My Love Affair......Come On In!

Folks that know me, know I have a thing for doors.  This isn't a new love affair either.  I can remember as a little girl, commenting to my mother on the beautiful doors of some lovely antebellum homes where I grew up.  Even back then, I preferred detailed doors over plain ones; deep, rich wood tones refinished to a warm, welcoming "Come on in!"

My adult infatuation with doors began in Tunisia.  Located on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, we spent a year there while my husband studied advanced Arabic.  And so began my confirmed love affair of doors.  The small village of Sidi Bou Said, is perched on the cliffs of the Mediterranean Sea.  Truly an artist's paradise providing sweeping vistas to delight the senses daily, rain or shine.  In typical Tunisian fashion, most buildings are painted white while doors and windows are painted the most beautiful shade of blue!  Each time I see this blue, it makes me want to hug myself, and takes me straight back to the narrow, steep streets of this charming village. 

I spent hours meandering the streets of this lovely village, snapping pictures of doors and windows.  Back then I seemed to be more focused on windows.  Probably because I figured they were more portable, if I ever was tempted to buy one.  Which I did, by the way, and that will be another story for another post. 

I was told that the iron studs on the doors are an indication of wealth; the more studs, the more wealth.  I never confirmed this detail, but I was often curious.

So here I give you pictures of doors in the far away land of Tunisia.  Come on in!

Argan Oil, Morocco's Other Liquid Gold

I can't say that I love argan oil as much as I love olive oil, but I can say that I find this Moroccan product quite intriguing.

Argan oil:  derived from the argan tree that grows mainly in Morocco in the southern region of the country, close to Essaouira.  It has become quite the phenomenon in the States as a much sought after beauty product for hair and skin.  Everywhere you turn in the states there are products that have argan oil listed as a primary ingredient from shampoos to top dollar skin care creams and emollients.  Youthful skin and hair is ever-elusive for all of us, so why not try this incredible product?

The argan tree is similar in size to an oak tree.  The fruit is much desired by goats, and it is not unusual to see goats in the branches of these trees, eating their fill of the bitter fruit.  The nut inside the fruit contains one or two small oil rich seeds.  Herein lies the golden opportunity for the small fountain of youth. 

The oil is extracted by hand in women's cooperatives in the same region where the trees grow.  This work  provides these women with a livelihood in the ever-growing market of argan oil exports.  The bottled product is available throughout the country for a relatively low price.  The exported version is significantly higher priced and can be found in fine salons in Europe and the United States.  Also available online at various sites.

I did not pursue the argan oil frenzy when we arrived in Morocco 3 years ago, even though I was encouraged to do so by some of the locals.  Unfortunately, I didn't jump on the wagon until right before we left.  It leaves skin feeling a luxurious silky softness that absorbs very quickly, even though it's oily when applied.  I can't say that it's keeping the signs of aging at bay, but I can say that I appreciate how it makes my skin feel.  A little goes a long way, and now that I'm back in a colder climate for the winter months, I plan to use it as a whole-body treatment! 

Suffice it to say, I'm hooked! 

*Source:  Wikipedia
*Photos:  Google Images