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Driving in the Canadian winters can be such a challenge as most of us know. Whether it's ice or snow or freezing rain, road conditions can be very unpredictable. We need to be prepared in these conditions. Today, I will share a few of my tips for driving safely in the Canadian winters. 

First off, winter tires are a must have for safe winter driving (in Quebec, this is now the law). These tires have a deeper tread and are best on snow and ice. Goodyear still manufactures most of its winter tires in Canada. The deeper treading allows for the tire to clear the snow from it as it rotates. They also remain more flexible in colder temperatures as compared to an all-season tire. For maximum control on snowy and slippery conditions, it is recommended that you install four winter tires, even on a front-wheel drive vehicle.

There are ways to drive safer in the winter too. Ensure that you watch your speed and adjust your speed according to road conditions.  Slow down in really icy or snowy situations. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Transport Canada has lots of excellent information about winter driving.

Many of us don't even think about the weather conditions outside when we go out to our heated garage and get in a warm car to go out. Before heading out on a long trip, it is advisable to check the weather conditions and road conditions. The Weather Network has a great page that breaks down this information by province and then you can further take it to you city. This way, you can be prepared before going out.

Also, make sure to call ahead before traveling. This way, someone will know to watch for you and ensure you arrive when scheduled.

A great new product made in Canada was just launched a few weeks ago: Dad's Wiper Covers. Slip them over your wipers to protect your wiper blades from freezing to your windshield. Simple and efficient!

There are a few must-haves that you should have in your car in case of an emergency. I call this my winter survival kit. This kit should contain:

• A cell phone and change for a payphone if the cell phone cannot be used;
• A first aid kit;
• A flashlight with batteries;
• A candle with a small tin can to keep it in and waterproof matches;
• A couple of granola or energy bars to snack on;
• A blanket;
• An ice scraper (check out Mallory Industries' line of scrapers and snowbrushes made in Canada);
• A shovel (Garant has a great Telescopic Emergency Shovel Snowbrush);
• Warning lights or road flares;
• Booster cables;
• Tow rope.

Of course, you should also carry along a snowsuit, winter boots, a warm hat, scarf and mittens.

If you do get stranded out in the winter, if you have a membership with CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) you can call their number to get roadside assistance. They will send a tow truck to help you regardless if it is a boost that you need or if you have a flat tire or need a tow.

One needs to be prepared for anything when driving in winter conditions. Please make sure you are well prepared and DRIVE SAFE!

Image sources: Flickr-Creative Commons, CAA

I love Christmas stockings! For adults or kids, they're so much fun! And I love finding great inexpensize items made in Canada to fill them! Here's a few suggestions:

1) For the meat lover, a selection of high-quality meats snacks made in Alberta (show here $ 1.99):

2) For the proud Canadian, a Strong & Free pewter keychain  made in New Brunswick ($ 9.99):

3) For the handy-dandy, a super resistant mini multi-bit screwdriver  made in B.C. ($ 4.99):

4) Perfect for Christmas morning: the dairy-free and egg-free way to celebrate the holidays! Healthy replacement  for eggnog, made in B.C.: ($ 2.99)

5) Natural beeswax candles made in B.C. A warm and luxurious addition to any table ($ 11.99):

6) To keep those lips nice and kissable with this all natural apres-ski lip balm  made in Ontario ($ 4.69):

7)  For a sweet smelling bath and super smooth skin, nothing beats these orange vanilla cream scented handmade soaps  from Alberta ($ 5.25):

8) Make bath-time fun-time with this all-natural bubble bath made in Ontario ($ 8.99):

9) Professor Noggin's fun and educational card games made in B.C. Choose from a variety of subjects, including Outer Space  ($ 12.99):

10) A beautiful alphabet book  from the Maritimes, It will become a classic in your family! ($ 7.95):

So here you go! Lots of great ideas that are sure to put a smile on that special someone's face on Christmas morning!

Whether it's for your Mom, your wife, your sister or any other special woman in your life, it's easy to pick great gifts made in Canada.

 Here's a few suggestions:

1) These designer handbags & wallets handmade in Cape Breton are so unbelievably special with their inlaid Swarovski crystal. Stunning! ($ 129.00):

2) This beautiful jewelry is made in Alberta and looks like a million bucks! ($ 48.98):

3) A great fragrance company working on making the world a better place. Inspirational & delightful! ($ 70.00):

4) This luxurious all-natural facial cream protects and promotes a youthfull complexion. Made with love in B.C. ($ 34.99):

 5) A stylish and eco-friendly version of the traditional briefcase. Made in Ontario from wool felt. ($ 129.00):

 6) Give the gift of a good night's sleep with these natural Kapok fiber pillows made in B.C. ($ 34.00):

7) For the gardener, nothing beats this flower press which allows the summer's flowers to get a second life! ($ 29.50):

8) The perfect gift for every woman who hates to scrape the ice off her car windshield: wiper covers that slip over your wiper blades to keep them from freezing to your windshield! A new product, made in Ontario. ($ 18.99):

I hope this will demonstrate the variety of great products still made in Canada today. Amazing isn't it? And they really are gifts that keep on giving...back to the local communities in which they are made!

Christmas is for kids of all ages! There's nothing quite as magical as seeing the excitement and anticipation in their eyes on Christmas morning! and you'll be even happier knowing some of the gifts under the tree are made in Canada!

If you're looking for that special something, may we suggest:

1) Give the gift of pain relief to a precious little one, with this maple wood and organic cotton teether handmade in Ontario ($ 15.99):

2) Keep their little tootsies warm on Christmas morning with these cute infant slippers made in Ontario ($ 17.99):

3) Hours of fun & creativity with this playhouse made in Quebec from recycled cardboard. Kids can draw or paint it inside and out!   ($ 48.00):

4) Great to develop dexterity and creativity in kids, these soft building kits come in a variety and models and are made in Quebec ($ 25.00):  

5) Board games are great for kids of all ages. This one is fun and encourages cooperation instead of competition. The Harvest Time game is made in Ontario ($ 15.99):

6) Keep your little princess safe (and looking great!) on the slopes this winter with this Princess helmet cover made in Ontario ($ 40.00):

7) This will become a family heirloom, without a doubt. Good old-fashioned Canadian wooden sleigh, made to last in Ontario. It even converts to a wheeled wagon in the summer! ($ 129.99):

8) For the teenager under your roof, what better way to keep them busy and moving than a handcrafted wooden longboard. Made in Alberta, it's a piece of art! ($ 185.00):

Quality gifts made in Canada for the kids in your life. And you can be sure they will not break before the day is over!

The very best part of my job is discovering awesome products made all across this beautiful land of ours. This week, I was blown away by Krumpers Solar Blinds, based in Ottawa and run by dynamo Diana Livshits.

Diana is passionate about her products, with good reasons. Krumpers Solar Blinds are the only 2-sided reversible blinds on the market: one side for the summer and one side for the winter. They help regulate the temperature inside your home all through the year; saving you money on heating and cooling by up to 40%. See how they work in this demo:

That demo says it all, doesn't it?!

Krumpers Solar Blinds act like sunglasses for your windows:

1) They reduce glare by 70-80%;

2) They stop more than 92% of UV rays;

3) They protect your furnishings and décor from fade.

Krumpers Solar Blinds act like insulation for your windows:

1) In the summer: they keep the heat outside, reducing heat transfer by up to 76%;

2) In the winter: they keep the heat inside, reducing heat loss by up to 45%.

Krumpers Solar Blinds are completely transparent:

1) They do not obstruct the outside view;

2) They do not add colour or texture to a room, so you can decorate as you wish;

3) They offer full privacy during the day: you cannot see through them into the house.

Krumpers Solar Blinds are made-to-measure and come in 3 different styles:

1) Roller blinds;

2) Vertical blinds;

3) Fix panels.

They are strong, durable and easy to clean with a damp wet cloth. And best of all, they will pay for themselves within a few years and will continue to save you money for years to come. Now that’s a true investment!

Check out their handy price calculator and read some awesome consumer reviews.

We are so excited to bring you a great offer from Krumpers Solar Blinds, exclusive to Buy Canadian First readers, followers and fans:

Get 10% off any blinds, from now until December 31st 2012!

Just mention "Buy Canadian First" when placing your order. Then sit back and watch your heating bills melt away!

Images courtesy of Krumpers Solar Blinds.