Happy Summer!

Hello Dolly! It’s the first day of summer! Can you believe it? Doesn’t it seem that it was just New Years the other day? 

With summer comes a lot of rain and a lot of heat. I’m so thankful for air conditioning. And ice cream 🍦 

Everything is green and beautiful. And the bugs are in full supply. But each season is so wonderful. And each has its special joys. I hope you have a wonderful summer! And that it doesn’t fly by to fast. 

XOXO

Amy Jo

Beautiful Things All Around Us

 

 

Good morning! It's positively beautiful in Florida right now... We have been having the best weather and it's wonderful! I'm so grateful for every day. 

 

I changed out the aprons....

 

I haven't grown tired of any of my pink appliances or pink decor..... when you love something you can always make it work. 

 

And it seems everything you pick up just goes....because it's what you love. This little bear is so cute. So she was added to the vignette. 

 

I named her cupcake... I hope your having a lovely week....

Blessings and Hugs

Amy Jo

Vintage Chenille in the Guest Room

 

I found this beautiful pillow case that resulted in me dragging all of my bedding out for a little redo of the guest room. The fun never ends. 

 

I remembered that I had this beautiful bedspread I had never used before. The colors are fabulous. 

 

It's a vintage chenille in the prettiest pinks and yellows. 

 

At first I used the white with yellow roses pillow cases.

 

And then I remembered these beauties...

 

Perfect for summer. 

 

At least that's what Petunia tells me....

Cottage Happenings

 

Life is going by so swiftly... every day is such a blessing and a gift. I'm back with a little update on the happenings in Winona Cottage. I got to meet Christie Jones Ray about a month ago and I now have a cute little Eliza mouse along with one of her books. I've been following her blog and Instagram account for years so it was so neat to meet her.

 

My daughter came for a visit during spring break and oh did we paint the town! We went shopping and to the beach and out for lunches and dinners. It was fabulous! 

But of course all good things must come to an end. So she flew home. But will be returning next week for the birth of my nephews son. 

 

Spring has been unusually cool here in Florida... that was until yesterday when it hit the 90s. 

 

I finally completed this little collection. I found the refrigerator and it was the final piece that I needed. I love this little set. It's from the 1950's. It came in pink and white. Of course I wanted the pink version.

 

I did some tweaking in the entry way. And I love how it turned out. I have never loved the way it was before but I'm thrilled with it now.

 

Some of my favorite dishes got to come out again.

 

My baby dresses are back in the limelight.

 

And some of my toleware found a home again.

 

Happiness all around. 

Most recently I found this sweet little pink hanger at Michaels for half price. It's perfect for some of my aprons. I will show a shot of the whole room next  time. Well I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful spring! And I'll be back soon! Hugs to you all! 

XOXO 

Amy Jo

February at Winona Cottage

 

Valentines Day is just around the corner. I've been putting my very few decorations out. 

 

The kitchen island is my favorite place for little vignettes. 

 

The fridge is my favorite!

We've ordered a new dining room table. This one is so comfortable and pretty but the chairs are on wheels. That is not a good thing for hardwood floors. So a guy (vendor) ( Not Too Shabby)I met at the Fancy Flea is hand building us a farm table! It will be white. I took chairs I already had he will paint them to match. Plus he's building a bench for one side. 

Sending you a truck load of love. 

XOXO 

Amy Jo

Randomness From Winona Cottage

 

Can you believe we are 16 days into the new year? So far it has whizzed by. My mom and I went to goodwill and I found this letter A. Already painted pink. Perfection!

 

The early morning sunshine peaks in through the blinds. I love Florida and the year round sun and warmth. 

 

I make my bed every morning. I can't stand an unmade bed.  It's just one of those things that drive me crazy. What about you? Do you make your bed? Or is an unmade bed ok with you? 

 

Have y'all tried Lemon Curd before? It's life changing! Well maybe not life changing, but it definitely changes your toast. If you like lemon. If you don't then I wouldn't suggest it. lol 

 

So what's on your agenda today? Since it's Martin Luther Day. I have the day off. (As a wife and mother you know we never really have a day off) but I'll say it's my day off. I'm going to paint some things... and grocery shop and I might stop in the antique store.

 

 And in other news Maybelline (the puppy) will be flying in on Friday. I don't know exactly when. But the breeder emailed me and asked if Friday would be ok. So expect puppy pictures soon. I'm very excited to finally get my Christmas present! PS wouldn't it be great to look like this? 

XOXO, 

Amy Jo

Happy New Year

 

Happy New Year!!! I'm so excited about 2017! Try to take the time each day for thankfulness. Remember this day only comes once, never to be replayed. That is my word for the year. THANKFULNESS. It will be my focus to soak up every minute, every second. And to be grateful for this precious time that our God has granted us. Each person is a little gift in your life, placed there by the creator. Enjoy those gifts! 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

1Chronicles 16:34

XOXO,

Amy Jo

Christmas 2016

 

Hello!!! How have you been? I've missed you. I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas. I can hardly believe 2016 is almost over.... Christmas was a whirlwind. 

I continued to add decor until Christmas Eve. 

  

 

 

Of course mostly pink. 

 

A favorite vintage Christmas card. 

 

My kitchen is my favorite thing 

 

This was right before present opening! I got some beautiful things this year, a bath set and salt crystal lamp from my sister... a book and sound bar from my in-laws. A gift card from my brother in law. 

 

These hilarious slippers from my daughter 

 

These salt and pepper shakers from my mom. This pic is from Instagram, for some reason it didn't save to my camera roll. My wonderful husband got me....

 

This cutie!!! She can't come home until January sometime. So all I have is this picture. I'm naming her Maybelline. I can't wait to get her! She's a red teddy bear poodle. So I am counting the days until January. I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas! And that you got to spend time with family and friends. We had a great time and I'm now anticipating a wonderful new year blessed from above.

XOXO 

Amy Jo

Lambie Pie

 

This sweet little package arrived in the mail all the way from Great Britain..... 

 

Inside was this sweet little lambie pie. I love handmade things. This little doll is from the Vanilla Squirrel on Etsy. 

I hope your day is blessed,

XOXO

Amy Jo