Tuesday, 18 November 2014

My Home is my Dream Pad

My home is my dream pad .Though it’s the most guarded space yet it is the best space to splurge and make it look and feel opulent. The exterior has to be elegant ,chic yet the opulence has to be muted. It has to be very functional as exteriors tend to brave the vagaries of nature in all seasons. So it would be best to choose a low maintenance exterior. I choose the tiled façade for the exterior.The anexe of the house and the top floor is what faces the maximum sunlight and heat during the summers and it gets really hot there. So I


The quiet breakfast table for a quick breakfast or a quick snack.

The choice of Seats and chairs for my living Room
 
Tao Negro The perfect choice for elegance and grace. They will make my living room lively.

However with so much variety I would love to add a few  CLEVER Negro / Cincha Negra in the study for some comfy reading time

 


I like the feel and look of wood so I have chosen ascot Teca for that wooden look. It would make the rooms feel cooler in summers and warmer in winters. It would fulfil my dream of having a home in the hills that have wooden flooring.These are elegant and low maintenance floors.




For my  dining room on looking the garden this simple yet elegant dining set is the best way for the entire family to sit and eat together because as it is  said the family that eats together stays together








The Grand Bath for some leisurely pampering :
For this special place I choose the look created using OXON WHITE ° M and my  choice of shade is Butech: Colorstuk Blanco 


 OXON WHITE ° M
20x31,6x0,84cm_8”x12”x3/8”
P3149996 _ 100110470 G205
Butech: Colorstuk Blanco 


 The Second bathroom: The second bathroom gets good light and I want to use it to the maximum to highlight and light up this special room so I have used the Matrix series monoporosa wall tiles

MATRIX NÁCAR
31,6x44,6x0,9cm_12”x18”x3/8”
P3099037 _ 100108707 G226
Butech: Colorstuk Blanco


My kitchen is the place where all those delicious oriental dishes are cooked and to go with the mood I would select the Voluta series tiles for my kitchen 


monoporosa rectificado rectified wall tiles · diseños y texturas designs and textures
VOLUTA ANTRACITA
31,6x90x1cm_12”x35”x3/8” P3470381 _ 100088514 G287
Butech: Colorstuk Negro



My guest deserve a royal Treat
So I will use DECO GALLERY SAGE tiles to create wall murals in my guest rooms



DECO GALLERY SAGE
31,6x90x0,9cm_12”x35”x3/8” P3470641 _ 100121105 G296
Butech: Colorstuk Beige


My Kitchen would brighten up with Glasgow Silver 



All photographs have been taken from http://www.porcelanosa.com/gb/

 http://www.24kliving.com/


Bringing back the touch



Sunil  and Asha were a happy couple who had just celebrated their fifth anniversary .Their Anniversary party was not a private affair,in fact was a double celebration with the announcement of Sonali’s engagement was  made on the same day. Sonali was Sunil’s younger sister and about five years younger to Asha.
The wedding date was fixed fifteen days away from the day of the engagement .Everyone in the household was very excited. The house was buzzing with guests.  Asha was moving about  looking after the guests.She had a long list of things she had to do in a short span of time,like booking the caterers ,selecting a wedding venue,selecting  the perfect menu and above all making living arrangements for the guests  who had started pouring in quite in advance as it was the last wedding in the family. This was not all shopping for clothes and jewellery and wedding gifts for the in laws was also high on her agenda.
Asha was flustered but handled the issues capably .She was in great demand as every small and sundry matter needed her attention.She was worried that nothing should go wrong as the onus of all the arrangements was on her.She knew that it was very difficult to please all the guests but she was doing her utmost to give her best.
She was so busy in doing the innumerable chores that she neglected her physical care.All this was taking toll on her looks and skin. Then one evening she got the shock of her life when Sonalis friends
Who had gathered together to discuss the wedding dress  called her Auntie.How could they do this as she was just five years elder to sonali and still in the prime of her youth.This made her stop and look at herself in the mirror.She was aghast at what she saw.Her skin was looking old and care worn.She wondered what to do and then she remembered the bottle of Parachute advansed body lotion which she had pushed back into the cabinet.She took it out and sighed with relief as she knew that it would recreate its magic.It was the fourth day and she could see a visible difference.While the time of the wedding it was the seventh day and her skin was feeling soft and completely nourished.It was evening and she was all decked up for the occasion.
Every one complimented her on her looks and how she was glowing even more than the bride.She smiled because she felt confident as she felt the softness of her skin.Parachute advansed body lotion had done the wonder again.

 http://www.pblskin.com/

#BringBackTheTouch


Monday, 17 November 2014

A toilet for all Babli's #ToiletForBabli



India has a large rural population.The major problem faced by the people in the rural areas is the lack of proper toilet facilities.Thus they resort to using the open spaces.It is not only cumbersome but also unhealthy as it facilitates the breeding of germs and is the cause of various diseases.The main sufferers are the women folk who are not only impacted by the germs but also their personal safety is at stake.They move in pairs or groups in the darkness of night The passing tractors make them uncomfortable and their task becomes an ordeal.Their faces are unhappy and harassed as they hurry through their call of nature.They are not only prone to catching diseases but their physical safety is also at stake as some unwanted miscreants are hiding in wait for them .They face the dangers of assault and rape.Such a situation can be prevented by providing proper toilets which not only ensure good hygiene but also they are physically safe.They are not under stress and better hygiene will give them better health.The care of the family is upon them and if they do not have the proper basic amenities like a proper toilet they can not stay happy and healthy. Making a toilet available for Babli is the initiation of good health and safety for the whole family. Just as Mahatma Gandhi the father of our nation said if you educate a woman you educate a family . Similarly when a woman is provided a clean toilet she is protected from the prying eyes, protected from bacteria and infections . Using a clean toilet gives her a healthier mental state and a healthier body. The social structure of our country is such that the women of our house holds are the focal point of the home. They tend to the children, cook ,clean and look after the entire household. Thus a healthier lady of the house and healthier and happier females would take care of the responsibilities better and more importantly would be an integral part in spreading the revolution of good hygiene. 
Domex is a flagship company of HUL and has taken the responsibility of spreading the word about the importance of clean and hygienic toilets. That’s not all they are also building toilets in the remotest of remote village. As part of this campaign called   #ToiletForBabli thet are going to build 20000 toilets by 2015 . The good part is that each one of us can be a part of this campaign. When we visit www.domex.in and show our support for this campaign. The company contributes Rs 5/- towards this compaign. So instead of complaining about lack of toilets it is much better to be part of this campaign and share the link with family and friends as there is not one Babli but thousands of them waiting for a clean toilet.
so lets be a part of  "You Click Domex Contributes" initiative at http://www.domex.in/

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

The Indian Connect in Paris



India is one of the oldest civilizations of the world and I am proud to be an Indian, to belong to a rich heritage, to a culture that is diverse . There are a multitude of languages spoken in our country. It is like a bouquet which has flowers of different Hughes and fragrances.
India is looked upon with great respect and it has a magnetic appeal which attracts people from all over the world. The Vedas ,the literature , culture and cuisine all hold an immense appeal for people from different cultures and countries.There are many instances which prove that India has a charisma which cannot be ignored. 
It was the month of May and I was in Paris. I was standing on the pavement when I heard the sounds of  Mridungam an Indian musical instrument. Soon a group of young mostly French boys and girls filled the street dressed in saffron. They were dancing and chanting Hare Krishna. They were devotees of lord Krishna.
I was so far from my country and upon hearing these familiar sounds I felt I was at home. It was a spiritual connect with people of a different ethnicity that I got goose bumps.
That street of Paris was transformed to a scene from India.
Paris is a busy city and people have little time yet my Indian attire of the Saree and specially the vermilion on my forehead attracted great attention.
Every time I stood with a map in my hand trying to figure out the directions. I found total strangers coming upto me to help and guide. The  first thing they asked was You are from India? All because either they had been to India or wanted to go to India and talking to me and helping me made them feel closer to my country India.
On the road I met a pair of Nuns. Seeing me they stopped and started a conversation asking me if I have come from India?
One of them told me with great pride that she had been to India many years back and the second one wished to visit India some day. Even though I was in a foreign land amongst strangers their passion for India and my indianess got me so much attention that I felt I am an Ambassador of my country ,my India.

Lufthansa TVC
http://bit.ly/MITYTIndiblogger
 

Saturday, 18 October 2014

a healthy child means a happy home

A child is like a budding flower, the building block of every home. A home without a child is drab and dull , lacking in spirit and liveliness .The human cycle starts from infancy ,followed by youth and old age.It is very clear that a child’s presence keeps the spirits revived .


A child is very delicate, constantly requiring attention and since he or she is undergoing various stages of growth needs proper nourishment.Dust , pollution and germs pose a constant threat to a child’s well being. As a parent we must do our utmost best to ensure the best diet and protect the child from diseases.


It is said that no home is ever complete without a child. Children are the essence of a home making it more vibrant and happy place with their tiny squeals ,their gurgles of laughter and the sound of the pitter patter of their tiny feet. Their cherubic innocence is like a spell.Looking after a child requires 24 x 7 attention..It means being constantly on your toes.


A child is unable to speak and you have to constantly guess what he or she requires from the expression or time of the day ..They howl when hungry and do not give up until fed. Once fed the look of contentment on their tiny faces is worth a look. They are constantly in motion ,rolling over ,turning sides and so on Once on their feet the whole room is their playfield..Things have to be cleared so they do not get hurt.


Just as a plant needs attention and nourishment so does a child. They are tiny and delicate and greatly susceptible to germs and diseases.They need protection , a shield to keep them safe and healthy. As long as a child is healthy he or she is a happy child ,in turn making the home a happy home .On the contrary if a child becomes ill the whole house is in a state of upheaval. It seems as if a storm has passed through..


It is very essential that along with attention and care proper nourishment is provided. There are many natural herbs and ingredients which enrich the quality of a child’s food and increase his immunity.This is essential to ensure a healthy present and future for our child. When we become a parent we understand the trials and tribulations our parents must have faced in bringing us up ,they never let go and never frowned at their own suffering but always had a concern about our welfare.


Blessed is that home where the musical laughter of a child flows showing that a healthy child makes a happy home.Children are the harbingers of happiness. As they become older and get ready to face the outside world they face a barrage of challenges . Being exposed to the outside world ,stresses and an army of germs ,bacteria’s and viruses are at the forefront of challenges ready to embark on the journey of life in the outside world. We take good care of their diets however at times we ignore to give them the much needed immunity boost. Luckily for us we have rich knowledge of ayurveda that lists so many herbs like Amla, Ashwagandha,giloy, Guduchi ,Satavari, Vidarikand etc that boost the immunity system of children and the entire family. Our children are lucky that they do not have to go to the himalays in the search of these herbs and medicinal plants. A ready made concoction in the form of chayanprash is being made available by Dabur. This Dabur Chyawanprash provides a 3X boost to our children and our whole family and better prepares to face the challenges of life

https://www.liveveda.com/daburchyawanprash



Diwali the fedtival for homecoming #GharWaliDiwali



Our country has a multitude of feasts and festivals but the one which tops the list is that of diwali.It is aptly called the festival of lights as with nightfall the city comes alive with multicolored lights set up as straight lines or geometric designs.
However in our household we relate to this festival as the time for homecoming just like the birds coming to roost.
The countdown for this day begins from Dusshera.The markets are all decked up with gifts, clothes and the halwai shops are doing a brisk business Diwali is that much awaited time of the year when everyone wants to be at home and celebrate the #GharWaliDiwali.The joy of being with your loved ones on this Festival of reunion and lights is unique and uncomparable.
It is imperative that the house be cleaned thoroughly and freshly painted too.This tradition is followed till date.There is the smell of freshness in the air.The kitchen is abuzz with activity.The aroma of freshly made laddoos make the children yearn for a bite while the mouth watering gujjias make us go yo yo.It is that time when every member of the family,be it my uncles or aunts, brothers or sisters and their children gather together for this grand reunion.
After completing my schooling I had to shift to another city  for further studies, which was located at quite a distance from my home. Festival time is the time when one wants to dump everything and rush home. But one year I was unable to get any booking either by train or plane to reach home.Tears welled up in my eyes and fell like a stream as I thought of all the things that I was going to miss..As luck would have it my roommate's father came to take her home.Seeing my plight he made a detour in his plan and offered to drive me home first.My happiness knew no bounds and just before sunset I was home.
My family had become despondent and were in low spirits but when I stood before them there were shouts of joy and the evening became miraculous all thanks to one kind act never to be forgotten.I knew that this was going to be my best diwali ever.My brother and sister had brought dresses for me keeping in view the latest fashion and my color choice.My cousins were not far behind as they loaded me with beautiful trinkets and accessories.After performing the puja we lit up the earthen diyas.Thereafter we sat down to partake of a sumptuous meal topped with my favourite laddoos and gujias. Replete with food we had an Antrakshi session intermixed with bouts of laughter over silly jokes and puns.This was not the end but the start of waiting for the next Diwali

Monday, 7 July 2014

The Affair

The rice was well soaked and nicely browned.As the milk surged into the pan the rice began to hide but soon could not resist the temptation and gurgled with the surging milk till they were one.
The sugar stood testimony to their bond while the blanched almonds and crushed cardamom stood witness to this scene of joy.
The Borosil Designer Bowl Set doubled its beauty as it shimmered and glistened like the full moon peeping out from the pond.
The aroma spread in the home and caused everyone to get together in the kitchen .As they noticed the whiff of air stealing the aroma and escaping from the window,they ran to shut it down but by then it was too late.The wind had carried  the news of the affair between the rice and the milk to the neighbors gate.

There was a knock on the door,we opened it to find our neighbors saying with a smile, "The Kheer got made?"
http://www.myborosil.com/