Linky Links

If you're up to some bloghopping, you may check the entries for this week's Make It From Scratch over at Stephanie's.


On the other hand, my Photohunt post is at Makimeji.

Project ToyBox

Every end of the year (for the past 4 years), I'd receive supplies in a box like the one below. Last year was no different.

And every year, rather than leaving it to rot or discarding it, I'd be thinking of ways to re-use it.

But this time, I decided to glam it up a bit and utilized it as my son's toy box to help me cope with the headache of seeing broken toys, old toys all around the house. Last year's box was made into a toy box also, sans the trimmings.

Materials used: Sandpaper, cupboard liners and double-sided tape. Tools: scissors, ruler, pencil.

So after the sanding and cleaning of the box, then measuring and tracing of the liners (to fit the sides), here's the work-in-progress.

And finally, after more than an hour (or maybe more because dear son was bugging me to let him do some cutting), here's the finish product.

Young Engineer

Coming home from work one afternoon, my son - after our initial display of affection- said “Mama, remote” and proudly showed me something he had been holding in his hand.


“Oh.” I was surprised. No, that is not a remote. I was almost tempted to say but held my tongue in check.


“What is this remote control for?” I playfully asked instead.

“Remote for [the] yo-yo.”


And I pulled all my reserved acting skills to keep a straight face.

***

So presenting Matt's self-made remote control.



Made out of sticking a cottonbud (arrow) on a hole of wrist toy (that makes sound by pressing the red triangle). He said the cottonbud is the antenna!




And this is my son's entry for this week's MakeIt FromScratch! Eugene Polley- step aside.

Recycle: Tissue Box

We've accumulated lots of empty boxes of these lately - because I've been crying lots. But really it's actually my nose that's been "crying" lots. Icky! I know.

And then Matt discovered the joys of tissue shredding playing.

So anyway, this put me into wondering what I'm going to do with them.

Few maneuvers with a pair of scissors and ...

...I turned one into my son's socks box/dispenser.

As for the rest of the boxes, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with them. :-D.

Wordless Wednesday: What's On The Tree

I Love You, Honey

Honey. Awwwww. What a sweet endearment! So sweet, I am imagining ants crawling on the screen now. But really, I can very well understand why we use “honey” to refer to our loved ones; I use it, too. When I’m not mad, that is.

I love you, honey. (No, Honey, it’s not you this time.) I’m actually paying homage to something Winnie the Pooh cannot live without. And something I definitely love, too. Honey. That nourishing honey. The one we add in our tea. The one we drip on our pancakes. The one that’s rich in nutrients –vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

It wouldn’t be called the nectar of god for nothing. But other than its usual uses – as natural sweetener or oomph-and-zing multiplier, honey has other uses –for me, for us. And next to baking soda, honey is something I do not want to run out of supply of (and that’s why I’m trying to make the 2 700L bottles of all-natural honey last until my brother’s visit; he gets it cheap from where he is assigned).

Ø Diarrhea treatment. I am not really a big fan of medicines. If I can find a cheap, economical and natural alternative, I use that. Even for diarrhea, I rarely pop a pill because I don’t want to keep the toxin from coming out of me. Unless if I need to, like when I’m traveling or when attending an event that makes running to the bathroom every minute or so impossible or difficult. But when I’m home, it’s nothing or honey. Or ginger tea with honey. Really. And because honey is natural, I will not worry about side-effects. The last time I pooped liquid, all I took was a spoonful of honey and some water. And that’s that. I must be lucky because I didn’t make any trip to the CR after that.

(Word of caution: Not to be given to babies below 1yo, as their digestive system may not be able to tolerate it.)

Ø Scrub. For a homemade foot scrub, an ample amount of honey plus a spoonful of sugar is good enough. For the face, I make a paste out of an ample amount of honey and a dash of baking soda.

Ø Moisturizer. Plain honey can be used to moisturize the lips and skin, including the face. When I’m home, I use it as an alternative to commercial lip balms. It’s just lick-ably purr-fect for my cracked, dry lips. BTW, I’ve tried it with my son, countless of times, and he’s just so uncomplaining when it hit his lips.

Ø Bed sore treatment. Apart from its nutritional benefits, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components and is known to hasten healing of wounds. When my cousin’s grandmother (whom I also call Mama) got sick and got those nasty bed sores, honey was the only thing we applied on her until the sores were all gone.

Ø Facial treatment. I used to have facial sessions (before Matt, when I was still the master of my time :D) and one product given to me was honey mixed with some unknown medicines. And in my recent all-expense-paid (by the company) spa trip, the all-natural facial treatment I was given was composed of other ingredients and honey.

We -my hub, my sister and I- is using a honey-based soap. And my sister also applies pure honey to help contain her occasional breakouts.

(Word of caution: Make sure to wash thoroughly afterwards or you might find yourself in the company of tiny crawlers also known as ants. :D)

Oh, by the way, I read before that honey is also used as aphrodisiac. C'mon now, don’t look at me like that! I can just imagine what you’re thinking now. “She loves it because…” Do I sound guilty of that? Wink. But really, I am the last person who can validate that and I have not honestly used it like that. I have heard though that other people use it as an aphrodisiac.

For more of honey, visit the ff: MotherEarthNews; Life Positive; Billy Bee; and Food Reference.

***

Compelled to write this after a-blink-of-an-eye moment with my dear son, who accidentally broke one half-full bottle of all-natural honey just few days ago. Now, we're down to the last bottle (in the picture).

Bookmark It!

I'm cooking up a kiddie party and rather than letting a party coordinator do the dirty job, I've decided to handle most of that myself. This way I can trim down the cost. So that's what's keeping me busy these days.

And with my sister's help, I tackled my son's birthday invitations few days ago.


There are lots of free designs we found in the Net but we chose this one. To save on printing cost, we agreed that it's going to be just a bookmark size.

Printed on photo paper, the actual size of each invitation is only 11cm X 6cm.

For 20 invitations, we were able to use only 4 pieces of A4 photopaper.

With some ribbons, which are leftovers from my wedding 44 months ago, I decided to make it look like a bookmark all the way. Thus, eliminating the additional cost of need for envelopes.

Here's a sample of the finished bookmark-cum-invitation.

And here are the rest of the invitations.

(Note: Pictures are edited and blurred on purpose)

*******

Few days back, an officemate and friend paid me a compliment. No big thing really. He only said I’m frugal.

"Oh, yeah?" My other officemate, who was with us, playfully joined.

"Go ask my husband," I was quick to reply.

No big deal. But okay, granting there’s no undertone of sorts there, I consider it as a compliment; a feather to my bonnet. Actually, I’d much rather think of it as that, because if I analyze too much, I would begin to wonder if my friend thinks I'm Scrooge-ing! Heavens forbid! :D (Chuckle)

Lobster cooking

When my boss came back from a family trip to the fishing capital, he brought with him some goodies from the sea.

Among these were some lobsters, which I eagerly purchased because not only were they fresh, the price was so attractive. Imagine, these scrumptious crustaceans were offered to me at about 70% lower than the regular restaurant price. Ah, simply irresistible.

Taken before it took the plunge in the pot with boiling water

Now, I am not a cooking expert (nor have I tried cooking lobsters prior to this) so I have no idea on how to prepare it. But I’m just glad I found some good sites in the Internet that walked me through the process of preparing/cooking lobsters.


Some of these helpful sites are:

Sites Cooking-Lobster.com

Lobster Recipes

Lobster Liberation

But in the end, I opted for the easiest way (for me) which was to boil the lobster. Using a large pot, I heated some water ( and added a dash of salt into it). When the water was already boiling, I immersed the lobster and waited until shell was already bright red. (Note: As to the specific timing details, there’s info of that here.)

As I didn’t have time to experiment with the dip I already had my sister seated at our dining table even before I could serve it :D, I just served it with my very regular all-time favorite dip composed of vinegar, lemon, crushed garlic clove and a dash of salt. Even with that simple dip, it was still delectable.

If you have recipe, tips, etc.. re lobster preparation/cooking, please email/or post a comment. I appreciate all the help I can get for my next kitchen adventure (with a lobster!).

The Where-Is-The-Flag Game

So it was 2 months ago that we put up these posters but it was not until a couple of weeks ago that we have actually been using them, particularly the Flags of the World poster.

One day, he was eyeing them with interest in his eyes. “Sickle (circle).” “Star.” He said, while pointing to the familiar shapes he recognized. The unmistakable sparkle in his eyes and the eagerness in his voice gave me the go-signal to start touring around the world (and all for free!), albeit with the use of the flags.

Needless to say, a play-learn game also began on that day when I scooped him in my arms to face the collection of flags. By playing the Where-Is-The-Flag (of a country) game, tour we slowly did. Usually, I ask where-is and he’d point at the flag. Other times, I give him the liberty to point and tell me what (flag) country he’s pointing at.

Currently, he’s able to identify 17 flags. But I’m not in a hurry. Matt is only 22-months old. Besides, it’s just a game. He may continue playing, or he may not – and it would still be fine with me. It’s certainly up to him.

But we really have been touring everyday (and even several times in a day). On Matt’s cue, of course.

Like the books that I have given Matt, these visual aids are only made available to him without the thought of ever forcing him to learn these. He could choose to chew, tear or read the books and that will be fine with me (on the second thought, I could be frowning in the first 2 seconds but after that I'll definitely be okay -somehow, I'll find a way to put all the pieces back together :D). But the moment he says “Mama, read” or “Mama, tractor” or something like that, then I will readily be there to guide him. At least that’s my approach to his learning – by letting him take the lead.


Now back to the flags. If you’re wondering how I introduced the flags to a barely-2-year-old tot, here are some points:

1. Tell him of his current location or his origin. I started by telling my son of the country he is from. Consequently, the very first flag learned was the Philippine flag (for Matt, it's 'fins').

This could also be the reason why he usually says “Fins, Mama” when he wants us to play with the flags.

2. Speak of the loved ones who could be in this or that country. A child can easily grasp the information if a relationship is conveyed (or if you make a connection). “Canada is where Tita Che is,” I used to say. To this day, Matt (usually while pointing to the flag) still says, “Can’da, Tita Che.” Similarly, he’s learned to identify other flags like South Korea, Japan , United Kingdom and the USA.

3. Pick a flag that is obviously different. A very different flag or strange-looking one could have an advantage. An example of this would be Nepal.

4. Associate the flags according to the symbols or figures in them that a child could readily identify. Lebanon (has) a tree; Hongkong, flower; Brazil, globe; Switzerland, cross; Israel- stripes and a star; Kenya, (looks like) a spider; and Barbados, a fork.

5. Let him take the lead. In some instances, a child might point or show some interest on a particular flag. Tell him about it. Like this morning, Matt was pointing to the flag of Bahrain so I told him about it. This afternoon, when we were playing (again!), he was able to identify it (plus two others namely, Tonga and Vietnam).

6. As with other things, give praises or encouragement. Conveying your approval to a child when he has correctly identified something could help bolster his confidence. If he makes mistakes, you could tell him that it’s okay and to try (and try) again.

7. Make learning fun (for both of you). Promise not to laugh, but I am not way above from making exaggerated noises and funny faces (usually when he makes mistakes). Although it makes me feel oh-so silly at times, but hey it’s just a game so I'll make it like one and be the silliest. Besides, I think my son loves it. And he’s catching up, too. My imp of a son would tease me by pointing to the wrong flag and then he'd look intently at my face. After I make my funny-silly act capped with a fake fallen look, he’d take a cursory glance over the flags, point to the correct one and look at me in the face with mischief dancing in his eyes and playing on his lips. Hah! He is definitely enjoying it as much as I do.

Make it last

I washed tons of clothes this morning. All of my son’s (I prefer to do his, by myself – despite the cleaners who come every Saturday to do the laundry). Pajamas, shirts, short pants - handwashed them all (because I also prefer to do that). Relieved sigh.

But before they could be wear-able again, there’s another batch waiting for my attention. Tons. All of his. Again. Sigh.

Did he have that much clothing? Yes.

Did I buy him all that? No. Definitely not.

In fact, I haven’t shopped for Matt’s garments for nearly a year now, which I understand seems impossible when you have a fast-growing kid at hand.

So how come he has more than he could wear in a year’s time? Hand-me-downs.

Ah. Of course.

Actually, some were Christmas presents, most are hand-me-downs. Matt is really lucky to have 2 older cousins who are his “source” of clothing.

And no, I’m not having any issues with that because I grew up using hand-me-downs from my cousins and even from my brother. So, if there’s another baby coming in the family, mine or my brother’s or my cousin’s (whichever comes first- hehe), expect that I’ll also be handing some (of Matt’s), too.

And that also means taking care of the clothes - and prolonging their life - is a crucial matter.

So now, I will run down a list of ways to do that.

Ø Do not bleach.

Ø Or you could use alternative bleach.

Ø Common stain-busters:

1. Bubble gums. Put ice over the area where a gum was stuck. When gum has hardened, carefully remove the gum.

2. Blood. Soak in a solution of hot water + salt or baking soda or white vinegar.

3. Grease. A mixture of hot water + white vinegar or dishwashing liquid or shampoo will take care of this. BTW, putting a little shampoo over the area in the neckline with that hard-to-remove-dirt greatly helps.

4. Rust. Soaking in soda water or Sprite/7Up softdrink.

5. Mama's lipstick. Dab (do not rub!) alcohol or ammonia on affected area. Dishwashing paste could help eliminate stain, too.

Ø If you must use commercial bleach or chlorine, do not leave clothes longer than necessary or overnight in the solution as this can weaken the fabric.

Do not brush shirts and other delicate items. Ah, this reminds me of a cute towel, which now has runs and loose threads hanging because one of our cleaners inadvertently washed it with the brush. =(

Do not wring. This will deform fabric. You may squeeze the water by folding the newly washed item into four (or whichever is possible) and putting the folded item in between your hand. That’s that.

Ø -As a rule of the thumb, coloreds and whites should be washed separately. But tell you what, I don’t follow this sometimes. I do wash them together, but if and only if I am very sure that the colored material I am bringing in will not bleed. If you’re not sure, then don’t. Never assume, please.

Ø Also, dry coloreds and whites separately.

Ø So you can retain original color for the longest period, do not dry colored items under direct sunlight. Since the sun is a powerful bleaching agent, if you must, dry them inside-out.

Ø If you use plastic hanger for drying, feel for uneven edges or sharp excess that flimsy materials like silk, polyester could easily get caught with and cause a run on them. Cotton materials are rarely harmed by these though.

Ø Now, I like to put fabric conditioner on clothes, because it makes them easier to press and the conditioner keeps the clothes smelling good even when stored for long. But if, like me, you are wary because the scent might not be too kid-friendly, you could opt for baking soda. Or you could use baby soaps before the last rinse.

Ø When pressing, adjust iron temp according to make. Almost always, iron manufacturers include a guide to this.

Ø A fabric that seems to gather lint is best ironed inside-out. To remove lint (and if you do not have a lint-remover), you could use plain old scotch tape.

Ø Lastly, always read care instructions.

From Mama with love

"Why not buy him a book?" my mother told me when she saw the litter of bond papers and cut-outs from old magazines, glossy brochures scattered on the floor.


Yes, that's true, I could buy him a book. In fact, I already bought him some books (which I had also been reading to him) even before he saw the glaring lights in the Delivery Room.


But. I thought, I want him to have something I made myself.


I was being slushy alright. (And knowing that I'm not much of a craftswoman, I won't be surprised be if you'd think) I - or that thought - was ridiculous, too. Call it a soppy thought of a first-time mom after a couple of weeks or so of giving birth to an adorable boy. (But then I know I could be slushy and soppy even without the postpartum issue.lol). Or call it whatever you want. But I really felt compelled to do a personalized something for my son.


Besides, almost two years ago, with the start of my two-month maternity leave, I suddenly found myself in an uncommon situation of sitting at home 24/7 with plenty of time on my hands. Inevitably, I also found myself wondering what to do in between nursing and diaper change. I decided I might as well do anything than be bored doing nothing.


So with a pair of scissors and resolute determination, I started to make that something - a visual learning booklet for the baby.


It's certainly not much, but it's made with all the love in the world. (Yay! See, I'm really soppy!)

It has RBW figures, colors,

Various shapes,

And numbers, too.

Materials used: old brochures or magazines (preferably with glossy pages and bold colors), clean sheets of paper (bond paper), unused picture album, glue [and a dash of imagination and creativity].

SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO COMMON HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

These alternatives may require a little more "elbow grease", however the benefits are worth it - improved air quality, decreased exposure to chemicals, fewer waste disposal concerns, convenience and lower costs.

Product Alternative for:

Commercial Air Fresheners

Open windows, use baking soda to absorb odors, boil cinnamon & cloves in a pan on the stove, plants also help to remove odors from the air.

[You may also opt for peels from oranges or slices of lemon. I use this most of the time - ZAMejias]


All Purpose Cleaner



125 ml (½ cup) pure soap +
4 L (1 gal) hot water OR 60 ml (¼ cup) baking soda/borax
+ 1 L (4 cups) hot water, to cut grease add 60 ml (¼ cup) lemon juice.




Automatic Dishwasher or Detergent / Dish Soap

Hand-washing with soap flakes dissolved in hot water (add vinegar to cut grease).


Bathroom Cleaners



Clean regularly with soap & hot water. For tub & tile, use baking soda with a firm bristled brush OR 125 ml (½ cup) pure soap, 4 L (1 gal) hot water with baking soda.

For mould/grout, use vinegar.

[I always use baking soda, sometimes with vinegar, in warm water -ZAMejias]


Disinfectant

125 ml (½ cup) borax with 1 L (4 cups) hot water.


Drain Cleaner
Cover drains with a screen to keep out debris. Use a plumber’s snake or plunger to clear drain. Pour 125 ml (½ cup) vinegar & 125 ml (½ cup) baking soda into drain. Cover tightly 1 min. then flush. Next use 125 ml (½ cup) salt + 125 ml (½ cup) baking soda + 1.5 L (6 cups) boiling water. Let sit several hours then flush with water.

[Pouring warm to hot water before doing the cleaning can also help drains that need minor de-clogging work. Very effective to cut grease - ZAMejias]


Furniture Polish



Dissolve 5 ml (1 tsp.) lemon oil in 250 ml (1 cup) vegetable, linseed or mineral oil, apply with a clean rag.


Glass Cleaner

Add 65 ml (4 tbsp.) vinegar or 15 ml (1 tbsp.) lemon juice to a spray bottle filled with warm water, polish.

[After cleaning the glass with this solution, wipe glass with old newspaper. I cannot explain this but newspaper works better than rag or cloth. Absorbs better. -ZAMejias]

Metal Polish Copper

Equal parts lemon juice & hot vinegar and a little salt, apply with dry rag.

• Chrome - white flour on dry rage OR apple cider vinegar.

• Brass - equal parts salt + flour with vinegar OR Worcestershire sauce.

• Silver - paste of wood ash & water.

Oven Cleaner Scrub

Scrub with baking soda & steel wool OR 250 ml (1 cup) pure soap, 125 ml (½ cup) pure soap, 120 ml lemon juice or borax and 4 L (1 gal) hot water.

For baked on grease: mix paste of baking soda + salt + water.


Scouring Cleaner


Baking soda or paste of baking soda + soap.


Detergent

80 ml (1/3 cup) of washing soda as machine fills, put in clothes + 375 ml (1½ cups) soap. For heavy soils presoak with 125 ml (½ cup) washing soda and warm water (30 min), rub soiled area with liquid soap.


Bleach

Use washing soda, borax, OR hydrogen peroxide bleach.

[Soda water and white vinegar can also remove stains. ZAMejias]


Credits:
These alternatives are lifted from georgiastrait.org
Photo from worldofstock