All-Around Pinay Mama

Scholastic A Very Merry Christmas Sale 2016

November 17, 2016

REVIEW: Tuttle Publishing's Japanese Ikebana for Every Season by Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno

November 12, 2016

Ikebana, the Japanese traditional flower arrangement was part of my course, B.S. Botany, over a decade ago. My knowledge and learning experience were very brief and limited. What made it more taxing was it was graded although I enjoyed it so much!

I haven’t thought of enriching my Ikebana skills because I knew that it couldn’t be done without the use of a kenzan pin, which was mentioned by our professor as the standard flower stabilizing technique in this art. I was so silly that I was just confined to this idea that without kenzan pin, Ikebana would be impossible. I also had no time exploring more about Ikebana not until I received Japanese Ikebana for Every Season by Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno from Tuttle Publishing. This book made me realize that Ikebana wasn’t complicated and I could do it even without a kenzan pin on hand, that any material and plant available in my home and garden can be used to create a pretty arrangement.

Maybe you are not aware that I am a B.S. Botany graduate from @ust1611official although it's so unfortunate that the course is already phased out. . I enjoyed every single day of my college life despite being so difficult and too much terms to memorize (LOL! 😁) because I had great batchmates and of course, so many interesting topics to learn. . #Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, was part of our course. It was indeed my breather because I enjoyed being with nature, plants, and flowers so much! . . Thanks, @tuttlepublishing, for sending this over. I am enjoying this to the max! It's so nice to learn and create arrangements that are made from what is available in my mini indoor garden aside from the ones available from the local florists. . My review will be up before the month ends. Stay tuned. . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #bookstagram #book #bookworm #flowerarrangement #Japanese #art #sanseviera #pothos #bacularis #cocopots #green #momblogger #bookreviewer #23september2016 #igersmanila

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Sep 22, 2016 at 11:50pm PDT

There are so many reasons why I am thankful to have this book. It makes me very happy because now I can relive my passion for Ikebana and my creations can make our home beautiful. Reading and applying the knowledge that I get from it can definitely relieves stress. It helps me connect with nature with the use of my hands.

It’s hard bound with flaps, the pages are colorful and glossy, and a total page-turner. Even my 11 year old son gets engaged whenever he flips its pages. The authors are able to explain everything in detail that makes me learn things that I haven’t learned from my Ikebana class- various water absorption, cutting, stabilizing, bending, shaping, trimming, and maintenance techniques; finding the right containers; principle of Japanese floral design; practical design tips; the authors personal approach to this art; and many more.

Water absorption is one of the fundamental techniques for a flower arrangement. For the plants to achieve proper water intake, the stems should be treated depending on its its type: cutting (the most common type, for herbaceous or soft stems), pounding or crushing ends (for hard branches or stems), boiling (for flowers that tend to wither easily), burning (hard stems that don't have enough moisture, immersing in deep water (suitable for almost all plants except the ones with tiny flowers and leaves and are low in moisture; for plants that grow in damp soil), using natural substances (Eg. vinegar- used for bamboo and bamboo grass as it prevents leaves from drying out)

All-Around Pinay Mama: Japanese Ikebana for Every Season (Tuttle Publishing)

Aside from kenzan pin, stones and driftwood or dried branches can be used as natural stabilizing materials.

I also like the idea that in this book, the Ikebana ideas are grouped into four seasons that are further grouped into different occasions. I can never get out of ideas due to its 50+ visually appealing, easy to follow, detailed arrangements. Photographer, Noboru Murata, has captured each arrangement's serene natural beauty.

I tell you, even an amateur like me can do them all and even incorporate my own ideas and use substitute materials, plants or flowers in every arrangement found in the book.

It encourages the readers that anything can be modified based on what’s available at the moment, and buying expensive flowers or plants from your favorite florists and looking for fancy containers are not always needed. This book promotes simplicity, minimalism, frugality, and creativity.

I feel like a pro after reading this book and keeping it on hand. It’s like I have attended an extensive Ikebana workshop. Like in any endeavor, “Practice makes perfect” and I am not going to stop until the knowledge that I’ve gained from this book becomes permanent.

I highly recommend this book to all professionals and beginners in flower arrangement, not necessarily Ikebana enthusiasts alone, because this can level up your skills especially if you are in the events or catering business where table or venue setting is a must or if you simply like to have a lovely home and you want your guests to have their eyes feast whenever you invite them or just doing it for your own pleasure.

I would like to show you some photos on how I incorporated my own designs using the ideas shown found in the book:

Creature from the Wild, Aloe Stretches Out Its Tentacles (pages 82-83)

I have no Aloe here at home so I've used a different plant that resembles its look.

Glossy Green Leaves Gathered Indoors (pages 80-81)

Instead of Fatsia Japonica, Rasberry, and Clematis, I used Rio Discolor.

Mother's Day Memories, The Warmth of Soft Poppies

Any flower that resembles poppies can be used on this arrangement.

Daffodils and Vines (page 35)

Substitute Plant: Pothos

Glory Lilies Immersed in a Glass Cyliner (pages 76-77)

Substitute Plant: Pothos

As you can see, there's a fish inside the cyliner. Pothos becomes its source of oxygen.

If you wish to have a copy, it can be purchased here in the Philippines via National Book Store (SM Mega Mall, SM North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, and Robinsons Galleria), Fully Booked The Fort, and Fully Booked Rockwell. You may also buy it online at www.tuttlepublishing.com and it's currently on sale at US $17.47 from it's original price of US $24.95. Tuttle Publishing offers free shipping for items worth $35.00 (US $) and above. Aside from this book, there are a lot of interesting books available on the website.

Tuttle Publishing gets social. You may join the community for updates on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.

Review + International Giveaway (November 2016): KidloLand App

November 07, 2016

Our world is now fast paced. Technology changes in a blink of an eye. People from all walks of life especially the older ones do their best to cope up with it while the youngsters, which include my son, are born with. We can’t deny that apps using our phones, laptops, and tablets become part of our lives now and they are here to break or make us especially the kids. What I mean is, there are those who are trashy and don’t teach our children the right values or skills and there are those who help us to develop them cognitively and wholistically.

I have two sons, eleven and five years old. With all honesty, I don’t expose them too much on gadgets because they have the tendency to get addicted. In the case of my eldest, I have no choice this year but to give him his own tablet because his class uses e-book in school. What I do is I give him an hour during weekends and ten minutes during weekdays to enjoy his favorite videos on YouTube, read articles online, or play games. Paps, Loley, and I are still monitoring him despite of trusting him that he can control his urge to play instead of studying. While my Bunso, who has been diagnosed with Mild Autism Spectrum, is not allowed by his Developmental Pediatrician to get exposed to television shows or watching videos online and offline because his speech and fine motor skills are delayed. Sadly, he has the tendency to get hooked on gadgets that he doesn’t like to stop. He needs to do activities that require communicating and tinkering.

After his diagnosis in 2014, we took away his gadget privileges. It was also in the same year when he started being afraid of hearing load sounds and getting overwhelmed with too much color and action from movies. I exposed him to more books, flashcards, and concrete educational tools like blocks and Lego.

It was only last year that I let Bunso use my phone. I only installed two educational puzzle apps that he's still playing daily under time limit. Presently, he is still afraid of loud sounds and hearing songs from the television or radio. Ironically he has the tendency to get addicted to YouTube firework videos so I locked the internet access. So when KidloLand, an award-winning app for toddlers and preschoolers, contacted me to review its app, I was hesitant at first. But then again, 250+ mom bloggers all over the world recommended it so why should I not give it a try. Then I accepted the offer. Seeing and exploring the app myself with Kuya before showing it to Bunso made me feel happy that I said yes.

These are the things that we love about KidloLand:

1. Versatile

- There are over 800 nursery rhymes, stories, songs, activities, and games available for toddlers and preschoolers.

- 95+ interactive classic nursery rhymes with thousands of surprises come alive when tapping the screen.

- Original educational songs for learning ABCs, fruits, vegetables, shapes, colors, and a lot more can be found.

- There is a complete Phonics section composed of activities and songs to help kids start or enrich their reading skills.

- Kids learn a lot through games. They enjoy playing without them realizing that they are learning at the same time.

- It is loaded with activities that help kids develop their cognitive skills like sequencing, math, picture and number, comprehension, problem-solving skills, and a lot more that develop their eye-hand coordination, creativity, reasoning, and imagination.

2. Child and Parent-Friendly

- There are no advertisements that may influence the child.

- The games, songs, and activities are designed for kids ages zero to five.

- It’s easy to use and navigate.

- Shows a wide array of funny animations and sounds that make children entertained.

- Animation and sound are colorful and crisp respectively.

- Parents can download activities, videos, and songs that kids can enjoy offline anywhere, anytime.

This also assures that parents can still choose and be in control in what contents of KidloLand their kids can watch, hear, and do at the moment.

Our internet connection speed here in the Philippines is too slow and it takes longer for me to download more contents of the app but I guess in other countries downloading is faster. It’s okay for me because as I’ve said, I only show Bunso a few portions of the app daily.

3. Android and Apple Device Compatible

Kidloland may be purchased through App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore for Android.

4. Affordable

There’s a Basic (Free) Service where a limited number of songs and other content is made available to the free users of the app and unlocking any additional content requires either in-app purchase or registering for subscription service. One year subscription, for example, is US$39.99.

During the first time that I showed Bunso the activities that I downloaded from the app, I felt a little nervous. As I mentioned a while ago, he was afraid of loud sounds, too colorful animation, and could get addicted to videos so I did his exposure one at a time for him not to get overwhelmed. I was surprised to see that he loved everything about it especially the puzzles. He didn’t get afraid of the sound and color. He was hooked but still would return my phone after a given time limit. Like his favorite old puzzle apps, he didn’t get addicted.

Our family loves KidloLand. It ‘s definitely the best educational preschool and toddler app that I’ve seen so far. No wonder that it is trusted by moms all over the world and has gained so many awards and badges from different parenting and educational institutions. KindloLand can win the hearts of kids as well as their parents.

Like us, I also like you and your toddlers and preschoolers to experience the wonders of this app. KidloLand is so generous to give three (3) AAPM Readers of the Month of November a three-month subscription each to the KidloLand app. It’s so easy to join. Just follow the steps below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to my readers WORLDWIDE. You don't have to be my social media account followers to join. Giveaway period is from November 7 to 30, 2016 only. Winner will be chosen by random.org.

I'll announce the winner on my Facebook Page on December 1, 2016 and he/she will be notified through Facebook message on the same day. Thanks!

Good luck and thanks for joining!

XOXO,

Reminiscing Manila International Book Fair 2016

November 02, 2016

ParentTown Makes Parenting a Community Effort

November 01, 2016

Moms and dads, do you know that there’s a new parenting app where you can ask questions and get quality answers from local experts? You can be an expert in your own right and share your parenting journey with other moms and dads too. I have joined and I am hooked, seriously! ParentTown is now one of my most favorite apps in the whole universe! A day shall not pass without reading and joining the conversations because there is so much to learn from other parents about anything about parenting! Believe me, it’s worth joining.

I believe that as parents, we don’t have the monopoly of knowledge. Sometimes we need someone to ask about certain issues such as raising children, certain home remedies for insect bites, etc., and best deals and hacks, and a lot more. ParentTown is I believe one of the best community to run to because there we can ask any parent and get answers quickly based on their own experiences that work for them and may work for us and our families too. We can also answer some questions to help other parents. The exchanging of ideas and insights is tremendous and what makes it amazing is that parents would do anything for the sake of their kids and they are so generous to share what they know to help other parents as well. In short, in ParentTown we can get quality answers. I’ve tried and tested it and it’s truly amazing.

Isn’t obvious that I really, really love ParentTown? Before I go further, this is how it works for you to understand fully.

1. You may join ParentTown by downloading the app for free through App Store or Google Play. If you have both Facebook and Google+ accounts you may continue using any of these and rest assured that ParentTown is not going to post on your social media sites.

2. You may follow all topics that interest you.

3. You can easily manage your profile based on your preferences.

4. Start browsing the conversations or ask questions and get quick answers from parents. You may look for other topics through the Search Icon.

5. You can also join the conversations by answering parents' questions, liking or sharing them, or simply upvoting your favorite answers.

6. You can watch informative videos and get notified if someone upvotes your answers or questions, added you as a friend, etc.

7. You are free to share photos too.

ParentTown is so easy to navigate. Even non-techie parents can use it easily. It celebrates the joys and pains of parenting and assuring parents that there is always a community who supports them all the way. This amazing app is truly a blessing.

You may join ParentTown community on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube for updates. I encourage you to join, Mars at Pards. If you do, let’s be friends! My ParentTown account it SJ Valdez! See you there and let's exchange insights! I am looking forward to learn from you!

ParentTown is brought to us by Tickled Media Pte. Ltd., the creator of theasianparent.com

Cheers to Life, Cheers to Everyday

October 31, 2016

Time flies! It’s been two years since Bunso was diagnosed with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder and it happened 16 days before his fourth birthday. I already shared it through a blog post only last year when I felt that it was the right time. I also wouldn’t forget how we celebrated Bunso’s birthday then and it was only on this day that I was able to share it.

Our family is not used to celebrating birthdays or special occasions by throwing huge parties. Paps and I are not comfortable having these maybe because both of us belong to families that prefer intimate celebrations.

During Bunso’s fourth birthday, we prepared something simple that we thought would make him feel very special. We let Kuya plan the entire surprise simple birthday party not just because he insisted but also we wanted him to use his creativity to show his baby brother how he really cared.

On the day before the celebration, Kuya showed me the birthday card that he was making for Bunso. He was so excited to tell us that he started doing it during his free time in school and he would still do the finishing touches later. While he wasn’t looking, I asked Paps, “Did you tell him to do that?” Then Paps replied that he didn’t. How sweet of Kuya!

Kuya continued decorating the birthday card diligently. Right after finishing it, he handed it to me and said, “Mama, I know that Ice doesn’t know how to read yet. Will you keep this for me? When he knows how to read, can we show this to him?” I couldn’t help myself to cry while reading Kuya’s message and laughed out loud thereafter.

I hugged him and said, “Thank you, Kuya! You’re such a sweet brother. Ice will surely love and appreciate this. When the time comes that he knows how to read and understands what you mean, I am going to show this to him definitely."

The following day, I mentioned to Bunso upon waking up that it was his birthday and Paps and Kuya would have a surprise upon arrival in the afternoon. He patiently waited and he was very sad because Paps and Kuya went home late. His sadness faded away and he jumped with joy when he saw the small chocolate cake and Pancit Bilao that they were handling. We set up our dining table and prepared his “handa”, sang the Birthday Song, and ate together as a family. Bunso was very conscious with getting messy that was why he kept on wiping his face with Cheers, one of our most trusted and favorite tissue brands made of 100% virgin pulp, no artificial whiteners and elemental chlorine, truly hygienic and safe for my family. He also gave each a few pieces for wiping our mouths while eating. Moving on, while doing so, we could see in his eyes how happy he was! For a child who could barely talk and express his emotions, his smile was indeed priceless!

After the salu-salo, Kuya showed his first gift, a shape sorter, and Bunso opened the box quickly. He was so excited to play with it. When he felt bored, Kuya handed him his second gift, a ball. If Bunso was happy receiving his first gift, on this one he was more excited! He was not yet capable of expressing his gratitude and longing towards his brother and I was glad that Kuya didn’t wait anymore for his baby brother to say “Thank you” and initiated to play with him immediately without being told to do so.

I watched blissfully as my two boys played together with their Paps. I felt so proud of Kuya for doing the best of his ability to plan Bunso’s frugal birthday party and for making him happy despite not being sure how his brother would reciprocate the time and effort that he exerted in that thoughtfulness of his.

This happened two years ago. Kuya was nine that time. As days, months, and years passed, I realized that Kuya was digesting most if not all, the advice that Paps and I were giving him--- to make other people happy; being good, generous, understanding, and caring to others especially to his baby brother. We see a lot of improvements with Bunso and Kuya is the big factor in those milestones.

From that day on, living with a family member with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder becomes very challenging everyday but we learn how to celebrate life not just during special occasions but anytime, everywhere daily. We appreciate simple things, joys, triumphs, milestones, blessings, and even trials that come our way. We believe that there is always beauty in everyday no matter how bad the situation it seems. We learn to be more patient, forgiving, understanding, and loving to one another. We become more generous of our time more than with material things especially with Bunso who needs it the most.

Our family never lets the things that we can't, don't, or shouldn't have spoil the enjoyment of the things that we already have. We value our happiness and we always remember it. Life is worth living because we learn to be happy without the things that we can't or shouldn't have. . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #love #happiness #simplejoys #blessing #family #instagood #instadaily #mommybloggersphilippines #momswhoblogph #certifiedbloggers #bloggersngpinas #pinayblogger #asianblogger

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Apr 23, 2016 at 11:57am PDT

We extend our efforts in all aspects. We do our best to become the best version of ourselves. We are contented with what we have but never contented with who we are. Our family life is not perfect but we always see beauty in that imperfection. Oprah Winfrey once said, “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” It’s happening. It’s so true. There is always a reason to have “Cheers to life, cheers to everyday!”

We never know the love of our parents until we become parents ourselves. . . . Seeing my kids grow together is so close to perfect. It takes my breath away. It's so lovely that it removes all my apprehensions and fears. . . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #makeitblissful #aapmparenting #aapmkids #mommybloggersph #momswhoblogph #certifiedbloggers #instadaily #happiness #blessed #joy #happymom #igersmanila

A photo posted by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Apr 17, 2016 at 1:47am PDT

Life is uncertain but when we see our kids, I know that Kuya is going to protect and love Bunso above anybody else when Paps and I leave this world.

Scholastic A Very Merry Christmas Sale 2016

REVIEW: Tuttle Publishing's Japanese Ikebana for Every Season by Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno

Review + International Giveaway (November 2016): KidloLand App

Reminiscing Manila International Book Fair 2016

ParentTown Makes Parenting a Community Effort

Cheers to Life, Cheers to Everyday

SJ Valdez

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