Our Tree Frog Pets in the Backyard

What a lovely day! I was wondering why our hydrangeas didn’t bear flowers this year and with all my investigating, I found that it’s all about wrong pruning- both the timing and exactly where to cut it. I was hoping to see some signs of buds while going through the stems and leaves- but to no avail… then suddenly a magical thing happened! All these green tiny creatures hopped from nowhere. I hurriedly got my camera and angled to capture these creatures. As they felt my excitement, they stay put and smiled at me while I snapped away! Enjoy!

Tree Frog #1

Tree Frog #2

Spring… Spring!

We’re almost there and by the time the weather really settles, it’s summertime! Really record-breaking this year. I can’t believe I am wearing thick jacket in May! But there are days… when  weather is nice and stroll in the park is an inviting activity! Taken during one of our visits to a friend’s house…. IN BLOOM!

The Tulips….

Tea Time!

Lately I’ve found myself steeping and brewing tea more than I have done in a long while. It started a few weeks ago when I remembered the bagfuls of tea I have been keeping in our cupboard. Hidden treasure unearthed!

I have loved drinking tea more than I can remember. I am a coffee fanatic, but a tea lover too. It’s refreshing to know that you are getting the best of both worlds in drinking tea- the nutritional and health benefits and at the same time- the “satisfying experience” - the aroma and taste- while sipping a cup of a freshly steeped tea.

My first experience was with Lipton Earl Grey’s tea. Love it for the simple and subtle flavor with an aroma that is relaxing. Going beyond my description, it’s ”a tea blend with a distinctive flavour and aroma derived from the addition of oil extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a fragrant citrus fruit”. Iced or hot, I’ve loved this beverage!

In the 80′s I was introduced to the goodness and healthy version of “green tea and rice tea”… equally good. Green tea is served in Chinese restaurants which are almost everywhere back home. There’s herbal tea that is a common concoction at home. My mother ad father would boil this and drink cupful after cupful. I have been introduced to “ampalaya tea” which I find really bitter but is really good in controlling your blood sugar levels.

My quest to ecperience the best tea had led me to a lot of tasting and binging… I have been experimenting and have probably tried a good number of flavors out there. You can probably get any famous flavors out there in the “tea/coffee” aisle of superstores.  And believe me I have tried a very good number of flavors and brands- from chai, berries, green, herbal, citrus, rooibos, oolong, white, black- name it, IK have probably tried it.

TeaQuent is a tea shop in Bellingham which I and my husband had stumbled upon during one of our trips. Being a tea and coffee affecionados, we were in the store and enjoying the selection. Any flavoured tea with warm apple cider is really good beverage to try. We had one at the store and we enjoyed it. We have purchased as well a couple of rooibos (non-caffienated but more anti-oxiodants) flavors- Afrika blend and chocomint (go figure!). Among dozens and dozens of blends, I have chosen almond green and amuraja chai to add to my goodies that day. After enjoying 3-4 cups of each in various occasions- I should say that I had a great buy.

I also keep “oolong” tea in my cupboard which was a gift from a Taiwanese friend. I enjoy it after a heavy dinner- it’s really good to just kind of wash my palate and relax after a sumptious meal. This is one of the best tea flavors I had. Fascinated by how this “lose leaf” tea is prepared and packaged, my Taiwanese friend and I enjoyed a conversation over a cup of tea…

The oolong tea- being an integral part of Taiwanese local culture has been both a source of livelihood and a way life in the highwer areas of the regions. One of the most famous and highly praised variety is from Alishan. This is the brand that she gave me. The “high mountain” varieties- are harvested by local farmers from aboriginal plantations rolling through the mist on  lush mountain slopes. The location, altitude and the way the tea is processed differentiate its characteristice- taste, scent and color. The Alishan lose leaf tea is sweeter, with a rich aroma and colour. I enjoy this really hot and would brew it 2-3 times after the initial preparation.

Further on the tea preparation, I love putting soy milk in it. Well, depends on the blend but I find it really good with chai and rooibos blend. I have enjoyed the green tea latte (half sweet and soy) at Starbucks. I have tried concocting this at home- it turned out really good but I need to get a good “mancha” powder. For now, I have an array of flavors to chose from and enjoy.

It’s an enjoyable journey of discovery. IK know that there are more blends ans flavors to taste and enjoy- I love the fact that tea has a long list of powerful benefits and nutritional value. Let’s enjoy a cup now while we connect again for another update. Cheers!

NeonAmber Jewels supports “Bake for the Quake” 2011

Japan is a country that is close to my heart. I am fascinated by it’s rich culture . I’ve drawn inspiration from this country’s beauty and that connection will always give me that feeling of inner peace and serenity. This personal attachment is so precious to me and even deepened when Markus, my 8-year old boy, started to enjoy “karate”. He is doning the yellow belt with red stripe now and registered in the Black Belt Program. … To Japan… my tribute to you…

Let’s help the recent victims of earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Dear friends, Joy and Melody are spearheading a bake sale- “Bake for the Quake” a fund-raising event to help this cause. Come join us on April 20, 6-8:30 pm at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown, Vancouver. (Near Yaletown Skytrain Stn)

check the event website @http://bakeforthequake.com/ See you all there!

Note:

NeonAmber Jewels’ Thess Castro supports the project “Bake for the Quake 2011″ – an event to raise fund in support of “Doctors without Boarders”, a goup of medical practitioners who are currently helping the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. The inspiration for this piece is to showcase “coral”, a semi-precious stone mostly found in the Pacific Ocean and off the costs of Japan. Coral is one of the most important stones in the Buddhist scriptures. It’s healing properties include protection against negative energy while preventing loss of energy. It is also believed that Coral beads can stop bleeding, protect one from evil spirits, and ward off hurricanes and calamities. NO MORE DISASTERS in Japan.

This piece will be included in the silent auction at the event… Inspiration: Coral beads, big round carnelian, chunky faceted smokey quartz, chunky round faceted rubilite, labradorite, rough cut clear quartz, rough cut smokey quartz, pearls, shell, round onyx, and Italian non-tarnish bead.

Boracay Island… one of the best places on earth!

I’m contemplating on writing my own version of “Places you MUST see before you reach 60!” And if I did write it, this place would definitely make the cut! Actually, I would vote for this as one of my top-ten picks! BORACAY!

Situated in the southern part of the Philippines, Boracay Island is just an hour away by plane to Caticlan from Manila. It boasts it’s crystal clear waters and powder-like, white sandy beach. Ohh… for me it’s paradise! Once you’ve experience its beauty, you  know you’re in one of nature’s finest creations. The island stretches less than 10 kilometers long and features an array of hotels, restaurants, shopping mall, shops of various interests and hobbies, bars and activity centers that will make your stay more enjoyable and meaningful. Sure, I’d trade a quite get-away for anything, a commune with the waves and nature- but nightlife in Boracay is so colorful and fun that you won’t say no to the alluring crowd. For this one, I’ll set an exemption.

Experiencing your day in a magical place like Boracay is like no other. It’d take you to a journey of exploring your senses. And I’d say full senses. Your eyes will feast on a scenery that’s beautiful! Your palate satisfied with the offerings of the native land- from the sumptuous local Filipino cuisine to seafood to Asian or even mediterranean. Your choices are unlimited to satiate that cravings! The underwater eperience is breath-taking too! From scuba diving, helmet or walk diving, snorkling, or just simply enjoying a dip in the water-all of these and more are for you to try and experience! Parasailing, island hopping, banana boat ride or buggy car – a long list of activities for every member of the family to enjoy!

“Time flies when you’re having fun!” This fits exactly how our 4 days went- very quickly. But I’ve savoured every minute of it. I have never been more conscious of my surroundings, than in our days in this island.  In tuned with nature, enjoying it as the earth turned. I had some remarkable moments in different space and time. I vividly recall the moonrise I’ve experienced in one of the mountains of Laguna. That was mind-boggling! And one of the amazing sunrises I’ve seen when I traveled to Masada, Israel. The highland was overlooking the Dead Sea. I’ve always thought that  particular sunrise was glorious. It’s like the scene from the bible- “the Descent of the Holy Spirit”. The glorious sun, the glorious rays of the mighty heaven! That is indeed breathtaking. But nothing compares to the glorious sunset in Boracay. It has a different offering of it’s own and it’s nothing but spectacular! We were lucky to witness the sunset this way on a rainy day in January. I find it amazing!

I would definitely go for my third- in a heartbeat! I guess it’s more than enough for some people. But for me, there’ll always be reasons to come back and  experience the place- the islands, the beach, the white sand, the people, the food, the music, the color, the gigs, the waters, the shopping,  oh and yes, the sunset! As what the saying goes, too cliche but true… there’s no place like home. Mabuhay!

Glass art fetish anyone?

I’ve always been fascinated with crystals, glass, sparkling stones and cute baubles of all sorts. I have collected tons of special trinkets and beads and interesting things that catch my eyes and fancy. With a little sprinkle of creativity, these little delicate treasures can be made to something pretty yet durable for all jewellery lovers to enjoy.

One of my favorites are glass beads. They have evolved overtime- they are probably the most ancient forms of art. From murano glass beads originated and perfected in the island of Murano in Venice, Italy (thus the name) dating back to 1200th  to the torches of the very creative and talented local glass artists of today’s day and age- they have presented beauty and pure craftmanship that  made their way to the hearts of glass art jewellery enthusiasts. In the fashion today, we have seen the revival of this art form, as people rediscover their beauty and vibrance. Artists have honed their crafts and perfected the technique and art of glass jewellery making. While my dream is to able to make my own lampwork glass beads, I’d be happy and content for now casting my magic and spell in turning these beads into something beautiful…  

Here are some of my prettiest collection to preview what’s cooking at my bead shop! 

Lampwork Glass Beads

Furnace Cane Glass Beads

Polymer Clay Beads