My walk outside.

I ventured out with my little one for a walk through my development yesterday. The weather was amazingly great. Remnants of Fall (Autumn) were still visible all around. I was glad I had carried my camera with me...Here are few of the images.

I shot this because, I liked the way the top of this tree looked. It fanned all across the sky with a little bit of light peeking through.

These circular patches on the tree caught my eye. From my view it just looked like plain greenish patch. Once I uploaded the images on to the computer, I saw these fascinating ruffles on the patch. I thought it was an interesting contrast of textures...both of the tree bark and as well as the patches. Wonder what those patches are????

Of course, they is no way I can run away from red. I liked the green and red contrast of the Pine & Maple Trees. Reminds me of the Christmas colors.

I found a nest way up on top of this tree...don't know whose it is. Judging from the size I am assuming it is a sparrow's nest.

A closer view of the nest..My little one was very excited and wanted to know if there were any eggs in it. It was way too high for me to check.:):):)

Finally my favorite shot. I quickly shot this when she was trying to reach the leaves. I love it when kids are in their natural element and not posing.

Diwali Treats

Growing up in Bombay (Mumbai), Diwali was the festival we would look forward to impatiently. It was a time for decorating, lights, oil lamps, new clothes, fire crackers and most of all my favorite--- eating all homemade 'SWEETS & TREATS'.

My mom would start preparing all the yummy treats a week before. On the day of Diwali, I and my siblings would dress up in our brand new clothes. We would then excitedly share our treats with all our neighbors and friends. I don't know how my mom would single-handedly cook so many things and in such large quantities. The treats she made were perfect in every way. What can I say...she was a perfectionist and still is. I have these fond memories that will always stay with me and my hats off to my mom for giving us those memories.

Even though I have been here in the US for quiet some years now, I have tried to keep the Diwali traditions alive in my family. I want my kids to have the same memories that I had and cherish them....So I decorate the house with lights, get the oil lamps  from the Indian stores and finally prepare all the goodies. It gives me tremendous satisfaction, and also some kind of connection to the past. Below are the pictures of some of the treats that I made...

These Boondi Laddoos are sweet treats made from Chickpea Flour and sugar syrup. 

These were and still are my absolute favorite.

I made the shortcut version of the Coconut Laddoos using dry, 

shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.

These are chaklees or chakuli as my mom would call it. It is a savory snack which is really crispy & crunchy. It is made from white lentil flour, rice flour and all-purpose flour....This snacks requires some practice to get the texture, shape as well as the taste right. This recipe was given to me by my mom and I have to say it is an absolute success, every time I make it...

 Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did........'HAPPY DIWALI'

Diwali & Lights

Diwali is a major religious festival and is celebrated by Hindus all over India. During the occasion of Diwali we decorate our homes with different kinds of lights and make all kinds of sweets & treats. Since it is known as the 'Festival of Lights', I thought it would be fun to photograph all the lights around Mumbai.

In the above picture you can see the Chinese style lanterns hanging from the establishment. These lanterns are the latest trend of lighting for Diwali this year.

You will find these temporary roadside stores selling all kinds of lanterns and lights in every street in Mumbai.

I love this picture the most. The whole street was illuminated with lights that looked like they were hanging from the sky...I have to say they looked spectacular.

Finally this is a picture from my house. During Diwali it is a tradition to light up the oil lamps. The lamps itself are made from clay. One just fills it up with oil and handmade cotton wick and within an instant you have light. The oil lamps were the only way to light up the homes during diwali in olden times before electricity. As you can see this practice is still continued today. They are placed near a window sill or the entrance to the house.