Keeping traditions alive with the help of Easy Diya: pre-soaked ghee diyas that help you preserve your culture without the mess. There are some traditions that no matter what changes, I find myself repeating year after year. Making something sweet on the first day of the new year, observing meatless Tuesdays, switching the mandir light on as dusk falls and saying a quick prayer before starting my day. As I grew up I watched my Mom light a diya every morning to start the day with positivity and close the day by lighting a diya to give thanks for our daily blessings. It became such a peaceful start to the day that after getting married I wanted to continue the same … [Read more...]
Vegetable Masala Puffs
Vegetable Masala Puffs | Curried vegetables folded into layers of buttery puff pastry are baked until golden brown and flakey. Vegetable Masala Puffs, also known as Veg Puffs and Curry Puffs can be found with ease at most Indian canteens, cafeterias and chai walas (tea vendors). Flakey, buttery pastry sheets envelope vegetables spiced with Indian masalas. Whether they're served piping hot or room temperature, they are perfect for a quick snack or accompaniment with chai. On long weekends and during the days surrounded by holidays we usually split our regular three meals a day into two meals. It's not something we necessarily plan but a big brunch followed by an early dinner or late … [Read more...]
Mix + Match: Mother Daughter Kurtis
A white and gold thread work kurti paired with red accents by both mother and daughter. See how my mom and I styled our matching kurtis. "No daughter and mother ever live apart, no matter what the distance between them." - C. Watson A few weeks ago my parents flew up from Florida and we took a road trip to visit New Vrindaban, an ISKON mandir located in West Virginia. Before packing for the trip I reminded my mom that it would be chilly up in the mountains and to pack a warmer suit. We both remembered we had kurtis made a few years ago while on a mother daughter trip to Bombay that were perfect for winter. The fabric, a thicker material with white and gold … [Read more...]
Cyber Monday with Bharat Babies
Bharat Babies gave us a sneak peek of their upcoming 2017 collection, and we can't wait to get our hands on them! As you know from previous posts, we love Bharat Babies and their mission to publish diverse books. The newest titles include Hanuman Moves a Mountain, Harini and Padmini Say Namaste and Indi-Alphabet . You can purchase ALL three of the books AND receive a five minute meditation video for children by Tejal V. Patel for only $50.00. Hanuman Moves a Mountain Words by Amy Maranville, Illustrated by Tim Palin This book is a classic retelling of a well-loved Hindu story, Hanuman uses all of his power to save the life of a good friend, and Harini learns a … [Read more...]
Visiting Ibrahim Rauza | Bijapur
Visiting Ibrahim Rauza in Bijapur, a 15th century monument built by Emperor Ibrahim Adil Shah II. When it comes to Indian history and mythology I'm spell bound, marry that with century old monuments, palaces and architecture, it's a combination that tugs at the heart strings. On our last visit to India we carved out time from our usual Bombay Mumbai stay to visit my in-laws childhood city of Bijapur. Bijapur, officially known as Vijayapura is in the state of Karnataka. Well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty, it's often referred to as the Deccan Queen of India. Having only visited Bijapur once before … [Read more...]
Diwali Activities For Kids
Diwali activities for kids to get them ready for the festive season. Included, a free Diwali word search! The most common question I was asked this Diwali season was "What are you doing with Little Mirchi to teach her about Diwali?". The truth is, it's not just one thing we do to teach her about the celebrations, it's a million little things. It's in our everyday talks, lately she's all about a little yellow school bus... so I promised her that "Baba Ji" (our general word for God in our house) would bring her one on Diwali. We painted diyas, both real and on paper. We read books, prepared special foods, baked cookies and even did a family word search. On the day of Diwali I plan to have … [Read more...]
Mix + Match: Ombré Kameez
Mix + Match. An ombré kameez paired with three different bottoms. A fun and simple way to refresh your desi wardrobe. So after my little dilemma of what to do with my hands in the last post where I shared my mix + match looks with pajami pants, I decided to go at it again with another way I pair my outfits. Also according to a bunch of you on Instagram, I'm not alone in this hands dilemma! I love switching up my Indian clothes and in doing so I get more wear out of things I would have just worn a few times with their paired tops or bottoms. This ombré kameez is a favorite of mine, it's simple but can be dressed up. When I purchased it a few years back, I had it paired … [Read more...]
Cardamom Thumbprint Cookies
Delicate, sweet, melt in your mouth eggless cardamom cookies filled with berry rose jam and a dusting of pistachio. These cookies have been a part of my Diwali gift box for the last few years. They are simple, light and delicately flavored of cardamom with your jam of choice. I love these little cookies as they remind me of a modern take on the traditional North Indian shortbread cookie, Nankathai. This darling cookie all starts with a simple eggless cookie dough which is rolled into one inch smooth balls. A small dent with your thumb is made in the center of cookie round which is then filled with your favorite jam. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before … [Read more...]
Mix + Match: Pajami Pants
Mixing and matching pajami pants with three different tops. A fun and simple way to refresh your desi wardrobe. Let me preface this by saying I'm no fashion blogger, I have no idea how to pose and what the heck to do with my hands! Seriously, someone let me in on the secret. That being said, I love wearing Indian clothes and always wish I had more opportunities to wear traditional pieces. I thought this would be fun to share my desi style! Mix and matching Indian clothes is one of my favorite things to do. I love pairing basics with different tops, bottoms and dupattas for a varied look. My trip to India after having Little Mirchi was a total bust in the shopping department. I … [Read more...]
DIY Metallic Henna Pumpkins
Beautiful pumpkins painted and then decorated with metallic henna designs. A glamorous addition to your fall decor! Yesterday after planting some beautiful Mums in our front planters, Little Mirchi and I decided to decorate a pumpkin for the front door. Because Halloween is just a day after Diwali this year I wanted the pumpkin to go somewhat with our Diwali decor (rangoli, diyas and lots of metallic accents). I decided to paint our pumpkin black with chalk board paint that I already had on hand and use the metallic henna tattoos I used for my DIY Mithai Boxes. I wasn't sure if the tattoos would stick properly due to a pumpkins uneven surface, but to my surprise they worked … [Read more...]
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