pink rickshaw

meet: 6th and Detroit

"Our admiration of the antique is not admiration of the old, but of the natural."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

 
I attended Create & Cultivate last month (which I highly recommend to any woman who is in the digital space whether you are a blogger, entrepreneur, photographer, or even just thinking about starting something) and met so many cool, creative and enterprising businesswomen (#ladyboss). One of them was Michelle Qazi, who specializes in selling vintage home decor pieces. Michelle is the epitome of California cool and her chic, personal aesthetic is reflected in her beautifully curated Etsy shop: 6th and Detroit. Personally (like many of you), I am constantly redecorating and have been trying to incorporate in more vintage items, but shopping for the right pieces can be a little intimidating. So, I turned to Michelle for some advice. Michelle launched her Etsy shop in April 2015. The shop is named after her first apartment on (you guessed it) 6th and Detroit in Los Angeles. As a recent college graduate on a  Top Ramen budget, she furnished that apartment with vintage treasures from Goodwill and Salvation Army. Over the years her love for vintage shopping grew into her business today. In a very crowded marketplace, Michelle makes her shop stand out by styling her items in creative diverse looks, providing high quality products and presenting stunning photography. Here are some of her tips for buying and decorating with vintage pieces...

 

PR: What are some of the trends in home design in 2016 that can be accomplished with vintage pieces?

MQ: Mid Century design continues to hold a strong presence in 2016 by mixing in sleeker newer pieces and adding warm textural textiles.  For smalls, copper and brass are still an accent favorite, but the updated version is now a more mixed metals vibe and marble.  

 

PR: What are your tips for incorporating vintage pieces into a modern or contemporary room?

MQ: The key to incorporating vintage is to make it work in a modern setting.  Making vintage “new” again.  If you are new to the game, start with something small like bookends, a vase, etc. that would work with your current setting and grow from there. If there is a larger vintage item that is the main focal point in the room, like a couch, then pair it with one or two lighter armchairs with clean smooth lines.  I am all about mixing vintage styles and eras with the new to keep it from looking too literal.

 

meet: ode clothing for kids

"If your mom picks your clothes and you don't like them, tell her they don't fit."-Christine, age 6

There is probably no greater time to be a mini-fashionista. Forget Osh Gosh, a baby's first words might be Missoni, Gucci and Zara (all of which have kids lines). Little divas can add even more stylish choices to their wardrobes thanks to sisters Rupa Motwani and Amisha Patel. Hitting just the right balance of toddler with a little bit of tiara and a dash of international chic, the siblings are the founders of kids clothing line, Ode. Combining Indian textiles with modern designs, the duo is getting plenty of blogosphere buzz about their fusion line that they describe as clothes that "evoke faraway places without looking like souvenirs." Pink Rickshaw had a chance to chat with the gals behind Ode about their company and cute collections for tots.

PR: You named your brand for the Indian village of Ode. Tell us why it was so special to you.
ODE: Ode is where our father grew up. And visits there, for a long time, were the closest we could get to a time machine. Things there stood still while the rest of the world marched on. We played at the same places my father did as a child. The fact that it was so far away in distance and time made it seem an exceptionally magical escape. Also, the parrots, monkeys and very cool ice-cream flavors certainly helped make Ode so special..even today. 





PR:We love that Ode has coined the term "globetoddler". Describe one.
ODE: A globetoddler knows no boundaries or borders. The world is her playground and the people in it are her friends and family.

PR: What was the inspiration for the Spring 2012 collection?
ODE: Our source of inspiration was the beautiful and lush greens of India's tropical south. We used ikats and block prints, trying to recall the colors of spices, the sea and the lush landscape there.

PR: Do you have a favorite item from your collections?
ODE: Amisha loves the Spring 2011 Uma in indigo and Rupa loves the Fall 2011 Celia in gray.

PR: Tell us a little bit about the Fall/Winter collection.
ODE: For Fall/Winter 2012, we're working with co-ops in Peru to produce accessories and sweaters in alpaca wool as well as pima cotton to complement our core collection made from Indian textiles. We want to tone down a little and use more earth tones.

meet: 3 bees paperie

Michael: Diwali is a very important holiday for the Hindus. But, frankly, I'm a little appalled that none of you know very much about Indian culture. So, without further ado, Kelly you are on.
Kelly: Um... Diwali is awesome... and there's food... and there's going to be dancing... and... Oh! I got the raddest outfit. It has, um...
Michael: Kelly?
Kelly: Sparkles...
-The Office

Kelly Kapoor, we know you miss Michael Scott. We all do. How about a nice Diwali greeting to say hello and reminisce about when you celebrated the holiday together? With Diwali next week, forget the text or email and send your loved one an actual tangible greeting they can show off. Now, where can Kelly or you get this fabulous Diwali greeting? Meet 3 Bees Paperie. The online stationary business specializes in South Asian inspired designs including fun Diwali cards.The company was started by three busy friends (as in busy bees, hence the name) who work across the Atlantic on the line. Jaee, based in Europe, designs while Reena handles marketing the business out of New York City. Pink Rickshaw had the pleasure of chatting to 3 Bees Paperie about their limited edition Holiday collection, lovely wedding stationary and baby announcements.

PR: What was some of the inspiration for the designs of the Diwali cards?
3BP: Like our wedding and baby collections, our Diwali cards represent designs that are modern take on traditional festivity. We picked up on features from the holiday- rangoli designs, sparklers, fireworks, and diyas - and presented them in a unique way. In addition, we brought in the brightness of Indian holidays by using metallic envelopes for all of our holiday cards.

3 Bees Paperie specializes in ready to order and custom wedding stationary. The designs blend east and west for some beautiful invitations suites.

PR: Picking wedding invitations can often be overwhelming for newly engaged gals especially since it's setting the tone for the wedding. What are some tips for picking out wedding stationary?
3BP: Don't be afraid to let your stationary speak to who you are as a couple or to the theme of your event. I think brides often leave stationary to the last minute but it is important to remember that guests get the first glimpse of the wedding through the invitations. You want every part of the wedding to be memorable, including the stationary. Pick up on the colors, themes, cultures, motifs, locations that are part of the event and incorporate them into your stationary.
Also, feel free to ask your designer/printer questions about different printing methods, papers, etc. Even if you are on a budget, your designer should be able to work with you to get the look and feel of the stationary you want by offering choices in papers and/or printing methods.

meet: luxemi.com

"If money can't buy happiness, I guess you'll just have to rent it."-from This is the Life, Weird Al Yankovich

  
While surfing the web, you can rent a Hermes handbag, a Prabal Gurung mini dress and a copy of Blue Valentine, so why not a new designer Indian outfit for your cousin's wedding? Chicago gals Swathi Narra and Swapna Chandamuri thought the same thing after getting five Indian wedding invitations in three months and wondering, "What the heck are we going to wear?" That's how Luxemi.com was born. Think of it as if Net-a-Porter and Rent the Runway were to have a South Asian fashionista love child. The website specializes in chic Indian clothing and accessories that can be borrowed for a specific event or purchased for your own personal wardrobe. The name Luxemi plays off of the combination of luxury and Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess that embodies beauty, grace and charm. The site launches to the public this week. Pink Rickshawhad the pleasure of speaking to founders Swathi and Swapna to learn more.

PR: What are some of the designers we'll find on the site now and in the future? Do you have any personal favorites?
SN: Currently, we feature lines from Satya Paul, Kisneel by Pam Mehta, Nikasha, and Wild Orchid. I love all of them! I will say that I'm obsessed with everything we have from Nikasha by Nikasha Tawadey. She just gets it. Her clothing is festive and beautifully tailored but shows a certain amount of restraint. She knows that you don't need 1000 crystal stones on a blouse to make it stand out. In the future, you might see lines from Anita Dongre, Anand Kabra and many more. You'll just have to keep checking back with us.
SC: I love the romance and drama of Pam Mehta's Kisneel line--uber feminine, flirty, and flattering. Additionally, we scoured India to find stand-out pieces from emerging designers and local karigars(craftsmen). I have so many favorites that really round out the Luxemi line including the navy bell sleeved salwar with zariwork (the silhouette is super flattering, pictured left), the purple ombre saree with aria pitta work (the detailing is truly remarkable, pictured below), and the brocade salwar with cutout applique (simple elegance at its best, pictured above).

PR: What are some of the biggest trends in Indian clothing this spring?
SN: The anarkali style salwars are still going very strong and we're seeing a lot of muted/neutral colors which I'm personally very drawn to. The very traditional ethnic motifs and prints are always in fashion and there are a lot of variation to choose from on the runways.

PR: How do you think Western runways are influencing Indian fashion and vice versa?
SN: I think Western and Indian fashion both draw from each other at different times but they don't necessarily mimic what is happening at a given time. Color blocking is huge from the Western runways for spring but that hasn't translated to Indian fashion...yet. Of course, we Indians love bright color and always use it so maybe it's just the western world is late to the game. We actually have a post on our blog, The Luxe Report, that talks about ombre dyeing in sarees and its parallel in western fashion and beauty.

One feature of the site that may appeal to busy gals needing to get together a complete ensemble quickly is that Luxemi.com recommends coordinating accessories when browsing for an outfit. The site offers an extensive collection of traditional and modern jewelry.

PR:  At Pink Rickshaw, we love mixing in Indian-inspired accessories with western wear. Any suggestions for how to use some accessories from Luxemi with some of your regular wardrobe?
SN: While we definitely carry a lot of traditional ethnic Indian jewelry, we made it a point to also offer other pieces that can be mixed easily into your western wardrobe. We have a pair of sterling silver (gold finish) engraved earrings that go with everything. I wear mine with long boho maxi dresses and they just complete the outfit. The diamond bangles (they come in a set) could easily be worn with any black tie gown to elevate your look.
SC: No fair! Swathi took my answer. I do love those engraved earrings, a fact that my Facebook pictures will attest to, but I also have my eye on this turquoise and white sapphire bracelet that will provide a pop of color and fabulousness to any spring outfit. For some reason, I think of Cameron Diaz when I see it. Also, we have so many necklace sets that really elevate and change the mood of any cocktail dress in your closet. One that my girlfriends especially love is the gold kundan collar.

art: fatakra

"Once I find what I am looking for, I will send for you and we will be a family again."-Fatakra

 

If you are in music festival withdrawal, then let me introduce you to the benefits of the film festival. There's no mud, you get to eat popcorn, your venue is typically air conditioned-- all the while viewing the brilliance of talented film makers. You can later appear cool and intellectual when you mention said films to your friends and brag that you heard of them first.

One such brag-worthy film is Fatakra (which translates to firecracker in English) directed and co-written by Soham Mehta. The University of Texas film grad is a recognized name in the Texas South Asian arts community. He co-wrote the Kal Penn starrer Where's the Party, Yaar? and founded Shunya, a non-profit theatre troupe in Houston. The troupe can boast of alum including actress Tiya Sircar (featured on PR in 2009) and NBC's Outsourced actor Guru Singh. Soham's latest film, Fatakra, is receiving wonderful reviews as it plays at film festivals around the country including scoring spots at the illustrious South by Southwest along with the Dallas International Film Festival and Aspen Film Festival. This past weekend it played at the Sarasota Film Festival where it won the Audience Award for Best Short.

The short film tells the story of a family reunited after three years. Naveen (Samrat Chakrabarti) leaves behind his wife (Meena Serendib) and young son in India in hopes for a better life in the U.S., promising to bring them over to join him in a few months. He arrives during the recession and his promise of months turns into years. The short begins with the first day they are back together. The film brilliantly explores the often harsh reality of the immigrant experience, a brutal economy but also the beauty of hope and love all cleverly interwoven with a story from the Mahabharata. Intrigued? Pink Rickshaw had the pleasure of speaking to Soham Mehta to learn more about him and Fatakra.  

PR: How did it feel when you got the news that Fatakra was selected to be in SXSW?
SM: I was ecstatic. Every time I got a phone call with an Austin area code, I was wondering, is this it? In many ways, it was like taking the film home. I went to school in Austin, much of the crew was from Austin and we filmed around Austin. SXSW is such a prestigious film festival but because it's right in our backyard you often take for granted just what a big deal it is. I had peers on the East coast remind me that it's probably the most important American film festival next to Sundance.

 

PR: Each actor provided phenomenal performances in the film. What was it about Samrat Chakrabarti that made you know he was right for the film?
SM: When I showed people the script, some of them commented that they couldn't believe certain things the characters did, just on the page. I always felt like it would work, but I knew that I needed an actor that could pull it off because Naveen makes such an incredible journey. He's such an average person, but he goes through a heroic journey. I knew I needed an actor that could make that believable. And there are a lot of subtle things that Samrat did that make it work.

meet: plum chutney

"Design is art that makes itself useful."-1984 poster for Die Neue Sammlung, Munich design museum

A few weeks ago when browsing one of my favorite design blogs, Decor8, I nearly fell out of my chair in delight. There on my screen was an actual pink rickshaw. Yes, a pink rickshaw. It appeared on a chic cushion (pictured top right) from the newly launched UK based online store Plum Chutney. Naturally, Pink Rickshaw had to learn more about this lovely cushion and the whole line that includes other Indian inspired home decor goods that press articles, blogs and Decor8 aptly deemed Bollywood boho chic. PR had the pleasure of speaking to Plum Chutney's founder Anita Mackenzie to learn more about her home store and the Indian inspiration of her collection.

PR: What was the inspiration for the pieces you selected for the launch collection?
PC:  I grew up amidst the chaotic hustle and bustle of India. I love India's sense of drama and what I like to call the 70mm approach to life. Having moved to Britain in 2005 and now being settled here, some part of me constantly misses the mad throng and riotous colors which surround you back home. Those memories and an abiding love of all things Indian is the inspiration for many of my designs. I have picked everyday images like cycle rickshaws, autos, Ambassadors, Indian lorries (trucks), men in turbans and more. I have then applied to them a contemporary design lens--simple, graphic and quirky-- both by working with designers to develop new designs and while sourcing very selectively from existing companies in India. You will see the colorful results in our Passage to India cushions, Men in Turbans shopper bags, trays and more. The other source of inspiration has been imagery which is quite symbolic of the Raj in Britain--the whole Maharajahs and elephants imagery of India.

PR: Do you have any design advice for how to utilize some of the pieces in a home?
PC: Many of our pieces make a very clear statement and I would say don't try and match them with a decor and aim for them to stand out and be a conversation piece, like the Candy Stripes and Rajasthan cushions or Truck art. In general, neutral and contemporary backdrops work better when accessories are colorful and bold. I happen to be very fond of mid-century furniture and find my pieces work well in a room which blends modern with more vintage or retro styles too. We also have some lovely floral cushions which are quite colorful but very easy to blend win with variety of schemes and colors. The lamps on Plum Chutney are lovely combination of soft motifs on strong silhouettes. They make a very unique statement and could practically design a whole room scheme around them like the Botanic tripod floor standing lamp. Once again, I suggest to be quite bold because I believe one outstanding accessory can lift an entire room and make it memorable.

PR: What's the story behind the name Plum Chutney?
PC: I am married to a British man and my life embodies a confluence of British and Indian culture. The design ethos of my company draws inspiration for all things Indian but presents it in a style that borrows from a very British sensibility. I always knew my brand would reflect this confluence too. Plums are quintessentially British fruit and chutneys are one of Britain's long standing cultural imports from India which have been lovingly assimilated into British culture and food. So, Plum Chutney was born--it's fun, it's tangy, it's Indo-British and it's miles away from the average interiors brand.

PR: I know it will be hard to pick, but what is your absolute favorite piece in this collection?
PC: Without a doubt, the Maharaja in his Darbar cushion. I absolutely love all my designs. But sometimes a collection has one piece that summarizes the rather complex philosophy of a multi-faceted design-led brand. Plum Chutney distinguishes itself with its love for color, its mature sense of fun, its graphic design style and its impeccable quality. The Maharaja collection epitomizes all of this.

PR: What can we expect from future collections?
PC: See now this is the fun of starting a design company which derives inspiration from Indian imagery--the possibilities are endless. We have just done a new range of fun elephant tea towels, stunning hand quilted throws in a traditional gudri style and shopper bags in the Men in Turbans design. I have currently got a fixation with the image of the 'Chaiwalla' and am hell bent on finding an artist or illustrator to develop a unique range of products on this theme. Some of the other design inspirations I am toying with at the moment are traditional polki jewelry--think the Nizam of Hyderabad's jewels, Courtesans and Maharanis, Indian flower markets, and old black and white photos of local tradesmen.

For all the latest happenings for the British shop including upcoming exhibitions, what Anita has coming up or to just see more of the collection and read about the talented designers, be sure to visit the Plum Chutney website.

images: plumchutney.com

-SD

meet: two mangoes

"I know that somewhere in the Universe exists my perfect soulmate--but looking for her is much more difficult than just staying at home and ordering another pizza."-Alf Whit

Whether it's your favorite (or least favorite) day, hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's. And now it's time to discuss today, February 15. A day that does not get much attention but is quite interesting. After the blur of pink and red, there are massive discounts on heart-shaped candy and musical stuffed animals, couples wake up either in bliss or just plain disappointed (sadly, divorce lawyers are big fans of the day after V-day) and singles often vow that yes, this is the year they will find love. Easier said than done, right?

Heading online these days seems like the logical answer. A decade after online dating launched, in our socially networked world, meeting someone on the web has become the norm. According to Timemagazine, there are more than 800 dating websites to choose from making the industry now worth $4 billion worldwide. Match.com released results from a survey about trends in online dating. One in five singles have dated someone they met on a dating site. One in five singles are also currently in a committed relationship with someone they met on a dating site. And perhaps the most fascinating of them all: last year, 17 percent of couples (that's one in six) who married, met on a dating site.

Intrigued? The big dog in online dating in the U.S. is still by far Match.com, which is the largest site, but not particularly diverse. Enter Shaadi.com. One of the biggest matrimonial websites in the world that caters to South Asians but is more traditional in that it has taken the South Asian custom of matrimonials online. The new kid on the block: TwoMangoes.com. Launched in October 2010, the site is an online dating site for second generation South Asians in North America. Currently with over a few thousand users, it is filling the void for young professionals who are looking to date others with similar backgrounds. Founded by Anita and Paras Dharamshi and Rahul Bhardwaj, the site blends humor with an interface where Match.com meets Facebook. Pink Rickshaw recently had the opportunity to speak to co-founder Anita Dharamshi to learn all about TwoMangoes.com and gain some insight into the online dating scene.

PR: There are so many dating websites and sites catered to the South Asian audience. Is Two Mangoes targeting more the first time online dater or people who are already using other sites?
TM: Both. We aim to create a community where people are comfortable enough to try the world of online dating. At the same time, we know there are people out there that have tried other sites such as Match.com and Shaadi.com and for whatever reason haven't found what they're looking for. In the case of a site like Match, as they don't target South Asian's as their prime demographic, we are able to better understand our users and what they are looking for in a potential mate more so than those other sites. The common complaint amongst all the single people was that there wasn't any cool network for South Asians to meet other people that didn't scream marriage or matrimonial and catering to people in India.

PR: Who is a typical TwoMangoes user?
TM:  A single, South Asian professional who is tired of matrimonial sites. They are looking for a fresh new approach to dating and meeting people, without so much emphasis on marriage. 

PR: What exactly makes it so fresh or different from the other sites out there?
TM: We are more than just a database of people where you come and look through a catalog of sorts. We offer our members an opportunity to be part of an unique community environment  through the types of questions we ask them when completing their profile. We also have regular newsletters we send out to our members, sharing with them what we're doing and where we're at.
Another thing that makes us unique is our blog and Mango World. Our blog offers various topics of interest to our members and non-members including South Asian culture and dating, online dating tips, and offline date ideas. We also have many guest bloggers who contribute content to our blog, covering various topics of interest to South Asians across the globe.
We also have something called the Mango Wire where people have a news feed on their profile page of what other users they've expressed an interest in are doing and vice versa.

meet: juara skincare

"I love you more than my skin."-Freida Kahlo

 

An Indonesian folktale tells the story of two princesses Purba Sari and Purba Rarang. Sari was named the predecessor to her father's throne. This made the other princess, Rarang, pretty jealous. Jealous enough to call up a witch to cast a spell (fairly common back in folktale days) on Sari. As a result of the curse, poor Purba Sari was left with some terrible, not exactly radiant skin. Long story short, Ms. Sari makes friends with a magical monkey (who turns out to be a handsome prince), who tells her to take a dip in a magical pool and voila, her skin is beautiful again.
Lessons for today. Monkeys may turn out to be handsome princes?  Can't really help you there. But Indonesian beauty secrets to make any princess jealous? That we can do.

Metta Murdaya, Tami Chuang, Yoshiko Roth and Jill Sung founded Juara in 2004 to introduce Indonesian herbal tradition and beauty rituals to the Western world. Juara means winner or champion in Indonesian (the word was chosen by the founders to emphasize the ability of your skin to "win" over environmental aggressions and be healthy and beautiful). The face and body products including their very popular Candlenut Body Creme, Sweet Black Tea and Rice Facial Moisturizer and Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner have become celeb favorites. Products from the line have also been featured in major publications like this month's Nylon and Marie Claire and is carried in chic retailers like Kuhl-Linscomb.  Pink Rickshaw had the pleasure of speaking to co-founder Metta Murdaya to learn more about the Juara line and get her tips for great skincare.

PR: Juara is an Indonesian skincare brand that blends East and West in its  products. Describe the Eastern elements and where the West comes in.
MM: The Indonesian herbal tradition I speak of is called Jamu – it’s basically Indonesia’s form of herbal medicine that has been around for centuries to treat ailments ranging from stomachaches and broken bones to acne. The herbs, plants, and fruits used are mixed in combinations believed to have curative powers, and as the ingredients are tested in the US, these claims have been substantiated. (ie: Turmeric, Ginger, Rice, Tea – they’re all key ingredients in Jamu, and you can see what press and prevalence they’re getting in the market today in the US.) Really, we’ve already been using it for centuries – those ingredients and a whole lot more.

PR: What are the key botanicals that make for healthy skin that we should look for in products? Why do you think rice and turmeric have been omitted from mainstream skincare lines?
MM: The key ingredients to look for in healthy skin depend on what you’re trying to accomplish, and what your skin type is. In general, rice is always good since it’s skin conditioning, and skin softening. Candlenut oil I think is amazing because it’s so moisturizing but not greasy. Also known as Kukui nut oil here, you can find it if you look around. Anything with Kombucha (Fermented Sweet Black Tea) is good as it has a natural anti-aging effect on the skin.
Why other ingredients have been omitted is probably because people don’t know about it and sometimes it’s always safer to use ingredients everyone knows about. We like to push the envelope and use innovative ingredients that we know work, to also introduce something new to people and hope they also reap the benefits. 

PR: What are some tips for amazing skin in the early fall heat that women might not know about?
MM: The most important things are things you already do know about – like drink lots of water to stay hydrated (because dehydration can exacerbate sunburn or make skin more susceptible to it,) and to use sunblock. But most people don’t realize how much sunblock they need to put on. Here’s a little “cheat,” if you know you don’t reapply as often as you should AND I’m sure you’re not applying enough, then make sure you get a much higher SPF than you normally use. Your SPF 30 in your moisturizer you apply in the morning is not sufficient; you need to apply way less moisturizer than SPF product to make it work, so your SPF 30 is probably at best functioning like an SPF 15 – likewise, your SPF15 might not be doing much at all. I use SPF 50-60 myself. Best ingredient I love in a sunscreen: Mexoryl – it’s got UVA protection, (the UVA rays penetrate deeper and are what causes aging/wrinkles, while UVB is what causes the burn,) but it’s also clear without that whitening effect. In the end though, reapplying the right amount really is the key to great skin – no one likes the blotchy burn, and that dull tan doesn’t look great.
Also – use our Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner to refresh your skin – oil and alcohol free, it boosts your skin with hydration for dry and oily skin, and gives you a dewy, glowing, non-greasy look. Really, it works! No cotton ball needed, the hyaluronic acid, and tamarind extract work to boost moisture, and rice bran extract calms skin down so if you do have redness, it’ll reduce it and even out your skin tone. You’ll look refreshed and glowing, not sun baked or sweaty.

PR: What is your favorite Juara product? If you would suggest just one Juara product every girl should have, what would it be?
MM: If it’s EVERY girl, then the Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner since it’s for all skin types. I just described what it does above in my skincare routine. I use it after I cleanse, and before I moisturizer. When it’s really hot out, and I get a bit oily, I use it instead of a moisturizer, then just apply my sunscreen after.
In the winter, I get dry skin, dehydrated skin, so I slather on the toner, then apply moisturizer on that to seal it all in and it makes my moisturizer work better. I’ll even take an extra pump of it and apply it on to my neck, chest, and shoulders – which get dry from sun exposure from tank tops!

PR: What is biggest skincare or beauty lesson girls in the West learn from their counterparts in the East?
MM: Be gentle to your skin! We believe that skin has a natural balance, and we can guide it to finding it. Sometimes we’re so impatient in the west, we want INSTANT results, and we use extreme products to achieve what we think we want, but we end up irritating skin. Classic example: Someone with oily skin gets a harsh cleanser, rubs and scrubs her face to make sure all the oil is off, wanting that squeaky clean feel. She thinks it helps her skin. But then she overproduces oil from the over stripping, still gets breakouts, and repeats the cycle of over cleansing to rid of excess oil. Because the face is being scrubbed and irritated, breakouts then are also made worse. Then she doesn’t use moisturizer because of the excess oil, which then leaves her skin dehydrated (lacking water hydration,) yet oily – so it’s greasy, AND dull (weird, huh?) and then she’s unhappy. Really, the solution is to find a nice, gentle but effective cleanser (like the Rice Facial Cleanser that has sulfate-free cleansers that gently yet effectively remove makeup and dirt, plus rice starch that helps soften skin,) to keep your skin clean and balanced. This will help reduce oil overproduction, and then you can follow with an oil-free  moisturizer, like our naturally anti-aging Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer that also has shine-control properties from Ginger) to put back water hydration that everyone needs – as dehydration is a cause of aging, or use our toner. Keeping it gentle keeps your skin more balanced – so it can find its own happy middle ground and heal if it’s been irritated or inflamed.

Murdaya, who grew up in Indonesia, adds that she visits Bali and Jakarta several times a year to bring back the latest beauty secrets to mix with the best of western technology and she wants to share. Juara offers free samples for anyone interested, especially PR readers. Email Juara at [email protected] to try a product today. Or try products by ordering the Discovery Kit, which includes five travel sizes of Juara's most popular products including the rice facial moisturizer, turmeric antioxidant mask and the candlenut cream. Also, you can feel good because ten percent of the proceeds from this product is donated to the National Skincare Foundation and you're left with radiant skin. You know Purba Sari is already placing her order to prevent any future skin mishaps.

image source: All images from juaraskincare.com (TOP: From left to right: Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner, Candlenut Body Creme, Invigorating Coffee Scrub; Metta Murdaya; Rice Facial Cleanser; Sweet Black Tea and Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer)

-SD

meet: tiya sircar

"Whad'ya do? Mug K-Fed?"-Samantha to Mike O'Donnell in 17 Again

Heartthrob Zac Efron is not the only one who is feeling the magic of being 17 Again. So is actress Tiya Sircar. She stars alongside Efron, Michelle Trachtenberg and Matthew Perry in the teen comedy that was number one at the box office this past weekend. You may also recognize the University of Texas grad from her appearances in the hit television shows Greek and Hannah Montana just to name a few. Tiya took a break from the excitement of her film's premiere to chat with Pink Rickshaw about 17 Again, her upcoming projects and being a South Asian actress in Hollywood.

PR: What was your experience like working on 17 Again? Tell us about your role.
TS: I had an absolutely fantastic time working on 17 Again. Being in the presence of such talented comedic actors (hello, Matthew Perry, Tom Lennon, Leslie Mann and Melora Hardin!) was an incredible learning experience for me. Plus the fact that all of us "kids" in the movie-- Zac, Sterling, Hunter, Melissa, Katerina, etc.-- got along wonderfully and ended up becoming great friends was just icing on the cake.
As far as my character goes, I play "Samantha", the head of our high school clique which we refer to as "The Wonderbras". I guess you could say we're similar to "The Plastics" from Mean Girls but maybe just a little less mean and a little more, well, boy-crazy. I play Maggie's (Trachtenberg) best friend who has a crush on the new kid in school (Efron). But since the "new kid" is actually Maggie's dad (Perry), hijinks ensue. I'm trying my hardest to get him to be interested in me while he's desperately trying to keep me at bay!

 PR: Zac Efron, Michelle Trachtenberg, Matthew Perry..those are some huge names. What was it like working with such well-known actors? Did it ever feel surreal?
TS: It did feel surreal at first. I'm a HUGE fan of Friends so when we had our initial table read, I could hardly believe that I was sitting mere feet from Chandler Bing. I thought I was going to have a heart attack! Luckily, they were all so nice and down-to-earth that my nervousness didn't last long. 

PR: Unfortunately, it is still rare to see actresses of South Asian descent in big Hollywood projects. It seems like you’re one of the handful leading the way. Are you finding it easier to get roles in mainstream films/television?
TS: That's an interesting question. I have had a rather unique path thus far in that I have very rarely played a character who is specifically of South Asian descent. Most of the roles I play are ethnically ambiguous. Do I find it easier to get roles now? Not necessarily. I keep hearing about this Slumdog Millionaire bump so we'll see if that actually makes a difference in how many roles are written with South Asians in mind. Fingers crossed!

PR: What are some of the challenges or benefits of your background?
TS: Challenges present themselves when a character in a film or tv show has a family that also has to be cast. Meaning, casting me in a role is one thing. But things become much trickier when my character has a mom, a dad, a brother and a grandfather. I think studios are more reluctant to go with an "ethnic" actor when there are family members involved. I think they feel that it changes the tone of the story whereas one singular ethnic talent may just add a little flavor to the mix.

PR: Do you find that there are more roles for your male counterparts?
TS: I'm not sure about that one. I'd like to think things are pretty balanced but we'll see what happens as hopefully more South Asian characters crop up in mainstream media.

Tiya will next be seen in Just Peck, an independent comedy which also stars Marcia Cross and Camryn Manheim. It was recently announced the film will premiere next month at the Cannes Film Festival.

PR: Your upcoming projects sound so exciting. Tell us more...
TS: I've never been to Cannes before so this will be a whole new experience for me-- I can't wait! Also, I just got done filming a movie called The Lost Medallion in Thailand which will probably be out next year. It's an action/adventure movie, similar to a young Indiana Jones. I'm definitely looking forward to that one being released in theaters soon.

PR: You have had a steady stream of work since going to LA. What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing an acting career?
TS: Giving advice is tricky since everyone has a different path once they get here. I would definitely say to be prepared before moving to LA. And that preparation includes the following: take acting classes and participate in as much theater (and television and film, if possible) as you can to learn the craft and hone your skills. Secondly, be realistic about your goals. There are some people who give themselves a time limit for how long they'll allow themselves to "make it big". But to me, they're assigning an arbitrary time limit to success. If acting professionally is really something you want to do, stick to it. It's the only way you'll get to where you want to be. Lastly, be absolutely sure this is what you want to do in life. The life of an actor in Hollywood is a difficult one. Knowing with full confidence that this is what you are meant to do makes that path more bearable. I know that no other profession on earth would be as fulfilling to me as acting so I feel very lucky that my path has brought me to where I am now.

17 Again is currently playing in theaters nationwide.

 

 

image source: 17 Again still, New Line cinema (aceshowbiz.com), Other images courtesy of Tiya Sircar

-SD

meet: compliments to the shef

"I am a Mistress of Spices...the spices are my love. I know their origins, and what their colors signify, and their smells. I can call each by the true-name it was given at the first, when earth split like skin and offered it up to the sky. Their heat runs in my blood. From amchur to zafran, they bow to my command." -The Mistress of Spices

Adjectives that come to mind when I think of eating Indian cuisine: delicious, savory and scrumptious. Adjectives that come to mind when I think of making Indian cuisine: time-consuming, difficult and terrifying. In other words, as the Indian cooking blog Quick Indian Cooking put it, like many kitchen novices, I would rather eat my shoe than think about making a samosa from scratch. Sigh, what's a girl to do? Many people enjoy Indian dishes yet so few people attempt to cook them due to the time, patience and intricate techniques involved. Enter a shef. Shefaly Ravula, that is.
Shefaly has been cooking Indian cuisine from various regions of the subcontinent for several years. As an Indian Cooking Enthusiast, she teaches the art at the Whole Foods Market's Lamar Culinary Center in Austin along with University of Texas informal classes and private cooking lessons. Her Whole Foods classes have included Hot Hot Hot! featuring fiery, spicy Indian dishes, an Indian flat breads workshop and several South Indian cooking classes which is Shefaly's specialty.

With the popularity of Indian food and the availability of spices and mixes at your neighborhood grocery store, why not give it a try in your own kitchen? Pink Rickshaw asked Shefaly to share some tips, hints and a recipe to spice things up.

PR: If someone is venturing into Indian cooking for the first time or wants a quick and tasty Indian meal on a weeknight, what recommendations do you have for the type of dishes to try?
SR: I would recommend first and foremost a lentil dish, like tomato or spinach dal. (Dal=lentil soup) If you have a pressure cooker, the dish will be finished in 20 minutes. If not, the dish will take a bit longer due to the long cook time lentils require. This dal could be simply served with rice and yogurt for an easy meal and introduction to the "exotic" spices of Indian cooking.
PR tip: The term "easy Indian cooking" is no longer an oxymoron with the aid of frozen foods, spice mixes and packaged dinners. Check your neighborhood Indian grocery store for frozen stuffed breads, naans, and samosas. Also, since curries often require elaborate combinations of spices; mixes, pastes and marinades can give you a great head start.

PR: What are some staple ingredients to keep on hand?
SR: For most dishes, you really just need to keep a few spices on hand which you may purchase from an Indian grocery store or well-stocked supermarket. Some common spices include brown mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fresh curry leaves (if available), turmeric powder, coriander powder, and chili powder. Those are enough to start with and there are so many more that you could use if you choose to expand your repertoire of Indian dishes, for example: asafetida, fenugreek seeds and leaves, ground cumin powder, garam masala, sambhaar powder, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, black cumin seeds, dried mango powder. Remember, spices can last a long time in airtight containers stored in a dark, cool place.

PR: Indian cuisine can sometimes be on the richer side and not as healthy as other cuisines. What are some ways to make a lighter meal or make it healthier?
SR: Surprisingly, Indian cooking is actually not unhealthy. The typical dishes you see in a regular Indian restaurant are usually of Punjabi origin (a state in Northern India). These dishes as well as some Mughlai cuisine are often laden with heavy cream and butter (but are so tasty!). Most other regional cooking is generally healthy being made with little oil or butter and loaded with vegetables and/or protein. Most vegetarian Indian cooking is made with lentils, legumes, vegetables and paneer (a fresh, mild tasting dense cheese that can be purchased at an Indian grocery store or from a gourmet market). Paneer is high in protein but still has some saturated fats as it is a dairy product. Rice is usually served with curries but can be brown basmati rice or healthy whole wheat flat breads. Some form of yogurt is served with a meal which helps with the heat/spice from the curries. But the trick is yogurt does not have to be whole-milk. We make yogurt from 1 to 2 percent milk to ease the saturated fat intake and add raw shredded vegetables to make it a raita. For non-vegetarian Indian cooking, try to use lean meats. For example, kheema (a minced lamb or beef curry) is traditionally made with red meat but I tend to make it with ground turkey.

PR: What are some good sources of inspiration for Indian cooking?
SR: Some good Indian cookbooks include 660 Curries by Raghavan Iyer,  Curried Favors by Maya Kaimal and Nina Mehta's Muglai Khanna by Nina Mehta. Sanjeev Kapoor and Tarla Dalal are two of India's most well-known chefs who have put out a plethora of cookbooks. I've also been eyeing Vij's cookbook from the restaurant of same name in Vancouver (which is known as one of North America's most innovative Indian restaurants). I also find cooking blogs to be a good resource.
PR tip: For a list of popular Indian cooking blogs, check out this list of links.

Inspired? Shefaly shares an easy recipe:

Egg Curry
(Serves 2-3, Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 25 minutes)
The curry is best accompanied by flat bread like roti or paratha. It is usually served as a lunch or brunch dish or can be a light supper with yogurt or raita on the side.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 onion, halved, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
3 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 egg whites whisked with 2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1) Heat oil in a wok or nonstick skillet on medium-high heat.
2) Add the sliced onion. Turn heat to medium.
3) Add the turmeric. Stir well. Cook on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes to soften the onions but not caramelize them.
4) Add the grated ginger and garlic. Add the chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
5) Stir well and cook 5-10 minutes.
6) Add the eggs and increase the heat to medium. Stir continuously and scrape egg from all sides. It is important to not overcook the eggs. The should cook 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat just before they are completely cooked.
7) Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve. (Dish can be served warm or at room temperature)

Shefaly's next classes at  Austin's Whole Foods Market Culinary Center are Mumbai Street Foods on April 28 and a Dosa Workshop on May 30. Can't wait until then? She can answer all your Indian cuisine quandaries at [email protected].

image source: Shefaly Ravula

-SD