Calgary: The Savvy Guide to February

Don’t give into the February blues—go red instead and warm up this blustery, brief month by spreading the love around. Here are some ideas to get started.  DO Remember the love this month and get inspired with these savvy Valentine’s Day ideas Why? Because there are some sweet and easy ways to say ‘I love you’.  GO To Family Day Weekend Family Quest from February 16 to 20 at Heritage Park Historical Village Why? Because what better way to bond with the fam than on a quest? Work together to complete five hands-on challenges, including the soap-box derby, treasure hunt, family dress-up, other old-fashioned games and more, all geared around the family. Can you say photo op? GET Some Valentine’s Day cards and a class list Why? Because the whole class gets a card and you want to make sure the names are spelled correctly. Don’t leave this to the night before—it takes longer than you think, especially if Jack and Jill want to write them all. PLAY The Dating Game with your family. Ask questions about why they love the other person. Make sure you award points and make teams if you have to, so it’s a real game. Why? You’re spreading the love. What more can we say? HELP Take part in Hiberskate on February 5 in support of the Pediatric Obesity Foundation Why? Remember that New Year’s resolution to be more active? This is the perfect way to get everyone off the couch and join in the fun activities at Canada Olympic Park while supporting an important cause. SURF www.GoodsWithStory.ca Why? It’s an online marketplace selling unique and creative items from passionate Canadian vendors. Most of the goods are all-natural and all of them are locally made. You might even find a small V-Day gift there for someone special. READ How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm and Other Adventures in Parenting Around the World by Mei-Ling Hopgood Why? To remind us that children are raised in many different ways all over the world by parents who love them and believe that their way is the right way. And it is—for them. So keep loving them and doing what you’re doing. APP IT smallnest Why? It’s a great new app for parents to track their baby’s progress (i.e. feeding and sleeping schedules) and to safely share photos (and the love) with close friends and family. GREEN IT Make a pledge to reduce your ‘fashion footprint’ Why? Because even our beloved wardrobe and shopping for new clothes have an impact on our environment. However, there are alternatives. You can change the world—one pair of jeans or a load of laundry at a time. MAKE IT An easy homemade Valentine’s Day card Why? Because this adorable pop-up, love-bug valentine is a super-easy card for kids to create for family or friends (and it’s really cute). DEAL IT Get 15% off any Valentine’s Day gift from Sweet Flour Bake Shop using code SVMCC12 until February 13 Why? Because their new cookie cupcakes are truly scrumptious and it’s always great to get a deal when you’re buying sweets for your sweeties. P.S. Remember, it’s a leap year, so there’s an extra day to love!