Canadian Living

You may be wondering why we chose to title this issue Winter Whimsy, especially when the dreariness of the season can make these days feel anything but happy-go-lucky! There’s a rhyme to our reason, we promise. Instead of letting the snowy, slushy roads, grey skies and whipping winds that chill us to the bone bring us down, we’re changing our tune and vowing to experience winter in the most positive light—more magical snowfalls and hot cocoa vibes. And that’s where the whimsy comes in. By definition, whimsy is an unpredictable, fanciful or playful quality or condition—and the idea of embracing a new, fresh, creative, play-it-by-ear sensibility is really what this issue is all about. At its best, a sense of whimsy can propel us to try something different, with spectacular…

1 TREND ALERT The outerwear trend taking the fashion world by storm? Wool scarf jackets! The idea is just as it sounds: a wool coat made with a built-in scarf to protect your neck from the cold winter winds. We’re clicking Add to Cart stat for these stylish two-in-one garments. 2 BORDEAUX BABE RICH AND MOODY, THIS DEEP PURPLE-RED SHADE IS EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT AND EASY TO ADD TO ANY LOOK. 3 First aid ally Treat minor wounds and skin ailments including acne and impetigo with the first hydrogen peroxide antiseptic cream available in Canada. Attacking bacteria with gradually released hydrogen peroxide, this cream creates the ideal environment for healing, so you can feel better faster. 4 DON’T BRUSH IT OFF Regularly washing your makeup brushes makes application and blending easier, extends…

CREAMY CHICKEN & MUSHROOM FRICASSEE MAKES 4 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighssalt and pepper2 tbsp olive oil2 tbsp unsalted butter1 small onion, finely chopped3 cloves garlic, minced1 227 g pkg button mushrooms, half whole and half halved1 tbsp all-purpose flour½ cup dry white wine1 cup sodium-reduced chicken broth½ cup 35% whipping cream1 tsp Dijon mustard1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)2 cups chopped kale, stems removed1 tbsp lemon juicechopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin side down; cook until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Turn chicken; cook for 3 minutes. Transfer to plate. Reduce heat to medium; in same…

look of the month BRIGHT SMILE Nothing completes a look quite like a warm smile. For your brightest chompers, pros recommend limiting stain-causing drinks like coffee, red wine and soda. But if you can’t live without a cuppa joe in the morning or that glass of red with dinner, swish with water after drinking and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid eroding your enamel. The result? A show-stopping, sparkling smile.…

SHADOW PLAY Whether you’re going for a bold graphic eye look or something a little more subtle, the new shadow sticks from Smashbox have you covered. Available in eight shades ranging from a simple matte brown to a dazzling metallic purple, they’re a total breeze to incorporate into your makeup regimen. Use the precision tip for definition or the flat side to colour the entire lid, the choice is yours. Whatever your style, you can be sure that the formula will glide on smoothly and stay in place all day. JUICY FRUIT Inspired by bingsoo, a go-to shaved ice dessert in Korea, the Glass Balm lippies from Glow Recipe quickly amassed a fan base with their glossy finish and fruity scents. Made with a juicy combo of hyaluronic acid, glycerin…

stunning skin BASE Great skin is the cornerstone of a luminous makeup look. As we age, our skin tends to become drier, so prioritizing hydration is essential for keeping your complexion supple and radiant. “Skin prep is key,” says Vanessa Ortiz, national makeup artist for Clarins. For the best results, “never skip your morning and nightly skin-care routines.” Before you reach for your makeup, smooth on an illuminating primer that adds a natural, lit-from-within glow while providing a smooth canvas for the products to follow. “When applied over fine lines, a radiant base creates an optical illusion that makes them appear less deep,” says Ortiz. FOUNDATION Keep the glow going with a hydrating foundation. Opt for liquid-, cream- or serum-based formulas, added moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid or botanical oils)…