ROTI KAPDA MAKAN

New Japanese Books

2009-08-25T23:33:00.007-05:00

Love collecting these. I am seriously considering Japanese language classes!

Any Chair, $12

2009-08-12T16:26:00.004-05:00

I love the Vitra miniatures of design classics but until I hit the jackpot, these will do just fine. From Japanese company Reac Japan, and sold in Urban Outfitters stores (have not seen them online as yet). $12 each!

Scandinavian Ceramics

2009-08-10T11:20:00.008-05:00

I love collecting vintage Scandinavian ceramics. Wish my little collection looked like this!

Images 1 and 2 are from GP Bostad via Malo blog.
Images 3, 4 and 5 are from a Japanese website. I saved them a while ago but don't remember the website name. If anyone knows the source, kindly let me know.
Find more information and gorgeous pictures of Scandinavian ceramics here.

Dining Rooms

2009-08-04T01:09:00.002-05:00

Love them all.... I cannot pick a favorite! Can you?

Images from top to bottom: Apartment Therapy, Sasa Antic via Oh Joy, Design Sponge, Skona Hem, Lili Diallo.

French Home

2009-08-02T08:21:00.000-05:00

I love the Indian and Asian accessories used throughout the home of Stéphanie de Saint Simon, a furniture designer from France.

Click here to see more pictures.
All images from Elle Decoration France.

Spice Jars

2009-07-29T15:23:00.004-05:00

Earthenware spice jars from Anthropologie.
Not very practical if you want to locate a certain spice in a hurry but they look so cute!

Ralli Quilts

2009-07-28T22:45:00.001-05:00

I love the colorful Ralli quilt in this photo of designer John Rocha's bedroom. Rallis are made in the southern provinces of Pakistan as well as in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India. The quilt shown below is an example of a "Lassi Ralli" or a simple Ralli and is made with different scraps of printed cotton fabric and the stitching is usually done in straight lines with colored thread.

More beautiful examples from Auto in NYC.

And a few more from Rie Elise Larsen.

I purchased this one from Fabindia in Mumbai. It is made with scraps of block printed cotton fabric.

Image 1 from Inside Out magazine.

Back On 28TH July

2009-07-22T08:36:00.003-05:00

I will not have internet access until Tuesday July 28th. See you then!

Spanish Apartment

2009-07-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Enviable collection of 20Th century furniture in this colorful "white box". What a beautiful space!

Images from AD (Spain)

Happy Monday

2009-07-20T10:28:00.000-05:00

It is a particularly happy Monday for me since this week we are moving from corporate housing into our rental apartment. And later this week our furniture and other items which are currently sitting in storage in Dallas will be delivered to the new apartment. Once I have everything unpacked and have put away the boxes, I can start decorating!

Image from VT Wonen magazine.

Marcus Hay's NYC Home

2009-07-17T01:10:00.001-05:00

I love the confident mix of styles and colors in stylist Marcus Hay's NYC apartment.

Images scanned from Inside Out magazine

West German Studio Pottery From Urban Outfitters

2009-07-16T17:33:00.009-05:00

Spotted these in Urban Outfitters today. Made in Portugal.

Turning Yarn into Art (Part 2)

2009-07-15T14:37:00.006-05:00

Artist Emily Barletta's crocheted and embroidered creations.

You can see more of her work here.

Via Moloko issue # 8

Turning Yarn into Art (Part 1)

2009-07-14T16:43:00.009-05:00

Amazing crocheted food creations by artist Kate Jenkins:

You can see more of her beautiful work here.

Images from www.cardigan.ltd.uk and www.r-h-g.co.uk

Blog Break

2009-06-17T23:54:00.004-05:00

I am on a mini blog break as I am busy packing. We shall be moving next week. I shall start posting regularly once we get settled in our new place.

Portland Home

2009-06-11T00:22:00.002-05:00

I do not usually purchase Readymade magazine but I immediately bought the April/May issue on seeing these images of Molly Quan's home in Portland Oregon. Molly is the owner of Life + Limb, a shop that sells rare plants and home accessories.
I love all the vintage modern furniture and of course those beautiful succulents displayed in her home.

Images scanned from Readymade magazine. Click here to see the digital version of this article.

Inspired by India (Part 2)

2009-06-09T20:50:00.001-05:00

More lovely images- this time from Living Etc. magazine, styled by Carl Braganza and photographed by Debi Treolar. Rani pink (hot pink), marigold (orange), ornate inlay furniture, the paisley motif all add that unmistakable Indian flavor in these images.

Images scanned from Living Etc. magazine.

Thank You- "the seventy tree" !

2009-06-09T16:36:00.007-05:00

Kerry of the lovely blog the seventy tree gave me a Kreativ Blogger award. Thank you Kerry- I am so happy!
I pass on this award to some of the blogs I enjoy reading:

Hiccupings.
Visual Notes.
Rang: The colors of life.
oftravelsandtravails.

Inspired by India (Part 1)

2009-06-07T23:22:00.001-05:00

Some lovely images from Vogue Living Australia, styled by Sibella Court. I love how she uses Indian elements in a balanced modern way.

Images from Vogue Living (Australia) magazine.

Happy Weekend

2009-06-05T20:01:00.006-05:00

Have a happy weekend everyone! This weekend, I plan to attack my ever growing stack of design/interior magazines and whittle it down to a more manageable size. Hopefully , I will get it done by Monday.
Also, I found a beautiful new blog called Jimsees via Malo's blog.
Do pop over - I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Jim's photography is simply gorgeous!

Image from Sprinkles.

That's Clever!

2009-06-04T18:21:00.000-05:00

All of these functional objects have been made using everyday items (both new and recycled). Measuring tape lamps are by artist Chrissy Angliker. The red yardstick chair is by artist Dorothy Spencer and the yellow pencil chair is by Jeremy Alden who created it out of 600 pencils.

Second image from Living Etc magazine.
Pencil chair image from Metropolis magazine.

Danish Home

2009-06-02T22:33:00.010-05:00

Beautiful home of Danish architect and designer Finn Juhl (1912-1989).

Via The Mid Century Modernist and www.finnjuhl.com
Photos by Roger Valentin Mandt

The new "IT" bag?

2009-05-31T17:23:00.003-05:00

French company Longchamp's take on surrealism with humour mixed in.
Cute!

Visual Stimulation Via USSR

2009-05-27T17:56:00.004-05:00

This article was published in Departures magazine and shows the graphic design and advertising images of the Communist era. I like these bold and bright graphics. It reminds me of the beginning credits in early James Bond movies.
And I would love to add the green porcelain plate to my ceramics collection.

Images scanned from Deapartures magazine.

Paris Apartment

2009-05-24T18:39:00.003-05:00

Beautiful apartment with Art Deco touches decorated by Cyril Vergniol.
I am not brave enough to go for a green sofa but I have to say it looks great in his apartment.

Images from Elle Deco France.

New York City Apartment

2009-05-22T22:12:00.010-05:00

Gorgeous apartment decorated by Italian designer Piero Lissoni.

Images from Elle Decoration UK.

Bazaar Buys

2009-05-22T16:17:00.007-05:00

I was organizing the linen closet this afternoon and decided to take a few pictures of these pretty woven textiles.

Purchased in Rajasthan (India), Istanbul and Sukhothai.

Mumbai Masti

2009-05-21T16:12:00.011-05:00

This book by talented Indian designer Krsna Mehta shows interesting photographs of life in Mumbai city, superimposed with some quirky graphics.
"Yeh Hai Mumbai- Krsna Mehta Ishstyle"

Skona Hem Reader's Kitchen

2009-05-19T18:48:00.001-05:00

Isn't this kitchen lovely? I found this image in the reader's homes section of the magazine. The white walls and floor make the colorful accessories pop out. Cute pillow!

Image from www.skonahem.com

Tea Towels

2009-05-16T23:12:00.002-05:00

Tea towels are like works of art for the kitchen. They instantly brighten it without breaking the bank. Here are some of my favorites.

Kraaftskiva by Ekelund Weavers, Birdsong by Lush Designs

Batterie de Cuisine by Lucienne Day, Bottles by Unity Peg

Beetroot by Lush Designs, Souvenir Oiseaux by Atelier LZC

Swedish Home

2009-05-15T08:19:00.001-05:00

The Swedish home of designer Susanne Molinder combines Scandinavian, African and Asian styles. Isn't the resulting look stunning and unique?

First and third images from Skona Hem. Second and fourth images from Elle Decoration UK.

London Home

2009-05-14T20:50:00.000-05:00

This is the London home of designer Tim Soar. I love the red bookshelves.

Image from http://www.theselby.com/

Vintage Ceramics

2009-05-14T20:20:00.000-05:00

Spent time today taking pictures of some items from my collection of vintage ceramics.

Indian Boxes

2009-05-12T23:30:00.002-05:00

I have collected these containers which are from different parts of India, for several years. I am always on the lookout to add new pieces to my collection.

Homemade Cake & Handmade Dress

2009-05-12T23:11:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th Birthday!

Tea Cups

2009-05-10T14:27:00.003-05:00

My collection of tea cups.

From top to bottom: Soholm Denmark, Upsala Ekeby Vinranka, no mark, Upsala Ekeby Variant, Bavaria.

Swedish Home

2009-05-05T22:10:00.001-05:00

These images of a Stockholm apartment are from Skona Hem. I love the bent wood (maybe Thonet?) chairs with the blue cushions. The owners have a nice chair collection!

All images from Skona Hem

Biryani

2009-05-05T21:25:00.001-05:00

Recipe
Step 1:Marinating the chicken
Ingredients. for the marinade:
12 pieces whole cloves
10 pieces whole green cardamom pods
Half stick cinnamon
1 tbsp black peppercorns
Small piece of javintri
3 onions sliced
12-15 unsalted raw cashew nuts soaked in hot water for 10-15 minutes
I small container of plain Greek style yoghurt such as Fage.
5 flakes garlic sliced
Half inch ginger sliced
Red chili power according to taste.
Salt according to taste
2-3 tbsps canola oil.

Method:
Heat oil till smoking point. Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns and javintri. When the spices start crackling add the sliced onions.
Sauté until the onions are golden brown. Turn off the flame and allow the onions to cool. Once cool, grind to a smooth paste along with the cashew nuts, ginger and garlic. Mix in the yoghurt. Add salt and red chili powder. This is the marinade for the chicken. Marinate the chicken pieces overnight

Step 2: Preparing the chicken gravy
Ingredients:
8 chicken thighs and 8 drumsticks (not boneless)
12 pieces Whole cloves
10 pieces whole green cardamom pods
Half stick cinnamon
1 tbsp Black peppercorns
Small piece of javintri
3 onions sliced.
2 tomatoes chopped in small pieces
5 flakes garlic chopped fine
Half inch ginger chopped fine.
1 tsp any garam masala powder.
Salt to taste.
2-3 tbsps canola oil.

Method:
Heat the oil till smoking point. Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns and javintri. When the spices start crackling add the sliced onions.
Sauté until the onions are golden brown. Now add chopped garlic ginger and tomatoes. Cook on low flame until "oil leaves the masala".
Add the marinated chicken pieces and all of the marinade.
Toss well, cover and let this cook on a low flame. Do not add water as the chicken will release retained water as it cooks.
Once the chicken is cooked remove the pieces. Reduce the gravy by cooking on a low flame until thick. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
Once thickened, add the chicken pieces back to the gravy and toss well to coat them with the gravy.

Step 3: Assembling the Biryani
Deep sided aluminum roaster pan. Get the biggest size.
4 cups basmati rice soaked for approx. an hour in cold water.
Half cup mint leaves chopped
Half cup cilantro chopped
4 hard boiled eggs sliced in half lengthwise.
4 tbsp Saffron milk. Heat whole milk and add the saffron strands to it. The heat releases the yellow color. Add 2 drops kewra essence to the milk.
1 cup dried fruits and nuts such as cashews, whole plums and golden raisins, fried in a little ghee or butter on a very low flame.

Method for cooking rice.
Heat ghee or oil Add the whole garam masala (cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon and javintri (as above)) plus 1 tsp shajeera and 2 bay leaves. Add the shajeera last as it burns quickly.
Add the drained basmati rice. Sauté the rice for 2-3 minutes. This is done to seal the rice grains and to prevent them from sticking to one another when cooked.
Add enough water to cook the rice. Salt liberally. There should be enough water left in the pot even when the rice has cooked. Do not over cook the rice.

In the roaster pan arrange chicken pieces and boiled eggs. Spoon any remaining gravy to coat the chicken pieces and the egg halves. This is the first layer
Cover with cooked rice as next layer. Sprinkle the dry fruits and nuts mixture and the saffron milk over the rice.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven (400 F) for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and fluff the rice with a fork. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes
Garnish with chopped mint and cilantro.

European Interiors Book

2009-05-01T14:52:00.002-05:00

I found this wonderful book at my local Barnes and Noble bookstore. It has gorgeous photographs of European interiors, all stylishly furnished and accessorized. All the homes featured belong to designers, artists and collectors.

These pictures of Jean Claude Jacquemart's home are my favorites.

Danish Home

2009-04-29T12:21:00.001-05:00

Cozy and colorful home from Bolig magazine.

Images from Bolig.

Heath Ceramics Summer 09

2009-04-23T19:57:00.001-05:00

Pretty colors!

Image from Heath Ceramics.

New Ceramic Purchases

2009-04-17T23:21:00.001-05:00

Vintage Rorstrand cups and saucers in "Venezia" and "Curtis" patterns.
Black tumbler from Ikea.
Block printed cotton napkins from India.

Japanese Books

2009-04-17T22:50:00.002-05:00

I love Scandinavian ceramics, design and interiors.
These Japanese books have beautiful pictures of Scandi ceramic pieces in different patterns manufactured by Arabia, Rorstrand, Upsala Ekeby, Gustavsberg, Figgjo, Royal Copenhagen. Enamelware by Cathrineholm, Kockmus and Finel is also covered.

Inspired by Tas-Ka

2009-04-10T22:39:00.001-05:00

Vintage Upsala Ekeby cup and saucer.
Vintage Eastern European teatowel.
Cute Japanese fabric.
Peruvian wooden spoon.

Cloudy Day

2009-03-27T11:03:00.001-05:00

It's a cold and cloudy day today. A steaming cup of coffee would be nice.
Especially when the coffee set is vintage Rorstrand "Venezia".

Why not add some delicious macarons too!

Oh well, one can always dream!

Image2 from www.pierreherme.com
Image1 from a japanese website.I do not remember the URL.

Swedish Home

2009-03-26T10:29:00.000-05:00

Lovely home!

All Images from Skona hem

Danish Home

2009-03-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

Image from Bolig Magazine.

Spring 2009 is Finally Here

2009-03-17T22:30:00.001-05:00