Souq Waqif - Doha

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif

Souqs are popular in Northern Africa and the Middle East, essentially they are open-air markets where goods are sold from food to clothing and sometimes animals. Outside of the Middle East, open-air markets are popular in other parts of Africa, South America and Asia. But, I must say the Qatari souq was unique in that it seemed relatively calm in comparison to other souqs I've been. The crowd was mixed with Qataris, expats, and immigrants, it made the souq feel like an aspect of daily life rather than a staged market. I managed to haggle my way to getting some beads, a ring, and mini camel. Because, I couldn't fit an actual camel in my carry-on? It's definitely a must see when you're around! 

3 Things I'm Obsessed With Right Now...

1. "Stop Listening: You Define Your Twenties" in LEVO League that provides a counterargument to the never ending 20s debate. http://www.levoleague.com/lifestyle/you-define-your-twenties. Conclusion: Do you and never stop doing you! You're all gone with the wind F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.

2.  "Building a Movement and Not a Campaign" essentially a lot of word jargon but nonetheless an interesting read. At the end of the day its about the human contact and relationship. http://www.fastcompany.com/3013166/dialed/build-a-movement-not-a-campaign-and-youll-ignite-passion-in-your-brands-true-believer 

3. What is happiness anyways? http://heartifb.com/2013/05/17/daily-inspiration-happiness-is-not-a-state-to-arrive-at/

Sometimes life is a beach

Hey Lovelies,

The other day one of my friend's here,  Priscilla celebrated her 21st Birthday on the beach! It was my first time heading to Lido since being here (embarrassing). Check out some of the looks from the day.

XO

Chambray top: Zara (similar here), Pants: AG Goldschmied (similar here), Purse: Cole Haan (old)

And sometimes you jump in the air

Explanatory 

The city of hats.

A girl born in Washington D.C with the backdrop of embassies now travels beyond the city lines on a quest to learn a bit more. A bit about the world. Although, I haven't traveled everywhere (yet), I learned so much from the people and experiences I've had. Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Morocco and Rome Italy. Opposite cultures, languages, and continents! I loved both places. Here are some pictures from my travels. Being in Morocco was truly refreshing, as someone with Nigerian roots it was interesting to see the relationships between Northern and Western Africa. I found inspiration everywhere, whether it be the noisy streets or the vibrant colors in the notable tannery. I can't wait to rock the new pillows I purchased! Thanks Morocco for sharing a bit of you with me. 

Dress: Anthropologie (old), Purse: (Otavalo, Ecuador), Shoes: Birkenstocks here, Sunglasses: Dior (old).

Why don't all my meals look like this?

Frolicked through the Atlas Mountains, relaxed in the most tranquil gardens, and played with monkeys.

The crown wakes up ;)


XO

Ve(nice)

Random pictures of Venice, Italy. It's ridiculous how beautifully (crowded) this place is... I've lived here for some months now, and rarely take pictures. Thus, here is a view of what I see.

Vintage a no-go

Today I did something ‘scary.’ I decided to venture around Venice with the sole purpose of getting lost and finding ‘Vintage a Go-Go.’ I’m a connoisseur of vintage and flea market shopping around the world. I’ve come to realize that items I purchase from vintage or flea markets carry a story, although, I may be unaware of that story, I have the opportunity to create a new story through my life. So my quest began. I got off the Vaporetto at Ca’ Rezzonico and off I went to explore. As I walked for a few minutes I noticed a storefront that looked exactly like that of ‘Vintage a Go-Go,’ I creepily stared, because the storefront didn’t have the ‘Vintage a Go-Go’ signage thus I continued to wander around Calle Lunga for about twenty or thirty minutes. Whatever, it was beautiful day. If I hadn’t I wouldn’t have walked around in circles, I wouldn’t have learned a new way to get to Campo Santa Margarita or discover my new hideout. From my journeys around Venice, I discovered my passion of ‘mom and pop’ businesses where people in the community have a vested interest. Thus, over the new few weeks I’ll be featuring women and men who own their own businesses in Venice, Italy. Here are some of my favorite pictures of what I did and where I went on Friday.  

What would a day of exploration be without una pallina di gelato?

Friday accessories. The black and gold bracelet was made in Italy, but I
found it at Vintage Love in Munich

Chin up. I love what this picture exudes.  

Me2

My new hideout complete with quite, tea, and cookies.
This is where I'll be from now on...I'm interviewing the owner

And they have fabulous cooking books. magnifique! 

We have a dream: Valcucine

Last Friday, April 19th I had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Valcucine (Slightly random as I have 0% background in the design industry, yet 100% interesting because I had no background in the design industry) there I learned  elements of their company brand. I was most fascinated by their mission, which is simple, "We have a dream: A waste free world." The notion that "we" are working towards providing a global solution to environmental problems struck a chord, because it symbolized a change in the rhetoric surrounding environmental sustainability. It is no longer my dream, rather its a collective dream that must be reached together. Thanks so much for the warm welcome Valcucine! I hope to return soon.

XO

Here are things I found interesting... 

Here is a look inside the 'artistic laboratory' where one can draw up an idea and create a product.
 IDEA → DRAWING → PRODUCT
#innovation 

Valcucine is a modern company yet values the
past evident in this lovely vintage piece in their
showcase room during the Milan fair. 

These three items are completely unrelated yet
they work to complete a unit.

You can customize virtually any aspect of your kitchen with @Valcucine

Wouldn't you love to add this puzzle piece into your kitchen? Too cute!