Ice Princess

Do you think there's such a thing as cold weather beauty?

I have to believe that there is.

Given that another 25 centimetres of snow just fell over the weekend here in Toronto and that the mercury has barely risen above -10 Celsius in days, there had better be. Otherwise I may as well just give up the ghost and resign myself to spending several months every year packing on extra pounds, sporting dry skin and hair and wearing dreary, shapeless clothing.

But it's hard to be fetching when you're freezing, no question. And staying warm isn't normally very conducive to looking hot.

But as a self-proclaimed diva who makes her home in the Great White North - that's Canada, eh - I believe it behooves me to try. To that end I have a few tips to share before I turn the floor over to all you snow queens out there for your favorite ways to generate heat in the dead of winter.  

My hottest, and therefore coolest, and seriously most effective tip?

That's it right over there: Bag Balm. 

For over 100 years Bag Balm has commonly been used on horses and cows to sooth and repair cracked udders and hooves, which means it's probably powerful enough to work on your dry skin.

I know it works on mine and trust me, my feet are not my best feature in the summer time, never mind in the dead of winter. Before I even consider getting a pedicure, I slather my feet in this stuff, put on socks and marinate overnight. Come morning-time, it's like the soft feet fairy has visited: seriously, it's a freaking miracle.

I also use it on my hands and lately, for under-eye wrinkles. It will leave you as greasy as an oil slick but once you wash it away, the results are pretty extraordinary. You can pick up Bag Balm at most gardening centres.

My second tip, unfortunately, is a little more work and a bit of commitment.

No matter how cold it gets outside, I stay committed to dressing up and wearing fabulous shoes.

I know it's winter. I know you feel like lying in bed for an extra ten minutes every morning and I know you're already wasting those precious minutes clearing snow from the damn car, but trust me you will feel so much better if you can go about your business in style.

Take some time and find yourself a chic hat, scarf and gloves that you can wear all winter - you'll be surprised how much of a pick-me-up this can be. Also, it's fine to wear your warmest boots everywhere, but find a little black canvas bag so you can take along fabulous indoor shoes to wear wherever you're going, to work or play. 

I've been in this habit for years now and it's so freeing to not let my fashion choices be dictated by footwear that can brave the cold. Even if I just go to a neighbor's house for coffee, I throw my killer heels in a bag and cheerily slip them on at the door: it just makes me feel more confident and put-together.

Now, I did get an e-mail from a reader just a few days ago - the lovely Caroline at Parent Club- alerting me to this little invention on the left. (She said she saw it and thought of me; can you imagine? What a darlin').

Anywhoo, what you see there is a uniquely Canadian invention called WinterTrax for Her and it boosts a "unique forefoot only coil design that ensures safe and secure traction when walking in footwear with heels during the winter."

I have yet to try this invention, but I admit to being more than a little intrigued. Do any of you have experience with this?

And better still, do any of you have any further tips to help me and fellow divas continue to generate heat in the bitter cold? Spill!

 

Comments

[Chantal]

I have a container of bag balm collecting dust in my medicine cabinet. Time to haul it out!

[kgirl]

Um... have sex in the shower?

[Jen]

I have to admit, I've used bag balm for dry skin!

Recently I noticed that a very expensive, high intensity, "dermatologist recommended" hand cream (goo more like) that I buy is actually the same ingredients as regular old vaseline--petroleum jelly! Sometimes the old timey remedies really work as well or better than the fancy stuff.

[Jobthingy]

ihave not tried the winter trax myself but a friend has an she says they are great.

i also saw them on sale at walmart last week ;)

[katie ~ motherbumper]

I *heart* bag balm - I get mine at Lee Valley. It's serious stuff for serious dry skin.

And my husband seconds kgirls suggestion.

[Leanne]

Ohh. I'm going to Lee Vally for some Bag Balm. As for the rest? Um, I think we need to go south and get a tan, that'll help. :)

[kittenpie]

I'm all obssessed with Body Shop Mango Body Butter, which has the benefit of smelling amazing and tropical, as well as working really well.

Also lip balm is essential. I like Carmex for heavy going, or Burt's Bees or Smith's Rosebud Salve for everyday.

And I don't have those kind of shoe grips, but I had another type when I was preggy with Pumpkinpie in the winter and appreciated the extra traction. The day I flew down the front steps was the day I was NOT wearing them.

[petitegourmand]

all I got is....a weekend in Miami....
But I might just have to go for the bag balm stuff instead.

[Haley-O]

yoga.... hot tea.... CHAPSTICK...!! My lips are A MESS! I have NEVER!