Simple Pleasures

Winner of My Primitive Egg Giveaway ...

2012-03-16T23:41:00.003-05:00

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

My Amish Family Room ...

2012-03-14T00:03:00.002-05:00

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

Home Sweet Home ... Batavia

2012-03-11T19:39:00.002-05:00

Such a beautiful day. I love our town!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Doggie School for Nico ...

2012-03-10T08:33:00.001-06:00

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

Old House Love ...

2012-03-06T20:08:00.001-06:00

I love this house! It is huge and charming and a few miles from my tiny home.. So beautiful!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Giveaway Time ...

2012-02-29T20:08:00.006-06:00

A few weekends ago, I made a bunch of bowl fillers, tapers and eggs. So I thought I would share the love by doing a giveaway. I will be giving you a wooden bowl filled with 4 primitive/country eggs and a little surprise! Here's a quick picture:

Here' the 411: Be a follower of this blog and post a comment letting me know that you would like to be entered. For a second chance, post this giveaway on the sidebar of your blog. I will draw for this giveaway on March 15th. Sorry,(US residents only.)
(linking to Between Naps on the Porch, Met Monday)
Here's a picture of all that I made.


XoXo Simple Pleasures

Farmhouse Sink Love ...

2012-02-28T19:50:00.002-06:00

I love farmhouse sinks so I thought I would share a few with you. I am crazy about this first kitchen.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Family Outdoor Movie Night ...

2012-02-27T08:07:00.000-06:00

How fun would this be!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Family Heirloom ...

2012-02-25T09:44:00.003-06:00

After carpentry work, before cleaning and oiling.

After

My cousin Linda asked me if I would like our Aunts Blanket chest and I was thrilled. It needed some TLC as my Aunt is soon to be 101 years old, so I'm sure this chest is around 80-85 years old. My son did some carpentry work to stabilize it and I have oiled it about 10 times trying to help the aging wood. I think it looks awesome and am so grateful to my cousin for thinking of me! It now sits in my family room, I will show you pictures soon.

Sharing this on Met Monday at Between naps on the Porch

and House of Grace Twice owned Tuesday.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Old School Scrapbooks ...

2012-02-24T00:01:00.002-06:00

This is how I used to chronicle my ideas!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Thrifty Redecorating .. Bathroom

2012-02-21T22:10:00.002-06:00

I just finished redecorating my main bathroom on a budget. I found the shower curtain on sale for 30.00 at Farmers Daughter in Sandwich. I bought a matching wash cloth and hand towel and used the hand towel to trim some mustard towels I purchased on sale from Target. I found the wall plaque and basket for .99 each, the wall cabinet for 2.99 and the little table for 4.99 all from Goodwill. I had the barn star and I made the soap dispenser with things I already had. I purchased the braided rug for 25.00 from Beth's Country Prim store, she has an awesome selection and great customer service, click here to check out her online store. (I purchased some other things from her and finished my bedroom, I'll show that soon) And after a long search, found the wall mirror at Kirklands for 21.00. I just noticed that I forgot to repaint the curtain hooks, I will do them in black. I really like the way it turned out. What do you think ? Not bad for under $100.00.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Primitive Country Bedroom ...

2012-02-20T00:01:00.005-06:00

I wish I could remember where I found this picture of my dream bedroom! Because I love it! It's plain and simple and would be so cozy to snooze in. (If this is your room, you are sooo lucky, lol)

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Primitive Crafting Idea ...

2012-02-17T08:27:00.001-06:00

Oh, How I love new ideas!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Vintage Tablescape ....

2012-02-16T00:01:00.002-06:00

Valentines Day lunch with my mom. Linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Porch Love ...

2012-02-15T00:01:00.004-06:00

Boy, I really miss sitting outside. I have cabin fever!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Happy Valentines Day...

2012-02-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Plain and Simple ....

2012-02-11T23:30:00.002-06:00

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Vintage Bicycles ...

2012-02-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Rustic Homes ...

2012-02-06T00:01:00.014-06:00

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Just Because it's Cute !

2012-02-04T08:45:00.001-06:00

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Awesome Party Idea ...

2012-02-03T00:01:00.002-06:00

What an awesome idea. Some people are so creative. I found this on Pinterest!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Teeeny Tiny ...

2012-02-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

These dogs are adorable. I always wondered if they would have health issues, being so tiny?

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Dollar Store Laundry Room Makeover ...

2012-01-31T00:01:00.001-06:00

I wanted to reorganize my laundry room but not spend a lot of dough since I rent, so off to the dollar store I went! I found these awesome black bins, bought 15 of them, got out the label maker and viola a nicely organized space!

Blank Canvas

I lined the bins that I keep my laundry soap in with cardboard in case of spills.

So Much Better!

Linking to Wow us Wednesday!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

My Prim Country Home #5 ...

2012-01-27T10:15:00.001-06:00

I am in the process of redoing the main washroom so I will share that later along with the family room and bedroom.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

My Prim Country Home #4 ...

2012-01-26T00:01:00.002-06:00

As promised here is the rest of my living room. Enjoy!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

My Prim Country Home #3 ...

2012-01-25T08:02:00.000-06:00

I hope you enjoy the pictures of my living room, if you followed my old blog you will recognize a lot of my refurbished furniture. I'll show you the rest of the room tomorrow.

Nico wanted to be involved in the tour!

(Over the sofa)

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

I'm a Winner ....

2012-01-24T21:28:00.000-06:00

Just a quick thank you to Kendra at The Stone House Primitives for the awesome gift I won at her giveaway. A lovely bowl filled with prim hearts. They are so sweet, check out her blog when you have time, she is awesome! Thanks Kendra! xo

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

My Prim Country Home #2 ...

2012-01-24T00:01:00.002-06:00

Today I would like to share with you my guest bath. All the rooms in my home have been decorated on a tight budget. I am proud of my little cottage.

Linking up to Savvy Southern Style and Prairie Homestead.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

My Prim Country Home #1 ...

2012-01-23T14:13:00.005-06:00

I love my little country style home and recently I have had some requests to share some photos of it with you. So everyday this week I will share a room or two. We can start in the kitchen ...

So what do you think? Decorating on a budget is fun and a challenge.
Linking to Between Naps on the Porch & Cozy Home Scenes.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Beautiful House ...

2012-01-20T00:01:00.003-06:00

Did you ever drive by a house in your neighborhood and fall in love? Well this home was love at first sight for me. It's nothing super special but it's warm and welcoming and the owner is always outside working on it. It is one of those meticulously kept homes. It sits on an acre corner lot and It makes me happy every time I pass by!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Healthy Kids Food ...

2012-01-18T00:01:00.002-06:00

Sometimes you just need to make food fun for kids!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Stregnth and Grace ...

2012-01-16T00:01:00.003-06:00

I love horses, I admire their strength and grace and the shear beauty of them! We used to have horses down the street from me, but the owners sold the property to a real estate developer and now we have some more houses. Aggghhhhh! There is a farm on the other side of town a few blocks from my job and I say hi to those horses everday! Lol

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Red Farm Love ...

2012-01-13T00:01:00.006-06:00

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Cozy Socks ...

2012-01-11T07:42:00.002-06:00

I love cable knit anythings, socks, sweaters etc. So i had to share all of these lovely socks with you. What says cozy more than these!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Country Weddings ...

2012-01-10T00:01:00.002-06:00

I have no plans on ever getting married... again!, but If I were young and planning a wedding this would be a dream to me!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

About the Amish ...

2012-01-05T08:20:00.002-06:00

Here's a little information on Amish transportation that I hope you will find interesting.The most common sight in an Amish community is the horse and buggy. It marks distinctively the separation of the Amish community from the rest of the world who uses the automobile for every day transportation. The buggy varies with the group and reflects how conservative the community is.
The buggies of an area are usually made in several local shops by a craftsman. Several different shops might make the components of the buggy from wheels to springs to the pulling rails that fit around the horse. The local shop assembling the buggy will do the interior upholstery, paint the chassis and exposed wood and cover the top with the waterproof material. Often a new buggy will be presented as a wedding present. A young man may buy a new buggy when he is courting and ready to think of settling down. The increase of a family size may dictate a new buggy with more seats. The older buggies are often passed down to the children as they grow older to allow everyone a seat to get to church and other destinations. With proper maintenance including repainting a buggy can last over 50 years.
Buggies vary from community to community. The more extreme examples include differences in shape, colors used, in accessories allowed as mentioned before and whether the buggy is covered.
Transportation isn't limited to the buggy. Some communities allow their members to use bicycles or roller blades.
If they need to move between their settlements they have to rely on the bus companies. When they move great distances they will hire a semi truck to haul their belongings and take the bus to meet it.
All groups are not that conservative. Their members are allowed to hire drivers with vans or cars to take them on their errands. Some larger families will hire a driver to take them on extended vacations with their entire family. Many groups encourage their members to travel long distances by train or bus to save the expense of hiring an individual driver. Seldom, except in cases of extreme emergency, are Amish allowed to fly.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Long Hair Chihuahua Love ..

2012-01-03T00:01:00.002-06:00

I have had long hair Chihuahuas for the last 14 years. Before he went to Rainbow Bridge, I was blessed to have Lucky for 13 years and now I have Nico, my 2 year old rescue. They are such wonderful, devoted animals. Here's some information about the breed from the American Kennel Club. Graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should not be underestimated even though small in size. The breed can be any color – solid, marked or splashed and the coat may be long or short.
A Look Back
The Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, but some believe he originated from the Fennec Fox, a very small animal with big eyes and ears, which could explain the tiny frame, luminous eyes and large ears on the breed today. Chihuahua’s were used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the upper class. The breed derives its name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found.

Chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They are good with families if the children are gentle and patient. Because of their small size, they require little exercise and are good city dogs, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Long coats need occasional brushing but still require minimal grooming.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Happy New Year ...

2011-12-31T08:54:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year! Wishing you Peace, Prosperity, Good Health and Joy In 2012.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Merry Christmas ...

2011-12-24T00:01:00.004-06:00

Luke 2:8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! I will be back on January 3, 2012.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Prim Crafting Fun...Snowballs

2011-12-19T00:01:00.003-06:00

I wanted to share this awesome tutorial that Carmen from Primcats had on her blog. These are so cute, easy and cheap to make. I would sprinkle them with glitter and make them sparkle. lol. Take a moment to check out her blog, she has a lot of great posts! Click here for the tutorial.

Thanks Carmen for the great idea!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Last Minute Gift Idea ... Hand Sanitizer

2011-12-16T00:01:00.001-06:00

I have an easy and inexpensive gift idea for you that would be great for a teacher, day care worker, new mom etc. I have seen so many cute pictures online but this one really caught my eye. Go to your local dollar store get a couple of bottles, take off the labels get creative!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Last Minute Gift Idea ... Gift Card Holder

2011-12-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

I purchased these at a local craft fair and thought they were so cute and easy I wanted to share them with you. Cut out 2 long johns and sew them together, leave a slit were the pants flap would be to insert the cards in there. Decorate with scrap ribbon and buttons. They sell felt glue so if you don't want to sew you can use that.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Last Minute Gift Idea ...Primitive Ornaments

2011-12-13T00:01:00.012-06:00

I was visiting Kendra from The Stone House Primitives and she showed how to make the cutest prim ornaments. Its basically simple and super frugal. All you do is take stale bread or cheap bread. (I used white) cut out shapes with cookie cutters and let air dry overnight on a wire rack. They will be dry and crusty when ready. Melt wax in double boiler, (I use a pie tin over a fry pan) and add 1/2 crayon for color. Dip in wax and place on parchment paper to set. I dipped mine 2 or 3 times and right after the last time I decorated them with pepper corns. I added a hole with a toothpick after they were dried. Sooo cute!

Give it a try, they're lots of fun to make.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Last Minute Gift Idea ... Pretzels

2011-12-12T00:01:00.006-06:00

This week I'm going to show you some quick and easy gift ideas just in the Nick of time! (get it...ha ha).
Aldis has a big bin of honey pretzels for under $4 and I already had Christmas sprinkles on hand. I usually buy a bunch of bags of Wilton chocolate melts on sale after holidays, although Aldis also has their own chocolate bark but I haven't tried it. So it couldn't be easier, melt chocolate in microwave, (careful not to over cook or it will get grainy and clumpy). Dip the pretzels in chocolate and then in sprinkles and cool on parchment paper lined cookie sheets. I bagged 8 of them to give at a Christmas party I'm having next weekend. Easy peasy and soooo good.
P.S. Don't add water if the chocolate gets to thick add a few drops of oil until it gets smooth and creamy again.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Is This Really A Problem?

2011-12-07T00:01:00.003-06:00

Just wondering, lol....

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Nico, the Cute Nosed Reindeer ...

2011-12-01T21:22:00.001-06:00

Wanted to share a picture of my baby Nico dressed up for the holidays. Isn't he the cutest little reindeer ever! I adopted Nico from Jan over at Dire Straits Companion Animal Rescue here in Illinois. She rescued him from Kentucky, he was mistreated and has turned out to be the most wonderful pet and friend to me, ever! Here are a few pictures of my little long hair Chihuahua!

My nose is cuter than Rudolph's!

Winter coat with matching boots!

Nico and his friend Cooper.

Nico snuggling with Gram!

He has a lot of clothes!

Halloween pajamas!

Booo!

Nico in his antique bed.

Just had a bath.

With "his" friend Evie.

Ditto!

lounging in the sun.

He loves the warm clothes.

4th of July!

Scarecrow Festival.

So cute!

Halloween with Evie!

Halloween

His first Halloween with me!

Nico's best friend June

My 2 boys: Nico & Anthony

Join the fun over at Bunny Jeans, she's having a holiday pet parade!

xoxo

Simple Pleasures

The First Thanksgiving ...

2011-11-24T00:01:00.003-06:00

Though it was not called Thanksgiving at the time, what we recognize as the first Thanksgiving feast was celebrated in 1621 by the pilgrims of the Plymouth colony along with about 90 Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims had suffered through a devastating winter in which nearly half their number died. Without the help of the Indians, all would have perished.
After the first harvest, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer to God. The food, which was eaten outdoors, included corn, geese, turkeys, ducks, eel, clams, leeks, plums, cod, bass, barley, venison and corn bread. The feast lasted 3 days. Though the exact date is unknown, the feast clearly took place in late autumn.

In 1623, a period of drought was answered by colonists with a proclamation of prayer and fasting. This prayer and fasting was changed to another thanksgiving celebration when rains came during the prayers. Later that year, Governor Bradford proclaimed November 29 as a time for pilgrims to gather and "listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings."

God Bless you on this special day!
XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Have You Heard of Soap Nuts? ...

2011-11-21T00:01:00.004-06:00

What are Soap Nuts?

They are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Berry is the most commonly used in cleaning, but both varieties are quite effective.

How do They Work as a Detergent?

They contain large quantities of saponin in their shells. It acts as a natural, gentle organic laundry detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without any chemicals, fragrances or dyes, they are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates. They are also tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your clothes soft, clean and fragrance free. No need to use of fabric softeners.

Will They Clean Difficult Items?

Yes and No. They are one of the best detergents to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. Stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, require a stain remover to help the cleaning process. You can also use 1/2c. lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to help brighten your white clothes.

What About My Allergies to Soap?

Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts grow on trees and are chemical free. When we began using them for our natural, organic laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up. It has been gone now for over three years. This has been my personal experience, and is not guaranteed to be the same for others.

How do I use Them in my Laundry?

1. Toss 4 or 5 Nuts in a small muslin bag (provided with most orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take them out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 4 or 5 loads.

2. Boil 12-15 whole Soap Nuts in 6 cups (1.5 quart) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 30 loads of laundry.

Can They be used for More Than Just Organic Laundry Detergent?

Yes. They can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer detergent, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair. They are a great multi-purpose cleaner.

Click here to find out about Greener Living Soap Nuts. If you have tried them, please let me know what you thought.

XoXo
Simple Pleasures

Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Craft ...

2011-11-18T00:01:00.003-06:00

Here' a great idea for Thanksgiving that the kids and adults will love!

Tools and Materials

Sheet of standard printer paper
Scissors
Fringe scissors (optional)
Two small brown paper lunch bags
Popcorn
Hot-glue gun and hot-glue sticks

Large brown paper shopping bag
Plastic bags or wax paper for lining (optional)
Parsley (optional)
Fruit (optional)

Turkey How-To1. To make the frills, cut a sheet of standard printer paper in half, lengthwise. Fold each half in half, lengthwise. Make small cuts with scissors or fringe scissors on folded edges to create loops.

2. To make the drumsticks, put your fist in each of the corners of a small paper bag and use your other flat hand to mold and round the edges. Fill bag 2/3 of the way to the top with popcorn. Gather the opening of the bag and twist tightly. Hot-glue the beginning of the length of frill and wrap it around the twisted part of the lunch bag; hot-glue the end of the frill to hold in place. Repeat to make a second drumstick.

3. For the turkey body, round the corners of a large paper shopping bag. Fill the bag with popcorn. Fold the sides of the bag in, and tuck the bottom edge under, using hot glue to secure the edge closed.

Tip: If you can't find a large plain brown bag, carefully turn a printed bag inside out.

4. Use hot glue to attach drumsticks to sides of turkey body. Place on platter and garnish with parsley, fruit.

From Martha Stewart living.com

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Holiday Pomander Craft ...

2011-11-17T00:01:00.001-06:00

Here's a great craft idea for the holidays! I'm making some this weekend so they will be ready for thanksgiving.
Making a Pomander Ball is easy, inexpensive and fun! Simply stick a clove directly into an orange (or any of the other fruits listed above). You may want to use a toothpick or pin to make the first punctures so that the cloves are easier to insert. It seems that everyone has his or her own method when it comes to filling a ball! You don't have to fill the entire ball though—try a pattern or design if you feel inspired.
Once the ball is completely studded with cloves, roll it in the spice mixture and set it aside for a couple of weeks in a cool dry spot so that it will dry. Once dried, tie a ribbon around the ball for hanging. Multiple pomander balls also look beautiful displayed together in a large decorative bowl. (If you want to retain the scent, roll the ball in orris root powder before letting dry).

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

The Confession

2011-11-07T00:01:00.002-06:00

While on vacation I went to see a musical called "The Confession". Beverly Lewis is my favorite author and I have read all of her Amish books so I was very excited to go to the Blue Gate theater and see the show. Here's the promo about the musical..
The Confession is a captivating story of a young Amish woman who is caught in the middle of secrets and scandal, love lost and love found, and personal heartache and healing.
With the laughter that ensues when a New York actress tries to play a “Plain” woman and the emotion that is inevitable when lies are uncovered and truth is revealed, audiences will enjoy a roller coaster of highs and lows. Mix that with soaring melodies, inspiring lyrics, and glorious orchestrations and the time will fly by.
“It’s a brilliant love story and a keep-you-at-the-edge-of-your-seat mystery all wrapped into one. Men and women alike will be anxious to find out what happens,” says premiere director, Wally Nason. And show producer Dan Posthuma adds, “Beverly Lewis is a remarkable storyteller. She has given us a rich plot, with compelling characters that courageously confront their past, their future, and their faith. And the music! You’ll have a hard time deciding which tune to hum on the way home.”
Beverly Lewis, who USA Today hails as the ‘queen of the genre’ when it comes to Amish love stories, is the one who wrote the book that the musical is based on (actually, the story comes from the trilogy of The Shunning, The Confession, and The Reckoning).

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Das Dutchman Essenhaus ...

2011-11-02T00:01:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite places to visit is the small town of Middlebury Indiana. There is a wonderful place called Das Dutchman Esssenhaus that I visit when in town. Here are some pictures.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Amish Country ...

2011-11-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

Random pictures from my trip to Amish Country.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Menno-Hoff Part 2 ...

2011-10-31T00:03:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pictures of an Amish home they have on display at the Menno-Hof center. * This is a re-creation of an Amish home in the actual museum, so ignore the electric outlets!

Menni-Hoff Shipeshewana Indiana ...

2011-10-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

While on vacation I went to the Menno-Hof non-profit information center located in Shipshewana, Indiana, they teach visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites.
Menno-Hof's multi-image presentations, historical environments and colorful displays take you on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Amish and Mennonites.
See where the Anabaptists had their beginning in a Swiss courtyard and how they were persecuted for their faith in the dungeon. Travel with the Anabaptists down the cobblestone streets of Holland and board a 17th century sailing boat on a journey to America and freedom. I haven't been there in about 15 years, so it was a perfect place to be on one of the rainy days of my trip.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Amish Acres, Nappanee Indiana ...

2011-10-29T07:46:00.001-05:00

I went to the Fall Harvest Days and to see the musical "Smoke on the Mountain" at Amish Acres in Nappanee Indiana, here are some pictures I thought you might enjoy.

Round Barn Theatre

Ceiling of the Round Barn theatre

Before they go their separate ways, the Sanders Family gathers together to share stories of faith and family. The third installment in the Sander’s saga features the family preparing to send the Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe and his bride June, off west in style with nearly 25 fabulous Bluegrass gospel favorites

Cast of Smoke on the Mountain

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Farm Visit, Support the Locals ...

2011-10-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

My son and I took a quick ride to a local farm. In addition to the delicious fresh fruit and veggies they had pumpkins, dried corn and honey crisp apples. Even though, the produce is a bit more expensive, it's fresh and delicious and I think it's important to support the locals.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Straw Bale Homes ...

2011-10-12T00:01:00.003-05:00

Straw bales were a fairly common building material in the United States between 1895 and 1940. Interest in straw-bale home construction began to re-emerge in the mid-1970s. But it wasn't until the mid- to late-1990s that building codes began to acknowledge it as a viable approach. The rising cost of conventional construction materials, labor and concern for our environment has fueled the growing popular enthusiasm for straw bale home construction.
Two of the current straw bale construction methods include post-and-beam, which uses a structural framework with straw bale in-fill or "Nebraska style," which uses the bearing capacity of the stacked bales to support roof loads.
Proposed straw bale structures still face considerable barriers, including the following:

Local building code approvals
Building loans
Mortgages
Homeowner's insurance
Community acceptance.

The non-load-bearing construction method is the approach most regulatory authorities accept today.
To find out the building code standards for your state, contact your city or county building code officials. Your state energy office may be able to provide information on energy codes recommended or enforced in your state.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

John C Campbell Folk School ...

2011-09-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

By now I'm sure you have noticed that I believe in getting back to basics and natural, simple living. Well a friend of mine went on vacation to a folk school and sent me the information to share with you. This may not be everyone's idea of a fun vacation, but you have to admit, It's different and I bet it would be fun!

John C. Campbell Folk School provides experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening. Located in scenic Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing.
Folks come together in this haven, tucked in the beautiful western North Carolina mountains, to have creative and fun learning experiences. The Folk School’s motto, “I sing behind the plow,” reflects our desire to find joy in our daily lives.

Programs & Classes
You’ll find deep satisfaction in the development of creative skills in a supportive, hands-on learning environment at the Folk School. We offer adults more than 800 weeklong and weekend classes year-round in traditional and contemporary craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing. Friendly, knowledgeable instructors teach our small-sized classes.

Concert Series
The Folk School’s free Friday night concert series features some of the finest regional and national acts performing old-time, bluegrass, folk, gospel and Celtic music.

Community Dances
Community dances are usually held every other Saturday evening and are relished by local residents and visitors who enjoy contra and square dancing to live music.

Nature Trails
Numerous walking trails meander the 300-acre campus, including the Rivercane Walk, a creekside trail with art honoring the Cherokee heritage.

Classes offered:

Basketry (33 classes)

Beads (25 classes)

Blacksmithing (46 classes)

Book Arts (14 classes)

Broom Making (4 classes)

Calligraphy (2 classes)

Chair Seats (7 classes)

Clay (32 classes)

Cooking (31 classes)

Dance (10 classes)

Dolls, Bears, & Figurative Sculpture (8 classes)

Drawing (15 classes)

Dyeing (16 classes)

Enameling (22 classes)

Felt Making (11 classes)

Folklore (5 classes)

Gardening (11 classes)

Genealogy (1 class)

Glass (24 classes)

Jewelry (36 classes)

Kaleidoscopes (9 classes)

Knitting (15 classes)

Lace (3 classes)

Leather (2 classes)

Marbling (4 classes)

Metalwork (20 classes)

Mixed Media (15 classes)

Music (45 classes)

Nature Studies (24 classes)

Needlework & Thread Art (15 classes)

Painting (44 classes)

Paper Arts (10 classes)

Photography (20 classes)

Printmaking (6 classes)

Quilting (33 classes)

Rugs (17 classes)

Sewing (7 classes)

Soap Making (4 classes)

Spinning (11 classes)

Stone, Sculpture & Mosaics (7 classes)

Storytelling (7 classes)

Surface Design (10 classes)

Unique Offerings (26 classes)

Weaving (21 classes)

Woodcarving (33 classes)

Woodturning (42 classes)

Woodworking (49 classes)

Writing (

XoXo
Simple Pleasures

A Visit to Cold Antler Farm ...

2011-09-23T08:24:00.002-05:00

I have been following the blog Cold Antler Farm daily, for some time now and feel like a personal friend of author/farmer Jenna Woginrich. Jenna lives in Jackson New York and purchased her own farm a year ago. You can read about her daily life with her dogs, sheep, chickens, fiber & meat rabbits, geese, ducks, pigs and turkeys. She will share information about her hive, garden, mountain music, the civil war, local food and much more. She is a young single girl learning to farm one day at a time. This down to earth author not only takes care of her own farm but works a full time job (to pay the bills), writes, has workshops at her farm and takes the time to share it all on her blog. I I am proud to own all of her books. Take a few moments to check out her blog and books, she is an amazing young woman!

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Natural Country Decorating ...

2011-09-22T23:03:00.001-05:00

I love to decorate with natural elements, it not only saves money but brings a bit of the outdoors in. I fill rustic bowls with naturals like pine cones, orange peel potpourri, acorns, nuts and tree pods. There is nothing more cozy to me than fluffing your nest for autumn and winter with naturals!

Orange peel potpourri recipe:
Peel from 2 oranges (peel & dry on counter)
cinnamon sticks
spices: nutmeg, cinnamon & cloves
mix & keep in bowls.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Safe Handmade Liquid Soap ...

2011-09-20T08:18:00.001-05:00

1 bar Castile soap,(I use Dr Bronners.) You should be able to find castile soap in a health food store, Trader Joes)
8 cups of water
3 T glycerin (found in drug store)
Fragrance or essential oils of your choice, 12 drops or as much scent as you like.

Begin by grating your bar of castile soap. You can do this by hand with a cheese grater or if you have a food processor that will grate you can use this and it will go much quicker. Put your grated soap into a sauce pan and cover with water. Simmer until the soap has melted. Add glycerin and essential oils, (I use lavendar & a few drops of tea tree oil for antibacterial). Let this mixture sit for about 8 hours. Then pour into hand soap containers.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Cast Iron Cookware ...

2011-09-19T07:34:00.001-05:00

I have always wanted cast iron cookware, lately I have been researching a purchase and thought I would share this information with you.

Cast iron cookware was especially popular among homemakers and housekeepers during the first half of the 20th century. Most American households had at least one cast iron cooking pan, and such brands as Griswold and Wagner Ware were especially popular. The Lodge Manufacturing company is currently the only major manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the United States, as most other cookware suppliers use pots and pans made in Asia or Europe. Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray also have lines of pre-seasoned cast iron.
The 20th century also saw the introduction and popularization of enamel-coated cast iron cookware.
Cast iron fell out of favor in the 1960s and 1970s, as teflon-coated non-stick cookware was introduced to the public and quickly became the item of choice in many kitchens. Today, a large selection of cookware can be purchased from kitchen suppliers, of which cast iron comprises only a small fraction. However, the durability and reliability of cast iron as a cooking tool has ensured its survival, and cast iron cookware is still recommended by most cooks and chefs as an essential part of any kitchen.
Cast iron's ability to withstand and maintain very high cooking temperatures makes it a common choice for searing or frying, and its excellent heat diffusion and retention makes it a good option for long-cooking stews or braised dishes. Because cast iron skillets can develop a "non-stick" surface, they are also a good choice for egg dishes, particularly scrambled eggs. Other uses of cast iron pans include making cornbread and pineapple upside-down cake.
Most bare cast iron pots and pans are cast from a single piece of metal in order to provide even distribution of heat. This quality allows most bare cast iron pans to serve as dual-purpose stove top fryers and oven baking dishes. Many recipes call for the use of a cast iron skillet or pot, especially so that the dish can be initially seared or fried on the stove top; the dish is then transferred into the oven, pan and all, to finish baking. Likewise, cast iron skillets can double as baking dishes. Cornbread in particular is seen as a food item that is best prepared in a cast iron skillet: the iron pan is heated beforehand in the oven, the ingredients are combined in the heated pan, and the dish is then placed directly into the oven for fast baking. This differs from many other cooking pots, which have varying components that may be damaged by the excessive temperatures of 400 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
The heat distribution quality of an iron pan also includes its handle or handles. For most cast iron pans, the handles become hot during cooking and can burn the hands of anyone attempting to handle them without protection, such as wearing heavy gloves or using a potholder.
Cast iron cookware leaches small amounts of iron into the food. Anemics, and those with iron deficiencies, may benefit from this effect, though those with excess iron issues (for example, people with hemochromatosis) may suffer negative effects.
A seasoned pan has a stick-resistant coating created by polymerized oils and fats. Seasoning is a process by which a layer of animal fat or vegetable oil is applied and cooked onto cast iron or carbon steel cookware. The seasoning layer protects the cookware from rusting, provides a non-stick surface for cooking, and prevents food from interacting with the iron of the pan. Enamel-coated cast iron pans do not need seasoning, as the enamel coating prevents rust in most instances.
Because ordinary cookware cleaning techniques like scouring or washing in a dishwasher can remove or damage the seasoning on a bare cast iron pan, these pans should not be cleaned like most other cookware. Some cast iron aficionados advocate never cleaning cast iron pans at all, simply wiping them out after use, or washing them with hot water and a stiff brush. Others advocate washing with mild soap and water, and then re-applying a thin layer of fat or oil. A third approach, advocated by television chef Alton Brown, is to scrub with coarse salt and a paper towel or clean rag.

Simple Pleasures

Tiny Houses, A New Trend in Frugal Living...

2011-09-12T19:50:00.003-05:00

I am fascinated by alternative living, whether its a cabin, yurt, tiny home, or caboose. I've been reading a book about the new trend in frugal living. The Small House Book by Jay Shafer. I wanted to share it with you and show you some awesome homes, that may be small, but are big on organization and charm and with a yearly utility bills of $65 is very affordable. Click here to go to a cool blog, Tiny house.

Here's what the book is all about:

• How to build a small home for just 20 grand!
•Full color book that's loaded with pictures and you'll see that the houses are divided into two sizes. First you'll see the tiny houses, which are homes that range from 65 square feet to 140 square feet. And small houses that range from 250 square feet to 840 square feet.

• 22 beautiful home plans .
• The types of building materials you'll need.

• 7 critical organizing principles and 42 design elements to create a very efficient little home.
• 14 tools (many of which you probably already own) that Jay used to build his very own home.
• How to efficiently heat your home so you stay warm even in areas that are prone to snow storms.
• How to efficiently cool your home so you'll feel fine even in the dog days of summer in Southern states.
• How to set up plumbing that really works.
• How to set up a sanitary and convenient compost toilet that's odorless.
• How to get water running into your home.
• How to set up comfortable sleeping arrangements.
• How to set up a terrific little kitchen where you can cook great meals, just as well as anybody in an over sized kitchen.
• Step-by-step instructions for attaching a house to a trailer - pictures included.
• What you need to know about setting up appliances.
• What you need to know about solar power.
• How to properly power your home.
• How you can fit a family into a small home.

XoXo

Simple Pleasures

Welcome !

2011-09-09T10:58:00.003-05:00

Hi, I'm Michelle, aka: Nanny Shell, Welcome to my blog Simple Pleasures! This is my second blog, the first I had for over 2 years but decided I wanted a fresh start with a focus on Simple living. I am a country girl at heart living in the Illinois suburbs. For those of you who don't already know me, here's the 411. I am an old fashioned type of gal with a wonderful grown son who lives nearby, he is my best friend I can't say enough good things about him! I am also mother to a rescued 2 year old long hair Chihuahua, Nico, who is the love of my life! I am blessed to still have my mother around, at 88 years old she is your typical "Italian Mother" and still treats me like I'm 8 years old. After 20 years working for Physicians as an office manager, I decided to follow my heart and become a professional nanny. For the last 6 years, I have been fortunate to have been part of some wonderful children's lives and currently am spending my days with an adorable little girl named "Evie" who fills my life with joy and love. I can't imagine my life without her.I love: Crafting, Decorating, Whole food cooking, Animals, Children, Farms, Cleaning and Organizing and reading. I try to read a book a week. I will be sharing my frugal tips with you as I am a bargain hunter and love to find ways to save money. I am also enamored by the Amish and their lifestyle, so you will see lots about them as well. Come along for the ride as I share my happy, simple life with you!