CUT and DRY

Cats

2026-09-03T08:51:00.021-06:00

Athens, Greece cats.

It is said, cats feel braver and more relaxed when being high up. This behavior comes from their Feline ancestors (which is thought to have first diversified around 13 to 12 million years ago who climbed trees to hide from danger).

Although I'm a dog lover, I have to admit that cats are amazing animals in their own way.

As a saying goes, "time with cats are never wasted'.

Check out my Instagram Page. Let's connect there too! xx

Something Soothing

2026-08-21T03:55:48.692-06:00

Just popped in to say hello. So I am trying to find my peace of mind.

Deep breathing. Soft music. Viewing a calm, peaceful, and serene image to relax the brain and lift the mood fast. Searching for inner calm, even when the world around us is stressful.

How do you find your peace of mind?

Hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Keep staying awesome! xx

Please join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betty.manousos/

In Summer Mode

2026-06-28T04:26:10.035-06:00

Hi there! I'm back from a long hiatus. I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted! A lot has happened since I left this platform. (Please take a look at my previous posts to learn why, if you're interested in.)

Anyway, shaking off the rust is a big step. So please be patient with me.

I leave you for now with a picture of a ferry I took while traveling to a beautiful Aegean island in 2025.

Wishing you all a great summer! xx

P.S. Please connect with me on Instagram I'd love to see you there too!

On Modern Street Photography

2025-08-19T05:01:00.002-06:00

Why modern Street Photography feels repetitive and how to reclaim authenticity.

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I posted something on my blog; there are a lot of things going on depriving me of being able to write a post…missed you guys so much!

So today I stumbled upon a brilliant post by renowned photographer Rohit Vohra who analyses perfectly why Modern Street Photography feels repetitive nowadays. I found it interesting and helpful so thought I’d share it with you today.

Linking to his article: https://www.rvohra.com/why-modern-street-photography-feels-repetitive-and-how-to-reclaim-authenticity/

A Romantic Sunset

2024-07-14T00:31:00.003-06:00

A beautiful sunset may provide calmness and peace. Just close your eyes to soak in the moment...

Hope you have a lovely Sunday! xx

Keep Moving Forward

2024-07-05T02:58:00.004-06:00

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

~Walt Disney

Hope you have a wonderful day! xx

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

~Walt Disney

Hope you have a wonderful day! xx

Sister

2024-04-21T04:06:00.003-06:00

I'm grateful for the love and support you always provide, my sweet sis. Thank you for always being there for me.

I love you, Jeanne!

My Stress Relievers

2023-03-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

We live in an ever changing world - uncertainty, unexpected losses, and challenging situations are part of our lives and can cause stress and anxiety. Let's face it, any major life change can be stressful.

Sometimes, I feel anxious and stressed. When I'm under stress I experience mental symptoms, such as irritability, anger, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. In fact, I'm often feeling on edge and not being able to relax and am excessively worried about things such as health, family, work.

When stress and anxiety trike, these three techniques help keep me calmer.

My Coping Mechanisms When Stress Hits:

1. Deep breathing.

Lie down, or take a comfortable seat. Breathe in through the nose for at least five seconds.

With your mouth closed, exhale until you’re out of breath.

Repeat five to seven times.

2. Nature as a healer. (Eco-therapy).

Walking stimulates relaxation and improves our mood. Spending time in nature and doing outdoor activities can act as a stress reliever. Researchers have found that nature, even looking at trees simply makes us happy.

3. Getting a good sleep. Getting a good night's sleep can reduce stress and improve our mood. Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of many disorders.

These strategies work perfectly for me. I hope they are helpful for you guys too.

Hope you have a great weekend! xx

Have a Happy New Year!

2022-12-30T07:51:00.001-07:00

Hello everybody, I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season! As 2022 winds down, I just wanted to thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement all these years.

Cut and Dry wouldn't exist without you, lovely people. I am truly grateful to each and everyone of you for reading CAD. My New Year's resolution is to make more time to catch up with you next year, no matter how demanding and crazy work and life gets.

So, warm thanks to all of you! Wishing you a joyous 2023! xx

Everyone Is an Artist + Have a Beautiful Weekend

2022-10-21T07:44:00.007-06:00

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! It seems ages since I last wrote a blog post; and I am sorry for that. As you may know, I love photography. However, it's safe to say that it is not easy being a photographer. There are hours spent doing editing and/or post-processing photos, countless outings empty handed, lots of expenses, etc. So I've been working on a photography project for the last couple of months. I've also been practicing my photography skills in order to develop my craft and grow as a photographer. But I do love blogging too. So here I am guys.

I thought I'd share a few fresh photographs with you, if you'd like to see. All taken in Athens, Greece 2022.

Hope you have a great weekend! Take some time to spark your creativity and do something cool. It's important to spend your time doing what inspires and recharges you. Remember, everyone is an artist in their own way. xx

P.S. Feel free to visit my Facebook profile and say hello. https://www.facebook.com/betty.manousos/

Walk - Exercise - Relax

2022-08-05T07:40:00.005-06:00

Hello everybody! Omg, it has been ages since I last posted anything on my blog. My apologies for this. In fact, the last few months have been difficult; family health issues, personal down moments, experiencing some significantly stressful event. Anyway, I'm here.

Many of us would agree that we are living in trying times because of the pandemic. To say that the virus outbreak has dramatically changed peoples' life and also has affected almost every aspect of our lives is an understatement. But we need, we must stay strong and remain active. Here are some tips I found them to be very helpful:

WALK - EXERCISE - RELAX

* Walking even around your neighborhood. Going for a walk. Breathing in fresh air always helps me think and sort things out. Waking gives me real peace, relieves stress and improves my mood.

* Physical Activity. Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

* Taking time to relax, find time to unwind.

For Aristotle, the famous ancient Greek philosopher who was named a peripatetic for his habit of strolling up and down whilst teaching, walking is important because it can significantly free your mind and clear your thinking.

Hope you have a great weekend! xx

Free Summer Cards.

(Photo of two men exercising by Annie Spratt. Photo of girl relaxing by Jordan Bauer.)

Cherish the Little Things

2022-04-08T07:44:00.007-06:00

{Girl on a bike downtown Athens, Greece.}

Hello my dears! Happy Friday! How are you doing? I finally get back to blogging after a long break.

A while ago, I had the opportunity to catch up with dear friends and to try a new coffee shop downtown Athens, something I miss most.

Well, I get so busy at times that I don't cherish the little joys and simple pleasures of life. Sigh, but there are, and always will be, simple, little things around us that still naturally calm the mind and greatly lift the spirits. These are some photos I took of some of my favorite feel-good moments.

Hope you have a lovely weekend! xx

'Tis The Season

2021-12-17T07:50:00.007-07:00

Hello my dears! So, despite the pandemic let's spread more hope and love this Holiday season. Even though another Holiday season will be different and difficult for many, my friends, we all deserve a little bit of joy during this time of the year.

I always enjoy decorating our home making it festive and bright. Christmas decorations stir up feelings of nostalgia and pure joy and always make me feel happier.

I've put up together 5 ideas for decorating a Holiday table perfect for your Christmas Eve that won't cost you a lot of time or money. Just practical, easy and pretty!

1. Put greenery in the center of the table. Go for fresh cedar branches and fresh holly springs. Add a colorful mix of pomegranates and gold or silver glittery pine cones for a pop of color.

2. Create mood lighting with votive candles in different size glass jars. I'm a sucker for a candle lit glow!

3. Put some Christmas ornaments and small gifts on the table for it's the sentimental elements that make a sentimental Holiday season.

4. Attach natural pine needles or evergreen branches to linen napkins for making them festive.

5. Build up your Christmas table with tall candlesticks.

Red bows, greenery, wreaths on the front door, twinkle lights...there are so many ideas and small ways to make your home festive this Christmas.

Hope you have a nice and warm Holiday season! xx

(Top photo of Alfred Hitchcock with his grandchildren, 1960, Christmas table centerpiece via One Kindesign , Bottom photo via .)

Let's Have More Fun!

2021-11-26T08:03:00.007-07:00

Hello everybody, Happy Friday! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. So, whenever I find myself forgetting the joy and fun in life, I go to cultural and traditional events like this. I always enjoy to watch other people feeling free and alive, a sense of passion, excitement and exhilaration.

Unfortunately, when we "grow up" too many of us don't even know what we think is fun. Sometimes we get so caught up with the things such as job, chores, daily obligations that we almost forget to have fun. But we all need to have a little fun, especially in these difficult times. Laughter brings about positive feelings; excitement, joy and enthusiasm for life.

Hope you have a great weekend! Wishing all a wonderful Holiday Season. x

Have a Lovely Weekend!

2021-11-05T08:53:00.005-06:00

My dears, I'm so sorry I've been M.I.A. Sometimes life gets in the way and I've been overwhelmed recently.. Anyway, I hope you're all doing well. Happy Friday! Wishing you a great weekend!

Lots of love. xx

Growing Herbs Indoors

2021-10-01T07:28:00.008-06:00

I will admit, I don't have much of a green thumb. In fact, I am the most reluctant gardener. But because I do enjoy picking fresh herbs straight from my kitchen "garden" I've decided to grow some of my favorite herbs indoors. Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Italian Parsley, Chives.

You can grow herbs indoors on the windowsill in pots in well-draining soil.

Here's Jamie Oliver's Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs, a very interesting and wonderful read.

I believe it's well worth growing your own herbs to have fresh herbs to hand.

Hope you have a lovely weekend! xx

Welcome Fall!

2021-09-03T07:56:00.008-06:00

Hello my dears! Hope y'all are doing well. I know it's been a while since I posted on here as I've been down for the past three weeks; sometimes things get so out of control...stress, family health issues, headache. I was tired, mostly I was walking up tired.

On another note, hard to believe that summer is over, but I must say that I am ready to let go of the heat and humidity this summer brought to some parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including the place I live. Global warming they say.

Well, I am so ready for Autumn! Fall is cosy and calm, generous and giving and carries beautiful colors in its pocket.

Hope you have a lovely weekend! xx

Bereavement Hallucination

2021-07-30T08:14:00.009-06:00

Home isn't a place; it's a feeling. That said, my home holds so many memories for me. Sometimes I fleetingly feel my parents' presence, as if they were still alive. It's such a weird feeling...

In the months after they died, it was hard to be in the house without them. It still is. It was their house and it still feels like they should be here. Every corner is filled with their life. I love my house. How could I not?

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

Rosy Cooler + Have a Great Summer!

2021-06-25T07:49:00.003-06:00

Hello everybody! I hope you are all doing well. Remember, the weekend is a time to relax. I'm pretty sure you will be able to find something that really interests you and I hope you take time to rest, refresh and relax over the weekend.

Have a great one! xx

Here's a CUT and DRY post you might have missed. A refreshing, versatile and easy to make Cocktail for those dog days of summer.

Summertime + Have a Lovely Weekend

2021-05-28T07:24:00.001-06:00

So, in my childhood days, summers meant everything. For me, summer is all about beach and nature, wildflowers, longer days and peaceful sounds of crickets at night. When summer is in full swing what better way to beat the heat than spending some time in the countryside. Countryside is an incredibly relaxing environment. The air is fresh and quiet and time flows differently in the countryside. It will remind you how humans are supposed to live.

Here's a delicious summer Summer Cocktail.

Hope you have a lovely, relaxing weekend! xx

An Inspirational Quote

2021-05-07T07:20:00.006-06:00

"Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk I should avoid at all costs and that is the risk of doing nothing. ~D. Waitley

I really like this quote because it stimulates and motivates me to action. In fact, it stimulates my brain and gives me any positive feelings I need to cope with life after very extended periods in lockdowns.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

Street Photography in Athens

2021-03-19T09:10:00.017-06:00

I have always loved Street Photography, but it wasn't until late 2018 that I actually started to get dedicated to that genre. Having always lived in European cities my images reflect the urban everyday life. For the past one year and a half I have been photographing regularly on the streets of Athens.

Street photography (and by that I mean candid photography), in my experience, is a surprisingly difficult photographic genre to practice in Athens, Greece. That said, for the past two years until now things have changed drastically. Anyone in a public space taking photos of strangers these days is almost guaranteed to come under some type of suspicion. In other words, Street photography is incredibly challenging.

I remember there were times where I would get yelled at by a stranger. I remember how I felt threatened on that day. I would always try to stay calm and explain them what I was doing. Ideally if a rational discussion results, then the problem could be resolved constructively.

Perhaps people feel threatened - not everyone likes being photographed - actually. But street photography is all about taking candid pictures of strangers in a public place. As female street photographers I don't think we have an inherent advantage because people feel less threatened. In my experience, many people don't like having their picture taken. Perhaps they feel as though taking a photo of them is an invasion of their privacy. And it's okay.

I sometimes shoot from the hip. But, even so, there's always a possibility to get noticed by passers-by. For my "When People Toil" project I shot the entire body of work from the hip like a scared cat. It was especially tricky as that area is quite unsafe to walk around.

But I am still having a love affair with Street photography but hash, that's a secret!

Hope you have a beautiful weekend! xx

My website: Betty Manousos Photography.

The Ocean of Plastics

2021-03-12T07:40:00.008-07:00

My dears, I hope you're all well, staying safe and healthy during this pandemic.

There are times I lie awake at night wondering what might our future hold. What will the world look like after Covid-19? Living through these difficult times invites serious reflection not only on existential questions, but on how global challenges such as climate change or ocean pollution will hit us all even though they may seem less pressing in this moment.

My vision of an eco-conscious world is about changing our attitudes in a way that helps the environment around us. Arguably plastic pollution is a global problem and one of the most crucial environmental threats that we face today. Plastics are littering our cities and eventually ending up in the ocean. Over time, sunlight, wind, and salt break them down into small fragments, micro-plastics. Sadly, fish eat plastic and/or can get tangled up in plastic waste contributing to health problems in humans and marine life.

It's enough to make you cry over your grilled fish.

All countries should consider plans and strategies to phase out non-biodegradable pollutants by recycling of plastic waste items and also to express their commitment. Their role is critical. They must develop measures to phase the harmful effects of the plastic pollution on the environment.

With this ongoing photography project I wanted to help create awareness about this serious issue, and inspire people to take action. It always surprises me how we lost our connection to nature and our natural surroundings.

I was recently on a boat trip. It was so sad to see a fish trapped inside a plastic bag. That hurt me a lot...

I am working hard to reach my goal; to stop plastic pollution.

Here's my ongoing "The Ocean of Plastics" project awarded a Special Mention and published on URBANAUTICA INSTITUTE , if you'd like to check it out...

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

Mid-February

2021-02-19T08:16:00.008-07:00

Hello everyone! Hope you are all staying safe and healthy during this difficult time. I, personally, have been coping with an uncomfortable facial skin inflammation, a rash, or perioral dermatitis that occurred around my mouth and chin. (Photo below.) Getting a professional opinion is a must, but I thought I'd rather seek help without an in-person trip to the doctor's office under the circumstances. So I managed to use telemedicine contacting my dermatologist. Luckily he was able to work with me using pictures of my skin lesions sent by phone.

On another note, over the last two weeks, I have been enjoying the uncommon warm weather by going for walks around the neighborhood. Definitely there are signs of spring around us in mid-February. Yep! Spring is just around the corner.

Hope you have a lovely weekend! xx

Accepting the New Normal

2021-01-29T08:02:00.003-07:00

When lockdown was announced, I realized that my life would have to change. Let's accept it. Life has changed because of the virus. Ahh, how I would love to travel, not sure when or if that will happen with this darn pandemic. Despite these uncertain times, the silver lining for me is that I'm more committed than ever to live with less; spend less and recycle more. I urge you to find yours, if you haven't already.

I keep being optimistic, I try to be as busy and focused as possible. There are still things we can enjoy even in this dreary period.Taking a trip to the beach or a stroll in the park will improve our mood and reduce stress, which can make us feel happier, physicians say. Oh, what a relief!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx