Now That It’s Fall
September 24, 2025
Now that it’s Fall it’s time to indulge in a few of my Fall favorites, some classic and some to switch things up. Join me.
I’m always ready for a bowl of soup when things start to cool down, but this one, pulled together on the fly might be my new favorite. For one nice bowlful add 2 scallions sliced to two cups of chicken stock seasoned with a splash or two of Trader Joe’s Coconut Aminos or soy sauce and a few pork Gyoza. Heat until the dumplings are heated though and take off the heat. Add 2-3 romaine leaves sliced in wide ribbons and still in until just wilted. You’re welcome.
There is no better way to enjoy this or any hot soup this season than served up in Heath Ceramics Chez Panisse soup bowl. Photo: Heath Ceramics
Now is the time of year I think about restructuring my property and plantings. The Apple House in Great Britain has a garden that has just drawn me in. And, it looks like it could take care of itself. Photo via Remash Tumblr
While I’ve been enjoying them through August and September, this could be the last of the season’s locally grown Gladiolus. Get ’em while they’re hot.
My daily hikes on the trail have me checking in on my buddies in the pond. Won’t be long and they’ll be packing it in for the Winter. No trail? Just get out there, get some sun on your face, touch grass,
It wouldn’t be Fall without a trip to the cider mill. Lucky for me I’m close enough to be able to stop in every week for a jug.
While Fall has us all pulling out the favorite sweaters, I’m thinking I might need to switch it up from my basic black and navy. Red is calling to me. And, yes, maybe the matching cap as well. photos : Naadam
While I’m at the farm stand picking up my glads, it’s probably a good idea to get the makings of new dill pickles. A crockful now could hold me to Thanksgiving.
And, as always, along the way I’m picking up bits of ephemera that I can put into use come Thanksgiving or when wrapping Christmas gifts. Those two holidays will be on us soon enough and I’m always glad I have a simple stash.
Start Now
November 19, 2024
if you haven’t already and you might just get all of your Christmas and Holiday shopping done by the time Thanksgiving weekend is over. And, thanks to Covid and us now used to having all things delivered, you can accomplish this feat without even getting dressed and stepping outdoors. I’ve put together a small list of things high, low and in between. Things that I put into the category of quiet luxury, thoughtful DIY or a simple something consumable that I would love to receive myself. Hopefully you’ll find it inspiring. Now fix a smart cocktail, grab your device, put your feet up and shop.
There is no better scent through Winter than that of a cracking fire, captured here in Feu de Bois by Dyptique Paris. Available in 5 sizes you are sure to find the perfect one for anyone on you list.
The best in sweet treats. Bequet Caramels handmade by Bequet Confections in Boseman, MT. Over a dozen flavors to choose from in a staggering array of gift boxes and bags, all beautifully presented. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, I always gravitate to the Chipotle. That said, you might want to go for one of their assortments.
Watch it grow right through the season. A classic white Amaryllis bulb has dethroned the grocery store Poinsettia. A person favorite for holiday decorating or giving. photos: Terrain
Any sex. all ages. A classic. 100% cashmere . Under $100. Nothing else to say. photo: naadam
No better way to start the new year than with a fresh hardbound sketchbook or journal. I know mine is at the ready for a quick thought, inspired sketch, detailed plan or must cook recipe. photo: gp
Absolutely no disappointed parties here. This Candied Orange and Ginger Bark will shoot to the top of everyone’s favorite list. photo: gp
This bold modern take on a classic signet ring could put a big smile on the face of someone special. Hey Santa…hint hint!! photo: Tiffany and Co.
If your favorite chef and baker is tired of being dusted with flour or spattered with sauce they might need this classic linen apron. photo: Fog Linen
We can’t forget about the good boys/bad boys can we? For Buster, the Kong Wubba is his absolute favorite. The small works well for him and the fact that it’s virtually indestructible works for me. Naughty list, nice list? To be determined. kong photo: kong company
Bonus
March 6, 2024
Leap Day, a bonus day for everyone. How did you spend yours?
Me? I spent the day with my partner in crime, baby Buster Porkchop 3000. We made a quick stop at Traders for a few things,
including a couple of bunches of Daffodils to usher in March. Their gentle fragrance and unmatched color can slice through a gray winter day like nothing else.
Another stop and we picked up the ingredients for Baby Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce. I thought it was a good day to step out of my routine and try something new. While Asian food I quite leave to those better suited, this had the simplequietmodern bonus of just a few ingredients cooked up in very little time. I’ll give it a thumbs up.
After dinner a little online shopping was in order before I lost or misplaced again the gift cards. A simple white cashmere sweater seemed an appropriate twist to my signature black for Spring. photo: Naadam
We finished off the day with a little Apple TV + and an episode of The New Look, the dramatic series about Christian Dior. Period costumes and sets? Yes, please. photo: Apple TV+
All around it was the perfect ” day off” covering many bases. I hope yours was as well.
Clocks a tickin’
February 8, 2023
With Valentines Day less than a week away you might want to put a little thought into what to give your Valentine. No Valentine on the horizon? Well, treat yourself! Below are just a few tried and true treats that are sure to bring a smile and a big hug.
Top To Bottom:
Who wouldn’t love the holiday’s signature color realized in cashmere?
This little homemade indulgence is so simple and a sure fire hit. Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles.
Who could resist cozying up with this fiery pillow from Knoll. A romcom and pizza in beats fighting a mid-week dinner crush.
Available nearly everywhere and at no great expense. Sweet and sweetly scented carnations in pink. Just a few tucked into a small vase or cup can hit just the right romantic note.
White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold…all by itself, in combination, or with the addition of diamonds. Tiffany’s Lock Bangle. Simple, quiet and modern in any configuration.
This rosy red Bromeliad could brighten someone’s desk for months if they’re still working from home.
And for those ” clock watchers” , this Hemisphere wall clock with it’s hot pink face is sure to be a hit.
photos: Truffles and carnations gp All others via their respective sites.
Into The Darkness
October 10, 2022
As we move into Fall the shadows grow longer and the days get shorter. Preparing for the long descent into Winter I find myself thinking about things I can’t do without. And, when there is a choice to be made, I most always go to black. Ticks all the right boxes. Done and done.
Top to bottom:
My ” go to”…any day or everyday… a black cashmere crew neck. photo: Naadam
Looking ahead to next Spring when a new paintjob on the house is in order. While it’s already dark, I think I’d go even darker. Photo via Remash Tumblr
I can’t get this table by Chiara Ferrari outta my head. Perfect. If you know who took this pic let me know.
Celebrating his tenth year just like simplequietmodern, Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. The best assistant ever. photo: gp
My first generation Aeron chair just got a tune up and is ready to take me forward in absolute comfort. Photo: Herman Miller
Just what you need to take you through a long cold Winter of soups and stews, this Crane cast iron Dutch oven. Photo: Heath Ceramics
Keeping everyone in barefoot comfort well after Labor Day has passed, Gobi II. The perfect take on my favorite Chukka. Photo: Vivobarefoot
My first flatware purchase was Ward Bennett’s GAP pattern in stainless, and I’ve been using it for longer than I’d care to say. If I do move onto something new, this will be it. Photo: Heath
With the holidays approaching I might suggest this upgrade to your apron wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with black linen. And, if you’re carrying in, dust it with a pinch of flour and hide the takeout containers.
Anyone who knows me can tell you that this Saarinen table is my favorite table ever. Any size , and until now, always in white. This recent introduction in black has a firm grip on me though. Equally stunning, the two In my mind are running neck and neck. Photo: Knoll
Shifting Focus
February 2, 2022
From biting bitter cold to major snowstorms, we are sure to be glad that January is behind us. Now’s a good time to shift our focus to other beautiful forms of Winter White that aren’t as challenging. From a simple vase of forced spring branches to dreaming about a a coveted new addition to your home, a little distraction isn’t out of order as we try to keep warm until the thaw.
Top to bottom:
For me, a fresh dump of snow is pretty for about 10 minutes. That’s it.
A bunch of white fringed tulips generally take the edge off all of that cold white stuff.
Planning ahead certainly guarantees some additional garden interest. This Blonde Ambition grass is certainly holding it’s own.
What do you mean you haven’t potted up that Amaryllis you received as a Christmas Gift? Get on it.
I know. Put it on your want list now. One large Saarinen dining table…six Saarinen Executive Chairs. You can’t go wrong with white on white, tone on tone. Photo: Knoll
Check that pantry and you might find the few ingredients needed to whip up a batch of this no-churn Bourbon Ice Cream.
Poke around the yard (or neighborhood)with a pair of pruners in your pocket. You could come home with a few flowering branches to force into bloom.
Too afraid to add that dining table to your want list? How ’bout a more do-able side table? photo: Knoll
I can never have enough white tulips to pull me through Winter. This white Parrot variety is a particular favorite.
If you’re going to be stuck inside bingeing movies, how great would it be to do it stretched out on this classic Florence Knoll sofa dressed in creamy upholstery?
Shoveling is horrible. Period. But, a hot soak or scrub down afterword with some Birch scented bath salts? Lovely.
Winter White Cashmere. Now, that’ll keep you cozy till spring. Photo: Naadam
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