the maharani’s box

the musings of a quest

Orange Beautiful August 23, 2007

Filed under: stationary — ekrani @ 4:44 am

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I ordered some stationary from Orange Beautiful the other day and think I’m in love. I thought I knew stationary… but this stuff is gorgeous. You can personalize stationary from OB – there’s wedding invitations, baby announcements, and personal correspondence. Or you can get something pre-printed. Whatever you decide, you’ll love it. Trust me.

P.S. You’ll love the website…

 

Candles on display August 23, 2007

Filed under: decor — ekrani @ 4:28 am

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I love these Skeem candles. They look good. They smell good. It took me a while to be inspired not to burn all candles – these would absolutely add to a room’s decor. And if you are tempted to burn them, then you always put the candle holder to use after the wax is gone!!

 

British Asian Lit July 24, 2007

Filed under: books — ekrani @ 2:52 am

Desi DNA did a show on British Asian Lit showcasing three authors whose books have had quite a bit of press. It’s an interesting documentary discussing what it means to be a british asian author… i have read and met the author of Londonstani but not Tourism or any of Manzoor’s work (but my interest has definitely been piqued)… nevertheless, i do wish they would have included a female british asian author too.

 

nau’s the time May 17, 2007

Filed under: activism, fashion — ekrani @ 5:52 am

here’s a new clothing line that is not only stylish but also socially conscious.  nau is run by a small group of people who are “committed to the power of business as a force of change.”  the goal is to “demonstrate the highest levels of citizenship in everything we do.”  now that’s something i’ll dress to!

make sure to check out their *thought kitchen* and *the collective* – it’s something we can all benefit from!

 

federico aubele May 8, 2007

Filed under: music — ekrani @ 5:50 am

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my friend just introduced me to this new artist who is incredibly talented.  his music is full of depth but yet so relaxing to listen to. federico aubele’s music is termed as latin/lounge/trip hop. the arist, who is originally from argentina has been touring the world for the past five years. more from the ESL music website:

Despite some of the remaining effects from Argentina’s economic and political crisis in 2001, Aubele loves Buenos Aires. “It’s like going out with a crazy, but incredibly beautiful, charming and seductive woman. She might drive you insane at times, but when you take a step back and look at her, you’re reminded how much you love her and why.”

listen to: en el desierto – i promise, you’ll love it.

 

Bliss March 20, 2007

Filed under: books — ekrani @ 4:40 am

 

I’m in the midst of reading this book and i am in love with it… with the characters, with the writing, with the story.  It’s such a joy to read this book… set in Turkey and about the lives of three very different individuals… who are bonded through their own strengths, weaknesses, fears, and hopes.  I looked up some more information about the author, and what i found was just as meaningful: “O.Z. Livaneli is one of Turkey’s most prominent and popular authors as well as an accomplished musician and composer, whose works have been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra.  He was held under military detention during the coup of March 12, 1971 and lived in exile for eight years.  He studied music in Stockholm, then lived in Paris and Athens, returning to Turkey in 1984.  He was one of the founders of the Turkish-Kurdish Peace Movement and the initiator of the Campaign Against Violence in Turkey, and he has made significant contributions to the Greek-Turkish Frienship Committee.  He was elected a Member of Parliament in 2002.”  I highly recommend it!

 

Meet the Fiesta. Siesta. Sunshine. March 13, 2007

Filed under: travel — ekrani @ 5:09 am

Daily Candy Travel did a post on the hotspots in Mexico… it was a delight!  Here you go: 

Mexico Pretty

Cafe culture meets gallery chic in Condesa, the Mexico City neighborhood that’s become the new oasis for young bohemia. We went south of the border to check it out.  Condesa DF, is the area’s first boutique hotel (kind of like Dream NY).  Very cool website.  Looks like it would be worth a visit… Also check out Stash Hotels - its more than margaritas and mariachis…And finally Hotel Habita: an exclusive hotel located in the heart of Polanco. From the website, “with its minimal design, the building itself is the epitome of controlled, refined elegance ideal for the twenty-first century traveller.”  Oooh La La.

 

adorn me with jewels February 27, 2007

Filed under: fashion — ekrani @ 5:41 am

indian jewelry is spectacular.  no sari is complete without an adjoining necklace.  and a plain outfit can be easily dressed up with some bangles or earrings. just delightful. enjoy!

 

Valentine’s Day – more than a bunch of flowers February 15, 2007

Filed under: Quotes — ekrani @ 3:29 am

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” –From A Midsummer Night’s Dream (I, i, 134)

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“Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.” — Tagore

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“There is much suffering in the world – physical, material, mental. The suffering of some can be blamed on the greed of others. The material and physical suffering is suffering from hunger, from homelessness, from all kinds of diseases. But the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, having no one. I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.” –Mother Teresa

 

Passport to Morocco February 5, 2007

Filed under: books, culture, decor, travel — ekrani @ 2:37 am

 

So… i seem to be obsessed with all things Moroccan.  I read a great novel that was based in Morocco and Spain and have come across some beautiful moroccan items in the past few weeks that have made me ooh and aah.  Can’t wait until i can visit…