Just a couple of days left…
I can’t believe Christmas is here in just a couple days. Have you done all your Christmas Shopping? Right after Christmas we load up the uhaul and head north!
I have some questions for you Northerner’s and Snow Bunnies.. In just a couple days, right after Christmas, Coach and I will be making our 20 hour drive to Canada. I need to know what is a MUST have for our drive and for our first week in the freezing and snow.
What would you suggest I have with me at all times? I was born and raised in Florida, and I am really at a loss on what a must have would be.
I welcome any thoughts you have for me and for us.
I need to be warned and prepared more. Please tell me it will be okay, and I will not freeze to death.
Comfort me my friends, comfort me. I am freaking out at how many days we have left here in Florida.
As a girl who has lived in New England for most of her life and who’s family had a second house in Canada (though mostly for summer use) I highly recommend a good pair of slippers. And you’ll be fine. It will take a little getting use to, but Canada is amazing. The people there are so friendly!! You’ll love it. And you’ll rock it:)
I agree with Marian. When you have falling snow, you’re going to need a waterproof jacket, like Columbia brand. Be prepared to need dozens of pairs of gloves. I have some in my car, in the coat closets….everywhere. Most importantly, get some waterproof boots like Wellies (with liners).
I’ve found that what I thought would be cute & fun in the snow, make me extremely uncomfortable and cold. Wearing layers & staying dry is the key.
Can’t wait to see you next month.
I recommend an audio book for the drive! Last Fall we drove to New York and our audio book saved our lives from boredom, and getting on each other’s nerves!
You definitely need a warm coat. The warmest one on the market right now is Canada Goose but they are difficult to find in Toronto. Warm and dry boots should be on your list too. Depending on where in TO you are living depends on the kind you require. If you are living downtown, the streets and sidewalks are usually plowed and shovelled. If you are outside of the downtown core, you will need more sensible boots. You will be able to find cute ones though!
I agree with Mrs. Gator, audio books are a must!
Ok, as a born and raised Canadian (East Coast girl growing up – Montreal and outskirts of Ottawa, West Coast girl now- Vancouver)… Here are my “Canadian” essentials
1. Warm coat. I have about 5… I imagine you soon will too. I have a North Face parka and then some dressier pea coats
2. Gloves. Lots and lots of gloves. I have them in my car, in my bag, at my desk, everywhere. I live for leather gloves lined with fur.
3. Uggs – as big in Canada as anywhere else, plus it gets freaking cold and they’re super useful!
4. Lululemon. It’s a yoga brand from Vancouver that’s spread across Canada like wildfire. My friends in Toronto are all obsessed with me sending it to them from Vancouver, but TO has now got it’s own stores
Some of my other recommendations about Toronto?
– Go to Tim Hortons, as “Canadian” as it gets
– Check out Holt Renfrew, our only designer department store
– Great outlet malls just outside Toronto
– Yorkville
– Visit Montreal, it’s amazing and only a quick train ride away
Happy to give any other advice you’d like! Good luck with the drive and move!
I’ve lived in New England my whole life, for the drive I would make sure that you have extra windshield washer fluid, a snow brush, and an ice scrapper, just incase you stop for dinner or something and come back out to find your car dusted with snow.
Gloves, mittens, and hats are a must have. Also a warm coat. I have a bunch but my favorite is my North Face Metropolis. Its knee length and has a slimmer cut than most puffy jackets. Size down if you order it though, it runs big!
OMG!! 20 hours!? I have no tips, since I’m a So Cal girl 🙂 But good luck!!!
I agree with the warm coat, gloves, and boots, and I would add to that list a scarf and chapstick! Not lip gloss, (although you can keep that on you too 🙂 ) but actual chapstick. Hang in there! You will rock it out!
Growing up in Chicago, I live in the city with the biggest and most dramatic changes in in the world. (Russia is second)
I recommend driving leather gloves, never under estimate the power of layering! Also learn quick to start your car 5 to 10 minutes before you plan on driving so you’re not driving in an ice box.
Hope this helps!
Oh my gosh- you neeeed to have a scarf (a real warm one) and mittens in your bag at all times! Keep a set in your car because your steering wheel will be freezing! Lip Medex, a really good moisturizer for your face. Last but not least Smartwool socks. They are the best– a little pricey but so worth it!
I’m a Michigan girl and agree w/ most of the other posters. Warm coat, lots of gloves, cute hat and waterproof boots! Also, Carmex for your lips and Aquaphor for your hands (slather on then wear some cheap, cotton gloves until it soaks in)everything gets chapped up here! Toronto is a fun city and you must visit Niagara Falls and Montreal while you are in the area!
be prepared to use a much heavier face cream becasue the cold air dries skin out! good luck!