Susan — Page 16

What I’m Packing For Travel During Shoulder Season

March 13, 2017 by Susan 46 Comments

Welcome to the 424th Metamorphosis Monday! I had hoped to post photos of the hat rack I ordered back on February 25th, installed here in the office. Unfortunately, it still hasn't arrived. It's coming from Bulgaria and the last time I looked, it had finally made it to the U.S. and was in New York. So since I can't share that little before and after, I thought I'd share how I'm packing for my upcoming … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Morocco, Travel Tagged With: Clothes, Fashion, Off Season, Shoulder Season, Travel

A New Travel Handbag & Tiffany Butterfly Glasses

March 11, 2017 by Susan 60 Comments

See that chicken over there, the one running around without a head. It's name is Susan. ;) I'm sure that's how I've looked the last few days as I've been running errands and completing last-minute preparations for my trip to Morocco. I'm usually not a putter-offer, also known as a procrastinator. When I need to get something done, I usually get on it. But one thing I've been putting off for ages is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Travel Tagged With: Tiffany & Co. Butterfly Glasses, Travel Bag, Travel Handbag, Travelon

Dining on the Porch with a Whimsical Spring Table Setting

March 9, 2017 by Susan 85 Comments

Welcome to the 442nd Tablescape Thursday! It was such a beautiful, warm day out on the porch, I couldn't resist putting this week's table there. I haven't decorated the hutch for spring yet, but when I do I'll most likely use my Ma Maison dishware by Dario Farrucci. It's always my favorite for spring and summer. I decided to use some of the larger pieces in my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Dario Farrucci, DG Porches, Ma Maison, Spring Table, spring table setting, spring tablescape, Summer Entertaining, Summer Table

The One Part of Travel I Always Dread and a New Tactic for Managing It

March 4, 2017 by Susan 47 Comments

Email Update: I just noticed today that the company I use to send out emails for BNOTP, has been using the wrong return email address. It's been changed to the correct one which is [email protected] . So please add that address to your "approved contacts" or your email addresses. That will help to ensure that you'll receive email updates when a new post is up here on the blog. If you're one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Holland & Belgium, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Travel, United States Tagged With: Flight Comfort, Overnight Flight Comfort, Travel, Travel Blanket, Travel Pillows

A Beautiful Table Setting to Honor a Special Life

March 2, 2017 by Susan 45 Comments

Welcome to the 441st Tablescape Thursday! Elena planned a special Valentine's Day table this year. She wanted it to be extra special for her family, especially since her sister Anna would be attending. Anna had a heart transplant in January 2000 and during the past year she had been very sick. Unfortunately, Anna didn't have the opportunity to attend this special dinner in person, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: Red Waterford Goblets, Romantic Table Setting, Romantic Tablescape, Valentine's Day table setting, Valentine's Day Tablescape, Valentine's Day Tablescapes

When You’re on Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part II

February 28, 2017 by Susan 51 Comments

Thanks so much for all the comments on Sunday's post where I shared many of the animals we saw during our safaris out into the Kenyan bush on a trip to Africa in fall, 2015. In this second post, I'm sharing a few more of the beautiful and amazing creatures we saw during our many game drives. We came across so many groups/families of elephants while out on safari. There were always babies around so we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: Africa, African Sunsets, Animals, Common Eland, Dik-Dik, Elephants, Giraffe, Kenya, Leopard, Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara National Reserve, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Safari, Topi, Waterbuck, Wildlife, Zebra

Hat Drama & Decorating with Hats

February 27, 2017 by Susan 49 Comments

Welcome to the 422nd Metamorphosis Monday! Did you know there's such a thing as hat drama? lol Okay, I'm being silly but I have had a bit of drama over the past year with finding and holding onto the right hat. Back in the fall of 2015 when I was planning a trip to Kenya, I did a lot of research about what I should take with me on the trip. One oft recommended item was a hat for sun protection. Since … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Travel Tagged With: Decorating with Hats, Hat with Bow, Hats, Straw hat, Sunhat, Tilley Hat, Travel Hats

When You’re On Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part I

February 26, 2017 by Susan 44 Comments

In September 2015, I took a six day trip to Kenya. While there I stayed at the beautiful safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, where we took two game drives each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That trip was the first time I had ever traveled to another country and though it was brief, every single moment was filled with wonder and enchantment. It's All About the Animals I've blogged and shared … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: Africa, Animals, Banded Mongoose, Black-Backed Jackal, Dik-Dik, Gazelle, Grant's Gazelle, Hippos, Hyena, Kenya, Lions, Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara National Reserve, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Oxpecker, Safari, Thomson's Gazelle, Vervet Monkey, Wildlife

Bunny Hopping Into Spring

February 23, 2017 by Susan 56 Comments

Welcome to 440th Tablescape Thursday! We've always had a soft spot in our hearts around here for cats and bunnies. When my son was very small, we had a sweet bunny named Phineas. Phineas was a much-loved bunny and even enjoyed cuddling with our hamster, Ralph, nearby. So when I stumble across a cute bunny bowl, I can rarely resist. A few weeks ago I shared this adorable … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Bunny Centerpiece, Bunny Planter, Ceramic White Bunny, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table, Spring Decor, Spring Table

Tour Two Historical Homes & Guest Cottage: Beautiful Estate located on the Mobile Bay

February 22, 2017 by Susan 28 Comments

Note: This post would have been up yesterday but my blog had a bizarre hiccup and I lost over half the post after it was completely written. Argggh. I have the best hosting company, though and they did their best to help me retrieve the old post. We got back about half of it, so thankful for that. Tour Two Historical Homes & Guest Cottage oF a Beautiful Estate located on the Mobile Bay Alabama has … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, New Old Homes, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Dorgan Inn Estate, Historical Homes, Mobile Bay, The Bay House, The Murray House

The Safe Way to Wash Wool & Cashmere Sweaters & A Great Book!

February 20, 2017 by Susan 61 Comments

Welcome to the 421st Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of months ago I purchased this navy and white shirt-jacket online at J. Crew. I loved it sooo much, I searched and found last year's version in a different color on eBay. Then I turned right around and purchased a second navy/white one because I was worried I'd never find it again when the first one eventually wore out. That's how much I love this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Fashion, Sleep Smarter, Washing Cashmere, Washing Wool, Wool Cashmere Shampoo, Wool Clothing Care

Some Weekend Shopping & A Cute Centerpiece Idea

February 18, 2017 by Susan 53 Comments

While out shopping recently with Marie, we visited a new Hobby Lobby that had just opened in our area. The only thing I bought that day was a cake pan that makes a 5-layer cake. I'd love to bake a cake like this sometime for one of my grandchildren. I should have waited and checked online, found it for a lot less here when I got back home: 5-layer Cake Pan. Would make a beautiful centerpiece in a spring … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

Beautiful Valentine’s Day Table Settings & A Clever Idea for Candle Storage

February 16, 2017 by Susan 48 Comments

Welcome to the 439th Tablescape Thursday! Last week I used the very latest version of InLinkz for Metamorphosis Monday and Tablescape Thursday. For most folks, it worked fine, but I've heard from 4-5 readers who were unable to see the party links. Until we can figure out what's causing that issue, I've gone back to using the old version of InLinkz for today. If you were having an issue seeing the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes

Valentine’s Day Decorations: Decorate the Porch, Front Door and a Valentine’s Day Tree

February 14, 2017 by Susan 36 Comments

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day was absolutely grand! The weather here continues to be amazingly beautiful. I'm sure Mother Nature is going to wake up at any moment and realize that while she was napping, spring snuck in. Until she does, we will continue to enjoy these 60 and 70 degree, sun-filled days. Even the birds in my backyard were chirping up a storm today. They seem as excited about these … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Day Holiday Home Tagged With: Valentine's Day Decorations, Valentine's Day Porch, Valentine's Day Tablescapes, Valentine's Day Tree, Valentine's Day Wreath

A Much Wanted Shirt Is Found & Spring Wardrobe Updates

February 13, 2017 by Susan 57 Comments

Welcome to 420th Metamorphosis Monday! Did you hear a crazy woman screaming on February 5th? If you did, that was me having a happy fit when Elaine, a reader of BNOTP, e-mailed to say she had seen the birding shirt I've been trying to find forever for sale on Etsy. I leapt over to Etsy and couldn't believe my eyes! The ad stated that it was brand new and had never been worn. I think it will fit based on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Spring Clothing 2017, Spring Clothing Ideas, Spring Summer Wardrobe

Peloton Cycle: Two Months In And What I’ve Learned

February 10, 2017 by Susan 17 Comments

A little over a month ago I shared about a Peloton spin bike that I purchased about a month before Christmas. If you're not familiar with this bike or haven't seen the commercials, the Peloton let's you take spin classes, both live and on-demand, in the comfort of your own home. I love this bike and feel it's one of the best (if not the best) step I've taken for my health and future well-being. It's also … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire

Valentine’s Day Table with Vintage Copeland Spode, Tower

February 9, 2017 by Susan 66 Comments

Welcome to the 438th Tablescape Thursday! Please Note: I'm using the latest version of InLinkz for today's Tablescape Thursday party. If you have trouble seeing the links (or the button to link up to the party) please check to make sure you are using the latest version of your browser. You may have trouble seeing the links or linking up if your browser is an older version. Thanks so much for all your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes

A Very Weird, Very Strange Day

February 7, 2017 by Susan 92 Comments

Thanks so much for all the amazing suggestions, ideas and input on yesterday's post. So much great information, things I would never have thought about. I will be referring back to your comments again and again when I am closer to beginning my master bath renovation. Your comments have also tremendously helped others who are facing a bath renovation, as well. There's nothing like hearing from folks who have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, Inspire Tagged With: Buffalo Check Bedding

No Tub for the Master Bath: Good Idea or Regrettable Trend?

February 6, 2017 by Susan 266 Comments

Welcome to the 419th Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago when I was replacing all my surge protectors around the house for new ones, I discovered an outlet in my office wasn't working. I called in an electrician to fix it. While he was here we started talking master bathroom renovations. During our discussion, he told me something really surprising. Did you know that some folks who are renovating … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baths, Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: Bath Renovation, Bathroom Renovation Trends, Large Walk-in Shower, Master Bath, Master Bath Renovation. Bathroom Decor Trends, Removing Tub

Hunter Royal Horticultural Society Garden Boots & Other Fabulous Finds

February 4, 2017 by Susan 56 Comments

A few years ago I discovered Hunter boots and it's been a serious love affair ever since. This obsession started off innocently with a pair of their Classic Tall Gloss Rain Boots in the color red. You may have noticed them in some of the photos I've shared here on the blog, like this porch scene from this past fall. I have this uncanny talent of discovering something I really … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

Spring Table Setting Ideas…Hurry Up Spring!

February 2, 2017 by Susan 51 Comments

Welcome to the 437th Tablescape Thursday! I'm so sorry Tablescape Thursday is late going up. I thought today was Wednesday, I kid you not! I think my mix up started with having a doctor's appointment yesterday (just a check up, nothing serious) and for some reason I had it in my head all last week that the appointment was on Tuesday of this week. So this morning when I awoke, I was thinking it was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Easter table setting, Easter Tablescape, spring table setting, Spring Tables

Let’s Go Antiquing at A Classy Flea!

January 31, 2017 by Susan 71 Comments

I stopped by A Classy Flea today, hadn't been there in ages. Ready to do a little antiquing? This would be great for a bit of 4th of July decorating? $42.95 If you would like to make your own flag, check out this tutorial I posted a while back: Make a Wood Flag for 4th of July. A pretty set of dishes, I had never seen this pattern before. It was labeled, "American … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Antiques, Antiquing & Thrifting, Dept. 56 Lit Houses, Thrifting

Organize and Keep Your Entry Tidy with a Stylish Boot Tray

January 30, 2017 by Susan 51 Comments

Welcome to the 418th Metamorphosis Monday! This past summer when I was out digging and planting shrubs every day, I was coming in and out of my front door a lot. The front door is normally the door I go out when I'm checking the mail or doing any gardening in the front yard, including vacuuming up acorns. :) During all that gardening this past summer, I began to notice a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, In the Garden, Porches Tagged With: Boot Organizer, Boot Tray, Boot Tray with Liner, Copper Boot Tray, Entry Boot Tray, Mud Room, Mud Room Organizer, Porch Organizer, White Boot Tray, Zinc Boot Tray

Dreaming of Spring on a Warm Winter’s Day

January 26, 2017 by Susan 65 Comments

Welcome to the 436th Tablescape Thursday! The spring-like weather we've been having and the flowers I received for my birthday from my beautiful friend, Linda, have put me in the mood for a spring table. Hard to believe just a few weeks ago my front garden looked like this! Hope this table brings some sunshine into your life on this January day. Are you having … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breakfast Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Daisy Centerpiece, floral centerpiece, Metlox, Poppytrail Sculptured Daisy, Silverplate Twig Flatware, Stamped Silver Spoons, Vintage Dishes, Vintage Pottery

How I Got Approved For Global Entry in 20 Days

January 24, 2017 by Susan 49 Comments

When I booked a trip to Morocco recently, the agent who helped me asked if I had already applied for Global Entry. She was the second person to mention Global Entry to me that week. I took that has a sign and decided to apply. I completed the application online on January 4, 2017 and today, just twenty days later, I received Global Entry Approval and a Global Entry number, aka, Known … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Best Travel Deals, Holland & Belgium, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Travel Tagged With: Global Entry, Travel, TSA Pre-check

A Small Beverage Cooler for the Upstairs

January 23, 2017 by Susan 35 Comments

Welcome to the 417th Metamorphosis Monday! I've often thought about adding a small refrigerator to the upstairs for those times when I'm in the mood for a cold drink but reluctant to stop working to go downstairs. Also, going downstairs makes it a little too convenient for snacking, one of the dangers of working from home. Adding a Peloton Cycle to my dressing room just off the master bedroom, gave me … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, My Nest

A Music System So Hot, The Remote Caught Fire!

January 21, 2017 by Susan 50 Comments

Ha! That post title will make more sense in just a second. :) I've been a Bose fan ever since I purchased their Lifestyle® 12 surround sound system for my living room over twenty years ago. When something went wrong with the large acoustimass module after many years of use, Bose was still in business (unlike a lot of companies these days) and were happy to assist. They mailed me a very … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: Bluetooth System, Bose, Bose SoundTouch, Home Office, Music, Music Streaming System, Office/Study, SoundTouch, Wave Radio

Blue and White Table Setting for a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner

January 19, 2017 by Susan 43 Comments

Welcome to the 435th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received an email from Gina saying, "Some friends gathered at our house for the annual New Year's dinner and the blue and white china was used. It's was a fun time in that we discussed what we learned and (won't do again) and what we expect to accomplish for 2017." What a fun dinner that must have been. I would love to have heard what everyone … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, New Year's Holiday Home, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Blue and White Table, Dinner Party, Entertaining, New Year's Day, New Year's Eve, Porcelain Dishware, Ralph Lauren, Table Settings, Tablescape

Revisited: 5 Projects I Want To Do In My Home, But Probably Never Will

January 16, 2017 by Susan 34 Comments

Welcome to the 416th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes and comments on Saturday's post. You are amazing and I truly feel so blessed by your lovely words! As I always say, YOU are the very best part of BNOTP! A while back I wrote an unusual post where instead of sharing some projects I hoped to do in my my home, I shared five projects that I was pretty sure would never … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, My Nest Tagged With: Beverage Cooler, Small Refrigerator

Getting More Organized in the Office

January 14, 2017 by Susan 120 Comments

Happy Weekend! Did you survive Friday the 13th? ;) I'm not really the superstitious type, but it's always kinda funny when my birthday falls on a Friday the 13th. Saw this online just now and it made me laugh. I've never seen any of the "Friday the 13th" movies, but apparently this covers them all. lol Yesterday was one of those "Friday the 13th" birthdays and it was a biggie--one of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: Cord ID Labels, Cord Labels, Cord Organization, Labels for Electronics, Office Organization, Organization

6 Table Settings to Inspire & Add Warmth To Your Winter Dining

January 12, 2017 by Susan 22 Comments

Welcome to the 434th Tablescape Thursday! This past week I've been focused on getting a lot of things done that I've been putting off, like fixing broken network extenders, solving phone storage issues, repairing gates, repairing a collapsed shelf in my master bedroom closet, organizing, clearing out the office closet and attempting to solve an electrical problem. Electricity scares me, which is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: Winter Dining, Winter Entertaining, Winter Table Settings, Winter Tablescapes

Brad Nailer for a Small Gate Repair & Deer Ate My Violas!

January 9, 2017 by Susan 112 Comments

Welcome to the 415th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been on a mission the last several months, really going all the way back to last summer, to clear out anything and everything that I don't use on a regular basis. That has included going through all the closets in my home. There are 12 closets in this house: 10 upstairs and 2 on the main level. That's not including the eve storage off the upstairs living … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Deer Eating Violas, Deer Garden Damage, Gate Repair

Awesome Deal on a Small Group Travel Adventure! Come With!

January 7, 2017 by Susan 59 Comments

Snow and a "wintry mix" were predicted for our area starting around 4 PM today. The snow part doesn't scare folks around here that much, it's the phrase "wintry mix" that sends everyone into a panic. I really didn't want to do it, but I knew I had to make a trip to the grocery store. I never like shopping for groceries, snow or no snow, so shopping when the store is packed is something I avoid like the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Morocco, Travel Tagged With: Budget Travel, Discount Travel, Morocco Travel, Sahara Desert Trip, Small Group Tour, Small-Group Travel, Solo Travel, Travel to Morocco

Can’t Wait Another Whole Year To Share This!

January 5, 2017 by Susan 36 Comments

Welcome to the 433rd Tablescape Thursday! When I visited my friend, Marie, it was only a few days before Christmas, so I never had a chance to share all the delightful tables she had created for the holiday before Christmas arrived. One of my favorite tables of Marie's is always the "Kid's Table." I don't know about you, but the kid's table never looked this fabulous when I was growing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Table, Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape, The Kid's Table

How I’m Using My Spoons & Building My Spring Wardrobe

January 3, 2017 by Susan 37 Comments

A while back I shared some adorable Hand-Stamped silverplate spoons that were the cutest ones I'd ever seen. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: They Arrived and I Love Them! Plus, a Special Bird Sighting I gave the "Drink Tea" spoon shown below to a special friend for Christmas, ...along with a cute reindeer drink cozy like the one you saw in my previous porch post. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

Debbie Mumm’s Twelve Days of Christmas & New Year’s Champagne Punch Recipe

December 29, 2016 by Susan 29 Comments

Welcome to the 432nd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Upcoming New Year to you! I've been out-of-state visiting family, just got back late Tuesday evening. I spent yesterday unpacking and running errands, picking up birdseed and suet for the birdies and doing a little grocery shopping. I also managed to squeeze in some clothes shopping, lots of great sales going on right now including THIS one. I picked up a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

A Holiday Table for Metamorphosis Monday

December 26, 2016 by Susan 27 Comments

Welcome to the 413th Metamorphosis Monday! Good morning! If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you had a great one! Since I'm spending time with family this week, I don't have a regular "Before and After" to share for this Met Monday, but I thought you would enjoy seeing another one of the beautiful tables Marie created for her Christmas feast this year. Marie puts together several tables for the holiday … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes

How Santa Prepares for the Big Night, Christmas Eve

December 23, 2016 by Susan 24 Comments

When Marie decorates for Christmas, she includes a bit of Christmas in every room. The master bedroom has beautiful green walls and red draperies so it looks especially beautiful at Christmastime. A pretty tea set is ready for when the mood hits for a spot of tea. Each room in Marie's home gets its own Christmas tree. The living room and master bedroom are the only rooms … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home

Beautiful Christmas Table with Lenox Holiday & Whimsical 2016 Biplane Accent Plate

December 22, 2016 by Susan 28 Comments

Welcome to the 431st Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm so excited to share the beautiful Christmas table setting Marie has created in her dining room. The dining room is located under the wonderful children's bedroom we toured yesterday, so it also has the turret space. Such a perfect spot for this gorgeous Christmas tree! Marie has a lovely … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

A Christmas Fantasy Home Tour

December 21, 2016 by Susan 45 Comments

I've received a few comments asking if I'd be posting some photos of my friend, Marie's home decorated for Christmas. Marie and I got together recently for some last-minute Christmas shopping and I snapped some of her beautiful home decorated for the holidays. In this photo from a previous year, you can see how beautiful it looks lit up at night. Today we're going inside the turret seen on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours

A Winter Wardrobe Metamorphosis

December 19, 2016 by Susan 55 Comments

Welcome to the 412th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a wardrobe update/metamorphosis to share for this week's Met Monday. Recently I added this cute navy and white J. Crew Buffalo-Plaid, Wool and Cotton Shirt-Jacket to my wardrobe and oh my gosh, did it start something! I've enjoyed it so much, I decided to do a little shopping to see what else was out there that I was missing in my winter … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Classic Style, Ivy League Style, Preppy Style, Traditional Style, Winter Clothes

A Little Porch Decorating to Celebrate the Holidays

December 17, 2016 by Susan 85 Comments

Happy Weekend to you! Hard to believe Christmas will be here in just 9 days! I've had the porch decorated for a while now, but just haven't gotten around to sharing photos of how it turned out this year. Probably the biggest change for this year are the benches I added to the porch this past summer. I never realized how much I would enjoy having them here. They are the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas and Tips, Plus, 2 Stylish Gift Ideas

December 15, 2016 by Susan 45 Comments

Welcome to the 430th Tablescape Thursday! Amazing the healing effects of sleep, I feel so much better this evening as I type this after sleeping about 12 hours last night. I think I'm on the winning side of my cold virus now. Thanks for all your tips and advice in yesterday's post. I'm eyeing THIS after reading some of the comments. It sounds like it would be helpful for dealing with allergies and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes

24 Books I’d Love to Find Under the Tree on Christmas Day

December 13, 2016 by Susan 26 Comments

I'm a bit under the weather right now with a nasty cold virus. You never realize how wonderful the ability to breathe through your nose is until it's gone. I think what I really need most right now is to get into bed and stay there for a while...like 9-10 hours would work. lol I hope you are staying well! Wash your hands a lot! Glad I got sick now and not two weeks from now! 24 Books I'd Love to Find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, A Visit from St. Nicholas

December 12, 2016 by Susan 72 Comments

Welcome to the 411th Metamorphosis Monday! Light Repair Tip, In Case It's Helpful You know how you hear about those people who are always causing electrical things to break? I'm starting to think I'm one of them. Seriously! Last year, the tree I normally use here in the living room, had an entire string of lights go out. I spent many, many hours trying to fix it, including using one of the light … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: Cabbage Patch Dolls, Christmas Decor, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Light Repair, Green Christmas Woody Car, Red Christmas Truck, Red Velvet Santa Bag, Victorian Doll House

They Arrived and I Love Them! Plus a Special Bird Sighting!

December 9, 2016 by Susan 39 Comments

Recently I shared an adorable spoon I ordered online from a company that hand-stamps silver-plate spoons with delightful phases. You can purchase one of their designs or have them custom make a spoon with any saying that you like. (Read more about that in my previous post here: What Saying or Quote Would You Choose?) I was so happy with the first spoon I ordered, I decided to order several … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

Bringing Home the Tree: Christmas Table Setting

December 8, 2016 by Susan 96 Comments

Welcome to the 429th Tablescape Thursday! After bringing home a tree in the back of their red truck last week for the living room, Mrs. Deer realized she still needed a tree for their screened porch. For this trip to the tree farm, Mr. Deer decided to drive his new wagon that he had just gotten for Christmas. This week's table is a cozy one for two, hope … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Better Homes and Garden Woody Car Plates, Christmas Table, Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape, Doll House, Nikko Plaid Plates, Woody Car

Realistic “Beeswax” Resin Candle Covers for the Office Chandelier

December 6, 2016 by Susan 33 Comments

If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember when I changed out all the yellowed, plastic, candle covers on my dining room chandelier for resin covers that look much more like real candles. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Sparkle with a Touch of Whimsy I love the look of the "dripping wax" sliding down the sides of the faux candles and it definitely beats the look of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: Chandelier Transformation, Chandelier Update, Resin Candle Covers, Wax Candle Covers

The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, 2016

December 5, 2016 by Susan 31 Comments

Welcome to the 410th Metamorphosis Monday! Was hoping to share my front porch decorated for Christmas, but we've been getting some much-needed rain the last few days, so couldn't snap any photos. So for this Met Monday, we'll go on a Christmas Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia to see how others are decorating and transforming their homes for the holidays. This home reminded me a lot of the cottages you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: Christmas Decorations, Christmas Home Tour, DIY Squirrel Peanut Feeder, Little Free Library, Porch Furniture, Screened Porch

Found! Adorable Red Christmas Truck & Station Wagon with Tree & Wreath

December 3, 2016 by Susan 50 Comments

What a crazy day yesterday, can you believe that on December 2nd, 23 days before Christmas, there's no garland to be found in any of the Home Depots or Lowe's garden centers near my home! It's all sold out except for a couple of strands that were all withered looking and dry. After visiting three stores without any luck (one Lowe's and two Home Depots) I decided to try Pike Nursery, the same place I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home

Bringing Home the Christmas Tree

December 1, 2016 by Susan 38 Comments

Welcome to the 428th Tablescape Thursday! It rained all day yesterday so I had to wait until this morning to take photos. The early morning light was just starting to stream in through the windows. I'll try to add some brighter photos to this post later today. Brown rattan chargers are available here: Rattan Chargers Their rich brown color adds a woodsy feel to this table … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes Tagged With: Christmas Decorations, Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape, Christmas Truck, Christmas Whimsy, Deer Napkin Rings, Deer Ornaments, Woody Car Christmas Plates

What Saying or Quote Would You Choose?

November 30, 2016 by Susan 37 Comments

Recently I stumbled across these adorable hand-stamped spoons with clever, funny and sometimes poignant sayings. I've seen them before but these caught my eye because they looked especially well done. When I saw they were endorsed by Martha Stewart and were part of the "Martha Stewart American Made Market" I knew they were going to be top-notch. Martha doesn't put her name on just anything! The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire

Shopping for the Best & Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree

November 28, 2016 by Susan 106 Comments

Welcome to the 409th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm having a tree dilemma this year. This is the tree that I normally set up in my living room. And this is the tree I usually set up in my kitchen. Both trees were purchased many years ago in a Home Depot Expo during a big sale they had going on Black Friday. They have served me well for around 10 years now, but the last couple of years they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Inspire Tagged With: Artificial Christmas Trees, Balsam Hill, Christmas Tree Shopping, Realistic Christmas Tree

Snowflake Sweaters and A Conversation With My Son

November 26, 2016 by Susan 21 Comments

Conversation with my son via phone today: Me: Hey, I want to run something by you. I have some really neat things I'm considering buying you for Christmas, but I want to see what you think. Son: (Laughs) Ooookay. Me: So, you know how L.L. Bean is famous for their duck boots, well they finally seem to be caught up with their production and for once they are actually available during the wintertime! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2016 by Susan 32 Comments

Welcome to the 427th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Though I'm not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I put together a table setting to share using the acorn soup tureens I just recently purchased . I started out with the idea of creating a woodland centerpiece using deer, but it just didn't feel right leaving Mr. Turkey out of the picture. I only get to use … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Christmas Preparations: Hanging the Wreaths

November 23, 2016 by Susan 20 Comments

How are your Thanksgiving preparations going? I'm not hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year, so I've been busy working on other things, including getting the wreaths up on the windows. Hanging the wreaths is usually the first bit of Christmas decorating I do each year since it's pretty much my favorite Christmas decoration of all. One of the best parts about hanging … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

Planting Tulips and Violas & A Little Christmas Table Shopping

November 21, 2016 by Susan 29 Comments

Welcome to the 408th Metamorphosis Monday! Yesterday I cut and brought in the last of the Limelight Hydrangea blossoms. Can you believe this hydrangea was still producing new blooms! The temps have been dipping toward the freezing point each night, so I knew these last few flowers were about to be gone. Limelight Hydrangeas truly are amazing, giving blooms throughout summer all the way into fall. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: Better Homes and Gardens Dishware, Gardening, Planting Tulips, Tulip Bulbs

21 Gift Ideas for The “Hard-to-Buy-For” Folks On Your Holiday List

November 19, 2016 by Susan 21 Comments

Hope you're having an awesome weekend! I'm recovering from planting 80 bulbs and three small flats of violas. lol Feeling much better today. Looking forward to sharing some updates for Met Monday, tomorrow! Recently I shared some of my favorite gift ideas that were under or near the $25 range. If you missed that post, you'll find it her: 22 Gifts That Won't Break Your Holiday Budget. As promised in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire

A Beautiful Fall Thanksgiving Feast with a Sassy Turkey Centerpiece

November 16, 2016 by Susan 22 Comments

Welcome to the 426th Tablescape Thursday! This Thanksgiving Gina, who reads BNOTP, will be hosting not one, but two Thanksgiving feasts! She shared photos with me recently of the table she created for her first dinner and it is stunning! Look at all those darling acorn tureens! Love the little green pumpkins perched atop the tall candlesticks...so cute! There are so many wonderful … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes Tagged With: Acorn Salt & Pepper, Acorn Tureens, Deer Napkin Rings, Fall Tablescape, Floral Pheasant Centerpiece, Johnson Brothers Friendly Village, Johnson Brothers Willow by the Road, Thanksgiving Table Setting, Wood Carved Chargers

13 Favorite Ways to Get Ready for the Holidays

November 15, 2016 by Susan 23 Comments

Here they are, all in one post: 13 of my favorite ways to get ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays! Hope you find this helpful as you decorate, craft, cook and prepare for the holidays! Click on the BLUE title below to access that post for more details. Follow Between Naps On The Porch on Instagram for more of my holiday posts: BNOTP on Instagram Turkey Napkin … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home

An Enchanting, Magical, Interactive Experience

November 14, 2016 by Susan 64 Comments

Welcome to the 407th Metamorphosis Monday! I have the most beautiful, fun and enchanting thing to share with you today. It's not exactly a metamorphosis but in a way it is because after I "play" with it, I feel so relaxed. If you're not already in the mood for Christmas, it will definitely put you in the mood! This weekend, my friend, Sheila, shared the cutest thing I've seen in a while! Have you ever … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Inspire Tagged With: Advent Calendar, Christmas, Jacquie Lawson, Live Advent Calendar, Online Advent Calendar

22 Gifts That Won’t Break Your Holiday Budget

November 12, 2016 by Susan 59 Comments

The title of this post started out as, 22 Gifts Under $25, but along the way I kept remembering some pretty great items I wanted to include that were slightly over the $25 mark. So I gave up trying to keep every gift in this list under that set amount, but many of the gifts highlighted below are under that price or close. If time allows, I'll try to put together two more "Gift Giving Ideas" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

7 Tables of Thanksgiving

November 10, 2016 by Susan 45 Comments

Welcome to the 425th Tablescape Thursday! Thanksgiving is just two weeks away! This month is flying by, but then the holidays always do. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing seven past Thanksgiving table settings. Hope they will provide a bit of inspiration for your Thanksgiving this year. Will you be cooking this year or traveling to be with family? Click on any title or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes Tagged With: 7 Thanksgiving Tables, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Decorations, Thanksgiving Table, Thanksgiving Tablescape

Like Having a Personal Assistant

November 9, 2016 by Susan 32 Comments

A month or so ago, I was in Marshalls and came across these lanterns. I love shopping in there this time of year because they always get in the cutest holiday goodies and you literally never know what you'll stumble upon. I'm not sure if these will end up in a table setting or on one of the porches for a little Christmas decorating. They may just show up in both. These lanterns came with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

Home & Decor Updates: The Good and The Not-So-Good

November 7, 2016 by Susan 77 Comments

Welcome to the 406th Metamorphosis Monday! I have several small Before and Afters updates I've been wanting to share, so I'm grouping them all together in one post. Before we get to those, a couple of folks emailed and messaged me recently to let me know the Better Homes and Garden dishware that many of us have been collecting over the years, is back in stock again. (Thanks for that!) They have added … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, For the Love of Birds, Garden, Office/Craft/Sewing Room

A Porch Hutch Decorated for Autumn

November 3, 2016 by Susan 40 Comments

Welcome to the 424th Tablescape Thursday! I didn't get a chance to set a table this week so I thought I'd share how I dressed the porch hutch a few weeks ago. I pulled out some of my most favorite autumn/fall dishes and combined those with cute, pumpkin-shaped soup bowls. The leafy glassware is from Dollar Tree several years ago. I love using it in table settings this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Porches, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Autumn Dishware, Autumn Hutch, Fall Dishware, Fall Hutch, Leaf Plates, Porch Hutch

Christmas Pillow Crazy & Shopping at T.J. Maxx Online!

November 1, 2016 by Susan 46 Comments

Hi! My name is Susan, and I think I have a Christmas pillow problem. ;) Just in case you suffer with this affliction, as well, I thought I'd share my collection and a few of the new ones I just picked up this year. This year is turning into a fabulous year for us Christmas pillow lovers because they are everywhere and they are delightful! Starting with those I've collected over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Christmas Decorations, Christmas Pillows

Erma Bombeck Would Have Loved This!

October 31, 2016 by Susan 84 Comments

Welcome to the 405th Metamorphosis Monday! Imagine you arrive home one evening an hour or so before nightfall. As you pull into your driveway, you glance over and see something rather shocking. Your next-door neighbor is outside in her front yard, merrily vacuuming the lawn while grinning and laughing maniacally. Do you: A. Smile, wave, and act like everything is normal Or B. Call the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: Acorn Removal, Acorns, Oak Trees, Removing Acorns

5 Delightful Ways To Get Ready For Christmas

October 28, 2016 by Susan 47 Comments

1. Snowflake Swizzle Stirrers I came across these "Swizzle Stick Ice Molds" in Williams-Sonoma recently and bought one set to try them out. Here's how they looked once frozen...cute! They would be great for serving a mixed drink, or really any drink for the holiday season. I tried them out in some cranberry juice. No, I don't have my Fa La La plate out yet, just … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Inspire

The Last Halloween Table of the Season

October 27, 2016 by Susan 89 Comments

Welcome to the 423rd Tablescape Thursday! I'm squeezing in one more Halloween table setting before Halloween is gone for another year. I thought I'd be putting this week's table inside until I realized it was going to be 78° outside today. So we're back out on the porch for this week's Tablescape Thursday. I had a black and white table setting in mind, but somewhere along the way I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Halloween, Halloween Table, Halloween Tablescape, Pumpkin Leaf Plates, Pumpkin Tureens, Twig Flatware

Visit Marie’s Victorian Home Decorated and Lit for Halloween

October 26, 2016 by Susan 46 Comments

It's almost that time! Do you have your candy ready for all the ghosts and goblins who'll soon be visiting your home? My friend, Marie has decorated her home for Halloween and it's over-the-top awesome! I've featured her home in the past decorated for Halloween and this year she's added a lot of new things to her exterior decorations. If you want to trick or treat here, you must first get past the big, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home Tagged With: Halloween, Halloween Decorations, Nighttime Halloween Decorations, Victorian Home

10 Ways to Stay Warm This Winter: My Winter Survival List, 2016

October 22, 2016 by Susan 54 Comments

Those wonderfully high temps we had here in the Atlanta area this past week are starting to fade away. It got rather chilly last night. As I write this mid-afternoon, it's still 59° outside. I know that's not cold to most folks but it definitely falls into the category of "sweater weather" for this girl. Each year I put together a post with my favorites for surviving winter in comfort. Since our temps … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Inspire, Seasonal Decor

Halloween in Pumpkin Hollow: Whimsical Table Setting

October 20, 2016 by Susan 57 Comments

Welcome to the 422nd Tablescape Thursday! The leaves in my yard are changing color and both they and the acorns are falling like crazy right now. The oak tree in my front yard must have a special vendetta against my home. It's hurling acorns day and night at my bedroom windows and the metal roof of the front porch. Who knew autumn could be so violent. And noisy! lol Despite the falling leaves, the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Beaded Napkin Rings, David Carter Brown, Embroidered Pumpkin Napkins, Halloween Crows, Halloween Table, Halloween Tablescape, Maxcera, Pumpkin Hollow, Sunflower Plates

Deck Makeover: A Covered Porch & Room for Dining and Entertaining

October 17, 2016 by Susan 29 Comments

Welcome to the 403rd Metamorphosis Monday! A while back I shared a great idea Terry and her hubby Mark had come up with for their deck that would allow more time spent out doors. Sometimes the summer heat can just be too much and forces us to abandon our decks and patios and head inside. But Terry and Mark found a way around that by setting up a screened, tent-like structure on their deck . It created a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: Covered Porch, Deck Expansion, Deck Makeover, Deck Redesign, Outdoor Entertaining

Tour the William Root House In Mourning, Oldest Home in the City of Marietta

October 15, 2016 by Susan 26 Comments

Recently a friend and I visited the William Root House Museum & Garden. The Root House was almost demolished back in the 1980s because it had fallen into terrible disrepair. Fortunately, some savvy folks realized it was the oldest known home in the city of Marietta and preservation efforts got underway just in time. In 1989, the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society acquired the home and it was moved … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Decor, Historic Homes, Home Tours

Biscuit Making, Take II & What I’m Stalking-Loving for the Table

October 13, 2016 by Susan 60 Comments

Welcome to the 421st Tablescape Thursday! Every so often I have to spend some time working on the technical end of the blog...this past week was that time. With my hosting services help, BNOTP was moved to a newer, faster server, so hopefully, you're finding things a bit speedier each time you visit. Pagination Now Works! If you were one of the dearhearts who has emailed or asked how to get to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Recipes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Baking Biscuits, Biscuit Cutter, Christmas Holiday Home, Entertaining, Halloween, Tablescapes (Main), Tabletop

Gone With The Wind Museum: The Beautiful Dresses, Furniture & Collectible Memorabilia

October 12, 2016 by Susan 72 Comments

Gone With Wind Museum Recently when a friend was in town, we visited the Gone With The Wind Museum in Marietta, Georgia. The museum opened in June 2002 inside a former cotton warehouse and carriage stable that dates back to 1875. Many of the collectibles found inside the museum belong to Dr. Christopher Sullivan, a physician from Akron, Ohio. Dr. Sullivan read the book, Gone With The Wind, and saw the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: Artifacts, Clark Gable, Collectibles, Famous Movies, Gone With The Wind, Memorabilia, Museum, Southern History, Vivien Leigh

Decorate Your Porch for the Autumn Season

October 10, 2016 by Susan 40 Comments

Welcome to the 402nd Metamorphosis Monday! Linda has a beautiful 3-season porch that I've shared before here at BNOTP. It's so much fun seeing how she decorates it for the seasons and holidays. When we last visited Linda, her porch was all set for summer, decorated in a wonderful navy and white nautical theme. (See that post here: Nautical Decor & Tablescape) With the arrival of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, Seasonal Decor

The Week I Took a Staycation

October 8, 2016 by Susan 65 Comments

Have you ever taken a Staycation? This past week I took my first and it was truly a lot of fun! From time to time I get e-mails from friends who are headed to the Atlanta area and are looking for ideas on what to do and where to go during their visit. I'll definitely be referring them to this post in the future. FRIDAY My friend, Linda, flew in on Friday, September 30th, and we wasted no … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Travel, United States Tagged With: Antiquing & Thrifting, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Atlanta Georgia, Dining, Home Tours, Marietta Georgia, Roswell Georgia, World of Coca-Cola

Halloween Table with MacKenzie-Childs Inspired Dishware

October 6, 2016 by Susan 42 Comments

Welcome to the 420th Tablescape Thursday! The cooler days have me in the mood for a Halloween table this week. I have a friend visiting and she and I had fun putting this one together. It all started with some whimsical black and white dinner plates I spotted in HomeGoods earlier in the week. They reminded me so much of MacKenzie-Childs dishware, but the price was a lot … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: Black and White Table, Crow and Pumpkin Centerpiece, Halloween table setting, Halloween Tablescape, Spider Napkin Rings

Back to the Future Meets Harry Potter

October 5, 2016 by Susan 31 Comments

This week I'm being a tourist in my own city. Have you ever done that when family or friends were visiting? Yesterday a friend and I visited the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. I've only been there once before and that was many years ago before it moved to its current location. It's HUGE now! We had a great time, it was almost like a visit to a mini-theme park, part museum, part Back to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Atlanta Georgia, World of Coca-Cola

Decorate Your Porch for Autumn & Halloween

October 3, 2016 by Susan 58 Comments

Welcome to the 401st Metamorphosis Monday! How was your first weekend of October? When the calendar says "October" I guess there's no denying fall is here. Everything is still lush and green here in Georgia but I know that's about to change. Blog Update This weekend I had a big update come across for my blog. After the update had completed, the slider that's normally at the top of the blog was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Seasonal Decor

Fall Tablescape with a Beautiful Hydrangea Blossom Centerpiece

September 29, 2016 by Susan 42 Comments

Welcome to the 419th Tablescape Thursday! Mary, a reader of BNOTP, shared some wonderful photos with me recently. She is an avid gardener and grows a lot of beautiful hydrangeas in her garden. Mary enjoys using hydrangeas in arrangements and centerpieces all around her home. She recently shared some pretty table settings with me including this wonderful summer table with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Fall Tablescape, Hydrangea Centerpiece

A Tour of Daisy Room at Giraffe Manor & A Visitor to my Balcony

September 28, 2016 by Susan 42 Comments

I'm finally going through all the photos I took on my visit to Giraffe Manor and I realized today that I had never given you a full tour of the beautiful room I stayed in while visiting the manor. This post has 20 photos in it that I've never shared from my visit. Each of the rooms in the manor is named after one of the Rothschild Giraffe who have either lived or are currently living on the property. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: Africa, Daisy Room, Endangered Animals, Giraffe, Giraffe Manor, Kenya, Nairobi, Rothschild Giraffe

Transfer Old Videos to DVD or MP4 Files & Preserve Your Precious Memories

September 27, 2016 by Susan 18 Comments

Do you have a drawer somewhere in your home filled with these? These were all in two small drawers in my family room. They date all the way back to the 80's and contain so many memories like birthdays, baseball games, ski trips, beach trips, scouting award ceremonies, swim meets, Christmases, trips to Disney World and Epcot, and a lot of "firsts" like the first time my son rode his bike without training … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

Dining at Mahali Mzuri and Giraffe Manor, One Could Get Used to This!

September 22, 2016 by Susan 40 Comments

Welcome to the 418th Tablescape Thursday! I have a lovely friend coming to visit real soon who is super crafty. She creates beautiful cards and the most amazing scrapbooks/photo albums! You can see her beautiful work in these delightful, 3-D, handmade cards I've received this past year. Aren't they wonderful?! Each is such a treasure, I could never part with them! This dear friend … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Tablescape Thursday, Travel Tagged With: Africa, Giraffe Manor, Kenya, Mahali Mzuri, Safari, Travel

Chihuly in the Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden, 2016

September 20, 2016 by Susan 51 Comments

Last week a friend and I visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see the garden and the beautiful art of Dale Chihuly. This beautiful piece hangs inside the main building in the garden. I think it may stay there full-time, seems like I've seen it there on previous trips. This is another piece that I think remains in the garden year round. Isn't it beautiful! This shaggy dog … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: Art in the Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Dale Chihuly, Garden Art, Glass Art

A Recycle-Upcycle Idea and a Limelight Hydrangea Update

September 19, 2016 by Susan 62 Comments

Welcome to the 399th Metamorphosis Monday! If you follow Between Naps on the Porch on Instagram, HERE or have subscribed to Postcards from the Porch, the free BNOTP newsletter, you'll have seen this photo shared from a recent visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Currently they have a delightful Chihuly exhibit in place all throughout the garden and it's beautiful. Every corner you round reveals a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, In the Garden Tagged With: Limelight Hydrangea, Recycle Old Tires

Can a Fashion Piece Become a Decorating Accessory?

September 16, 2016 by Susan 49 Comments

If you love handbags, chances are you've collected a few over the years. I don't have a big collection, but the bags I do have I really love and try to care for them as best I can so they'll last and look nice for a long time. Lately I've been doing a little reading about the best way to store a handbag when you're not carrying it. Normally the recommendation is to keep handbags inside a closet away from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Blue & White Design & Decor, DIY Decorating, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, My Nest Tagged With: Brahmin Blue Delft, Decorate with Totes, Fashion in Decor

Two Beautiful Table Settings & A Brilliant Storage Idea for Napkin Rings

September 15, 2016 by Susan 27 Comments

Welcome to the 417th Tablescape Thursday! A while back I shared some bins I had purchased as a possible solution for storing my napkin rings. I ended up returning the bins, they were just too large and took up way too much space for napkin ring storage. Candace who reads BNOTP sent me a photo sharing how she stores her napkin rings and I think it is such a clever idea! She uses a slacks or pants … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes

Welcome to the porch where you’ll find posts on decorating, gardening, home tours, travel, fashion, tablescaping and a lot more!

Subscribe

Search

Faq

Contact

YOU’LL FIND BNOTP IN THESE PLACES

*This sidebar contains ads and affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*

Archives

This sidebar contains ads and affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.