I hate winter. For real. I would be so much happier living on the beach or someplace where snow is only seen in Christmas movies. For me and many Canadians winter, according to us, should end on February 15th. Of course for Christmas it's magical and romantic for Valentine's Day, and after that? It's cold, icy and never ending!
With that being said, I have no plans of moving to the Carribean Islands, I have to find activities that will make this season feel shorter and not as difficult to get through.
I anticipate the cold weather in October with vitamin D (I'm not a doctor, so please refer to your healthcare professional if this can work for you). Without these drops I have trouble getting out of bed, off the couch and all my joy leaves my body.
I then follow it up with filling my social calendar (following public health measures during this pandemic) with friends and family. Dinner, afternoon cooking sessions, walks, going to the movies...the more I have plans, the more my happiness index goes up.
And finally, I go outside, dressed warmly. Not with little magic gloves, a short jacket and fashion boots! If you live in Quebec you HAVE TO own a pair of snow pants, warm mittens or gloves, a proper coat and a tuque...dress appropriately and participate in a winter activity. It doesn't matter which one, cross-country skiing, skating, snow shoeing, ski doo-ing, tobogganing, walking in nature, fat bike. In our case, alpine skiing is our family activity of choice. The kids take lessons, we usually have another family with us as well and everyone gets to socialize and have fun.
So now, even though the cold season is not my favorite, I've found ways to stop complaining (and hot pockets in my mittens also help!) and to give the example to my kids that you make your own happiness. On that note, I'm leaving you with a yummy hot chocolate recipe to fill up your insulated containers.
À bientôt,
Karine xo
HOT CHOCOLATE
4 Servings
4 cups of your favorite plant based milk or 2% milk
1/4 cup cacao powder
1/2 cup of pieces of whatever chocolate you have on hand
Honey, maple syrup or agave syrup to taste, depending on the type of chocolate used
Warm up the milk on medium heat and once its fuming add all other ingredients.
Whisk until everything is well incorporated and serve immediately.
N.B. Use whatever toppings you love: Whipped cream, marshmallows, Irish cream, cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne..
