tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47461809494022290632024-03-19T04:15:54.133+08:00DIY Corporate MomDiscovering hands-on parenting solutions while climbing the corporate ladder. Finding solutions in Montessori hacks at home, Konmari, and inevitable adulting lessons.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-82026435891978345712016-04-29T14:01:00.000+08:002016-04-29T14:27:18.836+08:00Shopkins Love and A Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You must have heard of Shopkins by now. It won toy of the year last year, and I won sucker mama of the year along with it. Ever since it debuted in 2014 we've been collecting the damn things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are now on Season 5. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I should've known the evil geniuses behind them would milk a good thing while it lasts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fast forward. We now have 100+ extra Shopkins and am giving the whole lot of them away!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But first, let me share with you the sneaky ways they sparked more learning in our home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uE_l32jKjaY/VyGJ-exuh8I/AAAAAAAAFlA/UuB7aPjQOI4DA4GkgVXy2hzGXPphAdYeQCLcB/s1600/forthe%2Blove%2Bof%2Bshopkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uE_l32jKjaY/VyGJ-exuh8I/AAAAAAAAFlA/UuB7aPjQOI4DA4GkgVXy2hzGXPphAdYeQCLcB/s640/forthe%2Blove%2Bof%2Bshopkins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shopkins are basically grocery items given cute-as-heck human personifications. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They look completely useless - of course, to a parent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But then they become strangely addicting. You need to collect them. All.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8tp9MWg19w/VyGIJiDDEKI/AAAAAAAAFkg/3ZETmyGYPO0hslRPiRTyb6OBQDCoddxgACLcB/s1600/IMG_5897_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8tp9MWg19w/VyGIJiDDEKI/AAAAAAAAFkg/3ZETmyGYPO0hslRPiRTyb6OBQDCoddxgACLcB/s640/IMG_5897_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As prophesized.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretend play? Sure.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYoQU8Gl21E/VyGIHw5NrcI/AAAAAAAAFj4/8CxpxXMSAnIQA0d7qpuNI0b1e7ucwu1ZwCLcB/s1600/DSCF5023_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYoQU8Gl21E/VyGIHw5NrcI/AAAAAAAAFj4/8CxpxXMSAnIQA0d7qpuNI0b1e7ucwu1ZwCLcB/s640/DSCF5023_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's also an animated series on YouTube which the children magically find.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sparking some child-led interest in art? Nice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dix8156sFQ8/VyGIJWQ0cVI/AAAAAAAAFkU/FrSM2QhVaxcK0KSRcc1yK3d8DfyyujI3ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5844_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dix8156sFQ8/VyGIJWQ0cVI/AAAAAAAAFkU/FrSM2QhVaxcK0KSRcc1yK3d8DfyyujI3ACLcB/s640/IMG_5844_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So since she was crazy high for them, I decided to follow her lead and use them as a learning tool. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just simple games for our daily floor time after office. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like to think my "homeschool" is really just shared play.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like the Montessori mystery bag game where you identify an object through tactile sense only, we played "Mystery Shopkins": whoever gets the most identified wins:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv0k5wIR9pA/VyGIIXOHRWI/AAAAAAAAFj8/849yTGNUimMnH12MeDR6gbhZeQD58fQjQCLcB/s1600/DSCF5029_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv0k5wIR9pA/VyGIIXOHRWI/AAAAAAAAFj8/849yTGNUimMnH12MeDR6gbhZeQD58fQjQCLcB/s640/DSCF5029_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And since we don't play gross motor games enough, this "Shopkins Toss" game to practice hand-eye coordination. Whoever gets it in the basket gets the point:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbC8Oal-q6k/VyGII6hdI4I/AAAAAAAAFk0/8BsHDNgG-NcV_xYOiR5okOb3mAXb7aEzQCKgB/s1600/DSCF5738_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbC8Oal-q6k/VyGII6hdI4I/AAAAAAAAFk0/8BsHDNgG-NcV_xYOiR5okOb3mAXb7aEzQCKgB/s640/DSCF5738_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then whenever I can connect a game to math practice, I always do and bust out our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/number-sticks-math-rods-cuisenaire-rods.html" target="_blank">number sticks</a>. This was the time we practiced skip counting by twos:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGm5sC10nsU/VyGIJbc4-zI/AAAAAAAAFkY/XK5Sa55DJWUKWyZXqyo7rZ-j_U-ZJDMFACLcB/s1600/IMG_5879_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGm5sC10nsU/VyGIJbc4-zI/AAAAAAAAFkY/XK5Sa55DJWUKWyZXqyo7rZ-j_U-ZJDMFACLcB/s640/IMG_5879_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get a two rod if the Shopkin lands in the basket, a one if it lands in the box. Later we add the points and skip count.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xv0Lc--ziY/VyGIH0lyCLI/AAAAAAAAFjw/3oc8f9vr9psXkKexPqz1ROenTW74eAZfQCLcB/s1600/DSCF4925_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xv0Lc--ziY/VyGIH0lyCLI/AAAAAAAAFjw/3oc8f9vr9psXkKexPqz1ROenTW74eAZfQCLcB/s640/DSCF4925_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding up the points by making tens (each column is a ten)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
They make cute math manipulatives as well. Here she is practicing skip counting by 5s by marking each multiple on the <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2016/02/valentines-game-on-hundred-board.html" target="_blank">hundred board</a> using Shopkins:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeY_MOo5OX4/VyGIKMzrarI/AAAAAAAAFks/0WkZhv1msQEbD5et5EE8gBuKn4lgmgrcgCLcB/s1600/thumb_DSCF8666_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeY_MOo5OX4/VyGIKMzrarI/AAAAAAAAFks/0WkZhv1msQEbD5et5EE8gBuKn4lgmgrcgCLcB/s640/thumb_DSCF8666_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRL11wVfEJ8/VyGIKSuhYUI/AAAAAAAAFkw/rJ0RVzn4smcWFOHRf4hmDALcUqHXQQHkgCLcB/s1600/thumb_DSCF8667_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRL11wVfEJ8/VyGIKSuhYUI/AAAAAAAAFkw/rJ0RVzn4smcWFOHRf4hmDALcUqHXQQHkgCLcB/s640/thumb_DSCF8667_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one was her lead. We played our favourite <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/12/race-to-hundred-game.html" target="_blank">"Race to a Hundred"</a> game with dice and number sticks and then we added Shopkins just for fun. Basically using them as either counters or just for visual interest:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ON6UbCl_rTw/VyGII_No6EI/AAAAAAAAFkM/Sr_bYsyIxcYYT22g0yyJFEeVyohba5RLwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0323_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ON6UbCl_rTw/VyGII_No6EI/AAAAAAAAFkM/Sr_bYsyIxcYYT22g0yyJFEeVyohba5RLwCLcB/s640/IMG_0323_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They also tell great stories. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tG_IUEUyqU4/VyGIIWiuZ_I/AAAAAAAAFkA/e0WuKzZsqPcuPNf0HIoGzSiLV3gi9tICwCLcB/s1600/DSCF5457_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tG_IUEUyqU4/VyGIIWiuZ_I/AAAAAAAAFkA/e0WuKzZsqPcuPNf0HIoGzSiLV3gi9tICwCLcB/s640/DSCF5457_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the props to "my sisters and I are odd and even", demonstrating odd and even principles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my favourite -- practice logical thinking! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make a pair of Shopkins and explain why you matched them:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvj3-e9ZVeE/VyGIJNmvMnI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/gA911oofJhk3pSELbr_1YsEWNTy6Uc88ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0470_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvj3-e9ZVeE/VyGIJNmvMnI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/gA911oofJhk3pSELbr_1YsEWNTy6Uc88ACLcB/s640/IMG_0470_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was loads of logic practice and fun. It could be "a toothbrush and garlic pair - for bad breath cure" or "ice cream and milk because ice cream is made of dairy". They get sillier and sillier!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now for the giveaway, here they are. All our extras from Season 1 to 4!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13d0RLM99PA/VyL0JmyUTDI/AAAAAAAAFlU/KfuUaEkwjaczr6pp1YqIl4VCO6u38gydwCKgB/s1600/IMG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13d0RLM99PA/VyL0JmyUTDI/AAAAAAAAFlU/KfuUaEkwjaczr6pp1YqIl4VCO6u38gydwCKgB/s400/IMG_3412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">120 Shopkins in a Vending Machine Tin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPzgajKtm0/VyL0JmHC10I/AAAAAAAAFlc/Ov2k0Jwo9nQJHZiVSdB8M635NfYaSobOwCKgB/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPzgajKtm0/VyL0JmHC10I/AAAAAAAAFlc/Ov2k0Jwo9nQJHZiVSdB8M635NfYaSobOwCKgB/s400/IMG_3416.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">66 Assorted Shopping Bags from Seasons 1 to 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3fnHuuMdR8/VyL0JjI-_OI/AAAAAAAAFlY/dGIC5ZCy_f47wqJwDTmuVCIPtPcGaWaGQCKgB/s1600/IMG_3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3fnHuuMdR8/VyL0JjI-_OI/AAAAAAAAFlY/dGIC5ZCy_f47wqJwDTmuVCIPtPcGaWaGQCKgB/s400/IMG_3417.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40 Shopping Baskets from Season 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The retail value of this is more than <i>three thousand pesos</i>! Oh yes I'm doing this, folks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(The force of Konmari remains strong in me)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now since this is a big giveaway, all I ask is for you to pay for delivery or come pick them up. I'm guessing that limits the giveaway to readers from the Philippines but you never know! Haha! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's align after you win, shall we?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Follow me on Instagram or Facebook and send me a private message that you're interested. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Voila. That's it. I'll pick the winner after the weekend, and announce on Monday, May 2.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so excited for these to find a good home!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="51" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-53875557512896344232016-03-09T23:56:00.000+08:002016-03-10T08:14:17.880+08:00What A Working Mom Misses Out On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;">I've been a stay-at-home mom for two months and counting.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;">I haven't quit my job -- *breathe out, folks* -- I've just been on bed rest. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
It was Divine providence in many ways. My body's stress signs were screaming for attention : shingles and early labor contractions became medical orders for isolation and complete bed rest. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
A recipe to shut down. And I did. <span style="text-align: center;">Except my guilt didn't when it hit me what I had been missing.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6byB-jVjiA/VuA2dVdwzZI/AAAAAAAAFho/hNk4UBGer4E/s1600/what%2Ba%2Bworking%2Bmom%2Bmisses%2Bout%2Bon%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-center: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6byB-jVjiA/VuA2dVdwzZI/AAAAAAAAFho/hNk4UBGer4E/s640/what%2Ba%2Bworking%2Bmom%2Bmisses%2Bout%2Bon%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<a name='more'></a></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;"></span></center>
<center>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4746180949402229063" name="more"></a></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;">Every working mom has her own recipe for balance and success. Mine is having a lot of help running the household from my husband and his wonderful family, our two helpers and driver. </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">I love the parenting support system and the culture of working women in the Philippines! </span><span style="text-align: left;"> Having a lot of help allows me to devote myself to playful parenting and Montessori at home for my daughter.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;">So I always believed that quality of time made up for the quantity of time I spent at home. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;">This blog is a collection of discoveries and solutions based on that.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></center>
</center>
<center>
But what of <i>time</i>? Quantity of time is the guilty shortfall of working moms.</center>
<center>
In these last three weeks, I realised how I was missing out on more than I thought because of this:</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiPg0h5D3eg/VuA2lmGMTHI/AAAAAAAAFhs/jMGrqslqFik/s1600/DSCF7130_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-center: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiPg0h5D3eg/VuA2lmGMTHI/AAAAAAAAFhs/jMGrqslqFik/s640/DSCF7130_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
This is a picture of my girl being fed by her exasperated daddy. She is six. </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
It's a long story of how we got here, starting with how doctors made us so paranoid about her growth percentile of 15% when she was a toddler. We basically force-fed her with western-sized portions every meal as a result. She grew up with meals as a chore, made only better with the distraction of an iPad and someone to spoon feed her. Poor girl! </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: start;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: start;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
This literally went on until last month.</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
When I realized how my being home made a difference. </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: start;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: start;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">With a lot of time at home, I couldn't help but notice the things I never had the time, attention, nor energy for as a working mom. My daughter didn't know how to use a fork! Her <i>yaya</i>, naturally operating on convenience, would mix up her rice and meat like congee in a bowl and either feed her like a baby, or let her shovel a pre-scooped spoonful into her mouth.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: center;">I was horrified and so very sad at how I had overlooked something so simple. Because here's the downside to the culture of working women in the Philippines: you rarely get home in time for dinner. My daughter eats early at six and then on good days I come home to play, bathe and do bedtime.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">This is how I check on whether she ate well or liked her food for school:</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBieRl6PpCY/VuA2l8q07hI/AAAAAAAAFhw/8fiIfWyYNoA/s1600/IMG_3242_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBieRl6PpCY/VuA2l8q07hI/AAAAAAAAFhw/8fiIfWyYNoA/s400/IMG_3242_1024.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her yaya takes a photo when she unpacks her <i>baon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"></span></center>
<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Worse, this lack of a practical life skill was causing my Dove a lot of anxiety. All the students in her Montessori school eat off plates while she does her Bentgo lunchbox. I'm grateful her teachers understand her anxiety and allow her this, but she's already nervous about next school year - being in a higher grade and not being able to fit in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I promised her we would master eating independently in two weeks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Day One: she practiced proper use of a fork and spoon with uncooked rice:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6gZMQBQ8XA/VuA2mLVXiqI/AAAAAAAAFh0/8HVNoq2LHic/s1600/IMG_1197%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6gZMQBQ8XA/VuA2mLVXiqI/AAAAAAAAFh0/8HVNoq2LHic/s640/IMG_1197%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new practical life lesson! Fork-and-spoon scooping to place in the rice in the bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know what was awesome and sad at the same time? In the end it only took two days. I was going to invent gradual levels of independent eating practice, but the very next day I thought <i>oh,</i> <i>screw it </i>and set up a normal place setting like the first title photo: a placemat, a small plate, a spoon and fork, her meat in a separate bowl with a serving spoon, fruit in a tiny separate plate, her water glass and a small pitcher. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So simple. <i>It was a Montessori weaning table</i> a few years late.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">She ate like a grown-up for the first time in her life. </span>Only a few gentle reminders from me to use her fork to help guide her spoon to scoop. The reminders included those for <i>yaya </i>whom I've had to closely guide until the new meal preparations became a routine for her too. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOqKp0BCVs/VuA2mrIsM8I/AAAAAAAAFh8/xOcUo0WYMMA/s1600/thumb_DSCF9194_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOqKp0BCVs/VuA2mrIsM8I/AAAAAAAAFh8/xOcUo0WYMMA/s640/thumb_DSCF9194_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iPad during meals has stayed. Baby steps!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is just one of the things I noticed when I started paying more thoughtful attention at home. Usually I'm just grateful for the help I receive that I overlook what I thought were minor things that took care of itself. Good Lord. It's like my home was a time bomb waiting to explode.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I share these thoughts as a sad truth that working moms need to acknowledge. </div>
<div>
So does quantity of time win over quality after all? Maybe so in this case.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe it isn't very empowering of me to write this. This is, after all, more work we've got to do on top of everything. But a wake up call is a wake up call, and things can only get better after that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe the lesson is to <i>pay attention, working mom.</i></div>
<div>
<i>What are the things you might be overlooking at home?</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
We don't need to quit our jobs to fix them, but we've got to pay closer attention with our time at home.<br />
You might be surprised what you'll notice when you do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
***</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">P.S.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">February was the official start of my maternity leave : I'm taking mine 1.5 months early for personal reasons. And then add two months of paid maternity leave when my second baby is born by this month. Three and a half months -- it's the longest break I've ever had in my fifteen-year career!</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
I'm spending this time consciously preparing my home life for our new family life. Find me on Instagram for more frequent updates on my whole house Konmari project and my preparations for this next baby to practice Montessori from the start! </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
Renewing our family home life feels wonderful and I'm so grateful for this time. </center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
More on the blog? Hopefully! A DIY Corporate Mom is still the goal.</center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="51" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-16560433411807892202016-02-12T22:40:00.000+08:002016-03-10T06:26:33.033+08:00This is My Home Office Set-up. Seriously.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">I thought I'd give you a laugh and show you where important business calls and global </span>webex conferences happen when I work from home:</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXElprm49vg/Vry-pLB0xII/AAAAAAAAFhA/CJjowVL8gPk/s1600/telco%2Bin%2Bprogress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXElprm49vg/Vry-pLB0xII/AAAAAAAAFhA/CJjowVL8gPk/s640/telco%2Bin%2Bprogress.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I kid you not. This is the only spot in my home where I have decent Globe signal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What it is, is a window <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/10/make-happy-corner.html" target="_blank">in my bedroom</a> that faces a wall and the air-conditioning exhaust fans.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Glamorous isn't it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Most times you'll see my head sticking out of the window and occasionally saying "is this better? can you hear me now?". I look ridiculous balancing a laptop on the ledge. At its worst I step out of my gate and wander our village streets, hoping the sound of cars isn't too distracting for my telco colleagues.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I could at least have a pleasant view. But as you see it is depressing and it needs therapy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Please help me, o domestic goddesses out there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It used to look like this a few years ago, <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2013/09/the-master-bedroom-is-ours.html" target="_blank">when our master bedroom had a makeover</a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vil2t4ZpyDg/Vry5Qg0TIRI/AAAAAAAAFgs/5UVb2IAvhjk/s1600/P1160922_1024_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vil2t4ZpyDg/Vry5Qg0TIRI/AAAAAAAAFgs/5UVb2IAvhjk/s640/P1160922_1024_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful green Thai and baby bamboo in planter boxes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not long after, the Thai bamboo grew <i>fast. </i>The beautiful green leaves are now above the roof and all I see from the window are the trunks.<i> </i>And then summer came and the air-conditioning exhaust fans killed the baby bamboo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klWXZsY9rOQ/Vry5QjMVfcI/AAAAAAAAFgk/CCv0A8DwODQ/s1600/thumb_DSCF8934_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klWXZsY9rOQ/Vry5QjMVfcI/AAAAAAAAFgk/CCv0A8DwODQ/s640/thumb_DSCF8934_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe me no plant could live here. We tried three times.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so because <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2013/02/my-buckets-of-fake-plants.html" target="_blank">I have learned my lesson before</a>, I called in the big guns.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fake bamboo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEbVJDCWTo/Vry5QvYZfuI/AAAAAAAAFgo/JgbWVU-xm44/s1600/thumb_DSCF8935_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEbVJDCWTo/Vry5QvYZfuI/AAAAAAAAFgo/JgbWVU-xm44/s640/thumb_DSCF8935_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorrynotsorrybutmostlysorry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They fooled my mom. Did they fool you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="51" width="200" /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">***</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Did you judge me?</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcL_pu8fvPg/Vr3vxzXa8cI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/ZIU3NtTaFpE/s1600/diy%2Bcorporate%2Bhomemaker_zpsdx3xj136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcL_pu8fvPg/Vr3vxzXa8cI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/ZIU3NtTaFpE/s1600/diy%2Bcorporate%2Bhomemaker_zpsdx3xj136.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/diy.html" target="_blank">Click here to go to the gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-59908695888343654862016-02-11T20:04:00.001+08:002016-02-12T12:26:50.311+08:00The Trouble with Arts and Crafts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so very jealous of all these crafty mamas of the Internet and Instagram showing off their children's art. It makes me feel both inspired <i>and</i> inadequate!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know they are meant well, but I end up expecting picture-perfect finished products from my daughter and feeling frustrated when things don't match the blog post. After years of too many un-fun, high-effort sessions, I've become desensitized to the eye-candy kid crafts on my feed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So here's an idea: how about we working mamas relax and let our kids take the lead? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6-mi66jeAw/VrbqmyzdA7I/AAAAAAAAFeA/Qd-N12bLHw4/s1600/childled%2Bart%2Band%2Bcrafts%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6-mi66jeAw/VrbqmyzdA7I/AAAAAAAAFeA/Qd-N12bLHw4/s640/childled%2Bart%2Band%2Bcrafts%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4746180949402229063" name="more"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I remember getting sucked into the dream from the very beginning. The baby footprint that becomes <i>*so cute!*</i> a butterfly impression. The toddler paint splatters that reveal <i>*ooh clever*</i> a heart when the washi tape is pulled off. The art example where blogger kids cover the *<i>entire*</i> paper with color. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I tried many. And my daughter couldn't have cared less. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To her it was <i>all </i>about the process of creating.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pX1v295jonA/VrtjlV2VVwI/AAAAAAAAFeY/-AOqImfIIV0/s1600/thumb_P1100811_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pX1v295jonA/VrtjlV2VVwI/AAAAAAAAFeY/-AOqImfIIV0/s640/thumb_P1100811_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" width="485" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was meant to be a print-making art activity. I envisioned shapes and textures made through the comb and swabs.<br />
She just cared about mixing colors and feeling the paint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I enrolled my daughter in summer art classes starting 3 years old. She brought home amazing artwork and clay sculptures I never thought a three-year old could do. I spent P2,000 on framing a monarch butterfly oil painting. What a sucker.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With hindsight I now know that everything was mostly directed, finished and polished by her <i>yaya</i>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-hrEiG0TC4/VrtmfaD-2cI/AAAAAAAAFek/NZjhvz4otAQ/s1600/thumb_P1140935_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-hrEiG0TC4/VrtmfaD-2cI/AAAAAAAAFek/NZjhvz4otAQ/s640/thumb_P1140935_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clay projects for summer. Now that I'm wiser, how could a three-year old have done this herself?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why are we parents and teachers so pressured to take over arts and crafts for toddlers and preschoolers? I am so guilty of this. In all our past art playtime I found myself seeing her art with a judgemental eye: looking for symmetry, the use of the "right colors", staying in the lines, <i>looking for the recognizable rather than celebrating any creativity.</i> When I lead the way, I'm still focused on whether the end-result will look good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>But when I leave her alone, magic happens.</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She turns the simple art materials I leave on her shelf into masterpieces only she understands but is so heart-meltingly proud of.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOFA4TrmHV8/VrOCQ_76XhI/AAAAAAAAFdY/TKVvhwjnpsM/s1600/P1010277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOFA4TrmHV8/VrOCQ_76XhI/AAAAAAAAFdY/TKVvhwjnpsM/s640/P1010277.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper, price stickers and crayons. She proudly showed this off when I came home after work. She was still three here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ahh2aZ0P7U/VrwunkpbUfI/AAAAAAAAFfE/z_DLAtZMq5c/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ahh2aZ0P7U/VrwunkpbUfI/AAAAAAAAFfE/z_DLAtZMq5c/s640/Untitled-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS. She folded, refolded, pasted, coloured every layer and took a very very long time perfecting this at three years old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Uk5aemuoY/VrwuntGWmVI/AAAAAAAAFfI/fgshn7FO1g0/s1600/thumb_P1120519_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Uk5aemuoY/VrwuntGWmVI/AAAAAAAAFfI/fgshn7FO1g0/s640/thumb_P1120519_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper, crayons, stickers, buttons and glue. When she was four she made this as a present for her best friend in preschool.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGrvXlQURfE/VrwunjSkpDI/AAAAAAAAFfM/C-hkdoL9noY/s1600/thumb_P1120578_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGrvXlQURfE/VrwunjSkpDI/AAAAAAAAFfM/C-hkdoL9noY/s640/thumb_P1120578_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet paper rolls, popsicle sticks, styrofoam balls, crayons. Her self-directed sandcastle at our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2013/02/old-drawers-into-giant-trays-project.html" target="_blank">DIY sensorial play drawers</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvWOSJ3qlY/Vrwv_mJOarI/AAAAAAAAFfc/xkDK49_rUAw/s1600/thumb_P1120254_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxvWOSJ3qlY/Vrwv_mJOarI/AAAAAAAAFfc/xkDK49_rUAw/s640/thumb_P1120254_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand, paint and popsicle sticks. Our very popular<a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/search?q=sandy+paint" target="_blank"> sandy paint play activity</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDUjqu3ft-8/VrxfvxuZknI/AAAAAAAAFfs/K3WJPaPEp10/s1600/DSCF6800_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDUjqu3ft-8/VrxfvxuZknI/AAAAAAAAFfs/K3WJPaPEp10/s640/DSCF6800_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washi tape and imagination. She doesn't want this removed and picks up the play wherever she left off, at five years old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've found that when I relax and allow her to surprise me, she often does. I watch her with no pressure except to observe and learn about her, not to grade her. Best of all, I enjoy the moment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Relaxing on art also means I allow her more times of being "bored" so she has more chances for creativity without me jumping in with an idea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XF0COONg40/VrOAGIRPx8I/AAAAAAAAFcY/fIzS7Ns33nU/s1600/DSCF4898_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XF0COONg40/VrOAGIRPx8I/AAAAAAAAFcY/fIzS7Ns33nU/s640/DSCF4898_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washi tape, price stickers, letter stickers. Our after-work play for that night was all her idea at five years old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOZUiG8q4eI/VrOAFk9CMXI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/-Cru2zPlsfc/s1600/DSCF4896_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOZUiG8q4eI/VrOAFk9CMXI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/-Cru2zPlsfc/s640/DSCF4896_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfwScHWfprc/VrxwwCRbUuI/AAAAAAAAFf8/BcaaCaAB0I8/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfwScHWfprc/VrxwwCRbUuI/AAAAAAAAFf8/BcaaCaAB0I8/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hers and mine. I follow her lead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At six years old, one weekend it was yarn that was the material of choice:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOiAdZpa7IQ/VrOAHFnRs5I/AAAAAAAAFcs/2y6YZ7p69C0/s1600/DSCF8090_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOiAdZpa7IQ/VrOAHFnRs5I/AAAAAAAAFcs/2y6YZ7p69C0/s640/DSCF8090_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is exactly the scene I walked into.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6nSdtohvG8/VrxxSK0GfwI/AAAAAAAAFgA/QkFccjhkwCk/s1600/Untitled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6nSdtohvG8/VrxxSK0GfwI/AAAAAAAAFgA/QkFccjhkwCk/s640/Untitled2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At this age, her imagination is at its most active. She said these were the ponies' fashions.<br />
I wonder what story this was in head?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Clearly a lot of time and effort was put into this creative outlet:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdl4EZax_6A/VrOAIIvi2XI/AAAAAAAAFc8/nkTn_ttARY8/s1600/DSCF8098_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdl4EZax_6A/VrOAIIvi2XI/AAAAAAAAFc8/nkTn_ttARY8/s640/DSCF8098_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And also a lot of pride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xxo88UA1f5o/VrOAItrpHII/AAAAAAAAFdI/HFarNZucGV8/s1600/DSCF8102_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xxo88UA1f5o/VrOAItrpHII/AAAAAAAAFdI/HFarNZucGV8/s640/DSCF8102_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's seven years old now and I sadly see the beginnings of self-consciousness and insecurity. She compares her work unfavorably to mine. She puts her drawings down. She now draws houses the way you would expect - a chimney, a square window, the rectangle door, the sun in the sky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Is that inevitable?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She took art classes up until a few months ago: Global Art taught her "proper" colouring techniques like shading and hues. She also absolutely loves her weekly art class in her Montessori Elementary school. More and more, art is clearly adult-led: new techniques and skills are introduced to broaden her experience and appreciation of art techniques. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I miss her creative experiments. Art has become a less frequent activity she chooses to do at home. I'm still figuring it out, except I feel the pressure when occasions roll around and my screens positively explode with tempting crafty ideas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And so all the more reason to relax, working mama! I confess it's been liberating to hang back this time and remember that the purpose of art isn't so much the finished craft to proudly display. I wish I hadn't been so controlling during the preschool years when experimenting matters most. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I still love browsing kid craft ideas but now I do it with a different focus. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To collect experiences of creativity. On her terms this time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D818aILDtHE/VrOAIv1BcRI/AAAAAAAAFdE/MyGHIo1Xb50/s1600/DSCF8101_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D818aILDtHE/VrOAIv1BcRI/AAAAAAAAFdE/MyGHIo1Xb50/s640/DSCF8101_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Art with a child's purpose, not mine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="51" width="200" /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is a <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">gallery</a> of "join-in play" : ways to play together</span></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnu9jalgS1c/VryuVBj8KLI/AAAAAAAAFgU/yf0C4c6oQh0/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-02-11%2Bat%2B11.46.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnu9jalgS1c/VryuVBj8KLI/AAAAAAAAFgU/yf0C4c6oQh0/s400/Screenshot%2B2016-02-11%2Bat%2B11.46.51%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-18507559128825094622016-02-07T07:00:00.000+08:002016-02-11T21:26:23.558+08:00Valentines Game on the Hundred Board<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the biggest challenges in this daily working mom juggle is finding the time and energy to play after getting home from the office. That's why I leave-behind play trays ready in her room so inspiration and energy takes a lot less effort. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This idea is Montessori-inspired <i>and </i>easy to do, which frankly are two things that don't often go together, in this lazy mama's opinion. So I'm sharing this little hack with you to tweak for your preschooler or early elementary lovey. We did this last year for Valentines:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQDPOwoWcJo/VrASWVIZiTI/AAAAAAAAFYI/VXZSOQHXV34/s1600/hundred%2Bboard%2Bvalentines%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQDPOwoWcJo/VrASWVIZiTI/AAAAAAAAFYI/VXZSOQHXV34/s640/hundred%2Bboard%2Bvalentines%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you haven't heard of the <i>hundred board</i> yet, don't leave this post. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's an amazingly simple Montessori material - a 10x10 grid of the numbers 1 to 100 - that helps with counting, recognizing numbers, adding, subtracting, and number patterns in multiplication. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09JykPfs6V8/VrLCbp7qG7I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/3ZkxQicvxnw/s1600/M13-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09JykPfs6V8/VrLCbp7qG7I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/3ZkxQicvxnw/s320/M13-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Alison's Montessori</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The amount of information and activities Montessori's have come up with on the hundred board is completely overwhelming to me. This <a href="http://buggyandbuddy.com/finding-number-patterns-using-a-hundreds-chart-with-free-printable/" target="_blank">simple post</a> by Buggy and Buddy is the easiest basic read I've found with simple ways to get started. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now how to get a hundred board?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hundred-board-montessori-approach/id406327239?mt=8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">an app </a>for this which I downloaded back in her preschool days. Meh. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not as satisfying as working with the real thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is where for the very first time I think it's worth a printable. I normally hate, hate, <i>hate</i> printables because they give me an inferiority complex of never actually getting around to print (much less laminate) the damn things. If you're like me, I promise this is an exception. Follow <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-cVjZBMBNNXeDMtM09XOV9idjQ/edit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this link</a> by Buggy and Buddy to a freebie template to print the grid and tiles at home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, but I still cheated my way out of this effort. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Luckily her math-whiz cousin happened to have one that we borrowed (for half a year, haha).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>On to the game!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_78SWMi06w/VrASxwWzqVI/AAAAAAAAFYw/EqrFn5NNE9M/s1600/DSCF4994_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_78SWMi06w/VrASxwWzqVI/AAAAAAAAFYw/EqrFn5NNE9M/s640/DSCF4994_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
During our floor time together after work, I'd bring out the hundred board and say we were going to play a sticker game. I give her an equation to solve and she marks the board with a sticker. We do one or two a night, and it went on for many nights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was mastering addition then so those were what I'd give her. Paired with our handy number sticks, it was a great way to squeeze in math practice every night without <i>(ugh)</i> worksheets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-bPKac0chg/VrASVlzu38I/AAAAAAAAFXw/3OwgVqQDDGY/s1600/IMG_5866_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-bPKac0chg/VrASVlzu38I/AAAAAAAAFXw/3OwgVqQDDGY/s640/IMG_5866_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our handy makeshift <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/11/diy-mini-whiteboards.html" target="_blank">whiteboards</a> are always ready. As are our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/number-sticks-math-rods-cuisenaire-rods.html" target="_blank">number sticks</a> - four years and counting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Depending on what you want your lovey to master, you can call out a number to practice place value for early preschoolers, all the way to a multiplication or division equation for the older child.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, we do this in bed. Don't judge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsvaVgiI4_c/VrASUFWktBI/AAAAAAAAFXU/D3KCuX7kXQA/s1600/DSCF4992_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsvaVgiI4_c/VrASUFWktBI/AAAAAAAAFXU/D3KCuX7kXQA/s640/DSCF4992_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYDrdq929bk/VrASUCj8U0I/AAAAAAAAFXY/Fazu2uju43c/s1600/DSCF4987_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYDrdq929bk/VrASUCj8U0I/AAAAAAAAFXY/Fazu2uju43c/s400/DSCF4987_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I keep the hundred board on that clear tray with the stickers, whiteboard and marker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLVrDqRnFSY/VrASVlU1W1I/AAAAAAAAFX4/MNUvW73CbOU/s1600/IMG_5868_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLVrDqRnFSY/VrASVlU1W1I/AAAAAAAAFX4/MNUvW73CbOU/s400/IMG_5868_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These stickers are from her art shelves - we've had them handy since she was two. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I kept this going for a good lazy month all the way to Valentines. One or two equations every few days or so. From simple addition mastery, I also used some days to see to whether she could handle dynamic addition. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It became a useful way to keep learning about my daughter. See, I grew up learning math the traditional way so I've found that sometimes I end up derailing her Montessori curriculum when I teach the way I learned. So these moments are good parenting practice for me to strike a balance of testing her, teaching her, and hanging back patiently to see how she would solve equations. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/number-sticks-math-rods-cuisenaire-rods.html" target="_blank">Thank goodness for number sticks</a> as our common language!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txr9K_cmRKw/VrASVLXy3jI/AAAAAAAAFXk/UgARCJRsS4Y/s1600/DSCF5776_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txr9K_cmRKw/VrASVLXy3jI/AAAAAAAAFXk/UgARCJRsS4Y/s640/DSCF5776_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming along midway point. One thing that keeps this going as play for us: she gives ME equations to do, too. <br />
That way I'm not being a teacher, we're playmates.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes I mix it up by using the abacus instead of the number sticks:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwMt2SMGga4/VrASU_SAVGI/AAAAAAAAFXg/W-e3cih8cvg/s1600/DSCF5775_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwMt2SMGga4/VrASU_SAVGI/AAAAAAAAFXg/W-e3cih8cvg/s640/DSCF5775_1024.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here we are all done!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcQxUR8ZQzc/VrASVcBTF9I/AAAAAAAAFXs/S5ZMjVfHzz4/s1600/DSCF5838_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcQxUR8ZQzc/VrASVcBTF9I/AAAAAAAAFXs/S5ZMjVfHzz4/s640/DSCF5838_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentines, Sweetie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you've been following our little space on Instagram, you'll see some other ways we use the hundred board to play together. I finally ordered a legit one! Oooh, come see:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ds1YX5qyf8/VrAT3tjUCUI/AAAAAAAAFY8/FFZKEFbTH5k/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ds1YX5qyf8/VrAT3tjUCUI/AAAAAAAAFY8/FFZKEFbTH5k/s400/IMG_0978.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spiffy new hundred board ordered from <a href="http://www.montessorionmars.com/p/the-mom-store.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Montessori On Mars</a>. <br />
Finally you can get the real stuff in the Philippines. Cost: 1,650 pesos. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
I am ridiculously excited to see how else we can keep playing and mastering math now that she's in first grade. I haven't found a lot of resources out there for elementary hundred board activities. </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
It's a shame! I think it's still a wonderful hands-on math material to have around.</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
For a math-hater, I seem to be doing a lot of math posts! </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
I guess this working mom is still learning a thing or two, too.</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="51" style="text-align: -webkit-center;" width="200" /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
***</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
Here's a shortlist of preschool resources that I've tried that didn't overload my poor brain:</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://buggyandbuddy.com/finding-number-patterns-using-a-hundreds-chart-with-free-printable/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Finding Number Patterns Using a Hundred Chart</a> by Buggy and Buddy </i>is an easy start</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://plantingpeas.com/montessori-hundred-board/" target="_blank">Montessori Hundred Board</a> by Planting Peas </i>with adorable videos that will make you wish you were a homeschooler</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.pinayhomeschooler.com/2015/02/fun-math-activities-for-numbers-20-to-99.html" target="_blank">Hundred Board Activities Practicing Logic </a>by Pinay Homeschooler </i>is great for some preschool mastery</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://denisegaskins.com/2008/09/22/things-to-do-hundred-chart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>30+ Things to Do with a Hundred Board </i></a><i>by Denise Gaskins </i>is already overwhelming but I found a few easy gems</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's more easy Montessori for the working mom in this gallery <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/gallery-montessori-inspiration-for.html" target="_blank">here</a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://Montessori for Working Moms" target="_blank"><img alt="Montessori for Working Moms" border="0" height="186" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqvjBaIHCKY/VrNeEq7ng7I/AAAAAAAAFZg/njs3pQc_4gU/s320/Screenshot%2B2016-02-04%2Bat%2B10.19.32%2BPM.png" title="Montessori for Working Moms" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or other easy play ideas to do after-work in this gallery <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/gallery-after-work-play-ideas.html" target="_blank">here</a>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/gallery-after-work-play-ideas.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G75B87XB_Nc/VrNfX-52pvI/AAAAAAAAFZs/Wo6T2whXsYQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2016-02-04%2Bat%2B10.24.59%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to <a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/2016/02/01/sweet-valentines-day-sensory-bin-with-practical-life-and-math-activities-montessori-monday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Montessori Mondays</a> and <a href="http://www.christianmontessorinetwork.com/category/learn-and-play/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Learn & Play Link Up</a></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-69513583940803210612016-02-05T00:00:00.000+08:002016-02-05T00:12:34.025+08:00More Twinkly Lights to Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/typoshop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Typo</a> is in Manila, I am equal parts delighted and dismayed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was easy to hold back on the decor coochies during trips to Singapore, but now <i>hoo boy</i>. Everything is just too tempting for someone who is never done changing things up at home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went crazy for their battery-operated twinkle lights over the holiday season. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1p9uWGbSXpk/VrNuj-2c3LI/AAAAAAAAFaM/9AdlY7dbElo/s1600/thumb_DSCF8836_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1p9uWGbSXpk/VrNuj-2c3LI/AAAAAAAAFaM/9AdlY7dbElo/s640/thumb_DSCF8836_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a dreamy cascade of lights over our bed - these are the last lights I switch off at night<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ANn1F4zcw4/VrNujw7RMTI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/J6WEoTeJTVE/s1600/thumb_DSCF8837_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ANn1F4zcw4/VrNujw7RMTI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/J6WEoTeJTVE/s640/thumb_DSCF8837_1024.jpg" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink twinkle lights in copper wire make a marquee out of our existing wooden letters<br />
in Ladybug Girl's stage area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I love them so much, I'm not taking them down for a very very long time.</center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">At least until the battery-expense guilt outweighs the joy.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">But hey there's always rechargeables!</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="51" width="200" /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">because a home is always a WIP project:</span></center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/diy.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kj8s9n-NQu8/VrN3i3cPQ6I/AAAAAAAAFag/ehloyCxxHBs/s1600/diy%2Bcorporate%2Bhomemaker_zpsdx3xj136.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that's "work-in-progress"<a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/diy.html" target="_blank"> - see gallery here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-61522774156055811272016-01-26T22:54:00.000+08:002016-02-01T12:40:27.510+08:00A Montessori Birthday is Love and Genius<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before I start including Montessori Elementary stories in this blog, here's a last fond look at Montessori Preschool and the clever tradition they have to celebrate birthdays.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the spirit of mixing it up so home "work" doesn't mirror school activities all the time, I'd like to share this with my fellow toddler/preschool moms who actually <i>aren't</i> into Montessori schools or do lessons strictly at home. Do this at birthday party programs! At the intimate family cake blowing! You are definitely the best "teacher" for this, too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQI-Ri_jNm0/VqY75rk8uWI/AAAAAAAAFUI/6kF8nVyQhyg/s1600/montessori%2Bbirthday%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQI-Ri_jNm0/VqY75rk8uWI/AAAAAAAAFUI/6kF8nVyQhyg/s640/montessori%2Bbirthday%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
The idea is a 10 minute ceremony that celebrates the story of a child's life, year by year, from birth to present birthday. It's not only a way to make them feel special, it's got educational value too : it teaches that a year is the amount of time it takes for Earth to circle the Sun once. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Best of all, the materials needed are so easy:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>a candle</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>a globe, real or improvised</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>one interesting photo per year of the celebrant</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>optional: something to make a large orbit around the candle (chalk, string)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>optional: labels for the months of the year and the birthdate number</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The simple setup:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWoy1-pQfg/VqdSSYxkd5I/AAAAAAAAFUk/W1707lq5dAY/s1600/bday%2Bmaterials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWoy1-pQfg/VqdSSYxkd5I/AAAAAAAAFUk/W1707lq5dAY/s640/bday%2Bmaterials.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The layout of the months are optional. Not pictured here is the orbit made around the sun with chalk or string.<br />
Unless you have an ultrasound photo (like ours above) then the photos only come out during the ceremony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Start the ceremony!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etISl4f_t7Q/Vqd7yEe4vCI/AAAAAAAAFVA/D9h2T1n2_s0/s1600/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etISl4f_t7Q/Vqd7yEe4vCI/AAAAAAAAFVA/D9h2T1n2_s0/s640/crown.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her teacher announced her birthday and crowned her (your choice!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Begin hosting duties by demonstrating - walk slowly around the candle holding the globe, explaining that each stands for the sun and the earth. Every time the Earth goes all the way around the sun, a whole year has passed. One time around the sun takes a year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you have an ultrasound photo of the birthday child pre-birth, bring it out and talk about it - what was special about your pregnancy, funny stories, whatever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then hand the globe over to the celebrant and let them have a go around the sun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSz53YiiklU/Vqd59UvFhII/AAAAAAAAFU0/9Hji762tPjA/s1600/earth%2Bgoes%2Bround.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSz53YiiklU/Vqd59UvFhII/AAAAAAAAFU0/9Hji762tPjA/s640/earth%2Bgoes%2Bround.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A great touch: singing! Her teacher sang this to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell":</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"The Earth goes 'round the sun</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The Earth goes 'round the sun</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The Earth goes 'round and 'round the sun</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And (name) turns <u>one</u>"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
... just as the child finishes her turn around the sun. The birthday celebrant is now a year old!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bring out the first photo for some storytelling. This can be child-led or led by you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFyhR4JERrA/Vqd-SjJcZOI/AAAAAAAAFVM/S1aoSwGYpD4/s1600/photo%2Bstory%2Btelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFyhR4JERrA/Vqd-SjJcZOI/AAAAAAAAFVM/S1aoSwGYpD4/s640/photo%2Bstory%2Btelling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl2O-6JOLlU/Vqd_nRKI9eI/AAAAAAAAFVY/bI-23W5QMLY/s1600/photo%2Bstorytelling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl2O-6JOLlU/Vqd_nRKI9eI/AAAAAAAAFVY/bI-23W5QMLY/s640/photo%2Bstorytelling2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where choosing a photo with a story behind it is best! A good memory to share enjoyed by everyone else too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You get the picture! Just keep going until you reach the present birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When it's all done, the birthday child gets to blow out the sun:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnCJAmjetNM/VqeA2A9QJiI/AAAAAAAAFVk/z3ehKgVVCXs/s1600/blow%2Bcandle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnCJAmjetNM/VqeA2A9QJiI/AAAAAAAAFVk/z3ehKgVVCXs/s640/blow%2Bcandle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is then the perfect time to bring out the cake to blow or maybe a special gift to open:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZrIo93RoaQ/VqeDPQdHm4I/AAAAAAAAFVw/3BRlNYL7oQQ/s1600/blow%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZrIo93RoaQ/VqeDPQdHm4I/AAAAAAAAFVw/3BRlNYL7oQQ/s640/blow%2Bcake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing the cake she DIY-decorated herself with candles and toys I brought</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPtP-VmU5rs/VqYWYahwwgI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/fYsZ_CcTtX8/s1600/DSCF5340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPtP-VmU5rs/VqYWYahwwgI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/fYsZ_CcTtX8/s640/DSCF5340.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having the family or friends join in to decorate the cake is a nice touch. We did that for her seventh birthday cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or it may be the perfect time for the birthday child to hand out some giveaways:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bB2IeQvpx_k/VqiMh7Ugu0I/AAAAAAAAFWA/O9YaUvfDCWk/s1600/DSCF5264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bB2IeQvpx_k/VqiMh7Ugu0I/AAAAAAAAFWA/O9YaUvfDCWk/s640/DSCF5264.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've done Choose-Your-Shopkins giveaways for the last two years. Girls <i>and</i> boys love them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isn't that a meaningful and simple way to honour a child on their birthday?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Best of all it's everything this working mom could wish for : short and easy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To prepare <i>and</i> to execute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/05/work-events-this-working-mom-can-live.html" target="_blank">corporate events</a> should be like that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just saying.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="51" width="200" /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*more Montessori inspiration for the working mom in the gallery <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/gallery-montessori-inspiration-for.html" target="_blank">here</a>.*</span></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-12450862666481206272016-01-24T22:59:00.000+08:002016-01-25T10:29:03.105+08:00Evolution of Our Library Room with the Konmari Method<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnwcmHuGblA/VqOBIt-UklI/AAAAAAAAFLc/hFbB0sISOog/s1600/library%2Broom%2Band%2Bkonmari%2Bproject.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnwcmHuGblA/VqOBIt-UklI/AAAAAAAAFLc/hFbB0sISOog/s640/library%2Broom%2Band%2Bkonmari%2Bproject.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This has been the most dramatic change Konmari has done for me. I kid you not.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A total transformation of this spare room from this six-year dumpsite:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icAR5QTHAj8/VqOqlgK6ECI/AAAAAAAAFLs/G9xsEe6ManM/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icAR5QTHAj8/VqOqlgK6ECI/AAAAAAAAFLs/G9xsEe6ManM/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have kept wasting hours and hours clearing and rearranging this room over and over for the last six years.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a disaster area, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the downside to this goal of "discovering a hands-on parenting style with a full-time corporate career" (on my blog header). You get a full-blown mess of play ideas saved up and Montessori-inspired activities to-do-someday without any time to organise its storage. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not to mention the play spaces I like to carve out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the toy collections my husband can't help but complete. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our house is bursting at its seams!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And so seven months ago, <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2015/12/beginning-to-konmari-bedroom.html" target="_blank">after my initiation into Konmari with my clothes closet</a>, I began to tackle one of the next things she had in her list of chronological categories - the books. I thought books would be another easy thing to gain confidence from and my first bout of failure-success with my closet made me make faster decisions this time around. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ood47fiEpQ/VqO3MoY88UI/AAAAAAAAFL8/HHUCo9eoHNM/s1600/purged%2Bbooks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ood47fiEpQ/VqO3MoY88UI/AAAAAAAAFL8/HHUCo9eoHNM/s400/purged%2Bbooks.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a fraction of the ton of books that were purged! <br />
Sanne of <a href="http://www.thelearningbasket.com/store" target="_blank">The Learning Basket</a> chose the best and the rest went into the garage sale pile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Children's books are one thing I happily splurge on, read myself, and curate a growing collection. I bought most of my daughter's books brand new, and many from business trips abroad since the children's literature in book stores here are so disappointing. That's why at first it was <i>really</i> hard to let go even though we desperately needed to make more room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are the hits and misses of this Konmari episode.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>HITS:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"There is no meaning to books being on your shelves. You read books for the </i>experience<i> of reading." - Mari Kondo</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;">For my own books, I've gone digital a long time ago. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can get nearly any book I want for cheaper, and instantly bring it with me on my iPad and iPhone. Sure I love real books, but dealing with the clutter after reading it isn't worth it anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0rGdPKgRmo/VqScnkuQncI/AAAAAAAAFMk/4weM_1K17fo/s1600/IMG_1078%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0rGdPKgRmo/VqScnkuQncI/AAAAAAAAFMk/4weM_1K17fo/s400/IMG_1078%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My library is my Kindle app on the iPad. I've never looked back. Or been bored during waiting times.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even business reference books I've accumulated, I've passed on to others. I put the digital versions on a wishlist on my Amazon account just in case I need to buy them again. It's never happened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I only have about fifteen real books : decor, art and selected play idea books mostly because the Kindle versions don't work with pictures well. In the years I've gone digital, I've gone hardcore: if someone lends or gives me a book, I read through it for a while and if I like it I buy the digital version and pass on the hardcopy! It's totally worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Purge workbooks and magazines.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"I urge you to stop insisting that you will use them someday." - Mari Kondo</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I admit, this made me laugh. I couldn't argue with such simple logic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYTsXXyjMoA/Vpv5u2uyMRI/AAAAAAAAFH0/y4MiJ_AvAPA/s1600/IMG_8933_1024%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYTsXXyjMoA/Vpv5u2uyMRI/AAAAAAAAFH0/y4MiJ_AvAPA/s400/IMG_8933_1024%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the recycling bin or garage pile this went. Even that lovely book shelf!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Keep those that belong in the hall of fame.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was Kondo's words; the book version of her <i>"keep only what sparks joy" </i>rule. This is where tackling our huge children's book collection was tricky. I needed to get my daughter's help for the books that she had clearly outgrown in reading level. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6gXu_OKhtc/Vpv5ujAEYlI/AAAAAAAAFHw/6NplGMO6jlc/s1600/IMG_8932_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6gXu_OKhtc/Vpv5ujAEYlI/AAAAAAAAFHw/6NplGMO6jlc/s400/IMG_8932_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">That step cleared away this bookshelf which went into the garage sale too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I ended up giving her three decisions: pack away, lend out, or sell. The <i>pack away</i> option was my compromise with her daddy to store in her grandma's house (a Konmari rule-breaker). It was how I knew the books had special memories and joy for my daughter, so I went with the compromise. There were some which she still wanted to keep on the shelves. I took executive-decision liberties with the <i>lend out </i>and <i>sell</i> pile though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>THERE WAS ONE BIG MISS:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"Tidying up by location is a fatal mistake. We fail to see that we're repeating the same work in many locations and become locked into a vicious cycle of tidying. To avoid this, I recommend tidying by category." - Mari Kondo</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While I was quick on the books, I got so distracted by the rest of the room's play pile that the whole library project took two entire months to "finish". I began to purge the toys and educational materials around too - which I know is a mistake because I've got other storage spaces they're hiding in. So I'm not done. I've dumped the remnants into one closet and I've got to get through them separately.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also tried a layout that split the room into two parts - a library and <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2016/01/spare-extra-table-for-play.html" target="_blank">a spare table for play</a>. But Konmari gave me the courage to get rid of furniture too (always the hardest to part with the big stuff!). One large open room was really the best solution for this space.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>This is now my favourite room in the whole house.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's one side:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hGivOp3kl0/Vpv5zTu9nxI/AAAAAAAAFJc/5_iZ0W06FEs/s1600/thumb_DSCF8563_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hGivOp3kl0/Vpv5zTu9nxI/AAAAAAAAFJc/5_iZ0W06FEs/s640/thumb_DSCF8563_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still managed to have that spare table for play. We bought that new daybed in the corner from the West Elm opening sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love arranging books by color! Not only does it make sense to everyone in the house (kid and <i>yaya</i>-friendly), but I would honestly go crazy keeping track of books organized by-topic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it's soo pretty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XjB-aovtXA/VqTbK3eiviI/AAAAAAAAFM0/7Kyo89T9eVU/s1600/thumb_DSCF8565_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XjB-aovtXA/VqTbK3eiviI/AAAAAAAAFM0/7Kyo89T9eVU/s640/thumb_DSCF8565_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The book bins at the bottom hold thin paper back books, also by color. <br />
Some books have a color-sticker on the cover so everyone knows what color bin to return it to.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The book bins are the ultimate cheapo solution : I had bought them for 75-each from a warehouse in Pampanga, back when you couldn't find any organizing stuff in malls and specialty stores. They only came in blue and red, and I've used and reused them all these years inside closets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They were so dirty that I was about to throw them out until I decided to give them one last life. I literally experimented painting them with poster paint <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which was dumb)</span>, fabric paint, acrylic paint ... one per night... slapped on in ten minutes with Ladybug Girl's help and left to dry... I'm surprised they turned out so bright and sturdy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not everything is color-coded. The title collections go together, like:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GoY3Rr3lWk/Vpv5qAm3NnI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/bgHAdlTJr7w/s1600/DSCF8236_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GoY3Rr3lWk/Vpv5qAm3NnI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/bgHAdlTJr7w/s400/DSCF8236_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Berenstain Bears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIbeSflc4mo/Vpv5qbjuIoI/AAAAAAAAFGI/CdJlD3c_5NY/s1600/DSCF8238_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIbeSflc4mo/Vpv5qbjuIoI/AAAAAAAAFGI/CdJlD3c_5NY/s400/DSCF8238_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mr. Mens (with toys in a plastic box!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wholId164BE/Vpv5qSKbyhI/AAAAAAAAFGM/Mkv0Spf84Fs/s1600/DSCF8239_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wholId164BE/Vpv5qSKbyhI/AAAAAAAAFGM/Mkv0Spf84Fs/s400/DSCF8239_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cat in the Hats (left cubbyhole)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17kU51j08uw/Vpv5pyUPXVI/AAAAAAAAFGA/XWPxUEi0CKc/s1600/DSCF8234_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17kU51j08uw/Vpv5pyUPXVI/AAAAAAAAFGA/XWPxUEi0CKc/s400/DSCF8234_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pinkalicious-es, Charlie and Lola's, Child's Play Fairy Tales, Fancy Nancy's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj4S5mrdwd0/Vpv5rAfH_6I/AAAAAAAAFGY/NFL6hRO1U5w/s1600/DSCF8247_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj4S5mrdwd0/Vpv5rAfH_6I/AAAAAAAAFGY/NFL6hRO1U5w/s400/DSCF8247_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ivy and Beans, Juni B Joneses, Wimpy Kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The spare table in the middle has natural sunlight that makes it so lovely to work or play here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW5l-7WChHc/Vpv5yOw9P9I/AAAAAAAAFI0/P29GdpiUpmk/s1600/thumb_DSCF8556_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW5l-7WChHc/Vpv5yOw9P9I/AAAAAAAAFI0/P29GdpiUpmk/s640/thumb_DSCF8556_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally, here's the other side of the room:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CeVg6Cm_7E/Vpv5zXmS-OI/AAAAAAAAFJg/2wuTx72Wz_4/s1600/thumb_DSCF8564_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CeVg6Cm_7E/Vpv5zXmS-OI/AAAAAAAAFJg/2wuTx72Wz_4/s640/thumb_DSCF8564_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were two makeovers in this side : the two shelves were converted from an <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/75305709/" target="_blank">Ikea Rast dresser</a>.<br />
And that pegboard is repurposed from what used to be a strange second door leading to a shared bathroom.<br />
(I guess they're for another story, but here is the story of our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2015/07/its-more-fun-bleached-floors.html" target="_blank">bleached floors makeover</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I asked her to help me arrange her beloved Magic Tree House collection shelf:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpelWoUmyOM/Vpv5xZXEmjI/AAAAAAAAFIo/54DYRbmiuEc/s1600/thumb_DSCF8555_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpelWoUmyOM/Vpv5xZXEmjI/AAAAAAAAFIo/54DYRbmiuEc/s640/thumb_DSCF8555_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She arranged them by chronological order and stacked them herself.<br />
(See the story of our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2015/07/meet-our-book-cart.html" target="_blank">book cart</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSexwUzPF2c/Vpv5y00puQI/AAAAAAAAFJM/fZoJnqqfBzw/s1600/thumb_DSCF8561_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSexwUzPF2c/Vpv5y00puQI/AAAAAAAAFJM/fZoJnqqfBzw/s640/thumb_DSCF8561_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still room for future books! <br />
The other shelf holds her Nate the Greats, Princess Poseys and others.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the view from the doorway - a very rare place in my home that's finished!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--L1LOO0I0tQ/Vpv5zMyZbxI/AAAAAAAAFJU/k4FdEgL6sEY/s1600/thumb_DSCF8562_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--L1LOO0I0tQ/Vpv5zMyZbxI/AAAAAAAAFJU/k4FdEgL6sEY/s640/thumb_DSCF8562_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvpvldmNjKw/Vpv50qXllII/AAAAAAAAFKE/qE3O3L1E_Ik/s1600/thumb_DSCF8737_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvpvldmNjKw/Vpv50qXllII/AAAAAAAAFKE/qE3O3L1E_Ik/s640/thumb_DSCF8737_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best view ever.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
***</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
But wait, there's more. </center>
<center>
A very big catch.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Soon after this room was done,</center>
<center>
I got pregnant! </center>
<center>
So this library will turn into a nursery in two months.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Hahahahahahahahaha. </center>
<center>
Lord, you are funny and wise.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
***</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s403/DIYCorporateMom/DCM%20Branding/my%20signature_zpsbzxgesnn.jpg" height="50" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-32259885738555705462016-01-17T23:11:00.003+08:002016-01-18T09:32:13.114+08:00Spare An Extra Table for Play<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The internet world makes it look easy, but as a working mom I can't just whip out play ideas all the time. I've had to test a lot of working mom hacks for the awesome play ideas thought of by moms who could supervise their kids themselves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Usually they are kept in self-contained individual play trays in her room. But I've found that setting up a <i>showcase</i> <i>table</i> in the home can work wonders to spark more interest. Go big or be ignored.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are ten of the big play invitations around our home in the last two years that formed my "spare table play theory". Totally made that up but it works.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdPo0nKz968/VppbuSlTvCI/AAAAAAAAFEo/zCkNd0PPpzg/s1600/spare%2Btable%2Bplay%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdPo0nKz968/VppbuSlTvCI/AAAAAAAAFEo/zCkNd0PPpzg/s400/spare%2Btable%2Bplay%2Btitle.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The spare table play theory actually works best on toddlers and young preschoolers where a 'prepared environment' really sparks new interest, but these ideas here are mostly when she was five to six.<br />
<br />
My first experiment when she was almost four : she was heavily interested in art appreciation and I planned a sponge shape painting activity to do together after work. We didn't get the chance, so rather than clear everything and set it up again the next night, I left it out on her main work table. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We created this big artwork for two nights:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTr7HKRHQLE/VppjrUkP7UI/AAAAAAAAFE4/nXT_V723qpQ/s1600/DSCF3131_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTr7HKRHQLE/VppjrUkP7UI/AAAAAAAAFE4/nXT_V723qpQ/s640/DSCF3131_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a large tray-sized packaging lid from a set of placemats, repurposed as a large art canvas. Set out sponges cut into shapes and trays of poster paint to create a Paul Klee-inspired landscape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was so convenient that I started setting up more spare table ideas since then.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A table can also hold very large trays to catch messy art projects like these: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3amm1uqMiY/VppYHd8BIEI/AAAAAAAAFBo/LsayZuly7xQ/s1600/DSCF4770_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3amm1uqMiY/VppYHd8BIEI/AAAAAAAAFBo/LsayZuly7xQ/s640/DSCF4770_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid watercolors on salt. The salt sits in a plastic shoebox lid, and a Trofast Ikea drawer holds everything in nicely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkqfhYaeAjI/VppYKPzTZnI/AAAAAAAAFC0/9Y9n1uFDQsU/s1600/DSCF6227_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkqfhYaeAjI/VppYKPzTZnI/AAAAAAAAFC0/9Y9n1uFDQsU/s640/DSCF6227_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing liquid watercolor art on large watercolor paper contained in her sandpuff bin (which is the size of a movie poster)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can tell she's a lot more excited about art when it's big projects like these!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How about puzzles? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Using a spare table to set up large-sized puzzles is a great way to get it noticed or out of storage:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpZCplNXZfo/VppYHV-Ce0I/AAAAAAAAFBw/_tJhX0xcvaw/s1600/DSCF4855_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HpZCplNXZfo/VppYHV-Ce0I/AAAAAAAAFBw/_tJhX0xcvaw/s640/DSCF4855_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut up the grid and pattern samples in this Plan Toys set and left behind this tray with the color tiles next to it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHKKFAkThRo/VppYIHEvoyI/AAAAAAAAFB8/tPGvyYWkAqQ/s1600/DSCF5460_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHKKFAkThRo/VppYIHEvoyI/AAAAAAAAFB8/tPGvyYWkAqQ/s640/DSCF5460_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2015/05/leave-behind-easy-geography-lesson.html" target="_blank">leave-behind geography invitation</a>, this one on Thailand after a family trip there.<br />
This spare table was set up in our "library" spare room during its many overhauls in the last few years. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f9XV5Nm6UEc/VppYLw2nzZI/AAAAAAAAFDg/WNnbSXRL7Zs/s1600/thumb_DSCF8559_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f9XV5Nm6UEc/VppYLw2nzZI/AAAAAAAAFDg/WNnbSXRL7Zs/s640/thumb_DSCF8559_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Our latest "spare table" space in another reincarnation of our spare "library" room makeover (coming soon).<br />
The world puzzle map inspired book-making about places and things she knows about, like Madagascar penguins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Obviously we don't really do "unit studies" which homeschoolers do as lesson plans for topics. But a spare table lets me spark an interest by grouping together books and toys as a nice little showcase inviting her to explore on her own or together after I get home:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjGmkbuHlxI/VppYKSAyXGI/AAAAAAAAFC8/G7gkLRJZ8A8/s1600/DSCF6246_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjGmkbuHlxI/VppYKSAyXGI/AAAAAAAAFC8/G7gkLRJZ8A8/s640/DSCF6246_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She became interested in the human body sometime last year, so I put our toys on a table together : a book on skeletons, a skeleton model, and this wooden puzzle from Muji which she did on her own</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A62vDTvcbAg/VpuVlAKClwI/AAAAAAAAFFI/fJFdmF0UxsQ/s1600/DSCF6249_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A62vDTvcbAg/VpuVlAKClwI/AAAAAAAAFFI/fJFdmF0UxsQ/s640/DSCF6249_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the rest of that human body showcase. I know it's way over a preschooler's level but the book sparked an interest and she asked to buy the internal organs model one toy store trip. We don't do anything but read the book and match the parts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then the spare table becomes a holiday card station:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJdiR6LeURk/VppYKoiYCvI/AAAAAAAAFDA/fGvMlFgkPfM/s1600/DSCF6908_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJdiR6LeURk/VppYKoiYCvI/AAAAAAAAFDA/fGvMlFgkPfM/s640/DSCF6908_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentines Card Making</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRzNNnUXDBY/VpudUoTVfmI/AAAAAAAAFFY/_LKkQ_BF-c4/s1600/DSCF9009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRzNNnUXDBY/VpudUoTVfmI/AAAAAAAAFFY/_LKkQ_BF-c4/s640/DSCF9009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Gift Decorating (finished work)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lastly, a spare table can be used to leave behind big tinkering projects:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtpcKS1_n6w/VppYK2kE06I/AAAAAAAAFDM/UZIs9pZGwX8/s1600/DSCF7979_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtpcKS1_n6w/VppYK2kE06I/AAAAAAAAFDM/UZIs9pZGwX8/s640/DSCF7979_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammering and building table with scrap styrofoam pieces and real nails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or simple classic ones:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEdOdnI0O08/VppYMxa9CRI/AAAAAAAAFD0/JAn9e8EQvSE/s1600/thumb_DSCF8637_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEdOdnI0O08/VppYMxa9CRI/AAAAAAAAFD0/JAn9e8EQvSE/s640/thumb_DSCF8637_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leave paper and art materials out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A spare table can be anywhere in the house - I've done one in almost every room. A little overboard but as much as I dream for a minimal home, let's face it. It's really not me as a parent. I get too excited by all the ideas I can do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I see it as maximising our home for what really matters : quality play within easy reach for much more quality time together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Got table? Have play!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="27" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s1600/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*going into the leave-behind play archive! see more <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/blog-page_18.html" target="_blank">here</a>*</span></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-12722817487633073472016-01-07T22:45:00.000+08:002016-03-10T06:50:26.220+08:00Why I'm Ignoring The Backlash For Discipline<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My newsfeed is filled with viral articles shaking their fingers at parents for being too lenient with their children. Too much praise! Not enough chores! Let them bleed! Too much indulgence! And notice how the poor Millennials are taking the first beating from being raised as an entitled generation? It will only get worse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I suppose it's inevitable that with helicopter parenting comes the backlash on the case for discipline. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Frankly, I'm ignoring all that. I still read them and I take in the balancing wisdom, but largely I don't let it affect the parenting style I've chosen. I think much of this backlash is old-school thinking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My current corporate job + my forever-career as a mom has me nerding up on child development and reading the science behind child education. I've realized that much of modern parenting and progressive education makes so much scientific sense. (I'm putting Montessori as part of progressive education even though it started in the 1910s because Maria Montessori was a freaking genius whose methods are validated by brain theory today.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a reason why parenting is so different today than it was in the 1970s. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is my own experience with discipline:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSmRXIDv9RE/VodvQBMvLiI/AAAAAAAAFAE/tNIqkk98qI8/s1600/DSCF6431_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSmRXIDv9RE/VodvQBMvLiI/AAAAAAAAFAE/tNIqkk98qI8/s640/DSCF6431_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still carry my six-year old daughter. Here's why.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The only golden-rule I follow in discipline is this: <i>follow your child</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If I took the discipline rules as gospel and applied them to my child I'm absolutely sure I would have damaged her self-esteem by now. My child turned out to be a sensitive soul and if I hadn't been paying enough attention I would have probably succeeded in toughening her up, but left her feeling misunderstood and unimportant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It happened to me. My parents let me "cry it out" during my very terrible twos, thinking that ignoring me was discipline. <i>And I remember how that felt like. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Modern parenting saved me. I discovered the discipline of playful parenting and playing with my daughter <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/09/how-play-changed-us.html" target="_blank">helped me get to know her better</a>. I think people misunderstand when parents say they want to be their child's friend -- what parents really mean is they want a better connection with their child so that they can be better parents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love Maria Montessori's words: <i>follow the child.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's too tempting to stop paying close attention to children, especially once the needy baby stage is done or they start playing by themselves. And <i>especially</i> when society judges parents so readily. But how can we discipline if we don't tune into our child's feelings and understand <i>why</i> they feel that way?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the best things I picked up from reading <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playful-Parenting-Lawrence-J-Cohen-ebook/dp/B001LOEG04" target="_blank">Playful Parenting</a> </i>by Dr. Cohen was this: children's misbehaviour is their form of language. You need to translate it into one of three reasons - isolation, fear or powerlessness. Let that sink in for a minute and remember what it was like to be a kid. True, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's an online journal entry last year showing how I continue to use this tip to decode my daughter:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mik_aqvniXQ/Vo5LqYqv-FI/AAAAAAAAFAk/xrJS9yx8ICA/s1600/IMG_0817.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mik_aqvniXQ/Vo5LqYqv-FI/AAAAAAAAFAk/xrJS9yx8ICA/s640/IMG_0817.PNG" width="417" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once I saw misbehavior as a sign of feeling lonely, afraid or overwhelmed, I was able to respond in a more loving and understanding way. It never made sense to me when articles say that preschoolers are <i>manipulating</i> their parents. Geez. What a hostile and superficial way to see children!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was lucky to be taught by my daughter how to discipline her. Ladybug Girl had a very different version of "terrible twos" - she had "emo twos". Her interpersonal intelligence was so acute, she would sense a change in facial expression or tone of voice and know that I was irritated even before words came out of my mouth. This set her off running and slamming doors on me. It took time to realise it was because she felt betrayed. <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2012/11/following-your-child-why-its-better.html" target="_blank">I don't let her wallow in loneliness</a> like I did, not at this critical age.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her lack of the typical tantrum made it a little easier to see that this was a burst of emotion, not an act of rebellion. I can imagine the helpless frustration of parents when faced with a screaming child! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But it's equally difficult to remove <i>any</i> trace of impatience out of my voice and face. I know that once I've made her afraid of me, I've lost the teaching moment. She will follow because she's scared of me or publicly embarrassed - not because she understands why. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I am still honestly surprised at how calm and natural the discipline happens with her now that we've understood each other a lot more. Often I will tell her something casually or whisper a lesson privately in her ear, and that's it. It's when I become the parent that internet articles expect me to be that starts the typical drama that internet articles love to headline. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZU2Xj0PeVw/VodwEuJQFeI/AAAAAAAAFAU/ih5S547CqP8/s1600/IMG_0058_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZU2Xj0PeVw/VodwEuJQFeI/AAAAAAAAFAU/ih5S547CqP8/s400/IMG_0058_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Even her hard-nosed Daddy learned to discipline in her language</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can also imagine how this might look to an outsider - completely coddling and indulgent. Same thoughts for how we still give her a carry. Sometimes its our quiet greeting for each other in the mornings, sometimes it's our way to reconcile, and frankly sometimes it's for no reason but to lovingly enjoy each other. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've had well-meaning friends shame her by saying "no more carry, you're a big girl <i>na</i>". I tell her to ignore them. Here is even where I ignore Montessori tips on not carrying children around. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because sometimes she needs to know we're on the same team even as I'm disagreeing with her. Because sometimes she needs more bravery and a literal boost from her parents gives her that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And really because I'm <i>following my child</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that wisdom has worked better for me than any random tip on the internet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCCRGSDcWis/VodvQOU7oqI/AAAAAAAAFAI/9-vVrHbF8jo/s1600/DSCF5956%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCCRGSDcWis/VodvQOU7oqI/AAAAAAAAFAI/9-vVrHbF8jo/s640/DSCF5956%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*more self-confessed learning about my parenting job in<a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/home-diy-whims.html" target="_blank"> this gallery</a>*</span></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-50697540531271078012015-12-23T09:00:00.000+08:002015-12-26T10:46:59.722+08:00Glitter Makes Everything Creative<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pqKDi41S0E/VnlnbQtHpAI/AAAAAAAAE_k/PtiH2BzjwLI/s1600/glitter%2Bmakes%2Beverything%2Bnew%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pqKDi41S0E/VnlnbQtHpAI/AAAAAAAAE_k/PtiH2BzjwLI/s640/glitter%2Bmakes%2Beverything%2Bnew%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the upsides of not having any serious DIY crafting talent is letting Ladybug Girl in on the creativity. I really wish I had more patience and fine motor skills, but if I did I would probably be too much of a perfectionist to do projects with my daughter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This way I can relax and still model the importance of expressing yourself and being creative. My mama mentor for this is Jean of <a href="http://artfulparent.com/2015/12/child-doesnt-like-art.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Artful Parent</a> and her insightful article about how parents influence the way their children approach art.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is our story.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One Christmas I was about to throw away the very faded metal welcome sign that hung outside our gate for two holiday seasons. I don't have a picture of this though - I rarely have the planning skills to do "before" pictures to write about. The important part is what comes next.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I set up a project station for a longer-term project to refurbish the sign together one-step-at-a-time: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1anO-ZaFxM8/VnlT55CF-oI/AAAAAAAAE9A/3jrjdFIRkmY/s1600/DSCF6288_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1anO-ZaFxM8/VnlT55CF-oI/AAAAAAAAE9A/3jrjdFIRkmY/s640/DSCF6288_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realized that the materials couldn't get simpler than poster paint and glitter! Seriously. You want some fancy Christmas decor? That's all you need and you can makeover anything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was five years old here and I wanted a chance for her doing nearly everything herself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9rMnL06eQE/VnlT64IYe4I/AAAAAAAAE9U/BMEK_JEYZrE/s1600/DSCF6294_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9rMnL06eQE/VnlT64IYe4I/AAAAAAAAE9U/BMEK_JEYZrE/s640/DSCF6294_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Strengthening her fingers and gaining control of squeezing paint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiMlewQiLKs/VnlT7UjQ9UI/AAAAAAAAE9w/I9CMR1cMYV4/s1600/DSCF6297_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiMlewQiLKs/VnlT7UjQ9UI/AAAAAAAAE9w/I9CMR1cMYV4/s640/DSCF6297_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Brushing on a thick layer of paint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqyx8jKC11g/VnlT5793xbI/AAAAAAAAE9E/pNe_iER0t-c/s1600/DSCF6289_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqyx8jKC11g/VnlT5793xbI/AAAAAAAAE9E/pNe_iER0t-c/s640/DSCF6289_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The best part! Sprinkling glitter while the paint is still wet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All glittered and fancy:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rG-hKm9Fmzo/VnlT8Tnob_I/AAAAAAAAE-A/Uxftx4KjSG4/s1600/DSCF6326_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rG-hKm9Fmzo/VnlT8Tnob_I/AAAAAAAAE-A/Uxftx4KjSG4/s640/DSCF6326_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time to write something in the middle to replace the old "welcome" letters. If you look closely above you can still see the faint lettering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3S78XxDyQvQ/VnlT8PlZV_I/AAAAAAAAE94/aRmUsBMgJDU/s1600/DSCF6325_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3S78XxDyQvQ/VnlT8PlZV_I/AAAAAAAAE94/aRmUsBMgJDU/s400/DSCF6325_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I suggested she practice on a spare paper first. <br />
But here you can see I set up an easy access cup with glue upside down and a tube of glitter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5JFDTF0OB8/VnlT9eTTjII/AAAAAAAAE-o/qBH89Djn9Cw/s1600/DSCF6332_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5JFDTF0OB8/VnlT9eTTjII/AAAAAAAAE-o/qBH89Djn9Cw/s400/DSCF6332_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Figuring out the way the glue bottle opens is tricky for a lefty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We did this over four to five separate days. There's no forcing here, or else it stops being fun.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvzkTdkT2gk/VnlT8bJhrYI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/l5-yPCFkKNQ/s1600/DSCF6327_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvzkTdkT2gk/VnlT8bJhrYI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/l5-yPCFkKNQ/s400/DSCF6327_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uej0UKiuX7Q/VnlT8pDqeTI/AAAAAAAAE-M/0C9savMZIoQ/s1600/DSCF6328_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uej0UKiuX7Q/VnlT8pDqeTI/AAAAAAAAE-M/0C9savMZIoQ/s400/DSCF6328_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz9oCLunVF8/VnlT9bWGCKI/AAAAAAAAE-s/ITfN4Fft8y8/s1600/DSCF6331_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz9oCLunVF8/VnlT9bWGCKI/AAAAAAAAE-s/ITfN4Fft8y8/s400/DSCF6331_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few days later she applied a clear coat of polyurethane with a large brush:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FJ-nHdvQYg/VnlT-H4msLI/AAAAAAAAE-w/W3NRRKOCkSQ/s1600/DSCF6336_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FJ-nHdvQYg/VnlT-H4msLI/AAAAAAAAE-w/W3NRRKOCkSQ/s640/DSCF6336_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here it is hanging outside our front gate:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueuLP0Sl5Hg/VnlT-QtgNkI/AAAAAAAAE-4/T_mA5El2_CA/s1600/DSCF6389_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueuLP0Sl5Hg/VnlT-QtgNkI/AAAAAAAAE-4/T_mA5El2_CA/s640/DSCF6389_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The sun will fade it eventually but it will be meaningful while it lasts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
I hope doing such "big" projects together gives her a boost of confidence and a sense of contribution to a creative home. As for me, I'm happy to let imperfect, un-instagram-worthy <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/diy.html" target="_blank">experiments</a> be displayed at home. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
After all there's more than one way to be creative, you just have to find your own expression.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
For both mama and child!</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-82392977056904317822015-12-22T20:42:00.000+08:002015-12-22T20:44:58.727+08:003 Ways to Make Play Snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have tropical weather all year round so snow is full of wonder and mystery. Blame it on the overload of Christmas books and movies! From my friends who actually <i>live </i>with snow on the other side of the world however, snow is played in for just a short while and the season stays way too long. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't imagine why you would want to do these if you had actual snow outside your door during Christmas, but for all us tropical-loving folk, here are three ways we've made snow for play:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGAMf_n2pAg/Vna5Cxj1XPI/AAAAAAAAE8U/X4GCciz1rmI/s1600/play%2Bsnow%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGAMf_n2pAg/Vna5Cxj1XPI/AAAAAAAAE8U/X4GCciz1rmI/s640/play%2Bsnow%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>From the pantry: Flour and Baby Oil</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I packed this for the cousins to do one Christmas get-away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5u3gumtT1k/VnayP_XWw4I/AAAAAAAAE7g/dlZTXOfICEg/s1600/P1090822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C5u3gumtT1k/VnayP_XWw4I/AAAAAAAAE7g/dlZTXOfICEg/s640/P1090822.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just let them mix to their heart's content. The cousins were 2-3 years old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We repeat this a lot every year since it's an overall wonderful sensorial experience. I'm a big believer of the power of sensorial play (read about <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/09/how-play-changed-us.html" target="_blank">how it changed my sensitive child</a>). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The smell of the baby oil (we use mineral oil so it's safe), the feel of the flour mixture on the hands - preschoolers can't get enough of this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcnGReoI8Sg/VnayRJ0HixI/AAAAAAAAE7w/3WsEkOAvhSA/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcnGReoI8Sg/VnayRJ0HixI/AAAAAAAAE7w/3WsEkOAvhSA/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When she was older at 4 years old, it became a practice of counting and measuring and fine motor. <br />
But the end is always the same playful sensorial delight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>From the toy store: Insta-Snow </u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last holiday, toy stores sold a powder that absorbs water and expands to look like snow. Now I used to manage a brand of women's sanitary protection so I know this "toy" is really called super absorbent polymers<i>. </i>It can hold 10x its weight in water. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't vouch for its safety as a toy for toddlers so I wouldn't recommend this for kids who are still at the mouthing stage. But oh how magical for older preschoolers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I set up this snow-making station last Christmas at our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2015/05/squeezing-play-area-behind-couch.html" target="_blank">quirky play area</a> behind the couch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aea94dciAHA/VnayOJL42RI/AAAAAAAAE6k/F4E8aGss_xE/s1600/DSCF6513_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aea94dciAHA/VnayOJL42RI/AAAAAAAAE6k/F4E8aGss_xE/s640/DSCF6513_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeqS738rMIA/Vnk99l32qxI/AAAAAAAAE8k/Zfy4oN38msA/s1600/DSCF6523_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeqS738rMIA/Vnk99l32qxI/AAAAAAAAE8k/Zfy4oN38msA/s640/DSCF6523_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kids loved exploring this station during a holiday get-together at our home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o1q8QCajPQ/VnayPLyGHMI/AAAAAAAAE68/8kGochg7oYo/s1600/DSCF6522_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o1q8QCajPQ/VnayPLyGHMI/AAAAAAAAE68/8kGochg7oYo/s640/DSCF6522_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing her cousin how to make Insta-snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDwtqtxqORQ/VnayOKljrNI/AAAAAAAAE6g/UNi-8nlHFyU/s1600/DSCF6517_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDwtqtxqORQ/VnayOKljrNI/AAAAAAAAE6g/UNi-8nlHFyU/s640/DSCF6517_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It became a bigger hit with the little boy! He kept at this for many batches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exFNIU4NA64/VnayOpBEmSI/AAAAAAAAE6o/tJdUFw7mJc0/s1600/DSCF6521_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exFNIU4NA64/VnayOpBEmSI/AAAAAAAAE6o/tJdUFw7mJc0/s640/DSCF6521_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine motor transferring using a laddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eventually we had to collect all the snow in a larger tub to play with:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi7LeOoEJJA/VnayPvQ6QII/AAAAAAAAE7I/eaN0fFEaG-Y/s1600/DSCF6563_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi7LeOoEJJA/VnayPvQ6QII/AAAAAAAAE7I/eaN0fFEaG-Y/s640/DSCF6563_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inevitably all that snow got ruined by another little guest at another dinner we hosted - she poured all the water into the finished snow and it became mush! It never dried out properly so we threw it away eventually. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One lesson I learned: don't cover up the Insta-snow to store it away. It gets moldy! Just enjoy it for some time and then toss away where there's soil (not down the drain or it will clog it).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lastly (and most lazy idea of the three)...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>From the bookstore: Styrofoam Pellets.</u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're in the Philippines, National Bookstore sells these during the holidays at a cheap price. I thought it would make the perfect sensory bin material for pretend snow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since she did the <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2015/06/sensory-lessons-from-smurf-village.html" target="_blank">Smurf village</a> sensory bin activity early this school year, there hasn't been time to indulge in this kind of sensory play again, so I wanted see if it still had the same magic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It did.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxRdnpZaebM/VnlB1c-CYOI/AAAAAAAAE8w/m-uTD7OjS10/s1600/thumb_DSCF8752_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxRdnpZaebM/VnlB1c-CYOI/AAAAAAAAE8w/m-uTD7OjS10/s640/thumb_DSCF8752_1024%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She didn't even play with the Frozen castle at first but spent a good ten minutes just feeling the snow and getting lost in her imagination again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0sc4p1_9AI/VnayPyDmSYI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/ev0rDLdWrRQ/s1600/thumb_DSCF8750_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0sc4p1_9AI/VnayPyDmSYI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/ev0rDLdWrRQ/s640/thumb_DSCF8750_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She came back to this a few times or so over a month but that was that for this first grader. Haha.<br />
It's time to pack it away and reuse it for snow village decor next year though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It feels pretty irresistible I tell you. Her two-year old cousin played with this sensory bin, too (with supervision and bracing oneself for the inevitable mess). And I caught my husband absently doing this one night:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78uC-0fcyQs/VnayQorjV8I/AAAAAAAAE7k/TxTdzjIBikI/s1600/thumb_DSCF8753_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78uC-0fcyQs/VnayQorjV8I/AAAAAAAAE7k/TxTdzjIBikI/s640/thumb_DSCF8753_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Someday she'll experience real snow. But for now let the magic build-up! If my friends from the other hemisphere are right, then this might even be more fun!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<span id="goog_1185477595"></span><span id="goog_1185477596"></span></center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-24220296881314203692015-12-12T01:25:00.001+08:002015-12-13T09:02:39.398+08:00A Change for Peaceful Playroom Walls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<center>
<center>
There's a Montessori principle about preparing a child's concentration with sparse decor on the walls. There's also <a href="http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/does-the-way-your-classroom-is-decorated-affect-your-learning/?_r=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this article </a>about lower test scores in heavily decorated classrooms. I've largely ignored those bits of wisdom until my recent proof that it must be true:</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
A strange thing happened when Ladybug Girl turned six - <span style="text-align: left;">she reverted back to sleeping with us in the </span><a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2013/09/the-master-bedroom-is-ours.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">master bedroom</a><span style="text-align: left;">, after two years of sleeping on her own. I had to wonder why. </span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">After a hard look at her bedroom I began </span>to see what was once a happy space is now very likely visual clutter. So I've given her walls a <i>make-under</i>. Want to see?</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<i><b>This was her wall view before going to sleep:</b></i></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tKEaHf9IuA/VmdyB792IAI/AAAAAAAAEuE/U6vZjojaZn8/s1600/DSCF6266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tKEaHf9IuA/VmdyB792IAI/AAAAAAAAEuE/U6vZjojaZn8/s640/DSCF6266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2015/03/a-shortcut-to-art-appreciation.html" target="_blank">A changeable art gallery</a>. It was awesome - maybe a little too awesome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
<a name='more'></a></center>
<center>
<b><i>This is her view now:</i></b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zh8BrIZig7k/VmrIDNKOJoI/AAAAAAAAEvU/auyggnhKBwI/s1600/DSCF8862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zh8BrIZig7k/VmrIDNKOJoI/AAAAAAAAEvU/auyggnhKBwI/s640/DSCF8862.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">For added charm the frames are suspended with twine from hooks on the ceiling.<br />
Clockwise: Wooden "A" from Anthropologie; "Focus" print (from Art in the Park 2014) in a Muji frame; "Heart/Brain" framed print from Heima. (latest addition is the knitted Santa from Chibimomo boutique)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b><i>This was the wall above her bed before:</i></b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg_GNnoQj_Y/VmrIBY6AwHI/AAAAAAAAEvE/gZyLPL7MIQU/s1600/DSCF7015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg_GNnoQj_Y/VmrIBY6AwHI/AAAAAAAAEvE/gZyLPL7MIQU/s640/DSCF7015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Wee Gallery decals from Youji & Me. An overload of cuteness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b><i>This is the wall now:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rcypgXhSsE/Vmr4QVdc03I/AAAAAAAAEvo/DJUdx61ksEc/s1600/DSCF8748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rcypgXhSsE/Vmr4QVdc03I/AAAAAAAAEvo/DJUdx61ksEc/s640/DSCF8748.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Look closely - there's a very subtle striped pattern on the wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's good ol' washi tape! We did it together one weekend morning:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk-X7EtCF3A/Vmr5YM-aYPI/AAAAAAAAEwI/t0lKYBoEaTw/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk-X7EtCF3A/Vmr5YM-aYPI/AAAAAAAAEwI/t0lKYBoEaTw/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I did the tops, she did the bottoms. And yes, I let her try the Exacto knife. She added further "embellishments" of washi tape which are still there behind her pillow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>This was the wall in front of her new work table:</i></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viDafJXJNvs/VmrIAEcuzRI/AAAAAAAAEu0/hw7yNAmaGcQ/s1600/DSCF7624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viDafJXJNvs/VmrIAEcuzRI/AAAAAAAAEu0/hw7yNAmaGcQ/s640/DSCF7624.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">It still had the old white board and cork board which are now too short for her to use comfortably</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><i>This is the wall now:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz-9krQ7oFc/VmrIBp5YMbI/AAAAAAAAEu8/eU49_Dh_814/s1600/DSCF8601.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz-9krQ7oFc/VmrIBp5YMbI/AAAAAAAAEu8/eU49_Dh_814/s640/DSCF8601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A new changeable art gallery</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkdizRp6ZoU/Vmr7KT3CmrI/AAAAAAAAEwU/Wklb9j2G4AU/s1600/DSCF8606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkdizRp6ZoU/Vmr7KT3CmrI/AAAAAAAAEwU/Wklb9j2G4AU/s640/DSCF8606.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Now she can hang stuff herself. This was us playing pretend-birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's back to sleeping in her room. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She hasn't made a comment about the changes to her walls - a good sign that I didn't get rid of anything she was attached to. I fixed her toy closet and sleeping space too (you can see a sneak peek on Instagram!). I'll share that little by little until the room is ready for a tour. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One thing's for sure, when it comes to kids, things are always changing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. t</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">here's a new gallery </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">up on the sidebar collecting all these "DIY" projects. Come see! </span></center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dsIlQAIyi0/VmzDSFhpzCI/AAAAAAAAEwk/bNXYXJyHPTc/s1600/diy%2Bcorporate%2Bhomemaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dsIlQAIyi0/VmzDSFhpzCI/AAAAAAAAEwk/bNXYXJyHPTc/s1600/diy%2Bcorporate%2Bhomemaker.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/diy.html" target="_blank">click here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></center>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-39885957996123489062015-12-08T18:24:00.000+08:002015-12-08T20:39:41.433+08:003 Christmas Play Ideas to Leave-Behind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to another installation of leave-behind play the corporate mama way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leave-behind play invitations were my working-mom hacks to doing the things that the lovely homeschooling and Montessori blogs were doing, just in a much easier way for both mama to prepare and child to follow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are few things we did in the few years of Christmas past:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHyCSWlfN0k/Vlk4y8eIfwI/AAAAAAAAEpM/HOrE2JN5u-E/s1600/DSCF2075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHyCSWlfN0k/Vlk4y8eIfwI/AAAAAAAAEpM/HOrE2JN5u-E/s640/DSCF2075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leave a Christmas drawing prompt.<br />In this case, a piece of broken furniture glued to paper on a clipboard.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YooOb8say2M/Vlk4zTxMUyI/AAAAAAAAEpU/Wa2FWU7fSWs/s1600/DSCF2077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YooOb8say2M/Vlk4zTxMUyI/AAAAAAAAEpU/Wa2FWU7fSWs/s640/DSCF2077.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leave some fine-motor practice - attach all the ornaments to this little wooden tree from Muji.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96hK40ZWqL8/Vlk5F9o4C3I/AAAAAAAAEp4/Ay2zaS2wkns/s1600/DSCF2368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96hK40ZWqL8/Vlk5F9o4C3I/AAAAAAAAEp4/Ay2zaS2wkns/s640/DSCF2368.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or use a DIY felt tree (the ornaments were set up on the easel shelf)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: this was a cheat - from a book "My Very Own Christmas Tree"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19Giq7eeccI/Vlk5HEHy0mI/AAAAAAAAEqE/r0z121Qu6nA/s1600/DSCF6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19Giq7eeccI/Vlk5HEHy0mI/AAAAAAAAEqE/r0z121Qu6nA/s640/DSCF6512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leave a blackboard, chalk and some mood decor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_TzFZ1Ffm8/Vlk5IQ5jtPI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/ohQ9xW3uDF4/s1600/DSCF6564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_TzFZ1Ffm8/Vlk5IQ5jtPI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/ohQ9xW3uDF4/s640/DSCF6564.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You might just come home to a Christmas scene all set to display.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">There's a handy <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/blog-page_18.html" target="_blank">gallery</a> of all our leave-behind play in the sidebar! </span> </div>
<center>
<br /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-59883893531444577902015-12-04T08:53:00.001+08:002016-01-24T23:22:19.058+08:00Beginning to Konmari : Bedroom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nVJTrtqeo0/VlqIpiAH6dI/AAAAAAAAEr0/MOPnqM__hiU/s1600/konmari%2Bbedroom%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nVJTrtqeo0/VlqIpiAH6dI/AAAAAAAAEr0/MOPnqM__hiU/s640/konmari%2Bbedroom%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My big sister clued me in on Mari Kondo's <i>Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up</i> and after one night of reading it on my Kindle app, I was convinced it would change my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I go through a <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2012/12/home-purging-cycles.html" target="_blank">reorganizing derby</a> almost every quarter. Furniture, artwork, toys, and what my family calls <i>"coochie-coochies", </i>name it! Stuff seem to multiply in this house and then a little purge, and then another cycle begins. It's been wasting my precious free time away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've read other organizing books. Mari Kondo is different - she doesn't have tricks, she has a very convincing lifestyle change pitch. And then pretty unconventional wisdom around it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was in and I couldn't wait to start.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thought my clothes would be a breeze. Here's my main closet:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r47wSxcGkeQ/VlqIgLfS7lI/AAAAAAAAEqs/fjXgBX5gt1w/s1600/DSCF8087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r47wSxcGkeQ/VlqIgLfS7lI/AAAAAAAAEqs/fjXgBX5gt1w/s320/DSCF8087.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This plus a dresser drawer of underwear and <i>pambahay</i> on the other side of the bedroom, plus half a closet of old evening wear in another room, plus old clothes when I was thin or pregnant stored above this closet here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not a disaster area, but when I can't get dressed in ten minutes and those piles on the closet floor start to become a dump, it's time to purge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Out everything went. From every storage space in the home. By the book.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmWZTU_c0zk/VlqIelfnNgI/AAAAAAAAEqk/vV9kCg8srGc/s1600/DSCF8104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmWZTU_c0zk/VlqIelfnNgI/AAAAAAAAEqk/vV9kCg8srGc/s320/DSCF8104.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Pile them on the "floor", says the book. <br />
Probably because this way what I thought was a small capsule wardrobe wasn't small at all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You're supposed to go through each item, <i>touch it</i> to decide "does it spark joy?". If it's not an absolute yes, then out it goes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thought this would be easy for me, with my regular purges and all. But no. I'm not a big fashion junkie - some folks at work don't repeat outfits for two months! - but I do love slightly expensive clothes so it was hard to let go of reasons like <i>"this was xxxx pesos!"</i> or <i>"but I bought this on that business trip to Shanghai!"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My wakeup call to get more decisive was looking at the clock: I had spent four hours in my bedroom and I wasn't done. Nothing like wasted time to kick a working mom in the butt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdgPaWXmMZM/VlqIhYGgFmI/AAAAAAAAEq4/fPCkMR0npIc/s1600/DSCF8107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdgPaWXmMZM/VlqIhYGgFmI/AAAAAAAAEq4/fPCkMR0npIc/s640/DSCF8107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Progress began. Empty hangers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SckDUTITfjk/VlqIim7-wnI/AAAAAAAAErA/LWkxSiPV1aY/s1600/DSCF8109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SckDUTITfjk/VlqIim7-wnI/AAAAAAAAErA/LWkxSiPV1aY/s640/DSCF8109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Freed pants and skirts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By evening I had made progress. It may not look too dramatic in pictures, but this is now every piece of clothing I own. In one closet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQlDzEQlVCc/VlqIjMNZ84I/AAAAAAAAErE/lEX_e9_gT_s/s1600/DSCF8113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQlDzEQlVCc/VlqIjMNZ84I/AAAAAAAAErE/lEX_e9_gT_s/s640/DSCF8113.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">No more travelling to other areas of the room to get dressed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP9EfwvDu50/VlqIoQCsYxI/AAAAAAAAEro/Zi_jpTC6yJo/s1600/DSCF8167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP9EfwvDu50/VlqIoQCsYxI/AAAAAAAAEro/Zi_jpTC6yJo/s640/DSCF8167.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Just don't look too closely because that's my underwear in there too. Socks. <br />
Company shirts we're required to wear that I can't toss even if I wanted to.<br />
I use that polka-dot bin to accumulate things I need to have repaired. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm doing some experimenting to make my system easy-to-follow for our laundry woman. Here are some hits-and-misses in the last three months or so:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9m5mJbB8Ts/VlqIolnafgI/AAAAAAAAErs/0auoh-iULKI/s1600/DSCF8168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9m5mJbB8Ts/VlqIolnafgI/AAAAAAAAErs/0auoh-iULKI/s400/DSCF8168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">MISS. <br />
This says "stuff you wear at home only" - who would know but me, right? <br />
So guess what, I have no more <i>pambahay! I've tossed them. </i>I now wear my cotton dresses pile for whenever I'm at home/going to sleep. It's great!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhhUdt0Ked8/VlqIpOybXdI/AAAAAAAAErw/enKZbo2PTIs/s1600/DSCF8169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhhUdt0Ked8/VlqIpOybXdI/AAAAAAAAErw/enKZbo2PTIs/s400/DSCF8169.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">HIT-OR-MISS.<br />
This says "stuff for going out" - it only works now that there are no other confusing categories.<br />
So guess what, I also wear these around the house too! There's plenty to go around. More than you think!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMErwhUQw68/VlqIk9NSq6I/AAAAAAAAErQ/bFogSN4Cew4/s1600/DSCF8139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMErwhUQw68/VlqIk9NSq6I/AAAAAAAAErQ/bFogSN4Cew4/s400/DSCF8139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">HIT.<br />
Mark the stuff you want folded instead of hung. <br />
I marked these in batches for a month or so, since some were in the laundry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkj_qtM5stk/VqRZiE1okuI/AAAAAAAAFMM/tP41IT-7Br8/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkj_qtM5stk/VqRZiE1okuI/AAAAAAAAFMM/tP41IT-7Br8/s400/FullSizeRender%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HIT. (a recent update a month back)<br />
Acrylic shelf dividers from the bookstore to achieve that "Konmari folding method" to keep the clothes' energy (you heard me) and make choosing easier (it works).<br />
These stands make a custom-size shelf space whenever things are in the wash.<br />
No confusion in folding for the laundry woman either.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since I emptied out a whole dresser drawer, I was able to buy organizers for accessories and knick-knacks. So now my old underwear/<i>pambahay</i> drawer looks this neat:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeM_f1S0dEA/VlqIk9SDZ2I/AAAAAAAAErM/dibKvqVXpTc/s1600/DSCF8138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeM_f1S0dEA/VlqIk9SDZ2I/AAAAAAAAErM/dibKvqVXpTc/s640/DSCF8138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now for my shoes, bags and accesories closet:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OILMZExIRk0/VlqImuBWTYI/AAAAAAAAErc/KXbJweHCUZI/s1600/DSCF8164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OILMZExIRk0/VlqImuBWTYI/AAAAAAAAErc/KXbJweHCUZI/s640/DSCF8164.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I'm not a big shoes-and-bags girl either, so this was fairly fast to organize.<br />
I already had the hardware (boxes, bag hangers), so I just purged.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My daughter got in on the labelling with an Instax camera:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgIBwp1z_f0/VlqImOmR06I/AAAAAAAAErU/R4qfZmKAp0w/s1600/DSCF8160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgIBwp1z_f0/VlqImOmR06I/AAAAAAAAErU/R4qfZmKAp0w/s640/DSCF8160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">So worth the film expense (even with her beginner attempts). <br />
I used to have photo labels printed at the mall. Now - instant!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHVvETy_7U/VlqImqtU-hI/AAAAAAAAErY/CkS0wz_5o3c/s1600/DSCF8163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHVvETy_7U/VlqImqtU-hI/AAAAAAAAErY/CkS0wz_5o3c/s640/DSCF8163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">There's her little foot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some hits-and-misses on this side of the closet:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjk-NSHkX9U/VlqInzWNv2I/AAAAAAAAErk/_gET28GBuUQ/s1600/DSCF8166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjk-NSHkX9U/VlqInzWNv2I/AAAAAAAAErk/_gET28GBuUQ/s400/DSCF8166.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">HIT.<br />
I cut up an old cheap sock organizer to put belts in "vertical storage" like Konmari says</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0igtDT8f1dM/VlqIerq_lEI/AAAAAAAAEqo/hrNJtRMhseU/s1600/DSCF8089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0igtDT8f1dM/VlqIerq_lEI/AAAAAAAAEqo/hrNJtRMhseU/s400/DSCF8089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">MISS.<br />
Konmari advocates removing your stuff from your handbag everyday, thanking them, and putting them on a place like this to keep them ready for the next day.<br />
Okay who has time to do that every night?! I tried it but ended up still schlepping the same bag everywhere for months.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So far so good for the last three or four months! Not perfect still, but having an organised dress-up routine every day really helps me love my home and be a lot less harassed in the morning. There are some things to keep at with our laundry lady when she doesn't take time to read, or match the shoes with labeled box, but that's all birth pains.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The best lessons for me?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Stop organizing by area, organize by category. </i>All<i> clothes at once. That way you'll only keep what you need even if they're in various places in the home.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Don't hang on to things just because they were expensive when you bought them. Thank them for the joy they gave and move on. Same goes for gifted stuff. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Get rid of anything that doesn't spark joy. Even if you think they might be useful someday.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you heard of the Konmari Method? Tried it? Tell me! I'd love to have a support group. I found <a href="http://amommabroad.com/" target="_blank">A Momma Abroad</a> through instagram and now I follow her feed for great inspiration. Especially mom-inspiration, because Konmari doesn't have anything on children's stuff - the hardest!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On to the other categories in the house! <br />
I've written about doing our books - it's been the biggest change in my house yet:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwoiAotxn64/VqTr8SRs7YI/AAAAAAAAFNU/jyVB3E43HcQ/s1600/library%2Broom%2Band%2Bkonmari%2Bproject.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwoiAotxn64/VqTr8SRs7YI/AAAAAAAAFNU/jyVB3E43HcQ/s400/library%2Broom%2Band%2Bkonmari%2Bproject.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2016/01/evolution-of-our-library-room-with.html" target="_blank">click here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hopefully after this, I'll go faster. <br />
But life changes rarely do!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-58029116879086487232015-11-28T11:21:00.000+08:002015-11-29T22:05:40.054+08:00DIY Sunday School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqpQvY44yhY/Vk8481lUszI/AAAAAAAAEno/C1F8pRWUC24/s1600/IMG_8308%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqpQvY44yhY/Vk8481lUszI/AAAAAAAAEno/C1F8pRWUC24/s640/IMG_8308%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
"Can I come?" she asks; her sweet hopeful voice tries to sound grown-up every Sunday morning for mass. We never used to bring her to Church with us because she was a sensitive toddler. But once she hit preschool, she wanted to go with us everywhere. </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<center style="text-align: center;">
A child actually wanting to go to a child-unfriendly place was strange to me. If even an adult can just go through the motions, what more a child with very little understanding of our Faith?</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
This is how we started doing DIY Sunday School. </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<a name='more'></a></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
And since I'm not one of those enviable homeschooling moms with prepared crafts and lesson plans, I was relieved that the simplest things work with just a little extra thought.</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4746180949402229063" name="more"></a></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4746180949402229063" name="more"></a></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
Our catechism at home had a rocky start. She was downright scared of Jesus and the Bible. </center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
Come to think of it - the story of our Faith is beautifully tragic as it is full of mystery. Pretty heavy stuff for a two year old to swallow. Especially my little Dove.</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
I stopped forcing the full significance of Jesus down her throat after a while. We stuck to Christmas and a very breezy explanation of Easter. Strangely despite her love for reading, all the toddler-friendly cartoony-books had little appeal.</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps because sad things were happening to fluffy cartoon drawings.</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q30x3AhmSHQ/Vlef9PnqztI/AAAAAAAAEoU/9oL3p2p-PRo/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q30x3AhmSHQ/Vlef9PnqztI/AAAAAAAAEoU/9oL3p2p-PRo/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
It was a year later when these books changed her mind : my childhood bible books that my mom had kept! Did you have these?</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br /></center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1R6xEGvG2lw/VlUQfmIWF8I/AAAAAAAAEn4/aQn0OsgKCzg/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1R6xEGvG2lw/VlUQfmIWF8I/AAAAAAAAEn4/aQn0OsgKCzg/s640/images.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stark difference - realistic illustrations! These humanized who Jesus was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
She was enraptured with the stories and somehow she could relate to them better than the cartoons. Some time later I came upon something Maria Montessori wrote and the explanation dawned: because children 0-5 years learn about the world through real experiences and exploration, it is best to give them real illustrations and hands-on learning too. Makes simple sense!</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEpO9aVAY-c/Vk84BZW3SFI/AAAAAAAAEms/u_ec-b-WKcA/s1600/DSCF5839%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEpO9aVAY-c/Vk84BZW3SFI/AAAAAAAAEms/u_ec-b-WKcA/s640/DSCF5839%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One morning I was so happy to find she had picked up one of her old cartoon bible books and was reading by herself. <br />
She is four years old here. I followed her lead and we kept picking up this book for bedtime till we finished.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To be honest, we don't do much for catechism at home other than model the simple things and allow her to absorb our Faith into our daily lives. We pray the three Catholic prayers at night, sometimes pick up some related bedtime reading, tell her the real reason for Christmas and Easter, and go to Church most Sundays.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was when she asked why we had to leave her every Sunday that she began to be curious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"It's mine and daddy's date with Jesus, sweetie"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Can I come?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I worried at first. I have memories of being carted to mass, swinging my legs and balancing on the kneel pads - bored as heck at this grownup gathering. So just before we left I grabbed some bible books to take along to keep her occupied. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It worked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWT7T5QWDj8/Vk84K3EumMI/AAAAAAAAEnU/S3Amw7A7BEA/s1600/IMG_8829%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWT7T5QWDj8/Vk84K3EumMI/AAAAAAAAEnU/S3Amw7A7BEA/s640/IMG_8829%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was quietly getting some education in our Faith, happily content to be doing the same thing as the adults in church.<br />
It was a good day when the Gospel matched one of the stories selection in her books. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"></span></center>
<center style="text-align: right;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: right;">
If you noticed the very first picture at the top of this post, it shows her following along the rites of the mass itself through a <i>mass book for children:</i></center>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBl_pm3kMkk/VlkIp-3RJoI/AAAAAAAAEok/Ebc0zL5f9U8/s1600/IMG_7069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBl_pm3kMkk/VlkIp-3RJoI/AAAAAAAAEok/Ebc0zL5f9U8/s640/IMG_7069.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Shared this on my instagram last Christmas while on vacation in Singapore)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It explains what each part is for and what kids can expect so they can follow along.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you'd like to get your own copy click on the link on the sidebar, we have some extra copies on-hand!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More easy resources: we also found this beautiful book about Easter in Fully Booked:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vHysT1xJZQ/VlUTIQMKPHI/AAAAAAAAEoE/yIJ_5A3tyac/s1600/9781904637134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vHysT1xJZQ/VlUTIQMKPHI/AAAAAAAAEoE/yIJ_5A3tyac/s400/9781904637134.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It not only talks about the events of Easter, it ties it back to a story of LOVE from birth to resurrection.<br />
This time we both cried while reading it! In a good way, in thanks and praise. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Pope Francis visited last year, it was another milestone for our growing Faith as a family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3413SpsnO0U/Vk84HWx0S6I/AAAAAAAAEm0/Yntx4GP6Qsg/s1600/IMG_7317%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3413SpsnO0U/Vk84HWx0S6I/AAAAAAAAEm0/Yntx4GP6Qsg/s400/IMG_7317%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her drawing on our fridge door. "Always losing" refers to his little cap which the wind would blow away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttj2zs7-sOc/Vk84G2R54QI/AAAAAAAAEmw/fjZMhHs-XBA/s1600/IMG_7275%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttj2zs7-sOc/Vk84G2R54QI/AAAAAAAAEmw/fjZMhHs-XBA/s400/IMG_7275%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching a documentary on Pope Francis, as we were checked in a hotel to wait for his convoy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Teaching our Faith is really important to me, especially as her Montessori school doesn't emphasize this. I follow Tina, a homeschooler of <i><a href="http://trulyrichmom.com/" target="_blank">Truly Rich Mom</a> </i>for tips and tricks I can do. It's going to to be something that I'll continue to worry about and try to supplement strongly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've made peace with the fact that she won't get her intellectual foundation on Christianity from school. That's fine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think maybe that's all I actually got from being schooled in a traditional catholic way. Teachers taught the best they could, but focused on facts and traditions rather than reflecting on values and love. I only started understanding the Love in our Faith when I was in my 20s, my father passed away and I began searching for deeper meaning behind the traditions I grew up with (so I highly recommend the book "The Faith Explained"!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year a fellow-mom from Ladybug Girl's school approached me telling me how my daughter kept answering the priest's questions during First Friday Mass at her school:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"Why do we want to go Heaven?"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her reply : "Because it's where the love of Jesus is"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to laugh, cry, and hug this stranger-mom for sharing this precious story with me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You see, after I quit trying to be her religion teacher, I just wanted the first thing she learned to be <i>my</i> greatest realization as I grew in my own faith:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That her mama is here on earth to get to Heaven. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That I'm trying to follow Jesus' teaching as the way to Heaven. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then I always tell her "I can't wait to get a <i>bi-i-i-ig</i> bear hug from Jesus when I get there!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After all, what are we parents here for if not to prepare our children for Heaven too? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: center;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-85444586011612387212015-11-19T14:11:00.000+08:002015-11-19T15:32:12.460+08:00Try Some (Or Lots of) Purple Twinkly Lights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSc0J8KlV_g/Vk1X7Pb_inI/AAAAAAAAEmM/w896dF8e4H4/s1600/purple%2Blight%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSc0J8KlV_g/Vk1X7Pb_inI/AAAAAAAAEmM/w896dF8e4H4/s640/purple%2Blight%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's only one reason to share this post with you, and it's because if you want some twinkly purple lights for magical play time, you have to grab them now since they're only around during Christmas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last Christmas season, I looked for more purple twinkly lights to add to Ladybug Girl's bedspace but <i>they weren't available.</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_YBTfoolng/VkPXd8YrViI/AAAAAAAAEi0/3cppp3wrepY/s1600/DSCF1857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_YBTfoolng/VkPXd8YrViI/AAAAAAAAEi0/3cppp3wrepY/s640/DSCF1857.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her sleeping area two years ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I'm a fan of the classic yellow ones myself, but you only get to do these with the purple ones:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Go on a neon hunt around the room.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The purple light makes bright colors stand out like neon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7S4YlcubUA/VkPXd2jCOoI/AAAAAAAAEi8/Pacax1FMMH8/s1600/DSCF2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7S4YlcubUA/VkPXd2jCOoI/AAAAAAAAEi8/Pacax1FMMH8/s640/DSCF2185.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bouncy ball craft we had made</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMtiYJrS9qo/VkPXdxWXzXI/AAAAAAAAEi4/pPacIIFNSLQ/s1600/DSCF2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMtiYJrS9qo/VkPXdxWXzXI/AAAAAAAAEi4/pPacIIFNSLQ/s640/DSCF2186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of her artworks on her wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63BfNDkDsOE/VkPXfC6nDQI/AAAAAAAAEjI/wutSZi93Ht4/s1600/DSCF2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63BfNDkDsOE/VkPXfC6nDQI/AAAAAAAAEjI/wutSZi93Ht4/s640/DSCF2187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paint on her art shelf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjgoCTOpJIM/VkPXfU2NuBI/AAAAAAAAEjU/Pil9eEhJSvk/s1600/DSCF2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjgoCTOpJIM/VkPXfU2NuBI/AAAAAAAAEjU/Pil9eEhJSvk/s640/DSCF2193.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The number sticks on her leave-behind activity shelf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Great for last-minute bedtime play: find as many neon transformations as you can!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Instant-neon paint or glow-in-the-dark bathroom painting.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These lights made me look forward to after-office playtime with these materials: </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yp1qHJXv4FU/VkPXg19AmGI/AAAAAAAAEjs/yJ_W_rTD3-E/s1600/DSCF4388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yp1qHJXv4FU/VkPXg19AmGI/AAAAAAAAEjs/yJ_W_rTD3-E/s640/DSCF4388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple lights + bright paints + a plastic box for mixing (doesn't have to be clear, I just have them around)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The plan was to paint and then turn off the lights to see our art turn neon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unfortunately it was late by the time I got home and it was time for her night-bath. So to keep some play going, I brought out these:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z8qYhH5mPw/VkPXiE6UbfI/AAAAAAAAEj8/928DwuO70is/s1600/DSCF4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z8qYhH5mPw/VkPXiE6UbfI/AAAAAAAAEj8/928DwuO70is/s640/DSCF4392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaving foam + glow-in-the-dark paint (from ELC store)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mix the shaving foam with bright poster paint and add some glow-in-the-dark paint:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eaEoPwvfZ0/VkPXjhsaf3I/AAAAAAAAEkY/bZviuvTYFwQ/s1600/DSCF4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eaEoPwvfZ0/VkPXjhsaf3I/AAAAAAAAEkY/bZviuvTYFwQ/s640/DSCF4397.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was super sensorial fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When it was done we took the mixture to the bath, along with the lights and did some glow-in-the-dark printing. The camera didn't do so well anymore, but here's what it looks like with the light on:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_EOT8Fo6IE/VkPXokIULhI/AAAAAAAAElo/hlyCrqZekbE/s1600/DSCF4406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_EOT8Fo6IE/VkPXokIULhI/AAAAAAAAElo/hlyCrqZekbE/s640/DSCF4406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
This was so fun I wanted more purple lights to keep so I didn't have to take down the ones on the bed, but they were gone when I looked for them last Christmas.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
For a year since, her bed space had no more purple twinkly lights because two weren't enough to create the surround effect I wanted. </center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
Now they're baaaaack. I was thrilled, and I bought four of them.</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
This is what her bed space looks like today. It's like another world in there! I would have thought they were overkill, but she absolutely loves them and didn't want them turned off at night:</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zXhz0m4uks/Vk1mDYpKCRI/AAAAAAAAEmc/sXpnlBDmDxA/s1600/IMG_0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zXhz0m4uks/Vk1mDYpKCRI/AAAAAAAAEmc/sXpnlBDmDxA/s640/IMG_0631.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The more, the magical!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
Want more ideas for play after-office? See our little gallery <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/gallery-after-work-play-ideas.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-37465680310504787342015-11-13T04:02:00.000+08:002015-11-13T08:35:11.909+08:00Vogue Is My Alternate Universe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Confession: the only movie in my iPad is </span><i style="text-align: left;">The September Issue</i><span style="text-align: left;">. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lSvfZP_AQw/VbteTIqCCrI/AAAAAAAAEdc/LU0px9mND3g/s1600/the-september-issue-cropped1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lSvfZP_AQw/VbteTIqCCrI/AAAAAAAAEdc/LU0px9mND3g/s640/the-september-issue-cropped1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">This is a pretty strange choice given my lack of high heels, makeup and designer bags. I saw it on a plane during a business trip and I was absolutely fascinated. I still watch it now and then.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think it's because I see my future. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Not in fashion, don't be silly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But in the real-life corporate dynamics of the power players that make <i>Vogue</i>, well -- <i>Vogue</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The documentary is about the making of the biggest issue in fashion publishing, but really it is about the celebrity editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's power and influence in her industry. She is the classic dragon lady : cool control, politely impatient, and shows she's boss. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is who I don't want to be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anna Wintour's power is so absolute that she never explains the wisdom of her decisions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That means she never mentors anyone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nobody ever challenges her. Not her people, not the designers. No one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That means she's lonely and bored to death at work. She certainly acts like it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If that's what it means to be at the top, no thank you. I don't ever want my ego to get that big. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But let's face it, shades of this reality are in every corporation, especially in Asia. I don't mean about women leaders, I mean about any boss. I am lucky to love the company I work for with leaders who have more empathy than other corporate cultures, but these three things are constant about corporate leadership: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We always joke about it being lonely at the top. We're always conscious about wasting a leader's time. And we know when to shut up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFaXvgQewE8/VbteTQVIBSI/AAAAAAAAEdk/jsAzp6V4c7Y/s1600/theseptemberissue2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFaXvgQewE8/VbteTQVIBSI/AAAAAAAAEdk/jsAzp6V4c7Y/s640/theseptemberissue2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess who's the boss.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But then there's Grace Coddington.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's the creative director. The film never says it, but she is the real genius behind <i>Vogue</i>. She dreams up these awesome themes and architects the execution. She mentors junior creative directors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Best of all her ego hasn't overwhelmed her: she laughs at herself and freely gives credit when others are better than her. Heck, she doesn't even power dress for work! She has integrity - she's the only one who dares strike a discussion after her boss speaks. To her it's all about her craft. In fact she puts up with a lot of crap because <i>"you have to have something to put your work in, otherwise it's not valid"</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Analysis overkill : if there is one thing to criticise it is her (or her boss') lack of org design. She's so hands-on that she even styles the models herself for every photo shoot. Waste of talent! I was itching to reorganise the creative team so that she is able to mentor across more projects rather than focusing on her own. This could have prevented the instance where another creative director's finished work went completely unused, and Grace had to be called in to redo the project overnight. Waste.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We know who is more successful in the worldly corporate sense.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anna Wintour is power. Grace Coddington is talent. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You sense fear when people talk about Anna. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Respect when people talk about Grace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Which one would you choose to be?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeR8pEbbhhk/VbteTbZGIFI/AAAAAAAAEdg/k4B7X4ubQ-8/s1600/the-september-issue-cropped3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeR8pEbbhhk/VbteTbZGIFI/AAAAAAAAEdg/k4B7X4ubQ-8/s640/the-september-issue-cropped3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love for work vs. love for job</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's why I watch it over and over again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm at middle leadership level now. Like Grace, I love being in the thick of things, close to the ground yet high enough to make a big difference. But in the future I think I'll be faced with the same choice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm almost afraid to admit that I'm as naive and as idealist as she is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Work means using my talents <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/10/a-working-moms-choice.html" target="_blank">(see why this parable of talents is my favourite)</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I always like to say <i>"my brand is my boss" </i>and I am baffled when the buck stops at <i>"the boss said so"</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So watching <i>The September Issue</i> really makes me think:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>What kind of leader would I be if I were at the next level?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Is it inevitable that the higher you go, the more you fear losing power?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Or that people's expectation of higher leadership is more about power than talent?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Am I selling out if so? </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Or am I selling myself short if I choose to stay at my level?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Corporate life lessons to learn. And face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meanwhile I'm sticking to my comfy flats at the office, thankyouverymuch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-72614795641296206372015-11-12T00:34:00.001+08:002015-12-01T14:06:28.054+08:00Our Mini-Gift Wrap Station<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't really have the planning skills to do holiday-themed play around here. But this one was easy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssqwogCogkY/VkKGdn4ProI/AAAAAAAAEfU/S0VyaAp-Ths/s1600/giftwrap%2Bstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssqwogCogkY/VkKGdn4ProI/AAAAAAAAEfU/S0VyaAp-Ths/s640/giftwrap%2Bstation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took my cue from Ladybug Girl. Last year she started showing an interest in helping with Christmas preparations a lot more, especially wrapping presents. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was too much into last-minute panic at that time to really pay attention. Leisurely weekends of beautiful gift-wrapping are far from my reality for now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So I did what any corporate mom would do - delegate the wrapping to <i>yaya</i>, and focused on teaching her to wrap presents for her classmates.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a gentle introduction I left behind on her playroom shelf:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5gMZ27BSdo/VkKS8KsoRzI/AAAAAAAAEf0/F6jZgpUASZs/s1600/DSCF6252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5gMZ27BSdo/VkKS8KsoRzI/AAAAAAAAEf0/F6jZgpUASZs/s640/DSCF6252.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aluminum foil cut to size, some shapes from her geometric solids set, and labels; inspired by <a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/2014/02/24/montessori-monday-geometric-solid-dressing-wrapping-and-gift-giving/" target="_blank">this post</a> from Living Montessori Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6eKFuR85As/VkKS7v7gAPI/AAAAAAAAEfs/OYR95TM8FhA/s1600/DSCF6255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6eKFuR85As/VkKS7v7gAPI/AAAAAAAAEfs/OYR95TM8FhA/s640/DSCF6255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These labels to go with the geometric solids set. I printed from Montessori Printshop and laminated them ages ago. <br />
My first and last print-laminate project. I had to put them to good use!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I got home that night, I could tell she got the idea right away:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2o3H5dE32a0/VkKS8LVlepI/AAAAAAAAEfw/6AEqxcq_vNg/s1600/DSCF6282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2o3H5dE32a0/VkKS8LVlepI/AAAAAAAAEfw/6AEqxcq_vNg/s640/DSCF6282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-s56hG1Hy8/VkKS-yUdjOI/AAAAAAAAEgA/taBNNwOnzYg/s1600/DSCF6381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-s56hG1Hy8/VkKS-yUdjOI/AAAAAAAAEgA/taBNNwOnzYg/s640/DSCF6381.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Moving on to harder work - she needed to make the corners crisp for the shape to show.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_nT4IyCZN0/VkKTE9d2zBI/AAAAAAAAEgw/SZ9rnVFwJuo/s1600/DSCF6413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_nT4IyCZN0/VkKTE9d2zBI/AAAAAAAAEgw/SZ9rnVFwJuo/s640/DSCF6413.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great geometric solid review too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When this was done, we moved on to real gift wrapping this time. I came home from work and we wrapped some Shopkins to give away as gifts:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vUCdoyv2fw/VkKTFubGP-I/AAAAAAAAEg0/35eM8Cw56vI/s1600/DSCF6415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vUCdoyv2fw/VkKTFubGP-I/AAAAAAAAEg0/35eM8Cw56vI/s640/DSCF6415.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just used origami paper and art materials!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A42k7RRr0vo/VkKTDcBrkgI/AAAAAAAAEgk/NQkUHL-4OIk/s1600/DSCF6408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A42k7RRr0vo/VkKTDcBrkgI/AAAAAAAAEgk/NQkUHL-4OIk/s640/DSCF6408.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taught her how to fold and tape the edges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81ZEr_LKNPA/VkKTAu6jvSI/AAAAAAAAEgM/spm9hazMgV4/s1600/DSCF6402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81ZEr_LKNPA/VkKTAu6jvSI/AAAAAAAAEgM/spm9hazMgV4/s640/DSCF6402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did a couple of gifts each and called it a night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I updated the gift wrap station with the Shopkins project we did the night before. And would come home to see a few done now and then:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nSABggkObw/VkKTH7EMkpI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/15wPzNhCeLA/s1600/DSCF6583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nSABggkObw/VkKTH7EMkpI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/15wPzNhCeLA/s640/DSCF6583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSCtaaLFXvk/VkKTHFknhAI/AAAAAAAAEhI/Wh6UX3bEI4c/s1600/DSCF6582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSCtaaLFXvk/VkKTHFknhAI/AAAAAAAAEhI/Wh6UX3bEI4c/s640/DSCF6582.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Till we had a nice little stash going</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took the lazy way out to finish her classmate presents : bought ready-made gift bags. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhdvLN_iXmA/VkNrN7Hrd7I/AAAAAAAAEiI/e_e-5fKshCE/s1600/DSCF6577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhdvLN_iXmA/VkNrN7Hrd7I/AAAAAAAAEiI/e_e-5fKshCE/s640/DSCF6577.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I let her take complete charge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoTXjOnS1wk/VkKTGWpXskI/AAAAAAAAEhE/plO8396Z8m4/s1600/DSCF6574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoTXjOnS1wk/VkKTGWpXskI/AAAAAAAAEhE/plO8396Z8m4/s640/DSCF6574.jpg" width="595" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... till every name was crossed out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzWgjA_e3w/VkNrN9vWAYI/AAAAAAAAEiM/SUzNx7CFAnc/s1600/DSCF6578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzWgjA_e3w/VkNrN9vWAYI/AAAAAAAAEiM/SUzNx7CFAnc/s640/DSCF6578.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done. What a great feeling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a rather late entry into the Christmas gifting spirit...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IuoE99DQTJA/VkNf39PCaDI/AAAAAAAAEhw/UDw0_ISm_do/s1600/P1110817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IuoE99DQTJA/VkNf39PCaDI/AAAAAAAAEhw/UDw0_ISm_do/s640/P1110817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Completely uninterested at Christmas morning two years ago)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
... she's now initiated into the spirit of giving!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOzw4KEohoc/VkKTHm997uI/AAAAAAAAEhU/n7-TLWlWToA/s1600/DSCF6584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOzw4KEohoc/VkKTHm997uI/AAAAAAAAEhU/n7-TLWlWToA/s640/DSCF6584.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(And a lefty writer's mark to prove it!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-85106984052837045372015-11-10T11:42:00.000+08:002015-11-10T19:10:18.195+08:00Why The Blog Silence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;">Some very good reasons for three months of blog silence:</span></center>
<center>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
</center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxFO15BOBwg/VkFmDzKvYnI/AAAAAAAAEe8/6Ymbk5irIhs/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxFO15BOBwg/VkFmDzKvYnI/AAAAAAAAEe8/6Ymbk5irIhs/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l37fLDyZ44g/VkE5avX-iiI/AAAAAAAAEek/CMQWLIUrXYk/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l37fLDyZ44g/VkE5avX-iiI/AAAAAAAAEek/CMQWLIUrXYk/s320/IMG_0340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WW9e_3nkQA/VkE5otBB_WI/AAAAAAAAEes/Ct4UfhIlHvc/s1600/IMG_0106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WW9e_3nkQA/VkE5otBB_WI/AAAAAAAAEes/Ct4UfhIlHvc/s320/IMG_0106.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Solve the riddle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-74219462139110313362015-07-30T22:24:00.000+08:002017-06-22T08:55:37.105+08:00Dice Addition Game with Number Sticks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you've got a preschooler learning number bonds, this game is super easy to like. And if you're a busy mama, this game is super easy to DIY even if you don't have number sticks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp4xwWLGM4k/VbnpcHsS-EI/AAAAAAAAEb8/HVuiuaTZdeU/s1600/dice%2Baddition%2Bmath%2Bgame%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp4xwWLGM4k/VbnpcHsS-EI/AAAAAAAAEb8/HVuiuaTZdeU/s640/dice%2Baddition%2Bmath%2Bgame%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This idea is a DIY-version of another DIY-version. See <a href="https://vimeo.com/44266700" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this video</a> by Education Unboxed where she also explains how to adapt this for higher elementary problem solving. I set this up in less than five minutes before we started playing, so I only got a chance to take a photo in the middle of game play. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We used stuff we had around. A piece of cloth, our number magnets, a pair of dice and 2 sets of stickers. I always say it's easy to think of play when you've got stuff around!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Line up the numbers from 2 to 12. The point is for each player to be able to mark all the numbers with her stickers. And you can only do this by rolling the dice!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQiqgC66fE4/VbnpNsGVV7I/AAAAAAAAEbg/-MIuJ7kb85U/s1600/DSCF4730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQiqgC66fE4/VbnpNsGVV7I/AAAAAAAAEbg/-MIuJ7kb85U/s640/DSCF4730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is great number bond practice. We only did addition here, but you can do addition or subtraction if you want to make things more challenging. Here she rolled a 5 and a 4, and she's putting a sticker under the 9. If she was doing subtraction, she could put a sticker under the 1.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0xu0JYclnI/VbnpOsOgcxI/AAAAAAAAEbk/8mcQntPKhX4/s1600/DSCF4731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0xu0JYclnI/VbnpOsOgcxI/AAAAAAAAEbk/8mcQntPKhX4/s640/DSCF4731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We always keep the number sticks handy in case certain number bond families stump her. Here she is figuring out that 6 + 2 = 8 using the sticks:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FG3wRcC0_4/VbnpPTlK4pI/AAAAAAAAEbs/43kqW2Bpfw8/s1600/DSCF4732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FG3wRcC0_4/VbnpPTlK4pI/AAAAAAAAEbs/43kqW2Bpfw8/s640/DSCF4732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I slipped in some number bonds of 12 practice. Because when she threw a 6 + 6 there was a lot of rejoicing. Naturally when I asked "what other number bonds can make a 12?" using the number sticks was a natural way to let her figure it out for herself:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hri1S6XjkT8/VbnpPgpFzPI/AAAAAAAAEbw/tzk7XHeHt5s/s1600/DSCF4733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hri1S6XjkT8/VbnpPgpFzPI/AAAAAAAAEbw/tzk7XHeHt5s/s640/DSCF4733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She won, by the way. Fair and square.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQBTGIqrDT0/VboxHlkqMAI/AAAAAAAAEcU/suFneqgPj-U/s1600/DSCF4734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQBTGIqrDT0/VboxHlkqMAI/AAAAAAAAEcU/suFneqgPj-U/s640/DSCF4734.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, time for bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe these pictures were a full year ago! Obviously still a lot of posts to share how we use the number sticks as a staple in our playroom shelf. <br />
<br />
Still amazed with these things, and making slow friends with math myself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53JY_1KITyo/Vboz2rBjr8I/AAAAAAAAEcg/TYKvxuOJBsE/s1600/numbersticksarchive_zps2aa1b51d-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53JY_1KITyo/Vboz2rBjr8I/AAAAAAAAEcg/TYKvxuOJBsE/s1600/numbersticksarchive_zps2aa1b51d-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our gallery is still growing. Have a look <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.blogspot.com/p/number-sticks-math-rods-cuisenaire-rods.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-18042932009038631002015-07-28T00:52:00.000+08:002016-01-25T10:37:03.301+08:00It's More Fun: Bleached Floors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I do something, I find the dreaming of possibilities as part of the fun. My husband, however, thinks this is ridiculous. He is Mr. Action Man. Three months ago, he made my seven-year-dream of white wooden flooring come true.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes deciding fast and living with the consequences is the only way to get things done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not only did I learn that life lesson, I also learned a thing or two about bleaching floors. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's totally worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5jpu0HEZWE/VbPFJGnOd-I/AAAAAAAAEZM/vJtacLO5DoY/s1600/DSCF7617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5jpu0HEZWE/VbPFJGnOd-I/AAAAAAAAEZM/vJtacLO5DoY/s640/DSCF7617.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br />
(I should take more pics when the rooms aren't in a KonMari transition - my next project!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtXpFHD2xbE/VbZa98cTp1I/AAAAAAAAEa4/D8UDinMkO3Y/s1600/P1160028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtXpFHD2xbE/VbZa98cTp1I/AAAAAAAAEa4/D8UDinMkO3Y/s640/P1160028.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before<br />
(I also have no proper before pics : that's how fast things went. I came home and the work was underway)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First an obvious disclaimer: I am not a DIY-er in the literal sense. I just love dreaming up ideas and I happen to live in labor-friendly Philippines. I can't imagine how moms can hold down a corporate career, a family and a creative home otherwise!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Three guys took about two months to finish three rooms. Read on why it took almost forever. It was actually pretty fascinating to witness - a daily thrill to see such big changes happening. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I would come home excited to see how three steps could be so dramatic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step 1: Buff away the old finish.</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was the reason why the whole project took so long - we wanted it sanded <i>by hand </i>instead of renting a sander machine (otherwise it would have been done in a day or two!). But I was living with a husband who had asthma attacks so that was non-negotiable. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had considered ripping out the parquet flooring altogether but it was made of <i>narra</i> wood with each piece glued down - such good quality compared to the fast and easy options nowadays. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x23fSNESDPc/VbPIyjbjP_I/AAAAAAAAEZg/WDUs2O_ORJs/s1600/DSCF7016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x23fSNESDPc/VbPIyjbjP_I/AAAAAAAAEZg/WDUs2O_ORJs/s640/DSCF7016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and after sanding the area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step 2: Bleach, bleach then bleach again</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A second reason this all took very long. I wanted the lightest shade it could go so that meant going up to the strongest bleach solution (#3) and applying it three times. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I tell you, that stuff is deadly stinging to the eyes and nose. The smell would largely be gone or confined to a closed-door room by the evening when we would come home. Some days were pretty bad and we had to escape to the mall or let Ladybug stay at her lola's house during the afternoon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Times; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5l6y3ce8Pc/VbPIyoMk70I/AAAAAAAAEZk/BEqCKTUZK4A/s1600/DSCF7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5l6y3ce8Pc/VbPIyoMk70I/AAAAAAAAEZk/BEqCKTUZK4A/s640/DSCF7017.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
A dramatic difference after the third bleach!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-460_Erl7PRc/VbPIykMTjoI/AAAAAAAAEZo/s_J6DjEnYtc/s1600/DSCF7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-460_Erl7PRc/VbPIykMTjoI/AAAAAAAAEZo/s_J6DjEnYtc/s640/DSCF7044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Ladybug Girl's Room : waiting for the bleach to dry. It's so toxic, all metal surfaces should be covered up from splatters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step 3: Clear polyurethane coat. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was happiest with the freshly-bleached raw wood but I knew that wouldn't last long. It's a yellowing risk to apply a top coat of varnish but it had to be done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCgC9h8Gnb0/VbPI0SH-nvI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/0KYIdgxR7_s/s1600/DSCF7046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCgC9h8Gnb0/VbPI0SH-nvI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/0KYIdgxR7_s/s640/DSCF7046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top : clear varnish | Bottom : unvarnished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What do you think? Doesn't it make such a big difference? The furniture blends better and everything feels so much lighter and fresher. And fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFXd6OhPukQ/VqWIyuEocGI/AAAAAAAAFNk/VJdA_r3lqdQ/s1600/thumb_DSCF8563_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFXd6OhPukQ/VqWIyuEocGI/AAAAAAAAFNk/VJdA_r3lqdQ/s640/thumb_DSCF8563_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floors make all the difference in this room. See our library makeover <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2016/01/evolution-of-our-library-room-with.html" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's definitely not perfect. I've got some permanent footmarks on the floor where I had to go inside the room to pack for a business trip. And the hallway is far from perfect because we just had no choice but to step on it before completely drying to get from one side to another. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's all part of loving our home one wooden tile at a time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's to dreaming and doing! It's the perfect combination, pains and all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-981242140945772262015-07-22T00:59:00.000+08:002015-07-22T12:51:48.983+08:00Why Do Montessori Students Wash Tables?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It really is one of the strangest sights in the Montessori classroom to see a student wash a table. Why are they wasting<i> precious studying</i> time doing chores? Why is the school <i>forcing</i> my child to do menial work? Who <i>washes</i> a table anyway?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37wz7YsZYfc/Va0iNHGcDnI/AAAAAAAAEVI/wYGsOS1wRG4/s1600/montessori%2Bwashing%2Btables%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37wz7YsZYfc/Va0iNHGcDnI/AAAAAAAAEVI/wYGsOS1wRG4/s640/montessori%2Bwashing%2Btables%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I must admit even I pooh-poohed this activity all the way until Ladybug graduated preschool. I get the logic fine: practical life is the first important curriculum because it lets children become independent and empowered when they see they can do things by themselves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But washing <i>tables</i>? I was skeptical. We have helpers as part of our homes - would children ever really contribute consistently in that way? Would it ever really matter in the grand scheme of priorities? Eventually everyone learns practical life at some stage in their life anyway (um, in my case when I got married). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Washing tables seemed like a filler; unlike the more useful things like learning to button and ribbon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU8WvlO3QnM/Va5xftQJscI/AAAAAAAAEYI/1otuWv8Jn50/s1600/ffcd3cbaedd6dbc93eaa2b8161e0e28b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU8WvlO3QnM/Va5xftQJscI/AAAAAAAAEYI/1otuWv8Jn50/s1600/ffcd3cbaedd6dbc93eaa2b8161e0e28b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical preparation to wash tables: jug of water, bar soap, sponge, bowl and towel <br />
-- all ready for students to choose freely in the classroom everyday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
True, when I watched the practical life side of the classroom at parent observation day I saw that students did it with either peaceful energy or intense concentration. In that moment they were <i>in the groove</i>. Watch this adorable video from itsapracticallife: <a href="https://instagram.com/p/5XDC5VCB9p/">https://instagram.com/p/5XDC5VCB9p/</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I faithfully copied this at home for the heck of it, just to model consistent values. I have a squeeze bottle of water, sponges and tissue as part of her regular art shelves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcSP-en2ePc/Va52YkwkzSI/AAAAAAAAEYY/ESGP4IgSkyE/s1600/Screenshot%2B2015-07-22%2Bat%2B12.41.10%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcSP-en2ePc/Va52YkwkzSI/AAAAAAAAEYY/ESGP4IgSkyE/s640/Screenshot%2B2015-07-22%2Bat%2B12.41.10%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cleaning" her table and floor two years ago, at four years old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we did this <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/09/watercolor-art-on-salt-tray.html" target="_blank">liquid watercolour work</a> last year, I pointed out that her work table got paint on it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUjgaXavNcc/Va0iFBHUGCI/AAAAAAAAEUk/0UyKs-rrtb8/s1600/DSCF4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUjgaXavNcc/Va0iFBHUGCI/AAAAAAAAEUk/0UyKs-rrtb8/s400/DSCF4310.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She squeezed water and wiped it off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JC3MwMRrVE4/Va0iLhMNJXI/AAAAAAAAEVA/HX2OP-u7Z-w/s1600/DSCF4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JC3MwMRrVE4/Va0iLhMNJXI/AAAAAAAAEVA/HX2OP-u7Z-w/s400/DSCF4321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the remaining stains, she got her hand wash in the bathroom and used the sponges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NVin0En_KY/Va0iLvowVUI/AAAAAAAAEU8/0JcVByPqpjU/s1600/DSCF4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NVin0En_KY/Va0iLvowVUI/AAAAAAAAEU8/0JcVByPqpjU/s400/DSCF4322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see how intent she is in this work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So okay, it was a nice thing to do at home but more for pretending that she's independent. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No harm, but no real value either.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A year later.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She now has a taller and sturdier table in her room. She loves it. She's a big girl now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a playdate activity with crayons left marks on the table, I shrugged it off as part of the deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But not her. She loves her table. Her face lights up. <i>I know what to do, </i>she yells and disappears.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I come back to this and took this picture from her doorway:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0V4oO_HKLE/Va0iMcTFQ0I/AAAAAAAAEVE/We4DHXTAMzk/s1600/DSCF8213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0V4oO_HKLE/Va0iMcTFQ0I/AAAAAAAAEVE/We4DHXTAMzk/s640/DSCF8213.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When she was done she mopped the floor.<br />
(I also have <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2013/06/attempts-at-learning-independence.html" target="_blank">these cleaning supplies</a> in her room)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was completely impressed. She showed she could care for her own things if she was empowered enough to <i>really</i> take charge of her own things. Look at that first photo! She was <i>confident</i>. She was <i>proud</i> of herself for solving the problem.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought about all things we would do for her because we thought she couldn't do it, or because it was faster to do it for her : packing away, charging her iPad, picking up her shoes, feeding her. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had undermined this washing of tables for three years! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It meant so much more to her than it did to my grown-up eyes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not too late, I am happily looking for other 'tables' for her to wash with confidence and pride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is going in our gallery of "Montessori Inspiration for the Working Mom" <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/p/gallery-montessori-inspiration-for.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-12259889316184476582015-07-19T05:29:00.000+08:002015-07-21T08:32:13.879+08:00Outdoor Sand Kitchen | Playdate Idea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some months ago, I finished the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tinkerlab-Hands-On-Guide-Little-Inventors/dp/161180065X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tinker Lab</a> and was inspired to revamp our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2014/09/our-no-garden-play-space.html" target="_blank">little outdoor play space</a> to a <i>dirty kitchen</i> area where kids can just go crazy with mixtures and concoctions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It made for a super fun playdate afternoon:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thHEWxByuBM/VaJlVoxnXoI/AAAAAAAAEUA/HglwqpCOe04/s1600/outdoor%2Bsand%2Bkitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thHEWxByuBM/VaJlVoxnXoI/AAAAAAAAEUA/HglwqpCOe04/s640/outdoor%2Bsand%2Bkitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was the space set-up back then. Since I'm always moving stuff around my house, the outdoor space was more cluttered than I like, but in the meantime it stayed like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PxZtxm27PI/VaJjE6nX6wI/AAAAAAAAEQs/LR8Bp1YKR1Y/s1600/DSCF6974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PxZtxm27PI/VaJjE6nX6wI/AAAAAAAAEQs/LR8Bp1YKR1Y/s640/DSCF6974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The play invitation!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With some closer looks, you'll see that everything in here is repurposed old stuff from our kitchen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's the DIY sand+water table which I've yet to write about. It has sand, mixing bowls, old spoons and some leftover paint. The paint had petrified in those cups so I added water to revive them for one last play time. Some were actually a little smelly!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkg9zTMWziI/VaJixuRr1HI/AAAAAAAAEPk/0RCtXuLpCQk/s1600/DSCF6966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkg9zTMWziI/VaJixuRr1HI/AAAAAAAAEPk/0RCtXuLpCQk/s640/DSCF6966.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two mixing bowls, two spoons, two ladles : stress-free for both play mates and mamas alike!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The original table held random stuff : leftover things from our <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2013/02/weekend-play-sweet-shop.html" target="_blank">sweet shop</a> play like marbles, rocks, beads, and the usual spare glass bottles we keep outside for play:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBRFBp4sLEQ/VaJi4K9G9pI/AAAAAAAAEP8/d4BtsU2KqgI/s1600/DSCF6968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBRFBp4sLEQ/VaJi4K9G9pI/AAAAAAAAEP8/d4BtsU2KqgI/s640/DSCF6968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also put out all the expired flavouring which were leftover from failed DIY Montessori smelling bottles. These go a very long way so you can dilute them with water and they'll still smell great:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvc1vd5IwKs/VaJi2wqjbEI/AAAAAAAAEP0/Rg-fC8W1wPU/s1600/DSCF6967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvc1vd5IwKs/VaJi2wqjbEI/AAAAAAAAEP0/Rg-fC8W1wPU/s640/DSCF6967.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were the hit of the afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since we did a purge of the pantry, I brought out the expired spices too. And our extra jars I used to make permanent places for cornstarch, baking powder, and vinegar:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eOa1gcL6lI/VaJi5fvCd-I/AAAAAAAAEQE/j-0LHiKZmP4/s1600/DSCF6969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eOa1gcL6lI/VaJi5fvCd-I/AAAAAAAAEQE/j-0LHiKZmP4/s640/DSCF6969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was largely ignored except for the spices. Kids are so intrigued when they get to use grownup stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Among our permanent containers outside are these from her play kitchen:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVvJHsQ4_gE/VaJi8FLmzAI/AAAAAAAAEQM/qNwCiIgKqlo/s1600/DSCF6970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVvJHsQ4_gE/VaJi8FLmzAI/AAAAAAAAEQM/qNwCiIgKqlo/s640/DSCF6970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Best tip is to always put out buckets of water for self-washing - they love it:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRW1UQQIKnY/VaJiqd7KEhI/AAAAAAAAEPM/lVUCZf4J_sY/s1600/DSCF6963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRW1UQQIKnY/VaJiqd7KEhI/AAAAAAAAEPM/lVUCZf4J_sY/s640/DSCF6963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sign is a small touch that explains it all:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIH8krzIM6M/VaJi_dCB6jI/AAAAAAAAEQY/08G5VhkUxBk/s1600/DSCF6972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIH8krzIM6M/VaJi_dCB6jI/AAAAAAAAEQY/08G5VhkUxBk/s640/DSCF6972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me tell you, this was supposed to be activity where the mamas would leave and go shopping but we were absolutely fascinated watching them play and discover.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One thing great about this aside from all the sensory and imagination play was that there was <i>no competition</i>. The goal was to work together and make yummy goodies to sell for the day.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUP5e0VwWQ4/VaJjLmxVNAI/AAAAAAAAERQ/5tLkqxNCWoA/s1600/DSCF6979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUP5e0VwWQ4/VaJjLmxVNAI/AAAAAAAAERQ/5tLkqxNCWoA/s640/DSCF6979.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They even did the first exploration together in one bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a sneaky goal to practice their spooning skills (independent eating is our goal this year):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjvHLX_ZffY/VaJjFuwlG4I/AAAAAAAAEQ0/QmmPOlGnjiI/s1600/DSCF6975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjvHLX_ZffY/VaJjFuwlG4I/AAAAAAAAEQ0/QmmPOlGnjiI/s640/DSCF6975.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scooping sand ingredient</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpUT34__62Y/VaJjGRnM8HI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/sxjHOXVW-rI/s1600/DSCF6976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpUT34__62Y/VaJjGRnM8HI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/sxjHOXVW-rI/s640/DSCF6976.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spooning paint ingredients (some colors were too watery but they didn't mind)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stir stir stir till everything's a blur:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-fusFacc0g/VaJjT4QtgiI/AAAAAAAAER0/5mrhCfgBXLE/s1600/DSCF6983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-fusFacc0g/VaJjT4QtgiI/AAAAAAAAER0/5mrhCfgBXLE/s640/DSCF6983.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Developing hand strength too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seIU3F5xySM/VaJjc3YW7kI/AAAAAAAAESU/bG5_eJ9hOIM/s1600/DSCF6990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-seIU3F5xySM/VaJjc3YW7kI/AAAAAAAAESU/bG5_eJ9hOIM/s640/DSCF6990.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching her to hold the bowl when mixing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soon they got seriously concentrating on their own concoctions:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmfyns23ATc/VaJjYGFQycI/AAAAAAAAESE/-jleoZQboJs/s1600/DSCF6986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmfyns23ATc/VaJjYGFQycI/AAAAAAAAESE/-jleoZQboJs/s640/DSCF6986.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yummy smells from the flavourings:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0uY6dMxfhI/VaJjXA2e18I/AAAAAAAAER8/Ws2vCJsaeNs/s1600/DSCF6985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0uY6dMxfhI/VaJjXA2e18I/AAAAAAAAER8/Ws2vCJsaeNs/s400/DSCF6985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spooning practice again for food presentation:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5E_sSGE6Xg/VaJjt4y5pKI/AAAAAAAAETk/OwZ_rZVA6kM/s1600/DSCF7007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5E_sSGE6Xg/VaJjt4y5pKI/AAAAAAAAETk/OwZ_rZVA6kM/s400/DSCF7007.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spoon...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yH38RVsDTI/VaJje9JcLyI/AAAAAAAAESc/atGiUbBAtVs/s1600/DSCF6991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yH38RVsDTI/VaJje9JcLyI/AAAAAAAAESc/atGiUbBAtVs/s400/DSCF6991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tweak...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oOUZIf946ws/VaJjiMlcmLI/AAAAAAAAESs/ftg5KUX9a9M/s1600/DSCF6993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oOUZIf946ws/VaJjiMlcmLI/AAAAAAAAESs/ftg5KUX9a9M/s400/DSCF6993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Smell...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uYpzktz3XJg/VaJjm-nyu2I/AAAAAAAAES8/18NaqTCWdqw/s1600/DSCF6997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uYpzktz3XJg/VaJjm-nyu2I/AAAAAAAAES8/18NaqTCWdqw/s400/DSCF6997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
...Cheers!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L147xXkDE1g/VaJjnvcXGtI/AAAAAAAAETE/ADYS1i5V0BM/s1600/DSCF6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L147xXkDE1g/VaJjnvcXGtI/AAAAAAAAETE/ADYS1i5V0BM/s400/DSCF6998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The chefs started the menu:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdOcZ7qTf-8/VaJjshorjbI/AAAAAAAAETY/rXqf6Q75aoM/s1600/DSCF7003.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdOcZ7qTf-8/VaJjshorjbI/AAAAAAAAETY/rXqf6Q75aoM/s640/DSCF7003.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we played "what do you call your creation" and made some precious videos to remember.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then the mamas left to shop the sales! Woohoo!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we got home I grabbed the camera to capture these finished masterpieces:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snt24caHyLc/VaJjstNV5nI/AAAAAAAAETU/q2sliTV81bc/s1600/DSCF7004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snt24caHyLc/VaJjstNV5nI/AAAAAAAAETU/q2sliTV81bc/s640/DSCF7004.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LYOaGfLnAg/VaJjtToC-lI/AAAAAAAAETg/4gP4Ray7myg/s1600/DSCF7005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LYOaGfLnAg/VaJjtToC-lI/AAAAAAAAETg/4gP4Ray7myg/s640/DSCF7005.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the next weekend, she did it all over again with some neighbors.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBW3vVxHTjc/VaJjwy0MrRI/AAAAAAAAET0/VXb8kAQmEg4/s1600/DSCF7012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBW3vVxHTjc/VaJjwy0MrRI/AAAAAAAAET0/VXb8kAQmEg4/s640/DSCF7012.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flavour bottles and spices were completely used up and happily disposed of after that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
Too, too fun. Oh weekends, why so short.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">p.s. check out how we played with sand and paint to make art <a href="http://www.diycorporatemom.com/2013/04/sandy-paint-weekend-play.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></center>
<center>
</center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746180949402229063.post-86180961803686224812015-07-13T15:56:00.000+08:002015-07-19T05:49:11.039+08:00Meet Our Book Cart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I packed away the lovely wooden grocery stand and play food awhile ago, but one thing remained: her shopping cart! It has a better life as a book cart today:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-9YPITIrpA/VaJDJ0p88LI/AAAAAAAAEOw/7JmGUZ0wM48/s1600/book%2Bcart%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-9YPITIrpA/VaJDJ0p88LI/AAAAAAAAEOw/7JmGUZ0wM48/s640/book%2Bcart%2Btitle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have a spare room which we use as a "library" and since introducing her to the "new" book cart, it's getting a lot of use carting armloads of books with fewer clutter and a lot more independence:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKqYYhkorA0/VaJDJsWr6xI/AAAAAAAAEOs/yyeqyP-sa4E/s1600/DSCF8290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKqYYhkorA0/VaJDJsWr6xI/AAAAAAAAEOs/yyeqyP-sa4E/s640/DSCF8290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's also useful when this little librarian is reminded to return her books to the shelves:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LezIKaw2nUE/VaJDGyz2ReI/AAAAAAAAEOU/GqhgR0mPJ24/s1600/DSCF7612.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LezIKaw2nUE/VaJDGyz2ReI/AAAAAAAAEOU/GqhgR0mPJ24/s640/DSCF7612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought she looked sooo independent but on another such day, I spotted this:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHdnz-gBzCI/VaJDHEZH6UI/AAAAAAAAEOc/0JMdW-rPke4/s1600/DSCF8134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHdnz-gBzCI/VaJDHEZH6UI/AAAAAAAAEOc/0JMdW-rPke4/s640/DSCF8134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cracked me up!<br />
A reminder that children need clarity and demonstration when giving instructions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love making little things work for kids in the home! It's like a cool social experiment!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What are the social experiments that worked in your home?</div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" height="28" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhHj4Wsfcfg/U2gzVt5ZnjI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5pNKAs6yCg/s200/signature.jpg" width="200" /></center>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223993350569140658noreply@blogger.com2