10 Ways to Love Ottawa this Winter

It is hard, I mean really hard for me to muster up the motivation to get out and do things in the winter. Sure, I'll go about my usual work / gym / errands / doggie walking routine, but other than that, when it's minus twenty degrees Celsius and there is a foot of snow on the ground, who wants to leave the house? I'd much rather wrap myself in a fleece blanket and see what Netflix has to offer.

Lately, I have been trying to beat the winter blahs by doing my best to get out and DO stuff around the city. It has been easier recently with great events happening like Ottawa Fashion week and Winterlude. In that spirit, here are 10 ways to love Ottawa this winter...try one per weekend and the next thing you know, it will be April!

1. Celebrate Febrewary with Beau's brewery...they are releasing seven beers in five weeks at different restaurants around the city. Sample the Bog Father with a great app at one of my fave spots, Two Six {ate}, or take a day trip to Vankleek Hill for a Five course beer brunch at Vert Fourchette on February 24.

2. Treat your body and mind to a sweaty hot yoga class. My preferred studios are Moksha and Pure Yoga. Suddenly, the cold air becomes a refreshing reward after class.

3.Sip a coffee, grab a magazine and bask in the artful floral arrangements at Blumenstudio.

Blumenstudio on Parkdale

4. Sauna it up and detox at Bleu spa in Cantley.

5. Hit up Supply and Demand, the newest addition to the Wellington West strip for a taste of summer at the raw bar - oysters, sea scallops, tuna...yum!

6. Start your spring detox early...one of my fave places for lunch on the run is Simply Raw Express. They also offer a diet re-set for every need...from a fully guided detox program to a 1 week juice cleanse.

7. Warm up with a guided coffee tasting at Bridgehead Roastery...or just pop by with a pal and enjoy the industrial yet bright setting.

8. Shake up your Monday night in the Market... low key diner Mellos becomes a gourmet dining experience with Monday night chef take overs for their Supper Club. Tomorrow night the chef from Social will be serving up something delish.

9. Take a class or check out one of the many tasting events at The Urban Element on Parkdale. What caught my eye? A wine pairing dinner on February 20 featuring Town Restaurant, and a cooking class called For the Love of Bacon...no further explanation necessary!

10. If you MUST stay in, cast aside typical take out in favor of a fresh, organic and local meal from The Red Apron. I personally love their smokey tomato and red pepper soup!