The Curious Mom

Top Tips To Encourage Your Child’s Musical Talent

May 26, 2022

Playing music is a talent that can enrich a person’s life for many years to come. Moreover, there have been plenty of studies to show links between musically gifted kids and academic performance. As a loving parent, then, actively supporting your child’s love of music is highly advised.

However, knowing how to do this in style may not come naturally, especially if you are not a musically gifted person yourself. The following tips should point your family in the right direction.

Invest in Good Equipment

First and foremost, kids need instruments to play music. Whether it’s a half-sized guitar or an electronic drum kit doesn’t matter, they should be of a good quality. It doesn’t have to be professional quality equipment, but it should be reliable. As kids get older, they may also increase their skills with loop pedals and other advanced tech. Check out the Aeros loop studio as a great example. Kids naturally embrace tech with ease and will quickly find ways to make it enhance their music.

Most musically gifted kids will play several instruments. Having cheap keyboards, recorders, and tambourines can all aid the cause.

Incorporate Music Into Daily Activities

Music is all around us, and it can easily be incorporated into a variety of activities. When looking for fun online games, a focus on music can be key. Meanwhile, you can go back into the archives of Rock Band titles to take this to the next level. It’s not the same as playing an instrument but still helps with timing and keeping to the beat. It’s also a great way to enjoy social activities as a family and expand your child’s music tastes with classic songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s.

Singing can brighten up a host of daily chores and even support academic progress as tunes make it easy to teach valuable lessons.

Find A Tutor

Kids can develop their skills simply by picking up an instrument. However, a lack of guidance may lead to frustration. If you’re not a skilled musician yourself, finding a tutor can be highly rewarding. While some schools are naturally blessed with great music departments, many are not. Either way, the one-on-one sessions can facilitate far faster progress. It also encourages the development of key skills. These can translate to increased academic learning and human interactions.

Online tutors and video guides are available too. For the best results, though, a face-to-face tutor is the answer.

Get Them To Analyse Music

A deeper understanding of music, including their own efforts, will make a huge difference. Recording their music and listening back to it will help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. Meanwhile, attending gigs will inspire them while also encouraging them to think more about how to improve their own music. Buying noise reduction headphones with help from Headphonesty will protect their young ears. So, it will be possible to interact with music as frequently as wanted.

Of course, you mustn’t let the analytical side of things stop them from having fun. As with most aspects of life, finding balance is the key. You’ve got this.

What Happens When People Dispute a Will?

People usually write a will before they die. This could be because they own valuable things and want their loved ones to get them when they die. But sometimes, after a person dies, family members can't agree on what the will says. It can cause confusion, fights, and broken relationships if it's not handled right. It's best to stop it in its tracks as soon as possible so it doesn't get out of hand. In this same vein, this article will tell you what happens when people disagree about a will.

Photo by Alex Green

They Decide Whether They Have Grounds

Before a will can be contested, there needs to be a reason for the other side to do so. Most of the time, they would need to be a spouse, family member, or someone who was financially dependent on the person who made the will before they could take the dispute to court. Also, there are some things that would need to be shown to be true first. This means that the person who died was of sound mind and that their will wasn't changed against their will. A will can also be contested if it wasn't signed according to state law or if it was made by lying. Once either side can prove this, they can decide whether or not to go to court.

They Take It To Court

When people disagree about a will, one thing that often happens is that they want to go to court. This usually means taking the beneficiary to court or trying to show that the will is not valid. Most of the time, you need a professional estate planning attorney to help you through this process. They can best represent you and tell you what steps to take. It has been found that many cases involving wills are solved before they go to court. So, this is a choice you should think about because it will probably cost you much less money and time.

They Try Mediation

As we briefly talked about above, mediation is often used when people disagree about a will. This is when the lawyer helps you and the other person agree on the best way to solve the problem so that everyone is happy. This works best when both parties are willing to agree and are at peace with each other. Since it's usually a family dispute, it might also be best to see if you can listen to each other and talk to each other in a good way to come to an agreement. It could also be a better choice than having the courts make a decision that might not be good for both sides. But mediation isn't always an option. If that's the case, they would have to fight it out in court, which could take years and cost both sides a lot of money in legal fees.

When a loved one dies, the last thing you want is to spend the time you should be spending grieving fighting over their will. But when money and property are involved, it can be hard for people to agree on fair terms. If the right steps are taken to find a peaceful solution, it could all end in a way that is good for most people and gives respect to the dead.

Easy Ways to Update your Home while Increasing Its Value

May 21, 2022

Do you want to try and update your home? Maybe you just want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to try and rocket its value. Either way, this guide will help you to make the right decisions so your home ends up looking great while increasing your possibility of making a profit.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Update your Finishes

Superficial changes can have a huge impact on buyers. A lot of property agents will tell you how much of a difference a fresh coat of paint can make, especially when you look at how affordable it is. Some experts also agree that a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference to your home’s sale price. It can add up to 5% to your value, and this can really make it easy for you to make a profit. If you can look around your home, try and look out for any light fixtures that need to be replaced or even think about changing your front door. This will give your home a huge bump in value.

Upgrade your Appliances

Energy-efficient upgrades can really reduce your utility bills. When the time comes for you to sell, these upgrades will offer a lot of appeal to your buyers. A lot of them will be interested in some of the energy-saving features that you have to offer as this will help them to lower the costs when they move into your property. If you want to help yourself even more here, then try and get your air conditioning unit cleaned out. The DUCTZ company can help you with that.

Freshen your Curb Appeal

Simple landscaping can work in your favor more than you realize. Fresh plants, new mulch, and more can all make a fantastic first impression. The great thing about changes like this is that they do not cost a lot, and most of the time you can take care of it yourself. Potential buyers and appraisers can easily be influenced by this kind of impact as it is strikingly visual.

Kitchen and Bathroom

Most real estate agents will tell you that it is the kitchen and the bathroom that adds the biggest value to your home. In a lot of cases, a remodel can give you an ROI of 100% and this number could actually be higher depending on the finish that you decide to go with. It could also come down to the amount of labor that you are willing to take care of yourself. If you do have some of a renovation budget, then upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom can be the way to go.

Finish off the Basement

Square footage is so important when you are trying to determine your home’s market value. Even if you do not want to have a full make-over, you need to try and carry out simple steps, such as putting up drywall or even trying to add carpet to a room. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to make a positive impact.

SMDC: Building places Filipinos can call home

May 19, 2022

A home, which one can call one own, is one of the most fundamental human needs for survival. In building one’s family, buying housing or investing in property is often a crucial discussion that takes into consideration price, location, amenities, and even the environment as these all impact the way people and families live and grow and how communities thrive in the long-run.

Recently, the many changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused Filipinos to reassess the way they live, work and reside. The topic of homeownership and residential space has only become much more prominent as its impact on one’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing was emphasized when companies shifted to work-from-home setups and schools introduced blended learning. It has become likely that up-and-coming homeowners are looking for new and affordable housing that responds to the new realities of school and work, as well as a healthier and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

For leading real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings, satisfying personal needs and meeting basic survival for the homeowners of today can be done through meaningful and strategic planning and property development.

Over the years, SMDC has been continuously redefining residential spaces to bring accessibility, convenience, function, style, and sustainability in the face of evolving trends and lifestyle changes—assuring prospective buyers of the great value that SMDC properties offer.

This means presenting a range of residences located in prime urban and suburban communities, conveniently situated near major road networks and transportation hubs, and designed to reflect SM’s commitment to luxurious urban living. SMDC properties bring commercial retail shops, entertainment venues, banks, and leisure facilities closer to residents against a backdrop of lush and walkable spaces. Such open spaces encourage homeowners to dwell outside and take a break from the isolation that has become a norm lately and allow residents to safely interact with their neighbors. These spaces also provide amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents.

Across the available properties, prospective homeowners are able to choose their housing type to fit their own or their family’s needs and functions with units ranging from studio rooms to deluxe two-bedroom suites. On top of being able to customize their living spaces, state-of-the-art facilities such as 24-hour security and CCTV system, fire alarm system, numerous WIFI-ready zones, and standby generator set ensures continuous function and exceptional livability.

However, SMDC’s promise not only pertains to providing a more excellent quality of life but to also having its communities take an integral role in their commitment toward sustainability. SMDC aims to promote many green living practices by designing walkable and transport-friendly developments, introducing energy-saving and eco-friendly green buildings, and encouraging effective waste management programs among residents. For the property developer, homes are seen as a legacy for future generations and should be built for sustainability and for ease in future modification.

With developments still ongoing and more projects in the pipeline, SMDC allows homebuyers the opportunity to have the home of their choice. Through its affordable investment and flexible payment options, new families or young millennials will be able to live independently in communities that cater to their specific needs.

With its ability to empathize and understand current housing needs while having the foresight to address evolving requirements, SMDC continues to create sustainable and resilient living spaces for Filipinos to call their own.

Best Gifts You Can Give Your Mothers

May 12, 2022

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. And just like how you usually prepare for any season, you are probably glued to your screen searching for the best gift for your mom. And, with just a few clicks, you will get suggestions like “72 Unique Gifts for Moms” or “Flowers for Moms.”

A fragrant bouquet, a silky dress, a designer purse, a new ceramic dinnerware, or plant pots may excite her, but what if you give something beyond these usual gift items? What if you surprise her by showing your love and appreciation? After all, actions speak louder than words. This Mother’s Day, the best gift you can give might be a clean, virus-free home!

With all the household chores and the time she devotes to her family every day, she has less time for herself. The gift of a clean and organized home lifts a heavy load on her shoulder, giving her more time to bond with her family and do the things she loves. In fact, a survey conducted by The Clorox Company revealed that 80 percent of people felt more relaxed and 60 percent felt less stressed in a clean home.

Indeed, cleaning your sweet abode is a tedious job. Your mom can attest to that. Worry no more because you’ve got a partner!

Clorox Philippines, one of the country’s leading providers of cleaning and disinfecting products, is your partner in giving that tough power against germs and tender love to your mom!

Ready to wrap your present? Get yourself the Clorox Disinfecting Bleach. Not only does it clean your bathroom walls, floors, and sink, but it also kills up to 99.9% of germs, including the COVID-19 virus. Going with it hand in hand is the Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner. With a bleaching power that destroys tough stains and kills germs, it leaves your toilet clean and shiny. With scents ranging from lavender to lemon, it also delivers a refreshing fragrance in your toilet bowl.

Most of the time, your mom spends a lot of time cooking in the kitchen. So now, it is your time to tidy things up! With all the delicate surfaces in the kitchen, you need a reliable partner to do the job. Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner is perfect for various surfaces, such as synthetic marble, stainless steel, glazed ceramic tile, plastic, glazed porcelain, and sealed granite.

Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes helps you with quick cleanup for items like gadgets and toys. And to put the ribbon on top, use Clorox Expert Disinfectant Spray for a 30-second sanitization of the soft and hard surfaces for a germ-free and odor-free home. (Follow Clorox Cleaners’ usage instructions as per label.)

"Having a clean home may be one of the best gifts you can give your mothers. We hope that with Clorox Cleaners, we can help Filipinos provide this heart-warming and perfect gift to moms out there. Let’s make this special occasion more memorable for mothers." said Monique Gonzales, marketing manager for Southeast Asia at Clorox International.

It’s time to reciprocate your mom’s labor with your labor of love. Not just on a particular day, but every day.

OH MY GULAY: Camille Prats’ kids love eating veggies?! Here’s how to make your kids love them too!

May 7, 2022

Have you sat with your kids way past mealtime just to make sure they eat their veggies on the plate? How about resorting to bargaining more gadget time for just one more bite of that carrots? Well, you’re definitely not the only momma doing that. Even celebrities like Camille Prats have to do a bit of negotiating just to get her kids to eat their veggies.

Luckily, she shares some handy hacks with Spot.ph to do the trick without the crying, the bargaining, and the unnecessary drama that fills mealtime.

Here are 3 easy peasy ways to get your kids to eat their veggies according to Camille:

1. Oh My Gulay! May Gulay! – Instead of only serving your kids veggies, partner your kids’ meals with Tang Fruit & Veg. It comes in two flavors: Orange Carrot, which has the Vitamin C from oranges and Vitamin A from carrots, and Dalandan Malunggay, which has the Vitamin C from dalandan and the Iron of malunggay. Tang Fruit & Veg has the delicious taste of fruits AND the nutrition from veggies in a drink that kids love! Camille can vouch for this – her kids love its taste so much, that they actually ask her for it themselves! Yummy na, masustansya pa!

Oh My Gulay! Shop the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg here: http://bit.ly/TangFruitNVeg

2. SmartMom Recipes - No need to work hard, just work smart! Incorporate veggies in delectable recipes that you know your kids will surely love. Your kids won’t notice that veggies are actually the main ingredient because of their delicious taste!

3. Appearance is key – Kids are very visual so it’s really all about making their plate look fun! Focus on making veggies look appetizing by using creative shapes and brightly colored bowls to increase their appetite. You can even add in their favorite animal or cartoon character for that extra wow factor! You can go as simple as making trees out of broccoli or more complex as making pirates from cucumbers-- the idea stays the same: make it fun!

Oh My Gulay! Shop the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg now to get the yummy taste of fruits with the nutrition benefits of veggies!: http://bit.ly/TangFruitNVeg.

#SweetButHealthy with Sweet Best Natural Sweeteners

May 2, 2022

As a mom, it's important for me to make healthy choices for my kids plus I am not getting younger, I need to work on that too because our family loves sweets most of the time. I am now focusing on their growth and development and encouraging them more on eating healthy foods, but making healthy food choices is a challenge, right?

Because of the pandemic, I have become more and more conscious of the way our family lives. For starters, I have started on my wellness journey this year to become fitter through some physical activities and also cutting down on unnecessary junk that we eat.

That is why I am so happy to have discovered Sweet Best natural sweeteners. I did not realize how cutting back on sugar can make a big difference. When I come across articles that talk about eliminating sugar in my life, I get a little sad because I am not quite ready to give up on my cakes and cookies. Little did I know that there are products like Sweet Best that can help me achieve a #SweetbutHealthy life. Take this yummy easy recipe I made this weekend with Sweet Best. My kids love this easy sugar-free recipe too!

SUGAR-FREE GRAHAM BALLS

INGREDIENTS

200g crushed graham

4 Tbsp Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol

¾ cup Alaska All Purpose Cream

Sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed graham, stevia – erythritol, and all-purpose cream.

2. Using a fork or a spatula, mix together until well blended and form a dough. 3. Use food safety gloves or clean hands when making a ball.

4. Coat each graham ball in sprinkles, and roll to coat evenly.

5. Serve graham balls, chilled or at room temperature.

That looks awesome, right? You can also pair these graham balls with coffee sweetened with Sweet Best Stevia sticks. If you are looking to shift your lifestyle and live sugar-free, check out Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol and other products today.

Sweet Best products are all plant-based sugar alternatives. They are sugar-free, low carb, vegan, FDA-registered, and certified organic, too!

Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol does not contain maltodextrin or dextrose (like some other brands). It’s a hidden sugar that can cause insulin spikes! Yikes! Don’t fall into the trap of getting artificial sweeteners that could mess up your system worse than sugar. Try out Sweet Best natural sweeteners instead.

And while you are still at this, join me and many others at bit.ly/sblowcarbgroup while we push for a healthier lifestyle and cheer each other for our weekly wins. Plus, you’ll get loads of recipes that will support this lifestyle, too! Hope to see you there!