OW: On Family Blog

Hello everyone! I'm feeling a little bit tired to do two posts today for the same thing, since we were outdoors mostly today, so...

Click on this blog and you'll see my Outdoor Wednesday fun today!

Complicated Simplicity

Love y'all for peeking!

Curious about Coleus?

Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"
Sorry for the absence, we've had so many things going on schedule wise that I needed a break from at least one blog. Also, I'm in the process of melding two of my blogs so I'm working on that as well.

But today, I want to tell you about an indulgence buy that is so making me want to be outdoors more. My coleus plants! I got them at Home Depot for $1.29 a pot (there are three in the pot.

Also, I just love these rectangular claypots! I've wanted some for so long but could never really afford them. So last week, I told myself that I'm living a little and spent money on those pots. Seeing them everyday helps me to get up and out and check on all of my plants, as few as they are.

And those coleus, I just love, love them but the few I've tried in the past, didn't grow so well and well, died! LOL

Look! I have two of them! I'm being brave, ha? LOL And look at this bottom one, is that a flower?

Susan, a big thanks for being our gracious host today and to all of our blog friends, thanks for sharing my post today!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" is nuts about purple) Surround yourself and your table with your favorite colors when celebrating anything. It's a quick "pick me up" remedy!

Thanks for peeking!

Shhh! It's real-lily my choice!

Hosted by Susan and Dixie
Thanks to all!
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Consistency and Hope

Hosted by Susan and Dixie
Susan wants outdoors and Dixie wants "Father" so I got these instead to define how we see the fathers in our lives. (Pictures borrowed online) Shhhh...

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Scared or Relaxing?

Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"
It's Wednesday again, and I'm feeling much better!!! Thank you to all who prayed for me. Two of my kids also got sick within hours of each other, but are better now, too.

Last Saturday, my two young kiddos found him against the fence that border our apartment unit against an alley way. We didn't know if their presence stunned him or he was too comfortable to move...

What do you think?

Thanks, Susan for hosting another great week! Make sure to visit her and many more who participated today!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" surprises me sometimes...) You don't have to create an African Safari theme on your table, instead do a neighborhood safari theme! Take pictures of your local animals and go to the library to figure and borrow books about your local fauna. Use the same books to prop your centerpiece and create a transfer on table runner with the pictures of the animals you caught! For flowers, use what's in your garden or what's common in your area. An inexpensive runner and centerpiece but with a great impact!

Rarest Eagle

Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"

On June 12th, my family and I will be recognizing the Philippine Independence Day, so in honor of that, I will be featuring some of the "Pride of Pinoys" (Filipino Pride) for Outdoor Wednesdays. Susan, I hope you don't mind... ;-)

This is our very own eagle. I have never seen one, but have had the pleasure of listening to stories and legends surrounding this bird. It's truly an honor to know that this eagle is not just any eagle but rather "unmatched" in his own right...

I'll let those who have had the pleasure of being in this awesome creature's presence, educate all of us of his majesty.
The “Philippine Eagle” (a.k.a. Monkey Eating Eagle) is the tallest, largest and most powerful bird in the world, and definitely one of the rarest. A symbol of our country’s heritage and it’s goals of flying high. (3critical.wordpress.com)

This bird of prey, or raptor, belongs to the family Accipitridae and also called “Haribon” or “Haring Ibon,” meaning “Bird King.” (melovillereal.com)

The Philippine eagle is the world's largest eagle, and one of the most threatened raptors. The sexes are similar in appearance, possessing a creamy white belly and underwing, whilst the upperparts are a rich chocolate-brown, with a paler edge. The long feathers of the head and nape form a distinctive, shaggy crest and are creamy-buff in colour with black streaks. Chicks have white down, and juveniles are similar in appearance to adults but have white margins to the feathers on the back and upperwing. The heavy legs are yellow with large, powerful claws, and the large, deep bill is a bluish-grey. Endemic to the Philippines and found on parts of the larger islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. The great Philippine eagle was once widespread throughout these islands, and although the current population is unknown it is thought to represent fewer than 250 mature individuals. (Arkive.com)

I would love to see one up close, or better yet, see it perched side by side next to the Bald Eagle symbolizing unity of strength and beauty in all people from all walks of life. That we truly have a small world, too small to bother with petty differences... Susan, I thank you for this opportunity to highlight such a wonderful creature. To all of you, make sure to visit Susan and see what other beauty lies around you! Thanks for peeking!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" is in awe of this bird) You've seen those bird prints on dinnerware. Why not create a tablescape all about them? You can have all kinds of fun with, make it specific, regional, by variety, by country. It doesn't matter, just have fun and know that birds are there to dot the skies with extra color, majesty and beauty...

The Whitest Beach of Asia

Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"
Now that it's almost summer time, I can't help but long to lounge on the beaches of the Philippines. And if you have ever been to the Philippines, you'd know the first beach to try would be the Boracay Islands!

I'll let Yahoo Travel and Nomad4Ever tell you just how beautiful it is...





Yahoo Travel's 2007 World's Most Popular Beach

"Most people have heard of Boracay, which is sometimes called the “Whitest Beach of Asia” - and it’s true! If you thought so far, the beaches of Bali are nice, or Thailands beaches are white - you haven’t seen the real deal. I kid you not! Boracay has truly a powdery white sand, which is of no comparison to any other beach in Asia. Maybe the Maldives come close - but then, they are much more expensive, exclusive and you are basically locked on a tiny island for the time of your stay." (Nomad4ever dot com)

Are you ready to pack your bags? I am! (At least I wish I am...)

Thanks Susan for letting me go on a virtual beach tour of my beloved birth country.

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain so misses the Philippines) Create a table using only colors of the country you wish to visit or have visited the most. Don't worry about the artwork or images that represent the country, but rather, focus on the colors... Let the food from that country shine when placed in in solid colors of its origin place in the world.

Then and Now...

Hosted by Susan and Barb
It's amazing what kinds of changes almost two years can bring... From Feb 2004 to Jun 2007, this gold housing unit was what we called home. That tree leaned on the fence "wall" and had thorns that could stab or gouge. I always had mixed feelings about holding anything outdoors, but we managed to have great outdoor swims (on an inflatable pool), church activities for young girls, and birthday and potluck parties. Though AZ was too hot and dry for this tropical girl, I made the best of our situation and invited many into our home.


Just last weekend, for three nights, and two days, this was our home while we were there. The 4-diamond Radisson Fort McDowell Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona by Fountain Hills... It really is a gorgeous place where the location lends to magnificent night time sky viewing.

Instead of walking to university pool for a quarter of a mile, we merely had to go down the elevator and go out to the patio where a gated pool with waterfalls on four spouts atop a slim "wall" invite you. We went night swimming and the gushing water was cold! Brrr... but the pool water was just right. Mmmm...

Here's the other side of the pool area. The small one is a spa. Our family enjoyed our time there and the quiet and scenic commute was worth the distance from all the places we needed to be at. We will definitely go back!

I'd like to thank our hosts today, Susan and Barb for letting us have fun outdoors, too! Make sure to visit many of the participants today! I, for one, have a lot of catching up to do!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain misses night swimming") I've seen a lot of seaside, underwater or beachside tables lately, but don't forget that most stores are selling dinnerware for poolside so choose colors that go well with the main look of your poolside garden and create a great table using the same colors! For example, blue and green, blue and silver, green and orange, white and yellow and orange. The choices are endless!

Muggy and Moist...

Hosted by "French Lique, Texas"

Today's code word is MOTHER.

Hint: What do moms love to do?

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Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"

This is the reason why I wasn't able to participate in Barb's Patio & Porch Party,

this 15-minute waterfall from last Saturday.

It fell all over the outside of my unit that kept my patio quite soggy. ;-(

Look at this horizon, it looks like it's foggy isn't it? Nope!

That's a solid downpour of intense rain!

Thanks Susan and Dixie for hosting another great Wednesday!

Make sure to visit her and the other participants today...

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" has this in mind soon...) I've seen this in others' blogs. We focus on plates to round out or start off our tablescape, but on wet, cold days, make your meal your centerpiece! On a big lazy Susan, place the big soup bowl surrounded by the bowls or mugs and everyone grabs their own portion and enjoy a heartwarming movie!

I got a question from my yesterday's post. It was asked by Susan @ "Thoughts From Over the Rainbow". I figured many of you are curious so here's the Q&A:

"Now why don't you like Gibson. period. ?:)"

To be honest, I have no concrete reason other than I've only recently heard of them from a friend/neighbor. She had the "Grape Leaves" white embossed plates. My "Nepal" flatware by Gibson rusted after a month and I'm still waiting for the replacements plus back in March, at the same Goodwill, they had two aisles of dishes, mostly intact sets and most were by Gibson. I got tired of seeing their logo after a while and I left with one Sheffield teacup and dessert bowl combo. In exception to the wheat stalks patterned dinnerware, I've never had any of their patterns make me take a second look, really...

Prepping Plates for the Patio Party Meme

Hosted by "French Lique, Texas"
Seeing Purple... The word today is "PLATES"... (shh..., they are all e-bay photos)





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Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"
I'm sure everyone's excitedly getting ready for Barb's May 5th Porch and Patio Party like I am!

While I get my patio in shape in the next week, let me share two inspiration ones.

From Target dot com

I love how this set blends in with the tile. It looks like the set was pulled up from the tiles!

From Patio Set dot com

I love teak especially those with storage capacities!

I can't wait to see my patio all cleaned up!

A BIG THANK YOU TO SUSAN AND DIXIE FOR HOSTING AGAIN TODAY!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" will be doing this with me on the 5th) Revolve your tablescape according to main color of your patio set to create a flawless and professional look. If dark, use it as accent colo. If light, infuse a natural element to bring it to life. Instead of a regular lemonade, do a Pineapple Zinger (pineapple with ginger ale) or any virgin cocktail you like. Have string lantern woven through the umbrella with some tropical garland or strung up above the dining area to add romance and low votives to bring a soft glow to the table.

All Shook Up!

Hosted by Susan and Dixie

Susan's all about Spring magic outdoors today and Dixie wants to honor the earth. I think I've accomplished both in today's story and photos without realizing it. How awesome is that?!

This little bird was caught in the strong wind that rattled the branches of the trees in front of our unit! Is that a finch?

Right after church last Sunday, it was quite windy! I mean big swoops would come by, whistle and die down and come right back again! This poor little bird was on our fence during one of the "die down" phases when I noticed him (or her). I quickly barked to my children something similar to "g-- ah, ca-m-ra! Now!" which made them stay put more and wonder what happened to my tongue! I pointed to the bird, the opened door, made clicking actions and finally someone grabbed the camera. LOL. Of course by the time I got, it had no memory card! When it was finally in, the bird flew away! (grrr!)

Now, I'm not saying this was a monster wind, but you would have busted up laughing if you would have seen this bird. When it flew away, it was slapped by the wind into our rattling tree and bounced it around in there before it managed to grab on to this tiny branch! I had to switch to SPEED mode to catch the poor bird hanging on for dear life. Look at his anxious face!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves... (Watch the leaves, no trick photography here! I just clicked away!)

Thanks to our gracious hosts, Susan and Dixie! Make sure to come visit them so you can see more participants! You all rock for stopping by!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" says the bird thing was funny but she also felt bad...) This is nothing new. With all the possibilities now a days, it is so easy to do theme tables, so make one! Even better do one that triggers good memories. Like have a nature theme where it's about animals you recently had a soft spot for like from a recent or memorable zoo trip! Find items to help you trigger that memory. Invite those that were present with you and relive the memories fondly over great food and table! Instead of "groomed" flowers, use a wild flower bouquet, and put it a more natural looking pot. Use leaf-shaped plates with natural colors, so no neon pink unless it's for a flamingo experience. Have a natural menu of salads. nuts and fruits. Instead of smoothies, have slices of fruits and water in like a coconut or other creative drinkware suited for your theme!

A fat and juicy thank you is in order: I have over 50 followers! Wow! I feel so loved! Thank you, thank you! You feed my creativity. "Brain" is being fattened up by your great comments and friendships. She is literally tipping me over. LOL

Oh yeah, I am co-hosting the THRIFTY THURSDAY meme with Leigh of "Tales from Bloggeritaville and I will have Mr. Linky up tonight by 9:30 PM! (Sorry my kids go to bed at 9:00) So come on over tonight and join on the fun of showing off your latest "thrifty" treasures. Link up your permalink, not your main blog address so everyone can find your TT post quickly. Oh also tomorrow night, Susan, our Tablescape Thursday host will have Mr. Linky up at 9PM, so make sure you join up there as well!

See you tonight!