In the BNOTP Library: Designers At Home

I'm nosy, I admit it. I love, love, love getting a peak inside the homes of well-known designers. It's so fascinating to see how they really live. I wonder, have they used a lot of color in their home or is it decorated in all neutrals? Do they have pets? Is their home pristine and perfect or does it look lived-in? I want to know, do they decorate their own home the way they do the homes of their … [Read more...]


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In the BNOTP Library: Perfect English

Thanks so much for all the generous comments on this morning's post, a tutorial for building a Pottery Barn inspired Cubby Organizer. I've been lusting after that organizer for years. Appreciate the awesome tips you left, too. Had no idea a compound miter saw could be used for a project like that! This evening I'm sharing another fave from the BNOTP library, a book about English decor/interior … [Read more...]


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Build a Cubby Organizer, Pottery Barn Inspired

If you've been reading Between Naps on the Porch for a while, you know I love organizing "stuff." It's ridiculous how excited I can get over finding cool ways to store those things we need and use each day. It's icing on the cake when storage is actually pretty and decorative in addition to being functional. One handsome storage solution I've been eyeing for a long time is Pottery Barn's Cubby … [Read more...]


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Restoration Of Historic Ski Cabin In Switzerland

Welcome to the 270th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you have your passport handy? We're heading off to Switzerland this morning to visit our friend, Cornelia! Cornelia has invited us on a tour of her historic 1853 ski cabin located in the Swiss mountains. It's was being restored all last summer and was done in time for this past winter's ski season. You've heard of ski-in and ski-out? This cabin is the … [Read more...]


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In the BNOTP Library: Martha Stewart’s New Old House

Pssst: I've created a new category at the top of BNOTP called Library so if later you're trying to remember the name of a book I featured from my decor library, you'll be able to click on that category and find it there. I also dropped the rating scale because I realized that I'm only going to be sharing those books that I own and really like.  So if I'm sharing it here, you know it's one I … [Read more...]


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In the BNOTP Library: Country Living Decorating With White

If you missed the video I sent out in my morning post, you are in for a treat! I had to watch it several times and I still want to watch it again! lol It's pretty awesome! The comments you've left are pretty awesome too, I can tell you loved it as much as I did. In this post I'm sharing a book I ordered a few months ago and have really enjoyed. When it arrived, I was surprised and delighted by the cover. … [Read more...]


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Coolest Woodworking Video Ever: This One’s For the Book Lovers

Happy Friday! What do you do when you have too many books and not enough bookshelves?   Imagine if a woodworking shop came to life. Even if you're not into woodworking, you'll like this 7-minute video. It made me laughed out loud a couple of times. The clamps were my favorite. Eee-eek, eee-eek, eee-eek. That will make sense in a minute. :) The video below was made by Frank Howarth from … [Read more...]


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Celebrating Spring!

Welcome to the 289th Tablescape Thursday! I've been working every night this week in the basement until well past midnight, finishing up my latest woodworking project which I'm dubbing the "Glove of Woodworking." lol That will make more sense if you read yesterday's post. :)  It's almost done, just needs a little paint touch up here and there. I didn't get a chance to put a new table together this … [Read more...]


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A Workbench for the Basement

I've been hold-up in the basement for the last few days, working on a project that reminds me of the time I decided to teach myself to knit. It went something like this: Gee, I think I'd like to learn to knit. Ummm, what should I knit first? I know...gloves! Yeah, you can imagine how that turned out! Later on, an experienced knitter told me that a glove is one of the hardest things you can ever knit. … [Read more...]


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In the BNOTP Library: A Home of Your Own

Today I thought I'd share a book that's probably not that well-known. I noticed this evening that it's been out about a year but still doesn't have any reviews on Amazon. Not sure why because I really like it and think it's a great book.   It was the cover that drew me to A Home of Your Own. I loved the entry and staircase shown on the dust jacket. Speaking of  dust jackets, this is one of … [Read more...]


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In the BNOTP Library: An Affair With A House

I had to kick off our very first BNOTP Library post with one of my all time favorite decorating books. It's the first book that always comes to mind when I think of my faves. It's one I pull off the shelf at least once a month to enjoy all over again. In the BNOTP Library: An Affair with a House Author: Bunny Williams Published: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (October 1, 2005) Hardcover: 240 … [Read more...]


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Charming Features of Older Homes

Happy Friday! Are you looking forward to the weekend? I have some projects to work on so it will be a busy one. I have a little catching up to do around here. I was out of town visiting family (my son and, his family) and I just returned last night. It was a fun trip and the days flew by. My son and DIL purchased a beautiful, older home a while back and this was the first time I've visited since they … [Read more...]


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Welcoming Spring With Five Spring Table Settings

Welcome to the 288th Tablescape Thursday! Today is officially the first day of spring! I'm sooo excited it's finally here! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I thought I'd share a few links to some of my previous springtime tablescapes to get you in the mood for spring, not that you need it! If you're like me, you've been ready for some spring weather for weeks! Happy Spring! (Click on the … [Read more...]


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Peat Pot Spring Baskets, Perfect for Easter

Easter is only a few weeks away and I'm so excited to share a beautiful Easter craft from my friend Jane who blogs at Cottage at the Crossroads.  Here's Jane to explain just how she made these adorable Peat Pot Spring Baskets. Tutorial from Jane, Cottage at the Crossroads: Have you been noticing those pretty peat pots that people have been decorating? Well, I just had to make some, too, and I'm … [Read more...]


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Pork Chops With Biscuits & Tomato Gravy

Is your mouth watering from that post title, because mine sure is! One of my fave blogs to visit when I need a good recipe is Madonna's yummy blog, Make Mine Lemon. Since it's selfish to hoard a good find and not share it with you, I asked Madonna if she would be kind enough to share a recipe with us here at BNOTP, and she happily obliged. Take it away, Madonna! Following post by Madonna from the blog: Make … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Guest Bedroom Makeover

Welcome to the 268th Metamorphosis Monday! Pssst: Met Monday is going up a little early this week. Next week we'll return to our normal schedule and MM will go up on Monday morning before 10 AM. Recently I was chatting with Laura via e-mail and she  shared some pictures of her guest room makeover. I thought it was wonderful and asked if she would let me share it with you. Fortunately, she said, yes! I … [Read more...]


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Let’s Go Antiquing!

It's been ages since you and I went antiquing.  Remember when we used to go on antiquing trips to A Classy Flea? It's a gorgeous sunny day here so let's go! I'm going to be sharing a pretty bedroom makeover for Metamorphosis Monday and it features two beautiful cathedral mirrors, so this one caught my eye. It was $97.   Here's a unique way to make an Adirondack chair, using vintage skis … [Read more...]


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St. Patrick’s Day Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 287th Tablescape Thursday! We've been having some early spring weather here in Georgia. It was 77 degrees outside the day I created this table setting. It started out as a St. Patrick's Day tablescape but somewhere along the way it morphed into a spring table setting, too.   When my son was in elementary school, he enjoyed reading a series of books that were super popular at … [Read more...]


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Shopping for a Breath of Fresh Air

Whew, wee! It was time to get the heck out of the house last night. I was late applying the third coat of marine varnish to the potting table. Each night before, that job had been done by 5 or 6:00 PM so I had a few hours of daylight when I could have the doors standing open in the basement.   Last night I was running way behind and didn't get that third coat of varnish on until closer to … [Read more...]


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The Best Way to Protect & Care for Outdoor Wood Furniture

Welcome to the 267th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! This weekend I was busy adding a bit of protection to the Pottery-Barn-Inspired potting table I made recently. I'm hoping to move it up to the deck soon for spring planting and summer parties and I really don't want to see it become weathered and damaged over the years.   I've never before had to worry about protecting … [Read more...]


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Tour Thayercrest, a Beautiful Historic Home in New Hampshire

I love taking you on home tours, especially when I come across a hidden gem and today's home is truly a special home! This historic home known as Thayercrest, is located in Farmington, New Hampshire. It was built in 1915, thus making it almost 100 years old! I was surprised to read that in its 100 year history it has never been on the market! Isn't that amazing?! It's not often one can buy a … [Read more...]


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St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting With Leprechaun Centerpiece

Welcome to the 286th Tablescape Thursday! I'm sharing a St. Patrick's Day table today. It was dark and gloomy out when I took the pictures for this post. Looking forward to some sunshine days and setting table out on the porch again, soon.   You probably recognized Mr. Leprechaun in the centerpiece. He asks to be included in at least one table each year. ;) The bowls are a new addition, I … [Read more...]


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Decorating the Porch for Spring

Welcome to the 266th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend was so nice here, especially Sunday. I threw open both doors to the porch and spent some time enjoying our 70+ degree weather.   I did a little pre-spring cleaning, dusting off a few things in anticipation of the warm days to come.   Recently, I came across this little bird feeder in Lowes. It has a rope attached and when … [Read more...]


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Tour a Beautiful Historic Home in Savannah Georgia

One of my favorite places to visit in this big old world is Savannah, Georgia. I love the history, the wonderful old homes and the unbelievably beautiful squares. I've taken you on several home tours in Savannah in the past. I'll link to some of those at the end of this post in case Savannah captures your heart the way it has mine. Today were touring a beautiful Greek Revival home that overlooks one of … [Read more...]


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Dimensions and Cut List for a Pottery Barn Inspired Potting Table

Recently, I shared a tutorial for building a Pottery Barn inspired potting table that can also be used as party buffet server for an outdoor party. You'll find that post containing lots of detailed photos here: Building a Potting Bench Garden Table   I've had a few folks ask for more information about where I purchased the vintage styled wheels and dragonfly hooks, as well as additional … [Read more...]


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Spring Dessert Buffet for An Outdoor Party

Welcome to the 285th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I shared a Pottery Barn inspired potting table I built for my deck, an area where each year I do a lot of container gardening for summer. This was the inspiration table, the Abbott Island Buffet/Potting Table.   This was the version I created for around $1,050 less than the inspiration table. :)   One of the neat things … [Read more...]


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Build a Potting Table, Great for Parties, Too!

Love! That perfectly describes how I felt when I saw this picture of the Abbott Potting Table online. Was it the orchids that lured me in, those wonderful old windows or was it that fabulous potting table? I've always wanted a potting bench or potting table. I was doubly smitten when I realized the table could also function as a serving table for parties! Awesome!  There was just one problem, it was … [Read more...]


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Dining in the Library: When Dining Rooms Are Libraries, Too!

Welcome to the 265th Metamorphosis Monday! Thank you so, so much for all the sweet words of congratulations yesterday! If being a grandmother is just half as amazing as you've described, I am in for a wonderful journey! :) I was a bit preoccupied this weekend. Truthfully, I had trouble focusing on anything. I know you understand.  So, I don't have a Before and After from here in my home to share. I … [Read more...]


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It’s a Boy!

He's here! A beautiful miracle! I won't get to hold him in my arms for a couple of weeks but I'm already in love. Mom, Dad and baby are all doing great!  … [Read more...]


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A Mardi Gras Celebration

Welcome to the 284th Tablescape Thursday! Sandra is throwing a Mardi Gras bash! She has six friends coming in for the weekend just before Mardi Gras so it's going to be party time. Just look at this beautiful table she's prepared!   Sandra lives in a beautiful historic home built in 1833. I love the little glimpses we catch of her wonderful dining room in this post.   Can … [Read more...]


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A Little Bit of Everything

Remember the ice storm we had a couple of weeks ago--you know, the one we had right before we had two earthquakes? Yeah, life's been interesting around here lately.  I kept worrying during the storm that my magnolia would lose its top for the third time. Ice storms are its only nemesis.   It fared much better this time, only lost one small limb. Not bad at all.   My clay … [Read more...]


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A Fantasy Second Home, A Place to Escape the World

Do you have a second home, a home away from home? I don't but I dream sometimes of having one, a place to get away from everyday life  and just sloooow down for a bit. If you had a second home, what would it be? Are you the "cabin in the mountains" type, the "beach cottage" type or the "anywhere-but-here" type? A few years back I purchased this Better Homes and Gardens book on Amazon. It's filled with … [Read more...]


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Battery Organization and Storage

Welcome to the 264th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a mini-met for this Metamorphosis Monday, something that's so simple but has me pretty charged. (Har, har...couldn't resist.) I get just as excited about the little improvements I make around here as I do the bigger ones. Do you do that, too?  This was my battery storage system--a gallon size baggy. Pretty sad, huh?   Whenever I needed a … [Read more...]


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10 Fun Projects For Your Weekend

Happy Weekend! Itching for a fun craft project? Got some old jeans? Twenty-five new projects crafted from old jeans or repurposed denim have been added to Denim Do Over this past month. Currently at DDO, you'll find over 100 fabulous projects crafted or sewed with repurposed denim! Wowza! That's a lot of inspiration for your next denim project! No-Sew Projects Did you know Denim Do Over isn't … [Read more...]


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Valentine, You Make the Earth Move Under My Feet

It was Valentine's Day. I was sitting here at my desk, minding my own business and working on a future post when my desk and chair began vibrating. As the desk and chair vibrated, something began rattling. I'm not sure if it was something on my desk or the glass in the windows above the desk. It may have been the glass because it sounded a bit like dishes or glasses rattling in a cupboard. Here were my … [Read more...]


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Whimsical Valentine’s Day Tablescape, Alice in Wonderland Style

Welcome to the 283rd Tablescape Thursday! Happy "day-before" Valentine's Day! I love creating whimsical table settings and I love creating themed tablescapes. This table setting is a combination of both, a Valentine's Day setting with an extra-large helping of whimsy on the side.   It all started when I stopped by the dollar store about a week ago to check out their gift wrap. While there … [Read more...]


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Ice, Ice Baby!

The ice is here and still falling. I think it ends around mid-day tomorrow. The birds don't appear to be coming to the feeders. I can't see the food so I'm pretty sure it's frozen up inside the feeder and not dropping down. Or maybe it's the ice on the ring where they would normally stand that's keeping them away. I put bird seed on the rails of the deck last night before turning in, but it's all iced over … [Read more...]


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Hunkering Down

This was in the Atlanta paper today, a quote from one of the most respected meteorologist in Atlanta: "Do be prepared for massive power outages as this is likely to be a massive weather event,” Burns said Monday evening. Yikes! Here we go again, only this sounds even worse. Today I stopped by the grocery store on the way home from running a few errands. Here's what I found. The milk … [Read more...]


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Build a Garden Shed From a Child’s Play Gym Set

Welcome to the 263rd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I came across a Before and After online that just blew me away. Angela who blogs at UnFussy Fussiness had a large play set in her backyard that her children had sadly outgrown and were no longer using. Shouldn't it be against the law or something for our children to do that? They grow up way, way too fast! Angela decided it was time to do something … [Read more...]


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A Shopping Trip to Ikea

Remember all those pictures I had stuck on my phone, the ones I couldn't download to share? Among them was a shopping trip I took to Ikea back in December. Ikea is only about 30 minutes away from my home, but I so rarely drive in that direction it feels like it's in another state sometimes. Do you ever shop there? I love checking out the unique pieces they get in. I had never been there around Christmas … [Read more...]


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3 Valentine’s Day Table Settings

Welcome to the 282nd Tablescape Thursday! I've been working on a little project this past week that's taking a fair amount of time...hope to share it before long. Since I didn't have a chance to put a tablescape together for this week, I'm sharing links to three oldies but goodies from the past.   Just click on the title of the tablescape to visit that past table setting where you'll find … [Read more...]


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Gail Claridge’s Country Meadow Equestrian Ranch

What do you see in this picture below? Just an ordinary old barn, right?   Gail Claridge, an Interior Designer and the owner of Gail Claridge Interiors in Westlake Village, CA envisioned much more for this modest 50+ year old barn. Much more! Talk about a transformation! As amazing as this exterior looks, it doesn't compare to the inside! Let's go inside and take the … [Read more...]


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Touring the Beautiful Hill-Huggins Home in Madison, Georgia

There was one more home we toured in Madison during the Town & Country Holiday Tour back in December: the Hill-Huggins Home built in 1832. It was late evening and just before dark when I took these photos.  This beautiful Greek Revival has a really fascinating history.   While on the tour we were told that the home belonged to Senator Joshua Hill during the time of the Civil War. He … [Read more...]


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Madison Town & Country Holiday Home Tour

Back in December, I went on a holiday tour of homes in Madison Georgia. I had planned to share these photos before now but I've been unable to download them from my phone. Does anyone have a Samsung Galaxy III? Got an easy method for downloading pics to your computer? In the past, with all the other phones I've ever owned, I just connected them to my computer via a USB cable and my computer automatically … [Read more...]


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A Winter Table Setting, Tablecloth by Mother Nature

Welcome to the 281st Tablescape Thursday! So, you know how I opened Tuesday's blog post with these words: "It’s snowing a teensy bit in Georgia today, nothing too serious although I do see the cars crawling very slowly on the road back behind my home." I'd like to retract that statement, please! If you've been following the news, you know the weather got crazy really fast around here. I rarely watch … [Read more...]


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A Little Bit of Everything

It's snowing a teensy bit in Georgia today, nothing too serious although I do see the cars crawling very slowly on the road back behind my home. Think I'll stay home and not get out in it.   I wanted to give you a little update on the dovecote in the garden. I'm afraid things have gone from bad to worse.   Remember this?   I'm pretty sure it was caused by a … [Read more...]


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Fireplace and Mantel Makeover

Welcome to the 261st Metamorphosis Monday! I have an exciting Before and After to share for this Met Monday! This is one I think a lot of folks have contemplated for their own home. Michael, the blogger behind the popular blog, Rattlebridge Farm, purchased a beautiful home a while back and she's been busy renovating it. One feature she wasn't too crazy about was the brick fireplace in the living … [Read more...]


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Tour Oak Hall, Waterfront Country Estate & Greek Revival Manor Home

What goes through your mind when you pass by a driveway like this? Does your heart yearn to know where it leads, if there's an amazing house at the other end? Well, today you get to find out because we are traveling down this beautiful driveway and what we'll find on the other end does not disappoint!   See what I mean...Oh. My. gosh!   Historic Oak Hall was built in 1918. … [Read more...]


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Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Napkin Fold Tutorial

Welcome to the 280th Tablescape Thursday! Two years ago, the day before Valentine's Day, I posted about a few Valentine's Day decorations in the guest room.  I decorated the foot of the bed with heart garland.   I placed a little teascape on a wicker tray along with a few sweet-scented daffodils cut from the garden.   For this cheerful tea setting, I created a cute, heart … [Read more...]


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25 Scrumptious Valentine’s Day Desserts

Valentine's Day is only about 3 weeks away and it's got me thinking about yummy desserts. I've put together a collection of 25 beautiful, delicious, makes-your-heart-go-pitter-patter desserts. ♥ Hope you enjoy this Valentine's Day inspired collection of scrumptious desserts!   Hope you find something yummy and inspiring for your Valentine's Day! Just click on the title and it will … [Read more...]


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Mr. Rooster Grows a New Tail

Welcome to the 260th Metamorphosis Monday! So, I'm kind of late in sharing this, like a whole year late. The pictures vanished into never-never land in my computer but I came across them this weekend and thought this may be helpful if you have a ceramic something-another hanging around your home in need of repair. About a year ago I purchased a large white ceramic rooster online. Unfortunately, when … [Read more...]


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Slow-Cooker Pot Roast, Easy and Delicious!

Recently, I had a little New Year's Day dinner party and for the party I decided to prepare a roast. Normally, I'd cook it in the oven or if I was really in a hurry, I'd pull out the pressure cooker.   I get bored making the same old thing so this time I decided to check online for a new recipe. I was especially interested in something that could be cooked in a crock-pot since that would … [Read more...]


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10 Dream Kitchens: Cottage, French Country and Traditional At Its Best

Recently, I came across a picture of a kitchen I absolutely loved. It led me to a site called Plain & Fancy Cabinetry. Don't you love that name. It's like kitchen heaven, looking through their website. I found so many beautiful kitchens! I chose a few of my faves to share with you today. Do you have a bib on? You will need one because we're entering serious drool territory! Let's start off with my … [Read more...]


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Celebrating Winter with Three Wintertime Tablescapes

Welcome to 279th Tablescape Thursday! If you see me walking down street, you may want to cross over and walk on the other side. I have a case of technology flu this week and you definitely don't want to catch it! It started on Saturday when I awoke, turned on my computer and a really LOUD, sounds-like-it's-about-to-explode, whirling sound came out of the tower. Not Good! My computer is about 4 years … [Read more...]


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Lost in Time, An Interactive Blog Post Where You Complete the Story

Before reading today's post, you'll want to read this previous post for it to make sense: Paris Apartment, Another World Frozen in Time After reading about the Paris apartment abandoned for seven decades, I lay in bed that night thinking how great it would be if we could fill in the blanks, imagine the rest of the story behind this mysterious tale. The next day, several folks left comments on that post … [Read more...]


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Dining Room Upgrade: Add Picture Molding Beneath a Chair Rail

Welcome to the 259th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a major Before/After to share this week for Met Monday, but I do have one I'm resurrecting because it has been on my mind recently.  My son and his wife recently bought a new home so paint, hardwood flooring and other "home stuff" has been a hot topic in all our conversations. And can I just say, I'm loving it! It's so much fun to talk "house" stuff … [Read more...]


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A Backyard Visitor: Red-Shouldered Hawk

I had a visitor to my yard recently.   He was having his dinner on a tree branch in the backyard. I think a squirrel may have met with an untimely demise.   This was one of those insanely cold days when the high for the day was around 10 degrees. I didn't have on a coat, just ran out onto the porch and peeked my head through the screened door to capture these pics. I couldn't … [Read more...]


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10 Fun Denim Projects, Including One for Valentine’s Day

Happy Weekend! Itching for a fun craft project? Got some old jeans? Twenty-one new projects crafted from old jeans or repurposed denim have been added to Denim Do Over, including one that's perfect for Valentine's Day! ♥ No-Sew Projects Did you know Denim Do Over isn't just for those who sew?  You'll find 25 projects at DDO requiring no sewing skills at all or just the amount needed to sew on a … [Read more...]


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New Year’s Dinner Party Tablescape with a Winter Theme

Welcome to the 278th Tablescape Thursday! On New Year's day this year, I had a little dinner party here in my home. Originally it appeared as if 8 would be attending but that number happily grew to 10. Since my dining room table will only seat 8, and that's always a bit of a tight fit, I decided to set two tables, 6 in the dining room and 4 in the breakfast room. Last week I shared a few pics of the … [Read more...]


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Paris Apartment, Another World Frozen in Time

Imagine walking into an apartment filled with beautiful treasures that no one has seen or touched in 70 years. This lovely Paris apartment was literally frozen in time for seven decades, abandoned by Mrs. De Florian when she fled to the south of France just before the Second World War. Amazingly, she never returned.   It's like something out of a movie. The contents was left undisturbed all … [Read more...]


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Restoration of Historic Powell House, Part II

Yesterday for Met Monday, we toured the lower level of the historic Powell House in Villa Rica Georgia.   Today we're heading upstairs...can't wait to show you all the bedrooms and take you out on the balcony. Let's go!   Once you reach the top of the front staircase, as you look back toward the front of the home this is your view.   I made a beeline for the … [Read more...]


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Restoration of Historic Powell House, Part I

Welcome to the 258th Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour The Powell House, an historic home built in 1928 in Villa Rica, Georgia.This home is currently going through a renovation/restoration so I thought you might enjoy touring it for Met Monday. The Powell House was built by Villa Rica's first doctor, Dr. Bruna Columbus Powell who passed away in 1961 at the age of 92. … [Read more...]


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Something Fun For Your Weekend

A little fun for your weekend...   * Tour this beautiful 100 year old beach house on a private Cape Cod Island...to die for! * A Kitchen Transformation that shows the dramatic power of paint and other inexpensive, small changes * Will you purchase THIS when it comes out? I was on the waiting list and finally got the email saying I was chosen to be an "Explorer."  Unfortunately, I had to … [Read more...]


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Down To The Wire & Behind the Scenes, It’s Party Time!

It's 4:30 Pm, New Years Day. Friends will be arriving in 30 minutes for a New Year's Day dinner party and suddenly a long list of things still needing to be done starts playing through my head: Mix up the champagne punch, pop the appetizers into the oven and get them onto a tray, put out the cheese and crackers, light the candles throughout the house and on the porch.  How did it get to be 4:30 so … [Read more...]


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New Year’s Day Table Setting with Lenox Winter Greetings

Welcome to the 277th Tablescape Thursday! So how was your first day of 2014? I hope it was awesome! Yesterday I had 10 friends over for a New Year's Day dinner. I barely remembered to snap a few pics of the tables before everyone arrived. Since there were 10 of us, I ended up setting the dining room table for 6 and the breakfast table for 4. The centerpieces for each table were similar, but … [Read more...]


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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

A couple of days ago I shared plans to make a butternut squash soup for a New Year's Day dinner party. I found a recipe that sounded and looked pretty yummy at "Chow" online.   One of the things I like about this recipe is that it can be made up to 3-4 days in advance, then reheated prior to serving. So many foods actually taste better if they are made a few days in advance since it gives the … [Read more...]


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Organize Charging Cables with Cable ID Labels

Welcome to the 257th Metamorphosis Monday! My Before and Aftert today is a minor change here in the office. It's a small update but one that has made life a little easier. I love those kinds of tweaks, sometimes they can have the biggest impact. (Psst: If you're new to reading BNOTP, you can see the Before and After for the office in this previous post: Creating a Home Office)   See that … [Read more...]


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Dinner Party Preparations for New Year’s Day

Popping in today to see how you're doing? How was Christmas? I hope you were able to spend it with those you love most. I was in Ohio for most of the week, spending the Christmas holidays with my son and beautiful daughter-in-love. We spent our time together talking baby things since a little one will be arriving in late February. We also drove through many of the old neighborhoods in the area, including … [Read more...]


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New Year’s Eve Party Ideas

Welcome to 276th the Tablescape Thursday! New Year's Eve is just 5 days away! Here are a few past table settings and a couple of other links that may prove helpful getting ready for your New Year's celebration. New Year's Eve Table Setting, 2013     New Year's Eve Table Setting with Vintage Style Pottery Barn Clock Plates   New Year's Eve Tablescape with Black … [Read more...]


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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Hope you have time to sneak in a nap today! (Painting by Norman Rockwell) … [Read more...]


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Little Girl’s Bedroom Decorated for Christmas

Last Christmas I shared this adorable bedroom in Marie's home. This is a room she furnished and decorated specifically for her granddaughters when they stay overnight. It was all decorated for Christmas when I took this photo last year.   The tree in the cupola looked like this last year, Christmas 2012.   Marie and I got together a few days ago and though it was already dark … [Read more...]


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Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Tutorial

Welcome to the 256th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm putting Met Monday up early since this next week is going to be super busy for us all. Also, this "Before and After" is something you may want to use for Christmas so figured getting it up today will give you a little more time to plan. This past week, I posted a Christmas tablescape with a Christmas-tree theme. Tablescape can be viewed here: Christmas … [Read more...]


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Victorian Home Lit Up for Christmas

Happy Weekend...the last weekend before Christmas! I've received a few comments here and on Facebook asking if I'd be sharing my friend, Marie's home decorated for Christmas again this year. We've both been so busy we hadn't had time to get together but we finally had a chance to go play yesterday. We spent the day touring a beautiful historic home in a nearby town, having lunch and doing a little … [Read more...]


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10 Last-Minute Recipes, Tips and Ideas for Christmas

Today I'm linking to some past posts at BNOTP that may come in handy with Christmas just 5 days away.  Hope these are helpful as you work to get ready for the big day! Make an Easy 15-Minute Centerpiece for Entry Table or Buffet   Make a Christmas Mice Ornament or Present Topper   Make an Ice Bucket or Wine Chiller for Your Christmas Dinner   Emergency … [Read more...]


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Christmas Table Setting with a Christmas Tree Theme

Welcome to the 275th Tablescape Thursday! How's your week going? Finishing up any last-minute Christmas shopping? I still have a little left to do so you know what I'll be doing this weekend. Next Week's Tablescape Thursday: Since next Thursday is the day after Christmas and a very busy time for all of us, if you don't have a new table setting to link up, feel free to link up your favorite tablescape … [Read more...]


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If These Walls Could Talk: A Mystery Alcove

My home was built in 1982-83 and I'm the third owner. The house was 8 years old when we moved here and I think the first owners lived here around 4-5 years. The second owner from whom I bought the house, lived here for around 2-3 years. I bought it in 1991, so I've lived here for 22 1/2 years now. Even though the home was brand new when the first owners purchased it, they made a pretty significant … [Read more...]


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Screened-in Porch Decorated For Christmas

Welcome to the 255th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend I played out on the porch, decorating it for the Christmas season.   The trees are all bare now, definitely looking like winter on the porch.   A view from the other end...   I used things I already had for the most part. The table was decorated simply with live greenery, a sweet glittery deer, … [Read more...]


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Woodpecker Attacks Lazy Hill Dovecote

Sounds like a salacious headline, doesn't it?  Woodpecker Attacks Lazy Hill Birdhouse: News at 5. Over the years I've gone on many garden tours here in the metro Atlanta area. Often while touring I would see these amazing birdhouses that I later found out were Lazy Hill Dovecotes. After pricing them I decided they were just too expensive but years upon years of seeing them in gardens wore me down, … [Read more...]


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10 Fun Projects for Your Weekend

Happy Weekend! Itching for a fun craft project? Got some old jeans? Nineteen awesome new projects crafted from old jeans or repurposed denim have been added to Denim Do Over this past month! No-Sew Projects Did you know Denim Do Over isn't just for those who sew?  You'll find at least 18 projects at DDO that require either no sewing skills at all or just the amount needed to sew on a bead or a … [Read more...]


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Mason Jar Craft: Make a Christmas Lantern

I love to go on home tours at Christmastime. Years ago when I attended a tour in my home town, one home we visited had pretty lanterns hanging from hooks. They were lining the walkway to the home. I loved how it looked and have always wanted to try my hand at making some for my walkway. I finally got around to doing it this year and guess what? It's easy!  I've made two so far and I love how they turned … [Read more...]


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Dashing Through the Snow

Welcome to the 274th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks sooo much for all the comments yesterday helping me decide which garden seat I should use beside the blue and white check chair in the guest room. I had planned to return the bluebird seat if I didn't use it in that room but you definitely convinced me to go ahead and keep it no matter if I use it in that room or not. If you get a chance, be sure and … [Read more...]


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Updates for a Blue and White Guest Room

I almost titled this, "This is Not a Christmas Post." I figured we could all use a non-Christmas post for a minute. :) So, I was out doing a little Christmas shopping and I stumbled across something in the "Clearance" section of the store that caught my eye. Can you guess what it was? It supposedly started out at $249.99, marked down to $100.00. I used a 20% off coupon bringing it down to $80, which … [Read more...]


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Decorating With Preserved Boxwood Wreaths

Each year I love to decorate my glass front cabinets in my kitchen with little wreaths. I started doing this after seeing it on wood cabinet doors in a kitchen while on a Christmas home tour. It can be hard to find wreaths in this smaller size. I had to search for quite a while to find these many years ago.   I've never been really thrilled with these.  They aren't very full and don't … [Read more...]


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Decorating the Front Porch for Christmas

Welcome to the 254th Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I'm sharing how I decided to decorate the porch for Christmas this year. But first, let's take a quick look at the previous three years. For Christmas, 2010 I purchased a fir wreath and pine garland and embellished both with magnolia leaves from the magnolia tree in my front yard. It was also the first year I decorated the columns … [Read more...]


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A Little Eye Candy for Your Sunday

Love the simple way the windows were decorated in this room! Love the rug, too! Thanks to everyone on Facebook who was trying to help me find it. I love the color and how it doesn't have a band or anything around the edge.  Source   Christy's beautiful snow-covered home...thanks for sharing this beautiful picture on Facebook, Christy!   The cutest Christmas mud room from The … [Read more...]


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12 Beautiful Staircases To Sneak Down on Christmas Eve

My last home had a great banister for decorating but unfortunately my current home has a short, rather dinky banister, most of which is hidden behind a clock. If I had a banister, these 12 examples would be high on my list for duplicating. Hope this post provides lots of inspiration for decorating your banister.   The title of each picture below is a direct link to the source for the … [Read more...]


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How to Create a Lit Centerpiece with Dept. 56 Houses

Yesterday after sharing this table setting for Tablescape Thursday, I received a few emails and some comments from folks asking how I handled the wiring/lighting for the lit mercury-glass trees.   Another question I received was regarding the little glowing orbs. Someone asked if they were actually lit or just reflecting light from the trees.   The lighting was actually really … [Read more...]


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Christmas Table Setting: Sparkle with a Touch of Whimsy

Welcome to the 273rd Tablescape Thursday!   Today we're tablescaping in the dining room. This room can be a bit of a challenge for taking pictures since it's on the north side of the house where there's very little natural light and it has deep, red walls painted Benjamin Moore, Raspberry Truffle. Someone mentioned once in a comment that all the paint colors I've used in my home have food … [Read more...]


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10 Christmas Mantels Santa Would Be Lucky to Land Under

Needing a little inspiration for decorating your mantel for Christmas? This post should get those creative juices flowing!   The title of each picture below is a direct link to the mantel and the blog where it's posted. Click the link to view the mantel in full. Enjoy!   A Mantel Decorated in Soft Whites   Farmhouse Christmas Mantel   Dreamy … [Read more...]


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Make Pine Cone Napkin Rings for a Nature-Themed Table Setting

I absolutely love it when readers of Between Naps on the Porch are inspired by something they've seen here in a post. Recently, I received an e-mail from Terri who had seen something in this past fall table setting that she really liked. Can you guess what it was? I guess the title of this post sort of gave it away, huh?  Tablescape can be viewed here: Woodland or Nature-Themed Table Setting Yep, … [Read more...]


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