One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how much did it cost to build your screened porch? With spring just a couple of months away, I thought I'd share all the details, facts and figures, in hopes it will help answer some of the questions I know many folks have about adding a porch. Having a screened-in porch had always been a dream of mine. We had a small screened porch at our very first … [Read more...]
A Comfy Desk Chair for the Office
February 11, 2013 by 88 Comments
Welcome to the 212th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Were you in blizzard territory? The pictures I've been seeing online are amazing! For this Met Monday, I'm sharing a "comfort" change I made in the office this weekend. It was one I was reluctant to make but finally decided it needed to be done. If you have been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember when I purchased my desk … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day Table Settings: Casual and Elegant
February 7, 2013 by 47 Comments
Welcome to the 231st Tablescape Thursday! For this week's TT, I'm excited to share two more wonderful Valentine's Day table settings put together by my friend, Marie. Marie created these for Valentine's Day but with just a few small changes, they would really be beautiful for any time of the year. Remember the casual eating area located in Marie's family room? At Christmastime the table in that area … [Read more...]
Carbon Monoxide Detectors and a Masked Visitor
February 6, 2013 by 68 Comments
How is that for a crazy post name? I often have things I want to share or blog about, but sometimes it's just not enough to warrant a full post. So today I'm lumping a few things together, thus the wacky title. Recently, I've been feeling sooo tired...just want to sleep, sleep and sleep. I can't make it through the day without taking a nap and even after a nap I'm still tired. Very strange and … [Read more...]
Beautiful Wedding Decorations, Centerpieces, Dresses and Ideas
February 5, 2013 by 74 Comments
Southern Living Weddings Giveaway: Thanks so much to everyone who left a comment to enter the giveaway from Southern Living. Chosen by a random number generator, the winners of the copies of Southern Living Weddings are: Wedding Planning Ideas: Decorations, Centerpieces, Dresses, Venues, Flowers Recently, the folks at Southern Living Magazine sent me a copy of their 2013 … [Read more...]
Restoration Hardware Inspired Bathroom Renovation
February 4, 2013 by 76 Comments
Welcome to the 211th Metamorphosis Monday! I have had so much fun reading your comments on the Downton Abbey Personality Quiz. Y'all know your characters and your reactions to the quiz results were too funny! The comments kept me laughing all weekend as more and more folks took the quiz and left a comment. Thanks to Derrick (aka Lord Grantham) for humoring me and choosing the foxhunt/cigar/billards … [Read more...]
Downton Abbey Personality Quiz: Which Character Are You?
February 1, 2013 by 91 Comments
Recently, a dearheart (thanks Sandi!) sent me a fun link where you can take a quick, 7-question quiz to see which Downton Abbey character you most resemble. I finally got around to taking the test today and guess who I am? Anna, the head housemaid! :) Here are my results below. I had to struggle with a few of the questions...really wanted to pick two answers. Is it wrong when asked how I'd … [Read more...]
Children’s Valentine’s Day Table Setting
January 31, 2013 by 36 Comments
Welcome to 230th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the great comments you left on yesterday's "Brass is Back!" post. You made some amazing points and I so enjoyed hearing your perspective on the resurgence of quality brass pieces in the home. I especially love that so many of you don't let the latest trend pressure you into changing or discarding that which you truly love. If you've been … [Read more...]
Brass is Back, Baby!
January 29, 2013 by 147 Comments
I am a lover of polished brass. There, I said it...right out loud! I'm sure you've noticed, brass has been getting a bad rap over the last few years. Its cousins chrome, nickel and oil-rubbed bronze have squeezed it out as the metal of favor. Now granted, I have seen some not-so-great brass in my days, the kind that looks lifeless and dull, or worse, pitted. But I never really understood why quality … [Read more...]
Natural Fiber Ottoman or Stool for the Office
January 28, 2013 by 107 Comments
Welcome to the 210th Metamorphosis Monday! Last night I happened to turn on the TV while Downton Abbey was on. I can never remember exactly when it comes on so I always end up watching it in bits and pieces over the week as the episode is replayed over and over on PBS. I watched last night until the foreshadowing became too foreboding. An arrogant, know-it-all doctor and talk of swollen ankles was … [Read more...]
