Come September and......

It feels good to be back to blogging after a 3 week hiatus! I've thoroughly enjoyed the summer this year and am having a tough time letting go of it. But you know what, change is the name of the game and I'm all set for all that is to come.....and by that I mean the change of season, the pace of life and also a change in the place that I call home! Like I mentioned earlier, we will be moving to our new home next month:) While brown boxes and chaos seems to rule my life right now and packing seems like an endless task, I know at the end of it all, it's going to be so worthwhile and you get to enjoy another decorating journey with me........

But for now, I'm going to fill you in on what I've planned for this month, over a steaming hot cup of chai of course.....   

• Exploring Summer flea markets has been fun and I've been lucky enough of find some wonderful new additions for our home. Will be sharing all of my fabulous finds in an exclusive post.
• Next, Ganesh Chaturthi festival is just around the corner and this time I plan on exploring Ganesha's in different materials and textures. Will also be sharing product reviews and introducing you to lifestyle brands that can help you spruce up your home for the coming festive season.
• In the artist/shop segment we have a one-of-a-kind jewelry label feature and a first look at the portfolio of a new age artist.
• And finally, a  wonderful-wonderful home tour...... 

Does that sound like another month of colorful and inspirational posts? Stay connected, as you don't want to miss out on these:)

Images:Clicked by me. My home. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.

Tea and a Synopsis of what's in Store for the month of February

Come afternoon and I need my favorite brew......a steaming cup of chai. The daily grind can get to me at times, however I seek refuge in a simple cup of tea. It has an element of escapism for me. It gives a moment to breathe, relax and recharge. Nowadays, I find myself creating impromptu nooks in places where the golden rays of the sun stream in. A few cushions and a nubby wrap on the floor and I am all set to bask in the warmth of the sun. It almost makes me feel like a star with the sun rays creating a natural spotlight....  

Now for the updates, in February I have a wonderful line up of very exciting and inspiring posts for you'll. The highlights being a brilliant artist feature, spotlight on a New York based jewelry line and a tempting giveaway to celebrate Valentine's Day! Wait I have more! With the overwhelming response that we received for the Subramaniyam's home, I have another fabulous home tour coming your way ! So stay connected.......

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright

Kari Herer Photography (Featured Artist)

Hello Monday !!!

Things have been super busy at the TECD casa. I've been diligently working on meeting my MBA assignment deadlines, studying and also tying the loose ends on the home improvement projects. All these need to be tackled on priority basis as I have my parents visiting me next week. I'm all geared up and can't wait for them to arrive and spend the summer with me:) 

This weekend, one other project that kept me busy was finding artwork for a friend's nursery. This mommy really knows what she wants. The artwork had to be refreshing and modern yet something that would tickle the child's imagination and amuse her every time that she set her eyes on the source of visual stimulation. In an instant I knew, Kari Herer fine art prints were the perfect choice for this nursery. And to my delight, it was bull's eye. I guess you can't go wrong with the bird and animal art print, can you??? 

Kari's experience in the field of graphic design and fine arts is delicately balanced with her affinity to nature. Looking through her creative lens, she effortlessly creates art that is both original and whimsical. My absolute favorite are the bug illustrations which would look perfect in a library. Using the free form of the Magnolia flowers, she captures the shapes in a new perspective !!! 

To view more of her work , click right here.

Like I always say, there's so much beauty around you. All you got to do is open your eyes to a fresh viewpoint:) 

Via

Grow Your Blog Party 2014

Before we move onto today's post, make sure you make yourself a cuppa and get comfortable .........Today, I'm joining the "Grow Your Blog Party " hosted by Vicki of 2 Bags Full. It's an opportunity to meet hundreds of bloggers from across the globe. So as I introduce my blog and myself, this is your chance to get to know us better.

Take a seat and get to know us - my blog and me 

But before I go on to tell you'll what drove me to start my blog, I'd like to explain how I zeroed in on the name - "The East Coast Desi"(TECD). Since I live in Virginia (USA), the East Coast  part of it is quite self explanatory. As for "Desi" it's a term used to describe a person of Indian descent who lives abroad. But more than that I've used the word to describe my love for all things Indian.

While growing up, my home back in India was infused with traditional ethnic Indian charm. This aspect has had a strong influence on my design style. With my move to the US, I longed to create a balanced decor style that would reflect my Indian roots and the global influences we had come to absorb through our experiences from living abroad.Trying to recreate that for ourselves (that's my husband, 6 year old son and me) was not an easy task. But the end result has been exactly what we wanted.

We started off with the bare bones of a house and I believe that with good design we've been able to breathe life into it. And adding the soul, is my family along with those few personal statement pieces. And by key personal statement pieces I mean : heirloom pieces, decor that talks about stories of where we're from and where we've been, all while screaming our personal style.

Every friend, family or acquaintance that has come through the doors of the TECD casa, has wanted to patiently absorb all the stories that the home has ever wanted to share ..........and as they wanted to know more about where I sourced my pieces from and requested that I help them design their spaces too, I realized people were looking for inspiration to decorate their space in a globally chic style and I could share what I knew.

Then one summer morning, a little vignette I created by gathering a few sprays of wild Chicory flowers, made me attain decorating Nirvana (if you may term it that way). There was something about the image that I had captured on my camera that wanted me to share it.....and so TECD was born. I was able to recognize that blogging was a great way to combine the two things I love doing : decorating + photography. 

This was the image that made me take that big leap into the blogging world.

And now there is no looking back.........I enjoy the sense of control that my blog gives me. I'm the stylist, photographer, writer, editor.....you name it. It propels me to live my creative best. It has been a link in connecting me with so many wonderful and talented people, be it the artists I feature or my blogger buddies. Not to mention the heart-beat of my blog - my READERS . This seems to be the platform to share common interests primarily relating to global decor. Its a place to inspire and be inspired........I've enjoyed the journey so far and if I'm able to motivate even a handful of people or virtually assist them in creating a place called home.......then all the sleepless hours spent in writing the posts or days when I skip my lunch to shoot pictures (cause the lighting was just right), is well worth the effort...................

Hope to see you'll around as I whip up more posts in the days to come and share the plethora of inspiration around us that is waiting to be explored.

                                                                                                     ~ Sruthi   
Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.

New Year Wishes !!!!

Heart Felt New Year Wishes to the readers of "The East Coast Desi" !!!! 

TECD was started on an impulse this year. An impulse to share and inspire.........I'm usually the kind of person who thinks "what if" all the time. And I'm glad, this time around I didn't. I just put my creative side out there and went with the flow. And the response and validation of the same has been overwhelming. I'm grateful to have a wonderful set of readers who make my day with their wonderful feedback and support on Facebook.Thank you for being a part of TECD journey with me.

With  the new year here, it's a new chapter in our book called LIFE. It's a time to follow, fulfill and accomplish dreams we've harbored for so long and also hope for new avenues to help us discover ourselves. It's a time to make new connections and strengthen the old ties. A time to prioritize and  resolve unfinished business. As we set out to achieve this and more, we fill our pages with experiences and memories that will last us a lifetime. I truly hope this new year is one of the best chapters in your book.......... 

                                                                            ♥

                                                                             Sruthi

Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright 

In the Christmas Spirit.............

Good evening folks !!!! How are we doing today???

An unplanned weekend getaway has kept me away from  my blog. It was a welcome break.......to slow down and not have to worry about a schedule or a routine. These moments help me step back and look at things from a new perspective. 
Now back from the road trip, I'm enjoying the quintessential Christmas spirit.......sharing a few moments and corners from my home today.

The countdown is over and the excitement of presents waiting under the Christmas tree and the little surprise gifts hidden in the most unassuming of places, makes the heart swell with the festive spirit:) A glowing fire lit in the evening, warms our body and soul, as we sit around and chatter silly nothings. An impatient 6 year old waits for the clock to strike 12, to open his presents.We no longer have to wait for him to sleep, to put out the presents. He's well aware of Pa Santa and Ma Santa now:) But the opening of the presents will have to wait until tomorrow morning as no matter how much the little guy tries to flight his sleep.....he's not going to make it beyond 10:30.His dad will have to carry him up to bed once he falls asleep on the couch. 

The morning of Christmas is what I enjoy the most.......the sound of wrapping paper being ripped apart accompanied by squeals of laughter and excitement......looking around and seeing your family and loved ones around you and a mug of hot cocoa and a stack of pancakes to dig into..........

Giving you'll a heads up about some wonderful things I've been coordinating for my lovely readers. More on that coming up during the week....... You'll enjoy the rest of your day:)

Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright   

Monochromatic Winter

Good Morning and welcome back!!!!

We've had some very cold days here in Virginia.Winter is making it's presence felt in every possible way.....snow showers, the cloudy grey days and the sun has been very stingy and conservative in making it's appearance. And the people not complaining, are the kids. With snow showers and schools being closed, sledding is in full swing.

Last weekend everything was wrapped in robes of white snow. As the sun came up, the soft white winter wonderland slowly melt away. I could not resist the urge to pick up my camera and run off all by myself to click some pics, before this magical setting disappeared.I also managed to do a little photo shoot for some original Christmas wishes for my readers. Saving it for the Christmas day;) 

As much as I love color, the beauty in these unpretentious monochromatic winter images is inspiring. 

(My home backs up into this tree save line........it's wonderful to sit in my sun room and just watch this sight )

I do hope you'll enjoyed these clicks. Have a wonderful weekend and  stay warm and healthy:)

Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright

It's a Playground out there.......

Hello Friday!!!!!

Today was a magical morning............I was enthralled with this mystical view when I drew the curtains aside. What your looking at is the tree save line from my bedroom window. The sun was quite a sport as he played peek-a-boo through the trees. However, the rays were in the mood for a game of tag and tried to envelop and light up every corner that they could reach. 

As I walked my son to the bus stop and waited for the school bus to arrive,the fog played along with the sun and blanketed all, trying to keep them away for as long as he could from the prying eyes of the sun. 

The morning dew drops slid on the grass and ready to drop.....they reminded me of happy children on the slides ........ 

I say, it's a playground out there.....go ahead  and take a second look. 

Have a wonderful day and stay tuned for a 5 day gala at "The East Coast Desi", as we gear up for a wonderful Diwali....... 

Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.

Start of a new week!!!!!

Hello Monday !!!

It's been a busy week at my place getting things organised for the up coming Diwali celebrations. I've been preoccupied deciding the colors for the home this festive season, lighting ideas, tablescape for the Diwali night and the food menu. Not to mention the photo sessions, editing and the write ups for you'll in-between all this. I doubt if I'm going to pass the sleep test in the state of mind that I am !!!!

 A bunch of Peruvian Lilies  instantly add color and life to a corner in my home. (Decor tip:Use a vase in a contrasting color to add drama to the setting. I've used a blue distressed pail from Target to house the pink lilies.) 

However, I can assure you that the coming weeks are sure to be a treat for the eyes. I have some delightful Diwali inspiration heading your way. I have it all taken care of.......right from one-of-a-kind jewelry to get you looking gorgeous for the festive day, to simple home decor additions to your space that's going to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. So giddy up and have a wonderful week!!!  

Images:My home. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.