For my most recent birthday, my fabulous kids bought me a lovely silver and turquoise necklace as they know how much I love turquoise. And my love affair with turquoise actually began when I was a teenager when a very close friend bought me a gorgeous turquoise ring which I still have. She bought it for me at a festival and I have great memories of that time and life in general. I was on my way to adulthood and there wasn't much of that teenage angst. I had great mates and fun times, life was good. Every time I look at that ring, The memories of that stage in my life come flooding back, so it's definitely one of the most precious things that I own.
What is the most memorable and cherished gift you've ever been given?
There are two I can think of that were both life changing. One was the ticket my dad bought me when I was a teenager to start my new life in the UK. The other was the engagement ring from my now husband. Both made my life go in the direction that is in today and I couldn't imagione anything any other way.
A sewing machine that my mam bought me when I were in my mid teens. I know a lot of people today can't sew on a button but for me it's been a very important skill, especially as I sew a lot of the furnishings for my home.
Tickets to a Take That concert when I was 15 in 1993 without a doubt! I adored Take That. As far as I'm concerened they were, and still are, the best boy band in the world. The concert was in Wembley which was pretty much round the corner from me. It truley was a very magical night.
There's so many I don't know where to start. But just off the top of my head, there was some gold jewellery my grandfather gave me when I turned eighteen. At the time I wasn't keen on it, even though it was very beautiful, as I never wore gold - only silver - and it wasn't really my style. Also it was very ornate so I knew I couldn't wear it regularly. But of course I didn't let on and I politely thanked him for it.
Fast forward many years later, and I wore the jewellery at my engagement. My grandfather had passed away the year before so I loved that I was wearing something that had been chosen by him, and yes I do love it now. Along with my wedding and engagement rings, it will be the most important pieces of jewellery I will ever own.
A 'pocket' calculator, when I was about 15/16, around 1976 or '77, for Christmas at my Grandparent's place. Always remember it. Lots of other presents were great, including the usual bikes and skateboards, and many other toys, but the calculator stands out as they were fairly new on the market. I don't know the brand, but it had small red numbers that glowed. Apart from that, a Meccano set, the box of which was so big it would only fit under the bed. I think that was a few years before the calculator.
My hamster Tizer that I got one Christmas when i was about eight. I had been nagging my parents for a puppy. But they didn't think I was ready for that level of responsibility. So they tested the waters with a hamster! I know a lot of people frown upon getting pets for kids as presents and I can totally see why. But my parents knew how much I loved animals and that I would take very good care of a pet. I loved Tizer and he really was the centre of my world. Haha! I was heartbroken when he died. I'll never forget how that felt. I've had other pets since then of course but I have never and will never forget Tizer. In fact one of the reasons why my hair is, er, Tizer coloured is in memory of Tizer!
A lot of the gifts I have are very special so it's hard to say. But there is a gold bracelet that was given to me from my husband when we were just going out and marriage seemed a long way off! We've been married for over twenty years now and have two kids but whenever I wear my bracelet, I'm reminded of those early days.
It may seem an odd thing to say as I am an Indian and most Indian boys are not actively encouraged to cook. But when I left home to go to college my mother gave me a recipe book. That's right my mother actually gave me a recipe book! I think she was terrified that I would starve to death because there would be nobody to cook meals for me so she gave me a book that was very simple to follow with good nutritious recipes in it. Well it worked because I didn't starve and I learned how to cook which I know is a very useful, no actually make that essential, skill to have. And not only did I learn to cook but I enjoyed it so much that I cook for the pure pleasure of it. In fact since coming to America I have learned to bake. I love baking so much, and so do, I hope, my friends who love eating the things I have learned to bake!
None of this might have happenened if it wasn't for my mom and her very thoughtful gift.
I was given my first pair of ballet slippers when I had only just mastered walking! That first pair of slippers given to me by my parents started off my love of dance and I've never stopped. I don't dance professionally anymore but I still dance for fun, for health reasons and because I just love it. Dance is one of my passions in life and for as long as I can continue, I will keep dancing!
And yes, I still have those ballet shoes some where!
For my thirtieth birthday I got a beautiful vintage taupe silk dress that was given to me by my aunt. It was just perfect for my birthday afternoon tea party with friends who I had known for such a long time. Whenever I look at that dress I have memories of a great birthday with totally amazing people. But the dress has extra special significance. It was the last gift my aunt gave me before she passed away. The dress reminds me of her and I will treasure it forever. ❤️