Ballad of Seasons

Photo Inspiration - Jagger

2012-03-02T13:07:00.000+01:00

Have a lovely weekend! :)

Birthday and 1 Year Old

2012-03-01T05:21:00.000+01:00

Today is my birthday and at the same time, the birthday of my blog. It's been so enjoyable to keep the nice things on this blog and I think I'll continue to do so for the coming year. Now when I look back, I notice that I wrote/posted about something almost everyday and it makes me happy. Last year, I posted some birthday resolutions, also now I realize that I achieved to do almost all of them (still need some more traveling with a nice camera ;))

Have a nice mid-week all!

and I'm 27.

by mrs. french

These Days {February}

2012-03-01T04:44:00.001+01:00

Here are some snapshots that I took during the last couple of weeks.

1.egg in the basket made by my boyfriend.
2.a Turkish dish that my mum does best. I tried for the first time, it was delicious, but nothing tastes like your mum's cuisine.
3. I gave a quick shower to my only plant.
4. a snapshot from a Sunday escape that we had with my boyfriend.
5. quick yoghurt bread that I made during a weekend.
6. the most delicious strawberries I had in my life (ironically in winter). They are from Morocco.

7.8. vegetable soup that I made to boost up energy during the week.
9. one of the nicest ideas for a restaurant: you eat in a wagon.
10. busy days and evenings spent in front of my laptop.

The Alps {skiing}

2012-02-26T08:00:00.004+01:00

How is your weekend going? Yesterday, I did nothing but regular weekly cleaning of the house with my boyfriend. We achieved to hang around for two hours in the city center just to enjoy the sunshine a little. Today, while you're reading this, I'll be heading to the Alps to ski with my boyfriend. Even though, the mountains are so close by me, this is the first time that I go to ski this year (what a shame! while people are closing the season (almost), I'm starting to do ski :D), but it's due to my decision that I made on spending my time and investment on scuba-diving this year. Yet, I couldn't resist to go to the mountains, seeing everybody around skiing every weekend.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

by arnaudbachelard

These Days {A Chilli Morning}

2012-02-24T11:07:00.000+01:00

This is a snapshot that I took while walking to work at an early morning. Spring is on its way to here, to the French Alps.

Cascadeur - Walker

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000+01:00

Ah don't have any words for this song. just listen.

Vanessa Bruno by Stephanie Di Gusto Featuring Kate Bosworth

2012-02-20T00:28:00.001+01:00

via stylequotidien

The first absolutely beautiful short film below (LØV) starring actress Kate Bosworth has been directed by Stephanie Di Gusto for Vanessa Bruno’s FW11 collection, and I only now saw it (snif! but better than never...). The next short (Moonlight) came out recently (thanksfully I'm not too late to notice that one!). I think these are very genius videos to introduce a new collection. Enjoy!

Photo Inspiration - Tea Love

2012-02-18T07:00:00.000+01:00

Are you a tea or a coffee person? Me, uh, hard question!
Have a nice saturday!

via meggielynne

Sometimes the Dreams

2012-02-17T07:00:00.001+01:00

via lefa z

Blog Visited - A Restless Transplant

2012-02-16T15:16:00.000+01:00

Do you know Foster Huntington's blog, A Restless Transplant, where he shares his beautiful photographs of American landscapes and escapes? One day, while he was living in New York and working in design, he left his job and the city, and bought a VW van. Nowadays, he is traveling in America. If you remember, I've mentioned about him over here and his project of The Burning House. I really love his vertical photographs on his blog and chose some of them for you.

by arestlesstransplant

Photo Inspiration - Mittens

2012-02-16T15:10:00.000+01:00

Even looking at these mittens makes me feel warmer :)

via meggielynne

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers

2012-02-15T07:00:00.006+01:00

I think we have a lot to look forward to from Lykke Li. The video of I Follow Rivers is shot by the director Tarik Saleh. It is so filmographic, I like the story, the colors and the acting.

Three words to describe the video: independent, deep, haunting

Sweet Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T12:00:00.001+01:00

I'm not much of a Valentine's day girl, however I can't stop myself from thinking of cooking something special for my boyfriend :) and these yummies seem already so special! What about you?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Photo Inspiration - Winter Scene, London

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000+01:00

by Gordon Esler via nationalgeographic

Asos {Pink Dress Love}

2012-02-12T15:53:00.002+01:00

If you ask me the very rare color in my wardrobe, I'll answer: pink. I do have almost no pink in my wardrobe. I'm a little bit tomboy-ish. If you ask to my boyfriend, he would say the same too. However, seeing the pink color dresses on Asos website, I certainly imagine myself in one of them (even though my boyfriend certainly cannot) :)

Here is a long roll-down selection of mine: (my favorites are number 1, 9, 10 and 12. what are yours?)

Whitney Houston - It's Not Right But It's Okay

2012-02-12T14:39:00.000+01:00

so sad. not necessary. not unexpected as Roger Ebert said.

Breakfast

2012-02-11T04:04:00.000+01:00

As you know over here and here, my favorite meal is breakfast. I don't even remember a day without having breakfast before leaving home; and there are many inspirations on this tumblr for a purpose of yummy breakfasts: riseandshinewithme I think I might have a look at there whenever I'm lacking ideas. Have a wonderful saturday!

by riseandshinewithme

Blog Visited - Rose & Crown

2012-02-09T02:11:00.002+01:00

This time, I'll introduce you a photographer's blog Rose & Crown, held by Canada-based photographer Nikaela Marie. I came across her through Kinfolk and suddenly fell in love with the images on her blog. I adore how she puts the simplicity in an adorable visual sequence that is sometimes followed by small drop of lines. (I just couldn't stop digging her blog all over for a while. go and check yourself.)

She describes her blog with this quote:

The union of overcultivated sensiblity and underculitvated verse cannot produce song. it produces - not prose - but the prosaic, the unessentail prose. Art must press hard against experience.
-Wendell Berry.

rosencrown

The Unseen Sea

2012-02-08T12:54:00.001+01:00

Oakland-based photographer, Simon Christensen, made a short video out of a series of time-lapse shots he took over a one year period around the San Francisco Bay Area that's been beautifully compiled into one absolutely mesmerizing video: The Unseen Sea.

I'm using a Canon 40D with either the Canon 10-22mm, 24-70mm or lately the 70-200mm lens attached. The night shots take a little while to capture all the light. For example the fog waves hitting the hills was shot at ISO 640, f/2.8 and I believe 4sec shutter speed. As the light changes I just keep adjusting either one of these settings. Usually it's a compromise of 'ok I guess I can tolerate a little more noise, but get to capture more frames."

via

Photo Inspiration - Napping

2012-02-07T12:56:00.000+01:00

These days, I happened to have a long list of things to do. Even me, I don't know how I'm keeping up pace. Hmm, well, I do in fact. I do not sleep. ~3-4 hours per day. I feel so sleepy and look like this during the day, I suppose. :)

via joannagoddard

Playlist - {sponsored by Utku} N°3

2012-02-05T16:52:00.001+01:00

It's been a while since I've created one of those playlists which is sponsored by my music lover friend Utku. (previously as I did here and here). Here is the third playlist. Enjoy!

Recently I've Watched

2012-02-02T00:00:00.004+01:00

It's been almost one year since I started this blog, but I notice that I only did 3 times "Recently I've Watched" posts. It's a pity, because I really watch A LOT more than that, however always keep forgetting to talk about these movies with you. While I pay more attention to make more "Recently I've Watched" posts, if you're wondering what I'm watching these days, you can always check the right sidebar of Cinematic Ceremony, my other blog which I've been neglecting for about more than 6 months (snif! really didn't have enough time to write), but always kept the sidebar updated.

So yes, recently I've watched : The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011) (I think I already very strongly suggested this movie, right?), The Odd Couple (1968) (lovely movie with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau), Whiteout (2009) (just watch it if you want to see a hollywood not-so-deep thriller, but fun to spend a friday night), Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2011) (if you'd like a deep cultural drama which takes place in a small region of Anatolian steppe, go for it! It is also a Cannes 2011 best movie winner, palme d'or nominated and written&directed by the award winning director Nuri Bilge Ceylan whom I admire a lot), Calmi Cuori Appassionati (2001) (if you'd like a pointless over-romantizm, go for it! not that I'm not romantic, I am, but no, let's not do it over :) ).

See you in the next "Recently I've Watched" post :) tell me if you watch one of those, we'll discuss over here if you'd like ;)

Photo Inspiration - Kids

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000+01:00

via zeroing

Rooney Mara

2012-01-30T00:37:00.001+01:00

I have been away from here for about more than one week. I was quite busy with the course that I just started to give this week, plus the articles that had to be submitted to some places. This busy period still continues, but I'll try to pass by more often.

Tho, I was extremely busy, the little leisure hours were spent by going to cinema and doing some shopping, since it's discount season right now (I found nice pieces already). I want to strongly recommend you the movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, if you couldn't decide which movie to see these days. It's still on theaters. David Fincher did a very good job, and I hope he'll complete it to a trilogy. I'm looking forward to read the book, but pay attention to the lead actress, Rooney Mara, who has been nominated for the Oscar this week. I think she has some talent.

Rooney Mara in November 2011 issue of Vogue

Artist Visited - Elias Wessel

2012-01-25T01:20:00.001+01:00

While I'm very busy with giving courses in the university these days, why don't you enjoy beautiful surrealist photography of Elias Wessel?

I am very often asked how I consider myself as a photographer and my style. There’s no straight answer which feels totally adequate to me. You can say it is the way I play with time and freeze a moment or a motion.

If you're interested, here is a full interview with him, on his work and project "Falling Up".

Photo Inspiration - Jayne and the Whaleshark

2012-01-19T11:00:00.002+01:00

I registered for scuba diving courses again! Hopefully will be diving to a real water (sea!) this time, in May :) can't wait!

by paulcowell

won't be this much cool maybe but it'll do it...

Photo Inspiration - Let's Go

2012-01-17T00:42:00.002+01:00

I would love to get on a train now and travel randomly.

via meggielynne

What does the future look like?

2012-01-15T23:02:00.002+01:00

Another weekend passed by just like this. What have you been doing ? Except 2-3 hours shopping mall tour, I spent most of my time at home, designing an artist's portfolio in wordpress. The mall was extremely jam-packed because of the winter sales. Luckily, I got the chance to buy a lovely wool Zara top that I was keeping in mind for the sales :)
Although nice things happen around, my fish, Roger, passed away the day before. Roger was a betta fish who lived with us for 1 year and 4 months. We're guessing that he was 2 year-old. People can attach to their pets, even though Roger was not a pet like human-friendly dogs or cats, I really felt empty and sad :( I decided not to have a pet, it's not for me.
Anyways.

Here is a nice video of josharis, even though it's a work of months ago, I thought it is related with new year feeling since we're still in january. Enjoy!

Wes Anderson - Moonrise Kingdom

2012-01-14T14:54:00.000+01:00

Wes Anderson did it again! While I already adore Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums movies of him, I can't wait for this one. The cast is like a dream, many powerful names are in the project (Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman). It hits the theaters in May in France. Tho I have to wait a couple of months, it's good to know nice projects are on the way for spring.

The Art of Making Bread

2012-01-11T01:00:00.018+01:00

How relaxing this video is! I love making breads. Actually, if I have some time to spend in the kitchen, what I usually bake are "the breads". It is both relaxing and long lasting. I love adding different things each time like honey, bananas or multi-céréals to enjoy it during early breakfasts of the week while getting ready for the rest of the day. I also adore this video for its colors, which makes me think as waking up early (~5am) to prepare the bread and wake up others when it's ready :)

The video is by Tiger In A Jar from Kinfolk community - a community of creative artists (they have adorable videos!).

Artist Visited - Dahahm Choi

2012-01-10T07:00:00.003+01:00

Dahahm Choi is a Seoul born photographer currently living between Berlin and Paris. The photos below are from his series called Rise and Set. The idea behind the series is the time he spent with his friends skateboarding outside during warm season in Seoul. Check his portfolio, for more images and read an interview with him over wowsan.

Crooked Forest in Poland

2012-01-09T20:57:00.000+01:00

Oh I so want to see this forest in Poland! Apparently the pine trees grow with a 90 degree bend and that's why it's called "Crooked Forest". What a mystery!

via news.discovery

Björk - Moon

2012-01-06T00:33:00.000+01:00

Not everybody adores Björk as I do, I know. She has a particular style. But I can't stop myself posting this beautiful song from her latest album: Biophilia. Her album reminds me the movie The Tree of Life of Terrence Malick because of their lyrics.

Surprise New Year's Gift

2012-01-05T14:27:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was smitten with the surprise present popped up in my mailbox, sent from my lovely friend Alexandra. I don't think there is any other blogger than me saying that she loves surprise gifts (and gift exchanges too!) over her blog :) (oh I feel selfish!) I just wanted to thank her over here. Not just the golden yellow bracelet/watch stole my heart, but the card with our photos in Santa Clause costumes was enough to ravish me :) Happy New Year to my beautiful Romanian friend, Alexandra! Hope to see you in 2012!

New Year's Resolution

2012-01-04T13:27:00.003+01:00

I just want to be (more) patient, balanced and kind this year. That's my wish for 2012. What is your wish?

image by Ernst Haas via onlinebrowsing

The Tree of Life - Jessica Chastain

2012-01-04T11:43:00.001+01:00

Have you seen the movie The Tree of Life (2011) directed by Terrence Mallick ? The story is passing in 1950s and about a family with three boys. It's deeper than a story of a family in fact, concerns the questions about the mystery of existence and life, but I don't want to mention about that. I want to catch your attention on beautiful actress, Jessica Chastain, who acted as the mothers of three sons in the movie. Talking about the movie yesterday with my friend Gizem, I just remembered how I was impressed of her performance as well as the grace, the peace and the fragility that she brought to her character. I couldn't think of a better actress for this role. Do you like(d) Jessica Chastain? or Have you seen her in another movie? Me, unfortunately, not yet...

images via wonderlandlondon

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T01:11:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone! I hope you had a tremendous New Year's Eve with family&friends. I spent the time with my boyfriend and family (they recently came here to visit me and to spend sometime here at the French Alps - plus, to meet with my boyfriend, you know ;)). Luckily the weather was not too cold over here which allowed us to spend sometime of the day outside. This 'busy'ness is the reason behind my absence on my blog.

I wish you a wonderful year! health and happiness! joy and glitter! love and laughter!

by brent foster photography

MusicMix No.1: Christmas Tree

2011-12-25T00:52:00.002+01:00

I decided to share some music with you through 8tracks. My first MusicMix is about Christmas, for sure. I gathered some songs that you might enjoy listening on Christmas morning.

Bing Crosby, Franck Sinatra, Dean Martin

MusicMix No.1: Christmas Tree
1. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
2. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
3. Dean Martin - Memories are Made of This
4. Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse - Body and Soul
5. Marylin Monroe - I Wanna be Loved by You
6. Franck Sinatra - Come Fly with Me
7. Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
8. Franck Sinatra - Blue Skies

Have a cozy Christmas!

Photo Inspiration - Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T14:37:00.001+01:00

Have a wonderful Christmas all! :)

via theatlantic

11 Questions Tag

2011-12-23T14:45:00.000+01:00

I was so excited when I read that Amelia tagged me with 11 Questions Tag over her lovely blog le petit bruit . Now that I'm officially on holiday, I have spared some time to answer her questions and create my 11 questions tag and tag other 11 bloggers :) Enjoy!

by LindaScannell

Rules:
1. You must post these rules.
2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
6. No tag backs.
7. No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 things about me:

1. I'm a cinephile, there are countless times that I've seen three movies in a row :)

2. I can't start a day without a full, proper breakfast.

3. I left my country of origin 3 years ago and came to France (without being able to speak a single word of French), so far it has been the best decision that I ever made!

4. I encouraged my friends to start blogging, and so far four of them are blogging safe and sound :)

5. My next project is to invest on a good camera, which will hopefully be accomplished in the following months.

6. Most of my friends are boys.

7. I have a bachelor diploma in engineering, a master diploma in engineering, and now I'm pursuing a PhD degree, but in a little bit more creative domain ;)

8. I cannot sleep during the day. I've tried, but I just can't.

9. I prefer salty to sugary.

10. I'm an indoor type of girl. I prefer staying at home and read a book, blogging or knitting scarfs :D

11. I'm one of the biggest cheese consumer that you can come across, but strangely, even though I live in France, I don't like French cheese :s

Amelia's Questions:

1. Which historical figure would you have liked to meet?

mevlana (aka rumi).

2. Is there a book that has truly impacted your life?

keep the aspidistra flying - george orwell

3. What is your favorite movie?

uh. lots of. i'm a movie addict :) but let's say "todd haynes - i'm not there", it really did enlighten me at that time, because i was feeling the same way as the message it gives.

4. What is your pet peeve?

people who can talk non-stop. grrrr.

5. Which era would you have liked to have been born in?

60s. just because I love the 60s' movies :)

6. What traits do you seek in people?

being aware that there is no age to learn and being able to adapt/change him/herself

7. What language would you like to learn?

french. I've been living in france for 3 years, but I want to learn twice more than what I have learnt till now (so far, I can understand, speak and write without problem, but cannot finish a novel without asking the meaning of some words to my boyfriend)

8. City life or country life?

I prefer the city life to live in, but a country life to escape from time to time (where there is technology tho :))...

9. What is your favorite quote?

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" :p -Clark Gable, Gone with the Wind

ok. more seriously, I love this one: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." -C.S. Lewis

10. When you're sad in what do you indulge?

being alone.

11. Favorite/the most true piece of advice you ever got.

My father saying "you don't have to do what people are expecting you to do" about my professional life, he was reminding me that I can still do whatever I want even if I have an engineering diploma.

My questions:

1. Describe yourself with three words. and give three words that describes the person you want to be (are they the same three? lucky you!).

2. Tea or coffee?

3. Who is the most beautiful woman on earth? and the most elegant one? same for men?

4. Have you ever been deeply affected (positif or negatif) by a movie? which one?

5. What would be the best movie to watch on Christmas (doesn't have to contain Jingle Bell tones, can be anything)

6. What are your recent three favorite blogs? (honest answer please :))

7. What is your must-have in your hand bag?

8. Paris or New York?

9. Can you inspire us with a photo? (just put a photo of your choice as an answer)

10. What do you want to do/become before you die? (hm. is it a hard question?)

11. What are you hoping for yourself in 2012? Tell us three of your resolutions.

and I tag: Christina, Gizem, Ipek, Leah, Lola, Mariah, Mary, Mignonette, Samantha, Shokoofeh, Siubhan

Photo Inspiration - Snow in the City

2011-12-22T14:30:00.002+01:00

I can't imagine the Christmas holiday without some snow around, so I don't know what I could be doing if I was spending the holiday on the southern hemisphere:)

via meggielynne

Fred Astaire - Royal Wedding

2011-12-21T01:00:00.002+01:00

Have you officially embarked on holiday season? Are excited like me about the Christmas, taking and giving gifts (mostly taking ;) )? What are you doing this holiday? Me, I'm spending it mostly at home (my favorite!) with my family who is coming to France to spend 2 weeks all together :)

Here is a famous ceiling dance by Fred Astaire to sparkle your day! :)

Photo Inspiration - Le Vague

2011-12-20T11:49:00.000+01:00

by Corey Arnold The North Sea, 2011 via richardhellergallery

Fourteen Actors Acting

2011-12-19T01:26:00.002+01:00

My friend Gizem sent me the link of this nice project yesterday, which I find hilarious! It features famous actors alone in a one minute long shoot accompanied with the Czech Symphony Strings. The actors vary from Matt Damon to Jesse Eisenberg, Natalie Portman to James Franco, Michael Douglas to Tilda Swinton... (and oh! James Franco, you really scared me! you're so good!)

Gift Them Details

2011-12-17T23:51:00.001+01:00

HHow are you all? This weekend I'm finishing writing postcards and closing my gift packages to be sent by post. If you couldn't find a gift for your beloved friends or family or if you think that your gift is not very creative; I want to remind you something: the details! Yes, gifts are better when they represent some details or have some unique differences. Below, I chose some images from Jak & Jill, inspiring as always, I'm sure these pictures will trigger your imagination too :)
Gift them details!

A Clean House

2011-12-16T14:34:00.000+01:00

I want to believe in this quote today. It's friday and the house is a mess right now. There are present wrappins and (lots of) colorful pens on one side, piled clothes that have to be ironed on the other side. Thanksfully, it's weekend tomorrow and there is this wonderful quote to motivate me :)

via lefa z

Fête des Lumières Excursion - Lyon

2011-12-14T10:57:00.000+01:00

Past weekend I was in Lyon for Fête des Lumières with Mr, as I wrote here. I wanted to show you some of the pics I took during the day. Lyon is an amazing city, expecially to live in...(click on the image to see bigger version)

We went there by bus and I was trying to finish my riveting book on the way: "La Fôret des Mânes" (not translated to English, sorry) by Jean-Christophe Grangé (you should definitely read his books if you like thrillers. me I don't like very much, but I really do love his pen.)

The city was full of people because of the festival (and noël shopping;)

We looked to shopping stores and walked in the city...

...while Mr checked his interests, me I checked mine :)

...and had delicious French pastries with coffee for lunch.

Lights were everywhere in the city...

Photo Inspiration - New York

2011-12-12T19:15:00.001+01:00

I love cozy fall/winter mornings and this photo is so amazing to describe it. (to Gizo who wants to go to New York New Yoooork :))

by naz_tut_net

Artist Visited - Julian Bialowas

2011-12-12T10:16:00.001+01:00

Julian Bialowas, a student in Graphic design in Calgary, Canada has amazing mountain shots that you can see on his flickr and wonderful designs made up of them. He says "When I'm not behind the lens or screen you can find me in the mountains." The photographs with quotes below belongs to his 365Q project - a simple project featuring 365 photographs and quotes on adventure and living life to the fullest.
(Please go and visit his photo stream on flickr for more. Really awesome!)

Photo Inspiration - La Fête des Lumières

2011-12-09T14:21:00.003+01:00

Have an awesome weekend everyone! Tomorrow we're heading to Lyon with my boyfriend, to see the festival La Fête des Lumières. Have you ever been in a Festival of Lights? This one is each year in Lyon and lasts 3-4 days. It gets around 5 million people from the neighbor cities and abroad to Lyon :) Have a look at this video to see what it looks like. I'll take pictures and show you too! see you :)

via debrousseparc

Hero

2011-12-08T14:00:00.005+01:00

Have you seen this fabulous artistic video of Miguel Endara in which he draws his father's portrait using a pen and by making 3.2 million dots lol What a patience !

Lady of the Pool

2011-12-07T17:14:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I did my first 20 meters and it was awesome! :) We went to a pool which has 20 meters and 6 meters section. We started in the 6 meters part. There was a window under the water which leads you to the 20 meters part. When I first passed there, it was the most awesome moment of my scuba diving experience :) It was like jumping from a high building, but hanging in the air :) It was such a moment! and I'm sure I will never feel the same when I do it again. It's just a first time shock, like you go to a foreign country that you don't know (its culture or architecture, etc.) at all and you are totally surprised to all the things...but you stay a while, and you get used to it, no surprises... :)

anneliepompe via velokova

As Time Goes By {Casablanca}

2011-12-05T08:56:00.000+01:00

Have you seen the movie Casablanca ? It's one of the cult movies that you shouldn't miss, especially for this song:

Have a wonderful week!

Lokum {Turkish delight}

2011-12-04T12:53:00.000+01:00

This is the rest of the Turkish delight at my place right now :

Do you like Turkish delight - lokum? or have you ever heard about it? If not, here is an introduction for you:

Lokum is a gummy, sugar-coated candy that was invented in 1777 by famous confectioner Bekir Effendi (known as Haci Bekir after the Muslim hajj pilgrimage). Haci Bekir owned a candy shop in Istanbul. Amazingly Haci Bekir’s shop is still open today in the exact same location and it is the oldest company in Turkey to operate from its original location.
The ingredients are melted together, boiled, then poured in a pan and allowed to cool. Lokum has a soft, gelatin-like texture, often with chopped nuts inside, and is its flavoring is very subtle. It is cut into bite-sized cubes and covered with confectioners’ sugar.
Lokum became extremely popular among Turks and soon Haci Bekir was appointed chief confectioner for the Ottoman Court and awarded a medal of honor by the Sultan. Lokum was soon discovered by an unknown English traveler who deemed the candy as “Turkish Delight” and introduced it to Europe.(source)

Lokum can have different ingredients and aromas; such as hazelnuts, walnuts, chopped dates, pistachios, mastic, lemon, rosewater, cinnamon and mint flavors. My favorites are the small ones with pistachios and almonds. It's such a joy to have it next to the coffee (but you should be careful, don't have it a lot ;)). Since my lokum stock is coming to an end, maybe I should try one of those recipes :) Here are some of the photos I took in a lokum shop this summer in Turkey:

Given Enough Coffee

2011-12-04T12:51:00.000+01:00

That's always valid for me :) I have been very busy this week with my work. This kind of periods always happens during a PhD, but I handled it thanks to coffee :) Have a nice sunday!

via design_seeds

Type Maps

2011-12-02T10:42:00.001+01:00

These posters are from Bold & Noble. Do you like them? Would you hang them on your wall?

Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans

2011-11-29T14:38:00.001+01:00

My new song addiction: Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans. lyrics + music + singer + video + voice = perfect!

Photo Inspiration - The Kid

2011-11-29T08:31:00.000+01:00

Bamiyan, Afghanistan, 2006 by Steve McCurry

Blog Visited - Cut by Fred {for curly hairs}

2011-11-28T08:00:00.003+01:00

Do you have curly hair like me? Is it sometimes unbearable like mine? or do you realize that you're overdoing one hairstyle all the time, again and again...? aha! welcome to my world! :) Here are two tutorials by CutbyFred (an awesome hairdresser based in Paris) for curly hairs that rocked my world these days. The language is French, nonetheless you can understand everything, I promise ;) plus, un peu de cours de français, ce n'est pas mal ;)
p.s. go and check his blog for more awesome hair tutorials!

Marchés de Noël

2011-11-27T14:48:00.003+01:00

Some pics from yesterday's Marchés de Noël visit.

Life is Too Short

2011-11-26T20:07:00.002+01:00

How is Saturday going out there? I just came back from the Marchés des Noël in the city center. Beautiful! but sooo cold...

I'm having some difficulties nowadays, it's about how hard it is sometimes to tell your point of view, while the person is not willing to understand you; and that reminded me the quote below. Go and hug your beloved ones who are listening to you unconditionally, and be glad that they exist. (oh what a philosophy, I know, but that's really happening...)

via lefa z

Photo Inspiration - Lights Are On

2011-11-25T18:12:00.002+01:00

It is so nice to see that they already installed the Marchés de Noël (Christmas Market) in the city center :) There are lots of wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, cakes, Christmas decorations, toys, dishes, perfume, sample culinary specialties of the French Alps region like foie gras and mulled wine :) The city is already illuminated and decorated for the holiday and the bonuses are the fireworks, musical performances, and activities for children. Man, I love this period of the year !

via morgandenno

Self Service Magazine

2011-11-24T09:58:00.001+01:00

Have you heard about Self Service Magazine before? A Paris-based fashion and culture biannual. Below, I chose some pictures of people I like from the magazine:

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Kate Moss

Kristin Scott Thomas

Jason Schwartzman

Chloë Sevigny

Print Love

2011-11-22T17:00:00.000+01:00

Are you also fun of print/poster items in your wardrobe? Personally, I don't have any, but after seeing these clothes from recent collections, I think I might invest on some of them. Which one do you like most? Go down and see my favorite too.

BlackMilk

Agnès B.

Karla Spetic

Karla Spetic via FaceHunter

My favorite is the one above. Ah if I had a skirt like this, I think I could be behaving it like an expensive jewelry :) If you want to see an example of how to combine it, check this.

And below ones are the 60s British poster dresses :

Poster Dress Ltd.

Beth Gibbons - Mysteries

2011-11-22T13:19:00.002+01:00

How beautiful this song and its video. Also, it all goes with my mood right now. I found this video on a blog which was opened for the memory of a young architect who suicide last year due to the police custody in Turkey (trial continues). Really really sad now...

Time Lapse

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000+01:00

Adam Stokowski and Adam Colton spent 2 weeks in Patagonia to shoot this time lapse video. Here, listen the story from Adam Colton himself:

Patagonia is a massive, untouched, raw land. It is composed of barren wind-swept fields that rock your car when you drive and topple your tent at night. Camping every night, smelling like the animals we are, we came back with a handful of photos and a time-lapse video that I hope you all will enjoy. I tell you though, the beauty you see through your own two eyes is still untouchable. That is why we travel to and explore these magical places.

If you're interested in the subtle movement of time lapse videos like me, you can check Adam's how-to page.

Feist - How Come You Never Go There

2011-11-21T00:41:00.001+01:00

Have you seen the latest video of Fiest? I LOVE it! oh this hair!

Sight

2011-11-20T16:03:00.001+01:00

I love the coziness and the mystery in these photos. dreamin, dreamin.

by jessirivera

by houseofcards*

by katherynlove

by katherinesquier

by hummiedrum

Photo Inspiration - Stanley Kubrick

2011-11-19T20:41:00.001+01:00

My close friends know how I love Kubrick cinema. I adore his works, both cinematic and photographic works. He was a photographer prior to being director, and this photo below give lots of clues about his photographer side. The woman who is hugging to Kubrick is his daughter, Vivian Kubrick. I love how he changed the focus of the camera to him and his daughter, instead of Jack Nicholson, who is posing to the camera :) (yup, it's from the backstage of the movie The Shining)

Gillian Hills - Zou Bisous Bisous

2011-11-18T13:47:00.001+01:00

Have a wonderful weekend all! :*

Jil Sander Fall/Winter 11

2011-11-18T10:20:00.001+01:00

These outfits are the official descriptions of "minimalist, contemporary, odd and sophisticated." Here is Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2011 collection (oh boy! I'm speechless!)

33 Ways to Stay Creative

2011-11-17T00:56:00.001+01:00

How innovative this list is! I'm not even doing one out of third of it. Now, I need No.22 and I want to try No.27 sometime :)

via sho&tell

I'm in the Kitchen - Crusty Bread

2011-11-17T00:03:00.000+01:00

You know what is nice about working from home sometimes? It's that you can prepare quick, nice things for the rest of the day. I wanted to make this crusty bread for sometime and found the opportunity yesterday. Result: successful! (p.s. the photo quality below, on the right, has to wait to be improved for my next camera investment, then I'll make this bread again :)

left: by sharemykitchen right: by me

the original recipe is here. I just changed the amounts of ingredients.

*3 cups all purpose flour
*1 cup lukewarm water
*3/4 tablespoon honey
*1 teaspoon active dry yeast
*1 pinch of salt

#Dissolve the honey in the lukewarm water.
#Mix flour, dry yeast and salt in a big bow. Make a well in the center and pour the water with the dissolved honey.
#Mix with a fork throughtly.
#Sprinkle some flour over the top and cover the bowl with a towel. Leave it to rise in a warm place for about hour and so.
#Preheat the oven to 220°C.
#Divide the dough to two parts. Spinkle some flour on the baking paper lined tray.
#Transfer the dough with the floured surface facing up. Shape them as in the images up there.
#Bake for about 20 minutes, than lower the heat to 160°C and bake for 15 minutes more.
#Wait 15 minutes to cool down.

Bon appétit :)

Zara's New Feature {A Selby Film}

2011-11-15T22:46:00.004+01:00

Have you seen this video made by theSelby film for Zara? It's been online since yesterday. I love the apartment, hair and outfits (of course! :)).

Here are some more photos via theselby

My Favorite Sartorialist 4

2011-11-15T19:15:00.002+01:00

oh here it is. I just saw it on thesartorialist. From top to the bottom, this outfit is so intact! I love the gray jacket (and looking for a similar one around, I don't know why I see lots of black and navy, but just not a nice gray jacket...), plus the pleats of skirt (/dress according to Scott) and loafers. so cozy! (check my previous sartorialist faves: no.3, no.2, no.1)

by thesartorialist

Fanfarlo - Atlas

2011-11-15T16:12:00.000+01:00

It's all at bats now

All painting gorgeous time.

And maybe when the night comes

You'll open up the cage

Illustration of the day

2011-11-15T13:16:00.000+01:00

This makes me laugh lol

via joannagoddard

Mix Match No.1

2011-11-14T02:00:00.013+01:00

Winter is coming! That's being said, I chose some classic must-have items for you (at reasonable prices ;)). Hope it will give you some inspiration. Are you planning to add some items to your wardrobe this winter? or will you wait for discounts? or have you already got everything you need? xoxo, Betül

Photo Inspiration - Skiing

2011-11-14T01:21:00.003+01:00

My boyfriend bought his ski equipments this weekend. He was so excited! :) You know where we're keeping them right now? In the middle of the room (literally), he put them in such a place where he could grab everything and go to the mountains at any time :) Ah! love that boy when he's happy like a kid :)
Are you going to ski this winter? Me, I'm saving my energy and resources for scuba-diving excursions.

via whereisthecool

Workspace

2011-11-13T01:07:00.001+01:00

What kind of workspace you like/have ? Where do you blog ? Where do you surf through your favorite blogs? Do you like cozy, simple, clean, crisp, handy, with lots of images and pinned papers around ? or you don't use a seperate working desk but embed yourself on the kitchen table if you need to (as I do sometimes :)). I would love to hear about your workspaces :)

sources of images: unknown

Photo Inspiration - Une Douche

2011-11-11T13:00:00.001+01:00

Have a very relaxing weekend all! :)

via thewildfleur

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

2011-11-11T06:00:00.005+01:00

I LOVE this video. I think I might bookmark it and turn on every morning before I go for work :)

via ispy-diy

Moon River

2011-11-10T15:00:00.002+01:00

Have you seen the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's? You should! Here is lovely Audrey Hepburn singing Moon River in the movie:

Not Enough Time

2011-11-10T12:00:00.002+01:00

ahahah! I wish I had enough time to remember this cool quote :)

via mintedcondition

Design Inspiration - Sculptural Bookcase

2011-11-10T01:00:00.002+01:00

Would you like to have a bookcase like this? I'd like to have wall hanging version, it is functional and brings movement to the environmant. They are designed by Italian designer Giuseppe Vigano.

via homedsgn

Blog Visited - A Pair and a Spare {DIYs}

2011-11-09T17:00:00.002+01:00

Have you seen this lovely blog with lots of inspiring DIYs: A Pair and a Spare. Currently, I am smitten with Geneva's DIY solutions! Have a look at them :

{my favorite!}

all images from A Pair and a Spare.

Ankle Boots

2011-11-08T05:00:00.003+01:00

I am looking for a pair of ankle boots nowadays (preferably black, lower heels, and at a reasonable price (<100€)). I couldn't find what I want yet. Do you like ankle boots too? Below ones are my favorites on the net. You can find them on my Pinterest.

Photo Inspiration - Lam

2011-11-08T01:00:00.001+01:00

by Richard Ramirez Jr

Black&White Editorial Picks

2011-11-07T18:00:00.003+01:00

I want you to see some of my favorite black & white photographs that I chose from recent fashion editorials (mostly portraits) - via fashion gone rouge.

Zuzanna Stankiewicz by Jacek Zajac

Waleria by Magdalena Luniewska

Agata Danilova by Djamel Boucly

Vanessa by Matthew Lyn

Jose Molenaar by Richard Bakker

Emma Ahlund by Adrian Nina

Recent Shopping Achievements

2011-11-07T01:00:00.005+01:00

Recently, I bought some accessories from Forever21 (they are on the way. this is my first shopping at Forever21, hope it will end up good!) and short boots from Minelli (a French bag & shoes store that I 100% adore!) and boots from Asos (which has already arrived, I wore it a couple of times and I'm so happy with my purchase!). I also returned the pants that I bought from Asos, it's been one week, still no signal...Hope returning goods works as well as buying them!

PJ Harvey- The Words That Maketh Murder

2011-11-06T13:00:00.001+01:00

I've mentioned before about PJ Harvey's last album Let England Shake (here).I really adore this album, one of the best albums of the year, for me. The video below is of an amazing song from that album: The Words That Maketh Murder Lyrics are so deep, message is obvious, Harvey is so beautiful in this video and I love the room where she sings!

How do you like your breakfast?

2011-11-06T01:00:00.003+01:00

Breakfast is my favorite meal! I can skip dinner, but never a breakfast. I don't even remember that I left home without eating in the morning. I love changing options and my favorites are scones, crèpes, pancakes and omlettes (if it's weekend); and cheese + coffee/tea are mandatory for me. What about you? How do you like your breakfast? Sugary or salty? Have a nice sunday breakfast! xoxo

All images are from Pinterest: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

2011-11-04T15:54:00.002+01:00

Do you remember that I told you I'm writing a series on dust and water studios about the famous inspirational closets of movies? yup, this time I wrote about my favorite movie Rosemary's Baby. It's a 1968 horror movie directed by Roman Polanski. Since we just had Halloween, I thought it would be nice to include a horror movie in this series. How do you like Rosemary's outfits in the film (performed by lovely Mia Farrow) ? Do you like 60s fashion too ? You can read about the movie on dust and water studios and comment us there too ;) have a lovely weekend!

Artist Visited - Sze Tsung Leong

2011-11-04T12:44:00.001+01:00

Sze Tsung Leong is a New York-based artist. Among all his works, the Horizons series is simply amazing. He also holds an architecture degree, which explains his passion of landscape photography. I'd love to see them at an exhibition tho, as destined to design already did (i'm so jealous! lol).

"Horizons is an ongoing series of photographs, begun in 2001, that depict expansive views of a broad spectrum of environments throughout the world. The locations of the images may be distant in geography and diverse in subject matter, yet the photographs are linked by a horizon which continues in the same position from image to image. When placed side by side, the images form an extended landscape composed of an accumulation of varied continents, cities, terrains, situations, textures, and colors."
--Sze Tsung Leong

Amman

Athina

Baotou, Mongolia

Beijing

Cairo

Hiroshima

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

New York

Tel Aviv

Venice

Coldplay - Strawberry Swing

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

Photo Inspiration - Café au 3ème

2011-11-03T14:00:00.000+01:00

by JourneyVerse

Happy birthday, bro!

2011-11-02T17:38:00.001+01:00

Happy birthday, bro! There are lots of kilometers between us now, but doesn't matter, I love you so much and looking forward to see you again. When I look at these pictures, I remember all those fun moments we had while growing up :) Whenever any of those comes to my mind, it still gives me a good laugh :) I miss spending time with you bro!
p.s. When are you heading to France, for god's sake ??? you visited all Europe, except France, man! lol xoxo, Betül

me and bro, year 1990

me and bro, year 1991

bro, year 2008

I'm on Pinterest

2011-11-02T10:00:00.006+01:00

I wanted to try Pinterest for sometime, but didn't have time till a few days ago. I decided to go through it and find out if I enjoy the image stream there. The result: I had a lot of fun! I love the idea of organizing the images in the categories that you name. I only just began, but you can check it here. For now, I have created 15 categories: Bohemian Chic, Black & White, Cities, Interiors, Landscapes, Prints & Illustrations, Style Icons, Woman Outfit, Photo Inspiration, Movie Inspiration, Design Inspiration, Autumn, I want, for my love, black & gold. Go and follow me if you'd like ;)

pinterest/ballaofseasons

Woman Outfit

Black & White

I want

Autumn

Design Inspiration

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

2011-11-01T13:23:00.000+01:00

I love the lyrics of this song by the Australian band The Temper Trap. The rhtyms are amazing as well...

Valentino Spring/Summer 2012

2011-11-01T13:12:00.002+01:00

I don't usually blog about fashion shows, but rather prefer browsing them through some blogs that I like. However, this time it is different. Valentino's summer collection makes me really excited. It is so perfect, elegant and romantic. Flat sandals, floral prints, laces, tulles and chiffons...so, SOO beautiful and inviting. don't you think?