Aalayam - Colors, Cuisines and Cultures Inspired!

Wondering what to gift your friends and family this festive season? Do you want a touch of unconventional and personal to your gifts this year, instead of spreading cheer with the random and benumbed gifts spun out of the big-box retailers?

Or maybe you want to add your personal design stamp to your home or work space? Maybe create a conversation corner around your "desi" style?

Then - here's your perfect recipe! A DIY inspiration post by a guest blogger - Divya, owner and author of The Craft Angel. Divya and her inspirational ideas, which we love, can be found at http://creadivya.blogspot.com/. Read on!!

Feeling crafty today? Have an hour to spare? Then make these fun photo frames that add a dash of desi colour to your home. Nothing depicts India better than vibrant colours and some good old bling! These photo frames are easy-breezy and look so chic and artsy. They can instantly dress up a wall, like they do here in our home...and if you’re a picture-crazy person like me, they are the perfect accessories to personalise your home with your most favourite memories.

Let’s get started then. This project is super simple, as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s a photo tutorial for you...

Gather your supplies –

And get crafty!

The possibilities to decorate them are endless!

And your handmade photo frames are ready!

Here are a few handy tips –

· I use frames from Ikea. But you can get them at your local craft store too.

· While painting the frames, make sure you go over all the sides, even the back, to achieve a more finished look. Get into all the nooks and crannies J

· And you could go all crazy with the colours, or stick to a more conventional colour scheme. That’s the best bit, these are so easy to customise!

· Allow the paint to dry completely before you get on with decorating further.

· I find that hot glue holds sequins quite well, but you could also use any other strong glue. Especially if you don’t like stringy glue all over the place J

· If you have more time to spare, get creative and use string, Popsicle sticks etc. to add texture to your frames.

· Once you’re done with the decorating bit, seal the frame by spraying (or coating) a thin layer of acrylic/water resistant sealer.

These would look great in your home. But they also make wonderful handmade gifts. Simply make a few, stack and tie them with jute string and add a little handmade tag. Rustic, elegant and oh-so-special – the recipient is sure to love the thought behind it!

Hope you try this quick ‘n’ easy project! For more handmade projects and ideas please see my blog – www.creadivya.blogspot.com.

Happy crafting!

Divya

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. Today I am grateful for my family, my friends, my career and of course - Aalayam! Through this blog, I am grateful for the opportunity I have to partake in the beauty and color in this world - one blog post at a time.

So, dear readers, here's my humble digest of Thanksgiving tableaux. Simple, frugal, natural and beautiful ideas and inspiration from my home to yours!

This year, I want to take my Thanksgiving outdoors. Weather permitting, why not try that yourself? Create a cozy conversation area around outdoor benches or patio furniture with soft colorful cushions, rugs and throws, add seasonal touches with fall fruits, vegetables and foliage.

You cannot go wrong when you incorporate the color scheme, fragrances and textures..think the crisp Fall breeze, the heady scent of pine cones, and the glorious colors of mums... that Mother Nature has dictated for this time of the year!

Entertaining outside when the days are short and cool can be tricky. You can balance the beauty of the outdoors with the warmth of the indoors by creating easy and non-fussy tablescapes like what I tried in my home (above) with natural decor elements which can either be consumed outside, or easily brought indoors when it gets too dark or cold for comfort! Of course, adding tealights, candles, holiday stringlights and lanterns to your outdoor tablescape adds that extra bit of oomph for enjoying the beautiful dusk!

Use fruits, pinecones (I spray painted mine gold!) and candles to dress up your table. It adds that touch of natural whimsy, without being tough on the wallet! Hey - just because Thanksgiving and Black Friday are calendar neighbors, it does not mean we have to break the bank trying to keep up what the retailers tell us we should celebrate Thanksgiving with!

Notice the gold pumpkin in the picture above? I picked up a bright orange paper maiche pumpkin from the local Dollar Store and spray painted it Gold!!! Adding that touch of gilt accessories to your tablescape creates a sophisticated look. Of course, I love the ochre of the natural pumpkin..so I had to let a couple of real pumpkins adorn my tablescape. You could do the same with any Fall vegetable - they come in all shapes, sizes, textures and colors! You can have a cornucopia of natural, edible decor items which add beauty to your Thanksgiving table!

Do not forget the colorful berries! They could add a pop of color to your centerpiece, to a floral arrangement or to your placecards! Look what I did with the berries from my backyard.

Oh! I love everything about this arrangement (above)- the confluence of colors and the natural elements layered together is just so refreshing..

Now..its time to move the party indoors! Turn on the soft ambient lights..warm up the decor a tad bit - and you are ready for an extended evening of Thanksgiving celebrations with good food and great company.

I toured around the house before setting the table - collecting chotchkies that would "Indianize" my tablecape. These placecards and elephants add that authentic, ethnic Indian touch that one cannot escape in my home!

Do not be afraid to be unconventional and bold in your choice of decor pieces - look how glorious this embellished silk pouch looks on the table. Nestled within the pouch are the silverware for the guests. On top of the salad plate is a colorful, jeweled tealight from Diwali. I am planning to let my guests take home one of those each..Do you like the idea?

I am in love with these Kalamkari table runners from Pedana, Andhra Pradesh (above). I have to admit they look gorgeous on the table and on the dining bench..It is definitely a conversation starter..I cannot get over how simple it is to dress up a tablescape with colorful Indian fabrics with their rich textures and magnificient patterns.

So! That was my Thanksgiving tableau dear reader. I hope you enjoyed these snap shots and hope you were inspired. Do share your Thanksgiving ideas and inspirations with us at aalayaminspiration@gmail.com.

I for one, cannot wait to fill up that wine glass you see over there with the spirit of the season! I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!

Aalayam also wishes you a joyful and inspired Holiday season!

Love,
Supriya


Red, white and silver!

Welcome.

Tis the season! And I am loving it !!

Have you been busy with Christmas shopping and decorating? I know I have been plugging at it for a few days now! Well the holiday season has descended upon us with full force and the countdown to Christmas is truly on! Today, I will show you around my house and all the little touches I have added to make this a memorable holiday for my family.

Since my very first Christmas in this country, 13 years ago(time sure flies!), I have always looked forward to the holidays with much enthusiasm. I embraced the infectious cheeriness of the North American holiday culture with open arms and brought it home and haven’t looked back since. However, this year is special! We are in a new home in a new state. After 12 years in Texas, we moved to Ohio at the end of last year. Much of 2012 found us navigating through the inconveniences of a big cross-country move and enduring the heartache of leaving beloved friends and our dear old home behind. Slowly but surely we made it through the year. New beginnings and new bonds kept us going and we moved to a home last month – yes, just in time for the holidays too! So, it’s our first Christmas in our new residence and we feel blessed. Memories of Christmas’ past, the laughter and the good times shared with old friends and the holiday nostalgia of our Texas years lingers. However, it is time to make new memories and so, I look forward to decking the halls again!

It’s only been 3 weeks since the move. The décor and design is still largely a work in progress. However, I wouldn’t let that or anything else stop me from decorating for the holidays. Of course, I had to scale back and give up on a few ideas. I completely ignored the outside of the house this year. I know! A lot of our stuff is still in boxes and in the interest of time and effort I chose to decorate inside the house.

So dear readers, join me on a tour...

Let’s start with my holiday tablescape.

Get creative- use materials that you already have!

For the centerpiece, I picked a few dry twigs and branches from my yard (inspired by Supriya’s ideaof bringing the outdoors in) and hung mini-red ornaments on it. I then placed them in my antique silver vase and paired it with a couple of snowflake tea light holders and a table-top mini tree.

Notice how I added drama and color with a red bead string at the base of the mini tree. I then layered the whole arrangement on a holiday platter to complete the look! I stuck to traditional red for my table linen but strayed away from regular holiday prints and instead added a twist with “desi” ikat pattern which is all the rage currently. The end result - a tablescape with a global appeal!

The holiday touch. Image credits :Uj

So, the table is set for two and I am looking forward to a quiet dinner at home. After all, it is the end of the year and a great time to unwind!

Next stop - my kitchen!

Group 'em together!

Burlap is IN and I knew I had to have it in my décor this year. I picked this mini tree with a burlap base and paired it with a miniature wreath, a bowl of red and green ornaments and voila! I have a pretty Christmas vignette that now sits merrily on my kitchen island. My green sleepy Santa is the perfect little addition to this vignette! The kitchen is truly the heart of our home and as we gather around the island, this vignette fills our heart with the holiday spirit.

When it comes to Holiday decor- More is less!

Ornaments!

Each year, I buy a few new ornaments to mark the year. As we look back, these ornaments serve as fond reminders of vacations, hobbies, places, people, cherished moments and more! This year, I found this adorable little village ornament shop a few blocks from home and sourced our annual ornaments from there. We look forward to this yearly ritual of picking our custom ornaments eagerly. Do you have a holiday ritual of your own?

My li'l one's craze for FCBarcelona captured in an ornament!

Now for that extra dose of color and fun this holiday season – here’s a few options.

A holly-jolly wreath hangs in our entryway!

Add a wreath! Nothing spells holiday quite like wreaths do. Mine is made out of jingle bells in brilliant hues and hangs over my foyer table. The wreath and a few other Christmas décor items in matching colors greet visitors at the entryway.

Santa enjoys a little break ahead of the busy holiday season!

Give your existing furniture a holiday makeover! A bright red wool Santa rests lazily on my teal chair and at the foot sits a lantern filled with sparkly silver ornaments. A warm fire and twinkly lights on the tree makes it picture perfect! An easy way to transform a quiet corner into a happening holiday zone!

Color is key!

And lastly, my fabulous find for this season – this ornate chalkboard! You can imagine my sheer joy as I unearthed this beautiful chalkboard somewhere in the back aisles of World Market. I could've very well won the powerball :) My little one and I have already been fighting over who gets to draw and leave signs on it. What fun! Add an element of fun and whimsy to your décor with a chalkboard.

Have a little fun!

A friend commented on this picture and here is what she said...

"That picture evokes a picture of a cozy winter evening by the fire, watching the snowflakes fall, excitement of presents to be opened, aroma of chocolate filling the room, the lingering warmth of the trickle down my throat, laughing at something silly...."

I love how well she articulated the Christmas spirit!

So there! Hope you had fun touring my holiday home? I sure had fun taking you around. How are you decorating this holiday season? Write to us. Supriya and I would love to hear from you.

And oh, be sure to join me again for yet another holiday post featuring my Christmas tree. Since the rest of my decor was so heavy on color I decided to balance it with white ornaments for the tree. You'll see - I am calling my tree - a wintry white dream! hint : Pottery barn meets West Elm!

Cheers!

Deepa

Image credits: My patient husband!

Is there anything more magical than walking through the door on a cold wintry night to the sparkling gleam of the tiny lights strung on a Christmas tree?
The arduous task of trimming your tree with ornaments, garlands and lights is well worth the effort, don't you think? I look forward to this yearly custom with so much excitement that I often jump straight from Diwali or Halloween to Christmas just because I cannot wait to put up my tree. And this year was no exception!

I have always dressed my tree in enchanting jewel tones. However, I wanted to incorporate the wintry white of the beautiful Ohio landscape this year. West Elm and Pottery Barn have some gorgeous holiday displays and there was my inspiration! I envisioned a tree with ornaments in milky white, sparkling crystal, and shiny silver. Of course, I am no tree decorating expert and I learn something new every year myself. After all, creativity does take some practice! I have not entirely mastered the art of layering but I am getting better at it.

The tree comes to life!

My boy is an enthusiastic little helper and with a little cajoling, I can rope in the reluctant spouse too. And usually a faux pas or few later, our tree gets done!
If you are the kind that plans ahead of time, then post-christmas sales are the best time to buy your ornaments. And if you swear by last minute like I do, Hobby Lobby usually runs half-off sales sporadically through the holiday season. Instead of ribbons, I used "dazzling drape" this year. What a fabulous find it was too! Unlike the stiff and fussy ribbons, this is soft and easy to work with. For the gift wrap, I chose a plain red shiny paper and jute thread both from the local supermarket. Again, drawing inspiration from the rustic charm of the Pottery barn gift boxes! I added a touch of glam with shiny snow flakes ornaments.

Bold yet simple!

Historically, our tree was always displayed by the window in the formal. And since this is the year of many changes, I decided to change the location of our tree as well. It now stands in our family room by the fireplace. And so, I dressed up the mantel just enough to get a pretty holiday picture. The stores are brimming with a delightful selection of nutcrackers and I found my perfect pair in a dreamy pastel blue and pink combination at Home Goods. A friend who went on the shopping expedition with me spotted matching ornaments and we knew we had a winner for the mantel!

Mantel vignette- the nutcrackers stand tall in the company of some merry baubles

And without much further adieu - here is our tree in all its wintry white charm!

Our tree in wintry white

And now another picture for good measure!

Our family room ready for Christmas!

So, that dear readers, was my tree decorating story! With all the decorations now in place, I can finally put my feet up and look forward to celebrating with friends and family!
It has been a great pleasure sharing our celebrations with the readers of Aalayam this year and as always we would love to hear from you.

Cheers!
Deepa

The images for this post were taken by my husband Uj. Please ask before using, thanks!

Hello, hello!

We've been busy and hence the silence. We were invited to author for The Key Bunch ! Have you been to The Key Bunch yet? They've been around for a while and Sharon and Rekha have done a wonderful job of showcasing beautiful spaces on their blog. While you are at it, check out their house tours too - they have a lengthy line-up of gorgeous homes! I promise, you will not be disappointed. It was a pleasure to write for the readers of The Key Bunch.

Thank you for having us over The Key Bunch!

Now back to the post. Third in our holiday series, this one is all about decorating a dessert table. Here is an excerpt...

"If you are hosting a holiday party this year, then dress up your dessert table. There’s nothing like celebrating with a perfect cake. So, find a custom cake with a holiday theme. A good looking and a great tasting cake always leaves a lasting impression. Last year, I had a friend make this stunning cake in a pastel blue with white snowflakes and marshmallow holiday toppers. So dreamy! It was a piece of art and I had to showcase it......."

For the rest of this entry, please go over to The Key Bunch.
A little inspiration for your holiday party! Hope you like it.

And tomorrow - yes! We have a holiday treat for all you wonderful readers. So, come back!

Cheers!
Deepa

And like I promised, we are back with a guest post and a holiday gift for our readers. That's right!

Supriya and I feel blessed that so many of you chose to come back and read our posts regularly now and as a token of our appreciation, we wanted to share a little holiday recipe with you. In fact, we roped in an expert and we were so thrilled when Simi of turmeric n spice agreed to author for us. If you are not familiar with her blog then please, please stop by! For me Simi's blog was love at first sight and for the longest time, I could not decide if I loved her recipes or her pictures more. The presentation of her gastronomic delights is fabulous - the composition, the use of colors, fabrics and textures is just awesome! The literature that accompanies her pictures will not disappoint you either.

Turmeric n spice is our first pick for blogs we love. Periodically, Supriya and I will feature other blogs that catch our attention, stay tuned!

So, here's Simi of turmeric and spice with a recipe....

"Thanks Deepa for the invitation to do a guest post on your blog. I think you guys are doing a great job with your blog - I love the colorful pictures, snippets and creative eye candy! I enjoyed reading the about page on your blog, and I think if - or rather, when - we meet, there will be a lot of things to share. Your blog name was the first thing that caught my eye - it's perfect for your space. I am looking forward to many more collaborations in the future. Wishing you and your readers a Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year!

Panna Cotta is a traditional Italian dessert and it has many variations, most of which are usually served with berries. I decide to serve it with some whipped cream and caramelized sugar art. This is my first time at weaving sugar, absolutely loved the experience and the taste is awesome. Soft, silky, coffee flavored panna cotta with airy whipped cream and caramelized sugar. Just the kind of dessert we love at our place - let me know if you guys like it as much as I do.

This is an awesome quick dessert for the holiday season. You can make it ahead of time too, but make sure you keep your hands off..... :)

Panna Cotta

1/2 cup cream or half n half

1/2 cup full fat milk

2 tbsp expresso instant coffee

5-6 tbsp sugar ( less or more, depending on how sweet you want it to be)

1 sachet gelatin

In three tbsp of cold water add the gelatin powder ( don't stir) leave for 5-8 min.

In a saucepan mix the milk and cream and heat on low flame, do not boil. Add the sugar and coffee and let stir well.

Add 2 tbsp of the hot milk into the gelatin and mix well.

Seve the gelatin into the cream and milk mixture. Leave for 5 min.

Pour into serving glasses. Refrigerate for 4-5 hrs hrs or till it is set. ( preferably leave refrigerated overnite)

Serve chilled with whipped cream on top or chocolate shavings.

Caramelized sugar art

I loved creating the caramelized sugar shapes, did not get stressed about getting a right shape, just played (with caution as it is very hot) around doing different shapes. Looking forward to doing more of this technique in the future.

There are two methods of doing the caramelized sugar one is dry and the other we. I did the wet method, as I was afraid to burn the sugar.

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

CAUTION : this turns very very HOT! Please be careful.

Mix sugar and water in a pan and heat it on medium heat. Soon it will start to boil. Do not stir.

Let the mix boil to about 6-8 min. It will change color from light golden to amber. Stir it a little bit to even the color.

Put the pan in a bowl filled with cold water - to stop the process of cooking, you don't want to end up with burnt caramel.

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

With a fork or a butter knife scoop a small part of the caramel and make brush strokes in air about 2-3 inches above the parchment paper. It will fall in random shapes.

Let the shapes cool for about 2 hours. Remember it is really hot.

Garnish the panna cotta with these cute caramel art .

_____________________________________________

Wasn't that just awesome?Aren't the pictures amazing? Thank you Simi for sharing this holiday treat with us and our readers. I plan on trying it soon!

How about you ? Tell us if liked the recipe. Simi would love your feedback and comments and again, check out her wonderful blog turmeric n spice.

Cheers!

Deepa

Straight from the sunny beaches of San Juan, Puerto Rico, I want to wish my Aalayam family a vibrant, adventurous and sensory New Year 2013!!

Want to know why I am aspiring for the New Year to be full of joie de vivre? Because, Puerto Rico is full of that! "Joy of Life".

In my recent vacation there, I realized that the timing of the beach holiday and the piquant landscapes were a perfect palette for a fresh start. Big new beginnings. Or small new beginnings.. Leaving me with a delightful energy to face the New Year with a joy of life!! I hope I can pass that spirit along to you through this felicitous year-end photography post for Aalayam:

San Juan, Puerto Rico - Where Colors, Cuisines and Cultures UNITE!

Shots from Old San Juan. Felipe Del Morro where history and the elements are juxtaposed in awe inspiring splendor.

Our first finger licking good meal at Cafe deAngel. Where any undying love for the Mufongo and Platanos Maduros was born! Mufongo is the unofficial national dish of Puerto Rico which is a preparation of mashed fried plantain (or any other root vegetable) served with gravy on a bed of lettuce. Note that this is the vegetarian version. For meat lovers, there are pork Mufongos too! What you see plated behind the Mufongo are the fried sweet plantain or the Platanos Maduros! This dish is something to write home about! Sweet and Succulent..crisp and melty..Sigh...

Puerto Rico is punctuated with talented, soulful artisans. Like Artesano Higuera Jose Luis Rodriguez. Jose specializes in Higuera art. La Higuera is a type of fig whose outer shell is dried, tempered and then used as a medium for painting Puerto Rican mythology and designs. Jose was a gracious local who told us the history behind this art form, the significance of the paintings - Note the orange and black "Coqui" frog that Jose has painted. The coqui frog is the national animal of Puerto Rico, epynomous with the "co-kee" "co-kee" mating calls it makes in the carribean mangroves!

Next Stop Lunch!! Mike's Maduros (read Sweet Plantain) Jalapeno Pizza and Cafe Al Punto's Stuffed Aguacate (Avocado) served with Couscous and Beans!!

We then stopped by at Artesana Prila Repujado's store. "en Metal by Priscilla". Metal art is famous in Puerto Rico with artisans depicting biblical and mythological scenes by engraving and painting on these great pieces. Fabulous decor and gifting ideas are they not?

Then we met Gorge Montes, Artesano Okarina. Gorge specializes in hand-crafted okarinas, conch shells and wall art produced out of natural tree bark and higuera shells.

Restaurant "Jose Enrique" took our breath away with traditional Puerto Rican food served in style! Check out the classic but gorgeous plating of the Aquacate (Avocado) salad (top right) served with a divine side of fried plantain and mashed sweet potatoes (top left). I did not want to stop eating..

We reveled in the street food, street art, music, dance and shopping of San Juan. Pictures could not do justice to the multi-hued grandeur. But, try I did, with my own rendition to Puerto Rico..my colorful wardrobe!

Getting ready to embrace San Juan!

Our last meal in San Juan was Ceviche style verdura (vegetables) from Casa Lola and Creole style bannan pezze (crispy fried banana). A truly memorable meal which reinforced the diverse cultural influences of Puerto Rico.

Many piquant landscapes of San Juan beckon me to go back there..to relive Puerto Rico's inspired spirit..to get revived and renewed! Time to try new things..like I did - Maneuvering my own kayak in the dark of the night at the Laguna Grande Bioluminiscent Bay..That was enough adventure to last one the whole year!

So, here's to 2013, a chance to clean the slate and start anew. Full of promises to myself about doing things faster, better and thinner!

As for Aalayam - Deepa and I are hard at work on big ideas to bring to our readers - new and old! So, hold on to your joie de vivre. 2013 IS HERE!!

Love,

Supriya

Welcome to our feature on Kanjeevaram sarees!

2013. Feliz Ano Nuevo!

Hope you enjoyed the holiday season as much as we did. Aalayam has an interesting line-up of posts for the New Year and we are excited to have you back!
And today, we will kick-off of our 2013 series with a post from Incredible India. We are a few days away from Sankranthi, India's harvest festival and Supriya and I want to enable our readers to transition from Christmas to Sankranthi smoothly. Let's talk attire, food and festivities!

India is known for its fabulous fabrics and undoubtedly, the finest of them all is the Kanjeevaram pattu (pure silk). I love Kanjeevaram saris! The sheen, the richness, the texture, the grandeur, the motifs and the luscious colors – really, what’s not to like about it?

The slate grey kanchi saree makes a beautiful backdrop for the scattered letters!

The kanjeevaram sari is a piece of art and I have remained a diehard Kanjeevaram loyalist till date. Every South Indian girl holds the Kanchi pattu close to her heart. After all, it is a part of her bridal trousseau! And for me, the kanjeevaram sari has been de rigueur at every other celebration as well! My fondness for the sari is well known!

A gorgeous aubergine kanchi pattu as I pay obeisance!

Rightly so, the Kanjeevaram sari is referred to as the “Queen of silks.” It’s timeless distinction makes it an attractive buy even in this day and age where the sartorial elegance of the sari has seen a paradigm shift thanks to the fashion industry. The kanchi pattu is unparalleled in traditional splendor with the gold zari borders and the exquisite brocaded pallus . A product of skilled craftsmanship, the kanjeevaram sari is a masterpiece of hand-woven heritage! And the silken grace the sari lends truly makes you feel like a queen!

Lustrous appeal of the kanjeevaram saree is to die for!

The fashion possibilities are endless too! I can ingeniously dress it up to suit the need of the hour. A piece of statement jewelry, a kundan accented blouse or a bejeweled potli/batua are easy ways to add to the ceremonial look. Don’t you love how yesteryear divas like Rekha, Hema Malini and Kirron Kher (she deserves a post of her own) wear their kanchi saris with panache? These ladies have stayed loyal to the Kanjeevaram sari for years. It is a safe yet striking choice!


Dress it up!

Tone it down with metal bangles for folksy affability!

There was an article in the Hindu a few months ago highlighting the issues surrounding the weaving industry in Kanchipuram.

Here is an excerpt from the article on the Korvai weaving technique and the history of the saris

“A korvai sari’s border and pallu are the same color, he says. They are in bright contrast to the “body” which is in a single or a family (shades) of colors with tonal contrasts. Weavers use the ancient craft of three-shuttle weaving and interlocking weft to get this effect. The sari is ornamented with pure gold zari. The motifs are from temple sculptures — religion, architecture or nature-based. The Petni technique changes colors, extracted from leaves, barks and seeds. The sari weighs 500g to1kg, 2/3-ply threads help increase the weight. Weaving a “Kanjeevaram” is tedious but korvai stamps it with splendor and durability.

“These were being woven during the time of Pallava kings,” Panneerselvam says, touching the sari’s history. “Artisans from Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra and Karnataka, possibly invited by the king, congregated here to pursue their art.” The pattu-nool (thread) came from Karnataka, zari from Surat. Families wove together, as several hands were needed to wind the thread in the beam. Temples bought saris to drape goddesses, and kings for the boudoir. Temple tourists bought them as blessed memento. The saris later went to Madras, the wealthy trading centre close by. Production and marketing combined seamlessly.”

A fiery maroon! Art work by my friend Sahana.

So, there you go… that explains the sense of aristocracy that the kanjeevaram sari brings with it. Next time you want to add some regal chic to your appearance effortlessly - grab a kanjeevaram sari and let it work for you! And if you already own a pattu sari or two – pat yourself on the back for your chic sari fashion sense!

Aqua blue paired with a malli mottu (jasmine bud haaram) - wedding chic!

Hope you enjoyed this set of pictures and our feature on the kanjeevaram sari?

As you put away those holiday dresses and ponder over your atttire for Sankranthi - I hope you have your answer!

Cheers!

Deepa

All images for this post were taken by my husband and as always, our images are copyrighted!

Sankranthi - The first Hindu festival of the year!

After the festive jubilation of the holiday season and all the giddy excitement dies down, the New Year always begins with a lull and a sense of abeyance that lingers until Sankranthi rolls around. And then, the calm begins to dissipate and the New Year is slowly set into motion, or at least that’s how I perceive things to be.

As with every other Indian festival, Sankranthi has deep-rooted astrological, religious and cultural significance and many regional variations that provide a fascinating look at our heritage. Despite the myriad geographical adaptations, the spirit behind the celebrations is the same – spreading good-will and harmony. I am sure we all have our own festive nostalgia tied to our unique celebrations and exclusive family customs.

Today, let us recollect some of those gleeful childhood memories associated with Sankranthi.

In my native state of Karnataka, cultural symbolism is centered around “Ellu –beero shastra” or the “practice of distributing a mixture of sesame and jaggery” as a mark of good will. I am remniscent of friends coming over with colorful trays loaded with Sankranthi treats, particularly a piece of sugar cane, a sugary treat moulded into a fun shape (sakkare acchu) and the sesame/jaggery mixture(in a fancy container!). Waiting with eager anticipation for the goody bag seems to be my fondest Sankranthi memory!

For those of you who are not familiar with the sugar syrup treats, here is a great post at justhomemade complete with a photo essay on Sakkare acchu (moulded sugar treats)!

Image via

I did try my hand at making the traditional Ellu-bella (sesame–jaggery) mixture two years ago and was rather pleased with how simple it really was to create Ellu which carried Bazaar authenticity! A little victory in itself! I even found small sugar cane stems at the local store that my guests took home along with little packets of Ellu-bella mixture for a complete ritualistic celebration of Sankranthi that year.

Sankranthi Ellu (sesame mixture)!

Whether I make Ellu or not, I almost always make Pongal and that is my simplified way of marking the harvest festival.

Decorating is a big part of celebrating any festival for me even though it is not a cultural or a religious mandate. I do it anyway! It helps me get in to the spirit of things. This year, I made a rangoli with various daals (pulses) - after all, the festival ascribes to a bountiful harvest and I wanted to assimilate that in my own depiction.

Harvest pot rangoli made with pulses - fun and easy!

Sankranthi, also marks the cosmic passage of the Sun and I decided to include a brass Sun – a tiny symbol of divinity, into my festive décor! Again, the idea is to use objects around the house and creatively generate a festive decorscape!

Deepada Malli (lamp bearers) paired with a brass Sun for a festive rendering!

In the Indian context, this festival marks the end of the cold winter months and heralds the onset of the harvest season. It is still very cold in my neck of the woods and the days are still very short and in no way, will Makar Sankranthi change this anytime soon here in North America - I do believe, however, that it is never irrelevant to pay tribute to Mother Nature and spread some good cheer and teach my little one something about our culture. As I grow older, I have a deeper understanding of who I am. I make an earnest effort to preserve some of what is known to us and pass it along to my little one and it is in this spirit that I celebrate Sankranthi!

How about yourself? Do you celebrate Sankranthi or Lohri or Bihu or Pongal or Maghi ? If so, we wish you much Joy and Happiness and would love to hear aboutyour unique traditions and observances. Write to us at aalayaminspiration@gmail.com

Cheers!

Deepa

p.s: Thank you Radhika of justhomemade for letting me use your lovely sakkare acchu picture as well as allowing me to link to your post. Justhomemade is a great read!

The other images for this post were taken at our home by my patient husband!

Andhra Pradesh, India's fourth largest state, is located in the south eastern coast of India and is the leading producer of red chilies and rice. Not surprising that Andhra cuisine is heavily influenced by these ingredients. Crushed Red Pepper forms a staple cash-crop of Andhra Pradesh, grown in the lush green fields and sprawling acres, exported all over the world to add a hot and spicy taste that is a wonderful accent to stir fries, pizzas and pasta dishes.

Red Chilies and Rice are the staple exports of Andhra Pradesh. Photography credits "Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook"

Notice the artistic curvature of the design below? The symmetry and the sanguine melody of the script? Wondering if this is part of the new-age symbolism representing an abstract concept? Well, it's not. This is the beautiful script, the written "lipi" of the Telugu language - the official language of Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra cuisine is known for its tangy, spicy and flavorful medley of coriander, chilli, fenugreek, cumin, tamarind, jaggery and sesame. The cuisine varieties change because of the diverse topology of native Andhra Pradhesh, ranging from Hyderabadi Nawabi Biryanis, Uttarandhra or Kalinga region coastal delicacies to Rayalaseema or Telangana meat and jowar specialties.

I grew up in a Andhra vegetarian household where pappu (dal/lentil based soup) and kurralu (curries), spiced pickles like avakai, maagai, gongura and dosavakai, pachadi (chutney/raita like saucy condiments) and podi (lentil based powdered condiment) served with a large scoop of biyam (plain white rice) were the norm at mealtimes.

Tomato Pappu and Mixed Vegetable Pulusu - Photography credits "Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook"

The order of a meal is to start with modati mudda (first bite) with an appetizer of an ooragaya (spiced pickle) followed by a pappu, which is prepared with "soft" vegetables like tomato, gourds, raw mango or cucumber squash, eaten plain, or with a pickle accompanying it. Lentil forms the main source of protein for vegetarians and my twin daughters swear by "Pappanna" or rice and lentil pappu to make a satisfying meal. This is followed by a couple of kuras (curry/main dishes) and pulusu (stew) or sambar (thick or runny (based on your preference) lentil and vegetable soup with heavy tamarind and jaggery flavors) which add flourish to a proper sit-down Andhra meal.

Featured below are two of my favorite kuras - Gutthivankai Kura (Stuffed Eggplant Curry) and Kakarakai Kura (Stuffed Bitter Gourd Curry). Ah! The culinary journeys our families (my maternal, paternal and my married ones) have been through to enjoy these kuras!

Gutthivankai Kura or Stuffed Eggplant Curry - Photography credits "Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook"

Small amounts of Neyi ghee add a hyperbolic grounding to steaming rice accompanying these pappus and kuras.

Kakarkai Kura or Stuffed Bitter Gourd Curry- Photography credits: Vijay Jagannath

In case you were wondering about the chef whose signature dishes the ones featured are - its my Dad! I am still living in the finger-licking reminiscence of my parents' recent visit to our home...

Mirchi Bajji or Chilli Fritters topped with Ginger Chutney

Mirchi Bajji is another Andhra dish to write home about. I remember our Tirupati visits being peppered by Mirchi Bajji stops. Bajjis made out of onions, gourds (especially beerakai) and Anaheim peppers punctuate the palette of Andhra cuisine with tangy, crispy, melty deliciousness.

Perugu (yogurt) or Majjiga (buttermilk) for the final course where Perugu (yogurt) is added to rice and consumed as a satisfying palette cleanser.

Peruganna with Avakai - Yogurt Rice with Pickle

This is making me hungry for my own weekend special feast - an elaborate Andhra meal, an ode to my childhood, an excuse to call my Dad and Mom to discuss recipes and share pictures of gorgeous looking comfort food. But, before I go! The final rendition of the traditional vegetarian Andhra meal - paan (Areca nut on Betel Leaf). A colorful (don't worry, the stains fade in about an hour!), breath freshening digestive curtain call to a splendid gastronomic show!

Betel and Arecanut "Paan" arrangement - Photography credits: Vijay Jagannath

I hope this feature post has given you as much joy as the well-loved dishes it features have to me, my friends, cousins, husband and kids over the years!

In case you are interested in the generational recipes for these favorite dishes, please write to me at aalayaminspiration@gmail.com.

I promise, I will consult with my Dad before I make the recipe official!!

Love,

Supriya

Remember our first home tour where we took you through the stunning Zen Den of Roopa and Abhi?
Well, today we will take you on another charming home expedition!

Hand painted candle holder stands tall in front of an art wall

Join me as we tour the Dallas home of my dear friends Kiran and Divya. I love their home. I have had the privilege of enjoying their hospitality and can you tell first hand that their home - a visual stunner, is painstakingly put together! And if you have a little girl, then definitely stay tuned - you will fall in love with the whimsical flair of their daughter's room!

Their home is a loving example of how one can mix many eclectic elements and still create a warm and welcoming tapestry.

Different shapes, colors, textures and patterns all come together in this vignette!

Here is what Divya wrote as she sent me the pictures of her home… "Kiran and I like our space to be both functional and inspirational. We strongly believe that picking the right decorative items can brighten up your living space and your life. With busy schedules, like most working couples, decorating together is an activity we bond over in addition to family time with our little daughter."

From the ethnic Ravi Varma print on the fireplace to the multicolored candle stand on the dining table to the brightly colored embroidered pillows on the sofa, this home has several tiers of color, texture and pattern all coming together to create a seamless visual palette. Divya and Kiran find as much joy in the process of ornamenting as they do in the end-product - an aesthetically appealing abode!

Referring to her accessories, Divya writes, "Most of the items we buy are simple, inexpensive pieces that we love. Sometimes, we envision a look and scout for pieces that will fit in. The inspiration for the decorative dark toned wood frames with the intricate scroll design in our living room came from a high end store. When we eventually found similar frames hidden behind a mirror at the local Home Goods, without the high end price tag, we were ecstatic! We knew it would fit right in with our vision! We painted the orange boxes to offset the dark wood and to add some color."

Easy ways to add some drama

What a clever and simple way to add some drama to an otherwise plain wall! The wall anchors the sofa and the fabric pillows nicely and the whole orchestration makes a great decor statement in their family room.

If there is one thing I have learnt about decorating over the years - it is patience! It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to create a home of your dreams. Divya agrees and adds, "We spend more time planning and positioning things, than we do buying. The mantel décor was envisaged around some of our cherished pieces. The Ravi Varma Print, the serene Buddha we had picked up from a zen store in Vegas and the ethnic brass hairpins from India were all collected over the years. Instead of sprinkling them around the house we decided to order them in a vignette above the mantel. We loved the end result!" I did too!

The fireplace vignette- group 'em together!

Home decorating is all about creating a beautiful and enjoyable space that tells a story about who you are. Divya and Kiran's mantel vignette does just that. It speaks to their patience, perseverance and sense of style!

Next up, one of their guest rooms that doubles as a study.

Colors work!

In her role as mom, IT professional and Master's student Divya's day is definitely busy! At the end of a packed working day, attending to her daughter and her graduate course-work is no easy task and she needs all the inspiration and motivation to keep her going. She writes , "We kept the colors in this room bright -greens , yellows and blues so I'm inspired to use the room more!" Don't you love this work-space? This room has plenty of natural light streaming in - great for a work area.
My favorite feature has to be the galvanized tin buckets that serve as pen holders!

It's all in the details

What a clever way to free up some acreage on the table and move things to the wall! She is also very hands-on when it comes to home decor and in her own words, she writes .. "Lately I’ve found it very relaxing and rewarding to take up some DIY projects. Some of them adorn the walls of my study. A framed magnetic inspiration board and a framed fabric board to hold reminders and pictures. They are both functional and decorative!"
DIY projects are a fun way to add a personal stamp to your home! It is also a great way to cut some decorating cents!

The other guest room is done up in yet another fresh color giving the room an airy feel. She writes, "The peach room is the smallest room in the house - we tried to keep the colors light again and used a metal headboard to avoid overwhelming the room with a solid wood headboard. It is a small yet functional space.The bed lamps were bargain finds at an auction and the bedding was procured at Christmas sales" Smart, don't you think?

Smal space, big style

A perfect example of a mixed configuration of accessories working wonderfully to create a vibrant home!

And, I saved the best for the last. Their adorable daughter's beautiful room! The lilac paint and all the little details sets this room apart from any other generic room - truly, a little girl's delight! Whimsical is what comes to mind when I think of this room.

Lilac dream

Divya writes , "Aanya’s room has been decorated in a whimsical butterfly theme. Some of the décor I used for her birthday party has been repurposed as wall art or table decor - the paper lanterns and the bird cages. Her first pair of shoes are lovingly displayed at the entrance" Wow! This room is truly a labor of love.

A labor of love

So, that dear readers was Aalayam's second home tour. This home exudes eclectic elegance and is perfect for this young family! Hope you are inspired by Divya and Kiran's design philosophy - of mixing elements, being patient, working with a budget and telling a story ? I am!

Many thanks to my friends and homeowners for sharing their beautiful home with all of us.
Leave us a comment and we will share them with the homeowners.

Cheers!
Deepa

p.s: All images are copyrighted by the homeowners. Please ask before use.

A gorgeous Bonsai can add visual drama in your living space..like it does in my living room!

Dear Aalayam Family - I am privileged to present to you Bonsai, a wonderful accent to your living space and a quintessential and sustainable way to bring the outside..in! The age old Japanese art form that so elegantly captures the grace and beauty of full-grown trees in motley containers of your choice!

The Japanese word "bonsai" (bon - 'basin', sai - 'plant') refers to a plant, tree or a group of trees or plants growing in a container. Bonsai is a living art form that can provide a lifetime of joy to botanists and aficionados and natural eye-candy to design enthusiasts all over the world.

Harmonize your end table or coffee table with a Bonsai and some of your favorite picture frames or accessories! A picture from my family room.

The first examples of penjing, the Chinese version of bonsai, and bonsai were made from trees and plants collected from the wild mountains areas within China and Japan. Indigenous, naturally stunted trees were arranged and planted in ceramic pots and containers, kept in or around collectors' homes, and regarded as natural works of art.

Bonsai art forms across the world serve to create picturesque tableau! (via Google images)

Bonsai trees and plants are often contorted into interesting shapes, structured by the bonsai artists' loving hands to mimic old, gnarled trees found in nature. From the time a bonsai is created, it's shaped to limit growth, redistribute the vigor of its foliage to areas requiring further development.

Root reduction, pruning and potting a Bonsai ..lovingly rendered on a Juniper by my mom!

My mother is a proud collector of over 150 Bonsais. She has one as old as me (well, almost) in her collection. As the story goes, she snipped a little ficus seedling off of a fence just after my 1st Birthday and created a Bonsai out of it. Today, that very Bonsai tree stands magnificent in my mom's terrace garden in India, making a grand appearance into my parents' living room during dinner parties. On my parents' recent visit here, I coaxed my mom to design a few Bonsais for me. The montage of pictures you see above is the photographic capture of the process of root reduction, pruning and potting of my very first Bonsai!

My Green Sargent Juniper suns itself on my backyard bench!

A bonsai is created beginning with a specimen of source material. This may be a cutting, seedling, or small tree of a species suitable for bonsai development. Bonsai can be created from nearly any perennial woody-stemmed tree or shrub species that produces true branches and can be cultivated to remain small through pot confinement with crown and root pruning. Some species are popular as bonsai material because they have characteristics, such as small leaves or needles, that make them appropriate for the compact visual scope of bonsai.

Pruning the tap-root of the Bonsai, before potting

The practice of Bonsai development incorporates techniques like leaf trimming, pruning the trunk, branches, and roots of the candidate tree, wiring branches and trunks to allow the bonsai designer to create the desired general form, clamping using mechanical devices for shaping trunks and branches, grafting new growing material (typically a bud, branch, or root) into a prepared area on the trunk or under the bark of the tree, defoliation, which can provide short-term dwarfing of foliage for certain deciduous species and Deadwood bonsai techniques called jin and shari that simulate age and maturity in a Bonsai.

Create a feeling of zen in your room with Bonsai!

Bonsai aesthetics generally adhere to Japanese cultural characteristics, in particular the influence of Zen Buddhism and the expression of Wabi-sabi (acceptance of transience and imperfection). Some of the aesthetic mantras to follow while designing a Bonsai are: Miniaturization: where a bonsai is kept small enough to be container-grown while otherwise fostered to have a mature appearance, Proportion among elements: where the proportions mimic those of a full-grown tree as closely as possible, Asymmetry: where strict radial or bilateral symmetry in branch and root placement is discouraged and Poignancy: where the grower creates a tree that expresses Wabi-sabi.

Isn't this fascinating? If you are more interested in this ancient art form that has given joy to generations of nature lovers, let me recommend this great read:

The Complete Practical Encyclopedia of Bonsai: The essential step-by-step guide to creating, growing, and displaying Bonsai with over 800 breath taking photographs.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Practical-Encyclopedia-Bonsai-step/dp/0754821803

If you are a beginner, and would like to enjoy the zen of Bonsai without crafting one, why not buy one for your living space. Beautiful Bonsais are available for sale in local nurseries, and neighborhood super stores all over the country. What better way to get the outdoors into your home than with a beautiful Bonsai? I hope this feature post has brought out the nature lover in you. I for one, sure enjoyed sharing my new found passion with you, my dear Aalayam family! I leave you with another picture from my home. A cozy window seat, a Bonsai, a book and some herbal tea...how much more zen can it get?

Love,

Supriya

Bonsai - Bring the outside in!

Supriya and I are heading over to Colours Dekor today. Colours Dekor is a blog by Patricia with contributions by Anpu and Rose.
Here is what Patricia wrote about the blog "Colours Dekor is my space to share beautiful home ideas from my home and magazines that inspire me. I love colours and innovative ideas. I have a passion for interior designing & dekor, travel & art. I love colours". Patricia's blog has been around for a while now and it is a great space too offering creative inspirations, decor tips, gorgeous eyecandy and much more!
Of course, we would not pass up an opportunity to author for Colours Dekor! Supriya and I were invited to do a feature on our personal decor styles. This was an easy assignment given our enthusiasm for all things design and decor! We got to work right away!
We figured we would offer a post with a few corners from our homes and a few lines about our design sensibilities to encapsulate our personal design diction.

So, here's a sneak peak at our guest post

"Supriya and I definitely have a lot in common with regards to design preferences and I guess that's what drove us into a collaboration. If you are already a reader of Aalayam then you know that we both love incorporating world-wide design elements in our homes. Our styles can best be described by the umbrella term "Global design /universal appeal"........

My family room - teal wall, rustic furniture and some colorful accents for a global look!

Supriya's living room - blue wall, colorful accents, black and white frames for a universal appeal!

For more pictures (yes!) and the rest of this entry head over to Colours Dekor.
Thank you Patricia for inviting us to write for your blog.

Cheers!
Deepa

Arch Rock, Mackinac Island. Pic by Uj

“Now more than ever do I realize that I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.”
― Isabelle Eberhardt, The Nomad: The Diaries of Isabelle Eberhardt

Some of us still have a few more weeks of winter left. But many of us are already looking forward to longer days and warmer temperatures. The yearning to travel is slowly surfacing. It's never too early to give in to your wanderlust and plan for a vacation. So, will you be traveling this year? Where will 2013 take you? Everybody's idea of a vacation is different. From theme parks to serene beaches to mountain cabins to cruise ships (or not - given the recent carnival cruise fiasco) the options are plenty! How about an island getaway?

I want to share this travelogue from our trip to Mackinac (MAK-in-awe) Island last summer.
Located in Lake Huron and accessible by boat, Michigan's Mackinac Island is truly a great weekend Midwest getaway! There is plenty of good information available on the www for things to do and see but be rest assured that it has something for everyone in the family - culture, arts, the outdoors, history and plenty of fun!
Since our move to Ohio, we had heard so much about Michigan's Up North - the vernacular term for the Upper Peninsula. We wanted to discover it for ourselves.

Round Island Lighthouse and St Anne's Church, Mackinac pic credits: Uj

We picked a sunny weekend and hit the road to discover Mackinac! And it was magical! The gorgeous shoreline of the great lakes lined by beautifully sculpted rock cairns, horse drawn carriage rides that transport one back in time, curvy streets dotted with quaint little cottages and fresh blooms, glorious sunsets, water-front dining, Victorian architecture, run-ins with history at Fort Mackinac, bike rides down windy roads, milling tourists, fudge shops - you name it, Mackinac has it!

Fudge, food and fun!

The island does not allow motor vehicles and is perfect to escape the daily humdrum and the mechanical chaos of modern living. We thoroughly enjoyed biking the Island and my little one utterly loved his new found independence. In fact, biking is my most cherished memory from Mackinac. Enjoying the verdant landscape, feeling the wind in our faces and leaving our cares behind was invigorating, to say the least.

Tandem biking along the shoreline

As the horses sauntered down the streets, transporting tourists in colorful carriages, the rhythmic sound of their hooves infused the air with a sense of tranquility. According to this website, Mackinac has the world's oldest and largest buggy livery in the world! Now, because of their no motor vehicle policy, Mackinac was included among the top 10 Sustainable islands of the world!

The island offers plenty of great accommodations and we chose the Iroquois for its Conde Nast approval and were simply blown away by its charm, near perfect location and great water views! The Carriage house dining room at the Iroquois had a great array of options on their carte du jour and we were not disappointed.

The Iroquois -vacation chic!

And for those of you that like to bring back memories, the place is chock-full of picture-worthy hotspots - The Grand Hotel, Round Island Light house, Arch Rock, St Anne's church and more. Whether you are looking to relax and recharge or simply spend some quality family time- Mackinac is ideal.

Buildings and blooms offer plenty of eye candy!

With so much to offer, Makinac is must-see!

Do you like to travel and explore our beautiful world? We do too and periodically we will feature a new destination and yet another travel experience. If you missed Supriya's travelogue on Puerto Rico click here. While we are on the subject of travel, let me share a favorite travel photo blog - Canvas of Light by Daniel Nahabedian. If you are not familiar with his work, I urge you to check it out. Daniel is brilliant! He is the real McCoy when it comes to travel photography and looking at the world through his lens is a mesmerizing experience!

Cheers!
Deepa

p.s: All images in this post were taken by my husband and are subject to copyright!Please email for permission to use. Thanks !

This Spotlight showcases Bharatanatyam - one of the oldest classical dance forms prevailing in India and celebrates the artiste who has brought home (yes – to the USA) this verdant art from, inspiring and tutoring her many students in this branch of classical dance – Sridevi Jagannath.

Sridevi and her artistic brain child - Laasya School of Dance and Music. Photo Credits: Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook

Bharatanatyam is said to derive its name from Bharata Muni, the author of Natya Shastra (treatise on dance) written between 2nd century B.C and 2nd century A.D. This dance form was originally performed in temples by the "devadasis" (servants of god) and it is to them that we owe the preservation of this art form. This art form received great patronage during the golden rule of the Maratha and Chola rulers. The dance was then called "Sadir". Sadir in turn, is derived from ancient dance forms that includes some acrobatic karanas. Bharatnatyam is usually accompanied by Carnatic music and jointly embodies a winsome union of the mind, body and the soul.

Bharatanatyam dancers adorn themselves with traditional kanjeevaram dance ensembles, temple jewelry and festive "alta" on their hands and feet . Photo Credits: Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook

With the advent of the Mughals started the decline of temple dancing. The Mughal rulers brought dancers from Persian states. The devadasis stopped receiving patronage and many of them started learning Persian dance and took to court dancing. The British rule did away with provincial monarchies. In a desperate move to earn livelihood many dancers who now stopped receiving any kind of patronage took to becoming escorts and royal consorts. Thus Bharatanatyam, as a dance form, fell into disrepute. Girls from honorable families stopped learning this dance. Dancing came to be considered as a ignominious profession in the latter half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century.

A Laasya student strikes a sculpteresque pose on traditional rangoli. Photo Credits: Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook

Modern sensibilities have outweighed the shadow of dishonor once attributed to this dance form. Bharatanatyam is now a reworked dance-form known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses which extol the virtues of Indian culture and mythology. Today, Bharatanatyam is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over the world.

Sridevi Jagannath is consecrating this classical dance form through Laasya– The School of Dance and Music (Find Laasya Nritya on Facebook). Sridevi founded Laasya a decade ago to train and mentor students in Bharatanatyam and Classical Music. Laasya is the proud alma mater to many prodigies from all over the world (my girls will go there too!) who have embraced the beauty and finesse of this form of Indian classical dance. Sridevi is a true Bangalore girl and boasts of a proud lineage of connoisseurs of music and dance. She is a wonderful friend, a great mom and a ray of sunshine in the lives of her family and friends.

Sridevi and her Laasya students. Photo Credits: Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook

A teacher and a performer par excellence, Sridevi is one of the first few students of her Guru Smt. Padmini Ravi at the Pradhan Dance Center in Bangalore, India, a widely acclaimed school in the Vazhavoor style of Bharatanatyam. She began her career as a dancer at the tender age of five. Ever since, she has enthralled the hearts of many dance lovers far and beyond. Her mother Karnataka Kalashree Smt. Ranganayaki Rajan, who is an internationally acclaimed artist herself, introduced her to the world of music. She also had the privilege of getting trained under some world famous dance personalities like K.J. Sarasa, Padmabhushan Kalanidhi Narayan, and Smt. Banumathi. Before leaving India, she was an artiste for the Indian television’s prime time channel Doordarshan and performed in small screen lead roles on several occasions.

Sridevi in her many performances. Photo Credits : Anil Mallya

Sridevi has performed for organizations such as the Florida chapter of SPICMACAY, Stevens Point, WI, Balaji Temple, Chicago, IL, the SAARC Summit, Hindu Society of North Carolina, ICMDS, NC and International Dance Alliance, Chennai, India. She has also conducted several lecture demonstrations at Lees McRae Performing Arts School, Boone, NC.

Her recent innovative experiment "ANANYA" performed under the HUMSUB (Find HumSub Cary on Facebook) banner was very well received by the art-lovers of the Triangle area. This was an experiment where the technique of Bharatanatyam remained untouched, but the concepts portrayed were unique. She was recently invited to perform at the Oregon State University for India festival, the biggest ever in the entire northwestern region of the United States. Sridevi is also a member of Srishti - The Creation, a group of dance artists that are individually well trained in the art and have been performing at many prestigious platforms in the USA for over a decade.

Sristhi group ensemble. Photo Credits : Anil Mallya

Sridevi is known for her Tala-Gnana and precision in Nattuvangam. She has been training students for the past ten years in the Triangle area and has performed several Arangetrams of her senior students. Sridevi is a formidable force in her Bharatanatyam classes. I have been a moot observer on many occasions and I have seen this bubbly and enthusiastic friend and confidante turn into a strict and feared teacher, inspiring, nudging and shaping her students to imbibe the style and symmetry of the dance form as their own. Her many students have formed lifelong friendships with her, a bond forged out of a common love for classical dance, enriched by its rigors and fuelled by passion for creating a thing of beauty!

"Great dancers aren't great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion."

"Guru" or Teacher pondering over the many Bharatanatyam prodigies whose futures and passions she fuelled. Photo Credits: Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook

Aalayam was fortunate to be a guest at Sridevi’s family home in North Carolina. The classical contemporary design sensibilities of her colorful home, which she also uses as a workshop for teaching dance, prompted us to ask her not only an interview but also a Home Tour! And she said Yes!! So dear readers, look out for the next post in this two-post series – Sridevi’s home tour! And a rendezvous with Sridevi herself! So, I leave you dear readers with these beautiful images of joyful inspiration...and a promise for more next week!

Love,

Supriya

Dear Readers,

If you are still reliving the traditional splendor of last week's post on Bharatanatyam, we are back, as promised with a sneak peek into Sridevi Jagannath's Home, and her artistic mind space.

The Nataraja "God of Dance" adorns the living space which is also used as a dance studio

"Great dancers aren't great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion."

In continuation of the two-post series – Aalayam brings to you Sridevi’s home tour and a rendezvous with Sridevi herself!

Classical Indian Tanjore Paintings, Rajasthani trinkets and ornate antique wooden frames punctuate this vibrant home

Here is Sridevi with some inspirational thoughts about Laasya, her students, her family and her passions:

Aalayam (A): What inspired you to start Laasya?

Sridevi (S): I have always been very passionate about dance and wanted to pursue dancing either as a performer or as a teacher. As strange as it may seem, Laasya was conceived in a Flea Market. Yes, that's right! On a sunny Saturday afternoon, as my husband Vijay and I were taking a stroll in a flea market in Raleigh, an Indian lady approached me and asked if I was a dancer. She wanted her daughter, a 7-year old at that time, to learn from me. Thus began a wonderful journey into the realm of dance

Sridevi combines a gorgeous embellished mirror with her student-class calendar in her dance studio

A: What are your and Laasya’s plans for the future?

S: Laasya was founded with the vision of engaging future generations in the rich classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. The school's primary objective is to foster creative thinking and personal growth in our youth. The school uses innovative techniques to explore new spaces of artistic expressions. The students are taught to observe “life” closely and learn to portray human emotions in the most honest way while being true to the character they play through story telling

Eye catching finds from all over the world create a kaleidoscopic landscape for Sridevi's artistic endeavors.

A: Can you tell us how the rigors and joy of learning dance have inspired your students?

S: Laasya boasts of many graduates who started as 5-year olds and have continued to pursue their passion even at the university level. Many students are able to demonstrate their creative ideas either through workshops or innovative choreographies. Even though they come from very diverse backgrounds and unique cultures, dance is the single binding force that transcends many languages.

The traditional "Tabala", Indian percussion instrument adds an interesting twist to Sridevi's living room, which combines comfort and rich Indian elegance.

A: What is your inspirational message to the Aalayam readers?

S: Aalayam, to me, is a kaleidoscope that always brightens my day. As an ardent follower, I really love the colorful pictures, ideas and information. The authors clearly have big dreams for their readers. For people like myself, Aalayam provides a way to infuse fresh air into some old furniture or cook something exotic without feeling overwhelmed. I incorporate some of the amazing ideas shared on this blog into my daily routine

Thank you Sridevi for letting us into your life and your home!

Love,
Supriya

Sridevi relaxes in her backyard deck with her favorite pastime between her classes, cuddling with her family pet and reading with a cuppa joe!

So, did you enjoy reading Supriya's feature post on Bharatnatyam and touring Sridevi's home? I definitely did! Today, we will turn our attention from the grace and grandeur of Bharatanatyam and an artist's passion to a global design trend with a spotlight feature on IKAT plus pictures from my home.

Ball stemmed lamp base paired with a mirrored nightstand adds glamor

I have been working on our guest bedroom and I am excited to share a few pictures with all of you.

If you a read a previous post on my design philosophy then you already know that my home is a potpourri of global design elements. The overall look for my home was not intentionally conceived and in fact it evolves as we go. I spend many weekend afternoons rearranging my favorite decor elements. My home features our travel knick knacks, global fabrics, motifs I love and lots of color! The end goal is to create a stylish space which reflects our persona.

I wanted to get our guest bed room ready for the summer months and have been chipping away slowly. Our current house has big windows framed in a beautiful oak letting in lots of sunshine. I knew I could take some risk with the choice of colors and I wanted to go bold. After scouting for some inspiration, I settled on a shade of tangerine. I know! There was something about the earthy appeal of orange which I figured would help me create an inviting space for my guests. After a little negotiating with the better half (design debates -I call them!) I settled on a searing hue called autumn enchantment. After all, I wanted to create a space that would wow my guests!

Design is in the details!

Who doesn't like a design challenge right? Mine was to work with a plain ole run-of- the- mill but perfectly functional sleigh bed that I have owned for years. I knew I didn't have wiggle room in my budget for a fancy new bed and so the old one stayed. I wasn't going to let that dampen my design dreams. Thankfully, I had given away the old nightstands just prior to our big move from Texas last year and that allowed me to look for new furniture!

Mirrored furniture is all the rage and I had my heart set on them since they started trending. A pair of elegant mirrored nightstands was a perfect little addition to the bedside. I think they are so gorgeous they even give my poor bed a facelift ! Mixing in new with the old was a great idea in this room, don't you think? And since I love mirrored furniture so much, I even bought the matching vanity. The reflective surfaces work particularly well in a small space I think.

More mirrored elegance

The all white bedding was a cognizant effort to temper down the fiery incandescence of the wall color. The texture made up for what the bedding lacked in color and overall it lends a cordial warmth despite being achromatic.

Texture makes up for the lack of color!

With the accessories, my core philosophy was "less is more". I wanted to steer clear of a cluttered space and that meant I had to edit the final touches with a keen eye. Budget was yet another limiting factor and so I narrowed it to a few necessary pieces. I found a pair of architecturally impressive lamps at Pier 1. The shiny ball stemmed lamps add stunning detail to the visual palette. I must add that I was not too fond of the shades but I figured it was neutral enough plus the price was great!

As much as I appreciate global decor, I find it very hard to deviate entirely from Indian decor elements. I relate more to a space that in some way incorporates my ethnic roots. I brought in a little bit of India into this space via the Ikat art work, the Jali style mirror and the mosaic mirrored wall art.

I fell in love with the mirror the minute I laid my eyes on it. The intricacy of the lattice frame reminds me of the Jali windows in the Mughal buildings around India and it perfectly accents the orange wall.

Jali mirror- remniscent of Mughal lattice screens

Every room needs a splurge and the mosaic mirrored wall art was just that. It was originally intended for another room in the house but it found its way to this room and I don't mind it at all! The scroll motif screams India and I love it!

Lastly, the framed Ikat fabric above the bed is my favorite accessory in this room. Ikat is hot! Bold and eye-catching - this global motif is everywhere- dishes, pillows, wall paper, table mats, upholstery. In this room, I've used a small serving of this global design trend and yet it bestows big impact! The green in my framed Ikat fabric is a great accent color and pops against the white/orange backdrop.

Green ikat accents the orange/white pallete

Ikat originates from Indonesian language and means "to tie" and it refers to a fabric weaving style where the threads are tied together and dyed before weaving the fabric according to Wiki. Several countries across the globe have their own versions of the fabric. Indian versions include Pochampally from Andhra Pradesh and Patola from Gujarat. Ikat designs are the product of painstaking craftsmanship and have quickly topped the charts in home decor trends. I love incorporating art forms into home decor and we've already showcased terracotta, warli, and kalamkari in our spotlight series. The Ikat print shares the spotlight on Aalayam today for its versatility and vibrant energy!

While we are on the subject of bedrooms, I want to share this link to Roopa's bed room featured on Apartment Therapy. Previously, we had featured the rest of Roopa and Abhi's home on Aalayam. Remember their Zen Den and minimalist decor? Today we get to see Roopa's zen bedroom which is selected as a finalist in the"My Bedroom retreat" contest! I would like to request Aalayam readers to please take a minute and cast a vote for her entry on Apartment therapy.

Thanks for joining us and I would love to hear what you have to say about my guest room. And do you love Ikat prints as much as I do? Share your thoughts.

Cheers!
Deepa
p.s: All images are from my home and copyrighted. Please ask before using.

Cardamom - the exotic spice reigns supreme in Indian cuisine. Photo Credits: Sripriya Murthy Photography (Facebook)

I love having people over for dinner. When I was in business school, I would have my American friends over for Bollywood movie night and Indian dinners after every big assignment or exam! The joy of dressing up the house, planning the dinner, bringing out the pretty dishes, silverware and colorful tableware, cooking the special dishes for Friday or Saturday night, that we could have as leftovers all weekend! Priceless. And of course, the delight of entertaining and discussing the intellectual bent of Indian movies. Ever present!

My dining table stands dressed up with red tulips - for my dinner guests! In the foreground is an exotic tribal dancer statue, which has got nothing to do with Cardamom!!

Now it's no different, whenever I have people over, whether it is for brunch, high-tea or dinner, I end up cooking Indian food. No brainer, you would think, considering my heritage and zeal for Indian cuisine, but its more than an unwavering passion for a confluence of spices from the sub-continent of my origin..It's a strong desire to communicate to my world, the magic of Indian spices, to share with my friends, the culinary and curative traits that these usual suspects possess. Cumin, Coriander, Fennel, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, Turmeric, Saffron..the list goes on! A smorgasbord of flavors, textures and wanton aromas that form the foundation of Indian cooking.

This was the impetus to the new series featured on Aalayam -

Spice Rack Remedies!
What our kitchen counter might hold, to cure what ails us.

Cardamom skin and seeds can be used to flavor beverages, sweet and savory dishes. Photo Credits: Sripriya Murthy Photography (Facebook)

Since time immemorial, humans have used spices to better their food, and their bodies. Our grandmothers knew which spices would settle an upset stomach, relieve inflammation and even something that got rid of intestinal worms! Now a spate of studies has finally proved that whether you've got achy muscles, a cold that just won't quit, or a case of the blues, reaching for a natural healer, may just be what the doctor ordered!

This week's feature is about Cardamom. Native to India, Nepal and Bhutan, these three-sided spice pods with a thin, tough papery outer cover and tiny deep-brown to black seeds arranged in vertical rows have been a staple for sweet and savory dishes popular in Indian cuisine. Also known as "elaichi" or "ellaki", this dynamite pod, reigns supreme in all spice-aware households.

Whether it is to lace a cup of steaming hot Masala Chai, or to add the flavored grounding to a kheer or pudding, Cardamom does not fail to deliver.

Masala Chai (Tea Latte) prepared by boiling cardamom, ginger and tea leaves with milk. Perfect to soothe anything from an upset stomach to everyday frazzled nerves! The welcome drink for my dinner guests.

This exotic spice contains many plants derived chemical compounds that are known to possess anti-oxidant, disease preventing and health promoting properties. The spicy pods contain many essential volatile oils. The therapeutic properties of cardamom-oil have found application in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic.

My guests are then serenaded with pista kesar (pistachio and saffron) lassi (yogurt based drink) laced with cardamom. Alongside is a zesty mixture of trail mix!

Cardamom is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. 100 g pods contain 1119 mg of this electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Additionally, this spice is also an excellent source of iron and manganese. 100 g pods contain 13.97 mg or 175% of daily-required levels of iron. Iron is required for red blood cell formation and cellular metabolism. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.

Further, these aromatic pods are rich in many vital vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin-C, essential for optimum health.

Cheesy Bakarwade Bites and Besani Khandvi accompany the chai. I decided to keep the dinner menu simple, serving traditional appetizers as main courses, in a move to cut prep time and calories! My guests are loving it!

Now if that is not a good enough case for cardamom, I wonder what is! :) Stay tuned for more spicy adventures from my kitchen...straight to your palate!

I am now going back to my party, my friends are calling me because they want me to demystify the lyrics of the popular Bollywood song (Fevicol se) pertaining to a strong adhesive brand!

Love,
Supriya

Bonjour dear readers! Aalayam is heading outdoors today.
Spring is officially here. Bye-bye gloomy grey days and hello sunshine!

Gorgeous blooms in full glory, photo credits: Uj

It's time to re-invigorate our senses and it does not take an expensive vacation to an exotic location to do so! Has it warmed up in your neck of the woods yet? How about a picnic then? A carefree celebration of spring!

Picnic at the park

There is no better way than an old-fashioned picnic to enjoy the great outdoors ! Between taking pleasure in a simple outdoor meal to planning an elegant extravaganza - there is a host of picnic possibilities. So, what are you waiting for - pack your basket and your blanket and enjoy a sunny afternoon with your friends and family. Picnicking is a great way to encourage your kids to explore the outdoors especially after being holed indoors for the entire winter. A picnic allows you to build their curiosity about nature's bountiful surprises.

A riot of colors- nature beckons, pic credits: Uj

Let the kids spot a bird nestled in the trees or explore the surface of a tree trunk or gather fallen pinecones while you enjoy a relaxed conversation, a cold beverage and a ciabatta sandwich with the adults! I feel blessed to be able to enjoy four distinct seasons here in the Midwest and as the snow melts and new life begins to sprout, Spring marks it grand entry and with it, brings a renewed motivation to enjoy life to the fullest.

Toss a frisbee, blow some bubbles, lounge on a colorful blanket, play a card game and take some pictures ! Childhood is fleeting, pause and enjoy your children and make some lasting memories.

How about a packed picnic basket as a b'day gift?

At Aalayam, we get really excited when it comes to food and decor. And a picnic is the perfect opportunity to combine the two together. I am sharing these pictures from my own spring picnic last year. It was also my husband's birthday and I choose sprightly hues to set the stage for our open air celebration. The paper lanterns were an easy addition and instantly changed the mood from picnic to party. I found the perfect picnic basket from Sutherland (the red gingham fabric lining was too cute to ignore!). The slots for two bottles was practical and convenient. The basket allowed me to pack re-usable cutlery and plates thus making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

Red gingham and compartments for everything - makes a perfect basket!

With a few more picnic essentials- wine, cheese, freshly picked berries and a choice of easy picnic foods, I was all set to have some fun!

A little preparation goes a long way and remember to have everybody pitch in - after all, it's a family event! And because every celebration needs a yummy dessert and some sugar rush, we packed a cake. The garden flowers and buzzing bees on the cake were perfect for our alfresco celebration!
Decadence.

Flowers and bees - perfect for spring!

So, plan, pack and picnic! Head over to your local park, a wildflower meadow, your rooftop or even your backyard - linger for a while and savor the fresh air!

An Indian paintbrush stands tall in a sea of bluebonnets - Ennis, TX

Of course, Spring is also a great time for other outdoor activities. If you like to camp, hike, bike, plant some flowers or throw some ball at the local park, now is the time!

And if outdoor celebration is your thing then make sure to check out Supriya's post. I will be back with yet another inspiring post. Until then, let's all make the best of this gorgeous spring weather!

Cheers!
Deepa

P.S: All images were taken by my husband and are copyrighted.

On the anvil of Spring, the Indian Festival of Colors - Holi, punctuates the festival landscape around the world with jubilant merrymaking!

Aalayam thought it was only appropriate to honor this tradition of "throwing" color on our loved ones!

Live Colorfully.

Love,

Supriya and Deepa

DIY Inspiration - Desi Gift idea!!

Wondering what to gift your friends and family this festive season? Do you want a touch of unconventional and personal to your gifts this year, instead of spreading cheer with the random and benumbed gifts spun out of the big-box retailers?

Or maybe you want to add your personal design stamp to your home or work space? Maybe create a conversation corner around your "desi" style?

Then - here's your perfect recipe! A DIY inspiration post by a guest blogger - Divya, owner and author of The Craft Angel. Divya and her inspirational ideas, which we love, can be found at http://creadivya.blogspot.com/. Read on!!

Setting the Table for Thanksgiving!

Decorating for Christmas

O Tannenbaum!

Dessert table!

Guest post and a holiday recipe - Panna cotta

Joie de vivre for a Happy New Year!!

Spotlight on Kanjeevaram

Aalayam celebrates Sankranthi!

My Favorite Andhra Delicacies!

Home Tour - Eclectic Splendor!

Nature in Miniature - Bonsai

Guest post - Global design

An Island getaway!

Bharatanatyam – Spotlight and Artiste Feature

Artiste Feature - A Home Tour and a rendezvous!

Spotlight on Ikat and guest bedroom decor

Spice Rack Remedies! A Case for Cardamom

Spring Picnic - Inspirations for an alfresco fete!

Celebrating Colors!!!