Grand Baby Fair

My pregnant sister and I will be checking out the Grand Baby Company Fair at SM Megatrade Halls 2 and 3. It's a 3-day event that will start from January 28 to January 30. She'll be shopping for essential items - such as onesies, baby clothes, feeding bottles, diapers and more - that her precious little one needs.

It's a mommy convention with great buys for mommies and their babies! You can get up to 70% off on selected items.

This baby fair will help expectant parents complete their baby checklist. There are also learning sessions by baby specialists and celebrity moms.

Also, they'll be giving away Free Swag Bags for the first 5,000 with Php1,000 single-receipt purchase.  It contains product samples and giveaway items from the sponsors.

This grand baby fair is indeed worth visiting! See you there mommies!

Creating Buzz on Your Exhibit

Every year, there are hundreds of different trade shows where companies and even individuals participate in to exhibit and promote their products or services. Trade fairs - such as car shows, furniture, books, food and beverage, consumer goods, electronics, gadgets, and a lot more - are great spots for industry clients, prospective visitors as well as industry competitors. It's also one of the ways to be informed with the latest industry trends. 

Whenever I get to visit exhibits and trade fairs, I'm usually drawn towards booths with attractive display cases, banner stands and those that offer promotional items. An average consumer usually gets interested with what they initially see. 

A booth with attractive trade show flooring has a greater chance of getting visitors and clients. Some exhibitors consider how their products are displayed and these floor coverings are often overlooked. Trade show carpet can be a valuable trade show accessory as it enhances the booth's appeal and will make people notice your booth even more. These carpets are specifically designed for trade shows. It adds a comfortable touch to any booth as it can create buzz on your exhibit floor, making people want to learn more about your products. 

These trade show flooring comes in a variety of styles and shapes. It complement you company's image since you can add your company logo or print your message to the flooring. It also matched the logo mats that are often times used by offices, stores, retail outlets and outlet chains. 

For companies that sell products-on-the-go, printed logo canopy using EX Up products and other styles of printed tents are used. These canopies can maximize your company's exposure for outdoor company events and fairs.

Young Uncompetitive Minds

I have a passion for learning and I'm thankful that my kids are passionate about their studies too. Hearing good feedback on their school behavior is another good thing.

In a few days, the results of their 3rd quarter examinations would be released and their report card would follow suit.

For two consecutive quarters, my daughter ranks first in class, maintaining her 94% average. That time, I thought her grades would become lower as she got sick for a week, she didn't get to review and was not feeling well while taking her exams. But then, we were surprised that her grades even got higher.

My son's progress report card had also improved. I'm proud at how he could ace an exam even he seldom review for his exams. The most number of minutes he spent time studying during quarterly exams is about 10-15 minutes maximum.

My youngest sister, also ranks first in class too.
Here are my kids' 2nd quarter report cards:





And my husband and I bought them this mini Ice Hockey game as a small reward.



They don't attend special or tutor classes. They even have more play time than study time. They can even watch TV, play on the computer even during school days; but then, they knew how to be responsible. We don't even pressure them to be number one.

Their young minds aren't even competitive about school rankings. They are in school to learn and enjoy learning. I'm wondering if ranking first in class would put pressure on their part. Right now there isn't. But, maybe soon.

Safe Keep Your Belongings and Lighten Your Load

Carrying schoolbags loaded with books, notebooks, lunchboxes and other school things can really be strenuous. I initially worried about this before my kids entered big school since lugging heavy backpacks to and from school can lead to neck or back pain and poor posture.

It's good that my kids' school have a cubbie-hole lockers in all classrooms. Each student has a space to place his/her books, notebooks, art supplies, health kits, and all other school things. Books are only brought home whenever they have assignments and during examination days. It makes them more responsible and teaches them to organize their stuffs.

They also have large cubbie wood lockers at the hallway that all students can use to safe keep their belongings while attending their physical eduction class. It is also used to place lunch boxes brought by their family members.

I'm most familiar with the common school lockers and gym lockers being sold at most stores. I've just seen wonderful and affordable lockers while visiting this lockers for sale site. They have different locker types in different designs and colors - from the standard and vented lockers to designer, kids lockers and specialty lockers. If you need lockers at home for your stuffs, a wood locker is an excellent alternative, as it provides a natural impression in your home. 

Aside from security purposes, lockers make you more responsible for your belongings. It can keep things organize and you can easily find what you're looking for. 

Key of Life Necklace

Isn't this vintage key necklace lovely?

Wearing this is like wearing the key to the treasures of life. :)

Anyway, this is the necklace that I received this last Holiday season. It's a sponsored prize that I've won from Marice of Life Can't Wait's first giveaway. She had over a thousand entries, and I was lucky that even though I didn't bag the major prizes, I got this necklace. Thanks again Marice and to your generous friend, Lira.

Alice's Adventure

Alice's Christmas Adventure

Almost all kids and even adults enjoy reading or watching "Alice in Wonderland." At my kids' school, Alice had a Christmas adventure. They presented "Alice's Christmas Adventure" as part of their Christmas program celebration. Students performed Christmas dance numbers on stage. It's a program where a story is told and lessons are learned in an enjoyable way.

I'm proud that my daughter, Skylah, actively participated on this program. She even choreographed the flower dance number for the Grade 1 girls. She's also a stage flower and had a small acting part with Alice. 

flower ballet dance

stage acting and stage flower

My son, Brent, sang Jingle Bells together with the preschool students who are all dressed as little Santa Claus.

little Santa Claus' Jingle Bells

My youngest sister, together with the Grade 4 girls students, enjoyed dancing the song, Jingle Bell Rock.

Jingle Bell Rock dance

It's wonderful to see Alice in Wonderland characters together with the Disney characters and Santa Claus. There's Roger Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. From Disney, there's Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Tinkerbell.

Alice's Christmas Adventure cast

Synopsis:

Alice is the daughter of two Disney executives who, being busy with work, aren't able to spend quality time with their daughter.

The irony: the parents are working for the Disney empire, that's supposed to make children around the world happy; Alice is the ultimate exception. As a form of rebellion, Alice makes a nuisance of herself by neglecting her studies and ignoring her private tutor.

On the night before Christmas, Alice falls asleep and dreams about entering Carol's Wonderland and meeting his characters being portrayed by Disney toons.

Alice chases Roger Rabbit. The chase leads to the Kingdom of the Queen of Hearts. Upon meeting her Royal Heartlessness, Alice sees her as a reflection of her own personality - bossy and demanding.

Immediately, Roger Rabbit appears, carrying a heart. he attaches it unto the magic wand of Tinkerbell who then turns the queen from bad to good.

Alice wakes up and realizes the error of her ways. She says sorry to her tutor. With patience and understanding, the tutor accepts her apology. The surrogate mother and child spend Christmas Eve together.

New Zodiac Sign Dates: I'm an Ophiuchus

What's your zodiac sign?

I'm a Sagittarius, but under the new star sign, I'm already an Ophiuchus!

According to astronomer Parke Kunkle, the Earth’s alignment has changed, and as the Earth and Sun move slowly, the signs change gradually over the years (Source: The News Feed). Plus, they believed that there's a new 13th Zodiac sign called Ophiuchus (pronounced off-ee-YOO-cuss).

Ophiuchus (Source: http://newsfeed.time.com)

The constellation Ophiuchus represents a man wrestling a serpent, dividing the snake's body in two parts. You’re an Ophiuchus if your birthday falls from November 29 to December 17. I wonder what would be the implication of this new sign. If you're an Ophiuchus, read here what you need to know about your new zodiac.

Interesting Concept: This new zodiac sign Ophiuchus doesn't mean much for horoscope followers or astrologers, as astrology doesn't work the same way as astronomy.

Here is the New Zodiac Sign Dates. See if your star sign below has changed.

Capricorn: Jan. 20-Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16-March 11
Pisces: March 11-April 18
Aries: April 18-May 13
Taurus: May 13-June 21
Gemini: June 21-July 20
Cancer: July 20-Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10-Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16-Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30-Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23-29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29-Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17-Jan. 20

The cutoffs are somehow confusing as the new zodiac sign dates overlap one another.

Play Kitchen

Toys have become a significant part of a child's life. There are toys, like kitchen play sets, that can instill creativity in a child's mind and allows personal interaction and bonding moments with family and friends.

Kitchen play set is an excellent tool to teach children learning how to even set a table, cooking and serving meals, and entertaining family and friends, It is also great in teaching children in making healthy food choices. It give kids a way to experience adult talks in the safety of their play area which help develop good habits and skills they can use later on.

My daughter is fascinated with play kitchen sets. Cooking props such as pots and pans, utensils, dishes, toasters, stoves, plus a wide selection of play foods make playing kitchen related activities for real. She enjoys playing with my youngest sister and cousins; my son also joins her in playing play-pretend too. It's one playtime moment that everyone in the family can take part in.

Play kitchen provides a wonderful play experience. It can bring joy to a child's life with helping them learn and explore in a fun way. It gives the child essential skills in a safe way as they imitate reality, and play well with other children.

Girls would surely love this Guidecraft Stove.

This Guidecraft Color Bright Kitchen Stove is good for playing make-believe casseroles, unique cupcakes, mud pies and more. It features safe surfaces, round corners, smooth edges, over-sized handles and moveable knobs.

Aside from this oven, there are also more Guidecraft kitchen suite appliances, tools and pantry staples that you can choose from.

Wide Headband From Cover Your Hair

I got this lovely wide-headband (priced at $9.99) from Cover Your Hair's giveaway a month ago. It looks like a turban when worn widely. I can wear it just like a normal headband too. The softness makes wearing this headband very comfortable as it doesn't rub against the skin. 

Check out the variety of hair accessories head-coverings of Cover Your Hair. They have hair clips, baby hats and baby headbands for the little ones. They have a variety of lovely bandanas, headbands, berets, chaponnes, tichels, snoods, turbans, pony holders and hats. Each one would go with most of your outfit and make you look fabulous.

You can even use their tichels or other coverings on a bad hair day or protect your hair from sun damage. It's just amazing how one hair accessory of hair covering can create an amazing pizazz!

My daughter usually wore head bands and hair clips, and wore her hair in pigtails and pulled back in a ponytail. I just love their Flower Beret and Scarf Set. If I'm living in the US, I would definitely order different items from Cover Your Hair.

Thanks again Cover Your Hair!

Daughter's Ballet Performance

with teacher Effie Nanas, one of the country's ballet luminaries

My daughter, Skylah, had been taking ballet lessons at Effie Nañas Ballet for 8 months. Last December, she was included in a very special Christmas ballet show "A Bouquet of Dances" held at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall. It was her first ballet performance and we're all proud seeing her dance on stage.

She was part of the children's ballet class that performed ballet dance movements with the "Minamahal" song.





Ballet students from the higher levels interpreted popular Filipino music including Philippine Suite performances.



It's amazing seeing these lovely ballerinas dance the Itik-itik, the Malong dance, the love song Dahil Sa Yo, La Bayadere veil dance, fan dance and more.



It's a world class performance!

ballerinas

The whole family, proud and supportive of Skylah's first ballet performance.

Feel Like Home at The Legend Villas

I used to pass by Legend Villas when I was working at a company located at Sheridan St. and when I transferred in a company at Robinson's Cybergate Tower 3, Mandaluyong. I remember taking notice of their interesting promos and Family Weekend Packages. It was only last December, during the mommy blogger's party, that I get to experience a stay at Legend Villas.

photo source: Legend Villas website

As I step inside the place, the homey ambiance and an accommodating staff welcomed me. The villas classic laid-back atmosphere and its Vigan-like architecture, which is far cry from the luxurious hotels around the Metropolis, is indeed impressive.

The party was held at their Executive Suite, a spacious 1-bedroom suite with living and dining areas, jacuzzi, a kitchenette, phone, cable TV and wifi connection. I love the room's cabin feel and home-like lodging.

The Legend Villas is a place where you can truly relax, unwind and feel at home.

It's an ideal place for business meetings, banquets, corporate and social events. Aside from these, a swimming pool and poolside jacuzzi, a fitness gym, a business center and massage services are also available. It's a Filipino-owned company managed by the Legend Hotels.

Legend Villas Ballroom

swimming pool

My few hours of stay at Legend Villas had been so heartwarming and pleasant. It's an experience that feels so much like home. How I wish to go back and enjoy a weekend stay with my family. It's a good place to unwind while the metropolis is at its busiest. I want to try the food and buffet offerings at Lola Maria Restaurant too.

Lola Maria Coffee Shop

This place is highly recommended. You don't need to go out of town if you want to relax and unwind. Their room rates and accommodations are reasonably priced. You can visit the place or log on to their website to check the best rates online.

Legend Villas
Pioneer corner Madison Streets
Mandaluyong City
www.legendvillas.com.ph

Trendy Medical Scrubs

Nothing is more wonderful than celebrating the holidays with family and relatives. Our mommy lola (grandma) had been really happy as two of her kids who's working abroad as a nurse for the kids and an engineer was home for the holidays. In weeks time, relatives from the US would also arriving in the Philippines for a vacation. They are working abroad as nurses for the elderly, a profession that inspired my cousins to follow suit.

Working as a nurse requires patience with the long duty hours and dealing with patients. It's a demanding profession and they have to be committed and dedicated at all times. It's good to see that nowadays, nursing uniforms has come a long way from the traditional white uniform that nurses used to wear. It has become fashionable and in pace with medical advancements.

The medical profession looks more hip and exciting with its innovative and stylish medical scrubs. Medical practitioners, nurses, dentists and even students can now wear scrubs in a wide range of patterns, colors and flattering designs. Fortunately, cheap medical scrubs and scrub uniforms can also be bought online. Nurses working with pediatrics usually wear cherokee scrub tops adorned with cartoon characters or cheerful prints. Aside from the comfort that wearing a scrub brings, it also gives patients something interesting to look at.

Year 2010 Revisited

Cheers to a great New Year!

As year 2011 starts, I look back and remember events, experiences and moments that shaped my year. I am grateful for all the simple, yet extraordinary things... the good and not-so-good things, the small and big moments, and everything else! Minor disappointments and jealous-haters doesn't matter, they made me more understanding and stronger instead.

2010 moments

In random order:

weekends at Shangrila Plaza mall
new online friends and acquaintances
kids new big school, St. Gabriel International School
first ballet performance at Shangrila Plaza mall
first outbound learning with Lakbay Kalikasan at Clark, Pampanga
visited Bacolor church, Nayong Filipino and Clark Museum
Skylah choreographing a dance number for the Grade 1 girls
kids excellent grades and
being top 1 in class for two quarters
Brent's mini-recital surprise performance on-stage
kids winning moments
kids magazine exposures
numerous winnings - online and offline, local and international
lots of freebies!
paid blog opportunities
food treats from my sis and bro-in-law
winning at Century Tuna with photo-op with Derek Ramsay
Skylah's graduation from pre-school
Brent's moving up ceremony and
his first poem on stage!
Clarity's White party
a fun-filled day at star city with my family
mommy blogger's cowboy party
Halloween party at Riverfront
flowers and gifts from Nido Fortified 
kid's friends birthday parties
start of Skylah's ballet classes
the big move! condo-living!
swimming at the clubhouse
sister and bro-in-law's new condo unit
sister's pregnancy
sister and bro-in-law's Red and Black-themed wedding
reception at Pan Pacific Manila
more online full-time projects
more $$ earnings!
sweets and chocolates fullness!
celebrating kid's 6th and 4th birthday celebration
Batangas getaway with the family
boat ride to Sampaguita beach
Family vacation at Baguio City
the Paramore concert at MOA concert grounds
family celebrations at SIS Dampa Macapagal
sales! SM Homeworld, Toy Kingdom and Richwell trading
kid's unique Halloween costumes
SGIS UN Celebration
Skylah's hawaiian dance, Jalysa's Thailand dance and
Brent as Philippine flag bearer
SGIS performace in Alice's Christmas Adventure
family Christmas celebration
Ballet Philippines' Swan Lake at CCP
a room filled with books and toys
Funranch and Funranch good grade rewards
my husband's new Sony Ericsson phone
movies and movie tickets
new school service
Grendha sandals and fitflops at Bambu outlet store, Paseo
"pasalubongs" from sis and bro-in-law's Singapore trip
Philippine National Election
new Philippine President!
more international clients
watching Survivor Philippines celebrity edition
beyond happy at 31
Facebook and blog winnings
Facebook character profiles cartoon invasion
April magazines grand slam
laptop bag, Hedgen bag
fitflop and Cushe shoes
Globe tattoo and Smart broadband
new PLDT line and PLDT DSL
getting to work anywhere!
Wi-Tribe 3G
photobooks, prints and great deals from Artscow
beauty loots -shampoos, Maybelline, Garnier, L'oreal and Neutrogena
increased credit limit
renovated 3rd floor Paco house
Brent's growing Ben10 collection and
his PSP games addiction
first referral from Odesk
redeemed items from SM Advantage card membership points
enjoyed lots of pizza deliveries!
Paypal transfers
Christmas stockings at Shangrila Plaza mall
ice-scrambles addiction
photoshoot at LaMesa Ecopark
registered mails from the post office
credit card freebies - Starbucks and GCs
Tagaytay roadtip
Nido's Proud to See the Difference billboard 
living the life that I want
family get-togethers
happy moments with my family
kids achievement
smiles and laughters, 
peace and serenity
... and a lot more!!!

I am truly grateful for this blessed life.

This 2011, I will leave behind all negativisms of the year 2010 and carry with me the hope and positive vibes of the New Year.

Cheers to the smiles, laughters, changes and new adventures that year 2011 would bring!

Happy New Year everyone!