Bauhaus Archive

If I haven't mentioned it before, I work as an architect and as you may have noticed from my photos I'm a bit of an architecture junkie. So when I found out that the Bauhaus had an archive in Berlin I knew I couldn't pass that up!

I happened to be in Berlin on May 18, which was "international museum day" as well as having my student ID card (which you should never never get rid of) this got me into the exhibit for a whopping 4€ quite a steal if you ask me.

While "no photography was permitted" my rebel self snuck a few shots of my favorite pieces. 

The exhibit was broken up into 3 sections: furniture + industrial design, art, + architecture. It was fascinating to read about their philosophy + methodology on teaching art as my precious knowledge on the Bauhaus pertained to their role in shaping modern architecture.

My cohort for this exhibit continuously commenting on how the products  "looked like ikea," + while I couldn't help but agree, I had to explain to him that ikea got most of their designs from them. The Bauhaus produced simple clean designs often based on the mindset of "form follows function." Plus, good designs are copied in every sector of our modern world. 

If you happen to be in Berlin I think the Baihaus archive is a nice museum to visit. It's not the most vast collection you'll find, but it is good solid work and different from what you'll find in other cities. 

Living in NYC + traveling has allowed me the opportunity to experience many museums, so now when I travel I'm often on the hunt for an exhibit that is unique to the region. I no longer want to see Greek + Roman art. I've had my fill, studied it, find it to be beautiful but my life thrives on variety and this exhibit provided that.

Until we meet again, 

-Nelli

What Famous Work Of Art Are You????

Well they called it.

If you're curious as to what famous work of art you'd be check out this link!

Until next time friends...Cheers!

<3 Noonie

Good Morning USA

Happy Memorial Day!

Arab Meal 101: Kofta b'tahini (Meat w/ Tahini)

Ever since I posted Arab Breakfast 101 + realized how much you fine folks loved it I've been meaning to share some more yummy Arab recipes that my family has enjoyed ever since I was a kid right here on BSOM. Well the time has come so here are are, allow me to introduce you to....Kofta b'tahini, or Kofta for short. 

I know the mere title of this may sound a little daunting, but it literally translates to "meat with tahini" + it's actually a really simple dish to put together. Kofta b'tahini is an Arab (specifically Jordanian) traditional dish, it's our version of a "meat + potatoes" kinda meal. It consists of a layer of ground beef, topped with fried potatoes +  a tahini sauce. For those of you out there not familiar with tahini it's basically just a Sesame seed paste, which can be purchased at any Mediterranean store or International market. If you don't want to buy a jar of it just to try it out, you can make your own tahini right at home. Although I have never made my own tahini I found this recipe online for it which seemed pretty legit + super easy to make (a 2 ingredient recipe). Grab your tahini along with the other ingredients below and let's make some Arabic food!

I should mention there are many variations on this dish, but this is how I've enjoyed it all of these years. I should also mention yes I've eaten Kofta since I was a kid + I had some idea of how it was made, but I had never actually made this myself until today! Good ol' mom volunteered to show us how to make this yummy dish, so THANK YOU MOM! :) Since she has made this dish so many times over the years she doesn't measure anything out, so we're goin' eye this one, we're a big fan of 'season to taste' in my family!

Kofta b'tahini  

Prep Time: 10 mins

Bake Time: 40 mins or so

Whatcha Need

* Ground Beef

* Salt + Peppa

* Chopped Onion
* Lemon Juice

* Sliced Potatoes
* Tahini
* White Rice

Lets Make it

* Mix up the meat, S+P + Onion

* Lay down the meat into a 13x9 pan

* Place pan in preheated 325 oven for about 10 mins, once meat is browned on one side,
 flip it + bake another 10 mins or until meat is thoroughly cooked

* While meat is baking slice whole potatoes + fry until they are about 1/2 way cooked,
you basically want them soft + lightly browned + drained
(You can also start your rice while the meat + potatoes are doing their thing)

* Once your meat + potatoes are done, place a layer of potatoes on top of the meat

* Now it's time to bust out the Tahini!

* You'll want enough of this sauce to cover the top of the meat + potatoes

* Warm up the Tahini + lemon juice + water on the stove
You'll want a ratio of about 1/4 Cup Tahini to about 1 Cup of water
As far as an amount for the lemon juice...this dish is supposed to be tangy!
We Arabs LOVE our lemon juice so don't skimpin' on the lemon juice if you want that authentic Arab taste!  
Mix WILL be thin at first, but just keep warming it up + it will thicken up for ya

* Pour Tahini mix on top of meat + potatoes,
place pan back in the oven bake for about 20 mins

* Serve on top of a bed of rice + enjoy!

I've been enjoying this exact dish ever since I was a kid + I hope you enjoy it too!

Until next time friends...Cheers!

<3 Noonie

PSST: If you enjoyed this post check out one of my other favorite Arab dishes: 

Arab Meal 101: Bamya | Okra + Beef Stew
Arab Breakfast 101: Grandma's Fried Eggs, Hummus + Ful

Includes photos + my family recipes! <3

Spring in TriBeCa

Cheers with Beers!

-Nelli

Be Back in 5!

Man has this past month been a busy one for Nelli + I! Between my move + revamp + her European Excursion we haven't had the same amount of time/energy as we usually do to put into BSOM. But never fear we will be back in full force soon with tales of our recent ventures! I know I can't wait to share with you a new Arabic dish + recipe that I've been enjoying since I was a kid, along with updates about my room revamp! Nelli and I haven't gotten to talk as much as we usually do since she's been overseas so I'm totally looking forward to hearing all about her European Excursion adventures! (And not to mention see her beautiful photography!) Be on the look out for these goodies to come! 

Until next time friends...Cheers!! 

<3 Noonie 

Goodbye Germany

I'm heading to Oslo for a layover, then its back to the states for me.
This has been an amazing 3 weeks, I've met some of the most wonderful people, eaten amazing food, spent nights laying awake, walked my ass off, and, and, and....
As I mentioned in my last post I will be writing in-depth reviews for each of my travels (like Savannah). But for now enjoy a few of the photos I've taken for Instagram + my family.

It's bittersweet, but we will meet again Madame Europa.

-Nelli

A Letter from Bukowski

If you're a regular here on BSOM you'd know that I'm a huge Charles Bukowski fan. I have in the past shared a couple of my favorite poems of his which can be found here + here. Today I wanted to share another piece Bukowski wrote that I thoroughly enjoy.

Until next time friends...Cheers!

<3 Noonie

P.S. I'd love to know...

Whose your favorite poet? + 

What's your favorite poem by them?

Comment below :)

Spoken Word Poetry

"LeFou, I'm afraid I've been thinking, A dangerous pastime I know!"

- Gaston, Beauty and the Beast

While the quote is a silly childhood memory, the meaning behind it rings true.

We live in a world of our own making.
One in which we create everything, the earth, the air, the sun, the sky... This world is unique and different for each of us, yet we never recognize these differences.
We fight, we bicker, we laugh, we cry.
We find others who are like us, call them Democrats, call them Republicans.
We group, we coup, we charge on.

What is this world we live in?
Is it real, or is it a falsity of our imagination?
Do you really want to know the answer, or are we always seeking more.
Why not accept what is our fate, a destiny spent within our own minds.
A world in which we seek answers, and draw conclusions.
A world that is perfect in all its imperfections.
Why must we always question it, rather than enjoy being in the moment?

Thinking is dangerous.
It persuades us to escape from reality into our own perfect universe.
I can spend hours with myself, thinking, imagining, wishing, longing, dreaming.
Who is to say this world is not as real as the one outside my imagination?
I live just as much as a being within myself, as I do amongst the populous.

Today, I have been listening to spoken poetry and think I've fallen in love.
I began listening to Sarah Kay a few months back and again today.
I am in awe of how beautiful her words are, and the stories she shares.
I wonder if I am able to do the same, or if I am destined to be another amongst the crowd.
I want to know this beauty that she holds, this ability to make words come to life.



If interested, please watch her spoken word poetry below.
I promise you won't be disappointed.
http://www.kaysarahsera.com/

Zippin' outta Zagreb

I had high hopes for Zagreb, well for Croatia in general, and she has exceeded my desires.
My original plans had completely changed as I met people both in and out of the hostel I was staying in. I spent 2.5 days in Zagreb + 2.5 days out in the Croatian countryside.
Like with the other places I have been visiting I will write a more in-depth review in the coming weeks with photographs and recommendations.

Stay Tuned.

Off to my last stop.

-Nelli

 

Peanut Butter Cravings

I don't typically eat peanut butter, but I had a craving for it that I couldn't brush off. What I really wanted was some peanut butter squares, like the ones we used to have in middle school. I hadn't had peanut butter squares since those days, but knew only they would be able to satisfy this craving of mine. The ones we had in school were no bake and served cold, + I initially planned on making this type of peanut butter square but happened upon a baked version + I had to run with it!

I found this recipe on TasteofHome.com. What I really liked about it is that it's simple + requires ingredients that most people already have on hand. Not only that but the squares are super delicious whether you serve them hot out of the oven or at room temperature. These peanut butter squares kind of have a brownie like texture to them which is another reason why I really liked them. But enough chit chat let's get down to business!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Bake Time: 25-32 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1/2 C. Butter

*1/2 C. Peanut Butter 

(I prefer to use crunchy PB for the added texture)

* 1 1/2 C. Sugar
(There is a diabetic in the family + so sometimes 
I cut the sugar amount in 1/2, still tastes great!)

* 1 C. Flour

* 2 Eggs, lightly beaten

* 1 t. Vanilla Extract

Directions:

* Preheat oven to 350

* Either in a microwave or on the stove melt butter + peanut butter together, stir until smooth

* Combine the sugar + flour in a separate bowl, slowly add to the butter mix

* Add the eggs + vanilla extract stir until mixed well

* Pour mix into a greased 13x9 baking pan
(This was my first time using an 8x8 pan instead of a 13x9 + I kind of liked the thicker cut
 but should have cut the bake time. These got a little browner than I wanted.)

* Bake until edges are golden brown

* Serve up + enjoy!!

Love Love Love this recipe + I know you will too!
Next time I think I'm going to add some bananas + maybe even some chocolate just to mix it up!

Until next time friends...Cheers!!

<3 Noonie

P.S. Let me know how yours turn out!
Comment below :)

*POP* Photography

Mixed media artwork has always fascinated me. I've only dabbled a little bit in this realm of the art world but it's been in the back of my mind for sometime. Today I finally scratched that itch with simply a photograph + some Watercolors. I'm definitely not going to claim this idea to be my own as I had saw this technique that I'm about to show somewhere online a while back. I don't recall the website but if I had to guess I'd say it was probably Pinterest. Love me some Pinterest. Anyways I just really liked how simple this next little technique/project was + the results look pretty damn cool.

Here's what I did....

First things first I went huntin' for a photo that I had taken to use for this project.

Once I found the one, I edited it to make it a black + white picture. There were about 6 black + white options to choose from with the photo editor I used, but I suggest using the lightest one of the bunch so there's less ink which will make the image easier to paint. I opted to try the Sepia edit for my 2nd printed image (can be seen at the very bottom), which I ended up liking better than just the b+w edit.

Once I had my image edited it was time to print this bad boy.

You'll want to use a thick but flexible piece of paper. I used a piece of Bristol Drawing Paper but you can also use watercolor postcards. The main thing to remember for this step is you'll need the thickness so your paper doesn't warp from the watercolor, but you need the flexibility because this paper is going to go through your printer and you don't want it all wrinkled either.

Printed image in hand + watercolors ready it was time to get to the fun part...adding the color!

Now I have a couple of sets of watercolors laying around, the good ol' Crayola set + a nicer Van Gogh brand set. I love all of the colors that are included with the Crayola set, but they definitely are not as pigmented as the Van Gogh set. I decided to use the Van Gogh set for this project because I needed the extra pigment in there.

I of course wanted the muni to be the main focus of this photo which is why I highlighted it with the yellow. Once I had my yellow down I decided the piece still needed a little more *pop* so I added in the blue to the sky. Plus I wanted to box in the shape of the muni because the top of it is white + kind of blended in with the sky.  

Final Product

Since this was my first time trying this technique out I did make some mistakes along the way! Here are a few of my suggestions if you're going to try out this mixed media technique...

+ Don't use too much water when applying the watercolors!

Otherwise you'll find up with a watery looking mess...no bueno!

+ Don't even try to go over the white areas with white watercolor!
Otherwise you'll end up with a dirty lookin' greyish color.

Left side of trolley: Too much water applied
Top left: White watercolor on top of a white area looks dirty

+ Make sure you clean the brush often, by often I mean pretty much after each stroke. I was constantly cleaning the brush off + applying more paint to make sure I got the brightest most pigmented color I could. If you don't keep your brush clean you'll spread around the muddy colored paint! (Your paint will get muddy looking quickly because of the printer ink.) 

+ Use consistent non stop strokes when applying the paint!

Otherwise you'll end up with "jagged" looking paint strokes...unless that's what you're going for! In my case I was not going for this look, I wanted smooth lines that were all going in the same direction for a more consistent look.

+ Be creative with the colors!

Since this was my first try at this technique I just wanted to use "realistic" colors, which I was totally happy with. Buuuttt I played around with more abstract-ish colors for my 2nd piece + I like the way it looks a lot more!

Photo taken by Nelli on her European Excursion!

Totally love this techqniue + I definitely plan on creating some more mixed media pieces using it! I already have a 3rd photograph sitting waiting for me to add a little *pop* to it, so I better get to it! :)

Until next time friends...Cheers!!

<3 Noonie

Adios Andaluscia

I'm at the airport waiting to board the plane between Espania + Hrvatske (or Croatia). Spain was great but I can't wait to get to the next stop!

Cheers

-Nelli

"Laugh"

Source

A few months back I wrote about one of my favorite poets, Charles Bukowski. Like I said in my previous post he's definitely a darker character, but like I say life ain't all about rainbows + unicorns, so bring it on. Wanted to share another one of my favorite poems of his, which can be found in his book "Dangling in the Tournefortia".

best was the time we were driving along after not seeing
each other for some time.
you had asked to see me, you wanted to be driven somewhere.
your car had been stolen. no, it wasn't that: it was the
carburetor or you needed a tune-up. anyhow, we drove along
and stopped at a signal on Los Feliz, and your hair was
all combed out and you said, "I'm with Paul now."
I laughed. I hadn't laughed that well for months, in years.
then I checked myself: was it a purposeful laugh to annoy
you? or was it just relief?
so I checked inside and found it hadn't been defensive:
it just felt good to clean everything up. so
we ran your errand and went someplace to eat, and I suggested
that the pre-meal drink be to Paul who had no idea of what
was coming to him, and you said that he had no idea of
what you were getting away from, so we
drank to that. then we had another drink with no toast.
I always liked your hair combed out like that and you always
knew just were to put the ribbon.

meeting is more exciting than parting but parting is
important if you want to stay alive in a certain way.
never again will I see all of your beauty sleeping, wide-
legged, immune to me: we've all been cheated.

Good stuff.

Until next time friends....Cheers!!

<3 Noonie