What do we need to buy? 

1. We need to plan our shopping to avoid chaos. First, check your wishlists all around online platforms. Then, determine what is urgent to buy and create a separate list for each store.  

2. Don't forget to check around the house – broken mirrors and hangers are good examples of what is good to buy for less.  

3. Next step – visit your favourite stores online and offline, so you know about new deals and collections. Also, mark current prices and compare them between stores. 

4. If you’re doing online shopping, search for additional promotional codes to save money on your purchase or shipping costs.  

5. Check your calendar and see if you have any upcoming celebrations, including Christmas. Black Friday is a perfect time to shop for gifts.  

Where do we shop? 

We have two main ways of shopping – online and offline. Online shopping is easier since you don't need to waste time waiting in lines. This way, the only problem might be website over traffic and crash, which is temporary.  

Offline shopping has bonuses, as you can try the clothing on and check if every item you buy is in good condition.  

Here are a few tips on smooth in-person shopping: 

1. Take sanitizer and a mask with you.  

2. Wear comfortable clothing. 

3. Prepare bags and take a big purse.  

4. Bring snacks, and bottled water, and pack a sandwich. 

5. Search for parking in the area before shopping day.  

6. Create a list of items and stores, and check store hours. 

7. The evening will be busy, so try shopping in the early hours. 

8. Take a friend with you to check stores for each other. 

9. Create a money limit. You can take cash only to avoid unexpected expenses. 

Remember: the roads will be busy. Drive safe and check the weather. 

How to avoid huge lines? 

The easiest way is to shop online. In case you want to go to the store, here are some tips: 

1. Try clothing a few days before and go to the store just to purchase. 

2. Take a friend who can wait in line for you. 

3. Ask if you can put the item on hold if there is a huge line. 

4. Prioritize your purchases and shop regarding store hours. 

Tip: Beware of final sales! 

Take note: due to huge sales, your online shipments may be delayed. Create a plan B if you shop for gifts. 

Follow our Community Board for more helpful tips and updates! 

Your Thorwin Properties Team 

The post Black Friday: Enjoyable Shopping! appeared first on Thorwin Properties Blog.

We have two weeks to prepare mentally and physically for the winter. Each year we hear that the winter will be cold, and each year it is true. Besides the frozen nose, we can enjoy a magical atmosphere with fun slides, skating and much more. We want you to experience this ice time as safely as you can. Here are five tips on how to keep your body warm and some more add-ons for your mental health. 

1. Layer everything 

The first winter in Canada might be challenging. Greeting the winter is all about warm clothe and nothing about fashion, you think. We want to change this perspective, as it is possible combining both by layering. There are rules on layering – so your body is warm and flexible. Start by choosing your base layer. Your underwear must be lightweight and breathable. Consider wool as an option. It is perfect for wicking away moisture.  

What material to avoid? Synthetic fabric and cotton, as it holds moisture, and you are freezing. Besides that, choose comfortable sets, so you do not need to fix how it sits.  

Next is your thermo-layer. There are different combinations of leggings and shirts on the market. They are unisex, and every brand offers a variety. This layer is about retaining heat. The key is to wear breathability, not just warm jackets. Again, wool is a good choice, as well as fleece. The second option is less helpful when it comes to moisture. You can check different options in your local stores, as wool is not too thin, and you might want to look less dressed.  

The third layer is your outfit. At this point, you can choose your favourite clothing, as the base helps to keep you warm. Jeans, pants, and even skirts are good at this point.  

TIP! Keep your legs warm and wear dresses in the winter. Use warmed tights. You can find budget-friendly options on SHEIN and Amazon. Here is an example: (https://tinyurl.com/5efs6x4r)  

Mix and match your clothing, but do not neglect to cover your neck and back.  

The top layer is easy to choose. Our goal is to protect us from rain, snow, and wind. Choose nylon and polyester coats. Everything waterproof yet wind resistant is what we want. Again, this layer must be breathable, like others. Bulkier is not better, but breathable is. It is also great to combine wool jackets with your favourite work outfits. Stay stylish and warm! 

2. Accessorize with warmth 

You can add accents to your outfit by choosing the right accessories. These little add-ons brighten up your appearance and keep you from getting frostbite. The ultimate must-haves for fall and winter are: 

• Warm gloves. There are different kinds of gloves to keep you warm. However, we recommend the ones with two options. They wrap each finger separately and cover them with another layer of fabric. Some mittens go with additional arm warmers, which are helpful as well. Check gloves with a touchscreen option, so you can use your phone. 

• Scarfs. There are options for sweater neck warmers, which you wear under your jacket. They look like sweater tops but are too cropped to consider being the one. Scarfs are more like a way to express your personality. Each clothing style has options, so you can choose what suits you best.  

• Stylish socks. You may notice how many brands have provided us with a selection of bright socks lately. A trend comes from the opposite – hate feedback about wearing sandals with socks. Now we can enjoy different socks styles with any shoe option. Choose wool, silk, and polypropylene fabrics to stay warm.  

• The cherry on top of your look is a hat. Toques, beanies, muffs, and other types are acceptable. Knitted products look warm, but they don't protect you from cold. Choose breathable materials with layers. Avoid metal accessories on the hat because they are famous for leaving frostbite.  

3. Helpful Extras 

Some people are not used to being in a cold environment for a long time. There are hand warmers for these situations. Those are single-use heat packs activated by air. Also, some versions are battery-powered. Life-saving products like heated gloves, socks, and even jackets are handy. These products are expensive, but you can find some budget-friendly options. Check your local Costco for one of these vests: https://www.costco.ca/karbon-heated-vest-black-with-lithium-polymer-battery.product.100800603.html  

Gaiters are helpful for winter walks. They prevent snow from falling into the top of your shoes. They are not expensive, and you can find them on Amazon starting from $15. Click here (https://tinyurl.com/yav8fz7p) to see the example. 

A pair of cleats can prevent you from falling on a slippery road. They are rubber or metal. Helpful for winter hiking. They offer more traction and are more durable. Click here (https://tinyurl.com/3n3tynn5) to check! 

4. Helpful Food 

Food is our life elixir. Healthy eating habits protect our health and immune system. As we know, wintertime is challenging. Our body needs water, nutrition, and vitamins. 

We can help our body to stay on top of our abilities. What to eat? 

• Soup (avoid much salt and fat but add more vegetables). 

• Warm milk (a source of vitamins B12 and A). 

• Cauliflower and Broccoli (Vitamin C + is good for cancer prevention). 

• Porridge (to stay energized). 

• Root Vegetables (Vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene). 

• Cheese, Eggs, and Fish (Vitamin B12 reduces tiredness). 

5. Complete CPR-training 

First Aid training is important, as it is a lifesaver. Wintertime is when we can have frostbite, strokes, painful fallings, and car accidents. We all want you to be safe and to know how to help others. 

There are some courses on YouTube, but we recommend professional suggestions. A couple-hour training can save lives, and that is good to know for your safety. In addition, keep your car on the go with proper winter preparation. Check our related blog here: https://www.thorwin.ca/blog/2022/11/01/11-winter-car-maintenance-tips/  

For every newcomer – WELCOME TO WINTERPEG. Stay warm!  

Send your feedback on Instagram @thorwinpropertieswinnipeg and bookmark this page for more helpful tips. 

Follow our Community Board for more helpful tips and updates! 

Your Thorwin Properties Team 

The post 5 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR WINTERPEG WEATHER appeared first on Thorwin Properties Blog.

1. Get Vaccinated – the approved vaccines will provide a high degree of protection against serious illness or possible death. But please keep in mind that the vaccine doesn’t fully prevent transmission – if anything it will help lessen the symptoms.
    
2. Booster Shots – as you may have heard on the news that a booster shot is now available. They are advising that people who have underlying conditions and elderly people who are over the age of 60 receive the booster shot, especially during this holiday season.
    
3. Wear a Mask – wearing a mask can help stop people from spreading the virus or droplets containing the virus being inhaled, or coming in contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. It’s important to ensure that you have a properly fitted mask and should either be replaced after each use – if it’s a disposable mask or washed – if it’s a reusable cloth mask.

4. Covering up your Sneeze or Cough – Nowadays, it’s good to be prepared and have a package of tissue with you for those days you may have a nagging cough or sneezing fit. Should there be a time when you don’t have any tissue available, it’s good practice and common courtesy with a bent elbow to cough or sneeze into your sleeve – and stay home to reduce the spread.

5. Wash your hands – I am a frequent hand-washer and with this pandemic, I’ve become a super hand washer. I don’t know if it’s just me but ever since wearing a mask and washing my hands more often than usual I haven’t gotten sick as much or at all really – knock on wood. I once heard that singing the ABC song while washing your hands was a good benchmark to ensure your hands were clean – or give or take 20 seconds.

6. Getting together with Family and Friends – the recommendation is to have social gatherings outside but with Winnipeg weather, I would say that would be rather cold. The first thing before any indoor gathering is to make sure everyone, family or friends, is double vaccinated. If you can’t avoid a crowded space then you should be wearing a mask, keeping a physical distance from one another, and position yourself in well-ventilated areas of the room.

7. Social Distancing – Best practice is to keep at least one meter apart from one another, even if that person doesn’t appear to be sick – all the while wearing a mask.

8. Checking in with Family and Friends – I think we are all excited to have any type of human contact giving how the previous Christmas was a quiet time at home. But here is something that may also help, doing a health and wellness check with family and friends before starting the event to ensure a safe gathering. Please use your common sense, if someone is sick then that person (s) should stay home and immediately take the COVID-19 Screen Tool online at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool
    

From our family to yours, have a wonderful and safe holiday season. On that note, I would like to leave you with a special quote that I believe everyone may agree on:

“The best of all gifts around a Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

The post Protecting yourself and the people around you this holiday season appeared first on Thorwin Properties Blog.

The Thorwin Social Committee had also received a heartfelt phone call Thursday afternoon from the mother who received this food hamper after the delivery. The family was so appreciative and overwhelmed by the act of kindness, generosity, and holiday spirit. Thank you to the Social Committee again and their families for all the food and cash donations. 

If you would like to donate food, make a cash donation, or even volunteer your time to help out the Christmas Cheer Board, please visit https://www.christmascheerboard.ca/ways-to-help/financial-donations 

From our families to yours, we would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season and new year!
 

The post Ways to help out the Christmas Cheer Board appeared first on Thorwin Properties Blog.