India Awaits: Cards, paper, ribbon

Here in India it is not that easy to find nice cards and wrapping paper - so don't expect any post from us for two years. It is only really available in most stores when there is a festival on. So, currently we are in the lead up to Diwali, so there are shops full of candles, paper, cards, nuts and candy - all to be given as gifts over the festival time. It is as big as Christmas back at home. In saying that, the quality and styles are not really what I like and I don't really want products that are 'Diwali specific'.

I have had a few birthdays and other gifts to buy and wrap while I have been here and I found it rather difficult to find nice paper and cards. Initially, I found it impossible but then realised it was not festival time, so they only stocked this kind of thing in book stores, and a small section of the supermarket. After 4 months and quite a bit of socialising I have learnt to hunt out the good stuff by asking a million questions (often at very weird and inappropriate times) but it has to be done.

The result of one of these oddly timed questions was the discovery of a small store not far from Palm Meadows called Temple Tree. They stock the most beautiful paper goods that I have ever seen. The paper itself is just gorgeous, but the cards, boxes, gift bags, frames and all things paper and material are just lovely. So today I ventured in and stocked up - when you find somewhere like this, and you're a westerner, they just love to get your business. They have a website too (http://templetreepaper.com) which will come in very handy. They are not cheap (in Indian terms) but the quality is great !

I have tried to take pictures but am sure I do not do their goods justice. It really is the small things that put a smile on my face these days.

I also popped into a shop that upcycles and recycles goods. I bought a really nice wooden tray, and two art pieces for our very white walls in our big house. Hope you like them - I'm sure my Mum and Mother-in-law will have a ball shopping here…. hope they have big suitcases ?!