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Summer is fast approaching, and a change of season can also bring on the desire to change other things: like the tired old pillows on your sofa or bed. You’ll be amazed at what a huge impact a seemingly small thing like fresh cushion covers can make.
Pillow covers are a budget-friendly way to try out new colors, textures and patterns. And whether your style is sophisticated classic, minimalist modern or funky boho, Sitara has cushion covers you’ll simply adore. Our line includes everything from a muted café au lait shade with chic elephant embroidery to vibrant jewel-toned hues produced from natural dyes. Buy one to create a focal point, or grab a set to produce an expertly pulled-together look in a flash.
With so much on your plate already, who wants to spend time at the paint store or clear an entire weekend to revamp a room? An updated space is as easy as slipping a durable, gorgeous cover over a “blah” pillow you already own. And because it’s so quick, you might be tempted to spruce up spaces you hadn’t considered: an enclosed porch, an outdoor living space or a master bedroom that hasn’t been refreshed in years. Think big and spend small.
posted on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Home Decor
Remember what you got for high school or college graduation? Me either. Graduation gifts are typically something useful—a microwave for the dorm room or a toaster for a new apartment. And while practical is always appreciated, it’s the extraordinary gifts that leave an impression for years afterward. The notes of “Pomp and Circumstance” mark a huge event in a person’s life; it seems deserving of a gift equal to such an accomplishment.
A piece of breathtaking jewelry is something a woman can wear for a lifetime, and she’ll always remember the day she got it. Maybe she’d love jewelry adorned with her birthstone, or perhaps she’d like to commemorate her school colors. Sitara has a wide range of gemstone rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets to celebrate the occasion—from amethysts (February), emeralds (May) and pearls (June) to highlight birth months to garnets (red), carnelian (orange) and blue topaz to match school colors. For less than you normally spend on a graduate, you can watch her eyes pop with true delight when she opens the box.
And unlike some gifts the graduate may receive, an enchanting piece of jewelry will always be the perfect size, won’t shrink in the wash and, with minimal care, will last for decades. How many other presents can promise the same thing?
posted on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Gift Giving
Warm weather arrived early for many of us this year and brought with it a severe case of travel-itis. Hard to believe, but the summer travel season is just around the corner. While you’re plotting the details of your next family or solo adventure, consider treating yourself to travel accessories that will boost your fun-factor at every turn.
Sitara is proud to offer a line of cruelty-free leather goods—made from animals that died naturally—such as luggage tags and passport covers that allow you to put your own stamp on the same old travel gear. Annoyed at having to take out your passport at every customs stop? Not when it’s housed in a whimsical pink and green butterfly cover or a rich tan cover embossed with a map of the world.
Our covers range from refined to just plain happy and coordinate perfectly with luggage tags that will steal the show on the baggage carousel. (Grab the flip flop tags when you want to leave no doubt that you’re headed to Margaritaville.) And with everything priced under $30, you can afford to deck out your luggage and passport in style.
Remember: The journey should be (almost!) as enjoyable as the destination, so add some fun to your trip with our selection of cheery, unique accessories guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
 Cruelty-free Leather Luggage Tag Set
posted on Friday, April 13th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Travel
 …Or at least look like you did! Though it’s always the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day seems to sneak up every year. And when we do remember, we agonize over the perfect gift for the moms in our lives. I mean, how do you find one present that says, “You’re the best/I love you/Thanks for everything”? Tricky, indeed. But whether you’re offering these sentiments to your own mom, your mother-in-law, your wife or even your daughter, there’s one thing that never fails to deliver the message: jewelry.
Sitara’s line of jewelry includes precious and semi-precious stones, top-quality metals and hand-crafted workmanship that echo how much she means to you. Even better: Our prices make it possible to delight her with a piece of jewelry you never thought you could afford. And with Sitara Collections, you’re not just honoring your mom; you’re also honoring the Indian women who earn fair wages for their artistry while keeping traditional handiwork alive in their villages.
If you’re not sure where to start, how about looking for a piece that includes her child’s birthstone—or maybe even her own mother’s birthstone? Or you could choose a piece that reflects her unique style. Is she crazy about earrings, wild for necklaces or gaga over bracelets? What colors does she wear most? Sitara has made it fun and easy to select just the right jewelry for Mother’s Day by breaking everything down into simple-to-navigate categories.
Warning: Prepare for tears of joy!
posted on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Gift Giving
Its demise started with a new-fangled invention called the telephone. And today’s laptops, smart phones and tablet computers put the final nail in the coffin of handwritten correspondence. Ironically, the rise of electronic communication has created a fresh appreciation for old-fashioned letter writing and journals kept on real paper, rather than computers. This new (old!) pleasure of sitting down to put pen to paper demands accessories that respect the experience.
Instead of grabbing an ordinary notebook to record your thoughts and experiences, treat yourself to a simple luxury like a silk-covered journal. Or maybe you prefer to run your fingers over the unmistakable texture of real leather (cruelty-free, of course). Sitara’s lineup of embossed leather journals with handmade paper will tempt even confirmed techno lovers to put down the mouse and pick up a pen.
And speaking of pens, writing instruments that are more indulgence than utilitarian can help anyone rediscover the joy of writing. Grocery lists, to-do lists, birthday cards—even balancing your checkbook—is more fun with our beaded pens. These works of art are handcrafted by skilled artisans and, thanks to their refillable ink design, can last forever. They come in a set of six brilliant colors; keep them all for yourself or delight someone special with a pen that will never be relegated to the junk drawer.
 SC1204 Concentric Circles Journal
posted on Saturday, March 17th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Gift Giving
 Spring fever has officially hit. While the warmer temperatures prompt some people to scrub their homes from top to bottom—who are these people, anyway?—most of us start dreaming of the leisurely afternoons and tranquil nights we’ll soon be enjoying outside. So why not spruce up the area where you’ll while away those delightful hours? Not with expensive furniture or time-consuming yard maintenance, but with decorative accents that add interest and a touch of whimsy.
Birdhouses are a popular addition to outdoor spaces, but our Wild Woolie birdhouses put a whole new spin on the concept. Rather than just providing food, Wild Woolies—handmade by fair trade artists in Nepal—allow birds to make nests inside or use the wool attached to each house to feather their own nests. Wild Woolie birdhouses are crafted from completely sustainable materials such as hemp, birch and of course the felted wool. In addition, the dyes are non-toxic and azo-free. Nothing but the best for our feathered friends!
If you’d rather attract “oohs” and “aahs” than birds, take a look at Sitara’s hanging glass lantern. Individually made in the Indian glass capital of Firozabad, the deep amethyst lantern holds a tea light that adds a subtle glow to parties—or a party of one enjoying the end of the day with a book or glass of wine. And when the weather turns cold again, just bring the lantern inside to brighten up your indoor space. It doesn’t get better than accessories that do double duty!
posted on Friday, March 9th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Gift Giving
Sterling silver is perfect for every day, any time, and any reason. In fact, daily use of your sterling silver is the best way to keep each piece bright and shiny. What’s more, contrary to popular belief, sterling silver is easy to care for.
Cleaning sitara sterling silver is a relatively easy process. Many of the pieces already have an anti-tarnish solution applied when the artisan is making the piece, so you don’t have to worry about tarnish. I suggest simply washing the jewelry in warm water mixed with a mild detergent – a phosphate free detergent is best. Use a very soft toothbrush, such as a baby toothbrush as your cleaning tool and then, dry the entire piece of jewelry thoroughly with a soft cloth, such as a piece of soft cotton from a t-shirt.
There are also mild sterling silver polishes that have been formulated for the task, which I highly recommend as well. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Finally, do not let the sterling jewelry soak in water for a prolonged period of time. This will cause deterioration of the metal and can severely damage any stones which may also be on the piece of jewelry. Bleach, ammonia, alcohol and acetone can damage the sterling silver beyond repair and should be avoided.
All pieces of Sitara jewelry are packed with a 1′ square of 3m anti-tarnish paper which if you store in your jewelry box, will protect your sterling pieces; it has a 6 month shelf life .
Enjoy! 
posted on Thursday, March 8th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Caring for Sterling Silver
 Tibet Collection is part of dZi, a fair trade company that works with Tibetan artisans in Nepal and India. It is committed to fair trade and sustainability, ensuring that their producer groups are paid a living wage, have a safe and healthy work environment, and keep their craft and cultural traditions.
Tibet Collection’s fair trade felt and knit products are made by artisans in Nepal. Each felted product is crafted from scratch out of wool in the felt workshop using traditional felting techniques. Women visit the production center and sit in groups to learn new product patterns. Once a pattern has been memorized women may choose to finish knitted items at home. This allows them to integrate knitting into their daily lives, leaving more time to be with family.DZi began in 1990 by a small group of American investors with the express purpose of providing a direct link between Tibetan artisans and the US market. (dZi is the Tibetan word for the famous Tibetan “eye-beads” which are considered a powerful charm and vessel of great secrets to be revealed in the future.)Today, dZi has collections ranging from hand-felted and knit accessories, hand-made paper, incense gift boxes, sterling jewelry, and other products, many of which can be found here under Gifts & Home Decor. Thank you for supporting Fairly Traded products.
posted on Monday, March 5th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Gift Giving
 Grazing in the Himalayan Mountains Maha Shivratri is considered a major Hindu festival celebrated every year in reverence of one of the Hindu Gods, Lord Shiva. It usually falls on a moonless February night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction, Shivratri. The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. A week long International Mandi Shivratri Fair in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh every year is one of the major tourist attractions in the state.
We have been to Himachal Pradesh, which is in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains. We were there prior to hiking the mountains on two different occasions; Hima means snow in Sanskrit, and is a very mountainous state but also very beautiful. One thing I have to point out is that the car drivers are no different than drivers in any other part of India, whereby they drive very fast, passing every vehicle they possibly can, and getting back in their own lane just in time before another car is in the way!
The state is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, metalware, woodwork and paintings are worth appreciating. The Pashmina shawls are one of the products made in this state. We passed one farm where they were breeding German Rabbits the size of large cats, which they comb for the wool to make hats, gloves and mittens that you can find for sale in shops there. The rabbits live a very nice life and are well taken care of! The winters of Himachal are extremely cold and harsh, and necessitated wool weaving. Nearly every household in Himachal owns a pit-loom. The well known woven object is the shawl, ranging from fine pashmina to the coarse desar. Kullu is famous for its shawls with striking patterns and vibrant colors. Pashmina stoles and shawls are very expensive as the goats live high up in the Himalayan Mountains but the warmth of a Pashmina is hard to pass up!
posted on Monday, February 20th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Hindu Festivals
 Next to bad breath, there’s no bigger turn-off than being greeted by flaky, chapped lips when you go in for a smooch. Too many of us can relate to this condition, thanks to winter’s cold, dry air zapping all of the moisture from our skin. So what’s a kiss-craving girl to do? Turn to natural balms whose ingredients have kept Indian women’s lips supple for hundreds of years.
Ayurveda is a centuries-old system of health and beauty that relies on nature’s bounty to create results that rival today’s “advanced” products. Our Ayurvedic line includes lip balms that work miracles on rough, scaly lips without relying on paraffin and other synthetic additives found in most drugstore brands. Instead, we use only natural ingredients like beeswax and a touch of honey to give you smooth, hydrated lips that look and feel positively blissful.
Our lip balms are also formulated to be silky and non-goopy on your lips, which is a plus for you as well as your guy. Heavy, sticky balms are not only uncomfortable to wear, but they can make your sweetie think twice about kissing you for fear of coming away with a mouthful of glop. With subtly delicious flavors like vanilla, mint and cedar, your guy will clamor for a taste—and may even swipe your stash!
Winter no longer has to mean dry, chapped lips. Our all-natural lip balms will pamper your pucker all year round.
posted on Saturday, February 18th, 2012
by Linda
Posted in Ayurvedic Beauty
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