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
Large or small…
May 19, 2016
hand knit or woven, I’m a sucker for a blanket. This Faribault classic, in wool and recycled acrylic fiber could come in handy over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Toss it in the car for a weekend road trip , spread it on the ground for a concert or picnic in the park or pull it over your shoulders for a nap on the porch. Did I mention it was made in America?
Additional whip stitch border colors: http://www.faribaultmill.com/collections/throws/products/recycled-throw-black
Brown Butter Bourbon Blondies
May 1, 2016
If April showers bring May flowers, a wet Spring weekend also provides just enough time indoors to knock out a batch of these…Brown Butter Bourbon Blondies.
I adjusted Phyllis Grant’s adaptation of Mark Bittman’s Butterscotch Brownies by adding a cup of coarsley chopped toasted walnuts and replacing 3 of the 4 teaspoons of vanilla with Bourbon. Now we’re talking…I should have made a double batch. You can find the original adaptaton here: http://food52.com/recipes/32350-brown-butter-blondies
Spring Break
April 11, 2016
Now we’re talkin. Give me a little respite in the Spanish countryside over Florida or Mexico for Spring Break any day. In a small simplequietmodern retreat like this…even better.
More photos and specifics here: http://www.chqs.net/project-tipo-19.htm#
What could be easier…
March 27, 2016
…than leaving well enough alone? Happy Easter.
Photos: gp
Boing!
March 21, 2016
It’s official…it’s Spring! While the threat of a Nor’easter is still possible and a chill remains in the air there is no looking back. It’s time to grab hold of some Spring and not let go until June. I’m not sure where I’m going to start but I’ve squirreled away some inspiration to help get me started . How ’bout you?
Top to bottom:
A fresh bottle of Simple Green and stack of clean cloths…on your mark, get set…clean.
A handful of parrot tulips will not only freshen things up, they might trigger reading The Tulip by Anna Pavord.
Now is the perfect time to add a new tool to your gardening arsenal. Maybe this hand rake to get into those tight spots. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/sneeboer-hand-leaf-debris-rake
Asparagus…grilled as a side or maybe in a risotto.
Simple bowls of forced rye grass and undyed eggs…the simplequietmodern way to decorate for this weekends Easter brunch.
photos: gp
It Couldn’t Hurt
January 31, 2016
If your hands have taken a beating digging out from last weeks storm or you’re already getting the garden prepped for Spring I’ve got the perfect little DIY project for you. This soothing hand salve of beeswax and olive oil, personalized with your choice of beneficial essential oils, will help put the heal on with just a few ingredients.
I put the simplequietmodern spin on this recipe found on Food 52. For three 2 oz. jars I started with 1 cup general use olive oil, 1 oz. organic yellow beeswax and 21 drops total of peppermint, eucalyptus and wintergreen essential oils (equal amounts of each). Melt the beeswax into the olive oil in a double boiler until combined. Stir in the essential oils. Dip a cold spoon into the mixture to test the consistency. Pour into small lidded jars. That’s it…done. And, you’ll have enough to give away.
My choice of essential oils not only smells great, but adds additional comfort to sore hands and joints if you work your hands hard like I do.
http://food52.com/blog/15239-the-diy-gift-that-dry-winter-hands-will-thank-you-for
photos: gp
Who Knew?
January 14, 2016
A better chocolate chip cookie? Could be. Or, at least a healthier one. Made with…of all things…chickpea flour! After all of your holiday overindulging you can forget the resolutions and whip up a batch of these to kick off the New Year guilt free. With a healthy serving of protein and dietary fiber these might just be your new ” go to “.
Relax
January 11, 2016
The holidays are behind us and the New Year is just beginning. The holiday lights are down and all of the decorations are packed away for another year. Now what? A little self-indulgence might be just what’s needed. I’m thinking a relaxing soak or invigorating scrub using Pacha Soap Co.’s Birch Muscle Soak. Three simple ingredients…Sweet Birch Essential Oil, Epsom Salts and Organic French Gray Salt…blended to soothe sore muscles and stimulate the sweat glands to help detoxify the body. Take a deep cleansing breath and the wintergreen-like scent will help open up the sinuses. A perfect way to take advantage of a cold wintry day and fine-tune your focus on the New Year ahead.
For more info:http://www.pachasoap.com/product/birch-muscle-soak/
photos: gp
Cheers!
January 3, 2016
Four years, 415 posts and hundreds of photos… it’s time to celebrate as we move into year five of simplequietmodern. Reviewing the last year you have surprised me yet again by digging into the archives and making some of the earliest posts the ones you favored most in 2015. So cheers to you my readers, followers and friends. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, get inspired, leave a comment and inspire me.
From classic mid-century modern furniture and architecture, sophisticated applications of humble materials like concrete and ply, brilliant projects featuring recycled pallets and paper to something good to eat with only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort…just a small sampling of what has kept my interest and yours this past year.
simplequietmodern 