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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!