How Do You Eat (Frame) Your Marshmallow Peeps?

I was in awe when I found this Peeps Store at the National Harbor. Ever had one of those ooey gooey, lip smacking marshmallow Peeps? I love marshmallows and I love marshmallow Peeps.

 Giant marshmallow candy - I think this would make a perfect pillow, mushy and sweet.

 Framed Peeps

 Bunny marshmallows

And yes, the framed ones are made of real Peeps.

Online Education

Brought to you by your friends at http://www.waldenu.edu.

Reading The Chronicle reinforces my desire to go back to graduate school and really pursue higher education. Education still plays a crucial role in improving one's career and personal life; I've always believed so. If you would like to learn more about the current state of our educational system, I find The Chronicle to be informative and well versed about what's going on with our educational system.

With my decision to pursue graduate school, I've been torn between going the traditional way, meaning physically attending classes in a classroom, or taking classes online. I really want to keep working, as I have bills to pay, so taking online classes is more feasible right now. I've checked several online schools including Walden University and it seems that attending online classes makes more sense especially with the type of work schedule I have right now. Also, I was amazed with the Degree Programs Walden University offers.

If you're like me and been wanting to go back to school but lack the time due to work schedule or other reasons, check out Walden University's website. The website is very informative and a great place to learn more about earning your degree online. The website is very well organized. Browse through their Degree Programs, College & Schools, Tuition & Financial Aid, Admissions and more. Also, I recommend reading the Walden Difference where you'll learn more about what Walden University can offer that others don't. Who knows, online education might really work out for you.

The Awakening

Although autumn officially arrived last week, it was still uncomfortably hot on Saturday. But we still managed to drive (about an hour) and spend a few hours at the National Harbor. It was nice to walk around the banks of the Potomac,  enjoy the refreshing view of the Potomac River and watch from afar cars crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The place reminds of Bronte Park in Ontario because of the marina and the numerous floating yachts and boats of all sizes. I wanted to take a lot of photos, but the sweltering sun combined with the hot sand was too much to handle and finding respite from the heat was a priority.

For me, the highlight of visiting the National Harbor is to see the five-piece sculpture of J. Seward Johnson called "The Awakening." This sculpture was

Part of the 11th Annual Sculpture Conference in 1980, which included the installation of 500 pieces of public art throughout Washington, D.C., “The Awakening” is a cast aluminum sculpture depicting the arousing of a bearded giant. The piece is actually five separate ones – head, hand, outstretched arm, bent knee and foot – arranged in such a fashion as to suggest that the giant is breaking free from the confines of the earth. (Source: http://www.nationalharbor.com/Events.aspx?id=658)

The entirety of J. Seward Johnson’s Five-Piece Sculpture.

I wanted to take a photo of the Giant's face but every single time I try there's someone posing for a photo. I'd like to go back there again especially when fall temperatures have comfortably set in. Hopefully, I'll be able to get better shots of the sculpture.

Paris

I appreciate the guest post, Marian Combs.

A couple of years ago, my sister and I traveled to Paris for New Years. We had been planning this eight day trip for months and we were so excited to see the city. Her and I had both just recently graduated from college so this trip was a gift for us. We decided to take the trip to Paris after watching a special on the city on our satellite tv from Best Choice TV.com. We flew into Paris a few days before New Years and had our entire trip planned out day by day. We definitely did not want to miss anything. The first stop on our trip was Avenue Des Champs-Elysees. Since we had traveled the day before, we decided to just spend the day enjoy the widest street in Paris.

We spent the entire day just relaxing and going in and out of cafes and shops. That evening we visited a great, old theater and watched a French movie with English subtitles. The next day we visited a few different castles around Paris. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. All of the amazing architecture and ornate art was right up my alley. We had an amazing trip together that was full of truly breathtaking sights and some great memories.

Spring Necklace

I won this beautiful spring necklace from sari-saring kulay's birthday giveaway in July, and I love it to bits.  I was so delighted when this necklace finally arrived in my mailbox a few weeks ago. I think it's a perfect everyday wear to work. Also, I love that bookmark that came with a cute, mini wooden clip. 

Thank you so much, Caryn.

And if you like handmade stuff, don't forget to check Caryn's etsy shop here.

Happy Tuesday!

Monday Thoughts

It's Monday and my thoughts are everywhere.

• Life is good. Wait! I take that back. Life is GREAT!
• I still can't believe my brother is here. Although I wish my sister is here too.
• I love the Baguio made Lengua de gato biscuits and Strawberry Pastillas my sister sent me. 
• Autumn is here! I'm excited.
• I'm thinking of going Apple picking again.
• I love the research part of my job. The other responsibilities I refer to as blah and argh.
  
• I'm glad that three of my major house projects are done - office renovation, new roof and gutters. I'm poor, but my house is ready for winter.
• Six weeks before my vacation and I can't wait.
• I spilled hot cocoa on my cell phone. Now it's sticky.

It's one rainy Monday here and I'm so sleepy. Happy Monday everyone!

My Sitcom of the Century

Author: Jonathan Suarez

My all time favorite TV sitcom is Two and a Half Men. The Malibu beach house is a good setting for a playboy like Charlie. Alan on the other hand is such a doofus, I can easily see him trying to swim in the sand. Berta has such a dry sense of humor, it is impossible not to laugh at her. You know when she speaks, Charlie and Alan will end up towing the line. Jake is a mass of confusion, a mix between Charlie and Alan, leaning more toward Alan. Allen and Charlie's mother, Evelyn, is a hoot. No wonder the boys, Charlie and Alan, have so many hang ups. Rose is just a flat out nut case. You never know what she is going to pull, but whatever it is will be from the twilight zone. One thing about the Harpers and all their problems, they make for another new episode full of humor. It is the one show I watch that I even like the reruns. Every time I sit down to watch my favorite sitcom on the satellite TV I found at http://www.bestchoicetv.com/, I am in a lighter mood before I actually hit the chair. The off color humor makes it hard not to smile, even after a long, boring day at work.

Let's Talk Shower Heads

Brought to you by your friends at www.takeashower.com.

I have three full bathrooms at home, but one of them, the master bathroom, needs to be the next project on my "to be fixed list."  I am looking for great bathroom designs and a good, quality shower head. It really makes a huge difference if you have a quality, good working shower head. I've seen and used some shower heads that are just blah in performance. For me, the shower head determines how clean you feel after you showered.

So, if you're in the market for quality shower heads like me, don't forget to check takeashower.com. This site offers excellent quality shower heads like the Fire Hydrant Symphony, Fire Hydrant Spa, Fire Hydrant Spa Hand Held or Fire Hydrant Presidential. I think I'd like to recommend the Fire Hydrant Spa to my friend, R. When we visited her apartment, there was no pressure from her shower head. The Fire Hydrant Spa will surely fix her low water pressure problem. Also, take note that takeashower.com comes with an excellent recommendation with an A+++ ratings and is been in the business for over 21 years. I think they know what they're doing in the shower head business.

Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls)

It was tough to capture the beauty and power of the Canadian Falls. It doesn't matter what angle or distance you take your shots from because photographs just doesn't justify the beauty that is Niagara Falls. It doesn't even matter how many shots you took because you'll never find yourself satisfied with your photos and you'd want to take more. You see, the enchantment stays with the falls and the only way to totally absorb its beauty is to be still, marvel at it's entirety and listen to its thundering voice.

Happy Wednesday to all!

Tom is Back in Blue Bloods

Guest written by our friend Gladys Fuentes

Did you hear that Tom Selleck is returning to TV? I am such a fan. I fell in love with Tom during his Magnum P.I. days. That was my favorite show for years and I even watched many times in syndication. I also saw Tom play a sheriff in the recent series of Jesse Stone movies. Soon I can see him every week on CBS in the new fall drama called "Blue Bloods." He is playing the role of the New York City police chief named Frank. Apparently, his character's father was a previous police chief plus his children also work in law enforcement. So there will be a blend of family dynamics and police drama. I wonder if the drama will be more emotional or violent or a combination. Either way, this sounds like a perfect fit for Tom. He makes a good and believable cop. He is tough yet personable. He is handsome and rugged. He is a dream guy. I like watching him in powerful roles where he has difficult choices to make. Tom is such a good actor. I will most definitely be watching "Blue Bloods" on my directv on Friday, September 24. I can't wait!

Maryland Summer

Let's take a break from my Niagara Falls posts.

This Thursday will be the first day of autumn. Time has really flown, and although I am excited with the coming of the festive holidays, I also wonder where has the time gone. All I knew is that I couldn't wait for summer to be over and the next day, it's fall. Why does time fly when you're having fun? I guess it's time to air out those sweaters and coats again.

It seems that summer doesn't want to let go, as we're still expecting 90 degree temperatures in the next few days, I guess like me, summer doesn't do well with changes. Silly summer!

Well, here are some photos of Maryland summer; a good proof of what 2010 summer is (was) like.

A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made.  The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air. (Eric Sloane)

I am looking forward to autumn.

Home Decorating

Guest post by Gerard Mcdaniel

Home decorating is something I love doing and when I had the chance I decided to re-do my laundry room at my first house. It was plain in color and I wanted something that was more inviting while I was doing the laundry. I used my Clear 4G internet bundles to go online and look up ideas for what I could do in there. Though it was a laundry room, it was small. The door to the room swung in and the door to the garage swung in also, so that they almost touched. I decided to do the room in purple with small flowers on the walls and around the light switch. I also added cabinets above the washer and dryer and removed the metal rack that came with the house that was there. The cabinets came almost to the ceiling and there was a space in between. I added a clothing bar in between to hang the laundry from and placed all chemicals and laundry detergents in the cabinets. Plus I could store other cleaning items and garage items in the cabinets as well. I painted the cabinets purple too ans add the flowers in different shades of lighter purple around the edges of the cabinets and down the center.

A Room With A Breathtaking View

This is where we stayed in Niagara Falls. It was tough to make a choice which hotel has the best view of the waterfalls, so after countless research, checking and rechecking reviews, we chose the Sheraton Fallsview, and I think we made the right decision.

Taken early in the morning

The beds were nice and soft

But it was the window that mattered most

Priceless view

Another view from our hotel

Although the glass window is a bit smudged, it was a wonderful feeling to wake up to the steaming Niagara Falls in the morning.

A Familiar Face

It was our second day in Niagara Falls. I was busy snapping photos as we walked towards the waterfalls when I spotted someone or something familiar. I thought, "That can't be." I slowly approached that familiar face and it is that good ol' familiar Bee. I laughed and snapped a photo.

Do you see him?

How about now? Is that really the Jollibee mascot sticker?

Breaking News!!!

Jollibee mascot sticker spotted at a Niagara Falls sign pole!

Southern Brides

Guest post by Jewel Cole

I love the new 'Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC that takes place in Atlanta. It so much fun to see the southern states get some representation for once. Not that I do not like the New York version of the show but, I am from the south so it is nice to hear people who talk like me! This version of the show is so much fun and it is a lot more serious I think. I turn on my Satellite TV Arkansas and settle into the couch when large marathons are on. I to see when girls come in with complete opposite ideas of dress styles then their mothers. The best is when the consultant is able to find a dress that matches the modern tastes of the daughter for her big day but, the more conservative opinions of the mother who is actually buying the dress. A consultant has to be a stylist, emotional support and a financial adviser all in one breathe! I could not imagine doing that and helping a bride pick out what she will wear on the most important day of her life. I love seeing the different style wedding gowns too. I think it is great fun to think what I may get for my future wedding. This show is great to watch and for future ideas!

City Of Niagara Falls, Canada

We crossed the Canadian border at about 2 AM. The border patrol was smiling as we handed our passports. Once we reached the city, we could hear the waterfalls from a distance; we were so excited. This is the second time I visited Niagara Falls, but really, with the power and beauty of the Niagara Falls, you'll never get tired of staring at that nature's wonder. Since we got in the area too early in the morning, we decided to sleep in the car and wait for daylight. I think this is why I got sick in the first place; it was windy and cold that morning and I was so unprepared for the cooler temperature in the north. Sheesh, Maryland was still humid and hot when we left so I only packed the thinnest jacket I could find not knowing the sudden drop of temperature to where we were heading.

Here are a few photos I took around the City of Niagara Falls.

Rainbow Bridge

There were lots of blooming flowers around the city

Casinos

Hotels from all directions

The city is made charming by the well placed greenery

You can ride this tram to reach the waterfalls quicker

It's a quick ride

and here's a spectacular view while you ride the tram

Illusion? It looks like this building is paper thin

View from our hotel

The Skylon Tower

Ride the yellow pill all the way up

Niagara Falls has so many attractions, from getting soaked riding the Maid of the Mist to dining at rotating towers, but it is the view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls that is absolutely captivating

Powerful and beautiful

A wonderful Wednesday to all!

Style for Less

The Author of this post is Cheryl Martinez

The Style Network has some of the best fashion shows on my best cable tv deals. I always tune to them when I want to watch a style themed show. The current season line up is full of reality shows and docu-dramas of celebrities and fat children. I do miss Style Network of the past where everything really did focus on fashion. One of my favorite older shows is where they find people on the street or in malls to find a runway look for less. The contestant will have a certain amount of time and several hours to complete the challenge against someone else. They must complete a head to toe look that is reminiscent of the original runway look. I loved to see what items were identical to the designer look and how different people approached the challenge when they could not find what they were looking for. Some people were very creative while others failed miserably and did not often complete the look. These were not difficult looks either- most included a pant, shirt and shoe in funky colors that could easily be found any where. The idea of the show was to show that designer looks could be achieved at any budget or price point. People needed to use the imagination in order to win and if they did not then they lost.

Bronte Village, Ontario, Canada

Thank you for all the get well comments and wishes. I'm feeling much better and I'm starting to lose the froggy voice. Hopefully in a few days, I'll be back with my old self.

Here are a few of the photos I took while exploring the Ontario side of Canada. We visited Bronte Village on our third day in Canada. Bronte is just 10 to 15 minutes away from our base, Oakville. I love the peaceful, relaxing and quiet feeling the park brought me. No wonder a lot of fishing enthusiasts flock the area.

You'll be amazed at how many private yachts are docked

More yachts

A sea of blue

Dog and owner walking

A lighthouse stands watch

A good spot for fishing

Serenity

Seaweed buffet

Protecting territory

Two dogs and a man

Lakeshore houses

The houses here are well maintained

The middle house intrigues me - narrow and long

Happy Tuesday!