The Purple Turtles And A Giveaway!

There are certain stories which need detailed narration. These are stories of ordinary individuals who make it extraordinary in their chosen field. One such is The Purple Turtles, a venture started by Mr. Radeesh Shetty.

I have spoken about Purple Turtles earlier in my blog when it was a new venture  and today I am at it again !

Let me unfold the story of Radeesh and his unique store of lifestyle products.


The Purple Turtles is an exclusive designer lights and antique furniture company in the city of Bangalore. Raadesh R Shetty, has brought in a unique approach to the art of lighting and interior designing. The store forms a platform for Raadesh to showcase his innovative work which has now not only entered homes, but also office spaces, resorts, restaurants and other theme based interiors. For Raadesh, The Purple Turtles is more than just a store; it’s an art gallery.

Let me give you a brief on the journey of Purple Turtles.

Raadesh always had a desire to explore the world of creativity.He completed his higher studies from St .Josephs College, Bangalore.With a desire to find platforms that would give him the opportunity to think out of the box, Radeesh worked with two leading agencies in India, JWT and Mudra Communications. After that, he joined Star TV to explore the area of sales. But as everyone will agree, one cannot subdue the true passions of a born entrepreneur, and this passion motivated Raadesh to start his own venture. The first plan was to start a soup meal restaurant. Like all businesses, there is a certain amount of risk involved and Radeesh found that out first hand. The restaurant concept did not work out for Radeesh and he decided to look for other avenues to grow.

While on his journey to find his true calling, Radeesh used to help his friends with home make-overs. During this time, Radeesh realized that the lighting market was very small, and the landscape was plagued with a challenge: lack of options to choose from. 

Radeesh had found his calling: creating memorable living spaces through innovative lighting options. Months of research and meeting with Architects and Interior Designers helped him plan the business which aimed at offering customize lighting for projects. From then there was no looking back!

And thus The Purple Turtles was born in Bangalore in 2009. After 4 years of focusing purely on lighting solutions the Purple Turtles decided to take the next leap of faith and recently introduced a unique and stunning line up of industrial, distressed and contemporary furnitures. What initially started as a lighting destination has now beautifully evolved into a lifestyle store.

Today, The Purple Turtles is distinctly elegant as it spans over three stories spread with striking pieces of lighting options along with innovatively crafted furniture, each with its own unique personality. What once started as a dream is now entering the homes, restaurants and offices of Bangaloreans. 

The combination of unique materials and diverse inspiration from round the world is exceptional.To add to this, every fortnight the range is refurbished to give the customers something new to choose from. 

The hand picked pieces in this collection are designed by new and upcoming designers from across the country, in keeping with the changing consumer mindsets and offer singular concepts that are not available in any other store.

The range comprises of vintage bicycle coffee tables, cycle bar stools with pedals, teak and cast iron combination furniture, sleepover benches and other trendy, internationally 'in' products.

They have an impressive client list too. The world kown Google, TCS, Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Amazon, CISCO, Oracle, Facebook, LinkedIn, Ericcson, The Park Hotels, Park Plaza, Cafe Coffee Day, The smoke house Deli, Krispy Creme are some of them.

So the next time if you would like to own a unique piece of lighting or furniture you know where to head to.

BANGALORE

FLAGSHIP STORE

128 1st Main,
Domlur 2nd Stage,
Indira Nagar.
Bangalore 560008
Tel No. +91 80 41528039

info@thepurpleturtles.com

Now after hearing  so much about this lifestyle boutique store, don't you want to own a piece from their collection? Yes, I know that would be wonderful! The Purple Turtles has announced a giveaway from their collection to all the readers of sajavat based anywhere in India.

Have a look at the giveaway and decide for yourself. So beautiful, Isn't it?

To go about this,this is what is required of you. 

1. Become a follower of sajavat or 'like' the Facebook page of sajavat.

2. Send in a pic/image of 'a lighting corner in your home' to my email ID
       sangi_eashwaran@yahoo.co.in

The best three pics stand to win one of these products from Purple Turtles. You can send in your entries till 15 th of June.

All Bangaloreans do make it a point to visit this store at the earliest.

My' OWL' obsessions

Missed blogging for a few weeks. We had been on a vacation and a post on that will follow soon.



Meanwhile sharing some random clicks around my home.

The 'owl' used  as a decor element  intrigued me for a long time. So on my last shopping spree I ended up buying all the owl figurines that I fancied.

Look at the measuring spoons!

The owl notepad is now my blogging companion!

I absolutely loved these and at least for the time being  am satisfied with my owl obsessions

Does such fancy get the better out of you too? What is your latest craze in terms of home decor.Let me know. I would love to hear from you too.

Coming soon on the blog is a post on beautiful nature inspired home front.

Stay tuned!

A reason to celebrate...My home turns ONE!

It's been a year since we shifted into our present home. Recently, I celebrated the birthday of my home! Yes, you heard me right. Really wanted it to be a memorable moment. And it can't get any better without gifts.

Having your own sweet home is a dream shared by millions. After purchasing your home,you want to leave no stone un turned in decorating your abode.Now, having spent an year in it, I wanted to add  pieces that would be conversation starters.


I was a little short of time to scout around various shops and buy something that will not only be functional but also enhance the decor value of my home.

Flipkart came to my instant rescue. I have always loved the products at Flipkart and the home segment of Flipkart has always been my personal Favourite. They have  offers on the go, on most of their products. 

It's so easy with Flipkart, to choose products based on category and brands.The pricing always has been very reasonable. In fact, I feel affordable pricing, to suit all pockets is their USP.

I was  clear that the products chosen, should be liked by all my family members.  As a family, we spend more time in our terrace and Bedroom. Also, when  many guests arrive, the kitchen is where the excitement is. So the items had to be from these segments. That's how I zeroed down upon the following  items from the home section of Flipkart.

1. Whistling Kettle

2. A comforter

3. A watering can.

           &

4. A set of planters

All the ordered items arrived at the scheduled time in good condition. My happiness knew no bounds,receiving them.

Comforters can be an ideal companion especially in Bangalore weather to snuggle inside with your family members and may be watch a movie together. How about an interesting book read, all curled up inside a comforter.Quite an appealing idea isn't it? Well that's how we spent the better part of the day.


Have a look at the one, I chose for myself and my home .

My little one...curled up  to the warmth of the comforter

Double sided....Did You like the colours?

The size was perfect. The print, colour and texture blended in beautifully with the rest of the bed elements in my bedroom.

  

you can choose some for yourself here...

My garden is the happiest. And... am all smiles...

We usually have our morning cuppa amongst greenery. The next set of products, I adored  was a set of  yellow planters and a cute hen shaped watering can.I fell in love with the can, as soon as I set my eyes on it.Such a unique piece.I kept on arranging and re-arranging the planters with various plants, until I felt this was the way for it to be.

Garden accessories perk up the space and something like these colorful ones are sure to lift up your spirits, every time, you eye them. Such a nice corner it has turned out to be. Do you agree?

They have so much to offer to all the green thumb enthusiast. Pots, artificial plants, planters, watering & spray can, gardening tools and so much more.. Not only are they useful but also a decor enhancer. Look here for more eye candy.

Yellow planter...pretty isn't it?

On the D-day, that is, when our home turned one, I had invited some friends for a small tea party.I proudly displayed the last item I had ordered from Flipkart. A whistling kettle.

so many colours are available in this category. I preferred the one in orange.Ideal for making tea with a capacity of about 2.25 litres. I could see my friends turning green with envy. That was a show stealer!

My day was made. All thanks to Flipkart for making my home special. Even today the celebration continues...

Green Therapy

Summer is here for good now. Even Bangalore is not spared this time.It is during these months that we truly realize the importance of trees, plants, flowers...greens in general.

The empty land that our balcony faces was empty for quite a long time.There was a confusion as to what it would turn out into finally. But just last week, work has started there.Now I understand, it is going to have a mini amphitheater and some landscaping. Really looking forward to the transformation. At the same time, yesterday a truck load of various plants have arrived. It was an awesome sight.

 These days its so easy to convert  an empty space into a green land. Nurseries have plants of all kinds and sizes.You just have to get and plant them in the soil. Regular maintenance and within no time the place is transformed into a mini garden Truly loving all the activities taking place.

My son had a great time, posing for all the pictures. Few minutes of outdoor activity,being among nature is a wonderful feeling. In our own capacity, we can grow plants at our home, make a herb garden ..so whether it is about ornamental plants or one for your kitchen requirement, garden therapy is truly magical. 

Glass films...lending utility and decor value

Glass films serve multiple Purposes. Heat reflection,safety, privacy, decoration being some of them. Of course you remember the films used in car windows. So whatever your need, you can go for these glass films to add a touch of glamour as well as utility value to your glass works.

This is one of the products on offer at Homesol. You can also check out Sajavat facebook page for more info.

Eco friendly Spaces

Eco friendly spaces... the name itself makes me feel as if a cold breeze of air has swept in, on a hot summer day.

Indradev 's Residence- Green home

There are many ways to go about creating a home that is nature friendly and that's the call of the hour now. We must take steps now so that the future generations are not deprived of natural resources.

Some of the pointers discussed below may be a little helpful in going about this way.

Also I have posted images of  homes of people who have taken the steps in the right direction to create such eco friendly and resources saving spaces. For this I have taken information from here

Reduce Reuse Recycle :

This is the foremost to be followed. First of all, buy only as much as you truly need. Then utilize it to the maximum and finally find ways of recycling the product.

This is so true in today's times when we have excess of everything. Sometimes  I really feel our kids do not value things as much, as we as  a generation used to do.

Pots and pans which are not in a condition to do cooking can enhance your decor by using it as a planter.

Make use of old fabrics to do applique . This gives a fresh life to your clothes. Old sarees can be used as curtains or runners.

Do not throw away wine bottles. use it to keep pothos. Think hard and we can have multiple uses of an item.

G V Dasarathi's home... All windows, kitchen cabinets, bookshelves are made from discarded pinewood packing cases

Handmade Products:

Anything handmade increases it's value. After all, you have put hours of love to bring out such a unique  product. If it's handmade, chances are it is bio degradable and that makes it earth compatible.

And I am not only talking about small handmade stuff but use them in the construction of your home too. Like handmade athangudi tiles or even terracotta tiles.

Kanavi Residence in Bangalore uses hand made  mud blocks 

Natural materials:

Bamboo, stone, terracotta, fibre, coir all our natural options for an  attractive decor inside or outside home

Sandhya Subbaramaiah's home uses all natural products for home decor

Rainwater harvesting:

Many apartments, builders have now woken up to the fact that water is pricey. Yes rain water harvesting is not so difficult. If not followed in your society,take initiative... It can be installed within minimum budget.

Ashok Kamath's residence uses rainwater harvesting to grow such lovely flowers

 Energy Conservation:

We have the blessings of the sun god in abundance. So why not utilize it to our benefit.Install solar panels for heating water. Solar energy can also be used for cooking. Try using only CFL'S at your place. They save more energy than we can imagine. Teach your kids the basics of energy conservation. To switch off lights and fan when not in use.

All home owners who are thinking of constructing their own houses in future, give a thought to sun lit veranda  & courtyards. Good natural lighting options minimizes the use of electricity. Also its such a cool idea to have a central courtyard that provides ample light during the daytime.

Chockalingam Muthiah's home is completely solar powered

Save water: 

In our apartment the water from cooking area, bathing area is all utilized to provide for water in the flush tank, Simply put we use recycled water for our toilets.What may seem insignificant now, is actually small steps taken for a bigger cause. Support such initiatives.



Green environment:

Segregate your wastes into dry and wet. Almost whole of Bangalore has taken up this challenge and I am truly happy.You can even make your own compost. Go organic.Go green. Grow your own veggies, herbs and fruits.

Shyamla Madhavan uses compost to grow this Tomato Plant.

Remember all big innovations have stemmed from a small idea. Keep doing your bit and the rest will fall in its place.

DIY BOARD GAME

Today I want to share with you an interesting board game played in Southern India and by the people of Srilanka and Singapore. It is called pallankuzhi. On translation it simply means 14 pits (padinal -14  kuzhi-pits)


This game was widely  played by women folks before the advent of television and the internet. It improves your ability of mental mathematics and motor skills too.This traditional game board was generally made in wood or stone in olden times and came in various shapes. It has 14 pits, played by two players at a time, each having 7 pits to his name and a bank pit for each player. Generally tamarind seeds, seeds of a plant called manjari or cowrie shells were used.

 It was a great time pass when women folk gathered around festival times. Also during Sivaraatri when they had to fast and keep themselves awake the entire night.

You can get more information about this game in wikipedia

I remember myself playing this amazing game as a kid in my uncle's house with my cousins.The game was so popular and addictive that even the elders joined in the fun. Now we have so many other ways to pass our time yet such traditional games still carry their own charm. Very recently I was discussing this with my maternal uncle and never knew that he would take the next possible opportunity to gift me this board. My grandmother's house is being renovated and my uncle made sure that the carpenter carved one pallankuzhi from the wood of one of the trees back home in Kerala.

This is the one am talking about.

Pallankuzhi

Isn't it wonderful? A lovely one in the shape of a fish. since the time it arrived, have been itching to paint it pretty. since it is in fish shape, painted some more fish motifs on it.

So for the next 2-3 days my dining table was in a mess. Every now and then, I would sit with the fish to add a dot & a line there.

In making

Taking shape

Almost done

Now for the final look...

How does it look?

I have placed it in my foyer area and every time my son passes that way, he is sure to try a hand at it. Picking up manjari seeds, dropping them in the other pits... yes irresistible it is! There are days when he cannot make it to the park in the evening time, these days we play this fun game.

Have you ever played such traditional games as a child? Share with me and we can reminisce in the memory together.