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Monday, November 7, 2011

Hooray for Bollywood


Bollywood is the term given to the illustrious film industry of India. It is my understanding that this term was a derivation of Bombay (now Mumbai) and Hollywood. For me Bollywood is everything I dream India to be; Colorful, romantic, spiritual, beautiful, elegant, and rhythmic. 
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Miss World 1994 and Bollywood Great

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is my all time favorite Bollywood actress. She is not only absolutely gorgeous, but she is an amazing dancer and actress. 


My fascination for India started long before I knew anything about Bollywood. It started with these two marriage dolls and my love for Rudyard Kipling. I received these very special dolls when I was a little girl from a colleague of my mother's who brought them from India.


I never played with them like I would with my other dolls. I had dolls from all over the world, either from travels or as gifts. These dolls were different. I would stare at them as if they were a Bollywood movie. They will always have such special meaning in my heart. 

The ebony oxen is one of my favorite finds from an international antique dealer. Those three jeweled boxes were a Christmas gift from my dear friend Patti.


I love all teapots, but especially teapots from India. These two were a gift from my mother-in-law. 

In case you didn't notice, I love elephants. There are two kinds that are throughout my house. African and Indian elephants. So here is a quick lesson on how to tell them apart. An African elephant's ears looks like the shape of the continent of Africa. The ears of the Indian elephant...well...do not look like the shape of Africa or India. Of all of the elephant lamps, this one is my favorite. It's quite small and adds a beautiful glow to the refrigerator scape. 


This vintage tea pot adds just the right flair on the bar of the kitchen under the cloche. I actually purchased this for my husband's collection, but he let's me use it (shhhh!!)

Another of my favorites out of India is incense. My sister-in-law has me absolutely hooked. I use them all the time. My favorite scent is chandan. From my love of incense grew my collection of brass incense burners of all shapes and sizes. 

I am in love with Indian art and textiles. When they are combined, as they are in this amazing tapestry of gold thread, it was a win win find. The antique dealer was going out of business, which is how I acquired this piece. (Talk about lucky day). The detail of the stitching on velvet is remarkable. 

I am a total Bollywood junkie. I can watch Bollywood movies for hours. Confession: Prior to meeting my husband, I could not stand these movies. Now I am hooked, but guess what? He never liked them. He is such a guy!!!

The second best thing to come out of India are the spices (I will tell you the best thing later). Not only are they colorful, but extremely aromatic. I have a science background so I find the chemistry of Indian cuisine just fascinating. My pantry and cabinets are filled to the rim with spices from around the world, but the majority of them come from India. I love cooking Indian food. If you missed my summer spread, please click here

Diversity is what keeps our home alive with color, sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. I purchased this Indian Railway advertisement for my husband years ago. 

Okay so here is your test. Can you tell what type of elephant this is by it's ears?

What about this fella? He sits just outside of the entrance of the kitchen. Oh you guys are good. You guessed it...all of these elephants are from India. 

These are my favorite candle holders. 

India is known for it's amazing jewelry. The designs are quite intricate. The gold jewelry is 24kt and therefore is much deeper in color. 

If I wear gold, I only wear Indian gold. Actually, my favorite metals are white metals. When I received this silver anklet set, for my wedding, with bells attached I was over the moon. I put them on and dance around the house as if I were in a Bollywood movie. It's so much fun.

Tradition is so important in India. These bangles, called churias, are worn by the newlywed for several weeks. I was honored to wear them. When you wear them in public everyone (who is Indian that is) knows that you just got married. So I reveled in the double takes (not being Indian and all) and then the blessings from strangers. 

Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are two of my favorite Bollywood male actors. Getting their autographs will be a must when I visit India. They are two of the best leading men on the planet

However, the best leading man is my husband Kal. This picture was way to much fun to make. 

He is truly the best that came out of India. Those marriage dolls brought me blessings many years later. By the way, the little guy in the picture with the jewelry is my hubby.

What country, outside of your own, has influenced you the most?

Much love,
Paula



This week we are partying with the following fine folks:
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Making The World Cuter Monday @ Making The World Cuter
Mingle Monday @ Add a Pinch
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva
It's Party Time @ It's So Very Cheri
Talent Tuesday @ Vintage Wanna Bee
Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff
Anything Goes @ Type A
Market Your Biz Blog Party @ Homemaker on a Dime
Twice Owned Tuesday @ Creating a House of Grace
Take a Look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee
Tuesday Link Party @ A Bowl Full of Lemons
Bedazzle me Monday @Everything Under the Moon
Cute & Creative @ Dumpster Diva
Air Your Laundry Friday @ Freckled Laundry
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Works for Me Wednesday @ We are THAT Family
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Time Travel Thursday @ Brambleberry Cottage
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday @ Delightful Order
Catch a Glimpse Thursday @ A Glimpse Inside
Creative Things Thursday @ The Vintage Farmhouse

Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
Pearls and Lace Thursday @ Faith, Grace, and Crafts
Pin'Inspirational Thursday @ The ArtsyGirl Connection
Show Me What Ya Got@Not JUST a Housewife
Homemaking Link-Up Weekend @ Hope in Every Season
Create and Share @ Trendy Treehouse
Your Whims Wednesday @ My Girlish Whims
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Homemaking Weekend @ Hope in Every Season
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Potpourri Party @ 2805
Friday Flair @ Whipper Berry
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Feature Yourself Friday@ Finger Prints on the Fridge
Coffee & Conversation @ Passionately Perfect
Sunday's Best Party @ My 1929 Charmer

68 comments:

Ann said...

Paula--A delightful and interesting post. Your collection of items from India is so vibrant and colorful. I, too, count Indian food among my favorite, but haven't tried making it myself. I have to rely on a couple of excellent local restaurants to satisfy my cravings. Thanks for sharing.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Paula... what an absolutely fascinating post... I just love seeing all of your beautiful treasures from India and elsewhere... and I too love elephants... I sponsor four at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Africa and my favorite piece of jewelry is a little white gold elephant pendant my sister gave me... the jeweled boxes from Patti are so pretty too... and I can just imagine how yummy your home smells... xoxo Julie Marie

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Paula, what an interesting post! I never knew that you could identify the elephants by their ears! What a wonderful tidbit! Everything is just gorgeous...from the jeweled boxes, to the jewelry and the teapots! I just enjoy visiting you and Patti! Thanks for sharing!

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

You're always so informative! Now I can look at elephants and tell them apart. That is neat information.

I love those dolls and see why you've treasured them for so long! And I love your husband's teapot under that cloche--gorgeous and so well displayed!

Thanks for such a fun post!
Pam

Julie Marie said...

Hello again Paula... I had to come back for another look so as not to miss a single thing... I love how you and Patti always share so much history behind the treasures you share... your dolls are precious and the story of the anklet with the little bells on your wedding day is so fabulous... your incense burners are all so pretty!...and your 24k jewelry just exquisite... xoxo Julie Marie PS Wow!... your hubby is gorgeous too!!!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What a wonderful post. It shows the richness and the diversity of your life and interests. And it is also fascinating to hear about Indian cultural and the history of the items in your collection. The jewelry is fantastic! The little lamp adorable.

john said...

what a fabulous post ! and strangely enough my husband and moi just watched "jungle book" again last night , a treasure of a film. What lovely Indian things you have, beautiful idea the anklet, must have made you feel extra special when you were married. I spent 6 months backpacking in India with my husband so it holds special memories for me..thanks for sharing !
Gail x

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Hi Paula,
I loved this post. You have some beautiful and interesting pieces. I can feel your passion. Diversity is what makes life exciting. Great pic of your hubby. My husband is French Canadian and German, and we both have some Native American blood. I've always had a fascination with France, and Europe in general. Some of my paint treatments are influenced by old world "villa's".
xoxoRosemary

Karen said...

This is such a great post interesting and full of wonderful information. My daughter is a fan of Bollywood movies and I enjoy the music and the food of India. Your collections are just beautiful and your hubby looks like he should be the star in a Bollywood movie!

Just Stuff From a Boomer said...

Once again your photos and information are so captivating.

Having seen some of that Indian 24k gold, I have to agree. It has such a depth of color. It is exquisite. And, your husband is pretty much a cutie too.

Thanks for sharing such a wealth of information and beauty with us.

lvroftiques said...

Paula I think this is my favorite post you've done! (And that's no easy feat because I love them all! *winks*) I learned so much and especially about you. And your husband looks like a Bollywood movie star! Very very handsome girlfriend! You done good *winks*
This will come as no surprise that the country that influences me most is France.....But maybe it will surprise you that the next most influential country to me is Japan?... That's where my handsome dear hubby is from *winks* We joke that he should get a tatoo on the back of his neck that reads "Made In Japan" Lol!
BTW have you ever seen the movie Monsoon Wedding? It's my absolute favorite!! Vanna

Cottage and Broome said...

What a fun post! I love how Bollywood movies always have singing, dancing and sometimes end up in a fountain. Your pieces from Indian are beautiful, Laura Cottage and Broome

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Paula,
What an awesome post--Oh my gosh, girl, he is GORGEOUS!!!! You lucky girl, you!!
XO
Cindy

Pondside said...

Such a sweet post! Like you, I loved a particular country long before I met and fell in love with a man from that country. The country is Denmark and the man - my Great Dane!

Marilyn said...

Very informative and interesting post.. I love the collection you featured.. I am a HUGE Indian food fanatic :)) Thanks so much for sharing all these goodies. Stopping in to say hello.. Wishing you a wonderful week.. ~M

stefanie said...

what a great post!!!!

June said...

What an awesome post!!! I think I learned so much more about you AND India than I ever did before. Can you girls blog get any better??? It is an awesome place to visit, so thank you two for it!!!
hugs from here...

Grammy Goodwill said...

Paula - Another interesting post. I did not know that about the elephant ears. I'll have to ask my Delta friend if she knows trip. I had never heard of Bollywood either.

Our Hopeful Home said...

Wow, Paula, what beautiful collections and great worldly info! I, too, had a doll collection growing up,my father traveled the world and would bring them home for me. I treasured them. My favorite was from Japan. As for food, I only recently tried yellow curry, but I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing and for linking up over at Club G.W. {Goodwill} with Charm Bracelet Diva!

xoxo
Kathleen

Shell said...

I love that the Indian Dolls you got as a child has led to your love affair of Bollywood movies and, even greater to your handsome Husband.
Yes, you are right with the reason they call it Bollywood.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Boy you 2 have a collection of everything ha ha!! I think we must be twins..Thanks for coming by my dear friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Nikki Monet said...

Aishwarya Rai is one of my favorite Bollywood actresses too! This is a great post with lots of wonderful information! New follower. Would love it if you would stop by and share this at my linky party :) http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/11/bedazzle-me-monday-7_6572.html

Also, PRETTY PLEASE stop by and check Random Acts of Kindness Week going on next week! Would love it if you could participate!!
http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/11/kindness-and-thanksgiving.html

Have a great week!!

Martha said...

A lovely post -- and I love your elephants!

French-Kissed said...

Fascinating collection amd I would agree the best piece in your collection is that gorgeous husband of yours! All the best...

Jermaine

Palomasea said...

Bonjour Paula!!

What a wonderful post...I loved learning about your interests, your Indian treasures, all of it!
Your husband is tres beau :)
I, too, have a fascination with India..culturally, historically, and definitely gastronomically!! My absolute favorite cuisine.
Is Aishwarya Rai not the most gorgeous woman??
Terrific post..
And elephants..those beautiful, intelligent creatures. Love it.
xoxo,
- Irina

Tina said...

Paula, What a delightful post! Oh your treasures are simple wonderful! Thank you for sharing them with us.

Have a great week.
Smiles

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Your pictures and beautiful treasures are always so interesting to look at. Once again, you've filled us with gorgeous eye candy and loads of information.

Arnab Majumdar said...

Being from India, and having known many of her cities through the years, I could feel the love that you have for this country. It's along the same lines as my love for the country as well; at the many colours that surround us, and the many sounds that hover around us. It really is a fascinating place :)

Cheers,
Arnab Majumdar
ScribbleFest.com

Pamela said...

Paula what a fun post and one that has so much meaning for you! I have never watched a Bollywood movie. I am intrigued now. You have lots of wonderful treasures including the last one and that pic was hysterical! I am sure your hubby will appreciate that!;) I know mine would.Haha! Thanx for coming to the party!

Anonymous said...

Hello! I'm a new followers, you have a beautiful blog. I'm spanish, but I leave so many years in Paris, I love all things about french. I remenber sometimes the street of Paris, the bistro and I love every moment more. It's a nice post.Thank for share your collection. Have a nice day from spain under the wonderful sun of autumn.

Karima said...

Some lovely pics you have there. I am now your newest follower, Karima
www.karimascrafts.com

Curtains in My Tree said...

I don't have anything India in my house but would love that velvet with the gold thread

Curtains in My Tree said...

Oh Paula
Another comment from me. You husband is drop dead gorgeous

also I was just looking in my new copy of Paula Deen's Savannah STyle book, anyway on page 174 she writes and shows pictures of 3meatl trunks from India she uses them for a bedside table , has a lamp on them and Buda's itlooks like

FYI xoxo

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

Fabulous collection! Everything looks lovely.

Kelly said...

Wow! I learned a lot about India that I didn't know before. You have such educational posts. There certainly is a lot of culture there. I never knew about elephants ears looking different either. Also, I've never tried Indian cuisine but have heard good things about it. Guess I'm a sheltered girl. Ha!

Anonymous said...

Sweet! I like the post, all about indian cinema!

Beverly said...

Hello Paula,
What a beautiful collection!!! I love the teapot displayed under the cloche. Thank you for stopping by my blog and I am thrilled I found yours!
Have a wonderful day,
Beverly

Scribbler said...

Thanks so much for visiting and for your sweet comments on my kitchen. I really enjoyed looking at your Bollywood post, and your husband is certainly handsome!

I have some of those same little boxes -- I bought them in gift shop in Louisiana years ago, kept a couple, gave away the rest for little gifts.

ETS

Unknown said...

Thoroughly enjoyed your delightful post! I just love how you display that little teapot in the dome, and the elephant in the cage - so creative, lovely to have such an insight into India! Just fabulous.

Decor & Harmony said...

Paula, thanks for sharing, this post is so interesting. You have some beautiful pieces in your home. I really enjoyed reading this!

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Jenny @ Simcoe Street said...

Gorgeous and so interesting

Jenny
www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

Holly Lefevre said...

I love your photos and hearing about why you love Bollywood and India so much. My mother in law wants to go live there and goes every other year. I have not quite jumped on the bandwagon, but you make some very convincing points!

Robyn Story said...

paula, thank you for stopping by my blog. i loved your post on all things india. i'm going to share this with one of my staff members, lori. she's always talking about india and it's spices and foods and just the pure essence of how exotic and wonderful it is to her. i know it's a dream destination for her and she'll love reading all about your passions with it as well. quite an adorable hubby you have there. i hope there are recipes in your archive that i can find and try. if not, make sure you share your passion for food as well!!! as you can tell by my recent post, i LOVE food. and my hubby, steve, is an amazing cook! i'm a vegetarian and know that many indian dishes are also vegetarian. looking forward to keeping up with your blog!!

Brandi said...

Such an informative post Paula! I enjoyed every bit of it! Thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge! I attended an Indian wedding a couple years ago and it was such a wonderful and unique experience- one that I'll never forget!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Paula, what a wonderful post! My aunt collected elephant figurines from around the world. She said they were known to be "good luck". I'm amazed at the emotion and intellect of elephants. How interesting that after years you ended up with your own Indian treasure, very handsome hubby! Oh, and I'm a lover of Indian food myself! xo

Komali Nunna said...

Hi Paula, Your passion for all things Indian comes through your post. You may want to check out my book at KomaliNunna.com

Anonymous said...

Oh Paula! I am thrilled to see your love for Bollywood and all things India.

Well, I am from Bombay and a girl with most of her folks in the Bollywood film industry- obviously not very mainstream and actors- more like ideation and marketing, and honestly, I have never come across anyone with so much in love with India.

I have a couple of gorgeous elephants in minakari too...where are you based? I would love to gift them to you!

Of course my country of Influence would be England. Grey, cottage rose, Chivalrous Knights and Earl Grey. Blame it to the family structure! ;P

newyearsresolutionexercise said...

Very colorful blog.I love Indian Food!
New follower.
http://newyearsresolutionexercise.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Love this post! I too love Bollywood movies, thanks to Netflix I'm able to watch them! :) I also love Indian food, so yummy!! :)

Andrea @Oasis Accents said...

Such a beautiful and unique collection. Thanks so much for sharing at Sunday's Best =)

ExploreColorado said...

Thanks for sharing your indian treasures. I too have long been fascinated with indian culture. I just recently started a belly dancing class.

Uniquely Ella said...

I love the indian culture, love this post.
xxx
Marlene

Jenn said...

I fell in love with bollywood with the movie Bride and Prejudice. I was a huge Austen fan and that's what attracted me to it though I had no idea what it was before that. Now I'm hooked. My 6 & 8 year old daughters love it with me and my 8 year old is now talking about being a missionary to India.

Anonymous said...

So have you listen to any of the music on line? like Khuda Jaane? or Tere Ore? India and Egypt and Italy and Sweden. I know such a variety. Recently I have added Kenya

The Charm of Home said...

Very nice collection! Yes, I have a fascination with things from this culture also. Can just imagine the country in a British Colonial time.
Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

At The Picket Fence said...

You gals just always have the most amazing things you share! What a gorgeous and unusual collection. Thanks for sharing it with us at Inspiration Friday!

Heather

Unknown said...

Another awesome post! You've got an amazing collection...thanks for sharing!

I wanted to let you know that the homemaking weekend linkup is going on now at my blog and I'd just love it if you wanted to come back and link up again!

Have a great night!

Sarah

Cathy @My 1929 Charmer said...

Your collection is amazing, and the history and info you shared is wonderful. This was a very interesting post to read. Love the elephants and did known about the ear thing. Thank for sharing at Sunday's Best, it was a great post for all to learn and enjoy your treasures.

Rhissanna said...

I loved this post! Yes, Bollywood is wonderful, my children were huge fans. The fabrics and the brassware from India really add colour and history to home decor. And the food! See, now I'm going to have to make bhindi bhaji and chicken khorma for dinner.

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

I agree what an interesting post!! I am new to your blog and am so glad that I found it!!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I enjoyed reading this post and all the comments. What interesting collection you have. And I hope you don't mind my saying...your hubby is very handsome...he could be on Bollywood!!

Tanya Anurag said...

This is such a beautiful post, Paula. I am an Indian and trust me, if I were to write about India, I would not have been able to do it the way you've done. Exceptional! And what a wonderful collection you have!

Sharing some news, hope you know that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gave birth to a baby girl a couple of months back! Ohh, stupid me, I am sure you know that!!

Would love to see pictures of your wedding. Do post some.

Leslie said...

What an informative and wonderful post! I learned some things I didn't know and enjoyed your story and pictures.

Thank you for stopping by today and leaving the sweet comment. Will enjoy reading more!!
xx
leslie

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hi Paula,
I discovered your older post just now. I am very fond of Indish jewlery. My husband brought me some pieces from Dubai, but they are certainly made in India. So beautiful but the heavy gold color looks not so nice on my pale scin. Your husband looks very nice and I am sure, you both look like from a Bollywood fairytale. I love to see those happy moovies.
Best greetings, Johanna

Joseph Wood said...

Your collection is amazing, and the history and info you shared is wonderful. This was a very interesting post to read. Love the elephants and did known about the ear thing. Thank for sharing at Sunday's Best, it was a great post for all to learn and enjoy your treasures.

Unknown said...

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Divine Jewels said...

Great Post!
Have a look at some of my designer CZ Bracelets too!
Thanks!

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