Tag: photography

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Stylish Favorites {7.31.2014}

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Williams Greenhouse in Northern Virginia at Cascades Parkway and Marie’s Place.

Summer delights come in all forms at Heath and everything is verdantly green. Here are a few joyous pleasures I find to make the season a lot of fun!!

Williams Greenhouse
One of the best-kept secrets in Northern Virginia is a nursery tucked away off a gravel road with acres of untouched land and a mossy pond loaded with ducks. Williams Greenhouse is a place I enjoy coming to slow down, unwind and completely relax. The Williams family who own the farm are quite eccentric but, charming and extremely knowledgeable about herbs and plants. Being the only customer today at the greenhouse, I was able to enjoy the quiet solitude and while taking a few photographs of the property.

IMG_3383A Bowl of Pho
There is nothing like the strength of a dear friend when you are feeling frightened and troubled; they are the proverbial warm blanket during a blistering storm. Whenever I have a bowl of pho {Vietnamese beef soup} I feel an immense pleasure when this dish is served. Delicious beef broth made from savory spices, such as; onions, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and ginger. Throw in a bit of rice noodles, sliced brisket or sirloin, Asian/Thai basil, spring onions and cilantro, and you have the ultimate comfort food.

IMG_3225Oreo Cheesecake
Summer is most definitely the time to indulge in decadent desserts made with lots of ice creams, melted chocolates and crunchy cookies. The season would not be complete without a dipped cone from Dairy Queen or a cup of creamy yogurt made by a couple from a roadside stand in Falls Church. And, every once in a while a savory treat must be relished and today it is the Oreo Cheesecake enjoyed by Tony on his trip home from the Middle East. Thank you for sharing this photo of your cake.

IMG_3240The Light After A Storm
The butterfly may definitely be the symbol of hope, but the light after a tempestuous storm is definitely a consolatory feeling. The house was under siege the other night with severe winds, lightening and thunder, which seemed to last most of the evening. But, by dawns early light, I came down to the deck area of the house to see all was intact and this of beacon of light streaming through the trees!!

WordCamp NYC 2014
I am attending my first WordPress conference, which is being held in New York City this weekend. After carefully reviewing the sessions I hope to come away a bit wiser in the way of blogging, and having made a few new friends.

Stay stylish!!
K

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Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

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Our reporters are at the world’s eight largest Mosque that was planned by the late president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to establish a structure that brought the cultural diversity of Islam with that of art and architecture.

Combining Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid styles this Mosque, like the design and construction of the ancient pyramids of Egypt united the world by bringing artisans and materials from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque sits majestically at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island and is visible from the three main bridges connecting the island to the mainland.

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Situated within the halls and foyers are seven crystal chandeliers made by Faustig from Munich, Germany. Each is made from gilded stainless steel and brass with glass panels studded with Swarovski crystals.

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The interior colors of the walls, columns and carpet are harmonious together transforming the entire Mosque into a work of skilled artistry. The glasswork, mosaics and carvings display traditional Islamic designs of symmetry and repetition. Well recognized by its pure color during the day and at night a unique lighting system was designed to reflect the phases of the moon. As the moon progresses through its rotation of the earth and becomes full so, does the light and its effect on the domes and minarets of the Mosque.

K