Northern Lights - Nature’s Fascinating Mystery For May 2019

Colour Stories

We are sure you have seen people wear Aloha shirts, popularly known as Hawaiian shirts. Have you ever wondered where this piece of garment came from? Read on to know about its interesting origin...

There are many of us out there who wish to chase the Northern lights. Witnessing these lights is on every traveller’s once a lifetime experience list and features in several must-visit destinations by travel guides. Here’s everything you need to know about these magical lights that leave us in awe with nature’s magical light dance.

Known popularly as Northern lights, Aurora borealis is caused due to the collision of gaseous particles in earth’s atmosphere with charged particles that are released from the sun. Aurora borealis, the lights of the northern hemisphere means ‘dawn of the north.’ In the south, it is commonly referred to as Aurora australis which means ‘dawn of the south.’

According to Roman myths, Aurora was the goddess of the dawn. In medieval times, it was considered the harbinger of famine or war. The Maori of New Zealand just like the Northern people of North America and Europe shared a belief that these lights were the reflections from campfires or torches.

If you have seen photographs of these lights, you will notice that there are colour variations due to the type of gas particles that collide. The most common auroral colour is a pale yellowish-green. Red auroras are a rare occurrence. Blue or purplish-red auroras are often towards the lower parts of the display, closer to the horizon.

If you thought that these light appear bright and vivid to the naked eye, you are mistaken! We use two different kinds of cells to sense light, namely the cone cells and rod cells. Cone cells detect colour in bright light and are used for vision during daytime. Rod cells detect fainter light at night but only see in black, white and shades of grey. This is why the lights appear to the naked eye in shades of grey. The light is extremely faint to be detected by our colour-detecting cone cells. Did you know that we are able to detect green easily due to physical and physiological reasons? The physical reasons revolve around radiation and the chemical composition of the atmosphere. Why physiological, you may wonder. That is because the human vision is most sensitive around the frequency of green light.

DSLR camera sensors, on the other hand, do not have any such limitations, which is why the images come out much better using professional lens as compared to our naked eyes. If you do not wish to face any disappointments in your viewing experience, don’t forget to pack your DSLR when you plan a visit to watch the Northern lights to capture the beauty of these magical lights.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For May 2019

1. Marvel is well-known for changing the core facets of its most important characters and objects. The Time Stone is no exception, it has gone through so many design and structure changes throughout its appearances in the comics and movies. The Time Stone was orange and blue in the comics, changing over time, but in the Marvel movies, it is in a vivid green. There is also some debate over it really being a stone or a gem, with some fan theories suggesting that Infinity Stones are refined to become Infinity Gems. When the golden locket of the Eye of Agamotto, that made its first appearance in Doctor Strange showed the Time Stone in a bright green shade, the comics also adapted to the colour sticking to a bright green colour.
2. Pink is said to be a palliative colour. Studies suggest that it suppresses anger and anxiety and has a calming effect. Perhaps this is the reason why prisons and mental health care centres paint their walls pink to colour the behaviour of anxious and angry inmates and patients. It is a tranquilising colour that saps your energy. Even the colourblind have reported to experience a feeling of calmness in pink rooms.
3. When you ask a child, what is the colour of the sun and most certainly they will describe it as a bright yellow or orange. Even for adults, who are a fan of sunsets or sunrises, describe the colour of the sun as a bright orange or red. However, the real colour of the sun is white. The reason why the sun looks yellow or orange to us is that the earth’s atmosphere scatters higher wavelength colours like red, orange and yellow less easily. These wavelengths are what we see, which is why the sun appears yellow from the earth but when observed from space, it appears to be white.

Colour Quotes For May 2019

• "This is a landscape that has altered my life; the house in its setting is the source of all my painting. I wish you could see the place in its Mediterranean brilliance of light and colour!"

  - Patrick Heron

• "Colour creates, enhances, changes, reveals and establishes the mood of the painting."

  - Kiff Holland

• "Colour is uncontainable. It effortlessly reveals the limits of language and evades our best attempts to impose a rational order on it… To work with colour is to become acutely aware of the insufficiency of language and theory – which is both disturbing and pleasurable."

  - David Batchelor

Colour Tips For May 2019

1. Not everyone has a spare room for a separate home office. The key is to create a multi-tasking space by carving out a clever home office that is stylish and at the same time utilitarian. You can turn a corner of your living room or even a closet into a home office with clever design, architecture and incorporating unique colours and textures. Using teal in your little home office corner can turn any space into a productivity machine. If you are in a creative sector, yellow will get your creative juices flowing. If you prefer soft and neutral spaces, pure white or even light beige will give a warm and clean appearance.
2. Love binge-watching Netflix and TV shows? We recommend dark colours for your TV walls. Charcoal, navy blue or black are likely to disappear because of their lack of vibrancy. A dark backdrop essentially causes little distraction or disturbance, which means you, will be able to concentrate on the screen more. The sheen of the walls is also equally important; opt for flat paint or shine-free colours that won’t bounce light from windows, light bulbs or the TV screen.
3. Hosting barbeque and pot lucks during the summers is a great idea to get your family and friends together for a fun afternoon. It is also a great time to try something new and step outside your usual style. Take inspiration from your last vacation, be it a beach holiday in Goa or retreat in Thailand. Mix and match exotic prints and colours and incorporate flavours and tastes that you bring back from your holiday.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For May 2019

1. Game of Thrones needs no introduction. This show drips with symbolism with many layers of visual meaning in every scene. Colours have been used creatively to convey a story. From the very first season, the makers of the show relied heavily on colours to build a plotline, for instance, the shift in the colour of the clothing of the characters like characters Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister and Sansa Stark to showcase their journey. The female characters donned black, representing their rise to power. Ultimately, black was used to depict mourning and that winter is coming. As a whole, if you observe carefully, the entire show turned darker and drained of saturated colours, representing a shift towards darker times.
2. In the early stage of improving psychology, a popular theory was making rounds regarding colours and emotions called “rose of temperaments.” This was ideated by Goethe and Schiller and was matched with twelve colours and human occupations or their character traits (public speakers, historians, teachers, philosophers, pedants, rulers, tyrants, heroes, adventurers, hedonists, lovers, poets) and categorised in four temperaments, namely choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic and melancholic. It is not actually a science but a view of how personalities can be represented by colours. This theory was considered as the starting point of modern-day colour psychology.

Colours & Fashion For May 2019

You must have seen a lot of people wear Zebra stripes or pedestrian crossing patterned clothing. We are sure you have sported this look several times yourself. Did you know that this pattern has been ruling the fashion world for more than 150 years now? If you want to know the origin of this look, you will have to rewind to the medieval times when it was a uniform for those who were condemned by the society. Fast forward to the 18th century and you will notice that it became a fashion statement. In 1846, Queen Victoria dressed up her young son in a striped suit and it has become a popular look ever since.

Colours & Gems For May 2019

Chrysoberyl
Take a look at this stunning gemstone. It is known as Chrysoberyl and is the third-hardest gem mineral. It is often confused with the beryl species owing to its name. This gem has the finest cat’s-eye. It is yellow to green transparent to translucent crystal. This gem is believed to align the solar plexus and crown chakras, blending the mind and spirit together. It has metaphysical healing properties such as balancing the adrenal glands and cholesterol levels in the body. It also helps in healing liver, chest and skin problems. It is considered the stone of new beginnings, helping you move forward in your life with positivity.

Colours & Nature For May 2019

1. Splendid fairywren
   Take a look at this bird. It is the splendid fairywren (Malurus splendens). It belongs to the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is known simply as the splendid wren or more colloquially as the blue wren in Australia. What is interesting about this bird is that the male species resembles the blue jay bird during the breeding period or is otherwise brown in colour, with a blue tail and ears. Both the male and female moult when they are ready to mate, with males showing their new blue shade. In addition to this, the male bird gathers pink and purple flower petals for the female all throughout the year, especially around the mating season.
2. Leopard Gecko
   This reptile may look fierce because to its spots that resemble that of a leopard but actually is one of the gentlest lizards on the planet. It is also one of the only lizards that have movable eyelids. As a hatchling, this lizard has bands of colour across its body that slowly fades as it matures, changing to a spotted appearance. It is interesting to note that it eats its own skin after shedding, revealing a bright colour. You can spot this lizard in yellow or white with black dots.

Décor

6 Creative Ideas For An Inspiring Grey And White Bedroom

Here's a look at creative ideas for an elegant grey and white bedroom.

Interior designers understand the power of grey and white, be it for interior wall colours or exterior wall colours. An understated neutral palette that is so versatile; you can go for a classic look and keep things looking simple and understated or add fun colour combinations and patterns using accents like rugs, chairs, throws or cushions. Whether you are aiming for a laid-back vibe, minimalistic Scandinavian chic or calming aesthetics, here are some of our favourite ways to incorporate the colour palette in your favourite rooms without it looking boring and plain.

Modern Chic

A suburban living room that features a couch, small home office and décor accents in subdued hues, including grey for a modern vibe. A simple throw, freestanding mirror and rug add a cosy vibe and the utilitarian desk is perfect for work from home days.

Minimalistic haven

Taking a lesson from the Japanese, this bedroom is ideal if you are looking for a minimalistic vibe. It exudes a micro living vibe, in white and grey accents, doing away with the clutter and junk and embracing only the necessities.

Bohemian Beauty

Bohemian style is personal, exotic and free-spirited. Bring the allure of boho to your room by incorporating decorative, chic pieces like this boho swing. Stick to a neutral grey and white palette for a soft, warm bohemian room décor.

Scandinavian Style

Minimalism meets functionality meets simplicity. We see why hygge decor style has swept the world over. Bring the distinct aesthetics to your house by using clean lines, sleek and timeless décor pieces and a neutral palette like this Scandinavian inspired living room.

Monochrome living

Creating a monochrome palette for your living room is a great idea, giving you a base design structure that you can change and adapt because it is so versatile. If you are in the mood for colour, you could add a colourful rug and cushions and if you want to create a nautical vibe, you could add striped curtains and a few sailor accent pieces. Or you could just keep it classy and simple for an understated yet chic living room style.

The power of dark

Grey might sound like a boring choice for interior wall colours, but it can actually be insanely chic or cosy, depending on the vibe you are trying to create. We particularly love this dark grey living room that boasts a timeless quality and adds a warm, inviting touch using a classic neutral palette.

5 Unexpected Painting Ideas To Try Now

We give you five unexpected painting ideas to try out now. Read on to know all about it.

When it comes to a colour upgrade, we only think of wall painting. But with a bit of imagination (and some paint), anything in your house can be your canvas, from your doors to kitchen cabinets to the flooring. Once you have picked your paint colours, it is time to use these 5 unexpected painting ideas for your next art project with these décor ideas:

1. On the doors

   A bright coloured door can add a fun décor element to your house, be it the outside or the inside. We recommend going for bold colours to make your front door more welcoming in shades like bright coral, blues, red or yellows. For the interiors, we recommend going for the same hues, keeping in mind it goes well with your living room or entryway.

2. On the kitchen cabinets

   Who said your kitchen cabinets have to be boring and dull? Add some interest to your kitchen with an eye-catching colour using paint. This can give your kitchen an instant upgrade without any major changes, perfect for home renovation on a budget.

3. On the floor

   The floor of your house is a great place to add patterns and colours and give your house a unique style statement. If you have hardwoods or even neutral tiles, you do not have to tear the flooring apart to brighten up things, you can make your existing floor look brand new by painting it.

4. Typography

   Using paint, you can create a simple and cool wall display with a personalised message. It can be an inspirational quote or something fun and clever or even a dialogue from your favourite movie. You can add a fun message to any room of your house to create any mood you wish to.

5. Refurbish old furniture

   Furniture upgrades are an expensive affair. Breathing new life into old furniture is easy, if you have enough time on your hand. First sand and prime your furniture and get ready to give your old furniture a major upgrade. You can customise and choose colours that suit your room and bring your old furniture back in vogue.

DIY Painting: Why Some Jobs Are Best Left To Professionals

Overwhelmed by house painting? Here's exactly why you need professionals to help you out.

DIY Painting: Why some jobs are best left to professionals

So, you are thinking of getting your house painted. But you are not sure where to start, things you need to consider, the right technique and method of getting your house painted. This is exactly why you need professionals to help you paint your house

Let’s face it. Some jobs are best left to professionals. People in certain types of employment are professionals for a very good reason. Be it any field, healthcare, education, architecture, business or finance. We have professionals to do jobs that they are best skilled and equipped to do.

Painting your house requires skills and professional dexterity to do an efficient job. It is definitely not easy as it looks and you could actually end up spending more money and time in the first place, risk injuring yourself and the house might end up looking worse than when you started painting.

Professional painters will use the right set of tools for the painting project. The team will use top-quality paint and good-quality brushes, rollers, and mechanised mixers, pressure cleaners for a fast painting service.

Painting the interiors of a house requires training, not only in the basic functions but also experience of chemical handling and storage, safety concerns and how to give it professional paint finish. If you decide to paint the house yourself, you could be compromising on the quality and end results due to lack of skills and knowledge and sooner or later, might have to hire a professional to do the job and achieve the quality you are looking for.

One of the primary reasons why people decide to paint their houses themselves is cutting down on the cost by not hiring a professional. However, attempting to paint your home will actually end up costing you more money. A professional’s job will be thorough and of good quality so that you do not have to think about painting for a few years.

Professional painters go through a complete training regarding safety and health factors you can’t ignore while painting house walls. You could risk getting injured from ladder accidents, causing severe back and spine injuries. In India alone, about 300 people die annually from ladder accidents, according to a report by EHS Today. Hiring a professional could save you from these threats, ensuring your safety.

Painting a house takes time, especially if you are not experienced. What will take a professional painter a couple of days to paint might end up taking you weeks and there is a good possibility you might not be satisfied with the end result, causing you more time to fix it or hire a professional to do an efficient job.

Make a smart choice to avoid a bad paint job and hire a professional to paint your house with the best interior paints. Get in touch with Berger Paints India to hire a professional team: https://www.bergerpaints.com/

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For May 2019

The use of lucky bamboo is extremely popular in Feng Shui. Read on to know how it can help enhance the quality of your life.

Using Lucky Bamboo Plant for Good Feng Shui

The bamboo plant is a container arrangement of many stalks of two house plant species, Dracaena braunii or Dracaena sanderiana. The stalks are grown in a container filled with pebbles or stones covered with water. No soil is used. Did you know that lucky bamboo may look like true bamboo but is actually an entirely different species?

The Meaning of Lucky Bamboo in Feng Shu:

Lucky bamboo is a symbol of good luck and extremely popular in Asian homes. For Feng Shui enthusiasts, lucky bamboo is considered to exude peaceful energy in your home. If you have ever wondered why this plant is known as the “lucky plant” in Feng Shui, here’s why:

1. It is hollow from inside. The pipe-like structure of the plant facilitates the movement of Chi (Qi) energy. This helps bring prosperity and abundance.
2. The hollow structure teaches us that we should let the positive energy flow from within to the world outside, calming the senses and helping you focus better.

It is also associated with all five elements – wood, water, earth, fire and metal. The best directions for you to place this plant are the East and South East.

You can have as many stalks as you wish depending on what you seek from life, but there are some traditional symbolic numbers you can follow when using a lucky bamboo arrangement:

• 2 stalks for Love and Marriage
• 3 stalks for Happiness
• 5 stalks for Health
• 8 stalks for Wealth and Abundance
• 9 stalks for Good Fortune

Even though lucky bamboo is easy to care for, it still needs your love and attention. Place it in a vase that is at least 2 inches wider than the plant. Try using as much clean water as possible. We hope you can get the best results using these tips and tap on the power of Feng Shui and the lucky bamboo plant.

Reiki For May 2019

Heard about the law of attraction? It works on the notion “thoughts become things.” If you are not able to accomplish this in your life, learn how Reiki can help.

Reiki and Law of Attraction Technique that actually works

Law of attraction is the principle that things, circumstances and relationships that fill your life are simply the end creation of the thoughts, feelings and energy that you put out into the Universe. However, it sometimes becomes difficult for us to apply this principle to our lives where we are constantly riddled by anxieties and paranoia.

For most of us, we have a constant, nagging thought in our mind that tells us we can’t achieve something or do something that want and wish for. This voice is our deeply ingrained self-limiting beliefs. If we can ignore the voice in our head and transform our limiting beliefs, nothing can stop us from achieving anything we want. So, how to go about it? This is where Reiki can come to use.

Don’t wait until the energy of discouragement builds and stops you from achieving your dreams and goals. The stronger the belief, the more it takes to shake it off. Practise the following exercise to get closer to achieving whatever you want in life:

Affirmations: This method is practised by both Law of Attraction and Reiki believers. Fold your hands in a prayer position by placing them over the middle of the chest at your heart chakra. Pay attention to your written affirmation and say this thrice, “I encounter the endowments of my assertions.” Unfold your hands from your heart and place them on your affirmation. Continue focusing your thoughts on the statement to send energy to your affirmations. Do this for about ten minutes every day.

Visualisation: The second method is visualisation. Both Reiki and the Law of Attraction practitioners believe in the power of visualisation. Find a comfortable chair to sit on. You can also sit on the floor which said to be more effective in meditation practices since you are closer to the ground. Reiki healers pen down this Power Symbol in their palms to activate the energy in their hands. Law of Attraction practitioners often declare “I encounter the power of my visualisation.” Go on with this chant by covering your head with one hand while covering your heart (centre of chest) with the other. Visualise a positive experience you would love to see accomplished. Feel the bliss in your heart of achieving this as if it has already taken place. Take time to spend at least five minutes visualising all your desires. Try to spend one minute on each of the five senses. What does your desire look like? What does your desire feel like? What does your desire smell like? What does your desire taste like? What does your desire sound like?

Try these tips if you wish to achieve your dreams and overcome everything that comes in the way!

Vaastu For May 2019

Who doesn’t like a good smelling home? Read on to know how you can work the magic of Vaastu and power of fragrances in your home.

Vaastu Tips and Tricks for Home Fragrances

When you enter someone’s house for the first time, your mind automatically creates a first impression. We often assume that our minds only register the visual elements however various researches show how we remember the unique smells and fragrances of the houses we visit. Most people remember their homes not by the décor elements like drapes or furniture but by the smell it exudes.

Fragrances are known to bring life to a place, helping it get rid of unpleasant and negative energy. A well-fragrant home appeals not just to those living in it but to also those who visit. It is also known to have many therapeutic benefits such as treating sleeplessness and headache. You can attract positive and fresh energy by making use of various fragrances. Some common sources of fragrances are sweet smelling flowers, oil diffusers and incense sticks.

Let us now take you through Vaastu tips for a fish aquarium at home in order to attract peace and wealth.

If you want to know how the principles of Vaastu and fragrances work, you will be surprised to know that it is connected with the planet Venus. The use of fragrances appeases the planet and helps in improving relationships. You can greatly improve the quality of your life by incorporating different fragrances in your home.

The best place to keep these fragrances in your home is in the northwest corner of the house. This is the direction to enhance your relationship and communication with your family members.

If you have been facing conflicts with family members, it is recommended that you add attar to a jar of holy water and sprinkle the liquid across the house. This is known to create positivity all around. If you wish to keep negativity at bay, burning camphor in the house is a good idea. A great way to improve the aroma of the rooms in your house is by burning essential oils such as lavender, jasmine, chamomile and eucalyptus.

Try these tips out for a sweet-smelling home!