A while ago I wrote about my search for a bed for my daughter (ordered, waited, never came, discontinued – so in haste we bought a “temporary” platform for her from West Elm).

Now we’re planning the move-in into our new house, so I began the search again – this time for a day-bed style.  Unfortunately, I am smitten with this Hamish Daybed by Oly (unfortunate because of the price tag).

Sigh.

The lovely (and very well-curated) shop Aniika is joining Rayil in a Celebrate MOM Giveaway.  Don’t miss out on your chance to win 2 fabulous prizes:

What do you think?  We’re thinking of offering these DIY Craft Kits – highlighting various mythological stories with fun craft puppets, designed by an independent artist. We are trying to gauge interest, so let us know by commenting or via email (hello[at]gnaana.com) if you think they are something we should carry.

  

If you’re a fan of the maxi, you’ve probably figured out that there is a certain art to creating the right look – especially for little girls.  Here are some of our tips for “Maxi-mizing”their cuteness:

1. Choose a skirt made with quality material.  There is a lot of fabric on display, so poor quality fabrics become very apparent.
2. It’s all about the right top.  Keep them short (above the hipline) and fitted.
3. Longer tops can be tucked in.
4. Belts may be “too much” for the small frame of girls, though may be fine for taller girls.
5. For shoes – sandals are best for summer, and boots for winter.  Sneakers or lace-ups…not so much.

Hindus celebrated Hanuman Jayanti this week (officially 25th April) – so he’s on our mind this week.  We’re smitten with this Vintage Indonesian Batik.

Read the shop’s description of “Hanoman” to your kids and see if they can point out the error.

image via 1001vintage

Today we join Meera Sriram and Praba Ram on a Blog Tour of their latest book Bijoy and the Big River.

I often think that even if I lived in India for my whole life, I would not be able to see even half of all of its beauty.  Bijoy and the Big River transports kids to Assam and the mighty Brahmaputra – so they can catch a glimpse (yes, literally a glimpse – as this book has wonderful photographs!) of life in India’s Northeast.

A wonderful read packed with vignettes about Eri “Peace” Silk, xihu (an endangered species of dolphin) and a subtle lesson of man’s interdependence on nature – perfect as we celebrate Earth Day this week.

To build upon the book, Meera has suggested a simple and wonderful craft for kids:  Origami Paper Boat Torans

1)  Make a few paper boats (use paper in coordinating prints and colours);
2) String them together (you can also use beads, butterflies and other items for visual contrast); and
3) Hang

Meera informed us that this craft was used at a book launch event at the ANTS store in Bangalore last week (credit to artstales.blogspot.in)

Thanks, Meera and Praba for pointing us to this wonderful book.

Bijoy and the Big River is available via Tulika Books

Found: the perfect post-diaper-bag purse with gorgeous East-West adaptability.  Check out Malaga Bags (featured above is a Khadi Printed Tote).

Ram Navami is big deal for Hindus around the world.  It’s a commemoration of the Ideal Man after all – the protagonist of the epic Ramayana.

This year, Ram Navami is on April 19th-20th.  Click here for beautiful Rama Kirtan from Isha Music.

Koi Mil Gaya may be passe in India, but it’s certainly enjoying a renaissance in our house.  The kids saw the movie a few weeks ago (with eyes peeled, completely enthralled) and so started The Jadoo Obsession.  The soundtrack plays in our car on the way to/from school and if anyone’s been around us lately, they have probably heard them sing the songs (and they don’t even know Hindi!).

The funniest quote by my daughter:  ”Why are Hrithik’s arms so bumpy?”

My son has even requested a Koi Mil Gaya birthday party (it’s at the end of the month).  Wondering how I’m supposed to pull this off.  Ideas please?

One of our favourites – for Mushroom Dum Biryani.  We love the “Topi-Meesa Abhai” (Hat-Mustache Guy))!

If you’ve been following Rayil – our new kids clothing line – you’ve probably noticed that we’re (err..the little girls wearing Rayil rather) are turning heads across the globe.  Rayil is now available in 6 countries – and more to come!

For our customers in Dubai and the Middle East, we are proud to announce that Rayil is now available at Mumzworld - - one of the region’s top retailers of products for mothers, babies and kids!

We are proud to be retailing at this award-winning company!

So check us out – our silhouettes and heritage-rich Indian fabrics were designed just for modern kids!

A big thanks to my dear friend R. for organizing a terrific Holi party in Santa Monica on Sunday morning (she even made gulal!).  Good friends, good food, smiles and laughter…a lovely Sunday indeed.

And thanks to Pur Color for providing us with additional gulal (I’ll attest firsthand folks: I did a simple cold wash cycle and it all washed off – I didn’t even use any bleach).

Cheery…Sunny…Illuminating – and always ready to brighten your day.  Nothing puts a smile on your face like Yellow!

Links:

1. Turmeric & Myrrh Skin Brightening Handmade Soap via Kama Ayurveda;
2. Yellow Parandi Hair Braid Tassel via Bombay Fashions;
3. Rickshaw Pillow Cover with Bengali script via India Circus;
4. Beaded Clutch via Indie Bazaar;
5. Saree by Ekru by Ekta & Ruchira at Wills India Fashion Week for Fall/Winter ’13 (image via Luxemi).

Nature’s rare gift of whimsical color…always rare and radiant.

Links:

1. Amber Palace, Rajasthan (image via Google Images);
2. Ambrosia Wrap Top in Amethyst Honeycomb Print via Rayil Kids;
3. Purple Lotus Ceramic Ring Holder via dgordon;
4. Bloom Purple Clock via Ichbaan (Noida, UP);
5. Kantha Embroidered Pillow via Joss & Main;
6. Purple Maasai Flip-Flops via India Hicks;
7. Swarovski Crystal and Pearl Bangle via cindyg

Nothing celebrates life quite like the color red…exuberant, vivacious, regal.

Links:

1. Beautiful shot of the Red Fort of Agra (image via go2holiday);
2. Princess Nivritti in a red Sabyasachi lehenga (image via Google images);
3. Handpainted Henna Elephant Piggy Bank via Stephanie Rombough Ceramics;
4. Malala Yousafzai (student from Pakistan) returning to school today for the first time since she was shot in the head by the Taliban in October for campaigning for girls’ education;
5. Ruby Red Thewa Necklace via Aniika

White…the absence of color…a blank slate to create…before the storm of colour.

Links:

1. Image via http://barefootbohemian.tumblr.com;
2. White Mughals: Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth Century India by William Dalrymple;
3. Mirror Work border Trim via Indian Beautiful Art;
4. Lucite Crystal Bead Necklace via Thirsty Owl Vintage;
5. Indian Block Print Scarf via Kavita Kriti;
6. Buddha Statue (Fine Art Photograph) via Pretty Petal Studio

What’s a Holi party without all the fun colors?  You can get dubious unlabeled bags of gulal at your local Indian grocery store, but here’s a US company that manufacturers some right here Colorado:  Pur Color, who specialize in all natural colorants and product essentials for pastry and chocolate professionals.  They call their’s celebration powder and sell by the pound.

Perfect for you Holi party!

images via Pur Color

It’s just about 2 weeks away – March 27th-28th – with festivities likely to extend through the weekend.  Mark your calendars and watch the Gnaana Blog here for some colorific posts!

image: Devotional Women via Savita Art Gallery, $250.00