My Dream Canvas

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 first one is my favorite. 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

Frosty Evening

2012-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

Snow, Ice, back to snow and freezing rain. No! I am not the weather man.... but this pretty much sums up my week. Not to forget the power outage and finally cabin fever as I have not stepped out of the house! My kids have been out of school as well and with a three and six year old...you know what that means :-)

I am dreaming of sunny skies and emerald waters......

What have you been upto??

Image: Mine

From Past to Present

2012-01-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

I am starting a series called here at MDC called "Fabulous Finds". Every week I intent to showcase one Shop/ Designer whose work I admire. The feature will especially include products with an eclectic and global feel!!

I recently stumbled upon Amy's Etsy shop called "From Past to Present". I must say that I was intrigued by the name itself :-) This is a shop where cushions are made with re-claimed often vintage and hand printed textiles.

Here is a lovely description of the textiles she uses for her products. " I use re-claimed and vintage textiles which were once part of a garment worn by Hmong women. The Hmong are an Asian ethnic group living in the mountainous regions of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and China. They use a traditional batik process where wax is applied to a piece of cloth and dyed with natural dyes. The wax is then removed and the design is created where the wax has prevented the dye from penetrating the cloth. Colourful embroidery is then added to the batik designs."

What a fascinating story and process, don't you think? I adore these striking cushions. Hope you have enjoyed my " Fabulous Finds for this week"

I have recently added a set of Tribal Musicians to the Shop at My Dream Canvas. You can click here to view my latest find as well :-)

Till We Meet Again.............

Images: via

My Brother's Big Fat Indian Wedding :-)

2012-01-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

2011 ended on a high note for me and my family. My baby brother got married. I cannot help calling him a baby as he is 8 years younger than me :-) The wedding was a dream. The bride is absolutely gorgeous. More importantly, she is a real sweetheart :-) My parents got their wish, especially my mom, who I think managed to host the best party ever :-) It's hard for me to capture those lovely moments in photographs or in words, but I am going to try!

My paternal Grandmother who was a poet, wrote these words for my mom when she was a bride. Lovely words that are very apt for the occasion :-)

A, this is for you.

"Look at my bride, she is resplendent.
Gold and Jewels cover her,
pearls and emeralds frame her face.
All her limbs, her hands, her feet,
shimmer and sparkle.

In the glimmer of gold,
in green leaves and flowers,
she comes.....
my bride."

We kicked off the wedding festivities at home. The flowers, the laughter, the yummy food, friends and family.....the memories will stay in my mind forever!

Packing the gifts for the bride and the others into the wee hours of the night!

A glimpse of the beautiful bride on her wedding day!

After the wedding my parents hosted the reception in Delhi. We decided on a cream and gold theme for the evening. There were shimmering candles, tea lights, fragrant flowers, music, 400 people......... it was a magical night!

The table setting!

I wish I could be back there.............

A few months before the wedding, I came up with a whim :-) I wanted to wear my maternal Grandmother's wedding outfit. She wore this 70 years ago on the day after her wedding. This outfit is made of brocade with intricate embroidery. She gave it to me when I was in my teens. My aunt and my mom found this lady who managed to repair the outfit. It had just a little bit of wear and tear over the years and she did an amazing job of restoring it. I was extremely close to my Grandmother so it made me very happy to wear this for my brother's wedding. I shall pass it down to my daughter in a few years. Hopefully, the legacy and tradition will live on......

I know I have been rambling for a bit......but then weddings are always so special. I just had to share it with all my wonderful readers :-)

Here's wishing the newly weds love and happiness now and forever!

Linking up with Tuesday Treaures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.

A New Week and some Snow!

2012-01-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

I am looking at a winter wonderland outside my door! I don't know about your hectic plans for the week ahead..... but we here in the Pacific Northwest are looking at a snow storm coming our way! Okay, I am well aware that our snow storms are not very extreme and some other parts of the country get a lot more! However, having said that, even a few inches of snow is a "big deal" in the Greater Seattle area. Yes, we do like to dramatize things a wee bit :-) On a serious note, the roads are pretty treacherous so its going to be an interesting few days!!

Call me crazy, but while my kids and their friends were building a snowman......I tried my hand at a little photo shoot in the snow!! A few fresh flowers, some snow, and my camera and I braved the cold to have some fun!

What can I say, these images make me smile so I had to share them with you. Here's wishing you a cheerful week ahead :-)

Images : Anu Varma. Please do not copy without written permission.

Joining the Weekly party at Colours Dekor!

Hello Weekend

2012-01-13T23:38:00.000-08:00

Hi there! This is how I want my weekend to be :-)

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to make the most of it!!! I promise you a fun fun new week at MDC!

Image: via

A Diya Collection...

2012-01-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have always had a weakness for Diyas (oil lamps) and tea light holders. This is the inspiration for the 2012 Diya Collection at the Shop at My Dream Canvas. I am always on the look out for unconventional and pretty brass diyas.

I am happy to share my finds with you today :-) Please email me at anuseattle@gmail.com for prices. The entire collection will also be available on my Facebook page.

A Holiday Home

2012-01-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

You know me! I am constantly dreaming about holidays...vacations.....travelling and now I yearn for a holiday home :-) A girl can dream, can't she? I can go on endlessly about my vision for a holiday home. Instead, I am taking you to Spain today! The relaxed and rustic vibe of this restored 14th century farmhouse is extremely charming. It has a lovely view of the surrounding mountains. This home is definitely on my dream list today :-) The history, the charm, and the inspiring interiors make me want to call this delightful getaway...home!

This is a place to gather with family and friends. I can just picture myself here.....Cooking for the family, endless chatting through the wee hours of the night, taking long walks, waking up to to spectacular vistas, reading books, playing....yelling :-) You get the picture, right?

Love the vintage suitcases, it brings a certain amount of drama into this space!

Ah.....the lovely outdoors!

Elegant and classy yet comfortable and cosy.

The perfect bedroom for my two kids :-)

Very chic bathroom!

Have you been swept away? Are you also dreaming of a holiday home?? That was part of my plan :-)

Images: via

2012-01-11T21:10:00.000-08:00

If I could have a party to welcome my fabulous readers into my home....this is pretty much what I would have in mind :-)

The table cover is totally drool worthy!! I am absolutely in love with this table setting. So join me at my virtual party, to thank all you fabulous people for your love and support.

Here's my toast for you......be this awesome always :-)

Image: via

Winter decor!

2012-01-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

We are going to wake up to freezing fog and maybe even some snow in the coming days! Okay, Seattle gets rain, so snow is a very big deal :-) I can feel the chill in the air. This evening I am craving a cup of tea, a cosy fireplace and an intriguing book. I also want to be surrounded by rich and colorful hues! So I decided to move some stuff around, bring out some new cushions, a few shimmering tea lights, and throw a few more rugs around. I have happily created my winter comfort zone :-)

What's your favorite winter decor accessory? I would love to know.....in fact, I am going to ponder over this and get back to you all very soon :-)

Images : My home

Joining A Beach Cottage for Good Life Wednesdays. and Savy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays.

Treasures to Cherish....

2012-01-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

A house full of goodies, yes its Christmas all over again. I am unpacking my suitcases and admiring the new treasures for my home:-) I saw this lovely peacock box and instantly fell in love with it. The intricate detailing on them is exquisite. I am not even sure if its really a box but its just so beautiful.
I am sure you are well aware of my love for vintage inspired brass artifacts. Another weakness I have is for tea light holders! These pretty flower shaped ones are no exception :-)

The best part is that these pieces are also available at the Shop at My Dream Canvas!

Now, I am off to click more pictures.....happy Monday folks!

Images : My home

Smile with Me....

2012-01-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

Here's something to kick start the week and shake off those Monday morning blues!! Delightful little tea cups, buttery croissants, strawberries, scones.....and so much more :-)

This lovely image certainly brought a smile to my face and I hope it does the same for you :-)

Have a fabulous week ahead.....

Image: via

Hello Sunday!

2012-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there! How is your weekend coming along? Mine has been super busy and unfortunately Sunday looks just the same! I am busy working on the new collection for the Shop. I will share it with you soon. I am also indulging in my favorite pastime, re-decorating :-) Yes, to my husband's dismay I made him move some furniture around! He cribbed like crazy..... but I can be very persistent :-) I am also shifting other things around, books......curios......some stuff goes in and some more comes out.....you get the drift!

My toddler starts school next week! I am excited for her and yet, I must admit I am feeling a wee bit emotional too! Now with both the kids off to school I shall have my mornings free! It's going to take me a few weeks to get used to the solitude :-)

As usual Seattle is dull, wet and dreary. I am so looking forward to a sunny day! Enjoy your Sunday and here's a virtual hug to all my wonderful readers. You guys are the BEST!!

Image: via

The Shop at My Dream Canvas

2012-01-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

Today, I am happy to share with you the 2012 collection at The Shop at My Dream Canvas. I have spent many hours browsing and scouring various places to present you with this exclusive collection of handpicked items for your home! This is a sneak peek and there is more to follow :-) All items are in very limited quantities. So hurry and email me at anuseattle@gmail.com for prices and other details!

I look forward to hearing from you :-)

To view this collection in detail please click here

An Elegant Oasis

2012-01-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to begin the 2012 Home tours on MDC with a home close to my heart! It's my home away from home whenever I am back in India. It is truly a classy home filled with warmth and a lot of love especially for me :-) My parents live in a suburb of New Delhi, so whenever I am in the city, my aunt's house is where I spend most of my time.

My aunt is Niru Seth, and her home is a collector's abode! Every nook and cranny of the house has interesting curios and artifacts. Warm and rich tones come together elegantly to create her own unique style. The artwork she has collected over the years is stunning. They include a fabulous collection of Tanjore paintings. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of them to share with you today.

I consider her home to be a delightful blend of the old and the new. It is a modern home with a vintage charm. A thoughtful and elegant hostess, her home is a haven for me and others. It's a home where people constantly drop in. Despite the formality of her living space, it's a space where you always feel comfortable and relaxed. She happens to be one of the most generous people I know, and her home reflects her outgoing personality.

I hope you enjoyed a peek into this lovely home. In my mind this home and its owners deserve all the happiness in the world :-) I wish I had more photographs to share with you..... but someday I promise to give you a tour of the entire house!

A big thank you to my aunt for sharing her home with my wonderful readers!

Images: Anuradha Varma

Tessera

2012-01-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

I have been so inspired and mesmerised by Tessera's story that I had to share it with all of you....

Here goes, "Tessera’s inspiration comes from a long-standing Ambroson family holiday tradition. Each year, one member of my family gives the others a very special gift - a journey to a faraway place.
Each trip is a journey of discovery as we encounter spectacular landscapes, new ways of life, and inspiring people – each with a unique story to tell. The objects and artifacts that we have collected over the years help to bring a little piece of these extraordinary lands and their people into our lives every day, here at home. Through Tessera I am offering you the opportunity to experience many of the treasures from these intriguing cultures. Additionally a percentage of all Tessera's sales going to children's education in the remote villages of many countries, including Peru and India."

What a wonderful journey and a lovely tradition don't you think? Tessera's collection is both beautiful and mystical and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

From tableware and furnishings from Peru, antique Ikats from Uzbekistan, embroidered silk Afghan lumbar pillows range dating back 70 years.... and so much more,the Tessera collection takes my breath away!!

To view the entire collection click here.

Images: via

Musings in the New Year.

2012-01-02T22:16:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's 2012....and we have another year to look forward to!! I am back after a glorious trip to India. My brother's wedding was fabulous to say the least. Catching up with friends and family....and the best part of it all was welcoming the newest addition to the family...my lovely sister in law :-) The smiling faces....the chitter-chatter, the chaos, the confusion......they all make for wonderful memories!

Now it's back to reality and the trials and tribulations of dealing with jet lag. Yes, that means dinner at 2.00 am. Comfort food and the endless cups of caffeine are my constant companions!

Someday, my household will function at a sane pace :-) However for now join me for a cup of tea and lets talk about our plans for the New Year! So, what's going on with you? At my end, The Shop at My Dream Canvas will be up and running soon. Make sure you stop by and take a look at the new goodies!!

See you around....I shall end here as the lack of sleep might result in a wee bit of rambling :-)

Image: via

A Toast to the New Year!

2012-01-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am back :-) Its the New Year and I wanted to drop by and wish my fabulous readers an absolutely fantastic 2012.

Enjoy your day today......and I shall see you back here in a few days!
Till then.....keep smiling:-)

Image: via

December and a Wedding!

2011-12-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I did not want December to come and go without me saying Hello to my favorite people :-) Wow, this year has flown by and for me so will this month! My brother's wedding is ten days away....yipee:-)

My parents house is a hub of activity....happiness and chaos filled days as the countdown begins!! I am also working on some gorgeous home tours and have not forgotten my baby,"The Shop at My Dream Canvas". I promise you a fun and exciting new year at MDC. So stay tuned.....enjoy December and see you around!

How are the Christmas plans coming along? I would love to hear from you???