Baby's here. Time to change some decor

Our home is contantly evolving. While we have been advised by well meaning visitors to our home that it needs to be " baby proofed"for when a baby arrives, we have often thought about how this needs to be done.

While we got some online options for baby proofing some drawers, some cabinets,  clearing some shelf spaces etc that our baby could reach, there is still a nagging issue of the stairs. 

Our home has industrial style/ loft like stairwell. We love how open it is as it allows light and air and keeps the whole look very bright. These were certainly a hazard, considering the gaps and the space. Our little toddler has started moving around. Walking, falling, walking,  and yes climbing up stairs. We constantly watch her while she does it under supervision. . But one this was clear the baby proofing had to be done on the stairwell. 

We looked at options like translucent acrylic, to glass to just ropes,or cloth and so on..something which was semi permanent I.e. Something we can change when our daughter is older

We used the help of architect Komal Kapoor who noticed  that we use so many straw mats throughout the home, especially due to its  cooling yet insulating properties. Our window blinds, siting areas, floor areas, table runners, tea coasters all have some element of straw mats.

Komal suggested that we continue the theme to use the baby doors, and the gaps between stairs, also the area in the railing of the stairs at the landing. The result ? Well we love it. 

Curios, show pieces, knick knacks, metal idols.

Most homes have some kind of a collection of curios and collectibles. I have a vice for brassware. In particular, lamps, idols, bookends, vintage brassware and the like. It's quite a task to keep them shiny and new. Sometimes I prefer the oxidised old look, other times, they do look great with some wash and shine.

I use a mixture of tamarind and salt, Pithambari and maybe Sabena as a coarse washing powder to scrub the idols. While I am trying to keep a schedule to do these tasks, so far I have been successful with once a month as a time line, before my collectibles need a wash again. 

Today was one such day. The gods have showered and are adorned with fresh jasmine from our garden. 

Windchimes

Are  you as crazy about wind chimes as I am. I love how one can not only feel a breeze but also hear it. I love all kinds of wind chimes having even made some myself, out of glass bottles.

I love the wooden ones, the metal ones, and the terracotta ones too...

Tasks around the house. Scheduled, planned and completed

I have recently been following http://www.flylady.net/ on Facebook and am quite inspired by the concept of breaking mundane tasks/chores down. I love the way she advises to set the alarm for 15 minutes and so some chore/task related to the home. Her term "home blessing hour" is actually how I feel every time I do some organising/de cluttering/cleaning tasks. 

In fact I break down house work and have a schedule of  daily tasks, or weekly tasks ( refrigerator organising/changing bedsheets, bathroom mats,etc) monthly(quilts/Duvet/Cushion cover) or quarterly tasks(curtains being changed and washed or get a professional service like CleanFanatic to shampoo clean Sofas, Beds etc


One of my daily tasks before retiring includes microwaving dishwashing scrubs and kitchen sponges and wipes. While the sponges are soaked in soap and water also helps to clean the rotating glass disk and insides of the microwave. All set and ready for another day. 

Today I was especially happy to see the flutter of curtains after a good machine wash and the aroma of after wash conditioner ..hmmm