Don't Get Iced By Winter

Ways To Make The Most Of Frigid Weather

Angie Lewis, Writer
Reading Time: 6 minutes
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Bundle Up

When you do have to leave the house, you can still stay toasty with these products, which are available on Amazon:

As Game of Thrones fans know, “Winter is coming.” And while none of us have to worry about defending our home against White Walkers, we should be ready for the coldest time of the year.

Whether you embrace winter with mittens out or prefer to toast your buns by a fire, we’ve partnered with the Holmes team to offer fun tips on making the most of the season.

Stay Warm

“We film our shows all year long and the weather always needs to be considered,” explains Mike Holmes, professional contractor and TV host for HGTV and DIY Network. “Filming [in Canada] in the winter has its challenges, even though we try only to do interior jobs during the winter months.

“It’s easier to stay warm when you are working and moving around, but it’s television and there can be a lot of stopping and starting and waiting. So long johns, hand warmers and battery-heated winter jackets are a must! To stay warm, our crew takes breaks in the Winnebago and Uncle Billy always has hot coffee and hot chocolate (my favorite) on hand.”

Win A Trip To Canada, Eh?

As Canadians, Mike Holmes and his children, fellow pro contractors and TV hosts Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes, know how to have fun — and stay warm— in frigid temperatures.

“One of my favorite things to do during the winter months is to go snowmobiling,” Mike Holmes says. “A lot of my boat friends also love snowmobiling, so it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have fun too. Being on the trails helps me decompress from my busy work schedule. I don’t get to go out as much as I’d like, but it’s a real treat when I do.”

Mike Holmes Jr. enjoys the cold weather while spending time at his country house. “I love hiking and snowshoeing with my wife, Lisa-Marie. It’s great exercise and being surrounded by nature helps us find balance and calmness within our otherwise hectic lives.”

Sherry Holmes likes to experience winter with a view. “One of my favorite things to do during the winter is going to the family cottage. It is so beautiful when it's snowing, and I'm cozy and warm inside watching it! I love the winter because I love Christmas! I get so excited. This year will be extra special because it will be my daughter, Cali’s, first Christmas. So we’re looking forward to making new family traditions.”

Want to make your own winter memories in Canada? Enter the Roof It Right Sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to Toronto to meet the Holmes family!

Five lucky winners will indulge in an ultimate Asphalt Life weekend, which includes touring the facilities of the HGTV and DIY Network stars and filming a 30-second promo video with Mike Holmes. Learn more at: AtlasRoofing.com/pro-rewarded

Stay Active

If you’re not afraid to brave the snow, get your heart pumping with one of winter’s more unusual and exciting sports, such as:

  • Shovel racing — Hop on a shovel and hold on tight! If you practice enough, you could compete in the annual World Championship Shovel Races, hosted at The Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico.
  • Snowkiting — Do you like snowboarding or kitesurfing? Try snowkiting — a combination of the two — in which you can reach speeds of more than 50 mph and lift up to 15 feet above the ground.
  • Fat biking — Traverse the winter landscape on a fat-tire bike. These specialty cycles typically have 3.8-inch tires that have more contact with the ground, providing extra traction on slick terrain.
  • Bobsledding — Ever wonder what it’s like to barrel down a bobsled track? Experience this unforgettable thrill at one of two U.S. parks that previously hosted the Winter Olympics — Whiteface Lake Placid or Utah Olympic Park.

No matter where you find yourself this winter, fend off any seasonal blues by trying something new!

Cup O' Cozy

Whether you’re stuck inside or purposely avoiding the cold, warm up with one of these tasty options:

Classic Hot Toddy (from WineMag.com)

  • 1½ oz. brown liquor, such as brandy, whiskey or rum
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • ½ oz. lemon juice
  • 1 c. hot water
  • Lemon wedge, cinnamon stick and/or star anise for garnish (optional)

Combine the first four ingredients in the bottom of a warmed mug. Garnish with lemon wedge, cinnamon stick and/or star anise, if desired. Yield: 1 serving

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine (from FedandFit.com)

  • 2 bottles red wine
  • 1 c. apple cider
  • ½ c. orange juice
  • 1 orange, cut into ½-inch-thick discs
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise

Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and set on low for 1 hour. Yield: 12 servings

Candy Cane-Kahlua Hot Chocolate (from Delish.com)

  • ½ c. whole milk
  • ½ c. heavy cream
  • 1 candy cane
  • 3 tbsp. sipping chocolate
  • ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ oz. Kahlua
  • Whipped cream and candy canes for garnish (optional)

Warm whole milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Add 1 candy cane and stir until melted. Stir in sipping chocolate and vanilla extract. Remove from heat, stir in Kahlua and pour into a mug or glass. Garnish with whipped cream and candy canes, if desired. Yield: 1 serving

Hot & Creamy Butterbeer (non-alcoholic) (from SpoonForkBacon.com)

  • 1 c. whole milk
  • 1 c. heavy cream, divided
  • ¼ c. light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. salted butter
  • ½ c. butterscotch sauce
  • 2 c. cream soda, room temperature (or slightly warmed)

Pour milk, one-half cup of cream, sugar and butter into a saucepan and whisk together. Place over medium-low heat and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the butterscotch sauce. Whip the remaining cream to soft peaks and fold it into the slightly cooled butterscotch mixture until smooth. Divide the mixture into 2 large mugs and top with cream soda. Serve immediately. Yield: 2 servings