tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854985263342692632024-03-05T09:31:36.081+05:30Sunny NomadA blog about design, travel, photography and foodUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-34930232472307351452013-09-09T23:53:00.000+05:302013-09-09T23:53:28.845+05:30New Zealand - The Happiest Dream Holiday Ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the past six months, I have been working on a rather enchanting little project. I write regularly for <strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;"><a data-mce-href="http://greatnewzealand.co.nz/blog" href="http://greatnewzealand.co.nz/blog"><span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;">The Great New Zealand blog</span></a></span></strong>. Each week, I pick one destination in gorgeous New Zealand and explore it from (alas!) my armchair. I trundle through the thicket, swim with the dolphins and indulge in some virtual zig-zagging on pristine snow-capped mountains. And I d-r-e-a-m. I dream of the day when I will finally set foot on kiwi soil.</div>
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When I first read about <strong><span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.yatra.com" href="http://www.yatra.com/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;">Yatra's</span></a></span><span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.yatra.com" href="http://www.yatra.com/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;"> </span></a></span>Creating Happy Travellers</strong> <span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;"><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=86" href="http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=86" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ffcc00;" style="color: #ffcc00;">contest on Indiblogger</span></a></strong></span>, I realised it may be one the best chances I'll ever have to day-dream shamelessly about NZ! Perhaps the very act of writing about my dream holiday will encourage the Universe to set into motion mysterious forces that will make the trip actually happen. I believe in miracles, you see.</div>
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There are three things that will make this trip the happiest one ever – the place, the people and the experiences.</div>
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Okay, so dream destination - bewitching New Zealand - check. Next up, travel buddies.</div>
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<img alt="Yellow Eyed Penguin, New Zealand" class="alignleft wp-image-549" data-mce-src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2128540430_a69444c644_z.jpg" height="443" src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2128540430_a69444c644_z.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" width="592" /></div>
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My wanderlust has taught me that no holiday can be truly complete without the perfect companions. I have often travelled to far off lands and sighed wishfully, for I wasn't with the people who I knew would have loved to be there too. Through trial and error I have realised my most compatible co-adventurers are my husband N, my sister Miss P, my Mum and my Dad.</div>
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Amongst this motley crew I can find a mate to try anything that chance will bring us on our holiday. Mum and Miss P are of course super awesome for shopping. Dad can pick out the most unique spots and vantage points. N can ferret out humour and a live music gig almost anywhere. I can hatch insanely detailed plans and Miss P brings her characteristic dash of eccentricity to make these plans fun. Mum, well she has enough enthusiasm and prudence to propel everyone into making the most of every moment. So all in all a good crew. Very enthusiactic prospects for ‘Creating Happy Travellers’ indeed!</div>
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Since I'm the maniac who draws up the travel plans, I can promise this will be an overly ambitious list of experiences. Almost always, I do bite off more than I can chew. However, I fancy myself to have matured a bit over the past couple of trips; wizened up to the fact that we may have to leave something off the list. Still, I think being over-prepared with a dream list never hurt anyone.</div>
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On a real holiday, we may be forced to focus on either the North or the South Island of New Zealand, since it may not be possible to cover all that ground in one trip. But since am freewheeling, I can go the whole hog. We could embark on the famous New Zealand bike trail, gaze at the amazing wildlife, camp on the brilliant camping sites along the ocean, cruise the scenic fjords and sounds or explore deep forests with ancient Kauri trees that are multi-centenarians. Go horse-riding on icy glaciers, sample scrumptious sea-food, watch as the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a great swirl of currents at Cape Reinga and stop at the Arctic Centre to get a feel for life on the Antarctic continent. Whether we can actually do and see everything or not, here are a few adventures that we definitely wouldn't want to miss:</div>
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<span data-mce-style="color: #de370d;" style="color: #de370d;">Kaikoura Retreat</span></h3>
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<img alt="Kaikoura by SidPix" class=" wp-image-539 alignleft" data-mce-src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/6142954883_a567f05cae_z.jpg" height="444" src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/6142954883_a567f05cae_z.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" width="592" /></div>
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We’ll begin by spending a few days along a stunning coast backed by snow-dusted mountains in Kaikoura. Situated on the Eastern flank on the South Island, Kaikoura is a paradise for whale watching, scuba diving, dolphin spotting, seal meeting and lots of exploring. The natural diversity is as breathtaking as the views from atop the cliffs. And the scrumptious crayfish here gives the sea-side town a well-deserved spot on NZ's culinary map.</div>
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<img alt="Sky Diving, Queenstown, New Zealand" class="alignleft wp-image-544" data-mce-src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2239741373_caaab93594_z.jpg" height="395" src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2239741373_caaab93594_z.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" width="592" /></div>
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Queenstown is called the adventure capital of the world for a reason. It offers you a host of adrenaline pumping activities to enjoy all year round. Take your pick from skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, bungy jumping, ziplining, swinging, paragliding or skydiving. Phew! Add to that the charm of the Skyline Gondola, a bustling city, immersive Maori cultural experiences and it’s easy to see why Queentown is a hit even with the locals. While the youngsters (ahem! that includes me) may enjoy swinging like monkeys, I’m sure my mum and dad will also be able to enjoy more relaxing activities like cruising on peerless Lake Wakitapu and visiting an authentic high country farm.</div>
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<span data-mce-style="color: #de370d;" style="color: #de370d;">Central Otago Wine & Food Nirvana</span></h3>
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<img alt="Wine & Food - Otago, New Zealand " class="alignleft wp-image-543" data-mce-src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2654263882_a26097ff92_z.jpg" height="396" src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2654263882_a26097ff92_z.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" width="592" /></div>
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Otago has many exciting wine experiences in store for the four wine lovers in our troupe. We shall happily explore the boutique wineries and gladly sample some of the best wines in the world. It will be a great way to learn about wine and the local culture, followed by delectable tasting sessions in the cozy comfort of wineries. And mom will be rewarded for her patience with a pampering at a luxurious spa followed by a sumptuous lunch. Yay!</div>
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<span data-mce-style="color: #de370d;" style="color: #de370d;">Thermal Pool & Hot Spring Rejuvenation</span></h3>
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<img alt="Hot Springs, Rotorua New Zealand" class="alignleft wp-image-547" data-mce-src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/72982580_3cfba08117_z.jpg" height="397" src="http://sunnynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/72982580_3cfba08117_z.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" width="592" /></div>
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Soaking in natural thermal pools till the toes are all wrinkly is like a rite of passage for Kiwi littlies. We won’t be far behind, I say! After all the exploring, binging and adrenaline rush we’ll really look forward to the soothing waters of hot pools that can be found in many parts of New Zealand. NZ is a hot-bed for geothermal activities and you can find some natural, mineral-rich pools dotting the country. The ones in Rotorua, Hanmer and Miranda are most preferred, so we’ll take our pick.</div>
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I could go on about the many things I’d really like for my dream holiday. New Zealand is so diverse and rich in natural as well as cultural heritage, that the entire trip will be an unmatchable experience. It is a small wonder that the beautiful, bountiful ‘Shire’ of <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> movie is real and in New Zealand. NZ’s adorable ratio of 10 sheep per person, the love for outdoorsy adventure and a penchant for celebrating diversity, culture as well as history makes it such an exciting country to visit.</div>
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If we do make it to kiwi-land, I'm absolutely sure we will create happy memories and come away more enriched for life. Isn’t that <i>really</i> the best part of travelling?</div>
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<em>All images used here are from Flickr and are available under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. </em><span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><em>Yellow Eyed Penguin by <a data-mce-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahmstewart/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahmstewart/"><span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">Sarah M Stewart</span></a>, Kaikoura by <a data-mce-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidm/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidm/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">SidPix</span></a>, Queenstown Sky Diving by <a data-mce-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cusegoyle/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cusegoyle/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">mnapoleon</span></a>, Central Otago by <a data-mce-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertpaulyoung/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertpaulyoung/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">robertpaulyoung</span></a>, Hot Springs by <a data-mce-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikstreufert/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikstreufert/"><span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">Erik Streufert</span></a></em></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-20340482490107633932013-03-24T19:21:00.000+05:302013-03-24T19:21:04.503+05:30Spring Welcome Free Facebook Cover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt-usL3IaSqKf57bug3rC5fJ5nexM6WmctYOKovLpZxvix5GIh3pppucighj6NOXyqzHVVkMOBnumcd3Nq_Zzc_LwW6bs0ZqRWs5huVQ8Z1YxMYtx4ZMl078kr9Fp4U4RFJI0EtIk8PDu/s1600/FB+cover+blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt-usL3IaSqKf57bug3rC5fJ5nexM6WmctYOKovLpZxvix5GIh3pppucighj6NOXyqzHVVkMOBnumcd3Nq_Zzc_LwW6bs0ZqRWs5huVQ8Z1YxMYtx4ZMl078kr9Fp4U4RFJI0EtIk8PDu/s1600/FB+cover+blog+pic.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spring is definitely in the air. Skip along the pretty lanes bursting with blossoms, sing your favourite tunes and grin like mad. If you like the image above, head to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SunnyNomad" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Facebook page</b></span></a> and download to make it your cover image too!<br />
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Lots of pretty stuff inspired by the season is also available at my<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b><a href="http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar" target="_blank"> Society6</a></b></span> shop.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-144342285395361852013-02-12T21:54:00.002+05:302013-02-13T10:15:43.350+05:30Season of Love: Free Printable Valentine Card<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know it's quite cheesy to say this, but am going to risk it - Love is in the Air! It <i>is</i> February after all.<br />
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While I believe that we don't need a special day to tell people that we love them, I still like to indulge mildly in this month of pink and crimson. Yes, St. Valentine's Day is a one of those hyper-commercialized days even in India. But, if we don't give in to the hoopla, isn't any excuse great to have special time together? To simply expresses how grateful you are that you found this person. To tell them you are the luckiest person alive to be with them. To just put all your feelings down on paper. And to do it in a fun and special way.<br />
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Each day of the year, we express our love through actions - by showing care, by tuning in to the other person's needs and even by just lending a helping hand. On hallmark days, a simple gesture to express your love tells your partner that you have taken the time to think about them. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be surprised with a love note yourself?<br />
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Ever since I can remember, I have never really obsessed about Valentine's Day. That specific date. Back in college, we used to have a 'Rose Day' sometime in February. A day celebrating secret crushes and love (because you could send anonymous rose cards). When I started working, my agency used the same idea, but we didn't make a day of it. A half hour after lunch was spent listening to poetic messages (most were anonymous, again) and swapping chocolates. All through my teen years, it was mandatory for girlfriends and boyfriends to give each other cards. So the point am trying to make, is that for me, the celebration of love is closely linked to messages on paper. An email will just not cut it.<br />
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All of this was running through my mind last week, and I wanted to create something that would let us say 'I Love You' without being predictable. I saw the abundance of flowers, cute animals, hearts and chocolates swirling around as tokens of love, but my mind kept searching for more. Like most ideas that pop into my head, the one for this card popped in when I was engrossed in a totally unrelated activity. I was pickling! So bizarre. Red chilies being pickled led to me the image you see above. I refined my initial thoughts to craft a couple of messages that I think will work.<br />
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The picture above and a message variant is now available as an art print and on other merchandise like iPhone covers, totes and throw pillows in my <a href="http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Society6 Shop</b></span></a>. And just for you, I have created a FREE printable card to tell your loved one that they are indeed the spice of your life!<br />
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To download your free printable click on this link: <a href="http://issuu.com/sunnynomad/docs/valentine_greeting_card/1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Only You Valentine Card</span></a><br />
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Can you think of a message that will go with this image? If there is something else that you'd like to say to your sweetheart, drop me a line in the comments section below and I'd be happy to work on a custom card for you!<br />
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Hope you have a lovely season of LoVe!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-41366469642714848632012-12-18T23:32:00.000+05:302012-12-18T23:38:51.153+05:30Mid-week Treat: Bombay Duck Fish Pie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I bought a bright, shiny red pie pan approximately a year and a half ago in the hopes of becoming a regular pie-baker. I don't know if that's the right term, but you get the drift. I did look up some sweet pie recipes, but was so intimidated that I didn't venture out into that territory.The tin just sat on the rack where I store my baking supplies calling out for a spin in the oven. Until, one day when I had a crazy day at work and just couldn't make the time to cook a full Indian meal for lunch.<br />
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I looked in the freezer - there were two kinds of fish - Pomfret and Bombay Duck. If Bombay Duck being a fish confuses you, I can relate to it. When I was little, I couldn't wrap my head around the concept either. It's a lovely, soft, delicate fish, native only to the waters along the western coast of India. For a seafood junkie, it is love at first bite but it may well be an acquired taste for others.<br />
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I've always had it the traditional way - shallow fried with a crispy, <i>masala-</i>batter coating. I wondered, if I could make a fish pie out of this delicious catch. A savoury pie didn't seem as scary. I Googled 'fish pie', and chanced upon a Jamie Oliver recipe.<br />
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Now is probably a good time to tell you that am a big fan of JO. He is responsible for my obsession with attempting to grow fresh herbs, tomatoes, lemons, strawberries and what-have-you. So far I have succeeded with coriander, mint and a lemon tree is spreading it's branches in my balcony. Hopefully we'll have some lemons to sample this summer.<br />
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Back to my pie though. JO's recipe looked so easy (one of the reasons we love him so much), included veggies and was topped with a delicious potato mash instead of a pastry. Looked like a wholesome meal to me. Here's the original recipe: <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fish-recipes/fish-pie" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">Jamie Oliver's Fish Pie</span></b></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5tUTUHipfPbIJRnfzuVYe815uOAH2mB7c9kGG4M5-tbk6GOyOVNXJ_GDRatnijOCuEhhL5izcgBVSd5hf7jd_eDT-VDFD4sRhbYU41-6XDPd-lch4LqlJW4RF9GNUOIWTjLwXQyG5wpa/s1600/Fish+Pie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5tUTUHipfPbIJRnfzuVYe815uOAH2mB7c9kGG4M5-tbk6GOyOVNXJ_GDRatnijOCuEhhL5izcgBVSd5hf7jd_eDT-VDFD4sRhbYU41-6XDPd-lch4LqlJW4RF9GNUOIWTjLwXQyG5wpa/s1600/Fish+Pie+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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While JO's recipe calls for a variety of seafood, I used about half a kilo of Bombay Duck and veggies. Also, you can poach the fish for a few seconds in some boiling water and tease out the bones easily. Since Bombay Duck tends to have a lot of water content, I tossed the meat in some rice flour to avoid a soggy pie. From there on, I pretty much stuck to the rest of the instructions in the recipe.<br />
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The baked potato mash on top is glorious. If you do bake this wonder, be sure to coat it with some olive oil to give it a lovely golden finish. We really enjoyed our lunch that afternoon and the leftovers made for a cozy dinner.<br />
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What is your fave simple, one dish meal?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-25276369067973772372012-11-07T18:17:00.000+05:302012-11-07T18:17:28.844+05:30Holiday Shopping Offer: $5 Off on All Products!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5iI5MgjkpIWpkaqvYjZY6Y9C4uiGJ8eb-RCl8NxlRUAwEFzJyR2_CraSr1cnq8Isglc1vdsingVRd1IDwmPOH5grUbOyKzjHQ5XCM8Q_pXOaWkCktmWmZQkIoQaqAkfArfHObduwD9GV/s1600/Iphone+Covers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5iI5MgjkpIWpkaqvYjZY6Y9C4uiGJ8eb-RCl8NxlRUAwEFzJyR2_CraSr1cnq8Isglc1vdsingVRd1IDwmPOH5grUbOyKzjHQ5XCM8Q_pXOaWkCktmWmZQkIoQaqAkfArfHObduwD9GV/s640/Iphone+Covers+1.jpg" width="549" /></a></div>
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A really quick update for all you people who need a nudge to do your festive gift shopping. You can now avail of the pretty cool '$5 off' offer for all products on my Society6 store.</div>
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There are heaps of designs to choose from for dressing up your favourite gadgets like iPhones and iPads. You can also find a nice little collection of eco-friendly totes, stationery cards, stretched canvases and some tees for guys & gals. Or you could go for the really special option of the framed art prints. </div>
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Given that most of these things are pretty low-budget finds anyway, $5 off is an even better reason to snag your very own goodies now.</div>
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Use this special <a href="http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar?promo=6cbd60" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">promo link </span></b></a>to do all your shopping: <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar?promo=6cbd60</span></b></div>
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The offer has to be bagged before <b>November 11, 2012 midnight</b> Pacific Time. </div>
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Happy shopping my friends. And soon we will have happy holidays!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-64881173139260280622012-11-05T23:24:00.000+05:302012-11-06T14:58:09.489+05:30Diwali Decor: 25 Ways to Light Up Your Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflmzJd59MBOUvF7sv8IY6OorsQwKs3s1ajx-KsAaVKLetmshetWJwlLqa-kIXMT9PfikFtuBTLSXgnYbipgS5GkREY8hXEUhswYjRibMRYZmIGxPFXFt7CM65mGL3hQr5wwzGotgYBIU_/s1600/Diwali+lights+decor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflmzJd59MBOUvF7sv8IY6OorsQwKs3s1ajx-KsAaVKLetmshetWJwlLqa-kIXMT9PfikFtuBTLSXgnYbipgS5GkREY8hXEUhswYjRibMRYZmIGxPFXFt7CM65mGL3hQr5wwzGotgYBIU_/s1600/Diwali+lights+decor+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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The first thing my mum does, when Diwali is just around the corner, is buy our big, fat Diwali lanterns. Over the years we've also made a few at home. One was always hung in the balcony of our apartment. A few modest clay <i>diyas</i> lined the windows and precisely two were kept right outside the main entrance. These little lights and a colourful large <i>rangoli</i> meant Diwali was here.<br />
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Now my parents live in a row house, which means many more windows and balconies. So there are three big, fat lanterns, string lights and hand painted <i>diyas</i>. My sister loves to do up the traditional <i>diyas</i> with glitter and colours. She's super at it, maybe I'll dupe her into doing a tutorial this time!<br />
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So my point is, today, none of us can get away with the simple stuff we grew up with. Too much pressure, I say. As we amp up the celebration of the festival of lights, I thought of doing a quick round-up of excellent ideas to bring in the light all through the festive season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz1VHcLDPNeeEmck-w_t6r1LzgTvFbqj_vYKpVwAtJ3E3WcaA4QRmZT_rn051YiZq_aTxypGBRxs9EjyKntL6-bNkgRGhRjEzKmZX4x7O3cZcaQdToASLyvs2jqlXv5dr9xB-oWJkrXVg/s1600/Diwali+lights+decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz1VHcLDPNeeEmck-w_t6r1LzgTvFbqj_vYKpVwAtJ3E3WcaA4QRmZT_rn051YiZq_aTxypGBRxs9EjyKntL6-bNkgRGhRjEzKmZX4x7O3cZcaQdToASLyvs2jqlXv5dr9xB-oWJkrXVg/s1600/Diwali+lights+decor.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've pinned 25 lovely, DIY inspirations. Some of them can be assembled in 5 minutes flat while others can keep you busy all through this weekend. From the ever versatile tea lights to bare, naked bulbs, the possibilities are pretty much endless.<br />
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Head over to my Pinterest board<b><span style="color: #f1c232;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/sunnynomad/diwali-lights-decor/" target="_blank">Diwali Lights Decor</a></span> </b>to take your pick.<br />
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What do you do to light up your home for the festival?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-63768551332420953492012-10-08T18:04:00.003+05:302012-10-08T18:04:36.271+05:30Infectious Creativity: Art from Ben Geiger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whenever am sapped for inspiration, I head to <a href="http://society6.com/" target="_blank">Society6</a>. It's a deep, deep well brimming over with fantastic art. Just looking at the beautiful photographs, illustrations and collages opens up my mind to newer ideas and perspectives. I really love the fact that it's a celebration of so many different styles of work.<br />
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Once such blissful journey brought me to Ben Geiger's <a href="http://society6.com/BenGeiger9" target="_blank">profile</a>. His works are not just illustrations, photographs and collages but magical little glimpses of the world around us. I am hooked. And am not the only one, as the few hundred 'loves' of his work show. I've picked out some beautiful creations for you to see here, because I simply couldn't resist sharing them with you lovely people.<br />
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Now am waiting to see what this artist produces next. You can find more of his work <a href="http://society6.com/BenGeiger9" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-70166130470629852122012-09-21T00:36:00.001+05:302012-09-21T01:02:23.435+05:30Food Photography: Great Tips from a Pro put to Use<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the past month, I have been obsessing over the decision to buy a DSLR that I've had my eye on for a while. It's the Nikon D5100. Every few days I trundle over to the Nikon India website and wonder what is the one thing that will push me to place the order for one. And a couple of lenses while am at, I mean why not, right? Okay, the lens I start with will actually be the kit lens, but no harm in a little daydreaming...<br />
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It's not that I cannot afford to buy the camera, I have been saving up money for one. But something is just holding me back from making the commitment. Somebody (my rational voice) is whispering in my ears, what if am just another one of the many untalented enthusiasts toting a fancy piece of equipment? I have looked at some perfect, yet uninspiring stills clicked with high-end cameras and been really, really worried that I may be on the same path myself.<br />
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As always, common sense dawned upon me a little later, and I realised that I just had to believe I could get to a place where I could be good at photography. I may be far away from that benchmark yet, but I would never get there unless I tried. I have decided to take baby steps, instead of rushing head-on (which I was running away from doing anyway).<br />
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Now, I have decided to learn as much as I can both theoretically and practically. Am going to stick with my point-and-shoot Sony Cybershot for the time being. Am going to explore the several buttons, knobs and settings to see what all this little miracle can pull off. At the same time, I have begun to read up, watch videos, look at great photography and dig for pearls of wisdom from the pros.<br />
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A few days back I came across this excellent collection of tips from Penny De Los Santos on the <a href="http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/photographing-food/?source=link_fb20120905photo-foodtips&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=link_fb20120905photo-foodtips&utm_campaign=Content#/spices-delossantos_57046_600x450.jpg">National Geographic website</a> - an eternal fount of inspiration. Head over <a href="http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/photographing-food/?source=link_fb20120905photo-foodtips&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=link_fb20120905photo-foodtips&utm_campaign=Content#/spices-delossantos_57046_600x450.jpg"><b>here</b></a> now if you'd like to learn a few interesting details about how you can bring a plate of food to life. I simply love how every picture tells a story and gives you a glimpse into a new culture. Penny has shared her inspirations and how she feels about her work giving impetus to my desire to fiddle around.<br />
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This evening, I baked a batch of banana muffins using a recipe by Kanan from her blog <a href="http://www.spiceupthecurry.com/banana-muffins-egg-less/">Spice up the Curry</a>. My friend Bhakti who blogs at <a href="http://lifestylerr.com/">Lifestylerr.com</a>, recommended this recipe a couple of weeks ago and I was waiting to give them a go. The only change I made to the original recipe is that used the natural sweetness of the bananas and didn't add any sugar to sweeten up the batter. My muffins came out just like freshly baked muffins should...fluffy, fragrant and divine!<br />
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Have I told you how, whenever I cook something new, I <i>have</i> to click pictures of it before I even try it? It is a just-in-case measure. If the dish turns out great and share-worthy, I want to share it with all of you. Must spread the love. Always.<br />
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So armed with my newly learned theory about great food photography, I got going and clicked until the sun went down. Here are the results for you to see. And judge. I'd love to know what you think.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNLGCQ5BTnWJrLqAOhIZenfGJc8rx21tBLtHvfKxIHecW6fs2PzCMbv2DGKhQBT75YEpjE1dIeppkuFODpbxcdXSZTKPACcYHQbu7KaPCYn_qfQBNSI1O_q1Kh_1MIR42-gqfgdNHh2R9/s1600/Banana+Muffins+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNLGCQ5BTnWJrLqAOhIZenfGJc8rx21tBLtHvfKxIHecW6fs2PzCMbv2DGKhQBT75YEpjE1dIeppkuFODpbxcdXSZTKPACcYHQbu7KaPCYn_qfQBNSI1O_q1Kh_1MIR42-gqfgdNHh2R9/s1600/Banana+Muffins+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuJy_jOrqO7HGPx7Wz3USrx6e4VloukkoUjHisbn6hpQNPKpTpLbFi6hJpt41MFI1Yw9YXidixl0i_kVNGF4QcfbQB3YneKkelIM8MrQeNQhtsv5-AWM57POdcoVPm-_mjhhQ-9Iu3F-u/s1600/Banana+Muffins+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuJy_jOrqO7HGPx7Wz3USrx6e4VloukkoUjHisbn6hpQNPKpTpLbFi6hJpt41MFI1Yw9YXidixl0i_kVNGF4QcfbQB3YneKkelIM8MrQeNQhtsv5-AWM57POdcoVPm-_mjhhQ-9Iu3F-u/s1600/Banana+Muffins+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0viaq1nHEovd6rQj2PIGHZMUs-WHgAmMHtjAuR6WyZd9yqj4Bzy86ibnB5pz6XV_5ur0UhOWXhXnbBTZBuieguwcwrNqlA7a2kc9CtoFaqPH_OF4rY21lth8cytJFifPbz0RIFs10pY33/s1600/Banana+Muffins+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0viaq1nHEovd6rQj2PIGHZMUs-WHgAmMHtjAuR6WyZd9yqj4Bzy86ibnB5pz6XV_5ur0UhOWXhXnbBTZBuieguwcwrNqlA7a2kc9CtoFaqPH_OF4rY21lth8cytJFifPbz0RIFs10pY33/s1600/Banana+Muffins+3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0viaq1nHEovd6rQj2PIGHZMUs-WHgAmMHtjAuR6WyZd9yqj4Bzy86ibnB5pz6XV_5ur0UhOWXhXnbBTZBuieguwcwrNqlA7a2kc9CtoFaqPH_OF4rY21lth8cytJFifPbz0RIFs10pY33/s1600/Banana+Muffins+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-12192010718737552032012-08-23T17:58:00.000+05:302012-08-23T17:58:50.516+05:30Broken Wheat Salad Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5Hx6xfB7mE48LUOqgSMuF0XSqQ2PQ4AURSl9vMxUGdGbEGih77A1YrPm1xHMI-agbVJBnU4SWDA_NJ5WEQ58smPxvUdiX16CBRQZDTryXc4_43wmgN7FstXVckdg_C2yd8KRTy9d8kU-/s1600/Dalia+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5Hx6xfB7mE48LUOqgSMuF0XSqQ2PQ4AURSl9vMxUGdGbEGih77A1YrPm1xHMI-agbVJBnU4SWDA_NJ5WEQ58smPxvUdiX16CBRQZDTryXc4_43wmgN7FstXVckdg_C2yd8KRTy9d8kU-/s1600/Dalia+Salad.jpg" /></a></div>
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Every once in a while, N and I go on this mad salads and soup spree. Usually it's triggered by an extended period of carefree indulgence, which bites us in the bum eventually. I love a salad meal, not only is it light, fresh, nutritious but also super easy to whip up in no time. It also means loads of experimentation, since it's unlikely that you will go terribly wrong with a salad.<br />
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I came across the idea of using broken wheat (<i>dalia</i>) in a salad on some food site, which I have lost track of. So, unfortunately, I can't give any links to the original recipe. I've adapted and experimented with the ingredients for this one several times, and now it has taken on a new <i>avataar</i>.<br />
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This salad is a quick and easy summer-time meal when chilled and a winter one when slightly warm. The broken wheat and vegetables give you a range of flavours and textures, so even a non-lover of broken wheat will be happy to sit down to this meal. I know this because N, who is a fussy eater, loves this salad every single time I've made it. In fact, it was a big hit at a dinner party we hosted for 15 carnivores. The bowl was empty and the recipe was shared with several enthusiasts.<br />
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Here's how you can make this lovely salad as a meal or as a first course.<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Serves Two | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Cooling time: 5 minutes</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
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1 cup broken wheat (<i>Dalia</i>), preferably the coarse variety<br />
3/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes<br />
1 medium green capsicum, chopped. You may use any other peppers that you may have on hand<br />
1 onion sliced into half moons<br />
1/2 cup roughly chopped coriander leaves<br />
2 tablespoons honey mustard salad dressing<br />
1 green chilly, finely chopped<br />
Salt to taste<br />
2 cups of boiling hot water<br />
1/2 tablespoon olive oil<br />
2 tablespoons of grated cheese of your choice<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
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Pour your broken wheat into a salad bowl. Sprinkle the salt and pour the hot water over this until the grains are fully submerged. Cover with a lid and leave aside for 20 minutes.<br />
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Soak the sliced onion in ice-cold water for 10 minutes. This will get rid of any pungency the onion may have. Keep all chopped ingredients in the fridge until the broken wheat is soaked, so they remain crisp and fresh.<br />
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After the grains have fluffed up a bit, drain the remaining water from the bowl. Don't worry if a little water stays back in the bowl, we intend to cook that out. Now heat a non-stick pan, drizzle some golden olive oil into it and swirl around to cover the surface of the pan. Once the oil is hot, tip in the drained grains and stir gently. It's easier if you fold the grains in rather than stir vigourously. Over handling the grains will release the gluten and make them sticky. So just toss about gently, for approximately two minutes or until you feel them puffing up a bit.<br />
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Turn off the heat, transfer contents onto a metal tray and chill in the fridge if it's summer. In winter, just bring it down to a cozy warm temperature. Tip the cooled broken wheat back into the now-wiped salad bowl, drizzle the honey mustard dressing and mix gently. Add the vegetables and toss everything together.<br />
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Adjust the seasoning and serve with a generous sprinkling of cheese. For honey mustard lovers like myself, add an extra drizzle on the plate!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-31035567783811260012012-08-22T00:32:00.000+05:302012-08-23T18:00:05.183+05:30Book Hunt Find: Home by Stafford Cliff<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ambled into a book shop without any particular title in mind? Just given in to the bookworm instinct, prepared to pour over book covers and blurbs, to discover a gem quite by chance? That's exactly what happened to me a few moons ago on a trip to a mall in Delhi. They (Landmark) were having some sort of a sale, and books were piled almost from the floor to the ceiling. What joy!<br />
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I pottered about and found this simply brilliant book - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Tastemakers-Describe-Where-Means/dp/B0042P57CK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345441047&sr=8-1&keywords=Cliff+Stafford+Home">Home: 50 Taste-makers Describe What it is, Where it is, What it Means </a></i>by Stafford Cliff. I loved the cover, the title and a quick flip through revealed that this was worth having on my bookshelf. However, it has never made it to the bookshelf since I brought it home. I love having it within easy reach just so I can flip through the pages, stare into beautifully captured homes, get lost in childhoods and the different interpretations of a home.<br />
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It's one of those books, that teach us so much about personal style, photography and the meaning of spaces we create. A home is so much more than a place to park your stuff. As my world-view evolves, I see my need for a place to call home change.<br />
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There are so many things that endear this book to me. As the taste-makers talk about their homes or special places they reveal so much about who they are, how they think and sometimes, it completely changes the way you have perceived them earlier. That is an exciting promise, don't you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuSPaubIoOWbdZ6UAFV1PVvHJjwGatLbTBnuSk1_XO4Bgz4pLP8ONAwEXJ4YyE_tIdbQ_Ie9yS8qbnW_EcaML-oBLo66XXXj8JqpfD-hqLmpngj_S0kQ9ViRGPwEA-Go53LgUiKO6duTb/s1600/Kenzo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuSPaubIoOWbdZ6UAFV1PVvHJjwGatLbTBnuSk1_XO4Bgz4pLP8ONAwEXJ4YyE_tIdbQ_Ie9yS8qbnW_EcaML-oBLo66XXXj8JqpfD-hqLmpngj_S0kQ9ViRGPwEA-Go53LgUiKO6duTb/s1600/Kenzo.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Kenzo Takada's home in Paris</b></span></i><br />
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The photography is a different trip altogether. Some pictures add visual elements to enhance a narrative while some spin a new tale all by themselves. Designing is always subjective, but the sheer personality it imbibes from owners or designers is enchanting. Just looking at the pictures gives you so many ideas to transform your home into a reflection of its occupants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DE72zwoQZ2zfu2Jm-D3xuLAXrYIyjn9_U7PQxUxzGvjyGQNOBFsY5lYEIrBjE4tMVZq5GGJhedEn1vJiYqhXtv_tV0DpIj5Gkmt5LqGMlySMGhtgoDMAhvk3IUU6KCMEHDiz17VXXEE5/s1600/kitchens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DE72zwoQZ2zfu2Jm-D3xuLAXrYIyjn9_U7PQxUxzGvjyGQNOBFsY5lYEIrBjE4tMVZq5GGJhedEn1vJiYqhXtv_tV0DpIj5Gkmt5LqGMlySMGhtgoDMAhvk3IUU6KCMEHDiz17VXXEE5/s1600/kitchens.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Beautiful kitchens, the bottom one is Donna Hay's. So very her, isn't it?</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>A busy living room wall, with great character</b></span></i><br />
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<i>What I have learnt, from this book so far:</i><br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Things that endure through the years, the many abodes and phases of your life are the ones that serve some purpose with an element of delight to the eye. So I'd suggest you don't buy things unless you see yourself living with them for a long, long time</li>
<li>On the other hand, it's perfectly okay to include a few things that aren't functional, but have an emotional connection for you. So that recipe your grandma gave you, can be printed onto parchment paper and framed to inspire wholesome meals in your kitchen </li>
<li>Experiment, blend, get inspired by the trends and the design rules of your era, but leave some room to add your personal touches. A bottle filled with sands from all the beaches you enjoy may not come for a heavy price tag, but is a delightful reminder of fun times</li>
<li>Bring in the light, let it dance around. Most beautiful rooms become even better when you throw in a good mix of light, natural or arranged</li>
<li>Find a place for things that you love doing, make time to personalise it. Enjoy the after-effects. Donna Hay's kitchen, Paul Smith's office, Kenzo Takda's pool in his living room all inspire to carve out spaces where happiness is easy to find</li>
</ol>
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I'd definitely recommend this fat little book of treasures, in case you like the stuff I've been raving about in this post.<br />
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If you have any thing to add to this list (whether inspired by this book or elsewhere), I'd love to hear about it. Share with us, your go-to inspirations for building a home that you love.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-33303965983357293292012-07-27T18:33:00.001+05:302012-07-27T18:36:02.833+05:30Being Brave: I will NOT be Helpless<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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To truly understand what this post is, you need to first watch the video at <a href="http://nocountryforwomen.com/">No Country For Women</a> (<a href="http://nocountryforwomen.com/">http://nocountryforwomen.com/</a>)<br />
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As I watched this video, I had several reactions - anger, frustration, repulsion, gut wrenching pain and a complete sense of helplessness. I found myself asking, what should we do? How can we change this? Will this ever change?<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I was tempted to give into the powerless feeling that was sweeping over me. It is the bane of my generation, this feeling that we can't do much to change anything. We carve our lives with ambition, hard work and success, insulating ourselves from things that we have no power over. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Most days the insulation works, keeping us away from the realities that surround us. On some days like this one, something manages to slice through that insulation and hit us at our soft spot.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">But the answers I was seeking, were yet to come to me. Conversations with friends and sharing the link on Facebook wasn't going to cut it this time around. This wasn't one of those Social Media activations that make a dent in the shape of the problem. Something had to be done in real life, in our everyday, in our homes, offices and on the streets.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Then my friend Mou shared </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TeIm9CeCE0&feature=player_embedded" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>this video</b></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> about the History of Wooing Women made by </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/collectivecadenza" style="background-color: white;">cdza</a><span style="background-color: white;"> and also </span><a href="http://www.salon.com/2012/07/24/every_woman_should_travel_alone/" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>this article</b></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> written by Sarah Hepola. The comments section is particularly illuminating. All this was symptomatic of where our very 'global' culture has moved.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Today I read my friend </span><a href="http://blog.sonaljhuj.com/2012/07/i-will-not-be-helpless/" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Sonal's post</b></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> about this. And she has given me the answer. The first thing to do is to stop being helpless. There is no way we can allow ourselves to shrug our shoulders, draw the dupattas/jackets/stoles closer and promise ourselves that we wouldn't be in such situations. Because every woman I know has been in this situation where men have behaved in a way that disrespected womankind.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I have been there too, and am guilty of doing nothing more but looking away in disgust. And thinking </span><span style="background-color: white;">later</span><span style="background-color: white;">, if only I had said something. But pacifying my conscience by thinking that there was no way they would have heard you anyway. Sometimes I've been so angry, that I haven't been able to say or do anything.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Only once have I physically reacted by slapping the first face I saw when a mob tried to grope me on a local train. I was 19 and my mom was travelling with me. The courage of the young and the fact that my mom can smack the daylights out of anyone probably made me actually take action. We travelled the rest of our journey with a imaginary body bubble that no one dared to cross.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">From personal experience, I have seen that there are two things that hold us back - Fear and a feeling of Helplessness. Which is why, we must be brave, there is no other way. </span><span style="background-color: white;">By pledging that I will Not be Helpless, I am making a choice, to think, speak up and do something. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">If you're a woman, I urge you to do the same, irrespective of where you live. Take control and do something, anything. Don't risk your lives, but don't be passive. Sonal's action points are a good place to start. Write about it, talk about it and, most importantly, when faced with a situation that calls for you to be brave, be.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">If you're a man who believes that women have be disrespected long enough, help spread the message too.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Feel free to use the graphic above, if you'd like to use it somewhere to spread the message. No attribution needed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">P.S.: </span><span style="background-color: white;">You may wonder, what a post like this is doing on a blog about travel, design and spreading cheer. But this blog is all about sharing with you everything that inspires me. All creative pieces shared above urged me to voice my thoughts to you. And I also believe that life just shouldn't be compartmentalized like that!</span><br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-87701287156924275632012-07-26T00:49:00.000+05:302012-07-26T13:28:56.549+05:30Low Fat Brownies: Midweek Treat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>I firmly believe that chocolate, ice cream or brownies can fix anything.</b></span><br />
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A few days ago, I had a super high intensity craving for brownies. Now, I can't get my hands on any brownies, living where I live. Thankfully, I had <span style="background-color: white;">on hand </span><span style="background-color: white;">all the stuff I needed to bake some and a nice Sanjeev Kapoor recipe too. I improvised a little tossing in some walnuts and adjusting the flour ratio.</span><br />
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Since they turned out pretty yummy, I had to spread the love! So here's the recipe with some modifications and tips.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Makes about 16 brownies | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 mins or more</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px;" /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Ingredients</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</span><br />
1/4 cup wholewheat flour<br />
3/4 cup refined flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon soda bicarbonate<br />
3/4 cup caster sugar (Original recipe calls for a cup, but I cut down on it for a less sweeter version)<br />
2 egg whites, beaten<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla essence<br />
4 tablespoons oil (Original uses 1 1/2, but I found this makes the brownies too dry and flat)<br />
1 tablespoon butter, melted or a blob will work too<br />
My own little fourish, 1/2 cup of walnuts broken into tiny pieces. Avoid the temptation to chop or bash the walnuts, you will end up with quite a bit of crushed powder.<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
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Preheat your oven to 180 deg C / 350 deg F. Grease an 8 inch square tray or line with butter paper.<br />
Sift the flours, baking powder and soda bicarbonate into a bowl.<br />
Melt the butter over very low heat. Add the cocoa powder to this and slowly stir over the low heat for two minutes. Make sure the mixture doesn't boil or burn. You can also add some of the milk to this, to prevent the chocolate from burning. Melting the butter and cooking the cocoa powder makes for a better tasting, non-doughy batter.<br />
Beat the caster sugar with the eggs until combined and fluffy.<br />
Divide the flour up into three parts. Start with folding the egg whites and sugar into a portion of the flour. <span style="background-color: white;">Alternating between dry and wet ingredients mix in the remaining ingredients until everything is well integrated. Be careful not to over beat the mixture. If you're using an electric blender, keep it to low speeds.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Pour the mixture into the prepared tin.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until it's firm to touch and an inserted knife comes out clean. Leave in the tin until completely cooled.</span><br />
Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 odd squares and remove from tin using a spatula.<br />
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These <span style="background-color: white;">low fat </span><span style="background-color: white;">brownies are a real treat, especially if you have been on a diet. The walnuts add a crunchy texture and crank up the health quotient too. A perfect excuse to stuff face.</span><br />
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They are great as a dessert after a scrumptious lunch or even better as a midnight snack. You can wash them down with some chilled milk.<br />
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Have you ever been consumed by a craving so much that you're willing to do anything to satisfy it?<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-58378972570962539152012-07-20T17:30:00.000+05:302012-07-20T17:30:57.488+05:30Infectious Creativity: A-Z of Unusual Words<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I stumbled upon </span><a href="http://www.theprojecttwins.com/" style="background-color: white;">The Project Twins</a><span style="background-color: white;"> thanks to a couple of friends on Facebook. James and Michael Fitzgerald, the artists who run The Project Twins - a graphic design and illustration studio in Ireland - have a wicked imagination. Their </span><a href="http://www.theprojecttwins.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=15" style="background-color: white;">A-Z of Unusual Words</a><span style="background-color: white;"> project is described thus: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bold graphics and visual wit are used to interpret and represent a collection of strange, unusual and lost words.</span></span><br />
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The one on top is a illustration of <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Acersecomic - a</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> person whose hair has never been cut. The one below is my favourite, Tarantism - </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">a </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">disorder characterised by an uncontrollable urge to dance. I definitely connect with that one!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0Xl6zAP7TZbGnuXhL1A89jq9NB-S-H9KmTbsMXPIQz-QfiQ4taaiWF_Q13yp5I9bW1rIBziZXOVNZw1j9DYb-ffGGfXgl0Ox6VFlg5C6c4KyUxluSwxIrosmqzn7G4lCCv_-eLk2M4Sl/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0Xl6zAP7TZbGnuXhL1A89jq9NB-S-H9KmTbsMXPIQz-QfiQ4taaiWF_Q13yp5I9bW1rIBziZXOVNZw1j9DYb-ffGGfXgl0Ox6VFlg5C6c4KyUxluSwxIrosmqzn7G4lCCv_-eLk2M4Sl/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div>
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You'd love their entire collection of illustrations on this one - fun, quirky, <span style="background-color: white;">solemn, </span><span style="background-color: white;">dark - the whole gamut. Go check this out and also the other projects this talented duo has been creating </span><a href="http://www.theprojecttwins.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=15" style="background-color: white;">here</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><br />
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And on that note, have a groovy weekend!<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-37232972763777404032012-07-20T00:41:00.001+05:302012-07-20T00:52:04.320+05:30Quote Crush of the Week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV0B7I_0k7jARquZgwZw3UuialKEw2aw5PtYc5HGJI60aT9FzFnTvoUUroVxLK8y2oyAVZz204Bw4FHalbfYgvQMDaBFp7p8Rg3X58WT2zMzNu6GeGFj8Q73HmiL_223WeotznJyWM-B0/s1600/Normal+Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV0B7I_0k7jARquZgwZw3UuialKEw2aw5PtYc5HGJI60aT9FzFnTvoUUroVxLK8y2oyAVZz204Bw4FHalbfYgvQMDaBFp7p8Rg3X58WT2zMzNu6GeGFj8Q73HmiL_223WeotznJyWM-B0/s1600/Normal+Print.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV0B7I_0k7jARquZgwZw3UuialKEw2aw5PtYc5HGJI60aT9FzFnTvoUUroVxLK8y2oyAVZz204Bw4FHalbfYgvQMDaBFp7p8Rg3X58WT2zMzNu6GeGFj8Q73HmiL_223WeotznJyWM-B0/s1600/Normal+Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV0B7I_0k7jARquZgwZw3UuialKEw2aw5PtYc5HGJI60aT9FzFnTvoUUroVxLK8y2oyAVZz204Bw4FHalbfYgvQMDaBFp7p8Rg3X58WT2zMzNu6GeGFj8Q73HmiL_223WeotznJyWM-B0/s1600/Normal+Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This quirky quote has been hand painted by the very talented Katie Gavenda as a give-away on her delightful blog </span><a href="http://kgavenda.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/the-winning-phrase/" style="background-color: white;">Blueberry English</a><span style="background-color: white;">. You can find more work by her on at her Etsy shop </span><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blueberryenglish">here</a></span></b><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-67101871133583281602012-07-18T01:48:00.001+05:302012-07-18T01:48:52.665+05:30Project DIY: 10 Minute Evil Eye Charm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshR3kEG5YDumAEPOoCkednxCLTg72_ixd8ty6Rh5ruz__3CJLV_W7LsMi-AxiuNGzd97TRCgxfgcKt0US3vcYWkYMswYoWGADTrq4dipqGFQY-2Be0CDAnrC7n2Fmo_A_9b1d7WpDwymm/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshR3kEG5YDumAEPOoCkednxCLTg72_ixd8ty6Rh5ruz__3CJLV_W7LsMi-AxiuNGzd97TRCgxfgcKt0US3vcYWkYMswYoWGADTrq4dipqGFQY-2Be0CDAnrC7n2Fmo_A_9b1d7WpDwymm/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I was travelling to Israel and Turkey last year, I was determined to return with a unique Evil Eye Charm for our home. I saw tons of them, but they all seemed like touristy versions, and I wasn't too happy. Which is when the idea of creating my own struck me.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I found some really ideal, simple glass evil eye pendants the size of my palm in Tel Aviv. Since am usually looking for a bargain, I decided to go for the plain ones with a blue nylon string to hang them. At 8 Shekels a piece, they were about 20 shekels cheaper than fancy ones. I was going to add my own personal touch to these anyway, so it made complete sense to buy the minimalistic pendants.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">It took me about a year but while I was unpacking here in Porbandar, miraculously, I found all the bits to make up a wonderful unique piece. A length of thick, coarse string, some beads and the evil eye itself. Like the title of the post promises, this won't take you longer than 10 minutes to rustle up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA-lRrD7U35pVQm1bCZYY4J2sAzPLwXlX7qH4MvINOPAbkLpTVwSX1y7avo0vCeRBN3MtAhj63j7CexFdeuCBNZt3NkzEgD9GcgSRvru5JZLVL-UONEsXxWBdw7_3zaYOW8thcPIEvwD7/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA-lRrD7U35pVQm1bCZYY4J2sAzPLwXlX7qH4MvINOPAbkLpTVwSX1y7avo0vCeRBN3MtAhj63j7CexFdeuCBNZt3NkzEgD9GcgSRvru5JZLVL-UONEsXxWBdw7_3zaYOW8thcPIEvwD7/s1600/1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">You will need:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">1 evil eye pendant made of glass or ceramic. Pick a size you like</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Some coarse string of desired length and proportion to your pendant</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">10-20 beads in colours of your choice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Thin string to tie the beads</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Start off by stringing the pendant through your coarse string so that you have at least 6 strands to create a braid.Tie a firm knot as shown here to hold the pendant in place.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-QAxQpDluBxKrQDGR0K417ORli6SeRQQNTqcr4g40o2WethhGmWrhgFxILFVfUnJye3fT9lF6zTn0yk5OE70Jj787sgta2GOODH0SeFE-tACRb2AlcqMch4wbp9BTzFXaNMkmQuTOT28/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-QAxQpDluBxKrQDGR0K417ORli6SeRQQNTqcr4g40o2WethhGmWrhgFxILFVfUnJye3fT9lF6zTn0yk5OE70Jj787sgta2GOODH0SeFE-tACRb2AlcqMch4wbp9BTzFXaNMkmQuTOT28/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ng94ULKrlOw9wk4Yfhxco888oxHFl9CmDSnsrD5H7g5cOz018jByb5iDRiMTIM8WcX5Bwyw0mtS2LY8kvxJrkwJl9DwwCyM1uXzwzTIDsw1LAmerM08fIliaR7o6h1OhwJ4xg2oS3uTE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ng94ULKrlOw9wk4Yfhxco888oxHFl9CmDSnsrD5H7g5cOz018jByb5iDRiMTIM8WcX5Bwyw0mtS2LY8kvxJrkwJl9DwwCyM1uXzwzTIDsw1LAmerM08fIliaR7o6h1OhwJ4xg2oS3uTE/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Now, braid the strands artfully. As you can see, I started off with a casual three-piece braid and then changed it to a slightly more intricate six string one. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">It is time to thread your beads through the thinner string. Tie a knot at each end of the beads to keep them from slipping off and make sure you leave enough thread on either side to enable you to comfortably tie it around the coarse string braid.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAnPCv_huscZ64GiFvvibTNGxYZte2uFDF7yC8KY_R7qX_z7q3D3WxKk13Syxi_1SyX6QfDQe9wBZ0QtkNqjE2oGnnaflYQR_zoZ9oGg9xWi6sWl7TwYrF9PV6gI7CobDf9tIFGrx0Da3/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAnPCv_huscZ64GiFvvibTNGxYZte2uFDF7yC8KY_R7qX_z7q3D3WxKk13Syxi_1SyX6QfDQe9wBZ0QtkNqjE2oGnnaflYQR_zoZ9oGg9xWi6sWl7TwYrF9PV6gI7CobDf9tIFGrx0Da3/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Depending on the thickness of your braid, use 2-3 beads for each round of adornment. I used beads in only three places, since I really wanted to see more of the coarse string. Tie off the ends of the string to create a sturdy way to hang the pendant on the wall. And you're done!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-JWUM2bYvcFDTx_5sYXBsW2p4hzeu9RuuZf19M42dywafCgkzxcYd1rFCL8exSmP0AWqGEHtfuVCygm-WW6j1E7RRg5DvyWDv1fm8Sg315O8GcBOhSJfsVVv0PvIsjEtqia1im44zC4n/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-JWUM2bYvcFDTx_5sYXBsW2p4hzeu9RuuZf19M42dywafCgkzxcYd1rFCL8exSmP0AWqGEHtfuVCygm-WW6j1E7RRg5DvyWDv1fm8Sg315O8GcBOhSJfsVVv0PvIsjEtqia1im44zC4n/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The smooth glossy finish of the pendant is offset wonderfully by the coarse string and the few black beads add a bold accent to this piece. All that remains to be done now, is to hammer a nail into the wall, next to the switch for the buzzer to proudly display your new accessory. And to ward off the evil eye!</span><br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-71427726444789300072012-07-17T23:00:00.000+05:302012-07-18T00:08:34.325+05:30Picking up where we left off: Back, alive and kicking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello again from Porbandar, almost the Western tip of India. The sun sets here around 7:30 p.m. which is crazy, for someone like me who's used to twilight around 6. It's taking some getting used to, my brain still thinks it's late afternoon even though it is time to switch modes from being an advertising professional to a blogging Sunny Nomad.<br />
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We've landed a nice little flat on the sixth floor and when I work, I gaze out at some greenery. If I crane my neck, I can catch a glimpse of a river in the distance. It's nice. The other day, a couple of flamingos cruised past as I looked out for some inspiration. Isn't it wonderful when you're rewarded so handsomely? Unfortunately, by the time I got out my camera, they were way past the zoom capabilities of my point-and-shoot.<br />
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Our very few neighbours are helpful and settling in has been made possible by our very efficient <i>chowkidar </i>(watchman) Karsanbhai. I also have to remind myself that every woman is a '<i>ben</i>' while every man is a '<i>bhai</i>' in these parts. You show respect by calling someone '<i>mota bhai</i>' or '<i>mota ben</i>' - loosely translated <i>ben</i> is sister, <i>bhai</i> is brother and <i>mota</i> means someone older. The other day I received a package, and the mailman called me Priyankaben Nayar!<br />
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While I speak a smattering of the Mumbai version of Gujarati, N is fluent in the <i>Kathiawadi </i>dialect spoken here. When I open my mouth, I usually end up amusing the listeners, but am learning to overcome my embarrassment and soldiering on.<br />
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The picture above offers you a glimpse of a lovely reflection from my balcony in the soft evening light. The breeze just completes the feeling of being on a vacation island, high above the noise and pollution. What a glamourous vision of Porbandar, don't you think?<br />
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Since my work has resumed full time, all the DIY projects I've been dreaming of will take some time before they take physical form. But I hope to share something pretty soon. My kitchen needs rescuing, every day I find a new way to organise and re-organise almost everything. Those tips I pinned about using baskets for storage (since we have an acute shortage of cabinets) have come in handy. In Mumbai, I dragged N to Crawford market just so we could pick up some quaint old wicker baskets. They've been an absolute life-saver.<br />
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This weekend, I intend to pretty up the open storage and hang some pictures on the walls. Am looking forward to making the home cozy and comfortable, one day at a time. Cookies and lazy mornings are what keep me going!<br />
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But enough about me. How have you been?<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-60113103089164742042012-06-22T22:44:00.000+05:302012-06-22T22:44:38.260+05:30Goodbyes and New Adventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqBaAQsVF491Hk8Y2ix7L0HImojDMf34t02jgB09KsyXBebJD3cWk6m0wJgl1p3lAsVNiPjpiHnhQ6v6rW-CBo34_RIMzIoIp9VD6SntVWsC6p6oY03n5qocHcgYsHizKKdPg8yTCaKjz/s1600/reflections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqBaAQsVF491Hk8Y2ix7L0HImojDMf34t02jgB09KsyXBebJD3cWk6m0wJgl1p3lAsVNiPjpiHnhQ6v6rW-CBo34_RIMzIoIp9VD6SntVWsC6p6oY03n5qocHcgYsHizKKdPg8yTCaKjz/s1600/reflections.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Photograph: </span><i style="font-size: 13px;">Mood for Reflection</i><span style="font-size: 13px;"> by Priyanka Nayar</span>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It is time for us to move again. Yes, I know, seems too soon to me too. We're all packed and ready to push off to Porbandar for our next adventure. It's been a good first stint in Kerala. The people, the food, the beaches and the wildlife have made their excellent first impressions.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">It's been just over a year since we came here, but we've travelled away from home so often, that we haven't seen everything that there is to see and experience. We'll be back some day. Maybe to another part of the state.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This has been the kind of sabbatical from normal life that only very few lucky people can manage. It has spoilt me, for now, wherever I go, I will miss the lush greens. The place where we lived afforded us a view of the Arabian Sea on one hand, and the beautiful backwaters that Kerala is famous for on the other. Will be hard to find something to beat that.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Am one fourth </span><i style="background-color: white;">Keralite</i><span style="background-color: white;">, but have been to Kerala only once, over two decades ago. I've learnt some local cuisine, picked up a few words of </span><i style="background-color: white;">Malayalam</i><span style="background-color: white;">, and bought my first '</span><i style="background-color: white;">set saree</i><span style="background-color: white;">'! It's been wonderful getting introduced to my roots. I've floated through most of my life not belonging to a particular part of the country, I surely will continue to do that for the rest of my life too. But now I know a little more about where my grandfather came from, and perhaps a little about why I am a fan of curry leaves.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">There are still a bunch of things that are on my bucket list - a</span><span style="background-color: white;">m yet to take a cruise on a house boat, live in floating houses and watch a</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">Kathakali </i><span style="background-color: white;">performance. I haven't had a whole host of dishes that I dream about, haven't caught a glimpse of Periyar, Thekkady, Kumarakom or Munnar and not even had fresh seafood <i>by the sea</i> in Cochin. So I am far from satiated and my heart wants to come back and complete the journey.</span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white;">Au revoir</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Kerala and my lovely friends here. Unfortunately, I've had to use the </span><a href="http://sunnynomad.blogspot.in/2011/12/everytime.html" style="background-color: white;">farewell cards </a><span style="background-color: white;">I designed a short while back. But like the card says, it's goodbyes only until we meet again</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The picture above captures my thoughts as I sign off, and prepare for the train journey tomorrow morning. </span><span style="background-color: white;">If you'd like to see the art print for this and other pictures by me, you can find them at <a href="http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar">my store</a>. Some of them are available as ipad and iphone skins too.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I may not be able to write again until we're well and settled in Porbandar. But my head is all abuzz with ideas for DIY projects and cozying up the nest there. And I've been busy pinning inspiration on my </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/sunnynomad/" style="background-color: white;">Pinterest boards</a><span style="background-color: white;">. So when am back in full swing, there will be loads to share. On our way to our new home, we're spending a few days in Mumbai, I should also have some stories to share of my time at markets, old haunts and with dear old friends.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Have a super weekend yourself, and an even better week ahead. xoxo, Sunny Nomad me.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-5399874137138900952012-06-19T00:47:00.000+05:302012-06-19T09:37:43.560+05:30This Time That Year: A Summer in Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YUbBIRUcY1B3MsktRiMEJaSX5hTq52nPgGpcha4a82_lhiyH-W304IyKwtRqUZqoBlp_1EClDOn1_gdGrM2_sGiCgwj58xGAV6p349juxD11vZQvyvl6Gqo3Rm61Jl2omU0Om6ax0mVV/s1600/Eiffel+tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YUbBIRUcY1B3MsktRiMEJaSX5hTq52nPgGpcha4a82_lhiyH-W304IyKwtRqUZqoBlp_1EClDOn1_gdGrM2_sGiCgwj58xGAV6p349juxD11vZQvyvl6Gqo3Rm61Jl2omU0Om6ax0mVV/s1600/Eiffel+tower.jpg" /></a></div>
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The year was 2007. Three young students from Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) were headed to Paris to represent India at the L'Oreal Brandstorm marketing contest. I was one of the three, we were up against teams from 36 other countries. This was the second time L'Oreal India was even participating in the global finals. We worked hard for six months leading up to this fabulous moment. We didn't place amongst the top winners of the contest, but we sure came away with precious moments and memories.<br />
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It was my first trip out of the country. And that too to Paris, in June. The most glorious time of the year to be there. I was so kicked on so many levels. I was there to represent my country, to make new friends, to show what a good brand management student I was and to experience a culture I had only read about in books. I was on a high, as were my team mates.<br />
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For the first time, I understood what it meant when people said diversity. Up until now, the only diversity I'd experienced was that of the geography of states and languages within India. Here, 37 countries brought people of all colours, hues and tones. Of different races, languages and cultures. Though the conclave lasted only three days, the memories are burnt in my mind's eye forever.<br />
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I made a lot of friends, some of whom I've managed to stay in touch with. Some others have faded away as part of a refreshing experience. My mind was not ready to absorb everything I saw, heard and smelled in those 9 days in Paris. After the conclave got done, we moved out of the trendy hotel the company had put us up at to a hostel on the outskirts of the main city. Clichy was far from all the important sights, and it gave us the chance to explore the Paris metro. It was lovely to hear the recorded names of stations in French, which sounded nothing like what they looked!<br />
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We took in all the tourist destinations, spent a good hour browsing through the Shakespeare Book Co.'s collection and wandered through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montmartre"><i>Montmartre's</i></a> alleys. This was where artists like Salvadore Dali, Modigliani, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh worked. I was delighted to simply walk down the same cobble-stoned roads as these artists must have ages ago, gazing upon the beautiful city that may have inspired their work. I almost wished I could have a tiny little flat and live here forever.<br />
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We had some wine on a side-walk cafe beside the Seine, walked along the river by day and cruised on it at night. The air was filled with art, music, French and style. We toured the <i>Louvre</i>, I ran to catch a glimpse of Van Gogh's work at a museum dedicated to him. Unfortunately, it was closed, but just outside, I met local artists <span style="background-color: white;">and saw the work of the master replicated beautifully by them</span><span style="background-color: white;">. I almost walked away with a oil on canvas, but alas, my meager budget allowed me only art prints of the originals. Sigh!</span><br />
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Apart from enjoying the atmosphere of the romantic capital of the world, Paris was a crash course in different kinds of personal style. Things that were on the ramps were on the streets in Mumbai too. But I had yet to see such clever mixing of colours and textures. I was a student, I couldn't afford much, but I did come away with two beautiful and surprising pullovers.Those and a couple of berets is all I bought to keep the spirit of personal style alive for me. Even if I wear them at home, they make me happy!<br />
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My one regret is that I didn't possess enough skill or capability to make the most of my borrowed camera. A cousin had lent me his point-and-shoot and now I have thumbnail sized memories to look at whenever am nostalgic.<br />
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I created this collage above by using some clever filters and effects in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CorelDRAW-Suite-X5-Home-Student/dp/B003VMCBEC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340046299&sr=8-1&keywords=coreldraw">Coreldraw</a>. It is a beautiful reminder of a wonderful time only four summers ago. <span style="background-color: white;">I've made another version of the same photograph, and if you'd like to check it, you can head over to my store on</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar" style="background-color: white;">Society6.com</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">N and I plan to return to the city someday, together. He's done a trip with family a year after I was there, we didn't even know each other. I can almost see us walking along the quaint sidewalks and soaking in the Paris air. Of course, he will drag me to music shops. But I will tug at his arm as we cross </span><i style="background-color: white;">Valentino</i><span style="background-color: white;">. Who knows, we may just be able to buy me something gorgeous in </span><i style="background-color: white;">Valentino Red</i><span style="background-color: white;">. One can dream.</span><br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-72014570667952525872012-06-12T00:00:00.000+05:302012-06-12T00:00:00.271+05:30Cupcake Gluttony: Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon filling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A friend sent me a link to drop-dead gorgeous cupcakes (30 of them!) and thankfully the pictures were accompanied by recipes. The baker-writer has done a fabulous job, even though she claims to have never baked before, her cupcakes look like they belong in a cupcake shop. Her generous effort of cataloging 30 of the best recipes from friends and family is truly commendable. You must stop by <a href="http://mingmakescupcakes.yolasite.com/">here</a>, even if to only indulge in visual gluttony of Ming's creations.<br />
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I really wanted to try out a recipe, and from the long list, I picked Cupcake 23: Vanilla cupcakes with Lemon filling (there was no way I was gonna manage the meringue frosting) based on the access to ingredients and my desire to try my hand at whisking a lemon curd. Do you follow all those heart-wrenchingly lovable Masterchef Australia series? If you don't, you must look them up. In India they are running the Junior Masterchef series, and it makes me feel quite ashamed, really. Am blown away by the sheer talent, technique and palate of the competing kids. Even though I can't taste a single thing, I can tell how delicious those whip-ups are!<br />
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Lucy, who is a third generation cake queen and all of 11 years old, was whisking together a lemony yellow lemon curd the other day. And I thought, I must try this someday. Then, along comes Cupcake 23 and I have the chance to get my wish granted. I grabbed it with both hands, put pen to paper and jotted down the recipe in my lil recipe book (thank you Hammie for the <i>Daydreams Nightdreams</i> notebook. It is rapidly filling up at both ends).<br />
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Here's a snapshot of what I attempted. If you read on, you'll pat my back for the delicate choice of words.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHZUayZ6mzh4-CUTe2F_taCW2C0HzUpl7w5mnRo2TxgVvJbJJ1DhCyaBpCWXrHiKcWCw9nTpou4pSoXTEZ6SLtt9GmGxIomRl59TIzE7Zj70xinF4VPhGL1Wq24_ItkVoJm4y4I2Bw8K7/s1600/cupcake+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHZUayZ6mzh4-CUTe2F_taCW2C0HzUpl7w5mnRo2TxgVvJbJJ1DhCyaBpCWXrHiKcWCw9nTpou4pSoXTEZ6SLtt9GmGxIomRl59TIzE7Zj70xinF4VPhGL1Wq24_ItkVoJm4y4I2Bw8K7/s1600/cupcake+23.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I tried my first batch, I wanted to cry. Mine came out too short to even peek above the cupcake wrappers! But they tasted divine. So I decided to give them another go (in any case, the 8 I made vanished before you could say Jack Sparrow and my craving wasn't done yet).<br />
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No, I have no amazing story to tell of how I conquered a batch of cupcakes. The second time was only slightly better looking, however, I came nowhere close to the creation above. I bemoaned my ambitious spirit, wondering why I didn't settle for some bun-butter-sugar (which is my go-to treat in times of sugary cravings) instead. At least that <i>looks</i> neat and edible.<br />
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But when they taste so good, who cares about how rustic they look, right? My story does have a happy ending after all. The cupcakes came out soft and fluffy, sweet and tangy, and we all lived happily ever after. Not the cupcakes, those were gone and the crumbs were dusted.<br />
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I urge you to give one of them a go too. They look deceptively difficult, but with a bit of patience, am sure you'll manage a super yummy set.<br />
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P.S. You'll thank me someday for sharing the link with you.<br />
P.P.S. Try to send me some, when you try any of them. I have no favourites, or let's say, they all agree very well with me!<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-67098948393495264022012-06-11T00:00:00.000+05:302012-06-11T00:08:23.137+05:30Humble Beginnings: A new Store<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hullo everyone. Hope you've had a super weekend. The rains have arrived here with some serious gusto and they have kept me indoors all through it, but I've been busy.<br />
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I've just set up shop at <b><a href="http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Society6</span></a></b>, a wonderful place for creative people to collaborate, showcase and sell their art. When I first discovered it through a friend (thank you S), I was blown away by the great art that was so affordable. In the early days, I only ogled and spent several hours just browsing through the eclectic collection. Somewhere along the way, I plucked up just enough courage to think of actually creating something and putting it up there.<br />
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When I read <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/magazine/28nutritionism.t.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1#"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>this article</b></span></a> on <i>The NY Times</i> website last week, it really inspired me, and I wanted to spread the message. So, I made this art print that captures Michael Pollen's word of advice and it became the first art print to go on sale!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpBaCP8Z2vpVVuR-sPFk0KUW1e66XS7Dz_qV6cSLcdP0UPmBzv5INiAFcaNj70KdPvFF7ztfLB-YovWQqRJM5XYuEW0vyACxQ0ytQw-Okh68f8IuuT8NXw4fjrAWZVcf9jQGN7F-_ZSx_/s1600/Eat+food+Blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpBaCP8Z2vpVVuR-sPFk0KUW1e66XS7Dz_qV6cSLcdP0UPmBzv5INiAFcaNj70KdPvFF7ztfLB-YovWQqRJM5XYuEW0vyACxQ0ytQw-Okh68f8IuuT8NXw4fjrAWZVcf9jQGN7F-_ZSx_/s1600/Eat+food+Blog+pic.jpg" /></a></div>
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I silenced all my inner fears and took the plunge, and can now fancy myself a legitimate <i>artiste</i>, once someone actually buys a piece. I've been so excitable that I simply couldn't sit still, and tapped away at my keyboard until the wee hours to share this news with you.<br />
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I hope you take the time to head over to my store and check out all the art prints and other goodies. You can find me at <a href="http://society6.com/PriyankaNayar" style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Society6.com/PriyankaNayar</b></a>.<br />
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I've also added a new link in the right hand side column that proudly proclaims 'My Shop' ( I just couldn't resist it). There, you will be able to buy copies of pictures I click and add a bit of Sunny Nomad to your life too.<br />
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Gleefully signing off, and wishing you all a wonderful week ahead! xo.<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-18013530393436132082012-06-06T23:59:00.001+05:302012-06-06T23:59:39.980+05:30Infectious Creativity: Pinterest Delights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you're new to <a href="http://pinterest.com/"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Pinterest</span></a>, then let me shine the spotlight on this wonderful social sharing platform. It has tons of inspiration in the form of pictures and videos, all put up by people like you and me. You can create your own moodboards and go nuts (like I have done).<br />
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In all fairness, there is a bit of trend spotting on the agenda for about 20 of my Pinterest boards. Some of us at work thought, ooh, how do we make all this pinning of beautiful stuff legit. Bam. Our Signbanking boards were born. <br />
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But getting back to my original point, this is the place to go completely loony about everything your eyes desire. If you're a closet hoarder, you can come out to the world here. After all, you're only spreading some joy. It's easy to sign up using your Facebook profile,Twitter handle or email id. Be sure to add the 'pinmarklet' button to your browser, so you can pin all the lovable things you see from any page online.<br />
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There is some gorgeous edible art that I have been pinning onto my <a href="http://pinterest.com/sunnynomad/tuck-box/"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Tuck Box</span></a> board and thought it would be wonderful to give you a peek at it. Just looking at these creations makes me pine for delicious treats.<br />
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1. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese Mousse from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/11/01/health/20111101_vegetarian_thanksgiving.html#Beet_Salad_With_Ch%C3%A8vre_Frais_and_Caraway"><span style="color: #f1c232;">The New York Times</span></a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/plentyofcolour/"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Chloé Douglas</span></a><br />
2. Mr. Egg from<span style="color: #f1c232;"> <a href="http://abitofpillipilli.blogspot.se/2012/03/101-woonideeen.html" style="color: #f1c232;">a bit of pilli pilli</a> </span>via <a href="http://pinterest.com/annelouise/"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Anne Louise</span></a><br />
3. Van Gogh Cupcakes from <span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://katcupcakery.tumblr.com/post/954574933/van-gogh-cupcakes-these-cupcakes-inspired-by">Kate's Cupkery</a></span> via<span style="color: #f1c232;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/khatri201984/">Akanksha Khatri</a></span><br />
4. Dragonfly Cupcakes from <span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://family.go.com/food/recipe-891756-dragonfly-cupcakes-t/" style="color: #f1c232;">Disney family.com</a> </span>via <span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin2recycle/">Brenda McGuire</a></span><br />
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If you'd like to see the rest of the drool worthy stuff I've been pinning, just head over to <a href="http://pinterest.com/sunnynomad"><span style="color: #f1c232;">my Pinterest profile</span></a>.<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-37943553609968112222012-06-02T00:00:00.000+05:302012-06-02T00:00:00.699+05:30Vintage with a Twist: A Class Act<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbE0jBfGHN7RbDY9sj1u6Wjvdns9crtkrc98yVTjKVih47igMIpOT6MMKoAPz1R58f1tLAreNZ5nqz4jw2NnjFxgeNqt3la2NoXD2fGgRWIWyWTpOC4wkFl7a3H8ucr0BcQ8wsSuWi5uB/s1600/Make+Lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbE0jBfGHN7RbDY9sj1u6Wjvdns9crtkrc98yVTjKVih47igMIpOT6MMKoAPz1R58f1tLAreNZ5nqz4jw2NnjFxgeNqt3la2NoXD2fGgRWIWyWTpOC4wkFl7a3H8ucr0BcQ8wsSuWi5uB/s1600/Make+Lemonade.jpg" /></a></div>
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We've all heard the age-old wisdom of when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. I thought of taking a shot at it, and came up with this art print. Why not be classy, stare life in the eye, and make some lemon tea? Surviving a challenge with grace, charm and style makes me feel much better while am trying to get through it. The key of course is to remember that <i>you will get on the other side</i>, it's the middle that sucks, but is going to pass. Hang in there buddy, you're gonna make it.<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-42395339707736039492012-06-01T00:13:00.000+05:302012-06-01T00:34:12.095+05:30Soak up the Sun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhEO-QGqHCmYiSOPEAj0UaNbjNGSz3mdaMNKeeYANEExL7BybOfryIZ3sklouxopfV7Gfokhefem9nuWVuBPHXaZdGPssEs2H2bkTzTO4uJzvaF13YYbv7DxcPI3wT2hH8v0lmZH75OCk/s1600/Kitty+in+the+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhEO-QGqHCmYiSOPEAj0UaNbjNGSz3mdaMNKeeYANEExL7BybOfryIZ3sklouxopfV7Gfokhefem9nuWVuBPHXaZdGPssEs2H2bkTzTO4uJzvaF13YYbv7DxcPI3wT2hH8v0lmZH75OCk/s1600/Kitty+in+the+sun.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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This picture I took of a kitty lounging in the summer sun in Istanbul last year, makes me long for a day like that one. I wish I could find a grassy little spot under a tree and just stretch out, with a book and let my thoughts wander. This weekend may very well be the last lazy one we enjoy. A big move is on the cards for June and we need to get started with packing up our life here. And...we're getting a light drizzle almost everyday, so the monsoon isn't that far away.<br />
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Somehow, doesn't summer seem to always be full of so many things to look forward to? As kids, summer vacation meant plans for craft projects, hide and seek, late night card games, board games and climbing up every tree in sight, whether there were fruits to be had or not. It also held the promise of travelling to a new place. My dad is a civil engineer, and was usually posted to different parts each year. School year began with either a vivid essay or a drawing of some memory of the lovely, jobless time spent licking orange flavoured ice lollies. Mangoes were another treat that summer never failed me at. I miss sinking my teeth into a huge slice of cool water melon.<br />
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When we lived in Nasik, my sis, our best friend and I would plan sleep overs on our terraces. We'd spend the evening lugging up bedding, mosquito coils and other meagre comforts up the rickety ladder propped up at my friend's house. Going up was so dandy. While the other two slithered down skillfully, I had to be coaxed down like a cat stuck on a tree. I now am so grateful for their patience. They never gave up on me, and never stopped making plans to go sleep on the terrace. And there we'd lie, looking up at the sky, marvelling at the twinkling stars. Slowly, we'd pop off to sleep, conversations terminating mid-sentence, tired from all the planning and several trips up and down.<br />
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As we would be flopping around through the day, waiting for the ice-cream cart to come by, I don't recall much parental supervision or interference. We were happy they were at bay, they were probably enjoying the much needed break too. When it got really hot, we'd fill up a tank with water and get in, in our bathing suits. That was pretty much the only time the bathing suits came out, unless we were away for a beach holiday.<br />
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What do kids do today to while away the abundance of time in summer vacations? How come we don't make these plans anymore? Why did we really want to grow up so fast, when it seems obvious now, that there is no greater joy that just soaking up the sun?<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-49578217573991847072012-05-31T12:37:00.000+05:302012-05-31T12:37:27.985+05:30Colour Crush of the Week: Flying Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Find this adorable art print <span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74654702/flying-home-art-print-abstract-geometric">here</a></span>.<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285498526334269263.post-42441235943999446492012-05-30T09:28:00.001+05:302012-05-30T09:55:03.108+05:30Easy to make Flowers: Poppies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlBMRnUzPD8hm4gHwVNqFSTncfv50urnTtqG11LCupeB6boOA0bgUljXIuUieQwx04IrlxE-WzTHZCKuJ3mYpwaSD-1KEO2K88F7nsFtb3g6Ocd9rPB-rT8CZYeNOOqqLrEG5JiJhSeN2/s1600/poppy+love+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlBMRnUzPD8hm4gHwVNqFSTncfv50urnTtqG11LCupeB6boOA0bgUljXIuUieQwx04IrlxE-WzTHZCKuJ3mYpwaSD-1KEO2K88F7nsFtb3g6Ocd9rPB-rT8CZYeNOOqqLrEG5JiJhSeN2/s1600/poppy+love+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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I saw these lovely flowers on Ez's blog Creature Comforts a while back and was dying to try them out. When I finally went to Mumbai in March, my sister and I picked up some satin to try our hand at all the enticing flowers we've been pinning onto our DIY boards. I'd seen the tutorial for these ones and tried them out.<br />
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Now that am back home, I made a fresh batch of two! The little one was a great accessory for my bright red saree. It made me feel like a retro film star, mostly because of my hairstyle really. The big poppy has been made for a special little girl. I just need to figure out how to get it to her now.<br />
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Go check out Ez's super easy <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2011/11/30/5-minute-diy-fabric-poppy-flower-gift-toppers.html">tutorial</a>. She's even added videos, just watch them even if you aren't making the flowers right away. You never know when you'll be in the mood for poppies too. These make excellent gift toppers, hair accessories or brooches.<br />
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I've made much flatter versions of the original design, with only three whorls, which I think look good as hair accessories. If you add your own little twist, be sure to share it with us.<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2