Along The Way
December 7, 2016
Throughout the year I may stumble upon an idea or an item or two that seem like the perfect gift come Christmastime. If you follow simplequietmodern you may have noticed some of them popping up over the last many months…others just jotted down and slipped into a file until they’re needed. Like now.
Top to bottom:
Set of three natural broom cake testers for you, and two of your favorite bakers. photo via http://lostine.com/collections/kitchen/products/cake-tester
Worse than running out of Champagne is running out of glasses. Everyone could use a specially price set of 8 cylinder flutes at the holidays. The rest if the year they can be put into service as a simple cluster of vases. photo via http://www.cb2.com/set-of-8-cylinder-champagne-flutes/s422283
It reminds me of those great Sputnik inspired Christmas ornaments of the 50’s, but on a much grander scale at 24″. Who wouldn’t love to receive this simple statement? photo via http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-home-decor/winters-night-star
Based on Woodcut by artist Brian Nash Gill is this simplequietmodern set of 12 notecards. We all know someone who would rather put pen to paper than text. Photo via https://www.purlsoho.com/woodcut-notecards.html#
A perennial favorite… the Heath Ceramics Holiday Candle. Their large modern cup, in Linen, is filled with a soy wax candle by Scents of San Francisco in a warm spicy blend of cinnamon and fir. Photo via http://www.heathceramics.com/decorate-items/candles-and-lighting/holiday-candle
A little retro holiday sweet treat might be in order for someone, like these Bourbon Balls. A simple no-bake DIY that is always appreciated. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=bourbon+balls
Large or small…
May 19, 2016
hand knit or woven, I’m a sucker for a blanket. This Faribault classic, in wool and recycled acrylic fiber could come in handy over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Toss it in the car for a weekend road trip , spread it on the ground for a concert or picnic in the park or pull it over your shoulders for a nap on the porch. Did I mention it was made in America?
Additional whip stitch border colors: http://www.faribaultmill.com/collections/throws/products/recycled-throw-black
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
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.
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
Switching it up
November 19, 2015
While I will usually go for a simple Thanksgiving table decorated with Bosc pears, nuts in their shells and oak leaves , I’m thinking I might just switch things up a bit. Heath Ceramics dinnerware in basalt and linen, blown Polo roses and a tangle of Tallowberry will keep it simplequietmodern with a chalky neutral palette. Now that that’s taken care of let’s see if I can simplify dinner without any sacrifices.
Photos:gp
Like It or Not
October 20, 2015
Well, I’m ” falling” into it without a fight. Fall that is. It’s been so much like Summer I had forgotten all about the change in seasons until today. Like someone flipping a switch the sky has grayed, the breeze has cooled and leaves have gone all red and golden. There is simplequietmodern Autumn inspiration around every turn.
Photos: gp
Cheers!
July 13, 2015
Congratulations to one of my simplequietmodern favorites, Heath Ceramics, the recipients of the 2015 National Design Award for corporate and institutional achievement. You might want to celebrate along as well with a piece of two from their 2015 summer collection
From top to bottom:
The modern cup set, bud vase set and pair of cafe bowls are available for a limited time only in these refreshing glazes of mint, pomelo and storm. photos: http://www.heathceramics.com/
Whip It, Fold It, Freeze it
May 24, 2015
Really, it’s that simple. If you can whip cream you can make meringue. And, if you can fold them both together with some sugar and ground pistachios you are only a freeze away from something amazing…Pistachio Semifreddo, an Italian frozen dessert that is like homemade ice cream only better because there is no ice cream maker needed. A quick round-up of your ingredients and 20 minutes this afternoon will have you serving this up at tomorrows barbecue. So, get crackin’ and hand me a spoon…I’m goin in.
Who’s been keepin’ this 2007 Gourmet recipe, found here at Epicurious, a secret? I scattered an additional handful of whole shelled pistachios over the top for a little extra crunch and texture. Other than that there was no reason to gild the lily. photos:gp
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/pistachio-semifreddo-236953
Where’s that list?
December 12, 2014
I find it’s easy to refer back to gifts that I have received and have enjoyed when trying to come up with a gift idea for someone else. While most of them could easily fall into that “stocking stuffer” category budget wise, you’ll hear down the road that their impact was greater than something more extravagant. Really…it’s the small things that make the difference, don’t you think?
A journal or sketch book…always a clean sheet at hand. The perfect place to record a thought, a plan, a sketch, a dream.
Ras el Hanout…Mix up a batch of this Moroccan spice blend from the recipe found here.http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/ras-el-hanout While great in meat, vegetable and cous cous recipes, you might include this recipe for Roasted Cauliflower soup to get things started. http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/2012/10/roast-cauliflower-soup/
Heath holiday tall modern cups…ruby red inside, red suede outside. Peppermint hot chocolate will feel right at home, as would coffee, tea or a fistful of tulips or winterberry. You’ll be thought of with every use.
Clementines, cloves and snow…really. “Winter” fragrance 3 wick candle at Bath and Body Works.
Deerskin gardening gloves…indispensible. Protection for your hands when gardening or to keep in the car in the event you make an unplanned stop at the nursery. I’m never without a pair…or two.
Luxurious yarn in a gift card from Purl Soho, Jimmy Beans Wool or Yarn.com. Who wouldn’t be excited with a gift of cashmere, merino wool or alpaca? And, for the fiber freak…it’s all about the picking. It’s almost like two gifts.
The mini wisk. I received this one as a gift years ago and it’s still in my top 5 favorite utensils.
The “Ropey”…who’s special kid wouldn’t love a new one?
Modern cup photo: Heath Ceramics. All other photos: gp
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