The story behind shopAraish- Part 1

Hello peeps!!! How have you been?

I'm back!!! .....and a lot has been going on, all this time while I was AWOL. Researching, curating, creating, photographing and marketing my products for my etsy shop is almost a full time job. And doing all this with another full time job plus managing a household with two kids...ahhhhh...can you imagine????

But it has been an exciting experience, so I'm not complaining. 

Today seems like a good day to share the story behind shopAraish with you, my readers- on how it all started, and what's going on now. Because it was exactly a year ago when the idea for this shop was born. As I'm sitting down to write, I'm going to share with you all the details. It's going to be a rather long post.....So....please sit down, with a cuppa coffee (or tea), relax....and read along.....

Born and brought up in India, I've been in the US for more than 11 years now. In all this time, my fascination for India- its culture, the history, the textiles and crafts from different states- has only grown. Each visit there, and I come back more enriched. I bring back more....A month or so later, I'm craving to go back and shop again:) Yes, that's me!

It all started while I was visiting India last spring. Delhi is my usual stop, but this time I had the fortune to stay in Jaipur for a month. A city I truly love for its culture, beautiful architecture and a multitude of crafts. 

A glimpse of Jaipur- carved arches at the City Palace!

Being an avid fan of block printing and wood blocks, I made a few trips to Sanganer- the mecca for hand block printing (details coming up in part 2). Jaipur is also well known for the finest jewelry makers in the country. And so, exploring the jewelry market was on the top of my list. I scouted the narrow 'galis' of Jaipur's Johri bazaar in search of the most unique finds. 

One April afternoon, I stumbled upon this tiny little shop tucked away in a narrow alley. As I entered, under the glass counter, I saw neatly lined steel bowls heaped with a variety of the most eye catching beads. These bright colored beads were made using traditional jewelry making techniques such as Meenakari, Jadau and Pachhi work. As I admired these beauties in the palm of my hand, I knew I had to bring them home with me. That's when the idea for an etsy store popped up in my head. 

The more I thought about it, the more exciting it was. What better reason to shop for these gorgeous finds than to create jewelry out of these and sell them in my own shop. If it was only for myself, how much could I shop. 

First step was to pick out the best beads and make my designs with them. Next steps.....deciding a name for the shop, lining of products, understanding how etsy works- in short, a lot of work. It all happened, but slowly. 

I started the shop in August last year, and since then we (me and the shop) have come a long way (I think!). To begin with, I started with jewelry (earrings!). I have recently added a home decor section to the shop. More details coming soon....stay tuned for part 2!

Images: Mine and subject to copyright. 

Happy New Year!

Wishing all of you a very happy, healthy, successful, cheerful and joyous 2014!!!

Image: Mine. Please do not copy.

Saying goodbye to 2013

Is it really the last day of 2013? Its so hard to believe that the year has come to an end. Where did this year go...? 

Reflecting back at the year..... it has been an eventful year for me for many reasons....but most importantly for one- for a new beginning- My Etsy shop 'shopAraish'. This venture had been in the making for years....only in my mind. With a great load of effort behind the scenes, it finally came to life in the second half of 2013. I'm immensely grateful to God for making this happen...and to all of my family- here at home and also back in India-for their huge support. 

My daughter was born in 2012, but as she grew up, 2013 saw my family transition from a family of three to a family of four in the true sense....and that, to me, has been a real joy.

As I was taking a break from my work this year, I took a long vacation in India and spent some quality time with my family there. I'm so glad I was able to do it. 

I have a lot to be grateful for in 2013....and I hope that 2014 is even better...for me and for all of you! 

Here's to a fabulous 2014!

My musings and an etsy find

Hello everyone! How have you been?

Are you busy gearing up for the holidays? I know... I am. My to do list has a ton of things....a bit more than I can handle.

As one moves from one stage of life to the next, chores and to dos just keep adding to your daily routine....kids activities and school, personal  as well as professional commitments, household responsibilities.....an ever growing task list. My son is 4 and my daughter is just a little over one year old. Life was super busy when I had just one kid....and now there are two. I think we are capable of more than what we give ourselves credit for.......
With two kids, my life is whirlwind of activities. I try to squeeze in so many things in a day, and it makes me stress out. At such times, I tell myself to take a deep breath, and only focus on one thing a few things at a time. 
As my friends (already on to the next stage;)) tell me, it only gets busier.....aaahhhh.....how will I do it all? Well, we will see....I think I'll be more capable by then:) What say??

Well, well.... For now, I wanted to share with you these gorgeous Moroccan lanterns available on etsy in all possible colors and designs. The beautifully done henna like patterns are very attractive and I can't stop browsing through the entire collection. These would be wonderful as part of your holiday decor. Available at LIT decor on Etsy

All Images: LIT decor on Etsy

My Diwali in pictures

Diwali is all done,

and  now I wait for the next one!

I have no more words to say....

Only my Diwali in pictures, for you today!!   

PS: The mason jars coated with glitter is the quick DIY I mentioned in my previous post:)

Images: All mine and subject to copyright.

It's Diwali time.....

Here's wishing a  very happy and prosperous Dhanteras to all my lovely readers!

I'm all done with Halloween. Now it's time for the big celebration, that is Diwali. Traditionally, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five day long festivities for Diwali. So today, I'm ready to spruce up my home and bring in some Diwali cheer:)

I'm sharing some vignettes that I've put up at home...... 

I made these candle holders a couple of years back....read more about them here. They become a part of my Diwali decor every year. 

Back in India, come Diwali we would always go out and get the colorful paper lanterns called Kandeel. We would pick out a big one for our porch. It's one of those many childhood memories that I have of Diwali celebration at home.I do miss that here......

My orange lantern from Z gallery is what I'm using to decorate my home here:)

I did a quick Diwali DIY as my table centerpiece and I wanted to share it with you all, but....it's still not dry for me to light it up and take pictures. I will try and take pictures tonight, so I can post them tomorrow. 

Until then......Have a safe, warm, and Happy Diwali!!!

Diwali Glow and Glamour

Diwali is right around the corner.....

and I have reds, pinks, and gold on my mind as I think about dressing up my home this festive season. 

Finally, there is a nip in the air, and the weather is becoming cooler. The lit up diyas give a golden glow to my home and add warmth:) 

   Sharing some glimpses of my home from last year...... 

I love this time of the year.,...there's shopping to do....planning for a Diwali get together.....decorating for the festivities.... and to add to the mix, there's also the excitement of Halloween, especially for the kids!

I'm also busy preparing my Indian outfit and jewelry for the special occasion.....this is one day when I go all out Indian and want to wear something that is traditional as well as glamorous.  How about you?

PS: If you haven't already, do check out my etsy store shopAraish for some lovely jewelry that may add some glamour to your Diwali outfit:)

Images: All mine. My home. Please do not use without permission.

My surprise....introducing ShopAraish

Hello everyone and wish you all a very Happy Dussehra!

On this auspicious day, I am so excited to introduce you all to my very own etsy store shopAraish.

It has taken me a very long time to make this a reality and I'm seeking a lot of encouragement and good wishes from all of you here. 

'Araish' denotes beauty and decoration; and that is what shopAraish is all about- all things to beautify yourself, and to decorate your home. 

To begin with, shopAraish brings to you a few exclusive pieces of hand made jewelry, mainly earrings.  All products at shopAraish are India-inspired. They are either handmade or designed by me or both. 

This is my first step towards bringing to you a whole range of India-inspired products for you and your home. I am working on a lot of them and they will soon be in stock at the store:)

Please take a few minutes to visit the store here 

Here are a few items from shopAraish.

Have a good week!

Fall is here...

First off, a big thank you for all the comments and compliments on my last post on my Living room. I haven't been able to respond to many of you and I'd like to thank each one of you for taking the time to come here and leaving me a note:)

It's a beautiful, crisp sunny morning in my neck of the woods with just a hint of cool. It makes me feel that Fall is here.....

Here in Florida, there isn't much that reminds you of fall- it stays quite warm till the end of October and there is no change of colors of the leaves (which I truly miss). 
But.....there is the countdown to Halloween and there are pumpkins and Halloween/fall decoration outside people's homes. 

I've put up a fall vignette at my home to bring in the mood.

I love this time of the year. The festive season is around the corner and I'm eagerly awaiting Diwali. Lots of eye candy coming your way...so stay tuned:)

And....don't forget about the surprise that is yet to come...........

My Living Room

A few weeks back I had promised you a peek into my living room. It took me a while to get this post together, but finally, here I am. Some more exciting new things have kept me really busy (more on that soon...)

Without any more delay, here you go.....

I love warm tones, and that's why the orange wall in my living room is my most favorite. It was also the first thing that I did in my living room- painted the wall and added the motifs (read more about it here). 

The ethnic influence and my love for all things Indian are more that evident in my living room and all over my home. 

The vintage tapestry on the wall was bought from Rajasthan, India; and hung on a bamboo.   

The coffee table always has a few of my favorite things on display....along with some books.  

Over the years, I have grown my mask collection enough to display it on one of the walls. The masks are mostly from my travels. 

The Kantha poufs, the Suzani pillows, the block printed floor pillows, custom made coffee table, the Moroccan hanging lamp, the rug....all of these are my prized possessions. 

  Looking at this room come together makes me very happy. 

I hope you liked it too!

Coming soon....a surprise to share:) 

Watch this space!!!

All images: My Home. Taken by me and subject to copyright. Please do not use without permission. 

While I'm working on something interesting to share......

Here's a picture of a room that I pinned on my Pinterest board today. The colors are my favorite, I love the rug, the pillows, the table, the succulents...just about everything about it. 

What do you think?

My own living room has gone through a lot of changes in the past year and I'm working on sharing some pictures of it with you. There's still a lot to be done, but I think its in a good shape now. 

I like looking at it and I hope you will too.....:)

Stay tuned!

My Dear Blog.....I missed you!

A comment on my last post made me really think.......

Most often, there are two reasons why people stop blogging, one that they go through a phase where they don't know what to write about; and second, they are too busy with their lives to find the time to give to their blog. For me it was both, in the beginning, the first one and then the second.

Now....I feel like I have all the reasons to rediscover my blog.

An update from my personal life- which I'd like to share- because I consider my blog as also my journal. Last year I had a baby girl. My bundle of joy is now 8 months old :)....and keeping me really really busy;)

My coffee table

I have truly missed being here all this time, and I hope to back soon....real soon this time:). Stay tuned!

Picture: taken by me at home

Hey......anybody there????

I know I've been gone for a long, long time. Totally disappeared on you....just V.A.N.I.S.H.E.D. 
And........that isn't good at all, I know. But......for a good reason, which I will let you in soon, I promise. For now, I'm here as I couldn't resist popping in to share some Diwali sparkle. 
If you know me.....you know how excited I get about Diwali and where ever I am, I do my best to make it very special. This year is no different. The lights outside are already up and I have been busy putting together a few vignettes for lighting up my home:) 

Here are some from last year (might have shared them on the blog before, but who doesn't like to look at pretty pictures).......will be back soon to share more pictures from this year.  

Wishing you all a very joyous, bright, and safe DIWALI!!!
May the glow of the diyas brighten your life and bring you success and prosperity!

My Travel Diary: San Juan, Puerto Rico

I love to travel and when it comes to travelling to a place rich in history and art, the excitement is all the more. 

This summer, we took a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico and I must say, the place is a gem of a vacation destination. I did not know what to expect when I landed here. But... it had soooo much to offer.....

natural beauty, old colonial architecture, beautiful arts and crafts....what more can one ask for from a vacation spot. 

San Juan is the oldest city on US territory.  The city has a Spanish based culture mixed in with African traditions. 

The cobbled streets of old San Juan, lined with brightly colored Spanish townhouses with wrought iron doors and windows; centuries-old forts with  impressive architecture; spectacular 

views of the ocean; lots of galleries with local modern art....all of these made my travel experience truly unique and memorable. I hope I can go back there someday. 

Here are a few snapshots from my trip. 

Images: All mine