How to Plant Your Garden for Height

Planting for the "third dimension", height, really allows all the space within the patio or courtyard to be used to the full, and the added heat retained by a south- or west-facing wall will protect more tender and exotic plants.

Planting Ideas

Having a wall to plant against adds a whole extra dimension to your possibilities, especially if it faces south or west, because the heat from the sun is absorbed during the day and given off overnight. Nearby plants will be kept several degrees warmer than those beyond the wall's influence. This allows the planting of subjects that could not survive without the extra heat.


Most shrubs can be grown near a wall. Wall-shrubs are specifically those that can be pruned back to form a covering for the wall, supported against it using wires and ties, and through which other plants such as climbers can be grown. Climbers support themselves in a number of ways: by twining their stems around a support; by twisting tendrils or leaf-stalks around a support; by using thorns to scramble; or by the use of aerial roots or sucker pads to attach themselves.

Whether the plant is intended for a wall or a pergola, it should be of a size chosen to be in context with its surroundings, otherwise it will need regular pruning to keep it under control, and this may be at the expense of the flowers. Do bear in mind that, after rainfall, the plant will drip for some time, and this may result in the surface underneath becoming slippery. If this is also a well-used route through the garden, it may be advisable to replace a smooth surface, such as decking, with a non-slip one, such as gravel. This can be edged with brick or bonded with resin to keep it from interfering with mowing the lawn.

How to make a Watering System in Your Garden

A cheap way to install automatic watering is to make your own discreet watering device out of an old plastic drinks bottle.

1) Cut out a hole in the base of the bottle, just large enough to be able to water through.

2) Loosen the cap of the bottle then place it upside down in the pot so the base of the bottle slightly pokes just above the surface of the compost.

3) Fill the bottle with water through the hole in the base and it will slowly seep out of the loosened cap, providing your thirsty plants with just the correct amount of water that they need.

An alternative is to cut an old plastic drinks bottle in half. Make three or four small holes in the base, then stick it in a grow-bag of, for example, tomatoes (being very thirsty plants). Fill the half-bottle with water and it will slowly trickle through the holes to ensure the tomatoes never dry out.

It is also possible to buy specially made spikes which fit on the top of a two-litre plastic drinks bottle. Once the bottle is inverted you can stick the spikes into the ground and their ingenious little boles release water or liquid nutrients slowly. As the spike penetrates so far into the ground the water or feed will be at the right level to reach the roots.

Home and Garden Resources

If you line in the UK, you can find home and garden products in the UK with the help of an all new UK Construction Directory.

Bentuk konstruksi kuda kuda berdasar lebar bentang

Konstruksi kuda-kuda adalah susunan rangka batang yang berfungsi mendukung beban atap termasuk juga beratnya sendiri, sekaligus dapat memberikan bentuk pada atap.
Kuda-kuda
merupakan penyangga utama pada struktur atap. Struktur ini termasuk dalam klasifikasi struktur framework (truss), secara umumnya kuda - kuda terbuat dari kayu, bambu, baja, dan beton bertulang.

  • Kuda - kuda kayu digunakan sebagai pendukung atap dengan bentang maksimal sekitar 12 m. Kuda - kuda bambu pada umumnya mampu mendukung beban atap sampai dengan 10 meter
  • kuda - kuda baja sebagai pendukung atap, dengan sistem frame work atau lengkung dapat mendukung beban atap sampai dengan bentang 75 meter, seperti pada hanggar pesawat, stadion olah raga, bangunan pabrik, dll.
  • Kuda - kuda dari beton bertulang dapat digunakan pada atap dengan bentang sekitar 10 hingga 12 meter.
  • Pada kuda - kuda dari baja atau kayu diperlukan ikatan angin untuk memperkaku struktur kuda-kuda pada arah horisontal.
Pada dasarnya konstruksi kuda - kuda terdiri dari rangkaian batang yang selalu membentuk segitiga. Dengan mempertimbangkan berat atap serta bahan dan bentuk penutupnya, maka konstruksi kuda - kuda satu sama lain akan berbeda, tetapi setiap susunan rangka batang harus merupakan satu kesatuan bentuk yang kokoh yang nantinya mampu memikul beban yang bekerja tanpa mengalami perubahan.

Kuda-kuda diletakkan diatas dua struktur beton/baja selaku tumpuannya. Perlu diperhatikan bahwa tembok diusahakan tidak menerima gaya horisontal maupun momen, karena tembok hanya mampu menerima beban vertikal saja ( dalam perhitungan struktur tembok tidak diperhitungkan sebagai penerima beban tapi hanya sebagai beban )
Beban-beban yang dihitung adalah :

  1. Beban mati ( yaitu berat penutup atap, reng, usuk, gording, kuda - kuda, plafon termasuk instalasi listrik, air bersih/air kotor dan instalasi lain yang berada diatas plafon dengan posisi menggantung )
  2. Beban hidup ( angin, air hujan, orang pada saat memasang/memperbaiki atap ).
Kuda - kuda berdasarkan bentang kuda-kuda dan jenis bahannya :
Bentang 3-4 Meter

Digunakan pada bangunan rumah bentang sekitar 3 s.d. 4 meter, bahannya dari kayu, atau beton bertulang.
Bentang 4-8 Mater
Untuk bentang sekitar 4 s.d. 8 meter, bahan dari kayu atau beton bertulang. 

 Bentang 9-16 Meter
Untuk bentang 9 s.d. 16 meter, bahan dari baja (double angle).
Bentang 20 Meter
Bentang maksimal sekitar 20 m, Bahan dari baja (double angle) dan Kuda-kuda atap sebagai loteng, Bahan dari kayu
Kuda-Kuda Baja Profil Siku
Kuda-Kuda Gabel Profil WF


Untuk bentang lebih dari 9 m disarankan menggunakan tenaga ahli dalam menentukan dimensi material yang digunakan.

Super Food Part II: Citrus Fruit



Another amazing super food I'd like to share with you and one of my favourites: citrus fruit, in particular, grapefruit!  Citrus is not only amazing for its rich nutritious value (Vitamin C anyone) but they are also fat-burning foods.

Best time of day I find to enjoy any citrus fruits is in the early hours, for breakfast or as a morning snack, and I especially love a lemon slice in tea.

So really, why is it so great (or why I say it is), here's the low-down (don't quote me on this but I can believe it):
  • citrus fruit also contains many citrus flavonoids and phytochemicals that help protect our bodies from disease - not a cure but it certainly helps!
  • All citrus fruits contain valuable fiber, especially in the membranes separating the sections and in the white part of the rind - good thing it's often added to my baked goods

  • Citrus also helps prevent stomach cancer and cancers of the mouth and larynx - more heroic work

  • Citrus fruits are also a good source of fiber, which will help keep blood sugar levels under control - which is why they help keep your waistline in check, they help you feel fuller, longer
Some vegan friendly ways to enjoy citrus in your diet ...
    1. A fantastic morning cleanse option that I like to implement from time to time (ideally I would like to do this everyday) is before you start your breakfast, squeeze about 1/2 a lemon into 1 cup of fresh water and drink it down.  A friend got me onto it, it's a great way to start your day and lemon water is good for your stomach, your skin, teeth, throat and it helps with weight-loss
    2. Add a few slices of oranges or grapefruit in your green salad.  I try to eat a grapefruit as a snack from time to time, it's especially nice when you feel parched.  You can also just add the lemon or orange zest to your salad or dressing.

    3. Make a big Vitamin C fruit salad with orange, grapefruit, kiwi, mango and a dash of lemon or lime juice.

    4. If all else fails, a gin and lime juice before bed can do wonders to help you sleep! ;)
    Cheers!

      Our Wedding Video

      Another shameless plug :)


      Or click HERE. :)


      The only thing I asked for our onsite was the song--Wait Till You See My Smile by Alicia Keys. Other than that, we had no meetings, no previous talks, nothing. My bad--I would have wanted more pine trees and mountains in the video and less of me in curlers, but that's fine, we still love our onsite! :)


      The song came to me while driving home from work one day, and when I got home I called Darwin and made him listen to it. He also liked it and gave me his dance of approval (he smiles when he agrees with something, but gives off a little funny dance move when he REALLY loves your idea--hahaha).

      So here it is, the Same Day Edit or Onsite Wedding Video by Threelogy. :)

      Enjoy!


      Darwin and Andrea's Onsite Video from Andrea Mago on Vimeo.

      The Backyard Farm Birthday Party!

      We love a good birthday party! 

      You know we're way out of the rainbow bread and hotdog era when there are children's parties out there looking like THIS and well, like this:

      (Pardon the photos, these are only screen grabs from Facebook with the owner's permission heehee :p)









      Our friends Cara and Chinggoy recently threw the first birthday party of their cute chubbywubby son, Alonso, and the theme was Farm!


      The props, the food, were all thought up by Cara (with help from her cousins)--you know how a well thought-of DIY party makes my heart all mushy and warm! :)


      sign board and stacks of hay added the unexpected touch!













      fake chicks








      lemonade served in drinking jars make excellent replacements to the ordinary plastic cups




      Top: what is a farmer without her boots? :)  Above: A pail of flowers will add a pop of color; serve bottles of water in a tin pail








      the kiddie table is lots of fun with bright plaid tablecloth and a bunch of toys 








      The birthday boy in front of his red barn 




















      Affordable Weekend destinations







      While spring cleaning my photos, I came across two memorable places we'd gone to in 2010. The first is the Inn at Cliffhouse  in Tagaytay, where I spent the Holyweek with my mom and brother.

      The Cliffhouse Inn is composed of four rooms, all located below the restaurants Firelake Grill and Buon Giorno! We got the Minot's Ledge Suite--very spacious and comfy and just the way I like it! I'm an American home kind of girl (incase you didn't already know heehee) and the interiors were absolutely perfect. :) Soft and fluffy sofa, telescope-inspired standing lamps, distressed wood and fluffy accents. 







      The little Nantucket-inspired corner makes all the difference :)








      Fresh OJ to start your day














      plush teddy bears to take home with you











      the cute breakfast nook by the lobby








      a little welcome gift sure to please the sweet tooths ...sweet teeth :p








      And then there was Langham...our new favorite hotel in Hong Kong... My husband and I love it for the club floor (which comes with the usual club amenities like breakfast buffets, internet access, tea time and cocktail hour) 




      This one has awesome interior--very European-inspired, so I feel like Blair Waldorf sometimes.








      their table setting is so pretty, you'll want to eat all the bread on the basket

      The waitstaff serve you coffee the way you want it! I had a nice frothy cappuccino for every morning that I was there. :)








      Their breakfast mainstays are continental and eastern asian cuisine




      It Dazzles The Windbor @ Marina Bay Sands

      The Winbor at Marina Bay Sands
      See it dazzles..
      Be immersed..

      'The Wind Arbor is the largest and most visible piece of Marina Bay Sands’ Art Path.
      It covers 6,800 square meters,
      equivalent to the surface area of 5 and a 1/2 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
      The sculpture consists of 260,000 aluminum metal “flappers”
      covering the entire western façade of the
      Hotel Atrium facing the Central Business District
      and encircling the air-conditioning towers
      at the north end of the resort.
      When the flappers move, they reflect light creating a shimmering piece of art.
      It is 15 meters tall at the north end and rises to 55 meters at the southern entry.
      The flappers are mounted on hinges and hung from steel cable
      so they are free to move independently in reaction to wind movements.'

      So when you are in the vicinity, do STOP! to watch and admire the art.
      Reminiscent : Waves at the Sands

      Rain Oculus @ Marina Bay Sands See the GUSH!


      Rain Oculus
      See and hear the strong gush of water.
      Observe the whirlpool motion.
       The water falling from 2 storeys high creating a strong impact.
      The Oculus water flow is a 15 minute display.


      'The Rain Oculus is a large acrylic and stainless steel structure located at the intersection
      of the retail mall with the waterfront promenade.
      It creates a whirlpool motion above the promenade level
      with the water falling 2 storeys through a hole at the center of the Oculus,
      creating a dynamic water skylight feature at the heart of the retail mall.
      It consists of a 22 meter diameter acrylic bowl
      mounted on top of a tubular stainless steel superstructure
      which forms a "basket" to support the acrylic panels.
      The combined weight of the acrylic Oculus and steel superstructure is 90 tons.
      Water flows at 6,000 gallons per minute through the Oculus
      and the maximum weight of water it can hold is 200 tons.'

      From above after the flow..

      Skating Rink @ Marina Bay Sands


      Marina Bay Sands Skating Rink

      Located at the Canal Level (near Rasapura Masters foodcourt)
      Operating hours: 10am - 10pm
      The Skating Rink is closed daily from 5 - 6pm for maintenance.
      Prices
      Adults: S$7 per hour
      Additional hour: S$5
      Children (5 - 11 years old) : S$6 per hour
      Additional hour: S$3
      Skate rental: S$3 (1 time fee), Personal skates are not allowed
      Socks: S$6
      Gloves: S$10


      Michelle Kwan skated here
      posted by..

      Wonder Full-The Light and Water Spectacular @ Marina Bay Sands

      Original Sound.

      Wonder Full is a 13 minute show.
      Wonder Full will be shown on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings,
      weather permitting, from 18 February through 9 March 2011
      Fridays and Saturdays: 8pm, 9:30pm and 11pm
      Sundays: 8pm and 9:30pm
      *(Check for timing updates..)

      Out at the waterfront..

      of Marina Bay Sands..
      Lasers, searchlights, LEDs, video projectors and huge water screens
      to create the amazing visual effects and displays…



      A spectacular show..
      Free to watch.
      Stand...
      or sit..

      ♥ Dinner for my Sweetheart

      As part of my Valentine's gift to my sweetheart was a heart-shaped dinner with the theme of ... you guessed it, love!  All of his favourites (well, minus the salad perhaps) pizza, apple crumble and wine.

      I did my best to make most of the dinner vegan, about 85% at least (cheese was the exception).  This salad was simple, mixed greens, baby tomatoes and heart-shaped carrots and zucchini.

      How to: Simply slice the carrot and zucchini in rounds and using a hear-shaped cookie cutter that will fit the size cut out the hearts and add to the top of the salad.

      The pizza again was mostly vegan except for the cheese, which he loves (can't really take that away from hi m).  The Pizza: tomato sauce, vegan pepperoni "hearts," broccoli pieces and cheddar cheese "hearts."

      The heart-shaped cheese and pepperoni was done in the same fashion as the carrots and zucchini.

      For dessert - his favourite - apple crumble (vegan).

      I found the recipe online and tweaked it a bit for our liking.  It was the best vegan apple crumble I've made yet and of course, baked in a heart-shaped dish.

      Vegan Oatmeal Apple Crumble
      Note: I made half of what each ingredient called for, to make just enough for two of us.
      • 4 medium baking apples, chopped (skin left on)
      • 3 tbsp organic cane sugar
      • 1 tbsp maple syrup
      • 3 - 4 tbsp filtered water
      • 3 tbsp orange zest
      • 1/3 cup organic cane sugar
      • 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
      • 1/4 tsp baking soda
      • 1/4 tsp salt
      • 1/4 cup vegan butter, at room temperature
      1. Preheat oven to 350F. 

      2. Lightly grease your baking pan of choice.

      3. In a large skillet, cook the apples with 3 tablespoons of sugar, maple syrup and water over medium heat for a few minutes or until the water is gone.

      4. Add the orange zest, mix it in and set aside.

      5. Combine 1/3 cup of sugar, oatmeal, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, mixing together well.

      6.  Add the the vegan butter and stir well to combine.

      7. Spread half of the oatmeal mixture to form a thin layer on the bottom of the baking pan.  Add the cooked apples, then add the rest of the oatmeal mixture on top, being sure to cover all the apples.

      8.  Bake for about 30-35 minutes, depending on your dish.*

       *Darker dishes take less time to cook, the lighter the dish the more time it needs to cook.

      ♥         ♥         ♥                                   

      'HOME'


      Love my country and proud to be a Singaporean.

      Pretty engaging is this new remake of
      'HOME'
      Performed by 39 local artists

      on ST Razor TV
      Check this out...

      Vintage Andrea Blog :p







      Oh My Gosh, look what I found.

      My blog from the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009! Check out the link!

      HOLY COW! :) 



      Antonio's again and again and again

      There are some habits that are hard to let go of. 

      For Darwin's family (and my mom's), it's Antonio's Farm, and they've been loyal clients since 2003. They go for almost any reason--Christmas, relatives are in town, first date, anniversary, business meeting, it's a nice day outside, New Year, you name it. 

      They were even the very first clients to close down the entire establishment way back in 2003 to celebrate their birthdays. 


      What's awesome about Antonio's is that their service is consistent,  their food keeps getting better, and the decor is updated almost every year. 


      the foyer where the family pictures of the owner hang on a vibrant red wall



      their floor tiles complete the look--the main dining hall has a quaint charm but still vibrant









      Squid Ink Rolls with butter

      hard and black outside,  then soft, warm and chewy on the inside.









      Bone Marrow (yes! that's gourmet "bulalo") with bruschetta







      Their greens before the real deal are always a treat in themselves!





      Dalandan Juice: a favorite since 2002!









      the spices and sauce for their STEAK!









      rack of lamb 










      Porterhouse to perfection 









      They have the best souffle for me :) Loved since 2002--just like the dalandan juice hahaha

      yum.

      added this shot I took from Christmas 2010