Uncle
April 19, 2018
OK… new plan. While it’s already the middle of April and the snow, ice and frigid temperatures continue, I’m thinking a jump-start on next Winter might be a good idea. I’ve started some cuttings of yellow twig Dogwood to work into the landscape as soon as I’m able to get a shovel in the ground. The bright chartreuse stems should brighten things up when the world has gone all black and white. Added bonus…bright green leaves with white blossoms in Spring, clusters of white berries through the Summer and the bark turning bright red through the Fall.
Mid April…really?
Top two photos: gp
Bottom photo via: https://www.thetreecenter.com/yellow-twig-dogwood/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIooCriYnG2gIVl7XACh2IyAQsEAQYAiABEgIcM_D_BwE
Takin’ It Outside
April 8, 2018
It won’t be long before we’ll be moving outdoors for our morning coffee, a sunny lunch or relaxing dinner.What could be more simple and welcoming than a long planked table and bench cozied up to a sprawling banquette? I’ve been inspired by this photo for so long, I’m thinking it might be time for a little weekend DIY before the weather breaks.
Photo: http://remash.tumblr.com
Out like a…
April 3, 2018
lamb? Well, that’s supposed to be the way March exits. The reality is we might have to kick up our own seasonal inspiration as long as Mother Nature insists on playing these games. I say plow ahead, pretend the temps are in the 50’s and 60’s and completely disregard any call for snow. A simple vase full of flowering branches couldn’t hurt either.
Photos: gp
Breezy
March 26, 2018
It’s back. Russell Woodard’s breezy Sculptura collection of Midcentury modern outdoor seating. Many have seen and coveted the originals of 1956, but until their recent re-issue one had to rely on some good garage sale Karma or being heir to some generous relative’s estate. If you’re still willing to be patient and do a little hunting you can find some great vintage pieces like this lounge chair and ottoman listed on Chairish. If you need it now, the occasional chair, bench and ottoman shown here are new releases available at Design Within Reach. The new group includes this occasional chair, bench and ottoman constructed of the iconic iron mesh with a powder coat finish in black, white, gray and orange-red. Seat cushions in black or white are optional.
Top photo: https://www.chairish.com/product/1004762/mid-century-woodard-sculptura-garden-lounge-chair-ottoman-a-pair
Chair, Bench and Ottoman photos: http://www.dwr.com/search?q=Sculptura&lang=en_US
To Spring
March 18, 2018
No time like the present…middle of March…snow and ice up to here, still…and the official start of Spring just a few days away…to lighten up the cocktail menu. I was intrigued by a cocktail combination of Bourbon, lemon and tonic. So, I started with a glass of ice, a nice shot of Bourbon, a squeeze and drop of a lemon wedge and a topping off of tonic. The BLT. After the first sip I have to admit it was surprisingly fresh. Who knew? Especially when tonic is typically reserved for mixing with vodka or gin. Then the wheels started turning. Could the lily be gilt with the addition of St. Germaine? The answer is yes. The addition of 1/2 oz. of elderflower liquor is lovely. Either way, despite the weather, it tasted like Spring to me.
Photo: gp
Which Came First?
March 15, 2018
Clearly, these special chickens lay special eggs that require special packaging. And, that’s exactly what Catherine Delphia and Aaron Dunn of The Fancy F provide. Their collection of rare breed chickens produce eggs in colors from mint and olive to pink and brown. If the colors weren’t enough, Catherine designed the minimalist packaging to showcase each dozen beautifully…in mixed or single shades. With Easter around the corner can you imagine the look on a recipients face upon receiving a gift of these? It could be worth a road trip to this Hudson Valley farm to find out.
Photos: https://www.thefancyf.com/ and https://www.gardenista.com/posts/colorful-eggs-and-designer-egg-cartons-from-the-fancy-f-farm-hudson-valley-ny/
Mix ‘Em Up
March 12, 2018
Or, stick to a solid in neutrals or brights. Even though the weather has been too inclement to entertain the thought of a Spring picnic, you can start planning ahead. And, if not a picnic, why not elevate a simple working lunch at your desk? These recycled bamboo place settings will add a bit of simplequietmodern style to either scenario and have you ditching the plastic serve ware and utensils at the same time. Light weight, stack-able, dishwasher safe and made of recycled sustainable bamboo a single place setting could fit neatly in your desks snack drawer or several would take up little space in a packed hamper once the weather breaks.
Photos: https://food52.com/shop/products/4476-recycled-bamboo-4-piece-place-setting#
