I'm always scoping out the latest decorating, gardening and entertaining books and oh my goodness, I've come across some scrumptious ones lately! Click the title of any book to read more about that particular book. The Gentleman's Farm: Elegant Country House Living If the book is anything like the room pictured on the cover, I can't wait to get my hands on this one. The reviews look good, … [Read more...]
What I’m Packing For Travel During Shoulder Season
March 13, 2017 by 46 Comments
Welcome to the 424th Metamorphosis Monday! I had hoped to post photos of the hat rack I ordered back on February 25th, installed here in the office. Unfortunately, it still hasn't arrived. It's coming from Bulgaria and the last time I looked, it had finally made it to the U.S. and was in New York. So since I can't share that little before and after, I thought I'd share how I'm packing for my upcoming … [Read more...]
A New Travel Handbag & Tiffany Butterfly Glasses
March 11, 2017 by 60 Comments
See that chicken over there, the one running around without a head. It's name is Susan. ;) I'm sure that's how I've looked the last few days as I've been running errands and completing last-minute preparations for my trip to Morocco. I'm usually not a putter-offer, also known as a procrastinator. When I need to get something done, I usually get on it. But one thing I've been putting off for ages is … [Read more...]
Dining on the Porch with a Whimsical Spring Table Setting
March 9, 2017 by 85 Comments
Welcome to the 442nd Tablescape Thursday! It was such a beautiful, warm day out on the porch, I couldn't resist putting this week's table there. I haven't decorated the hutch for spring yet, but when I do I'll most likely use my Ma Maison dishware by Dario Farrucci. It's always my favorite for spring and summer. I decided to use some of the larger pieces in my … [Read more...]
The One Part of Travel I Always Dread and a New Tactic for Managing It
March 4, 2017 by 47 Comments
Email Update: I just noticed today that the company I use to send out emails for BNOTP, has been using the wrong return email address. It's been changed to the correct one which is [email protected] . So please add that address to your "approved contacts" or your email addresses. That will help to ensure that you'll receive email updates when a new post is up here on the blog. If you're one … [Read more...]
A Beautiful Table Setting to Honor a Special Life
March 2, 2017 by 45 Comments
Welcome to the 441st Tablescape Thursday! Elena planned a special Valentine's Day table this year. She wanted it to be extra special for her family, especially since her sister Anna would be attending. Anna had a heart transplant in January 2000 and during the past year she had been very sick. Unfortunately, Anna didn't have the opportunity to attend this special dinner in person, … [Read more...]
When You’re on Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part II
February 28, 2017 by 51 Comments
Thanks so much for all the comments on Sunday's post where I shared many of the animals we saw during our safaris out into the Kenyan bush on a trip to Africa in fall, 2015. In this second post, I'm sharing a few more of the beautiful and amazing creatures we saw during our many game drives. We came across so many groups/families of elephants while out on safari. There were always babies around so we … [Read more...]
Hat Drama & Decorating with Hats
February 27, 2017 by 49 Comments
Welcome to the 422nd Metamorphosis Monday! Did you know there's such a thing as hat drama? lol Okay, I'm being silly but I have had a bit of drama over the past year with finding and holding onto the right hat. Back in the fall of 2015 when I was planning a trip to Kenya, I did a lot of research about what I should take with me on the trip. One oft recommended item was a hat for sun protection. Since … [Read more...]
When You’re On Safari, It’s All About the Animals: Part I
February 26, 2017 by 44 Comments
In September 2015, I took a six-day trip to Kenya. While there I stayed at the beautiful safari camp, Mahali Mzuri, where we took two game drives each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That trip was the first time I had ever traveled to another country and though it was brief, every single moment was filled with wonder and enchantment. It's All About the Animals I've blogged and shared … [Read more...]
Bunny Hopping Into Spring
February 23, 2017 by 56 Comments
Welcome to 440th Tablescape Thursday! We've always had a soft spot in our hearts around here for cats and bunnies. When my son was very small, we had a sweet bunny named Phineas. Phineas was a much-loved bunny and even enjoyed cuddling with our hamster, Ralph, nearby. So when I stumble across a cute bunny bowl, I can rarely resist. A few weeks ago I shared this adorable … [Read more...]
