tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88877192281112366712012-01-27T09:23:58.522-06:00Because no one likes dullChikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.comBlogger3281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-53613491652282400512012-01-11T00:53:00.000-06:002012-01-11T00:53:38.077-06:00

Things I will miss: Food from Garbo's Grill (food stand) Key Lime pie every day Walks around old town Happy Hour at KRAWL (ask for Andy) Pizza at Upper Crust Walk through the Joe Allen Garden Center Sunshine and beach Cuban Coffee Queen Free range roosters (especially during sunrise) Eating croissants at Croissants de France and calling it dinner  Hemingway Beautiful lush trees and

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-45337029358587720302012-01-06T11:05:00.000-06:002012-01-06T11:05:25.789-06:00

 

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-53890191894247891612012-01-04T23:50:00.000-06:002012-01-04T23:50:33.235-06:00

I am in Key West, wearing flip flops and sporting a hat. Because when one turns 30, one must celebrate in style. = )  

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-66170948518746385802012-01-02T18:56:00.000-06:002012-01-02T18:56:05.360-06:00

   Today my nephew turned ten. Happy Birthday Eshaan! Kido, I love you. I think I have about two more years to squeeze you before you are taller and stronger than me. But of course no matter how big you get, I will always remember the first time I held you in my arms. You will always be the best birthday present I ever received. So to celebrate I decided to cook your favorite dessert

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-58507931086027813112012-01-01T16:28:00.000-06:002012-01-01T16:28:01.185-06:00

Hope you make it your best ever. Happy New Year! http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/01/01/144543813/cheers-for-a-new-year-heard-round-the-world

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-34601455657024715052011-10-27T09:38:00.001-05:002011-10-28T10:08:34.179-05:00

Dad, you sure did have a lot of hair back in the day. I suppose having two daughters took care of that. = )Happy 60th birthday. Wishing you 60 more. Love you. Correction - Dad is 59 and disappointed that I cannot count.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-84519785868472493642011-10-25T09:39:00.000-05:002011-10-25T09:39:36.746-05:00

I just re read The Great Gatsby for the third time. Every couple of years it feels like I have forgotten just enough to enjoy another read. I don't mean that my details on the story are sketch, just that I could use a refresher on Fitzgerald's writing style. It is truly clever and entertaining. Each time without fail I find something more that I like about Nick Carraway. Luckily the story is

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-59581154827077512562011-10-22T21:01:00.000-05:002011-10-22T21:01:44.574-05:00

Last weekend we took a serendipitous trip to Galena, IL. We stayed at a friend's cabin which could have passed for the cutest doll house (with real people amenities of course). We drank wine around the fire pit, drove down winding roads, (I) ogled the pastures and farmhouses, went to a winery, had a picnic in the vineyard, and walked around downtown. Galena is only 160 miles from Chicago and is

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-64565092482515882962011-10-20T10:29:00.000-05:002011-10-20T10:29:19.701-05:00

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/10/18/dining/100000001116746/jacques-pepin-makes-an-omelet-.html This made me so happy and hungry. Simplicity at it's best. Watching Jacques Pepin gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. It makes me miss Julia Child even more.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-5502138334955078032011-10-15T15:39:00.000-05:002011-10-15T15:39:54.557-05:00

Let's be honest here. No matter how good, muffins are just muffins. Just like cupcakes are just cupcakes. They don't change lives. They don't perform miracles. People who swear by them need to find better things to be passionate about. That said, there is a difference between a good muffin and a bad grocery-store-711-boxed-mix-muffin. First, the size - no muffin should be as big as ones face;

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-16748543076107481892011-10-13T22:56:00.001-05:002011-10-14T10:54:35.716-05:00

L Growing up in India, monsoons were a big deal. For adults it meant dealing with flooded streets, electricity outages, and mosquitoes.  For kids however the city turned into an instant amusement park. I cringe now, but back then I had no problem running waist deep in that dirty water all day long. Another thing I remember about monsoons are my mom's bhajiyas. Without fail as soon as the rain

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-88130757823462638672011-10-08T18:35:00.000-05:002011-10-08T18:35:19.928-05:00

Brook's booth at the Marathon Expo Legend has it that in 450 B.C., Pheidippides ran from the battle in Marathon to Athens, 26 miles away, to deliver the news of victory against the Persians. Tomorrow, 46,000 runners will try to emulate the great Pheidippides for no apparent reason except to say they can too, battle or not. Bib, shirt, poster, and free goodies from the Expo. The fact that I

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-57668250688635136992011-10-05T10:43:00.000-05:002011-10-05T10:43:14.726-05:00

My heart skipped a beat when I saw a poster for these stamps at my local post office. (What a dork I am!)   Back in January I had briefly shared my excitment at the US Postal Service's announcement for introducing a new collection of Forever stamps which honor American Visionaries in Industrial Design. I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. Fast forward this morning and to the said skipping

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-50851351183090049602011-10-02T17:28:00.000-05:002011-10-02T17:28:16.590-05:00

What is your biggest expense these days? Gas? Clothes? Watches? According to my credit card bills,  I spend most of my money on food and food related items (such as pots and pans to cook the said food). This leaves me wondering then why am I always hungry with nothing to eat. Some of you might remember the TIME magazine article, what the world eats about families from around the world

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-51211863467395496122011-09-29T12:13:00.000-05:002011-09-29T12:13:44.660-05:00

 ...I ate ice cream at Christina's. Must try flavors: Burnt sugar , Ginger, Coffee, Kulfi. ...I inhaled the thin crust pizza at Emma's.   ...I watched scary movies at night with a cheese and fruite plate; a side of Amisha's screaming not pictured. ...I ate brunch in the backyard with wild grape vines and overgrown grass.  ...I stuffed myself with Amisha's guacamole and enchiladas.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-65742280933814053142011-08-26T16:19:00.000-05:002011-08-26T16:19:15.089-05:00

I am headed to Boston this weekend with hopes that I don't have to cross path with Irene. A dark and stormy weekend it will be either way. I leave you with a travel video. Have a wonderful weekend.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-19765782244175467502011-08-22T12:02:00.000-05:002011-08-22T12:02:05.096-05:00

I laughed and said, Life is easy. What I meant was, Life is easy with you here, and when you leave it will be hard again. - Miranda July, “Ten True Things”  

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-1439342581398884932011-08-19T17:09:00.000-05:002011-08-19T17:09:47.835-05:00

Sometimes it's easier when things aren't planned, don't you think? For example, today while I was at work, I asked Neel, Mallika, Steph, and Annie to grab a bunch of cheeses, hummus, basil, brownies, and chips from my kitchen and meet me at the gardens by the Chicago Art institute.  Meantime, I grabbed some bread loafs and sliced some home grown tomatoes given to me by a coworker. Voila! A

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-79208430521621269562011-08-18T12:46:00.001-05:002011-08-18T12:57:37.810-05:00

This is why I am not a scientist. I never looked at a coffee stain and wondered why is it ring shaped. Although, I do wonder if white shirts and coffee have a pact. Can someone give me money to study this mystery? Anyone? Full store at NPR.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-83681908251086913872011-08-11T11:05:00.000-05:002011-08-11T11:05:30.271-05:00

My friends from DC will soon be gracing Chicago. Combining people I love in the city I love spells EPIC. No doubt. To celebrate this momentus ocassion I found the cheapest Vodka at my local grocery store. $8.99 for 750 ml. It looks so legit with the crest and all. And of course the "lightweight traveler" thing completely sold me too. Back in May I had shared some ideas on how to infuse vodka

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-26814931678608126722011-08-10T14:56:00.000-05:002011-08-10T14:56:58.528-05:00

Another beautiful and colorful picture for you from my walk to work this morning.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-46708339524266532012011-08-08T10:34:00.000-05:002011-08-08T10:34:55.693-05:00

Ingredients:Watching the sunrise Long run finished before 9:00am A dip in Lake Michigan The Sunday New York Times Good coffee Water in a wine glass A magnificent skyline NPR Done and done. What makes up your perfect Sunday morning?

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-41803743368843273742011-08-04T17:23:00.000-05:002011-08-04T17:23:22.074-05:00

Hi. I am Chika and I am a food snob. Consider this my confession for having judged you when you thought porcini was a type of meat; when you didn’t know who is Jacque Pepin; when you learnt about Julia Child only because of a stupid movie; when you were peeling an avocado; when you said Papa John’s is your favorite pizza; when you bought store made cupcakes; when you stood in line to buy store

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-53907843229028525542011-07-29T13:41:00.000-05:002011-07-29T13:41:15.666-05:00

Container gardening is in full swing at the Gujarathi household this summer. In addition to indoor plants, we have a red pepper plant, two curry plants, two tomato plants, basil, parsley, and oregano.   My "gardening" skills are limited. I once killed a healthy lavender plant because I was too lazy to walk around the bed and water it. But what I lack, my husband makes up. We make a good team

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-72404369327549674002011-07-27T12:17:00.000-05:002011-07-27T12:17:59.103-05:00

My apartment is less than two miles north of my office. Once in a while when the weather is nice I walk to work instead of taking the train or the bus. This morning was one of those days. I usually listen to NPR's Morning Edition on my phone while leisurely walking and sipping some coffee. If I leave early enough I see (and smell) bread trucks making deliveries, beer kegs getting loaded through

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-9425748159622689032011-07-25T14:09:00.000-05:002011-07-25T14:09:47.120-05:00

View of Oak Beach and North Beach from my recent trip to HancockTower. All of July, I’ve felt like I am on a vacation. No kidding.  My parents visited for July 4th. Angel came the following weekend with entirely too many goodies. My nephews, sister and brother-in-law visited a few days later. And right now, my in-laws are hanging out with us. Having guests gives me an opportunity to delay

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-79887142147417129212011-07-15T09:53:00.000-05:002011-07-15T09:53:55.174-05:00

I am interrupting my Friday OBAMA AND picture series today to share with you a picture show of Ladakh, India (and also because the White House photo stream needs to upload some more fun pictures). Ladakh is situated in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. The sparse landscape and political disputes in Jammu and Kashmir have kept tourism to a minimum in Ladakh compared to other parts of

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-21204351972397673712011-07-08T07:00:00.001-05:002011-07-08T07:00:07.349-05:00

This post is part of my short picture series. OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side. Obama and Fist BumpObama and 'What's so funny?'Obama and FootballObama and

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-77060864348143310952011-07-06T16:18:00.000-05:002011-07-06T16:18:55.166-05:00

Full Story at NYTimes.com by Liesl Schillinger "THERE are picnics, and then there are picnics. Three weeks ago, in the golden light of an early-summer evening, thousands of Parisians dressed entirely in white converged on two of the city’s most picturesque locations — 4,400 of them in the plaza at the cathedral of Notre Dame; 6,200 in a courtyard of the Louvre — for a feast that was neither

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-61384988159707009032011-07-01T07:00:00.022-05:002011-07-01T14:32:21.535-05:00

This post is part of my short picture series. OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side. Obama and 'What's so funny?'Obama and FootballObama and BasketballObama and the

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-16480726457531355842011-06-29T10:46:00.000-05:002011-06-29T10:46:38.811-05:00

Remember when I went to David Lebovitz's Book Signing in Chicago past winter? Remember how I told him that I was a big fan but had never (ever) baked any of his recipes? He was still kind and allowed me talk to him for another five minutes. But inside I felt like a poser and I was so embarrassed that I felt like going home and weeping in a fetal position and shouting apologies to his blog. (I

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-66666830296217365272011-06-25T07:00:00.015-05:002011-06-25T12:15:05.883-05:00

If you haven't heard Conan's speech to the 2011 gradu'ating class at Dartmouth, you need to fix that right away. What an awesome speech! Very inspuiring, honest, funny, and charming. I am Team Coco. "Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen." Bill Cosby spoke at my graduation at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2003. What about at yours?

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-87614257259973868352011-06-24T08:00:00.013-05:002011-06-24T08:00:01.652-05:00

This post is part of my short picture series. OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side. Obama and FootballObama and BasketballObama and the Mrs.Obama and Kids Obama and Food

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-76598703990552580972011-06-21T13:50:00.000-05:002011-06-21T13:50:52.606-05:00

Here is to a summer full of friends, picnics, play, sun, and fun.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-41066870480701572342011-06-17T08:00:00.017-05:002011-06-17T08:00:02.752-05:00

This post is part of my picture series. OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side. Obama and BasketballObama and the Mrs.Obama and KidsObama and Food

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-4144634492426395472011-06-15T15:18:00.000-05:002011-06-15T15:18:50.407-05:00

Tart with onions and mushrooms caramelized in vinegar, walnuts, and dabs of home made honey-walnut cream cheese. It is silly, but if my most current post on this blog is not about what I cooked or baked, I feel restless. I get this urge to make something right away just so that I can take a picture of it and post it here (a little bit of a show off I am). It has become a compulsion. A funny

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-17795594544035123162011-06-13T23:47:00.000-05:002011-06-13T23:47:44.441-05:00

The Lakeshore bike trail is about a quarter mile from my apartment. In an effort to cross-train and get some fresh air I often take my bike out for a spin here. I use the word spin loosely because in the summer, the trail is very crowded for about two miles in either direction. Needless to say I spend the first few minutes being angry at walkers, joggers, runners, skaters, and little babies

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-29803689183470524162011-06-11T19:32:00.000-05:002011-06-11T19:32:25.992-05:00

Confession: I hoard baking liners. I can't have enough. Just look at them, how can one have enough?? In order to reduce my stash for new ones I decided to bake some muffins today. I asked Devang what type of muffin he would like. His reply: oh blueberry, chocolate chip, banana walnut? I like the question mark at the end. As if he was giving me a choice to pick one. He knows I have problems

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-51068498895784626462011-06-10T08:00:00.001-05:002011-06-10T08:00:04.159-05:00

This post is part of my picture series. OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side. President Barack Obama and firefighters toast during a lunch at Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-74847699266540220532011-06-08T09:00:00.001-05:002011-06-08T14:56:29.323-05:00

Is it weird that my cell phone directory reads "Baby" for my husband's number? I entered it as such way back in the day when we started dating and haven't quite found the need to change it. I like to see "Baby calling" when he calls. It makes me smile every time. I am weird. Yes. Today is my Baby's birthday. He has been at work since yesterday and by the time he gets home, I will already be

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-71522230169729798002011-06-04T12:47:00.005-05:002011-06-04T14:06:59.865-05:00

I had plans to bake a cheesecake this morning. Then I went to the farmer's market and started melting in the heat. I came home with a baguette and a new plan which had nothing to do with turning on the oven. Flavored cream cheese. I halved the 8 ounce pack of plain cream cheese. To the first half I added finely chopped scallions, red pepper, and kosher salt. I used that vegetable cream

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-62766079567666881122011-06-03T08:00:00.011-05:002011-06-10T17:10:48.825-05:00

This post is part of my picture series. OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-24379417908318352442011-06-02T12:10:00.000-05:002011-06-02T12:10:05.846-05:00

Yesterday, I received a call from my sister with a curious question. In her usual abrupt manner where customary greeting have no room, she fired: Hey, what the heck did you do as a kid to pass time? Her oldest son Eshaan who is now nine has been battling boredom lately despite of all the DVDs, Video Games, 24-hr cartoon channels, etc..  Looking for a solution he turned to his mom for what she

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-24909507477332604552011-05-29T08:00:00.080-05:002011-05-29T08:00:04.065-05:00

 ...Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam...and wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva... So tweasure your wuv. I have an uncanny ability to always look for the dark in pleasant things. My mom’s most frequent advice to me is, and I quote, “please be happy, ok?”.  On occasion a bus driver (or two) have taken the time to tell me that I need to smile more. I am what you might

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-54664297450880158742011-05-27T08:00:00.007-05:002011-05-27T08:00:11.629-05:00

This post is part of my new picture series: OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-7418289457569690612011-05-25T19:26:00.002-05:002011-05-25T21:34:03.650-05:00

This morning after breakfast we took the local ATM bus to Puerto Vallarta . The bus ticket costs $13 pesos each (one way) and the trip took about 30 minutes. Taxi is also an option and costs about $200 pesos each way. Puerto Vallarta is a seaside town located in the Bay of Bandares in the state of Jalisco; Nuevo Vallarta is in the adjoining state of Nayarit. The shore in Puerto Vallarta is

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-43138135874875920432011-05-24T19:54:00.000-05:002011-05-24T19:54:42.387-05:00

We are staying at the Dreams all inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The most exerting thing I've done since we got here is clean out my belly button. Nuevo Vallarta is located on the west coast of Mexico, just minutes from the more well known city of Puerto Vallarta. It consists mainly of all-inclusive resorts and grand villas. Our resort has 5 restaurants, 4 magnificent pools, and a

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-76845225124604367022011-05-21T08:00:00.115-05:002011-05-21T08:00:07.981-05:00

For our first wedding anniversary:I made him this picture. He got me a 9 day trip to Mexico. I stand speechless, surprised, and very very thankful. Next year perhaps I should put more thought into this.  Have you received a surprise which left you speechless? Would you received a lamer present than this picture frame? Puerto Vallarta. Photo by:Dan Gair.  Lonely Planet Photographer

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-47036286440456018972011-05-20T08:00:00.021-05:002011-05-20T08:00:09.217-05:00

Introducing a new picture series. OBAMA AND Every Friday I will share my favorite pictures of Mr. President from the White House's Photostream. All pictures in each series will share a theme that has nothing to do with politics, giving us a chance to see our president's more casual and fun side. First up: Basketball.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-24731364445434398652011-05-19T10:09:00.001-05:002011-05-19T10:09:49.401-05:00

Just because it is purple, and kind of lumpy, and sometimes too seedy on the inside, there is no need to hate an eggplant. My ten-year old self is having a gag reflex right about now. As an adult, I am not sure when the switch flipped but I woke up one day and realized that I love all things eggplant. My husband unfortunately doesn't have a switch to turn on in this case. He has gag

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-32803564262777348812011-05-09T14:18:00.001-05:002011-05-09T15:07:30.593-05:00

A.      I will have a babyB.      I will buy a houseC.      I will run a marathon                     This is a nice little trick. Write down that one thing you are nervous about at this time, then surround it with other more terrifying things that could be true, and voila you don’t feel too bad now, right? Right. If you picked A, you are my mother-in-law doing cartwheels and naming the twins.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-38682615242137625012011-05-07T16:20:00.001-05:002011-05-19T09:21:30.104-05:00

I am boycotting the cold, I told Dev when he saw me wearing shorts and flip-flops on this cloudy and chilly Saturday morning. In my summer attire, I was headed to the Green City Market in Lincoln Park. It's a short walk from my home in the Gold Coast. . The market was in full swing by the time I arrived. There was fresh produce, green herb plants, fresh eggs and butter, Wisconsin cheeses,

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-62135545059555374982011-05-06T15:07:00.000-05:002011-05-06T15:07:42.389-05:00

If a light bulb went off for you too when you saw this, head over to Design Sponge where Ashley English shows how easy it is to make herb-infused vodkas. To Infuse 1. Clean and dry a glass container with an air-tight lid. I like to infuse in glass mason jars. Depending on how much liquor I want to infuse, and the amount of material I’ll be infusing it with, I use either a quart or 1/2

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-85288628550603417372011-05-04T13:18:00.000-05:002011-05-04T13:18:00.681-05:00

Fouquet Chocolate and Confectionary Shop in Paris from David Lebovitz on Vimeo. Here is another video from David Lebovitz on the making of old fashioned chocolates in Paris. I can only imagine what it feels like to be a full time chocolatier. Would I eventually get tired of lining those delicate biscuits on the conveyor belt? Would I take for granted the flowing pools of molten chocolate

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-3592949927490616402011-05-02T21:16:00.000-05:002011-05-13T16:07:13.788-05:00

Soon it will be summer. Soon it will be too hot to turn on my oven.  In Chicago, soon still seems so far away.  I am ready for: a tan, bike rides along Lake Shore, picnics in the park, farmers' markets. So while I wait, I roast. I roast colorful vegetables to make wraps. I roast strawberries into a ruby red molten cobbler. Then I eat. And guess what, I feel better. Are you ready for

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-49140295740883448122011-04-22T12:22:00.000-05:002011-05-13T16:07:13.789-05:00

via Weighty Matters.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-85913051881137430012011-04-04T09:49:00.000-05:002011-05-13T16:07:13.789-05:00

In other news: I've been to 11 of these 28 cities. What about you?  

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-84778008643319160142011-03-28T10:26:00.001-05:002011-05-19T09:20:52.026-05:00

Earlier this year, I was searching for an indoor activity which would keep me sane and social during the cold weather. My search ended with a 5 week First-Time-Potter class at  Lill Street Art Center in North Chicago.  Once a week, for three hours I was to report to a class of 10 like-minded folks and learn the art of throwing clay (on a wheel). Thanks to Demi Moore in Ghost, I had very high

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-14950188188940953062011-03-25T10:10:00.001-05:002011-05-19T09:15:12.741-05:00

  View when I first walked in. I went to a book-signing event last night. My very first. David Lebovitz, whose blog I read every day (sometimes twice a day) was(is) in Chicago at Hotel Allegro which is literally just three blocks up the road from my office. I love David. I sometimes secretly pretend that he and I are best friends having a conversation about overrated cupcake stores while

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-92220166305420590832011-03-24T13:45:00.000-05:002011-05-13T16:07:13.792-05:00

During the summer months of my formative years, my mom used to buy copious amounts of mangoes varied in type and ripeness. There were juicing mangoes, pickling mangoes, cooking mangoes, and of course the meant-to-be-eaten-raw mangoes.  Of this last category, the ones that were still green were carefully wrapped in newspaper and put aside in a dark corner of the kitchen pantry. My mom would

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-40307252402681269082011-03-19T00:01:00.066-05:002011-05-13T16:07:13.793-05:00

I will eat a Hershey's milk chocolate only if it is the last thing left to eat in the world. I will never eat a piece of white chocolate. Other than that, I am a big fan. In Paris, I noticed a chocolatier every few blocks. They were almost as frequent to come by as a Walgreen's or a CVS, combined, in my neck of the woods. Not only that, I saw people going in and out of them all day long;

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-24527007047265845112011-03-17T11:48:00.001-05:002011-05-13T16:23:30.378-05:00

If you haven't already discovered these folks, I strongly suggest you click the links below and promptly add them to your favorites. MARK BITTMAN - On The Run. MARK BITTMAN - The Minimalist. Where do I begin about Mr. Bittman. He fathered the no-knead bread revolution and I could love him just for that, but of course he has so much more to offer about food and food culture. His videos

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-81006836125726597632011-03-14T13:26:00.000-05:002011-05-13T16:07:13.794-05:00

NYTimes.com has startling pictures of the Japanese landscape, before and after the recent earthquake. I have never been in a natural (or unnatural) disaster to know how it feels to have life change so drastically and abruptly for the worse. Sometimes it takes a horrible earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, wildfire, civil war, war....to make the rest of us realize that everyday, when we eat good food,

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-22617482917143789522011-03-09T10:37:00.001-06:002011-05-19T09:54:23.385-05:00

The evening started on a healthy note. I made some cilantro hummus and cut up some vegetables and what not. It was a perfect snack. Tangy. Salty. Herb-y. I love Cilantro. My mom has a lot to do with this love. Growing up, I never ate anything without cilantro in it or on it a garnish. The vegetable vendors used to stuff a lush bunch of Cilantro, a handful of green chilies, and a nub of ginger

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-912990533588126542011-03-08T14:22:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.795-05:00

The other day, Neel sent a link to my work email with a very vivid description "lol". The link was for a website called The Art of Manliness; needless to say I was very intrigued. I clicked on the said link and haven't been able to focus on work since. There are so many awesomely hilarious AND practical posts on this site that I don't even know what to do with myself. I feel like growing a

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-52422540740416249282011-03-04T09:43:00.000-06:002011-03-04T09:43:01.955-06:00

What's more fun than using your unsuspecting friends to test out a new and unusual recipe? (This is a rhetorical question; please do not answer because I suppose getting a massage, winning a lottery, going on vacation are all valid answers). Last night I rushed home from work and had exactly 20 minutes before leaving for a dinner date with friends. I used this time wisely and made Chocolate and

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-74767433161323235352011-03-03T09:34:00.002-06:002011-05-19T10:13:27.203-05:00

I decided to cook Indian food last night. Such decisions are not made often enough in the Gujarathi household. Call me a stickler, but I don't like cooking Indian food in my small apartment. The strong spices make everything smell like curry for days. The smell sticks to my bath towels in the bathroom, to the cushions in the living room, to my hair and clothes. Imagine a strong whiff of curry

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-601445706135621902011-03-02T11:11:00.001-06:002011-05-19T10:10:27.246-05:00

This is a close up of my breakfast this morning. The raspberries exploded in the microwave. Gorey, but very tasty! Oatmeal is my favorite breakfast food. During winter, I eat it warm with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and honey. If I have fruit lying around, I'll dump that in too. Milk or Water is the liquid of choice. This morning I used soy milk. I mixed all the ingredients at home. The oats

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-60370230099532494712011-03-01T10:12:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.797-05:00

I couldnt think of a better video to start talking about my cleanse.  After the smoothie debacle yesterday, I wasn't in the mood to gage on another failed smoothie experiment this morning. So I decided to stick with whole fruits: Grapefruit, apple, oranges. Once I get home I'll make a trust worthy shake of banana, berries, orange with almond butter before heading to the gym for a run. If

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-82579733437247587872011-02-28T09:14:00.001-06:002011-05-19T10:14:12.663-05:00

The first day of my self-Cleanse went smoothly. This is no surprise of course. There was enough residual food in me from the days before that I hardly felt hungry or deprived. This is what the day looked like:Woke up 8:30am Yoga from 10:30-12:00pm Orange and grapes post shower. Afternoon nap. Herbal tea with added lemon and honey Pottery Class 4:00 - 6:00pm Pasta for Devang, Salted edamame and

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-2004999474341602011-02-27T10:12:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.799-05:00

I can't recall exactly when I stopped being able to touch my nose to my knees but that is not really the point. The point is, I can't touch my nose to my knees anymore. Nor can I bend backwards, or sit indian style on the floor for too long. Or keep my balance.  While listening to Yoga: A Positively Un-Indian Experience on NPR last year I remembered how my mother signed us up for yoga during my

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-67263077284774915422011-02-25T01:30:00.001-06:002011-05-19T10:15:42.697-05:00

When Devang is on-call at the hospital, I take the opportunity to watch Real Housewives of...and eat ice cream for dinner. It's true. Sometimes I do laundry, but on most nights I just lazy around watching TV and eating whatever I feel like. For a change, I decided to be a little more productive last night. Paris was still on my mind and I realized I hadn't seen my girl friends in a while. I

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-59297020593350866092011-02-20T17:15:00.001-06:002011-05-19T11:02:36.574-05:00

  And so it ends. My sister and I are headed back to our respective homes tomorrow morning. All day neither of us wanted to admit that it would be our last espresso, last crepe, last tart, last sandwich. We are leaving with our stomachs full and our glasses empty. It was a wonderful time in Paris. Until next time, au revior.      

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-76970839230849087162011-02-19T18:23:00.001-06:002011-05-19T11:03:29.331-05:00

It was colder and wetter than yesterday, but the adventure continues. We ventured out to the Opera, Pompidou, St. German, Bastille, and my sister's favorite, the Louis Vuitton store in the Galleria Lafayette. I tried to talk her out from buying a $650 handbag. HANDBAG!! For the time being she has decided to sleep over it, but I am not sure she will change her mind. Tomorrow is another day. To

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-56403756186932326522011-02-18T18:51:00.001-06:002011-05-19T11:04:21.539-05:00

Bonjour. I am writing from a little hotel room in Belleville. Paris. France. Yeah! I am here with my sister for the weekend, exploring the streets of Le Paree while soaking up as much butter and chocolate as I can. Day one was very exciting. We walked a lot, ate a lot, and spoke a lot of bad French. This is so much fun. Oh and I had some escargots for the first time. They are one of the best

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-79657692004814534502011-02-07T16:18:00.001-06:002011-05-19T10:16:39.161-05:00

If you ever saw a necktie and wondered who the hell came up this print, here is your answer. Scientist Michael Davidson, in an effort to make some extra cash took images of crystallized alcoholic beverages on a lab slide to sell for necties. Full story at NPR. While the images might make some really ugly ties, they are absolutely beautiful when not on a tie. My favorite? Belgiun Dark Ale.  What

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-86147750214397149492011-01-13T09:14:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.800-05:00

In the few days following my birthday, I'd come home to find a new package waiting for me at the front desk almost every day. It was like I had signed up for 12CDs- for-a-penny club or something. The packages just kept on coming.Goodies included a new book, a Coach scarf, bags of homemade sesame brittle, a special music CD ("mixed-tape" as Devang likes to call it), an awesome horse shaped

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-19710741697347031002011-01-10T12:03:00.001-06:002011-05-19T09:16:32.407-05:00

Two wacky things happened over the weekend: I almost got caught up in a bomb threat. Someone found a grenade in the thrift store I was headed to.  I was literally a block away when fire trucks and police cars came storming in. My plan was to buy some interesting picture frames cheaply for a project I’m working on. It took me over 45 minutes to get there. What a waste of my precious and abundant

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-15199321902386029862011-01-08T13:09:00.000-06:002011-01-08T13:09:35.542-06:00

Not enough people use the word Nosegay.I had forgotten that it existed until I saw it again in the book I am reading.According to the Oxford Dictionary, nosegay is a noun meaning a small bunch of flowers, typically one that is sweet-scented. Quite literally a happy nose after smelling some nice flowers.I realized that coincidentally since Christmas last year I've had a bouquet of flowers in my

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-73882199957538492052011-01-03T00:21:00.000-06:002011-01-03T00:21:29.991-06:00

Komal and Gaurang hosted a pre-birthday dinner for me at their apartment. Guests in attendance included Mukund, Gigi, Binal, Sujata, Lilah, the husband, and of course, me. This was a great pre-birthday bash. Komal made appetizers, salad, baked ziti, and chicken lasagna. Gigi brought baklava and thumbprint cookies. Devang made his famous Banana's Foster for dessert which originally made an

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-42755834332236332702011-01-01T17:31:00.001-06:002011-05-19T10:17:31.570-05:00

Happy New Year from Chicago. This is my first meal of the year. Vegetable and Tofu Noodle bowl at Pho 777. Almond croissant, Cream Horn, and Hazelnut Biscotti at La Patisserie P. I dont mess around. Now I am lounging in the apartment watching Rick Steve's Europe. I'd say it's a good start.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-62700324650841083442010-12-31T11:57:00.001-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.801-05:00

It's time folks to pour bourbon on the rocks*, sit back, and ponder on the days gone by. 2010 presented itself with so many exciting changes for me. For one I got married. For two I moved to Chicago. Life is good. Too much to drink may be? Nishi and JP collapse on the dance floor at the reception as people watch in horror and amusement.   At the wedding, Eshaan and Aashrai walk down the

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-72298281819653782602010-12-29T16:04:00.000-06:002010-12-29T16:04:09.483-06:00

Here is another official introduction that I would like to make. Meet Deepal. My older sister, my didi. She loves to travel. Has an unmatched knack for design and fasion. New York City is her favorite place on earth. In this picture she is helping me put on my wedding-reception outfit. She spent 2 hours to dress me and make me look presentable. Then spent 10 minutes to dress herself. Following

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-10797507206457465492010-12-20T15:33:00.001-06:002011-05-19T11:00:55.693-05:00

This is Neel; not a bad guy. In fact, he is a great guy and a great friend. Except when he is globe trotting and decides to send pictures from wherever he is to rub-it-in to his friends who are at work, working, and not globe trotting. Currently, Neel is here: El Calafate - a small town in Patagonia, Argentina. Freakin ARGENTINA.  And this is the picture he just sent:    Neel,

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-65640828322986844852010-12-20T09:12:00.001-06:002011-05-13T16:25:38.076-05:00

The three eligible candidates for the Chai Giveaway were Gigi, Angel, and my sis Deepal. And the winner is: Angel, may I suggest that you go play the lottery today. It's your lucky day!!Your prize will be in the mail tomorrow. Gigi, come by anytime and I'll make you chai. Perhaps you, Komal, and I should have tea sometime. Didi, greed is not good. Didn't mom teach you that. I'll make you some

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-37652826758625156002010-12-17T16:10:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.803-05:00

[We are counting down to the last few days of the Chai Giveaway. Click here to enter. Winner will be picked at random and announced on Monday, December 20; this time fo'real.] Unlike me, Nat Geo is on top of selecting winners. check out their pick for the best photograph of the year. Christoph Niemann of The New York Times plays God, with cookie dough. Read all about it at Let it Dough! Not

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-24566730037424588362010-12-16T16:54:00.000-06:002010-12-16T16:54:28.005-06:00

So I kept waiting on more comments and then Monday came and went and I totally got busy! Sorry guys. I hope Komal doesn't mind (since she was the only eligible comment), but I am extending the Chai Giveaway till next Monday, Dec 20th. Gigi you are in! Click here and enter.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-29096940611734243322010-12-09T10:29:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.804-05:00

[The Chai Give Away has been announced. Click here to read the rules and enter ASAP.] NPR has a very interesting article on the evolution within the US Doll industry. I would like to share two pictures from the accompanying slide show: 1) Ken's had some interesting looks. 2) I want to photo-shop my face over this one. I shared two Barbies with my sister and had a Fitness Skipper doll of my

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-14892249442539755952010-12-06T10:31:00.001-06:002011-05-13T16:24:30.903-05:00

I am excited to see that people commented on my Chai post from November for two reasons. At least two of you are not lazy. It is much easier to walk to a Starbucks and buy a Tall Chai than go to an Indian Grocery store, buy the goods, and make it at home. People other than my Dad and Gigi read this blog. I am celebrating this momentous milestone by announcing a second Give-Away in the history

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-89125291709527394112010-12-04T14:12:00.001-06:002011-05-19T09:22:53.029-05:00

So I'm walking down the street; minding my own business; enjoying the beautiful snowfall; listening to the hustle and bustle of the city. All of a sudden I hear loud cheering and screaming. I start looking around, but see nothing. Seconds later, I see something. hmm... Apparently it was the Speedo Santa Run for Charity. I missed the memo. How is your Saturday morning coming

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-76989511088788334262010-12-02T21:26:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.805-05:00

Type YUM - Blueberry smoothie Type DUMB - Real housewives of Beverly Hills Together =  Mega freeze.  Hope you are having a good evening too. 

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-62558623620487861582010-12-01T23:00:00.001-06:002011-05-19T09:24:45.014-05:00

December 1st always seems to arrive too early. The Hancock Building is lit with Christmas lights. I decided to show some spirit too and decorated the apartment with this and that. Are you decorating your nest for the holidays? In other news, a giveaway will be announced this week. Please check back soon. I am craving some bourbon. Excuse me while I go look for some. Stay warm folks. 

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-82326586622503943962010-11-27T14:44:00.001-06:002011-05-19T09:54:23.386-05:00

My sister Deepal and brother-in-law, Rorik, went to New York for Thanksgiving. They returned this morning and we had tea together at my parent's house. Indian chai is made with half milk and half water. It is 100% better than Starbucks Chai which in my opinion is too sweet. The tea brand that my mom uses is Vaagh-Bakri; literal translation Tiger-Goat. It is one of the famous tea brands in India

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-63768521446648843702010-11-25T20:21:00.000-06:002010-11-25T20:21:22.021-06:00

Heeral, Shivangi, and I made Thanksgiving dinner for our family. We made sweet potato fries, green bean casserole, corn bread, sauteed asparagus, mac and cheese, and apple tart for dessert. Not bad given we decided to cook around 4:00pm. Hope you are stuffed too. Apple Tart Shivangi and Masa in the kitchen, while others chill and watch the game. Dad and Heeral's Dog Oscar Full Table

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-68831636362117863792010-11-24T23:49:00.000-06:002010-11-24T23:49:34.278-06:00

I am sleeping in a crowded bed with my two nephews and lots of stuffed animals. This usually means a few kicks in my face throughout the night and no sleep. It's been four months since I last saw them; they seem to have grown up so much. But as long as they keep making these cards for me, i'll be okay. Check-out my hair dos.  I am thankful to be home in Charlotte for Thanksgiving. I hope you

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-47375817758318421542010-11-23T10:48:00.002-06:002011-05-19T09:25:17.659-05:00

A friend from work and I went to the Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon. Admission is free on Tuesday's from 5pm to 8pm until May 26 2011. Beginning June the free admission will be on first and second Wednesday of every month. Plan your visit soon.   

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-34294009906589839892010-11-21T18:19:00.000-06:002010-11-21T18:19:20.863-06:00

Operation Mountain Fury - The Movie. Courtesy of REDFOX.  Next summer, let's get together and go camping.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-91624792520140062972010-11-16T16:06:00.000-06:002011-05-13T16:07:13.806-05:00

picture from NPR.org I am working on the KC MO post visit post. Meanwhile, here is the Jay-Z interview from Fresh Air to keep you entertained. Who is out of whose element you think? Terry asks Jay-Z why hip hop artists grab their crotch so often on stage, and Jay-Z answers (32:50). Click here for the related article. Do you like Terry Gross? She is the radio version of Charlie Rose I think

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-48098055722984719042010-11-13T10:07:00.000-06:002010-11-13T10:07:38.919-06:00

It started with the twitching of my right eye. I asked Mukund if that was bad or good. I suppose I am a little superstitious. And let's just say that I found my answer soon enough. We are not in Kansas City yet. Full story still developing... Meantime, here is something that made me terribly happy this morning:  4 flavors of jelly at the breakfast table.

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8887719228111236671.post-44752835299425810212010-11-12T13:32:00.000-06:002010-11-12T13:32:26.238-06:00

Kansas City – Change your perspective. This is the official motto on Kansas City’s visitor site. Change my perspective on what? Kansas City? Life in general? I am open to both I guess. I visited KC in 1999 for a wedding. It was an epic road trip in a chartered bus with 50 of my closest family members from Charlotte, NC. The wedding was fun, but I mostly remember zilch about the city. This

Chikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368957297057928213noreply@blogger.com1