Tea Time With Erum Kazmi

The Tea time series is back this week with Erum Kazmi. Erum is a friend, fellow "chai" lover, photographer and an extremely talented lady. I featured her exquisite home right here on My Dream Canvas a few years ago. Her home tour is not to be missed!! Erum has great taste. Her style is elegant, classy and understated all at the same time. A winning combination in my opinion :) Her passion for tea is clearly evident in the images below. Tea time at her home looks beautiful! I asked Erum to describe these special moments in her own words!

Take it away Erum.....

"You'll always find three things in my home, chai,  books and flowers.  

Growing up having a cup of chai with breakfast, hurriedly leaving for school was a ritual back home. At night Ammi (Mom) always insisted having a cup of milk but I always argued for chai :)

Later, the love continued through college days as the canteen served the most delicious chai. No matter how horrid the summer was or how tough the exams were, tea was always there to perk up my soul. I truly believe in this idiom, "where there's tea, there's hope". I get up early in the morning just to enjoy my cup of tea in a solitude. A non-tea lover will not get it, the feel is very sublime. My husband shares the same love of chai. He religiously serves me evening Cuppa, so it's actually the cherry on top. 

I've always enjoyed capturing the endless cups of chai over the years in Chai Khana and will ccontinue to do so. Love exploring little cafes/tea shops around the town. Enjoy reading about different types of teas, their stages of preparation, and origins. Whether its the chai, thick with the aroma of boiled milk, streaked with the perfume of cardamom and clove, exotic flavors like youth berry orange blossom, soothing invigorating and rejuvenating ginger tea, time-less classic earl grey or the typical Pakistani dhaba style karak chap, or doodh patti chai :) I'm always ready to capture and gulp it down effortlessly. To me a perfect cup of tea is what we all need end of the day as I'm one of those people who strongly believe and take chai as a stress reliever or re-freshener :) 

Please drop by at my page to enjoy more chai, books and flowers :)"

Last but not the least, my absolute favorite picture of all the images Erum sent me, is the one of a drawing made by her daughter!

In Erum's words" My almost 6 yr old daughter has an obsession with drawing. Just like the way I don't get tired of consuming endless cups of tea, she doesn't get tired of drawing endless tea cups for me :)

I love it.... the little one clearly understands her mom's passion for chai :)

Thank you Erum for sharing your tea time moments with My Dream Canvas. I hope we can share a "cuppa" in person soon :)

Image: Erum Kazmi and subject to copyright!

Daffodils and Tulips

Hello to the new week and to all of you :) My weekend as you can clearly see was filled with Daffodils and Tulips! We drove an hour and a half away from home to see these beauties. What can I say, its become an annual ritual. Every year we think that there is no point seeing it again but there we go again :)

A drive filled with natural beauty and my family is my biggest stress buster! I really enjoy and cherish these outings. These mini breaks are such fun! Many years ago, reading was my stress buster but..... now I have to say its drives like these that make me feel happy and relaxed!

The Skagit Valley in spring has numerous fields covered in a myriad hues. On Saturday there were clouds literally hanging over the flowers. For me they added even more drama to the scene :) Our boots got muddy as we moved through the fields to get closer to the flowers. The kids picked their favorite color and posed for numerous pictures!

A host of golden daffodils............ I could happily live in that barn :)

We stopped at this ice cream place which apart from serving the best ice cream on the planet had a cute little shop selling these gorgeous baskets!!

So what's your stress buster these days?? That one thing that makes you feel happy and relaxed ?

Images: My Dream Canvas

Waterlogue Magic At Home

I wish, I could paint......... sing and dance!! Well, truthfully.....I can't do any of it :) However, I can take numerous pictures and hang them all over my house :) Most of the artwork in my home has been transported here from my parents home!. Then, there are some that I have purchased on my trips.

I have a  blank wall in my bedroom which has been neglected for years. I plan to use my photographs....especially the vignettes from My Dream Canvas and give them this delightful look using the Waterlogue app. What do you think? These are my images presented with a twist :) 

I love using Waterlogue! Have you tried it? Now, I need to find the perfect frames for these images........yay :)

The "Tea series" continues next week and a Giveaway is coming up soon....

Images: My Dream Canvas Painted using Waterlogue

Ganesha's and Suzani's Come Together At The Shop At MDC

I am absolutely delighted when my "finds" are ready to be shipped off to a lovely home! This stunning Ganesha statue was calling out to me on my recent visit to India. Today, I am packing it off to its new home :) My wanderings take me far and near and I love the entire experience!  The beautiful Suzani in the image below was a find in Istanbul. This and a few others will soon be available at the Shop At My Dream Canvas :)

A few more Ganesha statues are available at the store and you can view them HERE!

Thank you for your constant support :)

Images : Shop At My Dream Canvas

Tea Time With Archana of Rang Decor!

My "Tea Time Series" continues with today with Archana Srinivas of Rang Decor! Archana as many of you is the author of one of the most popular and innovative blogs out there. She is the first person to feature my home and introduce My Dream Canvas to the blogosphere years ago! Archana is a Tea Goddess :) Her love for tea and tea photography is clearly evident in each of the frames she creates!

I asked her to describe what a "Cup of Chai" means to her. Take it away Archana....

"The words 'Anytime is Tea Time'  describes my philosophy about tea. Tea is my favourite drink. I am almost fanatical when it comes to chai. The sheer experience of enveloping a cup of hot tea in my hands, watching it gently lose steam to the atmosphere, and emanate various aromas, is a joy that has become a daily ritual. The hints of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon are soothing to my senses— a cup of chai is all I need to begin my day and probably sustain me through the day!

My story about capturing cups of chai, my chai blog & the book~

I wanted to capture the moments of having tea in the most spontaneous manner possible. I believe that spontaneity is the key to personal projects. So while a daily ritual of a cup of tea may seem monotonous, with spontaneity and creativity you can break the monotony. For me, creative compositions are important as they can bring the mundane to life. 

Photographs are all around us— patterns, shapes, lines… there are no limits to what one can shoot. This is why I have constantly tried to ‘see’ compositions around me. The subject being just tea gives me the freedom to experiment with various angles. I have never followed any strict rules. But, I am partial to certain kinds of compositions; for instance, top-angle shots are my favorite.

There have been occasions when friends have walked into my house, and found me precariously standing on a chair, trying to shoot a top-angle view of chai. While exploring such shots of chai, I realised how different the same subject can look from different perspectives. I also love side shots of the cups where I can capture the steam and the details of colors, reflections and the translucency of the beverage. Being a graphic designer, I am instinctively drawn to unique and creative patterns, frames and compositions in whatever I come across in everyday life—even when I shoot my everyday cups of tea. So whenever there is an occasion for a cup of chai, I ensure that my camera is always nearby. You never know when an interesting composition may come up.

While I continue to shoot my daily vignettes of chai everyday, I also upload them online on a blog specially dedicated to tea. This has resulted in a beautiful confluence of photography and tea, two things that I am so passionate about.

The most natural culmination of a project like this is a book that has the finest collection of photographs that celebrates the eternal cup of tea. A Tea Table book, very unique in it's concept and a great memoir to gift and pass on to chai-lovers, tea-drinkers and fine art photography admirers."

So for all you tea drinkers out there, this book would be just what you need :) Click on the link to purchase the book on blurb.

http://blur.by/1KBfizN

Thanks Archana for sharing your tea time rituals with the readers of My Dream Canvas!


Images: Archana Srinivas and subject to copyright.

Entryways and Their Importance

Do you think the entrance to a home sets the tone for the rest of the house? Do you consider it to be an independent space that needs to be given its due? Given that everyone simply passes through a hallway or entryway .... do you feel the need to give it personality. I am loving this entryway today and had to share it with you. 

So what do you have in your entryway that you cannot do without? Is it functional or pretty or both?? 

Image: via

Tea time with Swati Seth

Swati Seth is a woman extraordinaire. She is the Founder of The Color Caravan and a brilliant photographer. The Color Caravan works with independent craftspeople, SHGs & NGOs on grass-root level to co-create products and helps bridge gap between artisans and the market, thereby reviving the handicrafts as well as livelihood. You can view her pictures on Swati Seth Photography. 

I admire Swati's commitment for art and craft and her passion for preserving and propagating age-old traditional Indian crafts. Swati and I have been virtual friends for a while now. We share common interests especially travelling and  our mutual love of chai :) I particularly like how she captures the small joys of life through her camera lens! Her images are the perfect addition to MDC'S tea time series...........

Thanks Swati for sharing your tea time moments with MDC :) Stay tuned for more chai moments and a grand finale coming up this week!

Images: Swati Seth Photography and subject to copyright.

A Bold Makeover

I am kick starting the week with images of this extremely bold and exotic rooftop makeover. A celebrity hairstylist and her husband wanted to create a space which reflects their love for travel. This globe travelling couple settled on a Mediterranean vibe for their rooftop haven. You can view detailed images of the makeover here. The Before and After pictures are quite something!!

Do you like what you see?

Images : via Domaine, Phorography by Phil Sanchez

Happy First Day of Spring and Tea Stories from Lucknow!

Happy First Day of Spring people :) Its raining in my neck of the woods and a bit chilly but hey its still spring....so says the calender :) Sharing my cup of tea above and a sneak peek into whats going to be my big birthday giveaway :) Can you guess ???

Since its springtime I am transporting you to Lucknow, India where we are invited for chai to Reshma's pretty home. I have blogged about Reshma before on MDC. She is a lovely person, a fabulous virtual friend, she is incredibly artistic and blogs at Dreams are Made of These. 

Take it away Reshma.....

"Hello all ! I'm Reshma . Warm greetings to you from India ( Lucknow) to be precise) I come from a country where 80% of people believe that tea , or chai. It is the axis around which our entire social life revolves. No event, gathering or visit is complete if you don't offer chai.  I would love to believe that there is no greater chai lover on this planet than me ( but then, most of us believe that ) and my husband often tells people that they can get anything out from me ( in terms of gossip) over a cup of tea. Sigh !! Well, I stand guilty :) There are many ways of having tea. A lot goes in it's preparation and presentation. However, the long leafed Darjeeling variety that is served 'oh-so-correctly' in a tea pot with matching napkins and hot scones on the side is the one preparation that I keep aside for formal gatherings. I prefer my everyday tea to be of a nice , brown-orange robust color, boiled to perfection which is a far cry from it's distant cousin Darjeeling tea .My tea isn't complete if I don't add an adequate quantity of adrak ( ginger), throw in a few leaves of tulsi ( holy basil) and of late I have started adding just a small stick of cinnamon  too just to give it a spicy taste as well as a great fragrance. You won't need aroma therapy after that for sure :)
These days, at our end, Spring is knocking on the door, ready to barge in anytime so in an attempt to erase the lines between indoors and outdoors, I have started taking my hot cuppa outdoors along with some hot munchies. Just the place I want to be in to put up my feet, hear the birds chirping,watch the flowers blooming, the bees and butterflies flitting around laboriously, pick up that book and take a sip of heaven. "

Sigh, I told you that she will transport you to a magical place :) Now here are some of the pictures of those delightful tea moments!

Thank you Reshma for inviting us for tea. Happy Friday people and keep on smiling :)


Images: Reshma Sharma and subject to copyright.

Update : Shop At My Dream Canvas

The Shop At My Dream Canvas has recently updated its inventory. Things are selling out fast :) Here are a few of my favorites! These are in limited supply so grab them while you can :) Click HERE to go shopping!

If I may say so myself..........the perfect accessories for the global home :)

Images: Shop At My Dream Canvas

Tea Time With Kamini in Seattle

I am having so much fun bringing you tea time stories from around the world. I have a grand finale planned and its one you don't want to miss :) However, that is a few days away.......

Today, I am inviting all chai lovers to Kamini's home here in Seattle. Kamini is a fellow blogger, friend, an interior designer and an artist. Kamini has been on a break from blogging. However, I for one, sincerely hope she returns to the blogosphere :) You have to check out her blog to view pictures of her gorgeous home.....for tonnes of inspiration and to view her work! I love the images she sent me of tea time in her home. Do you spot the sugar container? Its one of my finds from Istanbul for The Shop At My Dream Canvas. I am thrilled when I see my finds become a part of a lovely home :)

Take it away Kamini....

"I'm a coffee gal, but on sunny days like this gorgeous spring day we're having here, I hanker for tea. A light refreshing herbal tea, not the heavy cloying taste of coffee. The tea set is one I picked up in Granada a few years ago. It's meant for mint tea, but works as well for any herbal tea. My favorite tea flavors are green tea with ginger, mint or kombucha and this one-Honeybush, a sweet African nectar. I'm enjoying the tea time series. So fun to see what teas folks like to drink and the compelling stories that go along with the pics."

Thank you Kamini for inviting us over for chai! Your tea time sounds wonderful and your presentation is exquisite!

Images: Kamini Raghavan and subject to copyright,

A Road Trip and Two Birthdays :)

Hello there! How have you been? I have lots to share in the days to come  so stay tuned :) We celebrated two birthdays this weekend! I turned 40 ( yes its the big one) and My Dream Canvas turned 6 :) I wrote my first post six years ago in March!

I spent a wonderful weekend on the Oregon coast celebrating my birthday. The kids were super excited and their enthusiasm was infectious :) I am thrilled that MDC is 6 years ago. When I started the blog, I had no idea where it was heading..........today its my stress buster, my lifeline, my third baby, my pride and joy and a lot more :) I want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of this journey with me! On that note .......I have a Giveaway planned to celebrate the two birthdays. I shall share the details shortly but here's a hint.....its something to do with a Suzani :)

Driving along the coast was relaxing. Despite the overcast skies and the gusting winds....it was so beautiful! I can never ever figure out what I like more.....mountains or the beach?? 

What about you? Do you have a favorite?

Images: From my camera phone!

A Church Turned Family Home and A Few Thoughts!

In Australia, an unused Church has been converted into a home by the owner of an artisan candle company and an industrial designer. The Church was built on 1880 and today it makes for an interesting family home! You can view more pictures of the home here!

On another note, here's something that has been on my mind since last night and I wanted to share it with you. Yesterday, we had a friend visiting us after many many years. At dinner, he looked around the room and said "sitting here it feels like coming home".

The comment took me by surprise! It felt good to know that while a lot of time had passed and my home had evolved and changed over the years, it still felt the same to him. I can't explain it better...... but it sums up what I what my home to be. Simply put....a comfortable place to hang out forever!  I truly believe that its not the frills that make a home but how it all comes together:) Its perfectly okay to be spontaneous and unplanned when you decorate. I for one do that a lot:) I like the "lack of rules" that define my decor. I do believe that a casual look can be thought out, and yet not look contrived. I want my family and friends to walk through my door and always feel welcome. So go ahead and make those decorating mistakes Forget the norm, be spontaneous and over time you will achieve the look and feel that you want for your home :) 


Image: via

Tea Time in South Korea with Karishma

Karishma is a fellow blogger and a virtual friend who lives in South Korea with her husband. She blogs over at A Treat For The Senses. Her blog is an absolute delight. I am especially drawn to her elegant style and the charming vignettes of her home!

Take it away Karishma...........

"Chai time" for me is when the sun comes out, when it is about to go down, when it starts to rain, when the train arrives at a new station, when it is time to take a break in between a marathon shopping run, when it is time to write, when it is time to paint, when it is time to read….....I could go on and on, to cut a long story short, every time is chai time :-)
I love my chai laced with freshly ground cinnamon, adrak ( ginger) and a hint of clove and green cardamom. The times when I miss home, my 'Kulhad-in-Korea’ chai-moment does the trick for me, I bank on it for those homesick days :-)
I am an amateur photographer, I love to paint and am a compulsive flower shopper :-) I also co-author a space called Kadak Chai on Facebook along with blogging full time at 'A Treat for the Senses’ which is my treasure trove of all things beautiful.

She definately sounds like an ardent tea lover :) Thank you Karishma for inviting me and the readers of MDC to share your tea time with us :)


Images: Karishma Banerji and subject to copyright.

Truly Inspirational

Happy Monday folks! International Women's Day was on March 8th and I am sharing a few pictures from the recent issue of Femina that are truly inspirational. Rupa is an acid attack survivor and on her way to become a designer. She is seen in the images below modelling Anupamaa Dayal's creations. I absolutely love it. Her confidence, strength, and beauty are absolutely stunning and shine through in these images .

I would love to get my hands on the magazine to read the entire feature!

Here's wishing you a great week ahead. Stay tuned for some more cups of "chai" coming your way :)

Images: Femina and subject to Copyright.

Holi: The Festival of Colors

Hello there! I am popping in to wish all my readers who celebrate Holi, a beautiful and fun filled Holi with colors, love, laughter and smiles :)

Images: My Dream Canvas

Happy Customers :)

Its been a late start to the week as my shoulder is acting up and I am forcing myself to stay away from the laptop. However when my inbox is filled with images from " happy customers", I simply cannot resist sharing the joy :)

The Shop At My Dream Canvas is where I curate a collection of goodies for the global home!  Its a small venture which has been growing steadily. I am so touched with all the goodwill that my store has generated. It is always such a pleasure to see something from The Shop At My Dream Canvas  displayed in a beautiful home.

Thank you Nirmala for sharing the beautiful image of the swan Ganesha diya/lamp in your lovely home. Nirmala is one of the shop's oldest and most loyal customers :)

Thank you Savita for loving the Buddha statue as much as I do :)

Kamini, you make everything look beautiful :) I am thrilled to see my favorite brass fish in your home!

Thank you ladies for making my day! Visit the store to shop for more eclectic finds and one of a kind global treasures.