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

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

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

Home for the Holidays!

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! 

AND BY NIGHT

Red and white christmas tree

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.

Design Blogger's Fab Five for the Home

 Hello! How's the holiday shopping and prepping going? 
Let's take a detour today from all the Christmas frenzy, shall we? How about a design/decor feature? 

Ambient lighting sets the mood for a cozy evening at home - Deepa's formal living room.

Shalini of all things nice (remember her fabulous home?) invited me to be a part of this interesting series she is hosting on her blog. She has asked a bunch of us bloggers to put together a list of what we consider design must-have's for our homes (a list of five design essentials). This series titled Design Blogger's Fab Five for the Home will air on Shalini's blog throughout December. So, make sure to grab your cup of coffee and tune in to All things nice regularly-'coz she's featuring All Things Nice!

 Thank you Shalini for the invitation to contribute. I have never really considered myself a "Design Blogger" and to be awarded this distinction by a blogging peer is humbling in itself. Also, to be included in a club of elite bloggers is truly an honor! Muchas Gracias! We at Aalayam, love working with other bloggers to bring resourceful posts to our readers and therefore, thank you!

While you are there, be sure to check out the first installment in this series from Bhavna of an Indian Summer- what a great list!
 
Today, Shalini is featuring my must-have list.  And, here is a sneak peek (well, I couldn't stop at five. I couldn't - it was simply too hard! So, I gave her six!).

Cherry picking furniture for our home was an arduous task but one that we deemed essential and paid a lot of attention to. Fittingly, furniture features on my must- have list and this is what I wrote...

"Form or function - how about both?
And I am talking furniture! You can never go wrong by investing in furniture pieces that are enduring, functionally sound and aesthetically appealing!"

I believe comfort and functionality  are as important as the ornamentation, do you?

Find out what I cannot live without when it comes to decor and design over at Shalini's. Kudos to Shalini for this initiative! What a great way to compile inspirational ideas for your home. Make sure to bookmark the series and share your thoughts with us. We love your feedback!

Did you like my list?

It's almost time to draw the curtains on 2013 and it has been a wonderful ride so far for Aalayam. Again, thank you for all your insightful comments and kind words. It is much appreciated. So, keep them coming.  I am going to sign off for the year soon with my ABSOLUTE favorite post! My Christmas post. I am taking you all home for the holidays next - please join me.

Remember this song?

"Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays,
For no matter how far away you roam-
When you long for the sunshine of a friendly gaze,
For the holidays, you can't beat home, sweet home!" 

See you all in a few days at Home - virtually albeit!

Cheers!
~Deepa

Christmas on the Keys

The holiday season has arrived in full force, yet again!  Holiday parties and Christmas soirees are the norm in most suburban communities across the United States. But maybe, some of you want to get away from the holiday hubbub and enjoy a vacation in a place with  blue skies, fluffy clouds and azure waters?

Pier  at the Cheeca.

 How about a contrarian celebration in a far flung paradise ?? 
Join me on this travel feature to the Florida Keys as we cross the scenic Overseas Highway to celebrate Christmas on the KEYS. Why not trade-in your traditional white Christmas for a tropical Holiday this year? Even Santa loves to get away from the cacophony!

The great American road trip has been our family's all season favorite pastime for the last 15 years! There is no better way to experience this beautiful country's heterogenous landscape! And so, each year we pack our bags and our camera (of course!) and get into our car and hit the road. Yes, in the winter too! Over the years, books and atlas' have been replaced by GPS and smart phone apps but little else has changed about our cherished quest!

And today, I am featuring a few pictures from our 2010 Christmas road trip to an ultimate festive jaunt - the Keys! 
Route 1 or the Overseas Highway features on many must-do road trip lists as a hot favorite! So, if you haven't explored this route yet - I urge you to get on the road now!

Here is what the experts have to say about this iconic drive and I couldn't have said it better myself!

"The 113-mile (181-kilometer) drive on Highway 1 from mainland Florida to Key West induces sensory overload. Besides the natural beauty along the route—tidal flats, teal waters dotted by distant islands—the so-called Overseas Highway awes you in its own right as an engineering marvel. Its concrete stretches across impossible expanses of water, the Atlantic spreading out to the left, the Gulf to the right."  - National Geographic, Drives of a Lifetime
Read the rest of this travelogue here

If you are looking for a holiday gift - here is a great book!

"Island hopping to Land's end, this one-of-a-kind highway offers the promise of radiant seascapes, exotic underwater worlds, and animals found nowhere else in America" -  Reader's Digest, The Most Scenic Drives in America

For me, the trip began with a stay at the Cheeca Lodge, an Islamorada Key resort. 

Holiday trees cheerily welcome guests at the Cheeca!

To enjoy holiday hospitality in a plantation- style retreat in the backdrop of tropical weather  far away from  freezing winter temperatures was an exotic experience in itself - one that will stay etched in my memory forever.  The design and decor enthusiast in me is always looking for travel accommodations that are a bit indulgent. However, I try to be budget savvy and avoid the high price of highbrow travel and look for off season deals!

The many shades of comfort!

 Overall, the Cheeca did not disappoint but their "secluded private beach" was not much of a beach at all! Even so, the property had lots of other family friendly amenities of boutique distinction that made for a great stay!

Now, the trip down the Overseas Highway all the way down to the Key West, flanked on either side by shimmering waters and stunning seascapes was an unforgettable Holiday treat. We could not have possibly soaked it all in from the inside of our automobile and so we made several stops at quaint little highway eateries and beaches and state parks. 

Red tortillas  - after all, it's the Holidays!

Bahia Honda was beautiful! The pristine beach and the architecturally interesting bridge was well worth the pit stop.

the old bahia honda bridge - mesmerizes in all its metallic glory!

Now, Key West is a happening holiday hot spot! The tourists fill  Key West with its Joie De Vivre! 
A customary picture stop at the Southernmost point of continental USA, a stroll down the island's streets to marvel at the architecture of the kaleidoscopic Victorian homes and a tour of  Duval street  to feel the energy of enthusiastic tourists completed our afternoon. We saved the best for last - Mallory Square! We had heard about the legendary sunset celebration and made our way to Mallory Square, just in time! And what a carnival it was too! All in honor of the gorgeous nightly sunset! 

Street performers, holiday tinsel,  lights, live music and a few cocktails provided the perfect accompaniment to a splendid sunset and my patient husband captured it to perfection making it one of the most memorable sunsets of our life!

 The convivial spirit of Key West makes it an ideal holiday destination!

Whether you are there for some sport fishing action or just to experience Island culture - the KEYS do not disappoint. And in this case, a road trip on the magnificent Overseas highway is your destination! We bought home many memories of seashores peppered with palm trees, turquoise blue waters, lighted holiday inns and the Island's die-hard festive spirit!

 I will recall these images fondly as I celebrate Christmas in frigid temperatures this year!
Hope you enjoyed our holiday travel feature but if you'd rather stay home and watch the twinkle of the lights on your christmas tree by a warm fire and sip hot cocoa while you wait for Santa and Rudolf, then stay tuned! I am featuring my (Deepa's) holiday home soon and you are all invited!

Cheers!
~Deepa

p.s: All pictures are from my personal archives and copyrighted to Aalayam. Please do not use without permission!