Dye Hard! For April 2017

Colour Stories

Human beings are always on the lookout to improve or change their appearance in some way or the other. Sometimes, those changes are simple ones such as a change in the style of outfits worn, a pair of new shoes, new jewellery, etc. But sometimes, one is gutsy enough to take the plunge for something slightly more permanent like tattoos or hair colour!

Hair is one of the most important aspects of a person's appearance. They shape the face, look gorgeous, and the right hairstyle can instantly elevate a person's self-confidence and image.

Natural hair colours tend to be shades of black, brown, red and blonde. While one often gets tired of sporting the same colour forever and seeks a change, did you know that these changes are in no way recent?

An early instance of man colouring his hair is of the Gauls and Saxons colouring their hair vibrant colours to scare off their opponents in a war. Around 1500 BC, in the Egyptian civilization, henna was used to cover unsightly grey hair. Centuries later, the Greeks and Romans used plant extracts to colour their hair too. The Romans had then created a more permanent hair dye which was later discovered to be very toxic, making them search for alternate resources with which to make hair dye.

It was only in the 1800's in England that hair dyes ceased to be as toxic or dangerous as in the earlier centuries, due to a chemist named William Henry Perkin. While his discovery of the synthesized hair dye was accidental, it forever changed the scene of hair colours, which until then had been predominantly black.

In the early 1900's, Eugene Schueller created the first chemical hair dye commercially called Aureole. This would later change to L'Oréal, the namesake of the company he founded. The 1930's ushered in the era of the Platinum Blondes. It was first seen and loved on a popular Hollywood actress, Jean Harlow. The 1950's strode even further with Clairol launching the first hair dye that did not require any harsh bleach to be used on one's hair. All these inventions led to hair colour being more and more common and increasingly accepted socially.

Now in the 21st century, there is no dearth of hair colour trends. From the Ombré trend which involves a gradual lightening of the hair from the skull to the roots, to dip-dyes which is all about colouring the lower part of one's hair a vibrant shade. The number of trends in hair colour can only go upwards from here and how!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For April 2017

1. It can be agreed on that colour is a part of every aspect of our lives, whether you're a fan of minimalism, or bolder, brighter styles like surrealism. But did you know where this frequently used word comes from? The word 'colour' is derived from the Old Latin word 'colos', meaning cover. This gradually became 'color' in New Latin. The word in Old French was 'colour' and finally, the Middle English word of the same spelling stuck. The Americans spell it differently because they retrace the roots directly back to Latin, and not Old French.
2. Were you aware of something called chimerical colours or impossible colours? These colours are imaginary colours, i.e. they don't really exist. When one looks at a dark colour for long, some cone cells in the retina get fatigued and there is a temporary change in their colour facilities. And when the individual switches from the dark colour to a neutral colour, it results in an afterimage of the opposite colours. Example, to see Stygian Blue, you have to look at bright yellow which causes an after-image of dark blue. Shifting to black colour after will cause the blue colour seem to be over the black.
3. The Greeks, despite being extremely advanced as a civilization, may not have been able to view colours the way we do. The Greek poet Homer described the sky as bronze, the sheep as wine coloured and the sea as purplish red. It is believed, keeping in mind the evolutionary theory, that the Greeks may not have been capable of seeing as many colours as we do now. Apart from this, it is speculated that their linguistic relativity and lack of chromatic distinction, may have also led to them just not bothering to identify and label colours.

Colour Quotes For April 2017

• "With the brush we merely tint, while the imagination alone produces colour."

  - Theodore Gericault

• "Colour can raise the dead."

  - Iris Apfel

• "Give freedom to colours and then you shall meet the rainbow everywhere!"

  - Mehmet Murat ildan

Colour Tips For April 2017

1. Laminates are a way to protect wooden furniture from wear and tear due to frequent use but it often jars the eye and doesn't go well with the rest of the house's décor. You can change that by simply painting the laminate. Once your surface is cleaned and primed, smooth it with fine grit sandpaper. If the surface is uneven, choose a satin finish rather than glossy. Stir the paint well and apply the topcoat with an angled brush first to cut in along the edges and then use a broad paint-brush for the remaining area.
2. When painting your home, it's important to do your homework and familiarize yourself with all the tips and tricks a pro does to ensure the finished job looks neat and professional. Lap marks are caused by uneven layers of paint build-up due to painting over partly dry surfaces. To avoid this from happening, one needs to keep the last stroke painted wet on one edge so that the next stroke overlaps the wet side before it dries out. Even out the short strokes and move backwards when necessary while not letting your roller or brush dry either because this will make it splotchy.
3. Keeping in mind the point above about wet edges, sometimes it is impossible to maintain them such as in the case of ceilings. In a scenario like this, what one can do to minimize lap marks are use a slightly opposing technique to what was used earlier. First paint the ceiling or surface area with a dry brush making sure there are feathered edges all over. Then go over the edges with a loaded roller brush and make sure to start painting in the opposite direction overlapping the earlier coat completely. This drastically reduces the number of lap edges, giving the ceiling a smoother look.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For April 2017

1. Most of us are aware that colour makes a difference to how we feel even on the most regular of days, let alone the times our senses are heightened due to external or internal stimuli. This case is intensified with those who are diagnosed with Autism, ADD, ADHD and other similar conditions. Affected individuals have problems with sensory integration, owing to which colours appear more vibrant and intense therefore making them more hyper and excitable. Cool colours and neutral shades are one's best option when dealing with a case like this, rather than opting or bright reds and yellows.
2. If you followed the recent US elections at all, you must have noticed Hillary Clinton turning up in a white pantsuit at most places. This choice is no idle one. The colour white is used to symbolize truth, peace, purity and femininity. By wearing the colour white, and a pantsuit nonetheless, Hillary Clinton firmly places herself as an advocate of female prowess and feminism while also presenting a sleek picture of strength. Thus, we see the subtle use of colour psychology once again, from preschool classrooms to one of the most powerful campaigns in the world.

Colours & Fashion For April 2017

Did you know that while summers and summer trends are usually associated with bright colours, Pantone believes that not just any bright shade will do! Yellow, the colour of the sun, is one of the foremost summer colours and this year, primrose yellow has made it to the cut of the Spring/Summer colours of 2017. Not only vibrant and eye-catching, this shade literally reminds one of the happier aspects of life and everything positive. Designers such as Emilio Pucci, Chloe and Gucci have already stocked their shelves with outfits and accessories in this gorgeous shade, when are you stocking yours?

Colours & Gems For April 2017

1. The precious gemstone spinel, commonly mistaken for rubies, can be found in Afghanistan, Burma, Tajikistan and mainly in Sri Lanka. The name is derived from the Latin word 'spina' meaning arrow. This gemstone is brilliant when well cut and ranges from transparent to opaque. It is found in hues of red, green, blue, yellow, brown, black or uncommonly, violet. While spinels sell for lesser than pure rubies or Sapphires, they are highly sought after by collectors. The famous Black Prince's ruby from the 14th century in the British Imperial Crown is actually in fact a spinel!
2. Benitoite is another extremely rare gemstone, it has been found in only one deposit in California. Discovered in 1907, this stone is named after the county in which it was found. It is often mistaken for sapphires due to its fiery blue colour and is found in shades of light and pale blue as well. Benitoites are usually cut into round brilliants because of their high refraction quality and dispersion. They are found embedded in natrolite and need to be chiselled out carefully. Its usage isn't prevalent in jewellery because of its comparative softness.

Colours & Nature For April 2017

1. You would think aquatic insects are attracted only to things underwater right? You'd be wrong then! Water insects like Coleoptera and Heteroptera, amongst others, were found to land on bonnets, roofs and windows of bright red and black cars in swarms. This is due to the phenomenon called reflection–polarization characteristics of the car paintwork. Thus, surfaces of these coloured cars are attractive to red-blind polarotactic aquatic insects, while they ignore cars coloured white, yellow, green, etc.
2. Did you know the Emerald Green Boa, famous for its distinctive hue, isn't born that way? At birth, this non-venomous variety of snake features shades of light orange to brick red. It is only at maturing, when ontogenetic coloration sets in, that their skin turns a bright shade of emerald green. This Boa has a zigzag white pattern running down its length and a pale yellow belly. They are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname and Guiana.

Décor

OUT-Standing Décor

With summer upon us, it is now difficult to just stay inside the house watching TV all day. But the outdoors can be a hassle if there is no comfortable seating arrangement. How long can one gaze at the flowers blooming while standing after all? Now is the time for some summer inspired outdoor living design ideas that not only let you make use of all that space, but enjoy it to the fullest too!

Since patios and balconies aren't the roomiest of spaces, they tend to look overcrowded. Follow these simple tips and tricks to ensure yours is a comfortable yet stylish haven ready for some company.

1. Wrought Iron Furniture
   If you're thinking about a seating arrangement for the great outdoors, the furniture has higher chances of being affected by the elements. Thus, maintaining wrought furniture is more convenient than wooden furniture since it can be wiped clean easily and is extremely durable.
2. Patio Perfect
   Patios are fantastic spaces for the family to gather and enjoy a beverage while socializing. If you happen to have a shaded patio, you can opt for a settee with brightly covered cushions and throws. Add to the cosiness by placing a broad, low table and some individual seats. You can invest in a small chandelier or some corner lamps to complete the picture.
3. Reflect the Sunshine
   One would want an outdoor living design idea that is pleasant and inviting. For this, try and pick warm colours for your patio/balcony furniture. If the base is painted white, one can go for milder shades of warm colours such as mints and ocean blues. A hugely popular shade is citrine, which pairs wonderfully with shades of brown.
4. Blooms & Blossoms
   An important factor in making outdoor seating eye-catching is the greenery that surrounds it. You may not be able to have bougainvillea artfully twisting around the patio pillars, but you can have small potted plants to add the quintessential green touch! Delicate blooms in artful vases or flowering plants grouped in bunches look delightful and lend a whole new dimension to your seating arrangement.

So buck up! Go ahead and get to work now so you can enjoy the summer in style!

New Décor For An Older Home

With all the high-rises in the city, there are still some who prefer their vintage and classic homes. How does one find the perfect balance of decorating a vintage home with a modern twist? Read on to find out!

Even though sky rises seem like the word of the century, when it comes to houses, some people are too much in love with their homes built in the colonial age or even earlier to let go of it or have it redeveloped into something more modern.

While these deep-rooted structures are undeniably gorgeous; the overarching ceilings, panelled walls and brick lay work often clash with a décor style that is more up to date and new. But then overhauling all your furniture is a costly and time consuming affair so we have compiled a list of guidelines and basic home decorating ideas just for you.

1. Consider the Era
   When buying furniture for the house, there are many times we don't consider if the styles of the article and the space are cohesive. If your home was built in a Victorian style of architecture, then buying an Art-Deco cutlery cupboard won't really go down too well. But if you do want to experiment and mix styles up, then we recommend going for sister styles, for example; Colonial-Tudor-Victorian, etc.
2. Take your Time
   Decorating an empty space means you're either bursting full of ideas, or don't have a clue how to begin. Either way, if you start filling up the house with pieces before you're fully sure, there's a high chance you'll be really dissatisfied very soon with no way to change it. Visit local flea markets, shops, and first try to draw a rough plan of how you'd want the finished result to look like before proceeding.
3. Size Matters
   Houses built earlier had the privilege of being roomy since the space-crunch of today didn't exist back in the day. As a result, they have high ceilings which give you a lot of room to work with on the walls. Consider statement pieces of artwork, tall bookcases, regal, high-backed chairs, or even chandeliers if you're really up for it.
4. Symmetry
   When in doubt, go back to the classics, there's a reason they never go out of style! While symmetrical interiors are old fashioned, there is no reason why you cannot apply this holy grail of home decorating ideas to one or two parts or walls in the house. Symmetrical décor looks extremely elegant, roomy, and well thought out.

Your home is a reflection of you and these décor tips are sure to help you gain an overview with which to work towards, making your home the perfect balance of timelessness and modern comfort, with oodles of soul!

Décor And Design For YourRanch-Style Home

With every few decades, the appearance of new styles of living and new architectural styles emerge to best suit the mood of the people and the time. This time, we cover décor designs for ranch homes…

In post war America in the 1950's, ranch homes were excessively popular for the ease, convenience and space they provided to families looking for good, quiet, suburban neighbourhoods. In India too, ranch homes are not an uncommon sight. In today's fast paced life, an increasing number of people yearn to return to the era of sprawling backyards, big, spacious homes, large windows and a simpler layout which are classic characteristics of a ranch-style house. Here are some décor tips so you can follow an outline of broad points to watch out for!

1. Keep it Casual
   This style of house was meant to be a symbol of quieter, more peaceful times where families could live in harmony with nature, or they could visit over the weekends, if it is a holiday home, to recharge before returning back to the hustle and bustle of city life. Elaborate chandeliers, marble pillars, etc. seem out of touch with the feel of the place. On the other hand, large French windows, light lacy curtains, and a collection of shrubs and plants all over is the way to go.
2. Mix and Match
   Ranch style homes have wide layouts and one continuous décor trend running through the house's exterior may seem boring. When it comes to ranch design ideas, you'd rather opt for bright, cheerful nature-oriented décor elements with colours like yellow interspersed with stucco or stone walls to give a friendly, earthy vibe.
3. Landscape
   The best part about ranch-styled houses is the space that comes with it. You can choose to keep a neat, trimmed garden with maybe a tree or two but if you have the time, nothing beats the appeal of a symmetrical, well planned landscape garden. Choose bushes and shrubs that flower prettily adding colour and life to the façade.
4. Colours and Paintwork
   Of all our ranch painting design ideas, the most important one is remembering to keep it basic and simple. Don't over decorate as it will take away from the simple elegance of a ranch home. You can choose an all-white exterior to highlight the abundance of clean lines and space, or you can choose a bold blue paint with the doors, windows and trim being a subdued, contrasting colour.

Your home is a place where you and your family can be at peace and let go of the world outside. We hope that these tips and tricks will make your ranch style home your haven too!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For April 2017

While most people are aware of the beneficial advantages of using the ancient science of Feng-Shui to their homes and workspace, how often does one realize that car rides and journeys can be made smoother and safer by following certain Feng-Shui tips too!

Feng-Shui for Cars

1. Hang a Bell: A lot of times, people take their cars to and fro on their way to work and are really tired during the drive back home. Or they are on a road trip and have been driving for long hours without a respite. Hanging a bell with tassels in this case is advised. It is better if the tassel is red as the colour symbolizes 'healthy blood' and it activates the bells' curative properties. The bell's tinkling noise has strong cleansing properties to shake off any negative Qi. The pleasant sound is also musical and helps keep one energized.
2. Keep your Vehicle Clean: Just as it is with any space, keeping your vehicle clean is extremely important for good Qi flow and movement. Regularly take out clutter like old plastic water bottles, food wrappers or tissues. If you are someone who smokes, then don't sit inside the car and smoke as this attracts negative Qi. A clean vehicle will also make the person driving it breathe easier and feel cleaner which is paramount to mental and physical well-being.
3. Use Feng-Shui Crystals: Crystals are beautiful and require low maintenance. It is one of the easiest ways to keep one's car looking attractive on the inside. But aesthetics aside, crystals are wonderful facilitators for a healthy body and mind. Apart from this, it is believed that crystals when used properly also help break up and remove stagnant Qi in the vehicle. But one must remember to first clean the crystals in purified water and only then place them close to the driver's seat.
4. Keep Cushions and Stuffed Toys: These are said to provide a soft, gentle, Yin energy to counteract the hard-hitting Yang energy from the pollution, traffic and noise outside.
5. Feng-Shui Tassels: These tassels, especially ones which carry the protective power of Feng-Shui are one of the most commonly used methods of Feng-Shui in a vehicle.

While these Feng-Shui tips are infinitely helpful and do ensure positive Qi in the car, as the driver, it is one's responsibility to also be aware and drive safely and cautiously on the road.

Reiki For April 2017

We are often guilty of saying things to ourselves that we would not tolerate from anybody else. One of the ways to put an end to this negative self-talk is by using Reiki. Learn how to go about it…

Kickstart your Day with Reiki!

Reiki provides a wonderful outlet to the negative self-talk that we sometimes subject ourselves to. Negative thoughts can be controlled from playing in our minds by replacing them with positive ones. All you need to do is start small. Try to pay attention to how you view the world in general first.

For example: "It's extremely hot today!" can be changed to "I'll enjoy the summery weather this time." You are the master of your own thoughts and it is up to you to learn how to control it.

You can move on to other negative personal things that you think about once you tackle some of the easier things such as these.

Reiki is known to be an amazing tool to help others, but you cannot overlook the way that it can help yourself. Remember that it's great to want to heal the world, but you are a part of the same world too. After all, the improvement of the world begins with the individual and the individual who makes a difference is you!

You need to be brave and start connecting with positive energy every morning. You could be extremely busy in the mornings but you need to make a choice if you wish to improve yourself. You may complain of no time in this fast-paced world but time constraints are only in the mind.

Meditation is a great way to begin the day. You can make use of Reiki symbols to change negative thoughts to positive throughout the day. If you make Reiki a priority, you will never have too little time for Reiki. You can practice Reiki even when you're in the bus, while watching television, while on the phone, or in meetings.

• To increase your personal energy, use Cho Ku Rei.
• Take a Reiki shower and wash away the negativity with Sei He Kei.
• Send distance Reiki to those who need it with Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen.
• Listen to what goes on inside your head and rectify it immediately.

The importance of a daily practice can't be stressed. Since we are surrounded all day by negative thoughts and emotions that sap our energy, a daily practice is the perfect way to fill up on this lost energy and cleanse the accumulated negativities of the day. The negativities that accumulate if we don't practice Reiki clog up our chakras, each associated with a colour, affecting our well-being. It is alright to miss practice once in a while, but not practicing for too long can have damaging consequences.

Even though a major part of the cleansing takes place in the first 21 days, the following days also add towards the cleansing. It takes around three months for the true effects of Reiki to show.

A daily practice will not only make you healthier physically, but add to your progress mentally, making you a positive individual.

Vaastu For April 2017

A hostel or dorm room is where some pupils spend most of their student life. Read to find out how you can use Vaastu to ensure your space is a positive one that enables your life to flow smoothly.

Vaastu for your Dorm-Room

A student's years are supposed to be the most important of formative years for that is when one picks up the skills necessary for the rest of one's life. In this globalized world, now more than ever, students are constantly moving from one city to another or from one part of the world to another in search of a good education. This usually means they have to live in college accommodations or hostel rooms. The ancient science of Vaastu can help those living spaces have positive vibes, maintain peace and bring prosperity.

• For increased productivity, it is best if the bed in the hostel room is kept in such a way that when sleeping the student's head faces the South direction or East direction, while the feet points towards the North or West directions.
• Try and avoid any uncovered beam in the hostel room and if there is one, then do not spend a lot of time sitting beneath the beam or have your bed under it.
• Most hostel/dorm rooms have fixed study tables that one can't move around but if possible, ensure your study table faces either the Northern or Eastern directions. The North-East is also a viable option.
• Do not place your bed in the manner that anyone opening the door gets to see it first. It should not be kept in front of the entrance.
• The Eastern side of the hostel room should have more windows as compared to the other sides so that the sunlight streams into the room in the morning. This is helpful for the student's well-being and academics.
• It is obvious that there will be at least one bookcase or bookshelf in the hostel room. These should be constructed facing the Eastern or Northern wall.
• Another factor when it comes to bookshelves is not keeping them directly above the study table.
• Lastly, ensure your room is clutter-free at all times so there is plenty of light and wind flowing through the hostel room.