Calgary: The Savvy Guide to November
November might not have any long weekends or decent weather but it’s a good time to hunker down, get organized and play in the leaves. These savvy tips will help get you through this sometimes soggy month.
DO
Start making your list (you know’¦that list’the one you check twice)
Why? Because the earlier you start to plan for the holidays, the more likely you are to stick to your budget.
GO
To the Artisan’s Fair at Fort Calgary
Why? Artisan fairs are always a great spot to find gifts for the holiday season and Santa will be making an appearance, too.
GET
A pair of ankle booties
Why? If you buy just one thing for yourself this season, this is what it should be.
PLAY
Traffic Cop
Why? Because it’s more fun than it sounds and it helps kids learn about traffic safety. Play in an empty parking lot or large paved area. Kids ride bikes, wagons, scooters or whatever is available. One person directs traffic to make sure they don’t run into each other. The more kids that play, the better.
READ
The Baby Signing Bible: Baby Sign Language Made Easy by Laura Berg, founder of My Smart Hands
Why? Because if you have a baby who has yet to talk or has special needs, this book will teach you how to communicate with him or her and can save you and your child all kinds of frustrations. Featuring 400 signs, it’s the most comprehensive, user-friendly handbook for parents who want to communicate with their child.
GREEN IT
When your fire is not lit, be sure to keep the flue closed
Why? So warm air doesn’t escape up the chimney when it’s not in use.
SURF
bringbackplay.ca
Why? Because it’s got all kinds of ideas for kids to do and we all remember the fun games we used to play outside with our friends at home and at recess. ParticipACTION wants to inspire parents and kids to get out and play again. And so do we.
APP IT
Hockey Canada Concussion Awareness
Why? Because it has everything you need to know about concussions, including a variety of resources, prevention tips, respect, rules, symptoms and return-to-play protocol. It’s useful for all sports, not just hockey.
MAKE IT
A Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Scone
Why? Because they are just the thing that everyone will devour on a lazy Saturday morning.
HELP
SickKids by purchasing holiday gifts from their SickKids Get Better Gifts catalogue
Why? Because you’ll find meaningful gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list and the proceeds from gifts donated support and improve the lives of children and families at The Hospital for Sick Children.
VOTE
Not in the US presidential election, but for the MOMpreneur of the Year in the 2013 MOMpreneur Award of Excellence
Why? Because we love to support mompreneurs, the winner receives a prize of over $30,000 in cash and services to grow her business, and every time you vote, you are entered to win one of five $100 packages of personalized labels from Mabel’s Labels.
