January has been brought to you…
January 29, 2017
by the color gray. While I couldn’t be more pleased with our relative lack of snow, it would be nice to see some sun. Morning, noon and night have all been so gray…DARK gray…for what seems like the entire month. A little blast of natural vitamin D would be welcome. Until the skies clear it might be a good idea to fill some vases with daffodils or forced forsythia branches, tuck a bright paint chip among your currency for a little pop of bright as you go about your day or hunker down to an afternoon of binge-watching Versailles on Netflix and seeing what the Sun King is up to. I’m going for all three.
Top to bottom:
image: gp
image: Pantone.com
image: Netflix
In the blink of an eye,
January 26, 2017
five years has flown by. It’s hard for me to believe that simplequietmodern is celebrating another anniversary. As I look back I am always surprised that what interests me also interests you…and, keeps you coming back. The appeal of factory inspired windows and doors, black fences, the timeless work of Brancusi, simple landscape statements, and modern seating solutions topped the list. Thank you for regularly stopping by, for your comments, for your inspiration, your friendship.
Oh, you knew there’d be cake didn’t you? This simple chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream can be found here. Perfect for a celebration like this or any day when a little cake is necessary. http://www.marthastewart.com/254376/busy-day-chocolate-cake
Now on to year six.
A Little Magic
January 23, 2017
The simple twist of a basic knit stitch and your resulting textile looks decidedly woven. The magic that is this Plaited Throw by Purl Soho might be just what’s needed to tide you through the last weeks of Winter. The pattern and step by step instructions are free, so all you have to do is select your fiber and grab your sticks.
Purl Soho’s Linen Quill in kettle Black…a fine wool, alpaca and Linen blend, would be my simplequietmodern choice.
all photos: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/01/13/plaited-throw/
Hopeful and Optimistic
January 8, 2017
While many are still whining about the election results, gnashing their teeth and hoping not to hear the Trump name mentioned ( yet bringing it up themselves at every opportunity), I’m feeling hopeful and optimistic. And, with that optimism comes a vision of moving forward. Some new treads will help in that regard…what better way to put your best foot forward. So, as we see America becoming “great again”, I’m making a list that I’ll put to good use once the prosperity returns to the rust belt.
Top to bottom:
West Avenue George Boot and Adams Monk Strap Oxford from Alden
Original Achilles Low Sneaker in black from Common Projects
Madison Mariel’s Black Leather Weekend Bag
Walnut and horsehair shoe brush from Tangentgc
all photos via http://needsupply.com/
Chilaquiles
December 30, 2016
Mexican comfort food. Can you think of a better way to start the New Year than with a bowl of tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with a fried egg, cheese, avocado, onion and cilantro? The hardest part is the gathering of the ingredients. If you can put some salsa in a pot and fry an egg, you’ve got this.
Let Rick Bayless guide you through your first time using a handful of prepared ingredients. After that you’ll find yourself making them on the fly for breakfast lunch and dinner. http://www.fronterafiesta.com/cook/starters-snacks-a-light-meals/355-chilaquiles-with-salsa-and-eggs-
I’m feeling like…
December 27, 2016
a little Danish. A single selection or a few easy pieces by master of mid-century Danish Modern, Finn Juhl would satisfy that craving. Moving into the new year you might find yourself looking to simplify things as well, and the 57 Sofa, a 45 chair, the Finn Juhl Bench and Sideboard would outfit a room beautifully with s single stroke. I’d definitely favor walnut as my wood selection with neutral leather and textiles for the upholstery. It doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than this.
http://www.finnjuhl.com/inspiration/inspiration-house-of-denmark-in-paris/
and to all a good night.*
December 24, 2016
The holiday seemed to speed up on us, didn’t it? Now that it’s here, all that needs to be done is to leave a plate out for Santa. These Nut Horns have been part of Christmas as long as I can remember. I’m thinking Santa will be pleased.
You might try Mrs. Donato’s recipe for nut horns found here. Thanks Leslie, it’s every grandma’s recipe. http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2016/12/mrs-donatos-nut-horns.html
photo: gp
* A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement Clark Moore
Cause For Celebration
December 22, 2016
The Winter Solstice may herald the beginning of Winter but it also gifts us a little extra daylight each day…slowly inching us out of the darkness. Good reason to celebrate to be sure. I’m thinking a Stinger and an arm-load of white fringed tulips are in order.
Stinger: equal parts Brandy and white Creme de Menthe. In this case, on the rocks.
photos: gp
Looking Back
December 18, 2016
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever recieved was a pair of Minnetonka deerskin moccasins. I wore them all of the time. I wore them everywhere. I wore them out. It might be time for a new pair as Winter takes it’s hold. Or, I could switch from the classic to their soft sole fringed boot. Either would be perfect for padding around the house on the inevitable snow day.
top photo via: https://www.minnetonkamoccasin.com/men/styles/moccasins/double-deerskin-softsole-men
bottom photo via: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=40110678&category=MENS_SHOES
There’s Still Time
December 15, 2016
While there’s still time to make that online purchase and receive it before Christmas, you might consider whipping something up yourself. This knit body mitt can be completed in a couple of hours and would be a great stocking stuffer, small gift when paired with a handmade soap or a little personal indulgence. Sitting down to a bit of knitting zen couldn’t hurt either as things ramp up to the big day.
Top to bottom:
Linen Body Washcloth by Fog Linen at Need Supply Co. Photos:http://needsupply.com/linen-body-wash-cloth.html
Purl Soho Cotton Pure in Black Sand Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/cotton-pure.html
This near black cotton from Purl Soho is a perfect choice if you’re knitting it up yourself. And, it’s available in over forty colors. Simple put, cast on to knit up a rectangle 12″ wide and knit until you reach ten inches. Cast off, fold in half, seam up the side and close one end. I’d suggest a simple pattern of k 1 p 1 across and k all the way back…you’ll end up with a rib on one side and a pebbled texture on the reverse. Done.
simplequietmodern 