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

August 22, 2019 by 4 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 35 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 34 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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My 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 33 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...]

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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...]

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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...]

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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...]

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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...]

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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...]

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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...]

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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...]

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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...]

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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...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,

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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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Shopping the Spring & Summer Sales Including a Handbag I’ve Wanted Forever

April 27, 2019 by 10 Comments

The days are longer and the temps are warmer, spring is really here now! This gorgeous spring weather has me in the mood for some new summer clothes. As I've been checking out all my favorite shops online this weekend, I've been taking note of some of the best sales, including a bag I've been wanting for ages. There are too many awesome to share them all but I've linked to several of them below. For … [Read more...]

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Porch Dining: A Springtime Celebration

April 25, 2019 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 553rd Tablescape Thursday! The weather has been so warm and beautiful the last few days, I really, really wanted to set this week's table out on the porch. But just look at this! This was the state of the porch when I stepped outside today. Everything was covered in thick pollen and months and months of dirt and grime.   I was torn--should I just close my eyes to the … [Read more...]

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

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A Tip From the Inventor: Car Handbag Holder Used with a Center-Open Console

April 24, 2019 by 29 Comments

About a month ago I shared an awesome product that solved an ongoing problem I've been dealing with forever: trying to keep my handbag out of the sun when I'm out running errands or on trips AND trying to keep it out of the floor whenever I have to stop suddenly.   This awesome car handbag holder (purchased HERE) has been working beautifully despite the fact it's really designed to work in a … [Read more...]

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

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The Away Bigger Carry-On Bag: What Actually Fits Inside?

April 22, 2019 by 39 Comments

Welcome to the 534th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm back today as promised to share what fits inside this Away "Bigger Carry-on" bag that I purchased recently.   Here's how the Away bag looks when you open it up. The left side contains a zippered mesh pocket which is where I carried my laptop to Egypt and back when I purchased the aluminum version of the Away bag. You may recall, I returned … [Read more...]

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An Away Bigger Carry-on Unboxing: What Color Did I Choose?

April 20, 2019 by 17 Comments

As mentioned in a previous post, I decided after much deliberation to go with another Away bag as my carry-on bag for future trips, only this time I went with the non-aluminum version since it's lighter and not prone to dings and dents. It arrived this past week and I couldn't wait to unbox it!   Here's what I found inside. The Away bag comes in a really nice storage bag that will come in … [Read more...]

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Dining in Mr. McGregor’s Garden: A Spring Table Setting with Peter Rabbit

April 18, 2019 by 51 Comments

Welcome to 552nd Tablescape Thursday! I would love to have placed this table out on the screened porch, but that would have required wading through a few feet of Georgia pollen just to reach the table. It's that time of year when I normally break down and give the porch a thorough cleaning, but I'm trying hard to resist since I know it will be covered right back up with pollen again in just a few days. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , ,

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A Pretty Organizer for Storing My Greeting Cards

April 15, 2019 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 533rd Metamorphosis Monday! In this wide-angle view of my office, you can see a wrapping paper station I have hanging on the wall to the left. I added the gift wrapping organizer many years ago around the time I was putting this office space together.   I don't think this gift wrapping organizer is still available. They brought it back again a year or two after I purchased … [Read more...]

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

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March Favorites & a Genius Life Hack When You’ve Forgotten Your Readers

April 13, 2019 by 41 Comments

I'm late as usual in sharing my favorites for this past month. Spending a week out of town with family and working on taxes (ugh) has me a bit behind. My most favorite item for the month of March has to be this car handbag holder that I shared a few weeks back. It works exactly as I had hoped it would keeping my bag out of the sun and from flying off the seat into the floorboard if I have to brake … [Read more...]

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Reminiscing: 5 Spring-Summer Table Settings

April 11, 2019 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 551st Tablescape Thursday! Reminiscing: 5 Spring-Summer Table Settings Sometimes it's fun to reminisce and look back at some of the spring and summer table settings I've created over the years. Today I'm sharing a few that I really loved putting together and I hope you'll enjoy reminiscing along with me for this week's Tablescape Thursday. If you wish to see any table in more detail, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday

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So Many Signs of Spring

April 10, 2019 by 26 Comments

I just returned late yesterday from a week of visiting with family in Ohio. It was a gorgeous day as the plane took off from the Dayton airport. The pilot banked hard to the left and I found myself staring up at the gorgeous blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.   I'm always amazed by how different the area surrounding the Dayton airport looks as compared to the Atlanta … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

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Like a Beautiful Phoenix Rising From the Ashes

April 8, 2019 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 532nd Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago I created a blog post about this beautiful coastal home that was once located on North Carolina’s Inner Banks (River Dunes) in North Carolina. The home was designed by Historical Concepts, an Atlanta Architecture and Design firm, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Coastal Living magazine.   Historical Concepts designed the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes, Before & After

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Beautiful Table Setting with Vintage Hutschenreuther China & A Love Story

April 4, 2019 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 550th Tablescape Thursday! Warren and Kathie love to entertain. Recently Warren shared photos of a beautiful spring table he put together for friends. Warren said, "I set the table for our friends who are sharing  75th birthdays. Most of the glassware and china are family heirlooms made by Hutschenreuther, Huntington Glass, Fostoria Glass and Heisey Glass."   "I found the … [Read more...]

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Shopping the Big Tabletop Sales & the Cutest Peter Rabbit Plates for Spring and Easter!

April 3, 2019 by 17 Comments

I stopped into both Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma today and picked up some really cute things for spring. Both shops have some great sales going on right now. Pottery Barn has all of their tabletop items on sale, 25% off and their Easter goodies are on sale up to 40% off. I scored some adorable napkins for 40% off. You'll find the sale here: Tabletop Sale. I had to check out this pretty blue and white … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,

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A Pop of Color for the Office & Answering Your Questions About the Bucket-List Travel Map

April 1, 2019 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 531st Metamorphosis Monday! Recently when I shared this adorable bow hat I had just ordered...   ...I received a few comments/emails about the travel map I have hanging just below the hats. Today I'm answering your questions about this map, how it works and an updated view.   I snapped this picture early this morning so the light is still really soft here in … [Read more...]

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

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What I’m Eyeing for Spring & a 40% Off Spring Sale

March 31, 2019 by 10 Comments

Happy Weekend to you! I've been working in the yard most of the weekend, spreading the 25 bales of pine straw I had delivered this past week. Ugh. It's good exercise but Wow, does it get your allergies going! Well, that and the pollen. Are you suffering with spring allergies right now, too? Shopping for Spring Clothes If you are in spring clothes-shopping mode like I am, Talbots is having a big sale … [Read more...]

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

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Welcome Spring!

March 28, 2019 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 549th Tablescape Thursday! At 61 degrees, it was almost warm enough to set a table out on the porch today. At least it was warm enough to have the door open for a while. It's pollen time here in Georgia, which reminds me, I should probably bring in the cushions from the porch until it passes. Pssst: We're using the old linking system for today's party. InLinkz is working hard right now … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , ,

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A Silver Jewelry Keeper Update & How to Find That Elusive, Much Sought-After Item

March 27, 2019 by 18 Comments

A while back I shared a new idea I had just discovered for storing silver jewelry. I needed a better method for storing mine because keeping it stored away in little tarnish-free bags also kept it out-of-sight and out-of-mind. As a result, I never wore it. This was the storage system/piece I purchased and today I thought I'd share exactly how I've decided to use it and something awesome I just recently … [Read more...]

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A Lamp for the Recently Added Console and a Spring Porch Update

March 25, 2019 by 38 Comments

Welcome to the 530th Metamorphosis Monday! Spring has really come to Georgia. The Bradford Pear trees are in full bloom and the daffodils are beginning to wane, having bloomed for weeks now. Spring flowers and warmer temps have a way of motivating us to get going on some of those repairs and projects we've been putting off. A few months ago I shared how mice or rats had decided to create little doors … [Read more...]

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This $16.99 Product Changed My Life! Seriously!

March 23, 2019 by 71 Comments

I am such a happy camper right now! For years I've had an ongoing issue for which I could never find a solution. It's been so annoying, I was seriously thinking I was going to have to invent a product to fix the problem myself. I even talked about it with a sales associate a few months ago, describing a product I was thinking about creating because I'm so tired of dealing with this issue! What am I … [Read more...]

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A St. Patrick’s Day Dinner with Friends

March 21, 2019 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 546th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received an email from Agnes with photos of a beautiful table she had set for St. Patrick's Day. Agnes wrote, "We love to have friends over....my New Year’s resolution (again) was to do something each month (I usually only get to February)."   "St Patrick’s was a good choice (I had the green cabbage leaf plates and bowls). We invited … [Read more...]

Filed Under: St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, St. Patrick's Day Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , ,

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The Cult Gaia Bamboo Arc Bag vs A Similar, More Affordable Bamboo Arc Bag

March 19, 2019 by 34 Comments

A year or so ago I was watching one of the Fashion YouTubers I follow and she shared a fascinating bag, the Cult Gaia Arc Bamboo bag. I love wicker bags and find I'm always drawn to bags with a unique design or style. So I found the idea of a bamboo bag in an arc design really interesting, but not quite enough to actually buy it since the cost of the bag was around $140+. The Cult Gaia bag wasn't a bag I … [Read more...]

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

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How to Pack a Hat in Your Suitcase for Travel

March 18, 2019 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 529th Metamorphosis Monday! Back in 2015 when I first started traveling, my very first trip was for a safari in Kenya. In reading about what one should pack for a safari, a hat was always right at the top of the list of recommendations, particularly a Tilley hat. I found one on Amazon that I really liked. The ribbon around the crown of the hat made it feel more feminine than the other … [Read more...]

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My 5 Essentials for a Casual Summer Wardrobe

March 16, 2019 by 38 Comments

Spring officially starts next Wednesday, can you believe it?! It's been feeling like springtime here in Georgia now for a couple of weeks. This warmer weather has me so excited to do a bit a spring shopping to update my summer wardrobe. In today's post, I thought I'd share some of my favorites for summer, the 5 items that are pretty much my essentials for summer. I would love to hear your essentials, as … [Read more...]

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

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Welcoming Spring with a Floral Table Setting Perfect for Easter or a Garden Party

March 14, 2019 by 46 Comments

Welcome to 545th Tablescape Thursday! It was so beautiful out today with temps reaching into the high 60's, I was super tempted to set a table outside on the porch. In the end, I stayed here in the breakfast room for this week. But it won't be long before we're out on the porch for Tablecape Thursday.   I bought two Shamrock plants this week with full intentions to set a St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Table Settings, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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A Springtime Haul & Everything Was On Sale!

March 13, 2019 by 14 Comments

It reached the 70's here yesterday and my daffodils have been in full bloom for the last two weeks. With all this beautiful springtime weather, I couldn't resist heading out for a little spring dish shopping. I stopped by one of my favorite places, Pier 1, and was so happy to see they are having a big spring sale. I found so many cute things I couldn't leave behind!   You may remember … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Table Settings, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Spring & Summer Tablescapes

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Like It Should Have Always Been There

March 11, 2019 by 40 Comments

Welcome to the 528th Metamorphosis Monday! For last week's Met Monday I shared a console table I had ordered for storing the items I often need when taking a cycling class on my Peloton bike.   You may remember when the box arrived, there was a big gash on one side. It was the box you see below on the right. When I opened it, I found one of the shelves was badly dented. I started to return … [Read more...]

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February Favorites, Including a Long-Awaited Item That’s Finally Back

March 8, 2019 by 24 Comments

Happy Weekend! I'm a little late, but today I'm sharing all my favorites from the month of February. If you missed my favorites post for January, you'll find it here: January Favorites. I have to kick off February favorites with an item I've been using and loving now for a few years, this porcupine boar and nylon brush by Spornette. I shared this brush in a post about a year ago, but unfortunately, the … [Read more...]

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The Midas Touch: Tablescaping in All Gold for a Special Birthday Celebration

March 7, 2019 by 22 Comments

Welcome to the 544th Tablescape Thursday! Recently BNOTP readers, Warren and Kathie, shared some wonderful photos with me of a table Warren had put together for a special upcoming event. They make a great team since Kathie does all the cooking while Warren takes care of the table setting. Warren said, "We are having a party, this time in celebration of my sister-in-law’s 70th birthday." In honor of … [Read more...]

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I’ve Made a Decision: I’ve Chosen My Carry-on Bag for Future Trips

March 5, 2019 by 47 Comments

Over the last few weeks, I've received several comments and emails asking if I had made a decision on a carry-on bag for future trips. You may remember I was looking a lot of different choices in this previous post: An Away Luggage Update & Help Me Choose a New Carry-on Bag. I am happy to say, I have made a decision. I've decided to go with another Away bag since I loved so many features on the one I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel

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I’m Pretty Sure I Hold the Title for the Most Botched Furniture Deliveries

March 4, 2019 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 527th Metamorphosis Monday! If they were giving out awards for the most botched furniture deliveries, I have no doubt I would be in the running for first place! So though I don't have a finished project to share, at least I can share a solution I have in mind for a small ongoing problem I've been experiencing.   Just off my master bedroom is a small dressing room. It was … [Read more...]

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Flowers Upon Flowers Upon Flowers, Celebrating the Coming of Spring

February 28, 2019 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 543rd Tablescape Thursday! A bit gloomy out today but I can't complain too much since we've had several days in a row of wonderful sunshine. Remember this photo I shared a while back of this Ralph Lauren plaid-on-plaid bedding ensemble? I had something like this in mind yesterday while setting a table for this week's Tablescape Thursday, only I was envisioning floral-on-floral and … [Read more...]

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An Uninvited Dinner Guest, AKA The Bear Who Came to Dinner

February 27, 2019 by 38 Comments

Have you ever had an uninvited dinner guest? Recently I mentioned in a post about some critters who were trying to take up residence inside the grill out on one of my decks. Since I so rarely used my grill and this wasn't the first time that had happened, I ended up giving the grill to a friend. Linda, a BNOTP reader, occasionally has uninvited guests visit her deck, too. What would you do if you looked … [Read more...]

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