Rehearsal Before the Music Recital

The day before the music recital, Torrance Music had the rehearsal at  Memorial Baptist Church.  I was able to talk to the owner of the studio and asked her about  violin lesson.  Unfortunately, the teacher she hired no longer teaches it since it is a far drive from her city to our city.  She then recommended for me to call someone that she knows who teached violin lesson for  a  much lower cost.  So now, my daughter changed her  mind about learning how to  play a flue in the school but rather wants to take the violin lesson that the school is offering.  I think it's a great idea too.  So instead of buying flute and  high flutin, we will be buying violin if she starts  attending the  class in school.  

Professional Care, Personal Touch

These photos were taken in December last year when the grand kids of our   neighbor came to visit.  

 Our bunny, Wubzy, was still alive then.  Looking at these photos makes me miss our  Wubbernut, he was fun to have as a pet.  He was very social and  playful.

In the photos, EJ doesn't have eyeglasses yet.  We didn't know that he is  nearsighted.  I kind of suspected it at first because he would  go in front of the TV and  would watch so closely but I shrug it off  and thought that  he just want to be near it.   My suspicion got validated when his teacher sent us a note on April  7th indicating  that  EJ is  having trouble seeing the words on the board that other kids can easily see.  She said that he would go near the black board just to be able to read it.

So we called an eye doctor   over in Steubenville and set up an appointment for  his examination.  On April the 13th, my husband brought EJ to Ft. Steuben Ophthalmologists, Inc where Dr. Ronald Agresta  examined and diagnosed EJ with nearsightedness or myopia.  Nearsightedness is a condition of the eye having difficulty seeing at distance.  It is the exact condition I have with my eyes.  I feel bad that  I passed that hereditary condition to him.

WWe went back on April 24 and got his glasses.  He was uncomfortable with it at first but now he loves it because he can see so much better.

We love the  professional care that  Ft. Steuben Opthalmologists delivers and give to their   clients.  They put personal touch and  make sure that  you understand everything.  The lady  even  made  some ways to give us some discount  when she found out that  we didn't have  insurance  for the kids.  For some reason, when we got our insurance for vision care, we opted out  our kids  because we thought they are too young to have  glasses.  Little we know, our son has  my eye condition already.  LESSON learned, never assumed anything!

So yeah, we paid  $150.64 for his  glasses and $105.66 for his eye exam.  It's expensive but it's worth it since he can see a lot better now.  He  can even read   my tiny personal Bible without sqinting his eye.  With the four of us, only  our daughter is the one that doesn't wear eye glasses.  My husband  wears an eyeglasses to read.

Since we are very satisfied of the services that Fort Stuben Opthalmologist have rendered, we are going back there again if  it's time to replace my glasses.  The one that we went to  near our place here in Weirton doesn't have  a good customer service so we are  not going back to them.  

Music Memories

Seeing this vega banjoonline reminds me of my paternal grandfather who  played banjo and guitar when he was still alive.  He was a very good  at playing those instruments.  Two of my uncles inherit his talents and plays guitar  too, my  father was the only one who did not have  his  music talents. HGowever, my father  loved dancing and singing.  I can stil remember when he would dance and sing in front of my mother when he is a little drunk and Mama would be laughing so hard.  Music memories makes me smile.

Sand Sculptures in Ocean City, Maryland

When we had our  vacation last year, we chose to go to Ocean City because  the kids and I  haven't been there.  My husband said that the last time he went to Ocean City was when he was in his teens.  It was a long  drive from where we live  but it was all worth it.  West Virginia to Maryland is a long drive but anticipating of the ocean made it exciting during  road trip.  

 We  stayed at a small hotel but it was okay because it was   located near the ocean.  We are a tight budget family household so we don't really stay in a luxurious hotel, as long as we have  beds to lay at night, it is alright.  The most important thing is for us to have   fun and spend quality time together as a family.

 The whole time we were at Ocean City, we never drove our  van.  We just walk wherever we go.  One of our favorite time is walking along the boardwalk or in the sand.

 We were able to  see the beautiful sand sculptures  near Paul Revere's.

 I think it's amazing how artists can do this kind of  art.

God truly blessed them with   special talents so they could share their work for people  like me who doesn't have the skill to doodle.  I can't even draw a star right lol.  But anyhow, I hope that we could go somewhere again this year.  The kids look forward to some  getaway on summer break.  They prefer ocean, I prefer something different like mountain setting but Ocean  is also great since it reminds me of my hometown  back home.

Best Spring Fashion Trends 2015

Best Spring Fashion Trends 2015

By Ever Pretty US

Spring is a great time for new fashion trends. Warmer weather means lighter more flowing fabrics, and less of a need to to hide everything under a bulky winter coat and boots. At the same time, the hottest days of summer are still to come, so you don’t have to worry about wilting in the sun and humidity. Fresh from Fashion Weeks around the world, these are some of the best spring fashion trends of 2015.

Gingham Patterns

Though it tends to be associated with square dances and picnics, gingham clothing can be cute and feminine. Gingham shirts and dresses are usually made of lightweight cotton, so they’re perfect for spring.

Bohemian Eveningwear

Long, flowing evening dresses made of breathable fabrics are ideal for spring. Pleats, lace and diaphanous layers are some of the other trends in evening wear for 2015.

Bold Floral Patterns

Floral patters almost never go out of style, but big, bold, asymmetrical flowers are new in 2015. There’s nothing more appropriate for spring than beautiful flowers, weather worn as part of a casual outfit or with more formal attire.

Fringe

Fringe adds fun movement to any outfit. A little of this unique detail goes a long way, but the peek-a-boo nature of a fringed dress or top is perfect for warmer weather.

Suits with Pants

Trouser suits for women look powerful and professional. For 2015, more whimsical and interesting suits are making fashion waves. Look for eye-catching details like corsages and shimmering patterns to set suits apart from the crowd.

Suede

Suede is a great material for its combination of soft and hard elements. Items made of suede are highly structured but also feel nice against the skin.

Bare Midriffs

Bare midriffs go in and out of style, and for 2015 they are definitely in. Pair crop tops with a skirt or pants with a high waist to show only a little bit of skin.

Incorporate a couple of these hot new trends into your spring wardrobe for a fun and trendy look.

Spring

Spring is laying hide and seek on us.  Last year, most of the trees has leaves or   blooming already but this time, there are only few buds in them.  With the  weather constantly going  cold and warm, I am not sure if the trees will ever enjoy the Spring.  

How about  your area, is Spring in full force already or the same as ours?  By the way, happy Easter everyone, I hope you are having a great time with your family and friends!

Gun's and Roses' Dizzy Reed

Reading  the Hub's artist interview about dizzy reed, makes me admire him even more.  Dizzy Reed is the keyboardist of Guns N' Roses, he also knows how to play piano, bass and drums, and a very good percussionist.  When I am watching a bad play, I am so biased of who I like, I always  like the one that plays  the drum because they are so versatile and talented.  My husband is a big fan of Guns N' Roses and he  likes  Dizzy Reed.  

How about you, do you like the band, Guns N' Roses?

Inside Google Headquarters

We are so blessed for the opportunity that was given to us in participating at the Doodle4Google Awarding ceremony at their headquarters.  Google was kind enough to accommodate all the four of us.  They initially told us that only 2 will be able to participate to the activities that was lined up that day.

 Imagine, how  happy we were when we were told that all the four of us can attend  the next day.  We were like, YEAH, thanks Google!

 I would have missed the beautiful  headquarters if we did not get to go.

 We certainly  enjoyed every moment we have spent there.  The employees were very friendly.

I hope that  more and more families can enjoy what Google has to offer, lots of fun and education!

How to Freshen Up Your Home

Your home is the place you get to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and follow your passions. There is no better way to make your home a tranquil place than by freshening it up and breathing new life into it, inside and out. Follow some of these simple tips and make the most out of your home.

Turn off the Air-Con and Open the Doors

Nothing will instantly freshen up the home like fresh air and light. Put down the air conditioner remote and throw open your windows and doors to embrace the natural environment around you. If you’re concerned about security, have your home fitted with special security doors and screens that won’t impede your view or let the insects in. Check out the range available from an expert company like Stylewise Security. Companies like this often sell great awnings and blinds that can accentuate your windows as well; click here to get some window dressing inspiration.

Lighten the Colours

If the paint inside is looking a little tired, it might be time to have your home repainted. Creams, light pastel colours, and very light ceilings will make the room appear larger and give the space a light, refreshed feeling. Combine this with open spaces – keep the furniture to the walls with a single item in the centre of the space – and you will breathe easily with the sense of space around you.

Know What to Get Rid Of

The rusting brass-framed portrait of your great-great-grandfather’s favourite country club may have sentimental value, but it’s not doing anything for your home’s refreshment mission. Know what interior design elements are keeping your home feeling old and find a safe spot out of the way for them. Opt for large, singular pieces of art that complement the surroundings. If you have pastel-coloured, untextured walls, opt for a large, bright and three-dimensional painting that will draw the eye.

Use Some Elbow Grease

Nothing freshens up a home like a good spring clean and nothing will make you feel better once it’s done. So roll up your sleeves, pop on your favourite music, and pull out the scrubbing brush. Once you’re finished, go pick some flowers from your garden and put them in the centre of your living room, then sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy your refreshed surroundings.

Take It Outside

A very on-trend and surprisingly refreshing option at the moment is to get outdoors, even when you’re indoors. Whether it’s a beautifully scented indoor herb garden or your very own blooming indoor shrub, bringing outdoor elements inside can help you feel invigorated and close to nature. Find some plants that won’t drop leaves indoors and need minimal fuss. If you’re not sure that your green thumb is up to the task, you can always just opt for fresh flowers – just don’t leave them too long as dying flowers won’t make your home feel fresh at all!

These are just a few ideas for freshening up your home, but the suggestions can be endless. What is the most effective thing you’ve done to keep your home feeling welcoming and new? Share your best tips below and let the home rejuvenation begin!

Self Driving Car by Google

During our   tour in Google Headquarters in Mountainview California, we got the chance to see their Self Driving Car.  They took us out of the building overlooking this beautiful hill nearby.

 I love the ecollective  van that is displayed in their   parking area that says "Recycle your unwanted electronics, it's safe, easy and free."

 It reminds me of the  electronics stuff we have here at home that we no longer need and use.  I wish I could recycle them but the problem is I don't know how to erase personal information in it that I am scared to   send it to recycling place.

 Anyway, we learned a tad bit if information about the self driving car that Google is trying to develop.  I mean, how cook is that!  It might just be the perfect car for me since I hate driving hahaha.

 Here are more shots.

 We had a blast  during the tour.  Too bad, the battery of my camera did not last very long so  I have no pictures for the rest of the tour.

I  am so glad that we all went as a family even though it dented our finances but it was definitely worth every cent that we spent.  Thanks also to Google for letting us all  come during the  awarding as opposed to two-person  only attendance.

What do you think of the Google's self driving car?  Would you let the car drive for you or  you won't be comfortable with it?

Get Crazy Fit with Gadgetfit Power Vibration Plate Trainer

Trying to keep fit during the winter season is quite hard especially when you love   outdoor activities like me.  It's frigid outside but I still go for a walk once in a while when I can,  just because I enjoyed doing  fitness activities  outdoors, it is more enjoyable unlike  doing it indoors.  I have three machines that I could use  at our home gym  but it just get boring to go down there and  stare at our  four corner walls.  Outdoors, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty  of nature but I am still glad that I have equipment to use down there.

I don't go to the gym  because I am not comfortable working  out with a lot of people around.  The disadvantage of that is not   seeing a lot of  fitness  equipment like this Vibration Trainers  that I saw online.  I work in the military base gym before but I  don't remember seeing a machine like this .

So what does this machine do?  This GADGET:FIT Power Vibration Plate is suppose to be an an incredible machine that could help you get your dream body with less work! Hmmnnn, interesting!  This might just be what I need lol.  I mean I love doing my workouts but if  I can achieve  the  result that I want with less work, why not right?  According to FitDay website:

"A 2009 study by the University of Antwerp in Belgium and Artesis University College seems to show that vibration plates do work. In the study, obese women who followed a healthy diet and exercised using vibration plates lost more weight long-term, including more hard-to-lose belly fat, than women who followed a healthy diet and conventional exercise."

But just like any other things or  fitness equipment for that matter, this also has its cons.  Although the above-mentioned study  worked, there has been injuries reported  such as back pain and cartilage to possible brain damage from the shaking.  I think that before  buying this machine, you have to consult your doctor   for your overall safety just to avoid any problem.