What I’m Eyeing in the 50% Off 4th of July Sale Today

Talbots has a great sale going on, it's 50% off almost everything on their site, including the new arrivals! You don't see that very often so I had to check to see what new items they have in.   I LOVE these shorts! I've found over the years that a busy pattern like this is very flattering on the hips. Love the green and white palm leaf design! They are on sale 50% off here: … [Read more...]


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A Picnic on the Porch for the 4th of July, Complete with Ants ;)

Welcome to the 666th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! It was pretty hot and humid out on the porch yesterday, so I waited until later in the day to set this table. Then a big storm came along so it got quite dark. It looked like it was 8:00 pm when it was really closer to 5:00! So it may look a bit dark out in some of the pictures in this … [Read more...]


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Let’s Go Antiquing–There Was a Table That Really Tempted Me!

I still really, really miss A Classy Flea. I think every antiquing post I ever write will probably start out with those words. Why do all great things eventually have to come to an end?! Sometime soon, I'm going to get in my car and drive to allll the old haunts I used to frequent back in the day when I used to go antiquing almost every weekend. I can think of 5-6 places right off the bat. I wonder if … [Read more...]


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Patriotic Inspiration for Your 4th of July Celebration–Love the Bandana Tablecloth!

The 4th of July is just a few days away! Do you have any special plans for this year? Sheri, a lovely BNOTP reader, shared the awesome table she has created for her upcoming Independence Day celebration with me and I love it!   Sheri said, "I decked out our dining room in Patriotic decor for the Fourth of July. Usually, I go from Spring to Patriotic decor in Mid-May and keep it until Fall … [Read more...]


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Updates for the Master Bedroom and Guest Room, Expanding Storage

Welcome to the 648th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Ages ago, I ordered three Billy Bookcases for my home office. FYI: I don't recommend the Billy for book storage unless you are 1. Storing only paperback books or 2. Will be mixing in lots of tchotchkes on the shelves with your books. The shelves can't handle a lot of weight and bow easily when loaded down with … [Read more...]


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Williams Sonoma Shopping Trip & A Bag You’ve Asked About Is Back in Stock

Happy Weekend! Yesterday, I headed out to do a little shopping in some of my favorite homeware stores and I snapped some pictures to share. Before I share those, if you were one of the dearhearts who contacted me after I shared this Lady Dior handbag that I purchased a couple of years ago, I noticed recently that the shop where I found mine has gotten another one back in stock. You rarely see them available … [Read more...]


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An Exciting Book-Movie Themed Table Setting: Godzilla Strikes Again!

Welcome to the 665th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! When Elena has family over for a birthday celebration, in addition to setting a beautiful or whimsical table for the grown-ups, she always creates a special table just for the kiddos in the family. During a recent gathering, she created an amazing table that captured the fascination of both the kids … [Read more...]


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A Comfortable and Very Functional, “Forest-Themed” Desk Update

Several years ago, I had this fabulous, extra-large mouse pad on my desk. I love a super large mousepad because you never run your mouse off the pad, plus, it provides extra cushion for the arms and wrists.   When I shared this photo in a recent post, a BNOTP reader asked about that mousepad. I chose one with a large world map design back then because I had just started traveling a good … [Read more...]


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Amazon’s Prime Sale: These are My Favorites and Best Finds

Have you been shopping the Prime Day sales? The sale started yesterday and is still going through today. I'm pretty sure today is the last day and there are quite a few goodies that are tempting me. Some of the items I'm sharing below are included in the Prime Day sale and some are just things I've been eyeing that have great reviews. Several of the items I'm sharing are things I've purchased in the past … [Read more...]


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How to Gain Back Inches If You Shrink a Linen/Cotton Tablecloth or Napkins

Welcome to the 647th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Have you ever accidentally shrunk something in the wash or while drying? Cotton and linen seemed to be especially prone to shrinking. Recently Elena shared with me an awesome trick she discovered online for regaining some of those inches that can be lost when a cotton/linen item gets shrunk during the washing … [Read more...]


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So About Those Pierced Chargers–Here’s The Skinny, Plus a Sale Update

I came across something recently that I thought those of you who enjoy following Tablescape Thursday, would enjoy seeing. It's a receipt from January 2008. Over the years as I've created table settings for Tablescape Thursday, the most often asked about item that I use in many of the tables I set are these cream, pierced chargers. (Table setting below can be viewed here: Limelight Hydrangeas in a Summer … [Read more...]


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Beautiful, Fragrant Gardenias in the Last Spring Table Setting for 2021

Welcome to the 664th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! The gardenia shrub just outside my garage is blooming up a storm right now. If you've ever smelled gardenias, you know how wonderfully fragrant they are! This shrub almost died during an ice storm a few years back. It has taken a while to recover but it seems to be fully back now, laden down with … [Read more...]


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Uptalk: How to Make It Less Annoying When Listening to a Video on YouTube

Have you ever heard of Upspeak or Uptalk? Do you know people who talk this way? I've often mentioned how much I enjoy listening to handbag and perfume reviews on YouTube while working here in my home office or just whenever I have some downtime. Unfortunately, a growing trend I've been "hearing" a lot on YouTube is the occurrence (or should I say scourge?) of Uptalk, also referred to as Upspeak. Merriam … [Read more...]


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How I Use 3 Monitors to Work and Play in My Home Office

Welcome to the 646th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Over the years, my monitor/desktop setup has changed several times. I've been using two monitors for many years. When I'm traveling and working from my laptop, I really, really miss having two monitors. Many years ago when I had cable TV, I purchased a Smart TV to place above my monitors thinking it would give … [Read more...]


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Birds & Bees Living in the Dovecote & Beautiful Summer Tops on Sale

A couple of days ago I went outside via the garage door and cut through a little path behind the magnolia to get to the front porch. I'm currently not using the front door since there's a sweet bird nesting in my front door wreath.   As I passed by the dovecote in the front yard, I noticed a bee flew out? Ummm, I've never seen a bee fly out of the dovecote. The bee flew out of the opening … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Spring Table Set with Charming Ma Maison by Dario Farrucci

Welcome to the 663rd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Years ago, I would often stop by HomeGoods just to see what new dinnerware they had in stock. On one of those shopping trips, I came across the most charming dishware: Ma Maison, designed by Dario Farrucci for Tabletops Unlimited. Oh my gosh, it was love at first sight! I envisioned using Ma Maison … [Read more...]


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May Favorites, Preventing Holes in Shirts & Replacement Filter for Aprilaire SpaceGard

I've never received a reply back from Lilly Pulitzer about the holes that have appeared in all of my Etta shirts. I'm disappointed that they haven't replied back to my email. In the meantime, I've pretty much figured out that the holes were probably made by the button on the shorts that I love to wear all summer since the holes are near/around where the button is on all my Talbots shorts. It's a little too … [Read more...]


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So, How Did That Metamorphosis Work Out?

Welcome to the 645th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Still very badly missing my main computer. You get spoiled quickly when you normally work with two large monitors.  Once I get my new computer, I should have three monitors--looking forward to that. In the meantime, I'm still working from my small travel laptop.   So, I got an idea last night. I was … [Read more...]


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Have You Ever Had Your Roof Cleaned?

Have you ever had the roof of your home cleaned? In November 2019, I shared this photo of my home shortly after adding wreaths to the windows for the holiday season. When I took that photo, I think that was the first time I had noticed some blackish streaks on the roof.   I figured the streaks were some type of staining caused by the trees that surround my home and I wondered if there was a … [Read more...]


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10 Beehives at Peaceful Valley Farm Inspired This Delightful Bee-Themed Table

Welcome to the 662nd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Thanks so much for all the comments you left on yesterday's post. I spent much of the afternoon at Vision Computers (an hour away from my home) planning and designing a new desktop computer. It has been 10 years since I had a computer built, with just the occasional update made to my old computer … [Read more...]


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My Lilly Pulitzer Etta Shirts Are Turning Into Swiss Cheese!

I love, love, love me some Lilly Pulitzer! Lilly Pulitzer is one of my favorite brands because of their fun, happy, Palm-Beach-style prints.   Last summer and the summer before, I purchased a bunch of their cute Etta shirts. I started out by purchasing two and after they arrived and I saw how light-weight and comfortable they were, I had to have more.   Over the past two … [Read more...]


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A Landscaping-Garden Before and After & A Sweet Surprise

Welcome to the 644th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! It's hard to believe that it's been five years since I completed this little landscape makeover for the front of my home. You may remember I had a small Japanese Maple moved from the front area of my home to another spot in the yard. It's doing great in its new spot, I'll have to take a photo sometime soon to … [Read more...]


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Beautiful, Custom-Designed Macarons for Any Celebration or Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 661st Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! A few weeks back I shared Warren's beautiful spring table setting for Tablescape Thursday.   Warren created this table with a peacock theme in mind and these peacock dinner plates were his inspiration. I love the napkin rings he chose for this setting!   Warren created … [Read more...]


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The Best Memorial Day Sales & My Favorite Spring-Summer Fashions

There are so many great Memorial Day sales going on right now for beautiful vacation/resort fashions for summer. I've been checking them all out and today I'm sharing a few of my favorites below from the new spring offerings. I adore this beautiful eyelet shirt that's currently on sale 30% off. There's just something so feminine and beautiful about eyelet. You'll find this shirt on sale here: Beautiful … [Read more...]


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5 Ideas, Crafts and Recipes for Your Memorial Day Weekend

The 4th of July is just over a month away. I was thinking today, this would be a great time to work on some patriotic crafts because they could be used for Memorial Day this upcoming weekend and you would be all set for our 4th of July celebrations a month from now. One of the most fun projects I've ever completed was this wood flag. It was easy to make and actually a lot of fun!   You'll … [Read more...]


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A Growing Hermes Perfume Atomizer Collection & A Cozy Addition for My Bath

Welcome to the 643rd Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Is there something you love to collect? Maybe you have a beautiful doll collection. Or, if you love handbags as I do, perhaps you have a growing handbag collection. If I were a guy, I think I'd have a big necktie collection. lol I love shopping for ties for my son--both Hermes and Vineyard Vines make really fun … [Read more...]


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My Bookcase Decision and Several Fun Ideas and Tips I’ve Been Meaning to Share

Good Saturday Afternoon! I hope your weekend is going awesome! Today I thought I'd create a quick catch-up post. I have a little folder on my computer that I occasionally drop pictures into when there's something I'd love to share with you that I think you'll find helpful or interesting but perhaps isn't worthy of a full post. Periodically that folder gets a little fat and I know it's time to pull those … [Read more...]


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We’re Having Sweet Watermelon for Dessert!

Welcome to the 660th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! This has been such a beautiful spring here in Georgia. It's felt like a long, full spring--not one of those springs we sometimes have where we get cool, spring weather for a week and then BAM, it's 85 degrees outside. lol No, this spring has been the perfect spring. I would love it if it was this … [Read more...]


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All the Perfumes Currently in My Fragrance Collection

Back in November 2015, almost six years ago now, I shared my small perfume collection with you. I love, love, love perfume and with very little trouble, I could easily become a hoarder of all perfumes. lol If I awake in the morning and find I'm in an okay-whatever mood, with just a few sprays of a favorite scent, my day will suddenly feel sooo much better! Perfume has that effect on me, it's definitely a … [Read more...]


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Would You Do This? A Big Change for the Upstairs Living-Bonus Room!

Welcome to the 642nd Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! In Saturday's post, I mentioned that I was contemplating making a pretty big change here in my upstairs living/bonus room.   This room is a bright, airy room with four windows: two windows at the end and two dormer windows that face the front of the house.   One … [Read more...]


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Do You Ever Move the Furniture Around in Your Home?

Do you ever move furniture around? I was texting with a friend recently who was moving furniture into different places in her home and she asked me that question. I replied back that I rarely ever did because in most of the rooms in my home, the furniture really only fits in the room one way. I have to eat those words because I ended up doing exactly that, moving some things around. One minor change made … [Read more...]


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Patriotic Table Settings and No-Sew Crafts for Your Memorial Day

Welcome to the 659th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! I was looking forward to sharing a table this week but yesterday I came down with a horrible stomach virus, complete with really bad muscle aches and pains. I rarely get a stomach virus so have no idea what brought that on. I never like the taste of most drinks that are supposed to replace … [Read more...]


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Problem Solved: Hide Those Not-So-Attractive Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

Earlier this week I shared some new additions to my master bath. I'm hoping to fully renovate at least one of my baths next year but in the meantime, I'm appeasing myself by adding little improvements and touches that make my heart happy. For example, I ordered this adorable birdie-themed tissue holder for the counter here in my master bath. Apparently, it's my favorite tissue holder since this is the … [Read more...]


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It Happened Again! Arggh! Time for a New Dovecote for the Garden

Welcome to the 641st Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Do you ever go on spring garden tours? I love garden tours, they are sooo much fun and provide so much inspiration. For many years, whenever I would go on a garden tour, I would see these magnificent birdhouses in many of the gardens that we toured. Eventually, I found out who made them and dreamed of one day … [Read more...]


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April Favorites, Plus 3 Pairs of Earrings I Just Purchased

Today's post is an April favorites post that sorta ended up morphing into a summer earrings post. I'm really into earrings right now. I think it started when I bought these adorable daisy earrings that I literally find myself wanting to wear every single day.   But before we get to that, here are a few of the other items I've really enjoyed over the past month. Last winter when random … [Read more...]


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A Beautiful Blue and White Table Setting, Perfect for Mother’s Day

Welcome to the 658th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! One of my favorite color combinations is blue and white. I love a room decorated in a blue and white color scheme and love a table setting dressed out in blue and white. Sheri, a lovely BNOTP reader, recently shared a beautiful blue and white table setting she created in blue and white using her … [Read more...]


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Two Small Bath Updates to Appease My Bath Renovation Yearning

I had a little eye scare recently--it started a couple of days ago. I had something floating across my vision and was seeing flashes occasionally at the top right corner of my right eye. The first time it happened, I thought it was sunlight glinting off my glasses, but then I noticed it happened when I didn't have my glasses on. I called the eye doctor today and they had me come in right away. They … [Read more...]


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Changing Out My Winter Bedding for Spring-Summer

Welcome to the 640th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Changing out the bedding from fall-winter to spring-summer is not for the faint of heart. lol  Usually I wait until someone (like my son) is here to help me. My previous mattress was sooo much lighter and stiffer than my current one and changing the bedding was pretty easy. But my current mattress purchased a few … [Read more...]


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Springtime Dining on the Porch with Dario Farruccci’s Ma Maison

Welcome to the 657th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Happy spring! As you can see in the background, the trees are have all fluffed out! I love seeing all the spring green, such a beautiful time of year! I hope you are seeing fluffy trees in your area now, too!   Yes, I'm back with tulips again this week. lol I'm a little hooked on … [Read more...]


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Here’s the List–Books Recommended by Awesome BNOTP Readers

Thanks again for all the wonderful book suggestions you left on my recent post where I was trying to remember the name of a book I had read many years ago in high school. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Trying to Remember the Name of a Book I Read Many Years Ago. I now have an extensive list of books I want to read this summer! Comments continue to come in on that post so check it out if … [Read more...]


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Fast, Easy Recipe for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

One of my favorite parts about visiting with my grandchildren is I get to eat the awesome meals my son and daughter-in-love prepare. My son is the Grilling King and my daughter-in-law, Nancy, creates some incredible recipes from scratch. She's one of those great cooks who can open up the fridge and put together an incredible meal with whatever she finds waiting inside--no recipe needed. I, on the other … [Read more...]


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Restoration Begins After Snowmageddon Wreaks Havoc on This Backyard Paradise

Welcome to the 639th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! This past year has been pretty unprecedented in many ways. Sometimes life feels like a giant test and you never know what it's gonna throw at you next. I don't think anyone could have predicted the crazy Snowmageddon that hit Texas in February. My friend, Teresa, who lives in the great state of Texas, was … [Read more...]


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25+ Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day–Dad Would Probably Like Some of These, Too!

Wow! Thanks so much for all the great book suggestions you left in the comments of my last post! I'm really looking forward to checking out all the books and authors you recommended! Sooo many great recommendations! Also, thanks so much for trying to help me figure out the name of the book I read back in high school that I would love to find again. There was one particular book that was suggested that I … [Read more...]


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Trying to Remember the Name of a Book I Read Many Years Ago

When I was in high school in the 70s, aka the dark ages, and working as a Library Assistant in my school's library (see ancient photo below taken for our school annual) there was a book I read that I would love to find again. Unfortunately, I can not remember the name of it. I think it had the word Nightingale in the title...maybe something like Song of the Nightingale-- something like that. I've Googled a … [Read more...]


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A Beautiful Peacock Inspired Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 656th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Have you ever fallen in love with a beautiful china or dishware pattern, but then had a difficult time using it in a table setting? Then one day it happens--all the elements just click and come together perfectly! That happened to Warren when he came across this beautiful peacock-designed … [Read more...]


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How to Make Whimsical, Floating Teacups for an Alice in Wonderland Party

Welcome to the 638th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! A few weeks back I shared this wonderful table setting Elena created for her daughter's birthday. Elena went with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, a favorite of her daughter's.   As part of the decorations, Elena created these beautiful, magical floating teacups.   Every … [Read more...]


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Creating a Pretty, Little Beverage Station for My Home Office

Do you ever read blogs on the weekends or do you mainly just read doing the week? I often post on the weekend so was just wondering if you like to get a blog post in your Inbox on the weekend.  (Pssst: If you haven't already, subscribe to get an email whenever I post here: Subscribe for Post Updates. It's completely free and will let you know when a new post is up with a link to the blog.) A few months … [Read more...]


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Tulips and Butterflies: Entertaining on the Porch with a Spring Tablescape

Welcome to the 655th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! It's been so pretty and sunny all week, including this morning. But wouldn't you know, just as I was finishing this table setting today, it turned quite dark out. It looked more like 8:00 at night than 3:00 in the afternoon. I'm not complaining, though. We did get a nice bit of rain and we really … [Read more...]


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2 Great Ways to Hide Those Unattractive, Metal Swing Chains

Recently when I shared how I've decorated the porch for spring, I received an email asking about the covers I have over the chains of the porch swing.   You got a closer view of them in this photo showing the large egg wreath I hung on the porch for Easter.   I've written a couple of posts over the years sharing in more detail about these covers which are really just electrical … [Read more...]


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The Most Beautiful Vignette–So Much Inspiration!

I love, love, love when I get an email from a lovely BNOTP reader letting me know that something I have suggested has worked well in their home, too! That makes me so happy! Recently, after sharing my spring porch makeover where I mentioned how much I was loving these realistic-looking, faux tulips, I received an email from Sam.   Sam said, "Once again your recommendation was spot on! … [Read more...]


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Build the Porch of Your Dreams

Welcome to the 637th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Porch season is almost year-round here in the south. If you live further north and design your porch with a fireplace, you may even be able to enjoy some time on the porch during the wintertime. The design of my screened porch was kinda serendipitous, coming together after several months of talking with … [Read more...]


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March Favorites, Update on the Curling Shirt Issue & Adorable Spoons I’ve Ordered

Happy Weekend! I'm popping in today to share a few of my favorites from the month of March. As always, this is an eclectic mix and I hope you find these helpful. One night recently, we had a power outage. Fortunately, it didn't last very long but when it happened, I was so thankful for these little emergency lights that I have plugged in all throughout my home. The second the power went out, they … [Read more...]


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A Delightful Alice in Wonderland, Cheshire-Cat-Themed Birthday Celebration

Welcome to the 654th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Last week I shared a delightful, whimsical Alice in Wonderland table setting Elena created in celebration of her daughter's birthday.   There were little ones present at this birthday celebration, too, so Elena set the cutest table for the kiddos going with a Cheshire Cat … [Read more...]


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Fanciful, Enchanting Decorations for an Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party

On this past Tablescape Thursday, I shared a whimsical Alice in Wonderland table Elena created in celebration of her daughter's birthday. If you missed seeing that enchanting tablescape, you'll find it here: Alice in Wonderland Birthday Celebration Table Setting.   In that post, I also shared the festive way Elena decorated her sideboard for the party.   I didn't get a chance … [Read more...]


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A Screened Porch and Hutch Decorated for Spring and Easter

Welcome to the 636th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Happy Spring! Happy Easter! It was so pretty here this weekend, I couldn't resist playing a bit on the porch. We're in the height of pollen season now so I gave the porch a good cleaning before decorating it for spring and Easter. Hope you enjoy this little porch makeover!   I love tulips, they are … [Read more...]


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A Whimsical Alice in Wonderland Table Setting Featuring Singing-Talking Flowers from the Garden

Welcome to the 653rd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Almost 5 years ago, I posted this delightful table created by Elena, a lovely reader, now friend, of BNOTP. (View that previous table here: Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Party.)   Elena has done it again! Recently, she created a wonderful, whimsical table for her daughter's birthday … [Read more...]


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4 Cheerful Ensembles for Spring and Summer

I love wearing casual dresses during the spring and summer months because they are so comfortable and cool for our hot, humid days. A dress that I purchased last year and really enjoyed wearing was this Lilly Pulitzer dress below called the Ophelia Swing Dress. I love the patterns Lilly P designs for their clothing so was happy to discover last year that they are now making some of their dresses a bit … [Read more...]


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Adorable Bunny Napkin Fold: So Easy and Fast to Make!

Welcome to the 635th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! I have the cutest bunny napkin fold to share with you! I remember seeing a similar fold years ago somewhere and last night I decided to see if I could recreate it from memory.   This has to be the easiest, fastest napkin fold to make! Seriously! It is so easy and takes just a few seconds to make. … [Read more...]


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A New Way I’ve Found for Storing Silver or Silverplate to Slow or Prevent Tarnishing

A couple of months back I shared this wintery-themed table setting for Tablescape Thursday. The centerpiece for this table setting was two silverplate ornament trees purchased from Ross Simon around 20-25 years ago.   View this table in detail in this previous post: A Beautiful Bird-Themed China Pattern for Wintertime.   Since the ornament trees are silverplate, they have a … [Read more...]


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Celebrating Spring and Easter in Soft, Subtle Shades of Tan, Beige and Cream

Welcome to the 652nd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! A few months back Diann, a lovely BNOTP reader, shared some photos with me of an adorable table setting she put together for Easter last year. With Easter just a couple of weeks away, I've been looking forward to sharing it for Tablescape Thursday.   This table isn't exactly your … [Read more...]


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Spring Smiles, Favorite Summer Dresses & Need Sewing Advice for a Problem Shirt

Happy Spring! I hope you seeing some nice weather, it's so pretty here right now. Remember the flowers I used recently in a table setting? The lilies are starting to open and they are sooo pretty!   The birds are pretty happy with our spring weather. I glanced out the window of the dressing room upstairs a few days ago and saw this handsome fella perched on the roof of the front porch. I have … [Read more...]


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A Salvaged Mirror Becomes a Memory-Filled Travel Bulletin Board

Welcome to the 634th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! A few days ago I was chatting in the comments with Cyndi, a lovely BNOTP reader, and now friend, about how much we were looking forward to traveling again in the future. Cyndi mentioned she was so looking forward to it, she had created a “travel bulletin board for posting snapshots of former vacations to remember … [Read more...]


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February Favorites & Beautiful Spring Pillows I’m Eyeing for the Porch

Happy spring! I realized earlier today that I haven't shared my February Favorites, so wanted to do that before we got too much further into March. The weather here has been so beautiful! We've had some early spring rains, but we needed it so I'm not complaining. I hope you are seeing spring weather or at least hints of spring where you live. A little less than a week ago I shared how I had decorated my … [Read more...]


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Mischievous Bunnies in a Spring Garden

Welcome to the 651st Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! This Saturday will be the official first day of spring! I know we may have some chilly days still ahead, but I can't help but get excited that spring is almost here! This week I put together a lighthearted table that would work well for spring or for Easter.   I've been looking … [Read more...]


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A Mini Shopping Haul: What I Found Today in Marshalls

I ventured out today for a bit of shopping. Actually, I was out running an errand to pick up some flowers and decided to stop into Marshalls since this is the time of year they often get in really cute spring decor goodies. I picked up these two pillar candle holders with the idea of using them in a future Halloween table setting. Or, they would work great on a sideboard or chest when decorating for … [Read more...]


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St. Patty’s Celebration with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Ginger Shamrock Shortbread & Irish Whiskey Bars

For this past Tablescape Thursday, I shared a beautiful tea party Selma hosted for the staff at the specialty vet clinic that cares for her sweet kitties. Selma humorously called her party a St. Catrick's Day party since the clinic is just cats. Selma set two tables for the occasion, one in her dining and one in her living room.   If you missed seeing the table she set in her dining room, … [Read more...]


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A St. Patrick’s Day Porch: Fun Ideas for Decorating Your Porch for St. Patrick’s Day!

Welcome to the 633rd Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! We've been having the most amazing weather over the last few weeks. It was 78° out on the porch today and I couldn't wait to get out there and play a little. I turned on the fans overhead--love those soft breezes.   After a bit of cleaning and sprucing, I began adding a few touches for St. Patrick's … [Read more...]


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Bunnies, Butterflies and Blossoms for Spring

So, I have this thing for bunnies. This sweet bunny first appeared in a spring table setting back in 201o and ever since then, bunnies seem to always find a way into my spring tables.   Who could resist that face?!   Over the years I've continued adding to my bunny menagerie, they are great as a spring or Easter centerpiece or for any place you would like to add a bit of spring … [Read more...]


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A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with a Twist

Welcome to the 650th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Last year I shared a beautiful "Sweet 16" Birthday celebration party put together by Selma, a lovely BNOTP reader and fellow tablescape lover. Selma is definitely one of us--she loves entertaining and setting beautiful tables for her family and friends. If you missed this wonderful table below, … [Read more...]


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Toni’s Elegant & Practical Solution to Upgrade Her Desk Space and Closet Storage

Last year, while I was staying with family and helping with my grandsons for a couple of months, you may remember that I purchased a desk to work at while I was there. I actually purchased a couple of desks during that time. The first one turned out to be a bit too shallow for my needs so I ended up purchasing a second one. My daughter-in-law and l were both desk shopping around the same time and I sent … [Read more...]


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My Favorite Products for the Best Shiny & Clean “Afters”

Welcome to the 632nd Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Over the last couple of weeks, I've received several emails from BNOTP readers asking about the various cleaning products I use and have mentioned loving in previous posts. Since it's almost time for some serious spring cleaning, for this week's Met Monday I'm sharing all the products I love and use in my home. … [Read more...]


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Dreaming of Travel to Faraway Places

I'm reminiscing today...dreaming and reminiscing about travel to faraway places. If you are craving a little travel excursion today, check out the following posts. (Click the title of any post to view it.) A Visit to the Giza Plateau, the Last Remaining Member of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World   Dining at Mama's Fish House in Maui, Hawaii   Tour the Belleek Pottery … [Read more...]


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Why I Never Get Anything Done…

A recent morning... Awaken. Need to make bed.   Start to make bed but notice lint on duvet cover.   Go to closet to get lint roller, but find the buffalo-plaid, wearable blanket bought this past winter folded on top of the basket where lint rollers are stored. Oh. Yeah. Remember never got around to finding a good place to hang the blanket after returning from … [Read more...]


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Tablescaping Inspiration for Your St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Welcome to the 649th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! St. Patrick's Day is less than two weeks away! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing a few of the festive tables I've put together in the past for this very green holiday. Hope they provide inspiration for any St. Patty's celebrations you have planned this year.   ☘ … [Read more...]


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Big Sale on Favorite Spring Fashions + Adorable Bee-Themed Dinnerware

A few days ago I took you shopping with me in Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. There were a few more items I saw and snapped photos of that I didn't get to share in that post, so I'm back today with those, plus some spring clothes inspiration that I think you will love. They even brought back my favorite goes-with-everything polka dot shirt! Do you ever watch Shark Tank? This cutting board was … [Read more...]


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Nancy’s Beautiful Porch Addition Helps Keep The Snow at Bay

Welcome to the 631st Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! I love it when I open up my e-mail Inbox and find emails like this one I received recently from Nancy, a reader of BNOTP. Nancy wrote: Dear Susan: I hope all is well. I'm one of your fans and blog subscribers. I have owed you this thank you letter for a long time. I moved into my current house 5 years ago in … [Read more...]


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Shopping the Spring-Easter Dinnerware in Two of My Favorite Stores

I ventured out yesterday to a couple of my favorite shops to see what's new in for spring. The first place I stopped was Pottery Barn. I was surprised to see that they only had a couple of tables set for spring.   I remember this cute floral, Peter Rabbit pattern featuring Peter running and jumping through the flowers from last year.   Doesn't this make you long for … [Read more...]


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Crowing for an Early Spring!

Welcome to the 648th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! A few months back during a long drive home, I stopped into a Cracker Barrel for a break and to stretch my legs with a little walk through their shop. During my visit, I spied this handsome guy and decided to bring him home to join the mini-menagerie of critters I've gradually collected over the … [Read more...]


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Recipe: Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Last week for our Tablescape Thursday party, I shared this beautiful table setting created by Phyllis who blogs at The Relevant Tea Leaf.   Phyllis prepared a wonderful meal for her dinner party, including a delicious Earl Grey Tea Cake served with a London Fog Latte. (A printable recipe for both the Earl Grey Tea Cake and the London Fog Latte are available here: Earl Grey Tea Cake and London … [Read more...]


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London Fog Latte

Last week for our Tablescape Thursday party, I shared this beautiful table setting below created by Phyllis who blogs at The Relevant Tea Leaf.   Phyllis prepared a wonderful meal for her dinner party, including a delicious Earl Grey Tea Cake. (A printable recipe for the Earl Grey Tea Cake is available here: Earl Grey Tea Cake.) Phyllis made each of her guests a delicious London Fog Latte … [Read more...]


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Earl Grey Tea Cake

Welcome to the 630th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! This past Tablescape Thursday, I posted this beautiful table setting created by Phyllis who blogs at The Relevant Tea Leaf.   Phyllis prepared a wonderful meal for this dinner party, including a delicious Earl Grey Tea Cake for dessert. Several BNOTP readers asked about the recipe so I e-mailed … [Read more...]


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January Favorites and How I’ve Been Passing These Cold Winter Days

I'm sooo happy right now. I just looked out the window and though it's almost 5:30 PM, it's still bright and sunny outside! That means the daylight is staying with us longer and longer each day! No wonder the birds have been so happy and singing their little hearts out today--they know spring is on its way! I'm late as usual but wanted to share the few things that made it to my "favorites" list for the … [Read more...]


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Winter Table: Blue Madrid Depression Glass, Earl Grey Tea Cake & London Fog Latte

Welcome to the 647th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Recently Phyllis, a BNOTP reader, had her cousins over for a lovely dinner. I was so excited when she shared these beautiful photos from that event and knew I had to share them for an upcoming Tablescape Thursday.   Phyllis said, "It's very much winter here in Michigan with snowflakes … [Read more...]


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Every Year They Sell Out, But This Year I Caught Them + They’re on Sale!

Seems like every year I miss out on these! For the past few years in early spring, Talbots gets in these pretty jeans that are in the most beautiful shade of pink, and almost every year I miss out on getting a pair because they always sell out so quickly. For once, I've caught them early--plus they are on sale 30% off today in a Pop-up sale! They call this soft pink color, French Rose and it is sooo … [Read more...]


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Kissing Booth, This Way Please!

Welcome to the 629th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Hope you had an awesome Valentine's Day yesterday! If you didn't get to spend it with a special someone, I hope you spoiled yourself and spent the day doing whatever you enjoy most! Elinda, whose lovely tables I've featured previously for Tablescape Thursday, shared some delightful photos with me yesterday of … [Read more...]


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Sparkly Beading is the Star of this Beautiful Valentine’s Day Tablescape!

How about one more Valentine's Day table before we head into Valentine's Day weekend! Maureen recently shared some photos of the beautiful table she has put together this year for Valentine's Day and I'm in love with all the beautiful beaded pieces she's used in her table.   Love the beaded table runner down the center, you'll see a closer photo of it a bit further down in this post. Maureen … [Read more...]


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Porch Dining: A Valentine’s Day Table on a Warm February Day + A Tree Update

Welcome to the 646th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! It was sunny and 70 degrees out on the porch yesterday! Since I stay inside hunkered down this time of year, I discovered it purely by accident when I walked outside to refill all the bird feeders. I was astonished and couldn't pass up the chance to set a table outside. It happens every year, the … [Read more...]


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Beautiful Antiques and Wonderful, One-of-a-Kind Lamps

Recently I noticed one of the lamps on my desk had become a bit wobbly. The next day I dropped it by my favorite lamp shop, Flourish Antiques, to have it repaired. David Puffer, the owner of Flourish, has his lamp shop inside the Marietta Antique Mall. To fill the time while David was repairing my lamp, I took a stroll up and down the aisles inside the mall, snapping photos of some of the beautiful antiques … [Read more...]


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Valentine’s Day Craft: Make a Valentine’s Day Garland or Banner for Your Home

Welcome to the 628th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! A few weeks ago I shared Jackie's beautiful Valentine's Day table along with her dining room all decorated for Valentine's Day. I loved the darling Valentine's Day garland/banner she had hanging in front of the window in her dining room.   You may remember these two close-up photos that I shared of … [Read more...]


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The Weirdest Thing, A “Shocking” Experience & How I Finally Solved It

So I've had the weirdest thing going on the past few months. At first, I thought it was a fluke but when it wouldn't stop I had to seek out a solution. I thought it was worth sharing because 1. It strikes me as kinda funny now looking back and 2. In case you've experienced this, maybe this weird little tale and how I solved it will help somehow. Update: I'm getting a lot comments asking if it's an … [Read more...]


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