Upgraded My Carry-On, Plus 10 Must-Haves I Always Take Along Whenever I Travel

Welcome to the 790th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you have any big travel plans coming up this spring or summer? I don't have anything specific planned just yet, but I hope to focus on seeing more of the USA. There are so many wonderful states that I've never been to or explored. A few months back, I updated my carry-on bag. I very much liked my Away bag, but unfortunately when I purchased it, Away was not … [Read more...]


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Been A Long Time Since I’ve Seen This Many Beautiful Spring Temptations!

Welcome to the 807th Tablescape Thursday! I definitely have spring on the brain these days. We've been having the most spectacular weather, lots of wonderful sunshine and beautiful blue skies! This wonderful weather put me in the mood yesterday to do some spring shopping, and oh my gosh, I found so many beautiful temptations! This beautiful table was just inside the front door when I visited Williams Sonoma … [Read more...]


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How I Plan To Stop My Car From Being Stolen While Pumping Gas

Have you been hearing about this latest issue where people are having their cars stolen literally right out from under their noses? Yesterday, I saw a video about this particular incident below that happened a few days ago. A woman had just finished pumping gas into her SUV and was replacing the gas cap when a thief jumped into her vehicle and drove off with her SUV, her handbag, and everything else she had … [Read more...]


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How I Repaired A Loose Strap Keeper On My Pochette Metis Hand Bag

Welcome to the 789th Metamorphosis Monday! Almost six years ago, in August 2018, I purchased a Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis bag in the Reverse Monogram style. This bag has been a workhorse! It's the bag I wear during the fall/winter months the most, especially on days when it's pouring rain and I have a ton of errands to run. It's impervious to rain, and when wearing it crossbody it somehow becomes one with … [Read more...]


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So Many February Favorites!

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...]


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20 St. Patrick’s Day Table Settings & A Fun 4-Leaf-Clover Napkin Fold

Welcome to the 806th Tablescape Thursday! St. Patrick's Day is coming up fast, just ten days away! If you need a little inspiration for your St. Paddy's Day celebrations, you'll find 20 festive St. Patrick's Day tables linked below. At the end of this post, I'm sharing a fun 4-leaf clover napkin fold that would look great on your St. Patrick's Day table this year. Happy St. Patrick's Day!  ☘️ Click any … [Read more...]


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A Bee-utiful Solution For My Tool Chest & Other Dinged or Dented Stainless Appliances

Thanks so much for all your great suggestions in the comments of Monday's post! If you missed that post, I was troubleshooting possible solutions for getting rid of a really noticeable dent that somehow appeared on the front of this large tool chest here in the garage during the time the garage was being painted.   One suggestion made in the comments that, unfortunately, wouldn't work in this … [Read more...]


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2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back: Why Do Gains Always Seem To Include Losses?

Welcome to the 788th Metamorphosis Monday! Having lived in the same house a long time, I've been through quite a few renovations and updates over the years, some small and some that were pretty big. I don't mean this to sound pessimistic, and I say this with a big sigh accompanied by a very big eye-roll, but with every single update I've ever completed in my home, it seems like something has always had to … [Read more...]


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Romantic Dining For Two, Including A Beautiful Raspberry Lemon Cake Dessert

Welcome to the 805th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Leap Year Day! Earlier this week I shared a beautiful Valentine's Day table setting that Martha created for her Supper Club. If you missed that table setting, you'll find it here: Velvet & Sequins for Metamorphosis Monday—Pretty Daffodils, Too!)   That tablescape had an interesting change made, a twist ending that I just recently learned … [Read more...]


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My Absolute Favorites For Spring Cleaning The Porches And The Garage

Update: Just noticed that Talbots has made their 25% off sale even better with 40% off any one item and 25% off everything else. You the code SPRING40 to get 40% off any one item. If you missed my spring favorites post, you'll find it here: Getting a Jump on My Spring Wardrobe, Everything is Currently on Sale. You'll find the Talbots spring sale here: Talbots Spring Sale. The temps here this week have … [Read more...]


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Velvet & Sequins For Metamorphosis Monday—Pretty Daffodils, Too!

Welcome to the 787th Metamorphosis Monday! So I had an exciting weekend! Not! After an appliance repairman diagnosed and fixed an icemaker problem (it's ALWAYS the icemaker, isn't it?!) I spent the weekend giving my refrigerator a full, top-to-bottom cleaning that included pulling out all the shelves and drawers and replacing two smallish light bulbs inside, one of which had burned out at some point … [Read more...]


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Getting A Jump On My Spring Wardrobe, Everything Is Currently On Sale!

Update: Just noticed that Talbots has made their 25% off sale even better with 40% off any one item and 25% off everything else. Use the code SPRING40 to get 40% off any one item. You'll find the Talbots spring sale here: Talbots Spring Sale. A few days ago someone asked about this adorable bunny vase that I've had for a few years. I was worried I'd have to deliver bad news that it was no longer … [Read more...]


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Celebrating The Coming Of Spring With A Table Full Of Sunshine!

Welcome to the 804th Tablescape Thursday! Oh my gosh, we've had the most beautiful, sunshiny weather the last few days! I've never thought of myself as being someone who is affected by sunshine, or the lack thereof, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm one of those folks. I've definitely had more energy and felt a lot more zip in my step with all the glorious sunshine we've been experiencing. Do you notice … [Read more...]


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Installing A New Bluebird House For My Backyard Bluebirds

Welcome to the 786th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! Many, many years ago when my son was in elementary school, I worked at the Chattahoochee Nature Center as a volunteer. Back then, on weekends during the month of October, the Nature Center would host educational Halloween Hikes through the woods that surround the nature center. The hikes also ran out the boardwalk that runs alongside … [Read more...]


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All My Favorites For Spring and Summer

Happy Weekend! My head is completely in spring/summer mode now. With the daylight staying with us a little bit longer each day and my daffodils all poking their little heads up out of the ground, I know that spring is almost here and I can't wait!   With spring just around the corner, I thought this would be a great time to share some of my favorites that I love and use on repeat during the … [Read more...]


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2 Beautiful Valentine’s Day Tables—One Created By A Loving Hubby & One That’s Budget Friendly

Welcome to the 803rd Tablescape Thursday! I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day yesterday! ❤️  I know for sure Brenda did because she wrote, "I wanted to share with you a Valentine's table setting my husband set all himself and surprised me. Normally I am the lead and he is what he calls himself “the beast of burden” carrying things in and out."   Brenda's hubby created the … [Read more...]


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A Festive Mardi Gras Tablescape With A Stunningly Beautiful Centerpiece!

Today was Mardi Gras! I didn't even realize that until halfway through the day. I bet if I lived in New Orleans, I would have been a lot more aware. I was curious about the dates for Mardi Gras—for some reason I was thinking it was normally in March. I did a bit of research and learned that the Carnival season always begins on Jan. 6, which is King’s Day (Feast of the Epiphany) and Mardi Gras day, also … [Read more...]


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How To Make A Decorative Bee Skep For Spring Decorating Or A Spring Centerpiece

Welcome to the 785th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Week! I have a fun spring craft for you this week! I don't know why but I always get a bit apprehensive when I try to make something I've never made before. I think that's the perfectionist in me coming out. Argggh! I've been working on an idea for a spring table setting, and for the centerpiece, I'd like to use a decorative bee skep. The prices of … [Read more...]


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My January Favorites + A Couple of Extras That Couldn’t Wait!

Happy Weekend! Okay, I'm cheating a little. This is supposed to be a January Favorites post but I want to share this with you now because I expect it will sell out pretty quickly. A few days ago I purchased this adorable Spring/Easter-themed LEGO set for my grandsons, and I thought it was so cute (and reasonably priced) that I ended up buying one for myself. I love that LEGO keeps coming out with these sets … [Read more...]


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Romantic Valentine’s Day Table Setting With Heart Cake Dessert & Spring Tulips

Welcome to the 802nd Tablescape Thursday! With Valentine's Day just a week away, I decided it was time to bake some cute heart cakes. It has been ages since I made these for Valentine's.   I did the dumbest thing this time, though! I always, always grease and flour a cake pan when baking a regular layer cake, but for some crazy reason, I didn't flour the heart cake pan after greasing it this … [Read more...]


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Cake Flour vs All-Purpose Flour, Swedish Pearl Sugar & Heart Cakes For Valentine’s Day

Many years ago I made these cute heart cakes, filling them with raspberry filling. They were super easy to make and I really loved how they looked for Valentine's Day.   To make these, I used a Wilton Heart Cake Pan. (A printable recipe for these heart cakes is available here: Heart Cakes Recipe.)   I made them once again a few years later, that time filling them with homemade … [Read more...]


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Beautiful, Dramatic Valentine’s Day Centerpiece That You Can Make In Mere Minutes!

Welcome to the 784th Metamorphosis Monday! Valentine's Day is just 9 days away. Could you use a fabulous, easy-to-make centerpiece to celebrate? My dear friend, Teresa, shared this stunning photo with me of a beautiful, whimsical arrangement created by a friend of hers, also named Teresa. I loved it the second I saw it! After a few text messages back and forth, Teresa, the owner of this lovely centerpiece … [Read more...]


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Shopping The New Dinnerware Collections For Spring–So Much Inspiration!

Welcome to the 801st Tablescape Thursday! I am such a homebody, love being at home probably a bit too much. All the rain we've been having, combined with the cold, has made it easy to justify staying inside. But the sun is out again, at last! So I decided to head out yesterday to do a bit of window shopping, which of course often turns into actual shopping. There's a shopping center just 2-3 miles from … [Read more...]


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Best Purchases & My Must-Have Favorites Of 2023

I've been seeing a lot of YouTube videos this month where YouTubers have been sharing their favorite finds/purchases for 2023. I love that idea for a post but, Wow—this has been the most difficult post to write! I've been working on it off and on for a couple of weeks and it's been torture. Ha! It's so hard to narrow down all the wonderful discoveries and upgrades I've made over the past year to a … [Read more...]


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A New Addition To The Garage For The Rainy Days

Welcome to the 783rd Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all your amazing and much-appreciated comments on our 800th Tablescape Thursday post! I can't wait to see what the next 15 years holds. If it's half as fun as the first 15, I know it will be awesome! If you missed the Tablescape Thursday post, you'll find it here: Celebrating 800 Tablescape Thursdays & Looking Forward to Many More. No … [Read more...]


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Celebrating 800 Tablescape Thursdays & Looking Forward To Many More!

Welcome to the 800th Tablescape Thursday! Wow! Did I really just type the number 800?! That's 800 weeks and over 15 years of Tablescape Thursdays! Thank you so much for coming along on this fun, exciting, wonderful journey with me! A special Thank-You to each dear heart who has joined this party over the years with a beautiful table setting, and a big Thank-You to the readers who have shared their tables … [Read more...]


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New Addition To The Office: Walking Pad Treadmill For Getting My Steps In Each Day

Welcome to the 782nd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope your weekend was amazing! I spent part of mine working on a puzzle that I've had for a while and have been itching to do.   With the super cold weather we've been experiencing, this was the perfect weekend for snuggling down inside and working a spring-themed puzzle—a reminder to myself to hang in there because spring is coming! (Puzzle is … [Read more...]


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2 Of My Favorite Shops Are Having A Sale-On-Sale & I’m Loving The Deals!

It's that time of year when the winter sales really swing into gear! I've been doing a bit of shopping this morning and I've found some great sale-on-sale deals where items that were on sale have now been further reduced. Those are my favorite types of sales, although usually, the most popular sizes tend to go quickly when the prices are so reduced. One item that's currently on sale is this mock … [Read more...]


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Spring Valentine’s Day Table With A Most Unusual Floral Centerpiece

Welcome to the 799th Tablescape Thursday! When I awoke at 4 am this morning and came downstairs to set a table for Tablescape Thursday, it was 15 degrees out on the porch. As I type this, the temps have finally reached a balmy 30 degrees. All this cold weather has me yearning for spring! Today's table is a combination Spring/Valentine's Day table with a most unusual centerpiece.   Springtime … [Read more...]


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Would You Have The Nerve To Do This? Yikes!

Mr. Gingerbread Man and his many stories live on! Hahaha! During November and December, whenever I shared about this adorable Kate Spade Gingerbread House bag, the emails, pictures, stories, and comments I received from BNOTP readers, friends, and my daughter-in-law were the best! This fun bag stole the show and was always the topic of conversation everywhere it traveled. I could write a blog post doing … [Read more...]


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A Favorite Winter Escape Into The World Of Fashion + A Little Bookcase Decor

Welcome to the 781st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Winter! Hope this cold January day finds you hunkered down under a warm throw, or if you're working, it's time to take a little break and enjoy a bit of eye candy. Do you ever feel a little scatterbrained? Maybe our brains go through cycles of indecision because I changed my mind at least three times this weekend about what I would share today. Sometimes I … [Read more...]


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A Woodland Table To Cozy Up To On This Cold January Day

Welcome to the 798th Tablescape Thursday! The sun had been shining so beautifully into the breakfast room all day, but just as I finished setting this table, it began to move away. If you look closely, you can see the last little sunbeam on the napkins near the bottom of this photo. Have you noticed the daylight is staying with us a little bit longer with each passing day? That makes me so happy because … [Read more...]


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My December Favorites, Favorite Updates In Real Time & A Very Special Gift

Thanks for all the great suggestions and tips for saving and removing the wax that's left over when a candle is finished. I love the suggestion a couple of you mentioned about putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. I had read about that online, but then forgot to mention it in the post, so thanks for that reminder! I will try that in the future, for sure. I have such a variety of favorites to share … [Read more...]


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How To Make A New Candle With Wax Left In The Bottom Of A Candle Jar

Welcome to the 780th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you love candles? Have you ever had an issue with a candle creating a well down the center of the candle as it burned? I've read so many tips about how to avoid that issue, the main one being to let the candle burn allllll the way out to the edges of its container the first time you light it. That, along with keeping the wick trimmed to a normal height, is … [Read more...]


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Black And Silver Sequin Table Setting, Great For New Year’s Eve Or For Halloween

Welcome to the 797th Tablescape Thursday! Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is off to a great start! Unfortunately, mine started out with a yucky cold. I had planned to make the drive from Ohio back home to Georgia on Tuesday, but I caught the cold that's been going through the family and it finally caught up with me on Monday. After a sleepless night, I didn't feel up to the 8-hour drive back home on … [Read more...]


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Happy New Year! So Looking Forward To 2024!

Welcome to the 779th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy 2024! I hope you had a fun New Year's Eve. I spent it with friends and family which seemed like the best way to kick off the new year. I have two wonderful decor and centerpiece ideas to share with you for this week's Met Monday. My dear friend, Teresa, loves traveling more than anyone I know. She and I have shared some wonderful adventures over the past … [Read more...]


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Still In Christmas Mode and Up To Our Necks In Legos!

Welcome to the 796th Tablescape Thursday! We are still in full Christmas mode here, as I'm sure so many of you are, too. It's been a week of feasting,  Monopoly, Christmas movie watching, afternoon naps, bike rides on new bikes, eggnog drinking, Lego building, caring for neighbor's pets, more feasting, more napping, more Monopoly, and a lot more Lego building! This week feels like a fun, mini-vacation … [Read more...]


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Merry Christmas from Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph!

Welcome to the 778th Metamorphosis Monday! Merry Christmas! Just popping in on Christmas morning to share a cute idea for breakfast/brunch for the little ones on Christmas Day, or really any time of the year. I made these cute reindeer pancakes for my grandsons this morning and they loved them!   They are super easy to make--just make one large pancake for the head, a medium side pancake to … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Spode Christmas Tree & Festive Tartan Plaid, A Perfect Match For Christmas!

Happy Friday! I can't believe it--Christmas is almost here! I have one last beautiful Christmas table setting to share with you!   Maureen set a colorful, festive table for her Christmas holiday dinner and I'm in love with all the tartan/plaid in this beautiful table!   Such a beautiful centerpiece! Maureen found the black metal basket in her centerpiece in Pier 1. The two … [Read more...]


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All Aboard The Christmas Train! Merry Christmas!

Welcome to the 795th Tablescape Thursday! Merry Christmas! I have a wonderful table to share with you today--Elena has created a beautiful table for Christmas!   Do you recognize some of the scenes on the tablecloth? They are a hint to the wonderful dinnerware Elena chose for her table.   If you were a big fan of the Better Homes and Gardens Heritage Christmas dinnerware that … [Read more...]


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3 Christmas Table Settings, 2 Beautifully Decorated Homes & A Sleigh Coffee Table! ♥

Ginger's Christmas Table Setting: Such a fun, festive table from Ginger! Ginger wrote, "I retired to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico 13 1/2 years ago where the weather is usually perfect. Here is one of my patio Christmas luncheon tables. There is nothing subtle about Mexico, obviously, and I embrace that."   Brenda's Christmas Table Setting & Christmas Decor: Brenda wrote, "Christmas at … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Hand-Crafted Christmas Ornaments + A Way To Save On Baccarat Rouge 540

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...]


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My November Favorites & Why Is The Universe Doing This To Me?! Ha!

Have to kick off this November favorites post with something that's torturing me right now. Ha! Last summer, I made the decision to purchase a Yeti Tundra cooler. If you're not familiar with Yeti's "Tundra" cooler, it's the one that has wheels which makes it super easy to move around. That especially comes in handy when it's loaded with ice and drinks. I had purchased a Tundra for my son a year or so … [Read more...]


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An Elegant Christmas Table Setting in Silver and White

Welcome to the 794th Tablescape Thursday! I've been battling computer server issues this week but I think my host company has finally found the issue. I have painters arriving this morning to do some touch-up work on the ceiling in the garage, so it has been a crazy week! But all is well now because we are jetting off to the south of France this week for a beautiful Christmas table setting dressed in … [Read more...]


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3 Fun, Easy Gift Wrapping Ideas For Your Holiday Gifts

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...]


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A “12 Days Of Christmas” Tree, Ordering Alaskan Salmon & My Fave Holiday Punch

Welcome to the 776th Metamorphosis Monday! I always love it when you share what you're doing in your home for Christmas. Recently I heard from Aris who said, "I thought you might get a kick out of seeing my Christmas tree. My book club is reading two books to compare and contrast this month, James Patterson’s The 12 Topsy Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas and Joanne Huist Smith’s, The 13th Gift. For … [Read more...]


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Sale Shopping Mode Activated & My Favorite Gift Wrapping Paper Is Back!

I'm sure you are super busy with all your holiday decorating and preparations. I spent two solid days (Friday and Saturday) wrapping gifts. So happy to have that done. A few years back I used this adorable paper and I noticed recently that it is back again.   If you're looking for a really cute, whimsical gift wrap for your gifts this year, you'll find this one available here: Christmas … [Read more...]


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Beautiful, Elegant Table, Hand-Crafted Runner & Star-Covered Champagne Coupes

Welcome to the 793th Tablescape Thursday! I have a beautiful table to share this week, a special table that is set with elegant, vintage/antique china. Tish, a lovely BNOTP reader, wrote, "We found a tea service years ago and only in the past year or so have found other pieces. It was produced in occupied Japan, so 70-ish years old."   Tish described her favorite china as "Noritake pattern … [Read more...]


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DIY Festive Christmas Nails, My Ninja Air Fryer Decision & A Fun Way To Pop Popcorn

Just popping in (pun intended) to share some fun things today! Many, many years ago I used to have a microwave popcorn popper. It always made great popcorn. I was thinking recently about how I like popcorn, but do not like prepackaged microwave popcorn. Whenever I've eaten it, it always leaves this disturbing coating on the roof of my mouth. I have no idea what that coating is, but I figure it can't be … [Read more...]


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It’s The Battle Of The Ninjas–Which One Will Win?

Welcome to the 775th Metamorphosis Monday! I've often shared with you in previous posts how much I love my Ninja Air Fryer.   I use it almost every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. If someone said to me, you have to give up either your microwave or your air fryer, I wouldn't even have to think twice. The microwave would get the boot because I can't imagine not having this air … [Read more...]


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You’ve Been Asking For This–Sorry It Has Taken So Long, But At Last, It’s Ready!

Happy Weekend! I hope you're having a great one! I finally, finally got around to doing something I should have done ages ago, so I apologize in advance for it taking me so long! A few weeks ago (or has it been months now?) someone left a comment asking if I would add a link somewhere on the blog, linking out to the things I often mention in posts--those products I love, recommend and repeatedly use/buy. I … [Read more...]


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Nostalgic Christmas: Beautiful Snow-Covered Cottages & A Charming Gingerbread House

Welcome to the 792nd Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday was an interesting day with a few false starts at setting a table for Tablescape Thursday. It started with me discovering that the centerpiece I had planned to use was way too wide for my dining room table, so I had to completely scratch the table I had originally planned. As I worked on ideas for another table, I started feeling a bit queasy. I lay down … [Read more...]


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It’s Currently Sold Out–But I Found It + Fave Phone/iPad Stand & A Puzzle Board Hack

Recently I decided to resubscribe to Netflix. I had unsubscribed years ago because I didn't really care for much of their programming. The reason I decided to give them one more try is that I'd like the ability to watch movies while walking on my treadmill here in the office. My treadmill has a slanted thingy that I could lean my iPad against, but it's really low so would be kinda hard to view. Then I … [Read more...]


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This Year I Ordered My Fresh Greenery Wreath Online & Here’s How It Turned Out!

Welcome to the 774th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope you had a great one! Have you started working on your Christmas and holiday decor? I spent most of the weekend doing a bit of Christmas decorating and lots of organizing. You may remember a few months back I moved all the Christmas decor I had stored here under the bonus room eaves (including my window wreaths that normally were on the … [Read more...]


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Favorite Black Friday Sales & Some Have Been Extended!

Whoo, hoo! The sales are amazing today! This adorable gingerbread bag that I purchased recently at 50% off, has just been marked down another 25% for Black Friday! You'll find that amazing sale here: Gingerbread House Bag, Half Off + An Additional 25% off! The cardholder is also discounted another 25% here: Gingerbread CardHolder.   Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I can't wait to wear this … [Read more...]


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3 Beautiful Tables for Thanksgiving With Handmade And Cherished Family Heirlooms

Welcome to the 791st Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! I have two beautiful tables to share with you on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Sheri set this special table for her family's Thanksgiving. A family member celebrated their birthday a little before Thanksgiving and the table was also used for that special occasion.   Sheri said, "Mike made the cedar box … [Read more...]


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A Last Minute Centerpiece Idea & Some New Gifts I’ve Purchased for Loved Ones

Whoa, Thanksgiving is almost here! I'm not hosting this year so I'm going to be spending today hanging my wreaths on my exterior windows. I've also been shopping online since so many of the Black Friday sales are going on everywhere. Before I share the ones I've jumped on, I wanted to share a couple of things you may find helpful as you are finishing up your last-minute details for your Thanksgiving … [Read more...]


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Throwing Fisticuffs–It’s That Time Of Year When I Duke It Out With The Mattress! Ha!

Welcome to the 773rd Metamorphosis Monday! Or, maybe it's more like a wrestling match! It was past time--normally I swap out my summer bedding for my winter bedding around the first week of October. I think I'm late this year because it really hasn't felt that fallish. We've been having some wonderfully warm days. The leaves have really started falling now, though--so it was time, past time! My biannual … [Read more...]


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A Wish List Item I Finally Purchased AND Some Great Holiday Gift Ideas!

A few days ago someone left a comment that they were having a tough time finding the Newman's Own Lemon Pepper that I mentioned during a previous post that was about making Lemon Pepper Chicken. They also mentioned that they thought it was being discontinued. What?! That put me in a bit of a panic and I immediately bought two more. I hope it doesn't get discontinued since it's my favorite for seasoning … [Read more...]


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2 Beautiful Thanksgiving Table Settings, Lovingly Prepared for Family

Welcome to the 790th Tablescape Thursday! I have two delightful tables to share with you for this week's Tablescape Thursday! Kathy has her Thanksgiving ready for her family, and it's beautiful!   I was so excited to see Kathy set her table with Plymouth Turkey dinnerware. I've seen this pattern when visiting my local William Sonoma, so it's exciting to see it in a real Thanksgiving table … [Read more...]


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It Arrived And It’s Even Better Than Before!

I'm popping in to share a quick update. I think I mentioned a few days ago that I was planning on ordering additional place settings of Spode Woodland this year.   Many, many years ago I purchased 6 place settings from either Macy's or Dillards--can't remember which now. I think it was from Macy's--seems like it was Lenox Winter Greetings that I purchased in Dillards. Stinks--not having a … [Read more...]


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A Peloton Seat Upgrade, Paul’s Pot Pies & Favorite Puzzle/Lego Advent Calendars

Welcome to the 772nd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a fabulous weekend! Have you started your holiday shopping? I did a bit of shopping for family this weekend, and I ended up picking up something for myself, too--a very special bag. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Cutest Thing Ever--I Couldn't Resist! Plus, It's On Sale 50% Off. For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I have a smallish … [Read more...]


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Cutest Thing Ever–I Could Not Resist! Plus, It’s On Sale 50% Off!

Over the years, Kate Spade has produced some of the cutest, most adorable handbags you can imagine or dream up. As much as I have always loved them, I've been able to resist getting one. Until now.   When I saw this enchanting Gingerbread House bag, it was instant love and I knew I had to have one. Of course, it didn't hurt that it's on sale 50% off right now! (Gingerbread House Bag is … [Read more...]


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October Favorites, Much-Loved Holiday Gift Ideas + Found A Dispenser For Cutemol!

I am counting the days until it's time to put my wreaths up in the windows. It's always my favorite way to decorate for Christmas. I used to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to hang the wreaths, but now I put them up a few days earlier so I can enjoy them a little bit longer.   A few years back, I changed out all the ribbons/bows on my wreaths. The old ones had lasted for many years--at … [Read more...]


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A Cozy, Warm, Candlelit Table For Fall, Mixing The New With The Vintage

Welcome to the 789th Tablescape Thursday! My favorite table settings, especially during the fall and winter, are always by candlelight.   This time of year, when nightfall begins arriving so early, I crave anything that feels cozy, warm, and comforting. Candlelight definitely gives me that.   A few days ago I purchased these rattan chargers that are currently on sale. I … [Read more...]


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Don’t Do This With Your Speed Queen Washer, Plus, Affordable Christmas Gifts

Do you own a Speed Queen washer or are you thinking of getting one? If so, be super careful if you use the bleach dispenser that's located in the left front corner! After I shared a post recently with a quick update on how I'm using and loving my SQ washer, I heard from a lovely reader, Cathy, who warned me about using the bleach dispenser. Her Speed Queen washing machine is around 4 years old and she is … [Read more...]


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A Washer Update, A New Purchase + 4 Beautiful, Affordable Designs for Thanksgiving

Welcome to the 771st Metamorphosis Monday! Did you make it through the time change okay? I thought I read a couple of years back that we were going to stop the changing of the clocks every fall and spring. Does anyone else remember reading that? I guess something didn't get passed or make it all the way through for it to become a reality. I was really looking forward to that. I've just returned from a … [Read more...]


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Blue and White Dining, Always A Favorite!

Welcome to the 788th Tablescape Thursday! I'm on my way back home today after a fun visit with family. I can't believe it's already November, fall is passing by so quickly! After a month of Halloween tables, it's definitely time for something completely different. Blue and white is one of my favorite combinations and Norma set the prettiest blue and white table recently when she had friends over for … [Read more...]


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The Last Halloween Table Setting for 2023! Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Are you ready for your Trick or Treaters this evening? It's going to be very cold here in Ohio tonight with temps in the 30s as we head out with the boys for trick or treating. Just a few days ago, we were enjoying short-sleeve weather--wish it could have lasted just a few more days! I still remember the year I was here for Halloween and it snowed! That was a first--Trick or Treating in the … [Read more...]


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New Lanterns While The Original Lanterns Are Undergoing Restoration

Welcome to the 770th Metamorphosis Monday! Several years back I shared some of the beautiful design features found in my son and daughter-in-law's 99-year-old cottage home. Many of the original elements of their home remind me so much of the storybook cottages you see in Carmel, California--like these adorable lanterns they have on either side of their front door. A while back, one of the lanterns became … [Read more...]


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Love This Idea For Keeping Valuables and Collectibles Safe

Since I'm a crazy, handbag-obsessed woman, I like to occasionally watch YouTube videos of handbag unboxings or handbag reviews. In one particular video I watched recently, the YouTuber shared how she secures her expensive handbags and jewelry when she's away. She hinted that there had been an issue in the past, saying, "If you know, you know." I'm not sure what she was referring to but it sounded like she's … [Read more...]


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Eek! Uninvited Guests Crash Jackie’s Halloween Dinner Party!

Welcome to the 787th Tablescape Thursday! This is our last Tablescape Thursday before Halloween is here, and I have a very creative, fun table to share with you this week. Recently, Jackie had a special dinner party planned with friends, but before her dinner guests arrived, some uninvited dinner guests crashed the party! Yikes!   Jackie said, "This year the theme is ''An Evening with … [Read more...]


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Beautiful, Cozy Books: The Books I Crave When Autumn Arrives

When autumn arrives and the cooler weather starts moving in, my heart tells me it's time to bring out all the woolly throws, make a nice, steaming mug of hot cocoa, and pull a book from my shelves that I know will be filled with cozy imagery and charming stories.   In today's post, I'm sharing some of my favorite cozy "house" books--homes filled with beautiful warm, rich interiors. These are … [Read more...]


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A Wonderful Dollhouse Before & After: The Restoration Is Complete

I'm back today with Part 2--the reveal of Elena's wonderful dollhouse renovation/restoration. If you missed yesterday's post, check it out first so you can see the condition the house was in before Elena worked her magic. You'll find Part 1 here: A Wonderful Dollhouse Before & After: The Restoration Begins. If you remember from yesterday, the railing and balusters of this porch area were broken and … [Read more...]


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A Wonderful Dollhouse Before & After: The Restoration Begins

Welcome to the 769th Metamorphosis Monday! When I was growing up, I never had a dollhouse. Did you have one when you were little? I never even remember seeing a dollhouse when I was little, I guess none of my friends had them, either. I didn't really become aware of dollhouses until I was much older, but once I did become aware of them, it made me really wish I had had one growing up. One day many years … [Read more...]


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Fall-Winter Survival Favorites & What I’m Buying In The 30% Off Winter Clothing Sale

Happy Weekend! It has been quite chilly here the last few nights although I think we're going to warm up a little this week--just in time for Halloween. I've noticed the leaves are definitely changing now and starting to fall. The cooler temps have had me dreaming of cozy evenings inside, burning candles while sipping yummy hot chocolate. Every season has its own special moments, doesn't it? Though I'm … [Read more...]


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3 Whimsical Halloween Tables + A Gardening Project That Ended With A New Tablecloth

Welcome to the 786th Tablescape Thursday! I have not one, but three delightful Halloween tables to share with you today! BNOTP readers are so creative and I know you'll find these tables as imaginative and fun as I did. Recently, Norma, who lives in the south of France, was having some extensive landscaping and structural work done in her garden that required some very large equipment. Would you ever … [Read more...]


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Whimsy In The Kitchen, My Favorite Lemon Pepper Seasoning & Incredible Cookware

So, you all know that I'm a bit of a lazy cook. I do enjoy cooking/baking when friends or family are here, but the rest of the time, I go for the fastest, easiest meal I can make. My favorite food that I enjoy at least once a week, sometimes more, is Lemon Pepper Chicken. Over the years I've tried various Lemon Pepper seasonings and I've found them all to be about the same--until recently! Oh my gosh, have … [Read more...]


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New Blinds For The Basement & A Minor Repair You May Find Helpful

Welcome to the 768th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday--how was your weekend? I hope it was awesome! I have two Before and Afters to share for this week's Met Monday--one is kinda small, but will hopefully, prove helpful, and another one that was a bit pricey but I'm glad to have completed.   Let's start with the pricey one--if you've been reading BNOTP for the past year or so, you know I've … [Read more...]


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Adorably-Scary, Figural Halloween Pillows at Budget-Friendly Prices

A few years ago I came across these adorable fuzzy pumpkin pillows in Pottery Barn. Though they were a bit on the pricey side, I couldn't resist collecting one or two.   They came in three sizes/colors and I liked them so much, I ended up collecting the whole bunch. Hard to see but the smallest one is a deep green color.   They seem to end up in a different place in my home … [Read more...]


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A Whimsical Halloween Table Set With My Absolute Favorite “Halloween” China

Welcome to the 785th Tablescape Thursday. It's gettin' chilly around here so I had to take advantage of the warmer weather today for at least one more table setting here on the porch.   This table is similar to the one I set for Halloween last year except for a few changes in the tablecloth, glassware, centerpiece, and its location here on the porch.   The arched-back, … [Read more...]


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My September Favorites & Some Are Prime Day Deals! Perfect Timing for Holiday Shopping!

Thanks so much for sharing yesterday how autumn is looking in your area! I loved reading your comments--they made me feel so much more connected with what you're experiencing where you live. We are way behind here in leaf-color-changing compared to so many of you. It was really interesting hearing from those who live in areas that don't necessarily experience a big change--a great reminder that fall isn't … [Read more...]


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Porch Decorated for Autumn With Hints Of Halloween

Welcome to the 767th Metamorphosis Monday! I had a bit of fun out on the front porch this weekend.   Having just purchased these black and white striped bench cushions this past summer, this is their first autumn here on the porch.   The cushions are currently on sale in several colors/ patterns here: Bench Cushions and here: Bench Cushions.   Since were only a … [Read more...]


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Answering Questions About My Puzzle Board & Sharing Some Favorite Puzzles for Fall

Over the past few days, I've had several comments and a few emails asking about the puzzle board I love working my puzzles on and about my favorite puzzles. I have to admit, I'm definitely a PPP, aka, Picky Puzzle Person. I have to be really invested in the scene and the story of a puzzle to have the desire to work it, and I will absolutely stop working a puzzle and put it back in the box to be donated if I … [Read more...]


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A Cozy Autumn Luncheon With Friends

Welcome to the 784th Tablescape Thursday. Recently, Norma, whose beautiful al fresco garden table settings I've shared before, set a beautiful fall table for a luncheon with friends.   Warm, beautiful colors for autumn...so pretty!   About the pretty leaf plates, Norma said, "The little plates are by Swinnerton, an English company founded in 1885 and are now part of the Royal … [Read more...]


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A Few of My Favorites For Autumn & Thanksgiving Entertaining

It's been ages since I stopped into Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma. A few days ago I saw some cute Halloween ghost plates for sale on the PB website and wanted to see how they looked in person. Silly me--thinking that there would actually still be any Halloween goodies left in store! Where did I finally end up finding the ghost plates? They are all on eBay marked up for double and triple the price. Argggh! … [Read more...]


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Basement Updates & A Favorite Jewelry Polishing Cloth

Welcome to the 766th Metamorphosis Monday! I hope your week is off to a great start! I have a couple of updates to share, one that's kinda complete and another update that will happen this week. On Thursday, I'll be saying goodbye to these 30-year-old, yellowed, dingy-looking blinds here in the basement and new custom-made, faux wood blinds will be installed on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to … [Read more...]


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7 Big, Beautiful Wreaths For Autumn, All 60% Off! Amazing Fall Sale!

I've been doing a bit of wreath shopping online today and I was super excited to find an incredible sale! All the wreaths in this post were originally $90-$100, but are currently marked down to between $36-$40! That's 60% off! The thing that really caught my eye is how big they all are! Usually, when you find wreaths in the $40 range, they are really too small for most front doors. Not these! Every wreath … [Read more...]


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Welcome Autumn!

Welcome to the 783rd Tablescape Thursday. We are still nice and warm here. Are you seeing some autumn weather in your area, yet?   I almost set this table on the porch since the temps out were so nice,  but it was so cloudy I decided to just stay inside.   Are you tired of seeing these two deer in my fall tables? lol   I found these guys many years ago in Lowe's … [Read more...]


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I’m Finally Doing It–Ordering A Sweater I’ve Been Stalking for Years!

How is your weekend going? I have a pretty big update to share tomorrow, something I've put off for many years but am finally getting done. In the meantime, the cooler 60's temps we've been experiencing every night the last couple of weeks are really motivating me to think about my fall wardrobe. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know I'm a sweater nut. I may not like cold weather but I sure do … [Read more...]


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