Give back to Mother Earth

For 60 minutes  or 1 hour, you can give back to Mother Earth

Join EARTH HOUR and VOTE FOR EARTH!

On March 27, 2010, 8:30 PM, switch off your lights (and other appliances even!) 

For just an hour, you're giving back so much for our future, especially our youth's future.

For more information visit: http://www.earthhour.org/

While you're at it, light a candle, spend time with your love ones or say a silent prayer. :)

Getting Crafty On the Go!

When you're stuck in traffic, waiting in line or for someone or if you're just plain BORED, what do you usually do?

Most of the time, I see people fiddling with their mobile phones (probably playing games or sending SMS). I also see some reading a book and some who just stare blankly into space (which most often than not are the irate ones...hehe).

Thanks to my cousin, I was introduced to knitting a year ago. I never really thought I would enjoy it until I was able to finish some projects.

I later on got so hooked on it, I started acquiring cool knitting tools and imported yarns. They're not the cheapest but they're the best especially if you're planning to use your finished projects on your kids or yourself.

"Knitting is for grannies..." 

I DON'T AGREE because well, I'm not a granny and my mom or my grandma don't knit PLUS there are quite a number of celebrities (both young and old and MEN even, who knit!)

There's Hillary Duff who knits to keep herself occupied on plane trips

Model Kimberly Stuart even hosts knitting parties with her friends (yes, the one who also parties with other celebrities like Paris Hilton).

Julia Roberts apparently knits while in between shoots and is planning to star in the film Friday Night Knitting Club (which reminds me that I've been wanting to get that book).

Scarlett Johansson - so knitting is SEXY! (hahah). She even knitted a scarf to use for her role in Lost In Translation!

and her Husband, Ryan Reynolds also knows how to knit (I've given up on teaching involving mine...)

 

To name a few others, there's Debra Messing (I miss Will & Grace!), Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker!

 

and get this: KATE MOSS!

 

Catherine Zeta Jones taught Antonio Banderas during their film The Legend of Zorro (cool eh?)

 

The sense of accomplishment when you finish a project (no matter how imperfect it looks) is the best joy ever!

I must admit that I have been slacking off and after organizing my tools and yarns, I need to get back to knitting. Plus traffic is horrible, so I might as well bring a project along. I also like knitting while I'm waiting at the doctor's office or to take a break during the day, just to relax.

It's the best thing (ever) when someone you love LOVES the stuff you make. :) I hope one day, it can be a bonding activity between me and my daughter among many other hobbies.

     

TOOLS OF THE TRADE TO GET YOU STARTED:

1. Knitting Needles (straight or circular, depends on your preference) - I personally like circular needles because they are easy to bring along than straight ones. I like ADDI CIRCULAR KNITTING NEEDLES because I find that I work faster and they just glide like butter on your hands. 

2. Yarn - There are a lot of options - in the Philippines, it's quite hard to find really nice yarn and the ones usually available are Acrylic (synthetic). I like the acrylic ones from Bernat (which comes from the US) and the cotton ones from Lion and Lily (which are also from the US). 

3. Patterns - you can download so many online. It's quite handy especially if you're just starting to knit. What I do is I download them and save them on my mobile phone as PDF or as an e-book so I can have them ready when I knit outside. 

Here are my favorite websites for tips and patterns:

http://www.vogueknitting.com/ (Yup! Vogue has a knitting magazine and site!)

http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/

http://www.dailyknitter.com/

http://www.knittinghelp.com/ - GO TO THIS SITE to learn the basics and advance techniques!

So WHERE can you buy awesome knitting stuff, especially the imported ones from the US? Go to DREAMS Yarn Shop in Glorietta 5, 3rd floor. I love that shop, the owner and their sales associates. They are quite helpful plus you can hang out, learn and share from other knitters (who are amazing!).

I haven't been able to visit for quite some time (since I've got more than enough and I can't help but buy something) but I will very soon!

Got the munchies

The weather's not so good. It's so humid. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to gulp on a really chilled / ice cold SODA.

But since I'm pregnant, I made me some fruit shake instead.

But still! I don't know what it is I want to munch on and I'm too lazy and tired to go out at this time.

Seriously, I wish there was a delivery page with all the kinds of "Comfort Foods" available. From Halo-halo, Chok-nut bars, Champorado, Dinuguan at Puto and all the food that makes you warm, fuzzy, sentimental.

I'm just blabbing. I think the heat is getting to me.

Funny Book: ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!

I stumbled across Bob Ong's books one time in National Bookstore. I didn't buy it right off the bat but I did Google it that night and I was surprised that so many people really like it.

I've been meaning to blog about the book I got: ABNKKBSNPLAKo?! Mga Kwentong Chalk Ni Bob Ong

I was like: "Uhm, Miss, do you have a copy of, ahhh...well do you have any Bob Ong Books?" until I figured out how to read the title (hehe!)

It's a fun read plus the books aren't really expensive (not more than Php200!) but for me are keepers if you want to cheer yourself up.

The best laugh trip moments are the ones about your childhood and the many silly antics you did when you were a kid.

So reading this book was really fun (and I didn't mind some people staring at me when I really laughed at one his entries regarding the games you play while in class like SOS and all that while I was waiting for my daughter in ballet class).

At the end of the book you'll also realize that he tackles really good issues, like this book in particular tackles our Education System and he gives really good insights especially on the plight of public school teachers and students.

I bought a couple more of his books and I'm looking forward to more funny and interesting stories from Bob Ong. :)

10-10-10-10 PROMO from ByNature!

10-10-10-10 PROMO!

(10 handmade soaps, 10 weeks, 10 testimonies, 10 happy winners)

BY NATURE is turning 10 this May!!!

Share about your great experiences with BY NATURE Handmade Soaps & 100% Natural Products and get a chance to win prizes!

I know that a lot of you, my users, have something to share about with my products -- how they have helped with your or your loved one's skin condition or how you and your family simply enjoy using them because of their skin and health benefits.  Now is your chance to let others know about them, too!


THE MECHANICS:
- To join, simply order ten (10) bars of any BY NATURE Handmade Soaps (you may include my other products to save on pick-up/meet-up time or shipping fees).
- Send your order forms to bynaturemails@gmail.com following the format below:

------------------------
Complete Name:
Complete Address:
Mobile Number:
Age:
Preferred Reseller:

Orders:
------------------------

- Your orders will then be forwarded to your preferred reseller.
- Payment must be settled with your preferred reseller before proceeding.
- Once payment is received from your preferred reseller, an e-mail will be sent to you from BY NATURE that you may proceed in sending your testimony to bynaturemails@gmail.com.
Note: All orders are still to comply according to your preferred resellers' terms and conditions or order guidelines.  It is to their own discretion if an order is to be canceled due to non-compliance or delayed payments.
- The criteria will be based on the originality and sincerity of the testimony.
Note: The objective is to share with others your wonderful experiences with BY NATURE Handmade Soaps & 100% Natural Products. (you may share as much as you want)
- The promo period is for ten (10) weeks, from March 22 to May 31, 2010


THE WINNERS:
- There will be ten (10) winners.
- The winners will receive an e-mail from BY NATURE stating that their testimonies have been chosen.
- All winners must reply to the e-mail to confirm.  If no reply is received within seven (7) days, another e-mail of regret will be sent and the next runner-up will be notified as one of the winners. 


THE PRIZES:
- All ten (10) winners will win back ten (10) BY NATURE Handmade Soaps of their choice (any variant) plus a S.O.A.P. Bag worth P250.00!
- All ten (10) testimonies will be posted in BY NATURE's website once all winners have received their prizes.


THE REDEMPTION:
- Winners can pick-up their prizes from their preferred resellers.
- For winners who prefer to have their prizes shipped, BY NATURE will ship to them directly.  Shipping and handling fees is to be shouldered by the winners.


You may keep sending in your testimonies within the given promo period.  For every testimony a contestant wants to send in, the requirements above must be met.  So make sure that you do e-mail your best and most convincing testimony on as many BY NATURE Handmade Soaps & 100% Natural Products as you can!

Note: Selected non-winning testimonies will be included in my website under "Words From My Customers".

Good Luck, everyone!

I love ByNature's products! I'm sure you'll love them  too!

Head on to ByNature's website: CLICK HERE

Preggy and Heavy

I'm at 26 weeks going on 27 and I can feel the back pains already and my I'm beginning to lose my balance especially when I'm walking long distances or even if I'm just at the mall.

So on my way to Glorietta's Kids' and Teens' section, I saw HAB's stall and poked around to check out some pregnancy support bands.

The kind sales person told me that one of their best sellers would be THE MATERNITY BELT.

I wasn't immediately sold. It looked more RESTRICTING than COMFY but she persuaded me by trying it on. She placed it on top of my blouse as I told her I'm too lazy to go to the fitting room (or so I thought I was...)

I scanned the label. I'm not about to wear it and take a picture of my belly. I'm shy.

After walking for about 30 minutes before I came into the shop, as soon as I tried it on, I felt relieved and my it felt that a lot of weight has been lifted! Seriously.

It's made of white thick garters with Velcro to adjust at the back and at the front (both left and right).

They come in various sizes: S-XXL

I got the Medium size. 

It's also reasonably priced at Php545 for all the comfort you'll feel when you're wearing it. It's so worth it.

http://www.emma-jane.com/

It looks sort of something like this (ooh! i wish I were this sexy and confident...haha!)

So as I was saying, I did go inside the fitting room because I just had to use the belt already.

They also have the BELLY BELT (I bought mine online) and so far, I'm not able to use my jeans because my thighs and hips got bigger. But it's a must have if you've got nice stretchy jeans, pants or skirt and don't want to store them just yet.

I believe this retails for about Php1,100 and has several attachments and extenders (if that's what they're called).

So if you're on your third trimester and feeling heavy, get the Maternity Belt. :) I swear by it!

Pregnancy and Fashion

Banks /Splash News Online; Limelight; Swarbrick/INF

I'm running out of clothing options.

When you're getting bigger by the day, you also get more uncomfortable with tight fitting clothes, even pants and some leggings.

I'm looking to get some Maxi dresses. Although I doubt I can use them at the office, it's nice to wear them when you're just out shopping or strolling or running quick errands. They're comfy and summer ready!


I have extra jersey (and stretchy) fabrics in various prints that I'm looking to transform into maxi dresses, hopefully I can make at least one that this coming weekend and be successful at it. 


For the office, since I don't want REFUSE to buy maternity clothing especially for corporate clothes (I'm not expecting to have a third till my second is 3 or 4 years old). I'm looking at the following options (some I have already bought)

www.vivavintage.multiply.com
 
1. Cropped Jackets - since I can't close them anyway and longer jackets that aren't stretchy make me look bigger





http://www.mummyandlittleme.co.uk

2. Cardigans - knitted ones to be exact. I got a couple from The Landmark Dept. Store in Makati. Priced very reasonably from Php300+ to Php400+ (not bad at all!). 

Tip: Fold knits, never hang






http://snagwiremedia.com

3. Leggings - lots and lots of black and some brown and gray ones. I don't like the cotton ones as they fray and scrunch up at the back of the knees. Best place to buy? Head on to any department store's hosiery section and ask for FOOTLESS TIGHTS. They're cheap, can stand more than 10 times of washing and use (please handwash) and the material is thicker than your regular stockings and much more flattering for your legs (especially if they're getting big because you're almost due in a few months!). Price ranges from Php150-180 dependent on the brand.   

Tip: Ask the sales lady to show you all the options and compare materials check how tight or flexible the waist bands are






4. Tunics - Long cotton, stretchy tops and mini dresses I can wear over leggings. I love the choices at the 3rd (or is it 4th) floor of Glorietta (just above The Ramp). Go to GET LAUD! and look at they're selections. I initially went there to go the Having A Baby (I bought a fab support belt which I'll blog about later on) but I just didn't like the selections of maternity wear. So there. Price ranges are Php300+ to Php400+ and you can wear them after you give birth!  

Tip: ask for all available colors. They don't display all the colors. The sales ladies will be more than happy to help and even suggest. They are quite nice. Then beside, check out the flat selections at SHOE BOX.
  
I love that there are already so many affordable choices in the market for clothing and that the styles are quite flexible enough.



 

Life is a stroll (when you have a good stroller)

Courtesy of Bugaboo

For a whopping $650, you can get this fab stroller from Bugaboo Bee (and unfortunately I can't afford it!).

It's almost Php35k! and there are lots of things you can buy with that.


I've had my daughter's Chicco stroller for about 2 years now. She's 3 and a bit heavy and she can FORTUNATELY still use it. She gets tired easily while walking around the mall so we still bring it when we're out.


What I'm trying to look for is a nice, affordable YET sturdy stroller that can transition from newborn to toddler. It's quite hard to push a stroller plus a toddler and if the stroller's quite heavy, it would be much more of a burden than a stroll.


My husband was saying that we get the twin type. I'm looking for one but I'm also still contemplating if it's worth it to get a separate one or the one he's suggesting.

I'm (definitely) still looking for more options and I'll post the ones I'll find soon.

The Story of Skin

I'm always on the look out for either organic or natural products. Given this age and time and considering how weird the weather gets each year, not to mention all the illnesses that come and go, It's better to be safe than sorry.

I've recently blogged about BY NATURE (website - CLICK HERE!)and I'm still using their products (I love it!) but it's nice to have a couple of options here and there depending on your mood for the day.

So I'm quite happy to have stumbled upon LEYENDE's website since I've been a little bit lazy to go out. I have known Neva (I love her and how she has been so successful in making and marketing her wonderful products, not to mention her humanitarian activities!) since the time I started joining the bazaar circuit courtesy of Sandy of The Reading Room (one of my life's biggest influences). But I've only recently tried Leyende and I'm glad I finally did.

PLACE IN THE SUN FACE SUNBLOCK SPF30

50ML
*paraben-free
*recommended for: all skin types (even sensitive skin)
*no white cast; no greasiness
*tinosorb: effective, natural-based sunblock agent against UVA/UVB rays
*vitamin c and vitamin b3
*organic aloe vera infusion: soothes sun-exposed skin; humectant
*virgin coconut oil: cleansing properties; high lauric acid content
(skin nutrient and conditioner)
*organic calendula extract: soothes sensitive skin
deionized aqua, infusion of rosemary and calendula (marigold), organic shea butter, organic sweet almond oil, virgin coconut oil, tinosorb, vit. E, vit. C, vit. B3, organic calendula & aloe extract, grapeseed extract,
PHP 400 / $ 15.00

*I love this because there is no heavy sunblock smell plus it's quite light and doesn't give you that icky, sticky feeling you get from normal sunblocks

MOTHER BUTTER COCOA BUTTER LOTION

260mL
*no mineral oil
*no petroleum by-products
*paraben-free
*natural good-enough-to-eat chocolate scent from cocoa butter
*recommended for: dry skin; stretched skin (esp. for pregnant women)
*organic unrefined cocoa butter: anti-oxidant; polyphenol-rich; very moisturizing
organic cocoa butter, superfatted organic chocolate extract,  organic sweet almond oil, deionized aqua, plant-derived stearate, vit. c, vit. B3, a-tocopherol (vit. e), orris root extract, vanilla extract,
PHP 450.00 / $13.00

*I love this because it's not heavy and sticky as well. It feels light on the skin, the cocoa scent is not heavy, it's rather YUMMY and leaves your skin moisturized. Since I have a growing belly, it also eliminates the "itchies" thus preventing more stretchmarks (oh yes, I still have some since my first pregnancy and I am now on the look out for a remedy without having to get a tummy tuck!)

LEYENDE HAND-CRAFTED SOAP BARS

(Bringing up baby variant)

approximately 110g
*paraben-free
*recommended for: all skin types (except for Clouds in My Coffee)
*creamy and lathery
*non-drying
*organic sweet almond oil base
*cold-processed and properly cured for one month
*natural plant coloring: alkanet root, spirulina, orris root
organic sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, virgin coconut oil, palm wax, deionized water, sodium hydroxide, calendula ext, vit e, natural plant extracts added during the trace stage (e.g. wild honey, tearose, etc.)
variants:
-Once Bitten chocolate soap: raw organic Brazilian chocolate (cacao)
-Mild World chlorine-cleansing bar : jojoba oil and coconut extract (temporarily out of stock variant)
-Bringing Up Baby mild infant soap: tearose and organic calendula extract
-O’Hara lavender soap: true lavender extract and organic coconut oil
-Clouds in My Coffee exfoliating soap: barako coffee granules and organic sweet almond oil
PHP 185.00 / $6.00

*I got the Bringing up baby variant as I love using baby soaps instead of beauty soaps. I like that it doesn't dry up the skin and even moisturizes it. It has this fresh, natural scent that I like. It doesn't leave you with that regular soap scent but I like it because I find that my lotion or cologne of choice's scent sticks to my skin better and longer.


I'm looking forward to try more of Leyende's Products. I also really like how they offer meet-ups in several locations in Makati and that they have a good number of locations. When you order online, they respond very promptly.

To know where they are available: CLICK HERE

You won't be disappointed and will keep coming back for more!

Little Bare Feet

I don't like seeing babies, especially the ones who seem to be just a few months (or days old!) outside (usually in a mall) without socks or booties.

It just feels...so bare!

Plus those little cold feet...poor little cute feet feeling the cold air-conditioned mall atmosphere with tons of germs flying around.

I know I may sound over-acting but I just don't like it. period.

Since baby items are part of my internet "window" shopping tour, I've stumbled across really cute products from local and international retailers:

Funky Feet
from the http://proudmamastore.multiply.com
Php499 for a set of 5 pairs (not bad! plus they're cute and there are designs for boys too!)

Pictures from their site



Heelarious
So cute right?! Since babies 0-6 months of age don't walk yet, these are perfect!
I think I saw these in Rustan's Shang (but I have to verify)
$30 (a little bit expensive for booties but if you're all for making you little one a diva, then go for it!)

They even have cowboy boots!


also at $30

The heel itself is soft so no pressure can be put on it (as per the site)

http://www.heelarious.com/
Pictures from their site

My recent project, baby loafers, which I'm supposed to be making for my little one but made some for friends and now I'm selling (ehem..plug) at my site: http://goohwables.multiply.com

These I made for Madee (my bestfriend's niece)

And these I'm selling online a kept a special pair for my son Peyton so he can have something handmade to wear when he arrives (between May-June...I'm so excited!)

Which reminds me, I still have a lot of stuff to do and new designs to finish.

Keep those little feet warm and cozy!

To bounce or not to bounce

I never bought a baby bouncer. I have always feared the "shaken baby syndrome" and I felt that the stands (on the ones I usually see in malls) looked "unsteady" and not that sturdy (that it might break or snap anytime!).

What I did buy was a carrier that attaches to a rocking base (swings at one level only), it looked safer and I can use it to carry my newborn with more comfort and ease especially during the earlier periods and without the fear of shaking her.

But I'm puzzled how so many bouncers are available in the market and that a lot of people do buy them.


Courtesy of BabyBjörn

This type goes for about $115 in the US or roughly around Php7,750. But with importation fees here, it's going to cost almost 10k (or more) for sure.

There are also the ones in the Php3-5k range, the colorful ones you see in the malls from China, Australia and the US.

But how necessary is it to get a bouncer?

As per the brand's website:

BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance

Everyday balance… when you know that your child is happy and healthy, and at the same time are able to do everything that you need to get done.

For the child, rocking in the babysitter is both soothing and fun. When a child rocks and moves on his or her own in the babysitter, motor skills and balance are being refined in a natural way.

BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance was developed in close collaboration with pediatricians, and is the result of over 45 years of product development and experience.

BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance is easy to fold and take with you. It has three positions: play, rest and sleep. The fabric is machine-washable and approved in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, class 1, in other words, guaranteed free from hazardous substances. Reversible fabric gives you four color schemes in one.

It's usually for the parents' convenience, as per looking at other brands' description. It's about keeping baby "occupied". I'm still "iffy". I know we're busy parents but I think little ones should be attended to regularly, I even watch my baby sleep (I may sound, yeah, neurotic, but I got scared of SIDS too, who won't be).

So maybe I'll consult the pedia for this since I never brought this up, until I saw a lot of these now in malls (more than what was out there before).

On other news:

I wish I looked this good (but I'm just thankful that my baby's congenital scan is A-Ok), but still...it pays to be in Hollywood


Claudia Schiffer
Bauer-Griffin

Love her coat/cardigan, but it will take me a year (or more) to knit one like this!
Claudia Schiffer
Jack/FilmMagic

Amanda Peet

Matt Carr/Getty


Since I can't have the CELEB toned preggy body, I'd rather take on the style tip.

Knits!

I know it's SUMMER but there are nice knits (I found a lot at the Landmark Dept Store), which are light, stretchy and are actually cool enough to wear in this heat.

:)

Searching for Summer Fun

It seems that due to El Niño, summer came quite early.

The AC seems to be working double time.

Everyone's extra thirsty.

The breeze leaves you such a sticky, icky feeling. ugh.

I don't like to swim when I'm pregnant, because I get irritated a lot by pool chlorine plus people might mistake me for a floater or a tadpole. (hehehe)

Anyway, my daughter seems restless than ever. Swimming at the condo pool takes the boredom off a bit but I don't want her exposed to too much chlorine either because we both have skin asthma.

I'm waiting for the pre-school's call (they're inside our condo complex so my kid can go without me having to worry about her traveling in a school bus since I have work) if they'll push through with the summer classes.

Weekend classes don't cut it. Imagine being restless for 5 days. That's quite long for a kid. But I won't have a choice because I can't commit to bringing her on weekdays due to work plus hubby's out of the country, I might not be able to manage.

So I'm searching for the following:

- Art Classes
- Dancing Classes
- Musical Theater
- Voice Lessons

Just in case there will be no summer classes offered in the condo complex Montessori.

How I wish the Admin here at CGS make the closed function area rentable already! So workshops can be hosted here, heck, I'll organize one!

In my hunt, I'll be posting them here. I'm sure other moms and dads out there are already looking for activities.

Hoping and praying that I can work from home next year so I can take my kids to lots of activities and venues.

Internet Convenience

If you're a busy parent and is working 8-5, you'd find that it's quite hard to do banking transactions especially since banking during your limited lunch break schedule will eat up the entire 45 minutes of your only time to rest during a day of work.

So here comes internet banking. A very convenient way introduced quite sometime ago.

Before, I used to ignore it and still go to the bank thinking I need to submit this and that, then I might as well just do the errand directly.

But times have changed. We've been much busier than usual and (I know you'll agree with me), some banks take forever to transact with! Talk about 30+ customers with 1 or 2 bank tellers only then here comes a corporate account who is a "preferred" or "loyal" customer who cuts the line and submits like a gazillion items for deposit or encashment...the horror!

Goodbye lunch break.

Hello Overlunch break + Memo from HR (no haven't experienced it personally because If I can't transact at a certain number of minutes, I leave but some office pals and friends have experienced it...plus I don't like Memos, I happen to have good HR stats at work..hehe).

So one time, I finally had the courage to go to the online site of BDO application, printed it out and went to the nearest branches to submit the signed document.

For BPI, I also enrolled online and went to an ATM and activated it.

Quick Review: BPI's system is much more convenient in terms of enrolling for online

Below are a few things I can do without having to run to the bank branches all the time:

BDO
- Check balances

- Pay Bills (enroll online, as long as you have your account number or subscriber number for the bill, it's so easy)

- Enrolling other accounts - you can request this for BDO accounts (not yet sure for other banks), you can do this online and wait for the confirmation. I have yet to get confirmation for my husband's account being enrolled into mine in case I need to transfer funds

- Enroll credit card to check balance, due date (but not the entire statement - you need to do this separately, request a PIN from customer service and you will get it in 2-3 weeks then you need to go to the BDO website and follow the steps)

BPI
- Check balances

- Pay Bills (same as BDO)

- Enroll other accounts - it's much more tedious for this one as you have to print out, sign 4 times on the sheet and send it a branch and wait a couple of days to get them enrolled (I enrolled my husband's and mom's accounts for easy fund transfer, will see how it goes)

- Enroll credit card (same as BDO)

Obviously, if you need to fund your account, you still need to go to the bank and make a deposit unless you have a trusted messenger or helper to do it for you.

But for me, online banking has been a great convenience since I don't need to go to Bayad Centers (unless that merchant isn't available in the options) or transfer or get deposits from my husband or mom (will enjoy more of this later on when they're all activated).

Please do take note that bills payments made online will take around 3-5 banking days for some institutions. So in case they're following up on your due date, just pull up your transaction history and give them the transaction number they are asking for so they can update their system if they haven't done so yet.

Now I'm trying to figure out this Mobile Banking thing and will post about it once it's done


=)

Puzzle Dazzle

Image from Google

Sorry, I can't think of a better title for this entry...anyway...

I always though puzzles were just a lot of pieces of toys for kids and that they usually end up making a mess out of them.

Lo and behold, for the heck of it, I bought my daughter 1 piece of My Friends Tigger and Pooh small puzzle (just because I couldn't find a "pasalubong" for her and that was the only one at the nearest store that I could find plus, I promised to bring her home something for being good that morning).

She spent like 30 minutes.

Imagine, 30 minutes of quiet time for her (and me).

She didn't even want me or her yaya to help nor touch any of the pieces!

She did it all on her own, like 3 to 4 times over.

So every time I see a new puzzle (bigger pieces for now), I buy her every week.

It's cheap. They usually cost 29-69 pesos and it's not just fun for them, it stimulates a lot of thinking and problem solving.

She also hasn't lost any of the pieces of her now 5 set puzzle collection. Which is nice (and a miracle!).

So try it. Maybe your 3 year old (and up) will like it if you haven't discovered it yet.

The Crib Hunt: Almost Done

I decided that I wasn't sold just yet on the cribs I saw (for 12k) in SM.

So I called up my ever so loving Dad and asked him to have a crib made instead using the design I saw online from the US.

I want solid wood, since this crib will be used from Newborn to Toddler or can even become a day bed.

He said cost estimate with the contractor was around 4-5k (not bad at all!) and lead time would be around 3 weeks. (He did promise to have it at the house by April 1st week...so I'm quite excited).

All I need to buy is a nice mattress

I saw one in SM, Uratex Brand for around Php1,500

Here is one of the designs I printed out for the contractor to follow though I opted for natural varnish as I don't want any paint smells or toxic chemicals:

:



So once it's done, I'll post a picture here. :)