Home Sweet Home

I have said this before that homes are like a summary of experiences. For me my home reflects where I come from, my personal taste and my travels. While we shop and stores, buy pretty things and decorate our homes......what makes it unique is how we present it! 

When you bring in something that is yours, be it a family heirloom, or something with a story to share...... you are giving your home its own unique character. I have just realized that my home is filled with quirky things, which may not be of any value to anyone but mean the world to me! I use a lot of my own photographs from my travels and hang it around the house, I collect vintage style maps, I have sea shells from my trips to the beach in a jar, I  a collection of postcards that my Dad sent me when I was little on a wall. I could go on and on.......but you get the drift :)



So don't be afraid to  be different, live your life and your experiences through your decor. You will be surprised how much fun it can be :) What are some of the fun and interesting things you have in your home that are uniquely you......I would love to know?



Sharing a nook from my home!

Image: My Home a subject to copyright!

365 days in the United States of America.

Today we complete a year in this country.
Words. Many.
Four Seasons in that order: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.
Maple, Oak, Crabapple, Black Ash, Acorns, Birch.
Bunnies, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Deer.
Leaves. Leaves, Leaves.
Cartons, 40' Container, Furniture, House, Home.
Apple Cider, Pumpkins, Candy Corns, Costumes, Squash, Turkey.
Halloween, Thanksgiving.
State Fairs, Garage Sales, Thrift Stores, Antiques.
Cheese Curds, Choco Chip Cookies, Hot dogs, Food on a stick.
Stop, Right of way, Merge, Freeway, Left hand Drive.
Gallons, Pounds, Ounces.
Coupons, Coupons. Coupons.
Kale, Chard, Collards, Cilantro.
Duvet, Sham, Comforter, Twin, King, Queen.
Blue Jay, Chickadee, Robins, Ravens, Cardinals.
Snow, Sleet, Wintery Mix, Frost.
Skid, Slip, Glide, Slide, Hydroplaning.
Snowmen, Sledging, Snow-pants, Mittens, Fleece, Down, Boots.
Pine, Spruce, Cedar.
Christmas: Fairy lights, Wreath, Reindeers, Carols, Egg Nog.
Snow, Snow, Snow.
Home Depot, DIY.
Road trips, Day trips.
Sonic, Subway, Wendy's, DQ, McDonalds.
Lunds & Byerly's, Cub, Walgreens, CVS.
Frozen Rotis, Samosa, Tikkis, Naans.
Golden Temple Atta, Swad, Nirav, Deep.
Blossoms: Cherry, Apple, Apricot.
Pink, White, Cream, Yellow, Green.
Summer Camps, Sleep overs, Playdates.
Farmer's Markets, Barbecues, Block Parties, Neighbourhood Parties, Picnics.
Pottery: Clay, Wheel, Glaze, Firing, Kiln.
Super Bowl, Base ball, Soccer.
Series, Seasons, Episodes.
Lakes, Lakes, Lakes.
Biking, Walking, Running.
Ikea, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Amazon.
Lilacs, Hydrangea, Peonies, Begonias, Lilies.
Georgia, Florida, California.
Stillwater, North Shores, Duluth.
Lake Superior, Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun.
World, US, India.
Caucasians, Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, Indians.
Obama, DOMA, Nirbhaya, Boston Marathon, Zimmerman, Prince George, Telangana.
Saavn, NPR, KS95.
Skype, Facebook.
BLR-MSP.
31July, 2012-31July, 2013.
A Lifetime.
365 Days. Words. Many...

Images many: Minnesota: A new chapter.

Ananya By My Dream Canvas

A few weeks back I had introduced my latest venture. Today the entire collection is available via The Shop At My Dream Canvas.

Please visit my Facebook page for regular updates about this collection. Ananya by My Dream Canvas is a small collection of handcrafted jewelry. These unique pieces are handcrafted in India and are a contemporary take on traditional designs. The designs are a blend of beads, semi precious stones and silver. Each piece of jewelry is one of a kind and has been exclusively designed by me and my team. 



This is part of my summer collection and available for a limited time only. 



Introducing Ananya.............to view the entire collection please click here! Please email me at anuseattle@gmail.com for prices and shipping within the United States.

Images: The Shop At My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright.

A Home In Malaga

This home in Malaga intrigues me with its display of lively eclecticism. A home in my opinion is like a summary of experiences. For me my home reflects my personal taste and my travels. 



This holiday retreat in Spain strikes a chord with me. I like the presence of color and textiles. The owner is clearly passionate about textiles.......the carpets are from Morocco, the cushions, blankets and quilts are from Asia. The suzani's and the kilims pop against the neutral canvas and makes the rooms look bright, fresh and warm!



This home has helped shake off my Monday blues. I hope it does the same for you :)

Images: via

Sunday Ramblings and a Vacation Hangover!

How have you been? I have missed you and I hope you have too :) 

I am back from a lovely family vacation. More about that later. For now, I am gearing up for an action packed week on My Dream Canvas. Today, I am enjoying a lazy Sunday and dealing with a wee bit of jet lag!

The days are glorious, the temperature is just right and the sun is shining. I could not ask for more! 

This image reminds me of my recent trip to the beach!

This would be the perfect place to enjoy a lazy Sunday with  family and friends.......YOU included :) What do you think?

Images: via

Weekend Wishes From Me To You

I hope you are having a good weekend! I am popping in to say a quick hello. I am taking a mini break and shall be back to regular blogging in a few days.




Have a great day and keep on smiling :)

Image: Taken by Me on Vacation :)

A New Passion and a New Venture :)

I am pleased to announce my latest venture. I am launching a small collection of handcrafted jewelry at the Shop At My Dream Canvas. My little boutique is a dream come true for me. I am grateful to all of you for the constant encouragement and support. 



While the Shop at MDC features home accessories, this summer I am happy to branch out into jewelry as well. This is a preview of the jewelry collection coming up soon. Each piece of jewelry is one of a kind and has been exclusively designed by me and my team. These unique pieces are handcrafted in India and are a contemporary take on traditional designs. The designs are a blend of beads, semi precious stones and silver.



Do join my Facebook page for constant updates about the collection. Please email me at anuseattle@gmail.com for prices and further details.



I look forward to hearing from you :)

Images: Copyright : Shop At My Dream Canvas

Sensitive Creations

I heard from fellow blogger and reader Sharkara who has recently launched her Etsy store featuring hand painted Madhubani cushions and wristlets. Her store is a space to watch out for. Sharkara is extremely talented and these are the first few cushions available for sale via Etsy.

Do visit her blog and her store for more details.



Good luck Sharkara!

Image : Copyright Sensitive Creations

Summer at My Dream Canvas

I saw this first image and sighed!! Surely, dreams are made of these! At least in my opinion :) I would love to go on a long journey by train and if its in style then why not :) A train journey filled with lazy days, books and the pretty countryside passing by my window! I don't really have a destination in mind, the journey itself sounds so exciting :)



Yes, I love to daydream :)

What would summer be without a pretty hammock :)

I am working on the Summer 2013 collection for The Shop At My Dream Canvas. There is some good news for those who have been waiting. The large white metal vases are back in stock for a limited time. Contact me for prices and shipping details within the United States.

Image 1 and 2 : via, Image 3 : The Shop At My Dream Canvas.

The Shop At My Dream Canvas Summer Collection

I am excited to share the Summer 2013 collection from the Shop At My Dream Canvas. These beauties have been carefully selected by me and my Mom :) I am still in the process of taking pictures but here is a preview of some of the items.



These items are available in limited qualities to maintain exclusivity.

Handcrafted in India, these intricately carved white metal items have been handpicked by me for your home. Please email me at anuseattle@gmail.com for prices, dimensions, and shipping costs within the United States. We accept payment via Paypal. 



Have a great week!

Images: Copyright Shop At My Dream Canvas

Weekend Bliss

Hello there, Hope you are having a good weekend? Mine has been pretty good with sunshine and my parents for company :) They arrived from the UK two days ago and I am in a stare of bliss :) 



Here's a picture I took on my walk a few days ago! I am working on a new summer collection for the Shop At My Dream Canvas. Stay tuned for a preview next week :)

Image: Copyright My Dream Canvas and taken by Me

Love Your Home

“To banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality.” ― John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice.

All of the design blogs out there including My Dream Canvas talk of beautiful things, pretty homes, decor, design and inspiring interiors. Yet, when I think about it, is there really a perfect formula for creating the ideal home? We all certainly try :) I think the first step in that direction is to start loving your home :) 

It is impossible to create the perfect look for every nook and cranny in your house.  However, a good way to start is by focusing on one corner at a time. Slowly as the months or days go by, you will find yourself loving your home. Houses can be built in a matter of months/years but a home evolves as the years go by. I look back at my own house and it looks very different from what it was before. There have been no dramatic or architectural changes but a few subtle changes have crept in.  Perhaps my home has grown with me :) My life is pretty busy and my most important job is raising my two kids. Therefore my home can never ever look picture perfect and yet I love it. Sometimes when there is complete disarray around me I focus on a little corner of my home, I tidy it up and make it look pretty. It calms me down and makes me happy. 

My advice to you is to take baby steps while decorating your home. Start with a corner and slowly make your way through. Bring in the accessories and palettes you enjoy and everything will come together someday!

What is the one corner in your home that you love the most? I would love to know!!

Images: My home Copyright My Dream Canvas

A Cosy Nook

There are days when you just want to curl up in the corner with a book and a cup of steaming chai. This corner would be the perfect place to do that :) I love the pillows, the light streaming in and the fresh flowers!!





How are you doing??

Image: via

My Weekend in Pictures

Hello my lovely readers!! I have a super busy week ahead. I plan to be regular with my blog posts but it will be challenging :) My in laws are visiting from India and this weekend we took them on a ferry to Whidbey island. It was a gorgeous day and here are a few pictures. I am constantly bowled over by the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest. 



Have a wonderful week!!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright

Saturday Love : A Home in Ibiza

I am completely bowled over by the homes featured in the Spanish magazine El Mueble. Every time I browse their site, I fall in love all over again :) This beautiful home in Ibiza with the striking blue accents is the perfect definition of a summer home!





These are  the perfect images to feast your eyes on and indulge in a bit of day dreaming. If I had a home by the sea.....I would be delighted to have it look like this :)




Here's wishing you a gorgeous weekend!!

Images: via

Happy July 4th

Here's wishing my fabulous readers here in the States a Happy July Fourth. My plan for today is a picnic and then watch fireworks by the lake with friends and family. 

Sending you a few flowers from my home to wish you a lovely day!

Image : Flowers at Home. Copyright My Dream Canvas

A Letter To My Readers

A big Hello from me to you :) When I started My Dream Canvas it was simply my online diary. It did start out being personal and then slowly I was encouraged to include a lot more people into this space. I am so glad I did :) I am touched when you stop by to read what I write. We all have busy lives and even the few minutes/seconds you spare for My Dream Canvas means the world to me. I know I have said these things before but what can I say you guys are special :) While it sounds like a cliche, this journey has been a learning process and I have loved every minute of it.



 For those who are new to MDC, here is a little bit about me....I am a mom of two kids, I love to travel and I love photography. I like decorating my house and enjoy the world of interior design. In this crazy world, we all enjoy a few minutes of "down time" every now and then. I am a happy gal if you find that "down time" reading My Dream Canvas and the other wonderful blogs out there. Depending on your interest there are a variety of blogs out there for each and every one of us. 



Every once in a while I question the direction that I want for My Dream Canvas. While I have a lot of plans in the pipeline, for now I am happy to see the shape its taken. There are a lot of serious issues in our lives and in the world we live in. I would like MDC to be a happy place, a stress buster for me and my readers. For me its like an online scrapbook of pretty things. A place to share and discuss what inspires me. I would love to engage my reader in this conversation. So do join in whenever you can :)



I have made the most amazing connections through My Dream Canvas and have met some wonderful people. After a crazy day, its nice to connect with some kindred spirits and read a lovely comment or two :) I have also encountered some people who are not so nice!! There are people who are insecure and competitive and this reflects in their online interaction.  My advice to such people is that you are wasting your time. Be happy with who you are and don't try so hard. You are the only one competing because most of us are certainly not :) 



I have rambled on for quite a while now so I will end soon!! The endless sunshine in my home today and the bunch of flowers make me want to sing a happy tune :)




Thank you to all of you.............hugs Anu!!

Images: My Dream Canvas. Taken by Me and subject to Copyright.

A Home In Madrid

 Good morning! I stumbled upon a delightful home in Madrid today. This home belongs to Mabel Sanz who is a designer by profession. Mabel designs the most exquisite custom hats. Her style is personal and she says that her home is an extension of herself.  I love it. Its bright, bold and beautiful and makes a statement!



Absolutely gorgeous.....don't you think??

Images: via

Fabulous Finds "Project Bly"

It is that time again to introduce you to my "Fabulous Find" for this week. My My find for this week is Project Bly , a travel, design and lifestyle website. Bly is the brainchild of Rena Thiagarajan who is based out of California. Rena is an avid traveler and her yearning for travel triggered of the plan to set up a website filled with souvenirs from different parts of the world. Dedicated to marrying travel with design, Bly shops at the world’s markets—from Bombay to Bukhara, and everywhere in between—curating collections of interesting objects, textiles, art and jewelry.







This has always been my vision for my little online boutique which I call " The Shop at My Dream Canvas" and someday I shall get there :)



Do visit Project Bly's  to view their exquisitely curated collection of goods.



Here is a sneak peek from their lookbook........



Have a Fabulous Week my lovely friends :)

Images: Project Bly and Subject to Copyright.