b'day gifts for 14, 15, 16 yo

Moms sometimes find it hard to look for the perfect gift for their kids who are turning 14, or 15, 16. Of course, the usual questions to be asked are:

1. What does she want?

a. music

b. books

c. clothes (blouses, bags)

d. writing

e. accessories (jewelry, friendship bands)

f. cologne

2. What is it that she already has but still wants more? Does she have a hobby? Is she collecting something?

From observation, teens ages 14 to 16 love new things such as new blouses, wallets, bags, and they like to change the look of their cellphones. Those who love to read will appreciate a good book. And yes, any piece of jewelry like a bracelet, pair of earrings, or a necklace will also be appreciated.

Summer splash at Sea Forest

No, it wasn't a birthday party but the culminating activity of ABC Kiddie Learning Center which happened with a big splash at Sea Forest, between Sibulan and San Jose, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Photo shows Dewey, Chula, gramma, and right behind are Pia and mom Christina. Sea Forest is one of the best places to visit in Dumaguete City. It is where you, friends , and family can have loads of fun.

kids and make-up

As a general rule, make-up is not for kids. However, there are times when they are required to have some color on their faces when the occasion calls for it. For instance, if the kid is going to be performing on stage, then she will need a little color so that she will not appear deathly up there. Make-up for kids is done on necessity, and that is, to add or give color to the face for stage presentations.

However, there had been many cases of kids being made up a la Marilyn Monroe especially during kids' pageants. Ok, ok. It's a beauty pageant, but these are only kids! For God's sake, shaving their eyebrows and making them arched will turn them into hags!

Kids, no matter what presentation they are joining, should look their age. A small amount of blusher and a dab of lipstick will do just for the color effect.

Otherwise, please, do not tamper on their innocent faces.

Party etiquette

Here are a few basic things to guide us when attending parties.

1. When it is a formal party where guests were invited by an invitation card which you were not given, do not attend it even if another friend who received an invitation will bring you along.

2. If you are the host, greet guests as they come to the door. You should have a place for their personal items which they might want to leave.

3. As host, you need to introduce people.

4. If you are an invited guest, bring a gift for the host.

5. Use utensils from outside in. Used ones should never be placed back onto the table cloth. Rest them against the side of the plate.

6. Napkins should never be placed on the table until meal is over.

7. Never talk when your mouth is full.

8. Eat with mouth closed.

9. Never bring too much food to your mouth. Avoid making chewing sounds or utensils grating against your teeth.

10. Never pick your teeth in the open.

11. When leaving and the host walks you to the door, do not engage her in long conversation at the door.

12. Don't forget to thank the host and to tell her you have enjoyed the night.

spending time with dad

We are celebrating Father's Day on the 17th and we're running a list of things you can do with dad. Bonding time with family need not be expensive. So here are suggestions that friends have wanted to do with their dads but never got to and before they know it, they've grown and are too big now to do these fun things to do with dad:

1. Fly a kite with dad. A friend had been wanting to do this with her dad but never got to because of her parents' divorce that separated her from her dad for the rest of her childhood.

2. Go fishing with dad and cook your catch together.

3. Play video games with him. This can be done at home or at the nearest mall where there are such games.

4. Play catch-the-ball with him at the nearest park.

5. Jog with him early in the morning or when he comes home from work. Make him choose the time and be the ever willing jogging pardner.

6. Does your dad like swimming? Then go swimming with him on Father's Day.

7. A picnic at your garden or at the nearest park with dad and the whole family would be fun.

8. Does your dad like to sing? You can go to a karaoke bar and sing along with him. If you have your own videoke machine, then you don't have to go anywhere.

9. Play golf with dad.

10. Watch his favorite movie with him.

11. If he likes to dance, go disco dancing with him.

12. Go horseback riding with him. If you don't own a horse, go to a nearby farm and rent one.

Make dad's day something different. Happy Father's Day to all the great dads on this planet.