{ Posts Tagged ‘winter’ }

win a winter warm-up package from indigo

Is this winter never going to end? In my neck of the woods, we’re bracing for the snowstorm of the year. Meteorologists are promising us a good walloping over the next two days. Great. Fantastic. Wunderbar. As we prepare to hunker down for the next little while, I thought you could all use a little pick-me-up. And what better way to while away the days while winter rages outside, than inside wrapped up in a warm blanket with a hot cup of tea and an un-put-downable book? I don’t know about you but that’s my favourite way to snub winter’s fury. Take that, snow!

So here’s what’s up for grabs, all courtesy of Indigo:

indigo newsletter 460x274 win a winter warm up package from indigo

Secret Daughter ($19.99)
Light Grey Library Throw ($10)
Get Happy Tea ($13.99)
The Paris Wife ($29.95)

Simply leave a comment below sharing your best tip for making your home happy during the cold winter months and I’ll choose the winning response.

Contest closes February 28, 2011 at 12pm EST. Open to all residents of Canada, except those in Quebec. Not open to any Transcontinental Media employees, their families, or any other persons with whom they reside.

Good luck!

Update: Congratulations to our winner Jane. And thanks to everyone for entering!

blankets from scandia down

Baby, it’s cold outside! Snuggle up and keep warm with these cozy throws, perfect for a winter’s night.
scandia home blankets from scandia down
1 Cableknit Alpaca Throw
$350.00

2 Tonal Alpaca Throw
$475.00

3 Cashmere Fringed Throw
$1,150.00

Visit scandiadown.com for more information and to purchase online.

ian saude blankets

ian saude blankets ian saude blankets
I don’t know what the weather’s like where you live but where I live, it’s getting c-c-cold. I’ve officially traded in my spring/fall coat for something with a bit more heft and I’ve hauled out my scarves and gloves from their summertime hibernation. Brrrr! Some may call it crisp. I just call it cold. Some may call it brisk. I just call it blustery. There’s definitely a nip in the air but what I love most about the chill that chases me home is the comfort that can be found (or created!) indoors. Blankets, candles, pillows, a roaring fire and a hot cup of tea … these are just a few of the joys of winter.

I love these blankets from designer Ian Saude. Made from cashmere, the most luxurious fabric of all, these throws just ooze warmth and comfort. There’s something a little bit traditional, a little bit modern about them but either way, they look like the perfect thing to snuggle up with on a chilly night. For more information, visit iansaude.com.

stylist’s secret: snowball maker

picture 1 stylists secret: snowball makerI’m armed and ready for winter with this fantastic find that every kid — at heart, and otherwise — needs to have handy if a snowball fight is on the agenda for the holidays. The two scoops come together to form perfectly round snowballs for the winter warrior-slash-aesthete. This is also an invention with decorative applications, too, I suppose I should mention. Check out how our talented stylist Andrea McCrindle used a similar to device to create stylish snowy spheres for her outdoor decor story in our December 2008 issue, on stands now!

 

Pair of instant snowball makers

Price: $10

Available at: Winners, 877-946-6877

winter whites at west elm

west elm winter whites at west elmWhen it comes to both fashion and decor, the fall and winter months are often a time for going dark. We tend to cast aside our bright, white, spring- and summer-coloured accessories and trade them in for warm, dark, cozy coloured ones. Light cottons make way for heavy wools and pastels step aside for charcoals and rusts. But when you think about it, what says winter more than white? These pure ceramic vases from West Elm are bright and inviting, and summon a feeling of crisp brisk winter days. There`s a real textural appeal to these and I love the contrast a cluster produces against a coloured wall.

Prices:
Woodland whites set: $59; Honeycomb cylinder vase: $29 each; Honeycomb bud vase: $9 each; Wood-grain planter: $29 each

Available at: West Elm, visit westelm.com for more information

vera wang ornaments

verawang vera wang ornamentsSilver bells… And trees and pigs! Celebrated designer Vera Wang expands her silver collection with a little holiday cheer. These new holiday ornaments are festive offshoots of her existing patterns for Waterford Wedgwood, and make for fantastic host gifts.

Price: $35 each

Available at: Waterford Wedgwood, 800-668-7585

festive glass

hs b2 festive glass2006 was the year of crackle glass ornaments. In 2007, mercury glass decked our halls. What’s on the way for holiday decorating in 2008? Check out this stunning series from HomeSense. Departing from traditional mercury, these pearly gems are frosted on the outside, with mercury glass lining the inside, setting the stage for a lusciously layered look this winter.

You’ll forgive the early holiday posting, but with that wintry wind whipping through the streets of Toronto today, I found myself scanning the sky for snowflakes…

Frosted mercury glass holiday decor

Price: From $15 to $40 each

Available at: HomeSense, 866-466-3707 for stores