In Our Parlor And A Few Other Things

Hi there sweet friends! Thank you for stopping by my Rose Cottage today, and thank you for all the sweet comments in my previous post! What a blessing it is to read such kind and loving words from all you dear ladies! Would you like to step into my parlor and have a pot of tea and some cookies? Well, come on in...



One of my favorite things to do is rearrange furniture! Especially as the seasons change. We are happy with this arrangement, so it may stay this way for some time. My goal is to make our home as cozy and lovely as I can. We purchased our home a little over two years ago, and it is much larger than our previous home, so we are still filling it up. We love to antique shop, and take our time finding the right things for our cottage.



This is the shelf you see on the wall behind the couch. My husband has made and painted most of the shelves in our home for me to display my pretties. I am so blessed that he encourages me in my home-keeping!

The beautiful tassel and the pretty charms, one with a lady and one with roses, were made by my sweet friend Selia, from Down The Rabbit Hole, and the lovely JOY banner was made by my sweet friend Madai, from Forget Me Nots From Wren Cottage.




A few Easter decorations! Oh, I LOVE Easter and Spring!!!



A cozy corner! Teddy Bears and old clocks seem to go together. One of the clocks is called a 'war alarm', and it is the loudest thing you have heard!

Remember to decorate with things you love!



I must say this is my favorite spot in our parlor. I took a lace tablecloth and laid it over the cushions for spring and summer.



I decided to have my men (dear husband and sweet son) move the dresser we purchased in Jefferson, Texas into this corner. I am hoping to find a hutch to fill in the large wall where it was located. We love the dresser in this new place, and think it looks much cozier!





I am looking for an old or new 'vintage' looking birdcage for the top of the dresser, but for now I am enjoying lovely vintage postcards from my sweet friends, Clarice from Storybook Woods, and Laurie from Rose Cottage. Laurie sent the one on top of the books and Clarice sent the other two. I am also enjoying old books, creamers and the old bowl with robins and roses on it that we found in Jefferson, Texas... when I look at it I am filled with sweet memories of our trip.




I recently purchased this beautiful Peach Melba print from the talented Marjorie. I think she goes perfectly in my parlor! I found the pretty lace on the shelf at an estate sale years ago. It looks as if it was the bottom of a dress, all hand stitched. I wonder why the top was cut off and who made it!



Have fun putting together vignettes. Just find your a few of your favorite things, gifts from friends and family, things you have made, or found on your antique outings, and arrange them in a pleasing manner that makes you smile! The large linen on top of the dresser was only $1 and all the dishes were under $5. You can find great bargains in antique stores to decorate your home with. I love to use old flower frogs to hold my vintage postcards. Now lets go into the kitchen...



My husband made wonderful broth using grass-fed lamb bones. Then I made soup with it, using organic ingredients, I sauteed chopped onions in butter and coconut oil, then added sliced carrots, letting them cook for a few minutes, then added chopped swiss chard and the broth. I let it simmer until the carrots were tender, then seasoned it with celtic sea salt, pepper and thyme. I added some leftover grass-fed brisket and a dollop of homemade yogurt. My son and husband enjoyed their soup with toast. A simple, but healthy and delicious meal.




For dessert I made my husband and son Chocolate Chip Cookies with freshly whipped cream. I use organic ingredients.

Organic Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour (I use Bob's Red Mill)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon celtic sea salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar (I use Rapadura)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped, pecans would be good too

Preheat oven to 350. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter until fluffy, add the sugars, beat well, then add the egg and vanilla until blended, I use my Kitchen Aid.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed or stir with a wooden spoon until just blended, add the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls on to cookie sheets. I use unbleached parchment paper on a baking stone. Bake 8-10 minuets.


My husband and son prefer vanilla ice cream in the middle of two cookies, but we were out, so I used whipping cream instead and they enjoyed them! I hope you will, too!



Pearl is enjoying all the blooming flowers because they attract bumblebees and she LOVES to play with bumblebees! She will stand on her hind legs and gently poke them with her nose!



We have another beautiful Azalea bush in full bloom. My dear husband wanted to take a photo of me in front of it, so I am sharing it with you.



Before I go, I wanted to share my heirloom tomato and pepper seedlings that I started from seed. They are growing well. I began hardening them off yesterday, so I hope to plant them soon.

Thank you for visiting with me today! I hope you all enjoy a lovely Friday and have a fun and happy weekend, hopefully with lovely weather. We have been enjoying rain, sunshine, blue skies, warm afternoons and cool nights, with a few windy days mixed in! Ah! Spring!


March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers. ~ Proverbial Saying