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
Dining Out
April 11, 2017
Outside, out of the house, on the patio, in the yard…any which way but indoors. Two great modern classics from Knoll’s iconic 1966 Group of outdoor furniture by Charles Schultz, ready to be set for dinner. I’m torn between the 60″x 60″ square and the 90″ x 38″ rectangle. Both will easily accomodate 8, the later even up to 10 guests. The original white finish is now joined by a striking black, either being a great place to start, especially when taking advantage of the Knoll Outdoor Furniture Sale which starts on April 13th.
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/product/1966-dining-table-60×60
Fog, Sequoia, Rosemary and Peony
April 6, 2017
Hues that evoke the natural essence of the Northern California coast. The Summer Seasonal collection from Heath Ceramics is available now… for a limited time.
Some favorites, top to bottom:
The bud vase set…keep one, gift the other two.
The wax resist glaze on this single stem vase must have been inspired by April showers.
A pair of tall tumblers in Rosemary. Perfect for that cup of Tumeric Ginger tea or a handful of May flowers.
The deep serving bowl in Sequoia…to float a single peony or load up with guacamole.
Mini containers with white oak lids to keep your salt and ground pepper handy and covered.
Photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/summer-seasonal
Easter Bake
April 2, 2017
Even with a short list of ingredients baking bread can be a tricky undertaking. This recipe for Milanese Raisin Bread might be the exception. The addition of the raisin soaking liquid to the 50/50 ratio of flour to fruit gives this rich rustic loaf it’s distinct sweet flavor and deep brown crust. My test loaf actually cut and tasted better after a couple of days, so you’ll be fine baking it off ahead of time if you decide to add it to an Easter menu. The thought of pairing this with a sliver a baked ham and a touch of grainy mustard has me thinking…you might want to make two.
Photos:gp
Final photo, https://food52.com/recipes/66796-pantramvai-milanese-raisin-bread
Pick One…Any One
March 30, 2017
Easter and Passover are just around the corner and nothing makes a simplequietmodern statement than a classic glass cylinder vase filled with flowering branches. From your own yard, a friends garden or a trip to the market, this exercise is simple…pick a single type, fill your vase with water, grab your secateurs and give each branch a fresh clean cut. Done.
Top to bottom:
Pussy Willow,Forsythia,Yellow Twig Dogwood,Lichen Covered Branches,Quince,Tulip Magnolia
all photos: http://www.shopterrain.com/fresh-faux-flowers/?cm_sp=Homepage-_-week032717-_-Branches
simplequietmodern 