Eco-friendly Ganesha!

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most talked about festival, brings to mind joy, fervor, extra zeal, pomp and gaiety.  The festival has created quite a stir in our home as well and the thrill and delight in equal measure has propelled us into a festive mode.  

Just like last year, our daughter has rescued us this year also by carving out our own excellent ‘Bappa’ for the festivities. Moulded with her labor of love, he is ready to be surrounded by love throughout his stay and shower his blessings.

 

This year, we are celebrating with double the joy as with extra time on hand, she managed to make 2 idols :). Unlike last year’s bappa placed on a flower, this year, he will be taking his seat on a leaf.

There is definitely an appeal that adds allure to her handmade creations. It likewise also makes both of us happy to see her engaging herself in traditions.

We have left the polluting bandwagon of immersing our idol long back and now carrying out the most elaborated way to celebrate the festival.  The worshipped idol will be immersed in “kundi” or “urli” after the festivities and the water will be poured out in our own garden to feel his presence forever with us.

For those who want to "go-green" with this year's celebration, can use air-dry-clay from Michaels, which is sturdy and fits the bill perfectly for us to mould our idol. The easy to use and easy to smooth air-dry-clay softens with water and ideally flexible for variety of other sculptures as well. After drying the clay idol (about a day) she painted him with acrylic paint.

The excitement of “Ganesha’s” arrival is palpable and preparations are at the peak and hoping the same for those who celebrate the festival.  As I turn myself back on the festive mode, we will see you again next week with a post gargling about our unseen collection of “Gifted Ganesha”.  Until then stay connected on Facebook and Instagram, toodles!

September - A Herald of Festivity!

As we step forward to September, it’s hard to believe that we are about to kiss goodbye to summer and welcome fall. As the beach vacations, road trips and cottage staying will fade in distance, life will be trapped back into a busy cycle by hitting the hay early. However, the tan on our skin and the memories we created this summer are adequately evident that we enjoyed summer to the fullest. Ignoring the look of displeasure we are also ready to pack the bag and send our older teenager for her university life again. We will miss her presence (which is loudly felt in the home) and her infectious smile which is unfazed.

With September we also march into festivities and our home is so ready for a grand affair with celebrations galore.  We are all set to make Ganpati Bappa’s grand presence felt in our home. Hope the coffee table arrangement here will exude the same vibe for you all :).

On top of my saccharine and syrupy stories of our "Gifted Ganesha" collection on the blog, this month first time ever we are also taking a different turn by hosting a wonderful ‘Giveaway’ in collaboration with our featured product segment. Further down the road, this month we also have a home tour which will leave a compelling impression on all the décor lovers.  

And our every year’s ritual has been followed this year as well. Our young lady in the house has created another eco-friendly Ganesha for this year’s celebrations. I will be unfolding the new 'avatar' of him on the blog tomorrow. Until then signing out hoping that my enthusiasm has rubbed off on you to bring on the festive mode. Make sure to keep yourself connected on Facebook and Instagram for more big and small decorating ideas, toodles!

Holi - The colorful celebration

Puttering “Holi” pictures on the virtual world has sent me in the same vein as you, if you are also nurturing "Holi" blues with a twinge of envy just like me, for being detached from all the festivities back home. These festivals graciously allow us to remember old days especially to those who are far away from India, where any celebration of any festival is always at the peak.

Few thoughtful, few silly and few heartwarming honest moments evoke fond memories of my childhood. As I recall the days vividly, where the hurly-burly on the road and vivacious friends on the street play with colorful tradition ardently. 

        

Briefly toyed with the “Holi” idea, I have attuned a corner to celebrate Holi this year unlike last year's fanciful décor. Charming amalgams of my antique brass diyas and yummy colors have brightened a corner, which compliments the festival in our home. 

And for your dramatic finale of "Holi" I have got you covered with this light, fluffy and of course creamy "Thandai Mousse" to please any size of your party crowd. Certainly an impressive dinner party dessert here is delicately flavored with thandai that really brings out the spice when mixed with wickedly rich cream.

 

Ingredients:

• Whipping Cream - 1 cup
• Regular milk - 1 cup
• Water - 1/2 cup
• Thandai masala & syrup (readily available, and if not, there are gazillions of recipes to make at home)
• Shredded almonds ( Few drops of food coloring for a dramatic display)
• Agar-agar powder (China grass powder or Gelatin) 1 spoon
• Sugar ( as per your sweet tooth)

Instructions:

·         Whisk the whipping cream till soft fluffs are formed;   keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

·         Dilute agar agar powder in ½ cup water and cook on low flame

·         Add 1 cup of milk to this water and keep stirring

·         Add 1 spoon of Thandai masala and 1 spoon of Thandai syrup

·         Add desired amount of sugar (thandai syrup is sweet so taste and add sugar accordingly)

·         Bring the mixture to boil until everything dissolves and milk is wee bit thickened.  

                     

Let this liquid cool down on room temperature. Once ready, place this liquid on top of an ice cube loaded bowl and mix vigorously, it will start thickening soon and to avoid any lumps, the mixing constantly is necessary. Add in the whipped cream and fold in until both are evenly combined.  Transfer the mousse in serving bowls or cups and garnish on top with colored almonds or any other dry fruit you desire. Refrigerate for about 4/5 hours and serve. The colorful array of almonds make it an enticing dessert. You may play with any flavor combo you may like to make this mousse.

(If you have opted china grass as a replacement for of Agar-agar powder, you will have to cut china grass into small chunks and blend it down into a coarse powder before using, you may also have to strain the liquid for left over pieces of china grass before mixing the whipping cream)

 

Okay party people hold on, as on the spirit of HOLI, Sonal Gupta, the culinary expert at Simplyvegetarian has rounded up with all sorts of deserts and snacks for you to toast your festival with. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a part of her festive collective.  To earn yourself more desserts and snacks head straight to her blog where she has oceans of other recipes to feed inspiration for your upcoming festive parties from rest of the fellow bloggers.

We, Torontonians, are spoilt here with many friends and this festival fever of Holi has gripped us firmly, hence, we are going to mark the day noisy way in our own neighborhood. If you celebrate sober way or smudge the beautiful colors on your loved one's faces, enjoy every bit of it as these simple pleasures of life light up our world, signing out wishing everyone very happy festivities at your end, until we meet again, stay connected on facebook or instagram, toodles!

Rangoli

As a herald of Diwali or any other pooja day, a precise corner in my home is always brightened up by Rangoli with riotous colors. I have doled out my share of décor via Diwali posts but when it comes to art by no means I am an expert 'Pundit" unlike my artist daughter.  

As usual after typical perplexing over the design, this year’s Diwali Rangoli design is created by stealing an inspiration from our artist daughter’s art piece. A bit of family team work easily kicked up a notch. Hubby dear drew the design, young fella mixed the colors and the lady of the home, moi, created the magic ;)
  

For those who are novice like me with the flow of vibrant rangoli dust, this easy peasy rice rangoli arrangement will set you all up for the day.

 

Offering some fresh spin on traditional decorating of rangoli by using few mirrors is my way of cheering the corner. So splash few drops of food coloring and plain rice to create the magic in few minutes. (Ensure to have your hands covered with gloves before mixing the rice with color)

  

Year 2015



Rice and mirror rangoli

Mirror & leaf template rangoli year 2014

Rice Rangoli 2013



Paisly and Diya with rice -Year 2012



A very talented fellow blogger Lakshmi has weaved the tales of Rangoli dictating every aspect of it very well, do pay a visit on her blog Celebrations Décor for a great read on rangoli.

Until we meet again, wishing each and every one happy festivities of Diwali, toodles!

Festival of Lights - Diwali Decor-1

As we roll into the festivities of Diwali, I am totally stoked to represent a festival that I grew up loving. If there is any manuscript decor buried in your head or drawer, it is time now to ground them with life. Limit doesn’t exist when it comes to Diwali décor, so bring on few quintessential ingredients that typify your style and choice for the festival of lights. Diwali is all about a traditional palette so freshen up your home with visual opulence. FLOWERS to radiate the chic serenity, LIGHTS for some blinking and twinkling and BRASS for an extra bit of sparkle to top off the festive look.

After the Diwali Tablescape, I have roped in a picturesque journey of 2 Diwali décor posts in line for you to create festive oasis. Today's post is about glorious touches at my front doors bathed in Diwali spirited theme.

 A new warm look has been grounded to boast up the entrance. Décor has taken up a notch with warm ambience and over all festive bits, bringing an inviting atmosphere at my front doors. The German silver plate once belonged to my great grandfather is pulsating with life housing Ganesha taking the center stage surrounded by flickering diyas and scattered strands of marigold. Flowers are also attired in a similar heirloom piece of brass 'kalash'.

For setting the perfect festive tone, I scattered my collection of brass diyas. Golden hued flickering from diyas are cajoling  the gleaming charm at the entrance.

My artist daughter's Ganesha canvases never fail to steal the show. Here, I have casually rested another frame to add vibrant back drop on the vignette. The frame is housing a page from an old calendar of Krishna showing all his "Leelas", which I didn’t had heart to throw away. With an urge I kept the pictures. Now I repeatedly alter the pictures in the frame by swapping the pictures as per my color theme.  

 Creative display and array of breathtaking antiques will definitely stop and park your guest before they whisk away. I have exercised something unexpected by resting the brass urali and candle holders on the wooden wall scone. The wall scone is still begging for a perfect wall to rest in the home, until then I have informally rested it on a brass stand to suit my purpose on this festive season.

Few of our hidden gems are brought into a limelight this festive season. Shining a spotlight here is the star ingredient of our collection. Though, polishing this heavenly weighty bell was a herculean task.  

Gathering a gang of diyas will give your space twice the bang. I wonderfully smug about my collection of diyas added over many years from back home and few gifted here. Diyas are the rightness of any décor plan in festivities. Their alluring lights make an erotic atmosphere.

Red and gold are the Diwali classics and can easily kick up a notch in any décor. I have sizzle up the floor here with some exciting changes by mixing modern and vintage pieces. Staging of small pieces in a bunch will give you a power of a large display.

I honestly wish I could decorate for Diwali all year long. Traditional and ethnic décor for Diwali is definitely cultivating my own taste. Hope these images perfected the set of signaling a festive mood in your home. Circle back with me this week on the blog for Day-2 Diwali Inspiration of our living room. Until we meet again, stay glued here or on facebook page, toodles!

Navli Navratri!

There is something about fall, it's presence overflows with a joy of festivities. One of such is Navratri - The festival of worshipping Goddess Durga, celebrating a triumph over a failure and cheering our rich heritage has finally embarked. The musical festival of classy flamboyant outfits, the traditional garbas (songs), and above all, the devotional celebration. It would be a complete amiss if I don’t share my bit of joy and memories with you all being a pure Gujarati and a fervor garba lover. Out comes our dandiya playing Ganeshji to hit the perfect tune to start the festivities at my end.  

Sharing here are few snippets I have pulled together complimenting festive touches remembering nostalgic old days of Navratri. The long forgotten accessories, psychedelic chania cholis and keen dandiyas are highlighted here as they get ready along with me ;) for the festivities.

At the mark of this festival markets are geared up with colorful accessories and special dresses for the occasion. Especially youngsters start crawling in hunt for the perfect pair of outfits and matching accessories to jazz up their best look for Garba nights.

 

Hidden bare grounds are prepared for sparkling and glitzing nights of Navratri ambience and brought into best of their celebrity look. The most superior place on the ground is reserved as a special abode for Goddess. Every nook and corner is decorated with the riot of colors.

 

At the stroke of dusk, exceptionally dressed girls and boys in their traditional dressing would flood the ground with lots of laughter and giggles. We had best time of our young adulthood celebrating this festival. Many such celebrations are etched in my memories and are still recollected with a beaming pleasure in my eyes. Such golden days are hard to erase from your memories, wouldn't you agree?

 

 

Garba- traditionally sung songs are culturally rich and truly reveal the ethos of Gujarat. Oh, what fun it is to scream the favorite lyrics out loud while playing garba on the ground with friends. The playing or dancing of garba(the folkdance of Gujarat) is typically rhythmic and repetitive which combines foot work and fancy hand movements going in a circle. When the drummer strikes out a beat on a classical Indian drum, oh boy,  the tempo in the crowd rouses loud shrieks and yells on the ground.

 

Far and wide on the planet, Gujaratis have generated the rich heritage of Gujarat in their small zones as well. Being here in Toronto, we still rejoice the festival with the equal fervor. I am happy to the fact that our both kids are as ardent as me and look forward to revel in garba with us :). Of course, the celebration is not as similar as back in Gujarat, but not less either, we cherish the value of the festivities here with the same enthusiasm. Though, the chilly cold weather is cruel and that limits our playing indoors. Unlike these days fusion Bollywood music we restrict our songs to traditional garbas only. Gujju food stalls of KHAMAN, DABELI, KHICHU are savored deeply during or after the garba sessions just like back home.

You stand a good chance to witness an aura of grand festivity and divine spirituality with cheery faces and zealous souls during this festival month in Gujarat. An equal importance is observed for the nine divine days of the festival in other states of India as well worshipping the goddess Durga. Hope you also have a joyful celebration for the festivities at your end, until we meet again, stay connected on Facebook as there is a lot lined up for the month, toodles!

Deva Shree Ganesha!

How could I bid farewell to our little Ganesha without ensuring you all greet him? Yes, our charming Ganesha will be taking his grand departure of this year in few days. His impressive visit in our abode is strikingly stylish. Festive décor touches lent an added sparkle to his presence. 

Unlike India's noisy and colourful one, our immersion will be more personal at home only.

On these festive days I surely miss seeing the most intricate and extravagant celebrations back home, with crowds thronging the streets, frolicking flashy music on jam-packed roads. Ah, the blurry memories of childhood brought up the past that has been forgotten. We used to be up on the balconies waving good byes to all Ganeshas taking their grand exit with great pomp and celebration.

 

Blanketed art of the Ganesha's collage wall by the artist of the house, turned out to be a perfect backdrop. The pleasing celebration of this year’s festivity approaches to an end at our home also. Our little fella will be heading back taking all of our troubles and worries with him. Though, eco friendly Ganesha has lead us to an easy immersion this year.

Churma Ladoo

Our Ganesha has been treated well by offering his favorite delicacy Churma Ladoos everyday. 

His very much felt VIP presence in the home for the last couple of days will be missed. As all good things have to end, so does his departure. With Plenty of etched memories and deep footprints in our heart, we will bid him farewell, so he can make his majestic entry next year. Hoping you all had a wonderful celebration at your end as well :)

Up next on the blog, we will be falling for FALL. Stay connected with Pinkz Passion, until we meet again, toodles!

Go Green Ganesha!

The herald of the auspicious arrival of “Ganpati Bappa” is imminent. As many states in India and probably across the globe Ganesha aficionados have started the groundwork in full swing for the preparation of the grandest and most expounded arrival for the festival.

Yes, we are also under his fever as he is coming with his little boy lost look to flabbergast us over his powerful impression and comforting plump belly to gobble down our “ladoos” for the poised celebration of 10 days of devotion and delight to bring fortune and joy in our lives. 

Ganesh 2015

I have lost the count of exact numbers of years that he is welcomed to our home now for the festival. Though, since last 2 years, we were puzzling over with new possibilities for his sculpture. Hit with a wave of confusion on his arrival for his figurine as it is difficult to find a perfect one to meet our purpose and also not to forget the struggle we had to face when we bid adieu.  After worshipping the deity for 10 days, his “visarjan” (immersion) was challenging being on the coldest sphere.

 

 

Our curiosity won out after few good thoughts and some scrolling on the web, which compelled the artist in the house to give her clever touches to mould him and form him to suit our desires.  As a result of our vision and courage to think differently we are able to go green with his figurine. The fruits of her labour created and moulded “Ganesha” with air dry clay from Michael’s Craft Store and few strokes of paint. She also whittled out a lotus base “aasana” for him.  

 

Ganesha 2014

The last year’s statue was a first attempt at going green but this year’s look bowled all of us out, we loved how he is adopting a little boy look. Being a clay model our practical requirement of his immersion is well served as on the last day we just soak him in a pot at home and the infused water with clay is also kept forever by pouring in our garden next day, that way he exists with us always.

Up next on the blog will be some over dose of brass and my collection show off.  Exclusively for the “Ganesh Chaturthi”, unveiling many new and existing Ganesha, so stay connected on facebook for more updates and some eye candy images of celebrations. Until we meet again, toodles!

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.