Countdown to 2017 and The Year Gone By

Hello there!! I cannot believe that another year is almost over! 2016 has been eventful! Its been challenging on the personal front with many highs and lows! It is definitely a year that will stay with me forever! My children are growing up quickly and I am trying to keep pace :) They are 11 and 8 and keep me amused, exasperated, and entertained :) This year, I had the most incredible holiday in India with my parents! I stopped en route in England to see my brother and his wife! I consider myself lucky as I have an amazing family and an incredible group of friends! While in India, I managed to get away without kids and hubby  for a holiday with with my friends from school and college! It was a wonderful three days with my besties:) We laughed, chatted, and reminisced:) It was therapeutic! 

My trips to India revive me. They make me feel young and stress-free. My parents make me feel like a kid again :) I am grateful that I get to go back to my roots and visit India every year even though I live far away! On the home front here, its been busy. The kids' schedules are demanding and sometimes there are not enough hours to get everything done. I have not been keeping up with posts here but I post regularly on Instagram. I would love to see you there! This is now my 11th year of living in the Pacific Northwest. I remember, how much I hated this place when I moved here from the East Coast. Now, there is no other place that I love more :) Delhi and Seattle is where home is! I have an incredible group of friends here. They are more like family! I am ever so grateful to have these people in my life! I know, I am rambling.......but as the year draws to an end, I seem to be in this mood to reflect, ponder, and reminisce about my life in general and the year that has gone by!

I have a lot of stuff lined up for My Dream Canvas in the New Year! Personally, 2017 is going to be a challenging year! I have a few dreams to fulfill and a few challenges to meet! I hope I don't lose steam as I move forward:)

For all those of you who stop by here,.....I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My blog and my small online business is one of my biggest strengths. MDC continues to be a beautiful journey and a dream come true. I owe it all to you all!

Yesterday,we went on an icy hike to see a frozen waterfall. It turned out to be quite an adventure :) This red cabin in the wilderness stole my heart. The Pacific Northwest is stunning with an abundance of natural beauty. I feel so lucky that places like these are a only few hours away from my home!

I am signing off for this year with best wishes, happiness, and peace for the New Year! Sharing something I read..."Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one."


HAVE A SPARKLING NEW YEAR!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Hello there!! Its Christmas eve here and the gifts have been wrapped and placed under the tree. There are cookies and milk on the table for Santa......and of course carrots for Rudolph :) We are tracking Santa's path via here! The excitement is mounting for the kids!!  On Christmas Day I have friends coming over for lunch and my table is all set!

I am here to wish you a Very Merry Christmas from our home to yours :) 

Image: My Dream Canvas

Happy Holidays and My Breakfast Nook

Hello there! the holiday season is keeping me on my toes. Starting tomorrow the kids and hubby will be home for the holiday break! Its going to busy to say the least! Today, I am sharing a quick picture of my breakfast nook at home! This space is still a work in progress and its the most informal room in our home! The old chairs have a new look with suzani prints! The walls are filled with tin signs and posters of books, movies and words that are meaningful to me! Tea cups of course are a big part of my life and they deserve a special place :) The breakfast nook is a rather unconventional space but it suits my family perfectly :)

Stay tuned as this is spot in my house is always changing and I will keep sharing pictures.....

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Image: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright!

Fabulous Finds: Rapsodia

Hello there! My apologies for my long absences from the blog! Life seems to be getting busier with an 11 year old and an 8 year old! The Shop At MDC keeps me on my toes..... as I scout around for treasures for your lovely homes!  The sun sets at 4.15 pm in winter in my part of the world and somehow the days seems way too short to get everything done!! However, please do follow me on Instagram as I seem to be posting there almost on a daily basis :)

Its cold, dark and dreary here today and we have snow in the forecast. I am sitting by the fireplace in my family room and looking at some lovely images on Pinterest! These stunning images from the Argentinian e-store Rapsodia caught my attention.

The store has a lovely curated collection of unique clothing, accessories and home decor items that you simply cannot miss! Bookmark Rapsodia for some delightful things and lovely eye candy :)

Keep on smiling and see you around!

Images : Copyright Rapsodia

An Eclectic Australian Home and A Question : What is Vintage ?

I like homes that are layered with old world charm and have an eclectic feel to it! This is the home of creative shopkeepers Lynn and Geoff Clay in Australia. I stumbled upon this home home via Design Files and love the feel of it. Lovely antiques and vintage artwork come together to create their own unique decor. 

The term vintage and antiques are used very often in the blogging world today! However, I wish people would refrain from using these terms loosely. A few years ago, I wrote a post about What is Vintage! I would love for you to read it and share your thoughts!

I am scouting around constantly to find unique pieces for your home! Featured here is my latest find :)  Hop on over to The Shop At My Dream Canvas to know more!

Images: 1, 2, 3 and 4 : Design Sponge and subject to Copyright
Image 5 : Shop At my Dream Canvas and subject to Copyright.

Positano Beckons and A Bohemian Wedding

Hello Monday! I have the perfect images to shake off those Monday blues! We are heading to Positano, Italy for a chic bohemian wedding! I first travelled to Positano and the Amalfi coast 14 years ago and fell in love with it! Last year, I chose to go back there to celebrate my 40th birthday :) It was the perfect family vacation! 

You can understand my reason for sharing these exquisite wedding pictures of Kristin O' Neill and Brett Shapiro! Kristin is the co founder of the clothing Porter Grey!

Sigh....It does look like the perfect day in Positano......

Images: Copyright Vogue

Art By Aarti Karwayun

An explosion of color, beauty and tradition is how I would describe Aarti Karwayun's art! Aarti is a fine art graduate from Jaipur. She used to be a visual merchandiser in fashion retail. She is now an independent artist. I have admired Aarti's work for years.  So I am delighted to feature her on My Dream Canvas :)

I love vintage art, restorations, and objects that exude old world charm. Aarti's work brings together all of these in a very unique way! Her art can find a place in any space be it modern or traditional! 

I asked Aarti to share a few thoughts about her work and this is what she had to say...

"As a person, as an artist, I aim to be totally and completely one with who I am and what I do.....Being. Creating. Loving.

Art for me is the most profound tool of expression that comes with infinite freedom and responsibility. It comes from a deep place and it touches people on many levels ....and creates many emotions. Art is a creation that can evoke responses with enormous possibilities of what, how and why? 

In this small journey as an artist, I have explored as much as I can, and therefore take up various kinds of commissioned work to challenge myself and stretch my own boundaries. My  work is distinctly Indian in style and appeal and is available in Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore in India.

Following my deepest calling and love for art and life, I wish to create, touch, and spread oneness and love."

Aarti has beautifully articulated her passion and commitment! I admire her immense creative talent and the one of a kind designs!

To know more about Aarti visit her website http://www.ispaceart.com. You can connect with her via Facebook.

Feast your eyes on her creations.......

Aarti's stunning artwork below hangs proudly in my family room! It has caught the eye of almost everyone who has visited my home :) This piece is part of the Fearless Collective series.  The series is an art project that focuses artistic talent to help spread the cause of women!

I hope you have enjoyed this post! Aarti would love to hear your comments.  Thanks a ton Aarti for sharing your work and your thoughts with the readers of My Dream Canvas! Here's wishing you all the best today and always! 

Happy Monday Folks!!


Images: Ispaceart and Subject to Copyright!

Vintage Finds At MDC and Election Day 2016

Its Election Day in the united States! I have done my civic duty and voted! for those of you who can vote, please go vote!!

I love vintage finds! This holiday season The Shop At My Dream Canvas, will focus on bringing you one of a kind vintage finds for your home!! I enjoy my treasure hunts immensely! When one of my handpicked finds lands up in a lovely home.......I am ecstatic :) Stay tuned for a unique collection coming up soon. Here is a sneak peek!!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright

Come Fly With Me to Jaipur and Diwali Wishes

I have spent many years in Rajasthan as a child.  When we lived in Jaipur, I was very young but I have been back there many times since! I am heading back there next year, and this time I am planning to take my my kids with me! I am looking forward to it. One of the places on my wish list this time is a trip to Bar Palladio! This fascinating place is a European style bar at the Narain Niwas Palace! I will probably have to eave my kids behind for this visit :) I am drooling over the images! It looks so chic and beautiful. This place apparently draws an eclectic crowd! I can picture this as a hangout joint for the cool crowd traveling to Jaipur from all over the world!!

I am loving all the shades of blue in the images below! What do you think?

For all my readers who celebrated Diwali this past weekend, I hope you had a lovely time! I had a really hectic but fun Diwali weekend and I am still recuperating :) I got so busy that I had time to take only a handful pictures! A few of them are on Instagram, so please do join me there!

Here's to a great week ahead....

Images Bar Palladio via Trendland and subject to copyright!

Festive Series Part 3 : My Favorite Designer :)

With Diwali a few days away, my days are getting really busy! I have been neck deep in cleaning up the house and I am finally making progress :) For me, a Diwali mood board has to include the work of my friend and artist Chandan Dubey! While many of you are familiar with her work, her dedication and passion for restoration is truly remarkable! In my opinion Chandan's  designs can blend in perfectly with any decor! 

Her latest collection of limited edition pillows are a true delight! Vintage jewelry, vintage lace, got patti, luxurious fabric and intricate detailing makes these pillows a collectors item!

You have to bookmark Chandan Dubey Photography +  to know more about her one of a kind creations!

How is your Diwali prep coming along? My next project is my table setting for a Diwali dinner and I am totally confused :)

Spread love, light and happiness around you this Diwali!!

Images: Chandan Dubey Photography+ and subject to copyright!

Festive Series Part 2 : Sabyasachi and Pottery Barn

I cannot help but include this collection in my Festive Series! My two favorite brands, the Indian designer Sabyasachi and Pottery Barn have collaborated to bring out a curated collection of home accessories! I have drooled over numerous Sabyasachi outfits and of course, I adore everything about Pottery Barn:)

Sabyasachi's unique design sensibilities has led to the creation of a global and vintage inspired decor collection that is truly one of a kind!

Are you tempted?

Images via Pottery Barn and subject to copyright!

Festive Series Part 1 : Designer Ayush Kejriwal

Hello there! With Diwali a few weeks away, I am going to kick off the Festive season with a series of special posts. These are going to be a series of what I like to call my "Diwali Mood boards" :) These posts will hopefully be inspiring and a fun way to make this season extra special. So please respond with your  comments and share ideas so that we can make this a spectacular Diwali :) 

Read along  as this is going to be a long and special post :)

If someone was to ask me what is my biggest passion when it comes to decorating my home, I would have to say that it's sentimentality! Personalizing my decor, makes me feel connected to my space! I don't follow trends, I follow my dreams, my roots, and my love for all things vintage and antique :) I have always maintained that in decor one should never be confined to a set of rules. So here's my tip for the day! Go with your heart and let your instinct guide you so every nook and cranny of your home reflects your unique personality.

I don't follow trends when it comes to clothes as well. At my brother's wedding, I chose to wear my Grandmothers lahenga (wedding outfit). I have been in love with the outfit since I was a little girl.  It meant a lot to me and I thought my brother's wedding was a fantastic occasion to wear it.  The lahenga embodies the elegance and intricate workmanship which is hard to find these days! I convinced my mother and my aunt that it was going to be perfect and they agreed.  This became a fun project and we spent a fair amount of time and energy to find the right person to restore the nearly 90 year old outfit! It was a labor of love.  By the end of it, we could have bought something new for the amount of money we spent on it but it wouldn't have been the same.

I have been following the UK based designer Ayush Kejriwal for a while on Instagram. When I came across his work, it brought back the wonderful memories of restoring my Grandmother's lahenga. I felt as if I had discovered a  trunk in the attic filled with my Grandmother's beautiful clothes that are truly one of a kind! :) His designs really speak to me! His outfits are artistic and timeless in their appeal. 

His clothes are an ode to the bygone era where all that mattered was beauty and simplicity! To quote him "Yes, I don't live in India but that does not mean that I don't appreciate its beauty. The culture and aesthetics are so beautiful that I feel I have no right to change or modernize it. Hence, I just make simple, boring old style clothes keeping the ethos intact. It's like developing an old black and white film in color. It's like magic. Don't you think?"

Ayush is being incredibly modest. His style is far from boring. It is absolutely fabulous! Those of you who know me well, will understand why I am so besotted by his style :) I made an instant connection!! The clothes, the models, the make up and the jewelry all resonate with me. 

We all have our own personal style, be it in clothes or in decor! Don't be afraid to bring it out and let it shine. Sharing a lovely quote which is my decor mantra " Stick to the things you really love. An honest room is always up to date" I  do hope you have enjoyed this first post in my Festive series for Diwali.

Ayush Kejriwal is based in Glasgow, UK and you can contact him via WhatsApp at +447840384707 and email him at designerayushkejriwal@hotmail.com or ayushk@hotmail.co.uk and connect via Facebook For updates and endless eye candy and inspiration follow him on Instagram : designerayushkejriwal

The best part is that Ayush Kejriwal ships his stunning designs worldwide. Happy shopping :)

My home brings me joy and I wish the same for you. Enjoy the season and stay tuned for the second post in my Festive Series :)

Images: Ayush Kejriwal and subject to copyright

A Boho Porch Makeover

Hello there! We are getting ready to face the biggest windstorm in almost a decade here in the Pacific Northwest. I can hear the rain coming down as I sit by my window! The wind will surely blow the  autumn leaves off the trees around me! I shall miss the myriad hues.....the crimson, rust and golden leaves will slowly disappear as the wind lashes against them.

I am prepping my home for Diwali ( The Festival of Lights) and I am excited :)  I am adding layers and a few new colors into the mix ! The pictures will be up in a few more days. With the stormy weather outside  today.......I am drawn towards this warm and cozy boho porch by Laura Mazurek. 

She has done a brilliant job. I especially like the warm and earthy tones. This space is pretty and has a relaxed vibe! I want to curl up here with a good book and a cup of tea! 

Sheer bliss!

That rug......

Love this teacup :)

What's your favorite element in this space?

Images: via and subject to copyright