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
If it’s March…
March 13, 2020
it’s time for Daffodils. The birth flower for March, nothing can make a simple, more cheerful, Spring-like statement like they can. And, while they’re still available, the Heath Ceramics bud vase is perfect for displaying these shots of vibrant color. I’m thinking multiple vases grouped for mass appeal or scattered about to spread the wealth with their electricity and gentle fragrance. Better act fast, this bud vase in Zinc, from the 2019 Heath Winter Seasonal Collection, is only available until the end of this month. Could a handful of Daffs help you or a friend deal with the new uncertainty of dealing with Covid-19? It couldn’t hurt.
Daffodil photos: gp
Heath bud vase photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/winter-seasonal-2019
Time Flies
January 12, 2020
Well, it just does. There is no other explanation for the fact that simplequietmodern has just celebrated it’s eighth anniversary. At this time each year I am always interested in what subjects, products or photos you’ve been drawn to most. Black fences seems to have shot to the top of the list again along with a few of my favorites from Heath Ceramics…their new Muir flatware, classic field tiles and the updated Coupe line of Edith Heath’s iconic dinnerware. The simplicity of Spring flowering bulbs rounds out the top 5. Nice. So, thank you for faithfully checking in and checking things out…for indulging me in inspiring you and for your continued support and friendship.
photos:
Black fence: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/trend-alert-black-fences/
Muir flatware, Coupe Line and Heath Field Tile: https://www.heathceramics.com/
Tulips: gp
Apparently, It’s On
November 17, 2019
Just into November and most of the country has been dumped on or been hit with an Arctic Blast. Is it just that Mother nature has a warped sense of humor or was it the early release of Heath Ceramic’s 2019 Winter Seasonal Collection that got things rolling? There’s no holding back now, the Holidays are here. Unofficially to be sure, but, they’re here. Might as well start bringing out the lights, developing a decorative plan for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and the rest of the Winter Holidays and start testing out a new recipe or two. And, shopping? Let’s start that list as well…perhaps with the Heath Ceramics Winter Seasonal Collection of limited edition offerings and finishes. New glazes like Zinc, Penny Green and Sand and Sea seem to mimic nature and have been applied to classic Heath favorites like the Bud vase, Tall Modern Cup, Plaza Trays and the Deep Salad Bowl making easy work of selecting a gift for yourself, someone special or serving up something tasty to family and friends.
This sampling and more simplequietmodern favorites available at https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/winter-seasonal-2019 photos by Heath
Snow Photos: gp
Give a bunch or two…
March 10, 2019
keep a bunch or two. Nothing sparks up a gray, blustery March day like a fistful of sunshine. So, as we wait for Springs arrival, brighten someone’s day, as well as your own, with a bunch or two of natures perfect yellow…Daffodils. Available everywhere for a couple of bucks a bunch, you can’t go wrong.
And, nothing holds two bunches as perfectly as this Tall Modern Cup from Heath Ceramics.The current glazes available can be seen here: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-in-turmeric
photos: gp
Down to the Wire
December 17, 2018
There’s still time for some small last minute gifts. Here are a few sqm ideas to help you tick those last few boxes on that list.
Top to bottom:
From Heath Ceramics Classic Red Collection: the Tall Modern Cup in Ruby Red and Suede Red. It would be particularly special if it was filled with fresh flowers once a month for a year. photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Memo blocks by Ito Bindery. Photo: https://www.odetothings.com/products/ito-bindery-memo-block?variant=5444084498463
Some homemade sweet treats are always appreciated… especially by those who are cooking and baking challenged. Use the search bar right at the top to access simplequietmodern recipes for Shortbreads, Maple Glazed Walnuts or Bourbon Balls for starters. Photo: gp
These Italian woven paper bags by UASHMAMA feel like leather. They can be the gift or become a special gifts modern reusable wrapping. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/uashmama-paper-bag.html
Potted white Helebores bring an unexpected freshness that will charm now, on the Solstice, Christmas and through to the New Year. Being able to plant it in the garden once winter breaks is an added bonus. Photo: gp
The holiday fragrance of cinnamon and fir poured into a reusable Heath Red Suede Cup. Once the candle is gone this gift keeps on giving…as a teacup or small vase. Photo: https://www. a .com/products/candle-large-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Jackpot
November 25, 2018
I recently ran across an unused gift card in my desk drawer…then another. Then, an online credit memo. Yoo hoo! What I had tucked away for safe keeping I had completely forgotten about. I think I’ll use this “found cash” to jump start my holiday shopping…maybe pick up a little perk for myself in the process. Just in time for Cyber Monday. Check those drawers, people.
A few ideas to kick off the season, top to bottom:
A new glaze, Zinc, on Heath Ceramics Coupe Dessert Bowl courtesy of that unearthed online credit memo. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/bowls/products/dessert-bowl-coupe
This Floating Gemstones Necklace Kit from Purl Soho provides enough material to create several great gifts in the month ahead. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/floating-gemstones-necklace-kit.html
Also from Purl Soho, Posy, a hand-dyed Superwash Cashmere, Merino and Nylon blend yarn. Gift the skeins to your favorite knitter or whip up a warm cap or scarf in this Winter-busting shade…Sour Gooseberry. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/posy-gift-list-gallery.html
If you’re itching to start decking the halls, Trader Joe’s has the best value in town with their mixed evergreen wreaths. Photo: gp
Start them now and you’ll have gorgeous amaryllis in bloom for Christmas. This moss covered bulb is available from Terrain. Photo: https://www.shopterrain.com
I Didn’t Know Jack
September 17, 2018
Jackfruit. I had no idea that this Asian superfood is an everyday staple in South and Southest Asia. Used in both its green and ripe forms, from savory dishes to desserts, Jackfruit is a great source of protein, potassium, calcium and iron. Benefits of eating JackFruit include improved energy, regulated blood pressure and better cardiovascular health, improved digestion, cancer prevention and enhanced vision. That said, I thought it was time to try to integrate some Jackfruit into my Meatless Monday rotation. My early simple plan was to cook it up in barbecue sauce as a pork-less pulled pork. Then I got sidetracked by a suggestion from one of the guys at my local Trader Joe’s to use it in place of crab in crab cakes. That did it, I was off and running. Starting with the crab cakes, I offered the first couple of test batches to friends. Their response was unanimous …” Wow, these are fantastic”. Who’s going to argue with that?
Then I went back to my original thought and whipped up a little faux “pulled pork” using Trader Joe’s recipe and their Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce and Marinade. Could not have been simpler. Piled on a brioche bun topped with some slaw and chopped onion? Another meatless Monday winner. See for yourself. Looks just like pulled pork, doesn’t it? Recipe here: https://www.traderjoes.com/recipes/lunch/pulled-jackfruit-sandwich
Photos:gp
Perfect Timing
June 11, 2018
After a Winter that seemed endless and the shortest Spring ever, the timing is perfect for Heath Ceramics Summer Seasonal collection. From our favorite bud vases in Wildflower, Zinnia and Black Plum to the debut of new glazes like Sunset Fade on the Deep Serving Bowl and Sorbet on the Multi Stem Vase, it’s clear from where the inspiration was drawn..Summer flowers in pinks and oranges, glorious Summer sunsets and juicy late Summer fruits.
Heath Ceramic photos: http://www.heathceramics.com/summer-seasonal
Peony and plum photos: gp
Just Starting That List
December 13, 2017
or, tying things up? Either way a few gift suggestions couldn’t hurt. Smaller personal gifts seem to really hit the mark, even more so if that gift was made by you. So, I’ve included some DIY ideas as well.
A homemade hand cream would be welcome by anyone who works with their hands or is feeling the effects of Winter already. Simply blending a base of beeswax and olive oil with essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus and wintergreen… your gifts will be ready to give in no time. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Salve
Perfect for getting into all of those nooks and crannies. What gardener wouldn’t love this hand rake? Photo:https://www.shopterrain.com/fall%2Dcleanup/sneeboer%2Dhand%2Dleaf%2Ddebris%2Drake/searchString/Hand%20rake
Pom Pom or not, everybody loves a cap. A quick knit project like this could have you completing several before the 25 th. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/10/17/basic-hats-for-everyone-in-new-colors/
A simple modern knit, this Elementary Wrap from Purl Soho might just be the project to take the edge off all of the holiday stress. And, the end result will find you not only relaxed, but with another gift checked off of that list. Photo: http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/10/20/elementary-wrap/
For the design obsessed, it doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than the work of icon Eero Saarinen. photo: http://needsupply.com/saarinen.html
Easily broken down into three separate gifts or two gifts and one for you…this trio of bud vases from Heath Ceramics in their Winter Seasonal glazes of Arctic, Shell White and Sequoia Fair warning, when they’re gone they’re gone. photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/winter-seasonal/bud-vase-set-12
Irresistible, and so simple. Cayenne Maple Glazed Walnuts…a little sweet, a little heat.. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/11/30/mmmm-maplely/
You can gild that lily by presenting those walnuts in this Heath Ceramic Deep Serving Bowl. There won’t be any re-gifting here. Photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine/bowls/deep-serving-bowl-110
What girl wouldn’t love the simplicity of semi- precious gemstone beads lovingly strung into this assortment of necklaces? Each Gemstone & Knots kit from Purl Soho makes 4 necklaces in the designs shown, and is available in nine color ways. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/11/29/gemstones-knots-necklaces/
I received this mysterious blend of cypress wood and incense years ago and it’s been my signature fragrance ever since. Even Jaxon enjoys a spritz to start his day. L’Occitane Eau des Baux. Photo: gp https://usa.loccitane.com/eau-des-baux-eau-de-toilette,82,1,66807,262187.htm#descriptionSection
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