BYJ Photography Group- Pictures of the Month

It's been over a month since the BYJ Family Photography Group in Facebook was launched. The March theme was 'New Beginning'. A fresh start, a new journey which we hope would continue and bring joy to those who admire BYJ and his passion.

The following pictures I selected as the top three most fitting for this month.

Third Place goes to Myoce's Green and Gray. It depicts the old and new concept. It's simple but the color is rich. The dead leaf symbolized the past while the rest thrive and continue this life's cycle.

In Second Place is Eman's 'Clearing'. This picture seem to take you to somewhere unknown. It's more like being enticed to have a look on what's on the other side. The ray of sunlight gives a feeling of warmth. One has to look closer and intently to this picture to be able to see through its hidden mystical meaning.

First Place is no other than Olga's 'Sunset'. This picture captured the tranquility of the sea. The position of the Sun, rocks and people around are well established in the frame. The orange hues indicated that tomorrow would be another beautiful day.

To watch the slideshow of March's entries just click here.

Brit after Brit

The British summertime has finally arrived hence we had to move the clock an hour forward which meant we lost an hour sleep hehehe but sleepless or not the anticipation for today's race in Melbourne needn't an a alarm clock as my body clock knew it's time for F1.

The season's first race was just fantastic. My favorite driver Lewis Hamilton had to start from the last place of the grid because the team had to change his car's engine but still managed to wheel a third place. How about that from a former defending first black, British world champion?

I mentioned Honda earlier in my post thinking Honda of Jenson Button had come back. But he debuted on a new car this season called Brawn which was also funded by a Brit tycoon Richard Branson. New team name, new car and a fresh start. Cetainly a stunning race from this young Englishman who made it from pole to podium. It just showed he's more than just a pretty face. ;-) He just have to keep winning(losing hehehehe).

As for Lewis it was an unbelievable finish of third but let's hope he will get pole next weekend in Malaysia. A brief interview after the race is found here.

For the race highlights just click here.

By the way this is BBC1's official intro with the theme The Chain.

the graphic designer is probably a big fan of Transformers ;-).

Zin..confessions

So Mclaren team didn't do well in the Melbourne try out today huh? tsk, tsk, tsk .. don't know whether I would feel surprised or not but then again this is still the ever adrenalin pounding F1 if you don't know what I was babbling about. ;-)
However it's the weekend. There is still time to celebrate but less for me as I would be a somewhere at work.. So what happened to my wine tasting career? It's getting there. At least this time I know which wine to choose for a certain meal and could possibly distinguish Shiraz, Sauvignons, Cabernet to St. Emillion. Not as extensive but certainly couldn't be fooled when someone say he/she's good with wine.

You know I have a tendency of collecting good wines, I would love to say fine but to me the finest wines are truly for the rich and famous.. and I'm not ;-)

So the usual trip to the supermarket ended up with three lots of wine. Now the first one I've tried and it's new in the market. It's called Enchante which was launched few months ago in collaboration with Baron Philippe de Rothschild and the Constellation Brands of the USA. It's a Bordeaux Merlot with a hint of Sauvignon and Franc. It's a bit dry but would go well with most dishes. Plus it's very affordable too.

Because of the economic crisis many of these wines had to go on promotional deals in order to sell. For bargain hunters like me it's a great opportunity.

The second wine is like seeing an old acquaintance. It's Robert Mondavi's Heritage Zinfandel.. Personally I haven't tried Zinfandel only RM's Shiraz. This wine will probably make or break my Mondavi's epiphany. Since I don't want to open the bottle to try it for myself I looked for other wine taster's rating on it. On the average it should be a good wine. It bears spicy notes with a hint of tobacco . Now hang on. Did they mean oaky flavor which was noticeable in Mondavi's Shiraz??tsk, tsk. We shall soon find out. Overall, for what its worth, I really couldn't complain more. ;-)

And the last one you probably encountered too. It's the Mcguigan Shiraz. Alex find this wine interesting( spot the irony). I think any Shiraz is fine but has to be blended with Grenache to bring more flavour and make it a better wine.
So folks, hope your weekend goes well.. I am still thinking of a nice trip in one of the vineyards in France.. Italy would be fine. ;-) Take care.

Flowers for you

In the cherry blossom's shade

In the cherry blossom's shade

there's no such thing as a stranger.

-Issa Kobayashi

As seasons come and go our neighborhood have shed the old and made way for new. Remember the winter pictures I took? I went out the other day around the vicinity as I have noticed the flowering cherries have started to bloom. These trees are still popular here in England and you'll find most abode have one or two in their garden.

I am just amazed by the beauty and explosion of flowers you would see in each tree.

Here comes F1

It's the start of the Formula One Grand Prix this Friday in Melbourne while the final run will be on Sunday. Hurray!!!!! I am so waiting for this to come. As you've noticed it's my all time favorite...Been wondering if BYJ watches the grand prix also mmhh maybe.. It's a popular sport but then again couldn't be every one's cup of tea. :-)

Anyhow, what's new this season? Honda is back, BBC is airing it this year and a row have started regarding car construction.. Sounds fun already.

One prominent actress I saw last year was Michelle Yeoh who's the girlfriend of Ferrari's chief executive Jean Todt..I like her and though she's favoring the reds I won't take that against her. hehehe If you want to read about a Sunday Times interview of her just click here. It's a very good read.

What's up with the Mclaren team?The MP4-24 was launched in England with same drivers: Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen.

The official intro don't seem to be out yet but I like this one.. upbeat and catchy.
This one was a review of last year's very unforgettable race.

And the last telecast of ITV. I must say they did a great job.

Birds of prey

Harris Hawk- Someone I know is trained in falconry and she gave me the chance to actually handle this bird. It was daunting but certainly a good experience. Harris Hawk hunts for bigger prey like rabbits, hares, pheasants to anything it finds. Now you rarely find this bird in the wild as they are kept in captivity and one of the UK falconers' favorite bird of prey.

Barn Owl- Like most birds in the UK this bird is highly protected. They are found in most fields and you could see them flying about over dikes and roadside verges.It hunts for mice, mole and other small prey. When I visited a friend's house who kept one it stood perfectly on my arm but when I gave it a chick I couldn't believe how it managed to swallow the thing. You see that little beak??yikes!! it could swallow something bigger than that. ;-) amazing!!

It's a Bird!!!

Hello there! I thought a minute ago that the sun is about to shine but the cloud seems to be holding a fair share of the sky so we are expecting rain and overcast today. Hey, I'm not turning into a weather woman am I? Oh heck!

When I was looking at my kitchen window I saw a Blackbird pirched on the back wall. Now you might be thinking it's a Blackbird but it's not actually colored black but brown. It's a female Blackbird I saw and people here still call it the same although it is brown.

Birds fascinate me. Probably due to the fact that I haven't seem many of them before and like humans you get acquainted with them. They come and visit your garden and if you are eager enough you could provide dwelling place for them throughout the year.

Because we live in the countryside I see them often. On the way to work, in the neighboring field, among the hedges and especially on tall treetops they populate.

Early morning I could here them twitting around looking for food and towards the end of the day, you don't know where they have gone then they are back again the next day.

Among those I see almost everyday are the following. Now you have to pardon me for not using my own photos because I always seem to forget my camera when I see one or I wasn't quick enough. Just click on each name to know more about them.

1. Robin- everyone I think is familiar with this pretty little bird. I see them everyday at work. I just like the noticeable orange/red breast it has.

2. Eurasian Jay- I saw this one pirched on a tree when I was going to work the other day. When I first saw it I thought it was a small chicken because it was rather big compared to the other birds.hehehe It was only tryingto bury its acorn on the ground to hide it..mmhh

3. Woodpecker- It's a colorful bird and always picking ants or other small insect on the ground

new beginning

It was Mother's Day last Sunday here in Britain and we spent the weekend in my in laws which was good..This time I had to buy two greeting cards since Mother's Day in the Philippines is sometime in May. So I thought I better keep one now so I could send it in a couple of months. ;-)
I also had the chance to sort out my garden.. It's looking better at the moment. We have made progress on choosing what things to put in where and what plants to buy. I have acquired a white flowering cherry which should fit small gardens and some Japanese maple trees which should turn scarlet in autumn. Some variety of grasses were planted along the borders of the path with white pebbles surrounding it..
In a few weeks time Alex should be able to put up the pergola with bamboos behind it and a Wisteria on the side. The center of the pergola should be filled with white pebbles and a water feature.

The pond could wait till next year perhaps as we thought we will do this bit by bit.

I am looking forward to completing at least this side of the garden and be able to retreat and relax in it. ;-)

BYJ MV

Hope you have a lovely weekend.. MV courtesy of naomi

BYJ Hands

thanks fuukoks for the MV.

Healthy Body and Mind

It's nearly summer and all the bits we gained from Christmas should go away, theoretically. Yes/No? sweating it out due to the hot weather would help, right?? maybe not. So how do we stay fit from head to toe? It's not easy since it requires commitment, determination and being consistent with your goals.

I noticed that when I had days that I just couldn't be bothered with anything, a few minutes on the bike with loud music in the background really helped.. Sometimes I start by walking the dog first then when I'm warm enough I get on the bike and start cycling.. I felt energized again and ready to do anything. It did make a difference so I am making sure I do it as often as I can.

So what are the tips that we have to observe? Make exercise as part of your schedule. For me at least a 30 minute walk wakes me up plus fresh air is really good.

I know food affects your mood also. I am not a chocoholic person nor a sweet lover. I like savoury food and a bit of spice. It is important to watch what you're eating..Little but often is better than starving yourself to death.

Then involve a family member.The more the merrier. We have started cycling together these days which is great and also looking at going to the
leisure center regularly as I enjoyed it the last time.

I realized that you have to enjoy what you are doing. I know I should have known this before but circumstances change and time fly so quickly. Anyway, there's no point in doing something you're not happy about.. trust me ;-)

be kind unwind..

Hi sisters!!!! I thorougly enjoyed today..thanks to my many Angels (including hubby) I managed to go out once again..meet new people and reunite with friends whom I haven't seen for ages.

In other words it's a girl's day out. I thought I was just going only for some coffee or lunch and have a chat with friends.. I got mixed up and forgot the trip to the shops and time in the fitness center! Yep!!! Just brilliant! ;-)

So after looking for make-ups and clothes to wear for the camp next month, my friend took me to a Holiday Inn Club. It's your average gym, recreation area, pools, sauna and steam room in one building..Lovelyyyy! It's great to sweat all the tensions out and just had a relaxing girl talk.

Then we went to this restaurant called 'The Boathouse' which was a five minute drive from the club. It's a British restaurant situated in the suburbia just around the Ramada Hotel.

The air was cooler about 15 degrees centigrade and the sky was clear. I was well rested after long minutes in the sauna..all set for food..

I ordered a popular English dish called fish and chips.. I know, it's beer battered haddock with chips, peas and tartare sauce.In England we have a fish and chips day. Normally it's Friday but for me it's today.

With this big meal I had to hurry home hoping to meet Alex before he goes to work but missed him ;-( Anyhow my friend stopped for coffee in the house and continued our tête-à-tête! It was such a lovely day!

something black

Remember this?? The Luis Morais Bracelet??I'm sure you do. You must have seen this several times before on our sisters blogs..well I found the website which sells them and dear me ..yes indeed!!

The Gift Library seem to be the major shop online in the UK who sells them. They have several bracelets from LM and I kinda fancy this, the Fleur Bracelet . It reminds me of Scouts plus hubby is joining the troop in our area again as one of the leaders, I thought it's rather appropriate.

Since I have been resisting to purchase an LM I thought I'll find a matching ebony bracelet and voila Alex found me this. It's made in Burma and mostly worn when meditating. MMhhhh spiritual connection, I like that. The silver horseshoe I just attached for good luck.. ;-) To know about the significance of the bracelet just click here. Jaime actually encountered the bracelet in person.. they probably sell it in Harrods. Let's have a look next time, shall we?

By the way if you are reading this Alex.. you already know what to get , ok??? Although I still love what you bought. Thank you very much ;-) xxx

Bottoms Up!!

Hello sisters!!! It's March 17- St. Patrick's Day! If you want to know about the patron saint of Ireland just click here. Now, thanks to this event's banner I made a decision to get the eyeglasses. You see if I could hold it for long I will but I saw this banner at work and I read out loud Happy Easter!!! My colleagues burst into laughter because it actually said Happy St. Patrick's Day! Ooopppppsssss the rest is history ..

Some tidbits for this day:

* The Shamrock is Ireland's National Flower because St. Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagans.

* St. Patrick is celebrated by Irish people.
* The color of the day is green.
* There will also be parades and activities for the children today in Ireland. But for the adults it's an excuse to go to the pub!!! If you wonder why I'm writing about an Irish tradition, it's because Northern Ireland is part of Britain and they too celebrate including the Irish settlers who moved here.
* Apparently Liverpool's early settlers were Irish hence the accent.


* 'Luck of the Irish' is the expression which goes with this day and has a funny connotation. It was from a legend about 'Little People' called leprechauns who lived only in Ireland. Finding a leprechaun who will give you gold was considered lucky. Who wouldn't? ;-)

* It's celebrated today as many believed that St. Patrick's died on the 17th of March.source: St. Patrick's official site.

If you have time watch this cute cartoon film about St. Ptarick's.

For your eyes only

It's the start of the week and have to get things sorted out. I should have had my eyes tested again but was too lazy to do so.. Anyhow, I lost my glasses five days ago.. Again!!! Yep, I lost them last year and my colleague managed to locate it but it's gone again this time. I must have left them somewhere maybe at work and forgot. I must admit I get tired wearing them. Oh well I think it's time to get a new one and had to do it today as I was getting headaches. Not good.

So Alex and I got our eyes tested and goodness me I forgot how funny it had been when they started checking the pressure in both eyes. I couldn't stop giggling but did behave in the end.

Just looking at the pictures of YJ during the filming of the Megane Ichiba CM. Photos courtesy of BYJ Gallery. Thanks.

really look good on whatever pair he puts on..






I decided to pick these two just in case I lose it again..I better hope not. ;-)

New week ahead

Phew!!!! Thank God the weekend is over..It was a tiring one for me but friends came in handy to help. I hope you had a nice one. I am looking forward to this week.Get some planning for my Japanese garden. I am actually excited about it. I thought I am already in Europe and although I like European gardens I'd like to feel as if I am in the Pacific plus I always admire Zen gardens. So we will see ;-)

What a better way to end this day? A good glass of white wine . Just a quick idea about this wine. It's very affordable and smooth to taste. See you later ;-)

Domaine Le Hitton Reserve 2006

color- pale
aroma-creamy peach with a hint of lemon
taste- citrus with a touch of peach
grape- sauvignon-chardonnay
country- France
appellation-Cotes de GascogneVdP
style- dry
body- medium bodied

Funny for Money

Wowwww!!!!! Comic Relief 2009 didn't disappoint at all. Tonight's fundraising was first hosted by my favorite Doctor, David Tennant and Big Brother's Davina McCall.
There was a line up of sketches from different TV stations and performances from my favorite band Take That singing Up All Night, Tom Jones, Annie Lennox, U2 were some of the artists who rocked the night.
This is the only show which made me laugh by watching a sketch from start to finish then cry my hearts out after watching films of families in Africa and their circumstances.

I think the funniest sketch of the night goes to Mamma Mia. Dawn French (Vicar of Dibley), Jennifer Saunders were two of the main cast. Oh it was hilarious!!

And the cute sketch goes to Smithy V England Team.. You have to see this, it's really silly.

The Mt. Kilimanjaro climb unbelievably raised £3,315,000+. The money will aid in buying mosquito nets for families in Africa. Some of it will also be used for HIV tests, and helping children in the community.
Across the country today, schools, establishments, corporate companies, army and people from all walks of life did their fair share of silly stuffs in order to raise money. I think this video is rather silly and shows how far people could go..


The show went on until 3:00 am. I would be asleep by then but before I went to bed the money has gone up too £32,802,411 and it's certainly rising..This is a phenomenon which I pray would save lives and make a difference.

Comic Relief

If one would asked me what particular aspect of being British makes me proud , it's the capacity to help the poor, the needy and the disadvantage I'd say. Despite the impression of snobbery and arrogance which I was told before coming to England I still believe that majority of the public cares. Yes, moaning about their circumstances is a typical trait but who doesn't need a good old moan every now then. It's better out than in.

Today, 13th of March the country observes Comic Relief or Red Nose Day! This is one of the biggest charity established in 1985. The main goal of the charity is to raise funds while having fun. One way of doing it is wearing the Red Nose or doing anything silly and making others laugh while raising funds. This year 9 celebrities/artists climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in order to raise at least a million pounds for poverty stricken countries in Africa. Some of them were Chris Moyles BBC Radio One DJ (very funny guy), Gary Barlow of Take That, Ronan Keating of Boyzone, and Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud. To read more just click here.

What really got me was watching those children in Africa who never made it to hospitals. Most of them apart from being malnourished, they were infected by malaria. It's so heart breaking. I could only hope that this big effort will continue and we could all look forward to a world free from poverty.

We couldn't get hold of the red nose yesterday.They got sold so fast but there were still few bottles of wine left in our supermarket so we bought that instead. Part of the sales will be donated to the Comic Relief fund.

I am also looking forward to the programs on tele tonight as the big fundraising continues while various shows will showcase their own comic spills..the target is 40 million pounds...let's hope we'll reach it.