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)

 

Cooling Greens

August 20, 2017

This August heat has inspired me to reach for anything green from the season’s bounty, switching up my weekly shopping trip which seems zeroed in on auto-pilot. Let’s see what this exercise has produced.

From the top:

It started with this green spider orchid from Trader Joe’s inspiring the rest of my selections.

Locally grown Honeydew melons are just the break I needed from Watermelon.

These Green Zebra heirloom tomatoes will switch up that Summertime BLT or Caprese.

Local fresh herbs…it doesn’t get better. Basil for a Pesto Pizza on the grill or maybe a Pesto Potato Salad…Parsley and Mint for a Chimichurri to compliment anything grilled.

Zucchini have gotten a bad rap by showing up on your desk or doorstep by the bagful. Take full advantage by grilling them up with some onions, peppers and tomatoes or knocking out a batch of Zucchini Muffins.

Photo: gp

 

 

 

 

 

Look Up

July 13, 2014

So, you’re lazing around at the shore and someone brings up a project that you have been meaning to tackle for some time now. It could be your Master Bedroom…it could be your uninviting Entry…it doesn’t matter. You need to start somewhere and you need to start taking action now because the winter holidays will be here before you know it. Look up… the sky might provide some needed inspiration. Dark clouds rolling in over the water with bits of clear blue peaking through or, maybe a glance down to the piece of driftwood underfoot will trigger something. Enter oomph…specifically their Easton Chest. A traditional three drawer chest pared down to its simplequietmodern essence in one of the new wood finishes like Storm or Slate. You’re almost done. The tassel pulls shown in sky blue add a fresh note, but I might reel it back to the gray, keeping it tonal. So there you have it…project started.

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Easton chest photo (shown in Storm) via: http://www.oomphonline.com/easton-chest-large.html

Quality, clean simplicity, function…and, made in the USA. Does it get better than that? 

 

 

Indulge Me

February 16, 2014

I might just have a touch of  “cabin fever”. Indulge me this little bit of a simplequietmodern escape. On the grounds of Phillip Johnson’s Beck House in Dallas is this modernist pool house designed by architect Sven Fruit. I can’t think of anything better to meditate on than an afternoon by that pool… warm dappled sun, gentle breeze and a giant Mojito within arms reach. 

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photos via http://blog.thedpages.com/flash-back-flash-forward-philip-johnson-1906-2005