Cherish Dream Live

Valentines Day Roundup.....

2012-02-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

Flowers from hubby...

Card by my lil one for his daddy...

and homemade pizza by moi....

linking it to Colours dekor

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2012-02-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!!

This is a REPOST - just for fun.few jokes on husbund and wife.....

Wife : ( to husband ) "what do you like most in me ? my beautiful face OR my exceptionally good figure ? Husband : " I like your sense of humour.." And then the fight started..

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels. She asked, 'What's on TV?' I said, 'Dust.' And then the fight started...

When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her to some place which is very expensive... So, I took her to a ( petrol) gas station.. And then the fight started...

My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and my wife kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table. I asked my wife, 'Do you know him?' 'Yes,' She sighed, 'He's my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since.' 'My God!' I said to my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long ??' And then the fight started...

I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. "I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please." He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?" "Naaah, she can order for herself." And then the fight started...

A woman is standing & looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.' The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn perfect.' And then the fight started.....

I tried to talk my wife to convince her into buying a can of Beer for $14.95. Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95. I told her : "the beer would make you look better at night than the cold cream..." And then the fight started....

I asked my wife, "Where do you want to go for our anniversary?" It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation. "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said. So I suggested, "How about the kitchen?" And that's when the fight started....

..... celebrate LOVE everyday...specially today...make them feel special....have a wonderful day with your loved one!!

My Memories giveaway and free printable.....

2012-02-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Yay...yay..its time for first giveaway at CDL and I am so glade its the digital scrapbooking software by My Memories. One of the readers of Cherish Dream Live has the opportunity to win one copy of My memories suite!!

I have got the chance to review the software myself and I must say...I LOVE it. The scrapbooking software was very user friendly. I was able to create scrapebook album for my son's winter adventure without any complications....its so easy-peasy.There is so many wonderful background to choose...

Here is the preview of one of the page from the album...it was so easy..just drag and drop the photo and you can even move the graphics any way you want...I moved the white flowers between the text..

There is so many things you can do besides scrapbooking....see the video http://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoriesSuite. I was able to create the chevron printable for my son's playroom....and here is the fun part...Right click to save this printable and use it anywhere office, kids room, playroom...

Here is how to enter for the giveaway:
Go to My Memories and check out their digital scrapbook packs, come back and tell me which one is you like...
For additional entries (leave comment for each one):

1. Be a GoogleFriendConnect follower of Cherish Dream Live
2. Like My Memories on Facebook
3. Follow My Memories on Twitter
4. Blog about this giveaway.

The giveaway will be open till Friday Feb 17th ,2012.so what are you waiting for...start entering:)

My memories suite is also offering Cherish Dream Live readers a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store , just use this code STMMMS82013 at checkout.

Winner of this give away is Swathi, Swathi send me email at nayana(dot)cdl(at)gmail(dot)com and I will send you a code for your free software.

Playroom Storage and Bookcase....

2012-01-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello, hello my lovelies, How are you all doing? Month of Jan is almost over and I am happy and it feels like spring is around the corner. In my part of world we didn't get extrem cold this year and it only snowed once...well I should cross my finger because Feb isn't over yet....and before I know it we will be buried under two feet of snow*smile*

Stores are starting to getting stocked with summer supplies and my mind I am deciding which plants to plant this spring...well there is 2 more month for that...so lets get to business...shall we?*wink*

Today I am here to show you *some* of the playroom:)

For my almost 2 year old's books I chose Ikea's spice rack as bookcase...

We bought 4 of them and spray painted in white and It looks like this and hold lots of books, my son can reach lower two rack and it holds his fav books so he can take them out anytime he wants...and put them back:)

For storage I have chose Ikea's TROFAST storage system, which is great for organizing and distributing small toys. for big toys I keep one big bin which holds most of them and considering playroom only gets half of his toy stash because we keep half of his toys,books upstairs to play so its working very well.

I also bought one of the TROFAST wall storage unit in white

Which in future holds small items for craft,paint etc...in those small bins, right now we are using it without bins as shelf..

see the slots inside which will hold the bins in future....
Put together everything and it looks like this.....

and from another angle..

Linking it to Weekly Story, Table Top Tuesday

Back to blogging and new shelves installed...

2012-01-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hello my lovelies, How are you all doing? missed me :) well yes or no....I am back in to your life *smile* because I have missed you all and blogging....I thought of taking a lil break during holiday season then went of track for a while but life was surely on track and there are many things has happend and can't wait to share it with you all....

Biggest news is playroom up and running...its about 90% done and functional, we go down there a lot and my son has been enjoying so much, he has got additional space to play and explore in winter season.

There are some minor things incmplete but as usual I got side tracked by other decor things in house...does it happen to you. I always start new decor project with so much excitement but before it get completes I start dreaming about the next one but I promise I will share playroom next week for sure.

These are the new shelves installed...its great and we have found a new place to showcase our knick knack , which isn't a much but I am so excited now to get new treasure because now they will not easily come in my toddler's hand.

ignore the family tree without pics *wink*

and this is for all my peacock loving friends...

Linking it to Weekly Story and Table Top Tuesday

Spotlight - AhKriti - Indian Inspired Ethnic Jewelry by Reshma Sandell

2011-11-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

Today I am proudly featuring Reshma Sandell and her Indian Inspired Ethnic Jewelry - Ahkriti in Spotlight section here at CDl .

Here is what Reshma has to say about herself " My name is Reshma Sandell and I live in Mississauga, Canada. My roots take me back to Bangalore, India where I was born and raised. I have worked as a banker for most part of my life before I moved to Canada.. I’m married to a wonderful man and I am a stay at home mom to 2 young girls. I am the creator behind Indian Inspired ethnic jewelry: Ahkriti. "

How Ahkriti was born? she says "I have always loved to accessorise – be it hats, purses or jewelry. And this used to be my husband’s pet peeve that I spent way too much money on accessories. Our move from Vancouver, BC to Mississauga, ON gave me time for myself and one day, I saw myself being packed off for a beading class. And this is where it all began.
At first, I made jewelry for friends but when they started liking my style and complemented me that I should start my own line of jewelry, it got me thinking. I wanted to create something distinct, unique and a style that is affordable. I noticed that in Canada, there was is no market for the ethnic jewelry that I designed and hence I started Indian inspired ethnic jewelry by Ahkriti."

Jewelry designing is de-stress mantra for her. she says "Coming from the land of the Taj Mahal, Mysore Silk and Kanjeevaram sarees – my inspirations are very vibrant and vivid. I love using silver in my creations, but because silver is getting expensive I also use pewter in my creations. I usually handpick the gemstones and findings, but I do have my online sources from whom I regularly purchase my materials"

Besides making Jewelry Reshma also enjoy making paper crafts with her daughters. she says,"I have always enjoyed receiving handicrafts and handmade stuff and the internet has opened a lot of windows to learn new things. Of late, I am very inclined towards origami.I enjoy travelling and am a total bollywood buff! I also hope that one day I will learn to play the piano." Reshma also blogs at Color Canopy and Masala mango mantra

When I asked her about what is the best reward in making these beautiful jewelry her is what she has to say " Albert Einstein once said,"Creativity is Contagious. Pass it on" I like to think that each creation of mine has a story and that the owner of an Ahkriti creation will pass on the beauty of Ahkriti to others by wearing it with oodles of style and confidence" aren't her thoughts are as beautiful as her creations.

Reshma Hope to participate in craft shows more often and perhaps have a a boutique or studio built with brick and mortar of her very own someday but for now you can buy her creations at www.icraft.ca/ahkriti and www.etsy.com/shop/ahkriti and here is the great fun part, just in time for Christmas shopping she is giving 25% Off at her etsy shop for all CDL readers.Use Coupon Code:THANKYOU25 and get 25% off on all items. This coupon will be valid until Dec 31,2011.

Her Creations are so gorgeous..I can post all here but I have to limit myself so visit her Etsy shop or AhKriti Facebook page and see what I mean*smile*

All Images and Information by Reshma Sandell of Ahkriti creations.

If you are an artist, DIYer, blogger, designer, photographer etc and would like to feature your work here at CDL write me at nayana.cdl(at)gmail.com

Crayon Monogram Art

2011-11-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

'O' for OM

This is what I was working on today. yes, crayon art for lil Om's playroom. super easy and will look super cool in playroom, don't ya think?*smile* I love how it turned out.

Inspiration was found on Rainy Tuesday Mornings blog via favorite source Pinterest. If it interest you, Tutorial and template for letters is available on Rainy Tuesday Morning blog.

What I did was, drew o with bowl...lol and broke the crayons from middle using push pin(worked wonderfully). First I did arrangement on plain printer paper. I didn't had card stock or heavy duty paper so I took out my water color sheet, cut to the size and again drew o with bowl*smile* then put a glue over the letter and transferred crayons in the same order so did not have to think of proper arrangement again. It was super easy..my kinda DIY. Frame I used is RIBBA shadow box frame from Ikea.

So , one more DIY is checked off from to do list for playroom = me happy.

P.S. Cherish Dream Live is going to start Spotlight section to feature Artists, DIYers , Bloggers, Photographer etc. If you are one of them and would like to showcase your work here write me at nayana.cdl(at)gmail.com

Linking it to Metamorphosis Monday , Motivate Me Monday , Craft catwalk and Weekly Story

Kids Playroom Inspirations -II

2011-11-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

Sharing few more of favorite ideas found for kids room or playroom

This one is fun to play and fun to look at - hang that abacus on wall

(source From anythingpretty.com via my pinterest page)

I bet this will be most memorable - lil hand prints on canvas

(source From bystephanielynn.com via my pinterest page)

This one is great too but I think it would look more cuter in girls room

(Source From megduerksen.typepad.com via my pinterest page)

I love this one for toy car storage -magnetic knife rack from ikea.
so wanted to do this in playroom for Om but our local ikea has this oos for weeks*sigh*

(Source From style-files.com via my pinterest page)

this is again more appropriate for girls...but so adorable

(source From aroundmytable.wordpress.com via my pinterest page)

and this one...my favorite*smile*

(source -From potterybarnkids.com via my pinterest page)

Linking it to Home Sweet Home party

Kids Playroom Inspirations

2011-11-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

As I am looking for inspirations for our playroom here are the ones that I liked most...

Love everything about this room...specially the maps and globes...

(source -From jillianharris.com via my pinterest page)

Don't you just love these art..so colorful and perfect for play room...Its paint chip art.

(source -From the3rsblog.wordpress.com via my pinterest page)

How great and low cost this - Trash can for toy storage

(Source -From dcoracao.com via my pinterest page)

Can you guess what used here as bookcases?

(Source -From ohdeedoh.com via my pinterest page)

Its spice rack from Ikea..isn't it genius.

I absolutely adore this...Baking tray for all magnetic alphabet stuff

(Source - From nicandkate09.blogspot.com via my pinterest page)

More toy storage idea -hanging garden planter to store toys...

(source - From genius-idea.tumblr.com via my pinterest page)

So do you love these? I am so stunned by creative idea all around.
Can you guess which one I used or going to use in our in playroom...

Playroom Sneak Peak

2011-11-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

I am working on room for my lil one to play on......

(My son 'OM' playing with dupatta)

I can prouly say that I am almost half way to that..well amost*smile*.....but I am like snail so lil crafty things or DIY things will take a lil (okay may be more) time....but have sneak peak.
Color I am choosing for furniture is white....and things that are not white that can be turned white using...

Don't worry it is kids playroom and will have loads of color....

and It will have something for us too...a thing called 'TV' *smile* .
We are getting a new big TV and Media console from pottery barn is already arrived ...want to see?? I bet you want but you have wait tiny wee bit long till big TV comes*sigh*..... so when that happens we are moving our current TV to this room so we can go there as many time as my son wants and we can all enjoy as family :)

I am so inspired by the tons of great inspirations I found on the internet and while I am working on this room for us to play on...I will share these inspirations on blog this week so stay tuned:)

Linking it to Patty's weekly story

Cherishing few more diwali moments.......

2011-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Hello my lovelies..how are you all? Diwali came and went but I am still eating sweets like there is no tomorrow...and on top of that all Halloween candy *smile* well...I have to you know...too much candy is not good for one and half year old.....lol.

I was going through pictures and realized I have not shared few of Diwali moments with you all..so lets cherish them...

Haubby made these awesome lantern from baby food jar...actually I was supposed to make them but then I went to put my son to bed and fell asleep.....lol....so he made them for me, isn't he sweetheart *smile*.

Linking it to Patty's Weekly Story

Happy Diwali

2011-10-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

All images by me clicked on Dhanteras: please do not use without prior permission.

Linking this post to of spooks and sparkle at Patty and Itz Festival time- 2011 at Emreen

Giveaway by Shopo and Coulours Dekor

2011-10-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

Shopo and Coloursdekor are giving away three lucky winner a wonderful product from their site and here is my wishlist :)
Bombay lingo tray from Artnight

Silk with Zari cushion cover set from Varnam

and Bharni tea light holders from Varnam

Diwali Decor - Light up with Candles

2011-10-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovelies.....How are you all? Ready for lighting, rangoli, sweets.....? This weekend I managed to add a lil bit of lighting in my home for Diwali Decor...have a glimpse...

Brass vessel, floating candle, red dupatta of hubby's sherwani as table runner and It looked every bit of festive :) Big brass bowels are passed on to be my Mom in law and small brass bowels were from my Mom.

I thought hubby's sherwani dupatta looked very charming as a table runner so I couldn't help but using his other yellow sherwani dupatta between candles on shelf .....If you try something like this then be very careful that it should not touch the flame specially if you are using Diyas...we all want Happy Safe festival.....

In India on Diwali we start lighting diyas on Wagh baras (day before Dhanteras) and do til Pancham(fifth day after Diwali) maximum diyas will be lighted on the Day of Diwali...

With so many inspiration around in the blogland I am so ready to try different options for lighting on this Diwali....Have Happy Festive Season to you and your family my friends....

Linking this post to of spooks and sparkle at Patty and Itz Festival time- 2011 at Emreen

Porch for the season

2011-10-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to show you all my tiny lil porch for so long but I have been busy. why? well, If you are keeping with SHUTTERBUG then you will know why? I am all ready to add bling bling for Diwali so thought now is the time to show you this *smile*.

Linking this post to of spooks and sparkle at Patty and Itz Festival time- 2011 at Emreen , Wow us wednesdays and Good life wednesdays

Hello Monday.....

2011-10-10T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hello My lovelies, How are you all and How was your weekend? Mine was super good, yes and I am all charged up for new week *smile*.

Navratri is over but not here folks because we got to do dandiya only in weekends so we went to garba night on Saturday , it was so much fun. super crowd, music and dandiya but more important that my son enjoyed it so much. I took him to the dandiya for the first time and I was more excited then him*smile*

with that exciting Saturday, throw in some retail therapy on Sunday = Me Happy. Did I tell You guys that we are creating a fun space to use as a family, play room/family room. duhhh...I think not. I have got some great ideas and did some shopping for that, can't wait to show you all that but you have to wait tiny lil bit...okkkay may be lil more.

with all that blah blah about my weekend...I have something useful too...I reused something and used as a vase and filled with fresh flowers from my garden. can you guess what it is?

See, I took a photo in beautiful sunlight and made it in to this*sigh*

Its container of Gerber graduate puffs snack for Infant. I removed the outside wrapping and got me a vase *smile*

source - gerber.com

Linking it to Patty's Weekly Story

Diwali Decor - Lighting Inspirations

2011-10-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to share another must for Diwali - Lighting Inspirations. Of course the festival of Lights/Diya need lighting and here are some fun way to do it.

How Pretty these looks, If do not have pedestal bowl use upside down glass and glass bowl on top.

Some bling with green - tie some greens to the candle holder or jars.

and How about using some handy kitchen beans/lentils as filler.

Ohh...this one will smell great too...tie some cinnamon sticks around candle holder/jar , I would use colorful ribbon for extra festive bling *smile*

So simple but very pretty - floating candles in jars.

floating candles and rose petals = divine in simple glasses

or make lantern using candle holder or glass jar...tell you what I am planning to use this festival season --baby food jars. did you ever got a chance to checkout my post on DIY Chandelier, I would love to do that only if I had tree to hung in the front yard.

Source : 1. Pinterest 2. marthastewartweddings.com 3. homemadeginger.blogspot.com 4. bystephanielynn.com 5. beautifulweddings.tumblr.com 6. Google.com 7. stylemepretty.com via My Pinterest Page

Living Room

2011-09-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello My friends, Happy Navaratri !!

Months from Sept to Dec are always so special....So many festivals and Living in US means double the perk. We get to celebrate all festivals from our Indian Navratri , Dushera, Diwali to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas....Around this time I always feel the joy and cheer in surroundings. Happy times...*smile*

To bring in the cheer of festivals and coziness of coming cold days, I did some changes in the living room and I wanted to share with you all. We haven't purchased anything for this room since we moved in to this house, so I have tried to put together with whatever we already had.

Traditional Raja-Rani puppet on both side of window. Cushions in front are tailored made using brocade material and embroidery patch. we really need some nice curtains here. I really do not like blinds but it needs to be changed on all the windows in house so we will get there.

Sofa was purchased on impulse 3 years ago, If I have to buy now, I would not buy this one but it came with a big price tag and it is comfy so staying and I have to work around that*sigh* . Do you buy things that one day you feel like its must have and after some time hmmm...not so much??

This room desperately new coffee table +end tables, but until my son(one and half year old) keeps doing his adventures here, we are holding on it for lil while. I am not sure how long I can...hum?

and this is my favorite seat in the room, love it. just besides my lazy recliner is the arch between Living and dining room, I have hung hand embroidered 12 feet long piece above the arch and hand embroidered diagonal piece on both side of the arch...today just a sneak peak...

We do have a plan to paint the big wall but until we reach there I have hung a big embroidered piece(can you guess what that is?) in the middle and artwork on both side which are done by me. I feel like the frames on side looks so small but I worked with what I had..again*sigh*

did you guess? its folded twin embroidered bed sheet *smile*

I loved all your wonderful suggestions on my Bedroom here and thank you so much, it gives me great wonderful ideas. so this time I need your input on my Living Room...

Linking it to September carnival at Keybunch, Open House Party , Home Sweet Home Party , Potpourri Party , Fridays Unfolded , Inspiration Friday

Diwali Decor - Rangoli Inspirations

2011-09-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends, How are you all doing, getting in to festival mood?? I am so ready and excited as Navratri is just a day away and Diwali is coming soon.......

Rangoli is must for Diwali. I love big,bright colorful rangoli surrounded by diyas but Many times in my stay in US I have faced the problems like carpeted floor, not having a big porch or aangan as we have in India and I am sure many of you also have faced the similar problems. So I was looking for alternate ways to do rangoli and I found some beautiful inspirations so thought of that sharing with you all.

How about Rangoli with Beans,lentile, rice etc. all available in home and colorful. Arranging all lentiles,beans in different pattern would look colorful and will give great texture. What I love about below rangoli is that it was just about filling the clear plastic tray...so neat. I love how great the display looks.

(Source -adhirasam)

Another option is floating flower rangoli , arranging flowers or petals in different pattern and layers would look amazing in urli.

(source -rangolidesign.net)

Do not have an urli...no worries...it would looks great in big glass or stainless steel vessel too. add few diyas for added charm.

(source -picasa)

How about using plant stand to give it some height. you can use planter filled with water or bird bath on plant stand too, add flowers and few floating candles and put it by your home entrance and it will look amazing at night.

(source -google)

There are many alternate ways to do rangoli One can use colored sand, salt or draw a rangoli with chalk.

I hope you all are inspired to do rangoli at your home this year because I am *smile*

New Photography Blog -SHUTTERBUG

2011-09-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have started blogging on 'Cherish Dream Live' in 2007, but for one or another reason I wasn't able to keep up. This year, in May I have started blogging again and I m loving it, enjoying it.

Cherish Dream Live is mainly for Home decor and gardening, but lately I have been exploring my photography talent so much*smile* , I am overloading with photography posts. So after looking at reader's perspective ,I have decided to start another blog 'SHUTTERBUG' just for photography and keep Cherish Dream Live mainly as decor blog.

I hope you all agree with me....and If you wish join me on my new adventure...

Peek in to Master Bedroom

2011-09-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

All you creative blog friends out there, I need your help.*smile* As you can see there is nothing on the walls yet and I am not able to decide on anything *sigh*

Which one looks better above the headboard?
1. Round mirror.
2. two square artwork.
3. wedding pics I already have. two 8x10 pics matted in 10x13 frames.

Also any suggestion for corner wall between dresser and window.

Linking it to Weekly Story , Table Top Tuesday , Home Sweet Home , Potpourri Friday

Overdose.......

2011-09-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hello sweet people, am I giving you overdose of these? I bet you are tired of seeing Zinnia but I had to share these......I hope you all understand....*smile*

These all are SOOC , no effects..no cropping
Click on any pic to go on my flickr stream.

Fabulous Friday , Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life ,Today's Flower, Macro flower Saturday , Macro Friday , Sneak peak friday, Show off your shot , SOOC

Wordless Wednesday#5

2011-09-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Linking it to Tina 's WW, Aussie WW, Alicia's WW

Fall Centerpeice

2011-09-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, endless rain, cool breeze at night, turning leaves in yellow and red inspired me to get in the mood for fall. I love fall. leaves rustling , I like rustic kind of feeling not creepy *wink*

So here is what I have for you today, super duper easy(I like that) , almost no cost centerpiece. I gathered few branches from the yard, I already had the clear vase from dollar tree, yellow and red leaves also from dollar tree which I bought for another project(show you soon)

I threw some leaves in vase and added branches and voila my super easy centerpiece is ready. I think it will look pretty good on mantel or as a centerpiece on dinner table. I have it on my side table. You can also gather fallen leaves instead of artificial one and you will have this for practically free.

The thing I love most about our house is abundance of Sun light. Its west facing so every room in the house gets good sunlight. Rooms on the backside of the house get morning to noon and rooms in the front side gets from noon til sunset.

Sun streaming through leaves.......

I also put few leaves here and there for that extra feeling....:)

Here is the complete look....I like how simple it looks...

Linking this to Metamorphosis Monday ,Weekly Story , Motivated Monday , Table Top Tuesday , Good Life Wednesday , Wow us Wednesday , Potpourri Friday , Show and tell friday

Hello Sunshine....

2011-09-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

After so many grey, cloudy, muggy , rainy days finally sun is out today here in NJ and I am so happy *smile*. My mood depends on the weather, rainy, cold days make me lazzy and this bright sunshine keeps me happy, cheery...how about you?

We have so much snow,rain this year and on top of that Irene, there has been so much flooding here. I hope sunshine today brings a lil hope in to peoples live.

Sunday Sept 11 is the 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attack in NY, I pray for all the lives lost and families who have lost loved ones on that day.

to peace....

Have a nice weekend everyone.....
Be Safe, Happy and surrounded by Grace of God,Family and Friends....

Fresh from my garden - "Autumn Joy" Sedum

2011-09-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to share "Autumn Joy" from my garden. These flowers attracts so many bees. I had fun clicking pics with so many bees buzzing and flying around even though it was a rainy day.

Warning: Picture heavy post.

In summer, this is how it looked -like a broccoli head

and now -light pink color

I have seen this plant around but in mine flower heads are crazy big

and its bending down all branches

As autumn gets its peak - flowers turn in to more darker pink color

rain drops...

Bees buzzing....

Critter enjoying flower...

for more Pics click on any photo and it will take you to my flickr stream.

I will link this post to
Fabulous Friday , Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life ,Today's Flower, Macro flower Saturday , Macro Friday , Sneak peak friday, Camera Critters , Show off your shot , Potpurri Friday

Wordless Wednesday#4

2011-09-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

effects given in all except last one.

Linking it to Tina 's WW, Aussie WW, Alicia's WW , Skywatch friday

Indo American Fair

2011-09-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

I love fairs, exhibitions etc....I love looking at creative things, handmade things, paintings, posters, jewelry , brass articles, block print cushion covers, colorful bags. Yesterday I got a chance to looks at all this and much more at Indo American Fair at NJ. I would not say that this was the best fair I ever went to but considering it was not in India overall we had good time. big indian community, good food, great stuff,dance performances and yesteryear actress Padmini Kolhapure was there too.

here is a glimpse of her for you all....

Beautiful carved wooden furniture

I loved chairs and that small table..Ohhh...well, who am I kidding I loved everything :)

Beautiful Jewelry

stunning collection of metal and brass....

beautiful mask and warli paintings....

some beautiful knick knacks....

and last but not least....
I loved everything in here...

I loved that kantha boxes.....but I wanted whole tower..not just one and that was expensive*sigh*....

linking it to seasonal sundays, Weekly story

Peach, Pink and Red

2011-09-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

(SOOC)

Linking it to Macro flower Saturday , Macro Friday , SOOC ,Creative Exchange ,Camera Critters

Black & White

2011-09-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Linking it to The weekend in black and white

Bright......

2011-09-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Linking this post to
Fabulous Friday , Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life , Sneak peak friday, Show off your shot

Shelf stories in my home

2011-08-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Colours Dekor's August spotlight series is 'Shelf Stories' and to join in the bandwagon I have finally managed to click few pics of shelves in my home.

Shelf between kitchen and dining

I am always changing things on this shelf...so here are the different versions..

Shelf on corner cabinet in kitchen

Cabinet with glass door in kitchen
I like all white for now....so all mishmash goes in wood panel cabinets:)

Brass pot on right is passed on by my mom

Shelves on the book case in our home office

Blue artwork in center is done by yours truly....:)

So, did you enjoy the stories of shelf in my home?

Linking it to Shelf Stories , Wow us wednesdays ,Good life wednesday , Home Sweet Home party at The Charm Of Home , Open House Party at No Minimalist Here ,Tea-Time Thursdays at Kreative Korner ,Inspiration Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home ,Potpourri Friday

Flowers, candles and Irene

2011-08-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends, How are you all and How was your weekend? Ours was CRAZY.....but I want to start by saying that WE ARE SAFE! We are so lucky that we do not have any damage, flooding , power lose considering I live in NJ and we were on path of Irene.

We had started gearing up for Irene on Friday with stocking up for food and water. My husband went to walmart and he was saying, he has never seen these much empty selves. water and breads were hard to find in any store. every where long lines.

Saturday morning we could sense that Irene is on way as In the morning it started getting cloudy and rainy,as if you could sense the calmness before the storm. We started preparing for the storm, moving things inside, closing -checking windows, storing up on water, cooking. I tied all the plants to the deck/railings. considering the wind and rain we had, I am happy that my all plants except tomatoes are fine. We do not get flood ever in our basement, even in heavy rains but this was different. we slept late and hubby woke up in night to check up for flooding but everything was good. with all the noise of wind and heavy rain we still got some sleep as we were so tired from preparing everything.

Sunday morning, things started to get little calm and we went outside to check, It did not look so bad, small branches and tons of leaves everywhere. There is huge tree about 15ft from our deck but we were lucky that only small branches were fallen. slowly clouds started opening but still wind was pretty strong all day...Considering the damage everywhere we did pretty good..sound and safe!

My plants were full with flowers and I knew that they will not be able to withstand the wind so I cut few and arranged them in vases and took few shots on saturday night. Irene needed a welcome*wink*

I will kink this post to
The Weekly Story,Creative Exchange , Table Top Tuesday ,Seasonal Sundays , Home Sweet Home , Tea time Thursdays , Tablescape Thursday ,Potpourri Friday

Fresh from my garden - Indian Carpet Dianthus

2011-08-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you all my friends for your wonderful words on my pics, my garden, flowers.... Thank you so much. *smile* This is my first year of gardening and I really do not have very big garden, few plants in front yard, few pots by stairs and on deck, few plants in little yard space we have behind deck. I am almost out of new flowers for my 'Fresh from my garden' series. Soon you might see flowers from neighborhood...*wink* *wink*

I really appreciate all your comment. It encourage me to do more, though I don't write in my own comment section unless there is a question but I always visit back, see your work and write back...that gives me an opportunity to see other people's work and learn something new.....

I will link this post to
Fabulous Friday , Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life ,Today's Flower, Macro flower Saturday , Macro Friday , Sneak peak friday, Camera Critters , Show off your shot

Wordless Wednesday #3

2011-08-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Linking it to Tina 's WW, Aussie WW, Alicia's WW

Water....

2011-08-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

Blog parties keeps me on my toes and helps being creative. Home Decor is my favorite subject and Photography is my latest addiction, both are going well together. Here is the shots of water I clicked in my powder room, I played with shots lil bit in picasa. I do not have photo shop yet but I want it now...:)

Linking i to PicStory , The Weekly Story

Orange Tablescape

2011-08-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Color is screaming for Fall.....
but
I am not ready to let go of Summer......

Linking it to SOOC , The Weekly Story,Creative Exchange , Table Top Tuesday ,Your Sunday Best ,Seasonal Sundays , Home Sweet Home , Tea time Thursdays

Fresh from my Garden - Hosta

2011-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

linking it to Fabulous Friday , Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life ,Today's Flower, Macro flower Saturday , Macro Friday , Sneak peak friday, Camera Critters

Wordless Wednesday#2

2011-08-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Linking it to Tina 's WW, Aussie WW, Alicia's WW, Outdoor Wednesday

Sky diving

2011-08-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Are you brave enough to experience this, I admit I am not. Hubby is so want to try this but I am big no no *smile*. Lets see If he can convince me some day ....*wink*

Linking it to PicStory and Skywatch Friday

Gift wrap - recycling

2011-08-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

On friday,I stumbled upon a blog Girl About Home and as I was browsing through her posts I found eco friendly gift wrap ideas, she has so many beautiful ideas, love it. Coincidentally We had to attend a birthday party on Saturday and we were out of gift warping paper. In our home gift warping dept is hubby's. If I have to take a gift , I would just put it in a gift bag :) but After seeing that post, I got inspired and wrapped a gift for 3 year old's birthday. This is the first timed I have wrapped a gift and I am motivated to do this again. Now on, I am gonna collect all different papers, comics etc... and reuse it in gift wrapping. what do you think, like it?

Happy Independence Day to all Indians!!

linking it to Weekend Wrap up ,Craft Cat Walk, Creative Blooger's Party &Hop, A Return to loveliness at A Delightsome life ,Home Sweet Home party at The Charm Of Home,Good life Wednesday at A beach cottage ,Tea-Time Thursdays at Kreative Korner , Inspiration Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home, Inspire Me Fridays

Fresh from my garden -Marigold

2011-08-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Linking this post to Simple Pleasures
Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life
Today's Flower
Macro flower Saturday
Creative exchange at Lisa Gorden Photography
Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos

Wordless Wednesday #1

2011-08-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Linking it to Wordless Wednesday

Tomato Rose -Tutorial

2011-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

As promised, here I am with Tomato Rose tutorial.

First start by choosing a tomato that is fresh and firm and sharp knife so it will be easy to carve.

1. start carving at the stem end of tomato as shown above in step 1.
2. continue carving as you would make circle but do not complete circle as shown above in step 2.
3. now peel the skin of tomato in spiral form as shown in step 3 to make a thin strip about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide.
4. continue peeling the skin to make unbroken strip as shown in step 4.

5. continue peeling the skin till end as shown above in Step 5.
6. now you will have thin long strip and a base as shown in Step 6.
7. now roll the skin as shown in step 7, 8 and 9. Be careful not to tear the skin.

8. roll skin till you reach base circle as shown in step 10.
9. slide base circle under the roll as shown in Step 11.
10. Voila tomato rose is ready as in Step 12.

Note : Strip does not need to be cut very straight , little edges , curves would look good on rose. Rose can be use to garnish Salad, curry or just to add nice presentation to any dish.

If you do try, I would love to here from you*smile*

Linking this post to
Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Good life Wednesday at A beach cottage
Table scape Thursday at Between Naps On the Porch
Home Sweet Home party at The Charm Of Home
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Tea-Time Thursdays at Kreative Korner
Inspiration Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home , Foodie Friday

Vignette for Guest BedRoom

2011-08-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today I tried to create a vignette on Guest Bedroom dresser. Room has a few white accents and white and blue bedspread so I tried to stick around little bit with color. I went some shopping in my house, bought few things from other room and basement storage and put it together this:)

Lantern borrowed from bedroom dresser, blue/purpleish dried flowers from the bouquet I got from hubby. Chariot is from India and had found its place long ago. Skeleton keys I bought few days ago to make framed art but until I reach there why not display it. Guest needs to feel relaxed rt??so few books, magazines and water fountain and photo of our God and Guruji. Fountain was a gift from friend.

p.s. I will soon post about Tomato Rose..

linking it to
Weekend wrap up at Colours Dekor
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
A Return to loveliness at A Delightsome life
Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Good life Wednesday at A beach cottage
Home Sweet Home party at The Charm Of Home
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Tea-Time Thursdays at Kreative Korner
Inspiration Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Pani puri and Sev puri

2011-08-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

Do you love Friday nights??

For me weekends starts on Friday night. usually if we are not going out on Friday night, I like to host dinner for friends. In summer, Saturdays mostly goes on outing , Sundays at temple, shopping, relaxing so I like to start weekend with some good food , chitchat with friends and kids playing......love it.

Below is a snippet of such Friday night, I served Pani puri and Sev puri. I loooovvve Pani puri *smile*

everything was homemade except Puri and Sev (That too can be made at home, I just did not had time). Rose was made from Tomato, as you have seen here before in my salad platter. In my next post I'll show you how to make one...you will not believe how easy it is.

Have a nice weekend! enjoy....

P.s. If anybody wants I can write down a recipe, otherwise I am just toooo lazzzzy :)
linking it to Tea time Thursdays
Weekend Wrap up at ColoursDekor

New :Tea Time Thursdays @ Kreative Korner

2011-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Tanya of Kreative Korner is hosting a Tea Time Thursdays party, do check it out friends and join in the fun...

Fresh from my garden- Zinnia

2011-08-03T11:50:00.001-07:00

"Happiness held is the seed;happiness shared is the flower"
~author unknown

Sharing happiness with you my friends.....

Images :mine ,using Nikon D5000, Straight out of camera
Linking it to
Oh Snap Wednesday , Thursday Challenge , Simple Pleasures , Photo Challenge-Bright
Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life
Today's Flower
TidyMom
Macro flower Saturday
Creative exchange at Lisa Gorden Photography
Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos

How to make Multi Tier Stand. .

2011-08-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

We always see multi tier display of cup cakes, cookies so here is my version of stand.

I have used 2 glass and white plates because my display items were colorful: fruits and vegs.

to make a stand, first put bigger plate then glass and then medium size plate and so on...

I started putting items on the stand as I added layers.....

and voila presenting you multi tier display of fruits and vegs....I used kitchen towel as runner to go with colors....

Note: As you go on adding layers, put item equally on sides otherwise it will may fall....

Now how you can variations. . . . . . .

1. You can use clear/colored glass plates also, it will look more beautiful (I didn't have so..)

2. You can use clear/colored glass ice cream bowls on adding layers instead of glass.

3. for some pzazz add some vase filler in glass and tea light candles on plates or add some other item on bottom plates and candle on top.

4. Play around with the things you have and you might get ultimate best stand...mix and match..*smile*

5. If you want to make a stand permanent use industrial strength glue to attach things..

6. you can also make cake stand by putting bowl/glsss/vase etc..on bottom and then put plate on top and attach with industrial strength glue.

linking it to
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
A Return to loveliness at A Delightsome life
Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Good life Wednesday at A beach cottage
Table scape Thursday at Between Naps On the Porch
Home Sweet Home party at The Charm Of Home
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Tea-Time Thursdays at Kreative Korner
Inspiration Friday, Fridays Unfolded, Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Balloon Festival....

2011-08-01T10:57:00.001-07:00

Saw a rainbow this weekend :) Rainbow of colorful hot air balloons! This is the first time I have been to balloon festival and loved it. I love atmosphere in fairs. arts & crafters, food, air shows, concert, amusement rides...love it.

As we waited for balloons to get ready ...we watched skydivers diving from plane and enjoyed Ice and Popcorn. Soon sky turned magical as one by one all balloons launched. From all different balloons my favorite was butterfly. Enjoy the festival through my clicks....

Pepsi can...it was huge...

Balloons waiting for their turn to fly...

Rainbow.....

A Dragon...

Spider man...

Butterfly...How I wish we could see the front...

Shark....

Beautiful sky...both sides...

Linking it to Weekend wrap up at Colours Dekor ,Skywatch Friday

Things out of packet can grow :)Zinnia...

2011-07-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, things out of packet can grow :) See the Zinnias I planted here. It has turned in to tall plant with beautiful, colorful, vibrant flowers. yes, really tall.

instruction on packet said 30-36 inches but clearly they are more taller then that. I grew few in pots so I had to tied them up.These pics are few days old, now they are full with buds waiting to become flower. I am inspired now to grow more plants from seeds. I have whole loooong list for next summer*wink*.

See, who is trying to look through door?

I am getting few visitors too..Bees, Butterflies, And I saw Hummingbird too..:)

Want to see more closeups?? patience, patience....*smile*... I will show you soon with Fresh from my garden series...

P.s. Do you like the new look of blog? or Old look was better?need your honest opinion...

Weekend Inspiration - DIY to do

2011-07-29T12:05:00.001-07:00

Image : Via

I just love it, don't you?? It is in my DIY to do list. This garden chandelier is by Michelle Kaufmann , She has given a step by step guide in PDF on how to make one. looks pretty easy. All you need is round cooling rack, some s shape hooks, wire, few glass jars, few beaded chains and of course candles:)

So Are you inspired? If you do make one, I would like to see your version. I do not have much time for DIYing *wink* but If I like something I will post on blog to bookmark.

Have a nice weekend everyone! Stay cool......

Stir Fried Green Tomatoes Recipie - Indian Style

2011-07-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

As you know I am in tomato heaven now a days So I am gonna show you today How to make Stir Fried Green Tomatoes in Indian style.

It goes well with Chapatis(Indian flatbread)and sabji/curry or goes well with cooked rice too.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. oil
2 medium hot pepper, sliced
Salt - per taste
1/2 tsp sugar/per taste
2 hard green tomatoes, cut in med. wedges
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 spoon Fenugreek seasoning (I will show you how to make)
pinch of Asafoetida

Fenugreek seasoning

This is secret seasoning from both mine and hubby's family. You can make the seasoning once and store it in jar for later use. first take half cup(or whatever amount you want) of dried fenugreek and roast it in a pan. let it cool off and grind in mixer to make powder as shown in above pic.

Now How to make Stir fried green tomatoes...

Heat oil in skillet
add mustard seeds (If you do not have, cumin seeds will work too)
add pinch of Asafoetida(If you do not have, you can skip this step, though it brings great flavor)
add peppers, Stir-fry over medium heat until peppers are crisp-tender.
Add tomato wedges, salt, sugar and cook until partially cooked so it remains crispy.

Serve in plate and sprinkle it with secret fenugreek seasoning, if you want you can skip it and garnish it with chopped cilantro, but I like it better with seasoning.

for variation you can add different color bell peppers too.

P.S. This is the first time I have written a recipe, Pl. do let me know if something is not clear....

Linking it to
Tidy Mom
Inspiration Friday
Fridays Unfolded

Fresh from my garden - Red Roses

2011-07-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful people, here is something from my garden to brighten your day.

Do you like what you see?? Its the result of my new Nikon D5000, well exactly not new because we have this camera in home since 9 months and I started using it since 3 weeks, can you believe it?????????? I mean How could I not realize what a beautiful gadget it is??

May be because I was very comfortable with my tiny canon SD400 which I can carry in my purse or too lazy to takeout big camera from bag (secretly "I was afraid of using it") but now I am hooked so you guys will have a good visual on my blog or on some days not because I still get lazy sometimes so.......

I am thinking of doing this 'Fresh from my garden' series every week until I have flowers in my garden.

Images: mine, using NikonD5000, straight out of camera

Linking this to
Sweet shot tuesday
Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer
Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life
Today's Flower
TidyMom
Macro flower saturday
Creative exchange at Lisa Gorden Photography
Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos

Sharing it- because I love it (Cuppycake song)

2011-07-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

I love to sing this song to my son. Sharing it for all the parents out there so you can make your lil one feel special too. listen to it, you will not be disappointed.

Playing with Tomatoes......

2011-07-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hello My lovelies, How are you all doing and How was your weekend?? mine was super fun....

We are under a heatwave and having a scorching temp but had a super fun day yesterday at Hurricane harbor in six flags. My son had an awesome time...He loves playing in water.

Well, now you must be thinking what she was doing in water park, playing with tomatoes??? patience..patience my dear....coming to the point. Remember the tomato plants I have on my deck, well watering in 100 F degrees is paying off...well it sure feels more than that with the humidity but its worth it with the delicious tomatoes I m getting and look at how much I m getting...tons...literally and there is so many still on the plants I am set on tomatoes this summer. I guess not bad result for growing them in containers. So all my lovelies without yard space, get inspired.

I just reused the containers we got when we did our front landscaping this spring.

So what I have been doing with them??.....playing...ha..ha....no.....no...I mean it for real. I was playing with them and made this centerpiece for my breakfast table on friday morning. isn't it fun playing and making something beautiful...tell me ...tell me. I know you think so too....

Bowls you see here, were passed to me by mother-in law.

So you must bee thinking whats with all these green tomatoes. well these green ones turns in to red delicious in 2-3 days and there was so many on plants so I had to pick few so others will have a chance to grow and As I write half of what you see in pic are red and yellow.

Other thing is I like is sabji/curry of green tomatoes+eggplants and stir fried green tomatoes with green chili as a side so I use green ones too.

So what do you say? did you enjoyed my play???
Pics are straight out of camera.

Linking this post to
Weekend wrap up at Colours Dekor
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On the Porch
A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Good life Wednesday at A beach cottage
Table scape Thursday at Between Naps On the Porch
Home Sweet Home party at The Charm Of Home
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Creative exchange at Lisa Gorden Photography

Have a nice weekend...

2011-07-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Stay Coooolllllllllllll...

Be HaaaaPPPPPPPPY....

and Enjoy......

Green thumb turning in to Black...

2011-07-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Whats happening? does my green thumb turning in to black??

I love plants and I like to bring them indoors too. Reasons?? well , They are instant decor, purifies air and mostly I loooovvee them. I like the pop of green here and there..

Even though I have restriction because of my toddler (well I don't want him munching them), I try to put them up high or hanging plants but lately they are not happy in my home...why?? R u sad plants that I am more concentrated outdoors in summer...ohh...I love you as much as I loovvvvve my Roses and Tomatoes (which I am getting lots now a days, show you soon)

see below how I am looking at my little cacti in its last days...

and How in my Pearl of String only 2-3 strands left, I am hoping this will survive and if not I am bringing another of this lil baby...I love it.

See the Plant below, Its already gone and see the empty planter well I had beautiful 'Pink splash' plant in there and its gone too *sad*

So what am I doing wrong, plants?? talk to me...over watering/under watering...talk to me

Fresh from my garden -Roses

2011-07-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

"True friendship is like a Rose. We can't realize it's beauty until it fades."

~ author unknown

This is what I see now a days, every time I enter or leave the house.
These pics are straight out of camera.

Linking it to
Creative exchange at Lisa Gorden Photography
Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos
Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer
Weekend Flower at Goodies for a pleasant Life
Today's Flower

TidyMom
Macro flower saturday

Enchanting Entrance

2011-07-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Our Home doesn't have Foyer but as you enter in the house on the side of the door there is coat rack, which we don't use as one as we have a coat closet. Rack was already there when we bought the house , I don't like it much but do not have energy or time to paint if I remove it, so this is what I did

Always love to look at pics of my son

Colorful Bell

more colors with Bags
Green one is sewn by my Sis

Right side of Entrance

Closer look

left side of Entrance

Outside on the Front Porch

Closer look

And
This is How It Looked Before

And Before That...

So What Do You Think..........???????

Linking it to
Enchanting Entrances at ColoursDekor
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Home Sweet Home party at The Charm Of Home
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage
Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Happy To Design

Photo Wall Again....

2011-07-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last year we created a photo wall, which looked like this (see Post @ that here)

I very much love looking at the photos everyday, my son kinda talks to them, smiles and I change the pics time by time so we have a new memories to see through but I felt it looks plain/boring so we added this 'Live Laugh Love' vinyl letters on top

and in the corner of that wall we hung a bird mobile that my sis and sis-in-law hand made. I love this piece and its super heavy. They made bird out of cloth and my sis in law did all the moti work (tiny tiny beads) on top and two birds are connected by lots and lots of codi(some kind of shell) and at the bottom some bells.

This how the wall looks now...do you like it?? I feel like it still needs something....may be sconces with candles on side....what do you say? or that will be too much??? or any other idea???

Linking this post to
Home Sweet Home#23 at The Charm Of Home
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage
Show and tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Weekend Wrap up at ColoursDekor

Fresh from my garden - Hydrangea

2011-07-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovelies, How you all doing and How is the week going so far? Today I am going to share my happiness with you all, since the summer started I have been seeing everyone's Hydrangea blooming but not mine and finally they are blooming. These are the small things that make me happy and brighten my day. I hope these pics will do the same for you....

Linking it to
Wow Us Wednesdays #22 at Savvy Southern Style
73rd Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
kiss-blog-bash-29 at The Tattered Tag
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Weekend Flower#3 at Goodies for a pleasant Life
Today's Flowers

Peek-A-Boo in my Home

2011-07-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Divine Ganesha

Ringing Bells

and more bells

Charming red embroidery
And
Elephants

and The Sun

Playing Peek-A-Boo in my Home!!
come
join in
the Fun.....

Linking it to

Open house party at No Minimalist Here

Home Sweet Home party at The charm of Home
Show and tell friday at My Romantic Home
Weekend Wrap up at Colours Dekor

Fresh from my garden - Lily

2011-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Linking it to Todays Flower

Vera Bradley Love

2011-07-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

My Favorite from below image is the Angle Tote on the right bottom corner

All above images via Vera Bradley

Below is the Tote that I own and love it, I am using it as Diaper bag. When I was pregnant with my son, I started looking for diaper bag and found one when he turned 4 months, till then I was using the one that I got from hospital :( but when I saw this at my local gift shop and my search was over. These are very practical bags with very nice finish and you can throw 'em in to washer and they comes out great. I am no fashionista and bag crazy but I do love these bags.

p.s. See why there is fence in my deck in last pic, save my plants from squirrel ?????? nahhhhh, save them from my son *smile * ohhhhh, how much I love them both:)

A weekend that was.....

2011-07-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

much needed. As I mentioned in my Friday post we didn't have anything planned and waking up on Saturday morning with no prior trips planned, no shopping list,no to do list was kind of a bliss. No hurry to get ready for anything, well I was home but I didn't even cook much. I harvested Methi(Fenugreek) I grew here and made some Thepla/Parathas. ohh, it tastes so yummy when you know you have grown that yourself.

Few days ago one of the shower door in our bathroom broke in zillions pieces, I mean literally(I wish I had a pic to show you )Thank god no one was in the bathroom at that time. Hubs saw it first when he came home from work, can you believe it I didn't even heard the noise. so He started to work on installing the new shower door this weekend, he removed old frame and installed new frame and doors. It turned out great, He did great. hard part was to keep my son out of his way!

I love long weekend because after that new week fly by so fast and then comes another weekend:) I don't work but I still wait for weekend.

Linking it to weekend wrap up at

Its a long Weekend!

2011-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Have a Happy and safe 4th of July to all of you. This is the weekend we dont have much planned and its a kind of a relief. lets see what the spontaneity brings out.

May be I will get time to paint, relax at beach my feet buried in sand, declutter the office or will hubs get time to finish some small home proj....see there is no spontaneity when ur mind is thinking this much............ chillllllllll

Have a great weekend everyone...Enjoy..

Beauty or Beast

2011-06-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Well..Well...These Beauties were delivered to my front door or should I say Beast*wink wink*. For a long time , I was thinking of Tree trunk table and when I saw that they are cutting the tree in my street, I went and ask if I can have piece, but as so many power tools were blaring, they didn't let me come near so I didn't get to choose what I wanted. they delivered these two pieces of trunk at my front yard.

Smaller one I am thinking of using as side table on my deck but what I m going to with bigger one?? they are very heavy....I mean really really HEAVY. Hubs going to have a hard time taking it to Backyard. Any ideas Folks???????????

some information I found is here on how to make one.

Some inspiration from web

image via Vivaterra

Image via Todays crafter

Image via West Elm

Linking it to Weekend Wrap up at

Pillow cover as Table Runner

2011-06-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

Fun, Food, Decore

2011-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Fun Day at Shepherd Lake,NJ
had a blast!

New Bedding for Summer in Master Bedroom
Love..love the crisp clean look!

Happy Father's Day
My 15 month Old made a Card with the help of Mommy

Pav Bhaji- Dont go with presentation, It was yummy :)

linking it to Weekend Wrap up at

Summer Flowers!

2011-06-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Summer flowers from my backyard

Linking it to PicStory

Zinnia Plants

2011-06-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

I love how vibrant the flowers look on seed bag cover, so I bought and planted some in pots, some in backyard and its looking good, hope I get those vibrant Zinnia flowers. will update.

linking this to No Minimalist Here .

Ikat duvet

2011-06-14T08:34:00.002-07:00

Well, We moved to this house almost a year ago with a new born so was not able to tackle the decorating part. still my hands are very tied......now.....hyperactive toddler...pheww.....but now I have started decorating one small step at a time and hope we will get my decorating dream true as we grow in this house. I know many of you have very small kiddos, working and bloggin....I salute all u ladies.

now to the point, so for my one step at a time, I recently found this Ikat duvet at kohls, loved it. and It was on clearance.. Happy me! I had few white accents for the guest bedroom, so its working. duh... for now.

Greens in my Kitchen

2011-06-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ficus basket made my green kitchen more greener this weekend.

Linking this post to Weekend Wrap Up at

and
Happy To Design
and
PicStory

Gardening

2011-06-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Tomato plants on my deck

Methi (fenugreek) in my backyard

Front porch

2011-06-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, its not exactly a portch, just itsy bitsy one. someday I would like to have a house with big porch. this April we did front lanscaping and roses are looking good.

Linking it to

2011-06-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Flowers from my Home

2011-06-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Elephants.....I like Elephants!

2011-05-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

Flowers in my home

2011-05-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Flowers in my home

2011-05-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

spring 2011- part 2

2011-05-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Final presentation

This is Before

And

After

Linking it to

spring 2011

2011-05-06T10:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Diwali!

2010-10-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

image via here

Siging off from here for two months! I am going India for Diwali and will be back after Christmas, yay............Enjoy!

Salad decoration

2010-10-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last year I did this salad decoration for diwali annakut festival in temple.

Rose in the center was made out of tomato. Click here to see my tutorial on how to make tomato rose. you would not believe how easy it is.

Painting

2010-10-13T13:16:00.001-07:00

Water color painting by me

Photo wall

2010-10-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Since we bought the house, we are not able to do much as per decore(busy with verrry active 6 mnth old boy) but after looking at lovely pics of my son, i so wanted to have photo wall. it took little time but I m very happy with the results and the wall is on our way to kitchen so i can pass by them million times and admire them.

lots of time spent first deciding on wall(new home-blank canvas), then cutting the papers of the sizes of frames we wanted, then arranging them on floor for the pattern, then search for the frames, there are two 10x13 , two 8x10, four 5x7 and four 4x6 frames, then marking the place on wall by using painters tape. K spend lot of his time on this. He has to measure nail position for each and every frame. they were diferent for even the frames of same size. finally the frames up on wall and lovely part is choosing the pics.
frames look perfect on wall, perfect rectangle. this is just my ugly photography :)

Cook's Nook

2010-10-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Kitchen entrance

view of kitchen from Dining room
Breakfast table in kitchen
Cook's main area

This is my entry for "cook's nook" october month carnival on the http://thekeybunch.com/

Edited to add : I wouldn't say cooking is my fav thing but kitchen is one of my favorite thing in the house, this post was written in 2010 so of course there are some changes and you all have seen this past one year through some posts but basics are the same...

Linking it to Patty's My Favorite things

Lanscape Painting

2010-10-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wow..two posts in one day:) well, I started this blog in 2007 but now I m commited to post frequently to recharge me. :)

@ painting - this is water color painting, was done by me probably in 2009. This was a very quick 15 min landscape painting as per thoughts in my mind and created to use some leftover color from the other painting done that day.

Mixing Plants

2010-10-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

This summer I tried to mix the plants in one pot, I like it. I like the big Dumb cane(Dieffenbachia) leaf with small palm leaves. I wish I would have added on hanging plant also like Ivy/Potho, may be I will add Ivy beacuse potho kinda similar to Dumb Cane. I will post picture of that once I will add it in pot.

Treasure find

2010-09-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Lowes in search to find smthing.. and look at what I got...loving it...brass watering can(got at great bargain ; $4). right now its gracing our office with its presence.

Sunshine..

2010-09-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

(Photograph clicked by me)

Indoor plants

2009-02-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

We had a nice indoor palm tree but that plant died so we are thinking of buying a new plant. I was searching for different indoor plant and that lead me to some wonderful information about indoor garden.

http://www.be-your-own-interior-designer-and-decorator.com/arrangeindoor.htm
this link show the different ways to arrange indoor plants : information is very good but website not so user friendly;)
I like the way this small plants grouped together and gives so much visual appearance

This is another way of arranging indoor plants by hanging them from ceiling, I think works best in sun room, balcony, patio etc.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/gardening/inspiration-indoor-plantscapes-075539
I love ideas on this page and most I like is this glass bowl terrarium and its pretty simple.

and I saw in comment section of that page there is a suggestion of covering the bottom of glass bowl with some nice looking stone for water drainage!this is a great idea which has purpose and good visual appearnce.
another terrariums at below link
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/succulent-terrarium-035415

Dont know, where I found this image but I like this cactus arrangement.

Valentine day is coming....r u ready???

2009-02-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

Valentine day is coming....r u ready??? No, then have fun!!
*************************************************************************************
Wife : ( to husband ) "what do you like most in me ? my beautiful face OR my exceptionally good figure ?
Husband : " I like your sense of humour.."

And then the fight started..
*************************************************************************************
My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels.
She asked, 'What's on TV?'
I said, 'Dust.'

And then the fight started...
*************************************************************************************
When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her to some place which is very expensive...
So, I took her to a ( petrol) gas station..

And then the fight started...
*************************************************************************************
My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and my wife
kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.
I asked my wife, 'Do you know him?'
'Yes,' She sighed, 'He's my old boyfriend.
I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years
ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since.'
'My God!' I said to my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long ??'

And then the fight started...
*************************************************************************************
I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.
"I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please."
He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?"
"Naaah, she can order for herself."

And then the fight started...
*************************************************************************************
A woman is standing & looking in the bedroom mirror.
She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband,
'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'
The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn perfect.'

And then the fight started..... .
*************************************************************************************
I tried to talk my wife to convince her into buying a can of Beer for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95.
I told her : "the beer would make you look better at night than the cold cream..."

And then the fight started....
*************************************************************************************
I asked my wife, "Where do you want to go for our anniversary?"
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
"Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said.
So I suggested, "How about the kitchen?"

And that's when the fight started....
*************************************************************************************

Power of Prayer

2008-07-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Greate article on prayer:

http://baps.org/essays/2008/0802.htm

The Truth- as article says that prayer should not use as a spare wheel but if it used as a primary force, It has a rich rewards.

Article describes very good example of NASA , shows how effort combined with prayer leads to success.

To many, prayer is a last-ditch appeal to God to rescue them from their desperate circumstances. But this need not be the case, since, through prayer one can establish a connecting link with God to help us from beginning to end.

We use the prayer for material gain and we get upset when that prayer get unanswered and raise doubts in God. and as the Shakespear tells us:

"We ignorant of ourselves,

Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers

Deny us for our good; so find we profit

By losing of our prayers."

All along, we pray for sensual pleasures and gains, while we ignore life beyond the senses - the spiritual life.

All throughout life, prayers for spiritual progress must accompany these prayers for material gains.

Stack & Grow Planter

2007-09-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Images from Amazon.com

perfect for indor herb Garden or cascade of beautiful flowers.

Holds so many plants and gives great visual surprise. Great for indoor or ourdoor.

Strawberry Planter

2007-09-05T11:24:00.001-07:00

Why it is called a Strawberry planter? becoz it is looks like a strawberry or its a great space saving way to grow strawberry?whatever it is, but I like the idea. Its garden inside a garden and pot within a pot.Great space saving idea and what a visual appearance.

Its a great way to display Herb Garden!

Henna Design

2007-09-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

isn't it a nice design?Thanks to my friend Kajal, who did it on my hand.