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

A visit to an Antique store

As much as I would like to, I haven't had a chance to visit many antique stores.

However, on my recent trip to India, I had the pleasure to visit an antique store in Rajasthan, in the outskirts of the city of Jaipur. It wasn't any known place but my aunt had found it just by accident- almost like finding treasure:)

I was as excited to go as a little girl going to Disneyland.

The store housed a myriad of beautiful pieces, from lanterns to jharokhas, from old clocks to brass handis, from wooden blocks to carved furniture, and much, much more. I not only feasted my eyes but brought quite a few beauties home with me:)

I was a happy, happy gal!

Here are a few shots from my camera....while I strolled through the alleys of the three storied shop.

Images: Clicked by me