Trick Or Treat??

Whew!! It has been a busy day and I think it is going to be like this till the end of the year :) There is so much to look forward to and so much to plan!! I am just popping in to say a quick hello and to wish those who celebrate "Happy Halloween" My kids are so excited about their costumes! Have fun and stay safe!

Ah.....there is all the candy lying around and very little self control at my end :)

Here are a few pictures from my home.....

A Festive Tablescape at My Dream Canvas

I promised you a series on Diwali and here is the first :) Entertaining your friends and family on Diwali is always fun. For me, the countdown to the festivities is a time for planning and decorating. I move things around, bring out the brass and silver, hunt for the tea lights I have tucked away.....plan the Diwali bash I host every year.....yes....it is quite a bit of work but I love it :) I am sure you are looking forward to the Puja and festivities in your home as well :)

For those of you who do not celebrate Diwali, click here to read more about it. Diwali is the Festival of lights and one of my favorite festivals. Living in the States, my family celebrates Diwali, Thanksgiving and Christmas with the same enthusiasm. It is a busy and fun time of the year :)

In India red and gold are considered traditional colors. In some form or the other these hues show up in almost all festivals and weddings :) I decided on a traditional Diwali tablescape. So lets bring out the bling....and party :)

I have placed tea light holders on cocktail glasses turned upside down. This is just a simple way to create a centerpiece for your table. A red and gold tablecloth brings out my color scheme. Pretty tea lights and a jeweled tea light holder from my own little shop adds the right amount of bling :) Instead of napkin rings I have placed a fresh flower on the napkin.  My mother in law's cutlery adds a golden hue to the setting.

In my opinion do whatever you want to create your own festive tablescape. Just make sure you smile when you look at it :)

I shall be back with another not so traditional table setting..... and hopefully some more inspiration before Diwali day. I hope you will continue to stop by and leave your comments. I am looking forward to counting down the days till November 13th and celebrate Diwali with you :)

 

 

Images : My Home and subject to copyright.

 

Linking up with.......

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia.

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style.

Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage.

Fabulous Finds : Suzani Chair and Pretty Tea Cups

Today I am here with two Fabulous Finds for this week. I recently spotted this store called Beauty Adorned on Etsy. The store specializes in custom upholstery and is based in California. I really like this stunning Queen Anne Wing back Chair with the pretty suzani pattern. I guess........the Suzani rage continues :) Click here to visit the store!!

 

 

 

I love these fine porcelain tea cups decorated with pretty floral motifs. These tea cups are from a store called The Turkish Towel Store based out of Turkey. The best price is that they ship internationally. Tempting......huh :)

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed this weeks picks :)


Image 1 : via, Image 2-5: via

 

My Thoughts Today

I was all set to do a long post on Diwali ( the festival of lights) and I just could not. I am glued to CNN and watching the wrath of Hurricane Sandy on the East coast. I am hoping that all of you are safe and this horrific storm dissipates soon!

Take care and hang in there!

 

 

 

We will be counting down to Diwali right here at MDC. Do drop by the next few days for decor ideas and Diwali vignettes. Here is a sneak peek......

 

 

 

Image 1 : via, Image 2 and 3 Mine. Copyright My Dream Canvas.

Hello Monday and My Weekend in Pictures

Hello to the New Week! It was an action packed weekend for me. I promise you an action packed week on MDC as well :)

The weekend began with a dinner with friends, followed by the usual boring errands the next day and finally a mini break today :) I had promised my kids a trip to a pumpkin patch and that is exactly what we did! I prayed for the rain to stop and thankfully the sun came out for a short while. We did manage to go hunting for the perfect pumpkin to bring back home. It was muddy and messy and my son had a bit of a fall.......which was not pleasant! However, despite it all the MDC family came back grinning :) We took pictures, we hauled......sorry hubby hauled a massive pumpkin back to the car, while the kids and I munched happily on kettle corn!! I shall leave out the part about the messy car and the boots coated with mud which I have to clean. I am sure you are not interested in the mundane details of my life :)

We drove further into the mountains and saw snow capped peaks and some fall foliage along the way. I love the Pacific Northwest. You can drive a few hours away from home and feel like you are on a holiday...... far from the madding crowd :) Of course, at the end of the day I am always happy to be back at the MDC Casa :)

This week I have some Diwali inspiration coming your way.....hopefully a Giveaway....a blog feature.....some Fabulous Finds and much much more!!

Have a fun week and see you back here very soon :)

Can you guess which one we picked??

The pretty plants on sale at the farm.

 

 

Images : All Mine

A Weekend Recipe

It is Friday and my favorite day of the week :) Probably because I get to plan the weekend.

I am getting inspired to try out some new recipes. I am bored with what I usually make. My baking skills have a lot to be desired :) However, when you come across a recipe and images like these.......well!! What can I say....I am inspired!! Click here to view the recipe. This blog by Yelena Strokin has some amazing images and great recipes. I am sure you will love it :)

A cup of tea and whole wheat maple graham cookies......bliss :)

 

 

The rain is here and washing away the beautiful leaves off the trees. However, there are few streets that are still ablaze and this is one of them. This street is part of my daily commute.....wish it would stay like this forever :) I stop whenever I can and take pictures........

 

 

 

 

 

Have a Beautiful Weekend!!!!

 

 

Image 1 and 2 : via Image 3 : Mine

Fall and the Evergreens

Washington is often referred to as the Evergreen state. It truly is!! I love how the evergreens provide a sharp contrast to the fall foliage around me! This is the view from my front door. The doggy statue outside is mine..... and his name is  Snoopy :)

Every morning I sit by the window and sip my cup of tea before I head out to tackle the day!! Today, I feel like sitting here endlessly :)

I just got my new Ipad cover from Julieandco2 on Etsy. I love the colorful print. Fall is on its way out and the temperatures indicate that winter is around the corner. I am going to miss this pretty sight! How are you today? I would love to hear from you????

 

 

Images : My Home and taken by Me. Subject to Copyright

 

Joining Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

The Artist Pepa Poch

 I am swooning over the painting of this oriental turquoise tea set. The artist is Pepa Poch A Catalan artist, creator and painter. Click here to view more images of her work and for a glimpse of her lovely home in Costa Brava in Spain.


Sigh!! If only I was an artist....... my home then would truly be my very own canvas :)

 

 

Image : via

Greetings From My Home To Yours

Hello there! I am here to wish my readers who celebrate Vijayadashami......happiness and best wishes from my home to yours!

My Dream Canvas will be back with a bang this week :) I have missed being here :) Thankfully my shoulder is feeling a lot better than last week. However, sometimes it is good to take a few days off and return with renewed enthusiasm, inspirations, ideas and a lot more :)

Image : Mine and under copyright

A Global Room

Just spotted this room in my favorite magazine Micasa and I love it!! It has such a global vibe to it. I really like the wall color. This seems like the perfect room to unwind with friends this weekend. What say ??

 

Image : via

A Friday Moment

It is a typical Fall day today. The wind is blowing the leaves around and there is a nip in the air. My yard backs up into a green belt. It is a pretty sight to see the leaves ablaze through my window.

I am enjoying my afternoon tea and popping by to wish you a wonderful weekend!!

Image : via

Rest and Relaxation

The days are racing by and it shall soon be winter. The mountains around us have got their first sprinkling of snow!

For me, an old shoulder injury has started acting up. I had to reluctantly pay the doctor a visit. She has recommended rest and relaxation........pain killers....... physio therapy and a long drawn treatment plan!! The very thing that that helps me unwind is off limits. I need the shoulder to get better so I have to limit typing (: Anyway, I guess I have little choice in the matter! My idea of R & R would be sitting on a rocking chair and admiring the golden hues around me :) Reading a delightful book or lazing in bed. The fairytale like setting of the third image would be perfect :)

Alas !! I have to get back to reality but at least I have enough time now to daydream :) Frankly, life is chaotic but then My Dream Canvas and You make it so much better!!!

Have a wonderful week and hopefully I shall see you back here soon!!

Image : I and 2 : via, Image 3 : via

The Festive Season

It is the beginning of the Festive season today. Happy Navratri to all my readers who are celebrating! Read more about Navratri here.

My living room tonight!

 

 

Image : My Home. Image subject to copyright

 

 

Come Fly With Me to France (Can Rigall)

France beckons with a trip to a medieval estate in the South of France. An Eco friendly hotel, the Can Rigall offers a vantage point for unrivaled views of the Pyrenees.  As you peer down the slopes looking eastwards, the Mediterranean beckons at your feet. Can Rigall gets 70 percent of its energy from renewable sources such as a windmill, solar energy and bio diesel. This beautiful property accommodates only twenty four guests at a time.

Here is what the owners have to say : Impregnated with nature, history and an elegant simplicity, our beautifully restored Can Rigall speaks of origins, honesty and grace"

Seclusion and beauty........the perfect combination in my opinion :)

"The Come Fly With Me" series on MDC is my attempt to bring you a collection of unusual, remote and beautiful properties around the world. I love these virtual trips and I hope so do you :)

Images: via

The Perfect Room and a Perfect Stroll :)

I had a crazy weekend. Errands and social commitments kept us on our toes :) However the highlight of the weekend was a long walk with my family down a street close to home! I cross this street almost everyday. These days the trees have a fiery glow that takes my breath away. Fall comes every year and yet when October comes around....... I fall in love again :)


The days are getting cooler and the leaves are flying in the wind. We have only a few short days to admire all this beauty. I plan to make the most of it. This seems like the perfect room to while away time during these blistery Fall days :)

A shot of the street where we walked for quite a while.......laughing, giggling and me taking pictures of the beauty all around :)


Have a great week ahead!!

Image 1 : via, Image 2 : Mine

Friday Cheer and A Birthday!

Hello there! I don't think I have waited for a Friday as much as this one :) I really need this weekend after a crazy two weeks. Okay...........I promise not to whine anymore :) Join me for a cup of tea at MDC and let us toast to the weekend. Here's a secret....I am really not that good at making tea. Actually, I find it convenient to say that. I absolutely love the cup of tea hubby dear makes for me on the weekend. Yes, he does :) I do tell him that his is the best tea I have ever had. It works well for him and for me too :)

Now for the Birthday........you see this very unusual and pretty milk can in the picture. The beautiful design on it is called Madhubani. You can read about it here. I bought this from the fabulous store The Color Caravan in India. Color Caravan turns Two today and I would like to wish them a very Happy Birthday. Kudos to Swati Seth, the founder of the store for her amazing passion, dedication and creativity.

Visit The Color Caravan and you will know what I mean :)

Have an absolutely awesome Friday!



 

 

 

Image : My Home

Festivities

With the Festival season upon us, the MDC Casa is getting ready and here is a glimpse. Stay with me as we countdown the festival season with simple ideas on how to deck up your home. A big Giveaway is also in the pipeline. I promise you that it is going to be a lot of fun :) On the personal front......things are extremely busy so it is going to be a challenge to blog regularly. However, I love "my happy place" so I won't be able to stay away :)

Lets move together towards Diwali, Thanksgiving and Christmas right here at My Dream Canvas :)

Image : My Home

October Issue of Lonny!!

Browsing through Lonny magazine is always such a visual treat! Lonny has recently gone online with their October issue. Make sure you check it out! There are tons of beautiful images that you don't want to miss :)

Click HERE to view Lonny.

 

 

Image : via

Fabulous Finds : Cushions Galore

Winter beckons and the air around me is is cool and crisp. As we move towards the winter months I feel the need to surround myself with color and warmth.

I have said this before....... I really do have a weakness for cushions :) I was really pleased to see this phulkari cushion from Pottery Barn. It is amazing to see the extent of Indian influence in the world of design today!

I am loving the collection of these striking dip dye hand made pillows from West Elm. These pillows are made by artisans of Eco Tasar, a sustainable silk cooperative.

I hope you have enjoyed this week's Fabulous Finds at MDC :)

Image 1 : via, Image 2 and 3 : via

The Perfect Table

I believe that setting the table for a meal is almost as important as the meal itself :) That is why I am so drawn to this beautiful image. It seems like the ideal gathering place to spend time with friends and family, Chic, fun, warm and inviting. Rustic with a touch of elegance.....don't you think?





Image : via

Fiery hues and Daydreams

I would do anything for a cup of coffee right about now :) I spent the morning cleaning up my study . Finally it is time for a break!! Now, only if this cup of coffee would appear magically from somewhere :)

The leaves are changing color. This image from Fall last year reminds me that I need to head up to the mountains for a day trip very soon. It has been crazy on the home front off late and we have taken no breaks. As a family we love short road trips that takes us a few hours from home but feels like a million years away.

What is your favorite thing you like to do with your family?

Image 1 Unknown, Image 2 Mine

Come Fly With Me To Masseria Potenti, an Italian Farmhouse

I have a long standing love affair with Italy and it refuses to go away :) I spent two weeks in Italy but I came away thinking that I had only scratched the surface. Italy remains my absolute favorite destination for a holiday! All I need is a car, the endless road, my camera....... and I will happily get lost in Italy :)

The images of  Masseria Potenti takes my breath away. This sixteenth century estate is set in the countryside of Manduria. This place originally belonging to the rich and powerful family of the Imperiali. Close to the sea and amidst olive trees this property is an Italian farm which promotes agritourism. A place that has set high standards in hospitality.

While I love the refined and elegant accommodations, there is so much more that tempts me :) Here you can chose to attend a course in Mediterranean cuisine, assist in the process of wine making, of crushing of olives, bread-making......the list is endless!

 Ah! It is all so tempting.....don't you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images: via