Structured Playgroup

Together with a few other like-minded Moms (that does not want to send their children to kindy/nursery at an early age), we have started 'structured' playgroups and been doing it once a week since the end of last year.

Many have been asking about what exactly it is and how does it differ from the normal 'playgroup'...

For one, most playgroup is only 'play'. We put some kind of 'structure' into ours so our children can get the opportunity to learn/explore together other than just playing together (though I am pretty sure they learn lots when they play together, too).

So, what exactly do we do? Once a week, we meet up for 4-5 hours. We will usually meet around 11-11.30am at someone's place. Lunch is usually the first agenda, unless we were to swim for that day or the host has some activity in mind that is not suitable for after lunch.

Lunch and chit chat (while the children play freely with each other) usually takes around 90 mins to 2 hours, after which, the host for the day (or someone) will share with us the activity of the day. The sharing is totally up to the host and it can be something from reading a book to having fun with crafts (I will start posting about play ideas later). Depending on what exactly we are doing, this can take about 1 hour to 90 minutes.

The playgroup usually ends around 3-4pm.

It's sizing again!!

It's never easy to size a pouch. The best we could do is to arrange a meet up and try it on for ourselves!

Then again, that doesn't always work. Why???

• The ideal position of having the lowest point around the belly button doesn't work for all. Some prefers it higher up, some prefers it lower. It's a thing on personal preference. The pouch may look too big/small for the wearer but if the wearer INSISTS that it is comfortable, it's not easy changing their perception, even when it is INDEED too big! (too small usually is not much of a problem)
• We assume too much when sizing ourselves! We tend to think if we look bigger, we shall have a bigger size. If we look taller, we need a bigger size. Truth be told, or rather, the fact is, tall or short, big or small, our bodies are built differently. We can be tall with a long body and short legs or short with a body with long legs... you get the idea? No? Well, to gain the ultimate babywearing experience with a pouch, the measurement is taken from one shoulder to the opposite hip bone... so, if your body is long, you will have a bigger measurement compared to one with a short body... nothing to do with your overall size though it does give us a general idea
• We love the pouch but wish we could share it!... so, all possible users measured and the if we buy the largest size among them all, all can share, right?? Wrong! Imagine not feeling at all comfortable with the pouch simply because it is just too big... will you really want to use it again?
• We have been using a particular brand (say, S size works wonders), so S size from another should fit. NOT NECESSARILY. Honestly, even the same size of the same brand can be different over time as they go through remodification and all. Again, never assume and measure as per the instructions.

Just don't assume anything when it comes to buying pouches, especially when you are new to them. Ask and I am pretty sure the vendors will be glad to help :)

A Simple Life?

Given the hectic and cluttered lifestyle of the modern world, I am pretty sure at one point or another, we would have thought/dreamt of having a 'simple' life.

Is it really that tempting? Is is really that SIMPLE? Would you REALLY enjoy a simple life?

Imagine life like these (these are all true stories that I know)...

... a life with just 5 sets of clothes for work... A set each for Mon-Fri. Simple and no need to worry about what to wear for the day

... a life with just ONE pair of shoes at a time... never a second pair until it is worn off... again, no need to be standing at the door, deciding what to wear and whether it matches!

... a life with just ONE handbag at any one time... same as above

... a life where you'll only need to decide what to have for your meals each day and nothing else...

Sounds simple? Something for you?

Let's not forget...

I've been blog-hopping and noticed quite a few Mommas retreating from Blogosphere for one plain simple reason... they've lost themselves to Blogging... or, rather the Internet? and find themselves guilty for not caring for their children more.

For a while, I was afraid I would be one of them, too. That is one of the main reasons why there were such little posts from me...

As a SAHM turned WAHM, it is easy to forget what the true reason was to leave a job to stay at home... for me, it will always be because of my little one.

Even before marriage, I was one who had dreamt of being able to stay at home and take care of my own kids... if I am given the chance... if we can be financially stable enough etc. etc. I am BLESSED and GIVEN the chance. Now that I am GIVEN the chance, I do not want to misuse it. I need to know and need to keep reminding myself that my son is my priority. NOT the business.

For a while... (lucky it was not a loooong while), I 'put my son aside' and focused on the blogs, the shop... the business. My little one standing next to me while I was on the PC, begging for attention, as I 'finish' typing up that 'last' blog post... as I 'finish' posting an item for sale... as I answer that 'last email'... I'm glad it's over now...

For a while... I was caught tempted to put business first. Friends kept giving me ideas on how I can 'take my business to a higher degree'... some would even challenge me and ask me to 'put priority first'... they, of course, would think that business comes first.

Sorry, my friends. I know you all mean well but in my world... Playgroup comes before business. Time with my son comes before anything else, indeed... call me ??? but how else do I do it?

Latest addition to the wooden family

Wooden Springy - RM 8.00 each

• Hand painted wooden springy
• Decorate the nursery, the cot, the play area or simply hang it anywhere you want to give the environment a cheerful look!
• Measures approximately 5" in height when legs are stretched
• Attractive colours and motifs
• 6 colours/designs to choose from

BUY ALL 6 for RM 40.00 ONLY!!

Mini Wooden Vase Clips - RM 5.00 ea

Hand painted mini wooden vase clips to clip photos, business cards, memo etc.

Measures approximately 4" tall, with the base of vase measuring 1" in diameter

Attractive colours and motifs

6 designs to choose from

BUY ALL 6 for RM 25.00 ONLY!!