Before we get into today's post, little reminder that this next Monday (August 27th) is our 500th Metamorphosis Monday party! Wowza! So amazing that 500 weeks have passed since Met Monday got first started, yet I haven't aged a day! ;) har har. I bet you haven't either! :) For next week's Metamorphosis Monday, if you would like, please share a photo (or two) of 5-10 of your most favorite "Before and … [Read more...]
Search Results for: giraffe manor
Protecting Vachetta Leather & Giraffe Manor Featured in Harper’s Bazaar
August 22, 2018 by 36 Comments
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
24 Charger Plate Designs, Including Several DIY-Low Cost Options
October 20, 2022 by 33 Comments
Welcome to the 734th Tablescape Thursday! Back on June 1, 2017, I shared my entire charger plate collection in one post. Since then, I've added 7 new charger designs to my collection and donated two sets. The two sets I decided to no longer keep are the large corn platter (top right corner) and the watermelon platter at the bottom right corner. The reason I decided to part with those is … [Read more...]
10 Questions & My Answers–Can’t Wait to Read Yours!
July 14, 2021 by 80 Comments
Last night as I was getting ready for bed, I had this idea for a fun post. Below you'll find 10 questions that I came up with (and answered) but the main reason I thought of these questions is because I really want to hear your answers! (I've relisted the questions at the bottom of this post so you can share your answers in the comments.) I really struggled with a few of these, they … [Read more...]
June Favorites & A Miracle Cleaner That Saved My White Cabinet from Ruin
July 17, 2020 by 32 Comments
We're already halfway through July and I just realized I never shared my favorites from the month of June. These Lilly Pulitzer inspired masks are at the top of that list. When I'm out and about these days, it's mostly just for a stop by the grocery store or the bird store for more birdseed. Every single time I wear one of these, someone compliments them. I had to stop by my Endocrinologist's office … [Read more...]
Let’s Take a Virtual Vacation: Hawaii, Ireland, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and More!
July 15, 2020 by 8 Comments
I'm sure this isn't the summer you planned or the one you envisioned. Instead of a relaxing beach trip or a trip to the mountains, instead of traveling across the country to visit friends or family, instead of a trip to Europe or other far-flung places, most of us are staying home away from the airports and crowds. Home feels safer right now, at least it's familiar. So how about today we take a few … [Read more...]
An Absolutely Ducky Idea for Shelving in a Bathroom or Linen Closet
September 2, 2019 by 42 Comments
Welcome to the 553rd Metamorphosis Monday! How about a little silly fun for your Labor Day? Happy Labor Day to you, btw. I hope you are resting somewhere with your feet propped up, fruity drink in hand. Those are my plans for this afternoon! :) First off I have to state, this is NOT where I store my linens. I put this bit of fun together last night just so I could share a hilarious, adorable idea that … [Read more...]
The Jungle-Safari Tablescape That Almost Was
July 11, 2019 by 36 Comments
Welcome to the 564th Tablescape Thursday! Remember these adorable jungle print melamine plates I shared in a post a couple of months back? I think I mentioned in that previous post that I'd be taking them to Ohio to create a fun table setting for my grandsons. (Jungle plates are available here: Jungle Plates.) Last summer, during the month of May, I put together a fun seaside table for … [Read more...]
5 Ways To Save Big For Travel Abroad
September 5, 2018 by 33 Comments
I've always wanted to travel and see more of this big, beautiful world, but for many years traveling outside the United States seemed like just a dream, something other folks did but I would never be able to afford. After I retired, Wanderlust really set in. The one place I had always wanted to visit more than any place else was Italy. With more free time on my hands, I started researching … [Read more...]
Where I Find the Best Travel Deals & Some Amazing Deals Available Right Now
June 6, 2018 by 29 Comments
Recently I shared a post where I highlighted a few items I always take when I travel abroad. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: 5 Essentials for Traveling Internationally. I love the comments you leave on posts--always learn new things from you with each and every post. The interactions and discussions in the comments are wonderful, appreciate those so much. On that particular post linked … [Read more...]
Seeking A Dream-Like Experience
March 21, 2018 by 35 Comments
Thanks sooo much for all your input yesterday on my cushion dilemma on the porch. So many great ideas and suggestions! A few days ago, a couple I follow on Instagram posted a beautiful picture taken on Sea Island where they were vacationing. It was a beautiful alley of Oak trees and very similar to the iconic photo so often shared in magazines of Oak Alley Plantation. In the Instagram post, they … [Read more...]
Travel Insurance: Does It Work and Is It Actually Worth Purchasing?
February 27, 2018 by 57 Comments
When you travel, do you usually purchase trip insurance? I remember when I booked my very first trip out of the country in fall 2015, the travel company with whom I booked my trip recommended trip insurance. I did purchase insurance, but not from them. I shopped around a bit and ended up going with a company that was recommended by the insurance/investment company with whom I insure my home … [Read more...]
A Safari, Travel-Inspired Bedroom Guaranteed to Delight Any Guest
February 26, 2018 by 25 Comments
Welcome to the 474th Metamorphosis Monday! Delphine enjoys traveling and has collected some wonderful memorabilia over the years. When she designed her guest room, she was inspired to decorate in a delightful travel/safari theme What a fabulous idea for a guest room since anyone lucky enough to sleep here would most likely love all things, travel. For this travel-themed bedroom, Delphine … [Read more...]
Stylish Summer Sandals & Hard-to-Find, Rebecca de Ravenel Earrings
June 23, 2017 by 32 Comments
Earlier in the spring, I purchased this cute, wicker handbag. I have so enjoyed carrying it this spring. Everywhere I go people comment and ask me about it. I don't think I've ever carried a bag that brought so many compliments! Even the sales associates in my local Talbots love it. At first, they asked if it was one of their bags. It looks like it should be! Keeping my wicker bag in mind, I went … [Read more...]
17 Charger Plate Ideas for Your Next Dinner Party
June 1, 2017 by 76 Comments
Welcome to the 454th Tablescape Thursday! Whenever I set a table for friends or family, I often use a charger plate underneath the dinner plate. I love the way they enhance a setting, adding another pretty layer and providing a base for each place setting. They are also practical as they help catch drips that would otherwise fall on the table or tablecloth. Back in early 2008, before I ever began … [Read more...]
Hat Storage That’s Both Functional and Decorative
April 2, 2017 by 56 Comments
Welcome to the 427th Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of months ago I purchased this adorable sunhat pictured below. After it arrived, I liked it so much I ordered a second one in the navy-ribbon style. With my hat collection rapidly growing, I decided it was time to find a better way to store them other than just tossing them onto the top shelf of my master bedroom closet where they were impossible to … [Read more...]
When You’re on Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part II
February 28, 2017 by 51 Comments
Thanks so much for all the comments on Sunday's post where I shared many of the animals we saw during our safaris out into the Kenyan bush on a trip to Africa in fall, 2015. In this second post, I'm sharing a few more of the beautiful and amazing creatures we saw during our many game drives. We came across so many groups/families of elephants while out on safari. There were always babies around so we … [Read more...]
When You’re On Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part I
February 26, 2017 by 44 Comments
In September 2015, I took a six day trip to Kenya. While there I stayed at the beautiful safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, where we took two game drives each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That trip was the first time I had ever traveled to another country and though it was brief, every single moment was filled with wonder and enchantment. It's All About the Animals I've blogged and shared … [Read more...]
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...]
Antiquing at the Queen of Hearts & Other Fave Finds
August 12, 2016 by 35 Comments
So remember that "safari" table I created a while back, the one where I used the giraffe glasses I bought in the gift shop of Giraffe Manor when I was on safari in Kenya? Where were these plates when I needed them?! If you are in need of cute giraffe or zebra plates, you'll find these here: Giraffe Plates & Zebra Plates I think I need to buy some to go with my giraffe … [Read more...]
11 Impossibly Romantic Homes That Made My Heart Beat Just a Little Faster
July 29, 2016 by 15 Comments
This morning I fell down the rabbit hole. It started out innocently as I revisited (and drooled over) a home I had previously shared. I fell in love all over again. Then I visited another and another. I've posted tours of some really wonderful homes over the years and you'll find them all under the "Home Tours" category at the top of the blog. I chose a few this morning that have a romantic storybook … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
A Birthday Celebration With A Safari-Themed Table Setting
September 10, 2015 by 35 Comments
Welcome to the 364th Tablescape Thursday! I have the most delightful, imaginative table setting to share with you today! Wait until you see the dessert! :) This table is one I especially enjoyed looking at again since I'll be heading off to Africa this Tuesday. If you would like to come along on my adventures during my week-long trip to Kenya, sign up to receive daily blog post updates via email here: … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Dreaming of Travel to Faraway Places
March 7, 2021 by 18 Comments
I'm reminiscing today...dreaming and reminiscing about travel to faraway places. If you are craving a little travel excursion today, check out the following posts. (Click the title of any post to view it.) A Visit to the Giza Plateau, the Last Remaining Member of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World Dining at Mama's Fish House in Maui, Hawaii Tour the Belleek Pottery … [Read more...]
The One Part of Travel I Always Dread and a New Tactic for Managing It
March 4, 2017 by 47 Comments
Email Update: I just noticed today that the company I use to send out emails for BNOTP, has been using the wrong return email address. It's been changed to the correct one which is [email protected] . So please add that address to your "approved contacts" or your email addresses. That will help to ensure that you'll receive email updates when a new post is up here on the blog. If you're one … [Read more...]
