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.
Like A Breath Of Fresh Air
May 29, 2025
The B131 Cafe in Hangzou, China it a testament to a few of my all time favorite things: natural wood, birch plywood, concrete and coffee. I can only imagine the feeling upon entering, with just the aroma of freshly brewed beans softly distracting you from the simplequietmodern space. No unrelenting marketing. no endless options, no shelves packed with marginally related goods, just peaceful quiet, like a breath of fresh air.
Photos: Wen Studio via Remash Tumblr
Enough
June 4, 2020
If it’s all getting to be too much, it might be time to edit, edit, edit. The last several months have been tough to be sure. The last week? Even tougher. If the social distancing, the masks, the stay in place “lock down” orders and night after night of endless bad news is taking it’s toll, it might be time to create a little quiet space of your own, a tranquil place to escape all of the noise for a moment. It might be a designated room to sleep or, if you’ve got the space, a spot to meditate and enjoy a simple moment of silence without distraction. This minimalist bedroom is just such a space.
photos via: https://remash.tumblr.com/
What? It’s Nearly the End of May?
May 22, 2020
Is it me or is everyone having a difficult time keeping track of what month it is…what day it is? It seems like during the entirety of this Corona lock down the weather has kept us thinking it’s more like Fall than Spring and the sun has taken a back seat to the gray and rainy skies. A little inspiration seems to be in order to get us through the next few weeks to be sure. While the upcoming holiday weekend and unofficial start of Summer will be different than we know it, a little inspiration may ease the discomfort of continued shelter in place and social distancing orders. The simplest of things can bring new joy and freshness to a stale situation or outlook so look around with new eyes and see what happens. I’ve selected a few items from the simplequietmodern archives that might help get you started.
Top to bottom:
Sheltering in place might have you contemplating a second place to get away to once we’re able to move around freely. And, while working from home may become the new normal for some, a simplequietmodern cabin with WIFI may be a neccesity. Photo: Leonardo Finotti via Remash Tumblr
A comfortable place to kick back, either tucked away in the yard or on the front porch for those all important breaks between Zoom meetings. This reissue of the originalWestport Adirondack Chair design comes to mind immediately. Photo:Loll Designs
A simple spring dinner of steamed artichokes takes advantage of the season and satisfies while keeping time in the kitchen to a minimum. Photo: gp
If you need something to keep your hands busy and out of that bag of chips, this Elementary Wrap by Purl Soho is it. A modern hand-knit using their Linen Quill yarn results in a lovely seasonal project that will take care of that spring chill or tick off a special gift completed for the upcoming holidays. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2018/05/02/elementary/
The garden centers are open again. A quick stroll through might just tempt you to make a modification to your present landscaping. This Sunjoy Gold Pillar Barberry will add a little brightness even on those days the sun stays hidden. photo: gp
Why wait for the September running of the Kentucky Derby? This perfectly modern julep works for me any day . http://gardenandgun.com/media/mint-julep photo: gp
Cabin Fever? Get out of the house and take a look at your place from a new perspective. Take a few phone pics from different approaches and try to view things as your neighbors or passersby do. You might be surprised to find that things are looking pretty good. photo: gp
Who doesn’t like ice cream? My recipe for Pistachio Semifreddo will have you amazed that yes, you made it yourself. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/05/24/whip-it-fold-it-freeze-it/
River rocks…or landscapers egg rock… can add that little touch of zen when used used in the landscape. As long as you’re home you might as well start another project to keep you outside. photo: gp
Not all potato salads are created equal. While I can often get a craving for potato salad like Mom made, I most often opt for this salad from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food…Potatoes Vinaigrette. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/05/04/a-simple-lighter-spin/
Memorial Day weekend is when those pots get planted. But, with what? I’m not into annuals…too bright. And last year’s planting of lily grass and Blonde Ambition Blue Grama grass while beautiful, did not winter over as I had expected. Now, I guess it’s back to my original choice…Blue Dune Grass. Fast grower, simple modern statement and, the deer won’t eat them. Check, check and check. photo: gp
Into The Woods
May 20, 2019
To the beach…up North…or, to the shore. What does getting away this holiday weekend mean to you? To me, it’s simply enjoying a bit of peace and quiet. And, what could be more peaceful and quiet than this little black box of a retreat tucked neatly into the woods? Minimalist charred exterior, natural wood interior and every room with a view. Lovely.
Photos via: Remash tumblr by Leonardo Finotti
Shifting the Conversation
January 10, 2019
While Washington argues concrete walls and steel barriers, let’s take a look at how both materials can be put to great simplequietmodern effect closer to home. The Lake House, by Suyama Peterson Deguchi, ticks all the right boxes. It’s always good to start the New Year with a fresh outlook and a little inspiration, isn’t it?
Photos: Kevin Scott… found here: http://remash.tumblr.com/post/181222239869/the-lake-house-suyama-peterson-deguchi-photos
Takin’ It Outside
April 8, 2018
It won’t be long before we’ll be moving outdoors for our morning coffee, a sunny lunch or relaxing dinner.What could be more simple and welcoming than a long planked table and bench cozied up to a sprawling banquette? I’ve been inspired by this photo for so long, I’m thinking it might be time for a little weekend DIY before the weather breaks.
Photo: http://remash.tumblr.com
A stretch…a yawn…
March 4, 2015
a slow awakening. Sloughing off Winter to greet Spring all scrubbed and polished. Feeling like that first lungful of air that just smells like the earth is waking up too.
My simplequietmodern morning essentials; a Nuetrogena Original Formula Clear Cleansing Bar and Trader Joe’s Savon de France Oatmeal Exfoliant Ginger Almond soap…a fresh loofa and a natural nail brush. A perfectly simple bath environment for that total spa experience couldn’t hurt either.
top 2 photos: gp; bath photo via http://remash.tumblr.com/
Some sun,
June 28, 2014
a little water, a great view. What else could you want from a holiday weekend get-a-way? Key…check. Duffle…check. Provisions…check. Jaxon…check. All set to roll. Where are you spending the 4th?
cabin photos via:http://remash.tumblr.com/
Bridging The Gap
May 11, 2014
Gabions. Wire cages filled with rock, bridging the gap between rustic and modern, old and new, hard and soft. A landscape application that I’m surprised I don’t see more of. Retaining walls, fences or even enclosures can be achieved cost effectively using steel wire gabion baskets with rock or stone…even recycled concrete. While it might look like a DIY project, seeking out a landscape professional could save some time and expense.
photo via Pinterest
photo:gp
photo via http://remash.tumblr.com/
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