Mind of an orchid

Weird title for a Monday morning post? Not really, if you are from Bangalore, like I am, these two words actually make sense. How else would we find our way around our wonderful city? And also this happens to be the title of a fantastic photoblog that I stumbled on to a while back. The blogger has managed to showcase Bangalore in a unique light with his extraordinary pictures. Now, home is just a few mouse clicks away. I can visit the many mains and crosses (streets, actually) of Bangalore via his blog. Every time I am at his (?) blog I find myself in familiar territory yet I find it new and amazing because his perspective is unique. His take on the city that I call home is so unique. Some pictures actually made me smile. And you would appreciate many of the pictures even if you are not from Bangalore, because in reality he has also captured the true essence of India - the people, the culture, the life! What a fantastic collection of everyday sights. And if you are from Bangalore, going home was never so easy! So, enjoy.
And spring break ended well with a small spring break party for a few kids and poker night for the adults! Also, watched Gran Torino this week, finally and what can I say, yet another Clint Eastwood masterpiece!
Ciao!

The dogs were a lot of fun and I will let Li'L A explain...........

Ah, spring is in the air! And, what better than the smell of a clean home - your 5 1/2 yr old pitching in to clean as well. That's right! Who says boredom can't be a good thing? Day-2 of spring break and Li'l A decidedly announced he is bored. After turning down many a suggestion, he surprised me with a grand declaration. " I think I am going to clean my room, mommy" No, it wasn't me hallucinating he had actually said the words! And an hour later, I was greeted by the sweetest li'l spring surprise, ever! His room was indeed clean and sparkling clean at that! Sorry, no pictures. I dont know how he managed to do it , I guess there is always a first time but things were lined up, drawers were shut all the way through, the bed was actually visible(!!), the writing table had paper, pen and markers (only), the floor, yes, the floor (didn't even realise the room had one) - I could see it!! and not to mention , that we actually managed to walk to the other end of the room unhurt! And, that's why I decided to spread the joy around. Share some spring cheer. Have a happy spring folks. Who knows, what just happened here might happen at your home as well. And the cleaning ? it's 2 hrs since and he's still at it...vaccuming the family room now. If only I could teach him to make chai now, life would be perfect, what say??

Rang means color in Hindi. This being March, Indians all over celebrate Holi, the festival of colors. I love color. I enjoy being surrounded by bright colorful pieces - be it in home decor or in fashionable accessories. Color brings me joy and thankfully Uj does not mind the rather generous use of color in my life! And of course, if there was a land of color, the title would truly and aptly belong to India. And today, I want to especially mention to this truly amazing blog Rangdecor which is essentially devoted to capturing the fine and unique elements of Indian decor in all its colorful glory. I salute you Archana! And with this, my journey to find a good Indian decor blog ends. The pictures are mesmerizing and the beauty of Indian design keeps you surfing through the endless blog posts for hours! Rangdecor is simply awesome!

We at the Orchid household will be sitting Tina and Tiger this weekend while my friends take off for a camping trip to the Big Bend. Remember, a while back I wrote about how the boys have been making serious plans to bring home a dog?? Well, it's sort of been like the Obamas' plan for a puppy, yet to happen. And being entirely clueless around dogs, I decided I wouldn't mind a trial run at this before I actually committed to bringing home one of our own. Let's just say after having Li'l A I've become wiser! And so, we offered, plans were made and I am waiting the arrival of two little dogs. Of course, Li'l A is all excited and it is spring break too, so he has much to look forward to. Although, I must admit I am a wee bit anxious. And this weather!! It was bright and sunny last week and now it's been raining incessantly for the past 48 hrs and it wouldn't be much fun being holed up at home with a 5 1/2 yr old and 2 dogs, would it?
Have a good weekend, while we look forward to our weekend with our canine friends!

There's something about - a cool spring breeze , the sounds of children playing outside, a slice of the perfect gajar halwa, the excitement of an upcoming vacation, a 40 minute workout. The bummer - a brewing sinus infection. Oh well, life's like that!

If I were paid a penny for every minute I browsed, I would be ..........., alas! Anyhoo, let me share a couple of great design blogs- atleast, they are personal favorites and if you enjoy beautiful things like I do, then this is an awesome treat! Have fun folks and will see you back on Monday!

Check out this and this

Be inspired, get creative. Ciao!

The leader of the free world is an everyday ordinary man, after all and there's something reassuring about that!
Read this for more!

image via CNN

Hey, thank you! I am surprised , so many of you came back and left a note. It means much!
And as for me, I sinned! Y'day, in the little time I had, instead of doing the rounds on the blog circuit, like I said I would...I watched 2008 Filmfare awards on Youtube!! I told you I sinned!! Gawd, could I engage in anything more frivolous?? Also, on a rare monday night movie date with the husband, I saw the 2006 foreign language academy winner Das Lieben Der Anderen (The lives of Others) and I say, watch it! Started off slow but picked up pace nicely and soon enough.
The next few posts will sound very much like this and the last- random mumblings, I don't think I have any real message, I just figured I'll keep it this way.
I am on the hunt for a perfect nude lipstick , anyone have any suggestions and it has to be cheap remember, I am not spending 25 bucks on a Dior sheer rose, not in these times, anyway! And oh, it has to suit my asian lips...Aishwarya beige from L'oreal is beige and not nude, if you know what I mean.
A post on Li'L A is due, isn't it? Happy Tuesday all!