I spy..

...with my good eye

A hacienda in Mexico

That is not only an excellent vacation spot

But is also beautifully done up

In resplendent textiles, most likely from India

[Note 1: I have a reasonably decent pair of eyes; above one eye thingie was just for it to rhyme. Spy - Eye...see? Note 2: Yes, I am still in a 'I-want-a-holiday-now-and-right-now' phase, so you can expect more exotic resorts to show up here. Note 3: The genteel ladies who joined me on my virtual holiday to Argentina, well...here we go again! Pack your bags :)] 

This, my dear readers, is Cuximala, the private estate of Sir James Goldsmith. Actually not so private any more as its now a place for world weary travellers to go and rest their feet and tush. What I really like about this place (apart from the heavenly view and the beach) is the use of colors against the pristine white walls. Just about right.

Ram head chairs with bone inlay craft from Rajasthan

The bedrooms and few of the many sitting areas..

From one of the more colorful villas..

Aren't the windows beautiful? Reminds me of jaali work from India

[All images: Cuixmala]

Elle Decor India - Collector's Copy | Get it now!

Do you remember the time

When you fell in love

With 

Elle Decor India collector's copy

Do you remember the post..

(ok. that's it for now. I can not bad rhyme any more. That was, ahem, a version of MJ's iconic song)

Well, I got emails from a number of you asking me to send across this particular copy of Elle Decor India. When I couldn't find this one month old, and a very popular edition at my regular book shops, I reached out to Elle Decor. And after a few email exchanges this week, they have agreed to directly ship across this edition to interested folks! Isn't that great? I am all yipee and yips, twice over!

Here's how you can order your copy direct from the publishing house:

Email Sandeep: spasbola (at) ogaan.co.in

Elle Decor has quoted  $25 as the total cost for this edition for readers outside India (the cost includes shipping)

Once you send in your request, and the number of copies you want, Sandeep will let you know how you can make the payment and by when you will receive your copy 

And, the readers within India who haven't managed to get this edition in their local markets, do reach out to Sandeep at the above email ID. He will let you know how to get your hands on a copy!

Stuff launching and happening...

Time again to share some good stuff that came to my inbox...

My Dream Canvas

One serendipitous evening, I discovered Anuradha Varma's beautiful blog My Dream Canvas, and also discovered connections just a couple or more degrees apart! Anuradha is an avid photographer who not only shares interior inspiration, but also her many travels on the blog.

[First image via My Dream Canvas]

The Homely Place

A lovely home decor blog by artist Natalie Singh. Do make sure you visit her other blog showcasing her art

Bolly Instyle

If you love all things Indian, you will love this blog. Shital Taylor puts together style, trends, furniture, clothes, accessories...anything that is inspired by India, for your viewing pleasure.

Contest : Umbra

Celebrate design for a chance to win a $5,000 Umbra shopping spree! Want to know how? Click right here for contest details..

Valeri Goodman Gallery - NY

Internationally acclaimed French Decorative artist Eric Schmitt will be exhibiting his new collection, a limited edition of Bohemian hand-blown glass and bronze vases created for Fleurs Bella a creative studio working with flowers and various objects, and for Valerie Goodman Gallery a 20th Century and Contemporary Decorative Arts Gallery in NY from May 18th. Do hop in if you happen to be in NY, and tell us how you like it!

Estancia El Rocio

I have got a severe vacation itch. Some quiet time in a far away land. And as luck would have it, I have been stumbling on some gems that would be perfect for a relaxing time off. Presenting to you the first one today - Estancia El Rocio in Argentina. Will you join me?

[Images via]

Villa Kadiri

So first of all, I don't post for two weeks. And then when I do, I bring to you over-the-top exotic opulence from a beautiful desert land. Something that will require you to relax, take a deep breath, empty your head of everything else to make space for some über rich interiors, put on some soul stirring Moroccon music, and maybe wear your silk robe and those harem pants. I am all about creating the right mood today.

Presenting to you, the labour of love and indulgence from Morocco - Jaouad Kadiri and Priti Paul's home...or more apt, their palace. Working along with architect Stuart Church, Jaouad has created a home straight out of the tales of Arabian nights, with a fair dose of Indian mystique. Each nook and corner is full of rich colors and antiques sourced from the souks of Morocco and the bazaars of India. While everything put together gets a bit too much for me, there are elements and ideas from each room that inspire me.

Jaouad Kadiri and Priti Paul were in news recently as they hosted the Sex and The City 2 movie's star cast at their yet to be launched hotel. Their fairy tale wedding a few years back also generated a lot of interest.

 

[All images sourced from media articles about Villa Kadiri]