It’s On
November 27, 2016
The holiday season is officially on. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday help with a kick-start once Thanksgiving has passed but there is a solid month of gifting, decorating and entertaining ahead. If you’ve picked up a cold along the way like I have you might just want to stay in, lay back, gather up some inspiration and make a few lists to put into play in a few days. I’m taking the easy way out today and rifling through the simplequietmodern archives. Easy enough.
As always I like to keep things pared down and neutral, like the common area of this home by Belgian architect Nicholas Shuybroek. Light a fire and you’re ready to get started. And, why not start at the front door. This heavy dried vine coil is perfect.
Top photo via http://www.ns-architects.com/works/architecture/46/ Heavy twisted vine wreath photo from: http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-wreaths/dried-vine-coil
We gather together…
November 24, 2016
to ask the Lord’s blessing. Thanksgiving. The one day we gather our family and friends in groups large or small, enjoy what everyone has brought to the table, give thanks and enjoy the view.
photos via http://www.remodelista.com/posts/into-the-wild-part-ii-a-canadian-thanksgiving/
You Get What You Need
November 20, 2016
It’s true. And, friends have a way of knowing what it is and exactly when it’s needed. Take this gift parcel that arrived the other day… Buffalo Trace Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, Agnostura Bitters, sugar cubes, Luxardo Italian Maraschino Cherries, a big juicy orange and a recipe from a favorite bartender for a simplequietmodern Old Fashioned. Just what I needed at just the right time as a gentle Fall has decided to take it’s seasonal turn, home and work projects ramp up and Thanksgiving in just a few days. There is magic in perfect timing.
One thing is certain,
November 8, 2016
at least half of us will be disappointed tomorrow morning. Yet, we still have to get up…go to work…and get along. Might be a good day to quietly reflect or display some random act of kindness. If the good starts at the bottom, maybe it’ll work it’s way up to the top.
It’s almost over. Vote.
Good Witch…or,
October 30, 2016
Bad Witch. In either case a girl needs a stylish ride. Enter the classic Barn Broom in natural or black. Corn husks on a classic wooden handle made in Pennsylvania. Perfect. I’d love to take one for a simplequietmodern spin myself.
photos: http://lostine.com/collections/kitchen/products/barn-brooms
Near Perfect
September 11, 2016
The day started simple enough…crisp and bright with clear skies that seemed bluer than blue. Then, the unthinkable. I remember it all as clearly as if it were yesterday. Fifteen years later and the horrifying images burned into my memory still bring me to tears. Let us honor all of those in New York, in Shanksville and at the Pentagon on that day with a moment of silence, a prayer, a promise to never forget.
1970 photo by Andrea Di Castro from http://www.stardustmoderndesign.com/2012/11/new-york-city.html#!/2012/11/new-york-city.html flag photo:gp
Already?
August 26, 2016
Yep, it’s hard to believe, but Jaxon is turning four. And, If you thought I might finally get a picture to commemorate the occasion, think again. It’s like trying to ask a tornado to sit still and look at the camera. While he knows exactly what he’s doing…he thinks it’s pretty funny putting me through the motions. And, it is. Good picture or not, there will definitely be treats. Biscuits for him and Brown Sugar Pavlova for everyone else. Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000…Happy Birthday to you.
Photo and recipe:http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/three-layer-berry-and-brown-sugar-pavlova-354211 I’ve made a couple of adjustments to this recipe to simplify things. As abundant as berries have been I used a combination of them all; raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. When making the meringue layers you might find it easier to pipe or spread them directly onto parchment and simply peel the parchment from the bottoms when they’re cooled rather than using the suggested pan technique. It’s a bit difficult getting those layers out of the pan, even with the parchment. The end result will be much more attractive. You may want to keep this as a “go to” celebration cake, it’s that good.
For your four legged family members, why not knock out a batch of these Buddy Biscuits? There have been no complaints here either…ever. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/01/30/ruff-ruff/
Photos of Jax ( such as they are ) : gp
Lucky 7
July 17, 2016
If the bright lights of Las Vegas won’t draw you in, maybe this will. Seven Magic Mountains, by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, is a site specific installation just 10 miles from The Strip. Comprised of seven towers of brightly painted boulders stacked to over thirty feet high, Seven Magic Mountains will be providing a jolt of color to the Mojave Desert through the spring of 2018. If you’re on the west coast I think a road trip might be in order.
photos:http://sevenmagicmountains.com/
All Set
July 3, 2016
Flag. Check. Burgers, watermelon and sparklers? Check, check and check. That was simple.
photos: gp
Gearing Up
May 30, 2016
The unofficial beginning of Summer is here. First up on this Memorial Day, and most importantly, fly your flag in honor of those lost. Then on to an early start. In my case it was a stop at the nursery for a little inspiration and a bit of immediate gratification until the bigger projects are complete. As long as you’re staying in town, and the weather is finally cooperating, you might as well get to it.
With so much color and texture available in trees and shrubs I can never figure out what all the excitement is about with annuals. Inspiration around every turn and not a geranium or Impatiens in sight.
I’ve never been a fan of Barberry, but this particular variety ( Sunjoy Gold Pillar) has appeal with its upright habit, bright color and tolerance to cold. Boxwood hedge replacement? Could be.
The sculptural quality of these stag horn ferns will be a welcome green addition to the porch. One may stay potted, the other mounted for hanging. Some artichoke thistle also made the cut to fill some vintage concrete saucer planters. Pics to follow once they get going.
A cocktail is definitely in order after a good day of running, hauling and yard work. So, while you’re firing up the grill you might want to sip on my Blueberry Bourbon Cocktail. Light, refreshing and a dose of antioxidants to boot. Grab a glass and muddle 8-10 fresh mint leaves in an ounce of home-made blueberry syrup. Add 2 oz. Bourbon and a handful of ice, give it a quick stir and top it off with a splash of Vernors Original Ginger Soda. You’re welcome.
Photos: gp
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