Just a Little Something
February 14, 2019
A grand gesture isn’t always necessary when it comes to Valentines Day. Simple quiet expressions of your affections are equally appreciated, especially when the holiday falls mid-week and you would prefer to spend the evening in. Here are just a few suggestions that are sure to be well received should you be drawing a blank.
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A chilled bottle of Brut Rose or Prosecco waiting for you at the end of the day. What’s not to love?
Just a few perfect fragrant blooms makes the perfect simplequietmodern statement.
Get a quick Pesto Pizza going while you’re queuing up Netflix. https://simplequietmodern.com/2017/10/06/pizza-night/
It wouldn’t be Valentines Day without a little chocolate. How about these Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles. https://simplequietmodern.com/2018/02/11/everyone-loves/
Photos: gp
What a Week
February 4, 2019
Last week was simply brutal with its wind, snow, ice and dangerously low temperatures. Then, surprise, a quick thaw and a bit of good news with the prediction of an early Spring. Something to celebrate to be sure. A simple Sunday breakfast was just the ticket here, with Panettone French Toast, bacon, a bowl of Cara Cara oranges and a glass of Prosecco. Oh yeah, that’s better.
Photos: gp
Congratulations
January 1, 2019
We’ve made it through another year. It was exhausting, wasn’t it? So much literal crazy coming from every which way at an unbelievable pace. So, as we start the New Year with a crisp clean page I’ve jotted down a few thoughts and observations to keep in mind as we go forward. Ideas that aren’t particularly new, but if put into practice might be able to affect a more positive productive change. And, if we start with ourselves and our surroundings it might just work its way up to the top. Here’s hoping.
No one likes a sore loser.
Cheaters never win.
Think before you speak.
It’s OK to say no.
Do the right thing.
Send someone some love.
Be good to yourself.
Keep it simple.
A glass of something sparkling and a plate of Chilaquiles would also be a comforting and festive start. Happy New Year!
photos: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/12/30/chilaquiles/
To Whet, Not to Sate
November 10, 2014
Appetizers. A savory little something to the whet the appetite…a prelude of what’s to come. On Thanksgiving there is always plenty, so the idea of keeping these little bites simple makes sense. With a cocktail or a glass of sparkling wine there could be no better paring than Frico…a baked Parmesan crisp. If these were any easier in fact, they’d make themselves. And, only one ingredient…parmesan cheese. Pre-heat your oven to 375 and drop tablespoons of shaved Parmesan cheese onto a parchment lined baking tray. Spread the mounds to a uniform thickness approx 3″ in diameter. Bake the trays one at a time for about 8-10 minutes, watching closely, until golden. Remove trays from the oven and cool slightly before moving the Frico to a rack to cool completely. These can be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container getting one task out-of-the-way earlier in that busy week. Why not check the fridge, turn on the oven and knock out a batch now? Think of it as a little taste test for the holidays ahead.
Another year over…
January 1, 2014
and a new one just begun.* The perfect time to be grateful for the good of the last year and set forth on a new and creative path for the next twelve months. Not one prone to the making and breaking of resolutions, I have always found that committing things to paper…notes, bits of inspiration, plans for upcoming projects, events or personal goals…can not only organize your thoughts, but gives you a resource to refer back to and evaluate your progress. A hardbound sketchbook or journal is always my simplequietmodern must have, although a designated project pad can do the trick. Keep it handy to jot down a thought, tuck in a bit of inspiration or flip back to enjoy each progressive step. The clock for 2014 has started ticking. On your mark….get set….
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The classic Braun travel alarm clock ,now in gray, will help keep track of those fleeting minutes at home or away. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/classic-bnc002-clock-in-grey.html
What could have been a disaster rose from the ashes of a failed project to become Koishi one… one big, thick and richly textured linen blanket.
This sculpture greets and inspires me daily. Created completely of recycled LA Times newsprint, it brings home the idea that the great beauty can be found in the most humble material.
The found nests in my yard pale in comparison to this Australian example captured by my friend Kirsten Johnstone. It’s easy to see how it’s texture, form and structure caught her architects eye. http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/
The best part of my everyday…the “Hambone” Jaxon. The full-out belly laughs he induces daily are the best gift one could hope to receive.
Staring me down from a basket on the corner of my desk, these two yarns in gray and olive seemed to want to work together. Looking good so far.
The beginnings of a great Winter salad of Farro, roasted red grapes and red onions. I’ll post the simplified Martha recipe soon to help you get back on track after the holidays.
Classic. Black Minnetonka moccasins. They help me keep my focus on the warmer months to come.
Raw wood. You can almost smell it can’t you? The simplicity of the design and use of a single material in this space says it all. http://remash.tumblr.com/
A glass of your favorite sparkler for toasting to your perfect health, success and happiness in this New Year 2014
*So This Is Christmas, John Lennon
White Prosecco Sangria
June 21, 2013
Perfect for any hot summer day and readily adaptable to what the fruit stand has to offer, this simplequietmodern White Prosecco Sangria might just be your “go to” beverage this summer. Easily made by the glass or by the pitcher full the key ingredients here are all white light and sunny. White peaches, nectarines and golden raspberries…a splash of peach schnapps…all topped off with bubbly Prosecco….done and done.
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