Beautiful Kitchen Renovation

Welcome to the 102nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy 2011! It's the start of a brand new year. I have so enjoyed viewing all your 2010 Blogging Bloopers! Your posts had me laughing and nodding my head thinking, Yep, I've done that before. :) I'm starting our new year off with a post that's sure to inspire! Recently, I asked Jennifer Grey with The Old Painted Cottage if she would share one of the amazing … [Read more...]


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A Christmas Tablescape and a Candlelit Tree

Welcome to the 123rd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! I hope your week has been going great. I haven't even started to think about taking down all the decorations...not looking forward to that job. Before we say goodbye to Christmas completely, I'm excited to share Cornelia's tree all aglow with real candlelight in her home in Switzerland a few days ago. You may recall from THIS post, … [Read more...]


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Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Tutorial

Welcome to the 101st Metamorphosis Monday! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope your holidays have been wonderful! Recently, I created a Colonial Williamsburg style, apple tree centerpiece for our Christmas dinner table setting. See that table setting here: Christmas Tablescape with Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Centerpiece   I've had several requests in the past for a tutorial … [Read more...]


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Snow in Georgia

It happens every Christmas. As it comes time to say goodbye to my son and his sweetie, I get those post-holiday blues. Does that happen to you or are you lucky enough to have your children/family living near by? I've lived in Georgia pretty much my whole life. We've had snow before Christmas and after Christmas, but this is the first white Christmas I can recall. It actually snowed on Christmas … [Read more...]


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Southern Living Idea House in Senoia Georgia: Bedrooms and Baths

Merry Christmas, Eve! While we continue enjoying all the beautiful tablescapes posted for Tablescape Thursday, here are a few more rooms in the Southern Living Idea House I toured several weeks ago. This was the Master Bedroom. The colors were really soft and soothing...very warm. I was really curious about how the lamps were mounted above the bed...so I spread the fabric apart to see. Here's the best … [Read more...]


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Christmas Table Setting with Apple Tree Centerpiece

Welcome to the  122nd Tablescape Thursday! Christmas is almost upon us. My son and his sweetie arrived today and we haven't stopped talking, yet.  So much catching up to do.  I know you are just as busy at your home, so I'm keeping the pics to a minimum this evening. Tonight's tablescape is one of the tablesettings we'll enjoy over the next few days. The centerpiece is Colonial Williamsburg inspired and … [Read more...]


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Rosehill Cottage from "The Holiday" Movie Comes to Life Once More

Hi Everyone! Are you busy, busy, busy preparing for the holidays? Are you making grocery lists, doing last minute shopping and wrapping gifts? I hope you are having fun and enjoying these last minute preparations for family and friends. Recently, I took you on a tour of wonderful Rosehill Cottage in the movie, The Holiday. If you missed it, you'll find it HERE. This is a view of Rosehill Cottage … [Read more...]


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Christmas Tree Illuminated with Real Candles

Welcome to the 100th Metamorphosis Monday! Wow! Can you believe it's the 100th Metamorphosis Monday?! Thanks so much for coming along on this fun journey with me week after week. Can't wait to see what the next 100 Met Mondays will bring. Metamorphosis Monday: Christmas in Switzerland Each year Cornelia and her family head out into the beautiful forest of Switzerland along with a forester. They … [Read more...]


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A Feather Christmas Tree in the Guest Room

I took a few pics this evening of the little tree I always place in the guest room at Christmastime. It's a feather tree I found at Michael's one year. I love having the tree already lit for my guests (family) when they enter the room. It's a little surprise that I hope feels warm and welcoming. All the lights are off in this pic and only the tree is lit. It looks like it's on fire, doesn't … [Read more...]


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The Holiday

It's Friday! How about another fun movie house tour? This weekend I'm taking you on a tour of my second favorite Christmas movie house, Rosehill Cottage from the movie, The Holiday. The home in Home Alone will always be my first "movie house" love. ;) The Holiday, hit the theaters in 2006. Did you see it? I am a total sucker for romantic comedies but it was the cottage in the movie that completely stole my … [Read more...]


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Twelve Days of Christmas Table Setting

Welcome to the 121st Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! It's been sooo interesting today reading all the comments left on the Horchow tablescape. Please remember, Tablescape Thursday is NOT about rules. It's about having fun and creating pretty tablesettings that add to the enjoyment of dining with friends and family. I do "generally" go by the suggested "rules" for setting a table. But, I'm … [Read more...]


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German Christmas Pyramids

German Christmas Pyramids: Have you ever seen those tall, multi-tiered Christmas pieces with the little figures on each level? Often there are candles surrounding them and and they spin around and around. I've seen them over the years and knew they were usually made in Germany...but that was about the extent of what I knew. It turns out they are actually called German Christmas Pyramids. Cornelia who … [Read more...]


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Christmastime at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion

Welcome to the 99th Metamorphosis Monday! Hi Everyone! It's been snowing off and on all day here in Georgia. Nothing serious, though...just a few flurries. It's really pretty to watch...from inside! I don't have a "metamorphosis" to share today in my own home, so I'm taking you into the heart of Buckhead for a little tour of some of the rooms in the Georgia Governor's Mansion all decked out for … [Read more...]


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Christmas Home Tour: Tour A Beautiful Folk Victorian

Last weekend a group of friends and I attended a local tour of historic homes all decked out for the Christmas season. I shared some pics from that tour recently and today I'm taking you back inside to show you all the delightful details I wasn't able to capture before! Thank you to Tracey and Scott for letting me take you on a tour of their beautiful home decorated for Christmas. A little … [Read more...]


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A Christmas Story

An Iconic Christmas Movie: Update: The following tour is a tour of the movie with pictures taken from the movie itself. In July 2014 I had the opportunity to travel to Cleveland, Ohio where I toured the actual home featured in the movie. I created four posts sharing this Victorian home in detail, including the exterior, the neighborhood and the interior of the home which has been fully restored back to its … [Read more...]


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Christmas Table Setting with Topiary Centerpiece

Welcome to the 120th Tablescape Thursday!   Tonight I am sharing another Christmas tablescape. I played around with two centerpieces, one with a Baldwin Brass Lantern and Candlesticks and another with fresh Rosemary topiaries and the BB lantern. Both centerpieces have Russian Nesting Dolls that I've collected over the years. Let me know which centerpiece you liked best...I couldn't … [Read more...]


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Christmas Historic Home Tour…More Photos

Wow! I've been having the best time visiting all the gorgeous homes decked out for the holidays! While we continue visiting the 483 Deck the Halls links for yesterday's Metamorphosis Monday, I thought I'd share a few more of the pics I took on a recent Christmas Historic Home Tour I attended. Love this bed/swing on the front porch of this home... I loved the lanterns on the front … [Read more...]


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Decorate Your Porch for Christmas

Welcome to our Deck the Halls party and the 98th Metamorphosis Monday! I can't wait to see all the wonderful holiday decorating you've been doing in your home! A couple of weeks ago, I shared a Pottery Barn hack where I made and decorated my porch columns in garland very much like the PB ornament garland, but for less than half the price. (You can read that post HERE and you'll find the tutorial to … [Read more...]


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Decorating Mailboxes, Fences and Porches for Christmas

I'm sharing a few pics from the tour I went on today. I wasn't able to take pics in most of the homes, but a couple of homes did allow some photography. Please excuse angles and some less-than-focused pics. I had to take pics quickly as people were moving constantly all around the rooms and into and out of my shots. I have too many pics to show in one post...but here's a few...just for fun. :) I WANT … [Read more...]


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Christmas Table Setting with Dept. 56 Churches

Welcome to the 119th Tablescape Thursday! Part of the fun of Christmas is seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Tonight, you and I get to be a kid again. How about a snowball fight...or a ride in a sleigh?   This table setting features several of the pretty Dept. 56 churches.   I grouped them all around a Christmas tree. This table wouldn't be especially practical … [Read more...]


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Southern Living Idea House, Kitchen and Dining Room Tour

Sooo many great Before and Afters linked for yesterday's Met Monday. After you finish reading this post, you'll want to scroll on down to check out all the links! :) Thanks to everyone who linked up yesterday. You are what make MM such a fun party each week! Southern Living Idea House in Senoia Georgia: A few weeks ago, I toured the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia. I took quite a few … [Read more...]


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Hunt-Themed Christmas Mantel

Welcome to the 97th Metamorphosis Monday! Christmastime is such an easy time to find a Before and After to post with all the holiday decorating we have going on in our homes. This week I'm sharing some changes I made to my mantel in the family room today. Here's a Before pic I took earlier today: I usually wait and decorate the mantel a bit closer to Christmas using scraps from a local tree lot … [Read more...]


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Home Alone

Tour the Home in the Movie, Home Alone Have you ever thought about the psychology that goes into making a movie...the little things that influence us without us even knowing it? Of course, there's the brief product placement that flashes by, but I'm thinking more about the movie sets and how they are designed and decorated to make us think or feel a particular way while watching the movie. I grew up in … [Read more...]


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A Tablescape of Thanksgiving

Welcome to the 118th Tablescape Thursday! This post is dedicated to you...the readers of BNOTP. I was so touched by all the expressions of thanksgiving you left on Mikasa's Facebook wall, I decided to let you write today's Thanksgiving post. I am thankful for each day with my husband of 42 years, time spent with our children and 6 grandchildren. As well as my Mom who will be 89 this year. We are … [Read more...]


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Pottery Barn Inspired Garland Tutorial-Make Your Own!

For Metamorphosis Monday, I shared this wonderful photo from a Pottery Barn Catalog and a little info about how I was inspired to re-create a similar look for my front porch for less than half the price of the PB Garland. As promised, I'm back today with a tutorial on everything you need to know to make this ornament-covered garland for your home. Before we get started, let me torture you with a couple … [Read more...]


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Pottery Barn Christmas Garland Knock-off

Welcome to the 96th Metamorphosis Monday! Today has been a crazy day! It started with me cutting a deep 1 inch gash through the underside of my wrist while trying to open a can of kitty food. Please, if you ever start peeling back the metal lid on cat food or any can with a pull tab, and it gets stuck, don't decide to pull even harder. Trust me on this! Just stop and use a can opener. When the lid … [Read more...]


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Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia

Sharing a few more pics I took while touring the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia: The staircase going down to the terrace level was painted. I have a back stairway in my home where I'd so love to do this type treatment. This pic below came from the Southern Living online site. Check out the cool use of the space under the stairs! Love it! The family room was downstairs on the … [Read more...]


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15 Minute Holiday Centerpiece

Beautiful Christmas Centerpiece or Table Decoration, Ready in 15 Minutes: To get you in the mood for a little holiday decorating, I'm sharing a super easy and inexpensive decorating idea. In fact, this is so simple and easy to do, you could create it the day of your holiday party or family gathering in just 15 minutes using a few items available at the grocery store and from your yard. Ya gotta love … [Read more...]


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Natural Greenery Christmas Mantel in Southern Living Idea House

Recently a friend and I toured the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia. Senoia is a very small town about an hours drive from Atlanta. We were allowed to take pics inside since the home had already been published. :) I took a bunch of pics but I wasn't able to get full views of many rooms because there were always a gazillion people around. I have too many pics to share them all in one post … [Read more...]


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Create Your Own Ice Bucket or Wine Chiller

Welcome to the 95th Metamorphosis Monday! Update: If you like this ice chiller but don't want to make one from scratch like I did, you'll find similar ones available for purchase here: Ice Chiller. Also, here: Ice Chiller Recently, I received a catalog in the mail and it showed a picture of a silver ice bucket that could be used to make a diy ice chiller. I was tempted to order it until I realized the … [Read more...]


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Slaying the Top 10 Reasons For Not Hosting a Holiday Party

As our Party Planning Week comes to a close, I thought we'd take a look at our Top 10 Reasons for not Hosting a Holiday Party again. Hopefully, I've given you a few ideas/tips that will help slay some of those reasons. :) (I've included links back to many of this week's posts that have included weapons you can use against those objections.)1. I work full-time...no way I have time to host a party.The secret … [Read more...]


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Yummy Cranberry Trifle for Your Christmas Holiday Party

Earlier today I posted the recipe for the Champagne Punch I always make when I have a Christmas Party. A couple of folks e-mailed and asked for the trifle recipe, too...so here ya go.   The recipe comes from the December 2008 issue of Everyday Food.   Cranberry Trifle 2 bags (12 oz each) cranberries, fresh or frozen (I used fresh) 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar 2 Tablespoons … [Read more...]


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Champagne Punch Great For Christmas or New Year’s Party

Several folks have asked for the punch recipe I mentioned in our last Party Planning post. I'm happy to share it.   You'll find a printable version of this recipe at the bottom of this post.   The Recipe: Champagne Holiday Punch Ingredients: 1 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 3 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1 bottle champagne (Korbel Brut works … [Read more...]


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Party Planning

Welcome to the 116th Tablescape Thursday! Party Planning Week: It's Party Planning Week here at BNOTP. So far this week: Monday we talked about the many ways available for sending out your party invitations . Tuesday was all about preparing and readying our home for the big day. And on Wednesday, I shared a fun gift-exchange game guests always love. Today is all about centerpieces and how to arrange the … [Read more...]


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Party Planning: An Ornament or Gift Exchange Game Your Guests Will Love

Ornament/Gift Exchange Game: I'll be honest with you, I normally don't like games at parties because they always take so long and I'd much rather just stuff my face and visit with my friends. But this game is different. It's a super-fast game, literally.  It's over in about 3-5 minutes and it leaves folks laughing. It really is a lot of fun! Here's how it works: In the invitation, I always ask folks … [Read more...]


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Party Planning: Sending Out the Invites

Welcome to the 94th Metamorphosis Monday! Holiday Party Planning: Earlier today, I posted the Top 10 Reasons many of us give for not hosting a holiday party in our home. Over the next few days, I want to help you overcome those objections and fears. I am not a certified party planner...just got a few parties under my belt. :) I've always worked outside the home full-time, matching my schedule to my … [Read more...]


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Top 10 Reasons For Not Hosting a Party

Party season...it's almost here. With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, family will be coming in for the holidays and very soon festive party invites will begin appearing either via e-mail or my favorite way, snail mail.I have an idea! What if this year you gave the party? Yep, Y.O.U! :) I know, I know...there are so many reasons why you could never have a party in your home. Do they go something like … [Read more...]


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The Best Lasagna Ever

Okay, that's a really bold statement...but I do love this recipe! Here in Georgia, it's getting cold and rainy out...time for some comfort food. A Recipe: Lasagna When I was just a teenager, Rosemary, the wife of the Minister of Music for the church I attended, invited all the choir members to their home for a youth party. She made the most amazing lasagna, the best I'd ever tasted. A few years later, our … [Read more...]


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Pre-Christmas Preparations

My upstairs family room, "Before" And, now...Yikes! Scary, isn't it? Don't worry...I'm not getting out the Christmas decorations, just yet. Well, actually I am getting them out...but just to sort through them. It's time to get rid of some stuff that I just don't use anymore. I'm ready for a few new things this year. See those little storage doors... Halloween is on the … [Read more...]


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Fall Dining with Feathered Friends

Welcome to the 115th Tablescape Thursday! I started this tablescape on the porch a week or so ago when the weather was still in the 70's. By the time I took pics today, it was rainy and somewhat chilly out. I had so much fun playing though, I forgot all about the dreary weather. As you view this tablescape, imagine it with woven or ratan chargers in a warm brown. Unfortunately, I didn't have any but … [Read more...]


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Decorating for Halloween

The gas lantern is lit... Sharing some pics from last year... Have a fun Halloween! … [Read more...]


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A Tablescape Celebrating Autumn’s Bounty

Welcome to the 114th Tablescape Thursday! I've been working on a tablescape this week out on the porch...the weather here has been in the 70's all week! Love it! But, the last few days have been raining...not great for taking pics to share. Fortunately, Cornelia recently sent some great pics of a wonderful tablescape she's created in celebration of the autumn season. It's always such a treat when … [Read more...]


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Pumpkin Carving Tips and Templates

Do you ever see intricately carved pumpkins and wonder how they did that? Well, it turns out, the trick is using a tool like you see on the left and not like you see on the right... So, where do you get those teeny little saw cutting tools? I found mine many years ago at Williams-Sonoma. I think this kit was around $20, which seemed like a lot at the time...but it was totally worth it. You can … [Read more...]


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Fireplace for My Dream Library

Welcome to the 93rd Metamorphosis Monday! I need your help today...tell me what cha think! On a previous Met Monday, I took you into my living room that I am hoping to turn into a "library" some day. (You can read that post HERE .) I have plans to put floor-to-ceiling, built-in bookshelves all down the wall on the right side of the room. A few months ago, I found one of the main components for … [Read more...]


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Napkin Folding Tutorial: Double Sails

This napkin fold is a great fold to create with a striped napkin. I used a 20" square, blue and white striped napkin for this tutorial. (Sorry about some of the pics looking kind of weird. I took these pics on the porch and the shadows were coming and going. The camera couldn't figure out where to focus with all those stripes.) For more napkin folding ideas, click … [Read more...]


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For The Past Two Years, I’ve Been Leading a Double Life

Yes, it's true. Shocking as it may sound, for the past two years I've been leading a double life. While my evenings and weekends blogging have been surrounded in creativity, beauty and truth, my days have been immersed in deception, lies, drug abuse, mental and physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation. For the last 8 years, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, I have worked full-time for the … [Read more...]


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Napkin Folding Tutorial: The Flower Basket

As you continue enjoying all the wonderful tablescapes linked for Tablescape Thursday, I thought I'd share another fun napkin fold. This one is called, The Flower Basket. It really helps if you use a napkin that is as square as possible. None of mine were perfectly square...but this one was pretty close. This fold looks especially pretty with a lace edged napkin. Happy Folding! :) Your finished … [Read more...]


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Decorating for Halloween

Welcome to the 92nd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I mentioned on Facebook that I'd love to see your fall and Halloween decor. Three BNOTP readers sent some fun pics showing the metamorphosis of their homes for the season. Pinky shared her front porch all falled up. Love the scarecrow! Beautiful wreath! Perfect for fall! Marian who lives in Lousiana knows just how to … [Read more...]


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The Burbs

The Burbs, starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher Since Halloween is just two weeks away, I thought I'd share a hilarious movie that's got that Halloween spirit without being too scary. The 'Burbs, starring, Tom Hanks, is a comedy and super funny! I pulled it out and watched it again this past weekend and I couldn't get over how young Tom Hanks looked...then I realized the movie is from 1989! Ha! No wonder … [Read more...]


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Napkin Folding Tutorial: The Artichoke Fold

Here's one more napkin fold I think you'll enjoy. This one is called the artichoke and I've taken a lot of pics of the in-between stages. Don't let it scare you that there are so many pics...I figure the more pics, the better. I really like this one...can't wait to use it in a future tablescape. For more napkin folding ideas, click on … [Read more...]


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Napkin Folding Tutorial: Triple Pocket Fold

While we continue visiting all the wonderful tablescapes posted for Tablescape Thursday, I have another fun little napkin fold to share with you today. This fold creates three pretty little pockets where you'll be able to tuck in flatware or place cards or flowers or even a little favor for your guests, if you like. Today, we are making the, Triple Pocket Fold. I didn't take time to press this napkin … [Read more...]


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Halloween Tablescape: Dining in the Killer Cafe

Welcome to the 112th Tablescape Thursday! We've had the most amazing weather here alllll week. Last year's Halloween tablescape was indoors, but this year I'm still playing out on the porch. With candles lit... The napkins looked way too plain so I stopped by Hancock Fabrics and purchased some black tulle. It was on sale for .99 cents a yard. I only needed a yard to create sleeves or … [Read more...]


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Decorating for Halloween, Mice on a Staircase

Welcome to the 91st Metamorphosis Monday! I don't know if you've noticed, but there seems to be a mice/rat infestation going on around Blogland.   I bought these a few weeks ago but just had a chance this weekend to open them up and play today. My staircase has gone through an interesting metamorphosis.   With the light in the entry on...   Here's how the … [Read more...]


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A Tablescape to Celebrate Fall

Welcome to the 111th Tablescape Thursday! We are finally starting to get some cooler temps here in Georgia. I have to be honest with you guys...I'm just not a cool weather fan. But I do love fall colors so putting together a fall tablescape was a lot of fun. I kept my centerpiece simple since I had a lot going on color wise in this tablescape. Ummm, wonder how a few acorns from the huge oak … [Read more...]


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A Halloween House…Spooky!

Here's something for fun as you continue enjoying all the great posts linked for yesterday's Met Monday. A friend and I went on an historic home tour in Atlanta on Sunday. We came across this house all decked out for Halloween... Let's take a closer look... Hilarious! My favorite part is the boarded up windows! I saw some giant spiders when I was in Pier 1 the other day. Wonder if that's where … [Read more...]


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Kitchen, Pantry and Stairway Renovation

Welcome to the 90th Metamorphosis Monday! I love it when readers of BNOTP share pics of recent renovations, because I get to share them with you! :) Brenda, a reader of BNOTP lives in this adorable house with a wrap-around front porch. It may look small from these pics...but it has 6 bedrooms! When Brenda and her hubby moved into their home, they knew it would need some serious updating. They had … [Read more...]


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End of Summer Tablescape on the Porch

Welcome to the 110th Tablescape Thursday! Welcome to a very special week of Tablescape Thursday! I am sooo excited to share my table setting with you this week because tonight, I'm sharing beautiful dinnerware that is just about to make it's debut! In just a few days, Sketch Floral will be available for purchase in retail stores, but you're getting a little sneak preview here this evening! I decided … [Read more...]


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Update to Autumn Basket

My Fall Basket: Well, I took everyone's combined advice and I: 1. Decided to keep the fall basket on the door since most of you liked it. I made it taller and skinner so I think it looks much better...less wide and overwhelming on the door. And 2. I cut the whiter flowers off the bunch of sunflowers they were attached to. I dispersed them throughout the arrangement. For some reason, they looked … [Read more...]


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An Autumn Basket for the Front Door

Welcome to the 89th Metamorphosis Monday! I need your help today...I can't see the forest for the trees, so tell me what you think. I have a pretty fall wreath I sometimes place on my door...but this year I thought I'd try a basket instead. Here's how my front door has looked all summer. Nice, but time to put this look away and welcome in the fall season... I found this large basket … [Read more...]


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Three Tablescapes: Baby Shower, Beachy & Thanksgiving

Hi Everyone! Hope your week was fabulous! Any great plans for the weekend? I hope wherever you live...the weather is as awesome there as it is here. A few months back, I was blessed to receive some delightful pics of tablescapes created by three readers of BNOTP. I thought I'd share their wonderful tables today...along with the info they sent about how they were inspired to create them. Kathy from … [Read more...]


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A Spring Table Setting on the Porch

Welcome to the 109th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! Come on out on the porch...it's a beautiful day! We don't have breezes today so we'll just turn on the fans and make our own breezes. The weather is positively perfect...not too hot and not too cold...just right for dining on the porch. I have beautiful new china to share with you today...it just called for a special … [Read more...]


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Glass Front Cabinets for Your Kitchen

Welcome to the 88th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Met Monday! How was your weekend? I've had out of town company all weekend so mine was busy and fun. We did a little antiquing and I came across a wonderful basket that I think will be beautiful hanging on my front door for this fall. It's huge so it will be a challenge to fill...hope to be sharing it with you soon. Metamorphosis Monday: For this Met … [Read more...]


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Pocket Fold Napkin Folding Tutorial

A couple of weeks ago, I posted this summer tables setting for Tablescape Thursday. (You can see more pics of this tablescape here: Summertime Table Setting Tablescape with a Floral Centerpiece of Roses and Daisies.) Several folks expressed an interest in how this napkin fold is achieved. It's soooo easy...you're gonna love it. So, let's get started. By the way, if you have a napkin with a monogram or … [Read more...]


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A Beach Escape

Welcome to the 108th Tablescape Thursday! It's still beautiful summer weather here in Georgia. So, I've loaded up the car and I thought you and I would take one last beach trip before the cool fall weather arrives. Are ya with me? A while back for a Tablescape Thursday, I posted two wonderful table settings created by my talented friend, Bonnie. You can view those HERE. I fell in love with the salad … [Read more...]


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Antique Forget-Me-Not Book

Hi Everyone! In the midst of all my computer "stuff", I've been acutely aware of what today is...a day we will not soon forget. So today I'm sharing a beautiful book that's over 100 years old and is ALL about not forgetting. Cornelia, whose beautiful tablescape was featured last Tablescape Thursday, recently came across an amazing find...a Forget-Me-Not book.   Have you ever seen or … [Read more...]


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A Garden Party with Meissen, Deutsche Blume

Welcome to the 107th Tablescape Thursday! Have I told you lately how much I LOVE...I mean reallllly love Tablescape Thursday? When would we ever have an opportunity to see so many beautiful collections of exquisite, delightful...sometimes even whimsical...china, crystal and flatware if you didn't stop by and link your amazing tablescapes here each week?! This week we are international travelers, … [Read more...]


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A Beautiful Bedroom Renovation

Welcome to the 86th Metamorphosis Monday! When Amy first purchased her one-hundred year old home in Florida, she had a vision of how she wanted each room to look. She knew she wanted the rooms to be comfy but she also wanted them to have a touch of elegance. Today, I'm sharing how Amy transformed her bedroom...the Before and After is truly stunning. As you can see below in this Before pic, the walls … [Read more...]


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Beautiful, Vintage, Copeland Spode Tower in a Springtime Tablescape

Welcome to the 106th Tablescape Thursday! How was your day? Are you looking forward to a nice long Labor Day weekend? Any cookouts planned? I hope whatever you do...it's fun and relaxing. Enjoy these last treasured days of summer. I'm almost in the mood for fall...but not quite. With temps still in the 90s in Georgia and the blessing of low humidity, I'm still tablescaping out on the porch. This week I'm … [Read more...]


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When Life Gives You Lemons…

What do you do? I'm a firm believer in just digging in my heels and pushing forward. Don't waste time asking why... Or, why me? Listen to your heart and find your strength from within... How's that old saying go? "If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." Be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for … [Read more...]


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Lemonade Days

Welcome to the 105th Tablescape Thursday! It's still very much summer here in the sunny south...and I'm loving every moment of it. I'm one of those strange people who loves hot weather. Cold weather...not so much. Since I was really hoping you might be stopping by this evening, I made us some yummy lemonade and cookies. What's that? You're wondering about that tripod out on the deck? Shhhh, that's my … [Read more...]


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The Endearing Art of Silhouette

Today, I thought I'd share a special moment in time, 21 years ago. One morning I read in the newspaper (remember those?) that a renown silhouettist by the name of K. Housel Bogue, was coming to Macy's to cut silhouette portraits. She would only be here for a couple of days and appointments were booking fast.I had previously had a silhouette of my son done by another artist and was disappointed when the … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Bath Renovation

Welcome to the 84th Metamorphosis Monday! Hi Everyone! Hope you've been having a fantastic weekend. The rain finally let up here and we've had a gorgeous summer day. I love summer and will be so sad to see it go. This week for Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing a bathroom renovation. It's not one of my baths...how I wish it was! Mary, who lives in the beautiful state of Virginia, sent some great … [Read more...]


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Do You Have Synesthesia?

A few weeks back, I was listening to The Skirted Roundtable and the topic of synesthesia came up. Even as a Psych major, I don't ever remember having ever heard of it. Have you? I'm fascinated with almost any discussion about how our brains work...how we perceive our environment and how we think. Synethesia, from the Greek words, "syn" (together) and "aesthesis" (perception) is a condition, for lack of a … [Read more...]


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Beautiful "Rote Rose" by Meissen

Welcome to the 104th Tablescape Thursday! Tablescape Thursday: For this week's Tablescape Thursday, we are international travelers again...jetting off to Switzerland to view beautiful china, crystal and silver in a most exquisite setting...Cornelia's beautiful home. Cornelia recently had a tea party with some dear friends. The children were invited for this special affair and I know everyone … [Read more...]


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Touring Historic Avondale Estates

How has your weekend been going? Do anything fun today...or was it just too hot to be outside? You may remember, last Metamorphosis Monday I shared a bit about a restaurant named Six Feet Under and my near dangerous encounter with a drink called Tombstone Tea. :) Then I took you by my favorite stalker house located in Grant Park. Next, we headed back to my friend's home for a tour of his recently … [Read more...]


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Metlox Poppytrail Sculptured Daisy

Welcome to the 103rd Tablescape Thursday! Come on out on the porch! Tonight we are traveling back to the 1960s. We will be dining at a retro tablescape...inspired by a ceramic lemon tree that once belonged to my sister's, Mother-in-Law. We don't throw anything away in this family...just pass it right on down. I have a little surprise for you. In addition to pics, I'm taking you out on the porch so you … [Read more...]


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A Backyard Renovation

Welcome to the 82nd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I spent my Saturday at Vision Computers in Norcross, Georgia...drooling over their awesome computers. I have computer fever something terrible.   Next, a friend and I headed to dinner at Six Feet Under in the Grant Park area of Atlanta. Six Feet Under is located across the street from Historic Oakland Cemetery, thus its … [Read more...]


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Knockout Rose Trees Knock Out Squirrels

In early spring, April to be exact, I went in search of "something" to fill the two tall urns that stand on one of my decks. The past two springs I had purchased tall hibiscus, but Mr. Squirrel, who lives in my backyard, tip-toed onto my deck every. single. day. and stole almost all the leaves off the two hibiscus, one leaf at the time.   I was not amused!   So, this year I … [Read more...]


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Alice In Wonderland Tea Party

Welcome to the 102nd Tablescape Thursday! A few months ago I stumbled upon a miniature Alice in Wonderland tea set...it was love at first site. We celebrated with an Un-Birthday Party out on the porch. This evening I've set up a tea party just for you in the guest room. Actually, there's room for two so, if you don't mind, I think I'll join you. Brought up a couple of the wicker … [Read more...]


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The Winchester Mystery House

Around nine years ago, I visited California for the very first time. We headed up to San Francisco and as you can see, it was a very cloudy day. Despite the weather, I still had to get a shot of the "Painted Ladies."   Don't worry...this isn't a "vacation" post. :) We did it all during the 2-3 days we were there. We walked across "the" bridge, visited Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli … [Read more...]


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Whimsical Le Ballon by Villeroy & Boch

Welcome to the 101st Tablescape Thursday! 67. What is that number? That's how many knock-down gorgeous tablescapes I have visited so far, from our 100th Tablescape Thursday celebration last week. :) As you can see, I'm still have quite a few more to go...and I WILL visit each lovely link. If I haven't been by your blog yet, I'm coming! Unfortunately, some folks are not using permalinks...big … [Read more...]


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Monogramming Sterling Flatware, Great Idea or Huge Mistake

Welcome to the 80th Metamorphosis Monday! I love monogrammed silver. I suppose I could attribute it to having been "raised" here in the south where  monogramming has long been a standing tradition. Actually, I've never known anyone who had monogrammed silver, or if they did I don't remember seeing it. But for me, it's a reminder that family is important, family traditions are important and … [Read more...]


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Take the Tour: a Greek Revival Home Built in 1840

A few months ago I had the privilege of touring a number of beautiful historic homes in Rome, Georgia. The tour was part of the spring ramble with The Georgia Trust. One of the homes we toured was this Greek Revival style home. It sits on 8 acres and was used as a hospital during the War Between the States. I bet this house has some great ghost stories attached to it. The next three photos are pics I … [Read more...]


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Tablescape Thursday: Celebrating 100 Table Settings

Welcome to the 100th Tablescape Thursday! Light the fireworks, sound the horns, throw the confetti..it's time for a celebration!  Whooo, hooo! Tablescape Thursday is officially 100 today!   Can you believe we have been tablescaping for 100 weeks?! Wow! I'm so grateful for each and every one of you!  Thank You with all my heart for sharing your love for the art of the table every week here … [Read more...]


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Sherman Slept Here

Welcome to the 79th Metamorphosis Monday! I had soooo much fun reading all of your thoughts about the home I was able to tour on the spring ramble with The Georgia Trust in Rome, Georgia. As I mentioned in the post yesterday, I really don't know the exact time frame during which the home was decorated...I would have guessed during the late 80's-early 90's. Some of you picked the same time frame and some … [Read more...]


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A Challenge: Can You Tell Me What Year This Home Was Decorated?

Have you had a chance to check out all the tablescapes posted for Tablescape Thursday? If so, I'm jealous! I haven't had a chance to visit around very much, yet. Working full-time is such a bummer. It puts a real crimp in my blog reading, if you know what I mean. ;-) Some of you already know I work investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation of those who are elderly or disabled. It is demanding and … [Read more...]


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Two 4th of July Table Settings

Welcome to the 99th Tablescape Thursday!   For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm thrilled to be sharing two fabulous, patriotic tablescapes by my talented friend, Bonnie. Bonnie created these amazing table settings recently when she had friends visiting in her home for the 4th of July weekend. Bonnie welcomed her friends with a wonderful outdoor display. I bet they loved this! Ok, quit … [Read more...]


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Extreme Homes-Church Becomes a Beautiful Home

Welcome to the 78th Metamorphosis Monday! Metamorphosis Monday: Recently, I received an email showing an interesting metamorphosis and the following wording/pics: "A couple purchased an old church in Kyloe, Northumberland. They invested a lot of money on the interior but the exterior remained almost completely intact. They did more of a restoration rather than a renovation, which would have cost … [Read more...]


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Some Saturday Feedback Fun

Something Just for Fun: Do you shop or sell on eBay or Etsy? Ever have a fabulous experience that makes you want to leave "feedback" for the Seller or Buyer that's just not your everyday, ordinary feedback? Maybe you'd like to leave something fun to make that awesome seller/buyer smile when they see it? Here's a fun collection of "feedback" that's sure to shake up your feedback-leaving experience. Just … [Read more...]


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Sunflower Celebration

Welcome to the 98th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! Tonight I'm sharing a tablescape I put together this past weekend for my friend, Jan's, 60th birthday. I'm often asked where I get ideas for tablescapes. That's always a hard question to answer since I really never know where or when an idea will hit. Last Thursday evening, as I was shopping for our birthday cookout, I came across … [Read more...]


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