After 8 Years, It’s Time!

May 9, 2016 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 380th Metamorphosis Monday! It was a busy weekend around here. The porch that normally looks like this...   ...and like this...   ...looks like this today. Ruh-roh! Something's up!   The hutch that was full of dishes, now looks like this.   All the dishes are here on the breakfast table. What is going on around here?! After 8 … [Read more...]

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



Decorating and Dressing in Blue & White

May 6, 2016 by 24 Comments

I'm a big fan of blue and white, just find it so beautiful. I've used a lot of that color in my guest room.     Well, no one does blue and white better than the Dutch! When I was touring this outdoor village that I shared in this post: Zuiderzee Museum, I got a wonderful surprise when I walked into one of the buildings there.   The entrance of the building and this room … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Holland & Belgium, Travel Tagged With: , ,



Vintage Style Bins for Napkin Ring Storage Ideas

April 18, 2016 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 377th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all your awesome suggestions and comments on Saturday's post about my upcoming trip to Holland and Belgium! I'm so looking forward to sharing those places with you. I'll be posting throughout the trip, I've heard they have good wifi on board so keeping my fingers crossed it will be able to handle uploading photos. Be sure and follow Between … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage



Granite That Looks Similar To Carrara Marble: Bianco Romano

April 1, 2016 by 33 Comments

Thanks so much for all the awesome suggestions and information you left on Wednesday's post about the bathroom update/renovation I'm starting to plan. It has been so helpful! If you're thinking of updating a bathroom anytime soon, I really recommend you check out the comments on that post because there are tons of great ideas and information about what to avoid in that post. You'll find that post here: … [Read more...]

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



Some Kitchen Updates: A Moen MotionSense Faucet and Soap Dispenser

March 22, 2016 by 24 Comments

I think spring fever has gone to my head! This week I'm getting estimates for tons of things I've been needing to get done. Not sure what all I'll try to do right away and what will have to wait, but tomorrow is the start of a few of the updates. The first update is here in the kitchen. The Grohe faucet I had installed back in 2001 when I completed a modest kitchen renovation, has been acting up over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest



I’m Steaming! Steaming Happy, That Is!

March 21, 2016 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 373rd Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago my sister gave me a My Little Steamer, steamer. She had a very generous and loving nature and often when she saw something advertised on TV that she thought I could use, she would buy it and surprise me with it on my next visit to her home. At the time she gave me the steamer, I wasn't sure how I would use it, but I thanked her and tucked it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest



How to Clean Encrusted Mineral Deposits From Inside a Humidifier

March 18, 2016 by 123 Comments

Lately I've been a cleaning fiend around here. I understand now why you hear so much about "spring" cleaning. When winter begins to fall away and the days start getting longer and warmer, something inside just makes you want to clean and freshen up everything in sight. It's kind of fun to put up away some of the things I've been using this winter, a sign that winter is pretty much a thing of the past. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes



10 Easy Centerpieces Anyone Can Make for a Spring or Summer Celebration

March 10, 2016 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 390th Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing 10 fun centerpieces anyone can make. These centerpieces use common things we already have or items that are usually pretty easy to find in dollar stores and discount shops. The only exception may be the 5th one down, the cookie tree centerpiece, which needs a little tree of some type for display. Hope this gets … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, In the Garden, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , ,



A Dream Outdoor Summer House & Gardening Shed

March 8, 2016 by 25 Comments

I love being outdoors, listening to the birds chirping and feeling the soft breezes as they stir through the trees. I've been known to go outside and spend the entire day there, either digging in the yard or just whiling around the hours on the porch completely lost in a good book. Recently, I came across the most wonderful outdoor space, truly a dream garden. I'm pretty sure when we pass on one day, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches Tagged With: , , , ,



How to Repair a Woodpecker-Damaged Roof of a Lazy Hill Dovecote Birdhouse

March 7, 2016 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 371st Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How was your weekend? Hope it was great! Mine was productive and I'm happy to report that I was able to successfully repair the damaged roof of my Lazy Hill Dovecote and restore it back to the garden in time for the spring nesting season. You may remember a woodpecker (we suspect a Pileated Woodpecker) drilled a huge hole into the roof almost two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , , , ,



25 Things This Charles Faudree Room Taught Me About Design

February 17, 2016 by 68 Comments

I grew up in a very plain, utilitarian environment. My mom was very sick throughout my life, so I'm not sure if she ever had any interest in decorating or design. I'm guessing she would have if she hadn't become sick because she loved creative pursuits like embroidery and crocheting. Before she became so sick and while awaiting my arrival, she crocheted this lovely luncheon set complete with little … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Home Tours Tagged With: , , ,



Velvet Drapes for a Paneled, English Country-Style Living Room

February 8, 2016 by 99 Comments

Welcome to the 367th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you sometimes find yourself putting off a DIY job, even though it seems like a small project? Maybe you're waiting until the mood hits or you're finally ready mentally to tackle it. That's kind of where I've been with hanging my drapes here in the living room. I was thinking about this on Saturday, about why I've been putting it off, and I think I know … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , ,



Ballard Designs Speaks & A Lesson in Drapery Clip Rings

January 29, 2016 by 42 Comments

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend! When I awoke today, I was in the mood to move forward on the drapery project I recently started here in the family room. You may remember this photo where I had draped the green, velvet draperies I found recently in a Ballard Designs Outlet over the tops of my plantation shutters to get an idea how they would work in this room.   The Velvet Dilemma: Ballard … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dining Room, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest Tagged With: , , ,



Sewing Velvet: Are My Curtains Sewn Backwards?

January 19, 2016 by 98 Comments

Greetings! How was your day today? Hope it was a great one! Today has been a pretty productive day around here. I have a little update for you about the velvet drapes I recently purchased for the living room. I also have a question for you! You may remember last week I draped the velvet panels I purchased over the tops of the shutters in the living room to give you a little idea how they might look … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Living Room (Downstairs)



Getting Organized and My Favorite Finds

January 12, 2016 by 68 Comments

After the hecticness of the holidays and with the cold weather officially here, I've been enjoying being inside and "nesting" a bit more. I know a lot of folks really get into the organizing mood this time of year. At first I thought this urge to get organized at the start of the new year was due to it being a whole "turning over a new leaf" thing. But after giving it some thought, I think the reason I find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: ,



How To Get Your Car Out of the Mud: A Roadside Service Fail

January 5, 2016 by 132 Comments

Last Monday I went through one of the worst experiences I've ever had while traveling. In fact, I would say this ranks as the worst. Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea because this story is a bit long. I hope it saves someone from experiencing what I went through a few days ago on a long trip back home. I've had car insurance and roadside assistance with the same company for over 35 years. My insurance … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes



DIY Hot Cocoa Sign for a Hot Chocolate Bar: A Tutorial

December 25, 2015 by 38 Comments

A couple of days ago I shared a Hot Cocoa bar I created out on my screened porch. The bar area included a sign I made that was inspired by a sign I had seen floating around blogland a few years back. After not having any success locating a similar sign, I decided it was time to head downstairs to my basement workshop and make my own. (Inspiration sign and detail views of the Hot Cocoa Bar can be seen in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Winter Tablescapes



Create a Hot Cocoa Bar for Winter Entertaining

December 22, 2015 by 61 Comments

Happy Holidays to you, dear Friends! We're out on the porch today and I know it's a little chilly. Don't worry though, I have just the thing to warm us up. Step right over here and belly up to the bar--the Hot Cocoa Bar, that is. :)   I've been envisioning a Hot Cocoa Bar for years out here on the porch, but I could never quite gather together all the bits and pieces I needed to create it, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Porches, Porches & Decks, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Bathroom Update & Perfume Storage

December 7, 2015 by 90 Comments

Welcome to the 358th Metamorphosis Monday! Please note: If you subscribed for blog post updates and they are no longer arriving in your Inbox, check your junk or spam file, especially if you use hotmail or yahoo mail. I recently changed services for delivering email updates and that always throws off the email servers for a bit. If you find an email in the junk/spam folder, mark it as "not spam" or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), DIY Organization and Storage



In the BNOTP Library: Decorating Secrets by Mary Carol Garrity

October 29, 2015 by 24 Comments

I believe I have every book Mary Carol Garrity has ever written. I was thinking today, I wish she would do one on Halloween decorating. Mary Carol, I hope you see this!   In the BNOTP Library: Decorating Secrets Author: Mary Carol Garrity 3 Things I Like About This Book: In this book, Mary Carol is taking us under her wing and sharing the decorating secrets she's learned from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , ,



An Adrenaline-Charged Morning

October 24, 2015 by 75 Comments

I'm back home! Whew! Let me tell you folks, 11 hours is a long, long time to sit in one small, cramped spot. I was never so happy to get off a plane! I was all set to write a post today sharing some helpful tips on how I survived those 11 hours in the air with my sanity still intact, when something happened that I thought was way more important to share. I hope this will save you major heart-ache down … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes



Refreshing The Porch For Autumn Joy

October 12, 2015 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 350th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm super excited to share a wonderful autumn porch makeover by my friends, Mary and Dave at Front Porch Ideas and More. This makeover has lots of great ideas including no-sew pillows, a DIY table runner and an outdoor furniture makeover done on a budget. Here's Mary now to share how she and Dave, with the help of their darling granddaughter, Millie, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Porches, Seasonal Decor



How To Refurbish A Rusted Old Bistro Set

October 5, 2015 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 349th Metamorphosis Monday! This cool fall weather has me itching to get outside and do a little sprucing up. Lately I've been noticing the bistro table I love to use for outdoor dining was starting to show its age.   I normally use a tablecloth when dining here but the rest of the time the table is uncovered for everyday use.   This set is made of metal. When … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, DIY Photography, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Porches, Porches & Decks



DIY Shell and Sea Glass Chargers

September 7, 2015 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 345th Metamorphosis Monday! A few years back I made these shell chargers to use in beach-themed tablescapes.   I made them after coming across six Pottery Barn chargers on eBay and seeing them sell for over $200!   I've always wondered how they would look with pretty sea glass mixed in, so recently I primed and painted a bunch of old, plastic chargers I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Seasonal Decor, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



Storage Bins & Ideas for Refrigerators

July 15, 2015 by 43 Comments

Do you ever open the deli or crisper drawers in your refrigerator with plans to make a yummy sandwich only to find a yucky mess awaiting you? Maybe on your last visit to the market, you purchased a bag of kale for a green smoothie or some fresh tomatoes in anticipation of a making a healthy salad. But now, as you peer down into the crisper drawer, you discover the kale has decided to transform itself … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , ,



Here I Go Again!

June 24, 2015 by 35 Comments

Greetings! How is your week going? I've been busy working on a few little projects. I'm back at it again, priming and painting old, plastic charger plates.   Recently I purchased a few bags of shells to supplement the last of the ones I still have left from my visit to Captiva and Sanibel Islands 30 years ago.   Ever since I made shell chargers a few years back, I've been … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , ,



In The BNOTP Library: Vintage Treasures

June 6, 2015 by 4 Comments

If you love antiquing, thrifting, flea markets and garage sales, and enjoy decorating and crafting with your vintage finds, you'll love this book. It's filled with lots of lovely collections and beautiful craft ideas.   In the BNOTP Library: Vintage Treasures Author: Jane Cassini & Ann Brownfield   3 Things I Like About This Book: Lots of creative ideas for using vintage … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , , , ,



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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Photography, Travel Tagged With: ,



How To Save Or Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle Without Using Messy Glues

April 15, 2015 by 88 Comments

If you're a jigsaw puzzle lover, chances are you'll occasionally work a puzzle that you'll want to keep and frame. I completed one a couple of weeks ago that I knew from the beginning I would want to keep and possibly frame for sentimental reasons. Nancy Drew and I were best buds when I was around 8-11 years old. I wanted to to be just like her when I grew up! ;) I've never framed a puzzle so I did a bit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Puzzles Tagged With: , , ,



Make A Banner For Spring Decorating: A Tutorial

April 13, 2015 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 324th Metamorphosis Monday! Though Easter is behind us, when Bonnie shared a picture of the wonderful Spring Easter banner she made by hand to transform her fireplace mantel for spring, I knew I had to share it with you! Is this not amazing?!   So many beautiful details!   I absolutely love all the color and pattern! See those cute rosettes along the bottom. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home Tagged With: ,



Froggy Fountain Repair and Makeover

April 6, 2015 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 323rd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Spring! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I spent part of the weekend bringing the plants I had wintered over in the garage, out onto the deck. I'm pushing it a bit since the rule of thumb here is to always wait until after April 15th to plant annuals since there's always a possibility of a freeze before that date. What is the first date recommended for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



My New Addiction, Why Didn’t Someone Warn Me?!

March 24, 2015 by 123 Comments

When was the last time you did a puzzle? I think I was probably 10 years old, maybe younger. Recently I shared some of the whimsical artwork of Charles Wysocki, a talented artist I just recently discovered. While visiting the online store his family maintains since his passing a few years ago, I discovered several of his paintings had been turned into puzzles. I thought to myself, "That's nice." That's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes



How To Remove Odors From A Bag, Purse or Tote

March 16, 2015 by 103 Comments

Welcome to the 320th Metamorphosis Monday! Earlier this past winter when I was working on my winter bedding and was deep into all things plaid...   ...I came across this picture of the Pendleton Weekender bag. It was love at first sight! There was just one problem. The bag hasn't been available for over two years. It was last sold in stores back in 2012. Drat! Don't you hate it when you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Wallpaper In The Entry Foyer: Yay or Nay?

March 4, 2015 by 94 Comments

You know how every now and then you come across a room that just stops you dead in your tracks. Recently, I came across this entry/foyer and was mesmerized. So many things to love in one room starting with the fan light and sidelights surrounding door, the beautiful arched doorways,  that wonderful Dutch door, the antique door-knocker (is that a horse or a fox), the lovely brass hardware on the door itself, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Creative Ideas For Repurposing Bottles and Jars

March 2, 2015 by 75 Comments

Welcome to the 318th Metamorphosis Monday! At some point every summer, I will make a Peach Bourbon Trifle to either take to a party or for one I'm hosting here on the porch. I found this delicious recipe in an old Southern Living magazine many years ago. When I make the trifle, I always use Blanton's bourbon. You can see it in the background of this photo taken when I posted the recipe a few years … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , , , ,



How To Tighten Or Repair Loose Louvers On Interior Plantation Shutters

February 27, 2015 by

Plantation shutters have been a popular window treatment for many years. They offer lots of great benefits like sun control and extra insulation, which really comes in handy when the weather turns super cold like it has been lately. If you've ever shopped for plantation shutters, you probably know that they are usually made of either wood or a man-made product like vinyl or plastic, sometimes referred to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , , ,



How To Repair Chipped or Missing Window Glazing

February 23, 2015 by

Welcome to the 317th Metamorphosis Monday! A few years ago I had the exterior of my home painted, actually it's been about 6 years now. Wow, time has flown by! I was outside filling up my bird feeders recently and noticed something hanging down above one of the windowpanes in the bay window of my breakfast room.   On closer inspection I could see the glazing had cracked away from the … [Read more...]

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



No More Faking It

February 16, 2015 by 104 Comments

Welcome to the 316th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful stories about your Barbour jackets in the comments on Friday's post. I had so much fun reading those. If there's one thing I've learned during the process of researching and finally buying a Barbour coat is that Barbour coat owners love and are passionate about their coats. They talk about them like you would a trusted and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), DIY Decorating, My Nest, Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Day Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,



DIY Burlap Bunny-Ear Napkin Rings For Your Spring Table

February 9, 2015 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 315th Metamorphosis Monday! Last year I saw these cute burlap bunny-ear napkin rings in a cataglog. Ummm, that started the wheels a-turning. I saved the picture to my computer thinking I might try to DIY them some day.   With spring just 5-6 weeks away, I decided to start working on them now so they will be ready for a spring or Easter tablescape.   I already … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Easter Crafts, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Napkin Folds, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



Corral Those Charging Cables With A Charging Valet

February 2, 2015 by 52 Comments

Welcome to the 314th Metamorphosis Monday! I love wireless devices and the freedom they afford us, but that freedom has to take a pit stop every now and then to recharge. I think I may finally have a system I'm happy with for handling the pit stops when they occur. A little over a year ago I shared a solution for managing all the little charging cables on my desk in that semi-hidden area where the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room



A Christmas Present For Your Future Self

January 30, 2015 by 76 Comments

Have you ever started a project thinking you could knock it out in a few hours, only to find it took more like a few days? That's how the revamp of my Christmas storage went this year, but now that I'm done, it was totally worth it. My Christmas decorations, except for the Christmas trees, are all stored here in the upstairs family room.   This quirky F.R.O.G. (finished room over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Organization and Storage, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , , , ,



Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

January 26, 2015 by 96 Comments

Welcome to the 313th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was restful and fun! I been working the last few days in the upstairs family room.   When I put away all the Christmas decorations this year, I decided it was time to get better organized. Each year when it's time to pull out the Christmas decorations, I dread it. This is why. As you can see, it's jam-packed up under … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Organization and Storage



Ready For Spring Planting

January 19, 2015 by 46 Comments

Welcome to the 312th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all the comments left on my last post. I read each one, not just once, but several times. Your prayers, encouragement and individual stories have been a true blessing and they have brought me much comfort over the last few days. So many of you well-know the heartache of losing someone very close to you. I'll be returning to that post to read … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest



Replace Your Old Doorbell For The Upcoming Holidays

November 7, 2014 by 24 Comments

Happy Friday! Got any special plans for the weekend? Will you be doing any DIY projects around the house or maybe decorating for the holidays? Speaking of DIY projects, about a month ago I completed a small upgrade that I'm super excited to share today. I've noticed from time-to-time over the years that my doorbell was looking pretty decrepit. I tell ya, doorbells get no respect. lol They get installed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , ,



A Closet Makeover Marathon

August 25, 2014 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 291st Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of years ago, I opened up a big ole fat can of worms. Have you ever purchased something because it was a great price or maybe it was on sale, then before you knew it, it ended up costing you a lot more than you had planned? I'm not sure if the project I'm sharing today is one you would want to undertake or if it's more of a cautionary tale. ;) I am … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Closets & Pantries, DIY Organization and Storage, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, My Nest Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Rosedown Plantation: In The Butler’s Pantry

July 17, 2014 by 107 Comments

Welcome to the 305th Tablescape Thursday! Pssst: My content area is wider now here at the blog... so horizontal photos are going to look a lot bigger/better. Yipee!  But, I have a question for you about the size of the vertical pictures. You'll find that question part way down in the post. Please leave a comment answering the question regarding the size of the vertical pics you'll see in this post. Let me … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Historic Homes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , ,



How To Repair A Large Hole In Sheetrock Or Drywall

July 14, 2014 by 75 Comments

Welcome to the 285th Metamorphosis Monday! Last December I shared the story behind a mystery alcove located just outside my master bedroom doors. That previous post can be found here: If These Walls Could Talk: A Mystery Alcove. I've always been glad this little alcove was here because it has been the perfect spot for a chest that was once was a changing table for my son when he was a baby. When I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, Closets & Pantries, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest Tagged With: , , ,



Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

July 11, 2014 by 63 Comments

That woman you see, the one walking around muttering and looking distracted...yeah, that's me. I know it has to get worse before it gets better but I still don't especially like it. The porch that normally looks like this...   ...currently looks like this. I just keep reminding myself, chaos is a sign progress is being made. The porch has weathered well for the past six years despite being … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks



How To Make A Tote Bag Centerpiece

July 4, 2014 by 21 Comments

Yesterday for Tablescape Thursday, I created a fun centerpiece using a freebie nautical tote I received recently with another purchase.   Today I thought I'd share how it's created in case you have a tote or bag you would like to incorporate into a centerpiece for a table or for any other decorative purpose. Depending on the type bag you use and what you decide to tuck inside, this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



Choosing The Right Furniture For A Room

July 2, 2014 by 47 Comments

When I moved into my current home around 23 years ago, I knew almost nothing about decorating or furnishing a home. When first moving into a home, it can feel overwhelming and even a little intimidating trying to decide how to decorate all those empty or half-empty rooms. The room that challenged me and perhaps taught me the most about decorating was my family room. I had never bought furniture for a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating



Keep Bats & Critters From Entering Attics With Screening

June 16, 2014 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 281st Metamorphosis Monday! Guess where we are? We're in the attic. Hot up here, isn't it? Well, it is June, ya know. See that brown thing over there? Know what it is? Yup! It's a bat.   About a week ago I went up to the attic to check on something and that's when I spied Mr. Bat. When I first saw him hanging there under the small gable window in my attic, I thought … [Read more...]

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



I Broke The Number One Rule Of Container Gardening

June 9, 2014 by 82 Comments

Welcome to the 280th Metamorphosis Monday! I never did much "container" gardening until I added on a screened-in porch.  My old deck was hotter than the hinges of...well, you know. The west sun beat down upon it every single afternoon making it impossible to sit out there. Forget sitting, you couldn't even walk barefoot out there without risking 3rd degree burns on your feet!  And then there was the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , , ,



Make a Hydrangea Wreath for Spring

May 6, 2014 by 17 Comments

Have you decorated your front door for the spring season, yet? Shhh, don't tell anyone but I haven't either. I love what Christy did with her front door, though! It's beautiful and I'm so glad she's here today to show us how to dress up our door for spring.   Hi, I'm Christy and I am so thrilled (seriously, ya'll) to be guest hosting at Between Naps on the Porch today! I have been following … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , ,



Jazzing Up a Porch For Springtime Enjoyment

May 5, 2014 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 275th Metamorphosis Monday! I love, love, love how the days are getting longer. Okay, the days aren't really getting longer but you know what I mean. The daylight is staying with us more and more and I just love it! With more daylight hours for playing, it's time to get out there and spruce up our outdoor spaces and that's exactly what Mary and Dave from Front Porch Ideas and More did … [Read more...]

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



In the BNOTP Library: Living With Dogs

April 29, 2014 by 7 Comments

I'll be back later today with a post. In the meantime, I'm sharing another one of my fave books from the BNOTP library. You guys know I'm huge animal lover so when I first saw this book, it definitely grabbed my attention. The cover was just so beautiful and included two of my favorite things in the whole world, animals and books. When I realized the book also included some gorgeous interiors, because after … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, DIY Decorating



A Cure for Sagginess

April 28, 2014 by 103 Comments

Welcome to the 274th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was grand! I spent much of my weekend pouring through One Man's Folly, a book I had pre-ordered and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. I rarely pre-order a book but this one sounded like it was going to be amazing from the articles I had read online. Oh, my gosh...is it ever! Such a wonderful book! I have so enjoyed every … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , , ,



25 Denim Bags & Purses Made From Recycled Jeans

April 21, 2014 by 38 Comments

Welcome to the 273rd Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I thought it would be fun to share 25 fab Before and Afters. These "Befores" started out as old, out-of-style or too-worn jeans and turned into shiny, new purses and bags. To get the link for a particular tutorial, just click on the title of that post and it will take you to the post where you'll find the link for the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , , , ,



Build a Cubby Organizer, Pottery Barn Inspired

April 1, 2014 by 78 Comments

If you've been reading Between Naps on the Porch for a while, you know I love organizing "stuff." It's ridiculous how excited I can get over finding cool ways to store those things we need and use each day. It's icing on the cake when storage is actually pretty and decorative in addition to being functional. One handsome storage solution I've been eyeing for a long time is Pottery Barn's Cubby … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , , , , ,



Coolest Woodworking Video Ever: This One’s For the Book Lovers

March 28, 2014 by 36 Comments

Happy Friday! What do you do when you have too many books and not enough bookshelves?   Imagine if a woodworking shop came to life. Even if you're not into woodworking, you'll like this 7-minute video. It made me laughed out loud a couple of times. The clamps were my favorite. Eee-eek, eee-eek, eee-eek. That will make sense in a minute. :) The video below was made by Frank Howarth from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,



A Workbench for the Basement

March 26, 2014 by 76 Comments

I've been hold-up in the basement for the last few days, working on a project that reminds me of the time I decided to teach myself to knit. It went something like this: Gee, I think I'd like to learn to knit. Ummm, what should I knit first? I know...gloves! Yeah, you can imagine how that turned out! Later on, an experienced knitter told me that a glove is one of the hardest things you can ever knit. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes



Peat Pot Spring Baskets, Perfect for Easter

March 19, 2014 by 22 Comments

Easter is only a few weeks away and I'm so excited to share a beautiful Easter craft from my friend Jane who blogs at Cottage at the Crossroads.  Here's Jane to explain just how she made these adorable Peat Pot Spring Baskets. Tutorial from Jane, Cottage at the Crossroads: Have you been noticing those pretty peat pots that people have been decorating? Well, I just had to make some, too, and I'm … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



The Best Way to Protect & Care for Outdoor Wood Furniture

March 10, 2014 by 85 Comments

Welcome to the 267th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! This weekend I was busy adding a bit of protection to the Pottery-Barn-Inspired potting table I made recently. I'm hoping to move it up to the deck soon for spring planting and summer parties and I really don't want to see it become weathered and damaged over the years.   I've never before had to worry about protecting … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



Dimensions and Cut List for a Pottery Barn Inspired Potting Table

February 28, 2014 by 13 Comments

Recently, I shared a tutorial for building a Pottery Barn inspired potting table that can also be used as party buffet server for an outdoor party. You'll find that post containing lots of detailed photos here: Building a Potting Bench Garden Table   I've had a few folks ask for more information about where I purchased the vintage styled wheels and dragonfly hooks, as well as additional … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , ,



Build a Potting Table, Great for Parties, Too!

February 26, 2014 by 146 Comments

Love! That perfectly describes how I felt when I saw this picture of the Abbott Potting Table online. Was it the orchids that lured me in, those wonderful old windows or was it that fabulous potting table? I've always wanted a potting bench or potting table. I was doubly smitten when I realized the table could also function as a serving table for parties! Awesome!  There was just one problem, it was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: ,



Dining in the Library: When Dining Rooms Are Libraries, Too!

February 24, 2014 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 265th Metamorphosis Monday! Thank you so, so much for all the sweet words of congratulations yesterday! If being a grandmother is just half as amazing as you've described, I am in for a wonderful journey! :) I was a bit preoccupied this weekend. Truthfully, I had trouble focusing on anything. I know you understand.  So, I don't have a Before and After from here in my home to share. I … [Read more...]

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



Battery Organization and Storage

February 17, 2014 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 264th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a mini-met for this Metamorphosis Monday, something that's so simple but has me pretty charged. (Har, har...couldn't resist.) I get just as excited about the little improvements I make around here as I do the bigger ones. Do you do that, too?  This was my battery storage system--a gallon size baggy. Pretty sad, huh?   Whenever I needed a … [Read more...]

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



Mr. Rooster Grows a New Tail

January 20, 2014 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 260th Metamorphosis Monday! So, I'm kind of late in sharing this, like a whole year late. The pictures vanished into never-never land in my computer but I came across them this weekend and thought this may be helpful if you have a ceramic something-another hanging around your home in need of repair. About a year ago I purchased a large white ceramic rooster online. Unfortunately, when … [Read more...]

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



Organize Charging Cables with Cable ID Labels

December 30, 2013 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 257th Metamorphosis Monday! My Before and Aftert today is a minor change here in the office. It's a small update but one that has made life a little easier. I love those kinds of tweaks, sometimes they can have the biggest impact. (Psst: If you're new to reading BNOTP, you can see the Before and After for the office in this previous post: Creating a Home Office)   See that … [Read more...]

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



If These Walls Could Talk: A Mystery Alcove

December 17, 2013 by 59 Comments

My home was built in 1982-83 and I'm the third owner. The house was 8 years old when we moved here and I think the first owners lived here around 4-5 years. The second owner from whom I bought the house, lived here for around 2-3 years. I bought it in 1991, so I've lived here for 22 1/2 years now. Even though the home was brand new when the first owners purchased it, they made a pretty significant … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), DIY Organization and Storage, Lighting, Upstairs Hall



Mason Jar Craft: Make a Christmas Lantern

December 13, 2013 by 39 Comments

I love to go on home tours at Christmastime. Years ago when I attended a tour in my home town, one home we visited had pretty lanterns hanging from hooks. They were lining the walkway to the home. I loved how it looked and have always wanted to try my hand at making some for my walkway. I finally got around to doing it this year and guess what? It's easy!  I've made two so far and I love how they turned … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Make Pine Cone Napkin Rings for a Nature-Themed Table Setting

December 3, 2013 by 19 Comments

I absolutely love it when readers of Between Naps on the Porch are inspired by something they've seen here in a post. Recently, I received an e-mail from Terri who had seen something in this past fall table setting that she really liked. Can you guess what it was? I guess the title of this post sort of gave it away, huh?  Tablescape can be viewed here: Woodland or Nature-Themed Table Setting Yep, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Fall Tablescapes



How to Paint Doors Like a Pro

November 4, 2013 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 249th Metamorphosis Monday! One of the most basic DIY jobs we face at one time or another is painting. We've all painted a room or two in our time, haven't we? Paint truly has the ability to transform a space taking it from so-so to sooo beautiful! I've never been afraid to paint walls but doors have always been a bit of a mystery for me. More than once I've painted a door to … [Read more...]

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



Make a Lamp from a Beautiful Vase or Figurine

October 30, 2013 by 52 Comments

Recently Vikki who reads BNOTP, emailed me and shared a wonderful DIY project she had just finished. Vikki came across this blue and white porcelain vase in Goodwill for just $7. Vikki said, "When I saw the vase I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it." What Vikki decided to do was make it into a beautiful lamp! Isn't it wonderful?!  It's just perfect against the blue and white toile … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , ,



5 Denim Projects Made with Repurposed Jeans

October 26, 2013 by 8 Comments

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Thought I'd share what's been cooking over at Denim Do Over this week. Here are last week's posts, all made from repurposed denim, usually old jeans.  You'll find a link to the tutorial in the post, showing how to make each project. Don't sew? Many of the projects at Denim Do Over are no-sew projects! Do you have a denim project you would like to see featured … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing



Broomstick Place Cards for Your Halloween Tablescape

October 24, 2013 by 56 Comments

Welcome to the 267th Tablescape Thursday! A couple of weeks ago I shared this picture from Country Living online. I thought it would be fun to make some of these broomstick place card holders. I didn't see a tutorial for them at CL but they looked pretty easy to make, and they are!   To make broomstick place card holders, you'll need raffia, yarn or jute thread in any color you prefer, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,



Prepping a Room for Paint: It’s Easier Than You Think

October 9, 2013 by 23 Comments

I have always loved the almost instant makeover paint can give a room. But before the painting, there's always the part that we tend to dread--the prep work.  It reminds me of gardening, all we really want to do is plant pretty flowers, but if we don't prepare the soil first, chances are the flowers are not going to look pretty for very long. I used to be intimidated by the idea of repairing a hole or a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Office/Craft/Sewing Room



Goodbye Mildew and Mold, Hello Shiny Clean Porch!

October 7, 2013 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 245th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I shared an update to the front porch area of my home when I added two boxwood topiaries on either side of the porch. From a distance the porch looked pretty clean in the photos. If you look closely though, you'll see grayish streaks on the columns and the molding around the door. This spring and summer has been the wettest I've ever known … [Read more...]

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



Denim Pumpkin: 5 Creative Ways to Decorate a Pumpkin

October 1, 2013 by 46 Comments

It's October and you know what that means! It's pumpkin time! Remember back in the day when the only kind of pumpkins you could find were orange. Now you can find them in so many different colors: blue, gray, green, even white.  And if you're really feeling creative, you can make your own. Recently, I was invited to participate in a pumpkin party with four talented Bloggers. Our only instruction was to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



Paint Your Porch Ceiling, Haint Blue

September 20, 2013 by 92 Comments

When I added a screened porch onto the back of my home five years ago, I was very tempted to paint the ceiling haint blue. For years I had seen homes all over the south with porch ceilings painted a soft, sky blue. I ultimately decided it wouldn't work for my porch because of the gable ceiling. You  may remember this home from our tour of Isle of Hope just outside Savannah Georgia. It's sporting a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , ,



Porch Lighting: Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Lamps

September 9, 2013 by 67 Comments

Welcome to the 241st Metamorphosis Monday! Five years ago when I replaced my seen-better-days-deck with a screened-in porch, I purchased white wicker furniture, including a wicker swing for this space.  I couldn't really find any lamps I liked so I just decided to use lamps I already had thinking I'd eventually replace them with something better. It's only been in the last couple of years that I've … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Lighting, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks



The Office Layout and A Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier for Tight Spaces

September 6, 2013 by 84 Comments

Every so often I get an e-mail from someone who is in the process of putting together an office with the Pottery Barn Bedford furniture and they ask what pieces I used to achieve the layout I have in my home office. It's always hard to answer that question in an e-mail because I had to get creative and go off the grid a bit to make it work the way I wanted. I've been meaning to write about this for ages. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room



A Treasured Heirloom

August 26, 2013 by 142 Comments

Welcome to the 239th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently True Value asked if I would share a story about an "heirloom" piece passed down through my family. Immediately, a special chair came to mind. It's an heirloom piece that played an important part in our everyday life for many years, starting when we moved into our first home, a yellow cottage in a small Alabama town where my husband was stationed on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Inspire



The Mystery Chair

August 24, 2013 by 63 Comments

Take a look at the following five bedrooms. Notice anything they all have in common?  I'll wait while you scroll down and view each one. Source The first three bedrooms were designed by Mario Buatta. The fourth is a bedroom in the home of Designer, Bunny Williams. I'm not sure who designed the last bedroom, wish I knew. Source  Did you notice anything common to all five … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating



Make a Lantern for Summer Parties

August 10, 2013 by 37 Comments

Recently, I came across a photo in a poplar store catalog featuring some pretty candle lanterns.   I loved the lanterns, especially the handy rope handle, so I decided to make my own but with a few changes.   The supplies needed for this project were: a 1 1/2 pint size, wide-mouth jar and a 1/2 gallon jar (Ball canning jars work great), candles, sand, hose clamps, rope, shells, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , , ,



Paint Your Front Door Heritage Red or Peacock Blue

August 7, 2013 by 70 Comments

Recently, I had my front door freshened up with a new coat of paint.  The final coat of paint went on day before yesterday.  We ran into a little problem but finally found the solution...more on that in a sec. I stayed with my beloved, Benjamin Moore "Heritage Red."  I still love that color for a front door. Since the front door was being repainted, I decided to make a few changes.  I decided to remove … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , ,



Erasing the Messy Parts of Life

July 29, 2013 by 125 Comments

Welcome to the 235th Metamorphosis Monday! For this MM, I have a small "Before and After," something that made me a happy girl this weekend. I'm probably the last one on earth to discover this, but I thought I'd share it today in case it's helpful for you. Do you ever get these annoying little scuff marks on your walls?  They just appear, don't they? There must be little gremlins running through the … [Read more...]

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



Outdoor Outlet Switcheroo and A Brown Mulch Decision

July 23, 2013 by 62 Comments

So, I have this outdoor outlet that's been bugging me. When ever I take pics of the front porch for zay blog, it always sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb. The outlet that was original to the house had quit working. When I purchased a new outlet, I thought a white outlet would be a nice change and look good with the white porch. Bad idea. I now realize I basically want the outlet to just … [Read more...]

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



My Fave Yellow Paint Colors: Duron Sugar Cookie and Duron Tea Biscuit

July 19, 2013 by 73 Comments

One of my fave paint colors I go to time and time again is an old, old Duron color called Sugar Cookie.  There's a little story how I first discovered this color. Many, many years ago, through a job I had at the time, I met a delightful lady who was the wife of a professional coach for a local university.  I can't remember now if he was a footfall or basketball coach.  Anyway, when I visited their home, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Dining Room, DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Entry/Foyer, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: , , ,



101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.4: Upholster a Chair!

July 15, 2013 by 64 Comments

Welcome to the 233rd Metamorphosis Monday! I love blogging! I've met so many wonderful dearhearts while blogging and each one has been a blessing in my life. Recently after posting about some crafty things I made from old jeans here, here and here, I received a delightful e-mail from Carol.  Carol wrote: Susan, I follow all of your blogs and we have talked before, you make my inbox a joy to open … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , ,



101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.3: Denim Napkin Rings

July 12, 2013 by 63 Comments

Okay, I'm joking with that post title, but they're probably 101 things you could make or create with old jeans! If you're new to reading BNOTP, recently I cleaned out my closet and found three pairs of old jeans that were out of style and had magically shrunk while hanging in the closet. How DOES that happen?! Since the jeans weren't in the greatest shape, I decided to repurpose them for a fun … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,