Author: livelifeandlove

Hi there! I’m Mari! On my blog, I explore a range of topics including Food and Cooking, Lifestyle, Travel and Adventure, Gardening, Photography, Health and Wellness. This space showcases my passions where I share my thoughts and insights on subjects that are both enlightening and engaging. You’ll also find stunning photos I’ve captured that complement the content I offer providing a touch of inspiration for your enjoyment and discovery. With two decades of blogging experience, I publish new content 2-3 times a week. My website serves as a repository of my insights with images included to help clarify the information provided. I love sharing fresh, original and captivating articles alongside breathtaking and timeless photographs for your inspiration and browsing pleasure.

Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

PHALAENOPSIS AMABILIS

By livelifeandlove on April 3, 2014

Phalaenopsis Amabilis, a shade loving orchids with clear white flowers. Grown under the tree, there’s no direct sunlight which is favorable to these type of orchids. I just love that lavish blooms in clusters.

We have had a collection of orchids like; Cattleya, Miltonia, Phalaenopsis and particularly the Odontoglossum. Some rare species of hybrids, the most popular and common ones but, I don’t know why they disappeared one after the other. Others grown in fir slabs, pots for my window decorations, baskets and coconut trunk.

I think, I have failed to give continuously the special attention of caring and watering or might be over-watering. I noticed every time the presence of mould, circular marks and black dried spots on the leaves that quickly spreads throughout killing the whole plant. Is it a virus infection? I don’t know. I cannot even distinguished which one was attacked by virus and sunburn, the sign looks almost the same. Sometimes I was thinking of our location, it might be too hot, that makes it very hard for them to reach the required temperature.

Of course, I know the basic requirements but the problem is the irregularity of watering and sometimes it’s over-watering. I was too busy for other things every time then, it’s only now that I have the interest again to care for some flowering plants. It’s summer, Is it the right time to start? What do you think? Which one is suitable and which one is not? I need help!

(Click on images to view larger)

It’s an outdoor orchids, these one is clinging to the tree trunk that serves as convenient support.

If ever I will collect again, just to make sure I will choose the species suitable to the kind of atmosphere here.

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PRIVATE HAWK MOTH

By livelifeandlove on March 26, 2014

Private hawk moth

The kind of moth that will come as something of a surprise, it’s another night flyer, a private hawk moth found near the garden decorative light. Just like other moths, I guess this moth was attracted to the garden lights. I’ve observed that hindwing is more attractive and colorful than the forewing. I’ve never seen one like this before. You can only see the color of the hindwings while flying. That makes it completely different to that of the butterfly, the butterfly forewing and hindwing colors are the same. I simply believed, our garden here is a natural one housing all different kinds of insects. Perhaps, without these insects, it wouldn’t be a garden anymore.

The private hawk moth hindwing is partly hidden. You can see the dark pink and light pink dotted combination of the hindwings.

The natural color of the forewings.

Note: (Click on images to view larger)

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Fashion/ Health/ Beauty | Technology/ Learning Tips

VALENTINE’S DAY: WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO GIVE?

By livelifeandlove on March 24, 2014

People buy gifts to any occasion like; Birthdays,Mother’s day,Father’s day, Christmas day and Valentine’s day was no exception although, it will only lasts for a day, it’s the time for boys especially the teenagers would choose a girl to pair up with. Following the hearty day with gift-giving of flowers, cute red bears, chocolates, exchanging love notes, sweet text messages, phone calls, and romantic dating. The day before, may be a whole day session of thinking and planning on where to go,Perhaps, you no longer needed to be coach, but, there are some suggestions you need to know just to ensure a wholesome Valentine’s day. It’s good to plan ahead of time.There might not be enough hours on that day that you’ll find yourself confused and rushing on where to go and what to give and what to wear. Whether you are single, loveless or married, whatever,t’s great to show your love on this day. Always remember that Love is…what you make it. Here are some tips on what to do before the occasion. This is applicable to any occasion not just Valentine’s day. Before anything else, Let me begin with few don’t’s.

What to avoid:

1.Set aside any problems first. Don’t discuss any problems from the past and present. Remember that this day is a special interests to both of you.

2. Avoid any embarrassing moments.

3. Skip tough conversation. However, if conflict arises, your partner might respond differently that may hurt your feelings. Stay cool and lower your tone to handle it safely. Learn to hug and make up a few words and tell him/her how you love him so much. Save the trouble, that’s a good sign of relief to make up before the day ends.

Where to go?

For the Lovers: What thrill and excitement do you have in mind? If you are going with a special date that you may want something romantic? Treat your partner to a candle dinner for two, or a dinner in a restaurant with a romantic view of the sunset. This is the right setting wherein you may want to propose or you may want to bring out the feelings you’ve been keeping for a long time. Any place with beautiful scenery while eating is perfectly good. The location would simply make your day romantic and memorable.

Family Celebration: A restaurant with large serving wherein you can enjoy different kinds of foods. A buffet or eat –all- you- can restaurant is a good choice. It would be a good treat to surprise all family members.

For the Internet Explorers: Make it heard, first hour greetings is great. Give free electronic greeting cards, stickers and photos taken a day ahead. You can make personalized greetings in Photoshop editing, using your own photos, add meaningful captions and humble words. You can attach your emails and send it through application. You can also inbox beautiful messages with love songs attached, get it U-Tube. Revive your play lists and do the Facebook tags.

For Single and the Loveless:

This is what you call a humble sacrifice if you don’t have a pair during Valentine’s day. Of course, it’s gonna be lonely without your love but, don’t waste your time inside your bedroom. Always remember that, your family is your true love. The good thing about being single; you are in the best situation to have a freedom to do everything, a complete full time for yourself. However, you can invite your bestfriend or group of friends to take a stroll on this day, it might be a night out to grove, that’s the best time to wear your dancing shoes or, you may want to sing, bringing our your golden voice that wasn’t heard for a long time. Karaoke bar with group of friends is fun! Choose a group more likely who have the same interests as you. A wholesome dinner with your family is surely appreciated too.

Note: To be continued…it was such a long blog! See you next post

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

ROSES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

By livelifeandlove on March 18, 2014

Roses, as highly recommended during Valentine’s day, it’s the time of the year that million of rose lovers throughout the planet remember their favorite presents for their loved ones. If not chocolates or cute stuffs, it’s roses because majority prefer fragrant flowers as a gift. Giving such, is particularly appreciated. It creates an attitude of praise between the sender and the receiver.

How it works? Let’s make a bit review.The sender wants the best gift to represent the character side and nature of the receiver that she’s lovely and sweet. These flowers will represent and reveal the exact personality of the receiver. It speaks for it. However, on the other side, the receiver simply thinks that the sender is not only thoughtful and loving as well. It will reciprocate the same admiration to both sides.

It’s a practice believed that roses are spice of love and soon it brings a spice for life. Clearly, it’s a symbol of love. Me, myself still receiving the same kind of flowers from the same person up to the present. It’s just like saying, I’m still lovely and sweet after all these years, Honestly speaking and not to be proud off, still I am! LOL!

When getting to know more about someone,giving roses is a great way to catch attention or, you may want to start a relationship all over again. I’m sure you’ll earn a good impression while it lasts.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

FLOWER OF THE WEEDS

By livelifeandlove on March 13, 2014

Would you believe? The miniature flowers shown here are regular weeds in the garden. Some grown in our own backyard, It was scattered everywhere. Weeds can really tolerate the kind of poor and dry soil that we had here. I didn’t pull it out because the garden looks natural with the weeds around. Small butterflies loved the flowers of these weeds too.

One factor to consider here, it might be unusual but, I would like to try it for my new subject for today. I was thinking that, it would be a useless subject since its just a weed and it’s common weeds to be seen around. However, when I saw the result of my photography, I was impressed how these native flowers makes it attractive just like the regular flowers too. Let me give a try.I have arranged the weed flowers accordingly and placed it in a small vase. Check the result.

(Click on images to view larger)

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | Technology/ Learning Tips

THE STORY OF FLOWERS

By livelifeandlove on March 6, 2014

Too many stories associated with flowers that can relate to any situation. My story is just like a collection of old stories in entirely different ways. I remember the story of 3rd century old martyr, St. Valentine. When Valentine was still inside his cell, young,old and parishioners came to visit,throwing flowers through his cell window. How about the Garden of Eden? The beautiful garden was full of lovely roses around. The figure skating competition during”Winter Olympics” after the performance, fans tossing gifts of stuff toys and roses inside skating rink.

One historical story during the ”People power revolution in the Philippines to overthrow the late dictator. One reconciliation moment, the nuns, priest and some students offered flowers to the soldiers on top of the tank. It was a wonderful gift of peace to unite us all. Hundreds of people waved their rosaries, yellow caps and flowers. It was a memorable story that inspires everyone to look upon. The memory still lives on up to the present and forever, the material presented time period range from the past to the present, It was all about flowers.

Floribunda Roses

However, it took some time to convince everyone that roses are indeed safe for cooking. Others are in doubt but, safety is the main concern of the chef who are using it. Finally, it was proven to be safe and good for the health. The nature side and amount of influence, these flowers are indeed for all seasons.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

Importance And Uses Of Rose Flowers

By livelifeandlove on March 4, 2014

As years bring tremendous changes and a new growth, a new variety of roses are being introduced worldwide. The new tone and various coloured roses that gives contrast of colours and fragrance, no matter if it’s miniature or hybrid on a pot or on a ground, everyone takes the pride in producing their own garden of roses.

Not surprisingly, the presence of multiple buyers and strong market inspired the rose farmers and gardeners to produce more. Even the breeders won a prize in different shows, just as the best. It grew more popularity as the production steadily increased as years went. Roses, as already known for centuries, it is always the flower of choice for home, flower arrangement, surprise gift in any occasions and events. People used rose flowers for this purpose. Throughout the years of using roses at home and occasionally,I would like to share additional uses, I’m reviewing all the wonderful benefits of it.

Uses of rose flowers

1. Good centerpiece on the table

2. Flower arrangement

3. Corsage

4. Medicine

5. Perfume

6. Recipes

7. Garlands

8. Sweet freshener (house,car,cabinet drawers,office)

9. Fashion and accent pieces for; Hair, cloth, gown, shoes, bags

10. For business

11. Window garden decors

12. Bridal veil, bridal flower

13. Confetti

14. Potpourri

15. Flores De Mayo or Mayflower festival

16. Bookmarks

17. Boutonniere for black suit

18. Favorite model subject of photographers, artist, printers, and wood carvers

19. Wall decors

20. Rose designs for arts, paintings, jewelries, tattoos, wood and food carvers,embroidery, schools,billboard, printing,( dresses, Prom gown, bed sheets and pillow cases) glass wares( tea sets, coffee cups, glasses, plates)

21. Perfect for landscaping in parks; amusement parks, industrial places, mansions, castles, schools, cemetery.

22. Float decorations

23. For offering; altar, grave

24. For human names, song lyrics and animal names

25. Bed of roses for newly married couple

26. Rose oil and rose water

27. Fragrant rose petals as a refreshing bubbles on a bath tub

28. For decorations in any event like; weddings, Valentine’s day gifts, festivities, birthdays, appreciations, graduations, inaugurations and ceremonies.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

ROSES AS AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE

By livelifeandlove on February 26, 2014

Lovely Roses

Giving roses brings a special message for a purpose. If you are shy that you want to release the inner feelings you’ve been keeping for a long time,definitely, roses will do it for you. It is a special delivery attention to speak up of your love that you can’t speak for it.

For others, it’s a quick bridge to short cut the way especially if you are facing a love trouble. Roses surely will restore a good relationship. No matter if its for plain friendship or love, it serves as a peacemaker to resolve a conflict between two people.

How much more if you’ll surprise a loved one with a basket full of red roses or a bed full of red roses? It will make a difference!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Roses in a Vase

By livelifeandlove on February 24, 2014

Floribunda and Hybrid Tea Roses (Click on image to view larger)

Fragrant roses in a vase makes a lovely centerpiece on the table.Extra large blooms makes a lovely blend that provides fine shades of interesting color combinations. Among the good varieties of Floribunda Roses and Hybrid Tea Roses; Persian Yellow, Adolf Horstmann, Sutter’s Gold, Derek Nimmo, Friendship, and Elizabeth Tailor to name a few. When I bought these roses, it was partially opened until the day after comes to full bloom. I transferred it immediately to a trumpet vase which good enough to hold the stems and flowers firmly,reducing the water just enough for the vase. I have arranged them accordingly mixing all the varieties so colors will stand out. Arranging long-stemmed roses is easy because all varieties are suitable for any floral arrangement.The beauty, colour and fragrance looks appropriate to any style.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Only for the Flowers

By livelifeandlove on February 17, 2014

On my way home, I saw a queen bee pollinating the flowers, I immediately grabbed my camera to take a snapshot. As I was about to press the shutter,it flew backwards. I followed it again for the 2nd time, it flew straight to my camera encircling my head. How aggressive! I just stand-by firmly, I didn’t make any movement in order to be safe. For the 2rd try, I pressed the shutter and it’s done! That time, it was about to rain and I hurriedly packed everything before it gets wet.

To my surprised when I saw this photo. Where is the bee? The queen bee is nowhere to be found. Whew! I’ve missed to check my camera earlier. So the result,what is left are the flowers minus the queen bee. I really thought it was successful, How tough and aggressive to photographed such one. Previously, I have photographed the honeybees and the city bees. I can even touch these bees unlike the queen bee,it was quite bigger and aggressive, I can’t even come closer, so scared that its just like breaking my brain cells into pieces. It just happened that I’m also an aggressive photographer and I’m sure, I will get her back soon!

Note: (Click on image to view larger.

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