DIY – Name Labels

Because school is just around the corner, I’ve decided to make labels just in time for it. My boss said before that all things must be labeled otherwise it might get mixed up with other kids things. Including crayons. So, I’ve spent my afternoon layouting the whole thing using Excel. Not even sure if that’s the best platform. But sure works for me.

I’ve decided to use Cars and Trucks as the template. Edward liked the result. Even if I used Best Quality result for printing, the result is not as good as the screen version. But no extra hassle needed, since Edward liked it. I even let him choose the first one that I would use for his lesson plan.

Edward School Labels

Probably would need to invest in a better printer for my printable projects.

DIY Flashcard for Hong Kong

Hello! We’re about to leave for Hong Kong. So, I’ve decided to make it a little bit more interesting for Edward to know what we would do there. I build my own set of Flashcards.

Of course, I’m not that good in designing or drawing, hence I’ve used tons of Google Images on these. I hope Edward would enjoy this…

Now is probably the best time as he’s addicted to Flashcards. 

Lego Duplo Patterns

Hi Folks! I grew tired of looking for Duplo patterns where I don’t have the parts in the end. So, I did my own patterns, take a photo of it, show to Edward, give him the parts and make him follow it. Easy huh?

Here are some of the patterns we made. Note, the second one he did by himself. He doesn’t want to follow the pattern I made. Now that’s a different problem. Haha.

Edward was Bullied in front of Me

In a toy store, Edward already selected a toy he likes. It was Red from Disney Cars, and while looking at other toys, a bigger kid suddenly appeared and was trying to pull the toy away from him. He didn’t let go.

I said “Excuse Me” to the kid and his guardian came back to say sorry. But Edward was shaken. He asked me to carry him from then forward. And he became very quiet. I tried to explain to him that sometimes situation like that happens. But I was there to do something about it. And if I’m not around, he should tell others. He said he was scared and in the verge of crying.

I felt really bad because I wasn’t able to protect him properly. After coming home, I wished I handled the situation differently. It’s really frustrating. Sometimes the right words wouldn’t come out at the right time.

So parents, be vigilant. Situation like this can happen anytime anywhere.

My Melody My Home

I fought the urge to buy this set. I fought really hard. It costs 799.75 Php in Toy Kingdom. And there was an expansion kit for 499.75. Sorry no pic for that. I was so happy as I was able to resist temptation.

Now… At home while I research more about it… I’ve realized Re-ment made these again. Ohno! They are taunting me…

If you pictures got you convinced, you may go to Fan21HK to make your purchase. Credits to the same website for the photos.

As for me, I’m still convincing myself I don’t need those. And it’s super duper hard.

My Brilliant Sticker Book

This book is similar to the other sticker book I’ve featured. But I like this version better. Not much sticker as the other one but the stickers here are not flimsy.

The activities in the book are different as well. It has puzzles, mazes, spelling on top of the normal sticker puzzle.

Overall, I like this version better, Edward was able to play with this on his own. I’m amazed at how he can remember all the names of the truck. Quite cool. I’m proud of you my boy.

Pencil Magic

I recall playing with something like this when I was a child. From what I remember I need to put something underneath it before I scratch the lead in the paper.

But now, it’s different. Nothing underneath the page and you just run through the lead.

Whola! The result. This was a fun activity to do. As it brings back memories from the past. Sadly, Edward doesn’t appreciate it yet.

I got the book from National Bookstore in MIBF for 30 Php. Fair deal huh? Must look for something like this in the next book fair.

Tasty Dumplings

Because Edward was craving for noodles and I was craving for Porkchop. Tasty Dumpling to the rescue.

This place is known for the porkchop noodle. I got to admit, I have been eating their noodle since I was a kid. Not only is the porkchop good, the chili sauce is a good compliment. It’s perfect.

Too bad they don’t deliver to our area. So while Edward is still in school, I’ll grab the opportunity to buy this more often.

Apologies as I wasn’t able to take a picture of the food alone… Edward was excited to eat. Nevertheless, a preview… Go try it out!

The silver roll is also famous… It goes well with Hong Ma.

Almost 1 Month of Being SAHM

It’s almost a month now and so far I’m still adjusting. I’ve been in the corporate world for 11 years. And honestly, the transition to SAHM is not that smooth.

My daily routine would include sending Edward to school, blog as I wait or run errands when I get bored. After coming home, I feed Edward, make him sleep, chores or prepare his activities when he wakes up from napping. Probably 2-3 hours free time. When he wakes up, do activities, play with him, feed him dinner, play, get ready to sleep. And my day is over.

There are times when I question my decision, especially when I can’t think of anything worthwhile to do. But at the end of day, I’m plain tired to do anything. And that becomes another reason to be down. There are also times when I feel pressured of not having a stable source of income. I saved up enough but sometimes I think what would I do after I’ve used it all up. I guess that’s when I need to get moving on earning again through other means.

Recently, my son and husband got sick, I feel the pressure of not having a health card. A lot is running on my mind, honestly… I’m finding it hard to focus especially since I don’t have hard deadlines. With these troublesome doubts, I can’t enjoy it fully.

The first month at least is not what I expected it to be. Of course, I was able to do some things that I like to do. But there’s still a gazillion things that I want to do. I just can’t find the time and energy to do so. Ironically, these are the same sentiments I have when I was still at work. But at least now, some of the plans are getting done. Not all, some… I guess that would be the case until I am fully adjusted.

It’s hard and I’m trying to cope everday. The only time I’m assured of my decision is when my son would hug me. And when he does, all the doubts disappear.

Hopefully, in the coming days, my update would be more inspiring. To the fully adjusted SAHM, I wish I’m in your shoes now.

Coloring & Tracing Workbook

As per Edward’s teacher suggestion to improve his coloring and writing… I made him a workbook. Half bond paper with basic shapes… For coloring and simple lines for tracing.

I used the brass fasteners! Yeay! New use for that.

Here’s Edward working on his workbook. I noticed that he colors like me. Lots of colors in one picture. My mom says when I was in Nursery I asked Teacher what color to use for eggplant. She said any. In the end, I have a multi-colored eggplant.

After this activity, when he saw his concrete mixer coloring sheet, he colored more eagerly. I’m super happy.

PS. Yup! That’s his feet, he likes to include his foot or feet whenever I like to document things.

My Book of 100 Stickers! Things That Go

Howdy! This kind of book is getting popular lately, I’m seeing it in various places now. 168, 999, National Bookstore, Merriam Bookstore. The price would vary, it’s 35 Php in 168 or 999. I got this for 39 Php from Merriam.

The sticker is on the middle of the book. We tore it out for easier play.

The objective is to put the stickers in their proper places. The stickers tore apart easily, so I suggest an adult to get the sticker first. Not only that, some stickers are not cut properly causing it to tear up again.

If you stick it wrongly, you can take it out and stick again.

For the price of the book, I guess it’s expected that the quality is not that good. The main purpose probably is to give Edward something to do. For this, it’s serving well.

Lego 40192 Ferrari 250 GTO

Initially, I have no intention of opening this set. After all, this is a collectible item. But seems the plastic was flimsy, next thing you know… Flop! It’s opened!!! Thank you Edward. Sigh!

This set came from Shell. For every 1,500 Php worth of gas, you can purchase the set for 150 Php. I just found out that Lego won’t be working with Shell anymore. Huhu. Now… I’m regretting opening it. Haha.

Compared to other Lego sets, it doesn’t hold as much. Some of the parts are easily removed. But since it’s Lego, you are assured that you would be able to complete the set.

The instruction is summarized compared to other Lego sets, but I guess it’s expected given the small pack.

Edward gets a bit frustrated playing with this set. When he can’t put it back together. Sometimes when he puts in one part, another part will fall apart and this would make him cry. But he still likes to play with it like a car, even chasing after it.

Overall, we are happy with the set. Sadly, there won’t be future sets but nothing is certain yet so we would keep on wishing.

Philippines 1st Lego Store – Opening Day

Yup! We’ve braced the crowd to see for ourselves the 1st Lego Store in the Philippines. Since, this is my first Lego store, I have not much expectation. I’ve read in other blogs that the products are a bit pricey but there are lots of hard to find items. So, I’m banking on that.

I came around 1:30 PM, a little over the opening of the store at 1:00 PM. I thought that by now the crowd would be lesser. BUT I WAS WRONG! There’s still lots of people. It would have been okay if the line was moving fast but it was not! The strategy they have imposed is a customer comes out first before another goes in. The problem was, some of the customers are taking a long time before coming out.

If you get bored while waiting, you can go around and take pictures.

After 2 and a half hours, I was near the door. At this point, we noticed a flaw in the strategy. Some sneaky customers instructed their kids to go in first by telling the guard that their parents are inside. And after a while, the parent would follow to let them in saying their kids are inside. Please! Don’t follow the inconsiderate people. Other people are properly lining up and waiting for their turns.

I was surprised to see that the store is a bit small. It’s rectangular with people lining up in the center for payment. Because of the crowd, I wasn’t able to look at the Pick a Brick (679.75 Php for 100 grams, minimum) and Build a Mini (499.75 Php for 3).

It has more products than Toys R Us and Toy Kingdom, price is basically the same. I was hoping for a more extensive selection, but I wasn’t able to find the Airport Fire Truck as Edward requested. In the end, I’ve settled for other sets of Lego City.

Here are some of the displays to help you decide on what to buy.

Now, some of the exhibits. Some are pretty impressive.

And now… presenting our haul…

Simpsons Minifigure Series 2 is priced at 249.75 Php. Similar to other minifigures.

This is the 50 Php Spiderman Glider, to purchase this, it’s on a separate line inside. Beside the cashier. It was pre-packed at 5 pcs, the maximum number of items a customer can purchase.

This would be Edward’s birthday present from my sister.

I was aiming to buy this, and seeing it was a lucky find. It was hidden in the shelf below the keychains. If you can wait, this would be a freebie on May 14-15. I have no plans of returning this week.

This is a lucky find as well, I saw this in Lego Shop online and was hoping to see it in the store. Yay! Edward loved this. This costs 499.75 Php.

The Freebie

For the upcoming events…

For the Mini Build, the kids have 5 mins to build their set. They can bring it home. 10 kids per set. And 50 kids per hour.

Some points to ponder:
1. It would have worked better if they have issued numbers to customers, that way the cutting in lines would be eliminated.
2. If the receipt for the cashier is computerized it would be faster. Currently there are only 2 lines, one for cash and one for credit.

Overall, I’m happy with the experience, tiring but fulfilling.