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 | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

GYPSY MOTH CATERPILLARS

By on March 19, 2013

The Gypsy moth caterpillar is a garden pest that resembles the looks of a cacti.The close-up images shows the over all external features that it has needle-like spines and brisly hair-like spines too. Although many species of worms has hair that looks like spines,the hair is soft and considerably smooth to touch. This is to protect them from predators.Great numbers of gypsy moth caterpillars in the garden is a total damage to the leaves of plants and trees. I found these caterpillars eating the leaf of an atis tree(a fruit tree), peppers the leaves leaving the with big holes and sometimes, consumming everything leaving only skeleton of a leaf.

(Clock on images to view larger)

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This is the most stunning and stylish worms I’ve ever seen. The short hairdo at the top is delightfully a hairstyle.The appearance of the greenish body is just like a branching ribs.

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Appearing on this image above, the Gypsy moth caterpillar’s body has a radial and needle-like spines which is soft.

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Looks like a real cacti.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

FRUIT OF THE BIRDS

By on March 18, 2013

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Grey Wagtail bird with a fruit in its beak.

Most gardens has a fruit tree of some kind,or at least the fruit bearing trees that attracts the insects and the birds.Particularly our own garden has some kind; Manzanita fruit which the birds loves,Papaya,Chico and Atis. The grey wagtail and tree sparrows keeps coming back because of this fruits.These fruits are freshy, moist inside and sugary sweet tastes that the birds feast on it. Sometimes the fruit dries up and gradually will open after ripens and others will just naturally fall and it’s up for the birds to pick it up.

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

CACTI

By on March 16, 2013

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Month of March is summer in the Philippines.During summer,work increases and gives me the chance for an outdoor gardening.Since we are now experiencing the direct heat of the sun, perfect time to plant any variety of cacti because it suits the dry area of the garden and surely flourish in equally full sunlight.Most species of cacti have hard spine and I hate the needle-like protruding spines. Preferably, I would like to have the kind with a  white hair growing on the stem and the rounded bearing red,pink and yellow flowers. Although half part of the garden is moist. With careful selection,an original flowering plants may be added so, it would be subdivided into different kinds of plants. Planting some beautiful varieties of flowering plants depends on the climate and the kind of soil where you live.I just hope the drainage will work out well for the new flowering plants.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

BLUE TONGUE LIZARD

By on March 14, 2013

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Blue tongue lizard is 9 inches long with a shiny grey spot which is pale in color.

A common sight visiting the garden everyday.I’ve found this Blue tongue lizard inside the rock hole  beside the pond.The hole is the main quarter which serves as a good shelter from the sun and a perfect place to hibernate.The pond is cool and moist place which is good for the body temperature.It’s hard to distinguish whether it’s male or female.According to my research, Male lizards are orange or red dotted with black,the female is paler.I guess,it’s a female one because it’s paler in color. Some lizards can regenerate tail if it is lost and shed their skin in several pieces. The house lizard which is common inside the house is one good example. When the tail was cut off, the other part is still moving and seems alive after it’s been cut off.Lizards feed on insects like bees, spiders and worms.Sometimes, climbing the walls,rocks and trees.However,this lizard loves to steal food meant for the dogs.Every time the dog turns away, this reptile comes out to steal it. Food scraps is sometimes a special attraction for this blue tongue lizard.Got lots of dogs around and I hope,lizard bite is not as fatal as the snake.

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

SCARAB BEETLE

By on February 27, 2013

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Scarab beetle

There are more than 4000,000 types of beetles.Some has colored and shiny outer cases and shiny spots which is very attractive that glows in the dark.Other beetles has powerful jaws and very active at night.Scarab beetle has 2 sets of wings;the uppers wings converted into hard sheathes which protect the lower wings. The lower wings is not as hard and durable as the upper wings,the lower is the real wings and has a shiny and transparent texture.

Last night, I’ve found this adult scarab beetle which is black and shiny. It was very easy to locate the whereabouts of beetles when they make a lot of buzzing sound at night. It was really a strange sound that disrupts the peacefulness of the night. I’ve found it near the indoor plants.It seems restless and sending a midnight message to the same species.

For photography, I picked it up with a piece of stick. I was very cautious not to use my fingers to avoid the big claws getting closer.After,I set it free outside to remain undisturbed.I had probably washed my hands 3 times after that. However,beetles are considered as a beneficial insect that is good and reliable as natural pest control.Having beneficial insects around us is a big help to our gardeners, they don’t need to spray pesticides anymore.Everyone seems to know about the effective solution.

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Travel and Adventure | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Arrival of the Migratory Birds

By on February 21, 2013
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The presence of the Great Egrets in Manila Bay and to some areas in the Philippines is a proof that Philippines has  touch of wildlife and a bird watching site.(Click on image to view larger)

After a long afternoon of work, I took a trip to Manila Bay and noticed a bird that was continuously changing direction and flying at high speed. My curiosity was piqued, and I quickly reached for my binoculars to observe it more closely. To my surprise, I discovered that it was a group of egrets wading elegantly in the water. This marked the second occasion I had encountered migratory birds in the Philippines. The first instance occurred during my summer vacation in 2010 when I returned to my hometown in Cagayan Valley, located in the northern part of Luzon. I vividly remember seeing an egret perched atop a carabao, while others were foraging in the grazing area. Unfortunately, when I attempted to capture the moment with my camera, they took flight immediately.

Considering the great number of egrets and some species I’ve seen everywhere near lake,river, swamps and mangrove areas.I believed that Philippines  now is just like Malaysia that supports  a large number of migratory birds. The reason why birds migrate?  What is the purpose of migration?

Occasionally spotted nowadays, It’s quiet observable that most photographers and tourist have shown great interest to photograph the arrival of the migratory birds.It’s an expression that they care to contribute to the beauty of nature, and when you care? People does listen ! It’s just bringing message to some people the conciousness that we are presently in and what we should do to preserve wildlife because soon there would be a generation shift. Indeed,Philippines is now a ”bird watching site.”

You may also like: Previous articles about wildlife

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Migratory Birds Part 1               Migratory Birds Part 2

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Owl- The Silent Hunters of the Night

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions

HOW TO MAKE A BEAUTIFUL VALENTINE’S CARD

By on February 12, 2013

Here’s Live Life and Love wishing you all, ”Happy Valentine’s day” February is a month of Love. February 14 is Valentine’s day.It was named after the 3rd century old martyr St. Valentine. This day is celebrated with lovely flowers,chocolate cards and any token of love.This is the right time to show,appreciate and thank your loved ones, but, how do you express it?to let them know that you love them?

One way to make someone special on Valentine’s day is to send them a memorable and personalized greetings card.To create your own greetings card is more appreciated than buying the fancy stuffs.A card made on your own is more dedicated that you can put your artistic skills and creativity.Making on your own Valentine’s card will make them feel better knowing you made a bit difference from the rest. This is the best way to inspire your loved ones that will lead to a creative you. Since we are all part of it,let’s work together.

Here’s how to make it a beautiful Valentine’s card

Materials:

Gather all the lovely Valentine related stuffs

heart-shaped boxes

any accessories,(any sizes and shapes)

fancy colored ribbons

rainbow stone charms

small jewelry box

attractive toys

Bond paper or any colored paper or card board

camera

How to make it:

* Spread a bond paper or any colored card board on the table and arrange all the stuffs on it.Arrange them orderly in a creative manner.You can arrange it and disarrange to get a good view.

* Be ready with your camera and photographed it.Make it attractive.Pay attention to color combinations, the more colorful,the better it is.

* Upload pictures to the computer.

* Watermark the images using photoshop. Design a beautiful art, make texts effect and colored texture.

This is a simple Valentine’s card

(Click on image to view larger)

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