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.
Fair Warning
July 17, 2013
Not exactly Christmas in July, just a little heads up. Now’s the time to start scouting every flea market, garage sale, and church rummage sale you run across. Start early, grab your coffee “to go” and get a great jump on that collection of vintage ornaments you always dreamt of having. The problem has always been that you don’t give it a thought until you’re about to set out to buy the tree in December…then, hind sight is 20/20 vision. So take a few bucks and invest an hour or two on Saturday morning and get your collection started with a few nostalgic pieces. Who knows? You might even run into some 50’s-60’s glassware that would make a kitschy gift for someone special. Two birds…one stone.
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/
USA…USA
July 4, 2013
There is no better time than today, as we reflect on our freedoms and liberties, to make a solid commitment to buy American whenever possible. It can be tough I know, but it’s not impossible. Take a little time… do a little research. Let’s bring all of that foriegn production back home. The trend has started…let’s keep it going.
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.
Workin’ for the weekend.
June 2, 2013
And, some weeks it can’t come too soon… especially if you’re lucky enough to be getting away to a smart simplequietmodern cabin like this. Neatly tucked into the hills…a little inside , a little out…and that fireplace? Just the spot to cozy up to should the weather take a turn…which you know it will. Really, all we’ve had lately is weather, right? The only thing left to do is to count it down…c’mon Friday.
Stop whatever you’re doing
May 27, 2013
at 3:00 PM * today and take part in honoring our fallen troops in a National Moment of Remembrance. 
* local time.
Thanks Mom
May 12, 2013
Even after they’re spent she keeps them around… a reminder of the special connection you have. It’s a Mom thing. 
mmmm…cake
May 7, 2013
Crazy Chocolate Cake to be more accurate. About the only crazy thing I recognize , other than there are no eggs in this cake, is the fact that I have never had a can of cocoa powder in my kitchen… ever. I have never cooked or baked with it but decided that I needed to give it a try when I saw this recipe ( and several others that were near identicle) and read the raves. In true simplequietmodern fashion it went together quickly with a bowl and a wooden spoon…no power appliances needed. Who’s going to argue with a deep rich chocolate cake made from scratch? The frosting? What do you think? Something white and fluffy like a Seven Minute Frosting or more chocolate like a Sour Cream Ganache? For now I think I’ll go with a little whipped cream and some berries.
For the recipe go here: http://veganconnection.com/recipes/crazy.htm and if you’d like to trick it out for a special occasion go here:http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2010/04/07/mocha-layer-cake-with-sour-cream-ganache/
simplequietmodern 