My Stay in Hotel Central Saint Germain

After a three-day vacation in Valloire, France, I went back to Paris. Since my flight back to New York is still after 3 days, I stayed back in my hotel in 3 rue Champollion, 75005 Paris, France - Hotel Central Saint Germain. It is located in Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés, near the Seine, Notre-Dame, the Sorbonne and the Pantheon, near the Jardin du Luxembourg. It offers luxury and tranquility of a beautiful house in the heart of an historic district in a setting designed in harmony for all your well-being.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was assisted by the receptionist to get a room. I went straight to my room and to regain my energy. I really need a long sleep. My room is quite small but is just enough for me. I don't have that lot of baggage. I love my bed because it is so comfortable and relaxing. I turned on the TV to watch some news before I finally fall asleep. The next day, I walked down the street to eat a breakfast and to tour around the city of Paris. I also visited some boutique and bought souvenirs. After such a tiring day, I went back to the hotel. I love the view of the hotel from afar. The colorful flowers hanging in the deck makes it more inviting.

The hotel all in all is great. In addition to the great decors and friendly staffs, the hotel had indoor plants in glossy fiberglass planters. It looks so adorable. With its, shiny look, you will think that it is new. I love everything in this hotel. If you are planning to go to Paris and looking for a place to stay and if you are in a tight budget, choose the Hotel Centra Saint Germain.

An Enjoyable Trip To London

Travel and adventure is our hobby. Going to places that I never been before. Tourists destinations such as resorts and beaches, beautiful cities and wonders of the world is our goal. You may think that my hobby is too expensive but to tell you honestly, I make use of the discounted fares. Sometimes, I accompany my husband to his business trips. Today I'm going to tell you about my vacation in London. It was my first time to go there and I fell in love with the place. Beautiful scenic view and jaw-dropping tourists spots. These includes The Tower of London and Kew Gardens, the Palace of Westminster, St. Margaret Church and the Greenwich. Other flabbergasting landmarks are the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, St. Paul Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, London Museum and the London Underground.

On the first day, I was alone since my husband had a business meeting. I went to Hyde Park. It was a cool day where sun is covered with clouds and a great time for a walk. Children were chasing each other in the pool. Some doing their morning exercise: jogging. The flowers in various colors blooms as if there's no tomorrow. The awe-inspiring landscape is really adorable. Hyde Park offers almost everything and you'll surely enjoy such as the Diana Memorial Fountain, Serpentine Lido (where you can go swimming) and also there is a boating area as well.

When I already the feel the burning heat of the sun, I went to West One to have some shopping. I bought a few tops and shirts for my hubby before going back to our hotel, Marylebone Hotel. It was one of the finest hotel in London. It has 256 air-conditioned rooms complete with amenities and a mini-bar. The hotel is very modern and stylish. The staff were friendly and accommodating. One thing that I like the most is the topiaries in the tall planters. It enhances the exterior look of the hotel giving it an inviting view for travelers and tourists.

Painted Pots For Your Home

 

Pots are perfect for decorating especially with flowering plants on it. It is a great addition to your patio, deck or entrance way. Terracotta and clay pots are the two most common pots used in decorating. Others customized it by painting and putting designs on it.

It was Saturday and my day off from work but it's the day to clean the house and redecorating it. I was inspired by the magazine that I have read a week ago about home decorating. I woke up very early to start my weekend routine. I made a one round jogging at our block. I prepared breakfast and set the table for my family. I started cleaning the kitchen, next the bathroom, then the living room and lastly, the patio and my little garden.

In our patio, I have hanging plants with bougainvillea and several terracotta, ceramic and clay pots for my other flowering plants. I painted my pots with different colors to have a more interesting look. One of my friend shared her ideas in making a beautiful arts and crafts. I have my own version, too. I will share with you how I do it.

• Things you need:
• terracotta or clay pots
• paint (spray, acrylic, oil based enamel)
• gloves
• old newspaper
• stiff brush
• wet cloth

1. Cover your work surface with old newspapers.

2. Scrub your new terracotta pots with a stiff brush to smooth the bumps and imperfections.

3. Wipe the pot with a dump cloth to remove the dirt and dust. Dry it before painting 4. Seal the inside of the pot using acrylic spray paint. The clear paint seals the pot and the moisture from leaching outside the pot.

5. Allow the paint to dry before painting the outside part of the pot.

6. Layer the pot with a primer paint as first coating.

7. Paint the outside of the pot. Use a thin coat of high gloss exterior enamel spray paint. You spray paint it up to the brim of the pot.

8. Let the pot dry out.

9. Add your designs.

Now you can try this at home. Make your own design and make your patio or deck more appealing.

A Fun-Filled Reunion at Tost Bistro

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand." - Henri Nouwen.

It was May 30th. The date set for our reunion. I was really excited. I called up some of our friends to come and join us. We settled at Tost Bistro Bar at 14415 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, Texas. They said that it is a beautiful place with delectable menus. At 6:00 PM, I'm already on my way to Tost. When arrived, the place is already crowded with people having dinner. I was glad that we had a reservation. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance although there's no any decors that is interesting like artificial English ivy creeping on the walls or fence (just like what I usually saw in a restaurant) I was assisted by the staff to our table. I saw old friends and classmates having their chit-chat. Everybody said hi and others gave a warm hug. It really feels great. I'm so glad to see some of them happily married and some with a successful career. We had so much fun reminiscing the past. We talked about so many things that laughter filled inside the restaurant.

We ordered the shiner cheddar soup, fried oyster, glazed pork belly, shrimp a la plancha, roasted none in chicken and a lot more. They ordered their own favorite, too. After a bountiful meal, we moved to the lounge and have a taste of their cocktails.I tried the Satin Manhattan. It tasted great. Some ordered French Mojito and Express Martini.

Everyone is really having a great time, enjoying each others company and again the lounge was filled with laughter. Others were dancing in the rhythm of the music played by the band. I was a fun-filled reunion. We even decided to have this regularly and that would be every May 30th. It was agreed by everyone.

A Special Gift for My Dad

Father' day is celebrated every the third Sunday of June. It is a celebration in honoring the fathers and fatherhood. Father's day also differ from country to country. How would you like to celebrate Father's Day?

My father is a busy man. He works 5 days a week but sometimes during weekend, he have paper works too. He works as a manager in a manufacturing firm. Despite of his busy schedule, he never fail to be a father to us. When we are still young, and mom is away he even cook our food, prepare our uniforms and accompany us to school. He even washes our clothes, too. Since today is Father's my siblings and I prepare a very special dinner for him and of course, each of us has a gift also even our mom.

We went to the church early morning and had our lunch at one of dad's favorite restaurant and it's our treat. After lunch, mom asked dad to accompany her to buy something while the three of us (my siblings) hurried home to prepare for our simple party. We cooked dad's favorite food chicken adobo and grilled pork. I set up the table in our patio while my brother's cooked. It took us almost three hours to prepare the venue. We put balloons and flowers as decoration. When everything is set up, we text our mom that they can go home now. We turned off the lights as if nobody's home yet. When dad and mom arrived, dad asked mom if where are we because it seemed that nobody's home. Mom just smiled at him. When the car parked at the garage, everybody is already excited. When the lights is turned on we all shouted "Happy Father's Dad Daddy"! Dad was teary-eyed and all of us hugged him.

We had our dinner and each of us give our messages to our dad and also our gifts. My eldest brother gave him a watch, my younger brother gave him a toolbox complete with tools and I gave him a braided money tree for his desk at the office. They said that this money tree is called "Bringer of Fortune". I hope dad will receive more fortune. This was a great day for all of us. I hope everyone else do.

Plant Grow Lights

Plants need sunlight to grow. It converts solar energy into chemical energy through the process called photosynthesis. If you have plants that you want to grow throughout the year, an artificial light source is necessary. There are several types of plant grow light. These includes the type of flourescent bulbs, metal halide, high pressure sodium and Light Emitting Diode (LED).

1. Florescent Bulbs Flourescent bulbs are ideal for plant nurseries. The low heat production of the bulb is perfect for nurturing baby plants. Most people preferred this type of light because it's inexpensive, easy to operate, longer shelf life and low heat production.

2. Metal Halide According to Wikipedia, Metal-halide lamps have high luminous efficacy of around 75 - 100 lumens per watt, about twice the efficiency of mercury vapor lights and 3 to 5 times that of incandescent lights, moderately long bulb life (6,000 to 15,000 hours) and produce an intense white light. It mimic the natural light. Because of its wide spectrum, it is used in indoor growing applications. Thus, promoting vegetation growth.

3.High Pressure Sodium High-pressure sodium lights enhance the fruit-bearing and flowering process in plants. Sometimes the plants grown under these lights do not appear healthy due to the poor color rendering of high-pressure sodium, which makes the plants look pale, washed out or nitrogen starved. Plants also grow taller and leggier.

4. Light Emitting Diode (LED) LED is just new in the market but it relatively become competitive. Compared to other types of grow lights, LEDs for indoor plants are attractive because they consume much less electrical power, do not require ballasts, and produce considerably less heat than incandescent or fluorescent lights. It produces dual band spectrum. This one is the best artificial light source for indoor plants.

The spectrum type, intensity and length also play an in important role in vegetative cultivation and overall plant growth.

Patio Greenhouse and Its Benefits

Most of us doesn't have the "green thumb" that we always want to be. Some says that gardening isn't their forte. But through learning the gardening basics, gardening is easy like 123. Sometimes space is also a factor for not getting the garden that you want. Patio or balcony gardening is the answer to this problem. Patio greenhouse allows you to start off seeds earlier in the growing season or for protecting your plants during winter season or fall. Mini greenhouses are common to houses with limited space. It can be placed in patio, balcony, deck, backyard and even in the house.

• The benefits of patio greenhouses are the following: 
• provide protection for your plants 
• protection from stray animals 
• a great way to save space and enjoy your hobby 
• quick to set-up 
• it can be move from one place to another 
• optimum growth for plants 
• experiment with new plants

Greenhouses requires your attention, just like your pets. It needs to be watered regularly to maintain moisture and humidity. There are some people who love to place their greenhouse indoors like indoor bonsai trees. Others, plant vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and aubergines in their greenhouse. But for some who make gardening a hobby, flowers and shrubs are their choice. Growing your own greenhouse is very satisfying and easy. Patio greenhouse, specifically, is very handy for seed-starting. Also, it can also store your gardening tools such as watering cans, shovels, trowels, gloves, forks and other gardening tools so that you can easily find them the next time you need it.

Windowbox.com is offering you a patio greenhouse or mini greenhouse. It is best for garden lovers who live in a house with limited space or apartment. Today you can enjoy gardening, without worrying about changes in season and temperature. Patio gardening is a great gardening tool.

Fine Dining Experience at Daniel Restaurant

I was invited for a thanksgiving party by my Aunt at Daniel Restaurant located at 60 East 65th Street New York. His son graduated Cum Laude. We were escorted by the staff to the Bellecour Room. There were a few visitors who were already there. Only friends and relatives were invited. We congratulated CJ and gave our gift. We went to our table that is reserved for us. We had also a chit chat to some of our common friends while waiting for the others to arrived. I was really amazed by the beautiful lighting and elegant ambiance of the restaurant. I'm so excited to taste the food.

When the other visitors arrived, the very polite and efficient staffs started to deliver the menus. The food is delectable and mouth-watering at first glance. And when tasted, it is so delicious. The award-winning contemporary French cuisine has been an envy of many. We also have a taste of their world-class wine. It really taste good. Aside from the food which is really extraordinary, the neo-classical architecture with contemporary details caught my attention. I love the flowers placed in tables and every corners.There were indoor plants too. Adding a little greenery makes it cool and lively. However, it will look nicer if placed in plant stands or caddies to give a much interesting sight. The restaurant is exquisitely decorated with contemporary furnishings and excellent lighting. The bar and lounge showcased variety of wines and cocktails. 

The restaurant is given a four stars rating by the New York Times and three Michelin stars. The restaurant has branches in Miami, Toronto, Palm beach,Montreal, London, Singapore and Beijing.

It was a wonderful fine dining experience that I would love to be back again. Hands down to Daniel Boulud. Hope to taste more delectable cuisine in the future.

Discovering Boston: Exploring Window Boxes

When you pass by a beautiful window box across the street, you'll never want to think twice to look back, stare and appreciate. Beautiful window boxes makes a perfect garden. According to David Trinklein, a horticulturist with University of Missouri Extension, window boxes are said to be convenient containers. It delivers color, charm, and fragrance to one's home.

When me and my family had a weekend getaway in Boston, MA, we stayed at The Inn in St. Botolph. We choose to stay at this hotel because of its contemporary architectural design. Unlike the modern hotel designs, The Inn's unique interior designs give a traditional styling and comfort. The hotel is designed with incredible architecture and is brimming with historic 19th century brownstones that showcase an eclectic mix of designer boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants. Its location is the best in the city, one block from the Prudential shopping, duck tours and the best restaurants around. The picturesque view of blooming flowers in window boxes during Spring adds attraction to the hotel. Wrought iron window box would match perfectly with these flowers and architectural design of the hotel.

You can have everything in The Inn, comfort, convenience and wonderful experience. The hotel is also surrounded with parks and museums which your family can enjoy much. The restaurants are also all over the place too. You can choose wherever your taste buds likes. Our suite is superb. The queen-size four-poster bed creates a rich, romantic and intimate ambiance. After a tiring day, as soon we reach our suite, it makes us relax. With the 24-hour internet service and 42" flat screen TV made our stay more enjoyable.

I definitely would love to come back to Boston. Two days is not enough to discover the wonders of the city.

Windowbox.com: Your windowbox expert

A miniature garden outside your window - that's the essential appeal of window boxes. It adds glamour and sophistication into your home. When we think about decorating our home, we always thought that it's gonna be expensive. Well, that's true. However, with the help of online tips and tricks, decorating can be fun and easy. At windowbox.com, we have a lot of decorating stuffs in stored for you. Who wouldn't love to see those ivy geraniums, petunias and pansies hanging in your window box?

Waking up every morning, seeing those flowers and plants in your window and greeting you, completes your day. The window box makes up a perfect garden. It comes in various sizes, styles and designs that fits your needs. According to a gardening expert, choosing the plants for your window box is easy and you can match it with the different seasons. One secret about getting an awe-inspiring window box is by using the "magic formula" but putting a tall planter at the center and the shorter and creeping plants in both sides. Or plant a thriller (something tall, such as a blooming geranium), a filler (something to add fullness, such as colorful caladium), and a spiller (something to trail over the sides, such as purple petunias).

Window boxes are popular in European countries since the Renaissance period and it has become an item for decorating in the US as well. It is often used by apartment dwellers in higher floor who don't have enough space for a garden. Window boxes comes in fiberglass, hayrack,aluminum, tapered, wood, vinyl and cellular PVC. There are window box which is lightweight for easy set up and movement. Window boxes from window.com have different designs that is perfect for your home decorating. You an even customize your own. Feel free to ask our experts and check out our blogs. They will always give you their helping hand.