Vancouver: The Savvy Guide to January

There is a lot ahead of you in 2012. So start by making the most of the first cold and blistery month. We think it’s going to be a good one.

DO
Be fair to yourself when you make New Year’s resolutions and don’t load up on too many promises—just pick one good one and stick to it
Why? Because you’re doing a good job already and you don’t need to add a lot more to your already-full plate.

GO
Skiing, skating or sledding
Why? Just because old man winter has settled in for a few months, doesn’t mean you have to settle inside. Get yourself and the kids out for some much-needed winter fun and fresh air.

GET
An exercise routine, and actually follow through
Why? Because it’s on everyone’s list for the New Year, so find a class, download a routine to your iPad or hire a trainer and get moving.

PLAY
In the snow
Why? Because you can make some really fun and simple creations with a big wow factor that your kids will love.

HELP
Donate warm clothing to a local charity
Why? The cold months are hard for many people, and your old gloves, scarves and other warm items that have been replaced with new ones over the holidays can warm up those individuals who need them.

SURF
www.myfitnesspal.com
Why? Because it’s an amazing tracker of calories, exercise, and water consumption.

READ
Unjunk Your Junk Food by Andrea Donsky, Randy Boyer and Lisa Tsakos
Why? Because giving up our junk food doesn’t seem to be an option. In North America, over 95% of us buy chocolate, soda and chips in any given year. Thankfully, this book by the two founders of naturallysavvy.com is a guide to natural and organic versions of—wait for it—junk food, and also offers tips on what to look for in healthy snacks.

APP IT
Simple Simon
Why? Because we’re all about retro games, and this classic from our childhood is a fun way to get your mind back into shape for the New Year.

GREEN IT
Turn down your thermostat by a couple of degrees
Why? It will not only mean you’re leaving less of a carbon footprint, it’ll also add a few extra dollars to your bank account by decreasing your energy bill (which is a bonus after the holidays).

DEAL IT
Get 10% off of your purchase at Thrive.ca, Canada’s new Online Health & Wellness Store with code savvymom until January 31
Why? You can get your everyday essentials for the household in one click which means more cozy time indoors to share with the family.

MAKE IT
A sock puppet
Why? With all the new items of clothing your kids are bound to have, it’s time to get rid of some old ones that are too ratty to donate. With an old sock, T-shirts, buttons, and pants, you can get crafty and theatrical with the kids. Learn how to make your own sock puppet.

SHARE IT
Share your tips and tricks on how YOU do it—keep your life savvy and sane—in our SavvyTips section
Why? Because we know every mom is savvy, and also because we’ve got 5 copies of new DVD release I Don’t Know How She Does It to give away this month. For every tip you submit, you get one chance to win. See official rules and regulations here.

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