Last Chance

November 17, 2023

Before the ground freezes and the snow flies, now is your last chance to plant yourself a little Springtime surprise. It’s about now that you could find yourself scoring some nice values on Spring-blooming bulbs. I was lucky enough last year to get my favorites, Parrot Tulips. at substantial savings. Who wouldn’t love a reward like this to look forward to after a long hard Winter? Just knowing that these will be popping up takes a nice bite out of the big chill.

 

 

 

 

 

photos: gp

 

 

 

 

 

Pokey von Pokerson Fire Poker by BluDot. All you’ll need to keep the home fires burning this holiday season. I think it’s time to toss another log on.

 

 

 

 

 

images: BluDot

 

 

 

A complete 180

November 2, 2023

I went back and forth, for what seems like an eternity, over a handful of my favorite Knoll Textile neutrals. Then, when I finally pulled the trigger, I went with Knoll Textile’s Classic Boucle’ in Onyx. I love this fabric, I love black and I love this end result. For a design first presented in 1950, it’s looking pretty sexy.

 

 

 

photos: gp

 

 

It’s That Time

October 19, 2023

It’s time again for some of my Fall favorites, and no, there is no Pumpkin spiced anything on the list.  I have managed over time to embrace Fall rather than looking at it as the slow descent into a long cold Winter. Yes, I have gathered a list of what I look forward to as we approach setting the clocks back and it even surprises me.

You can’t beat the surprise of finding Bittersweet vine while you’re engaged in your Fall yard clean-up.

In Michigan, there is no shortage of apple orchards or an endless variety of locally grown apples.

My favorite Fall activity, stoking up the burn pile. Adds a little something special to the task of cleaning up the yard.

White pumpkins I like. I like any of the specialty varieties that are now available everywhere as well…green, pink, multi colored. I think it’s just the shade of orange that had turned me off to pumpkins all this time. That particular color or the fact I’m not a big fan of Halloween.

If you’re lucky enough to have the last straggler’s of heirloom garden roses, like these Polo. I particularly like them tucked into a Heath Ceramic Tall Modern Cup.

Sour Cream Apple Pie, a different take on the American Classic. The single crust makes it even easier to knock out on a Sunday sfternoon.

Along with apple orchards, my area has no shortage of cider mills all conveniently located. Crisp and refreshing, nothing beats a glass of cider on an October afternoon. I wouldn’t say no to a splash of Bourbon either.

Quince. Looks like an apple doesn’t it?  But, you need to cook it down to enjoy. While that pie’s in the oven you might as well stir up a batch of Quince Paste on the stove.  Add it to your next cheese board when you’re watching a game or binge viewing.

There is just something about this color. I look forward to this Sumac color change more than anything else I think.  When I see it’s first color change I know I know it’s Fall.

photos: gp

the always anticipated Winter Seasonal Collection from Heath Ceramics. As these pieces are in limited supply, it’s a good idea to snap up your favorites now before the holidays are in full swing. You never want to see ” out of stock” when you’re trying to make some headway with your Christmas shopping list. This years group features matte and shiny glazes in Antique Green, Natural, Tomato, Myrtle Green and a very special Thread technique in Latte. While all of the pieces are equally appealing if I’m selecting for others, my personal favorites are the matte neutrals, which I’ve singled out here. As always with Heath, there are simply no bad choices.

 

 

 

 

 

photos: Heath Ceramics

 

 

This Just In

October 5, 2023

Just in time for the move back indoors for the Winter, a reissue from Knoll. Florence Knoll’s Model 33 Sofa and Model 31 Lounge Chair, designed in 1954, are once again available. And, right up my simplequietmodern street. Simple tubular steel frame with a tailored tight seat and tight back. Classic. It doesn’t get better in my book.  I better start making some room.

 

 

 

Frame 4 of "FKM31NAS"

photos: Knoll

I’m Feelin’ It

September 13, 2023

A classic in the making since it’s introduction in 1960, I have always been partial to this Eames turned wood stool in walnut. This recently added forth shape is also available in black. I have to say, new shape in black? Yep, I’m feelin’ it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

photos: Herman Miller

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