Double Bash

Yep, you read it right. Matthew and I had our double birthday celebration last December 1 right here in our very own garden. I chose the Pirate theme not only because Matthew's first soft book was about pirates but because it was also thanksgiving for my mom who now showcases her signature bandana look. I also liked the Captain Jack Sparrow movies and I had tons of ideas from the net. It was truly a memorable event as guests flocked to the party geared up in their favorite Pirate costume.

Everything was a first in our party - first choco fountain set-up; Matthew's loot shop where the kiddos were treated to goodies in exchange for plastic coins they won during the games; our first mcdo party; our first garden party (with all the heat); and first dual celeb. Long tables were set to depict a pirate's table cabins complete with pirate printed cloth (scotched tape mind you) over my mom's ever reliable red cloths. They were actualy long curtains. Colored palm tree streamers provided much ambiance to the rented tents. The tents were my gift from my mom and dad. I also made a treasure chest made out of cardboard box to hide the special treats for the guests. We had two cakes - one was from McDonald's and the other store bought. I found the cutest pirate ship toy complete with casts, steering wheel, ladders, chests and pirates which we made into a cake topper. Loot bags were doubled as I had my own version in addition to McDonald's loot bags.

Food was all pirate with street goodies such as kikiam, squid balls, fish balls and hotdog balls. Everyone visited the food dock. The main course was of course courtesy of McDonald's (and Willie for paying the bill hehe..)

The winner of the best in costume was Declaro family who painstakingly made each detail of their costumes realistic most especially Tito Paeng who even had a long wig to boot. He was our very own Jack Sparrow. the main celebrant of course had a truly unique costume straight from the US courtesy of his Ninong Anthony. It was really unfortunate that he and Mama Lods were not able to join us as their flight was scehduled a day before the party (sayang talaga). Most of the pirate items especially the plastic gold coins were all from Anthony.

We had the event photo and video covered as my dad insisted that it be done that way. I hope to collect other pics from guests who graciously took pics during the event. Matthew and I had a blast as everyone we wanted to come were all there.

Toy Season

Christmas is truly for the kids. Matthew and I recently went to the yearly sale of Richwell Trading which is now being held at Kids Kraze in Libis Quezon City. I have heard of it from a multiply contact and reviews say that Barbie dolls are sold at P150 each while Hotwheels are at 3 for P150. This got me excited. What also made me go was the possibility of sale discounts for Megablocks Pirates of the Caribbean. Matthew's 3rd birthday party theme is pirates.

The sale is being held at a big warehouse so naturally it was best that customers come there in their most comfortable clothes. Upon entering the sale area, boxes and boxes of Fisher Price toys were the first things that caught my fancy. But it was a five piece Megablocks character set that I first placed in my shopping bag. No one could resist this item originally priced at P299.00; now being sold at P150! At Megablcoks pa ang tatak! It was truly a catch. My second purchase was a Fisher price Cookie Monster Alphabet Jar which was originally priced at P1,299.00 - now at P200! Oh man! I really had to get it; most especially that Matthew will definitely enjoy and learn from it. When you push Cookie Monster's head down, the letters spin and then when it stops, Cookie Monster will tell you the letter and an object starting with that letter. Really nice for preschoolers.

Another good find is the Hotwheels Toy Box regular price is at P119.75 but since all regular priced toys are 20% off, we got it ofr P95.75. I had to get two because it was too precious to pass. Matthew is just starting his collection of small cars so this is really perfect.

Who would have thought that in a toy haven like Kids Kraze, mom's would be delighted to find clothes and shoes. I got Matthew an orginal leather Chicco sandals at P200! It may be a little big than his size but at least he can use it in the near future.

But the biggest find I got was purchasing a Vtec Sound and Movement toy complete with band members that really move to the beat. This proved to be Matthew's favorite because he plays with it all the time now.

There are other great finds such as Barbie dolls (in plain clothes and without boxes) at P120 each; Matchbox cars at P50 each; Barbie shoes at P150 and my most regretted item not purchased is a Megablock pirate ship compelete with Pirate characters and details originally priced at P1,999; but is on sale at P1,000. Being a practical mom I thought hard about it; and I just decided to pray for someone to give it to Matthew as a gift. Calling ninongs and ninangs even titos and titas! Haha Will definitely come back for more.

Hi-5 the ultimate silencer

As a stay-at-home mom, I have so many responsibilities to do. Everyday I am faced with different activities and concerns that needs attending to. I have my homebased work, household chores, admin for our internet shop, Matthew and Willie, and most recently my online business. Even though Matthew is learning to be obedient nowadays, he is still a baby and sometimes can get into tantrums. But thanks to Hi-5 DVDs, I can relax more since Matthew loooooves Hi-5. He can follow the dialogues of Nathan, Tim, Kathleen, Charlie and Kelly and can even imitate what they are doing. When I badly need to do something, I just pop in the DVD and he's settled in front of the TV for the rest of the episodes. He's happy then I am happy :D