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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