There’s nothing like the experience of bundling up in heavy-duty layers and protective rain gear supplied by Middle beach for a wet, windy walk on the beautiful coastal beaches.

For the less adventuresome, staying in and cozying up to a gorgeous view of rolling waves from your own waterfront rustic cabin at Middle Beach serves as a sensory pleasure, armed with a glass in hand and roaring fire going, of course. The most intense storm period lasts from December through February, so there’s still plenty of time to book a weekend away during Valentine’s Day for you and your love to get swept away in. Trust me, it’s pretty darn romantic.

I love the warm and quaint, home-like feel of the dining lodge at Middle Beach, where every morning during complimentary breakfast, there’s sweet homemade pastries, fresh fruit, delicious squeezed juices and coffee to give us energy for the day ahead, even if the agenda consists of nothing but relaxing on the lodge’s big comfy couch in front of fire place playing board games – the perfect end to a day packed with exploring the outdoors.

Wildside Grill is one of those popular spots recommended by locals that tourists just have to try. The menu is packed full with a fresh variety of items such as burgers, tacos, fish and chips and hearty gumbos. My taste buds were loving the flavour of the fish tacos, made of lingcod, avocado, salsa, crisp cilantro and chipotle mayo.

Take shelter at one of the local lively restaurants appropriately named, Shelter. Sitting beside a warm fire, I had the Albacore Tuna Poke (pictured above) and Cortes Island Mussels with Pasta. Their menu also deliciously features dishes created by Chef Matty Kane that includes a variety of local, organic ingredients, freshly caught seafood and fish and hormone free meats such as the Tofino Surf Bowl, Suze Crispy Calamari or for the meat lover, the Shelter Beef Burger.

(Shelter images courtesy of Shelter)

After a weekend filled with blissful much-needed relaxation and an outdoor experience like none other, I regretfully return home to my place in the city with fond memories of what Mother Nature is really capable of.

-Christie Lohr

You should follow me on Twitter @Christie_Lohr.

Tanning may be out, but that sun kissed glow doesn’t have to be! Suntopia Tanning offers Versaspa and I want you to experience it at their newly renovated location in Kits! This perfect sunless spray tan bronzes and hydrates your skin in under a minute.

You could win:

One Versaspa spray tan

How to participate:

1. Retweet the following:

I entered to win a Versaspa spray tan from Suntopia tanning via @Christie_Lohr & @suntopia. RT to enter.

2. Follow @SuntopiaTan on Twitter.

3. Follow @Christie_Lohr on Twitter.

* Winners will be notified by Christie Lohr

Contest Ends: March 16, 2012.

Please visit Style Nine to Five for daily posts!

All the fashion articles you’re used to on this site, will now be on Style Nine to Five, the fashion career website for Canada I own.

Us Canadians know a cold, harsh winter better than many, so it’s no wonder we’ve learned to keep snug and stylish all at once. When the temperature drops keep comfy with oversized knits and textured, chunky accessories that are soft and body enveloping. Wear the season’s best knitwear to cozy up in front of a fire with some hot chocolate, or outside for some snowy weather activity if you’re brave enough to combat frostbite.

1. Line Knitwear The Villager Wrap ($408), available at Revolve Clothing.
2. Topshop Knitted Pom Trapper Hat ($30), at The Bay.
3. Nordic Scarf ($19), available at Joe Fresh.
4. Cable Knit Slippers ($24.95), available at Gap.
5. Vero Moda Stripe Knit Long Cardigan ($84.39), available at ASOS.
6. Falke Cable Knit Tights ($59.17), available at Shopbop.

By: Daniela DiStefano, Toronto

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Whether you will actually be hitting the slopes this winter season, or just playing snow-bunny in the city, the apres-ski sweater is a cozy and playful way to jazz up your weekend look. Modern styles are fun, trendy, and available in a variety of textures and silhouettes designed to suit all your cold-weather needs, from the chalet, to brunch downtown. With patterns ranging from dreamy fair isle, to subtle snowflake, to full-on winter wonderland, there is sure to be a piece for every fashion-loving snow-angel out there.

1. TNA Lambswool Sweater in New Deer ($85), available at Aritzia.

2. Cardigan Coat with Faux Fur ($398 US), from Juicy Couture.

3. Embroidered Pearl-Trim Sweater, ($95), available at Banana Republic.

4. FairIsle Cowl Neck Sweater ($79.50 US), from Tommy Hilfiger.

5. C&C California FairIsle Button Back Sweater ($196.30), available at Shopbop.

6. Stella McCartney Polar Bear Intarsia Wool and Alpaca Blend Sweater ($1145 US), available at Net-a-Porter.

7. Lauren by Ralph Lauren FairIsle Sweater ($153.20), available at Nordstrom.

8. Snowden Funnelneck Sweater-Jacket ($286 US), from J.Crew.

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @elizabethpryde.

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It’s a fact: Men are the most difficult people on your holiday shopping list. It’s as if they secretly get together and come to the consensus that all they need is socks. In turn, leaving us in a frenzied state the entire month of December, scouring shops and online, and playing mind reader, in hopes of miraculously finding what he really wanted to ask for. To assist in your search, I’ve come up with a list (with the help of my most fashion conscious male friend) that will make your father/brother/boyfriend/husband, the most dapper gentlemen on Christmas day.

From top to bottom, things he’s secretly coveting this year:

1.It’s going to be a long winter, so a cozy down-filled coat is in order. Our personal fave is The Rockwood jacket by Penfield – versatile and lightweight with lumberjack detail on the shoulder ($240). Find it at Lavish and Squalor or at the Penfield Online Shop.

2, 3. A classic staple in every man’s wardrobe is a nice button down shirt.  We like Gitman vintage button downs because they’re slim fitting and use great quality fabrics ($140-$180). Available at Nomad. Gant button shirts have a more relaxed fit ($135), available at Park & Bond.

4. A good quality, nice fitting pair of jeans is something every man needs (and wants).  Naked and Famous (made in Montreal with raw denim sourced from Japan) come in three cuts for whichever style he’s into ($140-$265). Opt for their over dyed denim – they fade over time and get better with wear. Find them at Uncle Otis.

5. Practicality is key when it comes to men, so get him a bag to carry his things. It’s so simple. The Makr Farm Messenger Bag is our pick ($195).

6. Simultaneously practical and stylish, a watch is always a great gift.  With so many options and styles it’s tough to determine what he’ll love, so it’s best to opt for something classic. We like the Vestal Observer Watch ($230) because it’s simple, yet sophisticated. Find it at Watch It!.

7. Also, if he likes to get his hands (or jeans) dirty, Levi’s “commuter series” denim are conveniently dirt and water resistant ($79).

By: Kayla Chobotiuk, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @oh_kayla

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For your best friend

The trend-setting girl in your life will love this unique, romantic pendant.

Heart Wrenching Necklace ($85), available at JacFlash.

Is your BF on Santa’s “Nice” list? Treat her with a little extra something – a cute jewel box to store her goods.

Assorted Jewel Boxes ($269 – $4475), available at Betty Hemmings Leathergoods.

For your mom

These elegant, miniature fragrances evoke sun-drenched Italy in gorgeous collectible bottles.

Tocca Eau De Parfum Viaggio ($52), available at Bicyclette Boutique.

For your younger sister

Ditch the boxy flannel and gift these super cute thermal PJs.

Thermal Long Jane Pajamas ($49.50), available at Victoria’s Secret.

For your aunt

This gold, boyfriend-inspired watch is at once classic and on-trend.

Vestal Mini Gearhead ($170), available at Watch It!.

For your grandmother

These ultra-soft slippers are cozy and luxurious, perfect for Canadian winters.

Hudson’s Bay Company Collection Cashmere Slippers ($95), available at The Bay.

For your boss

Every busy woman needs caffeine on the go.

“On The Road” Flask ($36), available at the Drake General Store.

For yourself

The best way to justify a personal purchase? To live for the motto, “One for you and one for me.” You deserve it, after all that shopping!

Longchamp Gatsby Exotic Clutch ($469), available at Betty Hemmings Leathergoods.

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle

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We all know that winter in Canada is COLD. Yet when it comes time to bundling up, we sometimes pretend our thin pea coats are enough to keep us warm. Yes, they’re cute, but who’s to say a down-feather parka isn’t? Formerly known as the dreaded “puffy jacket”, many stylistas shy away from the parka at all costs. But these fabulously warm coats stomped their way down the coolest Fall 2011 catwalks – from Altuzarra to Gaultier to Rag & Bone. With fur hoods, cozy lining, edgy details and a plethora of possible colour choices, we’re all for staying warm and looking cute this winter.

1. Style inspiration: Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2011 RTW. Image courtesy of Style.com.

2. “Candice” parka, ($620), from Mackage.

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs “Delancey” Parka Coat ($751), available at Shopbop.

4. Canada Goose Montebello Parka

5. Canada Goose Livigno Parka.

6. Arctic Parka ($299), from The North Face.

7. Parajumpers “Kodiac” Coat ($860), available at SSense.

8. Quilted Distressed Twill Coat ($189), from BCBG Max Azria.

9. Juicy Couture Faux Fur-Trimmed Quilted Hooded Coat, ($400), available at Net-a-Porter.

By: Sophia Loffreda, Montreal

You should follow me on Twitter @sloffreda.

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Winter can get even more comfy and super stylish this year with a new, old favourite – the muff (and we’re talking about the hand-warming variety). It’s a very chic way to class up any winter outfit and it’s as cute as ever! Not to mention, it’s a surefire way to keep your claws warm and toasty. From the style inspirations of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and even the Parisian Madeline, you’ll be in great company with this fabulous winter accessory. Channel Old Hollywood style by pairing your hand warmer with a feminine pea coat. Time to toss aside those ol’ faithful mittens!

1. Style inspiration: Jackie O. sports a hand warmer in 1961 during the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. Image courtesy of Timothy Jay Candles Blog.

2. Recycled Fur Muff with zipper pocket ($200), from Headmistress.

3. CW by Carin Wester Faux Fur Bag ($49.99), available at Urban Outfitters.

4. Collina Strada Leather Muff Bag ($280), available at Dear Fieldbinder.

5. Faux Fur Muff (approx. $32 CAD), available at Topshop.

By: Brittany Sammy, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @a_britique.

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