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

October 12, 2016 by 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: , , , , , , , ,



The Week I Took a Staycation

October 8, 2016 by 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: , , , , , , ,



Back to the Future Meets Harry Potter

October 5, 2016 by 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: ,



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

September 28, 2016 by 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: , , , , , , ,



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

September 22, 2016 by 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: , , , , ,



Video Walk Around Mahali Mzuri, Richard Branson’s Safari Camp in Kenya

August 16, 2016 by 26 Comments

Last fall when I was on safari in Kenya, I stayed in Richard Branson's safari camp, Mahali Mzuri. One afternoon after returning from a morning safari, I grabbed my camera and filmed a quick walkabout for you. I wanted to take you around the camp so you could get a feel for it, instead of just seeing it in photos. I don't know why it's taken me so long to get it uploaded, but I finally got that done … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Visit Port Isaac Where Doc Martin Was Filmed!

August 5, 2016 by 58 Comments

I'm in the planning stages of a trip I hope to take late next spring. I thought I'd share some of the details with you today in case it sounds like something you would be interested in. I've never traveled with this company but the comments I've seen online at TripAdvisor looked good. Of course, I highly recommend you do your own research before traveling with any company. The tours I'm looking at are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Best Travel Deals, Travel



On Safari: An African Safari-Themed Tablescape

May 12, 2016 by 55 Comments

Welcome to the 399th Tablescape Thursday! When I was on safari in Kenya last September, I stayed in romantic Giraffe Manor for one of  the nights I was there. Giraffe Manor, built in 1938 in the style of a Scottish Hunting Lodge, is truly like something out of a storybook. The Rothschild Giraffe is endangered and the good folks at Giraffe Manor are doing what they can to increase the population. Did … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Fall Tablescapes, Kenya, Safari Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Travel Tagged With: ,



A Ride Up-Down Monte Solaro & An Impromptu Performance

May 10, 2016 by 29 Comments

My main computer, the one I use every day, is currently at the computer doctor being worked on. While it's away, I thought I'd share a video I made back when I was visiting the Isle of Capri.   While visiting Capri, I did a little shopping inside Carthusia where I purchased two small bottles of perfume.   The island of Capri has two towns, Capri and Anacapri. One of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Travel



Decorating and Dressing in Blue & White

May 6, 2016 by 24 Comments

I'm a big fan of blue and white, just find it so beautiful. I've used a lot of that color in my guest room.     Well, no one does blue and white better than the Dutch! When I was touring this outdoor village that I shared in this post: Zuiderzee Museum, I got a wonderful surprise when I walked into one of the buildings there.   The entrance of the building and this room … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Holland & Belgium, Travel Tagged With: , ,



Take A Tour of a Historic Dutch Home on the Zuiderzee in Enkhuizen

May 4, 2016 by 36 Comments

Please note: If you see any political ads running anywhere on the blog, please ignore them. All political ads are supposed to be blocked, but a few are somehow getting through the filters. I have someone working on it, so hopefully they will get them stopped soon. Yesterday we visited the pharmacy in the Zuiderzee Village Museum in Enkhuizen. Today I'm taking you further into this fishing village and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Holland & Belgium, Travel Tagged With: , ,



Whimsical & Just a Little Weird: The Strangest Thing I Saw in Holland

May 3, 2016 by 52 Comments

Whew, yesterday was a long day. It's pretty much a full-day endeavor getting back home from Europe. Thankfully the plane ride was a direct flight. Funny thing on the plane, my seat mate was a guy who was a dead ringer for Scott Kelly, the astronaut who just spent a full year in space on the International Space Station. If he hadn't had an accent (I think it was Dutch) I definitely would have believed it to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Holland & Belgium, Travel Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Canal Ride in Bruges, Belgium

April 27, 2016 by 43 Comments

Take a little ride with me through one of the many canals in Bruges, Belgium. Click on the photo below to ride, or click here: A Canal Ride in Bruges, Belgium.   … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Holland & Belgium, Travel Tagged With: , ,



Ferris Wheels and Windmills, A Visit to Amsterdam and Kinderdijk

April 24, 2016 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 378th Metamorphosis Monday! Early Saturday morning, as I was flying into Amsterdam, I looked out the window of the plane and did a double take. Do you see them down there?   Lots and lots of windmills, smack dab in the middle of the ocean. How is that even possible, windmills in the middle of the ocean? I thought I'd see windmills on this trip, just had no idea I'd see … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Holland & Belgium, Travel



Packing for The Netherlands & Going With a Go-Pro

April 19, 2016 by 79 Comments

Packing is definitely my least favorite thing about travel. It feels a bit overwhelming, trying to decide what to take to a far-a-way place you've never been, especially when the trip is occurring during the changing of the seasons. Per The Weather Chanel, the weather is going to be quite chilly during the time I'm away. I'm leaving sunny weather that's in 70's for a place where the high each day is in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Holland & Belgium, Travel



A Little Beach Time for Winter Weary Souls

January 27, 2016 by 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 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 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: , , ,



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

January 18, 2016 by 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: , , , ,



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

January 16, 2016 by 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 Metamorphosis of the Animal Kind: Baby Elephants Playing and Feeding

January 11, 2016 by 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: ,



Sailing With The Scotts: Sharing All The Details

November 23, 2015 by 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: , , , , , , , , ,



A Double Rainbow Seen While Sailing With The Scotts

November 22, 2015 by 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



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

November 10, 2015 by 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...]

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Bringing Home A Bit of Tuscany To My Kitchen

November 2, 2015 by 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: , , , , ,



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

October 27, 2015 by 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: , , , , , , ,



Chills in Sorrento

October 26, 2015 by 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: , , , ,



A 4-Course Meal With 2 Desserts!

October 22, 2015 by 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 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



Under The Tuscan Sun: My Visit To Bramasole

October 17, 2015 by 39 Comments

Greetings Dear Friends! I've just returned from a day touring Herculaneum, one of the cities buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. I can't wait to share the photos I took with you. I was so amazed to see how much they valued decorating and having a beautiful home and garden even back in 79 AD. I guess I thought they would be too busy coping with the daily needs of life (food, shelter, etc...) to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun



Inside the Siena Cathedral and the Piccolomini Library, Italy

October 14, 2015 by 29 Comments

On Monday we visited Siena and this was the view we had overlooking the city as we walked down steps on our way to the Siena Cathedral.         The Siena Cathedral is a medieval church located in Siena, Italy. It was designed and completed between 1215 and 1263. It's built in the shape of a Latin cross with a dome and a bell tower.   Let's go … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Travel Tagged With: , , ,



A Visit to Radicofani & the Orcia Valley

October 9, 2015 by 47 Comments

Happy Friday! Do you have a fun weekend planned? It's late here, but before I turn in, I thought I'd share a few photos from today's excursions into the Tuscan countryside. Doesn't this photo scream Tuscany? Though it was pretty hazy out and not the greatest day for landscape photos, this one was pretty much a requirement when we happened upon it. Do you think the folks who live here planted all those … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Travel



When in Rome…

October 8, 2015 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 368th Tablescape Thursday! As I type this, my laptop says it's 3:24 PM, but I know that's EST time back home in Georgia. The handy little "Dual Clock" widget on my phone informs me that it's actually 9:24 PM where my physical body finds itself...Rome, Italy. After traveling over 5,000 miles and crossing six time zones, I arrived early this morning just in time to catch this beautiful … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Tablescape Thursday, Travel Tagged With: , ,



Dinner Under The Stars With a Spirited Performance By Maasai Warriors

October 1, 2015 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 367th Tablescape Thursday! One afternoon while relaxing on the deck of my tent during my trip to Kenya...   ...this invitation was hand-delivered to my door. Ummm, what have they planned for us now?   Promptly at 19:00 hours, I made my way to the main tent where the Mahaliz Mzuri bar is located. Since it was now dark, I had to be escorted by one of the Maasai … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Romantic Tablescapes, Safari Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Answering Your Safari Travel Questions & What I Brought Back From Kenya

September 29, 2015 by 80 Comments

I've received a lot of questions via email and comments about the recent trip I took to Africa. Today, I thought I'd take time to answer some of those and to make this post a bit more fun so it's not just a bunch of words, I'm including pictures of the souvenirs I brought back, along with some of the little gifts I received during my stay at Mahali Mzuri and Giraffe Manor. Please Note: The captions under … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Kenya, Travel



Mahali Mzuri: An Unforgettable Stay at Sir Richard Branson’s Safari Camp in Kenya

September 28, 2015 by 79 Comments

Welcome to the 348th Metamorphosis Monday! What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, "Going on safari?" For the next few minutes, erase all the pre-existing ideas, thoughts, and concepts you have about what it's like to go on safari. If there's anything I've learned from my recent trip to Africa, it's that safari camps and safari experiences can all be completely different. No two safari camps or safari … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel



What Worked & What Didn’t On My First Trip Abroad

September 25, 2015 by 46 Comments

I've had so much fun sharing Kenya with you over this past week. Did you get a chance to see the 30+ pictures I shared on Instagram? Once I get a chance to go through all my photos, I'll create one big post sharing all the animals we saw on safari. I also have some additional video to share that I think you'll enjoy. We were very fortunate to catch the Wilderbeest and Zebra migration across the Mara River … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel



Dining by Candlelight in Giraffe Manor

September 24, 2015 by 45 Comments

Welcome to the 366th Tablescape Thursday! Shortly after arriving at Giraffe Manor, a beautiful manor home built in 1932 in the style of a wonderful old Scottish hunting lodge...   ...I walked through the downstairs rooms taking a few pictures to share with you upon my return. This is how the dining room looked during the daytime.   Come evening, lit by candlelight, it takes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Romantic Tablescapes, Safari Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Travel



Breakfast with Daisy and Giraffe Kisses

September 23, 2015 by 70 Comments

Greetings, dear Friends! I'm back home from a fun, exciting week in Kenya. It will take me a while to get through all the photos I took, but I can't wait to share them with you. I caught some exciting footage of the migration and I'll be sharing it soon. In the meantime I've uploaded a couple of more videos that were shot while I was staying at Giraffe Manor.   In the first video below, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel



A Romantic Bedtime Makeover

September 21, 2015 by 52 Comments

Welcome to the 347th Metamorphosis Monday! Today I left Mahali Mzuri and headed off to Giraffe Manor. Visiting Giraffe Manor is such a great way to end this African safari adventure.   I was booked for the "Daisy" room. All the rooms are named after much-loved giraffes that have called Giraffe Manor home at some point.     When I arrived the beds looked like … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel



On Safari in Kenya with Lions and Giraffe: 2 Videos

September 18, 2015 by 60 Comments

How's your Friday going? Mine is going great as I continue on safari here in Kenya. I've been sharing photos today on Instagram, hope you're enjoying those! If you're not yet following BNOTP on Instagram, you'll find the link on the sidebar or click here: BNOTP on Instagram. It's going to take me quite a while to go through all the pictures I've taken, so I thought I'd share a couple of short videos, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: , , ,



A Quick Access Bag That Keeps Out Prying Eyes

September 15, 2015 by 45 Comments

Everything is ready. My house-setters are ready, the bird feeders are all filled to the brim and I even took time to change out the food in the hummingbird feeder so they would have fresh nectar while I'm away. I was thinking today that I'm a little crazy. Okay, quit nodding your head in agreement! I'm the only one who's allowed to think that, much less say it out loud! ;) For my first trip out of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



A Dry Run

September 2, 2015 by 95 Comments

Yesterday morning I took photos for the post I planned to publish, then I headed off to an eye-appointment. It's been a while since I've been to the eye doctor and I had totally forgotten that they dilate your eyes. Unfortunately, there was to be no picture sorting or post writing after that. Vaccines...My Experience Before getting into today's post, several folks have asked about the vaccines I had … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Kenya, Travel



Packing For An African Safari

August 24, 2015 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 343rd Metamorphosis Monday! This isn't exactly a metamorphosis but in a way it is since it's a drastic change from how I would normally pack for vacation or a trip. I guess you can call it a luggage metamorphosis. When I travel to Africa in a few weeks, I'll be traveling via "light aircraft" on two different occasions. On the smaller planes, suitcases with pull-handles and wheels are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Before & After, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Africa Bound: A Visit To Mahali Mzuri and Giraffe Manor

August 21, 2015 by 68 Comments

In December of last year, I posted about a magical place called Giraffe Manor. Ever since then I've been obsessed with the idea of one day visiting the manor and seeing the endangered Rothschild giraffes in person.   How much fun would it be to breakfast with giraffes! I've actually thought about it so much, I've started dreaming about it! Have you ever thought about a place so much you, you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Kenya, Travel Tagged With: , , ,



What I’m Loving & Some Good News!

August 18, 2015 by 67 Comments

Good news! Williams-Sonoma brought back their tartan bedding! Last year several folks emailed or left comments upset because this bedding sold out so quickly at the Williams-Sonoma Home website. After talking with an associate in one of the WS stores, I had high hopes that they would bring it back and they did! You'll find it on their website here: Tartan Bedding   I purchased several … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , , ,



An Inspiration Update For My Home Office

July 29, 2015 by 21 Comments

Yesterday afternoon I made a little update here in my home office.   You may remember seeing this large decorative clock on the wall in previous photos. (This photo was taken back around Halloween one year so ignore the pumpkins.) I like this clock but I purchased it mainly to help fill that big blank wall. I've always wanted to do a gallery of photos there, instead.   Maybe … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room, Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



10 Rolling, Carry-On Bags That Are Beautiful, As Well As Practical

July 28, 2015 by 56 Comments

I've been giving a lot of thought lately to what luggage I'll be carrying when I travel to Italy this fall. When I first started dreaming and planning for a trip, the travel company I was considering using really emphasized taking a very small suitcase (like a carry-on size) for the whole trip because they often booked rooms in small Mom-Pop owned hotels where there were no elevators. Also, due to the … [Read more...]

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



I’m Sailing With Jonathan & Drew! Can You Come, Too?

June 2, 2015 by 66 Comments

The last time I went on a cruise with Carnival Cruises, I was 19 and had just graduated from high school. How do  you like the dress? It was a long dress, all the way to the floor. Seeing it now makes me think of the Lilly Pulitzer maxi dresses that were so popular this summer. My hair was long, too--down to my waist. Remember those days?   I think it's time to go on another cruise and this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel



Great Camera For Travel: Sony Cyber-shot RX100

June 1, 2015 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 331st Metamorphosis Monday! Whenever you plan a trip, especially if it's your first time traveling to another country, it's inevitable that you're going to need to buy a few things. Fortunately, my shopping list is pretty short. The main items I need before heading off to Italy in the fall are: Secure travel purse √ Comfortable walking shoes that aren't sneakers (I've been told by … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Photography, Travel Tagged With: ,



Take a Peek Inside My Travelon Travel Purse

May 18, 2015 by 99 Comments

Welcome to the 329th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I was supposed to clean out the garage but instead I spent part of the weekend doing this. The addiction continues. ;) With summer almost here and dreams of travel always on my mind, I'm loving travel puzzles these days.   This one will look like this once completed, well except the blue shop is also visible in the puzzle. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Travel Tagged With: , , , ,



A Stylish Anti-Theft, RFID Secure, Crossbody Bag For Travel

May 11, 2015 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 328th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently on Instagram, I shared a picture of a puzzle I was putting together. (You can follow BNOTP on Instagram here: BNOTP on Instagram) I wondered if anyone would be able to recognize it, in its half-finished state. They did! Can you tell what it is? If you guessed Cinque Terre in Italy, you're right! Cinque Terre means "The Five … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Travel Tagged With: , ,



Look Out Italy, Here I Come!

May 8, 2015 by 123 Comments

About a month ago I asked for your thoughts and advice on the many questions I had regarding taking a vacation overseas. Today I've been reading back through all your comments again, taking lots and lots of notes. You left so many great suggestions and advice on that post and I appreciate those so much! If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Wanderlust I've taken the next big step and I've … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Italy, Travel Tagged With: , , , ,



Wanderlust

April 1, 2015 by 78 Comments

Wanderlust. Wikipedia defines it this way: a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world. The older I get the more I find myself suffering with a severe case. Something keeps telling me the time to travel is now, while I'm still young enough to withstand the rigors of long flights, carrying luggage and lots of walking. Last night as I lay in bed, head spinning and wide awake … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , ,



A Trip to the South of France

March 31, 2015 by 35 Comments

Recently, Meg, a reader of BNOTP, traveled to Provence. While there she stayed in the village of Apt. This was the beautiful view of the village from her balcony apartment.   They stayed in a charming old converted convent named La Madone.   I looked at the photos of the rooms in La Madone online and they are beautiful!   Meg captured this scene in the village … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel



The Imperial Silver & Porcelain Collection Museum in The Hofburg Palace

December 4, 2014 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 325th Tablescape Thursday! We're going to Europe this week, to Vienna, Austria thanks to Elena, who generously shared pictures from her trip there. While in Vienna, Elena had the opportunity to tour the Hofburg Imperial Palace where Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth lived during the period of the Habsburg Empire. On a visit to the palace, Elena was able to tour the museum that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Travel



Shopping The “A Christmas Story” Movie House Gift Store

November 11, 2014 by 21 Comments

A few months ago I was visiting family in Ohio. While there, I took a little day trip over to a Cleveland to tour a place I've always wanted to see in person. Afterwards, I shared this funny picture on the blog and asked if you could guess where it was taken.   I can't get anything by you guys! Y'all had no trouble figuring out I was reenacting a scene from the well-loved Christmas movie, A … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Movie Houses, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: ,



There’s Gold And Wine In Them Thar Hills!

September 16, 2014 by 29 Comments

Actually, Dahlonega Mint assayer, Dr. M. F. Stephenson was misquoted. What he really said that day in 1849, standing on the courthouse steps was, "There's millions in it!" as he tried his best to persuade miners they should stay in Dahlonega instead of heading out west to California where another famous gold rush was underway at the time. A few weeks ago some friends and I headed up to the north Georgia … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Travel



A Christmas Story House, Part III: The Living Room

August 4, 2014 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 288th Metamorphosis Monday! Bob Clark, the Director and a co-writer of the movie, A Christmas Story, had trouble finding funding for this now iconic Christmas movie when he first set out to make it. He had an extensive history of making horror films so none of the production companies felt comfortable funding him in the making of a comedy/family oriented movie. His next movie was Porky's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , , ,



Inside The Kitchen of “A Christmas Story” Movie House

July 24, 2014 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 306th Tablescape Thursday! A visit to the 19th-century Victorian home used in all the exterior scenes of the movie, A Christmas Story, is an interactive one. As we stepped inside the front door for the tour, our guide immediately invited us to have a seat in the living room. Whaaat? That's not something you normally get to do while touring a home! I knew right then this wasn't going to be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Tablescape Thursday, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , ,



Tour A Christmas Story Movie House: The House & Neighborhood

July 23, 2014 by 31 Comments

Recently I took a trip to Ohio to visit family and while there I decided to do something I've been wanting to do for ages. I hopped in the car one morning and struck out for Cleveland to tour the home featured in the movie, A Christmas Story.   This wonderful old Victorian home located at 3159 W. 11th Street in Cleveland Ohio, was used for all the exterior shots of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , , ,



Where Am I?

July 22, 2014 by 79 Comments

I'm traveling today, headed back home. I can't wait to share pictures of where I've been the last few days. This photo is a big hint! Can you guess? :) Update: Check out THIS POST to see where I was when this picture was taken. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun



The Colorful Shutters of New Orleans, Plus A Video

May 16, 2014 by 38 Comments

When I was in New Orleans last week, I had a love affair with their colorful shutters. They were everywhere in the French Quarter, as were lots of pretty wrought-iron balconies decorated with window boxes spilling their flowers out into the streets.   Color!   Vivid beautiful color!   I was fascinated by all the shutters--shutters with real working parts that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Historic Homes, In the Garden, Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Apple Season in Blue Ridge and My First Mexican Coca-Cola

October 29, 2013 by 68 Comments

This past weekend a friend and I headed north to do a little leaf peeping and apple gathering. We landed in Blue Ridge, Georgia where we visited Mercier Orchards. Have you ever been there? It's a beautiful place! You can see the orchards up the hillside in the distance. We had perfect weather, not too hot and not too cold. There were wagon-rides available to take folks out into the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel



Dining in an English Country House: A Visit to Chatsworth House

August 15, 2013 by 52 Comments

Welcome to the 257th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever visited Chatsworth House? Unfortunately, I've never been to England but I'm determined to get there one of these days. Chatsworth House is a large country house located in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region of England. It was built beginning around 1553 but went through a rebuilding process beginning in 1696. Chatsworth is home to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Tablescape Thursday, Travel



Historic Swiss Ski Cabin Renovation & Restoration

September 24, 2012 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 192nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend?   Do anything fun?  Are you enjoying these beautiful fall days or do you live in an area where spring is just getting underway?  It's been really pretty here in Atlanta.  I spent the weekend going out to eat and to the movies with a friend.   Then I worked on a little project, a project I hope to share soon. For this Metamorphosis … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Travel Tagged With: , ,



The Georgia Aquarium: An Awe-Inspiring Visit

September 22, 2012 by 27 Comments

Recently a friend and I visited the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world.   Though it opened here in Atlanta several years ago, this was my first visit.   We purposely timed our visit until school was back in session hoping to avoid big crowds.  I'm not a huge fan of crowds...would rather see something on TV than in person if it means standing in lines forever and then fighting crowds to see … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel



The Matterhorn, Switzerland in Winter

February 27, 2012 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 162nd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I have an outdoor "Before and After."  Cornelia, who lives in Switzerland and sometimes shares a lovely tablescape for Tablescape Thursday, recently shared some amazing photos with me.  They are of the mountain cabin she and her husband own in Switzerland.  Cornelia told me during … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Travel Tagged With: , , , , ,



Isle of Hope Home Tour, Part II

May 25, 2011 by 39 Comments

As promised, here are the rest of the beautiful homes facing the marina and Skidaway River in Isle of Hope in Savannah, Georgia. (Click on any picture to further enlarge it.)   The green door was really pretty on this house.   This one was my favorite...it just felt like a storybook home.   Even the tree on the left felt like it belonged in a storybook. Doesn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Travel Tagged With: , , , ,



Isle of Hope Home Tour, Part I

May 24, 2011 by 33 Comments

Recently, I visited Wormsloe featuring the unbelievably beautiful mile-long avenue of Live Oaks. During that trip to Wormsloe, I stumbled across a lovely community located along the Skidaway River called Isle of Hope. According to Wikipedia, "Early maps refer to Isle of Hope in French as Isle Desperance (modern French:'Espérance). Legends abound of pirates using the island to hide their treasure, and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Travel Tagged With: , , , ,



Wormsloe

May 24, 2011 by 28 Comments

I've been to Savannah, Georgia many times over the years. Each time I've visited this historic city, when it came time to leave and head back home, I always thought, "Fiddlesticks! I did it again!" I came all the way to Savannah and didn't find that awesome road...the one with the arching trees overhead. I was always so disappointed and mad at myself that I kept forgetting to ask where it was and how to get … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature, Travel Tagged With: ,



The Winchester Mystery House

July 31, 2010 by 64 Comments

Around nine years ago, I visited California for the very first time. We headed up to San Francisco and as you can see, it was a very cloudy day. Despite the weather, I still had to get a shot of the "Painted Ladies."   Don't worry...this isn't a "vacation" post. :) We did it all during the 2-3 days we were there. We walked across "the" bridge, visited Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Travel Tagged With: ,



Biltmore Estate

August 15, 2009 by 63 Comments

A while back, I had an opportunity to tour Biltmore in Asheville, NC. I'd been there many years before and really enjoyed the tour, but I remembered having been a little disappointed that so little of the upstairs was open for viewing. Well, all that's changed now and it's an awesome experience! They continue to restore more rooms each year, so more and more are opened up for tours. The tour took us 1 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Historic Homes, In the Garden, Nature, Travel, United States Tagged With: , ,