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On our recent vacation to Fort Kochi, Kerala, we stayed at an old Portuguese heritage hotel called The Old Courtyard Hotel on Princess Street.
As we entered the huge wooden door, we were immediately transported to the elegance and beauty of a by-gone era.
This restored heritage building now offers 8 rooms, that overlook a charming courtyard.
You can enjoy a cup of cardamom tea sitting under a huge mango tree in the center of the courtyard, or dig into their wide variety of desserts that are so very popular!
The white-washed walls, the arches, antique furniture, the old switchboards and the attention to details makes this quaint place very special.The dining area faces the courtyard. We were torn between enjoying the view and devouring their delicious breakfast:-)
View from the first floor balcony.
The terracotta tiled roof and the fresh green leaves of the mango tree make a lovely combination.
Top view of the Old Courtyard Hotel
Magical light filtering in through the window as we were shown our room.The patina of the seasoned wooden floor with my cup of tea:-)
The owners have retained the original floor and I am so glad they did, the feel of the smooth wood against the feet is something else.The rain-gods decided to shower their blessings on us that evening and the Old Courtyard took on a magical feel.We just stood there watching the rain beat down while sipping our Masala Chai this time;-)
If we traveled to Fort Cochin again, we would surely return to this charming 17th century abode.

I never realised how easy it was to change your hair colour. I started experimenting with bleach at the end of last year and now have the process down to a fine art. It really does not take much time, effort or money to bleach your hair and all the horror stories of the damage it does, appear to me to be unfounded, if anything my hair looks and feels in better condition now, maybe due to all the intensive conditioners that come along with the bleaching products.

Here are a couple of before and after pictures, to see how even someone with very dark hair can go blonde...

BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES
















METHOD

I used Jerome Russels 40% vol peroxide and powder bleach, available in Boots and any chemist for just a couple of pounds. This initially got my hair really blonde, but then I had the problem of regrowth, the roots of course would show very quickly and there was no way I could afford to go the the hairdresser every couple of weeks. I was worried that my hair would get over processed, but I have found that i I can use L'Oreals Recital Preference, ultra lightening, and it does not damage my hair at all and keeps the roots looking light. It comes with an excellent conditioner, ceramide protein, that makes the hair really soft and shiny.

My other tp for bleached hair, is to use Kerastas Chroma Riche shampoo and conditioner. It makes hair really soft and also brightens the tone as well. I have a silver shampoo for if my hair gets too yellowy and the kerastase can add golden tones if it gets greyish. Sometimes I use a Clairol born blonde toner, to add a certain tone, such as beige or ash to my hair.

I wish I had done this before, I always wanted blonde hair, but it is onl in recen years that better products have become available. It really is easy to do at home, it is scary the firt few times, but there is really nothing to worry about, if you follow the instructions on the packs, do strand tests and have a little patience, you will be able to get your hair the shade you want.

Anuradha Varma

Lives in Seattle with her husband and two little ones, she shares few corners of her warm and inviting home with all of us today...



Anuradha describes, 'To me, my home is like a favourite classic book – full of warmth and character. It’s a home for my family and a place to hold treasures that have a special place in my heart.'

'The Indian looking candle holders made of printing blocks were a discovery here in Seattle. When lit they give me and my home a warm glow' says Anuradha.



Her style is eclectic with heirlooms passed down from her parents and mementos of travels from around the world and India.

Anuradha has great fondness for antique brass pieces. She bought these pieces in Kolkata and Delhi. The dragon incense holder is her personal favourite.

A special corner where she has her morning chai.

A collection of Murano glass from Italy, Czech crystal, pottery from Mexico and Spain, knick knacks from flea markets and antique stores around the globe compliment each other. An Indian ethnic motif ties all of this together.

The living-dining area is minimalistic in style and has furniture with clean lines.

Diyas lit for Diwali

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