Toronto: The Savvy Guide to May

It’s May, and we propose to dedicate the entire month to you—moms, that is.

Because sometimes one day just doesn’t do it (although we’re not suggesting to give it back, either). After a long cold winter followed by the pain and rains of April (and all the muck that goes with it), we feel it’s our turn. So with that said, here are a few suggestions on how to focus on you this month in our Savvy Guide to May.

DO
Start making arrangements for Mother’s Day
Why? Because even though it’s not officially your job, you still have to make sure that you get or do what you want (hopefully both). So decide on what you would like, then drop hints, leave lists, send emails and make back up reservations.

GET
A Plum Rewards Card at Indigo
Why? Because it’s a reward program (and don’t you deserve a reward?) as well as a discount card…and it allows you to shop. Just make sure you buy something for yourself.

PLAY
Mother May I?
Why? Because we’re keeping to the Mother’s Day theme—and we’re hoping our kids will adopt the phrase at the very least. Mother, may I? It might just stick.

READ
The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls
Why? Because it’s a beautiful memoir by Jeannette Walls who recounts her and her siblings’ unconventional, poverty-stricken upbringing at the hands of their deeply dysfunctional parents. You’ll feel like mom-of-the-year after reading it.

SURF
www.wanderfly.com
Why? Because it will help you plan your next trip. You know, the one you have been looking forward to.

APP IT
Our Groceries
Why? Because it’s the best app for keeping a grocery list and sharing that list at the same time…because you know how to delegate.

GREEN IT
Buy your favourite seasonal potted plant and put it somewhere you can enjoy everyday
Why? Because it will make you smile every time you look at it, and then you can transplant it into your garden or an outdoor planter where it will last even longer. Flowers are good for you and good for the environment.

HELP
Choose something meaningful this year with a gift from SickKids Get Better Gifts
Why? They have a catalogue of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from starting as low as $15—from a rocking chair where a mother can soothe a sick child, to supplies for baking programs for children in hospital. Every time a SickKids Get Better Gift is sent, you can send an ecard with a personalized message, while making a donation to the highest priority needs at SickKids.

DEAL IT
Receive 10% off your purchase of the iBert safe-T-seat using code savvy1 until October 31
Why? It’s time to enjoy cycling as a fun family activity again. It was designed by a Mom, so we’re letting this one into the guide this month.

WIN IT
Win a baby gift basket of Canadian-made products worth $1400
Why? Because, babies are expensive, that’s a fact. And we’ve teamed up with Buy Canadian First on this exclusive SavvyMom reader contest. Enter here for your chance to win.

Photo credit: Holly Sisson Photography