June Afternoon Sky

 

One day the clouds were so beautiful that I had to stop what I was doing and take photos. Sometimes the sky seems to reach all the way up to heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6 Tips To Style A Picture Ledge

  

If you’ve visited with me before, you’re probably aware of my love of wall art. I have several frames that I use for seasonal art throughout the year. Today I’m sharing my research into using a picture ledge in my home to create visual interest. Making a gallery wall  is a great way to display art.  Arranging prints on a wall isn’t always easy, but putting up a ledge and playing with the arrangement of frames is. Besides, no more holes in the wall, I can add and subtract as needed!

 

 

Photo via Pottery Barn

 

 Nothing makes a house feel more like home than an enticing display of contemporary wall art. The big question is do you make a gallery wall or do you use a picture ledge? Today we’ll look at 7 ways to style a picture ledge.

 

I. Classic Row

If you love order and simplicity, the classic row of pictures on a ledge is perfect for you. Choose either all black and white photos or color photos with the same color scheme. Pick the same size photo, orientation and frame and mat color to create this cohesive, streamlined look. Great for minimalists.

 

 

Photo via Anna Truelsen

 

II. Layered Look

 

If like me, you’re really tired of nail holes when you seasonally change your art, try layering your prints on a ledge. You can re-arrange as needed. This is probably the easiest way to show depth on the ledge with artwork and photos. You can use one color frame and mat for a cohesive look, or mix sizes and frame colors on a single photo ledge for a  dramatic statement in your room. Get a new print and work it into the design.  

 

 

 

 

 

                                                           Photo via Two Twenty One 

 

III. Make a Mix of Objects and Prints

 

For a shot of personality, choose objects to mix with your prints. Whether it’s a small ceramic piece, a metal sculpture, a candle, or even books, totally depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Choose appropriately sized items from your family or travel treasures. Add a small plant to soften it. Do not use heavy items that will cause your ledge to fail and fall. The ledge/shelf below helps define the work space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

                                                         Photo Hurd & Honey

 

IV. Add A Pop of Color

 

Choose a color that is either in your room or in a colored photo on the ledge to tie the room together. Remember less is more. Don’t put everything of that color on the ledge. Below is a great example with a blue vase of yellow blooms. It certainly adds a pop of blue and yellow.

 

Photo via  Pinterest

 

V. Go Vertical In a Small Space

 

In a small space,  going vertical can add depth and space. This design trick can work beautifully in your home. You can add more than one picture ledge and add height to your space. For a streamlined look, keep the ledges all the same width and distance apart. Add framed photos, canvas, metal prints, memorabilia, books – anything that you like and that makes you happy when you look at it.

 

 

Photo via Wayfair

 

VI. Make Your Ledge Part of the Wall 

 

A. Paint your ledges the same color as the wall and go vertical.  I love the look of the ledges below.

 

 

                                                        Photo via Apartment Therapy

 

B. Use the same shelves/ledges for a cohesive look. If you have shelves of books or plants, a hat rack, or hooks and other objects on a wall, add a ledge of pictures as part of the wall design.  A ledge over or under a shelf of books  becomes part of a larger composition – the wall.

 

Photo via Hurd & Honey

 

 C. On the other hand, perhaps you have a collection begging to be displayed. The row of hats below really work well with the picture ledge and rustic bench. I love the texture of the hats, wooden bench, and plants. This has beautiful composition and contrast.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo via Pinterest

 

I hope I’ve fed your creativity and given you ideas for designing your perfect wall that makes a happy place in your home. For me, I love the walls that have picture ledges with additional objects on the wall to make a cohesive design. This can include a large painting, sculpture, vase of flowers, or a filled bookshelf. 

 

                                                                                Photo via Etsy

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The Many Colors of Tropical Hibiscus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Living in semi-tropical central Florida with the hot, humid summer requires tropical plants in the garden. Tropical hibiscus are favorites in my area. I see them planted nearly everywhere. They are planted by the pharmacy drive-through, by the windows at fast food restaurants, by libraries and city hall. Today I’m sharing hibiscus photos from the archives. Let's start with single hibiscus flowers, like the fiesta hibiscus. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 My pink hibiscus was one of the first plants I bought for my garden back in 2016.

 

 

 

 

 I even added one flower to a bouquet I made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw this beauty at a garden center; it's called Snow Queen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Double hibiscus have multiple layers of petals with a sort of ruffled appearance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sunset on The Balcony

 

 At the end of a busy day, there's nothing better than a restful view of a soft sundown. Here are views from my balcony on that day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sauteed Greens & Eggs

 

Many recipes call for sautéed greens – a little olive oil and garlic with spinach, kale, chard, collards. All the greens you can name taste good with olive oil and garlic.  If you want to really raise it a notch, add a couple of shallots, some onions, or leeks. A fine combination of flavors that can start your day with a warm dish, provide a tasty lunch, or even an easy dinner when paired with eggs. Wash the greens, remove the ribs, and chop or tear the leaves.

 

 

I like fried eggs myself, but if you want to cut calories and fat, try poaching eggs to nestle in your greens. Add a crusty slice of bread and your meal is complete.  To make a week of really fast breakfasts, sauté a huge amount of greens and keep in the refrigerator. Each morning, warm some greens and add poached eggs or a dollop of yogurt for a quick start to the day.

Sautéed Greens & Eggs

Use organic when available, makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups finely chopped greens like kale (chard)
• 2 shallots
• 2 clove garlic thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 to 8 eggs
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Add shallots and garlic to olive oil in pan over medium heat
• Cook for a minute
• Add greens
• Toss to coat and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until kale is wilted
• Season with salt and pepper
• Bring water and vinegar to simmer in large skillet
• Remove eggs from shell and add eggs one at a time
• Water in skillet should cover eggs
• Poach eggs until white is set about 5 minutes
• Remove from water with slotted spoon
• Nestle eggs in a plate of greens; serve with crusty bread  Enjoy! 

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