Photo Diary: Back in Manchester - Year 2

It's end of September and the sun is shining bright in Manchester! Here's proof:

Anoud x

ALL IMAGES BELONG TO GREEN EVE/ANOUD AL-FAWWAZ.

A Dose of Inspiration

Anoud x


Images: flickr.com/photos/roarthemovie/, elahoffman.pl, everyday-inspiration.tumblr.com/

Flying Over Planet Earth

Take a look at this beautiful time-lapse taken from the front of the International Space Station as it orbits Earth at night. It starts off over the Pacific Ocean then moves on over North and South America and then journeys over near Antarctica where it enters daylight.

Visible cities, countries and landmarks – (in order):

Vancouver Island, Victoria, Vancouver

Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles

Multiple cities in Texas

New Mexico and Mexico, Mexico City, the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, El Salvador

Lightning in the Pacific Ocean

Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Lake Titicaca

The Amazon

The thin yellow line that you see is the Earth’s ionosphere.

It’s hard to believe that this is real. It really looks like something out of a movie – or a video game of some sort. Breathtaking! 

Anoud x

The United Nations' '7 Billion Actions' Initiative

As the global population is expected to reach 7 billion by October, the United Nations launched today the '7 Billion Actions' initiative. This global initiative is aimed at bringing together all individuals, governments, businesses and the media in order to confront and address the challenges that this milestone will bring about, while also recognising the many opportunities it presents and that we must seize.

At the launch ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon told a panel discussion that “we are not here simply to acknowledge that milestone. We are here to address all of its vast implications.” He also went on to explain that “the seven billionth citizen will be born into a world of contradictions. We have plenty of food yet millions are still starving. We see luxurious lifestyles yet millions are impoverished. We have great opportunities for progress but also great obstacles.”

Watch the video below for more information on the UN's '7 Billion Actions':

Anoud x

Lanvin For A Great Cause

To celebrate the launch of Lanvin’s debut girlswear range, Lanvin Petite, the French fashion house teamed up with the charity Dessine L’Espoir to create four adorable limited edition dolls. The charity, which supports African women living with HIV, is one of Alber Elbaz’s favourites, and this is not the first time the two have collaborated to support the cause.  

The dolls are based on Elbaz’s quirky illustrations, dressed in miniature versions of looks from Lanvin Petite. What’s most important is that they are hand-embroidered by women of Swaziland who are supported by Dessine L’Espoir and are HIV-positive. Through this employment scheme, these women’s quality of life is enhanced so they are more capable of providing for their families. 

Starting from November, the dolls will be available in Lanvin boutiques and all other stores that will be carrying the new range. Each doll will retail for £220 and a percentage of each sale will be donated to Dessine L’Espoir.

Anoud x

Images: dessinelespoir.org 

World Habitat Day 2011: Cities and Climate Change

October 3rd 2011: mark the date in your calendars, note it down in your planners or set a reminder on your mobile phone, for that’s the day we celebrate World Habitat Day this year, as designated by the United Nations.

 

 

The purpose behind World Habitat Day is for us to reflect on the condition of our cities and to recognise the importance of an adequate shelter for all as a basic human right. It is also meant to remind us all of our collective responsibility towards the future of the human habitat. 

This year’s theme is Cities and Climate Change, and the Global Celebration will be hosted by the Government of Mexico. The theme was chosen because of the great threat that climate change is posing on 21^st century development. In addition, the greatest impacts of disasters that occur as a result of climate change begin and end in cities, with the majority of humanity now living in urban areas.  That is why, it is very important to recognise the importance of cities and their strong influence on climate change. 

 

Here’s how you can get involved in the 2011 WHD:

• Raise awareness in your city and organize a World Habitat Day event. All the information you need is found here.
• Read the World Habitat Day brochure and familiarise yourself with the importance of WHD and this year’s theme. Take a look here.
• Participate in a WHD event in your country. Check out the list here.
• Take part in the World Habitat Day Photo & Film Competition. Find out more more here.
• Spread the word. Tweet it, post it on Facebook, blog about it and share it. Let the world know, show them you care!

Anoud x

Lolong: The 21-Foot Giant Crocodile

After a three-week hunt, one of the largest crocodiles known in recent history has been caught alive in the Philippines. The giant Saltwater Crocodile is allegedly 21 foot-long (6.4 m), and weighs 2,369 pounds, that’s a little over a ton! The crocodile’s name is Lolong, and it is currently being held in a temporary enclosure in Consuelo, a village in the Philippines. It is yet to be confirmed by the federal wildlife official whether Lolong is the largest crocodile ever captured. 

According to the Philippine Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Ramon Paje, the reptile was captured because it posed a ‘threat’ to the community and adds that the presence of such animals emphasises the need to protect the country’s habitats. Lolong is expected to become the star attraction of an eco-tourism park in the area. For more information, watch the video below.

It surely is commendable that they kept this one-of-a-kind reptile alive. However, it still bothers me that they could not leave it to live peacefully in its natural habitat. But then again, according to some villagers, it is believed that Lolong has killed at least two people, so perhaps this is the best solution.

As the late Steve Irwin would say: CRIKEY! 

Anoud x

Images: news.nationalgeographic.com

Ford's Electric Gullwing EVOS Concept

Ford has outdone itself with this one!

The company has just leaked photos of its EVOS Concept: plug-in hybrid with four gullwing doors and a beautiful slick design. Ford will be using this concept to launch a new design direction for all their future models.

Love the LED headlamps!

The 2013 Ford Fusion is the first car model to get the EVOS make-over. It will be displayed in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show in a few months. The car is surely a beauty, with a strong resemblance to the Aston Martin. Ford has surely nailed it with this design, as it is modern, efficient and appealing. 

Notice how the driver's seat is a different colour than all the others.

Love a beautifully and carefully designed hybrid car! Couldn't ask for better.

Anoud x

Images: caranddriver.com

A Sassy Tribute

Today I decided to introduce the world to someone very special and dear to me. This someone is a cat, my cat: Sassy. So here's a little tribute post to my fluffy friend.

Sassy is a beautiful pedigree Seal Point Siamese Cat with the most gorgeous blue eyes. She was born on June 25, 2002 & I got her back when I was living in Dubai, when she was only a couple of months old. She's was born in Siam (Thailand), grew up in Dubai where she met her first two husbands: Chico & Gucci, and is now living in Jordan. She had 3 little kitties with Chico and 4 with Gucci; they were the cutest things ever! I've had so many cats growing up, at least 4, and Sassy is hands down the one I love the most. She is different. Really, she's a part of our family (she's in our official family picture). I love her to bits. She can be a bit stuck up at times, but she has an amazing temperament. She loves meeting new people, hates kids & loves getting groomed and dolled up. And guess what? Sassy is green! Yes, she is a vegetarian. As shocking as this may seem, Sassy does not eat meat, not even fish! The only thing she eats is cat biscuits, Meow-Mix to be more specific, which is usually chicken/beef flavoured. I'd like to believe that's what makes her so healthy. Sadly, a couple of years ago, I developed a cat allergy, and whenever Sassy would come close to my eyes, they would turn red and double in size. However, that has never stopped me, nor will it ever stop me from loving her :).

Here are some of her best pictures and a video of her dancing to a Snoop Dogg song:

Yup, she's tech savvy & has her own FB, Twitter & likes to browse the net.

She's on my lap now, curiously watching me type this out. I'm sure she's pleased :)

Anoud xx


ALL IMAGES BELONG TO GREEN EVE/ANOUD AL-FAWWAZ.

Photo Diary: Dead Sea Panoramic Complex

The other, after having a quick lunch at the Dead Sea, I decided to stop by the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex. I had heard a lot about it, but never had the chance to go and explore it for myself. I had my camera with me, so decided to snap a few pictures for Green Eve. As you will notice, this photo diary is drastically different from the past three that I posted last month, and this just comes to show you how diverse Jordan is!

The panoramic view was spectacular, and it was amazing to gaze into the horizon and realise that right there in front of you was Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem & Jericho. It was quite the sight!

If you're ever in Jordan, then I highly recommend you visit the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex. Trust me, you'll fall in love!


Anoud x

ALL IMAGES BELONG TO GREEN EVE/ANOUD AL-FAWWAZ.

The H&M Fall 2011 Conscious Collection

I have always loved all of H&M's Conscious Collections, because not only are they made from sustainable materials, but they are always very stylish & right on trend. This fall's collection, however, has got to be my favourite! Inspired by the 'sweet romance of Swedish folklore', the collection is very feminine and defined by beautiful pieces with delicate embellishment, gorgeous lace, and a floral print perfect for fall.

Here are my favourite pieces from the collection:

The white lace dress and skirt are, as Rachel Zoe would say, BA-NA-NAS!

The H&M Conscious Collection Fall 2011 will be available in selected stores starting from October 6, 2011.

xoxo,
 

Anoud

Images: H&M