Jay Kanhaiya Lal Ki.....

At the knock of festivals, thoughts creep in and my mind starts racing and eyeing for ways to lend an added sparkle in the home. Almost every Hindu family celebrate this day to welcome Lord Krishna in the world, mine is not an exception. I have tried to sizzle up the temple room with some classy and tasteful arrangements for tomorrow’s festivities. Few ornamental brass and blinking lights will create the festive magic in minutes. Here are the visual pleasures I have added in our temple room to boost the festive cheer in the home as we get ready to celebrate birthday of Lord Krishna.

 
As I always chew on creating something new and wonderful in something you already have. You may have noticed few of the pieces already on my facebook Page, my brass wares proudly evolve around my home décor. Here also, I pulled out my brass (you know, I don’t need any festive reason) and layered them in grouping.  Few diyas with extra flickering lights and flowers highly influence the look of a festive décor.

 

Instead of any wall hangings in the room, I opted for an old antique copper Krishna statue we have had with us as our wedding gift, which is placed on a “bajoth” to enhance the piousness in the temple room.  My Brass plate is adorned with few colourful roses to give an extra splash of colours on the vignette.

 

To add more ethnic touch, I have covered the table with the brocade wall hanging I had for use in the temple.  You can opt for your fancy dupattas or sarees for the base of any table to bring the traditional dash and wonders to your overall adornment.

My Bal Gopalji to whom I serve and please every morning is also ready with a beaming pleasure to cast a spell with his flute and morpinch (peacock feather). Fancy diyas and stored away accessories are the elements that extols the joy of the festive season. Smarten the room with what you have to create the fancy.

Peanut Sukhadi for "Prasad"

I also managed to squeeze in rangoli in one corner of the temple. Few droplets of food coloring and rice will lead your way to any desired design you have in your mind.

Bring some cheer this festive season by stealing these bite size ideas for your home. Outlining your space with your own unique signature will lead you to the rightness of the décor. You don’t have to spend inordinate amount of time to get ready. Just tap into your inner decorista, and you will be ready to rest a spell in your home for “Janmashtmi”. Hope you all have a wonderful celebration. Few cheerful posts are lined up next, so make sure you are connected on facebook until we meet again, toodles!

Celebration of Colours - Holi

I always feel a sudden pang of sadness pricking through my thoughts at the bang of every festival. I am trying to unspool my mind to recollect my childhood memories of the upcoming festival “HOLI”. Being here in Canada for long enough, I feel it's been countless years since I became a part of this celebration now. I try hard to break down the thoughts of my brain remembering my HOLI, but everything inside me just swirls. 

For someone who grew up in India, and has "been there, done that" can never forget the fun, the energy, the noise and a joyful battle of crazy friends wanting to colour each other on this fun filled festival. Correct me if you think I am loosing part of my memory, but bustling people on the street, a bizarre scenario and colourful images of my friends’ faces are what I can gather up across my mind.

With few random images floating in the back of my head, I recall gathering up with the neighborhood for lighting up the bonfire on the holi evening:  celebrating victory of good over evil. Traditions related to the festivals vary all over India. If history interests you, find out more about the story of  “HOLIKADAHAN”.  

How can we not include the naughty and mischievous Lord Krishna applying colour on her beloved Radha. As an acceptance and popularity of their lovable prank the next day of holi is celebrated as "DHULETI".  A fair game of coloring friends or friend’s friend or even dozens of  strangers. If not dry powdered colours we use ‘PICHKARIS”(water jets) or even managed “WATER BALLOONS” fights. It was essential for you to look messy. If you wish to stay clean, stay home or else get used to looking weird for the day.

 Though for me, the best part was at the end, while you’re all scrubbed up after all day’s colourful “masti” and ready for enjoying delicious snacks and sweets made by mom.
 
To over come the battle of emotions, splashy celebration of joy has found its way to our home, come on in and enjoy the colourful tour of few corners.

Wooden Indian Music Figurnes

Front end is ornamented with spirited red & yellow. The Ganesha paintings complement the grouping of hand painted Indian music figurines. Each figure is playing different music instruments.

Colourful Daisies...nah, Holi Daisies

When I was considering to create the “Holi” effect at home, I had few vibrant colours of floweres in my thoughts but when I reached the grocery store in the quest of flowers, these colourful daisies were shouting out for me. I was completely overjoyed to have found them. I loved how I could incorporate them with my décor, rather they formed the exact lively and radiant touch I wanted for my home.   

Accessorize the new look with bright coloured pillow covers.



Couches are accessorized with colourful pillows to make the festival mood more stronger. Also, few bright coloured Ganeshas are reserved in the room to give the colourful effect and complement the festival. 

Red and blue my teeny-weeny "Ganeshji", a blessed gift from our very dear friend, sits perfectly on my coffee table to regard and remind the colors.

Green and yellow grouping worked gracefully on my side table.

This "Ganeshji" is another great find of "him" on one of his business trips. Since he is made out of ceramic, one of the arm is broken in the journey but his divine look , his crown, his "mudra" doesn't even remind us that he has been fixed again.

Multi coloured Fireplace mantel



Few bright covered library books and my multi-coloured glasses completed a picture-perfect arrangement of colours on my fireplace mantel.  I was been tempting to use these bright glasses in my décor, but never found any perfect theme to use them but today, I have blended them in my décor with these pretty daisies.

Now being away from all the festivities, we create our own ways to celebrate it. We find joy watching the giggle on our son's face when we share a story of funniest things we did with friends in our history. I have tried to fill that empty hole in my heart with few changes to overcome the grief for not being able to enjoy the festivities. Hope these revamping of colourful corners of our home cheered you and tickled your heart with your childhood memories. Leaving you with the  mist of colourful images until we meet again, toodles.

Budhha Warmth

Catching up in the middle of a busy week. Hope you all are pulling through to make it till Friday. At my end things have started to get multi-colour and I am merrily stimulating a colourful post to share with you all. All the clicking, drafting, and editing  has brought me more closer to be an avid blogger :) (at least that is what I think)

 

At the bang of a festival, everything inside me churns. My racing mind gets filled with storm of  thoughts of the festivities we have enjoyed being with friends and family. Be with me as I dig the darkness of my memories and splash you with the colours of HOLI from my home to yours.

  

An oasis of serenity and calmness 

Sure sign of spring is no where in my neck of the woods and winter is not budging or leaving upon our several begging and pleading. Though, I am leaving no stone unturned to bring back the spring. Bunch of tulips and warmth of Buddha are keeping us cozy enough to survive for the rest of the February. Visit me back soon for the treat of your eyes for bold and striking HOLI post. Until we meet again, toodles!


(Image from my home - Front Foyer)

Lots of Love and li'l bit of inspiration for the V-Day!

Hello and welcome to another décor post. We are half way already to the month of romance and few days away to the Love Day! Approaching any festive season or day,  my mind just gets flooded with fantasy of ideas, they become more fervent and vivid as the day comes closer.  Especially the V-Day! Do we need to affirm our love on just the most romantic day of the year? Not really, right?  Though I like to put more efforts to show our love little more on that day to the most important people in our life - our family. 

 

I have made things extra special gathering some DIY. This little vignette will sure get you in the festive mood.  Everything is gathered up inexpensive ways to make your home little more appealing. So here it is with lots of love and a bit of inspiration.

 

 

I have repurposed my shadow box differently. If you read my Christmas Décor post, you may have seen the different shade of the box with baubles in it. Now the appearance is changed with hearts. Few ripped pages of a novel made a perfect background for my red hearts.  Some unused scrap book pages and a heart stencil, brought out the perfect frame for the occasion. Had fun time creating something new with cutting and gluing.

Quotes on Chalkboard

My absolute darling chalkboard wins everyone's heart with that quote. I am a die hard fan of chalkboards, I have couple of them and I utilize them differently where and when needed. Won't you agree that my tissue paper flower gives a perfect pop of red colour. Make your own here is how! Few white frames were grouped on the vignette with a touch of red paper heart.

Few artificial rose petals were dropped in a clear jar for more red. An old frame was painted white with the touch of paper heart on top made an extra addition to the grouping.



I specially can't think of any vignette without having candles and flowers. So, go ahead add some candles and flowers randomly. The red paper fans came home with me from "clearance section" of Michaels came in handy to add more red on the spot.  

Valentine Mantel


So, what do you think? It looks cute, na?  The best part is, I played safe with whatever I found handy in my home. I was able to put this up together quickly in less than 30 minutes. You can always incorporate the same ideas with the side table or any console table in the house. You may steal some more ideas from my party décor post.  Go ahead, play your role and get ready for the big day. The simplicity of your love will definitely win their heart. Stay connected on facebook or subscribe via email for more of my passion. Until we meet again, toodles!

(Images: My home)

Let's go fly a kite....

No decor, no travel - a note about an aching heart deep down wanting to run back to my home town just for today, and celebrate the festival full of kites.

At the strike of every festival I miss being in India, miss being with dear ones, miss celebrating the festival. Unlike my dear hubby who enjoys on behalf of all of us, when his travel schedule allows him to steal a day or two to enjoy the festivities in home town.

 I couldn't stop myself sharing about festival I haven't been able to celebrate since past 8 years - UTTARAYAN - MAKAR SANKRANTI (The Kite Flying Day). Since it was fast approaching I felt the need to dig down the old photos and share it with you all. I flipped down quite a bunch of cds before I could get you these snaps. These are our precious pieces of memories that came in handy to make you glance at the festival.

Those were the nostalgic days, when me and my brother would be so excited about Uttarayan and would start preparing for the day in well advance and the night before was the fun part! Making all the kites ready, pleasing puppa, convincing him to help us tie exact knots so we can finish early and wake up early for the next day. Making holes out of incense sticks and tying perfect knots of threads for tons of kites with proper measurement was my puppa's task. Oh, how I wish I could rewind that phase of my life and be in it again, how I wish I could show you our faces of that glee.

As I read on Wikipedia: Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara rashi (Capricorn). The day is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in India. This is the only festival to fall on a fixed date every year.

Many preparations take place before the day. The markets would turn in to colourful garden of kites all around.

Beautiful - Colourful Kites

Kite Market

The manjha (the thread of the kites) will be made a special way, coated with powdered glass to make it sharp, one has to be cautious by covering it's fingers while preparing it otherwise the fingers could be badly damaged.

Via

The night before the festival they have a special market called "HARAJI BAZAAR" (Bargain Market) To our surprise, you won't find room to step properly even at late night. People buy their kites at bargain price until late night.

Haraji Bazzar

On the Day, we would be up on our terrace at the break of the dawn without needing an alarm. We would be the first one on the terrace playing songs on our speakers without fear of getting scolded as that was our day, Uttarayan day. We would be at the very top of our terrace and see who else is up there to have contest with us. Yes, it's all about an intense fight between kites, between who can have their kite high up. It needs lots of attention and a partner who would hold your thread reel. Teaming up is necessary as the expert kite flier would fly the kite and another one rolls out the thread for the kite. Once the other opponent looses his kite we shout as loud as we could, we scream as hard as we could.....KAI PO CHHE....(remember that Bollywood movie, actually that movie gave quite a few glimpses of Gujarat festivals)

The tallest kite and the one up above all wins.



The sky full of colourful kites

How can I not mention the speciality food being a complete foodie person. Undhiyu ( a pure gujarati delicacy, though I can't make it)  and Jalebi are the must food for the day along with TIL AND PEANUT brittle.

My last year treat for the Uttarayan Day!

I managed this year - The Dry Fruit Brittle.

As the sun sets, the paper lanterns take place of the kites and you can see the sky filled with floating lantern lights. The lantern is tied at the thread of the tallest and steady kite.

Paper Lantern in the sky at night!

Along with tons of fun, few finger cuts and neck ache ensures you that you enjoyed the day. If you happen to drop by Gujarat in January, do taste the enjoyment of the festival along with delicious food. This festival must be celebrated in the other parts of India, but the greatness of the festival is only in Gujarat. It is known as Pongal in south India and in the north, it is celebrated as Lohri. Uttarayan, Maghi, Khichdi are some other names I came across for the same festival. Whatever the name you celebrate with, have a great time celebrating it.

Signing off dreaming my childhood days and keeping fingers crossed to take extended vacation or excused leaves to enjoy the day - One day. Until we meet again, toodles!

Party Moods of my Fireplace Mantel

A warm hello on a freezing cold day! Today's post is all about: Imagination, Inspiration and Celebration!

I am not a boutique stylist or even a professional event organizer but I am a ceative mom of 2 lovely children. For whom, I want to create memories, the unforgettable moments of their child hood on their special day.

I am just passionate about learning new stuff and adding my own unique touch to make it memorable.I hunt for cool , quirky ways of  entertaining and putting together unique themed parties for my kids every year, Be it a SPA-SLUMBER PARTY, A SWIMMING POOL PARTY, A SUPER HERO PARTY or  A POTTERY PARTY. We have pleasure in creating and enjoying all. On this particular post, you will visualize the efforts of few magical parties we have arranged over the period of time. It's mere an attempt to create memories and make that moment alive.

An accent wall fireplace mantel in my family room is thoughtfully dressed up to fit these particular events. This is where I entertain and fulfill my party craving ideas. You are about to witness different moods of the mantel through out the year. Of course, I do consider having things simple, DIY, fun, crafty and budget friendly to our pockets.

11th Year Movie theme Birthday

My first share is a movie themed party for my boy last March. Everything from invite to dessert was addressed with movie name and themes.

DIY movie (Mr. Peabody & Sherman) ticket invite

A birthday banner with all birthday years & character cakes!

Mr. Peabody and Sherman Movie Theme party!

Mr.Peabody and Sherman personalized water bottles
with mouthstache straws!

 



Mr. Peabody and Sherman Cupcake tags.

Valentine's Day Mantel

LOVE- LOVE- LOVE, it was all about nothing but LOVE last Valentines!
This year being special with my blog on my hand, my mind is drooling over something unique, so, stay tuned with me for some creative ideas of Valentines next month!

Valentines Day 2014!

                                          

Sweet 16 for my girl!

Instead going fancy, we created fantasy right at the comfort of our home for our big girl! It was a surprise to her and her friends.

Sweet 16

Goodies were marked with tags!

Return gifts and some memories!

I have a baby book and school scrap book for both of my children and I cherish them very often. The baby book is all about their baby months, lots of silly pictures of their childhood. Also some special ones including their birth announcements and their tiny foot prints and hand prints.

It can be a thoughtful gift for a mom-to-be!

Carnival Theme Party

This was shared on my Facebook Page last November for my big girl who turned 17 in 2014.

Junkie Food Table

This was the most fun to create. It reminded me of my circus visits in childhood.

I Painted wooden alphabets on the banner in all red and white combination. Carefully made all typical carnival food for the party, including popcorn, fries, cupcakes, and my favorite cotton candy cones (made out of red and white scrap book papers). Mini chalk boards were used as food labels on this table.

All DIY Personalized water bottles and carnival food!

40th Birthday Surprise!

Who does not love a surprise party, and especially when everything was set up perfectly for a best friend! I was glad to host one recently at our home!

Any occasion, birthday or festive, my creative mind just grabs the chance and starts shaping the event. I quest to make every event special.  Some internet researches and my creativity made another party day!

REUSE - REDUCE - RECYCLE.

 Used up some left over tissue wrappers of my Christmas gifts, some unused burlap cloth and tons of doilies sitting in my daughter`s drawer were handy enough to make the perfect set up. You may visit this video to learn the paper flowers.

The show stoppers. 

Picture banner with number 40 and my shadow box
with fancy birthday girl teasers!

If you are my regular blog reader, you may have come across my Christmas mantel or my Girls Night In mantel in previous posts.

Girls Night!

Christmas Decor

All you need to be is inventive and creative! Be resourceful and have fun creating!

This was my inspiration to help you throw a party they'll never forget!
I would love to know your party ideas or arrangements, do share your story! What special do you do on your child`s birthday?

Hope you find some inspiration in my little corner to plan your next event. My mind is in process of brainstorming new themes for the new party ideas now, be sure to come again and have a peek in my little  nook next time, till we meet again, toodles!

Jovial Tablescape (Christmas)

Christmas in this part of the world is mainly shopping, cooking and socializing with favourite friends or family members. Looking forward to holidays and taking some time off to relax and socialize with friends during this Christmas season. The Christmas mood has started in my home. After many years, we will be home for Christmas. Hope you are through with your shopping, wrapping and hiding the gift part.

Many happy memories will be created and laughs will be shared at gatherings of course with plenty of food.

When it comes to variety of food or menu we always pen down the recipe, follow many recipes on you tube and even steal one from friend's dinner night. We spend enough time creating a recipe, but forget to make that mealtime presentable. You don't have to be a professional but with a desire to create and with frugal budget, there are countless way to create that great tablescape for any occasion. Trust me, in couple of minutes things can go from mundane to magical.

Sharing few ideas of my tablescape of the season. It allows me to express my creativity with adding  my own personal touch. I used up things around the house to add interest to the table.

I kept it simple with similar or repetitive items to pull everything together.

Baubles borrowed from my Christmas tree and some clear glasses with candles created the festive look on my table.

Couple of candlelit will create a visual appeal!

This stylized table full of festive colors and favors will impress any guest who happens to drop by.

 

A large lantern with some baubles as a center piece 

I had bought quarter of Ikea lanterns couple of years back and I use them frequently for my décor purpose. Adding personal festive touches will heighten their beauty.  

Few Ikea lanterns were dazzled

 Few medley of Christmas colours will add some excitement on the table. You can also tuck in a Christmas ornament or personalized letters on the napkin rings. That is on my to-do list for next tablescape arrangement.

Red, Green & Gold colour scheme!

The ideas are so broad and possibilities are endless to decorate the table. Hope you spoil your family and guests by treating them on fancy festive tablescape. WOW them with your inner creativity and quick and clever ways! Best of all, have fun! Until we meet again, toodles!

 

 

 

All Images are from my home, clicked by me, please do not share or use without prior permission.

For the Christmas Spirit

Is it Christmas yet? The sparkling lights, fancy décors on city streets and humming the Christmas melodies on the go or playing in pretty much all shopping places prompt you to get ready for Christmas!

Sending you some scenes of festive celebration in my home. Also stocking full of wonderful ideas for you all to inspire and beautify your home to create memories.

A beautiful Christmas tree is for sure but there are other extra touches that make the holidays memorable. There are plenty of simple and time saving ways on internet to get ready for the season.
You need not be an expert crafter or decorator. Little time, little imagination and litter efforts will make you all ready.

 I enjoyed decorating every bit of it. Whether it was crafting or switching stuff from here to there for that proper look.
 

Paper cupcake holders were all ready with some folding and gluing as a fire place mental décor. 

 

 

A holiday display in my shadow box

My Chalkboard has been a very good asset of my family, it doesn't limit for a day to day quotes only, I ensure to use it for all festivities and special occasions.

My chalk board all decked up for the season!

Make the atmosphere alive by displaying unexpected ways like some Christmas lights or ornaments in a glass jar or a candle holder to add colours.



A quarter of candles make a pretty table top or mantel decoration
 

 

Our most of the ornaments are over 15+ years old. We used to have a very tiny tree when we initially started our life in this part of the world. I use the same ornaments every year and cherish the memories attached with my children's childhood. Few of them are the ones they made in their kindergarten classes.  I have kept them as their childhood keepsakes and display without fail every year on my tree. Thanks to my photographs printing hobby, today I am able to share you the first tree picture which I happen to find in one of my album collection. This pictures is of our 1999 Christmas.

Our very first tree
 



It looks like it grew older with us ;)

And at last some night shots with Christmas lights in my home. Putting out lots of candles can enhance any décor. Along with Christmas lights, it just adds shimmering effect in the atmosphere.

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the holiday touches in my home. Wishing you all the best for your festive journey. Enjoy decorating and more importantly have fun! Singing out and awaiting to hear your home stories of decorating. Enjoy the holidays and spend some family time and create memories.

 Until we meet again, toodles!

Images: All are my home images, clicked by me, please do not share or use without prior permission!