Flatware Storage, Delivery Fails and Invisible Splinters

Welcome to the 441st Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope you had a great one! Mine was really good, though it started out a bit discouraging. On Friday I was expecting the delivery of one of each of the cabinets pictured below. I've ordered two of the cabinets shown in the photo on the right below, let's call it the "drawer cabinet" for the sake of this post since it has drawers. And I've … [Read more...]


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A Breakfast Brunch with Good Friends

Welcome to the 459th Tablescape Thursday! In 2000, Martha tore down an old rotting screened porch and replaced it with a 4-season sunroom. Martha said, "It is my refuge! I like to set tables out there when I can and eat where we can hear the fountain and look at the flowers." Martha's sunroom is the perfect spot for entertaining. Martha said, "Recently, I had my supper club over for a brunch. My … [Read more...]


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Stacks of Dishes, An Unwanted Visitor and A New Accent Piece For the Garden

It's utter chaos at my house right now. I'm in the "has-to-get-worse-before-it-can-get-better" stage of reworking my dish storage. I've been pulling out all the dishes, chargers, etc... that I think I will want to store in the new cabinets that I've ordered. (Sorry about the dark photo, took this very early this morning.)   If you missed that post about the cabinets, you'll find it here: … [Read more...]


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Attractive Storage Cabinets for Home, Garage or Basement

Welcome to the 440th Metamorphosis Monday! Around a year ago I shared a post about five projects I had thought about doing in my home some day, but for various reasons figured I never would. (Read that post here: 5 Projects I Want To Do In My Home, But Probably Never Will.) I guess I should never say never because I did add a small refrigerator to the upstairs part of my home and now it looks like I … [Read more...]


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Limelight Hydrangeas in Bloom and Sweet Visitors To The Porch

Just popping in this Sunday afternoon with a quick post...a couple of random things that are going on right now that I thought you might enjoy. You may remember last year I purchased a Limelight Hydrangea to go in front when I was landscaping the front yard with boxwood shrubs. I already had one of these tree form hydrangeas but decided I wanted one on each side of the front porch. This photo is from … [Read more...]


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Fashion Favorites On Sale and 3 BNOTP Friends Join Me in Ireland!

Oh, my gosh, I have some exciting news to share! Three Between Naps On The Porch friends are joining me on the Ireland trip planned for the end of August! So excited! Teresa joined me on a previous trip to Holland and Belgium. We had a blast and became fast friends. We've stayed in touch and are always tempting each other with trips we find or hear about.   Teresa booked the Ireland trip, … [Read more...]


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Sunflower Centerpiece for a 4th of July Table Setting

Welcome to the 458th Tablescape Thursday! We've been having the most beautiful weather lately, perfect for setting a table out on the porch.   Today's table is all about sunflowers, well--the 4th of July AND sunflowers! :)   I always love using Sakura Warren Kimble flag dinnerware for 4th of July tablescapes. Really it's good for any time of the year but it's especially fun … [Read more...]


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4th of July Crafts, Recipes, Table Settings and Decorating Ideas

With the 4th of July weekend coming up, I know a bunch of us are in full swing getting ready for cook-outs and celebrations. There are tons of crafts, recipes, table settings and decorating ideas here at BNOTP just a few clicks away, but sometimes it can be a bit tricky knowing where to find them. I came up with an idea today that I hope you'll find helpful. So here's what I did: I took screen captures … [Read more...]


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Decorating Ideas, Games & Party Favors for a Festive Bee-Themed Party

Welcome to the 439th Metamorphosis Monday! There's 1 day left to enter the giveaway for a $500 Shopping Spree Credit to Noritake China! If you still haven't thrown your name in the hat, you can do that here: $500 Store Credit to Noritake China. Each year Debbie, a BNOTP reader, hosts a "My Favorite Things" Party. In case you missed it I shared her 2017 party in this post: Breakfast at Tiffany's Party … [Read more...]


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Stylish Summer Sandals & Hard-to-Find, Rebecca de Ravenel Earrings

Earlier in the spring, I purchased this cute, wicker handbag. I have so enjoyed carrying it this spring. Everywhere I go people comment and ask me about it. I don't think I've ever carried a bag that brought so many compliments! Even the sales associates in my local Talbots love it. At first, they asked if it was one of their bags. It looks like it should be! Keeping my wicker bag in mind, I went … [Read more...]


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You’re Invited to a French “Queen Bee” Party!

Welcome to the 457th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I shared Debbie's wonderful, 3rd Annual, My Favorite Things, party. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Breakfast at Tiffany's Brunch Event. I asked Debbie if she took photos of her first My Favorite Things party which she planned with a "French Queen Bee" theme, and she did! A couple of days ago I shared three adorable bee-themed wreaths … [Read more...]


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Luxury Travel to Ireland, Without the Luxury Price

Ever since I saw the movie, Waking Ned Divine, I've wanted to visit Ireland. Have you seen that movie? If you love comedies with endearing, quirky characters similar to those in Doc Martin, great scenery, beautiful Irish music and happy endings, you'll love it! It's one of my most favorite movies. After seeing Waking Ned Divine, Ireland immediately went on the bucket list. I spent much of this past … [Read more...]


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3 Adorable Bee-Themed Wreaths for Spring

Welcome to the 438th Metamorphosis Monday! Pssst: There's still time to enter the $500 Shopping Spree Giveaway from Noritake, you'll find the giveaway here: $500 Shopping Spree. A couple of weeks ago I shared Debbie's wonderful "Tiffany" themed party. (If you missed that event, you'll find it here: Breakfast at Tiffany's Brunch.) The Tiffany Brunch was Debbie's third year of hosting her annual "My … [Read more...]


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Carnivale Blue & a $500 Shopping Spree Giveaway!

Welcome to the 456th Tablescape Thursday! We're out on the porch for this week's party! It's been pretty humid here lately, lots of afternoon rain storms, but I don't mind. I love the hot weather, even those really humid days. I'm super excited about this week's Tablescape Thursday because it includes a wonderful shopping spree, a chance for you to put some new dishes in your cupboard! As you know, I … [Read more...]


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The Safest Way to Clean a Silk Scarf

Welcome to the 437th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to a great start! For this week's Met Monday, I thought I give an update on whatever happened to the Hermes scarf I bought on eBay, the one that arrived sporting an ugly, oily looking stain in one corner. In a previous post I shared this photo. (See that post here: Washing an Hermes Scarf and Madame Paulette.) This was the … [Read more...]


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Superga Sneakers, A Favorite of Kate Middleton

I'm declaring this the summer of the sneaker! lol I don't know what's gotten into me, but I'm on a sneaker tear. I think I could live the rest of my life wearing only Sperry Topsiders and Superba Sneakers! Recently, after reading the book, Classic Style, I added a pair of Stan Smith sneakers to my shoe wardrobe.   You can read more about these legendary sneakers in this previous post: … [Read more...]


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A Fabulous “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Brunch Event

Welcome to the 455th Tablescape Thursday! Recently in a post I mentioned loving the color, "Tiffany Blue." Debbie, a reader of BNOTP, e-mailed to say that she also loves that color and would soon be hosting her 3rd Annual "My Favorite Things" party brunch at her home. Debbie wrote, "My friends and family call me the "Queen of Theme" and got a huge kick out of my French Queen Bee (with honey and lemon … [Read more...]


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How To Clean Fingerprints Off Stainless Steel & Leave a Lustrous Shine!

A few years back I decided it was time to do something about my pitiful tool storage situation. I had a small, red tool box that was overflowing with tools and it would take me forever to find a tool when I actually needed one. I headed off to Home Depot and brought home a nice looking, standing tool chest. I shared the chest and the process of assembling it in this previous post: Getting … [Read more...]


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Going Classic & A Healthy, Easy Idea for Lunch

I've always been drawn to classic design in clothing. I do find it fun to mix in the occasional "trend" piece, but over the years it's always been those classic tried-and-true pieces that I return to again and again. As mentioned in a previous post, I'm currently reading the book, Classic Style by Kate Schelter. (Book is available here: Classic Style.) It has recharged my love for the never-let-you-down, … [Read more...]


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17 Charger Plate Ideas for Your Next Dinner Party

Welcome to the 454th Tablescape Thursday! Whenever I set a table for friends or family, I often use a charger plate underneath the dinner plate. I love the way they enhance a setting, adding another pretty layer and providing a base for each place setting. They are also practical as they help catch drips that would otherwise fall on the table or tablecloth. Back in early 2008, before I ever began … [Read more...]


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Two Enjoyable, Yet Very Different Books: Wanderlust and Classic Style

This past weekend I did something I haven't done in a while, I curled up with a couple of new books and just vegged for a whole evening. The two books could not have been more different from each other, so it was like whiplash reading as I alternated between the two of them. I'm not sure what that says about me, that I would order and enjoy two such different books. lol   Wanderlust by … [Read more...]


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A Patriotic Porch & A Refreshing Drink for Summer Gatherings

Welcome to the 435th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Mine was busy, but fun! This weekend I finally took time to reattach the covers over the swing chains.   I had taken them off this spring to wash once the pollen attack was over, and had just never gotten around to putting them back on. It requires climbing a tall step ladder which always yields … [Read more...]


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Awesome Travel Deal & A Peek Inside My Summer Bag

Happy Friday! It's here! The wicker bag I ordered a few days ago came, so I'm sharing some pics of how it looks in person, as promised.   I took photos in a few different spots in the upstairs living room so you could get a better idea of the color in different lighting.   The leather top is a nice warm brown and I really like the bamboo handle.   The interior … [Read more...]


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Celebrating the Red, White & Blue for This Tablescape Thursday!

Welcome to the 453rd Tablescape Thursday! The month of May has flown by and June will soon be here. How did that happen! With Memorial Day coming up, I thought it would be fun to look back at some previous patriotic tables for a bit of inspiration in case you'll be having family or friends over during the long weekend. I've also included a couple of crafts/decor ideas in today's post. Do you have any … [Read more...]


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The Secret to Fitting a Small Bangle Over a Wide Hand

Welcome to the 434th Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever come across a beautiful bangle bracelet online and wanted to order it, but had no idea if it would fit? I ran into that issue recently, and in my usual manner tried to figure it out the hard way. If you have a simple problem, turn it over to me and I can complicate it for you in no time! So here's how this little tale goes: I have a fondness for … [Read more...]


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The Perfect Wicker HandBag, At Last!

What's that expression, "Nature abhors a vacuum?" I guess Aristotle was right because without any planning or scheming, that empty spot on the hat rack over the little reading corner in my office....   ...is empty, no more. (See the post where I shared adding this hat rack to the office here: Hat Storage That's Both Functional and Decorative.   A Youtuber I watch ordered … [Read more...]


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Surf’s Up! Beach Vacation in a Volkswagen Bug!

Welcome to the 452nd Tablescape Thursday! A couple of weeks ago I made a trip into Atlanta to do a bit of shopping. While there I stopped into the Lenox Square Pottery Barn where I saw these cute, shell napkin rings. I didn't buy them that day, but the more I thought about them, the more I knew I wanted to add them to my collection of napkin rings since I love setting beachy-nautical style tables on the … [Read more...]


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Marie’s Fanciful Spring Decor & Beautiful Butterfly Earrings

When I visited my friend, Marie's beautiful home a few days before Easter, her home was decorated in the most wonderful, fanciful way for spring. Though I've posted a couple of times sharing her spring decor, I wasn't able to share everything. I could not let you miss out on her darling bunny tails and egg garland! At the end of this post, I'm sharing a few items that I ordered and arrived today. I love … [Read more...]


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Workstation Computer Glasses, A Major Quality-of-Life Improvement

Welcome to the 433rd Metamorphosis Monday! The week before I left for Morocco in mid-March, I forced myself to purchase new eye glasses. At one time I had two pairs for everyday use, but one pair mysteriously and unpredictably snapped in half one day for absolutely no reason. I lived in fear the other pair would do the same at any time. I have contacts I wear occasionally, but they don't work very … [Read more...]


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Dreams of Italy: A Lemon-Inspired Table Setting

Welcome to the 451st Tablescape Thursday! Jeri, a reader of BNOTP, loves creating beautiful table settings for friends and family. When she shared one of her tablescapes with me recently, it transported me back to Italy where lemons are an important part of every day life. They show up everywhere in Italy from the beverages Italians drink to their dishware and linens. This was one of my favorite shops … [Read more...]


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Ralph Lauren, Seashore Dinnerware & A Shirt I Liked So Much, I Bought It Twice

A few weeks ago I drove into Buckhead (Atlanta) to shop at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. I was in search of Dior's Tribale earrings. (Read more about that trip here: The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.) Well, I must be a glutton for punishment because I did it again, only this time I headed to Lenox Square to try on some shoes. I had ordered them a 1/2 size up like all the reviews online at Nordstrom had … [Read more...]


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Washing an Hermes Silk Scarf & Madame Paulette

Welcome to the 432nd Metamorphosis Monday! This past weekend I shared an older Hermes scarf I had purchased from a seller on eBay about 1-1/2 years ago. (See that post HERE.) When I bought the scarf, the eBay ad stated it was in perfect condition with no stains, tears, etc... Several months after purchasing it, I pulled it out to look at it again and noticed several stains near one … [Read more...]


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Would You Hand-Wash an Hermes Silk Scarf?

A year or so ago, not long after returning from a trip to Kenya (see posts about that trip here: Africa) I was stalking Hermes scarfs on eBay and came across this beauty. The listing said that it was in perfect condition, no stains, tears, pulls, etc... I think the seller said it had belonged to his Mother. I'm a big fan of Hermes and their gorgeous scarves, and this one completely stole my heart. I … [Read more...]


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A Garden Party with the Birds and the Bees

Welcome to the 450th Tablescape Thursday! I was in the mood for a springtime table this week. It all started when I shared this bee flatware that's currently on sale in my last post. I hadn't used it in a table setting in a while and I missed it!   We're off to a garden party for this week's Tablescape Thursday!   I kept the centerpiece simple--just a vase of beautiful … [Read more...]


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A Few Garden Updates and A Plant I Wish I Had Never Placed In My Yard!

Welcome to the 431st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Week! Hope you had a great weekend! I spent part of mine working in the yard and I still have so much more to do out there. For the last couple of years I've known that I should trim-reshape the Green Mountain Boxwoods I placed in planters on either side of the front porch a few years back, but I've been worried I would totally mess them up. Here's … [Read more...]


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Dancing Into Spring, Bunny Style!

Welcome to the 449th Tablescape Thursday! When I visited Marie's beautiful home recently, the table in her living/family room was set for spring. This table is occasionally used by the family, but it primarily serves as a another area for dining when additional seating is needed.   I oohed and aahed over these adorable plates. They are so pretty! I love the sweet bunnies face and the soft … [Read more...]


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Morocco & Two Fascinating Tours: Fossil Tables & Beautiful Leather Jackets

When I was in Morocco, we visited some truly fascinating places. I wish I could have put you in my pocket before I left and taken you on every inch of this trip. At least I can share those parts that I think you'll find interesting or maybe even helpful. Whenever I do share something from my travels, I always ask myself, is this something I would find interesting or fascinating even if I didn't really … [Read more...]


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How Shout Color Catcher Saved My Favorite Shirt

Welcome to the 430th Metamorphosis Monday! This is not a sponsored post, I just had to share Shout's amazing Color Catcher product because it literally saved me from having to throw away one of my favorite shirts. Hope this proves helpful if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. A few months ago I purchased this adorable polka-dot shirt after seeing it online in this ad.   My … [Read more...]


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Summer Scarf Pairings and Hermes Clic H Bracelets

When I was out-of-town visiting family this past weekend, I stopped into a Talbots that I always visit when I'm there. As I walked through the door, I immediately began scanning the store for a scarf I had seen online. I hadn't realized how much I really wanted that scarf until that very moment. I had seen it online many weeks ago, even before my trip to Morocco, but it wasn't on sale then so I had decided … [Read more...]


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Whimsical Ideas for Spring Tablescapes

Welcome to the 448th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Spring! My friend, Marie, had a big family gathering this year for Easter. She decorated and set her tables well in advance, but with my trip to Morocco, we could never find a good date to get together for photos. Just before I left to travel out of state to see family for Easter, I was able to stop by Marie's home to take photos, but unfortunately she … [Read more...]


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Breakfast With Tiffany

I love Tiffany & Co. jewelry. For many years I falsely believed that all their jewelry was super expensive and beyond anything I could afford. It's funny how we walk around for years with misguided perceptions. One day I came across a video where a fashion vlogger was sharing her Tiffany jewelry collection and began to understand that Tiffany makes jewelry in all price points and for all … [Read more...]


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The Easter Bunny Spills His Egg-Hiding Secrets

Welcome to the 447th Tablescape Thursday! Happy springtime! I spent much of Tuesday and part of Wednesday cleaning the porch and readying it for spring-summer. The porch is officially open for business! :) Yeah, summer!   Everything needed a good washing including the swing-chain-covers. The covers are washed and sitting on the swing waiting to be re-hung. The swing looks so naked without … [Read more...]


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5 Items I Always Take When Traveling Internationally

I discovered something new on this last international trip. I discovered that I much prefer taking the longer 8-9 hour flights during the daytime, instead of at night. This was the first trip I've been on where the longest flight took place during the day time. I always thought I'd be bored to death on a long flight, but I purchased the in-flight WiFi and that, along with some interesting reading, made the … [Read more...]


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A Beautiful Screened Porch Addition With Not One, But Two Porches!

Welcome to the 428th Metamorphosis Monday! I absolutely love it when you share your "Before and Afters" with me! Recently, I received an email from Eric and Denise who said, "Having followed your site for several years I hesitated to share but thought the time was right to share a small change we made to our second home in NC.  When we bought the house as a foreclosure we knew the moss-covered decks on … [Read more...]


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New Rules That Impacted My Flight Home From Paris

Happy Friday! Hope you've had a great week! I think my body is just about back on U.S. time. I'm actually able to keep my eyes open past 8 or 9 PM now, although I'm still waking up very early, usually by 5 AM. That's okay by me though; I'm loving the early morning hours. I thought I'd address one of the most common concerns and questions I received before I left for Morocco. Several folks voiced surprise … [Read more...]


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Hopping Into Spring with a Beautiful Spring-Easter Table Setting

Welcome to the 446th Tablescape Thursday! I really wanted to set a table on the porch this week but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. We had severe thunderstorms and lightening the entire day. We've really had some horrendous weather over the last few weeks. So I'm putting off sharing my spring-Easter until next week, but I have a wonderful treat for you for this week's Tablescape … [Read more...]


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A Cute Footstool with Storage Gets a New Look

A couple of months ago a large tree fell in my back yard, gently laying itself down across the length of the yard.   I'm beginning to think I may have a tree jinx going on because I was on the porch a few days ago and discovered this below! In talking with my neighbors and others in this area, I learned that we had a big storm with 70 mph winds come through about a week before I returned home … [Read more...]


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Hat Storage That’s Both Functional and Decorative

Welcome to the 427th Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of months ago I purchased this adorable sunhat pictured below. After it arrived, I liked it so much I ordered a second one in the navy-ribbon style. With my hat collection rapidly growing, I decided it was time to find a better way to store them other than just tossing them onto the top shelf of my master bedroom closet where they were impossible to … [Read more...]


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Washing Benches at O’Dark:30, Birdie Nesting, Hat Storage and Garden Updates

I awoke this morning long before daylight. The numbers on the ceiling showed 4:00. Apparently my body is still on Morocco time which is 5 hours later. Ugh. After laying there for about an hour, I gave up on sleep and got on up. So what do you do at 5:00 AM? I gave both the benches on the front porch (and the porch itself) a good wash, they were seriously covered in pollen.   I took this … [Read more...]


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Dining in Fez & Cooking in a Tagine

Welcome to the 445th Tablescape Thursday! I'm back home! Enjoyed my time in Morocco but there's definitely no place like home. When traveling, it seems like every time you turn around it's time to eat again, not that I'm complaining! Trying new foods is definitely one of the best parts of travel. On Saturday, March 18th, we explored Fez, a place our guide-book states is often considered "the world's … [Read more...]


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Camping in the Sahara Desert, A Moroccan Adventure

Welcome to the 426th Metamorphosis Monday! It's Sunday evening in Marrakesh. As I type this, I find myself perched on a tiny stool in the corner of my hotel room. The hotel is lovely, but like all the hotels we've stayed in during out time here in Morocco, sans one, the concept of providing patrons with a proper desk, chair and WiFi fast enough to do anything other than access email and Facebook (and … [Read more...]


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A Visit to the Souks

Welcome to the 444th Tablescape Thursday! The place we are staying here in the Sahara before we head out to our tented camp in the desert, has the absolute worst internet I've encountered the entire trip. So instead of trying to create a large post sharing one of the many dinners we've had on our trip, I thought I'd take you on a brief trip through the Fez Market, also known as the "Soucks" for this … [Read more...]


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Decorate a Porch for Spring-Summer Relaxing and Dining

Welcome to the 425th Metamorphosis Monday! Pssst: I'm posting Met Monday a bit early (Sunday evening) since I'll be traveling much of Monday. Thanks for all the comments you've been leaving on the pictures I've been posting from Morocco on Instagram. If you've missed those, you'll find them all posted here: BetweenNapsOnThePorch on Instagram. Instagram is the easiest and fastest way to share photos, … [Read more...]


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A Festive St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting

Welcome to the 443rd Tablescape Thursday! Gina put together the most wonderful tablescape for friends and family for St. Patrick's Day! Oh, how I would love to be dining here!   Gina found the cute shamrock plates at Lillian Vernon several years ago. I've seen similar plates in HomeGoods and Marshalls around this time of year, so that's another good place to look for … [Read more...]


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10 Books On My Decorating-Entertaining Book Wish List

I'm always scoping out the latest decorating, gardening and entertaining books and oh my goodness, I've come across some scrumptious ones lately! Click the title of any book to read more about that particular book. The Gentleman's Farm: Elegant Country House Living If the book is anything like the room pictured on the cover, I can't wait to get my hands on this one. The reviews look good, … [Read more...]


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What I’m Packing For Travel During Shoulder Season

Welcome to the 424th Metamorphosis Monday! I had hoped to post photos of the hat rack I ordered back on February 25th, installed here in the office. Unfortunately, it still hasn't arrived. It's coming from Bulgaria and the last time I looked, it had finally made it to the U.S. and was in New York. So since I can't share that little before and after, I thought I'd share how I'm packing for my upcoming … [Read more...]


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A New Travel Handbag & Tiffany Butterfly Glasses

See that chicken over there, the one running around without a head. It's name is Susan. ;) I'm sure that's how I've looked the last few days as I've been running errands and completing last-minute preparations for my trip to Morocco. I'm usually not a putter-offer, also known as a procrastinator. When I need to get something done, I usually get on it. But one thing I've been putting off for ages is … [Read more...]


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Dining on the Porch with a Whimsical Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 442nd Tablescape Thursday! It was such a beautiful, warm day out on the porch, I couldn't resist putting this week's table there.   I haven't decorated the hutch for spring yet, but when I do I'll most likely use my Ma Maison dishware by Dario Farrucci. It's always my favorite for spring and summer.   I decided to use some of the larger pieces in my … [Read more...]


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The One Part of Travel I Always Dread and a New Tactic for Managing It

Email Update: I just noticed today that the company I use to send out emails for BNOTP, has been using the wrong return email address. It's been changed to the correct one which is [email protected] . So please add that address to your "approved contacts" or your email addresses. That will help to ensure that you'll receive email updates when a new post is up here on the blog. If you're one … [Read more...]


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A Beautiful Table Setting to Honor a Special Life

Welcome to the 441st Tablescape Thursday! Elena  planned a special Valentine's Day table this year. She wanted it to be extra special for her family, especially since her sister Anna would be attending. Anna had a heart transplant in January 2000 and during the past year she had been very sick.   Unfortunately, Anna didn't have the opportunity to attend this special dinner in person, … [Read more...]


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When You’re on Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part II

Thanks so much for all the comments on Sunday's post where I shared many of the animals we saw during our safaris out into the Kenyan bush on a trip to Africa in fall, 2015. In this second post, I'm sharing a few more of the beautiful and amazing creatures we saw during our many game drives. We came across so many groups/families of elephants while out on safari. There were always babies around so we … [Read more...]


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Hat Drama & Decorating with Hats

Welcome to the 422nd Metamorphosis Monday! Did you know there's such a thing as hat drama? lol Okay, I'm being silly but I have had a bit of drama over the past year with finding and holding onto the right hat. Back in the fall of 2015 when I was planning a trip to Kenya, I did a lot of research about what I should take with me on the trip. One oft recommended item was a hat for sun protection. Since … [Read more...]


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When You’re On Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part I

In September 2015, I took a six-day trip to Kenya. While there I stayed at the beautiful safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, where we took two game drives each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That trip was the first time I had ever traveled to another country and though it was brief, every single moment was filled with wonder and enchantment. It's All About the Animals I've blogged and shared … [Read more...]


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Bunny Hopping Into Spring

Welcome to 440th Tablescape Thursday! We've always had a soft spot in our hearts around here for cats and bunnies. When my son was very small, we had a sweet bunny named Phineas.   Phineas was a much-loved bunny and even enjoyed cuddling with our hamster, Ralph, nearby.   So when I stumble across a cute bunny bowl, I can rarely resist. A few weeks ago I shared this adorable … [Read more...]


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Tour Two Historical Homes & Guest Cottage: Beautiful Estate located on the Mobile Bay

Note: This post would have been up yesterday but my blog had a bizarre hiccup and I lost over half the post after it was completely written. Argggh. I have the best hosting company, though and they did their best to help me retrieve the old post. We got back about half of it, so thankful for that. Tour Two Historical Homes & Guest Cottage oF a Beautiful Estate located on the Mobile Bay Alabama has … [Read more...]


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The Safe Way to Wash Wool & Cashmere Sweaters & A Great Book!

Welcome to the 421st Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of months ago I purchased this navy and white shirt-jacket online at J. Crew. I loved it sooo much, I searched and found last year's version in a different color on eBay. Then I turned right around and purchased a second navy/white one because I was worried I'd never find it again when the first one eventually wore out. That's how much I love this … [Read more...]


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Some Weekend Shopping & A Cute Centerpiece Idea

While out shopping recently with Marie, we visited a new Hobby Lobby that had just opened in our area. The only thing I bought that day was a cake pan that makes a 5-layer cake. I'd love to bake a cake like this sometime for one of my grandchildren. I should have waited and checked online, found it for a lot less here when I got back home: 5-layer Cake Pan. Would make a beautiful centerpiece in a spring … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Valentine’s Day Table Settings & A Clever Idea for Candle Storage

Welcome to the 439th Tablescape Thursday! Last week I used the very latest version of InLinkz for Metamorphosis Monday and Tablescape Thursday. For most folks, it worked fine, but I've heard from 4-5 readers who were unable to see the party links. Until we can figure out what's causing that issue, I've gone back to using the old version of InLinkz for today. If you were having an issue seeing the … [Read more...]


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Valentine’s Day Decorations: Decorate the Porch, Front Door and a Valentine’s Day Tree

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day was absolutely grand! The weather here continues to be amazingly beautiful. I'm sure Mother Nature is going to wake up at any moment and realize that while she was napping, spring snuck in. Until she does, we will continue to enjoy these 60 and 70 degree, sun-filled days. Even the birds in my backyard were chirping up a storm today. They seem as excited about these … [Read more...]


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A Much Wanted Shirt Is Found & Spring Wardrobe Updates

Welcome to 420th Metamorphosis Monday! Did you hear a crazy woman screaming on February 5th? If you did, that was me having a happy fit when Elaine, a reader of BNOTP, e-mailed to say she had seen the birding shirt I've been trying to find forever for sale on Etsy. I leapt over to Etsy and couldn't believe my eyes!  The ad stated that it was brand new and had never been worn. I think it will fit based on … [Read more...]


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Peloton Cycle: Two Months In And What I’ve Learned

A little over a month ago I shared about a Peloton spin bike that I purchased about a month before Christmas. If you're not familiar with this bike or haven't seen the commercials, the Peloton let's you take spin classes, both live and on-demand, in the comfort of your own home. I love this bike and feel it's one of the best (if not the best) step I've taken for my health and future well-being. It's also … [Read more...]


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Valentine’s Day Table with Vintage Copeland Spode, Tower

Welcome to the 438th Tablescape Thursday! Please Note: I'm using the latest version of InLinkz for today's Tablescape Thursday party. If you have trouble seeing the links (or the button to link up to the party) please check to make sure you are using the latest version of your browser. You may have trouble seeing the links or linking up if your browser is an older version. Thanks so much for all your … [Read more...]


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A Very Weird, Very Strange Day

Thanks so much for all the amazing suggestions, ideas and input on yesterday's post. So much great information, things I would never have thought about. I will be referring back to your comments again and again when I am closer to beginning my master bath renovation. Your comments have also tremendously helped others who are facing a bath renovation, as well. There's nothing like hearing from folks who have … [Read more...]


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No Tub for the Master Bath: Good Idea or Regrettable Trend?

Welcome to the 419th Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago when I was replacing all my surge protectors around the house for new ones, I discovered an outlet in my office wasn't working. I called in an electrician to fix it. While he was here we started talking master bathroom renovations. During our discussion, he told me something really surprising. Did you know that some folks who are renovating … [Read more...]


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Hunter Royal Horticultural Society Garden Boots & Other Fabulous Finds

A few years ago I discovered Hunter boots and it's been a serious love affair ever since. This obsession started off innocently with a pair of their Classic Tall Gloss Rain Boots in the color red. You may have noticed them in some of the photos I've shared here on the blog, like this porch scene from this past fall.     I have this uncanny talent of discovering something I really … [Read more...]


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Spring Table Setting Ideas…Hurry Up Spring!

Welcome to the 437th Tablescape Thursday! I'm so sorry Tablescape Thursday is late going up. I thought today was Wednesday, I kid you not! I think my mix up started with having a doctor's appointment yesterday (just a check up, nothing serious) and for some reason I had it in my head all last week that the appointment was on Tuesday of this week. So this morning when I awoke, I was thinking it was … [Read more...]


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Let’s Go Antiquing at A Classy Flea!

I stopped by A Classy Flea today, hadn't been there in ages. Ready to do a little antiquing? This would be great for a bit of 4th of July decorating? $42.95   If you would like to make your own flag, check out this tutorial I posted a while back: Make a Wood Flag for 4th of July.   A pretty set of dishes, I had never seen this pattern before. It was labeled, "American … [Read more...]


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Organize and Keep Your Entry Tidy with a Stylish Boot Tray

Welcome to the 418th Metamorphosis Monday! This past summer when I was out digging and planting shrubs every day, I was coming in and out of my front door a lot.   The front door is normally the door I go out when I'm checking the mail or doing any gardening in the front yard, including vacuuming up acorns. :)   During all that gardening this past summer, I began to notice a … [Read more...]


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Dreaming of Spring on a Warm Winter’s Day

Welcome to the 436th Tablescape Thursday! The spring-like weather we've been having and the flowers I received for my birthday from my beautiful friend, Linda, have put me in the mood for a spring table.   Hard to believe just a few weeks ago my front garden looked like this!     Hope this table brings some sunshine into your life on this January day. Are you having … [Read more...]


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How I Got Approved For Global Entry in 20 Days

When I booked a trip to Morocco recently, the agent who helped me asked if I had already applied for Global Entry. She was the second person to mention Global Entry to me that week. I took that has a sign and decided to apply.   I completed the application online on January 4, 2017 and today, just twenty days later, I received Global Entry Approval and a Global Entry number, aka, Known … [Read more...]


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A Small Beverage Cooler for the Upstairs

Welcome to the 417th Metamorphosis Monday! I've often thought about adding a small refrigerator to the upstairs for those times when I'm in the mood for a cold drink but reluctant to stop working to go downstairs. Also, going downstairs makes it a little too convenient for snacking, one of the dangers of working from home. Adding a Peloton Cycle to my dressing room just off the master bedroom, gave me … [Read more...]


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A Music System So Hot, The Remote Caught Fire!

Ha! That post title will make more sense in just a second. :) I've been a Bose fan ever since I purchased their Lifestyle® 12 surround sound system for my living room over twenty years ago. When something went wrong with the large acoustimass module after many years of use, Bose was still in business (unlike a lot of companies these days) and were happy to assist.   They mailed me a very … [Read more...]


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Blue and White Table Setting for a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner

Welcome to the 435th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received an email from Gina saying, "Some friends gathered at our house for the annual New Year's dinner and the blue and white china was used.  It's was a fun time in that we discussed what we learned and (won't do again) and what we expect to accomplish for 2017." What a fun dinner that must have been. I would love to have heard what everyone … [Read more...]


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Revisited: 5 Projects I Want To Do In My Home, But Probably Never Will

Welcome to the 416th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes and comments on Saturday's post. You are amazing and I truly feel so blessed by your lovely words! As I always say, YOU are the very best part of BNOTP! A while back I wrote an unusual post where instead of sharing some projects I hoped to do in my my home, I shared five projects that I was pretty sure would never … [Read more...]


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Getting More Organized in the Office

Happy Weekend! Did you survive Friday the 13th? ;) I'm not really the superstitious type, but it's always kinda funny when my birthday falls on a Friday the 13th. Saw this online just now and it made me laugh. I've never seen any of the "Friday the 13th" movies, but apparently this covers them all. lol   Yesterday was one of those "Friday the 13th" birthdays and it was a biggie--one of … [Read more...]


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6 Table Settings to Inspire & Add Warmth To Your Winter Dining

Welcome to the 434th Tablescape Thursday! This past week I've been focused on getting a lot of things done that I've been putting off, like fixing broken network extenders, solving phone storage issues, repairing gates, repairing a collapsed shelf in my master bedroom closet, organizing, clearing out the office closet and attempting to solve an electrical problem. Electricity scares me, which is … [Read more...]


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Brad Nailer for a Small Gate Repair & Deer Ate My Violas!

Welcome to the 415th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been on a mission the last several months, really going all the way back to last summer, to clear out anything and everything that I don't use on a regular basis. That has included going through all the closets in my home. There are 12 closets in this house: 10 upstairs and 2 on the main level. That's not including the eve storage off the upstairs living … [Read more...]


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Awesome Deal on a Small Group Travel Adventure! Come With!

Snow and a "wintry mix" were predicted for our area starting around 4 PM today. The snow part doesn't scare folks around here that much, it's the phrase "wintry mix" that sends everyone into a panic. I really didn't want to do it, but I knew I had to make a trip to the grocery store. I never like shopping for groceries, snow or no snow, so shopping when the store is packed is something I avoid like the … [Read more...]


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Can’t Wait Another Whole Year To Share This!

Welcome to the 433rd Tablescape Thursday! When I visited my friend, Marie, it was only a few days before Christmas, so I never had a chance to share all the delightful tables she had created for the holiday before Christmas arrived.   One of my favorite tables of Marie's is always the "Kid's Table." I don't know about you, but the kid's table never looked this fabulous when I was growing … [Read more...]


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How I’m Using My Spoons & Building My Spring Wardrobe

A while back I shared some adorable Hand-Stamped silverplate spoons that were the cutest ones I'd ever seen. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: They Arrived and I Love Them! Plus, a Special Bird Sighting I gave the "Drink Tea" spoon shown below to a special friend for Christmas,   ...along with a cute reindeer drink cozy like the one you saw in my previous porch post. The … [Read more...]


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