Hot Water Bottle action!

"Continental people have sex lives; the English have hot water bottles." - George Mikes, author

Oh, how I laughed and laughed when I first heard of a hot water bottle. Honest to God, I had no idea what one was when I arrived in London last year. I ignored the first mention of it, thinking it was something for sick people like a bedpan or rectal thermometer, and I should thank goodness I was never acquainted with one. I didn't ask about it any further.

Then I was at a Christmas party, and my friend B received one as a Secret Santa gift. Clearly this was not the medical aide I thought it was, since B seemed genuinely delighted with her new present. (Hers was wrapped in a chic red-and-white knit and came with hot cocoa and a fun mug.)

So over some hot Bailey's-ish Christmas drink, I openly inquired about this hot water bottle thing. I found out that you just fill it up with hot water and hold it like a baby to keep you warm. Someone else suggested I put it in the bed before I slid in, like a poor man's electric blanket.

Ahh, gotcha. I kept my mouth shut, but seriously -- in the age of central heating, "double-glazed windows" (as I've heard some Brits call them with wonder) and Ugg boots, the whole hot water bottle concept seemed no longer medicinal, but horribly antiquated.

And then I ate my words. Recently at the office, safely the world's coldest workspace (save for "The Tonight Show" studio), my colleague kindly suggested I borrow her mini hot water bottle, which she said would help my hands thaw out. Not wanting to be rude, I obliged. Hers had a soft gray cable knit cover (she has excellent taste, this girl), and after tucking my little paws in it, she was right: I felt my whole body warm up. It was instant cosiness.

I raced home that night and bought my very own hot water bottle from John Lewis (pictured above). It zips up in a plush faux fur cover - soft like a Gund! - and I fill it up with boiling water and put it on my lap. The weight, warmth and soft plush covering make it a nice substitute for a pet, too. Those can be just as warming, and certainly loads more comforting.

Below, the little friend I can't wait to own one day. My beau does not like animals, unfortunately, so we're going to have to strike some sort of deal.