Love Blossoms

Madhuri Dixit, in one of her most popular movies - Dil To Pagal Hai, explains with dreamy eyes to a friend of hers how romantically significant is the existence of a full moon on Valentine's Day to every romance-filled heart! Well, tonight we all can witness this sweet little coincidence. 

The role that nature plays in setting up the romantic mood is undeniable. And so is the fact that nature itself gets in the romantic mood... especially during spring.

Nature maybe playing havoc in certain parts of the world this spring. But it surely is in a very romantic mood here in 'Aamchi Mumbai'. Mercury has dropped to make us feel cozy, soothing breezes are setting the happy mood, streets are in the process of getting a complete make-over... thanks to the spring blossom and birds and squirrels are displaying their lovey-dovey behaviour. And how can we forget the surprise showers!

This is the best time to roam around in Mumbai. Exploring our own city during such pleasant weather can be fun. You can also lay back at home and enjoy this cozy atmosphere. But you got to be lucky for that... like me! I stay in a locality that is away from all the hubbub. My residence is situated on the third level of the building, letting me take a closer look at that level of the trees that holds housing societies or food joints of squirrels, robins and parrots. And to add to my luck, a space named balcony that's getting extinct from Mumbai, still exists in my residence. For a date with nature, I can simply stand in my balcony on a lazy Sunday afternoon and rejoice! If you have a swing in your balcony and small home garden of your own, nothing like it! If not a balcony, a nice comfy French window can do the magic. Sitting by the window and sipping some hot coffee with that special someone can not only revive your mood but also the love in your relationship. For an uninterrupted view of the spring blossom through your bungalow, you got to have full height windows with a coffee table and some exciting coffee table books by its side. 

Nature helps us keep the romance in our hearts alive. So when it comes to spring, the very season when nature is at its best... love blossoms :)

- Kalindi Amol Joshi

With

Amol Vishwas Joshi, Interior Designer, AAkruti Interiors

@ 9967534621

www.aakrutiinteriors.co.in

Romancing With Raindrops

Monsoon is a magical season, especially for us Mumbaites. As the hot and humid month of May comes closer to its end, the news of monsoon's movement towards Kerala, Goa and Konkan starts catching one's attention. Summer does offer its own incentives in the form of vacations, mangoes and ice-creams; but the rising mercury and humidity both make us eagerly await the soothing raindrops.

This time, after many years, monsoon has arrived well on time; even before the schools have reopened, reminding me of my childhood. I still remember that thrill me and my sister used to experience while shopping the new all-season footwear, raincoat and umbrella. Rain showers used to welcome us on the very first day of the brand new academic year. And stepping out in the rains, with the new monsoon-gear on was a real fun. Childhood was that phase of our life when water logging only meant 'jumping-japang' and not checking the alternative routes for commuting to office. For me, the real magic of monsoon is in the fact that in spite of having experienced almost 30 monsoon seasons; the delight of catching the first raindrops of the forthcoming season has not subsided even by a slightest bit. Mother Nature flourishes during this season even in the lanes and by-lanes of Mumbai and lends a vivacious touch to its concrete jungle.

This year's monsoon is not even one week old yet and the talk of monsoon trip has already started making rounds on whats app. I do love going out to enjoy rains. A walk in Borivali national park, bhutta on Worli sea face, a trek in Sahyadris or a long drive in Konkan or Deccan Ghat- these and many more such exciting ways of enjoying monsoon add to the fun.But I equally enjoy a more peaceful rendezvous with monsoon wherein I simply stand in my balcony- with a ginger flavoured tea in one hand and the other hand stretched out to catch some of the falling raindrops. I can spend a whole of Sunday afternoon lazying around in my balcony trying to embrace the tiny droplets. These are the times when I truly appreciate the presence of a balcony in my home. During my college-days, there have been instances when I have spent hours in the balcony with raindrops and my camera to accompany me. These are the times when I have captured beautiful pictures of raindrops falling from rose buds or chai patti growing in our home-garden.

During monsoon, I used to enjoy watching people move around trying to save themselves from getting wet or kids playing football from the balcony of my previous residence. Human beings have been replaced by squirrels, parrots and robins when I stand in the balcony of my new residence. It is fun watching them run for a shelter when it is raining and cautiously come out of it when the rainfall has subsided. If you wish to enjoy the movement of clouds and transformation of weather, you should get straight to your terrace or should be lucky to have a flat on one of the higher floors. A friend of mine can enjoy clouds passing by the Global Vipassana Pagoda through the full height windows of her flat situated on the seventh floor. It gets windy just before the rainfall and when it rains, raindrops keep knocking at the window-panes while she enjoys romantic music. She says, when she lets a few droplets fall on her face through the open windows she gets her natural spa therapy done! If I ever get a chance to reside at a higher floor I will definitely get a French window sitting done in my living room. I feel it is the best thing a foodie monsoon lover can ever have. Romantic numbers playing in the background, greenery all around, fresh air, refreshing raindrops, delighted home-grown plants to accompany, a cup of ginger flavoured tea with a plate full of kanda bhaji. Heaven!

- Kalindi Amol Joshi 

  with Amol Vishwas Joshi, Interior Designer, AAkruti Interiors

Whether you need a French window sitting or space developed for gardening or may be a complete make-over of your residence; please do contact:

 * Amol Vishwas Joshi, Interior Designer, AAkruti Interiors, Kandivli, Mumbai. *
@ 9967534621 @ For more details, click here ------>>>