Good enough…

April 17, 2016

for company yet simple and quick enough for any week night dinner… Orchietti with pancetta and peas. It’s a Springtime comfort food, with each “little ear” cradling a bit of crisp pancetta, a pea or bit of fresh herb. With a few basic ingredients you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. A glass of Prosecco and maybe some spring strawberries for dessert ? Done.

orch_ingr

G's Spring Orch_Panc_Peas

Orch_panc_peas

 

Photos:gp

 

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.

W400_foto_386_08_288

W400_foto_383_05_85

W400_foto_382_04_192

W400_foto_396_18_34

W400_foto_395_17_31

 

More photos and specifics here: http://www.chqs.net/project-tipo-19.htm#

 

On Your Mark…

April 5, 2016

Get set…Bang! While Spring takes a little “back pedal” it’s the perfect time to pull the trigger on this project.

strips3F

pprloopF

no36_2F

pperyrnshdwF

 

Photos:gp

 

 

 

What could be easier…

March 27, 2016

…than leaving well enough alone? Happy Easter.

egg_blkdsh

2egg_blkdsh

3egg_blkdsh

 

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?

clning5

ptulp5F

handrk_trrn

aspargusF

grssEgg5F

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

 

 

 

Almost Out of the Woods

March 14, 2016

The cure for cabin fever could be a 70 degree day and an afternoon out-of-doors or this…the Cabin Fever Brownie from Detroit’s Avalon Bakery. A thick rich brownie under a thicker slab of marshmallow generously crusted with a “crackle” of “all the snack foods you crave”. Oh, yes they did.

coffe_CFbrwnni

cbnfvrbrwni

crums

Photos:gp

 

From Falling Water to the factories of the Rust Belt, steel framed windows have both let light in and expanded our views for decades. Large paned or small, modern technology is allowing us to capture the look once again, in new construction or vintage renovation projects. The narrow sight lines, energy efficiency, UV protection and custom finishes provide the perfect window solution for your modern ranch or to inject a more modern note to a residence that has more traditional roots.

French-Door-Entry-Portella-Iron-Doors-Remodelista-700x564

factory-metal-windows-garden-estudio-vitorpenha-gardenista_0-722x1080

Schappacher-White-Steel-Doors-Windows-interior-Gardenista-700x473

brooklyn-heights-townhouse-garden-factory-windows-robin-key-gardenista-733x488

 

 

Photos: http://www.portellairondoors.com/portfolio_steel.php  and

http://www.gardenista.com/posts/hardscaping-101-steel-frame-factory-style-windows-doors-pros-and-cons

 

Bucket List

February 25, 2016

On your bucket list of things you’d like to see or do, can there be room for those things you’d like to have? I’m thinking yes. Like the Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Couch. A classic. And, simply one of the most beautiful pieces of modern furniture produced.  Even with the Knoll Classics Sale going on now this piece is still a major investment. Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet.

Mies_couch_blkMies_couch_tan

 

Photo:http://www.knoll.com/product/barcelona-couch

 

 

Happy Accident

February 20, 2016

Meeting a friend for coffee the other day left me with a few minutes to kill, which  led me to poking around my phone…checking the weather, deleting emails, listening to voice mails. That accomplished I found myself opening notes ( which I have never used ) and finding a drawing app ( which I didn’t know was there). Hmmmm. While I’m never without a fine tip Uniball or Sharpie I am sometimes at a loss for something to doodle on when inspiration strikes. Good to know I can stop reaching for that stack of napkins.

doodlephn loops  

doodle_crp_adjt  

 

photos/doodles: gp    

 

Life in Black and White

February 15, 2016

When these February mornings look like a black and white photograph, some color is in order.  A little pink will warm things up…particularly if that pink is expressed in tulips. Simply arrange in hand, tie up with a piece of jute cord and lean in a simple glass cylinder vase, simplequietmodern style.

blk_wht_am

pnk_tlips

Photos: gp