slides: The Ultimate Rhode Island Blizzard Survival Kit

Bread

Yes, it's a cliche that all Rhode Islanders run for bread when a storm in on the horizon, but when it comes to the artisan breads at Seven Stars Bakery, it's worth a blizzard just to stock up. 

Don't miss their foccaccia bread. It makes a perfect accompaniment to dinner with a little homemade dipping oil on the side.

For more on Seven Stars and Rhode Island's other best bakeries, go here. 

Milk

Why stock up on milk when you can stock up on coffee milk? And if you stock up today on Dave's coffee syrup, you'll be able to mix your own practically until Easter. 

This all-natural, cold-brewed, no-artificial-flavorings-or-colorings coffee syrup is $10.99 for single bottle, $21 for a two-pack, and available at a variety of swell markets. Dave's Coffee, 5193 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, RI. 401-322-0006.

For more on Dave's, go here. 

Candles

Be ready for the power to go out, but be ready in style. How about these ethereal, subtle-colored tapers at Simple Pleasures in Providence. They're hand-dipped, from Maine. Choose from Willow, Spruce, Pewter and more.

Want smaller lights to scatter the mood, as well as a lovely aroma, throughout your snowbound home? Grab a handful of these soy candles specially made for Providence's Noon. These beauties are made with renewable, biodegradable, water soluble, US grown soy wax, essential oils and a cotton wick. And they smell great. $20. 

Read more about these candles and more grabs, here. 

Beef stew

Few things are better on a snowy day than a hearty bowl of beef stew. Get your slow cooker going Thursday night, and you'll be on your way to homebound gourmet heaven. See red wine, below, for more heaven. 

For the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew, plus 11 more outrageously easy recipes, go here. 

Wine

Candles lit? Time for wine. 

Rhode Island has fantastic wine stores that will get you set up with something special. Check out The Savory Grape in East Greenwich, Grapes & Grains in Barrington, Eno Fine Wines and Campus Fine Wines in Providence, and Newport Wine Cellar in Newport. Some, like Bottles Fine Wine, in Providence, even deliver!

For red wines to serve on chilly nights, go here. 

Chocolate

If you're going to be shut in 'til Saturday, make it a decadent hibernation with chocolate.  Garrison Confections, the only chocolate company in the nation that changes its bon bon flavors four times a year, is at the top of any gourmet survival kit list. Choose between individual pieces like solid chocolate bars, chocolate-covered sweets, cookies, and macaroons, or opt for one of Shott's gorgeous gift boxes. Happy snuggling. 

For more on Garrison Confections and other gourmet survival treats, go here. 

Books

You've been meaning to dig into a new book since New Year's and now's your chance. Whether you're reading by candlelight on backlit on your Kindle, here are 18 book recommendations from Rhode Island independent bookstores. 

See them all, right here. 

Games

A snowstorm is the perfect time to get back to basics, and you can play Rhode Island's proudest homegrown game, Bananagrams, on any surface. 

For another twist on games, try throwing the Tarot for everyone in the house with a wildly creative Zombie Tarot deck, available for $18 in Providence at Curatorium. 

For more on Zombie Tarot and other fun finds, go here. 

Cozy wear

Stay warm with these vividly hued hats, scarves and gloves at Karol Richardson in Newport. This joyous boutique will find you pondering between eternity scarves and fingerless mitts by Wooden Ships in great crayon colors sure to brighten up any trips out into the snow this weekend. $32-$52.

For more ways to look fabulous in the cold weather, go here.