Welcome to the 476th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the wonderful suggestions yesterday regarding where to shop for a Christmas tree. I am going to check them all out over the next few days. I'll be sure to let you know what tree I end up buying. All this talk of Christmas trees has me dreaming of Christmas. Years ago, we used to collect Department 56 houses. I still have them all, though … [Read more...]
Clark Griswold Is At It Again! Get Your Back-up Power Source Ready!
November 9, 2017 by 103 Comments
This Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Isn’t What I Expected
November 7, 2017 by 235 Comments
Update, December 3, 2019: I'm adding an update to this post today, two years after I first published this post. I just looked at the 1-star reviews at the Balsam Hill website, and two years later they've still never posted my 1-star review. If you look at the 1-star reviews there, you'll see a big gap between the years/dates of the negative reviews. Since they've never published my review, I am highly … [Read more...]
Closet & Door Updates: Small Storage Bench for Putting on Boots and Shoes
November 6, 2017 by 44 Comments
Welcome to the 458th Metamorphosis Monday! So what do you think? This door was a struggle! I'll spare you all the details, but here's the final finish. This was the "Before" with a cat door that was no longer needed and the other side badly scratched up by a previous home-owners dog. The new door was installed, and unfortunately cut too short by the installer. So sadly, … [Read more...]
Finally Chose a Christmas Tree and We’re Shopping in Sundance!
November 4, 2017 by 37 Comments
Happy Weekend! Well, I finally did it! I finally pulled the trigger and ordered my very first Balsam Hill Christmas tree. It arrived yesterday and is currently setting on the floor of my entry, awaiting its unboxing. I'll do that today to make sure everything works. Not sure when I'll decorate it, there's plenty of time for that still. After much angst, this was the one I chose, the … [Read more...]
3 Wonderful Halloween Tables & Tips for Creating a Spooky Mist with Dry Ice
November 2, 2017 by 22 Comments
Welcome to the 475th Tablescape Thursday! Over the last few days I've received some wonderful photos from BNOTP readers, sharing the amazing tables they put together for Halloween this year. Norma's Spooky but Elegant Halloween Table Norma created an elegant black and white table with beautiful silver accents. Notice how she used simple, white dinnerware. If you've got a basic set … [Read more...]
A Time Saver, A Comfort Addition & A Bit of Whimsy for the Christmas Holidays
November 1, 2017 by 40 Comments
Hope you had a fun Halloween evening! I had a lot of Trick or Treaters, as usual. I think it grows every year. I had over 75 last year so I purchased even more candy this year. I lost count, but I think I exceeded last year's numbers. The ones who are trick or treating for the first time are so adorable! Halloween has always been one of my most favorite holidays because I have such good memories of Trick … [Read more...]
How to Get a Sample of Any Paint Color, Even Older Colors No Longer Available
October 30, 2017 by 41 Comments
Welcome to the 457th Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever come across a great paint color online, perhaps on a blog or on Pinterest, only to discover it's an older color that's no longer available? I often get emails or messages from BNOTP readers asking how they can get the color formula for the yellow paint I've used in so many rooms of my home. This yellow is an older Duron color … [Read more...]
Cozy Inside this Rainy, Blustery Weekend
October 29, 2017 by 30 Comments
It's been a cold, blustery, rainy weekend, definitely feels like winter has arrived, even though it's still just fall. After putting out suet for the birds and making sure the feeders were all filled, I've been doing a bit of online shopping for myself and for Christmas. I always like to get a head start because Christmas gift shopping and wrapping is the one thing I can always get done … [Read more...]
Noritake Xavier Gold: Perfect for an Autumn or Holiday Table
October 26, 2017 by 78 Comments
Welcome to the 474th Tablescape Thursday! Too cold to create a table setting on the porch this week... ...or, on the new seating area on the deck. Since we're inside in the dining room for this week's Tablescape Thursday, it's the perfect time to share a candlelit table with a cozy, autumn feel. This table wanted to become everything. It wanted to be a … [Read more...]
Critters on My Feet, Part II
October 25, 2017 by 35 Comments
Recently I shared a photo of some adorable scuffs I had purchased for my daughter-in-law and for myself. I got the raccoon version for myself and the kitty version for her. I've enjoyed these scuffs so much, I couldn't resist buying one more pair. This time I went for the moose! I took this photo outside because they are a subtle forest green that's hard to capture inside. I love wearing … [Read more...]
