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Home for the Holidays!

December 17, 2013, 6:45 pm
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It is December! My favorite month of the year. Lots of snow, twinkly lights, Holiday Jingle, baked goodies - the world feels like a magical place! So, who cares if the sun sets at 4 pm right ? How can you not love the Christmas season?
 And like always, I have tried to bring the spirit of the season into our home with a little seasonal styling. 
Over the years, we have picked up a few traditions too and they are now ours to keep and cherish. I am going to share some of our family Holiday traditions with all of you and would love to hear about yours.



Hosting a holiday get together is our favorite Holiday tradition.  A Christmas party with savory holiday cookies and customary gift exchanges is a great way to experience the yuletide spirit. This year we will dearly miss our Dallas friends  with whom we have celebrated many holiday soirees. We even flew back to spend last Christmas with them. So, really this is our first year celebrating the season with new friends and we are absolutely grateful for their company.  

Trimming the tree is another Christmas tradition that we all look forward to. It usually takes us  a few hours (well, this year it took us all day and you'll see why) but we love this annual ritual that our family bonds over. Tree trimming is a strictly family event that no one else is invited to. Between my husband getting upset over a  string of tangled lights and me getting impatient over mounting the baubles - it's a party alright!  We try to make this party memorable with some Christmas music and lots of laughter! And till I get a real tree one day, I will make do with my faux tree. I don't mind it at all. I think it's eco-chic and eco friendly! Every year, I buy a few new ornaments that serve as tender reminders of a chapter of our life.

 Another favorite Holiday tradition of ours is to bundle up and drive around neighborhoods that have spectacular Holiday decor and lights. We love these drive-by nightly (yes, nightly!) excursions!  
Our home on a cold wintry holiday night!
Holiday movie-nights is yet another cherished tradition!   Holiday-centric movies are sure to keep the whole family entertained. We've already watched National Lampoon's Christmas vacation this year and the trials and tribulations of the Griswold family is a reaffirmation of the fact that 'tis the season of families! In fact we watched this movie over Thanksgiving break and that's what kicked our Christmas decorating into first gear!  

And then, I  love to display all our holiday cards. It is an absolutely wonderful feeling to receive hand written notes from many of our dear friends. It truly means the world to me that people would take the time out of their busy lives to spread some holiday cheer via a sincere handwritten note.
We listen to lots of holiday music  (we have our holiday playlist) and sing too! Yes, we get the lyrics all jumbled up and even make up our own lyrics and yet, we sing all our cares away with a Holiday Jingle! And oh, what fun it is too!

I buy a red outfit and put on some red lipstick! I didn't realize this had become a holiday tradition till I looked at some old pictures the other day. Red on red,  that's my holiday trend and I am sticking with it. Red is after all the color of the season and after a year's worth of hard work we all want to add some magic to the mundane and red lipstick is great way to do it - don't you agree?
Who knows, we might even add a new tradition this year  - build a snowman or - take some pics in the snow- simple traditions that can be a lot of fun. I am thinking snow, since we got a ton of it here in the Midwest this week!  So, really the Holidays are all about making some warm fuzzy memories with family and friends and that's what defines the season. So, make the most of it and remember to have a good time while you are at it. And if you don't want to put in any work, that's fine too! Just step into your favorite store to feel the energy in the air. 
'TIS THE SEASON to give back and do some good. We have talked about this idea of service in the past as well and I am taking this opportunity one more time as a reminder for you all to chime in and take some action. There's many that need help and now is as good a time as any to give back and bring some holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Here is a link to nat geo on some Holiday volunteering ideas for kids - check it out.

Dear readers,  this is my last post for the year. Supriya is up next and will help ring the new year in. So, thank you all for your unwavering encouragement, support and appreciation.  I will leave you with pictures of our beautiful trees. We have two this year actually. Welcome to our home!

 My boy wanted his own and we didn't have to heart to say no. He is 10 and lives and breathes sports. Rightfully, we have a miniature tree with many sports themed baubles and this one is in his room. It was a great way to add a playful spin to out holiday decor this year.

For the family tree, we settled on a red and white and "lots of fun" theme. And it is exactly that  with lots of snowmen and plenty of Christmas candy hanging on the boughs.


 It is whimsical and magical and reminds us to appreciate the beauty of life despite the myriad complexities that it sometimes throws our way. And because my kind men (husband and son) allow me to get the last word in - I decided to wrap our gifts in polka dots! 
With a rather hectic work schedule, I have been unable to add festive touches to the rest of the home this year. So, really my breakfast nook with the tree and the gift table is our Holiday central station.
Once again,  welcome to our home and take a look at how our tree came to life this year. Stay as long as you like and if you have  any questions about tree trimming, shoot me an email or leave me a comment.
My husband works on setting up the tree and stringing the lights - 3000 of them!

Snowmen, red and white and polka dots - I could be in heaven!


We stop along the way for a picture of course!
 OUR GORGEOUS TREE BY DAY!
Red, white and fun!
Merry Christmas y'all! For more ideas on Christmas decorating check out my posts from last year - tablescape, dessert table and yet another beautiful tree. 

Cheers!
~Deepa

p.s: All pictures in this post are from my home and taken by my husband. Please ask before using.
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Reflections: 2013, The year that was... & 2014, The year that will be!

December 26, 2013, 4:09 am
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Dear Aalayam people!

Year-ends are time for reflection, for looking back, and for looking forward. Here, at Aalayam, I have the unique opportunity to not just reflect on my own journey for the past year, & look ahead on the road-map for the new year, but also share the reflections of people I have worked with in 2013, and look forward to work with in 2014!

So, here’s the much awaited year-end Reflections post – a heartfelt peek into the ruminations, plans and aspirations of seven inspirational, accomplished  and gorgeous ladies, who Aalayam has been fortunate to have been touched by. I look forward to working with many more of such artists in the future…feeling blessed that I am to be part of this amazing journey with  you! So…here goes!

Reflections: 2013,The year that was…& 2014,The year that will be!

 Supriya of Aalayam

2013 has been a year of great beginnings – the beginning of new friendships, deeper and more meaningful relationships: with you dear readers, at my home, at my work, and through Aalayam. It was serendipity that I met Divya Thomas of “Karmasuthra” to impel Aalayam’s solstice with the intriguing brand. I deepened my kinship with Lavanyaa of “Varnanggall” and continue to benefit daily from our “across the continents” soul swap. My girls started their Bharatanatyam dance lessons with Sridevi Jagannath of “Laasya”,  and had their first ever performance in front of hundreds of parents…and lovers of the Indian classical dance form. I vacationed with my girls friends in Las Vegas, thus beginning a tradition of “getting away” from the encumbrances of everyday...if just for a few days. I began my journey of supervising homework (yes, my Twins started getting homework this year!) and playing soccer mom while juggling work and blog deadlines! (Thank God for Coffee!)

In 2013, I began to forgive more…give more…do more …expect more…but also…worry more. My mantra of “Why be Average when you can be Exceptional” worked well for me…but burned everyone else around me out!

In 2014, I am looking forward to continuing the eloquent relationships Aalayam is enabling me to develop, enjoy and embrace. I am looking forward to working with Smruthi Gargi Eshwar of “Studio SMU” to bring to Aalayam the modern retelling of Indian mythology and folklore through the visual medium. I look forward to working with Kathy Gori of “Colors of Indian Cooking” to revisit my classic Indian favorite dishes through her eyes (Ok – lens!), and her flair of storytelling.  I look forward to working with  other talented artisans and entrepreneurs to tell their story in true blue Aalayam style. And of course, I look forward to continue to work with Deepa to bring to you our sincere and passionate ideas, and their modern day interpretation through the dais Aalayam has provided us.

And finally, in 2014 – I promise to forgive even more…give even more….do even more…expect even more…but only from myself. I promise to influence…not control. Plan…not worry. I promise to take more time to myself to rock in Zumba class, do more Yoga, read a mind blowing mystery novel and get dirty in the mud with my kids!

That was my soul searching soliloquy. What are your reflections for 2013? What do you look forward to in 2014?

Wishing you loads of love, luck and happiness,
Happy New Year!!
Supriya

Deepa of Aalayam

I want to end this year and start the next one with four simple words – “Live your best life”. I am a few years away from turning forty but now is as good a time as any to take care of my mind, body and spirit- after all, living one’s best life starts with taking care of oneself. Between work, family and all other humdrum priorities that demand our constant attention it is very easy to forget ourselves. This year I am going to prioritize health and wellness. I am also going to remember to let that inner child in me come out more often – to laugh and giggle silly!

I am going to live more for the moment and not let the “what if’s” disempower me. I will remember to be thankful for all that I have. My profession affords me happiness and a greater purpose. I am also extremely fortunate to have rediscovered myself through this creative platform. Aalayam nurtures the artist in me and allows me to engage with many other incredible artists and a great partner to create beautiful inspirations.  

This year, I am also going to just stop coasting through life and push myself out of my comfort zone. I love dancing but I have always put off taking formal dance lessons. Swing, lindy hop, salsa, fox trot – there’s a whole world out there and I intend to explore that! 

So, 2014 – I am ready for you , ready to dance in the rain and ready to live my best life!

My dear Aalayam family, I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year- one that will allow you to live your best life as well! I will be bringing you many wholesome inspirations in the coming year and look  forward to our time together!

Cheers!
~Deepa

Divya of Karmasuthra

2013 has been quite amazing. Traveled plenty, met some amazing people, made some fabulous friends, I found some unusual and interesting components that I could incorporate in my jewelry. And I’ve made stuff and continued to make stuff that will never look the same…compared to what I’ve made in the past.

What 2014 holds in store, I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. Because I love surprises, and I just hope that they are all going to be pleasant. I prefer to go with the flow and see where it takes me. So let’s see!

Divya

Lavanyaa of Varnanggall

As we embrace the New Year all the valuable things that prevail must be celebrated and resolutions are to be made to change the rest. Surrounded by the festival lights, caught up with the bustle of daily chores I would like to slow down a bit and use this time for my professional and personal reflections.
  
Although Varnanggall started as a very small venture with very minimalist stock, it’s rejoicing to see how it’s developed, thrived and gained prominent visibility in the year 2013. It’s been an interweave of challenges, compromises, and deep emotions no matter how much you are camouflaged  by the tinsel and fairy lights, we are constrained to face the real world out there. Being in this art biz, personally it has given me that extra edge to research and learn cultures, people and lifestyles that well aligns with Varnanggall’s vision too.

In the year 2014, I would like to wake up to continued dreams, aspirations, goals – Creating a perfect balance of the whole model by emerging again with new rhythms of colors, making the entire system productive, sprouting new ideas and respiring only positive energy by weeding out all the clutter and to be humane.

I greatly thank my family, friends and mentors who have made this year so pleasant and beautiful for me by offering love, assurance and guidance!

Here’s wishing the entire Aalayam family a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Lavanyaa

Sridevi of Laasya
An interesting year to begin with..new ideas, new techniques in teaching, in summation, a feeling of heading towards a new creative horizon for the school and its teacher..

As a teacher, I explored the idea of choreographing pieces to commemorate the famous sculptures of Belur and Halebeedu..through an innovative piece called Narthisidalu sura naari (Life in sculptures)..to glow in dark concept using Bharatanatyam techniques to portray the beautiful Rangoli patterns for Basant Bahar, annual festival conducted by HumSub.. The music and rhythm section of Laasya school, under the guidance of Guru Ranganayaki Rajan, initiated a musical rendezvous, where the students sang and played Mridangam / tabla (Drums) as a way to encourage each other to get over stage fear..

Over the months, Laasya School took several student -led initiatives to improve techniques among young students age between 3 to 5 by interspersing yoga, strength training and a fun cardio routine. Summer months for Laasya is truly magical, as the students complete their Arangetrams (Formal graduation). 

After successfully completing its 18th annual with a presentation which was truly a kaleidoscope of items showcasing over 100 students  to an audience of over 500, the school feels blessed to be chosen for a Dance production for Pratham, an organization with a motto, "We believe education is the fundamental right of every child and no child should be deprived of this basic right simply because he or she does not have access to it or does not have the resources to realize his or her dreams."

Needless to say, as the artistic director of Laasya, I feel blessed and thank God for channeling my energy  to explore my creativity..

Sridevi

Smruthi Gargi Eswar is a graphic artist, painter and modern art aficionado who is interpreting Indian mythology through her bold retelling through paint, canvas and visual media. Follow Smruthi and her series "Sister Misfortune" on https://www.facebook.com/SmruthiGargiEswar

To me, my series “Sister Misfortune” seems to have an independent life of its own, carrying its weight as it explores new avenues. The series collaborated with performance artists from The Storm Factory at the first Alernational event, (an artists and performers collective based out of Bangalore). A couple of images from the series, were projected over performing contemporary dancers, bringing the goddesses out of their frames into a whole new medium. Sister Misfortune also had an outing (its second show in Mumbai) for the Art Hop event, at the Art Loft in Bandra.

My new series “Old City Cave” has also been developing simultaneously. I am still in the process of bringing it together and hope to do more of that in the New Year. In this series I am attempting to bring the lens we view old civilizations with, to view our own. To perceive our time with magic and mystery we seem to deny our selves. In the coming year, I am looking forward to my collaborated show with the Fashion House Ritu Kumar in Delhi and the Chennai Art fair that “Sister Misfortune” has been invited to.

It’s hard for me to have any real clarity over what 2014 is going to be like. My work and life seems to take its course in some independent way. So I am looking forward to it, hoping that there are going to be more pleasant surprises than not.

Smruthi

 Kathy Gori is a Hollywood screen writer and Bollywood kitchen blogger, who is reinterpreting America's perception of Indian cuisine through her culinary adventures. Read Kathy's gastronomic chronicles in http://www.thecolorsofindiancooking.com/

2013 was a year of big changes for my husband and me. Both my parents passed away and a great deal of the year (and most of the year before) was spent in caring for both of them. I am so glad we were able to be there with them for that time.

In between dealing with family business we managed to get our regular work done. My husband and I are screenwriters and though we usually write for the movies, we just finished our first TV pilot! It looks like we now have a director for it so we 're looking forward to a productive and busy new year. We'll also be starting another movie project.

I am back to my regular cooking schedule and am working on putting together a cookbook while Alan continues to take amazing pictures of all the food. I've also been asked to teach some Indian cooking classes and though I've never taught before I think that might be a lot of fun.

I'm excited to emerge from the rather dark place the last year and a half was and Alan and I are both looking forward to a busy and exciting new year.

Kathy

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Saffron, Sankranthi....and loads of Sweets!

January 5, 2014, 5:49 pm
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Dear Aalayam Family!!

It's the first post of 2014! And I am privileged to be bringing it to you. And this post is full of festive inspiration (Sankranthi is round the corner!..read about our last year's Sankranthi celebrations here!) some spicerack remedies (remember my series?) and some very mouth watering pictures! I am getting ready for the first Hindu festival of the year – signifying the Harvest Bounty of agrarian India. And as I plan my sweet dish menu, I look fondly at my favorite “rich-man’s spice” – Saffron!! This spice is sure to go into the Gulab Jamoons and Besan Laddus I am making for Sankranthi. So, while I am at it, I figured, I’d rhapsodize a little about the history and trivia related to Saffron…and Sankranthi!! And of course, share some images from my kitchen! 

Saffron - The Royal Spice! Sripriya Murthy Photography

“Saffron”, the royal spice derived from a flower called “Crocus”, widely used in a variety of cuisines as a seasoning and a coloring agent. The spice is actually the dried stigma of the crocus flowers, really expensive and regally exclusive! You would think that a spice that magically makes an unborn child “fairer” while in the mother’s womb, has to be pricey? No? ;)  Trust me, I'd been advised to drink buckets of warm milk with saffron during my pregnancy, to ensure that my twin girls were born with "fair" complexions!. India's obsession with "fair" skin continues right?

Saffron has been historically used as an aphrodisiac, mood elevator, ritually offered to divinities, and used in dyes, perfumes, medicines, and body washes. No surprise that, Persian saffron infusions, are used in baths as a curative for battle wounds! The active components in Saffron have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-oxidant, digestive, anti-convulsant.

Saffron's aroma is reminiscent of metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes, while its taste is sweet. Saffron is widely used in Indian, Persian, European, Arab, and Turkish cuisines. (Read Kashmiri Biryani, Milanese Risotto and French Bouillabaisse!)  Confectioneries and liquors also often include Saffron to add a double note to the discerning palate. 

Yellu Bella or the mixture of Til, Coconut and Jaggery

Now, Makara Sankranti is an important Hindu festival celebrated with religious fervor in almost all parts of India. The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the bountiful harvest season after few months of chilly winter. It falls on January 14, every year, as per the Solar calendar. Makara Sankranti is also known as Pongal. There, it is a three-day festival, starting from January 13 until January 15. January 13 is celebrated as Bhogi, followed by Makara Pongal (Sankranti) and then culminated by Mattu or Kanuma Pongal on the next day. The customs followed in villages of India, on Makar Sankranti, have a unique charm. 

Sakkare Acchu or Sugar Candy in fun shapes!

I have had the privilege of growing up in a Kannada household, but with mixed heritage flowing in from both Tamil and Telugu customs. Courtyards swept and sprinkled with water, and Rangoli (floor design via chalk powder) drawn and decorated with Cow Dung dumplings (Gubbame), is a fun (yes!!!)  Telugu custom, while the Tamil custom of preparation of Pongal (rice and lentil pudding) overflowing from the cauldrons in which they are prepared, definitely has yummy outcomes!  This  festival is a direct symbolism of people extending their gratitude to Mother Nature for good harvest and prosperity. 

Rangoli with Cow Dung (Gubbame). Google Images

Sankranthi is also called Suggi or harvest festival for farmers of Kaveri basin of Karnataka. On this auspicious day, young females (kids and teenagers) wear new clothes to visit near and dear ones with a Sankranti offering in a platter, and exchange the same with other families. This ritual is called "Ellu Birodhu." Here the platter would normally contain "Ellu" (white sesame seeds) mixed with fried groundnuts, neatly cut dry coconut and fine cut bella (jaggery). The mixture is called "Ellu-Bella" (ಎಳ್ಳುಬೆಲ್ಲ). 
The plate also contains sugar candy moulds of various shapes (Sakkare Acchu, ಸಕ್ಕರೆಅಚ್ಚು) with a piece of sugarcane. There is a saying in Kannada "ellu bella thindu olle maathadi" which translates to 'eat the mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and speak only good.' This festival signifies the harvest of the season, since sugarcane is predominant in these parts.
Gulab Jamoon reigns supreme on festive occasions...sprinkled liberally with saffron strands!

In some parts of Karnataka, a newly married woman is required to give away bananas for a period of five years to other married women (muthaidhe) from the first year of her marriage, and increase the number of bananas in multiples of five. There is also a tradition of some households giving away red berries "Yalchi Kai" along with the above. 

I remember, sitting down in a long brown sofa with all my girl cousins in my grandmother's house, and get showered with the yalchi kai (stinky that they were!) symbolizing the shower of prosperity on the womenfolk!!  Post the shower, we used to collect coins (dakshine) from the stinky shower that had dispersed on the floor...and in the folds of our langa blouses.. and sit and feast on the Sakkare Acchu and he jaggery parts (only!) of the Yellu Bella mixture.

In North Karnataka, kite flying with community members is also a tradition.  Colorful kites of all shapes and sizes fly in the blue January skies in parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, signifying the farmers' delight at the good weather. 

Besan Laddu anyone? Don't miss the saffron strands, adding the special flavor!!

Isn’t it amazing? The cornucopia of culture, customs and rituals our Indian festivals  are full of?  And the calendar is just beginning for 2014! 

I feel so fortunate, that I am able to chronicle my experiences for my kids to read, cherish and follow. I am not sure if I will get a chance to sit with my girl cousins again on that brown sofa…and get showered by Yalchi Kai..but I sure will try to get my kids and their lot together to follow the same tradition in the years to come!

What is your favorite family tradition surrounding Sankranthi? Do you make the Yellu Bella mixture? Or do you make Pongal - Sweet and Khara? 

Do tell..!! Who knows, I might just drop by to “Yellu Beeru” at your place soon! 

Love,
Supriya

Makara Sankranti Kite flying - Google Images


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Spice Rack Remedies! A Case for Ginger

July 18, 2013, 5:12 pm
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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!! 





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Home tour- An ode to antique brass!

January 16, 2014, 1:31 pm
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Are you a lover of antique brass accents? Then you are in for an absolute treat - this home is a brass collector's inspiration! We wanted to kick start our home tours for this year with a home that celebrates our cultural patrimony and a brass collector's haven seemed to fit the bill consummately. 

Join me as we tour the Westerville, Ohio home of my dear friends  - Shalini and Bhagavan.


It is not just another Indian home in North America but it is an ethnically exuberant space that pays homage to its roots. Their home is also a true reflection of Shalini's vivacious smile and Bhagavan's affable persona and my husband and I experienced their affection first hand when they hosted us for a photo shoot of their home over Thanksgiving break. Shalini served up one of the yummiest Masala dosas I've ever eaten and Bhagavan brewed the filter coffee to perfection. I knew right then that theirs was a match made in heaven. And today, the readers of Aalayam get to experience their virtual hospitality. 



Over the course of a wintry afternoon, with light playing peek-a-boo, my husband managed to capture a few good shots of their beautiful home. Here's to merry conversations, our common love of home decor and several cups of freshly brewed coffee! 



Shalini and Bhagavan moved into their home 9 years ago and over the years , she has lovingly and painstakingly transformed their home into a stylish and inviting space. All it takes is patience, an innate interior design capability and a willing partner. She is the designer and he is the DIY guy- again, a match made in heaven! Shalini's passion for a good home is also shared by her sister-in-law, Veena (maybe she will share her home too on Aalayam, someday?) whom she describes as her decor soul mate! Shalini refers to her sister-in-law fondly and remembers bonding with her over their shared passion for ethnic Indian decor.  She expresses her gratitude for this kinship entrenched in common taste and says her sister-in-law who lives in North Carolina has been her long distance design partner!



As soon as you walk into their home, you can tell that Shalini is drawn to Indian decor. Brass accents with amazing detail and intricacy adorn accent tables and greet you at every corner. For me, it was a transformative moment- I forgot that I was in Westerville, OH! Interestingly though, most of Shalini's far flung home finds are sourced from local stores - Pier one imports, World Market, Home Goods and even Kohls, she says. 



The key is to collect over time and buy pieces that intrigue you. Shalini never began with an inspiration board or a look-book. She has stayed trued to her inherent style and bought and stored pieces over time. And that's how she has an assemblage of antique accessories that are similar in style but different in detail which she has lovingly placed around her home for a cohesive look.  Several of these pieces were brought much before the home itself and she chuckles at the thought of how they boxed and carried them across several states before they moved to Ohio. Every home decor enthusiast has a unique home making process and story and this is why I am inspired to tell the story of real-life home owners!. 



I requested Shalini to allow me to showcase her beautiful home on Aalayam over a year ago. I was stuck by the layers in her home that added so much visual interest and at how effortlessly she had pulled it together. Shalini wanted me to wait. She said they were working on getting some of the walls painted. And when she called me a few weeks ago to tell me the home was ready, I was thrilled. I am amazed at the transformation. It was a beautiful home to begin with but the accent colors infuse a vibrant personality into their space! I love the rich terra-cotta in her family room. It lends an earthen appeal and paired with house plants and indoor greenery, the space has a natural freshness to it. Bold colors punctuate the other rooms too and serve to create a warm and cozy space to beat the long and cold Ohio winter!



 Shalini loves entertaining- they have friends and family visiting them year-round and her culinary skills are legendary in our local social circles! They have created the perfect home for relaxing and entertaining. Stylish, uncluttered, personalized, love-filled and welcoming - nothing formulaic about this home!  



This is also the home where their two adorable girls are growing up and a part of the home rapturously reflects the girls' personalities. 



Their rooms are playful and fun and mom says she knows what the girls like best and she took the liberty of decorating their rooms as well! A family that functions in harmony!


You can tell that the look and feel of the whole home has been crafted with profound consideration and Shalini tells me that it has taken her a few tries to get it right and that speaks to her ardor. It is not done yet, she adds -" After all, our home is our joy and we keep adding new things. I plan to work on our study next and add some much needed shelving"

What I like the most about this home? The synergistic blend between the home and the home owners' cheerful personalities and of course going home to INDIA!

Hope you've enjoyed touring our first home of 2014. Please share your thoughts with us and we will pass them along to the homeowners who were kind enough to share their beautiful home with all of us!

Thank you Shalini and Bhagavan.

It's a new year and we are only warming up! A design blogger will be in the house next with her stylish inspirations - join us then!

If  you are looking for more homes filled with Indian decor inspirations - check out our other features here, here and here

Cheers!
~Deepa

p.s: All pictures are copyrighted to the homeowners' and were taken by my husband. Please ask before using!
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Floral fantasies - A guest post

January 25, 2014, 11:07 am
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Hi there! Are you tired of the endless winter yet? I know I am! I desperately need something to cheer me up - winter doldrums, I tell ya!
Well, take heart dear readers! You are in for an absolute and I mean an ABSOLUTE treat today! We have a guest blogger in the house and what she is about to share will knock your socks and your winter blues off!
I am honored to  introduce Sruthi Singh of the East Coast Desi. She is an inspiring stylist, photographer, home decor enthusiast and blogger and one of my absolute favorites! I love her airy photography, resourceful posts and desi inspirations! Her posts , each one an oeuvre d'art, make my morning cup of tea that much more enjoyable! Her blog is fabulous because it is a testament to her natural artistic ability and her keen awareness of what her audience wants!
It is a great pleasure to have her over at Aalayam today. Via 18 stylishly fashioned shots, floral arrangements and vignettes, Sruthi talks about adding color, life, texture and energy to your space. Pay attention as she imparts some great lessons in styling floral compositions! Valentine's day is around the corner - why not spice things up naturally? Flowers have been an eternal symbol of love. We hope you draw inspiration from our post today to get you into the amorous spirit this Valentine's day. Thank you Sruthi Singh! We love collaborating with artists and creative talents like yourself to generate value for our readers. So, thanks for willingly taking this on. What a fantastic post! I am sure Aalayam readers will love it as much as I did. Before I turn it over to Sruthi , here is the link to her blog. Make sure to sign up because you don't want to miss her posts!

Now, over to Sruthi Singh ofthe East Coast Desi…

 Vases with Dual Personality

"I'm honored and delighted to be guest authoring at Aalayam today. I would like to thank Deepa for the wonderful introduction and for inviting me to be a part of Aalayam. The team at Aalayam has been doing a commendable job in expressing India, it's art, craft and decor in a novel way. Wishing them luck for Aalayam and more!!!!

As for today's post, I had an incredible time putting it together for the Aalayam readers. Without further ado, let’s get started…….

I think I can safely say that indulging in flowers has therapeutic benefits. Apart from being visually enticing, flowers seem to have an unparalleled effect on all our senses. Their simplicity, form, beauty and sensual floral fragrance gives us an opportunity to experience nature up, close and personal. Those familiar with my blog "The East Coast Desi" and my decorating style, know that flowers are an indispensable element in decorating my space. 

To match the uniqueness and individuality of flowers, the choice of containers in which they are housed should be equally exclusive, helping us create elegant compositions. Apart from being a visual link between the blooms and their backdrop, containers can also be statement pieces by themselves. These receptacles foster the blooms when not in their natural environment and thus play a pivotal role in keeping the blooms alive.

Working with unique vases does not have to be an extravagant affair. I personally like to use an assortment of “found” receptacles to create displays around my home. Using unconventional containers as vases, helps create stunning arrangements and makes for a wonderful conversation piece. As you’ll will see, most of my vases come from my kitchen - kettles, vinaigrette bottles, ceramic creamers or jugs, colored goblets, trifle bowls and vintage beer mugs to name a few. I do hope you'll enjoy the snapshots of inspiring and exciting variations of adaptive containers that I've used to add beauty to my home.
This floral arrangements has been created using a Ghee Silver Copper Teapot from Tibet. Used to serve the Tibetan Ghee tea, I’ve adapted it to display a bunch of pale yellow carnation. In grouping with a Buddha and mercury glass votive holders, you have yourself a calming zen corner.
Creating a personal space with a distinct style is not a herculean task, if you surround yourself with knick-knacks and pieces that have a special meaning to you or memory associated with it. Here, I've used an unpretentious copper "kalash" that was used during the puja for our house warming ceremony. Displayed around the house with the Button Poms gently tucked into the container, it reminds me of the wonderful moment when we set foot into our home.

While on the topic of creating a space filled with memories and history, there's nothing like a wonderful heirloom piece to add to your decor. Backed by history and traces of time, a vintage brass beer mug that belonged to my granddad (one of my prized heirloom possessions), is an absolute favorite as a vase. Used to arrange a few stems of magenta Dahlias makes for a strikingly simple arrangement that adds instant color to my space.

Coming from India, I'd like to describe my style as eclectically Indian. Metal containers made of brass, copper and silver with their burnished and tarnished surfaces lend a rustic traditional touch to an arrangement. Personally, I have a penchant for the classic brass urlis' during the festive season. Their open structure favors creating exotic floating floral arrangements that are perfect for a festive occasion.
Now let’s look into those kitchen cabinets and improvise with what we got. Ceramic jugs and coffee creamers in brilliant color tones are perfect vases. They bring a little drama to a morning brunch with friends or intensify the style quotient to an alfresco tea time.
Ever thought of using trifle bowls and vinaigrette bottles as vases??? If not, then take a look at the inventive vases used to make attractive displays. Be it Chrysanthemums or autumn foliage, the clear glass receptacles with their neutral quality showoff the flower/foliage from the petal to their stem.

Up-cycled pasta sauce or salsa bottles can be given a new lease of life with colorful ribbons, washi tape or raffia. I've used some recycled jute from a rice bag, ribbon and a paper clip to create a vase for a dear friend. Studded with Queen Anne's lace this simple arrangement speaks volumes of your creative labor.

Colored glass votive holders or goblets are another wonderful alternative to the conventional vase. They supplement the color quotient of the display and by contrasting the blooms against the vase you have yourself a vibrant potent arrangement.
 
 For an alternate take on cut blooms, one could also use small potted flowering plants that work well indoors. One of my absolute go to plants for indoors are the African violets. The longevity of potted plants is longer when compared to cut blooms. But the container to hold the potted plant does not have to be unimaginative. This wonderful brightly colored pail is a unique container that adds color and character to the decor. 
Your home office or work space could also use a touch of creativity. Ceramic monogrammed mugs with a few sprays of your favorite blooms are a wonderful way to mark your territory. How perfect is this deliberately simple exhibit of Oriental Lilies in a white mug for a visual spark ???
So go ahead and indulge in the giddy fragrance of a bloom, the natural curvature of a stem or the ruffled feel of a petal. The transient nature of blooms only reminds us that life is a fleeting journey and should be enjoyed and celebrated while it lasts. What are you waiting for, your bunch of happiness is out there waiting for you..............
                                                                             ~~~~ Sruthi Singh


(Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright Please do not use without prior written permission.)


Did that not just take your breath away? It was also great to see glimpses of her well-edited home that is so grounded in classic elegance. Once again, thank you Shruthi Singh.
 Supriya and I jointly authored a post on decorating with fresh flowers a while back. In case you missed it, here is the link.

 And here is a hint on what we are working on next - Master bedroom, valentine's day ....shshsh, I am not saying more!

Cheers!
~Deepa


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Your Master Bedroom & Valentine's Day!!

February 5, 2014, 8:13 am
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Ladies & Gentlemen,


Today's post is dichotomous! It runs rampant with some well founded thoughts opined by my left brain, and a pictorial guide presented by my right brain! Hooked? Read on.

"...The modern Saint Valentine's Day celebrations are said to have been derived from both ancient Christian and Roman tradition. Popular legend has it that under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues because the Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. Saint Valentine aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and beaten to death with clubs and had his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honor of a heathen god. On these occasions, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed. 

And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine's Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way..."

And here's the modern day version!

An anxious beau braves the snow and sub zero temperatures in the middle of the night, to place handmade placards professing love, in a conspicuous roundabout in our neighborhood. He or she (!!) has about 9 hours time, before their object of affection, wakes up..gets dressed and decides to drive out ....or the City landscape crew decide to play Grinch and take the signs down. whichever is earlier.!! (scroll to the bottom of this post for the picture of this sweet proposal!)

Touching right? Let's see if this turns out to be a Hallmark story, or has a disastrous ending. In any case, in true blue romantic spirit, we will celebrate Valentine's Day at Aalayam. I, Supriya, am personally a Valentine's Day Grinch, I think. However, in order to commemorate the occasion, we bring to you tips and tricks to dress up your MASTER BED ROOM!! (Ahem!!!) for comfort, rejuvenation and maybe...recreation!!  


Don't get me wrong. Valentine's Day is as good a day as any to profess your love to your significant other..or your dad..or your mom..or your daughter, neighbor, grandmother, mailman, doorman and yes, even your work spouse! 

Yes..What originated as a commemoration of a 4th century clash between priest and a ruler, is now a commercial megathon shopping event which raises collective expectation at the idea or receiving a Valentine (as even a single long stemmed rose, card or heart shaped chocolate, is now called) from a poor (have you seen the prices out there?), unimaginative soul who is, thankfully, not short of ideas anymore, courtesy, the reminders and suggestions from all the targeted advertising in his smartphone, email and Facebook profile!! Phew!! Happy Valentine's Day!


I remember the time when I was single, I used to dread Valentine's Day. Me, and all my other single friends would get together and buy each other long stemmed roses, make a night out of it, cussing the commercial fanfare that our committed friends were partaking in, at the same time secretly hoping that it was our turn this year. We did not turn off our phones right until the phone clock showed 12:01, 15th February. 

We refreshed our emails..checked and rechecked our text messages .. We knew we were being victims to the whole cycle of repressed expectation that the media, the greeting card companies, the malls, the florists and the whole world in general, set up for that day. I remember even going home early one particular Valentine's Day from work, because I could not bear the fact that the girl across the desk from me had 12 dozen long stemmed roses delivered to her hour on hour, on the hour. She was twittering (the old fashioned way..Thank Heavens!) and gushing effusively... and the heady floral fragrance was giving me a headache...Sorry. I love you..but my head rules my heart!




Do you know how the numbers stack up? It is a $16 Billion industry. Not a pittance mind you, recovery or not! While we enjoy some design secrets to have that "ooh-aah" worthy master bed room, lets look at 10 incredible facts about this 16B$ Valentine Day shopapalooza.




  • 53% of women in America would dump their boyfriends if they did not get them anything for Valentine's Day
  • The average U.S. consumer is expected to spend $116.21 on Valentine's Day gifts, meals, and entertainment
  • Men spend double what women spend on Valentine's day: $158.71 compared to $75.79
  • 141 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged worldwide and an estimated 198 million roses were produced for Valentine's Day in 2013; about 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period this year
  • People will spend $1.7 billion on flowers this Valentine's Day -- 73% are bought by men, 27% by women

  • 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine's day
  • Chocolate and candy sales reach profits of $1,011 billion
  • Spending on jewelry is expected to reach $3.5 billion this holiday; 17.3% of people are likely to buy it
  • 11% of Americans will be engaged on Valentine's Day
  • According to a Durex survey, condom sales are highest around Valentine's Day -- 20 to 30% more than usual (So, now, does the master-bed room post make sense? ;))


Enough said...I sometimes wonder, if we did not have these commercially declared excuses to spend money, how would the economy be stimulated? Does Washington have anything to do with Valentine's Day?? Mr. O, what are you getting Michelle this year? :)



Closer to home..How long will Meahgan and her beau survive this fresh, sweet, unconditional love which has nothing to do with expectation..if she decides to say Yes?

Let's talk!!!



Disclaimer: This post is not intended to hurt the feelings or sentiments of any of our readers or their beaus. Least of all, of any of the commercial establishments that make a buck out of someone else's feelings or sentiments!

Love,
Supriya
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Magazine Feature: We are on "Curated"!!!!

February 14, 2014, 11:02 am
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“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you”

Dale Carnegie


Words to live by in the blogosphere! And that is exactly what is happening at Aalayam. A kindred spirit, who is also a fantabulous blogger - Priya, (Once Upon a Tea Time) reached out to Aalayam, to feature Deepa and I, our daily inspirations, our creative drivers and joie de vivre and of course get a sneak peek into our homes in her new Curated magazine!! 


Over hurried Whats App messages and long distance voice mail, Deepa and I reconnoitered to get our interviews ready, pictures scrubbed and profile shots "shot" to make it Curated ready!! We were supremely excited to be part of this venture because Curated is a veritable visual treat! Its fresh, sets a serious design tone with its boho-chic influences, and blazes the trail for all the bloggers in the business of self publishing. 



Priya, with a keen eye for design detail and a refreshing repertoire of verdant imagery punctuates Curated with oomph, style and tons of inspiration. 


Here are some snippets from our interviews and home tours on Curated. Peek into the magazine feature a lil, here, but make sure you click on this link to read the whole story!



CLICK HERE! to read Deepa and my interviews on Curated and for the grand home tours!!


Thank you for the immensely flattering showcase Priya. This project was a privilege for Aalayam. And tons of fun for Deepa and ME.  

Love,
Supriya

CLICK HERE!! to read the full interviews.



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Sustainability! It Starts at Home.

February 22, 2014, 6:22 pm
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My Dear Aalayam Family,

This  post is a trifle offbeat. The reigning theme this week has been Sustainability for me. At home, and at work. So, it's only logical that I complete the trifecta with Aalayam! On Thursday, I passed a certification exam on Sustainable Planning & Design from the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure. On Friday, the impact of the process of working for, and on the exam, just got me thinking of how much for granted we take the world and its resources around us. Here I am, on Saturday, crafting a blog post filled with heart-warming drawings from Virginia Beach School children, promoting Sustainability messages - stimulating a discussion perhaps?

Do you know that the United States alone consumes as much as four planets worth of resources (not just one!)? We owe our quality of life to the industrialization and "drop-of-a-hat" innovation. But do we even pause a minute to see how much we are contributing as a result to waste landfills? 

Before I get too verbose and pedantic in my soap box, I will pause and say - we can make a difference. At Home. It's simple. 

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - Your "At Home" Sustainability Mantra.



I am fortunate to have worked with leaders in the Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities as part of my work. And this utility does something really cool to reinforce that "At Home" Sustainability concept. They partner with local public schools to spread water conservation messages to school children and the community in general. 


The annual Water Awareness Calendar that consolidates prolific art work by Virginia Beach elementary school children with “Using Water Wisely” messages is an initiative that reinforces our client's community engagement. And all these are the images of the art work from the calendar. A jaunty copy of the calendar is on my desk at work, reminding me of my responsibility towards a "green" lifestyle. EVERYDAY.


HR Green is a regional awareness campaign our utility participates in, aimed at educating citizens on how to conserve resources and protect the environment.



More than 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted in U.S. homes each year from easy-to-fix leaks. Initiatives like the Fix a Leak program championed by our local utility aims to reduce this wastage of water through running toilets, dripping faucets and other household leaks.​


I have started to have discussions with my girls about saving water, recycling, using electricity wisely and not buying EVERYTHING that we WANT!


We have quite a few posts filled with "Green" design ideas lined up here in Aalayam. Would you be interested in those? What areas would you like for us to focus on? Up-cycling? Reused and Refashioned Decor?  Let us know!


Just check out the sweet, simple and effective ideas presented in these drawings! It is my hope that my kids will participate in the contest and submit their art work which will get picked to be on the calendar! It would be truly a meaningful event for me that my work and family worlds are coinciding in that fashion.


I just had to share these images with you. Because they were on my mind. And I wanted to bring that idea up for discussion. What do YOU do to be Sustainable in your home?

Lets talk!

Supriya

p.s. Stay tuned for the next post on regular programming. A visual treat, the stunning home tour of ex-decor blogger Kamini Raghavan!! You will NOT be disappointed.
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Home tour - Part Global, Part Wabi Sabi, Part barefoot living (Part 1)

February 28, 2014, 6:59 am
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One little corner and a million little details- Kamini Raghavan's home!

"Fill your house with stacks of books in all the crannies and all the nooks" - Dr. Seuss
and that's exactly what our home owner today has done! But then again her home is an envious mix of treasures (not just books) - treasures that stimulate one's senses - warm colors, exotic textiles,  interesting knick knacks, one of a kind vintage accents and art work at every turn!
 Welcome to Kamini and Raghavan's sun drenched Seattle home!  
She lives by the quote-“Unless a home becomes a love affair, it is not a success. You have to love every single little thing—if it doesn’t have a memory, a story, it doesn’t count." I agree!

going back to your roots - textiles are a great option.

 Ask her about her style and she remarks"Maybe Global? Maybe Wabi Sabi? Or maybe Barefoot Living? Or hopefully a combination of all three!" 
Piqued? Read on! Gawking at the jaw-droppingly beautiful pictures of her home has become a nightly ritual these past few days and you will soon see why I am so hooked! With so many gorgeous images to chose from, I decided to do a 2 part feature. I had to . This home is beautiful. I could move into her home tomorrow and live there happily ever after. There is nothing cookie cutter about the inside of Kamini's home! 
stairwell rails to display handcrafted textiles - now there's an idea! also look at all her gorgeous rugs!
 Many of you may already know Kamini through her decor blog Saffron and Silk. In fact, that's how I got to know her too. Her seemingly kind, friendly and warm-hearted online personality encouraged me to reach out to her. I was spot on with my instincts! I loved working with her and had the most fun collaborating on this long distance project. 

Create greater impact through custom art work - in this case Kamini's own artistry is meaningfully displayed!

An interesting conversationalist, she enlivened what would have otherwise been a mundane online Q and A exchange. Her anecdotal responses about all the favorite pieces in her home was a treat to read after a long day at work! 
Her previous homes, also peppered with treasured family heirlooms and striking artifacts, have been featured before on several blogs and Apartment Therapy (!)
Intricately woven rugs, heirloom furniture and soul stirring colors- all mixed in perfect proportions!
 
But here is an up, close and personal look at Kamini Raghavan's life and home- Aalayam style!
Layer by layer a living room comes to life!
 
In her own words, here is an introduction -

"The love for moving furniture around, arranging things and decorating my room was evident even during my younger days. I hoped to study design or the Arts after school, but my parents and grandparents refused to send me to JJ School of arts in the big bad city of Mumbai. Instead, I settled for BA in Economics from St Francis College in Hyderabad.  Born in Chennai, but raised in Lucknow and Hyderabad, I consider myself to be more fluent in Hindi and Telugu, than my native Tamil. I met my husband when I was 16, ignored him, he pursued me, we got engaged when I was 18 and was married at 19!! I became a mother at 21! 
She is now a mother-in-law too. Meet her adorable family - her husband, son and son-in-law.

As an immigrant to the US in 1984, I stayed home till my son started school. Through my various stints as an employee at my son’s school, the post office  etc, I realized my unwavering passion for design.  Finally in 1994, with much support and insistence from Raghavan, I went back to school in Seattle to study Interior Design. 3 years later and armed with a degree in ID, I started working at a marine design company. It was very interesting work, designing and furnishing boat interiors. Seattle has a big maritime community being right on the water and I got to really see some amazing boats, some even bigger than houses. I held several other work assignments in retail design including Nordstroms, Polo Ralph Lauren and J crew. I learned very early on that residential design was not my cup of tea -too many temperaments and personalities to deal with!
My final stint at retail design was Starbucks stores in Southern California. If any of you are ever in a Sbux store in SW California - Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley - there is a good chance I had a hand in the design :-)
Besides design, I love painting and my interest in it began with an oil painting class I took back in 1981. In fact, I am happier and more at peace when I am painting than when I am designing!  For many years, painting remained a dormant interest and I finally revived it again when we relocated temporarily to India in 2006. 
an interesting concoction of color and greenery enlivens a sunny corner -inspired yet?

Pottery fascinates me too. I tried my hand at hand building and wheel throwing and loved it enough to bookmark as an activity to pursue. My other hobbies include cooking, yoga, hiking, biking, reading and music. I am passionate about vegan-ism and wish I had turned vegan a lot earlier in my life. I love animals and children maybe because they are both so vulnerable and defenseless, but all my charitable causes are towards these two groups. I am also a bit of a fitness/health freak but if you asked my friends to describe me- the words  “impulsive, hot-headed, irreverent, slightly OCD” would all be fair game…"

Her home has many amazing layers and brilliantly put together compositions and yet it doesn't overwhelm the viewer. It also manages to retain it's sense of clarity. I asked her to tell me what makes her home "her home" and here is her response -
cherished handy downs are proudly displayed.
"I love love love old things, the beauty of tradition, and the stories that make an object more than what it is.Things that have been handed down from generation to generation.....furniture, kitchen items, my grandmother’s silver comb, my father-in-law’s rocking chair, the copper water boiler we used as kids to make hot water in the cold Lucknow winters. They have so much history behind them. I scrounge around my mother’s attic looking for things no one uses. Chips, cracks don’t bother me, they in fact add to the value and make an object more interesting. I surround myself with things I love to see. People often ask me what the “ consistent theme” behind the decor in my house is and I always say “they are all things I love”. So it must go without saying that they all work together"
More treasures! I love the use of colorful textiles to anchor compositions throughout the home.

Personally, I favor a home where every room evokes an emotion, carries a worn feel and bears a personal stamp. I asked her to tell me what HOME means to her and in her own words.. 

"Home is a place where I am surrounded by things and people I love. People are important but things really do matter 'coz they are what I see and  touch every single day. I love to travel  but after every vacation, no matter how much I have enjoyed it, I long to come home. Its my sanctuary. My travel finds ( small inexpensive memorabilia) - instantly remind me of my vacation and my journeys and the people I care about and love. Most of all I want my home to feel comfortable. Not a place where people are afraid to touch and feel things. I want people to walk in and feel like “Ahhhhh”. Once a friend from Norway came home and told me my house was “koselig”. I looked it up later and it meant “cozy”. Now, that makes me happy!"
Rooms that evoke an emotion - sculpted coffee table, kilim cushions and kamini's painting. Happiness is in the details!


Free spirited, colorful and bohemian, I think Kamini's home is an extension of her personality and her interests. I asked kamini to elaborate on her personal decor philosophy and here is what she had to say..
pretty patterened pots call for an open display - add more color to your decor in novel ways!
 
"I am drawn to earthy colors, I love global artifacts that have an Indian or Eastern vibe, I love colorful textiles, I hate clutter, I like colorful artwork....so I think by default my home falls into the eclectic category. I am particularly attracted to Moroccan influences and would love to make my house look like a Moroccan Riad :-), but like everything else, I think a balanced mix is best.
sigh!
 I appreciate modern minimalist design, but it is not for me. I need more warmth and color around me. I have old old things and new things; I have modern clean lined furniture alongside an old teak “easy chair”; I have South Indian brass coffee filters next to Turkish pottery; I have Indian prayer books and design books on my coffee table. But they are all things I love so I suppose that must be the consistent theme running through them. 
block printed bar stool covers, hand painted fruit bowls and a bright hued table cover - Kamini works her magic on an industrial kitchen!

I think my style sort of evolved. I experimented a lot with different styles when I was younger. I’d see pictures in magazines that looked lovely and would try to recreate those rooms not giving any thought to whether I would feel comfortable and at ease in those spaces. I did the all-white clean monochromatic Dania look, the checked sofa farmhouse look, and the all Indian look with brass urlis and wall hangings...and then finally found my niche. My home reflects me. I hope when someone walks into my house they get a good idea of what kind of person I am just be looking around" 
Move over rattan baskets - copper container + cheery cushions = trendy!

Given her keen eye for aesthetics, Kamini's collection of art work is to die for. From original Jamini Roy paintings (I know!!!!) to personal creations, her walls host a gorgeous array of artwork that infuse her space with vibrance! I asked her about her thoughts on curating art work and incorporating amateur art work into one's personal space and here is what she shared..

This is where I am staying when I go to Seattle - to sleep blissfully under original Jamini Roy paintings - there's a treat!

"No, absolutely not - you don't have to own expensive art work. You just brought up a pet peeve of mine. My house is full of amateur artwork (some of it mine).  I cannot justify buying expensive art work. The most I ever paid was Rs 4,500 for 3 original oil paintings at a craft bazaar in Hyderabad. I browse paintings by famous artists and try to reproduce them for myself. Not only is it a fraction of the cost, but it is so much fun. OK, so they are not anything like the original, but when I look at them, it is satisfying to know I did them. If you want to fill your house with art, buy prints from museum stores and gift shops and get them framed. I mean,  if the artwork - meaning the subject and the colors and composition - appealed to you, why does it have to be an original? A print is exactly the same! Getting stuff framed in India is not expensive, but in the US it can cost a bomb. Places like IKEA and Michaels sell inexpensive frames." 
A kalamkari runner brings depth to this console vignette - brilliant once again!


Dear Aalayam family, I am in conversation with Kamini Raghavan- mom, interior designer, vegan lover, book collector, home decor enthusiast, ex-blogger and a woman of substance! Hope you've enjoyed our dialogue so far. Stay tuned for part two of our conversation as I bring you more of her thoughts on "home", on embracing individuality as well as more gorgeous images of her intimate 
home!
to be continued.......
 
 
Cheers!
~Deepa

P.S: All images in this post belong to Kamini Raghavan and may not be used without permission.
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Home tour- Part Global, Part Wabi Sabi, Part Barefoot Living (Part 2)

March 9, 2014, 7:44 am
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Design is in the details!

Hello and I am back! Thank you for all your articulate feedback and wonderful comments about Kamini's home. Join me on this extended tour of her eloquently put together home where style and function reign supreme. Kamini believes in finding perfection in the imperfect and this falls in line with the Wabi Sabi style of the home but then again the overall decor of this home is not contained by any one style rather it is driven by the home owner's creative inner instincts -so, read on and be sure to be vowed, yet again! 
the spice box also tell the story of a discerning collector!

If you have missed part one, you should probably start there and get to know Kamini and her passion for creating a beautiful home first.
colorful cotton textiles spell COMFORT!
 I am in conversation with Kamini and I was curious to know if she believes in an egalitarian approach to home decorating and if in fact she let's her husband partake in the  decorating process.  After all, men are wired differently and not many want to indulge in decorating debates with their wives. So, I asked her who called the design shots in their home and here is her response-

sheers curtains extend a flirty welcome

 "Uh, I do. Ok let me rephrase that. I do, but my husband usually has something to add too. If its a color I want to paint a wall or a color of the sheets on the bed, then he just stays out of it. But when it comes to picking furniture, lighting, rugs etc we usually make the decision together. I’m the right brain which means my heart rules. He is the left brain and looks beyond just the aesthetics - maintenance, function, price and so on. And together we make the final decision" 
The lovely  Kamini and Raghavan with their adorable pets


Ah! the partnership approach, that's always a win-win!

"The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, and gives you a sense of meaning, joy and passion" - unknown
And Kamini has sired this passion for design and decor from her early days. She says,
"When I was a kid I used to rearrange my room all the time. I shared a room with my brother and probably made life hell for him...always moving things around, adding flowers, putting up pictures and so on. I loved flower arranging, setting the table, moving furniture around and so on, so my love for design has always been there. 
interesting vignettes add dimension to her rooms

The first thing that strikes me when I look at the images of her home is the timeless appeal. Everything flows in harmony! Clearly, she didn't just stop at one home decor store, load up her cart, come home and arrange everything in one afternoon and yet everything ebbs and flows so well. I asked her about her shopping philosophy. I wanted to know if she is budget savvy or if she is the kind of shopper that would rather have the few things she likes even if it costs a pretty penny (I do that sometimes!). And her response? 
 
"Never. I never buy outrageously expensive stuff. My favorite places in Seattle are Pier 1 Imports, Cost Plus World Market and Z Gallerie. I go to outlet stores like TJ Maxx and Home Goods which usually have great deals, and I watch out for sales at some of my other favorite places which are usually more pricey. My favorite online stores are Viva Terra and Wisteria. Pricey, but I get great deals on clearance"
Kamini's magic wand and intuition at work again!

And then I  asked her to share her favorite online resources for inspiration with our readers and this is what she said -
" I have a weakness for design coffee table books and I spend hours, literally hours, browsing through them and getting ideas. Magazines are my next source of inspiration - usually House Beautiful and Elle Decor. I loved Casa Viva when I was in India. Blogs and websites are also great, but I don’t spend too much time looking online. Catalogs from Pottery Barn, Room and Board, Viva Terra and West Elm are also fun to browse through. 

To me, a good home should be a true reflection of the owners personalities and their inner state of mind. In that sense, home  decorating is an evolving process and I don't necessarily mean keeping up with design trends but rather letting your home reflect your collective life experiences as well as your day to day moods.She agrees. 
"No, home decoration is never a done deal. In fact as I write, I am rearranging things. I move things around, replace artwork with others inside ('coz I don’t have room for all), in summer I go for a lighter, breezier look, more flowers in vases, sheer curtains etc.I move furniture around a lot. I’ve stopped shopping for big ticket items like furniture because I don’t need any more, and small accessories - 'coz I have too many of those. But I do look out for sales and deals on textiles, cushions, linens, coffee table books. Those are things I can shuffle around. You won’t believe how a room can get a total makeover just with different textiles and cushions! 

And I am a paint addict. I can paint a room at the drop of a hat. Again - with paint you get a big bang for a small buck! Like I said I hate clutter, and I just don’t have room to store a lot of stuff, so its easy to reconcile myself with not shopping a lot. I have a lot of baskets in the house - to store kitchen linens in the pantry, to store those darn coffee table books :-), to store cushions and blankets. They look lovely and are so functional. My two weaknesses are rugs and pottery, both of which I have enough and am not even looking to add more. So I stick to window shopping which is also a lot of fun.
master bedroom - a  magical medley of gray and orange
Personally, I don't have much of green thumb at all. Although I love the idea of adding a little greenery to my indoor landscape, I am afraid and have not taken the plunge so far ! I have toyed with the idea of creating an intricate cactus garden just to add a little sculptural interest but  have not mustered the courage yet. So, I am always envious of homeowners who can successfully incorporate house plants into their decor. Kamini and I talked about indoor greenery and here are her thought

I do not claim to have a green thumb, so I stick to “easy to take care of” plants. Pothos (money plant), peace lily, (spathyphylum), orchids (yes, they are easy to maintain), lucky bamboo....these are some of the easiest to look after. Herbs on the kitchen window sill are easy and pretty. 
And finally, we hobbled on to a subject that we are both fond of - artwork. Home owners often find it difficult to navigate the world of art and I believe that figuring out one's personal taste in artwork takes patience and persistence. Curating art work is a time consuming and a daunting process but well worth the effort. Truly, nothing is more pertinent than artwork when it comes to customizing your home décor. 

A well-curated art collection is a great way to allow your home décor to speak for your personality.  But remember - there is really no right or wrong way.  Building your personal art collection is a creative process that takes a sense of appreciation, and a lot of intuition. Kamini talked about incorporating amateur art work into home decor. By adding personal art work Kamini has ensured that their home is unique. Her custom art work tells the story of what truly inspires her - eastern heritage and earthy colors . Sentimental displays on her wall generate a sensory appeal that immediately draws the viewer in! 

And that was my interview with the lovely Kamini Raghavan!

Her home sizzles with style! It is a  treasure chest of heirloom antiquities and tells the story of a discerning collector. It is a transitional space that allows her to seamlessly combine her eastern roots and her western design sensibilities. I give her astute intuition for color and aesthetics a big thumbs up!



But what I will take away the most from this feature is the fact that she is an absolutely positive influence! Her blog was a portrayal of her varied interests and the depth of her personality and she inspired many through her blog  (including me) and it was my great pleasure to get to know her!  Thank you Kamini and Raghavan for sharing your lovely home with the Aalayam family!
Here is another look at the irrepressibly spirited Kamini as she answers some fun questions for me. The thoughtfully curated corners of her home reflect her vivacious and positive personality! Thank you kamini for allowing me to trace your home making voyage on Aalayam- it was a pleasure!

Cheers!
~Deepa

P.S: All the images in this post belong to our homeowner kamini Raghavan. Please do not use without permission!
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Artist Feature: Doodling to Make a Difference!

March 14, 2014, 6:30 pm
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"I am Supriya. I am a mom of two 4 year olds. I live in the USA and am constantly on the lookout for reading material that can impart the beauty of Indian colors, culture and influences to my Kids. My dad brought my kids the gorgeously illustrated story book "Color Color Kamini" as a gift when he visited us last year. And till date, I am unable to get over the sheer delight my kids experience when they see your illustrations in this book. Your illustrations are fresh. Breathtaking and Original! Looking at it, gave me an idea. Please hear me out. I am a blogger (and I did check out your blogs too!). I was wondering if I could feature you in Aalayam - a niche space for India inspired design, culture and cuisine ideas and for the people who keep it alive on a daily basis" 

This is an excerpt from the email I sent to Priya Kurian, whose email ID I found on her blog, that I looked up, when I was struck by inspiration to have a conversation with this talented illustrator whose drawings were coming alive every day, reminding me of my colorful childhood in textured India. Although I now lived thousands of miles away, I could still smell the fresh, wet earth of the forest where Color Color Kamini and her chameleon classmates lived. Such was the intoxicating storytelling of Priya’s illustrations. And I had to try and connect with her. 

I was delighted when I received an email back from her saying Yes!, She would love to be featured and she felt really special to hear that my kids enjoyed seeing her illustrations. So, that was the start of a “across the thousand miles” collaboration, a Q&A session that lent itself so naturally to taking a peek into who Priya Kurian really was, what drove her to draw so piquantly and what she was thinking when she doodled!


So, my Aalayam family, I present to you - Priya Kurian - one of us, yet uniquely prolific! It feels special that I was able to get nuanced and heart-felt responses to my questions from Priya, whom I have never met. I would say its a relationship built solely on mutual love for art and its interpretation.  So here goes!



Supriya (S): Priya, we all love the vibrant and verdant punctuation your art and illustrations makes in our and our kids lives. And we want to pick your brain to know more about it! First of all, what got you started illustrating??

Priya (P): I always liked drawing and reading as a child and was almost certain I would do something related to the arts once I grew up. Once I finished with school , I joined the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, (Gujarat) and I took up animation as my specialization. As most people know, animation is essentially another form of storytelling and is also something that involves an immense amount of hard work. Part of the process of making animation films, involves making conceptual art for it. It's the stage where you are just doodling and thinking of your story art , characters and the situations these characters could find themselves in. It was a stage I enjoyed immensely as I could create all kinds of really wacky illustrations in order to ideate for my stories without having to worry about the practicalities of how I would make my drawings move. 

I think my interest in illustration was really an outcome of that. It was, in a way, relaxing to illustrate for fun on the side while also doing animation - which at certain stages, can be physically and mentally quite demanding. I had also taken a short illustration course around that time. In my final year at design school , I sent some of the work I had done to Tulika books (Chennai) on a whim. They very kindly gave me my first break by assigning me this really endearing story called "I’m so Sleepy", written by Radhika Chadda. Seeing my work in print of course gave me a huge kick and I decided this was something I would really like to continue doing .


S: Where do you derive your daily inspiration from? Is it your education, and cultural readings? The creative recesses of your mind? Or does it just come from the heart?

P: I think most of my daily inspiration comes from observing day to day life keenly. I love watching the way people interact with each other. It might be something as simple as watching someone buy vegetables from the local grocer, or just taking an autorickshaw to some place, but if one looks closely enough, I feel there are always subtle details one can catch, that make seemingly mundane things very interesting. These gestures people make, their clothes, a house I might have noticed somewhere, ultimately do make their presence felt, by creeping into the work I do.

I try traveling to new places every time I get a chance to do so. Once again, it doesn't really matter to me if the place I'm traveling to is a tourist hot spot or just another town. I make it a point to carry my sketch book and camera around so that I can record things I see and not forget. I've always liked reading.

I was lucky to have had the chance to study in a design school like NID. I owe a lot to it as it's helped shape me as person . It exposed me to so many things I didn't even imagine I would be interested in. That place and the taught me how to think. For someone who had been fed on mainly a diet of American books and comics throughout childhood, it was revelatory experience to find oneself in a place that constantly made you think of things within the Indian context. For the first time I saw what a rich tradition of folk art and crafts India had. That's something that continues to influence my work even now.


S: How do you give a modern slant to age-old mythical and mythological figures?

P: Well , I haven't had a lot of projects where I've worked with mythical figures, but a technique that I try an adopt at times, is to think of people I know in real life with a personality that would be perfect for the character I am creating, and then try and use that person as an inspiration. Sometimes it helps to turn things on their head and do what is not expected. For example if the 'villain' at first seems like he might be this huge guy, I might instead make him a really puny man instead.

The stereotypical mythological figures that we see in popular culture now, are simpler versions of images that were originally created by the famous Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. His style of painting was very much influenced by the West. In turn, his paintings were what inspired the way all the characters in the Amar Chitra Katha series looked. The aesthetic of the Mahabharata /Ramayana series that played on Doordarshan in the 80's drew heavily from Amar Chitra Katha. There was a sort of homogenization of what all these characters looked like. I mean, one can't really place them in a particular Indian state or region.

On the other hand , if one looks at the pre- Ravi Varma depiction of Gods and goddesses in the 19th century Kalighat paintings, or in Madhubani paintings, they display a strong graphic quality ,a diversity in illustration styles . The way the women tie their hair or wear their sari in a Kalighat paintings was completely different from their hairstyles and sari wearing styles in a Madhubani painting . To cut a long story short, I would therefore perhaps do the ironic thing and go really far back to our older folk traditions and seek inspiration there in order to give a modern slant to our mythological figures.



S: Can you talk to us a little bit about your creative process? Do you get to design your characters the way you want? Or does the outline depend upon the author or the publisher?

P: Well, most of the time I do get a lot of freedom to play with the characters. I usually read the book first. This is important for obvious reasons like - I can't make a character that was born in India look like his parents were Caucasian. I like listening to what authors have to say about the character. After all , It is the author who has created the character and understands it the most. Once I have an idea as to what the writer has in mind, I make really rough sketches, adding my own little quirks and details to the character ;some perhaps even the writer might not have thought of. I send it off to the publisher and the author for approval. Sometimes, they get back with feedback and ask me to change a few things. Once the sketches are approved, I usually go ahead and make final drawings. Another round of approvals, and then I color the final artworks in.


S: What kind of social causes have you worked with? Or are working with?

P: I make it a point to do projects with NGOs that publish books for children who can't really afford to buy expensive books. Pratham Books and Room to Read are organisations that have worked with . The best part about these organisations is that they make sure children in the remotest corners of India have access to story books. The idea that a kid in a remote village in Ladakh or a tiny hamlet in the Northeast must have seen my illustrations makes me really happy.


S: What have been the highlights of your career as a illustrator?

P: I'd like to measure highlights on the basis of how much I enjoyed working on certain projects. I have a soft spot for the "Baby Bahadur" series (Tulika books) , since it was my very first project. Illustrating for "The Fried Frog And Other Funny Freaky Foodie Feisty Poems" by Sampurna Chattarji. I had a blast illustrating for this one. Creating the 2011 calendar for Manipal press . I think it was with that project that I discovered a style I enjoyed working with. Lately , illustrating "Rooster Raga" for Tulika books and Uma Krishnaswami's "Book Uncle and Me". Oh ! but I must show you the latest highlight of my career :) - http://pkuriyan.blogspot.in/2013/12/rewards.html. I think it is stuff like this that makes me want to continue to do what I do. I feel like in some teeny weeny way , I've been part of a kids growing years. (This is another blog I keep, Supriya . This mostly contains stuff from my sketchbook)

S: Has your art changed your everyday style - at home and at play?

P: I wouldn't say it has 'changed' something, but it has always permeated my everyday life.. In order to create something new ,there's always always a constant need to be inspired by things so there is a tendency to sometimes clutter my workspace with artwork by other artists I really admire. I guess if you were to visit my home , you would see I have a penchant for bright colors similar to what I use in my illustrations .But at the same time, I'm not sure whether what I like instinctively , has affected my art or vice-versa. You know, there's that tenet on which Gond art is based where they say that 'viewing a good image begets good luck' . That has to be true . Looking at beautiful objects definitely makes me happy ! And I guess one is lucky when one is happy .

Sometimes the nature of projects one does, definitely brings about certain positive changes; changes that have nothing to do with the aesthetics, but the quality of one's life. For example, I worked on this comic book project called 'our toxic world' for an organisation called 'toxic links' ,a few years back . Working on it made me realise how ignorant I was about so many things pertaining to environmental degradation, toxins and it's impact our health. It made me make certain conscious lifestyle changes . I do think I became a 'greener ' person after that by trying not to buy more things than necessary ,using public transport whenever possible, segregate waste, buying organic locally grown food etc :)


S: What challenges should the novice illustrator anticipate?

P: Sometimes ,Getting a first break can sometimes be difficult. It's always a good idea to put together whatever work one has in the form of drawings and sketches and compile your work online as well so that people can access it easily. Also, in the beginning , it is possible that one might be a little disappointed with the monetary aspect of it as it might not pay you as much as your friends corporate career might, but in a few years , with enough experience things do get much better. The important thing really is to continuously keep at what one likes doing, work earnestly and honestly and not compare oneself to another. Also, do some projects just for the love of it without thinking too much about what it would lead to.

S: How, in your opinion, does your art contribute to the preserving of culture?

P: I think in many ways what I and numerous other artists do is to directly or indirectly, consciously or unconsciously , record the stories of our lives. It might be a direct form of preservation like illustrating a simple folk story, or it might also be illustrating a contemporary piece where though the primary aim is to tell a story, it also, through its visuals illustrates the the circumstances that form the setting for the story. So, many years from now , when another generation looks back at these pieces , it would hopefully serve as a reflection of the society we lived in. As artists , most of us must simultaneously preserve and invent culture.

It is often our the past that acts as a catalyst /inspiration for new work and speaking of my work specifically , I think I'm always trying to evolve a style that's inspired by Indian folk art forms and miniature paintings, to create a visual language that is uniquely Indian. While growing up in the 80's I remember that there were hardly any books with Indian characters in them. Most of the characters in my favorite picture books were Russians with blonde hair names like Ivan and Vassily . So, whenever I made drawings for these little comic books that I used to make as a hobby in school, all my characters inevitably had blonde hair. I had unwittingly brainwashed myself to think that for a character to exist in a story , it must be Caucasian. It makes me so happy therefore that publishers of children's books in India now are now very consciously changing that, and a child in India who reads a book these days is not confused about his or her rightful place in storybook. I do hope my work is contributing in some way to this phenomenon .

S: Finally, what does a Day In the Life Of Priya Kurian look like?

P: I have to admit outright I am one of those people who just can't follow a fixed schedule everyday. I mostly dream of being a more organized person though. A day in my life is pretty quiet ,mostly . I'm definitely a night owl and therefore a late riser . I usually start my day with the newspaper and my morning dose of Caffeine. My neighbor's Spaniel usually knows when I wake up and he visits for about half an hour everyday. After a bit of mollycoddling (this is the only constant event in my daily routine) we read the paper together. I generally start work around 10:30 -11 am. The rest of the day completely depends on what project I'm doing and what stage of the project I am in .

There are days when I just need to think conceptually and maybe crack a look for a book cover or an editorial illustration or a story for a comic. On those days I think most of my time is divided between daydreaming and doodling and I tend to spend a lot of time switching from one thing to the other - while constantly thinking of this one concept at the back of my head. I know on the outside it just looks like I'm wasting time doing almost nothing and it's borderline embarrassing , but sometimes I just have to wait until the right idea strikes me. On certain days it's just the opposite . If I've reached that point in my project, where I know exactly what to do , I can just sit for hours and hours in utter concentration.

In the evenings I usually step out for a walk or a run. I get back to work post dinner. Just before this is also the time I get online and catch up with whatever's happening in the online world. I usually work late into the night since there are really very few distractions- no phone calls , no bells ringing. I usually end the day reading a book. That's something I've been doing ever since I could read I think .

Thank you Priya. You have inspired us. Please keep doing what you are doing to refresh, delight and rejuvenate our sensibilities. Keep drawing, no...strike that...Keep DOODLING to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Love,
Supriya
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Cherry Blossoms of Washington DC - more than just a spring time ritual!

March 25, 2014, 7:19 pm
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It’s spring! The dainty Japanese Yoshino cherry blossoms that line the Tidal basin in East Potomac Park stand ready to bloom and paint the DC landscape a pretty pink. This is nature’s annual time limited (blooms last for less than 2 weeks) extravaganza and the blooming cherry blossoms are referred to as the nation’s biggest spring time celebration. This year peak bloom time is slated for the first week of April.


Do you like to travel? Then you should consider hitting the road or find some last minute deals to DC to watch nature put on a spectacular show! And if you can’t make it, you are in luck! I will take you around the Tidal Basin right here on Aalayam and share some impressive images of DC’s famed cherry blossoms that my husband managed to capture a few springs ago.

Let’s start with some historical background first-


“In 1912, the people of Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees to the United States as a gift of friendship. First Lady Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. These two original trees are still standing today near the John Paul Jones statue at the south end of 17th Street. Workmen planted the remainder of the trees around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park” ~ source
If history is your thing, hereis where you can find out more.
It is the 102 anniversary of the gifting of these trees and in an event punctuated by parades, kite festivals, orchestra, dancers and drummers, the Nation’s capital pays tribute to the ethereal beauty of the fabled cherry blossoms and welcomes tourists to its door steps.



Now, if you hate crowds, this may not be the event for you. The cherry blossoms reportedly draw an average 1.5 million (!) visitors in the 2 week period that the exquisite blooms change color from pink to white.  You will encounter throngs of crowds at the Basin! The key to getting good photographs is to get there early and I mean early or else you will find yourself high tailing it back to the National Mall or your car. 
Peak bloom is defined as 70% of trees in bloom.
We stayed with a dear friend (a DC resident) of ours on this trip and she planned and executed our cherry blossom experience to perfection! She had us up and out of the house before daybreak when it was still dark! Bundled up in our winter woolies and armed with to-go breakfast, we beat the crowds and arrived at the Tidal Basin with one intention only – to photograph the cherry blossoms in the monument rich landscape at sunrise before the crowds got thick.  And despite our lofty tourist ambitions, my husband managed to capture some signature shots of the sun bathed Washington monuments in the backdrop of blooming clusters of  the flushed cherry blossoms.


And after your sunrise walk around the Tidal Basin, you can trudge through and explore the rest of the National Mall in the later part of the day. 



As a  home and architecture enthusiast my trip would be incomplete without a stop by the country’sworld’s most famous address – The White House and we finished our day with an (environmentally friendly) walking tour of the remaining monuments in and around the National Mall.



These intricate flowers are a potent symbol of an abiding friendship between two nations.

The festival itself features several artists and performers to honor the spirit of nature, culture and community. So, make sure to include a few of these trademark events in your itinerary and get a glimpse into international cultures as well.


If you are a travel enthusiast then the DC Cherry Blossoms must definitely feature in your bucket list! And remember to sit back, relax and enjoy your time under a canopy of trees– for after all, the transience and the exquisite beauty of the blooms make it a one of a kind experience!



You can find out all about the festival here

This was by no means a DC travelogue but just an Aalayam tribute to the Cherry Blossom Festival. However, if this is your first trip to DC, be rest assured that DC is doable in a weekend. Do not be challenged by everything that DC offers its tourists but take your time to plan your monument and museum itinerary ahead of time. We of course, had the luxury of being hosted by a gracious and an extremely hospitable friend who mapped our itinerary and sent us out of the door with packed lunches and train tickets each morning! Thank you RM! 
This post is dedicated to you!
RM's home - a glimpse!
Dear readers, hope you like this edition of our travel segment. Aalayam is a lifestyle blog not limited to any one category. It is our earnest desire to bring our elite readers life enriching inspirations via feature posts on art, culture, travel, cuisine, décor and more and we hope to engage our readers in the process. If you would like to contribute as a guest author to any of the aforementioned sections, please write to Supriya or me (Deepa) at aalayaminspiration@gmail.com. 

Stay tuned for more from our travel segment this year – The seductive charm of the Wild Wild West (Arizona!) and a Fall tour through the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York will be featured later in the year.

Cheers!
~Deepa
p.s: All images in this post were taken by my husband and may not be reproduced without permission
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Aalayam parties in April! Part 1: Hosting the perfect kiddie party

March 30, 2014, 3:21 pm
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Its April!!! And this month is all about Parties here at Aalayam. So bring out the cocktail glasses and the paper napkins - yes! We have something for people big and small, young and old!

Do you need to whip together a super fun soiree for your kids preschool play date? Or is that a Birthday Party? Planning a Baby Shower? Wondering what to whip up for a  quick and easy evening hor d'oeuvres with your neighborhood pals? Or is it an elaborate do where your boss AND his wife will sniff the wine vintage and give you (potential) brownie points for perfect cheese pairings? Fear not, We got you covered this April!!

We start with the perfect storm of kiddie parties, and run through the whole gamut of casual and formal entertaining for your inspiration boards. Here goes.



Hosting the perfect kiddie party
By Supriya

Follow the 3 step rule: Plan, Prepare & Rock the Party!!

1. The cardinal rule in party planning, especially if you are catering to high-strung (and easily bored) kids and their parents is - PLAN FOR EVERYTHING!!!!! ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD, DECOR, FUN AND FAVORS. Never wing it, and never undermine the power of planning (Plan A and Plan B, sometimes even Plan C), no matter what your husband, mother in law, and the overly concerned mail man say.


2. PICK A THEME (AND A LOCATION) - And stick to it as much as possible. It's fun, it keeps shopping and activities corraled and streamlined and it makes for lovely pictures. (hey, we live in the world of click-happy social media after all). I have personally orchestrated a Bumble Bee Baby Shower, Two Peas in a Pod  (My twin girls' first birthday!), Two Little Monkeys jumping on the Bed, Zoo, Princess and Pirates Dress up Party themes!! For me, the theme is primary, the location is secondary. PLEASE PLEASE stay away from the boxed and manufactured "Chuck E Cheese" parties as far as possible. If hosting a party in your home/backyard is not possible, pick a park, a local community center, gym, pottery studio, pool, beach or yard (most of these locations are free!).

I must confess, its fun for me pinteresting for ideas, talking to my sister and friends about what I should buy for favors, going shopping for sweet and eclectic items on eBay and Amazon, not to forget the trusty ole corner Dollar Store. And bringing it all together on the day of the party (Ok Ok - the night before!) And taking some SLR, and cell phone pictures before the guests arrive! Aaah.. cannot wait for my next party. Want some ideas girls?


3. DO NOT FORGET THE INVITES: It's all in the details ladies. So, have fun with your custom party invites. Once you pick your theme, going digital and creating your own invites can be really entertaining. Google theme images, use your most eye catching captions, pick your choice of program (Powerpoint, Picasa, Photoshop, Collage Maker, Shutterfly...heck, you could even doodle the invite up!). 

These custom invites can be a fantastic way to invite your friends and family for the party (of course), but can also make amazing keepsakes for the family albums. For me, invites are a must. They are a testimonial to the event that is being put together,and in the world of casual Facebook e-vites and instant message RSVPs, these digital invites act as a cool alternative to the tradition of sending printed invitations. Go Green Girls, But Do it in Style!!



4. DECOR & FUN : As in an party, once the theme, location and invites are taken care of, it is time to  start planning on how you will decorate, what kind of activities the kids will enjoy at the party, and what are the fun (also safe and useful) favors the kids will take home after the party. 

See, the theme makes it really easy to plan the above mentioned items. For the Bumble Bee Party, the kids drew on large  poster boards with colorful crayons and markers. All I had to do was create a art corner for the kids and stock it with supplies. Of course, there were some frisbees, jump ropes and balls for the non-artistic types to engage themselves with while the adults socialized and ate. 

For the Zoo party (which we hosted at the local zoo), we had an animal show, where the kids could touch and feel some animals, and the zoo keeper kept up a constant patter of the animal type, what it ate, where it lived and so on. The best part about that party was that all guests got invites to visit the Zoo. Can't beat that. It was covered in the cost of renting the Zoo party hall (for $250, it cannot get better than that!). 




Another sure fire way of keeping the kids entertained (and not jumping on your couch), is to hire a bounce house. For about $200- $300 for 4 hours, you could let the bounce house get the excess energy of all the kids out while you enjoy adult conversation and hor d'oeuvres. A crowd pleaser if there ever was one.

My most recent party - The Princess & Pirate Dress up theme party, I gave out tiaras, necklaces, princess/angel wings for the girls and eye patches and pirate hats for the boys. They could adorn themselves in these kiddie chotchkies and get ready for being captured on candid camera!!! And for that, scroll down to see, I hung a gold spray painted frame from the ceiling to make an impromptu photo booth!! Fun huh? :)

And and....do not think that kiddie parties have to have kiddie music (no more "Wheels on the Bus" for us please). Feel free to tune into your favorite Pandora or Spotify club/dance station, and hook it up to your stereos to keep an up-beat tempo going on in the back ground for your party. Make sure there are no explicit lyrics though (you don't want your underage guests to start humming about lovely posteriors of the dancing ladies at the kiddie party!)


Its easy to stick to a color scheme based on your theme. STICK TO ONE OR TWO COLORS and repeat them throughout the decorating space (think balloons, silverware, napkins. even flowers). This is easy on the eye and it helps you keep the decor simple, yet eloquent!



5. OVERDO THE FOOD (PLEASE): This is imperative for me. And my friends, and guests will agree. Food is the glue that holds families and friendships together (at least where I live) and a party without good (or enough) food and drinks for both kids AND the grown-ups is a fail for me. 

I say this because, of late I have been  to quite a few kiddie birthday parties where there was ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD FOR THE GROWN-UPS! Not even coffee. I remember walking across the street to get myself a Starbucks Latte while my kids were eating cake at the their friend's party. Hmmm...Failed Expectation?


Having ranted that, make sure you have at least 2 sweet and  2 savory dishes (think chips and guacamole, popcorn, doughnuts, fresh fruit, cup cakes, brownies, bruschetta, samosas, cookies, apple cider, fruit juice, chocolate milk, coffee + birthday cake as your menu of options!) Do not forget to ask for allergies and food sensitivities as most often someone in your invite list will need a special consideration). 

Never fail to infuse the theme into the food if you can. It could be something as simple as sticking zoo animal themed cup cake picks on your store bought brownies, to baking elaborate two peas in a pod cupcakes replete with two peas represented by green M&Ms (Thank you Kat!!)


6. FAVORS!!! As you might have already guessed, Favors are the piece de resistance of any kiddie party. Giving away favors that are theme based, thoughtful and useful will take you far with the party karma gods. :)

Think kiddie masks, dress up accessories, books, school supplies, instant aim and shoot cameras (for $5, that was the best favor ever for a zoo themed party, where kids could visit the animals in the zoo and take pictures of the animals themselves after the party was over!)



The balloons (1 each at least) always go back home with each child. They love it when they can take home balloons. And the parents love it when they don't get annoying little whistles and blow horns, but sweet little books, or quirky little toys and puzzles, even dress up stuff the kids can positively be engaged in!! Trust me, I speak the words of experience! (Hooooooooooooooonk)


7. AND FINALLY - YOUR PARTY AIN'T OVER UNTIL YOU SEND A THANK YOU NOTE TO YOUR GUESTS. Yes, do not  sit down and relax until all the guests have a thank you note in their mail boxes or in their person. Consider (of course) incorporating your theme for the thank you notes as well. For the monkey themed party, I cut out yellow poster bananas and stuck lil monkeys on them to create custom thank you cards where my hand written message could go. Let your imagination run wild, and don't be afraid to borrow an idea (The internet is FULL of great ideas). The best part of an idea, is not the idea itself, but its elegant execution. So, give it your flair.

Another idea is to get your kids to paint something and make copies of it to "mass produce" your thank you notes! It always helps to write down what you got as gifts in the party from each of your friends and mention what a great gift it was (even if it was not!) if you are emailing them/ writing back to them after the gifts are opened!

It's not unusual that the parents sometimes get thank you gifts/favors themselves. eBay and Amazon are full of thematic and fun party favors (two peas in a pod, bumble bee, zoo etc) that the guests/parents could receive as a thank you for coming to your party!



To summarize, the more detail you put into your party, the more thought and personality you infuse into it, the more people will love it..the more you will be proud of yourself ! Its supremely easy to outsource everything these days (location, planning, activities, favors and food), but some home made, DIY thoughts and ideas will keep you and your kids warm when you look back at those old picture albums (Or Facebook!). 

I loved putting together this post as this brought back so many happy memories of party planning and execution for my girls and my friends !! I feel thankful that I got an opportunity to share these pictures here in Aalayam. PLEASE share your party ideas, and pictures. We would LOVE to peek into your famous parties!!

Do write to us at aalayaminspiration@gmail.com if you need some one to brainstorm with as you plan your next party. Supriya and Deepa at your service!

Love,
Supriya

p.s. All photographs are from Supriya's home and lens and are copyrighted to Aalayam. 
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Aalayam parties in April! Part 2: The Tale of Two Dinner Parties

April 8, 2014, 6:39 pm
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Hello my lovelies! We continue presenting to you Aalayam's interpretation of the fine art of entertaining. In this two part feature you will get to peek into the Tale of Two Dinner Parties, one from my home, and the other from Deepa's home. Considering April is such a special month for the both of us (wait wait, you will know why!), it's only ideal that we weave a tale or two out of our dinner parties this month!

So, here we are: 


The Tale of Two Dinner Parties - A Casual Asian Affair!
By Supriya

Fried Eggplant with red pepper and cilantro seasoning for appetizer

April is my Birthday month! And what better way to celebrate a birthday than with favorite food and cozy and intimate dinners with people we love? I am partying with friends in bits and parts, but the real party is happening in my home, cooking up a storm y'all, with my favorite Asian cuisine on the menu. 

Fresh spring rolls with soy sauce  set the stage

You see, when I got married seven years ago, I burnt my "chapatis" and over seasoned my curries, thanks to the luxury of never "having to cook". Independence, interest and lots of appreciative dinner guests, not to mention a foodie husband, made me realize my culinary potential. Miles to go before certain gastronomic zeniths are reached. However, I am enjoying my happy place right now, enjoying my passion and creative soul curry!

Cucumber jalapeno bites anyone?
My husband is busy preparing for an exam this week, so we are postponing our big birthday dinner party until after his exam is done. Besides, his birthday is next week, so we are clubbing our birthdays together and getting away with the kids. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to have a home cooked meal to pamper the studious hubby, while still serve it up with style right in my kitchen!

Yes, I used the breakfast bar! Dressed it up with golden weave place mats (thank you TJ MAxx!) and my fine china, and we have a in-house high style dining arrangement all ready to go!

Consider setting the bar table for an intimate dinner, Next time you are bringing out the fine china!

 I love dinner parties - casual or formal, because .....of the leftovers!!! For all the prep we do at home, the cooking, the seasoning and  we don't get to enjoy the food on the day of the party! 

But the next day, we have numerous options for lunches and dinners, and all day snacking!! 


Fried Rice - steaming and scrumptious!

That's the reason why I prepare more dishes than required for any party, just so that the guests have options, and I have leftovers!! And this casual do was a perfect opportunity to cook up a storm of my favorite Asian food, and still have tons of lunch and dinner options for the work week!

Cannot go wrong with Thai Pineapple Curry!

My husband and I put the kids to bed early and enjoyed a cozy evening with some lovely music, fine tea and home cooked Asian food! Right at our breakfast bar. I did not even have to set the "table!". Combining convenience with elegance cannot get better than this. 

Seal the deal with  Sticky Mango Rice pudding with fresh cut mango!!

Thanks to supply chain and technology, my birthday was a virtual party spanning 4 continents! Hand written notes, pictures, gifts, wishes, flowers, cake and chocolate flowed in through the day. The best part was the midnight cuddling when my girls came to my room to sing " Happy Birthday Mommy".

And as always, I am glad to have brought the party over to Aalayam!

Love,
Supriya
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Aalayam Parties in April Part 3 : The Tale of two Dinner Parties

April 14, 2014, 7:15 pm
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                          A feisty Mexican Fiesta! - by Deepa 
My fiesta table comes to life in vibrant colors!

Today we are back with The Tale of two dinners - this time a feisty Mexican Fiesta - that's right! Join  me as I tell you the story of this colorful intimate dinner that I hosted a few days ago.

But first, join me in wishing Supriya  a very Happy Birthday! 

Happy birthday Supriya - stay inspired and stay blessed!

April is her birthday month and so is my husband's! My husband turned 40 earlier in the month and of course, this called for a celebration! He asked for a quiet observance at home! But I knew that a congruous spree to honor his kind hearted, chivalrous, generous, hard working and fun loving spirit would take creativity and planning! And of course, I always have high expectations of myself and this being his 40th, I had to step it up a few notches.  For somebody that is always open to the idea of new possibilities - a weekend getaway to mark the milestone birthday seemed perfect. However, work and logistical difficulties made it impossible to go anywhere that weekend. And so, we decided on a quiet wingding at home with a home baked cake! Yes, wait till you see pictures of the ambrosial three layered, from- scratch strawberry cake that I baked! Anyway, a fiesta felt like a seemly tribute to his charismatic personality - confident, positive and full of life! 

Viva la Mexico! Our fiesta had many details - vibrant colors, delectable mexican food and spanish sign boards. The only thing that was missing was a live Mariachi band! 

My husband takes pride in his looks and sense of style. Timeless style appeals to him and he leads a stylish existence. He is truly 40 and Caliente! This quickly became the theme! I was challenged at first with all the little ideas in my head but slowly but surely it all came together and I was thrilled with the end result.
My li'l one's personal tribute to dad's 40th!

Here are the details of our fabulous fiesta:

Table setting: I chose Guatamelan striped place mats, fiesta salad plates  and a gorgeous Talavera plate from Pueblo for the centerpiece - I was not worried about the color overdose at all - it was entirely intentional!


Decor: I wanted to retain the theme and yet keep it classy. I decided not to do any tacky b'day banners. I used chalk boards and spanish signs for an elegant twist! Feliz Cumpleanos!


For the backdrop, I used a bright red Serape and it tied in nicely with the tablescape and anchored all the decorations 

Give your cakes personality with a cake banner!

Food : We whipped up a few easy dishes in our cantina - honey lime sweet potato and black bean tacos, veggie quesadillas, pico de gallo and some yummy guacamole!


Personal touches: We custom made a fiesta banner for the cake (well, there was a hidden  agenda behind this. I am a novice baker and icing is not really my forte and so, a cake banner was an easy alternative to announce his age!).  The banner was made from two striped straws (love 'em!) and some scrap paper - DIY crafts are a great way to get kids into the party spirit. I also personalized the gift wrap with some fun signs and and red pepper shaped cut outs to incorporate the Caliente theme - who says 40 year olds can't have fun!

Personalize your gift wrap!

Cake: Now, this was undoubtedly the best part of the day. I believe in meaningful celebrations and baking the cake made it a very personal and intimate experience for our family.
 
some butter, some cream but dollops and dollops of love - Happy b'day hon!

 I fondly remembered bonding over a box of strawberries on our first date many years ago and therefore came up with the idea for a strawberry cake. There was no way I could've managed baking an entire cake on my own given my limited baking skills and so, my dear husband lovingly volunteered to help  and what a romantic afternoon it turned out to be too! It was all about learning a new skill and making some fond memories together and it was perfect - the afternoon and the cake!


My husband's passion for life is something I inspire for. This colorful fiesta celebration reflects his mojo, positive energy and great attitude. He is always a joy to be around and this fun filled fiesta was perfect for his 40th!

 Mile stone birthdays are also a time for reflection - a time to look back and a time to look forward. I just added a little color and culture to it, that's all.

And there you have it dear readers - my rendition of a Mexican Fiesta!

Whether you want to try making chimichangas or thai pineapple curry for your next dinner party - I hope we've inspired you through our tale of two dinners incorporating world cuisine. With a little planning and imagination you can bring global cuisine right to your kitchen and serve it up in style! 


We love to bring you inspirational ideas to entertain. Hope you like our posts in the art of entertaining series, so far ? In case you missed posts from last year check out  this and this  
And I will be back with my last post for the month of April in a few- stay tuned!

inspiration credits: I have to mention my favorite online resource - hostess with the mostess

Cheers!
~Deepa

P.S: All images are from my home and taken by my husband and copyrighted to Aalayam. Please do not use without permission. 
 
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Aalayam parties in April Part 4: The classic Desi Buffet

April 23, 2014, 7:47 pm
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 The party continues. If you have missed our earlier party posts then you need to start from our first April post - we've put together a bunch of party posts JUST FOR YOU !

Dear readers, by now you probably know my(Deepa's) love for entertaining!

 I love to create an experience for my guests be it a homespun feast or a catered extravaganza. It is something I truly enjoy. My home and my dinner table often serve as a canvas to create a memorable experience for my guests. Yes, I am a fine china and hand cut crystal kind of girl! 

Hope you've have enjoyed our feature posts on the fine art of entertaining incorporating festive tablescapes  and elegant ambience and tonight  I bring you the final stop in this series. I'll show you how to set a mean Desi buffet - effortlessly! That's right! 
I'll let the pictures speak for themselves this time but do not hesitate to ask questions and I will be happy to answer any. These pictures are from my Diwali buffet last year but the ideas would work just as well for any other ethnic celebration. First, a big thank you to all my lovely friends who pitched in with the food for this celebration. I just served it up with all the fixings!
I managed to bring India into my buffet via the use of striking colors, bold patterns and touches of silver. 

This seasonal spread called for lights, after all it was Diwali and so I added lots of lights - globe lights, moroccan lanterns, tea lights and more! 
Other elements of note in this buffet include the hand written kannada Diwali greeting and the goody bag tags. The hand written sign  was not only an ingenious way to infuse warmth but also a great way to create a sense of cultural cohesion and oneness . 
Now for the goody bag tags, my go to source is  World Market and they usually carry a variety of tags with an Eastern flair and mine were perfect with the firework detail. The tags were a great way to transform an otherwise plain and functional goody bag into something special.  Remember, if time was not an issue, this is a great DIY party element. 
Another thing at play here is mix of elements - remember , everything does not have to match always. I have paired my Varnanggall place mats with my Pier one Moroccan mats and used an eclectic mix of tea light holders. Mixing elements together keeps the eye moving and creates texture and interest and this applies to colors as well .  

Now, the dessert table! Allow your guests to take delight in the gorgeous display of mouth watering sweet treats. After all, the fine of art of entertaining calls for a stimulation of the senses - visual, tactile, gustatory and olfactory! In this case, I have created a dessert display of varying heights using gift boxes as risers (simple DIY that!). 



Some alternatives could be stacked books or wooden stands. The idea is to add some depth and dimension to your display. Now if this was a western dessert bar, I would probably turn to apothecary jars, cake stands, tiered cupcake holders, glass compotes and such.


The buffet style dinner takes some planning and effort, no doubt but it is a great alternative for a larger crowd and allows your guests to mingle and interact  but like everything else the Devil is in the details!


If you share this esoteric interest of hosting elegant dinners, then write to us-tell us about your own parties and your go to resources - WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!


Athithi Devo Bhava - May your guest be your God- says the Taittirya Upanishad and that is truly our guiding principle of hospitality. Combine that with the western way of entertaining and you can have a lot of fun! So, pencil in a buffet style dinner in your social calendar and have fun putting it together!


Now, here are a few hints from our May line-up - kantha, artist feature, New York and maybe (keeping our fingers crossed), a home tour (not necessarily in that order either). So, join us right here on Aalayam  for more lifestyle inspirations!


Cheers!
~Deepa

P.S: All images are from my home and may not be used without permission. Credits: my husband.
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Artist Feature: When Desi cuisine goes Global!!

April 30, 2014, 3:32 pm
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Hello Aalayam family!

 
Welcome to the May edition of Aalayam replete with desi and videsi inspiration. Trust me, this month is truly global in its appeal. We start with an "Artist Showcase"– of a prolific Hollywood Screenwriter and Indian food blogger – Kathy Gori, who I chanced upon in the blogosphere, yes, thanks to the evocative imagery in her blog, but most interestingly due to her quirky and zesty interpretation of classic Indian dishes into global palate pleasers. Talk about a fresh perspective!

It's not everyday that you come across somebody who embraces an aspect of a culture that is not native to them, and does so wholeheartedly. It is even more heart warming when you see them make that culture their own, and give it their own signature seasoning. If this is not a true blue Aalayam story, for all that it espouses, I don't know what is! 

I am pleased to present a photo essay with this artist’s interview interspersed with pictures of her and her positively mouth watering work. Through this, I hope to weave a story on who Kathy is, where she derives her everyday inspiration from, and of course showcase her work, and the motivation behind it. So sit back, and enjoy this gastronomically pleasing post, its gluten free inspiration, and get amazed at the creative soul curry this artist dishes out!


Baked Samosas, Take Two! Or Three or Four.....Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


Supriya (S): Kathy, we all love the vibrant and verdant punctuation your cuisine "art" makes in the blogosphere. And we want to pick your brain to know more about it! First of all, what got you started?? And why Indian Cuisine? 

Kathy (K): I have always cooked and loved exploring all sorts of cuisines. Growing up in San Francisco, I was exposed early on to all sorts of ethnic foods. I was a vegetarian when I was diagnosed with cancer 25 years ago in my 30's. After surgery and while doing chemotherapy I switched to a macrobiotic diet which I thought would help me, instead it made me weaker since the food groups were so limited. My doctor suggested I try cooking Indian food for its Ayurvedic properties. 

My sister in law who has lived and worked in India for many years got me started. She gave me the proper books and showed me what to do. Since I already loved Indian food it turned out to be a real "no brainer" for me. I started hanging out at small Indian markets in Los Angeles, talking to the older ladies there and learning from them. I think they were amused at first but then started to take me seriously when they saw how I really wanted to learn. That was 24 years ago.  I'm still learning and cooking Indian food.


Yam Koftas, Gluten Free Holiday Party Poppers. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


S: Where do you derive your daily inspiration from? What gets you started crafting a dish?

K: I read a lot. I read Indian papers and cookbooks from India. I like traditional methods, and I'm interested in the variations on a dish from town to town, region to region.  I'm of Italian ancestry and I know that the same dish may take many different forms depending upon where in Italy one is talking about. There is not simply "Italian Food" anymore than there is simple "Indian Food". India is so vast and complex, and has so many cuisines. that every region has its specialties. When I shop in the Indian markets, I'm always interested in the vegetables. I get inspired by them and start to think about what I can do with them and how they may fit together. I also look for similarities to Western vegetables which readers in the US may have to use if they are unable to obtain bottle gourd, or ridged gourd.


Once my imagination is fired up I start reading everything I can about what I've gotten hold of, and I take it from there. In Los Angeles I had access to everything easily, but living in Sonoma in Northern California I have 50 mile round trip drives to get my more unusual Indian vegetables. That's another reason I like to cook with vegetables that are very universal as far as recipes go. Americans are always surprised to discover that Indian cuisine contains turnips, pumpkin, and a lot of other vegetables that they're familiar with. Bottom line is they discover that  it’s a pretty small world after all.



Kathy Gori is a Hollywood screen writer and Bollywood kitchen blogger, who is reinterpreting America's perception of Indian cuisine through her culinary adventures. Read Kathy's gastronomic chronicles in http://www.thecolorsofindiancooking.com/


S: How do you give a modern slant to age-old Indian recipes?

K:Mainly by cooking with a lot less oil and salt than is found in most restaurant dishes. This is true of every cuisine and not just Indian food. When I first started cooking Indian food one of the things that appealed to me was the ability to enjoy one of my favorite foods without worrying if it was healthy or not. 

Since I was a cancer patient at the time I wanted the food to be as fresh and clean as I could make it. I always reduce the amount of oil called for in dishes. I sometimes "sweat" the vegetables, tell people who are worried about sodium that lemon or tamarind are a great salt substitute, and if I'm doing any sort of frying I try to use the least amount of oil possible. Also, I cook almost exclusively with organic virgin coconut oil. For recipes that contain butter, the butter I use is grass fed or pastured butter which I can turn into ghee.

The Mystery Of One of The World's Best Bar Snacks, Chicken '65!! Gluten Free. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


S: Can you talk to us a little bit about your creative process? Do you listen to music while you cook and stage a dish for the blog? Do you work with  your husband - one chops, while the other one sautés? How does it go? And finally, do you sit down and enjoy the flute with a glass of your favorite drink?


K:Yes, I listen to music while I cook. Mainly Indian music, or Cuban music. My husband is my photographer, and I help with the staging of the dishes. When my sister in law comes to visit we work together as she's done in India. She tells me that's what sister-in-laws are for. I do not drink for health reasons, my husband likes a good Indian beer, and we have friends in the wine business who always know how to bring the most appropriate wines for a dish. Chai is always served with dessert.

The Great Pumpkin, Kerala Style. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


S: What are your favorite dishes? Any recipes you can share with us?

K: It's hard to pick a favorite dish, but usually when we are having a large number of guests (we entertain a lot) I will make a goat biryani, or prawn pulao. I have been doing a lot of Kerala recipes over the last several years since one of our best friends is constantly going back and forth. He will try a dish made by his school friends' wife in Trivandrum and then come to the US and have me make it. He is my "canary in the coal mine". He lets me know if I'm doing  things correctly. Gujarati friends have started me back on that cuisine again.


Two of my favorite easy company dishes are Shrimp Thiyaland Gujarati Khandvi

An Italian Classic Gets an Indian Twist, Mango Panna Cotta With Salted Pistachio Brittle. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


S: What have been the highlights of your career as a Hollywood Screenwriter and food blogger?

K: My husband and I write as a team and have earned our living this way for nearly 30 years. We love our work and have just finished our first TV pilot . We usually work in film so TV is new for us and very exciting. I've cooked for a lot of movie people we've worked with who have come to our house for dinner. Probably one of the biggest thrills was being invited to cook for the Dalai lamas monks when they visited Los Angeles from India.

S: Has your blogging changed your everyday perspective - at home, at work and at play?


K: Well, cooking has always been my recreation and my joy. It gives me the instant gratification one cannot get from earning ones' living as a screen writer. It sometimes takes years after one has finished a job to see the final product on the screen, it only takes a couple of days cooking goat in clay to enjoy a biryani! When I cook I love sharing what I'm doing and discovering. It's why I started the blog in the first place. I was invited to do a podcast on Indian food and there wasn't enough time to really get into the recipes or show anyone how to do things since it was all audio, thus The Colors Of Indian Cooking was born.

Super Slaw Goes Indian. A Super Food for Super Bowl Parties. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


S: What does being a creative entrepreneur mean to you ?


K: I started my blog originally to share my love of Indian cooking , now after doing this for nearly 5 years I'm expanding my thinking towriting a cookbook and sharing what I've learned over the years with others. I've been asked to teach classes in Indian cooking so I'll probably expand my horizons to that also. I suppose it means growing in all ways that come naturally from what I'm already doing. Since I write for a living, I'd love to write about Indian food, and giving others a hands on experience with teaching seems a good fit for me.

Gluten Free Little Dumplings, Nettle Koftas in Yogurt Sauce. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


S: How, in your opinion, does your art contribute to the preserving of culture?


K:I believe in old school, always have.When it came to my cooking I was always interested in how my grandmothers did it without all the modern conveniences. I'm interested in "from scratch" once one knows the basics about how something is done then one can have fun with the dishes. 

Popeye Goes Bollywood. Spinach Indian Style. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com


What I love about the work of the great cookbook writers/ chefs such as Tarla Dalal, Julia Child, and my friend and mentor Paula Wolfert is their love of and hunger for knowing how things were done traditionally. 

Their explorations and preservation of Indian, French, and Moroccan cuisine are invaluable in a  rapidly changing world.  Like them I'm interested in the methods that were passed down in families, the skills that are being lost every day. I always feel by learning how to cook a dish, the old way, in clay, or making something by hand I'm helping preserve the way things were done for anyone else that may be interested.

Dal Makhani, 2 Dals, 8 Hours, One Slow Cooker. Boom! Dinner! Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsofindiancooking.com



Cooking From Boxes? Nariyal Ladoo, A Fast, Easy, Sweet and Gluten Free Answer. Images copyrighted to Kathy Gori - thecolorsorindiancooking.com


S: Finally, what does a Day In The Life Of Kathy Gori look like?

K: My day???  This is it more or less:

8:00 am the alarm goes off..snooze alarm hit.
8:10 up and dressed
9:00 We drive to our local coffee place in town where we sit and get our conversation fix with the neighbors
10:00 Do the days shopping, on Fridays this means the local organic farmers market
10:30 Dog walk
11:00:  Alan and I write
12:30: I start preparing lunch which is our main meal of the day, unless I'm doing a big Indian dinner for friends
1:30: Back to writing
3:30: Out for air and to get away from the desk
4:00 Writing again
6:30 Dog walk
7:00: Light dinner , tweeting, socializing, movies
12:00 Uke practice
1:00 bed (maybe)


When we're deep into a script and writing to deadline however all bets are off and writing hours take over almost everything.


Kathy (background, with her famous Nariyal Ladoos in the foreground) is photographed by her husband Alan, shown here relaxing in their new home..a creative new space, where she looks forward to handcrafting artisanal recipes which are India inspired..and for the global palate. 

Kathy is eagerly looking forward to putting their sprawling yard to good use by planting a vegetable garden where she plans to grow bottle gourd, bitter melon and methi, and who knows, have a few chickens clucking around. 


Keep doing what you do Kathy, and keep delighting our gastronomic senses. Aalayam wishes you the best for the years to come!


Kathy Gori, you have touched our sensibilities, pleased our eye with Alan's scrumdelicious! (I am borrowing Winnie the Pooh's word here) photography, shared your very inspiring story, and most importantly, made us hungry!! 

Thank you for giving us a oodles of inspiration. We deeply cherish it!

Love,
Supriya
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Kantha - a great way to bring global sophistication to your home!

May 7, 2014, 5:18 pm
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Do you love vintage and handmade?  This is your stop!
Welcome to our spotlight feature on the kaleidoscopic Kantha fabric! In our spotlight series, we showcase exquisite Indian crafts - history, culture and global appeal. Please browse through our Incredible India section for our previous entries.

The beautiful kantha running stitch has found its way to the global marketplace and today I will tell you the kantha story. If you are a trend spotter, you would have noticed kantha's rise to popularity which began approximately two years ago. Some might even call it an "over exposed trend".  From West Elm to urban outfitters to pottery barn, western retailers were all over the kantha product a while back - after all, what's not to love about happy colors, intricate embroidery and eastern origin!
 Well, let me tell you- kantha's still hot  when it comes to home decor and fashion accessories!
Global expressions - add a kantha scarf or a clutch to your wardrobe!

So, if you want to add a dose of bohemian to your decor- pick up a kantha quilt today- who cares if it is an over exposed trend? The versatile kantha quilts are a great way to embrace color and pattern in modest quantities. Bright colors and exotic patterns never go out of style!

The kantha fabric wears its folk reputation with pride!

Kantha love!

Who would've thought old discarded saris stitched together in the bylanes of Calcutta would reign supreme in global decor?

They are hand stitched and (therefore) unique and make a sure-fire style statement in any room. Traditionally, the women of Bengal layered up to 5 saris and quilted them using the running stitch to weather the cool winter evenings in the cozy comfort of a kantha quilt and now the kantha is a coveted accessory! This article traces the origin of the kantha fabric to a quilt designed specially for babies!
A bohemian-leaning family room.

Stack it, drape it, throw it, or just leave it lying around  for an instant decor fix and it does not get any easier than that. Talk about effortless decorating! Kantha's added appeal lies in its eco-friendly practice of repurposing saris for quilting. 
My study a sneak peak - a tour will follow sometime this year!
I am drawn to traditional and folk crafts and am an avid proponent of breathing new life into dying art forms. Showcasing vintage and ethnic art forms in one's home is a great way of preserving these crafts and previously, I have featured my treasured collections -the warli and tanjore paintings and in this post I am sharing pictures of my own kantha collection and some ideas from my home on how to use a vintage art form in modern day decor to create an enviable and well-travelled look.

Create a colorful and cozy stairwell lounge for an afternoon of reading !
The kaleidoscopic Kantha just makes my bohemian heart sing a happy tune- every time and therefore Aalayam shines the spotlight on the Kantha fabric!


For the book lovers out there - look what I found ! A lovely coffee table book!



Kantha: The Embroidered Quilts of Bengal from the Sheldon and Jill Bonovitz Collection and the Stella Kramrisch Collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (available on Amazon)


The kantha fabric is great as a tablecloth, a pillow cover, a blanket or a throw!  I will leave you with this picture of my family room bench accesorized with a merry looking kantha pillow!

Thank you for reading and we would love to hear your thoughts on global fabrics and incorporating vintage, hand crafted finds into your home decor.


Cheers!
~Deepa

P.S: All images are from my (Deepa's home) and taken by my husband. Do not use without permission.
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Two afternoons in NYC (A real New Yorker's favorite hangouts!)

May 14, 2014, 12:27 pm
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Aalayam peeps! 

Its gorgeous outside!! Are you ready for some traveling yet? If yes, let me take you on a tour of New York City. I just got back after an enlightening visit. Enlightening because, this time, I tried to enjoy New York, the real New Yorker's way!

TWO AFTERNOONS IN NEW YORK CITY!

By Supriya

I have always felt a connection with New York City. The hustle and bustle of the streets, the cityscapes, the lights, the glamor and the spirit of Manhattan, the architecture and rustic beauty of Brooklyn, have fed my wanderlust and nourished my soul. I have been a frequent visitor to the city, and I intend to keep it that way - In the city, I have been a giddy honeymooner every time I have been there, I have met friends, soaked in the sights, shopped for knock offs, gotten my picture drawn by a street side artist, lost my phone in the restroom of a Japanese Cake Shop...you name it. 


What I had not done, until last Saturday, was eat at Grimaldi's, The Hole in the Wall Pizza joint that purportedly has made Brooklyn famous. Yes, last Saturday, I solemnly participated in a rite of passage ritual that made me a "New Yorker".

So, what's the big fuss about Grimaldi's? Let me start at the very beginning. Brooklyn Bridge is one of my most favorite bridges in the world. I first walked across the Bridge, from Manhattan to Brooklyn, with my husband and have gone back multiple times to walk to the other side to DUMBO. DUMBO, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a neighborhood in the New York City, New York, borough of Brooklyn. DUMBO is historic and beautiful. The views of The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges from the park down there is phenomenal. 


The lines in front of the innocuous looking pizza joint on Old Fulton Street are even more phenomenal. I scoffed when I first saw the line. "Who wants to stand in line for Pizza?" I wondered aloud! "There are dozens of joints out there which serve your New York Style thin crust pizza". That was the first time! When I saw the same long lines the next time, at a different time of day, I was mildly surprised, and even a touch intrigued. I did not scoff as loudly this time. The third time I saw the lines, I made a mental note to eat at Grimaldi's the NEXT TIME!! And eat I did. I planned a whole trip around eating at Grimaldi's, orchestrated an elaborate plan to get away with my husband to the city without the kids and even quelled voices in my head that were prompting me to walk away AGAIN from the long line!!

Grimaldi's is an institution. There is an "establishment" quotient attached to the whole Grimaldi's experience. So much so, that there is a restaurant manager who walks out every time a table is freed up to say how many people can get in next. "Party of Two", "Party of Three" and so on..Since all the tables at Grimaldi's, we found out later, were four seaters, the likelihood of "party of two" being called often was low..!! We waited in line for about 40 minutes and figured out, that the self important manager , who held our gastronomic future in his hand that day, would not call on us, a party of two, unless we teamed up with another party of two!! This serendipitous pairing was suggested by Kenny, one of the "two" - Kenny and Maureen, a most adorable couple we met on the sidewalk line. We literally jumped at that idea, (I actually tripped on the rope holding the queue in place!) and headed inside into the hallowed couloirs of the pizza joint. The pizza did not disappoint. Neither did the character and the spirit of the place. We sat amidst the star dust of the LA, NY glitterati showcased in the inner sanctum. We felt like celebrities ourselves. We were served by wait staff who looked that they had just stepped out of rustic Venetian culinary establishments. We literally were rubbing shoulders with other diners and no one seemed to be complaining. It was as if everyone knew everyone else, as if the experience of standing in line, and being "chosen" to get inside had unified us in some sort of holy, happy, pizza code.

The Grimaldi's business model is simple and effective: A standard menu with limited toppings ensure that orders are fulfilled and the diners are in and out in expediently. Coal fired brick oven pizzas keep the taste of the pizza a unique selling proposition. The charm and the character of the place enhance the Grimaldi's brand value. And of course, there is the New York love for anything eclectic and offbeat. I think customers keep going back to eat at Grimaldi's not because they have the greatest pizza, but because of the charm associated with the whole experience.


The next day, I spent the whole afternoon walking around the High Line Park - the coolest public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. This park runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. But we started our trip with food. Of course!


No surprises there, knowing me. First stop - Cafe Gitane at the Jane Hotel. Decor and eclectic flair exemplar! I will let the pictures speak for themselves here. I have a feeling I am rambling a bit too much!


I did not need a cajoling to finish up my vegetables in this eatery! And I needed the energy for my trek through High Line Park.

This beautiful, and "I never knew about" park was founded in 1999 by community residents, Friends of the High Line fought for the High Line’s preservation and transformation at a time when the historic structure was under the threat of demolition. It is now the non-profit conservancy working with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to make sure the High Line is maintained as an extraordinary public space for all visitors to enjoy.



And enjoy we did, with cool ice candies (watermelon for me please), concrete and granite stone benches to sit around and enjoy, water sprinklers to cool off on hot afternoons (we did see some nekkid toddlers running around the sprinklers without a care in the world!), and flowers! In the middle of NYC. This park was sure a respite midst the concrete jungle!




Raise a glass, because Terroir at The Porch – the High Line's open-air café was the oasis comfort we needed on that arid Sunday afternoon. With sweeping views of the Hudson River that you can enjoy while enjoying savory dishes and crisp drinks from Terroir's outstanding wine and beer list, artisanal wineries and breweries from New York State pour unfettered here!. Terroir at The Porch is located on the High Line at West 15th Street. A definite do-not-miss destination! That's me below in High Line Park, cooling off after a drink! 



Next stop - some boho shopping at Chelsea Market - A block long and a block wide and just a short walk from the Hudson River in the area of Manhattan known as the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market has become in just fifteen years one of the greatest indoor food halls of the world, with more than thirty-five vendors purveying everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, cheese to cheesecake.

Attracting 6 million national and international visitors annually, it is one of the most trafficked, and written-about, destinations of any kind in New York City. Chelsea Market is a neighborhood market with a global perspective. It was my first time there, and I fell in love!



Right up my alley, would you say? Spices, junk jewelry, ornate antique decor....wait until you see my future posts ladies - you will see stuff that I picked from Chelsea Market!


The area has always been the locus of food in the city, beginning with the Algonquin Indians, who traded their game and crops on the banks of the Hudson River at this same spot. The trains of the High Line once served the wholesale butchers who lined the streets beneath the tracks and cooled their provisions with blocks of Hudson River ice, and the National Biscuit Company established its factory—now reclaimed as the Chelsea Market—here to take advantage of the butchers’ lard in the nineteenth century. 



This long history—and the stripped-down brick architecture of the building—gives the Market a unique character. For foodies and even casual tourists, it is possible to enter the Market at one end in the morning and not exit the other until lunchtime, without ever growing bored—and certainly without ever going hungry.


We shopped and mingled with some of New York’s trendiest designers and independent retailers, also checking out Artists & Fleas from all over New York gathered in this bustling market.



Aaah.. What a sensory explosion, last weekend was. Buono Sera, my dear New York City. For now at least. I am glad that I got to share you and all your insider hangouts here at Aalayam.


Be sure to check these locales and eateries out when you are in Brooklyn or NYC next time folks. Until then, let me enjoy my Java Frappucino.

Love,
Supriya
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