The Significance of Purple-Painted Trees and Why You Should Stay Away

Many people have noticed purple markings on trees in their area, but the significance behind the color has left them scratching their heads. It has nothing to do with a community art project, nor showing support for a cause. If you come across purple paint on a fence or tree, it's a clear warning sign to keep out. Definitely take the message seriously because you could be breaking the law if you choose to proceed. Over 20 different states enforce what's called the Purple Paint Law. Homeowners are allowed to use the colored markings on their property similarly to hanging "No Trespassing" signs. Especially in rural areas, it's an easy way to warn hikers and outdoor enthusiasts that they're getting close to private land and they're not allowed to trespass. Since wooded properties can be very large in size, it's an affordable solution. Why purple? When you're in a forest full of earthy tones, purple is a bold shade that undoubtedly pops. It doesn't matter if you're taking a stroll or out hunting deer — it's really hard to miss. Plus, purple can be recognized by many individuals who are colorblind. While the color purple often is a symbol of luxury, royalty, and wisdom — in this case, it means "stay out.”

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How Red Bull Used Trash Cans to Achieve Marketing Success

It’s something people crave, something scarce, and something that we can only give so much of to someone at one time. No, it’s not money, it’s attention. In the late 1980s, that issue was faced by industry giant Red Bull. They were in the early stages of their business, with energy drinks becoming the next big trend. That, of course, led to the market becoming saturated with alternatives. How could Red Bull stand out from the crowd? Simple — trash cans. Over the span of a couple of months, a marketing team filled trash cans with empty cans of Red Bull. Their goal was to create the illusion of popularity. By filling the trash cans with empty Red Bull cans, they hoped that people would draw the conclusion that Red Bull was THE energy drink of choice. It worked, and today Red Bull holds approximately 43% of the global market share, with an annual revenue of roughly $13.9 billion.

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Mars Scraps Two M&Ms Colors After Spending Millions Trying to Replicate Them With Natural Dyes

In order to comply with the new government push against artificial dyes in foods, M&Ms are going to look a little different going forward as two colors have been scrapped. Mars, the parent company behind the 85-year-old candy, launched a new brand of M&Ms in August that uses natural ingredients to dye all of the M&Ms. While red, orange, yellow and green will still be colors found in these new bags of M&Ms, blue and brown couldn’t yet be replicated with natural dyes. Mars has spent millions and hired more than 100 employees to revamp the classic candy to meet calls from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement to eliminate artificial dyes in foods. Despite all their efforts, blue and brown can’t yet be replicated efficiently. The culprit is replacing Blue 1, the artificial dye used to create the candy’s blue shell. Mars selected the algae-based ingredient spirulina as the best natural substitute for Blue 1. However, blue requires far more pigment to achieve the same color M&Ms fans have come to know and love over the years. Attempts to use that much pigment from spirulina can clog factory machines, sometimes leading to health and sanitary concerns. The company experimented with new colors like pink and purple, but ultimately decided they didn’t look right in the classic bag of M&Ms. Mars has said it hopes to solve the problem and bring blue and brown M&M colors back in the all-natural bags by 2028.

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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn’t like a good chocolate chip cookie? This recipe makes chocolate chip cookies that are soft, chewy, and loaded with dark chocolate chips. Unlike many traditional recipes online, this recipe uses less sugar and butter, resulting in soft and chewy healthy chocolate chip cookies — plus no banana, applesauce, flax seeds or avocado are involved.

Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 
• • ½ cup cane sugar, coconut sugar, or sugar substitute
• • 1 large egg
• • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• • ½ teaspoon baking soda
• • ¼ teaspoon salt
• • 1¼ cups whole wheat, oat or spelt flour
• • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips, divided

Directions:

• • In a large bowl, add butter and sugar.
• • Beat with a mixer until creamy.
• • Add egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
• • Add baking soda, salt and flour and beat until cookie dough is formed.
• • Add ¼ cup chocolate chips and stir with spatula.
• • Place cookie dough in the freezer to chill for 20 minutes.
• • Preheat oven to 350º F.
• • Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper, silicone baking mats, or foil.
• • Scoop dough and roll into balls.
• • Place balls on prepared baking sheet, 3 inches apart.
• • Bake for 10 minutes and remove. Cookies will appear under-baked, puffy and light in color.
• • Strategically place remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips into cookies while they’re still  hot.
• • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool more.

Notes:

 

• • Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• • Cool cookies completely and place them in a resealable plastic bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

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