{Tuesday TIP} Time off!

I had a very pleasant weekend unwinding, baking, and hanging out with friends. Monday, though, was truly blissful as I was able to make the most of my 'off' time and spend it with my favourite person: myself!

I crave solitude almost on a daily basis. My demanding profession rarely allows for those special moments spent alone and I often find myself thirsty for isolation, confinement, total peace and quiet. Those golden moments are when I feel at my happiest, when my books become my best friends and I feel comfortable in my own universe. Regroup. I'm not a loner, just a super introverted soul trying to find my way through a world of amplified social interactions.

A full on week awaits ahead and I'm really happy I got some proper ME time before the chaos. I went through my favourite design book again (The art of the party by David Stark), took the time to write a poem, and even napped like there was no tomorrow!

And breathe...

{Tuesday TIP} Lusting over LesBInTheKitchen

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with the lovely Aarum from LesBInTheKitchen. If you don't know Aarum, she's a gorgeous ball of super energetic vibes who can rustle up the tastiest American-style dishes! Thanks to the magic of Skype, we entered a world of creativity and storytelling and through her eyes, I was able to catch a glimpse of her own creative mind - it didn't fail to impress me. Now, it's widely known that I have a soft spot for sister friends who are doing it, but her story was so passionately told that it had to be shared.

Her tag line? 'Just a person who loves to cook / Self taught'

I stumbled upon the lady via the channels of Instagram (don't ask me how!) and I have been curious to find out about her craft and how she came up with the idea of LesBInTheKitchen - I digged deep! Through Aarum's story, I saw a woman who is fiercely committed to creating the most delicious and authentic dishes (with her own little twist, needless to say) - an homage to her own heritage and experience of homely Southern comfort and her family surroundings. It's as real as it can get. I listened to the deep but sweet words of a woman who wants to reach out to a wide audience and share her passion of good old home made cooking, whilst creating that same welcoming feeling amongst her audience.
Check that smile out! I'm glad we got to connect and I'll be sure to pay her a visit next time I'm in California (hint, hint!).

For more juicy food inspiration, check out Aarum's Instagram feed at LesBInTheKitchen or holla on the Twitterverse @LBITK. And a little tip... She's got an e-book coming out soon! If you're about that life, GET TO KNOW!

{Tuesday TIP} A tour of Istanbul

Those who know me and are following me on Instagram have had a glance into my holiday snaps a few weeks ago. I had a blissful break away from the city and escaped to 2 very different, but gorgeous cities: Geneva and Istanbul. While my first stop in Geneva was family-time-kinda-time, I chose Istanbul as my destination for my solo venture this year. The excitement of unknown territories.

Until I met a Geneva-based Londoner on the plane who kindly shared tips about the city (where to go and, most importantly, where to eat!), I didn't have a plan on how I would spend my holidays, I just knew I was drawn to Istanbul and wanted to explore its treasures.

Istanbul, city of cats

My first impression of the city: seed of approval. The heavy atmosphere of the jammed roads, the golden crescents of the mosques peeking at every street corners, the numerous food shops offering the best-priced deals, the peaceful locals, and the coral sunsets. I felt a sense of relief. My hostess, Basma, also was the warmest woman and welcomed me with sweet Turkish tea, fresh fruits and a heap of affection. I almost felt home.

As I explored the city of many façades, I relish the solitude. I lusted after the delights that Istanbul offered me without an ounce of guilt. I navigated through the busy side roads of Taksim Square aimlessly; made my way through narrow cobbled alleyways, greeted by sweets merchants and hookah smokers; sailed to Asia on the Bosphorus; gorged on thickly sliced fish sandwiches layered on coats of cholesterol-induced condiments; indulged in the most exquisitely presented and deliciously famous Turkish delights; and soaked every single ray of sun I could. My soul smiling all along.

Montana propaganda?

Beyond the tourist-imbibed areas, lies that urban-flavoured city that I was eager to unfold. The graffiti art shows up here and there, the trendy coffee shops/networking spots, and the hip young artists working on the cobbled streets with tea and sketch pads in hands. It was another side of Istanbul one cannot ignore!

Istanbul has my heart in many ways and I hope I cross her path again...

{Tuesday TIP} Breaking boundaries with London Bridgez

The power of social media linked me to this Boston-based spoken word poetess London Bridgez and I have been swamped by her energy ever since. The woman oozes electrifying vibes and enough sass to keep her crowd on their feet - all night! Whether on a background of brushed bassline, tantalising trumpet, and punchy drums or acapella, she waxes the finest lyrics combining feminism, social justice, hip hop, and activism. And guess what? I am fortunate enough that I have been treated to a private live performance of 'SHE' via Skype, which was a pure moment of elation. This is the performance that really does it for me and the one I deeply connect with. London has a very special message to spread and I hope you enjoy (re)watching this video as much as I do!

 
London performing 'SHE'... Speakers on!

The sheer beauty of London's passion for her craft is enough to keep you entertained, mesmerised, and inspired. She adds a new dimension to poetry with her powerful prose.

Check out my sister friend London Bridgez if you dig the work! Chitty-chat on the Twitterverse, keep up with live gigs on Facebook (you never know, she may pass by your area!), or hit her YouTube channel for more awesomeness... GET TO KNOW!

{Tuesday TIP} A tour of Paris + Tumblr adventures

I had so much fun on my little vacay in my hometown that I'm already planning my next trip! The perfect Spring weather made my trip very enjoyable as I spent some outdoorsy time taking photographs, and also capturing the essence of my family as I don't get to see them very often. I wanted raw shots, preferably when they weren't looking or weren't aware the camera was pointed at them. Hard work! What I found captivating is the little habits, the cute smiles, the frowns, the laughters, the freshness of emotions delivered in a brief moment, and the beauty of it all. A celebration of life in all its splendour. For the first time, I saw them through a different eye. We celebrated birthdays, enjoyed walks in parks, sipped delicious liquor and devoured butter-rich creamy dishes, laughed until our bellies hurt, and poured our hearts out. It was real.

Mother and daughter breaking bread

{BREAKING NEWS} I FINALLY managed to catch Les Nubians in concert! Being a hardcore fan of these two incredible women for the past 15 years or so, I couldn't believe I would finally see them live until they took the stage by storm and entertained the crowd - Nubian-style! You may want to plug your speakers in when listening to this for full Nubian effect.

Les Nubians live @New Morning, PARIS.

Tumblr advendtures

A couple of weeks ago I decided to embark upon a project over at Tumblr: the idea would be to create an online platform where I could showcase original photographs, mostly taken with my iPhone. From there was born 'Saturday zeal'. It is quite fresh and new but it is definitely worth checking and following. Updating only once a week (on Saturdays, obviously) to give me the time to build up a portfolio and share only quality content I'm able to express myself using a medium I'm getting used to again. Here's a sneak peek to get you started.

Hop on the blog and keep up with my new adventures!