Saturday, April 20, 2013

Getting my hands dirty

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Finally, spring is here!

Oh I’m so loving it. The warm-ish weather brings joy into my heart because here in Maine, when you see the sun, it doesn’t matter if it is 32 degrees… it is warm enough. And when it’s warm enough, it only means that I can spend more time outdoors whether taking a photo walk down the back road or running 3 miles or starting my garden.
yard photo: Back yard 003_zps0bcf0328.jpg
Speaking of garden, I have decided that this year, I will finally get my hands dirty and get into sustainable gardening. Yup, it’s a drastic decision I’ve ever made so far. You see, my Sweetest loves gardening. It’s part of his spring rituals. He loves his vegetable garden even if he doesn’t eat veggies. Yes, for real! As for me, I love eating veggies but I don’t want to participate in gardening because I don’t want dirt under my fingernails.
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So this year, as a first time gardener with zero knowledge on planting… I did my homework and researched about how to start a garden.
yard photo: yard 380588_3929791690378_282767478_n.jpg
First of all I listed down the gardening supplies that I need to jumpstart a garden. And first in my list is a good pair of gardening gloves – so I won’t get dirt under my fingernails. Then, I wrote down the kind of plants I want to plant. I will have an “organic salad garden” so I will save on my lunches. I will have arugula, baby spinach, romaine lettuce, celery, carrots, beans and bell peppers. I will also have herbs since I am planning on putting my new toys to work – a dehydrator to make my own seasonings. And probably have a little flower garden of tulips in different colors.
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Then, I have to dig up my Sweetest’s gardening tools in the shed to get them ready to start the garden. And last by not the least, get myself a Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch which is made from 100% Florida-grown Eucalyptus.
What is a Eucalyptus Mulch? Here is what I learned about it:
1. SUSTAINABLE: Sustainably-harvested and plantation grown Eucalyptus is considered a renewable resource because it re-grows up to 4-times faster than Cypress.*
2. NATURAL: Made from 100% plantation-grown Eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus Mulch is guaranteed free from any construction, demolition, pallet, or other waste materials.
3. EFFECTIVE: Prevents weeds naturally** while helping to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature.
4. LOCAL: 100% Florida-grown - helps support your local economy.
Scotts Nature Scapes Advanced Classic Black photo ScreenShot2013-04-04at13618PM_zps99d72d69.png
And here is what I consider as very important thing about Eucalyptus.

*Sustainably-harvested and plantation grown Eucalyptus is considered a renewable resource because it re-grows up to 4-times faster than Cypress.
**A three-inch layer of Eucalyptus Mulch naturally helps prevent weeds by blocking growth and access to sunlight.

As a first-timer, I deepen my research on the use of Eucalyptus mulch since my Sweeetest’s instruction is plain and simple. Actually, more plain… just put it on the ground. LOL. Well, I need specific instruction and here is a more detailed instruction.
How to Use: Spread 3 inches deep. Keep mulch several inches from tree trunks and house foundations or other wood structures.
When to Apply: Apply around trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetables after seeds have germinated and plants have developed.
Where to Use: Apply around trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetables after seeds have germinated and plants have developed.
Where Not to Use: Avoid use: Before seeds have germinated, around underdeveloped plants, and within several inches of house foundations or other wood surfaces.
Coverage Area: A 2 cu. ft. bag will cover the following: At a depth of 2 inches, 12 sq. ft of bedding area. At a depth of 3 inches, 8 sq. ft. of bedding area. At a depth of 4 inches, 6 sq. ft. of bedding.
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And oh by the way, for those of us non-Florida readers, Scotts Nature Scapes mulch is also an option for our landscaping needs this Spring. It helps in maintaining moisture which is very important to me who always forget to water the plants. It helps prevent the growth of weeds which is annoying. And it creates a groomed landscape all year long.
Deep Forest Brown photo ScreenShot2013-04-04at13636PM_zpsf0e45903.png
So if you are thinking of re-doing your front lawn or wanting to make one, it comes in 3 different colors and variety of textures so maybe you want to try Classic Black around your oak trees or Sierra Red near your rock garden or Deep Forest Brown around your flower beds. And yes, they’re natural forest products so no waste wood. Scotts Mulch

There you go friends, I am so ready for spring and I am so ready for my spring garden. I can wait to start. This weekend will be the day. I just pray that it will not rain because anything can happen up here in Maine. Worse… it could be another snow storm. Hayyy.

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Saturday, April 6, 2013

I don't have an "alibi"

Yes, I have been in hiatus for[ever]. Yes, I took an indefinite absence from blogging. And yes, I have no alibis!

Working 12 hours a day is not an alibi since I can play "Words with Friends" till 10 or 11 PM every night. Training for a race is not an alibi since I rarely run to train. And busy doing with chores is definitely not an alibi since I got tons of things to do around the house.

So what is the reason why I have not been blogging for more more than a couple of months now? Good question!

I have none!

Being lazy is not an alibi either... it's in my DNA! [lol]

But I'm back but don't count on it because it is only an "alibi". [hahahaha]

Miss you all.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Looking for Apartments? There’s an App for that!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of apartments.com for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We were having lunch at work the other day when one of the teachers commented, “Nobody stays in the same place anymore”. At hindsight, I thought to myself, “It could be true.” For some reasons I was browsing for new apartments and houses for rent online for hours last weekend. I had no intention of moving [yet] but the thought of change I believe is inevitable and I myself am not exempted  from facing this reality one day.
This morning my co-worker confided that she is looking for a new apartment to move in. She and ex-husband are planning to sell the house they shared for the past 10 years and now that they are living their own separate ways she needs to move on and start all over again. Then I remember about the website where I was browsing for apartments at apartments.com.

For a non-computer geek like my co-worker, I told her how easy it is to navigate and search the website for new apartments. Looking for a dream home through this website is a no-brainer. It's user-friendly and can be searched by state or location, maximum rent amount, number of bedrooms, amenities, and other important stuff that home-lookers are looking for an ideal abode. And true to what I say, she just loves how important information is also provided for each complex which makes it easier for her to make important decision that she needs to make the move. And more importantly, she loves the “apps” where she can check updates on the available and new listings for rent on her iPhone and iPad.

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As for myself, since I am not really looking for a new place just yet, but still I benefit from this website because it offers useful information and tips not only from finding the right apartment to landlord and lease issues but also from home decorating to housekeeping… from health to safety and from money to moving and settling in. The information I get from this website is enormous and phenomenal that is why I didn’t realized I was browsing the site for hours. It was an entirely new experience for me. That is why I follow it on tweeter so I can get updates on their new listings.

And knowing my friend… knowing that she loves this website… I bet she had already tweeted her apartment search experience and will soon be making a decision. And in no time, she will be moving in and moving on.

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Saturday, January 19, 2013

Californication Day 5 (Part 4): Sta. Monica concluded my Day 5 in CA

So we said goodbye to Rodeo Drive, Baby and went straight to Sta. Monica to complete our itinerary of the day. It was a fine sunny day and by this time, it was a little milder compared to the temp earlier.

Sta. Monica Beach is another must-see when you are in California. And at that time of the year I would not pass that rare opportunity just to be near the beach because back in Maine, it was freezing cold and snow-covered.

 The Pacific Pier is one of the attractions around here. This is a playground for kids and kids-at-heart alike.
 And since I was already there, I had to take a shot of the balloons just for the heck of it.
 And I was right on target. A little kitty stuffed toy was a cute reward for the little hard work.


Here are some useful links about Sta. Monica:
1. Visit Sta. Monica Pier
2. What to do in Sta. Monica Beach

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This is one of my AMERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.


Read more about my AMERICA HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Californication Day 5 (Part 3): Rodeo Drive, Baby!

Oh yes, after we got observed or rather we observed the great Griffith Observatory... we drove to one of the famous destinations in California for celebrities like me [wink] - Beverly Hills. LOL

Me at @ Rodeo Drive

It's a tradition. Since when? I don't know. I just made it up, okay. Or maybe I was in my Pretty Woman mode at that time. Well, I remember something - when in Beverly Hills... Rodeo Drive, Baby! Yeah, it's a line in the movie. Or it was just one of my many alibis when I want to go shopping. LOL.
@ Via Rodeo stairs near Tiffany Store

But one thing is sure though. I got a driving force to see the hotel where Edward (Richard Gere) and Vivian (Julia Roberts) fell in love. Why? Pretty Woman is my favorite movie of all time. It's not that I can relate to it... but who doesn't like modern day fairytale stories? So yes, I saw it and it felt pretty indeed.
Me in front of The Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel

And since I was in my Pretty Woman moment I strutted and walked up and down Rodeo Drive admiring the holy shrines of high end consumerism. I walked by the same place where Vivian walked and walked pretty-womanly. hahaha on my way to the sacred shops of Tiffany's and Louis Vuitton. LOL
Me, waiting for the green light as we headed to check out other stores

It was such a wonderful experience to be in a place where everything is beautiful and insanely expensive even just for a brief moment.
The stairs going to Via Rodeo where the grand tree was standing.

Oh well, even just for a brief moment I was in wonderland but reality sank in when I realized I cannot afford any of the merchandise they had in the store. And I woke right up when I noticed that nothing was on "sale or clearance". Whew, what a bad dream.
Carmen, Joey and I - taking a little break from window shopping

Honestly, I didn't buy anything at Rodeo Drive. Why, would I? The "Edward" of my life was left in Maine so "Vivian" had to settle on admiring those pricey purses at LV and beautiful jewelries at Tiffany's. After spending a few more minutes checking out the latest in fashion at different high end stores we hopped in the car and set forth to Sta. Monica to conclude my Californication Day Five.


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This is one of my AMERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.


Read more about my AMERICA HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

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