Who wants pie?

February 24, 2013

It held me in good stead as a decorative object from early fall right through the holidays. Now this gorgeous Winter squash, the Hubbard, is about to be transformed into a simple comforting treat. This recipe for Brown Sugar Hubbard Squash Pie claims to be heartier and more flavorful than canned pumpkin, but equally creamy. Even with the added process of cutting this monster up and baking it off into the master roasted squash puree could not have been simpler or more economical.  One finished pie down and there is enough puree to freeze that will make 4 more or anything else you can conjure that requires cooked squash…Gnochi, Soup, Lasagna?  That said, the end result looks fantastic. I think it’s time to put on some coffee and start cuttin’. Copy of hbbrdsqsh2FCopy of bkdHbbrd2FpiePrepFpiePourF

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Totally floored

February 20, 2013

When looking for a suitable flooring material during a home renovation many years ago I was hard pressed for an appropriate material that fit all of the criteria I had set. Yes, it’s always much easier to specify when working for someone else. It was hard to find an individual at the time who was able to refinish the concrete floors, laminates were not a direction I cared to go and standard hardwoods seemed like a yawn. I also wanted something that was as cost effective as possible…even to the point of becoming one of the installers to keep costs low and make sure things were handled correctly. Then a friend reminded me of a material that I had put to successful use years earlier in my home in L.A….plywood. I guess there was no reason to reinvent the wheel or mess with prior success…so, plywood it was…simplequietmodern.plyflor2 A stronger more graphic result was achieved more recently with a mosaic of  “humble” materials…ply, particle board and MDF… in this Warsaw cafe and bike repair shop. Now that’s a statement.Copy of plywoodmosaic-tile-floor-2_improvisedLYplywood mosaic-tile-floor-1_improvisedLFhttp://www.designboom.com/design/relaks-cafe-cafe-and-bicycle-storerepair-shop/

The apple doesn’t fall…

February 17, 2013

too far from the tree, which is pretty apparent in this Eero Saarinen Armchair. Designed in 1957 at the same time the design and construction was taking place on the iconic TWA Flight Center at New York’s Idywild Airport, the influences between the two are unmistakable. Originally designed as an executive office chair, this groundbreaking seating , with its use of a fully upholstered flexible fiberglass frame, offers comfort that is equally at home in any residential setting requiring a modern note. As time has passed, Idylwild was renamed JFK International, TWA has ceased to exist, and the simplequietmodern days of early elegant air travel has given way to…well, you know. The good news is that this chair is still available, in  multiple variations, to satisfy your need for comfortable seating with a light touch… and, this magnificent building has undergone a recent multi-million dollar renovation and is now a National Landmark.knoll-saarinen-executive-armchairs_im_500Copy of saarinemarmchr_grpTWA(4)_ NYCarchitecturehttp://nyc-architecture.com/BKN/BKN002.htm

Cupid Cooks

February 9, 2013

OK, here’s the plan. After a quick trip for a well priced Brut Rose’, start with Gougere, always the perfect accompaniment to a dry sparkling wine. Follow with a dinner of  roast cornish game hen, orzo with peas and mint and finish with an Afogatto of coffee ice cream topped with espresso and some toasted almonds ( or, as shown here,with a shard of  Brulee Almond Brittle) for dessert. The Gougere can be made the weekend prior and frozen until needed. Roast the game hens while you’re making the orzo over a glass or two of wine.  Now, how simple was that? A  mid-week celebration that took no more time than a regular weeknight dinner.brtroseFgougepltTWOF https://simplequietmodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/inas-gougere.jpgorzoWpeasNmintFgamehenVdayFbrntalmdbrttlFaffogatow_brttl4FValDayGameHenrecipe

Chemex…modern then,

February 6, 2013

modern now. The simplequietmodern way to a great cup (or two if you have the time).You love it when they offer you a “pour over” at Starbucks…well, Chemex has been offering that tasty option since it’s introduction in1942.Included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian, the Chemex Coffee Maker has found its permanent home in the annals of  modern and industrial design. Why a Keurig when this can do the trick at a fraction of the price and without the  landfill waste that comes along with it… plastic pods, cardboard packaging, etc?   So go grab yourself a bag of beans…it might just be time to revisit this timeless symbol of gracious living and brew yourself a cup.Chemexhistory_schlumbohm_07_largeChemexhistory_sugar_01_large

http://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/chemex/history.html

The Homies 2013

February 4, 2013

Apartment Therapy’s 5th Annual Homies…and simplequietmodern has been nominated in the category of  “Best Home Design And Inspiration Blog”. It’s pretty exciting. The voting will continue until February 8, 2013. For those of you that follow and have voted…a big Thank You. If you’d like to cast you vote now, please do and feel free to share sqm with your friends and associates. There’s always something new here, and as I like to say…simplequietmodern… read it, learn it, live it

homiescrop2113http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-home-design-inspiration-blog-the-homies-2013-183531#nominate

Listen

February 3, 2013

No matter what this New Year has brought…or the last few years for that matter… there is hope. Financial stress, relationships crumbling, personal losses, natural disasters, stalled projects,workplace rudeness…we have all been there…all been affected. Still, as we assess what this first month of the New Year has (or hasn’t) brought, we can benefit from these simple yet powereful words. And, an early Spring is at hand so things are already looking up.11_ black friday habituallychic 

Thanks to Heather @ Habitualy Chic for providing this photo:http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-11-28T07:00:00-05:00

Rack ’em up…

January 31, 2013

stack ’em up. What a perfect simplequietmodern solution to storing your firewood ,  keeping it close at hand, and making a major statement in the process. Any room with a fireplace, no matter what style inclination, can benefit from the look of the clean steel frame that will present your timber in a neatly organized vertical “installation”. Designed by Franz Mauer, the stand alone Woodtower  not only solves the problem of keeping your split logs conveniently located, but it does so very elegantly.WoodTower-frei_original

http://www.connox.com/categories/furniture/wood-storage/raumgestalt-woodtower.html

Pumpkin X 2 Part 2

January 28, 2013

Before you forget you have it, it’s time to put that pumpkin puree that was left over from the earlier soup recipe to good use. We’ve made it through January so why not treat everyone with a batch of these Iced  Pumpkin Cookies. A soft drop cookie with no fancy ingredients…you probably have everything you need in the pantry. And, if you leave out the machinery and stir these up by hand, they are not only simple, but quiet as well.pumpkcookiereciprev

It’s not too early to start thinking about getting back outside, spending the warm Spring and Summer months in the yard. In fact, in order to have what you want…when you want it…now is the perfect time to set your plan into motion. Maybe  it’s a new piece of furniture or two you’re desiring. Confirming availability, lead times and shipping now can have you ordering things up and having them in your possession at precisely the right time. It’s possible to enjoy a balmy 70 degree day early in April. How nice would it be to have a place to sit, sip and watch the garden you worked so hard putting to bed last fall slowly waking up? And,what a better spot to do it from than this simplequietmodern favorite. The Split Seat Bench from Henrybuilt,  in teak , placed in the entry courtyard, on your porch or outdoor dining area could hit just the right simplequietmodern note. If it’s needed inside… at the foot of a bed, in an entrance hall or flanking a dining table…you can select from  the extensive wood options, like the quartersawn walnut pictured, to enhance any interior location.split_seat_bench_1_hnryblt

http://www.henrybuiltfurniture.com/index.php?group=13