Now More Than Ever

May 29, 2017

As we kick-start Summer this Memorial Day, remember those that have been lost in service to the nation. If you have a flag, display it, if you don’t have one…get one and, if the one you have is in disrepair…dispose of it properly and replace it.

photo: gp

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not too big…

May 25, 2017

not too small. But, just right. Garden shed, studio or just a little place to hide out, the Muji Hut is any and all of those. At just under 100 square feet it features a covered porch, sliding glass door, an additional small window for cross ventilation and a wood burning stove. The surface materials of plywood and concrete with the exterior of charred cedar are the perfect complement to the simple shape with its sloped shed roof. While Muji is not currently offering the Hut outside Japan, you might start scoping out the yard for the perfect location should that change or they decide to offer plans only. A little something to inspire if you’re not taking off for the holiday weekend.

 

photos: https://www.muji.com/jp/mujihut/en.html

 

 

 

A Good Place to Start

May 22, 2017

It doesn’t take much to create a little something special. Keeping things simplequietmodern is key, as is careful editing of design and material. Let’s start with materials, shall we? My absolute favorites…raw plywood, concrete…and the addition of charred cedar. Stay tuned.

photos: Muji.com

 

 

 

Simple Start

May 11, 2017

What better way to kick off Mom’s special day this Sunday than with a few simple treats? A glass of Prosecco and pink grapefruit juice, French toast made with an artisan raisin bread and a handful of fragrant flowers. Nice.

photos: gp

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Fight It

May 4, 2017

Like so many May flowers, sale signs are popping up everywhere now that it’s Spring. Yard sales, garage sales, rummage sales….you name it. My advice? Follow your gut. If  you have an inclination to stop…stop. You might just come across a find like this early Florence Knoll table. The base is solid stainless bar stock and the top, walnut. While the surface had a large chunk taken out of the edge, for an initial investment of under $20 it was worth having a new top fabricated. That’s right, under $20. Boom.

photo: gp

 

Lentil Tacos

May 2, 2017

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo…Lentil Tacos. Four ingredients , a stack of corn tortillas and fifteen minutes….Ole’. Dinner is served.

G’s Lentil Tacos

1 package Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils ( 17.6 oz)

1/2 small red onion diced

1/2 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix

1 19 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilis or lime and cilantro

1 tablespoon general use olive oil

 

Heat oil in skillet and sauté onions for two minutes. Add taco seasoning and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the precooked lentils, tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water, stirring to combine.Bring mixture to a simmer and cook an additional 5 minutes.

Serve on grilled corn tortillas street style with some additional chopped onion and cilantro or fully loaded American style with your favorite taco toppings.

 

photos: gp