Win Fossil's Ladies watch and Kate Spade's Kikay kit at Quicker.com!

Quicker.com is hosting a contest and I can't take my eyes away from its prizes that includes Kate Spade's kikay kit! How I wish I could own one through this contest. It's perfectly petite, sized to keep all my must-haves easily at hand with just enough room for a couple of oh-why-nots.

Here's what at stake of the contest:

1st price - Ladies Chronograph (bic face) watch
2nd price - Kate Spade kikay kit (orange)
3rd price - Kate Spade kikay kit (floral

This contest is open to all! YES and that includes you! Visit Quicker.com and start making entries. The more entries you have the more chances of winning. Contest will end on September 8, 2010. The winners will be picked through Random.org!

Meet our lil budding entrepreneurs

Here in our school, the elementary students were taught to earn and manage money by letting them join in the School Market Program. They will bring anything to sell to parents, teachers and fellow students . Unfortunately, yesterday they we're only given 30 minutes to showcase their items-new, used and old and I was informed late. To top it all, I don't have cash in my wallet except for few coins..aaarrrgh....I'm always looking forward for this kind of market because students will sell their moms unused beauty products like Cute Press Alpha Arbutin plus O.D.A White Miracle Brightening Essence , Loreal perfume, Mistine's mascara, Avon's pressed powder and many more for only 20 baht and if you have thick face you could even haggle up to 5 baht...LOL!

Grade 3 and 4 students were assigned to host the market yesterday

the boys were trying to sell their used Carter t-shirts and Ben 10 toys for only 15 baht!

the girls were selling their unused hair accessories, CDs, hankies and a teddy bear for
only 10 baht!

I get this elegant banded wrap v-neck 3/4 sleeve wrap top for only 20 baht!

This school market is a nice way for kids to earn money to let them understnad how to value money, make money and save money. They were taught the basic math skills. They know hoe to count back change to customers, total the and amount they’ve raised. Most of our students are kids of the rich businessmen in the city. They were taught about money at an early stage in their life. I'm sure they will not only understand the value of money but, they can also create their own ‘cash machine’ or businesses and who knows…… may end up being the next Bill Gates ! I observed that some of them learned the basic business skills already. Some displayed remarkable customer service skills.

For my son,Hyzyd, I want to be his mentor in financial life lessons. It's important that I could set a consistent example of responsible money management with our family’s finances. As many past surveys have shown, parents are highly influential when it comes to kids learning how to responsibly earn and manage money.

Are there other ways to teach our kids how to be responsible in money matters? Please do share your ideas and I would love to share your idea to the blogosphere.

I wish I could have you

I don't know when can we buy our own car but I'm dreaming to have our own one of these days. In our case, it's a necessity. We're busy people that travels everyday for work. Hubby will not get drenched ever again in coming home on rainy seasons. Shopping would be more convenient knowing that we have our own time when we will leave from the house and when we go home after buying everything we need unlike in public transportation there are specific schedules to follow. We manage our own time and it makes us freer to use our time with other things.

In emergency situations requiring urgent medical help we can use our car to transport patient to the hospital especially if it would take longer time for the rescue mobiles to reach our place. But prior to transport of patient, first aid must be properly given by a trained person. With our car as transportation in emergency situations, we get to help save a person's life.

When we'll buy a car, we have to make sure that the type we buy would be very comfortable to use and fit for our lifestyle. It doesn't have to be very expensive, as long as it has a good quality. We'll definitely choose the car that is convenient to drive . We may get a second hand car and still a very beautiful one at that. Some used cars may not look so great buy with wonderful working engines just needs a little adjustments or even a new color to make it look new.

Last weekend I saw this Volkswagen New Beetle showcased at the entrance of TESCO Lotus department store. I felt love at first sight with it. Could this be a small family car for us? I read before that Thailand has received only 100 units and due to the high demand of Beetles, the cars are not sold in a normal fashion but are auctioned via the internet. Starting price is Bt 1.5 million and the final price will be the lowest price submitted by the successful bidders. The amount exceeding Bt 1.5 million will be donated to the Distant Learning Foundation, according to Thai Yarnyon Co., Ltd. the distributor of Volkswagen cars in Thailand .

As shown above, the interior has leather upholstery as well as a flower vase stressing the Beetle tradition. The fascia, air vents and other constructions take on a circular theme . The car's dash kit beautify the interior. It helps contributes for the rich elegant feel of the car.There are also handles for the front and rear passengers which is reminiscent of the old model. The front seat is height-adjustable and has an easy entry function for the rear passengers while boarding. The rear seat backrest is 1/3 and 2/3 split-folding and there is a luggage compartment cover. Standard equipment include CFC-free air-conditioner, audio system with six speakers and roof aerial, extra 12-volt outlet in the console and in the trunk, power windows (with rollback safety) and mirrors, colour-keyed bumpers, polycarbonate headlight lens cover, etc.

Meanwhile, safety features include dual front airbags, seatbelts with pyrotechnical tensioners, belt force limiter and height adjustment, unitary construction with reinforcement sections in the door and side structures, fully galvanized body for 12 years, anti submarine seats with ISOFIX child seat mountings, third brake light, fog lights (front and rear), central locking with remote and electronic immobilizer key. No matter what price the Beetle fetches, it is definitely a popular car that people sought after. It is very modern-looking as well as a safe, economical and fun-to-drive vehicle that will again steal the hearts of people all over the world as it steals mine.

Oh how I wish I could have you New Beetle.

You're the reason I became a mother

Dear Hyzyd,

The moment I gave birth to you, a "mother" in me was born too. I thought it's in me already but I was wrong. It's only a "woman" in me all along, never a mother. I'm glad that God blessed me to your mother. I care for you my child so deeply. . I will always be there for you especially on the moments you need me the most.

Because of you, I was able to celebrate Mother's Day with gladness in my heart since last year.

Mother's Day 2009

Mother's Day 2010

Happy 22 months my dear son! I love you so much. Mwaaaahhhh.

an afternoon in the internet cafe

It's Friday already and we still don't have our internet connection. The "two-weeks" time that was promised became "three-weeks" this week. Are they planning to make it four? Hmmm...

As I said on lunch time I sneaked her at the internet cafe adjacent to our school and pay 10 baht per hour. It's cheaper compared to other internet cafes outside the school premises but I can't stand their CR condition. Why can't they clean them for customers' sake? It's one reason why I stopped drinking my Fitne (my laxative herbal tea) in the morning so that I won't be forced to use the CR in here.

Enough for my complains coz it just add on to my wrinkles. The internet is uber slow this day so to entertain myself I just watch some movie clips and videos at youtube. This one is a very funny car insurance TV commercial. I won’t ruin it for you by telling you what happens, but I laughed out loud at the end.




This is a hilarious car insurance quotes spoof video, it really covers the stuff the insurance companies gets on its customers. Back in my country we can live pretty easily for month on $303. On the other hand, in law and economics, insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent, uncertain loss so whether we like it or not we need to avail insurance. I knew from a friends that an awful lot of the vehicles driving around Thailand are NOT insured, what will happen in the event of a motor accident? If the other vehicle has insurance then you may be able to claim against them. If they don’t you have to rely on your own insurance cover.

In the case of hubby, every year he paid for the compulsory motor insurance. This is the ‘sticker’ which is posted on any part of his motorbike visible for inspection. Most vehicles will have this insurance as it’s very obvious when it’s missing. We also get a Class 1 voluntary motor insurance which provides cover for all accidents, regardless whether it’s your fault or not.

In all walks of life, we get what we pay for and insurance is no different. The cheapest quotes are not always the best, so we look for value for money, good cover at a reasonable price. As far as I know there are around 70 insurance companies in Thailand and not all provide the level of service we desire. I was advised to be aware of those companies that are known to be reluctant to pay out in the event of an accident.

We plan to look for another company which provides a 24 hour English speaking hotline number and 24 hour callout service. Our broker already left abroad so we need another broker who's good in English. Why use a broker rather than going direct?... you may ask. If we go direct we will receive a quote from that company ONLY. A Broker however, will find the most suitable cover and the most competitive quotation from a selected range of companies. Also, in the event of an accident the Broker can liaise with the insurance company on our behalf, if we go direct, we'll be on your own.

Oh I didn't know that I've already said so much in the event of just watching that video. I better get going coz I still have my class. I'm hoping that we'll have our internet connection when I get back home the afternoon. Please......

still waiting for our internet connection...

I survived a month without internet connection! How come I updated this blog once in a while? Thanks goodness that there's an internet cafe near our school so during lunch break I could stay here for an hour or two to check my email, facebook and blog if I feel like writing and most of the time I'm forced to write when I have writing tasks...LOL! Hopefully we'll have the internet connection this week as promised by TOT. See you then friends:)

He's both a green thumb and a skillful handyman

We're on holiday today and tomorrow to give time for mothers to celebrate Mother's Day. If Hyzyd has not gone sick, we may go to Samila Beach or at Hatyai Municipality Park and go on boating. Hyzyd's health is more important than my personal need to go out be refreshed so we just stayed at home. As for my hubby who can't handle wasting his time by just sitting around and watching movies, he's busy tending his precious plants and orchids. I have mentioned before that my hubby has that natural skill in gardening. In other words, he's a green thumb- who seems to be able to get plants to grow well just by being around, by talking or even playing music.

just few of the plants which hubby takes care of

He's currently building shade for our orchids for they need only partial sunlight.

Hyzyd's future sandbox will be placed here

After the plant shade building, hubby wanted to pick up a few bags of sand in a garden store. In our backyard, we have a great little spot for a sandbox and we intent on filling it up and letting my toddler dig, pile and create to his heart's content. Maybe we could finish that by tomorrow.

Hubby's painting the living room

I'm blessed to be married to an industrious man. I'm proud that my hubby is both a green thumb and a skillful handyman. If I will give gifts to my hubby, I knew that he would prefer that I'll give him quality gardening tools or basic tools for a handyman rather than neckties, wallets, colognes or pants. I think he already has acquired the basic tools needed to maintain our average household. He got a hammer, an awl, some pencils, screwdriver set, adjustable crescent wrench, pliers, vise grip, hacksaw, putty knife, utility knife, tapers knife, wide wood chisels, tape measure, 24" level, key hole saw, combination variable speed drill and screw gun, small selection of drill bits and screw gun tips, small square and paint brushes. What else is lacking? I think he needs led flashlights. He's already tired of his bulky flashlight with bulbs that burn out easily and has a short battery life. LED flashlights are the most popular flashlights on the market these days. Thanks to the energy efficient LED bulbs, LED flashlights consume far less energy than standard flashlights, which make them affordable which suits household needs perfectly. It will surely help my hubby in so many ways around the house, the garage, the garden, the kitchen, or even when he's fixing wiring or finding small little things in dark, creaks of the house.

The owner of our house who lives just right next to us can't help but always praise him and always tell me that I'm so lucky to be married to a hardworking man. She said that she doesn't have a son so he would love to adopt my hubby as his son.he..he..he.. I'm so glad that she likes my hubby and I'm so proud of him.

Recording Hyzyd's conversation with his dad

Hyzyd has his chickenpox vaccination last Saturday. It may be the reason why he got fever last night. We tried to stick on his forehead the fever cooling patch we bought but it's useless. Even he's in a deep sleep he knew when you stick on the patch and he'll readily grab it and throw it away! He also got runny nose and cough. He doesn't have a good night rest. Poor baby... I don't get enough sleep too because I was checking on him every now and then and let him drink water every time he ask for it. I was hoping he would eat the food and drink the milk I prepared for him but you couldn't force him to eat...*sigh*...

Early this morning he was so cranky and wanted to be carried all the time. I couldn't be absent today because we have our examination and I'm not yet through with my flash cards and visual aids to be used next week. I need to prepare everything for my class next week only today because Thursday and Friday are holidays. I'm glad that my hubby volunteered to take the leave from school and takes care of Hyzyd. I'm at peace now that I'm at work though Hyzyd is not feeling well because his dad is there for him. I checked them every now and then and I'm glad Hyzyd is taking a rest and the fever subsided already.

Talking about Hyzyd, he's already 21 months and 3 weeks old. Other toddlers at his age could already name most of their own body parts now, for Hyzyd he couldn't yet name them but can point the parts of his face. Sometimes, when you ask him where's his eyes or nose, he will point his dad's eyes or nose and mine. He loves coloring and scribbling mostly on our matresses and chairs! He's fascinated with sand. In fact, he tried to eat them last weekend! He loves to pick up sand, pebbles and rocks and throw them to us! Fortunately most of them lands on his hair...LOL! This month, he has the patience to sit and look at a book by himself for a few minutes.

Hyzyd's current book before going to bed is theThe Berenstain bears and the Big Red Kite by Stan Berenstain. It's a rhyming Berenstain Bears book that tells the story of Papa Bear helping Brother and Sister Bear to make a kite. They enter their homemade kite into the kite flying contest. Despite criticism from those with fancier store bought kites, and initial set backs, the Bear family keeps trying and wins. This book is well worth buying -- it teaches a lesson and is a fun to read rhyming Berenstain Bear book. It's full of tiny details that Hyzyd love to seek out. As I read the story, I will ask him to find small items in the pictures such as the red kite, box kite, fox kite, kite with eyes, kites that look like butterflies or the kite that says "Save the Whale".

About a week ago, I videoed Hyzyd talking to his dad. He looked so cute and adorable with his "out-of-this-world language" . As parents we agreed with the experts to skip the baby talk and speak frequently, clearly, and directly to our child to improve our child's chances of speaking with clarity and having a large vocabulary.





I wish we got a camcorder or a video camera to cover special moments like this one. For me,though compact digital cameras are capable of recording videos but its result is still inferior if compared to the video recorded by a device having video capture and recording as its primary function. Though buying a camcorder isn't a priority at this moment but I just listed it as one of the items in my wishlist in case I have extra money in the coming days. I plan to read camcorder reviews in order to find the best camcorder that fits my need . I'm not a tech savvy , so it's preferable for me to pick a camcorder with very simple features- something that I could just pick up and then could start recording without much preparation or training.

With a camcorder at hand, it would be easy for me to cover Hyzyd's milestones and growing up , birthdays, , other personal events and even for casual use in the coming days .

It's Mother's Day in Thailand!

The queen of Thailand will celebrate her 78th birthday on August 12. Because she's regarded as the mother of all Thai people, Thais celebrate Mother's day on this same day.

One of the activities launched jointly by several organizations to mark Mother’s Day is to take mothers to travel for pleasure. Thus August 12 and 13 were declared as holiday. The activity provides an opportunity for family members to spend time together, thus promoting the bonds of love and care for mothers.I wonder where would my hubby bring me-Samila Beach or Hatyai Muncicipal Park? I don't care where as long as we're together. In Thai society, a mother is accorded the highest significance as the giver of life and the person who nurtures and brings up family members. She is also someone who works for a living to help sustain the household and who teaches knowledge and skills until the children become self-supporting, all this without demanding anything in return.

All schools and other establishments will create a special shrine for the queen to honor her special day like the one made in our school. This shrine will be seen even 2 weeks before the queen's birthday:

The image of the queen is shaped just by using the japanese paper. It's so creative, won't you agree?

Each class offered special handcrafted flowers for the queen. This one with garlic bulb caught my attention. I never think that garlic could become an attractive decoration.

In our school, a special program will be hosted just to honor the moms this coming August 11. The students will bring their moms to school and showed their respect by offering jasmine garlands , personalized gifts, and bowing to their feet .

Yesterday in church, all mothers we're given special honor. Our family gave us beautiful roses and a jasmine plant were given to fathers to be taken care of. Its goal is to let them bloom with flowers for the mothers. What a sweet gesture!

Rookie Tambourine Dancers

We started training for tambourine dancing for only less than 2 weeks and then we presented it during the church's 6th anniversary last August 1. You could imagine how tensed I am! There were 8 of us and only 3 of them are Thai youth. I'm the oldest among the group and the only married one. It doesn't stop me to join the group coz I really wanted to learn tambourine dancing and when this opportunity came, I won't let it pass. Thanks for hubby for supporting me. He's there to take care of Hyzyd while I'm on practice.

Since I started blogging, whenever there will be special things happening to me, I want to document them all. How I wish I have 2 digital cameras during that show so that the other camera will capture still pictures while the other one will do the videoing. My brother's digital camera isn't working already so he lend to me the batteries and memory stick just in case. Unfortunately, during our show the 2GB memory card that was used has 2movies downloaded on it. I forgot to delete them so it was filled for few minutes only and it didn't finish capturing the whole show. My bad!

Here's our show. Excuse the mistakes...he..he...I just wanted to post it here so that I could track how the rookie tambourine dancers are doing until the next show:


The church don't have a large stage so we just maximized the space provided for us and most of the time I'm not in the video coz the building's post is hiding me...he..he..It's ok for me so that most of my mistakes were hidden from you...LOL!

It's me taken by surprise. My hubby didn't tell me that he'll snap a photo of me. I forgot to tuck in my tummy...LOL! if you're familiar with tambourine dancing, you'll notice that I wore not the usual dress for tambourine dancing but we love this uniform with a touch of Thai culture.

In one of our formation executing the "ISAIAH" pattern



My baby ran to me even we're not yet finished dancing...LOL! I wonder where's the daddy? He's busy videoing the show...LOL!

at Thanon Rajuthit

We still don't have our internet connection. My old account with TOT couldn't be transferred to our new place so we're advised to apply for a new telephone number in order to get our internet connection. They promised to have it installed to us after 2 weeks and that is TODAY! If we still don't have it today, what else could we do but just wait and follow-up our internet provider. I think we're doing OK without internet these days. I could do my household chores without interruptions...he..he...I could finish my laundry for few hours only and folding of our clothes and ironing them weren't delayed anymore. My hubby is also enjoying his time tending his plants, preparing Hyzyd's playground and recently painting our living room!

So far, we're doing real good in our new abode. We felt really at home and we have many plans for this place. Maybe we'll stay here as long as we're still here in Thailand. I love the neighborhood, our "Soi" , our lane. It's so quite and peaceful except for dog's barking at dawn. Well, at least I could wake up as early as 4:00 am. Thanks for those dogs posing as my alarm clock...LOL!

We felt lucky to find this place. My co-teacher who happened to pass by our place can't help but admire our new rented place. It's way cheaper than other available houses for rent in the city plus we enjoy having front yard , backyard and side yard..teehee... I'm grateful that though our place belongs to one of the busiest streets in the city, it's noises at night won't reach and disturb our rest. In this street you could find almost all kinds of establishment- entertainment, food, school , wholesale, retail, etc. We're near the market, inland resorts, hardwares , souvenir stores, car accessories stores that sells almost anything you want for your car- from the smallest rearview camera, tahoe to cargo liners, and almost all kinds of stores are available in our street.

So if you happen to visit Hatyai City, don't miss to drop by our street at Rajuthit. Don't miss their eat-all-you-can steamboat restaurant with band.