A simple setting…

July 9, 2018

for the entire summer. A spacious table with coordinated bench seating that satisfies my minimalist taste. Steel construction finished in matte black powder-coat make it equally at home outside or in. The Supermetal Table and benches, by Chiara Ferrari, is currently only available for delivery in Southern California. That won’t stop me from adding it to my wish list just in case that changes sometime soon. Besides sitting down to burgers and potato salad outdoors all Summer, how great would this be indoors come Thanksgiving?

Photos: http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com/furnishings/supermetal-table-by-chiara-ferrari/

 

 

Cool…Sweet…Creamy

June 18, 2018

and no special equipment needed. Nothing could be simpler than this No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream from the kitchens at Everyday Food. Four ingredients and a 10 minute prep produce a quart and a half of what is sure to be a Summertime “go to”. Start by combining a 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of bourbon. In a separate  bowl beat 2 cups of chilled heavy cream to stiff peaks. Using a rubber spatula gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until thoroughly combined. Pour into a standard 4 1/2″ x 8 1/2 ” loaf pan, cover with waxed paper or plastic wrap and freeze until firm, approximately 6 hours. That’s it. Done and done. A rich silky vanilla ice cream ready to serve on its own,  doused with some chilled espresso as an Affogato, accompanying a Summer berry shortcake, “floating” in a tall glass of ginger or root beer or maybe hitting that sweet/salty note with a handful of roasted salted cashews.

 

Recipe: https://www.marthastewart.com/355960/no-churn-vanilla-ice-cream

photos:gp

 

 

 

 

Perfect Timing

June 11, 2018

After a Winter that seemed endless and the shortest Spring ever, the timing is perfect for Heath Ceramics Summer Seasonal collection. From our favorite bud vases in Wildflower, Zinnia and Black Plum to the debut of new glazes like Sunset Fade on the Deep Serving Bowl and Sorbet on the Multi Stem Vase, it’s clear from where the inspiration was drawn..Summer flowers in pinks and oranges, glorious Summer sunsets and juicy late Summer fruits.

 

Heath Ceramic photos: http://www.heathceramics.com/summer-seasonal

Peony and plum photos: gp

 

 

 

Photo: gp

Even young Royals…

May 22, 2018

like it simplequietmodern. Well, relatively. I’d like to think Prince Harry got the idea to gather a handful of blooms for his bride, from the family garden at Kensington, right here in an earlier post. While he did have some help tying it all together, his selection of astilbe, jasmine, lily of the valley, sweet pea, forget me not and myrtle struck the perfect note.

Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/06/04/isnt-it-romantic/

Photo: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/a20758367/royal-wedding-2018-flowers-prince-harry-diana-meghan-markle-bouquet/

 

I’m Obsessed

May 14, 2018

Can one have too many black Oxfords? I don’t think so. These polished leather Derby shoes by Common Projects, set on crepe rubber soles, fill the gap perfectly between their minimalist sneakers and more formal offerings. Paired with everything from jeans to business attire, these will take you right through till summer, when, weather permitting, you’ll be barefoot in the grass.

Photos: https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/mens/common_projects/polished-leather-derby-shoes/1056503?ppv=2

 

 

 

 

Elementary

May 2, 2018

As its name implies, the Elementary Wrap from Purl Soho is just that…easily dealt with, straightforward, uncomplicated. Three skeins of Purl Soho’s Linen Quill, a blend of Highland  wool, alpaca and linen, a US #4 circular needle and the free pattern is all that’s needed to get you into a little Zen knitting. This time next week you’ll not only be totally chill, but you’ll have created a Mothers Day gift that’ll be hard to top.

Photos: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/05/02/elementary-wrap-in-linen-quill/

 

 

 

You’ve Got This

April 23, 2018

A few pantry staples…spaghetti, canned tuna, breadcrumbs, Kalamata olives…a bit of  flat leaf parsley, a lemon, plus a splash of olive oil. That’s it. A minimal prep while the spaghetts is cooking and you have a simple Springtime supper on the table in under thirty minutes.

Lemon zest, roughly chopped  parsley and olives with a squeeze of lemon juice and a splash of olive oil makes the sauce when tossed with the hot pasta and a bit of the cooking liquid. Gently fold in the toasted breadcrumbs and tuna and you’re done. Couldn’t be simpler.

If you’re culinarily challenged let Sarah Carey at Everyday Food walk you through this. https://www.marthastewart.com/920109/edfw1118-spaghetti-wtuna-breadcrumbs-edfwmov

photos: gp

 

Uncle

April 19, 2018

OK… new plan. While it’s already the middle of April and the snow, ice and frigid temperatures continue, I’m thinking a jump-start on next Winter might be a good idea. I’ve started some cuttings of yellow twig Dogwood to work into the landscape as soon as I’m able to get a shovel in the ground. The bright chartreuse stems should brighten things up when the world has gone all black and white. Added bonus…bright green leaves with white blossoms in Spring, clusters of white berries through the Summer and the bark turning bright red through the Fall.

Mid April…really?

Top two photos: gp

Bottom photo via: https://www.thetreecenter.com/yellow-twig-dogwood/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIooCriYnG2gIVl7XACh2IyAQsEAQYAiABEgIcM_D_BwE

 

Takin’ It Outside

April 8, 2018

It won’t be long before we’ll be moving outdoors for our morning coffee, a sunny lunch or relaxing dinner.What could be more simple and welcoming than a long planked table and bench cozied up to a sprawling banquette? I’ve been inspired by this photo for so long, I’m thinking it might be time for a little weekend DIY before the weather breaks.

Photo: http://remash.tumblr.com