Simple Valentine's Day Art Activity for Toddlers

This morning, I asked Baby C if she loves mommy, and of course her answer is "yes".  However, when I asked her if she loves daddy, she said "no" and then laugh out loud.  I know she was just kidding, but to instill in her that we should love one another, and that we should express our love, I decided to make a simple Valentine's Day Card for Daddy A by doing what Baby C likes to do.. "PASTING"!

Mommy Bloggers Philippines Halloween Party 2014

Mommy Bloggers Philippines (MBP) is an online community of mommy bloggers where I am a proud member.  I remember how excited I was to be part of this group when Ms. Lani, the founder of MBP, invited me to join.  I said to myself, "Wow!  Finally, a group of mommy bloggers in the Philippines. This is where I belong."

Product Review: Attipas Functional Shoes

Last month, we received this shoes for Baby C from Attipas PH to review.  At first I thought it looks funny because of the big toe box but when I read that this shoes is specifically designed for cognitive and behavior development, I started to look at it in a different light.  

 

Attipas Lollipop Baby Shoe Socks (Yellow)

What is  Attipas?

Attipas Functional Shoes teaches your baby to walk correctly. Attipas Shoes is aimed at helping babies to start walking correctly by evenly distributing foot pressure and correct toddler’s walking behavior while he/she learns to walk. The design is based on kinetic and physio-dynamic test of toddlers’ walking that enables the steady and stable walking pattern of the toddler. It also helps in the toddler’s brain development by enabling the sole and toe movement while walking.  (Taken from Attipas PH)

Healthy and Nutritious Meals by The Good Box

I used to eat whatever I like.  But when I reached my 30's, I started thinking about my health and as much as possible, I try to eat a balanced diet.  I started preferring vegetables over meat, and fruits over chocolates or ice cream.  But I eat a lot!

Luckily, I still have my slim figure (thanks to breastfeeding!).  The only time when I went on a diet was when I was pregnant because I was advised by my OB-GYNE not to eat too much so my baby will not be too big.  And it was really hard for me.

Admittedly, when I received my one whole day meals from The Goodbox PH, my initial reaction was, "Hmmm, looks yummy, but I'll definitely starve!".  Then I thought, hey, I'm a breastfeeding mom!  1200 kcal is definitely not enough for me.

Goodnight Moon Craft for Kids

As soon as Baby C woke up this morning, she started yelling "paint!".  I did not give her any brushes or paints but I gave her the pre-cut colored papers I prepared last night.  We were supposed to do this "Goodnight Moon Pasting Activity" last night but she fell asleep while I was preparing the materials.

Baby C's very own window!

Shapes Arts and Crafts for Toddlers

Since I bought Baby C her first art set consisting of brushes and tempera paints from Ma'am and Moms last month, we started doing different arts and crafts every weekends.  She likes painting and she requests for her brushes and paints almost everyday.  So I took advantage of this and used painting to teach her colors, shapes and even letters and numbers.

I started posting our projects on Instagram and on my personal Facebook account and I got overwhelming compliments from my friends and readers.  It felt good knowing that I was able to inspire other moms to try arts and crafts with their toddlers.

Ogalala System in Play

Children learn while playing.  Playing is their work.  For the past one month, I have been busy thinking of ways to make our homeschooling sessions fun.  When I am too busy to think of new activities, I just give Baby C her educational toys.  Our favorites are her Melissa & Doug Toys. 

Last week, I was invited by The Binondo Mommy to attend a free workshops offered by Manila Workshops together with IGMI, the company behind Crayola, Melissa & Doug, Baby Einstein, etc.  They are setting up a series of Child Development Workshops which they called as Ogalala System In Play. I immediately searched in the net what is Ogalala and found these suggested fun and simple learning activities which I can do with Baby C. 

www.oga-lala.com

DIY Floor Puzzle Tutorial

Yesterday, Baby C wanted to paint so I drew an apple and a banana in a cardboard for her to color.  While writing letter "A" for apple, Baby C shouted "AH", and after I wrote the letter "B" on the banana, she said "BA"!  Wow!  That was a confirmation that she really knows those letters already.  

I gave Baby C the materials and she immediately went to work.  I bought our non-toxic and washable tempera paints and brushes from Ma'am and Moms.

In deep concentration. Shhhh..

After she finished coloring the pictures, I asked myself what to do with them aside from keeping them in an envelope for her to see in the future.  Then I had an "Ah-ha!" moment.  I'll make them a floor puzzle! 

Product Review: Orange and Peach Breastmilk Storage Bags and a Giveaway!

Baby C is now 20 months old and we are still breastfeeding! Yehey! My milk supply already dwindled and it is just enough for Baby C, so it has been months since I last donated breastmilk.

When Baby C was about 2 months old until she turned 10 months, I could save in the freezer around 100 ounces of breastmilk a week.  And all frozen breastmilk goes to donee babies.  My milk is so abundant then that there was no need to defrost any frozen milk for Baby C.  100 ounces is 25 pieces of milkbags per week!  It kinda hurts in the pocket.  I have already tried numerous brands of milkbags and there were really few that I like and did not regret buying.  I experienced leak on some brands and some bags even burst.  There were also some brands needing scissors to cut the tip of the bag which I find a bit hassle.  I also received as a gift some milkbags that are too big and consumed so much space in our freezer.

Last month, I received Orange and Peach Breastmilk Storage Bags from Cudsly to try and I give this brand a 5/5 rating! 

Sooo nicely wrapped!

Orange and Peach Milkbags

Matching Letters with Tongs and Sponge for Toddlers

Baby C is now 20 months old and she knows the names and sounds (phonics) of 5 letters, namely: B,O, S, M and A.  We already did all sorts of simple alphabet activities like coloring letters, connecting capital with small letters, and finding the hidden letters to name a few but this morning, we tried something new.  

The WAHM 101: How to Be a Work-at-Home-Mom

This is not a secret.  I envy work-at-home-moms.  There are times when I wish I can just stay home with my little girl so I can focus on her.  It feels bad every time she will cry because I have to leave for work.  But how can I work at home and be a lawyer at the same time?  I have to attend hearings and meetings.  Sigh!  How I wish it is easy to quit work, give up my career and be a housewife.

So who wants to be a WAHM just like me?  Manila Workshops and the WAHMderfullife.com, together with 88DB.com and  Unilab, will hold the most awaited and the most attended workshop under the WAHMderful Life Workshop series of Manila Workshops  -- The WAHM 101: How to be a Work-at-home-mom.  

Learn from successful Work-at-home-moms from the WAHMderful Life Community.  Get to network and share experiences!

Manila Workshops: The Winning Mindset of Successful Stock Market and Forex Traders

Stock trading is what keeping me busy lately!  I started trading last year but I only open my COL Account few times a month.    Then I got inspired to learn more about it after I read the book of Marvin Germo, Stock Smarts Stock Investing Made Easy.  After that, I attended seminars about fundamental and technical analysis and so far, I know the basics. 

Are you interested to invest in the stock market too? Or perhaps even forex?  Good news!  Manila Workshops is having a seminar that will teach you the proper discipline and skills needed to become a successful trader. 

Learn the difference between stock market and forex trading and discover which one is best for you.

Browhaus: Hello to Perfect Brows!

Thin brows are out and nowadays it seems like the more bushier the brows, the better.  Good news to those with thin or sparse brows! You can have that perfect shaped brows you've been dreaming of through Browhaus' Brow Resurrection 2.4. 

First Time Parents Workshops (Plus a Giveaway!)

Manila Workshops and Medela Moms held morning and afternoon First Time Parents Workshops last May 24, 2014 at the Medela House.   Attendees went home loaded with information and they were given lots of goodies from sponsors.

Rates are lower than previous workshops.

Lots of attendees!

Berta Rojas: Coming to Manila and Cebu

I have a guitar (which I left in my parents house and is now collecting dust) but I don't know how to play it.  It was a gift from a priest who must have thought that I know how to play the instrument.  I tried watching You Tube, but too bad, I found out that I am not the musically gifted type who can learn by just watching videos.  Maybe a motivation and an inspiration can give me the push to learn the instrument.  Since as of the moment, I do not have the time to take guitar lessons, I'll just indulge myself by listening to classical guitar music.

Berta Rojas, a star in the international guitar community, will hold concerts in Manila and Cebu on May 15 and May 17, 2014, respectively.  She is the tourism ambassador of her native Paraguay and she is said to be the most popular musician in her country.  I'm excited to attend her concert and to hear her music LIVE!

Movie Stars Cafe: Dining with the Stars

Last Easter Sunday, I was invited to dine and experience Movie Stars Cafe located along Seaside Boulevard in MOA.  Movie Stars Cafe is a movie-themed restaurant/cafe where you can watch costume play and musical shows while dining.  We were so excited to bring our little girl, Baby C.  We knew she will have a great time!

Let me tour you around first before I show you the food and some of the shows.

 

Facade of the Restaurant

Deprivation and Meditation: Sudden Flight Series at the Picasso Abstract Painter Chiqui Rodriguez

Filipino abstract painter, Chiqui Rodriguez announces her major new series entitled SUDDEN FLIGHT, her solo show to be held in Zurich by late summer will have its preview opening in a two-man show at the Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, hosted by Altromondo Gallery on 29 May 2014 and continuing through 18 July 2014.

The 15 selected paintings from a total of over 100 works that comprise the SUDDEN LIGHT series, awash in vibrant color, are sure to dazzle visitors to the Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences. Chiqui’s unique approach to blending acrylic pigments on canvas creates gem-like surfaces. Peering through the surface to what is depicted below, the viewer realizes that all is not as glowing as it first appears. Chiqui is noted for her deep abstraction of complex realism.

Chiqui also explores a complex subject; her work calls attention to our culture’s thought of hardwork. Much of Chiqui’s artwork is influenced by her experience in the corporate world. Through this new body of work, she connects hardwork to social class as a form of meditation.

Babywhiz Company Winner!

As I've mentioned on my previous post, there will be three (3) judges who will choose their favorite photo and from these chosen entries, I will choose the winner.  However, since one of the chosen entries is the daughter of a friend, I asked an officemate to do the judging.  I also mentioned that yours truly will give consolation prices to the two other entries.  So here they are:

Judge No. 1 who is a fashionista and one of Baby C's godparents  chose ZAIRI PABLO BAYLON.

My Not-So-Picky-Eater Baby

Judge No. 2 who is already in his 50's, a father of four and a successful businessman chose LARA GEORGINA CORRAL.

I waited for her signal that she's ready for her first solids, finally, when i gave her her 1st cereal, she made a point.

Judge No. 3 is an incoming law student who loves to eat sweets chose KAMILA ELISE BERMEJO.

Ang Batang Matakaw

Judge No. 4 who chose the winner is an engineer, a loving husband and father.

And the winner is... DRUMROLL!!!

LARA GEORGINA CORRAL

Congratulations Mommy Joni Tan-Coral.

Mommy Apple Ugay and Mommy Alyssa Almira Baylon, please PM me on Facebook your address and contact numbers.  Mommy Joni, please wait for my message and go signal when you can start your online shopping from Babywhiz Company.

All the judges had a hard time choosing their favorite.  If only all of these cute babies can win.  Any sponsors?

Thank you to all who joined. 

Love! Love! Love!

Babywhiz Company Photo Contestants (11-14)

There were some readers who submitted their entries but failed to complete the mechanics and some who did all the mechanics but wasn't able to send the photo.  To be fair to those who dutifully complied with all the mechanics, I will not consider their entries valid.  Hope it is ok with them. =)

Below are the other four (4) photos:

Yummy!

Aerith Bernales
16 months old

My Drinkaholic Baby

Yvolette Zoe Baclayon
11 months old

Food Lover Baby

Tiana Zhariane Baquiran
11 months old

Years had passed, changes were made, and I am a proud momma watching my little one's feeding milestones.

Baby Airicka
Now 2 years old

For the first ten contestants, please click HERE.

Hobbes and Landes: Art Lab

It is summer time again and parents are on the look out for interesting summer classes for their kids. I was never enrolled in any summer classes when I was a child.  Summer vacation for me means helping out with our family business or going to the province to visit my aunt and cousins.  I sometimes envy my classmates taking up swimming, voice lessons or baking sessions.  Be that as it may, I do not regret working during summer because it taught me how to be hardworking and gave me a sense of accomplishment as a child thinking that I was a part of our business.