Health, Wealth, Relationships, Wisdom
Here are my favorite chocolate brands and related notes.
With the new M2 processors introduced by Apple and their amazing performance, I’ve decided to switch around my hardware setup to be best suited to my lifestyle. Here’s what I have selected after doing my research.
This will be my main machine and will be used at home and at my coworking space/gym. I will also take it with me on longer term travel or trips where I know I will have the time to put in serious work.
The newest MacBook Pro 16″ M2 is a true powerhouse of a laptop that is sure to impress even the most demanding of users. With its powerful M2 chip, this laptop is capable of handling even the most complex tasks with ease. Whether you’re a professional video editor, a graphic designer, or just someone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday use, the MacBook Pro 16″ M2 is sure to exceed your expectations.
One of the standout features of this laptop is its stunning Retina display, which offers incredibly sharp and vibrant visuals. Whether you’re streaming your favorite movies or working on a design project, you can rest assured that everything will look absolutely stunning on this display. The keyboard is also a joy to type on, with its responsive keys and comfortable layout making typing for extended periods a breeze. And with up to 10 hours of battery life, you can work all day without having to worry about running out of juice.
Overall, the MacBook Pro 16″ M2 is an exceptional laptop that is sure to impress even the most discerning of users. With its powerful performance, stunning display, and comfortable keyboard, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who demands the very best from their technology. So if you’re in the market for a new laptop and want the best of the best, the MacBook Pro 16″ M2 is definitely worth considering.
This will be my fixed display in my home office. It’s a great display that is a joy to work on. The Macbook Pro will be connected to it at home.
The main alternatives to the Studio Display are the LG 27MD5KL-B and the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q. The 32 inch version of the Dell is also a good option.
Note about 32 inch 4k displays: Some people may complain about font sizes on a 32-inch 4K display versus Apple’s 32-inch 5K display because of the difference in pixel density. The 5K display has a resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels, which is higher than the 4K display’s resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This means that the pixel density of the 5K display is higher, resulting in crisper and more detailed images, including text.
This will be my out-and-about machine, and will also be used for some reading and drawing activities. I’ll use it while traveling, going to cafes, and on other occasions where I might or might not have the opportunity to work. In such cases, if I get the chance to work I will typically be writing or drawing, two tasks that the iPad excels with when paired with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil respectively.
I will be using either the Satechi stand for holding the Macbook in closed mode (Twelve South Bookarc is a good alternative), or the Twelve South Curve.
The Anker powerbank is great if you anticipate working for longer periods in places without a power connection, for example on some airlines, at airports, cafes, libraries etc. Having a powerbank can be great if you work in very popular places. If said places have areas with no power connection those will be the least popular and most likely to be free, so you’re more likely to find a space to work in.
Reading to children from a young age is one of the best ways to develop their language skills, imagination, and love of books. I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time reading to my kids, as it was an integral part of their evening (and sometimes morning) routines.
I am a big believer in the power of books and reading, so it was something I did very gladly, although on many occasion I ended up sleeping myself with the book in my hand, after the umpteenth request of “one more book”.
Here are some of the favorite books that I’ve read time and again with my kids.
The Bizzy Bear series of books, written and illustrated by Benji Davies, are a collection of interactive children’s books that are designed to encourage children to explore, play and learn. The books follow the adventures of a curious young bear named Bizzy as he goes on various activities such as going to the zoo, helping out at the fire station, and building a rocket.
The books are filled with bright, colorful illustrations and simple text that make them easy for young children to understand and relate to. Each book also includes interactive elements such as flaps to lift, wheels to turn and buttons to press, which makes it more engaging and fun for children to read. The books aim to develop children’s fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and introduce them to different concepts such as counting, colors and shapes. They are a great way to encourage children to be curious and to explore the world around them.
“123 Count with Me” is a children’s book designed to teach young children the concepts of counting and numbers. The book is filled with colorful illustrations and simple text that make it easy for children to understand and relate to the numbers and counting. The book is interactive and features different activities such as counting objects, matching numbers with corresponding quantities, and identifying numbers in different forms such as numerals and number words.
The book is part of a series of educational books that aims to teach children basic concepts in a fun and interactive way.
A is for Apple” is the other one we bought, and both were used extensively.
The series uses a combination of illustrations, simple text, and interactive elements to help children learn and retain the information. The book is a great tool for parents and educators to introduce children to the concept of numbers and counting and to help them develop the skills necessary for early math education. It’s a great way to introduce children to the world of numbers and to encourage them to develop an interest in math and problem-solving.
It was first published in 1969 and has since become a classic and a staple in children’s literature. The story follows the journey of a very hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before eventually turning into a beautiful butterfly. The book is known for its colorful, collage-style illustrations and simple, repetitive text that makes it easy for young children to follow along and understand the story.
The book teaches children about the life cycle of a butterfly, numbers, days of the week and healthy eating habits. The story is simple and easy for children to understand and the illustrations are visually appealing and engaging. The book is a great way to introduce children to new words and concepts, and to encourage them to develop a love of reading. It has been translated into over 60 languages and continues to be popular among children and parents around the world.
This wasn’t one of my personal favorites, but the kids liked it for an occasional read. It’s one of the most popular and recommended children’s books though.
A children’s book that takes young readers on a journey through a construction site before bedtime. The story follows a group of hardworking construction vehicles as they say goodnight to the various parts of the site, such as the crane, cement mixer, and bulldozer. The book is filled with colorful illustrations that bring the construction site to life and make it easy for children to understand and relate to the story.
The repetitive text and rhyming words make it easy for young children to follow along and develop their reading skills. The book has a positive message about the importance of hard work and teamwork, while also promoting the idea of bedtime reading. This book is a perfect addition to any child’s library and a great way to introduce them to the world of construction and the hardworking vehicles that help build our communities.
There is a whole series of books around this theme, and I found most of them to be really good. My son surprised me at around 3 years of age by reciting the whole book by heart, which was an amazing experience for me and a testament to how much he loved this book.
A book about different animals and their tails, it teaches children about the different shapes, sizes, and functions of tails in various animals. The book is filled with colorful illustrations and simple text that make it easy for young children to understand and relate to. The interactive elements in the book encourage children to explore and learn through play, making it a fun and engaging way to learn about animals and their body parts. The book is a great addition to any child’s library and is perfect for encouraging an early interest in science and the natural world.
An interactive book which features different textures, flaps and movable parts that children can explore as they read the story. The book tells the story of Oscar, an octopus who lives in the ocean and explores the different sea creatures that he meets. The book is filled with colorful illustrations and simple text that make it easy for young children to understand and relate to.
The book aims to teach children about the different sea creatures and their characteristics and habitats. The interactive elements in the book encourage children to explore and learn through play, making it a fun and engaging way to learn about the ocean and the animals that live there. The book is a great addition to any child’s library and is perfect for encouraging an early interest in science and the natural world.
“Monkey Puzzle” is a children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It was first published in 2002 and is a part of the Julia Donaldson’s collection. The story follows a monkey who loses his mother in the jungle and is helped by a butterfly to find her again. The book is known for its vivid illustrations and simple, repetitive text that makes it easy for young children to follow along and understand the story.
The book is a great tool to develop children’s language and vocabulary, it also teaches children about the importance of family, love and self-reliance. The story is easy to follow and the illustrations are visually appealing and engaging. The book is a great way to introduce children to new words and concepts, and to encourage them to develop a love of reading. It has been translated into many languages and continues to be popular among children and parents around the world.
The book is an introduction to space and the planets in our solar system. The book covers the eight planets in our solar system and provides basic information about each planet, including size, distance from the sun, and number of moons. The book uses simple language and colorful illustrations to make the information accessible and engaging for young children.
The book is part of the “Baby University” series, which is designed to introduce young children to complex concepts in a simple and accessible way. The series uses a combination of illustrations and simple text to explain scientific concepts to children. The book is also a great tool for parents and educators to introduce children to the concept of space and the planets and to spark their curiosity. It’s a great way to introduce children to the world of science and to encourage them to develop an interest in space and the natural world.
These are both children’s interactive books that encourage children to engage with the book in a hands-on way. “Press Here” is an interactive book that invites children to press a yellow dot on the cover, which then leads to a series of surprises and interactive experiences within the book. The book is designed with simple illustrations and bold colors that capture the attention of young children. “Mix It Up!” is another interactive book by the same author, that invites children to mix up different colors and shapes on the pages, creating new and unexpected combinations. The book is designed to encourage children to experiment with the illustrations, and to explore the creative possibilities of combining different elements. Both books are a perfect way to engage children’s creativity and imagination, while also helping them to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
These books are not only entertaining for kids, but also educational for them. They help children to develop their language skills, imagination, and love of books. It is always recommended to read with children, to help them with comprehension and to discuss the story and the illustrations with them.
The Color Monster series of books, written and illustrated by Anna Llenas, is a collection of children’s books that aim to teach children about emotions and feelings. The books follow the story of a monster named The Color Monster who is feeling confused and overwhelmed by the different emotions he is experiencing. The books use bright, colorful illustrations and simple text to help children understand the different emotions they may be feeling and how to deal with them. Each color represents a different emotion, for example, the red color represents anger and the blue color represents sadness. The books aim to help children identify and understand their emotions, and to learn to express them in healthy ways. The series includes books such as “The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions” and “The Color Monster Learns to Be Brave”, which are designed to be used as a tool for parents, teachers, and counselors to help children understand and cope with their emotions.
We used one of the books in this series just before my son started school, in order to prepare him for the emotions that he would possibly feel. The other book about basic feelings remained a bedtime staple for several months, and actually helped me to sort out my own feelings together with my son.
I’ve always been hugely into music and dreamed of playing instruments as a young kid. However, for some reason or another, I never went for any classes in a serious way when I was young. I did learn basic guitar which I enjoyed, but never practiced enough to do anything with it. The piano is also much more versatile and enjoyable to play alone versus a guitar. So as a young adult I took some music theory and piano lessons that I enjoyed, but again life got in the way. I do remember having a little wooden toy piano that I definitely used a lot when I was just a few years old, and had a wooden flute, toy air piano, xylophone and harmonica. I loved playing around with them but that was as far as I got.
As I approach my 40s, I’d like to take another serious shot at this. Moreover, I now have two young kids, and I am fully appreciative of the positive impact music education can have on their development. I want to set the example and hopefully they can also learn alongside me.
So, to start off, I need a digital keyboard that feels as close to a piano as possible, and a piano teacher or online learning platform.
This post will serve as my notes for these two tasks.
I focused my research on portable keyboards, as they take the least space, are easy to move around and probably easier to sell when the time comes, or if my plan doesn’t work out.
Next, it’s time to consider brands.
General consensus among piano teachers and players is that you should not go off-brand when buying a piano. There are a number of long-established brands that you are probably familiar with:
Anything beyond these household names is considered off-brand. Some examples are Alesis and Donner. There are many others, typically Chinese manufactured and designed to look good, but with important flaws.
Weighted keys are essential for learning proper technique, so prepare to spend €500 and upwards as that’s where decent weighted keyboards start at.
The reasonably priced Casio CDP-S100 but watch the Youtube reviews by “Piano4ever” (James Pavel Shawcross) who is scathing about the mismatch in weight between the white and lighter black keys on Casio digital pianos. You might also want to find comparative reviews to hear the sounds of this one against things like Yamaha P45 and Roland FP-10. It may be a matter of personal choice but the Casio does not seem to sound that great compared to others – possibly too “tinny” (which some might call “bright”)
Going up the scale (!) the Yamaha P45 is somewhere above the Casio. A lot of reviewers have quite nice things to say about P45 but it’s not a “modern” design and is perhaps getting a little bit long in the tooth.
The most sensible choices for a beginner that wants a quality setup:
Out of these the Roland FP-30X was the best choice for me. The FP-10 is better than the Yamaha P-45, while the FP-30X improves on the FP-10 for a slight increase in price. The speakers at this price point from Casio, Yamaha, and Korg don’t match up in this department.
If we compare the Roland FP-30X with the Yamaha P125, the Yamaha loses out on key-action as well as bluetooth connectivity, the latter being a big issue for me. The Yamaha P125 does seem to be slightly better sounding though. If you tweak the sound qualities, the FP-30X sounds just as good as the P-125. The speakers fire downward and fill up the room a little bit better. It is also the newer model of the two.
The number of sounds available wasn’t a big consideration for me, since these can typically be expanded either by connecting via MIDI to a VST, or by using companion apps that these makers provide. For example, with the Roland FP-10 you get 15 built-in sounds that can be selected using Function+keys. However, if you run the Piano Partner 2 app which connects to the piano with Bluetooth you actually get to select between 35 instruments.
With Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology and the same expressive 88-tone PHA-4 Standard keyboard as the premium model FP-60X, the FP-30X is the perfect home instrument for Beginner players.
Finally, the Roland FP-10 and FP-30X are easy to sell as they are extremely popular among beginners. At worst you would lose a couple hundred euros, lessening the risk of such a purchase considerably.
I would have considered the FP-10 versus the FP-30, where it not for the fact that the FP-30X is a new model that improves in some significant ways on the FP-30, while the FP-10 does not have a corresponding new model.
My favorite keyboard for looks and features, on the other hand, is the Casio PX-S7000, but I would buy this further along the journey as it’s much more expensive and has features that are not necessary at the very early stages. It does look beautiful though, and I especially like the stand that comes with it.
Since I want to involve my kids in my learning process, I did some research on instruments/toys that might be ideal to get them interested as well.
Here are the best I found:
The tinyPiano is part furniture, part introductory piano, and part toy. Definitely on the expensive side, but the reviews are great.
The best intro instrument, since it has quiz mode and lots of sounds (animals, horns etc) that can keep even the little ones entertained.
Great for those kids who already know how to play a bit and want to have some fun with the in-built sounds and accompaniments.
For learning, Pianote is a good way to start, atlhough you will want to eventually find a good local teacher. There are also several books that you could try, and if you have a Skillshare membershi there are a few courses available.
Here are some resources I’ve been using:
I’ll update this post with progress, but if there are any other adult musical instrument learners out there, I’d love to hear about your experience.
When choosing toys for your kids, it’s important to consider their interests, abilities, and developmental stage. Look for toys that are age-appropriate, safe, and durable. Avoid toys with small parts that could be choking hazards for younger children, and be sure to read the labels and instructions to ensure that the toy is suitable for your child.
Here are the toys that my kids enjoyed the most:
For the early years we were very inspired by the Montessori method of teaching, which also incorporates a certain style of toys. In this method toys are mostly made of wood, are educational and tend to have pleasant colors rather than the garish colors seen on some plastic toys.
While we opted to keep our children home for the first 3 years of their childhood, we opted for hiring a qualified tutor who would come home every day to educate them and thus guide them in their early education and play. Hiring the tutor was one of the best decisions we’ve made with our kids, especially after I saw how many cheaper nannies treated the kids when out and about in Barcelona.
I personally dislike the cheap sounds many Chinese toy sets make and have therefore stayed away from them. Both kids were never really big fans of soft toys, and we ended up being gifted a bunch of those that just lay about unused.
We put a strong emphasis on art and physical dexterity as well, so I bought a collection of different balls for them to play with, which they used extensively. For the art aspect, we bought a multitude of coloring books, plain drawing paper, and various painting media such as watercolors, crayons, pencils, chalk etc.
From around 2 years of age onwards, I started to really enjoy building with my son. I found this really enjoyable as I rekindled my lost love for building things with my hands and experimenting with electronics. I was a huge Lego fan as a child, but later on I shifted entirely to playing computer games and forgot all about building physical objects.
Some of the sets in the list are recommended for much older kids, but I have found that if you have the time to play with kids, you can do some really advanced things. You’ll just need to find the most appropriate way to get them involved, and more importantly, make sure that they are not harmed by incorrect usage of the toys (e.g. swallowing small parts, or injuries due to unsupervised play with electronic parts like motors, batteries etc).
You also need to take into consideration the differences in character and interests between kids. My son displayed an amazing capacity to concentrate for longer periods right from a very young age, whereas my daughter had more of a wild streak so it was easier to do more physical play with her rather than tasks requiring a lot of sitting down and thinking. This diversity was also great for me as I got to explore more activities rather than simply repeating the same things with both kids.
While as a parent it’s a good thing to strive for a sense of equality between kids, for most people it is simply natural to be more interested in doing things the first time around, hence the first child has an advantage. On the other hand, parents tend to experience a sensation of being much wiser in their behavior around the second kid onwards, and may also have gotten rid of that over-protection instinct or unhealthy fear of the child getting hurt in some way or another. This usually works to the advantage of the younger siblings as they get a bit more freedom. All this to say that each kid’s experience and your interaction with them as parents will necessarily be different.
Montessori is an educational approach that was developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. It is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and capable learners who are driven to explore and discover their environment.
In a Montessori classroom, children are given the freedom to choose their own activities and work at their own pace. The environment is carefully prepared to allow children to learn through hands-on exploration and discovery. Materials are designed to be self-correcting, so that children can learn through trial and error without the need for explicit instruction.
The Montessori approach emphasizes the importance of developing a child’s independence, self-discipline, and self-motivation. It also places a strong emphasis on respect for the child’s individual interests and learning style.
Balance bikes are a type of bicycle that are designed to help young children learn how to ride a bike without the use of pedals. Instead of pedaling, children propel themselves forward by pushing off the ground with their feet.
Balance bikes are often used as a stepping stone for children who are learning to ride a bike, as they can help children develop balance, coordination, and confidence on two wheels. Because balance bikes do not have pedals, children are able to focus on developing their balance and steering skills, which are essential for riding a bike.
There are several benefits to using a balance bike to learn how to ride a bike. Some of these benefits include:
Donating old toys to a worthy cause is a great idea. There are many organizations that accept toy donations, such as toy drives run by schools or local charities. These donations can help bring joy to children who may not have many toys of their own. Additionally, donating old toys is a great way to declutter your home and make space for new items. It’s also an environmentally friendly way to dispose of items that you no longer need. Overall, donating old toys is a kind and generous act that can make a big difference in the lives of others.
In Barcelona, I recommend donating to Ilusions Solidaries.
