THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES

Dear family and friends,

While we wait a week or so to decorate our tree we can fill our home with simple ornaments-such as glittering silver balls, plenty of candles, and good holiday smells. I like to bring touches of nature into my home and candles in my favorite holiday scents.



As I slowly remodel and decorate my home room by room, I remind myself to think of thoughtful touches that make a home cozy and comfortable. When decorating the bedrooms I think of reading lights, nightlights, alarm clocks, cozy pillows and blankets, and thoughtful touches that promote a good night's sleep.


Another thoughtful touch is to keep a blank journal and pen on a bedside table so that you or your guests can journal their thoughts.


Decorating with words that have significant meaning such as wish, peace, believe, love, and joy will be a delightful reminder of God's promises. Think about the wonderful prayer promise below and prepare your heart and home for this holiday season of joy. Christmas is in the air even more with the beautiful and meaningful words of the joyful season of light!



If you abide in Me, and My
words abide in you, ask
whatever you wish, and it
shall be done for you.
John 15:7

TREASURE HUNTING

Dear friends,

Today is a beautiful and special day. I'm on my way to shop with a friend, and search for vintage treasures. Isn't this architectural piece ever so charming?! My eye is drawn to old one-of-a-kind architectural pieces like this! Have a most lovely day! Brook

A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER...
__JOHN KEATS

LOAD OF VINTAGE TREASURES FOR SALE

Dear reader,
I have a load of shabby style antique-vintage treasures and art for sale. My last load of treasures sold. I am remodeling my home and all things must go. The link to Cottage Attic Treasures is located on my sidebar. If you live in the Fort Worth Texas area and are interested in these items then make me a fair offer for the whole load. We will deliver items sold in the local area! Until next time, Brook

* The antique organ top is awesome and very functional!

WISH UPON A STAR

Dear reader,

What a beautiful season to share and gather with those we love! In the midst of all of our decorating, shopping, dreaming, and wishing, during this holiday season, let us remember to pray for peace. Peace is something we all wish and hope for - peace among nations, peace within our families, and peace in each one of our homes and hearts. Remember to focus upon the true meaning of the season and pray for peace. Love and blessings, Brook

And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

*SOLD *TRUCK LOAD OF VINTAGE TREASURES FOR SALE

Dear reader,

I have a truck load of vintage treasures for sale with lots of shabby pink items. If anyone is near Fort Worth Texas and interested in the whole load then leave a comment or contact me by e-mail and make me a fair offer for the whole load. These things are in nice condition and were mostly used for display purposes. I am in the process of remodeling my home and these things have to go! All offers considered. If something sells before an offer is made I will remove the post. Click the wagon on my sidebar to view COTTAGE ATTIC TRASURES. I will continue to add items until the items are sold. Blessings, Brook

CUTEST-EVER WHITE PUMPKIN COOKIE JAR

Don't you just love this cutest-ever white pumpkin cookie jar?! It's so sweet! I'm sure it will keep me baking fresh pumpkin spice cookies for my family and friends. I purchased it at Bath and Body works. The warm fresh baked cookies in it are yummy! Until next time, Brook

PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in large bowl. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.

Shape dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into balls. Mix 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 teaspoons cinnamon and 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and roll cookie dough balls in the mixture. Place about 2 " apart on cookie sheet. Flatten cookies with the bottom of a drinking glass. Bake about 12 minutes until set or golden brown. Remove cookies from cookie sheet with a spatula and allow to cool a few minutes on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

LIFE IS LIKE A CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Dear friends,

Life is like a crossword puzzle. I read this statement in a book filled with Bible Wisdom. To solve a crossword puzzle successfully, you must follow CLUES that help you choose the right words to put in empty spaces. If you put the wrong words in empty spaces, then you must change them and choose the right words to solve the puzzle.

I know from personal experience, that if you want to move forward in your life and in a positive direction, then you must choose the right words to put in your heart and mouth (empty spaces).

An Example: A few years ago a very happy gentleman where I worked told me that he had found an affordable house to purchase in a beautiful area. I really thought about what the gentleman said because I wanted to buy a house and move out of my apartment.
That afternoon at work I actually started thinking and saying, well if that gentleman found an affordable house to buy, God will help me find an affordable house to buy also. On the way home that evening I bought a newspaper and found an affordable house for sale. Early the following morning before going to work I looked at the house and it was in a beautiful area. I could just envision a makeover for it so I signed a contract to purchase it that morning. I moved in the house one month later after the closing.

I chose the right words to say, trusted God, and found the perfect house to buy instantly.

Now with that said, if you are trying to move forward in your life and in a positive direction, then choose the right words and trust God. Autumn Blessings, Brook

A CHIC NEW FRAGRANCE

Ladies, if you are looking for a chic new fragrance with a very pretty scent to put on your Christmas gift wish list, then you may want to try a sample of Parisienne.

Parisienne YSL - a new fragrance that I really love. Damas rose (very expensive rose) is at the heart of this new, chic, pretty, ultra feminine, scent.

YSL uses Damas rose, cuts it with powdery violet and throws a sharp bitter "vinyl" note on top.





I took a walk in the rain and snapped a few photos of my pink fragrant roses today. I want to wish all of you who read my blog a beautiful, joy - filled week. Until next time, Brook


"I wish that life should not be cheap, but sacred... the days to be as centuries, loaded, fragrant." __Ralph Waldo Emerson

BLESS THE HEART

"Bless the heart that curses you,
and never curse the heart that blesses you."
__ Brook

THE SCENTED LAUNDRY ROOM

This is a tiny portion of my laundry room makeover that I've been working relentlessly on. It is difficult to take before and after pictures when your hands are covered with texture and paint and tile adhesive. And a gal needs plenty of rest to get major things accomplished. Right?!


I've been dreaming of a pretty and beautifully scented laundry room because mine was very neglected. Artfully arranged household items and a few pieces of art add interest and sophistication to an otherwise boring room.


I painted the walls sandy white and now I'm in the process of hanging several colorful mosaic antique mirrors for extra light. Mosaic tables with shelves that I've designed will provide functional art for folding laundry.


Lovely scented room and linen sprays, and decorative apothecary jars filled with detergent and cleaning powders, will be displayed rather than ugly boxes. Liquid detergent will be kept on a shelf behind lace.


I like to use vintage floral and rose-patterned teacups in various sizes for pretty measuring scoops in glass jars.


Next, I plan to hang several shelves using decorative brackets to display pretty baskets for products such as spray starch, and keep them out of sight.


This gorgeous hand painted chair with rosy feather pillow is perfect for my laundry room because I may need to sit down and replace a button on something.


I'm not finished with all of my plans for the laundry room but I have accomplished much.


Instead of piling pretty Little treasures into a trunk or drawer turn them into a part of your decorating. Just look at the pretties I've brought forth from trunks and drawers.



The rest of my home will be restyled with soothing white hues and neutral colors, but my laundry room will be pretty in raspberry and blue. I hope the humble photos of my abode inspire you to have a prettier, organized, and beautifully scented laundry room. Until next time, Brook

" Don't watch the clock, do what
it does. Keep going."

ROMANTIC COUNTRY

Dear family and friends,

Every year I look forward to the autumn season. I love the transition from breezy cotton fabrics to cozy flannel sheets, and wearing warm jackets, sweaters, and boots. During the autumn season there is an excitement in the chilly air, a growing feeling of things yet to come. Some of us like to curl up with beautiful decorating magazines and search for inspiring ideas that will add drama to our home for the holidays.



True this is only October, however..... the latest edition of Romantic Country magazine is certain to remind you that Christmas is on the way! Just look at this beautifully decorated Florida home belonging to Janet and Clark Coon. Beautiful isn't it?!!! The link to their awesome online Shabbyfufu shop is located on my sidebar.



I highly recommend that you head to the nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of this delightful magazine today! If you like vintage finds, antique lace, and Christmas decorating ideas for your home, then you won't be disappointed! It is filled with an abundant supply of sweet eye candy! Until next time, Brook

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

Today I will continue to work, texture, and paint interior rooms of my home. Later this morning I plan to try a recipe for a large mug of Pumpkin Spice Latte ( just like Starbucks). I sure hope it turns out delicious, but if it doesn't, I'm headed to the nearby Starbucks. We have cooler weather and I simply love to sip on the yummy treat during this time of year. Actually I've been intending to purchase a few gift certificates at Starbucks to give to some of my family members and friends anyway.

Please check out the link on my sidebar for Kelee's Pet Parade Party and Hobby Lobby giveaway @ KATILAC SHACK. Happy autumn days! Brook


"It is a good thing that when God
created the rainbow he didn't consult
a decorator or he would still be
picking colors."
__ Sam Levenson Quote

VILLA CHERI SIGN

(Cherished Home)

Paris, the City of Romance....could there be a more splendid place in which to enjoy an intimate getaway? Some of the more delightful of lodgings can be found at the city's edge...those countryside cottages and luxurious villas which are often family owned for generations. They are recognized for their fine locale, excellent cuisine, intimate atmosphere, and delight in welcoming foreign visitors. Often surrounded by gardens reminiscent of a Monet painting, they are perfect spots to enjoy a romance.

Wouldn't this beautiful hand painted sign bring a touch of romantic floral Parisian shabby chic charm to your own cherished home?! It has a sun faded Scandinavian Blue background. Imagine this lovely French sign placed near the entry of your cherished home!

The link for details about this hand painted sign by a very talented artist @ wits end is located on my sidebar. I have several hand painted pieces by this wonderful artist scattered throughout my home and her charming creations are simply delightful. Until next time, Brook

" A DAY'S BOUQUET "

Twenty four special hours
arrive fresh for us each day,
as a gift of precious moments
presented in " A Day's Bouquet."

Each hour blossoms
moments as a rose,
with refreshing air to breathe
at the tip of our nose.

So as we journey through our life
and smell the roses along the way,
let's remember to thank our heavenly Father
who gives us each day's bouquet.

__Brook

ARISE AND SHINE

Early morning is so beautiful! All creation responds to the radiance of the sun and early morning light. Birds rise from their nests on wings of happiness and sing sweet songs that fill the world with promise. I love and thank the Giver!

This morning I plan to continue painting and clearing out stuff that I don't need, such as old broken clocks and crown hooks. I'll either give these items away or set aside for a future garage sale. My clutter could be someone's treasure. I hope you all have a beautiful and joy-filled week! Brook


" When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive__ to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." __Marcus Aurelius