CRAFTY | The Daughter's S$2 Art Caddy

I read a parenting article way back stating that kids should have easy access to their art supplies so when inspiration hits, they can just as easily reach out and create.  I believe every little child has this creativity bug in them.  The Daughter herself loves doing crafts.  She doodles, cuts, paints, etc.

Whereas before, her art supplies were all placed inside her closets, we decided now was a good time to have it out in the open.  So off I went to Daiso and bought this -- a plastic remote control holder.

FAB FIND: Kokuyo's Harinacs (The Staple-free Stapler‎)

Ok.  I know the title may be a bit confusing.  But allow me to explain.

Stapler's use (staple) wires to stick paper together.  A life saver for adults, but staple wire and kids make a really bad combo.  Enter Kokuyo's Harinacs - the staple-free stapler‎.

Kokuyo's Harinacs (The Staple-free Stapler‎)

CRAFTY: Daiso Magnetic Paper Dolls

I remember playing with paper dolls growing up.  I'd spend hours changing their outfits, bringing loads of fun for periods at a time.

Now the Daughter has also gotten into the habit of playing with paper dolls.  The thing is, her generation also gets to enjoy them in sticker play set form.  It's easier though, but based on our experience, once you stick it on the background scenes, it's no longer reusable.  What a waste!

So what's a mom to do?  Make magnetic paper dolls, of course!

Materials needed.

Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than

2015 found me sorely ignoring my bibliophilistic tendencies.  I've experienced dry months before, where I find myself not wanting to pick up a book, but 3 months is usually my max.  A year?  Unheard of.  Until 2015, that is.

What I did find myself craving for is a return to simpler times.  Admittedly, the big move (again) to Singapore drained me -- both physically and emotionally.  Missing family, taking care of my own little brood, and adjusting to everyday life (including work) in another country took a toll on me.

I find that one of the ways I could cope was to start doing things I enjoyed doing when I was younger.  And nothing more exemplified my childhood than hours spent with a good stack of Archie and Harvey comics (which I have my one of my titos, who was an avid collector, to thank for).  And so, that was where I reverted back to. 

Waiting for someone?  Read a comic.  In the MRT on the way to work?  Run through a few pages before my stop.  Archie and Harvey comics are an easy read, requires no heavy mental effort to appreciate, and was always a surefire way to perk me up (even until now that I am in my 30s).

But man does not live on these comics alone.  And eventually I did have moments when my favorite comic characters were not able to lighten my mood.  So on one particularly bored night, I came across a review about Zen Pencils.

Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than (SOURCE: http://zenpencils.com/)

PH | Easy To Learn (ETL) Books: This Mommy’s Best Friend

I started reading to the Little One when she was but 3 months old.  It started off with the Pat the Bunny Sleepy Bunny book.  Later on, we progressed to picture books (aside from continuing simple story ones).  And now she is enjoying full story books. 

It’s a good activity that I always recommend to all parents as I believe this helps little ones appreciate books more if you start them off early.  And I’ve been seeing the results, too.  She now knows all her letters and basic mathematics plus knows simple words by sight.  So happy!  J

But now that the Little One is a 2-year-old toddler, she has already developed her own story preferences.  Whereas before, it was so simple to just pick a book that will catch her attention (bright pictures being the top priority), now she won’t listen to a story unless it’s something she really likes.

For now, she’s absolutely in love with Dora the Explorer.  And as much as I would love buying her a new book at least once a week, budget permits me to be that extravagant.  Thank heavens, though, for Easy To Learn (ETL) books.

The Little One's ETL book collection

PH | Gymboree Play & Learn Classes

Time flies so fast!  Who would have thought the Little One's 2 now, turning 3 in a few months!  Where does the time go?  Huhuhu!  L

Taking care of her full-time has definitely been a challenge.  Trying to make sure that she's stimulated mentally and physically is hard, what with thinking of age-appropriate activities and shows that she can be allowed to do and see.  One thing I noticed, though, since she really has not much kids her own age for playmates (only us stuffy "adults" here with her at home), I find she has grown to be slightly shy when among other people (whatever the age).

And since school, for her, is still a year away, the Husband and I decided to enroll her in a Gymboree Play & Learn class for the meantime to get her to come out of her shell a bit.

Gymboree Play & Learn in Sofitel (Source: Gymboree website)