Thursday, April 17, 2008

~~BOOK CHALLENGE ON PAGE 123~~

Last week Celestina Marie over at La Rea Rose tagged me for a book challenge. The idea is to find a book you enjoy or are currently reading with at least 123 pages. Turn to page 123 and read the first 5 sentences, then post the next 3 sentences on your blog, and go on to tag 5 more people to take the challenge. I chose one of my favorite books titled “Victorian Chic” by Anita Louise Crane. I love this book and have read it many times. I get such inspiration from this book and never leave home for a getaway with it. I call this my comfort book!!!! The decorating ideas in this book will make it possible for you to have the romantic Victorian sanctuary you’ve always longed for-just follow your heart and the rest will happen.

When turning to page 123 I came to the chapter on “Victorian Outdoors“.
Page 123 reads after the first 5 sentences~~

“Outside, find new spots for wicker furniture, which moves effortlessly from sitting room to veranda. Plump up wicker chairs with soft cushions in pretty floral prints. Top a well-aged and weathered table with a lacy white tablecloth and an assortment of favorite things, all arranged for an afternoon’s refreshment or teatime snack.”

A pretty setting from the pages of "Victorian Chic"

Another paragraph in this chapter is~~

“A sun-filled breakfast room, an inviting screened-in porch, a charming potting shed, a rose-covered gazebo-these are all examples of a Victorian outdoor “garden room,” designed with the simple pleasures of life in mind. Regardless of their size, shape, or location, areas in the garden are all spaces of delight. Here, one can entertain family, talk away the hours with friends, or sit quietly alone, all the while surrounded by the sights, scents, and sounds of the garden.”
Another chapter that I love is “Summer Cottage” and a paragraph from that~~

“Your next excursion may be to a quaint cottage filled with sunshine near the ocean, or a holiday in rustic alpine cabin surrounded by drifts of white snow and the scent of pine. Perhaps business demands a weekend in an uncomfortable hotel room. No matter where your travels take you. Or how long you’ll be gone, it is easy to pack along beloved treasures that bring friendly remembrances of home, to make anyplace you find yourself more familiar and cozy.”
The author goes on to tell you how to transform with squares of laces and shawls, pillows, embroidered linens, snug blankets, sachets, scented candles and any treasures from home to make your rental cottage a cozy familiar place.
"A few boxes of lovely linens and pillow shams, favorite books, and fresh flowers will create a softer place."


This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend. Perhaps you can find it in bookstore or on eBay.

Now I must tag 5 more people for this book challenge~~
I tag~~ Amy ~~ Bunny Rose Cottage

Steph~~ Angelic Accents
Ele~~ A Bit of Pink Heaven
maryjane~~ The Beehive Cottage
Lynne Laurie~~ A Romantic Nest

Remember the rules are:
Pick a book with at least 123 pages.
Open the book to page 123
Read the first 5 sentences
Post the next 3 sentences
Tag 5 people!
Have Fun! Shirl

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Shirl,

You got me! I have this same book and I love it. I guess I better find a book and get mine up on my blog!

Have a wonderful evening,

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Unknown said...

Hi Shirl,

Thanks for stopping by. Just an FYI I will be selling my hearts in my Etsy shop. I just haven't posted them yet. I am very excited about it. Amy bought my first one!

Kindredly,

Lynne Laura

Unknown said...

OHHHH Shirl!!!! That book looks FABULOUS!!! I have got to get this one!!!! I will have to figure out what book I will share! This looks like fun :)

Love ya!
Amy

Unknown said...

It's me again...I've been wanted to tell you how much I love the picture with the teapot full of roses!...and the heart flag in front of your house. Just love them. So glad we have met, it's obvious we love the same things. Have a fabulous Weekend... PS will do the book Saturday.

Kindredly,
Lynne Laura

Anonymous said...

Hello Shirl! I just found your blog. What a lovely blog you have. I noticed your from West Virginia....I'm from North Eastern Kentucky and go to Huntington WV all the time to shop. So nice to meet a neighbor. Oh, and I love Holly Hobbie too! :O) I hope you will visit my blog sometime too.

Hugs,

Alecia

vickie said...

Shirl, I could just move right into the house in those beautiful pictures. Also love the picture of your roses.

Sharon said...

Shirl I have that book also, I just ran into the Library to pull it from my shelves so I can go through it once again tomorrow.

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What a wonderful book you have shared with us! I could move right into any of those rooms!

Hmmmm, I'm a little behind, but I will do the book challenge soon, I promise!!

Big Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Shirl, I just love your book that you featured on the book challange. Each and every picture is perfect. I just have to get this book now for my collection.
Miss you lots,
Hugs,
Celestina,
La Rea Rose