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A rakhi, which symbolizes protection and prosperity,  is a colorful threaded bracelet that a sister ties around her brother’s wrist. In return, sisters receive a gift from their brother, as a token of love and appreciation. Brothers and sisters are bonded together by a vow to unconditionally protect and care for each other, all manifested by the wholesome Raksha Bandhan festival. This year, Raksha Bandhan 2019 falls on August 15th! 

     Raksha Bandhan is not limited to blood-related siblings or cousins! Whoever you consider a sibling can be celebrated and cherished on this auspicious day. It is a great way to recollect precious memories, bask in the love, eat some pleasant delicacies (as with all Indian festivals!) and exchange gifts. 

     Hi everybody! My name is Tanvi, I work with In-Sattva and love it here! Raksha Bandhan is my all time favorite festival because it is uplifting and gratifying (Plus, I appreciate the gifts from my family! :)). The rakhi is not just a mere thread to me, but a promise to my brother to try my best to keep negativity away from him, as long as he protects me too! I am very eager to celebrate this year.

     In-Sattva has curated gifts that are the perfect way to express gratitude for a sister on this special day.

Decadent Beauty & Wellness Gifts: 

Soulfower’s Nourishing Hair and Body Oils. Not only do they add shine and moisture, but are made of 100% natural ingredients. 

     Our top pick for Rakhi, is the Lavender Castor Seed Oil. It has antibacterial properties that conditions, restores, promote growth, and leaves hair smelling heavenly. Can be used on skin and hair. 

Soulflower Soaps

     These gorgeous soaps are handmade and 100% natural. Our go to soap is the Kashmiri Rose. The cold pressed formula will moisturize as it cleans, and has a lingering scent that will remind her of springtime. 

Classic Kurta Tunics: 

In-Sattva Women's Pure Cotton Abstract Print Round Neck Indian Kurta Tunic Shirt 

     An incredibly unique long kurta tunic can be dressed up or down. The detailing depicts an array of intricately drawn houses from around the world! Any sister is sure to stand out from the crowd while doting this lovely tunic, making it the perfect gift.

Versatile Patiala Pants: A vast collection of patterns and colors to fit your sister’s personality!

In-Sattva Women's Indian Rich Colored Patiala Pants Yellow

     Give the gift of comfort without sacrificing style, with In-Sattva’s Patiala Pants. Our favorite is this cheery hued patiala pant, sure to brighten your sister’s day every time she wears it!       These can be dressed up with a gorgeous kurta for a festival or down with a t-shirt for lounging or exercise. 

Bohemian Goods for Her Home:

In-Sattva Home Autumn Print 100% Cotton Soft Touch Feel Table Napkin Set

In-Sattva Home 100% Pure Cotton Bohemian Print Adjustable Women's Bib Apron with Pockets Pink 

     This delightful cotton apron protects from spills and stains while looking amazing. If your sister enjoys baking and cooking, gift her this bohemian piece. 

     For me, Raksha Bhandan is an exciting festival! The anticipation of seeing what my brother’s gift to me is, and the joy of giving him one back is a lot of fun. Raksha Bhandan reminds me of how much love and support I get from my brother. It reminds me to stay humble, for I have been graced with a sibling who has such a large impact in my life. It is the best way each year to tell him how special he is to me! Each year we celebrate by wearing new clothes, tying the Rakhi, exchanging our gifts, and getting frozen yogurt! 

Happy Raksha Bandhan, everyone! 

Love,

Our trend-spotting team has worked hard to bring you the latest styles in vivid hues in a curation of fresh menswear looks for the SS 2019 season.

     My Spring Day (and Night) Picks: 

     As friends and family know, spring is my favorite season! Here are some of my personal favorites from the new men’s collection. Reminiscent of fresh spring skies, these natural-toned hues are ideal to be worn with contrasting bottoms. These colors bring with them subtle embroidered details that can be dressed up or down, making them a closet staple. Pair with denim pants or In-Sattva® traditional pants for that distinctive look.

     My Bright and Blooming Picks: 

     Not just for fall anymore, these jewel tones are hot on the menswear runway this season. Taken from the deep hues of blossoming tulips and marigolds, these colors are complemented by monochromatic detailing, keeping the focus on a bright, floral mood. Our design team has paid close attention to detail to the subtle neckline embroidery on these lovingly-made pieces.

     Bringing brightness and joy, In-Sattva® promises an upcoming season of bold style with our tunic collection. These pieces are all limited edition and we invite you to head to our site www.insattva.com and reserve a piece (or two) before they’re gone! With the winter we’ve had, it’s about time to give your wardrobe (or of someone you care for) a full spring makeover! If you need any styling or sizing recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team in Chicago at +1-312-620-2324.

     With spring right around the corner and all these bright new colors in stock, I couldn’t be happier!

Love yourself always,

This year, how about you get the one you love a gift you can both enjoy together! Here are my top 5 gift ideas to share as a couple:

     5. Matching wine glasses to share a romantic glass of red during a lovingly-cooked meal

     4. Matching coffee mugs to treat your sweetheart with breakfast in bed Valentine’s Day morning

     3. Couple’s massage to ease your tension and spend a relaxing afternoon in the spa with your love

     2. Bake treats for you to share with your love; bonus points for making both your and their favorite flavors!

     1. My number one couple gift idea is, of course, a set of In-Sattva’s curated couples’ outfits! We’ve done the hard work for you! Check out our lovingly-picked pairings and be the cutest couple on Valentine’s day with your matching outfits!

   Which of these will you be gifting this year? What ever you choose, I’m sure your Valentine will love it simply because it came from you! I hope all my readers and their loved ones have a loving and romantic Valentine’s Day! 

xoxo. 

Just like creating a resolution for New Year’s, we invite people on Earth Day (April 22nd) to check in and create a “Greenness” resolution in their lives. The task amongst us is monumental – to keep and make our dear Earth a clean and better place to live in, for us and for our future generations. Can it be done in a day? In a few days? Months or years? Probably not. It may seem out of reach for our eco-conscious choices to make a difference but ultimately if everyone does their part, we as a whole can work towards preserving and nurturing our mother earth.  

     This year mark’s the 48th anniversary of Earth Day. Read more about the history of it here.

     Here at In-Sattva, all of our clothing is made ethically in India, this is something we hold dearly to our heart as an organization and is synonymous with our "Living in goodness" belief and our genesis. In celebration of Earth Day this year, we are giving all our customers FREE SHIPPING on any size order! No minimums! Yes, you can even buy something for less than $15 and we will ship it for free! Plus get an extra 15% discount for the celebrations with code: EarthDay.

     This year, we ask some basic questions for how we can incorporate a “Greenness” resolution into our day-to-day lives:

How do we conserve more energy?

How do we reduce the use of precious water?

How do we commute?

How do we recycle more?

     Below are some great tips from our team on how to practically carry out this new resolution through the remainder of the year and beyond:

Conserve Energy:

Replace old incandescent light bulbs with new LED ones which are longer lasting and save energy

Use a programmable or a smart thermostat

Weatherize and insulate your home

Upgrade to energy efficient appliances

(For more detailed tidbits on energy conservation, check out this article on 101 ways save on energy: https://www.energysage.com/energy-efficiency/101/ways-to-save-energy/)

Conserve water:

Take shorter showers and use cooler water

Wait to run the dish washer and washing machine until they are at full capacity

Be mindful of letting the faucet run while brushing or washing hands. You can also flush less!

Use a reusable water bottle

(For some more detailed tips on this topic, check out: https://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-ways-to-conserve-water-at-home.html)

Efficient commute:

Don’t be part of that traffic! If you live close enough to work, try to walk there, or even bike. (Great for your heart and for the environment!)

If you have to drive, car-pool or Uber-pool. Or you can use public transportation. (Get some reading in or catch up on your social media messages, while you’re at it!)

Make sure your car is running in the most efficient manner and be gentle on the brakes. When the time arises, consider upgrading to a hybrid car.

If your employer allows, work from home! Even just once or twice a week will not only save you the commute, but will also cut down pollution.

   Reuse and Recycle:

Use reusable products instead of disposable ones. Surprise your barista and bring your own mug during your next coffee break!

Use the recycling bin. Don’t throw recyclable items in the trash.

Buy your products from sustainable companies (ours included!)

Start a compost

(Here are some great tips on how to recycle: http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/recycle.html)

     You might ask why it is important to make eco-conscious decisions. The answer is simple: We love our planet and want it to be clean, beautiful, and around for a long, long time. Preservation is a process and will not take place overnight so we all need to chip in and do our parts. And always remember - We should treat every day like its Earth Day! 

     Join us this year, along with other billions of people, in celebrating the world’s largest secular observance.  

With much love and sustainable fashion,

After getting married a few years ago, my goal has been to unite both my husband’s and my own family to celebrate a holiday together. Family reunions have been a challenge in the recent years, as all of us now live in different states across the country; though Thanksgiving has always been our go-to reunion weekend. The one commonality that both sides of my families share is our love for spicy, flavorful food! A few years ago, my brother-in-law found a recipe on Bon Appetit for a tandoori flavored turkey and it has been a hit with the entire family.  

Pictured: From left to right: Top row: my sister-in-law, Anisha; brother-in-law, Sahil; father-in-law, Dilip; mother-in-law, Meena.  Bottom row: my sister, Smita; me: Supriya; husband, Avi.

     On my husband’s side, both his mother and sister are vegetarian. They prepare Indian and American vegetarian dishes for our Thanksgiving meal.  Last year, they prepared vegetarian enchiladas and chana masala. Family members on each side pair up and prepare a couple dishes, so no one person is left preparing the entire meal. Even with all of these delicious side dishes, the annual tandoori turkey once again steals the show! I personally consider my family’s Thanksgiving to be a fusion of old and new traditions, as we have many generations of family members celebrating together. (So much like the colorful fusion clothes that our company specializes in!)

(Picture of our Tandoori Turkey Masala!)

The following recipe has been adapted and inspired from https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/tandoori-turkey

   My brother-in-law is the family member in charge of making the turkey, and over the years, the final product just keeps getting better and better. As previously mentioned, we enjoy our meals extra spicy so feel free to modify the ingredients to your liking. To save time, you can prepare the tandoori and garam masala up to a month ahead. Be sure to also have an instant-read thermometer on hand, as you will need it to make sure the roasted turkey reaches the appropriate temperature. To create the turkey and marinade, here is what you will need:

   Please note that the below recipe is adapted to make it EXTRA spicy and without the Cinnamon.

Ingredients:

Tandoori Masala

2 1/2 tablespoons coriander seeds

2 tablespoons cumin seeds

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1/2 tablespoon ground cardamom

2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1/2 teaspoon Ajwain seeds

Garam Masala

24 bay leaves

3 tablespoons black cardamom

2 1/2 tablespoons cumin seeds

2 1/2 tablespoons black peppercorns

1 1/2 tablespoons green cardamom

2 tablespoon coriander seeds

2 teaspoons Ajwain seeds

2 teaspoons whole clove

 Turkey

1 12–14-pound turkey

1/4 cup salt

5 black cardamom pods

5 green cardamom pods

1 1/2 tablespoon cumin seeds

2 medium red onion, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

4 garlic clove

 Marinade

4 cups (1 quart) plain whole-milk yogurt

1 cup chopped peeled ginger

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup finely chopped garlic

1/4 cup paprika

2 ½ tablespoons tandoori masala

2 ½ tablespoons garam masala

2 ½ teaspoons chili powder

1 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 Preparation:

Tandoori and Garam masala:

    First start by preparing the tandoori masala and garam masala. For the tandoori masala, combine the ingredients listed above in a skillet over medium heat and toast for 2-5 minutes, stir occasionally. Let the mixture cool. Repeat the same steps for the garam masala. Using a spice mill, grind the both mixtures as finely as possible. Drain the mixtures using a mesh-strainer.  The tandoori and garam masala are a part of your ingredients to make your marinade!

Turkey:

   Wash and pat turkey dry with paper towels. Rub inside and out with salt; transfer to roasting bag. Stuff the turkey with cardamom pods, cumin seeds, onion, celery, and garlic.

Marinade and Final Product:

   Combine all the ingredients for the marinade and blend until smooth. Pour marinade into roasting bag and cover all over the turkey. Tie bag and arrange turkey, breast side down, in a large heavy roasting pan and refrigerate overnight. Our modification: we do not refrigerate the turkey overnight, but instead, let the turkey stand in the roasting bag at room temperature for about 1 hour.   

   Before roasting the turkey in the oven, create steam holes in the roasting bag if required by the manufacturer's instructions. Preheat oven to 400° and roast the turkey for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° after 30 minutes. The turkey should roast until an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (puncturing bag with thermometer) and registers to 160°, which will take about 1 1/2 hours longer. Cut top of bag open, being careful of steam and juices(hot!). Roast turkey until breast is deeply browned and a thermometer inserted into thigh registers to 165°, which should take about 15–30 minutes longer.

   Remove the turkey from the oven and let it sit for about 20 minutes. ou can strain the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan and create a sauce by heating the mixture in a separate pan for 20 minutes over medium heat. This is what we use as “gravy” and we love our turkey extra juicy and spicy! Now for the good part - transfer over the turkey to the dish that it will be carved and served in. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your favorite people!  

   Since several of our family members will not be feasting on the tandoori turkey, being vegetarians, we generally have a sizable amount of leftovers that last about a week. You can store the remaining turkey in airtight Tupperware in the fridge and reheat whenever you are ready for some more! And most importantly, don’t forget to give gratitude to the wonderful year that you have had, and all the family and friends that you are surrounded by, and grateful for this Thanksgiving. Do spend time sharing with everyone the things you are thankful for in your life, as who knows – tomorrow may be too late.

-Supriya Yeramilli

I tend to gravitate towards black and neutral colored clothing, as it is what I feel most comfortable and confident wearing. A bold-colored or printed scarf is an easy way for me to bring some life into my neutral palette wardrobe.  Red is undeniably the color of the moment, and pairs well with black and nude shades.  Create your go-to fall outfit by throwing these new In-Sattva® comfy scarves over your chunky knitwear.  

Elegant Petite Diamond Print Scarf Stole - Cerise

ZigZag Patterned Stripe Scarf Stole - Red

Colored Scarf Stole - Rust

     When I’m running late for work or a social event I immediately grab a pair of dark skinny jeans and pair it with a black oversized sweater and boots. My goal is to walk out of the door looking both classic and effortless. As a fashion blog and magazine junkie, this head-to-toe black ensemble seems to make its way back around every Fall and Winter season.  My favorite way to accessorize knitwear is with the In-Sattva® Colors - Decorative Vertical Striped Embellished Scarf Stole in Ginger and the Vertical and Horizontal Stripe Rich Color Block Scarf Stole in Orange (both pictured below).  You can tie these scarves in the style pictured below or fold the scarf in half and place it around your neck.  One side will be a loop and the other side will be the loose ends. Simply place the loose ends of the scarf through the loop and gently pull around your neck.

Decorative Vertical Striped Embellished Scarf Stole - Ginger 

Vertical and Horizontal Stripe Rich Color Block Scarf Stole - Orange

     For Fall and Winter this year, try wearing your scarf as a blanket.  Don’t want to wear a cardigan to work? Open up your scarf and drape it over your shoulders. Try belting your scarf: drape the scarf over your shoulders evenly and fasten a skinny belt over your waist. You will be both cozy and chic while sitting in that cold meeting room!

     Once the colder weather hits, my immediate reaction is to avoid the cold and become a homebody. The best way for me to stay active and social is to fill my calendar with get-togethers, happy hours, and check out In-Sattva’s new arrivals! If you are anything like me, I enjoy getting ready for a social event as much just as much as attending the event. I have several events to look forward to such as an annual Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and a surprise engagement! You will find me at these events with In-Sattva’s stylish neck gear around me! Inspired? Copy my looks at insattva.com. Check out the limited handmade editions. I just hope both of us don’t end up wearing the same design! 

These words and many more do describe her, but only a bit and does not do full justice to what an incredible person she is!

     For me, Mother’s Day is a very important day of the year to remember what my Mom has done for me. Although she is a few thousand miles away currently,  she is always in the front of my mind. I feel a deep sense of gratitude toward her every day but during this time of the year it increases even more.  

     As the tradition goes, on this upcoming day dedicated solely to her, I have picked a few colorful tunics and handbags to give her. Since she loves colors and vibrant patterns, I am sure that In-Sattva’s exquisite offerings will bring a smile on her face and make her day shine a bit more brighter!  

     Below are some of the gift-ideas that I am choosing from:

     Nothing is better than an artisan multi-print kurta tunic in a navy and deep orange pattern with pink trim to enjoy the weekend picnic. She can pair this top with many of her colorful leggings.

     This simple black tunic, with with blue and pink embroidered placket, is perfect for my mom who is always on the run. I picture her wearing this while she runs her errands in style.

     A deep blue kurta tunic with diamond pattern paired with white harem pants is a casual yet trendy ensemble to go out shopping.

     A beautiful elephant print kurta to make her stand out on special occasions.

     This patched up blue leather and fabric tote bag is not only trendy but super functional. A perfect match for a long day at the beach this summer!

     A dazzling rosette hand embroidery crossbody bag is the go-to accessory to accentuate any piece of clothing from my above picks. This is one darling piece!

     To check out more Mother’s Day gift ideas, visit our hand-picked selections at www.insattva.com/mothers-day/women/.

     As my mother loves bohemian and trendy wear, I am sure vibrant and unique gifts such as these will definitely please her. Hop on to insattva.com to see what would look great on your mom. I am sure you will find something wonderful and memorable too.

     Mum’s the word all this week.

One of the perks of working in buying and merchandising is to explore what is out there and get the best picks for our customers. This time around, our buyers were scouring the arid deserts of India,  in a bid to identify and bring you contemporary international trends, right to your doorstep in the US. We were super excited to travel in India to the state of Rajasthan to design, develop and source the most vibrant collection for our consumers for Summer 2017.

     As we traveled to one of India’s most beautiful and magnetic cities, we wanted to bring forth not just exclusive products, but also the essence of the city – Jaipur, fondly called the Pink City.  For all its resplendent architecture in colored stone, Jaipur captivates travelers with its bounteous charm. 

     Tracing Jaipur’s textile tradition back to the 3rd century, the city is the world’s epicenter for block printed textiles (which we absolutely love!). The city  is especially known for traditional hand block printing (bagru) and natural dyes. Their indigo-dyed products are truly remarkable! Also recognized for expertise in tie-n-dye, Jaipur’s Bandhani technique is famous the world over. Skilled artisans in this city also excel at handcrafted textiles, replete in mirror-work and embroidery.

     Not only is Jaipur rich in traditional Indian textiles and handicraft products, but it also contains some great experiences and vistas that are bound to capture a visitor’s attention.

     As we made our way through the city, we compiled our top favorites for you to help guide you through this glorious city:

(1) Take in the history at the old city      Abounding in royal residences and forts, Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is perhaps one of the most photographed sights in the city. Five diminishing pyramidal stories made of pink stone, wood and colored glass, it was originally built as part of the City Palace, which forms the center of the Old City and is a complex labyrinth of courtyards, gardens and structures.

Approx time: 2 to 3 hours. Recommended to go in the late afternoon when the surrounding Bazaars are buzzing.

(2) Ride a hot-air balloon      Soar above the city as you take in a bird’s eye view of all its best attractions. We recommend you go as the sun sets when the mighty forts, palaces and landscape below turn into a sea of reds and golds – it is a joy to behold!

Approximate time: 1 hour

(3) Go on a Safari      Enjoy the rustic setting and the wilderness of Jaipur as you hitch a ride in a Jeep on off-beat dusty paths. For those who are more adventurous, experience life among the untamed as you view deer, jungle cats and other predators in their natural habitat. Alternately, ride through the countryside and choose to take the idyllic routes on horseback.

Approximate time: 3 to 5 hours

(4) View an observatory      Step back in history as you garner the ancients’ sense of time, with the world’s largest sundial. Dating back to the 18th century, Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, works on the principles of using the sun and shadows to measure astronomical movements to tell time. A two-fold marvelous observatory, walk among the mammoth instruments, not only for the amazing science but also the modern beauty emanating from them.

Estimated time: 2 to 3 hours. Recommended to combine the trip with the Hawa Mahal visit.

(5) Shop at the Bazaars and eat local cuisine      Experience the authentic food in the scores of markets dotting the city and head to Badi and Chhoti Chaupar for an array of interesting artifacts. Brass ornaments, silver jewelry, textiles and wooden furniture are among the many relics that catch tourists eyes purchase at a good bargain.

     Witness the Rajput hospitality and lifestyle come alive at Chowkidhani, with its cultural activities and delicious cuisine. Gorge on a lavish, fulfilling meal as you relish a selection of traditional dishes.

     There is an abundance of color, detailing, and finery in the city, and our team is always excited to visit, learn the latest in artful offerings, and pick the best in the class for our customers from this magnificent terrain.

     There is SO much more to be unveiled and as we keep digging deeper to build our collections. Do check out our upcoming preview blog for our next season’s collections! Log in to www.insattva.com for specially curated one-of-a-kind finds for YOU!