Liquid Harvest
March 25, 2014
A uniquely North American experience…the tapping of maple trees…is now in full swing. If we remembered that a fresh harvest of maple syrup was the reward after a hard cold Winter, well, I for one would be a little less cranky as Winter seemed to drag on and on. To celebrate I plan on incorporating that amber sweetness into everything possible starting with this Maple Walnut Fudge. In true simplequietmodern fashion,it takes just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand and no power equipment is needed.
I added a cup of rough chopped toasted walnuts to this recipe…that was simple enough.http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking_and_desserts/maple_fudge.php
Not…
March 15, 2014
funny. Really…I’m serious.
Sometimes, a little order…
March 12, 2014
is all that is needed. Trees in neat rows, simple tight clipped forms, a straightforward place to rest…a small piece of soft turf like a rug anchoring the whole. A simplequietmodern look at a personal oasis contrasted against the naturalized wooded areas beyond this intimate enclosure. And after the winter we’ve had…OK, are still having… who wouldn’t want to come home to this? Mother Nature is clearly giving us the time to prepare for a space like this of our own as it doesn’t look like we will be moving outside to our own yards anytime soon.
first three photos via Gardenista http://www.gardenista.com/posts/landscape-architect-visit-a-london-courtyard-gets-a-grownup-update-del-buono-gazerwitz-landscape-architects
and the allee of locusts and lawn at the Miller House in Columbus, Indiana via http://www.imamuseum.org/visit/miller-house/landscape-architecture
Taking Full Advantage
March 6, 2014
Marcel Breuer favored maximizing both the view and the available natural light. As illustrated in this living room he designed around the middle of the last century, even the fireplace wall has been punctuated to take full advantage of both. There is so much to be learned from the work of the mid-century modern masters…details like this, extensive use of floor to ceiling glass, the wood ceilings and even the soffits to house the casements. simplequietmodern details. When it’s clear that these ideas could easily be implemented now, it makes me wonder why so many McMansions still continue to pop up at every turn.
photo via http://www.improvisedlife.com/2009/01/21/marcel-breuer-sun-and-shadow-the-philosophy-of-an-archtect/
Wise Investment
March 1, 2014
Happiness and good fortune by the bunch. For a couple of bucks you can’t beat an investment like that. Make that a twenty-dollar bill and spread it around to ten others and wait for the return on your investment. I’m guessing you won’t be waiting too long. Daffodils…the birthflower for March. You just can’t beat that shot of yellow, the gentle fragrance only they can provide…their foretelling that Winter is near its end.
Indulge Me
February 16, 2014
I might just have a touch of “cabin fever”. Indulge me this little bit of a simplequietmodern escape. On the grounds of Phillip Johnson’s Beck House in Dallas is this modernist pool house designed by architect Sven Fruit. I can’t think of anything better to meditate on than an afternoon by that pool… warm dappled sun, gentle breeze and a giant Mojito within arms reach.
photos via http://blog.thedpages.com/flash-back-flash-forward-philip-johnson-1906-2005
Instead of seeing red,
February 9, 2014
I’m starting to see what appears to be a bit of blue peeking out of a darkly clouded sky. Yet more snow again this morning has me focusing on simplequietmodern white inspiration that will take my mind off of the weather for now. And, that little hint of blue, aqua really, might just have me considering a new addition to my completely neutral surroundings. Maybe it’ll help you too.
top to bottom:
This large modern cup in matte aqua glaze from Heath with keep both hands warm as you’re sipping any hot beverage from a simple dark roast to a hot buttered rum. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1005/s/large-modern-cup-5/category/3/#p147
Charles Pollock’s CP1 Lounge Chair marks his first new design release in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. Available in tufted leather or felt on a frame of stainless steel the CP1 captures all of the sex appeal of a classic Jaguar convertible. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6560/bernhardt-design-charles-pollock-cp1-lounge-chair
If you feel like slowing down a bit, Heath’s vintage modern teapot design of the 1940’s will have you brewing a stylish cup of tea anytime. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/969/s/large-teapot/category/3/#p147
Until we’re ready for a shift to Daylight Savings Time there will be plenty of gray days ahead. Arne Jacobsen’s AJ table , wall and floor lamps have been directing light exactly where we’ve needed it since their release in 1957. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product2055/louis-poulsen-arne-jacobsen-table-lamp
Almost as snowy and sparkly as the view outside, this super chunky “Pixie Dust” by Knit Collage Yarns will knit up fast on some giant needles. Maybe a modern textured lap blanket in this wool and mohair blend will keep you cozy till Spring. http://knitcollage.com/collections/yarn/products/pixie-dust#6
A quick tour of the yard with your pruners could provide a branch or two of flowering Quince to force in this bulb vase from Heath. That’ll do nicely until the tulips are up and ready to cut and bring in. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/975/s/bulb-vase-8/category/40/#p147
all photos via the privided links
Either Way
February 2, 2014
It doesn’t matter to me if the groundhog sees his shadow this morning or not. Either way I have my sights locked on March 15th as the beginning of my Spring garden clean-up. Until then I’ll be happy making sure my tools are in good order and that any new projects, additions and subtractions are being studied and fine tuned. Six weeks are plenty of time to pull a plan together…maybe add a few surprises as well. I have just the spot for this heated concrete bench should Spring and Summer prove to be unseasonably chilly.
All photos via: http://www.galanterandjones.com/
One minute…
January 29, 2014
you feel as if you are living in a black and white photograph. The daylight (or lack of it) looks the same at six A.M. as it does at noon and then again at six P.M. It’s still colder than cold and the snow…well, it’s still coming. Then a day like today greets you with not only its bone chilling temperatures, but skies clear and sun so bright, reflecting off of all that snow, that you have to wonder if you haven’t crossed over. Still, we managed to get through another January, but not without some simplequietmodern help. A few low bowls of forced grass or the freshness and simplicity of a handful of white tulips can bring to mind that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel we call Winter. Both can be had for just a couple of bucks which is good to know as we head into February.
He’s makin’ a list…checkin it twice
December 4, 2013
Now’s a good time to start on your list as well. And, to help you along I’ve pulled together a few simplequietmodern ideas to get you going…mostly simple… that are thoughtful, inspired and won’t break the bank. If they aren’t a fit for someone on your list there is no harm in treating yourself to a little gift is there?
From top to bottom:
Who wouldn’t love this festive serving bowl from Heath in their holiday ruby and red suede glaze …extra special when filled with some spicy Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1538/s/bowl-ruby-red-suede-red/category/3/
You have plenty of time left to knit someone special this basic cap in Purl Soho’s new Merino Worsted Twist yarn. I have one near identical in cotton that I wear constantly so I know this’ll be a hit. Yarn, pattern and supplies needed are available through Purl.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/10/purl-soho-basic-hats-for-everyone.html
This iPad Mini sleeve in charcoal suede from Need Supply Co. will add some simplequietmodern protection to our favorite new mobile device. http://needsupply.com/ipad-mini-sleeve.html
It doesn’t get any better than homemade marshmallows covered in chocolate unless you’ve received a gift of these…Jenna’s Peppermint Sticks from Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, Michigan. Thick dark chocolate over homemade marshmallow bars with just the perfect dusting of finely crushed peppermint sticks. You better get some for yourself while you’re at it. http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/default.htm
These faceted balancing blocks of white-painted wood from Need Supply Company would definitely keep one happily occupied while on stuck on “hold”. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/balancing-blocks.html
Oaktown Spice Shop’s Everything Bagel Spice Blend takes one of our favorite flavor combinations and makes it easily applicable to almost anything. http://food52.com/provisions/products/37-oaktown-spice-shop-the-better-than-everything-bagel
Merry Christmas from pig heaven. Who wouldn’t love the a pound or two of thick cut bacon from Whole Foods Market. It could easily turn a vegetarian into a flexetarian. I’m just sayin’.
If it’s a gift for a gardener that has you stumped perhaps this galvanized weeder will fit the bill. I’m thinking a stroll through the garden won’t be complete without one. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/galvanized-utility-weeder/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
simplequietmodern 