Whimsical Halloween Table with Light Bulb Glasses

October 17, 2019 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 578th Tablescape Thursday! Marie has three tables that she normally keeps set for the holidays and one is here in her family room. This table doesn't get used as much as her breakfast room and dining room table do but it's a great place to eat a snack while watching a game on TV or as extra space when having a large group over for a sit-down meal.   Marie's six grandchildren … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

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Inside Marie’s Home for Halloween & What Happened to the Porch Column Dilemma

October 16, 2019 by 38 Comments

Thanks so much to everyone who left a comment on yesterday's post. The information you shared and your suggestions were outstanding! Unfortunately, I'm having to start my estimate process all over again. My porch was due to be painted yesterday, but the company that was scheduled to do it blew me off after the project manager came out on Monday and he saw the peeling paint on the columns. He informed me … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Decor

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Peeling Porch Columns & A New Tablescaping Purchase

October 14, 2019 by 32 Comments

Welcome to the 559th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy October to you! Did you have a good weekend? It's been rainy here but that's okay because we really need the rain. I wasn't sure when my Met Monday post was going to go up since I awoke to no internet this morning. Using my phone I checked to see if there was a reported outage and found this. Thankfully it came back up faster than … [Read more...]

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

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A Few of My Favorite Halloween Decorating Ideas & Detailed Tutorials for Creating Them

October 12, 2019 by 14 Comments

Happy weekend to you! Are you busy decorating for fall or Halloween? I'm not doing any decorating right now because I'm having the whole house and both porches pressure washed early next week, hopefully on Tuesday if it doesn't rain. After that, the front porch will be getting a fresh coat of paint. So the most I've done so far is hang a wreath on the front door, but I thought it would be fun to share a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor

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On the Porch for Halloween

October 10, 2019 by 40 Comments

Welcome to the 577th Tablescape Thursday! I set this table inside, then moved the whole thing outside onto the porch. Though overcast, it was just too nice out to be cooped up inside.   I tried to explain to Mr. Pheasant that he's an autumn centerpiece better suited for Thanksgiving tables, but he wasn't having it.   He insisted on holding our Halloween bouquet of black … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , ,

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My September Favorites, From Practical to Decorative to Whimsical

October 9, 2019 by 14 Comments

Just a quick post today to share a few of my favorites that I enjoyed during the month of September. Atomic Habits I shared this book in a previous post but I wanted to share it again because it's one of the few books I've read over the years that I can't get out of my mind. I purchased it on Audible and listened to it during a long road trip a while back, but I think about it almost weekly, sometimes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Monthly Favorites

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A Cozy Autumn Winter Bed & A Big Sale Announcement

October 7, 2019 by 71 Comments

Welcome to the 558th Metamorphosis Monday Happy Autumn to you! I've been playing around a little in my bedroom, changing out the summer sheets for something a bit cozier for fall.   You may remember I recently ordered these sheets to pair with my winter bedding. (Sheets are available here: Woodland Sheets.)   I've never shown my bed turned down here on the blog. Do you know … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After Tagged With: , , , ,

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Halloween: Imagine Being 8 Years Old Again & Trick-or-Treating Here!

October 5, 2019 by 22 Comments

Oh, to be a child again and get to visit Marie's house at Halloween! Imagine being 8 years old and trick-or-treating here on Halloween night!   If you made it past the fire-breathing dragons...   ...with massive wings beating back and forth to scare you away...   ...would you be brave enough to walk under this guy to collect a treat? :)   Marie's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Decor Tagged With: , , ,

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A Visit to Marie’s: A Halloween Table Setting and My First Bubble Tea

October 3, 2019 by 47 Comments

Welcome to the 576th Tablescape Thursday! We're off to Marie's for this week's Tablescape Thursday! Marie and I got together for lunch recently and the place we were lunching was right next door to Tiny Bubbles Teatime. We stopped in for a glass of bubble tea before heading next door for lunch. It was the perfect day to dine outside, not too hot and just the nicest breeze, so we sat outside and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

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Tour a Beautiful 1918 Oyster Bay Cove Home with a Something’s Gotta Give Movie-House Vibe

October 2, 2019 by 24 Comments

You may remember a few days ago when I shared this photo from the big Talbots Anniversary Sale and mentioned how the soft creams and camel colors in this outfit reminded me so much of a Ralph Lauren ad I had saved from a magazine many years ago. I kept that ad for the longest time...several years. It was just such an elegant, classic look, the type that never goes out of style. I was lamenting in that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes, Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: , , , , ,

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Easiest, Fastest Way to Remove Lint and Dust from Bedding and Dust Ruffles

September 29, 2019 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 557th Metamorphosis Monday~ I had meant to post this weekend but unfortunately, I've been under the weather. Thankfully I'm feeling a bit better this evening so I thought I would go ahead and get tomorrow's Metamorphosis Monday post up for you now. Update: Before we get into this post, just discovered that Mr. Pheasant went on sale this weekend, 30% off! You'll find him on sale here: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , ,

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An Early Autumn Table Setting

September 26, 2019 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 575th Tablescape Thursday! We're still in 80s and 90s here and everything is still beautifully green. Georgia doesn't say goodbye to summer easily or quickly, we like to savor those last warm moments of summer until autumn insists we let go.   When I bought Mr. Pheasant last week, I really had him in mind for a Thanksgiving table, but I decided to go ahead and use him right … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , ,

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Touring Two Equestrian Homes and Dressing in Equestrian Style for Autumn

September 25, 2019 by 14 Comments

I've always had a love for equestrian style. I love it in home decor and I'm always drawn to it in fashion or clothing styles. You may remember when I shared one of my favorite books that features equestrian decor, collectibles, fashion, etc... in this previous post:  In the BNOTP Library: Equestrian Style.  Book below is available here: Equestrian Style.   Over the years I've also taken … [Read more...]

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

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Details on Using a Billy Oxberg Bookcase for Storage, Plus One Small Addition

September 23, 2019 by 38 Comments

Welcome to the 556th Metamorphosis Monday! A few days ago I shared a new furniture piece I had added to my bedroom for storing my handbags. In that post, I promised to share more details in a future post, including why I added it, if it was hard to assemble, changes I made to it and exactly how I was using it. Today I'm sharing all those details plus another little addition to my dressing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

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How I Clean My Travel Tote and Protecting It From Damage on Future Trips

September 21, 2019 by 24 Comments

When I traveled to England earlier this summer, I had an experience while going through security that sent me on a search. Whenever I fly domestically, or even sometimes when traveling via car, I use this blue and white bag as my travel tote. It holds everything I need and is the perfect size to be my "Personal Item" when flying. I decided to use it on an international trip for the first time when I … [Read more...]

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

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Halloween-Thanksgiving Dinnerware Shopping & What I Couldn’t Leave Behind

September 19, 2019 by 54 Comments

Welcome to the 574th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I stopped by two of my favorite stores to check out the autumn dishware offerings. At first, I was completely underwhelmed, every table I saw was done in neutral tones. There were at least four dressed that way. I didn't take photos of all of them because I was really in the mood for some gorgeous fall color.   If you love neutral colors … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes

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A New Addition for the Master Bedroom

September 18, 2019 by 21 Comments

A while back in a previous post, I shared Elaine Hau's amazing handbag storage system. (See that previous post here: Great Storage Idea for Handbags or Collectibles.) I don't have a handbag collection large enough or worthy enough to need this much storage, but wow, I sure do love how it looks! If you're a handbag lover as I am, you probably feel like some handbags are little works of art, art that you … [Read more...]

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

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Proof I Will Never Grow Up, As If You Needed It

September 16, 2019 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 555th Metamorphosis Monday! Remember the dinosaur bookends I bought for my grandson's bedroom...   ...when my daughter-in-law and I completed a full makeover of their room?   Yup, I'm talking about the ones there behind the dinosaur eggs. lol   I loved them soooo much when we did the makeover...   ...I decided I had to have a set … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Office/Craft/Sewing Room

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A Bit of Autumn Wardrobe Styling and It’s Almost Flannel Season!

September 15, 2019 by 27 Comments

Just popping in for a quick update for the fashion lovers. I'm starting to get super excited about shopping for a few new winter clothes. If you are following me on my new Instagram account, UnderMoonlightAndMagnolias, you probably saw this posting where I shared a new scarf I just purchased recently from Hermes. I paired it with a few old favorites that I'll definitely be wearing again this year. Pssst: … [Read more...]

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The Only Place I Really Feel Comfortable Shopping for Pre-loved Designer Handbags

September 14, 2019 by 30 Comments

I had never purchased a pre-loved or pre-owned designer handbag until this past spring. Even pre-owned, designer bags can be a bit on the pricey side, so I was always leery I'd get a bag that wasn't as described, or worse, a fake! What finally prompted me to take the plunge was discovering a pre-loved site that gives you a full 30 days to decide if you like the bag enough to keep it. I had been toying … [Read more...]

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One Last Beach-Themed Tablescape for a Late Summer Dinner on the Porch

September 12, 2019 by 33 Comments

Welcome to the 573rd Tablescape Thursday! We're back out on the porch this week for Tablescape Thursday. I've noticed that it's starting to get dark out earlier and earlier each day.   I'm going to miss those long summer days when it stayed daylight all the way to 9:00 pm.       The blue napkins were the starting point for this table setting. I bought … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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My August Favorites & My First Unboxing at “Under Moonlight and Magnolias”

September 11, 2019 by 15 Comments

Thanks so much for all the kind comments left on my post about creating a new Instagram page for sharing some of my fave fashions, handbags, perfume, etc... I've had a few folks who expressed concern in the comments of that post that I would no longer be sharing those things here on the blog.   Please don't worry because nothing is changing concerning what I share here at the blog. The new … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites

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A Blue Painted Chest for a Beach-Themed Upstairs Family Room

September 9, 2019 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 554th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm not sure why, but every time I order any kind of furniture from Amazon, my local UPS always delivers it busted up and damaged. Remember the multiple ordering attempts I made when trying to get cabinets for my garage? I ended up ordering them via Walmart and had them delivered to my local Walmart Market where I picked each cabinet up in my SUV and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs) Tagged With: ,

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Under Moonlight and Magnolias: Beautiful Fashion, Handbags, Jewelry & More!

September 7, 2019 by 22 Comments

Recently I shared a little passion of mine, collecting Hermes perfume atomizers in pretty colors.   In that previous post, I also shared the perfumes I have inside each of the atomizers. (Find that previous post here: My Hermes Perfume Atomizer Collection and the Perfume They Hold. In that post, I mentioned my collection was mostly complete and that the only other colors I would love to … [Read more...]

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

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Candlelight Dining on a Late Summer’s Night

September 5, 2019 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 572nd Tablescape Thursday! I've been traveling most of the summer, there were two trips to Ohio to visit family with a trip in between to England. During that time I've been dreaming of setting a beach-themed table here on the porch. Every time Tablescape Thursday came around and I wasn't at home, I was thinking how much I wish I was home and creating a summer table with a beachy … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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Finally Got Up The Nerve to Do My Own Faux Nails!

September 4, 2019 by 56 Comments

My daughter-in-law, Nancy, always has the most beautiful, manicured fingernails. They are so pretty, she frequently gets compliments from friends and co-workers. That may not sound too surprising but it's actually quite an accomplishment because she does them herself with store-bought, faux KISS nails! The first time I complimented Nancy on her gorgeous nails and she told me she does them, I was in … [Read more...]

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

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An Absolutely Ducky Idea for Shelving in a Bathroom or Linen Closet

September 2, 2019 by 41 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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , , ,

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A Few of My Labor Day Sale Purchases, So Many Good Sales This Weekend!

August 30, 2019 by 13 Comments

I have been waiting for this weekend for so long! The Labor Day sales are always some of the best during the year. Williams Sonoma has these vintage-style Halloween plates on sale. Sooo cute! You'll find them here: Vintage Style Halloween Plates. Their autumn cookware is also on sale. I love this Staub Pumpkin Cocotte! It's reduced from $55 down to $29.95! Awesome deal for this piece! What a … [Read more...]

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

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An Enchanting Candlelit Table Setting for Fall

August 29, 2019 by 13 Comments

Welcome to the 571st Tablescape Thursday! I'm back home now, had a great drive yesterday in beautiful sunshine the whole way. And no wayward ties attacked my car as I drove home this time! Whew! After the 9+ hour drive, it was too late to put a table together once I arrived, so today I'm sharing a wonderful table from Noemi who wrote: Hey Susan! I have been a fan of your blog for a couple of years … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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A Summer Sunday Stroll

August 28, 2019 by 57 Comments

I'm making the long drive home today, wish me luck! Last time it involved a bit of drama...read more about that here: Drama on the Drive Home. Hopefully, I won't encounter any 18-wheelers with exploding tires this time. Ugh.   While I'm driving all day, I thought you might enjoy a nice stroll through some of the beautiful neighborhoods in this area. I snapped these photos as we walked to a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Storybook Cottages

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Easy Way to Protect Leather Handbags from Strap Indentations During Storage

August 26, 2019 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 552nd Metamorphosis Monday! One of the joys in my life when my son married was gaining a wonderful daughter-in-law. With each passing year, Nancy and I grow closer. We were just talking last night about how awesome it is that we have such similar tastes in decorating, food, fashion and especially handbags! lol This past weekend my son was out of town for three days so it was just us and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , ,

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Buying Furniture for a Storybook Cottage & Fall Wardrobe Updates

August 24, 2019 by 32 Comments

So, ya know that storybook cottage I dream of finding one day? (Read more about it here: Storybook Cottage.)   I'm pretty sure it will have a chest like this inside someplace.   You may remember, my daughter-in-law and I just added this chest to my grandsons' bedroom. I'm obsessed with the color!   Here's a closer view of the color...just a perfect shade of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, New Old Homes, Storybook Cottages

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Fall-Autumn Table Inspiration & a Stunning Autumn Pumpkin Candlelit Centerpiece

August 22, 2019 by 18 Comments

Welcome to the 570th Tablescape Thursday! I always love it when I hear from readers of Between Naps On The Porch, especially when they share photos their beautiful porches and tables with me. Autumn weather and the holidays are just around the corner! Hard to believe, isn't it? Recently I received an email from Maureen with pictures of a beautiful table she created for Thanksgiving this past year. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

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How I Replaced 3 Travel Toiletry Bags with 1 Awesome Hanging Bag

August 19, 2019 by 36 Comments

Welcome to the 551st Metamorphosis Monday! How do you pack your toiletries for travel? In the past, I've always used a combination of things. This bag below came as a gift when I purchased a cosmetic item--forgotten what now, it may have been a Clinique product. It has always been my catchall bag holding all the items that wouldn't fit in my smallish toiletry bag.   I purchased these … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, Travel Tagged With: , , ,

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Having Mile High Tea at 38,000 Feet and Horrifying an Innocent Flight Attendant

August 15, 2019 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 569th Tablescape Thursday! For my flight back home from England, I decided to try Delta's "Premium Select" choice since surprisingly, when I booked the flight, the cost was not that much more than Comfort Plus. I can tell you now, I will try to fly Premium any time it's offered and fits within my budget because the experience was wonderful! I kept thinking the entire time, "This is every … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Tea Party Tablescapes

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July Favorites, Recent Purchases and What’s Currently in My Shopping Cart

August 14, 2019 by 15 Comments

As usual, I'm a bit behind in sharing my July Favorites and I have quite a few! Before I left for my long trek north to Ohio, I downloaded several books from Audible to my phone. I've listened to a lot of books similar to this one and rarely buy new ones since they all tend to say the same thing. The reviews convinced me that this one was worth a listen and didn't just rehash the same old stuff. After … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites

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Marie’s Beautiful Screened Porch Addition with Before & After Photos

August 11, 2019 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 550th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I received an email from a Marie, a BNOTP reader. Marie saw the photos I've shared of my screened-in porch and decided to add one to the back of her home. This was the area where Marie decided to add on her porch.   Marie shared a few photos in her email showing the process of building the porch.   It appears in the photo … [Read more...]

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

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What If Gray Lamps…and Finally, The “Personalized” Pillow Shams Are Here

August 9, 2019 by 36 Comments

A few days ago I shared a Before/After my daughter-in-law and I completed in my grandsons' bedroom. (View that post here: Bedroom Makeover: Dinosaur Themed Bedroom for Two Dinosaur-Loving Boys.)   The week before this bedroom makeover, I stopped by my local At Home store and picked up some lamps I hoped would work with the bedding and the chest we planned to use.   The night … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Son's), Before & After, DIY Decorating

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A Jungle Safari Table Setting: One for the Grownups and One for the Kids

August 8, 2019 by 21 Comments

Welcome to the 568th Tablescape Thursday! We're dining outdoors for this week's Tablescape Thursday.   I've been itching to use these melamine jungle/safari themed plates since purchasing them earlier this summer. (Jungle print plates are available here: Jungle Plates.)   I couldn't make up my mind if I wanted this to be a fun table for the grownups or one for the kids, so I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Safari Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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Beautiful Christian Dior Exhibition, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2019

August 7, 2019 by 32 Comments

Well before I left for my trip to England, Nicole, a personal shopper I follow on Instagram who often travels to England, posted a video highlighting the Christian Dior Exhibition taking place in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I checked the dates of the exhibit and was disappointed to see it would be ending the day before our arrival in London. When we arrived in London, I was so happy to … [Read more...]

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

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Bedroom Makeover: Dinosaur Themed Bedroom for Two Dinosaur-Loving Boys

August 5, 2019 by 81 Comments

Welcome to the 549th Metamorphosis Monday! In a previous post, I shared some plans my daughter-in-law, Nancy, and I've been working on for the bedroom belonging to my two grandsons. The boys, ages 3 and 5, were ready to graduate from their convertible crib/toddler beds to big-boy beds. I had saved my son's childhood bedroom furniture all these years, so I loaded the two beds into my SUV and headed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Son's), Before & After, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , ,

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Dining at 35,0000 Feet & the Huge Mistake I Made When Flying Delta One

August 1, 2019 by 45 Comments

Welcome to the 567th Tablescape Thursday! I'll be leaving for Ohio tomorrow and though I had plans to set a table yesterday, I found my self totally distracted thinking about the last element I needed for this little makeover my daughter-in-law and I are planning for my two grandson's bedroom. I had everything we needed except for one thing: a great lamp. A friend suggested I check At Home, a store … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Travel

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Do You Own a Barefoot Dreams Cardigan?

July 31, 2019 by 37 Comments

Thanks so much for all your comments and ideas on Monday's post, I appreciate them all so much! I spent the better part of yesterday doing this. Wow, what an all-over-body workout!   The two beds you see below in this photo, including the two riser sections...   ...are now inside my SUV. I loaded, unloaded and reloaded my SUV about 5 times yesterday, trying to find a way to fit … [Read more...]

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Designing a Bedroom for Two Dinosaur-Loving Boys

July 29, 2019 by 76 Comments

Welcome to the 548th Metamorphosis Monday! If you've been following BNOTP for a while, you may remember when I turned my son's old bedroom into my home office. This collage below shows the various parts of the room prior to taking the beds apart and moving everything out of the room. (See how the office turned out in this previous post: Designing and Creating a Home Office.) My son was in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Son's), Before & After, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , ,

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Two New Dresses I Loved Wearing During My Time in England

July 27, 2019 by 37 Comments

I was only gone 10 days, but it feels like I was away for months! It's such a strange feeling, returning home and driving down the old familiar streets. One minute you're in London and just beginning to adapt to where everything is and finding your way around, then that very same afternoon you find yourself back home, and it feels like you've been away for ages. I'm always overjoyed to see home again. No … [Read more...]

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

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Having Tea at Max Gate, Thomas Hardy Style

July 24, 2019 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 566th Tablescape Thursday! This past Saturday we visited Max Gate, the home Thomas Hardy built after he became a successful writer.   I hope to share additional photos of the home in the future, but for this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're going inside the dining room.   I always appreciate the beautiful homes I visit during my travels, but sometimes I think … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Celebrity Homes and Real Estate, England, Historic Homes, Tablescape Thursday, Travel Tagged With: , ,

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A Beautiful Way to Hang Pictures for a Balanced, Attractive Grouping

July 21, 2019 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 547th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope you are experiencing a wonderful start to the new week. Since I'm currently in England on holiday and not actively working on a "Before and After" project, I thought I'd share a striking feature in the room where I'm currently staying. There's a rather long entry hallway just inside the door of my room here at The Duchess of Cornwall Inn in … [Read more...]

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Following in Jane Austen’s Footsteps: The Dining Room & Butler’s Pantry at Goodnestone Park

July 17, 2019 by 14 Comments

Welcome to the 565th Tablescape Thursday! It's almost 1 AM as I write this. We returned much later than planned from our dinner at Stanford's Cottage in Worthing, the cottage where Jane Austen's family stayed during their vacations on the Sussex coast. In the two days we've been touring, there haven't been any blog-worthy table settings, well, at least not any in places where I was allowed to take … [Read more...]

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

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June Favorites: A Polish to Restore Old Bath Fixtures and an Adorable, Floral & Bee Bag

July 16, 2019 by 6 Comments

Since today is the final day (ends at midnight) of the Amazon Prime sale, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my June favorites in case any of these are included in the sale today. At the top of my faves list for June, I have to include these sandals pictured below. I have enjoyed wearing them so much, I've ordered them in almost every color, including white. My daughter-in-law liked mine so … [Read more...]

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Dramatic Luggage Before & After & The Best Amazon Prime Deals, Including iPads!

July 15, 2019 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 546th Metamorphosis Monday! Update: While I'm in England, I'll be posting photos frequently on Instagram. It's the fastest way to share the beautiful cottages and gardens of England since WiFi may be iffy for writing blog posts. Follow Between Naps On The Porch on Instagram here: BetweenNapsOnThePorch. If you haven't joined Instagram, it doesn't matter. Just bookmark that link above and … [Read more...]

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The Best of the Best from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, 2019

July 13, 2019 by 10 Comments

Every year when the huge Nordstrom Anniversary Sale rolls around, I always wish I had a Nordstrom Card because cardholders get a full week's early access to the sale. I need to go ahead and open one because I hate missing out on early entry to the sale each year. I've been shopping the lookbook, stalking the goodies I want, and I've linked my favorites all below. If any of the links don't work, you'll … [Read more...]

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

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Healthy Breakfast Casserole, Delicious & Easy to Make

July 12, 2019 by 18 Comments

On Monday I shared a photo of a delicious breakfast casserole my daughter-in-law frequently makes for her family. I snapped the photo in the midst of her making it during my recent visit to see them in hopes I would remember all the ingredients once I was back home. After sharing that photo, several folks including my friend, Teresa, left comments or emailed asking for the recipe. Teresa was due to have … [Read more...]

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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...]

Filed Under: Safari Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

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Drama on the Drive Back and the Exploding Danger of Retread Tires

July 10, 2019 by 80 Comments

I wish I could say my drive back home from Ohio on Monday was uneventful, but unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. About 2-1/2 hours from home, as I was passing a red and green 18-wheeler truck on my right, suddenly one or more of its tires blew apart. With A LOT of tire tread headed straight for my windshield at interstate speeds, I braked hard and swerved to avoid it as much as I could while still … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

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Tree-Lined Streets, Storybook Homes, Delicious Breakfast Casserole & Backyard Fun

July 8, 2019 by 48 Comments

Welcome to the 545th Metamorphosis Monday! Beautiful Oakwood, Ohio is so picturesque with its tree-lined streets. It truly feels like you've stepped back in time to a much simpler life, one where the mailman still walks door-to-door to deliver the mail, slipping it into the little slot right beside the door.   I could drive around all day just oohing and ahhing over all the beautiful … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After

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9 Beautiful Themed Tables, A Dreamy Deck & A Big 4th of July Sale

July 4, 2019 by 22 Comments

Welcome to the 563rd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Independence Day to all my American readers! I'm under the weather right now with a yucky cold and soon headed back to bed, but I am looking forward to the pork roast my son is smoking right now for tonight's festivities. Just before I left to visit family in Ohio, I received the email below from Ruth. Hi from PA, Last week was our annual Hospital … [Read more...]

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Backyard Summer Fun, Favorite Summer Sandals & the Best Mosquito Repellent

July 3, 2019 by 26 Comments

A few weeks ago I shared some cute, white leather sandals I had purchased for around $45. They were so comfortable, I ended up buying them in a neutral/natural color, also.   I brought the neutral-colored pair along on my trip to Ohio and my daughter-in-law liked them so much, she ordered a pair, as well. She convinced me to also order the brown pair since I just recently purchased a bag in … [Read more...]

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

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Loose Ends and Answering Your Questions

July 1, 2019 by 32 Comments

Welcome to the 544th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to a great start! For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I thought I'd tie up some loose ends--a few of the topics I recently shared in previous posts. As you may recall, I've been trying to help my son/dil find a permanent solution to the prickly weed that's growing prolifically in their flowers beds. Thanks so much to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding

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Dining Riverside in the Beautiful Garden of a French Cottage in the Loire Valley

June 27, 2019 by 21 Comments

Welcome to the 562nd Tablescape Thursday! Recently Norma, whose tables I've shared here at BNOTP before, had a good friend visit from England. Norma and her hubby live in the Deux-Sevres region near the bottom of the famous Loire Valley, known for its many chateaux.   Norma lives is an adorable French cottage. Norma said, "The building with the blue shutters is our little cottage. It is … [Read more...]

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A Thorny Situation & Seeking a Permanent Solution

June 26, 2019 by 97 Comments

Whenever I visit my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, I get a bit restless during the daytime while they are all at work and at school. I start looking for something to do and inevitably end up in the garden. I don't know why, but I find it way more enjoyable pulling weeds in their garden than I do at home. They have this one particularly evil weed that has the thorns from you-know-where! It grows … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding

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Celebrate the 4th of July: 5 Decor Ideas, 5 DIY Crafts & 5 Patriotic Table Settings

June 24, 2019 by 25 Comments

Welcome to the 543rd Metamorphosis Monday! The 4th of July is just a little more than a week away! Wow, summer is passing way too quickly for my liking! Do you have any special plans for your 4th of July celebration? For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing a round-up of some fun and easy ways to get ready for this festive, patriotic holiday. (Note: Click the title name of each post below … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Independence Day Holiday Home

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A Beautiful Spring Table Setting in Vibrant Hues of Lilac Purple and Emerald Green

June 20, 2019 by 19 Comments

Welcome to the 561st Tablescape Thursday! A bit earlier in the spring, I received a lovely email from Warren whose tables I've shared here on BNOTP in the past. In his email Warren shared some beautiful photos along with information about a table setting he had created for a dinner party with friends. Warren said, "My wife, Kathie, wanted a simple but colorful tablescape for a small dinner party we were … [Read more...]

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Dressing for the Cotswolds in July and Shopping the Summer Sale

June 19, 2019 by 55 Comments

In less than a month, I'll be heading off for a tour through the Cotswolds, my first ever trip to England. Laura, the friend and retired English/Lit college professor who put this trip together with the help of a professional travel agency, told me there are five BNOTP readers who will be joining in on this Literary Tour through the Cotswolds. I can't wait to meet everyone! I've been Googling the temps … [Read more...]

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

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How I Set Up a Comfortable Computer Workstation in a Small Space

June 17, 2019 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 542nd Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I'm sharing a small computer workstation I set up in the guest room at my son and daughter-in-law's home. If space is limited in your home but you would love a dedicated spot for working on your computer, I can definitely recommend the setup I've created and will be sharing in today's post. A little backstory: I often plan or time … [Read more...]

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Getting a Wave or Wrinkle Out of a Silk Tie

June 15, 2019 by 14 Comments

Recently I purchased a couple of Hermes ties for my son for his birthday.   When he opened them a few days ago, one of the ties had an odd, little wave effect going on toward the bottom of the tie.   Each tie had been packaged in its own box, and the boxes had been standing up vertically in the bag. I guess this particular tie slipped down and sorta crumpled up a bit in the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

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Create Wonderful Outdoor Spaces for Dining in the Garden

June 13, 2019 by 10 Comments

Welcome to the 560th Tablescape Thursday! A few days ago I took you into a wonderful garden that was part of the Secret Gardens of Avondale tour a friend and I enjoyed a few weekends ago. There was one particular garden that really stood out for me. In addition to having a wonderful screened-in summer house...   ...and lots of little outdoor seating areas perfect for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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My Hermes Perfume Atomizer Collection & the Perfumes They Hold

June 11, 2019 by 35 Comments

I love perfume and wear it almost every day. It's amazing how a little spritz of your favorite scent can completely change your mood. If you're allergic to perfume or don't enjoy wearing it, you'll probably want to skip this post. I know some folks can't or don't wear perfume, but if you do love it and wear it, please continue reading and be sure to leave me a comment sharing your favorite scent. I love … [Read more...]

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

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A Secret Garden, Lots of Whimsy and Beautiful Art: This Garden Tour Had it All!

June 10, 2019 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 541st Metamorphosis Monday! No big Before and Afters happening around here so I'm taking you on a little garden tour for this week's Met Monday. Actually, now that I think about it, there are a couple of really cute Before/Afters in the garden! A few days ago, a friend and I enjoyed touring five beautiful gardens as part of The Secrets Gardens of Avondale spring garden … [Read more...]

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May Favorites Including a Fun, Addictive Game the Whole Family Will Love!

June 8, 2019 by 22 Comments

I've been weeding the gardens (still have so much more to do!) and this trash bag holder has been invaluable! It's almost like having a second person helping you, holding the bag open while you toss stuff in. I've been impressed with how well it works, even when I'm tossing in heavier stuff the bag has never comes loose. I use it so much, I leave it out full time in my garage for easy access. I think … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Monthly Favorites

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An Accidental Mother’s Day Table Setting

June 6, 2019 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 559th Tablescape Thursday! I'm not exactly sure how I did this, but somehow I accidentally created a Mother's Day table setting for this week's Tablescape Thursday. lol It was super cloudy yesterday so I decided early on in the day I'd set a table inside in the breakfast room instead of on the porch. I thought I'd create a blue and white candlelit setting with the new lantern I just … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Shower Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Celebrating Doris Day: 3 Movie House Tours and 2 Fashion Posts

June 4, 2019 by 19 Comments

Ever since I heard about Doris Day's passing on May 13th, I've been wanting to share a post linking back to some of the movies of her's that I've shared here on the blog. I've always enjoyed her movies, especially the light-hearted, romantic comedies. From what I've read in various articles online, Doris was in very good health for someone her age (she was 97) but apparently, she came down with pneumonia … [Read more...]

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

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Life in a Summer House, Step Inside a Cozy, Screened-in Gazebo

June 3, 2019 by 38 Comments

Welcome to the 540th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend was a busy one! I tend to be a home-body and will often spend my weekends at home unless a friend calls to lure me out. On Saturday, a friend picked up tickets to The Secrets Gardens of Avondale and off we went on a wonderful garden tour. That was followed by seeing Henry VIII at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse on Sunday with another group of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, Porches Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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Obsessed with Beach-Nautical Themed Tables & Flatware

May 30, 2019 by 55 Comments

Welcome to the 558th Tablescape Thursday! Last week when I was setting a table for our Tablescape Thursday party, I realized just how much I love creating beach/nautical themed table settings. They are definitely a favorite of mine for summer dining. I also realized that over the years I've collected a fair amount of beachy flatware, starting with this ocean blue flatware purchased back in 2008 just … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , ,

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All My Cleaning Favorites Together in One Post!

May 28, 2019 by 33 Comments

Over the last couple of weeks, I've gotten several emails from BNOTP readers asking about a particular cleaning product I've shared in the past in a previous post. In today's post, I'm pulling them all together in one place, so this will be a great post to bookmark for future reference. These are my absolute favorites, the ones I use every day and always meet my high expectations. Hope you find this post … [Read more...]

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I Have Love Handles! Plus, a Little Jungle Fever!

May 27, 2019 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 539th Metamorphosis Monday! How has your Memorial Day weekend been going? Hope it has been a relaxing one spent with family and friends. A while back I shared a little problem I was trying to solve. Last summer when I carried this handbag for the first time, I worried about the canvas fabric handles becoming dirty. I tried covering the handles with a Hermes twilly, a popular method I've … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

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A Memorial Day Table Setting with a Beach-Nautical Theme

May 23, 2019 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 557th Tablescape Thursday! With Memorial Day weekend almost here, it's time for a patriotic table to honor those who have so valiantly served in our armed forces. As I did last year with a 4th of July table, I decided to give this table a beach/nautical vibe.   Do you have any special plans for this holiday weekend? Are you heading to the beach, planning a Memorial Day … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , ,

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My Favorite Way to Sleep On a Hot Summer Night

May 21, 2019 by 30 Comments

During the wintertime, I love sleeping in flannel pajamas. I'm super cold-natured and can't stand being cold. But come summertime, I'm all about the sleep shirt. A couple of summers ago I discovered sleep shirts and found a style I really loved. The ones I like best are the ones that really look like an oversized shirt. I've never been a fan of nylon/polyester nightwear because I love how cotton feels … [Read more...]

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

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Testing Out a New Appetizer: Martha Stewart’s “Devils on Horseback”

May 20, 2019 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 538th Metamorphosis Monday! Update: Please note the two updates I've added to the bottom of this post. I made a slight change/addition to this recipe and it was big, big hit at the party, so be sure and note the updates at the end of this post.   I'll be attending a party later this week and will be bringing a dish to share. They'll be around 20 in attendance for this gathering. … [Read more...]

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Why I’m No Longer Posting on Facebook (at least for now)

May 18, 2019 by 116 Comments

Update: I've had a few readers email me indicating they thought I was saying in this post that I would no longer be creating posts here on at the blog. Don't worry, I have no intentions of stopping blogging, you'll continue to find new posts here several days a week. I just won't be stopping by Facebook to link my blog posts there. Please read on for the reason why I'm making this change. Just a quick … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

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Memorial Day Entertaining and Table Setting Ideas

May 16, 2019 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 556th Tablescape Thursday! I'm getting so excited for summer! I stopped by Pottery Barn yesterday and there's nothing like seeing all the new summer dishware to get you fired up to create some fun, summertime tables! I haven't visited the big PB in Atlanta in ages, I think it's time for a road trip! This beautiful table dressed in blue caught my eye in the window. Gorgeous colors! I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , ,

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Dressing Room Update is Complete and a Dharuma Hydrangea Update

May 14, 2019 by 23 Comments

Before I share my recent dressing room update, I thought I'd share a small garden update. Back in the summer of 2014, I planted a Dharuma Hydrangea behind my mailbox. I was told that they do well in full sun and are fairly low-growing. I didn't want a big shrub in this spot since space was limited. Do you see the little Dharuma there just behind the mailbox?   Here's a photo of it a few weeks … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,

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How to Keep Handbag Handles Clean & Protected from Dirt, Stains and Lotion

May 13, 2019 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 537th Metamorphosis Monday! A while back I shared a wicker bag I had purchased a year or two ago. I carried this bag quite a bit last summer and really enjoyed it, but I had one concern that I couldn't resolve.   The handles of the bag are a heavy-duty, stiff, canvas type fabric. They feel nice and sturdy but since they are fabric, I've been worried they would eventually … [Read more...]

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New Tops for Summer: What I Purchased at the Sale

May 12, 2019 by 15 Comments

If you have children, either the two-legged or four-legged kind, I hope you are having a wonderful Mother's Day! Mine has been very quiet. I'll be seeing my son in a few weeks so I'm really looking forward to that. Yesterday I stopped into Talbots to return a dress I had ordered online that didn't work out for me. While there, I decided to shop their "top" sale and I ended up purchasing three tops during … [Read more...]

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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...]

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The Cottage Home of My Dreams

May 8, 2019 by 23 Comments

Whenever I wish to escape this world and live in an enchanted forest, I tour one of the beautiful Carmel cottages I find for sale online. I wish more builders would build these adorable cottages today for those of us who are getting to the age where we would like to size down. Ready for a bit of enchantment? I'm pretty sure we could run into one of the seven dwarfs during this tour. … [Read more...]

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A Jaw-dropping Exterior Transformation: You Won’t Believe This Before & After!

May 6, 2019 by 45 Comments

Welcome to the 536th Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of months ago I was scrolling through Instagram and I came across a spectacular renovation. It was one of the most dramatic "Before and Afters" I can recall and I loved it! This beautiful home is located in Valdosta, Georgia which is very near the border where Georgia meets Florida. Here's how the home looked prior to its renovation by Wilson Design … [Read more...]

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April Favorites, Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day and Some New Purchases

May 4, 2019 by 25 Comments

Get ready to have your heart melted just a little. lol Okay, maybe it's just my heart that melted over a few of the lovelies I'm sharing in today's post. I started out with plans to share gift ideas for Mother's Day, but I couldn't resist mixing in a few of the favorites I used and enjoyed during the month of April. Many of those would make great gifts, too! I have been drooling recently over the Laduree … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites

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7 Easy Centerpiece Ideas for a Mother’s Day or Spring Table Setting

May 2, 2019 by 21 Comments

Welcome to the 554th Tablescape Thursday! With Mother's Day just 10 days away, I was thinking today about centerpieces that would be affordable and easy to create for a pretty Mother's Day table. All of the tables I'm sharing, except for one which is more of a DIY project, would be easy to create with items you probably already have around your home. Click the title of any table below to view more of … [Read more...]

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No More Groceries Rolling Around in Back!

April 30, 2019 by 24 Comments

Have you ever had that, "Oh great, not again!" feeling driving home from the grocery store? As you turn a corner, you hear all the grocery bags in back turning over. That's normally followed by the sounds of can goods and jars rolling around crashing into each other. You get home and find the bread squished and the bananas in the corner buried underneath a can of peas. Ugh. To solve this issue, this … [Read more...]

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A Brilliant Invention & Correcting a Regrettable Decision

April 29, 2019 by 26 Comments

Welcome to the 535th Metamorphosis Monday! Back around 2008-2010, I used to sit and create blog posts in the evenings after work at the little vanity desk located on the left side of this dressing room off the master bedroom. During that time I started having shooting pains down both arms, starting at my neck. That's when I realized the vanity was a few inches too short to work as a desk and made the … [Read more...]

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