Santa Skis At The National Harbor

One of the things we did during the Christmas weekend is watch the water ski stunts at the National Harbor. What's intriguing is that the skiers were in Christmas costumes. It was so chili that day that Kepi got sick the next day. Obviously, the water is cold at this time of year and I was impressed how the skiers took the waters and went on with their show anyway.

The National Harbor Christmas Tree. This is the area where the water skiers performed.

A dog elf.

Frosty the snowman on a boat.

The water skiing reindeers.

A flying elf.

An elf sky skiing.

This is the Grinch, who couldn't get his jet ski started.

Of course - water skiing Santa.

Santa did well skiing. My only comment is that this is one fit Santa.

Houses and My Hobbies

Thanks for the post, Arthur Lawrence.

Houses have always been my thing ever since I was little and I just love working on them and making them something special to feel proud of. I love living here in Texas and for as long as I can remember I’ve been going to open houses and driving around on the weekends trying to find out what’s available in my price range. Anyway, not too long ago I got wireless internet Humble and that’s helped me stay on top of the homes in my area while I’m in my car driving around. I think I may become a sort-of real estate investor but I’ll need my dad’s help to get started – I’m going to have to talk to him about getting into business with me. I love being a part of a project and there’s no greater project than fixing up an old house. Bringing life back to properties is something I feel passionate about and that’s the honest to goodness truth! I can’t wait to get off and running on this venture.

A Christmas Morning

I woke up real early on Christmas Day and tiptoed to the kitchen to make myself a warm cup of cocoa.

Everyone was still asleep as we had a late night on Christmas Eve.  After the Midnight Festive Mass, we came home at around 1 AM and proceeded to open our presents; it was Christmas morning after all. It was a wonderful, warm feeling to see family light up with smiles as they each opened their wrapped presents. Pieces of wrappers and ribbons fell down like rain, as Dizzy, the house cat, pawed and playfully chewed the ribbons and perched on every discarded wrapper. At this time of year, it is about family, home and of course - the cat.

It's not about the presents at all. Christmas morning was made beautiful with thoughts that: a Savior's birth is celebrated; my family is tucked safely at home sleeping; thankful that my health is improving; my job is going well; love abounds at home; and blessings never stop pouring.

After the presents have been unwrapped and the shouts of excitement dissipated, it was nice to wake up to a quiet, peaceful morning. A Christmas morning made special with a cup of cocoa and the warm company of a cat.

Greetings

Dear All,

Merry Christmas from our home to yours.

Thank you for everything.

Love,

Kayni

Denmark's Frederiksborg Castle

From Copenhagen, we hopped on a train to Hillerod. It was a thirty minute ride along Denmark's green country side. When we got to Hillerod, we had to figure out which direction was the castle; there were no signs at the train station and there was no customer service to ask for information. Coincidentally, there was a couple from California who were also looking for the castle and we all decided to just walk and ask the locals. In a matter of minutes, we were able to figure out where we're supposed to be heading.

I was in awe when I saw the castle across the lake. Kepi and I bid goodbye to the California couple as they kept walking while we decided to stop for photos.

It was a good 15 minute walk until we finally reached the front of the castle.

A fountain in front of the castle.

This is the main entry to the castle after crossing the moat.

More of Frederiksborg Castle to come.

Postcard From Denmark

Frederiksborg Castle is one of my favorite castles in Denmark. The location, the castle itself and the gardens are simply spectacular.

Frederiksborg Castle is situated in the centre of Hillerod on three islets in the Castle Lake surrounded by Frederiksborg Castle Gardens.

Frederiksborg Castle Gardens consist of a romantic landscaped garden and a baroque garden, recreated in 1996 according to studies of J.C. Krieger's gardens from 1725. (Source)

iPad Cases

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

I just saw J's new ipad today, and it looks really great. His main complaint is that, it gets dirty easily because he carries his ipad everywhere. I suggested that he should invest on a quality leather ipad case. This should help keep his ipad safe and clean. If you're looking for an ipad case as well, check out ottocase.com. This site has a great selection of ipad cases. I especially like their Sestos ipad 2 leather case. I think that this will perfectly fit my ipad, and it looks really professional. This way, I can bring my ipad to meetings and conferences.

This site is well-organized, and each item comes with a detailed photo and an in-depth product description. I love this feature because it makes shopping a lot easier. You can also find iPhone 4/Fs cases, smartphone cases and tablet cases. This is a great place to find the right case or cases for your love ones and friends especially that it's the holiday season.

The Little Mermaid Of Copenhagen

After the Gefion Fountain, we took the bus to see the Little Mermaid. What I had in my mind was the Ariel in Disney movies - you know, red flowing hair, fair skinned and beautiful voice.  Well, the sculpture is very simple but very iconic.

 The Little Mermaid symbolizes the fairy tale by Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen, the story of a young mermaid who fell in love with a prince who lived on land, and often came up to the edge of the water to look for her love. (Source)

The story of The Little Mermaid is not a very happy one - she visits a witch and agrees to give the witch her tongue, in exchange for legs to replace her fish tail, so she can live on land with her love, the prince she's seen from her visits to the shore. And every step she takes on her new legs hurt like she is walking on swords. To be with her love she chooses to become a mute and to be in pain with every step she takes. Yet despite all her dreams and sacrifices she never gets to be with him. (Source)

Copenhagen's Gefion Fountain

After the Rosenberg Castle, we took the bus to the Gefion Fountain. Copenhagen is real easy to get around with Copenhagen's efficient train and bus system, everything is accessible.  Also, we stayed at a hotel walking distance to one of the metro stops, so it was easy for us to just hop on the train wherever we wanted to go. Fortunately, it was perfect walking weather when we were in Copenhagen so we made the most of it and spent most of our days outdoors.

 The Gefion Fountain is the largest monument in Copenhagen. The fountain is to Copenhagen what the Fontana di Trevi is to Rome, a wishing-well. The goddess Gefion is the fountain’s main figure.(Source)

Even if the main attraction is the fountain, if you find yourself here, I suggest you walk around the park.

 English Church - St. Alban's Church (1885-87)

I love the water lilies. I found this area very relaxing.

St. Alban's Church taken at the entrance to the Kastellet.

This is definitely one of the places I enjoyed visiting in Copenhagen.

Shop And Save

If you're thinking about Christmas shopping, this is the week you should be crossing off items on your list. Don't wait for the last minute! And if you're the type of person who loves to shop as well as love to save like me, then you should be checking out BestOnlineCoupons.com because this is the place to save and get the coupons you love from your favorite shops and stores. I, for one, will be checking out their Old Navy Coupons to get some of my Christmas shopping done. But the site offers so many coupons from all the popular stores like Apple Store Coupons, Newegg Coupons, Overstock.com Coupons, Best Buy Coupons and much, much more.

And if you're too worried about your online orders not making it on time for Christmas Day, do check out Shipping Deadlines for Christmas 2011. With this calendar, you can still order without the stress of worrying if your items won't arrive on time. I love how this Shipping Deadlines for Christmas 2011 is set up; it's like an organizer and it really helps shopper gauge if their gifts will still make on time. You know, instead of standing on long line at stores and malls, why don't you just take advantage of these saving coupons and order without the stress online. In no time, you're all set for Christmas without even dealing with crowded malls. I love the sound of that. How about you?

Blomus Stainless

Brought to you by your friends at thestainlesssteelstore.com.

I've been thinking of getting some new stuff for my kitchen. Depends if I have extra money but I have been slowly purchasing stuff to replace my old college kitchen appliances. But maybe this Christmas season, I'd like to get me one of those blomus chromebaskets. I think it will perfectly complement my kitchen especially that I have to have fruits all the time. If you like blomus stainless appliances or utentils, The Stainless Steel Store might be the place for you.

The website is so organized and each item comes with a photo and a complete product description. You can find all blomus kitchen products, outdoor products, or any stainless steel products that would make your home more welcoming and cozy. Right now, I am ogling at their Blomus 5 Piece Cita Stainless Steel Cruet Set. I think that's perfect for my dining table. How about you?

Copenhagen's Rosenberg Castle

After our Baltic tour, we stayed in Copenhagen for four days to rest before we head home to the US.  Copenhagen is clean, friendly and it's an easy city to navigate.  We loved walking around the city, eating bread and pastries on their cafes, exploring the tourist spots and most of all - their beautiful castles.  I really enjoyed Copenhagen; there's just something about this city that makes me feel at home.  Anyway, one of our first stops is the Rosenberg Castle.

Rosenborg Castle stands today, with its tall towers and its red masonry with sandstone ornaments, as a distinguished example of Christian IV's many building projects, perfect despite many changes during its construction history. The Castle is built in the special Dutch Renaissance style which became typical of Danish buildings during this period. A couple of architects, Bertel Lange and Hans van Steenwinckel, are associated with the Castle. Christian IV's own effort is often discussed but there is no doubt that he came up with many of the ideas. (Source)

The castle is located close to the Royal Garden, where we spent a lot of our time relaxing, watching people and just sitting on their vast grassy lawn.

This is the view from The Royal Garden.

This window is from the entrance gate to the castle.

There's more of Denmark to come. I apologize for being absent in the blogging world as life has caught up with me. Also, I've been trying to finish my two final papers for my first semester in grad school, while preparing for the holidays.

Life is good. I hope that you're all doing well. Thank you for always visiting.

Address Plaques

Brought to you by your friends at justaddressplaques.com.

I often wonder if my neighbors can still read my house number.  You see, when I bought my house two years ago, the house came with wear and tear and one of them is the address plaque. I guess it's time to check out justaddressplaques.com. I heard that they offer personalized address plaques.  Wouldn't it be nice to have your own address plaques personalized? Or, this is also a great idea for gift giving. What do you think?

This website offers a lot of variety and styles for you to choose from.  Their bronze address plagues are really great looking, and I bet one of those would look great on my house.  One feature I love about this site is that their website is so easy to navigate, and their products come with photos including product description.  These features for me are very important especially for online shopping. So if you're in the market for residential address plaques or any style for your home address, do check them out.

Mailboxes

Brought to you by your friends at whitehallmailboxesdirect.com.

It's that time of year when mailboxes are busy with Christmas cards and packages coming from places far and wide.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a brand new mailbox installed especially those quality and nicely finished whitehall mailboxes.  If you're in the market of great quality mailboxes, check out whitehallmailboxesdirect.com because they have a wide variety of styles of mailboxes and other whitehall products you can choose from.

This website is very well organized and I love that their products are accompanied with a nice photo and detailed product description.  These features certainly makes shopping easier. I'm checking out their websites and I'm really liking one of those Superior Monogram Streetside Mailboxes. How about you?

Coca-Cola Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

This is not the first time I'm writing about OFWs, and every chance I get to write about Filipino OFWs, it is an opportunity I take with pride and joy.  I am absolutely proud of all the hard-working Filipino OFWs.  I have met a number of them in countries so far away and in cruises sailing to distant islands.  I hope that wherever they are this Christmas season may they feel the love and warmth of the place they miss the most -  a place called HOME.

An OFW's sacrifices have no equal.  Every time I think of all the men and women who sacrifice for their families, my heart melts with pride and joy.  Watch this heartwarming video and tell me if it doesn't warm up all the corners of your heart:

Let's get to know the OFWs who Came Home to Dinner:

So to our OFWs, be prepared because you never know when Coca-Cola's Where Will Happiness Strike Next might find YOU.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Source

My dearest Mom,

I wish you a wonderful birthday.

Thank you for the unending love and support you have given.

You were there when I was born.
You are here in my trying times.

I would not have made it without you.

Love,

Kayni