Hot Water Bottles

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Hot Water Bottles - A Short Tribute

My feet got very cold last night. It's a common side effect of being a lensmaster on Squidoo; sitting at the computer into the early hours composing a lens, oblivious to the cold draft (draught to us Brits) curling round your lower extremities. So, action was called for.

Now, I'm a bit old fashioned in that I don't have an electric blanket. I prefer those little bits of rubber that bring so much pleasure. Yes, I have a hot water bottle. In fact, I have two, but my daughter usually appropriates one at bedtime.

As I stood by the kettle, hot water bottle in hand, waiting for the water to heat, I pondered on how it's the little things in life that are comforting. Things like stepping into the shower and feeling the warm water cascade over you; snuggling under freshly laundered bed sheets; feeling chocolate melt on your tongue or taking the first sip of the day of tea or coffee. Hot water bottles are on a par with these things. Imagine, if you will, the pleasure of getting into bed with cold feet, stretching out your legs and feeling your toes come into contact with heat - bliss.

And so it was for me last night. I filled the bottle (I love the glugging sound the water makes as it goes into the bottle), tightened the cap and took it and myself off to bed. Soon my toes were cosy and I cuddled the hot water bottle instead. Feeling the warmth spread through my body, I happily drifted off to sleep.

A simple pleasure that can be repeated all winter long. Nice!

Classic Hot Water Bottles

Plain and simple.

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Stylish Hot Water Bottles

Yes, really!
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Novelty Hot Water Bottles

Some stranger than others...

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Hot Water Bottles for Comfort.

More than just a foot-warmer.

My cat was ill recently, didn't want to be touched and had been sitting in the same (cool) spot for ages. Worried about her getting chilled, I wrapped a filled hot water bottle in a towel and put it beside her. Before long she had climbed on to it to get the warmth.

Hot water bottles are intrinsically comforting; if your child is having difficulty sleeping or is upset, a hot water bottle will help soothe them.

The same goes for adults, but hot water bottles are also good just to sit with on a cold evening.

Another thing hot water bottles are often used for is to relieve pain. Holding the warm bottle against you is particularly good if you have period pain or muscular aches.

In short, if you want something simple that soothes, comforts and warms (no, not a member of the opposite sex!), get yourself a hot water bottle and chase away the chills.

Hot Water Bottles For Kids

They'll love these.

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Hot Water Bottle Covers On eBay

A cover will help keep your hot water bottle warm for longer - plus they look cute! Check out this selection on eBay right now.
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An Old-Fashioned Hot Water Bottle

Used around Victorian times, this was known as a Pig and was made from earthenware.

Animal Print Hot Water Bottles

These are kind of wild.

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Hot Water Bottles With Love

Give an alternative Valentine's gift!

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How NOT To Treat A Hot Water Bottle

Don't try this at home. But if you do, resist the urge to wear knee-high silver boots and underpants while doing it.
Thor the Rock God - Hot Water Bottle Trick
by santasboot | video info

58 ratings | 55,443 views
curated content from YouTube

Interesting Links

Okay, one interesting link about hot water bottles. I may think of more later.
Hot water bottle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A short history of hot water bottles from Wikipedia.

Let me know what you think about this lens!

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  • Reply
    Ysis Feb 18, 2011 @ 2:06 am | delete
    I am a big fan of hot water bottles. Except for keeping your feet hot I have discovered that it soothes pains on the back, relieves tension and induces sleep. It is also a great remedy for coughs. I wonder why, at least in my country, it is considered useful only for old people.
  • Reply
    LynnM Jun 10, 2007 @ 2:55 pm | delete
    Lisa, you're very considerate to your boyfriend!
    Jill, you're a bigger fan of hot water bottles than me! The photos come from Amazon, by the way.
    Thanks to you both for your kind comments.
  • Reply
    Jill-j Apr 29, 2007 @ 5:23 pm | delete
    Hi Lynn
    I've just discovered "squidoo" and after thinking long and hard about my opening contribution, I came across your lens - which has effectively ruled out my first idea. Drat! Even so, I loved your lens and it's good to know of others with thoughts so similar to my own. But where on earth did you get all those photos?
    I love my hot water bottles too. I can't sleep without mine and always take two to bed. One for my very cold feet and one just to cuddle. Some months ago I actually wrote an entire blog entry singing the praises of the humble hot water bottle. It's on http://just-jilly.livejournal.com Take a look some time and tell me if you agree.
    Jill.
  • Reply
    Jill-j Apr 29, 2007 @ 5:19 pm | delete
    Hi Lynn
    I've just discovered "squidoo" and after thinking long and hard about my opening contribution, I came across your lens - which has effectively ruled out my first idea. Drat! Even so, I loved your lens and it's good to know of others with thoughts so similar to my own. But where on earth did you get all those photos?
    I love my hot water bottles too. I can't sleep without mine and always take two to bed. One for my very cold feet and one just to cuddle. Some months ago I actually wrote an entire blog entry singing the praises of the humble hot water bottle. It's on http://just-jilly.livejournal.com Take a look some time and tell me if you agree.
    Jill.
  • Reply
    lisapdx Apr 6, 2007 @ 1:38 pm | delete
    Nice job. I too love my hot water bottle. I prewarm my boyfriend's side of the bed with it, then warm my feet with it. Simple, soothing, effective.
    Stay warm, Lisa

by

LynnM

Hot water bottles are one of life's little pleasures. Classic to cuddly, they're great for keeping your feet warm in bed during colder months.

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