Time for re - invention for a BETTER YOU... October 26, 2012 12:25
Every so often, when I’m reminiscing with old friends, I hear myself saying, “Oh, my gosh, that was at least three lifetimes ago!” And in fact, I have invented at least that many lives for myself. I started out as a daily newspaper journalist, then spent several decades in academia, and now I’m a life coach. I’ve always been eager to call for a “Do-Over!” And I’m not alone. Working moms are challenging the old rules of the corporate workplace. Boomers are changing the face of so-called “retirement.” Record numbers of women are switching careers, or becoming entrepreneurs. We are less willing to settle for life as usual. Are you ready for a Do-Over!? Are you feeling the flutters? That’s what I call a barely noticeable case of the butterflies, a primordial sense of excitement or curiosity. The flutters are what launched me into coaching women. Or maybe you’re feeling stuck - grounded on the runway without a flight plan or sufficient fuel? Whatever is prompting your Do-Over!, make sure to give it the preparation it requires. When I coach women in the midst of a transition, I see four common pitfalls. Don’t let these mistakes derail your reinvention: Poor Planning: You can't wing a Do-Over! Big or small, it needs to be thought through ahead of time with at least the same consideration as you plan a meal. Not only do you need to consider the step-by-step pragmatics of change, but you also need to consider how you will handle the push-back you may get from your family, friends, or co-workers. Going Solo: Speaking of push-back, you’ll need to assemble your dream team. It takes a village to send a child off into life, and it takes another village to reinvent an adult life. So surround yourself with positive people who understand your dream and will help make it a reality. Some team members will keep you emotionally energized along the way, and others will step in at crucial moments to offer you guidance and advice. Confused Purpose: Wouldn't it be lovely if each one of us had a big idea for changing the world and started our own nonprofit to implement it? But the reality is, not everyone has to change the whole world. Purpose isn't just about doing something. It's also about being something. As Victor Frankl said, "We can endow our lives with meaning by embracing our circumstances with dignity." Meaning isn't something we find; it's something we make. Or, if you prefer Joseph Campbell's way of looking at life, it's simply about feeling alive. So don't insist on finding a grand purpose that isn't yours just because you think you "should." Make it authentic. Insufficient Passion: Similarly, you've got to find what's really yours to love, even if the rest of the world doesn't value it. No one gave a hoot about French cooking in America before Julia Child decided to share her passion for it. A Do-Over! challenges us to the core, so you’ll need to possess an excess of passion to get through those inevitable rough patches.
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Re invent the LOVE' this Dussera... October 23, 2012 17:51
With outrageously busy schedules and heavily taxing work pressures, what could be more relaxing than an amazing holiday with your partner? Sometimes you’re just too accustomed with a boring daily routine that you just tend to ignore relaxation and rejuvenation. And who at such times could be better company than your partner? A well planned holiday even to the nearest island or town with your loved one could be just the ideal way to sit back and let yourself loose. Even if it lasts just for the weekend, a good holiday maybe just the right thing that you require to charge you up for the next few months. So, while working non stop for long hours and months, it would definitely be a good idea to take some time out and plan a good holiday with your partner. Here are a few tips you could keep in mind while you’re planning this little sabbatical. Time to say goodbye to phones and laptops:Work can take a backseat now. This is the time you’ve taken out to sit back, to enjoy and to let loose. Given the fact that you’re with your partner, make sure you both spend some quality time with each other doing things that you both love doing. It would be foolish to carry your laptops and attend business calls while you’ve decided to break free. So, be sure to bid farewell to these gadgets for a while as this time most definitely belongs to your partner. Pamper yourself and your partnerIt’s time to de- stress and let your hair down so it would be a good idea to go in for a head massage, a good foot reflexology or a spa. After busy work schedules, the best you could do is pamper yourself and your partner with a good spa or a massage. Get romanticIf you’re on a holiday with your partner, he/she must feel special and important. This is the right time to bring the Romeo’s and the Juliet’s out in you. For the gentlemen, it would be great if you could make your lady a meal and dine together in candlelight. The ladies could use scented candles or essential oils and incense in your bedrooms. The relaxing scents are sure to put you in that proper mood and relax you. ChocolatesBring out the child in you and gorge or just play on with mouthwatering and delicious chocolates. Chocolates can lighten up the spirits and are sure to destress you. Long walks or long drivesWhile with your partner in a different destination, what could be better than a long walk or a long drive if you have the facility of a car? If not, then a long walk too can do wonders and is yet again a great way to discuss, to talk or just look around together. CoffeeChatting in the night over a cup of hot or cold coffee can again bring out a number of topics that you may not discuss every day. So, it would form the ideal base for the perfect conversation. Lie down, enjoy natureIn your daily busy schedule, you tend to ignore the beauty of nature and the innumerable things that she has to offer. So, relax, feel the breeze, breathe in the fresh air or just lie down on the grass beneath the trees and enjoy nature.
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Dussera, the festival that depicts our Culture October 22, 2012 15:41
Dasara (Dussehra, Navaratri) is one of the most famous festivals in India. According to the Hindu calendar it is celebrated on the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha ("bright half") of the month of Ashvin (Ashwayuja). In the western calendar it is sometime in September or October. In 2012 Dasara is held on the 24th of October. In some parts of India it is celebrated for 10 days. The word dasara comes from „dashhara“ where „dash“ means ten and „hara“ means defeated. During Dasara people who have Golu receive many guests. Women wear silk saris (Kancheepuram Pattu Pudavais), jewelry and some jasmine flowers in their hair. Dasara is a chance for kids (younger than 10 years) to dress up in the evening as Krishna, Radha, Andal, Meera, Pattu Mami and other characters. On the 9th day of Navaratri (Saraswati Puja), special pujas are performed as offering to Goddess Saraswati. She is the divine source of wisdom and enlightenment. She is also the goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. That is why people put some books and musical instruments in the puja. Kids love Saraswati Puja as on this day parents tell them that they do not have to study. As part of „Ayudha Pooya some tools are also put in puya. Puyas are performed for clean and decorated vehicles too. The 10th and final day of Navaratri is "Vijayadasami". People believe that on that day good finally beat the evil. Hindu God Rama (Ramachandra, son of Dasharatha - The King), beat Ravana in the Ramayana. The day marks new beginning in life. Business people who sign a deal on that day are especially happy. Teaching at schools, formal training in music, dance and other art forms start on this day. Vijayadsami is also a day when teachers are honoured. Everyone expresses hope for the successful Golu next year. After that the Golu is dismantled and put away till the next year. In the evening of "Vijayadasami", one doll from the "Golu" is symbolically put to sleep. The Kalasam is moved little bit towards North. This symbolize the end of that year's Navartri Golu. People pray and thank God for being able to complete this year's Golu. On “Vijaadasami” people in city of Mysuru (Mysore) located in the state of Karnataka, with population of some 53 million, in the south of India organize a special procession. The procession includes the idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari riding in a golden Ambaari (elephant-seat). The state of Maharashtra, with population of almost 97 million, is located in the west coast of India. In this Indian state Dasara is celebrated on the 10th day of the Ashwin month according to Shaka Hindu Calendar. In the western calendar it is sometime around October. On the 10th, last day, of Dasara idols put at the beginning of the festival are cleaned with water. This last day of Dasara is also a day of victory by Lord Rama over Ravana. People visit each other and exchange sweets.
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Harmony in relationships... October 20, 2012 15:26
There is no denying that we are social creatures. Even the most introverted among us must admit that we need social interaction. We need it for practical reasons to do the stuff of life and fulfill our physical needs. More so, we also need it for emotional reasons. We need to connect and interact; to feel a sense of camaraderie and love. However, somehow mixed into the beauty of what we wish to glean from these interactions, our relating to others sometimes goes awry. Irritation, anger, sadness and all sorts of emotions that feel less than wonderful come up at times even with the ones we love most. So, what do we do to ensure that disharmony does not reign on our relationships and interactions?·Don’t take things personally. If someone is snapping at you, saying mean things or just being an annoying, unpleasant grouch to be around, realize that this is their “stuff” playing out. If you choose to absorb it, you’re making their problem your problem. Shield yourself with an imaginary symbolic shield to protect yourself from their bad mood. It’s amazing how tensions deescalate when one side chooses to not absorb the bad mood of the other. It allows the individual to proceed objectively in the interaction and it doesn’t allow a fight to ensue. ·Eliminate your expectations. I’m not even going to say lower them, just eliminate them all together. When we place expectations upon people, we chain them up inside a box which traps and suffocates them. What this means is that we don’t get to know the essence of the person, we get to see only certain sides that meet our expectations. Essence=depth. Only seeing fragments of a person= shallowness. Do you want your relationships to be deep and real, or shallow? Expectations hurt both sides, because not only do they trap the one who has the expectations placed upon him/her, but they also limit the individual who is placing those expectations on others to have relationships that truly spell freedom for themselves. Can you be completely free when you don’t allow others to be free around you? ·Don’t judge. This is the next step beyond eliminating expectations. No matter what comes up or how a person treats you, don’t place judgments upon them. It’s okay to evaluate an act to maintain your own sense of dignity in asserting that a certain act was disrespectful. However, if you’ve judged the person for the way they have acted, you have again closed them into a box. People can change and we don’t know the motivating sources for their actions. ·See the light in the other person. Look, we all have our bad days and we all make mistakes. The key is that if we want people to accept us unconditionally even as we falter, we need to do the same for others. See that divine spark in others, even when they seem to be shooting emotional arrows at you or are irritating the heck out of you. ·Recognize when it’s time to turn away. You’re the most important person that you need to care for on this planet. Turning away from someone doesn’t mean that you don’t necessarily love or care for them anymore, but that you’re taking care of yourself. If a situation is too harsh and taking its toll on your system, even if you have protected yourself with that symbolic shield, it may be time to take a step back. We need to realize that we can’t change people. We can only give them the space to grow and receive love, but we can’t be there for people at the expense of our own well-being.
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He loves you… he does not loves you? October 20, 2012 11:25
One of the most interesting and yet difficult thing to find out is if your guy is interested in you, loves you or not… Interesting as this is a matter related to heart. Difficult because you still not sure neither proposed to him, nor did he to you. Yet, there is a interest to know what is running in his mind about you… let me jot down some examples below. If at least more than 3 of them are matching to that of a behavior of your Man, then you can be sure on going ahead with the next level in your relationship with him; If a man really cares about you, he becomes creative in showing how much he loves you. As the object of his affection, you will know whether your man is going the extra mile to show you how much he cares for you. On the other hand, if you find yourself doing all the work and the romance, you may be in for the harsher realties of unrequited love. Does your man call you when he says he will? Does he show up when he days he will? If your answer to both is no, isn’t it time you ask yourself why you are putting up with him? Answer to yourself to know the best answer that would suit your situation. Simply said, he accepts you as a total person with all your imperfections and failings. He may have fallen in love with you based on first impressions that you failed to sustain but he still accepts you, just the same. I am not talking of big bucks or impressive gifts. Generosity is a relative term and should be applied relatively. If your man does not earn a lot of money, he may not spend a lot, but when he does, you will sense his joy in giving and making you happy. On the other hand, if your man does not give you gifts or insists that you pay halfway all the time even if he is financially capable, you can assume that he isn’t looking at you as a partner yet. I hate to be literal about it, but it’s the only way to take it. A man who is seriously committed to you will no longer be romantically interested in other women. If he believes in “keeping his options open”, you can assume he is not yet set on you. A man who has wandering eyes and openly admires other women even when you are together is not only uncommitted, he also does not respect you. You can consider leaving him permanently to give him time for his wanderlust. He wants to know what is going on in your life, in your studies, in your career. He supports your ambitions and encourages you to pursue your dream. If your man does not even know what you do, looks bored when you tell him stories about your life and your friends, he may only be interested in himself. If your man calls you only to cancel a date, or worse does not even call you, he is not your man. If he is as involved as you are in your relationship, he will call you frequently, for the most mundane reasons, just to let you know that you are “connected” and that he is thinking of you. If your man does nothing but criticize you or put you down, ditch him posthaste. I am not saying that he should have nothing but praises for you. But if his words and actions are all meant to put you down and make you feel bad about yourself, you are better off without this man. Words like “You are ugly”, “You are fat”, “No one else will take you”, “You are so stupid” are very harmful for your self-esteem and will have negative long-term effects on your psyche.
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How to avoid falling in love at workplace! October 18, 2012 16:20
Are you getting attracted to someone at office? Are you unable to focus on your work over the same? If the answers are yes, then you should understand that your emotions are taking toll on your career. In case you want to focus on work and are confused as to how to go about it...then here were present you quick tips and best life style, which would make you a happy person and a committed player at office . Take a look.... Control your emotions:One should understand that emotions can be tucked deep under the layers of hearts. It's possible by everyone. It just needs will power. Be balanced always. Never get carried away by films and try to imply the same in lives...you would undoubtedly burn your fingers. Also, one should have good respect towards work. When work becomes your worship then no beefy bodies or lavishing beauties can play big before your eyes. Never share:Never share your emotions with your colleagues. You should be professional. Sharing things with friends and colleagues will make people sympathize with you, which will not only add fuel to the fire but can even make you a weak person (in terms of emotional levels). Quotes:If you are still unable to focus on your work, then try going through good inspirational quotes. If possible try writing a good quote on your desk every day and keep looking at it whenever your get distracted. This should work out. Busy:Keep yourself very busy. Remember, you come to office to work (not just to earn bucks), to shoulder the responsibility and to make the instincts of your boss come true. There's something called social life outside the work place. Why bring it into office and spoil your future? (AW Phani)
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Navraatri's importance in our lives... October 16, 2012 15:11
No matter, how modern we are, think and live, but we still beleive in our tradition and follow the same... let's know the importance of Navraatri and Durga Puja... The First Three Days of Navratri The first three days of Navratri are devoted to the worship of the Goddess Durga. This is the period, when her energy and power are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to a different appearance of Durga. Kumari, which signifies the girl child, is worshipped on the first day of the festival. Parvati, who is the embodiment of a young woman, is worshipped on the second day. The destructive aspects of Goddess Durga symbolize the commitment to acquire triumph over all the evil tendencies. Hence, on the third day of Navratri, Goddess Kali is worshipped, who represents the woman who has reached the stage of maturity. Fourth to Sixth Days of Navratri When a person acquires triumph over evil tendencies of ego, anger, lust and other animal instincts, he/she experiences a void. This void is filled with spiritual wealth. For the purpose, the person approaches Goddess Lakshmi, to acquire all the materialistic, spiritual wealth and prosperity. This is the reason why the fourth, fifth and sixth day of Navratri are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi-the goddess of prosperity and peace. Although the individual has acquired victory over evil tendencies and wealth, he is still deprived of true knowledge. Knowledge is required to live the life of a humane, even though he/she is prospered with power and wealth. Therefore, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. All the books and other literature materials are gathered in one place and a 'diya' (earthen lamp) is lit in front of the deity, to invoke the goddess and seek her blessings. Till the time the books are kept at the puja room, the students would not study. Seventh and Eighth Day of Navratri The seventh day is dedicated to worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of art and knowledge. Prayers are offered with an aim to seek spiritual knowledge. A 'yagna' is performed on the eight day. This comprises of a sacrifice honoring goddess Durga as well as bids her farewell. The sacrifice or offering is made out of clarified butter (ghee), rice pudding known as kheer and sesame seeds. Ninth Day of Navratri The ninth day is the final day of Navratri celebrations. It is also known as 'Mahanavami'. On the day, Kanya puja is performed to worship nine young girls, who have not yet reached the stage of puberty. These nine girls symbolize one of the nine forms of goddess Durga. The feet of girls are washed to welcome the goddess and show respect to her. The girls are offered a set of new clothes as a gift from the devotees at the end of the puja.
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Sings of True love in a relationship October 15, 2012 12:39
True love may be hard to define, but the signs to read true love can be clearly seen in every perfect loving relationship. If you’re in a relationship and want to know if you’re experiencing the purest form of love, use these 12 signs of true love to find out for yourself. Give and take in love. You give to the relationship wholeheartedly, without any desire or expectations of getting something back in return from your partner to justify your actions. Pure happiness. Just watching this special person smile or laugh out loud fills you with intense happiness, even if you’re suffering or having a hard day. Pain and anger. You get terribly hurt when your lover upsets you, but their actions never anger you. You may get annoyed or frustrated now and then momentarily, but you just can’t stay mad at them for long because staying mad or giving them the silent treatment hurts you more. Sacrifices. You make sacrifices for their happiness or wellbeing, even if they may never realize it. The right effort. You go to great lengths and make an effort to improve the relationship, and play a conscious part in trying to please your partner and make them feel loved and special. You can’t ever hurt them. When you’re truly in love with someone, you can’t even imagine hurting them, emotionally or physically. Payback is a strong human instinct, but true love makes you completely selfless. You keep your promises. When you make a promise to them, you stick to your word even if this person will never find out if you broke their promise. When you experience true love, your moral conscience becomes very strong when it comes to this one special person. We. In a perfect relationship, it’s good to have your own space to grow as individuals. But at the same time, if you truly love your partner, you’d see them as a part of your life. When you think of your future, you can’t help but see them by your side. You share their burden. And you do that even if you don’t really have to. You can’t bear to see this special someone suffering. If they’re dealing with some issue, you’re always willing to offer them a helping hand even when you have your own difficulties to look into. Pride and jealousy. You beam with pride when they achieve something, even if it’s the same thing you failed at. You may get jealous of a friend who outdid you, but when you love someone, jealousy never enters the picture. Suffering. You’d be willing to suffer, just to see them happy. Their perspective. Everything you do, you keep your lover in mind and think from their perspective, be it about planning a surprise party or hanging out with your own friends after work. You don’t ever want to hurt your lover, so you always think from their point of view before making any decision that involves them in any way.
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Banyan Tree Hotels To Launch In Kerala in 2013 October 13, 2012 12:11
Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts announces the launch of Banyan Tree Kerala in 2013. The resort's debut marks the first property in India for Banyan Tree Group. Notable for its unique setting on a private island in the backwaters of southern India's most iconic state, Banyan Tree Kerala is an all-pool villa retreat to explore the traditions and daily rhythms of a bygone era. Located on the private island of Nediyathuruthu in the Alleppey district of Kerala, Banyan Tree Kerala is an hour south of Kochi International Airport and a 10-minute boat ride from the resort's private jetty in nearby Vaduthala. Framed by the palm-lined picturesque backwaters for which Kerala is renowned, the resort offers an idyllic setting to discover the beaches, canals, lush tropical greenery and Ayurvedic therapies that have garnered the state a high ranking on countless "must see destinations" lists around the world. All Pool Villa Retreat Each of the resort's 59 villas features a private pool and expansive views of the surrounding waterways and canals. Boasting local architectural accents of gabled roofs and carved wooden facades, the villa interiors showcase indigenous materials such as coir- a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconuts, ornamental wood carvings, paintings and frescoes as well as Kathakali art, referencing the traditional and highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama from Kerala. World Class Facilities Banyan Tree Kerala features the Group's first dedicated Ayurvedic Centre which offers personalised consultations by qualified Ayurvedic doctors. A Gymnasium and Yoga Pavilion enables fitness-minded guests to continue their routines while on a holiday. A library and game room offer cosy corners to get lost in a good book or play a game of backgammon or chess. The resort's kids club features activities to amuse children, with unique classes in Kathakali face painting. The Activity Island, situated just five minutes away from the main resort, is home to a multi-purpose deck that can accommodate groups of approximately 150 guests. The Banyan Tree Gallery showcases unique items sourced from local handicraft traditions and materials. Dining Banyan Tree Kerala offers an array of dining options. South Indian cuisine, with its emphasis on rice, lentils, dried red chillies and coconut, along with a healthy dose of tamarind, garlic and ginger, is available at the All Day Dining venue. The Group's much-lauded Saffron restaurant features Thai cuisine, contemporary design and a gueridon service where ingredients for classic green and red curries are presented, prepared and served tableside. The Pool Bar offers a swim up bar and refreshing cocktails. The Spa Cafe features a menu inspired by the tri-dosha concept of Ayurveda and was created with the input of Ayurvedic practitioners. Special dining experiences includes dinner aboard a local palak boat typically used by royalty on which Keralan fish curry and a variety of other traditional dishes are served. Guests may also dine atop a specially built tower, the tallest point on the island, while admiring panoramic views of the resort
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Does your handbag is filled with the essentials… October 10, 2012 12:39
Now, time for a quick check to peep into your handbag and see if it has all or at least some of these essentials... however, 'essentials’'differ from person to person though; 1. Instant Stain Remover or Wipes These two should not be missed. Instant Stain Remover helps to remove the spill of drinks or food on your beautiful dress, while wipes help to remove the sticky feel of the sweet drinks and clean the stains or dirt on your shoes immediately. 2. Safety Pins This is also one of the most essential of "Things To Bring". It can help to close broken zipper on your dress, or missing buttons, or even to tie back the broken necklace. 3. Transparent Nail Polish (top coat) If you wear stockings or tights to the party, this thing must be taken with you. Fine lines that suddenly make their own debut in the stockings or tights that caused by sharp objects scratching will certainly ruin your look. Immediately take a small bottle of transparent nail polish (top coat) into your clutch and apply right where the lines appear. Amazingly, it can also help to glue the buttons back! 4. Rubber Eraser Never skip a party without dancing… Sometimes when we get too excited at the party, we let loose and dance the night away. Extreme movement will possibly cause the cushion-earring-backs to fall or lose. It’s a big no-no to crawl to find it in the middle of a party, don’t you think? This time, you can rely on rubber eraser to save your day. Cut it small to replace the cushion-earring-backs for a while. Problem solved! 5. Paper Soap Your zipper suddenly stuck? Do not worry, ladies! Take a piece of paper soap and gently rub it on where the zipper stuck. Within seconds, the zipper can be pulled back completely. 6. Fashion Tape If you want to wear sexy dresses like a deep-V-neck dress without wanting to let any “accident” display your assets, make sure the piece fits your body perfectly. If necessary, tape it with the Fashion Tape to prevent wardrobe malfunction. Make sure you bring extra tape in your the clutch, just in case… 7. Band Aids If your shoe is hurting your feet or if you want to cover a cut, a Band-Aid will always come to your rescue. Always keep one or two.
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Ways To Decorate Your Home This Fall October 09, 2012 10:48
If you are one of those who loves to decorate your home, then here are some of the hottest trends to decorate your home this fall. Moreover if you keep decorating your home according to the changing seasons then, it adds a certain zing to the entire decor of your house. It also elevates the mood of the people living in it. Curtains- Put up curtains of hot hues like orange, golden and green this fall season. And make sure that their length is long enough. This will make the room look bright and lovely. These are the basic trending fall colours. And yes be careful not to decorate your home curtains with whites and black. This will make the room look dull in a bright season. Flowers- Keeping the room filled with bright coloured flowers might just be considered as one of the best fall trends to go with. You may keep a vase full of bright red, yellow, violet or pink flowers in the room. One vase each in the dining and drawing room is an essential part of fall decor. And if you have bright walls then you may also choose lovely white blossoms for the room. Cushions- Be it a cushion on your bed sheet or the sofa all need a revamp for a good piece of fall decor. To decorate your home a better way this season get some shimmering and bright coloured cushions. This will add an extra grace to the room's decor. Wall Patterns- In case you are eager to change the patterns on your wall for a complete fall decor or make over then it is better that you opt for some floral patterns on the wall. This is one of the fall decor trends that is extremely 'in'. Bedsheets and Sofa Fabrics- You do not need to put on a bright coloured bed sheet or sofa fabric. Put on light shades rather so that the other pieces of bright room decoration that you have opted for gets prominence. Or else, the room will look too clumsy to stay in. Lights- As for lights for a proper fall decor in your home try some hanging bamboo lanterns from the ceiling of the corridor or the living room of your house. This will give an ethnic touch the the whole decor and make it look all the more sober. All of them are very useful home decor tips that you can easily put to practice. Make your home more beautiful this season by using all these tips at home.
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From the Pros: How to paint interior walls October 07, 2012 10:22
Painting an interior wall might seem like an easy design fix, but like most home projects, it's more than a quick job. "Most people think that painting over a wall with a light color only needs one coat," says Philip Storey of Redhill Painting. "But that's rarely the case." Wall preparation, painting techniques, and the type of paint and finish all affect the result. Here's the scoop from four professionals on what you need to know for your next painting project. Painting a light color on walls. Test the color you're considering on your existing wall. Look at it in natural light, in artificial light and at night. "Light colors, such as pastels and shades of white, require significant natural light for the color's natural undertones to shine through," says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Testing the color can also help you figure out how many coats you'll need to cover the old color properly. Next, prep the wall accordingly. Fill nail holes, sand rough spots and spot prime any dark marks so the surface is even and ready to paint. A few of the professionals we talked with also recommended cleaning the wall with a mild soapy solution and rinsing them carefully. You'll also want to make sure the wall is sound--if the paint is peeling or there are any structural problems, you may want to consult a professional. Now it's time to paint, and technique is important here. "Generally roll top to bottom from one side of the wall to the other end," says painter Alex Davison. "I know you'll want to finish quickly, but rolling across will just leave marks. Finish one section and on to the next--a little like cutting grass." Use at least two coats before moving on. Painting a dark color on walls. "Painting dark colors is more difficult and less forgiving than painting light colors," says Storey. Be prepared for three coats of paint-sometimes four-to get the proper dark hue on your walls. Deciding whether or not to prime is often an issue with dark paint colors. "When doing light to light or dark to dark, you don't usually need primer," says Rick Watson, manager of product information at Sherwin-Williams. Otherwise, you'll want to use a high-hiding primer that's designed for the material you're painting. Jordan recommends using a gray-shaded primer to help reveal a color's depth. "When a primer is tinted to the right shade of gray, light absorption and reflection find a harmonized balance, offering maximum top-coat coverage and great hiding and color vibrancy," she says. Again, painting technique is important. "Darker colors are fuzzier and are more likely to leave marks where they dry faster," says Davison. Since these colors can bleed, paint carefully and quickly. "Be more methodical than you would with a light color, as roller marks can be more apparent with a darker color," says Storey. He recommends using a roller with a shorter nap (3/8 inch to 1/2 inch) to make sure the paint is applied smoothly. Be careful not to put on too much paint in one coat, which can look uneven when it dries. Choosing a finish. "When it comes to finish, beauty is in the eye of the beholder," says Watson. However, you can also choose a finish based on the room's purpose. Flat finishes--including matte and eggshell--are generally best for ceilings and walls where you want to hide any imperfections. "With flat paints, you can get by with a lot more," says Watson. Flat paint's matte finish also does well with routine cleaning, making it a good option for less frequently used spaces, like formal living and dining rooms. "The angular shine of flat finishes helps make walls smooth and washable, simply with a damp sponge," says Jordan. However, glossier finishes--including satin and semigloss--clean even more easily, which is why they're often recommended for higher-use spots, like kitchens, bathrooms, trim and cabinets. "These paint formulations traditionally produce the toughest and most stain-resistant finishes," says Jordan. The glossier the finish, the more imperfections can be seen in the surface and your paint job, so Watson recommends using a high-quality brush with glossy paints.
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