If big is good…
July 7, 2019
then bigger is better. From a quick spin around town to your next long weekend, these canvas totes from James Perse will have you bringing home the ingredients for tonight’s dinner to packing all you’ll need for a few days away. Made in the USA of Italian heavy duty cotton/linen canvas, the small Tote measures 24″ w x 13″ h and the large tote comes in at 29″ w x 21″ h, both with an interior pocket and a 7-8″ shoulder strap drop. Of the dozen neutral shades available the Asphalt shown is my simplequietmodern selection that will work as well now as it will Fall, Winter or Spring. Makes me want to start packing for my next extended road trip.
From ev’ry mountainside…
July 4, 2019
let freedom ring.*
* America ( My Country ‘Tis of Thee” Samuel Francis Smith
photos: gp
And, The Living Is Easy
June 30, 2019
Summer…time for backyard gatherings with family and friends, simple suppers of a quick grill and a side and lighter lunches. This simple pasta salad will have you covered all around with only four ingredients and the little time it takes to cook and cool a pound of pasta. This 4th might just be the perfect time to take this recipe for a spin.
Cook 1 lb. of bite sized pasta per package directions. When there are 2 minutes left to the cook time, add 1 1/2 cups frozen peas. When done, drain pasta and peas and cool, then mix in 1 cup Mayo and 2/3 cup grated Parmesan. Finish with a few good grinds of black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Really, that’s it. Done.
The original recipe found here https://food52.com/recipes/58684-parmesan-pea-pasta-salad, called for any bite-sized pasta. I love Orchietti and the way it cups the peas and cheese so that’s what I use. This salad is also a great starting point should you want to add in additional items to make it a complete meal on its own, like roasted red peppers, kalamata olives and tuna.
photos: gp
You had me at…
June 24, 2019
free shipping. I know you’re just getting situated for Summer living outdoors but it’s hard to ignore the seating sale going on now at Knoll. All of their seating selections, from stools to sofas and everything in between, are on sale and ship free. Take the opportunity now and in a couple months when you’re moving back inside you’ll have a new place to perch through the coming Fall and Winter. Harry Bertoia’s 1952 classic Bird Chair and Ottoman would be the perfect place to catch up on your reading or indulge yourself in a bit of Netflix bingeing. Better get a move on, the sale is only on until June 25th.
Photos: nhttps://www.knoll.com/product/bertoia-bird-chair
Indispensable
June 10, 2019
Make short work of your gardening projects with what will soon become your favorite tool. This expanding and telescoping garden rake will handle larger jobs like full clean- up to detailing your beds and borders. The expanding tines can be narrowed to accommodate tight spaces or used fully spread for gathering leaves and debris. And, the handle length adjustment? Your back will thank you.
Photos: https://www.shopterrain.com/products/expanding-telescopic-rake?via=Z2lkOi8vdXJibi9Xb3JrYXJlYTo6Q2F0YWxvZzo6Q2F0ZWdvcnkvRkI2OTYyQjI
This Could Be It
June 2, 2019
I had a variation of this cocktail at the tail end of last Summer and have been thinking about it ever since. When Summer finally does arrive I’m thinking this might just be the drink that’ll take me right through to Fall. A sprig of bruised mint, thin slices of lemon, a glass full of ice, 1 1/2 oz. of Limoncello topped off with Prosecco. Nice.
Photo:gp
I Had A Feeling
May 30, 2019
And, I was right. Memorial Day weekend has passed and I’m still waiting for some seasonal weather. Until Summer weather comes this simplequietmodern project will protect against this unseasonal chill…Purl Soho’s Elementary Wrap. Knit up in their Linen Quill…a blend of wool, baby alpaca and linen… it was the perfect project to occupy those cold rainy nights and weekends over the last couple of months. And, if my prediction comes true, there’ll be the occasion to knock out another before Summers end. I hope I didn’t jinx it, but I see cool rainy days in our future.
Top photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/linen-quill.html
While my selection was Kettle Black, this luxurious, transitional yarn is available in over 40 colors. Fair warning.
Bottom photo: gp
