Bali and Beyond

Helping Mothers in Bali Thrive

David — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:53:12 +0000

Whenever we head to Bali, there is a very important stop we make, every time. It is a wonderful place called

With a focus on maternal and child survival, Bumi Sehat has developed many programs in Bali.

Some of these include; Midwifery, General Health Services such as pediatric care and HIV/AIDS prevention, Community Outreach, and even Training / Education for the next generation of teachers, midwives and nurses.

Following the tragic tsunami of 2004, they have been able to establish the Aceh Clinic which offers full maternal care, working closelywith the dukun bayi, who are the traditional birth attendants of the region.

Last year Robin Lim, the founder of Bumi Sehat, was chosen as the CNN Hero of the Year!

“Every baby’s first breath on Earth could be one of peace and love. Every mother should be healthy and strong. Every birth could be safe and loving. But our world is not there yet.” ~ Ibu Robin Lim

Staff at Bumi Sehat

Each time we head to Bali, we bring a suitcase (or 2 if we can) full of donations for this wonderful organization. Thank you so much for helping us make a difference to the community of Bali! Your donations of maternity clothing, baby clothes etc, are always welcome. Another way to help is to head over to the Bumi Sehat website and make a cash donation to them online.

Batik – An Amazing Ancient Art

David — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:57:30 +0000

Ancient cultures all over the world have their own traditional techniques to tell stories with cloth.

In Indonesia, this art form is known as Batik.

: A selection of Batik Cloth from Bali & Beyond

Batik making is a very special process. It is the careful and skilled product of using wax resist and colourful dyes to create pictures and design motifs onto cloth, by hand.

Here’s a short video clip which shows a sampling of the batik making process.

It’s pretty amazing to see all the work that goes into each piece of cloth.

If you are a fan of beautiful fabrics, come and check out our showrooms

From large pieces of batik cloth in every colour scheme for use in home decor, clothing or sarongs, to cloth bound writing journals, books, and gift boxes. We even carry queen sized batik bed spreads which are truly amazing!

Queen size Batik bed spread

Patchwork Batik Quilt

We’d love for you to think of us at Bali and Beyond as your go-to shop for gifts!

We’ve got more and more unique items coming in all the time, and by supporting our store, you are helping us continue to buy more from the lovely artists of Bali.

Marble Urns made in Bali

David — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:22:13 +0000

Beautiful urns made from Balinese marble are for sale at Bali and Beyond – did you know?

Keep us in mind if you, or someone you know are looking for one.

They are very affordable, and help support the Balinese community too

Grey marble urn from Bali

Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Jewelry Direct From Bali – We’ve Got It

David — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:01:36 +0000

When visiting Bali and Beyond, all of the beautiful furniture and home decor is probably what stands out. The rich array of textures and colors in every corner make it easy to overlook the fantastic traditional Balinese silver jewelry we have on display as well. It’s here though! Tucked away in behind our front counter, and in various antique cabinets throughout the store, you will see some pieces that are pretty hard to find – unless you travel in search of it yourself .

Beautiful Harmony ball pendant

The jewelry at Bali and Beyond really does deserve a second look. It takes a discerning eye for detail and design to notice all the subtle intricacies. Each piece is a testament to the mastery of the Balinese gold and silversmiths. Most jewelry was traditionally made of gold, while the desire for silver jewelry has come from Western markets in recent times.

If you are looking to impress your loved one with a great piece of jewelry for their birthday, aniversary, or just to treat yourself, come have a look at our downtown shop . We have beautiful handcrafted pieces for woman, as well as men!

A Rich History

Bali is known throughout the jewelry world for it’s sterling silver creations, made to the highest international standards. Generally Balinese jewelry is a fusion of historical designs, both regional, and appropriated from other neighboring cultures, using production techniques that are specific to the region. Metalsmithing is a timeless tradition in Indonesia, and Balinese nobility have always been patrons of the arts; desiring gold jewelry for it’s status and beauty, and silver vessels for ceremonial purpose.

The symbolic importance of precious metals in Hindu cosmology is reflected in the belief that the triple peaks of Mt. Meru, the abode of the Gods and the centre of the world, are made of Gold, silver and iron.

intricate sterling silver chain

How It’s Made

Balinese sterling silver jewelry can be distinguished by it’s use of twisted wiring and granulations, often soldered to a silver base.

These earrings demonstrate the complexity of design, which is common.

They have been handcrafted using little silver dots and curvilinear wire, all masterfully soldered together.

To keep all the elements in place before soldering the Balinese use special glue from a native berry.

Another unique feature is the use of antiquing, or induced tarnishing, on the base of the jewelry, creating a darker area which allows for the intricate wire and granulation designs to be highlighted. It’s clear that every element of Balinese silver jewelry is what makes each piece a handmade treasure, which is crafted with care and precision.

At Bali and Beyond we carry a wide range of contemporary and traditional sterling silver pieces, that honor the timeless silversmithing traditions of South Asia, which exemplify the beauty and grace of their origins. Come and have a look at our selection of pendants, bracelets, earrings, chains, broaches, bolos and other unique men’s jewelry – lot’s of it has just come in!

A very intricate sterling pendant

~ Direct from Bali ~

Silver and Shell earrings

Sacred Geometry Connections

David — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:39:58 +0000

The Flower of Life. The Seed of Life. Circles within circles. Patterns opening up to more patterns

What is the feeling we get from looking at these patterns? For some of us, we don’t need to know more than what we see before us; a joy to the eye and a graceful form to behold. However there are secrets behind these ancient symbols, which can be found way back in Asian and Egyptian culture, to name a few.

seed of life

Some believe that these symbols represent different levels of consciousness.

Indeed you will find the images in churches, monasteries, and places all over the planet. Just as the Yin Yang has become a prominent symbol of balance all around the world, the Seed of Life and the Flower of Life are beautiful images which are beginning to show up in all sorts of designs, as humanity collectively awakens, and longs to look deeper within.

The main message emanating from both these symbols, is one of connection.

These same geometries can be seen within a sunflower, and are also found when we look at patterns in the universe! When anything in nature is examined closer, including the human body, we will find amazing geometries ~ sacred geometries ~ through which we can actually witness how everything in our reality is connected.

flower of life

A mixture of wellness practises flourish on the island of Bali, and as wholistic living continues to develop and gain momentum all over the world, many of the amazing artisans of Bali have begun to integrate beautiful sacred geometry designs into their craft. David, who is the owner of Bali and Beyond, was able to find some lovely stained glass sacred geometry pieces on his most recent trip to Bali. We are very excited to have them available for purchase at our Calgary store right downtown.

These are items which will catch and reflect light beautifully in your home, office, meditation room, or sacred space. We have only a few of each colour, and know that many of you will fall in love at first sight, so come visit us and see these beautiful works of art soon!

Large Iridescent Flower of Life

Rainbow Chakra Wheels

Antique Rice Mortar & Pestle

David — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:55:26 +0000

Heres one example of some of the totally unique, truly authentic items we bring back from Bali, Indonesia to our stores in Calgary Alberta Canada. We also bring unbelievable, huge dining tables, antique armours, Java beds and long reclaimed teak wood benches to name just a few others.

Taking Orders for Classic Bali Vespa Scooters

David — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:27:56 +0000

This month we gave away our Bali and Beyond Vespa to our lucky winner MARINA CHABBERT !

the big prize!

Good news though, if you really wanted it, but weren’t the winner, we still can help you get your hands on a Vespa like this one! We take orders from Albertans for Classic Vespa Scooters from Bali. If you are Interested in having us bring a classic rebuilt Vespa back from Bali for you, contact us here . Our next trip going East to Bali is happening at the end of March! If you want in on this, contact us soon. You could have one coming back for you as quick as May!

We’ll figure out what you are looking for, down to the details, and give you a quote. Let David be your personal shopper !

a custom Vespa street side in Bali

Souped up Vespa Bali style

Or, come on in and chat with us about it.
We’ve got 2 locations in Calgary. New spot right downtown in the TD mall, main floor. (unit 185, 317 7th Ave SW) And for almost 15 years we’ve had our flagship store in what is now known as the design district of 11 Ave. ( 1220 11th Ave SW)

The “Tri Hita Karana” Principle*

David — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:23:50 +0000

The Story Behind our Incense

Not all incenses are created equal. Many may have added chemicals, dyes or other “hidden ingredients.” In keeping with our tradition of carefully selecting ecologically & spiritually conscious business partners, our incense comes from a small family-run company called UtamaSpice, in Ubud, Bali. Their incense is carefully handrolled, using natural gums, herbs, resinous leaves, flowers, nuts, and essential oils—absolutely no synthetic ingredients or endangered plants.  In Utama Spice’s own words:  “ Utama Spice operates by a strong commitment to keeping the tradition of Balinese Herbal Medicine alive. Information about Balinese healing Herbs has been mostly an oral tradition. For hundreds of years, healers and herbalists passed down the information by word of the mouth to their children and students. But in the last couple of generations there have been fewer and fewer young people interested in mastering this traditional body of knowledge. Most of our teachers were very old. Understanding of traditional plants is dying out, as the plants themselves are quickly vanishing from Bali in the face of uncontrolled development. There is a real danger that this wisdom will disappear if it is not recorded. Utama Spice is a small sustainable trading company, established in 1997. We started as a micro family affair and have now grown to small limited company employing around 16 people.  We adhere to the famous Balinese cultural concept of TRI HITA KARANA, which commits us to respecting and working harmoniously with humanity, nature and the Divine. As a business, we have found a balance between generating an income from the herbs without damaging the environment in which they grow. No trees are cut in creating our products, which contain no harmful chemical additives. We have done extensive research to support the local natural resource base and to enhance local farming skills in such areas as organic farming, bee farming and seaweed farming. These farming communities produce the raw materials for our company’s products.”

As a business we try to work using the principles of US/US rather than US/THEM consciousness –
This means: Living & working together harmoniously by caring for each other, our planet & its resources.  Actions always speak louder than words, so we are putting these principles into action :
•   By giving fair wages and providing good working conditions.
•   By using raw materials that not involve the cutting down of any living trees ( a most precious resource at this time).
•   By using packaging made from recycled and/or recyclable materials.
•   By creating small scale village crafts producing natural products such as hand rolled incense, incense holders, massage oils, bath products, body scrub aromatherapy jewellery, ceramic products and much, much more.
Ylang-ylang: ylang-ylang, infused with cananga odorata (sensual, romantic aroma)

Spirit Spice: infused spices, flowers, leaves, and vetivert root (aromatic holy temple blend)

Tropical Cinnamon: pure cinnamon bark (natural anti-depressant)

Moonflower: flowers & vetivert incense scent (tropical, earthy)

Temple spice: cananga , patchouli, & vetivert scent (spicy, charismatic, spiritual, grounded) Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Clove: special blend of the individual spices applied as they are hand rolled

Begone bug: spices & citronella, used as a cleansing fragrance for garden or home, and also keeps away insects such as mosquitoes

Each morning, Balinese villagers perform the household ritual of giving offerings to the Divine. In this ritual they lay down burning incense and woven banana leaf and flower offerings, or cenang, throughout the home & workspace while blessing them in a silent meditation. The generations of meditating people have created a true serenity in the Balinese people. The Balinese are living proof that meditation can create balance and clarity in one’s life.
Essential oils are botanical extracts obtained from living plant and fruit material such as leaves, berries, flowers, seeds, wood, bark, peel and roots.
An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. They are also known as volatile or ethereal oils, or simply as the “oil of” the plant material from which they were extracted. An oil is “essential” in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. The Balinese also believe that it carries the energy or spirit of the plant and of those who handle it– which is why it is important to always know where and from whom you buy the things that you do…

TRI HITA KARANA…*

http://www.balitrihitakarana.com/abouttrihitakarana.htm

*three part harmony:
harmonious relationship between humans & divine, between humans with one another, and between humans & the natural world.

Grand Opening Nov. 30th for Bali & Beyond’s 2nd Location!

David — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:46:27 +0000

WELCOME

to our

GRAND OPENING

for our new **SECOND LOCATION**

We have decided to stay here at the CORE TD Square throughout the spring!

If you were looking for us on the 3rd floor , please note we have re-located to the main floor (in the old Le Chateau space)

BALI & BEYOND
**Downtown Location**
Suite 185, 317 – 7th Avenue SW

tel 403.264.7190

Find out HERE about free valet parking!

Jamu Jamu, anyone?

David — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:22:14 +0000

Jamu is a go-to solution drink for all kinds of common ailments, ranging from infertility to increasing libido. People in the island of Bali and Java depend on these drinks for their health, energy, strength, body-mind balance, and internal and external radiance. Its origin remains a mystery but its impact on the lives of these people is enormous.

To see a vidoe explaining how it is made, and to try making some yourself ; check this out

There are more than three hundred blends of jamu today, some are bitter while others are sweet but jamu is known, taken regularly, would keep those health worries away. It functions as more than health drink to the people of Bali and Java, it has become a routine for these people to drink it to relieve aches and pains, revive energy, maintain strength, and body-mind balance. The people of the island of Java consume it daily to balance their inner and outer physical beauty, and mental clarity. Jamu is an integrated health system perfected by the people of the island of Java in Indonesia.

Long before time was measured in terms of hours and minutes, and long before the world discovers aspirins and antibiotics, people in the island of Java and Bali discovered the concept of jamu as a solution to their health issues. Our ancestors worked to perfect jamu, a complex blend of spices, and other ingredients that provide them with solution to keep themselves healthy, balance, and happy. They used their indigenous knowledge and skills in blending jamu, perfect drinks, that provide nutrition needed for healthy body and mind. A glass of jamu a day will keep those chronic ailments away.

It helps people to heal quickly, rejuvenate, and strengthen immune system. One needs to drink it once a day and very soon you will feel and appreciate it. Jamu is a liquid blend of several types plants, flowers, leaves, barks, roots fruits and tree saps and people of the island of Java drink jamu daily. The Javanese people in Indonesia believe that jamu is precious gift from Almighty that helps them to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle.

According to the people in the island Java, Indonesia, jamu is a functional drink, wellness drink, and healthy drink that provide balance in our life. It is also a way of life, “My life is like Jamu – some days I need to be bitter while other days I have sweet days”

We make our Jamu with our traditional family recipes handed down through the female side of the family for many generations, dating more than 5000 years ago in Central Java. The ingredients are 100% natural, unprocessed, and compost-able ingredients, The method has remained unchanged, in small batches and by hand. In addition, we follow the FDA guidelines and commit to green business.
(article courtesy of jamu4life)

http://jamu4life.com/WHAT_IS_JAMU_.html

http://www.jamujamu.com/APositiveMission3.html