The rising interest in Feng Shui across the globe has led to the increasing popularity of the Lucky Bamboo, a plant which the Chinese believe energizes ones home and daily life. As also a bamboo is enduring it symbolises man's ability to move forward in life against all odds.
The lucky bamboo which is available in most places and shops is usually a member of the Dracaena family and needs little care to flourish. However,instructions for its proper maintenance is rarely mentioned.
The plant which can be placed in any corner of the house, should be most favourably kept in either east or south east direction. Like other household plants which needs a lot of care,this small variety of bamboo needs little care- no direct sunlight,change of water often and to make sure that the water is clean enough and not salty or fluoridated which may lead to yellowish plants. You may also leave it in a jelly-like substance called polyacrylamide which will save your watering time as it helps store moisture and gradually releases it.
I was one of those lucky ones to find a red ribbon tied around its stalks which indicates fire.In other words the flow of positive energy in the house. However,note that you don't pick a four stalked group of the lucky bamboo as the word 'four' in Chinese sounds similar to death while three stalks are believed to draw in happiness, five draws wealth, seven for good health and twenty one is for overall power.
A staple in many Asian homes,this lucky easy to please bamboo plant if not a feng shui symbol can serve as an attractive decorative piece in any home.
Our first break from Bangalore with our new car(Hyundai Getz) was to the most popular hill station, Ooty, in the Nilgiri hills,officially known as Udhagamandalam. After thoroughly surfing the net for driving directions from Bangalore, what I found was that most travellers mentioned just the main cities and towns that come on one's way and not much in detail. So, we decided to set out on our own at around 6:30 am and I had a pen and paper handy with me.
We decided to take the NICE Road from Koramangala which was a toll road, with 3 stops for payment,to avoid the traffic but a small stretch of road near Basavanapura was bad but once on the highway towards Mysore, not only the road was the good but also had very clear driving directions.
The first main city we entered was Ramanagara-the Silk City and then straight to Mandya-the Sugar City. As we set out early morning, we did not have breakfast at home. So we stopped at Mc.Donald's in Bharat Petrol Station on the left side of the road for breakfast and also packed something for our way ahead so that we could save time.There are also many Cafe coffee day outlets nearby. Then we headed straight towards Srirangapatna and the straight road lead to Mysore.
There is also another long way but we wanted to explore the short route via the popular 36 hairpin bends, so we took the road via Mysore. Once you enter Mysore, you will encounter a 4 roads junction with various signs towards Ooty,Chamundi Hills and Madikeri. Go straight and and you will see a circle where there is an Auto stand. Take a right from the circle and head towards the Mysore Palace.On your left hand side you can see the St.Philomena's church. The narrow lane has many jewellery shops. Now you will encounter another 4 roads junction called the Nehru circle.You will see the State bank of Mysore's ATM on your right hand side, bus stand on your left hand side and India post in front.Go straight where you will see the Mysore Palace's entrance.Now take a left here and you will see another circle where you will see the direction to Ooty and towards right side.Ooty and Nanjaguda is 159 kms from there.
Take a left and when u see a forked diversion go right down where you can see that Ooty is 156 kms.There is The Village Resort on your right hand side and the SGS hospital.Another forked diversion from where you have to go straight.If you wish to refill your car's tank,you can do it at the Bharat Petrol Bunk on your left hand side. Head on the straight road and Ooty will be just 146 kms now.Once you cross the Thandya Industrial belt, after a few kms you will enter Bandipur,the much famed National park where both the south Indian states Karnataka and Tamil Nadu border as also the Deccan Plateau meets the western Ghats and the Nilgiris.
There is another HP petrol bunk on your right hand side and once you reach the Kabini river bridge and head towards Nanjaguda ,Ooty is just 136kms.However there is a really very bad patch of road after Gundlupet till Nanjaguda until you enter Bandipur forest area.
Yet another 4 roads junction from where you have to go straight where you can see the SBI ATM and Indian Oil Petrol Bunk on you left hand side. Go further straight and you can see the Bandipur Safari Lodge. Its recommended not to get down from your vehicle in the forest area even to take a photo as animals may turn out any moment and avoid honking lest the animals don't feel disturbed in their natural habitat.
There are various resorts in this area,the most popular ones being the Cicada Kabini Resort,Bandipur Plaza,Nilgiri resort and MC rooms. Ooty is just 84 kms from there. Once you are out of the forest area ,you have to head straight towards Masinagudi and then comes the steepest drive we ever took,the 36 hairpin bends,where one needs to be really very cautious while driving and not concentrate on anything else. After finishing them,we asked for St. Stephen's church as we were told that its almost in the heart of the Ooty town.We booked ourselves at the Holiday Inn Hotel.A left turn from the church took us to our hotel while further forward the road leads to Coonoor,the second largest hill resort in the Nilgiris much famed for its tea plantations.
Our first break from Bangalore was fun,adventurous and most importantly safe. Hope my effort to jot down the driving instructions prove to be helpful to all those who wish to explore the beautiful and picturesque town of Ooty that's sure to mesmerize everyone. And don't forget to explore Coonoor,Wellington and Kotagiri from Ooty,other popular tourist spots that has much more to offer.
I am a staunch traveller but until recently while boarding a flight,I used to be afflicted with air sickness,a type of motion sickness that is a result of clashing messages received by the central nervous system from one's body.
The common indications are:-
- vomiting
- vertigo
- headache
- drowsiness
- sweating,etc.
Because of all these problems,I often become skeptical about flying, when its time for me to pack my bags,though the initial thought of going on a vacation makes my happiness soar heights.It is then that I decided to consult a physician and overcome my aerial sickness once and for all.
What he recommended is so uncomplicated and effortless that I thought I should certainly post it for those allegiant travellers who suffer from this agonising malady.
- In the first instance,never overeat before boarding a flight.
- Request for an isle seat so that you don't feel suffocated and get a broader view of the inside of the plane.
- Do not focus on a single object continuously.
- Avoid reading and try looking at distant objects.
- Do not drink alcohol before flying.
- While landing,if you feel uncomfortable,try to tighten your belly muscles and hold your breath for some time.
- Have carbonated beverage and some dry crackers.
- Ginger tea or dried ginger strips or ginger capsules also works wonders.
- Anti-motion sickness medications work too.
- Last but the most effective way is to fly........fly more and often which ultimately helps to overcome both the fear and uneasiness of flying.
So, forget your worries of flying by trying these easy,tried and tested remedies to enjoy zooming on your flight.
I am sure I am not the only one complaining about backache and neck ache these days.There are millions around us who are suffering from muscle pains due to technology addiction.
I spend more than 10 hours in front of my computer as a result of which muscles from the lower part of my back upto my neck along with my wrists undergoes a strenuous process.It was not so severe earlier but gradually its becoming enervating. I know its high time I do something about it lest I don't become bedridden.Though embarrassing, I thought speaking to a doctor would be better and to my utter surprise it was just a few simple exercises and things to keep in mind and not a bunch a painkillers. Here's what I was recommended by my doc and I believe any and every technology zealot must abide by to enjoy a facile life.
- Strengthening the muscles is the first step in this regard by doing a few weightlifting and stretching exercises but of course under the guidance of well trained instructors.
- Not to sit for long at a stretch but get up in between and stretch the hands,feet,neck and back muscles.
- Opt for voice chat instead of text.
- Check the setup of your system.It might not be at the right angles,thereby aggravating the pain because of too much bending.
- A small doze of calcium tablets to strengthen your bones.
- Using books like dictionaries and thesaurus instead of your computer for gathering information.
I have gained a lot of relief by pursuing these simple yet reliable steps and I am sure you will too.However,if the pain still persists,visit your doctor without delay.
I have always been fascinated by Feng Shui's doing the right thing at the right place and in the right time.An ancient Chinese system of aesthetics to utilise the laws of both Earth and Heaven for improving ones' life by receiving positive energy,Feng Shui is my secret key of a blissful and popping life.
Everyone likes to enjoy a life of abundance and joy but is everyone lucky enough to relish it all?Feng Shui says 'YES'. No matter how or what,Feng Shui has a cure. This is what I have been reading and hearing all my life,so, after consulting a Feng Shui Consultant,I thought why not give it a try,if not anything at all,the beauty of my home would be enhanced.And the best part is that,even the layman can understand and apply it without making a hole in his pocket.
The Front Door was my first area of interest as the first impressions are born here.Since it was a rented accommodation,the possibility of new construction was ruled out.I cleaned up all clutter for free flowing of energy.A coat of red paint was applied to the door for attracting good fortune and lighting was enhanced so that opportunity could find its way. Besides,I placed fresh plants to draw prosperous chances and removed an artwork which portrayed aggression.
Now was the turn of our Bedroom-a place where both of us relax and unwind after a hard day's work.Everything here has to be a reflexion of pair and harmony,be it candles,photo frames,tables,lights or pillows. Energy must be able to flow freely everywhere,so no clutter underneath the bed and no electronic gadgets as well. A coat of pink paint was applied to give our bedroom that lovely look and create a romantic atmosphere.
Next came the Kitchen.We got it painted white and placed a mirror in the wall in front of the stove as it was obstructing the view of the room. I was asked to place my refrigerator and stove in such a way that it formed a triangle with the sink to prevent conflicts of water and fire. For Chi(energy) to be free flowing,I hung a wind chime and placed a plant near the kitchen doorway.
Since our Bathroom already had a coat of warm colour which helped to balance dark and damp energies, we did not have to do much to bring about changes but to make sure that the bathroom door and toilet lid were closed and some fresh plants placed to uplift energy.
The Living room forms an important part of every household, as this is where all members of the family as well as guests gather. Since different personalities assemble here,it is necessary to emphasize camaraderie and bestow considerable changes. So,keep tracking my forthcoming posts to know how you can energize your Living Room.And let me know how Feng Shui has unfolded the secrets of a fulfilling,bountiful and ecstatic life.
Do you have an insatiable appetite for shopping,and,you cannot limit you self to slightly less?And lately you have been concerned about it and want to curb your temptations? Then, here are a few guidelines from my personal experience over the years on how to shop smart.
- Women have been often synchronised with shopping but they tend to shop smart,smarter than men, as I have often seen men being reluctant of moving from one shop to another in search of better deals.If you want to get better offers than what you are getting at present,than, it is always better to go for that extra search which might save a few dollars.
- Buying from a hypermarket is advisable as it gives the consumer a chance to compare the prices of different brands of the same product.
- Signing up for frequent shopping programme entitles the consumer of special discounts.
- A list prepared beforehand of the shopping needs can limit the shopper's cravings.
- Have enough time on hand to help prevent dashing in and grabbing the first item on board.
- Being aware of the marketing gimmicks can help trim the fat off the bill.
- A quick look at the product label gives a clear picture of the product than what is advertised.
- Never throw away your bill without checking.There may be variations in prices of those products whose new or discounted price may not have been updated on the stores system.
- Keeping ones eyes glued to the system while the bill is being generated keeps the storekeeper alert.
- Impulse buying should be curbed lest you end up buying a product which is truly required in the long run.
- Never let your bargaining skills go in vain.Also,the expiry date should be checked to ensure that we avail fresh products.
It is true that a 'sale' anywhere would drive a women into an excitable paroxysm,but, by trying to curb it and by keeping these simple tips in mind we can value our hard earned money and save it for rainy days.
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