Trace The Lesser-Known Origins Of Lollipops - The Colourful Delights! For May 2016

Colour Stories

The sight of lollipops whisk many of us back to cherished moments of our childhood. Reminisce with us as we take you through everything you would want to know about these colourful delights!

Lollipops are one of the most diverse types of candies out in the market today. However, do you know where these sweet treats on a stick first came from? The oldest precursor to them came from ancient Africa and Asia. Archaeologists believe that ancient Chinese, Arabs, and Egyptians all made fruit and nut confections that they 'candied' in honey for preservation, and inserted sticks into them to make them easier to eat. During the Middle Ages, the nobility would eat boiled sugar with the help of sticks or handles. In the 17th century, as sugar became more accessible in Europe, the English produced boiled sugar candy treats and put sticks into them to make them easier to eat. With the birth of automation in the early 20th century, lollipop emerged as we know it today. In 1908, in Racine, Wisconsin, the Racine Confectionery Machine Company introduced the first automated lollipop production with a machine that put hard candy on the end of a stick at the rate of 2,400 sticks per hour. Around 1912, Samuel Born, a Russian immigrant invented a machine that inserted sticks into candy, called the Born Sucker Machine. Linguists say that the term 'lolly pop' literally means "tongue slap" and it is believed that London street vendors may have coined this term as they peddled these treats. Some also suggest that 'lollipop' may be a word associated with the Roma tradition of selling toffee apples on a stick. However, in America, George Smith trademarked the name in 1931 and confessed to naming it after his favourite race horse, "Lolly Pop".

Lollipops today come in all shapes and sizes. We simply love thinking back about these yummy treats that made life sweet "back in the day." For each one of you, lollipops are sure to bring back a sea of nostalgic memories with friends, cousins, family and the lovely days of childhood summers and Halloween. Almost all kids and adults have had lollipops atleast once in life. No matter what your age, lollipops are always a good option. Since we are on the topic, go have a lollipop for a sweet experience!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For May 2016

1. The relationship between car colour and safety is complex yet interesting. White is considered to be the safest car colour owing to its visibility. The colour stands out against the road, scenery and other traffic. According to studies, lime-yellow is the most visible colour on the road. However, since lime-yellow is not a popular choice, white is a more practical choice. Silver comes a close second in terms of safety. There have been various studies over the years into the correlation between car colours and accident rates, and black cars almost always top the car crash index.
2. Yellow colour is considered to be the most fatiguing colour. Yellow can lead to irritation due to excessive stimulation of the eye caused by the physics of light and optics. Some takeaway restaurants paint its walls in yellow so that customers do not stay for long periods inside the restaurant, thereby freeing up more space for other customers. It is not used in airplanes because it produces nausea. Though not scientifically proven, it is claimed that babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms, opera singers throw more tantrums in yellow dressing rooms and couples fight more in yellow kitchens!
3. Many of us spend our lives wearing shades like black, white, brown, navy and grey. We tend to choose safe shades instead of brighter ones. However, it is proven that the moment our eyes connect with brighter colours, it has a psychological effect. It triggers neurological responses in the brain, and causes the hypothalamus gland to release 'feel-good' hormones. Bright colours can improve our mood and heighten our attention span. Channel some of the power of bright colours into your clothes and use them to your advantage. In addition to that, bright colours make others around you feel cheerful as they visually absorb your brightness.

Colour Quotes For May 2016

• Color is the fruit of life

  - Guillaume Apollinaire

• Color is the pulse of the painting

  - Michele Cooper

• Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams

  - Paul Gauguin

Colour Tips For May 2016

1. The front door of your home represents you and your family to everyone. It is important that you choose a colour that reflects you and your tastes. Pick a colour that complements the other tones and coordinates with the architecture of your home's exterior. It is necessary to use the right kind of paint, taking into account the quality of the door. Bold, dark shades can be happy and welcoming but do not go overboard by picking risky, offbeat colours. It can repulse visitors, generating negative thoughts about your home. Armed with these tips, you can make your home more distinctive and attractive.
2. Window grills give not just security but also add to the décor of the house. While choosing the colour for your window grill, remember to match it with the interior of the house. Silver is a great colour as it is easy to maintain and does not catch dirt easily. White works well with any colour theme in the house though it is difficult to maintain. Dark brown is another option and is not sensitive to dirt. Though it does get dirty, it is not very visible. You can opt for a bright colour like yellow or red to enhance the overall look of the house.
3. It is important to make the correct decisions when choosing tile colours for your home. A bad choice of colour can make a room look dull. It is essential to consider the colour of the surroundings and furniture before picking colours for tiles. It is also necessary to think long-term and not compromise on its quality. Small, dark coloured tiles make a space look and feel small while large, light-coloured tiles make the room look spacious and airy. Light, natural hues work as a neutral backdrop for the décor. Beige, cream and brown tiles help create an impression of warmth.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For May 2016

1. Did you know that colour is one of the first things we think of when registering an image in our head? There is more to colour than meets the eye. It helps bring out our strongest emotions and influence us to take action. Orange is a colour that turns heads and demands attention. It is creative, youthful, and enthusiastic. It is a kid-friendly hue and has grabbed the attention of young minds across the globe. Fanta has found it easy to lure in those with a sweet tooth as orange evokes a friendly feeling and is associated with happiness and the tropics.
2. In the mind of customers, a colour is synonymous with a brand. Think of Cadbury and the colour purple comes to mind. The colour has been linked to Cadbury for more than a century. In fact, Cadbury fought a long legal battle to stop its competitor Darrell Lea from using the colour. The chocolatier, who started using this royal colour to wrap its chocolate bars over 100 years ago to in honour of Queen Victoria, fought off a challenge from rival Nestlé, which claimed Cadbury should have never been able to trademark the colour back in 2008. Cadbury believes that a chocolate in any other colour wouldn't taste as sweet!

Colours & Fashion For May 2016

The most pigmented in the dark-lipstick spectrum is black. If you thought that rebellious black lips were a new trend, you are highly mistaken. The first mention of black lipstick can be traced back to ancient Egypt, around 4000 BC! Egyptians were bold when it came to makeup and colour choices. In 1920s, during the black and white era of Hollywood, starlets used black lips for contour and drama. It was welcomed with open arms in the fashion world only in the late 1960's after David Bowie sported it. Daunting or stunning? What do you think of this look?

Colours & Gems For May 2016

1. Several centuries back, Sanskrit writings referred to Spinel as the daughter of Ruby. The bright red colour of Spinel is so closely related to Ruby that people confuse the two of them very often. In fact, Spinel is rarer than Ruby and can be found in very large sizes. It was recognized as a mineral only 150 years ago. Apart from rich reds, Spinel can be found in beautiful shades of orange, purple and pastel pink. Spinel also comes in beautiful blues, but is extremely rare. It is believed to prevent harm to its owner, soothe away sadness and reconcile differences.
2. Citrine is a bright shining gem which is like a gift from the sun. It is well-known as a prosperity stone and is also called the "Success Stone." The name Citrine is French for 'lemon', and goes well with its colour range of juicy lemon yellow to a bright orangey brown. It was used as a gem in Greece as far back as 300 B.C. In ancient times, Citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. These days, Citrine is known as the merchant's stone and is relatively plentiful. It is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

Colours & Nature For May 2016

1. The Valley of Flowers is a World Heritage Site set against the wilderness of the Himalayas. It is covered in rare and beautiful flowers that bloom during the monsoon, from mid-July until mid-August. Declared a National Park in 1982, the alpine valley has been formed by retreating glaciers that resulted in a unique smooth U-shaped valley. Numerous plants adopted themselves to the harsh climatic conditions prevailing there. It is home to the rarest flora and fauna that have adapted to the harsh geographical and climatic conditions. When the ice thaws in June, one can see a riot of colours hidden in petals of alpine herbs.
2. The Sea Apple is not a sea fruit as the name suggests! It is a sea cucumber and has a light to dark blue body with red feet. The tentacles are violet, blue and red with white tips. It can release its internal organs or a toxin into the water when stressed. It is nocturnal, spending the days in a protective ball. Owing to its interesting appearance and behavior, it is widely kept in aquariums. It is considered reef safe as far as its compatibility with other species is concerned. However, it often starves to death in display aquariums. It is believed to have medicinal value in some cultures.

Decor

Deck The Walls With Wallpapers!

Are you thinking to give your walls a new look? Wallpapers may be your answer! Read on to know why they are the best bet for you…

Blank walls can look boring but you can decorate them with wallpapers. These days, wallpapers are stylish and can brighten up even the dullest corners of the house. They can add colour, design and character to any room. Wallpapers can last up to 15 years and more, which make them cost-effective in the long run. They are also not resilient to tearing, making them an ideal option. Properly hung wallpapers are bound to last three times longer in comparison to paint. If you wish to hide any surface imperfections, wallpapers are a good idea. Wallpapers are available in many intriguing textures, chic designs, and beautiful prints such as sophisticated damask and traditional floral. They can be used to create a designer look in any space, and can also be applied to a single wall as an accent feature. They are an easy yet extremely effective way of bringing total transformation to the décor of your home.

The application of wallpaper is a job best handled by an expert. The process can turn slightly messy and demands a lot of time as well as patience. The same holds true for stripping off the wallpaper as well. A new layer of wallpaper cannot be applied on top of the current one. With the advancement in technology, latest versions can be stripped off in chunks, but remains a cumbersome task nonetheless.

Wallpaper is a one-time investment and works as your long term partner. You can try elegant or quirky wallpapers in any combination to beautify your home décor. Don't be shy to experiment with bold wallpapers in a small room. A cleverly-chosen print can really create the illusion of space in a small enclosed room. Stripes can make all the difference and give the illusion of extra height and width too. Opt for a chic hotel look by using wallpaper behind your bed, or use it on the headboard of your bed to make a statement.

Who said wallpapers are only for the walls? Think out of the box! Paper the ceiling or furniture such as plain tables, chairs or shelves with wallpapers. There are options galore. Just let your creative juices flowing and let your ideas come alive!

De-clutter Your Kids’ Bedroom!

Separating a kid from his or her clutter can seem like a daunting and never-ending task. Here are solutions to stash, store and show off your kids’ stuff.

No matter how grand your scheme is for keeping your kids' room tidy, they are sure to undo all the good work in seconds. However, if you combine better storage solutions with a few clever strategies, then you'll maximise the space in the room and keep mess at bay. Kids' room never seems to have enough space. It is vital that the décor of the room be flexible and multifunctional. Poor room arrangement can eat up even more space.

A kids' room requires storage solutions that can grow and adapt from age to age. With each growth phase come more books, toys, clothes, CDs, sports equipment and more. If the storage in the bedroom is inadequate, these things spill over into other rooms. A wise idea is to kneel on the floor and see what the room looks like from the height of your kids.

Keeping a laundry hamper is a good idea to reinforce that dirty linen does not deserve a place on the bed, floor or chair. Using hooks, wire racks, bins and dividers in the kids' closet makes sense so that there is a place for everything. If you don't have a closet for an extra dresser, design a bed with built-in drawers or at least one with under-bed storage. A window seat with storage beneath can be custom-made to echo the room's colour palette. Give your kids a small hamper to throw their towels and dirty clothes into. You can try double-duty seating where seating comes with extra storage to hold craft supplies and books. You can line up stuffed toys on top of an armoire to create a display without compromising on the space. You can convert four plastic crates into a caddy as well. You can take advantage of every inch of available space in your kids' room with built-in shelves. With these practical and simple storage ideas, you are sure to teach your kids the importance of organizing early on!

Deck Up Your Walls With Artworks!

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and incorporate art into your living room, bedroom and even bathroom! Read on to know how to go about it…

Using artwork while doing up the décor of your home is a great design opportunity. When picked up thoughtfully, the right artwork can set the mood of the room.

Choosing the right size

When choosing an artwork for your living space, the most important element to consider is its size. An artwork that is too small will get dwarfed by the furniture surrounding it and a piece that is too big will make the space look cluttered. Make sure to take measurements of the wall space available to figure how much room you have at your disposal.

Placing of artwork

We often sideline artwork and deal with it in the very last, long after the final coat of paint has dried up on the walls and all the furniture has been arranged. Big empty walls are a great focal point in any room, but sometimes floors are great too! You don't actually have to take the trouble to hang your artwork. You can simply keep it against a wall. However, keep in mind to place the heart of the piece at the level of your eyes.

Choosing colours and accessories around your artwork

Using colours from the artwork is impactful while doing up the room. Add accessories like pillows, blankets, curtains, lampshades, and bedsheets by picking out one of the secondary colours in your central piece of artwork to create a unifying statement.

Remember that not all artworks are similar. Try different mediums and dimensions to add texture to the living space. Rough textures make a living space feel intimate while smooth textures bring a sleeker tone to it. Moreover, installing artworks make the room appear finished. It works as a finishing element, making the space look and feel complete.

When used properly, artworks offer a great framework around which you should be able to plan the rest of the living space. From contemporary wall art, abstract, oil paintings to modern art, you can install whatever suits your taste and style.

Colours & Ancient Science

Feng Shui For May 2016

Aromatherapy and scents are used in Feng Shui to encourage harmony and restore balance. Read on to find out how aromas and scents have a powerful effect on the energy in your surroundings.

Scents To Feng Shui Your Surroundings!

The olfactory sense is the oldest of the five senses. It not only influences the way we feel but also affects our energy level. Unpleasant odours indicate stagnant chi while pleasant aromas indicate healthy chi flow in an area. Using a fragrance can aid in enhancing the chi of a space. In addition, it can raise your personal chi, raising the energy in your surroundings. With the help of Feng Shui, you can help awaken and direct an emotional response using scents.

Scents are effective when applied to a particular Feng Shui area. One of the ways to work with scent is through the use of essential oils. If you have to stay up late at night working on a project or studying, choose rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils. You can use essential scents like sandalwood, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang for a sensual bedroom. To calm your senses down, inhale a few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oils. You can choose fragrances based on elements such as water, wood, fire, earth and metal to maintain or restore balance. Fragrances that include ingredients like Plumeria, Lotus and Bonsai are connected to the water element and help energize business and bring calmness. Scents that are minty or resinous like Sandalwood, Spearmint, Mahogany and Cedar wood are associated with the wood element. They energize the family chi and promote harmony. The Fire element includes scents that are spicy like Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Amber. They energize reputation chi and are stimulating. Fragrances connected with the Earth element are earthy and sweet like Mandarin, Orange, Lemon, Lime and Vanilla. They are ideal for romance and relationships. Fragrances associated with the Metal element smell crisp and energize creativity. They include cucumber, jasmine and floral aromas.

Working with these scents and understanding the emotional impact of aromatherapy will help keep you and your home blissful with a harmonious flow of chi.

Reiki For May 2016

Reiki works on several levels – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. It is a holistic and truly natural system where the energy goes to where the problem is in one’s body. Read on to know how to use the power of Reiki to make your heart healthier!

Using Reiki to support heart patients!

Heart disease is one of the most common conditions we come across nowadays. Suffering from heart disease is often a life-changing, traumatic event that needs support beyond medical interventions. Reiki can be used by those with coronary artery disease for relaxation in preparation for a medical test or procedure, or recovery from a procedure or surgery. It is a boon and is shown to reduce blood pressure, making a person calmer and happier.

Located at the center of the chest is the Heart Chakra. When it is imbalanced, one may physically experience imbalances in that area of the body such as congestive heart failure or heart attacks. Emotionally, one may feel depressed (due to lack of hope), lonely, disconnected, resentful, grief, distrust in love and lack of compassion. Reiki can help in making a person more compassionate by clearing these blockages.

In 2011, a group of doctors at Yale were curious about the healing powers of Reiki in heart disease. They conducted a study to see the effects of Reiki on heart attack patients. Half of the heart attack patients were given Reiki while the other half weren't. All of them had just had an open heart surgery. The group that was given Reiki treatment healed the fastest.

In another research conducted in collaboration with a Reiki master, Reiki was shown to reduce emotional stress associated with a heart attack and reduce the risk of a second attack. It also showed that the Reiki treatments improved heart rate variability. It also concluded that the emotional state of patients who experienced heart attacks was improved.

Several studies have also shown that people feel more centred and are emotionally balanced once they start using Reiki. It has softened the grip of anxiety despite the severity of the medical condition. Facilitated by light touch, Reiki has helped return people to balanced functioning regardless of the age and state of health.

Vaastu For May 2016

Incorporating Vaastu can turn your workstation into one of the most productive spaces. Here are some Vaastu tips that you should follow at workplace for never ending success.

Vaastu at your workplace!

Vaastu-compliant surroundings render all-round success and studies show that positive surroundings in the office contribute in success of workers. A workplace with everything at the right place and direction can yield positive results. It is a good area to put the principles of Vaastu into use.

Seating arrangement

Always face the North while working as it is the direction for Kuber, the Lord of Wealth. Do not sit with your back exposed to the entrance of the office. If you sit facing north, keep your electronics and files on the left side of the table. However, if your workstation faces east, ensure that your right side is heavy by keeping files and electronic gadgets. Also, remember not to sit cross-legged at your workplace.

At business meetings, avoid pointed edges of tables. While in a conference room, negotiating with colleagues, try to be seated farthest from the main door. Choose a chair with a high back and an armrest that provides support and balance. Overhead beams or fans are believed to be inauspicious and is best avoided. Also, try not to have anything sharp and angular pointing directly at you. If you own an office, place smooth, rectangular wooden desks. However, choose a glass-topped desk if your office faces west. Remember to keep your desk in the far right corner of your cabin, in a way that it looks diagonal from the door.

Flower arrangement

Keep a vase of fresh flowers on the east side of your desk. Add a few buds in the flower arrangement as they represent the emergence of new life. Wilting petals signify gradual demise. Hence, keep changing the flowers in your vase, replacing the stale with fresh ones. At the same time, keep plants in the south-east corner of your office as it promotes financial growth.

With these Vaastu tips, you can increase your efficiency in your workplace and have a brilliant career!