Happiness is...........Blogging!!!

Today it's conversation between you and me and no one else. Yes today I just want to talk to my lovely, precious readers. No design and decor today it will be about Disha (of course me)  :) So just sit back and relax. Have your cuppa and enjoy this conversation. 

I am a person who is raised in such a way that I can never sit idle even for a second. So when my kid grew little older and started doing things by his own I got some spare time on my hands and little did I know that the spare time I got will change my life forever. So once when I was searching for home decor ideas on internet in my spare time I stumbled upon some interesting design blogs and I read them all in depth. Then instinct to write my own blog was born and I started writing my own blog in October 2010  but that definitely wasn't a serious blogging that was just start, an experiment and a learning phase. I loved it totally and slowly it became a part of my life. A very important part of my life. After several changes from blog banner to themes, fonts to header & footer, side bars to tabs I was finally satisfied with the look, feel and appearance of my blog in early 2013 (yeah took a long time). Having my hands full of responsibility I always run short of time and I know blogging needs lot of time, hard work, efforts and dedication but I am slowly and steadily reaching towards it.
When I started blogging I didn't knew anything about it. It's only 'Blogging' and nothing else that has taught me how to blog. Though my writing skills and way of blogging has changed a lot during this journey but the intention to write a blog is still the same. You can read my first post here and you will know what I mean.

 I was passionate about art, craft, and decor so I just shared everything that I knew. There were days when I waited patiently for readers to come on my blog, read my post and leave a word or two.......it didn't happen so soon!! But I kept writing because I find it interesting and I loved it. For me sharing is caring and slowly you all started visiting me and encouraging me :)))) Happpy me!! In my blogging journey I came across so many wonderful, like minded and talented people. My fellow bloggers, fans, followers and readers always encouraged me. All of you brought the best out of me and thanks to each and everyone of you for that.
I featured so many inspiring artists and blogger on my blog and not to mention l learnt a lot from them. My posts about different Indian art forms are loved by one and all. You all gave so much love to my 'Do It Yourself' projects and 'Artwork' and appreciated my efforts. Many of you contacted me and told me how my blog has inspired you to do something and yes I featured your inspiring work in 'Fan Of The Week' series in my blog.

I was not aware that one can make money through blogging. I was Stay At Home Mother (SAHM) and blogging has transformed me into a Working At Home Mother (WAHM). Now I make money (Dollars, Euros, Rupees and many more currencies) online while sitting in the comfort of my home and taking good care of my child. I have rediscovered myself. I am doing what I love to do and I am enjoying every bit of it. An year ago Dell approached me to write my story about my passion on their microsite and they published it. If you haven't read it earlier click here to read. I got overwhelming responses from all of you for everything I did here. Thank you....thank you so much for always being there for me. 

Do you have some dream then don't just dream about it. Put some efforts, get that spark and I am sure you will be able to live your dream. Do what you love or just start loving whatever you do. 

If you also have some life changing experiences then please share with me here in comment section I would love to hear from you.........I am all ears!!!

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Stairwell Reveal

I FINALLY did it!



Can you tell what it is?


I am generally not a procrastinator, but I certainly was dragging my feet on...


 painting the railing. 



It had an oak rail, newel posts and partial oak tread.





However, we put in beautiful walnut flooring in the two opposing rooms, the living room and the study...


This hardwood flooring did not coordinate well with the oak railing.  It

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Colour canvases of Mexico...

True to it's name Rang Decor presents the colours of Mexico;-)
If walls could be art, Mexico is a museum! A visual post follows.

(Images by Arch shot in Puebla and San Miguel de Allende and are copyrighted)

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Share the LoVe!

Be My Valentine! This photo card was sent free for purchasing onlineWELCOME, in individual photo framed letters taken of architectural elements from buildings, for a client. I dug this out of my 'stuff' and finally framed it. Wrapped with red and white cord and a key to my heart!




I left my Christmas tree up with my hand painted vintage jello molds to enjoy longer by placing red heart

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Decor Ideas For Living Room

Your home reflects your personality and living room plays a key role in reflecting your lifestyle. There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. Here are few tips that can transform your living room into a comfortable, functional & pleasing abode.

The first thing before decorating a living room is to know about how many purposes the room will going to serve like TV room, drawing room , family room or may be all these. Then choose the stuff according to its purpose. 

Next you should place all the furniture in a way that it should look uncluttered, spacious and most importantly functional. If you are living in a small apartment then multipurpose and small furniture is always a best option to give your living room a spacious look. Sofa is the main furniture and plays an important role in overall look of the place. Choose it wisely according to the space available, theme of the living room and color of the walls. It should be comfortable and gorgeous as well to beautify the space. Put some throw pillows to perk up the place and to add some color. Center table comes next and can be very appealing if accessorized properly. Don't over accessorize it.

Image Credit: Click Here

An indoor plant in eye catching planter or a vase filled with some fresh flowers, few candles or may be some pebbles or shells all kept in a tray and some good books these are the accessories that work well with any kind of theme.

Image Credit: Click Here

Wall color should be light for your room to look spacious and bright. Though you can create a focal point by painting one wall in dark color with texture on it or stenciled wall or a wallpaper according to your room's theme can do wonder. Putting up a collage of family pictures that oftentimes called picture gallery wall is always a best choice to give your room a personal touch. You can choose a big canvas painting also to give your place a traditional feel. A big mirror or collection of mirrors displayed on wall not only looks pleasing but also makes your room look bigger and brighter.

Image Credit: Click Here

Curtains, rugs and carpets create a complete look of any living room. All these furnishings should be color coordinated and blend well with rest of the decor.
Lighting plays an important role in creating a warm ambiance. Where chandelier can make your room look classy and traditional, spotlights and floor lamps give it a contemporary look. Table lamps placed on either side of the sofa looks pleasing and create warm and welcoming feel.

Image Credit: Click Here

Just keep these few things in mind and you can surely transform your place in no time.In case you missed reading post about Foyer Decorating then click here to read.
Happy Decorating!!

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Talavera Pottery, Puebla | Mexico.

While planning our trip to Mexico, Puebla was a destination that had to be part of our itinerary as this is where the famous Talavera Mexican Pottery originated.

As we walked the streets of Puebla, it was evident that Talavera was used extensively in the exteriors of heritage buildings. The creamy White background and the Indigo blue are characteristic Talavera but other colours are also widely used.

The wall of heritage building with Talavera and brick. What a stunning contrast!

Vintage Talavera Tiles…

The street numbers and names in Talavera.

Beautiful patterns and designs adorned the outer walls...

The exteriors of building with Talavera tiles used in various styles…

The Mexican post office...

So we headed to Uriarte Talavera to find out more about the history and the process of making these tiles.

Uriarte Talavera was founded in 1824 by Dimas Uriarte. It is the largest exporter of Talavera in Latin America and also a place which attracts skilled artisans from the region.

The entrance of Uriarte Talavera…

Talavera is a type of Majolica pottery that was brought to Mexico by the Spanish. Puebla soon became a hub for the production of these tiles because of the availability of fine natural clay in the region and the demand for these in the building of cathedrals and monasteries.

Talavera pottery reached it's golden period in the mid 17th Century but has struggled since the Mexican war of Independence in the 19th Century with fewer workshops. 

Efforts by collectors and artists has revived the tradition and now Puebla has a a extensive collection of Talavera pottery.

A huge Christmas tree with Talavera ornaments:-)

Further efforts have been made to preserve and promote the craft with the introduction of new decorative designs and the passage of the Denominación de Origen de la Talavera law to protect authentic, Talavera pieces made with the original, 16th century methods.

Uriarte Talavera is part of the Certification Board and is working with the Talavera Regulating Council AC. 

Tile work at the Uriarte Talavera…

The Virgin of Guadalupe tiles...

A display of the various stages of the Talavera Pottery….

All pieces are hand-thrown on a potter's wheel. The glazes contain tin and lead, as they have since colonial times.  There are only six permitted colors: blue, yellow, black, green, orange and mauve, and these colors must be made from natural pigments. The painted designs have a blurred appearance as they fuse slightly into the glaze. The base, the part that touches the table, is not glazed but exposes the terra cotta underneath. 

An inscription is required on the bottom that contains the following information: the logo of the manufacturer, the initials of the artist and the location of the manufacturer in Puebla.

Click here to see a video clip about the process of making Talavera Pottery.

The various designs available…

Talavera Tableware...

Galeria  Talavera Armando… Another beautiful store.

A wide variety of designs...

Hope you enjoyed the post as much as I loved re-living our memorable trip to Puebla. 

Have a great day, while I sip my Talavera mug of Ginger Tea on this cold Minnesotan winter afternoon!

( Images by Arch and are copyrighted. References Uriarte Talavera, Wikipedia)

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