Like desi wedding photos?

If you like (seeing photos of) desi wedding functions, you should check out this blog I recently discovered:  marigolds & mithai.  I really LOVE the photos from this couple's engagement -- Up in the Air: Joti & Jayesh.  They're so unique and interesting!

Check out this blogger on Matador

If you're anything like me, then you're probably following or reading a lot of several other blogs besides this one. I stumbled upon Matador Network some time ago when I was looking for good blogs to follow. Matador covers mostly international or travel related articles, so it's perfect for me since my bags are always packed.

1 room nearly done...at least 1 more to go

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the painting projects we're doing in our home and how Choosing paint is HARD work!. Well, we're finally finished (sort of) with one of the rooms. So I guess you could call this The Big Reveal.  (Dramatic enough for ya?)

Happy anniversary...to this blog

I've been a little a lot busy over the last couple of weeks, so I guess it completely slipped my mind that I started this blog last June 11(, 2009). It's hard to believe I've been blogging for a year already. Anyway...happy first anniversary to this blog!

A place to live and raise kids

For those we haven't already heard, Forbes recently named Des Moines, Iowa the No. 1 place to raise a family.

That's on top of Forbes naming (in April) Des Moines the No. 1 place for business and careers. Several other Iowa cities also ranked in Forbes' business and careers list:

Choosing paint is HARD work!

After moving into our home (over 2 years ago!), we really didn't do much of anything with the guest bedroom beyond setting up the bed and putting books in bookcases. Truthfully, the guest bedroom became more of a catchall room where we ironed and put overflow clothes (like all the shalwar kameez I buy on our trips to south Asia).

Respecting elders big and small

Some respect and reverence is given to elders in south Asia, so it's only fitting that there are several ways of referring to them:

• "Uncle" and "Auntie" are often used for those who are elder but may not be related to you
• An urdu term of endearment may be added to the end of your name or your role (the closest English equivalent for which might be something along the lines of "dear sister")
• The Urdu terms for big and small are also often used

Get by with a little help

Life in the U.S. is difficult sometimes. That feeling of freedom many Americans feel when they reach 18 and are completely indepependent is quite liberating until the time you realize that you'll be working until you're 105 years old you now have to take care of EVERYTHING. YOURSELF.

It's not the same in south Asia where there are so many people to help you. Anybody in middle class in south Asia can afford servants and many have several. (Note that servants are people who get paid to help around the house, with...well, whatever people might need help.)

Vacationing at my in-laws house in south Asia is so relaxing. From the moment I arrive, I know I'll hardly have to lift a finger (unless I want to, that is) until the time I leave. That means no ironing, cooking, cleaning, or even driving. I abhore cleaning, and while I DO like to cook, it's definitely nice to have a break from it once in awhile.