I've been very lazy about putting the rest of my albums

together from my Egypt and Jordan trip. I thought I would

share some tales from where my mum and I traveled from

Cairo to Mt. Sinai in September.

The snapshot above was taken from the mini van on the way to

Mt. Sinai. Quite a desolate area. During the time, there had been

some Europeans who had been kidnapped in Egypt and the Egyptian

government had decided all Americans and Brits needed tourism

police escorts. Mind you, the Europeans kidnapped were extremely

far from the normal tourist route near the Sudanese border. My mom

and I have never been on a tour where we've been outnumbered by our

escorts...We took a very small tour and it happened to be that we were

the only ones to continue to Jordan and Mt. Sinai was one of the stops

along the way.

I think a lot of people don't realize the lengths that the Egyptian
government tries to protect the tourism industry there as it is
most definitely their main source of revenue. It's tough when your
country is 95% desert and they only have enough oil for themselves -

not enough to export. I thought one of the most fascinating facts

about the Nile River is that it's the only river in the world to run from

the South to the North instead of the other way around. This is why

the South of Egypt is called Upper Egypt and the North of Egypt is called

Lower Egypt - it follows the direction of the Nile River rather than North

or South on a political map.

So there were we were, the two of us with a driver, a guide, and

a tourism police escort...

On the way, I asked the driver to stop when I saw this lovely

camel by the side of the road. We opened the van door and I

was able to catch a shot as he was heading away. Mind you,

this was before I actually got on a camel in Jordan which

scared the living daylights out my mom and I. A story for a

later post... Some things are better admired from afar or

through a lens or ridden in an open area...

When we reached our hotel in the middle of the mountains,

there was a nice bedouin tent set up by it.

Of course, complete with a souvenir shop.

I, for one, would never complain about

shopping.

What really amused me was when I peaked inside the tent.

In the corner was a full computer and fan all wired up. You

would never be able to tell from the outside of the tent that

there was anything electronic, much less a computer with a

connection to the internet inside. This is what I call, modern

Bedouin living.

At night, the place transformed into

a wonderful place for a party.

Isn't the inside cool?

We had tea to boot.

Here's my mom outside with our very

nice guide in front of the fire.

But the party was definitely inside the tent and let me tell

you, if you ever travel - it's the Brazilians who are always

the life of the party.

They even got all dressed up to party.

After the exciting night, we turned in and made it

to a monastery called St. Catherines in the middle

of the mountains.

Of course I couldn't stop taking photos of the camels...

But I did find this man to be very clever. He was building a stone

structure and they obviously don't have stone or tile cutters there.

So he improvised by dribbling water onto the stone

as he was cutting so it wouldn't crack as he drilled.

And this is where the famed burning bush that

Moses spoke to - within St. Catherine's monastery.

You see everyone trying to touch it there.

Anyhow, the New Year is upon us and I hope

this has inspired some of you to travel or have

and adventure this coming year!

Happy New Year and be safe!

I will be returning next monday on January 5, 2009.

Domino Magazine's Decor Editor Tori Mellot has

a wonderful sense of tasteful yet eclectic style

that I really love. This post showcases two of her

flats in New York City that she has lived in and put

her personal stamp on. The above photo is where

she currently resides. I absolutely love the striped

patterns he has painted onto her walls.

Here's a better look at her living area.

She really knows how to make a small space look fabulous.

Gee, I think I could really rival her when it

comes to book collections. What a fabulous

way to display it.

She really took the wall of frames concept

to a whole new level in her bedroom.

Her desk is so beautiful and classy.

Wow! Talk about drama. I love the purple

color and the black accents against the rococo

white walls.

Black and white always come

together for dramatic walls.

The stripes are carried into the

bedroom on a smaller scale.

This is Tori's lovely living area in her previous

flat. I am totally lusting after that lilac daybed!

Her office area is absolutely great! Who wouldn't

love an office like this? Functional and beautiful.

Domino came out with a book this year called

Domino: The Book of Decorating which I

think is absolutely phenomenal. It's a "must have"

and is full of different ideas and designs. Something

for everyone.

I just wanted to share with you a

sample of what's inside the book.

Honestly, it has great ideas and rooms on every page.

The great thing is that the book contains a bonus

inside the book for a free subscription to Domino

magazine. If you already have one, they will send

you a refund if you send in the postcard with your

receipt.

I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

I just realized we haven't had a nice family photo for a

while. This is the last one that was taken of my family

and relatives on reunion cruise. My parents and my

very tall brother Steve (whom everyone thinks is older

but I actually am - just because I'm a little person...)

I will post an updated photo with family and Paul

after the holidays.

As a book fiend and lover of inspirational and interesting
books - there are 3 books that look very good that I want to

introduce. I actually asked for an Amazon gift certificate for

books for my Christmas present from Paul.

This is a really interesting book about how creative minds are

really changing everything. In the last century, scientists and

left brainers were very much respected. This book gives a whole

new take on the creative mind.

This book isn't out until the first week of January but I've already

pre-ordered it. It seems to be a really great inspirational book for

those who are still trying to find what their passions and strengths

are in their lives to make something out of it.

I don't know about you, but every year, I still write my
New Year's Resolutions (because I'm a chronic list maker.)
Psychologically, it makes me feel more organized - although
I don't think I'm the most organized person. I don't know if
I achieve all of them but I'm able to accomplish enough to
cross off the majority of the resolutions. There are always
those that transfer to the following year.

I think this is a wonderful book to read around the New Year

and to think about what you really hope for and you would love

to make happen.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday. I'll be back next

Monday so that I can spend the long weekend with family.

Black and White has always been an infallible

design and color combination. It's always made

for high drama when juxtaposed together.

This entrance is so cool with the jet black walls,

white stair railings and shiny black flooring.

Talk about dramatic and making an entrance!

Not the entire house is purely black and white

although the same kind of drama does flow through

house. The ornate wardrobe really makes the drama

in this room.

Black and white in this room is used for the accents rather

than the main colors. Shades of gray and white are used

instead.

Shelves in the black and white living room.

I love the pop of color from the art piece in

the dining room.

The office adds in dark chocolate brown

for the floors. Never quite seen chocolate

used with gray. It's an interesting combination.

The cowhide covered chair really makes

a statement in the living space.

Hello Shaggy rug :) Looks really soft.

The writing on the walls are a lot of fun.

The unexpedted chandelier is a brilliant stroke in this
very modern black and white kitchen.



A peek into the backyard that has a lovely
dining space for outdoor dinners and living.



Hope this post has provided more inspiration
for all of you black and white lovers out there.

For more black and white inspiration, check out
these past posts of mine:

A Modern Goth Design Hotel in NYC ~ The Night Hotel

A Study in Black and White ~ One Designer's Home


All photos from House & Garden Australia.