Hey, hey. I’m back with another round of Favourite Things! This edition is mostly about how to stay warm and festive – topics that are very much on my mind as we slide into another Canadian winter. Also, I have a question for readers at the end of this post so, if nothing else, please scroll through to the bottom so you can chime in (I need winter footwear feedback…again)!
Now, let’s chat recent favourites.
HEATING MAT
File this under something I never expected to buy – or even knew existed – but when Engie wrote about her desk heating mat (which goes under your keyboard and mouse) I started wondering if such a thing existed for the floor. Cold feet are my nemesis. Once my feet get cold, that chill spreads into my bones and all hope is lost; it’s a foregone conclusion I am doomed to be a frozen ice block until I can take a long, scalding shower.
Well, such a mat DOES exist and I purchased one. From the second I turned it on, I have been obsessed. There is a button you can click with your foot to cycle through various temperature settings (I think it ranges from 85 – 145 F). If you ever get cold feet – and not the commitment kind – this might be the gadget you didn’t know you needed in your life.
I always, always unplug it whenever I leave the office because, well, I don’t think you can be too careful when it comes to heating devices.
DIGITAL LOCK
Ever since moving into our house SEVEN YEARS AGO we have had a very finicky door handle lock that has resulted in us getting locked out of our house numerous times. While I was visiting my parents, John took the lead on fixing the problem and we are now the proud owners of a digital lock. It is amazing.
We haven’t had it long enough for me to provide feedback on the specific model we bought (Weiser Powerbolt 3) but so far it has been awesome. It’s so nice to not worry about getting locked out of the house – go figure. It’s so nice to be able to set temporary codes and have unique codes for different family members. It’s amazing that the lock can be automatically set to lock behind you. It’s wonderful to not have to have fumble for keys. It’s fantastic that the keypad is backlit. Obviously, I’m already a VERY BIG FAN!!!
REUSABLE CHRISTMAS BOXES
Over the years I’ve built up a small collection of Christmas boxes and I have to admit I like them a lot more than Christmas bags which never seem as festive as a box (and they don’t stack very well). I haven’t actually purchased any of the boxes in my stash, but they come into the house one way or another and I always save them. They’re great for wrapping odd-sized items and I have a specific box of boxes on a shelf in our storage room that is just reusable Christmas boxes! For the most part, I use them for gifting things to people inside my home, so on Christmas morning once the presents are put away, I nest our Christmas boxes inside one another and stash them away to be used another year.
GUM IN A BOTTLE
I chew quite a lot of gum and find it a nuisance to have to punch out pieces (or unwrap them and then dispose of a wrapper). I have been LOVING gum in a bottle where every piece is unwrapped and I also feel like you get more gum for a lower price? 60 pieces for $3.50!
I have a bottle in my vehicle and another in our kitchen pantry.
CANADIAN PASSPORTS
I have always gotten a surge of joy when I receive a new passport, but I’m especially thrilled with the design, layout, and materials used in the new Canadian passports.
COMPATIBLE TOOTHBRUSH HEADS
Electric toothbrush heads are not cheap and Belle desperately needed some replacements. The brand name ones were pricey, but Amazon fed me a knock-off compatible brand ($11.88 for 8 heads). They’ve arrived, work like a charm, and cost a tiny fraction of what the Oral-B heads would have cost (braces are hard on toothbrush heads).
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
I have a fairly minimalistic decorating style but it still makes me…really happy. And it’s definitely a favourite this time of year! More pictures to come – I’ll do a decoration roundup at some point in December.
CUSTOM CALENDARS
I’ve been making custom photo calendars for a handful of family members for years (and years). It always starts off feeling like a bit of a slog, triumphant when I finally order them, and nerve-wracking to open up the package and see how the calendars looks in real life.
This year I am extremely happy with how they turned out; I also adjusted my approach to building the calendars which made the process less onerous.
WINTER BOOTS RECOMMENDATIONS
A few years ago I wrote a blog post asking people for feedback about different winter boot brands. Then my blog got deleted – and with it the comment gold that was reader feedback.
Here’s what I’m looking for in a new pair of winter boots. They need to be:
- Warm
- Waterproof
- Suitable for walking quasi-long distances (so not too heavy/clunky).
- Warm
- Fashionable or at least fashionable-adjacent
- Warm
I have never bought a single pair of winter boots brand new, and I’ve lived the last decade+ with either Sorel’s or Kamik’s purchased second hand. Both brands have been fine…and I currently am using a set of $19 Sorel’s I thrifted a few years ago. But I hate the lacing, find they rub on the back of my ankles and, most tragically, they aren’t overly warm. I’m already grouchy enough as it is about winter weather, and suboptimal boots likely aren’t helping the situation.
I have been eyeing the UGG Adirondack III Boot since a friend told me the only boots on the planet that manage to keep her feet warm are UGGs (but I don’t want suede – I need whatever boots I buy to be extremely versatile).
Here’s where you come in. Firstly, anyone out there with feedback to offer about UGG Adirondacks? I know they’re pricey, but I feel like they’ll be a decade-long investment? Any other go-to brand that meet my criteria above you want to throw in the ring?
Your turn. What are your recent favourites? How do you feel about gift bags/boxes? What is your favourite tool/accessory for staying warm in a cold climate?
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Maria
Boot talk first… although not fashionable I think bog boots check off your other criteria. I had one pair last 10 years and finally retired it this spring and was thrilled to find another pair second hand this summer.
I read one of the lines about how you store your Christmas boxes on a shelf just as I scrolled far enough to see the top of the picture of boxes in dollarama, but not the bottom half or caption. I was amazed at how many Christmas boxes you have 😂
The new passport design is cool! Have to admit though to being a bit sad that when I eventually get mine it won’t match the rest of the family.
Elisabeth
Bogs are tempting because of how easy they are to slip on/off, but I don’t think I’d want to walk long distances in them? They’re also not *quite* as dressy as I would hope for – that said, practicality needs to win out here. I’ve always loved them for my kids, so suppose it might be time for me to get a pair!
Yay for finding shoes second hand. They can be soooo expensive (and it tends to be harder to find good quality shoes still in good shape). Gold stars for that find.
That would be A LOT of Christmas boxes!!! I’ll store them at the store until I need more 😉
Birchie
Guess what my favorite thing about staying in Airbnbs is? That they almost always have digital locks. I don’t have to remember to lock the door, and I don’t have to carry a key. It’s magic. So I am jealous that you have a digital lock at home now.
If I was still working in an office I’d get the warming mat in a heartbeat. All of the offices that I worked in were SO COLD. My favorite part of WFH besides everything is that I can control the thermostat and that I can bundle up in a blanket at my desk.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
THAT’S your favorite thing? 🙂 Just kidding; I hate it when I have to meet a real person. Digital locks are great!
Elisabeth
GET A DIGITAL LOCK, BIRCHIE. They aren’t expensive and they are fabulous.
Jenny
I wish heating mats had been a thing when I was growing up! My feet were ALWAYS cold in the winter, and by that I mean I literally don’t think they ever warmed up. Not even in bed. Maybe in the shower. For a minute, until I got out. It was miserable.
I also like Christmas boxes and that is a nice selection from the Dollar Store! I wonder if we have them at our Dollar Stores? I’ll have to check it out.
Sorry I can’t help you with the boot situation! I’m sure you’ll get some great ideas though. And- I’m looking forward to seeing your Christmas decorations!
Elisabeth
I’d never heard of a heating mat, but I will be singing their praises for a while. Our office is in the basement, so the floors get extra cold. And I’d wear socks + Crocs, but they would always end up cold. This has been the perfect solution.
Nicole MacPherson
I’m going to go rogue here and say that I wouldn’t recommend Uggs. Not because they aren’t warm – they are – but because I don’t think they have great soles for ice. Now, maybe it’s changed in the past 15 years but that was my experience. I just bought a pair of Timberlands and they were pricey but my feet were hurting from my old worn down boots. I also have Baffin and Kamik. I don’t thrift shoes (or anything because that would require me going to a store) but I buy from Mark’s. Often they have sales – I think right now is a good time because they have “early Black Friday week” (words have no meaning anymore, wtf is early Black Friday week IN CANADA). Where was I going with this? Oh yes, Mark’s. For my money they have the best winter boots for our cold winters. My feeties stayed warm EVEN IN CALGARY even when it was -40 with windchill and yes, I DID GO FOR A WALK IN THOSE TEMPERATURES.
Now, a heating mat! I must have missed Engie’s post about that because what an amazing invention!
Sophie
Nicole, we now have Black Friday sales in Australia and we aren’t even on the same CONTINENT as the people for whom this holiday is relevant! Globalisation and commercialisation at work (though, I don’t mind some of the sales themselves!). Ha!
Kyria @ Travel Spot
Well at least AI doesn’t think it’s your nation’s favorite holiday. It’s not a holiday; it is an ode to conspicuous consumerism. Although I do like to leave a few things in my Amazon cart to see if they go down in price next week… 🙂
Elisabeth
“It’s not a holiday; it is an ode to conspicuous consumerism.”
Yes…and also…I’m hoping to score a great deal on winter boots 😉
Elisabeth
Yes to all of this. Also, we have Black Friday (not even pre-Black Friday) sales starting tomorrow BUT AMERICAN THANKSGIVING ISN’T UNTIL NEXT week.
Elisabeth
Thank you for all this information (and for so patiently answering all my follow-up questions). I will report back. Crossing my fingers for some GREAT sales at Mark’s over the next week.
And I loved learning they have a temperature guide. INVALUABLE.
mbmom11
I stay warm by dressing in many layers and piling on scarves. I wear my jacket while teaching in the winter because parts of my building are so cold. It’s weird because I was always too warm as a kid.
I am tempted by a heated shawl or gloves, but cannot justify it. I will warm up a heated pad (damp dishtowel in a zip lock back) to hug and stuff in my jacket if it gets really bad.
Buy the good boots – you will certainly get a good return on the investment. Wearing boots that rub your heel and don’t keep your feet warm is not good. There are times when you can take thrift too far.
Elisabeth
I don’t remember being cold a lot as a kid, either. I’ve been better the last year or two because I’ve become more persistent in fixing the issue (if I’m cold I don’t have to just suck it up, I CAN try to make it better – why did it take me so long to realize that?).
I love heating up Magic Bags, especially if I’m cold in bed, but I found they would get cold so quickly if I put them under my feet in the office. Having something stay a steady temperature has just been amazing.
Yes – I need to get good boots and I agree that sometimes thrifting is not the way to go. I’m always so stubborn because I get the sense if I just waited a *bit* longer I’d find the perfect pair for rock-bottom prices. But I am fortunate enough to have the financial flexibility to buy a pair of new winter boots, and I bet it would make winter life a lot more pleasant. What am I waiting for…(well, aside from a sale – I might not be thrifting this set, but I’m not going to buy anything full price)!
Maureen
Our house that we purchased 2 years ago came with a digital lock. And the cars we drive have key fobs. We never have to take the keys out of our pockets/purses because of these 2 features. Once we approach the vehicles, they unlock. And with the digital lock, you just have to key in a bunch of numbers. We do have keys for the front door just in case the battery runs out in the digital lock. Just remember that part!
I love new passports! And I’m glad you get to keep the old ones to remind you of the places you have traveled.
I do not have any suggestions on boots as I don’t live in snow country anymore. When we lived in the Albany, NY area, I wore LL Bean Duck boots and my feet were always, always cold. I was happy when I sold my pair, but my husband is mad we sold his. We were moving to Florida after all! Now we are in WV and it doesn’t snow as much as Upstate NY, so I have a pair of hiking insulated boots that I will wear.
Elisabeth
Our key fobs are like that too. I’d never had that in a vehicle before and now both have that functionality and it is a gamechanger. We have house keys with us at all times, too. Just in case. But I haven’t used them a single time since we installed the digital lock.
I don’t actually keep my old passports (why?), but my husband keeps every single one and I’ve kept the kids because I figure just because I don’t have any desire to keep mine, maybe they’ll want all of theirs?
Ernie
I hate it when my feet are cold. I want to get our fireplace to have an auto-fire start thing, so I can flip a switch and start a fire. The family room is the coldest room in the house as it butts up against the garage and two sides are exterior walls, and the other side is joined to the kitchen. My latest favorite thing is my new phone. I’m still learning the iPhone thing, but having a phone that functions is amazing.
I love LOVE my sorel boots that I bought when we went to Ireland a year and a half ago. I don’t remember what the name of the specific boot is, but I can look it up. I They are waterproof, comfortable, and cute. They probably work better with skinny jeans vs flare. We hiked/walked a ton and they didn’t feel clunky, but my feet never hurt (or my low back, which is my problem when I wear shoes without support).
Elisabeth
Our propane fireplace has an auto starter and it is lovely. I don’t use it much, but sometimes if me feet were desperately cold, I would turn it on and put my feet against the grate and leave them there until they finally thawed out!
NGS
The last two pairs of boots I have are Columbia boots with Omniheat and they have been a game changer. I wear them with thin wool socks and my feet are literally never cold. I walk the dog for a couple of miles every day in the winter and I will whine about every other body part (hands, head, legs), but my feet are SOLID. I don’t know anything about the UGG boots, but I will preach about the Columbia boots forever and ever. The Omniheat technology is real and not just a gimmick. Yes, I did pay a bit for them, but I purchased them for 40% off at the end of the season (in February) and honestly they are worth it.
Elisabeth
Engie, I am taking notes. NOTES. You and Nicole walk more than any other humans I know, so when you speak I listen.
I am going to take these notes to the store and I am going to see what prices will come my way during Black Friday sales. And I will do it. I’m a grown woman and it’s time to finally buy some new boots.
Colleen Martin
The digital key pad has been so handy for us with all these people in and out, not having to worry about keys. I have a pair of tall sorrell boots you can have if we are the same size…8.5? I wore them exactly once but found them hard to walk in and didn’t want to hurt my husband’s feelings who bought them for me, so they just sit in my closet. And I just got passports for two kids and the US passports also now have the hard plastic picture page – such an upgrade!
Elisabeth
A digital lock would be AMAZING for a large family. Even for our little quartet (and Indy doesn’t have a code at this point), it has made like just a little bit more seamless, which I always appreciate.
Alas, I’m a size 9, and I think I’ll give Sorel’s a break? They just don’t seem to fit me that comfortably. I’ve had a few thrifted pairs over the years. I suppose the fact that the nicest boots I find at thrift stores seem to be Sorel’s make me think people aren’t keeping them very long?
I loved the hard plastic picture – sturdier AND it should make finding the picture page much easier when presenting passports for airport security/boarding.
Lisa’s Yarns
I have Sorels and like them but will be referencing this post when I need to buy new ones! The timberland ones that NGS mentioned sound great. I have had my sorels for 4-5 years so they have held up really well!
The key pad is amazing. I would love that as I am always trying to dig keys out of my cavernous purse!
NGS
Lisa, they’re COLUMBIA, not Timberland. And I got them at the Mall of America at the Columbia store where I tried on half a dozen pairs. Unbeatable boots.
Elisabeth
Like I said…NOTES, Engie. Taking notes. I haven’t even tried on a pair, but I feel like I’m sold.
Elisabeth
Buy a keypad, Lisa. I know you’re frugal and a minimalist, but I can almost guarantee you will not regret buying a digital lock!!!
Sophie
Unfortunately, as you can imagine, I have absolutely no idea about winter boots! But that heated floor mat sounds amazing, I would have loved that when I was still living in a cooler climate. That new passport looks very cool!
I like the idea of gift boxes, definitely been getting into gift bags for presents for people outside the house, but there’s something about ripping off Christmas wrapping paper on Christmas morning that reminds me of my childhood Christmas, that I can’t let go of for my own children (yet!).
Elisabeth
I can imagine, and it is a lovely dream. No need for winter boots!!!
My general rule of thumb is if it’s easy to wrap in paper, I use paper. If it’s not, I use a bag or gift box. I agree that unwrapping paper is the most fun, no questions. But I love how little mess the boxes produce (none) and they can be used over and over again. Though if I get a great piece of wrapping paper than manages to stay intact, I will fold it up and keep it until the next year to wrap stocking stuffers.
Alexandra
First of all, I’ve tried and discarded several pairs of boots over the years since moving to Quebec. None of them were ideal or very warm despite being told this one or that one were good to 40 below. And that’s with 2 pair of socks on, thin wool, and thick hiking socks. I either have crap circulation or I still haven’t found the right boots. So I’m watching this post with anticipation.
Secondly, that heating pad? I’m adding that to my Christmas list. I so want one.
Passports? I got my first ever Canadian passport not 2 months ago and … I really, really don’t like it. It is sooo stiff! My OH has the old version, which I prefer, as it can be squashed in anywhere. The new one? Not so much.
And we’ve been using reusable boxes and padded envelopes at Christmas for a while now. So much easier.
Elisabeth
I am treating everything Nicole and Engie say as gospel. I will report back once I finally make a choice!!!
The foot heating pad has just been wonderful for me. Exactly what I needed, even though I didn’t know it existed until a month ago.
Hmmm. Good point about the new passport not being flexible. I always store mine in a specific pouch, so it won’t bother me much, but I wonder if I’ll be an enthusiastic when I actually start travelling with it…?
Padded envelopes…like bubble wrap envelopes? I need more details! I’m always on the hunt for new ways to streamline the wrapping process.
Alexandra
I’ll be paying close attention to see what you come up with. And the foot pad? I’ll be looking this weekend to see if I can find something, if not, I’ll take to online shopping.
I usually keep my passport in a leather wallet, but this new one? Too stiff to get in the wallet. So I’ll have to look at other options. And personally, that make this stiff page so easy to cut out and steal, like really? I’m sure that wasn’t the intention.
Oh, the envelopes I got at the Dollar store here, Dollarama. They sell all sorts of Christmas themed packaging. So damn cheap too.
Elisabeth
Hmmm. I never thought about the stiffer passport being an issue, but I can see that now!
Michelle G.
I love your slippers! And decorative boxes! I wish I could find some perfect winter boots too. I have difficult feet!
Elisabeth
My feet get sore easily and are wide and big. Sigh. Also, they get cold when the temperature drops below 10C. So I am basically an ice block from November through to April.
Alyssa
I don’t have a great suggestion for warm boots, but, I live in upstate NY and I’ll often use Hot Hands (look on Amazon) to shove in the toe to help my feet stay warm.
Elisabeth
They make them for feet, too – they come with little sticky tabs on the bottom to stick to socks! I want to buy a few sets for skiing this winter (Indy’s feet always get cold).
Sara
I am a boot evangelist. I am obsessed with my Blundstone boots. I bought them with a coupon on an REI sale. I cannot tell you how they have changed my life. With a pair of wool socks—they are CHEF’S KISS. I am extremely rough on all footwear. And nothing ever lasts me very long and these look brand new and have been put through the wringer. I will never wear another everyday boot, since I feel like so rarely do I need anything else. My second favorite for wetter weather are LLBean boots. I found mine brand new for $14 thrifting.
Elisabeth
I also LOVE my Blundstones. That said, I never find them warm enough for many winter days + I need something that can be worn in deep snow (as needed) for things like sledding. But I wear Blundstones all the time. To me they are worth the investment – and I wear them 9ish months of the year.
Gigi
Ok, I am DEFINITELY asking for that mat for Christmas! It’s the first cold-ish day here and my feet have been frozen since I woke up.
Elisabeth
The mat is amazing. I don’t think you’ll regret putting this on your Christmas wish list.
sustainablemum
This post is a treasure trove of things I have never heard of, digital locks? I cannot visualise how they work or maybe I have seen them and we call them something different. Our front door only locks when you use a key to lock it so it is impossible to be locked out, however that relies on you locking the door in the first place. When the children were really little my mushy brain forgot on occasions.
I have never seen Christmas boxes for sale here either but they are genius especially for reusing. We wrap in Christmas fabric, our version of reusable and takes up less space too, although I love that your boxes are stackable.
I don’t think you can get gum in the can either but as I don’t buy gum, I guess I wouldn’t know!
I would love a heating mat, my desk at home is right under a window which is long over due for replacement and at this time of year I get really cold working. A heat mat would just the thing to get my feet warm as I hear you on the never warming up if you don’t take a hot shower thing, although our wood burning stove is pretty good a warming you up and the rest of the house, I wouldn’t be without one now.
I don’t know if you would like my winter boot suggestion as they are a barefoot type boot, they are not ultra thin but they do have a fairly smooth sole which is fine in snow but you have to walk very differently so might not be a good introduction if you have never worn that type of shoe before. My daughter has some lovely new winter boots which she hasn’t worn in snow yet but they have a good tread, they are also barefoot type so they might not be what you are after either. Mine are a Camper Peu model which don’t seem to be available any more, my daughters are Be Lenka Winter Boots.
Elisabeth
We don’t have a wood stove, but my parents do and the heat is unbeatable. And it really does “thaw” a cold body like nothing else.
A digital lock opens when codes are entered (and you can set different codes). You push buttons of a keypad. No key requires. I am loving it!
I’m using some fabric for Christmas wrapping this year as well.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I love your heated mat! My Mom would love it; when I am at her house, I have to strip down naked and walk around the house because she gets cold easily. She will also never buy another car without a heated steering wheel. Once you go there, you can’t go back! I can’t really speak much to boots; I had Ugg slippers and the sole on them was superb, so I actually wear them outside! I have boots that are similar, but they are by Emu, and are so warm, stay dry but are not very rigid so are NOT good for walking a long way (I would assume Uggs would be the same, not a lot of form there). I used to wear Havana Joe, which were great, and made of leather, so if you treated them every year, they were pretty much waterproof, so, great for snow! However, they are work boots, so are not super pretty. Long story short, I don’t know what you should do about boots.
Elisabeth
Ha! I think I’d fit right in at your Mom’s place. I am always cold!
We have a heated steering wheel now – never did before – and it is AMAZING. So, so amazing.
Don’t worry if you can’t give advice because Engie and Nicole have the boot thing covered!
iHanna
I have an electric heating pad in bed and an electric blanket that I move around if needed, but now is in my computer chair and my entire body gets tasty when needed! Love it.
Never heard of one for the floor but if it I didn’t have the big blanket I’d get that one too. Cold feet are (regrettably) horrible!
iHanna
Noooooo not tasy, I wanted to write “toasty”, I think that is a word that can describe being really warm? *blushes*
over & out
Elisabeth
Toasty DOES mean warm (usually comfortably warm; it suggests something that feels really good and is happy).
Elisabeth
My mom has electric blankets. I feel like they’re not really a “thing” anymore. Were they a fire hazard? It feels like they could be, but she loves to turn it on before she gets into bed.
J
I know nothing about warm shoes anymore. I had a pair that kept my feet warm when I lived in Philadelphia, but that’s not Canada cold, and that was 30 years ago. I did see something about headed insoles the other day, but I’m guessing that the boots Nicole and Engie are talking about are the ones you should spend some money on. Good luck getting them on sale!
Elisabeth
I have already started to do in-store research and actually looked at a pair of boots Nicole owns (or has owned) tonight!!
San
I have UGGs. They’re not the kind you want but I can attest that UGGs keep your feet warm 🙂 There’s also something Moon Boots (don’t know if you heard of them)… they look funky, but I always had them as a kid (and young adult) when we went skiing and they were so warm. Not the most fashionable though.
BTW, that heating mat for your feet sounds like perfection. I also loathe cold feet because once my feet are cold, everything else is cold as well.
Your Canadian passports are really pretty! 🙂
Kyria @ Travel Spot
We used to wear moon boots as kids too! I thought they went out in the 80s!
San
They still exist!! 🙂
Elisabeth
Moon boots are quite a statement!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
I love with my hot water bottle. And I fill it with boiling water, This way when I wake up in the morning it is still slightly warm. Downside… I get burnt frequently. The husband is not amused when he sees my stomach.
I can not provide any input gearing the boots. sorry.
Stephany
Obviously, I cannot help with the boot quandary, but I will say that I hear you on the cold feet. It finally got a bit cooler here in FL and I forgot how much I hate how easily my feet get cold!!
I just bought a digital keypad! I just need to make sure my apartment is cool with me installing it.
Elisabeth
I can pretty much guarantee you will love it!