Archives for August 2017

My Little Ponies Magically Come to Real Life!

August 26, 2017 by

Can you spot Rainbow Dash flying around?

My sisters and I grew up watching My Little Pony on Saturdays. It was one of those shows we eagerly woke up for on Saturday mornings. I would have continued watching it even in my teen years had they not stopped producing the show. So just imagine my glee when they aired an animated series again and I was able to watch my little ponies anew. I’m sure you moms watch it with your little ones too! I even thought about looking up an 80s Toy website to see if I could find my favorite pony from the show. However, I stumbled onto something else during my search.

Here’s something you can also enjoy with your little princesses when you’re not watching My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic on TV.

In this character guidebook from Scholastic, your favorite ponies from Equestria come to life through the power of Digital Magic! They can be as small as the palm of your hand or grow so big that they won’t fit inside your house. You can stroll with the ponies or make them fly. Augmented reality really really really rocks!

 

 

The ponies are so cute when they’re little but become amazingly huge when they’re life-sized. It’s also fun to see them prancing or flying around.

Aside from being able to interact with the ponies, we also got to know them more coz the book is full of sooooo much trivia about each of them. We even found out more about the magical land of Equestria!

It’s fun to watch the ponies move around but it’s much better when you do it with a friend. You can ask your friend to download the app, connect to each other’s devices, and have your favorite ponies stroll together. The app can easily be downloaded for free on your smartphone or tablet

What We Love About This Book

It’s My Little Pony!!! Obviously, we love it just because it’s all about our beloved magical ponies! But aside from that, we also love it because we’re able to read so much about them in the colorful glossy pages of the book. Making the ponies come to real life is also amazingly magical. The book might be a bit too big to fit in my purse but we don’t mind carrying an extra tote for it. 🙂 This book gets a two-thumbs-up from both the kids and this mom.

Read more about augmented reality here.

Filed Under: for the KIDS, Products We Love

Watch Your Favorite Transformers Come to Life!

August 26, 2017 by

Do your kids love watching Transformers in Disguise on TV? I’m sure you’ve also spent hours pretending that you were Autobots fighting the Decepticons.  I’m guessing most of the time you get to be the Decepticon, too.  If your kids are great fans, I’m sure they have wished many times over that the Autobots were real.  Here’s some great news!  Aside from watching them on television, you can now actually watch Transformers come to life as never before! Not on the big screen but in your own home through Scholastic’s Augmented Reality book Transformers Robot in Disguise: Where Crown City Comes to Life.

My son Jakei likes watching Transformers Robots in Disguise on Netflix so he was very excited when he saw the book. While waiting for me to download the app, he already became so engrossed in reading the book.  It actually doubles as a character guidebook for the animated series.  It starts with a brief intro about how the Transformers came to planet Earth.  Then there are descriptions and fun trivia about all the featured Autobots and Decepticons.

With the app, Jakei can make the robots walk and drive around. It’s really cool to watch them transform from vehicles to robots.  When the robots are in lifesize, they even leave cracks on the ground when they walk!

 

The kids and I also enjoy taking pictures with life-sized Transformers. We did kinda look weird taking pictures outside (because you can’t very well fit a life-size Transformer inside our house!) but it’s really cool to see pictures of us with life-sized robots.

The app also helps develop kids’ creativity as there is a feature that allows them to create their very own robots.  There’s another feature in the app that we haven’t tried yet.  Friends can actually play together in the Battle Mode.  They get to choose their own Autobots and Decepticons and engage head-to-head in a battle.  All they need to do is to download the apps in their devices and connect the devices to each other.  If they don’t wish to battle it out, they can just choose Transformers from the same team and make them walk around together.

What we love about this book

The kids love this book because they get to use the tablet! LOL! Aside from that, they get to do so many things with different robots. They can also play together even while using gadgets.  When gadget-time is over, they still get to enjoy reading the book and learning more about the Autobots and Decepticons.  They actually know more about the characters now than I do.  Not only kids will love this book as I myself enjoy reading the book and using the app.  This is surely another book that will stay in our collection for years.

Read more about augmented reality here.

Filed Under: for the KIDS, Products We Love, Toys

Totally Cool Augmented Reality Books from Scholastics

August 26, 2017 by

My kids are bookworms! There’s no question about it. Aside from being bookworms, they’re also advanced readers.  One factor that contributed to this is that we kept them away from gadgets during their early years. They learned to appreciate and to love books because of this.  I’m guessing that they love smelling the pages just as I do. Ebooks may be convenient and more affordable but it cannot parallel the satisfaction we get from flipping through page after page of paperbacks.

However, when they reached school age and became exposed to games their classmates play, we eventually allowed them some gadget time – always closely monitored and timed though. ? They do look forward to being able to use their tablet or my phone to play games or watch videos. Old-fashioned mom though still prefers that they just stick to their paperbacks.

Most likely, Scholastic knows that many other moms have similar sentiments. This is probably why they came out with their augmented reality books – books that encourage children to read while enjoying their gadget time.

The Magic of Augmented Reality

Whoa! It’s AWESOME!!! This was the first reaction of the two kids when they first tried out the app.  It’s like VR only better!  In virtual reality, the kids play in an artificial environment; but, in augmented reality, they play in their actual environment.  It’s bringing something inanimate to life and interacting with it in real time.

It’s totally cool! It’s showing on the screen like it’s really real! Like it’s really there in real life! – Jade

If you’re still confused about what augmented reality is, just think of it as something like 4-D.  It’s like adding another dimension to a 3-D image. When you hover your phone or tablet over the page, a lifelike image pops out and becomes part of your own environment. THEN you can interact with this image by making it move around and even taking pictures together with it.

 

In the books from Scholastic, our kids’ favorite characters come to life with the power of Digital Magic.  Now that we’re hopefully all clear about what augmented reality is, let’s check the books out in the next two posts.

Click here for Transformers Robot in Disguise: Where Crown City Comes to Life.

Click here for My Little Pony: Where Equestria Comes to Life

Filed Under: BookWorms, Busy Bees, for the KIDS, Kids At Work, Products We Love, Toys

Gentle Washing With Beko Aquawave Technology

August 24, 2017 by

In this modern age when technology has paved the way for innovations that make life more convenient, many Filipinos still opt to wash their clothes the old way – with Lola’s trusted bar soap and a big batya. Those who do use a washing machine still prefer to handwash some of their clothes especially the delicates. Why? This is because some washing machines ruin our clothes even if we use the most delicate setting. One thing I will say is if your washing machine is ruining all your clothes, even on the delicates setting, you definitely need to look into hiring someone to take a look. My friend recently used a company alike to Greg’s Appliance Company and said they really helped, so it would definitely be worth having someone on file if you need it. Anyway, I’ve found something quite nifty. Here’s something new in the market that promises to provide the most gentle wash and ensures that our clothes wouldn’t be ruined. Read on to find out more about Beko Aquawave Technology. But first, if you are on the hunt for a new washing machine, you might also want to take a look at some of the different appliance reviews over on the Buyers Impact website. Whenever you make a large purchase, it is always a good idea to read what other people are saying about a product.

PRESS RELEASE

Beko washing machines protects clothes better with Aquawave™ Technology

Manila, Philippines—August 18. 2017.No matter how hard we try, keeping our clothes looking new is always a challenge. Regular wear and tear and the constant washing take a toll on the color and fabric, making our best clothes old-looking, its colors faded and at times, the stitching frayed.

Often, we blame it on the detergent or the way our clothes are handled when washed. However, what we may not know is that the washing machine we use may be one of the reasons our clothes age quickly.

With this, Beko, one of Europe’s most popular appliance brand, brings innovative laundry solutions with its advanced line of washing machines. Its innovative Aquawave™ Technology provide gentle yet effective washing conditions for all garments, making them last longer.

This breakthrough technology is inspired by nature as it replicates the gentle and effective power motion of waves that protect your clothes from wearing out.

The specially designed drum pattern gently carries the laundry away like a wave from the drum. Thus, garments move smoothly around the washing machine. Paddles with wave form also contribute to the gentle care of your laundry. Finally, the curve on the door glass provides more mixing effect by helping the laundry to move more easily. Thus, the need for energy is reduced.

“We understand how important it is for people to preserve their clothes. As a leading brand of home and lifestyle improvement solutions, Beko aims to be the official partner of the everyday by addressing the many needs of our customers,” said Dyeun Zapanta, Beko Philippines Sales, and Marketing Head. “Our innovative technologies are a result of our understanding of the needs of today’s consumers.”

Beko Philippines, on its second year, strengthens further its local presence. Since 2015, the company already doubled its distribution and tripled its sales through an enhanced and domineering product line that continuously meets the needs of the Filipino market.

To know more about Beko and Beko Philippines, like the Beko Philippines fan page (@BekoPH) or visit their website at www.beko.ph.

###

About Beko Philippines

BEKO is one of the strongest and leading brands in the whitegoods sector in Europe and has been the fastest growing brand in the European market. Given that the brand sells every two seconds somewhere in the world, BEKO has always embraced the goal of “Being a World Brand.” BEKO has been the first choice of 280 million consumers in more than 100 countries by carrying on its Turkish market success all over the world.

Designed to make your life easier thanks to super-fast programs and energy saving technology – BEKO delivers exceptional value for money, providing smart, innovative and energy efficient home appliances. These factors, combined with an affordable and reliable proposition, make BEKO the brand of choice for today and the future.

BEKO is the international home appliances brand of the Arçelik Group and belongs to the Koç Holding – one of the largest companies in Europe, ranking among the first 250 on the Fortune Global 500 list. It is also the leading home appliances brand in Turkey, offering extensive and innovative ranges of both home appliances and consumer electronics. The Arçelik Group, with nearly 60 years of experience in the industry, is now a key player in the home appliance industry in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. With approximately 25,000 employees and 14 production facilities throughout the world, the Group provides products and services in over 130 countries with sales and marketing offices located in 25 countries and under 10 different brands.

Filed Under: Home Improvement, House Matters

4 Hacks for New Parents to Ease Adjustment into Parenthood

August 17, 2017 by

No one can ever be totally prepared for pregnancy. There are always things you learn and pick up on the way that you didn’t know going in. For example, did you know that babies do a lot of surprising things in the womb? As a new parent, you probably have a lot of questions. The more you learn, you feel like you have everything under control – you’ve bought everything you need and more, the nursery is all decorated and set up at home and you’re ready. Then they are born. And you suddenly feel SO unprepared. That’s when all the questions come. You start to question things you previously felt sure of.

You check the formula feeding guide even though you’ve read it 100 times over. These things that seemed so simple before become a puzzle. You can ask for help, but will become bombarded with a plethora of baby products and (often unsolicited) advice. Obviously, it’s okay to take tips on the essentials of baby products; like advice on the best travel system stroller on Strollerbuzz. But as a first-timer, it can be hard to distinguish the must-haves from the gimmicks. Likewise, the tips and tricks that worked for others may not be conducive to you and your new bundle of joy.

It can get overwhelming trying to meet all the needs of the new baby, and feeling like you know nothing doesn’t help either. Many new parents might like a pair of extra helping hands; someone who can understand exactly what the baby needs. Choosing to take the help of a doula is something that you might want to consider. It might not only ease your stress but also let your baby be as comfortable as possible. Professionals from agencies like this Portland Oregon postpartum doula service can help you handle the transition from couple to new parents more easily. You won’t have to stress about all the decisions to make anymore because you will have knowledgeable minds to help you out.

With that in mind, here are four hacks to make the transition to parenting a little easier to manage, with or without a doula.

1. Get More Done with Babywearing

Your new bundle of joy no doubt craved being in the womb, but life doesn’t just stop after you’ve given birth. Of course, there’s still cleaning and cooking to do, other kids to look after, and often work to catch up on. You may get a break for the first few weeks, but soon enough you’ll need to figure out a rhythm to get it all done with a new baby on board.

If you need a little assistance carrying your newborn, an age-old practice could provide immense, mutually-desired enjoyment. In fact, embracing babywearing can help you get more done, while also meeting your baby’s needs. Furthermore, studies have shown that moms who practice babywearing for three hours a day see their infant cry 43 percent less than babies who didn’t receive the same – or any – amount of nurturing.

One of the most comfortable carriers for little ones is the Solly Baby Wrap, an ultra-thin stretchy wrap designed for use throughout your child’s first year. Tula also makes a variety of carriers to make babywearing comfortable and seamless. And, most carriers can even be used for discreet and convenient hands-free nursing, too.

2. Minimize Startle Reflex with Swaddle Suits

Sure, we all know swaddling babies is a great way to soothe and prevent them from startling themselves awake. However, because babies tend to wiggle out of this cozy wrapping, swaddling is a battle many babies end up winning. To decrease the chances of your baby popping free, keep them securely swaddled – and ultimately asleep longer – by using swaddle suits instead of traditional swaddle blankets.

Love to Dream makes one of the most popular options, the Swaddle Up, which features an ultra soft, stretchy material and a two-way zipper to make nighttime diaper changes a breeze. With this genius design, babies can keep their hands near their face for comfort. Plus, the Swaddle Up is light enough to be worn over the top of the baby’s sleepwear.

3. Make the Most of Your Smartphone

There’s an app for nearly everything these days – and there are certainly no shortage of options aimed at parents. To ease the stress of tracking all of your baby’s newfound habits, you can leverage this type of technology with an app like Total Baby. For example, you can use this app to easily keep track of feedings, soiled diapers, sleep times and baths. Meantime, because your child will start to grow up before you know it, use an app like FirstYear or Baby’s Firsts to record all of your baby’s precious milestones, from their first smile to their first steps.

You can also keep your baby soothed by loading your smartphone with gentle melodies to the tune of popular hits with the online program, Rockabye Baby. Likewise, if your baby needs some white noise to fall asleep or calm down, your best bet is to download an app that provides some ambient white noise. Ultimately, whatever works best for your little one, be sure you can download musical tracks for offline play to avoid exceeding your data limit on your smartphone plan.

4. Manage Messes with a Change of Clothes in the Diaper Bag

You know to never leave home without a change of clothes for your baby, but what about for yourself? After all, when you’re constantly holding, rocking or changing your little one, it’s only a matter of time before you get covered in spit up, urine or a blown out diaper. Your best bet? Stash a spare shirt for yourself in your diaper bag, so you can quickly change when your precious bundle of joy doles out a wardrobe malfunction.

Filed Under: for DAD & MOM, for the KIDS, Mom's Corner, Mommy Talk, Products We Love Tagged With:
Next Page »