No More Faking It

Welcome to the 316th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful stories about your Barbour jackets in the comments on Friday's post. I had so much fun reading those. If there's one thing I've learned during the process of researching and finally buying a Barbour coat is that Barbour coat owners love and are passionate about their coats. They talk about them like you would a trusted and … [Read more...]


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A Forever Coat

I've never been a serious fashionista, but last summer I began to catch the bug. I had come across a cute fashion blogger named Sarah, who blogs at Classy Girls Wear Pearls.  I subscribed to her blog posts and over the past year while reading her blog, I began to learn about so many clothing brands and stores I'd never heard of before. Finding Sarah's blog has put a bit of a dent in my wallet, but in a … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Winter House by Charlotte Moss

I knew it was going to be cold here today when just before going to bed last night, I noticed it was already below freezing outside. I awoke at 7AM to 26 degree temps and reluctantly climbed out of my warm bed. Hard to get up on these cold mornings, isn't it? I hurriedly turned up the heat to warm up the house and watched as the birds eagerly swarmed the three feeders hanging from the pergola and deck. … [Read more...]


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Inspiration for the Spring Table

Welcome to the 334th Tablescape Thursday! I always like to stop by my local Pottery Barn this time of year to see what's new for the spring season. They had lots of great tables set so I snapped a few pics for ya! This table would work well for spring or summer.   See that tiny little silver thing in the center of the plate.   It's a cute little bunny acting as a place card … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Country French Living

Recently, I shared French Country Signature, the first book I ever purchased by the talented designer, Charles Faudree. I remember being so excited and in love with that book, I hadn't even finished it before I purchased his second one, the one I'm sharing today. Amazon doesn't show the date I purchased his first book but they show I purchased today's book on May 26, 2007. That was a full year before I … [Read more...]


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Epic!

When I clicked on Elgin's e-mail in my Inbox on Saturday and looked at the pictures she had attached, my eyes grew wide, my mouth fell open and I was completely speechless, something that rarely happens to this motor-mouth. When I could speak again, the only word that kept coming to mind was, Epic! Elgin lives in Canada and I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like the pictures she had attached to … [Read more...]


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DIY Burlap Bunny-Ear Napkin Rings For Your Spring Table

Welcome to the 315th Metamorphosis Monday! Last year I saw these cute burlap bunny-ear napkin rings in a cataglog. Ummm, that started the wheels a-turning. I saved the picture to my computer thinking I might try to DIY them some day.   With spring just 5-6 weeks away, I decided to start working on them now so they will be ready for a spring or Easter tablescape.   I already … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: French Country Signature

Charles Faudree is hands down, my absolute favorite designer when it comes to French Country design. Traditional Home magazine used to do a full feature on him approximately every two years and I always pulled those issues aside to relish over and over again. No one does French Country like Charles Faudree!   In the BNOTP Library: Charles Faudree's French Country Signature Author: Charles … [Read more...]


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Plaid, Paisley and Velvet For Valentine’s Day

Welcome to the 333rd Tablescape Thursday! This week I'm sharing a Valentine's Day table setting that's a little different. I experimented around with mixing different patterns including plaid, paisley and velvet-edged napkin sheaths with a burlap-like look. The overall result is a Valentine's Day table setting with a bit of a masculine feel.     A red lantern worked well as a … [Read more...]


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A Few Of My Favorite Reads This Past Year, What Were Yours?

I listen to a lot of books on Audible...around 8-10 each month. If I'm driving on an errand, sitting in traffic or on a long trip, a book is playing. If I'm sorting through the way-too-many pictures I've taken for a post and cropping or editing them, a book is playing. If I'm washing dishes, folding laundry, staining the deck, planting shrubs, spreading pine straw or cleaning out the garage, a book is … [Read more...]


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Farm Living Is The Life For Me

I'm always taking pictures to share with you. Last summer I took some photos but never found a good time to share them here on the blog. It's really cold here today in Georgia and I'm craving a little summer. I thought you might be, too. We're headed up to the farm today where it's still summertime. So for the next few minutes, let's forget all about the cold. Where we're going, there's nothing but green … [Read more...]


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Corral Those Charging Cables With A Charging Valet

Welcome to the 314th Metamorphosis Monday! I love wireless devices and the freedom they afford us, but that freedom has to take a pit stop every now and then to recharge. I think I may finally have a system I'm happy with for handling the pit stops when they occur. A little over a year ago I shared a solution for managing all the little charging cables on my desk in that semi-hidden area where the … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Decorating With Antiques

Pssst: The Between Naps On The Porch newsletter, Postcards From The Porch, will be going out to subscribers this weekend. If you haven't signed up to receive the newsletter yet (it's free!) and would like to receive it when it's sent out each weekend, you can subscribe here: Postcards From The Porch.   In The BNOTP Library Sooo excited to be sharing another wonderful book by Caroline … [Read more...]


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A Christmas Present For Your Future Self

Have you ever started a project thinking you could knock it out in a few hours, only to find it took more like a few days? That's how the revamp of my Christmas storage went this year, but now that I'm done, it was totally worth it. My Christmas decorations, except for the Christmas trees, are all stored here in the upstairs family room.   This quirky F.R.O.G. (finished room over the … [Read more...]


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Valentine’s Day Table Settings, Napkin Folds & Recipes

Welcome to the 332nd Tablescape Thursday! Before we get into this week's Tablescape Thursday, I just wanted to say you guys are GOOD! It didn't take long for you to name every single one of the books yesterday! Can you imagine being the person who designed the Quotes throw. I don't know how they ever decided what books to feature, that would have been torture! Saving At Checkout I also wanted to … [Read more...]


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It Was The Best Of Times, It Was The…

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Recognize that partial quote? It's from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and the rest of the sentence, the part we rarely hear, goes like this: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, … [Read more...]


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The Case For The Corner Bed

Recently, we toured this adorable waterside cottage in Connecticut. Cottages, especially those that are quite old, often have quirky rooms that present design challenges for even the most seasoned decorator. (If you missed this wonderful cottage, you'll find the tour here: Tour a Charming Connecticut Dream Cottage)   You'll occasionally run into tricky situations, especially in bedrooms where … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: The Art of Decoration

Though the book I'm sharing today is an older book, it's written about a topic that's classic and forever in style: English Design.   In the BNOTP Library: The Art of Decoration Author: Nina Camptbell Hardcover: 160 pages   3 Things I Like About This Book: One of Nina Campbell's first jobs was working with John Fowler of Colefax and Fowler. You can see John Fowler's … [Read more...]


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Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

Welcome to the 313th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was restful and fun! I been working the last few days in the upstairs family room.   When I put away all the Christmas decorations this year, I decided it was time to get better organized. Each year when it's time to pull out the Christmas decorations, I dread it. This is why. As you can see, it's jam-packed up under … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Perfect Tables by William Yeoward

William Yeoward is a master in the art of entertaining. You may remember another one of his other books I featured in the past, William Yeoward on Entertaining. Entertaining often means creating a beautiful table setting. In the book I'm featuring today, Mr. Yeoward is spilling all his secrets and tips for setting a beautiful table.   In the BNOTP Library: Perfect Tables: Tabletop Secrets, … [Read more...]


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A New Year’s Winter Table Setting

Welcome to the 331st Tablescape Thursday! Recently, my friend Bonnie created a beautiful winter tablescape for a New Year's Eve dinner.   This table setting included a Santa centerpiece dressed all in white, so this table would also work great as a Christmas tablescape, too.   Take away the Santa and this table setting would work great any time during the winter … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: English Country, Living in England’s Private Houses

With the return of Downton Abbey, I have English Country decorating and design on the mind. Author, Caroline Seebohm is taking us inside beautiful English Country homes you would normally never get to see.   In the BNOTP Library: English Country Author: Caroline Seebohm Hardcover: 288 pages Size: 10.5 x 10.2 x 1.2 3 Things I Like About This Book: I'm not sure why the description … [Read more...]


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Ready For Spring Planting

Welcome to the 312th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all the comments left on my last post. I read each one, not just once, but several times. Your prayers, encouragement and individual stories have been a true blessing and they have brought me much comfort over the last few days. So many of you well-know the heartache of losing someone very close to you. I'll be returning to that post to read … [Read more...]


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Sisters

When I decided to start a blog back in August 2008, my biggest supporter was my sister, Glenda. Being 10 years older, she has always watched out for me...the best big sister ever.   Since our mother (pictured below) was ill for most of my life starting when I was very young, Glenda took on way more than the usual big sister's share of responsibility caring for me as I was growing … [Read more...]


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The Holiday: Graham’s Charming Mill House

Four years ago I shared a tour of the adorable English cottage featured in the movie, The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black.   Rosehill Cottage stole the hearts of everyone who saw the movie. If you missed that tour, you'll find it here: Tour Rosehill Cottage from the movie, The Holiday   Recently, a reader of BNOTP left this comment on The … [Read more...]


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It’s Flag City Around Here!

Welcome to the 311th Metamorphosis Monday! If you are participating in Met Monday (a blog party that's all about Before and Afters) please don't forget to include a link in your post back to today's party so your readers will find the other participants who have also linked up. Please do not link up a post you've just previously linked up in the last 2-3 weeks since readers will have already seen that post. … [Read more...]


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Make A Snowman Spice Cake

Recently while shopping in Williams-Sonoma, I came across a Nordic Ware snowman cake pan. It was on sale, greatly reduced from $39.95 to $10.39 so I couldn't resist trying my hand at making this cute cake. Update: You can still find this pan here: Snowman Cake Pan   The cake ended up being a centerpiece for yesterday's winter table setting seen in this post: Winter Table Setting With Snowman … [Read more...]


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A Winter Tablescape With Snowman Spice Cake Centerpiece

Welcome to the 330th Tablescape Thursday! My tablescape today is a winter themed table setting with a very special centerpiece. It's so special that it's practically invisible. What? You don't see it? It's right there--on the pedestal in the center of the table. ;) I knew by the time the centerpiece I planned to use was ready, it would already be getting dark out. Since table settings look so much … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: The Victorian Country House by Mark Girouard

Yesterday we toured Highclere Castle, the Victorian country house where the popular British drama, Downton Abbey is filmed each year. If you have an interest in learning more about Victorian country houses like Highclere, today's book is a good one to consider. You can tell the author has done his research.   In the BNOTP Library: The Victorian Country House Author: Mark Girouard Hardcover: … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Martha’s Vineyard Gardens and Houses

After touring HGTV's 2015 Dream Home on Martha's Vineyard, I knew exactly which book I wanted to share today from my decor/gardening library.   In the BNOTP Library: Martha's Vineyard Gardens and Houses Author: Taylor Lewis, Catherine Fallin Hardcover: 277 pages   3 Things I Like About This Book: Gorgeous pictures of the homes and gardens on Martha's Vineyard, all taken … [Read more...]


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An After-Christmas-Sale Haul

Well, "haul" may be a slight exaggeration. It's more like a mini-haul. Have you done in after-Christmas shopping? I haven't been in the mood, probably due to being sick. Thankfully, I'm all better now! It's 63 degrees here today, sunny and gorgeous! I decided to stop by the Williams-Sonoma that's a couple miles from my home to see what's shaking. In the past I've found some amazing deals there after the … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Laying The Elegant Table

The book I'm sharing today is for anyone who has an appreciation or love for all things tabletop. A drool-worthy book if ever there was one!   In the BNOTP Library: Laying The Elegant Table: China, Faience, Porcelain, Majolica, Glassware, Flatware, Tureens, Platters, Trays, Centerpieces, Tea Sets Author: Ines Heugel Hardcover: 184 pages   This is one of those rare books that … [Read more...]


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Warming Up The New Year With A Woodland Table Setting

Welcome to the 329th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever gotten a surprise call from a friend who was in town and suddenly realized you were going to have company for dinner? When that happened to Laura, instead of panicking like I may have :) she seized the opportunity to put together a warm and inviting Woodland themed table setting. Laura is definitely quick on her feet because the table she created is … [Read more...]


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A “Hair Of The Dog” New Year’s Day Party

This morning I shared a book from my decor library that offers us a peek into some pretty amazing parties held in private homes in New York. I must have parties on the brain since I've even been dreaming about them. Are you attending any New Year's parties this year? Will you be hosting one? I'm kind of glad I didn't plan one this year since I've come down with a nasty bug or something after all my … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: New York Parties: Private Views

It's almost party time! Hard to believe 2014 is about to be a thing of the past. Have you been invited to any New Year's parties this year? Will you be hosting one yourself?   In the BNOTP Library: New York Parties: Private Views Author: Jamee Gregory Hardcover: 208 pages   3 Things I Like About This Book: The lavish parties featured in this book are wonderful and worth … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation

Welcome to the 309th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your holiday? Did you spend it with family? Did Santa bring you a new toy or two? :) I was with family in New Hampshire for the week so there was a fair amount of time spent in airports, on airplanes and in rental cars on the way there and back. The in-between part with family was wonderful, though.   I loved my time in New Hampshire. … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Rooms To Inspire By The Sea

After touring such a great beach house yesterday, I couldn't resist sharing a wonderful book filled with inspiration for decorating a seaside home.   In the BNOTP Library: Rooms to Inspire by the Sea Author: Annie Kelly Hardcover: 240 pages   Be sure and check out the "preview" of this book at Amazon. It's a good preview and really gives you a good feel for this book. 3 … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: California Cottages

Yesterday we toured a wonderful California home with tons of cottage style. The book I'm sharing today is all about cottage living in California, covering mountain cottages to beach cottages and everything in between.   In the BNOTP Library: California Cottages: Interior Design, Architecture, and Style Author: Diane Dorrans Saeks Hardcover: 176 pages   3 Things I Like About … [Read more...]


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5 New Year’s Party Ideas

Welcome to the 327th Tablescape Thursday! Please Read: Next week, Tablescape Thursday falls on Christmas Day. I won't be able to post a table setting that day, but I will put InLinkz up on Wednesday evening in case anyone has a table setting they would like to link up. So stop by and link up your table if you have the time. I'm sure there will be plenty of folks stopping by who would love to see what … [Read more...]


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Tour Beautiful Westview, A Classic Greek Revival Designed For Today

Last night as I was working on this post, I kept thinking, "I know this house!" You know that feeling when you see someone in passing and you just know you've met them before. It nags and nags at you all day, until finally it dawns on where you first met. This morning as I continued working on this post, I decided to watch the video at the site where I found all the wonderful pictures I'm sharing today. … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: The Great American House

Later today I'll be taking you on a tour of a beautiful "new" old house at Between Naps On The Porch. As I was working on that post last night, I kept thinking the house looked so familiar. Then I realized why; it's a home that's been featured in one of my favorite books!   In the BNOTP Library: The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now Author: Gil Schafer III Hardcover: … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Savannah Style

A visit to Savannah is a unique experience. It's one of my favorite places to visit for the architecture, the beautiful homes and gardens, the historic squares and for Savannah's rich and sometimes haunting history.   In the BNOTP Library: Savannah Style: Mystery and Manners Author: Susan Sully Hardcover: 208 pages   I love the title of this book, Savannah Style: Mystery and … [Read more...]


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It’s All In The Details

Welcome to the 307th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How was your weekend? Do anything fun? I finished up a bit of my Christmas shopping and was happy to get that done. So, you know how I've been working on curing my floppy-flange problem? lol That sounds really weird, doesn't it? For anyone who missed that post, I've been working on improving the appearance of the pillows for my winter bedding. I … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Martha Stewart’s Christmas

Since we're in the Christmas season, I've been sharing a lot of my favorite Christmas-themed books. I can't let the season get by without sharing one of my favorites by Martha Stewart. I've had the paperback version for many years. Recently I noticed they have tons of the hardback version for just a penny on Amazon, so today I ordered it in hardback. I always prefer a hardback copy when I can get it, … [Read more...]


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Decorating The Porch For Christmas

One of my favorite places to decorate for Christmas is the front porch. It's the first "room" friends and family see when visiting , and at Christmastime it's so much fun to make it feel extra special and inviting.   When decorating, be it inside or out, I always love a mix of fresh greenery and faux. Fresh greenery gives you the scent while faux gives you the look you want while saving you … [Read more...]


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Christmas Tablescape With A Fresh Magnolia and Nandina Berry Centerpiece

Welcome to the 326th Tablescape Thursday! How can it be December 11th already? Wow, this month is really flying by! I'm sharing a fun little Christmas table setting this week for Tablescape Thursday.     We're in the breakfast room since it's way too cold out for dining on the porch.   I'm still loving all things plaid so I chose tartan dishware for this week's … [Read more...]


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Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Do you sometimes wish you had 10 homes to decorate? lol Okay, not really, but every now and then I do see something that makes my heart skip a beat and has me dreaming and thinking, what if? I love color and I know I wouldn't be happy if I wasn't surrounded by it in my home, especially at Christmastime. But oh my goodness, this home is so soft and beautiful, it does have me dreaming of decorating all in … [Read more...]


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Inside “A Christmas Story” Movie Museum

This past summer while visiting family in Ohio, I took a day trip over to Cleveland to visit the home featured in the iconic Christmas move, A Christmas Story. I shared pictures of the exterior and interior over a series of posts that can all be found linked here:  A Christmas Story  Movie House Tour, Parts I-IV See the triple window there, just above the porch?   When you're standing in … [Read more...]


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A Summer House On A Christmas Home Tour

Welcome to the 306th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Go on any Christmas home tours? Did you do a little Christmas decorating? I finished decorating the front porch and I'm looking forward to sharing that soon. This weekend I attended the Marietta Pilgrimage and though pictures weren't allowed inside the homes, I have a few to share of some of the outside spaces that were transformed for … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Southern Christmas

Though the book I'm sharing today is filled with beautiful pictures and wonderful scenes of Christmas, it's also jam-packed with information and the history of why we decorate the way we do, all the way from Maryland down to the most southern states. If you love an old fashioned Christmas filled with tradition, you'll love this book.   In the BNOTP Library: Emyl Jenkins' Southern … [Read more...]


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The Imperial Silver & Porcelain Collection Museum in The Hofburg Palace

Welcome to the 325th Tablescape Thursday! We're going to Europe this week, to Vienna, Austria thanks to Elena, who generously shared pictures from her trip there. While in Vienna, Elena had the opportunity to tour the Hofburg Imperial Palace where Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth lived during the period of the Habsburg Empire. On a visit to the palace, Elena was able to tour the museum that … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Bedrooms

Pssst: If you would like to be notified of new "In The BNOTP Library" posts, subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox via the gray subscribe box at the end of this post. Often when I find a book I love, I search on Amazon to see if the author has written other books. I figure chances are if I like one book by that author, I'll probably like his/her other books, too. That was definitely the … [Read more...]


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Fruit And Nut Granola, Great For Holiday Gifts & Entertaining

When the holiday season rolls around each year, I'm always looking for a yummy treat to give to friends and family and the other dearhearts who give so much to me throughout the year. This year I decided to try something different, something I've never made before. I've always wanted to try my hand at making granola so when Planters offered to send me some of their nuts to try in a recipe, I was totally on … [Read more...]


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Decorating With Preserved Boxwood Wreaths

Welcome to the 305th Metamorphosis Monday! My kitchen cabinets saw a little transformation this weekend. Do you ever decorate with preserved boxwood wreaths? I love fresh greenery and use it a lot at Christmastime but I love the preserved wreaths here on the glass cabinet doors in the kitchen. I've been decorating the cabinets this way ever since I saw this done on a Christmas home tour in Madison, … [Read more...]


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A Cure For The Floppy Pillow Flange & Adorable Scottie Sheets

Happy Black Friday! Did you brave the crowds and go shopping today? Since I don't do crowds or traffic (avoid both like the plague) I stayed home and worked on a few things here. Anyone score any amazing deals? I have something I'm super excited to share today because it was another one of those big AH-HA moments. The more I learn about bedding, the more I realize how little I know! Do you ever feel that … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Christmas Decorations From Williamsburg

My most favorite way of decorating my home for Christmas is when I'm able to use fresh greenery from the garden. I first fell in love with using fruits and greenery in decorating when I visited Colonial Williamsburg many years ago.   That was when I saw my first apple cone or apple tree centerpiece. (Tutorial for making a Colonial Williamsburg style fruit cone/tree centerpiece can be found … [Read more...]


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Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome to the 324th Tablescape Thursday! Pssst: Putting this week's tablescape up early since tomorrow will be a busy day for so many. Since I'm not hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, for this week's Tablescape Thursday I'm linking back to previous table settings I've created over the years for Thanksgiving.     Hope you enjoy and hope your Thanksgiving Day is … [Read more...]


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Christmas In The Bedroom

This morning I shared one of my favorite holiday books by Mary Carol Garrity, Christmas At Home. Looking through that book again put me in the mood to do a little Christmas decorating. The guest bed was warmed up and made festive with a strand of red mitten garland.   You may remember the garland from when I decorated the screened porch last Christmas. (Christmas Porch post can be viewed … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Nell Hill’s Christmas At Home

Looking for a little inspiration for your holiday decorating this year? The book I'm sharing today is one I love to look through each year as the Christmas season comes around. It's filled with gorgeous vignettes, beautiful place settings and inspiration for every room in the home.   In the BNOTP Library: Nell Hill's Christmas At Home Author: Mary Carol Garrity Hardcover: 128 … [Read more...]


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The Mysterious Ways Of Duvets

Welcome to the 304th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was a great one! Mine was busy. Unfortunately, there was a lot of "spinning my wheels" kind of stuff going on but in the end it was worth it because I learned some things I know will stick with me. You may remember I've been working on a little bedding makeover for the master bedroom.   A few days after I shared … [Read more...]


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A French Duvet I Couldn’t Leave Behind

It's been a while since we stopped by one of my favorite haunts, A Classy Flea. My timing today wasn't the greatest since they just had a huge Holiday Open House about a week ago. I didn't make it to the open house and I wasn't sure there would be anything left when I stopped in today. I found a few things to share and picked up a couple of things for myself. One of the things I purchased was a kind of … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: A Nantucket Christmas

Have you ever visited Nantucket? I have not but the little bit I've heard about it has me yearning to go. I'd love to see it during the summer but today's book has me convinced it's just as wonderful at Christmastime as it is during the rest of the year.   In the BNOTP Library: A Nantucket Christmas Author: Leslie Linsley Hardcover: 108 pages Book Size: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10 3 Things I … [Read more...]


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A Winter Table Setting & A $250 Giveaway From Noritake

Welcome to the 323rd Tablescape Thursday! It's too cold for tablescaping out on the porch this week so we're in the dining room for this week's Tablescape Thursday. Since I have an abundance of red tartan tablecloths right now :) (see Tuesday's post for an explanation) I decided to put one to use.   This table is all about winter with a snowflake centerpiece, frosty white Cher Blanc … [Read more...]


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Dressing The Bed In Tartan: Ralph Lauren Inspired

The makeover I've been working on in my bedroom feels very timely with all this cold weather we've had come in so early this year. You may remember my inspiration is this bed dressed all in Tartan by Ralph Lauren. I don't know why Ralph Lauren likes plaid fabric so much but I'm so very glad he does. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought about mixing different plaids or tartan patterns if I hadn't … [Read more...]


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A Dream Fairytale Cottage Comes To Life

Welcome to the 303rd Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever thought of downsizing to a smaller home? Tonita who blogs at Shabby Chic Tiny Retreat first got bit by the small-house bug when she walked into a tiny straw bale home at the California State Fair. Giving up her cell phone, Tonita took that money and began to save a $100.00 each month. After 7 years she had saved up enough to buy her own small … [Read more...]


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Warm, Cozy Escapes

It's cold out and I'm craving warmth. All I can think about these days are soft, merino-wool socks, cozy cable-knit sweaters, warm wool throws, libraries with fires blazing in the fireplace, flannel sheets, down duvets, hot chocolate by the fire and great books for reading on those way-too-cold nights. When fall comes around, I want to spend my days in rooms like Ralph Lauren's Bedford home library. I'm … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: A Fairy-Tale Christmas

Have you ever toured the Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown, New York? I haven't but I would love to see it in person. Each year Designer, Bob Pesce, decorates each of the castle's 15 main rooms in a fairy-tale theme. What an enchanting idea! I love it!   In the BNOTP Library: A Fairy-Tale Christmas: Creating Magical Celebrations Inspired by an Enchanted Castle Author: Karen Anderson Hardcover: … [Read more...]


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A Pancake Breakfast On The Porch

Welcome to the 322nd Tablescape Thursday! A couple of years ago I was in Marshall's and came across these cute, little individual milk bottles for $3 each. An idea instantly popped into my head. Wouldn't it be fun to use them in a breakfast table setting. I could fill each one with milk for cereal or with a preferred beverage then each person would feel extra spoiled having their own little milk bottle … [Read more...]


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15 Ways To Make Your Christmas Festive & Beautiful

Every year I say I'm going to get my wreaths up on my exterior windows earlier in the season so I can enjoy them longer and this year I finally managed to get it done! Yipee!   I'm so excited to have them up early enough to really enjoy them for a nice long time. The days always pass so quickly this time of year, don't they?   My landscaping across the front is on hold as I … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Nell Hill’s O Christmas Tree

I've added some wonderful Christmas books to my decor library over the years and I've been eagerly awaiting the time when I could start sharing a few of those with you. Today's featured book is one I always pull off the shelf to enjoy this time of year as I decorate my home for the holidays.   In the BNOTP Library: Nell Hill's O Christmas Tree Author: Mary Carol Garrity Hardcover: 144 … [Read more...]


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Shopping The “A Christmas Story” Movie House Gift Store

A few months ago I was visiting family in Ohio. While there, I took a little day trip over to a Cleveland to tour a place I've always wanted to see in person. Afterwards, I shared this funny picture on the blog and asked if you could guess where it was taken.   I can't get anything by you guys! Y'all had no trouble figuring out I was reenacting a scene from the well-loved Christmas movie, A … [Read more...]


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Decorate Your Mantel For Fall and Thanksgiving

Welcome to the 302nd Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend I decided it was time to give the living room mantel a little makeover for fall and Thanksgiving. This can be a fun room to spruce up for autumn because the warms tones in the judges paneling and the jewel tone colors of the fabrics always make a great backdrop for fall decorating.   Normally the mantel has a few books and … [Read more...]


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What To Do With Those Left Over Pumpkins & Gourds

Halloween is behind us but if you're like me, you may still be using the pumpkins you bought for Halloween in your fall decorating. With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, here are some fun and creative ideas shared for a recent Met Monday. These would be great for dressing up those left over faux or uncute pumpkins and gourds for your Thanksgiving table or fall decor.   Life in my Empty … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Sarah Style by Sarah Richardson

It's here! Seems like I've been waiting forever for Sarah Richardson's first-ever book to arrive. Do you know, Sarah? I first discovered her when I caught a series on HGTV where they chronicled the huge makeover she gave to her island cottage. I loved the beach cottage so when I discovered she had a book coming out in June, I did something I rarely do, I pre-ordered it. I got this surprising e-mail from … [Read more...]


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Replace Your Old Doorbell For The Upcoming Holidays

Happy Friday! Got any special plans for the weekend? Will you be doing any DIY projects around the house or maybe decorating for the holidays? Speaking of DIY projects, about a month ago I completed a small upgrade that I'm super excited to share today. I've noticed from time-to-time over the years that my doorbell was looking pretty decrepit. I tell ya, doorbells get no respect. lol They get installed … [Read more...]


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Tartan Dishware: Mix & Match Patterns To Create 17 Unique Tartan Place Settings

Welcome to the 321st Tablescape Thursday! It's 5 AM as I write this. My server had a glitch tonight and I couldn't load any photos. Thankfully my host company figured out what was wrong and fixed it but it really delayed things and I never got to go to sleep. So this post will be short on words as I head off to bed soon for a few hours sleep. With all things tartan on the brain this week, I though it … [Read more...]


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The Power of the Pillow

Well, I think I've made a final decision about my bedding. I should know very soon but I'm 99% sure I'm going with the bedding I shared from Williams-Sonoma Home in yesterday's post. So what has moved me further along in that direction?   This little tartan pillow is to blame. A few days after I ordered the bedding, I revisited the WS website to gawk at it again. In the midst of my gawking, I … [Read more...]


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Create a Winter Retreat With Tartan Bedding

So, apparently landscaping the front yard wasn't a big enough project to take on this fall. Somehow I've also embarked on a little makeover in the master bedroom. Here's how my bedroom has looked for the last 10 years. I still love this bedding but I've always dreamed of having both a "winter" look and a "summer" look for my bedroom. These colors are great for spring and summer but they have always … [Read more...]


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They Only Look Like Ornaments…

Welcome to the 301st Metamorphosis Monday! Pssst...come over here a second, I want to show you something. We're in the Christmas section of Wal-mart...what do you see? Looks like ornaments, right?   I'm seeing something else. Those antlers, the ones in a circle shape there on the top row...   To me, those look like great napkin rings...   ...for a Christmas … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Legends In The Garden

November may not be the best time of the year to talk gardening books but today when I came across this one tucked inside the secretary that lives in my bedroom, I didn't want to wait all the way until next spring to share this delightful book. Besides, the love of gardening doesn't fade away with the change of the seasons or a drop in the temperature, right? Wintertime is planning time and time spent … [Read more...]


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Thanksgiving & Christmas Tablescapes With Pottery Barn

Welcome to the 320th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I popped into Pottery Barn to get a look their tabletop goodies for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. The PB near me was under construction last time I visited because they were expanding the size of the store. With construction complete, things looked very different on this trip. They had lots of pretty tablescapes set up throughout the … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Bringing It Home: England

Every time I pull a book off the shelf to share, I invariably think, "I love this book, I should have already shared this one." Then I remember, I always think that about all the books I've shared.   In the BNOTP Library: Bringing It Home: England: The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Feeling of England in Your Home Author: Cheryl MacLachlan Hardcover: 192 pages Book Size: 10.8 x 8.5 x … [Read more...]


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The Way Neighborhoods Used To Be

This past weekend I took a little trip to visit family in Ohio. I always feel at home when I'm there because the older neighborhoods are very similar to those you would find driving through any of the older cities and towns in Georgia. The homes are anything but cookie-cutter. As I drove down the streets oohing and ahhhing over the architecture and beauty of the older homes, I wondered how we ever … [Read more...]


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Rehab Addict’s Nicole Curtis Bungalow Makeover

Welcome to the 300th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you ever watch the show, Rehab Addict on HGTV? I don't catch the show as often as I would like but I always love seeing the latest old home Nicole Curtis, the star of the show, is saving from demolition. Nicole has a big soft spot in her heart for old homes. In this interview where she was asked about her passion for saving old homes, Nicole explained her … [Read more...]


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Halloween Tablescape, Edgar Allan Poe Inspired

Welcome to the 319th Tablescape Thursday! Please do not link up more than 2 tables each week to the party. When Elena emailed and shared photos of her Halloween table and decor with me recently, she said, "My theme was Edgar Allan Poe Raven, cluttered elegant Gothic (LOL)—with your batty idea thrown in :0)"  That totally made me laugh...I love Elena's sense of humor!   Check out this … [Read more...]


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In The BNOTP Library: Entertaining In Style

With so many opportunities for entertaining ahead of us as we enter into the season of Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties followed by New Years Eve parties, I'm sharing a book with some great ideas for hosting parties and entertaining. It's also by one of my fave authors, Mary Carol Garrity, the owner of Nell Hill's.   In the BNOTP Library: Nell Hill's Entertaining in … [Read more...]


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Brussels Sprouts So Delicious, Kids Will Even Eat Them

Recently I had the urge to visit Trader Joe's, I hadn't been there in ages. While shopping I came across a bin filled with stalks of Brussels sprouts. I've seen them in TJ's before and each time it always amazes me to see how they really grow.  (Photo below from bonnieplantsdotcom)   In this photo from Wikipedia, you can see how they grow along the stalk of the plant. Isn't that the neatest … [Read more...]


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Gardening Challenges And A Wacky Idea That Just May Work

Welcome to the 299th Metamorphosis Monday! I have something kinda wacky to share this week. You'll either think it's the most brilliant thing you've ever heard or you'll think it's completely NUTS...pun intended! But before I share my wacky plan, here's what I've been up to...planting Double Mint Gardenias. So far I've had two planting sessions and I still don't have all five of them in, but I'm making … [Read more...]


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6 Fabulous Fall Mantels!

Fall is such a great time of year! Mother Nature is very busy now, redecorating and changing the color palette of our home from vivid greens and bright colors to one filled with the rich warm colors of red, orange, gold and brown. We can never resist following her lead and bringing those beautiful colors into our own homes! I can tell you guys love Fall, as well.  At this week's Metamorphosis Monday Link … [Read more...]


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Tour Nottoway Plantation, South’s Largest Remaining Antebellum Mansion

Pssst: Postcards From The Porch, the BNOTP newsletter will be going out tomorrow. If you aren't currently subscribed, you can subscribe HERE (it's free) or via the subscribe box at the end of this post. Touring Nottoway Plantation Back in May of this year, I spent an entire week in Louisiana and Mississippi touring 13+ plantation homes. I've never taken a whole week for the sole purpose of touring … [Read more...]


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