Tulips from WalMart ~ $5.00

They Joy they bring my heart ~ Priceless....

A Cozy Fall Weekend
Simple Pleasures

We have rain in the forecast both days this weekend, so I am looking forward to snuggling up in my nice warm nest. The throws will come out, flickering candle light will brighten the rooms, books will be read, games will be played, bread will be baked, music will be heard, and most importantly, souls will be soothed. Ah, pure bliss............

The Gift Of A Rainy Day

I awoke this morning to gentle raindrops pattering against my window pane, and I smiled because I knew it was going to be "one of those days." I believe every so often God brings us one of these days as a reminder to take a big deep breath and slow down a bit. Although I do love summer, sometimes it's nice to take a break from the heat and busyness that comes with it.

The sunlight that usually streams through my window was absent, so I thought what a perfect time it would be to light some candles.

I just love how my home looks with the beautiful candlelight flickering, most especially on a rainy or dark, cold winter day. It gives me such a warm, cozy feeling and makes me so glad that I have a "place called home!"

Rainy days will almost always find me in the kitchen doing a little baking. I baked these cookies today, and they smelled and tasted delicious. Mr. P said that the house smelled so good when he arrived home. I just love that! It makes

my heart smile:)

I also sat down and a wrote a few notes to dear friends. I used the darling "S" note cards my friend gave me for my birthday. I looked on the back of the note cards and do you know what the company is called that makes them? Chic Chat!! How cute is that?

I also took the time to peruse some of my beloved Victoria magazines (love the blue and yellow cover)

And had a nice cup of hot tea with Emilie Barnes!

Finally, if Miss Bonnie were here she might tell you that I even took a cat nap! Who? Me? I think she's mistaken, see, the bed is made;)

Ah, thank you Lord for this beautiful rainy day. I guess it's good that they don't come around too often, or I'd probably never get anything done!

My Secret Garden

After reading the book, The Secret Garden, it was always my girlhood wish that one day I would have one of my very own. It fills my heart with joy that now I can say I do! Won't you come for a visit?

Enter through the arbor. If you look closely to the right you might spy a little fairy!

Yes, here she is and look what she is holding. Why, it's a key to the garden!

Now that you have the key you follow the path and you will see ..............

that butterflies are welcome

and so are ladybugs! Of course they would be,

they represent good luck.

Stately trees stand at attention

And hummingbirds visit to partake of some refreshing nectar

Along the path you will see my Grammy's old wash tub and oil can

And you can hear the trickling fountain beckoning birds to come for a drink

At the end of the path you will see this serene pond ~ if you look closely you can even see fish swimming!

Flowers blooming

Little jug boy from my Grammy

And of course you need a good place to sit and enjoy it all! It's even more special when you have somebody special to enjoy it with;)

And at night when the whole garden goes to sleep, the fairies come out from under their toadstools and dance around the fountain! How do I know? I saw them!

This post is dedicated to my dear Mr. P and my two wonderful children because they made my childhood dream become a reality!

Simple Pleasures
Isn't it wonderful how a pretty new nail polish can brighten up a girl's day?!!!! So, what are you waiting for? This weekend why don't you kick off those shoes and put on a brand new shade (something you've never tried before;) and see if that doesn't put a smile on your face! Isn't it fun being a girl?!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Simple Pleasures

A yummy smelling candle (hat tip to Kim;) and sweet daisies in a crock.

Daisies in the bathroom (wow, even Mr. P noticed;) in my Grammy's dainty little vase.

Cheerful red dishcloths on sale at WalMart ~ Yippee!!

Playing with my "sweet as pie" grandson!

And best of all, rocking this precious boy to sleep. Girls, I don't need diamonds and pearls, these are the things that truly make me happy!

Happiness Is . . . .

Take-out pizza for dinner. Yay, no cooking tonight!

A comfy new pair of jammies to wear, thanks to Miss Bonnie!

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix. Resolution? What resolution?? lol

A brand new season of Monk ~ one of the few tv shows I like!

And spending a nice quiet evening at home with my family. I hope you are having a happy Friday evening, too!!

Simple Pleasures

Glass Canisters

As I have said over and over, "it's the simple things, y'all!" Can I just tell you how much I LOVE my brand new canisters? Now I will actually know when I'm low on flour and sugar BEFORE I bake that cake:)

Bountiful Beauty
"Simple Pleasures"


As I was preparing our supper tonight I was struck by the bright, vivid colors of the vegetables I was chopping. I started thinking, "I spend hours upon hours in the kitchen and most of the time I don't really stop and appreciate the beauty of the food I'm preparing." "Not only is the food sustaining me physically, but the beautiful colors are a virtual "feast" for my senses!"

Lord, please help me to never to be too busy or distracted to notice the simple, yet wonderful gifts that surround me everyday. Also, please make me mindful of where all these wonderful gifts come from. Amen

Simple Pleasures & A Giveaway

(Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Hand Soap)

I love to celebrate the different seasons in any way I can. More importantly, I love to do it without breaking our budget. One of my little pleasures is purchasing the scented hand soaps from Bath & Body Works when they are on sale. For only three dollars I can bring the lovely scent of each season into our home. Since they were on sale I decided to buy two ~ one for me and one for YOU! Even if you don't have a blog you can enter, just make sure to leave me your email address. I will draw the name of the winner on Monday:)

A Simple Little House
Last week my friend Kelli did the most beautiful post by using this lovely poem she had found in a magazine. She encouraged other's to do it so I decided to give it a try. I had so much fun going back through my archives to find the appropriate pictures to match up with the words. You should try it, too! Thanks, Kelli, for a wonderful idea!

I like a little simple house

With flowers by the door,

An ample larder for my needs

And not much more in store.

I like a window toward the sun

And doors that open wide,

The trickle of a bath for birds

With feathered friends beside.

I like a tiny nook inside

Where my books and slippers lie,

A cup of tea,

A magazine,

A warming hearth nearby.

I'd like some trinkets on the sills,

White ruffles at the panes,

The comfort of a sturdy roof

To shelter me from rains.

I like the cozy ambiance,

A place of sweet retreat.

Where life unfolds along the way

And each new day's a treat!

By~Virginia Borman Grimmer