Gardenia Bonsai from the Soothing Company

One of the household chores that I enjoyed doing is gardening. I love waking up in the morning and check if my flower plants are blooming with flowers. I don't mind touching the dirt with my bare hands and I just love hanging out in the backyard. While I was visiting few blogs, I read some positive reviews about Soothing Company products. I immediately email the company requesting for product review opportunity and they replied to send me either a water fountain or a bonsai and I choose the latter.

About The Soothing Company

From the name itself, one can already guess that this company is all about products that are soothing for everyone. If you are looking for water fountains either indoor or outdoor, Soothing Company has it. For whatever type it maybe such as wall, floor, and tabletop water fountains as well as large water walls, you will find it here. The Soothing Company has Wall fountains for the home and wall art for the outdoors. They also have bean bag chairs, fireplace, massage chairs, and bonsai. All these products are contributing factors to create a relaxing, peaceful and soothing sanctuary in your home.

Gardenia Bonsai

Bonsai means little trees in pots. According to the Soothing Company, the art of bonsai is originated in China and later refined in Japan. Bonsai is recognized as an international art form and I was lucky that Soothing Company sent me a bonsai for free. I love that the bonsai they sent me is a Gardenia about 4 years old. It arrived in good condition. The package was neat, perfect and the plant is very healthy. You can visit the Soothing Company and purchase a 6" - 8" gardenia at $40. It is very pretty and I can assure you that it is worth buying for. Gardenia blooms from March to June. My gardenia bonsai is showing buds. I can't wait to see them in full bloom and smell its sweet fragrance.

I received the Bonsai plant for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I used personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am not compensated with this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Wanting to Have an Exotic Fish

They are so pretty isn't it? Last week,  a friend showed pictures of her 7 babies. To my surprise, she was talking about her pets. They are beautiful birds and I adore them. I told her that I want to own an African Prey or fishes such as the cuties below.

They are so adorable and look at the colors, they are so gorgeous. I will show you next time the baby pet of our renter. Oh my goodness, the African Prey is the cutest and smart too. Now I am torn between two pets. What do you think? Fish or bird?

The Waterpark Capital of the World: Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin

Do you hate the scorching heat of the summer? Most people hang out to the mall to enjoy the cool air which is not bad at all. Yet, the best solution there is to beat the summer heat is to take a relaxing vacation to Wisconsin. Did you know that Wisconsin Dells is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World?

Great Wolf Lodge

Wisconsin Dells is the home for indoor and outdoor water parks located in the South Central Wisconsin. This is also the perfect getaway for a relaxing and a rejuvenating spa treatment as well as ski adventures too. Other attractions include boat tours, water ski, golf courses, horseback riding and many more. Activities here are endless and I am sure that your family will enjoy staying in any best wisconsin dells resort.

Chula Vista Resort

There is something for everyone to enjoy both kids and adults alike. If you want a relaxing evening with this beautiful view by the lake, make a travel plan now. The most complete water park activities both indoors and outdoors is right here at Wisconsin Dells.

Baker's Sunset Bay Resort

A popular travel destination in the Midwest where indoor waterparks offer the biggest and wildest water fun is none other than Wisconsin Dells. You should put this place on the top of your travel destination this summer. Now, take note of these amazing resorts and waterparks: Kalahari Resort Waterparks, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Parks, Noah's Ark Waterpark and Temple of the Black Pearl at Polynesian Resort.

Why endure a scorching heat of summer when you can avoid it? Plan your summer vacation now.

Scallion in my Garden

Yap! My scallion is growing good. I can use this as garnish in my egg drop soup. We call this in our local dialect as "sibuyas dahonan". Scallions are also called as green onions, spring onions, green shallots,  gibbons, or syboes (sounds like subayas eh ). Scallions are the edible plants of various Allium species. I bought 2 packs of scallion bulbs at WalMart .. on sale at .50 cents. Worth it!

 

Infrared Heating Panels

You probably heard about infrared heating panels but, do you know why more people prefer to have these than the traditional or conventional heaters? First of all, infrared heater is energy-efficient considering the fact that it will surely lower your electric consumption. Sounds good enough right?

Comfort and Style

Check out the photo below. You will never guess that the wall decors are infrared heating panels. They are very stylish, beautiful and a great accent in the room. The design is very elegant and truly a work of art. The infrared heating panels can be mounted on the wall. It will look like a piece of art decor but provides more than the facade of its look. The infrared heating panels are products made in Austria.

 

 Safe and Cost Effective

You can check out the infrared heating panels at www.infrared-heating.org. Their products are safe,  cost-effective and made in the highest quality standard in Europe. Their infrared heating panels are available in 3 kinds: Glass Heater, Picture Heater and Mirror Heater. No matter what you choose, these infrared heating panels are great for your family. 

If you want a fog free and mold resistant, you should get the mirror heater. Energy efficient heater that has positive effects on health is all you need. To keep you and your family warm and cozy, you should check out the infrared heating panels now.

Calamondin or Calamansi in my Garden

I bought this plant at Wal-Mart about a year ago. It was less than $10. This is calamansi or Calamondin, a citrus plant. It is called "acid orange" when it was introduced here in Florida in 1900. Since it flourished in Panama, Florida, the calamondin was also called the Panama orange. According to seminolecountyfl.gov, calamondin might be originated from the Philippines. It might be true you know. There are many Filipinos living here in Florida and they could have brought some seeds here. Citrus thrives in Florida and we have variety of citrus fruits here including this Calamansi or Calamondin.

When I was young and summer time comes, I spent my vacation in Camiguin Island Philippines. I love to stay with my aunt and cousins because I love to wander in the woods looking for wild fruits such as berries and guavas. My aunt has a fruit bearing Calamansi tree. When my cousins and I hang out in a tiki hut, we always harvest a bowl of calamansi and make a refreshing calamansi juice. There were also occasions that we just sliced it in half and dip the calamansi to sugar or salt. Most houses in the rural have fruit trees in their backyard and calamansi is a common tree. When my cousins and I have the time, we gather all the ripe calamansi fruits and make it a calamansi jelly. It was so good.

Eggplant in my Garden

In tropical climate, eggplant thrives in the garden. One gardener said that eggplant should not be planted in the areas previously planted with tomatoes. The pests and diseases from tomato plant may be harmful to eggplants but, look what I have, a healthy eggplant in my garden.

The other day, there are flea beetles and other tiny insects already occupying the eggplant. I sprayed water and soap to take them away. So far, it works.

Did you know that in North America, eggplant is called the nightshade? Eggplant is a flowering plant known as the aubergine in French and British English, brinjal eggplant, melongene, or guinea squash. A member of the Solanaceae family.

The eggplant or aubergine is widely used in cooking and notably one of the ingredients in ratatouille. Eggplant is related to tomato and the potato. So far, there are two big eggplants in this plant. Looking forward for harvest time.

Love of Music

My nephews and nieces love to manipulate anything that creates sound. It could be a guitar, drums or keyboard; they just love to explore these musical instruments. When I was in college, I have a keyboard. It was from my father and even though I don't play with it, I keep it for years until my brother asked if my nephews can keep it. I just gave it to them.

When I was shopping at the mall about a week ago, I saw a nice keyboard on display in a music store. I was tempted to buy it and give it to my brother for his musically inclined children. I was torn between buying a korg keyboards from musicians friend or the one on display. I would probably ask my brother's opinion first. I am sure my nephews would be delighted to have it. After all, they already made a piano recital before so; having the new keyboard would be exciting. It could flare up their music enthusiasm even more.

Happy Mother's Day Mama

What have you got for your mother this year? Your time with her is worth more than enough. If you have the money, give her something she likes. I talk to my mom everyday on Skype. Yep, everyday for the last 5 years. There are days that we skip talking on line but, I made sure that I call her on the phone to inform her where I was. My mom is the most important person in my life and my husband knows that.

A year ago, I treat my brother and his family for a week trip to Manila, Philippines and booked their hotel at Bayview Park Hotel. It was their anniversary and my brother's birthday. Of course, my mom was with them too. They went to the Manila Ocean Park shown in the photo below :-) I never been here you know :-) I was only at the gate when I visited this place.

 
Here is my mom in her usual mood. Charming and serious hehehe.
 

Look at her strides LOL ... she's wearing her red strips and white capri pants. Excited to see what's in Enchanted Kingdom.

I think this is in Museo Pambata. Look at little Nadeen beside her , both of them are tiny :-) .

Here they are on the last day of their Manila vacation at the Mall of Asia. They're just lounging and preparing to have lunch. Ready for their flight back to Cagayan de Oro City.

Here they are ... taking wacky photos LOL.

Even though I am not there with her, she is surrounded with friends and neighbors who treasured her friendship. Most young neighbors in our village calls her Nanay or Lola which means "mother" and "gradma".

Here is another wacky pic with mama and my brother LOL.

This is in Intramurous, Manila a tourist destination in the Philippines. This is the oldest district and historic center of Manila. This place is known as the Walled City and was the seat of the Spanish government during the Spanish colonial period. The walled part was called intramuros, which means "within the walls".

 

Here they are again... the "I was there photo" moment LOL. This vacation is significant because its their first time to travel to Manila together. First time for my brother and the kids. With the wife , countless. With mom? Maybe this is her 4th time.

  

Even if I am not there with her, my friends take time to check my mom from time to time. I was lucky to have friends who are so loving and caring. It was actually my birthday and they surprised me for this. My mom was there to say thank you for the effort.

  

My brother and I are so grateful, lucky and thank God for having you mom. We wish you all the good health and we pray that God bless you more years of good health. I wish for the day that you and I will be together with me here in the US. I love you mom.

Meribel Ski Resort in France

I have stayed in a chalet once before and I would definitely stay on it again. The relaxing ambiance, delightfully different, fantastic service and unique settings are reasons why chalets are great lodging alternative for me. My husband and I are planning to visit Europe to visit his daughter. One of the itineraries that we listed is France. Luckily, I also have a friend there who was so excited for our coming. With a little research, I found a perfect place to stay, the Ski Cuisine Chalets in Meribel, Three Valleys.

 Meribel Ski Resort
This place has amazing and breath taking scenic view which are undeniably a plus factor for a great vacation destination. The meribel ski resort in france is located in the biggest concentration of world class ski resorts.

The resort takes pride of themselves as a leading Meribel catered chalet operator. They offer premium and excellent service plus great tasting food. Now, who would not want that? A stress free vacation with superb flexible service is all we want for this exciting travel.

Ski Cuisine in Meribel has six fabulous and catered chalets to choose from. They are available in varying sizes and each chalet has a direct access to the piste so; guests can ski anytime they want.

Things To Do in Meribel

Since Meribel is a ski resort, fun activities are endless. Not only that you will  enjoy skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy the following activities:
- horse-drawn sleigh rides
- dog sledding through the forest
- paragliding
- ice-skating
- or, hire a snow mobile

If you want to indulge in pampering, spa, and beauty treatments, Maribel has that to offer as well. For your shopping pleasures, there are charming shops, cafes and apres ski bars available too. The beautiful village of Meribel has a bi-weekly market which you can check out in Meribel centre. 

Hubby and I would definitely try skiing and since this location offers great variation of outdoor activities, we are certain that staying at Ski Cuisine would be fun and exciting.