Happy New Year and Happy Sankranthi to all my family and friends. The first post of 2018 is this Sweet Pongal / Rice pudding prepared for Sankranthi festival. Sankranthi celebrated all over India but with different names depending on the state and culture for over a period of 4 days. It marks the first day of sun’s transit into the  Capricorn, marking the end of the month with the winter solace and the start of longer days. It’s also called as Harvest festival where the first crop / rice is harvested .

Festivals are all about  family gatherings , celebrations ,food and memories associated with it .Growing up typically our day would begin with my dad waking us up at wee hrs in the morning, while mom starts   preparations in the kitchen . After multiple attempts, we would wake up and start by decorating the front yard with colorful Rangoli designs ,followed by dads pooja and Moms scrumptous food . After a heavy and delicious meal ,we would gather up on the rooftop & watch all the kids flying kites under the Sun . Mom would make lots of food, but I would eagerly wait for the sweet treats which are specially made during this festival.  Traditional sweet sesame-jaggery based ladoo and rice pudding / sweet pongal. Sweet pongal is always made with new rice and jaggery . Its mushy , soft with perfect amount of sweetness and some nutty crunch with cashews and dried coconut pieces. Heres a recipe. 

 

Thanks for stopping by .

Rajini

 

On my last visit to Paris apart from enjoying the history, food and shopping, I was in awe of the Street style /fashion. Most women were dressed in tall boots, leather jackets and super stylish fur coats. I was regretting not taking a fur coat ( since my bags were filled with boots and hand bags he he 🙂 ) , as it was pretty cold and of course wanted to blend in. Anyways, the weather in Northern Cali some days gives me the opportunity to wear them without looking ridiculous .Last two weeks have been quite chilly ,so got a chance to wear this super soft & cozy faux fur vest . Completed the look with a simple but warm tee & OTK boots which I love and are available in two colors. Click on the links below for the products.

Tee – Cranberry Cocktail –Here  | Faux Fur Vest – Here . Similar – Here ,Here

LowCost vest – Here  | Jean Leggings – Here   | OTK Boots – Here  ,Similar – Here |

Bag – Kate Spade – Similar – Here |

 

Thank You .

Rajini

To be honest i have never been to a pumpkin patch, in all these years that i have lived in the United states . Usually i just go to the local store since its easier due to time constraints .But ,Families here have long traditions of going to the local farms to choose a pumpkin grown right on the property ,ride around in the hay wagon to learn about farming and  wander around in the corn maze. Sounds so much fun right . So last weekend ,we made a short visit to our local farm and picked out our perfect pumpkin. It was a fun experience selecting and strolling around in the farm filled with different types of pumpkins ,corn,squash and kids running around climbing the hay bales that are built every year. I think this is going to be my Fall/October activity from now on . Not sure if i will be any good at carving Jack’O’Lanterns  ,but  will definitely decorate my front porch .

Since it was windy and a little chilly weekend i wore a light sweater ,jeans ,tall boots and a blanket scarf . I have linked the outfit details below and some of my favorite similar fall items. Take a look and Happy Thursday Friends.

• Jeans – Similar – Here | Sweater – Here |
• Sunglasses –Here |
• Scarf –Similar ,Here ,Here |
• Boots – Here , Similar Boots Low cost –Here, Here ,Here |
• Bag Kate Spade – Similar Here ,Here |

The beaches of northern California are not ideal for swimming ,because the water is too cold even in summers, but still beautiful to enjoy the scenery and sit on the beach. One of my favorite things to do is pack some food ,drinks , sit on the beach and have a relaxing time watching the waves crash the shore. As we are getting close to Fall ,i wanted to go one last time  before its starts to get Cold. So, that’s what i did last weekend .We went  to Capitola beach in Santa cruz , one of the oldest beaches in  pacific coast. The beach is beautiful with colorful beach side cottages,local galleries , shops and restaurants. Me and my friend packed up some food ,drinks and spent the day chit chatting , people watching and relaxed on the shore. I wore this beautiful maxi dress and wedges and my dear friend graciously captured all the pics . The dress is soft ,flowy  with a beautiful beaded neck and has slits on the side to give a sexy look. Outfit details below.

Dress – Here | Shoes – Here  Similar | Sun Glasses- Here | Bracelet & Bag – Old | Lip Color- Here | Nail Color –Here |

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Rajini

A shoe addict that I am ,I have been eyeing these gorgeous Zigi Soho Duran heels for a long time and finally gave in. They are comfortable and very sexy with a  little black dress or paired with jeans for a night out in the city . Its embellished with Rhinestones & the cut outs give it an edgy look. I wore it for a friends birthday party ,with a floral lace dress, simple gold earrings and bracelet. Low cost options are available in this brand ,which are similar and carry different colors. Happy Thursday /Almost weekend my friends . 

Outfit Details-|Dress – Jcpenny. Similar dress | Heels – Dsw |Similar little  low cost heels – Zigi Soho Darlah | Ear rings & Bracelet – Forever 21 | Nail color –Essie | Lip color – L’Oreal |

Thanks for stopping by and please give your feedback by commenting at the bottom of the page.

Rajini

This white dress is so comfortable ,soft and elegant that you don’t want to take it off. Picked this beautiful dress from Eva Mendes Collection and wanted to grab few more but stopped myself. Its perfect for summer and has the right amount of flare.Added some bright blue accessories and pumps  to complete the Look. 

Dress- Eva Mendes Collection/Newyork and Company| Pumps-Old /Fergalicious| Necklace –JcPenny/Similar | Bag – Art Meets Fashion | Lip Color – Ulta | Nail Color – Essie/Tart Deco

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Rajini

I don’t get to wear sandals, wedges or heels at work , but from Friday evening till Monday morning I live in sandals especially in summers. Lately I am loving the lace up trend so much that every time I am out and about shopping I end up picking a pair . I bought these bright orange lace ups at Target recently ( went to get something else but I always end up in shoe/clothes section :-)).They are super comfortable & go with everything from crop pants and shorts to dresses. These budget friendly sandals come in 3 colors .I wore them on a casual evening out with crop pants and lacy crochet top.

Crochet Top – Old Navy | Crop Pants- New York & Company | Sandals- Target | Bracelet & Earings- Old | Bag – Kate Spade .Similar |

Thanks for stopping by.

Rajini

 

I am loving  the weather here from last few weeks, which makes me want to go out more and enjoy Sunday brunch dates and evening walks.Summer is my favorite time of year as I get to wear lot of floral patterns and colors. I found this cute dress at Macys recently.It’s colorful with a fitted waist and flares out which is perfect for a curvy figure. The pattern on this dress gives a casual vibe & best part is the Halter neck and it has pockets. I wore simple heels, earrings & bracelet to complete the look. 

Outfit Details -Dress – Macys| Heels – Zappos |Bracelet-Target | Lip Color – Ulta|

Thanks for stopping by  and plz Give  your feedback by commenting at the bottom of the page.

Rajini