Baby it's Cold Outside

Today I spent a portion of my afternoon, watching videos of Japanese Macaques, they appeared to be enjoying the frigid temperatures as they played around making snowballs, wrestling, pondering mites, and bathing in hot springs.  This is how I enjoy the winter, in the comfort of  my home.  It is cold out, and even for me a self declared hibernator, making sure I have a few winter essentials around is paramount to my survival and sanity.  I have to give myself a boost once and a while, so that I literally will not decide just to play bear and sleep through the winter.
Here are a few glorious things that make the cold seem a little more manageable.

• Nothing beats fresh out of the dryer, flannel bed sheets.
• You have to leave the house for these treats, but bundle up, and get toasty at Aroma Espresso Bar, with a steamy cup of hot chocolate with big fluffy marshmallows; or spice your day up with a Mayan hot chocolate from Soma, I never leave without some chocolate.
• Do what the monkeys do!  In Toronto I cannot get enough of Body Blitz spa, with two serene locations.  Grab a friend or go solo, relax and warm yourself up.  Or if you are in the Ottawa area, my sister raves about the outdoor coed facilities at Le Nordik.
• Planning or day dreaming of an adventure to a hot tropical climate is the perfect distraction.  Take a stroll down Pinterest lane and marvel at all the beaches, bathing suits and sun tans, or plan the real deal.  Shortly I am packing my bags and heading south to Buenos Aires Argentina (check out my trip), planning this adventure keeps my focus away from the gusty winds and snow covered roads.
• Candles are like mini fireplaces that require little cleanup, and offer a beautiful array of aromas.

I am planning to spend a little bit of the season outdoors, it feels important to embrace nature in all of its entirety.  I try to go ice skating at least once a year, and this year trying out a pair of snow shoes might be in order too.  But mostly I will be staying in, until the thaw I will be cozy and comfortable in my home.
Hope I warmed you up!  Luv K8e

Originally posted January 28 2014