My Christmas List

I have been really busy with my Christmas list lately, thinking of appropriate gifts for everybody. It’s barely a month away from the big holiday, I haven’t done any shopping yet and I’m already anxious at this point. Last week, I started writing the names of my family, relatives, friends, officemates, plus my little lady’s 11 teachers and 45 classmates. Yes, that is equal to almost a hundred things to shop!

While thinking of more people I might have missed adding to my already extensive list, I began scribbling gift suggestions opposite the names to maximize my time. What do they like? What will fit their personality? What do they need? These are just some of the factors that helped me come up with possible items that the recipients would actually love. 

I don’t have a huge budget, so I have to rely on my creativity and shopping wisdom to source the best buys without draining my piggy bank. For example, as much as my generous heart would love to give iPhones this year, I think giving protective sleeves for iPhone instead, is a very practical gift any iPhone owner could have. My cousins who are also moms like myself, often complain about how their phones always get accidentally wet and sticky whenever their little tots are near. I think it would be a perfect gift for them, don't you agree? 

Christmas for our family had always been a celebration of sharing. It makes us happy to see that the love we express through whatever we manage to give brings joy to those who receive them. I also believe that nothing should get in the way of showing people how much you appreciate them. And as always, believe that it’s the thought that matters, and what you heartily give is what really counts.

Winner of the Best Caption Goes to...!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for visiting and commenting on my JOHNSON's My Kid's Growing Up so Fast Contest post. And now, as promised, I am announcing the best photo caption among all your creative entries!

I asked a little help from my Little Lady and she chose this chic and catchy caption:

Congratulations MyMaria! Please respond to my email with your contact details. =)

Stress, Stress, Go Away!

The main reason why I seldom watch the news is, although it’s packed with updated and live information, it’s also a great source of stress. I already have enough pressure in my life that came abundantly with parenting and being an adult, so I try to find ways on how to unload some of my anxieties and not to invite more in my life.

Sometimes I just want to lock myself in my favorite room, lounge in my cozy bed, grab a good book I’ve been meaning to read but couldn’t finish, sip steaming herbal infusion, and have a relaxing worry-free day. But since I could barely manage to have that whole package because of my hectic schedule, the most feasible thing that I could think of is to plug those in ear noise cancelling headphones I wished for my birthday, and shut out the world and its noise for even just a few moments each day. Maybe during break time at work or while doing chores at home, I think a pure dose of relaxing music will help a lot in keeping my sanity intact amid the hustle and bustle of everyday living.

How about you? When you feel overwhelmed and jaded with real world issues and responsibilities, what do you do?

What's your Passion?

Sometimes, you don’t realize what you are truly passionate about until you discover what makes you happy.

When I was younger, I draw a lot. I was also amused with the idea of attaching my cutout facial photos and that of my cousins, to the bodies of Cindy Crawford and other famous celebrities. Yes, it may sound ridiculous, but I really did that in the past. So just imagine my happiness when I met Adobe Photoshop! Finally, I am able to execute my imagination digitally and manipulate it however I wish it to be.

At first, a friend taught me how to use the basic Photoshop tools, while I learned through observation and lots of practice. And because I am very interested in discovering how to achieve different effects, my impatience led me to develop my own ways on how to implement them without the aid of tutorials. True enough, if there’s a will, surely, there will be a way.

Soon after, designing became a regular part of my life because I’m always making projects personal and otherwise, for family and friends with utmost pleasure. I never thought that even calendar printing can be a breeze. I create the layouts and let the printing experts execute my designs to turn them into real and live works of art. 

It’s truly fulfilling to do what you love and share your passion to others who in turn, appreciate it. So have you found your true love yet? If not, then follow where your heart leads you.

JOHNSON's My Kid's Growing Up so Fast Contest

If I will be asked to cite one particular moment that changed my life, I’d beam and say it’s that beautiful thing called 'motherhood'. It turned my life around 720 degrees, and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. I’ll do it over and over again, because it has brought into my existence a wonderful, almost magical being that is worth all the treasure in the world. Okay, I might have sugar-coated it a tiny bit, but this ‘wonderful almost magical being’ can also be the annoying, demanding little rascal that is also adorable all at the same time (just like any real kid). And I love her to bits! 

Aside from the usual important baby stuff that parents arm themselves with after bringing a new baby into this world, one of the first things I invested in is a point-and-shoot camera. I find it indispensable and an absolute must-have in every baby’s life to capture every single moment - from the smallest to the biggest milestones, to eternalize each smile, temper or tantrum that make a child charmingly unique. 

My little 10 year old girl Chestene has gigabytes of photos I collected through the years. Some have survived the frequent crashing of my computer, while some I am lucky to recover from social networking sites I feverishly post her photos on regularly, to share with everyone. 

Yes, I became a stagemom at heart, right from the moment I saw her first ‘superstar’ toothless smile. =) 

Whenever I look back and browse over her photos all through those 10 memorable years, I think about this: My kid's growing up so fast I still can’t help but be amazed on how she has transformed into the beautiful person she is today, inside and out – loving, sweet, thoughtful, smart, generous, optimistic and all great things rolled into one. Truly, a gift from God.

Time flies extremely fast, so I cherish every moment of her childhood and innocence. And despite my hectic schedule, I try to bond with her whenever I can. Whether it's trying new restaurants, hanging out in our favorite bookstore, drawing and painting, or a trip to the salon for some pampering, I make sure she enjoys every minute of our time together.

At her tender age, she already has so many dreams she couldn’t wait to achieve. She wanted to become a model and she did, for real, starting from the age of 6: 

National Bookstore Calendar

Smart Parenting Magazine

NIDO Billboard

She wanted to be the cover of her favorite magazine and Mommy made it happen on her 6th birthday:

She wanted to be Hannah Montana and be a rockstar, and she did, during her 7th birthday party where she had her 1st concert:

She loves to write, so I helped her set up her very own blog, DeCaFFeiNaTeD, where she shares her online diary to the world. Her blog has gotten quite popular, earning a blog page rank of 2 and oftentimes landing on the 1st page of Google:

This year she wanted to be Sharpay Evans even for a day, and so she did on her 10th birthday:

She is changing before my eyes but her skin is still like a baby's. We still need the gentle care of JOHNSON's Baby Milk, with Vitamins A&E and 100% more milk proteins to nourish developing skin. 

So whether she wants to become a model, actress, singer, writer, scientist, Miss Universe or the future president of this country, as early as now, I like her to know that Mommy would be behind her every step of the way until she realizes every single dream she has set her mind and heart on, and becomes the best of what she could ever be.

_______________________________________________________________________

Comment on this post and win a Johnson’s Gift Pack! 

Joining is soooo easy: 

1. "Like" the Johnson's Baby World of Firsts Facebook Page to be eligible for this contest. 

2. Create one unique title/caption for my little girl’s photo above (as Sharpay).

Don't forget to leave your name and email so I can contact you in case you win. That’s it! Please share with your friends so they too, can give it a shot. =)

Commenting period starts on October 8 and ends on October 21. The winning caption will be announced on October 31, 2011. Thank you and goodluck!

Mega 3-Day Sale at SM Megamall

SM Mega 3-day Sale 

Up to 70% off on selected items!

April 29 - May 1, 2011, until 11:00 PM

SM Megamall 

*SM Makati is on sale too!*

Reader's Digest Easter Egg Hunt Contest

Terms and Conditions

~ The contest is open to all residents in Asia.
~ Free to join. No purchase is required.
~ Winners may not transfer prize rights nor obtain substitutions or cash redemptions.
~ All entries must be received by 11:59 pm on April 29, 2011.
~ Eight winners (2 winners per egg) will be drawn and announced on May 16, 2011.

Related Posts:

The Lessons of Easter
Earth Angel

God's Ad

Two Lessons I Learned from My Child Today

McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop 2011

McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop 2011

It’s summer time once again and a lot of parents have been Googling about the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop 2011, and landing in my last year’s post. Thank you for reminding me to write about this year’s summer program. =)

My Little Lady has outgrown this workshop and is ready to move on to other summer courses, but she still loves McDonald’s to bits and the memories that she had with it. After all, McDonald’s is a significant part of her childhood.

Anyways, it’s your children’s turn to make their own summer memories at McDonald's!

• ~ The McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop 2011 is for kids aged 6-12
• ~ Registration is now ongoing at participating McDonald’s stores nationwide until May 6, 2011
• ~ You can download the printable Kiddie Crew Workshop 2011 APPLICATION FORM HERE  or get a copy at any participating McDonald’s branch, where filled-out application forms can be submitted afterwards.

Registration fee and inclusions

The registration fee for the Kiddie Crew Workshop is Php 550.00 per child. This already includes the Kiddie Crew official t-shirt, cap, bag, I.D. with lace, workshop materials, meals and graduation certificate.

Kiddie Crew Official Uniform

Kids who will take part in 5-day workshop are required to wear the following: Kiddie crew official t-shirt, cap, lace, black pants or jeans, rubber shoes and hair net.

What’s in store for the participants?

The McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop is a 5-day summer program specially designed for kids to enjoy and have fun while learning through different activities. For each workshop day, Kiddie Crew members will get to experience the fun of greeting guests, manning the restaurant and drive-thru counters through on-floor trainings; showcase their skills through creative art workshops; and learn the importance of different values, from hardwork, discipline to teamwork, through values formation lessons and activities. More than the fun activities lined up, the workshop is also a great way for kids to meet and make a lot of new friends.

At the end of the workshop, a series of grand graduations will be held in major cities all over the country to recognize the achievements of all Kiddie Crew members and treat them to a day filled with exciting booths, games and a ton of prizes.


Orientation Schedule

Briefing about the Kiddie Crew Workshop from March 18- April 17, 2011.

Batch 1  -  9-11am /1-3pm/3-5pm March 18 to 20

Batch 2  -  9-11am /1-3pm/3-5pm March 25 to 27

Batch 3  -  9-11am /1-3pm/3-5pm April 1 to 3

Batch 4  -  9-11am /1-3pm/3-5pm April 8 to 10

Batch 5  -  9-11am /1-3pm/3-5pm April 15 to 17

*Maximum of 10 kids per time slot only.

Workshop Schedule

Week 1  -  April 4 to 8

Week 2  -  April 11 to 15

Week 3  -  April 25 to 29

Week 4  -  May 2 to 6

Week 5  -  May 9 to 13

Week 6  -  May 16 to 20

*30 kids will be scheduled per week

Grand Graduation Schedule

The Kiddie Crew Workshop will conclude with a Grand Graduation, which will be held on designated key cities nationwide. To end the summer event with a blast, McDonald’s will treat all Kiddie Crew graduates  with fun-filled activities like games, raffle, Ronald and the Gang Show and a lot of more exciting activities.

LAGUNA
SM Sta. Rosa, May 7 (Saturday)

CEBU
Ayala Center Cebu, May 14 (Saturday)

DAVAO
Gaisano Mall, May 21 (Saturday)

MANILA
World Trade Center, May 28 and 29 (Saturday and Sunday)

*Note: Schedule and Venues are subject for final confirmation.

Related Posts:

McDonald’s Summer Kiddie Crew Workshop 2010 

Summer at McDonald's 

First Love at McDonald's 

Birthday Fairy 

Once Upon a Halloween 

Up to 90% off at Fully Booked Top Shelf!

The sale is open exclusively to discount card holders who can bring their immediate family members on March 26 to 27. They just need to present their cards upon entry. On the other hand, the sale will be open to non-discount card holders on March 28 to April 1, 2011. Sale hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Enjoy up to 90% off on select titles at Fully Booked Top Shelf (does not apply to other floors or branches)  5/L Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.

See you there!

Earth Hour 2011

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Earth Hour 2010
Earth Hour 2009