Freedom Tree, Goa

I found this store Freedom Tree by sheer accident during our recent Goa trip. This store follows  contemporary and innovative style with their unique pattern which is something very different. 

Latika Khosla, the design director of Freedom Tree Design, a color and trend studio based in India, one of the founders of Takete Maluma, now brings the brand afresh to us as Freedom Tree.  

She is an international trend and colour consultant based in Mumbai, decided that India’s voice should be heard and wanted to bring ‘designed and made in India’ to the forefront of lifestyle living brands.  

Housed in an endearingly refurbished colonial portuguese abode, Freedom Tree stands brightly coloured with it’s welcoming warmth. You can't miss this store while you are driving from Panjim to Calangute beach.   

I really appreciate the concept of making products in India. The Goa store provides linen curtains, furniture, textiles, ceramics, accessories, lighting, dhurries, fragrances, lacquerware, table runners, bedsheets, unique cushion covers and many other trendy yet traditional and contemporary decor items. 

The Freedom Tree collection carries the kind of  furniture  that gives this store a unique look. A good collection and examples of Recycle experiments with different woods, repurposed timber taken from homesteads that are now dismantled and refurbished. 

Crafts of embroidery, patchwork and digital printing gives a lively look on cushion covers and quilts. Fabric is also available for purchase by the meter.

An array of colours harmoniously merging into patterns, encourages the young and old to start experimenting with what is available there

An array of colours harmoniously merging into patterns, encourages the young and old to start experimenting with what is available there

An array of colours harmoniously merging into patterns, encourages the young and old to start experimenting with what is available there

An array of colours harmoniously merging into patterns, encourages the young and old to start experimenting with what is available there

An array of colours harmoniously merging into patterns, encourages the young and old to start experimenting with what is available there

An array of colours harmoniously merging into patterns, encourages the young and old to start experimenting with what is available there

Lovely patterns of cushion covers that have signature style and expressive designs

Lovely patterns of cushion covers that have signature style and expressive designs

 

Patterns range from modern ornamental prints to topical abstractions

Patterns range from modern ornamental prints to topical abstractions 

Other than lamps, furniture storage, kids study table, dining and office table are very refreshing in designs and practical from usage point of view

Other than lamps, furniture storage, kids study table, dining and office table are very refreshing in designs and practical from usage point of view

I engaged in an interesting conversation with Ms.Indrani, Store head about the store and the various designs. The skills of exclusively Indian artisans and small scale industry, inspired by representing the living culture that is home-life in India.

I grabbed these coasters and it has freedom tree's logo on it

Walking into their design studio will give you a first hand experience to see their wide range of home decor products / goods and office needs. 

You can go through their website here

Find them on FB here

Freedom Tree Design Store 

House No : 78, Mae De Deus, 

Chogam Road, Sangolda, 

Goa – 403511, India 

Tel: 07038690989 

And there are stores in Mumbai and Bangalore too ! 

{ Styling & Shoot by Veena Murali in creative collaboration with Freedom Tree, Goa Store. Images are copyrighted. Please do not use without permission }

Vintage Cars

I have recently been to a Vintage cars exhibition in Chennai.

Huge collection of antique cars, vintage cars & classic cars and the ground was filled with motoring enthusiasts and photographers.

AV Meiyappan, founder of AVM Studios and Productions owned a 1938 Vauxhall 14 which was his first car.

Tamilnadu's beloved leader MGR used a Dodge car in late 50's and early 60's.

Dodge Kingsway 1957 Model

Chevy Impala 1959 Model

I could see people becoming passionate and nostalgic about certain makes, models, and styles. 

Remembering a quote. " All of these cars were once just a dream in someone's head".

These car's are the real beauties of an olden era or the golden era. Isn't it??

[ Pictures by Veena Murali ]

Interesting Temples In Chennai

Fans in South India give divine status to their politicians & movie stars and they show their gratitude to them by building temples and worshipping them. 

 Am taking you to some interesting temples in Chennai.

Cricket Ganesha Temple

A cricket-lover in Chennai has built a 'Cricket Ganesha' temple that has idols of Lord Ganesha in several cricketing avatars. These include the 'Square Drive Ganesha' swinging his bat, the 'Spinner Ganesha' holding a ball, ready to bowl and the padded 'Wicket Keeper Ganesha.

The star attraction is the 11-headed Ganesha, symbolising the Indian cricket team. 

Location New Avadi Rd, O Block, Annanagar East, Chennai

Sri Lakshmi Visa Ganapathi Temple

It is believed that if one worships this Ganesha, he will fulfil the devotee’s desire to get a visa to work or study abroad. People, especially the younger generation coming from even far areas, “strongly trust” that this Ganapathi is “kind enough” to clear the visa procedures with ease. 

Here is the story.  Mr Jagannathan, an early settler in Nanganullur, constructed a small temple outside his house a few years ago and his father got the idol of Lord Ganesh from Mahabalipuram. Jagannathan’s neighbours regularly worshipped the deity,R few locals, who were preparing for studying and seeking employment abroad, placed their visa-related documents in front of the deity and prayed… their visa got cleared. Since then, the temple has been named ‘Visa Ganapathi’. 

Temple Location -  Brindavan Nagar at Nanganallur in Chennai. 

America Anjaneer

Visa Vinayagar is not alone. There is an America Anjaneyar in the Laskminarashimhar Temple in the same area, who is believed to make your american dreams comes true. Popular with the locals, devotees offer prayers to the Lord to fly abroad.

The way people worship and offer prayers to different deities to fulfil their wishes is becoming quite unique these days. Time is really changing, isn't it ?   

{ Photo Courtesy: Anonymous }

Wish you a happy Onam

    Wish You All A Very Happy Onam !

( Image By Veena Murali )

Wish you all a happy Ganesh Chathurthi

       

{ All Images by Veena Murali are copyrighted }