Indian Trend Report

Before I do the Fall 2014 trend report, I figured I should a Lehnga report. I am loving all the pastels with Gota work, for a simple look. It is prefect for the smaller functions or for bridesmaids! Light and airy, these lehngas would be dream to wear. Even though wedding season is pretty much over in Canada, it is just about to begin in India, so naturally this is when the trends begin for the next year!

First, lets begin with the gorgeous tulle dresses with metallic details. I am in love the soft peachy/blush hues. As I mentioned it would be great for a smaller function..or a big one because they are so light and lovely.

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And then we have colours! No Indian function is complete without tonnes of colour, so naturally bright orange and pinks are a must! But I am loving the neutral options with creams and blacks. I the zebra print saree is to die for! 

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TRAVEL DIARIES: SIMPLY LIFE IN PUNJAB, INDIA

Since I started posting my travel pictures on here, I have realized that I have beautiful pictures of the world but not of the place where I was born - Punjab, India. I do go back every few years but end up spending most of my time with family and never get to experience it as a tourist, as seeing things for the first time and being fascinated by them Last time I went tried to get into the "photographer" mindset and tried to capture a little of Punjab, and thought to myself how fascinating it would be visit a place like this as a complete stranger.

Of course as a Punjabi and a Sikh, capturing the Golden Temple is a must! This is the most sacred place for Sikhs around the world and India. On average it takes about an hour to enter the temple and you get about 5 seconds to take it all in before you are pushed out the other door. But it is the experience that counts! I think I will do a separate post just on the Golden Temple.

Top half of the temple is adorned with actual 22ct Gold, and it is polished routinely to keep it sparkling

Ah the simple life. Village kids (my hudband's nephews) running around in the lush green farms of Punjab doing what kids do best there, fly kites!

A gorgeous peacock shaped weather vane. I spotted it just before sunset

A visit to yet another Sikh Temple, on a freezing cold winter day. I love the clean lines and peaceful surroundings

(Almost) Every Sikh temple has a pond, after praying indoors, you would walk around the whole pond once whilst praying and end it by washing your hands and face as a symbol of purifying oneself. In the Summer you can also bathe in it (but no swimming..only meditation allowed)

Here I visited yet another temple near my parent's place in Punjab. I just loved the peaceful setting of this temple, surrounded by lush farms, winter fog, and Sun barely peeping through. So serene.

I think this is the magic we are missing in the western culture, we put up churches and temples wherever we find a spot (sadly I've even seen some warehouses turned into Temples!); but what we need peaceful setting where you can meditate and reflect, and not just show up for Sunday service.

Mud Hut Chic

I actually blogged about this entry a while ago in my previous blog, which is no longer updated. But this has to be my most popular post from the blog that I figured I should revisit. I stumbled upon these cool "mud houses" in India, they are so chic and stylish yet so traditional..more Indian inspiration can be found on an Indian Summer blog!

I love the rustic look of these houses, which can still be found in rural villages of India. They are still so beautifully decorated. Even though it would be unrealistic and impossible to live in something like this in Canada, but I wouldn't mind taking some rustic elements from this and recreating an Indian oasis.

I love the painted entry way, and motif over the headboard, and you don't have to ben an artist to pull this one off!

Rustic furniture against white backdrop, so simple and chic

This reminds me more of Portugal than India, but nonetheless, it is about the warm fuzzy feelings we get when we see such warm colours and blue skies, can only dream of that in these long Canadian winters.

Now this is a little more intricate, the design over the headboard is made to place small oil lamps, called Diyas, can be seen almost everywhere during the Diwali festival. But back in the day they were the only source of light, which is why special nooks were created in each room and outside each door to place the Diyas.

There is nothing minimalist about this hut, and most Indian inspired things are not. Indian decor is filled with colour, texture, carvings, embroidery, you name it. But you can pick one or two things and incorporate into you home.

TRAVEL DIARIES: DELHI, INDIA

A while back I visited Delhi with my husband. He had been before but it was my first time, and it did not disappoint.The clear blue skies, the cool winter sunshine, a real photographer's dream! Delhi is a mix of old and new, hence even the name change to New Delhi. But old Delhi is where it's at! The beautiful monuments dating back to the Mughal Empire, some of them are now declared UNESCO world heritage sites.