10 Essentials for Surviving the Polar Vortex

Winter this year has been brutally cold. Here is a list of our top 10 things to help you get through.

1. A snood

Is it a scarf or is it a hat? It’s both and that’s why we love them. A snood is like one of those awesome dynamic duos you can’t live without.  You’ll look sharp and stay warm all winter long. Go for a dark plum, navy or oatmeal colour.

2. A book you just can't put down

Let’s face it; no one wants to leave their house in the winter. It’s time for hibernation, which makes it the perfect time to tackle that pile of books you’ve been dying to read. Find a cozy spot on the couch, cuddle up, dig in, and escape the unbearable ice age.

3. A roaring fire

The familiar crisp and crackle makes us nostalgic for the nights spent in a tent under the stars. A fire can transport you to the sweltering days of summer and warm you up accordingly. Settle in with your friends or family around the hearth and revel in the bonding time. For those of you who don't have a fireplace, here's a link that might be able to help you out: 

 4. A down-filled coat

It’s important to find a solid coat to carry you through the winter months. The ideal winter jacket is long enough to cover your bum and has a hood to keep your head warm on days you don’t feel like wearing a hat. It’s also best to find a material that is at least water resistant to keep you dry when snowflakes start falling.

5. Waterproof boots

Some of you are lucky enough to live in places where it’s spring all year round. The rest of us, however, have to deal with the slush, the snow, the freezing rain. Finding a sturdy pair of waterproof, snowproof boots will make you so much happier. No more having to avoid the large piles of gray slosh or carefully maneuvering around the unavoidable puddles on street corners. A good pair of winter boots will keep you dry and make you feel invincible!

6. A winter activity

Alright, so earlier, we said to stay indoors, but how healthy can that be? In an effort to avoid cabin fever, we suggest some light activity at least 3 times a week.  Because the days are so much shorter in the winter, it’s important to get some natural sunshine and vitamin D. Perhaps you are an avid snowboarder, ice skater or snowshoe-er, perhaps not. Try to find something to do outdoors (build a snowman, go for a 20-minute walk around the block) to get your heart rate going and the feel-good chemicals flowing.

7. A really good lip chap

We all know that the winter months bring really dry, cold air. Chapped lips in the wintertime can be a great annoyance, so the best thing to do to beat them is prevention. Find a good lip chap and keep one in your purse, one in your night stand, one at your desk- do whatever you need to do to remind yourself to use it. We found that slathering on a bit before going to bed helps repair the cracks overnight and will keep your lips soft.  Our favourite? Carmex. It’s super heavy duty and makes your dry lips feel tingly from the mint!

8. Moisturizer

Just like chapped lips, dry skin can really get you down. Applying some as soon as you get out of the shower helps lock in moisture. There are even moisturizers out there now that you can use in the shower and pat dry when you get out.

9. A signature tea or cocoa

There’s nothing like coming inside from the cold to a hot bevy. Our favourites for winter time are black teas with hints of chocolate or mint. Find something you like and you’ll feel toasty from the inside out.

10. A winter playlist

Sometimes the right music is all you need to get you into the winter spirit. Listening to something mellow might ease you into hibernation, or if you’re an outdoorsy type, something upbeat can certainly revive a tired soul. Whatever tickles your fancy!