The littles drew names out of 'the hat' this morning and they fought over whose name would be THE winner ... so I'm giving away TWO books.
Caitlin & Marina -- you are the lucky winners!
Mom arrives next week, so I'll get you the signed copies then, ok? Happy reading!
For the rest of you, mom's books are available for purchase on her site, Ministry 2 Kenya!
Shop the Spring trend - Ikat print
Ethnic inspired Ikat prints have been hot for some time and they are still going strong for Spring/Summer. They were featured on the runaways of Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Dries van Noten and DVF. Ikat prints are created by dying portions of thread and then weaving that thread into cloth. For more information about Ikat print's history, click here.
Ikat prints are really bright and eye-catching and very boho chic. Just adding a single piece like scarf can energize ur outfit. I am really looking forward to wearing Ikat in silk with accessories minimal so that the print is the focal point. You can also mix and match the prints - I would keep them in the same color palette and the print size small. Depending on the size/color, Ikat can also be paired with edgy rock accessories.... Go Ikat:-)
L to R : endless ($75.90), Rachel Roy($28), endless ($98)
For more accessories, please look at my stylefeed..
photo credits: macys.com, nordstorms.com, asos.com, ardenb.com, endless.com, delias.com, wareshouse.com
Ikat prints are really bright and eye-catching and very boho chic. Just adding a single piece like scarf can energize ur outfit. I am really looking forward to wearing Ikat in silk with accessories minimal so that the print is the focal point. You can also mix and match the prints - I would keep them in the same color palette and the print size small. Depending on the size/color, Ikat can also be paired with edgy rock accessories.... Go Ikat:-)
L to R : endless ($75.90), Rachel Roy($28), endless ($98)
For more accessories, please look at my stylefeed..
photo credits: macys.com, nordstorms.com, asos.com, ardenb.com, endless.com, delias.com, wareshouse.com
A day in photos.
Lots of bloggers do a "day in the life" post ... and I love reading them. These kinds of posts offer a fun fly-on-the-wall view into the daily goings-on of a family ... so I thought I'd share one of OUR days!
I have to admit that I did NOT take all of these photos over the course of just one day (as the astute viewer will recognize several different outfits on us throughout the pics) -- I had good intentions to capture an actual DAY, but it'll have to do with a combination of several physical days --- all adding up to what a NORMAL day for us looks like.
I get up at 6:30 (give or take).
FIRST thing that MUST be done ::
Instead of a household water heater like you may be used to, each bathroom in our house has a "geyser." Unless you turn on the switch for the geyser, you won't be getting a warm shower!!
Next up is packing lunches and getting ready for breakfast. I wake the kids up around 7:00 -- although truth be told, most mornings Mia beats me to the punch.
They eat eggs, pancakes, waffles (what a treat!), cereal, bagels, fruit, etc.
I spend a few moments writing a note to Shanti with the day of instructions (what is for dinner, whether we'll be home for lunch, etc.).
While the kids eat and watch a cartoon, I get myself ready and make sure all of the necessary bags are ready at the front door .... I've become a jewelry freak, so I make sure to give a couple of minutes to picking out the danglies for the day.
Then starts the hollerin' all through the house. Get your shoes on. Get your backpacks. Turn off the TV. Get your SHOES ON! Where are your library books? I SAID GET YOUR SHOES ON!!!!!
We grab three bottles of water ... one each for the drivers and one for the guard and head out. The drivers get the kids buckled in .. last minute "have a good day" smooches and off we go.
It's approximately a 15 minute ride to school. Sometimes only 8 minutes and sometimes closer to 20 ... but average drive time is 15 minutes. First stop is to drop the boys ... Terran grabs his backpack, turns to wish the littles a good day and off he goes. Through the turnstile, displaying our identity badges, Mia and I escort Tony to his classroom.
Then it's back in the car for a short couple of minutes drive to Mia's school. Backpacks through the x-ray machine, us through the metal detectors.
The drop-off crowd is a mix of both parents and ayahs ...
Then I'm "free as a bird." For about 3 hours, that is. Some mornings I have Seven Cities Tours, others are for photography classes. Some mornings I sit at the American Club and gorge on greasy potatoes with too much cheese and drink coffee with my girlfriends. Some mornings I head out to get market shopping done.
One of the closest and simplest places to shop is right near the school. Most times, shopping consists of pointing to the items I want, someone takes them to the counter for me and then carries them OUT to the car as well! Talk about service!
Lunchtime means it's time to pick up Mia. We recently hosted a Flat Stanley from Oklahoma and he enjoyed still getting to have french fries and ketchup for lunch even though he was ALL the way in Delhi, India!
Mid-afternoons typically consist of Mia and I heading home for a little snuggle time on the couch with a movie and "white milk" in the sippy cup. She then stays at home with Shanti while I go to pick up the boys from school.
These guys greet us right after walking on to campus.
After the mad rush of pickup time, it's the moment for negotiating playdates,getting brownies, popcorn and lemonade from the kiosk, figuring out homework, discussing the rest of the week's plans and catching up with friends. The kids' campus is so large that to make it from one end to the other --- while stopping to chat along the way of course --- can take quite awhile!
We call Kushal and he pulls up to get us ... and off we go.
Home ... shweew .... Shoes get kicked off as soon as we walk into the house. Everyone scatters ... Terran to his room to turn up the music and drown us out while "doing homework," Mia runs up to ask Tony how his day was.
We eat dinner fairly early ... and then on a GOOD day, when I'm organized ... we have baths, a little tv time and then on REALLY good days, when I'm being a good mother ... we read before the kids fall asleep.
There's no pictures out of the ordinary for the end of our day ... it looks an awful lot like it did back at home.
Hope you've enjoyed a snapshot of our days!!
I have to admit that I did NOT take all of these photos over the course of just one day (as the astute viewer will recognize several different outfits on us throughout the pics) -- I had good intentions to capture an actual DAY, but it'll have to do with a combination of several physical days --- all adding up to what a NORMAL day for us looks like.
I get up at 6:30 (give or take).
FIRST thing that MUST be done ::
Instead of a household water heater like you may be used to, each bathroom in our house has a "geyser." Unless you turn on the switch for the geyser, you won't be getting a warm shower!!
Next up is packing lunches and getting ready for breakfast. I wake the kids up around 7:00 -- although truth be told, most mornings Mia beats me to the punch.
They eat eggs, pancakes, waffles (what a treat!), cereal, bagels, fruit, etc.
I spend a few moments writing a note to Shanti with the day of instructions (what is for dinner, whether we'll be home for lunch, etc.).
While the kids eat and watch a cartoon, I get myself ready and make sure all of the necessary bags are ready at the front door .... I've become a jewelry freak, so I make sure to give a couple of minutes to picking out the danglies for the day.
Then starts the hollerin' all through the house. Get your shoes on. Get your backpacks. Turn off the TV. Get your SHOES ON! Where are your library books? I SAID GET YOUR SHOES ON!!!!!
We grab three bottles of water ... one each for the drivers and one for the guard and head out. The drivers get the kids buckled in .. last minute "have a good day" smooches and off we go.
It's approximately a 15 minute ride to school. Sometimes only 8 minutes and sometimes closer to 20 ... but average drive time is 15 minutes. First stop is to drop the boys ... Terran grabs his backpack, turns to wish the littles a good day and off he goes. Through the turnstile, displaying our identity badges, Mia and I escort Tony to his classroom.
Then it's back in the car for a short couple of minutes drive to Mia's school. Backpacks through the x-ray machine, us through the metal detectors.
The drop-off crowd is a mix of both parents and ayahs ...
Then I'm "free as a bird." For about 3 hours, that is. Some mornings I have Seven Cities Tours, others are for photography classes. Some mornings I sit at the American Club and gorge on greasy potatoes with too much cheese and drink coffee with my girlfriends. Some mornings I head out to get market shopping done.
One of the closest and simplest places to shop is right near the school. Most times, shopping consists of pointing to the items I want, someone takes them to the counter for me and then carries them OUT to the car as well! Talk about service!
Lunchtime means it's time to pick up Mia. We recently hosted a Flat Stanley from Oklahoma and he enjoyed still getting to have french fries and ketchup for lunch even though he was ALL the way in Delhi, India!
Mid-afternoons typically consist of Mia and I heading home for a little snuggle time on the couch with a movie and "white milk" in the sippy cup. She then stays at home with Shanti while I go to pick up the boys from school.
These guys greet us right after walking on to campus.
After the mad rush of pickup time, it's the moment for negotiating playdates,getting brownies, popcorn and lemonade from the kiosk, figuring out homework, discussing the rest of the week's plans and catching up with friends. The kids' campus is so large that to make it from one end to the other --- while stopping to chat along the way of course --- can take quite awhile!
We call Kushal and he pulls up to get us ... and off we go.
Home ... shweew .... Shoes get kicked off as soon as we walk into the house. Everyone scatters ... Terran to his room to turn up the music and drown us out while "doing homework," Mia runs up to ask Tony how his day was.
We eat dinner fairly early ... and then on a GOOD day, when I'm organized ... we have baths, a little tv time and then on REALLY good days, when I'm being a good mother ... we read before the kids fall asleep.
There's no pictures out of the ordinary for the end of our day ... it looks an awful lot like it did back at home.
Hope you've enjoyed a snapshot of our days!!
Fashion Faceoff - Classic Khakis
Khakis are like jeans, they are never out of style. This year they had a major presence on the Spring 2010 runaways of Chloe, Blamain and Celine. Blazers, shirts, skirts, dresses even shoes and bags are sporting the Khaki look and color. I have worn a lot Khaki pants but this year I am looking for the perfect shirt dress.
Left: Gul Panag, Right: Unidentified guest:-)
Where: AND Shop for change event
Gul and Guest, both wore Khaki dresses to the event. I liked the Guest's dress better; she also paired it with really cute shoes..
photo credits: filmicafe.com
Left: Gul Panag, Right: Unidentified guest:-)Where: AND Shop for change event
Gul and Guest, both wore Khaki dresses to the event. I liked the Guest's dress better; she also paired it with really cute shoes..
photo credits: filmicafe.com
The dog ate my shirt..
Who: Sushmita SenWhere : At Miss Universe event - I am she
..and I wore what was left:-)
This could have been a cool Annie Hall look if she had just skipped that thingie around her neck!!
photo credits: pinkvilla.com
This could have been a cool Annie Hall look if she had just skipped that thingie around her neck!!
photo credits: pinkvilla.com
Fashion Faceoff
Left: Sushmita Sen, Right: Natasha PoonawallaWhere: 'Kitsch' couture show
Sushmita and Natasha wore very similar one shoulder, big ruffle dresses to the 'Kitsch' event..Sush wore peep-toes whereas Natasha paired hers with metallic brown pumps. Both look nice but Sush is the winner since she looks divatastic!!
photo credits: filmicafe.com, pinkvilla.com
photo credits: filmicafe.com, pinkvilla.com
Looks of the day
Who: Priya ChatwalWhere: (L) Aza's unveiling of new collection, (R) At her own launch of 'Kitsch' boutique
This is how I would do day/night if I had her bank balance.. At least she wore the same Christian Louboutin:-) I love the way her jeans are torn at the hem- so unexpected.. The dress on the right is from Lanvin, Spring 2010
Who: Rani JethmalaniWhere: Aza's unveiling of new collection
I think one of my blogger friends, Tanvii, is going to love this print as she is sooo into Paisley:-) Another dress that I would buy in a heartbeat along with the belt if not for the hemline.. The handkerchief hemline completely spoils it for me:-(
Rani is one of the top criminal lawyers in India..
Who: Isha KoppikarWhere: Aza's unveiling of new collection
I know, I know, I am so going to hell!!
photo credits: filmicafe.com, bollywoodhungama.com
photo credits: filmicafe.com, bollywoodhungama.com
The magic of a mali
Recently the kids celebrated Earth Day at school, and Tony brought home a small pot, filled with dirt - with strict instructions to me that I remind him to water it EVERY day.
Easy enough!
We watered it for a couple of days ... and even though he understands the plant cycles, Tony was growing incredibly frustrated with the lack of visible signs of growth.
Enter Mali. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I still don't know the sweet man's name. (Awhile back, I asked Kushal what his name was (as Mali means gardener) and even HE didn't know, although they've worked together for many, many years).
On an every-other-day basis, Mali takes a break from his outdoor gardening duty and comes inside to water plants. The instant he walked inside a couple of days ago, Tony excitedly said "I'm going to ask him to water my plant!"
I explained - very simply - that Mali might not understand what he was saying (as he speaks VERY limited English). Tony responded quickly that he would just "speak the way Mali would understand."
Tony ran up to Mali - cradling the little pot, naked of any signs of life - and tried to communicate his request that Mali water the little seed he'd planted inside the dirt.
Mali nodded, smiled and put up one finger, as if to say 'one minute.'
He disappeared out the front door ... and Tony turned to me with a huge smile on his face.
Just a minute or two later, Mali re-entered the house ... with this ::
Just WHAT does a parent say to THAT?
Mali was so proud of himself. He thought Tony was asking him to plant something in his barren little pot. Tony was asking him to simply water the seed.
I can't possibly convey the humor in this experience with you all, but I was stifling a giggle for the remainder of the evening!
(The next morning, we tried - in vain - to explain to Tony that our Mali was not MAGIC ... he only misunderstood our direction and request ... but the little dude isn't buying it! He asked me to print pictures of his magic plant to show his classmates at school!)
On another note, there was also a recent situation where Tony asked Shanti for graham crackers. Typically, the kids like to eat them - all crushed up - with milk ... a delicious snack courtesy of my grandfather's creativity. (The post about Shanti's homemade graham crackers is another post waiting to be written!)
Tony recently ran into the kitchen and asked Shanti for graham crackers. Easy enough, right?
Shanti has the memory of an elephant and because previously, the kids had explained how they like their graham crackers with milk, she proceeded to get out the bowls and the milk. Tony very angrily said to her, "NO Shanti, I want graham crackers with FROSTING inside ... like a sandwich."
Talk about a teaching moment for a parent!
I marched into the kitchen and first asked Tony to apologize to Shanti for speaking to her that way ... and then guided him through the discussion, whereby he was directed to explain EXACTLY what he wanted, and that he needed to be clear when he asked for her to prepare something for him. I explained that unless he was clear with his request, he couldn't expect to get good results, or to receive what he wanted or needed.
There are some serious learning curves for me here as a mama. Some learning lessons for ME. When you hear yourself saying out loud, the very things YOU yourself need to work on, it is oh so humbling.
Easy enough!
We watered it for a couple of days ... and even though he understands the plant cycles, Tony was growing incredibly frustrated with the lack of visible signs of growth.
Enter Mali. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I still don't know the sweet man's name. (Awhile back, I asked Kushal what his name was (as Mali means gardener) and even HE didn't know, although they've worked together for many, many years).
On an every-other-day basis, Mali takes a break from his outdoor gardening duty and comes inside to water plants. The instant he walked inside a couple of days ago, Tony excitedly said "I'm going to ask him to water my plant!"
I explained - very simply - that Mali might not understand what he was saying (as he speaks VERY limited English). Tony responded quickly that he would just "speak the way Mali would understand."
Tony ran up to Mali - cradling the little pot, naked of any signs of life - and tried to communicate his request that Mali water the little seed he'd planted inside the dirt.
Mali nodded, smiled and put up one finger, as if to say 'one minute.'
He disappeared out the front door ... and Tony turned to me with a huge smile on his face.
Just a minute or two later, Mali re-entered the house ... with this ::
Just WHAT does a parent say to THAT?
Mali was so proud of himself. He thought Tony was asking him to plant something in his barren little pot. Tony was asking him to simply water the seed.
I can't possibly convey the humor in this experience with you all, but I was stifling a giggle for the remainder of the evening!
(The next morning, we tried - in vain - to explain to Tony that our Mali was not MAGIC ... he only misunderstood our direction and request ... but the little dude isn't buying it! He asked me to print pictures of his magic plant to show his classmates at school!)
On another note, there was also a recent situation where Tony asked Shanti for graham crackers. Typically, the kids like to eat them - all crushed up - with milk ... a delicious snack courtesy of my grandfather's creativity. (The post about Shanti's homemade graham crackers is another post waiting to be written!)
Tony recently ran into the kitchen and asked Shanti for graham crackers. Easy enough, right?
Shanti has the memory of an elephant and because previously, the kids had explained how they like their graham crackers with milk, she proceeded to get out the bowls and the milk. Tony very angrily said to her, "NO Shanti, I want graham crackers with FROSTING inside ... like a sandwich."
Talk about a teaching moment for a parent!
I marched into the kitchen and first asked Tony to apologize to Shanti for speaking to her that way ... and then guided him through the discussion, whereby he was directed to explain EXACTLY what he wanted, and that he needed to be clear when he asked for her to prepare something for him. I explained that unless he was clear with his request, he couldn't expect to get good results, or to receive what he wanted or needed.
There are some serious learning curves for me here as a mama. Some learning lessons for ME. When you hear yourself saying out loud, the very things YOU yourself need to work on, it is oh so humbling.
Vibrant Lara
Who: Lara DuttaWhere: 'Housefull' movie promotions
Yay!! Something other than florals and white saris!! That is one super bright top that kinda conveys her joie de vivre, don't you think? She looks radiant...Chica, it breaks my heart to criticize you but the contrast with white leggings doesn't gel and somehow it feels as if the leggings are small/short. She should have gone for a shorter length top or ditched the leggings and worn it as a dress. Nay to the tacky shoes..
photo credits : filmicafe.com, bollywoodhungama.com
Event: Raavan Music Launch
Who: Aishwarya Rai BachchanAishwarya wore a white/red Sabyasachi sari for the music launch. The sari is nothing great nor is it bad - I am just plain bored with Sabyasachi stuff.. Her pin straight hair/central parting reminds me of Celina. yikes, Aish copying Celina??? Stop the world, I am getting off:-)
photo credits: filmicafe.com, pinkvilla.com
Dia in Florals
Who: Dia MirzaWhere: 98.3FM Radio Mirchi's 8th bday with NGO kids
That is a very cute watercolor, floral print. I found the dress a little shapeless but her smiling demeanor and confident body language pulls it off..What do you guys think??
photo credits: bollywoodhungma.com
The Elephants of Jaipur
The kids had been so jealous since Husb got here first and saw elephants a couple of times. They landed in Delhi, walked off of the plane and fully expected to see elephants with their very own eyes!
Since arriving, we have indeed seen plenty of elephants ... and even ridden one. The kids have already seemingly gotten bored with the visual of an elephant walking down the road next to them, as evidenced last week when a big ole pachyderm was resting just two houses from OUR house. I pointed him out to Mia and she shrugged and went back to her book that she was reading.
Enter our trip to Jaipur though ... there was something pretty spectacular about getting to see the elephants coming and going from their journey up/down the Amber Fort walkway ... carrying visitors to the famous tourist attraction.
In years past, the elephants are said to have been mistreated and overworked, but new policy changes ensure that each elephant only makes ONE trip up/down to the Fort, getting ample time to rest, eat and bathe.
The excitement in our car was truly magical as we drove out of Jaipur on our way home. Elephants were walking LITERALLY right next to our car. If we'd been brave enough - and rolled down our windows - we could have touched them.
They trumpeted as they walked (which was just COOL ... I know it seems silly to say, but it was really a neat experience to hear them). I have seen my fair share of elephants, but don't know if I've ever heard them raise up their trunks to trumpet!
Top the whole experience off with getting a photo of the #55 elephant (Husb's football jersey number ... and Terran's middle school football jersey number) ::
They are really beautiful and magnificent animals. The only thing that would be better is to experience the elephant camps ... but I'm not sure my family would appreciate the whole bathing in elephant poop shindig ...
Since arriving, we have indeed seen plenty of elephants ... and even ridden one. The kids have already seemingly gotten bored with the visual of an elephant walking down the road next to them, as evidenced last week when a big ole pachyderm was resting just two houses from OUR house. I pointed him out to Mia and she shrugged and went back to her book that she was reading.
Enter our trip to Jaipur though ... there was something pretty spectacular about getting to see the elephants coming and going from their journey up/down the Amber Fort walkway ... carrying visitors to the famous tourist attraction.
In years past, the elephants are said to have been mistreated and overworked, but new policy changes ensure that each elephant only makes ONE trip up/down to the Fort, getting ample time to rest, eat and bathe.
The excitement in our car was truly magical as we drove out of Jaipur on our way home. Elephants were walking LITERALLY right next to our car. If we'd been brave enough - and rolled down our windows - we could have touched them.
They trumpeted as they walked (which was just COOL ... I know it seems silly to say, but it was really a neat experience to hear them). I have seen my fair share of elephants, but don't know if I've ever heard them raise up their trunks to trumpet!
They also pooped quite a bit as they walked ....
Top the whole experience off with getting a photo of the #55 elephant (Husb's football jersey number ... and Terran's middle school football jersey number) ::
They are really beautiful and magnificent animals. The only thing that would be better is to experience the elephant camps ... but I'm not sure my family would appreciate the whole bathing in elephant poop shindig ...
Event : IPL Awards red carpet
LBD
Left: Dia MirzaRight: Mehr Jessia Ramphal
Dia wore a cute LBD - the nipped waist and big shoulders highlight her hourglass figure. She is a winner except for the ugly shoes. Mehr wore a drapey dress which ummmm, hummm, I really don't get:-) Also, the no-makeup thing makes her look older than her actual age.
The Sisters do us proud!
Left: Shilpa ShettyRight: Shamita Shetty
The sisters are wearing such lovely colors!! Looks like the deep blue is the current flavor of the month since we have seen so many celebs in it. I am not complaining since Shilpa looks like a glamorous movie star....The shoes are sooo yuck..I really don't get the celebs - why don't they pay attention to footwear?? So many beautiful outfits undone by ugly shoes....
Shamita is also flawless, love the draping of the dress and hallelujah, perfect shoes!!! Not sure why she brought her pet bird to the party.. Oh, thats not a bird on her right shoulder..oops;-)
Hot, Red Hot
Left: Preity Zinta
Right: Vida Samadzai
Right: Vida Samadzai
This is the only pic I could find of the lovely Ms. Zinta:-( The sash/embroidery at the waist looks very interesting..
Vida is smoking hot in a body hugging dress. Do love the embellishment on the dainty halter neck straps.
Peaches and Cream
Left: Amrita RaoRight: Sameera Reddy
Looks like Amrita is sleep walking - how else to explain this tacky nightdress and the shiny boobs??
Sameera in a beautiful printed, cream dress that hugs her figure and reveals her best assests. This is Sameera's best look on the red carpet, ever. The dress is very similar to what Tanushree wore to the 'Apartment' premier except Tanushree's was in grey..Is furnishings fabric the new 'in' thing??
photo credits: filmicafe.com pinkvilla.com, bollywoodhungama.com
Sameera in a beautiful printed, cream dress that hugs her figure and reveals her best assests. This is Sameera's best look on the red carpet, ever. The dress is very similar to what Tanushree wore to the 'Apartment' premier except Tanushree's was in grey..Is furnishings fabric the new 'in' thing??
photo credits: filmicafe.com pinkvilla.com, bollywoodhungama.com
Style Diary
Who: Sushmita SenWhere: Bal Bhavan event
Sushmita hits all the right notes in this bright blue jumpsuit and perfect makeup. Well done, babe.
Who: Mugdha GodseWhere: At the launch of SOBO for men
After all the disasters on the red carpet, this is pretty good for Mugdha although it does look like she is suffering from accessories overload.
Who: TanushreeWhere: Promotion of 'Apartment' movie
A very unusual print on a dress - at first it reminded me of furnishing fabrics but then the look kinda grew on me. Should I wear it or should I sit on it:-)
Who: Simran SuriWhere: 'Muskurake Dekh Zara' permier
What a gorgeous smile!! Do love the color of the dress and the style but looks like Ms Suri got a little bit carried away in matching her silver accessories..
photo credits: filmicafe.com, bollywoodhungama.com
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