Inspiration - part 1

As I have mentioned before, for Banno Raani, I look for inspiration everywhere. While I have been talking about my recent personal challenges and summer makeup ideas here on the blog, I have been working behind the scenes for launching the second season of Banno Raani's collections. It is a lot of work and requires a lot of time.
Ok, just to give you a perspective - Shikha and I finalized our plans and order back in January, and we only finished it off completely in the past couple of weeks. So, yes, while I haven't been talking much about Banno Raani recently (oh, how I wish I absolutely was), trust me, Shikha and I have been working really hard to continue our efforts in defining our brand and what we stand for. More to come on that soon!
Hmm, going back to the inspiration discussion, I put together few pictures of what challenges us to be at our creative best and what encourages us to stay focused on delivering unique, classic and luxe feel to all our products (visualization, anyone?). So, here is a quick "inspiration capture" for you lovelies....

The ethnic flair never ceases to mesmerize us and works like instant mood enhancers... :)

Love the gold here with bursts of turquoise...unique shapes and combinations are a must these days

Believe it or not, these home accessories also serve as inspiration for us - the modern lines and geometric patterns are definitely trend worthy....


Now, as I get closer to the next steps on Banno Raani, I will surely shout from the roof top about it, and let the 'behind the scenes' scenario be for extras on some movie DVD!!

Hugs!

Summer makeup

Ever since I saw these pics, I have been dying to share them with you. The makeup is just perfect in each shot, don't you think? The trick, as all professional makeup artists say, is to maximize one feature and minimize the rest...so, here are some cool ideas for summer and a lot of fun to be had!
Now, if only I could look this good... :)














Hugs!


{gorgeous pictures by Hunter and Gatti and last two from Behance.net}

I don't know why or how

I don't know why or how, but a wave of doubt and questions caught me unguarded today and I saw myself drowning in the sorrows of "what ifs" and "unkowns" So much that I almost came close to tears. While I cannot see the path that clear, I reminded myself (oh, how hard it was), that my intentions are true, honest and pure and that I will get there.  And, so, I vowed - to live my dreams with sincere and constant passion! 

And, then I saw this pic which blew away the sad clouds almost instantly...

    Kartik with my niece, Sana (aka jaaanu)

And, big hugs to all of you for being there for me! You give me strength in wonderful ways, and I am so thankful!

A Fabulous Saturday and what made it fabulous

Yesterday was super day, no make that mega super day! Kartik and I spent almost the entire day with my jaanu Sana...and ofcourse with Shikha, Dhruv, aunty and uncle. It was nice catching up...especially for them to know how I was doing now that I did not have to go to work anymore. Honestly, sometimes, its hard for me to explain how I am doing on that front, because just a few days ago I had my first dream about office...is this a sign of separation anxiety??! Oh, I hope not (and, to all who want to know, yes, I am doing fine, and learning to manage my time in the most productive way).

Anyways, back to the mega day, we talked, laughed, recounted stories of how we once had a tiny kitchen with no counter space, but even then the lavish Indian style cooking continued, joked about why Uncle was late from work today, exchanged ideas on how to marinate chicken better, talked about the white closet that aunty needed for her house, ate fruits and skittles, discussed Banno Raani ideas, fussed over Sana and who should hold her and how...aaah! Then after gorging down a pizza or two (I made Indian style pizza, if you lovelies really have to know :), we decided to go downstairs for a stroll, while the sun was still shining.

We walked by the water, taking pictures and still laughing and talking, while Sana enjoyed the sun and fresh air from her stroller. Then we headed to the mall, because Shikha was having major coffee cravings, and I had promised her that I will introduce her to the most delish coffee around...not so bitter and not so sweet - just perfect, and Nestle's Toll House coffee turned out to be just that. As the evening started coming upon us, we headed home, and I took to kitchen like I was Bobby Flay or something and concocted one dish after another. Okay, okay, just 2 main dishes - sambhar daal and spicy chicken curry and 2 starters - mushroom masala and churrizo kebabs. Yumm, if I may say so. The dinner and night ended with mildly sweet seviyan that aunty had cooked, and it was only 10pm! Then Kartik and I bade the Anand family goodbye, and came back to the apartment and crashed on the bed. It was a full day, but it was just perfect!

Its the French affect

As I was walking down ninth avenue with my camera in tow, I was happy to come across such cute shops with delightful things that I had to go inside and explore them . One such shop that welcomed me and my camera was La Cafetiere, a French store that sells everything fabulous for you and your house. There were candles, cane hearts, delicate dinner napkins, glamorous lamps, unique glassware of all shapes and sizes and occasions, and ofcourse hand stitched teddy bears. As I was oohing and aaahing on a set of dark chocolate dinner plates, my eyes caught the curvy soup bowls and the next thing I knew, I was oohing and aahing over them. I tell you, there was constant distraction, and so hard to be focused on just one thing. And when I walked over one of the aisles,  I came across a crystal bead napkin ring, so I held it in my hand. Within moments, the sparkles from the ring danced on my palm, causing a huge smile to wash over my face. I wanted to buy all of them right then and there, but then I remembered if I did that, then I would have to buy the entire store!! :)
The decor of the shop was very homely and laid back, and Martina, the hostess at the shop, made the experience all the more, ummm, what's the phrase, ah, yes, joie de vivre! Oh, its the French affect, lovelies!

Here's the address: La Cafetiere, 160 Ninth Avenue, NYC.
Their website: www.la-cafetiere.com

And here are some collages of the pics from the store, jouir!!:

Hugs!