Adventures of a Photo Junkie

Happy 2012!

2011-12-31T23:11:00.003-08:00

Here's to a Happy, Healthy, and Fruitful New Year!!!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T12:27:00.001-07:00

Hotdogs and burgers... anyone???
Happy 4th of July!

Where have I been, you've asked?

2011-05-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a long while. I know some of you may be wondering why I keep neglecting my blog. My usual reason is that I'm busy, which is true by the way, but I still haven't lost interest in blogging especially with photography. I am still very much in love with pictures. I just had a good reason to be out this time. Read along.

Anyway, it's been half a year that I'm living here in the eastern part of the US. I had my first Fall season here, then came the cold, harsh, Winter storms, and now it's Spring time! I'm seeing all the lovely flowers everywhere, and the cherry blossom trees too. They're my favorite by the way!

So, what have I done lately? Well, I traveled a couple of times last March for my birthday. First, my hubby and I went on a road trip to one of our favorite cities, Washington DC, to celebrate both of our birthdays there (yes, we were both March babies!). By the way, we will launch our travel blog soon. I'll keep you all posted.

After a week of coming back from DC, I traveled back to California to celebrate my birthday again, this time with my family. It was nice seeing them again after 3 months! My family moved to a new place and I fell in love with the location. Behind the house was a lovely view of the mountains. I wanted to go hiking in the mountains, but the weather had been crazy too. It rained a few times while I was there, and when it was a good day to go, I was either doing something or visiting families.

I only stayed one week, or 6 days to be exact. I didn't have much time to do a lot of things, but I spent a lot of time with my family. Good quality time. My sister and I spent time together baking cupcakes. Fun times. Yep!

Unfortunately, after all the good and fun times I had, I became sick. A couple of days before I left California, I started having headaches, cough and sore throat. I guess it was due to the sudden change of temperature or weather from east to west. Here in the east coast, we were still experiencing cold temperatures in March and when I arrived in California, the weather was nice, warm, and sunny. A couple of times, it rained hard too. Also, being on the plane could have made me sicker as well since it was a closed system. Just imagine how easily bacteria circulates inside the plane. Yes, I know it's gross.

So, when I arrived here in the east coast, I became sick with a flu. Then one night, as I was about to go to bed, I really felt so uncomfortable and had shortness of breath. I had to be rushed to the ER. In my entire healthy life, I have never been hospitalized nor rushed to the ER until that night. It turned out that I had an early case of pneumonia. As a child, I had asthma but I grew out of it. I never needed to be hospitalized. I was a tough, healthy girl. Also, when you work in this field, the last thing you would want is for you to become the patient. I hate being sick.

I am doing well now, thank God! I had to take rests from doing activities or travel especially we were still having a crazy weather here in the east. I'm glad it's starting to warm up now. I dislike it when I had been advised to take it easy and rest for a while. I'm the type of person that likes to be up and about. You can imagine how it was like for me not to be doing anything. Terrible! Well, I am being cautious now especially with my health. I have been paying attention to the weather now and been protecting myself from the cold, or rain. I've been doing a lot of exercise lately and I've been eating healthy. Your health is your wealth, as the saying goes.

So yes, I am making a comeback once again.

Life wouldn't be fun without pictures nor travel!

Let's start clicking, shall we?!?

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T18:44:00.001-07:00

For being caring, hardworking and beautiful, for your unconditional love, for all the lessons you teach and advice you give, and for all the things that you do for your children, Happy Mother's Day to all the great Moms out there!

Confessions of a Travel Photo Junkie

2011-02-19T16:33:00.003-08:00

"When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it's not, and I need to do it again..." - Rebecca Bloomwood, Confessions of a Shopaholic

How many of you can relate to this statement? Well, at least I do, somehow! Anyway, I loved the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic. It's entertaining and we all can relate to it, especially if you love shopping and spending. Isla Fisher is so cute and did a good job portraying the shopaholic, Rebecca Bloomwood. I must admit, I've watched this movies so many times! I mean, come on, if you can relate to it, I'm sure you'll watch it over and over again!

Anyway, I've recently found out that in addition to filming the movie in New York, a few scenes were also filmed in Connecticut. I've found one of its filming locations in the state. The street is called Washington Street in South Norwalk, Connecticut. According to my research, the historic South Norwalk or Downtown SoNo is known for shopping, restaurants, museums, and the nightlife.

I took a few pictures of downtown SoNo. The place looks okay, it's small and a bit busy when we drove there. As you can see on the photos, the dirty snow on the side of the street made the place looked even smaller.

Now, I've tried to watch the movie a few times and pinpoint where exactly in this street a certain scene was shot. Although, I really couldn't tell, it looked familiar somehow.

There are a couple of more places where the movie was filmed in southern Connecticut. I am also aware that there are other movies shot in this state. Well, I'm pretty sure sooner or later I'll come across them. After all, I'm in for an adventure.

Washington Street, South Norwalk

Frozen Pond

2011-02-14T11:12:00.001-08:00

As a result of the few blizzards that the northeastern part of the US endured this winter season, southern Connecticut was all covered with snow and the waters were frozen. The roads were slippery and wet, and yes, it was freezing cold outside. Because this is my first winter here in the east coast, I wouldn't want to miss any photos of the so called "winter wonderland!"

So, my hubby took me for a spin around town to see the aftermath of the snow storm and to take pictures. We saw a frozen pond near the beach where I have previously taken pictures of. Since it was freezing and I could not stand being outside any longer, I took these photos inside the car. There weren't any parking spots either since the whole place was covered with snow. So we managed to stop for a few min at the side of the road and there I went clicking with my camera. Funny thing is that I had to hurry clicking my camera and get our car out of the road since another car was right behind us. It turned out that the people inside the car were also taking pictures that it was following us. I guess they needed some guide where or what to take pictures. Oh well, at least they didn't follow us home!

I love how beautiful and white it looked outside.

Winter at the Beach

2011-02-09T21:04:00.003-08:00

Going to the beach during the freezing winter time isn't something you would normally do, except if you want to catch a cold or take pictures. Well, I wanted to take pictures. Never mind getting sick! Actually, it was my hubby's idea to bring me to the beach. As a west coaster and a first timer to experience winter in the east coast, my hubby insisted on taking me to the beach to see how beautiful it is covered in snow (as a result of the blizzard a few days before). So, this was really an impromptu drive to the beach and I, who was so used to the west coast weather, was just wearing a sweater that day. I really thought we weren't really going to be outdoors that much and I had left my coat in our house. Oh my, let me tell you, it was freezing cold! Just like what my hubby tells me all the time, I was never prepared for anything. I even forgot my gloves. My hands were frozen and I couldn't even feel my ears. Yes, I forgot my hat too! As much as I wanted to stay out there for as long as I can take pictures, I had to rush back in the car. I couldn't last another minute out in the cold. Yup! I've learned my lesson to be prepared for the cold winter season. I had fun taking pictures though!

I love the trees...

And how they are scattered at the beach.

The beach must be really nice during the summer time with all the trees around...

for providing shades on a warm sunny day and picnics under the trees.

Light posts by the beach

Over looking an island.

Can you see the island in the middle?

A picture of my hubby, also taking pictures!

A powerplant.

A few cars were also parked by the beach.

I guess we were not the only oneswho wanted to get sick or take pictures at the beach on this freezing winter season!

A wall of remembrance...

More lovely trees...

and light posts.

Kids' playground all covered in snow...

Okay, it was freezing cold! I had to stop taking pictures and head back to the car!

Sunset and Pink Skies

2011-02-04T17:56:00.003-08:00

A few photos from my little trip to a pond in Danbury after a stroll at the mall last December 2010. This was the same pond where I saw the swan that stayed hidden in the water as I was taking pictures (see the photos on the previous post). I happened to catch the sunset after I went Christmas shopping at the mall. It was a good timing too. I left the mall even before it got dark. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to take these nice photos of the sunset with pink skies. I'm in love with pink skies. I love the shades of pink or purple colored sky during a sunset. Also, there are so many water scenery here that I'm obsessed with taking pictures of them. This day was indeed a package deal; a sunset, a pond, and pink skies captured on my camera. I went home with a smile on my face that night!

The Hidden Swan Princess

2011-02-01T12:14:00.001-08:00

Here are a few photos of a swan on a pond right next to a mall in Danbury. This was sometime early December when I happened to stop by at the mall and do some Christmas shopping. Of course, I had to stop by at the side of the road and take pictures of the pond. I noticed in the middle there was a swan, but as soon as I aimed my camera, it stayed hidden in the water. It seemed as if it knew I was taking pictures that it tried to hide from me. It stayed hidden the whole time I was there. Hmm... a camera shy swan princess?

New England Blizzard Aftermath

2011-01-26T20:45:00.001-08:00

These are photos I took after the snow storm during the second week of January. I was lucky that my flight from San Francisco made it to NYC before the storm started that night. My flight didn't have to stop over at another airport/state and spend the night till the weather improves. I'm thankful that I got home safely.

Then, the storm started that night and turned New England into winter wonderland the next day. But too much snow isn't as wonderful as it looks. A few of my family and friends told me that I was lucky I live in a place that snows during the winter time and wished that it snowed in California too. Funny, but I told them, they wouldn't really want snow! It's so cold and the roads are icy, slippery, wet, and muddy! I also hated being stuck at home and not being able to go anywhere for a couple of days! California is indeed as good as it is! Even people I've met here asked me the same question: "Why did you move out of California where the weather is nice all year long?"

Anyway, just last week we had another snow storm! The snow outside hasn't even melted from the last storm and we had another one. According to some people who I spoke with, the East Coast is getting so much snow this winter season. They said it hasn't snow much since the previous winter seasons. I guess it's because I'm here and it's as if it's telling me "Welcome to the East Coast!" Haha. Oh well, so much for my first winter here.

As far as photos, I can say that I'm enjoying winter wonderland!

The view from my window: our backyard covered in snow! It almost covered my window too.

16 inches of snow.

Going somewhere? Stuck in the snow... stuck in our house!

Snow covered neighborhood.

I love this pine tree! I think it looks great for a Christmas card photo, don't you think?

Winter Wonderland!

New year. New look. New blog.

2011-01-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I have been in a good long vacation and it's time to get back on track! I apologize (once again) for not having been able to update my site and upload pictures. Well, as you can see, I gave my blog a new look and it took me a while to find "the look" that I really wanted. I'm sort of on the picky side. Haha! Well, I wanted my blog to look fresh and new. I wanted it to reflect who I am and I think I found what I have been looking for!

Anyway, I love the new layout; the white background with a hint of purple on the side. It still gives the "chic" look on a photo blog! I also love how I'm able to post some past photos that I have taken during a trip or two. I love how my blog turned out to be! It makes me want to keep taking more pictures, uploading them, and updating my blog at the same time. Motivated! Now, I'm ready to post those long, long, LONG overdue photos I have kept in a vault. Hah!

I'm also working on launching a new photo blog soon. This blog will serve as my portfolio. I know in the past I have posted whether to change my blog name, delete this blog, or create a new one and still keep this blog. Well, I'm keeping this travel photo blog and just launch another one instead. I worked hard on this blog and I'm not just going to throw it all away. So, I revamped it and I'm keeping this baby!

It's going to be a great year of photos and blogging! I might be late saying this, but I'll say it anyway, Happy New Year all!

See you in a bit!

Holiday update

2010-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! We meet again. I've had a busy time and I have yet to upload my long over due fall pictures. Oops! Sorry, I'll make sure I'll upload them before I leave. Yes, I'm coming home for the holidays next week. I'm excited! After 3 months, I'm going to see my family again. California here I come!

Thank you friends for leaving comments and for continuing to check my blog. I know I haven't been active as I used to, but eventually, my blog will be up and running again. I have a bunch of photos (and still adding more) to upload here soon.

So, any of you traveling this holiday season?

Keep in touch. xoxo

Beautiful New England

2010-11-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

My long overdue pictures since the day I moved to the East Coast. These photos were taken during my first week of moving here while exploring the town by foot. This is a river in southern Connecticut which is very near my house. It was a nice day to walk around town and I happened to see this river. It was breathtaking! I had to stop by and of course, I just had to take pictures!

All photos were taken from my camera phone.

And the Adventure Continues...

2010-11-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend to all! After a much needed thinking whether to keep or to move this blog to a new site, I have decided to keep it. This is where all the adventures and photos began, and where fellow bloggers and friends got to know me as the travel and photo junkie. Yes, this is where all the fun started so, I am keeping this baby!

In addition, I have recently started working on a new photo blog, but this site will only showcase chosen photos. It will be somewhat of a portfolio. Yes, I think I have decided to go serious with my photography hobby. So, once it's up and running, I'll post the site!

Like I have said previously, I'm back blogging and actually have a lot more photos to upload now. I love it here in the East Coast! There are so many interesting places and scenery here and I have been having a blast taking pictures! Fall season is beautiful here with bright orange/yellow colored trees everywhere. I live by beaches and rivers which I adore so much. Oh! I love New England!

Okay... will be uploading photos soon! Take care guys! xoxo

Quick update: To keep or to start fresh?

2010-10-22T22:05:00.001-07:00

Hey all... how is it going? I know I know, I have yet to upload my new photos. Thanks to all of you who are still tuning in to my blog and for all your lovely and inspiring comments. I am doing just fine here in the East Coast. It's been a month that I'm living here and so far, I'm loving it!

Since I've moved here, I've been having a lot of ideas and coming up with things that I would like to do or at least try to do. Here's the thing, the reason why I have been holding off on uploading new pics is because I have been thinking of redesigning my blog or better yet, come up with a new one. As you can see, I've changed the layout of my blog again. Lately I have been having thoughts about getting serious with photography and even travel as well. I am also considering taking a photography class in the near future. Well, I thought of coming up with a new photo and travel blog and start fresh since I'm starting a new life here in the East Coast. Or I could keep this blog and the previous posts, and start where I have left off. Furthermore, I am also thinking of changing my blog url; instead of travelphotojunkie, I'd like to come up with something that sounds a little decent or professional. However, I have a couple of concerns regarding change of url's:

Does anyone know if I change my blog's url address, will my followers still be able to access my blog?

Will I still appear on their update's Blogger buzz?

Anyway, your suggestions and comments are very much welcome!

So, I'll think about it and let you all know what I have come up with. Thanks guys! xoxo

I'm back and ready to shoot!

2010-10-03T16:10:00.001-07:00

Hey friends and fellow bloggers, after two weeks of being silent and nowhere to be found, I am now back for action! Did you guys miss me? I sure did miss blogging and of course, I missed you guys too! Anyway, I am now here in the East Coast, and I've been here exactly 2 weeks. I am now living in my new home: the state of Connecticut! So far so good. I am adjusting and adapting to my new place. About a few days when I got here, I really wasn't used to the 3 hour difference and I've been sleeping and waking up late. A couple of times also, I have called home (California) early morning here and didn't realize it's about 5am there; everybody was still asleep! Well, I'm sort of used to the time now. Anyway, it's getting chilly here, and it has been raining for a few days now. It's fall season and I guess in a couple of months, we are soon approaching the winter season! COLD! Well, I'm just glad that everytime I visited the East Coast, it was during the winter season, so I got a little taste of what winter was like here. Well, I love where I live and I found places nearby that are good for photo opportunities, like this photo of the beach. By the way, I live about 10 min from the beaches here, and although they are not as beautiful as the beaches in California, I loved the fact that they are so close to where I live. Back home, I lived about 45 min to an hour drive from the beach. So, I have been walking to the beach here and snapping photos. Well, thank you for still checking my blog while I was away and for the continued support! Will upload new pictures soon, I promise!

Only a week from today!

2010-09-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! Hope your weekend was a blast! I just wanted to give you all an update that a week from today (Sunday), I will be moving to the East Coast. I will be flying to New York and then will head down to Connecticut where I will be starting a new life! I'm happy and excited, as well as scared... since it will be a new place (although I've been there a few times already). I will be adjusting to a new environment, especially coming from sunny California. I will be meeting and making new friends, as well as getting used to the "married life." I hope that it will be a smooth transition for me. I am thinking POSITIVE! Anyway, I apologize for not posting pictures. I have been busy these past couple of weeks and I thought I would be able to take a few pictures. However, I really didn't have a chance especially now that I have been rushing with everything I needed to do before moving. I think I'll be taking a break from photography and will resume when I finally settle down in Connecticut. I'm really excited to explore the East Coast and take pictures! I'm sure there will be A LOT of photo opportunities for me. So, I will be back with my pictures in no time. Again, I am blogging about this whole moving journey on my other blog. Please do visit if you have the time or if you are interested in following my journey of life in the East Coast.

I am really hoping for the best. Wish me luck! ♥

The Travel Photo Junkie is Moving to the East!

2010-09-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

This is to let you all know that currently, I may not be able to post pictures that much because I am moving. To those of you who do not know yet, I am moving to the East Coast... Connecticut, to be exact, in about 2 and a half weeks. I will be busy packing up and preparing for the big move! I may throw in a few "picture of the day" or random photos from time to time! So, I'll still be around. Believe me, I spend more time on the internet than packing! If you're interested, I'm blogging about this move on my other blog or you can click on the link above this page.

Thanks for the support!

The Versatile Blogger Award

2010-09-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today, I found out that I received an award from a great blogger, Petra Opelova. She is from Czech Republic, and is currently studying Press Relations in a University in UK. She blogs about PR, marketing and social media, her experiences in the university and other things that may interest you as well. Please check her blog out and discover how great she is!

Awwww... I feel so special! Thanks Petra for your never ending support! You can always count on me too!

Now, I'm supposed to share 7 random things about me. So, let's list them down...

I am a BIG Hello Kitty fan! I've collected Hello Kitty stuff in the past. I've loved this kitty since I was a child and it grew up with me. Hello Kitty never gets old!

I love chocolates... but I'm not so thrilled with chocolate cakes.

I love the beach. In fact, I grew up in Guam and every weekend I always go to the beach. I don't get to do that anymore. :(

I love the color PINK. I love anything PINK! And yes, I'm such a girl!

I love listening to music and I can listen to any type depending on my mood. But, I love Rock! I listen to rock mostly when I'm in my car driving.

I am a fan of SUV cars. I like the way they look and I feel safe when I'm driving. Big cars for Big girls! Yeah!!!

I can spend hours and hours on the internet. Without internet, my life sucks! Haha. A couple of months ago, our internet was down for 2 weeks and I was bummed that whole 2 weeks! I admit, I depend so much on the internet!

Now, that wasn't so hard... I'm giving this award to some of my friends and fellow bloggers online:

Jolly Princess
Jill Wellington
Cian and Sie
Beanizer
Chub Johnson
Vanz
Cissydeth

Let's get to know a little about you :)

Winchester Mystery House Garden Photos

2010-08-28T22:02:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from the Winchester Mystery House. I have written about this mansion a few months ago, and if you are not familiar with it, please click here. These photos are from the (on your own) garden tour which is free by the way. You can purchase a guided garden tour with the mansion tour as well. But since I have been here for about 3 to 5 times already and I don't want to waste $28 for a ticket (the prize has gone up recently), my cousin and I just walked around the garden. This was my cousin's first time coming here and he didn't want to go inside. Anyway, I have told him what to expect already. Personally, I just think it's a waste of $28 (especially if you've been there for a few times already). Besides, photos are not even allowed inside. I am fascinated with architecture and buildings, so it was nice to look and check out the house from the outside as well as explore the garden. Also, the Firearms Museum is also free where you can check out the historic Winchester guns and rifles.

The front view of the Winchester Mystery House.

The way to the garden tour...

The entrance to the garden.

This door that looked like a triangle on the right side is the entrance to the basement. You may purchase the "The Behind the Scene tour" or the "Basement tour" to be able to go inside. The entrance is so low that people need to duck and watch their heads as they go in. I have never been inside it.

Ah, the famous "Door to Nowhere."

If you are unaware and opened the door from the inside, you'll fall 10 feet below with just one step. Pretty scary!

Victorian Architecture.

The front door.

The entrance to the Firearms Museum.

Inside the Winchester Historic Firearms Museum.

The Winchester Gift Shop and cafe, leading to the courtyard.

Zelda the Fortune Teller. There is something with her that attracts you to have your "fortune" read. I don't know if it was just coincidence, but she did quite gave me a reading as well as my cousin that was like based on our personalities. Maybe she is possessed by the spirits here? Hmmm... For 0.75 cents, she will read your fortune...

And mine says...
Hmm... sounds like the Travel Photo Junkie?!?Btw, Thursday is my favorite day!

Printed at the back of the card. The Winchester Mystery House is located in San Jose, California. Come and visit if you're nearby and have not seen the house. Sarah Winchester and spirits will be waiting for you...

For more pictures, please click on the image below.

Winchester Mystery House

More food photos

2010-08-27T22:26:00.001-07:00

I'm posting another batch of food photos from a previous get together in my family, all of which were taken from my camera phone. Sorry for those who are on diet (especially a fellow blogger who is on a 30 day challenge! Haha). Trust me, when you have a family that has get together almost every month, chances are, you'll have a very hard time losing weight. I have been on a never ending diet, but how can you resist all these good food? I have a big, close-knit family and because everybody's busy, the only time we see each other to catch up with our lives is by having these mini parties. Anyway, I'll be taking a break from all these occasions since I'm moving soon. I'm finally going to have some break from all these food! However, I'm going to miss my family though and the home cooked meals...

This is Palabok, a Filipino dish, made of noodles, sauce (I really don't know what's in the sauce), shrimp, squid, eggs, green onions, etc. Some people cook it differently. My aunt cooks this best in our family. I don't know how to make it.

This is Kare Kare, another Filipino dish, made of (from what I know) peanut butter, ox tail or beef, beef tripe, string beans, Chinese cabbage (pechay?), etc. Have some shrimp paste on the side and voila! A match made in heaven! Again, some people make it differently. I don't know how to make it. This was cooked by my aunt also.

Mini eggrolls. Can be made with pork, beef, or chicken. Very easy to make.

Home made baby back ribs. My cousin attempted to make this from a recipe book. Actually, I think from an Iphone recipe app. It actually came out good!

Baked chicken Alfredo bought from Costco.

Of course, we have to have the Pizza! Especially we have a bunch of kids in the family who love pizza!

And for dessert...

My mom's special steamed rice cake. It's called "puto" in Filipino, and nope, it's not a bad word.

Delicious banana cake and muffins with frosting and bananas inside bought from a bakery called Sweet Passions.

And this is how they all came together on the table. Let's eat!

When I move, I'm going to miss all these good food on the table every month. But, it's also good that I can finally resume my diet. Yes, FINALLY! I'm really going to miss my big, rowdy, and loving family. I'll be missing in the future get together, but I'll try to be home during the holidays as much as possible. ♥

Photo of the Day: Blessed

2010-08-24T21:45:00.001-07:00

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. - Jeremiah 17:7

Photo of the Day: San Francisco

2010-08-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living. - William Saroyan

Photo of the Day: Miracles

2010-08-22T20:53:00.001-07:00

To me the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim - the rocks - the motion of the waves - the ships, with men in them, What stranger miracles are there? - Walt Whitman excerpt from "Miracles" 1856

Photo of the Day: Courage

2010-08-21T21:20:00.003-07:00

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. -Christopher Columbus