Changing rooms help us decide whether to buy that form-fitting LBD or not, but what if these very changing rooms are what's deceiving us? Research proves that the lighting, mirror and decor in changing rooms sometimes change the way we look and our perception of ourselves. Halo lighting gives us a shadow free, smooth complexion while harsh fluorescent bulbs with light absorbing paint highlight all your imperfections. So the next time you decide to pick a dress, be sure to take these factors into consideration!

Indian brides traditionally wear a lot of gold jewellery while getting married. Ever wondered why? The colour gold and the metal is said to symbolize wealth and represent good health. Gold, as a hue, also equals brightness and cheerfulness. The new bride is said to have a positive influence on all aspects of the household, bringing success and wealth to the family. Gold is also a great investment and was supposed to save the new couple from any financial crisis. The gold jewellery worn is thus a physical manifestation of these positive thoughts and beliefs!

Musgravite is an incredibly precious and rare stone, discovered as recently as 1967. The name is obtained from the Musgrave area in Australia where it originates. It occurs in a few colours, out of which green and violet are most prominent. It is quite similar in colour and composition to another rare gem, Taaffeite and special tests need to be carried out to distinguish them. Musgravite is very popular amongst gem collectors and in 2005, only 8 established cut stones existed. The stone is nicknamed "Rarest of the Rare" and sells at astounding prices despite the surge in its availability.

Sapphires are well known, but have you heard about Star-Sapphires? The gem is called so because when viewed under a bright light and in certain angles, clear star or shaped rays are visible just beneath the surface due to a phenomenon called asterism. They vary in colour from blue, to various shades of pink, orange, green, grey, yellow, lavender or black. The most popular and preferred colour, however, is an intense blue. These beauties are chiefly found in Australia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. They are said to be truly powerful and are regarded as talismans to protect seekers and travellers!

Nature never fails to stun us with its incredibly vast variety of flora and fauna. But if you think you've seen it all, you've got another one coming. Every summer, a tiny village in Turkey called Halfeti, sees the blooming of a deep red rose which eventually turns into black. This is due to the unusual pH levels of the Euphrates, which waters that particular region. Black roses, also known as the Arab Bride or Arab Beauty are stunning and on their way to extinction due to moving the village 10km away where the soil isn't conducive to their growth.

Pigeons, sparrows and crows are seen regularly and differentiated between. But do you call every black bird a crow? Crows belong to the Corvidae family which includes Ravens, Jackdaws, Magpies, Chooks, Jays, Rooks and Treepies, Choughs and Nutcrackers. These Oscine Passerine species are very self-aware and intelligent and make up a group of 120 types of birds. Corvids have strong bills and a large wingspan, they are mostly blue or black in colour but there are plenty exceptions, example: the White-throated Magpie. Out of all Corvids, the common crow has the most diverse feeding habits and has adapted the best to human invasion.