Tomatoes

The tomatoes on my tomato plant are beginning to ripen.  The weather has been so hot here the last couple of weeks, and although it has made me miserable, the tomatoes seem to be happy :)  These tomatoes are a big larger than cherry tomatoes and in my opinion even more delicious.

YAY! There are more to come :)

Armoire Makeover

I love before and after projects.  This armoire makeover is one of those amazing DIY projects that really gets me excited.

BEFORE

 Centsational Girl

AFTER

I love the color and I love how everything has it's own place.  I think, if and when we move, an armoire for a desktop computer is great, assuming the hubby agrees, since the desktop computer will probably be his :D (I promise not to put out pink accessories on your desk).  The bright interior is not only soothing, but the fact that you can close up the space when you need to, to hide the mess, is one of the best things about an armoire.  That way, when you have guests, you don't have to run around cleaning up the desk, stuffing papers away that you won't be able to find later.  Brilliant idea!

Eid Mubarak

Ramadan is officially over.  May Allah accept everyones prayers and wishes from this path month and help us to continue on an even better path this coming year.   

In Search of: Great Black Tote Bag

I am looking for a really great black tote bag that I can take to work/school and use as a carry on when I travel.  Something that holds everything and anything (including my laptop) and that has really sturdy handles.

I had a really great Coach tote bag that I used for years, but as with all great things that I have, I eventually wear them out.  So, since then, I've been trying to find something just as chic and yet even more practical for my many uses and major roughness with bags (I think this is a genetic thing...ma mere has the same issues).

I came across this bag on pinterest about a month ago and totally fell in love with the style and just had to have it.  Although not black, it was something different.  I thought it was going to be perfect.  I was a bit unsure about the zebra print, but decided to step outside my comfort zone (not an animal print person) and give it a try.  Sadly, after 3 days of use, the bag tore.  The zebra print was made of straw weavings and pulled away from the leather seam.  Luckily amazon has a great return policy, so I'm returning the bag.  Clearly it was lousy quality or a sign from God that I own too many bags.  I would prefer to go with the latter :D

Steve Madden Btaffee Tote

So once again the search is on. 

Here are some styles I am currently in love with:

Tory Burch

Windsor

Ferragamo

Bottega Veneta 

(If I had a choice and money wasn't an option, this bag would be the ONE!)

Steve Madden 

I would buy this in a heartbeat, as it's in my price range, but it's out of stock :( Why?? Why is the one bag that I can afford not available.  Cruel world I tell you! 

Vela Scarves

A few weeks ago, I had purchased a vela scarf, Ruffle Prima Ballerina in black. When I received it, however, I noticed that in the corner edge of one of the ruffled pieces, the seared edge stitching had come apart from the material. Vela was generous enough to take the scarf back (pay my return shipping...actually still waiting for it) and send me another one, with a complimentary scarf.  It was very generous of them.

Ruffle Prima Ballerina

I'm not sure why there are gray lines throughout the ruffles though. I think it might be due to the machine used for searing of the edges...maybe i'm wrong, but it bothers me.  I'll have to figure out a way to coverup those lines, maybe dye the scarf again???  I should haven't to do that, especially when I paid about $40 for it.  Disappointed, but nonetheless, I don't want to return the scarf again.

 My complimentary scarf: Foil Print Silver

Stephen Wiltshire

Have you ever heard of Stephen Wiltshire?  He is an amazing artist who can draw any cityscape, skyline, or scene from heart.  He is also autistic, which makes his talent even more amazing.

"In May 2005 Stephen was invited to Tokyo, to complete his biggest ever panoramic drawing of this vibrant city, well known for its modern architecture. 

...One of Stephen's extraordinary abilities is to memorise landscapes up to the highest detail. During this flight he had a thorough look at the view of the Japanese capital from the helicopter, including thousands of buildings, towers, highways, cars, buses, even down to intricate details of trees and windows...Up on the roof above the 54th floor, an amazing scene burst upon his view. Stephen had another look at areas which he had not seen from the helicopter, and after a short while he was ready to start his masterpiece. After a short discussion he was ready to start the 10 meters long panoramic artwork. From this moment Stephen had only his exceptional memory to recall and draw the full landscape building by building.

Throughout the 7 days Stephen sketched from morning to evening. He seemed to be so fascinated that only his 6 o'clock beep from his watch could stop him for the day...

Day after day the 360 degrees view was slowly emerging and gradually built up to the most amazing drawing of Tokyo drawing ever produced."

Manhattan Skyline

Aerial view of River Thames

St Pauls Cathedral and River Thames at night

London Gallery

  

To be able to draw with such exquisite detail, all from memory is an amazing talent.  His drawings are for sale, although a bit out of my price range.   Maybe someday I'll get to visit his gallery and see the drawings in person, and maybe pick up a piece while I'm there ;)