Tag: Live Life and Love

Over the Rainbow

By livelifeandlove on October 11, 2023

A rainbow crosses a section of a lovely farm in Solana Cagayan. On the way from Tuguegarao back to Piat I took this photo. This hand-held photo captures the splendor of nature from a greater distance. Rare spectacles like this do not happen every day.

After the rain, a rainbow appears. It is a multicolored arc generated by sunlight striking over waterdroplets in the atmosphere. Simply breathtaking natural phenomena with a beautiful spectrum of diverse colors that offers optimism and vibrancy to nature.

According to the legend, a pot of gold can be found at the end of the rainbow, this appears to be extremely unthinkable. To check, you must visit the spot where the end of the rainbow touches the ground to verify the truth, although doing this seems like an impossible and difficult task. You’ve most likely been there before without even noticing it.

When I was younger, I was in my prime. I believed in this mythology that appeared to be true, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that it’s simply a fairytale, a captivating story for the kids to enjoy. When you see a rainbow,given the opportunity to capture it, you should do so…

Thanks for reading my blog! Goodnight!

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Magnificent Sunset of Piat

By livelifeandlove on June 7, 2023

With the coming of summer comes the best time of year for taking images of sunsets, I had never given Piat much thought in terms of sunsets, but I was mistaken that my hometown is likewise capable of producing stunning sunsets.

Here are photos of my hometown’s breathtaking sunset as seen from the quarry site of Maguilling, Piat Cagayan. The hues of the sunset reflect on the water, adding beauty and a sense of tranquility. It’s a lovely way to end the day.

When I return to my hometown, I make it a point to capture the sunset since it is the moment that reminds me most of being there. This is the most authentic way for me to take a piece of home with me, I mean, the finest way to bring back memories.

Photo credit: Thanks Mik

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

Clearwing Hummingbird Moth

By livelifeandlove on October 17, 2022

Clearwing Hummingbird Olive green in color with a dark reddish-purple coloration on the back of the moth. A day-flying moth that is also one of the most fascinating guests that frequents the garden. A beautiful sunny day brings out the best in this helpful moth’s pollinating abilities. In addition to neither biting or stinging, they are regarded as being beneficial insects. The name denotes that it has clearwings, and the quick movement of its wings, often known as wingbeats, generates a humming sound.

Clearwing Hummingbird The moth tail has the appearance of a lobster’s tail because it extends out in the shape of a fan and is separated into two equal portions.

The Clearwing Hummingbird Moth, depicted in all of the photographs in this article, was hard at work pollinating flowers on the same day and at the same time.

Macro photography presents unique technical challenges, but by getting in close, you’ll see details you would have overlooked before. In a nutshell, these moths are works of art. I first mistook it for a baby hummingbird due to its ability to hover and its erratic flight pattern (backwards and sideways). It was challenging to find a secure footing in which to take photographs.

I was hesitant to photograph insects in direct sunlight due to contrast issues, and since they vanish in a matter of seconds, I had to work very rapidly to get even a handful of usable shots. In addition, I find that the light in the early morning or late afternoon is the softest and most pleasant for photography. These moths are only active during the midday hours, therefore this doesn’t work for them.

Insects like colorful butterflies, dragonflies, and honeybees are just some of the many that can be seen on my website. The vast majority of my photographs are unique or extremely unusual examples. It was pure luck that I was there at the correct time. There are many of nectar-producing flowers in our garden, making it a great site to catch butterflies and bees.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Peking Duck Wraps

By livelifeandlove on September 17, 2021

Sumptuous dishes traditionally prepared and served in a grand style, the Peking Garden, 4th level Greenbelt 5, Makati City serves the best Peking duck in the city, it was the restaurant’s specialty as the name goes well with it. Tonight, is the birthday dinner celebration of my aunt, fabulous dinner served and the most popular choice. From the 10 courses meal served, the Peking duck and the Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood was my 2 best favorites although meal’s highlight and star on the table is the savory Peking duck.

Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood

The best comfort soup and our favorite.

The Peking duck is in good shape, well-cooked and the aroma is awesome. It was very tasty, and the skin is crispy. It is bound to reign on the table.

How to carve a whole Peking duck

The Peking duck was neatly carved into even slices by the server. Started with the breast diagonally towards her holding the wing with the fork and cut through the outer layer of the breast into the joint.

Carving the breast in thin slices parallel with the breastbone and repeating with the other side. It looks like very easy to carve because the knife is sharp, that’s the secret of perfect carving.

The thin flesh was carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate on a big white plate with the crispy skin at the center or it work both ways. You can see the difference from the photos up and down. The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

After the carving and preparation, the Whole plate of Peking duck transferred to our table along with the tortilla, stalks of spring onions and the sweet hoisin sauce.

See how it looks, Attractively beautiful !

How to wrap a Peking Duck Strips

Lay one fine strip of Peking duck flesh on a tortilla wrapper, followed by the stalk of spring onions, add a spoon of sweet Hoisin sauce on top and lay another strip of Peking duck.

This is how it looks before wrapping.

The filling looks like this inside.

Hold one end of tortilla and roll it halfway. Fold both borders and roll it again to enclose properly.

Almost done, I’m leaving one end open to show the filling inside and roll it once again to finish.

One bite, followed by another bite and more pls… I’ve tasted Peking Duck from different restaurants before but these, nothing can equal the flavor, I’ve never tasted like it before. So far, the best among the rest.

Ok guys! you can drop a cute note down there, simple things makes me happy…

Thanks for reading my blog!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Welcome ”BER” Months!

By livelifeandlove on September 1, 2021

It’s the first day of September and the start of what is known as ”BER Months” it marks the beginning of the yuletide season. ”BER” simply means the four months of the year September, October, November and December, Take note > BER at the end of the suffix. The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ”BER” is Christmas. Philippines holds the longest festive season in the world starting from September to December of each year. what is so special about it? It might be your favorite months of the year, it makes us happy and excited to think of the merriment it brings and the start to create Christmas holiday spirit into your home.

”BER Months” under Pandemic

The 2nd year of the pandemic has been very difficult for all of us, we are still experiencing a global battle facing a common enemy and the blues about cold season approaching. While everyone is at risk to be infected by COVID-19, it’s the time to be more alert and cautious, rainfall varies much more and bit colder than usual, it is considered as health threat as the virus deepens.

Living through a global pandemic and preoccupied with guidelines, How does one celebrate Christmas this year amidst pandemic? Stay safely at home, we might as well celebrate Christmas with only family members as Christmas is always in our hearts so, Cheer up! Let us pray together, spread more love and hope. Stay safe and healthy everyone and May God bless us all!

Wishing you all a COVID-FREE Christmas!

Be a HERO for HEALTH, Get Vaccinated!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | Restaurant Review

Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood

By livelifeandlove on November 2, 2019

The Double-boiled Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood standing on a large holder for support. The winter melon shell is a very attractive serving bowl for soup although it’s quite heavy and tough but it can hold up to the heat of the soup. Peking Garden, 4th level, Greenbelt 5 Makati City serves the best Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood. The big size is suitable for 10 to 12 persons, it is a hot clear soup almost boiling when served. The most delicious soup is when you bring up the total hotness on the table, the natural freshness of seafood and vegetable brings up the good flavor.

Peking Garden, 4th level, Greenbelt 5 Makati City

Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood, the shrimp tails hanging over the edge of the winter melon bowl.

It’s not oily, it is clear and tasty as I’ve mentioned previously, you don’t see any tiny floating particles on top.

Individual serving, Small bowl of Winter Melon Soup.

How it was served? The Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup brought inside the room by the server.

The winter melon flesh It’s still smoky hot!

Wheeled by the server using a service cart ( 2 shelf cart with wheels) along with soup bowls and a ladle.

The server carefully ladled in assorted seafood inside the shell and scraped the flesh of winter melon using a long-handed cup-shaped spoon followed by the clear soup to fill each bowl. For our finale, picking a piece of shrimps over the edge of the winter melon bowl.

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

Rainforest Butterfly House

By livelifeandlove on July 26, 2019

Butterflies are one of the most visually stunning and scientifically fascinating insect that can be found on earth, they receive the widespread admiration they deserve. Today, I’m confident that I’ll be able to capture something interesting and I’d be delighted to share the narrative on how I managed to do in here the wonderful world of butterflies.

Considered by many as the most beautiful habitat, Rainforest Butterfly House displayed several species of living butterflies from a garden enclosure. You are free to wander around in this area to admire and engage with different kinds of butterflies. You will also see here all the nectar flowers which is a butterfly favorite but the most interesting part is that you will witness the release of the newly hatched butterfly on their first flight. Butterfly house offers an educational tour with a guide to supply adequate information about butterflies.

This is not my first time to visit this location in fact my last visit here was in October of 2018, a month in which the temperatures are mild and the amount of sunshine and cloud cover in the sky is definitely good in comparison to this year. I’m enjoying a half-day of shooting here.

Rainforest Butterfly House

Butterfly garden is an enclosed butterfly habitat, it is a place that caters to the feeding and housing needs of butterflies at every stage of their lives. It is also a place for guests to watch the insects and engage in educational activities with them.

Butterflies are winged insects that have antennae that are knobbed and wings that are rainbow-colored. When at rest, butterflies hold their wings in an upright position. The most effective pollinators are butterflies, dragonflies and bees.

Components that make up a butterfly

A graphic depicting the anatomy of a butterfly including important parts presented here. Students and researchers alike will view this as of basic importance. I just snapped these photos, you may have noticed that it is a picture that captures the natural clarity of a butterfly as it pollinates a flower.

My sister snapped this photo as I strolled around the beautiful behind-the-scenes moments.

Taking in every little bit of time I get to spend with my most beloved pollinator. My spirit is alive by the process of documenting my interactions with the various pollinators that flit around the numerous flowers. I couldn’t wait to get some pictures of them.

**Caterpillar Habitat**
**Monarch and Paper Kite Caterpillars**

Raising eggs, caterpillars and butterflies. You can clearly see the life cycle of a butterfly here. (Butterfly photos below)

As the butterflies emerge from their cocoons, I get to witness butterflies maiden flight outside.

What sort of food do butterflies consume? In addition to the nectar of the flowers which is more nutritious for them however, kite butterflies have a preference for sweet fruits such as ripe mangoes, bananas, watermelons to name a few. You’ll find all of the butterflies favorite fruits right here.

At home, we also have our own backyard garden which is frequented in the morning by honeybees, dragonflies, and butterflies but when it rains, we do not have a weatherproof enclosure for the butterflies, it is just a free and natural habitat.

These dazzling insects have a certain endearing quality perhaps, it’s their rainbow of colors or the fact that they serve a useful purpose by pollinating flowers either way, I can’t take my eyes off of them.

Feeding time

Complex and drawn-out process of courtship.

Butterfly mating

Wonderful World of Butterflies

During my recent visit, I was able to capture these beautiful photographs of butterflies. Only three distinct species of butterflies were able to be photographed at this location: a lime butterfly, a golden birdwing butterfly, and a paper kite butterfly. Other species were not present during the time of my visit.

I hope my readers will enjoy viewing these photos and it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way. When I set-up to write about these lovely pollinators to feature here, I just wanted to share a few things. I have already received praises from students and fellow bloggers who love butterflies. Photographing butterflies is a very satisfying hobby and I’m having fun with it. Let’s get started. Happy viewing!

Lime Butterfly

Paper Kite Butterfly

Golden Birdwing Butterfly

Lime Butterfly Gallery

Note: To view images in a larger size, click on them.

The monarch butterfly prefers to feed on sweet fruits such as mangoes, watermelons etc. However, in my garden, in addition to nectar from flowers, monarch butterflies hang from lime trees which bear citrus fruits.

Paper Kite Butterfly Gallery

Note: Click on images to view larger

Golden Birdwing Butterfly Gallery

Note: Click on images to view larger

If you are an insect lover like me, you should invite butterflies and bees to your own garden, make your own garden an educational ground and a lovely place to enjoy all the agents of pollination.

The Rainforest Butterfly House is an ideal location for conducting research on butterflies and taking photographs of them. Let us work together to ensure the survival of butterflies by preserving and protecting their habitats.

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Hualien Chinese Lanterns

By livelifeandlove on June 18, 2019

A good scene to start with, the most common Chinese street decorations that symbolizes vitality. The red oval-shaped Chinese lanterns on the city street of Hualien Country, Taiwan The lanterns hanging above adoring the street can be seen elsewhere during festivals in Taiwan. Here in Hualien, you’ll enjoy a lot of beautiful attractions includes everything from Taroko National Park, Qingshui Cliff, Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Changchun Temple Trail and the irresistible and appealing shopping centers and Shilin night market.

Street photos taken just a few meters around Guangfu Street and Zhongzhen Hualien Country, Taiwan

Beautiful Sunrise Over the Clouds

By livelifeandlove on November 30, 2018

With every sunset, there is also sunrise, top 5 among the world’s most photographed subjects of photography. Up close and personal, I have managed to capture the sunrise over the clouds from an airplane window while heading to Bali, Indonesia. Early morning flight schedule gave me the opportunity to capture the beautiful sunrise. At such a fast rate of speed, so quickly to rush, only just a moment to enjoy the sunrise.

My first experience to capture the early morning light that signals the beginning of the day. Up high looking down from an airplane window, it seems the trees and mountains looks so very small but I’m enjoying the stunning valley floor most splendid when the fog fills the meadows and drapes the surrounding cliffs and sentinel peaks.

The incoming sunrise

Blanket of clouds at sunrise, it’s a worthy wonders of nature.

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

Beautiful Monarch Butterfly Landed On Flower

By livelifeandlove on November 27, 2018

I adore being able to go outside and enjoy the perfect weather. This morning has started off very kind! Both the presence of beautiful garden delights and the value of this feature as a visual element contribute to the overall aesthetic value of the garden and the beauty of flowers with the surprising variety of butterflies. A burst of color can be provided by your garden’s ornamental components if it has been thoughtfully designed. This month, there has been an abundance of butterflies of many different species; they provide a pleasant source of joy in the morning.

Lantanas possesses an inherent beauty all its own, with cascading colors that open to the most exquisite flowers in pink, yellow, and fuschia.

A monarch butterfly alighting on a flower for a moment before taking flight…

A monarch butterfly feeds on the nectar of lantana flowers in a cluster. They perform the same function of pollination as bees.

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