We are thankful for weekend sale at the mall. Yesterday, we attempted to go to a nearby mall having a biennial sale but tough luck, all roads were leading to that particular place and we didn’t attempt to even try entering the parking lot.

We may not have bought all the things we need for tomorrow’s school opening but we got the big (and more expensive stuff like bags and shoes) stuff covered. I like to think we do “wise spending” because of the following:

• we only buy what we really, really need based on a list, written or mentally remembered 😉
• we wait for the list of things to buy that the school gives so that we do not overbuy nor get things we won’t actually be needing
• we spend a little more on essential and everyday things like bags for heavy books, shoes as well as those packed food essentials like food containers (do not scrimp on these especially because you usually put hot food and if the container is made of cheap plastic, who knows what toxic chemicals it releases). Getting these things at a bigger cost is inexpensive than getting these for less the cost and less quality which means you buy another bag because the bag strap broke or the shoe sole disintegrated.
• we take note of the leftover school things we have so we don’t get the same things. So far we still have brown envelopes and paper folders as well as erasers, pencils and pad papers from last year’s school supplies at home. Not to mention manila paper, illustration boards, bond papers and colored art papers.
• we do not get easily distracted with other items on sale be these fancy cute non-essential things, and I also try not to go in a hardware store during sale season ( my fave store I admit and I love looking at paint patches, gardening tools, even look online for handles at reidsupply.com)

Do you spend wisely? You should because as our parents used to say, money doe not grow on trees 😀

Ever heard of Katamino?

I admit I wouldn’t know what that is if I won’t Google the term.

I bought Katamino a few months back. This is definitely not easy to accomplish even if it looks like it is easy.

The photo shows shows the shapes of the Katamino I got. I would prefer the ones made of wood but this will make do for now.

Katamino will test one’s creativity, logic, problem-solving, planning and perception on how things go together. The geometric shapes look easy to fit to make the task done but do not be too sure about how everything fits together.

Are you done shopping for your Christmas gifts to your loved ones? I hope you take time to consider this wonderful idea for your shopping list.

One of the things we really think about are gifts for our spouses.

For the husband, would he like that bottle of perfume you saved for and bought for him? Would you be able to see that one briefcase that stands out among briefcases for men be useful for him? What about those battery-operated shaving thingamajigs? A new gadget for the techie husband would be appreciated. Tickets to a trip you both will take? Absolutely perfect. Just don’t get those promo trip fares which would give you more than a headache.

Have fun shopping!

A lot of people do not give importance to music as a way to to teach children with special needs.

One of the things I enjoyed when I was still teaching preschool was to include music in the day to day curriculum. There are songs to make the kids get up and play, there are songs that teach learning concepts, there are songs that helps them pack away the materials they used such as there are songs that signals the class is ending in a bit and we have to say good-byes.

I have to say that though I have very limited musical ability when it comes to playing musical instruments during those times when I was still teaching the young ones, I know that did not deter me from enjoying music with them then. I just wish I paid more attention when I was taking piano lessons when I was way younger.

Teaching children about music (and also how to play various musical instruments) is a good way for them to learn a lot of things:

• they learn to listen
• they learn to feel the rhythm, the beat, the essence
• they learn to be more sensitive in listening to others especially if they have to play musical instruments with others
• they move to the beat of the music
• they are able to distinguish similarities and differences for say for example, ultra light acoustic guitar strings or nylon strings

Music is a good learning tool and when properly used, can be a big help for the children with special needs.

Here are a few samples of songs to teach for children with special needs.

Let me just say that I am proud of my student for being able to draw these, using pens and markers:

Assassin’s Creed

Another updated version of the Assassin’s Creed, this time with more colors.

Here is another Assassin’s Creed done with more colors.

Guess who?

The Godfather. He said he didn’t measure the drawing correctly so he lacked space at the end for the other letters. I told him to not sweat the small stuff because he is just brilliant!!! Isn’t he?

He even has a drawing of Scarface and some characters holding la flor dominicana cigars. I still have to find my photo of that in my files.

Photos do not look crisp, these were taken using a mobile device.

Parties these days have taken a different level. What used to be simple parties made up of simple food and simple games notched up a level when themed parties were introduced.

That one above is a Burberry-themed party for a baptismal and 3rd birthday celebration. Nice huh? Parties can be celebrated in restaurants or party venues and at country clubs.

Parties celebrated at home (shudders at the thought of cleaning up the mess afterwards) can be fun too! Throw in some of those fun for parties Karaoke singing and you got yourself one fun party. Just keep the noise down though when it is getting a bit late.