10 Ways To Keep Cosy: What’s a Super Bobble?

Welcome to #PinkNicky’s Blog, for your weekly dose of adventure ideas.

It’s Sunday morning, so grab your tea and toast. This week is about keeping you cosy so that you can embrace those chilly days.

What did I get up to this week? This week, I have been swimming in Sea Lanes, tipped the ice bucket at Beach Box on my head twice, and only screamed once! I also had lunch with my boys, bought super warm mittens from a specialist shop in Sweden for my upcoming Finland trip, and started reading Emma Simpson’s new Book, Breaking Waves.

My secret weapons for keeping me warm are my Merino wool underlayer, wrist warmers, a flask of hot chocolate, bobble hat, hand warmers, and waterproof trousers—plus a layer of suncream and vaseline to prevent my cheeks from getting windburnt. I suffer badly from windburn, so if anyone has any great products that could help, please put them in the comments below.

Thank you to all the ladies who participated in this week’s bobble hat challenge!

Here we go:

Bobble Hat:

I never go anywhere without a hat, as the wind in my ears gives me an earache. For spare kit, I have just discovered the Online Oxfam shop. It’s a great place to spot a bargain. The trick with this site is to check back regularly. Also, keep an eye on your local charity shops for spare kit, they always have loads of hats and gloves. Or you can do your bit for charity and support Surfers Against Sewage Beanie—you can choose your colour.

I have also recently discovered the Superbobble! These hats are fleece-lined and have an extra-large bobble.

The average number of bobble hats a woman owns is 6 (this number was taken from a straw poll in the sauna with my sauna buddies and has absolutely no scientific basis!)

A fun fact about bobble hats: The bobble (or pom-pom) on top wasn’t just for decoration—it originally had a practical purpose! French sailors in the 18th century wore bobble hats to stop them from bumping their heads on low ship ceilings during rough seas. The soft bobble acted as a cushion against hard surfaces!

Wrist Warmers: these are a genius idea to keep cosy!

Merino Wool Wrist Warmers: these are a little pricey, but Merino Wool is super warm and does the job!

How do wrist warmers work? If you keep your wrists covered, the blood vessels in your wrist are warmed, which warms the blood in the rest of your hands.

Hot Drinks On The Go:

Car Kettle It’s simple and not expensive. It’s a good gadget to leave in the car, along with water, cups, hot chocolate, and a tea towel.

Hot Chocolate:

Options Chocolate Orange is currently my favourite. I always take a flask with me on my walks and fill it with hot chocolate. However, they have many other flavours if orange is not your thing.

Keep Your Tummy Warm:

Do you know what a Kidney Karen is? It is basically a boob tube for your tummy!

I used this idea when I was pregnant with my now 19-year-old son. Back then, I used an old boob tube and just slid it down to cover my midriff. I thought it was a genius idea, but now it is an actual thing!

Thermal Undies:

We all know layering is the key to keeping warm, and you must start with your thermal undies. My favourites are made from Merino wool and come with me on all my chilly travels.

British Thermals: Manufactured in Leicester since 1982, British Thermals provides a wide range of thermal underwear for the whole family.

Marks & Spencer: M&S offers a variety of thermal underwear that combines quality with affordability – good for your everyday cold weather.

Heat Holders: Specializing in thermal clothing, Heat Holders provides a range of thermal underwear designed to keep you warm during the coldest winter weather.

Icebreaker: I have long been a fan of Icebreaker. The kit is more expensive, but it’s worth it. The last pair of leggings I bought was 10 years ago, and they are still going strong. They are coming with me to Finland, 2025.

Hand Warmers:

I love rechargeable hand warmers. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and types. Most can be recharged using electricity, a microwave, or hot water. 

It is also a good idea to have some instant hand warmers (activated by air) ready to use when your rechargeable ones run out. Top Tip: If your feet are cold, slide them into your socks to keep them warm. I have bought five sets of these to take with me to Finland.

Hot Water Bottles: are the ultimate in keeping cosy!

Perfect for every sea swimmer is the Mermaid Purse wearable hot water bottle. The unique Mermaid’s Purse is an adjustable rucksack that holds a hot water bottle. A hot water bottle is placed into the purse which is made from a soft jersey and cozy fleece. You can wear the purse over a base layer, and a jumper over the top of your purse can keep you warm for hours. Note: the hot water bottle is not included.

Three bonus ideas for keeping warm:

This first one is a bit random, but it would go perfectly with your flask of hot water. I think it’s clever and much better for the environment than many other coffee/tea gadgets FinalPress. If you are a tea or coffee lover, this is for you. It’s a tea/coffee brewer for on-the-go.

The second idea is a fabulous treat a cosy heated blanket, I’m not sure this one is for me, I would be a sweaty menopausal mess!

The last idea is my homemade Ginger Rocket Drink – this is a HOT FIERY ginger drink recipe. The main ingredient is ginger syrup, a treat when you need a boost. It’s like a fiery hug from the inside out.

You will need hot water, one teaspoon of ginger syrup, a squeeze of honey, a sprinkle of chilli, a dash of cinnamon, the juice of ½ lemons, and lemon rind. Then, play around with the quantities to fit your taste, as this is like rocket fuel from the inside out.

Wrap up, Stay Warm and enjoy your Adventure!

Over and Out

#PinkNicky

Thank you for reading 10 Ways To Keep Cosy: What’s a Super Bobble?

You might also like to read:

• Megaphones, Sparkles and a Beach Disco: A New Way to Show Up for Our Seas
• The Big Swim 2026 : Stay Safe, Wrap Up and Be Happy
• I Love Me To Do List
• Make your Adventure happen….
• From Fear to Freedom: Expanding Your Comfort Zone in Cold Water