Aalayam - Colors, Cuisines and Cultures Inspired!

namaste - a welcome greeting & a symbol of hospitality!

The Taittirriya Upanishad (source) says "Athithi Devo Bhavah" which reads "May your guest be your God" laying down the guiding principle for Indian hospitality. The offering of the doctrinal "chai-pani" (tea -water) as you enter an Indian home is not just a social more but an ingrained symbol of hospitality. Images of my grandmother's considerate hospitality extended to her guests is lovingly etched in my memory. She never turned away a guest unfed and her piquant home cooked meals came to be a symbol of her legendary hospitality in our circles.

Our dining room gets ready for visitors!

I have always sired a passion for hosting even since the time I was a novice cook (pity my first guests!) Entertaining implied inviting friends into our house and into our lives. Over the years, our home has hosted many gatherings - poker nights, festive potluck dinners, sunday brunches, casual chai huddles and celebratory regales. And so, for me, entertaining has evolved into an esoteric interest. Being on this side of the pond, I have the opportunity to combine the Indian tradition of hospitality with the Western art of entertaining. From theme parties to cocktail hours to fine dining, the Western way of entertaining involves the creation of a viscerally stimulating experience - one that I have come to admire and appreciate.

An assortment of colorful Indian delicacies served in basic white serveware.

"Dinner is not what you do in the evening before something else. Dinner is the evening" ~ Art Buchwald

Hosting a party means putting several elements together - the food, the beverages, the table scape, the music, and the people. While it sounds simple enough, cohesively bringing the said elements together involves scrupulous planning, effort and preparedness. Entertaining is not only about cooking a meal and feeding your guests - it is about creating a palpable experience with a harmonious medley of ingredients - the aroma of food and flowers, the ambience created by music and lights, interesting conversations and lots of laughter. And hence the reference to art.

Desserts anyone?

Throwing a good party takes time and if you are working outside the home it takes even more time! Given that my work days tend to be busy, I plan days in advance checking off one little thing at a time. Planning well and getting a head-start is a great way to trim costs. Prepping lets you do more at home and outsource less. A to-do list is your best friend and allows you to track all the little details. The chaos and frenzy leading up to the event can leave you worn out and frazzled. Therefore, I seek help when necessary. Cleaning your home, picking your serveware and tableware, cooking the dishes, setting the table, planning the decor - the tasks add up quickly! There are times when I wished I had my mother or my aunts around and that's when I turn to my girlfriends (thank god for them!). Remember entertaining is meant to be a pleasurable event!

A hand drawn elephant gracefully adorns the menu board

So, once you have the logistics down -it's time to party!

We recently hosted our American friends at home. The challenge of showcasing India through the food, desserts, decor and customs to an international audience was something I thoroughly relished. Collating the spices, the aromas and the textures for a non-Indian palate was a formidable but fun culinary exercise.

Fresh flowers in accent colors for an inviting feel

I used a base of solid white serveware to let the vivid colors of the food and decor pop. The food was served buffet style but prearranged seating around the table allowed for a more relaxed "sit-down" dinner. For the tablescape, I used white as the anchoring color with purple and fuchsia as accents. The dessert bar had a choice of two Indian desserts served in mini-flares and mini-bols for visual appeal. I also had a cake, just in case! Experience has taught me that contingency planning is key. I toyed with the idea of serving lassi but settled on a watermelon cooler punch keeping in mind the little guests of the day. The bright red beverage added just the right splash of color.

Watermelon cooler

I tied in all the different elements with one common denominator - the elephant. That's right! Nothing represents India with more sanctity than the mighty elephant. From Indra's Airavata to Lord Ganesha to Maharaja's sawari, elephants have gained notoriety as an Indian cultural symbol not to mention they are also a personal favorite! Yes, I collect elephants!

The bright red hand painted wooden elephant flanked by arabismo Morroccan glass serving as candle holders (more on that in another post!) looked resplendent as the buffet centerpiece . And lastly, my hand drawn elephants on the menu and the namaste sign board added a personal touch to the party .

Buffet centerpiece

My party was by no means perfect and it was never intended to be! But it was priceless, nonetheless - as a group of wonderful people gathered around my kitchen island to enjoy a home cooked meal and filled our home with warmth and laughter!

At Aalayam, we like to shine the spotlight on treasures that are unique to our homeland and today, I will be drawing your attention to my table linen in a beautiful block print fabric.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" ~ Leonardo Da Vinci

There is nothing more simple and sophisticated than block print fabrics. An ancient textile imprinting technique, block printing is done by artisans in rural India and these handmade fabrics are perfect inspite of their imperfections!
The symmetry of the ornate motifs adds drama and detail and makes these fabrics a great home decor accessory and more recently a global design trend. In a provencal (?) and paisley pattern my place mats and napkins are cheery and compatible with the spring weather.

Buy block print and keep this artistic textile making technique alive and infuse your home with a chic sensibility! Check out Apartment therapy's feature on the Indian block print fabric.

That's it for today folks!

Be merry, live well and savor your Srikhand!

Recipe for Srikhand from here!

Cheers!
Deepa

All images are from my home and copyrighted! Please ask before using.

p.s: Thanks to turmericnspice for helping me plan the menu!

It is often rare to find a friendship that transcends decades of life’s milestones …that shares common aspirations and passions…and forges such a strong bond, that two people seem like parts of the same whole. It is one such friendship that led me to this Home Tour! The story of the friendship of Rashmi and Sushma.

Rashmi wrote to me from Hong Kong one day -“Suppi..the Aalayam feature on Sridevi’s house was awesome! That gave me an idea..I have a friend in Texas, who has just bought and done up her house beautifully…painstakingly collected pieces. I was wondering if her home could be featured on your blog?”.

And my answer to Rashmi was a resounding Yes!!! Not only was I humbled at her feedback about Aalayam, I considered it a privilege to bring to our readers a poignant story about two friends who have grown up together, and are sharing their everyday lives with such zing, color and passion, even though separated by tens of thousands of miles!

Rashmi even wrote a blurb about Sushma’s home –

"Madhurageethe" in Austin, Texas, is a beautiful home named after Ramesh's and Sushma's loving mothers respectively. It is a haven built in 2012. Sushma likes to keep things simple, elegant, functional and Indian. The living/family room is their favorite place to hang out in their home. A touch of easy-to -maintain greenery sprinkled around the home keeps Sushma’s green thumb satisfied and adds a live energy to every room. Warm and vibrant colors are her type and she loves to keep moving things around in her home, cushion covers change to brighten up the room according to the season. These pictures were taken in Fall of last year, as you can probably see from the light streaming into her rooms!”

Thank you Rashmi, for introducing Aalayam to Madhurageethe. Maybe we can tempt you to share pictures of the corners from your home on Aalayam sometime. That is what Aalayam is all about, sharing glimpses of real people, their spaces and their inspirations. And this story touched our heart.

Let’s hear from the home owners themselves..about how they have brought INDIA home!

We (Ramesh and Sushma) are basically hard core 'Bangaloreans'-Simple and Cosmopolitan. Yet we are very 'Indian' in whatever we do-be it our way of life, the food we eat and the home we live in :)

We moved to Austin in 2007 and lived in an apartment till 2011. We eventually fell in love with the City and wanted to buy our home here, simply because it was so culturally close to the Bangalore we LOVE. Then began our home search…we looked for about 6 months to find the right kind of a house, not too big, not too small and not “over the top”. After a couple of compromises, we eventually settled for this one. We were lucky to have at least a couple of things the 'Karnataka' way-we did a traditional 'Bhoomi Puje' or the ground breaking ceremony, and then when the house was built and ready, we did our own private 'Gruhapravesha' :). Private because, the 'Muhurtha' fell on a working day when all of our dear friends were at work !! The priest doubled as our photographer :) which was actually interesting because he was clicking pictures from our mobile phone as and when he was saying the 'mantras'- amusing nevertheless!!

Since we knew we would move in after Christmas 2011, I began looking at all the Thanksgiving sales and the Christmas clearance stuff. We got some very nice buys from World Market (the lovely daybed, coffee table, dining chairs) and they were kind enough to store it in their warehouse till our house was ready. So, like a true Indian, I am very proud to say that I managed to shop on a budget and yes stick to it :) Like this dining table - The dining table is from a local Indian design store in Austin and so is the 'Sandooku' atop the table. The table is made of mango wood and encases an old door from rural India. I keep 'adike' and 'saunf' in the 'Sandooku'.

This absolutely stunning 'Buddha' was the first housewarming gift I got from my best buddy-Rashmi. She got it custom made from a local artist in Hong Kong and it arrived via UPS just days before my house warming. It beautifully adorns the entrance to the master bed room.. :) I love it !!!!

I did majority of the furniture shopping here, in the USA, however, I was looking at some accessories for the house. Although I did find some at Pier One and of course World Market, I really wanted some stuff from back home. So, we went to India in the summer of 2011 and I spent all of my 3 weeks-SHOPPING :)

Hopping from one emporium to another, from one exhibition to another with my in-laws and my mom in tow…we had to just soak up all the time together!!!! The trip was extremely tiring but I found such nice pieces-like the beautiful Saraswathi statue, the endearing 'Kalamkari-Krishna', the crisp 'Kora' painting…Colorful, cottony bedspreads from 'Desi', those beautiful trinkets….aww want to go back again right now-Sigh :)

This is the Kalamkari- Kalinga Mardhana. I am still hunting for that perfect color on the wall which would highlight this beautiful piece of art. I picked this up from India at one of the exhibitions...

This Kathakali painting that I got as a housewarming present from my darling Brother in Bangalore...

It has been about a year now in our new house. Its 'Austin-TX' outside my front door but inside the house-It screams INDIA :)

All, I can now say is..Way to go Sushma and Ramesh!! You have truly brought INDIA home! Thank you for letting us into your home and your heart.

Love,

Supriya

Hello dear readers! Today, I bring to you images of another room from our home and this room belongs to the youngest member of our family - my 9 yr old son. An Aalayam reader wrote to us asking for a feature on kids room decor and this post has been brewing for a while now. As I have said before, I am no design expert and during the day, I am a physician helping patients. I dabble in design and decor experiments simply for the joy it brings. I will share my experience decorating my son's room in the hope that it will inspire your own decor projects.

This project entailed working with a real client who had tough expectations and very specific requirements and quite honestly, it freaked me out! From the word go, we disagreed! Creative difference of opinion with your 9 yr old is no fun!

I envisioned a bright and colorful room which would set the stage for fantasy, merriment and many childhood crusades! So, when he said "Mom, I want the walls to be gray" - I almost fell off my chair! Really? A somber gray?
However, my little one had a clear vision and he knew what he wanted and I wasn't going to argue with that. After all, this was a joint project and I wanted to design a space that was an expression of his personality.

I already had furniture for his room from our previous house and so we only had to work out a few other details like bedding and accessories. Fairy simple, right? Well, almost… barring the few kinks along the way but in the end it was well worth the effort!

Let me start with the furniture. I bought all the furniture back in 08 when he was 5 yrs old and had just outgrown his baby/toddler stuff. I wanted furniture that would last through his growing years yet be kid friendly and age appropriate for his pre-teen years. Basic black seemed to fit the bill. I opted for queen size and reasoned I could accommodate guests in his room in a crunch situation. Our guests did not seem to mind the kid's decor so long as they had a comfortable bed to sleep on and so, it has worked out well in the past! Plus on a cold winter afternoon at least a half dozen kids pile up on the soft and cozy bed for a round or two of board games and the adult sized furniture is a definite bonus then! Five years later, we still love the black furniture!

On the flip side, finding queen sized kid's bedding has been hard! Most bedding sets for children come in a twin or a full size and if you are looking for a particular color or theme, it makes it that much harder with queen sized furniture - just a warning!

Once the walls were painted, the room looked gorgeous in gray. We talked about our color palette next and he wanted yellow bedding. No particular theme, just yellow bedding. Yellow and gray - that's trendy! Now we are talking, I said to myself!

Unfortunately, our search for the perfect yellow bedding took us nowhere! They were either too fancy or too pricey! So, we decided to go with plan B and that's how we ended up with the striped red bedding. Just basic red and white stripes - in the right fabric and texture. This seemed appropriate and functional for a little boy's room.

With neutral colors like gray and black anchoring the room, the red bedding adds the right amount of style quotient that this room needs. The large window on the south end allows for some great views on the outside and slowly the room was shaping up nicely on the inside as well. The end goal was not to create a perfect space but to have a space where he can work, play, shoot some hoops, play some violin, explore, be creative and have fun as the magic of childhood unfolds!

I have always wanted my child to have an appreciation for beauty and structure. And collaborating on this project was a fun way to see him appreciate design and make insightful comments and intuitive choices.

Every kid's room needs some fun elements - ours came in the form of a wheel clock, wall accents, a basketball hoop and a sign that reflects my son's sense of humor.

These elements make this room a happy place and I hope will one day help my son to fondly remember his childhood. I wanted to keep the decor non-fussy and had to hold myself back from going overboard.

And lastly, the storage or the big dilemma! You can NEVER have enough storage and the pictures don't tell the full story. The nightstand with drawers, the cubbies and shelves help to store books, toys, games, school and art work but not entirely.

The remainder is stored in the closet and the clothes are housed in a big armoir. We have a ton of books that are stacked in different areas of the house and that helps!

So, there you go - a little boys room! Some planning, a checklist, my child's bright-eyed enthusiasm, and our combined creative energy was all it took to create this lively place in our home! Thank you honey for letting me share your room with our readers! We still have a couple of minor projects pending including framing some of his artwork but for now we enjoy lying on the bed and looking at the moonlight streaming in through the large window at night!

While we are on the subject of childhood and happy memories let me ask you a question. What is your favorite childhood memory?Mine involved being transported to an enchanting imaginary world where characters from mythology and folklore came to life...
hint :

Got it ? Well, watch this space, dear readers, for a spotlight feature on ACK sometime in the coming months!
I will sign off for now and as always we love your feedback, comments & requests.

Cheers!
Deepa

P.S: Please note that all images are from my home, taken by my husband and subject to copyright.

Welcome to the weekend dear readers!!

Deepa and I have a fantastic surprise in store for you! We are planning something really awesome for nextweek for all of you and your friends!

This poster gives you an inkling of what's to come, so wait with bated breath, there is a gorgeous, true blue Aalayam style giveaway waiting for you!

What do you need to do to be eligible for the grand giveaway, you ask? Well, stay tuned for next week's post to read about the eligibility criteria and to look at the exciting lineup of India Circus products we are showcasing. Think of it as mind pleasing eye candy and a chance to win a gorgeous prize!! I for one, cannot wait for next week...

Now, on to this week's post! For this post, Deepa and I worked together, so you will see corners and floral inspirations from both our homes, and scribbling from both our inkwells...so..here goes!

A gorgeous brass accent complements a jewel tone vase - Deepa's home.

Have you stopped at the grocery store lately? The first thing you notice is the pretty blooms that are on display both inside and outside the store. The spring season is nature's tribute to life! And there's nothing like fresh flowers to infuse life and zing into your living space! Decorating with fresh flowers is probably one of the oldest and simplest universal home decorating techniques.

Whether they are yellow flowers in a purple glass vase that compliment the yellow and purple jute braided pillows or tender coral roses that kiss the blue and white Moroccan vase in a zen bed room, flowers add elegance and glamor to your space!

A mood fix for sure - a zen reading nook - Supriya's home!

Fresh flowers are an instantaneous color and textural fix not to mention a mood fix! There is something undeniably blissful about a bunch of pretty flowers. Actually, there is something divine about the whole process of buying /picking flowers, cutting them, pairing them with the right vase, arranging them and finding a corner of your home that is perfect for those flowers - it is the simple things that bring you the most joy, after all!

A book basket, a lamp and a couch - A Serenity corner from Supriya's home!

Flowers are the most versatile decor accessories that blend in seamlessly with any decor style - ethnic Indian or rustic chic or casual country or simple elegance.

You never go wrong with fresh flowers!

Speaking of rustic chic, look how effortless, the delicate coral roses look hobnobbing in a vintage watering can!

Finding ways to reuse, recycle and refurbish jars, cans and containers of interesting shapes and sizes, not only is a green thing to do, it adds that element of drama and interest to any living room, study or bedroom!

Flowers are a staple feature for all of our festive tablescapes . Deepa recommends going in for the abundance of a lush bouquet and at other times, settling for the striking form of a single stem.

Either way, adding some blooms is a great budget friendly way to create visual interest!

Deepa and I both like playing around with patterns, motifs and colors to create different vignettes in sprightly hues and bold patterns.

Home decorating is all about creating a space that inspires us to live our best life.

Bohemian colors and patterns are married together harmoniously - Deepa's home

Flowers not only add beauty but also a live energy and vitality to the space. Fresh flowers make everyone happy! Pairing floral arrangements with accents that you already own is a simple and easy way to buff up a living space.

Look how the dramatic black and white two -toned vignette or the mishmash of random colors and patterns thrown together is adding oomph to the decor!

Who said Black is boring! - A two toned vignette from Deepa's home!

Men, who are reading this post with your ladies, please remember, the staid tulips, or the cheerful zerbera daisies, the exotic lilies, the cheeky carnations, or even the dainty roses..all are sure fire ways of winning your ladies' affection, over and over again. And a redeeming way to a no girls allowed TV or golf weekend!!

Gorgeous tulips add drama to a modern family room - Supriya's home!

So, dear readers, we leave you with these floral inspirations for your living space and to brighten your day! And do not forget about the Grand Aalayam Giveaway next week!!! You deserve to win and we are rooting for you!

Love,
Supriya and Deepa!

So, what comes to mind when you think of Indian decor ? Vibrant colors, dark wood tones, ornate motifs, intricate details, handicrafts ? How about quirky, contemporary and chic accents with a hint of ethnic India? Mixing functional decor elements with a global vibe and incorporating a touch of India is in! Modern design sensibility calls for a marriage of traditional and contemporary and the India Circus team has recognized and accomplished this with their gorgeous array of products.

In their own words, "India Circus seeks to curate the essence of life in India, and transcribe this loud and colorful experience into contemporary and sophisticated style. From luminescent lamps to totes a la mode, we have a lot to offer for various corners of your life! The vibrancy of the colors combined with the nuanced heritage of the designs makes each piece created at India Circus exceptional. All of our creations offer sophistication with a dash of 'Indian-ness,' without draining your wallets "

Home is where the heart is - a place where we grow roots and make memories! We call our homes a sanctuary and a haven. We add little touches to make this space our very own and invest a lot of thought and effort in this process. At Aalayam, we like to bring you inspirations for your home and life and today we shine the spotlight on India Circus as a tribute to contemporary Indian design.

Here is Supriya's take on the products offered by India Circus -

"Home accents or accessories are a cost effective and easy way to add color, whimsy and glamour to your living or working space. Like this wire stool for instance. What a fabulous way to add that touch of interest to a room! It is paired inventively with the block print magazine bin! Perfect for a serenity nook full of good reads! The stool is multi-functional too, need a spot to place your coffee mug? Just grab it close to you. Got one guest too many in your impromptu dinner party? Pull up the stool my friend!

When we lived in an apartment, I had my own studio which I used to freelance from. This was a nook that I had decorated to my fancy, with quirky accessories that I had unearthed during my antiquing adventures or had picked up during my travels, much to my husband’s chagrin! Very like the exotic laptop sleeve and the rickshaw motif cushion covers showcased here! These accessories definitely would be sure-fire culture conversation starters with my clients!

Whenever I travel for work or for pleasure, I always incorporate some “India-inspired” accessories into my ensemble. Of course! Be it a vibrant clutch, a capricious tote, or even a funky umbrella. What better way to add my own personality into my outfit? After all, I cannot speak to everyone I meet, yet, I can communicate that I am a girl with some fierce opinions! Speaking of umbrellas, in my home, I have a caddy full of fun and vivacious umbrellas at the entryway. So, rain or shine, me and my guests are prepared to meet the quirks of nature!"

Supriya and I have our favorites at India Circus. Make a trip to their online store. We urge you. Who knows what you might find? There's many stops on this decorating journey, let India Circus be your next one!

Aalayam is 45 posts old! We are now a close - knit family of 104 and for this, we consider ourselves blessed! We wanted to pause and thank you for making this such a wonderful experience for Supriya and me. We teamed up with India Circus to host a giveaway - if it were up to us, we would send a little something to all of you but that is not be. However, one of you will take home this wonderful product that Supriya and I lovingly picked.

for more details on this gorgeous tray click here

This gorgeous tray with the crimson paisley motifs and the darling blue birds! Don't you love it?

To be eligible to win this gorgeous tray, pick an option, follow the steps and leave a comment on this post saying which option you selected. Remember, every option has two actions, that you MUST complete to win!

Option 1 -"Join this site" (click the widget on the right of this site) to become a member of the Aalayam family and follow IndiaCircus on Facebook, leave a comment on IndiaCircus page picking your favorite IndiaCircus product

Option 2 - If you already are a member of Aalayam, refer Aalayam to your friends, so they can become members,and follow IndiaCircus on Facebook, leave a comment on IndiaCircus page picking your favorite IndiaCircus product

Option3 - If you are a blogger, blog about this giveaway and leave us a link to your post and follow IndiaCircus on Facebook, leave a comment on IndiaCircus page picking your favorite IndiaCircus product

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post telling us which Option (1, 2 or 3) you chose, so we know you did what you had to do to win this gorgeous tray!!

For more details on this gorgeous tray click here

The giveaway is open to readers based in the United States and India till May 17th, 9 pm Eastern Time (US). If you live elsewhere, you can still enter provided you give us a shipping address in the United States or India (consider entering on behalf of a friend or family member) and the winner will be announced on the 24th.

And stay tuned for more India and more inspirations!

Cheers!
Deepa

p.s: All images are copyrighted by India Circus.

Hello dear Aalayam family!

The Aalayam authors want to extend a warm welcome to all our new members! Welcome to the fold! Remember to spread the word, if you will, about the Grand Aalayam Giveaway! The contest is still open!!

Today's topic is about Indian superheros - Hindu mythology's contribution to legendary characters with superhuman abilities and/or magical powers, wearing distinctively cool costumes, having magnificent personalities, and placed on the earth to primarily fight against evil forces.

I am going to keep the tone of this post deliberately cheeky, non religious and non pedantic. These are my views alone and DO NOT represent the teachings or representations of Hindu religion. So, with that out of the way, here goes! I have used the images from Sanjay Patel's whimsical book on Hindu Deities in this post, purely because I think the pictures are so cute and represent these "larger than life" heroes with so much sauce!

Growing up, my grandmother used to fascinate me with stories about these superheroes - Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna and all the cool avatars these dudes used to manifest themselves into. The ladies got a mention too occasionally - Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Sita - well, what can I say, gender discrimination was not so outrageous back then!

Just like fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm, my grandmother's tales used to mesmerize me with the contrast between the good guys (the legion I continue to talk about through this post!) and the bad guys! (they don't get a mention, although if I must, Duryodhana is my favorite - talk about loyalty!)

(note the reproductive symbolism via the Lingam, that depicts power!)

Animals are an integral part of the support system to these superheroes. Whether as means of transportation, avatars to address world emergencies or trusted confidantes. This glorification of animals (and ergo - vegetarianism, for the most part) stems from the belief that God (Universal good for the atheists) resides in all living creatures. Krishna and the docile cow, Vishnu and Shiva's king cobra, Kartikeya's glorious peacock, Rama and the loyal monkey or Durga's valiant tiger, all creatures great or small, have their place in this legion of superheroes! (all these superheros get a one page dedication in Patel's book, please do read!)

Female empowerment is synonymous in our mythology with benevolence, harmony, fertility (yes, yes..hold on to your skirts!) power and balance!

Whether it is Mahadevi, who appears as bloodthirsty, evil relinquishing warriors like Durga or Kali...or as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity and happiness.. or as Saraswathi, the epitome of knowledge and the arts, all these accomplished ladies reign supreme in establishing a strong foundation of good and proper, and if necessary, powerful and unrelenting, to people who depend on them! A boilerplate for the modern day woman right?

Now, on to the wives and mommies. What is a great superhero, without a supportive partner he can rely on to keep the home-fires burning huh? Parvati, aka Uma, Gauri and Shakti is symbolic of unflappable commitment to her husband, Shiva, and her unwavering devotion to her children Ganesha (the elephant headed dude) and Kartikeya (of the peacock fame).

And of course, who can forget Sita, the quintessential honorable wife, who was banished because her chastity was questioned, although empires were destroyed to protect it! In Patel's words, Sita's martyrdom to her duty, as a steadfast and faithful wife has left a profound legacy.

Now for the modern day parenting conundrum! I am sure all of you face this with your kids as well. How do I expose my kids to the spiritual and austere aspects on these superheros, Gods, deities however you want to think of them, in a western society, without stepping too deep into the religious manifestations and interpretations? How do I make the core message - "triumph of good over evil", and make that relevant to the everyday challenges my kids face at work, at play and at life's sandbox!?

We sure have some awesome examples. Our legion of superheros and heroines, have set the stage of model behavior (some behaviors are suspect as well, trust me, diabolical politicking, disloyal abandonment, manipulation for world good etc..) hey, but that's where individual and parental judgement come in! Isn't that right?

I leave you with a cool image of Nataraja, the dancing king, who vanquished evil with some seriously cool dance moves! Nataraja's cosmic dance symbolizes the balance between creation, preservation and destruction, in a way, urging us, everyday heroes to hold our responsibilities, actions and reactions in stylish equilibrium!

Love,

Supriya

Disclaimer: All images are reproduced and reimagined from the Little Book of Hindu Deities and copyrighted to the author Sanjay Patel. This is a blog post inspired by the illustrations in the delightful book and is to be considered as the Aalayam author's opinion on Indian mythology . No part of this article represents the views of Sanjay Patel or of the Hindu religion.

We are at the home stretch of the India Circus giveaway! Remember, the contest ends tonight (17th) at 9 pm Eastern US, if you havent already signed up - now is your chance! After, you've picked your option , please leave us a comment on the post - you are eligible only if you have left us a comment after completing the steps! Good luck! The winner will be announced on the 24th.
Please go here to participate.

Today's feature - A backyard soiree in pink!

The trellis is used as a focal point!

Well, this was actually a bridal shower that I hosted in honor of a dear friend recently. However, since I did not know much about bridal showers or hosting one before this, I planned a garden soiree in PINK - figured I couldn't go wrong with that! Pink is a great color to celebrate love and the romantic union of two hearts and it set the direction for this intimate soiree that involved an adorable bride and a few of her friends. So, read on..

A hand drawn bride and groom for a personalized touch!

The tradition of celebrating bride-to-be with a dedicated event traces back to 16-17th century Netherlands (source). Bridal showers have been a pre-wedding cultural courtesy in the United States since the 1890s. Modern day showers range from simple soirees to flamboyant fares (the Martha Stewart kind!).

Building on the PINK theme!

Our shower purported to allow the bride to pause and imbibe all the pre-wedding excitement. The chaos and frenzy that is so integral to INDIAN wedding preparations often casts a dizzy spell and warrants a relaxing break. We picked a weekend in May and got a group of friends together. Laughter, fun and raising a toast to love was our main goal. We threw in some pink and some pom poms, that's all!

An intimate setting with a big impact!

Here's what I learnt (from various www sources) about bridal shower etiquette in the lead-up:

- The maid of honor or one of the bridesmaids hosts the event typically in their home.
- Etiquette calls that the bride's family - mom, mom-in-law not host the event!
- It is essentially a get-together to shower bride-to-be with gifts, love and attention.
- The bride, in turn, thanks the hostess with a gift.
- It is usually planned as an afternoon event, 4-6 weeks prior to the wedding and usually after the invitations are sent out.

Wishes...

I like to plan my events ahead of time but this one just crept up on me. I intended to host the shower since the time her wedding date was finalized (many moons ago). With conflicting on-call schedules, getting the group together turned out to be harder than I imagined and eventually, I gave up on the planning. Miraculously, we found one weekend when most of us were available and it happened to be THAT weekend! No worries, breathe easy- I told myself! It can be done!

Enjoying the outdoors ...yet again!

With one enthusiastic bride in tow (I know, I know - bad etiquette!), I made a few quick stops - flowers, cake, decorations - all in a few hours span! We argued, disagreed and negotiated about the look and feel of the soiree. But we agreed on PINK! The girls graciously pitched in with the food and the punch and wore pretty dresses and perfect smiles! We lounged in my backyard enjoying the gorgeous spring weather! All in all - it was a merry affair, one that I am positive our bride-to-be will cherish forever. The shower was a great way to incorporate a tradition from her adopted country into her wedding saga before she heads home for traditional Indian nuptials.

The shower ensemble matched the bride's chirpy personality and included brilliant hued pompoms, paper lanterns in a dainty pink, gorgeous asiatic lilies, an adorable pink plant holder, pink striped paper straws (yes!), wishing tree made of willow branches , the PERFECT cake and many more chic details which even Aphrodite would have appreciated!

Savoir-faire details!

The girls take home a tiny token of love...almond candy!

Putting it together was an absolute blast and yet another experience that I will fondly remember. I wish my friend Vaishali and her groom Ashwin, a lifetime of happiness….

Aalayam shines the spotlight on the American Bridal Shower - a cultural more that celebrates a bride as she stands on the threshold of a new life!

Sigh! The wishing tree in willow branches.

How to create this look:
1) Choose 2 primary colors for your setting, if you must, add an accent color - in this case, I opted for pink and basic white . Notice, I chose different shades and hues of pink, to add a 3 dimensional effect.
2) I kept my willow branches for the wishing tree particularly long (see 1st pic)to add visual interest and to keep the eye moving from the table decorations to the trellis decorations
3) Mix in some personalized elements (hand written signs are great!) with the store bought decorations to create your very own custom arrangements
4) Stay away from tacky banners, paper centerpieces, faux floral arrangements!
5) If you have to stick to a theme - remember, less is more! In this case, the bride sign on the trellis, the hand drawn bride and groom and the card stock paper with wedding words were our only wedding themed accessories.
6) Don't be afraid to use stuff you already own - if it is the right color, it will work! Case in point-my pink elephant and the candle holders!
7) And lastly, fresh flowers, fresh flowers, fresh flowers!

Please join us next week to find out who won the gorgeous India Circus tray and we will be talking COLOR!

Cheers!
Deepa
p.s: All the images are from my backyard and taken by my husband. Please ask before using!

Supriya and I are color connoisseurs. No, we don't keep track of runway trends or designer predictions for hot home decor colors but we are inherently enthusiastic about color and we have both incorporated color in our homes with confidence and today's post is all about that.

A colorful vignette from Supriya's home

But first, the winner of our giveaway - I know, you've all been waiting excitedly and so have we..

Congratulations Preety - you are the winner of Aalayam's first giveaway!!!!

Preety, please email us your mailing address to aalayaminspiration@gmail.com so we can work on mailing your gorgeous tray. Congratulations again Preety!

And once again, thank you to all the participants for making this giveaway that much more exciting!

Now back to our post on weaving color into your life and space…Please head over to Nayana's Cherish Dream Live to read the rest of this post!.

Nayana is an Indian home decor blogger from New jersey and we love her blog and her motto. She writes for Cherish Dream Live and believes "It's all about Cherishing yesterday, dreaming about tomorrow and living for today" We teamed up with Nayana and we are guest authoring at her blog today.

What you will find at Nayana's is some great DIY features, good photography and more that will make you want to visit her blog repeatedly.

A colorful vignetter from Deepa's backyard!

Hope you enjoy this post on Color love!

And as always, we would love to hear your feedback. Leave us a comment sharing your thoughtsand opinions. We are also interested in knowing if there are any special topics you would like us to feature on Aalayam. Please write to us!

Cheers!
~ Deepa and Supriya

Dear Aalayam family!

Onward we go..humbled by your love, support and reassurance - We are on the anvil of our 50th post!! Deepa and I take a moment to say THANK YOU!! We love the creative process that goes on in our minds and through our inkwells to bring gorgeous and much loved features for Aalayam, and YOU are a huge part of it! So THANK YOU!

What is any momentous event without some food eh? So, in continuation of the popular series of house hold spices and their curative properties, we introduce the Quintessential Coriander in....

SpiceRackRemedies!
What our kitchen counter might hold, to cure what ails us.

Coriander seeds reign supreme in Indian households, used as the primary spice to flavor curries and stews. Photo courtesy - Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook.

Coriander (known as cilantro in its herb form) is a powerful bacteria fighter. The oil from coriander seeds destroys dangerous cells by damaging their membranes and interfering with cellular respiration. This process is effective in wiping out strains of E.coli and salmonella. Coriander, like many spices, contains antioxidants, which can delay or prevent the spoilage of food seasoned with this spice. Coriander has also been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia.

My personal recipe book full of handwritten treasures from around my family!

Coriander seeds are used in traditional Indian medicine as a diuretic by boiling equal amounts of coriander seeds and cumin seeds, then cooling and consuming the resulting liquid. In holistic and traditional medicine, it is used as a carminative and as a digestive aid (Now, as a mommy who has given her daughters Woodwards Gripe Water for many a tummy ache situation, I can vouch for that!). Does that ring a bell? Most of Amma's family recipes had coriander, no wonder our tummies are so healthy and strong! Don't you think?

Coriander seeds were found, in a study on rats, to have a significant lowering of levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein. This effect appeared to be caused by increasing synthesis of bile by the liver and increasing the breakdown of cholesterol into other compounds.

It is no wonder that, most of us who have been consuming coriander in Rasams, Sambars, Puliyogare, Curry and other delectable Indian dishes find the curative properties of coriander familiar and oddly reassuring! And when combined with the "hot" pain killing, blood pressure reducing and blood circulation boosting properties of the Indian Red Chili, they very well might lead the way as the spicy dynamic duo of disease fighting!

Red Chillies with curative capsacin are a staple spice combination with coriander . Photo courtesy - Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook.

Now, lets prepare something comforting and familiar with these spices shall we? And make coriander the star of the show? How many of you know of and have enjoyed the tangy confluence of sweet and spice, lending itself to decorate many a South-Indian platter - Puliyogare?

Puliyogare ( puḷi "sour" + ogara "rice" is a South Indian rice preparation served during festive occasions served in temples in abundant quantities in organic cups and plates made of dried leaf! Puliyogare is also known as puḷihora ("sour rice" in Telugu) or pulinja in Tamil, and tamarind rice in English.

Turning the pages of my recipe book...with handwritten recipes from my Amma and Nana.

Puliyogare is traditionally made using cooked rice mixed with tamarind juice, peanuts, coriander, coconut, red chili, curry leaves, jaggery, pepper, mustard seeds, fenugreek, turmeric, asafoetida, urad dal, and cumin. It is a staple during festivals such as Ganesha Chaturthi and Diwali or any other ceremonious occasion.

Wonderful recipes for Puliyogare and Puliyogare Gojju (the zesty sauce to be mixed with rice for instant gratification!) can be found dime a dozen on the internet! So, I encourage you to try your own version today!!

Black Pepper seeds add that serious smoky bite to most South Indian dishes. Photo courtesy - Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook.

Puliyogare is particularly known to be a specialty of the Iyengars community, and some of the best Puliyogare is made using my Amma's recipe for it!

As I sit leafing through the recipe book, remembering fondly the lunch boxes with Karnataka style and Andhra style Puliyogare...."peppering" in my school and college days with fond memories..my friends vying for "Dabba swap" whenever I had Puliyogare for lunch.....I sigh..as I strive to ensure that the joys of these traditional menu items may not be lost with my generation..Hope my kids find my recipe book valuable one day..that captures the hand-written love passed on from one generation to another...

The Classic Puliyogare - a mouthwatering must in a South Indian meal!

I remember the day when my best buddy and I had copious amounts of Puliyogare with glasses of wine to accompany our Sex and the City marathon on TV! Wow - what a combination and what fun!!

Do you have any fond food stories like this that make you smile? Memories so intertwined with your taste buds that whenever you eat a certain dish, positive associations come flooding back? Hope this spicy story was a good read for you! It definitely was a comforting walk down the memory lane for me!

Love,
Supriya

We are fifty posts old! The number brings with it a milestone and a lot of pride! Our journey has only just begun and yet it seems right to pause for a moment and address this number. Hello FIFTY!

To see Aalayam evolve into something beyond a mere idea that Supriya and I shared brings much happiness. Personally, it is also a guilty pleasure! On many weekend nights, I silently peel myself away from my family and retreat into the quiet recesses of my study to work on a blog post. What joy it is too! I feel blessed to have a platform to express my artistic side! Aalayam speaks to our love of writing as well and often our posts are wordy but if you linger long enough you will see that we write from our heart and consistently bring a lot of passionate energy into our posts. Supriya and I have a robust pipeline with all kinds of beautiful inspirations waiting to be shared and we hope you will stay with us as the next phase of Aalayam unravels.

Fellow bloggers - thank you for letting us bounce ideas with you and for inspiring us, friends and family - thank you for cheering us from the sidelines and dear readers - thank you for propelling us on!

And because the golden 50 deserves a golden post - I will shine the spotlight on Tanjore paintings - an Indian art form with glittering gold! How about that?

An ethnic vignette brings in some traditional splendor to our home

A shopping stop many years ago took me and my husband to a busy street full of art retailers in Chennai, India. We were novice art collectors back then but somehow we had set our heart on acquiring a Tanjore painting - that was our mission that sweltering afternoon. Baggage and weight restrictions implied we could only buy one maybe two art pieces and therefore the challenge was to pick "the" perfect Tanjore painting among 1000s (yes, that street had several stores carrying atleast 100 paintings each!)

The central subject of the Tanjore painting is a Hindu God/Goddess. Since our acquisition did not have any religious motives, we went back and forth deciding on which deity would suit our decorative needs best. The discussion included the facial expression of the deity- a smile ranked higher than a somber expression (this was the extent of our art appreciation!) Also, in consideration were the finishes - classic or antique or embossed? Then came the colors - luckily, most paintings had the same vibrant color palette with subtle variations. Next, we talked about the frames - the wood, the carvings, the color and so on. My husband wanted to know more about the artists and engaged in detailed discussions on what went into the creation of the paintings. Each piece was uniquely defined by the skill and artistry of the creator. Then we talked about the guilding technique. Six hours later
(I kid you not!) we found ourselves deeply immersed in the fascinating world of Tanjore paintings. The shimmer and shine of the semi precious adornments mesmerized us as we browsed through several aisles worth of neatly stacked Tanjore paintings. Walking from one store to the next and then back to the first one, we channeled our combined enthusiasm towards finding "OUR" Tanjore painting. That day is vividly etched in my memory! Eventually, we narrowed our choices down to two paintings. We wanted to bring them both home. But with a heavy heart and a big sigh I left Venkateshwara behind and brought home our Mahalakshmi.

Vibrant hues, shimmering embellishments, artistic details - THE TANJORE PAINTING!

She has been with us since! Life has demanded several moves of us both for professional and personal reasons. Each move brings with it an annoying feeling of newness. However, the unfamiliarity of being in an unknown place dissipates the minute I hang my Tanjore paintings up. It feels like home again in an instant and such is the comfort that art work breeds. It is yours and it defines your space!

Another corner gets accesorized with art work -the ethnic kind!

Several sources trace this art form back to the 16th century (I know!!, that was a long time ago) and the art flourished under the patronage of the Nayakas of Madurai. If you hear the term Tanjavur Oviyam or Palagai Padam (plank painting) just nod your head knowingly now - they are referring to Tanjore paintings, that's all! For more on Tanjore paintings, over to Wiki.

Since that trip to Chennai, we have added another Tanjore painting to our collection. This one a gift from our dear friends D and K and depicts Krishna playfully serenading Radha on the Jhoola. This painting reminds us of our friendship and the good times spent together.

Krishna serenades Radha playfully in this rendition and it comes to life in gold foil!

Let me end with this quote. "Decorating Golden Rule: Live with what you love" ~ Unknown
…….and we live with our beloved Tanjore paintings - they are tied to fond memories and our ethnic heritage and make our home OUR HOME.

Do you like our spotlight series? Then I urge you to spend a minute browsing through our archives- we have already featured Warli and Terracotta and more!

Next up - a travel feature. Any guesses on where we are going?

Cheers!
~Deepa

p.s: All images are from my home and are copyrighted by Aalayam

Art gallery, Vancouver, BC

Supriya is on vacation this week and I thought we should all go on a vacation too! A virtual vacation albeit. We are going to Vancouver! I am afraid this will be a picture heavy and lengthy travelogue and therefore I will exclude the rest of British Columbia. However, I recommend that if you are planning a trip to Vancouver now or in the future, you include Whistler and Victoria in your itinerary. British Columbia is simply gorgeous - the sights will leave you spellbound!

On a family vacation back in 2010, we took over 1700 photographs (!) and to filter and distill, just a few, for this post was really hard as you can imagine. Here are a few postcards that capture the allure of Vancouver!

The city tourism website has a curated collection of quotes from different online and print resources which I will use throughout the post. The experts have succinctly captured the essence of the city in a few words!

All images used in this photo essay are taken by my husband. kindly write to me at aalyaminspiration@gmail.com before using.

The skyline as seen from Stanley Park.

Vnacouver Harbor shimmers under the night lights.

"You’re gorgeous, baby, you’re sophisticated, you live well...Vancouver is Manhattan with mountains. It’s a liquid city, a tomorrow city, equal parts India, China, England, France and the Pacific Northwest. It’s the cool North American sibling."– The New York Times

Vancouver by night!

Whistler!

"Vancouver is a city unlike any other. Wherever I look, I see water or mountains -- or both. And everyone looks so healthy."– The Daily Telegraph (UK)

Tourists queue up to see more of Vanouver's wonders!

The setting sun paints the sky with brilliant hues over the pacific ocean at English bay

A-MAZE-ING Laughter, 14 intriguing bronze statues at English Bay

"In winter, the heart of downtown [Vancouver] is 30 minutes from the ski slopes. In summer, sun seekers crowd its beaches and seaside promenades. And despite a rain-prone climate, it displays a perpetually sunny disposition. Consider it the supermodel of North American cities."– USA Today

Tourist buses and street artists - a common Vancouver phenomenon!

India in Vancouver

Granville Island - Urban market at its best!

"Vancouver is one of North America’s most under-rated tourist destinations. It is a modern, travel-friendly city with a unique mix of cultures. The relatively mild Pacific Northwest climate and an energetic restaurant and nightlife scene are other features that make this such an attractive city."– LowFares.com

Personally, the mountain-scape, the glistening water bodies, the cool mountain air, the crisp multi-cultural vibe, the extremely convenient public transport and the spectacular sights were the highlights. We planned this trip on a whim and without much forethought and were pleasantly surprised by what BC offered us and how easy it was to find our way around. We felt right at home! I came away with a longing to explore the rest of Canada.

With its global flare, international appeal and and a buzzling multicultural scene Vancouver makes the cut to be featured on Aalayam's Around the World series! Vancouver is not your run-of-the mill metropolis. There is a palpable vibrant energy at every turn!

Totem pole at Brockton point, Stanley Park - First nations artistry

Now, here's a few more postcards (from Victoria) this time! Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is very British in its roots and appeal. Quaint little tea rooms and antique stores abound. The city has much to offer its visitors.

This is probably where I found a slice of heaven on earth - the majestic Butchart gardens!

Beauty of the Butchart!

Paradise on Earth?

If I were to use adjectives to describe the beauty of this place, the ones that automatically come to mind are immaculate, pristine, impressive, stupendous - you get the drift... This place awakens one's senses like no other! The blooms, the butterflies and the birds - there is so much life and energy - it's ah-mazing!

And finally, the waterfront Victoria destination - the Inner Harbor! If you like to take a stroll, then there is no other place like Victoria's Inner Harbor. Architecturally impressive buildings, street musicians, ferry boats, plenty of photo points, food vendors - The Inner Harbor has it all!

Parliament building soaks up the evening sun by the Inner Harbor, Victoria, BC

There you go! Beautiful British Columbia brought to your doorstep by Aalayam. Hope you enjoyed this travelogue? Write to us if you are a traveler and would like to guest author and add to our bank of Around the World feature posts.

Cheers!
Deepa

We are switching gears! After our virtual vacation to the Pacific Northwest, we are heading to Gurgaon, India's real estate Mecca, for a home tour!

A sun dappled living room in merry colors!

Some of you are probably already familiar with our home owner today because she is also a blogger!

Meet Shalini Pereira of All Things Nice blog!

On her blog, Shalini writes…. "Hi there! Here's a little about me and my blog... I'm an Interior Designer and Architectural consultant by profession and run my own design firm, SPDA. Besides design, I am passionate about cooking, reading, traveling and writing. In my spare time I like to read or cook up a storm! When I'm not doing either, I like to blog about design, my experiences as a designer or my experiments in the kitchen. I call my blog All Things Nice, because, well it’s basically about everything I think is nice!"

I frequent Shalini's blog often. I like her blog. It is an easy read and she always has good literature accompanying her pictures. I also like how she draws attention to the architectural details in her home decor posts and I feel like I always learn something. The other day, I thought to myself "I wonder what her home looks like" and I wrote to her rather impulsively. And I am so glad I did because Shalini very graciously agreed to feature her beautiful home on Aalayam.

A pair of adorable elephants take centerstage on her coffee table- Shalini shares my love of elephants!

Shalini and her husband Abhishek live in a gorgeous home. When I saw the pictures, the immediate term that popped in my head was "New-Age India" and I am sticking with that. I think eclectic is so overrated, anyway! With a lot of ingenuity and diligence, they've converted their rental into a cozy and welcoming nest. In the main living/dining area, pops of vibrant hues merrily share the space with lighter shades and the whole ensemble is anchored together by a sublime olive green. It is a perfect retreat to spend a sunny Gurgaon afternoon.

A room that speaks for itself!!

Dressed in white and teal, the bedroom exudes a calming feel- just what the doctor ordered after a hard day's work!

Serenity is the mantra!

Shalini's professional acumen is evident in her harmonious use of interesting artwork, quirky curios and ethnic elements all in the same space for a cohesive pulled-together look! I love it!

A modern space + traditional Indian elements + chic western touches = New-Age India! I think Shalini and Abhishek have nailed this look to a tee! Don't you think?
Shalini and Abhishek's home is also a great lesson in creating a statement look with minimal but cleverly selected colors and accessories!

Form meets function in this stylish space!

Now, over to Shalini as she tells us more about how she has put a personal stamp on her place..

1) What makes your home "your home"?

I try and surround myself with things I love, or that have some special significance to me. So, my home is full of knick knacks that I have collected over the years, it may be a small curio that I picked up while traveling, or a picture that marks an important moment in my family’s life. I’d like to think of my home as a happy place, where people are always welcome and I think that’s reflected in the use of colors, artwork and odd knick knacks.

2) Does the decor in your home fit the bill for any one particular style - if so, what drove you to that style?

Firstly, we live in a rented apartment so it didn’t give us too much freedom in terms of really making it our own. If given the chance, there are several things I would change, such as the flooring- I would lay wooden floor boards over the dated marble flooring. Also the electrical fittings are not my favorite. But given the constraints, I am very happy with what we have done with the place, although it is still a work in progress. I don’t think that it fits perfectly into any particular style. I could only try and describe it as eclectic, with a little touch of the contemporary, a little Indian, but mostly a casual, happy place with a laid back feel.

Another view and equally beautiful!

3) Who calls the design shots in your home?

I’m an interior designer and my husband is a management consultant who is also one of the least artistic people I know. In fact he thinks grey, beige, brown and cream are all the same! So I guess I call all the design shots. But both of us have contributed to the home with small D.I .Y projects. For example, my husband and I painted the green walls in the house over a weekend. Our next project is painting our dining table chairs which we intend to paint in different colors.

4) How does your personal decor style influence your work professionally?
My personal decor style is very different from the homes I design for my clients. My home is casual and laid back, whereas most of my clients expect luxury, contemporary interiors that fit in with their lifestyle. I think my home will always be a work in progress, because it tells the story of our lives.

The aged look on the side board/buffet adds interest and drama!

5) What are your favorite places to shop for your home?
I don’t really have a particular place, but I do like FabIndia, Delhi Haat, Good Earth, Apartment 9. But I also get a lot of things from flea markets, craft fairs and local antique stores.

6) Where do you draw your online inspirations from - any favorite resources that you can share?
I love Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, We Heart It, Home Trends Magazine, Archdaily to name just a few.

Home is where the heart is!

I love featuring home tours on Aalayam. I think real life home owners have such great insight into the home making process - it really allows you to put things in perspective.

Home is where the heart is, after all!

Thank you Shalini and Abhishek for sharing your charming home with us and the readers of Aalayam.
Also, a special mention- Shalini's sister-in-law Ujwala Menon for capturing their home beautifully through her lens and making this photo tour possible. You can check out more of her work here.

And you can always find Shalini here!

Cheers!
Deepa

p.s: Supriya is back next week, yay! And psst psst, we have three decor posts lined up....

I had twins! I never expected that. I'd always been fascinated by the concept of twins. My best friend Hari, is a twin. And imagine my surprise and disbelief when the ultrasound tech, suggested that what she thought was an artifact in the scan, could very well be another baby!!

Whew - a whirlwind of emotions, mountains of diapers, and eons of sleepless nights later, my girls are almost four now and spouting opinions ranging from cool nail polish colors to ways to disagree with people without hurting their feelings! Ahem.

And, opinionated as they are, it is challenging to design a functional, stylish, captivating play and stay space for them...and still stay within budget!

Today's post is about designing a kids' room on a dime, and still letting the room grow with your kids!

Cheap and Easy ways to make your kids' room fun, educational and sustainable..

Bring in sustainable toys like this wooden animal set, use colorful pictures you found on the internet to adorn inexpensive wooden frames, use imaginative wall art...go crazy in your kids room!!

First of all, do NOT buy furniture for your kids room. Couple of reasons. You do not want to spend money on two cribs, two chest of drawers, two changing tables (one of each if you are having one baby) etc etc..AND risk your kids falling off the changing tables, or bumping into furniture or outgrowing the chest of drawers. In fact, when it comes to design, it is perfectly fine to be a little non-conformist. If the baby magazines and the HGTV shows are preaching for you to BUY stuff that your kids and you will definitely outgrow in size and style, then, don't listen to them.

That is why I did not buy also, the bottle warmers, boppy pillows, bouncers, rockers, walkers and a myriad of other baby stuff that clutter the baby stuff landscape and move to your garage in a jiffy!

This is what I did, I made the whole room floor level. The bed (our old queen mattress laid on the floor), the reading nook, the play area - so as infants learning to crawl, or as toddlers learning to walk, my girls always had a "level" playing field!! And now, as lil imaginative storytellers, they have their play nooks in different corners of their activity room (I am using our formal dining room as a day activity room for the kids) and bed room.

Plus, all the sitting down on the floor and getting back up again (think Padmasana folks!) while changing or dressing or playing with your baby(ies) is FANTASTIC exercise for the post-partum figure. No wonder I fit into my pre-preggers jeans 2 months after the girls were out. Ahem again!

Not investing in furniture has helped me keep my kids room fresh and timeless by constantly rearranging the layout of the room to suit my and my kids' fancy. A bunch of colorful carpets, tons of softscaping in the nature of toys, pillows, floor cushions and cozy blankets - Voila! You have a room to suit any child's fancy. It is important however to use a solid neutral for the wall color, so you don't outgrow the baby pastels as your lil ones get not so lil!

The only piece of furniture in the girls' room is an up-cycled book shelf, which I have got Dad to nail onto the wall. I have used colorful bins to line the shelves. In these bins I have put the girls' daily school clothes, toys, books and other essentials that they cannot live without. This shelf acts as a easy and functional way for me to store things outside of the designated closet.

Maybe, as the girls get older, I will invest in a solid study table. And two twin beds, with bold print and global fabric linen and softscaping to bring in that chutzpah!. I can dress up their room with a young adult flair - no princess and fairy themes for me please. And I will not have to worry about putting their bunker beds on Craigslist!!! :)

Now that we have the living arrangements figured out, lets talk about how we keep the girls engaged in our house, during the evenings, interminable weekends and the occasional sick days! And yes, and how YOU can create that play space to keep the creative juices flowing. Without having to turn on the TV!!

Theater puppet shows with handcrafted Winnie the Pooh puppets and some Circus friends thrown in!

Incorporating imaginative play into everyday fosters a creativity, improves kids' vocabulary, and of course keeps them off the couch! I swear by play acting, finger and sock puppets, dance and drama to keep my young uns positively preoccupied.

For the Winnie the Pooh tableau above, I used handcrafted finger puppets from Germany (thank you microbiologist sis!), conveniently used as props on paint brushes and Circus pals from IKEA, in a homegrown stage setting with some table napkins and chalk board!

p.s. I really wonder, how I would have raised kids without the friendly neighborhood IKEA!

Pre-school at home! Why not? Just get all the resources ready for everyday teachable moments!

We also make sure that our day room (also known as the activity room) is full of inspiration and incentive for these lil rascals to read, write, count and basically have tons of fun! Check out the abacus, the chalk board which also doubles up as a white board on the back, the wooden desk and chairs and loads of educational toys, which stimulate their tactile and cognitive learning.

And of course, don't forget to nurture the artist! You may have a budding Michelangelo in your own home! So, stock up on never ending supplies of paint brushes, paints, card stock paper, crayons and markers! We have spent many a rainy afternoon in our activity room journalling about what we saw in the garden that morning, or recreating scenes from "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Hansel and Gretel".

I want to share a cool idea that I have incorporated throughout our home, especially in the kids' rooms to showcase quirky toys and childhood accents. BASKETS!!!!! Mounted on the walls, they act as transient and eye catching shelving! And when you are ready to change the flavor of the room - this room you see above is actually a formal dining room, you have no major renovation or furniture moving necessary. And you have BONUS gorgeous baskets to add to your accent stash!! WIN WIN!

The next big ideas I am toying with for the kids' rooms are a chalkboard wall (think Starbucks coffee shops), and a miniature theater replete with retractable screens, spotlights and wings! I need to do it quick, before they outgrow the imaginative play stage!

In the meanwhile, I gotta lot of studying, learning and practice to do on the science of parenting. As I am sure you all agree, I am playing it by the ear at the moment. But, hey - whatever works right?!

Do share your parenting (and kids room design) conundrums! I would love to hear how you handled creating a functional, easy and educational space for your kid(s), while maintaining sanity, control and smiles!! Do tell!!

Love,

Supriya

A wide angle - to get us going!

Dimmer lights, surround sound, popcorn and a good game of poker - those are the buzz words for today's post!
Welcome to the next stop on my (Deepa's) home tour. Previously, I've taken you through our guest room and our little boy's room. Today, we are heading to our basement for a tour of our newly transformed catch all space - media + game lounge!

Chic accents = chic room!

We were lucky - the previous home owners had already finished a portion of the basement and so all we were left with was adding our personal touch. Even before I could say the word basement, my husband and son claimed this as their space! They were excitedly exchanging ideas and I didn't have the heart to interfere. However, I did stake claim to a closet in the basement. This sits underneath the staircase and has wall to wall shelving. It is a great space to store all my extra/seasonal home decor accessories and arts and craft supplies. This closet is now fondly referred to as the Aalayam closet and I love the utilitarian value of this closet! I will share a picture of this someday.

I digress. Back to the media room story...
Space planning for soon-to-be men's den began in earnest. A wet bar, a game and seating area and media station were all promptly assigned to their respective corners. This room was ENTIRELY designed by my husband and is unlike any other room in our house. The rest of our house is very global in its feel and Indian in its roots (courtesy moi). This room on the other hand as an All American feel - big on style, big on comfort!

Of course, with men being men, the room was first fitted with a projector and a big screen! That's right - a bare space with a big screen! I was probably the only one in the house who seemed to think that was odd. The boys lounged on the floor with a bag of chips, while the images came alive on screen aided by the surround sound and nothing else mattered! This went on for a few weeks.

But eventually, my husband got down to work and the space was outfitted with all the essential elements - furniture, art work, accessories, a rug, lighting and the finishing touches!. And it all began with a well conceived, budget-savvy plan! This was his project from start to finish and I must say, I am mighty pleased. An old breakfast table was repurposed as a table for poker nights.

The white accents were all gifts - reuse, repurpose, refashion!

A previously used media credenza was now positioned against the back wall as a storage unit for cords, cables, gaming console accessories, dvds and books. A few select accessories were used to dress this cabinet for a stylish yet clutter free look!

Mismatched accents work- don't be afraid to use what you have!

I love his choice of art work for the room - particularly this planked airplane from Pottery Barn! It sits comfortably above and across the length of the couch, grabs your attention and reflects my husband's love of travel. Perfect for his den! Tufted sofas are in and I knew he digs the tufted look but finding something that was appropriate for a media room was tricky and so, he was ecstatic when he found this tufted sectional. It is not too bulky, came in a gorgeous camel shade and has enough seating to allow for comfortable movie viewing.

Playing with a neutral color palette can be fun too!

The inherent acoustics of the room and well picked sound accessories enable a theater-like audio experience . We opted to add a screen instead of projecting the images directly on to the wall and this enhances the picture quality. We enjoy watching movies and games at home much more than heading to the movies and that has always been our thing. With a little planning and some effort we have recreated theater ambience right here at home!

The wet bar area was already painted in a gorgeous dull-red. A little sprucing up was all it took to make it ready for our guests!

Happy hour anyone?

Overall, the colors are cozy and calming leaning towards rustic and earthy. This is in stark contrast to the rest of our colorful home but works really well for this room!
My favorite in the room (and it was hard to pick) has to be the coffee table , the round shape adds visual interest and the jali style wood -work incorporates just a touch of India into this otherwise western room. I picked the coffee table accessories - a couple of gorgeous coral accents . They look great as a pair and combined with a reflective metallic tray they make an eye-catching arrangement!

Jali style coffee table + coral accents + metal tray = Vow?

In the Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan seductively quips "Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment" Let's admit it! We love our Bollywood movies! And their inherent entertainment value. After all, they are so integrally woven in to our cultural tapestry. For expats like ourselves, weekend trysts with Bollywood movies is not just an exercise in unwinding but also a surefire way of clinging to our native identity. With their glitzy and flamboyant fare, Bollywood cinemas have continued to entertain native audiences for over a century now and that includes us. To revel in the Bollywood pomp and show in the comfort of our American home and to spend a cherished evening with each other is something that we as a family truly enjoy and this room enables just that!

Unknowingly, life tends to creep up on us and take over at times! We lose sight of what's most important! And at those times we need to remind ourselves that snuggle-time with our families is as good as it gets!

Next weekend is movie date-night and I plan on showing up in my pajamas!

Hope you've enjoyed our tribute to American decor? Happy 4th folks!

We have a busy busy summer ahead of us - a fabulous food blogger's home tour is up next followed by a two-part spotlight feature on a phenomenal jewelry artist and her gorgeous gorgeous home! So, do not budge!

If you like our features and have friends who might be interested, please share our link and help us grow the Aalayam family!

Cheers!
~Deepa
p.s: The pictures are copyrighted. Please ask before using.

Hello!

When it rains, it pours! Literally and figuratively. Today is the 18th consecutive day of rains in my neck of the woods, I kid you not!
I am not complaining though. The incessant rains remind me of the Indian monsoon. The pitter patter of rain drops, the smell of the rain kissed earth, a warm cup of adrak chai on a rainy afternoon -ah, monsoon memories come flooding back as I write this.

Talking about monsoon - I am going to take you today to tour the home of Sia, the wonder woman behind my favorite food blog Monsoon Spice!

A Cook's nook!

Yes, it's pouring home tours and today we bring you yet another visual inspiration with a candid and heartfelt write-up, this time from the home owner herself.

I love her blog and I have my reasons why. I love the way her blog is set up. It is easy to navigate. I can find recipes by vegetables, by ingredients, by meal, by type of dish, you name it! It is not always that I plan ahead, find a recipe first and then go shopping. I do the reverse …often! I realize I am down to my last set of vegetables and want to find a quick recipe that I can probably toss the assorted medley of left over vegetables into and Sia's blog is great for that. I can click down to cabbage or carrots and an amazing host of recipes and pictures pop up. Just what I need! I love her recipes - simple, no fuss, authentic recipes that always yield a fresh tasting home cooked meal! I also love the affable aura that her posts carry - she writes from her heart and you can tell.
Sia's Monsoon Spice is a fabulous food blog. Period!

I pestered Sia and asked her to see if I could feature her kitchen. I was curious to see where all her gastronomic delights are created, her work space, if you will. I was going to do a feature post on the "Cook's nook" I knew she was super busy - being a mom (to her adorable boy Paarth), having a full time day job and a passion that requires considerable investment of time and energy is no walk in the park. Ask me how I know! And yet, I emailed her, keeping my fingers crossed. She was amazing - she sent me a ton of pictures of her entire home, a great write -up and enthusiastically responded telling me she was in!

And so, without much further ado, I present to you Sia and Krish's adorable shabby chic nest in Yorkshire, England.

The moors of Yorkshire

Talking about her home, work-life balance and her food blog, Sia writes....

"There is no particular decor theme running through our home. Eclectic with a touch of shabby chic would rightfully define our style. Our home is warm, inviting, relaxing, and comfortable and has a lived-in feel to it ! When we brought this house at the end of 2009, we envisioned adding bright colors to the plain magnolia walls. But life took an entirely different course when I became pregnant with my child! And now, 3 years later, we have grown to love what few others may label as dull or boring! Our magnolia walls brighten our home even on a typical dull and grey England day! At night with the corner lamps switched on and with candles flickering, the room transforms into a tranquil space and seems perfect to unwind after a busy day at work!

The sun filters into Sia's living room filling it with light and warmth!

Light colored walls allows me to experiment with brighter shades via soft furnishings, wall décor and a few select knick knacks. I love freshly cut flowers and indoor plants and I believe they make the room look fresh, bright and cheerful.

With one hyper active toddler on my toes, we have stopped buying things for the house on an impulse. We have tried to keep the décor simple and clutter free to allow for a kid friendly decor scheme.
The living room décor has splashes of copper, gold and orange for a cozy colorful ambience. The Buddha sculpture on the side table is our first purchase for the house and we absolutely love it!

Tenderly placed knick knacks add personality to this cozy corner. I spy auto rickshaw!

The little study room houses my pride and joy, my book collection and on the walls you will find amateur watercolor prints made by me during pre-pregnancy days. It is here, in our small India corner, sitting on low seating/diwaan I write most of my blog posts surrounded by memories of home!

Paarth has an adorable space of his own.Winnie, the pooh waits in antiicipation for a playmate.

My little ones play room wears a cheery air with his favorite animals on the wall. We spend many happy hours here coloring, reading, cuddling and creating beautiful memories!
The master bedroom is a sea of calmness with white, duck egg blue and sea blue color scheme defining this shabby chic space.

A mobile adds a pop of color to this shabby chic bedroom

The kitchen décor is very simple with bright glossy white cabinets and integrated appliances. We brought in color creatively via accents such as floor mats, rug, wall décors, chalk boards and fresh fruits and flowers to take away the sterile look! Since we do not have much storage option in the kitchen, we brought a stand-alone white glossy cabinet from Ikea which holds most of my large kitchen utensils and cookware.

Books, pots, spice jars and more get stacked into neat piles and add visual interest.

The cookbooks you see on the top of the cabinets are mostly gifts from my friends and also the review copies sent to me by cookbook authors. I love to flip through the pages of glossy cookbooks from time to time to draw inspiration for my food blog, but my most treasured cookbook is a handwritten, decade old book with turmeric stains and dog eared pages given by my mother that has precious recipes from my ma and grandma’s kitchen!

And this is where the magic happens! The magic of monsoon spice!

, I wear many hats in my day to day life. During the day I am a full-time IT professional in a very exciting organization and I am a part-time food blogger and photographer by night. I am also a full-time daughter/wife/friend/sister/mother, voracious reader, doodler, curry plant killer, nature and adventure sports lover, tree hugger, bon vivant, bathroom singer.!

A girl after my own heart! Chunky beads make a great fashion statement!

Like this wasn't enough I also believe in living life to the fullest and believe in making everyday moments count. I make sure that I don’t mix my professional life with my personal one and never bring my office work home as I want to give my family my undivided attention. I cook simple food during weekdays that take little time to cook and yet do not compromise on taste! Thankfully both my hubby and son loves simple south Indian fare and are not fussy eaters like me! Planning our meals and a little prep work helps a lot in weekday cooking. I cook the lentils and prepare the vegetables on weekends and freeze them in a freezer to be used during the weekdays. I also want to acknowledge my husband for pitching in with his share of work and that helps tremendously allowing me more time for my personal interests such as the blog.

Kitchen magnets that speak for the homeowners sense of humor!
It takes around 3-5 hours of food blogger’s time for every individual blog post, from cooking, plating, photographing, editing the photographs, writing and finally publishing the recipe. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! I often get questions from my readers and one thing that pops up every now and then is how I manage home, office, family and kid and still find time to blog?! Well, the answer is very simple. If you love something and are really passionate about it, you will somehow find time for it!

You can find the recipe here!

Every person needs a space/place of their own where they can be creative and let the artist in them shine. Before I used to blog with the sole intention of keeping a little online journal of all the recipes I learnt from my mom and grandma. And after a year or so, I began blogging for others as my blog got recognition and picked up more traffic around the globe! But now I blog for the simple joy and pleasure I get from it without expecting anything in return! May be this is the reason why I still enjoy food blogging even after 6.5+ years of blogging! :) Only tip I have for any aspiring bloggers is do it for the fun and joy it provides and not for any tangible benefits! i believe that when you put your heart and soul into your passion, you will strike chord with like minded individuals!"

What an absolutely adorable home! Everything in its place and a place for everything. There is a touch of romance and that's what makes this home Shabby Chic!

Romance + whimsy = shabby chic!

Love it! Do you? We would love to hear your feedback.

Thank you Sia and Krish for sharing your darling shabby chic home with all of us.

Be sure to visit Sia at Monsoon Spice as she unveils the magic of spices and dishes out one yummy recipe after another! I am cooking my way through Sia's recipes already and you can join in the fun too..

Next up - a 2 part feature on a jewellery artist and her gorgeous home. She is the force behind the Karmasuthra brand and I can't wait to meet her myself! Join us right here!

Cheers!
Deepa

Hello my dear Aalayam family!

I am back! And I promise the next few posts are going to be scintillating! I know you guys might have been expecting the Karmasuthra brand showcase and much awaited home tour (Yes!! it's a two post series) of the force behind Karmasuthra - Divya Thomas!

Well, you won't have to wait long. While we here at Aalayam are busy (and having a gala time) cranking out the upcoming two-post series, we thought we'd sneak in a quickie post!

Here we are again, talking about house hold spices and their curative properties. You might fondly recall the cases made for Cardamom and Coriander and the gastronomic journeys we took with them! Today, let's put our hands together for Ginger in ....

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

Ginger is one of the ancient, revered medicines of India and Asia. Popular medical journals say that Ginger's ability to combat a variety of diseases and conditions is due in part to its impact on excessive inflammation, which is a significant underlying cause of many illnesses.

Ginger is particularly useful in treating chronic inflammation because it partially inhibits two important enzymes that play a role in inflammation gone awry -- cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX). A 2010 study found that people who consumed two grams of Ginger daily for 11 days experienced about a 25 percent drop in exercise-induced muscle pain! All the more reason to eat curry before hitting the gym! Right?

Deemed as a super-food, Ginger helps combat nausea, and helps relieve stomach cramps and indigestion. Scientists believe that through various processes in the digestive tract, including blocking serotonin receptors in the small intestine - Ginger can help keep us from throwing up. This is thought to be because of the spice’s high levels of gingerol; a powerful component that gives it its natural zingy flavor.

So, reach for that ginger tea, or just chew on a piece of candied ginger when you get a case of the tums or the gags! Trust me, it works.

Ginger’s current name comes from the Middle English "gingivere", but this spice dates back over 3000 years to the Sanskrit word "srngaveram", meaning “horn root,” based on its appearance. Indians and Chinese are believed to have produced ginger as a tonic root for over 5000 years to treat many ailments, and this plant is now cultivated throughout the humid tropics, with India being the largest producer.

A popular food blog Food Matters quotes the following and I am happy to pass some juicy tips along!

Terrific Benefits of Ginger:

1. Haven’t been feeling hungry? Eat fresh ginger just before lunch to stoke a dull appetite and fire up the digestive juices.

2. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time.

3. Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence!

4. Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.

5. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!

6. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Psst...the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties)

Fantastic right? I hope you enjoyed this post. Finally, I leave you with my favorite recipe for Ginger Fried Rice. Do try it and let me know how it turns out!! CANNOT go wrong with Ginger folks!

Love,
Supriya

P.S. Aalayam is proud to present the India Circus tray (remember The Grand Aalayam Giveaway, winner Preety!?) lovingly put to use to serve a scrumptious home cooked meal. Preety is a food blogger, owns and writes in Preety's Kitchen. We love what she serves up!!

At Aalayam, we showcase everyday inspirations on design, décor, cuisine, and the cornucopia of cultural eclectics. As you know, Deepa and I are constantly on the look out for brands that can be a great showcase of everything we love about all these wonderful muses.

We recently rediscovered a jewelry brand that we wanted to showcase on Aalayam because it had the visual and cerebral appeal of a "thinking woman's" brand. In the bargain, we chanced upon a warm rendezvous with the self-made entrepreneur who is lovingly nurturing the brand like a living force and scored a glorious peek into her home, her heart and her joie de vivre!

So, presenting to you "Karmasuthra" and it's catalyst creator - Divya Thomas!

Divya Thomas - Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

Riveting, sensual, enigmatic and global in appeal, Karmasuthra Jewelry is a perfect homage to the modern Indian woman. We here at Aalayam, strongly espouse non-conformist style sensibilities, and this two part brand spotlight and artiste feature (yes - including a grand home tour) is not only a befitting ode to this new-age personal style statement, but is a veritable feast for the heart and the mind!

Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

I meet Divya Thomas on a gorgeous Saturday morning. She welcomes me into her home for breakfast, coffee and willing perspectives on all my questions. Clad in a crisp white chikan kurta, and almost no jewelry, Divya's kohl lined eyes and ingenuous features add to her enigmatic personality. Divya is waiting for me at the door of her home. And instantly we connect. There is no reserve or reticence..just warmth and welcome. I will wax eloquent about her home, and my sensory revelations during the home tour in the next post, but now, lets talk about her brain child - Karmasuthra.

Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

The burning question in my mind was the reason behind the name Karmasuthra. I had to get that question out of the way, so I asked Divya. Why the name Karmasuthra? Was it a bold and evocative play on words? Or did it actually speak to the essence of the brand?

To which, Divya had a straight and simple response. "The name "Karmasuthra" has a sensual appeal.. it sounds just right for the brand."

Here's how: "Karma" is the Sanskrit word for "Fate". And an allusion to "What goes around comes around". What started as a germ of an idea to launch a jewelry brand with the name "Karma", evolved into "Karmasuthra" with the inclusion of the suffix "Suthra". "Suthra" is the bind that holds things together. "Karma + Suthra, it just sounded right".

I agree. Propitiously named, the jewelry line is indeed a confluence of the colors, textures, artifacts and curiosities, all held together with the providence of hand-crafted patterns.

Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

Then we traversed through Divya's creative process of the nurturing Karmasuthra's eye-catching product line. The bottom-line was simple:

Loads of inspiration + Loads of Coffee, spark the conception of these one-of-a-kind pieces, born as a labor of love in Divya's workshop (workshop picture sneak peek, at the bottom of this article).

Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

Divya says "I dream up my daily dose of inspiration. There are days I wake up with a thought, an idea, and run down to the kitchen to make coffee. Then I play, with the colors, shapes, designs and textures...I have fun with the process, I feel the energy and I create!"...

This utterly joyful "reach into the soul and create" process shows! It shows in the fluid detail and nuances of Karmasuthra designs. "Whether it is the front of a necklace or the back, I want the piece to look beautiful, like it has a life of its own, a personality to remember it by" Divya elucidates.

Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

For Divya, there are no rules, no playbook, no conformist guidelines, when it comes to her passion of Karmasuthra design. She mixes and matches textures, media and material: silver, lapiz, porcelain, beads, rightfully sourced cuspids and pincers in a glorious orgy of earthy unanimity. (Animals are not harmed for the sourcing, Karmasuthra does not obtain material sourced from endangered species, or via contraband medium)

The designs come from the creative recesses of her mind, her heart and fills her and her customers with a whole new level of confidence..to embrace their sensuality and rule the world!

The much in demand nose-pin, and the aquiline, evocative beauties, whose lives Karmasuthra has touched!

The whole process of designing the line is therapeutic for Divya. I can relate. Creating a thing of beauty can be an everyday joy. To see her customers aglow with a Karmasuthra necklace or a "jhumka" or an anklet, invigorates Divya to spread the positive energy she always derives from, and associates with, her work.

Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

Karmasuthra jewelry is primarily handcrafted by Divya. The material is sourced from all over the world. Bold and vibrant Turkish accessories, beads from traditional African markets or Native American rosaries that come "blessed" with spiritual energy are refashioned with love and finesse in the creative zen workshop.

Divya can most often be found immersed in her work, accompanied by soulful music (click here to listen to what Divya's currently listening to) and a glass of wine to rev up the creative process.

Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

I asked Divya about how she communicates with her demographic (buyers and aspiring buyers), how she translates their needs into a Karmasuthra style statement. Divya has got the mix of "push" and "pull" marketing right. She says "I style individual, statement pieces for my customers, but most of the time, its the jhumka or the necklace or the anklet that is calling out..to be loved, cherished and owned".

Divya Thomas - The creator and the nurturing force behind Karmasuthra
Picture Courtesy and Copyrights - Karmasuthra Jewelry (c).

Karmasuthra started as an avocation for Divya, and it turned into a passion that is currently dominating her creative world. So I asked Divya if she had anything to share with the DIY jewelry enthusiasts and beaders. To which Divya replied:

"Have no second thoughts, no second guesses. If you fall, dust yourself and move on. At least you tried."

Divya's workshop/hidey hole/creative space. Where the magic happens!

Look out for the evocative "Kamagni - Inspired by Fire, Lust, Love and Desire" - Karmasuthra's latest line that imbues passion in every hand crafted bead. And, watch this space for an exclusive home tour (you don't want to miss this) and a heart-to-heart with Divya Thomas..for together Divya and Karmasuthra symbolize:

A true celebration of the Modern Indian Woman.

A warm THANK YOU to Divya for letting us into her home, and sharing her refreshing and energizing perspectives with the Aalayam family!

On popular demand, Karmasuthra jewelry can be ordered via the Facebook Page of the brand.

Love,
Supriya

Dear Aalayam family!

As promised, we are back with the home tour and the much awaited rendezvous with Divya Thomas! There is much left to be said, and we will say it, in this post replete with tranquil corners from Divya's home.

Nestled in the midst of a bustling suburban town in North Carolina, USA, Divya and Sarit's home is a sublime escape. Greeted at the doorway with the heady incense of sandalwood, I could have been ensconced in any plantation house in the glorious spice coast of the Malabar or on the hallowed backwaters of Kerala. Divya’s home reinforces my belief that it’s not where you live, but what you make with your living space, that transforms a home into a sanctuary.

The house sits amidst lush, almost tropical greenery, punctuated with rustic stone steps that start in the front garden, leading to a backyard creek, which shimmers in the sunlight, making its gurgly presence felt through the many wide windows of the house. I hang out on the sandal scented porch, shaded by a vertical limbs of the trees and hanging potted plants, in the front yard, gaping at the variegated earthen masks, terracotta columns and cameos Divya has lovingly put up on the walls. This entrance to her home sets the tone for what to expect inside the home. I get ready to get wowed!

WITH THE OUTSIDE LIKE THIS, DO WE REALLY NEED TO GO INSIDE?

Within minutes of arriving I feel entirely at home, falling into rhythm in this beautiful, intriguing and quirky home with its high ceilings, polished floors and cool, dark rooms rife with antiques and family heirlooms. What is pervasive is the fragrance of sandal incense, it seems to be part of the home, giving it soul, filling it with a stimulating, almost arousing energy.

I try hard to think of a design category in which to place this home in. I fail. But then again, that is the essence of all things Divya – no rules, no playbook, no conformist categories. Divya’s home is a playground for her creative soul-curry. It’s a collection of well-loved and much traveled pieces adoringly put together in ways that please the eye.

I pause and take in the architectural detail, the bold pieces of furniture and fixture that do not by any means, qualify as impersonal store bought “décor”, but define the warm and vital charm of the house as living and breathing boughs.

THIS ROOM IS ONE OF DIVYA'S FAVORITE ROOMS IN THE HOUSE!

Each piece, in each room, has a story..a friendship… a trip…a memory associated with it. The net effect is a cozy, yet riotous medley of colors, textures and vibes, evident in all these photographs that made a lasting impression on me.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THE ALL FAMILIAR R.K. LAXMAN ON THE WALL?

Divya is a collector, you will see well loved art work displayed all over her home, new age art, hand crafted by her friends, signature paintings, evocative photographs clicked by discerning photographers, all get gallery fame in her various rooms, adding to the drama and visual interest that reigns supreme in her home

It is captivating to notice how Divya has infused her personality into her living space she shares with her husband, her daughter and their precious furry family member – Lola, her onyx colored Peekapoo. Divya insists that her native roots do not influence her design sensibilities, yet, we see strong and bold flavors from her heritage reflected throughout her home.

THE INTRICATE STAIRCASE IS A SENSORY SERENADE

A FALL BACK TO CLASSIC, INDIGENOUS ROOTS

DID YOU KNOW THAT SARIT IS A DESCENDANT OF RAJA RAVI VARMA'S LINEAGE?

Divya harbors a self confessed love for cozy, “cottagey” spaces. She says she would feel lost in a massive room. She believes that her living space reflects her mind space and if I could hazard an educated guess, I would say it reflects eclecticism and intrigue!

THE BEAUTIFUL PAINTING ADORNING THE GUEST ROOM BY PROLIFIC ARTIST SMRUTHI GARGI ESWAR

NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL A ZEN RETREAT!

THE MASKS AND THE "PATTACHITRA" MONTAGE SET THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING EN ROUTE TO THE BASEMENT WORKSHOP!

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AWARD WINNING FILM MAKER RYAN LOBO PEPPER THE KARMASUTHRA WORKSHOP.

THE WORKSHOP IS A SERENE, CREATIVE ESCAPE

FRAMED WALL ART BY ILLUSTRATOR PRASHANT MIRANDA (ABOVE)

A PEEK INTO DIVYA'S WORKSHOP (ABOVE)

So my lovelies, we arrive at my most favorite part of the two part series on Divya Thomas and Karmasuthra – a fun and flirty peek into who the real Divya Thomas is. So here goes!

“I feel the world is a playing field…a canvas waiting to be painted on!”

The beauty of the canvas Divya is painting on resonates, in its bold, yet achingly familiar individual expression. Divya says that Karmasuthra is an exquisitely rewarding part of the beautiful journey she is on called life. It is not the destination...as she is still searching…striving…but graciously accepting the joy Karmasuthra has brought to her.

Divya, you have touched our lives...a true inspiration! Thank you for being part of Aalayam's journey.

Love,

Supriya

Images via "Incredible India"

Images via Sripriya Murthy Photography

Nostalgia abounds! Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner. Exquisitely crafted Ganeshas, displayed with pomp, in the street pandals are now a thing of the past. I miss the boisterous gaiety and communal celebrations that erupt all over India, this time of the year. Ganesha Chaturthi is as much about celebrating the elephant-headed God as it is about cultural pagentry rooted in artistic traditons. And today, I want to present to you a dear friend’s artistry – DIY Ganeshas.

Aalayam readers – here is another attempt to inspire you to live your best life! Meet Sowmya Balasubramani - an inspiration in her own right!

Her larger-than-life spirit and enthusiasm makes her a vanguard of a new age of Indian women – an everyday inspiration! I don’t know anyone else who celebrates Indian festivals with as much ardor as does Sowmya – decorating, cooking, sharing her observance with friends and family – the whole nine yards! It is not easy, time and effort constraints always get in the way! Sowmya does it – every single time! Possibly dipping in to her wellspring for energy or perhaps looking past the constraints through a different grid and for this I doff my hat! The pictures in the post are rife with Sowmya's zest for cultural jubilation!

I want to kick start this festive season with an introduction to Sowmya, her maximfor celebrating Hindu festivals and her awe-inspiring DIY Ganeshas. Buckle up, as I take you on another visually inspiring cultural voyage!

1) Tell me a little bit about yourself

I am a happy go-lucky gal that loves to live life king size. An architect by profession, I am now enjoying being a full time mom to my super busy 2 year old. While dance and music feed my soul, crafting lifts my spirits. Running is my latest passion and after 3 half marathons, I have realized that it’s the adrenaline rush that keeps me motivated. I enjoy camping, theater, good books, good food but most of all the company of my awesome family and friends!

2) You celebrate every festival with so much buoyancy - how come?

I think its is something that we started in our own home post-marriage. My parents always celebrated festivals but I guess I was too busy being a teenager to bother! Once I came here to the US, I felt a strong desire to connect with my roots. Celebrating festivals allowed for that and gave me a medium to satiate my creative thirst. Also, it became a great way showcase our rich Indian culture to people from other parts of the world. Oh and of course hanging out with friends and celebrating togetherness was a bonus!

3) What does celebrating a festival mean to you?

Anyone who knows me will tell you I am a cleanliness “freak “. So, the house cleaning part is the inherent plus ;). I think I like it most for the joyous gatherings, dancing, singing and of course the good food. On a more serious note, I have learnt things about my religion that I never knew before. I wouldn’t call myself a very religious person, yet I am proud of my religion and like the idea of being able to explain Hinduism to people who are interested to know about it. Many a time, I have actually done some homework to be able to answer questions that I wasn't sure of. The learning process has been enriching! I have received several dolls from different parts of the world to add to my golu from loving friends. It has been the most humbling part of this experience!

Sowmya enlists friend and family to help out with the festivities!

4) You are a parent - talk to me about the challenges of raising a kid in a multicultural background - what is your own mantra? Everybody has one!

Honestly ,I don’t know the answer to this one. I just do the best I can to teach my child everything I know about my religion and culture. However, I make a conscious effort to introduce him to other cultures and religions as well. I have grown up with utmost respect for all religions and cultures and hope to pass that on to my son.

Sowmya worked on a play-doh Ganesha with her adorbale little boy Darsh this year and here is what she wrote, "This year I decided to include my two year old in the Ganesha-making process. We made a very simple Ganesha with playdoh. I talked about the different colors, shapes and parts of the body. He was co operative and participated for a bit and I ended up making most of it. However, the curiosity and the excitement on his face when he saw the finished product was very sweet. He wanted to hold it in his hands and even handled it with care and even declared that it was his Ganesha...so worth the effort!

Try this with ( or without) your little one. This Ganesha may be small in size and minimal in detail but will surely bring big time cheer to your festival."

Talking about her parenting mantra, she adds, " Something I read recently has stuck in my brain- before you lose sleep over trying to raise a good child, remember that you were blessed with a good child to begin with”.

5) Time is always a limiting factor - what are your must-do's for a festival? You seem to do it all !

It helps when your friends (and spouse of course) are as enthusiastic about the whole thing as you are. Whether it is making the Ganesha, setting up for Golu or celebrating Diwali, my friends always help. We try and do different festivals at different homes. Everyone gets a chance at hosting. I guess that is ultimately what a festival is about- sharing and caring. It is also a time for indulging so I use it as an excuse to make sweets and savories. Of course, it does require some planning. I try and spread things over a week or so before the festival; it helps me get in the spirit and is less overwhelming.

6) Where do you draw your inspirations for décor from? Not many resources on the www are dedicated to Indian festival decorating - any sites you would like to refer Aalayam readers to?

I don’t really refer to a particular website to decorate for my festivals. Usually, I try and go with a certain color or find one striking decorative piece and try and plan things around it. I like big, bold and lots of color!

7) Your home made Ganeshas are phenomenal and rightly capture the essence of the festival of Shraddha and Bhakti- How did you start making your own Ganeshas and where does the inspiration for these come from?

I had been celebrating Ganesha Chathurthi before this and was buying a Ganesha every year; the idea to make it was actually my friend Thrushna’s.

Sowmya and Trushna - an indomitable team when it comes to making Ganeshas

I still vividly recall the first year we made it. Clay that cracked and wouldn’t dry, a Ganesha that kept leaning forward a little ( yeah, Pisa inspired) and dozens of toothpicks. With every passing year we improvised. We meet a couple of weeks before the festival , put our heads together, pick a theme and make a Ganesha

Inspiration…. hmm. The first couple of years our aim was to make an idol that would stand and look proportionate. 2 years ago we decided to make the ABC Ganesha as a tribute to the English language. The following year was the Texan Ganesha as a tribute to the state that is our home now. Our spouses, Kishore and Manju have been great at adding their details and touches to the Ganesha. Their ideas have been awesome of course but it is the entertainment in the form of their silly antics and jokes that are priceless.

Giving the elephant headed God life!

8) Lastly, a word of advice for young working moms on how to go about handling Hindu festivals, perhaps?

Firstly, don’t bite off more than you can chew. You don’t have to do it all if you don’t have the time. Do as much as you can and build on it when possible. Hand make a few things and buy a few. It will give you the satisfaction of having done something on your own without losing your sleep over it. Try and build a circle that you can do things together with -makes it easier and more enjoyable. Think of this as a fun way to teach your kids and neighbors a bit about your culture and the amazing land you come from!

Lastly, never forget to dance, sing, laugh and eat your heart out!

Wise words indeed! Thank you Sowmya - for sharing your precious Ganeshas and your interminable fervor with us! I hope your vitality inspires all of us! Isn't the play doh Ganesha replete with modakam and mooshikam simply darling? Hope Sowmya’s sui generis Ganeshas engender many creative ideas for your own festivities this season.

Stay with us for more ideas and more inspirations - Dussehra, Diwali... we are only getting started!

Cheers!

~Deepa