10 Best Holiday Gift Ideas from The Mind Museum

It's the time of the year when everyone needs extra help in finding that special holidays gifts. I'm also thinking and looking for the best gifts especially for kids. Are you also looking for gifts to give your kids and your "inaanaks" this Christmas?

Year after year, people rush to stores for that last minute gift shopping with hope of finding something extraordinary. We all want to give our loved ones, especially the kids, what they wished for or something more remarkable.

Mind Museum, the first world class science museum in the Philippines, doesn't just provide a whole new learning experience for kids, it also has great educational toys for children of all ages. It even has the best and most unique gift suggestions that kids of all ages can enjoy and learn from.

Check out these ultimate gift guide that will add twist to your usual holiday flavor. They also inspire learning and lets you celebrate the season of giving.

1. The Scientific Date

Surprise your loved ones and the young ones with All Day Passes or gift certificates to The Mind Museum!

With over 250 hands-on, minds-on exhibits and live experiment demonstrations that unveil the remarkable science behind living and non-living things, a date or two in The Mind Museum is definitely a unique and exciting way to spend time together this Yuletide season.

It's great to have a date in a science-themed gallery, or stargazing in cozy couches in a custom-made planetarium with the entire family, right?

(The Mind Museum tickets all day passes Php750/php)


2. Name the Stars after Your Loved Ones

Leave your names or your loved ones’ on digital exhibits found in the different galleries in the Museum, through a fixed donation that come with e-certificates.

Imagine the delight of seeing your family’s name imprinted on the virtual stars that make up a constellation, or name a specific kind of dinosaur that inhabits a virtual era in history. What’s more heart-warming is that all proceeds for this program go to supporting the institutions’ project of giving free museum visits to public school kids.

(Virtual exhibits’ price ranges from Php1,000 to Php5,000, depending on your choice of show. For more information, visit http://exhibits.themindmuseum.org.)

Perfect! I can name a star "Skylah" (my daughter's name) and name the dinosaur "Brent" (my son).


3. The Key to Endless Discovery

This is a year-round, all-day admission to the first world-class science museum in the country.

The Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass also gives free admission to over 300 worldwide science museums, discounts on travelling exhibition tickets, birthday packages, and purchases inside The Mind Museum Store. Also, this unli-pass directly supports free museum passes for underprivileged kids.

(For a group of four or more, avail the Unlimited Science Pass for only Php2,250/pax. Visit https://www.themindmuseum.org/science-alive/63/membership-program for more information)

Wow this unlimited Mind Museum pass is something that my kids would love to have!


4. All for Science, All for Love

Why not sponsor a trip for public school kids this Christmas to celebrate the holidays in a meaningful way?

You can even ask your family or friends to join you in spearheading this project to further enrich the sense of wonder of these young ones. Don’t worry, The Mind Museum’s doors are open to plan and accomplish this advocacy of embracing and sharing the true spirit of the season.

(To inquire about this project, please send your email to inquiry@themindmuseum.org.)

Doing this is truly heart-warming!


5. If these shirts could talk:

Let your friends “wear their wit” with these design shirts that are exclusively available in The Mind Museum Store! These shirts come in different colors and are tastefully designed with vibrant graphics and statements that will truly make science a cool fashion statement of choice this holiday season.

(Prices range from Php379.75 to Php499.75)

Really cool shirts for all kids!


6. Of Puzzles, Papers, and Pencils:

Give the young ones (or even your family and friends) these funky Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook! They’re, indeed, a safe space for random thoughts, important lists, or mind babbles. Here’s a tip: pair these notebooks with Puzzle Color Pencils and let its colorful tips become their wand to create their DIY-diary.

Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook Php379.75
Puzzle Color Pencils Php649.75

I love fancy notebooks just like these!


7. Own the Universe

While the kids are taking baby steps towards their dreams, show them the momentary short-cut in seizing the universe, literally, through the Star Planetarium! Projecting 3D stars, planets, and constellations. This amazing contraption also includes 3D glasses for a more mesmerizing virtual representation of what’s above and beyond the world we’re living in.

Star Planetarium set Php2,579.75

Wow! I'll wish this for my kids! :)


8. Unearthing the Dinos

Let the kids experience being a paleontologist and travel back to the era of dinosaurs with the special edition Dino Excavation Kit.

Dig for the bones hidden in the gypsum block, assemble them and enjoy your very own miniature dinosaur skeleton replica. Top it off by learning more about the fossils you have just uncovered.

entire Dino Excavation Kit Php 2,699.75

Great activity for curious kids (and parents)! 


9. Tricks and Treats:

Have fun teaching your kids using playing cards that are exclusively sold at The Mind Museum store.

There's What’s GNU?—a 3-letter learning game deck or go for a game of speed and visual tricks with Hyperswipe! Grab these cards now, be the learning and game master at the same time, and let the enlivening game itself, too, serve as an added gift to these kids!

What’s GNU Php 949.75, Hyperswipe set Php 1,349.75

My kids have a game deck like GNU... now, I want to try Hyperswipe with them!


10. Build Your Own, Learn on Your Own

Teach your young ones the basics of gardening, without having to worry about landscaping your backyard, with these innovative plant miniatures!

Let them grow the Sweet Leaf, which grows leaves that be used as a natural substitute for sugar; the Mini-Melons that will actually produce sweet mini cantaloupes in less than 2 months; or get really out-of-this-word with the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden that will even allow them to experiment right in their mini pots!

Sweet leaf and Mini-melons Php 829.75
Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden Php 1,229.75

Don't you just love to get one of these for your kids?

Let's all have a merry and meaningful Christmas season!

Bank on Your Child's Future at Cordlife Philippines Newly-Upgraded Facility

For expectant and future parents, have you thought about storing your baby's cord blood for future use?
As parents, we want to secure our most valued investment in life - our children. And you can do that by making the right choice... and one way is through Cordlife Philippines.

Cordlife New Stem Cell Facility Opens for The Public

Cordlife Philippines, the leading cord blood and cord lining banking provider in the country, launches its newly upgraded stem cell and cryopreservation facility for Filipino families. This facility is located at UP-Ayalaland Technohub.

This expansion is driven by the growing number of parents who recognize the value of banking their baby’s stem cells in the country.

It’s the first and only facility in the Philippines that features separate isolated processing rooms for cord blood and cord lining.

The event launch was hosted by popular DJ Delamar Arias and graced by celebrity moms, actress and beauty queen Lara Quigaman and reporter/journalist Niña Corpuz. The 3 Mom Ambassadors all shared their personal experiences of being Cordlife moms themselves.

Also present at the launch were Cordlife Group CEO Jeremy Yee, Cordlife Philippines Medical Director Dr. Arvin Faundo, and Cordlife Philippines Director Michael Arnonobal.

The event highlighted the five essentials of mother and child that Cordlife addresses through services.

1. Sense of Security.The facility is designed with cryogenic storage capacity that can accommodate up to 30,000 cord blood and cord lining units. Parents who banked with Cordlife can have peace of mind knowing that their baby's stem cells are kept in a highly secure laboratory built to withstand earthquakes, ward off fire and are not dependent on electricity.
   
   
2. Expertise.Cordlife’s expertise in the stem cell banking arena, is proven not only by being the largest network of cord blood banks in Asia, but also the number of cord blood releases for stem cell transplant and their adherence to the stringent global standards of AABB (formerly known as American Association of Blood Banks). Cordlife Philippines is also the country’s first and only ISO 9001:2008 and Department of Health-registered cord blood and cord lining bank.
3. Value for life.
   Cordlife is committed to being a steadfast partner to parents who wish to bank their baby’s stem cells because of their proven ability to treat Leukemia, Thallasemia and other types of cancers.
   
   
4. Bond.
   Cordlife helps preserve this precious bond between the mother and the child. Partnerships are forged with trusted hospitals and research institutes like Duke Medicine research, adding more value to this special mother and child bond.
   
   
5.  Investment.
   All these essentials are available to parents as a practical investment for their child’s health.
   
   “To help the most number of Filipino families access this important service, Cordlife offers cord blood/cord lining banking for as low as P8,000 per year, and offers flexible payment schemes that are within reach of most families,” says Michael Arnonobal.
   

One Chance. One Choice. Together with Cordlife.

+Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood (or placenta blood) could offer hope for the child or members of the family. Why? Because stem cells can be used to treat a number of diseases.

+Umbilical Cord Lining
Baby's umbilical cord lining is a rich source of Mesenchymal (MSC) and Epithelial (EpSC) stem cells.

+MetaScreen
Comprehensive metabolic screening for newborns from one simple urine test. It is non-invasive yet more accurate and effective in detecting inborn errors of metabolism.

Cordlife Philippines
Event Launch Nov. 18, 2014
Crowne Plaza, Ortigas


ABOUT CORDLIFE MEDICAL PHILIPPINES INC

Cordlife Philippines was officially launched in February 2010 as Philippines’ first and only cord blood processing and cryopreservation facility to better serve the cord blood banking needs of the local market. Registered with the Department of Health, the ISO-certified facility was built in accordance to global gold standards such as the American Association of Blood Banks to give local families peace of mind. In 2013, the Company launched the country’s first and only cord lining banking service, using CellOptima™, a patented technology invented in Singapore that can isolate and expand two types of stem cells from the umbilical cord lining. Cordlife’s 365-day facility is equipped with the world’s most advanced fully automated cord blood processing system, SEPAX-2® and has a storage capacity for 30,000 cord blood units. Cordlife Philippines is a subsidiary of Cordlife Group Limited, a mainboard company listed on the Singapore Exchange.

For more information, you can email info@ph.cordlife.com
Or add them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/CordLifePhilippines

My Monde Mamon Summer Experience

My kids are growing too fast that sometimes I find myself silently wishing, "don't grow up too fast!"

So as to make their summer exciting and worthwhile, I allow them to do anything they want under the sun. As I let them play and enjoy summer days, I felt fulfilled as well.

I even realized that not even going out of town can be an enriching family activity after all! In between summer classes and activities at home, I was able to bond with them, celebrate their individuality, recognize their needs and make them feel important.

Summer had been great for all of us. There's musical theater, basketball and swimming classes.

My son learned about discipline, hardwork and character in summer basketball.

My daughter discovered her talent, and realized the importance of her role and even in celebrating one's differences in musical theater. And we even get creative making her DIY froglet costume!

Both of them became confident and faced their fears in swimming classes.

All these even develop their social skills and makes them live an active and healthy lifestyle.

Then, there's playing with cousins, reading books, looming, baking and preparing dessert.

Oh the joys of motherhood! I enjoyed capturing all these summer moments!

Hopefully to cap off our summer, we can try the Monde Mamon-It-Yourself decorating activity and make our Monde mamon masterpieces at home.

By bonding with my family, we create our own wonderful moments. And I know that all these moments will into treasured memories. It strengthens and deepens our ties throughout their childhood and beyond.

These are our summer-special-connection that we can call OUR own!

Win a Legoland Malaysia Adventure Family Vacation

How does a Legoland Malaysia Adventure sound? I know my kids would be thrilled to visit Legoland Malaysia and enjoy a day of fun and adventures.

Legoland Malaysia Adventure Family Vacation Raffle Promo

Want to win an amazing family vacation to Legoland Malaysia?

Now, you can treat your family to an out-of-the-country vacation. Join the Legoland Malaysia Adventure Raffle Promo! Mercury Drug Corporation, in partnership with Mead Johnson Nutrition Philippines, gives you and your family a chance to win that well-deserved, dream vacation to Legoland Malaysia!

This is your ticket to an ultimate family adventure! It's the perfect time to learn, create memories and bond over fun, new experiences.

How to Join?

Joining is very simple - just submit a photo of the receipt of your purchase of any participating Mead Johnson products (Enfagrow, Enfakid or Lactum 3+/6+) from any Mercury Drug branches nationwide

Participating Mead Johnson products: Lactum 3+, Lactum 6+, Enfakid A+ and Enfagrow A+ Kid in 900G, 1.2 KG, 1.6 KG or 1.8 KG.

You can submit as many entries as you can to increase your chances of winning. A raffle entry will be determined per participating product purchased. All winners will be selected via electronic raffle.

Prizes are as follows:
60 weekly winners of Mercury Drug Gift Certificates (5 winners weekly)
30 monthly winners of iPad Minis (10 winners monthly)
ONE GRAND WINNER of a Legoland Malaysia family vacation for 4 (to be drawn on January 08, 2014)

Participants must be parents or guardians of kids between 37 months to 10 years old, and must LIKE the Mercury Drug Facebook page - along with any of the Mead Johnson Facebook pages: Lactum Philippines - or Enfalearn Philippines.

To join the raffle promo, visit: https://apps.facebook.com/legolandmyraffle

Hurry! Legoland Malaysia awaits!

Promo Period: October 7, 2013 - December 31, 2013

Schedule Your Kid's Dentist Appointment

My children's baby teeth had started to fall out by the time they reach Grade 1. In their early age, I have to instil in them the importance of dental care. As they grow, I keep on reminding them to brush their teeth after every meal and before going to bed. They also enjoy using a mouthwash. Right now, I'm checking if there's a difference if they use a mouthwash specifically made for kids or if a normal mouthwash would do.

At school, they are required to have their own toothbrush, toothpaste, a glass and a mouthwash which they keep in their health kit. They brush their teeth after eating their lunch. Though, most of the time, my son forgot to do this habit.

It is recommended that a child first see the dentist by after his or her first tooth comes in or by the time the child reaches age 1. To be sure, you can always consult a pediatric dentist near your area. You can check also check out Orem Dentist to find more information on taking care of your children's teeth.

Both my children's first dental visit had been a great experience. They get to interact with the dentist in a friendly way. The dentist showed them around the clinic. They get to know how a dental chair works and the different dental tools the dentist would be using. They enjoyed rising their mouth in the dental chair water system.

Finding a good dentist that meets your children's oral health need is very important. You have to make sure that your children would get to receive the necessary care and treatment appropriate for their age. It's good to have a pediatric dentist that interacts with their patients during every dental visit. They keep the kids calm and make them comply with all the dental procedures and orders. During a dental visit, the dentist would check the child's teeth, their bite and look for tooth decay and other potential problems in the gums, jaw and oral tissues.

Always make your child practice good oral hygiene. Proper nutrition is also important. Also, keep a schedule of your dental checkups.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post however; all the points and views are my own.

A Wedding Like No Other

Everyone is still talking about the recent wedding ceremony of local celebrity couples, Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villaroel. It's where the groom surprised his bride with a grand flash-mob proposal and a solemn wedding.

It was indeed a surprised wedding since the bride initially thought that she was in the venue for a commercial photo shoot for a commercial endorsement. It's fascinating how the groom had pulled off a grand event without the bride oblivious until the last minute that they were about to exchange I do's on that day. This is such an unexpected wedding event, a heart warming ceremony and a love story like no other.

The couple had white gold wedding bands for the ceremony. After 12 years of togetherness, they are now officially husband and wife.  Those who had seen their wedding coverage had surely felt the couple's love, sweetness and happiness.

Truly, a ring brings a huge difference in people's lives. It can make an engagement or an anniversary spectacular. Most women wishes to wear one of the most brilliant rings in the world like moissanite ring.  It makes a great gift for every woman. This type of ring is less expensive yet more durable than a diamond. Like a wedding, it can make you fall and believe in love all over again.

Essential Skincare for Men: After Shave Lotion

Grocery shopping is one of the best things that my family loves doing during the weekend. Aside from filling the grocery cart and basket with food, my kids enjoy choosing their own essentials - from toothpaste, toothbrushes, colognes, shampoo and lotions. Our family bathroom and closet is filled with different kinds of products that we use on a daily basis. It's also great to see that there are already a variety of skincare products specifically made for men in the supermarket. Now, my husband can get to choose his after shave lotion, after shave cream, skin cleanser and moisturizer easily.

With the availability of products and tools today, men's grooming routine is becoming easier and efficient. Their skincare routine might be simple and they don't go on an elaborate ritual or spend much time worrying about their skin. Yet, they need more than their usual cleanse-shave-go routine. Most companies prefer that their employees report to work in a presentable manner than sport those ruggedly-unshaven faces.

Shaving products is one thing that men should not ignore. Men shave on a regular basis to make them look clean and helps maintain their good looks. Since shaving is already part of their routine, they would have mastered the art of shaving by the time they get older. They would have found the best techniques and best set of tools and products that fit their needs perfectly. It is also best to finish off a shaving routine by applying an aftershave lotion to soothe the skin and replace lost moisture.

Men should not simply shave to look good. They should also consider how to keep their skin healthy as well. It is always important to use a good razor to avoid nicks, cuts and razor bump. Aside from that, shaving creams and lotions also work together to give the best shave men can have. These products soothe, regenerate the skin after shaving and help prevent skin infection. Consider an aftershave without any alcohol content or strong plant extracts which can irritate and damage the skin. Better to choose products that can refresh and moisturize the skin effectively.

Having a Baby

Giving birth to my kids had been the most wonderful blessing I had received. In the truest essence, they made my life complete and surround my day with incomparable love and happiness.

Having another baby might be beyond me and my husband's plans already, but I feel great for every addition in my family. Early this year, my sister-in-law gave birth to a healthy baby boy and my husband's nephew also gave birth to a lovely baby girl. Before the year ends, one of my sisters would surely enjoy carrying another baby in her arms. I wonder if she'll give birth to a baby girl or a baby boy.

It's great to know about the baby Chinese calendar to check or prepare for the gender of our babies.  Yet, even if we didn't get to use the calendar, knowing the gender of our babies from the ultrasound and while on the delivery room gave us so much excitement.

I love babies. I enjoy carrying them in my arms, seeing their innocent smiles and witnessing their milestones. When I got pregnant, I remember preparing and buying little things, checking my due date calculator, choosing the best baby name I could give and of course, the big day hospital-rush. It gave me so many wonderful memories and great moments, making every sacrifices and pains second-to-none.

Babies are indeed blessings. Seeing my kids grow in their best selves is a continuation of these blessings. I love being a mom and I'll always be.

Construction Going On

It would be impossible not to take notice of the several residential apartment units being constructed near my kid's school. It looks like the construction would be finished early next year. We're getting curious of how much the rent would be, if flood water reaches that area or if the flooring is made of tile, concrete or vinyl.

One type of flooring that adds beauty to the overall appeal of any home is vinyl flooring. This type is stylish and durable. It even comes in a variety of colors and patterns that suits any room inside the house, from the living room, bedroom or kitchen. The best thing about it is being water resistant. It helps keep water from being absorbed and maintenance is very easy. There's also waterproof vinyl flooring that is perfect for flood-prone areas.

You can check out www.seymourcarpets.com to know more about different flooring that would best suit your homes.

Better Sleep with Tempurpedic

Sometimes, working in the computer for long hours bring eye strain and back pain to my body. It makes me want to get a good massage and lie in bed for long hours. To avoid these discomforts, I usually remind myself to take a few minutes break and stretch my tired muscles from time to time. It's good that I have a good computer chain that can support my back and lessen that much-hated back pain.

Our bed is one of the most important furniture in our house. If it’s time to replace the mattress, I would definitely consider purchasing a Tempurpedic bed and mattress for getting that much needed sleep. Purchasing the best bed and mattress is really worth the expense, time and effort. The benefits that it would bring to our health, our minds and bodies would make us be at our best all the time.

A mattress with the right balance of firmness and support helps achieve a good night sleep. Sleeping on worn-out or wrong mattress cause sleeplessness, back pain, aches and pains. It is important to change mattresses for it collect dust mites and germs over the years. It can also alleviate lower back pain and it is something that we don't want to happen.

A good sleep is essential to our overall well-being. Having the best sleep everyday will make us feel well-rested and refreshed. It is really hard to function well if we lack sleep. I usually don't get the appropriate hours of sleep I need due to work demands. Though, I make up for lost sleep by taking 10 to 15 minutes nap during the day.

The bedroom will remain to be my family's favorite sanctuary. Aside from a comfortable bed, a sleeping routine, a slightly cool and dim room also makes my kids doze off quickly. It's good that we have a quiet place without lots of barking dogs, loud neighbors, or cars honking all the time. We can only hear the soft music and the sound of the window air conditioner. Getting the best sleep helps my kid to wake up in a good mood.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Healthy Back, however, all the points and views are my own.

Better Kitchen Sink

The kitchen is the heart of every home. In my parent's house, it is the most used place every day. The kitchen sink is usually filled with numerous pans and dishes especially when siblings and relatives come over.

A better kitchen counter is what they need and change their current sink into a sink with that has a larger and deeper basin. Fireclay farm sinks are great choices and it is something that they can consider for their kitchen project.

These farmhouse sinks or apron sinks had been widely used in the past years at farmhouses. It's where the sink got its name. Nowadays, it can be seen not just in country style kitchens but also in modern homes. It's gaining popularity for everyone who wants a modern kitchen design and layout. This type of sink looks visually pleasing with all kinds of kitchen interiors and suits any kitchen design requirements. It gives the kitchen a neat and clean feel.

The biggest advantage of considering a farm sink over the standard sinks is that there is no need to cover up the sink with any kind of cabinet or woodwork. It simply sits on the cabinet. This way, it prevents water from spilling and splashing onto the kitchen cabinet. Mold and mildew breakouts are also prevented. Using this sink is very practical as well.

This sink type is already available in stone, stainless steel, copper, concrete, cast iron and even bamboo. There are plain and simple fronts and sinks with decorative flair in the apron. Whatever type you choose, it would surely make your kitchen sink better.

Dance On The Floor

"I'm on the floor, floor. I love to dance."

Weeks ago, I remember the delight watching my kids while their practicing their dance steps for the school program. They had much fun trying out, imitating each other's step and dancing together. We had a wood flooring at home and they enjoyed moving and dancing on that small space that we have just outside the bedroom.

A dance studio at home would surely be a great dream for my kids, especially my daughter. This house project is something that we can add to our bucket list once we have our own house with an extra space for a huge room. She can turn, jump and work on her movements even without the teacher and even when no one is watching. She can dance after studying or when playing with toys start to bore her out.

Now, it would be great to know what kind of wood flooring a dance studio dance floor is made up of. There are hardwood dance floors which are of the free-floating kind which can be easily installed for makeshift dance studios.

I've seen wonderful types of Bloomingdale wood floors. This kind would look perfect in all areas of the house. It's rich and appealing look can give any room a wonderful atmosphere. Hardwood is good flooring investment for will surely last for many years.