I had the same experience with Final Fantasy X, on the PS2, just without working in a sheet metal shop, or being snowed in (if that ever happens in Australia... good luck to me).
Did it have some awesome game art in the strategy guide? I miss those sorts of cheaply bound books with amazing concept art in them.
It definitely had some amazing artwork, that was part of the reason I bought it. It was released during that period when strategy guides were going well above what was needed. An amazing time to have the money to partake in that 'extra' add-on.
It definitely added another later of depth to the experience of the game. :)
I had (of all things) a Gran Turismo strategy guide, and it had the reviewer's lap time records in there, and I was so chuffed when I managed to beat one on a track. I was a kid though.