Prepare for a great Canadian winterDon’t shoot the messenger, but winter is coming! Now that I live in Toronto, I’m getting chills of dread because winter is miserable in the east. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but there are a few months where it gets tough and my face feels numb. I’m sure that like me, many of you will be spending more time at home, as the weather grows colder. So, here are some options to keep you warm while you watch TV or to just keep your home an optimal temperature no matter where you are.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ll be hibernating indoors while catching up on my favourite TV shows, including Dexter. Finally, I’ll know what the rest of the nation is talking about (albeit two years ago). If you also haven’t watched the show, the entire boxed set will be available soon.

Besides turning up the heat and racking up a huge energy bill every month, there are a few items you can invest in to stay warm this winter. 

Millano Collection Double Duck Feather Duvet
Bed Warmth

Let’s start off in the bedroom so you have a cozy night’s sleep. I don’t know about you, but I love my duvet. The filling is what makes a duvet work, and of course, what makes it comfortable. Duck or goose feather and down, wool, silk, or cotton are all luxurious choices that ensure a light and enjoyable rest. Check out this one from Milano made with 100% duck feather and microfibre. 

Blankets are a must, and the options are endless. Right now, I’m obsessed with the Sunbeam Heated Microplush Blanket. This gives you the power to change the temperature of your bed while you’re in it. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night because you were either too hot or too cold and had to get out of bed to adjust the temperature? Now, it can be done while dreaming. Warning: this might make it hard for you to get out of bed. It is an ideal time to buy an alarm clock (separate from your phone) to make sure you wake up to noise that is mind numbing such as AM/FM radio. Ha, I kid, I love news talk radio. Since you’ve spent your night watching your favourite show or reality series, it’s time to wake up to real news. Don’t you agree? 

heated-throw.jpgLiving room warmth

If you like the idea of a self-heating blanket, you might enjoy this throw from Sunbeam. The only downside is that you’ll be so toasty that you might be crashing on your couch most nights. #FirstWorldProblems. Keep in mind, this will be a favourite in the household so you’ll need to share this blanket. Unless, someone’s gonna start saying ‘shot gun’ for dibs. Maybe buy two or three?

Obviously, throw blankets don’t have to be high tech. In addition to being functional, they can also be a nice addition to your home décor. Check out this wrap knitted cable throw with fringes and this brushed faux cashmere woven throw with fringes from Simple & Pure. Both are so soft and cozy that your family will fight over them. Or possibly upset your mom because you are messing with the décor.

Sometimes, I wish I were a kid again or if Best Buy can start selling a category called “Adult Kid” because I would totally want rock this Angry Bird fleece throw blanket wrap. My inner geek is screaming in jealousy. Regardless, I’m sure your kids would love it.

One of the best things during the winter is sitting by the fireplace wrapped in a blanket while drinking hot chocolate. If you have a Tassimo coffee machine, these Tassimo Cadbury hot chocolate discs will let you serve a rich and frothy drink with just the press of a button.

When it’s comes to cold weather, our bodies want to feel cozy and comfortable. Since we covered the cozy part with throw blankets to decadent hot chocolate. To make you feel more comfortable is sitting in a nicely cushioned (with good lumbar support) chair. What I’m talking about is better known as an accent chair and you’ll need a matching ottoman to rest your feet on too. Gold! Curl up to read a book or watch the latest documentary. Check out this one from Lucas Traditional, it comes with two pillows and a throw blanket. You’re set for winter. We’ll see you next Spring!

Dyson Hot+CoolHome Warmth

Lately, the weather has been unpredictable, which makes it hard to tell what temperature is ideal for your place. My recommendation is to get the Dyson Hot + Cool AM09, an A/C and heater rolled into one. The best part is that it’s so sleek and stylish; it’s perfect for any sized apartment. It’s like that houseguest who is so self-sufficient you forget he’s there. Moreover, it doesn’t have any of the rattling or air blowing that can drive you crazy.

Keep your feet toasty at the dinner table? And I’m not saying; buy a pair of wool socks, which isn’t a bad option. I’m recommending a floor heater to keep everyone feeling toasty at the dinner table. Who knows, maybe it’ll get your kids to start talking at dinner instead of wanting to be excused to watch TV (which is something I would do). Check out this heater from Honeywell.

Has your home been NEST-ed? If not, what are you waiting for? It’s the power to control the temperature of your home from any mobile device. It’s the opportunity to save money on your energy bill but still making sure that your home is warm before you walk through the door. Win win. Nest is the best, I mean; they won Consumer Electronic Show’s Best of Innovation Award in Eco-Design and Sustainable Technology. That’s pretty dope. If you fear the installation process, don’t be, it’ll take less than 30 minutes. It’s installed via your WiFi network and can be controlled by any device. You got this.

Enjoy the magic of winter. And make sure to stay warm. But more importantly, get your home ready for the ultimate hibernation vacation.


Leila Pejman

By Leila Pejman, Home and Lifestyle

Leila Pejman is a producer and storyteller whose work encompasses content creation, media, social media, and communications, topped off with a passion for emerging technologies. On the domestic side, she’s on a mission to create the best quinoa muffin recipe.  


Leila Pejman
Leila Pejman is a producer and storyteller whose work encompasses content creation, media, social media, and communications, topped off with a passion for emerging technologies. On the domestic side, she's on a mission to create the best quinoa muffin recipe.

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