Raising bilingual kids

I am pretty proud about our eldest being able to speak my mother tongue (Filipino). As young as one year old we taught her to speak Tagalog - which she understands too of course. Now that our youngest is 1, we are also teaching her the beauty of the Filipino language. Probably easier now as the older sister is here to help us! Here are a few tips which has worked for us, when we taught the older one to speak her second language.

Tips on teaching a second language to children

1. Start as young as one year old (or younger!). Speak the second language to your child. Start with small words - common words then gradually using phrases, and eventually sentences. Keep repeating the words, phrases.

2. Do not be afraid to speak both English and the second language (in our case, Filipino). The child will not grow up confused. On the contrary, the child's brain is so malleable that their brain will shift from both languages at ease. Just like second nature to them, this is teaching their brain to think in both languages.

3. Encourage people around your child who know that second language (ours being Filipino) to speak to child in that language! I asked my siblings, other relatives, and friends to speak to our little one in Filipino. They thought it was awkward - but my reasoning is - who else will speak to my little one in Filipino?? (Aside from me and hubby of course!)

4. Encourage your child to speak that second language. I would encourage my little girl to speak Filipino by asking her to reply to me in Filipino, when I speak to her in Filipino. She can speak English when spoken to in English.

5. Watch kids learning videos in the second language. Perhaps a show counterpart of Sesame Street in your own language. I watched some youtube videos of Batibot. There wasn't a lot of videos, so I eventually resorted to 'light' Philippine teleserye with my child, as well as Kulilits, Epol Apol, etc.

6. Sing nursery rhymes, songs in the second language.

7. Buy books in the second language. For older kids, workbooks and short stories.

8. Practice writing in the second language. Start with small words, then gradually as your child's vocabulary increases, try bigger words. Perhaps while doing homework, have a quick spelling test in the second language.

All super efforts, something returns - Hopefully. Pray.

This should be my motto today!

I must have sent quite a lot of introduction emails today. With only sleep and eat in between working (and doing chores!0. I probably could have sent more if not for the distractions - kids, facebook and other social media!

For now, I will have to do what I can in between my main role as a carer. Sometimes I wish I could speed time up and explore my interests (or even just surf the internet or something like

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/vox-v847a-wah-wah-pedal). One day! And on that day I am pretty sure I will be missing the kids' noise.

Busy-ness

Sometimes (if not a lot of times) work can be tiring. However, for me, when I am working on a start up - and I get that work momentum - I am then on fire! Haha! I can send a hundred or so personal emails until my eyes give up or I need to force myself to sleep! But really, with young kids how I can even cope with my mother duties, let alone keep a business running? I guess it's just that big drive inside that has been happening for a while now. Although every now and then I am just craving lots of me time and researching cables and kits check it out at GuitarCenter. I wish that I had more time to do lots of things. I guess I will have that time one day not too soon!

Fairly early breakfast ideas in Sydney

So I am taking a break from my research (where I found out that wwbw has hohner accordion) and thinking about (fairly early) breakfast ideas to take my friend who's visiting Sydney. I have come up with a few options:

1. Shark Island breakfast picnic
I don't know why I am just so into Shark Island! As much as I am considering this option, I may not take it. We are looking at doing an early breakfast and we have limited time! Probably this would be more suitable if a.) we had more time and b.) if it wasn't too early!

2. Thelma and Louise cafe at Neutral Bay
This is my old neighbourhood cafe which always brought so much comfort and memories to me. It would entail a fair bit of a walk and a quick ferry ride (15 mins).

3. Bradfield Park picnic
I just love the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in one frame! It never grows old. However, I saw my friend already has just been to this spot this evening!!

4. Some cafe in Circular Quay
This might be the most "rational" and do-able option as it would be a quick 10 minute walk from my friend's CBD hotel. It would be picturesque enough without too much hassle or effort!

Either way, hopefully the weather would cooperate so it would be a pleasant one nonetheless!

Sydney Picnic Company

Photo from Sydney Picnic Co Facebook

Since moving to Sydney I have developed a love for having picnics! Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner picnic - or anything in between these! I was happily surprised to find this company Sydney Picnic Co offering ready made picnic baskets. My picnic basket would not even come close to any of these hampers. Mine is usually just the basic - bread, drinks, dessert, cutlery, chips, fruits, cheeses. On the few special occasions I would have a bottle of champers or wine. Going back to the Sydney Picnic Co - I love their baskets and I even love how creative they call the 'packages'! I could say I am having "The Great Gatsby" for a picnic - this would include Marinated Olives, Prawns, Watermelon, White Chocolate, etc! Fancy as what it is called!

So the special picnic can be delivered to your picnic spot - or picked up from their picnic 'depot'. Lots of details on how to achieve that fabulous picnic by visiting their FAQs page on their site.

Sydney Picnic Co
36-38 Hutchinson Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
0420 943 670
natalie@sydneypicnic.com.au

Picnic collection hours:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 10AM to 5PM

Musically inclined

Sometimes I wish I was musically inclined or gifted! (I did try to study guitar and voice lessons at some point at http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/ ) However, I was not really very successful at that! It was a phase in my younger life when I wanted to enrol in these activities to keep me busy during the summer break. Now that I have my own kids, I would like to encourage them to enjoy music (or sports for that matter) by enrolling them in music classes. The younger one seems to be singing every now and then, and for her young age she seems to have it in her! There is hope to have a singer in the family after all!

Oh, Aurora!

Photos from hotelranga.is

One day I wish I could experience the Northern Lights. Where else would be a better place than to see it from Iceland! If one is into nature, and is happy to immerse themselves in endless space, boundless skies, unlimited grounds - then the newly listed Virtuoso property, Hotel Ranga is the best choice. Stargazing, fishing, and visit to various attractions such as : hot springs, cultural villages, nature reserves, waterfalls, black sand beaches, etc are only a few of the places that one could explore from Hotel Ranga. I am particularly excited about the option of stargazing while on the hotel's hot tub! I just wish the weather would be kind! Ok, that and of course the fresh salmon dishes served at the property's restaurant!

Hotel Rangá
Sudurlandsvegur
851 Hella
Iceland

Phone number:  +354 487 5700
Email:  hotelranga@hotelranga.is

How do you research

In my professional industry, I have learned various ways of searching for the best value and best price for my clients' ultimate getaway. Sometimes it takes so much of my time that I lose track of time! Having said that though, over the years I have learned to sift through the information and use the right supplier on the get go! the best ones are here within my fingertips and there is no need to look further tapping unreliable suppliers. I wish I had known this when I was starting out, but I guess that is part of learning.

Early months (of the new year)

From http://hdw.eweb4.com/wallpapers/9662/

So far the early months of the new year has brought in a lot of challenges - personally in so many ways. Now that it is nearly the second quarter of the year, I am praying that the universe will align itself to be on my side now. Professionally I am planning to implement a few new strategies and that has pushed me to do better and it has excited me about my industry again.

Sometimes all we need is something to ignite that spark again, so that we can look forward to the seemingly gloomy tomorrow. (This is my personal quote. Said by a grieving daughter)

Carols and Sounds

Watching the carols live (and hearing the horsie do its thing) brings alive the spirit of Christmas in an even more joyous experience! Tonight was a balmy one and so we ended up just watching the annual show at home. It was nonetheless still a spectacular one, enjoyed by every single one of us - even the little ones!

I remember back in Manila, groups of children would knock on people's houses to sing carols in exchange for coins. In one night, there would be a few groups knocking and singing behind our closed gates. I have at some point experienced this traditional carol singing - not so much knocking at houses, but more like scheduled house visits. Sometimes I wonder whether my kids will get to experience this tradition of carol singing or if they will just associate carols to singing on stage/ or singing at church. Hmm.

Sleepyhead

I have always, always loved my sleep and think I cannot sleep enough. (Having said that tho, I like staying up late and typing away -- so quiet!).

Sometimes I wish I can do my thing during the day so I can manage to stay awake.Otherwise if I leave it too late, I end up just sleeping on it! Doesn't matter whatever it is. When I am sleepy, I sleep and drop everything.

Just like now, I am finding myself falling asleep on this keyboard!!!

Photo from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/286617

Furniture and Pieces

To relax and take my mind off my other worries, I've been playing this home design game on my phone. I used to play some other games, but for now this is the flavour of the month! I don't have much game money to purchase furniture, however just clicking on the photos and styling the room brings such different joy. A pretend world of joy that is, for a good 5 minutes. So when hubby was chit chatting to me about his dilemma in re-arranging the stock items and warehouse lighting at his workplace, I offered to look into his blue prints (as if I was a pro). I just can't wait to move into a new home so we could decorate our home from scratch. For now, I will have to be content with doing our Christmas decorations at our current house.

Burning out

Lately I've been a bit burnt out with a few things. Not complaining as these give me full joy too (motherhood), but then of course sometimes the body is just not 100%. Sleep hasn't been the best lately (umm, for the past 8 years! hahaha).

I am looking forward to some R & R over the Christmas period. Nothing big or fancy, just two short nights at a hotel in the city. A staycation. But still, just a break from reality!

I guess as much as Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! It's also giving me my usual pre-Christmas blues. It's the most expensive time of the year too! Plus, not having family around takes its toll at this time too. I wish I could be in Manila. Hoping and planning for next year - that we could be home for Christmas!

Photo from: https://luckyjmstar101.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/mesmerizing-new-york-winter-scenery/

Car ride

This week on the way to school, my daughter and I noticed something like a box on the pedestrian island. We thought it looked like an amp (avalon u5) or a speaker box of some sort. Yesterday we took a closer look and it was a mobile speed camera! Very strange indeed. Our quick 5 minute drive to school usually involves random conversations with my 6 year old and it is just fascinating what we get to discover together, about each other or about the things around us. Sometimes I wish she would stay this young forever. But of course, before I know it she would be a teenager - and car rides together will be seldom.

She shed

I must have been living under the radar, as I have not come across the term "she shed" until today while watching this lifestyle show with my mum. And since watching the show I have been doing some pinning on lovely and cosy she sheds! How addicting can this get - checking out ideas for my very own 'woman cave'. I have a million and one ideas that surely would be over my future budget. But I can dream, and so that's free. I am thinking that aside from having my own nook, I can also invite some of the MusiciansFriends or my sisters to hangout when we need a break from our busy mum duties!

Yet to come

Patiently waiting, still, for the 'best times' as my fortune cookie read out many, many years ago (say, 5 years).

Sometimes life can throw out expectations (eg, the promise of better times). On the other hand, quotes such as these can also give hope to us dreamers.

One day when I am not too engrossed with waiting for the 'best times' is when I know that the 'best times' have arrived. I can't wait.

Oh, Adele!

Every once in a while I do go on this OCD of oggling at celebrities for a few days (and then it stops, hehe). It just is a way to unwind from my seemingly boring (but very busy) life. So the past few days have been about Adele! (haven't noticed if she had a pedalboard power supply or what) Her voice is amazingly phenomenal! There's something soothing about her voice and her songs. I am even listening to her songs as I write this entry! I am such a fan girl, hehe.

I actually even watched some interviews she gave, and she seems to be a nice and real down-to-earth person. Her life story being raised by a single mum in a working class suburb is inspiring too. She is an only child and watching her tell her story and her demeanor - it comes across how strong she is. She says that going on stage makes her nervous is unbelievable as during her interviews she looks very confident and candid.

Oh enough being a fan girl! I must get on to my other work!

Oh Fig!

I am in loooooovveee with Fig jam! I spread it on everything I can.... On buttered toast, chicken sandwich, meat pie, in salads... I even had it on rice a few times!

This is not healthy anymore!! So I have to make it healthy! I really want to be able to make my own fig jam at home, so I know what goes in it. Then, I could also make my own tomato chutney, beetroot relish, caramelised onion relish... the list could go on!

Going back to figs... I have seen them being sold on the side of the road along Dural. I should source my figs from there. Hmmm, or buy my ready made fig jam from there?

Taste's recipe sounds do-able as seen here and below:

Photo from http://holisticsquid.com/rosemary-fig-jam/

FIG JAM RECIPE

•  1 kg ripe figs, trimmed, roughly chopped

•  500g caster sugar

•  1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped

•  1 cinnamon quill
•  Pared rind and juice of 1 lemon
• 
  

Place ingredients in a bowl, cover and stand overnight at room temperature. Transfer to a pan over low heat and stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to the boil, then cook over very low heat, stirring regularly, for 45 minutes or until thick and sticky. Mash figs gently with a fork or masher to break up a little.

Gourmet Me

Super glad that I have been a bit more adventurous with my "sauces" the past couple of years. Thanks to my mother dear! She's always been the gourmet one in the family - the original one - my other sister has followed suit earlier on! .... Rockmelon wrapped with prosciutto, cheese drizzled with honey, and many more!

Last year when my parents visited Sydney, we went to the Orange Blossom Festival in the Hills District and there my mum bought this super yummy Raspberry Orange Caramelised Balsamic vinegar from the stall by Your Inspiration at Home. Since then I have been trying out more of the exotic salad dressings and every now and then I even try concocting my own! One of these days I must order a few of their other delish products!

Understanding and Speaking

On separate occasions this week, I have had numerous unconnected conversations with friends about raising bilingual children. These are conversations I had with Filipino friends who are living overseas and have young children.

My eldest, B, has been coming out of her shell in terms of speaking Filipino - albeit, with a soft accent. In the beginning when she was younger she could understand my native language but she would deliberately respond back in English whenever I ask questions in Filipino. I persisted in getting her to talk back in Filipino and after a number of years, I don't need to prod her on this. She voluntarily speaks in Filipino. She is good at switching back and forth between English and Filipino. I am a proud mum. Ok, credits to dear husband too, who's played a part in all these.

I should talk about this topic again when I have my useful tips prepared. For now, I am signing off from the online world!

Photo from http://www.juanofwords.com/2012/08/whats-the-secret-to-raising-a-bilingual-kid-hiring-a-bilingual-nanny/