THE HOME THAT LOVE BUILT

TRUCK LOAD OF VINTAGE TREASURES FOR SALE

2009-11-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

Dear reader,
I have another truck load of shabby style antique-vintage treasures and art for sale. My last truck load sold. I am remodeling my home and all things must go. The link to Cottage Attic Treasures and 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

WISH UPON A STAR

2009-11-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T10:15:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

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!

A CHIC NEW FRAGRANCE

2009-10-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

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

THE SCENTED LAUNDRY ROOM

2009-10-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T05:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T03:48:00.000-07:00

(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 "

2009-09-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

SOMETHING NEW BY DEBIE COULES

2009-09-23T15:48:00.001-07:00

Look at these beautiful new items designed by Debi Coules and available on her website! I really like the look of these signs! Wouldn't they make wonderful Christmas gifts?!
Until next time, Brook

INSPIRATION FOR LAUNDRY ROOM

2009-09-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Inspiration for working on my home this week comes from a photo of a laundry room found on Le Ann's blog @ SIMPLY DANDY. Le Ann's blog link is on my sidebar. The laundry room in my home is small, but I plan on painting and brightening it up this week while I'm inspired. Happy dreams! Brook

SHADES OF INNOCENCE

2009-09-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,
As some of you know I'm in the process of painting and dressing my home with chic finds in shades of innocence and serenity. My dream is to create a restful canvas in soothing hues. After a week of painting and finishing a few projects I'm headed to the lake. I hope all of you have a truly fabulous weekend! Brook

CELEBRATE THE JOURNEY

2009-09-17T19:01:00.001-07:00

I love to look at antique-vintage clothing, hats, and jewelry in old photographs. I know what this Edwardian Era lady was thinking because her thoughts were written on the back of the picture in the summer of 1909. Enjoy! Brook

Stop worrying about the potholes in the road
and celebrate the journey!
~ BARBARA HOFFMAN

"DECORATING MONEY" or " PIN MONEY"

2009-09-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hat pins were necessary accessories for the fanciful and grandiose hats that were all the rage from the 1880s to the 1920s. The first hat pins created were very simple, though they became more elaborate and were worn as charming fashion accents.

The 20Th century brought sweeping changes in fashion inspired by The Gibson Girl Look, the ideal of beauty in the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Women's clothing became more feminine with an abundance of soft lace. Perched atop bouffant hairstyles with cascading curls were lavish hats secured by gorgeous hat pins.

Hat pins adorned with jewels such as topaz, garnet, and amethyst, caused quite a stir among the turn-of-the-century women. It's interesting to note, that hat accessories created by talented artisans were so valuable and treasured, that they were specifically named in wills and bequests.

It has been said that in England the volume of hat pin business was such that the sale of hat pins was restricted to two days a year. It is said that women would save money all year long to pay for hat pins and that perhaps this is where the expression "pin money" originated.

Because of their allure, the beautiful hat pins were coveted, inherited by relatives, handed down through generations, and are now highly sought-after collector's items.

I hope you've enjoyed reading my informative journal notes about antique hat pins and viewing my personal photographs. I don't need to save "pin money" for hat pins because I have a few that have been passed down to me.

I NEED to save "decorating money" and especially after each inspiring visit to look at the delightful posts on Joni's COTE DE Texas blog. The link is located on my sidebar. Decorating is all the rage today and Joni's beautiful decorating ideas inspire me! Until next time, Brook

BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE LOCKETS

2009-09-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Antique lockets are beautiful. Delicate hinges allow two small frames to be opened, revealing small photographs, a lock of hair, monogrammed words, or small pressed flowers. Each beautifully adorned antique locket, like a beautiful covered book, beckons us to look inside.

Old lockets have become cherished collectibles.

It's time to bake some delicious delicate chocolate brownies from my Victorian Era recipe book. Until next time. Brook

"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness,
making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles."
__Washington Irving

THE ART of FLOWER PRESSING

2009-09-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Flower pressing is a lovely way to create some decorative pieces of art and bring color into your home for the autumn and winter season. Pick your flower of choice late morning when petals are perky. Remove moisture before pressing and discard excess greenery. Next, place blooms between the pages of a heavy book such as an old telephone book that needs recycled. Apply pressure with heavy objects on the books for thorough flattening. Leave flowers to flatten in a dry place for approximately two weeks, and then enjoy using pressed flowers as floral embellishments.

Using your imagination as a guide, secure the pressed pretties with Elmer's glue to note cards, recipe cards, bookmarks or pretty wreaths. Consider framing single blossoms or small bouquets with ribbons and perhaps a favorite quote for simple, long-lasting, pieces of art to display. A precious gift from nature to beautify your home or share.

Happy Creating! Brook

You can purchase a beautiful Tuscan Sunset Door Wreath like this one online for $99.00. You can create a beautiful door wreath with pressed sunflowers and leaves.

HERE IN THE REAL WORLD

2009-09-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

I love the look of old vintage porch and garden furniture with a fresh coat of paint each season.

My days begin around 5:00 with a mug of hot coffee, a favorite magazine, and end with a glass of sweet iced tea.

I do not wake up and see a beautiful view of water but I have in the past and truly loved it. At dawn I look out across rugged farm and ranch land and see lights on a drilling rig. I hear the wild sound of coyotes and birds. This is beautiful prairie land. When I first moved into this house, I really had to adjust to the wild sound of coyotes! Once, about six coyotes greeted me near the porch.

There is always something for me to paint. Boring? Absolutely not! What could possibly be boring about painting with the thought of a future potential profit?!

I textured and painted the walls in the dining area yesterday so I could display pretty French white plates and a group of beautiful white mirrors. I don't want a bunch of holes in every wall, so I will be keeping things simple.

Love this "Fleur de Lis" wine holder and cake plate. They will both look perfect with creamy white dinnerware, rustic accents and distressed white antique furniture.

Who wouldn't enjoy serving cake from this beautiful and timeless piece?!

Magazines are everywhere in my home including the floor for instant decorating inspiration. I love to look at inspiring ideas as I update an old house. I like a timeless, laid-back style, and avoid fads. Happy weekend! Brook

THANKFULNESS

2009-08-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome Autumn... a time of Harvest, of Gathering Together. A time for crisp nights, school, family, friends, football, homegrown goodies, apples, pumpkins, hayrides, scarecrows and beautiful autumn leaves. A time for thankfulness and a time for sharing.

THE BOUNTIFUL DAYS OF AUTUMN

2009-08-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

To help get myself in the Autumn spirit I plan to focus on the simplest decorations. A cozy corner just for relaxing with a basket of favorite books will be perfect whenever I need a break from my next home improvement projects.

These cozy throws by Ralph Lauren would surely comfort me by the fireplace during this snuggle-up-time of year.

I purchased this creamy white casual dinnerware to serve toasty drinks and hearty homemade soups. I love the beautiful and timeless look of the soft cream glaze on this hand-painted earthenware.

This table with chairs is on sale at Dillard's. I'm dreaming about it! It definitely inspires me to make the dining area my next home improvement project. I absolutely love the combination of these colors together. Imagine the possibilities!

Let us be thankful as we fill our homes with sweet and spicy scents and visual pleasures during the bountiful season ahead. Until next time, Brook

...apples so red hang overhead,
and nuts, ripe-brown,
come showering down
in the bountiful days of September.
__Mary Howitt

HAVING FUN AT THE BEACH

2009-08-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time and all the signs are pointing to autumn's approach. It's time to reflect upon the past summer and prepare for the season ahead.

All seasons are beautiful
for the person who carries
happiness within.
__ HORACE FRECESS

SALT TO PRESERVE

2009-08-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

What is salt for? Besides providing flavor, salt is for healing, for thirst, and to preserve.

Ye are the salt of the earth: Matthew 5:13

AT HOME WITH ART

2009-08-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

I've listed some pretty bargain priced vintage items on eBay. Athomewithart is my eBay seller ID and the link is on the sidebar. Some beautiful items have sold but I'll be listing more. Blessings, Brook