How We’re Zooming (and Escaping) While Stuck Inside

If you're stuck inside, my philosophy is you might as well have some fun with it. Over the past few weeks, my grandsons have had a few virtual meetings with their classmates, hosted by their teacher. After a couple of those, I got an idea. I ordered some fun backdrops for their meetings like the one shown below. I also ordered a couple I thought my daughter-in-law, Nancy, would enjoy for some of the Zoom … [Read more...]




How To Refurbish A Rusted Old Bistro Set

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...]




Great Camera For Travel: Sony Cyber-shot RX100

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...]




Adobe Photoshop Tip: How to Remove Unwanted Objects from Photos

Welcome to the 220th Metamorphosis Monday! A while back I took you on a little tour of my home town.  It was around Christmastime and the homes were decorated for the holidays. This house has always been one of my faves.  It reminds me a little of the home in the movie, Father of the Bride.  (You can tour that movie house here: Father of the Bride Movie House Tour) When I used this picture in a … [Read more...]




An Enchanting Blue Hour Sky

In April 2009 I posted a "garden party" table setting out on the porch.   Do you remember this tablescape?  The flower pots are actually Oreo "Dirt" Cheesecake dessert.   The chargers  for this setting were large terracotta saucers, the type that go under terracotta pots.  The little elastic band on the garden gloves acted as napkin rings.  (You can view this garden party table setting and get the recipe … [Read more...]




Photography Tips for Better Blog Photos

One of these days I'm going to write a post and title it: The 10 Things I Wish I Had Known When I First Began Blogging."  If I ever write that post, "master the manual setting on my camera" will be at the very top of the list.   In fact, it will probably be #1 on that list.  As proof, let me give you exhibit A, this picture of my guest room below. Not only did I share this photo of my guest room, this … [Read more...]




Eye Candy for Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine's Day!  Did you get a chance to visit the wonderful Before and Afters posted for yesterday's Met Monday?  I was once again blown away by all the wonderful talent and creativity in Blogland! I started to name today's post, "Hijacked" because this post started out with one topic and it kind of morphed into something else.  You'll see what I mean in a sec. If you've been reading BNOTP for … [Read more...]




9 Tips for Better Blog Photos

Over the past year I've gotten a lot of emails/comments asking if I would share some information about taking photographs for blogs.  I've been a bit reluctant to write this post because I'm totally an amateur in every sense of the word when it comes to the subject of photography.  But I'm happy to share what I have learned.  Just please keep in mind, I'm still learning, too. I'm writing this post as if … [Read more...]




Photography Equipment: What I Use and Love

Photography:  That's a subject I never had much interest in until I began blogging.  I think there are a lot of bloggers out there who could say that.   Once you begin blogging and/or reading blogs, you become acutely aware of just how important the pictures you post really are, especially if your blog is about design, decorating or any topic where photographs are critical in conveying the topic and meaning … [Read more...]




Candlelier Silhouetted Against a Blue Hour Sky

From time to time I've shared this deck that's located to the left of the screened-in porch. This deck area is underneath a pergola and has a large candlelier hanging above. I really love this outdoor fixture. I bought it right after I added the porch and decks HERE a few years ago. It came from a store (Smith & Hawken) that has unfortunately gone out of business. You can still buy some of their … [Read more...]




Your Blue Hour Pictures

Welcome to the 69th Metamorphosis Monday! Metamorphosis Monday: Last Met Monday, I shared a metamorphosis of the sky as it goes from daylight to evening to the Blue Hour. If you aren't sure what the "blue hour is" click HERE to read last week's MM post. Many of you were excited to capture your own blue hour pics. Thanks for sending those pics my way so I could share them with BNOTP readers … [Read more...]




The Secret of the Blue Hour

Welcome to the 68th Metamorphosis Monday! A Sneaky Metamorphosis...The Blue Hour Tonight, I thought I'd share something very cool I only recently learned about.  It's something I find totally fascinating! Remember this Garden tablescape? I created it one summer out on the porch for Tablescape Thursday. (View this previous table here: Garden Party Table Setting.)   This table setting was … [Read more...]




Victorian Photo Album with Beautiful Old Photographs

Welcome to the 33rd Metamorphosis Monday! My Met Monday post for today is a "reverse" Met Monday. I'm showing you the "After" first...then I'll show you the "Before." I came across this old, old Victorian style picture album around 20 years ago. I believe it may date back to the late 1800's. If you have any information about these type albums, please share it in your comment. I'd love to know more … [Read more...]




Photography That Will Make You Hungry…

Take a look at these amazing pics! Nice, huh? Well here's the shocker...all the items shown in these pics are actually FOOD! These scenes are the work of Carl Warner and they are all created using only food! If you look closely you can identify the food used to create them. Is the river (or ocean) chocolate milk? Can you imagine the time it took to do all these?! I read at the artist's website … [Read more...]