Deer Head with Rosemary Wreath

Welcome to the 188th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday to you!   For this Metamorphosis Monday I'm sharing a couple of fun updates here in the office.  Okay,  here's the "before" picture for this little office tweak.   Do you see the changes?  Something has been added and something has been taken away.   The clock is gone for now.  I loved it but the shape felt wrong for … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Stop Scrapers From Stealing Your Content

Imagine for a moment you're a Blogger.  You have an idea for a project.  You're going to make a wood flag for an upcoming patriotic holiday.  You can't wait to create the flag and share it with your readers. You drive to Home Depot and purchase the wood, nails, and glue you need to make your flag.  You drive to Office Depot and purchase the star stickers you'll use as a guide for the stars. You … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Bridal Shower Tablescape with an Easy-to-Make Centerpiece

Welcome to the 207th Tablescape Thursday! I have a fun table setting to share this week.  I ran into the dollar store to look at their Halloween goodies and while there I spotted a collection that immediately sparked an idea for a bridal shower tablescape.  I get e-mails from time-to-time from folks asking for ideas for bridal showers.   If you will be giving a bridal shower sometime soon … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Hoppy Picture for Your Evening

Sorry, couldn't resist that post title.  It will make more sense by the end of the post. Old Time Pottery Giveaway:  Picking A New Winner Remember the Giveaway we had a while back for Old Time Pottery?   I e-mailed the original winner several times and never heard back.  The winner didn't leave an e-mail address in her comment and she doesn't have a blog, but WordPress is designed where you … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Dining in the Garden at Greenwood’s on Green Street

A friend and I recently had dinner at one of my fave restaurants, Greenwood's in Roswell, Georgia.  When you visit Greenwood's, not only do you enjoy a great home-cooked meal, but you get a wonderful garden tour, too.  Here's a view of one section of the sidewalk out front of  the restaurant.  On the other side of the brick wall is a large courtyard where folks either dine or wait for a table to become … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



How to Make Rose-Scented Sugar

Welcome to the 187th Metamorphosis Monday! One of my favorite books is Roses for the Scented Room by Barbara Milo Ohrbach.  In fact, I love all her books including Antiques at Home, The Scented Room and Tabletops.  I just ordered A Passion for Antiques this evening.   All her books are very affordable at Amazon, especially if you buy them used in "Good" or "Like New" condition, which is what I almost … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



On a Balcony in Switzerland

Welcome to the 206th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your comments on yesterday's post.  I haven't had a chance to reply to the questions left in the comments, since that post went up so late last night, but I'll definitely be doing that today. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're jetting off to Switzerland to dine on my friend, Cornelia's wonderful balcony.  It's always such a treat … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



How to Age, Antique or Distress Furniture, Signs or a Wood Flag

Welcome to the 186th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I was chatting via e-mail with Nancy,  a talented DIY reader of BNOTP.  Nancy was inspired by a tutorial I posted a while back detailing how I made a wooden flag for Independence Day. I had been inspired by this one in the Pottery Barn catalog.   Since I had a big cookout planned for the 4th, the flag was the finishing touch for my patriotic … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Lover Come Back

Hi Friends!  How is your Friday going so far?  Mine is going great!  Last night I came across pictures I've had on my computer forever and I decided it was time to share them.  Several years ago, when I was lamenting to myself (yes, I was whining to myself) that it was hard to find something on TV that wasn't depressing, gory or violent, I decided to take things into my own hands and I went in search of … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Beautiful Summertime Tablescapes

Welcome to the 205th Tablescape Thursday! I had so much fun checking out all the beautiful table settings for last week's Tablescape Thursday party!   Since I'm still enjoying summer, (yes, I love the heat!) I wanted to share five summery settings that caught my eye from our last tablescape party. Laura at Red Door Table Decor shared a wonderful garden tablescape featuring lots of beautiful crystal … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Secret Message

Welcome to the 185th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a "home" related Before and After to share this week.   Well, actually I did but I couldn't wait and shared my mirror update a few days ago.  So for this Met Monday, I thought I'd share a very different kind of "Before and After."  It's a romantic "Before and After." Once upon a time there was a Bride and a Groom.    The morning of … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



The Big Wedding: A Peek Inside This Beautiful Lake House

Update: The post below was created in April 2012 prior to the release of the movie so it shows pictures from the trailer for The Big Wedding. You'll find a much more detailed tour with lots more pictures in this more recent post: Tour the Beautiful Lake House in the Movie, The Big Wedding   Yesterday I was playing around on my iPad and I found an app I had downloaded so long ago I had completely … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Shell Chargers for a Coastal Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 204th Tablescape Thursday! Time to break out the shell chargers!    You knew I'd be using them this week after finally getting them all done. This week's table setting turned out to be all about neutrals.   After all those hours (and sore fingertips) working on the shell chargers, I decided to take my cue from the colors in the shells/chargers for this week's … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A New Mirror for the Office

Back in September, I was on an all-out mirror search for the office.  I wanted a mirror to go above the chest in my little reading corner, something that would reflect the light coming in through the windows . I found this silver one at Marshalls for just $20 and brought it home to try it out.  You may remember it from THIS previous Metamorphosis Monday. It looked pretty good except for one thing. … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Pottery Barn Knockoff Shell Chargers

Welcome to the 184th Metamorphosis Monday! Shell Chargers are Done! Another significant metamorphosis checked off my "should-have-finished-ages-ago" list, was the completion of the shell chargers I started a while back.  Remember those? You may recall, I came across these six Pottery Barn shell chargers on eBay while searching for chargers for an Easter table setting.  I briefly thought about … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



My Fave Garage Sailing Tip: The Headlock Maneuver

Garage Sailing...what is it?  I like this definition from the Urban Dictionary online:  The pasttime of attending garage sales in pursuit of other peoples junk. :) Do you like garage sailing?  Did you go today or do you have plans to go tomorrow? I've been going through some of the remaining 75+ posts I hadn't categorized yet and I found one I wrote back in May 2010 on the topic of "garage sailing." … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Lots of New “Old” Tablescapes to Enjoy

Welcome to the 203rd Tablescape Thursday! Sleep deprived.  Yup, that's a good way to describe me this morning.  I was up to almost 4:00 AM working on the new category system across the top of the blog. Though, I don't have a new tablescape to share this week, I have something even better...access to lots of table settings previously buried and forgotten.  If you live outside the U.S., I have some … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Kitchen Renovation Inspired by the Kitchen in Something’s Gotta Give

Here it is...the last Before and After for the day.  Hope you enjoyed all 6 beautiful transformations...lots of inspiration packed into one day! If you missed the other 5 Before and Afters posts from earlier today, click HERE to go to BNOTP Home Page where you'll find all of today's posts excerpts listed down the front of the BNOTP home page. Hope you enjoy and are inspired by this last Before and … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Kleenex Box

If you read my earlier post today, you know I have fun day planned today!  I'll be posting six (6) times today and each post will feature a wonderful "Before and After" project I've spotted during a previous Met Monday or from my travels around the Blogsphere. Instead of lumping all the projects into one big post, I've created 6 small posts that will go up throughout the day at the following times: 7:00 … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Paint a Rug on Your Deck

If you read my earlier post today, you know I have fun day planned today!  I'll be posting six (6) times today and each post will feature a wonderful "Before and After" project I've spotted during a previous Met Monday or from my travels around the Blogsphere. Instead of lumping all the projects into one big post, I've created 6 small posts that will go up throughout the day at the following times: 7:00 … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Formal Living Room Becomes Fabulous Craft Room

Greetings! I have a fun, fun, fun day planned for you, today!  I'll be posting six (6) times today!  Each post will feature a wonderful "Before and After" project I've spotted during a previous Met Monday or from a lovely blog in my travels around the Blogsphere. Instead of lumping all the projects into one big post, I've created 6 small posts that will go up throughout the day at the following times: … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Bedroom Renovation Featuring Buffalo Check Curtains

Welcome to the 183rd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  How was your weekend?  I was out of town this weekend but while away I read all the wonderful, heartwarming comments left on the post about how I came to find sweet Max.  Thanks so much for sharing your stories about your fur babies.  After such a sad, difficult weekend in the news, it helped so much to read your uplifting stories.  I really needed … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Sweet Max: A Story of Adoption and Healing

I ♥ cats!   Most of my friends love cats too and the few that were either anti-cat or on the fence, tell me Mr. Max is the first cat they've ever met that they really like.  Max has a way of winning over the most ardent cat hater. Max has developed a bit of a fan club in the four years I've been blogging. If several weeks go by and he doesn't show up in a post, I start to get comments and emails asking … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Light & Airy for Summer Dining

Welcome to the 202nd Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope your week is going great!  Recently, Noritake, a wonderful Sponsor of Between Naps on the Porch, sent some lovely china my way.   It was a gorgeous day, we got a little break in the storms this week.  Wish you were here to enjoy it with me.   This table setting would have looked great with a floral centerpiece where the … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Make Your Own Beverage Tags: A Ballard Designs Knock-Off

Recently, I received an "End of Season" Ballard Designs catalog in the mail.  Excuse me, but would someone please tell Ballard Designs to not rush my summer.  It's just mid July and here in the south summer lasts at least until the end of September, sometimes well into October. Max and I curled up in the green and white chair here in the office and had fun oohing and ahhing from one page to the next.  So … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Drop Cloth Curtains Add Privacy and Sun Control to Outdoor Spaces

Welcome to the 182nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend?  Hope it was relaxing and fun!  I attended an outdoor concert/dinner with friends...I have a funny picture to share soon.  In the meantime, I'm excited to share a fabulous porch makeover.  Lori, a reader of BNOTP knows how much this girl loves a great porch.   She sent some pictures of her beautiful home with its fabulous wrap-around porch … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A New Lamp for the Porch

I love lamp lighting.  Actually, I'm pretty obsessed over lighting in general.    I never use overhead lighting, unless I'm just turning it on for a few seconds to find something I've dropped.  One exception is a chandelier on a dimmer switch...those can really create a nice mood in a room. Pretty early on in the process of decorating/furnishing the rooms in my home,  I discovered how lamp lighting … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Spring and Summer Table Settings

Welcome to the 201st Tablescape Thursday! Wow!  Has it been crazy weather where you live?  We've been having stormy day after stormy day.  Monsoon weather and lots of lightning!  I awoke yesterday to find several very large branches in the turnaround portion of my driveway.  They were so large I could hardly move them.  So glad they missed the house!   My decks are covered with leaves and debris,  leaves … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Home Office Inspiration That Won’t Break the Budget

Recently Melissa (The Inspired Room) created a beautiful home office for herself. She's loving it!  Who wouldn't love working in this gorgeous space!  Perhaps, the neatest part is how it turned out to be much more than just a home office.  It's also a haven, a "girl space" where she can enjoy some time with her daughters.    You can take the full tour at The Inspired Room.   Virginia (Live, … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Buffalo Curtains for the Library and Kitchen

Recently I shared a little update to my home office...yellow buffalo check curtains. (You'll find that post here: Buffalo Curtains for the Office) I'm really enjoying them. They have me craving new curtains/drapes for my family room and bedroom. After I shared the curtains in my office, I received an email from Marlene.  She had read my post about how much I love the look of the buffalo check fabric … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Recycled Bottles and Vases Become Beautiful Centerpieces

Welcome to the 181st Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago I attended the Haven Blog Conference in Atlanta.  Rust-Oleum held a cocktail party one evening for all those attending.  The tables were decorated in such a pretty and unique fashion, I knew I had to share it with you.  I continue to be amazed at all the wonderful things you can "metamorphosis" with paint. Each table was decorated in a … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Magical 4th of July with Good Friends

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments yesterday.  I'm so looking forward to another 200 Tablescape Thursdays! Lately I've been sticking near home a lot.  I'm determined to get all the posts at BNOTP categorized, tagged and labeled so I can make the switch to the new system to alleviate the issue some readers are having accessing posts via the category links.   So every free second when I'm not … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Beach Themed Table Setting for This Special Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to the 200th Tablescape Thursday!  Can you believe it?  It's our 200th Tablescape Party!  Wow! Did you know, in the beginning it was called Tablescape Tuesday?  My friend, Shelia (Note Songs) made a wonderful button that we still use today, only it says "Thursday" now instead of Tuesday. After about 20+ weeks of blogging, Metamorphosis Monday got underway and I moved our tablescape party … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Decorate Your Deck for Summer Parties and Cookouts

Happy 4th of July! Do you have any big plans for today? I'll be celebrating this evening with friends atop the Sundial in Atlanta.  Whooo, Hooo!  Really looking forward to seeing the fireworks from there!  Have you ever spent the 4th dining inside the Sundial?  Where's the highest spot from which you've ever viewed fireworks?  Any recommendations for a great fireworks show or is the best show going to … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Dramatic Porch Renovation

Welcome to the 180th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  I hope you came through this scorcher of a weekend okay.  The temps reached 108 in Atlanta!  Going outside felt just like stepping into an oven. Let's distract ourselves from this unbelievably hot weather with a wonderful porch renovation.  Michael, author of several books including  A Teeny Bit of Trouble, blogs at Rattlebridge Farm.  When not … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Monitor Shopping & an Interview with The Home Depot

I'm out running around today, shopping for two new monitors to replace the ones I currently have in my office.   I love having dual monitors, but I didn't realize just how poor quality/resolution they were until I purchased an iPad recently.  My iPad puts them to shame. Not only are they way too short/squatty, they are just too small in general.  They are 18" monitors, which sounded pretty big when I … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



4th of July Table Setting

Welcome to the 199th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings! Hope your week is going great.   Look what I found on my front porch today.  A package!  I wonder what could be inside? Oh, there's a little note.  Let's take a closer look and see what it says.  The note says, "Enjoy!" and it's signed, Mary.   Any guesses what might be inside?   I'll give you a big hint.  Tucked inside this … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Dining Room Venetian Glass Mirror

Welcome to the 179th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  I have a small Before and After to share this week.  A few years ago,  around Christmastime, I hung a glittery wreath atop the Venetian glass mirror in my dining room. (Click for Christmas table setting.) I liked the look so much I left it there year 'round. (Click for Thanksgiving table setting)  But lately the wreath has begun to look a … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



The Charming Town of Cape May

I love it when readers email pictures of projects they've made, before and afters and wonderful home tours!  Michele visits the wonderful town of Cape May, NJ each summer and she recently shared a few pics with me from a recent trip.   Oh, how I'd love to see this town in person and go inside these cute shops!  My bucket list gets longer and longer. Beautiful gardens and charming … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Patriotic Celebration

Welcome to the 198th Tablescape Thursday!  Hope your week is going great!  It's 12:25 AM Thursday morn as I write this.  I am a bit late finishing up my tablescape post for this week because I've been hanging with my blog friends at Haven.  We all went out to dinner this evening after the kick off of the Haven Conference and I just got home around 11:30. So, that means the pictures I'm sharing this week … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Sunroom and Candlelit Patio in Gotland, Sweden

I love when readers share their wonderful pictures with me.  Recently, I opened my e-mail to find a deslightful surprise awaiting.  Linn, who blogs at The Home Project, shared  beautiful pictures of her Mom's sunroom and patio area. Linn said, "I'm currently visiting my mom who lives at Gotland, which is the largest island off the mainland in Sweden. She lives in a beyond-charming house a bit on the … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Easy 4th of July Centerpiece Table Decoration

Yesterday was flag day and that started me thinking about another patriotic holiday just a couple weeks away.  Last year I created this table setting for the 4th of July.     The centerpiece was so much fun to make.  I never got around to sharing just how I made it last year.   If you're looking for a festive, easy-to-make centerpiece or table decoration for an upcoming … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Garden Table Setting

Welcome to the  197th Tablescape Thursday! For this Tablescape Thursday, we're flying off to Switzerland to dine with Cornelia in her beautiful garden.   Cornelia created this table a few weeks ago for a special occasion.  Cornelia wrote, "Today we celebrate Ascension in Switzerland." "I created a tablescape, a fresco using mostly China from the German Manufactory Nymphenburg.  This is the view … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Starfish Napkin Fold

Recently, for Tablescape Thursday, I posted a table setting with a beach/coastal feel.   That table setting also included a fun, easy-to-make starfish napkin fold.  Here are the super easy steps to creating this fun napkin fold.   Lay your napkin out on a flat surface, with it turned on the diagonal.   Fold the top corner down until it meets the lower … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Shell Wreath for the Summer Porch

Welcome to the 177th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!   I'm excited to share a small change on the porch for this Metamorphosis Monday.  Recently, while shopping in HomeGoods I came across a wreath I have been hoping to make for a couple of years now.   It all started when I saw this shell wreath online a couple of summers ago.   I really wanted to make one since I have lots of nice, big … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Beautiful Mosaic Planter for the Front Porch

Moving a blog is a lot like moving in real life.  Do you remember the last time you moved?  You know it's going to be a big job but you really don't know how big until you are in the thick of it.  And while in the midst of it, you probably think to yourself, "I'll never do this again."  Once you're all settled in your new home, you're happy you did it.  I'm not quite to the happy stage, but I'm getting … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Beach Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 196th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I embellished a candle holder with aqua-colored seashells.  It  provided the inspiration for this week's table setting.   We've had the most wonderful spring here in Georgia.  Lots of mild days with occasional rains.  Has it been nice where you live, too?  I wish every spring was like this one.   Soft, cool aquas are perfect for a … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Almost Normal…An Update

Greetings!  How is your week going?  It's 1:45 AM as I write this.  That may provide a hint as to how my week has gone.   I can't figure out where the days go but they are flying by as I continue "unpacking" and getting things settled at BNOTP's new home.  I've had a table set all week and can't find time to photograph it during daylight hours.   I'm determined to get some pics tomorrow.  I'm looking … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Secret Garden Tablescape

Welcome to the 195th Tablescape Thursday! Wow, what a week!  This is turning out to be one of the busiest and most exciting weeks I've had in a while.  My son and his sweetheart were here last night.  We're all in wedding mode since the big day is just 4 days away.  After dinner out we came back home and stayed up late into the night talking.  I miss them terribly and love it when they are here … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



City Life to Country Life in a Victorian Farmhouse

Welcome to the 175th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I'm excited today to introduce you to Karianne who blogs at the beautiful blog, Thistlewood Farms.  A while back KariAnne and her family went through a big metamorphosis and her story is inspiring, as well as beautiful.  Enjoy! Hello, Between Naps On the Porch readers!  I am so excited to be visiting here … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



IKEA Expedit: Sneaking a Peek Inside

So many wonderful Before and Afters were shared for yesterday's Met Monday!  I haven't made my way through all of them yet, but I the ones I have visited were fabulous! Yesterday I shared an update in the office...new buffalo check curtains.  Thanks so much for all your wonderful, much appreciated  comments on that post!  You made my day! IKEA Expedit: Today I thought I'd take you into the office … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Buffalo Check Curtains for the Office

Welcome to the 174th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend was great!  I'm really excited about a change I made recently here in the office.  Did you guess what it was from the hint I left a few days ago? Not long after I moved into this house twenty+ years ago, I purchased plantation shutters for all the windows.  In hindsight, that was one of the best purchases I've ever made for my … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



File Sorter for the Office: Tools for Organization

Recently, I asked your advice in choosing which size file organizer to use here in the office.  Thanks so much to everyone who voted in the poll running on that previous post. You may remember from that post, a day or two after buying this 2-file organizer below, I stopped by another Marshalls... ...and found the same organizer in a taller version.  With three slots, this one offered even more … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Dining on the Daylight Train

Welcome to the 194th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings my tablescape loving friends!  For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing some of the wonderful settings linked for last's weeks party.  Each time I do this, it is always so hard choosing which ones to feature because they are all so wonderful!  This week was no different.   Here's a small sampling of just some of the beautiful tablescapes I … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



The Secret to Clean, Shiny Windows: Fish Foam Giveaway

Update:  Winners Announced: Thanks to all who entered the Fish Foam Giveaway.  Using the InLinkz Random Number Generator, it selected the following winners: Congrats to Edith, Doreen and Jeanie A.!  Please send your full name/address to me at betweennapsontheporchatgmaildotcom and I'll forward that on to Fish Foam so they can get your product out to you.   Thanks for Fish Foam for a great … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Seashell Crafts for Your Nautical Beach House Decor

I'm convinced seashells are just about the most fun, least expensive decorating accessory you'll ever find for the summer house. Recently, I was shopping in Marshalls and came across this glass container for just $5.99.  I loved the natural woven design surrounding it, especially its nice, aged "drift-wood" look. I had some inexpensive shells from Big Lots ($3) and decided to embellish it just a bit. … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Historic Tyson-Stedham Home Restoration

Welcome to the 173rd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!   Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Several folks have been asking over the past few months for an update on the restoration process of the historic Tyson-Stedham home in Adel, Georgia.   If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember this old home was in pretty bad shape when Dustin, of Van de Fleet Designs and Restoration, first began … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Mother’s Day Table Setting

Welcome to the 193rd Tablescape Thursday! This Sunday is Mother's Day.  In honor of this special occasion, I've put together a table setting using  very special table "linens."  My Mom crocheted this luncheon set back in 1956 while she awaited my arrival.   Here's a photo of my Mom (and me) around the time she would have completed this set. Unfortunately, I never really got to know my Mom very … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Springtime Means Porch Time: Answers to Your Most FAQs

Now that spring has arrived and I'm using and posting more about the porch and decks, I've been getting a good many questions about the porch lately regarding its construction and furniture, so today I'm posting some of the most frequently asked questions along with three new pics of the porch during construction.   Hope you find this information helpful...here goes.   Q. What size is … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Kimberly Queen: The Shed-free Fern

Thanks so much for all your input yesterday!  So far, the tall file organizer seems to be leading in the voting.  You all made so many great points about the pros/cons for both the short and the tall.   It is tempting to keep them both as so many folks suggested. This week I've been working on spiffying up the porch a bit more for spring and summer.  I just discovered a plant I didn't know about before … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Storage and Organization for the Office

Welcome to the 172nd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings this fine springtime day!  Hope your Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby weekend was fabulous!  Last week for Metamorphosis Monday, I shared a wee Before and After in my office/craft room.  I removed the TV I never watched from behind the lamp and added a great little file organizer. Here's a close up of the organizer.  You know how sometimes you buy … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Dining on the Balcony, Table Setting with Lomonosov Porcelain

Welcome to the 192nd Tablescape Thursday! For this Tablescape Thursday, we'll be dining on my friend, Cornelia's beautiful balcony in Switzerland. The view is wonderful from here! Cornelia, please tell us all about the china you've chosen for this beautiful table setting here on the balcony.  Cornelia shared, "The theme is mainly based on the predominating porcelain, the Russian Lomonosov … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Decorating for the Summer House

A little beach themed vignette...   It's time to celebrate summer!   A shell-adorned hat to protect your peaches and cream complexion...   A few books to inspire your summertime decor:  Cottages by the Sea...The Handmade Homes of Carmel, Second Home...Finding Your Place in the Fun and Victoria At Home with White...Celebrating the Intimate Home.   A guide to … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Office Updates & Shell Charger Progress

Welcome to the 171st Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  How was your weekend?  What did you work on this weekend?  Do anything fun? I have a couple of small little updates to share this week for Metamorphosis Monday.  I decided to remove the TV from the office since I found I only turned it on a couple of times a month.   You can see it in this older photo to the right of the wallpaper organizer, … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Historic Home Tour: An 1880 Victorian Mansion, Beautiful & Bright

I subscribe to several "old house" websites featuring information about historic homes available for purchase.  Though I doubt I'll ever own an historic home, I do love to tour them pretty much every chance I get.  I drool over their large windows, deep moldings, high ceilings and rich history.  If there's a ghost story attached, it's all the better. But this post isn't about ghosts, instead it's a tour … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Easter Table Setting with Floral Centerpiece

Welcome to the 191st Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so  much for all the wonderful comments left on yesterday's post.   I so appreciate each and every one.  Your encouragement is giving me the perseverance I need to finish the project. I know Easter has long since past but I'm still not quite done with bunnies. This time the bunnies are in a springtime breakfast table setting. Lately, I've been … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Shell Chargers for Summer Dining: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

n March, right after I purchased cupcake stands from Pottery Barn for this Easter table setting,  out of curiosity I typed "Pottery Barn chargers" into the search engine on eBay.   This auction for shell chargers popped up.   Wow!  Shell chargers!  Not great for Easter but perfect for summer dining on the porch.  Unfortunately, the bidding quickly escalated way beyond the amount I would have been … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



White Wicker for the Traditional Sunroom

Welcome to the 170th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I shared a few posts highlighting my quest for a ceramic, garden seat for my screened-in porch.   A few days later I was "chatting" via email with Marlene, and she shared some photos of her fabulous sun room that just happens to be sporting two lovely garden seats.  When I saw her pictures, I was so busy admiring her beautiful sun room, I almost forgot … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Garden Seat for the Porch

When I last left you I had purchased this cute little garden seat for the screened-in porch.  That was the plan.   Well, you know what they say about "best laid plans."   Once I brought it upstairs...   And tried it out as a little side table for this reading corner in the guest room, I didn't want to take it away. I really, really liked how it looked here.   So … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Table Setting with Spode, Chinese Rose

Welcome to the 190th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  For this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're stopping by Cornelia's beautiful home in Switzerland.  Recently, Cornelia prepared a wonderful table setting to share with friends and family for Good Friday. Cornelia said, "I set the table with Spode’s Chinese Rose.  Chinese Rose is the most popular and long-lived of all Spode patterns, and is derived … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Fun Random Things Worth Sharing

Several folks commented how great the garden stool I purchased recently looked in the guest room.  Thanks!  I do love it here, but I was mainly trying to find one for the screened in porch. So, I'm thinking a second seat might be in order.  I tripped over these online at Ballard Designs and they are super expensive...$269 each!  Crazy pricing. I think the vine design/color would look great here on the … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Garden Seat, So Versatile for the Home or Garden

As the years pass things wear out, my ideas for a room in my home may change, or I find something better for a space than what's currently there.  Does that happen in your home, too?  It gives us an opportunity to "freshen up" and revive our rooms, giving them new life. A while back, just for fun, I created a "wish list" board at Pinterest.   It's a virtual pin board where I can store a picture or idea … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Beautiful Front Porch Renovation

Welcome to the 169th Metamorphosis Monday! Michael blogs at the wonderful blog, Rattlebridge Farm, and recently she bought a new home.  She's currently in the middle of several renovations, both inside and out.  For this Metamorphosis Monday I'm excited to share the front porch transformation that's underway. This is how the exterior of Michael's home looked when she first purchased it.  She … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Antiquing and Thrifting for the Weekend

It's been ages since we took an antiquing/thrifting trip.  I've gotten several emails/comments asking for another trip, so let's go!   Let's start with A Classy Flea, one of my fave haunts for great deals. (Click any photo to enlarge, click the back arrow to return to the post.) Just outside the front door I saw a fun, beachy sign.  I could so do with a beach trip about right now.  How about you? Not … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A Whimsical Wedding Themed Table Setting

Winners of A Teeny Bit of Trouble Giveaway: Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway!  I first ran the InLinkz Random Number Generator, to choose one winner for the $100 Amazon Gift Card.  The generator chose #226, Sally.  Congrats, Sally!  Please e-mail me at betweennapsontheporchatgmaildotcom. I ran the Generator once again asking that it select 6 winners, the winners who would be receiving of a … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Make Marshmallow Flowers for Cupcakes: A Tutorial

Last week's Tablescape Thursday included yummy cupcakes. Here's a wider view of the tablescape...   The cupcakes were decorated with little flowers in celebration of spring.   Today, I though I'd share how I made the little flowers.  It's soooo easy, you're gonna love this! To begin, take a hand full of miniature marshmallows and cut them in half on the diagonal.  It's … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Wake Up the Porch & Decks for Spring

Welcome to the 168th Metamorphosis Monday! Preparing the Porch and Decks for Spring: Cleaning and Planting At the start of this past winter, I decided to try something new.  Instead of tossing the big geranium that lives all summer on the porch, and the three smaller ones visible behind this summer table setting below, I tucked them all away in my garage for the winter. Amazingly, they lived.  They … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Easter Spring Table Setting with Tulip Centerpiece

Welcome to the 188th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Spring and welcome to Tablescape Thursday, a party where we celebrate our love for entertaining and creating pretty table settings for our friends and loved ones.  A beautiful table setting is really just an expression of caring and love for those who'll gather there. Tulips make such a wonderful centerpiece for a spring or Easter table … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Double Bowl Hurricane Floral Centerpiece: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

I've been using a lot of fresh flowers in table settings lately.  Once those cold winter months are behind us, it's such a joy to bring fresh flowers into our homes.  One of my favorite flowers is the tulip.  It's almost impossible to think of spring and not think of beautiful tulips. Tulips are a wonderful flower to give or receive for a birthday or for Mother's Day.  I've been the happy recipient of … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Decorate Your Door for Easter

Welcome to the 167 Metamorphosis Monday! I have a fun, crafty metamorphosis to share for this Met Monday.   I don't have "before" pics but they would simply be the supplies you would buy to create this adorable bunny for your spring door.   I know that looks like a Christmas tree out on the porch.  It was a tree in an urn with dragonfly lights.   I had it out there for a while but eventually removed it … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Spring Easter Table Setting with Daffodil and Moss Centerpiece

Welcome to the 187th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is here in Georgia.  This has been such a wonderful spring!  As I looked through the photos for this post, I noticed the background is changing with each week's table setting here on the porch.  It's getting green and woolly out there...love this time of year!   For this Tablescape Thursday, … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Make Heart-Shaped Sugar Cubes for Parties: A Tutorial

Recently while reading a Country Living magazine, I came across the cutest heart-shaped sugar cubes.  The magazine shared where they could be ordered but I decided to try making my own.  I thought they would be fun for parties, especially tea parties or to offer guests with coffee after dinner. Instead of white cubes as shown in the article, I decided to color mine.  Since it's so close to Easter, I … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Beautiful Curbside Transformations on a Budget

Welcome to the 166th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope you had a fabulous weekend!  I spent most of mine indoors with brief forays onto the porch.  The pollen has been crazy here but we got a little rain two days in a row which seems to have helped calm down the attack of the yellow stuff. This week, for Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing three amazing exterior transformations.  If you are living … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Spring Easter Table Setting with Wisteria Centepiece

Welcome to the 186th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope your week is going great.  Spring is in full swing here; everything is blooming up a storm!  For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I did something I've always wanted to do in a table setting.   I've always wanted to use Wisteria in a centerpiece.  It's just so beautiful and fragrant and it grows wild here in the south.   Each spring … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Porch Fever

Springtime = Porch Fever, and I have the cure. Just one question...screened-in or open today?  You decide.  Oh, and could you pass me a lemon for my sweet tea?  Just feel those breezes! Source This is one of my very favorite houses in Grant Park in Atlanta.  It has multiple porches...as in porches on ALL. FOUR. SIDES!  Love!  There are three porches just on the front of the home...enough to make this … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Scents: Do You Have a Favorite?

A few weeks ago I posted about "20+ Things I Can't Live Without"  I've gotten so many great emails (and comments) about that post, I think they'll be a "Part II" coming up in the future.  At the end of that post I asked for your favorite "can't-live-without" products.  The comments were awesome!  I'm still going back periodically to reread them, trying out the fab ideas/products you mentioned, as well as … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



You Made That from What?

Welcome  to the 165th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing some neat little transformations you can make right at home.   I was inspired by this wood tray I saw in a local Ballard Designs Outlet recently on a shopping trip. Come a bit closer and take a look.  Not the greatest pics since they were taken with my camera phone and it's dark inside Ballard Designs...but I think … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



My Image Inspiration: What Inspires You?

A few weeks ago I shared My Colortopia, a fun site created by Glidden Paint to help take the scary guesswork out of choosing a paint color.  Using the tool, My Life, My Colors, you answered 7 fun questions to reveal colors you would enjoy having in your home. Often when we freshen up a space in our home with new paint, we'll have an item that's serving as our inspiration.  It could be a particular … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



A St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting on the Porch

Welcome to the 185th Tablescape Thursday! Spring officially arrives on March 20th, but it's already here in Georgia.  The temps have been in the upper 70's; they even went above 80° today. It was so beautiful out the day I captured these pics.  I'm looking forward to seeing green leaves filling out the trees real soon.  I don't think it will be long now.   The sheers were dancing in the … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Shopping IKEA and Ballard Designs

Recently I took a shopping trip to IKEA in Atlanta and to the Ballard Design Outlet in Alpharetta.  Today, I'm taking you along with me.  These stores are very different.  It's hard to believe IKEA was here for several years before I ever visited.  I had this idea in my head that it was all super modern furniture...far from the truth.  IKEA carries a lot more than just furniture. I can see why folks plan … [Read more...]


 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox.