Over the years I’ve grown to love winter more, but we’re still not best friends.

I love the atmosphere of Christmas, dreamy snow, mulled wine, cozy sweaters. I also have a hard time with shorter days, less sunlight and being lazy and unmotivated. Pandemic winter has obviously been especially hard.

Here are some of my recent favourites which have helped me enjoy this winter much more!

RED COAT

A vibrant coat is something that can really lift your mood during dark winter days. I’ve been looking for a red coat for some time and finally found a beautiful one.

JEAN DRESS

People often think my wardrobe is quite big, but I actually invest in quality timeless pieces. This recycled jean dress is unbelievably comfortable and I know I will enjoy it for years.

BOOKS

Reading is certainly one of activities that helped me cling to my sanity over the past two years. I’m always grateful for books and there’s always more on my list.

“Sweetness of water” by Nathan Harris synopsis: In the waning days of the Civil War, brothers Prentiss and Landry—freed by the Emancipation Proclamation—seek refuge on the homestead of George Walker and his wife, Isabelle. The Walkers, wracked by the loss of their only son to the war, hire the brothers to work their farm, hoping through an unexpected friendship to stanch their grief. Prentiss and Landry, meanwhile, plan to save money for the journey north and a chance to reunite with their mother, who was sold away when they were boys.

“Nothing but the truth” by Marie Henein synopsis: An intimate and no-holds-barred memoir by Canada's top defence lawyer, Nothing But the Truth weaves Marie Henein's personal story with her strongly held views on society's most pressing issues, legal and otherwise.

MOVIE

“The Last Duel” synopsis: Jean de Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Jacques Le Gris is a squire whose intelligence and eloquence makes him one of the most admired nobles in court. When Le Gris viciously assaults Carrouges' wife, she steps forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God's hands.

PHOTO OF THE SEASON

It’s always extremely hard to choose a favourite photo of the season, because I love them all. Capturing this moment with Baljit was true magic!

TV

It’s always lovely to relax with a good series. I’ve been spending my evenings with these two shows lately.

Younger: This show is funny, witty and the cast is amazing! Synopsis: Liza Miller, a 40-year-old recently divorced mother who, after finding it difficult to get a job at her age, attempts to pass herself off as a 26-year-old in order to get any job in her pre-mom career to support herself and her college age daughter.

Witcher: I’ve always been a fan of the Witcher because of my Polish roots. I’m enjoying the Netflix show quite a lot, however I wish there were more episodes in both seasons. Even though the show is about a monster hunter, it’s truly about love, friendship and politics.