Action, Camera, Lights! For June 2017

Colour Stories

Used often during festivals, fairy lights burst onto the décor scene around a decade ago on social media.

Used often during festivals, fairy lights burst onto the décor scene around a decade ago on social media. Tiny bulbs most popularly a pale yellow or bright gold colour were draped around bedposts, trees, on walls, around Pinterest projects and the world cooed in awed wonder. They looked completely magical and everyone fell in love. But did you know the Earth has its own fairy lights too? Much bigger, brighter, and bolder than anything human beings could manufacture, then again, we wouldn't expect any less from grand Mother Nature!

These natural vibrant dancing lights are, in reality, collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun as they enter the earth's atmosphere. The lights are seen in both the northern and the southern hemispheres, above both poles. They are known as 'Aurora Borealis' in the north after Aurora, the goddess of dawn and Boreas the Greek god of Northern air; and 'Aurora Australis' in the south since the term 'Australis' means 'of the south.' The lights are more commonly called Northern Lights in local parlance but the term Aurora Borealis was first coined by Galileo in 1916.

These lights seem to appear in many colours although they are most commonly seen as pale pink or green. People have reportedly spotted hues of red, yellow, blue, and violet too. The lights span across the sky in a variety of patterns such as curtains, arcs, streamers, ripples, shooting rays, patches, or scattered bursts of light.

So why do these auroras occur and what makes them do so? They are produced when charged particles from the sun's atmosphere (in the form of protons and electrons) collide with Earth's upper atmosphere where they lose their energy. The resultant ionization and excited state of these particles lead to them emitting lights of multiple colours then visible to the naked eye. It was in the 1950s that solar winds were discovered as the carrier of the charged particles from an opening in the sun's atmosphere. Auroras occur in a band called the 'auroral zone' which is around 3-6 degrees wide in latitude and around 10-20 degrees wide at the geomagnetic poles.

The most common colour seen is a pale greenish-yellow hue which is caused by oxygen molecules located approximately 60 miles above the Earth. Completely red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen, while Nitrogen is believed to produce blue or reddish-purple aurora.

'Auroral Oval' is the term given to regions currently displaying these awe-inspiring displays of light. Parts of Alaska, certain towns in Canada, Scandinavia are all great spots from where to view these lights as they are close to the poles. Auroras are blocked by the polluted skies and the sheer amount of light emitted by modern cities so your best bet is finding a remote town and setting up camp there for the night. It will be the best camp you will ever go to since the showstopper is literally out of this world!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For June 2017

1. Were you aware of the fact that 26th March is celebrated as Purple Day, which is an occasion when people dress in purple to raise awareness for Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a condition where the nerve cell activity in the brain is disrupted, leading to seizures. The colour purple is associated with epilepsy awareness as it has a connection to the hue lavender, which apart from being a colour, is also a traditional herbal cure used by patients of epilepsy.
2. Do you know that in a lot of sports, the yellow card signifies a penalty? A penalty card is shown as a warning to penalize a player or the entire team. In track events, a yellow card indicates a false start, in football, a player can receive two yellow cards as a warning before his/her third reprimand leads to disqualification. Referees hand out yellow cards to players based on their on-court behaviour and the rules of the game.
3. It's usually easy to put colours into a category but did you know that the colour red often gives conflicting messages? Red means 'stop' and 'danger' when used on signs and fire extinguishers and signals, yet it can also stand for romance, love and lust and is often also used to symbolize seductiveness and/or a rebellious streak of behaviour.

Colour Quotes For June 2017

• Red protects itself. No colour is as territorial. It stakes a claim, is on the alert against the spectrum.

  - Derek Jarman

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

  - Kiff Holland

• Colour is a human need like water and fire. It is a raw material indispensable to life.

  - Fernand Leger

Colour Tips For June 2017

1. When choosing the paint colour for your child's bedroom, ask yourself this question; would you want your kid's room to reflect an active and vibrant energy or a calm, peaceful, and restful feeling? You must be careful not to over-stimulate your children with extremely vivid hues as constant and prolonged exposure to really bright colours leads to headaches, irritability, temper, unrest and even a bout of fits in extreme cases.
2. A paint job might seem easy but there are a billion things to factor in before beginning. Firstly, take a slightly damp cloth and wipe the surface area clean, wait for it to dry and then cover the furniture in the room, floor, etc. with newspapers or tarp so that the paint doesn't stain. Once you are set, the first place to paint should be the ceiling since it touches the wall and the extra paint falling or dripping over a wall isn't advisable. It is best to use a roller brush with an extended handle for longer projects.
3. If you want to go for an unconventional paint job, stencils are a beautiful option. They are normally made from acetate or cardboard and can be bought easily. Water-based paints dry quickly and are the most user-friendly for stencils. Use a small amount of paint on a special stencilling brush and dab into the stencil. You can also opt for stencil crayons or spray paint. You can apply a coat of flat colour, or create a three-dimensional effect by concentrating colour around the edge of a design.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For June 2017

1. Colours are linked to various emotions and emotional responses based on the feelings they invoke but did you know that different hues of the same colour are assigned different meanings? While green as a whole is associated with growth, harmony, fertility, etc. light green is taken to be a restful colour and dark green symbolizes money, ambition, and greed. Green also suggests a lack of experience and is almost universally the colour used to symbolize "go". Olive green is the hue that symbolizes peace traditionally.
2. Did you know why a lot of Call-to-Action buttons are orange in colour? Orange is believed to enhance a feeling of vitality and joy. Similar to red, it is a colour that grabs attention easily and shows an energetic quality but it is not as strong a colour as red. Orange is a more balanced shade and while it stands for boldness and strength, it also symbolizes friendliness. It is an inviting colour and is said to increase productivity in the workspace too!

Colours & Fashion For June 2017

The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a themed gala each year which pushes the boundaries of fashion and lets celebrities and socialites experiment with colours, textures and styles galore. This year, the theme was Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons. Rei Kawakubo's designs unleash the gates of creativity and have inspired decades of designers. Choosing to work with stark shades initially, she has now included other colours in her repertoire fusing them with cutting edge designs that are her forte. Her aesthetic is wearable abstract fashion and the best example of that on the red carpet was Rihanna!

Colours & Gems For June 2017

1. Were you aware of the fact that the semi-precious gemstone Bloodstone is not really the colour of blood? The official name for this stone is Heliotrope and it is actually a shade of dark green with small flecks of red due to hematite. The name Heliotrope is derived from the way in which the stone reflects light. It was called the Stone of Babylon by Albert the Great and there are many tales which believe it to have magical properties. The Bloodstone is found primarily in India and also in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, Australia and the US.
2. While Quartz is a well-known stone, did you know about a type of Quartz called Aventurine? It has a glimmering surface and is most commonly green in colour. It is also found in shades of orange, yellow, brown, blue, and grey. The stone derives its name from the Italian phrase 'a ventura' meaning 'by chance.' Aventurine is popularly used in jewellery and figurines due to its glistening appearance. The stone is found in India; particularly the South. It is also found in Chile, Spain and Russia.

Colours & Nature For June 2017

1. Did you know that in horses, grey is not the colour of their coat but a modifier of their natural coat? A grey horse can be born any colour but is mostly either a really dark, jet black or a chestnut shade. Even though the colour is a dominant gene, it can take years for the coat to fully turn grey and even that starts to whiten as the horse's age increases. Many people mistake grey horses for white ones, but the trick is to check the colour of their eye and skin beneath the fine hair.
2. While most us have been irritated by ants or have had to take precautions to avoid getting bitten by them at one point, do you know there actually exists a type of ant called the 'Yellow Angry Ant? The ant was introduced to Australia accidentally and has caused vast amounts of ecological damage. It has been nicknamed the Yellow Crazy Ant because of the erratic movements of its legs when it's disturbed. It is also called the long legged ant or the Maldive ant.

Decor

Wall Décor Ideas for Perfect Interiors

Just as paintings look incomplete if you focus on just the object and don’t pay attention to the background, so do homes look unfinished if their walls are bare of any adornment.

Just as paintings look incomplete if you focus on just the object and don't pay attention to the background, so do homes look unfinished if their walls are bare of any adornment. While it is true that walls are present for structural support there is no reason why you cannot jazz them up! Whether it is framing your favorite pictures in an arrangement or using simple washi tape hacks, here are some amazing tips to beautify the walls of your homes, from luxurious ideas to budget-friendly ones!

1. Mirrors
Gilt-edged and ornate mirrors lend a beautifully rich touch to walls and make the room feel a lot more spacious too. Adjust the size and placing of the mirror according to the size of the room, and make sure it reflects a statement décor piece or something spectacular. Mirrors above the fireplace, or floor length borderless mirrors placed near potted plants look fantastic too.

2. Wall-Sculptures
There may not be enough space in your house for a full sized sculpture, but what is stopping you from picking up fascinating wall-sculptures? You can choose from a vast array of options be it African tribal masks or abstract sculptures or figurines from flea markets. Group multiple, small sculptures in a pattern or go with one center piece!

3. Wall Hangings
If your home has a more bohemian, fun vibe to it, one brilliant interior wall idea is putting up wall hangings. These are made from a variety of textures such as wool, silk, knit crochet etc. You can choose to have an illustrated wall hanging, or a more kitsch one which incorporates multiple pieces of fabric and threadwork. You can also wrap the wall hangings around hard canvas boards and nail them to the wall for a more polished look.

4. Artwork
Art need not be made by avant-garde artists or the most popular landscape painters. Art can be anything you love, in any medium. A pretty cute trick is to frame pictures of kittens and puppies in pastel, wooden frames. The world is your oyster!

5. Collectibles
This one requires a little more prolonged effort than the other tips. But it is something that will look beautiful and is completely personalized. Many people have collections of plates, stamps, coins, etc. You can decide to either frame these in bunches, or hang up your entire wall with stunning porcelain/other collectible plates from your travels over the years.

There you have it! Five compact, mostly easy to accomplish interior wall ideas that will make your home look wonderful and well designed.

How to Make Your Home’s Exterior Look Better

Whenever one thinks of design and décor, it is always the interior of the home one focuses on. But the truth is that the exterior of the house matters just as much; if not more.

Whenever one thinks of design and décor, it is always the interior of the home one focuses on. But the truth is that the exterior of the house matters just as much; if not more. The exterior of your home is the first thing people will see and in a row of homes well done up, letting yours fall into a state of disrepair will make you look like a callous homeowner. The exterior of your home also requires regular upkeep since it is the part facing the external elements. Here are some outdoor wall décor ideas for your home.

1. Reuse Old Furnishings
If you have leftover wood from previous redecoration efforts etc. you can finally put it to good use. You can sand and smoothen out slim pieces for an even effect to them before making a simple pattern and using it as a textured faux façade on one of the walls as a statement look.

2. Window Planters
This idea works best if your windows have coloured frames but even if they don't there isn't any reason to fret. Window planters are a wonderful solution to the maze of concrete jungle we all live in. They're your chance to have a spot of greenery at home which is convenient, pretty and easy to maintain! Choose planters that flower and consult your local nursery before selecting the seeds that yield the best results.

3. Old Window Grills
Scrounge the flea markets and antique shops for unique wrought-iron window grills. You can either use them on your own windows, or just hang them up with some lights in front of an exposed brick front. If you are using them as window grills on your windows, try to select grills that match closely in colour but aren't necessarily the same. The mismatched grills will give a quaint and fun look.

4. Mosaics
Mosaics are a fun way to brighten up any surface and are most commonly used on garden tables or pool bottoms etc. They are used in multiple patterns and designs such as flowers, fishes, scenery etc. But instead of making a mosaic tabletop, you can create the mosaic on moderately heavy surface and frame it on the wall instead. They're very eye-catching and are sure to be the topic of conversation with your guests!

There you have it, four fantastic ways to brighten up the exterior of your house while not burning a hole in your pocket!

Glam Your Home With Grey

In the world of home décor, professionals and enthusiasts have waxed eloquent about every colour, hue and shade there is and the merits and demerits of choosing the right colour.

In the world of home décor, professionals and enthusiasts have waxed eloquent about every colour, hue and shade there is and the merits and demerits of choosing the right colour. But the colour grey has been curiously neglected and it is only in the last couple of years that we have seen its rise from an understated, subtle accent colour, to a part of the main colour palette.

People perceive colours in certain ways according to socialization, association, psychology etc. For example, red is considered bold and a sign of anger, blue indicates power and depression etc. But when it comes to grey, nobody is very sure where it can be placed. The colour is actually surprisingly versatile and has multiple undertones so it can be incorporated in a lot of décor styles. Here are a few examples of how to use modern colour schemes for living rooms, bedrooms or anywhere in the house.

1. Light and Airy
Whatever misconceptions you have about grey being a dull, boring colour it is time you got rid of them. Using a cool tone of grey such as light ash grey or a blue-grey with bright citrusy colours will give your room a beautifully balanced look. Pair this colour scheme with white accents such as white side tables or a footstool and your living room will appear straight out of magazine advertising chic comfort.

2. Metallic Glam
One thing to keep in mind when using an unconventional colour such as grey is that the normal rules don't apply. Metallic greys are best paired with cool dark hues such as navy blue or oxblood red but deciding to lend the colour some warmth by pairing it with ochre yellow or subtle tones of copper won't go amiss either!

3. Get Earthy
One way to perk up or tone down a grey colour scheme is to experiment around with the accessories. Warm grey tones like fossil grey on sofa sets looks amazing combined with jade green pillows and a wicker table. Choose lighting which plays up the undertones of the hue chosen.

So there you have it, three stylish ways to incorporate the coolest colour of this side of the decade into your home's colour palette the next time you want to opt for modern colour schemes.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For June 2017

Professional success is an important part if one wants to advance in their career. Here are a few Feng Shui tips that can help to increase your professional stability…

Find Professional Success with Feng Shui

In this day and age, with thousands of applicants for every job and at least hundreds better qualified or equally qualified as you, it's extremely difficult to reach and maintain a level of comfort in a job. One has to constantly be on his or her toes, on the lookout for the next big challenge. This can be very stressful for one's health. Feng Shui has tried and tested ways in which one can ensure not just professional stability, but success also.

Below are some Feng Shui tips that you can use to increase the inflow of positive vibes into your workspace.

• 1. Activate Your Bagua
  The Bagua area is a Feng Shui area map that is used to use apply Feng Shui rules to any particular area. The North direction governs your career and you can activate it by placing articles related to your present or dream career in the northern side of your cubicle. Example: If you are an aspiring author, display pictures of successful authors in your office.
• 2. Let Water In
  Water in Feng Shui brings the elemental energy of an essential force. If it's not possible to have running water, have a painting or picture of flowing water, rather than still or turbulent waters in the Northern side of your office.
• 3. Positive Encouragement
  Nothing gets the spirits up more than a kind or encouraging word, and there is no reason why you can't give one to yourself. Hang up posters or plaques with supportive quotes in your office or your role models/idols.
• 4. Clutter-Free Area
  Feeling neat and in-control in as important as being it. You cannot feel on top of your game if your work-space is messy and cluttered. Keep things in its proper place. A clutter-free area enables the positive chi to flow freely without obstructions.
• 5. A Well-Lit Workspace
  Brightness and optimism go hand in hand. A dark office where things are not seen clearly is not good for one's spirits or any positive vibe. Lights are good Feng Shui for your office Bagua area but you have to ensure they are not sticking out like sore thumbs such as huge chandeliers in small offices. They need to fit in well with the rest of the décor and not call much attention to themselves.

There you have it. These easy to follow Feng Shui tips will definitely aid in having a more positive workspace conducive to success!

Reiki For June 2017

Alternative therapies are becoming popular in the world of professional sports to deal with all kinds of pressure and to also treat injuries. Read on to know how Reiki is a supportive training aid for athletes…

Reiki In The Sports World!

Reiki works as a great tool for pain relief, on-the-spot stress release and to boost energy levels. The recipient remains fully clothed, in a sitting or standing position, while the practitioner lightly places his/her hands on a sequence of pressure points on the body.

This is a safe and gentle process that works well along with other training methods and treatments. It offers absolute relaxation and has deep restorative effect on the targeted areas, thus resulting in a quicker recovery rate. It is believed to reduce further injury with regular treatments.

From a scientific viewpoint, Reiki is believed to produce results on an electromagnetic level. According to the latest research, it seems that Reiki acts to electromagnetically 'jump-start' the body's own healing process. What this means is that Reiki makes the body experience a truly restful state, where breathing becomes slower and deeper, enabling oxygen to reach all the important organs and cells of the body. The blood circulation improves and toxins and blockages are removed. The mind and body is balanced owing to the free-flowing energy.

Many footballers, Rugby players and golfers have incorporated Reiki into their lifestyles to feel good, play, compete better and improve their overall performance. Reiki enhances confidence, memory and intuition. Therefore, the players are more likely to improve their performance and win.

Some see colours and also experience a surge of emotion, whereas some don't feel any change immediately. However, it is believed that the healing energy of Reiki is always sent to the place it's needed and is therefore called 'smart energy'. Whether you are an athlete or a trainer, Reiki is believed to give you a competitive edge for performance and success.

If you are a sportsperson, we hope this article was useful and gave you insights into what Reiki is and how it works. Try it now to stay on top of your game!

Vaastu For June 2017

This month, we cover Vaastu tips that make your home an elderly-friendly environment, read on to find out how to create a comfortable ambience for the elders in your home…

Vaastu Tips to Make Your Home Elderly Friendly

The elderly in our homes, be it our parents, in-laws or other relatives need extra care and support for them to be able to lead a healthy life past a certain age. To ensure longevity, one tries to monitor their food intake, see to it that they get enough exercise, take their medicines on time, etc. But how often does one think of ways to make their surroundings more positive or favourable to good vibes?

Here are some Vaastu tips to help make your home a place where your elders can be healthy and happy.

• Try and keep the South-West side of the house elevated. This will help them feel more in control regarding their place in the household and also manage it whenever needed. It keeps a check on their health, and decreases other problems too.
• Avoid giving them rooms which face the South-East or the North-West. This can lead to short tempers and incessant fights, while the latter leads to a higher chance of them falling ill.
• If they want to have a bookcase or shelf in the room, keep one on the western side or along the western wall, especially religious books and literature. It is very important to have sufficient natural lighting for all ages, but the elderly need it the most. Ensure the eastern side of your home has big windows and lets in plenty of sunshine.
• The eastern side of the house must be slightly low and sunken. Constructing staircases or bathrooms in this direction leads to a Vaastu-Dosha and will make the children of the home disobey or disrespect elders.
• When it comes to wall colours or decor schemes, avoid using extremely bright and vivid colours for the bedrooms of the elderly since this makes them unsettled and anxious. Colours such as pale yellow or cream are preferable. Alternate choices for colour schemes are pale green and off-white.
• The furnishings must not be too dreary and must make the room feel lighter.
• The head of their bed must face in either the southern or eastern direction.

With these few dos and don'ts, you will find it a lot easier to take care of your elders and make their days pleasant.