Unique Exposures - Postcards

(Click to enlarge)

I do this a lot, turning the photos I took in Vienna into postcards. I sell some at online stores, hopefully they get sold too. :D This Flowershop can be found at the center of Vienna.

My first post for Unique Exposures.

Sony Ericsson Phones

In a span of almost 3 years, I have had 4 Sony Ericsson (SE) handyphones that I have really loved and used well. Among its series I had were the D750i, the W800i, the w580i and in photo, the K770i.

What I really like about SE phones, aside from the design and walkman feature, is their integration of the Cybershot cameras. Since photography is my passion, having an SE phone is always handy whenever I forget to bring my (bulky) camera. I got lots of comment (in my other blog) who were awed by the performance of SE phone cameras!


Since I am to extend my contract 2 months from now, I am thinking of getting the C905 which boasts of an 8.3 megapixel camera or simply the hyped about X1.

Otherwise, I'd look each of this phone up at 3 Deals, hope they have something I'm looking for.

Photohunt - Furry

I was looking for my daughter's toy cat that purs for this theme. She said it was still in school because she brought it this week for their letter 'K' things...oh which is Katze in German. So I had to suddenly change my subject, not the cat anymore but my daughter! lol. That's her with her furry bear shawl. Surely an effective piece of cloth to lessen this winter's cold.

I do remember having photos of a real polar bear, can't find them though :D

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NB: I am exchanging links with fellow meme participants, please leave a note if you like to be listed on the sidebar under PH and kindly link back to this page. If you have linked me and I haven't returned the favor yet, please let me know. Thanks!

Happy weekend everyone!

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Candles

Remember these tealight holders the kids and I made for SAHM Project? They still sit by the window along with my other scented candles and little 'colompats' we have...

I collect candles (tealights and candle holders too), scented or not, decorated or not. I have them in glasses, small pots and bottles. I enjoy the subtle smell of these candles, it gives a certain feeling of comfort.

For now I need to sort our home accessories; I should remove the vases and smaller plant pots or just buy a new shelf for the candles I'd like to display and use. Since its winter, I light more candles than I used to. They make the house smell nicer specially when most of the windows are closed.

Do you also enjoy the smell of scented candles?

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How about door wreaths? The freshly handmade wreaths that looks traditional does add a classic touch to one's door. I personally am not into this but look it up here and see more what they have to offer soon.

Litratong Pinoy - lila/Violet

Tuwing tagsibol, ang mga bulaklak ay talaga namang kahali-halina. Isa sa mga kulay ng bulaklak na masaya akong kunan ay lila. Ito ang isa sa mga lilang bulaklak na iyon , pero hindi ko alam ang pangalan (hindi ko mahanap ang mga tulips na lila). At kung minsan pa sabi ng iba ay may problema ang aking mata, dahil ang asul para sa akin ay lila at ang lila ay asul. Ano nga ba ang kulay ng mga bulaklak na ito?

Diese lila Blume freue ich mich im Frühling zu fotografieren. Leider kenne ich ihr Name nicht. Manche hat gesagt, dass ich bin color-blind, also ich sehe Lila als Blau und ich sehe Blau als Lila. Welche Farbe siehst du?

Lastly, these are my favorite pumps. This pair is seldom used but I like the comfort I get when I wear them.

Happy LP!

PS: Salamat po sa ating ka-LP na si FF - Early Spring Blue bells ang tawag sa mga bulaklak, lalo akong napaisip tuloy kung asul o lila ba sila! :D

ABC Wednesday - B

Blue bud/blossom

Blaue Blume

Bughaw na Bulaklak

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Did you count the B's?

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Weekend Snapshot - Pallas Athena

The tram passed by the Austrian Parliament building so I took the chance to snap the giant statue of Pallas Athena, unknowingly with the man included.

Going further by foot, I photographed a lot of interesting people, some saw me aiming the camera and stared, others looked away. This man would top my list of being the most interesting, his expression though tells otherwise.

Enjoy the coming week!

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Your Visual Homefinder

When we were looking for a house five years ago, we never had the chance to look online. We were renting a place with no internet connection since we planned to transfer to a better and bigger place anyway. We found our current apartment traditionally, posted ads by the bus station that is, we took the very first chance that came along.

There are no regrets about it but maybe we could have found something better should there have been an available internet connection for us, since there are websites that makes finding dream homes easier. Take Homecity for example, aerial photographs, slide shows and virtual tours for thousands of Dallas and Austin area homes, condominiums, townhomes and lots can be viewed in their webpage. They even added extra information to each area for interested buyers to know (school distance, taxes etc among others).

You can browse and choose which unit best suits you, if you decide on anything, you can contact an Austin Real Estate agent to help you out and finalize everything. If you have no idea whatsoever to choose, you can ask or state what you like and the agents would gladly help you. Be assured that Homecity will help you all the way, finding the perfect home for you and your family.

Scenic Sunday - Plaza

Plaza of Lignano, Italy.

A little walk behind the farther building and you'll find the beach. From here, you wouldn't perhaps think that there is one .

I was a little surprised as to how this municipality has been developed, mostly vacation houses, villas, apartments and hotels surround the beach or of walking distance from there. Still this commercial center is like a one-stop shoppingstreet. Food, souvenir items, bath/swimming gears and accessories plus a lot more can surely be found here. (There were Swarovski crystals and Murano glasses too!)

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Killing Back Pains

Blogging for hours could result in back and neck pains, especially now that I 've stopped going to the fitness center. I am certain, I'm not the only one who experience this, most of us (bloggers) do.

Since back pains are connected directly to the spine, the interconnection of the muscles, bones and joints in it is greatly affected by one's posture. Pain could be felt on the neck, upper back, lower back, even the legs and feet.

Hubby, a graphic designer, spends most of his time in front of the computer with his back not really resting on the chair. This leads inevitably to a recurring form of minor back pain. He would complain about this at night and I would give him a little massage to ease the pain and so he would be able to sleep better. Accordingly, these kinds doesn't need immediate medical intervention. A little exercise would help reduce the pain that recurs at the moment of unhealthy positioning of one's back. In our case, hubby and I would play little Wii Tennis or Golf and we're fine.

Interestingly at Totalback, playing Golf is a program used to help patients with chronic/severe back pains. It is to enhance posture, improve coordination and heighten mind-body awareness, and improve circulation and joint nutrition.

For extreme cases of back pain, Totalback's MedX rehabilitation is one way to go. MedX machines strengthens the muscles as well as one's stability, flexibility and endurance of the body’s core, providing a solid foundation for whole body strength. The machines operate at a very low level of friction and offer a choice of resistance in 2-pound increments, ensuring a weight that is just right - not too heavy and not too light for the user, this feature lessens strain and allows individuals to select the exact level of resistance required regardless of their strength.

Another option is the Vax-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression), a procedure that decompresses the spine, allowing patients to be relieved of back pains without undergoing surgery. Patients undergo a series of treatments where he/she fits a pelvic harness adjusted comfortably to align and decompress the intervertebral discs. Vax-D has been approved since 1996 for the treatment of discogenic disease including herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, failed back surgery, facet syndrome and sciatica.

Gladly, husband and I doesn't need a rehab yet, but in case we do when we're older, well definitely fly to one of Totalback's branches!

Photohunt - Chipped

My love for chess started when I was in gradeschool. It is one of the games we played during PEHM class (Physical Education, Health and Music). Thinking of it now, its not really under any of them, being more of a mental game, chess can't be classified for PE, though it will stress you as much as a physical game would. (Hmmm, maybe when it rains we are forced to play indoors, thats why). Back then I play chinese checkers much too and thats where I really excelled. In highschool, I played for the school as a representative.

I bought this glass pieces back in 2004 and has been with us since then, but just last year one pawn got chipped, and a bishop went missing, apparently taken home by a little boy who visited :D. I found the other chipped piece last week and decided I'd put them together, fortunately its also the perfect subject for today's theme!

NB: I am exchanging links with fellow meme participants, please leave a note if you like to be listed on the sidebar under PH and kindly link back to this page. Thanks!

Happy weekend everyone!

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Digital TVs

We finally replaced the Plasma TV with the LCD TV (Liquid-crystal display tv) that hubby has long been eyeing for.

Whenever we go window shopping for TVs I never took notice of the difference of the screens because as long as I see pictures, I'm fine! Now, I got to compare them and I can say how much better it is to watch my favorite movies! Also, since this supposed tv is used as a monitor (connected to a media computer), I am able to watch streamed videos clearly than before. Ugly Betty has never been too ugly until now!

It is no wonder that more and more countries are turning digital the past years. Understandably, a digital tv is more flexible and has many other benefits than analog tvs. Improved picture (less noise) and sound quality, efficient transition and more programming options for consumers are some to boast.

If you ever decide to go digital, do not forget to make a price comparison of the latest and best deals! Surely, you'd enjoy watching your favorite tv programmes on an lcd tv more than you did on an analog!

Litratong Pinoy - Kahel/Orange

Paumanhin po dahil hindi ko mahanap ang sapatos kong kahel (lol).

Kaya ang lahok ko ngayon ay literal na kahel...as in yung prutas pero may bonus.

Nakita ko siya sa kusina patalon talon sa mga prutas, kaya ako ay nanubok at sumunod...


Sinubukan nyang magtago pero makulit pa ko sa alas kwatro kaya hindi sha makawala...


Hanggang sa nahuli ko sha sa ibabaw ng kahel na ito. :D

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Panghuli, ang sikat ng araw sa dako ng aming bintana...tamang tama sa agahan (eggyolk!)

Happy LP!

ABC Wednesday - A is for Active

Active, that's a good description of my daughter. And also, her name starts with A!

This is one of the very few old fotos I had of her in film...
This is her now a little bit older...still active and full of fun!

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Weekend Snapshot - Under Construction

The Rathaus is the City Hall of Vienna which serves as the seat both of the mayor and city council. It was designed (Gothic) by Friedrich von Schmidt and built between 1872 and 1883. The structure is built on #1 Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz, the street named after the designer. The Rathaus can be found on the other side crossing from the Parliament building.

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We went there for a skate because every winter the front lawn is turned into a big iceskating rink (Wiener Eistraum/Viennese Icedream), unfortunately, we were too early as it is still being constructed.

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Haircut- for a change

A woman's hair is her crowning glory...in this case, a girl's. True enough, the hair makes a lot of difference to a person's appearance.

My daughter has always sported long hair. She said she wanted it that way, she would always reply 'no' to the question 'would you like a haircut?'

Then one time on our way home, we passed by a salon, spontaneously I told her we'd go in and see how she'd look with shorter hair. There was no debate that time, she agreed and so off we went in and had her hair shortened just like mine :D except for the bangs.

I could make lots of "do's" to her hair when it was still long but now its a simple dry and wear hair. At times I put a little butterfly clip to tuck away the stray of bangs.

You might notice too the way she smiles, well I am not really a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, but daughty seems to have a liking to her 'no-show-of-teeth smile.' Not! She lost 2 upper front teeth and wouldn't want others to know.

Some noted that she looked younger with her new hair, though I might not be so used to it yet.

;-)

Photohunt - Hats

How many hats does a girl need? :D My daughter has lots of them, but I won't show all of them anyway. This one is something you've seen lots of times already. This was her hat last summer that goes well with most of her dresses too. It also compliments her long hair, I think. ;)

Then this is her favorite during winter, a white barbie fleece hat. This one complements her short hair. I will try to take photos of her collection later, but this will be it for now.

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Schoolgirl (again!)

After graduating almost 9 years ago, I am back to school. Hello notebook! Hello ballpen, I should say, and hello foreigners too!

Last Friday I took the qualifying exams to determine which German course to take. I had always wanted and planned to enroll myself to a formal school so that I'd be more confident when speaking because I have only self-learned the language, asking the kids (I was an English-speaker, caregiver in an after school institution) how a sentence is to be said in German. I listen carefully during meetings, list down words I don't understand and look it up later in my dictionary. I would talk to older people, if they start a conversation, that is. I read the papers aloud, my German isn't perfect but at least I understand and I could speak when situation calls for it.

I was included in a class of 10 students, our teacher comes from Bulgaria and has been teaching German for more than 20 years. I have classmates coming from Peru and Colombia whom I exchange few Spanish with (Tagalog having same words and also recalling the few lessons I had back in college are a big help :D ). There were two Arabic students coming from Sudan and Egypt. Then there were three from Serbia, one of whom is the only guy in class. Another comes from Poland and the other from Slovakia. A really diverse group of students so to say...but we always have lively discussions whenever we go off the course topics.

This is quite different though as to how it was back then, because now, I have three kids (make that 4! haha=hubby) to mind before leaving the house. It's good that hubby can take the two boys to the kindergarten while I bring daughty to school.

Now, I make homeworks together with daughty instead of just checking hers. :D

Litratong Pinoy - Asul/Blue

Nagising ako ng bago mag alas sais, at eto ang nasilip ko (kuha sa balkon, Agosto 23 '08). Ang nasa baba naman ay kuha mula sa kwarto ng mga bata. Kung kayo ay napapadalaw sa isa kong blog ay marahil nakita ninyo na itong pangalawang litrato. At dahil dito ay hindi na ko nakatulog uli, tag-araw noon at kadalasan ay hindi ako maagang bumabangon (lol).

Kamakailan din ay asul ang tema ng memeng photo hunt, doon ay inilathala ko ang litrato ng mga mumunting bulaklak na asul. Heto and katulad na bulaklak noon, ang forget-me-not, bluebirds, ang isang bulaklak ay singlaki ng kuko.

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I normally wake up late on summer days but seeing this blue sky a little before 6 o'clock made me stood up, took some shots and just enjoyed the view. Its better to wake up than sleep off and miss a wonderful painting of God!

The blue flowers are as small as a fingernail and they look so beautifully laid together in a field...but upclose makes one see its beauty all the more.

Happy LP!

Weekend Snapshot - Zukunft

I am uploading the photo now and would write something later lol.

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Sling-a-baby

This was little boy when he was exactly 3 months old...I had him most of the time on a baby carrier than in a stroller. It was more convenient for me and I know that its better for him especially on cold days. I had the carrier for 9 months, the little boy got bigger and learned to walk at that time.

Baby carriers and slings are a convenient option for moms to carry their babies around. Aside from the emotional comfort babies get, they are physically close to their moms giving them more security. Thankfully, Baby slings offers different carriers, wraps and slings that can be used from ages 0-36 months. Yes, even for toddlers.

The ergo baby carrier is one that resembles what I used before, although theirs could be used to carry the baby on one's back. Added padding gives this carrier a comfortable feel to its wearer.


Designed for all sizes (with stunning colors too), longer straps that can be modified are available for those with taller frames.

The ergo baby carrier is originally for babies from 4 months to 3 years but with an Infant Insert it can also be used for newborns.

Clothing allergies? No worries, babysling products are tested and made to make your baby's skin comfortable.


Visit their site, which is designed for easy browsing as products where arranged on different categories, style, brand, price and baby age. See the lovely products they offer and pick one that suits your tastes.

Photohunt - Aftermath

It seldom storms here and the one time I remember when the winds were singing wildly was earlier this year, March to be exact. There were trees with broken branches and this one , near our place got uprooted! There wasn't much rain to accompany the winds so it wasn't as scary and there were no floods to be worried about.

I am speaking with comparison to how it was back in the Philippines...storms could be violent and would leave people homeless.

Anyway, here's to hoping for better days ahead.

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Furnitures to love

Rattan furnitures are a common sight in a living room from my home country, the Philippines, which is also one of the main supplier of rattan, cane and other wicker furniture materials around the globe.

When we were looking for furnitures and stuff, I was surprised that hubby chose this rattan bed, he said "it feels a lot like home." Along with this bed we bought an L-shaped leather sofa, unfortunately, it looks beaten now, after 4 years of enduring being jumped on by the kids.

Browsing online for sofas led me to this page of elegant and conservatory furnitures from 2furnish. They offer a wide range of cane and rattan furnitures in the latest and fashionable design that fits one's taste (and living room).

Their collection are crafted with great details and designed to suit an individual's need...different sizes - small and compact to big corner seaters. There are L-shaped sofas, 2 seaters, 3 seaters, couch even footstools and coffeetables to match.

2Furnish also offers a wide selection of fabrics for your cushion that are available to be sent if you request for samples. A total of 30 fabics to choose from, simple and plain colored or a more sophisticated blend of textures and colors. Easy to clean is the best description, not just for the fabrics but for the removeable cushions as well.

What's best is they give a 7-day trial period (subject to certain conditions) where you can have a feel of the furniture at your own home! They have different payment options available, and free delivery for certain areas. Check their page now while they're on sale!