Valentine, You Make the Earth Move Under My Feet

February 15, 2014 by 74 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Nature

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Whimsical Valentine’s Day Tablescape, Alice in Wonderland Style

February 13, 2014 by 79 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,

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Ice, Ice Baby!

February 12, 2014 by 105 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden

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Hunkering Down

February 10, 2014 by 68 Comments

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

February 10, 2014 by 34 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden

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A Shopping Trip to Ikea

February 7, 2014 by 48 Comments

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

February 6, 2014 by 42 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , ,

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Gail Claridge’s Country Meadow Equestrian Ranch

February 4, 2014 by 52 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes, Home Tours

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Touring the Beautiful Hill-Huggins Home in Madison, Georgia

February 1, 2014 by 13 Comments

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

January 31, 2014 by 45 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes, Home Tours, The Holiday Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

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A Winter Table Setting, Tablecloth by Mother Nature

January 30, 2014 by 163 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,

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A Little Bit of Everything

January 28, 2014 by 86 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden

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Fireplace and Mantel Makeover

January 27, 2014 by 54 Comments

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

January 24, 2014 by 39 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours

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Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Napkin Fold Tutorial

January 23, 2014 by 36 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Napkin Folding Tutorials, Romantic Tablescapes, Shower Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Napkin Folds, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,

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25 Scrumptious Valentine’s Day Desserts

January 21, 2014 by 25 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Recipes, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Recipes Tagged With: , ,

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Mr. Rooster Grows a New Tail

January 20, 2014 by 62 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: ,

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Slow-Cooker Pot Roast, Easy and Delicious!

January 18, 2014 by 49 Comments

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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Celebrating Winter with Three Wintertime Tablescapes

January 16, 2014 by 56 Comments

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

January 14, 2014 by 35 Comments

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

January 13, 2014 by 89 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Dining Room, My Nest Tagged With: , , , ,

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A Backyard Visitor: Red-Shouldered Hawk

January 12, 2014 by 76 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Nature Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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

January 11, 2014 by 2 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, Valentine's Day Crafts, Valentine's Day Holiday Home Tagged With:

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New Year’s Dinner Party Tablescape with a Winter Theme

January 9, 2014 by 43 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: New Year's Holiday Home, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes

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Paris Apartment, Another World Frozen in Time

January 8, 2014 by

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...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: ,

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Restoration of Historic Powell House, Part II

January 7, 2014 by 24 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours

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Restoration of Historic Powell House, Part I

January 6, 2014 by 38 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours

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Something Fun For Your Weekend

January 4, 2014 by 22 Comments

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!

January 3, 2014 by 62 Comments

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...]

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

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New Year’s Day Table Setting with Lenox Winter Greetings

January 2, 2014 by 72 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: New Year's Holiday Home, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: ,

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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

December 31, 2013 by 49 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Recipes, New Year's Recipes, Recipes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: , ,

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Organize Charging Cables with Cable ID Labels

December 30, 2013 by 53 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: , ,

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Dinner Party Preparations for New Year’s Day

December 29, 2013 by 75 Comments

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

December 26, 2013 by 32 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: New Year's Holiday Home, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, The Holiday Home

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Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2013 by 22 Comments

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

December 24, 2013 by 21 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,

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Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Tutorial

December 22, 2013 by 62 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Napkin Folds, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Napkin Folding Tutorials, The Holiday Home Tagged With: ,

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Victorian Home Lit Up for Christmas

December 21, 2013 by 28 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, The Holiday Home

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10 Last-Minute Recipes, Tips and Ideas for Christmas

December 20, 2013 by 18 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Recipes, The Holiday Home

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Christmas Table Setting with a Christmas Tree Theme

December 19, 2013 by 93 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,

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If These Walls Could Talk: A Mystery Alcove

December 17, 2013 by 59 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), DIY Organization and Storage, Lighting, Upstairs Hall

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Screened-in Porch Decorated For Christmas

December 16, 2013 by 136 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, The Holiday Home

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Woodpecker Attacks Lazy Hill Dovecote

December 15, 2013 by 48 Comments

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

December 14, 2013 by 9 Comments

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

December 13, 2013 by 39 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,

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Dashing Through the Snow

December 12, 2013 by 115 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,

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Updates for a Blue and White Guest Room

December 11, 2013 by 142 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Blue & White Design & Decor, My Nest Tagged With: , , , ,

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Decorating With Preserved Boxwood Wreaths

December 10, 2013 by 104 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest, The Holiday Home

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Decorating the Front Porch for Christmas

December 9, 2013 by 79 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home

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A Little Eye Candy for Your Sunday

December 8, 2013 by 22 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home

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12 Beautiful Staircases To Sneak Down on Christmas Eve

December 7, 2013 by 23 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home

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How to Create a Lit Centerpiece with Dept. 56 Houses

December 6, 2013 by 29 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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Christmas Table Setting: Sparkle with a Touch of Whimsy

December 5, 2013 by 121 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Dining Room, My Nest, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, Winter Tablescapes

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10 Christmas Mantels Santa Would Be Lucky to Land Under

December 4, 2013 by 42 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home

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

December 3, 2013 by 19 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Fall Tablescapes

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Decorate A Lantern For Christmas With Greenery From The Garden

December 2, 2013 by 66 Comments

Welcome to the 253rd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and an awesome weekend! I worked on Christmas decorations for the front porch and it's basically done, but it feels like something is missing. I'm not sure what just yet, but I'll figure it out and share it soon. So, for today I thought I'd share how I've decorated the gas lantern this year. Throughout the year, the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, The Holiday Home

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Christmas Decorating Ideas: Porches, Doors and Windows

November 29, 2013 by 29 Comments

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! With Thanksgiving behind us now, this is the time so many of us get busy decorating for Christmas. It's time to swag that garland, hang those wreaths and spruce up the mailbox. In case you could use a little inspiration, I've pulled together a few pictures and ideas for decorating the outside areas of our homes. Of course, the front of a home is always a fave … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home

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Emergency Substitutions for Common Ingredients

November 27, 2013 by 26 Comments

There's nothing more stressful when preparing a big holiday dinner than running out of a key ingredient, especially when there's no time to run back to the store. Here's a list I compiled of popular substitutions for some of the more common ingredients we sometimes run low on. Hope this helps your cooking go a bit smoother this holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving! Image from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Recipes, Easter Recipes, Halloween Recipes, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Recipes, New Year's Recipes, Recipes, St. Patrick's Day Recipes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Recipes, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Recipes

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The Treadmill Desk: Burn Calories While Working and Surfing the Web

November 26, 2013 by 35 Comments

So. I'm very seriously thinking of asking Santa for one of these this Christmas. I've been toying with this idea for a few years and now I'm getting serious. I sit a lot...like waaaay too much. Some days vary, like the days when I'm hanging wreaths on windows or painting a room, but most of my days spent blogging full-time involve hours of sitting as I read/answer the 100+ emails I get on a daily … [Read more...]

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13 Wreaths for 13 Windows

November 25, 2013 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 252nd Metamorphosis Monday! Does this ever happen to you? The Christmas season looms ahead and you say to yourself, I'm not going to decorate as much this year. I think I'll cut back a little. There will be less to take down and put away and it will be less stressful. Yeah, right. That seems to last about a day around here, then suddenly I wake up one morning, a changed woman. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home

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A Heated Bird Bath for the Birds…and a Wily Raccoon

November 24, 2013 by 39 Comments

Happy Sunday! How's your weekend going? I wanted to pop in and share how the heated bird bath looks installed out on the deck. I attempted to install it yesterday but it was late in the day and getting dark quickly. It has a tilt feature so when you want to dump the old water and add new, you just lift it up and tilt. I couldn't get the tilt mechanism to catch yesterday and since my light was quickly … [Read more...]

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

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Saturday Fun

November 23, 2013 by 45 Comments

Today, I'm in here... Up under the eaves... Doing this....   And this... So, hopefully by the end of the day, things will be looking like this. (picture from past year)   And this. (Photo from a previous year.) For a little tutorial sharing how to hang wreaths on exterior windows, go here: How to Hang Wreaths on Exterior Windows   The … [Read more...]

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Tour A Historic Home in Madison Georgia

November 22, 2013 by 15 Comments

Recently, I came across this beautiful historic home for sale in Madison, Georgia. Madison is just an hour or so outside of Atlanta. I've been there several times in the past for home tours. It was a Christmas home tour in Madison is where I first spied a table set with Lenox, Winter Greetings and fell in love with that pattern. See what trouble these tours can cause! ;) This historic home is great for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours

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A Christmas Table Setting Inspired by Nature

November 21, 2013 by 161 Comments

Welcome to the 271st Tablescape Thursday! This week I'm sharing a Christmas table setting for Tablescape Thursday. Since I've already shared two fall tablescapes and one Thanksgiving table setting this season, I was in the mood to create something Christmas themed. I love Christmas tablescapes so there will be several more coming your way before Christmas arrives. Can you believe it's just 33 days until … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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21 Delicious Party Drinks for the Holiday Season

November 20, 2013 by 35 Comments

It will soon be party time! Even if you're not having a big party this year, chances are you will have family and friends stopping in during the holidays. Treat them to a special drink that's as pretty as it is tasty! I spent several hours yesterday searching for the yummiest and most beautiful party drinks I could find. I'm pretty excited about this list, I think it will be my go-to spot for holiday … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Recipes, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Recipes, New Year's Recipes, Recipes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Recipes, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Recipes

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The Christmas Movie-House Tacky Light Tour

November 19, 2013 by 34 Comments

I've noticed a lot of folks are already decorating outside for Christmas this year. I'm going to hang my outdoor window wreaths in the next few days. I normally wait and do it the day after Thanksgiving but I always feel so rushed to get it done when I wait until then. Thanksgiving comes really late this year so I"ve decided to go ahead and get them up this week. I really love this time of year, so why not … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Movie Houses, TV & Movie House Fun

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Beautiful Kitchen Makeover: Simple Changes with Dramatic Results

November 18, 2013 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 251st Metamorphosis Monday! I have a fabulous kitchen renovation to share! Julie who blogs at Creating This Life, recently shared some great Before and After pics of her kitchen. Julie's home was 9 years old when they moved in. They took their time before renovating which gave them some time to figure out exactly what they liked and didn't like about their kitchen. BEFORE The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After

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Sheer Madness

November 16, 2013 by 44 Comments

A few months after I added a screened-in porch onto the back of my home, I wanted to soften the hard edges of the porch. I decided the way to do that would be by adding curtains to the windows. Since there were a lot of windows, I needed to find a frugal way to do it. On a whim I decided to try sheers and I found them for just $5 a panel at a big discount store. They have worked out beautifully in … [Read more...]

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Fall & Thanksgiving Table Setting Inspiration

November 14, 2013 by 27 Comments

Welcome to the 270th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Fall! How is your week going? With the Tablescape Tour going on yesterday, it just wasn't the right time to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your "Life's Lessons Learned" in the comments on Tuesday's posts. You guys surprised me. I was thinking that post was going to be a light-hearted one with lots of funny comments. Instead, you guys went deep. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday

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A Thanksgiving Fall Tablescape Out On The Porch

November 13, 2013 by 65 Comments

Normally, this time of year would find me tablescaping inside, but with temps like this I couldn't resist tablescaping out on the porch.   Mr. Turkey was already out here from last week, still posing as the perfect centerpiece for an autumn table setting.   Fall has finally arrived here in Georgia. The trees are changing colors and are beginning to look bare. More sun is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, The Holiday Home

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Christmas Door Ideas: Decorate with Triple Wreaths

November 11, 2013 by 55 Comments

Welcome to the 250th Metamorphosis Monday! So, I was thinking this weekend, what can I share with you for Met Monday? I'm working on a few things around here, but nothing really Met Monday worthy. Ummmm, what to do? I have this fat, bulging folder on my computer labeled "Post About." It's where pictures and ideas go to marinate, often forgotten but always patiently awaiting their day to shine. If … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,

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Ideas and Inspiration for Your Thanksgiving Celebration

November 8, 2013 by 53 Comments

Happy Friday! Are you looking forward to the weekend? Any fun plans for a little leaf ogling or cider sipping? Have you finalized all your plans for Thanksgiving? If not, you're going to like today's post!  I'm excited to be joining in a fun Thanksgiving party put together by Laura who blogs at Top This Top That. The other lovely ladies participating in today's "Better Late Than Never" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Porches, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, The Holiday Home

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Dining Fireside

November 7, 2013 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 269th Tablescape Thursday! After reading all your wonderful suggestions yesterday for surviving winter in style, I found myself dreaming of reading good books under warm throws with a hot fire burning nearby. So, for this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're traveling back in time to visit three settings previously shared fireside. (Click on titles for additional pics.) Wishing you lots of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Romantic Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes

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My Winter Survival List for Winter 2014

November 6, 2013 by 126 Comments

Each January for the last two years, I've put together a winter survival list with my top 10 favorites for surviving winter. Instead of waiting until we're deep into winter, I thought I'd share my faves now as the cold weather and winter looms ahead. I think what got me in the mood for this is the drizzly, cold overcast day I awoke to today. I'm actually kind of enjoying it, though...makes this heater … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

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Getting Stuff Done & It Feels Good!

November 5, 2013 by 36 Comments

Doesn't it feel good to finally get "stuff" done that's been needing to be done for ages? I know, the list is always endless, but at least I can finally check a few things off. Yesterday, I left you with a painted screened door, but before it could be installed it needed to be re-screened.  It just barely fit into the back of my SUV, but thankfully it did and off we went to the screening … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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How to Paint Doors Like a Pro

November 4, 2013 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 249th Metamorphosis Monday! One of the most basic DIY jobs we face at one time or another is painting. We've all painted a room or two in our time, haven't we? Paint truly has the ability to transform a space taking it from so-so to sooo beautiful! I've never been afraid to paint walls but doors have always been a bit of a mystery for me. More than once I've painted a door to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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Autumn Table Setting with Spode Woodland

October 31, 2013 by 99 Comments

Welcome to the 268th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Halloween! Are you ready for the Trick or Treaters? Have you been sampling the Halloween candy this past week like I have? You know that's necessary, just to make sure it isn't stale or anything. Okay, remember when I decked out the hutch on the screened porch with pumpkins for Fall?   For this week's Tablescape Thursday, it was time to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Make a Lamp from a Beautiful Vase or Figurine

October 30, 2013 by 53 Comments

Recently Vikki who reads BNOTP, emailed me and shared a wonderful DIY project she had just finished. Vikki came across this blue and white porcelain vase in Goodwill for just $7. Vikki said, "When I saw the vase I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it." What Vikki decided to do was make it into a beautiful lamp! Isn't it wonderful?!  It's just perfect against the blue and white toile … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , ,

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Apple Season in Blue Ridge and My First Mexican Coca-Cola

October 29, 2013 by 68 Comments

This past weekend a friend and I headed north to do a little leaf peeping and apple gathering. We landed in Blue Ridge, Georgia where we visited Mercier Orchards. Have you ever been there? It's a beautiful place! You can see the orchards up the hillside in the distance. We had perfect weather, not too hot and not too cold. There were wagon-rides available to take folks out into the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Travel

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Kitchen Renovation: Great Ideas For Small-Medium Size Kitchens

October 28, 2013 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 248th Metamorphosis Monday! This week I have another fabulous kitchen renovation to share. Toni took her relatively small kitchen and accomplished two amazing feats: 1. She made it feel and look much larger 2. She converted every square inch in her kitchen into usable, hard-working space. If you have a small to medium size kitchen and you've been wanting to update it and make it much … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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5 Denim Projects Made with Repurposed Jeans

October 26, 2013 by 8 Comments

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Thought I'd share what's been cooking over at Denim Do Over this week. Here are last week's posts, all made from repurposed denim, usually old jeans.  You'll find a link to the tutorial in the post, showing how to make each project. Don't sew? Many of the projects at Denim Do Over are no-sew projects! Do you have a denim project you would like to see featured … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing

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Broomstick Place Cards for Your Halloween Tablescape

October 24, 2013 by 56 Comments

Welcome to the 267th Tablescape Thursday! A couple of weeks ago I shared this picture from Country Living online. I thought it would be fun to make some of these broomstick place card holders. I didn't see a tutorial for them at CL but they looked pretty easy to make, and they are!   To make broomstick place card holders, you'll need raffia, yarn or jute thread in any color you prefer, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,

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A Garden Seat for the Frog

October 23, 2013 by 45 Comments

Not that kind of frog, although he is totally cute! Source Have you noticed how ceramic garden seats seem to be available everywhere now? I remember years ago seeing them in decorating magazines but I could never find any back then, at least not at a price I was willing to pay. Last spring I was on a quest to buy a garden seat for the screened porch.   I found this one with a pretty … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest

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Transform and Update a Lamp with a New Shade

October 22, 2013 by 19 Comments

Marty is one of the best bargain hunters I know and after reading today's post, I think I need to start visiting the thrift stores more often. There are definitely some awesome deals to be found. I'm excited to share this guest post from my friend and fellow blogger Marty, from the blog A Stroll Thru Life.  At the end of the post you'll find a link to Marty's blog where you'll find lots of inspiring … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After

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Kitchen Goes Light and Bright with Painted Cabinets

October 21, 2013 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 247th Metamorphosis Monday! I love the way Candy described her kitchen renovation to me in a recent email. She said, "The entire renovation took 5 weeks, it was like having a baby, uncomfortable while it's happening but the end result was worth it."   Haven't we ALL felt like that during a renovation? Even a small redo makes me anxious and uncomfortable, especially when it's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After

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Sunday, You’re So Good to Me

October 20, 2013 by 29 Comments

Sunday, time to sit back and relax a little. You've worked hard alllll week.   A good book...   ...and a "Rustic Retreat" candle, I'm totally addicted to the scent.  They can be found in Walmart but don't buy them all because I'm going back for a few more. ;)   Then there's this: Loved it so much...   I went back for more. I also bought the Caramel … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

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Halloween Table Setting with a Lantern Centerpiece

October 17, 2013 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 266th Tablescape Thursday! It's rainy and little chilly out today so we're tablescaping in the breakfast room. This table setting started out with super practical glasses but I changed them toward the end to these pretty amber glasses from Noritake.   Love these silly plates... I found these cute Blueberry & Thyme lollipops in Marshalls and tucked … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes

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Fabulous Books and A Birthday Celebration!

October 15, 2013 by 25 Comments

It's Here! Mario Buatta Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration arrived and it's big and beautiful!  It's 1 and 3/4 inches thick, over a foot tall, 9 3/4 inches wide and 432 pages long!   It's filled from cover to cover with big beautiful pictures of Mario Buatta's stunning work over the past 50 years.   If you're a Mario Buatta fan, this book is a must … [Read more...]

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The Witch is In!

October 14, 2013 by 81 Comments

Welcome to the 246th Metamorphosis Monday! I last posted about the front porch when it got a good bath and was relieved of all that yucky mildew and dirt it had accumulated during the intense rains we had all summer. Afterwards, I dressed the door with a fall basket. With October almost half over, it was time to change out the basket for something with a bit more of a Halloween … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,

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Everything Old is New Again

October 12, 2013 by 59 Comments

Have you ever been out shopping and saw something that instantly reminded you of a scene from a movie?  Or, maybe it reminded you of something from your childhood? Recently while shopping in HomeGoods I saw this lemon tree.   It instantly took me back to two Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies we've toured here on BNOTP. Do you remember this scene from the 1961 movie, Lover Come Back. Carol (Doris) … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Movie Houses, TV & Movie House Fun

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