Since we are smack in the middle of what could potentially be a week of epic Snowmageddon proportions, I thought this would be a good time to give you some of my tips for surviving a Maritime winter:

1.  Always Be Prepared (for any possible weather event)

Since winter weather ranges anywhere from +15 C and pouring rain to -25 C and white-out blizzard conditions, sometimes within mere hours of each other, you gotta be prepared.  Some days this means having handy: your umbrella (usually useless), rubber boots as well as snow boots, up to 5 layers of clothing (layers are your friend) including the puffiest of down coats and in the rare case that you might catch some sub-zero rays, your sunnies.

2.  Get Yourself a Snowblower

Seriously, people.  I know they are expensive, but how much is your life worth to you?  My husband and I spent one winter trying to shovel out our driveway before we said F-This and bit the bullet.  Best money we ever spent.

3.  Good Snow Tires/4×4

Another must if you’re going to drive around in this haily/slushy/icy frozen tundra we call winter.

4.  Put on Your Comfy Cozies

Comfy cozies are my staple at-home winter wear items: warm sweaters, plush socks, flannel pants – all hideous as hell – but comfy as shit.  Which leads me to my next tip…

5.  Sign Up for a Streaming Service

It storms a lot here so you’re going to be spending a good deal of time indoors in your comfy cozies.  You’re gonna need some stuff to do.  Binge watching 5 seasons of The Good Wife is a damn good way to pass the time.  Which leads right into my next tip…

6.  Stock Up on Snowmagedden Supplies

Sure, this means making sure you’ve got lots of batteries and candles and emergency shit like that, but it also means #StormChips.  Yes, this is now a thing.  Maritimers love their potato chips and when there is a storm coming, you better get to the grocery store quick or your favorite flavour will be gone!  Also, don’t forget your booze!  There is nothing quite so nice as a hot toddy on a stormy winter night.

7.  Make Your Escape

Many Maritimers will tell you that this last tip is absolutely vital to their winter survival strategy…by simply escaping it, at least for a little while.  Cuba, Dominican, Florida and Mexico are all favorite hangouts for winter-weary Maritimers. In January, February and March, we migrate like those pesky geese we Canadians are famous for to drink (alot), soak up the rays and try to tan our pasty hides.  After a blissful week (2 if you’re really lucky), we trudge reluctantly back to our frozen homeland only to discover 3 ft of snow in our driveway.  Welcome home.