Little Girl Blue

GOING BACK TO BASIC

2011-03-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

Kids nowadays are so exposed to multiple high-tech gadgets. They truly are the "Techy Generation". What makes them such?

* One Kinder student brought an Ipad in school one time and he was very casual about it, like it was just another toy to him.

* You leave a cellular phone to a 2-year old child and he/she would be able to manipulate it in a matter of minutes.

* Preschoolers talk about playing "Angry birds" and Fruit Ninja". (Fyi: These are downloadable games)

* Play time to them means PSP time. It amazes me how focused they can get in playing video games when they normally have very short attention span in school.

These are just some of my observations working in a Preschool. I get more intimidated by "anything computerized" rather than these high-tech kids who can easily figure out how to use an Iphone without reading the manual. Yes, it is actually pretty impressive but I just feel like they are also missing out a lot on the natural way of having fun and enjoying their childhood, which compelled me to inspire parents and teachers to go back to basics. Whatever happened to outdoor play? Personally, I am anti-PSP and all other video-gaming devices for children. Or parents should at least regulate the use of these gadgets and really monitor their kids while playing.

Better yet, why not try the following with your kids:

Kite flying

Water fun: Swimming or go crazy with the sprinkler in your garden

Cook, bake or learn a new skill

Get a pet

Make learning fun

Try yoga for kids

Set up a tent at your backyard and "pretend camping"

Let them paint, doodle and scribble on their own freedom wall

Develop creative minds with Play-Doh

The list goes on and on, but the real challenge is for parents to really give time and make an effort to take an active part in their kids' life especially in their formative years. Working parents shouldn't try to compensate their absence by buying their kids expensive high-tech stuff like the latest models of play stations, wii or Xbox. They shouldn't also get used to leaving their children in "Time zone" for several hours or let kids get addicted to playing DOTA or any of those violent video games. Maybe it's just me, but I strongly believe that kids have better alternatives and we should teach them to make better choices at an early age.

SUPERSTAR

2011-02-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

I know it has been ages. My apologies.

This would be my first blog for 2011.

Just haven't been inspired enough lately. Haven't thought of something worth sharing that has to do with kids until today...when I saw this video.

I love the fact that she is "Pinay". I love the way she sang it. Very simple and yet compelling. I love the song and the meaning of the song. And yes, I love Lady Gaga too.

I think every child should feel this way.

"We are all born Superstars!"

HIGH FASHION FOR LITTLE PEOPLE

2010-06-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Fashion is so diverse it encompasses all ages. At present, the business of baby clothing line is booming as more and more mothers are extending their fashion sense to their little ones.

My favorite toy of all times would have to be "Paper dolls". I would never grow tired of playing dress up. That's why I am addicted to looklet.com where I could play dress up with real models and real designer clothes. But since I've created this blog specifically to write about children and their world, I am going to explore on the latest trend for the little fashionistas.

Check out these eye-catching shoes which I saw at Rustan's. I couldn't believe they're actually for babies. They are absolutely adorable (I wanna wear them!) but I just can't imagine babies wearing heels.

Hilarious? I think so too!...but in a fashionable way.

How about toddlers wearing shiny shimmering leggings?

So cute I agree but I wonder if it's comfy for them?

But this ensemble I have to say, I am crazy about! I can see my baby (if I have one) sporting this juicy outfit.

Of course, let us not forget about the little men too. Uber cute baby lacoste sneakers! Why not?

And I am so loving this tie design!

But my favorite little fashionista would have to be ...SURI CRUISE! She is always so put together and her wardrobe--->to die for!

I guess it wouldn't hurt if kids would be exposed to fashion early on. I am all for developing good taste and appreciating beauty in all its' grandeur.

PAY IT FORWARD DAY

2010-06-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." - Mother Teresa

"We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

PROUD ASHTI

2010-05-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

My niece Jersey fondly calls me "Ashti" (our pauso lingo for Aunt).

She's turning 5 in a few weeks (she has the same birthday with my hubby). When I asked her what gift she wants for her birthday, I was taken aback when she said "No gifts!" with conviction in her voice. (Duh?) And I was left more dumbfounded when she said "because I will give it to the street children" (Heart melts!).

I've been hearing about that plan from my sister, but hearing it from my niece like that struck me in an amazing way. She has no animosity at all about not receiving gifts and not having a fancy party. She is actually excited about the idea and couldn't wait for the day to finally come.Wow! She makes me so proud...even more than I already am.

More proud moments:

Her pictures were used in "The Picture Company" print ads

She modeled twice for HIPP magazine

* (She also appeared in TV commercials for KFC and Anlene)

Advance Happy Birthday Jersey girl!

"You're my honey bunch sugarplum pumpy humpy-humpkin, you're my sweety pie
You're my cuppycake, gumdrops, snickum-sprickums you're the apple of my eye
And I love you so and I want you to know that I'll always be right here
And I love to sing this song to you because you are so dear"

XOXO,
Ashti Blue

Of Parties and Babies

2010-04-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

Parties and babies? Hmmm...i am sort of still uncertain if they go together well. But I know I love 'em both, separately. Or together (?) Oh well, why not?

I just recently attended a super kaduper grand birthday party of a baby girl who turned 1 year old at the Manila Ballroom of Makati Shangrila. When I say grand, i mean the works!

Let the pictures speak for me!

Elaborate stage design

Heartfelt audio visual presentations

A separate room where kids can stay to play games or watch cartoons in the big screen

Magic show

Lots and lots of prizes, loot bags and freebies

Ooops note: My fashion eye noticed the latest craze for the little fashionistas - "Ballerina skirts"

I am sure you have attended one or two parties like such. As part of the benefits of my job, :D I've attended quite a handful. Mostly when I was still in Davao. They throw really extravagant kiddie parties there. As in seriously! And I've undoubtedly enjoyed all of them.

But I just feel that these parties are really more for the parents than the babies. Probably a party they never had or just an expensive expression of how proud they are of their bundle of joy. Either ways, everybody is "happy" and I guess that's not bad at all.

My neices Jersey (4 yrs. old) and Sydney (2 yrs. old) both had lavish birthday celebrations before. I sincerely felt they were too young to appreciate such parties and I'm sure they hardly remember anything! ...except when they see the pictures.

Buffet table

Sumptuous cake

The purple princesses

Apparently, whenever they look at the pictures from their parties, they light up. Just knowing that they wore beautiful purple gowns with matching tiaras is enough to boost their self esteem and give them a happy disposition. (Must be worth it after all!)

Then again, they also learn to appreciate beautiful things that are often costly. So I think it is always best to create a balance by teaching them how to "spend and share wisely". Even children who are well off must learn that people can not always get what they want. I know these may seem big issues for little ones but it is really best to start early.

Okay, I'll say "yes" to parties and babies but in moderation and keeping in mind "the balance".

EASTERRIFIC!!!

2010-04-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Late post, I admit. But I hope the pictures make up for it. :D

They say Easter deserves the same fuss we give Christmas. So why not make "egg hunting" a fun family affair. You'd be surprised at how it could be an atypical but truly enjoyable family bonding.

More villages and malls are celebrating Easter in a grand way. Bunnies, baskets and gazillion eggs besiege the event like that of the one I attended at Ayala Alabang Country Club.

I was part of the Cambridge Alabang Team who sponsored the Arts and Crafts Session. We put our crafty hands into good use and kept the children busy making bunny masks and Easter eggs. It was really an eye candy for me to see "dads" assisting their kids in doing crafts. (Super pogi points to all the dads out there!)

Relish the following photos and hope that these inspire you to plan a thrilling EASTERRIFIC event for your family next year!

CAMBRIDGE ALABANG TEACHERS --->

Ready for the egg hunting!

Peek-a-boo!

Encouraging "creativity"

Notice the cool dad giving it his best shot at crafts :D

A separate event at The Podium

One happy childhood memory added

(why not add one to your child?)

CONFESSIONS OF A MOMMY WANNABE

2010-04-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

I promise no drama.

My desire to be a mother is rooted from my innate enthrallment with kids. I loved being a kid. I enjoy being around kids. I married a kid. Yes, a tad bit younger than I am but I was really referring to his childlike qualities. (Giggles!)

Being a child is simply magical. I so envy them. Their limited minds are their shield from the realities of what being an adult is all about. An apple is really just an apple to them. But lacking as they are, they still see countless possibilities because they are free from expectations. A dinosaur can sing and could be purple and friendly – and they would believe that unconditionally.

That is the very reason why I shifted into preschool teaching and it was the best decision I have ever made in my career.

Again, all because of my immense delight with children.

So I guess it is needless to say that I wanted to be a mother ever since I can remember and I thought it would happen to me naturally. When we were still young, my brother and sisters even predicted that I would end up with so many children, at least more than I can handle. - and I am sure they weren’t thinking of me being a preschool teacher back then. But fast forward to now…my eldest sister has 2 sons and my youngest sister has 2 daughters and almost all of my married girl friends have their own kids now. It just happened to them naturally. (And my sisters? They do not even love kids! Not at all!)

I therefore conclude that innate mother instincts do not guarantee you will have children.

But how come I feel like I am destined to be a mother?

Inside me there is a thriving feeling that more than being a daughter, sister, friend and wife…being a mother is the best role I can ever play.

Okay, no drama.

I am way passed being sad over this “when are you going to have a baby” thing. After almost 5 years of being married, it doesn’t really affect me anymore. I have long accepted the fact that this is beyond our control.

But yes, I still want to be a mother. I want my own baby – twins if possible (1 boy and 1 girl). I want the whole nine months thing and the pain of giving birth. I want a birthday party that I celebrated in my mind over and over. I want to sing Mr. Sun to my baby and be able to do with him/her what I do with my students and nephews and nieces.

I WANT TO BE A MOTHER to my own child. The rest is up to God.

The truth is, I am happily married to a man who thinks that I can be enough to him, that we can grow old together just the two of us and it would be okay. For that alone, I am tremendously grateful. I would choose what I have now than to have kids in a troubled marriage.

Maybe I am just not seeing the bigger picture. God has His reasons why and I dare not question his will.