Friday

Spice Rack

I wanted a spice rack for my wall but could never find one I liked so I decided to make one. I found the shelf at GW for $2.99. I use "Simply organic" spices they come in glass jars so I removed the back label, painted the lids and added grunge tags and I was in business. I was hoping four bottles would fit on each shelf  but no, just three. Oh well, I love it anyway! What do you think?





XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures

Thursday

Swap Goodies

Just a quick thank you to Deb of Paxton Valley Folk Art for the lovely gifts I received through Kendra's of  The Stone House Primitives towel swap. Deb is a very talented artist who lives in Canada. I received a lovely embroidered towel, towel rack and heart knob hanger from her.



 XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures

Monday

Second Hand Find Oak China Cabinet

Well after a long search, I have purchased a lovely china cabinet. I was looking for a step back or pie safe but when I saw this one on Craigslist I knew I had found what I really liked. How did I know you ask?? Well because I used to own this same cabinet many years ago and sold it when I went through the big D (and I don't mean Dallas).  I loved it then and I love it now and what I really love is that I got a solid Oak cabinet that seems to have been stored and never used for the bargain price of .... $150. Here are a few pictures of my new/old treasure.




(Look at how creepy my Easter bunny and lamb look, they are covered in glass beads and photograph weird). Anyway, I'm happy to have this cabinet and had so much fun filling it up! lol

XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures

Sunday

Swap Goodies

I was so excited Friday when I got home from work and found a package waiting for me. I had entered Tammy's swap from of A Primitive Place and my partner was Kendra from The Stone House Primitives.
Holy cow, Kendra is one talented lady, look at all the lovely goodies I received!

Lovely huge wool candle mat!

The sweetest faux eggs in crate

This awesome pillow with a favorite psalms on it!

2 Butterfly plant picks made from a vintage quilt

"Primitives" letters I already hung! lol

Sweetest card and yummy treats for Nico!
Thank you so much Kendra for all the lovely gifts you sent and for the new friendship we have made.
And a special thanks to Tammy for hosting this lovely swap!

XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures

Friday

The Country Store of Geneva

I stopped in at The Country Store of Geneva and thought I would share a few photos with you. I have purchased so many treasures from them over the years. Every time I visit they make me feel right at home!  Thank you Nancy!
I am so fortunate to live so close to this gem of a shop! If you are ever in the Geneva area make sure you stop by for a visit! They have an online shop and catalog with a huge variety of Colonial lighting!















Country Store of Geneva
28 James St.
Geneva, Illinois 60134
Phone: 1-800-232-1220

XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures

Tuesday

Antique Apothecary

I purchased this cute antique apothecary and since the inside of the drawers were "grungy" to say the least, I found the perfect use for it! I'm all about organization and because I rent I have to get creative with storage. So here's my little "hardware store".


I have it hanging in my kitchen and it's the perfect place for me since I am always tweaking things and need quick access to my junk stuff.





XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures

Spring

Happy first day of Spring everyone!


XoXo
Michelle / Simple Pleasures

Friday

Winner of My Primitive Egg Giveaway ...

The winner of my primitive egg giveaway is Karen of My Colonial Home. Congratulations Karen and thank you everyone, for entering and following me! I will be hosting another giveaway in about a month, so keep your eyes open for more surprises to come.



XoXo
Michelle/Simple Pleasures

Wednesday

Amish Fiction

I think by now everyone knows how enamored I am with the Amish, so I thought I would share with you my Amish room. Everything in this room is second hand from either antique stores, thrift stores, flea markets, tag sales or Craig's list. Nico and I hang out here whenever I'm home. From the bazillion pictures on the walls to all my books, it's all about my beloved Amish.











P.S. I thought it was the cutest thing when I showed my friend my new Amish doll and she said to me, " are you going to put a face on her". So after a giggle, I explained to her that:

The Amish are characterized by deep religious beliefs and their hard working, community-minded spirit. They shun any fancy trappings of dress or lifestyle and, therefore, are often referred to as the ‘plain people’. Some of their religious beliefs and even their ways of life were sewed and stitched into the toys they made for children. One of the characteristics of these dolls is that they are faceless. It was written in the Bible in the Book of Deuteronomy that one was not allowed to produce any human images or likenesses.

XoXo
Simple Pleasures

Sunday

Saturday

Animal Rescue

I am taking Nico to "Doggie school" here in Batavia and hope that with a little work on both our parts I can get him certified as a therapy dog! He loves people, attention and snuggling so he would be perfect. Although he started his life in Kentucky and was badly abused, he has made great strides since he was rescued by Jan from Companion Animal Rescue. I have had him for about 11 months now and he's doing awesome but has a little doggie attitude we need to work on. Wish him luck!




Nico with Grandma


Nico with his friend Satchel
Nico with his "other mother", June
Nico with his "brother",  my son Anthony

XoXo
Simple Pleasures