I love my Hot Sock! Our whole family has been using them for several years now and we've come to depend on their long-lasting moist heat for many uses, such as...
soothing sore muscles and backs
warming the sheets before you get in bed
gently easing stomach aches
and, warming cold toes
They last for a couple of months depending on often they're used. Eventually, the rice will start to break apart and little bits may come through the sock - that's when you know it needs to be replaced. They're so easy to make, though, you can have a new one in a jiffy. So, get some socks and rice and get ready to get cozy!
How to make a Hot Sock...
you'll need a large (mens) cotton sock and 5-7 cups of white rice, ribbon optional
pour the rice into the sock, you can use a home-made paper funnel or cut the bottom out of a paper or plastic cup to make it easier
leave enough room at the top of the sock to tie a knot, add a ribbon if desired
heat in microwave for approx. 3 - 3 1/2 minutes depending on your microwave
Enjoy!
Note of caution: Use all cotton socks. Socks of polyester or nylon will give off a stinky smell after being in the microwave. Also, be careful how long you heat your Hot Sock. For example, if you asked one of your kids to heat it up for you for 2 minutes and they accidentally put it in for, oh, say 20 minutes, your Hot Sock might explode into a flowing stench of black lava requiring the purchase of a new microwave. Not that I'm speaking from experience, I'm just sayin'... ;)
Great tip!
Posted by: Kate NJ | August 23, 2007 at 06:40 PM
i make these for my doula clients. i also add lavender. if you don't have a microwave i heard you can heat them in the oven at a very low temperature. i think they have to be in there for a long while though. i haven't tried the oven method myself.
Posted by: zoe | August 23, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Great idea! We don't have a microwave though, any idea about how else we could heat it up? I would love that this winter.
PS
Come by my blog, there is something there for you.
Posted by: Brit | August 23, 2007 at 05:12 PM
mmmm...these are the BEST!! We add lavendar to ours; makes it smell wonderful.
You can also put the sock in the freezer; the rice won't freeze but it gets nice and cold. Perfect for putting around the back of your neck when it's 100 degrees out.
Also, how the heck are you only on H? It's the 22nd day of the month, woman! ; )
Posted by: kate | August 23, 2007 at 09:57 AM