Already?

August 26, 2016

Yep, it’s hard to believe, but Jaxon is turning four. And, If you thought I might finally get a picture to commemorate the occasion, think again. It’s like trying to ask a tornado to sit still and look at the camera. While he knows exactly what he’s doing…he thinks it’s pretty funny putting me through the motions. And, it is. Good picture or not, there will definitely be treats. Biscuits for him and Brown Sugar Pavlova for everyone else. Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000…Happy Birthday to you.

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Photo and recipe:http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/three-layer-berry-and-brown-sugar-pavlova-354211  I’ve made a couple of adjustments to this recipe to simplify things. As abundant as berries have been I used a combination of them all; raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. When making the meringue layers you might find it easier to pipe or spread them directly onto parchment and simply peel the parchment from the bottoms when they’re cooled rather than using the suggested pan technique. It’s a bit difficult getting those layers out of the pan, even with the parchment. The end result will be much more attractive. You may want to keep this as a “go to” celebration cake, it’s that good.

For your four legged family members, why not knock out a batch of these Buddy Biscuits? There have been no complaints here either…ever. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/01/30/ruff-ruff/

Photos of Jax ( such as they are ) : gp

 

 

Old School…New School

August 24, 2016

Carrying a white linen handkerchief is definitely old school. I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember. Carrying a handkerchief in a Liberty of London print? Definitely new school. And this print, Black Pepper/gray in the Tana Lawn Classic is the perfect way to shake it up. The small pattern, while not exactly a floral, comes in somewhere between a classic composition book cover and camouflage, and is equally at home in the back pocket of your jeans as it is the breast pocket of a suit jacket.

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Fabrics and DIY instructions are available at https://www.purlsoho.com/tana-lawn-classics.html

photos: gp

 

 

 

 

Putting the plan to paper,

August 20, 2016

starts with a little inspiration. This garden by Australian designer Peter Fudge totally embraces the simplequietmodern aesthetic. A beautiful composition of clipped hedges and hardscaping against the softened edges of natural treeline and massed plantings of native grasses. Dappled sunlight and gentle sounds of moving water. The perfect place to spend a late summer day. I’d start here in the morning with coffee, break here midday with lunch, nap here in the afternoon and finish here with dinner or cocktails. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Are you there yet?

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Photos:  http://peterfudgegardens.com.au/