Mom-Finds: Sassy Hairsies Accessories for Girls

Last Friday of the month: Mom-Finds for Girls / Accessories


"I like it mommy! Can I wear it to school?"
As soon as the package arrived, I called the girl and said there's a surprise gift for her.  She was so excited and quickly opened the box. Out came two very dainty, sassy, and adorable hair bands from Sassy Hairsies!

This hair piece was especially customized for her by mommy Tin, the passionate and creative lady behind Sassy Hairsies. The design was my girl's preferred combination after browsing through the product gallery.  She personally chose the big, dark pink gerbera daisy and specifically wanted it on a white hairband.

"I started this little hobby of mine (now turned into business) a little more than a year ago. I got so excited with having a baby girl that I couldn't wait then to start dressing her up. I bought a few headbands from etsy.com even before I gave birth. When I started wanting more, I knew then it would be very impractical so I started making them myself. The idea to actually start an online shop and sell my creations was brought about by my wanting to share it to other moms out there. 

In the shop, I offer different types of hairpieces.  From beanies to headbands to clips. I use mostly imported materials -- from US, Hong Kong and Canada. The hairsies we have are categorized by season. I have Fall-Winter and Spring-Summer. It's usually the colors that "define" the season. I also have Four Seasons - those that I feel will never go out of style, like headbands suitable for baptism, or parties. Then finally, I have the Luxe Collection - here I go all out, starting from the headband to the littlest detail of the embellishment. Most of the items are offered in limited quantities. On the average, I make about 8-10 pcs of each type. This will ensure the uniqueness of the piece."

She got her wish, and more!  Mommy Tin used white velvet ribbon around the metal hairband, and neatly embellished it with a large spider gerbera fabric flower with rhinestone center for this beautiful fascinator-style head piece that's truly unique and eye-catching, adding character to any girl's look!

Tin also threw in a classic piece of navy and pink gross grain ribbon made into bows, accented with tiny crystals, channeling a preppy school-girl charm.

These striking and sassy hairbands are a great addition to my girl's growing collection of hair pieces, thanks to Tin of Sassy Hairsies!

"The caterpillar might eat my flower!"  No baby, that's not real! =)

Bespoke hairpieces from Sassy Hairsies

Sassy Hairsies
Luxury Headpieces. Handmade with love.
Email:  sassyhairsies@gmail.com
For orders:
Shop and see the latest designs at www.sassyhairsies.com .
You can also view her beautiful collections on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SassyHairsies.
Prices vary based on design.


See my girl's first 'big bow' hair piece:
Laces and Bows for the Girl

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Mom-Style: Christine, the Manila Fashion Observer

Preppy, cool, simple, fashion savant.  That is how I would describe this stylish mother of one after getting to know her through our online interactions and from following her exploits shared on her popular blog site.

Swingin' Singapore is where home is, and this young and well-traveled mom shares a slice of her life with Mom-Friday's Mom-Style -- meet the mom on the spotlight this month, Christine Dychiao of the Manila Fashion Observer.

Mommy and baby at the beach on Jersey Shore

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Freestyle Friday: When Kids Sing Lady Gaga

Freestyle Friday:  Kids' Video

This month of July has 5 Fridays. Today is the 4th, so it's time for Freestyle Friday....anything goes.

For the first time in my blog, I will be sharing one of many videos I recorded of the boy and the girl singing and humming their favorite tunes.  Aside from the very current songs of popular artists Bruno Mars and Adele, they've been hung up on the very upbeat and unique sound of Lady Gaga!

These little monsters, Gaga's term of endearment for her fans, just can't get enough of an earlier hit 'Bad Romance' -- tirelessly humming and singing along to her music in the car, from the computer, from the iPad, and even while having dinner as you can see in the video.

Hope you can sit through over 2 minutes of their "hum-song". =)

Ladies and gentlemen, here's the kiddie version of 'Bad Romance', a cappella, which I re-titled 'Bedder-man'.

My first Freestyle Friday post:  

The Girl and her Bob

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What Insect is This?!?

For the longest time, I've been wondering what insect is this, hanging (sticking) on the wall, on the ceiling, on the cornices of our house, in the office, in school....

We even watched it pop its head in and out, with the worm-like body coming out of the "shell" and crawling up on the wall!

I finally decided it was time to share this insect to all of you and hoping someone out there would enlighten me, and the kids too, on what this really is!  It's really bothersome that a few of these simply appear out of nowhere and find their way on our walls and cornices.

That's one insect on the wall making it's presence felt beside my dresser below -- see right side, it's not dirt from the photo, it's that nameless thing.

And here is the thing, up close, in action... head out... then head pulling back in...

...and now it's completely hidden and "safe" inside its cocoon-like house, inconspicuously stuck on the wall.

the larvae

We had seen several of these in different sizes, from a few millimeters to as big as a centimeter long.

What is THIS?!? Please...anyone?

UPDATE:  

Many thanks to my very knowledgeable readers who shared references to this mystery insect, problem solved!  Finally, we have a name:

Plaster Bagworm

"This is related to a clothes moths. Some consider it a type of clothes moth. 
This one occurs in more tropical (warm/wet) climates and is called the plaster bagworm. 
See Clothes Moths and Plaster Bagworms for a good bulletin. The larva (worm sticking its head out the top in photo) constructs the bag from bits of material it is feeding on. 
See Living with Bugs for control information in general. The plaster bagworm feeds on spider webs so cleaning and removal of spider webs is important for this particular species."


 - Jack DeAngelis, www.livingwithbugs.com

Watch this video of the Plaster Bagworm in action!

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Fun Friday: Gadget-Free, Old-Fashioned Fun

Third Friday of the month:  Recreation / Hobby

I was pondering about what I should post for today's Fun Friday, and I realized that my feature a week ago was more appropriate for today. Consider this a follow-up.  All I have in mind right now is what I did to have fun when I was a kid -- when there were no iPads, no Nintendo, no Playstation, and other cool gadgets and electronics that preoccupy many children of this digital age.

Jackstone set, image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacks

You see, in the early 80s, I only used to borrow the Game & Watch and Atari games of my cousins which were all the rage back then. That's the most "high-tech" we could get.  But what I enjoyed most was playing "street games" with my friends and cousins like dodge ball, Chinese garter, local game of "patintero" (no direct English translation), water gun fights, and endless rounds of jackstones.  My kids are clueless about the games I used to play, so here's what we are able to do to have some fun, without gadgets, at home and outdoors.

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Top 5 Baby Wish List from NUMA Organic & Eco Baby Store

Just so we're clear, I am not expecting.
I am not a new mom.
I don't have a new niece nor nephew, and my Godchildren are big kids now.
But for those of you who are expecting or have little ones, there's a wider choice of super cool, eco-friendly baby products available in the market today!

"NUMA (pronounce: new-ma) believes in the incomparable love only mothers can give their children. We strive to put the same care and attention into what we do -- providing babies and mothers with tested organic and eco-friendly products made by companies who follow the same commitment."

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Leather Satchel: Bag of the Moment

It's still early for my Mom-Finds feature, but this is just too hot to hold off 'til the last Friday of the month so I'm gonna share my latest fab find now -- locally-made handmade leather satchel!

I've been following Frances Sales' blog for sometime now and I am so happy to have met her in person just this summer!  Of course, with our relatively active online social life with other mommy friends (see bottom photo), it's but natural that we get the latest scoop from each other's lives. Then she posted this sneak peek of her bespoke leather satchel and I knew I wanted one too!

I'm proud to say I'm of the first few delighted owners of this 11" tan handcrafted leather satchels, to order from Frances Sales.

• Structured bag made from local cow hide, hand-stitched, with solid and sturdy hardware
• Flap has buckled straps with magnet snaps -- a BIG plus to this compact purse as it keeps bag secure yet making it easy to open
• Features a long shoulder strap, an extended front pocket, and flat back pocket
• Also has an inner zipped pocket, and lined in natural-colored leather

I have big, roomy bags, and I also have small slim purses that can fit my basic stuff -- wallet, vanity pouch, cell phone, pen, hand sanitizer, mints, wet towels, car keys, card holder and sun glasses.  This satchel falls in the 'small' category and it perfectly serves my needs at the moment. If small is not for you, Frances will offer bigger sizes too!

Belt-style shoulder strap is adjustable.  I stand 5 feet 6.25 inches to be exact so I buckle to the last hole and wear it as a regular shoulder bag or carry across the chest like this below.

I bought this at a special introductory price of P2,500.00 which is very reasonable considering the quality of materials, and it's handmade!  I just love the smell of new leather and I've been using this satchel since I got it over a week ago to "break it in".  And now I find myself trying to dress to match the bag! :) 

The blogger M.O.M.s (l-r): Me, Eliza, Jenny, Jen, Kris, Martine, Rone

Here I am and my satchel yesterday with the M.O.M.s at the 'Brand Me' talk by Rone of Mothering Earthlings. Eliza (on my left) is also toting her identical satchel here, but is hidden in this photo.

If you're liking this leather satchel too, order from Frances here and you'll make her really, really happy!

Frances Sales:  frannie.vinnie@yahoo.com
Her blog at Topaz Horizon

Buy Philippine-made!


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Family Friday: 6 Favorite Kiddie Pastime & Bonding Activities

Second Friday of the month:  Kids / Parenting


Everyday, my kids will have their 'cat & dog' fights, and some sweet moments in between.  It's inevitable among siblings.  It doesn't matter if they're all boys or all girls, or both... they will kick, push, scream and fight, hug, play and laugh together.

We're no exception.
The boy is in second grade while the girl is in junior kinder, technically preschool. With their gender difference and age gap, we'd often wonder what could they enjoy doing together especially at home.  I guess we're at this stage where they can get very physical with their quarrels (with some minor injuries here and there) yet still show affection towards each other without being too conscious about it.

Precious snapshot -- sharing and feeding each other potato strings!

My challenge is what (unisex) activities, aside from reading books and cooking, could I introduce that would appeal to both of them given their obvious differences, and encourage more interaction.  Well, good news for me, I think I don't need to try since they're doing quite well on their own these days -- with the power of imagination!  Barney would be so proud of them! LOL!

6 Favorite Kiddie Pastime & Bonding Activities


1. Dress-up and Pretend Play

With whatever toys and props they find in their room or around the house -- from kitchen tools, my scarves, old boxes and whatnots, conjuring up mythical characters, pretending to be animals, making up stories, and playing dress-up has been a regular scene around the house almost everyday. And they can play for hours!

Pretend play with using plush animals

2. Build and Create with Manipulative Toys

We have tubs and boxes of colorful blocks in different sizes like MegaBlocks and Lego, magnet balls and joints, Jenga, Jawbones and Zoob among others.  They love creating different shapes and characters with them, use for their "puppet show" or even create something pretty for mommy! These toys promote busy hands and creative minds. I love them all!

Zoob character creations

3. Gadget Games

I cannot deny the fact that my kids are tech-savvy, thanks to daddy. I have no contribution whatsoever when it comes to using their Nintendo DS, iPod Touch, and iPad.  They also, on occasion, invade our laptops/notebook. They have their favorite video games that they play regularly, and which we allow for as long as they are done with their school work.  I recognize that they do learn so much from these gadgets, like improved reading and comprehension, analytical thinking, and math application.

Hogging some computer time

4. Art and Drawing

Drawing is like a part of their daily routine already. If you've been following my blog, you'll know how much my kids enjoy drawing.

Given some downtime during the day, either they grab the iPad or bring out pencils and clean sheets paper.  Big brother has been a positive influence on the little girl in this area, so when the boy sits down and starts sketching, the girl will not be far behind.  And they both love to show off their 'works of art', even asking me to take photos like this one here!

Showing off her 'Simon' chipmunk sketch

5. Outdoor Play

Swings and slides. They won't refuse an invitation to go to a park or playground, and they don't wanna leave! We have a slide, but we don't have enough outdoor space for them to play and run, so I try to bring them to the nearby village park if time permits.  Running in the open field, climbing and swinging helps release their energy and allows them to get in touch with (a little bit) nature.  They even get a thrill from poking ant hills, and picking tiny berries from the aratilis tree!

6. Taekwondo / Sports

It's been a little over a year since we introduced this sport to our kids. Since summer of 2010, my boy started attending Taekwondo lessons, and recently, my girl has been joining big brother twice weekly.  It is so sweet to hear my boy's request for his little sis to always join him, and vice versa.  They even practice sparring at home, even though it sometimes lead to serious rough play which we have to referee! I just hope they can keep this up and move to the next level.

With all the toys, gadgets, and recreational materials we've provided, I believe they are more resourceful now on how to make use of what they have. Since they have found some favorite pastime, I am not one to stand in their way, and will just continue to show support and encouragement.  I wonder how long before the next wave of special interests?

See what the kids had been up to:
Art of Plants vs. Zombies
Taekwondo Classes for Kids
Draw Insects
Bonding over Zoob

Do you have kids? What's their favorite pastime? Do share! :)


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Dirty Dozen and Clean 15: Pesticides in Produce 2011

I regularly receive newsletters from Environmental Working Group.  A few months back, they sent this updated list and since July is Nutrition Month, I thought I'd share this very useful guide to all of you, which I'm sure many of you already know by now --  EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

The Shopper's Guide to Pesticide in Produce will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and are the most important to buy organic. You can lower your pesticide intake substantially by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated produce. - EWG

Since I'm the one who's doing the grocery shopping, this guide is something I look back to and help me choose what foods to buy.  But the reality is, I don't always have access to organic produce so I seldom buy produce like apples and celery.

Feel free to print and clip this pocket guide, and share to family and friends!

Learn more about EWG and their many causes to help promote a better environment.
Environmental Working Group
EWG Food News


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Foodie Friday: D.I.Y. Soft Tacos

First Friday of the month:  Food / Recipe

If there's one thing that the kids and I enjoy doing together, it's preparing their food in the kitchen or on the dining table.  No matter how small their involvement in the whole process, they feel big and proud that they did something and say "Look, I made that!".  Letting them set the table and have them help make the dish gets them in the mood to be ready for lunch or dinner, and to actually look forward to and enjoy their meal.  This taco dinner is one very good example.



For this post, I'm gonna make it as simple as possible since it's all about the mise en place -- preparing and getting all the ingredients ready, then time to layer and roll!

It's a pretty simple dish to prepare, colorful, and really fun to make, especially with the kids. And of course, these tacos are delicious and a complete meal in bite.

Again, I don't have exact measurements of the ingredients when I'm cooking so for this soft-shell Mexican tacos, I made approximations. Adjust the quantity and taste to your liking.

D.I.Y. SOFT TACOS

250g ground round (ground beef)

1 tablespoon cooking oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 pack Old El Paso Taco seasoning mix

1/4 cup water

Salsa:
3 seeded and chopped tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
salt & pepper
cane vinegar
sugar

Sour cream and onion:
1/2 cup sour cream
minced white onion
spring onion, finely chopped

1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
Cheese dip
8-10 Flour tortilla

To cook beef filling:

Sautee ground beef on a non-stick pan and allow to sweat.

Drain beef once cooked, remove from pan and set aside.

Heat oil in the same pan and saute garlic until lightly toasted, then add in the ground beef.

Season with El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix and add water (as instructed from the label).

Saute well, and simmer a few minutes, then place in a bowl.

To prepare salsa:

Mix all ingredients, and season with salt and pepper.

Add about 1 teaspoon vinegar and pinch of sugar.  Mix well and plate.

(Refrigerate if you're not serving immediately)

To prepare sour cream and onion:

Mix all ingredients with a spoon or whisk, and season with a tiny amount of salt.

(Refrigerate if you're not serving immediately)

Heat tortilla in a non-stick pan for several seconds on both sides, just before serving.  Plate and cover with table napkin to keep warm and soft.

Open can of cheese dip.

Arrange all your bowls with toppings on the table and have everyone make their own tacos.

To assemble:
Place tortilla on a plate and start layering your filling:
A dollop of sour cream & onion, shredded lettuce, beef, salsa, and finally top with the cheese.

The sour cream at the bottom and cheese in between and on top will serve as a binder for the filling -- that's how I layer my taco so there will be less dripping and spilling. :)

Carefully fold, or roll like I did, then chomp, chomp, chomp! Yum!!!  Truth be told, the El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix made all the difference!

 Muy deliciosos!


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