Who would have thought that we would be able to plant anything in the desert?  Last summer, we were able to harvest 8 melons.  This inspired the hubby that if he can grow crops in the sand pit perhaps a small potager would work.  The perfect season in the gulf is between October to April.  All of these veggies came from seed packets.  It's quite exciting to watch them grow everyday.

Happy Friday!

I was struck by this quote from Pinterest.
As for me, my climb has always been that of a spiral staircase.
It has been steep and tight and the last few months have been
claustrophobic.  Yet, with faith in the Divine, I'm able to move
forward, one step after another. I wish the same for you.
I wish to see you all at the top of the ladder.
Let's all have fun climbing in the process.

Have a great weekend!

As I was searching for bar stools for the office I'm designing right now, I thought of compiling Design Gourmande's top 10 favorite bar stools for the office.  These are all randomly numbered.  Here goes:

  Design by little rock interior designer Tobi Fairley

Whenever I used to hear ''live in the present'', ''live like there's no tomorrow'', ''seize the day'', I didn't really understand it.  Either the past entirely clouds my vision, or I'm looking right through binoculars far out into the future.    I don't know about you, but when I go to the cinema to watch a film that I was excited for for weeks, as soon as I'm inside the movie theater, I'm more thrilled to see the trailer of upcoming films, more than the film itself.

Guilty, I never really appreciated the present. I just didn't know how. I was devoid of feeling the happiness and excitement in the present moment , after reaching a destination I have always wanted to visit.  Or whenever I achieve something  that I extremely worked hard for.  I was always busy looking ahead, for the next big thing.  I failed to enjoy the small moments.  I was incapable of it.

The past successes, my family, my loved ones,  all the victories over challenges that I have been through, flashed before me. Looking back at my life, where I am now despite unfulfilled desires, frustrations and challenges, I sincerely answered, "Yes, I am."  I was in fact ready to accept that if this was all my life was about, if this is it, I am ready, whatever happens.  I am indeed happy for the decisions I made. No regrets.

With that, I started to become aware of the things I didn't notice before. How blue the sky was.  How beautiful the wind was on my skin.  How thankful I am for my job.  How nice the coffee was.  How thankful I am for feeling good that morning.  How grateful I am for my colleagues, my boss, my friends, the house where I live in, for being able to drive to work.  Everything changed.  Now I understand what it means to be in the present. To put a stop to everything and breathe in the small moments and be grateful for them. This is my initial breakthrough for 2012.  To live each day as if there's no tomorrow.  

Image via the wellness warrior

I can't help posting this stunning work of architecture from San Francisco based  SB-Architects.  The patio and balconies that stretch out to the landscape bring a feeling of openness, engaging a breath of relaxation and space for introspection. 

The red artwork sealed the warmth within.  My favorite are these rustic pendants artfully suspended with ropes.  The wood tones brought nature in.