Another Impressive Movie: The Impossible

Why have I waited so long before watching "The Impossible" ?! I have no idea!

It is almost a year now since the launch of this movie... Though I have read tons of positive reviews about the movie, I, for some unjustified reason, was not interested in it. I thought it is mere drama with lot of tears and disasters (the core of events is post a tsunami in Thailand). Yet, I was never more mistaken!

Source: http://www.bbcshop.com/content/ebiz/bbc/invt/sum51679/the_impossible_600.jpg

This movie touches the very deep folds of your soul in a way you involuntarily sympathize with all of the scenes. You would not be impressed with the top-notch sound and graphic effects as much as you will be with  the real depiction of vulnerable human souls.

Before the tsunami struck, a crucial husband-wife discussion was raised and I remember glimpses of it... "We can't afford losing this job". I felt I can easily be in the shoes of those characters. Nowadays, our lives revolve around securing a good job, a satisfying salary, the latest smart phone, the tastiest food as well as the best cars... 

After the tsunami, ALL was destroyed. Phone batteries died, cars were smashed like nylon bags, a coke can saved the life of three people, and money was left to drown among the tides. SOULS were, then, what can't be afforded to lose!

Beholding all those scenes, I teared most of the time; I was not just sad for the characters for I also pitied my life. I was reminded how helpless I would be amid disasters and how suddenly all the stuff I behold as important are meaningless. Family ties, on the other hand, remain forever genuine and strengthen souls for the sake of survival.

I am aware that in few days, I will gradually forget all about the movie and I will flow again with our modern society Tsunami! Yet, it is inspiring from time to another to get a slap on the face and to be reminded to cherish what is worth to be cherished.

Enough of my babbling; If you haven't watched "The Impossible", watch it now; if you have, remember it ;)

Can't Wait to Read; The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

Books! Wow reading must have been my oldest hobby ever! One book which I am thrilled to start with is "The Signature of All Things" by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book was published on October 1st 2013 and the reviews are quite positive so far. "Eat, Pray and Love" is yet another Elizabeth Gilbert novel which I adore, and I do not expect "The Signature of All Things" to lack the author's enchanting style and imagination.

Below is the novel's cover as well as the goodreads link for a review ;)


Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17465453-the-signature-of-all-things

When Ideas are Put into Words...

Here is another "list" which I found to be interesting. There are many subjects related to the core of living which are, in many cases, difficult to express in words. Therefore, whenever I find a work as the one I am about to share with you I instantly bond with the words and meanings.

From Facebook

Below is another impressive work of thorough thinking...

From Facebook

Inspirational Quotes

It's been a while since some action has been spotted here! Yet, I blame it for the incompatibility of work with summer activities  

However, now that September is here, I get the feeling that order and coziness at home after a long working day are back!

Since I was at primary school, I was passionate about collecting quotes. I first started to write them on a cute tiny notebooks. Afterwards, I started typing them on the computer, and nowadays I am overwhelmed by quotes all over the web! I felt like sharing some with you hoping that they inspire you as much as they inspire me.

http://reserve123.tumblr.com/

4.bp.blogspot.com

Eyebrows... Beauty... and a Secret!

It is never late to discover this! Have you ever looked at your face and wondered about that tiny detail which could magically sharpen your appearance?! Not to be misunderstood, I do believe that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". So, I do not encourage looooong hours of gazing at the mirror and comparing our lips, noses and cheeks with supermodels and "celebrities". In contrast, there is unique magic within every face and confidence is what allows us to behold it... Anyway, enough with philosophy and back to my little discovery ;)

Source:  http://permanentpretty.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/learn-how-the-right-eyebrows-shape-would-ultimate-your-look/

I did try these tips and the results were unexpectedly significant! Personally, I could not notice all the enhancement, but everyone I met complimented that new addition which was evident. Afterwards, some discovered my secret and promised to try it! 

What are you waiting?! Try it ;)

Art beyond Canvas

I have always been smitten by art whether it is a melody, a poem or a painting! But what is below is really unbelievable....

Source: http://www.teresa-elliott.com/#home

Such a beauty is composed by the talented Teresa Eliott who manipulates Oil Painting for the sake of true art.

Hope you enjoy gazing at these painting as much as I did. Ciao :)

How to Stay Healthy at Work: Tips for the Office

Hellooo! Apologies for being away for a while! I am currently settling down in my new job so it getting a bit overwhelming.

Inspired from my daily routine at the office, and because I know many of you suffer from neck-back-hand-.....-aches, you have to check this out!

These are some tips for a healthy lifestyle given that I spend about 10 hours per day at work!




Farewell for now, and for more tips and interesting ideas to come!

Civil Engineering and Contracring Interviews: Must Know Information

Time for some Civil Engineering tourism!

 

After going through many job interviews as a fresh graduate, I really felt the necessity of going over several engineering principles which I have forgotten or have not sufficiently stressed on. A lot of stuff I learnt during early university courses turned out to be vital for every Civil Engineer especially when it comes to Contracting.

Therefore, I felt like sharing with you IMPORTANT links, principles, guides, and blogs I have collected across MONTHS of researching. Yup, you kind of won the lottery if you are engineer and a reader of this post! 

I will start with beneficial websites about Civil Engineering in general and contracting in specific. Most of these sites contain references, definitions, news, and case studies. Please find the links below:

- Civil Engineering Portal: http://www.engineeringcivil.com/

- Builder Bill: http://www.builderbill-diy-help.com/whoami_DIY.html

- The Constructor- Complete Civil Engineering Website: http://theconstructor.org/

- New Civil Engineer: http://www.nce.co.uk/

- History of Innovation: http://aehistory.wordpress.com/

Voila! I am sure you will bookmark these links ♥

Dwelling upon contracting, here are some major principles every civil engineer should know about contracting and working on site.

- Important Information for Site Engineers:

Source: https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s480x480/936609_10151374829967477_2101768394_n.jpg

- Water/Cement Ratio in Concrete: 
As a reference, a 0.4-0.6 is used. A 0.4 w/c ratio is generally expected to produce concrete with a compressive strength (f’c) of approximately 5600 psi. A 0.8 ratio makes a weak concrete of about 2000 psi. As w/c increases strength decreases.

http://www.mastour.com/blog/

- Concrete Mixes for Different Conditions: 

As a reference, 1:2.5:3.5 means cement to sand to aggregates ratio, 1:2:3 can be also used.

- Portland Cement:

AS mentioned in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, its name is derived from "its similarity to Portland stone, a type of building stone that was quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England".

- Setting out Foundation Trenches: 

Please follow the link for description of the methodology. 

http://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/setting-out-of-foundation-trenches/5986/

- Pouring, Testing, Finishing, and Curing of Concrete:

http://www.wikihow.com/Place-and-Finish-a-Concrete-Floor

http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/db/4c/0e/db4c0ecb5bba11ae19d11518e4995586.jpg

- Types of Joints: 

• Control/Contraction Joint: Isolates one major building component with another(example - new building abutting an existing building).Control joints are typically used in concrete to reduce the occurrence of shrinkage cracking. A control joint is a continuous vertical joint filled with mortar, but with a bond breaker. If control joints are not provided, a concrete masonry wall may crack as it shrinks over time.

http://faculty.delhi.edu/hultendc/A220-Week2-Lecture-Web.html

• Expansion/Isolation Joint: Used within straight lengths of the same wall. Expansion joints are typically used to cope with thermal and moisture expansion in clay brick masonry. An expansion joint is a continuous vertical or horizontal joint, left completely free of mortar and filled with elastomeric sealant to keep it watertight.

http://faculty.delhi.edu/hultendc/A220-Week2-Lecture-Web.html

- Types of Cracks: 

Please follow the link below.

http://theconstructor.org/concrete/types-of-crack-in-structures/5385/

Hope you enjoyed and most importantly benefited from this post!

Shoes: Trendy Heels of Summer 2013

Good fashionable evening! Heels, heels and heels ♥
Farewell to classic colors and welcome neon and pastel colors. Concerning texture, there is a pleasant diversity!

Enough with the theory, let's head to live cover of the latest news and pictures 

Source: http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/f7/a4/c3/f7a4c3c149fb554134106fbf1743a8ae.jpg

Source: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/35/48/07/354807d0ef847f1dcc2d072e57306947.jpg

Source: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/f6/bd/aef6bdbc5df48653680e15a11e0109ec.jpg

Source: http://www.fashiondivadesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/pumps-321.jpg

Enjoyed this delightful post? Hope you did as much as I enjoyed getting one of these lovely heels!

Trendy Accessories -Summer 2013-

Hello! Missed you all...
Sorry I've been away for a while but I am really busy nowadays with my graduation and job on the way...

So, I would like to share stuff I am really into these days: clothes, accessories and shoes! A busy and hot  Summer is ahead so we, ladies, better be well prepared.

Starting with Accessories, some trends are obviously a must during Spring and Summer. For example, relatively large rings, chain-linked jewelry and multiple rings/bracelets/necklaces are trendy. Ah, one more thing; Turquoise and neon colors are definitely the ones to choose! Below are some photos.

Source: http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/ee/18/c9/ee18c90da8ce7a146b05d6aaabea5fbd.jpg

Source: http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/236x/fc/0c/ff/fc0cfffe177c11b3203aa88c62918a30.jpg

Source: http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/ef/1e/58/ef1e585c3fff740122fe3d6d0fa7a070.jpg

Source: http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/236x/cb/34/7c/cb347ca4d32f07bb8e948be3e90fb8d6.jpg

Source: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQXT-snD2TP5yIy1QaKW3M4qVS2aYPRU3JsmE8IE9HjtG4nDgF

Source: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/159/776/613/613776159_979.jpg

Source: http://fashion.okajewelry.com/img/statement-2013-fashion-women-Necklace.gif

Hope you liked this post and you're nwo ready for some serious accessories shopping 

Bridges in Paintings

Two of my interests together! Could it get any better?! ♥
Check this site for bridges in impressionist paintings.

Source: http://www.linesandcolors.com/images/2013-04/impressionist_bridges_450.jpg

Best Healthy Snacks for a Roadtrip

Good evening *it's evening where I live, no idea about your place* Anyway, hope you all had a nice weekend!

Tonight, I feel like talking about roadtrips ♥ I doubt any one isn't an advocate of roadtrips! Being on a vacation, I am always planning trips to places in my country I have never been to or it has been a while since I visited.

I am obsessed about looking every detail; snacks for the car, sites to pass by, restaurants to visit, souvenirs shops... Since I am health fanatic, preparing snacks for the time spent in car seems challenging! Chips, chocolate, candy, juice all seem too "fatty" or "sugary". As a result, I decided to dwell upon recipes for fast-to-fix and boosting, yet, delicious and healthy snacks.

Source: http://www.123rf.com/photo_3755580_a-rustic-wooden-scoop-of-trail-mix-including-sunfkower-pumpkin-seeds-peanuts-walnuts-almonds-raisins.html

I'd like to start with a must-pack snacks which are essential not only for trips but also for a working or university day. Two words: Almonds and walnuts! Of course, peanuts and cashews follow as long as they are raw. At the eve of my trip or working day, I soak half a cup of walnuts and almonds combined. The next day, I dry them, put in a small Tupperware, throw in my handbag, and i am ready to go! I must say, however, not to excessively eat such snacks because they contain considerable amount of fats (healthy ones); 15 pieces would be alright :) Sometimes, I feel like adding raisins, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit.

Fruit and veggies! Yeah, apples and carrots as well as cabbage strips and cucumbers are weird but really adequate snack ideas for trips. You know, in my opinion, roadtrip food is anything that keeps the teeth crushing  What I'm very excited about finding, is a recipe which takes fruit snacks to another level! Apple slices soaked in lime and orange juice... They are YUMMY and so refreshing especially on a hot summer day. Here is the source of the recipe: 

http://www.letstalkfitness.com/raw-apple-snack

Crackers and cereal bars are trip-saving! Soja and rice crackers may substitute the classic ones for gluten-free seekers. Moreover, cereal, oat and granola bars are rich in energy and nutrients. Here is a homemade recipe for such bars:

Source: POPSUGAR http://www.yumsugar.com/Fruit-Oatmeal-Bars-White-House-Recipe-23288631

If the trip is long, many spreads may be packaged. For example, hummus, roasted eggplant, bean and oat spreads are some delicious spreads ideas. They can be prepared in the form of dessert or appetizers. What is exciting is that the mentioned ingredients are low in fats, gluten and even carbohydrates and packed with proteins and nutrients instead! Below are some recipe links I like to pack and inspire from:

- Hummus Variations:

Source: Serious Eats http://www.seriouseats.com/2013/01/hummus-recipes-toppings-snacks-dips-slideshow.html#show-301461

- Snickerdoodle Spread made of beans or hummus:

Source: Chocolate Covered Katie http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/25/snickerdoodle-dip/

- Spreads or Truffles variations:

Source: The Healthy Chef http://www.thehealthychef.com/2013/02/chocolate-truffles/

My last suggestion is the best of all! First, mix with your trip ingredients people you like to accompany *not grumpy ones*. Then, pack a spirit full of energy and enthusiasm. Finally, grab a camera to preserve all your smiles and laughs!

Have a wonderful roadtrip  

Donna Hay's Pavlova: A Lovely Recipe

Yum yum yum... Finally, a post about food ♥♥

This afternoon, I stumbled upon a food show and instantly fell for it! It was Donna Hay, and her recipes are so simple yet elegant! As I always do following mu inspiration by a chef, I attacked the net searching for Hay's recipes and I found a masterpiece. 

Its name, texture, presentation... All reflect royalty in the form of sweetness! PAVLOVA *I wonder why I haven't tasted, baked, or stared at a piece of this beauty*

Here is the recipe and snaphot of Pavlova from Donna Hay's website
https://www.donnahay.com.au/recipes/desserts-and-baking/pavlova

• - 4 eggwhites
• - 1 cup of caster sugar
• - 3 tsp cornflouror cornstarch
• - 1 tsp white vinegar
• -  Serve with whipped cream and fresh fruit

© Donna Hay Home Pty Ltd

What adds to my enthusiasm to try this recipe is that it doesn't contain fats in the cake dough; magic eh?! I added this to my to-do list, so I'll update you about the results