smittens!

I woke up yesterday and looked out my window and what did I see? A shimmering frosting of loveliness. Hence:

Top Ten reasons why Winter is straight up the most adorable season. Ever.

1. Smittens - For real. These actually exist. Created by a couple in Seattle, Smittens are designed so you can hold hands while wearing one mitten. In the words of the creator “...when it dawned on me to create a mitten that was large enough for both of our hands. That way, I thought we could truly hold hands”. Oh. Wow. The set comes with one “smitten” and two regular mittens. If you’re thinking that this will be a great present for your sweetie, check out the website smittens.biz. Then, once you have placed your order you can maybe find some matching sweater and become the envy of all your friends!

2. The sugar Bowl – This is a Lethbridge must-do in the winter time. The single greatest tobogganing hill this side of the rockies. Its got several levels of extreme and it is pretty safe since it really is a giant bowl. I would tell you where it is, but I am selfish.

3. Snow Forts – For real, as a kid, my siblings and I made snow forts that would put Jamison Builders to shame. We had chairs, table tops and after pouring water along the walls they would freeze rock solid and stay around for ages. I seriously recommended bundling up with a few friends, find a front or back yard and just giv’er. A little tip from the wise – if you are going to build snow tunnels, make sure they are not so heavy on top that when they collapse on top of you, you can get out.

4. Hot Toddy’s – This drink is guaranteed to warm you up on the coldest of days. Put 2-3 shots of Brandy in a ¾ full cup of your favorite tea (I personally go for a little Prince of Wales for this particular bevi), one teaspoon of honey and a little lemon slice for garnish. Delish!

5. Fireplaces – There is nothing cozier then sitting in front of a fireplace, with a Hot Toddy and a great book. Really, something about a fire on cold winter nights is guaranteed awesome time. Even with central heating, it is way more dreamy to curl up to some flaming goodness. If you have a bear skin rug – double points.

6. The claymation “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” - This is a childhood classic. I could watch this movie again and again and again and find it charming each time. The songs are too cute and a dentist elf? Crazy! Plus- the abominable snowman is a dead ringer for the Yeti in “The Empire Strikes Back”. Sweet.

7. Snow Days – This term has always been associated with absolute complete freedom. Even if it is for only one day. Winter is so great because there are just those days when it is ok not to leave the house, Minus 30 weather and snow drifts are understandable reasons to stay indoors. When it is all cold and frosty outside and that last thing you want to do is leave your bed, don’t. Load up your fireplace, grab a couple of great books, a nice merlot and a giant, comfy blanket. There is no better way to spend a day doing nothing.
   

8. Ice Skating – Group skating parties are more fun then a barrel of monkeys. Good friends, cold ice and a plethora of opportunities to embarrass yourself and see your friends do likewise. Here are some must haves for an ice skating adventure: A Thermos full of something hot, extra socks, skates (uhh....duh?), warm clothing and a camera. Don’t like large groups of people, wanna get lucky this winter? This is also the single greatest date you could ever take someone on. Boys and Girls, if you want to impress someone, take them ice skating. It is always fun and even if neither of you know how to skate, falling down together is even more adorable.

9. Winter mornings – When the entire world is muffled from the snow fall and you need to squint because everything is bright from the sharp edge of the frost. The trees are filled with small crystals of ice and every step you take you can only hear the snow crunch under your feet. The cold air is sharp against your cheeks and your breath clouds around your face. Morning’s like these make the eventual slush storm worth it.

10. Winter accessories – Toques with pom pom’s, mittens with strings, great boots, giant scarves, mittens and ear muffs are pretty much to only reasons to go out in winter.