Brumby Hall: Tour the Upstairs of This Historic Home

January 3, 2012 by 13 Comments

In early December I had the opportunity to tour Brumby Hall while on a Christmas Historic Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia. One of the homes open during the tour was Brumby Hall. I previously shared a tour of the downstairs of this beautiful home HERE and a tour of the two dining rooms HERE. In case you missed those previous tours, here's a brief history of this historic home. In the previous posts, we … [Read more...]

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

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Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

January 2, 2012 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 154th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm sharing an edible "Before and After" for this Metamorphosis Monday. This past Christmas I decided to shake things up a bit.  I made the traditional Coconut Cake and Ambrosia (recipe for Coconut Cake HERE) but I decided to make a pie, too. Years ago, I used to make a Lemon Meringue pie using a recipe from an old Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe … [Read more...]

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Paparazzi

December 30, 2011 by 45 Comments

Recently, a neighbor stopped by for a little sunbathing on the deck. Tanning the left side... Tanning the tummy... Tanning the right side... Life is good. Zzzzzzz.... Uhh?!  Did you hear that? I'm pretty sure I heard something. Rats!  The paparazzi found me again! Cat lover?  You may like this post:  Cat T.V. … [Read more...]

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Elegant Dining in Brumby Hall

December 29, 2011 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 175th Tablescape Thursday! Early this morning I posted a tour of the downstairs of beautiful Brumby Hall.  If you missed that tour, you'll find it here: Brumby Hall.  For Tablescape Thursday, I'm taking you into the dining rooms.  Yep, Brumby Hall has two dining rooms, probably due to its function as a special events facility now. This dining area was at the very back of the home. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,

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Beautiful, Historic Brumby Hall: Take the Tour

December 28, 2011 by 22 Comments

This week between Christmas and New Years is such a special time.  In a way, it feels like time is standing still.  For some, life may have returned to normal with normal working hours and schedules.  But if your household is anything like mine, you're still reveling in all things Christmas with New Year's Eve/Day waiting in the wings.  My family is still here visiting and the memories we're making are … [Read more...]

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Top Projects for 2011

December 28, 2011 by 11 Comments

Rhoda is having a Top Projects of 2011 Party and I am joining in with a few of the projects I worked on around the old homestead this year.  There were lots of small ones, but I'm just linking to a few of my faves for this party.Bedroom becomes home office/craft room/sewing roomBefore:After: Project (from start to finish) can be viewed HERE.Screened-in Porch goes through a transformation for the 4th of … [Read more...]

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The Upstairs Family Room Decorated for Christmas

December 26, 2011 by 40 Comments

Welcome to the 153rd Metamorphosis Monday! Merry Christmas!   I have just a quick "Before and After" to share for this Met Monday.   I added a few holiday touches to the upstairs family room this year and never got around to sharing those.  As always, I hung a little wreath on the grandfather clock.   This year the armoire got a bit of lit greenery and I moved the feather tree from its … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest, The Holiday Home Tagged With: ,

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Ice Chiller for Wine or Champagne: A Tutorial

December 23, 2011 by 35 Comments

I shared how to make this wine chiller last year, but I thought it would be fun to share that post again in case you're looking for something fun for your Christmas table or for your New Year's eve celebration.  It's easy to make...you'll just need a couple of containers, water and cranberries.  Sliced lemons and limes would work, too. Tutorial:  Make a wine chiller: Last year I received a catalog in … [Read more...]

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Christmas Tablescape with a Lemon & Lime Centerpiece

December 22, 2011 by 74 Comments

Welcome to the 174th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope you’ve been having a wonderful day!  My day has been a little wacky.  I had an eye exam this morning and I forgot when you go for an eye exam, they dilate your eyes.   So, if these pics look a little blurry, you’ll know why.  lol  It was definitely a challenge taking photos and sorting them with partially dilated eyes. I love the “Colonial … [Read more...]

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Christmas Mice Ornaments or Present Toppers: A Tutorial

December 21, 2011 by 29 Comments

Looking for an ornament or present topper? Christmas mice with candy cane tails make cute ornaments for the tree.   They are also great little present toppers.  This is a great craft for all ages.  I have a faux candy cane tucked inside my little mouse below, but you'll probably want to use a real candy cane if you attach these to a Christmas present.  The faux candy canes work great when making these to … [Read more...]

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Beautiful Kitchen Renovation

December 19, 2011 by 40 Comments

Welcome to the 152nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Met Monday!  I'm so excited to share an amazing kitchen make-over today.  Linn and her hubby did all the work themselves!.   On their blog, The Home Project, Linn says their main goal was to just "clean up the area and make it a great place to cook and organize our pantry."  The budget didn't allow for knocking down any walls or changing the area/size of … [Read more...]

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Christmas Vacation

December 17, 2011 by 43 Comments

Christmas Vacation: A Movie House Tour When Christmastime comes around each year, do you and your family have a favorite movie that you just have to watch?   Mine without a doubt is the classic, Home Alone.  Love the house, love the humor and I can't help but feel a little sentimental when I see it since my son was about Kevin's age when the movie first came out. Another movie that's become a favorite … [Read more...]

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Tour the Historic Whitlock Inn

December 16, 2011 by 25 Comments

Recently, a friend and I went on a Christmas historic home tour in Marietta, Georgia.  Included in the tour was the beautiful Whitlock Inn.  This Victorian home was built in 1900.  A brief history found online states, "One hundred and ten years ago, the M.G. Whitlock House, the famous 150 room Marietta resort, burned to the ground. Before the Civil War, it was a popular showplace for tourists taking the … [Read more...]

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A Mercury-Glass Christmas Tree Table Setting

December 15, 2011 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 173rd Tablescape Thursday! Several months ago I was shopping in Marshall's and I came across a mercury-glass Christmas tree. It was very early in the season and the stores were just starting to get Christmas stuff in. The tree was only $12.99 so I purchased it with the idea of buying a few more for my Christmas table setting this year. I was envisioning a centerpiece filled with pretty, … [Read more...]

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Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas

December 14, 2011 by 55 Comments

Recently, my friend, Mary, visited Colonial Williamsburg.  While there she took photos of some of the wonderful outdoor Christmas decorations she saw on Duke of Gloucester Street, which is the main road through Colonial Williamsburg.  I have never been there during the Christmas season, but I do so want to go.  Have you ever been at Christmastime? Mary said, "The arrangements go up right after … [Read more...]

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Christmas Porch with Triple Wreaths

December 12, 2011 by 70 Comments

Welcome to the 151st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Holidays!  Hope your weekend has been grand!  I've been busy finishing the last bit of Christmas decorating for the front porch.  Come a bit closer and check it out.   I usually use pine garland around the door for Christmas, but last year I had to buy enough to go around the door twice because it was sort of skimpy looking.  So this year I … [Read more...]

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Christmas Historic Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia

December 9, 2011 by 33 Comments

Last Saturday I went on a Christmas (historic) home tour in Marietta, Georgia with a friend.  We had so much fun! The weather was great...not too cold, just cloudy.  I took a lot of exterior pics and was able to capture bunches of pics inside two beautiful homes included in the tour. I'll share the interior shots soon, but for now, here are the sights we saw along the way.   The … [Read more...]

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town

December 8, 2011 by 63 Comments

Welcome to The 172nd Tablescape Thursday! Greetings and Happy Holidays! I've been working on a tablescape in the dining room this week, but I'm short one thing I need to complete it. So, last night I put together a totally different table setting in the breakfast room.  While taking pics today, I played around a little with a setting on my camera called "effects."  I've included a few pics taken in the … [Read more...]

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

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Beautiful Christmas Banister

December 7, 2011 by 48 Comments

Recently, my friend Joy sent me a few pics of  her banister decorated for Christmas. When I saw the photos, I gasped!  It's covered in hundreds of ornaments and took several hours to create...worth every moment! I asked Joy how she created this stunning look and she said, "It's two strands of garland wrapped in three strands of 100 lights. I work each strand individually and wrap it with the garland … [Read more...]

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Pottery Barn Christmas Garland Tutorial

December 5, 2011 by 70 Comments

Welcome to the 150th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a wonderful weekend.  I've been busy with more holiday decorating and today a friend and I took a local Christmas home tour.   I took some pics on the tour and I'll be sharing those sometime soon. In the meantime, I'm sharing the start of my Christmas porch metamorphosis with a link to a tutorial in case it's one you would like to copy for your … [Read more...]

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Paula Deen "Street of Dreams" Home Tour

December 2, 2011 by 32 Comments

Recently my friend Terry took a Street of Dream's home tour. Have you ever been on one of those tours before? They used to have them in my area frequently, not sure if they still do. I've been on a few and they are a great way to get ideas for your own home.  That's how I found the wallpaper for my son's bath many years ago. This home has the most amazing outdoor room and wait until you see the dog wash! … [Read more...]

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Thanksgiving Table Setting with Nature Themed Centepiece

December 1, 2011 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 171th Tablescape Thursday! I'm a week late but for this Tablescape Thursday I'm sharing the Thanksgiving table setting I had been working on when my camera cat-astrophe occurred. All the pics in this post were taken with the new camera, a Nikon D5100. This camera is super, duper light sensitive, which is why it works so well in low lighting situations. It will take me a little while to get … [Read more...]

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

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How To Hang Wreaths on Exterior Windows for Christmas

November 30, 2011 by 235 Comments

Greetings! Hope your week is going great!   The porch isn't decorated, yet.  This is an old pic from a past Christmas showing the wreaths across the front of the house.   Wreaths hung on windows across the front of a home has to be my most favorite Christmas decoration of all.  I've been hanging them on my home now for around 28 years, first at our old house and for the last 21 … [Read more...]

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A Few Seasonal Updates Around the House

November 28, 2011 by 46 Comments

Welcome to the 149th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  How was your Thanksgiving?  I hope it was wonderful and you got to spend lots of time with family.  I drove 8 hours to Ohio to visit with my son and daughter-in-love-to-be.  I miss them and cherish the time we get to spend together.  I snapped this pic of a house near by.  I loved this particular photo because you can clearly see the American flag … [Read more...]

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Sometimes the Grass Really Is Greener on the Other Side

November 25, 2011 by 63 Comments

A while back I set up a little cozy, fall  'scape out on the porch.   A few weeks before creating that little tablescape, I had purchased some real acorns on Amazon.  They were reasonably priced  and perfect for  fall.  (You'll find more pics of this fall tablescape, HERE.)   The funny thing is, I have a HUGE oak tree in my front yard.   But for some crazy reason, 99.9% of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,

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Happy Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2011 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 170th Tablescape Thursday! This past weekend I began putting together a table setting for Tablescape Thursday.  On Sunday evening, as I was sitting at the computer finishing up my Metamorphosis Monday post, Max kitty walked across in front of the keyboard and onto the left side of my desk.  I picked him up to put him down on the floor since I can't work very well with him in that spot. … [Read more...]

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Ummph! Martha Stewart Canceled, Again!

November 23, 2011 by 55 Comments

As you're running around today preparing for the big day tomorrow, here's a little silliness to give you a giggle.  Unfortunately, the source for this piece is unknown. Stop, take a few deep breaths today and know this:  It doesn't have to be perfect.  It doesn't even have to be edible.  It just has to be about gathering together with the ones we care about and love. Dear Family & Friends, I … [Read more...]

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Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Fold Tutorial

November 22, 2011 by 9 Comments

Recently, for Tablescape Thursday, I posted a Thanksgiving tablescape with the little ones in mind.     (Tablescape below can be viewed here:  A Thanksgiving Tablescape for the Kids) It included a fun turkey napkin fold.   Today I'm sharing a tutorial showing how it's made, in case you would like to incorporate it into your Thanksgiving table this year.     To create your turkey … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Napkin Folding Tutorials, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Napkin Folds, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes Tagged With: ,

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Kitchen Tweak: Updating my “It’s Complicated” Baking Center

November 21, 2011 by 49 Comments

Welcome to the 148th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've been having a fabulous weekend!  Have you been shopping for groceries in preparation of Thanksgiving?  The stores have all been packed when I've been in. I don't have a big "Before and After" to share for this Met Monday--it's more like a little tweak.  Last week I shared a change I made in my kitchen in this post: Baking Center in movie, It's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, Movie Houses, My Nest, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: ,

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Thanksgiving Tablescape for the Kids

November 17, 2011 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 169th Tablescape Thursday! Thanksgiving is only one week away!  Wow, this month has flown by.  For this Tablescape Thursday I put together a tablescape with the little ones in mind.  Do you set up a "kids" table each year for Thanksgiving?  Sometimes I think sitting at the kids table would be more fun than the grown-ups table.   Though this table was created with little ones in … [Read more...]

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

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Inspiration for Your Holiday Decorating and More!

November 16, 2011 by 24 Comments

Greetings Dear Friends!  How was your day?  I've been working on all kinds of fun things today, including a tablescape for Tablescape Thursday.  One bit of exciting news:  the blue and white pumpkin I submitted in the Country Living Facebook Contest ended up winning the most "Like" votes.  Thanks so much to everyone who took time to vote! Several folks have asked what prize the winner receives.  The … [Read more...]

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The Baking Center in the Movie, It’s Complicated

November 14, 2011 by 77 Comments

Hope your day is going great!  It's been gorgeous here...in the 70's, so I've been spending some time out of the porch enjoying the fall colors.   I know the cold is coming so I'm trying to fully enjoy these last warm days of fall.   A while back I posted a tour of the house in the movie, It's Complicated, starring Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin.  (That movie house tour is available … [Read more...]

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Decorate with Wreaths Inside

November 11, 2011 by 44 Comments

Although Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, I'm already thinking about Christmas.  I have even started decorating a little inside.  I want to start early this year so I can really enjoy the holiday season in full.  There have just been too many years in the past where I felt I had just put the decorations up when it was time to take them back down. One  of my favorite things to decorate inside with at … [Read more...]

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Christmas Dollhouse

November 9, 2011 by 40 Comments

Hello dear friends!  How's your day going so far? I was hard at work yesterday and I'm one tired puppy this evening as I write this.  The leaves are just beginning to fall off the trees in the backyard and every afternoon for an hour or so the sun has been streaming in so brightly, I can't really view the monitor or work at my computer. During the spring and summer months, it's not a problem. So, I … [Read more...]

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Dreaming of Beautiful Beds

November 8, 2011 by 44 Comments

A few months ago I went through a stack of old magazines I've been saving, some for several years.  I tore out the pages I really loved and recycled the rest.  This evening I was looking through them and noticed many were of beautiful beds. More fuel for my blue and white addiction.  This is truly a timeless look that will never go out of style. from publication: Beautiful Bedrooms, 2001 I love the … [Read more...]

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Make a Pincushion Tutorial

November 7, 2011 by 36 Comments

Welcome to the 146th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How has your weekend been? I hope you've had a fabulous one! I spent Saturday down in Macon, Georgia with my sister and niece at the Christmas Made in the South Fair.  Mark Ballard was there and it was so good to stop by and chat with him a bit.  Did anyone else go to Christmas Made in the South?  It was packed with folks as you can see in this pic … [Read more...]

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October 2011: A Look in the Rear-View Mirror and Answering a Few of Your Questions

November 4, 2011 by 8 Comments

October 2011:  A Look in the Rear-view Mirror: Each month I share links to the prior month's posts, in case you missed one or just wish to revisit a particular post.  To read any post below, click on the link found in the title of that post. Hope you enjoy this "look in the rear-view mirror."   October was a fun month, for sure! We kicked off last month with a "Look in the Rear-view Mirror" … [Read more...]

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Fall Dining on the Porch: Celebrating the Russet Shades of Autumn

November 3, 2011 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 167th Tablescape Thursday! It was a gorgeous day here so I spent some time playing outside on the porch. The leaves are changing and the fall colors are spectacular. I brought those colors to my table setting for Tablescape Thursday.  I shopped the house and snagged a floral arrangement from the family room for my fall tablescape.   I liked it, but ultimately I changed it out … [Read more...]

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Front Porch Decorated for Halloween

November 1, 2011 by 40 Comments

Wow, what a fun night! I love, love, love Halloween. I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood of trick-or-treating with friends, so Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I decorated the porch pretty simply for Halloween this year. I covered the front door with the "creepy cloth" used as a tablecloth in THIS previous Halloween tablescape.  (You can see the door minus the … [Read more...]

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Repairing String Lights on the Pergola

October 31, 2011 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 145th Metamorphosis Monday! A few years ago I purchased some outdoor string lighting from Hobby Lobby.  It was perfect for my deck(s) because it was white and the decks are painted white.  I spent several hours one afternoon, running it around the top of the pergola to the right of the screened-in porch and under the arm rail of the deck to the left of the porch. Within the year, … [Read more...]

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Halloween Table and Mantel…Spooky!

October 29, 2011 by 44 Comments

Happy Weekend! Are you making final preparations for all the goblins and ghouls who will soon be knocking on your door? I'll be heading out today to buy candy.  Then I'll be trying hard to not eat it all by Monday!    What's your tactic for not digging into the candy and eating it before Halloween arrives? Some folks purposely buy stuff they don't like, but where's the fun in that? lol My friend, Bonnie, … [Read more...]

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Decoupage a Blue and White Pumpkin

October 28, 2011 by 52 Comments

  A couple of weeks ago I posted about these wonderful découpaged pumpkins I found in the October issue of Country Living.   That previous post contained a detailed tutorial I created showing how you could découpage a "craft" pumpkin.  You find the full tutorial in this post: Country Living Inspired: Découpage a Pumpkin   You may remember the pattern I chose for my pumpkin … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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The Queen of the Ball

October 27, 2011 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 166th Tablescape Thursday!   Happy Tablescape Thursday!  This week I'm so excited to share a beautiful, whimsical party table created for a fun crafting event I was privileged to attend recently.  You know those moments in life, those rare moments when you see something so wonderful your mouth flies opens and you just stand there in complete awe?   I had one of those moments this … [Read more...]

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Country Living Fair in Stone Mountain, Georgia

October 25, 2011 by 50 Comments

I haven't been to a crafts fair in years.  We used to go to them all the time, but after a while you begin to feel like there's nothing new under the sun.  When I heard Country Living Magazine sponsors a fair at Stone Mountain Park each year, I knew I had to check it out.   It definitely didn't sound like your typical crafts fair from years gone by and it really wasn't.  There were crafted items for sale, … [Read more...]

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How To Tighten a Screw in 15 Steps

October 24, 2011 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 144th Metamorphosis Monday! Sometimes the solution to a problem is right under your nose, but you just can't see it. Recently, I almost turned a super easy repair into an expensive repair. In the end, the home repair muses were watching out for me. In the family room... ...there's a door that leads out onto the screened-in porch.  I rarely use that door. Instead, this door leading … [Read more...]

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Linzer Cookies for Halloween

October 21, 2011 by 33 Comments

Beautiful and Halloween-festive tablescapes were linked for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to scroll on down and check them all out. How about a little something to put on top of those table settings? A couple of months ago I stopped by a local craft store to check out the Halloween stuff and I came across cookie cutters with a Halloween theme.  They were especially made for making Linzer … [Read more...]

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Halloween Tablescape with Mercury Glass Centerpiece

October 20, 2011 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 165th Tablescape Thursday! With only two Thursdays left between now and Halloween, I was itching to create a fun Halloween table setting.   Since this table setting is all about candlelight, I didn't wait for nightfall to light the candles. I came across the large mercury-glass pumpkin candle holders recently in Marshall's and they inspired this table setting.  They were only … [Read more...]

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Autumn Comes to the Porch

October 18, 2011 by 74 Comments

I've been playing outside today, bringing a little fall to the porch.  During the summer it looks something like this Because the porch is all white (for the most part) it's a blank slate for anything you can dream up.  For the 4th of July, it looked like this. (4th of July porch can be viewed here: Porch Decorated For the 4th of July)   It was time to add a little fall  to the … [Read more...]

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Make a Wind Chime from Old Spoons and Forks

October 17, 2011 by 49 Comments

Welcome to the 143rd Metamorphosis Monday! For Met Monday, I'm sharing a fun Before and After you can make at home.  Recently, I posted a movie house tour of the amazing house in the movie, Practical Magic.  While watching the movie, there was a scene that reminded me of  something I had seen recently while out antiquing.  In the movie, the Aunts (Aunt Jet and Aunt Frances) have a fun wind chime hanging … [Read more...]

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Practical Magic

October 15, 2011 by 97 Comments

Last October, I posted a movie house tour featuring one of my favorite comedy movies, The Burbs, starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fischer. The Burbs is a fun movie to watch around Halloween time.  It's not scary or gory, just mysterious and funny. (Tour that movie house here: The Burbs.) When I posted about The Burbs, several folks suggested I post a tour of the Victorian house in the movie, Practical … [Read more...]

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Book Sale: Bring Your Rolling Cart!

October 14, 2011 by 18 Comments

So many beautiful table settings were posted for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday. If you haven't had a chance to visit them all, just scroll on down and enjoy! You'll find so much inspiration for fall and fun Halloween tablescapes! This morning I got up bright and early and did something I've never done before. No, not exercise...that would be way too practical. ;) Well, I did get a little exercise, now … [Read more...]

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Découpage a Pumpkin

October 12, 2011 by 66 Comments

There is sooo much inspiration to be found in Blogland these days, the cover of a magazine has to REALLY grab me to convince me to buy the magazine.   The October issue of Country Living did just that. I loved the toile covered pumpkin on the cover. I glanced inside and saw there were directions with the "how to."  I couldn't wait to give it a try.   Another pumpkin inside was decorated using … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,

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Decorate Your Pumpkin with Ribbon for Halloween

October 10, 2011 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the  142nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I've had a busy one. Saturday, I drove down to Macon, Georgia and attended a class for "extreme couponing" with my sister and niece. I watch so little TV, I didn't even know what extreme couponing was. It was really interesting. If you have a good size family, I can see how the savings could really add up. I'll share some of what I learned … [Read more...]

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

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Halloween Decorating & Party Ideas

October 8, 2011 by 33 Comments

I haven't decorated my front porch for Halloween, yet, so I decided to go through some of the pics I have stored on my computer for a little inspiration.  These are definitely some of my faves! We decorate our front doors with garland for Christmas...why not do the same for fall?  I absolutely love this leafy garland!  I so want to make this!  Notice the scary "curtains" on the door.  Those would be easy … [Read more...]

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Warming Up on the Porch

October 6, 2011 by 55 Comments

Welcome the the 163rd Tablescape Thursday! Cool fall nights are perfect for hot chocolate out on the porch. Where would you like to sit?   How about on the swing?  There's a soft, warm blanket to keep you warm and a great book awaits.   The late afternoon sun is so wonderful streaming in across the porch.     The evening breeze carries the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Change Your Decor for the Seasons

October 3, 2011 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 141st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Met Monday! Hope your weekend has been grand! Do you have a room in your home that you love to change up and transform with the seasons? Kristy, a talented Interior Designer who lives on the West Coast of Florida with her husband and two daughters, enjoys transforming her living room to reflect the changing of the seasons and holidays.  Kristy's home, … [Read more...]

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Beautiful Table Setting by Bunny Williams

September 29, 2011 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 162nd Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I received a wonderful e-mail from Mandy. Mandy lives in Hawaii and on a recent trip to the United States, she toured The Mount, the beautiful home of American novelist, Edith Wharton. Edith Wharton wrote many novels in her lifetime including Ethan Frome, The House of Mirth and well-known, The Age of Innocence, for which she won a Pulitzer Prize. … [Read more...]

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Hiding Ugly Scratches on Furniture

September 28, 2011 by 33 Comments

Monday, I was playing with the mantel in the family room, creating a fall mantel seen here: Fall Mantel.   I looked over and noticed a few scratches on the armoire in the corner.   Do you see the little dents/scratches in this pic below?   Over the years, this armoire has accumulated small scratches from everyday use.   I thought I'd share a few products I've … [Read more...]

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A Fall Mantel for the Family Room

September 27, 2011 by 63 Comments

While we're enjoying all the wonderful "before and afters" from yesterday's Met Monday, I thought I'd share another little metamorphosis I've been working on this week in my family room.  (Update: This living room looks very different now. See the changes in these two posts: Reforming My Faux Ways and Velvet Drapes for an English Country Living Room)   BEFORE: The coffee table looks so bare … [Read more...]

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Office Additions

September 26, 2011 by 78 Comments

Welcome to the 140th Metamorphosis Monday! I headed over to Marshalls to see what fun Halloween/fall goodies they had gotten in.  I found a few things I had been hoping to find for the office.   I've had some ideas brewing in my head about how I might decorate the wall space above the sitting area in this room.  I had envisioned a mirror above the chest.  I love, love, love mirrors and have … [Read more...]

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Shopping at Urban Relics

September 24, 2011 by 42 Comments

How was your Friday?  Anything special planned for today?  I had a unusually busy and fun Friday. I spent the morning visiting a local consignment shoppe and took a few pictures to share with you.  On the survey I recently posted, several folks mentioned they would love to see more shopping/thrifting/antiquing trips, so I think you'll enjoy today's post! My morning shopping trip was followed by lunch … [Read more...]

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A Colorful Autumn Table Setting

September 22, 2011 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 161st Tablescape Thursday! Though the leaves on the trees are still very green and the temps reached well int the 80's today, I was so in the mood to for a fall table setting.  Besides, Friday is the first official day of fall.   I've always wanted to create a table setting with magnolia leaf chargers.   I just thought it would be for a Christmas tablescape. … [Read more...]

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Bamboo Rug for the Upstairs Family Room

September 19, 2011 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 139th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Metamorphosis Monday!  How was your weekend?  I've had a fun one.  A friend and I attended an auction, something I haven't done in ages.  Didn't buy anything but I captured a few pics I'll being sharing later. Metamorphosis Monday: For this Met Monday, I'm sharing a small metamorphosis in my upstairs family room.  This room is often known as a … [Read more...]

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Carved Watermelon Whale Centerpiece

September 17, 2011 by 26 Comments

Carved Watermelon Party Centerpiece This past Tablescape Thursday, I shared a table setting with a carved watermelon centerpiece.   (View that tablescape here: Summer Tablescape with Carved Watermelon Centerpiece)   For a party many years ago, I cut the top off a watermelon and hollowed it out to hold fruit.   That was cute, but I've always wanted to try my hand at carving one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Recipes, Recipes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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One Last Summer Tablescape

September 15, 2011 by 70 Comments

Welcome to the 160th Tablescape Thursday! If you've been reading BNOTP for very long, you know I love summertime. I'm always a bit sad to see it go.   Since the first day of fall is still a little over a week away, I wanted to share one last summertime table setting here on the porch.   I had fun creating the centerpiece.  It's carved from a small … [Read more...]

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Doris Day Movie Fashions in Pillow Talk and Lover Come Back

September 14, 2011 by 44 Comments

Thanks so much for your help in identifying some of the hats in yesterday's post.  I loved your comments!  So much fun to find you enjoy the old movies, too. It wouldn't be fair to share all the great hats Doris Day wore in the movies, Lover Come Back and Pillow Talk, without also sharing the fabulous dresses with which they were paired.   After watching these movies, I can understand why there are whole … [Read more...]

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Vintage Hats and Doris Day: Pillow Talk and Lover Come Back

September 13, 2011 by 44 Comments

I'm a picky movie goer. I don't like scary, sad or super intense movies.  Just give me something romantic, funny or inspiring and I'm happy.  A couple of years ago, I purchased this "Romance Collection" set of movies starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson.  It included three movies: Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back and Send Me No Flowers. When the movies arrived, I was too busy to watch them so I tucked them … [Read more...]

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Beach House Renovation, Part II

September 12, 2011 by 45 Comments

Welcome to the 138th Metamorphosis Monday! Suzy and her hubby purchased a small beach-front condo and completely renovated it from top to bottom.  I shared the Before and After of the entry hall (with bunk beds) and the living room/sitting/dining area in THIS post.  Today, we're touring the Kitchen, Master Bedroom and Bath.  Prepare to be delighted! Here's how the kitchen looked prior to the … [Read more...]

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Beach Front Condo Renovation, Part I

September 9, 2011 by 21 Comments

Recently, Suzy, who blogs at Worthing Court, shared a wonderful renovation of her beach house. When Suzy and her hubby first purchased their beach front condo, it was in really rough shape.  Suzy looked out at this gorgeous view, closed her eyes and envisioned what this home could become.  The transformation is astounding...truly beautiful. Before This was the view as Suzy entered the … [Read more...]

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A Good Year

September 8, 2011 by 49 Comments

Welcome to the 159th Tablescape Thursday! A Good Year, Starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard Tablescape Thursday: A few months ago I had the opportunity to see the movie A Good Year starring Russell Crowe as Max Skinner and Marion Cotillard, as Fanny Chenal.  A Good Year is a British romantic comedy based on a book by Peter Mayle.  He also wrote, A Year in Provence .   A Good Year has been … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Movie House Tours, Movie Houses, Romantic Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Movies Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Green Card

September 4, 2011 by 49 Comments

Take a Tour of the Beautiful, Historic Apartment in the movie, Green Card While putting together a recent post listing a whole bunch of my fave decorating and design books, I came across my copy of The Conservatory Book by Peter Marston.  This book is filled with pictures of beautiful greenhouses. The book reminded me of another beautiful greenhouse, the one in one of my favorite movies, Green … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Movie House Tours, Movie Houses, Nature, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Movies Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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August 2011: A Look in the Rear-View Mirror

September 3, 2011 by 7 Comments

Thanks so much for sharing your fave decorating and design books in the comments on this morning's post. I love the fantasy "Buttonchief7" shared in her comment. Made me laugh! I think I have the same fantasy. Here's a little recap of all the events here at BNOTP for the month of August, complete with links in case you missed a post or would just like to revisit it. Thanks so much for visiting and … [Read more...]

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Mixing Herend for a Garden Table Setting

September 1, 2011 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 158th Tablescape Thursday! A few years ago I attended an historic home tour that was by far, the very best home tour I've ever been on.  It was in Newnan, Georgia and was sponsored by The Georgia Trust.  If you ever have an opportunity to go on one of their home tours, be sure to go.  They are well organized and the homes are always absolutely amazing! On this particular Newnan tour, we … [Read more...]

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Billy Bookcase, Easy to Assemble

August 31, 2011 by 50 Comments

Billy, where have you been all my life?  I'm a latecomer to Billy bookcases but it turns out they have been around for 30+ years.   The factory that produces the Billy bookshelf makes 15 Billys a minute.  That's 3.1 million a year!  Wow!  After buying three of my own, I can see why they are so popular.   They are sturdy, easy to assemble and reasonably priced. I shared my small (but growing) office … [Read more...]

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IKEA Billy Bookcase & A Library for the Office

August 29, 2011 by 92 Comments

Welcome to the 136th Metamorphosis Monday! If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you're very familiar with this view of my  Office.   I've shared this side of the room in previous posts, too. But, I've rarely shared this side because...well, there's just nothing to see.  Pretty boring, right?  Well, that's about to change! I've had big plans for this space all along; I just … [Read more...]

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Bottle Tree Dreams in Abundance

August 26, 2011 by 48 Comments

When I last shared a few pics of my bottle tree, it was looking pretty puny.   (If you're wondering what in tarnation a bottle tree is, check out this previous post: Bottle Tree: The Poor Man's Stained Glass   I've been waiting for Hobby Lobby to have another "glass" sale.  In the meantime, I've collected 3-4 more, via consumption.  Plus, my BFF, Jan, dropped a couple by recently, too.  I think she took … [Read more...]

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Napkin Fold Tutorial: The Butterfly

August 26, 2011 by 11 Comments

  Recently, I created a table setting with a butterfly napkin fold. (You can view this tablescape in detail here: Romantic Table Setting for Two.)   I used this same napkin fold again for this table setting which can be viewed in full here: Romantic Candlelight Table Setting.   This fold is super easy to create.  I think it looks especially nice when created with a napkin that … [Read more...]

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Romantic Candlelight Table Setting

August 25, 2011 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 157th Tablescape Thursday! You may feel like Bill Murray in the movie, Groundhog Day as you view the following tablescape.  In last week's Tablescape Thursday post, I mentioned I had created a tablescape on the porch and it somehow mysteriously moved itself right out on to the deck, turning into this romantic table setting. Since the original table on the porch was still set, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Romantic Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

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Painting the Closets and Office Trim

August 24, 2011 by 55 Comments

How's your week going? I've had so much fun reading the comments you left about your past excursions to IKEA. One tip I wanted to share about the best times to visit IKEA to avoid crowds:  try to go on a week day, if possible.  If you do need to go on a Saturday, get there early, as soon as they open, or late in the day like around 5:00 PM.  I noticed it was a lot less crowded come evening/dinner … [Read more...]

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Beautiful Lake House Kitchen Renovation

August 22, 2011 by 47 Comments

Welcome to the 135th Metamorphosis Monday! Whew!  What a weekend.  It's been a painting marathon around here...but it's done.   How was your weekend?  Do anything fun or was it a weekend for working around the house? Lake House Kitchen Renovation: I'm exited to share a wonderful kitchen renovation for this Metamorphosis Monday.  Wendy, a reader of BNOTP, recently shared some pics of a kitchen … [Read more...]

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Chaos, Progress and Mario Buatta

August 20, 2011 by 37 Comments

Today my house is completely topsy turvy. If you rang my door bell and I invited you in, you'd be here for about 30 seconds before you would suddenly remember you had a pressing engagement elsewhere.  And I wouldn't blame you, I'd run, too.  But I live here. You know how something prays on your mind...something you've been putting off.  The weekends are filled with friends and activities, places to go … [Read more...]

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How to Sew a Pillow with Piping: Easy Tutorial

August 19, 2011 by 24 Comments

There are so many ways to make a pillow...just about as many ways as you can possibly dream up.  You can make them from napkins, decorate them with cute buttons, applique them...the possibilities are endless. When I decided to make two pillows for the swing, as part of my 4th of July makeover of the porch, I wanted to use the same pillow inserts that were already in the existing pillows.  That way, I … [Read more...]

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Romantic Table Setting for Two

August 18, 2011 by 66 Comments

Welcome to the 156th Tablescape Thursday! Tomorrow, August 18th, Between Naps on the Porch turns 3 years old.  The last three years have flown by so very quickly.  Thank you for visiting and being here every day.  I appreciate so much that you share your time with me! Let's have dinner on the deck tonight.  It feels so nice out. I'll pour the wine...you just sit and enjoy. So romantic, dining … [Read more...]

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

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How To Make Piping for a Pillow, Cushion or Slip Cover

August 16, 2011 by 37 Comments

Recently, when I decorated the porch for the 4th of July, I decided to recover the pillows on the swing.  The others were pretty faded and not in keeping with the red, white and blue color scheme I wanted for my patriotic porch in this post:  Porch Decorated for the 4th of July. I made the two large, red pillows you see on the swing in the pic below:   In an earlier post here: ( Halloween … [Read more...]

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Savannah Georgia: A Home Tour

August 13, 2011 by 50 Comments

When I visited Savannah earlier in the Spring, I was with a friend who loves gawking at beautiful homes as much as I do.  We pulled onto a side street and despite the humid, hot temps, we hopped out of our air conditioned car and strolled a few blocks admiring the beautiful old homes.  Now, that's house love! One of the first things we came across was this wonderful gate.   I'm loving those pineapple … [Read more...]

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It’s Complicated: Lauren & Harley’s Cottage

August 12, 2011 by 18 Comments

Lauren and Harley's Cottage Home in the movie, It's Complicated A few weeks ago, I took you on a tour of the house/set featured in the Nancy Meyer's movie, It's Complicated, starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.  (If you missed that tour, you'll find it here:  Tour the House in the Movie, It's Complicated. We all pretty much fell in love with Jane's home in the movie, but there was a … [Read more...]

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Bridal Tea Table Setting

August 11, 2011 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 155th Tablescape Thursday! I love it when you share your beautiful tablescapes with me!  I was so excited when Sue, a reader of BNOTP, emailed a few pics of a bridal shower she recently gave for a friend.  Sue loves growing lavender in her own garden and prior to the shower, she visited a lavender farm, Yule Love It Lavender Farm in Michigan.  She was so inspired by her visit to the farm, … [Read more...]

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Screen In Your Deck Easily & Inexpensively

August 8, 2011 by 47 Comments

Welcome to the 133rd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Did you spend any time outdoors grilling or just sitting on your porch, patio or deck? Would you spend more time outside if you didn't have to cope with the bugs and that hot summer sun? I'm so excited about the metamorphosis I'll be sharing today.  Recently, Terry who blogs at  La Bella Vie, shared a few pics of her answer to enjoying … [Read more...]

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Displaying and Decorating with China for the Seasons and Holidays

August 4, 2011 by 48 Comments

Welcome to the 154th Tablescape Thursday! Jeanne  blogs at  Selep Imaging.  Jeanne has a wonderful hutch she changes out with each holiday or season.   I was so impressed with her lovely china collection and the creative way she displays it, I couldn't resist sharing it for Tablescape Thursday. As you scroll down, notice how Jeanne mixes so many different patterns beautifully.  There's a wonderful … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Seasonal Decor, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

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Near Abductions: My Story

August 3, 2011 by 128 Comments

Sometimes you see something on TV and it hits home. A couple of weeks ago, I caught part of the show, 60 Minutes.  They were interviewing two young ladies who had been kidnapped as children but were miraculously able to escape a few days after their abduction. That virtually never happens...escaping. The abuse they suffered permanently altered their lives in very negative ways.  They still struggle today … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

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