Breezy
March 26, 2018
It’s back. Russell Woodard’s breezy Sculptura collection of Midcentury modern outdoor seating. Many have seen and coveted the originals of 1956, but until their recent re-issue one had to rely on some good garage sale Karma or being heir to some generous relative’s estate. If you’re still willing to be patient and do a little hunting you can find some great vintage pieces like this lounge chair and ottoman listed on Chairish. If you need it now, the occasional chair, bench and ottoman shown here are new releases available at Design Within Reach. The new group includes this occasional chair, bench and ottoman constructed of the iconic iron mesh with a powder coat finish in black, white, gray and orange-red. Seat cushions in black or white are optional.
Top photo: https://www.chairish.com/product/1004762/mid-century-woodard-sculptura-garden-lounge-chair-ottoman-a-pair
Chair, Bench and Ottoman photos: http://www.dwr.com/search?q=Sculptura&lang=en_US
To Spring
March 18, 2018
No time like the present…middle of March…snow and ice up to here, still…and the official start of Spring just a few days away…to lighten up the cocktail menu. I was intrigued by a cocktail combination of Bourbon, lemon and tonic. So, I started with a glass of ice, a nice shot of Bourbon, a squeeze and drop of a lemon wedge and a topping off of tonic. The BLT. After the first sip I have to admit it was surprisingly fresh. Who knew? Especially when tonic is typically reserved for mixing with vodka or gin. Then the wheels started turning. Could the lily be gilt with the addition of St. Germaine? The answer is yes. The addition of 1/2 oz. of elderflower liquor is lovely. Either way, despite the weather, it tasted like Spring to me.
Photo: gp
Which Came First?
March 15, 2018
Clearly, these special chickens lay special eggs that require special packaging. And, that’s exactly what Catherine Delphia and Aaron Dunn of The Fancy F provide. Their collection of rare breed chickens produce eggs in colors from mint and olive to pink and brown. If the colors weren’t enough, Catherine designed the minimalist packaging to showcase each dozen beautifully…in mixed or single shades. With Easter around the corner can you imagine the look on a recipients face upon receiving a gift of these? It could be worth a road trip to this Hudson Valley farm to find out.
Photos: https://www.thefancyf.com/ and https://www.gardenista.com/posts/colorful-eggs-and-designer-egg-cartons-from-the-fancy-f-farm-hudson-valley-ny/
Mix ‘Em Up
March 12, 2018
Or, stick to a solid in neutrals or brights. Even though the weather has been too inclement to entertain the thought of a Spring picnic, you can start planning ahead. And, if not a picnic, why not elevate a simple working lunch at your desk? These recycled bamboo place settings will add a bit of simplequietmodern style to either scenario and have you ditching the plastic serve ware and utensils at the same time. Light weight, stack-able, dishwasher safe and made of recycled sustainable bamboo a single place setting could fit neatly in your desks snack drawer or several would take up little space in a packed hamper once the weather breaks.
Photos: https://food52.com/shop/products/4476-recycled-bamboo-4-piece-place-setting#
Sweet
March 8, 2018
If it’s March, then it’s maple syrup season. The first of the new year’s harvests begins this month with the tapping of the trees and the cooking down of each precious drop. The soft rounded sweetness of maple syrup enhances everything from savory to sweet, morning till night. I have a preference for grade B dark amber for its particularly deep rich maple flavor. Here are a few favorite uses you might try to carry you through to the end of this relentless winter.
Top to bottom:
Gently simmer maple syrup to reduce by a third. Off heat, gently add fresh blueberries to warm and serve with your favorite pancake recipe. https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/04/13/blueberry-pancakes-the-remake/
A simple maple syrup vinaigrette is just right on a bitter green like frisée. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/11/11/i-dont-love-brunch/
Jack Daniels Maple Ketchup? Yep. Pretty tasty. https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/06/08/i-do-know-jack/
You don’t need a special occasion for Spicy Maple Bacon Wrapped Shrimp…just a snowy night in. https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/02/05/valentines-day-befores/
Maple Walnut Fudge…pretty classic. https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/03/25/liquid-harvest/
Simple, simple, simple. Cayenne Maple Glazed Walnuts https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/11/30/mmmm-maplely/
Photos: gp
Give a Bunch…
March 1, 2018
keep a bunch. How about spreading a little joy while waiting for Spring to officially arrive on March 20th? Nothing heralds the advent of Spring quite like Daffodils. Their bright sunny yellow and gentle fragrance are like nothing else. And, at just a couple of bucks a bunch nearly everywhere, you can afford to treat yourself as well as a friend or two. It’s been said that presenting a bunch of Daffodils to another will ensure happiness and good fortune. Who’s going to argue with that kind of return?
Photos: gp
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