Saffron and Silk

My big news and Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:52:00 +0000

First of all, I apologize for this horribly long delay in posting, but once you read on you'll understand why it appeared like I fell off the planet!

Before anything else, I have to reveal the BIG NEWS I mentioned in my last post.

My husband and I are moving back to the US in April 2012. After almost 6 years in Hyderabad, we are moving back to Seattle. As of now its a temporary move, we hope to return in a few years or so, but anything can happen to change that. When we moved here in 2006 we had NO intention of going back, but things and events have a way of happening which completely turn things around. A company in Seattle which has been wanting to hire my husband Raga for years, finally got what they wanted! So - there's no telling when we will be back, but be back we will for sure....sooner or later.

It goes without saying that I am excited. I moved to Seattle when I was 23 and left when I was 45, so a good part of me belongs there. I love that city! And as much as I would like to call India home, I feel more at home in Seattle. But like anything else, there is a part of me that's a bit sad.....! India has this annoying habit of growing on you, like a rough blanket that irritates the skin but keeps you warm.....I complain about the noise, traffic, heat, dust, laziness and so on...but I know I will miss it. And most of all I will miss my parents with whom I have spent so much time. But that's an easily solvable problem.....they are only one - albeit looong - flight away! So I've threatened to send them tickets every year so they can come see me!!

So the last few weeks ever since we got back from the US has been a whirlwind of activity. I have had a house full of guests since I got back and it will continue for another week. Then we've had to get things ready to sell the house - this house that I simple LOVE but which has to go for all the practical reasons! Hordes of people have come and gone and we finally think we may have a deal....but I'll keep you all posted!

Its been almost a year since my dear FIL passed away and his first year ceremonies happen end January, and it is only after that that I can really start planning for the move. Even though moving is a hassle, playing "House House" all over again is so much fun and its a perfect excuse for me to shop.....saying "Oh we won't find this in the US, we better buy it here".....things like lovely Kantha bedspreads, blockprint linens, lovely teak furniture, artifacts and things! Then I've had to do a lot of research into pet travel cos we have to take our two canine babies along too....paperwork for their shots, kennels, crates, quarantine laws and so on. Then I've been scouring websites for homes and rentals so we have a place to stay in as soon as we get to Seattle.

So now you know why I have been a bad blogger. Hopefully I can post a few more between now and my move in March/April, but rest assured, once I settle down in Seattle and the creative Pacific Northwest juices start flowing again, I'll become "good blogger"!

So before I sign off for this year....a very Happy New Year to all of you! You folks have been great readers and commenters, and any self respecting blogger will tell you we need both to sustain us and keep us going! Thank you for that.

Happy New Year from me, my husband Raga, and my 2 pooches Junglee and Lucy! Have a great 2012!!!!

Grandma/Ammamma/Nanima comes to stay!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:13:00 +0000

I am back! Back from a 5 week long vacation to the US, 5 weeks in which I visited 7 states, if you include Denver...8. Thanks to unforseen flight delays and missed connections, I visited Denver airport way too many times!!!!! Of the 9 different flights I took, only one - I repeat - only one went as planned!!!!! But anyway, that's a story in itself, which will be up on my travel blog soon.

But this post is about my 90 year old grandmother, or as I fondly call her Ammamma, who stays with my uncle and aunt in Chennai, who wanted to take a vacation to the UK, so she got dropped off at our house here in Hyderabad a few days after I left for the US. My mother who usually stays at our place and takes care of my dogs whenever we are out of town has been looking after her since. The last time Ammamma came to stay at my house was the summer of 2009, but I was away on vacation so I really didn't get to spend any time with her. Luckily this time she is here for an extended stay, so ever since I got back from the US, I have been observing my mom look after her till said uncle and aunt get back next month. And I have learned that taking care of elderly people requires a lot of patience and compassion!!!!!

Except for some serious short term memory loss, Ammamma is in fine fettle. She has no diet restrictions and can eat anything she wants, her hearing and eyesight are as sharp as ever. She's picked up on every whispered conversation we have had!!!! But in everything else she is like a 2 year old. So my mom has been helping her with her bath, combing her hair, tucking her into bed at night....all the things a mom does to her child, my mother now does to my grandma. Its been fascinating to watch. But what really fascinates me is Ammamma's daily evening ritual of making flower garlands.

Every evening around 4.30 or so, we sit her outside and my mom brushes her hair and packs it into a neat little bun all tucked into a black net!!!!

Then my maid picks little white flowers from the tree and hands them to Ammamma one by one, who in turn with her gnarled knobbly 90 year old fingers, her face wrinkled with years of wisdom and experience, wrinkled even more in furious concentration, deftly intertwines and weaves them into a garland. She holds the tiny green stem of each flower and wraps the twine around it into a knot, then the next....and so on till she has a flower garland about 2 feet long. The whole process takes about 30 minutes....I watch riveted and my dogs nuzzle at her red nail polished toed feet while she does so. So here are pics taken from this evening's ritual to share.....!

Isn't she adorable?

I have lots to share about my trip....and some BIG NEWS! So stay tuned!

Mrhba Bkm Fi Bladi Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:02:00 +0000

In case you're wondering what the title is...it is "Welcome to my blog" in Arabic, the language in Morocco!

As you all know I am off on a mini vacation, and except for the air travel part of it, (every flight I have taken so far has been delayed!!!), I'm having a great time. My travel blog is up and running so do check it out.

In the meantime, Susi from Arcadian Lighting has kindly offered to do a guest post on my blog. And she said she'd write on Morocco! Anyone who knows me even a teeny tiny bit knows my love affair with all things Moroccan! So take it away Susi!

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer from the Arcadian Lighting blog, a fabulous source for inspiration from lighting fixtures to dÈcor. I'm so happy to be visiting Saffron and Silk today to talk about Moroccan style, specifically magical Moroccan spaces.† There is a love affair right now with all things Moroccan. Have you noticed? Are you embracing it? I am in love with the colors and patterns of Morocco so am delighted to share these 8 Magical Moroccan Spaces with you.† Hope you are inspired to add a bit of Moroccan magic to your dÈcor. Enjoy!

This Moroccan style living room can magically transport you to Casablanca or Marrakesh.† Moroccan lanterns, carved table, tile, rug and other accessories combine with the Moroccan arches for amazing Moroccan style.

Magical Moroccan spaces are all about color, pattern and tons of both.† Pillows, textiles, rugs and poufs can all help you create a magical Moroccan space in your home.

This Moroccan room is magical with layer upon layer of colors and patterns.† Low profile seating creates a casual atmosphere that invites lounging.

Magical Moroccan spaces don't have to be a riot of bold colors. Pastels in contrasting hues also create Moroccan magic. From lovely hanging pendant lighting to magical mirror to vintage rugs, this is such a gorgeous Moroccan style bedroom!

Blue and white and tons of pattern make this a lovely Moroccan space.† Pattern and gorgeous details are hallmarks of Moroccan style.

This beautiful living room is definitely a magical Moroccan space. The deep blue and purple palette is accented with gold and pearl inlay accents.

This gorgeous bedroom is a stunning example of Moroccan style. Love the door, the ceiling medallion and warm color palette.

Moroccan style in an outdoor living space is magical.† Hang a collection of Moroccan outdoor lanterns for twinkling, colorful light. Lounge on colorful cushions and poufs.

Want to add some Moroccan flavor to your home? Implementing some unique pendant lights should do the trick. Check out Arcadian Lighting today to get inspired!†

Images: ( 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 )

India to America!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:32:00 +0000

My first post is up on my travel blog. More to follow.

Till then....

TTFN

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:36:00 +0000

Or as we say in India "Ta Ta for now" TTFN - ....meaning bye for a few days!

Am off tomorrow to the US for 5 weeks......visiting Seattle. Atlanta and DC...with a few side trips to Nashville, Connecticut and New York City thrown in for good measure!

A lot of fun things happening on this trip:

I get to reunite with my best Seattle buddies, as well as a go for a Diwali party at my friend Leena's place. Leena started this Diwali party tradition sometime in the late 90's....it started out with a small gang of 4 to 5 families, then became 7 to 8, then more, and the last time I attended in 2005, it up up to 15 families. I hear it had swelled to 25 plus and is the happening party for Diwali. Her house is lovely, the food is fantastic, the drinks unending, but more than anything we all look forward to the riotous game of Teen Patti (the Indian version of Texas hold-em) we play after dinner. The monies we play with are pennies and nickels, but you'd think we were playing with millions of dollars the way things heat up!!!!Finally after 6 years I get to go back and re-participate!

Another exciting thing is, if things go as planned, I get to meet 6 blogger friends. Anu of MDC in Seattle, Anpu in Atlanta, Sudha of TDE, also in Atlanta, and Divya of SHP in New York City, plus....2 food blogger friends - Richa of Hobbyandmore and Vaishali from this blog! So its a bloggievaganza!

My mom and dad will be here holding the fort....and looking after my 2 canine babies who adore her! My 90 year old grandma from Chennai will also be hanging out here...so yes, my mom will have her hands full.

My travel blog will once again get resurrected...so do drop by and check out what's happening there!

So until then.....

If I find anything design worthy or Saffron and Silk post worthy, I'll post. If not, some inspiring quotes like this....just to keep things going!

Ouro Preto ~ Baroque Architecture at its finest!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:20:00 +0000

I really do not have time to blog....am up to my neck in shopping lists and endless packing for my upcoming trip in 4 days to the Americas. But I simply had to show you some gorgeous architecture!

Ouro Preto (Black Gold in Portugese ) is a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, a former colonial mining town located in the Serra do Espinhaco mountains and designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its outstanding Baroque Architecture.

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European baroque arrived here and adapted itself. This is evident in the ups and downs of roofs and the narrow confusion of side-to-side housing, the palaces, the bridges and the fountains.

Isn't this photo amazing??? It took a lot of convincing and googling and tumbling (my latest addiction) for me to believe it really is the town.

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And here are more images for you to swoon over.

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Now excuse me while I get onto Expedia to find out how much it will cost me to cancel my US tickets and get a one way ticket to Ouro Preto!!!!

Happy Birthday Anna!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:53:00 +0000

Quickly before you all start asking who Anna is.....I am referring to my late father-in-law! "Anna" in our native language Tamil, means elder brother. Not sure why, but my FIL was always called Anna by his 3 sons - my husband and his 2 younger brothers, and after my marriage I started calling him "anna" too.

Many of you were with me (in thought) throughout his illness last year and his passing away early this year, and your heartfelt comments helped tremendously through the difficult time. So I am sharing with you all his birthday today. The last few years as his memory was slowly fading he would keep insisting his birthday was the 13th of October, even though we all knew it was the 11th of Oct. So we would celebrate both days....maybe he did that deliberately so he would get sweets twice???

Even though he is not here with us physically, his presence is still felt at home especially when I pass by our puja room.

And so today, in his memory and because it was his favorite food (and mine ;-), I made "pongal". Every Saturday night was pongal dinner for him.

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Pongal is this decadent creamy concoction of rice and mung lentils, cooked together and then seasoned with pepper, ginger, curry leaves and cumin, mixed gently with coconut milk and topped off with fried cashew nuts!! Finally something that's not just delish, but good for you too and often recommended as food when you are ill (Ok, not the cashews maybe, but its equally delicious without the nuts!) Most South Indian wedding breakfast menus include pongal and it is the only reason I go for breakfast!!!

This along with coconut chutney is a gastronomic marriage made in heaven!

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So Anna, Happy Birthday! We miss you! I know you're watching from above and licking your lips too! :-)

Ikea - Portugal style!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:50:00 +0000

I am not really a huge fan of IKEA furniture. I mean, there's nothing wrong with IKEA, I had a ton of their stuff when I lived in Seattle, and their store was 2 miles from home so any free afternoon I would go window shopping....to get some great design ideas. Their furniture is stylish and affordable...but...well....it's so IKEA! Its easily recognizable.....strong linear Scandinavian lines, easy-to-assemble looking, contemporary styled. It is a great place for families starting out and college kids!

But be that as it may, I LOVE their new IKEA family website and the Home stories section. You have to hand it to them, they know how to engage their customers and their marketing guy is a genius.

OK, enough blabbing! I came across this colorful psychedelic home in Portugal, and even though I do vaguely remember seeing it featured in other blogs a while back, I had to engrave it on my blog too. For those who haven't seen it, it is serious pink, eye candy and the color in the home will leave your head spinning for days!

The home belongs to Interior Designer Maria, in the charming little village of Sintra, outside Portugal. (If I had known I would have dropped by when I went to Sintra 2 years ago).

I'll let you read up on the design story and her ideas here. I just want to hurry up and post the pics because they are soooo lovely!

Got your dose of pink today huh? Maria is certainly not afraid of color!

Design theory in food!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:56:00 +0000

Am guest blogging on Richa's blog today! Am so excited cos I actually get to blog on a seriously great food blog!

Have you heard of Washoku?

Did you ever look at the food on your plate and think how fantastic it would be to design a room around the colors on your plate? Or vice versa...have you ever looked at a bowl of creamy chocolatey Tiramisu and think how lovely a room would be in the same shades of cream, brown and espresso???

Well, think no more....go check out my guest post and tell me if you think I have finally gone off the deep design end here....

Architect profile - House and House Architects

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:10:00 +0000

I'm thinking of renaming this blog "Mexico and Morocco", because it seems to me that lately most of my posts have been "Mexican/Spanish or Moroccan-centric". Here I go again.

I came across House and House Architects today while surfing the web. And instantly fell in love with everything that Steven and Cathi House do.

First of all, they do a lot of work in Mexico - anything Mexican or Spanish in my opinion deserves one thumbs up!
Secondly, they love and embrace color - 2 thumbs up.
Thirdly - their homes are deeply sensitive to light and movement and they are committed to sustainability. 3 thumbs up!
Fourthly - they throw in little pops of my favorite color - orange, 4 thumbs up
and finally
All their homes have a tiny bit of Moroccan inspiration. 5 thumbs up!!!

Take a look at some of the absolutely stunning homes they have designed.
{WARNING: Picture heavy post!}

Casa Lluvia Blanca, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Casa de las Estrellas, San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

Casa Cabo Pulmo in the Baja Peninsula, Mexico

Casa de Buenas Alamas - Baja, Mexico

Casa Renamiciento - Rio Laja, Mexico

Francisco Marquez - San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

I spent a bulk of my day drooling over the pics. If you have a few hours to totally waste, then I suggest you hurry on over to this site and check things out.
Happy Surfing!

Monthly wrap up???

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:47:00 +0000

OK, so like Patty's weekend wrap ups, I am going to do a monthly wrap up cos I have been completely MIA on my blog for way too long now. Maybe a sporadic post now and then, but for those of you who think maybe I fell off the planet....nope, I'm here.

So I've been reading a lot, had way too many books collecting dust on the shelf.

Loved this book, I cannot believe it took me this long to read it...its been around for years!

Great book, very inspirational on how women fought hard to go to school, get educated and start their own small businesses after the Taliban came into Afghanistan and tried to put a stop to all of that. The story focuses on the tailoring business started by one Kamila Sidiqui. An easy read.....but very inspiring!

Am reading this currently.....about an Indian girl who comes back to visit India after being away for 7 years in the US. She arrives right in the middle of the mango pickling season. I can so relate to this especially as it is set in the city I live in - Hyderabad!

Then I've been painting a lot, just gifts for friends......

Then I've been gardening a lot, the weather has cooled down and its perfect fall planting time. Fall? In Hyderabad? Yes, when the temp is 80 degrees F as opposed to 100 degrees F, that's Fall!

I've been harvesting insane amounts of organic basil and making insaner amounts of basil/walnut pesto.

As well as harvesting and eating ginormous amounts of salad

Then I've been sneezing a lot because the allergy season really socked it to me this year. I fought it via steam inhaling and neti pot-ing, but that didn't work. Then I tried Allegra...that didn't work either. Then I tried Homoeopathy...no good. Finally after 2 weeks of sniffling and sneezing and congested insomniac nights, (I was getting to a point where it was dangerous to be around me), I called my good old antibiotic dispensing doc, he did the needful and after one day of his potent medication I feel terrific! In fact, almost giddily light headed.......(the last time he gave me something, the right side of my face got numb and on googling I found the medication was banned in developing countries!!!!!))). Really.

Then I've been blogging a lot for Saffron Marigold. Well, change that....blogging a bit, but messing around with their gorgeous samples a lot. I took all their lovely voile curtain swatches and hung them up in my studio......not only do they look fabulous, they're easier to look at and feel and touch when I need to write a post on them.

Do read my posts on their blog when you have time, In fact, I just posted one on India and the significance of flowers in our daily life here.

So see? I have been busy......!

Me OCD??? Uh...think again!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:57:00 +0000

I've been accused of being OCD - meaning I have an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In my case, its about neatness and being tidy! I know I've nagged my poor husband and son to death about this over the last so many years, and every time they said I was OCD, I strongly protested! But honestly, sometimes I wondered if I really was...?

Granted, I've eased up over the years - I pick my battles now. But all those years I wish I had known about Ursus Wehrli, then I would have told them a thing or two!!! Who you ask is Urus??? Ursus is this Swiss artist and comedian who makes OCD's like me look downright messy! UW is "deranged tidy".

To give you an example here is what he did to his bowl of alphabet soup (which OK I'll admit, I have been tempted to do but never did).

Now that's OCD folks! And as if that's not enough...here are some more examples....

He took a pine branch, broke it into sub-branches, and then separated and sorted the needles? (though it's kind of fascinating that the needle count on the two branch pairs are precisely equal.)

He was able to recruit a bunch of totally cooperative Swiss kids, moms, dads, grandparents to come to a local park to hang out, after which they were re-sorted by gender, age and size.

Bowl of fruit???

There he goes again......

And this one of a beautiful starry night....obviously all done in his head, but still....

Me OCD? I think not!

Its raining giveaways....

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Yes, another giveaway! Right on the heels of mine and Priya's, we now have Anu of MDC giving away a fabulous handbag!

And if you are a "typical normal female" then you know that a girl can never have enough handbags!!!!! I mean, you could have 30 in your closet, but trust me there will be that one occasion when not one of the thirty is right for the occasion.

So, here is what she is giving away....this blue Ikat crescent shaped Hobo from Tignanello

I have never heard of Tignanello, so I googled it and then I goggled it!! Lovely lovely stuff.

So hurry on, follow the instructions and normally I would say "All the best, hope you win"...but not this time, cos I want this one!!!!!! YES!

So all I'll say is "May the best woman win"!!!

Lantern love!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:52:00 +0000

Scored this baby last month as I was cruising down a street.......! A glass mosaic lantern.

I saw a few hanging from a tree and an old lady sitting by the tree selling them....! She must have been 80 years plus. I've seen these before in places, and on one of my trips to Goa almost bought a ridiculously priced one...but the thought of having to carry it back in my hand baggage stopped me.

So this is how our conversation went:

Me: Kitne ka hai? (How much is it?). Theek daam bolo. (Give me a decent price)

Lady: Pandra sau rupaii (Rs 1500/$35).

Me: Pandra sau??? Nahi nahi, paanch sau ko dede na. (Rs 1500?? No, no, give it to me for Rs 500/$12)...bracing myself for a haggling match to follow to settle somewhere in between.

Lady: Theek hai, le lo! (Ok, you got it!!)

I almost died in shock. What a bargain huh?

So the electrician came by yesterday and wired it for me. Its hung where I can see it from my studio. I love it.

Not the greatest night shot ( I need a better camera)...but here's what it looks like all lit up....

All the work that has gone into it...sometimes I feel a twinge of guilt that I got it so cheap and bamboozled the old lady...? But she didn't argue at all????

I just realized this is my third "Moroccanny" post in one week!!!

Another giveaway....

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Yes, but this time its not on my blog, but on Priya's blog at OUATT!

For those that didn't win in my giveaway, here is another chance to win similarly fabulous linens from Le Attiser! And the best thing is its open to India and US readers! YAY!

So hurry on over to her blog, and follow the really easy instructions and sit back to have your name picked! All the best!

Morocco - I never tire of you!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:47:00 +0000

I think it was either the cushions that Susmitha won in the giveaway, or a program I watched last evening on TLC's Feast Bazaar.....that has put me in a "Morocco state of mind" (which is actually very easy to do). If you're like me, then you cannot get enough of this absolutely enchanting country. If you have had enough of Morocco, then I suggest you ditch this post.....and get back to whatever productive thing you were doing :-)

Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez, Essaouria....we've heard all about them. Riads, souks, kilims, tagines - been there, done that!

But have you heard about Kasbah du Toubkal, a unique hilltop fort set at the base of Mt. Toubkal in the Atlas mountains, North Africa's highest mountains that offers supported treks??? It will take your breath away, and no, I don't mean because its set at such a high altitude, but because it is a stunning piece of sustainable Berber hospitality at its finest, that is winning awards left and right - and deservedly so.

The Kasbah is set above the village of Imlil, employs only locals, sources all its food locally, and funds the Village Association. It offers a vast range of accommodation options, from simple Berber salons to private guest rooms with hot showers and spectacular little balconies. In between the two, are the rooms at Dar Imlil, a convenient and comfy guesthouse down in the village. The latest addition is a beautiful garden house next to the Kasbah.

Staff are on hand to cook your meals, offer mint tea and snacks when you return from your trek...aaahhhhhhh!

View of the Kasbah from Dar Imlil

View from room

Dar Imili, Deluxe room

Garden House

Kasbah Terrace

Breakfast on the balcony - Garden House

Garden House

Dining Room

Garden House dining area

Dar Imlil

Dar Imili - Dining on the Terrace

Dar Imlil, Deluxe Room

Garden House bath

See? No explanations necessary right? Read more here.

I like being Indian and all, but I want to be born a Moroccan in my next life....maybe if I channel enough things Moroccan in this life, it could happen.....?

Matchy matchy!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:39:00 +0000

Not only is this room so so so beautiful and Moroccan in ambience.....

.......but its oranges and grays match the new colors on my blog!

Corny reason to post I know....but I had to share! :-)

Summer lotus!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:10:00 +0000

This baby bloomed in our garden today.

We get about 3-4 lotuses every summer, they make rare appearances, but when they do they take my breath away with their beauty! Easily, the most beautiful flower on the planet!!!

Just wanted to share with you all! Have a wonderful week ahead!

Drum roll please.....

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 07:02:00 +0000

OK, deep breath......the winner of the Saffron Marigold cushions giveaway is....

# 63, that's Susmitha. YAY! Congratulations Susmitha.

Your pick was Sultan's Palace....which just happens to be my absolute favorite too, knowing my love affair with Morocco!

This is going to look really stunning in your home. Send me your email as well as your postal address in the US, and I'll make sure they get shipped over to you right away! Email it to me at Inimak@in.com

That was so much fun! Thank you all so much for participating and "liking" my Facebook page. And don't be discouraged if you didn't win....I'll be having another giveaway around Christmas time!!!!

Happy Onam and bloggie facelift!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:06:00 +0000

Happy Onam to all my Keralite friends!

For those who are unfamiliar with Onam, my post last year explains what this festival is all about. We would normally have celebrated it, but because my father-in-law passed away this February, we do not participate in any festival celebrations for a year.

But, I do have some pictures to share with you. My mother sent these to me today. These are photographs taken about 70 years ago when my mom was a toddler and she and my grandmother are decorating the house with a flower rangoli pattern.

{A little side note - she was not able to scan them because she didn't know how to use the scanner, and my dad has no patience to teach anyone anything...so my helpless mother took pictures of the pictures...hence they are not of best quality}.

But I will replace them with real scanned images tomorrow.

And yes, S & S got a facelift. For quite a while I felt the white writing on black was not real easy on the eyes and difficult to read, but I sort of ignored it cos I liked the colors. But finally, an honest reader complained....and I listened...and decided YES, it was time for a change, time to pick some colors that were more soothing to the eyes. I hope you all like it....I am open to all suggestions, compliments, criticisms, ideas....after all its you people who read the stuff. So tell me!!!

Food for thought!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:51:00 +0000

There are some days when a post on design just does not do it for me. There are far too many important things besides that I need to share.....

From a culture of sharing we have become a culture driven by possession and profit. The century of self. This short film comes from the kitchens of the Golden Temple (which I have blogged about before) where every day around 100,000 people, regardless of colour, caste or religion, donate, prepare, consume and clean for nothing more than compassion. Are we really moving in the right direction?
This year the world will produce enough food to feed twice the world's population, yet every day almost one billion people will sleep hungry.

Freedom of Food and the Golden Temple two from the source project on Vimeo.

Mom cave?

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:16:00 +0000

Do you have a Mom Cave? Yes, that's the latest buzz word in home design and consumerism. Men have always had their Man Caves, a place for them to to celebrate all things masculine including sports, cars, and yes....bodily functions. But now its time for them to move over and give us moms our refuge too.

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There are endless debates by sociologists as to why its "Mom" cave and not "Woman" cave and the answer is something to do with "societal fears and ignorance" ....but all that aside, a Mom Cave is essentially a place for Moms to sit; a space to organize their stuff; an area for them to do the things they love and a room for a mom to visit with all her girlfriends!

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Homegoods was the company that coined the phrase, read here to know more about it.

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Kelly Porter of Porter House Designs ( which by the way is a great design blog) also made the whole Mom Cave thing a rage after The Washington Post featured her in a story entitled "Carving Out a Mom Space of her Own". The story showcased her home office -- a space she coined her Mom Cave.

The story received national attention and spawned a Mom Cave design trend that is still catching on. See the video below....

What I have at home is more of a Mom Corner than a Mom Cave, but it works for me. I sit here, I organize and am surrounded by things I love.....and as for all that stuff about a place for girlfriends to visit, we just meet in the living room!!!!!

And here is a really funny post by a guy whose Man Cave is now gone and replaced with a scrapbook table and crafting items!

So what do you think? A lot of hooplah about nothing??? I am not so into all this talk about mommies getting their "me time" and so on. After all if you choose to be a mommy and bear children, you have made a decision to sacrifice some of that "me time" till the kids fly the coop right? I'm getting all the me time now that I never had or wanted when my kid was growing up. Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth.

Giveaway time!

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:56:00 +0000

Yay, its time for another giveaway and this time its for no reason at all, other than all you wonderful readers being just that - wonderful readers. As we say in India, "simply because"......

So, here's what is up for grabs: 2 absolutely lovely pillow covers, 17" x 17" in size, from Saffron Marigold.

Some of you may be familiar with SM, but for those who are not, it is a California based company fully committed to the revival of the traditional art of block printing in India, run by Anisha and Sandip. All their linens are printed on superior grade cotton with high quality dyes. They are stunning....trust me I know because I have them!!!!

Here is a sampling of some of their cushions to whet your appetite and get the juices flowing!

The Moroccan inspired Sultan's Palace. Now who among us does not like anything "Moroccan"? I thought as much, no one!

The Peacock inspired Dance O Peacock.

One of my absolute favorites - Maharaja!

For you lotus lovers - Midnight Lotus.

And their newest launch - the very French, very summery, La Chasse Aux Papillons

This is just some of their prints. Check out their website for the entire breathtaking collection to decide which print you want when you win!

So, here is what you have to do:

1. Leave a comment letting me know which print you would like if you won, including the url/link to that product, please.
2. Blog, tweet, post about this giveaway, leave me a comment that you did as well as the link to the post and you get a second entry.
3. And if you want a third entry, (and for slightly selfish reasons) - go to my S & S Facebook page and click on "Like", and leave a comment saying you did.

The giveaway ends the 9th of September, and is open to residents of US and Canada. Yes, Canada is also included on popular demand. (Indian residents I will have one for you later this year, I promise.)

So in 2 weeks, I will pick a winner using random.org and announce the winning name on the 10th of September, so make sure you check back to see if you have won. I will then request your e mail and contact info accordingly.

All the best! Let the games begin.....

Giveaway sneak peek....

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:40:00 +0000

Do you like what you see????

If so, stay tuned for a fabulous giveaway for my US readers!!! I'll give you a hint - think Saffron......

Come back tomorrow, same time, same place :-)

Photographer Jeffrey Becom

noreply@blogger.com (Kamini) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Bringing you some lovely photographs by well known photographer Jeffrey Becom.

I forget sometimes how much color there is in our country. Living here one tends to get so caught up in the day to day things.....politics, weather, traffic, heat and so on...sometimes you have to step back and see the country with fresh eyes! Or sometimes stumble upon photographers who have managed to capture the beauty of the country.....especially in the rural villages, the heart of India!

Enjoy these lovely images.....

Red bundle, Bundi. Rajasthan

At the temple entrance in Varanasi

Red pillars, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Red sari, Lahar, Madhya Pradesh

Street shrine, Varanasi

Taj Mahal, Agra

Street in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Blue passage, Jodhpur, Rajasthan