Handmade - a story to weave

Consumers understand responsibility:

The industry has grown manifold and with every passing decade, a new trend takes precedence. The changing trends had to witness a sea change, so a growing demand for handmade products was expected with the variety seeking consumer. The consumer is more conscious of lasting trends, engages in a lifestyle that holds a greater meaning, willing to be socially impacting and believes in the ‘eco’ sense of things for a better planet. Every decision will be backed by a story that touches hearts and knowing the origin of their purchase makes them more aware of their lives. In essence, handmade is on everyone’s minds. The beauty of this modern twist called handmade is that it does not let a past fade away and finds a way to be accepted in the modern minds.

Handed with perfection:

Handmade is a mantra that was inevitable primarily individualistic and not the answer to the masses. Quantities will be limited but the exclusivity and quality is unlimited. It is the pinnacle of creative pursuit and a means to support communities with a purpose, to preserve the culture of a fading past. Some facets are reinvented while for many it’s just a lineage passed on. With the advent of technology, social media, online platforms and platters that touch consumers, it has been simple to link artisans and these creative specialists with the right people, thereby giving rise to these concept markets – online and offline!  Given the level of work in handmade products, it usually commands a price much higher than the mass produced items, but endorsing its rarity and quality, consumers today are willing to pay the price. Most people believe, it’s their way of contributing to the makers who truly deserve it along with promoting products that are environmentally rewarding. 

Woven with class:

Though manpower intensive and demands high skills, the hand-woven industry is high demand and requires more work. The products when compared to power looms are of a unique quality. The intricacy in weave and the finish is unparalleled. So naturally the efforts will be channeled and is priced according to the scope of labor involved. Fabrics like jacquard are made through this method for creating beautiful jackets and dresses. The pure cotton used makes these products breathable, of a unique color variation with eco friendly dyes and often holds the positive energy passed on by artisans weaving them. Hand-woven silks add a sheer of brilliance and class, making the fabric rare, unmatchable and exquisite even with designers. Ensuring that the artisans are given their due, the consumer is aware that any product used must be ethically sourced and recognized with honesty.

No fixed boundaries:

Handmade has found its way in home décor with products like lamps, trays, boxes, wall hangings, linen, coasters, wall hangings, table centerpieces, artifacts, garden accessories and more, with the list being endless. This domain has also given rise to the importance of recycled products in home décor with the use of anything that doesn’t seem to be of use. So with some tweak, refurbish and decoration, innovative products are created from what would otherwise be termed as ‘waste material’. Handmade gifts are considered priceless and valuable. The fad in jewellery has gone beyond the likes of gold, silver, platinum and other metals. In the wave of handmade, consumers seem to fancy handmade thread products which are available with an abundance of colors and designs seen in jewellery, clothes and more. With hands clad in bangles, ears sporting the aura of these colors with danglers, this makes a fun fashion accessory, easy to use with a host of color changing outfits.

The future ‘hand in hand’:

This industry’s potential is in the hands of not just the seller, but the consumer too! The more we adopt, encourage and share stories, the more creative and unique will be the created products. We need to care enough, look forward to untold stories and soak in an unforgettable past to reinvent and radiate! As Amy Sedaris says, “My favorite things often have a story behind them and are usually handmade and discovered at a flee market”. So explore handmade today!

For my mother-in-law!

Day 89.. ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

'It is believed that a man who treats his woman like a princess, is born and raised in the arms of a queen'.

Having seen this philosophy come alive, I can endorse every word said here and proud to wish the queen - my mother in law - a very happy birthday, from the princess who is grateful for raising the prince in my life, with character, love and respect.

10 years later and its fascinating how some relationships don't change. She continues to be supportive, encouraging, warm, non interfering and cheerful. We have shared a decade - short enough to look forward to building lasting memories and long enough to share open heartfelt conversations with perhaps debates too and yet not be judged. She has embraced me with all my good and shortcomings, with a smile!

I still eagerly wait to bring out complain trolls about mother's in law or participate in these bash discussions online but i seem to be amongst the few with the privilege of a loving relationship so never have anything to contribute there. While it sounds like a complaint.. I am so grateful for this missed opportunity!

So on you birthday, here is wishing my mother in law whom I fondly call Mavi, with oodles of peace, happiness, cheer and good health always.

Everyday we rise and shine to see our day go by,
Something new, something true,
Learning things we never knew.
As a wife, as a mother, I see you,
With a smile, being true.
Your patience and love has been much above
With the purity of a dove.

You are my Mavi, I received the day I wed your son,
And I just want to thank you Mavi, for the things you have done.
You have given me a loving man, with whom I share a life,
You are his lovely mother and I am his lucky wife.
You would pat his head, and now I hold his hand
With love you raised a boy, then gave me my man!
Thank you, Mavi!

Happy happy birthday!
Love Deepti

Be the change!

Day 88..‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

A fantastic experience.. a true reflection of 'Be the change' and a fabulous initiative by The Ugly Indian, for their selfless and inspiring campaigns that hope to change the face of our city for a better tomorrow! Neighborhood charms rekindled with a splendid team effort of all volunteers, who chose to glamorize some unfinished creations into work of art, that will always be a joy to our eyes. The clean up drive was a drive towards radical India, that our kids deserve to be a part of!

The sea of 300 volunteers, splitting their responsibilities in different stretches, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of adults and kids, whose eyes lit up with pride on being explained about the initiative and the immense contributions they were making. They not just learnt about 'be the change' they were the change, remarking a new direction for this generation to take forward. The best part of this entire activity was that though gears were on, masks and gloves alike, the paint on clothes just seemed like the best kind of souvenirs to take back. With a schedule spread across the entire day, volunteers shuffled for either part of the initiative or stayed on right through. The flexibility for folks with prior engagements, was a boon to not miss being a part of such a noble and fun cause.

We were told 22 pillars, 300 volunteers and 1 garden on Hennur - ORR... was the final tally that remarked this campaign, lauded by Amitabh Bachan and NDTV. Politics had to make their presence felt but in the name of team work, everyone was welcome. So was this the first and last - definitely not! Communities are powerful and this community has shown that power. To moments that influence, radiate, create, cheer and cherish!

The Frozen gala!

Day 87..#100daysofhappiness #100happydays

Our annual gala that combines laughter, celebration, madness, innocence and joys of a fading past. 

My feet are numb and am exhausted... but can still rejoice about how our guests made Tamara and Tanaaya s birthday such a fabulous and memorable celebration by being a part of our big day and blessing them with wishes, gifts and oodles of love. Thank you once again. ..

The dates are apart but the plan was to have one party for both with all their friends and family. Mid year we resume the celebration at an orphanage or old age home. As a parent I am keen to instil these values so by combining we are able to achieve this without the kids missing out on themes that make their dreams.

Month long planning on the Frozen theme   ... The effort was worth every smile on all the guests faces who cheered the ocassion. The long list of guests... 130 in all, the invite, décor. . Simple yet thematic, activities that engage not just the kids but adults too, the cake planning, the return gifts containing natural handcrafted shaped soaps with lip balms, the Elsa and Anna outfits for the birthday girls, food and more. The planning for a month wraps up in a couple of hours, making us wanting more..a year later, we can recreate the same magic with a different story and hopefully more novelty every time!

It was thrilling, fun and every step was a novel learning experience. It was a Frozen picnic and all the guests were thrilled with the beauty in open spaces.
Thank you Sugar Whisk for the cakes, Rentsher for the fun play area, North wind Caterers for the delicious food, Aditya.. Our ever entertaining MC and the team at Cavalry Cottage for putting together every element of this party. This was truly  memorable way to begin 2016.

On this day I could meet and greet, laugh, hug, care, rejoice, sing, play and feel blessed for being surrounded by folks who make the hearts of both the girls smile in joy. Much love and gratitude

My daddy strongest!

Day 86..‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬
My daddy strongest! Happy happy birthday to a dad who lived to love and cheer, who worked tirelessly and slept only to build new dreams, who believed in hospitality that lasts, who felt the extra mile too was never enough for someone he cared about and whose heart fondly believed that bread and egg was the greatest discovery for mankind!

In more ways every day I hope to instil the values and beliefs which you taught me.. with my children. I always wish that you would be here to be the maternal granded my kids deserve and then I look at mum and realise what a phenomenal job she does in being a dad, mum, brother, grandad, grandmum and mum in law. So many relationships, on one shoulder, with an uncomplaining smile, loving heart and hands that only help...and most of all my best friend. So while you will always be missed I get to learn about you and have my best conversations about you with the person who knows you and loves you with all honesty. That makes memories so cherishable. We have come a long way riding on memories, tears, laughter and emotions that even facebook cannot justify but am happy we have come out stronger, independent and sure individuals who know how to miss and cherish without complaining and expectation. We love you Daddy! Am sure Anna makes your birthday really grand too!... Nimmi Belliappa let the celebrations begin!

Recollecting day 38 from last year!

Can you imagine gifting someone a dozen eggs on their birthday? Don’t be surprised as I had done just that and to my surprise the reaction was fabulous. It was for my dad, whose birthday it is today. He would have been 67 years today, an age I somehow find it hard to imagine. Most folks used to feel that I used to look exactly like him, though I always wanted to look like Mum. Today everyone says I look like a replica of Mum and I secretly wish that I have atleast my Dad’s personality to keep with me. My post today should ideally be a free flow, but I still struggle. Not because it’s an effort to talk about my dad, but because in my attempt to capture all his greatness, I do feel challenged. He is our dad, loved husband, a forever friend and the rock of the extended family. With him we have earned so much in life and after him lost as well in the form of relationships, but we have understood, what has stayed with us, is his legacy and only the best.

For me, when I look back, I will not claim that he was my hero or my idol. I say this not in pessimism, but because we were so alike. His endurance, ability to work tirelessly and be diligent even under tremendous pressure, encourages me to surprise life itself. He seldom smiled but when he did, he could radiate the room with his bundle of energy, quick wit and charm that stayed alive in the memories of men and women. His athletic competence was commendable and always gave a boost to any sportsmanship I attempted to pursue. An army man, so fitting I would say that his transition to the business of security almost seemed seamless. His willingness to help and generosity is something I am yet to master. His parental instinct defined by a set of rules, often made our journey mutually enriching, as he learnt new aspects of parenting as we grew and we were grounded with values and guidelines that he introduced us to. I am positive that a lot of balance in outlook was a result of my mum’s larger views of the world, which enabled him to gradually understand the openness in our society. In my opinion, it was commendable to show willingness to new ideas and change at any stage in life. A character so rare and hard to find in anyone else I know.

I can never forget my 18th birthday at a club with 100 friends (yes 100 friends). His shock, alertness was beyond our understanding, as he had to first digest my not so modest outfit followed by the cheer and wishes surrounded by so many boys and girls. Having said that, he was a disciplinarian and always believed, that being a father is a parental role and not about being friends. While I learnt the aspect of discipline from him, I do believe that as parents we can be best friends to our kids. It’s probably a different ideology but am happy I can blend my ideas with the ones he has instilled in me. At the stage when children become friends with parents, I got my best friend in my mum, whose role was double tasked to play both our mum and dad.

Looking back and thinking of him, I am blessed for being his daughter and having known him for 18 years of my life. For some it may not seem long enough, but for me to have just known him and to always remember him for being there during the most important years of my life, makes our relationship perfect. So here’s wishing the first and most handsome man in my life a very happy birthday and look forward to having him in my journey of life always..Nimmi Belliappa

Beginning the fabulous 10 - a decade gone by

Day 85.. ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬
Celebrating togetherness for 10 years.. An engagement anniversary to flag off our big 10 Arya Ganapathy. Thank you for being you!

19.11.2005 – Charmed and blushed on our first meet,
07.01.2006 – Sealed the deal with a promising glitter beat.
04.06.2006 – Vows exchanged, celebrated and I added a new name,
Ten years later, let the celebrations always be the same.

A decade has passed, a lifetime to go
Looking forward to memories that will follow!
Celebrations I love, memories to make,
January to June will be our big take.

Holding your hand, new promises to share
A family now, we are more than a pair.
Together we can, cruise this life,
Am speaking for both, when I say, it’s a joy to be husband and wife.

Engagement anniversaries are hardly spoken about,
But when its 10, you have to give it a shout.
Something meaningful, something fun to do,
I know we will make this year, heartfelt and true!

Any time friends!

Day 84.. # 100happydays # 100daysofhappiness

A new year has begun.. With new friendships too. It is long enough to write more than a line of birthday wishes and short enough to cherish moments that matter.

We have a birthday today and this tribute is my small thank you for reminding me that friendships and bonds can begin anytime and last a lifetime.

We don't have a history to fall back on, we don't have our childhood, school or college together. We have had very different lives and lived in close proximity only by distance and not by bonding. We are neighbours to many but friends to few. Our coffee chats, walks have given us long conversations, comfort in honesty, ear to listen, shoulder to lean on and the heart to always cheer in hearty laughter.

The birthday girl is Thoshi.. charming and soft, smiles in modesty and laughs in joy. She hails from Coorg and knows that her heart always resides there. She builds relationships with much honesty and genuineness that her effort is hard to overlook. She gifts in generosity and adores with little gestures of kindness. Experiments in the kitchen as she hosts guests in large numbers.. always turns out remarkable.. The true Coorg hospitality which is unbeatable and unlike any other. So you can be sure.. The soup will be your comfort food on sick days, the yummy exotic dishes will be the flavor of parties or just to perk your spirit with the perfect coffee. She has been the queen of the skies as she hosted on flights in India and abroad. She will dress your garden in passion and zeal with their garden brand.. The Green Essence or add that glamor to your diva look on your wedding day as she perfects every shade of your bridal makeup. Sure enough, a ladies night out and she dresses with utmost care ... coordinated, stylish and charming. Her love for shoes and handbags is noteworthy.

She is a loving daughter who values parents, obliging daughter in law, a doting wife, affectionate mother to Lil nirvaan whose eyes twinkle in naughtiness, a dependable friend and sincere to every relationship she embarks on. She understands the value of our traditions, culture and the importance of right upbringing in this gender skewed society. She has aspirations that keep her driven.

So today on your birthday here is wishing you a lifetime of happiness .. With every reason to smile, care, share, be honest, love and be loved. Happy birthday Thoshi. Cheers to our many conversations, dreams and journeys that matter. May we explore new horizons in our aspirations, hopes and destinations. Take care.

Today there were cakes and more cakes, surprises, celebrations, cheer and heartfelt wishes from family, friends and of course the The Harmony Homes champs.. All hoping to perfect your day. So bless you with many such birthdays.

5 years and counting!

Tanaaya - All of 5 today..yet she is still our baby!

Clear to speak as is her thoughts, open direct responses, loves with all her heart, quick to decide, bold with dance, singing and some drama, asks questions that has us perplexed and happy to share especially with Tamara. She is confident and caring, evaluates every situation and will not accept everyone blindly. Her energy, games and ideas in role play balance between what both boys and girls would like, so her friends are a fun mixed group. She can be a leader and follower all in a passing moment. She is cautious and will not get excited by activities with tremendous adventure. She is unlike a lot of 5 year old's! Her humor is amusing to anyone in the room. A bundle of energy in familiar surrounding and a calm, gentle quiet child in a formal scenario - she is both sides of a coin!

She is our New Year blessing since 2011 and continues to sparkle in our home! Our New Year's cant get more festive, I hope yours is too!

More bubbles for you and me - Welcome 2016!

Day 83.. ‪#‎100daysofhappiness‬ ‪#‎100happydays‬

The last I wrote was on Children’s day and realized my Christmas fiesta had landed me in such an extended silence. While I continue to soak in my 20 point philosophy related to my kids from my earlier post, here is something for you to ponder over, as we say goodbye to 2015 and hello 2016!

The year that went by was like a simple act of blowing bubbles. The joy in seeing, a bubble fly high is hard to describe, even for someone like me in my mid 30’s, where innocent pleasures are hardly bound by age. As you blow, each bubble will vary in size just like our dreams, achievements and sadness. You want it to go higher, but at some point it stops and just bursts. Do we cry over a burst bubble? Then why brood over what has gone past us? Just like these bubbles, our dreams and aspirations would have been many but not necessary all will come true and remain long lasting. They will fly around, while we try our might to catch them. When they settle at a point, we can either take it gently or let it splash on our eye lashes. While they are around, soak in the glory and live with the present. Tomorrow we will have new bubbles to blow! Sometimes, a bubble may not form at all, but do we stop trying?

So for me, 2015 has been a mixed bag, with so many reasons to cheer, cherish and believe with all my new learning’s. I have definitely not just grown older to the point of denial, but grown wiser, where there is no room to deny anymore. I have learnt that for everything there is a reason and that joys and sadness will be gifted to us on an equal platter – either we take it or leave it! I prefer to take both, as a little of everything is necessary. We had so many reasons to laugh, share jokes that may not have always been humorous, but we just thought smiling made more sense. We have cried many a times over losses that are unforgettable, which is fine, because these are lives we always wished we had with us. While memories have become our chariots, we do race ahead to create new ones. We have celebrated new beginnings, new lives and learnt that the beauty in life is magical only when we open our eyes! We have worked tirelessly and have realized, retirement is going to be a dream, not in the near future, but worth aspiring for. We learn every day, as children, parents, siblings and friends that our roles will keep evolving, shaping them depends on our acceptance of life.

So in this journey, as we step towards another year, I will continue to dream, blow bubbles and keep my childlike aspirations alive. I do hope to embark on hobbies that will make my heart smile. Being a parent, wife, daughter, friend, daughter in law, sister in law and more will always have my responsibilities which I will continue to evolve in, but without losing myself! I have philosophies and beliefs that will be of pivotal importance and will continue to guide my existence. While optimism is my guardian angel, reality will always be my friend. I will make many mistakes in all my roles, but have no regrets to make them. I hope to dare professionally and believe that being cautious should be packed with some risks.

In all my learning’s, you all have been my support for which I am forever grateful. Health, fitness is an area I am yet to bond intensely with, but mile by mile, it is achievable. I hope to be less of a stranger to friends that have given me more to life than I could have asked for. Travel is my joy, and I will never be sorry for always wanting more! My kids have been remarkable teachers and my reason for the heart to rejoice, so everyday I will do what is beyond me perhaps, but aim to nurture two confident and caring individuals. My mother will always be my role model – whose support, love and guidance cannot be worded. I have been fortunate to find friendship and love in this bond of marriage. We learn from each other every day and it is remarkable how we can complement one another. I will continue to value friendships that have become family, not by blood or being relatives, but just the strength of the bond! I will continue to be protective and sometimes possessive about the people who matter, and have nothing to feel sorry about. Detachment is a guided philosophy in several religious practices, but that is definitely not my mantra - I am thankful to be attached, emotional and often sensitive!

So here’s wishing you and your families a wonderful year ahead with many reasons to rejoice, create and be thankful just like mine. May the celebration be not limited to only the first day of the year, but every second of 2016. With much gratitude and love!