Summing up the solitude

Here I am, leisurely hitting the ground running after the roller coaster of a sweltering hot weekend. Toronto is sizzling under the heat wave for the rest of the week but might as well enjoy before I enter in my fall nesting mode ;)

Our home, for now, is empty as kids are shipped off for an interesting venture of a whole week camping, leaving just two of us around in the home. Unleashing all the bottled up wishes of being “alone” and enjoying every bit of it. Savouring our freedom by treating ourselves more than often dinner dates with that chilled (all mine) Piña colada ;), long breezy walks and late night movies. Though, it had made us sense how lonely we will be when we get the label of ‘new empty nesters’ with our first child leaving us in couple of days to start new journey of her life. Comforting thought of having the younger one, the recipient of all well needed attention, is still with us and it's enough to restore our souls.

We both have hard time clutching the fact that kids are old enough to face the world on their own. Though, this detachment will expose new ways of thinking and learning for them along with new opportunities waiting to be tackled from the reality of their comfort zone. Quite positive that everything instilled in them until now, will have them ready to face the new world challenges.

 Though, I get much time without having to worry about cooking, feeding, cleaning, this solitude mode of life is now serving us an opportunity to build and find ourselves. Along with the pleasure, much needed task at home front also got taken care for. And as you know, that led me to spend some inordinate amount of time in doing what I love the most. Our Guest Room is shaping up and I can hardly wait to share it with you all.

Extra shopping hours could have led the budget to break its own boundaries, but I tried to stay contained with what I have. Few long forgotten pieces were brought back in to the life by resting on the coffee table. 'Swastika Ganesh' came home as a gift more than a decade ago, which is presently adding the aesthetic beauty and charm. Tried to boost up the appeal by adding few more brass after exploring many different ways. The flickering light contributes stunningly impactful appeal on the vignette. Few pieces of my collection have sentimental attachments and others like the ’Swastik Diya’ was added to the collection from a recent puja ceremony at my friend’s.

 

My collection is growing and going but I don’t ever want it to complete. I cluster my finds in clever ways that allow each item with even great decorative value that it might otherwise have. I hunt for something new and wonderful in something I already have. Eco-friendly decorating is to be able to see the prospective in existing pieces. Of course, the pieces have to be styled and edited instead of covered and cluttered taking up space in your closets or basements.  

Empty moments and mummy thoughts led me to loosen up the emotional apron strings here. For now, this free bird 'mom' is getting back to dreaming of those frequent, tighter, and loving hugs from kids until we bring them home.

 
Until we meet again, stay connected on Facebook, instagram or Pinterest pages of my passion, toodles.

 

Blessings of Pooja!

Don’tcha just love summer? I dearly do. It’s disheartening to be cooped up inside all winter long. Being summer around, we are enjoying as much environmental pluses as we could before the uninvited cold winter days barge in. Summer, here, is all about outdoors. Weekends are jammed in cool natural breeze with picnics radiating whiff of the smokey BBQ parties in the pleasurable company of abundance of friends. A long evening strolls with a warm sun lit on our path of ravine. Few leisurely games of badminton and late night movies on Netflix officially authenticate summer vacation. Routine mornings are bit lazy than regular ones, as I also don’t mind joining my two munchkins by simply dozing off extra hours in the lulls of humming ceiling fans ;) On a long summer vacation day, with tedious routine, taking few breaks won't hurt!

 

You know me, I can burst all day long about my summer tales, but today’s post is about a blessing, a tradition, a celebration we held few weeks back in our home. I had briefed you earlier about a “Pooja” celebration. It has turn out to be a custom we cling to follow every year since last 10 years. But this year, being me on the blog circle, I had countless reasons to share the spirit and the portraits with my readers. 

 

 

Every year, we have long lasting family gatherings, on this particular day, when I apt to infuse every corner with fanciful décor. Revamping the rooms by pumping up enough volume of décor accessories is what I excel in. Massive make overs take place in my home for any special occasion. Though, I usually take a step back and run an eye on what I already own and focus on areas of potential displays.

The entrance was adorned with brass and deep red groupings. Grouping your collections in ingenious ways will qualify each item with even greater decorative value that it might otherwise have. Strive for something new and pleasing in something you already have.

 

As I have briefed earlier, entrance is a winning location. A short stay in foyer to enjoy the interesting display is always an earning point in the decorating game. Add the thrill at the entrance for the atmosphere of the celebrations by decorating with special touches. Antique brass is successfully updated here with contemporary details. A bright bloom of flourishing Dahlia, from my very small garden, adds the pop of colour and beauty.
 
 

 
Diyas are integral part of any Pooja, if not for “Pooja”, well lit candles are essential part of any bash at my home. Nothing beats their gentle twinkle glow for setting the tone for the celebration.

 
Put some unique spins on the familiar pieces by blowing them up. Flowers don't only add freshness in the air but also spruce up the room. They never fail to spread some glorious touches for celebrations in my décor.
 

 
Few of my exquisite pieces chosen solely for their beauty. Sometimes a little enhancement is all that is needed to transform from functions to fantastic. Besides, celebrations are great occasions for collections showcase.

Some soulful “bhajans” expressing sentiments for the love of God filled up the atmosphere. The presence of assembled guests singing prayers and showering blessings always leaves its abiding echo. We look forward to the day profoundly every year. We also happen to welcome an addition of new “Ganesha” to our collection on this day.

Grab beautifying opportunity for any significant, happy event and accomplish it with a great pomp and glory. Let your plenty of “desi” arrangements work the charm of putting the notch above the rest. Ensure to add your allure to any memorable event with spirited theme carried throughout the home. These are the simple pleasures of life we love to live in :)

Until we meet again see you around on facebook page/instagram page, toodles!

 

Spring is in the air

Happy Sunday folks, finally Spring is in the air. Toronto was soaked up in wet and muggy shower kind of weather but honestly, the weather has whisked me away, I feel I have rediscover myself after a long hiatus. The first trace of dawn in bed is surprised with whistling and chirping of bird songs outside, a hot cup of my ginger tea is enjoyed with occasional visitors in the pond of my backyard and evening is indulged by trailing off for a long briskly walk breathing in the pleasant air.

 Mr. Sun is perking up in little corners of the home and enveloping us in a bear hug. My spring blooms adopt a perfect look in the sunshine adding bonus of enjoying spring.  

This little transition has rekindled my love affair with Mother Nature.  Surveying these scenes create a new surge of assurance that warm days are just around the corner after big hangover of wintery days.  I am determined not to mess up with this chance of warm spring weather ahead and enjoy it with my happy-to-be attitude!  Wish you all a very happy week ahead, I know I will have a good one as my weather bug has all double digits Celsius lined up for me :)

Until we meet again, toodles!