'Tis the season to be cough-ing, fa la la la la, la la la la. Last week I tri
ed really hard to convince you that winter in Ottawa isn't all that bad, but this week, I have to admit the truth: flu season is the absolute worst. Catching a cold is my least favourite winter activity because not only do you feel like you have snot all over your face, but it is pretty difficult to obtain sympathy from anyone. “Oh, are you sick with a cold? That's terrible, you should just stay home and sleep all day” said no one ever. I just love going into work with my nose so red that the kids mistaken me for Santa's favourite reindeer. Even though resting in bed could give my body the time it needs to fight the bad guys, I can't remember the last time I called in sick because of a sore throat, dry cough or because I was uncontrollably sneezing. That's what over the counter cold medications are for, right? Sure, except I am not really a huge fan of loading myself up with chemicals whose names I can't pronounce, like pseudophedrine and dextromethorphan, just so I can get through the day feeling like...
Though some days temperatures drop below 30 degrees celsius, winter in Ottawa is one of my favourite times of the year. Now, I know you are thinking, “Carolyn, you're CRAZY! Ain't nobody got time for freezing cold temperatures that make my face hurt!!” but honestly, Ottawa is the most beautiful when the trees on Wellington St. are blanketed in snow, the 7.8 km Rideau Canal is packed with skaters sporting multicoloured toques and jackets, and the Byward Market restaurants feature Winterlude themed menus! How do I stay warm, you ask? Well, the best part about coming home after a long Sunday spent tobogganing down the big hill at Hog's Back Park is brewing a fresh pot of Teao's Mio! Organic, one of Tealee's original blends. With a ceylon black tea as the base, the rich cocoa and spicy chili peppers pair nicely to warm your whole body with each sip. I recommend grabbing a hazelnut Beaver Tail, too, as the chocolatey topping really brings out...
