Canon in D Rocks!

Warning to classical "purists" --- do not read further...

As I mentioned earlier, part of M's homeschool program is to listen to
classical music. Believe me, like everyone else, he doesn't pay attention
to it! It's just something that happens to be playing in the background .

This song is an exception. M had a big smile when he first heard Canon
in D (rock version).

You might want to listen to it. Who knows, you might like it too!

He's now 8 months old

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gozalewis

We've been BUSY!

I would have wanted to do a monthly progress report for M. But there is
this thing called LIFE.

A few days before M turned 5 months, life got exciting for all of us. Tatay
flew off for further studies. And that left me with all these things that
had to be managed. Thankfully, I found a work-at-home job! It does
get tiring, but I can't complain. We did ask for this!

So what's new with M? At 6 months, he started eating solids. At 7 months,
he was clapping his hands. Now at 8 months, he's a very happy crawler!
Sadly, the hustle and bustle is slowly zapping out his cute baby folds.

At 8 months, we have begun our homeschooling of sorts... We've gone
back to listening to classical music in the morning (just 30 minutes)...
We've started a simple baby signing program... We've started his reading
playcards... In the works is a foreign language "program"...

This is just regular baby stuff for him... How did that happen? Well....
Rule #1 - NO TV!!!!!! You'd be surprised at the numerous and varied
activities that can be done when TV is out of the picture.

More "kwentos" soon...

Ukelele Boy

Lhen's comment reminded me of this cute and amazing kid.

For those who are wondering... Here's a message from his proud papa:

"He is 5 years old now.
He speaks Japanese.

He and I started playing ukulele only one year ago.
We first learned the uke by watching a TV program(NHK).
The program lasted three months.

※Our English isn't very good so I'm sorry if the grammar is wrong."
Can you beat that hehehe...

What's so important about today?

Search this:
From and including: Wednesday, 22 September 2010
To, but not including : Friday, 31 December 2010

And you'll get this:
- It is 100 days from the start date to the end date
- Or 3 months, 9 days
- Alternative time units:
8,640,000 seconds
144,000 minutes
2400 hours
14 weeks (rounded down)

~ courtesy of http://www.timeanddate.com

Countdown to 100 days

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjsorg

President Franklin D. Roosevelt had such an impressive first 100 days in
office that all heads of states are now graded for the first 100 days of their
term.

The first 100 days counts in other things as well: first 100 days in a new job,
the first 100 days of school, the first 100 days of a project, etc etc etc…

Well, tomorrow is a 100 days of sorts… Depending on how you see it…
September 22 is the start of the last 100 days of the year… OR September 22
is the first 100 days leading to 2011… Wow! Where did the time go?!?

Self-assessment time!

How has 2010 been for you?
What else do you intend to do?
And yes, what does 2011 have in store for you?

Let me know your thoughts… I'm giving away a Php500 Sodexho Pass
for the most interesting comment… I'll announce the "winner" on October 15.

S&R Sale on September 15 - 19, 2010

Photo courtesy of S&R

Yes it's back! The much awaited S&R Sale will be held on Sept 15-19, 2010
at all S&R stores.

You have been forewarned! LOL

Proudly Pinoy - Market Manila and Rajo Laurel

With the recent "Major Major" incidents that have infamously put the
Philippines on the world map, I am happy to announce 2 new things
to smile about:

1st!
Market Manila on the September 2010 Issue of Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia.
Did you notice the date on MM's blog post? Yes, it gave me a sigh of relief!

Photo courtesy of Market Manila

2nd!
Rajo Laurel on the September 2010 Issue of Wallpaper*

Photo courtesy of Rajo Laurel

Congratulations! Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

Muji Manila

Photo courtesy of muji.com

No need to get your fix at Muji Hongkong nor Muji Singapore!

Minimalist and restrained. Muji, the Japanese brand famous for it's no-brand,
no-label concept is finally opening its Manila store!

Food. Clothing. Furniture and Accessories. Paper products and Gadgets. These
are some of the things you will find in a Muji store.

On my wish list: Thumbnail Sketch Note + 3 Way Cape with Wool + Playmat
(Strageable Toys)

Muji Manila flagship store is located on top of The Gap at Bonifacio High Street.
Muji is distributed in the Philippines by Store Specialist Inc.

I wish you all the best MM!

I want to cry!
One of the, if not THE favorite blogger is going on a sabbatical!?!
Probably never to be heard of again!?!


It gave me no comfort to see his face in the farewell shot...
But he does deserve to go on a break!
What to do what to do what to do?????

My farewell message is in Comment #308:

I’m so sad… I want to cry… waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
I will miss you and your posts MM!

But yes, you do deserve a break. I wish you all the best!
God bless and may you find what you’re looking for =)

I love Christmas!

This song just put a smile on my face! Im soooo looking forward to Christmas 2010!

8 Things You Can Do for Your Houseguests

Today is the start of the "ber" season. That means only one thing - Christmas
is just around the corner. Today also marks the start of my Preparing for the
Holidays 2010 posts.

I hope my Preparing for the Holidays 2010 posts will help make your Christmas
Planning an enjoyable experience!

Let me start with: 8 Things You Can Do for Your Houseguests

Any Pinoy can attest to the fact that we have a culture of having family and
friends stay over at our homes. Normally, it's a balikbayan (a term for a
Filipino based overseas who's gone home to the Philippines for one reason or
another) who's visiting for the Holidays. Here's a great article that will
help you provide your loved ones with a more comfortable stay:

8 Things Your Houseguests Wont Tell You:

"If you haven't gone into the guest bedroom since you stored last season's
clothes, it's time for a quick makeover. Here are room-decorating ideas that
will fix any faux pas, just in time for weekend visitors.

1. My water glass left a ring on the bedside table.

When you look for a nightstand, choose one that you don't have to worry
about. If you want people to feel relaxed and comfortable, you can help
by designing their room to be as low-maintenance as possible. A table
with a glass top won't leave rings.

2. After turning out the lights, I bruised my knee climbing into bed.

Instead of harsh overhead lighting, try bedside sconces. Not only do they
cast a soft, soothing light, guests won't have to negotiate their way back
to bed in an unfamiliar space.

3. I'm hungry.

Guests don't want to be caught rummaging through your fridge. Leaving a
small piece of fruit, like an orange or an apple, will curb their craving
for a midnight snack.

4. I woke up at the crack of dawn.

Blackout shades are a great option for guest rooms. They work well when
you want to sleep in late, and can also create a darkened, cool room on
a summer afternoon.

5. I hate the giant bouquet.

Don't overwhelm a tiny table with a large bouquet. Just a few buds will
give guests enough room to place their essentials — and won't bring on
an onslaught of allergies.

6. I worry about waking you up.

Guests won't fret about walking around on creaking floors or disturbing
you every time they get up if you throw down a plush rug. It also helps
to warm up the space.

7. I'm really cold at night, or I'm uncomfortably hot.

Here's the secret to a perfectly prepared bed: Start with great cotton
sheets, add a cotton coverlet, then finish with a down duvet on top. That
combination offers enough flexibility to deal with the most extreme
temperature swings. Think a down comforter is pricey? Check Ikea for
affordable ones.

8. I can't find a place to charge my phone.

Guests shouldn't have to scramble down on all fours in order to find an
outlet. Add a conveniently placed power strip or a docking station.

- Yahoo"