“I have to mention about a person who played an important role in this project. I didn’t know how to use social media network or to send a simple mail. She is the one who opened my Gmail account and started my facebook page called DSOFT. She clicked pictures of the clothes we stitched and uploaded on the page.”

“Sanjeeta, my tech-guru, please stand up where ever you are” Saranya looked at me from the stage and smiled.

I shyly stood and waved to the audience. I could see my son smiling in disbelief after hearing her mom referred as ‘tech-guru’

Another fruitful year comes to an end. Well, you don’t need a new year to make a change, all you need is a new morning.

On reflection, having been surrounded by friends who are big dreamers and creators is what inspired me the most and kept me going.

One such long-time friend is Saranya Ponvanan, a renowned actress whose accomplishments and success in the field of South Indian cinema needs no introduction.

She is a family friend for more than a decade now. We have been sharing personal moments in our life, inspiring each other, learning, growing and trying to be better every day.

Whenever I visit her home she would lovingly pull out all the beautiful dresses that she stitched during her outdoor shoots. From her hand-embroidered sarees to grand party dresses for her daughters, each of her creation look like a master piece to me.

Not many know about her passion & excellence for tailoring and designing party wears.

Why don’t you start something on the lines of teaching and tailoring at your home?” Our talks would often start and end with the passion we pursue.

“I would love to, but what with my hectic schedule of  film shoots and other commitments.” will be her standard reply.

I was surprised when, one fine day she called me to inform that she is planning to start a fashion design institute and wants me to come home to discuss about the same.

“I want to learn how to send mails and start a facebook page for the institute.” she offered me a cup of filter coffee and asked her daughter to get her the lap-top.

We sat and brain-stormed about the name. Her hubby quickly designed the logo and I opened her facebook page DSOFT.

One year into it and she has nurtured and developed it into an institute, par excellence.

I was invited to the event last week which was organized as farewell to the previous batch and to welcome the new students.

Her daughters planned & executed the entire cultural program for the event.

A surprise package was this beautiful dress stitched by her younger daughter Chandini, for my daughter, who err…took a day off from her school to stitch this dress. I dropped my daughter at their home in morning for dance practice and was surprised to see the dress in evening. Mom’s talent & passion has certainly rubbed off on her daughter.

Peppy dance numbers, inspiring speech by Saranya followed by ramp walk by the students with the models were the most thrilling part of the show.

That was certainly the most energizing event I could have asked for, to wind up the year on happy note! You can get in touch with her institute here.

The year that was…

The year 2015 has been a whirlwind. It has gifted me with more than my fair share of perfect moments with family, friends and work life. My heart is full of love and my gratitude is boundless.

Here’s to the year that was online – from food blogging to food styling, attending meets, family functions to making new friends for life.

When the house turned into make-shift studio for Aachi and Thirumala brands. A few Thirumala sweets styled by me and shot by Prabhu at home.

A raw shot by Prem for Blasta, an ice-cream company I did styling for recently.

Working in the make-shift studio at home for the independent mega project I am doing this year as free-lancer.

A glimpse of some raw pictures I styled and photographed for the brand from home..

Chocolate Brownie

My daughter demanded Brownies for her school mates and I baked some quick brownies for my daughter for her birthday on 1st January. And no, this one is not a healthy option, it is a rich and indulgent treat for my little-heart.

Ingredients;

(15-20 small pieces)

• 1 cup All purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp chocolate chips
• 3 tbsp. milk
• 1 tbsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 3/4 tsp baking powder

Method; Line and grease a square pan. Preheat the oven at 180°C.

Add all purpose flour, baking powder, Chocolate chips and cocoa powder in a large bowl and mix well.

Take melted butter in another bowl, add sugar, vanilla essence milk, vinegar and whisk well to combine.

Pour the liquid ingredients in the dry ingredients and fold in lightly to blend into a batter.

Pour the batter in the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes till the brownie is done.

Remove from oven and let it cool completely before slicing into pieces.

Happy 2016 to all the readers!

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