I recently sent this email around to all my friends and received a great response from everyone that I wasn't expect. I didn't want to post it originally because I hate to use this log to promote anything, but in this case, I am actually promoting an idea. the listings I include are merely suggestions and I am sure there are plenty of other products I am leaving out, but I wanted to get the thought out there. This is something I truly believe in and thought it might be good to share with others. If I missed someone and you are truly offended, I'm sorry, but feel free to post it up. Raffi, tell me if you want me to take this down, I will. Sorry it's so long, but otherwise, enjoy!
Friends and Family,
I am e-mailing you PURELY from me myself and I to advocate supporting the Armenian market for Christmas. Year after year, we continue to purchase products from big stores, sometimes things people already have, or not necessarily something they need or want.
I have a suggestion, and this is in no way inspired by any marketing scheme at all. This is purely coming from Arsineh and I benefit in NO way. Even the products I have involvement with listed below, I don't benefit at all by anyone purchasing at this point. I am just trying to spread good will and a good idea.
In the past few years, I have been buying my Christmas gifts for my family and friends through Armenian vendors. Two years ago, I was fortunate to be in Armenia so I bought all my gifts from Vernisage (flea market in Yerevan)... cheap AND quality AND the money goes to an Armenian. Last year, I purchased most of my gifts at the Hairenik Bookstore.
This year, I have already received emails suggesting specific gift ideas that I really liked and it sparked an idea to spread this concept. Please look at the list of suggestions I have below and consider shopping through Armenians this year. This way, when Armenian organizations complain that people cant afford to donate because they spent their money on Christmas gifts from big corporations, you can say that your shopping was your donation!
I hope this helps with gift ideas!
Sirov,
Arsineh Khachikian
**************************************************************************
POMEGRANATE MUSIC:
These are some CDs to consider. Many of you know my involvement with Pomegranate, but this isn't self promotion. These CDs are really good gifts. I would suggest the first one (Six Fables), it is unbelievable!
Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia: Six Fables
www.cdbaby.com/cd/hover2
Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia: Armenian Voices
www.cdbaby.com/cd/hover
Gor Mkhitarian: Yeraz
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mkhitarian
Gor Mkhitarian: Godfather Tom
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mkhitarian2
Bambir: Quake
www.cdbaby.com/cd/bambir
**************************************************************************
BANDAZ RECORDS
This is another CD I designed. This is more for the "modern Armenian music" lovers with that traditional twist. It's like Nune, but edgier.
Cascade Folk Trio: Old Street
www.cascadefolktrio.com
**************************************************************************
ZULAL
This is just a friends CD, but I think it is amazing. It's an a cappella folk trio singing traditional Armenian songs. It only has a few songs, but a good small gift.
Order Online: www.hyefamily.com, www.arpmusic.com
Order in Stores at: The Hairenik Bookstore at 617-926-3974, The Bookstore at St. Vartan's in New York, or Armenian Delight Store, 2591 West Chester Pike in Broomall.
Order from Zulal: Email us at connect@zulal.org with 'CD Order' in the subject line. Please include your address and desired quantity.
**************************************************************************
TRADITIONS
This is another friend's CD. The band is the Michael Gostanian Ensemble. This is good for the traditional kef music lovers. There are some great song selections on this one.
www.kefmusic.com
**************************************************************************
AREV ENSEMBLE
Yet another friend's CD. This is the other kind of traditional Armenian music... with more zourna, duduk, dhol style music. This is "listening" rather than "kef" music.
www.arevensemble.org
**************************************************************************
OTHER CDs I RECOMMEND
I am becoming a huge Alla Levonyan fan as my dad just picked up her latest CD for me. I now have all three and they are amazing. Otherwise, I recommend the following:
Alla Levonyan: HayastanAlla Levonyan: Msho Aghtchik
Alla Levonyan: Gnam Hasnem
Nune: Sayat Nova
Shushan Petrossyan: (I don't remember the names of the albums, but they are all good.)
Tata Simonian: Shaba Daba Dash (for you dance lovers)
Rouben Hakhverdian: Anthology (This is a collection of his best work and I think the best CD he offers)
Armenian Navy Band: ???? (All the CDs are good for world music lovers, but I warn you, it isn't your typical Armenian CD. This is out there, but VERY quality if you like that kind of music... also sorta hard to find.)
Harout & Rouben: ???? (These guys together are actually very good and I am not traditionally a Harout fan, but this is a quality CD. My favorite songs are track 2 and the last track.)
If you really want more suggestions, email me and I'll name a few more off. All can be purchased at one of the stores liste below.
**************************************************************************
NAREK.COM
I am a big fan of this website because they are good at what they do and they have everything! This is mostly for CDs, books, DVDs, etc. We just bought specialized Armenian Christmas cards for the ANCA with our own message. We got it in a couple days and they look fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend this website.
www.narek.com
**************************************************************************
HAIRENIK BOOKSTORE
This is a given for East Coasters. Obviously, they have books, but they also have CDs, posters, bumberstickers, flags, calendars, these sorts of things. I had great success shopping here last year.
Just call, it's easier: (617) 926-3974 and speak to Lena.
**************************************************************************
SARDARABAD BOOKSTORE
This is a given for West Coasters. Same thing as Hairenik, but maybe with more selection as there is higher demand in LA. They have good crafts from Armenia, too. They have a decent CD collection with a lot of the CDs I listed above.
Office phone : (818) 500-0790
**************************************************************************
MADE IN ARMENIA DIRECT
This is a great website, but a little pricey for the right reasons. They sell artifacts from Armenia handcrafted by specialists from Vernisage (the outdoor market in Yerevan). The quality is the best Armenia has to offer and it shows in the price, but if you are looking for a more high-end gift, here's the place to go. They prepare everything and ship it over to the US in advance, so if you order now, it is already available in the US for shipping.
www.madeinarmeniadirect.com
**************************************************************************
ARMENZONE
Now THIS is a cool way to go. EVEN if you don't want to get an Armenian product, there is still a way of supporting Armenians without spending an extra dime, just by ordering products from major companies. What you do is you go to www.armenzone.com and they list major stores on the right side, like: Office Depot, The Sharper Image, Amazon.com, Dell, Toys R Us, Disney Store, Target, Cheap Tickets, Orbitz, petco.com, Madison Avenue, buy.com. All you have to do is click on those options THROUGH the armenzone.com website, and whatever you purchase from those major stores, a percentage goes to an Armenian organization or school. The listed organizations are:
Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, Chamlian Armenian School, Glendale, CA, Ferrahian Armenian School, Encino, CA, Krouzian Zakarian School, San Francisco, CA, Mesrobian Armenian School, Montebello, CA, Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School, Hollywood, CA, Tavlian Armenian Pre- School, Pasadena, CA, Tufenkian Armenian Pre-School, Glendale, CA, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, Santa Ana, CA.
THIS is awesome. You don't spend any more money then if you went straight to the website, but a percentage still goes to the above, distributed evenly.
www.armenzone.com
**************************************************************************
ARMENIAN TEA
A little addictive, but I love this stuff. The greatest part is that it is available at certain stores throughout the US. The packaging of these teas is adorable, but better yet, the tea is SOOOOOO good. I have no idea who these guys are, I just love their tea. I used to have it when I was in Armenia, but when I got back, by chance I was at a café in Boston where I found the same tea listed on the menu. They do good distribution, but check out their website... nicely designed and good info. The way this is prepared, it makes a great gift.
www.armeniantea.com
**************************************************************************
Friends and Family,
I am e-mailing you PURELY from me myself and I to advocate supporting the Armenian market for Christmas. Year after year, we continue to purchase products from big stores, sometimes things people already have, or not necessarily something they need or want.
I have a suggestion, and this is in no way inspired by any marketing scheme at all. This is purely coming from Arsineh and I benefit in NO way. Even the products I have involvement with listed below, I don't benefit at all by anyone purchasing at this point. I am just trying to spread good will and a good idea.
In the past few years, I have been buying my Christmas gifts for my family and friends through Armenian vendors. Two years ago, I was fortunate to be in Armenia so I bought all my gifts from Vernisage (flea market in Yerevan)... cheap AND quality AND the money goes to an Armenian. Last year, I purchased most of my gifts at the Hairenik Bookstore.
This year, I have already received emails suggesting specific gift ideas that I really liked and it sparked an idea to spread this concept. Please look at the list of suggestions I have below and consider shopping through Armenians this year. This way, when Armenian organizations complain that people cant afford to donate because they spent their money on Christmas gifts from big corporations, you can say that your shopping was your donation!
I hope this helps with gift ideas!
Sirov,
Arsineh Khachikian
**************************************************************************
POMEGRANATE MUSIC:
These are some CDs to consider. Many of you know my involvement with Pomegranate, but this isn't self promotion. These CDs are really good gifts. I would suggest the first one (Six Fables), it is unbelievable!
Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia: Six Fables
www.cdbaby.com/cd/hover2
Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia: Armenian Voices
www.cdbaby.com/cd/hover
Gor Mkhitarian: Yeraz
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mkhitarian
Gor Mkhitarian: Godfather Tom
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mkhitarian2
Bambir: Quake
www.cdbaby.com/cd/bambir
**************************************************************************
BANDAZ RECORDS
This is another CD I designed. This is more for the "modern Armenian music" lovers with that traditional twist. It's like Nune, but edgier.
Cascade Folk Trio: Old Street
www.cascadefolktrio.com
**************************************************************************
ZULAL
This is just a friends CD, but I think it is amazing. It's an a cappella folk trio singing traditional Armenian songs. It only has a few songs, but a good small gift.
Order Online: www.hyefamily.com, www.arpmusic.com
Order in Stores at: The Hairenik Bookstore at 617-926-3974, The Bookstore at St. Vartan's in New York, or Armenian Delight Store, 2591 West Chester Pike in Broomall.
Order from Zulal: Email us at connect@zulal.org with 'CD Order' in the subject line. Please include your address and desired quantity.
**************************************************************************
TRADITIONS
This is another friend's CD. The band is the Michael Gostanian Ensemble. This is good for the traditional kef music lovers. There are some great song selections on this one.
www.kefmusic.com
**************************************************************************
AREV ENSEMBLE
Yet another friend's CD. This is the other kind of traditional Armenian music... with more zourna, duduk, dhol style music. This is "listening" rather than "kef" music.
www.arevensemble.org
**************************************************************************
OTHER CDs I RECOMMEND
I am becoming a huge Alla Levonyan fan as my dad just picked up her latest CD for me. I now have all three and they are amazing. Otherwise, I recommend the following:
Alla Levonyan: HayastanAlla Levonyan: Msho Aghtchik
Alla Levonyan: Gnam Hasnem
Nune: Sayat Nova
Shushan Petrossyan: (I don't remember the names of the albums, but they are all good.)
Tata Simonian: Shaba Daba Dash (for you dance lovers)
Rouben Hakhverdian: Anthology (This is a collection of his best work and I think the best CD he offers)
Armenian Navy Band: ???? (All the CDs are good for world music lovers, but I warn you, it isn't your typical Armenian CD. This is out there, but VERY quality if you like that kind of music... also sorta hard to find.)
Harout & Rouben: ???? (These guys together are actually very good and I am not traditionally a Harout fan, but this is a quality CD. My favorite songs are track 2 and the last track.)
If you really want more suggestions, email me and I'll name a few more off. All can be purchased at one of the stores liste below.
**************************************************************************
NAREK.COM
I am a big fan of this website because they are good at what they do and they have everything! This is mostly for CDs, books, DVDs, etc. We just bought specialized Armenian Christmas cards for the ANCA with our own message. We got it in a couple days and they look fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend this website.
www.narek.com
**************************************************************************
HAIRENIK BOOKSTORE
This is a given for East Coasters. Obviously, they have books, but they also have CDs, posters, bumberstickers, flags, calendars, these sorts of things. I had great success shopping here last year.
Just call, it's easier: (617) 926-3974 and speak to Lena.
**************************************************************************
SARDARABAD BOOKSTORE
This is a given for West Coasters. Same thing as Hairenik, but maybe with more selection as there is higher demand in LA. They have good crafts from Armenia, too. They have a decent CD collection with a lot of the CDs I listed above.
Office phone : (818) 500-0790
**************************************************************************
MADE IN ARMENIA DIRECT
This is a great website, but a little pricey for the right reasons. They sell artifacts from Armenia handcrafted by specialists from Vernisage (the outdoor market in Yerevan). The quality is the best Armenia has to offer and it shows in the price, but if you are looking for a more high-end gift, here's the place to go. They prepare everything and ship it over to the US in advance, so if you order now, it is already available in the US for shipping.
www.madeinarmeniadirect.com
**************************************************************************
ARMENZONE
Now THIS is a cool way to go. EVEN if you don't want to get an Armenian product, there is still a way of supporting Armenians without spending an extra dime, just by ordering products from major companies. What you do is you go to www.armenzone.com and they list major stores on the right side, like: Office Depot, The Sharper Image, Amazon.com, Dell, Toys R Us, Disney Store, Target, Cheap Tickets, Orbitz, petco.com, Madison Avenue, buy.com. All you have to do is click on those options THROUGH the armenzone.com website, and whatever you purchase from those major stores, a percentage goes to an Armenian organization or school. The listed organizations are:
Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, Chamlian Armenian School, Glendale, CA, Ferrahian Armenian School, Encino, CA, Krouzian Zakarian School, San Francisco, CA, Mesrobian Armenian School, Montebello, CA, Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School, Hollywood, CA, Tavlian Armenian Pre- School, Pasadena, CA, Tufenkian Armenian Pre-School, Glendale, CA, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, Santa Ana, CA.
THIS is awesome. You don't spend any more money then if you went straight to the website, but a percentage still goes to the above, distributed evenly.
www.armenzone.com
**************************************************************************
ARMENIAN TEA
A little addictive, but I love this stuff. The greatest part is that it is available at certain stores throughout the US. The packaging of these teas is adorable, but better yet, the tea is SOOOOOO good. I have no idea who these guys are, I just love their tea. I used to have it when I was in Armenia, but when I got back, by chance I was at a café in Boston where I found the same tea listed on the menu. They do good distribution, but check out their website... nicely designed and good info. The way this is prepared, it makes a great gift.
www.armeniantea.com
**************************************************************************
posted by Arsineh at 8:27 PM
1 Comments:
My name is Dr.Armen Mehrabian and I am a creator and owner of Ancient Herbals and ArmenianTea.
Many thanls for your nice worlds.
Please conatc me at armen@armeniantea.com or armentea@yahoo.com. I will try to be healpfull.
Thanks,
Armen
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