It Couldn’t Hurt
January 31, 2016
If your hands have taken a beating digging out from last weeks storm or you’re already getting the garden prepped for Spring I’ve got the perfect little DIY project for you. This soothing hand salve of beeswax and olive oil, personalized with your choice of beneficial essential oils, will help put the heal on with just a few ingredients.
I put the simplequietmodern spin on this recipe found on Food 52. For three 2 oz. jars I started with 1 cup general use olive oil, 1 oz. organic yellow beeswax and 21 drops total of peppermint, eucalyptus and wintergreen essential oils (equal amounts of each). Melt the beeswax into the olive oil in a double boiler until combined. Stir in the essential oils. Dip a cold spoon into the mixture to test the consistency. Pour into small lidded jars. That’s it…done. And, you’ll have enough to give away.
My choice of essential oils not only smells great, but adds additional comfort to sore hands and joints if you work your hands hard like I do.
http://food52.com/blog/15239-the-diy-gift-that-dry-winter-hands-will-thank-you-for
photos: gp
Less is …
January 25, 2016
more difficult than it looks. The classic quote ” Less is more” is often attributed to modernist architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe who knew a little something about materials, the qualities of distillation of design and the elimination of all unnecessary and confusing detail. The residence here, by i29 Interior Architects, illustrates these principles beautifully while incorporating and elevating one of my favorite materials, plywood.
photos via http://plastolux.com/?s=plywood+in+a+modern+home
Relax
January 11, 2016
The holidays are behind us and the New Year is just beginning. The holiday lights are down and all of the decorations are packed away for another year. Now what? A little self-indulgence might be just what’s needed. I’m thinking a relaxing soak or invigorating scrub using Pacha Soap Co.’s Birch Muscle Soak. Three simple ingredients…Sweet Birch Essential Oil, Epsom Salts and Organic French Gray Salt…blended to soothe sore muscles and stimulate the sweat glands to help detoxify the body. Take a deep cleansing breath and the wintergreen-like scent will help open up the sinuses. A perfect way to take advantage of a cold wintry day and fine-tune your focus on the New Year ahead.
For more info:http://www.pachasoap.com/product/birch-muscle-soak/
photos: gp
New Year…New Inspiration
January 7, 2016
It can come from anywhere. Take OSB…Oriented Strand Board. An engineered wood particle board formed by adding adhesives to layers of wood flakes and then compressing them. Used in construction in an unsung supporting role for years, OSB’s good looks provide a modern, natural feel when used front and center as a flooring or wall treatment alternative. And, it’s more cost-effective than plywood, so it might be worth considering on your next project. You might just save enough to pick up a little treat like this vintage 1969 Eames Executive Chair.
top photo: gp , bottom photo via http://plastolux.tumblr.com/
Cheers!
January 3, 2016
Four years, 415 posts and hundreds of photos… it’s time to celebrate as we move into year five of simplequietmodern. Reviewing the last year you have surprised me yet again by digging into the archives and making some of the earliest posts the ones you favored most in 2015. So cheers to you my readers, followers and friends. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, get inspired, leave a comment and inspire me.
From classic mid-century modern furniture and architecture, sophisticated applications of humble materials like concrete and ply, brilliant projects featuring recycled pallets and paper to something good to eat with only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort…just a small sampling of what has kept my interest and yours this past year.
Dawn or Dusk,
December 30, 2015
either or both could have been the inspiration for Pantone’s selection for the Color (s) of the Year for 2016. Rose Quartz and Serenity…the first, according to Pantone, a warm embracing rose tone…the latter, a cool tranquil blue. Together they bring to mind the blended colors of the sky at daybreak or sunset. One glance up and you can feel the calm.
An early start one day had me experiencing what I think Pantone had in mind .Try as we might, it’ll be hard to top this perfect application by Mother Nature.
Top: via: Pantone Color Institute Bottom two photos:gp
Candlelight the Night
December 20, 2015
The Winter Solstice…Dec 21 2015. Take advantage of the longest night of the year to relax in the glow of candlelight. Even a simple supper can take on a magical quality when lit with a single flame. Tomorrow? More magic. A little more light each day until Spring.
A modern sixties inspired clear “dot” vase + one clear votive cup and candle. That’s it.
photos: gp
Deconstructing the Tree
December 18, 2015
This year, a vase full of white pine boughs, another of frosted cones and a pile of lights. Separate elements, yet still giving you the modern equivalent of a fully decorated tree. A few minutes to set up…a few to take down when the festivities are over. That simplifies things doesn’t it?
Photos: gp
Small Gifts
December 15, 2015
Small gifts always seem to make the best gifts. You are thought of fondly by the recipient with every use. Better yet, small gifts don’t need to break the bank to make a lasting impression. Here are a few simplequietmodern suggestions should your shopping list have a few entries that need to be checked off. There’s still time…get crackin.
Conifer chart tea towels ensure one won’t run out of evergreens during the holidays. And, if you help cleaning up as well the cook will love them even more. Photo: http://www.shopterrain.com/best-bets/conifer-chart-tea-towel
This natural birch muddler will make short work of prepping the next Mojito, Cuba Libre or Mint Julep.photo: http://www.cb2.com/wood-muddler/s552025
A pinch of salt is always at hand in this small ramekin in linen from Heath Ceramics.photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/small-ramekin
A pair of fingerless mitts will be a welcome gift that you made yourself. There’s still plenty of time to crank out a few pair with the pattern found here. This photo: gp http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2008/09/toasttoasty.html
If you don’t know a baker who needs one, you might gift yourself this modern take on the classic bundt pan from Nordic Ware. The bundt might just be the new cupcake. photo:http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/heritage-bundt-cake-pan/?cm_src=AutoRel
It’s not a sweater, but it’s a start. 100% cashmere that looks like it was spun right off the goat. photo:http://www.purlsoho.com/newoooh.html
Silver and Gold
December 8, 2015
Good. You’ve been diligent about collecting white tissue, newsprint and recycled kraft bags to re-purpose as gift wrap. And, still following my simplequietmodern lead, you’ve been tying those packages up with jute cord or sisal twine. Let’s up the ante this holiday season with a bit of shimmer for those gifts that might just need a special touch. Loose weave ribbons of natural cotton and metallic threads are the perfect complement. Designed by Angela Ligouri for Studio Carta, these ribbons are available in fourteen styles that I’ve edited down to my three favorites…the natural with gold, natural with silver and the gravel with gold.
Ribbon photos courstesy of http://www.shopangelaliguori.com/collections/frontpage/products/new-metallic-loose-weave-ribbon Other photos: gp
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