Under The Tuscan Sun

Hello Monday! Are you all set for the week ahead? I am struggling as school starts in two days for my kids. There is lots to do, and I can't seem to get over my vacation :) I need to be realistic and practical,  but I can't help myself :) Reminiscing and daydreaming is so much fun , don't you think? 

The image above is of the driveway leading up to the Agritourismo we stayed in Tuscany. We stayed at a villa with a vineyard just a few miles outside Volterra. The views were stunning. As far as one could see..... the roads and hills were dotted with these iconic Cypress trees. These trees are often called the" Tuscan Cypress Trees". These trees are quintessential and symbolic to the Tuscan landscape.

Now, here is some trivia for you! These trees are not native to Italy.  These trees were brought here from Persia or Syria by the  Etruscan tribes thousands of years ago. The tribe considered the plant to have mystical and supernatural powers. 

This tree can survive for up to 2000 years or more. While the other deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, the cypress trees remain evergreen. This is what made these trees supernatural in the eyes of the Etruscans. 

I do not know about its supernatural powers, but the trees most certainly give the Tuscan landscape a dreamy and mystical appearance :)

Sigh....now time to get cracking on the week ahead and get some work done!! See you around! Have you been to Tuscany? Do share your favorite experiences with me?

Image: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright.

Postcards From English Tea Rooms

Come travel with me to England today. I am sharing postcards of the various tea rooms I visited during my trip! My love for tea is well known to everyone by now :) Most of you share that passion, so you can imagine my joy in savoring a cup of tea in a pretty little English tea room :) 

 I am not too fond of sweets and yet  fruit scones became my weakness on the trip. A wee bit of clotted cream and jam with the scone and I was in heaven :) I took this picture of a small tearoom cum antique store in Staithes, England.
 ( Yes you heard that right ) Staithes is a small seaside village which is off the beaten path. This tea room was the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea! I felt I had stepped into  a different era as I sat there with my family. From the decor, to the tea.... to the best scones I have ever had, this place is truly memorable!

The image below is from at a fancy tea room in York.  The exterior of this tea room has been used in a scene in Downtown Abbey! We stumbled upon it quite by accident. Imagine our excitement :) I remember trying to get my kids to behave as we sat down for some fancy tea :) It was all so charming and elegant. Betty's tea room make their own chocolate. I am sure the chocolates were divine but I was in love with the covers on the chocolate boxes :)

The yummy macaroons..... my daughter had a hard time walking away :)

Another picture of the boxes on display!

I hope you have enjoyed these tea rooms. There are many more pictures and many more stories so stay tuned :)

News From The Shop At My Dream Canvas

You probably think its way to early to start thinking of the festive season but we are :) Things have been slow at the Shop At My Dream Canvas.   I have been busy with the summer break and my travels. However, it will soon be time for a new collection at my little store :)

We are taking a giant leap this year with the store.  I am both nervous and excited! As an entrepreneur, I am hoping that this is the first of many. All this would not have been possible without my loyal readers and my wonderful customers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

The image above has my favorite dahlias from the farm nearby, a birthday gift from my parents, my Grandmother vintage silver tray and a pretty lotus shaped tealight.  The bling, the flowers, and the amber hues makes me think of fall and the upcoming festive season!!

Stay tuned for details.......


To view the current collection click here!


Image: My Dream Canvas

House Crush

There is no better way to kick start a Monday morning than drooling over a pretty house :) El Mueble showcases homes that strike a chord with me instantly. Muted backdrops with splashes of color, sunlit rooms, a subtle rustic elegance, a warmth that is captured in every frame....I could go on and on.. Today, this renovated Spanish farmhouse has captured my heart!

Here's wishing u a wonderful week ahead.

This last image somehow reminds me of our vacation in Tuscany :)

Images: El Mueble

From Italy With Love : Decoratng With Souvenirs

When you ask me about things in my home, its very likely a souvenir from one my travels abroad. I cherish my family heirlooms but the rest of the things in my home are hardly expensive or fancy but little objects  with a story to go with it :) When , I look around me....... it brings me back to that day!

I usually look for things a place is famous for. Recently, on my trip to the Amalfi coast I was blown away by the handmade paper the town is renowned for. In a small way its like bringing back a small piece of the town's history. This charming seaside village has made paper for centuries and its one of Italy's ancient traditions. Amalfi began producing paper in the first half of the 12th century. It was one of the  earliest locations where paper was produced in Western Europe. While modern processes are being used today, the paper produced has the same characteristics as the artisan paper once created in Amalfi years and years ago.

I had no desire fill my bags with cute beachy knick knacks, I have no place to display them at home! I chose to bring back a few iconic recipes to put on my kitchen wall. I love the look and the texture of the paper! It also reminds me of all the exquisite pizza we ate during our trip :)

My advice for you, is when you travel look for things that are traditional to the place you visit. Carting heavy things around when you are out for long can be tiresome as well. Sometimes the most unexpected and quirky things can look interesting in your home. I am pleased as a punch with my souvenir from Amalfi :)

What are some of the unusual or interesting things you have picked up on your travels?

Images: My Dream Canvas

The Dream Canvas" Dream House "

Hey, I love my current house, don't get me wrong! My little casa has everything I need and more. Especially the people who live in it :) However, every now and then, you stumble upon a place that makes you sigh and daydream. Well, I spotted one such home, high up in a valley in the Dolomite's region of Italy! Can you blame me???

I wonder where do the people who live here go on vacation....perhaps to the beach!! The breathtaking views of the limestone Alps, the alpine valley below....dotted with wildflowers and little cottages, the sound of  cowbells, and the simple beauty of living with nature had me completely swept away!

So what do u think, do you like my new dream home? Lets get talking....what's on your list for a dream home?? Come on....lets daydream together shall we :)

Image: Copyright My Dream Canvas

Chandan Dubey's Tea Time Stories

Its been a delayed start to the work week. I got back from vacation yesterday and therefore jet lagged!
However, I am eager to start off with a bang :) I know a lot of u enjoy a good cup of tea. Its a passion most of us share :) Chandan Dubey, is an artist I admire and I love her work. She has designed my vintage memory box that I have blogged about earlier. Chandan is launching a limited collection of quirky vintage inspired products for all tea lovers!! Yay! 

Here is a peek into her collection. She has an amazing sense of design and color. I am in love with these vintage inspired tea chests. These hand painted and decoupaged wooden boxes come with brass latches. They are hand polished with vintage tray inserts! 

 For all you lucky people in Mumbai. A select range of vintage and non vintage Photo plus will be available at "You boutique" Kemp's Corner from Aug 19th to Aug 22. You can call 9619588862 for further queries. 
 To know more about Chandan's work and to follow her journey, connect with her on Facebook.

I spent two weeks in England and have come back with quite a few tea tins and accessories as well :)


Images: Copyright Chandan Dubey

Postcards From Tuscany

Hello there! We are now in Tuscany! Despite my promises to blog regularly, I have failed :) What can I say, Italy has captured my heart once again. I am busy savoring each moment and each frame in my mind! For now, here are some postcards from our travels. I promise detailed posts once I am back! This is the stunning Agritourismo that we are staying at close close to the hill town of Volterra. Its picture perfect here. We have a apartment in a villa overlooking vineyards and a lovely pool. The owners are fantastic. For me, its been a dream come true :)

We are not big on conducted tours. We have therefore, rented a car and are driving all around the countryside!!

 Hope you all are doing well? Keep on smiling and enjoy the week ahead!

Images : From my camera phone!

My Dream Canvas Goes To Italy!

When my husband asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday...I knew I would say Italy :) I fell in love with this country the first time I came here nearly 14 years ago. Today, I am back for a two week driving trip around Italy. We start off in Milan, head to the Dolomite's, then to Tuscany, followed by the Amalfi coast and end it in Rome. I have been to some of the places before and some are new for me! I shall post as often as I can. However, I will be on the road a lot. My plan is to to take thousands off pictures, drink tones of cappuccino,eat loads of gelatos and soak in the Italian life :)

I planned this itinerary keeping one image in mind that I saw on the web. Today, I am heading off to find that spot. If  I do.....I shall be elated, if not, then it will be quite an adventure. Wish me luck :)

I shall share the details soon.........

The picture above is of the Duomo ( cathedral) in Milan. 

Image: My Dream Canvas