DW- Stick to your guns!

What is DeCode Wednesday? If you want to play along, just post a photo that has a "hidden meaning" to it or something that the naked eye don't see unless pointed out - the beauty of decoding! {Promise, it has nothing to do with your PIN numbers}

Welcome to another Edition of Decode Wednesday! This time this Zensational Mama is a-stickin' to 'er guns! yup, stickin' to 'em guns! Which is your clue to the 8th DW edition today.

So, I went to a Show to sell my wares.
I even brought my new Spring Collections with me.

Ain't my creations grand and girly?
And nothing mighty wrong in this picture, right?

Well, yes, NOTHING except that it's NOT in a craft show!

{Click on the image to enlarge}

It's in a GUN SHOW!

What in the world is a jewelry table doing in a GUN show?

I went to this show with the invitation of a friend who also makes jewelries. She had registered for this table and she was generous enough to share it with me. Yes, we were the odd one in this area but you'll be surprise how useful having a jewelry table in this show was . While the men shop for guns, their wives shops for jewelry! See?

You wouldn't have guessed! Didn't you?

If you enjoyed this, come join me next week and show us your hidden ingenuity! Then you can do me a favor by spreading the word about this fun game!

I really enjoy doing this game and will continue to do so for as long as I have interesting pictures to decode. If you do too, please let me know.

Enjoy!

Check out Julia of Simple Life's Edition.
It is crazy funny!

Siesta Saturday - Pina Colada or Kahlua dahling!

This Zensational Mom tremendously enjoyed being in the bright spotlight yesterday, it gave her this wonderful tan! She's still aglow with excitement, she decided to take advantage of this divaliciousness by enjoying her Siesta Saturday just relaxin' and lazin' around blogosphere before she delves into a gruesome but exciting BLOG TRIP next week to return the LUV. Care to join this fame-induced high, hyped-up motherling - {who oddly regressed writing in 3rd person today} -for some Pina Colada and kahlua, dahlings?

And since she's feeling generous today, she'll share some linky luv. So savor every sip of your drink and let's have a bonding moment, shall we? Let's dabble on a little Q & A and have some chatter:

• What do you hope to achieve in blogging?
• Why do you blog?
• What do you blog about?

You can choose one question or all 3 of them to post in your blog along with your answers. Grab her badge on the left to link back to her then submit your links to Mr. Linky. Now, if anyone is caught misbehaving and is being a diva defiant by breaking the rules, you better start splashing lots of suntan lotion because we'll strip you naked and let you sit under the sun for hours!

On with the Chat!

Her choice - why do you blog? : "In a nutshell, I started blogging as my form of ME time. I found some sort of freedom from my demanding life and found a haven where my thoughts and feelings can flow freely. It also gives me an opportunity to hone my writing skills which is beneficial for me aiming to write a book in the near future."

So what's your story?

With Great Pleasure

Seeing all my Sitstah in my blog this morning was like waking up to a freshly brewed cup of Coffee! What a wonderful way to start the day! A big Welcome and ThaNk you to all of you who came to shower me with comment Luv. I shall bask in the glow of the spotlight today {Honeehyy!!! will you hand me that sun tan lotion and my sunglasses please!} and cherish it until it lasts! {till the last dribble of comments stop}

I hope this creates LOTS of friendships and lasting bond with all my sitstah too. If you're up to it, Simply follow me and I'll follow you back. Grab my Badge and I'll grab yours! ANd of course, I'll visit each and one of you to return the luv! {it may take a while to get to each and one of you - aching wrists and fingers considered - but you can count on me} ChEeRs!!!

I'm so privileged...

Hugs!

P.S. If you haven't yet, the Neckwarmer giveaway is still on until tomorrow, submit your entries today when you can.

DW- Camera Tricks

Today's interesting Edition of DeCode Wednesday goes Techno with a hint of Twilight Zone's eerie and wild characteristic to it, it will leave you wondering in utter awe...

The 7th Edition
{My Lucky Number}

Does the picture look plain and simple?
Nothing Twilight Zone-y to it, you say?

LoOk CLOsER!

Look at the picture in the Camera Screen

{click on the image to enlarge it and get a better look}

Did you SEE it?

Is that Freaky or what?! I took this picture just when they hugged. The Camera in the picture shows them in the act of hugging. A before and After captured in one shot!

Now that's Camera Trick or a warped parallel world in space and time captured by my camera in that fleeting moment?

What do you think?

I Hope you enjoyed this one because I did!

If you want to play along, just post a photo that has a "hidden meaning" to it or something that the naked eye don't see unless pointed out - the beauty of decoding!

Thank you to Julia of Simple Life who played along last week. If you're playing today or next week, please let me know so I could go decode yours and link yours here!

Gizmo Talk: The Power of AudioBook on Kids

"Anak !!! your radio is too loud !!! "- that's me hollering at the top of my lungs from the living room instructing my 4 yr. old daughter to lower the volume of her boombox! {No worries, she's not listening to ear-breaking, senseless music - well, not yet anyway}. She's at it again with her devious habit of turning up the volume of her CD player WAY TOO LOUD for comfort. She does this on occasions -like when she needs a restroom break- so as not to miss any part of the book she's listening to even while in another room. Yes, listening to one of her books...

My daughter is hooked on Audiobooks! We introduced the concept to her when she was 2 years old and has become an all-time favorite ever since.

I discovered Audiobooks when I worked at a good friends' Audiobook store. During my time there, I've chronicled outstanding testimonials from members. Teachers and Parents swore on the power of Audiobooks. Some of them even went on to say that even their family physicians recommended Audiobooks to help enhance the reading skills of their kids! Parents whose kids were on the "Audiobook treatment" has reported siginificant improvement on their kids reading skills in a month or two of regular listening.

Too good to be true? Consider these noted benefits:

• Audio books allow children to hear correct pronunciation of words and how a reader should respond to punctuations.

• Another benefit of audio books for children is the use of many voices. Some books use different voices for each character. This allows children to learn to separate dialogue and understand written conversation.

• With audio books children learn to listen. The child will listen as the story is read and visualize the story. The use of imagination is paramount in creating independent readers. This is not an ability that you can teach your child in the traditional manner. That is one of the primary benefits of audio books for children. They will have no choice but to use their imagination and they will see how enjoyable it is. - excerpts from The Benefits of Audiobooks for Children

Ever since my daughter started with Audiobooks, her comprehension level and vocabulary including her grammatical skills have become impressive as noted and observed by other people who talks to her. Her speech is remarkable. She will start school soon and I'm thankful that Audiobooks has laid a viable foundation for her reading abilities.

We maximized the experience by giving her this Sandisk Sansa Shaker MP3 player where we download her favorite music and Audiobook stories which she listens to while out of the home or on the road. What I like about this is that it has built-in speakers, so she's not ''plugged-in'' all the time.

If Audiobooks is something that will benefit you and your kids, GIVE IT A TRY! audible.com was most recommended by listeners. If you're in Charlotte NC, Audiobooks of the Carolinas is the ONLY place to go.

As for me, please excuse me, I need to issue yet another "disturbing the peace" citation to a 4 year old!




Up Next: Audiobooks with 4-year olds' seal of approval

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audiobooks

Happy Valentines Day!

Je taime, Te amo, I love you...Watashi wa anato o aistomasu, Ich Liebi dich, Iniibig kita, Gua ay di... No matter how you say it, teaching the world to say it, Love is the only answer!

One world, one song, one shout...LOVE!

-translated from a Tagalog song "Isang Mundo, Isang Awit"

Just a short, sweet Note to wish you all
a wonderful Day of Hearts!

On The Spot : Cathy's Toadily Handmade

Welcome to a new feature on Zen Ventures: On the Spot™ - featuring Creative Artisans and highlighting the items they made with their own skillful hands. My way of giving back to the handmade community. If you've GOT TALENT and want the world to know or you have a new online shop or a veteran needing more exposure for your business, LMK! { as in, Let me know!}

For today's official launching, I'm proud to feature a very creative mom who not only does wonderful blog templates but also has the Midas touch when it comes to yarn! Talented indeed. She just opened her Etsy shop and I'm happy to note that her creations are really cute! So, without further suspense... Today's On The Spot Featured Artisan is:

Just LoOK at some of her adorable CREatiONs!

I toadily love them! The cute dollies which also feature a rattle inside it - for additional fun, are of Amirugumi design: a Japanese style knitted or crocheted dolls. You just gotta love 'em! Perfect for your little one or great Baby Shower gift idea.

And guess what!? As a way of thanking you for being part of this launching, Cathy's Toadily Handmade is giving away this wonderful Neckwarmer valued at $62! Not even listed in her shop yet. The lucky winner will get the very 1st one! How cool is that!?

This Neckwarmer is perfect for the cool weather of Spring! It is made of 100% Australian Merino wool which she guarantees is itch-free and won't shrink! It's hand wash only and lay flat to dry. Perfect Fashionista attire!

You WaNt it?

The rules are pretty simple:

1. Go check Cathy's Toadily Handmade shop, come back here and tell us what you liked best in her shop.
2. Follow me {new followers only} for one additional entry.
3. Subscribe to my RSS for 2 additional entries
4. Tweet about it and leave a separate comment for 2 additional entries
5. Blog about it and submit the link in the comments section for 3 additional entries.

Since I'm prohibited to join this giveaway and turning green with envy now - Best of luck to all of you! Winners will be announced Feb 20th.

You want to be the next featured Artisan? Just send me an email and let me know you're interested. Thank you!

Attention Etsy Shop owners : you want to get more hearts for your shop? Join Etsy Mom Hearts Club. I'm doing a heart marathon on Valentines day!

Yanni Voices

Music has always been a part of my life growing up. And I have an insatiable appreciation to operatic, romantic, classical tunes especially those that speak straight to your heart!

This so, when One2One network invited me to be a part of Yanni Voices launch project, I didn't think twice! Yanni's musical style is one that speaks to me and one I love listening to!

After 5 years of absence in the spotlight, Yanni is returning to the stage in April 10 to launch an incredible world tour introducing four amazing young artists: Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills, performing LIVE along with his world-renowned Orchestra and Yanni himself in cities including Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and more! If you're in any of this cities, Get your tickets now before they're sold out!

On March 24th, Yanni is set to release the CD version of Yanni Voices, his first studio album in 6 years! Titled "Expect the Unexpected", it captures the spirit of Yanni Voices project. Teaming with Grammy & Academy Award-winning producer Rick Wake, Yanni re-interprets some of his classic, inspired compositions and debuts new music.

As a preview, PBS is broadcasting two Yanni Voices specials , the first airing now, the second, on March 2, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the album and introduces each of the featured vocalists via a live concert at the Forum at Mundo Imperial in Acapulco!

Be inspired , be enthralled with Yanni Voices! Don't miss the chance to experience Yanni's Magic!

DW - Baby's Day out ?

I'm excited to note that DeCode Wednesday is thriving. We've got more lovely ladies joining today. If you want to play along, just post a picture with a hidden truth or meaning to it and let the imaginations go wild. Then let us know so we can go check yours. Presenting the 6th Edition!

My little girl needed a baby's day out.
A carefree time, well-spent the way she likes it!

Comfy isn't she?

Where do you think she spent her day out at?

Yes, in my Office!

Hubby was out of town and the only sensible place she can stay at is - with me! She actually just woke up from a nap in this picture and decided to watch her movie. Yes, that comfy looking plush doggie was big enough to be her lounging bed.

{Luckily, my Bosses tolerates me!}

Enjoy!

To those playing today, please leave a comment that you did so I can link yours to this post. If you want to play next Wednesday's game, please RSVP by leaving a comment so I can visit your blog and remind you for next week.

Thank you to all the wonderful ladies that joined today!
Julia of Simple Life

Are you A Scanner or a Reader ?

It's another Manic Monday! Another gruesome start to a long work week {for me that is!}. Nonetheless, I'll start off Monday with another GizmoTalk™ as a cameo comeback for Dr. Jekyll in the blog-hopping office.

After my previous Feedburner Massacre, and the habits I've observed amongst fellow bloggers, including myself, another pressing question presented itself. Does readers REALLY read or generally SCAN through our posts? Now, I'm not a Blog guru, BUT I have this inner urge to understand the attitude of my visitors and readers to enhance my blogging skills and deliver better posts for them to enjoy!

So who are the scanners and readers?

Scanners are readers who does one sweep-over of the post and zoom in on "keywords" or targets one part of the entire article and base their comments on it or act on it without understanding the entire essence of the post.

Readers are those who takes time to read, understand and post comments accordingly. No matter how narrative the posts are, they will read it.

So, what makes readers scan rather than read our blogs?

Based on my own habits I found that:

a) If I consider the fact that after dropping EC cards to 200+ blogs, your brain tends to start exhibiting the major symptom of ADHD - loses focus - here, I start scanning or skimming.

b) There's also a big difference between long yet exciting posts to long and narrative posts. You'll usually find me READING long posts only because it has so much excitement or entertainment ingrained in it. I'll even leave comments when I really like it.

c) and the fact that we're "hoppers". We hop from one blog to the other and spending only about 1 minute, being the longest, before hopping on to another blog if we didn't find anything interesting.

d) Most often that not, we visit a blog only to return a courtesy comment and not stay to read if there's nothing there that catches our attention.

Yes, ATTENTION - we all seem to lack this. Some Experts agree that it is not great content, but that it is catching the attention of our visitors and readers, that needed REAL WORK, and to give them catchy reasons to read our posts to achieve loyal readers in return.

Do you agree? Do we share the same habits? My dear Readers, are you a scanner or a reader? If you don't mind, please Vote here :

If you're both, and a geek - you'll like this geek gadget : Dixau Text Scanner

Happy Reading! or... scanning?

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Living La Vida Loca

This is me for the most part of the week. Running around like a frantic Chicken but not with its' head cut off - thank heavens! - that would be gross!

And here yet again is my over-used, over-played Bloggy Anthem titled {in the tune of God Bless America} "My Aaaaah-pology..." and it will NOT be the last time I'm singing it to ya for NOT visiting or commenting on your blogs. I have NOT disowned you nor ignored you nor abandoned you {do I sound like a political candidate here?} BUT cow dung happens! yes, cow dung! dung it! What are you laughing about?

Did I say, I live two lives? well, yes I do. Hyde, the Crafter, got the better of me this week and prevented me from blog-hopping. Smell the love in the air? Yep, everyone's smelling it. So, Hyde thought of Edward and Bella and had me Craft Twilight-inspired Valentines pretties and some more! Everythings' so adorable that some of them got sold even before I got the chance to list them! Here are a few more. Come Lookie!

For the Love of Bella Bracelet

Simply Bella

Be My Valentine

These are all customizable and can be special ordered. If you look on my right sidebar, you'll see additional two. And right below is one of my current best selling necklace!

The Secret Garden

Everyone is knots! yes, knots! about this hand-knotted necklace. Even the one I owed got purchased! I'm currently sold out after all the special orders I did but it will come back soon! If you want to reserve one now, let me know.

I do appreciate your constant presence and visits here. As always, you are the wind beneath my blogs' wings! No worries, Dr. Jekyll will be in the blog-hopping office soon. YOU Watch out!

DW - Girls Rules!

I've got some nice ladies jumped on board last week for today's DeCode Wednesday and some who even linked to it. Thank you. You're helping keep this game alive! Let's see if anyone else would like to join in...Let's keep 'em coming...

Here's the 5th Edition!

What's wrong with this little boy?

Being Shy or needs to go wee wee?
Nah!

Girls overload!!!

Poor kid. I don't blame him.
He was the only boy in this crowd and the girls are...
of course, being girls!

Hope you enjoyed this one!

Mr. Linky will not be here today but maybe next Wednesday...or until there's enough players to make sense putting him up. Cross fingers and toes. If you're playing today, please let me know so I can come visit yours too! To RSVP for next week, just leave a comment. Thank you!!!

Enjoy!

For more Decode Wednesday or to learn more about it,
please check the Archives.

Watch out for my featured guest this week : Feng Shui Expert. One lucky winner will get a free Feng Shui personal reading for the year of the OX. You will not want to miss this! Stay tuned...

Check these Decoder Experts :
Martha
MammaDucky

Super Bowl XLIII made me proud of my color!

Photo Courtesy of NFL.com

You're probably wondering how Super Bowl XLIII could make me proud of my color. How is that even related you say! Football + Super Bowl = color?! Mystery of Physics, Law of Math or I've simply lost my mind?

Actually, I almost did when I saw who the pre-game performers were! Mind you, I wasn't really paying attention to the pre-game until I heard them say "Journey!" - It was like an ON switch -my head instantly jerked up and immediately zeroed-in on the TV. Yes! Journey was performing! I almost fell out of the couch as I jumped up! - well, some beads flew up in the air and spilled onto the floors in the process - I was busy making bunch of jewelries for special orders - and that mere announcement jogged me out of my creative cocoon!

I was sqealing like a retarded "ah ah aaah! It's him! It's him!" - much to my husbands confusion looking at me puzzled. I must have looked like a lunatic waving pliers in both hands while pointing at the TV. "aaahhh! It's hiiimmmm!"

Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of Journey is Filipino - true and true. I'm Filipino. Needless to say, It made me so proud watching him performing live on national TV with not just a legendary band but SUPERBOWL! From Ellen DeGeneres show to SuperBowl! He definitley made his country and fellow Filipinos proud that day!

He, from yesterday and today, is the most popular topic in the blogosphere, Twitter and even on youtube! How Journey discovered him was also a unique journey all by itself! Karaoke anyone?Mabuhay ka Arnel! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!!!