Susan — Page 18

Shopping for Bathroom Vanities: A Guest Bath Renovation

March 30, 2016 by Susan 98 Comments

I'm currently in the planning stage of a bath renovation. My bathrooms are all over 30 years old, so it's time. The bath I thought I'd start with is the upstairs hall/guest bath. The toilet has been replaced (see that post HERE) and now I'm looking at vanities. (Update: I've called this a guest bath in this post since that's how it is being used in my home now. But for future families living here, it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baths, Before & After, My Nest Tagged With: 48-inch Vanity, Bath Renovation, Bathroom Renovation

Own an Antique-Furnished, Historic 1891 Queen Anne Victorian Home for $422,000

March 29, 2016 by Susan 29 Comments

Your name is Emma Hamlin. The year is 1885 and you're marrying the esteemed Rev. John McCandless. Your father, Henry Hamlin, a local merchant and banker has decided on an especially wonderful wedding gift: a beautiful Victorian home built in the "High Queen Anne" style. The interior will be filled with gorgeous moldings and trim in beautiful cherry and oak woods. The home will have all the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: Antiques, Bed & Breakfast, Historic Home, Queen Anne Victorian Home

A Visit to Marie’s Beautiful Home for Easter

March 27, 2016 by Susan 30 Comments

Welcome to the 374th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a wonderful spring weekend! I'm putting Monday's post up a bit early since I'll be away from my computer tomorrow for much of the day. Recently when I visited with my friend, Marie, I so enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful decorations she had put up for spring and Easter. Her mantel was decorated with a egg garland in the colors of spring: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home

Marie’s Beautiful Spring Easter Table Setting

March 24, 2016 by Susan 22 Comments

Welcome to the 392nd Tablescape Thursday! This past Monday I spent a fun day shopping and lunching with my friend, Marie. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know Marie decorates her beautiful Victorian home for all the holidays and seasons. I couldn't wait to see what she had done this year for spring! Marie creates whimsical vignettes throughout her home for her six grandchildren to enjoy. … [Read more...]

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

A Faucet Installation & Some Fabulous Spring Sales

March 23, 2016 by Susan 30 Comments

Whew! What a day! It started out with mulitple plumbing installations followed by a Leaf Guard Gutter visit mid day to reroute a downspout and ended with getting two estimates, one for hardwood flooring and another for some much-needed landscaping. I think I'm ready for a nap now! lol So, you know that part on the HGTV show, Fixer Upper where JoAnna Gaines always tells the couple whose house they are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Kitchen & Breakfast Area

Some Kitchen Updates: A Moen MotionSense Faucet and Soap Dispenser

March 22, 2016 by Susan 24 Comments

I think spring fever has gone to my head! This week I'm getting estimates for tons of things I've been needing to get done. Not sure what all I'll try to do right away and what will have to wait, but tomorrow is the start of a few of the updates. The first update is here in the kitchen. The Grohe faucet I had installed back in 2001 when I completed a modest kitchen renovation, has been acting up over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest

I’m Steaming! Steaming Happy, That Is!

March 21, 2016 by Susan 34 Comments

Welcome to the 373rd Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago my sister gave me a My Little Steamer, steamer. She had a very generous and loving nature and often when she saw something advertised on TV that she thought I could use, she would buy it and surprise me with it on my next visit to her home. At the time she gave me the steamer, I wasn't sure how I would use it, but I thanked her and tucked it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest

How to Clean Encrusted Mineral Deposits From Inside a Humidifier

March 18, 2016 by Susan 121 Comments

Lately I've been a cleaning fiend around here. I understand now why you hear so much about "spring" cleaning. When winter begins to fall away and the days start getting longer and warmer, something inside just makes you want to clean and freshen up everything in sight. It's kind of fun to put up away some of the things I've been using this winter, a sign that winter is pretty much a thing of the past. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes

Spring Easter Table Setting With Spode Emma’s Garland & Bunny Centerpiece

March 17, 2016 by Susan 58 Comments

Welcome to the 391st Tablescape Thursday! We're out on the porch this week for Tablescape Thursday. The weather has been so nice, running in the mid 70's every day, so I couldn't resist putting a table outside. Has spring arrived early in your area, too? I've put together a table that will work for an Easter or springtime gathering. This is the first time I've used the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Baby shower table setting, Bridal Shower Table Setting, Ceramic Bunny with Two Baskets, Easter Table, Easter table setting, Easter Tablescape, Emma's Garland, Kim Parker, Spode, spring table setting, spring tablescape

Burberry Scarf: Fake vs Real & How to Avoid Getting Scammed

March 14, 2016 by Susan 107 Comments

Welcome to the 372nd Metamorphosis Monday! Back in early February, I decided to add an iconic piece to my winter wardrobe, something I've been wanting for many years: a Burberry scarf in the classic heritage check. Since Burberry was still offering the free monogramming they had offered during the Christmas holidays, I decided to go ahead and have them monogram it. After I placed my order, just for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Burberry, Burberry Scarf, Fake Burberry vs Real Burberry

10 Easy Centerpieces Anyone Can Make for a Spring or Summer Celebration

March 10, 2016 by Susan 28 Comments

Welcome to the 390th Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing 10 fun centerpieces anyone can make. These centerpieces use common things we already have or items that are usually pretty easy to find in dollar stores and discount shops. The only exception may be the 5th one down, the cookie tree centerpiece, which needs a little tree of some type for display. Hope this gets … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, In the Garden, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: Easy Centerpieces, Party Centerpiece, Springtime Centerpiece, Summertime Centerpiece

A Dream Outdoor Summer House & Gardening Shed

March 8, 2016 by Susan 25 Comments

I love being outdoors, listening to the birds chirping and feeling the soft breezes as they stir through the trees. I've been known to go outside and spend the entire day there, either digging in the yard or just whiling around the hours on the porch completely lost in a good book. Recently, I came across the most wonderful outdoor space, truly a dream garden. I'm pretty sure when we pass on one day, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches Tagged With: Gardening Shed, Greenhouse Designs, Potting Shed Designs, Recycling Doors, Recycling Windows

How to Repair a Woodpecker-Damaged Roof of a Lazy Hill Dovecote Birdhouse

March 7, 2016 by Susan 72 Comments

Welcome to the 371st Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How was your weekend? Hope it was great! Mine was productive and I'm happy to report that I was able to successfully repair the damaged roof of my Lazy Hill Dovecote and restore it back to the garden in time for the spring nesting season. You may remember a woodpecker (we suspect a Pileated Woodpecker) drilled a huge hole into the roof almost two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: Birdhouses, Birding, DIY Birdhouse Roof Repair, Lazy Hill Dovecote, Pileated Woodpecker, Woodpecker, Woodpecker Damage to Birdhouse

Lighting a Dark Corner of the Porch

March 4, 2016 by Susan 32 Comments

Recently I shared an outdoor lamp I purchased for the oval table here on the screened porch after I nabbed the lamp that had been there for use in the guest room. When I shared that lamp, I also shared this rather blurry photo of a floor standing version of the same lamp. I've always had three lamps on the porch, two are visible in this photo below. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: Outdoor Floor Lamp, Outdoor Lamps, Porch Lamp, Porch lighting

St. Patrick’s Day Table with 4-Leaf Clover & Shamrock Dishes

March 3, 2016 by Susan 46 Comments

Welcome to the 389th Tablescape Thursday! I was so hoping to put a table out on the porch this week since we've been having warmer weather, but it turned cold again the day I set this table, so we're back in the breakfast room for this week. I pulled out my favorite centerpiece for this St. Patrick's Day table. This friendly little leprechaun only comes out to play during the month of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: St. Patrick's Day Holiday Home, St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, St. Patrick's Day Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: 4-Leaf Clover Napkins, 4-Leaf Clover Plates, Leprechaun Centerpiece, Leprechaun Decoration, Shamrock Bowls, St. Patrick's Day

Install a Long Swing-Arm Hook for Hanging Plants or Bird Feeders

March 1, 2016 by Susan 22 Comments

I have several bird feeders hanging off the pergola that extends over one of my decks. The feeders hang from long swing-arm hangers. The hooks work great for hanging squirrel-proof feeders because the length of the rod helps deter the squirrels. They also keep the feeders out away from the deck, which keeps the decks cleaner and encourages the birds to come dine. Since my decks and porch are a full story … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Porches, Porches & Decks

A Waterproof Wicker Outdoor Lamp For The Porch

February 29, 2016 by Susan 59 Comments

Welcome to the 370th Metamorphosis Monday! When I added a screened porch onto my home in 2008, I knew I wanted to light the porch at night with just lamp light, no overhead lighting. I love the ambiance lamps give to a space. Once the porch was complete, I ran around the house borrowing lamps from various rooms until I could purchase lamps that felt suited for a porch, particularly a porch with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Bamboo Lamp, Outdoor Floor Lamp, Outdoor Lamp, Outdoor Table Lamp, Porch Lamp, Waterproof Lamp, Wicker Lamp

My Decorating Book Wish List Just Got A Little Longer

February 26, 2016 by Susan 20 Comments

I've just discovered another talented designer on Instagram whose pictures are like something from a fairytale or a movie. Check out the Instagram account of nicolasdepompadour. Nicolas has a beautiful home and is very well-traveled, so he shares some absolutely gorgeous photos of stunning rooms and gardens. He also has an adorable doggie named Sophie who is completely devoted to him and often appears in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire Tagged With: Decorating Books, Design Books

8 Festive Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

February 25, 2016 by Susan 28 Comments

Welcome to the 388th Tablescape Thursday! St. Patrick's Day is just a few weeks away so today I'm sharing a few St. Paddy's Day tablescapes along with some other fun ideas and inspiration for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Click any of the titles below to see a table, hutch, recipe or napkin fold in more detail. St. Patrick's Day Spring Table St. Patrick's Day Table With … [Read more...]

Filed Under: St. Patrick's Day Decor, St. Patrick's Day Holiday Home, St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: St. Patrick's Day China, St. Patrick's Day Decorations, St. Patrick's Day Dishes, St. Patrick's Day Leprechaun, St. Patrick's Day Table Setting, St. Patrick's Day Tablescape

A New Addition To The Garden: Copper Roof Dovecote

February 23, 2016 by Susan 63 Comments

One of my favorite things to do each spring is to go on the spring garden tours in my area. I love a garden tour every bit as much as I love a great home tour. Over the years while on garden tours, I would often come across these big, beautiful birdhouses. Eventually, I asked someone and found out they were dovecotes. The ones I saw and loved the most were by a company called, Lazy Hill. When I added on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: Birdhouses, Birds, Copper Roof Dovecote, Gardening, Good Directions, Lazy Hill, Lazy Hill Dovecote, Verde Copper Roof Dovecote

Porch Questions: Porch Season Is Almost Here

February 22, 2016 by Susan 83 Comments

Welcome to the 369th Metamorphosis Monday! Right now the porch looks like this, minus the green leafy backdrop. But sometimes it looks like this, only not this dark. My photography skills weren't the greatest when that photo was taken. Summer of 2014, I took down the sheers when I had the porch freshened up with a new coat of paint. After the painting was done, I decided … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Hang Curtains on Porch, Hang Sheers on Porch, Porch Curtains, Screened Porches

Spring Tablescape with Blue Willow

February 18, 2016 by Susan 43 Comments

Welcome to the 387th Tablescape Thursday! It's that time of year when I feel I'm in season limbo. It's still very much winter outside but my heart and mind are already deep into spring. I can't change the weather outside, but we can go spring inside. :) Can never remember the name of the plant I'm using in the center of the table, but it's a common plant that's great for offices and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Blue and White Table Setting, Blue Willow China, Green and White Polka Dot Striped Flatware, Green Etched Stemware, Lace Napkins, spring tablescape, Summer Tablescape

25 Things This Charles Faudree Room Taught Me About Design

February 17, 2016 by Susan 68 Comments

I grew up in a very plain, utilitarian environment. My mom was very sick throughout my life, so I'm not sure if she ever had any interest in decorating or design. I'm guessing she would have if she hadn't become sick because she loved creative pursuits like embroidery and crocheting. Before she became so sick and while awaiting my arrival, she crocheted this lovely luncheon set complete with little … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Home Tours Tagged With: Beautiful Rooms, Charles Faudree, Lake Houses, Traditional Design

Found: Not One, But 3 Bunnies with Baskets!

February 12, 2016 by Susan 45 Comments

Each time I set a table and use Mr. Bunny in the centerpiece, I get lots of emails and comments from folks asking where I found him. He was designed by artist, Marjolein Bastin and I found him several years ago in a small gift shop in Marietta, Georgia called The Whimsical Nest. I've heard from several readers who have called the shop and were told that they no longer carry him. I think they only had him … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Bunny Centerpiece, Bunny with Basket, Ceramic Bunny, Easter Bunny, Easter Decorations, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Spring Table Settings

Spring and Easter Table Setting Ideas

February 11, 2016 by Susan 32 Comments

Welcome to the 386th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the lovely congrats and well-wishes you left on yesterday's post. These are the moments that really matter in life and I love being able to share them with you, dear Friends! ♥ Last Tablescape Thursday, I shared a Valentine's Day themed table. On Friday we went on a field trip to Pottery Barn to see all the wonderful tables they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes

Velvet Drapes for a Paneled, English Country-Style Living Room

February 8, 2016 by Susan 99 Comments

Welcome to the 367th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you sometimes find yourself putting off a DIY job, even though it seems like a small project? Maybe you're waiting until the mood hits or you're finally ready mentally to tackle it. That's kind of where I've been with hanging my drapes here in the living room. I was thinking about this on Saturday, about why I've been putting it off, and I think I know … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: Ballard Designs Velvet Drapes, Paneled Living Rooms, Velvet Drapes

Huge Spring Shopping Trip to Pottery Barn…So Many Cute Things!

February 5, 2016 by Susan 53 Comments

All this spring-like weather we've been having here put me in the mood to visit the Pottery Barn near my home to check out all their new spring goodies for the home and for the table. Spring has definitely hit there, too! When I walked in the door, this was the first thing I saw. I always love to see what they will have displayed just inside the front door. Sometimes it's a beautiful table setting or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes

Valentine’s Day Table Setting with Vintage Copeland Spode Tower

February 4, 2016 by Susan 43 Comments

Welcome to the 385th Tablescape Thursday! With Valentine's Day just a couple of weeks away, I'm sharing a fun Valentine's Day table setting today. Valentine's Day is normally a romantic celebration for two, but I couldn't resist putting together a whimsical setting for the holiday. Mr. Bunny is back and he brought us some goodies! He has acted as the centerpiece in many previous … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: Ceramic Bunny, Spode Tower, Valentine's Day Decorations, Valentine's Day Table

Favorite Finds, Free Monogramming and an Ingenious Device

February 2, 2016 by Susan 27 Comments

It happens almost every year here in Georgia,one of those strange weeks when you would swear spring has arrived. The daffodils are poking their little heads up out of the ground and the temps actually reached the 70's on the porch today. I just checked and the low for tonight is 63 degrees! Crazy, but I'm loving it! It won't be long before the porch will be back in business. It's needs a good vacuuming … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Burberry Scarf, Burberry Scarves, Chanel, Chanel No. 5

Ballard Designs Speaks & A Lesson in Drapery Clip Rings

January 29, 2016 by Susan 42 Comments

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend! When I awoke today, I was in the mood to move forward on the drapery project I recently started here in the family room. You may remember this photo where I had draped the green, velvet draperies I found recently in a Ballard Designs Outlet over the tops of my plantation shutters to get an idea how they would work in this room. The Velvet Dilemma: Ballard … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dining Room, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest Tagged With: Drapery Clip Rings, Hanging Curtains, Hanging Draperies, Velvet Curtains

Ideas for Valentine’s Day Tables

January 28, 2016 by Susan 28 Comments

Welcome to the 384th Tablescape Thursday! Valentine's Day is just a couple of weeks away. Here's a little inspiration for making it a special day. ♥ Click on and the title below to access that post for more information! ♥ Make Heart Shaped Cakes with this Recipe Make Music-Covered Hearts for Valentine's Day Valentine's Day Table with a Heart-Tree … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Valentine's Day Holiday Home Tagged With: Valentine's Day Crafts, Valentine's Day Recipes, Valentine's Day Tables

A Little Beach Time for Winter Weary Souls

January 27, 2016 by Susan 5 Comments

Today I was going through photos I took while "Sailing With the Scotts" and I came across a video I should have included when I posted about visiting the Mayan Ruins in Tulum Mexico. (If you missed that post a few days ago, you'll find it here: A Visit to the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum. It's a video I filmed of the waves coming in. It was a gorgeous day and I figured we could all use a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mexico, Travel

A Visit to the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum

January 25, 2016 by Susan 35 Comments

Welcome to the 365th Metamorphosis Monday! Today's Before and After takes us on a trip back in time, all the way back to the 13th century. In November while "Sailing with the Scotts," I had the opportunity to visit Cozumel pictured below. Once we docked in Cozumel, a big group of us took a ferry to the city of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. In Playa del Carmen, it was the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Mexico, Travel

Dining in Italy and the Mystery of the Missing Bread Plates

January 21, 2016 by Susan 57 Comments

Welcome to the 383rd Tablescape Thursday! That title of this post sounds a little like a Nancy Drew Mystery Story, doesn't it? lol For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I thought I'd share one of the dinners we were served while traveling in Italy. The tour/trip I took included some lunches and most dinners. Sometimes our lunches didn't include meat and just consisted of salad, a large bowl of pasta … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Tablescape Thursday, Travel Tagged With: Food in Italy, Italy, Italy Dining, Travel

Sewing Velvet: Are My Curtains Sewn Backwards?

January 19, 2016 by Susan 98 Comments

Greetings! How was your day today? Hope it was a great one! Today has been a pretty productive day around here. I have a little update for you about the velvet drapes I recently purchased for the living room. I also have a question for you! You may remember last week I draped the velvet panels I purchased over the tops of the shutters in the living room to give you a little idea how they might look … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Living Room (Downstairs)

A Visit to Positano Italy, A Beautiful Hillside Town on the Amalfi Coast

January 18, 2016 by Susan 63 Comments

Welcome to the 364th Metamorphosis Monday! Today's post is about the metamorphosis of a picturesque seaside village located in Italy on the Amalfi coast. Through the good and the bad it has survived, and today it's a bustling village where tourists flock from all over the world. Ever since I saw the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, I've wanted to visit Positano. I finally got my chance when I traveled to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Italy, Travel Tagged With: Amalfi Coast, Positano Italy, Tourist Destinations, Travel, Video of Positano

Hear the Beautiful Bells of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, Italy

January 16, 2016 by Susan 29 Comments

Now that the holidays are behind us and I have a bit more time, I'm starting to go through all the photos I took while traveling this past fall to Africa, Italy and Mexico. I took a lot so it's taking a while to go through them and choose the best to share. I also shot a little video along the way so I'll be mixing those into each post as I share the beauty of these amazing places. I can't wait to share … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Travel

A Snowy Winter Table Setting

January 14, 2016 by Susan 62 Comments

Welcome to the 382nd Tablescape Thursday! We're celebrating winter with a snowy winter tablescape for Tablescape Thursday. It was a cold but sunshine-filled day yesterday when I created this table setting in my breakfast room. For the centerpiece, I used the little tree I had previously used for our Hot Cocoa Bar on the porch. (See more of the Hot Cocoa Bar in this post: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: Christopher Radko, David Carter Brown Christmas Valley, Snowman Table Setting, Snowy Tablescape, Winter Table Setting

Getting Organized and My Favorite Finds

January 12, 2016 by Susan 68 Comments

After the hecticness of the holidays and with the cold weather officially here, I've been enjoying being inside and "nesting" a bit more. I know a lot of folks really get into the organizing mood this time of year. At first I thought this urge to get organized at the start of the new year was due to it being a whole "turning over a new leaf" thing. But after giving it some thought, I think the reason I find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Fringe Bag, Frye Bag

A Metamorphosis of the Animal Kind: Baby Elephants Playing and Feeding

January 11, 2016 by Susan 39 Comments

Welcome to the 363rd Metamorphosis Monday! My metamorphosis this week is an unusual one, one of the animal kind. During my week long visit to Africa back in September for a photographic safari, on my last day there before my flight late that night, a guide took me to several fascinating places. I visited a bead factory where I didn't buy anything but was super tempted. I toured the home … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Before & After, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: Baby Elephants, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Velvet Drapery Update & A Little Preview

January 9, 2016 by Susan 73 Comments

I'm back with a curtain update, I couldn't leave you hanging the whole weekend. Thanks so much for all your suggestions, including your tips on dealing with wrinkles in velvet fabric that's been folded and creased. You are awesome and I always appreciate hearing your excellent ideas and suggestions! This morning I headed off to the Ballard Designs Outlet. The BD outlets here in the Atlanta area are known … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: Velvet Curtains for Winter, Velvet Drapery

Velvet Drapes for the Living Room

January 8, 2016 by Susan 51 Comments

For many years I had curtains in my living room. They were never really what I wanted here and always felt a bit too formal for the room. Back in October, 2012 (wow, has it been that long!) I removed them because I decided I'd rather look at windows with just plantation shutters than look at curtains that I didn't like and didn't suit the room. After I removed the old … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Living Room (Downstairs)

12 Tablescapes: One for Each Month of the Year

January 7, 2016 by Susan 43 Comments

Welcome to the 381st Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your kind words on yesterday's post. I appreciate them so much! I know the information you shared about your past experiences with roadside assistance will greatly help all who visit and read that post, so thanks so much for sharing those. Since I didn't get a chance to set a table this week, I thought I do something a little different. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Holiday Table Settings, Seasonal Tablescapes

How To Get Your Car Out of the Mud: A Roadside Service Fail

January 5, 2016 by Susan 132 Comments

Last Monday I went through one of the worst experiences I've ever had while traveling. In fact, I would say this ranks as the worst. Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea because this story is a bit long. I hope it saves someone from experiencing what I went through a few days ago on a long trip back home. I've had car insurance and roadside assistance with the same company for over 35 years. My insurance … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes

The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour

January 4, 2016 by Susan 25 Comments

Welcome to the 362nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Year! How were your holidays? I hope you were able to spend them with those you love most. I was away for a while, visiting my son, dil and grandson. It was wonderful seeing them! Unfortunately, the trip back home was an adventure, and not in a good way. I'll share that story very soon, complete with pictures, because there are lots of lessons to be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes Tagged With: Christmas Decorating Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tour, DG Porches, Marietta Pilgrimage

Christmas Table: Lenox Holiday Tartan & Fitz & Floyd Centerpiece

December 31, 2015 by Susan 21 Comments

Welcome to the 380th Tablescape Thursday! Elena created a beautiful table setting for her family for this year's Christmas dinner. If you're a fan of the beautiful pieces produced by Fitz and Floyd, you'll love this stunning tablescape. Elena decorated her sideboard to coordinate with her table, as well. The highlight of the centerpiece is a wonderful Fitz and Floyd … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christmas Table Setting, Fitz and Floyd Reindeer, Fitz and Floyd Santa, Lenox Holiday Tartan

Happy Holidays!

December 28, 2015 by Susan 15 Comments

Welcome to the 361st Metamorphosis Monday! How were your holidays? Did you have a great Christmas? I hope it was wonderful! I'm taking off a few days here at the end of the year to spend with family, so posting may be a bit lighter this week than normal. I don't have a Met Monday post today since I've been celebrating the holidays with family, but I'm still posting the party link-up this week in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After

DIY Hot Cocoa Sign for a Hot Chocolate Bar: A Tutorial

December 25, 2015 by Susan 37 Comments

A couple of days ago I shared a Hot Cocoa bar I created out on my screened porch. The bar area included a sign I made that was inspired by a sign I had seen floating around blogland a few years back. After not having any success locating a similar sign, I decided it was time to head downstairs to my basement workshop and make my own. (Inspiration sign and detail views of the Hot Cocoa Bar can be seen in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Winter Tablescapes

Toile Christmas Table Setting with Bon Jour Yuletide

December 23, 2015 by Susan 24 Comments

Welcome to the 379th Tablescape Thursday! Recently Gina shared some wonderful photos of her Christmas table setting and I loved it! In her email Gina said, "You posted on your blog a year ago, to take a second look at ornaments that do double duty for other things. Well I did! I have used ornaments as napkin rings this year on my Christmas Table." I immediately recognized the beautiful toile pattern. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Bon Jour Yuletide Dinnerware, Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape

Create a Hot Cocoa Bar for Winter Entertaining

December 22, 2015 by Susan 61 Comments

Happy Holidays to you, dear Friends! We're out on the porch today and I know it's a little chilly. Don't worry though, I have just the thing to warm us up. Step right over here and belly up to the bar--the Hot Cocoa Bar, that is. :) I've been envisioning a Hot Cocoa Bar for years out here on the porch, but I could never quite gather together all the bits and pieces I needed to create it, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Porches, Porches & Decks, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: Hot Chocolate Bar, Hot Chocolate Station, Hot Cocoa Bar, Hot Cocoa Station, Winter Entertaining, Winter Parties

Decorate the Porch in Tartan for Christmas

December 21, 2015 by Susan 35 Comments

Welcome to the 360th Metamorphosis Monday! Last summer I shared Linda's beautiful porch as it looks during the summer in this post: Patio Becomes a Three-Season Porch In October I shared how it looks during the fall months: Decorate a Porch for Autumn Linda has transformed it again for the holidays and it's a winter wonderland with lots of great accent pieces pulled … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches Tagged With: Christmas Porch, Nature-Themed Christmas Tree, Tartan Christmas Decorations, Tartan Lamp, Whimsical Christmas Pillows

Adding a Touch of Tartan to the Kitchen

December 18, 2015 by Susan 72 Comments

In today's post, I'm sort of getting the cart before the horse. lol Yesterday I posted a table setting for Tablescape Thursday here in my breakfast area. In that post I shared this photo. I liked the contrast viewing the all white, serene table setting juxtaposed against the colorful, red plaid shade of a lamp I had just added to the kitchen. That picture sparked a good many questions and emails asking … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest Tagged With: Cozy Kitchen, Plaid Decor, Plaid Lamp, Tartan Decor, Tartan Lamp

I’m Dreaming of a White Feather Christmas

December 17, 2015 by Susan 51 Comments

Welcome to the 378th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever tried to take a photo of a cloud or a ghost? That's a kinda how it felt this week as I tried to take pictures of this week's table setting. lol Feather centerpieces can be a challenge! I wish the chandelier didn't hang down in the way, try to imagine this table without it there. I wish I had placed this setting outside on the porch but I wasn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christmas Dinnerware, Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape, Feather Tree, Jingle Bell Napkin Holders, Twig Flatware

A Christmas Tree at Last

December 16, 2015 by Susan 58 Comments

Several folks have asked when I was going to share my Christmas tree for this year. Well, I finally called "uncle." Where does that phrase come from anyway? lol After spending 3 hours one night changing a million fuses, two hours another night examining a million bulbs, and an hour a third night fiddling and fussing, I finally gave up (for this year) on trying to get the lights to work on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: Glass Ornaments, Plaid Wrapping Paper, Traditional Christmas Decor

A Small Change Can Have a Big Impact

December 14, 2015 by Susan 67 Comments

Welcome to the 359th Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever noticed how we sometimes develop blindness to something in our own home? We walk right by it every day and after a while it just blends into the landscape of our homes and we don't see it anymore. I know I've done that many times over the years. Recently I shared a picture of my porch decorated for Christmas. While working on that post and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Front Porch Makeover, Monogrammed Door Mats

26 Holiday Gifts They’ll Never Return

December 11, 2015 by Susan 47 Comments

How's your holiday shopping coming along? If you're like me, I usually get it about 95% done but get stuck on those last few gifts. There's always a few folks on my list for whom I struggle finding the right gift. I've put together a list of 26 wonderful gift ideas. The list includes gifts for men, women and children so there's something here for everyone. Many of these are products I currently use and … [Read more...]

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

Christmas Dinner in Toyland

December 10, 2015 by Susan 72 Comments

Welcome to the 377th Tablescape Thursday! Have I mentioned how much I love this time of year? I have a wee obsession with Christmas dishware. I love how it can be whimsical, playful or just stunningly beautiful! The two patterns I'm using this week (really three if you count the charger) are all about the fun, playful side of Christmas. This is a table setting that would appeal to both … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape, David Carter Brown Christmas Valley, Toy themed Table Setting, Villeroy & Boch Toy's Delight, Williams Sonoma Tartan Chargers

This Won’t Be Easy

December 8, 2015 by Susan 62 Comments

I've put it off as long as I can, today is the day. As soon as this post goes up, I'm going to attempt to move these two hibiscus plants to the garage. So far they've survived some pretty chilly nights but it's just a matter of time before we get a good freeze and they croak. I've never tried to move these big planters before. They are not the type planters that look heavy, but are really … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden

A Bathroom Update & Perfume Storage

December 7, 2015 by Susan 90 Comments

Welcome to the 358th Metamorphosis Monday! Please note: If you subscribed for blog post updates and they are no longer arriving in your Inbox, check your junk or spam file, especially if you use hotmail or yahoo mail. I recently changed services for delivering email updates and that always throws off the email servers for a bit. If you find an email in the junk/spam folder, mark it as "not spam" or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), DIY Organization and Storage

Decorating the Chariot for Christmas

December 4, 2015 by Susan 36 Comments

Happy Friday! I'm sooo excited this evening because tomorrow I'll be doing one of the things I most love doing this time of year: I'll be heading out with friends for a nearby Christmas home tour. Each year when we attend this particular tour, we almost always buy their "combo" ticket which includes seeing three homes by daylight and three by candlelight. I love both types of tours but the candlelight … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Christmas Home Tours, Victorian Cottage

A Thanksgiving Tablescape With a View

December 3, 2015 by Susan 20 Comments

Welcome to the 376th Tablescape Thursday! Recently my friend Bonnie, shared some photos of the beautiful table setting she created for Thanksgiving this year. Her dining room overlooks this stunning view! The gorgeous autumn foliage must have been the inspiration for this wonderful Thanksgiving tablescape. The beautiful beaded, leaf placemats work so well with the fall … [Read more...]

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

A Red Christmas Door

December 2, 2015 by Susan 66 Comments

Just popping in with a few photos of my front porch progress. I took these photos this evening after dark to give you an idea of how things look at night. The porch doesn't feel complete just yet; it needs a little greenery around the bottom of the urns and a little something else, but it's getting there. In years past, I've alway hung the garland lower on the door as seen in this photo … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches

Looking For Some Christmas Decorating Inspiration

December 1, 2015 by Susan 31 Comments

Greetings to you! How has your day been going? Before we get into today's post, I have a little update: I changed over to a new email service on November 12th, and I'm starting to hear from a few folks who aren't getting their email updates when a new post is up here at the blog. If you haven't been receiving those, please sign up again using the subscribe box at the end of this post. Or, e-mail me at … [Read more...]

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

Thanksgiving Table With Spode Woodland & A Whimsical Turkey Centerpiece

November 26, 2015 by Susan 65 Comments

Welcome to the 375th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving! We'll be having our Thanksgiving feast here in the dining room today. I'm not planning on serving soup (wish I still had some of the roasted pumpkin soup I made recently) but just for fun I added the turkey soup tureens to see how they would look. Whenever I use Mr. Turkey in the center, I can't resist brining out the turkey tureens since … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes Tagged With: Pottery Barn Alpine Toile Plates, Spode Turkey Plates, Spode Woodland, Thanksgiving Table Setting, Towle King Richard Sterling Flatware, Whimsical Turkey Centerpiece

Squash Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Anytime

November 24, 2015 by Susan 17 Comments

Greetings this beautiful fall day! Are you busy preparing for Thanksgiving? I haven't had Thanksgiving here at my home in a while, so I'm excited to have family coming here this year. I picked up a Honey Baked Ham yesterday and bought a fresh turkey today to cook on Thanksgiving Day. I know they'll be lots of left overs but that's fine with me. Who doesn't love leftovers! I always prepare a squash casserole … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Recipes, Recipes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: Christmas Rccipe, Paula Deen, Paula Deen Recipe, Squash Casserole Recipe, Thanksgiving Recipe

Sailing With The Scotts: Sharing All The Details

November 23, 2015 by Susan 91 Comments

Welcome to the 356th Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I could share the wreaths I hung across the front of the house yesterday as my metamorphosis, but since Drew and Jonathan (the Scott Brothers) are the masters of Before and Afters, in honor of all their past makeovers, let's go "Sailing with the Scotts" this week instead. This was the ship the Scott Brothers chartered … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mexico, Travel Tagged With: Aime Sikes, Drew Scott, Jason Cameron, Jillian Harris, Jolie Sikes, Jonathan Scott, Junk Gypsy, Kim Myles, Sailing with the Scotts Cruise, The Property Brothers

A Double Rainbow Seen While Sailing With The Scotts

November 22, 2015 by Susan 30 Comments

I'm back from the "Sailing with the Scotts" cruise and have some fun pics to share. I spent yesterday sorting and going through many of them...and doing this. Yep, it's that time again, time to bring out the wreaths. I'm going to spend the afternoon hanging them and can't wait to see them up. (See how I hang them in this post: How to Hang Wreaths on Exterior Windows ) Looking at that photo … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel

Tartan Christmas Table Setting, Vintage Style

November 19, 2015 by Susan 33 Comments

Welcome to the 374th Tablescape Thursday! Before we get into this week's Tablescape Thursday, I think I have some good news. It appears the Tartan Chargers are back in stock again, at least they are as I'm writing this on Saturday evening. You'll find them here: Tartan Chargers Recently Jeri who reads BNOTP, shared some pictures of a tablescape she created for work. Jeri has the enviable job of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christmas, Tartan, Vintage Christmas Table Setting

Decking the Halls…and the Beds…and the Sofas

November 17, 2015 by Susan 31 Comments

I've always loved pillows, have them all throughout my house. The last few years I've started collecting Christmas pillow and oh. my. gosh...there are some really cute ones out there. The "Love" pillow I purchased one year after Christmas is actually a Christmas pillow, but I think it's perfect to pull out again in February for Valentine's Day. The Love pillow is currently on sale with free … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Bedroom (Master), Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Living Room (Downstairs), Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: Christmas Decor, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Pillows

7 Christmas Porches

November 16, 2015 by Susan 26 Comments

Welcome to the 355th Metamorphosis Monday! Ahoy Matey! As you read this, I'm somewhere out floating in the Caribbean, hopefully NOT in the Bermuda Triangle!!! ;) I'm off sailing with the The Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott on their "Sailing With The Scotts, Ultimate Design Cruise." I have lots of posts ready for you this week. If I can find a Wifi connection, I'll also share some photos … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Christmas Porch Decorations

In The BNOTP Library: The Bee Cottage Story

November 14, 2015 by Susan 13 Comments

It's not often a decorating book comes with a great story...this one does. In the BNOTP Library: The Bee Cottage Story Author: Frances Schultz 3 Things I Like About This Book: I've had this book on my wish list ever since I blogged about France Schultz adorable Bee Cottage here: France Schulz Decorated Bee Cottage and Herself Back to Happiness. It had completely sold out and was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library

Fall Table Setting with Limelight Hydrangea Centerpiece

November 12, 2015 by Susan 43 Comments

Welcome to the 373rd Tablescape Thursday! When I first started putting this table together, it was in the 50's outside, a little too chilly for playing out on the porch. By the time I was done, I was wishing I had set the table there because it was already up to 63 degrees outside. I'm using a few of the souvenirs I brought back from Italy in today's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

It’s Almost Time to Go Sailing With The Scotts!

November 10, 2015 by Susan 40 Comments

Well, it's almost that time! Very soon I'll be heading down to Florida to hop on a big ol ship to go "Sailing with the Scotts." I'm not sure what type of wifi connection I'll have available during the trip, but whenever I do have one, I'll be sharing the fun with you on Instagram. If you're not already following on Instagram, you'll find BNOTP here: BNOTP on Instagram Snapchat Anyone a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Drew Scott, Jonathan Scott, Property Brothers, Scott Brothers

20 Ways To Make Your Christmas Merry & Bright

November 9, 2015 by Susan 55 Comments

Welcome to the 354th Metamorphosis Monday! Christmas is just 45 days away and I've noticed lots of folks are Pinning and Instagramming Christmas ideas for inspiration. At the top of BNOTP, you'll find a category called, Holiday Home. Under Holiday Home, you'll find a subcategory called, Christmas. Under Christmas you'll find lots of decorating ideas, house tours, crafts, movies, recipes, tablescapes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor Ideas, Christmas Movies, Christmas Recipes, Christmas Table Settings

In The BNOTP Library: Charles Faudree Details

November 7, 2015 by Susan 12 Comments

Please Note: Recently I made a small change/improvement to the BNOTP Library posts: If I've previously shared other books by an author, I've started categorizing that author's books under the author's name. So, if you enjoy a particular author or designer, note the categories shown at the end of each BNOTP Library post. If you see the author's name (like in this case, Charles Faudree) at the end of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library

A Roasted Pumpkin Soup For Cozy, Fall Dinners

November 6, 2015 by Susan 26 Comments

Happy Friday! Yesterday I shared a fall table setting and my centerpiece for the table was the prettiest little pumpkin casserole from Martha Stewart. (Pumpkin Casserole is currently on sale here: Martha Stewart Pumpkin Casserole) The pumpkin casserole came with a yummy recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Soup. This soup was very easy to make, the trickiest part was cutting apart the sugar pumpkins. Those … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: Autumn Recipes, Fall Recipes, Martha Stewart Pumpkin Casserole, Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Autumn Table Setting with Roasted Pumpkin Soup

November 5, 2015 by Susan 57 Comments

Welcome to the 372nd Tablescape Thursday! I've heard a rumor that there's this thing called "sunshine." It's supposed to be really bright, but I think it may be just a myth. How is it in your part of the world? I hope you're seeing some sunny days. If I don't start seeing some pretty soon, I'm going to have to buy one of those light machines like Police Chief Celia Bachelor used in the show, Men in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: autumn table setting, Fall Tablescape, Leaf Napkins, Martha Steware Cast Iron Pumpkin Casserole Tureen, Pier 1 Asheville Dishware, Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Williams-Sonoma Acorn Soup Tureens

Tartan Chargers for the Holiday Table

November 3, 2015 by Susan 43 Comments

We dish lovers watch out for each other, have you noticed that? Recently, a reader of BNOTP alerted me that chargers are now available for the tartan dishware pattern I love and use so much in table settings for Christmas. What! How had I missed that? I immediately found them online and ordered eight. (Thanks Chloe for the heads up!) Update: The chargers had sold out but it appears they have restocked … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes Tagged With: Christmas Table Setting, Plaid Chargers, Tartan Chargers

Bringing Home A Bit of Tuscany To My Kitchen

November 2, 2015 by Susan 66 Comments

Welcome to the 353rd Metamorphosis Monday! Almost every day sees some kind of metamorphosis in our homes right now with the holidays here. I absolutely love this time of year! Halloween has always been one of most favorite holidays because it's filled with so many smiles and so much laughter. I hope your Halloween was a lot of fun this year. I have a small Before and After to share in my kitchen. It's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest, Travel Tagged With: Italy Ceramics, Olive Wood Spatulas and Spoons, Pumpkin Spatula, Seasonal Kitchen Items, Turkey Spatula, Tuscany Pitcher Utensil Holder

Awesome Deal for Preserved Boxwood Wreaths

November 1, 2015 by Susan 58 Comments

I don't normally post on Sundays but I came across a deal this weekend that expires today, so I'm sharing it in a quick post just in case it's helpful in your upcoming holiday decorating. Update added 11-2-15: It looks like they still have the 10% off deal going on, which is great! Tip: If it shows the wreath is out of stock for your store, click in the box that looks like this one below and you'll be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Entry/Foyer, My Nest, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Boxwood Wreaths Preserved Boxwood Wreaths, Christmas Decorating, Christmas Holiday Home, Holiday Decor

Halloween Craft: Mummy Candle Holders

October 30, 2015 by Susan 20 Comments

Halloween is almost here and I have a super fun, easy craft to share. I've been itching to make some Mummy Candle Holders for Halloween for a while now. They always make me laugh when I see them in magazines around this time of year. I didn't have a tutorial to go by, just gathered together the items that I thought I'd need: pint size mason jars from True Value, gauze, glue gun and some … [Read more...]

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

Romantic Dining Surrounded by Antiques and Vintage China

October 29, 2015 by Susan 36 Comments

Welcome to the 371st Tablescape Thursday! Good Morning! Hope your day is off to an awesome start! I have a fun Halloween craft I'll be sharing tomorrow, something I've been wanting to make for a while. I think it will put a smile on your face. It's one you can do for yourself or share with your children or grandchildren. Last week for Tablescape Thursday, I shared a beautiful table from one of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Antico Francischiello, Italy, Massalubrense

In the BNOTP Library: Decorating Secrets by Mary Carol Garrity

October 29, 2015 by Susan 24 Comments

I believe I have every book Mary Carol Garrity has ever written. I was thinking today, I wish she would do one on Halloween decorating. Mary Carol, I hope you see this! In the BNOTP Library: Decorating Secrets Author: Mary Carol Garrity 3 Things I Like About This Book: In this book, Mary Carol is taking us under her wing and sharing the decorating secrets she's learned from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, DIY Decorating Tagged With: Mary Carol Garrity, Nell Hill's, Tablescaping Books, Traditional Decorating Books

6 Pairs of Shoes That Kept Me Warm, Cozy and Comfortable in Italy

October 27, 2015 by Susan 52 Comments

For several weeks before my trip to Italy, I checked the "extended" forecast for the Tuscany and Amalfi Coast region a couple of times a week. As the time drew closer to leave, I checked almost daily. Forecasts can often be wrong but the three-week extended forecast for the areas we were to be touring, was consistently showing chilly temps and cloudy days with lots of chances for rain. Ugh. Not what I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Italy, Travel Tagged With: L.L. Bean, Rain Boots, Shoes for Fall, Shoes for Travel, Shoes For Winter, Skechers, Sperry, TEVA

Chills in Sorrento

October 26, 2015 by Susan 51 Comments

Welcome to the 352nd Metamorphosis Monday! While we were staying in Sorrento, on afternoons or evenings when we were out touring or were just free to explore on our own, we would often walk the short distance to a nearby market area where we could shop and dine. About a block away from our hotel, there was a bridge that had to be crossed to reach the shopping/dining areas. We merrily crossed over it several … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Italy, Travel Tagged With: Abandoned Places, Italy, Sorrento, Travel, Valley of the Mills

Get Ready for Holiday Entertaining & Dining, Everything Is On Sale!

October 25, 2015 by Susan 54 Comments

Yesterday I ran a quick errand and while I was out, I stopped by Williams-Sonoma to see what was new for the holiday season. Oh my gosh, if you are in need of Autumn, Thanksgiving or Christmas dishware, they have some of the cutest patterns in that I've seen in a long time! I went online to see if I could find any good coupons and I noticed they are having a 20% off any item sale along with free shipping … [Read more...]

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

An Adrenaline-Charged Morning

October 24, 2015 by Susan 75 Comments

I'm back home! Whew! Let me tell you folks, 11 hours is a long, long time to sit in one small, cramped spot. I was never so happy to get off a plane! I was all set to write a post today sharing some helpful tips on how I survived those 11 hours in the air with my sanity still intact, when something happened that I thought was way more important to share. I hope this will save you major heart-ache down … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes

A 4-Course Meal With 2 Desserts!

October 22, 2015 by Susan 44 Comments

Welcome to the 370th Tablescape Thursday! On Monday, October 19th, after spending the day in Positano, we had dinner in a beautiful restaurant on the way back to our hotel in Sorrento. We've been traveling all day today, en route from Sorrento to Rome (that's why my post is late going up) so the info I have about the restaurant we dined in is buried somewhere in my suitcase. When I get home, I'll share … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Travel

A Visit to Herculaneum, An Ancient City Buried for 1,700 Years

October 20, 2015 by Susan 27 Comments

Grand Circle Travel included five free days into our 17 day tour of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. On those days we can head out on our own or, we can participate in one of the "optional" tours they offer. This past Saturday, I was tempted to skip the optional tour of Herculaneum (one of the cities left in ruin after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD) since Pompeii was already a scheduled site for our trip. In … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Travel

Decorate a Porch or Sunroom for Autumn

October 19, 2015 by Susan 21 Comments

Welcome to the 351st Metamorphosis Monday! Earlier this year in June, I shared Linda's beautiful 3-season porch. You may remember that this space was once a concrete pad with just a pergola overhead. Linda and her hubby transformed it into a porch they now enjoy almost all year-long. They kept this room and the adjoining living room light and bright by using a clear, acrylic roof … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor Tagged With: Autumn Decorating Ideas, Autumn Porch, Fall Decor, Fall Porch

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