Foul-Weather Friends
Great aids to get you through the winter

Laura deCarufel

Decadence with a Difference

Nothing hits the spot after a day outdoors like a cup of hot cocoa. To make that cup more gratifying and guilt-free, choose a mix containing pure, dark organic chocolate, rich in antioxidants and minerals — and buy a fair-trade brand. La Siembra, an award-winning Ottawa-based co-operative offers chocoholics its intense Cocoa Camino line of mixes. And for a great stocking stuffer, try La Siembra’s Panama Extra Dark chocolate bar — 85% blood pressure–lowering cocoa — or the Chili & Spice bar (71%). Mixes: 224-gram tin, $5.50; 100-gram bars, $3.98; www.lasiembra.com

Walk Like a Tibetan

As sure-footed as a yak hoofing its way to a yurt — that’s you this winter with Yaktrax, a lightweight traction device that prevents sliding on ice and packed snow. Inspired by the time-tested folk technology of Tibet, Yaktrax consist of ice-piercing steel coils that attach to the soles of your shoes with rubber bands — much like the winter chains you put on your tires. Yaktrax have earned the seal of approval of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. The Walker model is designed for ordinary perambulators, while the Pro is aimed at runners and hikers. Walker, $30; Pro, $40; www.yaktrax.ca

Glare Busters

Serious skiers never skimp on their gear, no matter what the cost. But even the casual aficionado of the slopes should invest in a pair of goggles to block out snow-reflected ultraviolet (UV) A and B rays. Both of these can seriously damage the cornea, leading to cataracts and, in the worse case, blindness. Oakley offers a line of cutting-edge polarized goggles that provide 100% UV-ray reduction while eliminating most of the visual distortion that comes with tinted eyewear. From $265; www.oakley.ca

Trampled Underfoot

After a long day of changing from heavy ski boots to pinching shoes to cozy slippers, it can be easy to forget the hard-working feet underneath all that footwear. And what better way to treat their oxygen-starved and dried-out skin than with an invigorating foot cream? Cake Beauty offers Cake Walk Triplemint Foot Creme, a tingling concoction of mango butter, avocado oil and — for that extra kick — spearmint and peppermint. It cleans, invigorates and leaves your toes smelling of summer. 3.4 ounces (100 mL), $16; www.cakebeauty.com

This Fleece is Golder

Venturing outside into the cold doesn’t have to entail donning a bulky parka or three layers of sweaters. Advances in heat-retaining clothing have led the way for new fleece jackets and sweaters that combine warmth and comfort with style. Mountain Equipment Co-op offers a wide range of fleeces designed to be worn under a jacket or as a sweater and jacket substitute on warmer winter days. The new Echo Half Zip comes in brown, grey and blue and can be zipped up or down (depending on the weather). It even sports a small accessories pocket on the sleeve. $69; www.mec.ca

These Boots are Made for Workin'

Who says the urban office is the only place for hot couture? Not Marissa McTasney, a tradeswoman-turned-entrepreneur who designs Tomboy Trades, a new line of safety workboots for women in traditional feminine styles and colours. The pink steel-toed boot is Tomboy’s hottest seller, and it can be mixed and matched with tool belts, goggles, helmets and other workwear. Its traction sole and rustproof hardware are ideal not only for the factory but also for wet, slippery streets. Regular price $99.99; online price $69.99, www.homedepot.ca

’Tis the season to pamper your peepers, tickle your taste buds and tingle your tootsies