Playschool/Daycare in the Heart of Makati

Disclaimer: I wasn't paid nor asked to write this blog. I just wanted to share this discovery to other mothers. ;)

Looking for a convenient playschool or daycare center that has a reasonable rate is one of the common problems of mommies living in Makati CBD. Most of the playschools within the community are often too expensive (well, what do you expect?) and some are difficult to access.

Well guess what, Colors and Shapes Learning Center is the answer to that problem. It is conveniently located at Prince Plaza 1, Unit G8 (just across Greenbelt 5). The place is a condo unit or an office unit that was turned into a playschool. Believe it or not, the ambiance is so child-friendly. It's colorful, neat, clean, safe and most of all, the teachers are so accommodating. They have 2 classrooms, a playroom and a receiving area, plus the whole place is fully airconditioned. They also maintain a small class size for better guidance and motivation.

Their regular programs are the Camp Baby, the Junior Toddler and the Senior Toddler. They accept children from ages 18months and up. They also have 2 batches of Summer Program plus they're accepting enrollees all-year-round.

My 2 year-old son attended the first batch of their summer program. He really enjoyed his three-week summer class with them. He learned when to properly use the words "Thank you", "Excuse me" or even "Sorry". He also learned to return the things he moved without telling him to do so. That itself is a really great improvement on his part. They don't encourage parents or yayas to stay over since it may affect the child's behavior or participation throughout the class.

Anyway, if you're interested, you can contact these numbers: 0917-527-1234 or 09275281234. I know they offer a trial class for those who are interested. 

You can also check their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/ColorsAndShapesLearningCenter

Project 1: Mickey Mouse coaster

Before I decided to start crocheting, which was two weeks ago, I already had some projects to accomplish in mind.

The first one that caught my eye when I searched for beginner crochet patterns online is this Mickey Mouse coaster since my son's an avid fan of Mickey Mouse.


So, to get this project started, here are the materials needed:

• Crochet Hook: H/8 or 5 mm hook
• Black Yarn: (4) Medium Weight or Worsted Weight
• Yarn Needle/Tapestry Needle

I know I mentioned on my previous blog the importance of using a not too light or not too dark shades of yarn for beginners. This project is the reason why I discovered its relevance. It made counting stitches a very difficult job! HAHA!

Anyway, if you're brave enough or confident with your eyesight, then let's get going.

Here's the full pattern:

Abbreviations:

Ch = chain

RD = round

Sl st = slip stitch

Sc = single crochet

Notes:  The Ch 1 never counts as the first stitch

Center of Coaster

Ch 2

8 sc in 2^nd ch from hook

RD 1 - Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (16 total sts)

RD 2 - Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in following st* repeat 7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (24 total sts)

RD 3 – Ch 1, *sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in following st* repeat  7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (32 total sts)

RD 4 -  Ch 1, *sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in following st* repeat 7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (40 total sts)

RD 5 – Ch 1, sl st in each st around.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (40 total sts).  Tie off

Ears  (Make 2)

Ch 2

8 sc in 2^nd ch from hook

RD 1 - Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (16 total sts)

RD 2 - Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in following st* repeat 7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (24 total sts)

Tie off leaving a 6 inch tail.

Using a large needle and 6 inch tail, sew ears onto the top sides of the coaster.

Weave in all loose ends.

This pattern is from: http://tampabaycrochet.blogspot.com/2012/04/mickey-mouse-ears-coaster-free-crochet.html

Here's my finished product:

Sorry for the uneven stitches, as I've mentioned, this is my FIRST PROJECT. And I finished this the day after I started crocheting. HEHE. ;)

Crochet Newbie

Crocheting was once a frustration of mine.We didn't tackle crocheting in elementary and high school so I never learned.

Alas! There's this 4-month break due to the shifting of classes from June to August and my planned practicum didn't push through because my 2 year-old son doesn't have a babysitter. To cut the story short, I got bored and I  thought of something that could make me busy at home while babysitting. So that's when I decided to start learning how to crochet.

I didn't have the luxury to pay for crocheting classes but instead, I had Professor Google and Professor YouTube.

Here are the tutorials I watched to learn the basics of CROCHET:

With those videos you could learn the important stitches that every newbie should know.

Here are the basic materials you'll need to get you started (though it's already stated in the video):

• Crochet hook size H  (In my case, since my budget's tight and in this country, crochet isn't practiced that much, so I had size 7.0 and 8.0--japanese size)
• Medium-colored Yarn *take note on the medium-colored, trust me, it is very important to start with not too light and not too dark colors because you'll be counting stitches.

Where to buy the fore-mentioned things:

National Bookstore (Crafting Section)

       -They have local-branded yarns (Red Heart and Familia). They also have crochet hooks but they have the small sizes.

Dreams Yarnshoppe (3rd Flr., Glorietta 5)

       -This shop is the bomb! They have a wide variety of yarns from local to imported brands. This indeed is a real YARN HEAVEN. The owner of the shop offers a crochet class also, so if you're a beginner and you wanna have a formal class in crochet, feel free to visit there and inquire. :)

Buttons and Wraps (3rd Flr, near the mall exit towards MRT Ayala)

       -I bought my first hook and yarn here. Their hooks come in sizes and the biggest is 7.0 and 8.0 (double-end). They also have Monaco yarns and some crochet threads.

Powerbooks (Crafting Section)

       -They have Red Heart Super Saver and Art Attack yarns. They also have a double-end crochet hook with size 3.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

If you're just starting to discover the wonders of crocheting, I strongly suggest you visit National Bookstore. Whatever you'll find there is enough. 

And when you're somehow used to crocheting, you can start doing projects. You can find lots of free beginner patterns online. You just have to seek Prof. Google's help. 

Happy crocheting! ;)