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.
Pick me, pick me, pick me.
January 11, 2023
And just like that, without hesitation, he did. He picked me. And, he picked some big shoes to fill. I’m sure this little bruiser is up to the task. Buster. He picked his name as well. Fitting.
photo: gp
Like lightning striking twice,
October 13, 2022
in the best possible way. Following on the heels of his brother Buddy, this guy had some big shoes to fill. And, he did in spades. So much nonstop love and laughter… for me and everyone he met. No one was immune from his magic. As I start this day without him and our daily “touching hearts” I can’t help but wonder, how did I get so lucky? Good bye Jaxon, my happy, happy boy.
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
It’s Been 10 Years
December 6, 2021
Yep, hard to believe, but this month marks the end of 10 years since the start of simplequietmodern. Ten years has brought a lot of posts, ideas and pictures. Let’s look back at December 2012 and see what we were up to, shall we? Here are a few favorites of yours…. a few of mine.
Top to bottom:
A makeshift tree of fallen birch from the yard decorated in simple contrast with a collection of vintage glass ornaments in pink.
A tray of Ina Garten’s Gougere straight from the oven. A chilled bottle of champagne can’t be more than an arm’s length away.
Vintage Christmas ornaments… edited to this group of all silver and pink.
Fresh quince waiting to be cooked down into quince paste, or Membrillo. A welcome addition to any holiday charcuterie board.
While I could make them all year round I limit my favorite Espresso Hazelnut Cookies to Christmastime.
And, lastly… but most importantly, the arrival of my partner in crime, Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. Quite simply the best.
photos: gp Revisit all the posts here. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/
I’m Back
August 27, 2021
Clearly, the last year and a half have been challenging for all of us. Tech issues being the last to be tackled has left me and simplequietmodern basically MIA. But, now we’re back. And, glad to be back to be sure. Before we attempt to catch up, I think a random selection of images from past posts will remind us of where we’ve been and help me focus more clearly on where we’ll go from here. Thank you for checking in and thanks in advance for your patience should we encounter a hiccup or two as we come back up to speed.
Top to bottom:
It’s hard to believe but Baby Hambone Jaxon is celebrating his ninth birthday. Even with Covid you know there will be treats.
If you’re still working from home you might want to consider some appropriate task lighting. This Muuto Tip lamp through Knoll could fit the bill. Photo:Knoll
And no… I still have not narrowed down the candidates for the reupholstering of this vintage Saarinen Executive Lounge chair.
You don’t think you need it until you do. The Landscaper’s Hori Hori Photo: Terrain
My first generation Herman Miller Aeron chair is in need of a tune up. Easier said than done. Photo: Herman Miller
I had the opportunity to install this Billow wallcovering from Knoll on a residential project. Yes, slowly some beautiful things were getting done. Photo: Knoll
Just as the pandemic hit I had treated myself to a pair of Vivobarefoot Gobi II Desert Boots. What can I say? I love a desert boot. Two thumbs up. Photo: Vivobarefoot
My favorite design inspiration…vintage Florence Knoll Photo: Knoll
Still looking great even after a twister last summer tore the yard up good. This climbing hydrangea hides a cluster of electrical meters while the tall clipped yew hedge does the same for the furnace and A/C.
Simple summer pleasures. What’s better in August than local Midwest Glads…especially in white.
Before Cauliflower Pizza Crust…this Southern Chow Chow. The perfect blend of pickled cauliflower, onions and yellow peppers brightened with Turmeric.
As the shadows grow longer a simple linen covered daybed could be just the spot to kick back and take a nap. Photo: Remodelista
Cordyline Red Star… Again, the seasonal selection to fill my modern low bowl planters after my search for Artichokes turned up zip.
Yes you can! Make yourself some homemade vanilla ice cream. Just a few ingredients and no ice cream maker needed.
Unless noted, all photos by GP
I didn’t include links here, but if you use the search bar at the top of the page you will be taken to the original post.
Thanks, Jax
August 27, 2020
Thanks for keeping me laughing and taking care of me. It’s been some year so far, hasn’t it? And, with very little good news until today, your birthday. Eight years has shot by like a bullet. So let’s have a cozy celebration just you and me, a super fun day and plenty of treats.
photos:gp
We’ll See
February 9, 2020
We go through this often…the prediction of an early Spring followed immediately by snow, cold and yes, more snow. It’s Winter. In reality, the official start of Spring is still weeks away…plenty of time to prepare for it’s arrival, get inspired or simply switch things up to ward off cabin fever.
top to bottom:
Last year’s garden addition under this years last “dusting”
Forcing an armful of flowering branches definitely speaks to the promise of Spring.
Get super proactive and start now to plan a trip to the New Mexican desert next Winter and paying a visit to the Georgia O’Keefe residence and museum in Abiquiu. photo: https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/
Get on it and shake things up with this Alexander McQueen inspired velvet from Knoll Textiles. If not a chair then perhaps just a pillow will do the trick. Photo: https://www.knoll.com/knolltextileproductdetail/Arezzo
You could always spend more quality time with your favorite sidekick. Yes, even knee deep snow can be fun with this guy.
Now is a great time to revisit, reconsider and actually finish a stalled project. While these balls of newsprint yarn were created during snow days of Winters past, they still sit waiting to be transformed. Now’s as good a time as any.
Pull out that Sharpie and a clean pad. Start sketching and editing and committing some new ideas for your Spring garden projects to paper for when the weather finally breaks.
A little sustenance. The simplest recipe ever…Labneh. This Mediterranean dip and spread is basically Greek yogurt with a good pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon stirred in, placed into a cheesecloth lined strainer and left to drain out the whey over 24 hours. Serve up with a drizzle of good olive oil and a healthy dusting of Za’atar to spread on a variety of breads and vegetables.
Photos except where noted: gp
Could it be?
September 4, 2019
Where does the time go? Yep, seven years old. And, like his Dad, still doesn’t like to have his picture taken. I did manage to catch a few on the fly, dirty face and all. Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000…Happy Birthday to you.
photos: gp
Like A Blur
September 10, 2018
One minute it was the 4th of July and the next it’s nearly the middle of September. I know it was Summer because it was plenty hot, but it came and went like a steamy blur. I guess a heavy schedule had me focusing daily on the seasons simplest pleasures, squeezing some Summer fun into every day. And, now that Fall is growing closer, I’m glad I did.
Top to bottom:
The best peach ever tossed to me one day at lunch. Does it get any better or simply scream Summer than a big ripe juicy peach?
A little maintenance on the climbing Hydrangea and hedges, and the addition of some new annual material had the yard pulled together in no time.
Visiting the farmers markets regularly for local Midwest Gladiolus and vegetables. The glads make a simple modern statement for 2-3 bucks and will last all week. The locally grown produce, when transformed into G’s Chow Chow, will carry that Summer brightness right into Fall.
For the recipe…https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/06/16/quite-the-pickle/
A little daydreaming on a summer afternoon never hurt. I seemed to frequently drift to visions of a small Modern house in the desert. This one looks just right. Photo: https://www.thrillist.com/home/gorgeous-prefab-homes-and-cheapest-land-for-sale-in-every-state-for-building
Six years old…Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. While he was treated to his favorite mixed berry treats, cake for his friends and fans is definitely in order. And what could be more fitting of the Puli personality and sense of humor than a modern naked take on a confetti cake from Milk Bar? Photo: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/momofuku-milk-bars-birthday-layer-cake
Linen in Summer, wool for Fall. The best qualities of both can be found in Flax Down and Linen Quill Yarn from Purl Soho. These three skeins in Kettle Black will produce their Swath Wrap, the perfect transition to Fall and Winter. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
photos: gp (unless otherwise noted)
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