Enjoying ME time

Ssshhh! The boys are now sleeping! It’s ME time…

Green tea + Peanut butter cookies = Sayaness!!

Read..Read..Read

Summer activity – Playing with Lego

The simplest of toys that can be used in the most different ways are the best value.

LEGOS are an ideal educational toy for toddlers as they can provide each of the elements needed to stimulate learning while providing simple fun.

Legos have come out big time around our house as little A has shown interest again and happily spend a good amount of time playing independently..

he wants to build a tower..and he’s talking to me while he’s building one

Mommy look it’s a tall building

he thinks that the small figurine is him..

he’s putting his building inside the box and realized that it’s not fit

that’s whay he needs to remove the blocks one by one.. legos can be a good sample of problem solving too

finished!!

In choosing toys for young children let’s not forget the basics! Give them blocks, Legos and other types of building sets and watch their confidence grow along with their creations!

Summer activity – Freej Village

To enjoy the special atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan why not head over to Al Majaz Waterfront to see the four lovable main characters (Um Saeed, Um Saloom, Um Allawi and Um Khammas.) of the Middle East’s first 3D animated TV series — Freej Village.

Freej Village, the UAE’s most famous cartoon TV series is live in Al Majaz Waterfron from July 22 running till Eid Al Fitr.There will be several events and activities to keep the visitors engaged, including workshops for children, a photo booth for taking fun snaps with Freej themes and backgrounds, a fun-filled parade, traditional Emirati food, and lots of games and entertainment for adults and children alike.

This cartoon TV series is  a mirror of  UAE’s rich history, it’s reflection of their traditional and cultural ambiance, as well as folk arts and tales about the living and social conditions of their ancestors.

Freej Village opens at Al Majaz Waterfront from 9pm to 1am daily

Summer activity – Marble Run

I was supposed to throw this empty box when I stumbled upon Made by Joel blog.  I thought it would be cool to take the project one step further and attempt to craft a marble run. I was elated seeing empty box turned into something fun. The instruction was very easy that even a not- so -crafty – person can create one for their toddler.

Whether we are out and about or at home I  had to think of something to keep little A busy. A  fun learning activity that will keep him entertain and enjoy for hours.

And the best thing – it’s inexpensive.

I love the creative energy it creates for him! It’s very satisfying watching the marbles race down the track.

This simple craft is also a great way to help develop a child’s physical small motor skills as well as hand – eye coordination.

Summer delights – Chocolate chips vanilla pudding

Finally we had an excuse to try the bread pudding for breakfast. This throw-it-together recipe might be your favorite comfort food.

Chocolate and bread are the two things that start my day. After three days of fasting my body needs a reward!

Best served with fresh slice of apples..

Summer treats – Chocomallows

Marshmallows are even better when dipped in chocolate! And thats a fact!

Ingredients: large marshmallows,chocolate candy, sprinkles

Summer delights – Cream Cheese Brownies

I love to bake.   I mostly bake cookies, muffins, cupcakes, etc.  Nothing fancy.I just enjoy doing it especially on weekends whenever we don’t have plans to go out.  I never enrolled myself to any formal classes but I remember using cake box when I was starting. But as old cliché goes “practice makes progress”.

When I first baked the cream cheese brownies it was so palpak since then I never tried adding cream cheese on my sweets except of course from my fave cream cheese vanilla frosting.When I have free time, there’s nothing I like better to do than mess around the kitchen. We decided to bake these because we have in our pantry everything that the recipe calls for.

Brownie Layer:

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

4 ounces (115 grams) unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup (65 grams) all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Layer:

8 ounces (227 grams) full fat cream cheese, at room temperature

1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

Cream Cheese Brownies: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven. Have ready a 9 inch (23 cm) square baking pan that has been lined with aluminum foil.

In a heatproof bowl, placed over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate. Remove from heat and stir or whisk in the sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the flour and salt and stir vigorously until the batter is smooth and glossy (about one minute). Remove 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the brownie batter and set it aside. Spread the remainder of the brownie batter evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.

Then, in the bowl of your food processor (or with a hand mixer), process the cream cheese just until smooth. Add the sugar, vanilla, and egg and process just until creamy and smooth (do not over process). Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the brownie layer. Spoon 16 small dollops (4 rows with 4 dollops of brownie batter in each row) of the reserved brownie batter evenly on top of the cream cheese filling. Run a knife or wooden skewer back and forth through the two batters until you have a marble effect.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the brownies are set and the cream cheese is just beginning to brown. (A toothpick inserted into the brownie comes out with just a few moist crumbs.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Then cover and refrigerate the brownies until they are firm enough to cut into squares (several hours or even overnight). Once chilled, remove the brownies from the pan by lifting with the ends of the foil and transfer to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 16 squares. It is a good idea to have a damp cloth nearby to wipe your knife between cuts. These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Makes about 16 – 2 inch (5 cm) brownies

For visual guidelines you may visit http://www.joyofbaking.com

Summer activity – It’s playtime..It’s playdough

Fact: If you are living in UAE then expect that it is stinkin’ hot outside during Ramadan days. Always bring your umbrella,wear sunblock lotion and bring your medicines if you have migraine.

Other fact: As per UAE Law during the month of holy ramadan working hours is only 6 hours luckily our company is following this rule. I’m home as early as 4.30 pm. Yipeeee!!

Other related fact: To make your toddler busy let him do his own stuff. Little A had a great time playing the playdough before knocking down to bed. On the other hand, I like it when a simple play can offer a lots of opportunities to stretch little A’s imagination. You’ll be amazed at how playdough turn ordinary moments into quality time!

butterfly using halaan shell

 

Summer activity – Wooden Building Blocks

For the past days little A play with his wooden blocks almost every single day.  I am always amazed at the different creations he come up with.

This colourful set of wooden building blocks for creative play comes in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. I would reckon to have wooden blocks in every toddlers toy collection.It encourage creative and imaginative play. Ikea is selling it for aed 59, i think!

this is train house according to him

he said that he wants to build choo-choo train

he’s building a tower

he said that there’s a show “dancing blocks”

But this time I have to say he had so much fun and it was while creating LETTERS

mommy look – big I and T – it word

Sometimes child always says silly things.

Sometimes child always says silly things.

Yesterday when we were listening to the nursery rhymes “Five Little Monkeys” little A asked me questions.

little A : Mommy,why the doctor said no more monkey jumping on the bed

Mommy: Because jumping on the bed is dangerous sometimes, it could hurt you..

(long pause..)

little A: Mommy the doctor should say ‘no more monkey jumping on the bed..it’s painful!

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Before bathing little A, I already prepared his clothes we will go to grocery so I chose comfy clothes for him since it’s also hot outside. When I’m done bathing him he saw his clothes..

little A: Mommy, I don’t like this! It’s so panget

Mommy: No. this will look you more handsome

little A: No mommy, this is very panget! And look it’s wrinkled.

He went straight to his drawer and choose his own clothes..Haist mana talaga sa tatay maarte! Di naman masyadong lukot slight lang!! hehe

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For the past few weeks were letting little A to lead the prayer before meal.

little A: Lord,Thank you for giving us yummy food. (long pause) Thank you for the rice(long pause),thank you for the creamy pasta soup (pinasosyal na sopas from Tita Keke),thank you for the water(long pause),thank you for delicious pastillas(long pause),thank you for the popcorn. Thank you for my yoyo.Bless us always. Bless mommy,daddy,tita keke,tita rose (his baby sitter),eric (his playmate).

In mighty name of Jesus..Amen

Most of the times it’s a quick prayer but sometimes he’s not praying his delaying..hehe