Plants Can Reduce Stress

Decorating your home with houseplants can change the most stark and uninviting room into a welcoming one. Beautiful green plants provide atmosphere and ambiance that makes your home friendly and relaxing. If you want to have harmony and peaceful environment in your home, plants are good as it adds the visual appeal because of its green color. Growing plants real plants like bamboo helps reduce stress and help you think clearly as its component releases calmness. The reason why some house Interior decorators used some potted plants in decorating some parts of the house like particularly the living room part because it adds life to a room. It also helps eliminates odor and its oxygen is good to our health too.

The Cross with The Lord's Prayer inside

This Cross pendant was sent to me by my hubby as his Valentine's day gift to me when we are still on our engagement period. He sent it thru mail. I was happy to hand it as mostly of his mails to the Philippines got lost in the post there. That's horrible to know. Anyway's speaking of this Cross pendant, its sterling silver, the difference of this to an ordinary pendant is it features a secret center stone, which when you heldup to the light, reveals the entire Lord’s Prayer. I was touch when hubby told me that it was his gift to his mother when he was 14 years old, his mother takes care of it until she passed away. When he meets me he handed it to me but sad to say the cross broke and i give it to a friend who said that she could fix it by her friend who knows how to fix jewelry only to know that it was burned. I feel sorry for it that when i talk to my hubby on the phone i told him of what happened. Now i miss wearing it as in my mind wearing it means remembering our Almighty and putting him nearest to my heart. I just hope i would still get the same kind of necklace with this kind of pendant.

New York City Visit

This picture is inside of Grand Central Station, downtown Manhattan New York City. Can you imagine how many people is in this busy place from morning to evening. People that you could hardly recognize because of different races and talking different languages. Some are tourists and they just come to visit New York. You could see them dragging their luggages and taking time to pause to take pictures. Like them, i too pause and take pictures during my first visit here. For me, its one in a lifetime chance to see a place like this where some dream to see such historic place like New York City. Pictures below are taken when i first step New York City.



I was amazed to see this place and i can't believe that this dreams would be a reality. I was pinching my forearm if this is really true and my Filipina friend was laughing telling me hey, believe it Mare you are in an American soil and you are standing in the City of New York and the movie that you watch "Made is Manhattan" --- this is the real one but you are not a made yet he he he.

This picture is on the left wing. You can see in the board the list of places and time of departures on the train.

This one here is one of the shoe shops in Canal street where my friend shops her new boots and mind you, though the shoes here are expensive, she was lucky because when we get inside they are on sale up to 70%. So she gets 2 pairs of shoes for only $ 150. Still a good buy.
Since i came to the US she was the one who guide me. I meet her thru my hubby. When i and hubby was still starting our relationship and chatting in the internet, hubby happens to tell her that he was talking to me and that i am a Filipina. She ask him where i am and one time we talk on the phone. On that short talk she promise me that when i came to US she will help me familiarize the place. So when i need something that my hubby is not available one call for her, she will come to the rescue. I am really thankful that i meet her.
Here i am looking for something that i could give to my new officemate on last Valentines Day. Even is its only a small thing i am also happy to give it to my new found officemate Ms. Marie, she is Italian--I love to work with her. We had so much fun in the office. I should say that i am lucky also to meet her as she helped me a lot. She unselfishly teach me some things at the Dental Clinic. Next time i will post her picture here so you guys will know who i am referring to in the office that i am working. Thank you for reading my blogs. Have a nice weekend everyone.....

Today is Ash Wednesday

a pose after i go to church, ash is still in my forehead
In the Roman Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. And speaking of Lent this is a time of prayer, fasting, and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday. During this season we are called to reflect and meditate on the sufferings and passion of Jesus Christ.We are reminded that we cannot celebrate the joy of Easter without first encountering Christ’s suffering and death. Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, abstaining from meat on Fridays, and the traditional “give something up for Lent” are all avenues towards this encounter of suffering and death. Such devout practices make the joy of Easter that much more meaningful.If you are of Catholic Faith we are encourage to spend some time in prayer and reflect on how we wish to spend this Lenten season. It is an opportunity for spiritual advancement, as you reflect deeply on Christ’s suffering, Passion, and his death upon the cross. Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, but all Roman Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass on this day in order to mark the beginning of the Lenten season.
During Mass, the ashes which give Ash Wednesday its name are distributed. The ashes are made by burning the blessed palms that were distributed the previous year on Palm Sunday; many churches ask their parishioners to return any palms that they took home so that they can be burned. After the priest blesses the ashes and sprinkles them with holy water, the faithful come forward to receive them. The priest dips his right thumb in the ashes and, making the Sign of the Cross on each person's forehead, says, "Remember, man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return" (which means that we came from the ashes and will go back to ashes). Me being a devoted Roman Catholic go to the church today to recieved this reminder that, i am not a perfect person and I accept that i am a sinner and ask the Lord Jesus not to look at my sins but renew me and free me from my sins.

Hello

I am back after of few days of constructing my site. I am not much happy with the color of my site but i know in time i will learn dressing this into a good one. I am still new to this templates and not much familiar with the tools i will be using that made me slow he he he.

Touching Message

This evening while i was opening my email. This message pop-up on my page. My male friend from Ontario, Canada named Steve sends this to me. I did not meet him in person we were just cyberfriends but he never stop sending me e-mails like this. There are times that we chat and see each other via webcam. I should say that Steve is a good person, we have lots of fun while chatting as he is a jolly person. We've been distant friends since we meet on net in year 2004 and until now. I really admire him for being such a good cyber-friend.

This Page is underconstruction

Sorry for the incovenience guys, i am trying to dress my site, can't figure out how to make it three columns yet, was trying to how it works.....

Foods i Crave

Living thousands of miles away from the Philippines can be difficult at times for a Filipina like me. I moved here 11 months ago, and my taste buds still remain a hundred percent Filipino. I have everything that I need here, but oftentimes I crave for food that is nowhere to be found here in the US. I really miss this foods below.

Biko: this recipe is made of glutinous rice (malagkit), coconut milk, and brown sugar. It takes a while to cook it and it requires a long period of constant stirring. My mom usually cooked the famous "suman" and "suman sa lihiya" on Fiesta’s, Christmas, New Year or whenever there is occasion but there are times too that we could cook it if we like it. Was able to prepare it here but I was not satisfied as I am not used to canned coconut milk. We always use the fresh ones.

Lechong Baboy: Roasted Pig is usually the highlight of every occasion and festivities in the Philippines- Birthdays, Fiestas, New Year, Weddings etc. The crunchy skin is worth to die for! It is usually dipped in vinegar with garlic, or in mang tomas all purpose sauce or ketchup. Wow ang Sarap!!! In Manila Lydia's Lechon and Ping-ping's are well-known when it comes to lechon.


Bibingka: a classic Filipino sweet rice cake. It’s a delicious treat served during special occasions in the Philippines. I’ve always wanted to make my own bibigka here but don't have the things that i want to use. Being just know don't have so much knowledge where to get it. There is an instant bibingka mix but haven't tried it yet. I am not an expert cook too so I don't have much confidence in my cooking skills. I only know a handful of recipes. But i am trying to learn.

Kinilaw: The freshness of raw fish cooked in vinegar is complimented by the flavorful taste of bell peppers, chile pepper, garlic, onions, ginger, lemons, coconut milk and several other ingredients that you wish to put. This dish has marked a special place in the hearts of every Filipino- especially the ones abroad like me.

Lato: I am crazy about this seaweed. I just dipped it in vinegar. This is a type of seaweed which is rich in iodine,iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. .It is bright green in color and have almost grape like formations attached to a thick stem… and when you bite into the lato they pop in your mouth and release a salty liquid truly reminiscent of the ocean. They seem particularly good if they are rinsed in salty water and popped into the fridge for half an hour so that they are cold when served.

Manggang hilaw: nothing can top the crunchy unripe mangoes in the Philippines. A few days before my “red week” starts, I get the urge to eat this fruit. It’s great when you dip it in shrimp paste or fish sauce (bagoong). Most pregnant filipinas experience an intense appetite for this fruit during the early stage of their pregnancy. I really love eating it and i could eat 5 to 6 pcs of unripe mango.

Munggo with malunggay: This is a very affordable yet very nutritious meal for the family. You can add smoked fish or pork or dried shrimp to make it a delightful recipe. In the Philippines, they say that pregnant women should eat more of it to aid from Beriberi . How true?

Banana-Q/Camote-Q: It is commonly known as a street food coated with caramelized brown sugar, and threaded on a thin piece of bamboo skewer. This is traditionally served as a form of snack.

Inihaw na pusit: Squid in English. I prepare it with by inserting tomato and onion with a little bit of salt to taste into the belly of the squid before I grill it until cooked.... just the right bite and not tough (never rubbery), moist and not dry, really tasty and not bland.In the Philippines it is one of the most ordered food in any grilled seafood restaurants and fassfoods or foodcourts.

Did I make you hungry just watching at the food? Then i apologize he he he!!!!!

Rolling Chairs in Atlantic City, NJ

This vehicle that you see is called Royal Rolling Chair that is famous in Atlantic City, New Jersey, provide for a bit of help while you are exploring Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk. The expanse of the boardwalk is fairly large and with the blaring sun, this can prove to be a trying experience for many that want to see all that is in there to see . One option that guests now have is to consider taking a Royal Rolling Chairs experience. Guests are able to sit down in a small vehicle that features no motor beyond that of the person pushing it! The experience to sit in this chair is awesome. We were able to experience and talk to the person while he is pushing it. As these small yet comfortable Royal Rolling Chairs provide guests with the ability to move from location to location, taking in the scenery and the sheer expanse of the Boardwalk. They feature seating for up to three adults, comfortably. A canopy over head provides a small amount of shade getting you out of the hot, summer sun. The fare is not that bad as they charge you depending on how many blocks that you travel. When you reach your destiny you will feel guilty not to give a tip for these poor guys who push the vehicle for the job well done. I am thinking that this is a good job for those who want to have one. Why? first, you will not need gasoline which is expensive. Two, you will not need a big capital. And three it would benefit you as by pushing it you will get and exercise by just walking and pushing the vehicle. Isn't it a good idea? The Owner's had a good idea designing this rolling chair not only that they can provide comfort to visitors that are coping with the blasting sun on the boardwalk but to their employees as well as they provide them job. The company and the chairs have been a big success since their founding. Soon, the company plans to offer the Royal Rolling Chairs Tour Guide, which will help provide guests with the information and historical information about the Atlantic City Boardwalk and much more.They operates year round, during most times when the Boardwalk is open for business. If you happen to go to Atlantic City, New Jersey try this once in a lifetime experience. You will love it, not only that you could help the owners to generate income you could also help their emplpyees as well by keeping them on their job. Just a minimal amount of generosity is your best way to help them.

Addendum: I give credit to my hubby who give me the picture of this article. I had a picture of me on this rolling chair on my MOTORAZR V9 cellphone when we go there the other day but sad to say i can't download it to the computer due to the fact the USB says mass storage. I really felt bad. Thanks to my love who patiently research it for me. If not with him this article would not be possible.

The Circle of Friends

While i was browsing my old emails i came accross to this poem that was sent to me by my friend from India. He is working in Saudi and his name is Mario. I post it here because i am thinking that you could relate well reading the message. It's good to know that even if they are just my cyber friend it is so thoughtful of him sharing to me. We still have communications but seldom due to some reason that we are both busy with our jobs. I know that it is always our desire to send messages amidst hectic schedule even just to say Hi and know that both are good.
I just hope you could still read this, i already use the large font when uploading it.

Tsunami of lay-offs

We are in more difficult times nowadays as the global crisis affects our employment. There is really no security in life but we will just be prepared for trials that will come our way and never ever lose hope. Today the global unemployment rates are rising as high as the tsunami as more and more companies are closing their operations globally. Lots of companies are closing in the US. More and more banks are also LESSEN chances of lending as well. The electronics industry is suffering in this global financial crisis. You are very lucky if you are still in your job today and that is also the main reason that we have to treasure what we have today and pray that all will went well for those who lost their jobs.

SECOND TRIP TO ATLANTIC CITY

Me and my hubby had a trip yesterday to Atlantic City.We leave the house at 7:00 a.m. On board at the bus at 7:15 a.m. while waiting for the passengers to board on the bus i take time taking pictures using my cellphone camera but sad to say i was not able to download it at the computer due to USB's mass storage, don't know what to do i really feel bad that until now i am still searching at the sites as to how to do it. Good that i brought my Fuji Camera and was able to take pictures and download it to the computer and post it in this blog.

This bridge is still a part of New York City. The water is the Hudson River, where the US Airways that has 155 rescued passengers landed. Look at the water it is calm, though its cold and when you look at the skies the sun comes out and totally the weather is perfect. We can stroll outside take a look at the views. While on the way to New Jersey i took the chance to take of picture of this Newark Airport. It has big and wide runway that could cater many planes. Infact in this picture although blurry there are still planes on the runway. I am thinking that perhaps this planes are waiting for their flying schedules.

Approaching Atlanlic City are the windmills, its axis beautifully runs as the wind blows.

at the back of this windmills are the famous hotel like Bogota, i remember one time i was watching the Hells Kitchen and the chef contestants did their recipes here while at the same time serving some of their guests here.

Going inside the heart of the Atlantic City we pass by this streets where on the left side are Casinos and if you turn on this street you will be heading to boardwalk.

Anyways, its was not my first to go to Atlantic City.This was my second time going there and i really love to see the place.

This big buildings are Casinos and one of them is Trump Taj Mahal

and this is the parking lot of Trump Taj Mahal, the reason why the bus that we take always go here its because the place is accessible to the the street and it is easy for the driver to get out from here and be on the way going back to the main road if you decide to go home to passing New Jersey and unto to the bridge of George Washington.

We go from one Casino to the other not to gamble but just to observe the place. The bus that brought us there park at Trump Taj Mahal Casino, so from there we just walk to the boardwalk all the way down to the mall. I must say its quite a few block from where the Trump Taj Mahal is but i really love to see whats in store for me on the mall. My intention going there is not to buy something but just window shopping who knows i might like something but gee.... the items are very expensive as the boutiques inside are mostly signatures like the famous GUCCI, LOUIS VUITTON, BEBE, AIX, etc. Maybe because it is in the part the CASINO'S are and within the tourist spot area. We go inside the mall

this is the main entrance to the mall. The name is The Pier Shops. On the second level there is a way attatch to the Ceasar's Palace and Casino.

Where i stand is the center of the mall with luxurious hanging ornaments at my back, and the spiral stairs going to the third floor of the building at the mezzanine area are the demo area of cars. The car that you see is LEXUS.

Hubby stand at the glass walls on the other side of the mall. There is a curve in here which serve as benches and you can sit here for relaxation while on the other side is the smoke area. While is this area you could see big buildings outside and buildings from a distance.

Philips Seafood, restaurant located at the second floor of the mall. The food here was quite expensive.
This was taken outside the Pier Shops building of Ceasar's, this serves are the veranda overlooking the sea. There are benches in here where you could unwind and there are fixed binoculars if you want to see ships from a distance. It was windy and cold outside but i still manage to pose and have fun.