Canadian Living

For many of us, it doesn’t take long for winter weariness to set in after the holiday hustle is over. As soon as the new year rings in, it seems, the January blues and February blahs quickly follow. But maybe we should look at it differently. After all, part of what we love about our country is its four distinct seasons, so let’s give a nod to a few special things we love about this one. HOT CHOCOLATE AND SOUPS. Each season has its own culinary hallmarks, like fall’s apple pies and spring’s fresh asparagus. Winter is the time for warming drinks (like our cover star this issue) and hearty soups (check out our “Winter Warmers” story on page 78). ANIMAL TRACKS IN THE SNOW. Spotting the trails of bunnies, foxes and deer…

1 BOOT CAMP If you’ve given up on trying to find knee-high boots that fit around your calf, you’re definitely not alone. Now you can try on a pair of DuoBoots for size, and guess what? They’ll fit! The U.K. - based company sells specialized designs for boots that fit a range of sizes from five to 12 and calf widths from 30 to 50 centimetres. Choose from an extensive collection of footwear that’s fashionable, flattering and comfortable. Belmore Knee-High BOOTS in Burgundy Leather, $422, duoboots.com. 2 Eyes on the prize On January 24th, Canada’s most prestigious annual fiction anthology, The Journey Prize Stories, is releasing its highly anticipated 33rd edition. With a special focus on introducing and celebrating our country’s best emerging Black writers, selected by a jury of award-winning authors, this book…

TEST KITCHEN TIP For a quicker version, replace the vanilla pod with 1 tsp vanilla extract and omit the steeping step. CREAMY VANILLA HOT CHOCOLATE MAKES 4 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 17 MINUTES 2 ½ cups 2% milk¾ cup 35% whipping cream3 tbsp granulated sugar1 vanilla pod, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped180 g 70% dark chocolate, chopped Toppings (optional) whipped creamcinnamon sticksmini marshmallowscaramel sauceamaretti cookiesstar anisechocolate shavings In saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar and vanilla pod and seeds. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved and small bubbles form around edge, about 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Discard vanilla pod. Stir in chocolate. Return saucepan to heat and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until chocolate has melted and mixture is thick, about 2 minutes. Divide hot chocolate…

Fresh start Thanks to these powerful products that have retinol and acids at the heart of their formulas, you’ll be ready to begin the new year fresh-faced, fabulous and ready to go. Boasting an impressive 25 percent alpha hydroxy acid and 2 percent beta hydroxy acid blend, this at-home mask is pro quality, delivering a smooth, baby-soft complexion you’ll love. Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this dermatologist-tested cleanser removes buildup, dissolves dead skin cells and polishes all in one easy step. It’s hard to beat the effectiveness of this super duo of retinol and retinal (two members of the retinoid family) that stimulate cellular turnover to improve the appearance of wrinkles, texture and hyperpigmentation in record time. Struggling with acne-prone skin? You’re going to want this peel in your arsenal. It exfoliates deeply to…

Smell of success Walk down any department store perfume aisle and you’ll find row after row of scents created by fashion designers, small niche companies and even the newest up-and-coming singer or influencer. There are so many options, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed, but with these tips, you’ll discover your signature scent in no time. 1. Narrow down your options by scent family. Most of us have one or two olfactory families that we gravitate to more than the others. The easiest way to reveal yours is to take a look at the scents you already own to see if they skew more fruity, woody, or something else. If you’re just starting your perfume collection, consider the types of candles you love, or that particular shower gel scent you can’t get…

What causes tired-looking eyes? The eye area, where the skin is about four times thinner than on the rest of the face, tends to high-light not only lack of sleep, but also stress and dehydration. The appearance of dark circles, often caused by dilated blood vessels, or puffiness caused by fluid retention are classic signs. However, there can be a range of causes for these woes, both internal and external, so if you have any specific concerns, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about them. Morning routine Adopting an energizing morning routine can help combat the look of tired eyes. After waking up, start your day with a glass of water, followed by a walk in the fresh air or a meditation session, then a cool shower. Next, do some light…