…during school breaks, that is. I don’t see how that’s a bad thing though. Haha.

Is it just me or does Christmas seem to be much more complicated now? Before it was just me waiting for midnight so we could finally open gifts and eat Noche Buena. And yes, I did write the customary letter to Santa Clause as soon as the tree went up. Oh but one time I think I cheated by writing a letter around October just to be sure he’d receive it.

Not my photo, but this is the same one I had!

Kids today have a more complicated Christmas. I used to be content at asking for a new set of Legos or Polly Pocket or Betty Spaghetti (remember those?) but now they have PSPs, PS3s and even iPods to choose from. What ever happened to toys that encouraged imagination?

So that’s one thing I’m very thankful for (6) Christmas when I was a kid. When you know, you didn’t have Theo orals and the EB Race to think about. Haha.

I guess thinking of a strategy to win a PSP game stimulates the imagination a bit. Oh and I found a rather interesting link from Chuvaness’s blog. Gift application form for kids. Amusing and distressing at the same time. Even Santa can be application-form-ized!

(oh, and I lol coz the form asks you to specify the proof of any alcoholic beverages you might leave out for Santa)

***

Bigfish and PopCap games are taking over my life.

This and FeedingFrenzy, TextTwist, Case Mysteries, etc.

Well that and all the other things I have to do for school and the org. Lala. Merry Christmas!

***

RIP, Brittany Murphy and Yaya Luring (Sharon Cuneta’s yaya). Death is saddening as it is but when it happens during the Christmas season it just makes your heart break more.

I took a trip to Toys R Us today, a place I have not visited in many years – thankfully. Although I must say all the salespeople were extremely helpful and in cheery spirits, which is something I do not remember from years ago. And there were a lot of them on the floor. Kudos to Toys R Us for doing a great job with your staff.

While I was on the check out line this appalling piece of merchandise caught my eye. I could not resist a post.

Note the dollar signs in the logo. Straight from the Hasbro product description I would like you to take a look at what this game is about:

“Will you be the rock star of this game? Hit the stores to see what bling bling you can cha ching with the stars of the Hannah Montana show! Get some steals and deals on clearance – but be careful not to totally max out. Catch a movie with Miley or head out for some ice cream with Jackson. Then meet up with Hannah Montana and see if you can borrow her credit card and charge up a storm. Buy six items and reach your final destination first and you’re the star of this mall scene!”

See what bling bling you can cha ching! Are you friggin kidding me?! So this is what we want to teach our 9 and up girls. Recession or no, this ‘game’ is simply downright offensive. (would you like me to really tell you how I feel?) Of course they will tell you they put in that line about deals on clearance and cautioning you not to max out. But remind me why we want to encourage our young girls to use credit cards again.

Look, I have wasted spent my share of money on senseless plastic items. I could have made a few year’s mortgage payments on the investment I made in Playmobil, Polly Pocket and Littlest Petshop (which BTW is made by Hasbro and these days also has a mall madness version – “Bring your pets to the mall for a wild shopping spree!” Oh dear G-d! Now we are corrupting the animals!). But at least my kids sat and had a few good hours of imaginative play with the earlier versions of these toys. Without ever once talking about credit cards, go figure.

This? This is just upsetting. Take a look at the electronic console. It has a damn ATM slot. Oh I guess that is for when you asked Hannah “if you can borrow her credit card and charge up a storm” (good friendship skills would be learned here)

I suppose this would be preferable to the poll dancing doll, but not much. Feel free to share any awful toys you see out there this holiday season.

Now all ranting aside – if you can – please make toy donations to children in need. This is what I really wanted to write about today.

There are many fabulous organizations out there who will get those toys directly into the hands of a child that might otherwise have a barren holiday season. Here are just a few (this list is not vetted and I have no affiliation with any of these organizations), or check your school district or community organizations for something more local.

toysfortots.org The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

beaniesforbaghdad.com a bridge between our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, the chidren of Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan and very generous kind hearted people back home who want to do a small part to make the world a better place. Our Network of Points of Contact receive joy in passing out donations to young children who have suffered so much and have so little happiness in their life. Many of the children live in extreme poverty.

giftsinkind.org Through The Toy Bank, the first industry-wide program of its kind, charities in North America supporting underserved, homeless and at-risk children can obtain newly manufactured toys. And, toy manufacturers, retailers and distributors can reach children in need around the world– Millions of toys for millions of kids®

Now aren’t you glad this post ended on a happy note?

Haven’t had enough of me yet? You can also read me at 50-Something Moms Blog. For photo enthusiasts, visit Leaving the zip code, photos from outside the comfort zone.

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Lunes 23 de noviembre del 2009.- Mattel nos presentó los juguetes más divertidos y las propuestas más innovadoras para la temporada navideña 2009-2010; dentro de los cuales vimos:

- Barbie y las Tres Mosqueteras-Miette.- La gatita Miette es la mascota favorita de las niñas, ya que habla, canta, se sorprende y se mueve al ritmo de la música y de la película en DVD.

- Little Mommy Pasitos y Risitas.- Es la bebé más linda, tierna y divertida, ya que incluye más de 60 frases y sonidos. Te pedirá que juegues con ella, que le des su cobija, que le des su mamila; y como ya se está convirtiendo en una niña grande, ella se parará solita para dar sus primeros pasos y llevar a pasear a su perrito.

- Rocky el Camión Interactivo.- Rocky es un increíble camión interactivo que cobra vida cuando le hablas, hasta hace bromas contigo! Pero cuando es hora de trabajar siempre está listo para cargar todo lo que le pidas. Después de un largo día de trabajo se queda dormido hasta que lo despiertes para jugar más o ponerse a bailar.

- D-Rex.- Es la mascota más actual para los chicos. Es un dinosaurio feroz con personalidad propia. Camina…mastica…y ruge. Contiene más de 100 sonidos diferentes que te indicarán que es lo que quiere, puede jugar y reacciona al escuchar tu voz y cuando lo tocas.

-Smart Fit Playmat.- Es un tapete de actividades 3 en 1, en donde los niños pueden aprender, ejercitarse y divertirse. Invita a los niños a que se mantengan físicamente activos, ellos pueden caminar, correr, saltar y mover los pies al tiempo que juegan y aprenden. Cuenta con diferentes actividades en las que aprenderán letras, números, formas, colores, frases y mucho más.

- Smart Cycle.- Es una bici interactiva que se conecta directo a la tele y no requiere de ninguna consola para funcionar. Es un juguete 3 en 1 ya que podrás: ejercitarte, aprender y divertirte por horas.

Ahora que ya sabes que pedirle a Santa y a los Reyes…qué esperas para hacer tu cartita??

The Cloisters “is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park, the building incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters—quadrangles enclosed by a roofed or vaulted passageway, or arcade—and from other monastic sites in southern France.” I got that quote from the website because I think they say it better than I can.

To sum it up, it was beautiful. My boyfriend and his sister were in town and we were all looking for a little tourist fun. We heard about the Cloisters and decided it would be worth the hour-long trek to get there. We took the A train into Harlem, the 2nd to last stop, and walked for about 15 minutes through the amazing Fall foliage to get to the museum. The best part was that I had just received an early Christmas present of a year membership to The Met…and since this museum is a branch of The Met, I got in for free!

Fall colors on our walk to The Cloisters

Non-flash photos were allowed, and while there were tons of things I took pictures of this one was one of my favorites. Polly Pocket from the 12th Century?

Polly Polly Polly Pocket

States that everything is productive. Right? I might be thinking of something else. In any case…

Making headway, the final phase begins as soon as this last coat dries...

The motivational collage I made for my upcoming apartment hunt with Nyssa!

Christmas is around the corner and it’s always best to start your Christmas shopping early!  Swing by 6 Calle Industria, Libis to enjoy up to 80% off on branded childrens products – toys, baby products, shoes & clothes.  Sale is open from 9-6pm on Weekends, and 1-6pm on Weekdays.

All of a sudden, I miss my childhood period. I miss my toys! I miss being pampered kiddo. Most of all I miss being a kid with no complication in life and  no dilemma. Doing nothing but play with toys and friends, eat and sleep. Ahhh…life is good back then. And my favourite toys was Polly Pocket and Barbie Dolls of course. I grew up with a younger sister and a younger brother. And every school holidays we will have a sleepover at my Opah’s house as well as my cousins. Altogether six of us. During that period we will play, eat and sleep together. We even invented some games. Let me do some list of toys that I used to play when I was a little kid.

1. Polly Pocket

The Bridal Shop - mine

Bay Window House - Fuzy punya

Pizzeria - Pja punya

Club House - Pja punya jugak

Castle

Barbies

Rollerblade - the exact same color

My Little Pony

Play-Doh

Lego

Uno Stacko

Congkak

Monopoly

Scrabble

Badminton

Teng Teng

Batu seremban

Dam

Snake & Ladder

Baby Doll

Paper dolls

drooling~_~

drooling again ~_~

** Saya tak penah main chess. I mean, pernah tapi 2 kali je. SUSAH! tak suke. Banyak sangat name nak kene ingat dan banyak move nak kene hafal.Sampai sekarang tak reti main Chess. Tapi nanti kalau ade baby nak suruh die main Chess. Suruh papa die ajar..   InsyaAllah~

but once again I’ve jumped on the bandwagon. It happened with Myspace, it happened with Facebook, it’s never quite taken off with Twitter, but here I am, trying the blogging thing.

Normally, bandwagon jumping happens as a result of sitting amongst groups of friends, and feeling felt out. Then the plunge is taken to get involved and follow the masses, as we have throughout many of the great fads of our time.

However, this one has taken me by surprise. It’s a crazy windy saturday afternoon outside, shame really, because theres my favourite kind of winter sun and a chill in the air. I’m at work with Steven- he’s just has new tyres put on the car, despite telling me he’d wait at least a few months after getting the car to get them put on. Typical man.

I’ve been reminiscing over childhood fads today, including the Clark’s Princess shoes, that has the key where you could open the sole.

Remember these?

Then I got onto Polly Pocket. The old school ones when they actually fit in your pocket.

via pineappleupsidedown

I had the one in blue! And the round one in purple!

I miss those days, of simpler times and lesser cares.

I had so much fun doing this one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed posting it. xoxo

POP Goes PERFECTION!

Trolls

Pogs & Slammers!

Mouse Trap

Original Cruisin USA! (A Shakey’s Fave) FYI–I had hawaii on lock!

WHAC-A-MOLE

BIG WHEEL

Power Wheels Barbie Jeep

Skip it!

Polly Pocket

Giga Pet, Nano & Tamagotchi’s

(lots of photo cred to Retroland and Children of the Nineties)

Fui para casa dos meus pais esse final de semana decidida a passar um tempo longe da internet e do computador [tendinite dos infernos!]. Com São Pedro ainda ocupado em alagar o Sul do país, passei boa parte do tempo vegetando em frente à televisão quase sem me sentir culpada por não estar fazendo nada mais útil do que trocar de canais compulsivamente.

De São Paulo x Avaí a Tróia, intercalados com várias amostras de 60 melhores clipes, o canal que mais me chamou a atenção foi o Disney Channel. E não, não foi por causa dos desenhos, apesar de adorá-los. A razão foram os comerciais infindáveis cheios de jingles grudentos, luzinhas fascinantes e a mensagem resultado disso tudo: compre, compre, compre!

Não sou nenhuma radical do tipo “nossas crianças estão perdidas, proíbam-nas de assistir TV, os comerciais são do mal”, até porque já tive essa experiência quando fui au pair e pude ver com meus próprios olhos o quanto a proibição de fato só aumenta o fascínio pelo objeto proibido. Entretanto, há de se convir que há certo abuso por parte dos canais sim.

Quem lida com crianças sabe o quanto os pais, irmãos, professores, todos têm participação no estabelecimento de limites e no processo educacional que vai levar os pequenos a aprender a distinguir certo de errado, sonho de realidade, mamãe pode comprar um brinquedo mas não todos os cinco que você acabou de ver em menos de 5 minutos.

Não se pode simplesmente jogar a responsabilidade nos canais, até porque existem programas bons, educativos, agora tenta explicar isso para uma menina de 2 anos de idade logo após ela ter visto a propaganda do Shopping da Polly Pocket que acende lindas luzes quando todas as lojas são unidas à torre…

Shopping da Polly Pocket

P.S.: O fator crucial a despertar minha indignação: o Shopping da Polly Pocket é obviamente vendido separadamente e constitui-se de 6 lojas + a torre. O preço individual das lojas é de aproximadamente R$70,00 e a torre varia de R$150,00 a R$200,00, ou seja, a criança provavelmente só vai ficar completamente feliz quando tiver todas as peças e o shopping se acender. Custo da brincadeira: não menos de R$570,00. O salário mínimo no Brasil até semana passada pelo menos era de R$465,00…

I have to say WTF to myself. I arrived at the beach in decent shape, hair under control (in need of some root touch-up but not terrible), skin okay…flash-forward to today…arrived home probably 5 lbs. up, no exercise in 7 days – f.l.a.b.b.y., hair HUGE and YELLOW and fried despite hair products guaranteed to protect against color fade-age and damage, skin blotchy and sun damaged despite SPF 70 and lots of time spent under a beach umbrella….

In every pic w/Ashley, I look like an Amazon Sea Hag trying to steal her youth and devour her soul…btw, her new nickname (can’t take credit, damnit) is Polly Pocket…she is so tiny, you can fit her in your pocket. Large bitches like me are mad jealous of tiny bitches like her! LOL and yet absolutely not kidding.

Had a tee-rif time. Too much alcohol. Delicious Coconut Crushes…made w/freshly squeezed OJ and Coconut Rum…The Frug says it tastes like suntan lotion but F him, kwim! LOL Drink your Miller Lites and let Mama have her fruity drank! LOLOL Too much food. All yellow and beige this week…meaning FRIED like my hair! Fried Shrimp, Fried Chicken, French Fries…the capper? Funnel Cakes on the Boardwalk last night…with a teeny tiny Kohr Bros choc. dipped vanilla cone. Slobber…. Wait! Had tomato sauce…on the Grotto pizza I ate DAILY. It counts, right?!

More later with my thoughts on beach house rentals and people who vomit on the carpet and do NOT clean it up…water parks…large families who think they should rule the world (or at least be able to take all tables in restaurants, cut in front of you in lines, and be LOUD as they screech futile orders at their snot nosed offspring)…

Will post my Fall Goals soon…to include taking OFF that Fried Food Five pounds and toning my hair AND ass AND ridding myself of this sun damaged skin. Someone warn the Frug that “Kelly Grooming” is gonna be way Over Budget this Fall!