On Lack of Time-out / Kiiroi Namida

I haven't gone to see a good movie for a long time. If I remember correctly, the last film Harold(hubby) and I watched together was The DaVinci code (lol). I can't even remember when was that. We had a friend look out for the kids for about 5 hours (thanks tita Sol).

Our film/anime fix then comes from free streaming videos like veoh.com or aniyume.net. We would sometimes do a 'marathon' if we are not in a bind to finish things around the house. We'd pull out the sofa bed and have chips and nuts or kropek (how do you spell it? -shrimp crackers). Of course, the kids behave too while watching.


Online Videos by Veoh.com


Wow, I was surprised how big the playscreen is! =D

Anyway, this film is the first part of Kiiroi Namida (Yellow Tears), this was the latest film that I got to see. The story is set in Post war Japan...of how 4 young artists continue to follow their dreams and hold on to their pride to not work as regular employers but as artists.

It stars Arashi (Storm), a popular Japanese pop group which includes my favorite actor Jun Matsumoto. He plays Yuji Katsumada, a delivery boy, well not one of the major roles but that's fine, good thing is he's still there.lol.

The other 4 boys in the group played as follows: Sho Sakurai as Ryuzo Mukai; a novelist, Aiba Masaki as Shoichi Inoue; a composer/singer, Kazunari Ninomiya as Eizuke Muraoka; a mangaka and Satoshi Ono as Kei Shimokawa; a painter.

The film has typical elements of Japanese culture, the manga, the food, the costumes, the public bath, even the room which the 4 guys rented speak well of Japan. But there lacks cohesion and emotion somewhere. It was not a movie that will bring you thrill or make you cry, rather it made me laugh at some points which I have not expected. Lacking as it may, the film put out a lesson well enough, not all dreams come true...however doable it may seem, its not that easy.

Kiiroi Namida was based on the legendary manga of the same name by Shinji Nagashima - one of the more notable manga artists from that same period portrayed by the film.

If you want to follow the nostalgic story of dreams, hope, freedom, friendship, departure and adolescent tragedy of Kiiroi Namida, please click here.

Stay At Home Mom Project - Get your photos printed

Be it online, in newspapers or magazines.

While being at home, stay at home moms got the time to capture moments of their children's tender years, creativity, fun activities and not so fond times. Take advantage of these by sending your photos to magazines or newspapers.

I have been doing this for some time now and got some of the magazine prints treasured at home.

Photo taken on the afternoon of 19 September 2007, at our dining table.

Below is a copy of the print which was in the November-December issue of MomsToday, a Parenting magazine in the Philippines.

----

Yes, that was my hand. lol)

---

You can also send photos you took while strolling outside. Browse through newspaper websites and look which ones accept contributions from readers. One of my favorites among my featured photos was the one at the Österreich newspaper online edition. It was entitled Donau sunset and ducks (Bild 8 von 40 for 13 Februar 2008), the original photo is here.

Aside from the fun that I have in taking photos, seeing my photos get printed uplifts me...somehow I am not just a homebound mom who has lots of work to do. I get to do something I like most, photography. Its nice getting paid for it, especially too that I can do it with who I love as well.

Toblerone Fruit and Nut

I have always loved toblerone, its one of those treats that I like eating on longer in the day by having them just bit by bit. So I was really excited to see the newest bar from them...that with fruit and nuts.

It's not the first though, I have always enjoyed Cadbury's (everything about Cadbury's too) and Van Houten's or Nestle Chunky bars. When I came to Vienna, I was disappointed that Cadbury's, Nestle Crunch, Hershey's kisses, M&M Crispies and a lot more chocolates are not sold here. Not even ChipsAhoy or Oreo (what?). Yes, you might say its boring, but then they are actually available at the United Nation's Comissary which is unfortunately, accessible only to U.N. employees and their families. And since we are just neighbors with Switzerland, there are still lots of good chocolate around, particularly Lindt.

So in 2004, I was ecstatic (not really overreacting but I was really ecstatic) when I saw Cadbury chocolates being sold for the first time at Merkur. And that was the only grocery store that sells them.

Anyway, back to toblerone, I saw the toblerone fruit and nut and bought one for taste-test. According to other blogs it has been around since July 2007 but I saw them just yesterday at a nearby store.

Ok, considering the triangle-shape of the chocolate, there isn't much room given for the 'raisins.' I have tasted a few bits but only on the bottom part. Comparing to how it is with Cadbury...well, I'd say Cadbury has 9 out of 10 for being ok but Toblerone would only score 6. The add-ons do not blend well with the rich -chewy taste of toblerone, my tongue kept searching for the nougats instead.

How about you? What's the latest chocolate you've tried?

On his love of Dolls...

I have once read a mother's story (Razielle in particular) about how her daughter loves to play with cars. Like her I think there's nothing really wrong with it, branding certain toys are for boys and others are for girls only robs the fun out of play.

As you see on these photos, my almost 2-year old son Daniel always has a baby doll with him. I have posted here a photo of him with the same doll when he was barely a year-old. He's been playing with Chouchou (the doll) and having the most fun out of it since then. And I never plan of stopping him, since I don't see anything wrong with him having fun.

Daniel saying 'kiliti' (tickle) as he tickles the doll.

Lulling the doll to sleep in its basket.

L-O-V-E...

Green Thumb Sunday - Winter Shower

Join

A view from our balcony as mother nature starts to pour down snow. The still yellow-greenish leaves turned white just after a few minutes.

My pelargonia on our balcony got covered too. It would be a good idea if I take them inside before they get frozen.

Photo Hunt post - "Wooden"

Wooden Alphabet and Number Cubes

Oh my, I have posted so late for today... =D My kids played and learned so much with this wooden cubes. That's my then 5 year-old daughter teaching then our 1 year-old Daniel.

---
For more and to see other photo hunters' post please visit: PhotoHunt.

To market, to market

Market = Markt pronounced Mart (German)

The Naschmarkt, Vienna, Austria (Photos taken on July 26,2007, please click to enlarge)

- 2nd district of Vienna near the Karlsplatz station (U4, U2, U1 train lines).



A Fruit stand proudly displays its fresh produce. -Austria's Best wine, so they say.





A meat shop plus more! - Sausages! -not the Vienna sausage in can. =)





My son, picking some fruits. - Ala Tiangge, Asian bags, sarong.





A Philippine Tamaraw coin which costs 40 euros when its originally 200 pesos only, too bad about the photo though, sorry. - My son sitting in front of a nut and seeds shop.


This market is a little far from where we live so I buy lots when I get the time to visit, buy mostly fish here, for sushi. The vegetables are really cheaper than those in the groceries and they'd give you discounts too.

The market also has lots of restaurant from Viennese to Japanese, breads to fishes, really lots to choose from. We frequent the Tokori restaurant were many pinoys are crew.

To market, to market will be showcasing other markets that people who love to cook frequent. Click here to see more.

I suddenly remembered that my very first post here is about a market too. =)

Heart - Alone

I was browsing through YouTube earlier and saw the performance of Carly Smithson singing Alone for AI (American Idol). I ended up finding the originals behind the song, Ann and Nancy Wilson; Heart. This is the original version:



Then they had a concert in 2003, though their looks had changed, the powerful voice did not.



-----

Here are the lyrics if you feel like singing =)

I hear the ticking of the clock
I’m lying here the room’s pitch dark
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
Oh I hope that it won’t end though
Alone

Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone

You don’t know how long I have wanted
To touch your lips and hold you tight
You don’t know how long I have waited
And I was going to tell you tonight
But the secret is still my own
And my love for you is still unknown
Alone

Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
Alone, alone.

Make your own Crispy Chicken Mix

This mix is for 6 pieces of chicken.

You'll need:

1 cup flour
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp oregano
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
pinch of salt
dash of pepper

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and have your chicken coated. Be sure that the inside part of chicken (under the skin) already has some salt rubbed into it. Deep fry until golden brown.

A Stranger's Portrait

10 October 07

By the Thaliastrasse Market...

Sometimes, when we, as photographers are on the street taking photos of buildings, city scapes, events, some people who happens to be in the area would shy away as we aim the camera. Surprisingly, some would actually request for a photo and pose for you, like the man in this photo.

I was at the market taking photos of apples, oranges and grapes after the Indian storekeeper gave me a nod to do so. The man, who said his name's Harald, came near and asked me (in an unfriendly, interrogating manner) what was I doing and if I was allowed to do it? I said I was allowed and was taking photos of the fruit...obviously. He asked if I also take photos of people, my reply: "Yes, sir, why?" - "Could you take a photo of me too?" =D So there goes the story behind this photo.

----

As was suggested by Pusang Maganda, at Senor Enrique's blog, these people who came to us for photos need to be given a tribute because they do not actually ask for a copy of their photos. Though they were happy enough that we gave a few seconds of our time to focus the camera on them, a little space in our page will be nicer.

A Photo each Day - Street Scenes

White Horses, Fiaker

12 February 08

When tired of walking, tourists get to see Vienna by bustouring, boat rides or by the 'Fiaker,' a calesa with (most of the time) open carriage. This reminds me so much of the Philippines, as my grandma would tell us grandkids that before the cars they used to travel long distances only by foot and later by calesa. Now, these carriages have evolved to a Classic vehicle among many cities.

Fiakers can also be rented for special occasions most especially weddings. More info here.

Whole Grilled Chicken

With Apples and Potatoes

(Note to self: take a photo right after chicken is out of the oven, so it won't shrink looking like there's nothing in it).

There's a certain flavor of grilled chicken in the Philippines that I miss a lot, that from Andok's...*sigh* And what's worse is that unlike bagoong, it cannot be preserved and sent here as my mom would =P

---

Here is my version of grilled chicken - plus!

Ingredients:
Whole Chicken, well-cleaned
1& 1/2 chicken broth cube
1 tsp oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp ketchup
2 apples, cut
3 potatoes, julienned

Rub the insides of the chicken with half of the crushed broth cube...

Do the same to the skin with the remaining broth cube, making sure every part gets rubbed well.

Put in a covered container and refrigerate for 8 hours or preferably overnight.

Take the chicken out of the fridge, an hour before cooking. Preheat oven first at 180 (degs) Celsius = 350 (degs) Fahrenheit.

Put chicken in a baking dish or on the top rack of your oven with a dish/aluminum foil just under to contain the oil drippings, brush the surface with a little olive oil.

I prefer it on a baking dish since I like the juice from it. But doing so wouldn't make the other side crispy.

In a small bowl, mix oil, soy sauce, ketchup and oil, brush the chicken with this mixture once in a while. After half hour, turn it over then brush the other side with the mixture.

Then, after 20 minutes turn the chicken again and put in the potatoes and apples in the baking dish even if it was provided for the drippings, the flavor will combine and make for a good sauce.

Let it cook for 10-15 minutes more.

--

I say fairly that this dish is one that my family can finish in one seating. Charlie like the baked apples the best, while Alexie likes the crispy skin...as of Daniel, he has no complains as he is the one who eats just about everything.

Stay At Home Mom Project - Kid's Painting

Painting or drawing can get messy sometimes, especially for younger tots. Our walls at home would once in a while have markers on them, handprints and taped papers with scribbles. Messy as it may be, kids should not be stopped doing so.

Painting at an early age gives children the capability to recognize colors as they choose what colors to paint with. They see how combining the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) create other colors.

Painting also becomes an outlet for kids to express their emotions that they can not easily speak out. Stroking, or simlply having to hold the brush practices their motoring skills...they learn how to do darker tones or paint lightly in the process.

Its good to have coloring books but blank papers give them more space for creativity. Who knows, your kid will someday join the ranks of Van Gogh or Monet when honed early. =)

The baking of the car cake

This is one baking video that hubby and I watched attentively and enjoyed until the end...it was rather interesting and amusing but I would not dare bake one because just the ingredients cost a fortune. lol. =)

Green Thumb Sunday - Flower Macro

Join

The label states that these flowers are harlequin...when I searched around, Harlequins look a lot different, so I now don't know which flower are these (they are approximately 5cm and grows in white, yellow, orange, peach and pink). I'd be glad to know. Thanks.

Photo Hunt post - "Free"

Free as Birds.

Birds on a free bath. Glad that at least the waters are free for them...
---

(click photo to enlarge)

Inspired by Linda, John 8:31 -32
"If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free."

True freedom comes only from the Bible.

Happy Photohunting!

---

For more and to see other photo hunters' post please visit: PhotoHunt.

A Photo Each Day - City Structures

Schloss Schönbrunn at Night

28 October 2002

This photo was taken shortly after I arrived in Vienna, it was already autumn. My husband brought me and my daughter here as he said this place is a must see! Besides, we can walk for only a few minutes from where we live to the Palace. (But we transferred now so I do not have new photos of the place).

Schönbrunn (beautiful well) was started out by Maximilian II as a zoo for wild animals and a garden for exotic plants. The place became a regular visiting spot for the royal Austrian Family. In 1696, a palace was built (the middle part only) and through the years constructed to how it is now.

Schönbrunn is one of the most important cultural architecture in Vienna and also a major tourist attraction that it has been renovated to suffice the needs of the touring visitors. Inside, one can tour the palace, the gardens, the orangery and the gloriette atop a hill (photos to follow). There is also a zoo, a maze and playground for the kids. The Gardens and the Zoo still reminiscent of why the Schönbrunn exists today. Restaurants and food stalls are also available.

The gardens and palace have been the location for various movies, namely A breath of Scandal with Sophia Loren, Marie Antoinette by Sophia Coppola and briefly in James Bond's The Living Daylights.

Photo Hunt post - "Free"

Free as Birds.

Birds on a free bath. Glad that at least the waters are free for them...
---

(click photo to enlarge)

Inspired by Linda, John 8:31 -32
"If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free."

True freedom comes only from the Bible.

Happy Photohunting!

---

For more and to see other photo hunters' post please visit: PhotoHunt.

A Photo Each Day - City Structures

Schloss Schönbrunn at Night

28 October 2002

This photo was taken shortly after I arrived in Vienna, it was already autumn. My husband brought me and my daughter here as he said this place is a must see! Besides, we can walk for only a few minutes from where we live to the Palace. (But we transferred now so I do not have new photos of the place).

Schönbrunn (beautiful well) was started out by Maximilian II as a zoo for wild animals and a garden for exotic plants. The place became a regular visiting spot for the royal Austrian Family. In 1696, a palace was built (the middle part only) and through the years constructed to how it is now.

Schönbrunn is one of the most important cultural architecture in Vienna and also a major tourist attraction that it has been renovated to suffice the needs of the touring visitors. Inside, one can tour the palace, the gardens, the orangery and the gloriette atop a hill (photos to follow). There is also a zoo, a maze and playground for the kids. The Gardens and the Zoo still reminiscent of why the Schönbrunn exists today. Restaurants and food stalls are also available.

The gardens and palace have been the location for various movies, namely A breath of Scandal with Sophia Loren, Marie Antoinette by Sophia Coppola and briefly in James Bond's The Living Daylights.

Sponsors

Google Adsense


Shopping Ads

Paypal Donate

Neoworx






Bigstockphoto


Fotolia




Istockphoto

Shutterstock

Photos.com








Shareasale




Mylot