Simple Pleasures

S A L E

2012-01-11T13:27:00.002-05:00

our annual whole-month-of-January-sale !

It's a gift

2011-12-26T15:29:00.006-05:00

Chris Gannaway's Christmas cookies are amazing in every way -

beautifully designed, perfectly executed, delicately delicious,

cleverly presented.

Why oh why haven't I photographed them every year ?

These edible works of art. Labors of love. Artisanal gifts of herself.

and to all a goodnight . . .

2011-12-24T22:33:00.003-05:00

Merry

2011-12-20T21:21:00.003-05:00

in the spirit

of good cheer for all
we wish you
sweet December
merry Christmas
happy Hanukkah
happy holidays
and a festive
whatever you choose
or don’t choose
to celebrate
and the good fortune to enjoy it

Simple Pleasures
is decked out
twinkling and sparkling
our gift to you
a season of delights

Snow babies

2011-12-17T22:01:00.001-05:00

Sugarplums

2011-12-11T09:55:00.001-05:00

delightful December !

2011-12-01T08:37:00.001-05:00

2011-11-26T08:39:00.003-05:00

Small Business Saturday - November 26

Receive a $25 credit from American Express if

you register your American Express card,

and use it when you shop at any small business today.

We thank you any time that you choose to shop at Simple Pleasures.

And we thank American Express for choosing to support

the efforts of small stores everywhere, who work so hard

to offer their individual visions of the little pleasures in life.

shop small

2011-11-21T21:54:00.010-05:00

Receive a $25 credit from American Express when you

and shop at a small business

on Saturday, November 26.

Simple Pleasures, of course, welcomes you,

as would any small store that you enjoy supporting.

A great program to start the holiday season -

recognition for small shop owners,

and $25 for you !

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First therewas Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, there's Small Business Saturday, a day to Shop Small^SM and support small businesses. Here are some things you can do to show support when youvisit facebook.com/shopsmall.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and supporting them is a great way to help fuel the local economy. Pledge your support by liking Small Business Saturday on Facebook. If we all take the pledge and make one purchase, Small Business Saturday can be huge.

Get aone-time $25 statement credit when you register an eligible American Express^® Card and use that Card for a purchase of $25 or more at a small businesson November 26*.

Forecast: spooky with remnants of snow

2011-10-31T13:36:00.004-04:00

October snow

2011-10-29T13:25:00.004-04:00

the last bouquet from the garden ?

definitely the last weekend of the SALE.
Saturday, October 29 - 10:00 to 6:00
Sunday, October 30 - 11:00 to 5:00
545 Pawtucket Ave., Pawtucket ...
where the north end of North Main St. in Providence
meets Pawtucket Ave. in Pawtucket ...
near Gregg's.
across from Gold's Gym.

Treats for grownups

2011-10-27T21:36:00.005-04:00

excellent edibles - chocolates and caramels and little French cookies

haunting wearables - cashmeres and silks and the softest wools

glittering garnishes - golds and silvers and such pretty stones

step into our lair . . .

warehouse S A L E !

2011-10-21T23:00:00.004-04:00

Saturday, October 22

10:00 to 6:00

Sunday, October 23

11:00 to 5:00

545 Pawtucket Ave., Pawtucket

where the north end of North Main St. in Providence

meets Pawtucket Ave. in Pawtucket ...

near Gregg's ...

across from Gold's Gym

Mieko Mintz trunk show

2011-10-19T13:36:00.000-04:00

We invite you to see a clothing collection by Mieko Mintz.

a trunk show

literally out of a trunk ... sent to us for a few days

to purchase, or just to enjoy viewing

Mieko is a Japanese American designer who has her own lovely shop in New York

and shows her clothing internationally.

She travelled to India to work with artisans stitching cotton kantha quilts

to her design and color specifications,

then transformed these quilts into unique artistic coats, jackets, and accessories.

We are so pleased to have these luscious pieces at Simple Pleasures

October 18 to 22.

10:00 to 6:00

join us for a glass of wine Wednesday evening til 8:00

please come!

Scene from the sale

2011-10-16T09:04:00.007-04:00

still time to find a bargain . . .

today, and two more weekends!

October Warehouse Sale !

2011-10-07T22:34:00.002-04:00

Tons of New Things !

2011-09-24T13:22:00.004-04:00

We have so many things in our tiny space! And more and more are arriving every day. So instead of listing a few individual items in our online store - we are testing it out with shop vignettes!

http://simplepleasures.bigcartel.com/

Pick up your "Sock Club" punch card at the shop today!

2011-09-16T21:13:00.002-04:00

Sock season seems to be here already, and once again we have all of our favorites- warm and comfy socks from Smartwool and great bright prints from Ozone. And this fall we have added the quality and luxury of Falke socks from Germany.

12 pairs may seem like a lot, but once you fill all those stockings with socks, the free pair will be just for you!

Summer is NOT over!

2011-08-26T12:11:00.002-04:00

The bounty of our northern farms is at it's glorious peak. Christine Chitnis of Providence has researched and photographed a grand little guide, 'Markets of New England'.
Grab a copy and happily meander through fields of veggies and crafts before the axe falls.

Wristful thinking

2011-08-18T23:38:00.001-04:00

Five finger discount

2011-08-11T22:55:00.007-04:00

Can you help us identify these"customers" ?

Summer Sale

2011-08-04T01:14:00.003-04:00

New Orla Kiely bags at the shop!

2011-07-06T10:13:00.003-04:00

Fun & functional, these totes, purses and messengers are vinyl fabric with the classic "stem" print! We were expecting the fall bags to actually come in the fall, but they're here early!

They deserve this award!

2011-06-29T11:07:00.001-04:00

See the extended Simple Pleasures family- Simon & College visions written up in Providence Monthly for best school spirit!!!

http://www.providenceonline.com/providencemonthly/read.html

http://www.collegevisions.org/

An anniversary

2011-06-16T21:37:00.003-04:00

Roses are pink

Ivy is green

It went by in a blink

We're turning nineteen

Brimfield

2011-05-10T21:07:00.005-04:00

A favorite seasonal marker is the May Brimfield antiques fair.

We made it through another winter, and out the other side to spring!

Cruising the main street of Brimfield on the first day is an intoxicating spew of

possible treasures, junk, traffic, characters, shoving, sunburn, carnival food,

and the pure joy of being outside - rummaging.

Mother of all Mothers

2011-05-05T13:04:00.002-04:00

Father's day is admittedly a little tricky for us. But Mother's day? We've got it in the bag.

We will be open for last minute Mom shopping today, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 6. And Sunday from 11 to 5!

Royal-tea

2011-04-26T22:07:00.007-04:00

British paper party goods jolly up royal wedding fetes and spring gatherings. The dashing handmade wooden tray from English girl Susy Pilgim Waters brings

her party to your table.

Sugar Eggs

2011-04-20T20:03:00.002-04:00

Sentimental and intricate, these handmade confections delight us year after year.

Hop in

2011-04-18T21:48:00.003-04:00

SALE II

2011-04-13T17:04:00.003-04:00

Join the bargain hunt !

The second Warehouse Sale weekend

Saturday, April 16 - 10:00 to 7:00

Sunday, April 17 - 11:00 to 5:00

An additional 20% off clothing !

S A L E !

2011-04-01T22:59:00.006-04:00

Our annual spring sale at the Simple Pleasures studio

545 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket, RI

two weekends
April 9 & 10 and 16 & 17

Saturday(s), April 9th and 16th ... 10:00 to 7:00
Sunday(s), April 10th and 17th ... 11:00 to 5:00

Please come !

545 Pawtucket Avenue is not the shop.

It's our studio/storage space in a brick mill building

on the Providence/Pawtucket line,
at the north end of North Main Street,
across from Gold's Gym,
near Gregg's Restaurant and Job Lot.

A sale is fun . . .
and so is the shop.
So many springy new things are waiting for you.
Please stop in.

Color full

2011-03-29T21:08:00.003-04:00

Fun little springy notions are hopping into the shop.

An open invitation

2011-03-22T21:10:00.003-04:00

On Thursday, March 24, everyone is invited to an open house at College Visions. A chance to see their beautiful new space, and to learn about their excellent program for young people in Rhode Island. www.collegevisions.org

The joy of spring

2011-03-20T09:10:00.004-04:00

Post-winter is our actual state of weather in the Northeast, but Spring is officially here, so we can mentally strip off coats and swing to the sun. We could also skip to an exuberant exhibit opening this week. Reframing Haiti, a multi-venue production by Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and the Waterloo Center for the Arts, will be open from March 23 until April 2. And for now, this happy girl is on view at the shop.

2011-03-02T11:21:00.002-05:00

Just in:

Fun cotton scarves! Great colors, patterns and textures! $25 to $35!

Spring is most definitely coming...

Birthday doughnut

2011-02-24T08:12:00.011-05:00

Spent a few days in New York tromping through fashion/trade shows dithering about what to order for next year. The easier decision was ordering treats at the new Doughnut Plant at the Chelsea Hotel. This luscious item was covered with rose petals. The taste winner was creme brulee. Everything a doughnuholic's dream.

Just in:

2011-02-18T14:05:00.004-05:00

Really fun Providence pennant necklace- now in the shop!

Show your city love!

Mr. Valentine

2011-02-14T21:19:00.002-05:00

yeah baby

Be Your Own Valentine

2011-02-12T02:04:00.016-05:00

Always a little something for your sweetheart . . .

or you

A few darting thoughts from cupid's quiver -

Comfort the weary heart in a cold month.
Since 1891 Kniepp theraputic herbal baths and salts have used by men and women
for soothing aches and pains, restoring balance, and promoting sleep.
A contemporary version is Simpatico pure vegetable bubble bath,
with delicate natural fragrances to enhance water's warm embrace.

Imagine Paris in the 1950's.
Gin Fizz is a sprightly, fresh, and sophisticated scent in a knock-out bottle.

Whisper sweet nothings.
Hand printed cards. Love notes. Artisan chocolates. Charming confections.

Boxes of kisses. Tokens of Affection. Hearts of all kinds.

And, oh, give a little sigh of desire - the jewelry!
Captivating new pieces just unpacked from our travels
add to our collection of lust-inducing favorites.

Romance isn't just for novels.

the road to Simple Pleasures

2011-02-03T22:14:00.003-05:00

coming and going in February -

Valentine's Day is coming

sale is going going g . . .

January S A L E !

2011-01-04T06:21:00.001-05:00

Little birds

come in from the cold.

Spin gold into straw.

Warm yourselves up with brilliant bargains.

And to all a good night

2010-12-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

2010-12-23T07:28:00.000-05:00

Our last gift-a-day is our gift to you - the shop - in all its holiday finery. We hope you enjoyed it. Each year it's our pleasure to dress it up. We thank you for being our customers. And we wish you a lovely, tranquil and merry Christmas !

Cup of kindness

2010-12-22T07:16:00.000-05:00

Colorful glass letter and number cups. Many uses. Votives. Pots. Vases. Holders for pens, tooth brushes, paint brushes, loose change, whatever. $20.

Money penny

2010-12-21T07:39:00.001-05:00

Lovely colors in a soft leather wallet with great interior space. Designed by 49 Square Miles in San Francisco.

Keeps on giving

2010-12-20T07:39:00.004-05:00

All of the proceeds from the sale of these candles are donated to College Visions, a non-profit based in Providence which provides low-income and first generation college-bound youth in Rhode Island with the individualized advising and resources needed to enroll in college. A mouthful of a sentence that means you can invest in the success of their dreams for the future.

A worthy gift. www.collegevisions.org

Invest in achievement - a fundraising letter from College Visions - better than a candle ...

When you contribute to College Visions before the end of the year, you support over 200 low-income, first-generation students on the path to college graduation. You invest in students like Dioni, who in 12th grade wrote: "Ever since I can remember, my mother has always told me that everything she has done has been for me to have a better future, to have a better life than she has had. She would say that to reach that better future I have to do well in school and get good grades." Like me, you're probably inspired by Dioni and his mom's hopes, and you want the same for all young people in Providence. But there are many obstacles on the road to college. Dioni continued: "I came to the conclusion that to achieve a great future, however, you need not only good grades, but also a great amount of money. When I looked at the cost of colleges, the future my mother always told me about seemed to drift farther and farther away." Sadly, Dioni's concerns aren't unique. While most high school students dream of going to college, only a small portion of low-income youth actually do. You have an opportunity to make a difference. With the help of committed friends like you, College Visions ensures that motivated students like Dioni stay on track and achieve their dreams. In fact, during the past 6 years, 94% of College Visions students have enrolled in college. Dioni's College Visions advisor worked closely with him through the admissions process, and helped him choose colleges that would provide strong financial aid. He applied to Holy Cross, which he'd never heard of before College Visions. It was a perfect match. "I wanted a good education but the deciding factor for me was financial aid. Holy Cross gave me a full scholarship! My family works really hard, but not hard enough to be paying thousands and thousands of dollars towards school, so it was great that I got the full scholarship." Enrolling in college was an important accomplishment for Dioni and his family, but it's only a first step. Now he's a sophomore math major at Holy Cross and a member of our College Success Program. With the College Success Program, Dioni has received help with financial aid renewals and care packages during exams. He's also given back to CV, helping with summer workshops and hosting College Visions 12th graders who visit Holy Cross. You have an opportunity to make sure that young people like Dioni not only enroll in college, but also

graduate. Although only 11% of low-income students who enter in college earn a bachelor's degree within 6 years nationally, 70% of College Visions' first class graduated within 5 years. These victories are thrilling, and they require partners like you - people who are committed to promoting educational equity. You understand the benefits of college education. You see the promise in young people like Dioni. And you want your support to have a lasting impact. Dioni knows that a college degree can lead to long-term financial stability for a low-income family: "In my future I see myself providing for my kids what my mother couldn't do for me, which is to help pay for college. So my future, the future my mother always told me about, is the same future I'm going to tell my kids about, and hopefully the same future they will be building for their kids." Your contribution to College Visions ensures that many more low-income students like Dioni earn college degrees. Your investment will pay dividends for generations to come. Please make a secure online donation at www.collegevisions.org/donate.html. Thank you for your support!

Best Wishes, Simon Moore

College Visions Founder & Director

PS - The Carter Family Charitable Trust has generously offered to match contributions made before December 31 up to $20,000. This offer doubles the impact of your contribution. Help us meet our match!

Low tech magic

2010-12-19T07:20:00.000-05:00

German glass radiometers have reflective blades suspended in a partial vacuum that spin in the light. More light more spin. More magic. $45 to $60.

The purloined penguin

2010-12-18T22:26:00.002-05:00

We had a great busy day today. Thank you everyone. But on an unjolly note, we have had yet another theft in a long, really depressing string of thefts. This time it was the 4' high penguin in our shop yard. This afternoon. This is his picture (minus the crown). I know it's highly unlikely, but if you came to the shop today, and noticed anything, please let us know. The penguin aspect could almost seem amusing, but I have lost it completely.

Waiting for Santa

2010-12-18T07:32:00.002-05:00

Soon Santa can take a well deserved rest, perch on his favorite bench, kick off his boots, and stare into mid bramble. $340.

Paris in December

2010-12-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

Fracas was created in 1948. Gin Fizz was made for Grace Kelly in 1955. Two really beautiful scents - one intensely floral, the other light and citrusy. For different tastes, each one is perfect.

Unsecret Santa

2010-12-16T07:48:00.001-05:00

Cute little mercury glass candles with a vintagey Santa and a cinnamonny scent. $12.

Runners up

2010-12-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

In the market stalls of Guatemala it was impossible to resist the festive happy colors and lively floral designs of these long embroidered runners. Approximately 16" by 8'.

It's a wash

2010-12-14T07:21:00.000-05:00

A seasonal selection from New York soap maker Saipua, who features inventive ingredients and the best wrappings. Speaking of visuals, they are also masterful floral designers. Look at Design Sponge on line for a glimpse of their beautiful arrangements - and because it's fun to look at Design Sponge. $9.00

Fir me

2010-12-13T07:37:00.000-05:00

Love the smell of Christmas trees. Good old fashioned ordinary balsam. The fancier trees have appealing visuals, but not so much fragrance. Forget plastic. December treks to the flower market in Boston, the van filled with cut greens, the sweet woodsy smell soothing despite the inexplicable any-time-of-day traffic creepalongs. Little pillows made for us in Maine. $10.00.

Purse your lips

2010-12-12T09:14:00.002-05:00

Found imagery collage on handy little purse mirrors from John Derian's New York studio. $12.00.

Dish it up

2010-12-11T07:57:00.000-05:00

These charming and useful little hand painted ceramic dishes were made in Guanajuato, at the Gorky Gonzalez pottery workshop. If you are ever fortunate to be in that part of the world, make a plan to visit their lovely studio. As an added bonus, visit the childhood home of Diego Rivera. 4" to 5 1/2". $12. $14. $18.

Horse of a good color

2010-12-10T08:44:00.002-05:00

This lusciously soft throw was designed by Thomas Paul and beautifully hand woven by artisans in Lima, Peru. The fiber is baby alpaca. The color is that particular excellent orange. The reverse side is an orange horse on a natural ground. In this case, the real thing is worth a thousand words. $350.00.

Mental block

2010-12-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

Fiddle with these cool blocks when you need to drift off to kinderland. Or when a dose of amusement is prescribed. Blocktor's orders. Rhode Island designed by Fred. $32.00.

Playing favorites - part 2

2010-12-08T09:25:00.001-05:00

Our new also favorite holiday candle is Pine made by Tatine in Chicago. A perfect winter's walk through deep mossy piney forests. The dark recycled glass and letterpress box have a most pleasing green sophistcation. $30.00.

Playing favorites - part 1

2010-12-07T09:37:00.003-05:00

Our all time favorite holiday candle is Christmas Tree in a Can made by Aunt Sadie's in Boston, who, by the way, has a most wonderful shop to visit. So perfectly balsamy with the absolute scent of a christmas tree, that just inhaling the open can is mesmerizing ... if you like Christmas. $18.00.

Picture this

2010-12-06T10:00:00.002-05:00

Little leather wallets and card cases are hand printed with fun images by

Shara Porter. Perfect in the pocket. $32. and $40.

Cosseted fingers

2010-12-05T09:30:00.001-05:00

Silky soft shearling in deliciously fun colors. These European gloves glide onto the hand and offer a most luxurious warmth. $110.00

Let it salt

2010-12-04T08:15:00.001-05:00

Slightly askew Salty the salt shakerman will charm your winter table. Tweak his little carrot nose to fill. Fellow Rhode Islander Fred Roses dreams up these clever wonders. $12.00.

Folkloric piney pillow

2010-12-03T06:55:00.001-05:00

In the market stalls of Antigua, Guatemala we found these 6" uselessly sized but charming textile pieces. We sent them on a trip to Maine to be filled with our favorite eau Christmas tree balsam. And now they have a purpose in life as a fragrant fiesta. Winter woods with a hot flash. $20.00

It's ticking . . .

2010-12-02T00:15:00.007-05:00

The countdown begins. Depending on our state of frazz, the jolly fat man is either the symbol of festive anticipation, or of never enough time. One memorable year, Granny was helping us unpack Christmas ornaments and on each box she wrote "santa", but by the end of her chore the boxes said "satan". Which about sums it up. $15.00.

Glad tidings

2010-12-01T23:19:00.002-05:00

bedecked, tinseled, and brightened

our 18th year of holiday delights
the amusements
the sweet little things
the momentary flashes of sparkle
that make this festive season
worth contemplating
a time out from the humdrum and drear
a place marker to remind us
to be kind and generous
and to have good cheer

Small Business Saturday

2010-11-24T11:55:00.009-05:00

Receive a $25 credit from American Express

when you register your card,

and shop at a small business

on Saturday, November 27.

Simple Pleasures, of course, welcomes you,

as would any small store that you enjoy.

This seems like a great program

to start the holiday season -

recognition for small shop owners,

and $25 for you !

addendum: 12/5

This nice offer has been continued by

American Express until

DECEMBER 31 !

2010-11-13T00:22:00.002-05:00

be practical . . .

Clothing S A L E

30% off and 40% off
current fall clothing

Simple Pleasures in Providence City News

2010-11-04T12:22:00.005-04:00

We are very excited to be featured in Mayor Cicilline's Providence City News! Please check out our interview at:

http://cityof.providenceri.com/mayor/citynews-feature/367

Shop local, shop Providence, shop here, shop at other small stores, support your friends and neighbors, keep the vibrancy of Providence alive!

2010-11-02T00:34:00.000-04:00

2010-10-31T09:38:00.001-04:00

Hallogleam

2010-10-28T22:21:00.002-04:00

Accessorize your little pumpkins
of the child and canine varieties
with Halloween safety reflectors.

What do women want?

2010-10-17T20:41:00.004-04:00

Another weekend at the Simple Pleasures studio S A L E.

yes !

Saturday, October 23

10:00 to 7:00

Sunday, October 24

11:00 to 5:00

Find us again at 545 Pawtucket Avenue.

S A L E !

2010-10-11T09:51:00.012-04:00

Our annual fall sale at the SIMPLE PLEASURES studio

545 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
two weekends

October 16 & 17 and 23 & 24

Saturday(s) October 16th and 23rd ... 10:00 to 7:00
Sunday(s) October 17th and 24th ... 11:00 to 5:00

Please come !

545 Pawtucket Avenue is not the shop.

It's our studio/storage space in a brick mill building

on the Providence/Pawtucket line,
at the north end of North Main Street,
across from Gold's Gym,
near Gregg's Restaurant and Job Lot.

A sale is fun . . .
and so is our store.
So many tantalizing new things are waiting for you.
Please stop in.

Newness

2010-10-05T20:34:00.002-04:00

So many exciting things have arrived - the happy results of our buying trips !

In addition to artisan pieces from known and unknown hands, we have unpacked

treats from the usual and unusual suspects: Catherine Andre, Lilla P, 3 Dot,

Majestic, 360 Cashmere, Margaret O'Leary, Martine Boissy, Jeanette Farrier,

Petit Pois, Neesh, Injiri, Saint James, Amet and Ladou, Clemente, Pas de Calais,

Ryan Roberts, 49 Square Miles, Mikal Winn, Melissa Joy Manning, Loomlab,

Marimekko, Porto, Roberta Freymann, Biya, Highway, Barbara Wiggins, Isda,

Tracy Tanner, Johnny Was, Cut Loose, En Shallah, Wanderlust, Lena Skadegard,

Altru, Tatine, CP Shades, Charbonnel Chocolates, Michelle Pressler, Smartwool,

Hobo, Ozone, Avoca, Lubin Paris, Paste . . . and more to come.

hey baby

2010-09-29T23:20:00.002-04:00

Our lovely baby quilts have just arrived!

Made for us in a fair wage workshop in India, these soft

recycled vintage cotton kantha quilts are hand stitched.

Practical machine wash and dry. A thoughtful gift.

unendless summer

2010-09-06T23:36:00.004-04:00

Blog-crastinating as usual.

We are back from vacation after numerous shopping for the shop excursions,

and are off again - on a buying trip to Guatemala !

So many exciting boxes have arrived at the shop - filled with fall clothes and assorted goodies.

We are unpacking as fast as we can and too busy for the Labor Day blues to sink in.

Please stop by to have a look.

More to follow . . .

dive in . . . it's a S A L E !

2010-07-31T15:11:00.004-04:00

chew chew

2010-07-12T23:50:00.014-04:00

George is a Simple Pleasures regular.

He especially enjoys the Saturday club and our newest Mooremporium selection -

Wholesome Hide rawhide chews.

Made in the U.S., and not processed with toxic chemicals,

these safe chew treats seem to be a toothsome hit

with gorgeous George and his friends.

This article has some useful thoughts: www.whole-dog-journal.com

a summer soiree

2010-06-16T22:09:00.011-04:00

The lovely, talented, and effervescent Susy Pilgrim Waters

has graciously invited us and you to join some of her friends

for a summery shopping party.

Please come !

a little info :

Susy - www.pilgrimwaters.com

pilgrimwaters.blogspot.com

www.designspongeonline.com
Emily Woodbury - www.mifflettes.com
Eva - www.shakehdesigns.com
sarajo - www.sarajofrieden.com
Jill Bent - www.jillbent.com

Gina Barrios - www.ishi.mx

Angela Liguori - angelaliguori.blogspot.com

www.designspongeonline.com

www.facebook.com Simple Pleasures Providence

Birthday Birthday

2010-06-11T09:57:00.002-04:00

Double the pleasures, double the funs.

In one of life's quirky little undercurrents,

Miss Dolly and Simple Pleasures share the same birthday.

One year for Dolly. Eighteen years for Simple Pleasures.

Dolly and her guest, Betty, enjoy birthday party ice cream cones.

In celebration, we invite you to enjoy 18% off a purchase* until June 18th.

Just come in to the shop and say:

"Happy Birthday Simple Pleasures !"

Spring in the maybe too fast lane

2010-06-01T23:28:00.009-04:00

May, a most delightful blossomy month, flew by with wings beating fast. After some excellent adventures - we returned from a wonderful trip to Peru, went to clothing and accessories shows, the Stationery Show, a furniture and design fair, Brimfield Antiques Show, the College Visions graduation, and drove numerous trips to plant growers - we unpacked handcrafts from Peru, springy clothing from La Fiancee du Mekong, jewelry from Extasia, Jane Diaz, Ishi, N & A, Chan Luu, Indian quilts, solar lanterns, birch birds from Finland, tasseled scarves and peace dove sarongs from Jeanette Farrier, handmade leather flip flops and caftans from Miel de Abejas, more flip flops from Orthaheel, colorful plants and garden urns, porcelain fruit baskets, metallic tyvek tote bags, African fabric tote bags, papier mache roosters from Haiti, wallets and pouches from 49 sq mi, Tracy Tanner, Shara Porter, $30 kurti, white on white kurti, retired wooden printing blocks, spikey tagua nut bracelets, scarves from Martine Boissy and Epice, hand blown glasses from Morocco, metal framed chairs from Togo, stoneware garden fish from Maine, and plenty of great things from nowhere and everywhere and no one in particular.

And then, the roses bloomed early. And now, on to June!

Gardenias are here

2010-05-19T09:07:00.000-04:00

For less than a bottle of our exquisite French perfume, you can intoxicate yourself

with the deeply romantic scent of gardenias all summer in your garden.

Beautiful plants grown as standards. In bloom. Limited supply.

Tripping

2010-05-10T23:27:00.003-04:00

1. We just came back from a wonderful trip to Peru.

2. We have a deranged cat named Pikachu.

Sale scenes

2010-04-13T23:47:00.005-04:00

Our studio SALE continues and there are still treasures !

Saturday April 17, 10:00 to 7:00

Sunday, April 18, 11:00 to 5:00

Please join these happy shoppers.

SALE !

2010-04-06T00:37:00.003-04:00

our annual spring sale at the

SIMPLE PLEASURES studio
545 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
two weekends

April 10 & 11 and 17 & 18

Saturday(s) April 10th and 17th ... 10:00 to 7:00
Sunday(s) April 11th and 18th ... 11:00 to 5:00

please come !

545 Pawtucket Avenue is not the shop.

It our studio/storage space in a brick mill building

on the Providence/Pawtucket line,
at the north end of North Main Street,
across from Gold's Gym,
near Gregg's Restaurant and Job Lot.

Design Sponge

2010-03-31T22:58:00.002-04:00

Providence writer Christine Chitnis has just published her updated Design Guide about our fair city - on the great blog Design Sponge. Be sure to check it out.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/03/providence-design-guide.html

Island hopping

2010-03-29T21:10:00.002-04:00

Spring is a state of mind.

Put on the bunny ears. Slip outside.
Hop over to Simple Pleasures.
Jelly beans, sugar eggs with scenes, bunnies in seersucker,
downy ducklings and baby owls, straw fedoras, frocks from Paris,
lovely sweets, tiny trinkets, scarves like feathers.
Waiting for you.

Our basket is full.

Arrivals

2010-03-23T23:22:00.003-04:00

Saint James classic jersey, doggy sticker, straw hat from Ecuador, Saint James cotton scarf, Marimekko baby onesie, Danish bunny in p.j.s, letterpress card from Austin Press, Roberta Freymann cotton lawn tunic, Marimekko cosmetic pouch, Baggu lightweight nylon fold-up bag.

Egg on

2010-03-16T23:59:00.002-04:00

Panorama sugar eggs are here !

A childhood delight, painstakingly handmade in Massachusetts. Each egg has a springy eastery scene inside, sweet sugary details, and a dash of nostalgia.

Arrivals

2010-03-11T09:40:00.007-05:00

Bags and wallets from Orla Kiely; crispy chocolate Suissa balls; Jane Diaz gold wash earrings; Majestic Paris t-shirt; natural dye organic cotton bag from Guatemala; olive oil and lavender soaps from McEvoy Ranch in California; Jane Diaz copper and thread earrings; hand stitched cotton quilts from India.

Little Tokyo

2010-03-06T20:58:00.008-05:00

Totally fascinated with endearing Japanese tiny trinkets and stationery.

New Arrivals

2010-03-03T22:31:00.003-05:00

carved Italian glass pendant; cotton and silk dotty scarf from Italy;

good boy and girl mugs from Emma Bridgewater in England;

fun squishy ping pong ball shooter; buttery soft Ethiopian tie-dyed leather bag;

retro rubber squeaky frog; handmade platter from Little Rhody;

bellhop decanter from Belgium; Frenchy cards made in Norway;

pecking tin bluebird

Facebook page

2010-02-25T20:04:00.002-05:00

We have a facebook page, Simple Pleasures Providence.

Now let's see if I actually post anything !

kicking and screaming dragged into 2010 ...

Love what you love

2010-02-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

Love what you give

2010-02-07T18:20:00.006-05:00

Sweet things for your sweetie.

Marshmallow hearts of raspberry and passion fruit, flaming hearts of salted almond chocolate, paper hearts from Mexico, felt hearts from Japan, cloth hearts from Denmark, cards from everywhere, witty silhouette hearts, coeur clips, love note birds, sacred hearts, our beloved caramels plain or salted, tissue love banners, alluring fragrances, French truffles, retablo boxes with amorous declarations, engaging decorations, romantic notions, and affectionate confections.

Love what you do

2010-02-05T23:41:00.006-05:00

or else.

Just returned from glamorous buying trips.

(Neither fear of flying nor fear of packing nor mudslides nor torrential rain

nor car breakdown nor roach motel nor blizzard stays this team from

the completion of their rounds. Actually the latest blizzard did send us home,

but no one is perfect.)

Soon the shop will be filled with lovely new things and favorite old things !

Our winter sale continues with huge savings, especially on clothing.

a winter's S A L E !

2010-01-08T09:52:00.008-05:00

Sleep tight

2009-12-25T13:18:00.003-05:00