There's Life in the Garden

Winter is over. Spring time is here. Although with the heat of the sun, it sure feels like summer! And yet mornings are still a bit cold.

But there's life in our garden. I welcome them with gleeful anticipation. Let me give you a short tour in our backyard garden.Just look at these lettuce in our small green house. They are thriving. And my husband carefully told me, 'no need to water them anymore, just spray some water on the roots to avoid unwanted attention from worms.' And that is what I do. The melon is also planted on this side but we have yet to see it grow.
On the other side, still inside the green house, would be the tomatoes. IC loves eating them freshly picked. And these I religiously water. I know that we have also planted some corn seeds beside these tomatoes. More tomatoes would be planted outside when summer pushes.

And look at our strawberry field. Well, this might be a small patch of land to be called a field but wait when the harvest time approaches -- there would be enough for a small band of kindergarten munchkins. I love watching the strawberries when they bear fruits because they come so fast. Sometimes the worms and the birds are faster than us! Oh but there's enough to share for the past years, I hope for this year, too. I water this every morning.

And look at how busy our backyard looks like. Toys all around. The swing and the slides ready. The sandbox open. The grill waiting. The garden furnitures all outside. Can you see my two busy bees, IC and MC? Oh, they love their place in the sun; especially when it is time to feed the kois in our pond.

Of course, I love this time, too. I simply hate the dustings of sand that I would definitely find all over the house :D

Belt and Necklace in One

Here's a favorite accessory of mine: my belt cum necklace gem (guertelkette).

I got it as a gift from my husband last Easter. Actually, I specifically asked for one. I saw something like this in a small jewelry store near our place and simply fell in love with it. When I asked the jeweler what this was, she said:'oh, this is a real beauty. You can wear it as a belt or as a necklace.'

That intrigued me. Though I am not a fan of jewelry and not fond of belts as accessories; I wanted to have one. My husband tried to find one in popular department stores, but nobody can give him a clue where to get it. Once, he was even referred to the belt section! I told him to simply pass by the shop near our house because I already know what I wanted. And lovely man that he is, he got it wrapped and presented the gem with flourish.

The mix of different sparkling and dull gem stones, both precious and semi-precious; stringed together to form a masterpiece makes it one of a kind. I love the rough lay-out, not one stone the same in size; I love the color combination of the stones, they seem to come alive together. And I love the weight of it in me, delicate yet with a strong appeal. I love that the color of the stones can be easily combined with much of the clothes I have. I love it because it was lovingly designed with me in mind.

Yes, I am acquianted with the owner of the jewelry shop and she personally created this piece for me. And, knowing that I have two small kids, she changed the chain from the normal lightweight one, into a very stable type. Thus, I am not afraid to display by precious gem, even if the kids are running around me. Now I use it as a necklace for special dates; or as a belt for casual days; or vice versa!

I think I want another one, with louder colors, for Mother's Day :D

This was first posted in PMN: Lifestyle.

A Day with A Fellow Mommy Blogger

I've met mommy bloggers in the Philippines this February; and why not the mommy bloggers living near me here in Germany? So, after exchanging loads of comments and telephone calls, I finally met with Vk last Sunday.

We drove to her place, despite her protests; insisting that there might not be enough space to move around. But she agreed when I convinced her that space doesnt really matter; after all we have been planning this meeting for a long time. And I am too excited to worry about space :)

Armed with a map of the area and a printed direction; we left the house at 11 a.m. as we are expected to arrive at 12 noon. Remember, the drive should be for 35 mins only. Well, arrive we did but after getting lost and circling the area two times, we got there after 12 noon.

In the end, I had to call Vk for a point by point direction as I dont want to be circling until noon. The kids were also getting uneasy. We finally found them after another 10 minutes of here and there; and I immediately saw Vk waiting outside. And like a long lost friend, we embraced in glee :D

our hubbies getting to know each other, that's the best in blogging; you gain more friends

Vk excitely opening the gift we brought her

lunch was great...Vk's dishes were so mouthwatering I ended up with at least five servings, hahaha. And did I say I am working on a fitness program? I love her taco salad and I have the recipe with me. And dessert was leche flan, wow!

So we decided to walk to the playground to burn the calorie; and to play of course :D


Group photo first :D

The kids enjoyed playing with Ate Kim; so much that they wanted to bring her home :D
Here's another playground, more gymnastics for the kids; and the moms of course!

After that long walk, the gymnastics and the long playtime; tea time.

Here is Kim's Zebra Cake which we would be enjoying this noontime as I got some take out, too.

And here is Vk's Mandarinen Kuchen (Mandarin Cake); it taste's good but I didnt bother asking for the recipe as I dont trust myself with this kind of cakes'. The flop factor is too immense :D

MC got to learn with Ate Kim and she learned fast.

IC must try it, too.

And not to forget, the bonding time with pens and papers. The kids enjoyed the day. Of course, they went home happy as they got loads of surprises from Tita Vk.

I had a great time and my family, too. I simply love exchanging anecdotes about our life here in Germany and those in the Philippines. As for the kids, they are now busy getting ready for Vk's visit to us. It is now our turn to play host.

Thanks a lot, Lamberz Family.