tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49899290729448753382024-03-08T14:38:45.864+05:30Simz CornerBlog Header by Richa Dubey of 22.2 accessoriesSimranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-88012106050000127452014-07-28T14:25:00.001+05:302014-07-28T14:25:31.850+05:30What to choose for my bedroom wall colour? How many shades of blue are you aware of? - Light blue, Dark blue, Sky blue, Navy, Turquoise? Are there more, you ask?<br />
Well yes there are more. Lots more. There is Azure, Catalina blue, Cyan, Indigo, Light blue, Midnight blue, Navy, Periwinkle (lavender blue), Powder blue, Prussian blue, Sky blue, Teal, Turquoise and still more. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colors#Blue" target="_blank">this</a> for the colours and names.<br />
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The husband and I love blue and some of its variations - Turquoise being our favourite. We wanted a blue master bedroom. Something like the picture below, but when the colour was actually put on the walls, it did not look that nice. The practical version was a very discomforting, unsettling look with no visual impact or rather weird looking visually.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/421791/Parkwood-Road-Residence-Master-Bedroom-transitional-bedroom-minneapolis"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/c5e1e1c40efb42b7_8-4698/transitional-bedroom.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small>Pic courtesy: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Transitional Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/c/Minneapolis--MN" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Minneapolis Interior Designers; Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/oharainteriors/martha-ohara-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Martha O'Hara Interiors</a> </small></div>
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So we went all white but somehow the room still looks incomplete. The room hasn't been accessorized yet. So that adds to the bare feeling. But I think the colour on the walls needs to be changed. I am clueless about what to use, so I decided to browse and see what people have done and what might look good.<br />
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I wanted a green wall, something like this, somewhere in the house. But will it be too overwhelming or dull if done on all the walls in the bedroom? Thinking out loud - "Maybe I should do it on just one focus wall." Ever since I saw this picture, the colour has been parked in one corner of my brain.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRyyV72WH2E/U9XzItn3SzI/AAAAAAAAP60/W0SzBgEERug/s1600/AnIndianSummer_Thiru3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRyyV72WH2E/U9XzItn3SzI/AAAAAAAAP60/W0SzBgEERug/s1600/AnIndianSummer_Thiru3.jpg" height="640" width="433" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.in/2013/03/through-lens-of.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.784000396728516px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pic courtesy: An Indian Summer, Thiru S, Elle Decor India</a></td></tr>
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I also like the idea of a gray. My neighbour has done up one room in a very subtle elegant gray and I liked the look of it. Something like this combined with the right bursts of colour - think yellow, gold, turquoise, pink, green will look warm and lovely, yet not loud.<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/203583/Oakland-Master-Bedroom-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/2e5134be0e0ce24e_8-3402/contemporary-bedroom.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
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<small>Pic courtesy: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/c/San-Francisco--CA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">San Francisco Interior Designers; Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/briandittmardesign/brian-dittmar-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Brian Dittmar Design, Inc.</a></small></div>
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If I don't change the wall colour but instead add colour through paintings and wall accessories, that might look nice too. How about adding some golden touches to the existing white room? Something like this -<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/98162/Stamford-Bedroom-Detail-traditional-bedroom-austin" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/64c1d4f10d1a3cb0_8-8803/traditional-bedroom.jpg" height="640" width="537" /></a></div>
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<small>Pic courtesy: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Austin--TX" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Austin Architects; Building Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/hughrandolph/hugh-jefferson-randolph-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects</a></small></div>
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I think we played safe when it came to colours on the walls and now it is pushing me to think more, look around and experiment. I need to go about seeing some real homes with bright splashes of colour. How do you incorporate colour into your house? On the walls? Artifacts? Sofa? Rug? Furniture?<br />
<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-58209828488330352372014-03-24T21:16:00.000+05:302014-03-24T21:16:01.732+05:30Store Feature - My ArtitudeOne bright and sunny day I called up <a href="http://www.anitabora.com/blog/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Anita Bora</span></b></i></a> who in addition to doing a whole lot of interesting things, markets her sister's pottery through her brand/store <b>My Artitude</b>. A quick chat and a phone call and a day later I was off to meet Anita and see the latest collection at My Artitude. While the store is generally open from Noon to 7 pm, it is recommended to take an appointment before you go to make sure Anita is around in town and not on one of her trips around the world! She is on <a href="http://www.anitabora.com/blog/2014/03/14/boarding-the-kerala-blog-express-in-trivandrum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">one right now</span></b></i></a> :)<br />
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The store is located in Defence Colony, Indiranagar, behind Max Mueller Bhavan. It is easy to find, just keep the house number in mind. You will need to find street parking which is ok on weekday mornings. You walk up a winding stair case and enter a room. And for all the pottery and ceramic lovers the sight is akin to paradise! And let me just add while you are here, you can also shop for some jewellery from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MoodSwingsJewelrybyBenaazir" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">MoodSwings Jewelry by Benaazir</span></b></i></a>. They share the space. Double motivation to shop!! What else can one ask for??<br />
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The pottery is crafted by Ranjita Bora, Anita's sister. Ranjita works out of Pondicherry. The sisters do travel around the country taking part in exhibitions that they like. You can catch up on their Facebook page for the latest info <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">-</i><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b> </b></i></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/myartitudeindia" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="My Artitude"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">facebook.com/myartitudeindia</span></i></b></a></span><i style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">.</i></span> Anita also curates works of other potters to add more variety to the collection. New items are added pretty often. You can keep track of that by following their FB page<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><br />
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I picked up some lovely ceramic holders. This is how I use one of them - to hold my earrings and my make up accessories. Makes it super easy to hold those long earrings and keep them detangled.<br />
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For your kitchen there are onion/garlic storage jars, cups and saucers, mugs, bowls, plates, appetizer servers. They come in different shapes and sizes, beautiful patterns and are multipurpose.<br />
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There are some very attractive ceramic door or drawer knobs, these oh-so-cute owl tea lights holders (Know of anyone who loves anything owls? Perfect gift for them!) and jars and holders in lots of shapes and sizes.<br />
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There are so many other things. You have to go and see for yourself. She has these tea light and perfumed oil burners in some gorgeous colours. I LOVE that green!<br />
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Be warned - since these products are not mass produced, getting exactly same products as in these pictures might not be possible. But I am sure you will get other lovely pieces :)<br />
The prices are reasonable and are in a wide range. The items can be used functionally across the house or for gifting (umm hmm for that next house warming party? Or even to a friend who loves pottery).<br />
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<b><i>Happy Shopping!!</i></b><br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-72898629571156298432014-03-12T15:03:00.000+05:302014-03-12T15:03:26.309+05:30Adding colour into my home!I like colour! In the right amount and shade it makes a room come alive. An entrance, a foyer, a dark corner - all of these can be made bright, welcoming and striking using colour. Accessories help in adding that splash of colour too.<br />
We have been incorporating our own dashes of colour into the decor at home. Holi being just around the corner helps in motivating, I guess! <br />Here are a few glimpses of where we are as of now :)<br />
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Turquoise is the husband's favourite. So much so that he wants a full wall in that colour. I don't quite agree with that bit but yes I love turquoise too. So we have been adding that to the living room. The mirror is from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePurpleTurtles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Purple Turtles</span></i></b></a>. The glass bottle is from <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.at-home.co.in/home-decor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">@Home</span></i></b></a>.</span><br />
We both love green and so we bought the white planter and the green ferns (I DO NOT have a green thumb) from <a href="http://www.omaliving.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Oma</span></i></b></a> during their annual sale recently. They don't have the details updated on their website - their Bangalore store is in <a href="http://www.ubcitybangalore.in/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">UB city</span></i></b></a> on Vittal Mallya road.<br />
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The sofa and chaise were custom made by <a href="http://www.caneboutique.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Cane Boutique</span></i></b></a>. The grey and purple goes well with our curtains.<br />
Slowly, steadily, introduce one thing at a time is what I am doing with the home and it is working well.<br />
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What colour are you going to add into your homes and hearts today? Think of the world as a canvas and yourself as an artist, go splash and fill life with colours!!<br />
Happy Holi!!<br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-15548565816000982472014-01-08T14:46:00.001+05:302014-01-08T14:48:59.201+05:30New Year! New Beginnings!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hola people!! How is the New Year treating you?? Fun? Happening? Not so much? Here are a few updates from my end on what's been happening in the New Year!</span><br />
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* I saw this picture on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=726207680723631&set=a.597858533558547.1073741827.121072521237153&type=1&theater" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">here</span></b></i></a> and decided to have my jar of "good thing notes"!</span><br />
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So here is my jar with notes about what I am thankful or grateful for or happy about. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The jar itself is a happy reminder of a wonderful New Year's eve and day spent with friends and family :) I will keep adding a note to the jar whenever something makes me feel good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> May all of you have plenty of moments to be thankful for, may you have moments that bring you closer to you and your family this year :) </span><br />
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* I have started writing for another website called Women's Web! With that now I am freelancing for 3 websites - <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://porticoindia.com/fashion@home/?p=832" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Portico Fashion@Home blog</a></span></b></i>, the <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://thediblogger.blogspot.in/2013/11/a-bucket-full-of-love.html" target="_blank">Dottedi blog</a></span></b></i> and <i><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://www.womensweb.in/articles/festive-decor-ideas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women's Web</a></span></b></i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My latest post on Fashion@home is on "<a href="http://porticoindia.com/fashion@home/?p=993" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">How to make the best of the sale season</span></i></b></a>!" so go on read that and head out for some shopping therapy :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The one on Women's Web this month is how to organize your home smartly and decor items related to that. Need a quick refresher for the house? Check <a href="http://www.womensweb.in/articles/how-to-organise-your-home/#more-23313" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">this</span></i></b></a> article. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I am looking for more writing opportunities, not necessarily in the same areas. If you know of someone or something that can help me, do let me know.</i> </span><br />
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* I have also decided to shake that blanket of laziness and get this blog active and up! So look forward to more homes in the "Real Homes" series, more store features, posts, updates on setting and decorating the new house. #Rubbingmyhands, #Excitedme. </span><br />
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Have a lovely day and happy week ahead!!</span><br />
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-81201407657256695952013-09-30T21:57:00.001+05:302013-09-30T21:57:40.314+05:30Alien feelingsThe feelings are very alien, very weird and mixed! End of day 1 in my "own" house and I can't feel a thing that supports that fact.<br />
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I will not pretend that all the feelings are in the neighbourhood of happiness.<br />
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There is <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">surprise</span></i></b> that a structure of walls, columns, beams and bricks - a blank canvas can convert into something beautiful and a work of art.<br />
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There is <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">worry</span></i></b> about the sheer amount of work involved to keep a house clean. True for any size, shape, style of a home.<br />
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There is <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">disappointment</span> </b></i>about the way some of us humans behave, the greed we display for money, for more, for anything extra or free. The kharcha-paani that every delivery or installation person wants even though the sales receipt and customer service says delivery and installation are free of cost ma'm!<br />
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The <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">shock</span></i></b> when a lady who comes to help do a one-time, one-day only, clean up of the place, which has already been properly cleaned once, asks for Rs 600/- to do a round of sweeping and mopping and no other actual cleaning and refuses to budge till that amount is given.<br />
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The <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">feeling of being let down</span></i></b> by the shoddy work done by some groups of workmen, with the taps leaking at places, the doors coming off at hinges, the paint peeling off (already???). What happened to good work ethics, quality of work and doing one's job properly?<br />
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The feeling of <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">slight regret</span></b></i> at the thought that maybe I should have gone with a big interior contractor/firm to do get all the work done. Maybe the final quality and look of the work could have been better. The could-have-beens and if-onlys just add to it.<br />
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The <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">hope</span></i></b> that all these niggles and hiccups will be gone eventually and things will work smoothly.<br />
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The <i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">pleasure</span></b></i> of lovely views, night time city lights, cool breeze, warm hearts and sun drying clothes.<br />
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The<span style="color: #0b5394;"> <i><b>joy</b></i></span> when things like newspaper delivery, laundry collection, milk delivery and car wash are all taken care with one phone call.<br />
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The <span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>belief</b></i></span> that all things that are meant for you shall come to you - in one way or another! So do what you want to and life will gently tread you towards the path meant for you, towards people you are supposed to meet, towards places you are supposed to go to!<br />
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-10197882912263678172013-09-27T09:27:00.000+05:302013-09-28T05:03:48.547+05:30Real Homes I - Poorni, KG and Adi's houseThis post has been pending for the longest time ever! I know! Without further delay presenting to you *Drumroll please* - the first home in the Real Homes series, which belongs to Poorni, KG and their son Adi.<br>
Lets start with a tour of the house and then I will tell you about the owners :)<br>
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For me, these first two pictures sum up their home, they are the essence, the soul of their home. These pictures are a preview of what the owners love!<br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL2iQBp9oP8/Ug0mk78xUUI/AAAAAAAANeQ/ufLMJSHiaxQ/s1600/IMG_3805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL2iQBp9oP8/Ug0mk78xUUI/AAAAAAAANeQ/ufLMJSHiaxQ/s640/IMG_3805.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Poorni is learning to play a guitar. Music, books, collectibles, eclectic stuff, mixed furniture, it all finds a place in their home and makes it warm and inviting. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMi7nksnNr8/Ug0mae5IdgI/AAAAAAAANeI/Fa1Gdoi7a5E/s1600/IMG_3774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMi7nksnNr8/Ug0mae5IdgI/AAAAAAAANeI/Fa1Gdoi7a5E/s640/IMG_3774.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Both Poorni and KG are book lovers and yes they pick up books even if they have lots in the to-be-read list. I do that too, do you?</div>
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One of the many things I love about their home is the lived-in, casual feeling one gets as you walk in.</div>
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Those are tiny paper lights strung around the bigger hanging lamp and they look oh so pretty when lit up!</div>
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The Dhalls are a travel loving family and their trips all over the world have resulted in a lovely collection of artifacts displayed all over the house.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eriNtk7HS0U/UkSdKoEvspI/AAAAAAAAOr8/2yR2D1igrF8/s1600/Pic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eriNtk7HS0U/UkSdKoEvspI/AAAAAAAAOr8/2yR2D1igrF8/s640/Pic4.jpg" width="426"></a></div>
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Ladies and Gentlemen presenting to you the Starbucks coffee mug collection :) </div>
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This lamp was picked up from Delhi on a trip to source lights for their current house when the interiors were being done. </div>
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Wall art picked from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePurpleTurtles?fref=ts" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Purple Turtles</span></b></i></a>, Indiranagar. The art is by <i>Aarti Karwayun Chawda </i>of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ispaceart?fref=ts"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">ispaceart</span></b></i>.</a> </div>
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Very soothing and long lasting natural fiber blinds from <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/blindlovebangalore?fref=ts" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">BlindLove</span></b></i></a>,</span> Indiranagar.</div>
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Their house has soothing colours, mostly neutrals or earthy colours like this brick wall here. </div>
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Art and various art forms can be seen throughout the house, like the aboriginal art from Australia above. </div>
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The blend of the traditional with the modern, you think?? Love the antique finish mirror, again from <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePurpleTurtles?fref=ts" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Purple Turtles</span></b></i></a>.</span> The fridge magnets are souvenirs picked from everywhere they have been. </div>
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The love for music has passed on to Adi, who is learning to play the drums. </div>
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Poorni is an ex IT professional. She loves to travel, read, try new things and explore the world, one bit at a time! She is also a photographer and does assignments professionally. Check her photography page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PoornimasPhotography?fref=ts" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></i></b></a>. She is the owner/creator of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/myBeantree?fref=ts" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Beantree</span></b></i></a>, which uses natural and locally sourced ingredients to produce food free from preservatives and additives. Their lovely, finger licking hummus is available in multiple stores. My personal favourite is the lemon coriander hummus. </div>
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KG apart from his corporate world/IT career which takes him around the world more than often, loves to read and run. He is now preparing for his first 50K run. </div>
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Let me know if you would like to know anything about the things featured in the post - what, from where, et all. I shall ask the owners and let you know. </div>
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Happy Friday and hope you all have a lovely weekend!!</div>
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-71895901106172404682013-08-07T12:33:00.004+05:302013-08-07T12:33:58.969+05:30Paintings from the artist in our Real Homes series<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of you readers had asked about the artist or source for this Radha Krishna painting, which was featured in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.514099415329021.1073741830.500002266738736&type=3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Real Homes series</span></b></i></a>, on our<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SimzCorner" target="_blank"> <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Facebook page</span></i></b></a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=514099448662351&set=a.514099415329021.1073741830.500002266738736&type=3&theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l44_RWXhQ8Y/UgHei8Li_SI/AAAAAAAANJk/wrBRzNLClJE/s640/IMG_2694.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The artist who does these paintings is Shivram and he is based out of Chennai. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To buy his paintings in Bangalore, you can reach Nutan at <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">99163 29280</span>. Some of the paintings available (check current status with Nutan) are shown below. They are all 3ft x 4ft in size and the cost is Rs 4000 per sq ft. They are not framed. </span><br />
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<i><b>Kambala</b></i></div>
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<i><b>KolaAata</b></i></div>
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<b><i>RadhaKrishna</i></b></div>
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<i><b>Yakshagana</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy mid week! Enjoy the long weekend :) </span></div>
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-14407631762158549702013-07-31T19:45:00.002+05:302013-07-31T19:45:48.680+05:30Lessons learnt and apartment update! The first and most important rule is that <i><b>Things do go wrong and they WILL</b></i>. No matter how well the project was planned. Execution is a totally different ball game.<br />
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A few things I have learnt during the new apartment interiors process -<br />
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* Everything that you want to change, fix, break, restructure is mostly possible. If your contractor/designer/carpenter says otherwise, it could be because he doesn't want the additional headache, too much risk involved, lack of expertise, it costs too much money (which should be a headache for you not your designer or contractor). Only a very small number of exceptions exist to this almost-fact.<br />
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* Double check everything before it gets executed. The design does go through changes while it passes from the designer's table to the supervisor to the carpenter who works on it! So make sure you tell the carpenter or handyman to show a rough draft of what he has understood or show the assembled piece before fixing it finally. Trust me this will go a long way to help avoid major blunders.<br />
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* We Indians as a generic trait have a tendency to nod our heads and say yes to everything. Then later on we actually ponder over whether the task can be done or not. And we also have a tendency to hide things from the client till the end. The husband says, If something goes wrong, then a project coordinator should either fix it OR if it cannot be fixed and will cause a delay then the client should be informed. Most of the contractors/carpenter teams don't do either. They let the project linger on and complete it on its own pace. Keep an eye out for this. And if possible make your own schedule with dates of starting and completion and track the work as per that, raising a red flag when needed.<br />
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* Electrical points - If you have the option of changing electrical points and choosing where you want them then do it. Do it before you start the actual wood work - cupboards, bookshelves etc. Think of where would you want reading lights to be fixed, lamps to be kept with respect to beds and bedside tables. I personally like to have switches and a plug point next to the bed on both sides. The getting out-of-bed to switch the light off is one thing I don't like. Charging mobile phones or laptops is also convenient when you have a plug point next to your bed.<br />
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* Don't forget the geyser in the kitchen for those oh-so-cold winter days. Your house help is going to be thankful!<br />
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* Thinking of buying a Home theater system at some point of time in the future? Get the points for speakers and the system in place. The points can be done and left and used later.<br />
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* Have a terrace or balcony - make sure you have enough light and plug points for all those barbecue and late night parties.<br />
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Updates from the new apartment -<br />
We are at a stage where the electricals in the new apartment have mostly been completed. The carpentry for the wood work - wardrobes, bookshelf, study desk, bar unit and a few other storage shelves in the kid's room are mostly done. Now the surface finishing work shall start - duco, veneer polishing, laminate fixing etc. Another 15 to 20 days to go.<br />
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Sneak peek into the home! Tada till the next time :)<br />
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One of my favourites (already) in the house - the bookshelf </div>
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One of the corners in the living room - waiting to see it come together with the lights</div>
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-21963767739577788132013-07-22T18:23:00.000+05:302013-07-22T18:33:23.343+05:30Decor - Eye Candy<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was looking for inspiration for bookshelves and upholstery fabric, online. As usual digressed and chanced upon something beautiful. There are some lovely lovely ideas out there and I fell in love with these. Have been day dreaming and drooling ever since. Sigh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is something beautiful and zen like about this room. Elegant. Peaceful. Love the neutral effect, the layout, the decor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh! I love love love this one. For </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the bookshelf, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the colour coordinated arrangement of books, the reading chair, the Ikat cushion, the footstool, the blue pottery scattered throughout the room, the whites, creams and the rug. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And this one for the pink dining chairs and the white kitchen. I love white to the point I am getting a white kitchen, yes in spite of all those concerns of "Indian kitchen and cooking. Are you sure you want white?" Now, if only I was gutsy enough to get chairs in such a colour. Love the elegant look of this one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>All images -<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://wsroominabox.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Windsor Smith, Room in a Box</span></a> Do check out her work. It is lovely and inspiring! </i></span><br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-10540002440838531122013-07-15T23:15:00.001+05:302013-07-15T23:15:43.190+05:30Indya Kaleidoscope - a treasure chest! <b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Indyakaleidoscope" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: red;">Indya Kaleidoscope</span></i></a> </b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">is a treasure cove tucked away in a corner. You won't spot it unless you are looking for it and once you do you won't want to leave :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">It is a cozy little store with walls painted in bright colours, some peacock blue, some red. They showcase and sell, like they say on their FB page, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; text-align: justify;">good quality traditional arts and crafts. Be it in their original form or with a contemporary twist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;">They have on display Channapatna Laquerware, Banaras wood crafts, Brass artefacts, Terracotta products, Manipur Longpi pottery (also called Black pottery), Blue pottery, Plam wood crafts, Pondicherry stone pottery, Kantha work soft furnishing amongst a whole lot of other stuff. </span></div>
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What welcomes you as you walk in to the store on the 1st floor, is a bright yet warm red wall and a whole room full of collectibles, home decor items and treasures to die for!<br />
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The brass idols collection against this red wall looks stunning. We saw a whole range of Ganesha idols, from classic to contemporary forms. Go find your own! </div>
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There are beautiful paintings, like this one below, from Banaras. </div>
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Collectibles, mini vases, pots, all hand-painted. Beautiful! </div>
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Fabric clutches in all colours and shapes.</div>
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Colourful painted wooden dolls and boxes.</div>
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Krishna in all his glory.</div>
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Madhubani work lampshades. Hand-painted wooden boxes for storing your jewelry, nick knacks and small trinkets.<br />
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Brass and copper minis. Kitchen utensils, pots, miniature equipment. They look so so cute!</div>
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And one of my favorites - pottery from Pondicherry! </div>
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Kantha work cushion covers. They look beautiful, don't they? We are going to place our custom orders once the new place is ready.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The owner Preethi writes a blog too and does a lot of DIY-ers. You can check them out </span><a href="http://indyakaleidoscope.com/blog/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: red;">here</span></i></b></a><span style="text-align: justify;">. </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She also sources furniture and antiques on request. So contact her if you are looking for that antique wooden mirror for your bedroom wall or chains for the swing in your living room. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;">She has recently created a space in the store </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;">where artists, craft makers, writers, bloggers, decorators, designers or just book readers can come, sit surrounded by some exquisite crafts and do their creative thing. They promise to keep the coffee flowing!! What more can you ask for? :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;">Drop in and find your treasure. They keep adding new stuff every now and then so worth scheduling a regular visit :) </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Store details</u></b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>The IK store in Bangalore is at - </i></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>BNRK Towers, 891/A, 1st Floor, </i></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>7th A Cross, Koramangala 1st Block, </i></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Bangalore - 560034</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tel - +91 <span style="line-height: 15.555556297302246px;">80 40981536</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Email: <a href="mailto:indyakaleidoscope@gmail.com" style="cursor: pointer; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;">indyakaleidoscope@gmail.com</a></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 18px;">FB page - </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">https://www.facebook.com/Indyakaleidoscope </span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 18px;">Website - </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">http://indyakaleidoscope.com/ </span></i></span><br />
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-57385595977294687792013-06-17T19:05:00.000+05:302013-06-17T19:05:05.031+05:30Launch of TULIPS store in BangaloreThis past Friday, I was invited to the store opening party of Tulips - a premiere soft furnishing store.<br />
<i><b><a href="http://www.tulipsindia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tulips</span></a> </b></i>is a high end soft furnishings retail store with 2 branches in India. Their flagship store is in Pune and this new store in Bangalore is the 2nd in the country.<br />
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<i>a range of plush linen - bath and bed, in classic soothing colours</i><br />
<i>a fun range for kids which includes duvet covers and cute cushions </i><br />
<i>fabrics</i><br />
<i>wallpapers</i><br />
<i>frescoes, artifacts and home accessories</i><br />
<i>exquisite drapery</i><br />
<i>window dressings</i><br />
<i>curtains</i><br />
<i>cushions</i><br />
<i>rugs, throws</i><br />
<i>sophisticated upholstery</i><br />
<i>All this can be customized with monograms, initials and your personal design requirements</i><br />
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Tulips sources the finest decor wares from across the globe. They have a lovely collection of scented candles from Belgium, one of which we got in the lovely goody bag given to the guests.<br />
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They also have an assortment of glamorous artifacts, some as tall as a person, in solid colours, monochromatic tones and metal tints, from Italy, Germany and Netherlands. There is bed and bath linen from Turkey, fine cashmere blankets and Merino wool throws from Germany, throws from South Africa. If you are looking for accessories like curtain ties and hold backs, they have a pretty collection for that too. </div>
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One thing that I would like to mention is their sample curtain corner where they have displayed all sorts of curtain pleats. Very helpful for people to see and choose which style they would like for the curtains and window treatments. </div>
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They provide a Design Service too which is a 5 step service. They start with a survey to understand your requirements where they visit your place and get the right picture of your architecture. Then their designers put together fabrics and palettes for your space, keeping in mind your requirements and budget. Then they create a folder for you with swatches of your design. The design is presented with the help of visuals which are a representation of the finished product. The next step is creating the products from the designs. And the last step is installation in your space at your convenience. </div>
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The launch party was in the store and was hosted together by Tulips and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/goodhomesmagazineindia?fref=ts" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Good homes Magazine India</span></b></i></a>. It was a well planned affair - delicious hors d'oeuvres, drinks and lovely goody bags too. Enjoyed meeting so many talented and lovely people and seeing the luxurious collection first hand! Do visit this place if you are redoing your house or planning to change/add to your soft furnishing collection. </div>
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<u><b><i>Store details </i></b></u></div>
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<i>The Tulips store in Bangalore is at </i></div>
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<i>No 7, Shilton Heights,</i></div>
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<i>Papanna Street, Off St Marks Road,</i></div>
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<i>Bangalore - 560001</i></div>
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<i>Tel - +91 80 22211113/4</i></div>
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<i>Email: store.blr@tulipsindia.com </i></div>
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-40993108475974174122013-06-09T19:08:00.002+05:302013-06-09T19:08:20.404+05:30How to go about planning your wardrobe? Before you think this is a post on 10 wardrobe must haves for the summer-fall fashion scene, let me warn you, it IS NOT.<br />
It deals with a comparatively boring topic - wardrobes, closet interiors, design, shelves. <br />
So there, now that the expectations are set, lets begin :)<br />
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I have moved across cities for a pretty large part of my life. Every new house we would move into would require me and my sister to choose cupboards or rather sides of a cupboard. The power struggles over "the better side" are a thing of the past.<br />
Now it is between the husband and me. Who gets which cupboard and how many shelves. In the end he always needs and gets more space than me. Stop snickering you men! You know it, you guys use a lot of space. I know some women who might be nodding at this ;)<br />
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When it came to thinking of wardrobes for the new/own place, I drew a blank initially. I mean like, what's there to think about. It is simple right? A few shelves and some hanging space. Anything would do.<br />
Well, I was wrong. There are, like anything else in the world, hazaar (a thousand) options. From the plywood used for the structure, to the laminate stuck on top, the style and colour of shutters (doors for the uninitiated), the shelves, accessories. You name it!<br />
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So then I went on my research hunt guided by the questions -<br />
1. What are my needs for storage?<br />
2. Who is going to use the wardrobes?<br />
3. Maintenance capability? *Laziness is a huge factor here.<br />
4. Space available in the house<br />
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<b><i><u>Storage needs </u></i></b>- First you need basic wardrobes to keep every day clothes. Then there is the stuff like bedsheets, bed spreads, comforters/rajais, pillows, cushions, all your other linen for the house. You also would have luggage that you would like to stow away when not needed - suitcases, duffel bags, carry on bags and the likes. Think of all the other accessories, make up, bags, purses, shoes, hats, caps, sports/hobby related clothes, accessories.<br />
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For the bedroom, I would like something basic like these, with one change. I would prefer the top shelf to be moved to the bottom. In my opinion the top shelf is often at a height much more than the average person and thus becomes a hard to reach place. Good for stuff you want to hide from the kids but not to keep things you might need on a daily basis. A hanging rod is better there.<br />
Ladies - If possible try to make space for a longer hanging shelf too, for all those summer dresses, skirts, long kurtas that are longer than the standard hanging shelf height of about 42 inches or 3.5 feet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://furniture123.co.uk/images/Catalogue/vlrg/PAR003/Zenza%20Sliding%202%20Door%204%20Shelf%20Wardrobe%20in%20Wenge.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PAJFATi1Y8/UbI2eeGwCDI/AAAAAAAAMr4/5tsN3b4rmqc/s640/Wardrobe2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://furniture123.co.uk/images/Catalogue/vlrg/PAR003/Zenza%20Sliding%202%20Door%204%20Shelf%20Wardrobe%20in%20Wenge.jpg" target="_blank">Picture courtesy Furniture123.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://furniture123.co.uk/images/Catalogue/vlrg/PAR003/Zenza%20Sliding%202%20Door%206%20Shelf%20Wardrobe%20in%20White.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOkE5c4UVpI/UbI2g1S75cI/AAAAAAAAMsA/wN6zWZKv_l8/s640/Wardrobe1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://furniture123.co.uk/images/Catalogue/vlrg/PAR003/Zenza%20Sliding%202%20Door%206%20Shelf%20Wardrobe%20in%20White.jpg" target="_blank">Picture courtesy Furniture123.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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<u><i><b>Person using the wardrobe</b></i></u> - I feel the shelf style should be different for a wardrobe meant for a grown up vs a child. If you want the kid to be independent, that is. If you are the kinds who choose and lay out clothes, right from t shirt to the inner wear and socks and even help your 6 year old wear them then you can design the shelves as per your needs rather than the kids. For kids the shelves should be easy to reach, easy to see and safe rounded edges. There should also be a lot of toy, book, sports equipment and other accessories storage, but we will deal with that in a separate post.<br />
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<b><i><u>Maintenance </u></i></b>- From what I have learnt so far, laminates are easier to wipe off and clean compared to veneers. Wipe off with a damp, not wet, cloth and you are all done. Then there is Duco (the car paint sprayed over finish), glossy acrylics or lacquered glass (glass painted on one side) and other fancy materials for the wardrobe interior and exterior finish. Choose based on need from the material - looks, durability, functionality and also based on how would you maintain things in the house. If you are blessed with the time and patience to give tender love and care to things in the house then do go ahead and choose material that needs attention and upkeep. So a veneer finish would look rich, smooth and classy, say in the living room. But the kids room can do with a functional yet aesthetic looking laminate.<br />
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<b><i><u>Space availability</u></i></b> - Based on space in the house you could add lofts on top of the wardrobes (if you need extra space). Use sliding doors instead of traditional pull open doors if there is a space crunch. Sliding doors look modern too. We have under-the-stair space too at our place which we will be using as storage to keep those travel suitcases or sports equipment or other knick knacks which always manage to make way into the house and you wonder where did that come from or why did I ever buy that? :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1894115/West-Village-Brownstone-contemporary-staircase-new-york" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/5861ce850093f18e_8-7071/contemporary-staircase.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1894115/West-Village-Brownstone-contemporary-staircase-new-york" target="_blank">Picture courtesy Houzz.com and Billinkoff Architecture</a></td></tr>
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And anyways, I am more of a <i><b>there-is-a-place-for-everything</b></i> and ALSO a <i><b>clean-up-the-place-in-15-minutes-before-someone-is-coming-over</b></i> person so I need enough storage to dump stuff in away from view :)<br />
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Hope this information sharing helps! Do write in for any specific questions, queries you would like to discuss or ideas you would like to bounce off.<br />
Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely week ahead.<br />
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com12Bangalore, Karnataka, India12.9715987 77.59456269999998312.4764182 76.949115699999979 13.4667792 78.240009699999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-66554554057737771472013-06-02T11:36:00.000+05:302013-06-05T11:37:12.105+05:30Addicted!! <span style="font-family: inherit;">So this whole house building, setting up, decorating process is a tough one I tell you. It takes a lot out of you, mentally more than physically. Choose this, choose that, find this, track that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What helps with it? A relaxing day at the spa! Seriously! It does.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="http://bergenlinen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Spa.jpg" target="_blank">Pic courtesy http://bergenlinen.com/</a><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The kid's school hasn't started and I couldn't leave him anywhere to go out to a spa. Then I heard about <a href="http://bangaloremobilespa.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">The Bangalore Mobile Spa</span></b></i></a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They come to your place and offer the same services as you would get in a regular salon spa. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will admit I was a little reluctant initially about the doing-this-at-home thing. I wondered if it would be as relaxing as the real go-to-a-spa experience. Also it was a bit of anxiety associated with trying out a new thing, place or meeting someone new. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I went ahead and called them up. For me the customer experience starts from the reception desk itself and I was impressed with the way the person on the phone handled the call. She was courteous, clear and confident. She checked on my location and told me she would get back after checking with her manager if they can service this location. And call back she did! They gladly agreed and booked an appointment for the next day :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was sent an invoice via email with the services and charges listed. The next day they kept me informed via sms about any time related updates, which was good to know. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The team came on time and started setting up the equipment. They took a few minutes and voila the whole spa atmosphere had been set up! Music, candles and rose petals. Who would've thought all this was possible at home while watching the kid play.<br />The next hour and a half was absolutely blissful. I got a pedicure done - their summer special, the heel peel and for someone with cracked, dry heels it is a sure shot treatment. Loved the clean, smooth look after the pedicure. Also got a hair spa done, my first ever, after hearing from friends how hair spas had helped improve the quality of their hair. The head, neck and back massage that was done as part of the hair rejuvenation was awesome.<br />The team was efficient, quiet and experts in what they were doing. Once everything was done they cleaned the place and wrapped everything up. I paid by cash against the invoice amount and added a tip.<br />Loved the whole experience and I am totally going to do this again and again. The mobile spa offers some great services including facials, pre natal and post partum packages, hair treatments and some yummylicious body polish options.<br />Rubina, the owner, was very sweet and generous to send a coffee body scrub which was heavenly and left my body feeling soft! Super soft. <span style="background-color: white;">It was an<span style="line-height: 18px;"> exfoliating scrub with dark roasted organic ground coffee beans and chocolate enveloped in cocoa butter. Usually scrubs tend to leave skin dry but this one was different. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">I am totally addicted to the service and the products and am going to be booking another appointment soon :) Do check them out on their <a href="http://bangaloremobilespa.com/" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">website</span></i></b></a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bangalore-Mobile-Spa/125651387471719" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Facebook page</span></b></i></a> and schedule that appointment in the comfortable surroundings of your home!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">This post is a part of the Blog-a-Prompt week at <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/marathonbloggers/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #20124d;">Marathon Blogging</span></a></i></b>. Today's prompt is Addiction!</span></span><br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-64916601225660414392013-05-27T10:00:00.001+05:302013-05-27T10:00:19.792+05:30Colours!Making a new house or re-doing an existing one for that matter, comes with its own set of challenges, learning and mental blocks that you need to get over sometimes.<br />
In the process of choosing colours for the house (the process is not complete yet!), I realized that I have a colour commitment phobia.<br />
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So for instance I love the colour on this wall and the resulting look of this room. Isn't it BEAUTIFUL? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.in/2013/03/through-lens-of.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neOTJHHsR2g/UaLZZoAnH1I/AAAAAAAAMpw/3t1IaObFaHQ/s640/AnIndianSummer_Thiru3.jpg" width="434" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.in/" target="_blank">Pic courtesy An Indian Summer, Thiru S, Elle Decor India</a></td></tr>
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BUT will I go ahead and paint a wall at my place in that colour??? Umm, errr, ahem.... no.<br />
Why not, you ask?<br />
I am too scared to commit to it. How will it tie in with the look and style of the rest of the house? What if it doesn't look good after it is done?<br />
Paint over it. Simple!<br />
Not that easy. What about the cost, budget overshoot and extra time to change it? What if the next colour I choose doesn't look good either?<br />
Ughh! Frustrating thought process.<br />
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So what do I do to steer clear of this phobia? I decide to stick to neutrals and bring in the colour with the soft furnishings and accessories. All you brave colour lovers must be going "Scaredy-cat", "Chicken". I know!<br />
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But the neutral camp ain't bad at all. It's got its advantages, charm and lovely options. Must add flexibility as a trait.<br />
Take the room below for instance, Neutral, minimalistic, colour added via art work, the carpet, the cushions, accessories.<br />
What's not to love I say!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=400544823341974&set=a.400544483342008.94970.111950862201373&type=3&theater" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_E0T9hqK00/UaLb2dH-OiI/AAAAAAAAMqA/YjFNLp1Cs0c/s640/Bluekrit+living+room+chaise.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/blueKrit/111950862201373?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pic courtesy Bluekrit</a></td></tr>
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That said, my heart still tugs me towards the colour loving party! Maybe an accent wall, a niche that stands out with a favourite colour, a ceiling done in a bold hue. I can always change it right?<br />
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These pictures below make it tougher for me to decide. Colour or Neutral?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1016848/Cow-Hollow-Historic-Home-contemporary-dining-room-san-francisco" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gL4CiNsO6Gc/UaLeKZmSdjI/AAAAAAAAMqQ/gkYATTDFlUE/s640/Livingroom_wallcolour.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/" target="_blank">Pic courtesy Houzz.com</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/165771/Four-Walls-and-a-Roof-contemporary-kids-san-francisco" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="756" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/3ba1ed350db4bf6a_8-4817/contemporary-kids.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic courtesy<a href="http://www.houzz.com/" target="_blank"> Houzz.com</a><br /></td></tr>
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What path did you take? How did you decide? Any advice, learning or sharing of experience is welcome.<br />
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This post is a part of the <b><i>Blog-a-Prompt week </i></b>at <b><span style="color: blue;"><i><a href="http://www.simzcorner.blogspot.in/p/marathon-bloggers.html" target="_blank">Marathon Bloggers</a>.</i></span></b> Today's prompt is Colours.<br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-40117395063478322842013-05-23T00:01:00.003+05:302013-05-23T00:01:53.196+05:30My philosophy of a home...<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">... has been stated perfectly by Nicole Paulus <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9880145/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u284&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery11" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">here</span></i></b></a>! She says <span style="background-color: #f4f4e9; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><i>"I think your home should be constantly evolving with you. Decorating should never be over."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">I want my home to reflect me, my likes, my loves, my comfort. I want it to become my haven and feel more comfortable and warm every time I add something to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">You could use a</span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"> <a href="http://www.simzcorner.blogspot.in/2013/05/architectsinterior-designerscontractors.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">designer, carpenter or DIY</span></a></b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">, what matters, at the end, is - when you step in, stay, settle down, does it make you happy? If it does, then everything is worth it!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Since the last few months I have been drooling over home websites, furniture, decor, soft furnishings, fixtures, whatever-else-home-related-you-can-think-of. Came across some lovely inspirations, incorporated a few into my design. Today I will share some of my favourites with you :) </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=112210455508747&set=a.112210425508750.14397.111950862201373&type=3&theater" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="441" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-eixSPHxMA/UZ0DHR2GNYI/AAAAAAAAMpU/3noXmRWKVq4/s640/Living+Room_swing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=112210455508747&set=a.112210425508750.14397.111950862201373&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Love this swing. Pic and design courtesy Bluekrit</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes! I am getting a swing in my living room. I have wanted one for ages and this was my chance to get it. More on that when the swing is ready :)</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/421791/Parkwood-Road-Residence-Master-Bedroom-contemporary-bedroom-minneapolis" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sP42IO4X5Vs/UZ0FqQFyc8I/AAAAAAAAMpg/RRomYBrrjrY/s640/Master+bedroom_look.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/421791/Parkwood-Road-Residence-Master-Bedroom-contemporary-bedroom-minneapolis" target="_blank">Picture courtesy Houzz.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love how calming and serene this master bedroom is! I like this picture for the overall look and effect than any individual element. The white trim and the pastel wall and ceiling colour is beautiful. Designing our master bedroom on similar lines with the space for the two chairs. Will keep you posted.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/99645/Paisley-Settee-traditional-sofas" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/80711b290d223479_8-8038/traditional-sofas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/99645/Paisley-Settee-traditional-sofas" target="_blank">Traditional Paisley Settee by Horchow</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love love love this settee! Traditional yet packs a punch. I have a weakness for paisleys and the yellow is bright, uplifting yet doesn't overwhelm. This could be put in a room with neutral furniture and wall colours. *Note to self - Look out for fabric like this or the one below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Another favourite is this Ikat slipper chair!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/266174/Indigo-Ikat-Slipper-Chair-eclectic-chairs-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="642" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/97215c430e548860_8-2055/eclectic-chairs.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/266174/Indigo-Ikat-Slipper-Chair-eclectic-chairs" target="_blank">Indigo Ikat Slipper chair sold by Urban Outfitters</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Leaving you with this one - which appeals to the organized (OCD as some call it, but it is not) part of my brain. How cute is this. Need to source this and make a place for something like this.</span><i><b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Enthucutlets" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Enthucutlets</span></a></b></i><span style="color: #444444;"> are you listening?? </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1386978/Daily-Organization-System-modern-bulletin-board-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/fad1b17b00298ba8_8-2743/modern-bulletin-board.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1386978/Daily-Organization-System-modern-bulletin-board" target="_blank">By Pottery Barn Kids. Pic courtesy Houzz.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Next post, next week - Electrical and Plumbing and what I learnt about them. Sounds boring? Let's make it fun shall we :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Feel free to send in queries, bounce off ideas, share thoughts, inspirations and ideas!! </span><br />
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-29713989117410526112013-05-20T21:19:00.000+05:302013-05-20T21:19:09.101+05:30Architects/Interior Designers/Contractors/Carpenters - Figuring out which one works for you<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After my previous post, I got suggestions, links and help in multiple ways! Love the online world at times like this - help at your finger tips and super quick at that :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A friend suggested this blog, which he found during his make-a-home project - <a href="http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i>Home Design Ideas</i></b></span></a> by Nandita Manwani. Nandita has put together some very important and practical info in a very easy to understand manner. She realized the work involved and the learning curve in making a house when she made her own in Bangalore and started collating the info on her blog! Good for people like us :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do check out her posts on </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/2010/07/sliding-wardrobes-do-it-right-first.html" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: black;">Sliding doors</span></b></i></a> </span>- Bet you did not know some of the practical tips she has mentioned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/2012/08/types-of-wood-wood-specifications-for.html" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: black;">Types of Wood for Home Interiors</span></b></i></a> </span>- The ABCs of different kinds of wood used in home construction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/2010/09/so-what-is-right-material-to-choose-for.html" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: black;">What is the right material for woodwork?</span></b></i></a> - Which wood should you use for the carcass/boxes, the shutters and wardrobes? It is all explained in this post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Moving back to the topic for this post. The 2nd step in the <a href="http://simzcorner.blogspot.in/2013/03/new-beginnings-from-house-to-home.html" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">make a house your home project</span></b></i> </a>is deciding whether you want help with doing up the house and what kind of help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I would like to refer to one of Nandita's post again (why reinvent the wheel) - <a href="http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/2013/02/do-you-need-interior-designer.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Do you really need an Interior Designer?</b></i></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">S and I decided to check out all the options we had at hand. That meant checking out the architects, interior designers and contractors that we knew about. We collected references from our friends, friends of friends, acquaintances, ex-neighbours, people who had done their houses recently. I re-visited homes that I remembered for that special touch, or the soothing wall colour, the TV unit, furniture, furnishing, lights, general layout. Jotted down notes, names of shops they visited, any practical tips, dos and don'ts they had. Yes, I have a diary with hand written notes. A scribble here, a note there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting all the gyaan from real people has helped! I know more than I did a month back. I can talk the language of MDF board, crown moulding, trim, laminate, acrylic, LEDs and a whole lot more. I still am no expert but at least it is a start and a HUGE learning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In our search we came across some firms for interiors. I am listing the names linked to their websites. My intention is not to promote any particular firm, this is just a list of firms we came across during our search. If you would like to know specific feedback about any of these, or what information I have about these, whom we chose and why, please feel free to send me and email at <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>simrand@gmail.com</i></b></span><span style="color: #073763; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://savioandrupa.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>Savio and Rupa</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://dukerichards.com/index.php" target="_blank"><b><i>Duke Richards Interiors</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.thedesigncafe.in/index.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Design Cafe</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://deepandhana.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>Deep and Hana Architecture</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.thekarighars.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>The Karighars</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.morph.prestigeconstructions.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>Morph Design Co.</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.mathewghosh.com/index1.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Mathew & Ghosh Architects Pvt. Ltd</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><a href="http://nilaypatalia.com/" target="_blank">Nilay Patalia Architects</a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/blueKrit/111950862201373" target="_blank"><i><b>Bluekrit</b></i></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What did we discover during this process?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We realized that if you have the money there is no end to what you can do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are designers in the market who provide end-to-end services to suit different budgets. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are contractors who provide the same set of services but for your designs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a pick and choose, mix and match. You need to pick what works for you, your sense of style, your need for freedom, flexibility and the biggest factor - your BUDGET. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And the grass always seems greener on the other side. So if you go with a designer, you might feel "What if I had gone with the other one?" Or "How I wish I had the freedom to just get this table made the way I want to from the carpenter." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is okay to feel that way. Very normal!! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you go with your own designs and get them done via a contractor/carpenter then the thoughts might be "What would a designer have done with this place?" "What if there is better material out there for this space? A designer would have known about all those options!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That is okay too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So I would suggest explore, research (in your own way), prepare a budget, then choose based on gut feel. There will be issues as in any project, there will second, third and many more thoughts while you are doing it and even after ;) But in the end you will come out wiser and experienced and am sure still have a lovely home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ah and one more thing, I would suggest leaving a few things to be done later or in a phase 2, 3 or N. Especially soft furnishings, some of the furniture, knick knacks. Once you move into the house it gives you a better perspective of what you really need, what colour throw will go well with that neutral sofa and beige walls. Also provides opportunities to keep you busy with mini projects if you love doing interiors like me :) </span><br />
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-63216479980592395312013-03-29T19:57:00.002+05:302013-03-29T20:06:38.698+05:30New beginnings - From House to HomeI haven't met a single person who says that building a house or making a home is easy! And from what I have discovered so far, it certainly is not.<br />
It is a very slow, tiring, hazy and frustrating project. Of course it does have its moments of fun, excitement and joy!! But by the end of it most home owners remember what this picture below suggests :)<br />
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The first thing I realized, when we started thinking about getting our recently bought apartment done is that there is no single place/organization/website that offers you details of what and how to do this. The ABCs are all for you to figure out. There are a million ways to start and multiple paths to take based on what your neighbours, friends, family or colleagues did. Hence the process is not clear and nothing makes sense initially. It can be very confusing and overwhelming at times. If you are going through such feelings, you are on the right path. But slowly the image shall begin to emerge and you will know what to do. How slow is subjective :)</div>
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I am not saying this is rocket science but if there was a website that gave a little intro to the world of how-to-create-your-own-place, that would be nice. I wonder if something like that already exists for Bangalore and I am not aware of it. If you know about something like that please do let me know.<br />
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For my own clarity, sanity and to help future new home owners in Bangalore, I plan to document what I discover, see and learn. It might not be an exhaustive list but will be based on places I find out about, people I get to know about and any resources which might be of help.<br />
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The 1st stage in this process would be buying a place or thinking about buying a place or maybe you are just remodeling.<br />
The first <strike>advice</strike> <strike>suggestion</strike> advice (after checking the dictionary difference between the two, advice makes more sense here) - <i><b>Start planning early!!</b></i><br />
Even before you get the possession of your flat/independent house/villa or whatever else it is that you have. If it is yet to be constructed even better. You can start thinking of designs or designers you would like to use way in advance. If it is ready to move in property, like ours then also no harm done. Once you finalise which property you are buying start the thought process in parallel. Don't wait to start that till after you get possession. Especially if you are in a time crunch for whatever reasons or are in the paying-rent-and-EMI-too situation.<br />
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As part of the planning early stage, the first thing would be figuring out whether you want to use an architect, interior designer, a contractor or a carpenter. Don't know the difference between them? Here you go!<br />
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More on this in the next post. Follow this space closely as I go on this journey of transforming a house to a home. Wish me luck too.<br />
Have an awesome weekend!! :)<br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-57725195384818481052013-02-26T12:50:00.000+05:302013-02-27T22:27:17.941+05:30Road Trip Day 6 - BikanerOn Day 6 we woke up in Bikaner, the last of our stops in the road trip. I have never been to Bikaner before this. So this was a first. We had only 1 day here, almost half a day actually, so we decided to do some googling and choose 1 or 2 places to see. The first on the list was Junagarh Fort. It is famous for being one of the forts that was never conquered. It was built in the city rather than outside on a hilltop, like Mehrangarh fort. It had a moat filled with water around it. The water is sort of gone now but you can see some of the moat still around. The royal family doesn't stay here anymore and have shifted to the Lalgarh Palace, which is also a heritage hotel. We did visit the palace too for a brief visit.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">We picked a few odd things from here and there. Not too much shopping. A pair of slippers, a skirt here, an earring there. We did sample the local yet very famous Bikaneri rasgullas, namkeen and ghewar. That closed our eating local delicacies part of the trip. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">On the way back we stopped at the house of one of my dad's uncle's in Punjab. They have an orange orchard. We spent some time there and N got to experience a tractor, a buffalo and a hand pump first hand. He was so happy to pump out water by himself :) A chatting session and a sack full of oranges later we were off for home! </span></div>
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It was a great time, time well spent - re bonding, laughing, chatting, sight seeing and shopping :) Cheers to the last day of this road trip and here's to many more!!<br />
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You can read the previous day's posts here - <a href="http://www.simzcorner.blogspot.in/2013/02/road-trip-day-1-bathinda-to-jaipur.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a>, <a href="http://www.simzcorner.blogspot.in/2013/02/road-trip-day-2-shopping-in-jaipur.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a>, <a href="http://www.simzcorner.blogspot.in/2013/02/road-trip-day-3-jaipur-ajmer-jodhpur.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a>, <a href="http://www.simzcorner.blogspot.in/2013/02/road-trip-day-4-5-sun-city-blue-city.html" target="_blank">Day 4 & 5</a>.<br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-44704761058195292482013-02-23T00:04:00.003+05:302013-02-23T00:04:47.534+05:30Road Trip Day 4 & 5 - Sun city, Blue city - Jodhpur! We loved Jodhpur! Period! It looked great, and has expanded well in the last 20 years. The Jodhpur part of the trip was very nostalgic. We visited the house we stayed in, the school where mom taught, dad's office and the school where me and my sister studied for 2 years. It felt like replacing a photographic memory with the actual image.<br />
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My sis and me in the school campus in the pic below. Most of it was the same with a few additions, a fresh paint job and a new play yard. The current principal was happy to see us and told us to look around and take pictures :)<br />
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After that we did our round of shopping, yes we are pretty incorrigible that way! Ended up buying some bandhej and lehriya sarees, some handloom stuff and some souvenirs for gifts. In my defense I did not own a single Rajasthani saree before this :) </div>
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There is this road in Jodhpur city, called Nai Sadak, and it was our regular shopping haunt during our earlier stay. We headed back there and had mirchi vada, matar kachori, pyaaz ki kachori and mawa barfi - all of Rajasthan's local specials. </div>
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Out of the local tourist destinations we chose to re-visit Mehrangarh fort. I had images from earlier visits to the fort in my head - the blue coloured houses as seen from the fort, the huge looming fort structure and flights of pigeons!!<br />
It has been maintained really well and has been done up well in terms of a tourist destination. The signs are easy to read and well explained. The guards are tourist friendly, seem well educated and can talk in Hindi and English in addition to their local language. There are cafes and very clean restrooms inside the fort (a rare sight in most tourist destinations in India). It was a great experience and I can visit this place again!!<br />
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We left for Bikaner around lunch time on Day 5. Reached there at about 7:30 pm. This was a good drive - the roads were pretty decent except a few stretches. Again not too many places to eat but as we got closer to Bikaner things got better. </div>
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-44834276011027749752013-02-18T01:16:00.000+05:302013-02-18T01:16:42.790+05:30Road Trip Day 3 - Jaipur - Ajmer - Jodhpur
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Day 3 could be summarized as loud and noisy! Noise of different kinds and types. Some tangible, some not. </div>
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It started off at midnight with a tummy ache. Not me. N. Don't know the exact reason but maybe because of all the eating at so many places, the water and sitting for long hours. So in the dead of the night I walked to the parking lot to find Imli (tamarind) goli from the car. Two of those and some brisk walking in the room resulted in some burps and farts and all was well with the little tummy. Thank god it was gas and nothing worse.</div>
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We left Jaipur around 10 am. All the previous day's shopping had to be loaded into the car which takes time, you see. Drove straight to Ajmer Sharif with a loo stop on the way. </div>
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On the way we passed a couple of toll stations and educated the toll walas on a statutory law which ensures that serving army officers and their dependent families are exempted from paying toll. Ex-servicemen are not exempt but serving officers and families are. I know the exact rule number too by now - Act 1901. It took about 30 minutes, looking through the official toll rule book, diverting an entire lane of 20 cars and trucks to other lanes, some noisy verbal exchanges between a dozen people to finally educate the toll company about the exact rule. All this happened because my dad works with a toll company in Punjab and knows the rules inside out and he couldn't tolerate someone twisting the rule to their benefit. Sigh! The downside of too much knowledge. </div>
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At Ajmer Sharif the area surrounding the dargah is narrow, crowded and mismanaged. No proper parking outside. Dozens of people approach you to "help" with parking in multiple mini lanes and narrow restricted spaces. Once you are in there is no proper place to keep your shoes and again you can take any shopkeeper or flower seller's help to keep your shoes with them while you pay your respects inside. No guarantee for your footwear though. There was chaos, noise and I felt distracted. The entire process could be done in a whole lot of better ways but then faith and belief trumps everything, I guess. It was nice visiting the place again but I would have liked to remember visiting the place for reasons other than I do. There were no cameras allowed inside only mobile phones and so no pictures from that part. </div>
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Reached Jodhpur at around 5 pm after a lunch break at a roadside dhaba. The food was a little spicy again but delicious nonetheless. </div>
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Jodhpur brought back a lot of memories and we did see a few places in the army cantonment which we had been to earlier. </div>
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Tomorrow we plan to revisit some more old haunts and maybe shop some too :) </div>
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The commotion in the first half of the day resulted in peace, quiet and some sleep in the second half. </div>
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-29830489937535086562013-02-16T22:56:00.000+05:302013-02-16T22:56:08.487+05:30Road Trip Day 2 - Shopping in Jaipur! <br />
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All we did on Day 2 was shop! We shopped till we dropped! Well not literally but almost.</div>
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It was raining in the morning and we thought "Sigh! There go our shopping plans." But the weather gods were good to us and the rain stopped by the time we finished sight seeing.</div>
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We started by visiting Hawa Mahal. During our earlier trip to Jaipur about 20 years ago, this was one of the places we had been to and so we wanted to revisit the place. Took some pictures and saw Jantar Mantar and other city sights from Hawa Mahal.<br />
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Just outside Hawa Mahal is Johari Bazaar and near by are Choti Chaupad and Bapu Bazaar. This area is one of the main tourist hubs and shopping area (Insider info, courtesy, a friend's mom who stays in Jaipur) :)<br />
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We started window shopping and progressed to full fledged shopping very soon. The 2 members of the group who generally dislike shopping - N and my dad cooperated very well! They stayed with us throughout the day and even helped us shop. </div>
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The shops and clothes were a riot of colors. Johari bazaar was in general overpriced than Bapu bazaar. So if you plan to shop, visit Bapu bazaar first. The rates are cheaper and closer to the actual price compared to Johari bazaar, reason being Johari bazaar is closer to the tourist attractions and attracts more foreign tourists. </div>
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We picked some bedsheets, bed spreads, rajais (comforters), skirts, suits, bandhej sarees and some kurtas. Looking at the loot at the end of the day was immensely satisfying! I know material pleasures but ask a shop-a-holic and you will know how it feels ;)<br />
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We did have a good lunch at Lakshmi Mishthan Bhandar in Johari bazaar. Also enjoyed some local stuff like mirchi vada and daal ke pakode.<br />
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Tomorrow we leave Jaipur for Jodhpur via Ajmer. We plan to stop at Ajmer Sharif and seek blessings. </div>
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I am excited about visiting Jodhpur, especially seeing Mehrangarh fort and my school. </div>
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Cheers to holiday shopping and the little pleasures of life!!!</div>
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Had to do a collage of pics rather than my regular lots-of-pictures-post because of a borrowed, low speed internet connection. But something is better than nothing!! :) </div>
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-84886817802278353412013-02-15T23:06:00.002+05:302013-02-15T23:06:42.685+05:30Road Trip Day 1 - Bathinda to Jaipur<br />
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Day 1 of the road trip was supposed to be the longest. We started from Bathinda, Punjab and reached Jaipur, Rajasthan covering almost 500 km. </div>
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We had planned to leave home by 7 am and we managed to leave by 7:30. Not bad! It was a slightly foggy morning with a few light showers at some places on the way and the fog cleared up pretty soon. </div>
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We had our road companion, the GPS. It couldn't beat the age old mechanism of asking local people for directions, but still was a big help :) </div>
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Our first stop was for breakfast at my paternal aunt's place on the way in Punjab. It was nice meeting family after a very very long time. N got to meet his uncle, my cousin, for the first time. Some yummy poori choley and a few posed pics later we were back on the road. Oh, how can I forget the fresh ripe guavas plucked straight from the tree at my bua's (aunt's) house. They were so tempting and super yumm! </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Drove non stop, passed through </span>Haryana<span style="text-align: start;"> for a bit and then entered </span>Rajasthan<span style="text-align: start;">. I was impressed with the state of roads as soon as we entered </span>Rajasthan<span style="text-align: start;">. The sign boards and directions were very well done too. The landscape turned sandy, yellow and dry soon. It was very quiet and peaceful though. Not much traffic on most part of the stretch.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Stopped for lunch midway at a restaurant called Midway </span>Khurja<span style="text-align: start;">. It was a decent place. You could sit to eat in the garden or indoors.There was a highly overpriced souvenir shop too inside. The service was quick and food tasty, a </span>li'l<span style="text-align: start;"> spicy for our taste though. Nothing typically </span>rajasthani<span style="text-align: start;"> in the menu. They had a special non spicy food buffet spread too. I think the menu was more to cater to the international audience.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></div>
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Regarding food, there were not too many eateries on the way. I mean small chai wala open dhaba types were there, even the chips and soda shops. But not too many medium size restaurants. We were carrying enough stuff though, to feed an entire village, courtesy my mom, who thought we should have a variety because N was with us :) </div>
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Covered some more distance then stopped for dhaba tea and confirm directions. Here is our ride!</div>
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And this is one of our designated drivers of the trip. Very ethnic chic I must say!! :) </div>
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Reached Jaipur around 5:30 pm and made way through the city to our accommodation for the next 2 nights. That took us about an hour considering evening rush hour city traffic. None of us had the energy to venture out. So we decided to rest, change, have dinner in the room and crash early. </div>
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Day 2 is going to be spent sight seeing and shopping. Yay! </div>
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Tada!!!</div>
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Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-4487642904900612992013-02-14T20:31:00.000+05:302013-02-14T20:37:43.801+05:30Rajasthan by road! I have been travelling across countries and within India since last December. It started with the Sydney-Thailand trip last Christmas, followed by the move to India in Jan this year.<br />
Once in India, I spent some time in Faridabad, Delhi, Bathinda, Bangalore and Chandigarh. Not more than a week anywhere though!<br />
At first I thought I would get tired of the living-out-of-a-suitcase and getting-used-to-new-accommodations part very soon. But it has been pretty OK. It helps that the kid has grown up, relatively speaking, and is in general cooperative about seeing new places and meeting family (new people for him).<br />
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The next travel bit is a road trip to Rajasthan. It starts tomorrow and we plan to go from Bathinda, in Punjab to Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner, in Rajasthan. We have stayed in Jodhpur for 3 years when my father was posted there while he was serving in the Army. I was 10 years old then. We did travel across Rajasthan that time too and so a lot of memories will be revisited.<br />
The road trippers include me, N, my sister, mother and father. Dad wanted to take the family out for a trip. According to him it is not very often that we get together like this and so this is a perfect opportunity :) Both his sons-in-law are away on their own business/work trips. So it's just the 5 of us. I will try to do a daily post with the highlights and if possible (network speed permitting) daily pictures.<br />
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6 days, 5 nights, some 1350 kms, 4 grown ups, 1 kid and a Scorpio.<br />
The music is ready, maps have been printed, bags packed, car loaded and munching stuff collected.<br />
Now it is get, set and go in the morning!! Looking forward to it!! :)<br />
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This picture was taken in Sydney downtown. It represents movement, travel, activity and buzz to me. Life is like this - it doesn't stand still, even if we do!!<br />
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-41246153508479926342012-12-27T18:04:00.000+05:302012-12-28T18:05:47.141+05:30Day 28 - Sawatdee from Thailand!We are in Thailand now with friends!!! And it is awesome. Here are some glimpses from the first few days in Thailand - Bangkok and Koh Samui.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOowcNVnSA0/UN2QbFz495I/AAAAAAAALPU/17xetz2eqUo/s1600/IMG_7673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOowcNVnSA0/UN2QbFz495I/AAAAAAAALPU/17xetz2eqUo/s640/IMG_7673.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Palace, Bangkok</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4k7Ib1Czkbs/UN2QehaEM6I/AAAAAAAALPc/MHKhYA-9UDg/s1600/IMG_7753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4k7Ib1Czkbs/UN2QehaEM6I/AAAAAAAALPc/MHKhYA-9UDg/s640/IMG_7753.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reclining Buddha temple, Bangkok</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjVHqg3BWdk/UN2QgVUrFaI/AAAAAAAALPk/6jzX0kX0a0M/s1600/IMG_7987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjVHqg3BWdk/UN2QgVUrFaI/AAAAAAAALPk/6jzX0kX0a0M/s640/IMG_7987.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margarita on a hot summer day says holiday!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElQy9Jpztzg/UN2QiFiXc7I/AAAAAAAALPs/Lii3B5pmZ5I/s1600/IMG_7993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElQy9Jpztzg/UN2QiFiXc7I/AAAAAAAALPs/Lii3B5pmZ5I/s640/IMG_7993.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow curry, yumm!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvsyO3pAuJo/UN2Qkh8D5GI/AAAAAAAALP0/xC8Ezf3fzx8/s1600/IMG_7994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvsyO3pAuJo/UN2Qkh8D5GI/AAAAAAAALP0/xC8Ezf3fzx8/s640/IMG_7994.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pad Thai</td></tr>
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Holidays with friends is bliss. Happy Holidays!!<br /><br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989929072944875338.post-32439513415650512712012-12-26T16:30:00.000+05:302012-12-26T16:30:06.742+05:30Day 27 - 3 iconic sights from SydneyI am in a hangover from Christmas so leaving you with 3 iconic and world famous sights from Sydney!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUmIALFtXeM/UNn53hYMrdI/AAAAAAAALN8/9yjHaGcabr0/s1600/IMG_7168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUmIALFtXeM/UNn53hYMrdI/AAAAAAAALN8/9yjHaGcabr0/s640/IMG_7168.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Harbour Bridge - People climb and do walks on top of the bridge too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohdSmAZYpgY/UNn55nvSBkI/AAAAAAAALOA/LdtYUplhw2U/s1600/IMG_7170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohdSmAZYpgY/UNn55nvSBkI/AAAAAAAALOA/LdtYUplhw2U/s640/IMG_7170.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera House - beautiful work of craftsmanship and super location</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1e2ntsglgo/UNn57JkGosI/AAAAAAAALOM/h7qmdXDs8I0/s1600/IMG_7420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1e2ntsglgo/UNn57JkGosI/AAAAAAAALOM/h7qmdXDs8I0/s640/IMG_7420.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bondi Beach - sun, surf and white sands. Was awesome spending time there and resulted in a few sun burns too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
This post is part of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/marathonbloggers/" target="_blank">Marathon Blogging</a> December 2012. </div>
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<br />Simranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729594121325428309noreply@blogger.com5