Just a Pinch

February 18, 2017

Sometimes all you need for a recipe is a pinch of a spice or dried herb that you don’t  generally keep on hand. With the cost of spices and the quantity usually packaged you might think twice about trying something new. Sure, you’ll have it the next time you need it, but that occasion might be so far off that you’ll need to replace what has gone stale. Until now. The genius of Spice Miser is that minimal increments of a wide array of exotics are available neatly packed in tiny zip-lock bags. A tablespoon of fennel seed?….smoked salt?…Anise stars?….they’ve got you covered from .99 a pack. Someone was thinking.

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https://store10292173.ecwid.com/

Photo: gp

 

 

 

Here comes the sun….

February 15, 2017

(do do do do) ….here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right.*   While we’re waiting for the sun to show we might take the opportunity to invest in a new pair of shades. The simplequietmodern feel of Warby Parker’s Felton offers polarized lenses with 100% UV protection neatly packaged in a clean rectangular frame. Perfect.

 

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https://www.warbyparker.com/sunglasses/men/felton/jet-black

* George Harrison/ the Beatles

 

you might ask to forgo the chocolates…the expensive evening out…the case of Veuve and wait a few more days for the annual Knoll sale. An investment in something from the Knoll Classics collection is sure to make your heart skip a beat or two. If you’re lucky enough to have a vintage piece in need of a recover, you might consider a few yards from their extensive textile collection.

 

 

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https://www.knoll.com/shop

 

 

It’s the little things.

February 9, 2017

Simple gestures are those that mean the most and are not quickly forgotten. One Valentines Day, many years ago, a single purple anemone wrapped in a cone of cellophane…tacked to my door. Such an unexpected surprise at the end of a long day, in the midst of a crazy work week. To this day I have no idea who left it but I remember the experience clearly, like it was yesterday. Go ahead. Spread some love.

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Photo: gp

Stayin’ In

February 6, 2017

Why fight the mid-week Valentine dinner crowds when there’s  a perfect opportunity this  weekend to stay in and cook up an amazing Valentines meal yourself? Sweet and Savory Short Ribs have a total of three ingredients with white rice and a side of sugar snap peas rounding things out. A simple prep and a long slow braise allow plenty of time to relax with a movie while dinner is cooking.

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The short ribs are braised in prune juice and teriyaki sauce served over white rice and topped with thinly sliced green onion. Sugar snap peas with a little toasted sesame oil are the perfect side. Simple enough.  The Short ribs recipe can be found here:  http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/three-ingredient-sweet-and-savory-short-ribs

 

 

Et Voila

February 3, 2017

Too good to toss…too ugly to carry around. Still, it’s hard to resist recycling a shopping bag. There is a simple solution to ugly however…turn it inside out. Et voila!  simplequietmodern and chic.

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Photos: http://www.improvisedlife.com/2017/01/24/sometimes-turn-stuff-inside/