Paint Your Porch Ceiling, Haint Blue

September 20, 2013 by 94 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , ,

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A Booo-ti-ful Setting for Tablescape Thursday

September 19, 2013 by 36 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home

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An Autumn Mantel and Fire Screen

September 18, 2013 by 75 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home

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Duck, Duck Goose

September 17, 2013 by 28 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes

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Beautiful Front Porch Addition and Garden Oasis

September 16, 2013 by 74 Comments

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

September 13, 2013 by 61 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Seasonal Decor

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Raiding the Garden

September 12, 2013 by 85 Comments

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

September 10, 2013 by 65 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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Porch Lighting: Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Lamps

September 9, 2013 by 69 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Lighting, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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An Interview with Mario Buatta!

September 8, 2013 by 16 Comments

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

September 7, 2013 by 37 Comments

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

September 6, 2013 by 84 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room

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Remembering Summer

September 5, 2013 by 44 Comments

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

September 3, 2013 by 63 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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Boxwood Topiaries for a Traditional Landscape

September 2, 2013 by 86 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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The Big Wedding

August 31, 2013 by 68 Comments

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

August 30, 2013 by 63 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden

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

August 29, 2013 by 79 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Birthday Tablescapes, Children's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Occasion Tagged With: , , , , ,

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Garden Dining in Buckhead

August 28, 2013 by 31 Comments

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

August 27, 2013 by 38 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden

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A Treasured Heirloom

August 26, 2013 by 142 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Inspire

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The Mystery Chair

August 24, 2013 by 63 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating

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How To Create a Watermelon Flower-Garden Centerpiece

August 23, 2013 by 41 Comments

  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...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Independence Day Recipes, Recipes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes

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Summer Dining with an Edible Flower Garden Centerpiece

August 22, 2013 by 72 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , ,

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Cleaning Those Hard to Reach Windows

August 20, 2013 by 30 Comments

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

August 19, 2013 by 69 Comments

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...]

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

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New Lattice Planters for the Porch

August 16, 2013 by 68 Comments

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...]

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

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

August 15, 2013 by 52 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Tablescape Thursday, Travel

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Table Setting Ideas for Fall & Halloween

August 14, 2013 by 66 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home

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

August 13, 2013 by 150 Comments

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...]

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

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Adding Color and Whimsy to the Garden

August 12, 2013 by 80 Comments

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

August 10, 2013 by 38 Comments

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

August 9, 2013 by 40 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest

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Enjoy Dining Outdoors for Summer

August 8, 2013 by 87 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Occasion, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , ,

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Paint Your Front Door Heritage Red or Peacock Blue

August 7, 2013 by 70 Comments

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...]

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

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Chipmunk Baths

August 6, 2013 by 52 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest Tagged With: ,

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A Sweet Bird Girl in the Garden

August 5, 2013 by 97 Comments

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!

August 2, 2013 by 33 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Recipes

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A Beautiful Dinner to Celebrate a Special Life

August 1, 2013 by 41 Comments

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

July 31, 2013 by 93 Comments

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!

July 30, 2013 by 48 Comments

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

July 29, 2013 by 125 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: ,

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

July 28, 2013 by 8 Comments

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

July 27, 2013 by 71 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Halloween Movies, Movie House Tours, Movie Houses

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Going on Safari: A Safari Themed Table Setting

July 25, 2013 by 34 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Birthday Tablescapes, Fall Tablescapes, Safari Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , ,

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A Gardening “Before and After”

July 24, 2013 by 29 Comments

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

July 23, 2013 by 62 Comments

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...]

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

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The Quest for a Comfortable Desk Chair: Take 3

July 22, 2013 by 109 Comments

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

July 19, 2013 by 73 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Dining Room, DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Entry/Foyer, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: , , ,

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A Lobster & Crab Fest: Beach Party Table Setting

July 18, 2013 by 55 Comments

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

July 17, 2013 by 57 Comments

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!

July 16, 2013 by 76 Comments

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!

July 15, 2013 by 64 Comments

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

July 12, 2013 by 63 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

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4th of July Table Setting: Beautiful and Budget Friendly

July 11, 2013 by 24 Comments

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

July 10, 2013 by 48 Comments

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

July 8, 2013 by 102 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Dining on the Porch for the 4th of July

July 4, 2013 by 54 Comments

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

July 3, 2013 by 48 Comments

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

July 2, 2013 by 75 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

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Front Yard Landscape Renovation

July 1, 2013 by 109 Comments

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...]

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

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Front Yard Landscape Makeover: The Beginning

June 28, 2013 by 96 Comments

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

June 27, 2013 by 39 Comments

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...]

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

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Decorate a Porch in Victorian Style

June 25, 2013 by 46 Comments

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

June 24, 2013 by 56 Comments

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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4th of July Decorating Ideas: Decorate a Tree

June 21, 2013 by 26 Comments

While we continue to enjoy all the beautiful table settings posted for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the other decorations Marie has up for the 4th of July.  Marie's home is always a wonderful flurry of activity.  With 4 children and 6 grandchildren, there's always something fun going on. The day Marie and I last got together, she had a big group of children in … [Read more...]

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Stars & Stripes Patriotic 4th of July Table Setting

June 20, 2013 by 26 Comments

Welcome to the 249th Tablescape Thursday! I'm excited to share another wonderful 4th of July table setting created by my friend, Marie. Marie always sets wonderful tablescapes for each holiday and this fabulous  patriotic setting is in her breakfast area. Marie found this fun dishware on eBay.  So festive for a 4th of July celebration! I've seen the flatware available on sale at Horchow but I found … [Read more...]

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Shady Porches, Lazy Hammocks and Tire Swings: A Garden Tour

June 18, 2013 by 35 Comments

Last spring, or maybe it was the spring before that...I forget, a friend and I went on a spring garden tour.  Even though it was a garden tour, I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of some of the wonderful houses we saw along the way. I'm such a sap for a yellow cottage. Love the double peaks, the red chimneys on either end contrasting against the butter-yellow color of the home and of course that … [Read more...]

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A Patriotic Porch for the 4th of July

June 17, 2013 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 229th Metamorphosis Monday! When we last visited Marie's beautiful Victorian home, it was decorated for Easter. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Decorating for Easter A few months before Easter, the porch was decorated with red garland and big red hearts for Valentine's Day.  It was still cold weather and the trees were all bare. Spring is here, actually almost summer … [Read more...]

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Table Setting Ideas for a 4th of July Party

June 13, 2013 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 248th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I got together for lunch and a little antiquing with my friend, Marie. As the wife of a former Georgia Governor, patriotic holidays like Memorial Day and the 4th of July are important occasions.  Their home was decorated beautifully and I'll be sharing the decorations in an upcoming post. Today, I'm sharing two of the table settings Marie created for … [Read more...]

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

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You’ve Got Mail: The Shop Around the Corner Bookstore

June 12, 2013 by 73 Comments

I was completely enamored by the wonderful children's bookstore in the movie, You've Got Mail.  From your comments on yesterday's post, I could tell you loved Kathleen Kelly's bookstore as much as I did.  I decided this sweet shop deserved its own post since it played such an important part in the movie.   In this view we're looking back toward the entrance. Don't we all wish The Shop Around the … [Read more...]

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You’ve Got Mail

June 11, 2013 by 145 Comments

A while back I was in the mood for a feel-good movie.  I pulled out the movie, You've Got Mail, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, remember that movie?  I pretty much love any movie with Tom Hanks or Meg Ryan.  You've Got Mail is a 1998 American romantic comedy set in Manhattan (Upper West Side) of New York City. Today I thought I'd take you on a little tour of the wonderful places we get to go in the movie. … [Read more...]

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Historic 1852 Ski Cabin, Restored & Updated

June 10, 2013 by 37 Comments

  Welcome to the 228th Metamorphosis Monday! Thank you so much for the loving comments you left on my weekend post and on Facebook. I've read each one and appreciate them more than you know. Metamorphosis Monday: Last September Cornelia shared pics of the restoration and renovation process they had started on their historic ski cabin located in the Swiss Alps in the Canton of Grison.  The … [Read more...]

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Max

June 8, 2013 by 371 Comments

Just wanted to let you know, Max is gone. Thank you so much for all the well wishes and contributions you made in helping him fight cancer.  In the end, the cancer and his failing heart were too much.   I'm devastated and it will take a long time for me to feel close to normal again.  The last few months have been brutal and heart-wrenching. For the last 13+ years, Max was a constant … [Read more...]

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Beach & Nautical Themed Table Settings

June 6, 2013 by 32 Comments

Welcome to the 247th Tablescape Thursday! I created a table setting for this week but unfortunately, didn't get a chance to photograph it.  Since we've been touring so many beautiful waterside homes lately,  for today's Tablescape Thursday I'm sharing a few previous nautical-themed table settings. Also, at the end of this post, you'll find a link that will take you to a page with picture links to all … [Read more...]

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A Waterside Home with Great Beach House Style

June 5, 2013 by 54 Comments

  I've been obsessing a little about beach homes lately.  I've always wanted to decorate one but since I don't actually own one, that could be a bit tricky. ;)  Did you catch that whole series of HGTV shows on designer, Sarah Richardson's beach cottage recently?  Just google "Sarah Richardson HGTV episodes" and you'll find them.  I didn't get to watch the whole series but I loved how her cottage was … [Read more...]

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A Tabletop Greenhouse for Growing Herbs

June 3, 2013 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 227th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was wonderful! Today for Met Monday, I'm sharing a small update out on the porch.  I don't often change things out here since I'm pretty happy with it, as is.  If I make a change something else usually has to leave. A while back I made an update to the small oval table under the Summer Breeze sign.  You may remember, it got … [Read more...]

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Two Story Porches: Build a Porch Way Up High

May 31, 2013 by 33 Comments

  My love for a two-story porch started the day I was on a home tour in Grant Park (Atlanta) and I walked out onto the top porch of this home.  I know the trees kind of look like they are obstructing the view but it didn't feel or look that way on the porch.  Instead, it felt as if we were in this magical place, high above the world.  We could see all the way down the street both ways, as well as … [Read more...]

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Dining in a Garden of Lilacs and Wisteria

May 30, 2013 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 246th Tablescape Thursday! Spring arrived in early May for my friend Cornelia, who lives in the beautiful country of Switzerland. Cornelia celebrated by dining in her garden enveloped in the scent of lilacs and wisteria.  The wisteria vine climbing the back of Cornelia's home was just beginning to bloom. I'm always amazed at how big a wisteria vine can get.  It really is … [Read more...]

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Three Summer Tablescapes: Patriotic and Nautical Inspired

May 23, 2013 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 245th Tablescape Thursday! There's a Pottery Barn store just a couple miles from my home.  Dangerous, right? A few days ago while out running errands, I stopped in to see what's new for summer. I didn't buy anything, just window shopped that day.  They had three really cute tables set up so I had to snap some cell phone pics for you.  Their displays are always so creative! Are you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

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Backyard Paradise Perfect for Entertaining

May 22, 2013 by 33 Comments

It's spring!  The flowers are blooming, the birds and bees are busy do birdie and bee things and it's time for a garden tour!  Phyllis who blogs at Around the House has one of the most beautiful backyards I've ever seen.  Wait until you see what's behind this fabulous gate!  I love the basket of flowers on the gate because it a small hint of the beauty just on the other side. Ready?  Let's go! As we … [Read more...]

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Death at a Funeral

May 21, 2013 by 47 Comments

Several months ago I decided to give Netflix a spin.  One of the first movies Netflix recommended for me was Death at a Funeral.  The movie poster definitely grabs your attention, doesn't it?  You can read a detailed synopsis of the plot for this movie at Wikipedia, but in general, the  Patriarch of a well-to-do British family dies and his son, Daniel (Matthew Macfadyen) has been given the task of planning … [Read more...]

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Find A Previous Post Faster: Blog Tweaks

May 20, 2013 by 40 Comments

Welcome to the 226th Metamorphosis Monday! Rain, rain go away!  Have you been coping with what seems like endless days of rain?  If so, you're probably about as sick of rain as I am. Thankfully, the rest of the week is supposed to be a lot nicer here. The weather kept me from working on an outdoor project I had planned on tackling and posting about for Met Monday. Since I was stuck inside I decided to … [Read more...]

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Pete the Cat, The Whimsical Art of James Dean

May 17, 2013 by 36 Comments

Each week when I take Max to Georgia Veterinary Specialist, we wait in the "cat" waiting room until it's time for him to go back for his chemo treatment.  The walls in that area are decorated with some great kitty cat art.  Yesterday, I snapped some pics with my cell phone to share it with you.  I saved my favorite for last. Pete the Cat looked vaguely familiar to me, but I wasn't sure why.  It turns out … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

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HGTV Smart Home, 2013: Take the Tour!

May 17, 2013 by 43 Comments

Have you seen the HGTV 2013 Smart Home?  It's located in Jacksonville, Florida and it's pretty amazing!  Wish I lived close enough to see it in person.  I love techy stuff and this house is loaded with the latest technology to keep things running smoothly, as well as lots of neat safety features.  I'm not sure how I feel about those teeny, tiny windows on the front of the house downstairs, think I would … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes

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Warm Weather Dining on the Porch

May 16, 2013 by 43 Comments

Welcome to the 244th Tablescape Thursday! The iris in my garden were at their peak last Tablescape Thursday but alas, I had no time that day to create a table setting.  This week they were starting to wane but I couldn't resist one more tablescape using them as the centerpiece. Two weeks ago, when they were just beginning to open up, I created a simple table setting with the few I could find in bloom, … [Read more...]

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Secret Lives Between the Pages

May 14, 2013 by 79 Comments

If you subscribe to the Between Naps on the Porch newsletter, Postcards from the Porch, you know I always highlight a couple of books I'm reading that week at the end of each newsletter.  Sometimes the books are recent finds, other times they are books I've had for a years and have pulled back off the shelf to enjoy again. A few months ago I ordered the book, Forgotten Bookmarks, a book Amazon … [Read more...]

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Beautiful Porch & Deck Additions: Amazing Transformation

May 13, 2013 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 225th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend was fabulous!  Mine was relaxing, spent with good friends. Unfortunately, my son lives too far away for us to spend Mother's Day together but at least we were able to talk on the phone. I really should check into skyping, that would be better than just the phone.  Do you Skype and if so, do you like it? HGTV Magazine and a … [Read more...]

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Fill Those Summer Pots and Planters Without Blowing the Budget

May 10, 2013 by 89 Comments

This past Sunday I managed to get a little planting done before the rain started back.  Most of the planting took place on the deck off to the right of the porch, the one with the bottle tree. Come spring, I'm always looking for ways to spruce up and add color and life to the deck without spending a whole bunch.  Bottle trees are a great way to add color and liven things up and they require no … [Read more...]

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Spring Table Settings: It’s a Party!

May 9, 2013 by 17 Comments

Welcome to the 243rd Tablescape Thursday! Sharing some wonderful tablescapes from last week's Tablescape Thursday. A Woodland Fairy Birthday Party A Tea Party with Brownie Bites   A Cinco de Mayo Party   Please Read: If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

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