Try To Raise A Money-Smart Child

The article suggests five ways to teach your children about money:

1. Don't say "We can't afford it"

- Show your child that you are not controlled by your cash flow (or lack thereof)
- Children should understand they have a choice about how to use money
- Teach your child about spending, saving, and making good money choices by giving your child spending money when he/she is as young as 3 (50 cents a week per year of your child's age ($2 a week for a 4-year-old, for instance))
- Help your child develop a simple plan for his allowance


2. Show them the money

- Most children under 7 won't make the connection between the credit card and your ability to pay the bill so use cash for some of the routine purchases when your child's along, and count out those dollahs
- At the same time you need to talk to your children about being smart with credit/debit cards and show them how the money goes poof


3. Talk about how much things cost

- Children should be familiarized with prices and how their mommy and daddy's paychecks are spent
- Don't talk about your child's costing money, as in "Paying for your school clothes made us go over our budget."


4. Buy something that isn't on your list

- Impulse purchases do not make you a bad parent (Whew! I make them all the time.)
- You should explain to your child that the impulse purchase was purchased with the money set aside to freely spend with
- Your child should see the flexibility and enjoyment when you spend what you've earned "because being smart about money doesn't just mean knowing how to budget and save -- it also means being able to spend wisely."


5. Be open with your spouse

- Hidden purchases from their partners? Spend too much? No!
- It's not good for children to see distrust and/or secrecy between parents
- Moms tend to make purchases of clothes and activities for the children and dads may not know how expensive they can be...Got that right.

Okay, now I'm a little perturbed that I spent too much dollahs on stuff this past weekend although it wasn't an impulse purchase. Gonna have to make me a budget. Sigh...

Bring Back Memories?

On a not so blue sky day, there was a man who was driving home from work in his parents' car. The scandalous reason for driving this car was because the car owned by the man is out of service while he unfortunately attempts to repair it himself.



Little did he know that as he drove near the Fort Shafter exit, the hood of the car would whoosh up, hit and crack the windshield, scaring him out of his wits.




The man had to squeeze his ass while he waited for his angry significant other to pick him up because he was squeezed on the left side of the east-bound lanes where there is no shoulder lane. With cars whizzing by the man was hopeful that no one would hit him from behind on an almost blind turn. To the rescue first comes a police officer to guide him to the right side where there is a shoulder lane. It was a good thing there was no traffic.

Finally, the man's angry significant other arrives and he trudges to her luxurious (but dirty) vehicle carrying his belongings with a very melancholy face. He expresses his fears of these all too unforgettable moments while she foolishly (so he thinks) captures some of these moments on digital media. Her retort is that she's there for him and the end result is that he's physically okay.

And the man was okay as he begins to recount how one day in his past fun outings with Mr. Two Heart (RDC), the hood of a car had also flew open. Ah, the good ole days, huh?

Ala Moana Petland To Close

Haven't gone there much but this must bring back some memories for some...

Multipurpose Painter's Tape

In an everlasting attempt to get MSO to multitask, we've enlisted the temporary (I hope!) help of some painter's tape to hold up what we hope will help. Say that fast three times! This is our new 60-day dry-erase planner to keep track of all the appointments, deadlines, classes, etc. that will just increase as time goes on.

And what great coincidence it is that Gee Why directed me to this Lifehacker post about how to resourcefully use some painter's tape to babyproof a hotel room. Painter's tape is awesome! So awesome that it still remains on a light fixture as part of the decor in the bedroom.

Caterator's Blog

The other day I finished reading mostly all of Catherine E. Toth's (Do I hear some RHS love?) posts on her blog, The Daily Dish. I never read her blog before but due to the adoring talk about her blog here, decided to check what the (guy) hype is all about. I gotta say that I enjoyed reading her posts as well. Couldn't follow with most of the ones about the TV shows (She does watch a lot of TV!) and the like but I was very entertained and engaged by the others. Maybe because it's got local flavor. Or maybe it's because she talks about things that I can relate to so much. Or maybe it's because she eats out more than MSO and I do. And on a side note, if she thinks she doesn't have time now to do a lot of things, just wait till she does have kids. But I think it's all these elements that makes it for good reading.

While reading, it kinda made me feel like a K-Drama follower. Still don't know why one would want to subject themselves to crying, dying, lying, and depressing stuff like that; Don't we have enough of that in our lives? And no, I don't have that much time on my hands to read her posts which appeared to have started in July of last year. My excuse is that there was no easy way to navigate the blog and pick out topics that I may be interested in. It's amazing what you can learn about a person by just reading a blog like that. That's not to say that you know a person by reading a blog 'cause I'm not angry all the time. =P

Super Mom Lessons

In a previous post I had mentioned an article titled "Stop Trying to Be Super Mommy" which was in the January 2007 issue of Parents. I finally read it and I suppose I should be thankful for the forewarning by the mother of two who suffered and recovered from a near-fatal cardiac arrest. Just as she did, I feel like as a mom I do have to do mostly everything and my family comes first.

She writes about her experience and the lifestyle leading to it, and provides five lessons learned that she says applies to every mom cause

No matter how expert you are at the motherhood juggling act, it's impossible to follow through on every responsibility when you're sick or convalescing. We have to let things fall apart just enough so that we can put ourselves back together. And when we let that happen, we discover something truly amazing: Everything is just fine. We learn that we're not indispensable, and while this may bruise our ego, it's a great boon to our health.

For me it's not so much a bruising of the ego but more a situation of getting things done 'cause if I don't do them they probably won't get done even if I ask. =S

Here are the five lessons:

LESSON #1: Adjust Your Standards - Asking for help from your spouse or your friends can be effective, but lowering your standards can be more beneficial.

I'm truly guilty of not allowing TV (only sports occasionally) or the dishes to pile up in the sink. What can I say? There are supposed to be other activities besides TV, and the dishes are needed tomorrow and there won't be time to wash them in the morning.

MSO won't wash the one cup in the sink 'cause he feels like he should wait till there are four so that he can wash them all one time. I feel like it's faster to wash the one and have four clean cups available rather than to wait and wash the four in a rush 'cause there are no clean cups available.


LESSON #2: Figure Out What Really Matters, and Forget the Rest - Does worrying about what your kids are wearing to school, what they have in their lunch box, and what foods are in the cupboards really that important? Are Post-it instruction notes really necessary for your spouse?

It was almost as if I was reading about myself. I try to put the clothes for the next day on the dresser, and pack the bags. This is to help save MSO time in the morning 'cause he probably never leaves at the same time each day (read: he's always late!).

I also put Post-it notes for MSO when I don't have time to do something or to remind him about something.


LESSON #3: Make a New To-Do List - Review your to-do list and decipher what is optional vs. obligatory.

For me there's always a list of things to do. In my mind much of it is required and all I can do is whittle away at it. Naps? Hah! Sometimes. Tired and cranky? Most of the time.


LESSON #4: Don't Freak About Fast Food - Your kids won't be condemned to a life of sloth and girth if they eat from fast-food restaurants.

Never heard that saying about moms keeping the fast-food industry afloat. I thought that MSO was doing that during his lunch time. I'm no Rachael Ray or Martha Stewart, but I'm really trying to discover quick, healthy meals to prepare during our hectic week. As much as I can I won't turn to the Colonel, the pizza guy, and Ronald. Just this past weekend I was the mean mommy who turned down a St. Patrick's Day cookie that was offered.


LESSON #5: Feel the Joy of Being a Mom - When the difference between options and obligations are understood, the tasks that you take on that really do matter can bring great joy.

As much as I worry about so many things as a mother, I do feel that joy when I see the changes as well as the cute and quirky actions. Makes you wanna do it all over again...Hah!

Pet Food Problems!

Stumbled upon this very important article regarding dog and cat food that are causing some pets to die. Please check your pets' food to make sure that they are not eating any of the "dog food sold throughout North America under 51 brands [or] cat food sold under 40 brands, including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba. The food was sold under both store and major brand labels at Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and other large retailers." Here is the link to the recall information.

UPDATE (March 23, 2007): Rodent poison found!

ANOTHER UPDATE (April 2, 2007): Pet food recall widens...

YET ANOTHER UPDATE (April 5, 2007): Now pet bisquits!

MSO's Weakness For Shopping

Whenever we go shopping MSO will most likely utter some words that include tired or exhausted. And that's (usually) not because he didn't get a good night's sleep or because he showed off all his mad skills at basketball. It's because he's mentally tired and/or exhausted from shopping. And this kind of shopping does not take place at manly-man stores such as Lowe's, City Mill, Napa, Sears...You know what I mean.

So it seemed almost fitting that we'd stumble upon the "How to Survive Shopping with Your Wife" by Steve Wilson in the March/April 2007 Ala Moana Shopping Magazine. (I'm one of those that actually takes this magazine and looks at all the pictures of things that I could never buy, and other whatnot in there.) And MSO totally agreed with the pre-shopping prep with the bottled water and energy bars. =S

Husbands, here are your survival tips:

PRE-SHOPPING PREP

* Make like you'll be running a marathon and pack bottled water, energy bars and trail mix. Have you stretched your quads?

* Wear comfy clothes, but don't slob it up too much. Dressing down may inspire her to give you a sneak-attack makeover.

* Arm yourself with distractions: cell phone with games, a book or even office paperwork.

* Before the trip, tell her about at least three items you "desperately need" that she'll have no interest in helping you find. This way, you'll have an airtight excuse to slip away when it's time for her to visit the hosiery section.

SHOPPING SURVIVAL

* Stay on the lookout for any chair, bench or fountain that looks like it could hold your tush when you just can't stand up any longer. Be on constant watch for stores that sell DVDs and gadgets. She'll understand if you'd prefer to cut out for a few minutes rather than join in the quest for "the perfect black top."

* Learn the lingo. "Yes, that's cute," and "No, it doesn't make you look fat," just don't cut it anymore. Watch a couple of makeover shows to bone up on fashion terms. For example, "You have vivid coloring, so you should stick to navy, deep brown, blue, purple and charcoal gray."

* Live it up at the Makai Market Food Court; you've earned that extra helping of ice cream.

SNEAKY METHODS

* Calls to her friends for moral support before making a purchase can drag out the day indefinitely. To save yourself hours of thumb twiddling, hide her phone, or at least drain the batteries.

* "Forget" to empty the trunk (Lawn equipment? Dog crate?) so there's less room for shopping bags. But always remember to carry her bags for her - after all, it's the gentlemanly thing to do.

Famous Means Invincible?

I don't watch 'Lost' and I don't know him but the comments that Josh Holloway has made regarding HI police and all that famous crap kinda annoys me. Sometimes I do feel like yeah, go catch the real criminals too but whatcha gonna do? And yeah, maybe they are targeted a bit more but I mean, come on! Going 53 in a 35 zone - speeding (Holloway, Monaghan (Twice!), Andrews (Twice!), Somerhalder). Disobeying a police officer (Akinnuoye-Agbaje). Driving without a license (Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Monaghan). No motor vehicle insurance (Perrineau Jr.). Drunken-driving (Rodriguez, Watros). Michelle Rodriquez even had the gall to complain the bracelet "is like a freaking VCR, and why do they care if I drink, what am I gonna do, drink and walk over someone, I have no license." Who does such preposterous things?! Only TV/movie stars who think just because they're famous means they're invincible from the law!!!

Wings Star Revival

Not new news, at least in showbiz, but it was a little surprising to see Tim Daly heading back to a TV series (Grey's Anatomy) and is 51(!). I think the last thing I saw him in was a CBS series...It was The Fugitive. Oh and the movie Basic with John Travolta and Connie Nielsen. Good movie. Apparently Joe Hackett has been doing a lot since then.

Excerpt From Parents Article About Biting

MSO and I were fortunate and grateful to be gifted with a subscription of Parents. We need all the help we can! While reading this article about one mother's experience with her little girl, I felt very emotional, more than normal anyway. There are some excerpts which got me reflecting that the mother's experience could be my experience or your experience and that it could be something other than biting as well.

This was my first real-life illustration of some advice I had once heard: Raising kids is like planting seeds from a packet with no picture on it. You have to throw out any ideas about what is going to grow and just tend to the garden the best you can.

The biting problem also taught me that your child's behavior is not necessarily a reflection on you. Whether you're a stay-at-home or working mom, it's all too easy to view your son's or daughter's accomplishments as your own proud achievement -- and their less-than-stellar antics as something that can be blamed on you.

...I still work hard every day to bring out the best in my children and to curb the worst, but I also try to remember that there are limits to what a parent can do.

Can't wait to read "Stop Trying to Be Super Mommy".

Hannibal Hansbrough

Liked this article about Tar Heel Tyler Hansbrough. Go Heels!

Comb-Over Talk

The subject of hair somehow came about while chatting with my supervisor (Super K) today. Funny, I forgot how hair came about. I was very surprised to discover he had never heard of the word comb-over. You hear that? That's me patting myself on the back for actually enlightening him with great stuff like comb-over and muffin top. Haha, I can be such a dork.

Anyways, decided to use trusty ole Google to give him a view of the unsightly chaos that is a comb-over. And I don't mean to be mean or wish it upon anyone to get bald, including myself, but there's just something so not right about comb-overs. There was some doubt that a picture of a comb-over would show up after hitting Enter, however, the task was fulfilled and now Super K is able to associate comb-over with what he has seen so many times throughout his wise years but just never knew what they were called.

Writer Melena Z. Ryzik divulges the Divine secrets of the combover brotherhood...

Baby Goodies

I always thought about making a list like this but never did. Didn't think anyone would benefit from it as most readers are way more experienced parents or in the know more than MSO and I are. Just wanted to provide additional commentary here and maybe add a few more.

The question "Bringing home a new baby?" made me think of a show I used to watch while out on maternity leave. Should've been walking instead of sitting on my fat arse watching TV...

SLEEPSACK

At home: Unlike a blanket, the SleepSack stays on, no matter how much your infant turns in his sleep (that means sounder and longer sleep for baby and you). Part sack, part shirt, it zips from the top down. Baby can wear it over pajamas or by itself.

We actually used this with baby and it was great! Got our's from Toys R Us but I've seen it at other places.


DIAPER RASH OINTMENT

Anytime: A chaffed bottom makes for an uncomfortable (read: crying) baby.

Although diaper rash was not too much of a problem with baby, we did use Burt's Bees Diaper Ointment. 94.65% natural and it has a nice smell.


ONESIES

Anytime: New dad DeMattos loves 'em: "They're great! Unsnap, roll up, change the diaper, good to go. It was like a sleeping bag, or a pocketknife — it's all self-contained and perfect."

Note: You can make them from old T-shirts; buy the snaps at a craft store that sells fabrics.

Who's got time to make them from old T-shirts?! Carter's in Waikele is a favorite to get pretty cheap and very cute looking onesies as well as other outfits. Hand-me-downs are absolutely wonderful too! We're so grateful to the W family for all the hand-me-downs bestowed upon us.


BABY MONITOR WITH VIDEO

At home: Gives you reassurance — and a little more freedom. Since you can keep an eye on baby, you can close the nursery door and don't need to sneak peeks (less noise means baby might sleep longer).

Video does enable you to make sure bedding or clothing doesn't hinder baby's breathing - to just visually check on your precious one - but we didn't get one of those. A monitor of some form is a necessity though. We were able to do chores downstairs and take the dog out while baby slept.


DIAPER WIPES

Anytime: Beyond the titular use, handy for sticky toddler fingers and even to rub off Mom's makeup.

What kind: At home, Chan uses Curity, a plain, dry wipe that's a hospital staple, with water. On the go, it's Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes.

Note: She finds Curity at Dauterman Medical in 'Aiea.

Although I think we used Curity plain, dry wipes with water in the hospital, the Costco diaper wipes route is a way to go. Diapers and diaper wipes are a good shower and/or baby gift.


PLASTIC BAGS

On the go: To wrap up that leaky baby powder, or carry home that stinky diaper.

What kind: Any zipping-top bag; the more smell-blocking, the better.

We actually tie one of the dog's poop bag dispensers on our diaper bag and it's there if needed. Not zip-topped or smell-blocking (I don't think) but there. Most of the time there's a rubbish can around though.


BABY CARRIER

On the go: Allows you to carry the baby hands-free, safely and comfortably.

What kind: Chan and her friends swear by their BabyBjorn. Chan likes the Air carrier, made of a breathable material, for hot weather like Hawai'i's.

We were able to get a hand-me-down older BabyBjorn version. Didn't have the "breathable material," but still invaluable. Definite necessity!


NURSING PADS

Anytime: Keeps leaks at bay.

What kind: Chan and Nii recommend Lansinoh. Chan also has Medela's washable, reusable pads.

I tried different brands and would also recommend the Lansinoh disposable ones. Not too thick, but absorbent enough and good size. I did buy the Medela washable, reusable pads to use at home.


CLOTH DIAPERS

Anytime: Not just for what you think. "After cleaning baby's bottom with wipes, we use these cloth diapers to softly buff away (and fan away) the last traces of moisture before applying diaper ointment," says Nii. "Getting baby's skin really dry before applying ointment helps prevent diaper rash." Nii also used them as burp cloths, nursing aids, wipes for spills, and impromptu changing pads on the go.
What kind: Some like the padded middle, others like the four-ply.

Note: One dad raves about how useful they are for washing the car.

We used these A LOT thanks to my mom. Not as cloth diapers but primarily as burp cloths and wiping baby up. Don't know how good they are for washing a car though. I would think not good as I suspect they would capture too much dirt/dust/particles which would scratch your car. Certain brands of 100% Made in the USA white towels are supposed to be better for your car.


PORTABLE PLAYPEN

Anytime: Provides a place for baby to sleep/play. Some double as a bassinet/diaper change station.

What kind: Chan's a fan of her Graco Pack 'N Play. ("There are many versions, but the Pooh Days of Hunny at Wal-Mart was less than $80," she noted.)

Note: She liked it so much her parents bought one for when granddaughter visits. "The elevated diaper changer makes it easy on parents' backs without having to spend more money for an actual changing station."

Another much needed part of your arsenal. We were lucky to get two hand-me-down Pack 'N Play. One of them took up residence at my mom's house. The other we used at home in the living room and we even took it to New York to use at the hotel instead of utilizing their probably nasty cribs.


A STURDY DIAPER BAG

On the go: Hands-free storage.

What kind: Dads seem to like the messenger-style, according to the latest baby mags. Moms like over-the-shoulder or "big purse" styles.

Note: Unisex backpacks, such as the one below, were our columnists' choice.

I didn't look into getting a backpack type and ended up purchasing the Lands' End Little Tripper Diaper Bag. No insulated bottle pockets and not a very big bag, hence "Little," but reasonable price and it has served its purpose many times over. Backpacks are always useful though.


A REALLY STURDY STROLLER

On the go: Besides the obvious, can double as a grocery cart when you don't want to wake up baby for a trip down the produce aisle; carries luggage through a busy airport and transports nearly a roomful of toys for play dates.

What kind: Test-drive to see.

Note: Choose for distance, rather than appearance.

We went with a Combi model based on advice and it has been great. One gripe is that the basket on the bottom of the one we got doesn't hold very much and can be hard to access. Gee Why seems to know his strollers...Wanna provide some insights?


RECEIVING BLANKET

Anytime: To swaddle, provide shade or warmth, prop up baby's head, provide a clean place on the floor for them to nap, among others, said Chan.

What kind: Take your pick.

Note: These can go from cheap, soft cotton to cashmere, but "washable" should be your keyword.

Once again, Carter's has good stuff. Can you do the swaddle wrap? I remember Neth saying he was somewhat of a champion wrapper. =)

---------------------------

Okay, now on to some additions of my own that I can think of at this time that helped us as new parents. These are just from experience...You can comment and provide your own.


DIAPER ORGANIZER

Anything to help keep things organized will get a look from most. And the Dresser Top Diaper Depot was one of them for me. The dresser top has space so why not. It does make diaper changing easier and more convenient by providing everything where they're supposed to be. That's if MSO fills the wipes and diapers when he's supposed to. =S We fill the two removable side bins with ointments, lotions, thermometer, etc.


DRYING STATION

The Complete Drying Station might not be a real necessity but it was very helpful in keeping bottles, nipples, etc. organized outside of our old regular full dish rack. Organization, organization!


DISPOSABLE BIBS

Pampers Pocket Bibsters are also not a real necessity but have made outings a little less messy. On our trip we didn't need to worry about cleaning/staining of regular bibs. Might want to stay away if you're really into using green products.


DISPOSABLE SPOONS

The First Years Take & Toss Spoons (Just the spoons, although the picture shows otherwise, as your baby won't be using forks till much later) are as the site says "affordable enough to treat as disposables, and durable enough to use over and over". We have been using these at home, but are also very useful on trips and outings. Probably not a green product either.


BOOSTER SEAT

As an alternative to a high chair at my mom's house, I purchased a Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat. It has a three-point harness, a feeding tray that's removable to wash, and portable enough that you can fold it and put it away.


ACTIVITY GYM

I had bought the Discover & Play Activity Gym to entertain and stimulate baby while avoiding the wet licks from the dog. (We asked the doctor about the licking and we were told it's okay.)



INFANT-TO-TODDLER ROCKER

Uncle e and Aunty m gifted baby with the Fisher-Price one. Baby loved this one and would smile and laugh when seated in it while avoiding the wet licks from the dog.

Be sure to add your own as this list can actually be a tool for future parents! =)

Picture Annoyances

What the f#@* is going on with pictures - posting and viewing - on Blogger lately?! Is a switch to Wordpress really inevitable?

Girls' Day at Elements Hawaii

I finally made the arrangements to surprise my mom to be a queen for a day (well at least part of it) at Elements Spa & Salon Hawaii. The surprise was not to be though as she received a call confirming her appointment. That's okay. What entailed for the three of us was enough to make up for it.

Subsequent to being met by a very inviting staff and offers for water or tea, we picked out our colors to bedecked in. My mom started with Part I of her two-part spa nail day, the Deluxe Spa Pedicure.




I started (and unfortunately ended) with the regular Spa Pedicure. The whirlpool footbath, albeit not the most quiet, was great! But what my sis and I agreed on was even better was the exfoliation and massage by Joey. That was incredible! She said we have a high tolerance for pain. We already said we would be her repeat clients if the opportunity comes around again.


While my mom continued on with Part II, the Deluxe Spa Manicure, my sis started her Spa Pedicure - her first! She normally doesn't do the nail thing but I got her to just try and experience it. And what better way than this, right?




I was going to post a picture of my Blue My Mind-painted toes but the blog just wouldn't upload my ugly feet. Really.

Something has happened to my mom's nail polish though on both her hands and feet (how come?!), but it was a nice day followed by an early dinner, and we hope to experience Elements again.