Profile photo

It's the start of June and I have finally made an interesting profile. For some time now, I've been looking for something really wow and attractive that would somehow make you see a side of me. Well, I finally found this very nice illustrator vector by Createsk8. Thank you very much!!! Check out her site http://createsk8.com/category/freebies/page/4/ you'll see so many great works that just might trigger your artistic side like what happened to me.



So, this is the Illustrator Vector that I have downloaded:


and I played around with my photoshop and viola!!

Why I chose and made it like this? First, I love swirls and curls and birds and nature. And just recently, I've been reading a few articles and blogs about going green.. Well, I guess its also time for me to start doing my part. I want Sage and my grandchilren to see how nice the world is. I have wanted the profile to be green and brown but it doesn't give much emphasis to the illustration.. but I'm happy with how it is right now. What do you think?

How Does Your Child See You?

As I was having brunch with Sage today, he began telling me stories about Basil. I jokingly asked him, “Can I be Daddy?”

Sage: If you want to be daddy, you have to act like Daddy.
Nutmeg: What is Daddy like?

Sage: Well, let’s see. (thinking)
First, you have to talk like a big adult boy.
Second, you have to take a bath 4 times a day, 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening.
Third, you have to move fast, esp. when you eat… super fast.
Fourth, after you play DS, you don’t switch it off. You just leave it
with the yellow lights blinking till you play with it again.

Nutmeg: Okay, so those are the things that will make me Daddy?
Sage: Yup. Ooh, and one more thing, you have to get angry like Daddy.


I could have asked more questions but Basil entered the room.

These are observations made by a 5 year old boy. Funny, how a child sees us. Children may seem so young and innocent but they always have a simple and honest opinion about the things around them. If I were to ask your child, how do you think he’ll describe you?

Another Good Reason Why We Should Give Our Child a Name That We Really Like

When Sage started going to school, I gain a new set of acquaintance; mommies, daddies and grandmas of his classmates. We see each other almost everyday as we fetch our children and also during birthday parties on weekends. But one thing I’ve noticed, we know each other by our children’s name, “mommy of Sage, dad of Patricia, grandma of Kyle.” Or if you have to introduce yourself, you say “I’m Megan, mom of Sage.” And they’ll know you. Good thing I really like Sage's name otherwise it’ll be irritating to be called as such.

Tsk, tsk… when I got married 7 yrs ago, I lost my last name. It took me sometime to get used to using Basil’s last name. Now, I am also losing my first name. I have to attach “mommy of Sage.” before or after my name. And it’ll take a few more years before I get my first name back w/o the attachment. Thank God for Friendster and Facebook where I still get to use my own name.

The Andaman Langkawi

Where did we stay in Langkawi? The Andaman Hotel. It is a nice cozy hotel with natural landscape and peaceful environment. They gave us a welcome drink and children were given a sun visor with sunglasses attached. How cool is that?

Anyway, our room is nice but we were advised not to leave the porch door open or the monkeys might go in and who knows what they will do? No, this is not a joke. It happened, but not all the time. Rainforest, remember?
The room is simple and nice for me but we have been expecting something more for its price. My sister who is quite O.C. in cleanliness keeps on pointing certain things like the stain on the curtain and insects splat on the bathroom door. Well, she’s right. Bugs here and there are expected, but if its already squeezed between the door for some time… it should be cleaned and removed. Anyway, here are the pictures of our room:

Since it’s raining cats and dogs, we decided to have an early dinner and early rest so that we can have an early start the following day. We arrived at The Restaurant around 6 p.m. and waited around an hour and a half for our food. Good thing the food of the children were served earlier so only us adults were left hungry. After we have followed up 3 times, only then that we were informed they were having trouble in the kitchen. The whole resto was filled with customers and nobody was eating. Good thing it was raining hard and there’s nothing else to do. Haay!!


Next day was our beach day. The children were excited to play in the sand. We used a canoe and went to the seas. It was fun and we even fed a few fish. You can stand in the water, put bread and some fish will come near. It was a peaceful place where children can roam around.

I honestly prefer a white sand beach such as Boracay over a brown sand beach. But it was still a good stay and the staff were all friendly. It is a place to relax and rejuvenate. I will come back if given the chance.

Cable Car - Mount Mat Cincang

Okay, so you've never been to Langkawi if you didn't visit their cable car. We came here the second day but it started to rain, so we went back the day we were going back to Penang. It is really worth the trip and I enjoyed the breath taking view above the steel bridge.


The first cable-car ride took us a few hundred feet up where we saw the green rainforest below. At the side was the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. After around 600 meters, the cable car reaches the first station. It was okay but we were really wanting to see the steel bridge.

So, off we went to the second cable car ride. Honestly, I was starting to get anxious but I have to hide this so as not to alarm the 3 kids. After the short ride, we have to go down several staircases. Hmm... and the people going up are all out of breath. This is going to be exciting. The oldest of the 3 children, my 8 yrs old nephew, was the one who is afraid. Oh, my sister and I have to be brave for him. haha..

When we reached the bridge, it has a super magnificent sight of the surrounding horizon - you'll see the sky, island's landscape and the seas. The steel bridge is suspended across Mount Mat Cincang and a neighbouring mountain. Walking on the bridge is a super, duper fantastic experience.

Now, we have to go up the stairs to ride the cable cars. No wonder the people were out of breath. When we got to the cable car, were sweating. We were not prepared for this morning exercise. But it's okay, it was all woth it!!

Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) langkawi

Next stop is the Dataran Lang (Eagle Square). It is in Kuah Jetty Eagle Square that one can see a giant red eagle suspended in mid-flight. The square is a good place to walk around as this mini park has ponds and bridges where children can run around and feel the sea breeze on their faces. Here are some pictures:

Of course, we went to the malls. Unfortunately, we didn’t see anything that caught our fancy. And I always complain because all the comfort rooms in the different malls are paid comfort rooms. It’s not even great or clean. Aren’t malls supposed to provide free comfort rooms to their shoppers? If they want, they can put few free ones and several paid nice ones. That would be okay. If I’m not satisfied with the free ones, then it is my choice to pay. I’m sorry to be ranting about this thing, but I’m one of those people who frequently go to the comfort room and so I easily get irritated with these things.

Underwater World Langkawi and

We went to Langkawi via Firefly. We were glad we made this choice. Firefly is a low cost airline of Malaysia but the service is good. When you ride AirAsia, you have to pay extra to be able to walk to the airplane earlier than the rest but it doesnt mean you'll get a good seat. It'll depend on how fast you walk going to the airplane and get a seat. It made me feel that we werein Amazing Race. In Firefly, you have an assigned seat so you can rest well while waiting for the flight. http://www.fireflyz.com.my/

When we got to Langkawi our rented car was already there. Our first stop was the Underwater World Langkawi. It is a marine aquarium which houses thousands of aquatic and some reptile and mammal species. We enjoyed the place and it reminded me of Ocean Park in HongKong and Underwater World of Singapore. The 3 children kept on pointing to the different species. Perhaps the only not good thing here is their 3D show. We waited almost 45 mins. for the show. Sorry to say but it was a waste of time. here are some pictures we have taken..

Desigual

I am now liking a fashion brand that I saw in Parkson in Gurney Plaza. What caught my eye is its distinct and original style. Fresh, fun and funky. The mix of its fabric and pattern are sooo interesting. Oh I know, Basil will complain if he sees me wearing something like this; but it's the design, my dear.

http://www.desigual.com/

I also saw two Desigual stores in Singapore. I really hate myself for wanting to go back to the one near our hotel because they have a sale, only that I was not able to return.I wonder if they have this in the Philippines already? Although now I'm thinking: the designs are so different and so.. It's either it'll look good on you or it won't.. So better try it on first...

Doctor Fish/Fish Spa

How would you like to be nibbled on by hundreds of small fish, hungrily devouring your ugly looking dead skin cells? This is the latest addition to the Spas around the world. Fish spa or fish therapy. We have tried this in New World Park, Penang .. http://www.happyfeet-fishspa.com/

It was a little strange at first especially the thought of dipping your feet with many strangers, who might not only have thick callouses but skin problems as well. However, as I look around they seem to have a continuous in-flow of fresh water and the staff said that they have a special UV light system to eliminate impurities such as bacteria and germs in the water. Well, okay...

We couldn't help but laugh and squeal the first 15 minutes.. it's so ticklish!! Whenever they start swarming to my feet, its either I pull my feet out or squeal. But afterwards we got used to it. And there I was wishing they eat all the dead skin cells and soften the callouses that I have been trying to put petroleum jelly on whenever I can, and the countless foot spas I had. i wish this is the answer. Forty minutes after the treatment, my feet really feels softer. Soo happy.. My next thought? I hope the callouse won't come back with a vengeance...





Well it's been almost two weeks today, and so far so good. It still feels soft with the help of my foot lotions. Yes, I will definitely do it again. Perhaps try the one in Manila. If not for anything else, the laugh therapy will do.

Penang

It was my second time in Penang. Last summer was my first time and I had a blast going around this place. What’s so fascinating about this place is that a part of the city had kept its old world charm while the other part is already modern. But what I enjoyed the most is their “hawker food.” This state will not be the food capital of Malaysia for nothing. Hokkien Mee, assam laksa, char koay teow and curry.. just thinking of them makes me hungry.

Well, this summer since we stayed a few days only, we just had a food trip and shopping!! Gurney Plaza is just beside G Hotel which gives exclusive passage to its neighbor condominium, it became very convenient for us to go and shop as we please. What we discovered is that prices here are cheaper compared to Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong. Esprit, make-up, Kerastase, bags and some international restaurants are cheaper! But of course, designs and brands are limited compared to other places. So when we see something we want, we buy!!! Hehe.

What I miss now is the green tea ice cream cone and donut with Durian filling sold in Gurney Plaza basement. And the Fish head curry that my sister cooked. Oh, its so yummy!!

Picture from http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my/about_penang.html

Carcinogens in kids products!

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-12-formaldehyde_N.htm

Before anything else, have you read this? It is really surprising to know that these baby products have ingredients such as formaldehyde and other stuffs that can be harmful to us. When we see baby products esp. from a good company, we normally assume that its safe. A small amount they say to serve as preservatives, but each exposure may develop bigger reaction. Perhaps they have to include these in their labels and it'll be up to the consumers to decide!

Happy to be back!!

I'm back! What a way to spend the holiday.. and my birthday. I'm tired right now but very happy. Just got back from Malaysia (Penang and Langkawi) and Singapore. It's my first time in Langkawi, 2nd time in Penang and the nth time in Singapore, but in every trip I get to learn something new. i will try to post again soon.

Summer Plans '09

I guess my header is okay for now. The O.C.side of me wants to change some things, but.. I'll be busy so...

Anyway, last week was the culminating exercise of Sage and this week is the start of our vacation. At long last!

What are our plans for summer? Well, we shall go to Malaysia and Singapore. When we come back, enroll Sage in a swimming class. And perhaps taekwondo, although I still have to look around for a good school. I have to start teaching him Math, Chinese and Tagalog. Chinese and Filipino are really important -- and of course, I don't want him to fail in class next year.

I went to different bookstores the other day to buy him activity books. Math activity books-- there are so many to choose from. I was able to buy 5. Filipino books? Not much. I want to buy a fun, story book so I can teach him conversational Tagalog. And am I so happy to find some in Fully Booked. I bought these 2 books.

Whats nice about them is that they are already in 2 languages - English and Tagalog - so Sage can know right away what it means. And they have drawings to make it more interesting. The ampalaya book is kind of hard for him but the Mayang uhaw is just okay for a 5 yr old. We are now on page 6. Haha!! Slow, I know. First, I ask him to read - making sure he reads them properly. Second, I explain everything to him. Third, ask him questions from what he read. Haay!!

By the way, here's the website of Adarna House. They even ship internationally!!

http://www.adarna.com.ph/index.php

blog header

Whew! What do you think of my header? My internet line was cut off earlier so I just decided to do this. I'll

check again tomorrow. It's already 5:30 am, can't think straight....

Spoonflower Customizable Fabric

This is so cool. I found a website where you can upload a pattern or picture that you like and Spoonflower will print it onto fabric for you. And there's no minimum order. only $18 per yard and they print it on quality quilting-weight cotton!!! well, okay check it for yourself...

http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome

Well, if you are not yet convinced check out the flickr pool of some of the awesome designs!http://www.flickr.com/groups/spoonflower/pool/

Here are some of my favorites, (I'm not even done browsing)...

the possibilities are endless.. Now, all I have ro do is think of a nice design...

Ay, caramba!

Ay, caramba is the new expression of Sage. He said he got it from Felipe of Handy Manny, although it reminded me of Bart Simpson. I think Bart uses it as an expression of surprise or shock, or even to replace vulgar words. Sage actually say it in a very adorable way but I wonder if he really knows what it means.

He had practice today for their culminating activity. When it was time to go home, I heared some of his classmates also starting to say this expression. Their parents may not find it as adorable.

Nothing... I'm just rambling because I feel that Sage is really growing fast. When he was 3 yrs old, he likes to say, "oh, men" from Swiper the Fox of Dora The Explorer. and now its Ay, Caramba! I wonder what it would be next time...

gathering dust helps clean the house

Last night as we were preparing to sleep, i told Sage:

me: We will meet with auntie tomorrow, let's give them your old crocs na.
Sage: Why should we? It helps you clean the house.
Me: Huh? How?
Sage: Remember, you always tell me it is just there gathering dust. Then, it helps you clean the house.

Hayy, I know he's not trying to be "pilosopo." Gathering dust is so vague. Have you tried explaining to a kid that not all things should be taken literally? Raining cats and dogs, break a leg and butterflies in your stomach... I don't know where to start.

Wild Blueberries -- the #1 antioxidant fruit

Now, I am searching for the health benefits of wild blueberries. I’m surprised that this superfruit is not as known as the granny apple or cranberries, when its sooo jam packed with good things for us. Anyway, I’m sharing with you these things and perhaps you would also like to try them.

First, this is the site of the Wyman brand that I bought http://www.wymans.biz/sitemap.php . It could be biased so I searched some more and found this very informative site. http://www.wildblueberries.com/
It has all the info that I need and more. Well, here are some of the important things I’ve learned:


a.) Unlike highbush cultivated blueberries, Wild Blueberries are not planted. These lowbush
blueberries are primarily spread by rhizomes or underground runners, which give rise to
new roots and stems. All shoots arising from the same rhizome system have similar characteristics and are referred to as a blueberry clone.



b.) Wild Blueberries may be small but they pack a healthy punch! Sweet, tangy and intensely blue, Wild Blueberries are rich in phytonutrients — antioxidants such as anthocyanin, as well as anti-inflammatories. These natural substances, found in fruits and vegetables, are believed to protect against disease and promote healthy aging… and with their powerful natural antioxidant qualities, Wild Blueberries are at the top of the antioxidant “A-list”! Here’s why antioxidants are such a hot topic today: they help our bodies protect against disease and age-related health risks. Every day, our cells wage a battle against free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging. Dietary antioxidants come to the rescue. These phytonutrients, natural substances found in fruits and vegetables, neutralize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants also protect against inflammation, thought to be a leading factor in brain aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases of aging. The potent antioxidants found in Wild Blueberries include flavonoids and other phenolics such as anthocyanins; Wild Blueberries are higher in anthocyanin content than other fruits and vegetables.



c.) Potent antioxidants are highly concentrated in the deep-blue pigments of Wild Blueberries. Scientists around the world are studying the ways in which the Power of Blue may help combat disease and promote healthy aging. The many potential health benefits of Wild Blueberries include:

0 Brain Health: Ongoing brain research shows that blueberries may improve motor skills and actually
reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging, making blueberries a natural “brain food.”
0 Cancer Prevention: Research shows that blueberry compounds may inhibit all stages of cancer.
0 Heart Health: Research indicates that blueberries may protect against heart disease and damage from stroke.
0 Urinary Tract Health: Like cranberries, blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections.
0Vision Health: Research around the world has indicated that blueberries may improve night vision and prevent tired eyes.



d.) In a recent test by Glycemic Index Laboratories, Inc., Wild Blueberries scored 53
on the Glycemic Index (GI) scale making them a low GI food. Consuming low GI foods causes a smaller rise in blood glucose levels than consuming high GI foods — an important consideration for people with diabetes.

Understanding the glycemic values of food makes healthy meal planning easier — especially for people with diabetes. Nutritionists are also interested in the effect GI foods may have on weight loss and appetite control. Research is currently under way to evaluate these claims.


e.) The FDA has concluded that frozen fruits and vegetables are just as healthy as fresh and may even retain their nutritional value longer — which is good news for consumers who want the Power of Blue™ every day.



After reading all these, I think you will also be convinced to give this superfruit a try. I'm sure I'll be going back to get my second pack. Perhaps try the organic ones if they are the wild ones. In this super hot summer that we have, a yummy and healthy smoothie will be perfect!!!

healthy and yummy -- why not??

I remember last summer during our visit to my sister’s house in Malaysia, she made a blueberry smoothie which we all (children and adults alike) slurped to the last drop. These are preserved blueberries which she has lovingly hand- carried from the U.S. All I know is that they are good for the health and an anti oxidant.

Last month, I saw fresh and preserved blueberries in Santi’s Tagaytay. Since we are not yet going straight home, I promised myself to buy the next time we come back. Last week, I saw some frozen packs in S&R. They have the wild blueberries, the organic pack, and the mixed berries pack. Hmm… so what’s the difference? I don’t know much about berries except for the sweet memories I had in Malaysia. What’s the difference of the plain blueberries vs the wild one? We all know that organic is better but it is much expensive and I’m not even sure if we will like them. I finally chose the Wyman’s wild blueberries. The wild blueberries doesn’t have the strong blueberry flavor and smell that we often taste in cheesecakes or preserves. It has a very mild flavor.

Anyway, I made a wild blueberry smoothie yesterday. I put 2 cups of the wild blueberries, 2 big bananas, few slices of melon, yoghurt, honey, 1 lemon and ice. Put in the blender for a few minutes. And my son love it so much!!! It made around 5 cups. It has a nice ube color when freshly made but after an hour it will become a little brown in color. Make sure to make only the right amount. I know better next time.

I looked at the packaging and read that wild blueberries is nature’s #1 antioxidant fruit. In fact, in the chart, it is remarkably higher compared to the cultured blueberries and cranberries and other berries and granny apples. Hmm, this is really interesting.

Abracadabra and Please -- What do they have in common?

Sage: Open this.
Me: Huh?
Sage: Open this.
Me: I think you are forgetting the magic words…

I'm waiting for him to say one of the magic words (pls, thank you, sorry) in that teeny weeny voice of his when he knows he has done something wrong. Although sometimes, instead of saying the correct magic word he deliberately interchange them.

Me: If you want me to open that, you have to say the magic word.
Sage: Alakazam?

I was taken aback but amused. Hmm… yeah, alacazam is a magic word…

Me: No! (pretending to be serious) That's not it. Think carefully…
Sage: Abracadabra???? (in his teeny weeny voice with a serious innocent expression)
Me: SAGE!!!!

Well, come to think of it... they are also magic words.

First Visit to the Dentist

We went to the dentist right after a birthday party last feb.15, 2009. Basil and I had our cleaning. When it was Sage’s turn, he bravely sat there and asked dentist so many questions. The dentist was surprised that it was his first visit since it was rare to see a child’s teeth without any cavity at all. She was even more surprised to learn that you started brushing by yourself when you turned 3 ½ yrs old. Here are some of the things we learned during our visit:

a.) We don’t have to put too much toothpaste. Small amount is enough.
b.) After brushing our teeth, children don’t have to wash off the toothpaste anymore. Toothpaste has fluoride which protects the teeth and makes them stronger. No effect to adults anymore.
c.) Children don’t need mouthwash yet.
d.) Dentist confirmed that electronic toothbrush is better than manual toothbrush.

What was his comment? “Going to the dentist isn't as bad as I thought it would be.”

And Sage went home happily with stickers.

Boom de Yada

Discovery channel advertising campaign? yup. I love this song. This is a re-writing of a traditional camping song known as I Love the Mountains or I Love the Flowers, depending on the lyrics, with a distinctive chorus of "boom-de-ya-da, boom-de-ya-da".



I hear it whenever we stay in a hotel. Since the hotel doesn't have a Playhouse Disney channel, we always watch Discovery Channel there. And when we hear this commercial the three of us will immediately sing along. It'll be our last song syndrome and we will be singing it for a few more days.

While Sage was waiting for me to go to bed last night, he watched Discovery Channel- Human Body. And when I entered the room, he said….

Sage: Mommy, do you know what happens when we sleep?
Me: What?
Sage: We will become energized, learn faster and remember more.
Me: that's right.
Sage: Can we stay up a few more minutes? I want to learn.

Very good. He learns a lot. Back when we don't have our Playhouse Disney Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet are his fave. Pretty impressive, don't you think?
And then there's the Boom de Yada song again..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_f98qOGY0



Here's the lyrics:



It never gets old huh? Nope.

It kinda make you wanna..break into song? Yep.



I love the mountains

I love the clear blue skies

I love big bridges

I love when great whites fly

I love the whole world

And all its sights and sounds

Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada.



I love the ocean

I love real dirty things

I love to go fast

I love egyptian kings

I love the whole world and all its craziness

Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom de Yada Boom De Yada.


I love tornadoes

I love Arachnids

I love hot magma

I love the giant squids

I love the whole world

Its such a brilliant place

Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada.

Fyi. The part with collection of people on the beach was taken in Boracay, Philippines. nice place...