Salad Days
August 7, 2013
It’s my favorite white bean salad 3 ways…a base of cannellini and garbanzo beans, green pepper, red or green onion, persian cucumbers and radishes in a simple vinaigrette Simple enough to prepare ahead and it holds well served chilled or at room temperature…just perfect for these hot summer days.
Take it to Greece and add a handful of kalamata olives , a sprinkle of oregano and some cubed feta cheese. Maybe the middle east by adding a touch of sumac to the dressing and some halved grape tomatoes , toasted pita pieces and some fresh mint to the salad.
All contain enough protein and crisp vegetables to be a satisfying lunch on its own or if it’s time for dinner, any of the three would be perfect along side a platter of grilled lamb chops. Mmm…lamb chops.
Break Time
August 4, 2013
How great would it be to sneak off for a break to a little house like this…50 sf , in the woods, screened with a transparent roof AND a suspended mattress?? Grab a stack of inspirational reading , a fresh cup of coffee, or your favorite pillow and head out to meditate…recharge…regroup. Be sure you leave your phone behind and maybe forget to tell anyone where you’re off to.
Summertime Blues
August 1, 2013
There is nothing like local Michigan blueberries…in abundance. A simplequietmodern spin on this superfruit is to take some of the surplus and whip up a simple blueberry syrup and stir yourself up a Blueberry Mojito. Nothing wrong with a summer cocktail that is also antioxidant and phytonutrient rich is there?
Blueberry Simple Syrup
1 cup fresh blueberries , 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar
Combine all 3 ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the solids from the syrup through a fine mesh sieve and reserve…you can add them to Greek yoghurt or top some ice cream. Yields 2 cups Transfer syrup to a covered jar and refrigerate.
Done. How simple was that? Replace the simple syrup in your favorite Mojito recipe with this and garnish with a few fresh blueberries.
multi-faceted
July 29, 2013
What do you get when you place a salvaged cedar log in the hands of an artist/designer like Riley Mc Ferrin? Well, simple…you get Little Gem. Looking more like a crystalline mineral formation plucked from the interior of a geode than the tree it started it’s life as, this hand shaped and finished end table could be just the needed punctuation in your simplequietmodern interior. I can’t think of a better choice for placing next to your favorite lounge chair, be it Eames or Saarinen, with just enough space to accommodate a book, your beverage of choice and possibly the remote. And, like the interior space you’ve created specifically for you, no two Little Gems are alike…insured by Mother Nature and Riley’s deft hand.
A watched pot…
July 26, 2013
as they say…never boils. The same could be said of trying too hard to get your spent orchid plants to rebloom. It’s simple really…a couple of ice cubes every week to ten days, some good air circulation, decent light and a cooler night-time temperature. Then go away and leave them alone. In a few months, almost like a little surprise, you’ll notice a shoot, then some buds…and finally the gorgeous blooms that will again last for weeks. I’d say that was a pretty good return on your investment for very little effort.
Knee High by the 4th of July
July 20, 2013
And, not long after that the farm stands will be piled high with the makings for Fresh Corn Salad. In true simplequietmodern style there are only three ingredients plus a splash of apple cider vinegar and olive oil. You know by now how I love a simple recipe. And, it’s from the Barefoot Contessa herself so there is no need to make any adjustments. Is there anything better in the summer than fresh local corn?
You can find Ina Garten’s recipe for Fresh Corn Salad here: http://barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=635&S=0
Gimme Shelter
July 14, 2013
And, a little deck to get my vitamin D on and I’m good to go. A simple Monopoly game shaped structure…it can’t get any simpler than that…just enough of a terraced deck and a view stretching out over a gently waving meadow. Take a deep breath and leave the weeks ” crazies” behind. It’s another summer weekend get-a-way. Still, I’m not a fan of the steeply pitched roof, it’s the comforting shape and the warmth of the dark gray wood exterior that draws me in. The interior here is intentionally spartan, fully wrapped in OSB that provides a great natural finish that draws from the grassy exterior views…and simply appointed,making it adaptable as guest cottage, gathering place or studio. Too bad it’s located in the UK…I was just about to start loading the car.
http://www.archdaily.com/300745/stealth-barn-carl-turner-architects/
North African Beet Salad
July 3, 2013
I’m not sure which is better…the simplicity of roasted beets alone or a salad that elevates them to an entirely new level with the addition of only a few simple ingredients. This North African beet salad was shared by a friend and I have to say I make it all of the time now as part of a Mediterranean Mezza of Hummous or Cannelini bean dip, olives, pepperoncini, Feta and some great bread. I first made this with canned whole beets cut into chunks because I couldn’t wait to try it …and it was fantastic. It only gets better if you’ve have the time to roast some beets from the farmers market. Either way, you will not be disappointed…you might even want to start by doubling this recipe.
Dining Out
June 27, 2013
Mid Century master Marcel Breuer designed this concrete block and stone patio table sometime in the middle of the last century. Now, re- imagine it for al fresco dining in 2013. A little planning, a trip to the Home Depot, Lowes or a local garden center can outfit you with the requisite concrete blocks, concrete block or paver adhesive and a big ol’ 4 x 8 sheet of marine ply to top it all off. Using this picture of the original, you can spin the basic concept off in any direction to get a modern look that is uniquely yours. This could be a great weekend project before the 4th, eh? Then all that’s left to do is fire up the grill.
Finally…summer
June 24, 2013
Well, sort of. Mother Nature has taken her good ‘ol time and still there has been no shortage of gray days, gray clouds and rain. What better way to counter all of that than with a healthy dose of orange…or, simply securing the perfect spot to sit it out until the current weather passes…which it will.
http://www.shopterrain.com/colorful-utility/sun-garden-hose-orange/?upsell=1
http://www.youaretheriver.com/
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/02/math-facts-quilt.html
http://pfeifferlab.com/#/plank/
http://www.mrporter.com/product/361786
http://www.mrporter.com/product/352553
Top to bottom:
Dramm’s premium rubber hose is 50 feet of smile snaking through your garden.
A secluded roof deck with built-in seating sets you up in tree fort-like comfort.
Wrapping yourself up in this graphic summer quilt will ward off a chill until the bonfire is really roaring.
Relaxing with friends in the simplicity of Eric Pfeiffer’s modern spin on a classic Adirondack chair is sure to keep the conversation going.
Smythson’s orange leather-bound notebook is perfect for keeping track of this summers to-do lists and projects.
Pots of Epidendrums provide their own fireworks with firecracker-like bursts of hot color.
And, if you’re caught in a summer downpour you can keep yourself dry and happy with this oversized rain parka in orange cotton.
simplequietmodern 