Tuesday, September 23, 2008

MoraCo Imports to Donate 5% of sales to Hurricane Ike Relief Fund

In American Red Cross shelters across Texas and Louisiana, workers are focused on providing shelter and food to thousands of residents who remain in need of emergency help following Hurricane Ike. Rows of Red Cross cots are lined up in school gyms, places of worship, sports venues and many other community buildings; meals are served by the thousands in Red Cross and community shelters and from Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles. These scenes continue long after reporters have packed up their cameras to follow the newest story. "I can tell you we won't be measuring this operation in weeks," said Joe Becker, senior vice president of disaster services for the Red Cross. "We will be measuring this operation in months." The combined costs of relief efforts for Ike and its Gulf Coast predecessor, Hurricane Gustav, could top 100 million dollars. (source – www.redcross.org, www.chron.com )

I have decided to donate 5% of all purchases made on the company’s website (www.moracoimports.com) to the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Ike relief fund. My heart goes out to all of the people who have been affected by this natural disaster. I can only imagine how rough it’s going to be to get things back on track, and I hope to be able to help out a little.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Hand Painted Wood Mirrors On Sales For A Limited Time. Get Yours today!



I am pleased to announce that the handcrafted wood mirrors at MoraCo Imports will be on sale for a limited time.



Visit www.moracoimports.com for 25% off these delicately painted wood mirrors (offer valid through 9/2/08).


Friday, May 30, 2008

New Moroccan Tea Glasses Have Just Arrived At www.moracoimports.com



In Morocco, drinking mint tea (Ataí) is considered a part of everyday life, and a fundamental symbol of hospitality, and community.




Moroccan tea culture (Arabic) is defined by the way tea (exclusively green tea) is prepared and consumed in Morocco, where it is widely consumed with food. Tea occupies a very important place in the Moroccan culture and is considered an art form. Morocco is one of the biggest tea importers of the world.

It is believed that tea was first introduced to Morocco in the 18th century, and began spreading through Morocco in the mid-1800s at the time the trade between Morocco and Europe started flourishing. It is reported that Sultan Moulay Ismail received many bags of tea and sugar as gifts and recompenses given by European envoys in order to release European prisoners.

The main Moroccan tea provider remains China. According to the Moroccan trade ministry, Morocco imported more than $56 million worth of Chinese tea during the first half of 2006. Morocco is considered the first importer of Chinese green tea worldwide.

When Moroccan tea is being served. It is poured from a distance to produce a foam on the tea.
The method of preparation of Atai is relatively complex compared to methods used elsewhere. A large quantity of hard sugar cones or lumps (5 tea spoons for every spoon of tea) is used, and fresh mint is also an essential ingredient.

Tea is cleaned with boiling water before being dried, this removes dust from shipping and supposedly makes the tea less bitter. Tea and boiling water are combined, and may be boiled further for several minutes. After that, sugar and mint are added and mixed into a teapot with a long, curved spout. The sugar may also be combined with the tea and water in the first infusion, rather than with the mint after brewing. Using a traditional curved spout allows the tea to be poured into tiny glasses from a height of approximately half a meter to form a foamy head. It is then returned once or twice to the teapot for a good mix.
(source wikipedia)
MoraCo Imports' tea glasses were quite popular, and sold out quickly. I am pleased to announce that the latest shipment has just arrived full of tea glasses.



The glasses are still available in Red, White and Blue. I'm excited to announce that they are now available in Green as well!


Add a Traditional Moroccan Teapot to your order and celebrate your tea time Moroccan Style.



Place your order today to receive free shipping and a free gift with any purchase!

Monday, March 17, 2008

FREE GIFTS AND FREE SHIPPING AT MORACO IMPORTS TODAY!!!!







MoraCo Imports is launching a special customer promotion - Free Shipping and a Free Gift with every purchase!













Now is the time to add a little touch of the exotic to your home.





Go to www.moracoimports.com today!





Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Safi - The Ceramics Capital of Morocco

My mother was born and raised in Safi, Morocco. Known by the locals as "Asfi", the town is Morocco's most famous ceramics center and home of the National Ceramics Museum of Morocco.







In the northern part of the city, you'll find the "Quartier des Potiers", the ancient potter's quarter full of artisans devoted to keeping this tradition going.





During my last visit, I was so impressed by a young man who creates the most beautiful decorated black ceramics pieces.




He has a small shop in Safi's "Potter's Quarter" where he crafts unique and sophisticated Moroccan pottery. I found his style to be innovative and traditional at once.




Each piece is crafted with the utmost care and precision,... down to the last dot or groove.







If you'd like to read more about Safi, there is a great article at http://lexicorient.com/morocco/safi.htm.


Safi (French: Safi, Arabic: آسفي) is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of the Doukkala-Abda Region, it has a population of 284,750 (2004 census), but is also the centre of an agglomeration which has an estimated 793,000 inhabitants (1987).

Safi is the main fishing port for the country's sardine industry, and also exports phosphates, textiles and ceramics. During the Second World War, Safi was one of the landing sites for Operation Torch.

(source: Wikipedia.org)








www.moracoimports.com


Monday, January 7, 2008

Squidoo Article and eBay Auctions

In an attempt to get the word out about my store, I'm discovering sites that I didn't know existed where people share and learn from each other. There is so much interaction and sharing going on that its almost overwhelming, but it is exciting. I just published my first little article on Squidoo.com, its about integrating ethnic decor into your home easily.

http://www.squidoo.com/Moroccandecor

Also, for those of you who don't know, I've been auctioning some of my pieces on eBay. To Check out the items I am selling please visit:

http://myworld.ebay.com/moraco_imports









www.moracoimports.com