That Was Fast

January 12, 2025

Just how many photos can one take in the course of twelve years? Plenty! Almost too many. And, how many simplequietmodern topics can one cover? Well, let’s just say alot. In celebration of the 13th anniversary of simplequietmodern I thought I would simply present here of few of your favorite posts and pics and a few of mine. Starting with the obligatory champagne toast and ending with a celebratory slice of cake, what follows are just a few highlights of the last 12 years. Here’s to another year of living simple, quiet and modern. I thank you for your interest and your friendship.

 

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photo: Portello Iron Doors

 

 

 

 

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Photo: Gardenista

 

 

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Photo: Leonardo Finotti via Remash Tumblr

 

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Top to bottom

Well you know me well enough by now to know that if there is a celebration there has got to be something sparking.

Any opportunity for fresh tulips and I’m on it. Like any day of the week really. And, Parrot tulips are a particular favorite.

I love a landscape that ties perfectly with the architecture. Might take a little more thought outside the box but it’s worth the exercise.

Seems most of you can’t get enough of  Portello iron door and window frames. Hard not to love, right?

My newest partner in crime is all of your favorite, Buster Porkchop. Looking exactly like his brother Jaxon.

A perfect specimen from a quiet walk just spoke to me.

In Winter, this Blonde Ambition grass still has plenty of interest.

We definitely agree, the gardens of Piet Oudolf look as good in Winter as any other time of year.

I can’t help it. I love me some carnations. White is tied with this pale pink as my go-to.

I have never has a post as popular as the one featuring this gift wrap of recycled newsprint, jute twine and a birch stick foraged in the yard.

I have been collecting vintage Christmas ornaments forever it seems. This assortment in pink from the 40’s to the 60’s have come to be everyone’s favorite.

The Basalt glaze  on this Heath Ceramics Tall Modern Cup is the perfect neutral. Seems that it’s in service more often as a vase than a coffee mug. Fine with me.

This 40″ inch diameter slice of fallen tree has been the centerpiece in my living space for over 20 years. It thinks it’s a coffee table. I agree.

The simplest Summertime pleasure, a batch of new dills in an heirloom crock.

Funny how many of you have holiday recollections of this cookie favorite baked up by your Mom, Grandma or a neighbor. Perfection.

Crazy right? An abundance of recycled newsprint and too much time being snowed in resulted in this homespun yarn knit up into a rather interesting swatch. Maybe this is the year it becomes something important.

Sometimes Easter needs a rest from all the cliche’ pastel shades and treatments. Sometimes a simple egg displayed simply is in order.

I’m clearly not the only one who spends time daydreaming about a small lovely modern black cabin in the woods.

Yards and yards of doubled black linen yarn salvaged from a project gone wrong  and turned into the most luxurious textured blanket. Nap anyone?

No one needs an excuse for cake and this Crazy Chocolate Cake is perfect for this celebration. White frosting on that? Yes, please.

 

all photos except where noted: gp

 

 

 

Safe Bet

September 18, 2024

Now is the time for farmers markets and local farm stands to showcase the local harvest. It’s a safe bet that the produce was not only grown locally and organically but none of it has been sprayed with Apeel. While the jury might still be out, I for one am not interested. I do not wish to find out at a later date that while keeping fresh fruits and vegetables looking good on the shelves longer Apeel might actually contribute to some serious health issues. No thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

I love the apple cider at my local cider mill. I sometimes love it better with a shot of bourbon.

 

Cold packed new dill pickles are a fun project I look forward to every year.

 

 

The addition of sour cream and a sparkling crumb top is reason enough to try this Sour Cream Apple Pie after a trip to the orchard.

 

 

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My bright and sunny Chow Chow Relish starts with locally grown cauliflower, onions, yellow peppers and cabbage. Good for you turmeric gives it it’s bright inviting color.

 

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Nectarines in a simple late Summer Crostata. I used this recipe from Ina Garten which features apples.

 

 

 

Once I made this Brown Sugar Hubbard Squash Pie I abandoned my standard Pumpkin Pie recipe. I think it might be the roasting the squash in the oven to create the puree or the brown sugar that made the difference. My plan is to pick up these sculptural squash  now and use them as Autumn decoration until November, make the puree and freeze it until I need it at Thanksgiving.

photos: gp