Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas Traditions

Christmas traditions are what celebrating it in the Philippines truly special. We have so many traditions that make Christmas more festive and more heartfelt here. And I want my son to learn all about it as he grows up.

Simbang Gabi

caroling


Christmas tree


our socks for Santa =)

noche buena


time to be with your loved ones


But the most important of all
knowing the true meaning of Christmas
It's the birth of Jesus CHRIST

our belen

HAVE A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!


Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Best Time to Help

It's Christmas time once again. Everyone should be merry and relaxing this time of the year but how would you feel if a destructive typhoon destroyed, swept away and took away lives along with it? My heart goes to the victims of Bagyong Sendong that hit Mindanao provinces last Friday December 17, 2011.

It is truly devastating watching the news. But we don't have to just watched and talked about it. We can HELP them! We can help in simple ways. We can extend our love for them even in small ways. The question is: are you willing to do that for them?







photos from Yahoo News Philippines


SO MANY WAYS TO DONATE:


1. SMART

Smart Money: Donors to Typhoon Sendong may help through Smart Money acct. no. 5577-5130-6822-1104 at any BDO, Hapinoy or Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.

Text: Smart subscribers may donate to Sendong victims via text. Send RED < space >AMOUNT  to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100

2. GLOBE

Gcash: For GCASH, donate through Red Cross by texting DONATE MPIN REDCROSS and send to 2882.

Text: Text RED < space > AMOUNT and send it to 2899. You may donate in these denominations: 5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000.

3. LBC Express is now accepting donations for typhoon Sendong victims. You may drop off your donations in any LBC Express branch.

4. DSWD. Donations can be brought at all DSWD Field Offices.

5. PHILIPPINE RED CROSS
     I. In-Kind Donation. You can send in-kind local donations to Philippine Red Cross 

     II. Through Cebuana Lhuillier. They accept donations in any of the of their pawnshops nationwide.

6. BANK ACCOUNTS

Banco De Oro

Peso: 00-453-0018647
Dollar: 10-453-0039482

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Peso: 4991-0036-52
Dollar: 004994-0103-15

Metrobank

Peso: 151-3-041631228
Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2

Philippine National Bank

Peso: 3752 8350 0034
Dollar: 3752 8350 0042

FOR COMPLETE LIST OF BANK ACCOUNTS THAT ACCEPTS DONATIONS: Visit here.

In 3 days, it would be Christmas. And I always hear that Christmas is the season of giving. If you have money to buy clothes and food for the season, I know you can spare even just a little for our fellow Filipinos. Please spread the word!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Carrot Cupcake

It is my sister's 30ish birthday! Even though she's in NZ and we're here in the Philippines, I baked carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting to have a simple celebration in our home. Happy Birthday ate!


Ingredients (This recipe makes 28 cupcakes)
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups finely shredded carrots (a food processor is great for this)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs

Procedure
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line 24 cupcake molds with papers, or butter and flour them.
Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl to blend.
Whisk sugar and oil in large bowl until well blended. Whisk in eggs 1 at a time. 
Add flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in carrots
Divide batter among cupcake molds, filling 3/4 of each.
Bake cupcakes 14 to 18 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Let cool in pans for five minutes or so, then transfer cakes to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before icing them.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Two (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a stand mixer beat all the ingredients on medium until fluffy. Chill the frosting for 10 to 20 minutes, until it has set up enough to spread smoothly.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Multiple Intelligence

Who says being intelligent means having high grades in school? There are many facets as to how intelligence is characterized. So it goes to say, that EVERY CHILD has a acquire aptitude and skills whether it is hidden or already seen.  

1.       Verbal-Linguistic: WORD SMART
·         Values books and storytelling time
·         Enjoys writing and can compose well-versed sentences compared to average kids of the same age
·         Frequently inquires about word definition, spelling and usage
·         Invents own words to a song
·         Loves to babble, enjoys talking to people
·         Likes to tell or listen to jokes, riddles, tongue-twisters, rhymes, puns, word games
·         Pays attention to words on billboards and signs
·         Can follow directions just by listening
·         Remembers information well

Word smarts think and see in words.
They are elegant speakers, remarkable writers and have highly developed auditory skills. Books, audio-video tapes, voice recorders, writing tools, paper, mini-journals, dialogues, discussions, debates and storytelling help develop verbal-linguistic skills in children. Teaching your children about a concept you know very well, playing memory and word games, or inventing a new ending for an existing story are some effective ways for him to become Word Smart.

2.       Logical –Mathematical: NUMBER SMART
·         Inquires a lot about how things work
·         Enjoys “what if” situations, brain teasers and games that require logical thinking
·         Loves working with abstract concepts and figuring out the relationship between things
·         Believes that everything has a rational explanation
·         Recognizes patterns and order, shapes and sizes
·         Loves solving puzzles and working with blocks and manipulatives
·         Classifies and categorizes information
·         Performs complex mathematical calculations beyond what is developmentally expected
·         Loves to experiment
·         Collects objects

Number smarts form concepts by way of reasoning, numbers and patterns.
They learn best by using a variety of materials to experiment with. Take your kid on trips to the planetarium or science museum to further quench his thirst for knowledge. Provide word problems to solve and allow opportunities to question and wander about natural events. Counters such as bottle caps or poker chips, as well as pattern blocks, snap lock cubes, shape sorters, junior science experiment kits and illustrated kiddie encyclopedias can further encourage your kid to search for answers. Refine his math skills by assigning tasks like scheduling family activities, measuring, making models, estimating costs of your grocery list or restaurant bill and even budgeting.

3.       Bodily-Kinesthetic: BODY SMART
·         Loves to dance, act or mime
·         Mimics other people’s gestures, actions and mannerisms
·         Expresses self well through movement games
·         Often uses hand gestures and other forms of body language during conversations
·         Enjoys sports and other physical activities
·         Shows good motor coordination
·         Takes pleasure in spending time outdoors
·         Likes working with hands: sewing, weaving, carving, carpentry, model-building, clay modelling, finger-painting, crafts, woodworks
·         Handles objects with precision and amazing dexterity
·         Loves taking things apart, then putting them back together

Body smarts think and learn best by using their body.
These learners remember and process information by interacting with the space around them. They need tactile and hands-on experiences through activities such as role-playing, drama, dance, movement, building and constructing, sports, and physical games. Using music and teaching concepts through songs as they clap to the beat, or making up dance steps for songs will surely engage kinesthetic learners. Get physical: go hiking, biking, swimming, dancercising, or simply play more charades so your kid becomes “body smarter”.

4.       Musical: MUSIC SMART
·         Responds with great enthusiasm when music is played
·         Immediately appreciates or critiques music while listening to it
·         Loves to sing (may even have a good singing voice)
·         Hums and taps on surfaces (table, chair, etc.) while thinking or waiting
·         Can easily memorize lyrics
·         Composes music
·         Plays a musical instrument
·         Sensitive to pitch, melody, rhythm and tone
·         Can create and replicate tunes

Music smarts are extremely sensitive to natural ambient sounds such as bells, roosters crowing and crickets, to name a few.
They need regular sing-along and music-appreciation time: listening to music, going to concerts and tinkering with musical instruments (even crude ones like metal kitchenware and empty tin cans). Have music constantly playing softly in the background and sing along with it. Music appreciation is best developed through immersion.

5.       Visual-Spatial: ART SMART
·         Perceives the world accurately and can recreate through pictures or illustrations
·         Likes looking at picture books, photographs and paintings
·         Enjoys coloring books, maps, puzzles and mazes
·         Loves to doodle, paint, draw and build with blocks
·         Can take things apart and put them back together
·         Loves taking photographs and videos
·         Designs practical objects
·         Is sensitive to color
·         Experiences lucid dreams at night and often daydreams
·         Can generally find his way around unfamiliar territory

Art smarts think in pictures and vivid images.
They need a wide range of art activities, building and construction toys, illustrated books, videos, movies and slides to help them retain information. Allow them to play with mazes, puzzles and visual games, or ask them to illustrate a story to foster imagination and creativity. Take them on frequent trips to art museum where they can learn about other art forms and media. Provide a variety of art materials they can explore and use whenever they feel like awakening the Picasso in them.

6.       Interpersonal: PEOPLE SMART
·         Friendly, gracious and sociable
·         Usually popular
·         Constantly enjoys company of friends and family
·         Loves parties and feels comfortable in a crowd
·         Sensitive to other people’s feelings and intentions
·         Listens attentively
·         Enjoys team-building games and group sports
·         Takes initiative to “teach” another kid during play
·         Has strong leadership skills and serves as a mediator in a group
·         Well-organized

People smarts understand people and relationships well.
They form early bonds that last a lifetime. They seek to be involved in group games, social gatherings, community events, clubs and organizations. Allow them to give and receive feedback, or help out in dividing household chores among family members. Conversations and interactive group games where kids are able to collaborate and solve problems with others are good ways to hone interpersonal skills.

7.       Intrapersonal: SELF SMART
·         Has a realistic view of self and of own strengths and weaknesses
·         Strong- willed and independent
·         Has strong, unyielding opinions and expresses them
·         Understands and controls own feelings and moods as well as others’
·         Expresses feelings accurately
·         Observes and listens before taking action
·         Prefers to work or spend time alone
·         Likes to meditate and reflect
·         Keeps a diary or a journal

Self smarts are silent planners and goal setters.
They need their own secret place, as well as a chance to be given choices and engage in self-paced projects. Self-reflection and self-discovery are the learning styles of Self Smart people. Give them imaginative activities and exercises that allow time to think and process emotionally. Provide the following introspective activities: “know thyself” compositions for silent reflection, mindfulness practices combined with journal keeping (e.g., a child can think about how history has affected his life), and concentration exercises like guided imagery, deep breathing, or imagining people from the past living with today’s  technology. Peer tutoring and buddy systems are also some of the effective ways to develop this intelligence.

8.       Naturalist: NATURE SMART
·         Recognizes, classifies and appreciates animals, plants and flowers
·         Enjoys collecting rocks, leaves and flowers; enjoys catching insects
·         Admires trees, mountains, rivers and the movement of clouds
·         Keeps a terrarium or aquarium
·         Has a green thumb
·         Spends a lot of time outdoors
·         Likes to go camping or hiking
·         Loves taking care of and raising pets
·         Enjoys visits to the zoo
·         Genuinely cares for the environment and the planet

Nature smarts think through natural forms.
They need constant access to nature and as many opportunities to interact with animals, as well as tools to investigate nature (e.g., magnifying glass, binoculars). Go outdoors with your kids as often as possible to nurture this love for nature.  Set up a garden or put plants inside the house, and entrust your children with the responsibility of caring for these plants every day.

9.       Existentialist: COSMIC SMART
·         Spends time reflecting on life’s big questions: Why am I here? Are there really ghosts? Where is heaven? Is there life on other planets? Where does God live?
·         Has a deeper view of life and the universe
·         Reads a lot on philosophy, religion and cosmic dimensions
·         Feels different or apart from peers because of preoccupation with existential questions
·         Loves movies, TV shows or plays that have spiritual or philosophical themes
·         Enjoys philosophical or religious discussions and arguments
·         Expresses feelings and ideas about spiritual, philosophical or existential themes through writing, art work and research

Existential intelligence is defined as the deep concern and proficiency in inquiring about “ultimate issues”.
This is manifest in people who pose questions about life, death and ultimate realities, and attempt to answer them as well. This intelligence, however, may not be observed in very young children, and will only start to emerge by age nine, when children are capable of more abstract thinking and reasoning. However, it is not improbable to hear existentialist questions from younger kids ages six to eight, as some may develop higher thinking skills earlier than most.

SOURCE: The Smart Mom’s Guide To The TODDLER YEARS

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Oops, I did it again!

Last night, I tried another recipe to bake. Since riley love this fruit so much, I incorporated it to this project (every time I bake or plan something I unconsciously consider it a project). We never run out of banana in our house so I made my son banana loaf!

Well, everything is well except that when it is already in the oven, it overflows because of the small baking pan I used. So lesson no 1, never ever fill or overflow or fit all your mixture in a small container. The mixture should at least be 3/4 that of the size of your baking pan. If you have a spare, better cooked it in two or three separate containers to avoid incident like that. What happens is that only the outside is cooked while the inner is still uncooked. That's what happen so I had to transfer it to another molder then I baked it again. It also happened in my Chocolate Marshmallow Cake. Oops i did it again! LOL. Never again will I make that same mistake. I promise :)

So much for the talking, here's the finish product:

I scrape the inside because as I've mention earlier its uncooked and i had to transfer it in a different pan.




Finally, Riley get to taste it

his verdict: mmmmm. so good! :p
tama na pagpapacute jan! kumain ka na lang! :)

Bye for now. My next project is carrot cupcake for my ate's birthday! Ciao!

BANANA LOAF




Ingredients:

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 cup butter or margarine
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
3 eggs, separated
1/8 tsp banana essence (optional)
2/3 cup Alaska Evaporada Evaporated Creamer
4 pcs bananas (preferably latundan), peeled and mashed
1/4 cup brown sugar

Procedure:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 °F.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon until blended and set aside.
3. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and beat until smooth.
4. Blend in dry ingredients alternately with the Alaska Evaporada.
5. Beat at low speed until smooth. Fold in bananas and extract. Set aside.
6. In another dry bowl, beat egg whites and remaining sugar at high speed until stiff but not dry.
7. Fold egg whites in the banana mixture and place in a lined 4" x 8" loaf pan
8. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until done.