Victoria: The Savvy Guide to April

Eggs are, without a doubt, the pre-eminent symbol of April (preferably chocolate ones), so this month we’re celebrating fertility, chocolate and Mother Earth. You see the connections? We’re looking to eat chocolate and to keep our earth as fertile as we can by protecting it. Here’s how:

DO
Plant a sunflower seed in a pot.
Why? Because they sprout easily indoors and then you can move it outside when the weather gets warmer. The kids will love watching it grow and they’ll be amazed at how big it gets.

GO
To the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt (CFB) Naval Dockyard.
Why? As a part of the celebration of the centennial of the Canadian Navy, free tours are being offered until August 21 that cover naval history, heritage buildings, interactive activities and more fun. So you can be patriotic and play all at once.

GET
Some cool rain boots for you and the kids.
Why? Because puddle splashing makes rainy days so much more fun, and the only way to do so is in style. We found these fab Tretorn Skerry splashers for the kids online at one of our fave shoe stores, Getoutside. They have tons of options for Mom and Dad too, with every colour and style of Hunter Wellies, Amaort boots (folding Japanese rubber boots) and many more.

PLAY
Make it fair on Easter Sunday with a colour-coded Easter Egg Hunt. Put one coloured egg in each child’s basket and let them hunt for the same coloured eggs. Hide eggs for younger children in the easier-to-find spots and make it more difficult for the older children. 
Why? Because that way everyone gets the same amount and it avoids any sibling rivalry incidents when the fun is all over. 

READ
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward.
Why? Because this Bunny-Mama is as savvy as it gets, managing to be the mom of 21 kids and still beating everyone out to attain the exalted (and traditionally male-dominated) position of the Easter Bunny. Aside from being a great Easter story, it also provides an inspiring message for your little bunnies.

SURF
www.swapsity.ca
Why? Because it’s a fabulous way to get into the green spirit and do some spring cleaning as well. Recycle your unwanted items through this online bartering community and using their unique matching tool, find items that you’ve been looking for yourself.

GREEN IT
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with your kids.
Why? Because there are community events across Canada that you can get involved in. Start by getting the kids to help clean up your own yard or a local park and encourage the neighbours to join you. We have lots of good ideas for you to get started.

DEAL IT
Freshen up your child’s room with bits of love—letters, that is—by using code SavvyMom for 10% off any purchase at kidsloveletters.com until August 31.
Why? Because Kids’ Love Letters are personalized wall art pieces made using designer fabrics that are playful and decorative. And they show your love, of course.

HELP
Villages Pizza Adopt-a-Night Program fundraiser.
Why? Because they’ve teamed up with the Times Colonist 10K race (on April 25) and are offering to donate 10% of the money from each pizza ordered and picked up (at select locations) to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. So you can feel good about ordering lots of pizza for a change!

If you focus on chocolate and Mother Earth this month, you can’t go wrong.

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