My Dream Canvas

A Feature about My Shop :-)

2012-02-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

What a lovely surprise!! A very dear blogger friend, the talented Sudha of the Design Enthusiast has featured my little Shop on her blog. I really admire Sudha. She is one of the most genuine people I have connected with since I started blogging a few years ago. Sudha's other blog A Green Crusader at Work is a very inspiring blog. Sudha advocates Green living and is very passionate about being sustainable and Eco-friendly. A very worthy cause that a lot of us tend to ignore in our daily lives. Way to go Sudha and thanks a million!

Click here to read the entire feature.

Images : The Shop at My Dream Canvas.

The Gift of Travel!

2012-02-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

The cards, the surprises, the flowers....the love and the smiles......it is Valentine's Day :-) I like to think of a day when we try and be extra nice to the people we love :-) I think the best gift my husband and I have given each other is "each other" and our kids :-) However, I must add the Gift of travel to the list!!

Yes, I like to think of it as a very special gift. We both truly enjoy travelling. Over the years, the one thing we always agree on is the desire to see the world! The endless discussions about where to go......the excitement and thrill of planning the trip....running to the library to get the guide books....fighting over what to see when we get there :-) It is all part of the fun :-) Our trips have gotten more kid friendly since my children were born. We may not travel as frequently as we would like to.......but the journey continues!

I want to pass on this gift to my kids. I hope they grow up to enjoy it as much as we both do:-) Here are a few pictures of our trip to Bali in 2010. This Valentine's day, it is this Gift of Travel that makes me smile :-)

Have a lovely day.

Click here and here to read my earlier posts on Bali.

The stunning architecture.........

The glorious vistas..............

The beautiful water temple............................

The lush green fields..................

The city getting ready for a major festival................

The sweet lady who I coaxed and persuaded to make me this lovely stand in a smaller size so that I could carry it on the plane :-) I spotted her working by the side of the road. We pulled the car over and started chatting with her.........

Images: Anu Varma. These images are copyrighted.

Valentine

2012-02-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

I found these mini inexpensive lollipop shaped chalkboards at a local store. I am having so much fun with them :-) I drew a heart and stuck it between a few flowers. Since I picked up a few, I have similar arrangements throughout the house. My very own Valentine day prop :-)

I hope you have some fun plans for today. I spent the entire day doing Valentine day crafts and writing cards with my kids for their school :-) It was fun and exhausting but so worth it, just to see the glee on their faces:-) Enjoy yourselves and keep smiling!

Here's wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day.

Image: My Home

A Cheerful Abode

2012-02-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

I am always in awe of creative people especially those who design and create with their hands. Today we are visiting the home of Jasna Janekovic in Cologne, Germany. Jasna is an extremely talented Graphic designer. These are a few images of her lovely apartment.

Jasna's style is what you would call shabby chic. The most amazing thing about Jasna's home is that all the furniture that she owns is painted by her. Her favorite colors are pink, turquoise, and lilac. These lovely hues are a dominant feature in her pretty home! Jasna loves sewing and weaves her magic while working out of her delightful home. Jasna designs pillows, bags, notebook covers, kid's stuff, jewellery, and cute little decorations for the home. You can view her fabulous creations by clicking here.

Jasna painted this mirror in turquoise. Did you notice the lovely bangles.....they look very Indian :-)

A shot of her balcony. The fabric used here is from the Amy Butler collection.

I love the potted plants on the window sill of her bright and cheerful kitchen!

Jasna's balcony, which she uses as her summer workplace!

Jasna loves to collect shells and stones.

Cute little pouches made by Jasna......

Thank you Jasna for sharing your world with My Dream Canvas. You really have a bright and beautiful home!

Images: Jasna Janekovic

A Table for Two.

2012-02-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's day just around the corner......what would be your perfect table for two? If you had to pick amongst the images below..... which one appeals to you the most and why?? I am waiting to hear from you :-)

Images 1, 2 and 3: via, Image 4: via

My Friday and a cup of tea!

2012-02-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

Friday always seems more exciting than the weekend!!! Guess it is the anticipation of the next two days. What do you feel? Have a lovely day and a delightful weekend. The sun is peeking through the clouds as I sip peppermint tea by my window. My Friday has begun well :-)

Image: My home

Glamour in Madrid

2012-02-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous all white apartment in Madrid is all about glamour, style and grandeur. I love the feeling of space in this home. Vintage flea market finds from France, the Indian silk quilt, the wardrobe with the pretty feminine print......all of it adds drama and uniqueness to this delightful space. To see more images of this home, click here.

Images: via

Authenticity in the Design World

2012-02-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

Lately there has been a lot of discussion and debate over "Authenticity" and its meaning in the design world. It certainly got me thinking too! Join me with a cup of tea as I share my thoughts on this issue. Here are my two bits on what I honestly feel and I would love to share them with you!

Do you believe that authenticity works in home decor? I would like to think so and highly recommend it. I think trend, styles, fashion, fads...... whatever you call it has a very limited shelf life. It is always refreshing to come across a home that is not trying to prove something. Many of us share a common desire to keep a beautiful home. However, the key is not to get swept away by the plethora of fascinating ideas and trends of the design world.

Maintaining or decorating a house should not feel like pressure. A desire to stand out is a virtuous quality. However, it is not ideal for a space that should be primarily your comfort zone. For me personally, the desire to decorate began very early. A time before I was exposed to magazines and the Internet. If I were to sum up my decorating journey, I would say it has always been purely emotional. Moving thousands of miles away from home was hard. I slowly nurtured the idea of making my new home feel like the place where I grew up. Many people who know me well say that my home reminds them of my mom's. This pleases me immensely as that has happily always been my aim :-) Maybe it is my way of trying to reduce the physical distance between me and my roots. My home has my stamp on it and yet I am delighted to have a piece of my childhood with me :-) I feel happy, safe and secure with things around me that have meaning for my family.

Heirlooms in my home are not there to make a statement but to make me feel loved! The souvenirs I collect maybe small, inexpensive or something grand but they all have the same role in my house. They are meant to remind me of the happy vacations, the fascinating journeys and the lovely memories. I like antiques or anything with history. That is just the kind of person I am. I love the history it brings with it and I have the passion and desire to know more about it. I like to romanticise everything.................. including my home :-)

Yes, there is a point to all this rambling :-) I cannot speak for others but my blog is merely a platform to share my thoughts and present you with a selection of pretty things and interesting ideas. However, I would humbly like to believe that it is also a happy place for you to stop by. A place which leaves you energised to create, enjoy and appreciate the little things you surround yourself with. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and in your home "YOU" are the beholder. Do what pleases "YOU". Think of your home as your best friend and be true to it. A relationship with your home is probably the most uncomplicated relationship you will share in your life :-) Take in the inputs and ideas from every one out there but then go ahead and do whatever your heart desires :-)

Modern, Eclectic, Traditional, Global, Contemporary are all tags given to different design styles and perhaps our homes. However, in my opinion authenticity is the most treasured tag. Appreciate the beauty around you and on my blog :-) but be the person you naturally are. Find the beauty and the desire to create within "YOU".

I feel a sense of happiness and belonging when I step into my home and I wish the same for you :-)

Image: My Home.

Timeless Settings

2012-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

It's time for another Fabulous Find at My Dream Canvas! I am very fond of things that have a vintage feel with a distressed look Combine it with functionality and beauty and it is even more appealing :-) I really like this fun tin tote with the pretty scalloped edges and chalkboard labels from Timeless Settings.

I have personally shopped at Timeless Settings before and love their stuff. I hope you have enjoyed this week's selection as part of my Fabulous Finds series :-)

Image: via

A Fairytale!

2012-02-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

If life were a fairytale, this is how I would live it........a walk in the morning along this beautiful trail.

Some Earl Grey tea on my sun soaked veranda.................

Some quality time in my library surrounded by old books!

A long and luxurious bath after my busy day :-)

Ah! my gorgeous bedroom.........

A quiet evening in my garden...........

I am running off now to rejoin my real world :-) Hope your week is going well. Make sure you pause, take a deep breath and indulge in some day dreaming :-)

Image 1 : via, Image 2 : Unknown, Image 3: Unknown, Image 4 : via, Image 5 : via, Image 6 : Unknown

My Sunny Home :-)

2012-02-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

When you live in a city where 6 months of the year it's dull, grey and wet, you get a wee bit obsessed with sunshine :-) I woke up Saturday morning to see my home bathed in sunlight. Seeing the light streaming in through the windows made my day. Lights, camera.......action, I was all set as I began clicking away! The same house looked different somehow :-)

For all you lovely people who don't have this problem of seeing the elusive Sun, you might not totally relate to this. However, please indulge me :-)

I hope you have enjoyed a peek into my sunshine filled day! Have a wonderful week and see you around!

Images : Mine. These images are copyrighted and cannot be reused under any condition.

Joining the Weekly Story at Colours Dekor!

The Creative Bloggers Party at Homemaker On a Dime.

The Vintage Style Linky Party at Knick of Time

The Party at Cosy Home Scenes.

Share the Love Wednesday at Very Merry Vintage Style.

Good Life Wednesday at A Beach Cottage.

Smile with Me

2012-02-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Blue skies and abundant sunshine....I have everything in place for a nice weekend :-) These delightful images make me smile and I am sending these smiles your way.......

Have a happy happy weekend my friends!

Image 1 : via, Image 2 : Unknown

Ruby Star Traders

2012-02-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

I have always been drawn to this lovely collection of Indian textiles, furniture and housewares from Ruby Star Traders. Based in Australia, the owner Karin Gardiner has been travelling to India since 1996 and personally selects these products. An exclusive range, she applies traditional Indian crafts to create her signature look that is both bohemian and contemporary.

I hope you are enjoying your Friday and my "Fabulous Find" for this week :-)

A one of a kind range of chairs and sofas upholstered in an eclectic array of vintage fabrics. This one is a kantha upholstered chair...

Images: via

Agastya - Nirmala's haven!

2012-02-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

I am always happy when I have a home tour to share with you. Homes of real people with their own individual personalities. A space to call your own, a haven for you and your thoughts. A place to share your life with your loved ones.

Here is a peek into Nirmala's home "Agastya". Surprisingly, I recently found out that this home is only a few streets away from my own :-) Nirmala sent me pictures of her lovely home which she shares with her husband and five year old daughter!I asked Nirmala to tell me a bit about herself and her home. Here's what she had to say....

"The first house that we lived in was of an apartment and I remember being proud of the fact that it is MY house and loved every bit of making the house into a HOME! Infact i started shopping for MY home even before the wedding....I didn't quite know what my style was then, I just loved setting up and decorating the house with beautiful things. My sense of style as far as decorating goes, has always been eclectic, mix of styles although primarily ethnic. I love earthen tones as I love the warmth and coziness it spreads. My style of decorating has matured over the years, thanks to HGTV and beautiful bloggers like Anu (thank you so much Nirmala...that's really sweet) I love Buddha statues and lately have become obsessed with them! I cannot help but buy any beautiful Buddha statue that I spot. The orange Buddha in the family room is one such lucky find and it is my priced possession."

Nirmala's pretty home reflects her warmth and her passion for decorating. Nirmala admires Moroccan decor. She says that she has tried to incorporate it in the family room with her choice of colors. She took the risk of choosing 4 different wall colors for one big space ( family room/ dining/ kitchen) and it turned out beautiful.

I have to say that this is one of the prettiest Buddha statues I have seen.....this image is my favorite shot of her house!

This image of Nirmala's house during Navaratri is lovely. The display of Golu (dolls) during Navaratri is a popular tradition in parts of South India. Nirmala remembers it being a grand affair in her mother's house and carries on the tradition here in the States as well.

I have not been able to share all the images of the festival but I can assure you that they are gorgeous!

I do hope you have enjoyed visiting Nirmala's home. Thank you Nirmala for inviting us to Agastya! Please feel free to leave comments for Nirmala in the comment section and I will share them with her!

Images: Nirmala Iyer.

February!!

2012-02-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

A new month begins.......I have to say, I quite like February! There is the promise of spring as hopefully we are over and done with the "severe" part of winter. I am ready to move my blogging head waters to the beach now :-) I also want to thank my readers for their continuous appreciation and support. I would love to respond to every comment that you leave on MDC but I know I have been unable to do that. My plan to is become better...I promise :-)

What started out as an interest has now become my passion, and is a part of me. Thank you once more for making My Dream Canvas a small part of your lives.

Image: via

Thank you Khabar!

2012-01-31T14:17:00.000-08:00

A big Thank you to Girija and the team at Khabar Magazine for featuring My Dream Canvas in their February issue. Click here for the online edition of the magazine. The article also includes a few of my fabulous blogger friends :-) Khabar is a magazine for the Indian-American community based out of Atlanta.

I also want to mention that new updates for my SHOP and other design ideas will be available on my Facebook page. Come on over and join the fun :-)

Image: via

Wit & Whistle

2012-01-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!! I am absolutely in love with these cute Chalkboard mugs from Wit & Whistle. Tea time and a cute message..... what a lovely way to begin the day!

Here is the link to get the instructions for your very own DIY mugs! The magic of porcelain chalkboard paint! Are you tempted?? I certainly am.....

Image: via

A New Week

2012-01-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

It's been a late start to the week for me! My weekend was hectic and chaotic with a few quiet moments thrown in :-) A trip to the nearby lake to watch and photograph the beautiful sunset was a major highlight. I had not been to the lake in a few weeks and I was really missing it.

I think we all need a special place in our lives don't you think? A quick yet brief getaway from reality and our routine lives!

This week I have a home tour, tonnes of design inspiration and something new coming up at the Shop at My Dream Canvas. So have a good week.... and keep coming back :-)

Images: Mine

Love Affair with Suzani!

2012-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

It's time to bring you this week's "Fabulous Find". I am drooling over this absolutely stunning Suzani arm chair. The vivid suzani embroidered fabric on the turquoise wooden chair and the orange leather upholstery. It is a stunning piece!

Okay, it is super duper expensive, nearly 2000 bucks!! Are my family and friends listening?? Remember my birthday is coming up soon!!
I wish :-) However, I can add it to my dream list and share it with all you fabulous people!!

Images: via

The Magic of Figueroa

2012-01-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, the days are far too grey for my liking!! I need some color to liven things up a bit. Join me, as I visit the colorful and mesmerising Figueroa Hotel! Surprisingly this Moroccan themed hotel is far away from Morocco. It is actually closer to me and is in Los Angeles :-) Here's some more interesting information about this property......the Figueroa was built in 1925 as a tourist class hotel and was a YWCA residence at one point!

Step into the magical world of Figueroa.......

Images: via

Red and Pink!

2012-01-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am officially fed up! There I have gone ahead and said it to all of you :-) January in the Pacific Northwest is dull, grey and extremely boring! I guess more so when you are just back from vacation.

The greyness outside is literally getting on my nerves today. I would love to step outside, minus the rain of course and enjoy a cup of tea in my backyard. Now, if my backyard looked like this........I would be a happy happy gal!

I am in the mood for color.....the bold red and the dramatic pink seems so appealing today. Sigh!!

Images : via

4MACOHA

2012-01-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

Bright and beautiful.........I am here to introduce 4MACOHA!

4MACOHA is a collaboration between the Malawi council for the handicapped (locally known as Macoha) and designer Holly Dunlap. This gorgeous collection is made locally using Malawian cotton. The organisation supports local cotton farmers, textiles workers and artisans. Dunlap is dedicated to promoting the skillful endeavors of these artisans far beyond Africa’s borders.

It's such a delightful collection with an inspiring story!

Images: via

CasaSandra

2012-01-23T16:45:00.000-08:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Yes, the desire to travel is in my blood! I yearn to visit new places, meet new people and of course try out different cuisines :-) My trip to Mexico many years ago was lovely, but I was not satisfied. I long to go back as there is so much more to be seen. Today, I want to share with you the story of CasaSandra........a story that appeals to the dreamer in me :-)

"For a long time owner, Sandra, wanted to write by the sea. She went in search of a remote world, quiet, where the blue was obvious. She took a small plane and flew over the island of Holbox near Cancun. Here on the beach, is where she came up with the project to create "the hotel with a human touch".

"Feelings, emotions, poetry, touches of color, aromas of black coffee, hammocks, fabric on the balconies, fluffy sheets, the sea at every angle, and romantic evenings create the magic of the "place of your dreams. "

Have you been swept away??

Images and some text : via

Sunshine and Monday!

2012-01-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have woken up to a glorious Monday morning filled with sunshine and blue skies! It's been a while since I took out my camera and drove around my beautiful city. This seems like the perfect day! I am enjoying my cup of tea, and the beauty and warmth of the sun streaming in through my window!

Sometimes, It's nice to just take a break and enjoy the simple joys of life! Have a great week everyone!

Image: My home

The Weekend!

2012-01-21T00:14:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a picture says a thousand words..............

I am signing off for the weekend from snowy Seattle!! See you on Monday!

Images: via