Whether or not you wanted it, Ottawa, it has come! The real deal winter we thought had forgotten us. First, the dumping of snow that turned our city’s greener pastures into a winter wonderland, then the frigid temperatures and windchill we thought maybe, just maybe, we had escaped. Nope!

We’ve dug into our closets, purse bottoms, and kitchen cupboards to come up with our favourite things to get us through these next few months.

Lisa Barrett – Sales
Fresh Flowers – seriously nothing cheers me up when the winter blues hit more than a bouquet of flowers. And a hit list of great movies to watch. I usually make a list as the year goes and when life slows down a bit, I do marathon watching!

Julia Wallace – Sales
My Glerup slippers. I wear them all year but I leave them at the front door in winter and place them on my feet as soon as I come in the door. They are so cozy. Mine are bright red. Love them. Glebe Trotters is where mine were purchased. Amazing.

Nicolina Leone – Editorial Assistant
Burt’s Bees lip balm. I use it everywhere – lips, cheeks, nose, knuckles, under eye (great for ridding dark circles or bags, be wary of light stinging, though).

Dee Campbell – Sales
The proper clothing that allows me to get outside! Whether it’s building a snowman/tobogganing/snowshoeing with my toddler, attempting skiing with a friend, or hobbling around on our local rink, I need insulating layers, water-resistant pants and coat, -40C boots, and a warm hat, neck warmer and gloves.

Kelsey Kromodimoeljo – Sales Coordinator
This kitchen pantry staple has become an essential skincare remedy for me this winter. I apply virgin coconut oil over my face and body every night before bed and I wake up feeling super soft. It’s the richest moisturizer you can ever use and it’s all-natural, so no worries about chemicals!

And I’m in love with my faux fur vest this season. It instantly creates a more wintery and glamorous look and gives an extra layer of warmth.

Jane Corbett ­ – Art Director (and reigning Pinterest queen)
Oil of Oregano. If you feel a cold coming on, you take three drops, three times a day. It may not prevent the cold, but will shorten the duration of it. It has a strong, bitter taste, so wash it down with a glass of water.

Matt Harrison – Senior Editor
A wooly hat like the one I’ve been sporting… in-val-uable.

Jeff Eustace – Graphic Design
Every winter, I pull out my Blundstone boots. They’ve lasted me for years and are my footwear of choice for the chilly season. They’re perfect for the short walk to the car or around the corner for an errand. And not too hot to wear in the office.

Ruth Dunley – Editor
Gin.