Hello Monday :)

Hello Monday, here I am scooting over countless chores and juggling with many balls at a time. Taking a compulsive break to get connected with you.  Catching  up with a quick post to gather all the energy I might need to survive for the rest of the week.

Unveiling today, another signature piece of Ganesha from our collection. His stress-free and peaceful mudra leaves a smile on my face at every glance.

Past few days have been working against the clock for me as we had a  “pooja” arranged at home this weekend. Lovely crowd of family and friends accompanied the occasion, hoping to share few glimpse soon J. Though, presently, I am turning a blind eye to all the chores on the horizon for me.

My agenda of the week is jam packed with tons of activities. Lingering haze of many draining dance practices and few final touches of an approaching weekend dance performance is etched on the screen of my mind right now.

Also, last exam of school life ended for my daughter, leaving us with a thought of how fast the life and childhood slip away so soon. We have hard time grasping the truth that daughters grow up so fast. Since exams are over the young girl has a fresh reason to go on a shopping spree with mom for upcoming prom.

 

The good weather is also to be blamed for being inattentive on the blog front. I have professed my official envy for those who can take pleasure of indoor and outdoor life throughout the year, but for us Torontonians, just few warmer months bring our "boring" winter life to some  "chatpata" weather. Hence, busy enjoying the first taste of sandal season after long.

Along with my ranting, I am signing off today with some beautiful blooms, though, I have pretty few posts in pipeline, so stay connected with me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, until we meet again, toodles!  

 

My Home My Pride ( Home Tour @ CDL)

This May, our glorious little home accomplished stamp of 2 years old and couldn't have asked more than a featured tour,  just to celebrate it.
 
Being one new schooler on the blog sphere, still struggling to graduate with the expertise of "Home Tours". However, with all my gratitude, want to take a moment to thanks Nayana and her blog "Cherish Dream Live" for raising an opportunity to showcase our home on her blog.
 
Our house hunting initiated with the gutsy thought of relocation 2 years back. Respecting builder's original version, in no time, our home was rising on a truly inspiring site from the ground up to achieve our desired perfection.

Living Room

We were keen from the day we endorsed the home. We savoured the entire process from building, planning, and decorating our new home. 

Laundry Room - Front Foyer - Powder Room

Connecting dots of our eclectic research and affirmative thoughts on decorating are still in evolution and continues to be so. We gave our best shots to reward exactness to every corner of the home.

Family Room

As I broach up words for my home:

"A bit of team work, bunch of our own gut feelings and a happy mix of new contemporary and few old classic pieces tot up our dream world. My design mantra is not strict or stuck on any fixed fundas, thus still struggling to compose an exact style of decoration. We both are house proud and, “our home is our pride!” Our home is filled with the layers of our own personalities!"

Leap over directly to the blog here and steal a complete tour. Until we meet again, my passion people, stay connected, toodles!





Happy Mother's Day!

As I struggle to compose myself, initiating the thankful note on this special "Mother's Day" to my two beautiful, thoughtful, encouraging and loving women  - My Mommy and my mom in law. Also sending special bunch of wishes to all the beautiful and wonderful mommies out there.

I, being one proud mommy today want to raise a toast to my own motherhood by taking freedom to indulge in some motherly moments by sharing a jubilant time of me and my rebellious, stubborn and quirky teen daughter & oh-so cool, curious and of course clever son.

We are getting closer to have an "empty nest" phase in our life soon as our daughter is seeking out opportunities for her further education. I have to step back and pause my motherhood as she builds her own hard and happy times life has to offer.

 

Stealing a moment here to realize how time actually flies and the little toddlers with whom we have built sandcastle are ready to taste the beginning of adulthood.

I want to share a cheer to the day I arrested the twinkle in my eyes about being mommy, and also a cheer to the day I felt I was on cloud nine actually holding them in my arms for the very first time.

Pure delight to hark back to those hugging and kissing toddler years where "do not touch" - "do not put that in mouth" was frequently playing like an old record.

The joyousness of schooling phase where chauffeuring around the clock either for swimming lessons or dancing classes never seem to end. Where frustration manages to often break its own boundaries, but I tried to keep myself contained and fully a mother figure image.

Gleeful, pre-teen years where we have struggled to defuse a constant ticking bomb somewhere in them deep down, where we just pretend to control the note of impatience.

And now flustered teenager years where they are just lost in their own thoughts and in a rush to embrace the adulthood. We factually have to turn a blind eye to them even though our inner temperature soars.

Unlike many mothers, I have also learned motherhood pieces by pieces but I have enjoyed each and every phase of it by loving both of them eternally. Thankful to be blessed and loved and to be a "MOM" to my children.

Few posts are already on the tracks coming your way. Till than enjoy the bonus of beautiful warm weather and your "Mother's Day" to the fullest until we meet again, toodles!

 

My Home - My Pride (Tour of Family Room)

I know, I know...today's post is admittedly overdue, but hey,  I was busy trying to tie up loose ends at my end, besides, better late than never. Moreover, I have a special surprise of a complete home tour :) real soon and you know I am good at keeping my promises. For now let's switch off from the world, as I steal you for a moment to take you on a tour of our handsome Family Room. 

As Gore Vidal once coined, " Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn" can be thrown perfectly to term our Family room. Room being our total chill out zone and tops up bearing lots of traffic yet it’s restful and comfortable for our recreational needs. A homely room for our fervent teenager to whisper gossips over the phone or a place for our cheeky cheery pre-teen to play a win –win game of chess with daddy or just for “us” snatching much needed comfort after a long-gone hectic day. Practical and peaceable style is brought to life by maintaining soothing feel in our family room.

Multihued stone accent wall creates a deep, warm envelope in this room. Winter feels whole lot warmer when you melt down and cuddle as close as possible by the warmth of the flames with a hot chocolate. Eye catching and impactful fireplace screen is a gorgeous focal point in the room to give the classy look. The same fire place mantel, where I exuberantly shake off my seasonal décor itch.

I am big on pictures, specially family pictures. Our previous home, the stairs were jazzed up with our memories of the places we have loved and lived. New home is also smartened with the wall of family portraits and is definitely a colorful personal strike in our personal room. 

The strong thought of  adding drama and excitement to the room, by exhibiting these portraits, was deep in my visual before the wall was even up ;) Though, we could actually execute the happening in last October as we waited for a perfect "Fall" season to capture these in our own ravine. 

These amazing clicks were captured by a very talented gentleman, who happens to be a brainchild of E-Motion Photography. Now, they lend added sparkle in the room by being on a primary wall, where you catch a quick glance as soon as you walk in the room. 

Some happy mix of my old signature collection and few new ones (which caught my fancy while new home shopping) overwhelm the abode. 

Though, I often change my perspective by changing and rearranging things we have had for years to take on a different look. I highly stroke on stirring things around the home to make the same place feel fresh and new.

The sectional couches are insanely comfortable with 2 detached ottomans. Numerous clever variations can be persuaded to organize the sofas. With an abundance of friends, ottomans multiplies the sitting ability in the room or they get dragged down by the fireplace or wherever needed. 

Necessity of a coffee table in our family room was never essential as ottoman topped with trays converts a place to serve and when not in service, those tired feet are rested on them. Oh yes, also a same place where all my cheerful desi twists on coffee table nurtures. 

Bank of windows not only frame the outside nature in the room but also manage to direct the perfect flow of sunlight to brighten the room. The one, by the window, is my coziest spot for a hot cuppa to perk me up when I listen to my favorite "saavn" music to quieten my soul. Overlooking the spectacular view, across the distant pond and its watery reflection on sunny days with increasing brood of ducks/geese, demands the focusing attention to suspend working against the clock, pause and love the moment.

New home commands confidence at times and leaps of huge trust while decorating but we didn’t get much trapped in thinking about how the home or room will come together, we assembled the room pieces by pieces like a puzzle and by adding some of our own design punches to fall perfectly in the rhythm we favored. 

Hoping that you could steal some inspirations from our family room to add some zest and spice up your family room! After bits and pieces, a complete home tour is ready for you. If you may please, take the pleasure of visiting the rest of our home here. Stay connected on facebook page until we meet again, toodles!

A Springy Welcome

Our home is punctuated with many personal collections of 'Ganesha'. Many gifted, discovered, collected and inherited exquisite pieces are often revealed on facebook page. Though, some pieces of my collection tug at my heartstrings. Today's special appearance of my absolute favorite Ganesha is one of those piece. It is one of the interesting decor find of our proud collection. As soon as I had my eyes landed on him, I knew this fabulous, exceptional and unique "Ganeshji" is coming home. Many of you have witnessed my winter oasis of front foyer, created with all neutral white leaving a calm effect inside during those chilly, white winter months. Today, taking you closer to a more springy note. Few swirling spring thoughts and trial & error phase has resulted this vignette  cheering at the front foyer.

 

This fabulous plus of "Jhula Ganesha"(swing Ganesha) has been added to our collections since almost 10 years. The spring has repulsed my thoughts and my décor fundas to exhibit a remarkable piece from our collection. And on one of those "design moments" well chosen pieces are all set to guard my entry utterly uniquely.

 

 

Flowers have always been my best bet. A quote on one of the recent read; "Any thing that holds water can mostly be used for housing flowers" takes after my theory of setting flowers. Beside, nothing looks as inevitable as fresh flowers when you enter the home. Flatter the style with some fuss free arrangements of fresh flowers and you will be complimented at every initial encounter at the front doors. I have set them in an antique brass kettle to suit my purpose here.

 

 

 My mirror where I check on my last appearance before heading out the doors has reflected the perfect capture of the vignette. The proud brass lion is a visiting card holder piece which was rescued from Aj's office desk to complete the boldness on my table.  

 

 Lately, brass details implemented into home décor are a huge hit. The common thread of brass stiches this vignette together as well.  Posing above "the Ganesha paintings" add playful hit of solid colors. The back drop art of brilliant water color painting of Radha-Krishna on cotton canvas was a gift from Jaipur (15 years back) which I treasured by framing. It has been just displayed informally  here so that I can alter different looks more often on that console table.

 

 

 

After gathering up all well chosen pieces for entrance,  I stir up some fun and achieved this look of spring at the front foyer. Have you added some design punch at your entrance to upbeat the mood of spring? I would love to hear all about it,  until we meet again, toodles!

The wonder of the World - Niagara Falls!

The held thought of writing about Niagara Falls was been rearing its head with some wondrous thinking in mind. Being truly Canadian I have already shared my portion of journey in part 1 & part 2 blogs of the west coast places that have left their spellbound impact on us here in Canada. Today's feature story of Niagara Falls speaks my heart out as it's our most loved holiday spot being an easy reach to us.

 

“WE” get the itch to visit the place be it for an occasional weekend getaway, or a compulsive trip for any ambitious visitor’s request. From Toronto it’s about 1.5/2 hour drive and an excellent excuse for some “us” time on that long drive .

 

 To justify the beauty and navigate you to the place more accurately, I have snatched first 5 clicks (American side) from the personal album of a very creative photography duo, Jo and Dhruv of Strokes Photography. They are primarily wedding photographers but also specialize in lifestyle and event photography. Do take a peek in their mesmerizing clicks on their website. Their outstanding harmony truly understands how to seize “the moment” of their clients. The enthralling pictures will accurately drench you to yield your way to the Falls.   



3 famous falls of Niagara

Chiefly three falls - American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe (Canadian side) you have to explore. American falls transports much less water than Horseshoe Falls but you can get real close to the fall on American side, and truly feel the water hurtling down the falls.  



The very first glance of the powerful falls guarantees goose bumps. As you drive by the naturally beautiful Canadian side falls, the swooshing of windshields,  prove the presence of mystical droplets greeting you. As you justly stand in front to meet the thundering and loud falls, the whizzing wind, the powerful rumble of water, and few facial mist of h2o is likely to work as a bliss factor to pull away all your fatigue and revive yourself. Absolutely wonderful thing to hear, see and feel!  




The Observation Tower

The observation tower is the best bet to view all 3 falls from American side. Though the Canadian side is not purely visible from the tower.


American & Bridal Veil Falls

Cave of the Wind is simply a thrilling adventure to enjoy the majestic view by literally taking shower in the water of Falls. Rain ponchos and Sandals will try to keep you dry, but don't bother, just get soaked up completely in the beauty of the nature without having a second thought of being wet or cold (be careful with your camera, though). The most spectacular scenario and rainbows you ever come close to, (trust me on this one, it's worth every bit) you will have once in a life time mighty powerful experience. 

 



Canadian Skyline



Though, unlike American falls,  you have to appreciate the beauty of the falls from far-off on Canadian side. "Journey behind the falls" is also a part of major tourist attraction on Canadian side where series of tunnels lead you to go behind the falls. Skylon Tower on Canadian side is quite popular for formal, classy and an expensive dining experience with a great view of Falls in a revolving 360 degrees. 





Maid of the Mist at the basin of the Horseshoe Falls

This one impressive cheesy touristy ride I wouldn't ask you to give up at the cost of anything. I have jumped on the board countless times but "once you have seen it, you've seen it all" phrase is far eluded for this ride. The crashing down on the fall on your face, when the boat deliberately travels right in to the lip of the Horseshoe Falls, will leave you speechless. Feel the rocking of the boat and plopping on your face, let this natural wonder of the world leave you a lifelong personal reminiscence.  

Cheesy Maid of the Mist

This breathtaking Maid of the Mist ride is operated at both American and Canadian falls. They do provide their iconic blue poncho but when you soak up at the brink of millions of litre water, you don't expect to be dry and hey, it's just purest water of Niagara River.



Rainbow Bridge connecting USA & Canada

The Fall falls as Canada's major tourist charm. Covering most of the sites by foot will be much easier on warm days specially. Strolling over the Rainbow Bridge to US side or vice versa is much quicker and incredible. The idea of walking just few steps and you change the country is quite fascinating for many like me. You don’t want to miss out the phenomenal backdrop of Niagara Fall from the bridge and the feeling of being close to the splendid beauty of Mother Nature.  Ensure to carry your passport or visa as you have to go through the customs for crossing the international border.



A view from our 42nd Floor of Embassy suite 

And on one of those days/evenings we just go to literally chill and don’t bother going by the falls, instead stay in our room and revel in the view from the window. Pretty fancy accommodations are available around the falls, but I highly recommend to reserve your place with the sight of all 3 falls.

Those special fun and elegant nights certainly are incomplete if you don’t crack your hands at one of the 2 strikingly grand casinos at the falls.



The most recent click from 9th floor of Embassy Suite

In winter, its beauty touches at the peak and looks truly majestic but mind you it gets unforgivably cold. You will unquestionably have a remarkable camerawork in winter months; moreover, the pedestrianized streets will be less crowded for the period of winter months. In summer months being a tourist season in full swing you get the feel of herded like cattle at times.



Night lights & fancy fireworks

The Falls enhances its exquisiteness when you captivate the lighting effects of the falls when water is dipped in the color. A remarkable spectacle of stylish fireworks above the falls on those special nights will hold your breath in awe.





Clifton Hill



You won't have trouble filling up days around the falls as beside this major attraction the place is covered with tons of other beautiful places such as Aquariums, Winery, Helicopter rides. Marine Land and the Great Wolf Lodge are a compulsive places for those young visitors in Canada.  Clifton Hill is another tourist trap and a happening fun street on Canadian side. Mini Vegas would be just the right term to describe the hill with lots of fancy food chains to please every taste, museums awaiting to impress/horrify and an arcade to perplex any age group.

While creating this post I highly needed sound of “mantra” than those expressive adjectives to make you fall in love with stupendous beauty. So, what are we waiting for, put that additional tick mark for the Niagara Falls on your bucket list. Let that traveller bug in you plot a little jaunt to splash in full splendour of Niagara Falls. A Canadian charisma has gorgeousness in every season. Stroking of these wonderful words have craved me another trip soon ;) with warm days ahead, if we get bumped up at the falls, do wave me a hand!

Until we meet again, toodles!

Image: 1-5 (strokes photography) 6-10 - (Pinkz)

Image: 7 (via) Image: 8 (via)

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!