tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9532612962794470242024-03-13T11:34:07.030+11:00Doodle KreationsLakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-88699363948222111162011-07-12T14:44:00.003+10:002011-07-12T18:19:23.128+10:00Time for a breakClearly I have been on a break much before this post ! There is good reason for that..and not just the fact that I have injured my back last weekend. Ouch ! Positive news - morphine = good !!<br />
<br />
Doesn't take much to lure me to the dark side , does it ?! ..muahahahaha ...This evil laughter is also celebrating the return of the dark forces this week ..Harry Potter ! oh yay ..I can hardly contain myself . I'll be eagerly waiting & hoping my back heals soon, coz I have plans, baby ! Plans to see the Dark Lord.. !<br />
<br />
<br />
Well back to what I was originally talking about !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.256386203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.256386203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am taking this time to ponder over what direction I want to take my micro biz and my blog in . I have been giving it some thought over the last couple of months . Before I continue any further, I really need to assess my values and what is it that drove me in this little venture, in the first place.<br />
<br />
I will be back with some new ideas and plans. I promise to keep everyone in the loop . But, in the meantime, I am always available via <a href="http://twitter.com/DoodleKreations">twitter</a> and <a href="mailto:doodlekreations@gmail.com">email</a> .<br />
<br />
Take care !<br />
<br />
P.S<br />
I should have mentioned earlier that my experience with morphine was just a one time deal at the hospital. The painkillers that I am taking now enable the body's enzymes to convert into morphine..(or something to that effect ).<br />
In my experience, it does not have the same effect as a shot of morphine !!! hehehe<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Image credit : <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">leaves of change via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nelou">nelou</a></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-36059947778297553712011-05-28T15:09:00.000+10:002011-05-28T15:09:51.717+10:00Weekend reading with your Cuppa Joe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yesterday, on <a href="http://twitter.com/DoodleKreations">twitter</a>, I read a tweet on my timeline.. and read the content on it and it infuriated me - just like it did thousands of others..So I re-tweeted it ..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q5lOB1UKLVED6qHJloCHtKsdX671lOnU6qu6Ox2Tkak-ONgC68vtdIekqtIpOGUrbZrX4Hl4fc9rWJqxWbRojCdF0d4W5snz2S5DvNS0AgTleBRFajHVfds7OPs37BqG0SXjTvnUj6kB/s1600/UO-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q5lOB1UKLVED6qHJloCHtKsdX671lOnU6qu6Ox2Tkak-ONgC68vtdIekqtIpOGUrbZrX4Hl4fc9rWJqxWbRojCdF0d4W5snz2S5DvNS0AgTleBRFajHVfds7OPs37BqG0SXjTvnUj6kB/s400/UO-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Read for yourself if what <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/">Urban Outfitter</a>s is doing by ripping off this </b><a href="http://imakeshinythings.tumblr.com/post/5855716317/not-cool-urban-outfitters-not-cool"><b>indie designer's idea</b> </a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So anyway, I went to bed , still thinking about how big corps do this every so often , and how the whole issue would unfold . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I woke up this morning and hello ! To my surprise I read this tweet on my timeline : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPADFeWVxqG5SmRPLxsS_Gkr8hOO7_mPan-gJlx5eCqYJnK7fFeAl-GuyhrRXJoWFHrZ6eKxzQ7uTp4YWlSfYDsEQ_Itylc_yPpO4yH3nc1A7q1fwoAL7PTe1VUIoilM3X7z-_VMNilHGu/s1600/UO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPADFeWVxqG5SmRPLxsS_Gkr8hOO7_mPan-gJlx5eCqYJnK7fFeAl-GuyhrRXJoWFHrZ6eKxzQ7uTp4YWlSfYDsEQ_Itylc_yPpO4yH3nc1A7q1fwoAL7PTe1VUIoilM3X7z-_VMNilHGu/s400/UO-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">woah ! I read the article in bed , just as soon as I could rub my eyes and read it clearly . Yes, I am an I-phone junkie ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yay ! Hallelujah !! I did a little victory dance as best as I could - while in bed - trying not to wake my husband . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I am genuinely happy for the designer <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/truche">truche</a> as the <a href="http://www.myaimistrue.com/2011/05/urban-outfitters-ripoff-trending-topic/">power of social media pressur</a>e got to <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/">Urban Outfitters</a>. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do they not have their own designers or are they running out of steam that they now have to blatantly steal ideas from other designers? No, they haven't apologized for anything. They simply took the design off their shelves . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Will they address the issue ? Who knows ? Maybe they will ..wishful thinking ? I think so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, silence is golden ?? I don't think so . This kind of silence with no apology is hurting their brand .After committing a mistake, the first step to set it right is to apologize, in my mind. Will someone tell Urban Outfitters that for me ? Surely, they have a PR guy reading all the negative publicity thats going around. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the record , I love the designs in truche's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/truche">shop</a> . Something good did come out of this ugly episode. I know there was overwhelming support - what did people do pre- social media days ?! And I hope the negative publicity for Urban Outfitters has translated into tons of sales for truche.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Another one of my recommended reads is from <a href="http://pikaland.com/">Pikaland</a> - <a href="http://pikaland.com/2011/05/23/illustration-innovation">Illustration and Innovation</a> .</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b></b>Interestingly, this one also addresses the issue of being a copycat ! Honestly, guys, that was not the theme I was going for ! It just happens to be trending topic this week :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like to save the best for last !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>From the very innovative and intelligent mind of Isa Noisette - <a href="http://blog.noisettemarketing.com/2011/05/using-branding-to-reflect-what-you-believe-in/">Using Branding to reflect what you believe in</a> . </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just in case you aren't familiar with Isa, she's this superwoman who runs 2 businesses , takes care of 2 kids under the age of 3 , blogs often , guest posts often...the list could go on. Her blog - <a href="http://blog.noisettemarketing.com/">The Academy</a> - is awesome.and she puts out really fantastic information out there. So, hop on over and give her some love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a wonderful weekend ..and don't forget to enter my <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway-time.html">giveaway here</a> ! </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-55198148422991637082011-05-25T20:52:00.001+10:002011-05-25T20:53:58.103+10:00Giveaway Time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Off late I found myself in a creative rut . Nothing could shake it off. Its one of those times that calls for drastic measures and taking a step back and letting it go . I knew it would come back to me - just not sure how .<br />
<br />
It did . And, boy, am I glad it did. Like any mother, I take tons of pictures of my kids . I ended up taking some really beautiful shots. They were inspiration enough. I found myself working on silhouettes of my kids. It is such a beautiful way of capturing images and so artistic. I have always loved silhouettes. But, I like color in them .<br />
<br />
Have you figured out what has been the result of this ? Yes, colorful silhouettes have been the outcome. I am rather liking the look . No, I am loving the look !!! Super - duper excited !!<br />
<br />
I have a few in the <a href="http://www.doodlekreations.etsy.com/">shop</a> , and I am working on a few more. But , I want more ideas to work with. I need a third perspective. I need another impetus to this creative experiment. So thats why I am turning to you for help .<br />
<br />
You can see some of the newest silhouettes below that will be making their way to the <a href="http://www.doodlekreations.etsy.com/">shop</a> .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNW1gZkHMc0LiRAWWD1UsXUi5N_e_IAQNit1cy9041dB-RtVIVbqy9kWyStr_K6ASZLkjAfEIFNjMX0YmvX_c8g-vxgogriHGuBvJJ2dzdyMgWneQh8tWMg8lfKJtUAoYNmjWURjbhVNF/s1600/silhouette+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNW1gZkHMc0LiRAWWD1UsXUi5N_e_IAQNit1cy9041dB-RtVIVbqy9kWyStr_K6ASZLkjAfEIFNjMX0YmvX_c8g-vxgogriHGuBvJJ2dzdyMgWneQh8tWMg8lfKJtUAoYNmjWURjbhVNF/s400/silhouette+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So, what do you think ? Yay, nay ?<br />
<br />
If you think yay , then have I got a treat for you ... I would like to add more to my colorful silhouette collection . Do you see where I am going with this ?<br />
<br />
<b>W h a t d o I n e e d f r o m y o u ?</b><br />
<br />
Photographs , of course ! Kids, spouses, You, you with your spouse , you with your kids, friends, pets , trees - whatever you would like . I am hoping to add more sparkle to the new collection with these images. So give me something that tingles my creative soul . Give me something shiny, baby ! I want to be in a position where I don't want to go to bed until I finish drawing and deliver the magic that your silhouette deserves.<br />
<br />
When I clicked these pictures, I wasn't thinking of creating silhouettes .. But if I did..these are few things I would keep in mind ..<br />
<br />
<b>1)</b> take pictures at eye level . Experiment with close ups or full length .<br />
<br />
<b>2)</b> take pictures with interesting poses or props - something fun for kids/ babies..(I am really itching to draw a superhero , ballerina!! ) Capture them in their most natural moment and element and at play. It brings out the best in them . Or if the kids are really good at posing, you won't have any issues !<br />
<br />
Interesting outfits for kids is always fun as I like to color up the outfits too . So , this might be a good chance to get your kids to pose in dress ups. I am not going to hold back on color palettes . I will work with the colors in the photographs , and experiment with the look of the silhouette. So, if you are up for colorful silhouette experimentation , this is for you .<br />
<br />
<b>3) </b>Grown up kids - listen up !! I am looking to create silhouettes of families 'in' a 'story'- by that I hope to create a silhouette which can tell a story about you . I also would love to see couples on boats , or with architectural landmarks in the background ( Hey, I gotta feed something to the architect screaming inside me !) . Maybe get a couple of pictures of recent graduates jumping up ... have I given you enough to work with ?<br />
Maybe try different permutations and combinations of all of the above .. why not ?<br />
<br />
<b>4)</b> email the pictures ( 2 per submission , no more than 1 MB each ) to <a href="mailto:doodlekreations@gmail.com">doodlekreations@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>5)</b> I'd appreciate the support if you spread the word !!<br />
<br />
<b>W h a t ' s i n i t f o r y o u ?</b><br />
<br />
This is the juicy part . You didn't think this was a giveaway for me, did you ?<br />
<br />
I will pick 5 images- yes FIVE winners - to draw up and the each of the winners will get an 8 x 10 print FREE !!! Does that sound enticing ? I sure hope so...<br />
<br />
This trade in /giveaway closes next Friday - June 4th , AEST . (That's Australian Eastern Standard time )<br />
<br />
So, are you in ? Come , lets create some magic together !<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-60906262689639909562011-05-21T17:16:00.000+10:002011-05-21T17:16:04.959+10:00Interesting Reads for this weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Here's my round up for this week . Enjoy !<br />
<br />
On the following blogs :<br />
<br />
<a href="http://papernstitchblog.com/">PapernStich</a> - <a href="http://papernstitchblog.com/2011/05/17/how-to-become-an-instant-success-in-your-niche/">How to Become and Instant Success in Your Niche </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.noisettemarketing.com/">Noisette Marketing</a> - <a href="http://blog.noisettemarketing.com/2011/05/knowledge-is-power/">Knowledge is Power</a><br />
<br />
This is an awesome thing not to share . For all you illustrators stuck in a rut, here are some ideas to get rolling with !<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pikaland.com/images/3708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pikaland.com/images/3708.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pikaland.com/2011/05/18/what-to-draw-a-list">What to Draw</a> via <a href="http://pikaland.com/">Pikaland </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://pikaland.com/">Pikaland</a> - <a href="http://pikaland.com/2011/05/18/what-to-draw-a-list">What to draw : a list</a><br />
<br />
I'll see you next week with more goodness from around the blogosphere !<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-5861457550321010302011-05-17T20:56:00.000+10:002011-05-17T20:56:24.227+10:00The beauty of Autumn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've said it before and I'll say it again . Autumn / Fall is my favorite season of the year. Enough said..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XApJTLRJLdu0TydLdBiw1pyHUzGtEoLGMLU8BRWYpNMcpfdKVKz76FXsrETpROSI1CasHkIGiXQ6ZgrkujHk-rjzJEIL7ZECLX1DiQxY5aRwYyCUwGUOMK_DOin0bROAI0RECFkTgaxz/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XApJTLRJLdu0TydLdBiw1pyHUzGtEoLGMLU8BRWYpNMcpfdKVKz76FXsrETpROSI1CasHkIGiXQ6ZgrkujHk-rjzJEIL7ZECLX1DiQxY5aRwYyCUwGUOMK_DOin0bROAI0RECFkTgaxz/s320/photo+%25289%2529.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmoD9cUBhiFu7JiCLGy86YY2mLODaYN9kDef8-FNp-1mL8Yv92N8xqvQal8EWTWc-47mIL8-xzFVhsLi6ur6quyoPIL4Xs_pwiGUmzOV7kWTO1N7ZlSLoxAjTo9RiTKWyUxX186ek1v3p/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmoD9cUBhiFu7JiCLGy86YY2mLODaYN9kDef8-FNp-1mL8Yv92N8xqvQal8EWTWc-47mIL8-xzFVhsLi6ur6quyoPIL4Xs_pwiGUmzOV7kWTO1N7ZlSLoxAjTo9RiTKWyUxX186ek1v3p/s320/photo+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFl5QOhLKkJPB6oMKwXnnczn0IwWt_SSmyhE6s7mXUAOhyphenhyphenhrv9_LpYy3dAhxTkPfwlwRccKGg9VxVSTlVsFpa9GdyfJoqXA-5ur9eAtryM_1ckdBHZ5Y8tGKGGv5OBUL4STR9ivpOI9zL/s1600/photo+%25286%2529+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFl5QOhLKkJPB6oMKwXnnczn0IwWt_SSmyhE6s7mXUAOhyphenhyphenhrv9_LpYy3dAhxTkPfwlwRccKGg9VxVSTlVsFpa9GdyfJoqXA-5ur9eAtryM_1ckdBHZ5Y8tGKGGv5OBUL4STR9ivpOI9zL/s320/photo+%25286%2529+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl3YU9oJpRF5K9EDLEPGgN1rZPe9hsXUAGCqPCsPdsyWyf1ca7ECKE9EE1ySrE8DjVHAXsv7TQANsAysj-0CWXXkwpFg036d9npcqcOAfZnZvbYrdGw9NivTyM42G27XNgR-wqCcl25Yn/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl3YU9oJpRF5K9EDLEPGgN1rZPe9hsXUAGCqPCsPdsyWyf1ca7ECKE9EE1ySrE8DjVHAXsv7TQANsAysj-0CWXXkwpFg036d9npcqcOAfZnZvbYrdGw9NivTyM42G27XNgR-wqCcl25Yn/s320/photo+%25287%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJRE8Vv2zlVVAu8mHxHuCElnBmDHAhVxBMS2cQatiYFf9QisXdVJ7IMcW6BiPnHcRnoQEsKrMxjSQIHVRt3Tqn-AzD5JPWXD86-G2TLYwNG1b91q0CR8kYFfjsB25p3i3H1WFjXoM1p1H/s1600/photo+%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJRE8Vv2zlVVAu8mHxHuCElnBmDHAhVxBMS2cQatiYFf9QisXdVJ7IMcW6BiPnHcRnoQEsKrMxjSQIHVRt3Tqn-AzD5JPWXD86-G2TLYwNG1b91q0CR8kYFfjsB25p3i3H1WFjXoM1p1H/s320/photo+%252813%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-80789012703827617672011-05-11T14:03:00.002+10:002011-05-11T14:04:30.322+10:00Project 26 - accomplished !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Can you believe it , I have been blogging for a over a year now ? I didn't realize it, until I was reading some of my old posts , that I completed a year of blogging in March .. so this is dawning on me a bit late !<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.221505019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.221505019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can do it ! via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/helendardik">helendardik</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Alright I admit , I was pathetic last year keeping up with my blog . I even wrote an <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-been-while.html">apology</a> to my blog ! Yep, I was that bad.<br />
<br />
This year, I made a resolution to blog often - <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/project-24.html">Project 26</a> - approximately 2 posts a month for 2011. A modest goal . But, I had to take baby steps. I am proud to say that I have already accomplished that goal . This is my 27th post for this year. Not bad , huh ? For someone who was aiming for 26 posts in all of 2011 , this is not bad - if I may say so myself.<br />
<br />
For that I have to thank you ! All those who read my posts and comment . I love comments. Who doesn't ?!<br />
5 reasons why <u>I love comments</u> and <u>why</u> <u>I am still bloggin</u><u>g after a sad display last year </u>:<br />
<br />
- Its always nice to hear what others think or add to what I have had to say. I mean it . It adds so much more value to the post. Its nice to know that there is someone out there who has something meaningful to say about it.<br />
<br />
- It keeps me inspired to keep at it ! It keeps me motivated to keep writing . It makes me want to keep this blog fresh and interesting.<br />
<br />
- It has been such an instrumental tool in forming relationships . Don't you agree, my friends ? :)<br />
<br />
- It has helped me to discover new blogs . Wow, there is a ton of talented and exceptionally unique blogs out there. I don't think I would have discovered them, if it weren't for the comments section . Thank you for letting me discover your blogs !<br />
<br />
-Most of all, its reassuring that someone actually reads it and I'm not out there all by myself ! Now, that would be kinda lonely, wouldn't it ? Thanks for keeping me company :)<br />
<br />
Now , what should my next goal be ....?<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-21604531566854410642011-05-08T18:05:00.000+10:002011-05-08T18:05:47.533+10:00Happy Mother's Day !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've finally won the battle against my allergies and asthma. I wasn't completely down and out. But it was enough to wear me out during the day and the end of the day. I honestly couldn't bring myself to blog , draw , communicate , breathe .. yeah, the last one kind of was the most difficult !<br />
<br />
Anyway, now that I'm feeling better, Happy Mother's Day everyone !<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Motherhood-Manifesto-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Motherhood-Manifesto-2.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/">OMHG</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My husband made me breakfast and now he's making dinner for me. Kids were very behaved. The weather was gorgeous today . I managed to squeeze in a workout . Life is good for this mom :)<br />
<br />
On that note, I'd like to share a few interesting posts with you . In the spirit of Mother's Day , some of the posts are related to moms and running a business , of course :)<br />
<br />
On <a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/">OMHG</a> - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3sfe7ym">The Fine Art of Mothering & Business</a> & <a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/2011/contributors/a-manifesto-for-motherhood/">A Manifesto for Motherhood</a><br />
<br />
On <a href="http://themogulmom.com/">The Mogul Mom</a> - <a href="http://www.themogulmom.com/2011/05/blogging-your-brand/">Blogging your Brand</a><br />
<br />
On <a href="http://www.merriweathercouncilblog.com/">The Merriweather Council</a> - <a href="http://www.merriweathercouncilblog.com/2011/05/5-little-things-that-make-big.html">5 Things That Make a Big Difference to Your Shop</a><br />
<br />
Happy Reading and Happy Mother's Day !</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-84678656479229342792011-04-29T14:35:00.000+10:002011-04-29T14:35:07.173+10:00End of the week reads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I scour the web and read a lot of blog posts often . I subscribe to some of the blogs and get their newsletters. I bookmark these articles/ posts a lot . A LOT .<br />
It got me thinking, that I should probably just share some of my favorites with all you interested . These are posts from this week . They range from advice on business to advice on blogs. You pick your favorites :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.202483192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.202483192.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagination via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dazeychic">dazeychic</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a href="http://smallerbox.net/blog">smaller box</a> - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3r9tt9w">4 reasons to get free publicity</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/">Design Sponge</a> - <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/04/biz-ladies-understanding-your-competition.html">Understanding your competition </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://m.guardian.co.uk/">The Guardian</a> - <a href="http://m.guardian.co.uk/edinburgh/2011/apr/14/edinburgh-sara-sheridan-digital-rights?cat=edinburgh&type=article">Why writers must embrace the social media, no matter the genre</a><br />
(Although this was published April 14th, I think its a good read )<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.merriweathercouncilblog.com/">The Merriweather Council </a> - <a href="http://www.merriweathercouncilblog.com/2011/04/4-little-things-that-will-make-big.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+merriweathercouncilblog%2FpWsp+%28the+merriweather+council%29">4 little things that will make a big difference for your blog </a><span id="goog_1071682233"></span><span id="goog_1071682234"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-70449165436236259042011-04-28T13:59:00.001+10:002011-04-28T14:06:00.907+10:00Back from Easter Holiday Getaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'd like you to join me on a mental vacation to a beautiful coastal town called <a href="http://www.visitnsw.com/town/Port_Macquarie.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term={keyword}&utm_campaign=AO%2BNorth%2BCoast&2473PSEM&gclid=CLyZ8fiovqgCFUeApAodWhV4qQ">Port Macquarie</a> . North of Sydney away from the hustle bustle, away from our routine and we basked in glorious weather for 4 days during the long weekend for Easter and Anzac Day.<br />
<br />
We spent most of Saturday - Earth Day under this grand old tree .. isn't it simply breathtaking ?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa1GClntJ1MOZ_LnhtanYnoH21XhcKl7WKVKG9CHBHICQiJRDjFl0Ues-aRHMa57Wx6pfWACL6dLuqgkRboD-9FWqYSgwSRfo0i7s2U8s5NbDjr5mb2WpmDueAi4E-ngVDdY2HI4OjTdO/s1600/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa1GClntJ1MOZ_LnhtanYnoH21XhcKl7WKVKG9CHBHICQiJRDjFl0Ues-aRHMa57Wx6pfWACL6dLuqgkRboD-9FWqYSgwSRfo0i7s2U8s5NbDjr5mb2WpmDueAi4E-ngVDdY2HI4OjTdO/s320/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No more talking ... Pictures do speak a thousand words...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPKzgN_DWAVyhZrJ-IgrPBlcTjTyo2WkpdHNBaWseRldRbMe3g0GxMcGChBdWcoNMjpV1jmCE0pbDFx9vmmhjNf8MGBAE_cmzH1iL1Q1qA3yU2tM_AkdgvZS792kSFgralodEWK3hegSv/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPKzgN_DWAVyhZrJ-IgrPBlcTjTyo2WkpdHNBaWseRldRbMe3g0GxMcGChBdWcoNMjpV1jmCE0pbDFx9vmmhjNf8MGBAE_cmzH1iL1Q1qA3yU2tM_AkdgvZS792kSFgralodEWK3hegSv/s320/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpQ6VfEBq_u3M-uyqjkNopApX-xJGEiD0BGGuNgIf272c-yBmUpZdSgan7rV8fmm2l-TdGf3dRa_3950YztRoyd2DG4Jz6SrH5l7NZ_AOkjl2XIUUBENHq4Zq5bteDuaZFn5V43oUDTzR/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpQ6VfEBq_u3M-uyqjkNopApX-xJGEiD0BGGuNgIf272c-yBmUpZdSgan7rV8fmm2l-TdGf3dRa_3950YztRoyd2DG4Jz6SrH5l7NZ_AOkjl2XIUUBENHq4Zq5bteDuaZFn5V43oUDTzR/s320/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MQ3UdfhghMum44jy3GJkhMSj1hm4pH3_U8AST7cPH-RJvzYuFVtYbpRSAzHFIGKI928od3sDS7CPedvU00Sk5EKaYDxaCaLnZFqXyMqu7JfH1Fhjanv-Mswr1HZukNU1AnE2sNprYcZk/s1600/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MQ3UdfhghMum44jy3GJkhMSj1hm4pH3_U8AST7cPH-RJvzYuFVtYbpRSAzHFIGKI928od3sDS7CPedvU00Sk5EKaYDxaCaLnZFqXyMqu7JfH1Fhjanv-Mswr1HZukNU1AnE2sNprYcZk/s320/photo+%25288%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlY2UMagEQpQ1AydNYfw-soskAmKngMGSNVffVxkJU2ZL_vWCQIcGNjo45zm4zlo36tufAvRU4TwIldLxQiEJFpp70zIykHi2SV1G4MTGYovZXPDDcabqmbJng9sa-_ygcb8eSajfpkyR/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlY2UMagEQpQ1AydNYfw-soskAmKngMGSNVffVxkJU2ZL_vWCQIcGNjo45zm4zlo36tufAvRU4TwIldLxQiEJFpp70zIykHi2SV1G4MTGYovZXPDDcabqmbJng9sa-_ygcb8eSajfpkyR/s320/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjk7PuD1H0-arDXujmGaWg-_YHcAOEW0JfU_ao24XHWtari3hjVgYVvLkOeilajEc_XMv5NBAS4o2O7FEfVnH5Pwg5s_LsdHaWLs8tcxOMySZgYUd2xhhV3WW41-wEvl8qRbByvk-Go7X/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjk7PuD1H0-arDXujmGaWg-_YHcAOEW0JfU_ao24XHWtari3hjVgYVvLkOeilajEc_XMv5NBAS4o2O7FEfVnH5Pwg5s_LsdHaWLs8tcxOMySZgYUd2xhhV3WW41-wEvl8qRbByvk-Go7X/s320/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-69154263459248867792011-04-14T13:57:00.000+10:002011-04-14T13:57:06.796+10:00MMMM..mmmm..Macaroons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I mentioned recently, about how much my son <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/04/chocolates-easter.html">enjoyed macaroons</a> for an after school snack . So did his mother and sister. My, they melt in the mouth .They really do ... sigh !<br />
<br />
We had chocolate flavored macaroons. ..With its crisp/soft outer shell and delicious creamy filling inside, it tasted like a soft cloud in the mouth . As you can tell, we relished them very much .<br />
<br />
This delicious trap is also a bit expensive ..tsk tsk tsk ..so I have to learn to make them . I think I might try this <a href="http://www.cuisine.com.au/recipe/Chocolate-macaroons">recipe</a> one of these days. But, in the meantime, I enjoyed drawing macaroons -and in different colors/ flavors too . That's something that doesn't cost me a lot of money :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.235255334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.235255334.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71983844/macaroons-colorful-kitchen-art-8-x-10">Macaroons</a> via <a href="http://www.doodlekreations.etsy.com/">Doodle Kreations</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-64912785590951699292011-04-10T18:09:00.000+10:002011-04-10T18:09:59.328+10:00All good things must come to an end..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am excited and a bit sad about this week. This is the week of the finals of <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/">My Kitchen Rules</a>. This is the first time that I have followed a reality show this far and stuck to it . I am rooting for <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/teams/article/-/8668456/sammy-and-bella-nsw/">Sammy and Bella</a> - the sisters from New South Wales (go N.S.W!) .. but I think <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/teams/article/-/8668395/kane-and-lee-vic/">Kane and Lee</a> will win - simply because they are so innovative and create amazing recipes.<br />
<br />
It also means, the show comes to an end . I'll have to wait until next year to see it again. I will miss the pleasant judges - Pete and Manu . I have been so inspired to <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-have-food-on-my-mind.html">draw up foodie illustrations</a> just because of this show. I couldn't stop myself . It really got another side of me going, that I never knew existed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.227819496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.227819496.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70201182/printable-recipe-cards-5-x-7">Printable Recipe Cards</a> by <a href="http://www.doodlekreations.etsy.com/">DoodleKreations </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I have painted still life with fruits and vegetables long ago . I remember the excitement of getting the colors , shade and other details. I just love painting BUT- I don't remember being so excited about painting produce! Maybe, when you are 15 and painting fruits and vegetables, it isn't so exciting !<br />
<br />
Anyway, after that brief trip down memory lane, back to the future ... what will happen once the show is over ? Will I continue to draw food or will it be something else ? I have always been <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/thing-about-color.html">influenced by color </a> and what goes on around me ..so I know there will always be inspiration . But what will it be ?<br />
<br />
I hear <a href="http://www.masterchef.com.au/home.htm">MasterChef</a> is starting soon ... :) </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-549230693109140512011-04-05T14:13:00.002+10:002011-04-05T14:20:27.047+10:00Chocolates & Easter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My name is Lakshmi and I am a chocoholic. There, its out in the open and I am dealing with it. How so , you ask ?<br />
<br />
By combining my love for chocolates with Easter, I am venting all of the craving into my illustrations . Its the best way to avoid over eating them . Its non fattening, its a good place to imagine all the chocolate in different forms , it doesn't make its way to my waistline .<br />
<br />
(Confession : Having said all of the above, Sunday morning , we had Chocolate pancakes with chocolates syrup- made from scratch, by yours truly. )<br />
<br />
Since I love chocolates so much, I love drawing them up . I am not limited to chocolates , mind you . I love sweet stuff . So, this post is all about sweetness .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGHIc3KeHk5z6jfpmG9oLlLYmx1zab3eK4cqnzE89sAdjnQ7EOmxw70JPzJ8Ln3OtNfLZRj3UGFj0T1IXXHhMefh2mRMqhBBsGVzSpFPChPi7Bp42HORrr_QyjPXHuAO3alDmXYN_O2yd/s1600/HTB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGHIc3KeHk5z6jfpmG9oLlLYmx1zab3eK4cqnzE89sAdjnQ7EOmxw70JPzJ8Ln3OtNfLZRj3UGFj0T1IXXHhMefh2mRMqhBBsGVzSpFPChPi7Bp42HORrr_QyjPXHuAO3alDmXYN_O2yd/s320/HTB3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The chocolate hot cross bun <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71159042/easter-greeting-card-chocolate-hot-cross">greeting</a> is already in the <a href="http://www.doodlekreations.etsy.com/">shop</a>, by the way . The others will be joining the hot cross bun real soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMpeFdR6UZ5tvmDL3JBNe05Oi6AMACc_a-gg6v6oRz-QZifGcW0unA-svZ4PlntoVwCQbj73ncEomwb0Fj0Io-XeZ1faD4x68OT5YYvvACxY8MAXCzCc6E009YmQjaB0gt9e2TEXolaEn/s1600/eggs+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMpeFdR6UZ5tvmDL3JBNe05Oi6AMACc_a-gg6v6oRz-QZifGcW0unA-svZ4PlntoVwCQbj73ncEomwb0Fj0Io-XeZ1faD4x68OT5YYvvACxY8MAXCzCc6E009YmQjaB0gt9e2TEXolaEn/s320/eggs+copy.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyXFoX2hnMp_SsTtweiadeO980E4Wk80DNlGxC5ekSXbyWTKg_PW-FtS8HmelQ2kgrgxkssy5XM2XDMlmONrVllWDrfblnB4henN_2a24Ph17OEKITi_R4IRlxuntfbozvn_GAJcPlD4j/s1600/bunny+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyXFoX2hnMp_SsTtweiadeO980E4Wk80DNlGxC5ekSXbyWTKg_PW-FtS8HmelQ2kgrgxkssy5XM2XDMlmONrVllWDrfblnB4henN_2a24Ph17OEKITi_R4IRlxuntfbozvn_GAJcPlD4j/s320/bunny+copy.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I drew up the Easter bunny on the weekend ..and by the way, the bunny is a chocolate bunny . Would I have it any other way ?<br />
<br />
The macaroons or macarons have manifested here simply because we had them a few weeks ago. It was the first time my son ate them . He declared they were yummy . ( Junior chocoholic in the making ) This one deserves a post by itself , I think ..but here is a sneak peek . There's more where that came from ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdq7YqLEtxlMW6w73Pjow_HSziP4gyxCvEv_NRfoiR8Bxo8j1oi7Tr3bVUH6St5Z4LV9GzMsLPBMsN9sT7rZoUQjReAo2K3cZ7iCRCUJJDDK7YrqQ5mNSuhvTTpGiwdvY-9JPRZi6vFvr/s1600/choc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdq7YqLEtxlMW6w73Pjow_HSziP4gyxCvEv_NRfoiR8Bxo8j1oi7Tr3bVUH6St5Z4LV9GzMsLPBMsN9sT7rZoUQjReAo2K3cZ7iCRCUJJDDK7YrqQ5mNSuhvTTpGiwdvY-9JPRZi6vFvr/s200/choc.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdq7YqLEtxlMW6w73Pjow_HSziP4gyxCvEv_NRfoiR8Bxo8j1oi7Tr3bVUH6St5Z4LV9GzMsLPBMsN9sT7rZoUQjReAo2K3cZ7iCRCUJJDDK7YrqQ5mNSuhvTTpGiwdvY-9JPRZi6vFvr/s1600/choc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>And so continues, my love for food and drawing up food .. so help me god !</div><div><br />
</div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-3041627456467299872011-03-30T12:48:00.001+11:002011-03-30T12:49:01.814+11:00Skirting Around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I love skirts..long skirts particularly. I can't seem to get enough of them - literally. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here are few of my favorites , don't say I didn't warn you ...They are beautiful ! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.194243777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.194243777.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaid Wrap Skirt via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/thaitee?ref=ls_profile">thaitee</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.207633900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.207633900.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Long Skirt via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/qiujuer?ref=ls_profile">qiujuer</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.141757646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.141757646.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilma via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/vaisto?ref=ls_profile">vaisto</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.183187409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.183187409.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Wind of Change via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/aftershowershop?ref=ls_profile" style="font-size: 13px;">aftershowershop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yes, the last one is a dress, but its so beautiful and dainty , I had to include it !<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-43237244383870426242011-03-21T14:03:00.000+11:002011-03-21T14:03:38.925+11:00Rainy day cuteness share<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What's this ? Two posts in one day ? Yes, it is :)<br />
This one is a small one..because the picture definitely speaks a thousand words :)<br />
<br />
We've had a rainy wet wet weekend , with the skies threatening a bigger downpour , even as I type this post.<br />
I stumbled upon these cute rainy day themed magnets by <a href="http://www.stucktogether.etsy.com/">Stuck Together</a>. So apt for the wet weather . Enjoy !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.227825866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.227825866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-22659920761656579182011-03-21T13:44:00.001+11:002011-03-21T13:51:54.857+11:00Interesting Friday morning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Couple of interesting things happened last friday . I volunteered to help in my son's school canteen. He had asked if I would help out because he said he would come over and say hi to me ! And thats what he did ... his class passed by the canteen to go to the assembly hall and he waved to me, pointed me out to his friends. It made my day that he would be so excited to see me working in his school canteen.<br />
<br />
Since it was my first time helping out , I learnt a lot about what goes on backstage in the canteen. I have the utmost respect for those who volunteer their time to do this on a regular basis. It is a LOT of work , to say the least.<br />
<br />
I helped out with cutting ,slicing, washing veggies. Got all the burgers, patties etc in the oven . Filled up lunch orders in the bags. Got a lot done with the 4 other ladies..I felt great ...till the lunch bell rang. The real work began after the bell rang. Getting the lunches out to the class monitors was nothing compared to the real rush after they ate lunch. I was on my toes, literally . I felt like I was on a reality show ! Yes, watching the cooking shows is starting to play tricks on my mind !!<br />
<br />
Anyway, kids thronged at the windows to get snacks , jelly snacks, yogurt babies (!) , frozen animals (!!) and stuff with names that I don't remember. The crowd pleaser is clearly frozen animals... the kids are allowed a maximum of 5 at a time. Each costs 20 cents. I kid you not, they love it !! They are crazy for the frozen animals. Its basically some kind of mild sugary solution frozen in a plastic container - shaped like , yes you guessed it - animals. Check the picture of the sugary culprits below ... Not the best shot, but it gives you an idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhOh307RPTgVUcXTb9PcgF6mjpVKnMIPHOK2mGBN9-YhZj18JnNOkH0TjweLpyaRPTlN12iH1JRUUBj11nhcLrWrogy__hd9Yl94q_uPCHDK6U4sHq5rHFt8bzHIHU48pmoZPqsxB46bA/s1600/photo+%252830%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhOh307RPTgVUcXTb9PcgF6mjpVKnMIPHOK2mGBN9-YhZj18JnNOkH0TjweLpyaRPTlN12iH1JRUUBj11nhcLrWrogy__hd9Yl94q_uPCHDK6U4sHq5rHFt8bzHIHU48pmoZPqsxB46bA/s320/photo+%252830%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Yes, my son loves it too . He was supposed to get his 20 cents to the canteen to get his frozen animal. He mentioned earlier in the morning, that he wanted me to attend to him at the window ..:) I just find his requests so adorable ! But, as it turns out, I was at the window and I did get him his animal. He came back for more one more time. And then he came back for one more , this time to get one more for a friend, who joined him, by the way ! Apparently , the kids do this if their mom is at the canteen. I was told by one of the other moms that her daughter showed up with her entourage - for the free stuff !! Free stuff , hah ! Volunteering at the canteen is turning out to be expensive !<br />
<br />
Would I do it again ? In a heart beat .<br />
<br />
Just to see the look on my son's face when he sees me . Just to see his excitement as he proudly shows off to his friends that his mom is in the canteen. Just to see him come running to get ' free stuff ' from me.<br />
Just to have him ask me after school , how my day was in the canteen , what I did in the canteen , did I put stuff in the oven, what was the stuff I put in the bag , who were the other ladies with me , when I would be back in the canteen ., how did I get into the canteen (!) .<br />
<br />
No, I don't look forward to my son's entourage each time. But the positives outweigh the one teeny tiny negative.<br />
<br />
Alright I am done with this sappy post, but it was so much fun doing it and getting to know the other lovely women who help running the canteen smoothly. And, I loved that I made my son's tiny wish come true , that I had to share this.<br />
<br />
Stayed tuned for the following post - about the Disco party later that friday evening at his school ..:)<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-10797005380362913582011-03-16T14:37:00.001+11:002011-03-16T14:39:08.485+11:00More food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">On monday I whipped up a classic Mumbai dish . If you have visited Mumbai , there is a fair bit of chance, you would have eaten this dish. Its called Pav Bhaji . In english its simply translated into Bread & Vegetables.<br />
As simple as it sounds, I'll have you know, the dish is simple to cook but is packed with flavour. Its vegetarian and its simply delightful.<br />
<br />
The best part of this dish is that, you can use as many vegetables in it or as few as you fancy. There are many versions of it out there , but here is a very <a href="http://www.tarladalal.com/Pav-Bhaji-2813r">simple recipe </a> that I have used. I modified the recipe a bit ..so here is my version ...<br />
<br />
Ingredients :<br />
<br />
3-4 medium sized potatoes<br />
1/2 cup peas<br />
1/2 cup corn<br />
1 red capsicum<br />
1 -2 carrots<br />
2-3 tablespoons of butter<br />
1 onion<br />
3-4 garlic cloves<br />
1 green chilli<br />
4-5 medium tomatoes<br />
<br />
For garnishing :<br />
1 onion - finely chopped<br />
1/2 bunch corriander<br />
Lemon juice<br />
<br />
Directions :<br />
1) Chop the potatoes and carrots into small cubes.<br />
2) Boil the vegetables in water . Throw away excess water .<br />
3) Heat a pan , and sautee the onions, chilli, garlic , capsicum in the butter.<br />
4) Add diced tomatoes once the onions and capsicum are cooked.<br />
5) Add the vegetables in the mixture . Add salt, Pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder . Mix it up well and mash the vegetables .<br />
6) Squeeze some lemon juice onto the mashed vegetables and garnish with corriander.<br />
<br />
Cooking the bread :<br />
Apply butter on both sides of the bread and cook it on the pan . Any bread is fairly suitable . I used hamburger buns and sliced them into halves for each serving.<br />
<br />
Serving Pav Bhaji : Serve some bhaji ( vegetables ) with the bread on individual plates . Garnish the vegetables with some chopped onions and a lemon wedge.<br />
<br />
I decided to cook this , since my son enjoyed it so much when he had it a few weeks ago . He's been asking me to cook it and he even invited my sister over, from the U.S to eat it with us ! For the record, he wolfed it down and declared it as his favourite dinner ! yay, I am sooo happy !<br />
<br />
While I am on the subject of food- on Monday, on <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/">My Kitchen Rules</a>, the contestants had to cook for kids and their parents . As usual, there were some amazing dishes whipped up and the kids loved them . Check out the picture below of my Pav Bhaji .. it looks really colourful , don't you think ? I could've given the MKR contestants a run for their money, me thinks ...;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEyW-zkxxlkT9TjAQh7tePDZxSVB1cx-phTmbGi-l3JRWhuwri7Gxz7cLRlI-S_oqs8ECLybn1HMjknV_LaPraJz8SAXNnhZi3tmWNsyXmz5Gh7dZaFS7e4aoxmv9nl4neP3cwNeeFxy_/s1600/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEyW-zkxxlkT9TjAQh7tePDZxSVB1cx-phTmbGi-l3JRWhuwri7Gxz7cLRlI-S_oqs8ECLybn1HMjknV_LaPraJz8SAXNnhZi3tmWNsyXmz5Gh7dZaFS7e4aoxmv9nl4neP3cwNeeFxy_/s320/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, the recipe cards will be showing up in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlekreations">shop</a> very soon.. I listed one today ..check it out , will ya ? </div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-42851734378585048292011-03-11T14:10:00.001+11:002011-03-11T14:11:51.069+11:00I have food on my mind ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">...and My Kitchen Rules or <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/">MKR</a> is to be blamed ! I am captivated by that show . I love the challenges and the concept behind the show. Its very intriguing watching the contestants battle it out. I am big fan of <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/judges/article/-/6645802/manu-feildel/">Manu</a> and <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/judges/article/-/6645805/pete-evans/">Pete</a>. Maybe more Manu ..the french accent might have something to do with it .<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://l.yimg.com/ea/im_siggK8A4S_r7UIbZUqlPnCBwjA---x480-q80/img/-/110228/ep_13_k_a_cheesecake_16mmv7f-16mmv7r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://l.yimg.com/ea/im_siggK8A4S_r7UIbZUqlPnCBwjA---x480-q80/img/-/110228/ep_13_k_a_cheesecake_16mmv7f-16mmv7r.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb & Roasted Strawberry Cheesecakes via <a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/">MKR</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since I have been watching the show regularly - it airs Monday thru Wednesday evenings , I am obviously very enraptured by the artistic creations of food . Lo and behold, I have been drawing up illustrations relating to the kitchen . I have been having so much fun with it . Who knew, drawing food could be so much fun ?!<br />
Check out the works in the pipeline ...what do you think ?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPZyqPLAnMrUVMhH28I2uWO7qyj6FSU6rvE-LfT6i9qBykhePOLw8swIxQ2PHpIduIg2RvNnEGRgyvuB88_IJtU7oWo2P93e8O7hN2MkXvgXdsE0PKLJrOxCZyM84MkyDrl7kk108BVWm/s1600/recipe+card1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPZyqPLAnMrUVMhH28I2uWO7qyj6FSU6rvE-LfT6i9qBykhePOLw8swIxQ2PHpIduIg2RvNnEGRgyvuB88_IJtU7oWo2P93e8O7hN2MkXvgXdsE0PKLJrOxCZyM84MkyDrl7kk108BVWm/s320/recipe+card1+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaM-VFzt-ottZaCNQFnPSGbaWQU4D-untSDnvrASJJFAjvQ3OaPDZFWIB92LQbMm_WFV4miGGLNzOzUPzWumTtb0lhlvX4joc0gbRqJEjYyIRL-RFIFJuAdkwujTgZACel48VHYdYPni_Z/s1600/recipe+card2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaM-VFzt-ottZaCNQFnPSGbaWQU4D-untSDnvrASJJFAjvQ3OaPDZFWIB92LQbMm_WFV4miGGLNzOzUPzWumTtb0lhlvX4joc0gbRqJEjYyIRL-RFIFJuAdkwujTgZACel48VHYdYPni_Z/s320/recipe+card2+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino11LnPUWiTyERIwXdg7ZDP6uOELkClwTf1VcDHxU7jLMa8Dwub0rStjmVsznrGqjUHih-4jAYTn3LH0QkCvhshR-tEvkkd9QHWJO0P4DxdAdXgTMVVmdmFPmUcOjjUthc7opee8MkmjM/s1600/waitress+recipe+card+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino11LnPUWiTyERIwXdg7ZDP6uOELkClwTf1VcDHxU7jLMa8Dwub0rStjmVsznrGqjUHih-4jAYTn3LH0QkCvhshR-tEvkkd9QHWJO0P4DxdAdXgTMVVmdmFPmUcOjjUthc7opee8MkmjM/s320/waitress+recipe+card+copy.jpg" width="122" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-9854541584047507812011-03-04T22:34:00.001+11:002011-03-04T22:46:34.264+11:00Its Autumn !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It is my favourite season of the year ! Its finally upon us :) I love everything about it. The cool crisp air, the colours of the leaves , grey skies, acorns .... the scarves, the boots!<br />
<br />
I don't think I am going to miss summer anytime soon . Maybe I'll miss wearing sundresses and the beautiful blue skies a bit . But like I mentioned this <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-bit-about-me.html">post</a>, I don't like the heat . Period.<br />
<br />
Some may think the sky is too boring and dull . But I think, nature has a way of adding colour when it feels like the skies are too dull. Look around and you'll see the riot of colours with the leaves changing colour. I always draw inspiration from this aspect. It fascinates me to no end that leaves change from lush green to orange/ yellow/red.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.189434722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.189434722.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/papermoth">papermoth</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Oh and another thing, as I was typing my post on Autumn yesterday, I read this <a href="http://moagsandsmeet.blogspot.com/2011/03/autumn-already.html">post</a> by Laura from <a href="http://moagsandsmeet.blogspot.com/">Moags and Smeet</a> . I just found it a bit funny that we feel completely different about summer and autumn ! Hope you enjoyed the nice warm day today , Laura :) </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-81402994976943220982011-02-23T10:58:00.000+11:002011-02-23T10:58:57.522+11:00Cubby House cuteness ..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">..if there is such a phrase ...here it is ! <a href="http://thehappyhomeblog.com/?p=2758">Recycled Wood Cubby House</a> : )) Its not only cute, its recycled . I found this via Penny Eager's <a href="http://pocketcarnival.blogspot.com/">blog</a> ...thanks Penny :) <br />
<br />
OMG , my kids would go nuts if they had it ..heck I would love to have a go at it :) That's the insane kid in me speaking .<br />
<br />
So cute, that I had to share right away . enjoy :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thehappyhomeblog.com/http://thehappyhomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cubbyhouse10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thehappyhomeblog.com/http://thehappyhomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cubbyhouse10.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thehappyhomeblog.com/http://thehappyhomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cubbyhousedetails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thehappyhomeblog.com/http://thehappyhomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cubbyhousedetails.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images via <a href="http://thehappyhomeblog.com/">The happy home</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-24866688790303059782011-02-22T13:55:00.001+11:002011-02-22T13:56:06.845+11:00Carrot Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With my little boy in school , I am faced with the dilemma of what give for his lunch/ recess. I try to make it healthy , something that he will eat and he needs that extra pick-me- up, every once in a while. I gave him some sliced cucumbers one day for his snack. He bought it back home, thinking it was zucchini . He bought back water melon the other day , because his friend told him it would make him go to the bathroom a lot ! sheesh .. It irks me that have no control over these things ! Its funny too, but I'd like him to eat well when he is at school.<br />
<br />
A sure fire winner is veggie/ fruit infused baked items . He has always loved banana bread . I try and give him different kinds of breads that he can eat for his snack . We have had good luck with zucchini bread earlier. This week's winner is Carrot Cake . I baked in a bread loaf pan . He had a bit for breakfast and announced that its his favorite food in the world :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://au1.ar-cdn.com/Recipes/XLarge/01425dea-555a-4534-b413-fdb4a0c38715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://au1.ar-cdn.com/Recipes/XLarge/01425dea-555a-4534-b413-fdb4a0c38715.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://allrecipes.com.au/recipe/9308/kristy-s-moist-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-icing.aspx">allrecipes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I got this <a href="http://allrecipes.com.au/recipe/9308/kristy-s-moist-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-icing.aspx">recipe</a> from <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com.au/">All recipes</a> . We had it without the cream cheese frosting. Even so, it is one of the most moist breads that I have baked. Super soft and delicious. With carrots in there, it makes me happy that it has a healthy touch to it ;-) He is happy because he loves it. <br />
<br />
Sure enough, his box was empty yesterday :-)<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-72559921608559408992011-02-18T12:48:00.000+11:002011-02-18T12:48:18.993+11:00Time for Hollywood news<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I watch Ellen from time to time. I was glad I caught it while it was on yesterday. She had Jennifer Hudson in her show yesterday - and boy- does she look good ! I have always liked Jennifer Hudson for her singing ability and her confidence. I loved her small but expressive role in Sex and the City as Carrie's assistant - Louise - the girl who believes in love .<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kiss925.com/files/2011/01/jennifer-hudson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.kiss925.com/files/2011/01/jennifer-hudson.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.kiss92.5.com/">Kiss 92.5</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was completely and pleasantly surprised by how much weight she has lost . She went from a US size 16 to US size 6 ! Thats tiny :) And she said she likes it better because the 'clothes are lot more fun' ! Her weight loss journey wasn't overnight .. I believe she did over time and AFTER the birth of her son.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/110217-jennifer-hudson.grid-4x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/110217-jennifer-hudson.grid-4x2.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/">Today</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love it .. the new healthy , suave , svelte Jennifer Hudson is inspirational to me - since I'm still trying to shake off some of the weight from 2 years ago after my daughter was born !<br />
<br />
But , this is Jennifer Hudson's moment , don't you agree ? </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-89744878087428840992011-02-13T15:30:00.004+11:002011-02-13T15:37:15.201+11:00Valentine's day finds - spin around the world - architecturally speaking .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.208904615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.208904615.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TeroldegoAndTomatoesore">TeroldegoAndTomatoesore</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing all my readers a very Happy Valentine's day ! Fill your day with joy , hope and love . Enjoy these lovely finds ...well, the first below one is mine ! I like it simply because it reminds me of my husband and me enjoying Paris about 7 years ago . I plan to make a Venice themed illustration , soon . My hubby and I soooo want to go back to Venice as well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some architectural themed romantic items for Valentine's day ...enjoy !! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.207167897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.207167897.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlekreations">Doodle Kreations</a><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.141111561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.141111561.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shyama">Shyama</a><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.209788061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.209788061.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Borettoart">Borettoart</a><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.201940649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.201940649.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artsharkdesigns">artsharkdesigns</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-64453741043522830372011-02-09T12:51:00.001+11:002011-02-09T12:51:23.670+11:00Many thanks !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently I won a free ad space at Creativity Unmasked . I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to Laura who makes a genuine effort to support handmade businesses .<br />
<br />
For those of you , who aren't familiar with Laura, she is super talented - check out her beady creations at<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/moagsandsmeet">Moags and Smeet</a> . As if one blog wasn't enough, she has spread her wings this year to start two more !<br />
Her first blog is <a href="http://moagsandsmeet.blogspot.com/">Moags and Smeet </a> documenting her business and beady obsessions ! By the way, this blog is one of my favorites and I had posted about it <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-2011.html">here</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__MstxDkxOyU/TPGhgb6GUdI/AAAAAAAAAvc/BDFKplfhmps/S1028-R/Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="57" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__MstxDkxOyU/TPGhgb6GUdI/AAAAAAAAAvc/BDFKplfhmps/S1028-R/Header.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://moagsandsmeet.blogspot.com/">Moags and Smeet</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This year , we see her supporting creative endeavors at <a href="http://creativityunmasked.blogspot.com/">Creativity Unmasked</a>.<br />
<br />
She also has a green side to her and you can read all about it at <a href="http://greeninreallife.blogspot.com/">Green in Real Life</a> .<br />
<br />
Its nice how bloggers help one another and it really helps building relationships. I wish Laura continued success and thank her for her support. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-67434969399524810702011-02-07T22:51:00.000+11:002011-02-07T22:51:41.882+11:00Colour Inspiration for this week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Calling all color lovers :) A few weeks ago, I introduced you to <a href="http://www.design-seeds.com/">Design Seeds</a> in this <a href="http://doodlekreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/thing-about-color.html">post</a> . I know many of you liked it , and why not ?!<br />
<br />
I have another inspiring blog to introduce you to ! yay :)<br />
<br />
Lauren Whillhite of <a href="http://color-collective.blogspot.com/">Color Collective</a> uses photography from designers , artists to curate amazing palettes of color . I think my favorite palettes are the ones which are curated using fashion photography. Fashion and color all in one place ... what more could a girl ask for ?! Enjoy .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtSp0GB_Yr7f9pPKfAPYq7dg3vsyQLeMPiYjA3t8kIZeEbaRw4sks7p1lDK5LoIuaCaghUKDSL2lOwTX2pQkPxABcB1K-KrqP9BGPzt-2wV7wVVKmvqqTSnXDVtnlQOiHSx2zlyYRUDo/s1600/02b+toryburch_spring2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtSp0GB_Yr7f9pPKfAPYq7dg3vsyQLeMPiYjA3t8kIZeEbaRw4sks7p1lDK5LoIuaCaghUKDSL2lOwTX2pQkPxABcB1K-KrqP9BGPzt-2wV7wVVKmvqqTSnXDVtnlQOiHSx2zlyYRUDo/s320/02b+toryburch_spring2011.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6rsuzD5HprIK8h2yPDXmgpi6vMQVjrt2IAwHdTy3JmmuYn7OWvF8SrYjJ0H4D-qyMicygnlqgMhXOmQBb-m_8T1dDzmIqopxvbEKbnsQ4EBCBfs7jV_BA9I71_-p-_d3iusreSUdM1o/s1600/12+smaxmaracampaign_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6rsuzD5HprIK8h2yPDXmgpi6vMQVjrt2IAwHdTy3JmmuYn7OWvF8SrYjJ0H4D-qyMicygnlqgMhXOmQBb-m_8T1dDzmIqopxvbEKbnsQ4EBCBfs7jV_BA9I71_-p-_d3iusreSUdM1o/s320/12+smaxmaracampaign_01.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWx9PGprl4qXYP1omaB-5OeX1mAn-g4Vg5xrx610wVhRk5imjyY1iK2nDI-vJrbyZcG13xTzRpRSK13KAhVepWd9GaceYtyutuPTE0R-UsJqCjqnTXOb5uJI36-Mc5BCLyoPPHTzCnBU/s1600/06+maxmara_01.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWx9PGprl4qXYP1omaB-5OeX1mAn-g4Vg5xrx610wVhRk5imjyY1iK2nDI-vJrbyZcG13xTzRpRSK13KAhVepWd9GaceYtyutuPTE0R-UsJqCjqnTXOb5uJI36-Mc5BCLyoPPHTzCnBU/s320/06+maxmara_01.jpg.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLPCJI6iTEMX-PRctZE2HAVctBfiQevpA_t4wnmzbFttal8Op11zJ9W8UZwyGX6oXN0u34opTbWh_NdgcRxwKbeKlv1tc6-2-UdkoPVd4-XwIzMlcQssBj7YXIyqkDBfBcG4-C3v741I/s1600/04+scriptandseal_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLPCJI6iTEMX-PRctZE2HAVctBfiQevpA_t4wnmzbFttal8Op11zJ9W8UZwyGX6oXN0u34opTbWh_NdgcRxwKbeKlv1tc6-2-UdkoPVd4-XwIzMlcQssBj7YXIyqkDBfBcG4-C3v741I/s320/04+scriptandseal_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images via <a href="http://color-collective.blogspot.com/">Color Collectiv</a>e</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953261296279447024.post-41563789289267590452011-02-02T14:13:00.002+11:002011-02-02T20:30:50.416+11:00Free Printable - Birthday Card<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A few weeks ago , my 5 y.o son was invited to go to a birthday party. We got the birthday gift all packed up ready to go a day earlier. But it was only an hour before the party that I realised , we didn't have a card for the birthday boy.<br />
<br />
I could have stopped and picked up a card on the way. But, I decided to make one. Here it is.. it was quick, simple and colourful . It works well for both boys and girls. What do you think ?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-oP8F4uYXKhYMyXLNq4Gpb4ATsDubGAUGKaquA4qh2VWiFsjSlsilnI8rWE093YOpKH4-9LEh7gQ9OHhH8jNITV-2Y0YAvkLa6UVCQpRLef3Fj571FS-caO3OykUwh8AwG59bZgtRNr2/s1600/birthday+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-oP8F4uYXKhYMyXLNq4Gpb4ATsDubGAUGKaquA4qh2VWiFsjSlsilnI8rWE093YOpKH4-9LEh7gQ9OHhH8jNITV-2Y0YAvkLa6UVCQpRLef3Fj571FS-caO3OykUwh8AwG59bZgtRNr2/s320/birthday+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, I would like to <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B1vQaReThzRXOTVkNzg1MzEtYzgxZS00ZDM4LTg2ZmUtYzUzMTNhNDI2NDdm&hl=en">SHARE </a> it with anyone who would like to use it . Its one less thing to think about before heading off to a birthday party ! It should work fine for A4 size and 8.5 x 11 paper. Cut along the dotted line and fold in the middle. Its A6 size when folded. Pop it into an envelope and you are on your way :)<br />
<br />
This is only for your own personal use - as many times as you like ! As , always, please remember this file should not be used or reproduced for any commercial purpose :) Thanks for understanding !<br />
<br />
P.S...this is the first time I have shared a file on my blog ... please let me know if it doesn't cooperate. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">\</div>Lakshmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04637438659632450870noreply@blogger.com0