Toronto: The Savvy Guide to February

February gets a really bad rap—and for good reason. But if you’re a glass half-full kind of girl, you’ll see it as a nice short month with a whole lot of love. Our February guide will help you keep your glass full all 28 days.

DO
Get the flu shot if you haven’t already done so
Why? Because the flu can be serious and even deadly for people in high-risk groups. That includes young children, those 65+, pregnant women and those with existing chronic health problems. And this year’s flu seems to be ‘catching on’!

GO
See the Monkey Bunch on February 6, 13, and 20 at the Drake Hotel
Why? Because The Monkey Bunch are an ‘envirockmental’ group and music sensation that will educate and delight your kids with music that even parents will appreciate. Tickets are $20 for a family four-pack or $7 per person (free for babes in arms).

GET
A free Toronto Museum Pass with your Toronto Public Library Card
Why? Because the card is free to borrow (we already mentioned that) and the museums are nice, warm learning environments for you and your family. It’s not a tough sell.

PLAY
With Spark Story Starters
Why? They are great cards (and an app, too) for families to play together wherever they are. They start conversations, spark imaginations and encourage kids to talk.

READ
Moxie’s First Birthday by Carolyn Robinson
Why? Because your kids (and you) will love Moxie and her BCF (Best Chicken Forever) as they unlock the secret of Moxie’s magic collar in this first book from the great new children’s series, The Adventures of Moxie and Chicken, which delivers a fun read along with a secret dose of education, and morals for kids.

SURF
Dad’s Log
Why? Because we know you could use an extra laugh this month and this stay-at-home Dad’s self deprecating humour will do the trick.

GREEN IT
Reuse your leftover tin foil to scrub your pots and pans clean
Why? Because with a little soap, water and elbow grease, you can scrub away grime without having to buy steel wool pads and you’re finding a good use for that leftover tin foil you hate to throw out.

HELP
Jump Rope for Heart
Why? Because February is Heart Month and it’s a great way to get the kids active, learn about fundraising and contribute to a worthy cause. There’s a lot of other fun things to discover on the Heart and Stroke Jump Rope for Heart website as well.

DEAL IT
Dress the kids up this month with Sugary Bubbly
Why? Because it’s always good to add colourful, playful accessories to an otherwise grey month. Enter code savvymom10 to receive 10% off your entire order until December 31, 2011.

LOVE IT
Take some time to enjoy a little bit of Valentine’s Day fun this month
Why? Because next week you’ll find lots of ideas in our Savvy Guide to Valentine’s Day that are sure to get your heart racing. Stay tuned…