One Bowl…
September 7, 2017
a few pantry staples and a wooden spoon. That’s all that’s needed to put the abundance of Summer zucchini to good use. I adjusted the already simple recipe from SimplyRecipes.com to include butter and olive oil and the result was 14 moist and gently spiced Zucchini Muffins packed with raisins and walnuts in just 45 minutes, start to finish.
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_muffins/
Or, you can use this recipe to create two loaves of satisfying Zucchini Bread instead. http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_bread/
photos: gp
Take It Outside
August 25, 2017
Starting the day with your morning cup and a little solitude, breaking midday for a little lunch or gathering a group for an impromptu Summer supper, this table and bench seating would accommodate beautifully. If it’s only seating you need the benches alone offer up some great inspiration for an impressive DIY project. Hmmmm…there’s plenty of summer left…
Cooling Greens
August 20, 2017
This August heat has inspired me to reach for anything green from the season’s bounty, switching up my weekly shopping trip which seems zeroed in on auto-pilot. Let’s see what this exercise has produced.
From the top:
It started with this green spider orchid from Trader Joe’s inspiring the rest of my selections.
Locally grown Honeydew melons are just the break I needed from Watermelon.
These Green Zebra heirloom tomatoes will switch up that Summertime BLT or Caprese.
Local fresh herbs…it doesn’t get better. Basil for a Pesto Pizza on the grill or maybe a Pesto Potato Salad…Parsley and Mint for a Chimichurri to compliment anything grilled.
Zucchini have gotten a bad rap by showing up on your desk or doorstep by the bagful. Take full advantage by grilling them up with some onions, peppers and tomatoes or knocking out a batch of Zucchini Muffins.
Photo: gp
White Hot
August 2, 2017
You can’t beat a white hot deal like a bunch of locally grown Summer gladiolus at $4. Especially in simplequietmodern white. Less than a ” cold brew” and they’ll last the entire week.
Photo: gp
Going Long
July 3, 2017
What better way to kick off the 4th of July than with an extended holiday weekend? Plenty of time for some DIY projects, maybe a local road trip, enjoying some seasonal favorites and simply kicking back. On your mark…get set…where’s that hammock?
From the top:
First things first…get that flag up.
Add in a new plant material and see how it performs the rest of the summer.photo: http://www.highcountrygardens.com/bouteloua-gracilis-blonde-ambition
How much fun could a tree swing be? Photo: https://www.schoolhouse.com/collections/all-new/products/wood-rope-tree-swing
After a bit of work a rewarding lunch near the water could be a good idea.
Cold watermelon and an 80 degree day…perfect.
A bag of marshmallows, a box of sparklers and a yard full of fireflies should finish the holiday off nicely.
photos: gp, except where noted.
Just in Time
June 30, 2017
The Gardens Of The a Highline: Elevating The Nature Of The Modern Landscape is now available, just in time for a little Summer reading. This chronicle of the transformation of the abandoned elevated tracks on Manhattans West Side, in garden designer Piet Oudolf’s own words and captured in the images of photographer Rick Darke, is sure to inspire.
Photos via Oudolf.com
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
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
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