Christmas Treasure Hunt

Why haven't I shared this Christmas idea before?! Bad, bad, motherblogger!

We have this little tradition every Christmas. Instead of the usual gifts under the tree or the typical post-dinner exchange gifts among family and friends, we do gift-giving with a little challenge. We do treasure hunting!
The boys wake up on Christmas morn to a map I've carefully drawn some clues on. When they were younger, the clues were more direct. I drew a washing machine, so the gifts were in the washing machine. This year, I've employed a little devious misleading. The Christmas ball would let them think the gifts are behind the tree, but they're actually in the Christmas ornament box in my husband's work shed; the Disney Infinity logo would let them think the gifts are somewhere near the wii console, but they're actually in the car where they put a Disney Infinity sticker early this year.
Next year, I plan to add puzzles and maybe some challenges to the treasure hunt. Maybe like jumping through hoops of fire or something. Lol!

And did I say this Christmas hunt makes for one of the most awesome family bonding? :)

For extra Christmas fun, add a little spice to your gift-giving with a little treasure hunting. I guarantee, that present will be one your kids will treasure forever.

Sparklelab's YULEanda

We've been huge fans of the Sparklelab Toy and Game-making club since it opened its doors to all creative kids out there.
But yesterday, that fan factor went up another notch. The kids were making toys to be given as Christmas presents to the young survivors of Yolanda. What a brilliant idea!

Thrilled with the concept of creating and giving, my boys set off to complete the task at hand.

Kenji was making a school bus.

Miro was making a rocket. No, a robot. Wait... a ray gun! Or, or a telescope! Miro was having an idea overload. lol!

2 hours later... just WHOA...
It's cool how with a whole lot of imagination in that packed room, simple household materials transformed into these.

Kenji's bus had a drawable surface, "So the kids can draw passengers!", Kenji excitedly said. But... he ended up drawing the passengers himself. Haha!

Out of his gazillion ideas, Miro chose to make two toys. A toss-and-catcher, and a pair of goggles. The lenses of the goggles turn. "So the kids can choose if they want to see in focus or to add shine, like when they're watching stars.", he says.

Cue proud mimi moment here. :)

I call this a successful event!
Thanks, Sparklelab for giving us a well-spent Saturday.
And to the young Yolanda survivors ...A HAPPY, PLAYFUL CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US!

The Gift Of Happy Even After, Now Available HERE!

Last year, I bought this original, finely crafted journal from a single mom (my best friend living in the Philippines) and gave it to another single mom (my best friend living in the U.S.) as a Christmas present.  These are two of the strongest, happiest women I know.  Not only because they managed to live lives as their own person, but because they wonderfully brought up two of the most beautiful little girls I love. Together, they've inspired me to be a better mom.

The Happy Even After hardbound was the perfect gift between these two.  It's an expert (it contains tips on child care), an ally (it shares encouraging stories from prominent solo moms), a confidant (it has pages where one can write down her own true-to-her-own-life fairytale come true).

I bet you know a solo mom whom you'd want to give the gift of Happy Even After to this Christmas.  She can be your friend, your sister, or your tita who was never married, was once married, widowed, or raising other people’s children as her own.

Well, guess what --NOW YOU CAN!  That's because I am giving away 3 (yes, THREE) Happy Even After journals to three of my blog readers who can tell me how a solo mom has touched their lives.

Has a solo mom inspired you to be more independent?
Has a solo mom taught you the value of great parenting?
Has a solo mom made you realize how capable you are of so many things you never even dreamed?

Do your sharing in the comment box below.  And I'll be more than happy to ship you your Happy Even After copy for FREE!  Well, if you live in Metro Manila, that is. :P

Solo moms can be the best inspiration, and the Happy Even After can be your way of saying thanks and Happy (Even After? :P) Holidays to her.

So comment away, and win!


UPDATE:  I've received some really cool sharing in both my comment box and Nuffnangx convo box!  Thanks!  You can share some more until December 30.  

Joy Overload: The SM Mall of Asia's Toy Wonderland Grand Festival of Lights!

A visual spectacle such as this is better seen than read.  So, I'm taking a moment to shush myself (and you know how difficult that must be) to let the following pictures speak for themselves.

Just a brief intro though (because I just can't help myself).  The SM Mall of Asia's Toy Wonderland Grand Festival of Lights brings together huge brands such as Kids Universe, Toy Kingdom, Watsons, SM Department Store, the Science Discovery Center, Ace Hardware, SM Hypermarket, SM Appliance Center, Kultura, Akari and NXLED, and Storyland in a breathtaking parade like no other.  And, it's for free.  For me and my family, that's awesome on so many levels!
Ok, shutting up now...

Presenting the High-Quality Floats.

The High-Octane Performances.

The Highly Popular MOA Star Appearances.

The Highly Christmassy Parade Give-aways.  Lol!

Now, THAT is how you celebrate!
Catch the SM Mall of Asia's Toy Wonderland Grand Festival of Lights every Saturday this December at 5:30PM.  It's more than eye candy.  It's a whole feast for the senses!

'Tis the season for MB Cupcakes

Cupcakes are forever.  But if you want to make your child's Christmas Show's After Party more festive, MB Cupcakes has the sweet deal for you.

Snow-tipped Snickerdoodles that are simply heavenly.

And divine Red Velvets sprinkled with Christmas confetti and cheer.

These are what I got for the celebratory potluck that followed the success of my boys' school Yuletide performance.  And let me tell you --from the array of finger foods the other parents brought, my MB Cupcakes stood out by sheer holiday looks!  And let's not forget the awesome taste.  The box sat empty in just a few minutes!

If I got your mouth watering, it will be great to know that MB Cupcakes is the brainchild of sisters Ana and Keena.  You've heard about the sisters of TV's DC Cupcakes' fame, right?  Well, these siblings of MB Cupcakes are our local version.  They may not have the same celebrity status --yet!-- but creativity and culinary prowess are guaranteed! 
Good for you, getting a bite out of their baked goodies is just a phone call away.  Check out their Facebook page and see what other sweet deals they can whip up for you.  Believe me, there are a lot!

But for the holidays, I recommend these babies in this handsome red box.  For such a huge occasion --by my personal experience-- they most definitely steal the show.

Have Yourself A Merry Money Management

Here's a holiday idea!
Why not this year, give your child the gift ...of maturity.

Too steep?  Let me explain.
Every Christmas, your child gets tons of boxes to unwrap.  So the Christmas element of excitement and surprise is well covered.  They get cash gifts, too.  This handles the Christmas prosperity angle.  And these bills automatically make a beeline for your kid's bank account or little piggy bank.

Why not add a little lesson to the mix?  Money Management!  This Christmas, give him money and take him toy shopping.  Make him decide what he wants to buy within that particular price range.  Make him realize that with that amount, he can either buy one huge thing or a lot of little things.  Make him know that it's all in his hands.

This will make him feel all 'big boy' (or big girl).  A child loves the feeling of being trusted, specially with a very huge, usually impossible financial responsibility.

This will also make him feel independent.  As much as you can, try not to question his toy choices.  It's his money now and his shopping time.  So if he wants to buy a singing lampshade, as long as it's within budget, so be it.

This will make him learn to choose wisely between the qualities of one toy and another.  Practicality is one trait that's nice to have your child grow up on.  Before you know it, you'll have a tiny smart shopper in your hands.

This will make him realize the importance of money.  If he used to think that you can buy just about anything for him with your presumed deep well of cash, this little exercise will open his eyes to reality.  If you're lucky, this will automatically tame his inner brat.

And on an educational note, this will teach him math.  Nothing sharpens your mathematical skills quite like counting money. 

Try it!  We've been doing this for 2 years now and my boys look forward to this coming-of-age Christmas activity.  Pride and joy... check.

It's... ALIIIVE!!!!

Am I the only one who's slightly creeped out by Hasbro's brilliant Christmas gift idea: the Baby Alive Doll series?

I'm not one to slink away from disturbing play things.  I do have the Jane-in-the-Box bride of Chuckie doll after all.  But Baby Alive is different.  It's the kind that comes off as something innocent ... and then, when you least expect it... it shocks you to pants-peeing heights!  It's kinda like Damien of The Omen.  Evil lurking beneath those angelic eyes.

Overdrama aside, Hasbro says that the Baby Alive dolls are meant to teach young girls how to be responsible and caring with absolute realism.  True.  I get that.  Nothing teaches quite like an actual experience.  But if I'm ever left alone in a room with these dollies, I swear, I will get a heart attack!

Baby Alive Baby All Gone is deemed the crowd favorite.  She comes with baby food which your child will have to mix with water and then feed the 'baby' with.  And a sippy cup which your child will really have to fill with water and have the 'baby' drink from.  Now don't forget to keep the 'baby' in a diaper --because she WILL pee and poo after.  Really!  And you don't want the mess, do you?

Baby Alive Better Now Baby is the perfect Let's Play Doctor companion.  Because the 'baby' really gets sick.  Your child will have to take her temperature, and listen to her heart with a stethoscope.  Uh-huh, the doll really HAS a heartbeat --EGAD!  Now, your child can give the 'baby' her medicine.  Don't forget the diaper though.  This doll pushes out everything she takes in.

Baby Alive Bouncing Babbles is by far the freakiest of the bunch.  This 'baby' will bounce on her legs while your child holds her hands.  And, with the technological ingenuity of actual mouth movement, she will --and by God, she will-- move her lips as she coos and calls your child 'Mama'.  THIS is the true-to-life Chuckie doll!  All it needs is a knife and it will bounce all the way to your bedside!

Baby Alive is a novel idea in doll love.  Seriously.  And I'm not holding back my two-thumbs up because of that work of genius.  I'm pretty sure daughters everywhere will want one Baby Alive this Christmas and Hasbro will make a killing in sales.
But if it were up to me, I would've taken this doll on an elaborate 2-and-half-month launch --crossing Halloween and Christmas!

On Top With Origami

Oh joy, oh joy!  Time to wrap those Christmas presents in those garish Christmas wrappers and top them off with those hideous, sparkly ribbons!

Aww, maaaan... do I have to?
Not really.  I just found a fun and totally unique way to spruce up those boxes of delight.  Are your fingers ready?

This is what we're gunning for:  Origami Gift Toppers!

I spent the whole night basking in the tutelage of YouTube's How-To videos hellbent on learning the ancient art of paper-folding.  There were quite a lot.  But I went for the simpler ones.  I practiced with the Blossom Brooch, the Tulip Topper, and the Rose-in-Bloom Gift Bow.

Of the three, I chose the study that won my lack of patience and lack of mad folding skills --the Rose-in-Bloom Gift Bow.

Being a non-purist (and a certified cheapskate), I used colored paper cut into squares instead of authentic origami paper. 

It was all easy construction from there.  Just like folding an envelope.

And then like folding a paper napkin.

And then like folding a paper napkin with... uh... ears.

When I got the hang of it, I didn't even realize I've created an entire over-the-top puh-reeeeety flower farm!

For this kind of topper, I went for pristine white boxes to house my gifts.  Just to push the zen feel a little more.  This minimalistic look will definitely stand out in the mound of busy, insanely colorful Christmas gift boxes from here to Timbuktu.  I think the adage 'Less is More' comes to mind.

Another thing I like about the Origami Rose-In-Bloom Gift Bow is that a 'gift tag' is readily revealed underneath its folds when unraveled to create the bloom.  So there's absolutely no need for those gift tags that have the usual snowman and Santa ensemble.  Well, whaddaya know ...beautiful and practical! 

It may not be your usual Christmas gift-wrapping routine.  But what's life without risks, eh? 
This Christmas and beyond, dip your fingers into Origami Gift Toppers.  Live on the papercut-ing edge.  Hah!

The Alphabet Band Bargain

I absolutely love educational, fashionable, affordable gifts!  Even better if we're talking about all those in one single item.

And here it is --the Alphabet Band!

Available in almost all bookstores and toy shops,  it's a simple package of three rubber wristbands and a bunch of plastic letters with skinny slots on each side.

There are also some random slotted blocks thrown in with engravings of hearts, flowers, lightning, spiders, etc.

Why is something as 'lame' as this exciting me so?  It teaches little kids to spell.  It hones their fine motor skills as they carefully push each letter through the band.  It plays long as long as words never run out.  It's a fine and funky accessory for either boy or girl when the work is done.  And it's so easy on the pocket, you can buy in bulk and spread Christmas gifts to children like wildfire.

Sure, it's not Nerf.  But if you're a smart bargain hunter, the Alphabet Band works on so many levels.

Ah, I see the learning has already begun.