Vintage Delights

These antique rag ribbons are just lovely! If you're doing Eco-theme wraps for Christmas, these would fit in nicely!

For all things rustic, head on to Olive & Manna Paper Goods

Buncha Mason jars: Perfect for my kitchen!

Baby Talk: Developing Language Skills

Your child doesn't have to start talking out loud to demonstrate language skills. In fact, by 12 months, children can already understand several words and associate them with how they look like.

There's an early test on language skills that's called the Object Identification Test, which can be done on children 12 months old. Here objects can be called out by name and the child is asked to point to each of them. Performance in this test is an indicator of language skills, which studies show, are linked with good performance in school later on.

You can help improve your child's language skills as early as 0-12 months through proper nutrition. Well-developed language skills are important indicators of academic success.

Just Bounce It!

If it wasn't time to go home, the kids would still be at it, this inflatable contraption is the ultimate kid magnet. Trust me, you have to pick them off it one at a time. Some kids don't get off it without a fight, some moms have to take them away kicking and screaming.

But by the time, I do get my kids off it they're so tired anyway. They've been jumping, bouncing and rolling all day and they could go on and on, energy without end on this cushy paradise. I can't blame them though, it really is a lot of fun.

Milk Allergies

Not all babies take to formula than they do with easily with breastmilk. An infant has cow's milk allergy when his body mistakenly thinks that milk protein is bad. The body will try to fight it off, triggering an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, most infant formula contain milk protein.

Here are some warning signs:

• Colic
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Vomiting
• Rashes
• Bloody Stool
• Spitting out food or milk
• Pale complexion

If you see any combination of these symptoms, your child may be suffering from cow's milk protein allergy.

Suze Orman's Prepaid Mastercard

Moms can learn a thing or two from Oprah's money evangelist and debt advisor Suze Orman.

Just this year alone, the Suze has come out with her very own Approved Prepaid Mastercard tauted as a safer than cash alternative for splurgers like me. Like any prepaid card, you can only spend whatever amount you have on the card

"The card comes with a lot of free perks, including: unlimited access to your credit report and credit scores from TransUnion (one of the three big credit reporting agencies), credit monitoring and identity theft protection. You also get unlimited free use of Allpoint ATMs across the country each month, if you make a direct deposit or bank transfer to the card of $20 or more. Allpoint ATMs are in major retailers, like Costco, Target, Walgreens, Kroger and 7-Eleven."

I love the Suze, but like any debit card, its still about how you spend your money. If you can't control your spending habits then just use good 'ol cash so you can avoid running up unnecessary credit charges every time you leave the house.

Lactose Intolerance in Newborns

Cami, my newborn niece hasn't been responding well to formula, her face is breaking out with red rashes and cries a lot because of colic, leaving my sister with too many restless nights. For almost 2 weeks, they kept bugging the pedia, it can't just be colic- how can a baby just cry like this? Irritable after every feeding. Her pedia finally said it could be lactose intolerance. But we have to see and monitor how this plays out, if she responds well to the new lactose-free milk or not. Or if its a severe allergy, that she can only take in breastmilk, my sis has to go to the La Leche league or local milk bank. She doesn't have an adequate supply of breastmilk right now to feed Cami.

So for the uninitiated, what exactly is Lactose Intolerance?

An infant with lactose intolerance cannot produce enough lactose n his body. Lactase breaks down lactose, the sugar found in cow's milk and other dairy products.

When this happens, the undigested lactose stays in the baby's gut. This causes gastrointestinal problems. It may not be dangerous, but it is very distressing. It could mean that your child cannot properly digest milk.

Signs of Lactose Intolerance:

• Bloated Tummy (like a balloon)
• Gassiness
• Nausea
• Tummy Pain
• Fussiness/Irritability after feedings

 If your baby is not responding well to his infant formula and he is not breastfed, do ask your pediatrician to possibly recommend infant formula that is lactose free.

Everything on a Budget: Living for a Bargain

I'm a sucker for a good bargain. I want every penny to count. Real bad. I'm the type of person that's hogging the line at the check-out counter trying to cash in free coupons. Yes, people may stare all they want, but I'm getting my free can of chunky tomatoes or discounted bran flakes.

I'm a tight-fisted, budget-savvy monster who never gives into my kid's sudden wants, even when they get into a raging tantrum while out shopping at the mall. Mommy never caves in, the card stays shut- minted and never swiped. Unless, it is an absolute emergency and utmost necessity. Hmm... That's just me being me.

My hubby is my exact opposite. I wouldn't call him a big spender or impractical to the point of impulsive. But compared to me, he can't simply stay on budget, I think he's quite easily suade when it comes to these big ticket items like the latest gadgets.

He's a bit of a geek, so I understand why he's soo unto these touchscreen thingamagigs. So whenever he asks me if he could break the bank and go get one of these gizmos, the unthinkable happens- I can't say no to him. Though he gets a feeble 'Yes' from me, he's quick to race out that door, leaving me no room to change my mind. What can I say? His personal happiness costs money

And lately, and oh boy do I mean lately! I have seen his credit card bills and where he's been at online. I do understand how the web can be so addictive at times particularly if you're in the hunt for something or if a good deal is at stake. I've been telling my honey, if he's gotta shop- never at online retail stores, go for the auction sites and always as a cardinal rule, read reviews about the product you intend to buy. Call it a compromise of sorts, at least I'm trying to tame the gadget lust by letting him wander into online bargain bins.

The Right Side of the Fence

I am thinking of taking the kids out to Pam's for Pizza. But I feel too swamped at work. No one wants to be in the thick of things, the landscaping pace is going quite well and I just that fence repaired.

Finally, some of the partitions are up. Definitely needs a good coat of white.

The wood palettes for my garden are ready. I got my brother Josh to do the measurements.

There's nothing like that power buzz from a trusty hand drill haha! The noise drove our dog chester crazy at first, now he's so used to it, he's hanging around the fence as they install the slats.

There's Josh and Mark prepping the wood framework while Chester found his own comfy spot in the shade.

Now ain't that a smart little pooch, guess he really knows what the fence is for.

The sand pile is the new neighborhood playground.

Awesome they got the wrought iron window installed on the side gate. We got these cobble stones for the whole pathway. I am hoping with the new fence, I'm really keeping those nasty dogs out from attacking Chester. Well then again, it's also to keep the postman safe from Chester.

Call Mommy!

Call Mommy for everything you'll ever need in life :p