tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74375070124888399772024-03-28T02:18:25.467-07:00Aalayam - Colors, Cuisines and Cultures Inspired!The online landmark for India inspired decor, culture and lifestyle. Brought to you by Supriya and Deepa.Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-71972268656102491542017-11-04T07:48:00.003-07:002017-11-04T07:50:26.625-07:00A sensory explosion that is India!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Hello Aalayam!!!</span></i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;">After almost a year, we are
back, with a short, sweet and evocative picture post about all the beautiful
things that evoke such strong feelings about India - the cacophony, the
fragrances, the technicolor explosion, and of course, the gastronomic satiation.</span></i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I went back home to
Bengalooru, after 9 long years. And here's my ode to all things that I love,
about my home town.</span></i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Love, Supriya</span></i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEXbsv1COyVtbygsDz2uAbwgtXmqKTXXq37CUONg-W8hxH6DLsufFmikSTgwhLz_ZauIq0WBXuk6sRjqdP4lbN9N_fdAYDs5vaxCWkG2JFqXwcAhgWZc_zNMhQ3zC4hw9n1IxVlqn/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.36+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEXbsv1COyVtbygsDz2uAbwgtXmqKTXXq37CUONg-W8hxH6DLsufFmikSTgwhLz_ZauIq0WBXuk6sRjqdP4lbN9N_fdAYDs5vaxCWkG2JFqXwcAhgWZc_zNMhQ3zC4hw9n1IxVlqn/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.36+AM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color, or glorious color!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW2w0nM4nX1ExwU67cA0SMtBk7Fj0KBueljRlniW-PaYgJlR7YpARwZJxLmlxp0jF-ClDs2WyFGyrvGvpCvyVeV7IWnR28ASKovLRyl6uuE2d_66OsPyAHi1nGZX62R87KWibN93I/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.37+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW2w0nM4nX1ExwU67cA0SMtBk7Fj0KBueljRlniW-PaYgJlR7YpARwZJxLmlxp0jF-ClDs2WyFGyrvGvpCvyVeV7IWnR28ASKovLRyl6uuE2d_66OsPyAHi1nGZX62R87KWibN93I/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.37+AM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If only I could purchase everything this vendor was selling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtHETNcPxnGgtXQ8xkBC_RoQ6Qyqa64GR23TOKo5FOENbeuEmDLBwSMavLzgJEMofdbXSUubOJ05kVNXc2E1PRRMtwBJFCQwQap7HEsxeatjN1WcclXOiA07bYqa5rjeLj3T_vIeW/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.39+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtHETNcPxnGgtXQ8xkBC_RoQ6Qyqa64GR23TOKo5FOENbeuEmDLBwSMavLzgJEMofdbXSUubOJ05kVNXc2E1PRRMtwBJFCQwQap7HEsxeatjN1WcclXOiA07bYqa5rjeLj3T_vIeW/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.39+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Move aside the Bauble Bars of the world!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5L9tAq_D2AcJ5rN9p0CfeXopcgj_umojkhpKYTRITVoW-z_N4vNOTUwYRnX_3l_B_bDnhOm_NwAGK_jZ13M_xNrtwRyHwCSyBreBHITC6Cgj6o3gHuQaVO1arftNURB9VeBxp19p/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.39+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5L9tAq_D2AcJ5rN9p0CfeXopcgj_umojkhpKYTRITVoW-z_N4vNOTUwYRnX_3l_B_bDnhOm_NwAGK_jZ13M_xNrtwRyHwCSyBreBHITC6Cgj6o3gHuQaVO1arftNURB9VeBxp19p/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.39+AM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why don't we get balloons like this over here?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa_k3i4gNs8ru2mOSnyMYNPfD_MaZ9O5YXRpmlBcYWFRH9hdMyHbKE6o1Gm928O1KKZwr3cvBbqhd77kUA70G3sx7Gt2RuRykaKre3xyGqfY8MpxkbUX9BoMmQuZu-DK-OYhb7rBv/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.40+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXa_k3i4gNs8ru2mOSnyMYNPfD_MaZ9O5YXRpmlBcYWFRH9hdMyHbKE6o1Gm928O1KKZwr3cvBbqhd77kUA70G3sx7Gt2RuRykaKre3xyGqfY8MpxkbUX9BoMmQuZu-DK-OYhb7rBv/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.40+AM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous selection, and admirable work ethic </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2Snjc0j88bMEiWoHiM5EBE7r8OBUmiElWr1MfH4yn1tPfZ4Y6lp6APbsdlbRkcDAvZWrUTJWWQrVE9_41IpC3UePz5uHT1RssSQeKZMkKycyWc1qVkkSLARchP3oSASaLWL4YjOm/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.41+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many pani pooris can you stuff in your mouth?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2Snjc0j88bMEiWoHiM5EBE7r8OBUmiElWr1MfH4yn1tPfZ4Y6lp6APbsdlbRkcDAvZWrUTJWWQrVE9_41IpC3UePz5uHT1RssSQeKZMkKycyWc1qVkkSLARchP3oSASaLWL4YjOm/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.41+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2Snjc0j88bMEiWoHiM5EBE7r8OBUmiElWr1MfH4yn1tPfZ4Y6lp6APbsdlbRkcDAvZWrUTJWWQrVE9_41IpC3UePz5uHT1RssSQeKZMkKycyWc1qVkkSLARchP3oSASaLWL4YjOm/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.41+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP78xZvCg8uRVnLj00zTKM1SLd6P2HA0XiPrBvb7X3DNoazPPYoSOxC4OwzTwQ4448AMWshnCJiV53k-M9jC3R1bFDJuUTc2kLgin0egZBntmfwGl8MFX4AIZIwRlaCtQKYNFH7fbK/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.41+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP78xZvCg8uRVnLj00zTKM1SLd6P2HA0XiPrBvb7X3DNoazPPYoSOxC4OwzTwQ4448AMWshnCJiV53k-M9jC3R1bFDJuUTc2kLgin0egZBntmfwGl8MFX4AIZIwRlaCtQKYNFH7fbK/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.41+AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you recognize this busy shopping complex?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCLE42Zj7A5JmcI8AMvhbeZW6vouEBFHnO2T-x7U53pd4tgjl8duIwd2WbFE0IkNwT4a18vYFy4bEQCiHhNAG5wvgVm7cmhtluFcq5k2mEnYpY0UFumnpTgfAsmAs6QeBWGhIZmkj/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.42+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCLE42Zj7A5JmcI8AMvhbeZW6vouEBFHnO2T-x7U53pd4tgjl8duIwd2WbFE0IkNwT4a18vYFy4bEQCiHhNAG5wvgVm7cmhtluFcq5k2mEnYpY0UFumnpTgfAsmAs6QeBWGhIZmkj/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.42+AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You don't have to wait for summer to grill corn in India!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRUeyikxzmQIzW9ZzUI4yL7HE4GPyeGblE2sGLE-EA20FPb7TRugp__DETsC_hiyMuH9kStR2ViOYAAVkpmF9R8tVaEqmA1OI981IeN9XlUhH8WPFM3TfY8fOYz3nd2We7GRTbRA2/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.43+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRUeyikxzmQIzW9ZzUI4yL7HE4GPyeGblE2sGLE-EA20FPb7TRugp__DETsC_hiyMuH9kStR2ViOYAAVkpmF9R8tVaEqmA1OI981IeN9XlUhH8WPFM3TfY8fOYz3nd2We7GRTbRA2/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.43+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallige Hoovu!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh281aI9xR4ogQWeZ4-bbqfuxPRqIS9QnMUVUY4_m0J4SwPXjdQokhEw6qmixOpzevlLaV8GghUWSWKYuPEI6HLjRpKdz07O3Yk_7TZC4VtVbp2lPB4Xq__w0s34Xvt1XVA9fiSSm0m/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.43+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh281aI9xR4ogQWeZ4-bbqfuxPRqIS9QnMUVUY4_m0J4SwPXjdQokhEw6qmixOpzevlLaV8GghUWSWKYuPEI6HLjRpKdz07O3Yk_7TZC4VtVbp2lPB4Xq__w0s34Xvt1XVA9fiSSm0m/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.43+AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato Slice on the streets! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuqg1FxFumSqMd4j1RElIgJY6Lo_dDjZJh25X6cK19Krg5JWMdfqr7vfPEPyDMUDlOcGR43hAw98aB8KV8ivGJAMcHt3fh81ZokW-GAfZrR3NHwty8zqO0n__LNoPW7P04cp6rNXe/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.46+AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ondu Lota Bisi Strong Filter Coffee barli</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuqg1FxFumSqMd4j1RElIgJY6Lo_dDjZJh25X6cK19Krg5JWMdfqr7vfPEPyDMUDlOcGR43hAw98aB8KV8ivGJAMcHt3fh81ZokW-GAfZrR3NHwty8zqO0n__LNoPW7P04cp6rNXe/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.46+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopZLefVRsaDeQ0ATR28DFiVJVSvvpVOcIQHHDGIIrosG4etg_sRIcPKDMdZ6Yq7ZLUFsbaSSGtX16pspupp3E5Kua-rhAnijTwVdOtnkKXKynCvv8sgiseaMjtsc59AkbmwcFmjmG/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.47+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopZLefVRsaDeQ0ATR28DFiVJVSvvpVOcIQHHDGIIrosG4etg_sRIcPKDMdZ6Yq7ZLUFsbaSSGtX16pspupp3E5Kua-rhAnijTwVdOtnkKXKynCvv8sgiseaMjtsc59AkbmwcFmjmG/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.47+AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masala Dosa anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GxPL2sQj_YTqcy6v-6U09eFCba8lo4ADT43G3U2dPXluE8fP7X73fJEDaf5PNYcEYuCQ7olBa7OxcG42uMofFW_mcR0NjfK3IqjqrYuiC_Pu23Ibiz8JGNqfZMbWRQ78HOacLNXt/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.48+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GxPL2sQj_YTqcy6v-6U09eFCba8lo4ADT43G3U2dPXluE8fP7X73fJEDaf5PNYcEYuCQ7olBa7OxcG42uMofFW_mcR0NjfK3IqjqrYuiC_Pu23Ibiz8JGNqfZMbWRQ78HOacLNXt/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.48+AM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street vendors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsMVYTMhyphenhyphenTiaxff4fH6lLaNaaZh-pY6AgozLzTvLDNbU_2ZQRoSaVssJxnYAntklGV0yAsZFaIQw0Bde0dVX9vlsYK-8XbMpbjU9cG2f1D5mhFz6YBQxNgdXMmS42aL-rzjjror9x/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.49+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsMVYTMhyphenhyphenTiaxff4fH6lLaNaaZh-pY6AgozLzTvLDNbU_2ZQRoSaVssJxnYAntklGV0yAsZFaIQw0Bde0dVX9vlsYK-8XbMpbjU9cG2f1D5mhFz6YBQxNgdXMmS42aL-rzjjror9x/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.49+AM+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping trips are never complete without a snack break!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx6LH5w7MkVuzBMCm-PcUxIEhRG9A4ONQKD9f5H8xrCcOoEmkKe8cuR2tyGid_uGURkfW7dRL1rxz-UrpJ0whMqubCPEA2guVtwoagNxuxHvtGaWKHV12u8wwoLGc0-4deoGOMzf7/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.49+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx6LH5w7MkVuzBMCm-PcUxIEhRG9A4ONQKD9f5H8xrCcOoEmkKe8cuR2tyGid_uGURkfW7dRL1rxz-UrpJ0whMqubCPEA2guVtwoagNxuxHvtGaWKHV12u8wwoLGc0-4deoGOMzf7/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.49+AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crisssssspy Vades!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa4qRYfw2Rft5G5YUrxXUlJWk-J6kqpH17_5ujvPcZLhqYPb2GOXxu2jMBCEuPpCxc4Rd7aRQ15DpWZ2Nguee8HrOk2q9MEo17icRmGE8gHHGj8X3CuxMoGiVwUi9KbczYtNtdaUD/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.50+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa4qRYfw2Rft5G5YUrxXUlJWk-J6kqpH17_5ujvPcZLhqYPb2GOXxu2jMBCEuPpCxc4Rd7aRQ15DpWZ2Nguee8HrOk2q9MEo17icRmGE8gHHGj8X3CuxMoGiVwUi9KbczYtNtdaUD/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.31.50+AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember the weights?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQOZd2pEe4fGA1CByAzG551FkDn9kEvGpNlTB0Wc-jWUQL207OtHZcHL00nnk-eBCwudvwQ59Omed4qDwLy87GoyeKFcKKzqPj4SlOXSgx3NkPsCwokUtXKKfqBMTBWUnjiy4ByeZ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.34.47+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQOZd2pEe4fGA1CByAzG551FkDn9kEvGpNlTB0Wc-jWUQL207OtHZcHL00nnk-eBCwudvwQ59Omed4qDwLy87GoyeKFcKKzqPj4SlOXSgx3NkPsCwokUtXKKfqBMTBWUnjiy4ByeZ/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-29+at+11.34.47+AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baale Yele Oota!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
</div>
Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-55884149381705455132017-03-12T11:28:00.002-07:002017-03-12T13:22:28.283-07:00A Brand Refresh - Varnanggall is back, and so is Aalayam! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">I have been on a blog sabbatical these past
few months. Mostly because I have not had to mojo to write anything. I used to
think it was the lack of time that kept me away from beloved Aalayam. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">But you
know something, once you get the inspiration, it’s easy to make the time.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihfubjy2j_CwpdiJw5_FqxR9qMmr7b6BGQjjz4Cbic_LUtZ-5Anl5WpP2p_dDpKBDwoUqCmKHyGTN41OAfnCTpWSICk3fez-8SBmhDYHBEiIBmhIltyWXHdMmIHLYKIOOc6GfDJz5/s1600/11709796_1161514027197792_4094133537627043356_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihfubjy2j_CwpdiJw5_FqxR9qMmr7b6BGQjjz4Cbic_LUtZ-5Anl5WpP2p_dDpKBDwoUqCmKHyGTN41OAfnCTpWSICk3fez-8SBmhDYHBEiIBmhIltyWXHdMmIHLYKIOOc6GfDJz5/s640/11709796_1161514027197792_4094133537627043356_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">And this time, it was really hard not be
inspired by this comeback story. Yes, Lavanyaa, of the Varnanggall fame, is back - with <b>“Kannadi”, her new line of bespoke blouses,
sarees and home décor that incorporate the multi-hued lambani work. </b></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBafQKKFpMv6VspKiRLhEIzvbxywIdEy9oXJye4qwRWhu-0a2SRRzxpBikuPgfJPqq3RDM_7LIvyYUDLjPrVAUrhyiHTwOqz68b0wVZoHTnt8UbJZLtY2MGSDSqQIH2QppiKMRtVHr/s1600/636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBafQKKFpMv6VspKiRLhEIzvbxywIdEy9oXJye4qwRWhu-0a2SRRzxpBikuPgfJPqq3RDM_7LIvyYUDLjPrVAUrhyiHTwOqz68b0wVZoHTnt8UbJZLtY2MGSDSqQIH2QppiKMRtVHr/s640/636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">The Banjara (also called Gor, Lambani, Vanjara and Gormati) are a community usually described as nomadic
people from the northwestern belt of the Indian subcontinent (from Afghanistan
to the state of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthan" title="Rajasthan"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Rajasthan</span></a>) now spread out all over India. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">Banjara art is
rich and includes performance arts such as dance and music to folk and plastic
arts such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangoli" title="Rangoli"><span style="text-decoration: none;">rangoli</span></a>, textile embroidery, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattooing" title="Tattooing"><span style="text-decoration: none;">tattooing</span></a> and painting. The Banjara
embroidery and tattooing are especially prized and also form a significant
aspect of the Banjara identity. Lambani women specialize in lepo embroidery which involves stitching pieces of mirror,
decorative beads and coins onto clothes. </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzfMoxoboigMspLfky-xxiEEA2I2zuaJtSBGuXPZf1QjHNpXjr68apPJtpBLAOCiZecpcHEtkMA4JcXoW2rAOBjUC9m1AWWF5MiiQOKY6ubPEv-Z71vfP_ZMor4FIAF_aNMH-wedh/s1600/IMG_4731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzfMoxoboigMspLfky-xxiEEA2I2zuaJtSBGuXPZf1QjHNpXjr68apPJtpBLAOCiZecpcHEtkMA4JcXoW2rAOBjUC9m1AWWF5MiiQOKY6ubPEv-Z71vfP_ZMor4FIAF_aNMH-wedh/s640/IMG_4731.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">Frequent
Aalayam readers will remember Lavanyaa and her creative journey, her brainchild
Varnanggall <a href="http://aalayaminspiration.blogspot.com/2013/11/varnanggall-inclusive-desi-design-brand.html" target="_blank">(<b>see here</b>)</a>, and her signature creations that have left many a gorgeous lady
feeling more in tune with her inner goddess. I for one, always feel my beautiful
best, when I don a Varnanggall. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-_fXY8C4_p4H78MDH4AHWVfYojK6JNK8M6R_Q7FIzj0yycuE-T3VappKMJZnr4ZB7EbM3aRTuF-fWKesn3OGSEK2FosqN_4q-fhXKzRQzQl1nvppPb8W0bNsg6rpEZFzx1GhyphenhyphentoU/s1600/12443401_10153197889935636_1883647047_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-_fXY8C4_p4H78MDH4AHWVfYojK6JNK8M6R_Q7FIzj0yycuE-T3VappKMJZnr4ZB7EbM3aRTuF-fWKesn3OGSEK2FosqN_4q-fhXKzRQzQl1nvppPb8W0bNsg6rpEZFzx1GhyphenhyphentoU/s640/12443401_10153197889935636_1883647047_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">It’s something about the sensual mix of the
fabrics, textures, colors that brings out the dusky diva in me. I am sure
others who own or have adorned pieces from the Varnanggall line feel the same. </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WakNoOauD_X5VYtdxchWAncIFs6WUqfC-eSD81yelfqeTPOhJvB8ShkxoE7HtvwrOemXQMkAcWBnzEL_KrsjGqcbaTZ6A4TOo9hHsjdfZG3RAaoHG95jfVMXD1jcvgBGKub6K-20/s1600/12434929_10153197909390636_145170652_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WakNoOauD_X5VYtdxchWAncIFs6WUqfC-eSD81yelfqeTPOhJvB8ShkxoE7HtvwrOemXQMkAcWBnzEL_KrsjGqcbaTZ6A4TOo9hHsjdfZG3RAaoHG95jfVMXD1jcvgBGKub6K-20/s640/12434929_10153197909390636_145170652_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">If
the pictures in this blog post are any testament (some pictures are staged,
some are candid), you will see the inner confidence and beauty radiate from
within all women wearing a Varnanggall.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC-nskKed4QPEMJlJd1frq7shWQ736dVYwzSG1N2AVmIGQggFd-p_I9FwESIFU0xffrdiqFJMWyR8EpcHyBiCjnKBpka5MSaMvtP9od7HqVGiHKfDLDdq5VcoW2kGF_7uDKpqMSgq/s1600/330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC-nskKed4QPEMJlJd1frq7shWQ736dVYwzSG1N2AVmIGQggFd-p_I9FwESIFU0xffrdiqFJMWyR8EpcHyBiCjnKBpka5MSaMvtP9od7HqVGiHKfDLDdq5VcoW2kGF_7uDKpqMSgq/s640/330.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">For women of all social strata, we know that
in today’s day and age it is important to let that inner confidence shine
through… To stay resolute in the midst of naysayers, to remain steadfast in the
face of challenges and stubborn obstacles.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">And to remain poised in the hubbub of
the world’s gargantuan expectations. </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZHKatlb4H9w8U0shGyJniUvf6lPpaqN73zXNPlpIqShEVcautoZCBAlLPERd6g3VdcoBc7f4XwjgGZEuSdqlweM3LUEG4dXeQTds6fC5c4h1LVYlvg24zQV6E1tM7Ghd_Q131WUg/s1600/12322754_1244476928901501_227291337362321892_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZHKatlb4H9w8U0shGyJniUvf6lPpaqN73zXNPlpIqShEVcautoZCBAlLPERd6g3VdcoBc7f4XwjgGZEuSdqlweM3LUEG4dXeQTds6fC5c4h1LVYlvg24zQV6E1tM7Ghd_Q131WUg/s640/12322754_1244476928901501_227291337362321892_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">That confidence lets us be ourselves,
present our best faces to ourselves, etch a personality that is unique and
memorable, a personality that shapes our temperament and our legacy, so we leave
behind to our daughters a persona of strength, beauty, and belief that we can
do anything we aspire to do, be anything we aspire to be. </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY91Jl818GMjZjv_ovn4oCDGrfNe9kbO8t3QYruZK7LWH0x5YeB2nGCLzEQ-E4oLRCObQD0mysz4ueWnJoiucsZyC1vkQ3X115SBh2K5c6txE2RgXZIRHsoDB3nUU7rgkHhuUCSfQu/s1600/10479648_10201753095827650_5137995124003783769_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY91Jl818GMjZjv_ovn4oCDGrfNe9kbO8t3QYruZK7LWH0x5YeB2nGCLzEQ-E4oLRCObQD0mysz4ueWnJoiucsZyC1vkQ3X115SBh2K5c6txE2RgXZIRHsoDB3nUU7rgkHhuUCSfQu/s640/10479648_10201753095827650_5137995124003783769_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">This philosophy is not about looking beautiful.
Beauty that is skin deep, and not a derivative of inner confidence and peace,
is insignificant. This philosophy is about feeling beautiful – no matter what
size, what shape, what color or what age. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">This beauty is empowering. It’s a
reflection of the power of woman. This is the philosophy of Varnanggall ...and quite honestly, of Lavanyaa.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-eHN-RyPQ9bMGY69EYb_NVg9zoABPjOvb-iVc0EFJBPCQhHW5OlBQyEsbQxzS24D7PHWE38QxGgvH-Nk47BBrq_uCzOMc2o1_Z3iiFx6NxgQQPqMbASphN5CF6jSo1KYFkI6woI4/s1600/15896315_10206445771941620_682426104888666664_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-eHN-RyPQ9bMGY69EYb_NVg9zoABPjOvb-iVc0EFJBPCQhHW5OlBQyEsbQxzS24D7PHWE38QxGgvH-Nk47BBrq_uCzOMc2o1_Z3iiFx6NxgQQPqMbASphN5CF6jSo1KYFkI6woI4/s640/15896315_10206445771941620_682426104888666664_o.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">And I
am proud to be writing about this brand once again, here at Aalayam.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">Reiterating why this brand is so close to my
heart, it's the sustainable design model</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">that
Lavanyaa has embraced. She works with the unsung heros of kalamkari,
lambani and block print..the actual weavers and artisans, traveling to their
home base, eliminating middle men, bringing never seen before quality, design
and exquisite crafstmanship to our homes! Empowering women at every step of the
supply chain.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ44s9tBexTBlGyjReN2yH_Oy1YaTM5vGyTo4JpkWL_y07ip1qehX0sijmVLrjBDRo66wG8xkf6UdhDyJ-6f9-mKZZDuWR0YFskfrWxoLqycZYHe67p2JThJkQiARK50zYOnGYwR0H/s1600/12823301_1302582513090942_5244673616982310346_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ44s9tBexTBlGyjReN2yH_Oy1YaTM5vGyTo4JpkWL_y07ip1qehX0sijmVLrjBDRo66wG8xkf6UdhDyJ-6f9-mKZZDuWR0YFskfrWxoLqycZYHe67p2JThJkQiARK50zYOnGYwR0H/s640/12823301_1302582513090942_5244673616982310346_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">Lavanyaa has been through a personal
evolution. A lot of change has punctuated her life in the last couple of years
since she was last featured here in Aalayam. She has moved continents, transitioned
into a whole new paradigm personally, and philosophically. However, one thing
that has remained constant, is her passion and commitment to creating signature
Varnanggall designs.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">Aalayam spoke to this enigmatic artiste about
her latest line – Kannadi, and this is what she has to say.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqImuKlNJDcG49nyO-CPUuBtJvb5JenEAaT3w61Ac79-GuYcQDXSh4mhAHntHTsJF9przGGgZ9eWJA9-n7ZCU8IiXZtcqQx0L7AqYIT-vrmIjGHy1qBMx-N3E647oYG9jTgQi5H0D-/s1600/15732363_1589024601113397_8986994535664057105_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqImuKlNJDcG49nyO-CPUuBtJvb5JenEAaT3w61Ac79-GuYcQDXSh4mhAHntHTsJF9przGGgZ9eWJA9-n7ZCU8IiXZtcqQx0L7AqYIT-vrmIjGHy1qBMx-N3E647oYG9jTgQi5H0D-/s640/15732363_1589024601113397_8986994535664057105_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">" Kannadi is about Varnanggall’s revival and exploration with the
bona fide "Lambani" tribe of Karnataka – an art that is nomadic and
kaleidoscopic. Varnanggall showcases ancient Indian motifs with bright and intensive hand embroidery. Our artists have taken about 3-4 months to put
together a complete "Kannadi" collection - beyond any doubt a package
of patience and commitment. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I hope I’ve made complete justice to this divine
artistry while weaving them into my creative brain :-) "<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ATOPKUhF_3iI1RN2G7l14cKyln5fOZMi1OLGVkqhmnmCbXIH7yta1F1eJoVpQfAuLROS8XAM6X2v2YeLFltSlJVkbSGDEB25uDz-Rj2Hp421cjTG9npTqI8W9Ojn5RIcc-9nep_g/s1600/15541049_1576702602345597_4895803551383954051_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ATOPKUhF_3iI1RN2G7l14cKyln5fOZMi1OLGVkqhmnmCbXIH7yta1F1eJoVpQfAuLROS8XAM6X2v2YeLFltSlJVkbSGDEB25uDz-Rj2Hp421cjTG9npTqI8W9Ojn5RIcc-9nep_g/s640/15541049_1576702602345597_4895803551383954051_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">"At times when the tides are changing in your personal space, you
tend to pause a bit and perhaps relook at life on how you can realign
your professional goals to function better! And that’s how I was on a creative
hiatus for about two years. “Birds of a feather flock together!” -
as always my ever supporting family and good bunch of friends for life who were
around , these are the people who have constantly been lending credibility to
my dreams and goals."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyHmf1XtjuLImXBakC11b1yyzVzauw6xgclQEPnXIp5xeCsULyZRawfESZtdr9_P3wG9E-J0H4TlJd8sMBQYuze8jG1zWfh6Z5fAsgLcyCexTElzQEZvbnm1oWHZ-ybqjZKJRjtgJ/s1600/514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyHmf1XtjuLImXBakC11b1yyzVzauw6xgclQEPnXIp5xeCsULyZRawfESZtdr9_P3wG9E-J0H4TlJd8sMBQYuze8jG1zWfh6Z5fAsgLcyCexTElzQEZvbnm1oWHZ-ybqjZKJRjtgJ/s640/514.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">" During this period I traveled extensively, spent time alone
and worked on auditing my brand, and I was instigated on how I could restate the
brand's mission statement without hampering the aesthetics tied to it. First
thing first, to reinforce the loyalty that existing customers feel, second, provide them with an easy and user friendly shopping experience, third, sticking
to your principles and maintaining an enduring brand value. </span><br />
<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">At the outset I
felt I was going to bite off more than I could chew, but hey, here I am, back on the
horse forging stronger bonds with my creative journey! "</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfE0L8y676Ll8gZsuhYcdxMGUTR6TwlFE2li0PYRh4hL_GXkL-3jmRVDnBJw2L0VB-rG4oTvU_wlXpGWC2WSss690o-18zG6SwumIlbo2y6NJSYx167f3LBkO-F3HOJ_h0TDYCAXc/s1600/1501391_1050022155013647_4813934778041577942_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfE0L8y676Ll8gZsuhYcdxMGUTR6TwlFE2li0PYRh4hL_GXkL-3jmRVDnBJw2L0VB-rG4oTvU_wlXpGWC2WSss690o-18zG6SwumIlbo2y6NJSYx167f3LBkO-F3HOJ_h0TDYCAXc/s640/1501391_1050022155013647_4813934778041577942_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">Well, that was simple...yet profound. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">In all
the rush of everyday life, we do not pause to see if we have made someone
smile, if someone will remember us for making their day brighter. I deem
Lavanyaa is doing that...making someone smile..making someone's day brighter..
not just to us with her brand, but also to these rural artists whose labor of
love we adorn, embrace and enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;">The brand value and
goodwill Varnanggall is earning as a result of these smiles is
....PRICELESS! More power to you with Kannadi, Lavanyaa. We love you.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EBGYssCO3dFnpRQtGENiKS7m0SDtYENY0FOBxQ6FcjLcLpgY7U2nhb31FEvGDN6Mepw4gkg19hS5cccLxgp-tzoLk2h7NJI1rPqNk-3nW35PhH-UeQr2oL83tfTA8mOehGSd-HDs/s1600/IMG_4802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EBGYssCO3dFnpRQtGENiKS7m0SDtYENY0FOBxQ6FcjLcLpgY7U2nhb31FEvGDN6Mepw4gkg19hS5cccLxgp-tzoLk2h7NJI1rPqNk-3nW35PhH-UeQr2oL83tfTA8mOehGSd-HDs/s640/IMG_4802.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 26pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 18pt;">~KANNADI 2017~</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Sale Date: 19th of March 2017</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Time : 7PM IST</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Place:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><a href="http://www.varnanggall.com/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #365899; font-size: 18pt;">www.varnanggall.com</span></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 26pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-16934507802135996122016-11-24T12:00:00.001-08:002016-11-25T08:01:04.259-08:00And it was time to ParTEA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VVZtfhnIebP-HOvcZIL10z3BjRM5B3did3JmbZEX-ljv4uzHKw4iY6AfpuA8RCu4lgUUbL6XYzrH-yDYwxTAM5w14mw7QJkDMdyETjUsSO9jIpVfbsBXVvO4BH8iQ6uSkIAaZnrv5eB_/s1600/13497536_10154341523274433_97016061242664447_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VVZtfhnIebP-HOvcZIL10z3BjRM5B3did3JmbZEX-ljv4uzHKw4iY6AfpuA8RCu4lgUUbL6XYzrH-yDYwxTAM5w14mw7QJkDMdyETjUsSO9jIpVfbsBXVvO4BH8iQ6uSkIAaZnrv5eB_/s640/13497536_10154341523274433_97016061242664447_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Hi there – in this post I want to bring you images of a
merry summer afternoon spent with girlfriends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I know this post is a bit off season and perhaps many of you are already looking at entertaining for the holiday season. But I figured, you can always bookmark this post for next year's summer entertaining! </span>By now, you know I love entertaining. My approach to entertaining is to
create an artistic, fun and visually appealing experience that I hope my guests
will remember.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfnXJVsf11GC1NprMcX8OA0mYwgoxEZtRKKHqa_H73RVsadHF5E4nvZ4zFx1Sl_vODvhHOf9K8mzKNLPLM4AQC3rfubHFB-TghZoP1bOQWo0qU5yCqAy4IIKpFWSQ1tU-ufZzkiZlq1Hs/s1600/13522722_10154341533039433_8501864828464080194_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfnXJVsf11GC1NprMcX8OA0mYwgoxEZtRKKHqa_H73RVsadHF5E4nvZ4zFx1Sl_vODvhHOf9K8mzKNLPLM4AQC3rfubHFB-TghZoP1bOQWo0qU5yCqAy4IIKpFWSQ1tU-ufZzkiZlq1Hs/s640/13522722_10154341533039433_8501864828464080194_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuolgaZSXra_l6lcMszAXSjwf0igOximpgsTXUCVI-2Lz-RVVMC8hYVPEe21XfeJzfzTb_TlIL9kvwQXpUOyRNGgSEk2GK77yb2qLotvaprqHRCyIWfpLXhRRvFP6ifMJayd0kRvuyQIK/s1600/13517426_10154341531214433_48432227408371405_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuolgaZSXra_l6lcMszAXSjwf0igOximpgsTXUCVI-2Lz-RVVMC8hYVPEe21XfeJzfzTb_TlIL9kvwQXpUOyRNGgSEk2GK77yb2qLotvaprqHRCyIWfpLXhRRvFP6ifMJayd0kRvuyQIK/s640/13517426_10154341531214433_48432227408371405_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"> With everything else going on this year, I was not sure that I would
be able to take on a full-scale party and so a tea party seemed an ideal summer
socializing event. I am sure it gets equally crazy for many of you and catching up with friends is not always easy to accomodate in our busy lives, sadly!So, here is a quick and easy inspiration for your girls get together!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbErcBjyTS0yeC4zO81qRgI6OtoxK9SdY7Rx-0fKK3ieCIo5YzCpvewuW9RisPUSQSv-omrqMuC3HpusK1xO_qGs2YENi08uwyhab_Y3iW6AyGCiCJlJ3COXfOeIu5R3XolvWXHw97V6Rg/s1600/13528584_10154341567854433_1528150552463747073_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbErcBjyTS0yeC4zO81qRgI6OtoxK9SdY7Rx-0fKK3ieCIo5YzCpvewuW9RisPUSQSv-omrqMuC3HpusK1xO_qGs2YENi08uwyhab_Y3iW6AyGCiCJlJ3COXfOeIu5R3XolvWXHw97V6Rg/s640/13528584_10154341567854433_1528150552463747073_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvP3K_s-C_F8C74zxB5bAKc_MT2l5R7pkknArVl3RfwOqmesRUrQ46faQFNFpvmMxInYe_K9yAWl9Ys006IykY2Y6TXPdjqV4DVLGCYY1XMch3Pva-Bh42hsop_m1GagdR5xsm5It1uGO/s1600/13474945_10154341576359433_3377956246197326260_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvP3K_s-C_F8C74zxB5bAKc_MT2l5R7pkknArVl3RfwOqmesRUrQ46faQFNFpvmMxInYe_K9yAWl9Ys006IykY2Y6TXPdjqV4DVLGCYY1XMch3Pva-Bh42hsop_m1GagdR5xsm5It1uGO/s640/13474945_10154341576359433_3377956246197326260_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> I love my afternoon tea and I thought why not take the party
outdoors and make the most of the Midwest summer? I am always looking for an
excuse to hang out with the girls and this time it was a tea party in the
comfort of my own home. Although mine does not have quite the Victorian fanfare
that usually accompanies an afternoon high tea, it still has lots of color, and
some fun elements and was a great way to spend a summer afternoon with my girl
friends. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUr_4pMyqcpK7WbUFOh3zCdoldFkyH7h369p2sKij_aY5u3c3NWiYx8SDLpWXiAuAkfDkvcMTEBrjZ-YWwB4EXNGYH_TH14bE2d3AGNt4e05g4Mn2bof27UPmkkHqQmw69u6___y1oGV4/s1600/13422222_10154341531964433_1357232621949749226_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUr_4pMyqcpK7WbUFOh3zCdoldFkyH7h369p2sKij_aY5u3c3NWiYx8SDLpWXiAuAkfDkvcMTEBrjZ-YWwB4EXNGYH_TH14bE2d3AGNt4e05g4Mn2bof27UPmkkHqQmw69u6___y1oGV4/s640/13422222_10154341531964433_1357232621949749226_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN6cgJjfpAFAOn_fZX0fldYHCdQJI8lurpAszBXHxKkhXflqbdDVr4npVBFny93tU0oG3x0ufqCCF-ZNOgD32CX6dehGzRdSmpUnyjenvDydEGw_pXwPo-4YTvIsEVij-pdlI_TwFncR2/s1600/13498094_10154341550149433_2522956935724339394_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN6cgJjfpAFAOn_fZX0fldYHCdQJI8lurpAszBXHxKkhXflqbdDVr4npVBFny93tU0oG3x0ufqCCF-ZNOgD32CX6dehGzRdSmpUnyjenvDydEGw_pXwPo-4YTvIsEVij-pdlI_TwFncR2/s640/13498094_10154341550149433_2522956935724339394_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This was also my little girl’s first girly party and what fun she had
too! You all should get together and do something fun with your girlfriends,
God knows we all need our sanity restored ever so often (!)– just make sure to
add some beautiful blooms, a few pretty things and some mouthwatering snacks as
that’s a sure fire way to ensure that the party is a success! I spruced up my backyard and added many tea themed accents such as paper napkins and tea spoons to tie it all together.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGDO_CkazbxnP3zMfAx8K7Cld4kTUqoVFTzesUv3azvB77W-9lc8C7cUre3iXEZZyZZ5StEiLy6iQ9I_QV_aiT41YIvlDP8VszDNHRETH5YjeBk6sVohry90Y49RrU-MlgIbt4ps5LCVp/s1600/13490585_10154341565549433_4897506515276384683_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGDO_CkazbxnP3zMfAx8K7Cld4kTUqoVFTzesUv3azvB77W-9lc8C7cUre3iXEZZyZZ5StEiLy6iQ9I_QV_aiT41YIvlDP8VszDNHRETH5YjeBk6sVohry90Y49RrU-MlgIbt4ps5LCVp/s640/13490585_10154341565549433_4897506515276384683_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPExzmzf_wfhyBMlD_pHCvY5U3wPH2rQLiLri8S6Wj52IgoqQ_1P16nttOvDjuEzfwtR9RBUkvHEVy2mP9cMj60Gcm7nnvJWTzc-l3zVbPvM5cWf6cjNzPVx-I0JOb47F-AC6aDSa1xC9y/s1600/13495390_10154341555529433_6273378668368209335_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPExzmzf_wfhyBMlD_pHCvY5U3wPH2rQLiLri8S6Wj52IgoqQ_1P16nttOvDjuEzfwtR9RBUkvHEVy2mP9cMj60Gcm7nnvJWTzc-l3zVbPvM5cWf6cjNzPVx-I0JOb47F-AC6aDSa1xC9y/s640/13495390_10154341555529433_6273378668368209335_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And one thing I have learnt over the years is
that while it is o.k to learn/borrow ideas from whatever your favorite resource
may be, always add a little personal touch - I think it goes a long way!! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5iwBTzH1NhqsyA6QNDZJbYxMJTFzNXOFKvnHkqpPN7tvJNjUf9qsjGZYy_j5tANEyFnc3MgToXrhHtbZBFv88B9_4PMWSOXO2ZwiCB0gXlBHR0todHVvNtHE8N7WwOZy-7tIb3pPZFCX/s1600/13528622_10154341552674433_2669328044503736999_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5iwBTzH1NhqsyA6QNDZJbYxMJTFzNXOFKvnHkqpPN7tvJNjUf9qsjGZYy_j5tANEyFnc3MgToXrhHtbZBFv88B9_4PMWSOXO2ZwiCB0gXlBHR0todHVvNtHE8N7WwOZy-7tIb3pPZFCX/s640/13528622_10154341552674433_2669328044503736999_o.jpg" width="426" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtajOsoPBZQHiZ298LmchTURcZsST-KiW-l9sFjhEXH5wjHE_bofYIg8876f5Syn7Qc_C9Z-0QsxxoFJHNVa9rCWr3mL7L5JSygCqLt0e-YIJgAttZheAF7zJ8lNMzwVP_DzpcOIjHocr5/s1600/13528360_10154341618109433_1950563333847505862_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtajOsoPBZQHiZ298LmchTURcZsST-KiW-l9sFjhEXH5wjHE_bofYIg8876f5Syn7Qc_C9Z-0QsxxoFJHNVa9rCWr3mL7L5JSygCqLt0e-YIJgAttZheAF7zJ8lNMzwVP_DzpcOIjHocr5/s640/13528360_10154341618109433_1950563333847505862_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This party was a tribute to a great set of friends who have been an amazing source of support this past year as I have struggled with new demands thrown my way at work and at home. Again, reminding me that you always need to surround yourself with people who uplift you!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4mDy0Bv1n4QrcTxdP4YodUv3hFEi8ZxuWuiPtuqBz4xfD1VboFrTuJlPNOuyM6bVKR1NWJpbA7nKmwMswVrpAJd3BfSTYvdhhQ8sNhqDvZze4_HYOHZIK0rWTggH0S10lpVWuqOujPAf/s1600/13503120_10154341554044433_7240444040326516363_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4mDy0Bv1n4QrcTxdP4YodUv3hFEi8ZxuWuiPtuqBz4xfD1VboFrTuJlPNOuyM6bVKR1NWJpbA7nKmwMswVrpAJd3BfSTYvdhhQ8sNhqDvZze4_HYOHZIK0rWTggH0S10lpVWuqOujPAf/s640/13503120_10154341554044433_7240444040326516363_o.jpg" width="426" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnalWXiL5p8HgMUQTCZ81pcnjvnlDOQv3J9KdGd4hGti6v0tHO1Nr3wVlz0aMMDLbEWrjE4HYmJQV9RbdxynaR7eh5yIWlj16dE0FKTfTST1wV9PJCWZQoTF-q1QNUjJWWZF7G6dEiWSCz/s1600/13528086_10154341583244433_6603328144887344275_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnalWXiL5p8HgMUQTCZ81pcnjvnlDOQv3J9KdGd4hGti6v0tHO1Nr3wVlz0aMMDLbEWrjE4HYmJQV9RbdxynaR7eh5yIWlj16dE0FKTfTST1wV9PJCWZQoTF-q1QNUjJWWZF7G6dEiWSCz/s640/13528086_10154341583244433_6603328144887344275_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> I
hope you enjoy these images from my Partea and I will see you around soon
hopefully! Thank you for your patience with Aalayam's sporadic programming. Supriya and I filled our schedules to the brim this year and that's our excuse but we love our little blog very much and hope that next year allows us to nurture our blog a little more. We have no shortage of ideas, so check back with us in a bit! Also, a very warm welcome to our new members - thank you for joining the Aalayam family!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Cheers!</i></div>
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<i>~Deepa</i></div>
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P.S: All images in this post are from my home and may not be reproduced wihout permission and without proper credits.</div>
Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-85345220529651090762016-08-06T10:53:00.001-07:002016-08-06T10:53:48.602-07:00Home Tour: A journey into a Texas Home...with a Uttar Kannada Influence!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;">I am happy to be back Aalayam!! </i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It's been a long time and we have not featured a Home Tour in this space in forever! Deepa had a baby, board exams and a new career happening to her, and I just got sucked into the world of corporate America, business school student consulting, and some trailblazing Ted Talking! </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In order to bring balance to our lives, both Deepa and I realize that being invested in the rich cultural fabric Aalayam has woven already, is imperative! </i></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDioDPBylTHRPwIVzlXJxYUNr6MO6eUaRQknzKGPJmgRaG9jSKch3rtwdtfEVWefjd3IA_llkBJnyVYOj84Qcs3A2WS4GHvK3hhLC06cPS-mrmJ9pa57xJWy4iLHnoc971aV95XiLU/s640/FullSizeRender_15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A sun kissed living room, with bamboo drapes, deep rich tones and lots of style!!</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDioDPBylTHRPwIVzlXJxYUNr6MO6eUaRQknzKGPJmgRaG9jSKch3rtwdtfEVWefjd3IA_llkBJnyVYOj84Qcs3A2WS4GHvK3hhLC06cPS-mrmJ9pa57xJWy4iLHnoc971aV95XiLU/s1600/FullSizeRender_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, here I am, privileged and pleased to be bringing to you a Home Tour, featuring the home of my friends Mallika and Vinayak, a fun couple who, growing up, set the example of what falling in love, and getting married really should look like..and feel like! </i><br />
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<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mallika and Vinayak are new parents, who have recently moved to the Houston, United States, from Sydney, Australia. They have lovingly decorated their new, modern Texas home with it's signature wide spaces, sunny living areas and high ceilings with generous touches of rustic splendor, that speak to their roots in India..and of course, the resplendence of Mallika's native Uttar Kannada origins!!</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg989ey2wX3DVmUMqPivKpnaA2PqBL6FJPCZRvXUto-rVcmhxQyHg_RcVrlIbWgBJgBAjfp2zTom-m_VN9lIRhS4hsf4bVg5UIG860kth_jEyvFzAUU-BUV6m0RVXOjHnzY1OprsN/s1600/FullSizeRender_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg989ey2wX3DVmUMqPivKpnaA2PqBL6FJPCZRvXUto-rVcmhxQyHg_RcVrlIbWgBJgBAjfp2zTom-m_VN9lIRhS4hsf4bVg5UIG860kth_jEyvFzAUU-BUV6m0RVXOjHnzY1OprsN/s640/FullSizeRender_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A delightfully welcoming entrance to a gorgeous home!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Join me, as I virtually traverse through this loving abode. Partake in my excitement as I make interesting connections between the Boppanakeri (Mallika's native village) vistas and vintage bungalows, to this fabulously classy Texas home! Replete with the "bring the outside in" mantra, you will see lush green potted plants bringing in the reminiscence of the coastal foliage of Uttar Kannada. </i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkCzoj3uSwtphrM33O0oRZEx3nCIcmnv3Agn8nWYk_zDPcsxpxGvff_G9cSePSGv4M28tE1wrPoUwSA7FgsgCpSMoW62cOJXXtoSlT-vgpLx4YM2u-7Hu37czmRIhEDC0_Od-zDR_/s1600/IMG_3451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkCzoj3uSwtphrM33O0oRZEx3nCIcmnv3Agn8nWYk_zDPcsxpxGvff_G9cSePSGv4M28tE1wrPoUwSA7FgsgCpSMoW62cOJXXtoSlT-vgpLx4YM2u-7Hu37czmRIhEDC0_Od-zDR_/s640/IMG_3451.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Color, deep rich color! Roof top drying of local produce in Mallika's native village, back in India!</span></i></td></tr>
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<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You will also see rustic red splashes and deep burgundy wood tones that render your heart aflutter, making you fondly recall the terracotta terraces, and deep red chillie carpets from your native locales!!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgirKXIQYaaNeOAqSzkO0vDTIfI2qlMJ7jXH791ysqXvU_sX7UcNaQZW4x2PSSFcSQa7OT9X2WWLSiu08zeFABhOO9qXiqFTRU7gpC4NeSM51va5FIcRHz0LDOj-JQGXq4ZiZL1cH/s640/IMG_3453.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">An aerial shot of Mallika's family home in Boppanakeri, Uttar Karnataka, India!</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgirKXIQYaaNeOAqSzkO0vDTIfI2qlMJ7jXH791ysqXvU_sX7UcNaQZW4x2PSSFcSQa7OT9X2WWLSiu08zeFABhOO9qXiqFTRU7gpC4NeSM51va5FIcRHz0LDOj-JQGXq4ZiZL1cH/s1600/IMG_3453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mallika and Vinayak have subtly adorned their home with all the right touches.... imperial looking wood chests and ornate carved mirrors, masks and gilt edged accessories, intricately woven baskets, mats and blinds that bring in a delicious throwback to traditional textures, and instantly invoke flashes of "Ajji Mane" or "Halli Mane" decor! </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUCHXySwyabApU6hNRhKupwC5d_n6ujogN6yag3lGvlmPyAnham5i6Vu5C335iGtnl9-qYiBVFqWNO7gGEno6AVBwlqpOGiJXZtw9CwKIoePLr8nBdPOzab8X6GTX9Rn0nNuMhHn5/s640/24850_1299688774528_6731894_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Mallika and I playfully pose near a enchanting little pond, in her family home!</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUCHXySwyabApU6hNRhKupwC5d_n6ujogN6yag3lGvlmPyAnham5i6Vu5C335iGtnl9-qYiBVFqWNO7gGEno6AVBwlqpOGiJXZtw9CwKIoePLr8nBdPOzab8X6GTX9Rn0nNuMhHn5/s1600/24850_1299688774528_6731894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, without further ado, I will present to you Mallika and Vinayak's home, and their delightful journey to make it their own cozy abode! </i><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In their own words!</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vKlKJVvPOyV8K5aLMjB72tUMjv61XU5wcqjRABivHcae8PIaTg-JKjBcC2jcZKdBuntN_vJf50J4xU9wr1EiF9obr0xCHmAauu0kH1J6SwA1gXpayvRKYV0hBH0z_urPnl2ENGlU/s640/FullSizeRender_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Wood tones and furniture bring about a solid sensibility to the home, played up by colorful and meaningful accessories!</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vKlKJVvPOyV8K5aLMjB72tUMjv61XU5wcqjRABivHcae8PIaTg-JKjBcC2jcZKdBuntN_vJf50J4xU9wr1EiF9obr0xCHmAauu0kH1J6SwA1gXpayvRKYV0hBH0z_urPnl2ENGlU/s1600/FullSizeRender_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<b style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">First of all, thank you for letting me and Aalayam readers take a virtual tour of your home!! Tell us a little bit
of your story - how did you meet? How did you imagine your home is
going to be when you "grew up"?</span></i></b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Gautami; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Vinayak and I have known each other for almost 14 years. We
met in Bangalore where we used to work together. We were dating for a few
years during which time Vinayak decided to move to Sydney, Australia to
pursue his studies which led to 2 years of long distance relationship!
We then went on to live in Sydney for almost 10 years after marriage
before making the move to Houston in Nov 2015 for Vinayak's work. We now
have a little boy who is almost 2 and keeps us on our toes! We always imagined
having a beautiful spacious house with a big backyard and a dog. Most of it has
come true other than a dog :-) </span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmLajAvQ2XejxiseB2iBuQpcB8YBbkHdNnpNGzdYY49NkXAck978FaktW06IyYWkyl4mxmE7YajJxKREjlJ5kERILZhov6xJ-HlDVt8jSHfdoC9uc9Nevogx_TrOc4bWQPEby46un/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Woven bamboo textured planters, and gorgeous tropical foliage, bring the outside in!</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmLajAvQ2XejxiseB2iBuQpcB8YBbkHdNnpNGzdYY49NkXAck978FaktW06IyYWkyl4mxmE7YajJxKREjlJ5kERILZhov6xJ-HlDVt8jSHfdoC9uc9Nevogx_TrOc4bWQPEby46un/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">What makes
your house "your home"?</span></i></b><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Gautami; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Our family makes our
house a "home". People ask me if it has been a tough move from
Australia to the States and I tell them not really. Of course
the way of life is different and sometimes challenging but my home is
where my family is. We brought with us all the things that we have
collected over the years and it now adorns our home and the
familiarity of it all gives us a lot of comfort.</span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-ypf3VrnTisXmWUuMF7sd9Tv04btrj7t59eCdYqA97TQkmi6BFLlMLGS3rmpzCx2iMe8upPxF3028h4M5BoEXJF3BZVQQ8C3ndiU9O6e53aoJMDrz4RHsG8p-WLsJXQea-5NI32A/s640/FullSizeRender_5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="430" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The combination of the ornate carved mirror, the golden urn and the textured planter, work in a sublime fashion in this sunny fireplace!!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-ypf3VrnTisXmWUuMF7sd9Tv04btrj7t59eCdYqA97TQkmi6BFLlMLGS3rmpzCx2iMe8upPxF3028h4M5BoEXJF3BZVQQ8C3ndiU9O6e53aoJMDrz4RHsG8p-WLsJXQea-5NI32A/s1600/FullSizeRender_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Does the decor in
your home fit the bill for any one particular style - if so, what
drove you to that style?</span></i></b><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">We think
our style is mainly contemporary with spots of Indian, Balinese and
Moroccan pieces. Vinayak likes modern sleek comfortable furniture and I on the
other hand like ethnic, </span><span style="font-size: 15.3333px; line-height: 17.6333px;">colorful</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">, rustic items so we have made a home with a
combination of both modern and ethnic pieces. It's true that opposites attract
:-) </span></span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87poJHaIS63hxMkX-jqfvb3Z-oRhEhYFwWD-JTmVgGEi3tHrzEveSKhxOdRVxEj5-50AwH996hxH3-beho_9n1-zPhl30IsoP47XdWM-VcvDxiXdo79kR25gMR4rwoivORmrBcfMx/s640/FullSizeRender_8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The dining room gets the balance of modern and traditional, just right!!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87poJHaIS63hxMkX-jqfvb3Z-oRhEhYFwWD-JTmVgGEi3tHrzEveSKhxOdRVxEj5-50AwH996hxH3-beho_9n1-zPhl30IsoP47XdWM-VcvDxiXdo79kR25gMR4rwoivORmrBcfMx/s1600/FullSizeRender_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">How does your
personal decor style influence your personality or the other way around?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"> </span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Gautami; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Our personality influences the decor in our home. It reflects
our passion for travel. It reflects modern and comfortable living but
reflects our roots, where we come from and where we have been.</span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswAI40uoiYsybqYcuXQoCrnfdrGeQs1azDLnpq7kKHzfBFy2hCevU7LsfSRLuGAMlG5U0-COd3iC2pYb9Vc-BNqkPHTbrPZt2NmkvB0_Kx-NxCCbePI2XGGAN0qcLE942MCnpxhKh/s640/IMG_3450.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Adake (Betel) trees in the backyard, from back home! A vision...an inspiration!!</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswAI40uoiYsybqYcuXQoCrnfdrGeQs1azDLnpq7kKHzfBFy2hCevU7LsfSRLuGAMlG5U0-COd3iC2pYb9Vc-BNqkPHTbrPZt2NmkvB0_Kx-NxCCbePI2XGGAN0qcLE942MCnpxhKh/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Where do you draw
your online inspirations from - any favorite resources that you can share?</span></i></b><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Gautami; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">I really
like Pinterest and Houzz.com. I also really like a FB page
called Home decorating mummas. Vinayak and I watch a lot of
home renovation and makeover shows. These truly inspired
us and we bought our first home in Sydney as a renovation project.
For a year, we worked on the house every weekend while living in it. We
are really proud of how the home and the garden was transformed by us.
This is a true passion for us and we are looking forward to our next
project.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeIxslqN7N8dHBQbl3dw_QltMbs5nrXTuMWPZFTftrtOUwbtZHm5guDUFINaRsThyDUnOEN5ZY1DSxPAF7abqtSIzEwz37c_hlKeV6nWPr8mx5yy1G-251k_C2LJTuOLgei2EO7K-/s640/FullSizeRender_12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Lounging in style...!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeIxslqN7N8dHBQbl3dw_QltMbs5nrXTuMWPZFTftrtOUwbtZHm5guDUFINaRsThyDUnOEN5ZY1DSxPAF7abqtSIzEwz37c_hlKeV6nWPr8mx5yy1G-251k_C2LJTuOLgei2EO7K-/s1600/FullSizeRender_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Are there influences
from your home state (Karnataka/ Boppanakeri) in your
décor? How do you balance the modern, clean convenience of the western decor to
the intricacy and nostalgia of Indian decor? </span></i></b><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Gautami; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">There is definitely
an influence of my home state and my native place. Whenever i am shopping for
the house, I tend to get attracted to items that are colourful, rustic and
remind me of home. I have too many Ganeshas and elephants around the
house All our big furniture is modern but is surrounded
by decor that reminds us of home.</span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCxUt5lUpIGrZ-i5BWWIplCNOe81nOT6et3hUL4u7OuRvJa4FhR5FUaLifS8bQN8MoDCpBn62mwYUNL1iSXTSUl4roAmgc-_bONybeU6TpiLJOYmvMRDTYoLDFxapbh0TJ1g78Str/s640/FullSizeRender_7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Strategically placed art work adds color and character, while traditional textures add visual interest!</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCxUt5lUpIGrZ-i5BWWIplCNOe81nOT6et3hUL4u7OuRvJa4FhR5FUaLifS8bQN8MoDCpBn62mwYUNL1iSXTSUl4roAmgc-_bONybeU6TpiLJOYmvMRDTYoLDFxapbh0TJ1g78Str/s1600/FullSizeRender_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9ehOmZvQDIo4XerD0PLlIBo_w_i_1Gg1SlIxP1wk94u_89839bXXHiu3ZEyq99TtyYYFRLsJ3oQVHwaE3nIQJI1zgNvgVcBBCCtGPcv5t_HDlwxImFMKGrseoRvyDynCD-S6G0Th/s640/FullSizeRender_14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Masks from wanderings around the world! Bringing back influences of "Yaksha Gaana" or traditional native Uttara Kannada dance dramas, where ornate painted faces form the visual cynosure of the drama.</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9ehOmZvQDIo4XerD0PLlIBo_w_i_1Gg1SlIxP1wk94u_89839bXXHiu3ZEyq99TtyYYFRLsJ3oQVHwaE3nIQJI1zgNvgVcBBCCtGPcv5t_HDlwxImFMKGrseoRvyDynCD-S6G0Th/s1600/FullSizeRender_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">What are your favorite places to shop for your home? Are you budget savvy or would you rather own pieces that truly strike a chord with you even if they are expensive?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"> </span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 14.5667px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif;">A lot of our decor items were collected during our travels mainly from local artisan markets and our furniture is mainly from Australia. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaF0ruZLf7M7EFOlJs-xd9yDkUCFWeDbKWXaWqS3g_mJ506EATKOv3SugAy-tIVhiHguUXWQnv5wvl7_hQoXW7zs_7w1pbla2qyHhWxmBVGTppkIih4JfYvOcIa3bZJUl03Z2DFsT/s1600/IMG_3451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIZ1HxRYWL2b1VF6GQly0NNySy36puG_7L6dJquQfUAZjnQht9FTWIdZal9J6Zt9QnIQd85KceJwLgJUHZKm8wpud75LvpJ9XRYCWKyyekBYpc993KoaG7bjqFrFexSXbyb0PizjK/s640/image1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Can you tell, Mallika is an accessory enthusiast, just like me!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIZ1HxRYWL2b1VF6GQly0NNySy36puG_7L6dJquQfUAZjnQht9FTWIdZal9J6Zt9QnIQd85KceJwLgJUHZKm8wpud75LvpJ9XRYCWKyyekBYpc993KoaG7bjqFrFexSXbyb0PizjK/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Here in the US, we go everywhere..Ikea, Target, Pottery barn, Home goods, World Market. As for being budget savvy, if the both of us truly like something we usually go for it as long it is does not cost an arm and a leg.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTJwAeomRxyYKtD_SVaRSqEx7J3SkMfFKHpX7zR0k2KKWI6uu5UhxCby0QOS-fhyebDGZhH0fghUghyphenhyphen0O-583ig_efII3SCznUUL7umDhy_jLRP4Y6wfHbBOnARUWq_qgBPXUjSPa/s640/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Traditional accessories pepper into this modern Texas home!</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTJwAeomRxyYKtD_SVaRSqEx7J3SkMfFKHpX7zR0k2KKWI6uu5UhxCby0QOS-fhyebDGZhH0fghUghyphenhyphen0O-583ig_efII3SCznUUL7umDhy_jLRP4Y6wfHbBOnARUWq_qgBPXUjSPa/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Finally, what is
your favorite place in your home to relax, recharge and rejuvenate?</span></i></b><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Gautami; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">We</span></i><i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> love our kitchen. When we entertain, all our guests just
hang out in the kitchen as there is heaps of space around the kitchen
island. But our </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">favorite</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> has to be our living room. We spend most of our time
here as a family. It is cozy and has big windows
which brings in a lot of light and you can see the whole backyard through it. </span></span></i><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwioGsoqRUEMQ5gpE1eAsxHgeh0xxF6NC-AOkn5rv0BVlOyiov-p9geDq-Bn2qersrCPq4CvT3o-_gipbixH8KbgXSJtDPpNma-LFqwAXQIdvYI4wrNLuGZNMHl-2TXxWANc-zyrnu/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwioGsoqRUEMQ5gpE1eAsxHgeh0xxF6NC-AOkn5rv0BVlOyiov-p9geDq-Bn2qersrCPq4CvT3o-_gipbixH8KbgXSJtDPpNma-LFqwAXQIdvYI4wrNLuGZNMHl-2TXxWANc-zyrnu/s640/image3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mallika and her beautiful family!</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks a ton for sharing your home and your perspectives on what Home means
to you, with the readers of Aalayam! I personally loved the peek into
your beautiful home, and cannot wait to come and luxuriate in its beauty in
December!! And to the readers of Aalayam, feast in this glorious Texas home
tour and let us know what you think of Mallika and Vinayak’s soul refreshing
journey!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love always,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Supriya</span><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc_CCFUCvviuMDSEnTEKDFCafPzwfYyMnTMJ4M__eMjdlGAanLZZ4bq0S19UnbatBGL9ejsUFj45xZF9CPRokqjI6hncYqzIk1gBSh2iZZyQz3JbsfEGkTrpyzxppxwCzFZm6tjf6/s640/24850_1299688334517_4457518_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="566" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Throwback to 2006! Mallika and me in her Boppanakeri family home, surrounded by smiling faces and verdant landscapes!</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc_CCFUCvviuMDSEnTEKDFCafPzwfYyMnTMJ4M__eMjdlGAanLZZ4bq0S19UnbatBGL9ejsUFj45xZF9CPRokqjI6hncYqzIk1gBSh2iZZyQz3JbsfEGkTrpyzxppxwCzFZm6tjf6/s1600/24850_1299688334517_4457518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-3179558014825832692016-07-13T18:19:00.002-07:002016-07-13T18:29:49.338-07:00Aalayam goes on a trip (to The East Coast Desi)!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUlP1ShTNpioQDbBI7YC-cK7LGEub03qMx0vT6nFpjExLyAcbgzAjgAm7AxjIYUPL1OWJYfG6uzg9sZS0R68TyoMPGtHwsOBz117wST12Krk1-4XCxoUV6jKomCx7C_H0OJVE0d-T/s1600/1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUlP1ShTNpioQDbBI7YC-cK7LGEub03qMx0vT6nFpjExLyAcbgzAjgAm7AxjIYUPL1OWJYfG6uzg9sZS0R68TyoMPGtHwsOBz117wST12Krk1-4XCxoUV6jKomCx7C_H0OJVE0d-T/s640/1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><i><span style="color: #351c75;">The East Coast Desi, the vibrant home decor blog around the block has featured "Deepa's extraordinary outdoor-tablescape that orbits around jewel tones, pattern on pattern, textural layering and nonconformist décor choices that rightly connotes the free spirited Bohemian style but with an Indian twist." </span></i></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>
<div>
<i>Here's an excerpt...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDjcyIt21YyNbs1PvjAFTSgyPwADXTa_6ibNicm7xhLU_5Brecwwjdw6W3LLNuuISWHlQGnof0PWJvaMZOMEVOC0MFCy58t_EpBg5BrIAeI_ilEiWFxyNHCgdg-ARdFoarNJbj2hR/s1600/2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDjcyIt21YyNbs1PvjAFTSgyPwADXTa_6ibNicm7xhLU_5Brecwwjdw6W3LLNuuISWHlQGnof0PWJvaMZOMEVOC0MFCy58t_EpBg5BrIAeI_ilEiWFxyNHCgdg-ARdFoarNJbj2hR/s640/2.PNG" width="630" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #351c75;">I cannot thank Sruthi enough for allowing us to bring an Aalayam offering to her fantastic blog. I love The East Coast Desi. It is simply my all time favorite design/décor resource. Kudos Sruthi for this beautiful and inspired blog that you have worked so diligently to create and maintain! And as always, it is fun to bring our collective audiences ideas and life style inspirations that we know will be appreciated! Thank you.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">Have a wonderful summer everyone!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">Cheers!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">Deepa </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">Head over to The East Coast Desi blog for an explosion of color and bits of bohemia taking center stage in Deepa's backyard.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_925041011"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://theeastcoastdesi.blogspot.com/2016/07/indie-bohemian-inspired-summer-soiree.html"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">http://theeastcoastdesi.blogspot.com/2016/07/indie-bohemian-inspired-summer-soiree.html</span></b></a></i></div>
</i></span></div>
Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-35674767928384941452016-06-25T11:04:00.001-07:002016-06-25T11:04:11.406-07:00Food Tales: The Mouthwatering Summer Reading List for your Kids!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eU3lxNMis_BTRhyphenhyphenWib9P2vAmPVZjUo_KU6LAYxQes3_IQQT7lueRMMOPFPWDioajqLNvSgGj4SH_-NRs8jv_U0HAfTxEVz7sNuukOqcB7yWQkq2vgFb96AUS47vEoSJDmHM1dn7h/s1600/Slide1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eU3lxNMis_BTRhyphenhyphenWib9P2vAmPVZjUo_KU6LAYxQes3_IQQT7lueRMMOPFPWDioajqLNvSgGj4SH_-NRs8jv_U0HAfTxEVz7sNuukOqcB7yWQkq2vgFb96AUS47vEoSJDmHM1dn7h/s640/Slide1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hello Aalayam!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Summer’s on in full swing in our household. The hustle of the
week day has not stopped, of course! You see corporate consulting has no summer
break! We are still getting out of the door with hurried breakfasts and Nutella
laced kisses. Okay. We do get to sleep in for 30 extra minutes, and we do get
to roller blade and ice skate, all in the same week! And it’s easy to relax too much – without the
pressures of homework and school!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">That’s why we are planning our healthy mix of productive and
wasteful activities for the Summer to balance fun and learning! Summer Slide is
a real thing folks. Summer Slide, as you probably are aware, is the tendency for
students to lose the achievement gains they’ve had during the school year
during the Summer holidays. There are dangers of losing a whole grade level
worth of reading and math proficiency if children do not read and practice their
math skills regularly over the yawning Summer holiday! So armed with a Summer
Planner (see picture on Facebook!) and a library of books, we get set to tackle
the Summer adventurously, and culturally.</span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3cWJxHV1hAzaDcqASG9wTNllXFBKwrg-BbG6kaDlw8svNeq4WA1mtHKR_mqKiejAVcreUGH5fGcJ0hu89Yb3UY5uLp3Tv2omWbwN4yRYJf4SvcgSCXfsEMEfe5ugQJQYM7HLNlfj/s1600/IMG_8088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3cWJxHV1hAzaDcqASG9wTNllXFBKwrg-BbG6kaDlw8svNeq4WA1mtHKR_mqKiejAVcreUGH5fGcJ0hu89Yb3UY5uLp3Tv2omWbwN4yRYJf4SvcgSCXfsEMEfe5ugQJQYM7HLNlfj/s640/IMG_8088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yes, we want to embed culture into our reading list. We want to
cook, we want to read about food, we want to embrace food acceptance, and expose
ourselves to the culinary and literary joys of food tales!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do you remember food being part of the Amar Chitra Kathas,
Chandamamas and Tinkles we used to read? The ladoos, the jalebies, and the
pakoras ? How about the immediate hunger pangs they generated for us during the
Summer Hols? Stretched out under the fan, with curtains breezing gently, a food
tale would send us on multiple trips to the kitchens to pester our moms or
grandmoms for a thindi or two.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEider2uHodCY3Dg1RrkQZxqUZhepqYnvTA-eS5AC1ulvmHd9yr_0VJDFm11PcNktCDOrp-8wGw6ft9UAMQWDIPdoAfMvADv14c2BsACK-Gb2R7CsFGnj5AhunVpwQ3ACVmvuhoz1bsi/s1600/Slide2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEider2uHodCY3Dg1RrkQZxqUZhepqYnvTA-eS5AC1ulvmHd9yr_0VJDFm11PcNktCDOrp-8wGw6ft9UAMQWDIPdoAfMvADv14c2BsACK-Gb2R7CsFGnj5AhunVpwQ3ACVmvuhoz1bsi/s640/Slide2.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I don’t want my kids to miss out on the joys of thindi, and Summer
reading. So, what better way to combine both joys other than by getting them to
read food themed books! After all, you have to taste a culture to understand
it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I had my parents visit me this year. In anticipation of their trip,
I made a list of all the food themed
books I wanted for my girls from India. Of course, I could have tried to
shop for these books online, but why rob the joy for my Dad? You know all grand
dads love to shop books for their little ones, don’t you?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxlEaxO451FLCbKoA9qXVH5WiNl6E7_HVgRkOV8pSeZRQkpxouIw0xmDT9ZMc1c9X8c0C-DgfvWDiu0GBjEvPh44Flkiz7RyEVZBfikxkYjsZ6d71DCwElJk-1zNrEMShEKkO_Z2C/s1600/IMG_8085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxlEaxO451FLCbKoA9qXVH5WiNl6E7_HVgRkOV8pSeZRQkpxouIw0xmDT9ZMc1c9X8c0C-DgfvWDiu0GBjEvPh44Flkiz7RyEVZBfikxkYjsZ6d71DCwElJk-1zNrEMShEKkO_Z2C/s640/IMG_8085.JPG" width="450" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Featured here are some of the books my Dad got for the girls,
which we are having a blast reading, and eating our way through! Also, are some
books which we intend to pick up and read, during our weekly sojourns to the
library!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We begin with <b>The Silly Story
of Bondapalli</b>, a story about a prince who hated food. One day the royal
cook gave him something new to eat... a hot golden ball, crisp outside, soft
inside... a bonda! After that there is no stopping either the prince or this
mad tale that rolls its jolly way to an inevitably happy, bondaful end. The jaunty
illustrations pick up all the comic clues along the way, to make it a truly
'silly' story</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And just because we love Priya Kurian’s illustrations so much
<b>(<a href="http://aalayaminspiration.blogspot.com/2014/03/artist-feature-doodling-to-make.html" target="_blank">read the artiste feature on Priya Kurian here!)</a></b>, we stop to read <b>Colour Colour Kamini</b>. A story about
gorgeous chameleons and the feisty Kapila
Aunty who is teaching the little chameleons how to change colour, one at a
time. But Kamini gets excited and goes red, purple, green, yellow . . .she
can’t stop! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tq3PaHxBC0J1hJLgZTHaThSxDea5-V_GtHKrX981slGXfSATtNQqEmBqo_h8VRV6RkiJyCXCis9k3YSUEBxGrAIjERpodO5pU6ODWe5kU9UISyeJOpohqohDE3P3lPJyz_9M18-p/s1600/IMG_8093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tq3PaHxBC0J1hJLgZTHaThSxDea5-V_GtHKrX981slGXfSATtNQqEmBqo_h8VRV6RkiJyCXCis9k3YSUEBxGrAIjERpodO5pU6ODWe5kU9UISyeJOpohqohDE3P3lPJyz_9M18-p/s640/IMG_8093.JPG" width="450" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then, slurp!, we stop by to eat..sorry..read Jalebis! <b>Jalebi Curls</b>. The story of the raja who
loves jalebis. He even dreams of them. Then the dream becomes a nightmare. The
brief text of this mad little book is dramatically set off by illustrations
that play with curls and colors!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We have some fun with books about Dosas and Idlys. Just so my
kids understand how ingrained these “tiffins” are in our households, and in our
cultures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then, off
we head to the library, to arm ourselves with more food themed books! Check out
more food themed reading suggestions here and further below in the blog post!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx7f7d6U_o7ANrMq3Z72gIqJYdi1cHriDQ02uwY6sk71fPe-I4vCV12HMQ_-M48Gq0hmDf0CSseTP3iY8NyC39x3enPuwKv97DJpsrC4zHLk3NowYdzO9hav4u9SnN5Ht2lcbyNRR/s1600/Slide4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx7f7d6U_o7ANrMq3Z72gIqJYdi1cHriDQ02uwY6sk71fPe-I4vCV12HMQ_-M48Gq0hmDf0CSseTP3iY8NyC39x3enPuwKv97DJpsrC4zHLk3NowYdzO9hav4u9SnN5Ht2lcbyNRR/s640/Slide4.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Also, do you
remember my blog post about food acceptance, and the story time I did in my
kids’ school to promote food acceptance <b><a href="http://aalayaminspiration.blogspot.com/2015/03/little-bites-of-culture.html" target="_blank">(read about that here!)</a>.</b> <i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Rosemary Wells, award-winning author/illustrator of
over 50 books for children, illustrates her story of learning tolerance for
difference in her signature charming style with the book <b>"Yoko".</b> </span></i></span><i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I had a blast
retelling the story of Yoko at my kids' school, and how Yoko's sushi was made
fun of during her class lunch break, and how Yoko's class room had a great food
experience, thanks to the efforts of a sensible and adventurous teacher, who
noticed how the kids were making fun of something they did not know
about!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We wrap
up our reading repertoire with <b>Tsomo the
Momo</b>, </span></i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">a delightful story about the delectable momo, that flavor-filled
savory that travelled to India from Tibet, Nepal and beyond</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFh7dpjUHk-dWI32a75h6hNrmlMgDUiXyteHw2l0JQ2QlLQ4JaZEE4MT9XvCLtDymcPWWaXHL-8UG4dO7KtKPszZMrjzUPZBA3XFV6ptbGktucz5nUa_mYxSRyJj53MjXwZT137p5/s1600/IMG_8104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFh7dpjUHk-dWI32a75h6hNrmlMgDUiXyteHw2l0JQ2QlLQ4JaZEE4MT9XvCLtDymcPWWaXHL-8UG4dO7KtKPszZMrjzUPZBA3XFV6ptbGktucz5nUa_mYxSRyJj53MjXwZT137p5/s640/IMG_8104.JPG" width="450" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Also part
of our Summer Plans is reading recipes, and going on gastronomic adventures
together in the kitchen. We are reading, spending time as a family, and
enjoying our foodie culture! Win, Win, Win!! And while you are at it, checkout Devdutt Pattnaik's <b>Pashu!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL0FFgtCzzD2VUQwF32LWdaZMl5MkokOb9SwzsdNVaE4dKv46WsxR8VjT9pDGDE-lGRcTLE6PFNTfmfWipCbUlpNIhUMZ13Ogqvq_5eOdLJpyKdg4eNZygV8pRgZmwEN6xl8j5nup/s1600/IMG_8099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL0FFgtCzzD2VUQwF32LWdaZMl5MkokOb9SwzsdNVaE4dKv46WsxR8VjT9pDGDE-lGRcTLE6PFNTfmfWipCbUlpNIhUMZ13Ogqvq_5eOdLJpyKdg4eNZygV8pRgZmwEN6xl8j5nup/s640/IMG_8099.JPG" width="448" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So, that’s
it my</span><i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> friends! My grandiose Summer Plans! Have fun reading, and
partaking in the delightful food culture that books can bring us.</span></i><i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36KN-vhU7w4ijxCSxSewke-KZaYqN2w1S1R3r8eHXFpWOXr-tB4SCtWjrnq986w1GnU16vDS7biwKQnst9Jmhaf5kENFBxPy6rXpEXIoDrI8q6uI-fJHN8WQAbV2DAyNX8FwT7kHI/s1600/Slide5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36KN-vhU7w4ijxCSxSewke-KZaYqN2w1S1R3r8eHXFpWOXr-tB4SCtWjrnq986w1GnU16vDS7biwKQnst9Jmhaf5kENFBxPy6rXpEXIoDrI8q6uI-fJHN8WQAbV2DAyNX8FwT7kHI/s640/Slide5.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
pass on the good word, if you know of any good food themed books I can add to
our reading list!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxpsdWapuQBFDPo1Idy45KuDTOLfutoyQ3kwVmYgDNSYA1vz6uO8FC4I9_8Al5pzkYkPl9hGsA62FaD6QQSHOKB0aahGtgHYNJCJ9v2zfenBDMYxPJzRfaw-y85aR1f-qm1CTqFRz/s1600/Slide6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxpsdWapuQBFDPo1Idy45KuDTOLfutoyQ3kwVmYgDNSYA1vz6uO8FC4I9_8Al5pzkYkPl9hGsA62FaD6QQSHOKB0aahGtgHYNJCJ9v2zfenBDMYxPJzRfaw-y85aR1f-qm1CTqFRz/s640/Slide6.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">For after all, you have to taste a culture to understand it!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">Supriya</span></i></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-59145207496084454542016-06-11T14:49:00.000-07:002016-06-11T14:49:20.997-07:00Coming soon on Aalayam!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm7_LVeVWtcUne8bWhJjGKGC0AVn5Ltudusgxv-rIsHrS3uF9YpPHRQhAUlyepD10TtNsey98gTbDED3Ra3lJqQX4oO_u2TjyMjLfikL8rab9hxT3zUZ1Vd5r324p1IsfDAaAqR4N/s1600/New+Microsoft+PowerPoint+Presentation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm7_LVeVWtcUne8bWhJjGKGC0AVn5Ltudusgxv-rIsHrS3uF9YpPHRQhAUlyepD10TtNsey98gTbDED3Ra3lJqQX4oO_u2TjyMjLfikL8rab9hxT3zUZ1Vd5r324p1IsfDAaAqR4N/s640/New+Microsoft+PowerPoint+Presentation.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-53174198467888614352016-05-29T19:35:00.001-07:002016-05-30T07:34:47.324-07:00Reflections over a cup of chai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun0VRP-Wihp0hI9Fd7dLYPuBfnA-jx8CFdXMD9PQXbaSbGhNLpNyALDgXFifUwLv9QsAceqvdBGChHjS_QmiiwIUNOjCf3v-g63B6OCSPwhRIfth41ByuknIcWLc1KEoJyL-Fg7MRajcZ/s1600/DSC_6499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun0VRP-Wihp0hI9Fd7dLYPuBfnA-jx8CFdXMD9PQXbaSbGhNLpNyALDgXFifUwLv9QsAceqvdBGChHjS_QmiiwIUNOjCf3v-g63B6OCSPwhRIfth41ByuknIcWLc1KEoJyL-Fg7MRajcZ/s640/DSC_6499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hello and once again my sincere apologies for posting so
sporadically. It is hard to believe that we are almost in June and this is my
first post for the year – surely, I could not have been that busy ?! Well, it
is what it is but I miss contributing to Aalayam regularly. I have to thank our
guest authors for keeping us afloat in the interim. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I hesitate to apologize prematurely because I am not sure if
I have the bandwidth to get back to regular programming just yet. “One day at a
time“ has been my overarching mantra this year and I am sticking with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally found myself limping back to Aalayam
this weekend for a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(much needed) creative
break and it feels good to be back in my home away from home – so let’s enjoy
our time together, shall we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join me for
tea dear readers for I’ve missed you very much.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I am turning 40 this year and I find myself being reflective
often – I suppose it is the thing to do as this milestone b’day approaches.
Seems like I am required to look back and ponder before the next chapter
begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a few life lessons I have
learnt along the way, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(nothing ground
breaking) and yet I am sure the wisdom will resonate with all of you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhdGFOUm2P1ULaxM5UY2iuKqA5x7RPNVW1gdKFW4Yq1Q9M1ehL8TiwUuJrgrFVRjuE5FJB97RjbRHe9D_IEncOManGjQdjCdV1iQg5vog4-xG5x4MvAIz3lO2lWthtHyl4l9B-Z1OkBU_/s1600/DSC_6485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhdGFOUm2P1ULaxM5UY2iuKqA5x7RPNVW1gdKFW4Yq1Q9M1ehL8TiwUuJrgrFVRjuE5FJB97RjbRHe9D_IEncOManGjQdjCdV1iQg5vog4-xG5x4MvAIz3lO2lWthtHyl4l9B-Z1OkBU_/s640/DSC_6485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Put your family first. </b>It does not come easy,
because I take mine for granted all the time and I have to intentionally
re-learn this ever so often but I am getting better at it and at the end of the
day, there is nothing more important than FAMILY- the folks that see you at
your worst and still stick around!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Know your passion and your purpose. </b>Again, this
has not been easy and I have had to take several detours career-wise before I
could course correct. My struggles have filled me with immense gratitude and
almost ironically I feel more fulfilled because of how hard the road was. I hope
I have taught my kids what it means to persevere- because the only thing to do
is to keep going and I live by that.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Develop an identity </b>and by this I mean know who
you are, what you like and what you don’t. I have struggled with this – I have
tried to fulfill other people’s expectations and allowed myself to become
emotionally spent. I am slowly learning that I am my only locus of control and
it is freeing in many ways to say yes and even more so to say no. It has been
liberating to know who is actually worth it and respecting myself has meant learning to let go and be o.k with it.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1rxGnHLkmbe0NZEi3hUjwzEftnYRbGZs_aDvX_Ox_rYLkW9vy9JgXeZ5TX7ajTl7_niSZ5BoYmxfYiP6Fz2gT1F-z1d6mt2Qdx2eAk2BdXiw9Fc5vS9AapTrzBIaf20g0KP3F-to4ctd/s1600/DSC_6452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1rxGnHLkmbe0NZEi3hUjwzEftnYRbGZs_aDvX_Ox_rYLkW9vy9JgXeZ5TX7ajTl7_niSZ5BoYmxfYiP6Fz2gT1F-z1d6mt2Qdx2eAk2BdXiw9Fc5vS9AapTrzBIaf20g0KP3F-to4ctd/s640/DSC_6452.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -</span></span></span><b>Self care
is important </b>and I SUCK at it! I do. At least I am acknowledging it and I hope
that’s a start. I have pushed my health and fitness needs to the side and I really
have no excuse and that’s all I have to say about that. I hope I can come back
soon and say that’s changed and I have a sacrosanct fitness regimen, till then
I will have to live with this awareness of what I am not doing!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Do not apologize for who you are</b> - People often
remark at my perfectionism. For the longest time I did not know how to react to
that word. Now at 40, I have learnt to own it and happily acknowledge that I am
a brand!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes – I know that if I take
something on willingly, I will do it well and I do not feel guilty about that. I’ve
realized that it is not so much about a perfect outcome as it is about wanting
to give my 100 percent and I take pride in that! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzAo1UpodgP-IgFc-EtDFUO0Z-u0yYPEvJ6wzV4SDW3S7ez29uqT1XDgzcf_6yLl-18bRfEJ7KlRDr2cNIs2ma3nyZMOMhNaOrlvV3-6qMNWpztgt-_FPGH14XDZQLfynvYh6UH5u7V9v/s1600/11021495_10153161883044433_4186564819447101376_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzAo1UpodgP-IgFc-EtDFUO0Z-u0yYPEvJ6wzV4SDW3S7ez29uqT1XDgzcf_6yLl-18bRfEJ7KlRDr2cNIs2ma3nyZMOMhNaOrlvV3-6qMNWpztgt-_FPGH14XDZQLfynvYh6UH5u7V9v/s640/11021495_10153161883044433_4186564819447101376_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Write down your goals.</b> I have never done it –
yes, never! But I do to-do lists all the time and things get done! So, why not
write down your goals, dreams, wishes – things that you want to accomplish
someday – even if it is something as simple as buying those red stilettos! I am
going to do it- because every once in a while, I hear that inner voice ask me
if this is it –a fiercely demanding job and an equally onerous role as a
mother? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I need a to do-list for
the next chapter, to keep me on my toes and silence that inner critic?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Help others.</b> I don’t think I need to say
anything else about that at all. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppVoT1ImpcuD8eylJT0rHGRZNd3lymW8lS15xgnMB4ua0NEdSiHMwtA1gDihMxR5R9Z08MGJXALSVG0RNbiGpb2ituFT8qgqp-FH33XcnzaIJm7Qb1z6wE9vg4C7vrRLMyuv5O7wHJfi5/s1600/DSC_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppVoT1ImpcuD8eylJT0rHGRZNd3lymW8lS15xgnMB4ua0NEdSiHMwtA1gDihMxR5R9Z08MGJXALSVG0RNbiGpb2ituFT8qgqp-FH33XcnzaIJm7Qb1z6wE9vg4C7vrRLMyuv5O7wHJfi5/s640/DSC_6465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Live for today</b>! I guess all these midlife
reflective moments sort of have me in panic. As I reevaluate priorities and
transition into being a real grown up and reflect on raising kids, saving for
retirement, staying healthy I feel this uneasy feeling wash over me but my
husband calmly reminds me that life is all about living in the moment because
that is all you are guaranteed- the present moment! And nothing can be a
greater exercise in mindful living than savoring the cup of chai (or your
favorite beverage) in front of you. And this is my biggest </i><i>lesson as I head
into the next decade – to savor in quietude!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWrM2GP08TtpVwH1aP4hunv_XbHiYeev_p_u60KueD2AACnkZzjMc0RpWMCCtLSJU-cxfGgZiMBbkgHfduoUs5w0O7je1qcgRrOtr60eyzOXAdYTStnmsMQ417691i4vlqwEOp4o93XgP/s1600/DSC_6444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWrM2GP08TtpVwH1aP4hunv_XbHiYeev_p_u60KueD2AACnkZzjMc0RpWMCCtLSJU-cxfGgZiMBbkgHfduoUs5w0O7je1qcgRrOtr60eyzOXAdYTStnmsMQ417691i4vlqwEOp4o93XgP/s640/DSC_6444.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Cheers!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Deepa<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>p.s: all pics are from our home and may not be reproduced without
permission.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-87136717849998010152016-05-07T16:58:00.002-07:002016-05-07T17:01:50.774-07:00Mother's Day Musings!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
Mother’s Day, the Aalayam authors got together to muse about the real gripes and gushes of Motherhood, and to candidly chat about what Motherhood (round 2) looks like in our households!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cliché?
Not at all. It is only fair that we take a moment to acknowledge the one job
that defines our identity, takes over our life, and generally drives us nuts! (and yes of course, the job that is the most fulfilling one in the world!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And what better day to take a bow to the job itself, than today! So here’s
Deepa, Divya, Smitha and Supriya’s renditions of Motherhood. In their own
words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Deepa says: </b></span><span style="color: #660066; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">"This mother’s day is special – I am a mom, again!......after 12
years! There’s another tiny being in the house that makes our life so
much more meaningful – she truly does and I am often amazed at how my heart has
expanded to accommodate all the love I feel for this little girl when I could
never imagine being able to love anyone else as much as my first born. I am a
different kind of mother now – there is so much demanding my attention – my
older boy, a super stressful job, the house and the husband and somewhere in
the shadow of all this chaos, my little girl is growing - every day and
silently. I have accepted that this second stint is going to be VERY different
She is going to be 8 months soon! And of course, there is a tiny hint of
motherhood guilt as well. I was at home with my boy for 6 years, cherishing,
documenting and celebrating every milestone but with her my break barely lasted
6 weeks and then there is also the guilt of focusing mostly on our little one
these days making me wonder how my older one is handling all this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbMFtJ7Khyphenhypheny_avfzPU4wsxYJvYqojnBc62A7w3WZ7ArPSyw7QaCQcEm3bI2jo8jJJRiAQQLKOh1S1AExPbbrCVj6vknyXl_Le-gklJf8J7bute6yJyPtnXors1Kfg3msaeMJ2MVNj/s1600/12140000_10153697912089433_7934733774405865644_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbMFtJ7Khyphenhypheny_avfzPU4wsxYJvYqojnBc62A7w3WZ7ArPSyw7QaCQcEm3bI2jo8jJJRiAQQLKOh1S1AExPbbrCVj6vknyXl_Le-gklJf8J7bute6yJyPtnXors1Kfg3msaeMJ2MVNj/s640/12140000_10153697912089433_7934733774405865644_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660066; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Being an older mom and a veteran (if I may call myself
that) has its advantages too - I am not as jittery this time around, there is
much less hysteria around feeding and nap times. There are fewer pictures too.
And it seems o.k. This little girl is loved and she knows it and has adapted to
the cacophony of the household well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgyxTIRYi_YL5z1Qa5gdgqVx22bPJekdSBBNXCEr49_bxL3dGVEgw2B_ntEnPOnQ5H4Lxjf93ZoWSJKcRodD0EOG7XtCQPIkjVrejHZZ7gx63MYC6EUHpXSRh-V04EfylpFaKTf8F/s1600/12924545_10154103201699433_4824271378403967145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgyxTIRYi_YL5z1Qa5gdgqVx22bPJekdSBBNXCEr49_bxL3dGVEgw2B_ntEnPOnQ5H4Lxjf93ZoWSJKcRodD0EOG7XtCQPIkjVrejHZZ7gx63MYC6EUHpXSRh-V04EfylpFaKTf8F/s640/12924545_10154103201699433_4824271378403967145_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660066; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There are days when I am completely stretched thin and her
little coos and my older one’s warm hugs bring me back to the present. These
two ground me and help me keep my priorities straight and that is the best
thing about being a mom! Our family is different and our struggles are
different and yes, there are times when I wish we had handled late night feeds,
diaper fiascos and teething tantrums for both kids in one fell swoop. The age
gap between our kids defies convention. None of my friends have kids this young
and some days I wonder if I will have the energy to keep up with a feisty
toddler. But as a family we have always embraced our challenges and this one is
no different!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660066; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And at the end of the day I am having a lot fun raising a
beautiful daughter – she is my latest fashion partner, my dolled-up diva! And I
look forward to the challenge of raising a self -assured young girl and
encouraging her to grow up into the person she wants to be!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><b>Divya says: </b>“</span><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">“</span><span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">In the last four and a half
years, I've been puked on, sneezed at, had my hair smeared with gooey baby
food, even had the occasional poop explosion all over my clothes!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As any other person, I have all these naturally strong feelings
about not wanting to have another (little) person's snot all over me, or
wanting to be able to wee in peace, and you know, just being me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There are two sides to it, though. The slightly challenging,
testing my nerves, make-me-want-to-scream-like-mad side. And then there's also
the other side. The beautiful, dreamy side where I've been hugged by tiny warm
hands, smiled at like a gazillion times, been kissed by Nutella-smeared lips
and been showered with the happiest giggles. The joys and woes of being a
mother! The happy things far outweigh all the small inconveniences. Yes, there
are times when I secretly wish someone would take them for a day, a few
hours, a few minutes so I could actually finish my cup of coffee
while it's still hot. But that isn't a real wish, no. It's just some
weird chemical reaction in my mad-mommy brain sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgXP3JAWADuu_1rUVOTOntiy-RZ_7FX5ZvxA7lapOPWdljyr-8nR2TUBTMdEXTCgbwueXcuBP07XsIeRHpx4RmAJJ87oO7jRhV2_gYTj9wzjKH6ZKDNoH41mXcj_w0u9jwM1pvclK/s1600/usatfiji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgXP3JAWADuu_1rUVOTOntiy-RZ_7FX5ZvxA7lapOPWdljyr-8nR2TUBTMdEXTCgbwueXcuBP07XsIeRHpx4RmAJJ87oO7jRhV2_gYTj9wzjKH6ZKDNoH41mXcj_w0u9jwM1pvclK/s640/usatfiji.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">I want their playful presence, the constant chattering, and the never-ending inquisitive questions. I want my Little Miss to tell me all about how she made a picture for me at preschool, I want her to plead me to paint her toenails (with all the colours of the rainbow!), I want her to kiss me goodnight every night. I want my Little Man to hum nursery rhymes all day, I want him to ask me to help him tow his toy truck, I want him to scare me with his loud dino roars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">I want it all. I want all of it, I want every bit of being a mum :-)<br /><br />The difficult bits, the happy bits, the challenging bits, the fun bits; the love, the laughter, the tears, the frustration; the quiet times, the noisy times, the hunger tantrums, the nap times - I love them all. Because I'm a mum! And because I wouldn’t want it any other way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">Happy Mothers’ Day to all you beautiful and loving mothers!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>It’s Smitha’s turn:</b></span><span style="color: #385723; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> “</span><span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Being a mother is learning
about Strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fears you didn’t know
existed “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Flash forward my life to baby number 2, she was as unexpected as
she was a blessing. Although I was miles
away from my mum and loved ones, I took this experience in my stride and didn’t
stress about the small stuff; gone were the first time jitters. As there was no
one else telling me what to do, I pretty much did everything to my heart’s
content. I stayed out late, I partied
hard, and I might have even downed a glass or two of champagne once the
trimester had passed. I didn’t play the recommended music to my in-utero baby
nor did I read to her. I was so exhausted from working full time and keeping up
with an overactive 4 year old that the days rolled into weeks and months very
soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My only concession to my pregnancy was that I ate out every day. I
always chose to eat healthy and funnily enough the smell of curries actually
put me off. So I had to figure out
different types of food that I could actually keep it down; eventually I
alternated between Korean food and Subway. Today my daughter can demolish a
half foot subway in the blink of an eye. Once I introduce her to Korean food no
doubt it will be the same. My point is our state of mind during our pregnancy
has a direct impact on a child’s personality. No doubt the external factors
will also have bearing in a child’s formative years. I always tell where Google
fails, a mother’s intuition comes very handy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of all the different hats that I wear every day, none as proudly as
that of being a mum. Now that they have both grown up a bit, the monologues in
my head have converted into fun conversations. I am enjoying their thoughts and
their reactions on sports, sex, politics, food, clothes, privileges, gifts and
so on. Not every day is like that though; there are days when I just want to be
left alone and let them know in not so uncertain terms; it seems harsh but the
no-nonsense attitude works for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I remember talking with my hubby recently and he was teasing me
about the fact that our son is now the same age that I was when I attempted to
run away from home with my cousins.( Almost 2 and some decades later, I am
still unable to live that incident down!) I was amused at the comparison but I
also knew that kids these days wouldn’t give up the luxury of an air
conditioned personalised room with unlimited data time on their iPad for a
small matter of having an adventure. As funny as the comment was I was also
struck at the fact that kids at a certain strata of the society are hardly
exposed to the harsh realities of lives. I highly doubt if my kids understood
what poverty or homelessness entails. I have since made it my mission to tell
my children that I live an ordinary life so that they could do extraordinary
things with theirs. I feel passionately about everything in life. I feel like
all wrongs have to be righted. This might sound unrealistic to some of you, but
we forget that one day one of our
children will rise to lead a nation, be a sporting legend, be a music maestro,
be a dancing sensation or a movie star or a celebrated writer or an
Astronaut…or whatever their little heart desires. They are only limited in the
extent that we let them dream. I have made them promise me that in their
lifetime they will work to eradicate hunger - once again I can dream can’t I?
and who knows? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It’s that time of the year to take stock of the brave mums who
sacrificed their sons and daughters just like ours, so that many others could
be safe within their homes. My mother’s day musings are incomplete if I don’t
shed a tear to all those mothers and their families who have been cruelly,
barbarically and systematically decimated in recent times in the name of
religion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The journey of being a mum is a lot of hard work, loads of fun and
infinitely rewarding. Being a mum to two kids’ means that I am constantly
performing a juggling act between, work, home and family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">However, as someone rightly said Motherhood is a choice you make
every day to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own; to
teach the hard lessons to do the right thing even when you are not sure what
the right thing is….and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing
everything wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Once again to all the beautiful mothers everywhere you are what
makes the Earth and the Sun move and don’t you ever forget the strength you
have to never give up, despite all the struggles”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b> </b><b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And all Supriya has to say is</span></b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
“Motherhood brings out the worst in me.
It brings out my obsessive need for control, my itching compulsion for order
and organization, my panicky fixations at the responsibility of shaping two
little girls’ futures, my dire impatience at child-like curiosity and pace when
we are running against the clock, my competitive fervor that raises my
expectation of myself and my kids to the zenith, and of course, my apoplectic
rage when my twin girls gang up on me to push all my buttons at the end of a
long, invested day at work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Motherhood also brings out guilt. Tons of it. It
manifests itself as self-doubt at my parenting philosophies and shortcuts, serious contemplation at my purported
inadequacy in comparison to my self-imposed high standards (and of course, the
standards established by society, and it’s expectations from moms, who are
supposed to be the paragons of patience and tolerance and values!), and paranoid musings about a million “what-ifs” because I am not spending every minute of my kids’ free time
with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But you know what, Motherhood,
albeit with stretch marks, that have only slightly faded, grey hair that are
sprouting in the earnest, and love handles that do not go away, stubborn, stubborn, is not that bad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Actually, it’s pretty awesome. What started as a never ending saga of giggles,
cuddles and canoodles with my chubby little ones (why do those cheeks go away!!), who used to hang on to my
every word, listen to my fashion advise, and laugh at all my jokes, now has
turned into a slightly more mature, and roller-coasteresque relationship, full
of candid conversations during bath times, serious confessions during our walks
to the park, impromptu sing-alongs during car rides, and mild wardrobe wars and existential arguments
on life, love and ladybugs. If this is what Year 6 is like, God give me
strength for the teenage years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">As the days progress,
I am seeing that Motherhood is bringing out the best in me too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">Happy Mother’s day to
all the brave and tireless moms and mom-like figures in your lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">Mother's Day
may not be the same in many households and we recognize that there may be some
who are not as blessed as we, or our kids are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 14pt;">Celebrate Motherhood nevertheless. It’s the
most difficult job in the world”</span></div>
</div>
Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-2584118602948833842016-04-02T07:46:00.002-07:002016-04-24T20:16:22.347-07:00Expanding the Aalayam repertoire: Sights, Sounds and Smells of a Place Called Home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s been nearly nine years
since we packed our bags and flew over the Indian Ocean down to the southern
hemisphere to sunny Australia, now our home (away from home!). Over the years,
we’ve created our own little comfort zone around us- a wonderful mix of the
Aussie way of things and our very own Indian values and traditions.
Nevertheless, the home we grew up in always stays very close to our hearts,
like that first love. And there are certain things that always, always make me
feel totally at home, take me back to the familiar warmth and comfort of my
country. I think you would agree and nod knowingly at my pick of ‘Five Things
that Instantly Take Me Home’. All I need to do is close my eyes </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">J</span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>The Quintessential
Pressure Cooker</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Shhhhhhhhhhh!” says the
pressure cooker in my kitchen almost every morning and late evening, almost as
if calming me down, bringing back memories of Amma’s mildly spiced sambar and
soft fluffy rice. And it’s kind of incomplete without the stacking stainless
steel pans which reassure me that they will take care of the dal and the rice
and the vegetables, all at once! One of the many familiar sounds from the
kitchens of India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Filter Coffee</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Growing up in a traditional
Kannada household, my mornings always had a hint of fresh coffee wafting
through the air as I went on with the business of properly waking up </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">J</span><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
And even now, after all these years, as the kettle boils and I pour hot water
into the coffee filter over a spoonful (and more) of ground coffee, my mind
instantly goes all the way back home. It’s almost a ritual, as if to say “I
hereby declare that this morning has begun!” With the latest addition of the
traditional ‘davara-tumbler’, the very first sip of strong frothy filter kaapi
keeps our Indian homes snug in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Indian Bedsheets</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a land of fitted sheets and
flat sheets and doonas and pillow cases, my beloved ‘bedsheets’ and ‘pillow
covers’ from India haven’t lost their place. Yes, those fitted sheets are a
boon, like really! I mean, who wouldn’t like a sheet that stays put and doesn’t
jiggle and shimmy and find a way towards the middle of the bed? But let’s face
it, as fitted as they may be, they’re a tad too boring and plain for me. Maybe
that’s why the patterns and colors and the little flowers so daintily
embroidered on the bedsheets from India make me smile! Make that freshly
laundered, sweet smelling, Bombay Dyeing bedsheets and I’m like a little girl
running in a meadow, grazing my hands across flowering plants, soft breeze in
my loose hair with the sun lending an angelic glow! Yeah! I go cuckoo for
clean, fresh, crisp sheets! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Nighty, Nightie Night!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m a plain Jane when it comes
to bed time. No satin PJs for me, no siree! Don’t judge me now, but you know
what I want to get into after a really, really, long, tiring day? The ever
forgiving and ever comforting Indian nightie! When I slip that soft cotton,
longish, flowy thing on, trust me, I (almost) attain nirvana! No, seriously
ladies, what better to remind us of our mums, and aunties and pretty much all
of our favorite women back home? It’s like they’re literally wrapping their
arms around us and giving us a warm reassuring hug!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Agarbathi</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes, when I want to find
my inner calm (or when the house smells kind of damp), all I need to do is
light an agarbathi and a calming feeling pervades. It takes me back to the
beautiful temples of India, brings back memories of my father doing the
sandhyavandana (evening salutations) and my mother reciting prayers in the
early evening. Such a simple thing, a slender stick wrapped in incense, but it
has the ability to merge my Indian home and my Aussie home ever so subtly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, there you have it! Five of
my favorite things that remind me of the home I grew up in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What are some of
the quaint little things that remind you of your home? Share them here with us
and take us back home with you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lots of love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Divya</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here's more about me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva";"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; line-height: 22.8267px;">Typical Bengalooru Girl, with familial roots in Australia! Blogger, Mom and Artist! You may remember me from my guest posts in Aalayam!</span><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="color: blue;">(</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;"><em><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.creadivya.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;">www.creadivya.blogspot.com</a>)</span></em></span></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-43556967241605364432016-03-12T06:19:00.000-08:002016-03-13T06:34:07.499-07:00Brand new Aalayam author tells all about the charm of Traditional Games!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; line-height: 22.8267px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Absorbed in Aluli Guli Mane (Mancala World) game</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>2016 seems to have
started with a flourish and a bang. The holiday memories are long faded and
relegated to a distant past. As we all struggle to achieve that happy medium of
work-life, family, friends and kids, I can’t help but wonder sometimes if I am doing
enough as a parent. I am always
comforted at the sight of my kids engaged in creating something (as messy as it
gets afterwards!) or reading a book rather than with an IPad. Interestingly
enough this year marks six years since the advent of the IPad - technology
which was pretty much delivered into the laps of our babies. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Lrc6b5zSfCoZBYZgOaHzxRDoBM_3PBTeLpPZQXj-tlBjggcIB9IkB5XQtlDGW1DrkoTnnDL4bE5kjYFwn2d4msp6dXTQRYNcMuIIeAECF72v6QsCD-u2K5Et-bLwEgtO0uuLmNq9/s1600/Chauka+bara+-+image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Lrc6b5zSfCoZBYZgOaHzxRDoBM_3PBTeLpPZQXj-tlBjggcIB9IkB5XQtlDGW1DrkoTnnDL4bE5kjYFwn2d4msp6dXTQRYNcMuIIeAECF72v6QsCD-u2K5Et-bLwEgtO0uuLmNq9/s640/Chauka+bara+-+image+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.8267px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Chauka Bara is a delightful throwback</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>I am all for
Technology, Innovation and Science. I understand how this positively enhances and
makes our lives so much easier; I also understand that the benefits of IPad are
multi-fold. Kids obviously love them, learn new things quickly and tend to be
absorbed and remain quiet while playing with them. IPads are now part of School
Curriculum and are replacing textbooks. All this however, scares me a little.
The fact that our kids now inhabit the virtual world more than we do. We now
seem to be raising a generation of kids who are missing out on developing
crucial social skills. </b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><b><i>Hop Scotch - or our very own Kunta Bille</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I feel like our
kids have forgotten how to write or enjoy a good old fashioned book. I will be
the first to admit that I resort to my phone as a stress-buster or turn a blind
eye when my kids have been longer on the phone or IPad than they should. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Emc1DwdvJIi5QFc9tKA0Z-5jqSZ1Waul1B9Ycq-EdX48jR5tno3dS2RiQjLRb2VuP-Qge8zzWEnhdPXQmySB_BV6ZwpGM4nloL4XGBtVbCssA5GDGUpCHanBZt97JdE8e1JzbbMB/s1600/Snake+and+Ladder+indian+version.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Emc1DwdvJIi5QFc9tKA0Z-5jqSZ1Waul1B9Ycq-EdX48jR5tno3dS2RiQjLRb2VuP-Qge8zzWEnhdPXQmySB_BV6ZwpGM4nloL4XGBtVbCssA5GDGUpCHanBZt97JdE8e1JzbbMB/s640/Snake+and+Ladder+indian+version.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.8267px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Snake and Ladder - the traditional version</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>I
remember some 12 years ago when my son was being raised in Bangalore (India),
even regular mobile phones were a luxury and we only had a serviceable one for
the family. He spent most of his waking hours exploring the neighbourhood,
making friends creating crude toys with bits and pieces and generally enjoying
his time out in the Sun. Our daughter born overseas was a totally different
story. She could identify and sing-along to her favourite T.V characters before
she turned one and she was able to nimbly swipe through games and apps before
she was potty trained. The uncomfortable truth for some of us is that Technology
is here to stay.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5gx6374teCQrX0AooMqdvUMU9yapCpFPBszqqNYs8QzIKPw1mCE6_wZ33p_mz26WHCDUDDrQ6j5CQE5ozqsbihravCPSrFiz4e8WraXInWwOpVHlwpWQgoiIlARMxMqgAEReTvUG/s1600/Carrom+board+Ikea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5gx6374teCQrX0AooMqdvUMU9yapCpFPBszqqNYs8QzIKPw1mCE6_wZ33p_mz26WHCDUDDrQ6j5CQE5ozqsbihravCPSrFiz4e8WraXInWwOpVHlwpWQgoiIlARMxMqgAEReTvUG/s640/Carrom+board+Ikea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.8267px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Carrom is an all time family favorite</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Days when I can’t work
something on my phone or my laptop, I run to my kids for help. I am happy that
they are not fazed by technology as I am and can problem solve issues, if need
be. However, I have to wonder sometimes, what tools I am enabling my kids with
to jump-start their imagination and create a thirst to explore and invent. I
sometimes go back in time to my memories when I was their age and wondered what
I enjoyed the most. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKUHgLrB3EccdIMSClRJUAzninuSWYTK6TZ5RuoBEh4K4kfYRWI638LfBbzrbdVyi5qyf5TSQ6Q__B7f986yCMpPiYurtNQk3zpSienMEQf7oB7cJsg1d48sv8ZGSB1pP6OSgdvXf/s1600/Chauka+bara+-+image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKUHgLrB3EccdIMSClRJUAzninuSWYTK6TZ5RuoBEh4K4kfYRWI638LfBbzrbdVyi5qyf5TSQ6Q__B7f986yCMpPiYurtNQk3zpSienMEQf7oB7cJsg1d48sv8ZGSB1pP6OSgdvXf/s640/Chauka+bara+-+image+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 22.8267px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The gorgeous colors are a draw in itself</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>I remembered the endless days when we played kuntu –bille,
Aeroplane or hop-scotch for some of you on the streets and spent hours
scrounging construction sites for a perfectly smooth stone for the game. I
remember how I spent a whole summer with my brother and cousins in the backyard
trying to create scented erasers from pencil shavings and a rubber plant tree. </b></span></span></div>
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also remember how we scraped tamarind seeds (left over from mum’s cooking) to
play Ali Guli Mane (Mancala World), Chawka Bara (Race game) with traditional
bronze dices, Carom board and of course our all-time favourite Snakes and
Ladders with a twist - because back in
the days some of them came as Ramayana and Mahabharata board games. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>After all that
reminiscing it was exciting to find some modern version of these games
available at Ikea. I am very thrilled to
try these board games with my kids and re-live a bit of my carefree childhood
days with them. My kids also came with an innovate idea to make the hop-scotch
game work for them. They decided to paint some of our paved area to make up
this game. </b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>This means a run into the local paint shop squabbling over colours
and brushes and the dramas and some tears that I already anticipate; but I am
quietly excited. This means another weekend where they will not feel the urge
to resort to IPads to deal with boredom. I know that they will eventually tire
out of these games. But I find that the challenge will be to just keep one step
ahead of them and keep them guessing and keep them busy. As one mum rightly
said – my child will take all of 5 mins to master the IPad but for me it’s
important that she has memories of riding a bike, playing with her friends,
getting messy, having fun and just enjoying herself. </b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "bradley hand itc"; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><b><i>Indian version of Chess!</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">They don’t understand yet,
but we are helping them create fabulous memories of their happy days that they
can go back to when they are all grown up, that can hug them like a warm
blanket on a cold winter day.</b></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "bradley hand itc";"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; line-height: 22.8267px;"><b>LOVE,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "bradley hand itc";"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; line-height: 22.8267px;"><b>Smitha!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "bradley hand itc";"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; line-height: 22.8267px;"><b>And here's a sneak peek into who I am: A mom, a fashionista, a career woman, and a newly minted blogger. Excited to be part of the Aalayam family.</b></span></span></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-90977634105905858122016-02-27T11:33:00.002-08:002016-05-29T19:53:13.638-07:00Aalayam is looking for Writers!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtN2AkLrQl4213nLTrfpitWXofceafqc6dU7gGs0n-LMEl-Oc5NTBDH9gKrDCKHbnbzVbw2uf-XqDG2UH5XwCZB4vhIit7ZredciAIGuEzaX3TGSURd5UYxyK-ZVqnZRaiAXcBhaB/s1600/supermom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtN2AkLrQl4213nLTrfpitWXofceafqc6dU7gGs0n-LMEl-Oc5NTBDH9gKrDCKHbnbzVbw2uf-XqDG2UH5XwCZB4vhIit7ZredciAIGuEzaX3TGSURd5UYxyK-ZVqnZRaiAXcBhaB/s640/supermom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Aalayam is looking for writers!! </span></i></span></div>
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</span><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; display: inline; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"></span></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; display: inline; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0">One superpower both Deepa and I wish we had is the ability to generate more hours in the day. Our beautifully and carefully curated baby Aalayam is sitting on the back burner of our super busy and multi layered lives. However, we both believe that we will make time for Aalayam, to continue to meaningfully and non-stressfully integrate into our lives. So, in case you guys were wondering, the blog is not going anywhere!</span></span></i></div>
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Now, what we are looking for is fellow bloggers! Writers! Creators!! Someone who can jumpstart our dormant blog with their creative vision and verbose talents! </div>
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Any takers?! </div>
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<span style="color: #141823;">Write to us as </span><b><span style="color: blue;"><u>aalayaminspiration@gmail.com</u></span></b><span style="color: #141823;"> if you are interested, and we can start a conversation!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;">Supriya & Deepa</span></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-51369186543035776072016-01-27T16:50:00.001-08:002016-01-27T16:50:38.600-08:00What's your Parenting Pet Peeve??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGbYe7LUTphiQezAuh-sFX45FArgVkj2JzU3W-fn-YWnNzLgJHzhl8rkWwaTUWEz7ULkBzP495OB8nbMO4HylCr_2seLApx-1i55Yk5tOzJXgYknGmZyWcpZOl7N9uIaBgHr6SLeO/s1600/Poster_Parenting+Peeves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGbYe7LUTphiQezAuh-sFX45FArgVkj2JzU3W-fn-YWnNzLgJHzhl8rkWwaTUWEz7ULkBzP495OB8nbMO4HylCr_2seLApx-1i55Yk5tOzJXgYknGmZyWcpZOl7N9uIaBgHr6SLeO/s1600/Poster_Parenting+Peeves.png" /></a></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-67928515518647614822015-12-30T18:00:00.001-08:002015-12-30T18:00:03.937-08:00My 2015: A Visual Anthology<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUoNz8PCpbzZpiBtOTD273PVK8Z6lPW8JQj1rxRWHpeD3gc-76gXIunjwrbw0Zug41OUAw9oPlX2EBeeCs-EaZstippzfrYVqyBFxxuzqFPKypsdo1dPda1gQ0LBZdPMqP-cO7MsE/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUoNz8PCpbzZpiBtOTD273PVK8Z6lPW8JQj1rxRWHpeD3gc-76gXIunjwrbw0Zug41OUAw9oPlX2EBeeCs-EaZstippzfrYVqyBFxxuzqFPKypsdo1dPda1gQ0LBZdPMqP-cO7MsE/s640/DSC_0357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As the glorious end to 2015 fast approaches, I'd like to take a self-indulgent moment to look back upon the year that was, and anticipate the year that will be...here's presenting to you, my dear readers, a visual anthology of my very interesting 2015.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVlZ5gBPv_Wi_04aY1L2gdG9TnSlBCtO3YSUYpyuwXgSYL5K41zYBGI-PVFWQI-d6yVVd8jy7KHz50zH79EIep7vGI0TodhMq1f_3zG4qrVXs7mWbahAAlgJETLBEtCBR1xgh7Okk/s1600/10368248_10203695413528077_5270881994505405163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVlZ5gBPv_Wi_04aY1L2gdG9TnSlBCtO3YSUYpyuwXgSYL5K41zYBGI-PVFWQI-d6yVVd8jy7KHz50zH79EIep7vGI0TodhMq1f_3zG4qrVXs7mWbahAAlgJETLBEtCBR1xgh7Okk/s640/10368248_10203695413528077_5270881994505405163_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Replete with travel across the USA, to beaches, conferences, theme parks, workshops and strategy sessions, I raked up some airline miles, and decided which were my favorite airports. Although faced with the awful conundrum of being away from my kids, I must admit I did have guilty pleasure in "me" time and room service.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP7bS2Ui4-Ott7ow5v1EI2s3JEQdTh381EVXg5NwbDlPFW_lcso6J6ojn2E6DfY3PoqnodoCi1Fq4C34jtt1JoeaG3XWAXNjclaKehsM4p0sHM_XTjBhSYFcILQTmubwGlcC1_hhJ/s1600/10959833_10203524252289153_3100717950470020794_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP7bS2Ui4-Ott7ow5v1EI2s3JEQdTh381EVXg5NwbDlPFW_lcso6J6ojn2E6DfY3PoqnodoCi1Fq4C34jtt1JoeaG3XWAXNjclaKehsM4p0sHM_XTjBhSYFcILQTmubwGlcC1_hhJ/s640/10959833_10203524252289153_3100717950470020794_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did have some culinary adventures (and misadventures) at home with Mexican, Thai and Italian food (my family and friends recipe book is growing now!!). Of course, I had fun whipping up some crazy heavy Indian desserts (Kesar Kalakhand anyone?) and signature family favorites.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKosD78vX5mI5-5xnPVZ0f941u-KWFYGU6Wk4P3rny6mRfaglgv5rUxICEs5E8EhisrEw9gH8Ut-daBRSfWsCba7bGujruScjDRbSgQzn-zl0-xdbB73GZJzDauEXMF7AnYYdTa_AJ/s1600/11021532_10203809192092470_2968080152365567385_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKosD78vX5mI5-5xnPVZ0f941u-KWFYGU6Wk4P3rny6mRfaglgv5rUxICEs5E8EhisrEw9gH8Ut-daBRSfWsCba7bGujruScjDRbSgQzn-zl0-xdbB73GZJzDauEXMF7AnYYdTa_AJ/s640/11021532_10203809192092470_2968080152365567385_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Home decor and blogging took a back seat this year, with in-laws visiting and all the above mentioned travel. I chose to be at the beck and call of my husband's parents, be the traditional bahu that they anticipated me to be, juggling expectations, temperaments and temper tantrums. Primarily my performance anxiety gave me a hard time, as I was balancing my desire to be the best at the home front too, even under sub-optimal circumstances.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CoGmwHF15JuuYrrKw-qiZkAJl_GqOOIslndTM1co6EQC40xLB8w_iewqSrMOMcAt12PJypRpxMmDmvxAlUcHceRj-hObl82_uExLDb6IEUKUS_80kbI8YUeZMry07YeDIEm9hSvE/s1600/18318_10204435950481038_1824011637755027379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CoGmwHF15JuuYrrKw-qiZkAJl_GqOOIslndTM1co6EQC40xLB8w_iewqSrMOMcAt12PJypRpxMmDmvxAlUcHceRj-hObl82_uExLDb6IEUKUS_80kbI8YUeZMry07YeDIEm9hSvE/s640/18318_10204435950481038_1824011637755027379_n.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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Parenting presented it's own challenges, with alternatively recalcitrant and angelic girls, who grew taller, more articulate, more well read and stylish as the year progressed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94d1GwjuHGJShrt5DzUVl35-V1-g7uNGFafhmG1mEvSDZC1GjL8CSPOWgUKu_1fxD9f5oMEdYOZGcpg4ik5Tpii3Aud3cyv_Bko5BqiXQokIOWegsChsc2a6iKpojpMIv2O1FKoQT/s1600/11540963_10204300248008561_6209646971358994793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94d1GwjuHGJShrt5DzUVl35-V1-g7uNGFafhmG1mEvSDZC1GjL8CSPOWgUKu_1fxD9f5oMEdYOZGcpg4ik5Tpii3Aud3cyv_Bko5BqiXQokIOWegsChsc2a6iKpojpMIv2O1FKoQT/s640/11540963_10204300248008561_6209646971358994793_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Travel, culture, food and festival came in equal parts. 2015 was a salvation to my wanderlust and culture savvy!<br />
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I had the privilege of meeting my best and closest friends, catching up for laughs after a decade of being in touch only virtually. And we had not missed a beat!<br />
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Home became a sanctuary as Fall approached, as I got ready to get my almost 6 year olds into First Grade, breaking the State of Virginia September 30th school age cut off. And Yes, they made it to First Grade, although they were not 6 years old at that time!! (Woot Woot, Parenting win!). Who knew, First Graders had school readiness evaluations!<br />
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I had the amazing opportunity to meet my blogging partner in crime - Deepa! As you all know by now, she is the proud momma of a cute lil baby girl, who joined the Aalayam family in 2015. I had the privilege of being one of the co-hosts of Deepa's gorgeous baby shower! Fun times.<br />
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Oh, and we lost our first tooth in our household. Amidst much excitement, and joyful yelling (mostly from me!), the tooth fairy made her first visit to our home, and promptly followed up with many more!!<br />
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<br />And of course, there were some bittersweet moments of Parenting..knowing what to say when kids win...and don't. Managing the fine balance of teaching kids a strong work ethic, but watching over them so they don't beat themselves up (too hard) if they did not do a good enough job. (Tiger Mom much?) <div>
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Lots of Desi Chaat party hosting!<br />
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Some DIY Dasara decorating!<br />
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Some Butta chomping ! (look out for my Seattle Travel Ramble in 2016!)<br />
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Some controlled excitement and angst about my kids' first Bharatanatyam performance! (ever secured a long braid (times 2) on 6 year olds with really short curly hair? Now I am a pro at this! But it took quite a lot of bobby pins, some deep breaths and a few anxiety management lessons)<br />
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Lots of holiday baking! (pictured below is a birthday cake I baked for my baby sister, who joined us for the holidays from Germany!)<br />
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And uncontrollable family giggling! (Yaay, to my parents visiting in 2015!)<br />
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And the cherry on top of the cake - my closest friends and their families got together over the Christmas holiday in our home in Virginia!<br />
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Amidst countless selfies, dressathons, non-stop food, and oh-so-fantastic memorable gift exchanges, we got a chance to chill, be ourselves and get to know each other all over again, not just as friends, but as wives, moms and daughters-in-law.<br />
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Here's to evolving friendships!<br />
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As I wrap up this visual anthology, I humbly thank my people - my husband, my parents, my kids, my friends, my clients and coworkers, Deepa and you, my dear readers for a fantabulous 2015.<br />
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Here's looking forward to a gorgeous and stimulating 2016! Do share with us how your 2015 went. I am curious to take a quick peek at your year's highlights!<br />
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Love,<br />
Supriya<br />
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p.s all pictures in this visual anthology are mine, and mine alone, so please do not bother copying/reusing it!<br />
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-40910343945967235292015-12-23T17:49:00.002-08:002016-12-02T08:27:27.891-08:00Aalayam's holiday editorialHello! Merry Christmas. Hope you are all having a lot of fun counting down to 2016. We wish you a Charlie Brown Christmas - wholesome holiday cheer and lots of good will as you revel in the Joy of the season. I leave you with some images of Charlie Brown's Christmas as well as our parlor decked for the holidays -our tree is swathed in pink this year and you know why!<br />
Thank you for another great Aalayam year dear readers!<br />
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<br />
And with that, I am signing off for 2015. Have a very merry christmas and a happy new year!<br />
<br />
All charlie brown images are from google images and the rest of the images are from my home and may not be used without permission.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
~DeepaAalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-82279956412481332015-11-08T17:29:00.000-08:002015-11-08T17:32:25.297-08:00Diwali tablescape - ethnic inspiration, the Aalayam way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc4kFSSnTFpLoT4IBIgKzDE8khzznFUJWHy7btmCt0nDNt_TttuYQiUFNw4BEj7msdV0cTXpr_6LYOkfdHMwvJjFlsqZHGgDILAaom3JpiF7JnTpjLpM6NPJZY2uuRo0VD5dtT1PYzxmI/s1600/diwali+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc4kFSSnTFpLoT4IBIgKzDE8khzznFUJWHy7btmCt0nDNt_TttuYQiUFNw4BEj7msdV0cTXpr_6LYOkfdHMwvJjFlsqZHGgDILAaom3JpiF7JnTpjLpM6NPJZY2uuRo0VD5dtT1PYzxmI/s640/diwali+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Hello! It is Diwali and there will soon be a billion of us
celebrating this festival of light and
food and cherishing the bond that we share with our friends and family and I
hope the preparations have picked up speed at your end as well?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyCv8wqIOJDnjXpAZGQ_a-y0qwiLOl83myFM1upl6SQeYRfweIABbpL8LkUlHyrEC5BK5xMKixRKfxkVIAQV6Z7JQV56aV3618woq2HdXNfu1qov_ZQU-tWo2jYMUo1OAxb0MgPDd0Psk/s1600/DSC_4423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyCv8wqIOJDnjXpAZGQ_a-y0qwiLOl83myFM1upl6SQeYRfweIABbpL8LkUlHyrEC5BK5xMKixRKfxkVIAQV6Z7JQV56aV3618woq2HdXNfu1qov_ZQU-tWo2jYMUo1OAxb0MgPDd0Psk/s640/DSC_4423.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A DIY diwali card ...for that personal touch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Here is our annual Diwali edition- an Aalayam tradition!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAEqfUj_NTwJQtKO1qjdnH44Q2FmYIjfmUtAuuGMlTsO_WHLbgR7XqGnTofd5oTXhWyJwIf3LQuK8Xnk7WmxrzpmDl2v4Zj9fOApRl8s6q8X_ZNaw1aVykW1iAut0ex6yU2TvRCwr07eM/s1600/diwali1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAEqfUj_NTwJQtKO1qjdnH44Q2FmYIjfmUtAuuGMlTsO_WHLbgR7XqGnTofd5oTXhWyJwIf3LQuK8Xnk7WmxrzpmDl2v4Zj9fOApRl8s6q8X_ZNaw1aVykW1iAut0ex6yU2TvRCwr07eM/s640/diwali1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> This time my Diwali
tablescape is swathed in earthy colors and carries a haveli-esque feel and this
was my attempt at capturing yet another shade of our fascinating culture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqCpJVgV8PP-fFDyBujBUheA29572ieFEwXWi4amVh3xWnEFBUZEwebBNCBNmrcBfaBcrAhsnKfE836sKW2Zh15Y-pSi8TpZftLKauWbzjEc7MEkeGKLS44vPRopVauqkOZwHpykCyv5W/s1600/DSC_4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqCpJVgV8PP-fFDyBujBUheA29572ieFEwXWi4amVh3xWnEFBUZEwebBNCBNmrcBfaBcrAhsnKfE836sKW2Zh15Y-pSi8TpZftLKauWbzjEc7MEkeGKLS44vPRopVauqkOZwHpykCyv5W/s640/DSC_4460.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I have always wanted to travel to color and
culture rich Rajasthan – maybe next year… This year though, I brought flavors of
Rajasthan to my Diwali dinner table. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0GKeoiX5JTPtS6uu4QzZp72gJcTuZPCI8MpoQ8OgqPDkXXPBzTREAcfBJOo1itFTt73hrj2yZjV8WlEW7c51Cn3ZHBuW34UG-NYI8hhJl8rynnb_yQ4C6FRo0-1vCAzSJW0sEO2o1tcr/s1600/DSC_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0GKeoiX5JTPtS6uu4QzZp72gJcTuZPCI8MpoQ8OgqPDkXXPBzTREAcfBJOo1itFTt73hrj2yZjV8WlEW7c51Cn3ZHBuW34UG-NYI8hhJl8rynnb_yQ4C6FRo0-1vCAzSJW0sEO2o1tcr/s640/DSC_4473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>My
tablescape is a tribute to the pomp and pageantry of Rajasthan that I have
heard so much about. I have combined vibrant hues, miniature paintings, rustic and
brass accents to reflect the earthen flavor of the Thar. <o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVoNvNYCwP-fM_GXsMKAdxvAKrH34zb4h6PvTyGBdwyGy6SfIFiuyvkY-tQU7oKzBULkhsSARGYxoPoZULFAjjbxW7HFWBP8cA530CtRUX9uT-Fk6Dh2WNYiB-Hj0yXFABFV_pE_KLOsA/s1600/DSC_4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVoNvNYCwP-fM_GXsMKAdxvAKrH34zb4h6PvTyGBdwyGy6SfIFiuyvkY-tQU7oKzBULkhsSARGYxoPoZULFAjjbxW7HFWBP8cA530CtRUX9uT-Fk6Dh2WNYiB-Hj0yXFABFV_pE_KLOsA/s640/DSC_4463.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This tablescape includes the hallmark of Indian décor –it is
full of life and fit for a Maharajah! I had fun working with this exciting
palette of colors and patterns. Did you like this Diwali composition? Write to
me.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABkb8a63CO5Cy3-mD59RRsZREONJSRmNC7gFYD-z9T5lLPL-iJ0UqGyM3K9NSmcjL2kyi3bFTc_tLFj9Ipc0UCkdrdr-53Ypn3H3WLbgRTP5sZU4mz7OnbFYCMHcA3Pygtb2B-xcOLC8x/s1600/DSC_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABkb8a63CO5Cy3-mD59RRsZREONJSRmNC7gFYD-z9T5lLPL-iJ0UqGyM3K9NSmcjL2kyi3bFTc_tLFj9Ipc0UCkdrdr-53Ypn3H3WLbgRTP5sZU4mz7OnbFYCMHcA3Pygtb2B-xcOLC8x/s640/DSC_4443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>It is going to be a quiet Diwali at home for us this year
but I still want to savor mom’s epicurean delights, relive childhood traditions
and soak in the sparkle that only Diwali night brings. And here is a simple
attempt at creating a setting that appeals to the senses. This is going to be a
festival seasoned with meaning and gratitude and we have much to thank for. The
tepid glow of the flickering lights that metaphorically represent the essence
of Diwali will serve as a gentle reminder of all our blessings. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQgnYBkPjoMnusy1LZ-tVYF6jt2a6syNHppauHtqecaiYE7d5Trg8jgoiq77JYNhoy4WEpkkzEp8DPva0HMluGsRFe91GmHnO8ABY5Y0F_U8sAtxjUPILsRHpBv-1j-TR3FUx7a3JO-P-/s1600/DSC_4481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQgnYBkPjoMnusy1LZ-tVYF6jt2a6syNHppauHtqecaiYE7d5Trg8jgoiq77JYNhoy4WEpkkzEp8DPva0HMluGsRFe91GmHnO8ABY5Y0F_U8sAtxjUPILsRHpBv-1j-TR3FUx7a3JO-P-/s640/DSC_4481.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Supriya and I want to wish all of you a very happy
Deepavali. I hope you all revel in the symbolism and gaiety and indulge in beautifying
your homes as an uplifting reminder of the spirit of Diwali! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope your celebration is beautiful
regardless of whether you are honoring religious traditions or cultural
customs. And we also wish that all of your dreams come true this Diwali.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn4wBbQL8fn0E2TgO4LE8u_uFTlEWbDdHo5GOjpcHGASR2lWScbUjp5iz-SiXcENyepR1z9LXayNFTzEtruw99WoNRotULqMZJt4LynL5gF5j01oh-ry9ONSHr8akOY0Qwwc4o8HoDLU9/s1600/DSC_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn4wBbQL8fn0E2TgO4LE8u_uFTlEWbDdHo5GOjpcHGASR2lWScbUjp5iz-SiXcENyepR1z9LXayNFTzEtruw99WoNRotULqMZJt4LynL5gF5j01oh-ry9ONSHr8akOY0Qwwc4o8HoDLU9/s640/DSC_4448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Wishing you all love and peace this Diwali!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Cheers<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>~Deepa</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>P.S: All images in this post are from my home and subject to copyright</i></div>
Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-80487338152579652062015-11-07T19:56:00.000-08:002015-11-07T20:08:30.270-08:00At home this Deepavali - Inspirations from a guest blogger.<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And it is that time of the year again- when light prevails
over darkness and fills our heart with hope and optimism. It is that time of
the year when we tend to reflect on ideals such as compassion and empathy in
the backdrop of twinkling diyas. It is that time of the year when our homes are
filled with a festive glow and our hearts are full of gratitude for life’s
little blessings. And as always, we are thrilled to celebrate Diwali with you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaNW0zp36mic9wAaMJHuNE1MJKQHZfdEcehyTT7R-3bZjP_YGYukGh1CqZAj3j94bmb17_tvq8osXdJjcDQJ4cROFAsIT_nZqPs_SLy942fHP0HpRmYZyUnNNu0T2XDMTM7l7NFNvHSAi/s1600/diwali+pp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaNW0zp36mic9wAaMJHuNE1MJKQHZfdEcehyTT7R-3bZjP_YGYukGh1CqZAj3j94bmb17_tvq8osXdJjcDQJ4cROFAsIT_nZqPs_SLy942fHP0HpRmYZyUnNNu0T2XDMTM7l7NFNvHSAi/s640/diwali+pp4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>This Deepavali, I am elated to invite Pinky of <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://pinkzpassion.blogspot.com/">Pinkz Passion</a></b></span>to Aalayam. She shares her thoughts on adding a magical elegance to your
Diwali décorscape with brass, flowers and twinkling diyas! </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xoC-KvvdsEbSeR3vweQExaXyJVvxcG2zD4anJ1iLmOmzcGjxJSbG98L2fxTkRGdl3wkpicXzjXa4U0-1JIUfCDUg7KQLdhvbexbiO5M7pBP4PE1KEj7gXXa3uCqgrbZfhA1Vm8Bg3w1V/s1600/diwalipp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xoC-KvvdsEbSeR3vweQExaXyJVvxcG2zD4anJ1iLmOmzcGjxJSbG98L2fxTkRGdl3wkpicXzjXa4U0-1JIUfCDUg7KQLdhvbexbiO5M7pBP4PE1KEj7gXXa3uCqgrbZfhA1Vm8Bg3w1V/s640/diwalipp3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Take note dear readers
and join Pinky as she rings in festive cheer with a beautiful Diwali tablescape. The magic of Diwali beckons and without much further ado, I present Pinky’s
Diwali tablescape. We love to bring you décor ideas that you can recreate in
your home and we hope Pinky’s beautiful Diwali images will encourage you to
conjure up fond Diwali memories of your own as you gather around the dinner
table with friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5jtsArxRUUAe3LXUOKfF9CjexTtNLXJn4sm3W-OyDMVtBTLGl5xwLjp8jvDSfSrVME79ODixfQREtqjveGxGr102VEFMOgTA1fkvip2U5lNzZL_DOlB8GqAlz8AW5eGpsnamUmWL4pme/s1600/diwali+pp6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5jtsArxRUUAe3LXUOKfF9CjexTtNLXJn4sm3W-OyDMVtBTLGl5xwLjp8jvDSfSrVME79ODixfQREtqjveGxGr102VEFMOgTA1fkvip2U5lNzZL_DOlB8GqAlz8AW5eGpsnamUmWL4pme/s640/diwali+pp6.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We hope
you will be that intrepid hostess hosting the most recherché Diwali dinner this
year and Aalayam will be your go–to resource for ideas and inspirations.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I absolutely loved her sparkly and celebratory images. Thank
you Pinky for showing us how to pack style and substance as we attempt to savor
the warm glow of Diwali diyas.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUBOy34Xw_jdDJK14mUKaE9MIa860h2x116cK0GetRma0BV-nGyv17cB1BnVkcfdz2O8X6CgWI6Vpy-FRvLoewJyfkcfA8EAs-C_g9Ss9To2hOUE2ma9XFSAbDGDC7ORFn2TrYhTJ6k6A/s1600/diwalipp5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUBOy34Xw_jdDJK14mUKaE9MIa860h2x116cK0GetRma0BV-nGyv17cB1BnVkcfdz2O8X6CgWI6Vpy-FRvLoewJyfkcfA8EAs-C_g9Ss9To2hOUE2ma9XFSAbDGDC7ORFn2TrYhTJ6k6A/s640/diwalipp5.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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<i> Pinky blogs at Pinkz Passion and her blog just
celebrated its one year anniversary – congratulations! </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOqJrXJGVFP0pVSM734T9Af7GrC4x8ot9WvyzdUEnZ1ISg14sB6lMI0JSp4ux4eP6I3wpIwc7qX5gdUtGL0pCUvjbsgtcpF-c9Daz9z10duocxwYs6fkJ3gy-W14n0gHt3lpK5oQQSJDH/s1600/diwali+pp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOqJrXJGVFP0pVSM734T9Af7GrC4x8ot9WvyzdUEnZ1ISg14sB6lMI0JSp4ux4eP6I3wpIwc7qX5gdUtGL0pCUvjbsgtcpF-c9Daz9z10duocxwYs6fkJ3gy-W14n0gHt3lpK5oQQSJDH/s640/diwali+pp2.jpg" width="410" /></a></i></div>
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<i><i><br /></i></i></div>
<i>Pinky is an inspiring
stylist and photographer and keeps a beautiful home in Toronto. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lHGNKZ1QdvmE8lgu6Pz5QCeCa4U9APiCXRc8KX-17MrjPJkKBD419o5pC0kTvb7k-WUY2XOqlfwC6zy_lv2NYzhjpKmTOH6Ka8MRBhHMtEgviyipYJtn2Jqbr3Q5s91iOTdO8onGbdZl/s1600/pp+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lHGNKZ1QdvmE8lgu6Pz5QCeCa4U9APiCXRc8KX-17MrjPJkKBD419o5pC0kTvb7k-WUY2XOqlfwC6zy_lv2NYzhjpKmTOH6Ka8MRBhHMtEgviyipYJtn2Jqbr3Q5s91iOTdO8onGbdZl/s640/pp+home.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You can catch
her creative work and seasonal inspirations over at <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://pinkzpassion.blogspot.com/">pinkz passion</a></b></span>. It was my absolute pleasure to
collaborate with her for this Diwali feature. Thank you Pinky!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Next up is Aalayam’s annual Diwali post – the one that
I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love putting together just for you
dear readers. Let me inspire you to create a festive ambience at home the
Aalayam way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rustic and haveli-esque, my
Diwali décor this year is influenced by the earthy flavors and variegated textures of
Rajasthan! Piqued? Join me tomorrow, will you?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Cheers<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>~Deepa<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>p.s: Images in this post are the property of Pinky and
subject to copyright.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-59072948405703858152015-10-28T06:46:00.001-07:002015-10-28T06:52:51.707-07:00Halloween haunting - let's get the creep on!<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Hi there Aalayam family!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1-Fp66wW8iLyNTEqqapxcAlMR4KSAkJXulsvl8VvjFJGpV1q88mp09nBV0KoMxIITzMxQz5p2T70Vga_4I3l-87lz-Eatcz3mNz8r_oNs6wMBJN9ZYtayrQsab2hO2AA3bqIZioRtsz7/s1600/DSC_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1-Fp66wW8iLyNTEqqapxcAlMR4KSAkJXulsvl8VvjFJGpV1q88mp09nBV0KoMxIITzMxQz5p2T70Vga_4I3l-87lz-Eatcz3mNz8r_oNs6wMBJN9ZYtayrQsab2hO2AA3bqIZioRtsz7/s640/DSC_4244.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Let’s get straight down to business today – the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spooktacular business of Halloween!
Typically, I tend to ignore Halloween (in spite of running into a pop-up
costume store at every corner this time of the year!). Halloween is smack in
the middle of Dasara and Diwali festivities and I’d rather spend the one
weekend in between enjoying nature’s colorful display outdoors than switching
gears between festivities. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEIAQxQGEJizbnqrP_GMhbe5S-e5aAr8Qm-zDljlEMDkzW5iyXaSd7QkAZ3MXXjO28VBW7KUWwBq-azXqqYgxyG2AS9f-wrXPI6_mQJgDBDpw5R_ZaQnkGEOftJUdJoy4DKMP2c4qv57x/s1600/10688122_10152817297044433_7772541339116228623_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEIAQxQGEJizbnqrP_GMhbe5S-e5aAr8Qm-zDljlEMDkzW5iyXaSd7QkAZ3MXXjO28VBW7KUWwBq-azXqqYgxyG2AS9f-wrXPI6_mQJgDBDpw5R_ZaQnkGEOftJUdJoy4DKMP2c4qv57x/s640/10688122_10152817297044433_7772541339116228623_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This year, however, my maternity leave allows me a
little more time (or not?!) and I figured, I’d get into the spirit of the
season and create a photo booth with hints of Halloween for our family. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6evKdKpQhxQb61B4DZ4rTJgsF7AAGAhCUSFtNiCKhJgmI9Sl0HDphUovnL-hTYIvNvj6JpzN9wKq631MSzMiOY3c-zrVpavdt1skwiHKc25QxtUmpuz51kf7UlKCZ02TheiMfGy8Z0xZ/s1600/DSC_4239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6evKdKpQhxQb61B4DZ4rTJgsF7AAGAhCUSFtNiCKhJgmI9Sl0HDphUovnL-hTYIvNvj6JpzN9wKq631MSzMiOY3c-zrVpavdt1skwiHKc25QxtUmpuz51kf7UlKCZ02TheiMfGy8Z0xZ/s640/DSC_4239.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I took
the decorating down to our basement to amp up the creepiness! Well, the
lighting is going to pose some serious challenges for photography but I’ll let
the husband deal with that!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, here is a pretty
basic, low-key vignette in Halloween staples and autumnal hues. </i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDERC1TZB1NjO8RKrLbuiUsyKqUoP3QaJYmEc8VLJSKmuibeIXeOKyXiDoI3IzrAcwzwc9wbZSQ0gJ-H-Nq_kBWL4nrqdyCYIhYlc5hLCIiCYHUxCcIkJSgWSi7lf1VwWJ7U7PKY801lED/s1600/DSC_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDERC1TZB1NjO8RKrLbuiUsyKqUoP3QaJYmEc8VLJSKmuibeIXeOKyXiDoI3IzrAcwzwc9wbZSQ0gJ-H-Nq_kBWL4nrqdyCYIhYlc5hLCIiCYHUxCcIkJSgWSi7lf1VwWJ7U7PKY801lED/s640/DSC_4246.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ideally, I
would’ve loved to include a seasonal DIY and some handmade accessories (for
that personal touch) but something’s gotta give when you have a newborn (I
reasoned) and reluctantly settled for a scattering of store bought Halloween
props to create this simple and inexpensive vignette. </i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo1fQXh4i-1e6A9SZUGcJTKuy_SnAdUX3-MvtKxCzhLwx4AvM-89EjGtgdfosJqxDcWbE3CRcRoao8bTjnlVeE87pWxMInNzxJmGhUb8PO9CUFFW45LWbNv_3nj_rKlktzuhq3b2kGVKj/s1600/DSC_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo1fQXh4i-1e6A9SZUGcJTKuy_SnAdUX3-MvtKxCzhLwx4AvM-89EjGtgdfosJqxDcWbE3CRcRoao8bTjnlVeE87pWxMInNzxJmGhUb8PO9CUFFW45LWbNv_3nj_rKlktzuhq3b2kGVKj/s640/DSC_4252.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Now, if you are hosting a
Spooky Soiree – you could create something similar and add some Halloween-esque
glam to your candy or the buffet table. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I</span>f ghouls, goblins and eerie spiders are
not your thing, then just stick to a seasonal color palette to bring in the
Halloween flavor. Remember too, the Dollar store is a great place to shop for
seasonal décor and props without breaking the bank. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Halloween allows us to escape into a world of
imagination and BE A CHILD AGAIN and I hope you all pack plenty of fun into your décor this year!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IZRRnLhqC7cqT7JolWE-PoBNn9s1rB4pMhGH_IRYvX3rkEJETnzI0DzYL0n2AVMeDmLbh0kZ5LaXOFTWq-Gqf8gaoAKPZZHWDkH_atYLmqdJxrTmcfPkdqzRbnVVfFDt5uDUXa4jbEk9/s1600/DSC_4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IZRRnLhqC7cqT7JolWE-PoBNn9s1rB4pMhGH_IRYvX3rkEJETnzI0DzYL0n2AVMeDmLbh0kZ5LaXOFTWq-Gqf8gaoAKPZZHWDkH_atYLmqdJxrTmcfPkdqzRbnVVfFDt5uDUXa4jbEk9/s640/DSC_4263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And how about the costumes? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3or6VHHbvrcZnixIP8BJ_PzPudId5DKKqWfIJWhUyY6_BiV6JcsYG_oacsP_6bhuKtjp1EibmmiQyGjSm0ITSxu14hBIi80qisXwxZaP5k6Vug95VWkKT0iwwaWN7KA6iYymLlGr1a-L-/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3or6VHHbvrcZnixIP8BJ_PzPudId5DKKqWfIJWhUyY6_BiV6JcsYG_oacsP_6bhuKtjp1EibmmiQyGjSm0ITSxu14hBIi80qisXwxZaP5k6Vug95VWkKT0iwwaWN7KA6iYymLlGr1a-L-/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Are you brave enough to tackle a
DIY costume this Halloween? Well, my husband was and I must say I am mighty
impressed with the end result! He is a HUGE Game of Thrones fan and this Halloween;
he decided he wanted to be a Son of the Harpy – the masked insurgent rebelling
against the queen Daenerys Targaryen (for those of you not following the
popular HBO series). </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzDnWuqEV2B8DI0qBjUAjiaDqG466bw8t4juu3mvitou29BuZXvVMV9P2DQ67zA8IzR0NS34FXb1Jyhsx90tEtkK96YqqyAvmPBKOqqw0X0dMDhtmHKIoXpVtK5TOteU30Lxosm-YJbgW/s1600/IMG_2187+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzDnWuqEV2B8DI0qBjUAjiaDqG466bw8t4juu3mvitou29BuZXvVMV9P2DQ67zA8IzR0NS34FXb1Jyhsx90tEtkK96YqqyAvmPBKOqqw0X0dMDhtmHKIoXpVtK5TOteU30Lxosm-YJbgW/s640/IMG_2187+%25281%2529.JPG" width="548" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>I must confess that I had my doubts about his abilities as
a crafter and I argued that he was setting himself up for failure by taking on
the fierce golden mask with its symbolic horns. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40LD4q6UGdZg1iqA-vqceFjn9dCx3vznIB0Gts3qWPi9f2jpjTKkqO7D6q_xXNeEiXMHrEvuv7kCoYOZW47GgmwtqyAZ_119Ff1sX7Ur3BN8PBVYLGJL21hQrlS8TPgRcykP9n7HqIiqH/s1600/IMG_2200+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40LD4q6UGdZg1iqA-vqceFjn9dCx3vznIB0Gts3qWPi9f2jpjTKkqO7D6q_xXNeEiXMHrEvuv7kCoYOZW47GgmwtqyAZ_119Ff1sX7Ur3BN8PBVYLGJL21hQrlS8TPgRcykP9n7HqIiqH/s640/IMG_2200+%25281%2529.JPG" width="542" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>But I guess nothing can stand
in the way of a die-hard fan and a wannabe Westeros resident – not even the wife’s
skepticism! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf6-Pn6wehzi5i1cgQ9rGC3wYvVJWQtnU8HiTKWDuhH1-XHj8DQMavF7d2cWhEqDreH2wzYPrXHv4UVTPsTbf_vfUlT06YAdVW5PtIQYTPh252bdVGIOzd98wKJAVZt-7tmNFZ0G9Yf7N/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf6-Pn6wehzi5i1cgQ9rGC3wYvVJWQtnU8HiTKWDuhH1-XHj8DQMavF7d2cWhEqDreH2wzYPrXHv4UVTPsTbf_vfUlT06YAdVW5PtIQYTPh252bdVGIOzd98wKJAVZt-7tmNFZ0G9Yf7N/s640/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><i> His DIY
costume is the outcome of painstaking labor, single-minded focus and can-do spirit! I guess there is something to be said about the joy of making
your own costume. The whole family got to weigh in and this homemade costume was indeed a game changer for us this
year making Halloween more memorable.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_7tHyUSCADOjftEpbr2ijOvNVS9REYLqlIHQ0JbW2pnCvwf_nvyPbH-61apapaypDljsqBWd91bitu_ZNQVMtCTDQ-r6dcG_2cQUXrLTSx6-dBwRxZyZzn1vQQdhszJsl9aCUn6ZxcLx/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_7tHyUSCADOjftEpbr2ijOvNVS9REYLqlIHQ0JbW2pnCvwf_nvyPbH-61apapaypDljsqBWd91bitu_ZNQVMtCTDQ-r6dcG_2cQUXrLTSx6-dBwRxZyZzn1vQQdhszJsl9aCUn6ZxcLx/s640/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i> So, what face are you putting on this
Halloween as you step out into a dark and creepy autumn night?<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Or maybe, you want to pass up on the spookiness all together
and I wouldn’t blame you at all! You could still commemorate the season – the
colors and the crisp evenings and honor the essence of fall via decorating
your porch with nature’s bounty or taking some family portraits. Maybe your prefer to simply relax and get used to the dawdling year-end rhythm. After all,
summer is a busy time of the year for many of us and perhaps it is time to
wind down and enjoy quiet evenings in the cozy comfort of home by a warm fire!</i><o:p></o:p><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG4Bc-lNYZtrLVQmxCLRySYQSXx-kCTxNovypwxQ4CHgIHfVLXQphslmU-cxDA6XJGgMYsR3oWwprYmL_O47tpkdNqqQ7AS49zNznB87T5In47lZnDlaIY14LmdbDhusZNDMMOu_T-_zy/s1600/DSC_4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG4Bc-lNYZtrLVQmxCLRySYQSXx-kCTxNovypwxQ4CHgIHfVLXQphslmU-cxDA6XJGgMYsR3oWwprYmL_O47tpkdNqqQ7AS49zNznB87T5In47lZnDlaIY14LmdbDhusZNDMMOu_T-_zy/s640/DSC_4205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Thanks for joining us this Halloween! Next up – the Festival
of Lights and our annual Diwali edition that I am so looking forward to! Join
me then, won’t you ?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Now, let's dig through our archives for a throwback at our previous Halloween posts - <b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://aalayaminspiration.blogspot.com/2012/10/boo.html">here</a> </span></b>and <b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://aalayaminspiration.blogspot.com/2014/10/lets-get-spooked.html">here </a></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Cheers!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>~Deepa<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>p.s: All images in this post are from my home and taken by my husband and may not be used without permission.</i></div>
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Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-67056591377481130022015-10-26T08:54:00.000-07:002015-10-26T08:54:06.356-07:00Aalayam Dasara Bombe Party - the winner is.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcCVoiTvuYJ4tpy6zRa2hpskLrlr4h24f9l6U4D_a9Xp7DB8N-QIdrF3qYHQpfY9ybgT0zi-JBehxobKlUcOXb9fOau8zNbwfD7FoaJCiaAXiYTVwA0o5PLYMoNNlaGCSuCvhH_wk/s1600/Poster_Dasara+-+Winner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcCVoiTvuYJ4tpy6zRa2hpskLrlr4h24f9l6U4D_a9Xp7DB8N-QIdrF3qYHQpfY9ybgT0zi-JBehxobKlUcOXb9fOau8zNbwfD7FoaJCiaAXiYTVwA0o5PLYMoNNlaGCSuCvhH_wk/s1600/Poster_Dasara+-+Winner.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-53595646062555119902015-10-22T08:50:00.000-07:002015-10-22T08:50:13.661-07:00Namma Mane Habba!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>When I was canvassing actively for Dasara Bombe Habba pictures, my best friend from school reached out to me on Facebook and asked </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 17.8667px;">I wish I could send in something Suppi! But we don't have bombe tradition in our home. I'm itching to write something from a rather different angle but related though, just not sure...would you accept it?</span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 17.8667px;"> "</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 17.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I said "Why not?", because what is celebration, if not personalization? Adding a little bit of yourself to the ceremony, to make the tradition more meaningful, more real. I was so moved by Divya, my friend's entry, which touches your heart and takes you around the world, that I decided to dedicate a post in itself for it! </i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here goes! Listen to Divya share about "Namma Mane Habba" (The Festival in our Home!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Love, Supriya</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Many of my Dasara holidays were spent at my
grandparents' hometown, Mangaluru. It was a different bombe tradition, so to
speak, where things came alive! The absence of the traditional bombe
arrangement was made up by the 'huli vesha' - an age old traditional, regional
dance form where men paint themselves in the familiar vibrant stripes of the
tiger and dance to hypnotising drum beats. I remember watching the dancers
dancing around in circles in the open verandah or 'angala' in front of the huge
ancestral home.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Back in Bengaluru, we didn't have the tradition
of bombe arrangement. But that didn't lessen my spirits during the festivities.
We little girls would get all dolled up and visit neighbours and 'ooh' and
'aah' at every display and leave content with all the yummy treats we were
offered.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">After I married and became part of the Tam-Brahm
community, I was introduced to 'Golu'. Again, although my in laws' home does
not have the tradition of Golu, it still stayed on in the form of visiting friends
and family who followed it. The new daughter-in-law was softly urged to sing
for the divine Devi and I would go red faced, trying to recollect something
from what my mum had taught me years ago :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Now, here in Australia, we haven't started
anything new. Yet. I'm not sure if we will do an actual Golu, though the idea
tempts me. I'm sure it's a wonderful way of getting my kids excited and
interested. A beautiful concept to keep our culture alive.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">For now, I'm blessed with my little, real-life
doll, Sia, who came into our lives on the first night of Navaratri. This year,
I dressed her up!</span></span></i></span><b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></i></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Happy Navarathri,</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></i></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Love,</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Divya</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26ZtJMO52BBNBrHV8uKAjlSdqZUEFCs61TzUeELYJ_jKlXHVUx6gf1JEhkBxwCoiXjmU_loVlFBsab_j74f7fCceQfEvUQ6wkpTP9e0Nag_kk165WMjkM9YejCOOSqw4ebqi60qJEifG3/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26ZtJMO52BBNBrHV8uKAjlSdqZUEFCs61TzUeELYJ_jKlXHVUx6gf1JEhkBxwCoiXjmU_loVlFBsab_j74f7fCceQfEvUQ6wkpTP9e0Nag_kk165WMjkM9YejCOOSqw4ebqi60qJEifG3/s640/IMG_3903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
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Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-6293400707969891582015-10-21T18:38:00.000-07:002015-10-22T06:43:17.313-07:00Dasara Bombe Party - Episode 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Onward we go,
reveling in the gorgeous ethnic splendor of the pictures and stories shared by
you this Dasara. Aalayam feels truly honored to be a vehicle to bring your fond
Dasara imagery to the world! <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Welcome to the Dasara
Bombe Party – Episode 2<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6F8k-gTa8TRSZ8YgIAoGKoyoJCs97KkKwVWtryiyyVUECQc6qoEW4C5y0OD_rx_AcvO01m_yVyFLmh6xvzLopFB5-SVdUH2wn5V3BqzHcvff5RewOwW1pkNK9kVQtKxxNgqecveY/s1600/IMG_6730+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6F8k-gTa8TRSZ8YgIAoGKoyoJCs97KkKwVWtryiyyVUECQc6qoEW4C5y0OD_rx_AcvO01m_yVyFLmh6xvzLopFB5-SVdUH2wn5V3BqzHcvff5RewOwW1pkNK9kVQtKxxNgqecveY/s640/IMG_6730+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deepa Gopalarathnam - Image 1<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Deepa Gopalarathnam</span></b><b style="color: #444444;"> </b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The village in my Golu, which I would
like to call Thillaistanam, after my own in my hometown of Thanjavur, depicts
a typical morning in a village. The paddy fields are being ploughed by
oxen and saplings are being planted, a cartful of grain is ready to be
transported on a bullock cart, the vegetable seller is going about her business
of selling organic vegetables, typically grown on the small patch of land she
owns. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A family is celebrating Pongal and the Pongal is being made and offered
to Surya Bhagavan in front of their home as a thanking gesture for a great
harvest that they have been blessed with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 2 big dolls are a signature of
Tanjavur, the ' Tanjavur Thalai Aati ' bommais that are famous all around the
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJgV1WMEoAbmGKZvEp-LFFrxRK5U1PEnIQhSQpE8ph7E63ZfKg773ONxJbdmaD4JTE4Ui1js0rIYEFPDs3EiYn0qd1njoR_UFBeJCFlNA34FrJgzyXaNpj5bs6i3JiooRy1HWYzU_/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJgV1WMEoAbmGKZvEp-LFFrxRK5U1PEnIQhSQpE8ph7E63ZfKg773ONxJbdmaD4JTE4Ui1js0rIYEFPDs3EiYn0qd1njoR_UFBeJCFlNA34FrJgzyXaNpj5bs6i3JiooRy1HWYzU_/s640/IMG_8903.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhavana - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bhavana Hanchimane <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hail from Karnataka. Dasara, as you
know very well, is big in that state. It's our Nada habba. I love the
festivities associated with this festival. The dolls, the pooje, the banni
leaves ritual....., </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I, too, am in the US and festivals such as these are my
links to the good old days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My dolls/bombes are very close to my
heart as I remember who has gifted me each one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The dashavatara, for instance, was
gifted to me by my chikkamma ( younger maternal aunt), The pattadha-bombes by
my mom during my wedding, Vasudeva carrying Krishna, by a very close friend of
my mom and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I arrange these dolls, I
remember them, the day I received them. Everything. Somehow that makes me feel
that they are all a part of my festival here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My favorite one for this year is my newest addition, Nasreddin
Hodja. Remember reading about him in Tinkle?!! I picked him up on my
recent trip to Turkey. He is so adorable and so is his donkey. :) </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRVZyndHa4Sa_cTOq8ExcZMISOSAF_0zH8NVRJbojAOOYTATwxfTD_liAUyLtuWq1uHcnyMmImw9KLRCHJzSdC2Y-cEylVtejMqnSLZCr2sJnahLuMX-c2BMNsiJ7l95fTI_XbGZP/s1600/IMG_8893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRVZyndHa4Sa_cTOq8ExcZMISOSAF_0zH8NVRJbojAOOYTATwxfTD_liAUyLtuWq1uHcnyMmImw9KLRCHJzSdC2Y-cEylVtejMqnSLZCr2sJnahLuMX-c2BMNsiJ7l95fTI_XbGZP/s640/IMG_8893.JPG" width="610" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhavana - Image 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH1SzrM24Q113DTd6JdA2rjF3ex8tssyRvks2obDCPXcjRnhF8cHKMj_gpPZNdL-v8srVDsTq9vg0bnqDsEo9KwwTrwRMx9Sg4Lijp3Lm16K9y1mxulW5BhG7Rm69mcYq_LTNc_ED/s1600/bomma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH1SzrM24Q113DTd6JdA2rjF3ex8tssyRvks2obDCPXcjRnhF8cHKMj_gpPZNdL-v8srVDsTq9vg0bnqDsEo9KwwTrwRMx9Sg4Lijp3Lm16K9y1mxulW5BhG7Rm69mcYq_LTNc_ED/s640/bomma.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prasanna - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Prasanna Tummala <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Each and every
doll/statue of this display is special to me, as each one is collected by my
over the years. Living in the country away from where you were born and
raised makes it challenging to instill your cultures and traditions within
your children. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But I feel I have passed and blessed when I see my 8 year
old little girl creating her own display besides mine.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7lpIQE2BQ_kWRwSS_MPFg8CqRNgodIK6KkfmSPr4PBgeiB6gUtucMFpBwtWVz9zR7JF0zrxfk8ASN2ii0vMr2vmdkq1WBMcHciDb2PuctDPVZt3MJ0epHmuaEgeGp9cGPprf0UGm/s1600/Golu+2015+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7lpIQE2BQ_kWRwSS_MPFg8CqRNgodIK6KkfmSPr4PBgeiB6gUtucMFpBwtWVz9zR7JF0zrxfk8ASN2ii0vMr2vmdkq1WBMcHciDb2PuctDPVZt3MJ0epHmuaEgeGp9cGPprf0UGm/s640/Golu+2015+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deepa Ramakrishnan - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Deepa Ramakrishnan <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The tradition of Navarathri Golu for
me is about celebrating the 'Shakthi' within all of us.I think of it as a time
to refocus and channel my inner strength to achieve my dreams by soaking in the
positive energy that emanates from the golu. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I enjoy collecting Ganeshas and I
am constantly on the lookout for unique figurines. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy Navarathri! More
happiness to you all!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNaAftaQS3pxfl4SMWrnslKh0aDelfUP5sPRDviaeLbZfhkiD8yWe_FNyxr43v3Boh5LxbW8kcD5hzisbMht8hR94FgBVGguAJ8qwD93MajChQjRqWZqXFNk3RIxahGVUGZciHmUF/s1600/PhotoGrid_1444840656157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNaAftaQS3pxfl4SMWrnslKh0aDelfUP5sPRDviaeLbZfhkiD8yWe_FNyxr43v3Boh5LxbW8kcD5hzisbMht8hR94FgBVGguAJ8qwD93MajChQjRqWZqXFNk3RIxahGVUGZciHmUF/s640/PhotoGrid_1444840656157.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gayathri - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gayathri
Sanjay<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dusshera (Golu) is
such a creative representation of the Indian epics and also a reminder of the
colorful and rich culture we grew up with. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I'm nostalgic putting
together these pieces and being one with such ethnicity</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Gowri Vikram and Shreedevi Rao (Daughter and Mom duo)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">This is the picture
of the Saraswathi Puja done by my parents today for Navarathri, My mom stitched
the saree for her doll which is 62 years old! Her Veena is also 52 years old.</span>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD9dq36nqN_B_wNKo7pUUgKFo0UjuNcWg7bH-SStrt_BIEGJycRO9pv_B-Ac_xNd_SgQI78liA_q7-1CZpHoLbOUIgBi-db5zHxyTOCk3p8IWtIuw2-SZifpdIgoIZcEHnRJVFrTq/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbD9dq36nqN_B_wNKo7pUUgKFo0UjuNcWg7bH-SStrt_BIEGJycRO9pv_B-Ac_xNd_SgQI78liA_q7-1CZpHoLbOUIgBi-db5zHxyTOCk3p8IWtIuw2-SZifpdIgoIZcEHnRJVFrTq/s640/IMG_0822.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gowri's mom - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">I want to wish all of you a Happy Saraswathi Habba! Today, I made
my kids do the Puja in our home, here's a picture of the Goddess Saraswati, in
her resplendent glory!</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVwNtnMAxG2ENqmXJpVoVEm9dJ3p6IyDnhm0TcN2nSX3PJMqpghHUgsZicedMICoRhjgQGgpmp5V8eC5y1QBVRM7OtO-591XNV9kyCTE82WqYxtzWZIaQSPeWg4BO6XaxCGUJoFCM/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVwNtnMAxG2ENqmXJpVoVEm9dJ3p6IyDnhm0TcN2nSX3PJMqpghHUgsZicedMICoRhjgQGgpmp5V8eC5y1QBVRM7OtO-591XNV9kyCTE82WqYxtzWZIaQSPeWg4BO6XaxCGUJoFCM/s640/IMG_0821.JPG" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gowri - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">It is heartwarming to be able to partake in your festivities, to hear your sweet stories, and to share your enthusiasm! The Dasara Bombe Party was so popular this year at Aalayam, Deepa and I are planning to make this an annual tradition!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Before we go, we want to share with you some more Golu pictures, some that our readers and friends, like Sangeetha and Suchitra shared, and some from Deepa and my Bombe Habba tableaux!</span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QPJswJxSL6DLeDm0_be8uGvJ7t-5m2EHi4jXUEX21Nv98sTey_SxhLji4fKkq5dP1xoh8itAo5bJHfl6pix19mRw3gtFLge5ZjvLB8Dq-CKgx6fcMiHPSzb4fFoP6jydFJl_c0i5/s1600/Sangy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QPJswJxSL6DLeDm0_be8uGvJ7t-5m2EHi4jXUEX21Nv98sTey_SxhLji4fKkq5dP1xoh8itAo5bJHfl6pix19mRw3gtFLge5ZjvLB8Dq-CKgx6fcMiHPSzb4fFoP6jydFJl_c0i5/s640/Sangy.JPG" width="354" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangeetha - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSak3QMFZCXSuSJdC4vYDNXTNRIhD0CewoDkVUxrZH1gnnqFeSsTkTibQzRhl22xinwbLJuGgoKyw2cHgyXHDfNu3YCM4RZqRCa9FJi3g8JlfKd7_wFBUqy6qlKu8JH0nKz7Z9CYtQ/s1600/Gfriend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSak3QMFZCXSuSJdC4vYDNXTNRIhD0CewoDkVUxrZH1gnnqFeSsTkTibQzRhl22xinwbLJuGgoKyw2cHgyXHDfNu3YCM4RZqRCa9FJi3g8JlfKd7_wFBUqy6qlKu8JH0nKz7Z9CYtQ/s640/Gfriend.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suchitra - Image 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnLrcGFn-HqoaOOo6q9JmSm5gdGdLI0pFDxSpzpm_EeozmOacwHZFpPL4C2aKS1tDEhVwNCA1sRTuvYVo0IGYlkzasBlch5Y8jYJ0ULrusWxpr_z_mvn6KleHIp9RdgoldFY8otpe/s1600/Gfriend+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnLrcGFn-HqoaOOo6q9JmSm5gdGdLI0pFDxSpzpm_EeozmOacwHZFpPL4C2aKS1tDEhVwNCA1sRTuvYVo0IGYlkzasBlch5Y8jYJ0ULrusWxpr_z_mvn6KleHIp9RdgoldFY8otpe/s640/Gfriend+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suchitra - Image 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlVtUB8bDMipivIKElDGiE1_2RrYLf4c-Q1PsVLWjVSakFtRVUiByESDzxMUgTyClj97VY1Iw0lO60gNqiwe8wPP_eKjheenset3Tfm7Xybz1JB1uGF9pbE1DKSjE6a3WJ1Sn9baq/s1600/Gfriend3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlVtUB8bDMipivIKElDGiE1_2RrYLf4c-Q1PsVLWjVSakFtRVUiByESDzxMUgTyClj97VY1Iw0lO60gNqiwe8wPP_eKjheenset3Tfm7Xybz1JB1uGF9pbE1DKSjE6a3WJ1Sn9baq/s640/Gfriend3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suchitra - Image 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We feel a pang of melancholy that the Habba is drawing to a
close this year, but we will sharpen those storyboarding pencils, as we create
our "kathas" for next year to set the Bombes on the stage we create,
in our homes, with our families!</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But for now, enjoy Deepa's rendition of the </span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">musical ensemble of Kalaimani
Columbus Sisters! </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Replete
with Bombe baagina (divine offering) with her mom's scrumptious besan ladoo. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGFE4sSgqb7TBh3jk3S3PQ7alCzOBwJgY342ByMleAOOemXfeK3XquKSFTLSf65Sv8zEWrrTmsaEKgoAsrdjSVv2kwXMrqUsqg3qS1KcWAEYOgiCLwYynNXOG_OnqO1VemjfUHxrl/s1600/Deep5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGFE4sSgqb7TBh3jk3S3PQ7alCzOBwJgY342ByMleAOOemXfeK3XquKSFTLSf65Sv8zEWrrTmsaEKgoAsrdjSVv2kwXMrqUsqg3qS1KcWAEYOgiCLwYynNXOG_OnqO1VemjfUHxrl/s640/Deep5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deepa - Image 1</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And presenting too the Ashta Lakshmi congregation from Deepa's abode!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOcVzJ8rHHKiLLjLX9wh-2yoD21O1mRhnvsEduB8dcZEJSjqQbuJ-94ujK7seexLOCXlJF-6hG4Cw8rS_3LTXFFBePi4Meq01JC-fca3DZeja2NSD6J0RAugDCqSiOivfGkIyxpfR/s1600/Deep2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOcVzJ8rHHKiLLjLX9wh-2yoD21O1mRhnvsEduB8dcZEJSjqQbuJ-94ujK7seexLOCXlJF-6hG4Cw8rS_3LTXFFBePi4Meq01JC-fca3DZeja2NSD6J0RAugDCqSiOivfGkIyxpfR/s640/Deep2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deepa - Image 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32yColj34ZO5dmCiPNaBJG9o11DpFx4h37gWgl5U4HhyphenhyphenyWbJo50uh3F3xhgbbcXVEygcyDzs4uPCmxn3FxqVcaYfHOisqsw9Fr07FDvdo0Y-6_PBLImDTrDwVXsa97YFUc4s5dtKg/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32yColj34ZO5dmCiPNaBJG9o11DpFx4h37gWgl5U4HhyphenhyphenyWbJo50uh3F3xhgbbcXVEygcyDzs4uPCmxn3FxqVcaYfHOisqsw9Fr07FDvdo0Y-6_PBLImDTrDwVXsa97YFUc4s5dtKg/s640/IMG_7263.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supriya - Image 1</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally, the labor of love from my household,
this Dasara! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Ten-headed Ravana (the ten headed demon king who kidnapped the
heroine of Ramayana) take center stage in the Ramayana themed ensemble wall display!!</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What fun it was to design the Ravana masks,
shop for supplies and put our creative heads (ha ha, pun intended!) together
(all girls in the house, including my twin 6 year olds!) to bring the Ravanas
to life! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s what festivals do, they act as fertile
ground for creating memories, for fostering the sense of community and for
strengthening relationships (yes, even the tumultuous ones!) . <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy Dasara everyone! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-63148679956082927642015-10-19T15:59:00.000-07:002015-10-19T17:58:58.216-07:00Dasara Bombe Party - Episode 1!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Happy
Navaratri all!! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Here’s unfolding Episode 1 of the joyous Dasara Bombe Party!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Thank
you all for sending in your pictures and heart felt Dasara Bombe stories to
Aalayam. Your pictures and stories are making our Dasara Bombe Habba rich,
layered and textured.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>And we
are blown away by your enthusiasm, zest and passion! Your pictures and stories
are reinforcing our belief that we are doing good, to keep up the age-old, but
well-worn traditions in these modern times, to suit our convenience, and to
fuel our creative energies!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>It's
so exciting to see various affectionate renderings of the well-loved bombes,
and the stories surrounding each picture!! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Without much ado, I present to the
Aalayam family, your Bombe pictures and stories!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfNV_3nijAy3nbJFKeBjSHyR8DQLfgZoH9GAgxSDDMbbXwynVSRPO0y6tvCn9mPAZigCNYOXeZHnEiPsAi8v2AwXx6oC6VIT0x7YImtDpn3VKM9BmhhyphenhyphenlKU66V3PbFnK46tIgwGyr8Zn9/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfNV_3nijAy3nbJFKeBjSHyR8DQLfgZoH9GAgxSDDMbbXwynVSRPO0y6tvCn9mPAZigCNYOXeZHnEiPsAi8v2AwXx6oC6VIT0x7YImtDpn3VKM9BmhhyphenhyphenlKU66V3PbFnK46tIgwGyr8Zn9/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shyla Kodi - Image 1</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shyla Kodi <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Coming from
Karnataka, "Mysooru Jumboo Savari"(Dasara procession) is the first
thing that comes to my mind when I think of Navaraathri. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dasara is considered
as "Naada Habba" (state festival), which symbolizes the tradition and
rich cultural history of the state and Jumboo Savari is a glimpse of
that. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I was thrilled when I found these beautiful, hand painted dolls and
decided to display them as main theme for our first gombe habba, home away from
home.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2uAliXvnRDfsvMU2EoqiITYdQyQteQV3wMj31KfP-1ty8vVBhS8VJ-mhkGeE-I6D7B4Hn5OtIPJj2TdR0gDzxH_yG5S8YeKE67XaAAIwP0eA4WRoOt-KHjN-SvIdEhZcSwTQgCB-jJgu/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2uAliXvnRDfsvMU2EoqiITYdQyQteQV3wMj31KfP-1ty8vVBhS8VJ-mhkGeE-I6D7B4Hn5OtIPJj2TdR0gDzxH_yG5S8YeKE67XaAAIwP0eA4WRoOt-KHjN-SvIdEhZcSwTQgCB-jJgu/s640/image1.jpeg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shyla Kodi - Image 2</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Soumya Balasubramani <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Navrathri on our home is a season of abundance
- of festivity, dolls, dance and of course delicacies. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love the whole
creative process: setting up, unwrapping the dolls that have been tucked away
safely for a whole year, sharing stories about them with my son as we set up
and having friends over to share our culture with them. </span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjft6aG139cspNZ3etbyPBGb770FTcqmsASfywb4_aFPiu51JzrlBCgfD8v2EzebNDW91F73gU5chn_AxMUdmLjD9UF49Kml4DAJJIB_XEn0VILnwt12Nr7So7W3VjTDy6hTuXizVQOGBa/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjft6aG139cspNZ3etbyPBGb770FTcqmsASfywb4_aFPiu51JzrlBCgfD8v2EzebNDW91F73gU5chn_AxMUdmLjD9UF49Kml4DAJJIB_XEn0VILnwt12Nr7So7W3VjTDy6hTuXizVQOGBa/s640/1.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soumya Balasubramani - Image 1</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">We have been fortunate enough to inherit some dolls that are more than 35 years old from my husband's home as well as mine. We grew up seeing some of these dolls in our golu and it is nostalgic to be able to share them with generation next now. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrV9p_wtWWYnHU685ibX1rTVMOoi65b8D_FtVspkzUhNyN-d2T-vPnXZAvtjq5xnYtd6cc7fa5g3tjDDaximPo_s7j746xpafz4HXwUR9H6O4eChycCK2IlQP4ZlMKkXL60cnwgwbP7d9/s1600/2+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrV9p_wtWWYnHU685ibX1rTVMOoi65b8D_FtVspkzUhNyN-d2T-vPnXZAvtjq5xnYtd6cc7fa5g3tjDDaximPo_s7j746xpafz4HXwUR9H6O4eChycCK2IlQP4ZlMKkXL60cnwgwbP7d9/s640/2+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soumya Balasubramani - Image 2</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">For me it is extremely important to make children feel like they are a part of the process and this year's 'Houston' -complete with NASA, the never ending construction and the Houston zoo by my son is an attempt at that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMcsp5nauuPBYJ_8-2J3_je-NMzP33xuaLJhJi1F_1PaXbvV_UxW97gNLPZSt4KPJT_vuUtx8LwSTfxCi3zCYMulIDPecQyNI_UF88eO3eqtP5PB04M8A9-_2v4b8bH61ZyRUfZQkZVLU/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMcsp5nauuPBYJ_8-2J3_je-NMzP33xuaLJhJi1F_1PaXbvV_UxW97gNLPZSt4KPJT_vuUtx8LwSTfxCi3zCYMulIDPecQyNI_UF88eO3eqtP5PB04M8A9-_2v4b8bH61ZyRUfZQkZVLU/s640/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soumya Balasubramani - Image 3</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">Over the years we have also had friends from different parts of the world give us dolls to add to our collection and it has been wonderful to see our golu grow from Indian to global.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">Happy Navrathri to all!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPl8UpzKg9rHLhuX-7RlJvpxG6q-UnWK-gkZNaKUqKXuYlB6wGt_r_w1VliSGXNIPZMCkNghkh1Kauzm46FbU6LBHtfK68tdH4b6ODv5D0n57nKR4FxPwJNvxgS1mS6UeYyh4tIMS43t_/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPl8UpzKg9rHLhuX-7RlJvpxG6q-UnWK-gkZNaKUqKXuYlB6wGt_r_w1VliSGXNIPZMCkNghkh1Kauzm46FbU6LBHtfK68tdH4b6ODv5D0n57nKR4FxPwJNvxgS1mS6UeYyh4tIMS43t_/s640/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soumya Balasubramani - Image 4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu1Op4zlH5-a4HEeG2LTT_uB-DDl4hY0Ihzg208M5PnTNPrM8FlWOT4QJfqh1QA9xf1pm3nazwI4iRvcHuyTwoJZ2swOaeEHuxcDr8f4EnYyWN4YTaz0YUY3pK8RhcZzNMGHeYXmFQ7Lv/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu1Op4zlH5-a4HEeG2LTT_uB-DDl4hY0Ihzg208M5PnTNPrM8FlWOT4QJfqh1QA9xf1pm3nazwI4iRvcHuyTwoJZ2swOaeEHuxcDr8f4EnYyWN4YTaz0YUY3pK8RhcZzNMGHeYXmFQ7Lv/s640/IMG_0794.JPG" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gowri - Image 1</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gowri Vikram<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dasara doll festival
is celebrated during Navaratri. I want to talk about my Pattada Gombe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">These are a pair of
Rosewood dolls which I have dressed very colorfully using paper, silk and
sequence material. These dolls are always dressed in traditional attire.
Pattada Gombe depicts Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi who take the form of
King and Queen (Husband and Wife) and take part in Dasara festivities. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">These
Pattada Gombes are the main dolls , and are given special importance in Bombe
Habba. These dolls were handed over to me during my wedding by my parents to
continue with the tradition of our Bombe Habba.</span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg109Tq7kObdpSP-i27tBXMbVNylgSbStuvMM-zNrOpcu-I0s2ONOclioyIXpQ5hafcJySQYDzdGgH3SCm4swDXj1r5lI3v319CINcRiBOD6Z_byw8fBzeePBauEq66w_I5YLGdNxy0G0z/s1600/IMG_9107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg109Tq7kObdpSP-i27tBXMbVNylgSbStuvMM-zNrOpcu-I0s2ONOclioyIXpQ5hafcJySQYDzdGgH3SCm4swDXj1r5lI3v319CINcRiBOD6Z_byw8fBzeePBauEq66w_I5YLGdNxy0G0z/s640/IMG_9107.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suparna - Image 1</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Suparna Rao </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">My mother has
always loved this unique festival of Bombe Habba and this has always been a
time of fanfare, enthusiasm and fond memories for me. And over the years, while
I have always enjoyed every bit of the process, from the careful unpacking to
the loving display, I think Navaratri has taken on a whole new meaning with the
arrival of my daughter.</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br style="text-align: start;" />
<br style="text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">She has
inherited my mother's love for the dolls and together, they have spent many a
happy hour planning themes and arranging the display. It's so heartening for me
to see my mom's happiness at seeing her enthusiasm reflected in her
granddaughter's eyes.</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" />
<br style="text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">We try to
add to the collection every year. And there are some old favorites that make an
unfailing appearance. But, regardless of what dolls grace our house each year,
I am most thankful and blessed for the precious memories being made and bonds
that are being strengthened each time October rolls around.<span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr00q9Gvr-375tLT32qHOf3_j9UCxb3LOLqsB_qSzdIf0eMInvWsA3cMZjb8mW8L7TeY7x3bd4HvJ333F-OHHK7YHnzgVs1JxRsxOT5-D2T8bVieljUbuv5-IW6D5VwMyU5MsirKAo_26x/s1600/Sridevi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr00q9Gvr-375tLT32qHOf3_j9UCxb3LOLqsB_qSzdIf0eMInvWsA3cMZjb8mW8L7TeY7x3bd4HvJ333F-OHHK7YHnzgVs1JxRsxOT5-D2T8bVieljUbuv5-IW6D5VwMyU5MsirKAo_26x/s640/Sridevi.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sridevi - Image 1</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sridevi </span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy
Dasara.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A combination of Music and Yoga is the answer to a blissful life!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4Ft0-Imn6QowzauYblpA29Waeht4LdMvpAP7fBlRIsBkPKeP8d9xGkNYCBvfArMZ9E82fzaRqMk_pych-KvqS6SYW_iF01rc4s3fbYFPAR65Ru_dVsuZEceV9ORdLbQb3LTSnb2id5x1/s1600/Suman_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4Ft0-Imn6QowzauYblpA29Waeht4LdMvpAP7fBlRIsBkPKeP8d9xGkNYCBvfArMZ9E82fzaRqMk_pych-KvqS6SYW_iF01rc4s3fbYFPAR65Ru_dVsuZEceV9ORdLbQb3LTSnb2id5x1/s640/Suman_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suman - Image 1</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Suman</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This
Golu was special because it was the very 1st Golu we kept in 1998, when my kids
were 6 and 4. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The kids actually decorated the bottom 2 steps. Years later the
tradition continues with bigger and grander displays, but the 1st is always the
most special.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>Amazing right? Poignant, Picturesque and Perfect!! </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>This community Dasara celebration is not over yet! </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>Just when you thought you had the best time browsing through the images shared by the bombe aficionados around the world, you are in for more treats in the upcoming </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><b>Dasara Bombe Party - Episode 2 (this episode includes pictures from Deepa and my Bombe display!!) </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><b>Stay tuned!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><b>Love,</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><b>Supriya</b></span></span></div>
</div>
Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-7197649584968994142015-10-11T17:44:00.000-07:002015-10-13T12:24:11.991-07:00Dasara Bombe Party at Aalayam!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTnyhQLsni_Dw9f3xfeoXoUpXYVv2kqqPj9ns8REoHhag97udK5VQyqlRcuHlz7ttzaUzxe0ioVKuYFx-t7mqS043tSf8649GOrvJiHUrpFC4e3xA6dXWpdB9HVSakUp3uFXqd6AL/s1600/Poster_Dasara.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTnyhQLsni_Dw9f3xfeoXoUpXYVv2kqqPj9ns8REoHhag97udK5VQyqlRcuHlz7ttzaUzxe0ioVKuYFx-t7mqS043tSf8649GOrvJiHUrpFC4e3xA6dXWpdB9HVSakUp3uFXqd6AL/s1600/Poster_Dasara.png" /></a></div>
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Supriya and Deepahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08434550260080872718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-73207766371251142222015-10-01T10:59:00.001-07:002015-10-01T10:59:03.083-07:00An Indian Sprinkle!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalPLpUkw9GnRdT24VSpGasP9yZI1IR65_eAzdj1gv4IgOCaqNGx0NRwCUsTNlMZ1HBJP0wAoGWwVnpW3Mha7lImIvafZeoLiDWpslqfeM9XUNZ02QbEzuZMo0ePxARAVo6QmCenaQq-zb/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-539-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalPLpUkw9GnRdT24VSpGasP9yZI1IR65_eAzdj1gv4IgOCaqNGx0NRwCUsTNlMZ1HBJP0wAoGWwVnpW3Mha7lImIvafZeoLiDWpslqfeM9XUNZ02QbEzuZMo0ePxARAVo6QmCenaQq-zb/s640/babyshower_aug2015-539-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friends mother stands in for my mom and does the honors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Modern day obstetrics guides the medical model of childbirth
yet ancient traditions, intriguing rituals and cultural beliefs follow mothers-to-be
and with good intent too. Every country approaches motherhood and the arrival
of a new life uniquely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The contrasting
beliefs, taboos, rituals, the art of gifting and naming the baby across the
globe makes for an interesting read. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTLSWDjyyfA35Ly4yzIhpAAngA90ze8pkfQ1e07mvueK8qGGTDzvhqARCDdu4-5QPNS6m5rZzfLn1PT20AtJWaWZpNms7PHqcWYDbZ-bQi2Ac3xS90YZvXmcVG73SgBs1GPNzzigESPvu/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-545-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTLSWDjyyfA35Ly4yzIhpAAngA90ze8pkfQ1e07mvueK8qGGTDzvhqARCDdu4-5QPNS6m5rZzfLn1PT20AtJWaWZpNms7PHqcWYDbZ-bQi2Ac3xS90YZvXmcVG73SgBs1GPNzzigESPvu/s640/babyshower_aug2015-545-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cultural and social norms play into many
of these beliefs and yet they are all unified by a common goal – safe pregnancy
and a healthy baby.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Hello and welcome and incase you missed our previous post, I
suggest you start there. Last time, I shared our big news with you – the birth
of our little girl. In anticipation of her arrival we celebrated with two
showers this past summer and in today’s post I bring you images from the Indian
version of the baby shower or as it is known in our neck of the woods (bale
shastra). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although, Indian customs do
not necessarily call for a ceremony for 2<sup>nd</sup> births – I say don’t let
the etiquette sticklers change your plans. If you want to celebrate your
second, third or even your fourth child – I say, go for it! If an actual second
shower seems a bit excessive, you could trim the celebration and downsize to a
“Sprinkle” instead of a shower!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqmPskxTEDh_3cTI06o2V-z9Daj-X4lEdh0JvjAW-5-2R_jcGrAENQKUaknn7pyCXlI1fSnR9yQJeSvcWZ_wNP4sO28BcJ8SKENjKj02Grfx6UeGnbSK4CEkeZyJA9WMum4lRzaGwyHea/s1600/blog_aug2015-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqmPskxTEDh_3cTI06o2V-z9Daj-X4lEdh0JvjAW-5-2R_jcGrAENQKUaknn7pyCXlI1fSnR9yQJeSvcWZ_wNP4sO28BcJ8SKENjKj02Grfx6UeGnbSK4CEkeZyJA9WMum4lRzaGwyHea/s640/blog_aug2015-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supriya lovingly packages sweets and savories with other goodies in this beautifully adorned basket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Also referred to as Godh Bharai, Seemantham, Valaikaapu or
Shaad in different parts of India – this ceremony essentially celebrates
motherhood and showers mom and the unborn baby with many blessings via simple
rituals. For me, celebrating baby A’s maiden voyage with traditions as old as
the hills not only created a sense of festivity but the symbolism was a great
way to keep tradition alive and reconnect with my roots.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSIfw7OgidsD_QtqUCynwhhfeqQSIXI4f9OuEQ54ZVZcbwIBzkWqaBxCNmfQFOf-rHqeqbFYwb00sebUZFAtujNfhHsOwteFbMej3I74_vdHsNVm0BySLgG2ASaU_Sm4qAyl9opSPVlTL/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-435-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSIfw7OgidsD_QtqUCynwhhfeqQSIXI4f9OuEQ54ZVZcbwIBzkWqaBxCNmfQFOf-rHqeqbFYwb00sebUZFAtujNfhHsOwteFbMej3I74_vdHsNVm0BySLgG2ASaU_Sm4qAyl9opSPVlTL/s640/babyshower_aug2015-435-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls create an adorned space for a simple backyard Sprinkle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>While I sorely missed
the presence of my family, my dear friends once again stepped up and made sure that
everything was planned and executed to perfection. In a small, serene and
private event at home, my girl friends showered me with affection and I am
grateful for their love and support. While there are territorial variations in
the actual ritual itself, the central idea remains the same. Our Indian
sprinkle was inspired by traditional customs but tailored for a simple backyard
celebration and resonated with my own personal beliefs without being overtly ritualistic. </i><br />
<i>The girls created an adorned outdoor space for all of us to gather.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickGDnHKYbt4iKialuogB2bhTxTZ0wr8RdKu_XW4EsL9hQcMOXE8duTVYHNLr6sbjhbc9ieJHfaits4iDcwNYEUgCAu37HJ7iL0J9CiRo9Y98FyLwtqLmmdJfxlTKQ0bvD1wm6jLbrzgLb/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-444-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickGDnHKYbt4iKialuogB2bhTxTZ0wr8RdKu_XW4EsL9hQcMOXE8duTVYHNLr6sbjhbc9ieJHfaits4iDcwNYEUgCAu37HJ7iL0J9CiRo9Y98FyLwtqLmmdJfxlTKQ0bvD1wm6jLbrzgLb/s640/babyshower_aug2015-444-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haldi, Kumkum and flowers - ceremonial essentials!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i> The ideas presented here can easily be incorporated for other Indian/ethnic
celebrations especially with Dussehra and Diwali on the horizon!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iXfTBKwTJpQOgnDA7L52uOTOD4Evo2WxDsJjxPTNozryhdHwsRurHrwnIZqhxseKmIFt-tP0s4OOFifZPNQgWzQH_Q2Im2Yb879QQ-vggtmpUqYcDIkNe_WoeRw6KUAqe2CZ8uBgygE8/s1600/misc_sep2015-43-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iXfTBKwTJpQOgnDA7L52uOTOD4Evo2WxDsJjxPTNozryhdHwsRurHrwnIZqhxseKmIFt-tP0s4OOFifZPNQgWzQH_Q2Im2Yb879QQ-vggtmpUqYcDIkNe_WoeRw6KUAqe2CZ8uBgygE8/s640/misc_sep2015-43-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unquenchable pregnancy longing- bale yele oota (banana leaf meal). Thank you Ma for making it happen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>I have enjoyed sharing these celebrations with you. Giving
birth to a baby is a fiercely gratifying personal experience and I never felt
more excuberant than I did immediately after the birth of my two children (and
I know every mom feels that way) and yet for many of us the pregnancy itself
can be a difficult journey. I want to use this post as an opportunity to remind
any expectant moms among our readers to enjoy your journey and to take care of
yourself as your prepare for the arrival of your li’l one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, once the baby comes your life is
going to revolve around the baby! Have some fun during your pregnancy and
create your own beautiful memories that you can one day share with your child.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hVcgKJb3Ft0TaKs07g0y7yFj28v6eaJ9j8XtAffSskmWxkE8hkn7KGhHdmUVf2xP_M19dT9BnCr3DqLBIIMZvApaXOGTxPPTFbhRxYgY761LuXziFV2BxM4Su3G7B-sNgDRg0c_Q9sAa/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-540-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hVcgKJb3Ft0TaKs07g0y7yFj28v6eaJ9j8XtAffSskmWxkE8hkn7KGhHdmUVf2xP_M19dT9BnCr3DqLBIIMZvApaXOGTxPPTFbhRxYgY761LuXziFV2BxM4Su3G7B-sNgDRg0c_Q9sAa/s640/babyshower_aug2015-540-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Dear Aalayam family – the going has been a bit slow at
Aalayam these last few months and now you know why – we have had our hands
full. But we are now stepping into our most favorite time of the year and we
are looking forward to bringing you some great seasonal posts! Are you ready
for some fun??<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Supriya is up next with her signature Dasara post and you
don’t want to miss that!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And before I sign off, here is one final image as always!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIZv3nNNuKc7tc7S6b4IhDmLIloEm_nDyY09EJj0FB3-3n6iP3dL1DD26mepx2suAFieaG26VEkxtLD3pLKOzwrxWAVNtMiLdcGTOtez8do95wLZZOzQk-U5qRFca0HCnNbDdGV4Fn5Ce/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-436-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIZv3nNNuKc7tc7S6b4IhDmLIloEm_nDyY09EJj0FB3-3n6iP3dL1DD26mepx2suAFieaG26VEkxtLD3pLKOzwrxWAVNtMiLdcGTOtez8do95wLZZOzQk-U5qRFca0HCnNbDdGV4Fn5Ce/s640/babyshower_aug2015-436-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cheers!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>~Deepa</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437507012488839977.post-45095631925163430632015-09-18T08:13:00.000-07:002015-09-22T15:57:00.764-07:00Shabby Chic Paper Doll Baby Shower<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRiwB6Y3KsxxXRAFnYKNdmx9qjcps9p_Ix3_wiv-IWumWqT3D911Ji9FnCzchtTdSoKyIpWR6BmTiY544wXcBr_N7zF8Ed6T6sHmM5Zp9n2XNU4JkDyM2Nh8WWftnmYPDZEBCXt9CD6x5/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRiwB6Y3KsxxXRAFnYKNdmx9qjcps9p_Ix3_wiv-IWumWqT3D911Ji9FnCzchtTdSoKyIpWR6BmTiY544wXcBr_N7zF8Ed6T6sHmM5Zp9n2XNU4JkDyM2Nh8WWftnmYPDZEBCXt9CD6x5/s640/babyshower_aug2015-101.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Here is what kept me
busy this summer- prepping for a new addition to our family! For the last 9 months I have
held a secret from you and it is now time to share that little secret! We
welcomed our li’l princess into our home a few days ago and we feel truly
blessed!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoTOVdXtFKbZQJ9K89wkL3iUES7UWr5BVbLiVWyTGVV9xHp1dVMXfB7gTl3kfSX5vVbV_bCIcuiOUZ1N41twcUvlFAdeC_ulJge7lQdq_GE7q_Q49xxyRmvqEo7tKhWKGeS7W4L3rImUs/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoTOVdXtFKbZQJ9K89wkL3iUES7UWr5BVbLiVWyTGVV9xHp1dVMXfB7gTl3kfSX5vVbV_bCIcuiOUZ1N41twcUvlFAdeC_ulJge7lQdq_GE7q_Q49xxyRmvqEo7tKhWKGeS7W4L3rImUs/s640/babyshower_aug2015-12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It has been a journey of sorts doing this all over again after 12
years – that’s right! Our older one is 12!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking a second stint at parenting after a super long gap, defying
societal stereotypes in the process has been a unique experience to say the least. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sleep deprivation and diaper fiascos were a thing of the past. We were in cruise control parenting mode and now, it starts all over again! </span>My personal journey of pursuing a higher
education, a meaningful career, discovering myself and mothering
a second child close to 40 has been nothing short of an adventure - one that I have
embraced whole heartedly in spite of the struggles! I am loving every minute of
it – despite the exhaustion! Baby A has all of us wrapped around her li’l
fingers!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXGyL7mX8YoEB3uAmnwiXbuDtpjT4FHE4XugLAaHM7wgQ-Urgk0YcjNwbkfTrPKbIWCB7gMsWzl1bbwRdNy_hgN2xrFOVROY0ji7P72tSO3cO4Kvtxv0Dm6wVIy5MxReh1UsovzKuo5Wi/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXGyL7mX8YoEB3uAmnwiXbuDtpjT4FHE4XugLAaHM7wgQ-Urgk0YcjNwbkfTrPKbIWCB7gMsWzl1bbwRdNy_hgN2xrFOVROY0ji7P72tSO3cO4Kvtxv0Dm6wVIy5MxReh1UsovzKuo5Wi/s640/babyshower_aug2015-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A medley of pastels to start us off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We celebrated this
joyous event in our life with an intimate celebration this summer and I bring you images
from the baby shower in this post. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">At Aalayam, we take pride in our parties and
this one was no different! </i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgBexIwCbVxYL28cAVdagAEX_aB4pzcMzX0x16a43jkqHSuypjdN9YM7qvefrC9HsglRiPjQu4MtrAzhf1A3hxoZBUpmE7WUx3cg2WOhZutzK1oMM0RD2Nutn7_OofW5P57Gx_ojq24UK/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgBexIwCbVxYL28cAVdagAEX_aB4pzcMzX0x16a43jkqHSuypjdN9YM7qvefrC9HsglRiPjQu4MtrAzhf1A3hxoZBUpmE7WUx3cg2WOhZutzK1oMM0RD2Nutn7_OofW5P57Gx_ojq24UK/s640/babyshower_aug2015-14.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom made goody bags - shabby chic paper doll all the way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Every detail was well thought out and I hope you
enjoy this recap.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlu0Vbu-WVhW2goNB68MFOVLr__7ROW6n03okcR3yvKxTkmF_KkoZ5mg5ksUvOhymWTzwtslRrosK9dOgGH8MLwGxaWYztH1S_yN7UJpX-4XNM-GtXhx_-gxgTwX-SppZLXK7h0QdzYLx/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-40-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlu0Vbu-WVhW2goNB68MFOVLr__7ROW6n03okcR3yvKxTkmF_KkoZ5mg5ksUvOhymWTzwtslRrosK9dOgGH8MLwGxaWYztH1S_yN7UJpX-4XNM-GtXhx_-gxgTwX-SppZLXK7h0QdzYLx/s640/babyshower_aug2015-40-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am doing a two part
–to showcase both the American and Indian versions of the shower. So, join me
this week and next as I look back fondly at both the celebrations.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisUcrmSav3aIPgrKLFGAg9ZBiwHLmLV6LBqSy-lMGGcGU-0UtVaW5vj_YPa3c5GpmOFuy2_ldrcHWA2Aj4CUakQtyhOhyphenhyphenpfdjmYZlYejKwBWyvnHEyXaOtc-TwFt5Z9c7sKDou10sLSNl/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisUcrmSav3aIPgrKLFGAg9ZBiwHLmLV6LBqSy-lMGGcGU-0UtVaW5vj_YPa3c5GpmOFuy2_ldrcHWA2Aj4CUakQtyhOhyphenhyphenpfdjmYZlYejKwBWyvnHEyXaOtc-TwFt5Z9c7sKDou10sLSNl/s640/babyshower_aug2015-27.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping mommy-to-be stylish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> A big shout
out to all my girl friends that helped to put the events together and indulged
mama-to-be! </i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmLFw3GJIAu8Gnkq5ecIe-GmmfAT0XMtPGz4bSTqNtrDUF2lemc5zie2K6ck8q6PxqvNJGf7RyGWLLvO1pipCcvo5WDtybGTLpdNTZZorSp2y7Q2b7scYp5uSJWepBMxwLT89PLmh61F2/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-226-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmLFw3GJIAu8Gnkq5ecIe-GmmfAT0XMtPGz4bSTqNtrDUF2lemc5zie2K6ck8q6PxqvNJGf7RyGWLLvO1pipCcvo5WDtybGTLpdNTZZorSp2y7Q2b7scYp5uSJWepBMxwLT89PLmh61F2/s640/babyshower_aug2015-226-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These girls know how to run a show!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Supriya and a few other friends flew in to celebrate my little girl
and it meant the world to me. My girlfriends and my two boys left no stone unturned in making this event one of the best days of my pregnancy!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMXAeWNM59MfQ2LgNId063egUDcrE7sI_eiEU5aTxekKa-bhSYw_fZm_WBour0G46np4y-_MC6PtdqLS4DnD_Q671yidbWK5aqARpzOpEp5Qi2gN0Vbndn9UwPUUWIb85Pxam5D_1Kh1G/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-398-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMXAeWNM59MfQ2LgNId063egUDcrE7sI_eiEU5aTxekKa-bhSYw_fZm_WBour0G46np4y-_MC6PtdqLS4DnD_Q671yidbWK5aqARpzOpEp5Qi2gN0Vbndn9UwPUUWIb85Pxam5D_1Kh1G/s640/babyshower_aug2015-398-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Inspirations: Style me
pretty living, Kara’s party ideas, babyshowerideas4u and the hostess with the
mostess <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Desserts: Fate Cakes<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Photography: Uj<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The hosts- my dear
friends Supriya, Ruchika and Shilpa graciously indulged me and allowed me to
have my say and customize the theme and the décor. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJbTWPPonpazxq2WylG58EmwL73IMPbGYV9dIEFyyMfzfFeugDU7x6hGmCZnAHp3Uw-dX5xk-enaaZQD2_xZwLFR0ZB0QOzlxWIKiuAE2DhqjNSFyBfODEombDOOizZtgFZB4yaXqXgVH/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-51-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJbTWPPonpazxq2WylG58EmwL73IMPbGYV9dIEFyyMfzfFeugDU7x6hGmCZnAHp3Uw-dX5xk-enaaZQD2_xZwLFR0ZB0QOzlxWIKiuAE2DhqjNSFyBfODEombDOOizZtgFZB4yaXqXgVH/s640/babyshower_aug2015-51-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies and cupcakes- all dolled up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know my penchant for all things décor! I have always
enjoyed styling personal events at home. What fun it was too- trading ideas and
brainstorming with this enthusiastic team of girls to style the shower! I am
truly grateful for their time, effort and energy and for making it such a
special occasion for my entire family. I had an amazing time!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQhIghANxqpfTx5iqW0CCW48UKYXBXPvuZ8uXovD69wVEV5ZyPQkH9zncUf2QFvk1oYRreMNUY4cv9aUrFr3QTDDrkH8FUabxoWqaYKHZraIMRDNclNz0fRJOnhL719mGONHqmM4Zvb9G/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQhIghANxqpfTx5iqW0CCW48UKYXBXPvuZ8uXovD69wVEV5ZyPQkH9zncUf2QFvk1oYRreMNUY4cv9aUrFr3QTDDrkH8FUabxoWqaYKHZraIMRDNclNz0fRJOnhL719mGONHqmM4Zvb9G/s640/babyshower_aug2015-143.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game stations - let the party begin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I fell in love with
the location, the minute I saw it. The local conservatory had a great indoor-outdoor
space that was ideal to host an intimate group of friends for a summer shower.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TvjJBWrPE73fGOgiZ5kMtTMHpYXXTdX9mcqVW_oQX0JMw56dR_N9LzHHgLvBmbu9uPPM6rj5fTx7eMVOJZP-foxExTYywIxIqc4XDTNG37YTUa2ALv3WkAk6TystNKoZcUJ1XKRG0bdJ/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-368-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TvjJBWrPE73fGOgiZ5kMtTMHpYXXTdX9mcqVW_oQX0JMw56dR_N9LzHHgLvBmbu9uPPM6rj5fTx7eMVOJZP-foxExTYywIxIqc4XDTNG37YTUa2ALv3WkAk6TystNKoZcUJ1XKRG0bdJ/s640/babyshower_aug2015-368-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The event coordinators at the location worked with me patiently as we arranged
the space to fit our theme – shabby chic paper doll. </i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD5x6k_sj6EFVAC60ZrEmQ4HwRRJ0CAByTWZ5VJQigrwwzvCHrywHZof9gHMSb75c9A0zLfSb5rEOPmfgpvj9Qn70bPOHlRnLdM1nIqvVG_dRflal1srWGB-2jolAQICB_D7FIa-Re-kk/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-161-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD5x6k_sj6EFVAC60ZrEmQ4HwRRJ0CAByTWZ5VJQigrwwzvCHrywHZof9gHMSb75c9A0zLfSb5rEOPmfgpvj9Qn70bPOHlRnLdM1nIqvVG_dRflal1srWGB-2jolAQICB_D7FIa-Re-kk/s640/babyshower_aug2015-161-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and 'coz li'l girls fancy a touch of pink!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The venue enhanced the
décor with its great outdoor areas and gardens.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leading up to the event,
we had a few themes in the running – Alice in wonderland, vintage alphabet and shabby
chic paper doll. In the end, fun and feminine won and “shabby chic paper doll”
was a perfect way to welcome my sweet bebe into this world!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sYion1NpiP8HX5VHma2KrFMapg74W4uBx_z36wAtqU9wEF6iTM6xCqmWXSeSGIQZyD6STka4oLliHDa3pHpScbelgPSLZcuU1zIlHfG2FJIyV9wPVyfs9ADYPQ__z8CaaFISHDo2_YUs/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-49-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sYion1NpiP8HX5VHma2KrFMapg74W4uBx_z36wAtqU9wEF6iTM6xCqmWXSeSGIQZyD6STka4oLliHDa3pHpScbelgPSLZcuU1zIlHfG2FJIyV9wPVyfs9ADYPQ__z8CaaFISHDo2_YUs/s640/babyshower_aug2015-49-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Etsy was a great place
to find printable templates for the party and the rest came from local craft stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUjILFCRFO24RJmvYBAF_maQu0KMFNGzUMrYgn0OQtTBBtITPAKVBpWQJ6Gi4gPM3KaYDFcQC-hxTh_EZGJQB31RQGaCToujFF2DGYVKgmUafnBmmDz-gO5bruCyh90MOztHE9QU-espG/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUjILFCRFO24RJmvYBAF_maQu0KMFNGzUMrYgn0OQtTBBtITPAKVBpWQJ6Gi4gPM3KaYDFcQC-hxTh_EZGJQB31RQGaCToujFF2DGYVKgmUafnBmmDz-gO5bruCyh90MOztHE9QU-espG/s640/babyshower_aug2015-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>But mind you, not everything came from
the stores. My friend Shlipa put in tons of DIY time customizing the goody
bags, the cupcake toppers and other details. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovd934al965sq_EWwO5Z_QNP1mWJSsNGHSE6-LoyGd86D7UsKDMtBSCm6bmjd1g17BUsv3JM9qimmKuqA8tqhfSJq3EpkciTpWwARmBFhAhp9y8RlU05v378O0KDy7qZsnCHAH6EZ5y4y/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovd934al965sq_EWwO5Z_QNP1mWJSsNGHSE6-LoyGd86D7UsKDMtBSCm6bmjd1g17BUsv3JM9qimmKuqA8tqhfSJq3EpkciTpWwARmBFhAhp9y8RlU05v378O0KDy7qZsnCHAH6EZ5y4y/s640/babyshower_aug2015-24.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We layered and mixed in the
vintage paper doll elements with shabby chic décor items such as burlap, paper
doilies and birdcages for a touch of whimsy. And we topped it off by
integrating delightful fresh flowers in our color scheme. Everything had a
delicate and feminine flair- just the way I had envisioned<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kvPgFpkb1hyOOZIYxvLxhXpZZee6yidYRqgskDVp9N7iZ0KF3rdvAFt8mzvceCPUTtSiuopEOZjshrartVrzMUxCaaS2f9nion0VyFU0giec-0FNSGIF1VOlQYeqXwohsNvwOkBX6eWQ/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kvPgFpkb1hyOOZIYxvLxhXpZZee6yidYRqgskDVp9N7iZ0KF3rdvAFt8mzvceCPUTtSiuopEOZjshrartVrzMUxCaaS2f9nion0VyFU0giec-0FNSGIF1VOlQYeqXwohsNvwOkBX6eWQ/s640/babyshower_aug2015-10.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shabby chic centerpieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We intentionally mixed
in some vintage blue with shades of pink and white for a non-traditional color
scheme for a baby girl. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Supriya
pointed out we were getting away from gender stereotyping. After all, nothing
about this pregnancy thus far fit into any stereotype and we wanted the shower
to reflect that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrNP1GbvQjlDMyuboxQszDaH964FyTtfjE0t_4zHHGGLlQ2LXpnk_dZvIfY_XGreWyC89YZrfbRX54zwzVMLFQZjPUdpHq-PUaMwci9PVHXqF2gk4w53AVOk0RMF3z4z5xo6xM66FB1Eq/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrNP1GbvQjlDMyuboxQszDaH964FyTtfjE0t_4zHHGGLlQ2LXpnk_dZvIfY_XGreWyC89YZrfbRX54zwzVMLFQZjPUdpHq-PUaMwci9PVHXqF2gk4w53AVOk0RMF3z4z5xo6xM66FB1Eq/s640/babyshower_aug2015-7.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A li'l pink and a li'l blue - no gender stereotyping here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFo-VH7qtYGzkvgZcFe0ZV_lERqrgabg2EvZAUr5eG95_KxDq_-AyEeiN2sx0UUJGf5I21xuzGJZ7CSP-Lxm69LNPBKI4DuzO0UBzKzsuQhSYswCsEAQIL0ThzbG-g8W-eFG__KrcJ8Ec/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFo-VH7qtYGzkvgZcFe0ZV_lERqrgabg2EvZAUr5eG95_KxDq_-AyEeiN2sx0UUJGf5I21xuzGJZ7CSP-Lxm69LNPBKI4DuzO0UBzKzsuQhSYswCsEAQIL0ThzbG-g8W-eFG__KrcJ8Ec/s640/babyshower_aug2015-32.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The dessert table
was a fabulous display of white, pink, and blue and housed our gorgeous cake
(with the damask and ruffle detail) elegantly. Marie from Fate Cakes went all
out to create my custom doll dress cookies, cupcakes and the two-tiered cake
enabling us to put together this perfect dessert table. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzOJ0j6YhEq00vPGNOzoCSU8wgPHUvBcvCBFfNChhdzt2ZrGSfNi3DY_H7E8w3qmVVhDE22l3wL93Z5g5V6i0PnAAv2Cl_EE3yaDg52y4mXWwUtWoeQUubvntjYpsHgqLCRSh5urLjzOX/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-41-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzOJ0j6YhEq00vPGNOzoCSU8wgPHUvBcvCBFfNChhdzt2ZrGSfNi3DY_H7E8w3qmVVhDE22l3wL93Z5g5V6i0PnAAv2Cl_EE3yaDg52y4mXWwUtWoeQUubvntjYpsHgqLCRSh5urLjzOX/s640/babyshower_aug2015-41-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As an extension of the
color theme, the girls were told to dress up in pastels too! Don’t you love our
gorgeous palette?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRuXM5Di_-vFMrSWK4NFa7thoFXwGeOzartqFN868Vw6iI03oYWfPOTvGEZEwDH8wRjcuvlQ7gzvV5fwf_-rRwbSc_zvQjyk27lNar9tWmyRkDuHir_A6CPHrfTG6JJsTLfEFlw7FeiGM/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-234-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRuXM5Di_-vFMrSWK4NFa7thoFXwGeOzartqFN868Vw6iI03oYWfPOTvGEZEwDH8wRjcuvlQ7gzvV5fwf_-rRwbSc_zvQjyk27lNar9tWmyRkDuHir_A6CPHrfTG6JJsTLfEFlw7FeiGM/s640/babyshower_aug2015-234-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRMgd15TEKsRNsakNCkNZ8NszrrsH3xMzTbFV9xfYmT_cfHdiw5YZWo9wOrKjpmcVUCnKR1g6GiaYBFZ7utVnyMaEETBapJZljttezB6nbNv-BlKkZTt7AYJDbG7Fn_S-JUSSQ2liuWP9/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRMgd15TEKsRNsakNCkNZ8NszrrsH3xMzTbFV9xfYmT_cfHdiw5YZWo9wOrKjpmcVUCnKR1g6GiaYBFZ7utVnyMaEETBapJZljttezB6nbNv-BlKkZTt7AYJDbG7Fn_S-JUSSQ2liuWP9/s640/babyshower_aug2015-175.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's one with momma-to-be!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The lunch tables were
a picture of style and elegance – dressed in baby pink linen and shabby chic
décor pieces. The colors and theme flowed subtly through the space and
everything came together beautifully. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuZ8EOFUhKUbuWfzZiYsqfMWvEUvxvDeGG04H7sA8DMs1jOOcGQ7DPU9OOv-uOM2tJtLDcPrmUK1-towgGHYV9Fa_jj1Qef2BoajJonndJIZX0k0fLznMESAXkStvDi2oAFPAY07LVV1v/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-67-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuZ8EOFUhKUbuWfzZiYsqfMWvEUvxvDeGG04H7sA8DMs1jOOcGQ7DPU9OOv-uOM2tJtLDcPrmUK1-towgGHYV9Fa_jj1Qef2BoajJonndJIZX0k0fLznMESAXkStvDi2oAFPAY07LVV1v/s640/babyshower_aug2015-67-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The caterers at the conservatory did a marvelous job of cooking
the menu to perfection with fresh homegrown ingredients.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg-Rb6FWBz12P0Xsr9pmV5x9FbKH7CafamOZe2Bx-GiHTzcmkORc2ZUYDJ51Pf6-MKKghT2QDjc8j_yD7mO87qpugbbNSnM7VaTlZLQnBDclmGb0O-Yy2t4iCUVSF49SM324gNecTscaV/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg-Rb6FWBz12P0Xsr9pmV5x9FbKH7CafamOZe2Bx-GiHTzcmkORc2ZUYDJ51Pf6-MKKghT2QDjc8j_yD7mO87qpugbbNSnM7VaTlZLQnBDclmGb0O-Yy2t4iCUVSF49SM324gNecTscaV/s640/babyshower_aug2015-202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRdEGna2Ceh55glsQeG-JTgW9Lhj4tKMHPrrivU4PLapByHU3tNrYVmolIk3oQvmNvOD-cT_EzPZqfQTw0u9bWR3k-PTebGC3MREth_xgL4ND-8vqG6mufLQ7CI4mGvEwXEoZBRT9N783/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-159-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRdEGna2Ceh55glsQeG-JTgW9Lhj4tKMHPrrivU4PLapByHU3tNrYVmolIk3oQvmNvOD-cT_EzPZqfQTw0u9bWR3k-PTebGC3MREth_xgL4ND-8vqG6mufLQ7CI4mGvEwXEoZBRT9N783/s640/babyshower_aug2015-159-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We played up the
festivities with lively music and lots of fun games. Thanks again to my
gorgeous hosts for thinking through every detail. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9j4ixVXMtf7oFBrGwBFJYoY_Ou-BAnSOxbTHuzpXzPWApWaGurD6mXkdPCpm9TE06bhLuLKAJAo8m9-xhOZ7TYpoS75k1gYSvxeq2hhSu0XqWZnLMU2nT2xCENZ09iXKOg3AgkBwYR66/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9j4ixVXMtf7oFBrGwBFJYoY_Ou-BAnSOxbTHuzpXzPWApWaGurD6mXkdPCpm9TE06bhLuLKAJAo8m9-xhOZ7TYpoS75k1gYSvxeq2hhSu0XqWZnLMU2nT2xCENZ09iXKOg3AgkBwYR66/s640/babyshower_aug2015-311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The rustic outdoor tables and
the string of globe lights was the perfect blank canvas to host the games- cake
boss (where teams were asked to make diaper cakes), pin the pacifier on the
paper doll, guess the number of baby items and drink from a baby bottle were
some of the games that amped up the fun factor that afternoon.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz3k9QTpbLVF5x1d8N8qk-r1lB23j7I3u4tyr9ChSqwdmkmuGMxfLFl8aY_gQDjHoS8lBftWEdBOe1-_SEJPK0owEGuzs2MglTwt_Pe77P-zAvGe3nixr2sxcb0lfqMJvTrkOFS126cPQ/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz3k9QTpbLVF5x1d8N8qk-r1lB23j7I3u4tyr9ChSqwdmkmuGMxfLFl8aY_gQDjHoS8lBftWEdBOe1-_SEJPK0owEGuzs2MglTwt_Pe77P-zAvGe3nixr2sxcb0lfqMJvTrkOFS126cPQ/s640/babyshower_aug2015-154.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As I look through the
guest book now, I am nostalgically reminded of how much I loved that afternoon. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw8Ue9cXNBLBblEil_7KXwn1FH_jPGzhrIxl0IXT41lOvOuhIflcJkzK-i8XFezBPdOM8YVOGAnRmCypLTmAU-c-BP3GBuFSl5BuM6QYGb8Xna3V17aMOhVuJ9oCGAh1wV36QHcsfRR3u/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw8Ue9cXNBLBblEil_7KXwn1FH_jPGzhrIxl0IXT41lOvOuhIflcJkzK-i8XFezBPdOM8YVOGAnRmCypLTmAU-c-BP3GBuFSl5BuM6QYGb8Xna3V17aMOhVuJ9oCGAh1wV36QHcsfRR3u/s640/babyshower_aug2015-128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I cannot wait to share these pictures with my little girl one day! In the meanwhile,
I am sharing it with you – my dear Aalayam family.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FDASq73RwweJR_8Iru96VgJYbjcrgl2HcutaZAhnH0B4tK3kiWurgIFfoHQwfaQlFk_JThQG6lEzl5OFQK7mBz8Efb8aGbX4U-iYJxiu48HSJ2Mh2KR_ESPWGFBVODTzZV5LZcj6H7Ga/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-118-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FDASq73RwweJR_8Iru96VgJYbjcrgl2HcutaZAhnH0B4tK3kiWurgIFfoHQwfaQlFk_JThQG6lEzl5OFQK7mBz8Efb8aGbX4U-iYJxiu48HSJ2Mh2KR_ESPWGFBVODTzZV5LZcj6H7Ga/s640/babyshower_aug2015-118-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Next up, the Indian
equivalent of a baby shower or bale shastra (bangle ceremony). Join me again in a few days as we take a look at the symbolism and visual splendor of the Indian
ceremony and as always, I will sign off for now with one more image of this dreamy dessert table !</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EFjxyHWccQ6m7vdSf7ySGz9RGdqoHxGnxqSXv9djF8jL2OLvQcVWd8dz8Fva82haC5g_YET5i9liWEg-DCohL6aRwaSXtaj3oG1RtkF8m_60ob5_iEQcFHaORaI3LmyIG02TafNF9NaY/s1600/babyshower_aug2015-232-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EFjxyHWccQ6m7vdSf7ySGz9RGdqoHxGnxqSXv9djF8jL2OLvQcVWd8dz8Fva82haC5g_YET5i9liWEg-DCohL6aRwaSXtaj3oG1RtkF8m_60ob5_iEQcFHaORaI3LmyIG02TafNF9NaY/s640/babyshower_aug2015-232-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> Cheers!</o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p>~Deepa</o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p>p.s: All images in this post were shot by my husband and may not be reproduced without permission!</o:p></i></div>
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Aalayam Inspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605244735505241009noreply@blogger.com15