Archive for » July, 2009 «

Hobbies for Parents

I have been a mother for 4 years now and during the first 3 years of motherhood, I can only think about the kids and my work. My husband and I worked very hard to support this family and I can say, he has been a responsible father.

Last year, hubby came to discover a hobby – the Gundam Kits. I am opposing the idea at first because it was too expensive, I thought. To be honest, it is a bit expensive – for me. But he was able to convince me, well, i know for a fact that doesn’t go out that often. He is a home buddy and so I wanted to him to enjoy being at home too! And so, step by step, he learned how to build those kits from the tiniest details to the decals and everything! He failed at times, but he started over again and now, I can say he’s doing better. He has a couple of tools already and his paint collection increased relatively in number. Here’s a sample of his finished kit.

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When he is already taking pictures of the Gundam models, he was frantic over the results taken from my old point and shoot camera. Then, came bonus time, he bought his Canon 1000D. Photography now became another hobby. I am happy because he had finally discovered a new life – well, apart from playing online games, PS2, Xbox.

I, on the other hand, discovered my craft early this year. I got hooked into digital scrapbooking with influences from Thea and Donna. Thea is a busy buddy and a doting mom to Mikee. She’s introduced me to several digiscrapping sites that offers free kits. Donna, on the other hand, has been into both digi and traditional scrapbooking. She’s now also into card making. Visit her site and you will surely love her creations. I got the inspiration from her to join the Pinoy Scrapbookers community. Here’s my sample digital layout.

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“Love to Love You Baby”

Credits: Grandma’s Porch by Mad Scrapper Designs

I know how hard it is to become a parent. It is even harder to build your family, discipline your kids and maintain your career. But we have to exhale from time to time, to relieve ourselves and enjoy that we are also  individuals who need to find time and be ourselves. We do routine tasks everyday and I understand how most of them are really exhausting. If we are to do this without any pause, we will soon get tired and fed up and sick of all the things we are doing. We also need a breather. That’s what hobbies are for!

I’ve known a friend from my previous work. She’s a very active mom, a career woman and most of all, an athlete! She joins triathlon and she’s a very competitive mom. At her age (she’s older than me) she still looks very lovely! She doesn’t even look her age. And I admire her. For her passion about her work, her family and her hobby. She knows how to manage her time well.

There are a lot of hobbies to have! But here are some tips if you are looking out for one:

  • A hobby must be something you want to do. It is good to be inspired by other people but make sure you are doing things for yourself
  • Don’t be forced into doing something just because others are doing it. You need to have passion on what you do.
  • Look for something you are good at so it won’t be hard on you.
  • Discovering new hobbies are also good – so don’t be afraid to experiment.
  • Make friends – most hobbies have community so join them and be yourself

Don’t get stucked on the home and office tasks. But I don’t mean you have to leave them. Just find some time to be alone, be creative, be yourself and enjoy being you.

Category: all about home, family  Tags: , ,  8 Comments

Her Blog Off

Today is the schedule of mommy bloggers EB at Trinoma but unfortunately, I will not make it. I’M SICK!!!! arrrrggghhh!!!  Of all the days I will be sick, why today?

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I have several appointment for today but I will not be able to go to any of it:

  1. Movie watching with the kids
  2. Mommy bloggers EB
  3. Scrap Sale at Valle Verde
  4. Wedding appointment (glad I have a staff to do it)

Anyway, I hope the EB will be successful. I promised the girls I will be organizing the next event so watch out for it :)

When It Comes to Laundry Bags

I have never imagined myself to be picky about laundry bags. When I was young I always hated doing the laundry. But as I grow and older and when I started my own family, laundry have always been a part of my weekend routine. It has always been a tough job. But no matter how tough it is, I still want to carry my laundry in style. And for that, I have always looked for cute and colorful bags.

Being the laundry maiden at home, I thought I give one to a mommy friend who will be celebrating her birthday in August. And I would like her to have the Mint laundry bag.  Just look at these:

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They are so lovely. These bags measure 22.5″ x 31″ and is big enough to carry a week’s laundry. The shoulder straps were very well designed to coordinate the colors of the bags. They were even created using Oh Mint’s signature fabric and colorful designs. I can’t even wait to have that black one you see above.

While I was browsing on the site, I also happened to see some towel wraps and nap mats preschool. The towel wrap would be part of my birthday gift while the nap mats will be for my daughters. Since they are always staying at my mom’s place whenever we are at work, this will be perfect should they want to sleep while in the store.

Check them out at Posy Lane if you want your own. These lovely items are also perfect gift ideas for your kids and friends.

Category: all about home  Tags:  2 Comments

Tips in Preparing a Kiddie Party

Is your kid celebrating his/her birthday? Are you throwing a party?

When it comes to children’s parties, moms are the busiest ones on the planning, preparation and on the actual day. But moms, don’t forget to stay pretty and cool during the party. Because you are the mother of the celebrant, you deserve to look pretty too! Here are some tips in preparing a kiddie party so you won’t go over the hustle and bustle of rushed preparation.

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The Party Date and Time

  1. Prepare the party at least 3months before so there’s no rush in the preparation.
  2. Choose a date closer to the child’s birthday so you won’t have to double celebrate the event. It will be less expensive.
  3. Choose the time when you want to celebrate the event. A time that is comfortable for you and your guests. An afternoon celebration is best for kiddie parties.

The Theme

  1. Select a theme for the Birthday party.
  2. Check out your kid’s favorites – a cartoon character, a movie, a series. If you can ask them already, do it.
  3. Consider your theme in selecting the venue. This is to coordinate the entirety of the party ambiance.
  4. Hire an event stylist to setup the party theme. Check the venue with the stylist so they know what to prepare and they can already assess the needed materials for the setup.

The Venue

  1. When you have the date, check out the venues you want to consider.
  2. Contact the venues and check if the date is still available and get their packages and compare
  3. When you have a list of venues to consider with dates still open for booking, decide which one is the best.
  4. Consider the venue package like amenities, sound system, loots, cake, catering, gift prizes, freebies, etc.
  5. Check each of them. Consider food tasting, checking the loot bags if they are good enough for the kids.

The Food

  1. Most party venues have specific set of menu for the kids but if the venue does not have it, consider hiring your own caterer.
  2. Make sure that the kids will enjoy their party meal too! Commonly served for kiddie parties are spaghetti, burger, chicken, hotdog and mallows.

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The Birthday Cake

  1. Check if your package includes the birthday cake. If none, consider getting a cake supplier,
  2. If it is included, check if that will satisfy your requirement. You can ask if they can replace or alter the design to your theme.

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The Entertainment

  1. Kiddies parties are not as complicated as any other parties but the kids need entertainment. Consider the things you want your kid to enjoy during their birthday.
  2. Hire entertainers – magicians, ventriloquist, balloon twister, face painter, glitter tattoo artist.
  3. Prepare a good program and choose games that the kids will like so they will participate.
  4. Hire a reliable host. The program will largely depend on how the host will handle the crowd.

4th Bday Invite

The Invites

  1. Party packages commonly includes invitations in.
  2. If invites are not included or is you simply want to create your own, you can do so. Be creative and make sure that the invites coordinate with the party theme (if you have one)

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The Loots and Party Favors

  1. Check the loots included in your party package.
  2. Some package includes only a few items and the kids might go home unhappy with it.
  3. Consider buying additional loots as their take home.
  4. Consider buying prizes for the games. These need not be expensive. Kids enjoy anything they can get from a party so do not splurge on this too much.

The Photographer/Videographer

  1. Since parties are meant to be remembered, might as well get someone to cover the event. A good photographer/videographer will be able to cover your event from start to finish. They normally come with album package and/or CD/DVD format videos
  2. Check several photographers for the right budget. Kiddie parties are normally cheaper than weddings but be sure you will not take this one for granted :)

Enjoy your kiddie party.

If this helped you out in any way, please let me know.

Category: all about kids  Tags:  10 Comments

Wordless Wednesday

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Category: wordless  Tags:  4 Comments