Re-Purpose Adult Skirt into Little Girl's Skirts 大裙换小裙

Ever since I have learnt sewing, once in a while I would ransack my wardrobe to look for some old stuff that I can repurpose. It is not that hard after all, there are plenty of clothes that I hardly wear anymore but I just couldn't let go of them. True and true a woman I am, I know! So I am doing myself some good deed now by repurposing them... :)

I found this A line knee length skirt that I have not been wearing for ages. I liked the tiny floral prints but I just do not quite like the way it look on my anymore. So instead of having it occupying my shelf space, I decided to give it a new life. In fact, 2 new lifes!

From a single adult skirt, I transformed it into 2 skirts for 2 little girls. Not bad after all! *self praising mode on*

This was how it used to look like. Simple A line skirt that is a little too boring.

Rock Stars Band! 摇滚石头帮

Check this out, the band of Rock Stars made by my little Captain and his cousins!

Way better than the one under my guide I must say! *blush 

Love they're creativity, simply awesome..: shall search for more rocks in my garden soon :)

Interested to find out more? You may read on more about this art set in the earlier post here.

Copyrights © Pui Hua and Fun With Little Ones, 2012 - present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any materials/photos within this website without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pui Hua and Fun With Little Ones with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Handmade Cloth Face Mask for Little Ones 小孩布织面罩

If you have been reading the news lately, or you are living in the same part of the world as I am - Malaysia, you will probably know how bad the air pollution condition is in town now due to the thick haze resulting from the agricultural forest burning activities in Indonesia. The air quality is so bad that everyone around us are either falling sick  due to eye, nose, throat discomfort or dizziness and headache. Even schools were closed yesterday due to the high psi index.

Big Guy and I had been wearing a mask to work, unfortunately we can't find one small enough to fit our little ones. So I decided to make one for them each.

All you need is a small piece of cotton or flannel fabric and with about 20cm of elastic band for the ear loop.

I picked the flannel cotton that has cute rabbit prints for my little captain, and the pink Riinokumi bear cotton for my baby girl, hopefully they will be attracted to the cute prints and obediently wear the masks... *fingers crossed*

Looking good on my little ones? just trying out how they look like when wear on... :)

I have compiled 2 different tutorials using different fabric, as flannel generally doesn't fray, so the method differ slightly.

Painting Your Own Rock Star!

My little captain enjoys art work and exploring with water color painting ever since I introduced him to water color and the various artworks he made at his preschool. 

This Funky Fun Creating Your Own Rock Stars set is really ideal for him. It was a birthday present he received during his 4th birthday and he was so excited to discover this box lying in his toy racks, kept requesting me to play with him. So after settling all the errands and chores for the day, I finally sat down and had some creative fun time with my little artist.

These are the Rock Stars we created, not too bad huh?

A blue punk hair guitarist who loves to jam. He jointly created with daddy.

Smart Game Recommendation: Prince & Dragon IQ玩具好介绍:王子与恐龙

I received this game set few weeks back and had been having countless fun time with my little Captain and his cousins. It's the type of game that everyone will says "This looks easy" in the beginning, but the longer you play on the more challenging it becomes, and before you know it, you are stuck!

Smart Game: Prince & Dragon

This game is ideal for training the young minds on problem solving and concentration skill. In fact, it can be addictive if you are the type who love puzzle solving. So, puzzle lover, beware!

I have wanted to write a post about this IQ game set but many things happening that held me back. Finally, I managed to squeeze sometimes after my duo napped. Now that we have been playing for nearly a month, I must say it is an interesting game that is suitable for all ages, even for the elderly who wants some mental practice.

How to Play?

Imagine this, you have 10 players in fixed location - prince, princess, castle, cave, unicorn, light green dragon, wizard, treasure chest, blue flower, yellow flower, and 1 loose player, the dark green dragon that is one of the 9 puzzle pieces. Your mission is depending on the instruction in the book, for example:

• Bring the prince to the princess, but ensure the wizard must not meet the dark green dragon.
• Bring the unicorn to the cave; the wizard to the treasure chest and blue flower.

Too easy? Here's a more difficult one...

• Bring prince to the cave, princess, wizard and unicorn; the dark green dragon to the blue flower; but make sure light green dragon cannot go to the castle nor the treasure chest.

Now, that sound more challenging, doesn't it? :)

Seen here, my little Captain showing off his completed puzzle at level 20.

Challenge 42, we have yet to reach there... Just a matter of when :)

The illustrative instructions book, the reverse page contains the possible solutions.There is obviously more than 1 solution to each problem.

So, what do I like about this game?

• Everything you need for the game are stored in a well-designed box that has the game board on top, and a drawer compartment underneath. It's easy to carry around so it can keep my little boy occupied even when we go out for a visit.
• It has 48 games in the simple instruction book, but over 1000 possible solutions. So each time you re-visit the same level you will probably discover a new solution. 
• The game is designed according different level - Starter, Junior, Expert, Master. For young toddler to older kids (or even playful parents who love mental challenge?), there is definitely a level that is right for them.
• It encourages good concentration and analytical skills. Designing the "route" is akin to mind mapping, the more you "map", the more active your brain cells become. It will definitely aid in improving problem solving skill to the young minds. If you are stuck, seek new path.
• It provides good bonding time for parent and child, I always try to play the role as couch and provide advice and hints only when my little Captain needs help.
• It can be used as a party game, its a good brain teaser. ;)

Storage compartment underneath, now that's convenient!

My Little One is Under 4 Years Old, Is this Suitable?

Why not? The more you stimulate, the smarter they become. The brain cells are just like our body muscles, the more workout you do the stronger they become. The potential of our little ones is only limited by what we believe they can achieve. So, give them the tools, and help them go the extra miles.

From my personal experience, for younger children under 4 years old, I will suggest to check out this Castlelogix IQ game instead. Equivalently fun but easier for younger children to understand.

Interested to get a set for your little one? check out here at Brainet and are other Smart Game series they have. If you have bought this game, do share your experience and how you make it interesting to your little ones? Would love to hear from you.

Till the later post, have fun!

Copyrights © Pui Hua and Fun With Little Ones, 2012 - present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any materials/photos within this website without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pui Hua and Fun With Little Ones with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Painting Time - The Paddy Field

It's a lazy Saturday morning and my little captain decided to do painting instead of watching TV program. So he pulled out his water color kits, picked a template of pirate he likes and asked me to get him a cup of water. Then he started painting right away, declaring that he doesn't need my help. Hmm... I was glad to have the free time to attend to my younger one :)

It's a good practice to encourage the little ones to explore things on their own, to train their concentration and  develop sense of independency. It gives mommy some "me" time and LO has the freehand to explore their creativity too. However, parents should still keep an close eye to ensure LO is not up to anything dangerous,  just refrain from interfering.

He choose the colors, mixed them up and painted it the way he liked it :)

After painting the pirate, he wrote his name and painted 2 mountains. He then told me he wanted paddy field (he remembers our Sekinchan trip :)... So mommy finally had a chance to teach him to use the brush to create soft thin stroke. I took this chance to explain the purpose of the 3 different paint brushes we bought for him. 

While my painting skill is limited, I try to teach him some new technique each time. From basic color theory, color mixing, understanding different brushes and different painting techniques to create the desired effect. 

So here it is, the pirate (farmer?) in the paddy field.

When the fun is over, I requested him to clean up. He was reluctant at first but finally succumbed to mommy's request and cleaned up the mess - washed the brushes and palette, kept the coloring box and put his painting to dry under the sun. When it comes to discipline, I always believe that parents shall be consistent and persistent so LO knows we really mean our words. 

Doing it for them may be the quickest solution, but training them to take the responsibility will definitely has a long term benefit to them.

So long for now, happy weekend peeps! 

Copyrights © Pui Hua and Fun With Little Ones, 2012 - present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any materials/photos within this website without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pui Hua and Fun With Little Ones with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Day Trip to Sekinchan, The Land of Paddy Fields and Blue Skies 适耕庄家庭游

Sekinchan, a small fishing & paddy farming village located in outskirts of Selangor - not far after Kuala Selangor, is such an ideal place for family day trip. We spent a weekend there with our sibling families and we returned to town, tired but satisfied.

A place where the paddy fields meet the blue skies..

Here's why we liked the place..

• Sekinchan offers mixture of activities that are family friendly, from picture-perfect paddy fields/factory visit, a stroll or kite flying at the beach side, traditional temple visit or even just a walk down the fishing village. There are some homestays if you would like to stay overnight too.

Here are some photos I took during the visit.. Love the greens, such a feast to the eyes.