The last time I went on a cruise with Carnival Cruises, I was 19 and had just graduated from high school. How do you like the dress? It was a long dress, all the way to the floor. Seeing it now makes me think of the Lilly Pulitzer maxi dresses that were so popular this summer. My hair was long, too--down to my waist. Remember those days? I think it's time to go on another cruise and this … [Read more...]
Great Camera For Travel: Sony Cyber-shot RX100
June 1, 2015 by 58 Comments
Welcome to the 331st Metamorphosis Monday! Whenever you plan a trip, especially if it's your first time traveling to another country, it's inevitable that you're going to need to buy a few things. Fortunately, my shopping list is pretty short. The main items I need before heading off to Italy in the fall are: Secure travel purse √ Comfortable walking shoes that aren't sneakers (I've been told by … [Read more...]
In The BNOTP Library: Porch Parties
May 30, 2015 by 1 Comment
I love, love, love Denise Gee's books. This is the second one I've shared, the first being Southern Cocktails. Her books are always my go-to source when I'm planning a summer party and want to serve a special party drink to surprise my friends. In the BNOTP Library: Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes and Easy Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining Author: Denise Gee 3 Things I Like … [Read more...]
A Screened Porch For Ocean Breezes
May 29, 2015 by 10 Comments
What better place to have a screened-in porch than at the beach! When Carla and her hubby were building their beach home, Carla came across BNOTP. Carla said, "We just finished our house at the beach last summer. While we were building, I found your blog, and you convinced me that we needed to make our back porch bigger. I am SO glad we did!" I asked Carla for a tour of her wonderful … [Read more...]
5 Spring & Summer Table Settings
May 28, 2015 by 27 Comments
Welcome to the 349th Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing five tablescapes from summers past. These were all fun tables to create...hope you enjoy! Click on the title of each table setting (or the photo) to view that tabelscape in detail. Monkey Business Whimsical Kitchen Bridal Shower Tablescape A Romantic Dinner For … [Read more...]
In The BNOTP Library: Blue & White In Your Home
May 27, 2015 by 12 Comments
I've always had a serious crush on blue and white decor. Even when paired with yellow. Blue and white table settings are a fave, too! (Tablescape can be viewed here: Navy and White Nautical Table) Over the years I've gradually collected a few books about decorating in blue and white. I always keep an eye out for them and every so often I do a search on … [Read more...]
Beautiful Gibbs Gardens in Ballground, Georgia
May 26, 2015 by 14 Comments
Saturday a friend and I had a late breakfast at Ducks Kitchen in Decatur, GA. If you find yourself in Atlanta sometime, check it out. Be sure to sample their homemade baked goods. Delish! After breakfast we headed up to Ballground, Georgia for a tour of Gibbs Gardens. Gibbs Gardens is privately owned and is a dream project the owner, Jim Gibbs, had in his heart for 30+ years before it finally reached the … [Read more...]
Replace Your Deck With a Fabulous Screened Porch
May 25, 2015 by 26 Comments
Welcome to the 330th Metamorphosis Monday! Have a deck that you rarely use? Maybe it gets the "way-too-hot" west sun like mine did. Or, perhaps when you head outside, blood-thirsty mosquitoes move in and do their best to turn you into their personal buffet. This past March Cindy decided to replace her deck (shown below) with a fabulous screened-in porch. Cindy said, "Our porch was … [Read more...]
In The BNOTP Library: Paula Deen’s Savannah Style
May 22, 2015 by 11 Comments
Recently we took a tour of Paula Deen's home in Savannah. I mentioned in that post, that though I like Paula's current home a lot, I really loved the home she previously lived in. I had seen photos of that home in Paula's magazine many years ago. Also, Paula wrote a book in 2010 and when it arrived, I was happy to see she did include lots of pictures from her own home in addition to tours of several … [Read more...]
Nautical Tablescape with Shell Chargers and Fish Flatware
May 21, 2015 by 50 Comments
Welcome to the 348th Tablescape Thursday! It's sunny and gorgeous out today, how about a beach trip? This week's tablescape was inspired by flatware I purchased this past January. Do I hear "Jaws" music? Ummm... Small lanterns at each place setting echo the larger candlelit lantern in the centerpiece. I wish I had thought to add a little white sand in the … [Read more...]
