Monday, November 24, 2014

10 Gift Ideas from The Mind Museum

Check this out mommies... great gift ideas for kids, for kids at heart and for those with generous hearts. :-)

10 Gift Ideas from The Mind Museum

Considering that we celebrate an extended holiday season--starting from the ber months to late January—you would think people would have enough time to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts that are well thought out. That's hardly ever the case, though.

Year after year, people rush to stores at the last minute, grabbing run-of-the-mill mugs, picture frames, toiletries, and what have you. Fun, right? Let's face it; getting an ordinary gift doesn't exactly usher in the spirit of the season. Why not wrap something remarkable? If your loved ones are that special, you'd think of giving them the stars—something they clearly deserve. You can't exactly give them that, but a close alternative is made possible by The Mind Museum—along with other unique gifts that not only add a twist to your usual holiday flavor, they also inspire learning and further celebrate the season of giving.

1. The Scientific Date: How about a date in an artsy but science-themed gallery, or stargazing in cozy couches in a custom-made planetarium?  Surprise your loved ones and the young ones with All Day Passes or gift certificates to The Mind Museum! With over 250 hands-on, minds-on exhibits and live experiment demonstrations that unveil the remarkable science behind living and non-living things, a date or two in The Mind Museum is definitely a unique and exciting way to spend time together this Yuletide season. (The Mind Museum tickets all day passes is sold for only Php750/php)

2. Name the Stars after Your Loved Ones: Do you know that you can literally leave your mark in The Mind Museum by naming one of their virtual exhibits?  You can leave your names or your loved ones’ on digital exhibits found in the different galleries in the Museum, through a fixed donation that come with e-certificates.  Imagine the delight of seeing your family’s name imprinted on the virtual stars that make up a constellation, or name a specific kind of dinosaur that inhabits a virtual era in history. What’s more heart-warming is that all proceeds for this program go to supporting the institutions’ project of giving free museum visits to public school kids. (Virtual exhibits’ price ranges from Php1,000 to Php5,000, depending on your choice of show. For more information, visit http://exhibits.themindmuseum.org.)

3. The Key to Endless Discovery: A year-round, all-day admission to the first world-class science museum in the country—how does that sound? Interactive exhibits, a thoughtfully designed planetarium, meticulously laid-out 3D shows, and exciting science demonstrations await your lucky gift recipient. The Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass also gives free admission to over 300 worldwide science museums, discounts on travelling exhibition tickets, birthday packages, and purchases inside The Mind Museum Store. And because the institution always interlinks its efforts with expanding the knowledge of today’s generation, this unli-pass directly supports free museum passes for underprivileged kids. (For a group of four or more, avail the Unlimited Science Pass for only Php2,250/pax. Visit https://www.themindmuseum.org/science-alive/63/membership-program for more information)

4. All for Science, All for Love: To celebrate the holidays in a different, more meaningful way, why not sponsor a trip for public school kids this Christmas? You can even ask your family or friends to join you in spearheading this project to further enrich the sense of wonder of these young ones. Don’t worry, The Mind Museum’s doors are open to plan and accomplish this advocacy of embracing and sharing the true spirit of the season. (To inquire about this project, please send your email to inquiry@themindmuseum.org.)

The Mind Museum is a gallery of endless activities and possibilities so, of course, we have more in The Mind Museum Store for you!



5. If these shirts could talk: Let your friends “wear their wit” with these design shirts that are exclusively available in The Mind Museum Store! These shirts come in different colors and are tastefully designed with vibrant graphics and statements that will truly make science a cool fashion statement of choice this holiday season. (Prices range from Php379.75 to Php499.75)


6. Of Puzzles, Papers, and Pencils: Instead of those tired old notebooks or planners, try giving the young ones (or even your family and friends) these funky Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook! They’re, indeed, a safe space for random thoughts, important lists, or mind babbles. Here’s a tip: pair these notebooks with Puzzle Color Pencils and let its colorful tips become their wand to create their DIY-diary. (Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook are sold for only Php379.75, while Puzzle Color Pencils set is sold for only Php649.75.)



7. Own the Universe: While these kids are taking baby steps towards their dreams, you can show them the momentary short-cut in seizing the universe, literally, through the Star Planetarium! Projecting 3D stars, planets, and constellations, this amazing contraption also includes 3D glasses for a more mesmerizing virtual representation of what’s above and beyond the world we’re living in. (The Star Planetarium set is sold for only Php2,579.75.)


8. Unearthing the Dinos: Be a paleontologist and travel back to the era of dinosaurs with the special edition of Dino Excavation Kit. Dig for the bones hidden in the gypsum block, assemble them and enjoy your very own miniature dinosaur skeleton replica. Top it off by learning more about the fossils you have just uncovered. (The entire Dino Excavation Kit is sold for Php2,699.75.)



9. Tricks and Treats: Put a little ease and fun in teaching kids using playing cards that are exclusively sold at The Mind Museum store. You can either get What’s GNU?—a 3-letter learning game deck or go for a game of speed and visual tricks with Hyperswipe! Grab these cards now, be the learning and game master at the same time, and let the enlivening game itself, too, serve as an added gift to these kids! (What’s GNU deck costs Php9,49.75 while the Hyperswipe set costs Php1,349.75.)



10. Build Your Own, Learn on Your Own: Teach your young ones the basics of gardening, without having to worry about landscaping your backyard, with these innovative plant miniatures! You can either let them grow the Sweet Leaf, which grows leaves that be used as a natural substitute for sugar; the Mini-Melons that will actually produce sweet mini cantaloupes in less than 2 months; or get really out-of-this-word with the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden that will even allow them to experiment right in their mini pots! (Sweet leaf and Mini-melons cost Pho829.75 each while the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden is sold for Php1,229.75.)

Happy Holidays and Have a Merry Meaningful Christmas!

Mommy hugs,

Mel













Thursday, November 20, 2014

I'm now a certified Cuisinera


Last Saturday, I joined the prestigious club of Cuisineras and I'm so excited to meet and cook with them soon. :-)



CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH DOÑA ELENA CUISINERA CLUB

It’s once again time for you to whip up your favorite recipe or boast about a new one! With dinners left and right this holiday season, Doña Elena invites you to be a Doña Elena Cuisinera and be a member of the club. It’s easy – if you have a Doña Elena Olive Oil, Doña Elena Al Dente pasta, or any Doña Elena Mediterranean product in your pantry, give us a shout-out on Facebook using #Doñaelenacuisineracluband you can claim to be a certified Doña Elena Cuisinera!

For over 7 years now, the Doña Elena Cuisinera Club has been a growing community of individuals who champion a healthy lifestyle without compromising the quality and flavor of food. Through cooking classes, nutrition talks and food tasting activities, the community is able to learn, cook, and share tips with each other. “Through the club, we aim to encourage and teach Cuisineras easy ways on achieving a healthier lifestyle through better nutrition which can be achieved through the use of Doña Elena products in their daily meals ,” shares Karen Saguiped, Fly Ace Corporation Product Manager for Noodles, Pasta, Condiments and Sauces.

“To be a club member, purchase both theDoña Elena Olive Oil and Al Dente Pasta products and keep the proof of purchase. Call Fly Ace Corporation at 807-9999 and look for Peter Geronimo or leave us a message through the Doña Elena Cuisinera Club Facebook fan page. You will then be guided on the next steps to confirm your membership,” continues Saguiped. 

What are the perks of being a club member? Get access to themed cooking classes. Two to three new dishes are taught by the Doña Elena resident chef, Golda Laurel Liamzon. A nutritionist is also present in every class to talk about the health benefits of the dishes being served. Aside from learning new recipes, members get to meet like-minded Cuisineras.

In 2010, the classes were themed according to the holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. In 2011, the cuisines of Mediterranean Countries such as Italy and Morroco were shared. The Philippine Festivals was the highlight in 2012 while in 2013, the recipes from International Celebrity Chefs inspired Cusineras to be their own gourmand. 

Cuisineras unite as they enjoy affordable international cuisine with Doña Elena’s wide selection of products sourced from the Mediterranean countries of Spain and Italy.Doña Elena provides for international flavors with a wide selection of products sourced from Spain, and Italy. Doña Elena Olive Oil is the consistent No. 1 Olive oil brand in the Philippines with its three variants Extra Virgin Olive Oil for salads, pizza and bread dips, Pure Olive Oil for your pasta, Italian and French Cuisines and Pomace Olive Oil for your other frying needs.

Whip up a Mediterranean feast with Doña Elena's line of Mediterranean products and add in Black and Green Olives, Capers, Flat Fillets of Anchovies, Spanish Sardines, and Canned Tomatoes. With these ingredients in your pantry, gourmet cooking is quick and convenient.

Doña Elena Al Dente is the only pasta brand in the Philippines bearing the Artisan Quality claim as it uses special bronze dies which create ridges that help sauces stick to the pasta better. Unlike other pasta with only 6% protein content, Doña Elena Al Dente has 13% protein, a result of the slow-cooking process which preserves its nutrients. Doña Elena Al Dente is also GMO-free, 100% certified all natural. It comes in five variants: Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Fusilli, Penne Rigate and Lasagna.

Last Saturday, for the Holiday Special event, we learned how to cook LenguaEstofado, Salmon Ceasar Salad, Mediterranean Lasagna, and Chocolate Chip Olive Oil Cookiesfrom Chef Golda Laurel Liamzon. 

Learn more about Doña Elena products and its nutritional benefits from Professor LuchieCallanta. Interactive booths around the venue will allow you to experience the products. Be a club member by purchasing both the Doña Elena Olive Oil and Al Dente Pasta products in the selling booth and sign up to be a member. Get a chance to win exciting raffle prizes too!


Learn more about Doña  Elena at http://www.flyacecorp.com/ Connect with other Cuisineras via #Doñaelenacuisineraclub. Like on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Doñaelenacuisineraclub, and follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/decuisineraclub and Instagramhttp://instagram.com/Doñaelenacuisineraclub. Want to watch recipe videos, log in to Youtubehttp://www.youtube.com/user/decuisineraclub

Join us and be a certified Cuisinera! :-)

Mommy hugs,
Mel

Friday, November 14, 2014

P&G AND SM JOIN FORCES TO PROVIDE BIG SAVINGS TO PINOY CONSUMERS


            These corporate giants have come up with something that we would all love. :-)


My personal favorite... next to Olay ;-)


Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines and SM have teamed up to launch a campaign that aims to educate consumers on the benefits of buying bigger size household products.

The campaign called “Wag Kang Titingi-tingi, Buy BIG” encourages consumers to buy big packs of P&G products including Ariel, Tide, Downy, and Joy to enjoy huge savings. The collaboration was launched during the opening of SM Center in Angono.

“With this program, P&G wants to educate consumers on the advantage of buying bigger packs of top household brands because it will bring them bigger savings,” said Barbra Barracoso, P&G Team Leader for SM. “We are very happy to have found a partner in SM which is known for its strong commitment to giving Filipino consumers the best value for their money.”

To kick off the campaign, a “Buy 1, Get 1 at 25% discount” offer on bags of Ariel and Tide will be available in all SM SaveMore Market, SM Supermarket, and SM Hypermarket branches nationwide on November 21 until supplies last. To help consumers make the most of buying big packs, Ariel and Downy bags now also come with scoops to help them control their usage.

During the launch, celebrity mom and P&G ambassadress Ruffa Gutierrez interacted with the shoppers and shared tips on how bigger packs of well-loved P&G household brands provide more savings in the long run.


The “Wag Kang Titingi-tingi, Buy BIG” offer is available in SM SaveMore Market, SM Supermarket, and SM Hypermarket branches nationwide.

Thanks P&G and SM for giving the opportunity to SAVE MORE. ;-)

Mommy hugs,
Mel

Sunday, November 2, 2014

DIY Project: Bow


My father is good in making things out of something. He makes toys out from his own hands for my kids. His latest creation is a bow for my son. Now I know where I got my interest in doing DIY jobs and the value of resourcefulness J

I just remembered, he said that you get to appreciate more the things you have if you made it with your two hands.





One of the first toys made by Lolo for Kiko and
now being used as well by Claire :)




Have a great week ahead!

Mommy kisses,
May