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
Old School…New School
August 24, 2016
Carrying a white linen handkerchief is definitely old school. I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember. Carrying a handkerchief in a Liberty of London print? Definitely new school. And this print, Black Pepper/gray in the Tana Lawn Classic is the perfect way to shake it up. The small pattern, while not exactly a floral, comes in somewhere between a classic composition book cover and camouflage, and is equally at home in the back pocket of your jeans as it is the breast pocket of a suit jacket.
Fabrics and DIY instructions are available at https://www.purlsoho.com/tana-lawn-classics.html
photos: gp
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
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
He’s makin’ a list…checkin it twice
December 4, 2013
Now’s a good time to start on your list as well. And, to help you along I’ve pulled together a few simplequietmodern ideas to get you going…mostly simple… that are thoughtful, inspired and won’t break the bank. If they aren’t a fit for someone on your list there is no harm in treating yourself to a little gift is there?
From top to bottom:
Who wouldn’t love this festive serving bowl from Heath in their holiday ruby and red suede glaze …extra special when filled with some spicy Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1538/s/bowl-ruby-red-suede-red/category/3/
You have plenty of time left to knit someone special this basic cap in Purl Soho’s new Merino Worsted Twist yarn. I have one near identical in cotton that I wear constantly so I know this’ll be a hit. Yarn, pattern and supplies needed are available through Purl.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/10/purl-soho-basic-hats-for-everyone.html
This iPad Mini sleeve in charcoal suede from Need Supply Co. will add some simplequietmodern protection to our favorite new mobile device. http://needsupply.com/ipad-mini-sleeve.html
It doesn’t get any better than homemade marshmallows covered in chocolate unless you’ve received a gift of these…Jenna’s Peppermint Sticks from Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, Michigan. Thick dark chocolate over homemade marshmallow bars with just the perfect dusting of finely crushed peppermint sticks. You better get some for yourself while you’re at it. http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/default.htm
These faceted balancing blocks of white-painted wood from Need Supply Company would definitely keep one happily occupied while on stuck on “hold”. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/balancing-blocks.html
Oaktown Spice Shop’s Everything Bagel Spice Blend takes one of our favorite flavor combinations and makes it easily applicable to almost anything. http://food52.com/provisions/products/37-oaktown-spice-shop-the-better-than-everything-bagel
Merry Christmas from pig heaven. Who wouldn’t love the a pound or two of thick cut bacon from Whole Foods Market. It could easily turn a vegetarian into a flexetarian. I’m just sayin’.
If it’s a gift for a gardener that has you stumped perhaps this galvanized weeder will fit the bill. I’m thinking a stroll through the garden won’t be complete without one. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/galvanized-utility-weeder/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
Knit One
October 24, 2013
The Brioche scarf…pure simple, pure quiet, pure modern. Start one now for yourself and there will still be time to make a couple more before the holidays…for those extra special gifts. Knit up in their new line weight merino wool yarn from Purl Soho you are sure to find something you’ll love from the selection of pale to dark neutrals, pastels or brights. If you can’t make up your mind you cannot go wrong with the Oyster Gray or Toasted Charcoal. Laura’s pattern is posted on their site as well so there is no excuse to delay…they’ve got you covered with everything you need to get started.
photos courtesy of Purl Soho
http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/20/lauras-loop-brioche-scarf.html
Take a deep breath.
April 7, 2013
You can smell it. Spring …the Earth waking up.Time for a big stretch and to clear out Winter’s congestion…first in your environment which will precipitate a release of your physical congestion. It’s time for some fresh air…a fresh approach…a fresh project…a fresh outlook.
Photo above by Theodora Wayte via Gardenista
Purl Soho’s modern knit blanket in white…photo by Purl http://www.purlbee.com/bulky-knitt-pixie-dust-blanket/
Donghia Textiles Espadrille stripehttp://www.donghia.com/collections/textiles
What’s new at Brentano Fabrics…Tempo http://www.brentanofabrics.com/whatsnew/nw_201302.aspx
Leaves scan thanks to Anat Rodan at http://anatrodanblog.blogspot.com/
Brentano Fabrics Wool Epingle http://www.brentanofabrics.com/fabrics/
If you’d like to receive it…
December 5, 2012
chances are you know someone who would like to receive it as well. Small personal indulgences are a great start when putting together your gift list. Most of us have what we want or need but sometimes hesitate when it comes to purchasing for ourselves something small that is pure pleasure. These are exactly the items we need to help get us through tough economic times…or really just take the edge off, no matter how simple. When gifted, items like those I have selected here are really most welcome. And, to make a simplequietmodern exercise of it, see if you can select an item that crosses age and gender lines and purchase in multiples. That was easy…check , check , check and check… four down…
Small batch Ginger Syrup for a kick ass Moscow Mule.http://www.morriskitchen.com/product-lists/ginger-syrup
Something “green” for the skin touched with the essence of Winter.http://www.shopterrain.com/gifts-under-50/winter-greens-bath-collection/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
A holiday bud vase providing that great shot of red everyday of the year.http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine/bud-vase.html
The perfect ice cream bowl in a quiet matte glaze. http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine/cafe-bowl.html#p68
From where the craze started, Sprinkles, gourmet cupcake mixes.http://www.sprinkles.com/cupcake-gifts/cupcake-mix/
Modern wooden spreaders to spread it around.http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/search/search.jsp?searchPhrase=wooden+spreaders
Bourbon barrel maple syrup to glaze up some bacon.http://mikuni.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/tonic-01-tuthilltown-bourbon-barrel-matured-maple-syrup
Purl Soho Learn to Knit kit. If they’re knitting, they’re not texting you.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/11/13/new-purl-sohos-learn-to-knit-kit.html
Fall Back
November 2, 2012
Now we’re moving into the graying image that is Fall’s second act. Changing intensities of light, neutralized color,texture and material will be peaking my interests and guiding me creatively through the next two months. Turning the clock back an hour seems like a simple action, yet the very next day everything looks different…quiet somehow. A “palate cleanser” perhaps before we gear up for the holidays that lie ahead.
You might try a visit to these links for some additional Autumn inspiration.
zzzz…zzzz…zzzzzzzz….
September 7, 2012
Good sleeping weather aside, there is nothing like a simple, quiet place to catch some Z’s and refresh yourself in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures. This simplequietmodern bedroom has all that I need. From its calming palette to its simplicity of design, it welcomes you to curl up with a chapter or 2 before nodding off. Again, my “Five Easy Pieces” is all that is needed to make this plan work for you; 1) the headboard 2) the lighting 3) mattress and simple linens 4) night table and 5) a blanket, coverlet or quilt. Any of these elements can be adjusted to more perfectly suit your individual style as long as you keep in mind the part each plays in the overall design. Replacing the Moroccan table with a more organic slice of tree trunk or changing out the quilt with something solid or a pattern more suited to your taste can be done ,when approached carefully, without compromising the original design statement as illustrated here. The table is still round, playing up the low angularity of the headboard, and the hand-knit blanket adds a complimentary texture while it injects a jolt of color to the deeper neutrals. Get started now and by the time Fall officially arrives you’ll be ready to…well..call it a ….zzzzzzzz.
simplequietmodern 