Some Chic For Your Tiny Tots – Frocks, Booties and Bibs

February 16, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

I know why we all love clothes and want more and more in our wardrobes. Obsession for clothes began even while we were in our mothers’ wombs. It all started with our moms. Even as we came to life in the most compact space and gradually started stirring, our mothers-to-be spent considerable amounts of time and money shopping for us. We heard colours and patterns being discussed, it did not make much sense to us then but the process had begun.

I remember the fervor with which I had shopped when I was pregnant with my baby. And just like every mother, had treasured the baby clothes for months before he was born, spreading them out on the bed almost every week with dreams in my eyes.

Clothes for the tiny tots can be as adorable as the little ones themselves. Here is some Chic for your tiny tots from The Sandalwood Room. With most of Asia warming up, you may be on the look out for clothes and accessories that will keep your little ones cool and comfortable. Add some style and colour in keeping with spring with these 100% cotton, hand block printed frocks, booties and bibs.

Soma Frocks

Cotton hand block printed green baby frock

I love the flap collars in both these frocks that add a dash of smartness and will keep the tiny shoulders daintily covered.

White hand block printed frock with shades of indigo, fuchsia and green

The two pretty frocks below are just right for a warm day.

Multi-coloured hand block printed cotton frock with adjustable shoulder straps

Sprightly green and yellow cotton hand block printed frock with adjustable straps

A note about hand block printing and Soma brand:

Hand block printing is an ancient Indian textile tradition and existed as early as 2000 BC. In the age of mass production, this craft seems to be waning, but thanks to companies like Soma this cultural tradition has been kept alive passionately in villages through Rajasthan. Click here to read more about the interesting art of hand block printing at Soma.

Pleated at the neck and the hem and two little pockets for her tiny handkerchief!

Smart white cotton hand block printed frock with pockets

A pretty white cotton frock hand block printed in red and blue

The red and pink series

Simple red-pink cotton hand block printed frock with white frill at the hem

With splashes of red, orange and green on a white cotton hand block printed frock

Almost halter-neck party frock in stunning red

Booties and Bibs

Tuck those soft, tender feet into these comfy baby booties with a pretty tie-bow.

Cotton hand block printed baby booties

Assorted colourful bibs in cotton and hand-block printed

Wash & Care instructions for this cotton clothing:

Indigo tends to run. Vegetable dyes are likely to bleed, but will not catch on to other clothes. Like in Singapore, if your country uses treated water, dry-cleaning for the first wash for the apparel is recommended.

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore. It is a boutique for those who love the finer things of life.

If you have liked any of these products , walk in to shop and if you wish to place an order email them and The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier your order to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.
Give them a Facebook like here.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Phone : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Wildlife Photography ‘Moods Of Wildlife’ Through The Lens Of Dilip Chacko

February 7, 2016May 15, 2017 / mythoughtlane / 2 Comments

Innocent and vulnerable. Playful yet ferocious. A little kindness here, a trifle killer instinct there. Call it their moods – Moods of Wildlife. Beasts are beautiful and they are endowed with emotions too like the Homo sapiens. Only a lucky few, those that have the sensitivity get a peek into wildlife emotions. The closest I got to was in the Kabini Reserve Forest in India. Beholding the fatherly instinct of an elephant that herded his baby into the cover of the forest and would not budge from our way till the baby disappeared into the thickets. And as he swayed his huge form to follow his child, he turned around one last time and in those tiny eyes I thought I could see relief.

This is not the elephant I encountered, but the photography of the artist Dilip John Chacko featured below.

Matriarch herd leader Timbavati Reserve South Africa

Matriarch, the herd leader at Timbavati Reserve, South Africa

Wildlife fascinates me no end, but I didn’t ever think I would get an opportunity to feature Moods of Wildlife. The Sandalwood Room provided me that. I hope this is the beginning and I get to explore my interest further. These gorgeous photo prints are on exhibition and sale at The Sandalwood Room.

The wildlife photography that follows is the work of the avid amateur wildlife photographer Dilip John Chacko, whose interest and passion for wildlife was kindled at a very young and impressionable age. He accompanied his father on two safaris at a tender age, days when safaris were primitive and tough. He braved it all and got wedded to a lifetime of passion for wildlife conservation. India and South Africa seem to be his favourite haunts.

Tigress Machli at Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve, India

Tigress Machli chilling out at Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve, India

This adorable tigress Machli is so called since she has a fish-shaped mark on her face. Machali in Hindi translates to fish. She is also known as the Lady of the Lake, rightfully so. See, animals have their favourite spots too and they like solitude! I would give anything to find out what goes on in their minds in their private moments! Machli is the most photographed tigress in India, she seems to have earned the privilege. Her fight with a 14 feet crocodile is the most talked about encounter amongst wildlife enthusiasts; in fact the first to be recorded and filmed.

Now this is probably called testing the waters. Here is a sub adult tiger doing just that perhaps.

A sub adult tiger at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve

A tigress and her cub seem to be caught up in a tender moment. This photograph brings to my mind the cat stretch that we are told to do at the gyms, except that even a dancer cannot be as graceful as the feline.

A tigress and her cub at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve

A crouching tiger does not always pounce and leap, it could just be quenching its thirst.

The tigress lapping up water at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve

This one certainly stalking her prey. Padding softly and silently.

A tigress stalking her prey at Bandhavgarh Wildlife Reserve, India

Bringing a bit of relief from the fierce and the ferocious are these gentle chitals drinking from a pond. The lens of Dilip Chacko capturing the images of the chitals beautifully in the water.

A herd of chitals at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve, India

This cheetah is certainly not doing what you think it is. Not roaring but probably yawning. Did you know cheetahs cannot roar? They growl and hiss and make a few other bleat kind of noises. Would you laugh at me if I said they chirp? They do, check it out on here, but mind you the chirps can be heard for miles!

A cheetah and her cub at the Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa

A cheetah and her languid cub at the Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa

Do beasts enjoy the cool blow of air on their faces? Looks like they do going by the stance of this lion and its mane being swept gently across its neck and head.

An alpha male at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Coming back to the artist, Dilip Chacko does two safaris every year. In 2010, he was privileged to go to Africa on a training trip working with two National Geographic professionals on how to shoot wildlife on the field. He was one of twelve amateur photographers selected for this programme. The photographs that he sent in from his earlier trips were his passport to an experience that will never be erased from his memory.

He is on board for several panel discussions of Aircel and Sanctuary Asia.

The Paper:

Matte : Hahnemuhle photo rag 308 gsm

Glossy: Hahnemuhle photo silk rag 308 gsm

Photo Rag is the most popular paper chosen by photographers to create high quality fine art prints. The fine, smooth surface and feel of Photo Rag lends versatility to the paper, making it ideal for printing both, black and white and colour photographs. Art reproductions on this paper make for impressive pictorial depth. They are archival quality papers.

Catch these Moods of Wildlife at The Sandalwood Room. The title Moods of Wildlife is my encapsulation of the photographs and not assigned by the artist or The Sandalwood Room. That is the way I have envisaged while writing about the photographs. The photo prints are available in specific sizes, but can be customised to suit your requirements.

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore. It is a boutique for those who love the finer things of life and you can unwind and feel pampered. In a store like this and for the kind of products they retail in, the touch and feel factor makes a big difference. So best to walk in and feel the experience.

If you have liked any of these photo prints , walk in and if you wish to place an order, email them and The Sandalwood Room will be happy to take the order and courier the item to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Phone : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Chinese New Year Gifting – Make The Best Of The Red Monkey Year

January 29, 2016January 29, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 5 Comments

Hóunián jíxiáng : Good luck for this Monkey year

chinese new year red monkeys the sandalwood room

Year of the Red Monkey

What comes to my mind when I think of a monkey is that they are fun, energetic, curious and mischievous. So I guess this Chinese New Year is going to be all of that. Here’s wishing everyone a fabulous Time with family and friends in the year of the Red Monkey from The Sandalwood Room team.

The Sandalwood Room has put together lots of gifts and collectibles to make your family time during the festivities memorable. A small gesture to thank all their customers and usher in good luck for you and themselves. Step in for the Chinese New Year shopping and avail discounts on selected items.

Before you go shopping and gifting, a little trivia on why the Chinese New Years are named after animals. Legend has it that Buddha, in his times asked all the animals to meet him on the Chinese New Years day. Only twelve animals turned up. Buddha then named a year after each one and declared that people born in each animal’s year would have some of the traits of that animal ( I wish I could choose the animal or the year !!!! ). So you could be forgiven if you monkey around a bit this year !!

Chinese New Year is China’s most important traditional festival. It is also called the Spring festival. And just like a new year’s time in every other country is a time of celebration and jubilation, so is it for the Chinese, lasting for a week. An official week-long holiday from 7 to 13 February, for family feasts, fireworks, worship and gifting.

There are many interesting stories and legends that explain the start of the Chinese New Year. Click here to find out.

Red symbolises fire, and as per the Chinese legends can drive away evil and bring good luck. So people wear red clothes, decorate their homes with red festoons and give their children and the elderly red envelopes with money in them.

So here are some gift ideas in red. This year, gift these note-pads, boxes and bags. They will be cherished much after the Chinese New Year for their multi-purpose value.

gifts in red year of red monkey the sandalwood room

Gift ideas in red for the Chinese New Year of the Red Monkey

And now style your dining tables for your Chinese New Year foods, your dumplings, spring rolls, glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls with some suggestions from The Sandalwood Room. Make your Reunion Dinners special.

designer tableware for chinese new year family dinners the sandalwood room

Exclusive tableware for the Reunion Dinners

For the Lantern Festival, carry these to an evening parade under the light of the full moon or hang them to decorate your homes.

glass and iron lanterns the sandalwood room

Iron Lanterns for decoration

candle holders for worship the sandalwood room

Beautiful candle-holders for Worship

decorative goblets ceramic jar and bowls

Ceramic jar and bowls along with decorative goblets

Little kids at home add that dash of joviality to the celebrations and don’t they look forward to gifts ? They love stuffed toys and here are some.

stuffed toys reindeer and monkey the sandalwood room

Stuffed reindeer and monkey

stuffed mother baby elephants the sandalwood room

Stuffed mother and baby elephants

No shopping or festivity is complete without womens’ fashion. A sample of some simple jewelry that can be teamed with your traditional outfits or casual western wear.

beaded jewelry casual wear the sandalwood room

Chic beaded jewelry

Signing off as I gaze out onto Tras Street. Such an air of festivity and glee. Squeals of pleasure as shoppers find good deals in stores and restaurants. The first day of the Monkey Year is a week away yet, but the mood of merry-making has already set in. I guess I could do with some of it too. I shall begin with The Sandalwood Room and then step out.

If you have liked any of these products , walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Exquisite Handmade Jewelry That Makes A Style Statement

January 23, 2016February 3, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 6 Comments

Handmade and hand-knotted. This fashion jewelry looked different. It could be worn ethnic or Boho style. I was excited, it was just right for me at that moment, the Charakkam line from Mayabazar.

Exquisite handmade necklace from Mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

Exquisite handmade necklace – Zarina

There was this Literary Festival scheduled in my city and I was on a shopping spree to buy clothes and accessories, appropriate for the Lit Fest. So on my list were linen, khadi, cottons and hand-loom fabrics ; handmade accessories to go with the outfits. No, I was not being wannabe, I simply wished to blend into the ambience. I have always admired artists of all kinds and the manner in which they bring creativity even in the clothes they wear, and its nice to emulate once in a while those that you admire.

I had listed a few stores for my shopping and headed to The Sandalwood Room first as I was brunching on Tras Street. That is something I would like to write about some day, my fun day out on Tras Street. And this handmade, hand knotted jewelry caught my eye immediately in The Sandalwood Room. I wanted to grab all of them, those stunning works of art. One can always tell merely at the first glance sometimes, that tremendous thought and care has gone into designing and crafting certain items. Now look at this gorgeous necklace.

Some may think it’s too bright, but it’s just right for me. I love celebrating colours.

Exquisite handmade jewellery plume tatillone from Mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Plume Tatillone necklace

Seeing my clearly palpable excitement, Jayashree the promoter of the store fell into step with me and explained what this handmade jewelry is all about.

Charakkam is the dexterous art of hand knotting thread, weaving and encrusting into them brass, semi-precious uncut stones and metals to create stunning designs that make a statement. The threads are of either vegetable-dyed silk yarn, or cotton and each style has 24 colour options. The artisans use a mini loom known as the Charak (spinning wheel) to produce the threads, from where the jewelry gets its name. The art took birth at a place named Sultanpur in India.

Watch this video for a glimpse into the art’s technique

Some exotic neck jewelry that can be teamed with casual or party wear.

Exquisite handmade jewellery nefertiti from mayabazar, the sandalwood room

The Nefertiti necklace

Exquisite handmade jewellery Cappadocia from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Cappadocia necklace

Mayabazar, has carved for itself a niche in the world of handcrafted jewelry and accessories, producing extraordinary pieces of choker necklaces, anklets and bracelets. For those women that want to stand out and have a story to tell. And I knew why The Sandalwood Room took pride in showcasing this exquisite handmade Charakkam jewelry from Mayabazar.

Exquisite handmade bracelets, The Sandalwood Room

The handmade bracelet collection

Exquisite handmade jewellery Unbound Crown from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Unbound Crown necklace

In reviving a dying crafts-form and working with grass root level artisans, Mayabazar has taken it to a different level by infusing modern designs into the traditional art form. Particularly laudable is their effort in sensitizing and educating buyers and consumers to the nuances of the craft and in converting imperfections into unique statements.

This stunning long neck chain is the handiwork of the Lambani tribe of gypsy women.

Exquisite handmade jewellery Caravan Soul from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Caravan Soul neck-chain

At the heart of it all is another noble gesture, that of employing and empowering women, offering them opportunities in education , savings, family planning and health.

Exquisite handmade jewellery Kadambari from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Kadambari neck-chain

Jayashree after narrating the interesting story of Charakkam jewelry from Mayabazar signed off and now I was faced with the task of having to make choices and that was hard, let me tell you. I picked up a couple of pieces but made a mental note of a few others for a later date. I was eager to don the neck pieces I bought. It felt good that in buying some ‘chic’ for myself, I was also contributing to a craft that empowered women.

If you are looking for this exclusive exquisite handmade jewelry in Singapore, it is available only at The Sandalwood Room.

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore. It is a boutique for those who love the finer things of life.

If you have liked any of these products , walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Why You Can Find Convenience, Art and Elegance In Hand-made Drawstring Bags

January 14, 2016January 22, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

A hand made gift elicits a wider and warmer smile almost always. And the recipient feels special. Rightfully so. Because it immediately translates into a lot of thought and care behind the gifting.

I was at the launch of hand-crafted hand bags at The Sandalwood Room and fell into conversation with the invitees. I love hand made products myself, but talking to the men AND women at the launch, got these responses to “why do you prefer ‘hand made’ over ‘mass-produced’”.

One of a kind

Specially designed

Original art

Eco-friendly

Recycled, so environment friendly

Encourage handicrafts

Support artisans

More to a product. There is love, creativity and uniqueness and it shows.

Speaks of your personality through the choice you have made.

True that. In keeping with it, I have featured a few hand crafted draw string bags from The Sandalwood Room. In India they are called Potli bags. All of them tell a tale of labour, finesse and creativity. I find them handy, convenient and elegant. They have enough room for a woman’s must-haves ; whats more important is that they are kind of hands-free. Just sling them around your forearm and you are good to go.

A stunning evening bag in red woven fabric, embellished with white bead work. The cluster of white pearl-beads adds a touch of drama and the draw strings just as pretty as the bag itself with gold coloured beads in its tassels. The inimitable kundan studs amidst the beadwork lending grandeur.

Ethnic handmade ‘Potli’ or drawstring bags

Brocaded at the top in a deep hued velvet fabric, this bag exudes charm with zardosi embroidery work in shades of gold on its base. Tiny white beads enhancing the embroidery even further. Attention to detail is evident in the gold beads in tassels of the draw strings.

Sea green or teal is a head turner colour. So is this bag for its lovely shade and the beautiful embroidered patchwork in white and silver. Teal drawstrings with pretty tassels. Padded and lined with cotton.

The aesthetically strung beads that adorn the drawstrings. Cant miss the delicately carved green beads. A sample to show how much care has gone into the fine detailing of the drawstrings in every bag.

An evening clutch in dull gold silk, embroidered in gold thread called the zardosi work, padded and lined. Magnetic buttons to snap it close and a small inner pouch.

Benares silk is sought after by every lover of silk. An evening bag in Benares silk with raw-silk borders attached. Embroidered with white silk and silver thread, the drawstrings glisten silver. Raw silk and pearl tassels giving it a touch of class. Padded and lined with cotton for better support. The pretty pink peeping out from the insides at the top makes it so much more attractive.

This bag can be both casual as well as formal. Bands of pink and red silk at the top with Tanchoi silk at the bottom. Silver embroidered flowers adding elegance. The drawstrings made of gold shaded fabric with printed silk and beads as tassels. Padded and lined with cotton and a closer look will reveal gold braid edging. Riot of colours yet very appealing.

This bag is made from two kinds of silk, Benares silk in dull gold at the top and raw silk strips underneath. The violetish blue band is embroidered zardosi style and inlaid with ‘Gota‘ gold fabric. The red silk fabric drawstrings end in tassels with gold beads capped in raw silk fabric. Padded and lined with cotton.

For all those lovers of nude shades. An evening bag in dull gold Benares silk. The hand-embroidery with sequins and pearls making it glamorous. Silver hued drawstrings to compliment the white pearl-beads with gold beads at the tassels. Padded and lined with cotton.

If you have liked any of these products , walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Magical Sandalwood Can Calm And Soothe Mind And Body

January 9, 2016January 18, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 4 Comments

The very word ‘sandalwood‘ conjures up a feeling of calm and cool, bringing back with it memories of childhood, when sandalwood paste was applied on our foreheads at an auspicious ceremony. Mothers and grandmothers applied it on certain kinds of minor wounds too after cleaning them thoroughly. And a feeling of wellness pervaded as the fragrance of the sandalwood paste wafted into the air filling our olfactory nerves. As children we thought it was a magical potion from the heaven.

Not just in temples, such sandalwood Ganeshas adorn many a working desk in India and many other countries

But yes, it is a magical potion from a different heaven. The one to whom we owe our very existence, Mother Nature. We knew as children that sandalwood is revered, with its unmistakable presence in temples, during festivals and at ceremonies. Our amazement doubled when we learned during early schooling that this magical potion is derived from a tree, the ‘sandalwood tree’. I remember vividly how an over inquisitive fellow student, or should we say precocious, wanted to know how fragrance was being added to the wood, only to be told that the wood was naturally fragrant.

We were then told of its antiseptic properties and it made sense why the paste had been applied on some of our wounds. Later in life we learnt how much more precious sandalwood is, with its healing properties as an anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, disinfectant, emollient, expectorant, hypotensive, memory booster, sedative and a tonic substance.

This blog post is the result of a question I had posed to The Sandalwood Room team on the choice of their name. In response to that, they showed me the sandalwood tree image specially created for them and a short succinct description.

The sandalwood tree for The Sandalwood Room

Sandalwood is exotic and rare and its products precious and special. The wood of the tree is fragrant, heavy, fine-grained and retains its fragrance for decades. Gifts made of sandalwood show care, thought, style and the unspoken nature of a special relationship.

Sandalwood oil extracted from the wood has been highly valued as a fragrance for millennia across religions (for use in rituals and places of worship) and cultures (as medicine, cosmetics and fragrance). The Indian sandalwood is a threatened species indigenous to south India. Apart from its religious and cultural uses, sandalwood products are well-known to have a calming effect and are used during meditation and in aroma therapy.

And that explains how the products at The Sandalwood Room have been curated with so much care and thought, to personal styles and environment. Adding a mark of distinction. Just like the fragrance of the sandalwood that lasts for decades and is most coveted, the products of The Sandalwood Room are also sought after for their longevity and beauty of being handcrafted.

I feel like adding a note on sandalwood here to highlight why the wood is so precious. So, here goes:

The Indian sandalwood is the most highly prized to be followed by the Australian variety.

But sandalwood and its by products are becoming rare and expensive. Here is why : The trees are difficult to propagate and must grow for at least 40-80 years old to become suitable for harvesting. Specialists say 80 years is preferred – the older the tree, better the quality of the wood and its aroma. Nature has made the trees sturdy and resilient and they may live up to a good 100 years.

Oil extracted from such matured trees through steam distillation, is highly valued and used as an additive in fragrances, cosmetics, soaps (back in India, we have the popular Mysore Sandal Soap which comes highly recommended for children and the mild fragrance still lingers in my nostrils), talcum powders, incense sticks and many other life-style enhancing products. Hydro-distillation is another age-old method of distillation and is known to give even more superior quality oil.

The most precious part of the tree is the heartwood and the best heartwood comes from its roots. Older the trees, more the heartwood and better the quality of oil that can be extracted (of course the experience of the distiller and superior distillation process being a given).

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore. I did a bit of recce around certain shopping areas of Singapore and I discovered that, yes, true to their claims, The Sandalwood Room is a boutique with sublime inspirations of carefully selected fashion wear, jewellery, home décor and designer wear. Mostly handmade. In a lovely conservation shophouse on Tras Street,in the vibrant Tanjong Pagar district of Singapore. A boutique you can step into and linger for a respite; pause, away from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. Escape the ordinary as you step in and forget yourself.

It’s a place for those who love the finer things of life, who look for the detail, someone who goes beyond the ordinary. A place to stop by and suspend reality. Just to envelope yourself in a room full of creative possibilities in the sheer joy of shopping. Their product categories are ‪Fashion and Fashion Accessories, Jewellery, Home Decor and Accessories, Art and Books, Gifts and Collectibles.

If you have liked any of the products from the store, walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Of Candles, Lamps And Copper Enhancing ‘Praying’

December 31, 2015January 23, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

As a child I used to wonder every time a lamp was being lit before the commencement of any worship or ritual. But I never asked why. People around me made it appear like lighting the lamp was akin to pleasing God.

Have you tried praying or worshipping sans a lit lamp or a candle? I have and it feels kind of bare and disconnected. I have prayed from the seat of a car, in an elevator, in bed and from the washroom even, but it feels different and certainly more satisfying, when I light a lamp in the room of worship and pray. Of course it goes without saying that one can connect to God from wherever and whenever, but ambience does help!

And then one day as I sat watching my mother light oil lamps at worship time, the surge of positivity and energy that emanated from the warm glow of the lamp illuminated my mind too! The lit lamp had become a tool in helping me calm down, drawing me into a state of serenity and allowing my mind to connect and pray to the Higher Power. A little later in life, I figured out the energy of fire, and lamps and candles have since then become a part of my life.

A small prayer said while lighting a candle that struck me as being truly meaningful.

Hurricane lamp copper base the sandalwood room

Copper based Hurricane Lamp

O Blessed Lord, accept this burning candle as a sign of my faith and love for you.

Like this candle, I am ready to be used in your service, without asking why and to what purpose.

Even as this candle, I wish to stand in your presence to be consumed in the light and warmth of
your love.

Please hear my prayer and, if it be your will, grant my petition.
Above all, make me loyal and faithful to you in all circumstances of my life.
Amen.

flower and candle floaters copper The Sandalwood Room

Copper ‘flower and candle floaters’ in different sizes

Just like we can never have enough clothes, shoes and handbags, so are most of us perennially shopping for lamps and candles. You can buy some from The Sandalwood Room like the ones in the pictures. The flower-and-the-candle-floaters caught my fancy; you may like them too. Flowers, candles and copper make it perfect holistically. If flowers and candles invoke a feeling of well-being, copper only adds to it with its healing and protective properties, being associated as the body metal. Its reddish-orangish-brownish hue only enhancing it further.

The Worship Tray

A friend at the store put together a copper tray and added these little copper boxes with floral patterns on the top and called it the ‘Worship Tray’. She said she would insert round candles into the boxes and give the ensemble out as a gift. Nice idea, I thought.

The Meditation Bowl

The Sandalwood Room calls this a meditation bowl. Sit in a quiet place, float a few flowers and candles, add a few drops of essential oils and let the soothing ambience lead you into a meditative mood.

In Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s own words, “You don’t need to believe in any God. It need not even be dark, the lamp need not be a visual aid, but do you notice it makes some kind of a difference? This is because the moment you light a lamp, not the flame itself but around the flame a certain etheric sphere will naturally happen.

Where there is an etheric sphere, communication will be better. Did you ever sit around a campfire in your life? If you did, you would have seen that stories told around the campfire always have the maximum impact on people. Have you noticed this? The storytellers of yore understood this – stories told around the campfire are always the most effective stories. Receptivity will be at its best.

Fire in itself is a source of enery and life. It also creates a field of energy around itself, and above all it creates the necessary atmosphere. So when you light a lamp before you start your day, it is because you want to bring the same quality into yourself. It is symbolism; it’s a way of invoking your own inner nature”.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of Isha Foundation, is a yogi and profound mystic of our times, a visionary humanitarian and a prominent spiritual leader.

And on the other side of the spectrum, we have candle light dinners ; lamps and candles decorating dinner tables at restaurants and party spaces, the mood at once turning romantic. I have also not failed to notice, just as you would have too, that we all look prettier, handsomer in the soft glow of the yellow light!!

So then what better way than prayers to bid good-bye to 2015 and ring in 2016? And what better way than to light a lamp or a candle to begin that conversation with the Higher Power? These could be some thoughtful gifts for the New Year.

Copper Boxes Fauna

The Sandalwood Room, Hurricane lamp with carton

The Hurricane Lamp

If you loved these products, walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

Nearly everything in The Sandalwood Room is exclusive and hand crafted. In fact, it’s the only one of it’s kind in Singapore.

The Sandalwood Room wishes you a very Happy New Year. We are so glad to be a part of spreading cheer to your near and dear ones.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Boxes And Photo Frames House Treasures Of A Different Kind

December 26, 2015January 22, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

Decorative square box, the sandalwood room

Decorative square box with zardosi work inlaid

Boxes and photo frames make perfect gifts round the year and there is something strikingly common between them. To me, they are both treasure houses of sorts. Boxes, of treasures that are the ‘touch and feel’ sort – some new acquisitions and some others that bring back to mind fond memories. Photo frames, cherishing within them people and places that have left an indelible mark on our minds and hearts.

Photo frames zardosi on silk, The Sandalwood Room

Photo Frames with zardosi and sequins work on raw silk

A stunning wooden box with zardosi work on deep blue raw silk. A closer look will reveal the impressions of archways intricately carved and bejewelled. Wrap your semi-precious daily wear jewelry, tuck them in the box and let it adorn your dressing table.

Decorative wooden square box, the sandalwood room

Decorative wooden square box with zardosi and sequins work inlaid

I found another similarity between boxes and photo frames. Boxes have always had an element of curiosity for most of us, right? Every time I see a box any place, I feel ‘that irresistible urge’ to unclasp it, open in anticipation of exciting, nostalgic and precious little somethings staring at me. And I, for some reason am wont to imagine that those treasures are as happy to see me as I am to set eyes upon them.

Decorative Rectangular box, the sandalwood room

Docorative rectangular box in tones of mustard with zardosi work

And that goes for photo frames too. Pop a question. Just ask ‘a who and a where’ and people and places come alive in fond narrations and discussions. So that brings to my mind another similarity. Boxes and photo frames are conversation builders, because most often they have a story to tell.

A loved one looking at you out of a photo frame is sort of romantic and enhances your mood. Add to it the decorative motifs in zardosi on raw silk and you have a work of art on your table.

Decorative photo frame, the sandalwood room

Decorative photo frames with zardosiwork on blue raw silk

Christmas has just been round the corner and so I thought it an apt time to write about boxes and photo frames. This blog post was supposed to be published before Christmas, but it’s now the after-party kind of stuff! I am sure in most homes, boxes of gifts have been exchanged and opened gleefully, frames have either been gifted or new ones placed on mantelpieces and side tables.

I couldn’t help penning down a few thoughts when I was shown these beautiful boxes and photo frames at The Sandalwood Room. I hear they are great hits in Singapore. I bought two of each, to store my gleaming cutlery and jewelry. And the photo frames as gifts, one to my daughter and the other to a friend from my college days with whom I have reconnected recently. Helping preserve memories. Its fun when you have tons of pictures that can add more life to your living spaces.

More boxes to choose from at The Sandalwood Room

Decorative square box with zardosi embroidery on purple raw silk inlaid

Decorative rectangular box with zardosi on red raw silk

Decorative rectangular box with zardosi motif on green raw silk

Decorative square box with zardosi and sequins work on red raw silk inlaid

Browsing and shopping at The Sandalwood Room is balmy and therapeutic. There is a certain warmth emanating from its decor. It’s probably the colours in the hand crafted goods, brights juxtaposed gently with the subtle, that play on the mind, in a way connect you to nature.

If you loved these products and wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

Nearly everything in The Sandalwood Room is exclusive and hand crafted. In fact, it’s the only one of it’s kind in Singapore.

The Sandalwood Room wishes you all exciting countdown to the New Year. We are so glad to be a part of spreading cheer to your near and dear ones.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Looking For Unique Christmas Gifting Ideas? Go The Hancrafted, Creative Way

December 19, 2015January 23, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 3 Comments

This Christmas, pick up simple and sweet handcrafted gifts. Lend Singapore a hand in making it eco-friendly.

Christmas is round the corner and here are some great shopping and gifting ideas. The smile that a gift brings to face of the gifted is worth a million dollars! And if you wish to make your gifts special, then go for the handmade range. Let your folks know that a lot of thought has gone into choosing some exclusive stuff that may not be seen around too often.

Stroll into The Sandalwood Room‘s lovely and cozy ambience for your shopping. You will find something for everyone. Every item on their shelves is well curated to pamper to global tastes, each one telling you the tale of an art and its artisan from that corner of the world you so want to visit. Earthy, unique and global.

Begin with writing out a card for your loved one.

Hand stitched notebooks from Anokhi. Jot down shopping lists and to-do notes. Will fit snugly into the smallest of handbags.

Colourful palmyra leaf baskets, trays and boxes that will brighten up your living spaces

This ceramic jar could be ideal for packing Christmas cookies, home-made chocolates and cakes.

Tuck in your trinkets and baubles. Even a set of plain white paper napkins will look jazzed up inside these wooden boxes topped with a metal mesh lid painted to add elegance.

Chinese lanterns just right to light up homes at Christmas time. You will love the play of light as they add a dimension to the space

Trays and coasters with zardosi work on silk and encased within glass. Bright!

Trays and boxes embroidered on silk with zari, encased within glass.

Hand-knotted thread jewelry embellished with metal strands and danglers. This is an exclusive line of jewelry from Mayabazar. Traditional artisans create exquisite jewellery by hand-knotting silk and cotton yarn with metal, wooden, hand-blown glass beads and semi-precious stones using a charak or a wooden spindle.

These are hand-embroidered silk and cotton sling bags. Look ethnic or boho as you team them with western or Indian wear.

It’s now time to dress up the little angels at home. Kids-wear is as adorable as the tiny tots are. Pamper them with these pretty block-printed frocks , pick-me-up booties and bibs, all in comfortable cotton.

Give them soft stuffed toys to cuddle with, while you are busy getting your cakes and bakes ready.

And finally ethnic gift bags that add a touch of class to your gifting.

If you loved these products and wish to place an order, TSR will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

Everything in The Sandalwood Room is exclusive and hand crafted. In fact, it’s the only one of it’s kind in Singapore.

The Sandalwood Room wishes you all a very Happy & Merry Christmas. We are so glad to be a part of spreading cheer to your near and dear ones.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 62212654 / +65 97865896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Five Boho-chic Looks, Mix & Match To Get Your Own Style

December 16, 2015January 23, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 4 Comments

Is the Boho look in? When was it ever out? It is one style that will last as long as fashion does. Which means forever. The graph of this style is never steady though. It can wane and wax, but will still be the favourite of many a free-spirited, fashion-loving breed.

The Boho-look is one of my favourite styles. I could be wearing metal buttons all over or walking around in rugged boots, but feeling feminine, I will still. To me Bohemian Fashion Style is more of a state of mind, not just a look. It lets you

a)express yourself

b)connect with nature and the richest flavours of different cultures

c)lets you combine funky with the exotic.

So its casual, hip, ethnic and vintage in one shot. And its sexy! Explains why this look is close to so many hearts.

Add Chic to the Boho look and what you get is style and elegance. Fashion icons and Hollywood celebs Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie, Kate Moss and Vanessa Hudgens have given a certain freshness to the bohemian style with their glam and glitter. Indian actor Deepika Padukone flaunts the boho-chic like none other in her industry.

So I am now shopping couture in The Sandalwood Room, spoilt for choice. These four looks caught my fancy and I quickly saw that I could mix and match to my heart’s content. That is what is unique about the Anokhi, Kilol and Soma range , the staff of The Sandalwood Room tells me. I chuckled as I saw how beautifully these lines of apparel fit into my boho-style!

Comfort : The Boho style is as much about comfort as self-expression. Keep the clothing light and breezy. So wear what makes you feel good.

boho look - red culotte pants denim shirt handmade jewellery

Red culotte pants teamed with a knotted denim shirt

Don’t look too hard for the same jewelry as in the pic. The Sandalwood Room encourages you to stay unique just as they are. But I found some exciting silver jewelry that was similar.

Graceful: There is a sense of freedom in this flowy skirt and the crop top in keeping with the bohemian spirit.

A flatteringly cut cotton skirt with indigo zig zag and slit crop top

Green complimenting the indigo in the skirt. Stunning.

Cut : Boho-chic for me is not always about bright colors and graphic prints. Check out this simpler bohemian look in one-tone, it’s rather the fabric and the cut that is giving the feel.

boho look - Organic khadi dress shibori scarf jacket the sandalwood room

Organic khadi dress with Shibori scarf and jacket in indigo

Hand woven organic khadi dress with indigo blue Shibori scarf and a jacket being flaunted casually. The jewelry is tribal art inspired in silver. A note about Shibori is in place here I think. Shibori is a Japanese tie-dying technique, using a variety of techniques in different shapes to make different patterns. The technique typically depends not only on the desired pattern, but the characteristics of the cloth being dyed.

Fabric : The single most important element of Bohemian clothing. Natural materials such as cotton, gauze, wool and leather mark the look.

boho look Crushed cotton skirt red quilted jacket the sandalwood room

Crushed cotton skirt and red quilted jacket

Pale green crushed cotton skirt with bright red quilted jacket and white cropped t-blouse. The little handmade cotton buttons on the jacket add a touch of drama.

Minimalistic is the mantra in this I guess.

Simple : Boho does not mean overdoing it. Keep it simple, this way.

boho look White shirt dress white lace jacket paper jewelry the sandalwood room

White shirt dress with white lace jacket

Boho is also about layering. Slip on a long body hugging inner top, layer it with a subtle white shirt-dress and top it with a delicate lace jacket and you have a style of your own. The bright two toned paper jewelry enhancing the look.

I couldn’t help but notice that most of the apparel on the shelves of The Sandalwood Room were adorned with hand block printing. Juxtaposing traditional with the contemporary, just right for the boho-chic look. I am tempted to include a small note on hand block printing, I find the prints so alluring. But more on that in my next.

Wash & Care instructions for this cotton clothing:

Indigo tends to run. Vegetable dyes are likely to bleed, but will not catch on to other clothes. Like in Singapore, if your country uses treated water, dry-cleaning for the first wash is recommended.

If you loved these looks and wish to place an order, TSR will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

Everything in The Sandalwood Room is exclusive and hand crafted. In fact, its the only one of it’s kind in Singapore.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 62212655 / +65 97865896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room