Susan

Catching Up: Thought These Were Worth Sharing Before I Delete Them

January 25, 2025 by Susan 6 Comments

From time to time, I'll take photos of things that I think you would enjoy seeing, but they don't always fit into a post. Last night I was going through photos and came across quite a few pictures that I thought I'd share before I delete them. So here's a somewhat random collection of fun and interesting things that I hope you'll enjoy! This past summer, while walking around in my front yard, I looked up … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire

A Cozy, Winter, Candlelit Table Setting

January 23, 2025 by Susan 31 Comments

Welcome to the 852nd Tablescape Thursday! I started out planning to set a Valentine's Day table, but as I worked on various ideas, I realized I was missing some of the things I needed. Where are those things? In Ohio. Argh! I thought I had brought back all the things I would need for a Valentine's Day table, but that was not the case. The white swirl chargers and the cream, lace/cut-work chargers that I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: Crystal Chandelier, Magnolia Deer Centerpiece, Red Dining Room, Tablescape Thursday, Venetian Glass Mirror, Winter Table Setting, Winter Tablescape

My December Favorites

January 22, 2025 by Susan 6 Comments

While Christmas shopping last month, I came across something I didn't even know existed—beautiful Spode Woodland Placemats. Spode Woodland is one of my favorite dish patterns, love that charming woodland design! I ended up purchasing a set of four placemats in the Spode Woodland pattern. I would love to add another set at some point. I'm using one of the placemats on the side of my desk in the Dollhouse to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Monthly Favorites

So This Is New And Different—And Just A Little Bit Weird

January 20, 2025 by Susan 20 Comments

Welcome to the 834th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a fantastic weekend! I'm back in Georgia now, arrived back home late Friday evening and spent part of the weekend unpacking the car, grocery shopping, and washing clothes. Are you caught in this Polar thing that's moving across the country and dropping the temps to single digits or lower? The heat has been running almost non-stop so I've had my warm … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes

Yes, This Is Exactly What I Had In Mind

January 17, 2025 by Susan 36 Comments

A few months back, I shared some ideas I had for the windows and chairs here in the Dollhouse dining room. In keeping with the cozy, relaxed cottage feel I envision for this home, I mentioned that I'd like to go with a Buffalo Plaid fabric for the dining room chairs. I would like a coordinating fabric for the windows, in addition to the plantation shutters I have planned. Hope to get the shutters ordered … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dining Room, DIY Decorating Tagged With: Buffalo Plaid Curtains, Buffalo Plaid Fabric, Buffalo Plaid Upholstery, Cottage Home, Dining Room Decor

6 Times I DIYed What I Could Not Find Or When The Cost Was Too High

January 15, 2025 by Susan 16 Comments

Welcome to the 851st Tablescape Thursday! Since I will be on the road driving all day either tomorrow or on Friday (depends on the weather/road conditions) I'm posting this week's Tablescape Thursday a day early. Several of these projects are table, summer dining, or entertaining related, so now would be a great time to start planning if any of these projects sounds interesting to you. Have you ever come … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: DIY Projects, Entertaining, Summer Dining, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Projects

Take A Tour Of Beautiful Sunnyland, A True Labor Of Love Throughout Its Restoration

January 13, 2025 by Susan 16 Comments

Welcome to the 833rd Metamorphosis Monday! Kathryn, a lovely BNOTP reader, recently shared some wonderful photos of her beautiful 1909 home in Kansas named Sunnyland. Don't you love that name?! Kathryn wrote, "The name, 'Sunnyland' is etched in limestone on the turret. The house was built in 1909 and we are the 6th owners. The original owners were pioneers of the town and made money as the town grew. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes Tagged With: Sunnyland B & B, Sunnyland Bed and Breakfast, Victorian Home for Sale, Victorian Home Restoration

More Favorite Winter Survival Gear Ideas, Part II

January 11, 2025 by Susan 13 Comments

We had another good-sized snowstorm yesterday; I can't believe how much snow we've had over the last week. It was so much, I had to have the driveway and walkway cleared again. I rarely go anywhere when there's even a hint of snow, but it is nice to know that if something comes up, I can get out if needed. I have a tallish pair of snow boots here that I purchased a few years back but never had the need … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

Proof You Can Create An Elegant, Beautiful Table Setting Without Breaking The Bank

January 9, 2025 by Susan 8 Comments

Welcome to the 850th Tablescape Thursday! Update: I didn't realize the TT party was set to start in the evening—somehow I must have set it for PM instead of AM. Thanks to Mary for letting me know. It should be open now. Sheri set a beautiful table this year that her sister described as a "fairytale" table. I thought the same thing when I saw it, the colors are soft and ethereal—a beautiful vision in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: Budget-friendly Tablescape, Christmas Table Setting, Elegant Table Setting, New Year's Eve table setting, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Table Setting

Crazy Snow Storm, Feeding The Birds, A Special Cranberry Trifle Recipe & Catching Up Christmas

January 6, 2025 by Susan 59 Comments

Welcome to the 832nd Metamorphosis Monday! I've been super distracted today due to the weather event we had yesterday and today. Snow, snow, and more snow! Here's how my trashcans look this morning! I even have little snowdrifts on my windows like the ones I've only ever seen in movies or spray painted on department store windows. lol My grandsons have been out enjoying it this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding

My Winter Survival List, Part I

January 4, 2025 by Susan 29 Comments

We didn't have a white Christmas, but the snow did find us a few days ago. It left a nice little dusting that has lasted for several days. With more headed our way tomorrow and Monday, you know I'm employing all my favorite winter survival tips and techniques! lol had originally planned to head south right after New Year's, but family suggested I stay through my birthday that's coming up around mid-month. I … [Read more...]

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

A Beautiful Peacock-Themed Table Setting For The Holidays

January 2, 2025 by Susan 8 Comments

Welcome to the 849th Tablescape Thursday! Happy New Year! I hope 2025 is off to a wonderful start for you and your family! Over the years I've shared several beautiful table settings from Warren. Recently, I heard from Warren who said, "Traditionally, I have set my “Candy Cane” tablescape for our big family celebration on Christmas Eve. This year, I wanted to step out of the box and use a different color … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes

Love My New Ergonomic Keyboard & Mouse, It’s Available In Pink & White, Too!

December 30, 2024 by Susan 11 Comments

Welcome to the 831st Metamorphosis Monday! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! My Before/After this week may seem like a small change, but it has had a nice, positive impact. For several years I have been hoping to replace my ancient keyboard. I've always disliked how wide it is. It makes me sit with my right arm canted way out to the right when using my mouse. I was concerned that it would eventually cause … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Office/Craft/Sewing Room

Favorite Champagne Punch for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Or A New Year’s Day Brunch

December 29, 2024 by Susan 2 Comments

New Year's Eve is just around the corner. If you are looking for ideas for your New Year's celebration, the champagne punch I often make for Christmas and New Year's is always a huge hit! At Christmastime, I dip the rims of the champagne glasses in Grand Marnier, followed by colored sugar for an extra festive look. For a New Year's Eve event or New Year's Day brunch, nonpareils are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: New Year's Holiday Home, New Year's Recipes

A 3-Christmas-Movie-Themed Table Setting, Can You Guess The 3 Movies?

December 26, 2024 by Susan 21 Comments

Welcome to the 848th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you! I hope you're having a wonderful week and spending as much as possible with family and friends! Before Christmas gets by us for another year, I have to share this delightful table setting Elena created this year for her Christmas feast. Elena said, "So when I did the Christmas train tablescape last year, it was very … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: A Christmas Story, Christmas Table Setting, Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Live, Movie-Themed Christmas Table Setting, Tablescape Thursday

Yay! It Fits!

December 23, 2024 by Susan 24 Comments

Welcome to the 830th Metamorphosis Monday! Eager to get this partially assembled cabinet out of my living room, I spent most of the day on Friday finishing it up. Once assembled, it ended up being two large, heavy pieces. The top half was incredibly heavy! As soon as I reached the part where the top section had to be placed atop the bottom half, I knew I was going to need help getting that done. I still … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Before and After, Hot Cocoa Sign, Metamorphosis Monday, Porch Storage, Sunporch, Sunroom

November Favorites, Including A Way To Hide Annoying Cords, Plus A Bonus Find!

December 21, 2024 by Susan 12 Comments

Not too many things to share from November, but the ones I am sharing are great finds! There's a bonus find at the end of this post, something that hasn't arrived yet but should arrive today. Hope it works well for where I want to use it—more on that in a minute. One of my favorite finds last month was this solid wood, somewhat rustic table to go here between the two reading chairs in my study. I want this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites Tagged With: Beautiful Baskets, Favorite Finds, Hiding Electric Cords, Monthly Favorites

Dept. 56 “Christmas Vacation” Movie-Themed Tablescape, Includes Retired Houses

December 19, 2024 by Susan 17 Comments

Welcome to the 847th Tablescape Thursday! Several years ago, I created a fun Christmas Vacation Movie-themed table setting. If you've been reading BNOTP, you probably remember this tablescape. Since I last shared that table, I've added two more Department 56 lit houses to my Christmas Vacation collection, so I thought it would be fun to share a Christmas Vacation themed table … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes Tagged With: Christmas Vacation, Christmas Vacation Movie, Christmas Vacation Movie-Themed Table Setting, Department 56 Christmas Vacation Lit Houses, Department 56 Retired Houses, Iconic Movies, Movie Houses, Tablescape Thursday

A Simple Idea For Wrapping Christmas & Holiday Gifts

December 18, 2024 by Susan 22 Comments

Wrapping presents isn't high on my list of favorite things to do, but I sure do like how they look once they are wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. I've found that watching a movie or listening to a book while I wrap makes the wrapping a lot more enjoyable. This year, I decided to go with a simple idea for the bow, something I saw in an ad on Instagram, I think for Ralph Lauren. Using … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Gift Wrapping, Gift Wrapping Ideas, Holiday Gift Wrapping

Attempting To Turn Lemons Into Lemonade

December 16, 2024 by Susan 41 Comments

Welcome to the 829th Metamorphosis Monday! If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know I tend to be snakebit when it comes to ordering large pieces of furniture online. Back when I was ordering storage cabinets for my garage, it was a struggle to get them delivered in one piece. The cabinets on the left with drawers were always professionally delivered with a big truck that had a lift for raising and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire Tagged With: Before and After, Metamorphosis Monday

Love This New Feeder, Delish Popcorn & The Spotting Scope Is Pretty Awesome, Too!

December 14, 2024 by Susan 11 Comments

The Spotting Scope has been a huge hit! My grandsons are fascinated with using it to watch the birds and squirrels. Every 30 seconds they are saying, "Mimi, come look!" (Spotting Scope is available here: Spotting Scope.) I need to cherish these moments now because I know they won't last forever. Maybe in a few years when they are older, they will want to go on bird … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

A Little Christmas Holiday Tablescape Inspiration, Can’t Believe It’s Just 2 Weeks Away!

December 12, 2024 by Susan 10 Comments

Welcome to the 846th Tablescape Thursday! I'm currently working on a fun holiday table that I'll be sharing next week. In the meantime, here are a few ideas that I hope you'll find helpful as you prepare your holiday table settings and Christmas Decor. (Click the title of any post to access that post in full.) One of my favorite decorations or centerpieces for a holiday dinner party is a decorative fruit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Colonial Williamsburg Fruite Tree Centerpiece. Christmas Centerpiece Ideas, Holiday Decor, Tablescape Thursday

18 Unique & Unexpected Gift Ideas For Friends & Loved Ones

December 10, 2024 by Susan 18 Comments

Yesterday I placed two birdfeeders in my backyard. This morning I awoke to a light dusting of snow and a beautiful chorus of birdsong. I hung the feeders from the limb of a tree that's located at the very edge of my driveway in the back, and the birds were having a blast! I went out briefly to make sure the snow hadn't completely covered the seed on the feeder where the seed is somewhat exposed. I sprinkled … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Bird Lover Gift Ideas, Christmas, Christmas Gifts, Gift Ideas

Christmas Home Tours & The Start Of Creating A “Theater” Room In The Basement

December 9, 2024 by Susan 44 Comments

Welcome to the 828th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! It was a really busy one here with Christmas festivities and home tours. We lined the streets of our community with paper bag luminaries and it looked really beautiful! Unfortunately, I had a gigantic limb fall off the tree in my front yard a couple of days prior. It was out on the curb awaiting pickup—kinda bad timing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Before and After, Christmas Home Tours, Home Theater, Metamorphosis Monday, Modular Furniture for Movie Room, Movie Room, Velvet Sectional Sofa

Found A Christmas Tree, Plus Adorable Gingerbread House, Gingerbread Man Pillows

December 7, 2024 by Susan 15 Comments

Yesterday was a crazy, busy day, but a good one. Though I couldn't fit three large boxes of Christmas ornaments into my SUV for this trip up to the Dollhouse, I decided to take your advice and purchase a tree just to enjoy the lights. This is where it landed, here in the otherwise empty living room. Please excuse the gaps, I just brought the tree into the house yesterday evening and wrestled it into its … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Best Christmas Tree, Gingerbread House Pillow, Gingerbread Man Pillow

Christmas Dining In The Sunroom

December 5, 2024 by Susan 23 Comments

Welcome to the 845th Tablescape Thursday! We are out on the sunporch for this week's table setting. Since the porch isn't heated, I placed a small electric heater on the porch and opened the door from the living out to the porch. The porch was toasty warm in no time. I would enjoy dining out here any time of the year now that I know how easy it is to warm up. This was a fun table … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape, Sunporch Dining, Sunroom Dining, Tablescape Thursday

2 Beautiful New Updates For The Front Porch

December 4, 2024 by Susan 23 Comments

It arrived early! I ordered this wreath from Lynch Creek Farm around November 24th and it arrived this past Monday, well before the original projected delivery date. I love how it looks; it's exactly like the photo I saw online! I was surprised by how wet it was. LCF must spray them well before they bag them to ship them out. It was so incredibly fresh, like the greenery was picked that same … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Christmas Wreath, Lynch Creek Farm, Monogrammed Doormat

New Furniture For My Study & A Most-Special Gift From Fortnum & Mason

December 2, 2024 by Susan 34 Comments

Welcome to the 827th Metamorphosis Monday! It was a long drive back to the Dollhouse but listening to a book definitely helped pass the time. The weather was great the whole way and traffic was really good to me on this trip up. I tend to overdue a bit on these trips back to the Dollhouse, as I always squeeze in as much as humanly possible into my SUV, so the loading and unloading is quite the workout. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: Before and After, Fortnum & Mason, Home Study, Metamorphosis Monday, Round Table for Seating Area

My Favorite Black Friday Finds For Everyone On Your List

November 29, 2024 by Susan 10 Comments

There are so many great Black Friday deals going on today! If you're shopping the sales, here are some of my favorites. I really love this Vineyard Vines merino wool, quarter-zip sweater. I've bought their sweaters in the past for my son and he always loves them. A few years back I bought one of their sweaters for him for Christmas that turned out to be a favorite. The next year when I saw him wearing it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Black Friday Sales, Favorite Finds

16 Delicious Homemade Recipes For Thanksgiving Day & Beyond

November 27, 2024 by Susan 3 Comments

Welcome to the 844th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving—it's almost here! Since I know so many of us are busy preparing for visits with family and friends, for this week's Tablescape Thursday, I thought I'd share some favorite recipes that you may find helpful for Thanksgiving Day and beyond. Click on any link below to access a printable version of that recipe. Delish Breakfast Casserole: My … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: Champagne Punch, Christmas Day Recipes, Christmas Desserts, Holiday Desserts, Holiday Recipes, Recipes, Southern Cooking, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Day Recipes, Thanksgiving Desserts, Tried and True Recipes

Hanging 13 Wreaths, This Year’s Front Door Wreath & Loading Up The Sleigh

November 25, 2024 by Susan 25 Comments

Welcome to the 826th Metamorphosis Monday! It's been a busy week as I prepare to head north again. I started to hang the wreaths on the windows earlier in the week and found them all painted shut. Even though the painters had the windows slightly raised when they painted the exterior this past summer, the windows still managed to weld themselves shut during the intervening months. Thankfully, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Christmas, Decorating for Christmas, Hanging Wreaths On Exterior Windows, Lynch Creek Farm Wreath, Metamorphosis Monday

What I Bought During The Early Black Friday Deals—Never, Ever Thought I’d Buy This!

November 23, 2024 by Susan 15 Comments

I made a rather big purchase for the basement in the Dollhouse recently. As I was thinking about that choice this morning, it reminded me once again how so many of the choices I make when decorating a room are guided through raw emotion and fantasy. I know that sounds weird, but some rooms do that to me—immediately bringing a scene into view, like a motion picture playing in my head where I can envision the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Black Friday Deals, Cashmere, Grinch Sweater, Pre-loved Luxury Handbags, Sectional Sofa, Theater Room

You Know You’re In For A Fun Evening When You Pass Through These Gates!

November 21, 2024 by Susan 12 Comments

Welcome to the 843rd Tablescape Thursday! When Norma has friends over for dinner, she always makes the evening feel extra special with decorations that hint at what's to come. For a recent dinner party with an Italian theme, Norma decorated her front gates with green, white, and red flags, the colors found in the Italian flag. Norma said, "I told my friends they were coming to an Italian restaurant. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday

17 Favorite Gift Ideas To Delight You & Your Loved Ones!

November 19, 2024 by Susan 9 Comments

I've had several requests to put together a post with favorite gift ideas since Christmas is just barely a month away now. The goodies I'm sharing today are those that I know to be awesome because either I own them myself, or I've given them as gifts in the past and they were well received. Please feel free to bookmark this post to refer back to if you haven't yet started your holiday shopping. Over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

2 Updates In The Office, Including A Major One—Plus, The Home Alone House Is Back!

November 18, 2024 by Susan 17 Comments

Welcome to 825th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I have two updates to share here in the office, one I wish I had done ages ago. When I first chose furniture pieces from Pottery Barn's Bedford Modular Collection for my home office, as soon as they were delivered, I had a local glass company out to my home to measure the tops so protective glass could be cut to the exact dimensions of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: Before and After, Home Office, Lamp Repair, Metamorphosis Monday

Introducing A New Member In My Holiday Figural Family—Help Me Name Him!

November 14, 2024 by Susan 61 Comments

Welcome to the 842nd Tablescape Thursday! It was so nice here yesterday, so I couldn't resist placing this table out here on the porch. My favorite dinnerware to bring out this time of year, Spode Woodland, is currently in Ohio right now, so I thought I'd set a winter-themed table, instead. Besides, I just added a new "character" to my family of centerpieces during my recent shopping trip … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Christopher, David Carter Brown Christmas Valley Dinnerware, Radko, Snowy Table Setting, Tablescape Thursday, Tartan Dinnerware, Winter Table Setting

My Faves For Holiday Entertaining & An Advent Calendar I’ve Stalked For Years Is On Sale

November 13, 2024 by Susan 11 Comments

Are you busy decorating and planning for the upcoming holidays? It was definitely a wake-up call for me when I stopped by HomeGoods a few days ago and found it packed with happy shoppers. It made me realize how close the holiday are upon us! You could really feel the excitement in the air; everyone seemed to be in such a great mood! One of the first things I always look for each year as the holidays … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Table Settings, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Byers' Advent Calendar, Christmas Entertaining, Christmas Tree Advent Calendar, Gift Ideas, Spode Woodland, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Villeroy & Boch Toy's Delight

Sharing These Before The Sale Ends Tonight, Including This Year’s Adorable Bag

November 10, 2024 by Susan 17 Comments

Welcome to 824th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a few other Before/Afters I could probably share today, but I am big-time in holiday shopping mode right now. I visited HomeGoods yesterday and picked up several goodies that you'll see in some upcoming posts. I couldn't believe how crowded it was, it looked like the day before Christmas! People are really, really in the holiday mood now and I love it! Last … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

My October Favorites, Including Some Possible Gift Ideas

November 8, 2024 by Susan 4 Comments

Happy Almost Weekend! It is so beautiful here in Georgia right now. The weather is stunning and the temps are going to reach 83° today! I need to get outside in this glorious sunshine for a bit. I hope it's beautiful where you are today! I have some awesome favorites to share from the month of October. Hope you will find these helpful! One of my favorite shampoos and the one I've used the last few times … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites Tagged With: Favorite Finds, Gift Ideas

Step Into My Time Machine: A 1964-1965 World’s Fair Tablescape, New York

November 7, 2024 by Susan 43 Comments

Welcome to the 841st Tablescape Thursday! I have a delightful table to share with you today, one that's in celebration around a topic that I've never shared before: The 1964-1965 World's Fair! After talking with Elena, I am so intrigued, I'll be doing some online searches today to learn more about this amazing event! Elena said, "Today is my husband's birthday, so I set up the table early this morning. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Antiquing, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: 1964 World's Fair, Tablescape Thursday, Themed Table Setting, Vintage Collectibles, World's Fair, World's Fair Collectibles, World's Fair Table Setting

Add A Bit Of Whimsy To Your Decor—Especially Love The Holiday Ones!

November 6, 2024 by Susan 24 Comments

Thanks so much for all your thoughtful and helpful comments on my previous post. I read all of them and appreciate so much your input. After I pull together a few more of the pieces that I hope to add to my office, I should have a better idea how I feel about the rug. I'll be sure to share those updates if/when they occur. Again, thanks for all your input and ideas! Now that Halloween has passed and we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Holiday Decor, Whimsy Decor

A Cozy Reading Corner For A Cottage Home Office

November 4, 2024 by Susan 102 Comments

Welcome to 823rd Metamorphosis Monday! A few days ago I shared a chair I had added to the office. In that post I asked how you liked it, and the reviews were mixed. If I counted, I think more of you liked it than didn't, or perhaps the ones who didn't were just being polite. lol I was a little surprised that a few folks didn't think it worked well with the rug. I love mixing prints as you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, BNOTP Library, For the Love of Birds, Office/Craft/Sewing Room, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Bird Fabric Upholstered Chairs, Cottage Decor, Favorite Decor Books, Home Office, Reading Chairs, Reading Corner

Beautiful Albino Squirrel, Brilliant Bag Storage & 1st Attempt At Making A Tarte Soleil

November 2, 2024 by Susan 25 Comments

A week or so ago I visited the Wright Memorial Library to get a library card. There's just something about obtaining a library card from your local library that makes you feel more like a real resident. As I was leaving the library, I saw this little guy running about under the trees. He is so pretty! I wondered how rare all-white squirrels are and did a quick search. Turns out they are pretty rare with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Kitchen Organization, Storage Idea for Storage Bags, Tarte Soleil

A Beetlejuice Movie-Themed Table Setting With The Most Interesting Party Guests

October 31, 2024 by Susan 4 Comments

Welcome to the 840th Tablescape Thursday! Okay, I have to admit, I have never seen a Beetlejuice movie and know nothing about the movie or the characters. From the bit of research I did after Jackie sent over photos of this creative table setting, I learned that the movie, Beetlejuice, is described as a "Comedy/Horror." What?! Now that's a combination you don't normally see. If I read correctly, there have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: Beetlejuice Movie, Halloween table setting, Halloween Tablescape, Movie Themed Table Setting, Tablescape Thursday

Creating A Cozy Seating Area For The Office, How Do You Like The Chair(s) I Chose?

October 30, 2024 by Susan 42 Comments

The last time we checked out the office was a few weeks ago when the plantation shutters were added to this room. Around that same time, or maybe it was a few days after, I stumbled across a chair I really liked while shopping for something else on the Home Depot website. I didn't realize HD had branched out into offering furniture on their site. It reminds me of the days when the Home Depot Expos were … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Office/Craft/Sewing Room, Storybook Cottages

Furnishing The Sunporch & Some Additional Updates I’d Like To Make

October 28, 2024 by Susan 40 Comments

Welcome to 822nd Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago I rented a U-haul to bring up the table and six chairs I had purchased for my cottage home in Ohio, aka, the Dollhouse. I still need to create a post to share more about that little adventure! The table was the very first thing to go on. It was still in the box that it had arrived in and was placed flat against the front wall of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: DG Porches, Metamorphosis Monday, Plantation Shutters, Porch Furniture, Sunporch, Sunroom, Sunroon Furniture

My 2024 Winter Survival List…Including Some New Favorites!

October 26, 2024 by Susan 15 Comments

If you've been following BNOTP for a while, you know this girl is not the biggest fan of cold weather. I am always on the lookout for anything that will make getting through the coldest days of fall and winter easier and more fun. Fall is such a gorgeous time of year and winter has its charms, as well. I want to experience all of the beauty in warmth and comfort. Here's a brief list of some of my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

Halloween Table Setting With Beautiful Vintage Candelabras

October 24, 2024 by Susan 8 Comments

Welcome to the 839th Tablescape Thursday! Halloween is just a week away now! I have a fun Halloween table to share, coming to you all the way from the south of France. Norma had a fun gathering with friends and shared her photos of the event. Norma carved and scooped out her pumpkin, then used the pumpkin to make soup for this Halloween dinner. Brilliant! A little surprise … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Halloween, Halloween table setting, Halloween Tablescape, Tablescape Thursday, Vintage Candelabras

A Kitchen Update, A Cozy Chair For My Office, Winter Needs & The Sale Ends Today

October 23, 2024 by Susan 12 Comments

A few days ago I shared a cozy update here in the kitchen—an adorable gingham-shade lamp I added to the counter for some cozy, evening lighting. (I closed the shutters for this photo to partially simulate nighttime in the kitchen.) In the comments of that previous post, Elena mentioned that she had a couple of lamps in her kitchen, too. That comment caught my eye because I had been thinking of adding a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

How To Change The Direction The Door Opens On A Speed Queen Dryer

October 21, 2024 by Susan 24 Comments

Welcome to the 821st Metamorphosis Monday! The laundry room in this 86-year-old house I purchased at the very end of May, is located down in the basement. Over the years as I've checked out homes that were listed for sale in this area, the laundry room was pretty much always in the basement, usually in an unfinished part of the basement. I have to wonder what the original homeowners of the homes in this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Laundry Room Tagged With: DIY Dryer Project, Dryer Door Switch, Metamorphosis Monday, Speed Queen, Speed Queen Dryer Door Switch

2 New Additions For The Butler’s Pantry & 1 For The Kitchen

October 19, 2024 by Susan 36 Comments

One of my favorite rooms in the Dollhouse is the Butler's Pantry. A few weeks back I shared in a post that I was thinking about purchasing a toaster oven since the oven that's here in the Dollhouse kitchen takes absolutely forever to pre-heat. I'm used to my double oven back in Georgia which heats up super fast. I ended up buying the toaster oven (that's also an air fryer) I mentioned in that previous post … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Closets & Pantries, Halloween Decor, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Before and After, Butler's Pantry Decor, Butler's Pantry Lighting, Kitchen Lighting, Small Lamp

The First Ever Tablescape In The Dollhouse Dining Room

October 17, 2024 by Susan 35 Comments

Welcome to the 838th Tablescape Thursday! I can't believe this day has come! I actually have a table on which I can set a table setting right here in the Dollhouse! Yaaaay! About time, right? Let-me-tell-ya, it was a process and a half getting it here since Rooms to Go, from whom the table was purchased, doesn't deliver to the state of Ohio. After searching high and low for several months, this table from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Historic Homes, Storybook Cottages, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Cottage Home, Halloween, Storybook Cottage, Tablescape Thursday

It Has Turned Cold & I’m Craving A Warm, Cozy, Snuggle-Worthy Wardrobe

October 16, 2024 by Susan 9 Comments

It has turned very cold here in Ohio. The lows have been in the 30s at night. It's been almost that cold in northern Georgia, too. Though I don't like cold weather, I do like an excuse to wear warm, cozy sweaters. I've always had a soft spot for snowflake sweaters! This is one of the prettiest ones I've seen, love the design! It's currently on sale 30% off here: Snowflake Sweater. One of my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

A “Smelly” Before and After, How I Store My Perfume Collection

October 15, 2024 by Susan 23 Comments

A few weeks back I shared a little update I wanted to make in this upstairs bath. Notice the cabinet on the wall to the left in this photo from when the home was listed for sale a couple of years ago. Right after I first moved in and began exploring various rooms, as soon as I opened this cabinet in the hall bath that is located just outside the master bedroom, I thought how perfect it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Before and After, Perfume Storage

The Plantation Shutters Are Finally Here! Do They Look The Way You Expected?

October 14, 2024 by Susan 68 Comments

Welcome to the 820th Metamorphosis Monday! Oh my gosh, I have so much I want to tell you about the trip up to Ohio but I will save that for a future post because it was quite the adventure. Ha! Everything went really well until I hit the Cincinnati area. They had completely shut down all of I-75 North for the weekend to do road work. When I first left early that morning, Waze said something implying I-75 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: Cape Cod House, Historical Home, Old Houses, Plantation Shutters, Storybook Houses

French Market Dining Set Is Here & Finally Found Beautiful Lamps For The Bedroom

October 11, 2024 by Susan 27 Comments

Yesterday was delivery day for the French Market Dining Set. This dining set comes with four chairs but I purchased two additional chairs since the table seats six without its leaf, and eight with. When the delivery guys arrived, the two extra chairs I had purchased were missing. When they first stepped off the truck, they were carrying two bags that had skinny brown legs sticking out of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire Tagged With: Beautiful Crystal Lamps, Bedroom Lighting, Crystal Lamps for Bedroom, French Market Dining Set

The Last Of The Sunflowers

October 10, 2024 by Susan 10 Comments

Welcome to the 837th Tablescape Thursday! Today is delivery day. As I type this, the table and chairs I have purchased for the Dollhouse dining room are somewhere out there rolling around on a delivery truck. I'm the 4th stop of the day, so it should be arriving sometime today between 11-3:00 pm. I paid extra for Rooms To Go's premium delivery plan which includes unpacking and setting up the table/chairs … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Growing Sunflowers, Sunflower Centerpiece, Sunflower Field, Sunflower-themed Table Setting, Sunflowers, Tablescape Thursday, Vintage China

I Couldn’t Resist Since It’s Part Of The Prime Day Deals!

October 9, 2024 by Susan 9 Comments

I've been going through some of the Prime Day Deals today and found some that I think were worth noting. Dawn Platinum Wash is on sale 40% off, so it's a great time to stock up. I'm ordering some for the Dollhouse, I already use it here in Georgia. You'll find the sale here: Dawn Platinum Wash. Thanks so much for all your great air fryer/toaster oven combo suggestions on THIS … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

My September Favorites for Met Monday, Plus 3 Tempting Items Currently On My Wish List

October 7, 2024 by Susan 23 Comments

Welcome to the 819th Metamorphosis Monday! Whenever I'm at the Dollhouse, there are always a lot of Before and Afters to share. If things go as planned this week, I'll soon be sharing how the dining set I ordered looks in the dining room. One update I made recently for the Dollhouse dining room was adding silk-wrapped bulbs to the dining room chandelier. Here's how those style bulbs look in the dining room … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Best Winter Slippers, Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorites, Metamorphosis Monday

Awesome Way To Lift Furniture, Wish I’d Known About This Tool Long Before Now!

October 6, 2024 by Susan 20 Comments

Oh my gosh, I just recently discovered and used the most amazing tool! Have you ever wanted to lift up a heavy piece of furniture, but didn't have anyone available to help? I have been wanting to remove these little knob-like feet from under the bun feet on my desk for a while now since my desk is a tiny bit higher than I would like it to be. These are smallish feet that I wanted to remove. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Office/Craft/Sewing Room, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Awesome Tool, DIY Tool, Furniture Lifter, Lift Furniture Easily

Retiring & Replacing An Old Flag, Plus 2 Bits of Really Good News!

October 4, 2024 by Susan 35 Comments

I love it when I'm out walking and pass by a home proudly displaying our country's flag. I've always wanted to fly the American flag on the front of my home in Georgia, but the only place that a holder could be mounted is on one of the columns, and the columns are round in shape. I've never found a holder that I thought would work properly on a round column, plus I had some issues a few years back with the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: American Flag, Flag Etiquette, Flagpole, Mounting an American Flag, Spinners for Flagpole

Silk-Wrapped Bulbs For The Dinining Room Chandelier & Updated Dish Storage

October 3, 2024 by Susan 13 Comments

Welcome to the 836th Tablesape Thursday! When I last shared the dish storage here in the Dollhouse, this is how things looked. After bringing up several more boxes, this is how things look now. The new additions are the rest of the soup tureens that had been stored inside the china cabinet in my dining room, and Noritake Colburn dinnerware and coordinating glassware that had been stored in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dining Room, Storybook Cottages, Tablescape Thursday

Finally Tracked Them Down & They Are Just What I Needed For My Kitchen

October 2, 2024 by Susan 19 Comments

A little over a year ago, my son and daughter-in-law completed a full renovation of the kitchen in their charming, 100-year-old home. The renovation turned out beautifully! If you would like to see the 1970s version of their kitchen before its renovation, plus all the changes that were made, you'll find that link at the end of this post. One of the updates that took place during their renovation was the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Kitchen & Breakfast Area Tagged With: Bar Stools, Before and After, Pebbled-Leather-like Seats

Dollhouse Updates: You’ll Never Believe How Much I Brought Up This Time!

September 30, 2024 by Susan 22 Comments

Welcome to the 818th Metamorphosis Monday! So much has happened since I shared my last post for Tablescape Thursday. As I'm sure you've heard, we had a big weather event across the southeast. I was scheduled to head to the Dollhouse last Thursday, but I stayed put until things looked better in my area mid-day Friday. I had one of the best drives up I've ever had with very little traffic and no major backups … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baths, Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Before and After, Metamorphosis Monday, Perfume Storage, Replacement Shelves

Festive October Celebration, Just In Time For Dia de los Muertos & Halloween

September 26, 2024 by Susan 6 Comments

Welcome to the 835th Tablesape Thursday! Can you believe we are just a month away from Halloween! Recently I heard from Elena who said, "I am planning an interesting tablescape for my husband's birthday on October 10, so I went ahead and did a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) themed table this past weekend. I have had a lot of what is on the table for years but never put it all together until I found a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, Halloween Decor, Halloween Tables, Halloween Tablescape, Skull Candelabra, Tablescape Thursday

A Favorite Addition For The Dollhouse Office & Mystery Puzzles For Autumn & Winter

September 25, 2024 by Susan 17 Comments

I tried to resist, I really did. I even tried to borrow it! What am I talking about? When I last visited the Dollhouse, I really wished I had my puzzle board with me. I had come across some intriguing mystery puzzles and was itching to try my hand at one. I don't have a table at the Dollhouse that's large enough to put together a 1,000-piece puzzle, and even if I did, working puzzles on a puzzle board has … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Puzzles Tagged With: Best Puzzle Board, Favorite Puzzle Board, Murder Mystery Puzzle, Mystery Puzzles, Puzzle Board

A Personal Transformation, This One May Surprise You!

September 23, 2024 by Susan 83 Comments

Welcome to the 817th Metamorphosis Monday! When my son was in elementary school, I worked in his school as a "Media Parapro" assisting the librarian. I was in my early 30s, probably around 32 or 33. when I started getting teased by the teachers because I was beginning to get a few gray hairs. I hadn't even noticed since they were on the side of my head where I couldn't see them. I didn't think that much … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Inspire

How I Protect My Car’s Seats From Denim Transfer Stains During the Fall And Winter

September 22, 2024 by Susan 24 Comments

A few years back I noticed dark blue coloring on the leather seats of the SUV that I had at that time. I came to realize it was from wearing dark jeans. Fortunately, I was able to get it off with my favorite super cleaner. I think that's when I first discovered this super cleaner—when I was trying to find a way to remove denim transfer off the leather seats of my car. I use this Super Cleaner for so much … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: Dark Denim Stains, Dark Jeans Stains, Denim Transfer Stains, Protect Car Seats, Seat Cover

Celebrating Autumn With A Woodsy, Country Lodge Style Table Setting

September 19, 2024 by Susan 31 Comments

Welcome to the 834th Tablesape Thursday! With the kitchen finally back together after the recent leak behind the fridge, I was excited to set a table this week for Tablescape Thursday. Ignore the half-covered swing chain in the background. When the house/exterior was painted a few weeks back, I removed the swing chain covers. I had just started putting them back on when all the kitchen work started and I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Seasonal Decor, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: autumn table setting, David Carter Brown Country Lodge Dinnerware, Fall Tablescape, Tablescape Thursday, Woodland Dinnerware

6 Major Purchases That Could Not Wait: What I Purchased & Why

September 17, 2024 by Susan 23 Comments

When I bought a second home a few months back, I wasn't sure how long it would be before I moved there full-time. So I had some tough decisions to make about what to purchase for the home right away, and which things could wait. After thinking it over, I did what I always do when I'm in an unfamiliar situation and not exactly sure where to start—I started with the "knowns." In my mind, there were two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, My Nest, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Moving, Moving to New Home, Must Haves When Moving, New Home Purchases

2 Updates For A Cottage Dining Room, One Is Small But Surprisingly Impactful!

September 15, 2024 by Susan 18 Comments

Welcome to the 816th Metamorphosis Monday! If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember when I changed out the badly yellowed, plastic candle covers on my dining room chandelier for Lumiere's beautiful, realistic-looking candle covers. At that time, I also upgraded the bulbs in my chandelier to these beautiful, silk-wrapped bulbs. I love this look for a chandelier sooo … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Dining Room, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Before and After, Chandlier Updates, Cottage Dining Room, Cottage Home, Metamorphosis Monday, Storybook Cottages

It’s Sale-on-Sale Time & This Is What I’m Loving For Fall!

September 13, 2024 by Susan 5 Comments

I love it when Talbots does a sale on sale! They have an awesome flash sale going on right now that's in addition to another sale they've been running. Their Flash sale is buy one, get one 50% and if you spend $200 you get another $50 off! Here are some of my fall favorites that I'm considering in this sale. I've always loved Talbots shirts that have the contrasting collars and cuffs. They are my favorite … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds

Kitchen Is Done & A Beachy Table Setting With Dinnerware From The Amalfi Coast

September 12, 2024 by Susan 28 Comments

Welcome to the 833rd Tablescape Thursday! After months and months, the kitchen is finally back together. The desk was rebuilt and the refrigerator is no longer sitting in the middle of the breakfast room. Please excuse the darkness of these photos, they were taken early this morning just as it was getting daylight out. The breakfast room table and chairs are back where they belong … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Amalfi Coast Dinnerware, Beach Themed Table Setting, Fish-Themed Dinnerware, Nautical Table Setting, Sailboat Flatware, Tablescape Thursday

The Best Way To Remove Tape Residue From Hardwood Flooring

September 9, 2024 by Susan 28 Comments

Welcome to the 815th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was awesome! I have a house full of painters here right now, they are working on finishing up the painting in the kitchen and the basement. I'm still anxious and nervous about how the kitchen desk restoration will look in the kitchen once that is completed. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out. Today, I'm sharing a smallish … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Historic Homes, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Before and After, Metamorphosis Monday, Remove Tape from Hardwood Flooring

All My August Favorites, It Was A Big Month For Outfitting The Dollhouse!

September 7, 2024 by Susan 11 Comments

August was the month I bought a lot of things that I really needed for the Dollhouse, mainly items for my office and kitchen. As much as I have tried to not duplicate things that I already own back in Georgia, there were some must-haves, need-right-now items that I didn't mind duplicating. Starting here in the hallway that leads to my office, the anti-skid pad that I purchased to go under the runner is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Monthly Favorites Tagged With: Best Kitchen Appliances, Best Kitchen Tools, Household Favorites, Monthly Favorites, Office Favorites

Sad To See This Collection Appears To Be Going Away

September 5, 2024 by Susan 10 Comments

Welcome to the 832nd Tablescape Thursday! It has been a busy morning here so I'm running way behind. Thought I'd give you an update on the kitchen and share something I'm excited to see is back, but in limited quantities. The kitchen currently looks like this. The repairs have been completed after the recent issue where the hose to the icemaker decided to spring a leak. I'm so happy to see the wall whole … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Tablescape Thursday

When Am I Selling My Home & Moving? Answering All Of Your Questions

September 4, 2024 by Susan 70 Comments

Ever since I shared in a post that I had purchased a home near family in Ohio, I've received quite a few questions via comments and emails. Today, I thought I'd try to answer some of those questions, although I'm not sure I have all the answers myself. Before we jump into the questions, let me give you a little background about how I came to find the home I've come to affectionately call the "Dollhouse" due … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Historic Homes, My Nest, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: Cottages, Downsizing, Leaving Your Forever Home, Moving

Luxury Bathing: A 1938 Cinderella Bathtub, Plus Knob Upgrades For 2 Laundry Chutes

September 2, 2024 by Susan 60 Comments

Welcome to the 814th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm back in Georgia and work will start back up again in the kitchen next Monday. I'm glad to have a week to get caught up before work begins again. Hopefully, they will be done this next week with the painting and the rebuilding of the desk. A week or so ago I shared how I had the unique and unusually-shaped tub in the Dollhouse master bath reglazed. I could … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baths, Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: Antique Bathtubs, Before and After, Laundry Chute Knobs, Luxury Baths, Master Bath Tub, Metamorphosis Monday, Vintage Bathtubs

Knocking It Out Of The Park for Autumn! Love These Colors & Styles!

September 1, 2024 by Susan 6 Comments

I have to say, the algorithm on Instagram knows me well. A few days ago it flashed up some fall inspiration from Coldwater Creek, a store I haven't shopped in for quite a while, and I loved everything I saw as I scrolled through! Sadly, the Coldwater Creek location near me closed a few years back, but thankfully, I can still shop there online. Do you still have any locations open near you? I was so … [Read more...]

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

Another Dollhouse Upgrade—Wish I Had Done This Sooner!

August 30, 2024 by Susan 29 Comments

Over the years, I have really enjoyed having a Ring doorbell at my home in Georgia. It has captured some fun moments, in addition to being handy for knowing when a package has been delivered. Also, if working and the bell rings unexpectedly, I love being able to talk to the person at the door to see who it is and what they need. I've found that it saves a lot of unnecessary … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Garden, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Porches Tagged With: Ring Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Installation, Ring Extender, Ring Floodlight, Ring Install In Narrow Spot

Pumpkin Tureens For Fall, Toasty Chicken Pot Pies, & My Favorite Labor Day Sales

August 29, 2024 by Susan 14 Comments

Welcome to the 831st Tablescape Thursday! A while back, even before buying the Dollhouse, I took you on a little tour of my favorite grocery store here, Dorothy Lane Market. DLM is how I would imagine grocery shopping was back in the day when my parents would have gone to the grocery store. The store is not so large as to feel like a big chain, (there are 4 locations at present) and the people who work … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Autumn Finds, Best Beef Pot Pie, Best Chicken Pot Pie, Fall Favorites, Tablescape Thursday

So Many Lighting Updates, Plus A New Console Table For the Upstairs Hall

August 26, 2024 by Susan 48 Comments