This is why I train my kids to learn some of the languages I know as early as now. Kids learn differently so do adults, there are those who can easily adapt a language by hearing, there are those who can easily grasp words when associated with colors while there are those who needs spelling out words for them.

As early as a child can speak, train them in hearing different languages whether by repeating words, phrases and sentences in languages you know. For example I tell them what their favorite color is  in German, Spanish, Filipino and Japanese. For red, that’s rot, rojo, pula and aka. For blue, that’s blau, azul, asul and ao. (And yes, with the help of lego blocks.)

Watching TV shows and movies in a different language helps too. Maybe you’re familiar with Dora the Explorer and Ni Hao Kai-Lan, such shows are both helpful and fun. Dora teaches Spanish with the help of a pet monkey, Boots, her Backpack, a map and cousin Diego and an unlikely fox villain called Swiper. Kai-Lan on the other hand teaches its viewers Mandarin Chinese. She is joined by her grandfather, Ye ye, which is Mandarin for paternal grandfather; Rintoo, a Tiger, Tolee, Koala; Hoho, a monkey and Lulu, a rhino, Mr.Sun and the ants. Both shows also teach cultural value and respect to the elderly which is another reason that I, as a mom, enjoy watching. They’ve adapted both shows here but in German and English to help kids familiarize themselves with English. Sadly, it has lost the charm much like an anime dubbed in English. ^_^

There are also playgroups for kids that offer language learning. You can always search online for such playgroups. In most cases, kids that are in such playgroups may be born from parents with one or both foreigners too so it’s good to take that chance to let the kids experience an environment of diversity.

Teaching kids a different language also interest them to know more about a particular country the language is spoken. It’s subconsciously instilling in them the passion to know more about culture, history and geography. They also become more sociable in the process because if they meet someone who can speak the language they know, the first barrier in socializing is already eliminated. With such, kids learn that though people or other kids are different, through language they understand that this difference can be embraced and appreciated.

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Kids readily posed with a friend by the golden man for the first time.

When I first came to Vienna I had a photo of me taken beside a golden robot statue (painted living statue). For some, those statues are nuisance but to tourists they are added attraction. Through the years, these street performers or human statues have become more creative (for lack of an adjective) and more rigid. They can stay without moving much longer now…until you put coins into their tin can (or what seems to be a can) of course.

Yesterday was the first time that the kids posed with one and because their friend agreed to pose too. I’ve been trying to make them for so many years now. ^_^

We haven’t been to the city center for some time now, I blame the weather since this year’s winter was just extreme. So yesterday after our bible meeting we went to have an early dinner (or super late lunch) with family friends and took some time going about, bought some sweets at Starbucks and had fun walking albeit a short time. So here’s to a long week of home fun and city adventure. No school for this week!

I grew up south of Manila and studied my first 6 years  in a private school an hour away from where we live. This school has a very big playground and so many open spaces to run around. During lunch time, which is a whole hour, we would hurriedly finish our food so we can play outside especially when it’s sunny. If it’s raining, we would be contented to play whatever is available in the classroom or what one of us brought along. Here are some of the indoor and outdoor games that we often enjoyed that my kids (perhaps yours too) may not be too familiar about.

1. Pick-up sticks

This is a game of physical and mental skill where a bundle of ‘sticks, usually in different colors and are between 3 and 8 inches long, are held in a loose bunch and released on a table top or the floor to fall in random disarray. Each player, in turn, must remove a stick from the pile without disturbing the remaining ones. I remember, we’re not supposed to make any other stick move while getting one. Each stick color represents a number. At the end of the game, the corresponding number for the color is added together, highest total wins!

Colorful pick-up sticks (photo via http://scissorspaperstone1234.blogspot.com)

2. Jackstones

This one is a game of quick hand and eye coordination. Jackstones are metals or plastic objects bearing six tips at right angles to one another, four of these are usually rounded, with two opposite tips more pointed to make it easier for pick up. There’s a rubber ball that functions as a timing device. A player would scatter the jacks so that they aren’t too near or too far apart and throw the rubber ball, gets the jacks which is starting from one up to the last number of jacks and catch the ball after the first bounce – both with one hand. The player goes to play if no jacks fall from the hand or if the ball has always been caught, if the player fails to do so, the next player gets the chance. This means that a player can go all the way to ten jacks if he’s a master of the game. The winner would be the one who collected the most number of jacks first.

Jackstons and rubber ball (photo via http://goodnewsaday.wordpress.com/)

3. Patintero

A game that requires running speed. The game is basically to try to cross the line without letting me touch or catch you -  an “it.” The game is set in a rectangle area normally drawn by water with 2 lines in the middle, to create 6 equal squares. There are usually five members in each group. Each member of the group who is it stands on the water lines. The it group would then try to trap the other members who are trying to pass by the squares and out to the other end.

Patintero at the beach (photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcmedina)

4. Traditional Bingo

Bingo is a game of chance we play during the weekends and not really in school. This is played with numbers pre-printed on matrices. The matrices are  25 squares arranged in five vertical columns and five horizontal rows with a number each with the middle as a free slot.  A typical Bingo game utilizes the numbers 1 through 75. The five columns of the card are labeled ‘B’, ‘I’, ‘N’, ‘G’, and ‘O’ from left to right. The range of printed numbers that can appear on the card is normally restricted by column, with the ‘B’ column only containing numbers between 1 and 15 inclusive, the ‘I’ column containing only 16 through 30, ‘N’ containing 31 through 45, ‘G’ containing 46 through 60, and ‘O’ containing 61 through 75. A host will draw numbers often in mini-balls from what I remember before as something like a plastic bottle but some have nestles like the one below (photo). A game is concluded when a player achieves a specified pattern from the drawn numbers. He or she also has to shout “Bingo!” to alert everyone. Now, one can play online bingo for free, which is the same idea but only there are no balls drawn; they use a random number generator instead.

Bingo cards, marker and drawing nestle. (photo via http://www.houzz.com)

5. Sekqu/Agawan base

This one is a game of defense and requires players with speed. There are two teams each with a base, usually that’s a really big stone. The goal is to tag the base and tag the players. When a player gets tagged, they are “imprisoned” at the base and must be rescued. Usually, the tagged players would extend their hands out for their team mates to be able to rescue them…that’s by touching any of them in line.

Kids playing Sekqu or perhaps Agawan base (photo via http://pitikbulagdokyu.blogspot.com/)

6. Piko

This game tests one’s balance. Patterned after Hopscotch, players draw a course on the ground. I remember we use the remains of a cracked plant pot to draw a course which is usually 12 squares. Although courses vary, I remember we have two spots where we’re allowed to lower our feet while hopping on the rest. There’s usually a marker too, we would often pick the shiniest stone or the most stable piece of cracked pots. A player throws that marker into the first square (marked 1) and it should not fall on the line or outside the square otherwise the player loses turn. He or she would hop through course skipping the square where the marker is and hop back and pick the marker up. Player then throws the marker throughout the course of numbers.

If during the hop in either direction the player steps on a line, misses a square, or loses balance, his or her turn ends. Players begin their turns where they last left off. The first player to complete one course for every numbered square on the course wins the game.

Numbers on a piko (photo via http://ssteelbutterfly62.multiply.com/journal)

There are a lot  more games that we enjoyed as kids but I will feature them next time. Though we would occasionally play Nintendo family computer games, we prefer playing outside even until around 8 at night.

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Facilities. Consider a venue that offers excellent and top-of-the-line facilities and amenities. See to it that the rooms are well-lit and well-ventilated. Check the lights, the air conditioning system, and of  course the chairs, tables, and the white boards. Also, check the toilets and the comfort rooms. Consider if they can accommodate the number of guests expected to attend. Importantly, the venue’s valet parking should also be considered. Your guests may bring in a load of vehicles with them. So you should not surprise and disappoint them with poor parking facility in your chosen venue.

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The Role of an Accountant
An accountant is either an employed or contracted individual that is responsible for keeping a company’s financial records in good order. In addition to financial record keeping, an accountant can also provide services such as advice on tax and auditing. An accountant can be a useful asset to your overall business planning, providing advice as to what type of company you should be setting up. HMRC requires the legal status of your company to be registered, whether it’s sole trader, limited company, partnership or co-operative.

Accountants can also offer regular financial reviews on a quarterly or annual basis. Depending on their experience, they may be able to act as a general business advisor. Another beneficial role accountants can perform is networking. It is possible that they will have vast experience across multiple industries, which may provide you with a means of identifying business opportunities. They may be able to use their contacts to put you in touch with other financial-services providers such as lenders and investors.

Why Hire an Accountant?

If you are self-employed it is a good idea to consider hiring an accountant or financial expert. Accountants can provide a professionally trained eye to look over and control the financial statements of your company. Preparing your own financial statements for the tax year is also feasible. There are a number of good software companies that provide easy to use accounting software. However, to ensure you don’t make mistakes and under- or over-estimate your figures, an accountant can be a welcome resource. The last thing you want is HMRC investigating your company’s financial performance. There are two main options in hiring the services of an accountant: employ a person full time or outsource to a freelance accountant or third-party company. If you intend to outsource your accounting needs, it is important you identify recommended accountants for contractors.

How to Select a Good Accountant

Choosing the right accountant is very important. You will be allowing them access to very sensitive company information. Therefore, you want to be able to trust them and know they will abide by data protection and privacy laws.

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure you get the right person for the job. The best way to ensure you hire a reputable individual is through recommendation. It is also good practice to research their qualifications. If you can locate an individual or accounting company that has a good reputation in the market, you can be assured that they are trustworthy. When you first meet your prospective accountant, ask for references and come prepared with a list of questions. Questions could include the following. What type of companies have they worked for before? Is there a particular industry sector they tend to operate in? What kind of financial services can they provide? What is their working pattern or availability?

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Zoe is an ardent blogger and freelance writer from the UK, and she loves to share her health and legal knowledge through content on the internet. Feel free to tweet your thoughts on this article to @bloggingstyle.

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Uncertainty is a major concern for most employers. Many are hesitant to commit themselves to offering health care plans in the future because they have no idea what that will truly entail. It could mean policing employees to make sure that they are insured. It may mean setting up a system of financial calculations to make sure that they are within the guidelines that have been established. At this point, no one can be sure about what the future holds.

The job market just isn’t what it used to be. Employers don’t seem to be hiring as much as they were in the past. Some speculate that health care plans and their potential complications in the future are preventing employers from hiring the people they need. It tends to be a circle in which employers aren’t hiring because of their financial fears and more individuals are out looking for work because of their financial concerns. Where that cycle ends, no one knows.

In order to be able to offer health insurance to employees, there is a chance that the employees themselves will have to foot more of the bill. This has been the case for the past couple of years and employees have continued to pay higher premiums and then pay more for each office visit, prescription and even specialist’s diagnosis. Employees may choose to seek out their own health insurance independently or give up on the concept all together. (It is important to note that according to the health care reform legislation, those individuals could pay a fine for choosing to not insure themselves.)

Because a majority of people do depend on their employers for health care benefits, if this became a thing of the past, a serious meltdown within the insurance industry is possible. Just like offering health insurance to employees becomes a financial decision with employers, individuals will have to determine what they can and cannot afford when it comes to coverage.

For now, few business owners are making any decisions. Like many people today, they are forced to sit back and wait to see what the future holds. Some hang tightly to the traditions of the past and hope that things will remain the same. Others have concerns about what will be on the horizon for both their companies and their employees in the near future. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no clear answers about whether or not employers will be able to continue to offer health insurance benefits to their employees in the upcoming years. Everyone will have to be patient and await the outcome.

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Zoe is an ardent blogger and freelance writer from the UK, and she loves to share her health and legal knowledge through content on the internet. Feel free to tweet your thoughts on this article to @bloggingstyle.

If like me, your hard drive (perhaps shoebox) is holding your photos (that’s digital and printed) for the longest time now, a photo book is a great way to have them out of the…box. A photo book, closely looked at isn’t just a book of photos, it’s a collection of the special moments and milestones of your life (and your kids) that you treasure. Later on, it will be a nostalgic remembrance of days past, also a funny walk down memory lane. Photo books are also great gifts to families and friends.

To make a photo book is like compiling a photo album but digitally, the photos get printed directly on paper and you don’t have to worry about the acidic content that photo albums are dreaded for. There are online stores that offer such services and your nearest photo printing shop might do it for you too. However, doing a layout online and by yourself will give your photo book a personal touch. You can include anecdotes, text and quotes to make the photos much memorable. So I tried making one with select photos and a few quotes via printluna.com. It’s an easy-to-navigate website that offers templates for users to choose from. You upload photos and layout them the way you want. They also have options to sell your books!

I made a sample photo book. Click to enlarge.

Consider the following when you set to have yours printed.

Purpose of printing the photo book. If you are a photographer, consider a professional layout that would pass as a coffee table book with the goal of being sold. If you are planning to give them out as gifts, consider the photos that would be included, those that are significant to the person who will receive it. If you are printing it for personal reasons, to compile for future viewing, a neat layout with notes of when and where the photos were taken, a little anecdote perhaps would suffice.

Size of photo book. Different websites offer different format and sizes. Choose what is appropriate for the purpose of your photobook. For personal bound copy of photos to brag, a 2×3, 3.75×2.5, 4×4 and 5×5 small book is recommended. This will appear as a flipbook which is now getting to be a popular wedding souvenir.

If you prefer a rectangular shaped book, the small rectangular 8 x 6 is perfect. This will only include photos sans text. If you want to include text to make a story book along with the photos, the 8×8 will be your option and this is the size that most photo book printers offer.

For a full use of page, get the 8.5×11 classic photo book size. This is the one used by professionals as it gives them the full option of layouting photos in different styles.

There are bigger sizes to choose from but I doubt if those would be practical to carry around or give as gifts.

Type of photo book. Would you like your photo book to be hard bound or soft bound? Would you like to have the pages glossy or matte? These are all taken in consideration as well as the cover that is to be used. Take time to think of your preferences.

Again, photo books will serve somehow as a vault of your fondest, funniest, most treasured memories. It’s time to start making one.

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DIY Bunk Bed via http://granddesignco.blogspot.com/2012/01/bunk-beds.html

That Pinteresting is addictive and totally inspiring is a given. I’ve been meaning to try the recipes I’m seeing there, to visit the places that are so picturesque and do the do-it-yourself home improvement ideas such as the one above. The bunk beds that would be wonderful for the kids’ room is one of those I aim to do. One bed for each  with another to spare for a friend spending the night over. This is also a convenient alternative to traditional dorm room bunk beds we’re used to seeing. Bunk beds are space savers and give the kids endless playful ideas.

Here’s another one that is so inspiring and cozy-looking being integrated on cool, powder blue walls.

If you are thinking of getting bunk beds then consider the option of  doing it yourself with the help of many tips from bloggers around. I’m sure google would be a lot of help or hire professionals to do the job for you. If DIY is not your thing then there are a lot of websites selling bunk beds in designs that would match your taste.

Bunkbeds.net is one of those sites. They carry a wide range of beds and bunk beds designed to soothe one’s preferences. To help you in choosing a bunk bed, consider the following points.

Room Measurement. Consider the room that the bunk bed will be. Take measurements here and there especially the ceiling height. Consider at least 2 feet of extra height from the top bunk to the ceiling to avoid bumps.

Bunk Bed Features. They’ve evolved for the better through the years. Some have compartments under the lower bunk to maximize use space. This could also be a pullout bed so there’d be a third bed. There are also loft styles, which looks like an elevated bed with space under that can be used for other stuff. A desk or a small sofa or a small cabinet perhaps. There’s also those with integrated sofa beds. The bunk other is a sofa in the morning and could be turned to a full bed at night — serves a double purpose. Moreover, there are bunk beds that come with a set of desks, drawers, dressers and other furniture in matching color and design. Just like the picture on the right.

There will definitely be a lot of styles in the market, upon considering the above points it is still important to choose a style and make that will make you and your kids happy. Take his/her opinion in to consideration, her favorite color perhaps, her favorite movie character and incorporate a bit of those into what you will have to choose.

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A note: Please join only on one blog. A maximum of 32 entries will be considered. If you have more than 32 entries, the host reserves the right to delete duplicate or fraudulent entries. Also, please use only one name and email address, or Twitter account for quicker validation of entries.

On the first mandatory entry, please write Mirage referred you. You must complete the mandatory tasks before the other entries are enabled.

Thank you very much and good luck. By joining this giveaway, you agree to the Terms and Conditions on the bottom of the form. Contest is open all-day Wednesday, from March 21st, 12:01am EST to March 21st,11:59pm EST (March 21st, 12:01pm Philippine time to March 22nd, 11:59am Philippine time).

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I got the chance to visit this year’s Bridal Fair and I was really charmed by the magic that surrounds weddings. A couple-friend and I were getting some ideas for their upcoming wedding…we looked at invitation designs, wedding decorations, wedding cake toppers and the cakes of course, dresses, hairstyles, souvenirs and every little detail concerning a wedding.

There were a few cars on display too and a lot of photographer booths! My favorite part I think would be, cake tasting!

What’s missing at the fair though were flower girl dresses and I was actually looking forward to seeing those. My daughter would be one of the flower girls for my friends’ wedding and the motif is peach. It wasn’t so easy finding ready made gowns in that color and until now I haven’t found one. I am not so sure about having it done by a professional dressmaker because frankly, I don’t know one around.  And I heard it’s not as cheap too!

The wedding is in May so I have up until a month to look for a dress. I’d probably look online if I don’t get to find one from the malls. Any ideas? Would appreciate them.

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