Make a Lamp from a Beautiful Vase or Figurine

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...]


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

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...]


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Kitchen Renovation: Great Ideas For Small-Medium Size Kitchens

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...]


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5 Denim Projects Made with Repurposed Jeans

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...]


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Broomstick Place Cards for Your Halloween Tablescape

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...]


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A Garden Seat for the Frog

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...]


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Transform and Update a Lamp with a New Shade

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...]


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Kitchen Goes Light and Bright with Painted Cabinets

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...]


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Sunday, You’re So Good to Me

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...]


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Halloween Table Setting with a Lantern Centerpiece

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...]


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Fabulous Books and A Birthday Celebration!

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!

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...]


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Everything Old is New Again

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...]


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Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!

Welcome to the 265th Tablescape Thursday! When I created a fall mantel in September...   ...mischievous ravens took up roost among the books, candlesticks and antlers. (Mantel can be viewed here: An Autumn Mantel and Fire Screen)   Then they threw a Halloween party out on the porch and invited all their friends!   Some nerve, huh?   At least … [Read more...]


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Prepping a Room for Paint: It’s Easier Than You Think

I have always loved the almost instant makeover paint can give a room. But before the painting, there's always the part that we tend to dread--the prep work.  It reminds me of gardening, all we really want to do is plant pretty flowers, but if we don't prepare the soil first, chances are the flowers are not going to look pretty for very long. I used to be intimidated by the idea of repairing a hole or a … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Victorian Home Aglow for Halloween

A couple of weeks ago we visited Marie's beautiful Victorian home to see how she had decorated for Halloween. The porch was festooned with lit garland and fun Halloween bunting. It was great seeing it in the daylight... ...because it gave us a chance to really see all the fun details awaiting guests and trick or treaters. But we wondered, "What does it look like at night?" Several of … [Read more...]


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Goodbye Mildew and Mold, Hello Shiny Clean Porch!

Welcome to the 245th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I shared an update to the front porch area of my home when I added two boxwood topiaries on either side of the porch. From a distance the porch looked pretty clean in the photos. If you look closely though, you'll see grayish streaks on the columns and the molding around the door. This spring and summer has been the wettest I've ever known … [Read more...]


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Halloween Decorating and Table Setting Ideas

Welcome to the 264th Tablescape Thursday! I'm sharing lots of Halloween inspiration in today's post starting with this fun display. I encountered this unfortunate fellow just inside my local Pottery Barn store. So what do you think he was reading at the time of his untimely demise? I'm looking forward to your comments! This table setting from Martha Stewart online would work well for Fall or … [Read more...]


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Tour an Historic Equestrian Estate in Virginia

Autumn, the air is crisp and invigorating, let's saddle up the horses and go for a ride! Okay, I don't have a horse, but I can dream! Imagine riding your horse on this beautiful estate! The trees are just beginning to change their summer clothes for brighter garments. The manor house pictured below is The Maples and it was built in 1853. In addition to the main house, there's a guest house with 2 … [Read more...]


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Denim Pumpkin: 5 Creative Ways to Decorate a Pumpkin

It's October and you know what that means! It's pumpkin time! Remember back in the day when the only kind of pumpkins you could find were orange. Now you can find them in so many different colors: blue, gray, green, even white.  And if you're really feeling creative, you can make your own. Recently, I was invited to participate in a pumpkin party with four talented Bloggers. Our only instruction was to … [Read more...]


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Halloween Decorating and Dining

Welcome to the 244th Metamorphosis Monday! Holiday Before and After: Since tomorrow is the 1st day of October, I thought it would be fun to share some older posts filled with lots of Halloween decorating inspiration and ideas. This photo and the next one are from Pottery Barn a few years back. I love this porch!   Doesn't this make you want to paint your door orange just for the … [Read more...]


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The Big Chill

Did you ever see the movie, The Big Chill? I had not until recently. When I've posted movie house tours here at BNOTP in the past, The Big Chill was one y'all recommended I check out. Well, HELLO!  Would you just look at this house! Oh. My. Gosh! The movie started off a bit slow and then THIS came into view on the screen. After I picked myself up off the floor, I thought, no wonder you guys suggested … [Read more...]


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Celebrating the First Days of Autumn

Welcome to the 263rd Tablescape Thursday! Sunday was the first day of autumn. It doesn't really look like autumn here but it is definitely beginning to feel that way.   It's been raining for the last two days and was still raining out when I took these pics. You can see the leaves haven't started changing color yet, at least not in my yard, but it won't be long. Are they changing where you … [Read more...]


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Fall Color for the Front Porch

Still waiting for a bit cooler weather to transplant the Japanese maple and to landscape around the porch, but at least the porch is a happy place!  Can't wait to get those shrubs in around it. It shouldn't be long now. We've been waiting for some cooler days and I think they are here. In the meantime, I'm trying to imagine the Georgia red clay splashed up onto the brick is a lovely fall accent. … [Read more...]


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Decorate Your Porch for Halloween

Welcome to the 243rd Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for sharing so many great "blue" colors for painting a porch ceiling "haint blue" in the comments on the recent haint blue post. I'll try to create a post soon sharing all the ones you named in the comments and on Facebook. That should come in handy for anyone trying to find the right shade of blue for a haint blue porch ceiling. My friend … [Read more...]


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Paint Your Porch Ceiling, Haint Blue

When I added a screened porch onto the back of my home five years ago, I was very tempted to paint the ceiling haint blue. For years I had seen homes all over the south with porch ceilings painted a soft, sky blue. I ultimately decided it wouldn't work for my porch because of the gable ceiling. You  may remember this home from our tour of Isle of Hope just outside Savannah Georgia. It's sporting a … [Read more...]


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A Booo-ti-ful Setting for Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to the 262nd Tablescape Thursday! My friend, Marie, has six adorable, much loved grandchildren. When they visit her home, they eat at the same table their parents ate at while growing up. Love that! Marie creates the most whimsical, fun table settings for her grandchildren for all the holidays throughout the year. Can you guess which holiday the table is dressed for now? Yep, … [Read more...]


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An Autumn Mantel and Fire Screen

It's been a while since I've posted a fall mantel, the last time was late September 2011. I only have one fireplace, thus one mantel in my home and it's in the den, a room with honey-colored judges paneling. (Picture below from last year, just after Christmas.)   Photography is always a bit of a challenge, even with a tripod. The walls just soak up all the light.   This is how … [Read more...]


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Duck, Duck Goose

I almost named this post "Goose Dynasty." ;) Recently Bonnie created a beautiful fall tablescape and I couldn't wait until Tablescape Thursday to share it with you.   This table celebrates the beautiful, rich colors of fall.   The centerpiece is a wonderful tureen disguised as a fat, fall goose. Do you think he's a Canada goose heading south for the winter? I think he's just … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Front Porch Addition and Garden Oasis

Welcome to the 242nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! How was your weekend? It was beautiful weather here and you can definitely tell fall is on its way. The temps were really mild, even kind of cool at times. It was perfect weather for getting some outdoor projects done. I'll be sharing those before too long. In the meantime I have a fabulous porch addition to share!   Between Naps on the … [Read more...]


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Classic, Timeless, Traditional: Decorate For The Fall-Winter Season

I love visiting Mary Carol Garrity's online website for her shop, Nell Hill's. There are always so many beautiful things to see. This made my heart sing! If you have ever wondered if it was okay to mix brass/gold with silver, I think this answers that question once and for all. This is so much more beautiful than if the candlestick lamps had been all matchy matchy in brass.  Picture above and below … [Read more...]


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Raiding the Garden

Welcome to the 261st Tablescape Thursday! Pssst, we have a problem.   Someone has been raiding the garden!   The lettuce is gone, the brussel sprouts are missing...   And all of the carrots have vanished!   Who could be behind this?   Do you think? Could it be?   He's been a very busy bunny!  His basket is loaded down … [Read more...]


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Decorate in White for Fall

It's late summer and the temps are still warm here in the south, but in the evenings there's a hint of fall in the air.   Yesterday I shared a new lamp I had just added to the porch. It's painted one of my fave colors, a soft green. I love the color combination of green and white. It feels so fresh and so alive.   I have a hutch here on the porch and it's painted in the same pretty … [Read more...]


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Porch Lighting: Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Lamps

Welcome to the 241st Metamorphosis Monday! Five years ago when I replaced my seen-better-days-deck with a screened-in porch, I purchased white wicker furniture, including a wicker swing for this space.  I couldn't really find any lamps I liked so I just decided to use lamps I already had thinking I'd eventually replace them with something better. It's only been in the last couple of years that I've … [Read more...]


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An Interview with Mario Buatta!

I'm spending the day outside on the porch, scrubbing down the walls and cleaning off the mildew and yuck caused by months and months of almost constant rain. Boooooorrrrring job. To pass the time, I headed upstairs and grabbed my iPod so I could listen to some of my favorite podcasts while I cleaned.   I noticed in iTunes, the ladies at The Skirted Roundtable (Linda, Joni and Megan) have a … [Read more...]


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Wildlife Visitors to the Autumn Garden

My friend Bonnie lives in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, the state of Oregon. She and hubby Leon have a lovely home surrounded by the most amazing gardens. They share it with some real characters, too! There's Pearl who loves to remove to the top off the bird feeder and carry it as far away as possible in an effort to keep Leon from placing it back on the feeder.   She … [Read more...]


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The Office Layout and A Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier for Tight Spaces

Every so often I get an e-mail from someone who is in the process of putting together an office with the Pottery Barn Bedford furniture and they ask what pieces I used to achieve the layout I have in my home office. It's always hard to answer that question in an e-mail because I had to get creative and go off the grid a bit to make it work the way I wanted. I've been meaning to write about this for ages. … [Read more...]


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Remembering Summer

Welcome to the 260th Tablescape Thursday! As summer winds down and we start planning for fall, I thought I'd share a recap of some of the tables I put together this summer for Tablescape Thursday.   If you one of these table settings and you would like to see it in detail, just click on the title to view. Dining on the Porch for the 4th of July   Tutorial for making these … [Read more...]


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A Brick Walkway Redesign

In my front yard, there lives a Southern Magnolia, Grandiflora. And grand she is! I didn't place her here. Even with my limited knowledge of gardening, I know better than to plant a Southern Magnolia 10 feet out from a house. (Remember when the yard looked like this?)   Let's take a little ride in my time machine. The year is 1989 and we are house hunting or "trying out houses" as Chip who … [Read more...]


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Boxwood Topiaries for a Traditional Landscape

Welcome to the 240th Metamorphosis Monday! How's your Labor Day weekend going? I hope you're having a fun one! Well, it took some doing but I finally found a couple of matching boxwoods for the planters I purchased recently for the front porch area. Remember these large containers I purchased a couple of weeks ago?  They replaced the too-small concrete pots that had been there for … [Read more...]


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The Big Wedding

Last August I posted about the movie, The Big Wedding that was scheduled to come out in October 2012. Not sure why but the movie was delayed and ended up being released in April 2013, instead. Do you think they did that to have it better coincide with all the wedding stuff that goes on in the spring and summer? I had high hopes for the movie since it had an amazing cast: Robert DeNiro, Katherine Heigl, … [Read more...]


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Living in the Garden of Weeden

I have a dirty little secret, actually it's more like a weedly little secret. While I've been working on this side of the yard... I've been trying hard to ignore this side. I just wasn't ready to face the disaster that awaits on the other side of the driveway. Years ago my perennial garden contracted a terrible weed infestation. I'm talking super-dooper, on steroids, kind of weed … [Read more...]


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I’m Late, I’m Late–For a Very Important Date!

Welcome to the 259th Tablescape Thursday! A few years ago I came across Alice in Wonderland dishes in Tuesday Morning. I was pretty much ruined from the moment I saw them. It took visiting several TMs and ordering a few pieces on eBay, but I eventually collected enough to set a full table. I've created several fun tables over the last few years with this china; I'll link to those at the end of this post … [Read more...]


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Garden Dining in Buckhead

With very full bellies.. ...after dining on the porch at Greenwood's on Green Street... ...we were still feeling adventuresome. My friend, Jan, spontaneously suggested heading into Buckhead to have drinks at another fun restaurant she had been to and was eager for me to see.  One thing I absolutely LOVE is doing things spur of the moment. I don't know what it is, but sometimes planning ahead … [Read more...]


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Dinner on the Porch and A Garden Tour

Thanks so much for your wonderful comments on yesterday's post! Posts like that are a little hard for me to write because I can easily feel overwhelmed with emotions when looking back at old photos. I know all you Moms and Dads know what I mean. Thanks so much for all the well-wishes for Chip and Nancy. As you get older you realize there are so many seasons to life and soon I'll be moving into another … [Read more...]


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A Treasured Heirloom

Welcome to the 239th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently True Value asked if I would share a story about an "heirloom" piece passed down through my family. Immediately, a special chair came to mind. It's an heirloom piece that played an important part in our everyday life for many years, starting when we moved into our first home, a yellow cottage in a small Alabama town where my husband was stationed on … [Read more...]


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The Mystery Chair

Take a look at the following five bedrooms. Notice anything they all have in common?  I'll wait while you scroll down and view each one. Source The first three bedrooms were designed by Mario Buatta. The fourth is a bedroom in the home of Designer, Bunny Williams. I'm not sure who designed the last bedroom, wish I knew. Source  Did you notice anything common to all five … [Read more...]


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How To Create a Watermelon Flower-Garden Centerpiece

  Each summer I like to create a table setting with a carved watermelon centerpiece. I missed last year but I couldn't let this summer get away without trying a new one. They are just so much fun to do! (You'll find the table setting below here: Summer Table Setting with Carved Flower Garden Watermelon Centerpiece) Two summers ago I carved this whale centerpiece. You'll find the tutorial for … [Read more...]


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Summer Dining with an Edible Flower Garden Centerpiece

Welcome to the 258th Tablescape Thursday! Summer is winding down but it's not over yet. Are the stores in your area still stocked with yummy watermelons? They are still available here. It just isn't summer without cutting up a juicy, sweet watermelon or ten! I read an article the other day where someone made the claim that seedless watermelons don't taste as good as watermelons with seeds because they … [Read more...]


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Cleaning Those Hard to Reach Windows

Back in May 2012, Nathan with Fish Window Cleaning sent me a can of Fish Foam, their fab window cleaner.  You may remember I tried it on my windows, and loved the results. I didn't think they were that dirty but once I saw how they looked after cleaning, I was pretty impressed! Amazing how windows can look clean but the grime is there dulling the view and blocking the light. I loved how much more light came … [Read more...]


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Create a Small, Sun-Loving Perennial Garden

Welcome to the 238th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I did a little more planting and if the rain will let up, I'm headed to a nursery today in search of plants for the large planters I purchased recently for the porch. I'm in a bit of a conundrum, though. Two of the nurseries I have talked to told me they will be getting large shipments in for fall, so I'm trying to decide: Do I … [Read more...]


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New Lattice Planters for the Porch

You know those days when you run and work, work and run, but at the end of the day you're not real sure what you've gotten accomplished. Lately some of my days are feeling that way. I'm kind of in never-never land or maybe a better term is landscaping limbo. I have about forty-eleven projects running through my head and some require decision making, some require additional money and some require input … [Read more...]


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Dining in an English Country House: A Visit to Chatsworth House

Welcome to the 257th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever visited Chatsworth House? Unfortunately, I've never been to England but I'm determined to get there one of these days. Chatsworth House is a large country house located in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region of England. It was built beginning around 1553 but went through a rebuilding process beginning in 1696. Chatsworth is home to … [Read more...]


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Table Setting Ideas for Fall & Halloween

Today I was on a mission, unfortunately my mission failed. I was trying to find small-to-medium size cookie cutters in the shape of flowers. I struck out in Michaels, Party City (it was next door so I gave it a shot), Bed, Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn and the Dollar Store. The cookie cutters I found today were either way too big or were in large sets and were too expensive. I finally gave up and decided to … [Read more...]


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A Landscaping “To-Do” List and a Surprise “Before and After”

I've been putting off a major landscape renovation for several years. I knew it would have to start with some serious tree removal and the process would be expensive and emotionally taxing. I hate cutting down trees but there is no shortage of trees in my yard, my neighborhood or this area. If anything, as I drive around my area I see so many houses in the same situation mine was in--buried behind and under … [Read more...]


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Adding Color and Whimsy to the Garden

Welcome to the 237th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend was a first for me. It was the first time I've ever planted annuals in August. When I went shopping, I wasn't sure if I'd find any since I've never shopped for them this late in the season. Surprisingly the usual places (hardware stores, big box discount stores and garden centers) do have them, even in August. The selection isn't what it is in mid … [Read more...]


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Make a Lantern for Summer Parties

Recently, I came across a photo in a poplar store catalog featuring some pretty candle lanterns.   I loved the lanterns, especially the handy rope handle, so I decided to make my own but with a few changes.   The supplies needed for this project were: a 1 1/2 pint size, wide-mouth jar and a 1/2 gallon jar (Ball canning jars work great), candles, sand, hose clamps, rope, shells, … [Read more...]


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Water New Grass with an In-ground Irrigation System

One of the chief components to ensuring a newly installed lawn takes root and establishes well is water, lots and lots of water. I was told by my landscaper and the sod farm to water it at least twice a day for the first two weeks. If we were having a really super hot August (thankfully, we're not) I'd probably have to water even more. Fortunately, when I moved into this house 22 years ago, I installed … [Read more...]


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Enjoy Dining Outdoors for Summer

Welcome to the 256th Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I created a little table setting out on the deck.   Just as I finished putting it together, I heard thunder. Yikes! Some fast picture-taking took place and just as I took the last photo, the raindrops began to fall. Whew, it was a close one.   Hope you enjoy this table setting for two. As I was … [Read more...]


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Paint Your Front Door Heritage Red or Peacock Blue

Recently, I had my front door freshened up with a new coat of paint.  The final coat of paint went on day before yesterday.  We ran into a little problem but finally found the solution...more on that in a sec. I stayed with my beloved, Benjamin Moore "Heritage Red."  I still love that color for a front door. Since the front door was being repainted, I decided to make a few changes.  I decided to remove … [Read more...]


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Chipmunk Baths

When I decided to sod my yard with Zeon Zoysia, to save money I planned to do it in two stages: Front yard, followed by the back yard next summer. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that was probably not such a great idea. I was concerned the grass in the front yard would get damaged next summer when the backyard sodding process got underway. I'm so glad now I went ahead and did both at the … [Read more...]


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A Sweet Bird Girl in the Garden

Welcome to the 236th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I spent all day Friday and Saturday at the Haven Conference in Atlanta. On Sunday, I finished putting out another 25 bags of mulch. That brings the total to 102 bags of mulch! Normally it wouldn't take that much mulch but many of the beds/islands are empty, awaiting shrubs this fall. Today I'm taking you into the yard to … [Read more...]


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Canning Peach Preserves and Some Exciting News!

Exciting News! I have some exciting news!  True Value asked BNOTP to be a part of their DIY Squad this year! You know what that means...time to kick my DIY mojo in high gear! I'm kicking off my first project with a detailed tutorial sharing the steps for making yummy Peach Preserves. Living in the peach state, I couldn't resist putting up some fresh Georgia peaches while they are in season. My … [Read more...]


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A Beautiful Dinner to Celebrate a Special Life

Welcome to the 255th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, Sandi who reads BNOTP e-mailed me and shared a special table setting she had put together for her family as they gathered to celebrate the life of their 94 year old grandmother who had just passed away. A theme emerged as preparations were being made and Sandi and her daughter, Heather, called this memorial gathering, "The Legacy of the Little … [Read more...]


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Zeon Zoysia for the Front Yard

Yesterday was definitely a day of mixed emotions, first excitement, then some disappointment.  Though things didn't go quite as planned, I still have some fun "after" photos to share. The Zeon Zoysia sod was delivered and installation got underway. As the day wore on, it became apparent there wasn't enough sod to complete the job. The side yard and a portion of the back still needs sod, so instead … [Read more...]


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Sod Day!

Today is another crazy day in the neighborhood.  This morning there was still a little work to be done in preparation for the sod, but the sod is here. 12 pallets waiting to be installed in the front and back. I went with Zeon Zoysia.  I have plenty of sun out front but the back is kind of shady. Zeon is the most shade tolerant of all the warm-season turf grass varieties. It's a fine-textured … [Read more...]


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Erasing the Messy Parts of Life

Welcome to the 235th Metamorphosis Monday! For this MM, I have a small "Before and After," something that made me a happy girl this weekend. I'm probably the last one on earth to discover this, but I thought I'd share it today in case it's helpful for you. Do you ever get these annoying little scuff marks on your walls?  They just appear, don't they? There must be little gremlins running through the … [Read more...]


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Tour the “Bewitched Sitcom TV House” In the Movie, Bewitched

Is that not the most confusing blog post title? It will make sense in just a minute. Yesterday, I shared a little house tour of the adorable cottage in the 2005 movie, Bewitched starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. If you missed that post and would love to tour this cute cottage below, you'll find the tour here: Tour the Adorable Cottage in the Movie, Bewitched. At the very end of the movie when … [Read more...]


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Bewitched

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite shows on TV was Bewitched. My best friend and I would pretend to be Samantha and her mischievous cousin, Serena. I always wanted to be Samantha, I loved her personality and thought she was beautiful...still do.  So, I was pretty excited when I heard they were making a Bewitched movie starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. In the movie, released in 2005, … [Read more...]


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Going on Safari: A Safari Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 254th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I received an e-mail from Laura who reads BNOTP. She and her daughter, Claire had created the most amazing tablescape for a birthday celebration. Laura's hubby (Claire's Dad) Paul, was turning 56 and they wanted his birthday to be memorable. They decided to create a table setting that pays tribute to where he served for several years during his military … [Read more...]


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A Gardening “Before and After”

Wow, crazy day! This post was suppose to be up hours ago but so much has happened today, I'm running way behind.  I've decided to go ahead and sod the back yard at the same time the front yard is being done.  Since the job has grown, we've decided to wait and start it on Monday. Monday will be prep day and Tuesday will be install day, barring no more rain. The sod farms can't cut sod when it's standing in … [Read more...]


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Outdoor Outlet Switcheroo and A Brown Mulch Decision

So, I have this outdoor outlet that's been bugging me. When ever I take pics of the front porch for zay blog, it always sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb. The outlet that was original to the house had quit working. When I purchased a new outlet, I thought a white outlet would be a nice change and look good with the white porch. Bad idea. I now realize I basically want the outlet to just … [Read more...]


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The Quest for a Comfortable Desk Chair: Take 3

Welcome to the 234th Metamorphosis Monday!   The Quest for a Comfortable Chair: Take 3   I have a little office update, one I've been meaning to share for a while.  As you may recall, when I first put the office together, I started out with this chair (below) from Pottery Barn Teen. I loved how it looked but it turned out to be horrible on zay ole back.  Pretty? Definitely.  Practical? … [Read more...]


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My Fave Yellow Paint Colors: Duron Sugar Cookie and Duron Tea Biscuit

One of my fave paint colors I go to time and time again is an old, old Duron color called Sugar Cookie.  There's a little story how I first discovered this color. Many, many years ago, through a job I had at the time, I met a delightful lady who was the wife of a professional coach for a local university.  I can't remember now if he was a footfall or basketball coach.  Anyway, when I visited their home, … [Read more...]


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A Lobster & Crab Fest: Beach Party Table Setting

Welcome to the 253rd Tablescape Thursday! Hope your week is going great! Are you ready for a little beach trip? Even if we can't go to the beach we can at least celebrate with a beachy tablescape out here on the porch.   The colors in this week's table setting are creams and corals...love that combination!  When I finished writing this post, it dawned on me, this table setting incorporates 3 … [Read more...]


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Landscape Renovation: Big Changes and Ready for the Sod

Things are starting to happen quickly now with the front landscape renovation. The stump grinder guy didn't make it out yesterday but he is on his way now as I type this. Then the slate will be clean for the sod installation on Tuesday. Yipee! Last week I drove by a few of the lawns installed by the company I've chosen to install my sod.  I've decided to go with Zeon Zoysia.  I like what I've read online … [Read more...]


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Crazy Town!

It's Crazy Town here today!  So much going on but I love it.  The painter has been painting--more on that in a sec, the sod guy has been here measuring and the stump removal guy is due any moment. I'm loving all this activity because it means progress! Progress, at last! I'm finally getting some things done I had hoped to get done earlier in the spring before Mr. Max got sick. Keeping busy is good for me … [Read more...]


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101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.4: Upholster a Chair!

Welcome to the 233rd Metamorphosis Monday! I love blogging! I've met so many wonderful dearhearts while blogging and each one has been a blessing in my life. Recently after posting about some crafty things I made from old jeans here, here and here, I received a delightful e-mail from Carol.  Carol wrote: Susan, I follow all of your blogs and we have talked before, you make my inbox a joy to open … [Read more...]


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101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.3: Denim Napkin Rings

Okay, I'm joking with that post title, but they're probably 101 things you could make or create with old jeans! If you're new to reading BNOTP, recently I cleaned out my closet and found three pairs of old jeans that were out of style and had magically shrunk while hanging in the closet. How DOES that happen?! Since the jeans weren't in the greatest shape, I decided to repurpose them for a fun … [Read more...]


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4th of July Table Setting: Beautiful and Budget Friendly

Welcome to the 252nd Tablescape Thursday! When Sandi sent me pictures of the table she set for a small 4th of July gathering, I knew I had to share it with you.  I often get emails from BNOTP readers asking for tips on setting tables that are budget friendly, yet beautiful. One great way to stretch that tablescaping budget is to mix pieces or sets you already own or when you're out … [Read more...]


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A Visit to the Pottery Barn Teen-Kids Store in Atlanta

Have you ever been inside a Pottery Barn Teen/Kid store? Since I ordered a desk chair from them years ago for my home office, I occasionally get their catalogs in the mail. (If you're new to reading BNOTP, to see the office/chair, just click on the category My Nest and then click on Office/Craft Room where you'll find links to bunches of office posts.) Every time a PB Teen catalog arrives, I wish I was … [Read more...]


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Make a Party Banner: Pottery Barn Inspired

9Welcome to the 232nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your 4th of July weekend? I hope it was fabulous! We had a rainy one here in Georgia. The sun came out for a few minutes but unfortunately, it didn't last long. If you've been reading BNOTP this past week, you know I pulled out some old, worn and out of style jeans from my closet and found another use for them.   I recycled the back … [Read more...]


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Dining on the Porch for the 4th of July

Welcome to the 251st Tablescape Thursday! Happy 4th of July! With the constant rain we've been having, it was super dark out on the porch all day yesterday. So, I waited until this morn to take some pics of this 4th of July tablescape.   This morning it was still dark and gloomy out, not exactly the sunny weather we normally have in July. That just means we have to create our own … [Read more...]


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Patriotic Punch for the 4th of July

It's monsoon season again here in Georgia. Doesn't Mother Nature know tomorrow is the 4th of July and celebrations are planned? Rain or no rain, the festivities will go on and we will enjoy every minute, even if the sunshine is in liquid form. Speaking of liquids, today I'm sharing an easy to make, red, white and blue patriotic punch. It's perfect for a 4th of July celebration, especially for the kiddos. … [Read more...]


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A New Use for Your Old Jeans

I'm trying to keep myself busy these days, it's part of the way I've been coping with Max's passing.  I've been clearing out closets and I came across these old jeans that are very much out of style and ahem, a little too small.  Do you have jeans in your closet like that? A little light bulb went off, something I've been wanting to do in a tablescape for a while.   I cut the back pockets off … [Read more...]


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Front Yard Landscape Renovation

Welcome to the 231st Metamorphosis Monday! Before I dive into this week's Met Monday, just wanted to take a second to answer a question I've been getting about the BNOTP newsletter, Postcards from the Porch. I haven't sent one out since Max passed because I just didn't have the energy to create blog posts and put together the newsletter, too. I will be starting it back up soon though, most likely this … [Read more...]


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Front Yard Landscape Makeover: The Beginning

Atlanta has a lot of nicknames, Hotlanta and The Big Peach to name a few.  My favorite has always been, the City in the Forest. Apparently, it got that name because when flying into Hartsfield Jackson, Atlanta appears to be nestled down into a forest.  The drought has taken its toll on a lot of trees over the last few years though, so not sure if Atlanta is still living up to its City in the … [Read more...]


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4th of July Table for Children

Welcome to the 250th Tablescape Thursday! Marie always sets the cutest children's table for each holiday or event. The one she created for her 6 grandchildren for this year's 4th of July is a delight!   The table has a "star" theme with red and white polka dot star salad plates and blue and white striped salad plates.   An overhead view...   This was the same table Marie … [Read more...]


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Decorate a Porch in Victorian Style

Yesterday we saw how Amy completely transformed a little used patio into a fabulous screened in porch.  Today I'm back with another wonderful patio to porch transformation, although this one was done with Victorian flair. Renee, a reader of BNOTP shared some lovely pictures of her porch addition. Is this not enchanting?! The lantern and the lovely silhouette draw you in. I want to follow that path and … [Read more...]


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Screened-In Porch Addition: Patio Becomes Screened-In Porch

Welcome to the 230th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I received an email from author, Amy Gamet. She shared some exciting news.  Amy's husband had just completed work on their new screened in porch.  In the picture below you can see how the back of their home looked before work had begun. Before: Construction was just getting underway in the picture below.  The brick wall surrounding the patio … [Read more...]


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