For those of you living in Quebec, you can all attest to the massive amounts of snow we’ve been getting lately. And I mean, massive amounts! I put up a quick poll on my Instagram about whether or not I should write this article and the outcome was a big ‘YES!’. So without wasting any more of your time (and considering it may snow again while I’m writing this), here is a list of things you can do to try and stay positive through the onslaught of fluffy white stuff falling from the sky.
Take up a winter activity/sport: I must admit that since I started skiing/snowboarding 6+ years ago, my outlook on winter has changed. Although I hate when they announce snow storms, the prospect of hitting the slopes with fresh powder is deeply satisfying. While the slopes are often covered with ice and/or man-made snow, a dumping of 10-20cm leaves perfect conditions for any enthusiast. My favourite place to ski/snowboard (I do both, but not at the same time, duh!) would definitely be Ski Bromont. I’m a huge fan of their night skiing option and their Nuit Blanches are always great – ski until 2am! Bonus tip: their season pass often gives you extra discounts for restaurants/hotels in the area. Now, if the prospect of strapping yourself to wooden planks and projecting yourself down the side of a mountain at a billion miles per hour doesn’t sound super appealing, maybe tubing is more for you! You’ll still be launching yourself down the side of a mountain but at least you’ll be doing it sitting on your butt. A great activity for all members of the family, tubing doesn’t require any previous experience to be enjoyable. I’ve really enjoyed tubing at Sommet Saint-Sauveur Snow Tubing Park in the past. The best part of these options? Sipping hot chocolate in the chalet after a nice long day outside!
Invest in warm clothing: Now this one may seem like a no-brainer but it’s extremely important. There is no way that you can try staying positive throughout the cold snowy weather if you’re a frozen icicle! My biggest recommendation here would be to invest in warm boots. I myself have bought ‘cheap’ boots for $80-$120 from places like Payless or Globo, only to realize that by the end of the season, my socks would be wet from water getting in and I would be forced to start the process all over again the next winter. Last year, I finally decided to invest in a pair of waterproof Uggs (and no, I’m not referring to the suede ones). The style I chose was the sand coloured Adirondack boots. I am now on year two with these babies and my feet are consistently warm and dry (and I don’t doubt they will last me another couple of years). This isn’t to say that Uggs are the only option, but make sure you do your research and invest in a good pair of stylish boots that will actually last you a while. Apart from good boots, I would also recommend investing in a good coat. When it comes to coats, you don’t necessarily need to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a Pajar or Canada Goose. I invested in a great coat from Manteau Manteau over 4 years ago now and it’s still keeping me VERY warm. I opted for one that is long enough that it almost reaches my knees, includes two zippers for an extra layer of warmth and has a faux-fur hood. Whatever your style, make sure to be realistic about the cold Canadian weather. Not long ago, I was fixated on buying short coats that just covered my upper body. Needless to say, my bottom half was ALWAYS frozen.
Accessorize: Following my point about investing in key pieces like boots and coats, this doesn’t mean you can’t pair it with super cute accessories! I’m a little cheap when it comes to this stuff because let’s face it…I always leave my winter gear everywhere so if I misplace something, it’s not the end of the world. I usually opt for cute low budget items from Ardene, like my black pearl gloves and fuzzy black earmuffs. I also have these earmuffs in white to match my white jacket!
Get out of the house: It may be tempting to simply cozy up in front of the TV all winter but don’t hibernate TOO much! We’re Canadian after all so layer up, clean off your car and head out, even if it’s simply to go hang out at Chapters/Indigo or to grab a gooey snack at Juliette et Chocolat! It’ll feel good to get out of the house and socialize a bit.
Start early with the spring cleaning: I don’t know why spring is considered the best time to clean and de-clutter but when it starts getting nice out, all I want to do is get out of the house and enjoy the weather! So why not do it during the winter? If you really can’t face the blisteringly cold temperatures, start organizing yourself one room at a time. Look around and try to pick at least three things in the room that you can part with. Whether it’s passing it on to a friend or sibling or even giving it away to good-will, it’ll feel great to free up some space.
Enjoy a spa/vacation day: Ladies and gents, we work way too hard and we deserve a break! At least that’s what I keep telling myself. While tight budgets may not grant us the flexibility to fly off to some gorgeous island over winter break, we CAN step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a nice spa day. I’ve tried a few spas in Montreal, including Bota Bota, Le Finlandais, Ofuro, Le Scandinave and Polar Bear’s Club but I think my next spot to try will be Balnea…which also happens to be located only 15 minutes from Ski Bromont! Balnea has a great spa option for only $30 if you go after 5pm Monday-Thursday! If the budget does allow for a little getaway, make sure to check out my sister-in-law Kate’s Packing List and Travel Essentials! As a crazy world-wide traveler, she really knows her stuff!
Bake cookies: When all else fails and the cold Canadian weather just won’t let up, it may be time to give in…and bake cookies! I don’t know about you but baking completely calms my anxieties. Perhaps it’s the methodical nature of measuring out all of the quantities but baking does the trick for me. My go-to favourite is the classic chocolate chip cookie. My friend Natacha shared this Martha Stewart recipe with me and I absolutely love it! If you’re a Peanut Butter Nutella fan, then you should definitely try these!
Hoping these tips and tricks will keep you warm and smiling all winter!
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Ada says
I ‘almost’ like winter after what you wrote…’almost’…fantastic read <3 Great job!
Dee says
Haha THANK! <3
Jewels says
Great tips, Dee! But, I still can’t wait for ‘it’ to be over!!!
Dee says
Haha I agree, I can’t wait for it to be over either!!!