Kiddothings

I'm Not Back Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 01:42:00 +0000

I haven't blogged for so long, I almost forgot how to sign in and navigate Blogger. Phew! Thankfully nothing much has changed with the settings.

Well, it's been almost 2 years since my last blog post. Technically I'll be celebrating my Non-Bloggin'versary soon.

So much has happened in my life! I still have 2 kids and they've grown! I also still have a husband and he's grown too...some white hair.

I've also made so many like-minded mummy (non-Egyptian) friends, which explains why I haven't been blogging. I've been socialising much with my new (now not-so-new) friends. I know, I'm bad for abandoning my blog without so much as a goodbye, or "see ya' later alligator"; but it wasn't planned, I swear! I've tried to blog again many times but just lacked the motivation or time to write and keep up with the blogging world.

I still do think of some of my bloggyfriends and hoping y'all are doing great with life! *pin drop* I understand that many would have lost hope in my return. Who am I kidding, oh ya myself. See, I'm writing nonsense now for myself to read.

I'm not back yet but just a post to say Hi to whoever's reading. Best wishes to you. To those who are still following, I won't hate you for un-following. Best wishes to you too. Take care.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set - A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:06:00 +0000

"Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set"

Phew! What a mouthful. My favourite tongue twister of late. Also, my kids' favourite pastime, for now.

When I was offered a toy to review recently, I went "Yay, Yahoo, Yippee!" like a kid being offered a ... new toy, and ice cream. I think any sane mother would want new toys for their kids, especially if it means a few extra minutes of mommytime. And of course especially when it's a reputed toy brand like Hot Wheels!

I was as excited as my kids when I got the package. But, when I opened it the next day, I went into panic mode. All the parts of the toy just spilled out into a pile of....um....toy parts. You see, I don't assemble toys. It's usually carried out by the hubby department. But he had an important appointment that day and I had 2 very eager kids waiting to play with their new toy. I was therefore appointed The Reluctant Assembler.

Wouldn't you go into panic mode looking at this?!

"Okay, everyone move back!! Nobody touches anything! I don't want anything to go missing!!"

Yup, that was The Reluctant Assembler in panic mode.

I took a few deep breaths, reminded myself to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS and calmed down.

Little did I know I was in for a pleasant time assembling this toy. Everything came together in less than 20 minutes. The instructions were simple, well illustrated and easy to follow. The first thing you're required to do is stick the instruction sheet on the wall. Yes, just do it! It will show you exactly where to place all those yellow brackets. I am really impressed with the instruction sheet. It was SO EASY to put this thing together!! I still can't get over how easy it was.

I, Me, Moi
assembled this!

Well, my kids did help me some. I would have liked to do it all by myself but we must learn to share ;)

You can even vary the placement of the tracks and have your kids try out different car stunts. I let my son, who is 5, try shifting the parts around. He had a lot of fun getting creative with it and it was easy for him to take the parts out and put them back. He even fixed in his old car tracks...

As you can see, this is a wall mounted toy. Yes, toy manufacturers are conquering the walls now. If you've stepped on a lego piece or a wooden block before, you'd want a toy that goes on a wall. One concern I had was what it would do to my wall. Well I was pleased to see that they use 3M adhesives that will not damage walls.

A mother must have thought of this.

Personally, I like this toy. I would get it as a gift for a kid who likes cars and tracks. And I think it's real cool to have the tracks wall mounted like that.

Here's a look at how it works...

For more info about Hotwheels, check out their website.

Disclosure: I was given a complimentary set to play with and write this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

I Want My Son To Give My Eulogy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Today, after our dinner of homemade pizza, I made the kids a nice fruit punch to wash it all down. It came as such a pleasant surprise to my son that he said..

"Mommy, thank you so much, I'll love you forever..."

He'll love me forever over a fruit punch?! Well, of course I'd have to clarify,

"You'd love me forever over this?"

Giving me a sheepish smile, he said "Well of course not over just this..." and thinking very hard continued to say "I'd love you forever...

for everything that you've done
for taking care of me
for reading to me
for helping me read
and most of all
for loving me."

I choked up after hearing all that and in response to his eloquent declaration of love for me, I said

"Awww...I feel like crying now", and shed a tear...or two.

"I know, some people cry when they are too happy"

Yes, my son, I was more than "too happy". I would have stood up and did the Riverdance if I knew how to.

Then I ran to my desk and quickly wrote down what he just said. Can't rely on my mommy brain these days. Seriously, the other day, while talking to a friend, I was trying to recall the name of a car that was "Alphard" but kept thinking "Narnia". I don't know what's up with my brain cells recently.

Where was I?

Ah yes, then all of a sudden I grew wings and became angel mom for the rest of the evening when usually, by sundown I would morph into a cross between a mother of two on the verge of psychosis and a military sergeant from hell.

Thank you my baby boy, you sure made my evening and certainly the rest of my life.

Bedtime On A School Night

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Suggesting an early bedtime for your children can result in tears and tantrums. However, your children need a full night of restful sleep to perform well in school each day. You and your family must establish a routine and make bedtime comfortable to help your children get a good night of sleep. Keep a few things in mind when looking for a bedtime routine for your family:

Quiet Activities
If you let your children run wild in the hour before bedtime, they will be too worked up to go to bed. Your children will need some time to cool off before they even feel tired. Inspire your children to spend the hour before bedtime engaging in quiet activities, including reading, painting and playing with some favorite toys. Discourage your children from participating in activities that can lead to hyperactivity, including watching television.

Room Atmosphere
Encouraging a night of good sleep requires some work on your part. First, you need to get your child a good and relaxing bed. Some stores offer beds for children that may look cute in a bedroom, but aren't very comfortable. Don't sacrifice quality when you buy beds for the kids. The best bed is comfortable and sized to fit your child.

You should aim to keep the bedroom at a cozy temperature throughout the night. During the summer, use an air conditioner or open a window to cool down the room. You can take advantage of dark shades to help your child's bedroom feel darker when the sun is still up in during a summer evening. In the winter, turn up the furnace a few degrees so your child will feel warm all night.

Routine
Maintaining a nightly bedtime routine helps establish guidelines and prepare your child for sleep. Many bedtime routines start with a refreshing bath to help relax your child. After the bath, you can give your child a small snack, such as cereal, with a glass of their favorite drink. When snack time is over, send your child to the bathroom to brush her teeth and finish getting ready for bed. If your child enjoys reading, read a book together. If you do read a book to your child, remember to set limits on the number of books you plan to read.

Getting your children to bed on time does not have to end in frustration for either you or your children. If you strive to help your children get enough sleep, you'll help them to feel rested and ready for school each morning.

This is a guestpost by Alex Summers.

Yahoo!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:49:00 +0000

I'm doing a little jig in my mind now as I write this because my son just told me something I've waited a long time to hear (5.5 years to be exact).

"Mommy, you don't have to wash my bum bum anymore. I can do it myself."

Ahhh...sweetness to my ears...

Yahoo!

One bum down, one more to go.

The Cake To Make When You Can't Bake

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 06:40:00 +0000

I've always been inspired to make my kids' birthday cakes. Here's a collection of them so far...

Jaundiced Dog for No.1's 2nd Birthday.

Cupcakes for No.2's 1st birthday.

A carrot cake for No.2's 1st birthday

More cupcakes, this time for No.1's 4th birthday

Dessert for No.1's 5th birthday.

No.2 just celebrated her birthday and I was inspired, yet again, to make her a birthday cake. I wanted to make something easy, as usual. Something that will taste and look good, naturally. And something that will not require any baking, if possible. You see, I don't have an oven. I have something that calls itself an oven but bakes only the sides of a cake. That's why I keep baking to a minimal. So you cannot imagine how delighted I was when I found this recipe.

And here's what No.2 got for her 3rd birthday...

If, for whatever reason, you can't bake, THIS is the cake to make!

Be prepared for a mess when you cut into it though. I will definitely make this again. Heck, if I could, I'd make this cake for all the birthdays to come!

Guest Post - Teaching A Preschooler To Read

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:10:00 +0000

There are many things that people can do in preschools to help get an early start on learning how to read. The most critical is to read to the child. Starting as early as possible can help create an interest in books. There is no age that is too young. Read books that are all time favorites such as Dr. Seuss books, or ones with pictures that have texture where the child may use their hands to feel the page. It is fun to use difference voices for the characters, and allow the toddler to participate as much as possible. If the preschooler wants to hold the book, stay on one page or help by turning the page, go with it and encourage their participation and interest. Books that rhyme or have nice tone are also helpful when learning.

One effective way to teach a young child to read is by using a to-with-by method. First you want to read to your child. Next you want to read the same book with your child. The final step is for this book to be read by your child.

Start by reading short books with simple themes, read it often enough that the child can memorize it. Books with only one or two small sentences per page are the most effective. Also choose a book that has pictures that match the text. The point is to read to the child often enough in order for them to memorize the text. It may help to keep a good reading schedule. Try picking a time of day that works for you. At that time, read books that the preschooler is familiar with.

Next, read with the child. Let the preschooler chime in with you while you read. Be sure to point to each word, or have the child point. This will help them memorize the words by sight, and build a sight list vocabulary. Sight words can be taught quickly and learned with ease using this method. Once your child can practically recite the book from beginning to end, it is time to move onto the final part of learning.

The final part is for the reading to be done by the child. Using a positive and encouraging tone, have the preschooler read to you. During each page, listen to the child recite what they remember. Allow them to turn the page when they have completed telling you about it.

Avoid letting the situation escalate to the point in which the child feels frustrated, bored, or incapable of completing the task. If you notice the child is annoyed at any point, take a break. Put the book aside, and use words of encouragement to focus on their accomplishments thus far. To provide some variety, encourage the child to show off their new learned skill to others.

This method will teach children to learn the whole word and delight in their ability to read. Before you know it, the child will be reading with pride.

About the Author: Brianna Kelly has over 5 years experience publishing articles on childcare education and parenting. She writes on a regular basis for a childcare provider based in Dublin, Ireland.

Yikes! I Made A Doll

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:53:00 +0000

Conceived sometime at the end of June.....head first.

Looks kinda creepy huh?
I grew goosebumps looking at this.

Born 19 September 2012, after 3 months of labor.

She has 10 toes!

To be adopted by No.2 when she celebrates her 3rd Birthday.

And dimpled knees too!

She even has a butt crack and a belly button but I won't be showing that here.

Yet to be named. Let's just call her Doll for now.

I can't believe I actually made a doll. I'm still in awe of myself for having accomplished this. Oh, the things I'd do for that daughter of mine. Well, it all started when a mommy friend was looking for a rag doll for her daughter. Which made me realise, my own daughter doesn't really have one herself. Which then led me to think that I could make one for her - pfftt what with all my crafty skills, it'd be a piece of cake! It resulted in a doll with a head and arms 2 sizes smaller than it's body. No worries, I told myself. I'll just call it Prototype A.

I persevered. I went doll-making tutorial hunting on Google. I pinned. I followed instructions. And here she is, the fruit of my labor....

Meet...um....Doll.

Her skin was harvested from a 100% cotton Ikea bedsheet. She's stuffed with Malaysian kapok cotton. Her head is a ball of yarn and cotton, lined with an old pantyhose of mine. Her face lovingly handstitched. Her hair, painstakingly attached, strand by arduous strand, onto a crocheted cap. I tell ya, I shed blood (from pricked fingers) and sweat (I have sweaty palms) making her. It wasn't easy but definitely worth all the effort.

She's not perfect but she'll do for now, until I recover from post traumatic doll-making stress disorder and start a new obsession.

Thank God a good friend gifted me her dress. I would've died if I had to make her a dress too!

I did make shoes for her though.

I think every little girl should have a rag doll to call her own. No, not every mother has to make one for her daughter. I know I went the extra mile. You see, I'm a sucker for heirlooms and I thought it'd be nice to hear her say to her daughter one day "your grandmother made this for me, and now it's yours". Hah!

Doll would bring a refreshing change into our household . Her plastic counterparts have somewhat invaded my daughter's toy box. We may have a serious infestation of Barbie dolls that might get out of hand if I don't do something about it soon. Here's a case in point...

"Optimus Prime" hanging out with the girls....

Nah, nothing wrong with that really. Barbie's just not my thing. I can handle one or two, but not six. Yes, my soon-to-be 3-year-old daughter already has 6 Barbies in her possession. At the rate she's going she'll have 20 by the time she's 10. Gee, I only had 1 in my lifetime and in those days owning just ONE Barbie doll was such a luxury. Times have changed.

Well, Doll, I'm handing you over to a 3-year-old tyrant this Sunday. Just kidding, she's really an adorable little girl who'd make your heart melt and your head hurt sometimes. I hope she will enjoy playing with you and having you as her companion when her mommy's too busy to entertain her. I hope she'll love you and have wonderful memories of times spent having you by her side. I hope she doesn't yank out your beautiful arms and legs. I hope she will, one day, have a daughter of her own and say to her "my mother, your grandmother, made this for me with her blood and sweat, and now it's yours". I hope her daughter will be a sucker for heirlooms too.

More Reasons To Love Ikea

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 06:43:00 +0000

Don't you just love Ikea? I know I do. I bet every household in the world has something from Ikea. Don't you love looking at their fun and quirky designs? Heck I even love trying to say the quirky names they have for their quirky designs. Don't you just love their showrooms? So cosy and comfortable. I could go on and on with the "don't you just love" questions and come up with a hundred and one reasons why I love Ikea.

Okay, 101 reasons I thought would be difficult at first but actually it'd be quite easy - I'd just need to list 101 Ikea items I'd like for my house! I suddenly feel so smart.

I digress. (you know I've always wanted to use this word digress but never really knew how to. I hope I've used it correctly here)

And I digress again.

Well, I've recently discovered one more reason to love Ikea.....

Yes, it's catalogue!

I've been seeing these Kumon cutting books at the bookstores for a while now and thought them a great idea for getting my kids to practise their scissor skills. However, because I'm cheap, I also told myself I wouldn't be caught dead buying a book for my kids to cut up.

And so enters the Ikea Catalogue. Look what I found?

Lots of shapes, curves and zigzags for my kids to try cutting! Didn't cost me a single cent. In fact, Ikea had to spend on postage to send it to me.

As I was flipping the pages for nice curvy, zigzagy images to cut out, my son took an interest in reading the prices of the items. And so, yet another reason to love the Ikea catalogue is born! If you have a kid who's currently into number reading, cut out some images with the price on them so that he can practise reading his numbers in tens, hundreds and thousands.

Step aside Kumon Cutting Book and say hello to your most recent competitor - the Ikea Catalogue!

Disclosure: Ikea did not pay me to mutilate their catalogue. The initiative is 100% my own.

And The Winners Are...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:18:00 +0000

Since I had a WHOPPING number of entries...that didn't come in, it wasn't too difficult to choose a winner the traditional way....

Here's V.I.P. 1 drawing two names.

V.I.P. 2 doing her part.

And the winners picked for Buddy & Vernon's giveaway contest are...

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Each of you has just won a copy of Buddy & Vernon's Adventures Vol. 1!

Thank you all for participating.

Have a lovely weekend and may you keep sane during the school holidays!

Buddy & Vernon's Adventures, Vol.1 - A Review & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:07:00 +0000

I am constantly looking out for activities to do with my kids. If you have a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old who are allergic to napping, you're going to want lots of ideas to keep them occupied. Something that has helped me along in this area, recently, is this book...

Image courtesy of Risio

About this book
This is an activity book for kids ages 5 to 8. In this book you'll find 10 fun-filled, educational and interactive activities for parents to do with their kids. Every activity is an adventure that inspires learning and exploring. Going through the book together is an opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their kids. Parents are also encouraged to print pictures of their child in action and paste them at the end of every activity. In that way it becomes a a keepsake for the child. Here's a sneak peek of what's inside the book...

Stickers included!
(Image courtesy of Risio)

What we think
Calling the activities, adventures is a great way to get the kids interested and excited about the book. As soon as we got the book, my son was ready to dig into it. He just couldn't wait to get started!

He flipped through every page and decided he wanted to be Alexander Graham Bell. We got to work making his first "phone". A classic, easy activity to do with the kids.

They had a tonne of fun with this simple homemade toy. I even threw in a lesson about how sound travels.

I like the colourful and attractive illustrations of the book. I also like how every adventure comes with clear, step-by-step instructions. The best part of the book, for me, would have to be the educational aspect of the activities. You can get the kids started on topics such as entomology, botany, cinematography, environmental issues, science and genealogy! As we went through each activity, I was inspired to help my kids explore these areas and in the process, learnt a thing or two myself.

Where to get your own

Buddy & Vernon's is available at MPH Publika and other MPH outlets in PJ and KL. Or you can purchase it online here.

Giveaway

And now, here's a treat for you - Risio is giving away 3 copies of Buddy & Vernon's Adventures Vol.1 (worth RM39 each) to 3 lovers of Kiddothings. However, this giveaway is open to earthlings with a Klang Valley (Malaysia) address only (which means if you're living out of Klang Valley but have an address here you can loan, you can still enter *wink wink*). I apologise to my readers and followers from over the seas. Sending you lots of virtual hugs and kisses instead.

Entry requirements:

1. Like Risio on Facebook.

2. Like Buddy and Vernon on Facebook.

3. Like Kiddothings on Facebook, if you haven't already and feel you would like to.

4. Like yourself and the others around you.

5. Leave me a comment that you have already done 1 to 4, and include a valid e-mail address. In case you have trouble leaving me a comment here, please head over to The Public Complaints Bureau of Kiddothings and leave me one there.

Winners will be chosen randomly the old-fashioned way i.e. I'll get my kids to draw the names.

Contest ends on 16 August 2012, 12 noon local time and winners will be announced on 17 August 2012.

If you're in the mood for some video watching, here's one by Risio.

I was provided with a copy of the book to assist in writing my review. No compensation was received (although wished for) and all opinions are my own.

This contest is now closed.

Of Poop And Puke

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:47:00 +0000

Yes, I'm going to write about disgusting things that come out of us.

Once upon a night, we had dinner at a popular pizza joint in our neighbourhood. It was a nice dinner of pizza, pasta and lumpy mushroom soup. I ate more than I should that night.

Just as we finished dinner, the son said he had to pee. I couldn't just let him pee by the side of the table or into an empty bottle, so I took him to the washroom in the restaurant, where he could do it decently.

The son opened the door of the first cubicle and stopped short of entering it. Instead he stood there, pointed at the cubicle and said something like "nngyeh" (yeah, I know, sounds foreign to me too). So I asked him "Why? What?.." and he pointed again and said "nngyeh"...again.

I would forever regret the next thing I did, which was to take a look into that cubicle.

I'd describe it as disgusting but even "disgusting" is an understatement. It was the worst ever toilet scene I've been so unfortunate to encounter. EVER! I was horrified! There was poop and there was puke. A lot of 'em. I mean, wha...how...WHY?! It haunted me the rest of the night. And now everytime I have to use the public toilet, that scene would flash across my mind. I might have developed a mild case of lutropublicaphobia.

So when I told the hubs about it in the car on our way back, he went "Aiyee... aiyee... eww...." Then you know what he asked me? "Where exactly was the puke?" Which actually led to a discussion about what could have happened in there. We kinda did a little CSI (without the samples of course) and came up with these theories -

Theory 1: This person (God bless her gut) had severe food poisoning and everything just exploded out of both ends. Then she lost her ability to flush.

Theory 2: Person A pooped and obviously didn't flush. Person B came along, saw said poop and then....puked.

And here's giving her the benefit of the doubt...

Theory 3: She made a mess and found that there was no water supply to clear it up.

Hmmm...makes you wonder doesn't it?

I need to say a prayer now...

Thank you Lord for clean toilets and civic-minded people who flush and 'clean up their act' in public toilets. Thank you Lord for motherhood and all those butt-washing, potty-cleaning and diaper-changing sessions with my kids. For if it weren't for them, I would have thrown up my gut and added on to that puke-pile. Amen.

Let me illustrate what I saw. I didn't have my handy-dandy camera with me at that moment or I would have been able to furnish you with more disgusting images.

Nngyeh.

Storytelling by No.2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 02:54:00 +0000

My almost 3-year-old daughter decided to tell me a story today...

Once upon a day, there was a bad guy...running away.

Who was he running away from?

From the castle..... then he died.

How did he die?

He ran and ran and *POINK* his head and died....

No, no.....you killed him! (pointing her finger at me)

But I don't even know that bad guy.....

Um......my father killed him.

Then the end.

You think Quentin Tarantino would be interested in the script?

Where is she getting all these from? My guess is Disney and Barbie cartoons.

Picnesday - Hmmm...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:33:00 +0000

I was at the park with the kids recently, pondering their future as they played.

When, all of a sudden, my ponder shifted to this

Ya' think a stray dog would know it was a stray and keep out?

Hmmm....

(for added effect, place your index finger on your cheek and look up)

Trebimbi Puppets Club Table Set Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:30:00 +0000

My daughter is almost 3 now and, I'm proud to say, feeds herself pretty well. Yeah, for the first 15 minutes, that is. Then she gets tired of eating and runs off to play. However, she will sit and finish her food only if she's in love with it. Most of the time she has no chemistry with the meat or vegetables I cook for her. Okay, maybe I'm not such a good cook; maybe the food's too boring or maybe it's the boring table set her boring food's served in. Anyway, I need to make mealtimes a little more interesting for her. So, when Risio offered me an opportunity to review one of their toddler table set, I was game to try it out.

About the Trebimbi Puppets Club Collection (Information as provided by Risio)
The Trebimbi Puppets Club Table set comes with a spoon, fork, knife, a bowl, a mug and an eggcup. It's made in Italy from BPA-free and non-toxic coloured polypropylene. The cutlery set has a stainless steel body and coloured polypropylene handles. With bright colours to stimulate a child's imagination, the plastic cutlery snaps together for easy storage. They can also be attached to the bowl, mug and eggcup as well, making it fun and easy for kids to learn how to feed themselves. Perfect for tiny hands and bursting with colour, each piece of cutlery has been specially designed to make it easy for little hands to learn how to feed themselves. Just start your beginner with a spoon and add the fork and knife as they quickly gain confidence.

My set, delivered right to my doorstep...

When I opened the box, the first thing that caught my eye were these 3 Amigos...

Don't they look friendly?

What my kid thinks about it

Her Majesty was presented with a serving of basil pesto pasta as her first meal with this set...

"Wah!" - when she first saw it on the table (and I'm pretty sure she didn't mean the food)
"Why the man upside-down?" - when she was using her spoon

"That's mine!" - when her Kor-Kor (brother) wanted to borrow her knife.
"Yes!" - when asked whether she liked the set.

She's been asking to use the set at every mealtime now.

What I think about it
I love the cheery colour of the Trebimbi sets. Kids are immediately attracted to it's bright colours. And of course the 3 Amigos - which kid (or adult) wouldn't like them. They look really inviting with their smiley faces and striking colour. My daughter actually went straight for the knife and started cutting her pasta. I think she enjoyed that experience the most. She's knife-deprived, you see. The knife has a blunt edge which is safe for kids to explore and learn how to use. However, you should still exercise caution when letting your kids use the knife - a knife is still a knife.

What I'm waiting to see is how long the bowl will last with all that stabbing!

I also like the shape and size of the spoon which I think is just right for toddler mouths - big enough to pick up a substantial amount of food with a spoonful, small enough for their little mouths. I wasn't sure at first, if the oil on the bowl and cutlery would be easy to wash off (I do not like washing oily plastic), but I'm happy to note that the grease came off quite easily with normal washing.

The Trebimbi spoon next to one that my daughter usually uses.

The mug has a wide and steady base and that's certainly something I'd look for in a mug for a kid who's prone to spills.

All in all, I'd say it was a pleasant dining experience for my daughter and me. She sat through the entire meal, entertained by the different cutlery in front of her. Taking them out and and snapping them together again also offered her some fun while she ate.

Where to get your own

A Trebimbi set makes a great gift for a special occasion. Order it online with Risio. They're nice people and will even gift wrap it with a card for you at no extra charge. "like" Risio on Facebook and stand a chance to win some cool things that will help your little ones to learn, grow and have fun while doing so. You might even be one of the lucky few to get invited to their events.

If you're anywhere near Kuala Lumpur and feel a need to touch a Trebimbi collection before you buy one, check out these outlets:

1. Blue Dot Baby: F-26, Upper Ground Floor, UG, Bangsar Village 1, No.1 Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur

2. Baby Loft Publika: Lot 43, Level G3 Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

3. Baby Loft Desa Park City: FF21, The Waterfront@Parkcity, 5 Persiaran Residen, Desa Park City, 52200 Kuala Lumpur

Watch the videos below to see these cutie-pies using the Trebimbi sets

Note: I was given a Trebimbi Puppets Club Table Set (Fuxia) to review. All opinions expressed here are my daughter's and my own.

Picnesday - BENTO

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:14:00 +0000

Japanese version of Ben 10

He changes into a set meal of rice with either fish or meat,

served with pickled vegetables.

If he's in a good mood,

he'll be holding a bowl of miso soup

and chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard).

Fondant is "Disgusting"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:09:00 +0000

So says my son - the self-proclaimed fondant expert.

Oh, it's not just any kind of fondant mind you. It's the kind that covers a cake worth over RM400 (about USD125).

It was a discovery so profound that he couldn't keep to himself. He decided to declare it for all to hear - the birthday girl (his classmate), her parents (who spent all those Ringgits on that lovely fondanted cake), his other friends and their parents too.

I. Didn't. Know. Where. To. Hide. Myself.

So, I laughed. Hahaha...ha.....and grinned a little.

Then he decided to share his findings with one of his other friend who happened to be a fondant expert herself too. Her conclusion of said fondant - "yucky".

So they went on for a bit about how "disgusting" and "yucky" the fondant tasted.

I carried on grinning.

And heaved a BIG sigh of relief when they ended their discussion and went off to play.

This has got to be the first time I felt a little (understatement) embarrassed about what my kid said. So, I thought a little talk about what happened was in order when we got back home.

Lets say you're a chef who prepared a dish for a customer. Your customer tastes it and thought it "disgusting". Do you think you'd like to hear him tell you that it's disgusting or yucky? No, right? So you give him positive feedback. Like telling him it could do with a bit more salt or pepper...

My son drew a blank look which I don't know now is it because he didn't understand what I just explained or because he was trying to poop. Yes, we had the talk while he was trying to do a biggie.

So you didn't like the sugar on the cake. It's not very polite to use words like disgusting or yucky, even when you do think it's disgusting. Next time, come and whisper it to me okay?

Okay Mommy.......I'm done.

I need to choose a better time and venue for our talks next time.

Wilkommen Meine Deutsch Freuden

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:43:00 +0000

Welcome my German friends! I don't know why you're here and how you got to know about me but I'm glad I've somehow crossed over to the land of beer, bratwurst and sauerkraut. (The first two - yes I like but sauerkraut, not very much)

That welcome title up there was Googled, by the way. I did take up German in University for 2 semesters or so but I can only remember a handful of German words. I do have an uncle who speaks fluent German though and could pass off as a German if not for his Chinese features. He even eats cheese like a German and has some kind of love affair with blue cheese.

Nein, Ich don't speak or read German but I do think it's a beautiful language. It would certainly be a language I would pick up if I ever lived in Germany.

I have never been to Germany but would love to one day. I hear it's a beautiful country.

Anyway, Deutsch Freuden, danke vielmals for stopping by and leaving me your sweet comments!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Does anyone know why I'm suddenly getting a slew of German readers? 3 to be exact.

Picnesday - I Make, Therefore I Sew

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:14:00 +0000

I've been bitten by Pinterestus Sewingitus. It's a sewing bug that lives in Pinterest. People, I've been sewing like there's no tomorrow! Part of the reason why I haven't been blogging much. I've heard the only cure for a Pinterestus Sewingitus bite is to close your Pinterest account and get rid of your sewing machine.

Yes, yes, I can sew....I think. But I have also been guilty of many a "sewing crime"....

Have you ever seen stitches that messy before?

If you're too lazy to snip those loose threads, just leave them be - they'd add to the effect.

Yes, some fabrics do look good frayed.

I don't really enjoy sewing but I LOVE what I can make when I sew. I know, what a predicament right? And, don't get me started on thread tension - it drives me crazy trying to get it right! Anyway, here's one of my sewing projects lately, inspired by this site.

Something to go into my kids' dress-up box.

Well, at least this little girl doesn't mind my sewing crimes :)

How To Make Money In Your Underwear

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:39:00 +0000

Follow these simple steps:

1. Work from home.
2. Curtains, curtains, curtains on all your windows, windows, windows. Especially important if you intend to do this at night.
3. Take off all your clothes except your underwear.
4. Make a business call.
5. Make sure you close the deal.

Disclaimer: No guarantees that you will earn more in your underwear. I do however guarantee ease of movement and freedom from restrictive clothing (which goes without saying).

I cannot confirm or deny that I am acquainted with someone who practises underwear-only work.

Picnesday - Ship Sketches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:19:00 +0000

Every night in my dreams,
I see you I feel you,
That is how I know you go on...

and on...

Hmm, I didn't recall seeing piranhas?

and on...

wait there's more!
and on...

and on...

even in black and white...

with a smidgen of colour...

And my heart will go on and on....

This is how much my son misses his cruise holiday

It's the only thing he draws these days.

What A Relaxing Holiday....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:32:00 +0000

...it was NOT.

Why did I even think it would be a relaxing one? Well, firstly, both sets of grandparents came along with us which led me to think I could get a little time out. Nope. Didn't happen. Secondly, nothing could be more relaxing than a cruise right? You eat the whole day, watch a few shows, enjoy the sea breeze and go hibernate in your cabin whenever you wanted to. Yeap. Did happen. But, travelling 5 hours in a bus to Singapore and having to queue up for over an hour to board the ship, with 2 kids under the age of 5 in tow - not fun at all. Also, having to queue up again for over an hour to get out of the ship and board a bus home from Singapore was just wonderfully anti-climactic. Now why didn't we check out flights to Singapore?

I felt like I had worked out at the gym for 3 whole days - my body ached from top to toe. I think it's because I haven't been moving my muscles a whole lot, except those on my fingers and around my mouth. And having to carry a backpack and my daughter around during the holiday gave me a really good workout.

But, the kids had a good time. So did their grandparents. I shouldn't complain, really. It was a good holiday. Yes, I am so very thankful for my workout. My muscles have shaped up a bit. I also discovered that I have amazing patience for long queues but absolutely no tolerance for people who try to push their way through long queues. I am thankful for the time spent with our parents. My son even learned a few line dancing steps. He was teaching his little sister how to line dance last night when he was suddenly hit with nostalgia and came to me with tears in his eyes.

"Mommy, I miss the cruise..."

"Aww, I know. Don't worry we'll go on another one next year, maybe..." I comforted him.

"The same one?" he asked.

"Maybe a different one." I answered.

"I hope it doesn't sink."

Okaaayyy....

Which led to a lengthy conversation about the Titanic, swimming, inventions and modes of transportation. Which reminds me, I have to go Google "how many people died on the Titanic". My son wants to know.

Happy weekend to all!

I'm Stiff But Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:07:00 +0000

Thanks for staying with me although I haven't been much of a blogging companion. It's scary when after you stop blogging for awhile you almost forget you ever had a blog in the first place. This post is just so I don't lose touch with my inner blogging self. But sadly, I really have nothing to write about. Nothing interesting besides the everyday mundane things that a woman like me does - cook, do the laundry, play with the kids, scream at them a little, keep the hubs happy, nag at him a little and try not to lose my mind.

*SIGH*

Don't you feel a little sad after reading that? I didn't know even a written *sigh* in capital letters can be such a stress reliever.

Anyone interested in my stiff neck? No? I'm going to write about it anyway. I had such a bad stiff neck yesterday that I was turning my body like C-3PO the entire day. I think I should call it stiffness of the neck+shoulder+back. It was comical and I actually wished there was someone around to film me so that when I needed a good laugh I could watch my C-3PO self in stiff action. But sadly I only had a 2.5 year old little human by my side who knows nuts about cinematography.

Can you imagine having to drive with a stiff neck+shoulder+back? Let me just tell you, it was agonising at the cross junctions. Anyway, I'm glad that's over, not without the help of a pill of course. I'm wondering now, if this stiff neck+shoulder+back could be the result of my not blogging for so long. Hmm...... Okay, okay so I'm getting old and lacking exercise. Who isn't?!

Enough about my stiff neck+shoulder+back already. I have something to look forward to in a day's time. Something to chase the stiffness away I hope - I'm going on a CRUISE!! Yesiree! My long awaited holiday! Now isn't that something to be happy about?! I just hope they have enough lifeboats.

Anyways, if you're still reading, thank you so much for still stopping by and leaving me comments.

Best regards to all.

Picnesday - Destined For....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:01:00 +0000

"Mommy, look what I did!"

He coloured the words at the bottom of a used paper and proudly held it up to show me.

I'd like to think that he is
Destined for Laughter,

as long as Laughter means happiness

not psychosis.

Happy Leaped Picnesday!

Photo Popsicle Stick Puzzles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:44:00 +0000

I've been busy lately. Busy making busy bags for my kids to keep them busy during times they need to be kept busy. I know, an iPad or an iPhone would do the trick anytime but I'm out to prove to...to....to myself that kids do not need to be entertained by electronic devices!

So, here's an easy and fun craft to make for your busy bag or activity pack or whatever you want to call it. I first chanced upon this idea on Pinterest. I'd give credit to the site if I can remember which one it was. But anyway, these puzzles are easy to carry around and comes in handy when the kids need a little something to do.

Here are the things you need...

I used photos because I had a stack of photographs I didn't know what to do with. You can actually use any printed material or even have your child draw something on the popsicles.

1. Arrange your popsicle sticks and cut your photo down to size.

2. Apply glue on the back of your photo and stick the sticks on. The stoopid me applied glue to every stick instead.

3. Before the glue sets, use a blade and cut in-between the sticks. That way the sticks are still a little movable and easier to cut through.

And voila! Your very own Personalized Photo Popsicle Stick Puzzle or pPPSP!

The clever me decided to stamp them for easier identification.

Consider the advantages of pPPSPs over iPads
1. More parent-child interaction.
2. More parent-child eye contact.
3. More fingers involved.

Now, wouldn't you like your child playing with pPPSPs instead?