A Big Disappointment, So I’m Going In A Different Direction; Pine Straw Looks Great, Though!

June 29, 2026 by 24 Comments

Welcome to the 909th Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever ordered an item and when it arrived, it looked a bit different than it had online? Maybe the color was slightly different, or the texture wasn't quite what you expected, but it was close enough that you didn't mind and kept the item. Then there are the times when you open the box, and the item looks so different, you are sure that you've been shipped … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Porches & Decks



Escape Artists, Big Yard Projects & The Coolest Looking Driveway!

June 22, 2026 by 22 Comments

Welcome to the 908th Metamorphosis Monday! Things are hopping around here this morning, but before we get into that, look at these two escape artists! A few days ago, late in the evening while I was upstairs working in my office, this was taking place in the sunroom. For the past two weeks, I've been opening a window in the sunroom after having reinstalled one of the screens I removed many months back. I've … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



Would You Use Tru-Vue Optium Museum Acrylic To Frame These Precious Blueprints?

June 17, 2026 by 15 Comments

A few months after I purchased the Dollhouse, one of the previous owners texted to say he would be "dropping something by the house." I was surprised and delighted when the shopping bag he left on the front porch contained two rolled-up blueprints depicting the exterior of the home. I was so excited to have these, and my immediate thought was to have them professionally framed so I could display them … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , ,



Will I Ever Sell My Home In Georgia & Move To The Dollhouse Full-time

June 15, 2026 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 907th Metamorphosis Monday! I am often asked in comments if I will ever sell the Georgia house to move to Ohio full-time. Spoiler Alert: If you don't want to read this post and just want the answer, the answer is—No. There are multiple reasons why I wouldn't want to sell the home I've lived in for the past 36 years in Georgia and move to the Dollhouse cottage in Ohio, but the two biggest … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest



It’s Been 2 Years Since I Moved Into The Dollhouse & It’s Not Been All Roses

June 8, 2026 by 21 Comments

Welcome to the 906th Metamorphosis Monday! The end of May marked my 2nd anniversary of buying this cottage home, a home I often refer to as the Dollhouse because of its many adorable dollhouse-like features. Over the next few weeks, for Metamorphosis Monday, I'll share some of the updates I've made since acquiring this cottage, along with new updates as they happen. One of the first things I did after … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: , , , , ,



7 Updates In 2 Months, Lesson Learned: Give Yourself A Deadline

June 1, 2026 by 15 Comments

Welcome to the 905th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm back at the Dollhouse. The weather for the drive up was perfect! Beatrice and Agatha were so good during the trip; they are such great little travelers. I stopped every couple of hours to let them get out of their carrier so they could potty, eat, drink, and roam around inside the car. After roaming around in the car and checking everything out, I always felt … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes



Musical Lamps Again, And Cats In High Places

May 25, 2026 by 27 Comments

Welcome to the 904th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been playing Musical Lamps again, while the cats seem to be playing a game of Musical Cats. (Remember the old childhood game, Musical Chairs, that was often played at parties?) A while back, I moved this brass candlestick lamp from this chest in my upstairs hall to a different spot where it was much needed.   It was moved to this chest located … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Lighting



A Mini-Disaster That May Have Led To Something Better: Lemons to Lemonade

May 18, 2026 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 903rd Metamorphosis Monday. See these two rascals—they are chaos in fur suits. Ha! It's been at least 40 years since I've had miniature tigers roaming the house. The last time I adopted a cat, he was 3 years old, so fully grown. Kittens are a delight, and part of that delight is their boundless energy, energy combined with multiple sharp knives on the end of each paw, over which they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Before & After, Blue & White Design & Decor



Where Did My Lilly Pulitzer Lamp End Up? Plus, The Most Beautiful Fantasy Bedding!

May 17, 2026 by 8 Comments

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend! This has been one of the most beautiful springs that I can ever remember. Beatrice agrees!   A few days ago, I purchased an adorable Lilly Pulitzer lamp via Pottery Barn. Wasn't sure where I would use it, but I never pass up a cute lamp, especially when it's on sale. It would have worked in several places, but I ended up placing it here in the upstairs … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Blue & White Design & Decor, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Porches, Upstairs Hall



Adorable Lamp On Sale + An Easy Way To Repair Scratches On Wood Furniture

May 12, 2026 by 4 Comments

Before we get into today's post, I have to share something special that I purchased yesterday. There are only a few left so I'm sharing it now in case you would like one, too. As you know, I am a huge lover of lamps. I rarely use overhead lighting in my rooms because I love, love, love how a room, looks under soft lamplight. So whenever I come across a pretty lamp, even if I can't think of a place for it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Big Porch Update: New Wicker-Style Ceiling Fans For The Screened Porch

May 11, 2026 by 11 Comments

Welcome to the 902nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! A few weeks back, I purchased two new outdoor-rated ceiling fans for the screened porch. The original fans that were installed 16 years ago still worked, but they were covered in rust, and parts of the fans were deteriorating. The fans had also darkened with age, so their general appearance wasn't the best.  I wish I had thought to take a photo of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , ,



Best Light Bulbs For A Cozy Paneled Living Room + Added Another Ring Floodlight

May 4, 2026 by 12 Comments

Welcome to the 901st Metamorphosis Monday party! Happy New Week! I hope you had a great weekend! I have a couple of updates to share, including a problem for which I finally found a solution. I've been searching for light bulbs for the lamps on either side of the sofa for months. Initially, I replaced the bulbs with the same brand that had worked well in other areas of my home, and the result was always … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



Ring Installation Fail, More Shelves, Affordable Litter Genie Bags & Kitten Mischief

April 27, 2026 by 18 Comments

Welcome to the 900th Metamorphosis Monday party! I have quite a few random Before and Afters to share today, plus some fun info that I hope you'll find helpful. Recently, I purchased three additional Ring Camera Floodlights for the house in Georgia. I went with the same ones I have in Ohio since they work so well and have great reviews. (Ring camera floodlight is available here: Ring Camera … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



An Update For The Cabinets In The Basement Work Room

April 22, 2026 by 3 Comments

I've been a whirlwind of activity this spring since arriving back in Georgia. It must be the beautiful weather and warmer temps that have me in this crazy "nesting" mode. My latest project this spring has involved the storage cabinets here on this side of the basement. In the past, after buying these SystemBuild Kendall cabinets, I've always gone back and replaced the shelving with higher-quality shelves … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , , , ,



Amazing Deal On Ring Camera Floodlight-Includes Installation! Plus, A Smart Birdfeeder!

April 20, 2026 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 899th Metamorphosis Monday Party! Happy new week to you! I have a variety of goodies to share today, but first on the list is this amazing blackened salmon sandwich I had while dining in the Big Canoe Clubhouse on Saturday. If you ever have the chance to eat there, you will not be disappointed. This sandwich was so good, I was very tempted to order a second to take home to enjoy the following … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding



A Garage Ceiling Makeover: From A Busy Stamped Print To Nice And Smooth

April 13, 2026 by 19 Comments

Welcome to the 898th Metamorphosis Monday Party! In July 2022, this is how my garage looked. My home was 40 years old at that point, and the garage had never been repainted. It still had the same builder-grade lighting, and the concrete flooring was stained from 40 years of cars being housed here. It wasn't a bad garage, but I knew it could be greatly improved.   During July and August of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garage Tagged With: , , ,



Homeownership: It’s Not For Weenies

April 8, 2026 by 49 Comments

When I returned from Ohio, I got a big surprise, and not the good kind. When I looked out a window, I could see a large board lying on the ground in the backyard. What is that‽ I went outside, looked up, and this was what I saw.   When the porch and decks were built 16 years ago, at my request, my contractor pulled the necessary permits before he began work, so everything was built to code. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Porches & Decks



Almost A Cat-astrophe & The Addition of Two Ring Security Floodlights

April 6, 2026 by 25 Comments

Welcome to the 897th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday to you! It's another beautiful spring day here in Georgia, love this time of year so much! We finally got a little bit of rain, which seems to have settled the pollen down a little.  The electricians were here this past Friday to install the new fans I had ordered to replace the existing fans that, after 16 years of service here on the porch, have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches & Decks



New Lamp For The Porch & Big Changes For The Porch Fans! Psst: I Like These Better!

March 30, 2026 by 10 Comments

Welcome to the 896th Metamorphosis Monday! On Saturday, I shared a photo of this outdoor lamp that I had ordered. This lamp originally sold for $133 at Home Depot. I lucked out and discovered it available on eBay for around half that price.   The timing was perfect since the vinyl, wicker-style lamp I'd had in this spot for many years was beginning to crumble and fall apart whenever it was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



A New Dining Set For The Breakfast Room, French Market Style

March 23, 2026 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 895th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope your weekend was a great one and you had time to play and relax! I've been catching up on things around the house. This is the time of year when I open the doors to the screened porch in the early morning to let the cool night air in, then close them as the day starts to heat up, although some days I've been able to leave them open all … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Kitchen & Breakfast Area Tagged With: , , ,



Exploring Kittens & I Can’t Get Enough Of This Book Series

March 16, 2026 by 32 Comments

Welcome to the 894th Metamorphosis Monday! Oh my gosh, it's so good to be back in Georgia! I missed the daffodil blooms; they are completely done, not even a single flower is left. Even the Redbuds are finished. I did see some Redbuds blooming en route home, along with what appeared to be Bradford Pears that were already almost fully leafed out. The kittens have adjusted beautifully to their new digs! I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, BNOTP Library, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



New Furnture For the Breakfast Room In Georgia

March 13, 2026 by 14 Comments

Back when I first moved into the Dollhouse almost two years ago, I was seriously thinking of ordering this table from Rooms To Go. It felt just right for a cottage-style home, and I thought it would be perfect for the dining room. I also loved that I could someday have the back and seats reupholstered in a beautiful fabric to coordinate with whatever drapes/curtains I would eventually add to that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Kitchen & Breakfast Area Tagged With: , ,



Easiest & Fastest Way To Preserve A Puzzle For Framing Without Using Messy Glue

March 9, 2026 by 6 Comments

Welcome to the 893rd Metamorphosis Monday! Many years ago, when I first started doing puzzles, there were a few puzzles that I really wanted to save for possibly framing later. All the methods I came across online for saving a puzzle for framing involved smearing glue over the surface of the puzzle. In the videos I watched sharing this method, it was always mentioned that the glue would alter the look of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Puzzles Tagged With: , , , ,



Training Cats To Wear A Harness/Leash & A Toy I Will Never Buy Again

March 2, 2026 by 43 Comments

Welcome to the 892nd Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever tried to walk a cat on a leash? I've always wanted to try this, especially after seeing cats doing this on social media. Last week, I ordered a harness and leash in the extra-small size for Agatha and Beatrice to see how they would take to this idea. Before I share photos of how that went, I want to share a warning about a cat toy I will never … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



Great Table-Desk For Working Puzzles While Sitting or Standing

February 25, 2026 by 5 Comments

Just a quick post to share how the new puzzle desk/table is working out. In a nutshell, it's working great! Please ignore all the wires—one is for the table, one goes from the modem to my computer, and one is for the power/surge protector for my computer, monitors, and speakers. If you look toward the bottom where the two legs of the table connect to the two feet of the table, you'll notice that the outer … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Puzzles Tagged With: ,



A New Addition To The Movie Room

February 23, 2026 by 8 Comments

Welcome to the 891st Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! Mine was busy but very productive. The rowing machine that I had ordered arrived on Friday, and I finally had the time to put it together on Sunday evening. The instructions were great, so it went together very easily. I used it briefly last night and was impressed with how quiet it is and how effortlessly it glides. It's virtually … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: , , , , ,



Missing My Peloton Bike, So I Bought This!

February 16, 2026 by 13 Comments

Welcome to the 890th Metamorphosis Monday! I was supposed to be back in Georgia by now. The plan was to head back to Georgia right after New Year's, so I could spend the winter there. So why am I not there? Welllll, I ordered a dishwasher in December for installation before  Christmas. When the installation guys arrived, they informed me I needed an outlet installed underneath my kitchen sink cabinet. All … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Getting Organized: No More Searching Through Drawers For Bandages & Ointments

February 9, 2026 by 14 Comments

Welcome to the 889th Metamorphosis Monday! Ever since moving to Ohio, I've had to step up my Band-Aid game. When you live near two active grandsons, and you're accident-prone yourself, you can never have too many Band-Aids on hand. A few days ago, my youngest grandson needed a bandage for a cut on the lower part of his finger. I knew I had the perfect Band-Aid for it, but I couldn't find it since it was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , ,



Big Change To My Hair Routine, Plus, A Small Office Update

February 2, 2026 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 888th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Thank you so much for all your kind words and well-wishes for a speedy recovery from this awful flu that I've been fighting. Other than being tired (didn't get enough sleep last night), I am so much better. All the aches and pains are gone, and now I'm just fighting the lingering head-cold stuff that seems to be left from my battle with the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Making My Own Sunshine This Week!

January 26, 2026 by 15 Comments

Welcome to the 887th Metamorphosis Monday! These are my plans for later today. I bought this puzzle as soon as I heard a storm was headed our way. The nights have been dipping into the single digits, but as I type this, we are at a sunny 13 degrees. (Puzzle is available here: Puzzle for a Snow Day.)   This is what I saw when my Ring floodlight went off this morning at  3:40 this morning. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Just Call Me Sherlock Holmes

January 19, 2026 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 886th Metamorphosis Monday! If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know I tend go from zero to 100 when I find something I really like.  That's pretty much what has happened to me since I discovered Bogg Bags. It all started when I gave one as a gift to my lovely DIL. After seeing her bag in person, I was so impressed with how well it was made, I decided I'd one day buy one for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Cozy, Inviting Setting, Includes A Table Before & After, Too. Pssst: This Dinnerware Would Also Work For Valentine’s Day

January 15, 2026 by 8 Comments

Welcome to the 903rd Tablescape Thursday! Right around Christmas, I had several BNOTP readers share beautiful holiday tables with me. I couldn't get them all posted before Christmas, but they were too wonderful to wait a whole year to share. Jackie wrote, "So I had this wonderful table from when my girls were 8 and 11 (now 32 and 29). They loved gathering around it—we had many family memories/stories. This … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , ,



New Dishwasher, A Solution To Scattered Litter & The Rtic Winter Collection Arrived

January 14, 2026 by 12 Comments

Yesterday afternoon, a replacement Fisher & Paykel dishwasher was installed in the Dollhouse kitchen. If you saw Monday's post, you know that the previous newly-purchased dishwasher was delivered with a defect: the drawers would not line up properly.   I later discovered paperwork attached to the unit indicating that it had previously been involved in a truck accident. Not sure if that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



How Do I Like My 2-Drawer Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher + Updated Kitten Photos

January 12, 2026 by 22 Comments

Welcome to the 885th Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago, I shared the dishwasher I had chosen for the Dollhouse kitchen: a 2-drawer, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher.   If you saw that post, you may remember the interior photos that I shared of how it looked with dishes loaded inside.   I had to have an electrician install an outlet underneath the sink before it could be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Kitchen & Breakfast Area Tagged With: , , ,



Let’s Go Inside The Beautiful Tate House Conservatory!

January 5, 2026 by 12 Comments

Welcome to the 884th Metamorphosis Monday! Today, I'm taking you back to the beautiful Tate House, aka The Pink Palace, in Tate, Georgia. You may recall that a friend and I visited the Tate House in December, when it was decorated for Christmas.   The Tate House, built from a rare pink marble mined from a nearby quarry, is an iconic landmark in Tate, Georgia.   It really is a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes, Puzzles



3 New Additions To The Movie Room, Plus, Washing Dishes By Hand For 10 Days

December 29, 2025 by 36 Comments

Welcome to the 883rd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you have had a fun, relaxing weekend! The past week around here has been a bit crazy. The Fisher and Paykal dishwasher I purchased a few weeks back was supposed to be installed on Friday, December 19. The installers arrived on time but were unable to complete the install, saying that I first needed to have an outlet installed under the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Which Dishwasher Did I Choose For The Dollhouse Kitchen?

December 22, 2025 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 882nd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had an awesome weekend! As I type this, I'm awaiting the arrival of an electrician who will hopefully be installing an outlet in the cabinet that's just underneath the sink area in the kitchen. Why do I need an outlet in that location? Toward the end of November, I purchased a new dishwasher for the Dollhouse kitchen. It was just delivered last week, but … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Kitchen & Breakfast Area Tagged With: , ,



A $100,000 Christopher Radko Christmas Tree!

December 15, 2025 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 881st Metamorphosis Monday! Before we get into today's post, in case you find it helpful, here's what my pest control company did last week to prevent any more squirrels from accidentally falling down my chimney in the future. (Ha! I can't believe I just wrote that sentence!) They added screening all around the opening, as seen in this photo below.   When the workman first … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Home Tours Tagged With: , , , ,



Squirrels In The House & A Nostalgic Christmas

December 8, 2025 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 880th Metamorphosis Monday! Yesterday was a crazy day around here. I wish I had taken some photos, but it never even crossed my mind. I had two squirrels running around inside my home—a Mom and her baby. Earlier that morning, I had come across small pellet-like droppings downstairs and had cleaned them up, wondering if I had a mouse in the house. Within a few minutes of cleaning them up, the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor



Another Beautiful Wreath From Lynch Creek Farms, This One May Be My Favorite

December 1, 2025 by 22 Comments

Welcome to the 879th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend! For this week's Met Monday, I'm sharing the wreath I ordered this year from Lynch Creek Farms. This will be my third year ordering from them. For reference, here are the Christmas wreaths that I've ordered from them for the previous two years.   Sorry about this terrible photo...note to self, don't take … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Seasonal Decor



Decorate Your Kitchen For Christmas With Festive Knob Covers & The Fairy Door Arrived

November 24, 2025 by 11 Comments

Welcome to the 878th Metamorphosis Monday! Yesterday, I shared a Before and After that I recently implemented in my kitchen to solve a problem I've been having ever since I bought a stainless steel refrigerator. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: How I Solved The Never-Ending Fridge Fingerprints Issue. In today's Met Monday post, I'm sharing a few ideas I'm considering for sprucing up the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes



Incredible Kitchen Renovation: So Many Beautiful, Functional Designs & Features!

November 17, 2025 by 17 Comments

Welcome to the 877th Metamorphosis Monday! I am so excited about the wonderful kitchen renovation that I'm sharing with you in today's Before/After Metamorphosis Monday post! You may recall that a few weeks back, I shared Heather's beautiful guest bath renovation in this post: Beautiful Guest Bath Renovation.   Heather and her hubby just completed a major kitchen renovation that is both … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



How Would You Fix This “Holey” Mess In The Butler’s Pantry & Upstairs Bath?

November 10, 2025 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 876th Metamorphosis Monday! I awoke to this scene this morning. Thankfully, it should melt over the next day or two.   A previous owner of the Dollhouse shared with me that the bathrooms, kitchen, and Butler's Pantry were all renovated approximately 20 years ago. I love the renovations, especially the bath renovations that were done in a way that preserved the original 1938 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes



Jackie Has Done It Again! She Transformed Her Home For A Murder Mystery Party!

November 3, 2025 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 875th Metamorphosis Monday! Every year, Jackie hosts an exciting Halloween party for friends and family. Each year, she chooses a different theme. I am always excited to see what she has planned for her guests! Jackie wrote, "Just had my annual event at my home this past weekend. I changed it up a little. It was a Murder Mystery Party called Death of a Gangster. The invitations said: A … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Halloween Decor



Decorating The Window Boxes For Autumn

October 20, 2025 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 873rd Metamorphosis Monday! Toward the end of September, about a week before I fell and injured my hand, I redid the two window boxes on the front of the Dollhouse. It was time for some fall color!   These were the flowers that I purchased, a mix of orange and yellow florals. I wanted to mix in a few pumpkins, too. It took a bit of trial and error to find the right size … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , , ,



Opening Up My Heart Again

October 13, 2025 by 66 Comments

Welcome to the 872nd Metamorphosis Monday! The day you adopt a pet is the day you set yourself up for one of the future worst times of your life. After losing Max over 12 years ago, the pain was so excruciating and lasted so long (really, it never ends), I couldn't bring myself to adopt another cat. As time passed, the pain became more tolerable, but never left.   During the time that Max was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Beautiful Small Bath Renovation—You’re Going To Love This Before & After!

October 6, 2025 by 26 Comments

Welcome to the 871st Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I was chatting via email with Heather, who just completed a wonderful guest bath renovation. Heather's bath is a small one, like the one I've been working on here in my home, so I couldn't wait to see photos of how it turned out. After seeing her photos, I am starting to think these smaller bathrooms are the most fun to renovate! Heather shared two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,



Finally, Progress Has Been Made, Plus, Some Thoughts About Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

September 30, 2025 by 23 Comments

When I purchased the Dollhouse a little over a year ago, this is how the guest/half bath on the main floor looked. The red was striking and a fun look for a small guest bath, but not what I wanted for this space.   Updating this bath has been a slow process, as I've been working on other projects, plus I've encountered a couple of speed bumps along the way. I had an electrician remove the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baths, Before & After



Would You Turn Your Living Room Into A Dining Room?

September 29, 2025 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 870th Metamorphosis Monday! Before we get into today's post, how about a little eye candy to start your week? Last week, I mentioned that I had once again stumbled across the sunroom where I first saw and fell in love with some pretty, scalloped-designed wicker furniture. I knew I had seen it on Instagram, but couldn't remember where until I came across the cover of this book by the talented … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Dining Room, Living Room (Downstairs)



Plantation Shutters For Double Windows: Bifold Design Is Often A Better Choice

September 22, 2025 by 26 Comments

Welcome to the 869th Metamorphosis Monday! First off, thanks so much for all your great input on Friday's post, where I asked if you thought it would be a good idea for me to sell my home in Georgia and replace it with a home in the north Georgia mountains. (If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Should I Sell My Home in Georgia & Buy A Home In This Mountain Community?) It has always been a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , ,



The Blueprints Reveal A Big Surprise For This 1938 Cape Cod Cottage

September 15, 2025 by 13 Comments

Welcome to the 868th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! I hope your week is off to a great start. A few weeks ago, I shared an idea I had been mulling over for the master bedroom in the Ohio house, the house I affectionately refer to as the Dollhouse, since it has so many cute dollhouse-like features. Before buying this house, I had noticed in the real estate photos online that there was only one bedside … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After Tagged With: , , ,



Unique, Beautiful Wallpaper That I’m Considering For My Small Mudroom

September 8, 2025 by 50 Comments

Welcome to the 867th Metamorphosis Monday! A few months ago, I chose this whimsical wallpaper for the 1/2 bath that's located on the main level of the Dollhouse. Why haven't I had it installed yet?   There are two reasons: Reason #1. The wallpaper installer requested I choose the white paint he'll need for the lower half of the wall, and I don't really have a good way to match to the existing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Entry/Foyer Tagged With: , , , ,



Great Dresser, But It Has 2 Defects That May Be Fixable. Welcome Your Suggestions!

September 1, 2025 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 866th Metamorphosis Monday! I hope you are enjoying some rest this Labor Day weekend. We had a fun game day here and chowed down on City Barbecue at halftime. Georgia won 45 - 7, so that was a great game to kick off our very first game day in the movie/game room. For this week's Met Monday, I'm sharing a new addition to my bedroom: a large dresser I put together a few … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After



Hanging Doors, Where Does That Laundry Chute End? Lots Checked Off The To-Do List!

August 25, 2025 by 19 Comments

Welcome to the 865th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope it was awesome! It's been so nice here during the day, the kind of weather that makes you want to get outside for a walk. I managed to get a walk in with family, but mostly I was inside all day Saturday and part of Sunday since I had a handyman here making 7 different repairs. Some of the repairs were small things like adding a small … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Baths, Before & After



It’s Been Two Years Since I Stopped Coloring My Hair, Here’s How It Looks Today

August 19, 2025 by 95 Comments

Over the past couple of months, I've had a few requests to do an update on the journey I've been on to grow out my natural hair color. When I started this process in September 2023, I read and learned as much as I could about how long it would take. One of the bits of information I came across said that hair grows 1/2 inch per month and that it takes a year to reach the ear, approximately 1-1/2 years to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty Tagged With: , , , , ,



The Perfect Corner Storage Bench For My Small Mudroom

August 17, 2025 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 864th Metamorphosis Monday! I have been eyeing this bench for at least a year. I kept wondering how it would look in my small back entry that I often refer to as a mini-mudroom.   This is the spot where I envisioned using it. I noticed in the "Question and Answer" section HERE, someone asked about the depth of the cushion, and the answer was 14.8 inches. The diagram at that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Entry/Foyer, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , , , ,



How The Guest Bathroom Wallpaper & The Bedroom Window Addition Look In Reality

August 11, 2025 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 863rd Metamorphosis Monday! I hope you had a fun, relaxing weekend! Before we get into the main part of today's post, I want to share one small "adjustment" I made to this seating area here in the office, in case you ordered this ottoman and would find it helpful. You may remember that I ordered this charming, scalloped ottoman for this cozy reading area in my office. When I shared it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Bedroom (Master), Before & After Tagged With: , , , ,



Snack Preparatons For Game Day & Changes/Additions To The Movie Room

August 7, 2025 by 39 Comments

Welcome to the 880th Tablescape Thursday! Football season is just around the corner. Are you a big football fan? If so, which is your favorite team to watch? I'm not exactly a huge sports fan, but my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren definitely are. What I am a fan of is parties! lol When I set up the movie room a few months back, I was hoping it would be a great spot for watching sports throughout … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , ,



A Shocking Discovery—The Dollhouse Continues To Surprise Me!

August 4, 2025 by 56 Comments

Welcome to the 862nd Metamorphosis Monday! This house keeps blowing my mind! I've owned this cute cottage home for just over a year now. I thought I had uncovered all its secrets, all its hidden history over its 87-year existence. NOPE! Before I share this recent discovery, I promised you a view of how the front of the house looks with all the new plantation shutters installed.  This also ties in with my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, Storybook Cottages



Teascape With Lenox Winter Greetings, Plus A New Addition To The Office

July 31, 2025 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 879th Tablescape Thursday! Update: The party is now active! Yay! Since I don't have a lot of my dinnerware here at the Dollhouse, I thought I'd combine two ideas together for today's post. On this last day of July, let's enjoy a Christmas in July Teascape, combined with a Before and After. Normally, this area of the office looks like this, but there's been a new … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Office/Craft/Sewing Room, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , ,



Easy, Practical Solutions For 3 Common Problems + A Bonus Tip

July 28, 2025 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 861st Metamorphosis Monday! Do you use doorstops in your home? I've never lived in a home that didn't have those throughout the house where needed—until now. Not sure why, but doorstops were nowhere to be found here in the Dollhouse. I only spotted one when I moved in, a baseboard doorstop that was missing its cap. Unfortunately, the lack of doorstops has led to some damage in a few places, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , ,



Plantation Shutters For The Upstairs Bedrooms & Baths + A Sycamore Bark Palooza!

July 23, 2025 by 29 Comments

Thank you so much for all the suggestions in yesterday's post regarding what type/brand of windows I may have here in the Ohio house, aka, the Dollhouse. I will keep you posted on what I'm able to do with those three foggy windows in the future. In the meantime, yesterday was a busy day around here! My third order of plantation shutters was installed, this time in three upstairs bedrooms and two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: , , ,



Cute Pool/Beach Totes & Need Your Help In Identifying This Window Brand/Manufacturer

July 21, 2025 by 33 Comments

Welcome to the 860th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope your week is off to a great start! I spent an hour or so yesterday removing all the window coverings in the upstairs part of the house since the plantation shutters I ordered for the upstairs are due to be installed tomorrow. I couldn't wait to remove these ancient old shades in the bedrooms and upstairs bath! They are old and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: , , ,



Considering A Putnam Ladder For My Small Living Room Library

July 14, 2025 by 25 Comments

Welcome to the 859th Metamorphosis Monday! Remember this photo from a few days ago—a lot of puzzles and books! The puzzles had been stored on a long shelf at the top of the master bedroom closet. I cleared those out for future/anticipated painting in that closet. The books had been on my office bookshelves, and since I was tired of seeing the three Billy Bookcase shelves bowing under the weight of the heavy … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Living Room (Downstairs) Tagged With: , , ,



Movie Room Updates, Including Some Great Movie Night Snacks & Treats

July 7, 2025 by 27 Comments

Welcome to the 858th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope you had a fabulous 4th! I spent mine with family and it was a lot of fun. I drove up a couple of days in advance to get settled in before all the festivities got underway. I don't often attend fireworks displays because of the gridlock traffic that usually follows, but this year was different. We saw a wonderful fireworks show that was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Little Before/After To Correct An Annoying Lilly Pulitzer Dress Sleeve Issue

June 30, 2025 by 7 Comments

Welcome to the 857th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a little Before/After to share that you may find helpful if you've ever run into a similar issue (that I did) with the sleeves of a dress or shirt. One of my favorite styles from Lilly Pulitzer is their Pilar Tunic. This dress is so cool and comfortable! I enjoy wearing it so much that over the past two years, I've added it to my summer wardrobe in three … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Two Very Different Home Offices In Two Very Different Homes

June 18, 2025 by 29 Comments

Thanks so much for all your great suggestions for outdoor patio/deck furniture brands to consider for my round patio at the Dollhouse! I have a lot of homework to do, checking out all your suggestions. I had no idea there were so many great options! Since returning home to Georgia, I've been thinking about how very different the office in the Dollhouse is from the one here. In this older photo, before I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , ,



Shopping For Outdoor Furniture: Polywood vs C.R. Plastic

June 16, 2025 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 855th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! One of my future goals for the Dollhouse is to purchase outdoor furniture for the patio. That may not happen this year, but I definitely want to do that by next summer. (The photo below is from when the home was listed for sale several years back.)   Here's another view of the patio looking back toward the house. Before … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , , ,



Plans Are In Motion For The Powder Room! It’s Gonna Be Wild!

June 9, 2025 by 70 Comments

Welcome to the 854th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope it was fabulous! For this week's Met Monday, I'm sharing a few updates I've made to the guest bath, along with some big changes that will be coming this summer, if not sooner. This small powder room is located on the main floor of the Dollhouse. Ever since moving in last June, I've been itching to make some changes in this room. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Before & After Tagged With: , , , , ,



New Lighting For Small Mudroom & Basement Stairs, Plus, A Wonderful Surprise!

June 7, 2025 by 12 Comments

Happy Weekend! I have a few Dollhouse updates to share, updates that I've been hoping to have done ever since moving into the Dollhouse. In this photo from when the home was listed for sale several years back, we see the back hallway that leads both out to the garage and around the corner to the basement. The light in that small entry/mini mudroom has been on my radar ever since moving … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After



Choosing The Right Size Pillow Insert For Your Pillow Cover Or Pillow Sham

June 4, 2025 by 6 Comments

When I purchased inserts for the Euro pillows and shams for my bed in 2014, the company from whom I purchased them, Bed of Roses, recommended that I size up 2 inches for the inserts. In other words, if a Euro sham measures 26 x 26, they recommend a 28 x 28 insert. I loved their inserts because they were so substantial and heavy. When they arrived, I could have sworn they were from a design house that an … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: , , ,



Some Fun Additions To The Movie Room + Adding Lights To The Basement Stairs

June 2, 2025 by 24 Comments

Welcome to the 853rd Metamorphosis Monday! We had our second movie night in the recently created movie room and it was so much fun!   The movie kit I purchased a while back included "official" movie tickets that the boys filled out for the invited guests. Attendees weren't allowed to enter the theater until an usher/Maitre d' had taken their ticket, returning the stub as proof of admission. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After Tagged With: , , , , , ,



More Plantation Shutters For The Dollhouse & A Simple Change With Big Results!

May 26, 2025 by 54 Comments

Welcome to the 852nd Metamorphosis Monday! There have been so many updates at the Dollhouse over the past two weeks, both small and large. I often wish things moved at a faster pace. It's easy for me to focus on the things I still desperately wish to get done, forgetting just how much I have accomplished over the past year. Sometimes, to calm my always-plotting-the-next-update-brain, I will walk from room … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Dining Room, Living Room (Downstairs), Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , , , ,



Had The Dollhouse And Its Roof Cleaned—How Did It Turn Out?

May 19, 2025 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 851st Metamorphosis Monday! When I moved into this adorable cottage last June (aka, the Dollhouse) I noticed a lot of deferred maintenance. The couple from whom I purchased the home worked in a job where they knew they would only be here for 2-3 years, and I'm guessing they didn't want to spend $$$ on a house they would only be living in for a short time. In the photo below, a bit of dark … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , ,



Movie Room Is Done, Complete With Pachinko, Popcorn, & Concessions

May 12, 2025 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 850th Metamorphosis Monday! I hope you had a great weekend and spent it doing something you enjoy! Happy Mother's Day! Also, a Happy Mother's Day to all those dearhearts who are wonderful mothers to much-loved furry and feathered friends! You have a Mother's heart, for sure! For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing the final reveal (minus one more lamp and bookshelf fillers) of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, DIY Decorating, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Lots Of Movie Room Updates—Plus, Which Console Basket Do You Like Best?

May 5, 2025 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 849th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! Over the past few days, I've been working on completing the last of the projects here in the Dollhouse basement.  I'm very close now to reaching the point where I feel like the room is done—it just needs a couple of more additions. You may recall from a recent post that the room has looked like this for around 8-9 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: , , , ,



Creating A Home Theater & Media Room: Progress Has Been Made

April 28, 2025 by 39 Comments

Welcome to the 848th Metamorphosis Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! I've been busy as a bee working down in the basement, setting up a theater/movie room, of sorts. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember seeing the next two photos when I shared them in a post shortly after moving into the Dollhouse. If it can be avoided, I've never been a big fan of having a TV over the mantel. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, TV & Movie House Fun



Creating A “Home Theater” In The Basement, Mesh WiFi, & A Wallpaper Sample

April 23, 2025 by 15 Comments

Have you ever set up a Home Theater System before? I can't remember what sent me down this path—wait a minute! Yes, I do! It was the idea of creating a fun place for my grandsons to enjoy when they visit. I've had this idea in the back of my mind ever since I purchased this velvety-soft sectional sofa back before Christmas. Sometimes I feel like a cat chasing a laser pointer. I'll begin work on one project … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After Tagged With: , ,



Beautiful, Whimsical Wallpaper For My Guest Bath & Mini-Mudroom

April 14, 2025 by 46 Comments

Welcome to the 846th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks for all your awesome input yesterday regarding the baskets for the filing cabinet console I recently added to my office. I had to agree with those who left comments saying that neither the 3-basket or the 4-basket option worked well since the 4-basket looked crowded and the 3-basket option looked awkward. I have removed all the baskets for now, so it's back … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Three Baskets, Or Four, For The Lateral File Cabinet?

April 12, 2025 by 102 Comments

I was going to save this update for Metamorphosis Monday, but I'd love your opinion now since I need to make a decision, then return something that I'll be sharing in this post.   You may remember that I recently ordered a lateral file cabinet for the office. It all started with me wanting something on which I could place a lamp. That's often the crazy way I decorate: Want lamp lighting in one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Office/Craft/Sewing Room, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: ,



A Planned Addition For My Office & I Need Help Identifying This Flower

April 7, 2025 by 46 Comments

Welcome to the 845th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! I hope you had an awesome weekend! I have a few Before/Afters to share that are currently in the works. In this older photo of my office, taken before I added the table between the chairs and moved the floor lamp to the sunroom, notice the blank spot on the left wall underneath the windows.   Here's another view of that area the day the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, Lighting, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: , , , , ,



I Bellied Up To An Oxygen Bar In Breckenridge—Did It Help?

March 31, 2025 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 844th Metamorphosis Monday! During the time my son was growing up, we visited Breckenridge, Colorado, to ski a total of three times. During each visit, we would have a little trouble breathing the first two to three days. It was always very minor, not enough to stop us from any of the activities we had planned. I distinctly remember that the only time I noticed the altitude change was when I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



Beautiful Breckenridge, Sleigh Rides & Oxygen Bars For Altitude Sickness

March 24, 2025 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 843rd Metamorphosis Monday! Getting up at 3 AM for an early morning flight isn't much fun, but seeing this sunrise through the plane window helped make up for it.   Our room in Breckenridge was such a wonderful surprise. This is my 4th time visiting Breckenridge and my first time staying in a room with a balcony view of one of the slopes. It only takes a minute to reach the door … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, United States Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



A “Sign” Makeover + The Mountain Home I Stayed In Is Now For Sale

March 17, 2025 by 12 Comments

Welcome to the 842nd Metamorphosis Monday! Several years back I moved this small blue chest to the hallway just outside my upstairs living room/bonus room.   Though the color of the chest worked great in my bonus room, it seemed a bit crowded over in the corner of that room.   Unfortunately, that was the only place it would fit in that room, so I ended up moving it.   I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,



My Crazy Moving Adventure & The Awesome Discovery I Made In The Process!

March 10, 2025 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 841st Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever rented a U-Haul truck before? In October of last year, a few months after purchasing a cottage home near family in Ohio, I needed to move a few pieces of furniture from my home in Georgia to the Ohio house, aka, The Dollhouse. I had just purchased a dining set (table, leaf, and 6 chairs) online for the Dollhouse dining room, and had a wicker dining … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,



The One Thing I Don’t Like About My White Hair & How I Fixed It

March 3, 2025 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 840th Metamorphosis Monday! In early February I received this lovely comment from Helène asking for an update on the hair grow-out process I had blogged about in September 2024 in this post: A Personal Transformation, This One May Surprise You! When I read Helène's comment, I didn't think I had much of anything new to share—it seemed like my hair had been growing super slow during the winter … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty Tagged With: , , ,



2-Drawer Dishwashers: Which Brand Is Best & What Are The Pros & Cons

February 17, 2025 by 33 Comments

Welcome to the 838th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? We were having a tease of spring here in Georgia, but it's gone now and winter is back! This happens every year, of course, that little tease of spring that lasts about a week before the cold returns. At least it doesn't look like what I'm seeing through my RING doorbell in Ohio. I'm so glad I'm not there right now!   I have a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Kitchen & Breakfast Area Tagged With: , ,



A Few Of My 2025 Goals For This Lovely 87-Year Old Cottage, aka, The Dollhouse

February 12, 2025 by 55 Comments

Recently a lovely BNOTP reader asked what my goals or plans were for the Ohio cottage, aka, the Dollhouse, this year.   I do have quite a list of things I would like to accomplish this year, starting here in the kitchen. Last year I replaced the ancient refrigerator that had multiple broken shelves and a non-working icemaker. One appliance down, three to go! All of the other appliances are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , , ,



2 Budget-Friendly Ways To Protect Your Bags From Stains

February 10, 2025 by 19 Comments

Welcome to the 837th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been working on a post all morning, but it is taking a lot longer to write than I had expected. So how about something fun and fluffy, some eye candy for this week's Met Monday! I think this post is going to be a lot more fun than the one I was working on for today. Ha! Many years ago, while shopping in the Hermes Boutique in Atlanta, I came across a bag I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , ,



Out With Old, In With New! Such A Huge Improvement!

February 3, 2025 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 836th Metamorphosis Monday! When I first moved into the Dollhouse, there was a lot of neglected maintenance that needed to be done. One of the first things I dealt with was replacing the garage door opener. The previous owners had never used the garage to house their cars during the two years they lived in the home. Since they moved frequently due to their career, they opted to use the garage … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garage, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , ,