Material Girl Loves the Material World

The Descendants

2012-02-01T21:17:00.001+05:30

I have been hankering to go watch a movie in the theatre since it has been more than 3 months now since i watched one; incredibly long for someone who can watch 3 movies back-to-back jumping from one screen to the next without a breather.

I chose the Descendants to break this movie-drought. It was also catching up time with Divya Dinker, (remember she was one of my guest bloggers when i was away meditating). I had met DD almost a year ago (after several years) and we spoke about meeting again and that obviously did not happen. Till of course, we planned on a lunch and movie and met today.

The movie: It's a comic-tragic look at what happens when a family comes face-to-face with tragedy / crisis. George Clooney plays a rich Hawaiian man who is always busy making money, when suddenly his wife meets with an accident and he has to take care of his daughters and also come to terms with his wife's affair with another married man.

A sad story if you look at the plot, but the way it is dealt makes it a hopeful film. So even though, there is a woman dying, there is always something that will make you smile, or feel good, even when you are feeling sad (i know that really makes no sense but you will probably understand when you watch the Descendants.)

Of course Mr. Clooney looks handsome even when he is looking old or sad or unhappy or angry. And then there is the beauty of Hawaii that is captured, not in a dramatic fashion, but in that subtle manner where it never ever over powers the characters of the film, but just adds to the charm of it.

PS: We are scheduled to go watch a late-night show of Agneepath / Agonypath... more on that tomorrow.

Vivanta by Taj

2012-01-31T11:10:00.000+05:30

I had gone to Viva, the coffee shop at Vivanta by Taj with a bunch of friends before it was officially open and loved the place - the menu is interesting, the food presentation gorgeous, and the lobby music / interiors fresh and refreshing.

We weren't too hungry and we ordered very little but all of it was superb. I went in for the dessert platter from the buffet which was sumptuous (and quite a bargain for Rs 250 + taxes). We also ordered some potato starter whose name i have forgotten that was sexy-yummy. The boys vouched that the kheema-khichdi was fab too.

So do go try it soon when they are new and working hard to please!

{Pic from the VbT site. If you'd like to go you can find more information on VbT here.}

A surprise concert - Prem Joshua

2012-01-31T11:03:00.002+05:30

I first came across Prem Joshua's music when i purchased a CD from the flea market on my Goa trip with Yamini (yes, the same guest blogger who writes even shorter posts than i do). The collection was called Shiva Moon and it was love at first sound.

So yesterday, when J, my dearest friend, called to ask me if i wanted to go to the Vivanta by Taj opening, i ~~politely~~ declined. When he told me Prem Joshua and ensemble were going to be performing, the no became an yes immediately. How could i miss this since i totally love fusion music.

The glitterati donned in their sparkly shiny clothes and flashy jewels (read: seriously over-dressed) were busy hob-nobbing, air kissing and generally making sure they were being seen and heard. The concert was exquisite, even though there was no seating and you had to stand to listen, and really there were only a handful of us who were really there for the performance. (I think at one point i even said, that this is like a wedding orchestra, who are there just to provide the background score. Sad really that we treat artists with such disdain.)

I had gone in knowing i'd feel seriously out of place but strangely i dint feel all that uncomfortable. Maybe it was the effect of the scotch or maybe it was the music, but i surely did have a grand time.

If you'd like to listen to Prem Joshua, here's something to get you started - Monsoon Journey and Flight of the Swan.

Please accept my sincere apology Prem Joshua and ensemble. There are some of us who don't yet know how to behave in concerts. This time of course, the setting contributed largely to our behaving like we did.

Movies i missed and want to see..

2012-01-30T12:20:00.000+05:30

Rajneeti
Aisha
Guzaarish
Rockstar
The Dirty Picture
Sherlock Holmes 2

Anyone have a DVD they don't mind lending? Of course, i will take care, and return in the same condition. Promise.

I heart potatoes

2012-01-30T12:17:00.000+05:30

Who doesn't love potatoes?

You can boil, fry potatoes, roast them, grill them, bake them, burn them even and they will still forgive you, and taste divine.

And when you patiently use a cookie-cutter and cut them in heart-shaped bits, then it would make a lovely tiffin-box treat for your loved one. (Valentine's Day celebrators anyone?)

Makes me think now why didn't i think of this?

{found on a really delicious blog - Haniela's food and photography}

PS: I know one person, just one, who doesn't like potatoes. Silly girl!

Hello!

2012-01-30T12:04:00.001+05:30

Good Morning! I know it's almost afternoon... but hey! i don't really start my days early ever... not even when i am working... unless it's something i can't avoid.

So how do you start your Mondays? With moans and groans, suffering from a bad case of the blues?

And how was your weekend? I had gone to Bidar with a friend with who i had never travelled with before. But it was like we had known each other forever.

Pics and the story later (Later is like my new favorite word, don't you think? But since I have to rush now, i really have no choice!)

Meanwhile, here's wishing you a fun-filled adventure-filled week.

Have a good one!

Lo chali main

2012-01-27T08:30:00.002+05:30

I am off to Bidar on a road trip today and will be back tomorrow. Bidar has a fort and is home to the artists who create Bidri work.

I have been looking forward to go there since quite some time now and hope that it is all that i think it will be. Wish me luck :D

Craft + History - what more could this Material Girl want?

{Bidri plates from here. More on Bidri art here. And Bidar tourism here}

Tee to tote

2012-01-27T08:30:00.001+05:30

Hey there! You can make these if you have a sewing machine. You could use a tank top / spaghetti strap / sleeveless top that you dont wear anymore (rather than let it just eat valuable wardrobe space)

Isn't this a lovely idea? I don't (yet) have a sewing machine but i know someone who does so i am going to try making them soon... will you too?

{find the how-to here on CraftNest}

Skinny denims

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000+05:30

I have just one pair of jeans. Ok, that's not really true. I wear only one of the several pairs i own. The rest just languish in the wardrobe and eat up valuable space.
(Am i the only one who does this?)

So this one pair that i had been wearing / abusing were in a pretty dismal state and i needed at least one more that i love. Yamini needed to get a pair too. The pair of us headed to Levi's to try out their CurveId fit. And we were impressed.
(Go try! CurveId rocks. Or would you like to recommend something nicer to me?)

We both needed to get a size smaller than what we usually wear (what we usually wear is actually a size larger, perfect on the hips but loose on the waist).
(Do you face a similar problem with your chosen brand of denims as well?)

While Yamini chose boot cuts, i chose skinny. I don't know what she got, but i needed Bold curve.
(i am loving the way it looks on me, making me look slimmer! Yay!! *GRIN* And yes, my denims look exactly like the one in the pic above!!)
(What style do you wear mostly - follow fashion trends and wear what's fashionable or do you have a specific jean fit that you almost always get?)

{Image courtesy}

PS: The best part of the shopping was that i did not have to pay anything! Thankies Yamu... I will think of you as often as i wear them which i know will be very often!

PPS: If you live in Hyderabad, then you must head to the Levi's store in Secunderabad, near Shopper's Stop. The girl there is extremely patient and super-helpful.

And Google doodles again

2012-01-26T12:13:00.001+05:30

Love this Google doodle that they have done to mark our 63rd Republic Day.

I got lazy and missed the Republic Day parade even though i wanted to... did you get to watch it?

{More google doodles}

PS: The other A's cousin marched in the RD parade years ago when he was younger. Apparently, if you work for the Government of India, you get brownie points if you have participated in the RDay extravaganza at Delhi.

Illustration Love 3: Alphaville

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000+05:30

How amazing is this illustration of the alphabet by Gwenola Carere?

{This and more gorgeous illustrations on ShelleysDavies}

PS: Have you also heard a lot of people use the word Alphabets incorrectly. They don't realize that it is either the letters of the Alphabet or the Alphabets of different languages.

Imany

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000+05:30

Imany was recommended by a friend recently and when i heard her, i fell in love with her songs and the music. The first song i heard was called Slow Down and reminded me of Tracy Chapman (Fast Car, i can listen to on loop and it's ironic isn't it that Imany's Slow Down reminded me of Tracy!)

PS: She is one gorgeously pretty babe, don't you think? Find more pics here.

Booted

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000+05:30

I never ever ever ever thought i'd wear these some day. But i did. That too these, which were knee length and had heels (and lent by Sangeeta, the friend from fashion school i met on my trip to Delhi).

What do you think of my boots? Do i 'rock it', as they say or not?

PS: The bag is from Westside and my current favorite. I dilly-dallied and didn't pick them up for the longest time and finally gave into the temptation. The best part is it can also hold my laptop.

PPS: Did you notice my eyes. Oh, you can't. Coz they are covered. By my new yellow Ray Ban aviators :D

PPPS: I got boots for myself too (picture coming up soon). And i was almost strip-searched at the airport. Take off boots and jacket, mam, i was told!

Bookmark this quick

2012-01-24T18:27:00.002+05:30

Ok, how adorable is this page corner monster bookmark?

{If you want to make these, you can find the instructions here. And also find instruction to make paper pillow gift boxes.}

To old friends and Facebook

2012-01-24T13:13:00.000+05:30

Between last week and now, i have travelled from Bikaner to Delhi, spent two days catching up with old friends from fashion school after umm, fourteen years (doesn't that make me sound really old?), travelled back home (which was even cleaner than when i left, more than 9 weeks ago; umm, yes, wayyy cleaner) spent a weekend in a resort to celebrate Sunny Side Up turning five (more on that later) and getting my hair cut and a tattoo (more on that later as well).

Phew!

I will be back with more later today (or tomorrow) but i did want to come and say hello.

So hello. Hope everything's great at your end. Have a lovely week.

X0X0
Binki (That's one more of my nicknames. Did i tell you i have many many?)

PS: From L to R - Sandeep Mahajan, Sangeeta Singh, Me (in killer knee high boots that you can't see but i wanted to say it, and yes, more on that later) and Amit Khare (Sangu's darling hubby).

PPS: Sandeep, Sangeeta and i studied together, but got busy with life and lost touch with each other. FB helped me find them. So Thank You Facebook. No matter what people say, i will always be grateful to you for helping me find them.

PPPS: I also met another friend - Pratima, who dished up yummy Andhra food that SS and i were both just dying to eat. And yes, more on that later.

Just add some sunshine

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000+05:30

Wherever you, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

And be happy always. Have a lovely, sunshiney, gorgeous weekend.

XOXO
Material Girl

And so we end the Sunny week. Accept my apologies, if you think i went overboard with all this yellow.

{from}

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2012-01-20T08:30:00.000+05:30

This is one of the most hauntingly lovely movies i have seen. The entire movie is almost dark, kinda surreal, but very beautiful.

It reminds us how love is, with its warts and wrinkles and pains - nothing is ever perfect and we must learn to accept life and love as it is.

If you haven't watched it yet, you must do so. Soon, before you forget.

When life gives you lemons

2012-01-19T08:30:00.001+05:30

When life gives you lemons... you are in for a yummy meal. Oh yes, i like it sour... :D

I squeeze a lime wedge over any savory curry / dish / vegetable that is unpalatable or palatable and immediately, i can easily eat double the quantity.

What's your favorite food flavor?

{lime picture from Pinterest}

PS: There's, quite appropriately, a lime tree growing in the SunnySideUp office premises. Yielding tons of lemons. Give me a buzz if you want some.

Illustration love 2: Jason Munn

2012-01-19T08:30:00.000+05:30

This illustration would be perfect for a study.

{Jason Munn on BaubauHaus. Find loads and loads of fabulous illustrations on BBH.}

A bento lunch

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000+05:30

This sunny sandwich looks cute, doesn't it? It's part of something that Japanese women spend a lot of time and effort in preparing for their husbands and children - obento / bento

A bento is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal that consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables imaginatively and creatively packed in a box.

If you want to know more about Bento, then read it on Wikipedia.

If you want to see more interesting and creative Bentos, then you can go here.

{photo via}

Wise Mr. Whitman

2012-01-17T09:00:00.001+05:30

Keep your face towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.

Must remember. Must do.

:D

{found on Apartment 34}

Mr. Sun Cupcake / How do you present food?

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000+05:30

I don't know how people find the time, energy and patience to get so creative with food. By the time i am finished cooking, i just have time enough to sprinkle some coriander and that's the most i can manage. I do a little bit more when i bake but again my knowledge / skill is extremely limited...

What about you? How creative do you get with your garnish?

{image from Betty Crocker}

Shabby chic?

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000+05:30

There is something about this room i am totally loving - wrinkles and all. Maybe it's the painting. Maybe not. What i love most that it looks lived in and totally comfortable.

{found on Apartment Therapy}

When you plan on having a whale of a time

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000+05:30

When you plan on having a whale of a time... you need lots of tissues handy.

{Whale tissue holder available in other colors as well. But why would you buy anything but sunny yellow?}

PS: SunnySideUp turned 5 yesterday. I am celebrating with yellow. You will find something sunny here. All this week.

Sunshiney Macarons

2012-01-15T20:00:00.000+05:30

I have yet to find a recipe for macarons that does not need eggs. Please do share if you find one.

Of course, the macarons have to be yellow.

{pic courtesy}

Little Miss Sunshine

2012-01-15T17:00:00.001+05:30

A close look at an American family that's slightly dysfunctional. Go watch. It's entertaining.

Daisies are so sunny

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000+05:30

Here is one way to choose the colors when you want to do up a room. Find a picture whose colors you really like, break it down, and there you are... the colors that will all work to make a room look and feel fresh and sunshiney and bright and pretty.

The easier way

{The easier / smarter way would be to go visit design-seeds and find a photo collage you like.}

PS: For all those looking for design or color inspiration, Design-seeds is a must visit.

Double yolked decor

2012-01-15T15:00:00.000+05:30

This is silly, but it kind of goes with the Sunny Side Up theme i am doing today so please just bear with me.

Happy Birthday, Sunny Side Up

{via}

Sunny or silly

2012-01-15T14:00:00.000+05:30

Do you think you can work this look? I definitely can't.

You are my sunshine

2012-01-15T13:00:00.000+05:30

Sweet sweet song. Don't you ~~like~~ love old numbers?

Yellow boots, can you imagine?

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000+05:30

Yes, they rock. And ok, there are not really yellow. More like mustard. But they rock. And mustard is a shade of yellow...

{Aldourie fling booties from Anthropologie}

Embroidered sunshine

2012-01-15T11:00:00.000+05:30

I remember when i was in fashion school, we had to learn to embroider. i hated the embroidery classes. It was slow and painstaking and you had to be extremely patient - which i most definitely was not.

So when i found this, i had to post it. It's so freaking gorgeous. I cannot imagine the number of laborious hours the person must have taken to create this work of art.

{via}

PS: Can you embroider? My friend / guest blogger Yamini knits and Aru, she knits and crochets. And Bila, she is a closet Martha Stewart.

PPS: Can you see the crocheted sun shining? After all, Sunny Side Up turned 5 today...

Yellow Lovebirds

2012-01-15T10:00:00.000+05:30

How about you find a nice illustration of a couple or birds and gift that to a newly-wed couple, rather than the ghisa-pita clock, bedsheet, or mixer?

{On Suzy's etsy shop for $20}

How you can rock a yellow cardigan

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000+05:30

Team it with neutrals obviously :D

Of course, the yellow is really strong and most of the people i know would totally hate it, but me, ahem, i am totally loving it.

{the olmeto cardigan on toryburch for $175}

The Sunny Side Up of Life

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000+05:30

5 years ago
5 people came together
(4 actually, 1 came in a little later)

Fire in their bellies
Smile on their faces
(And a little bit of fear too)

The 4 worked long hours
And many many nights too
(While the 5th, just watched from the sidelines)

It was tough to break in
The timing was all wrong
(But not for a moment did we think or say it)

5 years now, Sunny Side Up has grown
There are 15 of us now, or maybe more
(And all set to shine brighter and sunnier)

Happy Birthday, Sunny Side Up :D

Yellow!

2012-01-14T11:57:00.001+05:30

I hope you are out flying kites and not sitting in front of the computer like i am :D

But if you are reading this, then i just wanted to tell you to come visit the Material World tomorrow. Normally, i don't post anything on Sundays, but tomorrow, tomorrow is a very special day and there are a lot of posts coming up that i ~~am sure~~ hope you will enjoy.

And then i am planning to take a week-long blogging break. So, if you'd like to guest blog in the coming week - this blog is all yours.

Have a fun Sunday!

PS: Or this blog is going to be lonely. Send me an email to ambicasrimal@gmail.com for your guest posts.

PPS: Anil, your post is coming up this week!

Happy to you, from me

2012-01-14T08:30:00.000+05:30

Happy Pongal / Sankranthi / Lohri / Bihu.

Cheers to the first festival of the year that celebrates the harvest.

Here's to good things, always.

XOXO

PS: This is Basava, who i got on our Coorg trip from Chennapatna.

UPDATE: If you are looking to make the festival food but don't know how... Aru has just posted Pongal recipes.

What can you do with Silica Gel?

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000+05:30

Lots, apparently. This humble sachet that you find in almost everything you buy - jackets, electronics, shoes has so many uses that after you read this, you won't toss it into the bin like you usually do.

{pic borrowed from popular mechanics where u will find what you can do with Silica Gel}

PS: Keep the sachets away from little ones - the two legged and the four-legged, both.

Shooting the moon

2012-01-13T09:00:00.001+05:30

I haven't been able to take a good shot of the moon yet. The other day, on the Lunar Eclipse, i tried and failed miserably. There are some people however, who shoot the moon and do it well. Take, for instance, Laurent Laveder, a french photographer who shot these pics of the moon. Aint it lovely?

Find his portfolio here and more moon shots here

Illustration love

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000+05:30

Quirky and sweet. Simple and beautiful. This would make such a delightful gift, don't ya think?

{find more on studiotuesday's etsy shop. }

ps: if there was one thing i wish i could do, it would be to be able to illustrate.

pps: am i sharing more about me than you'd care to know?

The font wars

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000+05:30

Love this, do you?

{on etsy}

How to wish your wife on your wedding anniversary

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000+05:30

Crazed Ad Man whose videos i posted last evening, made this to wish his wife. If you think, you are the most patient person on earth, you thought wrong, obviously.

There is nothing quite like a real book

2012-01-11T20:14:00.000+05:30

If you think this is insane

Then what will you say to this

PS: This is all over the Internet but i loved it so much, i had to post it. Just in case, you haven't seen it yet.

Dikhayi de yun

2012-01-11T14:56:00.001+05:30

Have been listening to a lot of soulful ghazals since yesterday. Missing home just a little bit and feeling a little blue. Maybe i should change my playlist...

Fossil Henley Slippers

2012-01-11T14:45:00.003+05:30

Something to keep your feet warm in - Henley slippers from Fossil for $18. Total cuteness.

I love the simple design with just the little bit of the viridian green of the lace.

{buy here}

PS: Don't ask me why i was browsing through the Fossil web store.

Tumbling about

2012-01-10T13:16:00.002+05:30

So i stopped the 365 day blog coz i just couldn't keep up. But i started posting some of the pics i clicked on Tumblr.

I am still trying to figure out a lot of stuff including a nice theme and all (this one that i am using is quite decent but you can't make out that you have to click the blue > to see older pics... )

Any help / suggestions are welcome.

Do see and say. (You will have to come and say it here coz there i still need to figure out disqus to allow comments.)

Design interpreted

2012-01-10T13:07:00.002+05:30

Agree / disagree?

{found}

When i miss Happy Singh...

2012-01-10T12:56:00.000+05:30

... and i can't find stray dogs around to play with, i pet camels.

Have a playful day, you all!

The fire dance at the Ladhera Camel Festival

2012-01-10T12:52:00.003+05:30

Last evening i travelled 60 kms to Ladhera, a small village that is hosting the camel festival. There were camel races, traditional games, camel decoration competitions, and some other activities lined up. I, as usual, started late and reached late and missed almost everything except the cultural program that was also about to end. However, i still came back happy.

Here's why:

I got to catch the most amazing dance performance i have seen to date. The Jasnathi men of Bikaner perform the fire dance. The mood was sombre, quite unlike anything i have seen in Rajasthani culture before. A fire is lit on a stage with charcoal and wood. Men attired in white dhoti-kurta and yellow turbans walk / dance around the fire to a strangely sombre music of cymbals. They jump, clap and suddenly one of them will walk on to the fire and stand on it or sit on it. Not just for a split second either. They will also reverentially walk up to another seated man who will give them a glowing ember that they will eat and then spew embers out of their mouth. The men appear to be in a trance-like state through out. Finally, they kick the fire around and the dance ends.

Phew! Very strange and totally worth a 120 km drive. Of course, we also played on the sand, kicking and throwing it around like 6-year olds. And also took a ride on a camel cart that was super fun. And would up with a dinner at a Dhaba.

(That's the 4 of us who went to LCF - Mohit, Prerna, Pooja and Me)

Ruh kamzor si hai

2012-01-09T11:15:00.000+05:30

दिन के उजालों को ढूंडती,
शाम की हवाओं को चीरती,
आज मेरी रूह ज़रा कमज़ोर सी है!

A friend rediscovered her love for writing. After reading this beautiful poem on her blog i wanted to share it with y'all...

{Read the entire poem here on Yamini's blog Random Sufi.}

PS: This one's a different Yamini, not the guest blogger you all met. And the photo here, i clicked this on my trip to Machilipatnam. Have a lovely sunshine-y day dearies!

I need an Ikea

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000+05:30

I always want a zillion things from Ikea. On our last trip to an Ikea city, i made sure i went to the Ikea store there and spent a few happy hours browsing and looking at all the beautiful products and displays.

Raam is off to Dubai and though i'd love to give him a list that is a kilometre long of the things i want form Ikea, i am going to exercise restraint.

Meanwhile, do tell me what you think of this hot pink 3-seater modular sofa? Too much?

Oh, if you are looking to get yourself a sofa, go look at the Ikea catalog for ideas / inspiration (and wonder why you can't just go buy; so much easier and cheaper that getting it made!)

PS: Aru, am thinking of you and the hunt for the sofa while i am writing this. An Ikea here would have made our life so much simpler, don't you think?

PPS: I haven't told you already, have i, that i think Ikea is totally fabulous.

Tie a knot

2012-01-09T08:30:00.001+05:30

Whenever there's a wedding in our family, there's one person in demand - the one who knows how to wear a tie. All the men wait impatiently for their turn and this one person goes all nuts trying to help everyone. Hopefully, i should now be able to help the poor hapless person who knows how to tie the perfect knot.

{found on Lauren Conrad's blog}

Would you like to build a terrarium?

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000+05:30

With all the space-constraints we have, living in little boxes, terrariums are the perfect way to bring in green into our homes. Learn to make them here.

{photo via Brittany and Dylan's clean slate}

PS: The place where i have been staying since the last 5 weeks is big and open with green grass and blue skies. There are some foggy mornings, late sunrises and cold, windy evenings and then there is the constant sound of birds singing followed the chirping of crickets in the evening. It's always pretty spectacular here in Nal during the winter and when i return home, i will definitely miss the gentle, peaceful life of Kushlayatan.

Sherlock Holmes: A games of shadows

2012-01-07T13:59:00.002+05:30

*Sigh*

My dear darling friends: this is what i want for my birthday. A date with the man. Or the next best: a girlie date where we go watch A Game of Shadows and i can drool.

*Sigh*

{more RDJr here}

Pinkie monsters

2012-01-07T08:30:00.000+05:30

You must go meet the absolutely adorable pinkie monsters that my friend Somak has created. He is the Creative Director at Sunny Side Up and a total genius - he paints, writes, is a brilliant photographer, plays the guitar, sings, and also plays with clay.

In his words, Pinkie Monsters are pink magic finger puppets that keep real monsters in your cupboard away from your bed at night. Research shows, no kids wearing Pinkie Monsters (or sleeping with one under the pillow) were ever eaten alive by a real cupboard monster!

{more Pinkie monsters here. They just made my day. Go make yours now.}

Hula hoop and fairy lights

2012-01-06T20:17:00.000+05:30

What a fine idea for outdoor lighting. Apparently, you find a hula hoop, spray paint it, attach 2 strings of icicle lights with duct tape, plug it in and you are all set.

{I found it on Pinterest. Where else!}

Cake decoration made easy

2012-01-06T19:25:00.000+05:30

If you like me don't know how to ice, you could try this with Malteasers to make a gorgeous, beady looking cake. Am so waiting to get back home and try this.

{found on TinyWhiteDaisies}

PS: I cut my first birthday cake for this year yesterday :D

PPS: Malteasers are yummy. One of my fav but sadly, only available in Duty Free.

Everyone's a genius

2012-01-04T08:30:00.001+05:30

Was sitting there thinking the other day that parents should stop comparing their children, their achievements, capabilities and talents to other children's achievements, capabilities and talents and then i found this.

Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

Wouldn't the world would be a much better / happier / peaceful place if the 'be better that everyone else' mindset is replaced by 'keep getting better at what you do'.

{found on Haus Design}

Style Goddess - Sarah Jessica Parker

2012-01-04T08:30:00.000+05:30

What is it about this lady's style that gets me? I can't put a finger to it but i loved every outfit she wore on Sex in the City. Every time i'd think i kind of figured her style she'd don something totally different and i'd be like - wow, this is so Carrie (and also, wow, i want this for me).

I came across this on Pinterest and couldn't resist posting it because here she is - wearing pearls with a casual tee, and totally rocking it.

You agree, don't you?

PS: Have you watched Sex and the City? I was so addicted to it that for a few days i barely slept - watching episodes on DVD back to back.

A tattoo on the shoulder maybe?

2012-01-03T12:29:00.002+05:30

M'aimer pour qui je suis (love me for who i am)

I have procrastinated getting my second tattoo since quite some time now. One of the things i am going to gift myself is a new tattoo this year. Am seriously considering one on the shoulder like this one.

But then there are these that i love as well... do look and tell me what you think.

{tattoo found on pinterest}

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T11:44:00.000+05:30

Here's to new beginnings, new journeys, and lots of exciting times ahead. Cheers and hope you have an extremely beautiful year ahead.

More Rajasthan here.

With peacock feathers

2011-12-29T12:30:00.000+05:30

Love this arrangement of flowers combined with peacock feathers. How come i never think of pretty ideas like this?

{found on Latisha's blog}

PS: The vibrance and colors of a peacock feather are unparalleled. No wonder Krishna had one tucked in his turban.

Forever and ever

2011-12-29T08:30:00.000+05:30

The infinity ring, perfect for the love of your life. Visit the nearest sunar to get one made.

Personally, i think it'd look lovelier in matt gold and made just a teeny bit thicker.

{found on SVPPLY}

The last few hours...

2011-12-28T10:48:00.001+05:30

... have been harbingers of bad news aplenty. First i lost my youngest phupha, an amazing and extremely loving husband and father and a very sweet gentleman, suddenly to cardiac arrest. My mother and chachi left at 9:00 PM to Jaipur by car to catch the early morning flight to Kolkata. Feeling a bit restless, i sat and did some work and finally laid down to rest at 11:00 PM. Tossing and turning, i might have just slept when my phone rang and my mama said, something's wrong. He said they were talking to chachi when she suddenly screamed and the phone got disconnected. I called Guruji whose phone was busy and then my cousin who said she'd call me back. I called my mother who answered the call but didn't say anything and i could hear my aunt's agitated voice in the background. I disconnected the call and sat there imagining the worst and sat there shivering for about 30 minutes, a sick feeling in my stomach. I called Vikas, another sevak who lives in the campus and he came sat with me near the meditation hall.

This is the most scared i have been in my life. I just sat shaking and trembling waiting for the phone to ring and tell me everything is alright.

Almost an hour had passed when my cousin called to tell me everything is ok. She took me to her room, sat me, while i still shivered. The car in which my mother and aunt had been travelling had met with an accident. To avoid a head-on collision with a truck the driver had swerved. The car overturned thrice and rested on its roof with all 3 - the driver, and my family trapped inside. The driver came out through a broken window and helped my mother and aunt get out. Suddenly, out of the blue another car stopped near theirs, 5 men stepped out, stood their waiting, escorted everyone to a nearby police station and waited there to help. The 5 good men offered to drive Ma and Chachi to Jaipur where they were headed.

The police lit a fire outside the PS for my folks and were extremely kind to them throughout. Guruji managed to arrange another vehicle that picked them up and dropped them safely to Jaipur.

What's amazing is they found kindness in the middle of nowhere on a dark highway and emerged unscathed. Not one wound, except a little body pain from being tossed around.

Less than 2 hours of sleep and i woke up to an email from Cristian, a stranger who is now a pen-friend, who sent me pictures of the most gorgeous cloudscapes that instantly dispelled my gloomy countenance and made me feel immensely better.

Thanks Christian, and all those unknown, unseen people whose help and kindness make my life better. And of course, Guruji whose blessings prevented a disaster. And Shalu and Vikas, for your love and kindness. I am pretty over-whelmed right now and despite everything trying to be strong.

How should it be?

2011-12-27T12:30:00.000+05:30

What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be.

{via}

PS: That's what i am learning here in Naal. Learning to see it as it is. Right now.

Teri-Meri Christmas

2011-12-27T10:43:00.000+05:30

Forgetful me. Forgot to ask you.

How was your Christmas? Did Santa come-a-visiting with goodies? Or did Banta which is no-good?

XOXO,
MaterialGirl

{Dear non-indian readers: Ignore the Banta bit. I am just being silly.}
{From Freeda's Radioactive Rasam}

Missing the long drives

2011-12-27T08:30:00.001+05:30

You know i had been driving a Force cruiser around, till i tried to reverse on sand and got stuck. Then i got the cold feet and stopped. (The weather here just made the feet colder)

Now the 10-day meditation course is on and being one of the dhammasevaks, who can't step out of the campus till the course is on, i suddenly find an urge to drive out. Go for a long drive, watch the sun settle down and just sit.

Grey, not dull

2011-12-27T08:30:00.000+05:30

I love grey. Especially this particular slate-y tone that's almost black but not quite. Even more than the lighter grey room i shared earlier.

What do you think of this room? Isn't it cheery despite being grey dominant? The sun-burst mirror and the yellow-green comforter adds the necessary interest and the grey blanket makes it all look so cozy.

{this was on pinterest}

PS: Sun-burst mirrors are pretty hot on the decor trend list.

Fashion Harika-style

2011-12-26T10:55:00.000+05:30

Here, in Naal, it's colder than ever. Reminding me of blue skies and sunny days that i spent in Goa twice this year. (Once and Twice)

Meet Harika, an ex-colleague from Kaya, a smart fashionista. She has an amazing sense of style that is completely her own. Harika is gutsy and bold and forthright and can carry off ~~almost~~ everything with elan. I instantly fell in love with the way she has worn 3 bright colors - red, green and yellow in one outfit.
Of course, her yellow shoes are my favorite part of the ensemble. Here's the fashion breakdown for you:

Red - Madame's, Hyderabad - Rs. 900
Green - Delhi street - Rs 150
Yellow - Ginger @Splash - Rs. 250
Bag - Wednesday Flea Market Goa - Rs. 200

Total outfit - Rs 1500. Who says you have to spend a bomb to look like one?

PS: Would you like to share your style here. Send me an email to ambicasrimal@gmail.com, pronto.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T08:30:00.001+05:30

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

With love from Happy, the other A and Me.

PS: Happy goes to our bedroom every day to look for me and not finding me there goes and sits on the diwan in the living room.

Clouds

2011-12-24T08:30:00.000+05:30

i love cloudscapes but Nal, Bikaner is generally home to clear blue skies. this was one of those very rare evenings where the clouds came by to meet dusk.

PS: I heart Rajasthan. The dry, harsh landscape. The dust. The food. The weather. The color in the clothes. The twinkling stars.

Tiger, tiger burning bright

2011-12-23T10:27:00.000+05:30

Meet T-17, the tigress we said hello to on our trip to Ranthambore. We met her on Safari No. 2 on the second day of our trip.

On the morning of the 16th we had decided to go to Ranthambore but by the evening we decided to cancel the trip. But the next morning we did go as Guruji insisted we take a holiday and had already made arrangements - food for the trip, a car and a driver.

Of course, my phone's battery was low when we set out and also both mine and his laptop were half-dead as well, since we had not bothered to charge it the night before. (Blame it on laziness and the fact that there is only one socket in the room.)

With multiple pit stops to charge the phone so Google maps would help and of course, the men who would not listen or ask for directions, we took more than 15 hours to reach Ranthambore; six hours to reach Jaipur (333 kms) and nine and a half hours more to get to R (150 kms).

We had not booked our accommodation either or researched since toA asked me not to - let's figure out when we get there. But on the way, toA decided that we need to book a place so i asked Google to help. I found this lovely place called Tiger Machan which we booked en route. (It's a small property and they have both rooms and tents. Go for the tents, they are gorgeous. But sadly, there are no heaters around and it gets really cold.)

So we went to the Ranthambore Fort in the morning that was tiring but fun and on an afternoon Canter safari that was disappointing and bone breaking. Then we went shopping to the Dastkar Ranthambore store that was close to our hotel and returned happy (Imagine me smiling and toA looking pleased that i am finally out of the shop). (Do visit, they have the most gorgeous handcrafted stuff. All the products are tagged and of excellant quality.)

Evening we ordered whiskey (which they arranged from outside) warmed up and chatted up with the other guests. With both alcohol and a wood crackling away, it was quite a delightful evening. Especially since there was a merry fauji family of seven getting high, singing songs loudly and even dancing.

We booked a jeep for the morning safari and a few minutes into it, we hear murmurs of Tiger. The excitement was palpable and the drivers of the 3 Canters and 4 Jeeps kept trying to maneuver their vehicles so we could catch a glimpse.

Five minutes turned to ten. There was a buzz in the air. A tiger had killed a deer and could be spotted only when he went to get a drink of water at the nearby lake. We waited impatiently till we saw a Canter two vehicles ahead where people were pointing excitedly. The tiger had been spotted. About fifteen minutes later, it was our turn. We jumped on to the canter from our jeep to catch a glimpse but all i saw was a fleeting glimpse. Hmmph.

Of course, many more jeep maneuvers later and a few minutes after T-17 decided to show herself. And ohmyGod! Was she a beauty. Elegant and graceful, she sat there unconcerned and even posed for pictures (Really). Of course, I have an 18-55 VR kit lens with my Nikon D3100 so i couldn't get better than fuzzy pictures.

Happy to get a glimpse of the elusive feline, we finally went on the safari but no one was really interested. We finally left for the hotel, checked out, and after lunch started our journey back to Bikaner.

PS: This picture here of the tiger was taken by Amalia from the USA who had a 70-300 mm.

Let it snow

2011-12-23T10:06:00.000+05:30

Looks like i won't be seeing snow this year either. (Remember i harangued the other A on this blog as well?)

Thankfully, i am not feeling so terrible about it. And then of course there is the virtual snow on Google. Just type in 'let it snow' on the G search page and she will make you happy.

Brrr...

2011-12-23T09:51:00.003+05:30

The temperature has dropped in the last two days and i need something like this to keep me warm.

*shivers*

send me warm wishes folks.

*shivers some more*

{image from}

Heineken - the perfect date

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000+05:30

Enjoy!

By Anshul

2011-12-22T08:30:00.000+05:30

You remember when i went to Jaisalmer and met Anshul Rajwansh, a friend from fashion school? He used to sing and play the guitar back then and bring me back juttis from Jodhpur.

Uski Purani jeans aur guitar par sab marte the.

Now he plays the piano, writes poetry and is great with the camera as well. Here's sharing with you a pic he took and two lines that he wrote (and i love)

"Agar wo pooch le humse tumhein kis baat ka gham hai...

To phir kis baat ka gham hai agar wo pooch le humse"

PS: It's awesome to connect with old friends and reminiscence about the good ol' days.

Once in a blue moon

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000+05:30

Divy's back! Remember the girl with the cascading hair and traditional looks who wrote a guest post about heirlooms? Here she is again, going all romantic and moony...

I am not a very morning person but after being married, I dint have a choice. But yes I must admit that each morning, I am greeted with a treat to my eyes :D

One such thing happened on 10th Dec 2011, on the morning of the lunar eclipse. I woke up at 5:30 AM and I saw this from my bedroom window and had to capture it ...

The moon looked beautiful through the coconut leaves. I have always loved the Poornima Moon.

The beauty of the Moon is so pure and blissful. No wonder the romantics and the poets never miss describing this white surface, like the Savage Gardens song... I am flying to the Moon and Back...

PS: Every Wednesday is guest post day. If you'd like to be a part of my blog, then send me an email to ambicasrimal@gmail.com

PPS: She sent in the post last Wednesday in the late hours of the evening, just when i was looking at the sun go down in good ol' Jaisalmer and couldn't post... what with all the travelling and all. Sorry Divy.

PPPS: Rajesh B, when are you going to make me feel special?

Road, Rajasthan

2011-12-21T08:30:00.000+05:30

Bajra fields
barren land
greens browns
golden yellows

Plains here
plenty there
blue blue sky
grey grey road

was that mustard plants i saw?
or a pigment of my imagination

So many trucks
but empty are the roads
a peacock here
then two more
why did the deer cross the road?

Camel heads jut from amidst the trees
along side are the goats,
the sheeps forage
while cows graze placidly

An eye got rheumy
or was it the dust?
the sun shines brightly
it's reflection
twinkling merrily on my window
and i smile.
being alone is beautiful
why did i think it'd be lonely?

{written a poem after a really long time. would love to hear your thoughts.}

To Jaisalmer and back

2011-12-20T19:38:00.004+05:30

I have not been around since a week now and i haven't heard a squeak from you all now. Looks like no one's missing me.

So, with that out of my system, here's the first thing i want to share with you.

I made a quick 1-day road trip to Jaisalmer and met this really old friend from fashion school whose shoulder i always cried on. We met after 13 years so you can imagine how much we had to catch up on.(barring a dinner i think about 5-6 years ago where we hardly spoke.) The strange thing is i thought we might not connect or have changed a lot but it was like those years never existed and we had met just yesterday.

The journey was beautiful, the catching up was joyous and watching the dusk at Sam was incredible. Am so glad i met you, Anshul.

More pics from Jaisalmer coming up soon...

PS: The other A is here and we went for a mini-vacation to Ranthambore where we spotted a Tigress in the Jungle. But more on that later when i transfer the pictures and all.

A dreamcatcher for you

2011-12-14T08:30:00.002+05:30

I have shared with y'all most of the things i like / love / adore. But this one has never found a mention. Until now that is. So here it is.

There is something about dreamcatchers that gets me.

And this one that i found on Carolyn Stone's blog got me feeling all dreamy and soft and gooey. Of course, there is a tutorial. And obviously, i will never make it.

{But then you might. So here's the link to the tutorial.}

Blown glass balloons maketh a chandelier...

2011-12-14T08:30:00.001+05:30

...that will take your breath away.

*sigh*

{Matteo Gonet for Triode Design}

Nice ice

2011-12-14T08:30:00.000+05:30

Aru is one chica who has amazing ideas for food related stuff. This one's a simple (and pretty) way to store herbs.

{via Aru's photoblog}

PS: Aru is never short of ideas for quick n easy n creative party snacks. I always talk to her before a party and have never been disappointed. You can check her blog here for the recipes she has already posted or email her for help.

Good Morning Sunshine

2011-12-13T11:16:00.000+05:30

My morning was made beautiful by the most gorgeous sunrise. Here's hoping the day's sunny as well.

And of course, wishing you a sunny, happy, smiley day.

XOXO,
Me

A tree that's not a tree

2011-12-13T08:30:00.001+05:30

Another amazing Christmas tree that is not really a tree. Isn't she a beauty? The silver ones my fave... what's yours?

{Created by Megan, not Martha. She also has the tutorial up}

PS: Aru, you are being thought of this very moment.

Hoo... what?

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000+05:30

There's a word. Hootenanny. A real word. Not something i made up. Go to Lori Marie's blog to find out its meaning. It's anyways a gorgeous blog to go visit - her Pretty Little Things are all so lovely.

{Here we go}

I first heard this song with you

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000+05:30

I found so much more music, thanks to the other A.

A grey palette needn't be dull

2011-12-12T11:46:00.001+05:30

So this how you hang art on the wall when you have prints of different sizes and make it work so beautifully. Of course you also need to find a fabulous floor lamp. And make sure it's all put together in groups of 3.

{Go visit T. Time Chic's space for this and 2 other rooms done in grey that are cheery and lovely and inspiring.}

PS: This grey bedding reminds me of the kolam art that graces the entrances of South Indian homes.

Festival decor - candles and bottles

2011-12-12T11:35:00.001+05:30

Looking for a table centerpiece? It can't get simpler and prettier than this. However, make sure you keep your table cloths away. And of course the children. And klutzy friends like me.

There are so many darn things you can do with them bottles and i keep throwing away our collection of empty beer bottles. You can use them for leaves or flowers or fairy lights or paint them if you have the patience.

{another Pinterest find}

PS: I am still in Nal, Bikaner and just 4 more days before the other A joins me. Am excited. Can't wait to take him to all the places i saw and loved on this trip.

Fairy lights Christmas tree

2011-12-12T11:29:00.001+05:30

Christmas tree made of fairy lights. So pretty that it made me sigh.

You know how much i love them, don't you? Remember when i put them in a bag for Diwali?

{a Pinterest find}

Festival decor - with tea lights

2011-12-12T11:16:00.001+05:30

Bring cuteness into your already cute home with this simple and pretty decor idea that uses empty tins, jute rope, wooden clothespins, a wooden hanger and several different patterns of red paper. It would work well with cans of different sizes too, rope can be replaced by ribbons and you can go all multicolored with the paper...

{Learn to do this here.}

Icely done

2011-12-10T09:30:00.000+05:30

Pour chocolate into an ice tray and dunk in a strawberry or any other fruit. Freeze. Break apart and enjoy.

{via T. Time Chic}

PS: Yesterday was the coldest day in Bikaner in the entire time that i have been here. It's apparently going to get colder. Eeks.

I am driving around...

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000+05:30

This is the school bus that is used to ferry children from Bikaner to Naal and back. All day long the Force Cruiser sits quietly in the shade. Unless of course, i decide to take it out for a drive. Which i do. Often.

No power steering or any of the thingamajigs that fancy cars have. The cruiser is big and the roads here are narrow and bumpy. I can't tell you how much i am enjoying this car / jeep.

I also have a new favorite place to drive to. It's the road to Salasar from Nal. A tar road, and endless stretches of desert on both sides covered with a few trees, lots of spiny green bushes, more brown thorny grass, some greyish booi and not a soul in sight. And endless blue skies. It's brilliantly beautiful and i hope to go there again.

Craft Village again

2011-12-10T08:30:00.000+05:30

I am posting this despite the risk of sounding like a fan club... but i totally love this laptop sleeve that Craft Village launched yesterday.

The truth is, she has been launching one product a day since the last few days, and i have been resisting the urge to post again.

Ketki, the brains behind Craft Village will customize the sleeve based on your laptop size and all your color preference. To place your order or see the complete range, contact her on FB.

Craft Village's product range has been growing and now there are wooden trays, children's jewelry, and little pouches. The pricing is reasonable and the quality and finish of her products is impeccable.

Great going Ketki... totally love every product of yours. The journey that Craft Village has been through in the few months it has been operational is very inspiring...

Happy to you

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000+05:30

We have been friends now since about 9 years now and we have had our ups and downs but you have always been special.
Happy Birthday Bagsi. Hope you have a special day and a wonderful year ahead filled with many shopping trips and fabulous finds. Hope your days are filled with laughter and joy and work is less stressful. Here's wishing that all your dreams come true and you find space for new ones.

Much love, many hugs,
XOXO

PS: Hope you also get over your fear of dogs and find joy in their company. (Yes, this wish is for me)

Happy Birthday to you

2011-12-09T22:47:00.001+05:30

I remembered last night it was her birthday but forgot to call and wish her this morning. And then she called. We spoke. I still didn't wish her. When she said everyone's called but you, it hit me. I could kick myself for being an ass. I mean how can you forget to call and wish your mother on her birthday.

I am sorry Ma. I can be an ass sometimes but honestly i remembered, just lost track of time. Happy Birthday to you.

{Birthday tags from}

PS: She got to hear today from someone who means a lot to our family that i am better cook than her. At first, i thought it would make her unhappy. But i realized soon enough that nothing would make her happier more than the fact that her daughter is 'kaabil'.

What do you do with binder clips?

2011-12-09T08:30:00.002+05:30

Use them to hold paper obviously. Or other things. Like your kitchen sponge. Or catch cables.

{via Deepa's Boards on Pinterest that i just started following. Remember she wrote a guest post for my blog a few days ago?}

Not a mellow yellow

2011-12-09T08:30:00.001+05:30

Neon yellow with silver edging makes this slipper a must-have. It's a bit pricey though but considering it's so stylish, it's worth buying.

Rs. 2205 @ Pret -Amoda

{Buy this at Pret-Amoda or check out their other stylish clothes and accessories}

Vases made out of light bulbs

2011-12-09T08:30:00.000+05:30

Sheer loveliness... now we need to find a way to remove the top of the bulb (that works and is easy). I have two bulbs sitting at home on my study just so i can do something fancy with it... any ideas anyone?

{found on Pinterest}

The Social Net Works

2011-12-08T08:30:00.003+05:30

A man lost his camera to the sea. Another man found the camera and located the man whose camera it was... thanks to Google Plus and the photos that remained even though the camera was damaged. Read the amazing story here.

PS: I don't use Google plus much. Do you?

Unhappy feet

2011-12-08T08:30:00.002+05:30

I love Rajasthan and everything about it - the dry landscape, the color that people wear, the food, the sunrise, everything almost. The one thing i do hate is what it does to my feet. Quite despicably ugly they look right now. This despite, wearing socks all the time and using lotions and potions.

I found this Vega Foot Mouse on UrbanTouch that's described - Foot mouse is a magical tool which has more than 130 precision micro files. It tenderly removes dry and calus skin to keep your feet smooth and beautiful. The footmouse is designed to fit into the palm of your hand, making it safe and user friendly.

Tempting but tough. Do you have any ideas to help me that does not involve online shopping or a visit to the parlor since both seem difficult right now...

{Go check UrbanTouch.com, they have a pretty impressive line-up of beauty products.}

PS: Yes, i am more conscious of how my feet look than my face or hair. I am weird like that.