Recently I shared a few photos of my deck as I was cleaning it for summer. In that post I also shared a picture of the bottle tree that lives on my deck. I received quite a few questions and emails about the tree asking where I found it. I tried to answer everyone's questions but if I missed any, you'll find more information about the tree and where I purchased it in this previous post: Bottle Tree … [Read more...]
Search Results for: bottle tree
A Bottle Tree Makeover for Summer & A Bit of Furniture Re-arranging
May 28, 2018 by 57 Comments
Welcome to the 487th Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I have more of a "Before and Middle" than a "Before and After." See the bottle tree that's out on the deck in this photo below? (View this beach-themed table setting here: Beach-themed Tablescape.) I love bottle trees, love their folklore and whimsy. If you've never heard of bottle trees, they have an interesting … [Read more...]
Bottle Tree Dreams in Abundance
August 26, 2011 by 48 Comments
When I last shared a few pics of my bottle tree, it was looking pretty puny. (If you're wondering what in tarnation a bottle tree is, check out this previous post: Bottle Tree: The Poor Man's Stained Glass I've been waiting for Hobby Lobby to have another "glass" sale. In the meantime, I've collected 3-4 more, via consumption. Plus, my BFF, Jan, dropped a couple by recently, too. I think she took … [Read more...]
Jan’s Beautiful Bottle Tree
July 26, 2011 by 32 Comments
A while back I shared some images of a bottle tree I had purchased at the Ballard Designs store in Atlanta. It was on sale, marked down from $349 to $60. I've gradually been adding a few bottles to it, including the glass float ball you see on the top. It's still a bit naked...a work in progress. While in Savannah on vacation a couple of months back, I told my friend, Jan, all … [Read more...]
Bottle Tree Shopping
June 14, 2011 by 26 Comments
Has anyone seen my computer mouse? I was planning on posting again today, but I can't seem to find the mouse. ;) Bottle Tree Shopping: Not to beat the bottle tree "horse" to death, but I do want to share a resource I found recently in case you have a bottle tree and are looking for hard-to-find colors and unusual shaped bottles. Turns out Hobby Lobby carries bottles of all sizes and in … [Read more...]
Bottle Tree Dreams and Yard Art Fantasies
June 10, 2011 by 62 Comments
Help! I'm becoming one of those people! You know the one...the crazy neighbor down the street who has so much yard art, the addition of just one more tchotchke will take his yard from tasteful to tacky, from whimsical to wacky. Okay, I'm not that bad. Yet. But I'm working on it. ;) If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember I started saving bottles about a year ago for a future bottle … [Read more...]
Bottle Tree Shopping at Trader Joe’s
April 18, 2010 by 52 Comments
So, here I am on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, and I'm bumping around inside of one of my most favorite stores ever, Trader Joe's. If you've never been in Trader Joe's you HAVE to go. It's that good! I was on a mission this day. I'm cruising the "beverage" isles, checking out all the goodies that come in colored bottles. If you are regular reader of BNOTP, you know where this is going. I'm determined … [Read more...]
Bottle Tree Dreams
April 14, 2010 by 31 Comments
Hi Everyone! Bottle Trees...Give me some bottle suggestions! :-) A couple of weeks ago I shared these fab pics and the history behind bottle trees, HERE. (Image from Southern Style by Mark Mayfield) Several folks left comments naming some of the drinks you can purchase that just happen to come in nice, big, colorful bottles, perfect for creating your own bottle tree. The suggestions were … [Read more...]
Bottle Trees: The Poor Man’s Stained Glass
March 28, 2010 by 48 Comments
Love this book...it's one of my favs. I look through it time and time again. Inside, I found this. Know what it is? (Image from Southern Style by Mark Mayfield) It's a bottle tree! Most often you see them in gardens, although this one looks pretty awesome on this veranda. Bottle trees go way, way, way back. Some folks think the first bottle trees were created in Africa in the 9th … [Read more...]
Finally Chose a Christmas Tree and We’re Shopping in Sundance!
November 4, 2017 by 37 Comments
Happy Weekend! Well, I finally did it! I finally pulled the trigger and ordered my very first Balsam Hill Christmas tree. It arrived yesterday and is currently setting on the floor of my entry, awaiting its unboxing. I'll do that today to make sure everything works. Not sure when I'll decorate it, there's plenty of time for that still. After much angst, this was the one I chose, the … [Read more...]
Creative Ideas For Repurposing Bottles and Jars
March 2, 2015 by 75 Comments
Welcome to the 318th Metamorphosis Monday! At some point every summer, I will make a Peach Bourbon Trifle to either take to a party or for one I'm hosting here on the porch. I found this delicious recipe in an old Southern Living magazine many years ago. When I make the trifle, I always use Blanton's bourbon. You can see it in the background of this photo taken when I posted the recipe a few years … [Read more...]
Tree Form Tardiva Hydrangea Adds Privacy and Screening To The Deck
May 28, 2014 by 62 Comments
Every year I spruce up the deck a bit for the spring/summer season. I've delayed this year because I've been getting estimates for having the porch and decks pressure washed and painted and it didn't make sense to buy plants and fill up all the pots if they were all going to have to be moved, come painting time. Once plans for a Memorial Day cookout got underway, I threw caution to the wind and started … [Read more...]
Decorate Bottles with Shells for Summer Beach Themed Decor
February 29, 2012 by 28 Comments
Yesterday, we went spring shopping in some of my fave haunts in THIS post. On our shopping trip, we spied these cuties at Big Lots. I could so see these in a summertime tablescape. Actually, they would look great almost anywhere. Imagine three lined up across a kitchen window sill with the sun lighting them up from behind. Add them to a pretty spring/summer vignette on an entry table. Or, tuck some … [Read more...]
Celebrating Spring Dining On The Porch & An Upcoming Eclipse-Watch Party
April 4, 2024 by 16 Comments
Welcome to the 810th Tablescape Thursday! It's been in the so nice and warm all this week but of course, the day I want to set a table out on the porch, it turned quite chilly with temps in the upper 50s. I didn't let that deter me, though. The porch still needs a good scrub down, I'm just waiting for pollen season to get finished. The bottle tree needs a good wash, too. Have you dived into your … [Read more...]
New Screen Doors with a Whimsical Dragonfly & Moon-Stars Design
April 18, 2022 by 52 Comments
Welcome to the 690th Metamorphosis Monday! These screened doors have been tucked away in my garage, patiently waiting to be installed for two years now. They were built to replace the doors you see on either side of the screened porch below. Naughty mice (rats?) made their own door one cold winter when they decided to homestead inside my large gas grill. … [Read more...]
Creating a Pretty, Little Beverage Station for My Home Office
April 17, 2021 by 45 Comments
Do you ever read blogs on the weekends or do you mainly just read doing the week? I often post on the weekend so was just wondering if you like to get a blog post in your Inbox on the weekend. (Pssst: If you haven't already, subscribe to get an email whenever I post here: Subscribe for Post Updates. It's completely free and will let you know when a new post is up with a link to the blog.) A few months … [Read more...]
A St. Patrick’s Day Porch: Fun Ideas for Decorating Your Porch for St. Patrick’s Day!
March 15, 2021 by 39 Comments
Welcome to the 633rd Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! We've been having the most amazing weather over the last few weeks. It was 78° out on the porch today and I couldn't wait to get out there and play a little. I turned on the fans overhead--love those soft breezes. After a bit of cleaning and sprucing, I began adding a few touches for St. Patrick's … [Read more...]
Whimsy in the Garden: Beautiful Spring Planters & Surprising Use for Bowling Balls
April 14, 2020 by 15 Comments
I love garden art and the delightful whimsy it adds to a garden. During the summer, I love to visit the garden centers in my area to see what new things they have in. I came across these fun pieces in one of the local Pike Nurseries a few years back. These colorful cows were so funny! I could see a mini herd of three gathered in one part of the garden. This whimsical pink … [Read more...]
Syracuse Orchard & Magnolia Centerpiece for a Spring Table Setting
May 9, 2019 by 62 Comments
Welcome to the 555th Tablescape Thursday! How is your week going so far? I hope you are seeing some glorious springtime weather. It has been beautiful here! I took these photos late in the day. The trees have all leafed out completely now so the porch has become very shady throughout the day. Recently, I gave all the bottles on the bottle tree a good washing. Do they look clean and … [Read more...]
A Few Porch Updates & A Garden Seat Makeover
July 9, 2018 by 46 Comments
Welcome to the 493rd Metamorphosis Monday! Did you go out of town for the July 4th week? This past week always seems like a big week for travel. This weekend has been a productive one for me as I've worked on a few things I've been putting off for a while. One chore I had been procrastinating on was giving the wicker seating group a good cleaning. I've had the two chairs and the settee (all made of … [Read more...]
Deck Updates, Great Deck Cleaner and a Little Garden Whimsy
June 4, 2018 by 57 Comments
Welcome to the 488th Metamorphosis Monday! Last week I shared some deck updates I was working on. In between all the big storms we've been having this past week, I've been working on spiffing up the deck for summer. Before In this photo from last week, you can see the decking was super dirty from all the yucky stuff that had fallen from the giant tree whose trunk you can see there at the end of the … [Read more...]
Deck “Before And After” with “Lodge Brown” Solid Stain for the Deck and Railings
October 23, 2017 by 74 Comments
Welcome to the 456th Metamorphosis Monday! Sorry this is going up a bit late. The painters are here finishing the staining of the basement door so I've been downstairs working with them this morning. The makeover of the two decks on the back of my home is complete. I like the brown railing a lot more than I ever thought I would. The stain color is Sherwin Williams, Lodge … [Read more...]
My New Mopping System and Is This Door Too Short?
September 16, 2017 by 104 Comments
How is your weekend going? I've been working on a lot of things around here and I thought I'd share some of them with you in case they are helpful. Remember this door that I shared recently in a post? It's located in a small hallway... ...that's right off my living room. The door leads down to my partially-finished-in basement...just needs paint and flooring. I had the … [Read more...]
Update for A Frye Campus Tote Organizer & Irma’s Knocking On My Door
September 10, 2017 by 47 Comments
Welcome to the 450th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm putting this post up early (Sunday evening) in case we lose power in the morning, compliments of Hurricane Irma. The bathtub is full of water, have plenty of bottled water, groceries, lanterns, batteries, phone back-up batteries and other supplies. The latest forecast for Atlanta shows tropical storm force winds of 30-45 mph with gusts to 55 mph starting … [Read more...]
A Waterproof Wicker Outdoor Lamp For The Porch
February 29, 2016 by 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...]
Beach Home on Tybee Island With A Fabulous Screened Porch
March 20, 2015 by 26 Comments
Grab your bathing suit, sunscreen and straw hat, we're headed off to the beach for the weekend! Ever been to Tybee Island? Tybee Island is an island located just off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. I've been there a few times over the years while vacationing in Savannah. You can't go to Savannah without driving over and having breakfast at The Breakfast Club. There are some absolutely stunning homes … [Read more...]
2 Beautiful Garden Table Settings
July 10, 2014 by 22 Comments
Welcome to the 304th Tablescape Thursday! I've had sooo much fun reading all of your answers to the style questions yesterday. I have a whole list of books I want to check out now and for some reason I am seriously craving chocolate! I can't imagine why! ;) I also want to visit every single place you named in your answers for question #10. If you didn't get a chance to read the comments on yesterdays … [Read more...]
A Beautiful, Enchanting Spring Garden
July 7, 2014 by 65 Comments
Welcome to the 284th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a typical Before and After to share today, but I do have a beautiful spring garden metamorphosis. I toured several gardens the weekend of Mother's Day and the one I'm sharing today was completely enchanting. Even the house had that fairy tale feel. The window boxes across the front were overflowing with beautiful … [Read more...]
In The BNOTP Library: Southern Style
May 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment
In this BNOTP Library feature, I'm sharing the book that started me on the quest to collect lots of colorful bottles. Can you guess why? In the BNOTP Library: Southern Style Author: Mark Mayfield Hardcover: 208 pages Book size: 11.5 x 9.5 x .8 inches 3 Things I Like About This Book: This is the book that made me fall in love with bottle trees and convinced … [Read more...]
Build a Potting Table, Great for Parties, Too!
February 26, 2014 by 146 Comments
Love! That perfectly describes how I felt when I saw this picture of the Abbott Potting Table online. Was it the orchids that lured me in, those wonderful old windows or was it that fabulous potting table? I've always wanted a potting bench or potting table. I was doubly smitten when I realized the table could also function as a serving table for parties! Awesome! There was just one problem, it was … [Read more...]
Ice, Ice Baby!
February 12, 2014 by 105 Comments
The ice is here and still falling. I think it ends around mid-day tomorrow. The birds don't appear to be coming to the feeders. I can't see the food so I'm pretty sure it's frozen up inside the feeder and not dropping down. Or maybe it's the ice on the ring where they would normally stand that's keeping them away. I put bird seed on the rails of the deck last night before turning in, but it's all iced over … [Read more...]
Fill Those Summer Pots and Planters Without Blowing the Budget
May 10, 2013 by 89 Comments
This past Sunday I managed to get a little planting done before the rain started back. Most of the planting took place on the deck off to the right of the porch, the one with the bottle tree. Come spring, I'm always looking for ways to spruce up and add color and life to the deck without spending a whole bunch. Bottle trees are a great way to add color and liven things up and they require no … [Read more...]
8 Months of Procrastination Finally Ends
May 6, 2013 by 70 Comments
Welcome to the 224th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. This was one of those weekends where I had a long list of things I really wanted to get done but Mother Nature had other plans. It rained "monsoon style" all day long on Saturday, but being the determined, crazy woman that I am, I dragged the tall urns from the deck onto the porch and replanted those as I had planned. … [Read more...]
Water Plants While Away on Vacation
March 12, 2013 by 52 Comments
I spent this past weekend in Highlands, North Carolina. It was a fun getaway and the weather graciously cooperated giving us unseasonably warm temps. I'll share a few pics from the trip including the home where we stayed real soon. While there, we had to do a little shopping. That's pretty much mandatory when you're visiting Highlands. There are lots of cute shops, some filled with antiques and … [Read more...]
A Christmas Tablescape on the Porch
December 6, 2012 by 76 Comments
Welcome to the 222nd Tablescape Thursday! Here we are, on the porch in December! This is the very first tablescape I've ever created on the porch during the month of December. With temps in the 70's, I couldn't resist. Seems a little strange having a bottle tree in view while gazing at a Christmas table setting. This regal-looking guy was the inspiration for this weeks tablescape. I … [Read more...]
Getting Organized: It’s the Garage This Time
October 29, 2012 by 93 Comments
Welcome to the 197th Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever done this? Sunday I drove over to the dollar store in search of a clear glass vase or some clear glass votives for a little project I had in mind for Met Monday. I found votives that were just right but didn't put them in the shopping cart immediately. I thought I'd look around the store a bit to make sure they were what I really wanted to … [Read more...]
Wake Up the Porch & Decks for Spring
April 9, 2012 by 53 Comments
Welcome to the 168th Metamorphosis Monday! Preparing the Porch and Decks for Spring: Cleaning and Planting At the start of this past winter, I decided to try something new. Instead of tossing the big geranium that lives all summer on the porch, and the three smaller ones visible behind this summer table setting below, I tucked them all away in my garage for the winter. Amazingly, they lived. They … [Read more...]
Christmas Historic Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia
December 9, 2011 by 33 Comments
Last Saturday I went on a Christmas (historic) home tour in Marietta, Georgia with a friend. We had so much fun! The weather was great...not too cold, just cloudy. I took a lot of exterior pics and was able to capture bunches of pics inside two beautiful homes included in the tour. I'll share the interior shots soon, but for now, here are the sights we saw along the way. The … [Read more...]
August 2011: A Look in the Rear-View Mirror
September 3, 2011 by 7 Comments
Thanks so much for sharing your fave decorating and design books in the comments on this morning's post. I love the fantasy "Buttonchief7" shared in her comment. Made me laugh! I think I have the same fantasy. Here's a little recap of all the events here at BNOTP for the month of August, complete with links in case you missed a post or would just like to revisit it. Thanks so much for visiting and … [Read more...]
Easy Centerpiece for a Spring Table Setting
May 5, 2011 by 58 Comments
Welcome to the 141st Tablescape Thursday! If you remember this Bottle Tree post, you already know I've been collecting bottles for several months in hopes of creating a bottle tree some day. Recently, I found the perfect tree for the bottles. It was just what I had dreamed up in my head. Unfortunately, when I checked on the price, it was much more than I wanted to spend. Rats! In the meantime, I've … [Read more...]
Under the Tuscan Sun: Bramasole
March 14, 2011 by 84 Comments
Under the Tuscan Sun Movie House Tour: Tour Bramasole After a wonderful day out playing in the sunshine and searching for a "steal-your-heart" tole chandelier, I came home and pulled out one of my favorite movies, Under the Tuscan Sun, for a little inspiration. I remembered a scene with a lovely antique, tole chandelier. As I watched the movie, I realized this whole movie is really a huge "Before … [Read more...]
Beautiful Nymphenburg Tablescape
April 15, 2010 by 82 Comments
Welcome to the 86th Tablescape Thursday! Hi Everyone! Hope you've had a wonderful Wednesday! When I attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, we used to have Wonderful Wednesday every week. On Wednesdays, there were no classes! We were supposed to spend the time studying or attending special lectures, but in truth, most of us slept in and caught up on school work...or goofed off! Follow-up to … [Read more...]
A Horse-Themed Table Setting In Honor Of The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
May 23, 2024 by 16 Comments
Welcome to the 817th Tablescape Thursday! When Elena emailed to share a special table she created for an upcoming event, I could not wait to share it with you. It's a "theme" that I've never featured before for a Tablescape Thursday. Elena said, "I think you know we live in Saratoga Springs, NY home of Health, History and Horses. Health is for the baths and our famous mineral waters, History from the … [Read more...]
So Many February Favorites!
March 9, 2024 by 5 Comments
Happy weekend! What are you up to this weekend? It's been raining non-stop here for a few days, but I think it may finally slow down a bit today. I hope so, I never thought I was a person to be affected by weather, but I think this non-stop rain is starting to get to me. I need some sunshine! I had way too many favorites during the month of February to share them all, so I have tried to narrow it down to … [Read more...]
Beautiful Hand-Crafted Christmas Ornaments + A Way To Save On Baccarat Rouge 540
December 18, 2023 by 20 Comments
Welcome to the 777th Metamorphosis Monday! Wow, hard to believe Christmas is just a week away now! Lovely Norma (who lives in France) shared a few photos of her tree for this year and it's beautiful! Norma makes a lot of her ornaments by hand so I love seeing how she designs/decorates her tree each year. Her tree is so elegant this year--dressed in gold, silver, and white! As mentioned, … [Read more...]
3 Fun, Easy Gift Wrapping Ideas For Your Holiday Gifts
December 12, 2023 by 18 Comments
Every year the decision looms--how will I wrap my Christmas gifts this year? Sometimes I make a trip to HomeGoods or a nearby store to check out the gift wrap, but for other years, I have enough to work with in my current stash of wrapping paper. If you're looking for a few gift-wrapping ideas this year, here are three ideas that I've done in the past that were easy and stress-free. Option 1: One idea … [Read more...]
2023 Version Of 21 Favorites That I Buy Over And Over Again–Can’t Do Without Them!
June 28, 2023 by 6 Comments
Last summer I created a post where I shared 21 things I buy over and over again because they are just that awesome! I thought it would be fun to do that same post again for 2023. I'm sure there are going to be some repeats because that's what it's all about--those things that I love so much that I can't and won't stop buying them! I know I'm a broken record about these Ecco Yucatan sandals but I can't … [Read more...]
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.” A Candlelit Table for Halloween
October 6, 2022 by 24 Comments
Welcome to the 732nd Tablescape Thursday! I rarely buy new dinnerware these days since I have plenty for entertaining and such, but every once in a while I'll stumble across some salad plates that steal my heart and I can't pass them up. One of my favorite Halloween decorations, maybe even my favorite, are these spooky blackbirds that I came across quite a few years back in Hobby Lobby. … [Read more...]
Dramatic Garage Makeover with New Lighting, Fresh Paint and New Flooring!
August 8, 2022 by 109 Comments
Welcome to the 706th Metamorphosis Monday! There are so many things I would love to share in this post but if I share everything that's happened through this garage renovation, this post would be a million miles long--and ain't nobody got time for that! Today we'll just enjoy the transformation which is pretty darn dramatic! A little back story: Does something ever needle at you and then one day you … [Read more...]
Keeping Potted Plants Watered While Away On Vacation
June 6, 2022 by 15 Comments
Welcome to the 697th Metamorphosis Monday! Wow, what a week it's been here in Birthday Land! Things are beginning to wind down a bit, but the partying isn't over quite yet--we still have one more birthday to celebrate. Speaking of birthdays, you may remember last year I gave my son a Yeti Cooler. I can't remember now if that was a birthday gift or an early Christmas gift, but it was still … [Read more...]
My October Favorites Including Christmas Gifts for Family & Friends
November 7, 2020 by 14 Comments
I've been doing a fair amount of Christmas shopping for family over the last few weeks. Today I had planned to share some of my Christmas finds when I realized I had never done a favorites post for the month of October. So this post is a little of both--my favorites from October and some of the Christmas gifts I've purchased for friends and family. This awesome storage pouch definitely makes the … [Read more...]
This is What Happens to a Porch When You Abandon it for 3 Months! It Ain’t Pretty!
June 15, 2020 by 72 Comments
Welcome to the 594th Metamorphosis Monday! It was a long drive back home, but it actually passed quickly as I listened to the book, My Friend, Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress, via Audible. I think the book is going to be made into a movie. Actually, it would probably make a better movie than it did a book--the book definitely drags at times where I think the movie would be pretty … [Read more...]
A Beautiful Wintry Tablescape in Navy, White and Gold
January 21, 2020 by 13 Comments
Have you ever thought about creating an "After Christmas" table? Darlene, a lovely BNOTP reader has had this table in mind for many years and this year she made it come true. Darlene said, "Wanted to show you my "after Christmas table." For several years I have wanted to do one, but this year I made it happen. I was in our Big Lots prior to Christmas and saw beautiful table linens in navy blue with gold … [Read more...]
Beautiful Table Setting with Vintage Hutschenreuther China & A Love Story
April 4, 2019 by 29 Comments
Welcome to the 550th Tablescape Thursday! Warren and Kathie love to entertain. Recently Warren shared photos of a beautiful spring table he put together for friends. Warren said, "I set the table for our friends who are sharing 75th birthdays. Most of the glassware and china are family heirlooms made by Hutschenreuther, Huntington Glass, Fostoria Glass and Heisey Glass." "I found the … [Read more...]
Dinner in the 1902 Restaurant, Old Cataract Hotel, Aswan Egypt
January 10, 2019 by 25 Comments
Welcome to the 536th Tablescape Thursday! Last October, I spent 15 days traveling across Egypt with my friend, Teresa. That trip was definitely one of the most exciting and mysterious, bucket-list trips I've ever been on. In a word, it was awesome--Disney Rash and all! lol During the trip to Egypt, we had a rather interesting adventure during a visit to the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan. … [Read more...]
Create a Little Snack Center, A Small Thank-you to Our Delivery Men & Women
November 30, 2018 by 48 Comments
My day had a not-so-great start. I awoke, turned on my computer and it began making an odd whirring sound. I think the fan in the CPU tower has gone out. Again. ~~~sigh~~~ It shut down by itself and made a terrible "siren" sound when I attempted to restart it. So I'll be packing a lunch (because it takes that long to get there and back!) and driving to the other side of Atlanta today to leave it for … [Read more...]
Packing for Travel to Egypt and a Cruise Along the Nile River
September 29, 2018 by 51 Comments
In a few short weeks, I'll be heading off on a new adventure. I'll be leaving for a 16-day trip to Egypt. This will be my third time visiting the continent of Africa--somehow it keeps drawing me back. It's going to be quite hot in Egypt, I'm guessing very much like the summers here in Georgia but with less humidity since it's really a desert environment. Today I'm sharing the wardrobe I plan to pack, … [Read more...]
Lots of Little Tweaks, An Office Update
April 11, 2018 by 29 Comments
Yesterday was a non-stop day and I still feel like I have so much left to do. Do you get this way come spring? I want everything spiffied up and organized for spring--and I want it right now! lol I did too much stuff yesterday to share it all, but thought I'd share a few fun things, as well as a little splurge that arrived mid-day. I spent part of the day trimming off dead branches from the Standard … [Read more...]
Inside Ballynahinch Castle: Take a Tour of this Romantic Irish Castle
February 2, 2018 by 22 Comments
I've been dying to take you inside Ballynahinch Castle ever since I returned from Ireland, but it has taken a while to get through all the photos I took. Pictures could never do this beautiful castle justice, but at least they will give you a little idea of how magical it feels to stay there. In this post I'm sharing a mix of photos, some taken by me and some from the Ballynahinch Castle website. Those … [Read more...]
My 10 Favorite Home & Home-Making Related Purchases of 2017
January 27, 2018 by 37 Comments
Happy weekend! How's your weekend going? If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you probably know I'm not a fan of scary movies, but I may try watching Winchester (starring Helen Mirren) with my hands over my eyes. lol The movie is hitting theaters in early February, but I'll most likely wait until it comes to Amazon since I can't imagine seeing a scary movie on the wide-screen! … [Read more...]
10 Unique Gift Ideas and An Awesome Sale!
November 11, 2017 by 32 Comments
Yesterday I bought a Christmas tree. It's still in its box in the back of my SUV. I have a couple of more places I want to check before I unbox it and put it up. I like it much better than the Balsam Hill tree I purchased recently, and it was half the price! I'm not sure I'll ever buy another tree without first seeing it in person. Hope to share it with you all decorated real soon. 10 Unique Gift … [Read more...]
You’re Invited to a French “Queen Bee” Party!
June 22, 2017 by 49 Comments
Welcome to the 457th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I shared Debbie's wonderful, 3rd Annual, My Favorite Things, party. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Breakfast at Tiffany's Brunch Event. I asked Debbie if she took photos of her first My Favorite Things party which she planned with a "French Queen Bee" theme, and she did! A couple of days ago I shared three adorable bee-themed wreaths … [Read more...]
A Patriotic Porch & A Refreshing Drink for Summer Gatherings
May 29, 2017 by 62 Comments
Welcome to the 435th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Mine was busy, but fun! This weekend I finally took time to reattach the covers over the swing chains. I had taken them off this spring to wash once the pollen attack was over, and had just never gotten around to putting them back on. It requires climbing a tall step ladder which always yields … [Read more...]
Ralph Lauren, Seashore Dinnerware & A Shirt I Liked So Much, I Bought It Twice
May 9, 2017 by 49 Comments
A few weeks ago I drove into Buckhead (Atlanta) to shop at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. I was in search of Dior's Tribale earrings. (Read more about that trip here: The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.) Well, I must be a glutton for punishment because I did it again, only this time I headed to Lenox Square to try on some shoes. I had ordered them a 1/2 size up like all the reviews online at Nordstrom had … [Read more...]
A Much Wanted Shirt Is Found & Spring Wardrobe Updates
February 13, 2017 by 57 Comments
Welcome to 420th Metamorphosis Monday! Did you hear a crazy woman screaming on February 5th? If you did, that was me having a happy fit when Elaine, a reader of BNOTP, e-mailed to say she had seen the birding shirt I've been trying to find forever for sale on Etsy. I leapt over to Etsy and couldn't believe my eyes! The ad stated that it was brand new and had never been worn. I think it will fit based on … [Read more...]
Halloween in Pumpkin Hollow: Whimsical Table Setting
October 20, 2016 by 57 Comments
Welcome to the 422nd Tablescape Thursday! The leaves in my yard are changing color and both they and the acorns are falling like crazy right now. The oak tree in my front yard must have a special vendetta against my home. It's hurling acorns day and night at my bedroom windows and the metal roof of the front porch. Who knew autumn could be so violent. And noisy! lol Despite the falling leaves, the … [Read more...]
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...]
Romantic Candlelight Dinner on the Porch
July 28, 2016 by 77 Comments
Welcome to the 410th Tablescape Thursday! I've been saving clear bottles for a couple of years in hopes of one day creating this table setting. I was surprised by how long it took to save the bottles, seems like every tall drink comes in a colored bottle. Recently when I was cleaning out the garage and came across the bottles, I decided it was finally time to put this little table together here on the … [Read more...]
10 Easy Centerpieces Anyone Can Make for a Spring or Summer Celebration
March 10, 2016 by 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...]
Favorite Finds, Free Monogramming and an Ingenious Device
February 2, 2016 by 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...]
26 Holiday Gifts They’ll Never Return
December 11, 2015 by 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...]
A Roasted Pumpkin Soup For Cozy, Fall Dinners
November 6, 2015 by 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...]
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...]
4th of July Nautical Table Setting
July 9, 2015 by 48 Comments
Welcome to the 355th Tablescape Thursday! So, remember that table setting I didn't get to post last week because a big storm came along and put an end to any thoughts of taking pictures for the day? It's a week late, but better late than never, right? I ended up setting this table with two different centerpieces. The first centerpiece was a flag and … [Read more...]
15 Products I Use and Love
June 10, 2015 by 49 Comments
It's been a while since I put together a post where I share the products I love, the ones that make my life better or a whole lot easier. This past weekend while visiting my son and daughter-in-law, my dil and I started talking about some of the things we enjoy using like hair products, lotions, etc... Today I'm sharing them all with you and if they are still available, I'll link to them where I … [Read more...]
Goodbye Squirrel Highway
October 10, 2014 by 32 Comments
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on whether I should move the Savannah Holly I planted recently back a little toward the house, or leave it where I had planted it. In case you missed that post, I planted a Savannah Holly tree at the right corner of my home as kind of an anchor plant for that end of the house. The landscape plan created by a landscape designer last year indicated the tree should be … [Read more...]
Frightfully Fun Tablescapes For Halloween!
October 9, 2014 by 30 Comments
Welcome to the 317th Tablescape Thursday! Ever since I met Marie a couple of years ago, Halloween has taken a huge leap forward in the FUN department. Marie lives life with tremendous joy and I have to tell you, it's contagious! Recently I took you on a tour of the outside of her home all decorated for Halloween. We're going inside this week for Tablescape Thursday and I can't wait to share the tables … [Read more...]
A Spooky Halloween Hutch
September 29, 2014 by 62 Comments
Welcome to the 296th Metamorphosis Monday! Did you have a good weekend? I spent mine getting a few things done here around the house. I also played a little out on the porch, changing the hutch from its summertime look to something fun and just a tad spooky! Postcards From The Porch Before I share the hutch update, I wanted to say a big thank you to all the lovely folks who took time to … [Read more...]
Just Like Heaven
September 19, 2014 by 23 Comments
I've never been much of a big city girl but after seeing the movie, Just Like Heaven, I'm wondering if I should reconsider. Oh my goodness...cutest apartment EVER! Okay, it still has some serious competition from Bronte's apartment in the movie, Greencard, but the rooftop garden and view is a close competitor for the to-die-for greenhouse in Greencard. It's been a while since I watched Just Like … [Read more...]
Make Pine Cone Napkin Rings for a Nature-Themed Table Setting
December 3, 2013 by 19 Comments
I absolutely love it when readers of Between Naps on the Porch are inspired by something they've seen here in a post. Recently, I received an e-mail from Terri who had seen something in this past fall table setting that she really liked. Can you guess what it was? I guess the title of this post sort of gave it away, huh? Tablescape can be viewed here: Woodland or Nature-Themed Table Setting Yep, … [Read more...]
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...]
Goodbye Mildew and Mold, Hello Shiny Clean Porch!
October 7, 2013 by 63 Comments
Welcome to the 245th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I shared an update to the front porch area of my home when I added two boxwood topiaries on either side of the porch. From a distance the porch looked pretty clean in the photos. If you look closely though, you'll see grayish streaks on the columns and the molding around the door. This spring and summer has been the wettest I've ever known … [Read more...]
A Whimsical Spring Table Setting with a Floral Centerpiece
May 2, 2013 by 89 Comments
Welcome to the 242nd Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for your generous comments yesterday regarding the live interview I participated in with Bekah and Lynne from the Mid-Morning show at WBCL. You are so supportive, always got my back. Thank you! It's good to stretch our wings and try new things and I feel so blessed by the wonderful dearhearts I've met via blogging. That includes YOU! ♥ After … [Read more...]
Make a Starfish Napkin Ring: A Pottery Barn Knock-off
March 18, 2013 by 106 Comments
Welcome to the 217th Metamorphosis Monday! This week for Met Monday, I'm sharing a crafty Before and After. I made a quick pass through Pottery Barn a few nights ago and spied some cute starfish napkin rings. It's kind of hard to see in this pic I snagged from the PB site here, but the ring part of the napkin ring is covered in jute yarn. I couldn't tell what the yarn was wrapped around while in the … [Read more...]
You Made That from What?
March 19, 2012 by 55 Comments
Welcome to the 165th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing some neat little transformations you can make right at home. I was inspired by this wood tray I saw in a local Ballard Designs Outlet recently on a shopping trip. Come a bit closer and take a look. Not the greatest pics since they were taken with my camera phone and it's dark inside Ballard Designs...but I think … [Read more...]
Practical Magic
October 15, 2011 by 96 Comments
Last October, I posted a movie house tour featuring one of my favorite comedy movies, The Burbs, starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fischer. The Burbs is a fun movie to watch around Halloween time. It's not scary or gory, just mysterious and funny. (Tour that movie house here: The Burbs.) When I posted about The Burbs, several folks suggested I post a tour of the Victorian house in the movie, Practical … [Read more...]
Near Abductions: My Story
August 3, 2011 by 128 Comments
Sometimes you see something on TV and it hits home. A couple of weeks ago, I caught part of the show, 60 Minutes. They were interviewing two young ladies who had been kidnapped as children but were miraculously able to escape a few days after their abduction. That virtually never happens...escaping. The abuse they suffered permanently altered their lives in very negative ways. They still struggle today … [Read more...]
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
May 27, 2011 by 67 Comments
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: Touring Mercer House I've just recently returned from a few days in the port city, Savannah and my trip had me thinking about the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The movie was based on the book of the same title written by author, John Berendt. I've visited this beautiful Georgia city several times over the years, including back in June 1995, the … [Read more...]
A Christmas Story
December 10, 2010 by 56 Comments
An Iconic Christmas Movie: Update: The following tour is a tour of the movie with pictures taken from the movie itself. In July 2014 I had the opportunity to travel to Cleveland, Ohio where I toured the actual home featured in the movie. I created four posts sharing this Victorian home in detail, including the exterior, the neighborhood and the interior of the home which has been fully restored back to its … [Read more...]
Party Planning
November 11, 2010 by 73 Comments
Welcome to the 116th Tablescape Thursday! Party Planning Week: It's Party Planning Week here at BNOTP. So far this week: Monday we talked about the many ways available for sending out your party invitations . Tuesday was all about preparing and readying our home for the big day. And on Wednesday, I shared a fun gift-exchange game guests always love. Today is all about centerpieces and how to arrange the … [Read more...]
