The Diary of Joni & Anya

The Epic Minecraft Party!

2013-05-14T11:42:00.002+08:00

Of course the term epic is relative. But this was perhaps the most elaborate party I've planned so far. And it's all for my not-so-little girl who's now 10.

Minecraft is Anya's current game obsession and from what I understand it's all about building and surviving. Which come to think of it were exactly what I went through...

The cake was a replica of the cake in Minecraft ordered from a local baker.
The rest of the creatures I made from boxes & colored paper
(Enderman, Creeper & Ghast)

And for bragging purposes, I threw an impromptu dinner party for neighbours a couple of days before this Minecraft 'children's' party. The Reject shop had a lot of polka dots party items on sale so I went with that theme. I had to convince Anya to wear her polka dot dress saying it's 'customary' for celebrants who are turning 10.

Going back, I'd like to credit the Pinterest community who helped me come up with ideas for the Minecraft Party. So I'm returning the favour and sharing this post. If you follow me on Instagrm, you'd notice I've been doing paper craft mid-April.

The printer also worked doubly hard - pushing out the invites, green-pixelated Creeper skin, food labels etc. Anya wanted the Minecraft experience in real life.

Here are some of the games I thought of to go with the theme:

"Pass the TNT". Downloaded Minecraft Parody songs and instructed grandpa to play and pause.

"Building" the tallest tower within a set time using wooden blocks I got from Kmart for $10 a tub. This game was so hilarious as the kids' tower keeps tumbling down & I had to extend the time a number of times.

"Bingo" featuring Minecraft items. It was a printable which I bought on Ebay.

"Dance with Steve" was a hit! Best dancer wins.

"Trivia Game" with Minecraft facts collected from the internet and played in a Jeopardy-like fashion.

And "Mining Hunt" akin to an Easter Egg Hunt, which was a great way to utilise the reserve in front of our home. I just pasted tiny pictures of Minecraft items on plastic eggs and treasure chests and hid them around. Those who found rare items gets a special prize.

I ordered pixel glasses all the way from China and official Minecraft stickers for giveaway & prizes from Jinx. The Steve Head made a huge difference ($35) in amping the party vibe. I almost didn't buy it but ran to EB games 24 hours before.

The party was scheduled at1:30pm so pizza, cake, a lolly station and loads of Apple Kiwi cordial (aka Creeper Juice) sufficed. Anya was allowed to invite 12 guests only. Our TV can play Youtube so I just found a long playing video of the best Minecraft songs as a background music and for the kids to watch and dance to during breaks.

I ordered Minecraft shirts for hubby & me, which both the kids and their parents found "adorable". Oh yes, we're the coolest parents!

Here's a quick clip of how it all went down. Thanks to grandma who filmed using the iPad.

On wearing the Tutor Hat

2013-04-11T13:51:00.000+08:00

As the eldest of three girls, I recall being assigned by my mother to teach my younger siblings how to read and write in preparation for school. Yes, you read it right: before they start school.

There is this funny notion (from where I came from) that kids must know how to read and write basic basic syllables in our native language & in English prior to entering kindergarten. The intense pressure and competition is palpable when it comes to schooling. And since my mother was working long hours, to feed the family, I was tasked to make sure my two sisters will not be put to shame on their first day of school.

It was frustrating tutoring them with their short attention spans but eventually I managed to, much to the satisfaction of my mother. It was an unpleasant experience for me that I was so not looking forward to going through it again with my own daughter. Luckily, the environment here in Australia is way different - there's less pressure to learn right away how to read or write and teachers are more forgiving. What a happy moment it was when Anya came home one day able to read her 12 Golden words.

I though I was out of the woods. Turns out I was just given a short reprieve.

Since that first year in school, Anya required some help on occassion with her spelling or maths, science projects, essays etc. And as I have no excuse not to, I had to wear my private tutor hat once again. But because the teaching methods vary from what I know, there are many times when I fail and just get Anya more confuse. Very frustrating that sometimes I wish I can outsource this task to say, Hewlett private tutors. Or to my youngest sister, who is across the seas and works part time as a tutor to the neighborhood kids.

Speaking of private tutors, have you ever availed the service of one for yourself or for your child? What was the experience like? I've read about tutorspree (which is in the US) and am aware of similar local portals but is yet to meet anyone who actually availed of these sites. Any good recommendations?

T'was just a decade?

2013-03-12T12:10:00.002+08:00

Officially married for 10 years now.

What have I learned so far? That I can commit to one thing after all!

That I can thrive on turbulence. And that having a spare room is the secret to a happy and lasting relationship.

Thank you Fates!

Anyway, it was great to wake up yesterday to the smell of bacon, scrambled eggs and french toast. And to the vision of a tiny black box. My resilience & patience have been rewarded after all those years of constantly yelling "put the toilet seat up when you p*#!".

Hiss!

Later, a scrumptious lunch at a Japanese restaurant overlooking the Docklands. Sushi & wasabi!

And did I hear right that I'm free to give the card a workout?

Then a gelato break at Lygon St.! Ooh, the memories we had on this strip...

And another surprise!

How overwhelmingly sweet that I had no more energy for dinner and instead returned home and spent the late hours with Kourtney & Kim takes Miami.

Is this how you fantasize your milestone celebration to go too?

The Lunch Box Dilemma

2013-03-07T13:13:00.001+08:00

Dairy Australia is encouraging parents to be more keen on what they put in their kids school lunch boxes. The Kids Need 3 (serves of dairy a day) program is something that we diligently practice here at home since I became aware of its importance. And your family should too! Especially if you have a growing and active kid like Anya.

One of the best ways to guarantee that kids get their 3 serves of dairy a day is to incorporate it in their lunch boxes. I know how this is easier said than done. There are times in my 6 years of doing this task, that what I pack, returns home uneaten.

Foremost is to determine what is the cause of this frustrating occurrence. Here are some common issues & tips on how to deal with them.

The lunch box style: your child may have an issue with their lunch container. They might prefer a brown paper bag or want the latest fashion in lunch boxes to be like the other kids. It may be difficult for them to open.

Fuel Pack from Tupperware, EASY to open.
WANT to WIN this pack? Then read on below.

This rang true for me years ago when Anya started in a new school and snacks and lunch were taken outside the classroom. With her hands full holding her crutches, it was tricky to take her food out (which were in plastic containers). The solution was simply a lunchbox with a strap that she puts on across her body. She was able to take her snacks & drink outside and join her mates.

It is also wise to pick containers that your child can handle opening & closing on their own. Why not practice and let them show you that they can?

Boredom: try to pack a different lunch every day. For younger children, cut the sandwiches in different ways to add interest: for example triangles, squares or strips. You could even use one slice of white and one slice of brown to make a ‘zebra’ sandwich. You could even add a little message from you in their lunchbox to brighten their day, and their lunch if they're not going to be happy with what you snuck in.

I often surprise Anya with her favorite sushi for lunch. She will beaming at school pick-up saying I tricked her into believing she's having her usual Strasbourg-Cheese sandwich. I have a friend who puts post-its on her kids' boxes with jokes & fun facts written on it. Cool!

Too dry: if they say the filling is too dry, try leaving a sandwich uncut. Some fillings like dips or cream cheese may stay fresher this way. If your child's appetite seems small, offer smaller servings. For example, half a sandwich might be more appropriate than a whole one.

I did notice that Anya only eats half of her sandwich at the start of the term. I tried slicing the sandwich into two triangles after reading an article about how sandwiches cut this way are psychologically more tasty. At first I only pack one of the triangles. Then after a few days, Anya requested the other half as well. It was true!

Make other meals count: if your child hardly eats anything from their lunch box despite your best efforts, try to at least ensure they have a nutritious breakfast and dinner that includes a serve of dairy at each meal occasion. Trust that your child will eat when hungry.

Don't sweat the small stuff. There will be days when your child just doesn't feel like eating, as much adults do. I rarely stress about it when it happens on occasion. But I start asking questions when it happens like 3 days in a row so I can address the problem (which are often any of the points above).

Thanks to Porter Novelli & Dairy Australia, we are giving away one Tupperware Fuel Pack to a lucky reader. Just fill up the form below, head to Dairy Australia's website to get more Healthy Lunch Box Tips and let us know which dairy product do you include in your child's lunchbox to fuel them for the day? This giveaway is open to Australian residents only and ends March 20, 2013.
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Fly me to Mars

2013-03-07T13:10:00.002+08:00

One of Anya's recent school project is to make a travel brochure about one of the planets of the solar system. As she has already started making a poster about Mars, and presented it at the school assembly a few weeks ago, it was just logical she kept to the same planet for the brochure.

Travel tips and holiday packages flood my inbox everyday so I had an idea how to prompt Anya to the right direction. She ended up creating a package that includes flight aboard a spacecraft that takes you to Mars within a week. Accommodation in a luxury hotel with nightly entertainment provided by interplanetary guests. And extreme sports packages such as ski and snowboarding at the polar ice caps of the red planet. Sounds really good yeah? Let's hope her teacher thinks so too.

Speaking of travel packages, are you the type who prefer your itinerary organized for you or do you like to do it yourself?

Personally, I begin by checking out what holiday packages are available when planning a hiatus. (Some of us need to work within a budget.) And thanks to the internet, browsing through travel deals has never been easier. Just make sure you are looking through reputable websites, check out previous customer reviews and take your time to compare. Sometimes, it pays to visit the local travel agents in your chosen destination, as they often have specials not advertised elsewhere. (Say you're eyeing India, then you can find more packages here.)

Enough dollars can be saved if you do your travel plans early and spend time looking around. Why not subscribe to to travel sites (newsletters, Facebook & Twitter alerts) so you can be informed of upcoming and ongoing deals? You can readily unsubscribe later when you're done sorting it all out.

Where's you next holiday destination? Are you doing it yourself or seeking help from travel consultants?

You must have a Fire Plan

2013-02-26T09:07:00.000+08:00

A week ago, there was a massive grassfire that engulfed an area of 2000 hectares.

It was relatively near us. Just a few kilometers away actually. And the smoke was massive as the fire moved rapidly. It was half hour before school pick-up when I was alerted about it. And when I stepped out the front door, the smoke was very much visible.

taken from our porch

I knew that should the wind suddenly change direction and starts to blow to the west, my suburb will be in danger. I was thinking ember attack. And gas pipes.

It was then I realized the importance of a Fire Plan. That WE MUST HAVE one. And it was idiotic to think it was something not to consider just because we don not live in "the bush".

I was conflicted between whether I should start packing versus "I'm sure we'll be safe". But as they say, better safe than sorry.

photo taken from near the school

So I started to pack a bag with spare clothes "just in case". I grabbed the laptop, ipad, Kiko (Anya's fave doll), a bottle of water, pairs of runners, banana (really!) and Dali. It was kind of hard to keep calm and think properly, a first for me. I reckon it is best to save somethings if ever the fire crosses and the firefighters decide to stop people from going back to their homes.

Lucky, that did not happen. No road blocks. And Anya, Dali & I were able to return home as usual.

I tuned in to updates at a community Facebook page (very helpful at times like these), trying to find out what people are "reporting" and if there are actual evacuation warnings. Apparently, we are on a "Watch and Act" alert by the CFA. And it was the first time I heard an Emergency Warning on the radio for our neighboring suburbs.

Fortunately, we were officially out of harm's way after an hour. A big thanks to our firefighters and kind volunteers who managed the fire away from residential estates. The fire raged on until evening and remained in a southeasterly direction.

Of course, the fire was the topic of conversation amongst friends the following days. And sure enough, most of us did not have a fire plan. It was actually a good topic to discuss and to share ideas about especially on what to pack and where to go.

Today, I spent time reading through Fire Ready Information Kits and started listing stuff that we need to grab should fire happen. Like the hard drives where we store our photos, and important documents such as copies of insurance statements and valuables such as jewelry. (Things I forgot to pack that day.)

Also read this Zombie Preparedness, which is utterly amusing but informative. No joke. Because "If you are generally well equipped to deal with a zombie apocalypse you will be prepared for a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake, or terrorist attack."

Read the novella here.

Are you Fire Ready? What will be the first things you'll do in an emergency?

Do you buy to sell?

2013-02-21T10:36:00.002+08:00

Have you ever bought then sold a house?

I noticed that this exercise is quite popular here down under. And as someone who came from a different culture, initially I could not understand what the fuss was about. My family and most friends I know buy houses for keeps. And by that I mean, the idea of selling is so far-fetched that even thinking about it is already deemed a grave misconduct. You are stuck with the house your family chose to settle down in. And because of "sentimental value", getting rid of it for profit just does not feel right.

But that mindset has changed. (Not that I'm wanting to sell our current 3 year old home.)

I have met many people who are keen at buying houses for investment purposes, whether local or abroad. Some have even purchased houses in the USA, which apparently were a bargain years ago when the financial crisis hit. (Opportunists much?) And why not? I'll be browsing Saratoga Woods houses for sale too (like the one below from Louisville Homes) if I had extra cash lying around. Then sell it when the time is right. Unless we decide we prefer more lush greenery and move to Kentucky.

for sale at US$264,900

Anyway, although the task itself can be daunting with all the technical jargon and so many paperwork to fill up and organize, many people still do it as it can be very rewarding. There are many real estate agencies online that offers excellent home buying tips which serious buyers can look into. These include asbestos, insulation, plumbing and energy efficiency issues and advices for example. Relevant information that should not be missed out. As knowledge is definitely your key to success in buying and selling houses.

Are you planning on buying or selling a house any time soon?

Career Paths & Open Colleges

2013-02-10T09:38:00.000+08:00

Anya was a bit stressed out the other night, worried about choosing a career. A tad early for someone who just began middle school. She was asking me what would she do if she has already started a course, then halfway decided she no longer likes it.

It was a challenging question. Because fact is, so many practical factors like affordability will come into play. But because I heard so many stories about friends continuing on their studies even though they lack interest and ended up miserable, I told Anya that if that happens, then that's OK. We'll help her decide through. Meanwhile, she has to make sure she learns the things she needs to do now. (Whilst handing her Kumon book). Just so she'll have the basic skills and knowledge to pass the exams that will determine which paths are available for her.

Anyway, this led me to do some researching on my own about courses, universities, open colleges and online training. I've heard a lot about flexible studying but never really looked into it. It could be ideal because of Anya's mobility issues. I wanted to find out what Anya's options are and give her a rundown later on.

It was awesome to discover that learning is no longer restricted by being physically present in the classroom. If eligible, aspiring students can now earn legit education via the internet, with little or no classroom sessions at all. Which means no more having to deal with traffic, finding cheap parking space and difficult and annoying classmates. Don't you wish you had these opportunities during your time?

It was very exciting browsing through the many TAFE and certificate courses ranging from animal care to photography. (For a while I felt like in high school once again, happily sorting away.) Payment plans are offered but what's great is you can work towards your accreditations at your own pace. Perfect for working students, those on home duties and anyone who feels the need for knowledge and skill enhancement.

Do you have any experience with online studies and open colleges? Would you want to give it a go if you can afford it? If you can turn back time, would you have chosen a different course?

We ♥ Disneynature

2013-02-07T08:26:00.000+08:00

If you enjoy wildlife and being inspired then here are some treats for you from Disneynature.

she's feeling wild

African Cats and Chimpanzee will be out tomorrow in DVD and Blu-ray so your family can enjoy brilliant film documentaries about animals and their interesting lives in their natural habitat. These titles are presented in high definition that Anya and I were in awe and wonderment with the clarity of the details. You'll definitely have more appreciation of the beauty of nature and animals after watching these well-produced pieces.

Disneynature's films also have impressive audio that for a moment we felt transported to the jungles and among the chimps and cats.

Disneynature‘s mission is to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife stories to engage, inspire, educate and empower audiences to make a difference.

Watching African Cats reminded us of The Lion King and we're surprised how aspects of that Disney classic were actually based on realities that occur in the jungles among prides. This one is narrated by Samuel Jackson.

Chimpanzee is voiced by Tim Allen whose very familiar voice (Light Buzzyear) kept us feeling like this will be another one of those happy, then sad, then inspirational spiel. And heartwarming and tear-jerking it was (we needed to grab a tissue on some moments). As what you expect in most Disney animation. Though some fight scenes may be too intense for younger audiences.

African Cats and Chimpanzee are definitely worthy of a space in your DVD collection. Best viewed with a bucket of popcorn, in a large tv and especially good speakers. These titles will be out tomorrow.

Update: Bupa Family Challenge

2013-02-01T06:30:00.000+08:00

We started doing the Bupa Family Challenge for a healthier lifestyle this week, and what a journey so far!

Going to bed earlier than our usual time was met by a lot of resistance, whining and door banging. (Bad habits are definitely hard to break.) But I reckon, it was a good time for a change as Anya starts school next week, (a new school and middle school in fact), and the kid is still in holiday mode. I also was initially adamant but I noticed how waking up has become easier. And my eye bags are getting lighter. So yes, there is such a thing as beauty sleep!

courtesy of BUPA

I thought to make bedtime more appealing by getting this dock for Anya so she can play some soft, classical music conveniently from her iphone to lull her to sleep.(And it worked!) I was hearing less mumbling since. Her clock/alarm broke down months ago, so this was a great idea as one of her problem is losing track of time (She still has trouble reading the clock & does prefer digital). She also loves pressing down the alarm button when she wakes up.

I'm also happy to report that she's back on the "reading for 20 minutes a day" wagon. I realized that all she really needed was to get a few good books that she chose herself to get her started reading once again.

As for our 60 minute exercise, walking the dog around the reserve in front of us was still the main source. (I do the morning round, hubby does the levening). I complimented it in the past days by bringing down the Christmas tree and decors (lots of arm stretching there), and organizing wardrobe closets. And I covered Anya's books last night! (That counts, right?).

And as for avoiding electronic gadgets during dinner, I no longer bring Anya's food to her room whilst she play Minecraft. I now give her fair warning that it's almost dinner time (so she have to wind down her gaming session and head to the kitchen counter to eat.) Told her it's the healthier way and she can tell me all about her game and more during dinner. And the kid will never pass a chance to talk and explain "stuff".

To be honest, this week started to be very trying with these added changes, especially come bed time. But we are getting used to the new routine and actually feeling good about it. As they say, no pain, no glory.

Have you visited the Bupa Family Challenge website yet? It is loaded with brilliant ideas to bring about healthy changes for the family. And if you join in and complete the challenge, then you'll be in the running to win great prizes including a family holiday to Dreamworld!

Bupa Family Challenge

2013-01-28T17:08:00.000+08:00

I just signed up the family for the BUPA Family Challenge which encourages lifestyle changes for a better and healthier you. Plus, completing the challenge gets you and your family a chance to win a Merlin Pass, Hoyts Movie tickets and (drum roll please) a holiday in Dreamworld! What an incentive!

Anya and I were on holidays and I used that time to prep us up for the real deal once we get back to Melbourne. (We just got back yesterday).

One of the challenges I signed up for was to to get 9-10 hours of sleep. Because we need to break the family's worst habit, which is sleeping really late, like midnight late, even on weekdays.

Anya is quite hard to get away from the claws of online gaming. And me and the husband from watching our fave tv shows. So today, Monday we start by setting up an alarm to mark BED TIME. Which should mean it's time to shut down the laptops and other electronic devices. I can already imagine the whining and the resistance that will ensue!

I also decided on the challenge of getting 60 minutes of exercise or physical activity. We all walked the dog this morning whilst reminiscing on the holiday that was. But because we were not "exercising" much in the past 6 weeks we were on vacation in the tropical island of the Philippines, we got exhausted halfway through and had to head back home. Or else the husband had to get the car to pick us up because my legs were aching and Anya's arms were tired from pushing herself on the wheelchair. Tomorrow we shall do better!

We'll keep you updated on this family challenge which runs for 7 days to hopefully to encourage you to sign up your crew as well. It's a good time to make lifestyle changes. And though I admit I have failed in the past, I'm feeling more determined this year to improve our health and well-being. Baby steps, as they say.

There are other more challenges to choose from once you sign up like reading a book for 20 minutes and avoiding using the tv, phones or electronic gadgets at dinner time. Anya bought a Geronimo Stilton book from the Philippines specifically to meet the challenge. She's a very competitive child.

Check out the BUPA Family Challenge.It's a great motive to start a healthier lifestyle and improve the family relationship. Speaking of which, I am yet to plan a cost-friendly family outing (another challenge) which is a great excuse for another holiday!

Do you still keep photo albums?

2013-01-18T18:11:00.000+08:00

My family and I went browsing old photo albums one night, and what fun and hilarity ensued. Seeing our old selves and the activities we've gone through were definitely heart warming. And it's times like these that reminds me I have to re-start our own family albums.

I've set that task behind as it is very daunting to go through loads of digital photos. I tend to be trigger happy and end up with many shots of the same frame. The perks of the digital camera.

Years ago, the trend was photo slide shows in dvd. I think I did that for 3 years then just lost interest as it can be exhausting and demands a lot of time.Plus I reckon, nothing beats handling and flipping over the album pages with your hand. It is just a different experience don't you think so?

I do the photo prints at home as we do have a good computer and printer anyway. I just have to remind myself to purchase quality photo paper and ink cartridges ahead and via online. As most of the time they end up way cheaper even with the shipping cost. (You can get alerts for special promos via twitter with the 247ink toner updates and get discount codes.) Just a tip: make sure you are ordering the right cartridge for your printer model. You can also consider cheaper yet compatible ink cartridges. Ask around and do a research if you are not confident as friends say the result varies depending on brands. I personally pick the genuine ink toners as the husband is overprotective of the printer.

source

Do you maintain a family album? Do you go for print-at-home or queue at the shop? How long do you replace your printer's ink? (I do mine twice a year).

At What Age Should My Child Learn to Swim?

2013-01-18T15:13:00.000+08:00

There is no denying that we're in Summer with the mercury rising up to 40C in the past couple of days. And perhaps the easiest trick to cool down is to hit the beach or the pool. It is a good excuse for family time and for younger kids to learn how to swim. But how will you know if your child is ready for their first dip?

Today, I have guest post to shed light on this matter from Mary Murphy, the communications manager for Irish based website www.eumom.ie - Ireland's largest online community website for mothers with over 100,000 members.

At What Age Should My Child Learn to Swim?

The appropriate age for children to begin formal swimming lessons depends largely on each individual child. In general, children have seldom acquired the necessary motor skills for swimming before the age of 4, but other personality traits also have to be considered. Some children are more confident than others, while some are reluctant to be entrusted to a relevant stranger in unfamiliar surroundings such as a swimming pool. It is thus always a good idea to begin familiarising your child with a body of water larger than their bathtub under conditions that do not detract from their sense of comfort and security; this can usually be initiated as soon as the child has developed enough head and neck control. Plays groups that involve both parent and child in some water fun are a wonderful way of instilling confidence, while also providing some quality together time. The most important rule when getting children accustomed to a swimming pool environment is that they are never more than an arm’s length away from an adult supervisor.

Anya's first "swim" 2004

Being in close proximity to your child while in water and getting them to listen to instructions can begin in your bathtub. Many parents make the transition from baby bath to big bath by occasionally sharing a bath time with the child in the adult tub. Most children love the experience of splashing around with mummy or daddy and water will become a familiar form of shared enjoyment. It is an ideal time to grow a toddler’s confidence and begin teaching breath control by having them mimic your actions such as putting your face in the water for a second. This should be done in a calm and controlled manner at first, as over-exuberance can lead to the child swallowing and possibly choking on some water; should this occur your reaction is crucial.

Fear of water does not only develop because of a traumatic experience encountered in water; it may also be the result of seeing a person who is usually the rescuer seeming to become frightened or overwhelmed by a situation. Children take their cue from adults and, in particular, their parents, so that if either shows signs of panic the child will relate that panic to any similar situation. Should a child choke on some water it is therefore essential for the adult to deal with it calmly and then, perhaps with a smile, instruct the child on how to avoid a recurrence. This is the main difficulty in attempting to teach swimming to very young babies or toddlers who do not yet have the cognitive skills associated with learning. Parents who claim that their six-month-old is swimming confidently and unassisted are perhaps just being typical proud parents boasting of their sprout’s extraordinary abilities. Swimming involves co-ordinated arm and leg movements that cannot yet be taught to a child of that age; they have neither the motor skills nor the required attention span. Instructors and parents should also agree on methods of teaching.

If your child is continually resistant to a chosen swimming instructor, then find another who is more compatible. If, however, you do not agree with a particular aspect of an instructor’s methods it is never wise to confront them within earshot of the child; doing so may cause confusion for the child regarding the instructor’s ability to keep them safe. Lessons should also be undertaken on a regular basis and not interrupted for long periods. If a child’s safety is always the uppermost consideration when allowed to frolic in water, then summer fun will proceed swimmingly.

About this article: This article has been written by Mary Murphy, the communications manager for Irish based website www.eumom.ie - Ireland's largest online community website for mothers with over 100,000 members. The website publishes regular articles, advice and tips on parenting and articles about pregnancy. Feel free to visit the website and join our happy community - www.eumom.ie

Start 2013 with a Personal Planner! - Giveaway

2013-01-17T14:19:00.000+08:00

How are y'all? We're still in the tropical islands of the Philippines but will soon be returning back to what is called "reality". Oh yes, that moment will suck big time coupled with the law of inertia of you know, bodies at rest tends to be at rest.

But with the start of the school term hovering around the corner, I couldn't help but think about the tasks I need to tick off as soon as my feet land in Melbourne.

I'm a one of the gals who cannot function very well without a planner at hand. I write my to-do tasks on my diary aside from the usual appointments and social commitments. I review it every night and make sure I write down any relevant updates. Thing is, I have no 2013 diary yet. So the habit has been broken (plus I'm on holiday mode). And because of that, I already missed out on a special event which I confidently took a "mental note" of. Sorry!

I think the universe knew of my plight because surprisingly, I was informed of the personal-planner and was offered to try it out. Oh yeah! It's time to forget those grey, boring diaries sprawled on newsagents. Let's go for the custom-style this new year!

Designing your own planner is easy!

Simply pick your fave color, text and cover designs (there are a handful to choose from). Plus add sections that fits YOUR lifestyle such as boxes for to-do list, gym session, idea of the week etc. You can also add birthdates on the inlay directly from Facebook. And you can even pick which month to start.

I am choosing one of the designs of stylist Karin Mannerstal from Sweden. I even inserted a workout module (awesome!) to keep tab of my (ahem!) fitness goals. And starting my diary with the month of February.

The personal-planner.com.au website is easy to navigate and the design process is easy peasy. It was fun making it and more importantly is quite affordable (starts at $35).

You like?

Then thanks to personal-planner.com.au, we have one to give away to help you get yourself organized this 2013! Simply Like their Facebook page (say hi from joniandanya while you're there) and fill in the form below for your chance to get a personal planner designed by you. Open to overseas readers! Winner will be drawn on Jan.30, 2013.

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#itsmorefuninthephilippines

2013-01-03T22:56:00.002+08:00

We are now halfway through our visit in the Philippines. We're sweltering from the tropical heat but we're having heaps of fun being with family. There is no place like home.

nothing beats a dip in the pool

I also wanted to use this time for Anya to get re-acquainted with Filipino culture, which usually translates to Food.

local treats: rice pudding"bibingka" and soy bean drink "taho"

"puto bumbong"

Well, the family took my mission a tad serious than I expected. They brought us around some of the good restaurants in the city. I am surprised by the many cuisines now on offer! So many options! I have been away for so long.

Vikings

Many of them were buffet-styled.

Luk Foo in Quezon City

Geisha at Bonifacio High

at Resorts World

And up until the last minutes of 2012, we were feasting our hearts (and stomachs) out. Actually, up until January 1, 2013. Our hotel booking comes with a breakfast buffet, ok?

Heat at Shangri-La Hotel

There is no doubt we've gained a kilo or two in just 3 weeks of this holiday. I reckon it's just more appetizing and enjoyable to wine & dine when you're with family who you missed so much.

Plus, it was the HOLIDAYS! It's simply more fun. And up here in Manila, you definitely get more yum for your buck!

But it's a NEW YEAR! The best and most popular time to resolve to eat healthy and as they say here, to reduce and start burning the extra calories gained over the holidays. No more excuses!

Are you up for the challenge of finding a healthier you this 2013?

'Coz we say, bring it on!

A trip to Lakes Entrance

2012-12-12T09:37:00.001+08:00

As I've mentioned many times, I am not too keen on road trips. I need a great deal of motivation to succumb to an invite that will involve many hours on the road. That is why at times when we have guests from abroad, the husband is in charge of driving them around. (He has driven to the Great Ocean Road about 5 times now). Because I also hate going to a far-away place I've already been. Don't you?

Anyway, after much coaxing, I obliged to go with a group of friends to Lakes Entrance. Noted as a fishing town and is 5 hours away. The issue was, the weather forecast was grim on the days we were booked in as a group. So in a whim, I decided to go a day early to literally chase the sun before rain clouds hide it.

Because there is nothing worst than driving for 5 hours and unable to go swim at the beach and be stuck indoors for a couple of days. Ok, there are more worst things. But at that instance, that's how I felt.

So off I went, with Anya & Dali & all our luggage to chase the sun. It was decided that the husband will follow the next day via train. I was a tad unprepared and did not have time to shop for snacks. So I just grabbed the pack of Food for Health Kids Yoghurt Bites we received for review a few days ago. It saved us from hunger pangs during the long drive. Try them out as they are super yummy!

That whim was well worth it as otherwise we would have missed the fun 'coz as expected, it rained the next days:

We has a good time aboard the Lonsdale Eco-Cruise to watch seals, dolphins and plenty species of birds.

And we lazily and leisurely explored the area.

And went food trippin'.

But perhaps best of all, was the 5 hours we spent at the beach boogie boarding and sun worshipping. The water was warm and perfect that day! (Lucky as the water was chilly the following days and we never had the chance to go for a dip again).

We stayed that night at the Golden Terrace Holiday Park. Anya loved the huge solar-heated pool which we had for ourselves.

In spite of the challenge involved in pushing a wheelchair while controlling a dog on a leash, the day turned out to be one of the best mother-daughter-pet day ever.

Have you ever drove for hours on a sudden impulse?

One a penny, two a penny

2012-12-12T07:27:00.001+08:00

I often come across websites offering penny stock advice like Tim Syke's Penny Stock Picks and every time I end up daydreaming of how I'd spend the income that can be generated from this sort of investment.

With the recent financial crisis, apparently a number of people are buying in penny stocks instead of its opposite, the blue chips. Penny stock, for your information, refers to the cheapest stocks available and are often by and from start-ups and small businesses. Research on these investment is hard to do as history and financial reports are often lacking. But still the possibility is there to earn something once the value of the stock increases.

So I reckon the best way to go about this should you be looking for an interesting way to spend your $20 is to have a read around the web. Like any project you delve into, information is key. There are plenty of tips including buying in on an industry that you are into, being vigilant and patient. Remember, penny stock buying is an investment, an exercise that requires skills and practice. Seek advice before jumping into the bandwagon.

Have you bet on penny stocks before?

And the Bling-Off Winner is...

2012-12-02T17:26:00.001+08:00

Rae G. and her kids!

The people from Blingles, Anya & I have decided that your bling-ified red bike helmet displayed the utmost and best effort among all the entries!

Your kids definitely blinged it on!

And for the rest of the entrants, GOOD JOB! Your participation and enthusiasm in this contest, courtesy of Undertow Media and Blingles are sincerely appreciated.

Congrats again Rae G.! Your pack of toys from Moose will be on your way soon! We look forward to seeing the happy faces of your boys with the basket of toys!

Have you or your kids joined in the Blingles craze yet? Is this studio on your Christmas list?

Bua O Clock

2012-11-27T08:10:00.002+08:00

Have you ever had a clock custom made and hand-painted for you? Well, I had. All the way from Bangkok. (And you can too!)

A very talented friend Kannika or Bua, who I met on a business-related trip almost a decade ago, is pursuing her passion. She had this brilliant idea of translating her love of art into clocks, among other more traditional ways. I have been following her painting career and is just in awe of her process and skill.

I enjoy her style - the softness and sincerity of her pieces. Which I reckon is but a reflection of her kind, humble and polite personality.

She recently made this very colorful clock for Anya.

Tada!

How unique and precious! I wish I was this artistic.

Here are more samples of her Bua O Clock, which makes for great conversation pieces and one of a kind present. Like her Facebook page to view more and be updated of her latest projects and clocks for sale.

Enjoy a peek of her first solo exhibit "Homemade Hues: Freshly Baked Paintings" below.

Such a fantastic job Bua! More power and luck to you and your career!

What to look for when selecting a kids camp

2012-11-23T04:00:00.000+08:00

Are you feeling "the busiest time of the year" yet? Stressed out with your Christmas list and holiday menu? Well, let me add to your burden and remind you that well, school will be over soon too. Which means more bundles of energy at home which you have to manage and if able, direct to worthwhile pursuits.

One of the most popular summer activity that families look into is sending their children to camp. If you are keen on doing just that, here are some great tips for you courtesy of Crusaders and freelance writer Annabelle Johnson.

Anya enjoying Camp early 2012

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What to look for when selecting a kids camp

For the little ones, going away on camp is one of the most exciting times of the year: they get to do fun activities, make new friends, and spend some time in a new place. However, for parents there is a mix of anxiousness and relief. While it’s great to have some peace and quiet for a week (finally!), it can be nerve-wracking to leave your kids in the hands of others.

If you’re considering a camp for your child, there are some key factors to keep in mind. Here are some things to look for when you’re selecting your kid’s next camping destination.

Tailor the camp to your child’s interests
It’s no use selecting a camp that’s focused on sports if your child is into music, or choosing a horse riding camp if your little one would rather play touch footy. There are countless camps for every occasion, so make sure you choose one your child will benefit from. If they like playing the flute or trombone, send them to band camp. If they’re feeling shy, sign them up for a children’s personal development camp program. The more thought you put into choosing the camp, the more benefits your child will reap from it.

this kid is into outdoor activities

Make sure the organisers are reliable
One of the biggest reservations you may have as a parent is the fact that you have to leave your child in the hands of a group of strangers. While this does involve a certain degree of trust in the organisers and their team, you will feel much better if you know that your child is in the hands of a trustworthy organisation. If in doubt, choose a reputable camp organisation like Crusaders, or check if the camp is accredited through an association (such as the Australian Camps Association).

Location, location, locationThe further away your child is from home, the more worried you will feel for their wellbeing and safety. To avoid this, try to choose a camp that is within a two or three hour drive from your home – this way, if anything happens you won’t be too far away to do something about it. On top of this, make sure the camp is close to local amenities: check on Google Maps to see if there is a hospital and a supermarket nearby in case of emergencies. After all, it is far better to be safe than sorry!

Annabelle Johnson is a freelance writer who loved camp when she was a little girl. Hopefully, her little one feels the same way – she’s about to go on her first camping adventure this summer.

Daydreaming of Travel?

2012-11-21T08:54:00.001+08:00

This family desperately needs a vacation. And I'm sure you'd say yours too right?

If only Santa really grants adults their wishes too, then I'd readily sit on his lap and whisper a GREAT HOLIDAY abroad. Complete with shopping money of course. Because who would want to spend a vacay dining on Maccas right? Nothing beats fully immersing yourself in a different culture and in a deep dish of local cuisine. Yum!

So what's your dream holiday?

Since I've been a child, I always dreamed of Paris and Egypt. I recall one time when I was about 9 years old and had terrible bouts of headaches, I told my mum should the doctor say I have a tumor, please don't spend money on healing me. I encouraged her to spend on a trip for me to see the Pyramids instead. I was that obsessed with the idea that I'm willing to live a short life.

But that was then. Nowadays I wish to be an immortal.

Because hey I'm a mum and have an Anya to care for. But my dreams of Giza and the Louvre remain the same.

Plus African Safari Trips.

Because Anya loves the Lion King and The Wild and all other jungle-themed animated films. We just have to see them in the wild. And feel the circle of life. Roar!

source

Is visiting South Africa on your bucket list too? Do you know that daydreaming improves thinking?

But of course, nothing beats making your dreams of travel come true! And should you finally find yourself ready and with enough $$$ to turn those plans into reality, I suggest you consider handcrafted travel plans.

Send me some snaps and make me jealous!

Online Shops can be a Yay

2012-11-21T08:18:00.003+08:00

Today's headline is all about the Click Frenzy Fail. How the onslaught of millions of online customers wanting to grab a bargain apparently crashed the Australian website just a few minutes after it went live. If there is one thing to learn from this, it's that there is an actual and huge interest in online shopping.

Consumers are now more keen on spending on web shops than ever before. Comparing is easier and the convenience is just what many time-short people want and need. And this group is getting bigger and riper for the tap.

No wonder more and more small online businesses are popping. Many have been started by those who are on home duties and who'd want to have the freedom of managing their time. Particularly of having the ability to earn without jeopardizing the home front. Many have been successful in this jump and perhaps the only barrier to entry is the initial capital. Saving is perhaps the key and while at it, honing your business plan to perfection until you are ready to go live. Some test the water by becoming ebay or etsy sellers first and learning their way through.

And when you get lucky and find your online shop doing well, often the next step is finding a way to grow. Usually this means expanding your inventory or product range which of course requires additional funds. And if taking a loan from the bank is not your cup of tea, there are other options available. Like getting an online loan from Kabbage.com and other similar enterprise which offers help to small online businesses and assist them the chance to profit more.

Of course, you have to make sure you read the fine print and do a thorough study of your cash flow to be certain that it is the right choice for your business. It pays to be cautious and take time to study your business and financial decisions especially when you already have a working web shop.

Are you thinking of joining in the web shop wagon?

New Rides at THE Summer Destination!

2012-11-14T08:19:00.001+08:00

And by THE, I mean ADVENTURE PARK GEELONG! (psst! I have a great giveaway! Keep on reading to find out!)

Its doors were opened a few weeks ago and if you haven't been there yet, then start planning because I assure you, it won't disappoint. And you'll be in the running for the best parent ever, or at least for this summer.

The family and I have been there early this year (see the good time we had here) and for lack of a better word, it was AWESOME. And this is coming from a person who is not too keen on driving for more than 30 minutes and of water parks. Yes! It has become one of our family's HAPPY PLACE.

And for this season, Victoria's biggest theme park has two new exciting rides!

The Wave Swinger. Which reaches speeds of up to 30km per hour! Riders will soar through the air hitting a peak of up to 6 metres as the tower reaches its full height.

The Barracuda Bay. The new Barracuda bikes are the coolest ride on the water. This world class catamaran design bikes will see you launched off a white sandy beach as you race your friends across Barracuda Bay, with speeds up to 10km per hour. Or you can opt to sit back and cruise leisurely.

Also worth noting is the 1920's style Grand Carousel which, has been fully restored and features 30 original handcrafted jumping horses. Just beautiful!

So yes, THE BEST SUMMER is within your reach! If only we live near Geelong, I would not mind paying $75 for a season pass. Anya, the husband and yes, even grumpy me had the best time ever last summer at Adventure Park. We have another water park nearby but we'd rather drive an hour to Geelong for a guaranteed GREAT TIME. And get the most FUN out of our money simply because there are sooo many rides and things to do.

See ticket prices here. Also check out their Facebook page to see photos of very happy visitors .

Guess what dear readers! You are in luck!

Thanks to Porter Novelli and Adventure Park, I have a family pass (2 adults, 2 kids) to give away! YIPEE! That's enough to keep your summer sorted. Just fill in the form below and you'll be in it to win it! Please be sure you can use the family pass this summer season. Open to Australia residents only. Winner chosen on December 5,2012 and will be notified by email.

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Bling-Off Contest: Update!

2012-11-12T07:18:00.001+08:00

Hi there Blingettes!

A lot of wonderful photos of bling-ified items over the past week were sent in that we'd like to share to you.

Many of the Bling-Off participants have shared how much their families enjoyed doing this arts and crafts exercise, including the boys! Though it can get messy and some shared how they continue to find pieces of Blingles even after the clean up. So make sure you stick them up well to avoid 'em dropping off!

Help us decide which one is best by leaving a comment here or at the Bling-Off album at our Facebook page. And since a couple of Blingles fans who registered for this contest are students who have been busy lately with final term exams and projects, they requested for extra time to bling-ify.

So out of consideration, we will move the deadline of photo submission for another week. Hence, November 19, 2012 is now the deadline.

So for the rest of you Bling-Off contestants, that means an extra 7 days to bling-ify more items and extra chance of entering additional photos!

Have you tried Blingles yet? Or is it at your Christmas list? Because it is worth considering.

Not Winning!

2012-11-07T11:23:00.002+08:00

How was your Melbourne Cup holiday? Made some bets? Were you a loser or a winner at the end of the day? Sadly, we're the former.

And I'm not surprised. Because we're not really punters . Nor do we know anything about horse races. But yesterday morning, we thought what fun will it be to join in the hullaballoo and give it a go. So Anya and I and the hubby huddled to look at the list of horses and chose the names which "spoke to us". We were $20 poorer by 3:15pm. But at least we got cheese.

And I thought, next year, it's best to do a little research. Because perhaps if I knew that Green Moon, this year's winner, was owned and trained by someone who previously won three Melbourne Cups, then I would have bet on him.

Because in a way, betting is like investing. It requires a certain set of skills and knowledge that are often achieved from practice, or trial and error. In stock investments for instance, there is a virtual stock market where you can play "investor" against real time market factors. The aim of course is to build your portfolio and learn basic strategies of stock investment in real-time. What a concept eh?

I reckon this is worth a shot instead of those virtual games where you build a farm or a restaurant. Because you may actually learn something that you can actually use for real once your confidence is up. Not that I'm saying learning how to slay zombies is futile (an outbreak is possible you know).

I'm hoping a virtual horse race is at the works in time for the nest Melbourne Cup.