A vanilla and cinnamon-scented candle because I can think of no better feeling than bundling up on the couch, lighting a comforting candle, and watching the snow fall. Evil Queen is a woman-owned small business. This wintry-themed candle is vegan, phthalate-free and nontoxic. The jar is an added bonus with a funny one-liner that says, "I will not be leaving the couch until further notice," which, honestly, sounds like an amazing plan. Get it from Evil Queen for $23. 9. A rechargeable hand warmer for cold nights — especially when you were told to bring gloves but didn't listen. With the press of a button, your hands will feel like they're right in front of a fireplace, even while you're walking the city streets. Oh, and did I mention it also doubles as a portable charger!? Promising review:"This hand warmer is amazing! My hands are constantly cold, and I've tried all sorts of products to help keep them warm, but nothing has worked until now. I charge the hand warmer every night with a standard USB charger, and the next day, I have hours of warmth." — RK Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 11 colors and packs of two). 10. Or a value pack of HotHands hand warmers, aka a gift from the heavens and a savior for cold hands. Just 🎶 shake it like a Polaroid picture 🎶 to activate it, and in 15–30 minutes, your paws will become toasty. Is this sorcery or what? Amazon Promising review:"I keep a continuous supply of these in my vehicle for several reasons. I drop these in my pockets to warm my hands and body at hockey games, but honestly, any time I spend a great deal of time outside in the winter, I have them just in case. Once they heat up, you can put them in gloves, pockets, or anywhere you need to keep warm (I've put them in my knit hat before). Depending on the temps and where you place them, two to four hours of warmth can last." — Miss Hollis Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $16.40. 11. And a HotHands lap warmer for when you're out camping or cheering on your favorite team at an outdoor stadium and the cold just won't quit. This bad boy can last for up to eight hours, so no more shivering for you! Promising review:"I really liked the size of this warmer — it filled my entire lap and kept me warm and comfortable all day long. I use hand and toe warmers all the time, but they only warm the hands and feet. Until I tried this lap warmer, my legs would get cold when using a camp chair. I liked the fact that it warmed up quickly, didn't require batteries or pre-heating, and was light enough to easily carry with my other stuff. I used the warmer under a blanket, which kept me a lot warmer than the blanket could by itself." — Thomas Get it from Amazon for $7.48. 12. An electric mug warmer so you don't have to constantly get up and put your lukewarm PSL in the microwave — especially if you're a slow sipper. After four hours it'll automatically shut off, so you don't have to worry if you walk off and forget about it! Tip: Reviewers suggest turning the heat down from high to medium once your drink gets down to about the halfway point so it stays a comfortable temperature! Promising review:"This is my third Vobaga coffee warmer. I bought the first one in 2018, and it's still going strong. It keeps my coffee hot to the last drop. It's important to remember it doesn't heat up cold beverages to piping hot. It keeps hot beverages hot." — hottytoddy Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six colors). 13. Or a splurge-worthy Ember temperature control ceramic mug letting you control your mug's temp directly from your phone to ensure you never have to drink lukewarm coffee again! The temperature ranges from 120–145 degrees F, and the battery lasts for 90 minutes! Once it needs a recharge, just set it back onto the coaster. Ember You can remotely adjust the temperature to get it just right (using an app), and you can also select a personalized LED color. Promising review:"My coffee never tasted better. I am spoiled. I can't have a cup of coffee without using my Ember mug. I have two Ember mugs, one for work and the second one for the weekend. Now, I'm saving to purchase an Ember travel mug for commuting. It's truly a must-have. You don't know what you're missing until you have an Ember mug. Yes, it's costly but worth saving for it." — Cat47 Get it from Amazon for $98+ (available in 11 colors and two sizes). 14. A sunrise-simulating alarm clock because your mornings are starting off way too dark. This little device will brighten up gradually and wake you up with a beautiful "sunrise" whenever you set your alarm. It comes with seven natural sounds (like rain or chirping birds) to wake you up on the right side of the bed. Oh, and if you've been eyeing the Hatch alarm clock, reviewers say this is a great, affordable alternative! Promising review:"This alarm clock is one of the most innovative alarm clocks I have ever seen. Ever since I purchased it a few weeks ago, my night and morning routines have improved dramatically. I no longer need my phone for an alarm in my room at night, which improves my sleep and relaxation. The light feature works perfectly as my reading light, and the fun colors that I can choose add a fun ambiance to my room at night. The alarm settings in the morning are reliable and fun. I wake up each morning to a soothing piano riff and a simulation of the sun rising 20 minutes before my alarm goes off." — Sandra L. Cranny Get it from Amazon for $35.08+ (available in three colors). 15. A pack of two door draft stoppers you can stick to the bottom of any drafty doors to keep the cold out and heat in. It also helps drown out noise, keeps out bugs, and even prevents kids and pets from sliding toys under the stove and fridge — what a lovely multi-use product. Promising review:"I originally bought these to keep crickets out of my house because I have large gaps under both of my doors and a cricket problem in my yard. But after installing them (which was super easy), I realized that they were keeping my house cool during the day and keeping the cold air out at night." — Betty Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four colors). 16. Plus, a window insulator kit if you're not looking to spend hundreds on electricity during this chilly season. Just place it around the entire window and blow dry to heat-shrink it, which will help block out any drafts. Promising review:"I buy this every winter, and it makes a BIG difference! We have super-thin windows, and this works like a charm to stop 80% of the cold drafts. I find I can sit right next to the window without a problem after installing them. It's easy to install and looks invisible after you apply heat with a hair dryer. No one will be able to tell there's a film, and it'll look completely transparent after you apply heat. It was so satisfying to see the wrinkles disappear! It looks great, works great, and will save your energy! Win-win-win!" — Raymond Get a five-window kit from Amazon for $18.93. 17. A vegan snout soother stick because the air is becoming drier and so is your pupper's nose. This plant-based balm can help relieve their precious snout of any cracks or discomfort and prevent future issues! Promising review:" My dog was experiencing a dry, rough nose this fall. I ordered this ointment to try, and I was pleasantly surprised how well it 'melted' into the skin and was absorbed." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $5.95+ (available in two styles and five sizes). 18. Plus, a dog paw cleaning device if your doggo can't help but jump into any water or mud puddle they see — and then, of course, track their dirty paws into the house. This nifty tool has soft silicone bristles that'll gently remove mud and dirt from their paws so your floors will no longer be plastered with dirty (but adorable) prints. Promising reviews:" The mud buster has saved me this fall! Our pup is a digger and comes in with muddy paws all the time. The mud buster has made it so much easier to handle and clean up!" — Szyhmkr "You always wonder if we need one more thing in our lives that would be rarely used and end up in some storage to be forgotten. Happy to report this is quite the exception. Our puppy has to make a few dozen trips to the backyard, rain or shine, and quite regularly, his paws have to be wiped at the door before he brings dirt inside. This makes paw cleaning a breeze and surprisingly effective. The insert completely comes out and can be cleaned when needed. Simple but clever and effective." — insightful Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes, eight colors, and with or without a lid). 19. And a waterproof shoe tray because the rainy and snowy season is no friend to your foyer. This tray will catch all the dirt and water from your shoes that were just outside and hopefully leave you with a slightly cleaner home. Amazon Promising review: "This rubber shoe mat is a great, compact, lightweight option to keep the house tidy. We bought this for our little Airbnb unit that we own and it's been a great addition to the entryway. Easy to clean!" — AKara Get it from Amazon for $13.11 (available in three colors and three sizes). 20. Plus, a washable door mat you can keep either indoors or outdoors so guests can wipe off their shoes before stepping foot on your freshly cleaned floors. The colors and pattern are adorable, and it doubles as a lovely piece of decor! Promising review" "I've had this rug at our front door for a couple of months now. So far I'm impressed with how easy it is to shake leaves and debris off of it. It's a little harder to vacuum stuff off of it because it is a little lighter weight than anticipated. But it still works for what we needed it for. I love the colors and design and love even more that it doesn't show dirt easily. I think it will be absorbent enough for shoes and boots to sit on it now that we're getting into the snowy months, too." — actuallythedog Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four sizes and two colors). 21. A foldable mini pop-up tent because you're a soccer parent and that means showing up to ALL of your kiddo's games, even if it's 40 degrees out. Just pop it up, and you can comfortably watch everything that's happening on the field — aka no more missing your kiddo's goals because you were too busy trying to stay warm. You can also use it while camping or waiting in line to snag tickets to a concert! Under The Weather is a family-owned small business creating pods to handle all your outdoor weather-related needs. Bonus — you can zip several together side by side while still keeping the front closed! Promising review:"We had a ballgame today where it was 30 degrees; one minute it was raining, then it would turn to snow. While everyone else was freezing cold, I was warm and toasty — I only had a long-sleeve shirt and yoga pants on while everyone else was layered up. I had extra stuff with me, but I put it on the floor of the pod 'cause I was so warm. Others had three or four blankets on top of their layers of clothes. I put a small propane heater in there, and it felt like I was sitting in my living room. I highly recommend this product as I am a very happy customer! I've looked at them for years but always backed out and finally decided it was time to get it. I will never sit out in a cold snowy or rainy ballgame ever again." — Jeff & tennille chambers Get it from Amazon for $87.20+ (available in three colors). 22. A cool mist humidifier here to help you through the dropping temps and dry weather that can cause congestion, coughs, and dry skin. Thanks to the 360-degree mist nozzle and the fact that it can run for up to 25 hours straight, it'll ensure the air in your home has just the right amount of moisture for comfort. Amazon, Promising review:"A humidifier is great for dry skin! I have eczema and when my skin is especially dry, I use this humidifier when I sleep and I wake up to soft skin and hair. The downside is that your hair might look a little oily sometimes but there are adjustment levels — low and high levels. Using the humidifier, you really feel the difference when you wake up. It's a great item for skincare and especially great if you struggle with dry skin, whether just during wintertime or all the time!!! Highly recommend this!" — Daisy Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three sizes). 23. And a super smart (and cute) humidifier tank cleaner that'll ~kind of~ give you the fun of having a fish without needing to take care of it. Plus, it's more useful than a live fish (sorry, fishies) because it keeps your humidifier clean for longer and kills odor-causing bacteria so you don't have to wash it out constantly. Promising reviews:"I LOVE these little fish. I've been using them for about 2.5 years now and I truly believe they help keep the humidifier and water cleaner. People don't realize all the nasty mold and bacteria that can be growing in their humidifier and then released into the air in their room! I've noticed a huge difference in mold growth when I use these fish." — Shelly Get it from Amazon for $5.98. 24. A heated toilet seat because you're a queen, and your butt deserves nothing less than a heated toilet seat. Plus, it has a built-in night-light so you're not blinded by the overhead light when you need to wazz in the middle of the night. Promising review:"Love it! The blue/purple light isn't overwhelming, and you can turn it off. The heat has three settings. I have it on low right now since it's not that cold out, and it is lovely and toasty. We will be really glad we have this when next winter rolls around." — Michelle Get it from Wayfair for $142.38+ (available in two sizes and colors). 25. A fan-favorite Orolay parka that'll seriously have you wondering where it's been all your life — yes, it's just THAT warm and cute. It has six large pockets, it's windproof, and has a fleece-lined hood! Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed Promising review:"This coat is no joke. The coldest temperature I tested out was 9 degrees, and I did not feel like I was freezing at all! I even tried to wear it with just a T-shirt, no sweaters/layers underneath, to see if I felt No cold! Boomshakalaka! It's also so stylish, roomy, has a thousand pockets (goodbye purse!), and looks different from all the rest out there." — Zhure Get it from Amazon for $125.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–5XL and in 12 colors). Check out our Orolay down jacket review to learn more! 26. A hydrating overnight lip mask because the winter climate is kryptonite to your lips. If you're dealing with any chapped or cracked lips, just apply this fruit-infused mask that'll hydrate and moisturize your kisser. Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four scents). 27. A UV-free LED sunlight lamp if you feel like you've missed out on an entire day's worth of sun because you've been stuck in the office all day. This lamp provides glare-free light that feels like the sun's rays and can even give you a boost of energy throughout the day. 28. A quick-heating stainless-steel electric kettle so you can have hot water in as little as three minutes instead of waiting for a pot to boil on the stove. You'll be sippin' on your tea or cocoa in no time! Promising review:"We were searching for a new kettle that would meet our needs, and this one fits the bill perfectly. My wife uses it to heat water for French press coffee, and I use it for pour-over coffee. The temperature settings would work great for tea as well. I love the hold feature so I can keep the temp constant while making pour-over. The spout works great and gives me excellent control over flow and location. It also looks sharp on the counter! We use it every day, and we are very happy with our purchase." — Steven Baker
