A Cauldron of Colours! For May 2015

Colour Stories

The world’s a colourful place, come explore it with us!

Be ready for a splash of colours! Green, blue, shades of violet and happiness from around the world. A celebration of colours like no other, this article will capture your imagination and leave you surprised. People from across the planet have their own unique style of celebrating the hues. Let's take a look at the various counterparts of Holi around the world.

Les Boules Roses, Aires Libres

Canadian landscape architect, Claude Cormier, created a piece that features 200,000 resin balls in three sizes and five tons of pink for the Aires Libres summer celebration that turns Sainte-Catherine Street East into a vision of pretty pink. The rows of balls are hung through the trees in nine different suspension patterns at wavering heights. A magical canopy stretching over 1km between St. Hubert and Papineau streets is stunning to the eyes. The many shades of pink turn the street into a cheerful sight!

Lei day (Celebration of Colour)

On first of May, Hawaii celebrates 'Lei Day', a celebration that is an integral part of their culture. Lei is the fragrant and colourful flower garland worn around the neck, symbolic of the Hawaiian culture. It looks beautiful and is eye candy for every colour-lover. It stands for friendship, respect and love. The celebrations are full of music, lei-making competitions, the coronation of a Lei Queen and her court, hula. From pure white tuberose leis to ornate magenta orchid ones, there is a lei for everyone!

Papel Picado

Papel Picado is a Mexican festive decoration that translates to "perforated paper". Beautiful intricate designs are cut from colourful tissue paper or plastic and are put out on streets by artists. These handmade cut-outs look gorgeous and add an artistic touch to celebrations. The colours are carefully chosen. Sky blue or pink and white stand for celebrations in honour of the Virgin Mary, yellow and white for patron saints, vibrant pink, orange and purple are the key tones for ofrendas (offerings) associated with the Day of the Dead. Shades of purple are also widely used for Easter. The colours of the Mexican flag – red, white and green – are set aside for revering the nation's patroness, La Virgen de Guadalupe, as well as for commemorating Independence Day on 16th, September. Rainbow hues are mostly used for Christmas.

Saint Patrick's Day

On March 17th, the world looks green with shamrocks, leprechauns and four-leaf clovers as Ireland celebrates Saint Patrick's day. No other country celebrates green like Ireland. The country is known as the Emerald Isle, with its rich mountains and lush landscapes that represent green in its truest spirit. Interestingly, blue was the traditional colour of Ireland and Saint Patrick. Even today, Saint Patrick's blue (a sky blue) and Presidential Blue (a dark shade) are the official colours of the Government of Ireland. The original Ireland flag as well as the current Coat of Arms and the Standard of the President of Ireland feature a gold Irish harp on a Saint Patrick's blue background. There are plenty of theories of how green took over but most agree that Saint Patrick used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans which forever linked wearing the green symbol to the holiday. But today, Saint Patrick's Day is a celebration dipped in shades of bright green and unmatched vigour.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For May 2015

1. White light contains red, blue and green light, and you can divide these colours using a prism (or looking at a rainbow). The absence of all colour is black. Red, blue and green are called the primary colours, and you get other colours by combining them in various ways. The more colour you have, the paler it gets, and closer to white. This is called additive colour.
2. Humans can see colours that don’t exist as colours exist in our brains, and our understanding of it is restricted by the limitations of our eyes. Our eyes don't perceive the light as it actually exists; the three types of cones in our retinas respond to different ranges of wavelengths, and it's the combination of those cones' responses that cause our brains to perceive specific colours.
3. The power of colour can help you in your career. The colour of your clothing for job interviews, along with your personal presentation, can have a great impact on an interviewer’s first impression of you. For jobs in accountancy, wear a suit or classic dress in a conservative colour – like navy or dark gray – with a white shirt and a tie.

Colour Quotes For May 2015

• When I haven’t any blue, I use red.

  - Pablo Picasso

• Beauty without colour seems somehow to belong to another world.

  - Murasaki Shikibu

• Colour it again, colour it again your life, if it would turn pale.

  - Anonymous

Colour Tips For May 2015

1. Not really sure about which colours will look good for you home? Just go with the 60-30-10 rule. Curious? Colours can be divided into a space in terms of a 60-30-10 percentage so that it looks appealing. The human eye tends to love symmetry and a perfect symmetry is created when colours are used in this scheme. An overall theme comes alive in the 60 percent hue, unifying the colouration. The 30 percent provides visual interest and the 10 percent provides that silver lining. A practical way to put this in use is to divide the colours into percentages: 60% of a central colour, 30% of a secondary colour and 10% of an accent colour
2. Colour schemes are an intelligent way of painting your home. Various combinations, contrasts when put together tastefully, can create magic. Do you feel like you don’t understand colours that well? Don’t fret, simply turn to the colour wheel for inspiration. Get down to choosing two main colour schemes to avoid clutter. The two types could be complementary and analogous colour schemes. Complementary colours are across from each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green, blue and yellow, or purple and orange. Analogous colours are next to each other on the colour wheel, such as yellow and green, blue and violet, or red and orange.
3. Understanding the value of colours is a good way to start. Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Poorly balanced spaces in terms of value: one side of the room is too dark versus the other side, which is light in value, is visually unappealing. Design your interior space by taking inspiration from nature and you will never go wrong. For example, the ceiling can be light just like the sky, the ground dark and the walls can be of medium colours like the surroundings.

World of Colours

Colours & Emotion For May 2015

1. In layman terms, yellow is a beautiful colour which lends vibrancy and cheer to any mood but on a deeper level this colour is associated with the widest range of emotions in different countries. It will come as a shock to many to know that a colour as cheerful as yellow is associated with mourning in the Middle East and in Greece it is also associated with sadness. Furthermore, in France it is related to jealousy while in the eastern part of the world it is associated with positive emotions, like wisdom, sacredness, imperialism and with the male form. Phew! That is quite a few emotions packed in one colour.
2. Red is the most emotionally intense colour and stimulates faster heartbeat and breathing. Hence, it is no wonder that it is the colour of love worldwide. However, not many know that red is also the colour of true love which is generally expressed with the help of red tulips. Tulips are one of the most wonderful flowers around and are an expression of cheerful thoughts. So, the next time your true love is at stake, deliver a bunch of red tulips to express the sentiments of genuine coziness and comfort in the right hue.

Colours & Fashion For May 2015

Black goes with everything, it is flattering, makes us look slim and confirms to every style need of ours and we absolutely love it! The good news is that after all the madness with other colours this last few exciting seasons, our favourite black is back in business this season! Yes, you guessed it right. Black is officially the colour of this season! Well, to be honest, black never went anywhere for us black-lovers but I am sure you are thrilled to know that all those runways and pretty stores are going to be filled with lovely little black outfits again, to make us look like a million dollars!

Colours & Gems For May 2015

1. A sparkling white pearl is a sight to behold in itself but a pearl’s utility goes beyond its adornment value. According to astrology, wearing a pearl is supposed to bring prosperity, stability and security. It is, however, important to note that the pearl should be at least two to four carats in weight and set in silver or gold. In astrology, the moon rules the pearl and those with unstable and weak moons can wear pearl to bring stability in their life and career. Pearl is also known to benefit new born children who are constantly ill. It is also important to note that pearl should not be set in combination with diamond, blue sapphire or hessonite because then it is known to be hostile to these stones.
2. The beautiful orangish red coral is a very important gemstone, especially when considering a match for marriage. However, there are quite a few rules to wearing coral. A coral meant to be worn should be round or oval in shape and never long and narrow in shape. It is also important to ensure that the coral does not have a double shade and should not have white spots on it. Also, its weight should be between three to six carats. Mars is the ruler of coral and people with Mars in their birth chart can wear a coral stone to enhance their career prospects.

Colours & Nature For May 2015

1. The cool blue of the ocean is perhaps the most magnificent hue of all but have you ever stopped to wonder about the source of this pretty colour? All of us are aware of the fact that water is colourless. So, where does this pristine blue/green shade come from? Well, the answer seems to lie in science, which says that when sunlight strikes water, the water filters the light such that red is absorbed and blue is reflected. Another reason as to why the ocean appears blue is because tiny particles in the ocean act as reflective mirrors which reflect the colour off the sky or of the surroundings ocean in some cases.
2. The river Cano Cristales in Colombia may seem like an ordinary river at the outset but rest assured there is nothing ordinary about this river. For almost one half of the year, it is like any other river but in the months of July to November, the river is transformed into a master painting by Mother Nature herself. This river is also known as “The Liquid Rainbow”, because its water is a magnificent mixture of yellow, green, blue, black and red. This vividly coloured water of the river draws visitors from all over the world and we are not surprised!

Decor

Build Your OwnSummer Retreat!

Shabby chic is one of the most popular trends ever in home décor!

Summer is the ideal time to give your house the makeover that you have been thinking of for a while now. But this is no regular makeover. We are going to make your house look classy and pretty! Today, we're talking about the famed shabby-chic makeover, which is rather quaint but cute as a button! For those who aren't aware, shabby-chic is one of the most popular trends in home décor right now, so let's begin!

Shabby-chic is a rather interesting style that combines a unique mix of antique furniture with pastel colours, lace and floral prints, which gives your décor a look of vintage and feminine appeal. The best part about this style is, it is an easy and inexpensive style to achieve. You can start with white washing your walls and adding pastel touches of powder blue, champagne pink and mauve, in the form of accent walls. Having wooden floors can add to the natural look of your home, if not, then having wooden wicker chairs and wooden benches around your house will bring out the authenticity of your style.

For the bathroom, you can pick up a quaint mirror, old soap containers in carved wood or iron caskets and other bathroom accessories with pretty carvings. When it comes to linen, buy a variety of lightweight fabrics in slightly faded colours and opt for sheer curtains for that feel of relaxed glamour. To complete this look, throw around a few junk-shop finds like folding tray tables, wicker chairs, fluffy cushions and other flea market artwork to achieve the perfect dreamy look for your home.

Glam Up Your House With These Simple Tips!

A makeover does not necessarily always mean going for a complete overhaul of your home décor, so enjoy a few simple tips that can give your house a fresh new look!

The term makeover does not necessarily always mean going for a complete overhaul of your home décor because we understand doing and re-doing your home time and again is no cakewalk. So, today we have come up with a few simple tricks which on their own can provide a fresh feel to your house without needing much work from you.

• One of the easiest ways to instantly perk up your walls is to use wallpaper on them. They can be used in different ways, like you can have your walls wallpapered from end to end or you can choose a certain section of the wall which you can wallpaper. You may also choose a single wall as a focal point or to make it more interesting, have wallpaper running from one end to another of all the walls, in the form of a thick strip.
• The more pillows you have, the cosier your house will look and feel. Always have a few extra fluffy pillows on the bed while ensuring your pillows on the couch are always in pairs. To give your rooms a fresh feel, do away with all your old and boring covers and replace them with covers in contrasting colours, patterns and textures.
• To add glamour to your bathroom décor, add pieces like a heavy cut-glass tumbler as a toothbrush holder or a pretty Victorian-inspired tea saucer as a soap dish. Finally, use an actual rug rather than a bath mat for a touch of class.
• Bend the rules and skip the sofa! It is not necessary for every living room to have a sofa, so replace yours with old world arm chairs or couches and witness your living room transform.

Home Décor For Summer!

Stow away all winter décor accessories until the next season and bring out the bright and vibrant side of your house, this summer!

Summer is here and it is time to put away all the cosy décor that you put together for winter and make room for some breezy summer home décor. It's time to throw open your windows and get rid of all the dark and artsy pieces you had accumulated for the fall. Stow away all winter décor accessories until the next season and bring out the bright and vibrant side of your house, this summer!

To give your home a summery feeling, the first thing you can do is add some organic appeal to your end table displays. Take large shells or chic trays and plant succulents in them, as these tiny plants last for a long time and do not require much care or attention, making them the perfect way to accessorize your table-scape!

Another easy way to add a dash of brightness to your summer décor is to buy a few dishes in summertime colours and patterns, and mix them with your plates and bowls. Choose bright dishes with florals and tropical pretty themes, you can also add fun elements like colourful stir sticks, spoons and paper umbrellas to create a perfect dining table for the summer!

Summer also affords you to take a walk around in your lawn or garden, gifting you with the perfect chance to add a few beautiful seasonal touches to it. You can choose from a wide variety of paper lanterns available in the markets these days and string them to tree branches to enjoy strolls till late in the night.

Brightening up your room becomes much easier with bright botanical prints on bed covers or curtains, which can make your room look wow in a matter of a few seconds. Choose a bright print but remember to keep your wall paint neutral to let the pretty prints take centre stage. Last but not the least, go all out with a flower theme and throw around some fresh flowers in bright colours around you house for that ultimate summer vibe.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For May 2015

Colours play a vital role in the way Feng Shui works, thus knowing the importance of using colours in your home based on how you respond to their energy is a crucial part of the process.

Colours play a vital role in the way Feng Shui works. Each shade enhances the energy flow and brings along positivity and prosperity for every family member. Therefore, knowing the importance and using colours in your home based on how you respond to their energy is a crucial part of the process.

Colours bring along certain energy, which sometimes is not suitable for you. Like for example, use of reds or hot colours in the living room may add to your stress. At the same time, using too much blue can end up feeling cold and uninviting. Therefore, to understand this, here's a quick-fix guide on the five elements of Feng Shui and the associated colours that draw specific energies:

Red is associated with fire, which supports life energy. It is known to increase one's heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. It also can promote activity and alleviate depression.

Blue and black is associated with water energy and helps promote creativity. Blue can slow the heart and breathing rates and lower blood pressure. It can also be used to increase coolness, to calm and to create privacy.

Green is associated with wood energy, the energy of growth, decisiveness and action. It inspires change.

Yellow is associated with earth energy, representing Mother Earth. It can cheer, give hope, clarify and elevate mental activity. It also creates a sense of stability and nurturing. Yellow is often used to help children with dyslexia improve their focus.

White and metallic colours are associated with metal energy. They support focus as well as purity.

Reiki For May 2015

Through Reiki, it is common for people to see various shades of colours, so, are these colours saying something to us or are they mere visuals?

The power of Reiki is a well-known fact to the world. It promotes natural self-healing and balances the energies in the body. While practicing Reiki, it is common for people to see various shades of colours. It is a common occurrence, though not everyone experiences it. So, are these colours saying something to us or are they mere visuals? Each colour has a meaning attached to it. Metaphysicians believe colours represent our conscious state of mind and indicate activity in an energy centre, or even the development of spirituality in a person.

Red may specify passion at the same time it could mean anger, depending on the various cultural interpretations. So then, are colours important to the treatment? The answer is no. By conferring interpretations, there are bound to be limitations to the real understanding of the practice of Reiki. We should see the colours as they are - they are energy.

Colours are important to the treatment and imply the beginning of change. You should see them as a sign of letting go, and open up further to experience the benefits and let the energy flow freely. These colours are an indication that your senses are responding to Reiki, welcome this with open arms and enjoy them. They will heal you in ways you cannot imagine.

Vaastu For May 2015

If you want the best for your family, do the best for your kitchen with these great Vaastu tips!

The adage, you are what you eat, has proven to be right time and again, thus attaining a status of importance. Going by this logic, your kitchen, the place from where your food comes, is of prime importance and the energies prevailing in this area should be a matter of primary concern. The problem many of us might face here is how to fix the energy or vibration of your kitchen. Well, consider your problems solved because we are here with a few basic Vaastu tips which will help create positive vibrations in your kitchen.

To begin with, make sure that your kitchen is placed in the south-east corner of the house because this is the corner governed by the element of fire according to Vaastu Shastra. However, if you cannot place your kitchen in the south east direction, you can also choose the north western part of the house as your kitchen. Next, we move on to your cooking gas, which should ideally be placed in the south east part of the kitchen in a way that ensures the person cooking faces the east.

Any provision for storing water and installing taps or sinks should be made in the north east corner of your kitchen. You should also make sure that your sink is placed as far away from your cooking gas as possible. The storage of all food grains and utensils should be made on the southern and western walls, while the fridge should be placed in the south west corner of the kitchen.

If you have an exhaust fan, make sure to place it in the north west corner or in the south. Lastly, make sure that there are no adjoining toilets or bathrooms to your kitchen or even above or below them. It is of utmost importance to make sure that your kitchen is positively placed and organized because it is this area which is responsible for the general health and well-being of your family. So, if you want the best for your family, do the best for your kitchen!