Romantic “Porch” Before & After

What’s more American than the front porch? You may remember that I thought it would be nice to have a porch on the front of our townhouse. Well, we don’t have a front porch, but we do have a room that faces east at the front of our townhouse. It also has a large window that brings the outside in – much like a sunroom.

While it serves as an office, it would be nice to use it more often. It could be an afternoon reading space, a morning coffee space or an evening tea space.

Here’s my inspiration photo.

Photo CountryLiving.com

What do I like about this porch? The chair and table are the only furniture. It’s simple. It’s relaxed. There’s not too much here. Flowers add a summery feel. I like the white and honey-color wood.

Giving our room a “sun room” feel will encourage us to use it more often – perhaps for evening tea in the summer or for morning coffee in the winter. Lighter, brighter, more casual decor will be the enticement. Again, I want to use items I already have.

I’ll only use what we already have. First a comfortable chair, side table and lamp for evening use. Next add a plant or two, a pillow & cotton throw in bright colors.

Before

After with cool summer colors –

Photo R. Meshar

After with warm autumn colors –

Photo R. Meshar

It’s coming along. Wicker baskets we had went a long way to organizing the office supplies. The pine table and green plants (moved from the living room) add warm color and life. The chair (my favorite and really comfortable) and lamp make a nice reading spot and the cotton rug feels good underfoot.

It still needs something on the wall above the desk, however. We’ll have to see what goes there . . .

Meanwhile, it’s brighter, more inviting. It’s a nice coffee spot. We’ve already been using this space more often.

Cost so far = FREE.

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August Evening Picnic

Photo R. Meshar

This evening we gathered with some friends for a last minute picnic. It was a serendipitous, spontaneous idea. We decided to meet at Lebanon Park. The weather was warm, but not too warm. We didn’t cook, but enjoyed salads – including a tomato and sweet onion salad with ripe, Minnesota tomatoes from this week’s Farmers’ Market. Buttered corn on the cob was the first of the season as well.

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

We chatted, laughed, shared and enjoyed each other’s company. J noticed a snowy, white egret in the distance as we wandered up the hill to head home at sunset.

These pictures will give you a sense of the park. There is a swimming beach nearby, hiking trails and snow-shoeing trails in winter. A nature center has fun activities for kids and adults. Consider Lebanon Park, next time you are out and about.

Photo R. Meshar

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Just for the Fun of it

This is fabulous. Scientists, architects and designers are realizing that they can make everyday activities healthier and fun – The Fun Theory. Check it out:

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Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Photo EatDrinkBetter.com

Beets are plentiful at the Farmers’ Markets this week. Would you like to be able to enjoy them for awhile? Consider this Refrigerator Pickled Beets recipe – no canning required! It’s easy.

 

 

 

 

1. Cook 2 lbs. beets (about 2 bunches, yellow or red) in boiling water until just tender. Rinse in cold water. Peel and slice. Place beets in a glass jar with lid or glass container with a cover.

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

2. In another bowl or 2+cup measuring cup, combine 1 c. sugar, 1/4 c. vinegar, 1/2 c. lemon juice and 1/4 c. water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Photo R. Meshar

3. Pour liquid over beets. Cover and refrigerate several days before serving. Makes 1 quart jar or three smaller canning jars shown here.

Photo R. Meshar

Like pickles – pickled beets will keep in the refrigerator for awhile, because of the acidity of the vinegar & lemon juice in the liquid. If you want add clove, dill or other spices as you like. I use the recipe as shown above.

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