Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
The Walls are Alive
Many years ago, when my husband was still serving in the
Indian armed forces, the most important aspect when moving into the allocated MES accommodation was getting it painted — ‘chuna’ was
our brutally frank description of that process. The team of workers ‘did’ up
the houses in a day, two days if we were lucky. All of us had uniform pale
yellow walls with white ceilings. Just that layer of coloured water on the
walls gave the homes a fresher feel and we happily settled in. The family was not separated, there was a Kendriya Vidyalaya for the children and we were happy. That’s just how things were in our times.Decorating homes meant
displaying mementos, paintings, embroidery, potted plants and so on. Paint as
decor by itself was unheard of.
Out on civil street after my hubby had quit service, we were quite confused
when it was time to paint our flat. We opted
for the Asian Paints Home Solutions which
meant the company took care of everything including the dreaded ‘post paint’ cleaning of the home.
With the provider chosen we had just one more task and that was choosing the colour-scheme. This was something we had never done before and there were just too many shades. I
did not know that a basic sounding ‘white’ could be ‘Pristine linen’ or
‘Egg shell’ or ‘Silence.’ And I have not even started on the rest of the colour palette. What about the VOCs? Did I want to keep inhaling
toxic gases? Then
there were the textures… My
vote was for the ‘Spatula, the hubby wanted ‘Canvas’ and our daughter wanted
‘Dapple’. Any guesses on who won?
did not know that a basic sounding ‘white’ could be ‘Pristine linen’ or
‘Egg shell’ or ‘Silence.’ And I have not even started on the rest of the colour palette. What about the VOCs? Did I want to keep inhaling
toxic gases? Then
there were the textures… My
vote was for the ‘Spatula, the hubby wanted ‘Canvas’ and our daughter wanted
‘Dapple’. Any guesses on who won?
You can only imagine the lively discussions that took place before we made our
choice!
Suffice to say that we tested the patience of our relationship manager and I
must say he was pretty cool throughout.
The team did a thorough job working on each room for six days. Six
days! Unheard of from where we had come but the
end result was stunning. Super smooth and silky to touch, the walls glowed
softly in the light of our lamps. My artefacts were truly unique (even if I say
so myself) but they looked more beautiful against these lovely
walls. The textured wall is the piece de resistance in our drawing room. My driftwood looks even more beautiful with
the special wood finish paints and waterproofing products have taken care of
unsightly scars from seepage.
I have seen a TV ad showing an ArmyCaptain who decorates the house to welcome his bride. I truly
wish we had this facility in our times!
wish we had this facility in our times!
They say it’s the people that make homes what they are – cosy comfortable
heavens where we can anytime retreat to for unquestioned faith, love and care. It’s
the emotions and memories created therein that binds the family members
forever. Homes whose walls keep track of the kids’ growing height, their tentative drawing skills, occasionally even serve as a ‘board’ when they play ‘teacher teacher’ and groan under weight of the framed certificates! Walls that tell a story of their own… The only additional thing they need is they need ‘proper’ paint. Truly a “Home Sweet Home”.
This post is slightly edited from my submission for the Asian Paints & Ripple Links Beautiful Home Blogger contest.
Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Maddening Ad Fads!
As
Indian economy grows smartly and foreign majors knock at our doors eager to get
a foothold, we consumers will become the focus of the marketing fraternity.
Stiff competition means every customer has to be reached out to both at home and
outside. This leads to a veritable advertising blitzkrieg! Even as we speak, ad
gurus are pulling out all stops, thinking out of the box as they goes in for
the kill so to speak. Practically, it means all spaces – be they natural or
manmade are used to reach out to us, the consumers! Thus we find pavements
advertising telecom carriers, bus shelters displaying new housing schemes and
public transport vehicles looking like a well decorated cake as images scream
out qualities of some product.
Indian economy grows smartly and foreign majors knock at our doors eager to get
a foothold, we consumers will become the focus of the marketing fraternity.
Stiff competition means every customer has to be reached out to both at home and
outside. This leads to a veritable advertising blitzkrieg! Even as we speak, ad
gurus are pulling out all stops, thinking out of the box as they goes in for
the kill so to speak. Practically, it means all spaces – be they natural or
manmade are used to reach out to us, the consumers! Thus we find pavements
advertising telecom carriers, bus shelters displaying new housing schemes and
public transport vehicles looking like a well decorated cake as images scream
out qualities of some product.
One
has to admire the versatility of the creative minds, as using conventional ad
space in print/ radio/hoardings is passé. Thus newspapers or magazines now have
promotional sachets stuck on to them for free trials. I don’t know if the move
has made a difference to product sales but some newspaper delivery boys
certainly made a quick buck selling off these samples! Companies increasingly
splurge on dedicated four-page supplements or glossy magazine pullouts to
showcase their product!
has to admire the versatility of the creative minds, as using conventional ad
space in print/ radio/hoardings is passé. Thus newspapers or magazines now have
promotional sachets stuck on to them for free trials. I don’t know if the move
has made a difference to product sales but some newspaper delivery boys
certainly made a quick buck selling off these samples! Companies increasingly
splurge on dedicated four-page supplements or glossy magazine pullouts to
showcase their product!
None
of us rush to answer a ringing telephone anymore; as there is a hefty chance it
will be someone trying to sell an insurance policy/credit card/ loan. I
have yet to meet a person who has taken up this telephonic loan proposal. The
range of products being touted via SMSs range from ‘sizzling’ celebrity photo
and music downloads to meal deals, mock croc bags and several other frivolous
accessories!
This
entire onslaught obviously makes business sense or else companies would not be
spending so much money in troubling us! Apparently we now have some choice over
this unsolicited intrusion of privacy (the latest Trai guidelines) all done in
the name of advertising. Our ad gurus however have more up their sleeves!
entire onslaught obviously makes business sense or else companies would not be
spending so much money in troubling us! Apparently we now have some choice over
this unsolicited intrusion of privacy (the latest Trai guidelines) all done in
the name of advertising. Our ad gurus however have more up their sleeves!
Like
a species threatened with extinction, advertising is constantly metamorphosing
to compete and grow! Just as I was congratulating myself on choosing the
staircase over the elevator to go to the fifth floor, I was greeted by
advertisements put up on the vertical face of steps. Can a person not even get
breathless in peace is what I would like to ask? At a multiplex I found chair
backs of seats sporting ads. How many people were likely read and register the
product described there as they juggle with popcorn and coffee in the dark and
negotiate rows of outstretched feet beats me!
a species threatened with extinction, advertising is constantly metamorphosing
to compete and grow! Just as I was congratulating myself on choosing the
staircase over the elevator to go to the fifth floor, I was greeted by
advertisements put up on the vertical face of steps. Can a person not even get
breathless in peace is what I would like to ask? At a multiplex I found chair
backs of seats sporting ads. How many people were likely read and register the
product described there as they juggle with popcorn and coffee in the dark and
negotiate rows of outstretched feet beats me!
And
if that was not enough, I saw a hospital logo emblazoned on the shoulder sling
of an unsuspecting patient. I hope he was given a discount in medical charges
for carrying around the ‘discreet’ ad for the entire duration of his
immobilisation! I have read of celebrities endorsing designer apparel,
jewellery and even being paid to wear/use a particular brand in a bid to get us
to opt for the same label. I too have succumbed and actually let some star
decide which hair oil I use! Same goes for ads featuring endearing children.
Hey no one complaints of child labour here do they?
if that was not enough, I saw a hospital logo emblazoned on the shoulder sling
of an unsuspecting patient. I hope he was given a discount in medical charges
for carrying around the ‘discreet’ ad for the entire duration of his
immobilisation! I have read of celebrities endorsing designer apparel,
jewellery and even being paid to wear/use a particular brand in a bid to get us
to opt for the same label. I too have succumbed and actually let some star
decide which hair oil I use! Same goes for ads featuring endearing children.
Hey no one complaints of child labour here do they?
Print,
outdoor, film, telecom, Internet – there seemed apparently no new frontier for
marketing to conquer. That’s when I came across this article that said brands
would also be sold on skin! I’m not sure how many celebrities or models will
agree to get themselves tattooed to sell products – I am told it is a painful
process indeed. Unless of course the temporary variety is chosen, which would
naturally mean equally fickle market loyalties on our part!
outdoor, film, telecom, Internet – there seemed apparently no new frontier for
marketing to conquer. That’s when I came across this article that said brands
would also be sold on skin! I’m not sure how many celebrities or models will
agree to get themselves tattooed to sell products – I am told it is a painful
process indeed. Unless of course the temporary variety is chosen, which would
naturally mean equally fickle market loyalties on our part!
All
in all, we consumers are fair game to innovative advertising blitzes, mad ad
fads– ones that are designed to leave us lighter on the wallets!
in all, we consumers are fair game to innovative advertising blitzes, mad ad
fads– ones that are designed to leave us lighter on the wallets!
First published in a now extinct website 4indianwoman.com on 24 Nov 2007
Thanks to new rules, unwanted marketing calls and text messages as mentioned above have reduced considerably now!
Open Sesame!
January is one of the greatest month’s foods wise. It is a period of plentiful colourful vegetables that are often available at bargain
prices but also because of Sankranti- a festival
celebrated across India albeit with different names in different states. So
whether it is Lori or Sankranti or Uttarayan or Bihu the vital ingredient of
the key preparations are Jaggery and Til (sesame).
prices but also because of Sankranti- a festival
celebrated across India albeit with different names in different states. So
whether it is Lori or Sankranti or Uttarayan or Bihu the vital ingredient of
the key preparations are Jaggery and Til (sesame).
Sesame sweets whether known as Revadi, Gajjak, Laddoos or Pitha are delightful. In Maharashtra we exchange Til laddoos always accompanied
by saying “तिळगुळ घ्या गोड बोला”
by saying “तिळगुळ घ्या गोड बोला”
(Accept this Til and Jaggery and speak sweetly!)
I am not really sure of its origins but it’s a sure fire
ice breaker and a good means to renew strained relationships. To facilitate
spreading bonhomie, the period from Sankranti day (usually 14 January) up to
Rathasaptami is considered auspicious for the same. Ladies are usually busy
with ‘Haldi Kumkums’ an occasion where each one can show-off her black saris. Usually a
no-no, black is a must, come Sankranti! Further we also have a tradition of
making jewellery out of halwa (balls made from sugar syrup and sesame seeds)
that is presented to a baby or at a bride’s first Sankranti.
ice breaker and a good means to renew strained relationships. To facilitate
spreading bonhomie, the period from Sankranti day (usually 14 January) up to
Rathasaptami is considered auspicious for the same. Ladies are usually busy
with ‘Haldi Kumkums’ an occasion where each one can show-off her black saris. Usually a
no-no, black is a must, come Sankranti! Further we also have a tradition of
making jewellery out of halwa (balls made from sugar syrup and sesame seeds)
that is presented to a baby or at a bride’s first Sankranti.
In Maharashtra we make ‘gul poli’. These are rotis
stuffed with jaggery. To many the concept of sweet rotis is strange yet one
bite of this crisp poli lathered with ghee is sure to remove all doubts. Now
don’t frown at the ghee, its essential; Sankranti is not the time to count
calories.
stuffed with jaggery. To many the concept of sweet rotis is strange yet one
bite of this crisp poli lathered with ghee is sure to remove all doubts. Now
don’t frown at the ghee, its essential; Sankranti is not the time to count
calories.
My first attempts to make gul polis were after I got
married. My ever-dependable guide to home style Marathi food is a book called
‘Ruchira’ written by Kamalabai Ogale. I mustered up courage and decided to make
these polis that are considered to be the mark of a chef. I roasted the besan
in oil, roasted and ground poppy seeds and added them to grated jaggery to make
the stuffing. With the firmly mixed dough I was ready to begin. It seemed
simple enough – roll two small circles of the dough, put a bit of stuffing on
one, cover with other circle, roll out, cut off edges and roast on medium
griddle.
married. My ever-dependable guide to home style Marathi food is a book called
‘Ruchira’ written by Kamalabai Ogale. I mustered up courage and decided to make
these polis that are considered to be the mark of a chef. I roasted the besan
in oil, roasted and ground poppy seeds and added them to grated jaggery to make
the stuffing. With the firmly mixed dough I was ready to begin. It seemed
simple enough – roll two small circles of the dough, put a bit of stuffing on
one, cover with other circle, roll out, cut off edges and roast on medium
griddle.
The first one turned out like a dream. Hooray! I basked
in the glory as my husband polished it off giving me the ultimate compliment-
that it tasted just like his Mom’s.
in the glory as my husband polished it off giving me the ultimate compliment-
that it tasted just like his Mom’s.
Mentally thanking Madam Ogale I got down to the task
ahead of me quite sure it would be a breeze. Alas, the celebrations had come
too early. The second one on the pan suddenly seemed to come alive as its
surface erupted into umpteen bubbles spewing steam and hot jaggery droplets. I
got the melting mass off the griddle and began afresh.
ahead of me quite sure it would be a breeze. Alas, the celebrations had come
too early. The second one on the pan suddenly seemed to come alive as its
surface erupted into umpteen bubbles spewing steam and hot jaggery droplets. I
got the melting mass off the griddle and began afresh.
Many melting moments and burnt fingers later I finally
got the process right and the last couple of polis were respectable again and
without the charcoal flavour that characterised most earlier attempts.
got the process right and the last couple of polis were respectable again and
without the charcoal flavour that characterised most earlier attempts.
Several years later, I still pull out my ‘Ruchira’ when
making Gul Polis. It’s now just a collection of pages – the binding having long
given up. I have not invested in a newer edition preferring to stand by this
proven model.
making Gul Polis. It’s now just a collection of pages – the binding having long
given up. I have not invested in a newer edition preferring to stand by this
proven model.
As for laddoos, a special type of jaggery is available in
Maharashtra in this period that is used specifically to make laddoos. The catch
in making these laddoos is to get the jaggery syrup to the correct consistency
else the final product ends up becoming rock hard. Trust me; my dental architecture
has suffered from its effects. Further they have to be rolled when the mixture
is hot but greasing your palms with oil or ghee will keep them from burning.
Maharashtra in this period that is used specifically to make laddoos. The catch
in making these laddoos is to get the jaggery syrup to the correct consistency
else the final product ends up becoming rock hard. Trust me; my dental architecture
has suffered from its effects. Further they have to be rolled when the mixture
is hot but greasing your palms with oil or ghee will keep them from burning.
My Mom-in-law’s recipe is excellent and more importantly
is tooth friendly! It goes like this: roast and grind equal quantities of
groundnuts and sesame (white or polished variety). Grate good quality jaggery
(same quantity as other ingredients). Take little of groundnut powder, sesame
seed powder and jaggery and grind together in a mixer. Ideally it should be
pounded in a mortar and pestle (preferably an iron one). Add cardamom powder
and ghee as required to the entire ground lot. Roll into balls.
is tooth friendly! It goes like this: roast and grind equal quantities of
groundnuts and sesame (white or polished variety). Grate good quality jaggery
(same quantity as other ingredients). Take little of groundnut powder, sesame
seed powder and jaggery and grind together in a mixer. Ideally it should be
pounded in a mortar and pestle (preferably an iron one). Add cardamom powder
and ghee as required to the entire ground lot. Roll into balls.
As the sun begins its northward journey let us hope that
Sankranti with its rich repertoire of sesame dishes opens the door to lasting
good health and peace for all of us!
Sankranti with its rich repertoire of sesame dishes opens the door to lasting
good health and peace for all of us!
This was first published in a now extinct site called 4indianwoman.com