ringmyBelle Diaries

Of Frozen Lake

2012-01-28T23:33:00.002-05:00

One afternoon before dusk (winter in Alberta have only few hours of sunlight thus it darks early) my sister brought me in the neighborhood park just a couple of walks away along with my niece and nephew. It was chilly and gray outside yet we braved the cold just to see the park where a lake turn ice. Nobody was outside making noises except us. That being said, we are obviously new to this country and being ignorant somehow brings us so much fun. We are absolutely had fun. Immeasurable. Like I said to my husband it makes my heart bigger. We're so amaze how the lake turn ice and yet still beautiful to look at. Amaze how we can run onto it. My sister took a lot of videos of us while playing around in the frozen park. Too bad I can't upload it here right now hence I got problem resizing the file. I'm not a technical person I still have to figure it out. I don't know even how to download videos from youtube till now that's my biggest problem. I'll let my husband do it instead. Once its done I will post a video here. Just looking at the images makes me wanna come back to Alberta. *Sigh*

Travel period: December 2011

Galaxyland at West Edmonton Mall

2012-01-28T22:57:00.002-05:00

West Edmonton Mall in Alberta is tremendous. It has theme parks inside of that mall where mostly locals enjoys to stay especially during winter season. I must admit the place was packed when I was there last month even during weekdays. Obviously there is not much to do outside on winter except if you like to do skiing, other than that indoor activities is a must. My nephews and niece loves Galaxyland where kids and alike are play till they drop. They have plenty of rides out there much like Disneyland minus a castle.

I only took on the Swing Of The Century ride right after my sister told me that the attendant allows them (my sister, nephew and niece) to take the swing ride again for free because they are kababayan (fellow Filipino). I went and asked the attendant if I can take a ride for free sure enough he allows me. I love when he said "yes" with a smile, such a pinoy. My nephew and niece really took advantage of him they keep take that ride multiple times until they couldn't do it anymore. How would you like to get dizzy after the rides? Nobody does although it's funny. Haha. But I do enjoyed it.

My nephews and niece were also riding this swing boat. I passed this because I had tried it in Hongkong and I don't like it.

Kids loves this plane swing. My nephew Julian riding it since he is not allowed to take the Swing of the Century.

Travel period: December 2011

Affordable Gould Pumps

2012-01-28T22:09:00.000-05:00

Wegotpumps.com has the specs for gould pumps and even have different pumps parts, by size, by type, pumps by manufacturer to choose from. Their website enable buyers to be able to scan and determine which part would be compatible for their outlets. They sells a huge selection of commercial and industrial pumps from leading manufacturers in the country. They are experts in the field of commercial and industrial pumping equipment for over 25 years of service. They have millions of inventory, in-stock and ready for shipment within 24 hours, so hurry check their website and buy goulds pumps now! They offer the lowest price for any equivalent products in the USA. They offer free shipping on all order USA except they will charge additional fee for Alaska/Hawaii and international orders.

Cinnzeo Cinnamon

2012-01-28T21:49:00.002-05:00

To find a delightful sweet food is one of my goal when traveling. I always have to look out for that it doesn't matter if its confectioneries, pastries or jam. Finding them is an easy task. Sugar is everywhere! When I was in Edmonton, Canada my sister brought me to Southgate Centre Mall - that means shopping and eating. I couldn't resist. That is always been my pleasures. Teehee!!!

Noticed a stall where bunch of people were patiently waiting in the queue line. When I near at it I smelled a delicious tempting cinnamon spice which I love so that gets me curious. I always been a curious person no wonder why I wander. Anyhow, to make the story short I ended up myself fall into this cinnamon roll. The smell alone makes me hypnotize that's how strong the cinnamon spice is, how much more when I taste it was so good. It's actually to-die-for.

They serve it hot and the glaze on top of it is slowly melting, when bites it will burst the sugar and spice flavor in your mouth. Its sweet but it is so good. The bread is so soft and fresh it just perfect all together. I hate when a cinnamon bread is hard and dry unlike the Cinnzeo Cinnamon it is so soft. I guess its because I got it while its hot. But still.

This is the Cinnzeo stall in Southgate. You can see while they preparing and cook it at the same time. That woman on the right side of this photo is making the dough. That's why the cinnamon rolls are fresh when we buy it. I wish they have that in here. If only I could get a merchant cash advance to buy a franchise of this business I will do it just to have a branch here in Florida, that would be great! Until then I'll longing for it.

photo credits: the first two photos above is own by ringmybelle, and the last photo is own by CinnZeo online.
Travel period: December 2011

Oh Anthropologie

2012-01-27T20:51:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite shopping haven is Anthropologie. Anything looks old or vintage per see is my like. Love rustic furniture, rustic clothes, rustic kitchen wares or any rustic knick knacks for home, and Anthropologie has all that. Its such a delightful feeling to be in that store. Some kind of place I would love to live in. Full of shallow happiness. :)

These photos was taken at Anthropologie of course in West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta last month. I'm sure my niece Jola would be happy to credit her for taking this photo of me while wandering around in my favorite store. She is such a good paparazzi. Anyway, I did buy some beautiful mugs from there. I am so happy using it everyday.

Cigars

2012-01-27T20:23:00.001-05:00

They said men are easy to buy a gift because they mostly like electronics or watches but that is not the case for some men. Let's say, my father doesn't know anything about the latest electronics (he didn't even know how to use cellphones) and he doesn't like jewelries either. So I always have a hard time to find a perfect gift for him whenever there's a special occasion. Of course I wanted to buy my father the best gift I could afford to reward him but instead I ended up buying him a macanudo cigars which he loves more than any gadgets out there. I guess finding gifts for men is indeed easy after all.

Alberta, Canada

2012-01-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

Edmonton, Alberta is beautiful. They have their own world. I was there early December of last year and the weather was so perfect for winter. It didn't snow a lot, the highest Celsius I've experienced when I was there for 10 days is only -8 Celsius. According to my sister the usual weather on winter in Alberta is -21 or more and that is bittering cold outside. Pretty much my stay was lovely as I expected. Love the calmness and cold of the city so I took the chance to sightsee around the city, the parks, and museums while mostly locals were at their cocoons. :) I'll let the photos do (most of) the talking.

Guilty Pleasure: Hawaiian Host Chocolate

2012-01-23T20:34:00.000-05:00

Ever since my friend Rub got me a Hawaiian Host chocolate the Original Maui Caramacs chocolate in particular from their recent trip in Hawaii I fell in love the taste of it. This is the kind of chocolate that fits to my taste buds- a milk chocolate covered caramel with macadamia nuts is oh-so-good. I can eat the whole box in one sitting. Too bad I can't find it anywhere at nearby stores. Occasionally Ross store has it, and I hoard. :)

I also find this Hawaiian fruit chocolates very interesting so I tried it. It was okay don't get me wrong but milk chocolate and caramel is what I love the most.

Capture The Moment

2012-01-22T20:32:00.000-05:00

I captured lots of images and videos from my last visit in Canada. The above photo is me capturing a video of my nephew and niece rolling their body around in the snow (they're so funny to look at) while I didn't noticed my sister on the other side was capturing a video of myself using one of her sony camcorders. My sister love taking videos more than I do. Photography is my cup of tea. But that besides the point, anyway, when I am revisiting the albums of the images I took from my previous Canada winter vacation I get so thrilled to write about it here in my blog. Now that my allergy is gone, I will try my best to update this blog everyday.

Tim Hortons

2012-01-22T18:25:00.001-05:00

Tim Hortons's Canada's Dunkin Donuts version. They sell coffee, tea, hot specialty beverages (like espresso, cappuccino, etc.), cold beverages (like iced coffee, fruit smoothies, etc.), snacks & baked goods, sandwiches, and great breakfast foods. When I was in Canada I have to have Tim Hortons coffee not because I really have to but only because I need to have a hot coffee to warm my body because it's freaking cold over there. Tim Hortons stores are can find every where in Canada. And is very affordable.

This was me at the cash register counter waiting for my order.

I must admit that their coffee is good. My niece for some reasons ordered an iced coffee while the weather was -10 Celsius outside. Weird. :)

Me sipping the hot Tim Hortons coffee outside the mall.

Hiatus

2012-01-22T17:32:00.001-05:00

The pollen caught me as usual every time the season changed. I just got a seasonal allergy. It started when I was in Canada for my winter vacay. I got so caught up by the allergy really bad, it took me almost four weeks to finally recover the cold, sore-throat, cough, and body ache. Note to self, I should see a doctor after two weeks having the bad allergy than taking home remedies using those over the counter meds before I got the bad annoying coughs. Queen of procrastination that is me. So this is what I got. Not... a very good idea. Thank God I finally recover it, and my energy is back to normal now- that means my brain is now functioning very well. I'm happy to be back in the world of blogosphere! :)

From Fort Lauderdale to Edmonton

2012-01-06T21:16:00.001-05:00

This was the Continental aircraft I flew in departing from Fort Lauderdale going to Edmonton, Alberta. I was waiting my time to board in that aircraft. Been waiting for this flight for so long.

Finally, the aircraft is off to the sky! That's Fort Lauderdale panorama view. Florida clouds are gorgeous, ain't it?

After more than 8hours flight I finally arrived at Edmonton safely at exactly 9:45 PM. Their immigration officer is cool. She didn't bother asking me so many questions. She only asked me- where I live, my job, and what's my purpose to come in Edmonton. The only disappoint me was the baggage claims department. I don't know for some reason they didn't announce, our luggage was stuck in the aircraft for almost an hour before I finally get them. I was so anxious to see my family outside and so does they. My family thought I didn't make it. When I finally met them, the words came out from their mouth was "what took you so long over there!" Hahaha I don't blame them, do you? As long I got my luggage and I arrived alive then that's what only matter.

My older sister and I chatting about the freezing weather welcomes me. So there, welcome to Canada! It's freezing indeed!!

At my sister's home sweet home. Of course the kids couldn't wait for their gifts, they are very excited for it.

My brother-in-law prepared me a delicious balbakwa soup (it's a pork meat with bone base soup) a Filipino food I miss.

Here's the happy campers, my niece and nephews playing with the toys I bought for them, while I was webcaming my mother on the other side.

Travel period: December 2011

My 2011 Annual Report

2012-01-04T22:41:00.000-05:00

year 2011 brought joys, tears, and no fears on me. Still there were ups-and-downs, certain thing bad happens that I wish it didn't occur to me but then I realized those were out of my hands. If bad happen comes then good thing will follows. I don't lose hope. Despite of that I feel so blessed. I got a life that I really prayed for. So here goes my year-end report the highlights of my 2011.

Bereavement

Early 2011 my father passed away. That terrified me. I had sleepless nights, cried in a bucket, and had broken heart because of that. My father who wishes us (me and my sisters) to finish school in order to have a better job and comfortable life he never had. A strong man yet has a soft heart. He loves and protects our family to death. With all the blessings my husband and I had been saving I was able to buy plane tickets for Philippines to attend my father's funeral. When my mother learned about my attendance she was happy to be able to see me again since my last 2007 homecoming. My mother was sad about the passing of my father but at the same time she was happy to see me again. Talking about optimism in our family always look at the brighter side of the problems. We mourn. We celebrate. During those time my relatives were all there who comforted us in our sorrows. That helps our family able to realized that we're not alone. That said, our broken hearts get healed easily. Thanks to our faith in God and family.

Food

When I was in the Philippines to attend my father's funeral my family make sure to prepare my meals very good. I ate the local foods I like! I sure took the chance to savor all those foods that I couldn't have in Florida. There is no better than home food.

Friends

I never expected to see old friends whom I truly miss a lot. The unexpected surprises is priceless. I have no plans to meet them cause all I want is to be with the family during my short home-coming. 10 days is not enough for a big family bonding but when my friend visited me at the wake the idea came out. After few days my father's funeral my friend fetch me to see our old friends from my previous job. I never expect everybody came out to see me. I was so happy. Everybody was happy!

Came Spring our dearest friend flew from Philippines to visit us here in Florida. This is definitely one of the highlights of last year because my husband was happy to see his best friend. He is so funny, and to be around with this man who has humor and who loves food is fun. We did nothing but talk, eat and driving around the city for two and-a-half days. It was a treat that we never forget and would love to do it again when he comes back next year (2013). :)

Sorrow

Last Summer, my heart was again broken when our beloved furry-kid Stormy passed away. I can't talk about her if I did I cry. She left us a big hole in our heart. The pain I feel is immeasurable when she's gone after my father. It was so painful to see her gone. You have no idea how she change my life in a way I now care the feelings of animals. I feel blessed to be her mommy.

Getaways

After all the pain my husband and I been through we learn to embrace a new chapter of our life. To go out from our comfort zone is something we needed. Our friends invited us to be part of their daughter celebration at the beach in Miami, so off we went! It is a lovely, lovely place. We also found an old zoo and a garden we both love over there.

I was present at the Bon (A Japanese) Festival with the husband for the first time. Learning other cultures is interesting. The highlights of this event is the lanterns floating and the taiko. Love to hear taiko! I was participating the traditional dance without a shame. It was fun.

Another culture I learn is Cuban. Through our friends they show me their world not in Cuba but in Little Havana and Hialeah (Miami) where majority of Cuban-Americans live. There are Cuban things and values that I learn are familiar to my Filipino culture because both countries was colonized by Spaniards way way back. I learn to love Cuban food especially their vaca frita, ropa vieja, bread pudding, and espresso. Gosh, talking about it makes me hungry now. Cuban food is indeed the best!

Achievements

To be able to get here in U.S.A is such a dream come true. Never in my wildest dreams that I will become a citizen of this great country. Until it all happens last year without any hustles from my citizenship application process to interview till applying for a passport. I could not have done this without my husband support. He's behind of all my achievements. This is the best birthday gift he gave to me, aside of course the material stuff he bought for me. :) Yes, I officially became a U.S. citizen on 2011. That is definitely the highlights of last year.

Travel

Before Christmas I flew to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to visit my sister and her family, to explore Edmonton, and to see a snow. I got what I wish for. I had such a happy experience playing on the snow while its falling with my sister and nephew. Despite the cold weather my sister family and I had a great time roaming around the city, dinning out, and shopping. It was fun and memorable experience I would never trade to anything.

This is it! The highlights of my 2011 life (good and bad). Here's for 2012 more adventures, more achievements, good health, and prosperity for me and my DH, and to everybody. Cheers!!!

Happy New Year (2012)!!

2012-01-01T20:32:00.001-05:00

My New Year celebration was quite simple. It is just the way my DH and I like it. We stayed home, and takeout Italian food (Tomato Basil soup, crab with olives salad, wraps and pasta salad) for our dinner. I pig out the left over of roasted pork I cooked last Friday, which is very good by the way. We had a non-alcoholic champagne as well. Watched a UFC (ultimate fighting championship) documentary while savoring all those foods.

I slowly roast this 4pounds pork meat for almost 8 hours. It turn out soooo good. Yum!

I had this plate.

DH ate this pasta.

Minutes before midnight my DH tune in the live streaming video of New York's New Year countdown while having a fresh mint tea to cheers for welcoming 2012. We watched the fireworks from our neighbors. We both wish for good health, peace, and prosper on 2012. 2011 left us financially OK but we've lost our loved ones. I pray for a much better year for us this year. Hopefully more good vibes.

Spring Roll Kitchen in Edmonton

2011-12-28T22:42:00.001-05:00

When I was in Edmonton my sister and the rest for her family brought me here (SpringRoll Kitchen) for dinner. Yay, she knows what I like! I know I've been eating a lot of Vietnamese food lately here in Florida but I won't mind at all having it in the other country again. After all Canada's restaurants are most likely what we have in the USA. Below is me taken a souvenir photo outside of the restaurant.

The interior design at Spring Roll is kinda modern not like a typical Vietnam.

The menu looks amazing

The food prices are not that bad.

They served us a hot green tee which I really need at that time cause my throat was itchy. I caught the cold and sore throat so bad.

That said, I ordered their special soup (pho). As usual it taste good since I got a sore throat I didn't finish this soup.

My niece ordered this. She said it taste good.

My nephew had this beef steak. It taste great.

The Snow is Falling Down

2011-12-26T22:57:00.001-05:00

To see a snow falling and to experience play with it was my childhood dream. Never that I would thought that that dream will come true. I went to visit my sister and her family a couple of weeks ago for the first time in Alberta, Canada to spend time with them and to finally experience the real winter season. Because in Florida our winter is not white. Mostly people I know say we're lucky to live in a place (Florida) that has a beautiful weather all through the year. Yeah, agree. But, still am longing to experience a snow. During my stays over there in Edmonton (the capital city of Alberta) the snow didn't fall, until just a couple of hours left before my flight back to Florida. The snow is falling so beautiful. It made my whole vacation complete.

From my room where I laid on a bed I went straight outside of the complex along with my sister and nephew the moment a snow is started to falling on the ground.

I was having fun playing of it. Jumping up-and-down like a kid. It was lovely experienced. Snow is beautiful indeed!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everybody!!! I hope you are all well and have fun celebrating this special Holiday. God bless you all.

Kisses from ringmybelle..

Spotted Vic Sotto Poster in Canada

2011-12-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

My niece, nephew and I laughed when we saw this poster of Vic Sotto on the wall inside the train in Edmonton. What the heck is his photo doing here?? We all said. That shows how big Vic Sotto in the Philippines, and how so many Filipinos are now here in Canada. True, that many Filipinos working abroad just to help financially their family back home by sending their hard earn money through western union or to other banking services. Canada is definitely one of the home of many Filipinos abroad.

Austin Carpet Cleaning

2011-12-14T10:35:00.000-05:00

Although you probably won't need to clean your carpet everyday but you definitely need to do so on a regular basis. It is also inevitable that carpets or tile have to be cleaned somehow, at some point to not damage your carpet further without cleaning carpet stains left behind by fertilizer, accidents do happen. Find local contractors to clean carpets or rugs or tiles in a home. The Steam Team is the number one choice for carpet and tile cleaning austin in Texas. Their experience for more than two decades in cleaning and maintaining residential and commercial upholstery, flooring and many more have been proven over the years to their satisfied customers. Please visits their website at http://www.thesteamteam.com/ for more information about them or to schedule an appointment or for a quote.

Snap it: Cherry Tree.

2011-12-13T18:03:00.000-05:00

A lovely tree I saw at the park near the North Saskatchewan River. Such a beautiful sight.

Welcome to Cotton Candy Land!

2011-12-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

I peered at the window and took these amazing pictures. The white, puffy clouds were scattered throughout the sky. It was lovely.

Once again, Welcome to Cotton Candy Land!

Edmonton Full Moon

2011-12-11T20:44:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, minutes after I arrived here in Edmonton, I was really amazed by the full moon. My niece, Jola, took these pictures below:

These pictures are lovely. I love how the moon flared the soft glow across the inky sky.

Gift Ideas: Medical Scrubs

2011-12-08T23:07:00.001-05:00

Christmas holiday is a time of gift giving for our loved ones and friends. I did a lot of shopping last month thought I bought everybody a gift little did I know I missed to get one for my younger sister when I noticed after finish wrapping all the gifts I bought. This is what happened when we have a big immediate family. Good thing though online shopping is just a click away, no need to go back to a store just to find something the gifts you want for your loved ones. My younger sister is easy to buy a gift. The cotton nursing scrubs and a pair of shoes are what she ask me to get for her this Christmas holiday so she can have another new pair of scrubs can be use at her job.

At this site http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/ I found the scrubs that she likes. It handmade of the finest fabrics available and held to the highest standards of quality and come in a large variety of colors. I am very happy for their service as well.

i Like! J.Crew Outerwear

2011-12-08T22:24:00.001-05:00

If only I can grow a moolah on a tree I will buy these all J.Crew coats. They looks lovely. I needed it for my trip in the frozen-wonderland. Oh, sigh!

Stadium-cloth car coat in buffalo

Toggle coat in wool-cashmere with Thinsulate

Majesty peacoat

Lizzie Olsen Style

2011-12-08T21:52:00.001-05:00

Lizzie is the youngest sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (who are famous of their personal fashion styles) who as well has her standout style in the world of fashion, and a great actor too. She's definitely different from her sisters!

images credit: marie claire