This message may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hey there!

Welcome February! The month that somehow brings sunshine, slush, and surprises all at once.

While the weather has been beautifully warm, we've been missing out. My 9 year old broke his ankle last week, so we're leaning into the cozy trend.

We've been enjoying our audiobooks, taking it easy, and getting a head start on February events - Valentine's Day, Family Day planning, and Random Acts of Kindness Month.

Oh, and the Olympics! I love the $80 hat Team Canada wore to the opening ceremonies, but the overall look wasn't my jam. There are a few more affordable options to grab, though.

In today's newsletter you'll find:

• Spreading Kindness this February
• DIY Valentines Day Card ideas (because it's just over a week away!)
• Great winter festivals to get you outside
• Potatoes!

---

---

✨ What's Happening at Alberta Mamas

February is Random Acts of Kindness Month, and I'm leaning into the idea that kindness doesn't have to be complicated to make a real impact, especially for kids!

Rather than adding more to the calendar, we're focusing on modelling kindness and creating easy opportunities for the kids to practice it. Baking cookies for the neighbours or doing something thoughtful just because.

The goal is teaching the kids to notice others and take action.

If you're hoping to do the same thing this month, these two Alberta Mamas favourites are a great place to start:

How Kindness Leads to Happier, Healthier Kids Read article

Spread Kindness Bring a smile to someone else's face with simple actions. Read article

---

🛍 Find of the Week

With a broken ankle in the house and more time spent in the car and on the couch, audiobooks have been the answer to screens lately!

​We love Audible for family listening. It's easy to find stories that work for different ages, and it's been a simple way to enjoy books together while we're slowing things down this month.

---

📚 What I'm Reading

Since I'm loving on audiobooks this week, I figured I'd share a few that we're loving right now!

• ​Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries​
• ​Have Sword, Will Travel​
• ​Terry Pratchett's Bromeliad Trilogy​

---

🏠 At Home Activity

Get ahead of the February 13th rush! This weekend is the perfect time to make Valentine's Day cards for your children's classmates.

There are a couple posts to get you started on Alberta Mamas:

• ​9 Easy DIY Valentines Day Cards​
• ​4 Eco-Friendly Valentines Day Cards​

Remember, if you don't have the time, energy, or other resources for Valentines cards, it's okay. All effort is appreciated.​

---

📅 Events Around Alberta (This Weekend)

There's always a lot happening around Alberta. Here are a few highlights from this weekend:

• Calgary: Block Heater Music Festival​
• Edmonton: Silver Skate Festival​
• Rocky Mountains: Ice Magic at Lake Louise

🎯 Find more through your local event calendar!

---

👨‍🍳 Recipe to Try

I've been shopping sales lately, and picked up 20lbs of russet potatoes for the a couple dollars more than the 3lbs of baby potatoes I usually get.

A giant batch of mashed potatoes that also became potato pancakes (1 egg, 1 cup flour, 2 cups potatoes, mixed; form into 3-4" rounds; fry in butter until crispy) used up about 5 pounds.

I put about 10 pounds into double stuffed potatoes for the freezer.

I'd love to hear your favourite ways to use up potatoes!

Double Stuffed Potatoes ​ Get the Recipe

---

💭 Share Your Thoughts

What's your favourite piece of Olympic gear this year?

Hit reply and let me know!

Can't wait to hear from you!

Jen

Interested in Helping?

Interested in supporting Alberta Mamas at no extra cost to you? The Resources page has affiliate links to activity and hotel booking sites, Amazon.ca, and online shopping like Lululemon and Etsy. Your every day shopping through those links really makes a difference!

Thank you so much for your support!