Join me for a cup of tea!

What's your favorite time of the day? For me, its when I sit back on my favorite couch with my hot cup of tea:-) I read a book, watch TV or simply enjoy a few moments of solitude. I cherish this time more after running behind my two toddlers the entire day :-) Today, My Dream Canvas presents a series of tea moments from homes all over the world. In my mind, these pictures capture a simple moment of everyday life with beauty and grace! Join me and my friends for a lovely cup of tea!!

Jessica is a flickr friend and describes herself as a dreamer. She lives in England. Click on the link here to view her flickr photo stream. Aren't her pictures dreamy?

Thank you Jessica.

Shalini, is a family friend and lives in Dubai. She is a Freelance writer and researcher, specializing in retail and travel. I am a huge fan of her style and her work. Do visit her blog at Of Travels and Travails. Click here to view her flickr photo stream.

Thank you Shalini.

Archana, is a fellow blogger with a fabulous blog on Interior Designs from India. Do visit her lovely blog Rang Decor and see her creative talent for yourself.

Thank you Archana.

Laura is another flickr friend and lives in Luxembourg. I am a huge fan of her pictures. To view her work, visit her flickr photo stream here.

Thank you Laura.

Meena lives in Ottawa and claims that she is an amateur at digital photography. Far from it, her pictures are incredible and her Flickr photo stream is a delight. Do drop by Meena's flickr photo stream here and you will see what I mean.

Thank you Meena.

Last but not the least, is tea with my friend Shilpa :-) Shilpa is a freelance writer who lives in Mumbai. She took up photography as a hobby using her husband's camera and she is brilliant at it. Do visit her website, The Kitchen Window and view her flickr photo stream here.

Thank you Shilpa.

I hope you have enjoyed a cup of tea with me, and my lovely friends :-) This is Part One of the Tea Time Series at My Dream Canvas. Do stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.........

Long weekend.....yay!!

Its Friday.....yay!! What makes it better is that, its the start of a glorious long weekend here in the US. I want to spend it doing nothing.......... or maybe some retail therapy, a ferry to Whidbey island and lunch at Langley. I sound confused don't I ??? Anyways, I am off to figure out my plans........so see you Tuesday! Have a wonderful Memorial day weekend and do what your heart desires :-)

Picture: Coastal Living

Ice Cream in the 1930's

My last trip to India, my mom gave me these gorgeous ice cream cups. They have been in my family since the 1930's. They originally belonged to my mom's grandfather. I absolutely adore them and like displaying them in my China cabinet. The cups are pretty and look as good as new even today. Maybe I should have a dinner party soon ........

Well, that might take a while.....so for now I shall just enjoy some yummy coffee ice cream with chocolate sauce in it :-)

I am joining Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at the lovely blog My Romantic Home

and

Stephanie at Strut- your-stuff Thursday at the fabulous Somewhat Simple

and the Reluctant Entertainer and Mosaic Monday at the Little Red House.

A magical home in Kuala Lumpur

Its the start of a week, and I am happy to present another fabulous home as part of My Dream Canvas "Home Tours". Madhu Ali's home in Kuala Lumpur is a delight, a labor of love and a breath of fresh air. See for yourself, and be prepared to be swept away...

Madhu is an accountant by profession, and lives in this lovely home with her husband and two boys. Madhu's love and passion in life is baking, and she runs a home based baking business called Miel Bakes. She is an immensely talented lady and I am grateful to Madhu for sharing her home wih us today.

I asked Madhu to describe her style and this is what she had to say. "My personal style has to do with comfort and whatever that brings a smile to my face from white painted furniture, a few chipped old chairs, Ikea finds, right up to my boys' paintings and love notes framed up on the wall. Looking around I would say it borders on fresh modern country living and shabby chic with a little clutter of course! :-)"

A delightful corner...I could spend hours here reading a book!

Love the window seat. Don't you ?

Her pretty kitchen where she weaves her magic.

Back from shopping with her cute grocery bags. Delightful aren't they??

Hope you enjoyed a peek into Madhu's life and her lovely home. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Thanks Madhu !!

Pictures courtesy : Madhu Ali

Flowers everywhere

Its Spring, and flowers are in bloom wherever you look. Its almost a must to bring some home:-) They add a dash of color, make us smile, add romance to any setting and spruce up your space. Aren't flowers simply fabulous, and the most effective and spectacular decor idea? What's your favorite flower?? Do let me know.....

I am linking up with Mary's fabulous Monday Mosaic for some great ideas and fabulous images.

Heather Bullard Designs

Heather Bullard is the Senior Editor of Flea Market Style Magazine. Her work as an editorial contributor, stylist and photographer has been featured in many national publications, books and brand image campaigns. I really like her style and design concepts.

Here is a sneak peek into her antique reproduction line of French furnishings. Aren't they gorgeous? The vintage look and feel of the furniture is so beautiful. Don't you feel like you have stepped into the pages of history??

Images courtesy : Heather Bullard

Its Friday!!

Have a lovely weekend and keep smiling :-) I am always dreaming of the beach......thats my idea of relaxation. What's yours???? Picture Courtesy : Coastal Living

A home from the heart

I am back from my trip to the east coast and still a bit jet lagged :-) Today, I am delighted to feature Praba Ram's gorgeous home in the suburbs of Washington DC. A charming Victorian farmhouse with an Indian touch, the home has a simple elegance with an earthy and rustic feel to it. Step into Praba's world and enjoy her warm and inviting home.

Passionate about architecture and design, Praba loves many features about her home, both inside and outside. The wrap-around porch has a tropical feel and is her favorite architectural element in the house. The exterior of the house reflect her love for the Mediterranean & tropics. Painted in terracotta orange, the fish-scale shingles on the front and the sides mimic the tiled porch coverings of the homes in South India. Praba's husband, an avid gardener, lovingly maintains the front-yard.
As for the interiors, she loves her sun room and kitchen for the handmade Spanish terracotta tiles. For the rooms, the paint colors were inspired by the spices, nuts & herbs unique to India. Turmeric yellow in the foyer, henna green in the guestroom, cashew cream in the sun room, saffron orange in the living room. Bursting with colors, she is happy that the interiors feel like one colorful spice box.

I could not agree more!!

Doesn't this feel like a vacation home with all this lovely scenery around ? I am so envious :-)

The porch is my favourite.... it has an old world charm thats so beautiful.

The sun soaked sun room with the striking tiles.

Praba's immense talent and creativity is not limited to interiors. She is also a published author of a children's book. She writes for a blog/website called Saffron Tree. Praba, along with others, reviews and recommends children's books from India & the U.S. Praba's first book, co-authored by Meera Sriram, also part of Saffron Tree, was recently published by Tulika Books of Chennai. Titled, Dinaben and the Lions of Gir, it is a bi-lingual book for the four plus age group about Maldharis, the cattle herdspeople of Gujarat and their daily lives in the Gir forests, co-existing with the Asiatic lions of India.
Here is a picture of her book.
A few more lovely corners from her home. Thank you Praba for sharing your home with My Dream Canvas.

Pictures courtesy : Praba Ram

Back home in North Carolina

India was my home for twenty five years and still is. The US is now home too! I am in my tenth year in the US, and it all began here in North Carolina. I moved here after my wedding in 2000 and it is lovely to be back for a short break. The South has its own distinctive appeal, and you have to live here to feel it. The magnolias are in bloom, the balmy weather, the gorgeous colonial mansions, the warm hospitality.......I could go on forever. However, I think this image says it all.

Exciting few days.....

I am heading off to the East coast for my brother's graduation !! Yes, my baby brother is graduating from business school and we are all excited:-) Here's wishing you a great weekend ahead. I shall not be blogging for a few days, and I will see you back next week. Enjoy your Friday....Seattle is a warm 75 degrees, and I am not complaining!!
I love this image from Coastal Living and just had to share it with you....

Luxury in unexpected places!

With bathrooms like these, who needs bedrooms right ??? I want to be super rich and experience these heavenly resorts and glamorous spaces for myself! Don't you think that life should be an endless vacation, and then we'll all be happy:-) It might lead to boredom eventually, but imagine getting tired of vacations!!! Now that's a novel idea :-) Do you have a favorite image amongst these? I am so confused, I love them all....

South Africa: Birkenhead House in Hermanus

Dominican Republic: The Sivory Hotel South Africa: The Royal Malewane

Italy: Le Sirenuse in Positano

The Legion in Bali

Pictures courtesy: http://www.davidtravel.com/

Spring in my home

A few corners from my home filled with flowers. Its not everyday that I have these pretty blooms at home. When I do........I can't help but smile :-)