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cut outs and The Wiener Man

As mentioned before I am a sucker for anything laser-cut, and cut-outs in general. Here are a few pieces I recently pinned on Pinterest, and cant stop staring at!

On a different note, while the hubby and I were are Avoca today, we finally tried The Wiener Man.We got the Skinny-which is the vegetarian option, Grilled portobello topped with sauteed spinach, fresh pico, avocado & Sriracha mayo. Served on an Empire split-top roll. I have to say it was pretty delicious, but rather small for $4.25! Nonetheless we had to try it! I apologize for not snapping a picture, but we both were clearly very hungry.

They have many other options to pick from, and Free Sandwich Tasting until December 17th. Go and try it, if you haven't already done so!

green&red red&green

The holidays are here! It's scarce that you will see one's door-front heavily decorated for the holidays, specifically in apartments, but my neighbor is an exception. Every holiday/season his door front displays something festive, and I absolutely adore it. I took Nimbus out to snap a few pictures, and he became extremely fascinated by the colorful reds and greens! p.s the tree even lights up at night!

if texas had fall it would look a little like this

Texas is known for its unpredictable weather, and audacious ways of skipping right through fall! Growing up in Southern California, I was spoiled by not only experiencing all 4 seasons, but also living within less than an hours drive to most of the southern beaches, minutes from the snow at Big Bear and minutes from the dry desert atmosphere at Palm Springs, and Apply Valley. Today in Fort Worth it felt and looked like Fall! Peaking close to 35 degrees, with 10-15 mph winds, this produced a beautiful day outdoors, with colored leaves concealing the pavements, light flurrie like rain, people in layered clothing and of course a busy day at the coffee shops and cafes. I was actually fasting today for the Day of Ashura, which is the 10th Day of Muharram in the Islamic Calender, it marks the climax of the remembrance of Muharram. Muslims fast on this day, to express gratitude to God for liberating the Israelites from Egypt, just as Moses did. Mohammad PBUH also fasted on this day and asked others to fast as well. So during lunch time instead of eating I spent my afternoon walking around Swiss Avenue, which is an elegant residential street and historic district in East Dallas, Texas, just minutes from Downtown Dallas. The beautiful neighborhood is lined with plenty of trees, and approximately 200 preserved and restored historic homes, representing several architectural styles (Mediterranean, Spanish Georgian, Prairie, Craftsman, Neoclassical, Italian Renaissance, and Colonial Revival). The district is a must see, if you get a chance to visit Swiss Ave, make sure to take a stroll at the Central Square Park. I snapped a few shots at Square Park this afternoon, I just couldn't resist capturing how beautiful it looked today and always. Later I came home and brewed myself a cup of spiced chai tea, my perfect fall day would not have been complete without my chai, enjoy!

winter sparkles

Gold/silver embellishments, and laser cut objects are two things I adore. Winter is a perfect time to sport gold tones and anything sparkly, but of course with an appropriate balance. You don't want to overdo it, and look like a disco ball- but rather add a few touches of gold/silver which can definitely be flattering. Laser cutting is a technique that uses a laser to cut through materials. Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high-power laser, by computer, at the material to be cut. I was fortunate to to have access to a laser cutting machine all throughout college, and used it extensively on architecture projects, but more specifically while working on my integration thesis on the parallels of apparel analysis/fashion and architecture. Working with various materials, such as jute, industrial felt, all type of meshes, composite materials (fiberglass), industrial textiles, double sided fabrics, etc.. has allowed me to appreciate the value of design not only through making, but by experiencing,feeling and exploring. I continue my journey of making and adding pieces to my various collections of interest, and as you may have noticed will periodically post some of my work. I will leave you with a few recent purchases, which happen to predominately have a gold-ish/sparkly flare to them, and of course a picture of dinner which consisted of my very favorite comfort food, spaghetti.

















Gold and silver toned ring: Fort Worth Stockyards

Laser-cut clutch: Forever 21 Gold and silver sequenced shirt Kate Spade Remy Wellesley Wallet in Tangerine: gift from my lovely husband
Vintage clutch- Montgomery Street Antique Mall

gloomy day calls for fun

The past two days have been rather gloomy in Fort Worth. It feels like one of those days when the entire day looks like it's 5pm outdoors. I absolutely love and crave for days like this. It's a perfect day to layer up, finally wear rain boots, and explore all the antique shops in town. I decided to do all this on a detour when I should of been shopping for a holiday dress, for my husband's school party. Fortunately I found what I was looking for with no trouble, a long sleeve sequenced black dress in the perfect length I hoped for! Before all this is when I came across the real treasure, an antique Japanese chest, complete with all the original details and finishes. Thanks to Montgomery Street Antique Mall, I always come across something magnificent in detail and design. I love living so close to one of the largest collections of antiques in the states. The chest now sits perfectly under a set of drawings, and I paired it with a modern vase, which holds dried pink blossoms. I love combining old traditional pieces with an accent of modern pieces, and of course good art!

kheer and crocheted scarves

I'm a big fan of rice pudding, especially when it is cooked using a traditional South Asian recipe. I attempted to use my mother's recipe when I made it recently and it turned out delicious. I first boiled the rice with milk, and heavy whipping cream, then flavored the kheer with many cardamom pods, raisins, saffron, pistachios and almonds. My craving this time around was definitely satisfied, but I think next I will try a more healthier approach by substituting the white rice with brown.


current craft project: basket weave stitch scarf

Eid Mubarak Treats!

Long awaited post, but I'm back with a lot to share. work, life and tons of projects have taken over my time in the past few weeks, which only means there's a whole lot of food, ideas, projects, design, and love to share!

To treat my family to a small gift on Eid I baked almond biscotti, and wrapped them in individual vases arranging the biscotti in a floral type arrangement. I added a few shiny touches with gold flower silk decor fillers, and a personal touch with handmade gift tags, which read Eid Mubarak in Arabic calligraphy.

Ramadan Mubarak!

sit back and just think back, way back, but not so far back

My weekend was hectic, but fun, filled with laughs, amazing food, love, SO memorable and the most adventures weekend in a while. Now, lets get to the not so fun part, stolen phone, messed up break pads, I'm not elaborating on the intensity of the car dilemma, lets just say as much as it sucked I think the good, and love that my family and friends have towards us, just made everything so much better. I seriously have the best husband, who is the most patient human on the face of this planet mA. His patience, and endless generosity always leave me in awe. My family and in-laws always generate so much love, and kindness towards us; thinking about how much they care, brings me so much joy. My amigos are pretty legit too, for the ones who hold a special place in my heart I have to admit "my friends are everything" - Lauren Conrad, and they know who they are. Work, gosh I cant brag enough about my co-workers, they seriously are the most amazing group of friends anyone can work with, they offer assistance in a heartbeat, and I am so grateful to have found a perfect niche to be a part of. All of these blessings are from God alone, and if I sit here, and think, and think way back, or not so back, but just peak behind the not so good, then I can clearly see the mountain of blessings my life has been filled with aH. Sometimes such minute situations, like losing a phone, or having a messed up car, are just reminders for us to be more appreciative of what we do have. I'll leave you with a quote from the Quran, and a big shout out to my hubby, my family, friends and my fellow bcWORKSHOPERS!
love and peace!

"If you count God's blessings, you can never encompass them all.

Indeed, the human being is transgressing, unappreciative." 14:34

studio Dror

Inspiration- I was first introduced to Studio Dror's work, while in my 3rd year of architecture school. He was a guest speaker, who exposed us to a wide range of his work, from jewelery design, furniture production, shoe concepts for Puma and Bentley, and even a development in Dubai. I admired his work right away, and became obsessed with his Urban Cast-Away pieces, even before he became a Target phenomenon in 2009. I've shared some of his work that I always look to for inspiration, and hopefully someday can own!

S&S

The fusion of sweet and salty is one of my all time favorites. In my eyes this amazing combination barley ever goes wrong. Chocolate covered pretzels, mango with lime, chili and salt, fries with ice cream (or milkshake), Snickers, scrabbled eggs with maple syrup or jam, goodness the list can go on for me. Call me strange, but the S&S combination is just delicious. You can even fancy it up, with various glazes to serve with chicken/fish. Today I made a spicy guava/raspberry glaze and served it with Rosemary lime chicken. The glaze was simple, fast and not to mention packed with flavor!

3 tablespoons guava jam (home-made by my wonderful mom)
2 tablespoon raspberry jam (store bought)
pinch or 2 or 3 :) of red pepper chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
salt to taste

my favorite are the clouds

Inspiration: Bouroullec brothers. Their work is pure magnificence.