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The use of eclectic design is one of the fun and easy ways to decorate your home. This design style gives you the freedom and flexibility of making any home look appealing and interesting. This is your chance to experiment with things and see which decorative items suit your needs. An eclectic design style is also recommended to have a home that is lively and vibrant. 

What is an Eclectic Design

Think of the Eclectic design style as a grocery basket filled with various items that you need for your home or space. There is no uniformity as this design style gives you the freedom and flexibility in decorating your home. The basic principle is that you can choose items from various sources regardless of their origin and history.

The eclectic design style originated during the 19th century. Its objective is to move away from the scope and rules of traditional design and architecture. It aims toward self-realization, freedom of expression, and creativity with the use of different items. You only need to create a room that is cozy and comfortable. 

The good thing about this design style is that you can practically use any item to transform your home. Examples are furniture pieces, souvenir items, gifts given to you, posters, photos, and others. There is no strict rule when it comes to adding valuable items. You only need to unleash your imagination and creativity in designing your space. 

What are the features of the style?

Achieving an eclectic design style is not that difficult. There are many ways to be successful with your project. The addition of furniture pieces is one of the first things that must be settled. The pieces must blend with each other and they should be functional, attractive, and comfortable. Any style can be added regardless of their style. 

The use of textiles also sets the mood of your home, especially the plain ones. As the design style emphasizes simplicity, plain textiles will help in achieving it. Moreover, different decorative items may be used as they represent different periods. It is also smart to use light-colored walls and furniture pieces to make the interior look warm and cozy.  

Achieve the style in easy ways

The eclectic design style is about combining different styles until you achieve the appearance that satisfies you. Add two to three styles and see if they suit your taste. For example, combining traditional and classical styles will give you an interior that is unique and appealing. In addition to these, the use of different decorative items made out of wood, glass, metal, fabric, or plastic also gives a wonderfully eclectic style. 

Paint the walls with light colors or natural colors to have an attractive background. This is also true with furniture pieces and decorative items. The furniture pieces, decorative items, fabric, and colors should blend well with each other, thus creating a balance in your home. Your eclectic design style is achieved with the combination of different design styles.

You loved the song. You also adored his life and works. As a post-impressionist painter, he has contributed a lot to art. But did you know that there were aspects in his life that were unknown to most of us? Vincent Van Gogh was born in Groot-Zundert, Netherlands, and is considered to be one of the most famous painters of all time. He is a legend in fact but during his lifetime, he considered himself a failure. 

Van Gogh almost never became an artist

Being an artist was not part of the plan of Van Gogh. Originally, he wanted to be a pastor and worked as a preacher in Belgium. Unfortunately, he was relieved from his work. Only then that he pursued his passion for painting. Unlike other artists, he started at a relatively late age of 27 without any formal training. 

Van Gogh’s inspirations

Talking about influences and inspirations, Van Gogh had several of them. For example, the Dutch genre painting and the realist paintings of Millet and his contemporaries have affected the form and style of Van Gogh’s works. More importantly, he was inspired by the Japanese woodblock prints of Hiroshige, Kesai Eisen, and others. 

Artwork every 36 hours

Vincent Van Gogh started working as an artist at the age of 27 and created artworks for 10 years. Impressively, he was able to accomplish over 900 paintings, drawings, and sketches. If you are going to do the math, then Van Gogh was able to complete new artworks every 36 hours!

He loved making letters

As much as Vincent Van Gogh loved creating artworks, he was also known for writing letters and postcards. In many instances, the letters and postcards include the first sketches of his works. 

Close acquaintances

Vincent Van Gogh also had close ties with other artists such as Paul Gaugin and Emile Bernard. The three planned to establish an artists’ community in the south of France where they can live and paint together. 

Cost-cutting

Van Gogh did not have enough money during those times and is unable to pay for models. As such, he decided to paint himself instead. Moreover, to save money on buying canvases, Van Gogh painted over his artworks and recycled old canvases. Who knows, there might be more masterpieces hidden among his paintings. 

Failures and successes

We have heard the song of Don Mclean about the artists. The song’s opening line was about The Starry Night painting. Although many enthusiasts love the painting, Van Gogh himself considered it a failure. Rumors have it that the artist was only able to sell one painting in his lifetime. If he is alive today, Van Gogh will definitely be amazed at how his artworks are well-loved and that they are considered to be valuable. 

The missing ear

Did you know that Van Gogh is missing an ear? The truth is, the artist cut off his ear in 1888. Though the real reason was unknown, many believe that he did this after a furious argument with Paul Gaugin at the Yellow House in Arles. 

Suicide

Known to many, Vincent Van Gogh suffered from mental illness for several years. In 1889, he was admitted to the Saint Paul de Mausole psychiatric hospital in Saint Remy. It was there that he created some of his masterpieces, including the infamous The Starry Night. After leaving the hospital, Van Gogh moved closer to his brother, Theo in Auvers. His condition deteriorated and shot himself in the chest on July 29, 1890. He died two days later. 

Chinese lanterns have been in existence since ancient times. They were used to provide light and in religious practices. Nowadays, Chinese lanterns are used for decoration and as modern forms of celebration and worship. They are likewise symbols of national pride in China and are commonly seen in homes and public areas. Traditionally, the lanterns are seen in the color red and adorned with gold or red tassels. Do not be surprised as well if you see them in various shapes.

A brief history of Chinese lanterns

The earliest recorded Chinese lanterns were during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). Lanterns were used as lamps or covers during that period. The lanterns were used in several religious practices like Buddha worship. Buddhism was known to spread in China due to the efforts of the Eastern Han emperor. The emperor ordered that lanterns be lit every 15th day of the first lunar month to worship Buddha. Eventually, this celebration became the famous Lantern Festival. 

During the Tang dynasty in 618-907, paper lanterns were displayed to celebrate the peaceful life and power of China. This led to the popularity of lanterns throughout the country. 

The appearance of Chinese lanterns

During ancient times in China, making lanterns was a collection of crafts including painting and paper-cutting. There are various materials used in making lanterns, and the most commonly used were bamboo, wood, wheat, straw, paper, and silk. Illustrations were also seen in traditional lanterns and these show some of the beautiful landscapes of China, portraits of key personalities, mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, birds, and fish. 

The colors of lanterns and their meanings

Colors say a lot about the culture and tradition of China. They have different meanings and are used on various occasions. Red lanterns represent wealth, fame, and prosperity. These lanterns are usually used at weddings, family reunions, and several festivals to show joy and harmony.

During imperial times, yellow lanterns were displayed in palaces as the color represents the emperors of ancient China. As such, it was forbidden to use yellow lanterns by the public. These days, yellow lanterns are displayed to bring good luck to students. 

White lanterns, on the other hand, are used in any event that has something to do with death. Therefore it is common to display or see white lanterns during funerals. While green lanterns symbolize health, prosperity, and harmony. These are likewise seen during temple fairs or the infamous Lantern Festival. 

The Lantern Festival

These are the days to feast your eyes on colorful and beautiful Chinese lanterns. The tradition of viewing lantern displays can be traced back to the Han Dynasty around 2000 years ago. One of the favorite activities during the Lantern Festival is guessing lantern riddles. People gather around the displayed lanterns and guess the answers to the riddles. It is a form of competition wherein the person who answered the most number of riddles win.

Citrus fruits have been part of our lives. These round fruits are bright, colorful, fragrant, and refreshing. They are simply irresistible once you see them on your tables. Aside from these, citrus fruits are an essential part of daily nutrition as they are packed with health benefits. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber. These elements offer great health benefits to humans and have been known since ancient times. Let us look closely at what citrus fruits offer and why they are loved by many individuals. 

High fiber content

An orange serves up to 2.3 grams of fiber and a tangerine has about 1.6 grams. Given this information, citrus fruits can supply us with our daily fiber requirements. The fruits contain soluble fiber and this is associated with lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels. The insoluble fibers they contain help in bowel movement. 

Citrus fruits are good for the heart

Flavonoids are plant compounds that are known for promoting a healthy heart. These chemical compounds are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant products. In general, they help the body function properly while protecting the cells from toxins and stressors. Studies have shown that grapefruits help in lowering the bad cholesterol levels in the body, thus lowering the risk of heart disease. 

They have a low glycemic index

In the glycemic index on the 100-point scale, citrus fruits have a relatively low score. This simply means that the fruits would not contribute to the increase in blood sugar. Oranges have a score of 45 while grapefruits have 25. The sugar content in citrus fruits is released slowly giving the body a steady supply of energy. 

Citrus fruits help in fighting the common cold

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C. Although the vitamin cannot prevent colds, they are found to reduce the duration and decrease the severity. In addition to these, vitamin C can shorten the duration of the symptoms of colds. 

A good source of potassium

Traditionally, bananas are the fruits that come to our minds when we hear about potassium. Little that we knew that citrus fruits are also rich in potassium. This mineral is vital for body fluid regulation, mineral balance, and the normal contraction of muscles. Potassium likewise regulates salt in our body, lowers the risk of stroke, and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Better nutrient absorption

With citrus fruits in your diet, your body can absorb more nutrients from the food that you eat. The fruits help the body absorb minerals that are needed to boost the immune system. Iron is also absorbed to help in the production of red blood cells. 

A good source of water

We are aware that other fruits like watermelon and tomatoes help in hydrating the body. Citrus fruits likewise have high water content. Eating citrus fruits can help prevent body dehydration. Remember that our body is practically composed of two-thirds water, and citrus fruits can help maintain the normal functions of the body. 

Younger looking skin

Vitamin C plays a significant role in the production of collagen. It has been observed that people who eat foods that are rich in vitamin C were less likely to develop wrinkles and dry skin. 

A good way to lose weight

Citrus fruits have little to no fat, sodium, or calories, making them the best friends of people who are reducing weight. Studies have also shown that high vitamin C blood levels may result to lower BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. 

As Filipinos, we have been exposed to various foods. Different provinces and cities in the country have their respective dishes that stimulate the palate of every Filipino. Though not all are preferred, they still enhance the identity of every Filipino. Throughout the history of the country, we also have been introduced to various foods as we have been visited and colonized in the past. 

Admit it or not, you may have tasted and eaten American dishes. Visiting some of the popular fast food chains in the country, you will be greeted by the aroma of fried or grilled meat with, deep-fried potatoes, bread, and heavily sweetened desserts or snacks. The question is, how come many Filipinos are so in love with American foods? Hopefully, this article will be able to answer this question. Although this does not speak for all, read on to search for the answers to the question. 

The influences of Filipino taste

Our culture is influenced by other cultures and traditions, such as Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American. Each of these has its own stories and the influence of the Americans is one of the most recent. This influence is mainly due to their occupation in the early 1900s. They brought their food supplies, as these were the necessities during the war period. In addition to these, Filipinos were also exposed to food rations and the convenience of cooking. 

Uniqueness of flavors

American foods are unique in terms of taste and content. You will notice that they are high in fat, salt, and other flavorings. As such, our taste buds have been stimulated to learn to love the taste and make them part of our daily lives. Of course, not all Pinoys come to love the original American taste. This is when we tried to transform them and create something that is more acceptable to our palate. For instance, the traditional American hamburger was adjusted in terms of the dressing, thickness of the patty, and garnishings. American spaghetti was also adjusted by making the sauce sweeter and the addition of sliced hotdogs and hams.

Original American taste in the Philippines

With the adjustment of the flavor to satisfy the cravings of many Filipinos, there are still fast food restaurants that serve dishes with the original American taste. These restaurants offer a nostalgic experience as you enjoy traditional American Diner foods. Go to malls or walk around your neighborhood and check out various fast food chains like Wendy’s, Mcdonald’s, Burger King, or KFC. You will be amazed that their menu still offers the traditional ones. However, as a response to the demand of the market, some dishes were added that somehow deviate from the original taste. 

The global dominance of American foods is monumental. If you are a traveler and not into local foods, most probably, you will see a restaurant that serves American dishes. Even in many streets of the Philippines, you will see stalls that serve hamburgers, fries, mojos, pancakes, and others.