Dog Days
August 25, 2023
What can be better than the long hot days of August? Taking the time to soak them all in…long afternoon shadows, nature’s bounty, simple pleasures. Here are just a few simplequietmodern later Summer favorites.
A trip to any farmers market or farm stand bursting with local goodness. Fresh corn to use in a roasted corn salad, Kirby cucumbers for pickling and heirloom tomatoes for that simple tomato sandwich or BLT. Maybe some figs to serve up with blue cheese to start or fresh local melons sliced up to end a perfect summer supper.
A refreshing outdoor shower after a long walk on a secluded rocky beach followed by a smart fresh cherry old fashioned while relaxing in from of an early evening fire.
Fresh locally grown seasonal flowers from hydrangeas to hops, bright dahlias to my personal favorite’s, white Michigan gladiolus.
photo: Food52
photo: Remash
photo: Loll
Unless otherwise indicated, photos: gp
Let Freedom Ring
July 4, 2023
Happy Independence Day!
Photos: gp
In Season
June 5, 2023
Artichokes! Kicking off the festival season again is the Artichoke Festival in Castroville, CA this coming weekend, June 10th and 11th. I’ve mentioned Castroville before I’m sure, the Artichoke Capitol of the world. If you love artichokes like I do, you can celebrate with them this weekend with a simple light Spring lunch or dinner starter. What could be more simple? While your trimmed artichokes are boiling up, whip up a quick dip of melted butter, mayo and lemon juice. Done.
photos: gp
Instantly an icon
May 31, 2023
after it’s introduction in 1948 the Womb Chair, like all of Eero Saarinen’s designs for Knoll, is still made by hand and still going strong. I can’t help but hope that I look as good when I’m 75. Happy Birthday my friend.
photos: Knoll
If it’s March,
March 1, 2023
then it’s time for Daffodils. Especially after the last two weeks of ice storms and the grayest of skies. Who couldn’t use a dose of that perfect yellow while they’re available in every grocery store and flower shop. At only a couple of bucks a bunch you could easily pick up a dozen bunches and spread the wealth. While Spring is a few weeks off and we certainly know that we are not out of the woods in terms of ugly weather, a simple handle full of Daffodils might be exactly what’s needed to pull us through. For a simple effective presentation, 2 bunches dropped in a Heath Ceramics Tall Modern Mug is the way to go. No muss, no fuss.
photos: gp
Clocks a tickin’
February 8, 2023
With Valentines Day less than a week away you might want to put a little thought into what to give your Valentine. No Valentine on the horizon? Well, treat yourself! Below are just a few tried and true treats that are sure to bring a smile and a big hug.
Top To Bottom:
Who wouldn’t love the holiday’s signature color realized in cashmere?
This little homemade indulgence is so simple and a sure fire hit. Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles.
Who could resist cozying up with this fiery pillow from Knoll. A romcom and pizza in beats fighting a mid-week dinner crush.
Available nearly everywhere and at no great expense. Sweet and sweetly scented carnations in pink. Just a few tucked into a small vase or cup can hit just the right romantic note.
White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold…all by itself, in combination, or with the addition of diamonds. Tiffany’s Lock Bangle. Simple, quiet and modern in any configuration.
This rosy red Bromeliad could brighten someone’s desk for months if they’re still working from home.
And for those ” clock watchers” , this Hemisphere wall clock with it’s hot pink face is sure to be a hit.
photos: Truffles and carnations gp All others via their respective sites.
It might be time…
February 1, 2023
to reconsider the 70’s. More specifically Ray Wilkes ” Chicklet ” sofa. Designed for Herman Miller in 1976, this sculptural group includes a 1, 2 or 3 seat units constructed of injection molded foam over a flexible steel frame. Simple.
photos: Herman Miller
Just Right
January 23, 2023
If you are as tired as I am being bombarded by everyone and anyone’s take on the ” color of the year”, I have the answer. THE perfect white. Yes, white. Maybe it’s time to get back to some basics. While I’ve been using this for years when white has been needed, I’ve been computer matching an old paint stirrer to get it just right. Now, a quick trip to Home Depot will have us hooked up. Blank Canvas is all that…no leaning yellow, pink, green or blue…just a perfect warm neutral white. It doesn’t get better than this.
photo:gp
Pick me, pick me, pick me.
January 11, 2023
And just like that, without hesitation, he did. He picked me. And, he picked some big shoes to fill. I’m sure this little bruiser is up to the task. Buster. He picked his name as well. Fitting.
photo: gp
Merry Christmas
December 25, 2022
If you were hoping for a white Christmas, well, wish granted. However you are planning on celebrating the holiday today, stay warm…be safe.
photo: gp
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