Shopping The Winter Sales Including One That 50% Off!

If you have Spode Woodland dinnerware and use it this time of year...     ...Spode has a charming woodland flatware set that's perfect with their Woodland pattern dinnerware.     The design is beautifully detailed and is currently available here: Spode Woodland Flatware. You'll find Spode Woodland dinnerware place settings on sale 10% off here: Spode Woodland … [Read more...]




Stunningly Beautiful Rooms: This Book Would Make A Wonderful Christmas Gift

I have always been a fan of Ralph Lauren fashion. I used to regularly stalk the Ralph Lauren and Lauren Ralph Lauren section in Macy's and Dillard's back when shopping at the mall was a thing. Do people still shop in malls? I should do that one day for old times' sake. I loved the RL style, especially his fall/winter collections. I still have this tweed jacket that I purchased a gazillion years ago. RL … [Read more...]




My 2025 Winter Survival List

It's starting to get pretty cold here at night. Though spring and summer will always be my favorite seasons, as I've gotten older, I've begun to appreciate the fall and winter months more and more. My favorite part of winter, other than the holidays, is the much slower pace of the winter months. One thing I do not like is how dry my skin feels once the heat starts running. All my humidifiers are back in … [Read more...]




Favorite Sweaters, Including One That Took A Full Year To Come Back In Stock

Before we get into today's post, I wanted to share the results of my recent appointment with an orthopedist who is a hand specialist. He took a look at the X-rays from the ER and said that the 4th metacarpal on my left hand is broken. I wasn't surprised since that's the area that is swollen and still hurts. Actually, several spots on that hand still hurt, but they are all gradually getting better. The … [Read more...]




My September Favorites & A Not-So-Favorite Injury And Visit To The ER

This month is zooming by, can't believe it's already the middle of October! Are you feeling the cooler temps where you live? The leaves have really started changing color here in Ohio, and the temps have been all over the place. Definitely feeling like fall! Before we get any further into October, I wanted to share my September favorites. But first, a little explanation on why posts may have been short … [Read more...]




Opening Up My Heart Again

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...]




Today’s The Last Day To Catch The Prime Day Deals & More Of My Favorites Are On Sale

The Prime Day sales end today, so I've been checking to see if any new things have been added to sale. I'm very tempted by these Skechers that are slip-ins. I recently badly injured my left hand, so trying to tie my sneakers is a challenge right now. They look incredibly comfortable and have great reviews. You'll find them available in a bunch of different colors here: Skechers Women's Slip-in … [Read more...]




Here Are A Few Of My Favorites That Are Currently On Sale For Prime Day!

The Prime Day sales started today, so I've been scoping them out to see what's included in the sale. This is a great time to get a jump on Christmas shopping.  These beautiful solar lights that I have along my walkway in Georgia are currently on sale.   I love them so much, I added them alongside the steps that lead to my patio here at the Dollhouse. I'm amazed at how well they have held up … [Read more...]




Shopping The Fall Clothing Sales & I Found Some Beautiful Pieces!

I've been waiting for this! Every autumn, Talbots comes out with a beautiful line of fall clothing, and it's usually in gorgeous traditional autumn colors and plaids that I find hard to resist. In today's post, I've gathered together a few of my favorites, along with some other great finds that caught my eye. Talbots is also having a fabulous sale. The sale will give you 40% off any regular-priced item … [Read more...]




Your Favorite (And Most Asked About) Charger Plates Appear To Be Available!

Welcome to the 887th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I had someone ask about these pierced charger plates that you've often seen me use in table settings over the years.   Of all the table-related items I've ever shared, I've received more questions about these charger plates over the years than about anything else I've used in a table setting.   I purchased these charger plates … [Read more...]




It’s Officially Fall & I’ve Done Some Shopping For The Upcoming Holidays

Fall sneaked up on me this year. I just realized yesterday that the autumnal equinox officially arrived on Monday. With fall officially here, I've been thinking more and more about the upcoming holidays. In today's post, I have a mix of seasonal and holiday favorites to share. I also solved a mystery concerning the scallop-designed ottoman in my office—more on that toward the end of this post. Did you … [Read more...]




Halloween Hoodie + Updates For the Movie/Game Room, Including Additional Seating

This should probably be a Metamorphosis Monday post since it's filled with some fun updates. It seems like I'm always tweaking the movie room, especially now that football season is here. When my son, DIL, and grandsons are here for a movie, my grandsons always want to relax and munch on the freshly popped popcorn from the comfort of the two gray, overstuffed chairs. But when it's game day, I've noticed … [Read more...]




Shopping The Fall Clothing Sales & Found Some Amazing Deals

I love shopping the fall sales, and there are some really great ones happening right now. I started working on this post yesterday, and unfortunately, the sale appears to be ending today. If I didn't already have so many spring-style raincoats, I would have to get this one. I love the floral design!   So fresh and pretty with yellow and white tulips. This jacket was $159.95, but now it's on … [Read more...]




My August Favorites, Plus The Movie Room Got A New Layout For Game Days

We had our first "Game Day" in the movie/game room last weekend. Usually, when I share this room, the sectional sofa is in this configuration.   Since there were more of us watching the game than normal, I broke out the various sections to spread out the seating. The younger ones (my grandsons) mostly played games on their iPads or played ping-pong out in the driveway.   I … [Read more...]




Replacing My Older, Smaller Napoleon Bee Flatware, Plus A New Dinnerware Purchase.

Welcome to the 883rd Tablescape Thursday! Many, many years ago, I'm guessing 12-15 years ago, I came across Napoleon Bee flatware on the Neiman Marcus website. I had never seen this flatware before and was immediately smitten. That may have been around the time it was first in production, not sure. It happened to be on sale, but even on sale it was quite expensive. After it arrived, I was dismayed to find … [Read more...]




Taking Stock Of Winter Must-Haves Since A Blast Of Polar Air Came Down For A Visit

When I awoke this morning, it was 53° outside. I actually turned on the heat in my office for a few minutes to take the chill out of the air. Afterward, I pulled out one of my winter hoodies to wear. Just before turning in last night, I came across a video online where the weather guy was saying that the reason it feels like October in August in so many areas is due to an "upper-level trough coming from the … [Read more...]




Cooler Temps Have Me Thinking About Halloween & Fall

The weather has drastically changed here this past week. I'm sure we'll have a few more warm days ahead, but the cooler temps the last few days and this morning mean autumn is on its way. I had a handyman here working today, and while he was hanging a door and making various repairs, I spent some time online checking out the Halloween and Fall decor. There are some super cute new things available this year! … [Read more...]




The Perfect Corner Storage Bench For My Small Mudroom

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...]




Sale on Sale, Too Good To Resist!

A good friend texted me on Wednesday to let me know about the awesome sale that's currently underway at Talbots. Thanks, Teresa! I didn't have time to shop the sale yesterday, but today I took a look, and the sale is still underway. What makes it so good is that it's a sale on sale, so clothes that were already on sale are now an additional 60% off.   Going through the Sale on Sale, these are … [Read more...]




My July Favorites, Plus A Special Release That Won’t Last Long

I have a random and fun variety of favorites from the month of July, so let's dive in. Last month, I added several new tops and dresses to my summer wardrobe. Not having enough hangers, I ordered these. In Georgia, where I have a lot more closet space, I've been using the thicker, wooden hangers from IKEA, but with smaller closets here, these have been great. Like wire hangers, they take up very little … [Read more...]




The Summer Sales Are Hot! Here Are Just A Few Of My Faves

The summer sales are in full swing now. This is a great time to take advantage of the end-of-season sales as we move through August. A dress I've had saved at Amazon for a while now is this pretty, all-cotton dress with eyelet details. It's available in 6 colors—the pink and the blue are my favorites. The price is awesome at just $41 here: Pink Cotton/Linen Dress.   Love this embroidered … [Read more...]




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

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...]




Christmas In July Favorites

Have you been noticing all the fall, Halloween, and holiday decor that's starting to appear in stores? I once asked about that when I was shopping in a Hobby Lobby, why they put holiday stuff out so early. They said that a lot of crafters start shopping during the summer months to be ready in time for the autumn and winter holidays. That made sense so now I don't get so annoyed when I see those goods in the … [Read more...]




Luxury Designer-Style Scallop Rattan Furniture, Without The Luxury Price

I had another post planned for today, but I made the most awesome discovery yesterday that I had to share! I have long admired the beautiful designer, scallop, rattan pieces that I've been seeing online and in decor magazines, but I've always been put off by the prices. Just a simple ottoman was often well over $1,000, and larger pieces were $2,000 and up! Thankfully, someone has found a way to make these … [Read more...]




My June Favorites, Including Fashion, Home Decor, Gifts, and Personal Hygiene

Several months back, I purchased a couple of adorable lamps for the kitchen since it doesn't have undercabinet lighting. Actually, it has a couple of fluorescent lights in each corner, but even after changing out the flashing/blinking tubes, they still do not work. One of my goals for this year is to add undercabinet lighting to this kitchen, but as a make-do for now, I added a couple of cute lamps. I've … [Read more...]




It’s The Last Day For The Prime Day Sales & Here’s What I’ve Stocked Up On Today

Since today is the last day of the Prime Day sales, I've been checking out the deals today and have stocked up on several items that I order on a regular basis. Before we get to those, these beautiful solar lights that I have along my walkway in Georgia are currently part of the Prime Day Sales.   I've had them in Georgia for 2-3 years now, and they are still going strong. I've enjoyed them … [Read more...]




12+ Favorites That Are On Sale Right Now For Prime Day

If you've been waiting for Prime Day, it's officially here! I've been checking out the deals today and have taken advantage of some of the really good ones. Today, I'm sharing the things I already own and feel comfortable recommending, along with some of the things I'm considering that have really good reviews. A few months ago, I had an Ecobee Smart/WiFi Thermostat installed upstairs in the Georgia … [Read more...]




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

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...]




These Are My Favorites From The Sale, Including Those That Are Double Discounted

Come along and see what I'm loving in the current Talbot's sale! It's a really good one! Instead of just the normal 40% off any 1 item that they occasionally do, this sale is 40% off everything, even those pieces that are already on sale! Love that! So, you know I'm a huge fan of shirts that have a coordinating collar and cuffs.   This shirt is already so pretty, the coordinating cuffs and … [Read more...]




Two Very Different Home Offices In Two Very Different Homes

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...]




Summer Favorites & An Incredible Sale On Sale!

I've been shopping the summer clothing sales, and there are some really great ones happening right now. Before we get to the sales, I have to share this top that I discovered today that reminds me so much of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer tops, but for a whole lot less. I love the design and the color! You'll find this pretty floral top available here: Pretty Summer Top.   Love the color of this … [Read more...]




My May Favorites, So Many Great Ones To Share This Month!

Last month, I made some awesome finds that I have really been enjoying. In the post I shared recently about the guest bath, I forgot to mention one change I made in that room. When I first moved into the Dollhouse, I had to come up with a sneaky way to store TP in this room since the sink is a pedestal sink. I ended up purchasing the cute, woven basket that's visible in the picture below. It is designed to … [Read more...]




11 Favorite Gift Ideas For The Guys, These Would Be Great For Father’s Day!

With Father's Day just a week away, today I'm sharing some of my and my son's favorites, in case you're looking for that perfect Father's Day gift or a great gift for any of the guys in your family. The Yeti Tundra cooler is always at the top of my list when looking for a gift the guys (or the gals) will enjoy. It's awesome for camping and fishing trips or just hanging out in the backyard. My son and his … [Read more...]




A Bit Of Sunshine And Whimsy On A Rainy Day

With the almost constant rain we've been having over the past few weeks, I have been wearing my favorite rain boots a lot! They are the perfect solution for keeping my feet dry while running errands on messy, rainy days! I know a lot of you have been experiencing this never-ending rain in your area, as well. The forecast keeps tricking us here, forecasting a week of sunshine that somehow always ends up … [Read more...]




Shell Chargers Are Back—Plus, Ideas For Your Beachy-Nautical Themed Tables

Welcome to the 870th Tablescape Thursday! I'm so looking forward to setting some beachy/nautical-inspired tables this summer! I'll be heading back to Georgia in the next few weeks, and the first order of business once I arrive home will be to dig the porch (and the porch table) out from under the foot-deep pollen that I'm sure awaits. Argh. I may need a shovel just to get started! Once the porch is … [Read more...]




Decorate For Spring: Here’s What I’m Buying For My Home & Garden

Those three full days of sunshine we had this past weekend have fired me up for some summer decorating! Of course, the rains and dark clouds have returned, but I have faith that the sun will be back again soon. It's almost June, it has to come back, right?! I am crazy about these adorable solar bee string lights! I am going to order some for either my sun porch or for the garden. They would be so cute in … [Read more...]




Favorites Shoes For Spring & Summer, Plus A Find For My Guest Bath

Yay! We have sunshine today, and we had it yesterday, too. That's two days of sunshine in a row! We are on a roll, and I am so happy!  Ha! It really is starting to feel like summer is on its way. I have some spring/summer pretties to share today that I know will put a smile on your face. Before we dive into summer, I need to share this awesome find. Several weeks ago, when I was attending one of my … [Read more...]




All My Favorite Styles For Spring & Summer, Love This 40% Off Sale!

Talbots is having an awesome sale and I can't think of when I've seen so many things that I'd love to add to my wardrobe for summer! I've tried to limit this post to just those that I really, really love since there are so many. I have this thing for white, all-cotton, cardigan sweaters, and they are almost impossible to find. I can usually find them with a small percentage of cotton, but rarely do I … [Read more...]




My April Favorites, Including Cherished Old Loves

When I share my favorites each month, I normally share those favorites that are recent purchases. My sun necklace is not a recent purchase, but one I've been wearing so much lately. This necklace came in two sizes, and initially, I purchased it in its smaller size. Later I regretted not getting it in the larger size, so a few years ago, when I discovered it was finally back in stock again, I sold my smaller … [Read more...]




Tissue Holders For Organizing Remotes, Glasses, Pens, & Often Used Items

One of the items I always try to include in every room in my home is a tissue holder. When you feel a sneeze coming on, there's no time to run to another room for a tissue. Plus, having tissues available nearby comes in handy for so many reasons, from small spills to runny noses. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember a post from a few years back where I shared the many different tissue … [Read more...]




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

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...]




10+ Absolute Favorites for Summer—Can’t Do Without These!

The temps in Ohio haven't exactly been consistent, but we are definitely seeing a lot more warmer days than chilly ones now. Some days have been so warm, I finally had to run the A/C here in my office. So I've been bringing out alllll the summer things, including my favorite fan. When I purchased this fan last summer for the office, I liked it so much that I bought a second one for my bedroom. I love … [Read more...]




Is This A Redbud Tree & What I’m Loving In The Talbots Sale That Ends Today

The weather can't make up its mind here, but the flowering trees and the flowers that are coming up in my garden know that spring is here. I can't wait until it gets warm and stays warm! Talbots is tempting me with a really good sale right now that's 40% off any one item and 30% off everything else. I love the colors in this striped top—so fresh and pretty for spring. Vertical stripes can be so … [Read more...]




My March Favorites: A Lot Of Variety, Including One That Will Probably Surprise You!

Last month was a busy month that involved a lot of traveling. I returned to Ohio, only to board a plane a few days later for a week-long trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, with family. Some of the purchases I made last month (and love) were connected to travel, but not all of them. One item that I purchased and was thankful to have was this Luggage Scale.   I knew before I left the house exactly … [Read more...]




Shopping Historic Breckenridge & Favorites From Amazon’s Spring Sale

Today we walked the short 10-minute stroll into town to have lunch and do a bit of shopping in the beautiful historic area of Breckenridge. I didn't expect to find so many cute things!   I purchased an adorable pair of P.J. Salvage flannel pajamas (wearing them now!) and the coziest hoodie I've ever touched from a brand/store named, Alyth. I can't wait to start wearing it!   The inside … [Read more...]




A New Coat For Breckenridge & Some New Additions In The Kitchen

Happy Friday! I'm back at the Dollhouse, having driven up on Wednesday. Yesterday was the first official day of spring! Yay! It's been beautiful here, a little chilly, but otherwise, really nice. I have a few new additions to the Dollhouse kitchen to share, but first I wanted to share a jacket I just purchased at L.L. Bean. Unfortunately, it's not on sale, yet. Based on the reviews, I think it's been a … [Read more...]




All My February Favorites, Do You Use Any Of These?

One thing I've been sorely lacking in the Dollhouse kitchen in Ohio is drinking glasses. I have a lot of elegant stemware and glassware for special dinners and holidays, but do not have anything that's appropriate for every day. I've been making do with some colorful, solo cup-style glassware that I bought many years ago that is similar to these "redneck" solo cup wine glasses below. I wish I had a photo to … [Read more...]




Note-worthy Spring Sales, Including The Ones I Couldn’t Pass Up

Happy Spring! I have some spring pretties to share with you today, some I couldn't resist and have purchased, and others that I'm considering. Recently, I shared an adorable Love Shack Fancy Stanley Cup I had purchased, my first one ever.   After that purchase, I discovered Love Shack Fancy has some pretty popular perfumes. Not wanting to purchase a full bottle without first trying them, I was … [Read more...]




I Finally Succumbed—Stanley’s Blooming Heirloom Won Me Over

If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know I'm a huge Yeti fan. I really like their coolers and over the years I've collected quite a few tumblers. They are always coming out with new colors which makes it tempting to pick up another one. I think my favorite color that they've produced is Powder Pink, although, if I could only have one Yeti tumbler, it would be white. Their white tumblers are so … [Read more...]




Favorites Dresses and Jewelry For Spring—I Couldn’t Resist & Ordered The Daisy Dress!

When I'm not running around in white shorts and colorful tops during the summertime, I love wearing light, airy dresses during the summer. I love how comfortable they are and find them even cooler in the summertime than shorts. I've been dress shopping this week and here are some of my favorites in all price ranges. This cotton dress is super affordable and available in so many colors including white. It … [Read more...]




2 Budget-Friendly Ways To Protect Your Bags From Stains

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...]




My January Favorites & Preparing For An Upcoming Ski Trip

I can't believe January is over and we are already a full week into February! I was thinking back today on all the things I enjoyed and was thankful for this past month and my warm mist humidifier was at the top of the list. The nights I forget to fill it up and turn it on, I really notice it the next day because I don't sleep as well and I wake up more during the night. Thankfully, I rarely forget to run … [Read more...]




7 Adorable Bunnies For Spring Decorating, Mother’s Day & Baby Shower Gifts

Last week I shared a fun table setting that included adorable bunny cupcake/dessert holders found in Pottery Barn several years back. I remember seeing similar stands somewhere else just a few years later, but couldn't remember where. Thanks to Sheri for jogging my memory!   In an e-mail, Sheri shared this cute bunny dessert stand she found a few days ago. I think it's slightly larger than the … [Read more...]




Amazing End Of Season Sale, 70% Off!

One of my favorite stores is having an awesome FLASH sale right now! I think it ends at midnight unless they extend it, so I'm making this post short on words to get it published before the sale ends. The sale is amazing with 70% off so many things. I think everything I've linked to in this post is currently 70% off which shows up once the item is in the bag. To give you an idea of how great this sale is, … [Read more...]




A Small Office Update That’s Had A Big Impact

Welcome to the 835th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a simple Before and After this week, but it's an important one. Back around August of 2022, I purchased a new desk chair for my home office/studio.   This chair has been great and is super comfortable. I've really enjoyed it! (Chair is available in 3 colors here: Comfy Desk Chair.)   Off and on over the past few months, I started having … [Read more...]




6 Times I DIYed What I Could Not Find Or When The Cost Was Too High

Welcome to the 851st Tablescape Thursday! Since I will be on the road driving all day either tomorrow or on Friday (depends on the weather/road conditions) I'm posting this week's Tablescape Thursday a day early. Several of these projects are table, summer dining, or entertaining related, so now would be a great time to start planning if any of these projects sounds interesting to you. Have you ever come … [Read more...]




More Favorite Winter Survival Gear Ideas, Part II

We had another good-sized snowstorm yesterday; I can't believe how much snow we've had over the last week. It was so much, I had to have the driveway and walkway cleared again. I rarely go anywhere when there's even a hint of snow, but it is nice to know that if something comes up, I can get out if needed. I have a tallish pair of snow boots here that I purchased a few years back but never had the need … [Read more...]




My Winter Survival List, Part I

We didn't have a white Christmas, but the snow did find us a few days ago. It left a nice little dusting that has lasted for several days. With more headed our way tomorrow and Monday, you know I'm employing all my favorite winter survival tips and techniques! lol had originally planned to head south right after New Year's, but family suggested I stay through my birthday that's coming up around mid-month. I … [Read more...]




November Favorites, Including A Way To Hide Annoying Cords, Plus A Bonus Find!

Not too many things to share from November, but the ones I am sharing are great finds! There's a bonus find at the end of this post, something that hasn't arrived yet but should arrive today. Hope it works well for where I want to use it—more on that in a minute. One of my favorite finds last month was this solid wood, somewhat rustic table to go here between the two reading chairs in my study. I want this … [Read more...]




18 Unique & Unexpected Gift Ideas For Friends & Loved Ones

Yesterday I placed two birdfeeders in my backyard. This morning I awoke to a light dusting of snow and a beautiful chorus of birdsong. I hung the feeders from the limb of a tree that's located at the very edge of my driveway in the back, and the birds were having a blast! I went out briefly to make sure the snow hadn't completely covered the seed on the feeder where the seed is somewhat exposed. I sprinkled … [Read more...]




Christmas Home Tours & The Start Of Creating A “Theater” Room In The Basement

Welcome to the 828th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! It was a really busy one here with Christmas festivities and home tours. We lined the streets of our community with paper bag luminaries and it looked really beautiful! Unfortunately, I had a gigantic limb fall off the tree in my front yard a couple of days prior. It was out on the curb awaiting pickup—kinda bad timing … [Read more...]




My Favorite Black Friday Finds For Everyone On Your List

There are so many great Black Friday deals going on today! If you're shopping the sales, here are some of my favorites. I really love this Vineyard Vines merino wool, quarter-zip sweater. I've bought their sweaters in the past for my son and he always loves them. A few years back I bought one of their sweaters for him for Christmas that turned out to be a favorite. The next year when I saw him wearing it … [Read more...]




Hanging 13 Wreaths, This Year’s Front Door Wreath & Loading Up The Sleigh

Welcome to the 826th Metamorphosis Monday! It's been a busy week as I prepare to head north again. I started to hang the wreaths on the windows earlier in the week and found them all painted shut. Even though the painters had the windows slightly raised when they painted the exterior this past summer, the windows still managed to weld themselves shut during the intervening months.   Thankfully, … [Read more...]




What I Bought During The Early Black Friday Deals—Never, Ever Thought I’d Buy This!

I made a rather big purchase for the basement in the Dollhouse recently. As I was thinking about that choice this morning, it reminded me once again how so many of the choices I make when decorating a room are guided through raw emotion and fantasy. I know that sounds weird, but some rooms do that to me—immediately bringing a scene into view, like a motion picture playing in my head where I can envision the … [Read more...]




My Faves For Holiday Entertaining & An Advent Calendar I’ve Stalked For Years Is On Sale

Are you busy decorating and planning for the upcoming holidays? It was definitely a wake-up call for me when I stopped by HomeGoods a few days ago and found it packed with happy shoppers. It made me realize how close the holiday are upon us! You could really feel the excitement in the air; everyone seemed to be in such a great mood! One of the first things I always look for each year as the holidays … [Read more...]




Sharing These Before The Sale Ends Tonight, Including This Year’s Adorable Bag

Welcome to 824th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a few other Before/Afters I could probably share today, but I am big-time in holiday shopping mode right now. I visited HomeGoods yesterday and picked up several goodies that you'll see in some upcoming posts. I couldn't believe how crowded it was, it looked like the day before Christmas! People are really, really in the holiday mood now and I love it! Last … [Read more...]




My October Favorites, Including Some Possible Gift Ideas

Happy Almost Weekend! It is so beautiful here in Georgia right now. The weather is stunning and the temps are going to reach 83° today! I need to get outside in this glorious sunshine for a bit. I hope it's beautiful where you are today! I have some awesome favorites to share from the month of October. Hope you will find these helpful! One of my favorite shampoos and the one I've used the last few times … [Read more...]




My 2024 Winter Survival List…Including Some New Favorites!

If you've been following BNOTP for a while,  you know this girl is not the biggest fan of cold weather. I am always on the lookout for anything that will make getting through the coldest days of fall and winter easier and more fun. Fall is such a gorgeous time of year and winter has its charms, as well. I want to experience all of the beauty in warmth and comfort. Here's a brief list of some of my … [Read more...]




It Has Turned Cold & I’m Craving A Warm, Cozy, Snuggle-Worthy Wardrobe

It has turned very cold here in Ohio. The lows have been in the 30s at night. It's been almost that cold in northern Georgia, too. Though I don't like cold weather, I do like an excuse to wear warm, cozy sweaters. I've always had a soft spot for snowflake sweaters! This is one of the prettiest ones I've seen, love the design! It's currently on sale 30% off here: Snowflake Sweater.   One of my … [Read more...]




A “Smelly” Before and After, How I Store My Perfume Collection

A few weeks back I shared a little update I wanted to make in this upstairs bath. Notice the cabinet on the wall to the left in this photo from when the home was listed for sale a couple of years ago.   Right after I first moved in and began exploring various rooms, as soon as I opened this cabinet in the hall bath that is located just outside the master bedroom, I thought how perfect it … [Read more...]




My September Favorites for Met Monday, Plus 3 Tempting Items Currently On My Wish List

Welcome to the 819th Metamorphosis Monday! Whenever I'm at the Dollhouse, there are always a lot of Before and Afters to share. If things go as planned this week, I'll soon be sharing how the dining set I ordered looks in the dining room. One update I made recently for the Dollhouse dining room was adding silk-wrapped bulbs to the dining room chandelier. Here's how those style bulbs look in the dining room … [Read more...]




Retiring & Replacing An Old Flag, Plus 2 Bits of Really Good News!

I love it when I'm out walking and pass by a home proudly displaying our country's flag. I've always wanted to fly the American flag on the front of my home in Georgia, but the only place that a holder could be mounted is on one of the columns, and the columns are round in shape. I've never found a holder that I thought would work properly on a round column, plus I had some issues a few years back with the … [Read more...]




Finally Tracked Them Down & They Are Just What I Needed For My Kitchen

A little over a year ago, my son and daughter-in-law completed a full renovation of the kitchen in their charming, 100-year-old home. The renovation turned out beautifully! If you would like to see the 1970s version of their kitchen before its renovation, plus all the changes that were made, you'll find that link at the end of this post. One of the updates that took place during their renovation was the … [Read more...]




A Favorite Addition For The Dollhouse Office & Mystery Puzzles For Autumn & Winter

I tried to resist, I really did. I even tried to borrow it! What am I talking about? When I last visited the Dollhouse, I  really wished I had my puzzle board with me. I had come across some intriguing mystery puzzles and was itching to try my hand at one. I don't have a table at the Dollhouse that's large enough to put together a 1,000-piece puzzle, and even if I did, working puzzles on a puzzle board has … [Read more...]




How I Protect My Car’s Seats From Denim Transfer Stains During the Fall And Winter

A few years back I noticed dark blue coloring on the leather seats of the SUV that I had at that time. I came to realize it was from wearing dark jeans. Fortunately, I was able to get it off with my favorite super cleaner. I think that's when I first discovered this super cleaner—when I was trying to find a way to remove denim transfer off the leather seats of my car. I use this Super Cleaner for so much … [Read more...]




6 Major Purchases That Could Not Wait: What I Purchased & Why

When I bought a second home a few months back, I wasn't sure how long it would be before I moved there full-time. So I had some tough decisions to make about what to purchase for the home right away, and which things could wait. After thinking it over, I did what I always do when I'm in an unfamiliar situation and not exactly sure where to start—I started with the "knowns." In my mind, there were two … [Read more...]




It’s Sale-on-Sale Time & This Is What I’m Loving For Fall!

I love it when Talbots does a sale on sale! They have an awesome flash sale going on right now that's in addition to another sale they've been running. Their Flash sale is buy one, get one 50% and if you spend $200 you get another $50 off! Here are some of my fall favorites that I'm considering in this sale. I've always loved Talbots shirts that have the contrasting collars and cuffs. They are my favorite … [Read more...]




All My August Favorites, It Was A Big Month For Outfitting The Dollhouse!

August was the month I bought a lot of things that I really needed for the Dollhouse, mainly items for my office and kitchen. As much as I have tried to not duplicate things that I already own back in Georgia, there were some must-haves, need-right-now items that I didn't mind duplicating. Starting here in the hallway that leads to my office, the anti-skid pad that I purchased to go under the runner is … [Read more...]




Sad To See This Collection Appears To Be Going Away

Welcome to the 832nd Tablescape Thursday! It has been a busy morning here so I'm running way behind. Thought I'd give you an update on the kitchen and share something I'm excited to see is back, but in limited quantities. The kitchen currently looks like this. The repairs have been completed after the recent issue where the hose to the icemaker decided to spring a leak. I'm so happy to see the wall whole … [Read more...]




Knocking It Out Of The Park for Autumn! Love These Colors & Styles!

I have to say, the algorithm on Instagram knows me well. A few days ago it flashed up some fall inspiration from Coldwater Creek, a store I haven't shopped in for quite a while, and I loved everything I saw as I scrolled through! Sadly, the Coldwater Creek location near me closed a few years back, but thankfully, I can still shop there online. Do you still have any locations open near you? I was so … [Read more...]




Another Dollhouse Upgrade—Wish I Had Done This Sooner!

Over the years, I have really enjoyed having a Ring doorbell at my home in Georgia. It has captured some fun moments, in addition to being handy for knowing when a package has been delivered. Also, if working and the bell rings unexpectedly, I love being able to talk to the person at the door to see who it is and what they need. I've found that it saves a lot of unnecessary … [Read more...]




Pumpkin Tureens For Fall, Toasty Chicken Pot Pies, & My Favorite Labor Day Sales

Welcome to the 831st Tablescape Thursday! A while back, even before buying the Dollhouse, I took you on a little tour of my favorite grocery store here, Dorothy Lane Market. DLM is how I would imagine grocery shopping was back in the day when my parents would have gone to the grocery store. The store is not so large as to feel like a big chain, (there are 4 locations at present) and the people who work … [Read more...]




So Many Lighting Updates, Plus A New Console Table For the Upstairs Hall

Welcome to the 813th Metamorphosis Monday! When I first moved into the Dollhouse, it was a dim, dark place! I didn't have any lamps, yet, and a lot of the lighting either wasn't working properly or contained dim, low-wattage bulbs. For example, the master bedroom has an overhead ceiling fan with a light attachment, but one of the bulbs was physically shattered and the other bulb was a 40-watt bulb. I was so … [Read more...]




Found The Perfect Spot For My Dyson Vac, Gift Ideas, + The Most Delightful Card

Over the past 4-6 weeks, I've made a lot of smallish updates to the Dollhouse. Though small, those kinds of updates are often my favorite since they can yield big results and make the everyday chores in life more convenient. A couple of years back I purchased a Dyson vacuum for the Georgia house. For several months I had it stashed in a closet, then one day it dawned on me that I really should store it … [Read more...]




All My July Favorites, Including A Shampoo That’s Great For Hard Water Issues

Happy weekend! There is nothing like trying to set up house in a new place to cause you to shop and discover a lot of new things. One pretty big adjustment that I knew I'd need to make was getting used to living with water that registers as "hard" water. In the metro Atlanta area and actually, I think it includes most, if not all of Georgia, we are blessed with fairly balanced water. I've never known anyone … [Read more...]




End of Summer Clearance And Everything That’s On Sale Is Another 50% Off!

I've been so busy with "house" updates, I've been missing out on all the great summer clearance sales that have been going on, and some are really, really good, like "50% off the already reduced sales price" good! I love the color green and this is my favorite shade of green! Though linen and a great piece for chilly evenings in the summer, I think this jacket would make a great transition piece into … [Read more...]




A New Addition To The Kitchen & This One’s A Definite Winner

Welcome to the 827th Tablescape Thursday! Still no dining table here in the Dollhouse, however my sales guy at Rooms to Go has been trying to find a way to get the one I wanted delivered here without it costing a blooming fortune. Since they don't deliver to Ohio (yet) is this the universe telling me to not buy this table? I know it's not the absolute highest quality, although it felt quite sturdy when I … [Read more...]




How Do I Like My New LG InstaView, Door-in Door, Counter-Depth Refrigerator

Welcome to the 810th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope it was a great one! We ended up spending all day Saturday at a huge, 364-acre amusement/water park called King's Island. We arrived a few minutes after 9:00 am and didn't leave for 12 hours! What an experience! We hit the ground running as soon as we entered the park, making our first ride the Diamondback roller coaster, which is … [Read more...]




Larger Rug For The Office, Dented Refrigerators, & A Great Dish Soap Dispensing Brush

So, how's the 9' x 12' rug look here in the office? It arrived yesterday, a day earlier than projected, and my oldest grandson helped me get it into the room. It arrived folded in a big, rectangular package. We were a team cartwheeling it up the 7 stairs to the office, moving it into place, and getting it up underneath the desk. In the photo below, you can see how the 8 x 10 rug looked that I shared a few … [Read more...]




So Many Kitchen Updates, Plus, My New Speed Queen Washer & Dryer Are Here!

Since moving into the Dollhouse, I've been gradually updating a lot of the things that I need and use every single day. Recently, I shared the repairs and updates I made to this super wide drawer here in the kitchen. I am still crazy in love with the expandable flatware/organizer that I found for it. It drastically improved the functionality of this drawer. (Expandable organizer can be found here: … [Read more...]