A Colorful life

[audio http://www.zshare.net/audio/9298992d8ac23c.mp3]

Dave Matthews Band – Where Are You Going

Quote of the Post by Dale E. Turner

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.

It’s MAY already!!! It’s my favorite month! Why? you may ask ^_^ (act as if you are curious please) Because it’s a colorful month. It’s SPRING, but you may said April is the start of Spring. It’s May for it is the month where my life begins. (hint…hint…)

Somehow I missed posting in April right? Let see, it was midterm month for CA. Also, it is a Spring-break month. My friend and I went to San Francisco for a tour. Since my best friend said that all her life living in California, she has never seen a Golden Grate Bridge before! Well, she did, and we also went to jail. Hah did I scare you? I meant, we went to Alcatraz Island. We also went to Japanese Tea Garden. It was a great experience. I would recommend it.

Anyway, back to Spring Talking, I do hope you enjoy the pictures I found below. Again, I can not give credit as to who designed them for it was long time ago.

ENJOY ^_^

There’s a hint of India spice in this room.

Eating with Style

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=13BOQ74J

Quote of the Post:

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.

Albert Camus        

Eating tall and high? : )

Modern Interior

Quote of The Post:

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.

Albert Pine

Olivia Ong – Wave

Download Song

Hello everyone!!!

I’m so so happy right now! Why? Because there were so many people visited this blog lately. hahahaha lol. I’m too happy! I can’t even stop smiling. Yes, if you notice the quote! When you visit my blog, your visit will remain in my heart. ^_^

Another reason for my happiness is because my tests were just over which also explains why I have not post any new pleasure of my life!!! Currently, I’m saving money for a Thailand and Hong Kong tour!! I’m also saving money for a new professional camera!!

Here are some new Modern Interior I found from few months ago, so ENJOY ^__^

^ I love how the designer used the mirror to visually extended the room. If you notice, mirror always tricks us to believe what we see is true. I have always see myself look prettier in mirror than in picture. Have you ever look into your mirror and think you’re ugly? How about a photo picture? For me, taking picture is the last thing I want to do before I die, but mirror is the first thing I look at before leaving the house. Saying “I look pretty ok.” is the second thing Anyway, I’ve gone off topic again.

^ A hint yellow-green have warming up the entire room right? A sunny symphony? If you feel your room is too cold or dark, it maybe a good idea to add a warm color such as red, orange, or yellow. If not, remove blue and dark color will bring you back from desolation and coldness.

^ Silver makes almost anything look luxurious. “Born with a silver spoon”?

Do you see that the air conditioner is not hiding? No Central Air?

The Abandon, the New, the Old, and the Original

“Judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances.” – Wayne Dyer

I know the quote has nothing related to the topic, but I thought it was meaningful; therefore, I posted it.

Anyhow, my next random tour is Flea Market! All over the world with the same concept, a wide variety of goods, and many bargain deals, flea market is more than just old furniture with flea. For me, it is a big vault of treasures and memories that through time its value and beauty faded away, and now it is waiting to be notice by hunters. Or rather by ME, the one who will truthfully appreciate its beauty.

From the http://www.fleamarketfacts.com/

“The traditional and most publicized story is in the article “What Is A Flea Market?” by Albert LaFarge in the 1998 winter edition of Today’s Flea Market magazine. In his article LaFarge says, “There is a general agreement that the term “Flea Market” is a literal translation of the French marche aux puces, an outdoor bazaar in Paris, France, named after those pesky little parasites of the order Siphonaptera (or “wingless bloodsucker”) that infested the upholstery of old furniture brought out for sale.”

The second story is printed in the book Flea Markets in Europe published by Chartwell Books.

In the Introduction of this book, the author writes, “In the time of Emperor Napoleon III, the imperial architect Haussmann made plans for the broad, straight boulevards with rows of square houses in the center of Paris, along which army divisions could march with much pompous noise.

The plans forced many dealers in second-hand goods to flee their old dwellings; the alleys and slums were demolished. These dislodged merchants were, however, allowed to continue selling their wares undisturbed right in the north of Paris, just outside of the former fort, in front of the gate Porte de Clignancourt.

The first stalls were erected in about 1860. The gathering together of all these exiles from the slums of Paris was soon given the name “Marche aux Puces”, meaning “flee market“, later translation.”

Enjoy ^_^

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SPAIN’S FLEA MARKET:

PROVENCE MARKET – Taken by barek176

Taken by talkingtrees

EL ARTESANO Y SUS OBRAS – taken by bluesilver

MADRID - Taken by karatekittiekim

RASTRO FLEA MARKET - Taken by curlymay

BAND AT EL RASTRO - Taken by jessica2819

RASTRO BOCADILLO – taken by talkingtrees

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JAPANESE’S FLEA MARKET:

TOJI TEMPLE MARKET - Taken by elia diodati

KITANO TENMAGU SHRINE, KYOTO, JAPAN – Taken by txipiflick

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AMERICAN’S FLEA MARKET:

NEW YORK CITY, WEST 39TH STREET AT 9TH AVENUE – Taken by isefire

ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET – Taken by coral

Taken by devilbadtz

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INDIA’S FLEA MARKET:

ANJUN – Taken by 6dan6

Taken by fotofeewa

LE FLEA MARKET D’ANJUNA - Taken by muskadia

Taken by CJ Laing

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ENGLAND’S FLEA MARKET

STAMFORD - Taken by steveandkristinebel

Taken by roamingolivia

The Wall of Possibility

““Home” is any four walls that enclose the right person” by Helen Rowland

Enjoy ^__^

^ What do you think of this wooden chair?

^ do you collect random items for your wall?

v

^ (the bedroom) Simple and illuminate the whole entire room.

v Those details on the wall must cost a lot!  only the ceiling is blank blue Yet, I don’t feel dizzy.

The place I wish to be at …

Enjoy ^__^

Super Food for the Super Fan!

I know it’s a soccer song, but it wouldn’t hurt hearing it for football right?

It’s Super Bowl this Sunday at 3 P.M.!!!  Who are you rooting for?  Do you even care?  I used to more of a soccer fan!  However, after my sister showed me her favorite football team, I now follow her passion, or is it more like her January’s hobby?    Even though I’m not a Super Fan yet, I still want a real traditional Super Bowl Party for my first Super Bowl.

Here are my list of Super Food: KFC with smash potato and coleslaw or Korean Chicken Wings

                                                        Macaroni Cheese

Chorizo, Bean and Cheese Nachos

Some Cider Punch and Brownies of course.

Chorizo, Bean and Cheese Nachos

1 pound Mexican chorizo, removed from casings and crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups cooked pinto beans
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Water
Homemade Tortilla Chips, recipe below, or large, restaurant style corn tortilla chips
1 1/2 cups grated pepper jack
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1 small white onion, sliced into thin rings
5 large jalapenos, stemmed, seeded, and chopped, or to taste
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnishIn a large skillet, cook the chorizo, garlic, and cumin, stirring, over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. To the fat in the pan, add the pinto beans, chili powder, salt, and 1 to 1 1/2 cups water (depending on the moisture in the beans). Cook over medium heat until warmed through, smashing with the back of a heavy wooden spoon or potato masher until chunky/smooth. Remove from the heat.Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

On a large, oval ovenproof platter or in a large baking dish, spread 1 layer of chips. Top with a layer of 1/2 of the beans, then 1/2 of the sausage, cheeses, onion rings, and chopped jalapenos. Repeat with another layer of chips, beans, sausage, cheese, onions and jalapenos. Bake until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is hot, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven.

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and lime juice, with a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the nachos, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.

Homemade Tortilla Chips:
9 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
4 cups corn or vegetable oil
Essence, recipe followsIn a large, heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 360 degrees F.In batches, add the tortillas to the oil, being careful not to overcrowd, and cook until golden brown, turning once, about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with Essence. Serve warm or use to make nachos.

Yield: 3 dozen chips

Essence (Emeril’s Creole Seasoning):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thymeCombine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from “New New Orleans Cooking”, by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Korean Chicken Wings

1 to 2 pounds chicken wings (about 12 whole wings) 1st and 2nd joint, no tips
2 tablespoons canola oil, plus more for frying
3 tablespoons grated ginger
1/4 cup sherry
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup chili garlic sauce
Chopped scallions, for garnish
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnishPreheat oven to 350 degrees F.Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 35 minutes.

In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add the 2 tablespoons of canola oil and the ginger. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the sherry, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and soy sauce and chili garlic sauce and continue to cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.

In large sauce pot or fryer, heat 3-inches of the canola oil, or enough to prevent wings from touching the bottom of the pan, to 350 degrees F. Add the chicken wings to the oil and cook for about 3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Remove the chicken wings from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Add the wings to the sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Banana Split Brownie Pizza

1 (20-ounce) box fudge brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained, juice reserved
2 tablespoons sugar
2 bananas, sliced and tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup chopped nuts
Chocolate ice cream topping or chocolate syrup, for drizzlingPreheat oven to 350 degrees F.Grease a 15-inch pizza pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to box directions. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until done. Remove from the oven and cool. Beat the cream cheese, pineapple, and sugar together in a bowl. Use any reserved pineapple juice at this time, if needed, to soften the mixture to a good spreading consistency. Otherwise dispose of or save the juice for another use. Spread the mixture over the cooled brownie crust. Arrange the banana and strawberry slices over the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts and drizzle with chocolate ice cream topping. Refrigerate. To serve, slice as you would a pizza, and enjoy!

Elle Decoration

Enjoy ^_^

I don’t remember where I downloaded these interior decoration pictures. However, its owner is Ella Decoration magazine. If you notice enough, you will see an Asian sensation in its decoration. >.< ( I’m trying to do a wink, but I don’t know how to type it!)

How come I don’t get any comment?

^ I thought the bookshelves is well decorated!! It doesn’t look clutter, however, it does beautifully give the impression of a chaotic and an exciting life style. As for the white sofa, the warm appearance of the red blanket and pillow make me want to sit there forever. hahhaa and the Asian feeling is India? hahhaa

^ The picture makes me feel like “I’m classy, yet I’m a queen of the jungle, so beware!” Who would have thought blue and zebra pattern match so well with each other.

Look at the fire place!! It’s a buddha/ buddhism. Do you know that buddha is actually a real person? similar to Jesus!! I’m not comparing, what I meant is that his story is point five percents similar to Jesus’s story.

Do you know that buddha is a he? not a she? I bet his hair style tricked you hahhaa

Here is the story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism

Gautama Buddha.

Gautama, whose personal name according to later sources was Siddhartha, was born in the city of Lumbini^[6], in a part of Ancient India within the borders of present-day Nepal, and was raised in Kapilavastu.^[7] The traditional story of his life is as follows; little of this can be regarded as established historical fact. Born a prince, his father, King Suddhodana, was supposedly visited by a wise man shortly after Siddhartha was born and told that Siddhartha would either become a great king (chakravartin) or a holy man (Sadhu). Determined to make Siddhartha a king, the father tried to shield his son from the unpleasant realities of daily life. Despite his father’s efforts, at the age of 29, he discovered the suffering of his people, first through an encounter with an elderly man. On subsequent trips outside the palace, he encountered various sufferings such as a diseased man, a decaying corpse, and a monk or an ascetic. These are often termed ‘The Four Sights.’^[8]

Gautama, deeply depressed by these four sights, sought to overcome old age, illness, and death by living the life of an ascetic. Gautama escaped his palace, leaving behind this royal life to become a mendicant. For a time on his spiritual quest, Buddha “experimented with extreme asceticism, which at that time was seen as a powerful spiritual practice…such as fasting, holding the breath, and exposure of the body to pain…he found, however, that these ascetic practices brought no genuine spiritual benefits and in fact, being based on self-hatred, that they were counterproductive.”^[9]

After abandoning asceticism and concentrating instead upon meditation and, according to some sources, Anapanasati (awareness of breathing in and out), Gautama is said to have discovered what Buddhists call the Middle Way—a path of moderation that lies mid-way between the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. He accepted a little milk and rice pudding from a village girl and then, sitting under a pipal tree or Sacred fig, (Ficus religiosa), now known as the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya,^[10][11] he vowed never to arise until he had found the Truth. His five companions, believing that he had abandoned his search and become undisciplined, left. After 49 days meditating, at the age of 35, he attained bodhi, also known as “Awakening” or “Enlightenment” in the West. After his attainment of bodhi he was known as Buddha or Gautama Buddha and spent the rest of his life teaching his insights (Dharma).^[12] According to scholars, he lived around the fifth century BCE, but his more exact birthdate is open to debate.^[13] He died around the age of 80 in Kushinagara (Pali Kusinara) (India).^[14]

Source: Wikipedia.org

^ I love white and the wood!! The contrast offers a liveliness appearance. Saves Paint!! My parents are Chinese/Vietnamese, so they hated white furniture! I brought a new white/creamy cover seat for my dinning chairs from Ikea. My parents told me to exchange for a red one for they thought it looks like a funeral and red means good luck. hahhaha I was disappoint, and I kept on wishing that my parents were Japanese! hahaha Do you know that Japanese favorite color is white? Look at the lantern!! They prefer white in most ceremonies! What will happen at a Japanese and Chinese wedding? Red vs. White.

^Simple yet elegant? Or is it “I went all out with the STOVE, therefore, all I can afford is a rustic wooden dinning table and chair?” Look at the chrystal light! I can’t find any Asian appearance in it. Can you?

^ I can see a lot of Asian decoration in here!! There is a TV cabinet, then there is a giant tea pot!! Can you spot it? White furniture mix with Chinese fur.? I guess the designer is not a hardcore Chinese!!

Thank you for reading it!

COSTA RICA – TABACON, ARENAL

My next favorite dream tour is …… drum roll….. COSTA RICA – TABACON, ARENAL is in north-western of Costa Rica with hot spring, rain forest and Arenal Volcano.

“Once locally known as Cerro Arenal (i.e. Mount Arenal) it was presumed extinct until July 29, 1968 when an earthquake caused it to erupt, after approximately 400 years of dormancy. The eruption wiped out the town of Arenal and killed 87 people [1]. It lasted for several days, and during that time destroyed crops, property, livestock, and forests. 15 square kilometers were buried and the explosion affected over 232 square kilometers. The eruption caused three new and active craters to form. Before the eruption, there was a wide veriety of plant and wildlife on the mountain. It has been active since the explosion and can be reported to have minor eruptions every 5-10 minutes.

Arenal rises 1657 metres above sea level and overlooks Lake Arenal; both are part of Arenal Volcano National Park. The country’s most active volcano, Arenal’s eruptions are strombolian in type, being frequent but moderate and can be viewed without danger as long as the viewers are behind the safety perimeter. This constant activity and minimal endangerment makes Arenal a popular tourist destination, especially at night (See image), because the lava and incandescent rocks make a spectacular sight. The last major eruption of Arenal occurred on August 23, 2000. Most of the time, the volcano is surrounded by clouds near the tip, and it is touted as good luck to see the whole volcano without clouds. The volcano heats several hot springs nearby, including Tabacon, a popular tourist destination.This is one of seven historically active Costa Rican volcanoes: Poás, Irazú, Miravalles, Orosí, Rincón de la Vieja [complex], and Turrialba.” <<<<— BY WIKIPEDIA.ORG

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From what I also read on yahoo travel is that a resort place “Tabacon Hot Springs Resort And Spa” had a mixed review. Some said the hotel were nice, but it was too crowed with not much quietness like the pictures. The services were considerable rude to some travelers. Some even ended off paying double the original price. Therefore, it maybe better to go to other cheaper hotel and pay for the hot spring. Here’s the link to the review.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-379833-prod-hotel-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i;_ylt=Aix_iVYuX8BGgkYT199Ahsf8xmoA

http://www.arenalvolcanoinn.com/rates.html

As for the place itself, people had said that the place is best for couple and best to go in green season and one must avoid rainy season. The town market was a great place for shopping and food. However, the volcano can only be seen at most 35 times a year according to the local. You can also pay for a tour or travel by Cruise or drive from San Jose which is three hours drive.

ENJOY ^__^

La Fortuna Waterfall taken by neilio

taken by loveroflife

taken by dgano31

taken by rick

taken by jpencarnaci

Merry Christmas ^__^

It is a tradition in my family to buy a Christmas Log with Roasted Duck every year!  How about you? Do you keep your family tradition?

Too bad I have to work today!  Well, have yourself a wonderful Christmas and full of Joy!!!

Tiramisu for Christmas

Buche de Noel – jeffmgosche

by alana hohgson