365 days of mine

Day 17 ~ Tricolour

2012-01-17T20:49:00.000+05:30

I love bright colours... they leap out and get your attention... even if they are just lying in the basket of washed vessels....

Day 16 ~ Kumkum

2012-01-16T20:55:00.003+05:30

I went for a 'haldi - kumkum' ceremony to a Maharashtrian neighbour's house last evening.... chatted with a few ladies i was meeting for the first time... ate a yummy kachori and was given this beautiful kumkum bharani along with betel leaves, nut, haldi-kumkum and tilgul as a takeaway.... i love such simple rituals!

Day 15 ~ Sankranthi Subhakankshalu

2012-01-15T21:00:00.000+05:30

the harvest festival... celebrated accross the country... one aspect is the elaborate muggus which are drawn in the courtyard... perfectly symmetrical... mostly drawn by women who do not know to read or write... this one was made by a 50 year old lady in front of the neighbouring apartment

Day 14 ~ Bobatlu

2012-01-14T21:10:00.000+05:30

Attempted to make Bobatlu for the first time... they turned out fabulous... even if i say so myself!

Day 13 ~ Deep Fried

2012-01-13T21:35:00.000+05:30

.....yumminess.... Ulli Garelu made and shot for a festival special article that was published in the newspaper coloumn i write.

Day 12 ~ Garam Chai and Emails

2012-01-12T21:32:00.000+05:30

mid morning ritual of my life

Day 11 ~ Chaos

2012-01-11T19:54:00.000+05:30

I love Bombay... and Madras ... and all the other places in India i have lived in or even visited... am not one of those people who is constantly cribbing about how another place is not like 'home'. I love the energy of Bombay....and often wonder what it would be like to live there... I went to Ameerpet today. this is the place where a lot of software engineers are 'manufactured'... 4 hours of walking through oceans of people... everything from fresh guavas, fried bajjis to hairclips being sold cheek to jowl of each other... I think my craving for Bombay was satiated till my next trip!

Day 10 ~ Hunting.....

2012-01-10T20:04:00.000+05:30

..... a fly that was caught behind the window pane!

Day 9 ~ Pretending to Sleep

2012-01-09T19:59:00.000+05:30

this is what he does while i am working at my computer

Day 8~ To the doorstep

2012-01-08T20:15:00.000+05:30

In Andhra Pradesh we have a government organised farmer's market called Rythu Bazaar. Some of the locations have convenient trucks that drive into colonies on designated days and park themselves there for a few hours for the convenience of residents... they always have fresh seasonal produce sold much cheaper than the supermarkets...ours comes in every saturday afternoon.

Day 7 ~ Lit up

2012-01-07T20:11:00.000+05:30

I've never taken pictures of staircases....thought I would begin with the one in our apartment complex

Day 6 ~ Serenity

2012-01-06T21:45:00.000+05:30

am already going to miss the bestie when she's gone in a few days...... am glad we spent today

Day 5 ~ Lunch

2012-01-05T21:36:00.000+05:30

from the Spa Day

Day 4 ~ Reading

2012-01-04T20:20:00.000+05:30

I have a new place to lounge at home... it was the perfect winter afternoon... stretched out with a good (recipe) book!

Day 3 ~ Spa day

2012-01-03T20:33:00.000+05:30

yesterday was Spa day with the bestie N.... needless to say it was fab!

Day 2 ~ Happy Birthday

2012-01-02T20:40:00.000+05:30

My darling friend N turned a year older... we celebrated that yesterday with a lovely dinner by the pool (until she spotted a rat and had a meltdown and made us move indoors!)

Day 1 ~ A brand new year it is!

2012-01-01T20:44:00.000+05:30

this is from last night... we rang in the new year in the midst of friends.... 2011 was a year of plenty for us... I hope the new year is fantastic too... love and peace!

Day 365 ~ The year of plenty

2011-12-31T22:18:00.000+05:30

i usually dont gush over new year's.... but this year, my cup has overflown and for this i am so grateful... wishing you a lovely year ahead... from the both of us!

Day 364 ~ Tiny Tots

2011-12-30T21:48:00.000+05:30

attended my niece's annual day function and was held captive by the performances of the tiny tots... especially the preschoolers

Day 363 ~ Winter Wonderland

2011-12-29T21:52:00.000+05:30

at the nearby mall, kids were captivated by this show... there was storytelling and treats....

Day 362 ~ Hampers

2011-12-28T22:16:00.000+05:30

yes, i am sexist.... only the women got specially packed hampers... it had handmade soap, a homemade hot chocolate mix and cake

Day 360 ~ The bar

2011-12-26T22:08:00.000+05:30

We had a small party last evening....

Day 359 ~ Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T21:58:00.000+05:30

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed festive time with family and friends....

Day 358 ~ Blues

2011-12-24T22:01:00.000+05:30

for the first time in years i do not have a christmas tree at home... the decorations have been kept very simple considering the naughty canine in residence...

Day 357 ~ Puppy Love

2011-12-23T09:06:00.000+05:30

This is Deepak from Assam, who insists Sage will be happier in cooler climes and that he should be given to him... i think Sage agrees... he insists on spending some time with him everyday... he also gets kisses....

Day 356 ~ Auto ride

2011-12-22T09:03:00.000+05:30

this is definitely now a dog blog! Sage decided to check out his transport options on his morning walk today!

Day 355 ~ Soaking up the winter sun

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000+05:30

yes, i am homebound... its but natural that most of my entertainment comes in the form of my dog!

Day 354 ~ Sparks

2011-12-20T08:58:00.000+05:30

i stood fascinated with the unintentional firework display from the welding at a construction site near home... sorry for the unspectacular picture!

Day 353 ~ Rogue

2011-12-19T08:56:00.000+05:30

there was a repairman working at my house today and he was scared to death by the dog, so i looped his leash under the sofa in the study.... this is what i saw when i stepped back after answering the doorbell... my 6 month old puppy dragged the entire sofa into the doorway to tell me he didnt like being confined!

Day 352 ~ Beauty

2011-12-18T08:40:00.000+05:30

We had the good fortune (and friends in high places, with tickets) to watch the genious Ustad Zakir Hussain in action. what made it more special was the setting... this is the famous Chowmahalla Palace....

Day 351 ~ Office goer

2011-12-17T08:37:00.000+05:30

While trying to find Trooper a home yesterday, we spent a lot of time in the blue Cross office. this is their office cat... unperturbed, he just sat there and watched everything playout.

Day 350 ~ Lost

2011-12-16T08:35:00.000+05:30

K and I found this abandoned cross bred dog wandering in our street, he followed us, took to Sage immediately, but we couldnt keep him. What began as an earnest attempt to find him a safe place to stay, ended after three hours of animal shelter, vet visit, police station to lodge a complaint and then finally handing over this guy we called trooper to blue cross. he needs a home, let me know if you would like to adopt him. He's a one year old cross bred german shepard that some idiot abandoned when they figured he wasnt a pure breed.

Day 340 ~ Doughnuts

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000+05:30

i had lunch with the delightful V and her beautiful daughter P, after stuffing ourselves silly, we made a beeline for the doughnut counter.... we shared, if you must know....

Day 336 ~ Iced

2011-12-02T09:55:00.001+05:30

Preserving the freshness of celery by putting them into icecubes

Day 333 ~ Herbed and Spiced Creamcheese Spread

2011-11-29T09:44:00.000+05:30

i made this a few days ago....recipe blogged at Escapades... go check it out

Day 332 ~ Orchid

2011-11-28T07:57:00.000+05:30

on my dresser...

Day 330 ~ yummies

2011-11-26T19:22:00.000+05:30

never before have i enjoyed brinjals so much... yes not even my world famous baghara baingan

Day 329 ~ Dying Traditions

2011-11-25T09:48:00.000+05:30

This duo paid us a visit this morning.... i ran down with the camera and they both obliged... the Haridasu (the owner/ man) singing and the Gangireddu (sacred bull) dancing. They did all kinds of dance steps and then the bull responded to certain questions by sticking out his tongue.... then he proceeded to lick me as a blessing! Read about them here

Day 328 ~ Inspection

2011-11-24T07:55:00.000+05:30

there's a litter of 5 puppies in the open area next to our apartment, one puppy got seperated from the rest and was crying almost the entire day...sage was rivetted to the window all the time, whining and getting agitated... finally the watchman of our building climbed the wall to rescue the poor pup.

Day 326 ~ Solitary Eater

2011-11-22T09:58:00.000+05:30

Lunch for one... Spaghetti with celery and chilli flakes

Day 325 ~ Stuffing

2011-11-21T07:51:00.000+05:30

Am on a roll quite literally~ made paneer stuffed rolls after the success of the pumpkin cinnamon ones

Day324 ~ Easy Peasy

2011-11-20T19:59:00.000+05:30

got these sachets of instant kheer free with some other product... i tried them out today... 1/2 litre milk and 15 minutes to pretty good kheer / semiya payasam

Day 323~ Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

2011-11-19T19:57:00.000+05:30

finally made these!

Day 322 ~ upcycling

2011-11-18T19:56:00.000+05:30

we were sent this huge bouquet of flowers for our anniversary, got down to putting them into different bottles
today

Day 321 ~ Lounging

2011-11-17T19:54:00.000+05:30

While i cook, i have a constant companion...if the recipe is too complicated, he takes a nap!

Day 320 ~ Photoshoot

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000+05:30

I now write a bi-monthly coloumn in an english daily on food... these thai rolls were made and photographed for an article i wrote on thai food.

Day 317 ~ Chocolate filled tarts

2011-11-13T07:48:00.000+05:30

with a ~~lot~~ bit of baileys thrown in...for the lunch with friends we hosted

Day 313 ~ Thief

2011-11-09T11:34:00.000+05:30

Sage decides that it is more important for him to chew on my blue shawl than it is for me to cover it

Day 310 ~ Sliced

2011-11-06T20:11:00.000+05:30

Bought an unpeeled pineapple after years, its therapeutic to slice especially if you have pent up anger/ frustration

Day 309 - Pretty in a row

2011-11-05T19:28:00.000+05:30

when the heck did this year whizz past? we're already in november and this blog has been sadly neglected! Sage forces me to walk a few times each day and today we picked some flowers from the garden downstairs. simple marigolds, bougainvillea, crown of thorns and some leaves....i've been saving medicine bottles and other nice bottles and today they finally were used in this cheap and cheerful decor idea....

Day 307 - Asian inspired coleslaw

2011-11-03T20:24:00.000+05:30

i was wanting something light for lunch...also something with which to use up my purple cabbage....

Day 306 - Rest in Peace

2011-11-02T20:31:00.000+05:30

Today is All Soul's Day... i didnt visit the cemetary.... havent for a while...here's a pic i took a while ago... a beautiful marble statue of a cherub guarding the grave of a child....

Day 302 - in profile

2011-10-29T20:48:00.000+05:30

my friend B wanted me to click some pics of her... she's a willing model...

Day 297 - Remembrances

2011-10-24T21:05:00.000+05:30

your crazy chocolate fixation... your love for food... remembering you... you would have been 28 today

Day 296 - memories of Bhutan

2011-10-23T21:00:00.000+05:30

I just had it with my nostalgic trip and the fastest way to get someplace is to recreate food. Tried the Shamu Datsi from here. Turned out fabulous... will blog it on Escapades soon

Day 295 - Surprised!

2011-10-22T21:07:00.000+05:30

Yes this will finally turn into a photoblog for Sage... but just look at his face!

Day 294 - adding some zest

2011-10-21T20:53:00.000+05:30

have been hugely inspired by rushina's blog and this is just one of the things that caught my attention... since i had some fresh lemons on hand, i wasted no time.... Citrussy Olive oil for salads and other yummy stuff.

Day 283 ~ Bamboo Shoots

2011-10-10T14:37:00.000+05:30

My neighbours were pruning these bamboo plants, i picked a few to use in a vase

Day 275 ~ Baby Leo all grown up

2011-10-02T15:02:00.000+05:30

Remember him? well this is how he looks now!

Day 273 ~ Orange Pound Cake

2011-09-30T20:09:00.000+05:30

one of the best I have baked

Day 272 ~ Dragons that fly

2011-09-29T19:14:00.000+05:30

Caught this beauty on my balcony....his/her ilk has visited me earlier too

Day 271 ~ Indulgence

2011-09-28T19:47:00.000+05:30

I had some friends over for lunch, one of who loved my earlier pannacotta creation, i tried a coconutty one this time....

Day 270 ~ Burst of sunshine

2011-09-27T19:43:00.000+05:30

the said tree of the previous day

Day 269 ~ Carpet of yellow

2011-09-26T19:42:00.000+05:30

I love yellow... i love yellow flowers even more... this tree in our community garden makes a carpet of her flowers each day.... i walk past and stand a while...

Day 268 ~ Overload

2011-09-25T19:40:00.000+05:30

this mini truck was loaded with people... smiling, chatting and having fun even as fireworks went off in the distance!

Day 267 ~ Silks galore

2011-09-24T19:38:00.000+05:30

Taking a break from all that back breaking work, i visited a silk exhibition. this stall had bhagalpuri silk fabric, sarees and salwar kameez sets

Day 266 - 6 dozen cupcakes

2011-09-23T19:42:00.000+05:30

This is a corporate order of 6 dozen cupcakes that I did... it was backbaking work... but such fun... and loved the compliments that rolled in... also today is amma's birthday... should have been in singapore on a vacation! but was slaving over the oven instead!

Day 265 ~ Trinkets

2011-09-22T19:36:00.000+05:30

Taken again at begum bazar, this lane was full of trinkets, clips and 'fancy novelty' items...mostly aimed at women

Day 264 ~ Riot of colours

2011-09-21T19:34:00.000+05:30

At Begum Bazar, rangoli colours and diyas for Diwali

Day 263 ~ Colours on a plate

2011-09-20T19:55:00.000+05:30

Made a hot glass noodle dish for dinner... recipe will be up on the cooking blog soon

Day 262 ~ Iconic

2011-09-19T19:45:00.000+05:30

the celebrated Wadali brothers flanked by the iconic Charminar. Was fortunate to listen to them sing before the rain played spoilt sport.

Day 261 ~ Cabin Class

2011-09-18T19:47:00.000+05:30

On our way back from the in-laws place after lunch, Sage decided he didnt want the regular seat to sit on!

Day 258 ~ Waiting

2011-09-15T19:44:00.000+05:30

Sage waiting for the breeze of the fan to knock over a roll of toilet paper so he can play with it.
p.s: he didnt get his wish

Day 255 ~ Inspector Clouseau

2011-09-12T19:54:00.000+05:30

Almost... Mr. Nosey has to do a site inspection of all things....

Day 253 ~ Reds

2011-09-10T19:52:00.000+05:30

Picked these up on a walk with Sage

Day 252 - Birthdays!

2011-09-09T08:03:00.000+05:30

Celebrating a friend's birthday with my friend V

Day 251 ~ Engraving

2011-09-08T19:51:00.000+05:30

I always thought a cemetery makes for fabulous pictures....but i always kept away because i felt i was intruding...was there by chance and saw this man skillfully engraving gravestones....

Day 250 - Life Lessons

2011-09-07T20:19:00.000+05:30

My brother was here on a personal trip...he found time to lecture Sage a bit... i dont think the pooch liked it...but he was polite and listened patiently!

Day 249 ~ Cuteness

2011-09-06T19:52:00.000+05:30

animal shaped paper clips.... my favourite is the pig!

Day 248 ~ hello!

2011-09-05T19:50:00.000+05:30

Sent out an old style letter today....these are almost relics!

Day 247 ~ Getting a facelift

2011-09-04T19:48:00.000+05:30

beautiful Ikat fabric courtesy my friend A, bye bye ugly brown chair seats

Day 246 ~ Y is for Yellow

2011-09-03T15:02:00.000+05:30

Day 244 ~ W is for Wall Shelf

2011-09-01T14:54:00.000+05:30

Added a few floating shelves to display my collection of ~~rubbish~~ knickknacks

Day 242 ~ U is for Ubiquitous chocolate

2011-08-30T14:46:00.000+05:30

Made some orange and almond thins for a rare indulgence

Day 241 ~ T is for Toys

2011-08-29T14:39:00.000+05:30

they got a tumble wash today

Day 240 ~ S is for Skies of the endless blue kind

2011-08-28T08:14:00.000+05:30

Feeling cooped up at home, i forced K to take me and Sage on a long drive... i learnt something new about him today, he hates aimless wandering!

Day 239 ~ R is for Relaxing

2011-08-27T14:34:00.000+05:30

With a mug of chai and a recipe book on my favourite seat in the house

Day 237 ~ P is for Panacea

2011-08-25T08:20:00.000+05:30

While we waited to get Sage, we parked near this desi style clinic which promised remedies for everything from "size of your pains" to "cement problem"

Day 236 ~ O is for Outdoor Cheer

2011-08-24T08:28:00.000+05:30

A cracked glass bowl, a shell from Goa, a few flowers from the garden to add cheer to the balcony table....oh yeah and that is my chai

Day 235 ~ N is for Nightstand

2011-08-23T14:31:00.000+05:30

rustled up some changes in the guest room

Day 234 ~ M is for Munia

2011-08-22T09:06:00.000+05:30

I rescued a little munia today. She flew in and was flapping about, i thought it was a butterfly - yes that small. but after repeated failed attempts of her own, i had to help.... my avian phobic hubby and pup were locked in a room while i placed a basket over her and moved it onto a paper, took her onto the balcony and released her... i ofcourse couldnt take a picture, but here's a little wooden bird from my collection at home.

Day 233 ~ L is for love!

2011-08-21T14:26:00.000+05:30

Cliched i know... but just look at his face!

Day 230 ~ I is for Indoor Plants

2011-08-18T09:44:00.000+05:30

One of my favourites from our spruced up home

Day 229 - H is for Headrest

2011-08-17T12:24:00.001+05:30

Warning: You will be seeing many more pictures of the resident pooch.

One of his favourite sleeping postures. Right after he has messed with the newspapers piled under the table.

Day 230 - A Quiet Green Corner

2011-08-17T09:01:00.000+05:30

this is one of my favourite shots of a tiny green spot in our house....

Day 228 ~ G is for Green Chillies and green peas!

2011-08-16T12:31:00.000+05:30

Shot at a vegetable market, these kids were delighted to be clicked

Day 227 - F is for Fruit

2011-08-15T20:00:00.000+05:30

fiery anaar from this cart

day 225 ~ D is for Dawg!

2011-08-13T19:58:00.001+05:30

Finally! read about it here

Day 224 ~ C is for Chai cups

2011-08-12T16:40:00.000+05:30

These are two of my latest posessions. gifted by the other A

Day 223 ~ B is for blackberry

2011-08-11T21:27:00.002+05:30

the phone i have had for more than 4 months and finally sold today. unused.