Coloring Each Season with Healthy Food

 

What is your favorite food? While some dishes are enjoyable year round, there are a few seasonal treats that we crave in certain months. For instance, with autumn comes a taste for turkey and pie, especially apple and pumpkin. Winter seems to taunt us all year long with reminders of sweet cookies and hot cocoa. Spring is alive with fruits and vegetables that are coming into season, and summer is the time to grill meats and eat cold treats – like Popsicles.

Regardless of what season we are in, crave-worthy foods find ways into our homes. But we don’t reach for them because of taste alone; these are the foods that color each season. Baskets of jams in winter and bowls of fruit in spring become colorful, edible kitchen décor. But no food colors a kitchen better than fruits and vegetables.

Delectable greens, vibrant berries, plump tree fruits and unearthed veggies add color to each season while sparing us room in our waistlines.

Take a journey with us through each season, reviewing the tantalizing treats that come into our homes each year.

Summer

On a hot summer day, you probably find yourself cooling off in the kitchen. With a berrylicious ice pop in hand, you can treat yourself to a low-calorie, colorful treat.

In a recently released cookbook, “Vibrant Foods” author and photographer Kimberly Hasselbrink features “Summer Berry-Coconut Milk Ice Pops.” Add a splash of color to your freezer and bear the heat with this healthy sweet.

Fall

The rich colors of fall are best found in nature. One type of fruit has colors to match the many autumn hues. Harvested between August and November, a vast variety of apples line grocery stores each year. Pies, sauces, and salad accoutrements are all places where apples appear during this colorful season.

Winter

Winter blues seem to strike in the earliest months of the year. During this time, it’s tempting to let holiday sweets carryover into daily diets, but cutting out these cravings is easy with colorful, homemade soups. Tomato bisque, broccoli-cheddar soup and hearty stews are recipes that add splashes of color to this dreary time of year.

Spring

When the earth comes alive again with thawing temperatures and spring rains, fruits and vegetables begin to appear again. Bringing color into the home and shedding the holiday pounds is simple with green leafy vegetables. In addition to making salads, begin using lettuces to cook and present food. By adding lettuce to sandwiches and garnishing main dishes with the edible green, you can sneak in the vitamins and cancer-fighting qualities while adding a burst of green to every meal.

Food is a part of our daily lives no matter what season we are in. Enjoy rich colors, textures and flavors that complement each season.

Which foods do you like to eat in summer, fall, winter and spring? Share which treats infuse your kitchen with color and add health to your life.

Read more Segmation blog posts about color theory:

Food Never Looked So Good

Thanksgiving Scenes Influence Art

The Stories Behind Holiday Colors

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Sunflowers are Summer’s Glory

Are you enjoying the act of gardening this summer? Do you like to water plants, till soil, and watch flowers sway with a warm breeze? What does your garden have growing in it this time of year?

Sunflowers are a main attraction in many yards. Helianthus (as they are scientifically known) seem to catch everyone’s attention. They are popular because of their unique appeal. The flower is commonly associated with happiness because of its unusual height and brilliant color.

The tallest growing flower, with potential of reaching between 8 and 13 feet, is a summer favorite in North America and throughout the world.

Cheer Up Your Garden

Has this summer inspired you to add more color to your life? If yes, consider cheering up your garden with sunflowers.

There are many types of sunflowers you can plant. Some grow taller than a person and develop bright yellow blooms the size of dinner plates. Others come in shades of orange and red.

With tall stems and large, colorful blossoms, sunflowers are known to be useful too. They can create a natural fence to block a neighbor’s unsightly yard and distract from the view with pops of color.

Why Plant Sunflowers

Sunflowers are native to North America but can be found all over the world now. They are easy to maintain and can begin growing within six months of planting seeds. In addition, seeds can be planted up to 100 days before freezing temperatures strike. Any seeds that fall on fertile soil (as this is important for sunflowers) may surprise you by shooting up quickly next spring.

When autumn begins to sweep in, you can cut the head of the flower off a few inches down the stem. Hanging it up in an airy place to dry will produce many seeds. You can gather the seeds and use them for cooking or save them to plant the following year.

Interesting Facts about Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only a beautiful addition to any garden, they are also interesting. There are many surprising facts about sunflowers. Wet your curiosity with these four truths. Then, learn more by reading this blog:

• A single sunflower is made up of thousands of flowers joined together- each pedal represents one flower.
• Sunflower heads track the sun, which is correctly known as heliotropism.
• Sunflowers are the national flower of Russia.
• The tallest sunflower grew to be over 25 feet tall.

Sunflowers are summer’s glory. There are many ways you can express your creativity this season, and many mediums that allow for artistic expression. Gardening can be a canvas to those who like to be outside in nature.

Yard work does not seem very artistic at times, but think about it this way: no two gardens are the same. By all means, get outside and create your unique art garden this summer.

Read more Segmation blog posts about Gardening:

Garden Art Knows No Limits

Where Urban Life Meets Natural Art

Tulipmania Art

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Summer Sand Castle Challenge

Are you looking to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer? Do you want to combine fun, physical activity with creative art projects? Have you thought about visiting a beach?

Building sand castles is the epitome of summer fun. If you think sand castles are child’s play, think again. Some adults make the most of this summer hobby by taking time to create sandy sculptures of fine art. With advice from a pro, you too can use sand as an art medium.

This year, challenge yourself to create the biggest and best castle you can. Use this article to help you combine summer fun and creative expression. Let’s first get some advice from a professional sand artist.

Kirk Rademaker – Professional Sand Artist

Kirk Rademaker is a carpenter by trade. He made his living by working with wood but spent his weekends building massive sand sculptures for fun. The longer he worked at his hobby, the more impressive his sculptures became.

These days, Kirk earns his big paychecks by creating one-of-a-kind sand sculptures. He designs unique sculptures for private parties, business events, and birthdays. Some of his unique art has even been used for Hollywood movie premiers and contracted by famous people like Dustin Hoffman.

Tips for Building Your Own Sand Sculptures

You may not be a master like Kirk Rademaker yet, but if you are inspired by his story, and interested in creating unique sand sculptures, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Always use moist sand – sand from the tide line is suggested.
• Create a mound of densely packed wet sand – there is no such thing as too much water.
• Work from top to bottom – it is easier to take sand away then to add it.
• Purchase a sand castle kit – this will include the tools you need to carve fine detail into your sculptures.

If you live near a beach or plan to travel to a tropical climate, try taking on the summer sand castle challenge. Segmation is interested in seeing pictures of your sand castles. Be sure to snap a shot with your phone or camera and share it with us on Facebook.

In the United States there are many official sand castle competitions that take place throughout the year. Attending one of these shows is an excellent way to expose yourself to unique art.

Where have you seen creativity expressed this way? What did you think of artwork made from the medium of sand.

Summer is the season to be outside, active, and creative.  Whatever art projects you take on this season, be sure they are one of a kind.

Read more Segmation blog posts about Creative Summer Activities:

From Sand Castles to Sand Sculptures

Beach Fun

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Image made available by  Joe Dsilva on Flickr through Creative Common Licenses.

Beach Towels: Where Art and Function Meet

Fun in the sun is what summer is all about. Whether you enjoy bronzing your skin, laying in the shade, diving into a pool, or wading through salt water waves, your beach towel is sure to get a lot of use this season.

If you like to express your artistic style, having a one-of-a-kind towel is one way to make a splash. This type of beachwear comes in numerous designs, colors, sizes, and fabrics. Therefore, finding a towel that is both artistic and functional is a breeze.

Beach towels are sold at most retailers during summer months. They range in price and design, and serve most purposes. If you want to make a statement with your beach towel, it may involve shopping around. Below are some ideas and links to help you begin your search.

Be Unique

A different approach to beach towel design is to purchase one with a famous work of art printed on it. Complex Art+Design shares 10 unique styles that include abstract art, expressionist art, funny quotes, and everything in between.

You may want to hang your new towel on the wall rather than take it to the beach. Have no fear; these one-of-a-kind beach accessories are durable, washable, comfortable, and ready for sand and salt water spray.

Add a Splash of Colorful-

Every summer season brings a fresh roll out of vibrant beach towel designs. This year is no exception. Beach towels are often associated with bright colors and bold designs. While you want to be unique, it is essential to have a beach towel that shouts color. Stripes, polka dots, animal patterns, sea shells, or any other bright, bold designs host colorful accents well. Bright, Bold & Beautiful wants to set you in the right direction by sharing where you can find these sorts of beach towels.

Get Creative-

Did you know that your beach towel can serve multiple purposes? DIY crafters are getting creative with beach towel projects. Martha Stewart is showing her audience how to embellish towels with tic-tac-toe boards so they can play games by the water. Also, some Kentucky crafters offer tips on how to sew old beach towels together to create one large, water absorbent picnic blanket. Read more creative tips in this article.

Find Something Functional-

While creativity and color are great characteristics for a towel, functionality is king. A couple traits people look for when shopping for this summer staple are size and fabric. Find a towel that is long, wide and absorbent. Towels come in all shapes and sizes, and are made of numerous types of materials. If you want to learn more about what type of towel is going to serve you best, Thirstytowels.com has more information on this subject.

A beach towels can be a great way to display your artistic side. Enjoy the summer sun in style this season. Be unique. Get creative. Celebrate color. Enjoy comfort. With beach towels, you can truly have it all. 

Read more Segmation blog posts about Summer Fun:

What are your Summer Colors?

A Summer Activity for Leisure Days

Create Fun, Everyday Art by Tie Dying

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Image made available by bionicteaching on Flickr through Creative Common Licenses.

Who Creates Color Trends?

The color wheel remains constant while color trends come and go. Each season brings new popular shades that brighten clothing choices and dominate home décor options.

It may surprise you to know that the latest color trends don’t happen by accident; professional color experts are responsible for choosing the hottest (and coolest) shades for every season.

Often referred to as “color forecasters,” these individuals combine knowledge of design, sociology, and luck to predict the season’s freshest trends.

What do Colors say about People?

Color forecasters choose what color wheel combinations will be popular by considering current events in the nation and world, as well as citizens’ reactions to them. For instance, at this time, there are a lot of headlines about war and economic woes. This may be why color forecasters chose “safe, traditional, and comforting” colors this season, in addition to bright color accents that reflect a spirit of hopefulness.

What Color Combinations are Popular Now?

Black and White with Red Accents-

Europeans fell in love with black and white home décor years ago. Lately, Americans are picking up this trend too. As black and white makes its way into rooms and entire homes, bright and pure colors, like color wheel red, are becoming popular accents.

Neutrals-

Light browns are hitting center stage with other popular neutral shades. Colors of “spices and beverages… [like] mocha and cinnamon,” are predicted to be trending soon. Neutrals are especially good when paired together, in addition to being base tones to bright accents.

Violet-

Roses are red, violets are blue… actually, violets resemble the color wheel’s shade of purple. And believe it or not, purple first became popular with the gothic movement. From high school to the runway, violet and other shades of purple are becoming main themes in homes.

What Colors are Going Out of Style?

Orange-

While shades of coral, as well as deep and earthy orange tones, are still acceptable, orange is taking a back seat in color trends. The shade that once splashed the walls of large foyers is no longer considered a desirable home décor option.

Wine Burgundy-

Since violet is all the rage today, the color of wine – or burgundy – is becoming obsolete. In addition, soft purples, such as lavenders are being picked over for rich purples. 

Which colors are trending in your world this season? What shades are you drawn to? Are there any colors that you find yourself decorating with now that summer is approaching?

Sources: 

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/color-trends-whats-new-whats-next/index.html?ic1=obnetwork

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– Colors Red and Purple: A History of Emotion

https://segmation.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/color-history-of-emotions-red-and-purple/

– Color Theory Basics: The Color Wheel

https://segmation.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/color-theory-basics-the-color-wheel-2/

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Art Making from Unconventional Objects

Contemporary artists are constantly stretching the boundaries of art by using unconventional materials to craft their artwork. Way back when, “true art” consisted of things like realistic oil paintings and finely carved marble statues. These days, even things you find in your kitchen, office or trash bin can be turned into respectable art.

Perhaps it started in 1917 with Marcel Duchamp’s submission of a urinal that he signed “R. Mutt” to an art show in which purportedly “all submissions” would be accepted. In the end, the urinal was not placed on display, but Duchamp’s impish act revolutionized the art world.

Thanks to YouTube and various social-networking websites, unorthodox works of art are now reaching a wide, and very appreciative, audience. Artists who create portraits of Elvis out of Cheetos or detailed architectural renderings on an Etch-a-Sketch are now celebrated as innovative and amusing contributors to our contemporary pop culture.

Next time you sift through your junk drawer or finish a bag of chips, think about how those everyday things could be turned into a work of art!

Are you a person that makes are from unconventional object? If so, have you ever considered painting them for yourself? Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, you can be one today – see more details here).

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What are your Summer Colors?

Thinking about summer usually evokes thoughts of vibrant colors and warm temperatures. In fact, mental flashes with shades of yellow, sky blue and soft orange can be tormenting during drab winter months. Let’s face it, a 90 degree summer day is the only appropriate time to pull out the yellow linen table cloth, light blue Bahama-shorts and fill your drink glass with colorful fruits.

So, we have to ask: What are your summer colors?

In Martha Stewart’s 60 Days of Color 2011, she shares 19 colorful images that are sure to spawn ideas about how you can incorporate summer colors into your warm days. After flipping through some of the pictures, Martha’s favorite summer colors become apparent.

Summer Colors according to Martha Stewart

• Dramatic Yellow
• Martha Stewart repeatedly uses yellow as her primary color. To compliment this shade she pairs it with a variety of greens. The yellow has a deep tone, closer to a shade of mustard, and nowhere near the color of a street sign. This allows her to use the summer color in large, solid amounts. However, the shade can also carry an entire design and dominate the swirling motion of flower patterns. No matter how it is used, this deep shade of yellow adds brightness to a room without overwhelming the eyes.

• Shades of Blue
• Martha Stewart uses a myriad of blue shades in her collection of summer colors. She often uses light blues to cover large background areas, such as walls, bedspreads and curtains. This allows light to flow through the room and reflect off of dramatic blue accents. Various pieces that are dark blue include throw blankets, vases and paint trim.

• Orange: the soft and the bold
• In her 2011 collection of summer colors, Martha Stewart features some bold rooms with bright accents. Perhaps she does this because her readers spend so much time surrounded by dark colors in those drab winter months. The bold rooms photographed are filled with burnt orange, dark woods and deep greens. Something she uses to splash these dark settings with summer color are light orange accents, soft peach center pieces and lots of complimentary candle light.

Martha Stewart has named her summer colors. Have you chosen yours?

There is still time to pick your 2011 summer colors. Immerse yourself in a world of color by doing a leisure summer activity. Paint by number with Segmation is certain to bring out the color expert in you.

Image made available by Shahram Sharif on Flickr through Creative Common License

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