DIY Festive Christmas Nails, My Ninja Air Fryer Decision & A Fun Way To Pop Popcorn

Just popping in (pun intended) to share some fun things today! Many, many years ago I used to have a microwave popcorn popper. It always made great popcorn. I was thinking recently about how I like popcorn, but do not like prepackaged microwave popcorn. Whenever I've eaten it, it always leaves this disturbing coating on the roof of my mouth. I have no idea what that coating is, but I figure it can't be … [Read more...]




It’s The Battle Of The Ninjas–Which One Will Win?

Welcome to the 775th Metamorphosis Monday! I've often shared with you in previous posts how much I love my Ninja Air Fryer.   I use it almost every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. If someone said to me, you have to give up either your microwave or your air fryer, I wouldn't even have to think twice. The microwave would get the boot because I can't imagine not having this air … [Read more...]




You’ve Been Asking For This–Sorry It Has Taken So Long, But At Last, It’s Ready!

Happy Weekend! I hope you're having a great one! I finally, finally got around to doing something I should have done ages ago, so I apologize in advance for it taking me so long! A few weeks ago (or has it been months now?) someone left a comment asking if I would add a link somewhere on the blog, linking out to the things I often mention in posts--those products I love, recommend and repeatedly use/buy. I … [Read more...]




It’s Currently Sold Out–But I Found It + Fave Phone/iPad Stand & A Puzzle Board Hack

Recently I decided to resubscribe to Netflix. I had unsubscribed years ago because I didn't really care for much of their programming. The reason I decided to give them one more try is that I'd like the ability to watch movies while walking on my treadmill here in the office. My treadmill has a slanted thingy that I could lean my iPad against, but it's really low so would be kinda hard to view. Then I … [Read more...]




Favorite Black Friday Sales & Some Have Been Extended!

Whoo, hoo! The sales are amazing today! This adorable gingerbread bag that I purchased recently at 50% off, has just been marked down another 25% for Black Friday! You'll find that amazing sale here: Gingerbread House Bag, Half Off + An Additional 25% off! The cardholder is also discounted another 25% here: Gingerbread CardHolder.   Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I can't wait to wear this … [Read more...]




A Last Minute Centerpiece Idea & Some New Gifts I’ve Purchased for Loved Ones

Whoa, Thanksgiving is almost here! I'm not hosting this year so I'm going to be spending today hanging my wreaths on my exterior windows. I've also been shopping online since so many of the Black Friday sales are going on everywhere. Before I share the ones I've jumped on, I wanted to share a couple of things you may find helpful as you are finishing up your last-minute details for your Thanksgiving … [Read more...]




A Wish List Item I Finally Purchased AND Some Great Holiday Gift Ideas!

A few days ago someone left a comment that they were having a tough time finding the Newman's Own Lemon Pepper that I mentioned during a previous post that was about making Lemon Pepper Chicken. They also mentioned that they thought it was being discontinued. What?! That put me in a bit of a panic and I immediately bought two more. I hope it doesn't get discontinued since it's my favorite for seasoning … [Read more...]




It Arrived And It’s Even Better Than Before!

I'm popping in to share a quick update. I think I mentioned a few days ago that I was planning on ordering additional place settings of Spode Woodland this year.   Many, many years ago I purchased 6 place settings from either Macy's or Dillards--can't remember which now. I think it was from Macy's--seems like it was Lenox Winter Greetings that I purchased in Dillards. Stinks--not having a … [Read more...]




Cutest Thing Ever–I Could Not Resist! Plus, It’s On Sale 50% Off!

Over the years, Kate Spade has produced some of the cutest, most adorable handbags you can imagine or dream up. As much as I have always loved them, I've been able to resist getting one. Until now.   When I saw this enchanting Gingerbread House bag, it was instant love and I knew I had to have one. Of course, it didn't hurt that it's on sale 50% off right now! (Gingerbread House Bag is … [Read more...]




October Favorites, Much-Loved Holiday Gift Ideas + Found A Dispenser For Cutemol!

I am counting the days until it's time to put my wreaths up in the windows. It's always my favorite way to decorate for Christmas. I used to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to hang the wreaths, but now I put them up a few days earlier so I can enjoy them a little bit longer.   A few years back, I changed out all the ribbons/bows on my wreaths. The old ones had lasted for many years--at … [Read more...]




Don’t Do This With Your Speed Queen Washer, Beautiful Tartan & Affordable Christmas Gifts

Do you own a Speed Queen washer or are you thinking of getting one? If so, be super careful if you use the bleach dispenser that's located in the left front corner! After I shared a post recently with a quick update on how I'm using and loving my SQ washer, I heard from a lovely reader, Cathy, who warned me about using the bleach dispenser. Her Speed Queen washing machine is around 4 years old and she is … [Read more...]




Love This Idea For Keeping Valuables and Collectibles Safe

Since I'm a crazy, handbag-obsessed woman, I like to occasionally watch YouTube videos of handbag unboxings or handbag reviews. In one particular video I watched recently, the YouTuber shared how she secures her expensive handbags and jewelry when she's away. She hinted that there had been an issue in the past, saying, "If you know, you know." I'm not sure what she was referring to but it sounded like she's … [Read more...]




Fall-Winter Survival Favorites & What I’m Buying In The 30% Off Winter Clothing Sale

Happy Weekend! It has been quite chilly here the last few nights although I think we're going to warm up a little this week--just in time for Halloween. I've noticed the leaves are definitely changing now and starting to fall. The cooler temps have had me dreaming of cozy evenings inside, burning candles while sipping yummy hot chocolate. Every season has its own special moments, doesn't it? Though I'm … [Read more...]




Whimsy In The Kitchen, My Favorite Lemon Pepper Seasoning & Incredible Cookware

So, you all know that I'm a bit of a lazy cook. I do enjoy cooking/baking when friends or family are here, but the rest of the time, I go for the fastest, easiest meal I can make. My favorite food that I enjoy at least once a week, sometimes more, is Lemon Pepper Chicken. Over the years I've tried various Lemon Pepper seasonings and I've found them all to be about the same--until recently! Oh my gosh, have … [Read more...]




My September Favorites & Some Are Prime Day Deals! Perfect Timing for Holiday Shopping!

Thanks so much for sharing yesterday how autumn is looking in your area! I loved reading your comments--they made me feel so much more connected with what you're experiencing where you live. We are way behind here in leaf-color-changing compared to so many of you. It was really interesting hearing from those who live in areas that don't necessarily experience a big change--a great reminder that fall isn't … [Read more...]




A Few of My Favorites For Autumn & Thanksgiving Entertaining

It's been ages since I stopped into Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma. A few days ago I saw some cute Halloween ghost plates for sale on the PB website and wanted to see how they looked in person. Silly me--thinking that there would actually still be any Halloween goodies left in store! Where did I finally end up finding the ghost plates? They are all on eBay marked up for double and triple the price. Argggh! … [Read more...]




Basement Updates & A Favorite Jewelry Polishing Cloth

Welcome to the 766th Metamorphosis Monday! I hope your week is off to a great start! I have a couple of updates to share, one that's kinda complete and another update that will happen this week. On Thursday, I'll be saying goodbye to these 30-year-old, yellowed, dingy-looking blinds here in the basement and new custom-made, faux wood blinds will be installed on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to … [Read more...]




7 Big, Beautiful Wreaths For Autumn, All 60% Off! Amazing Fall Sale!

I've been doing a bit of wreath shopping online today and I was super excited to find an incredible sale! All the wreaths in this post were originally $90-$100, but are currently marked down to between $36-$40! That's 60% off! The thing that really caught my eye is how big they all are! Usually, when you find wreaths in the $40 range, they are really too small for most front doors. Not these! Every wreath … [Read more...]




I’m Finally Doing It–Ordering A Sweater I’ve Been Stalking for Years!

How is your weekend going? I have a pretty big update to share tomorrow, something I've put off for many years but am finally getting done. In the meantime, the cooler 60's temps we've been experiencing every night the last couple of weeks are really motivating me to think about my fall wardrobe. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know I'm a sweater nut. I may not like cold weather but I sure do … [Read more...]




Brief Cabinetgate Update & Some Halloween-Autumn Inspiration

Here's a quick little update on Cabinetgate for those who are interested--if not, just skip on down a few photos to the fun stuff! On Friday, after the UPS driver left with the storage cabinets I had ordered still in her truck because she was physically unable to get them off the truck in order to deliver them...   ...AND after having told me she would mark them in their system as damaged … [Read more...]




Autumn Handbag Shopping, So Many Beautiful Styles for Fall!

A week or so back I shared a post with a very cool trick I had just read about for removing ink marks from leather handbags. (That post can be found here: Miracle Trick for Removing Pen & Ink Marks from Leather Bags.) Sherry left a comment asking if I had any plans to share a post with some of the new fall handbag styles. Being a huge handbag lover, I thought that would be a fun post to create. Thanks … [Read more...]




My August Favorites + A Heads Up For The Ice Cream Lovers

This girl is whipped right now! lol I've been clearing out the two attic eaves for the last two days and wow, I had forgotten just how large that area is and how much stuff (holiday decor) was stored under there. I have everything out now and have carried around 3/4ths of it down to the basement. Just a little bit more to go and I'll have it all downstairs. It's been quite the job carrying everything down … [Read more...]




This Miracle Trick For Removing Pen & Ink Marks From Leather Saved My Handbag

Recently I discovered an amazing little trick that I never knew about! I had a mini-disaster occur with one of my handbags. There's a barbecue restaurant about 15 minutes from my home. I'm rarely in that area so when I do find myself near the restaurant, I'll sometimes go through their drive-thru to order one of their BBQ plates. On my last visit a few weeks back, when I reached the window where you pay … [Read more...]




How To Adjust The Size Of The Grind On A Salt Or Pepper Shaker

This is probably one of those, "everyone in the world knows this but me" things. lol I love this salt and pepper shaker that I purchased a few years back--except for one thing. Over the past few months, the pepper shaker puts out these huge pepper chunks when I grind a little pepper into my eggs in the morning. This morning, after it happened once again, I started thinking I was just going to have to look … [Read more...]




End of Summer Sale-On-Sale From One Of My Favorite Shoppes

I've been so bad this weekend! I'm trying to save for home renovations but there are so many great end-of-summer sales going on right now, I can't resist! Here are a few of the items that are tempting me. This beautiful linen shirt was already on sale and now it's an additional 40% off. Love the length! This is basically how I dress every day all summer long, white scalloped shorts (from Talbots years … [Read more...]




What I Couldn’t Pass Up At This End-of-Season Clearance Sale

I've been shopping the "end of season" clearance sale that's going on right now at Talbots and found a pair of jeans I can't resist. Currently, everything that's on sale is an additional 60% off! That's my kind of sale! One of the first things that caught my eye was this pretty zipper jacket that's all cotton. I'm a cotton snob, but you already know that about me. It's gotta be cotton or linen for summer! … [Read more...]




My July Favorites, Including Some That Would Make Great Birthday or Holiday Gifts

I have some really great things to share with you that were my favorites for the month of July, starting with a new addition to my Penhaligon's perfume collection. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know I seriously love me some perfume and have become a wee bit obsessed with the house of Penhaligon's over the past couple of years. I have a lot of their fragrances and love them all! When I heard … [Read more...]




How NOT to Have a Microwave Installed!

This is the state of my kitchen right now, after multiple attempts to purchase and have a microwave installed. When it comes to buying appliances, I'm snakebit and starting to develop a case of ASPTSD--Appliance Shopping Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If that's not an actual medical diagnosis, it may be time to suggest it.   In June, my microwave started making bizarre noises, like a … [Read more...]




An Epic End-of-Summer Sale-on-Sale–So Many Beautiful Pieces!

I love this time of year because this is when all the best summer sales start popping up. Talbots is doing it again--they have a great 25% off sale going, then on top of that, they are giving 50% off the sale prices! I have several things in my cart right now and I am shocked by how great the pricing is coming out. You see the true sale price once the item is in the cart...and it's really good! One of … [Read more...]




These Pierced Charger Plates Appear to Be Available Now In Very Limited Quantity

I've been blogging now for 15 years, and in all those years of sharing table settings here on the blog, the item I've received the most questions about has to be these pierced, cream-colored charger plates I purchased from Horchow back in 2008.   Though I've look several times over the years, I've never seen them available again at either Horchow or Neiman Marcus.   They aren't … [Read more...]




How Do I Like My Speed Queen Washer & Would I Recommend It

Welcome to the 755th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope you had a great one! If you've been following along with my recent washing machine saga, you may remember my 43-1/2-year-old GE washing machine recently started having issues. The appliance repairman I've used in the past when my icemaker acted up, confirmed that parts are no longer available, so it was time to go washing machine … [Read more...]




Prime Days Are Here & Here’s What I’m Eyeing & Have In My Cart!

If you shop a lot on Amazon and are a Prime member as I am, there are some awesome sales going on right now for Prime Members. I've been scoping out the sales today and so many things that I've personally purchased or given as gifts are currently on sale. If you start your holiday shopping early as I normally do, you're going to love the sales! Note: The Prime Days discount shopping is only going on today … [Read more...]




Why I Returned My Brand New Washer And The Washer I’ve Chosen To Replace It

Welcome to the 754th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I mentioned that my beloved 43-1/2-year-old washing machine, the only one I've ever owned, had to be replaced. The washer I purchased to replace it was delivered on June 21st and within 24 hours I was calling the store from which I purchased it, asking them to please come pick it back up.   The Speed Queen washing machine you see on the left … [Read more...]




It’s Here—Talbots is Having Their Biggest Sale of the Season!

Update: Talbots just announced a flash sale today (Sunday) so it's 40% off everything right  now, even the items that weren't already on sale! Check out the flash sale here: Talbots Flash Sale. Whooo, Hooo! Talbots is having its biggest sale of the season. This sale only happens twice a year and what makes it so amazing is it's an extra 40% off everything that's already on sale, and there's a lot of good … [Read more...]




Sometimes It’s the Little Things That Can Make Life A Lot Better!

Welcome to the 753rd Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever had something annoy you for a long time, then one day that final straw hits and you realize you have to do something to fix it, or at least find something that works better? That's what finally happened to me with these super annoying tape dispensers I've been using for ages. The red one normally lives in the basement and I have another one just like … [Read more...]




2023 Version Of 21 Favorites That I Buy Over And Over Again–Can’t Do Without Them!

Last summer I created a post where I shared 21 things I buy over and over again because they are just that awesome! I thought it would be fun to do that same post again for 2023. I'm sure there are going to be some repeats because that's what it's all about--those things that I love so much that I can't and won't stop buying them! I know I'm a broken record about these Ecco Yucatan sandals but I can't … [Read more...]




A New Washer Has Me Yearning For A Laundry Room-Butler’s Pantry Renovation

The time was June 1979 and we had just graduated from college. During that final year of school, we lived on campus in a tiny apartment in what was referred to as "married student housing." With our studies now completed, we loaded up a small U-haul and headed off to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland for Officer Basic Training. Four months later, with that commitment completed, it was time to … [Read more...]




They Arrived & They’re As Nice & Well-Crafted As Expected

Happy Fri-yay! The weekend is officially here! I hope you have a fun, relaxing one planned. I badly need to get out in the yard and do some weeding, although it may be way too hot for that this weekend. A few weeks ago, I put together a post with some gift ideas for Father's Day.  You may remember in that post I shared a really nice waxed canvas tote from L.L. Bean. Of course, this bag would be great for … [Read more...]




A Refreshing Summer Drink, Super Useful Yeti Addition & 50% Off Sale-On-Sale

Recently, I saw a drink recipe online that sounded really good, but I changed it up a bit with the addition of another ingredient that I think makes it tastes and look even better. This drink is so yummy, it feels like you're having a fancy cocktail when it's really just a refreshing summer drink. Below are the ingredients although it's very easy to change them up for variety, so feel free to experiment … [Read more...]




My May Favorites, Including Stylish & Very Affordable Polarized Sunglasses

Happy Weekend! I have so many great May favorites to share with you today! I've been looking forward to doing this post all this month! If you were one of the folks who commented that you wanted to purchase the cabinet that I've been buying to use here in the garage...   ...and now in my basement, they are back in stock again. I just got a third one for the basement on Thursday and put it … [Read more...]




I’ve Been Summer Party Shopping & I Caught Some Great Deals!

Last May, a couple of weeks before their birthdays that fall just 6 days apart, I bought my son and daughter-in-law this awesome frozen drink maker. We had a blast making drinks with it during the time I was visiting. I've made frozen smoothies for my grandsons with it on subsequent visits.   Yesterday, I stopped by Old Time Pottery on the way back home from another errand and found the … [Read more...]




14 Beautiful, Whimsical Flatware Designs & A Strategy For Acquiring Them All! ;)

Welcome to the 766th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever done an online search for unique flatware? Every so often I do that just to see what fun, whimsical flatware has been created. I love a beautiful elegant table setting, but my favorite tables are the fun ones, those tables that make you smile or feel a bit like a kid again. Sometimes it's the flatware that can really bring a bit of magic or fun to a … [Read more...]




3 Special Father’s Day Gift Ideas

I just ordered a gift for my son, but not sure when I'll give it to him. He has a birthday coming up, but the special coffee maker I gave him recently was really an early B'day present.   My friend, Susan, shared a wonderful tote this morning that she had just purchased. While shopping the website I came across another tote (on sale for 10% off) that I thought would be great for the bi-annual … [Read more...]




April Favorites, A Chairside Table I Really Want For My Bedroom + 2 Handbags I’m Eyeing For Summer

Happy Weekend! The new storage cabinet arrived yesterday. It's downstairs in the basement, awaiting its assembly. I have to admit, I'm a tad nervous after what happened last time I put one together. I just have to remind myself that was a fluke because I didn't have any issues all the other times I've put this cabinet together. Looking forward to sharing some updates with you on Monday!   I'm … [Read more...]




I Bought A Forever Dress Last Night + A Great Double Sale!

This is a bold statement since it hasn't even arrived yet, but I think I purchased a "forever" dress last night. I've been searching for a long time for an all-cotton or cotton/linen blend maxi dress for summer. I didn't want a sundress style, wanted it to have sleeves since I sunburn so easily. It was love at first sight when I came across this dress last night. I love that it's a blend of cotton and … [Read more...]




The Perfect Mother’s Day Sale & A Special Spring-Summer Dress

Time to spoil yourself for summer--Talbots is having a wonderful Mother's Day Sale and I found sooo many cute things! I'm in love with this skirt! It reminds me so much of my trip to Positano, Italy. It makes me want to travel there right now!   Here's a close up this beautiful skirt...love! It's on sale 40% off with the code MOM at checkout here: Beautiful Skirt.   I've always … [Read more...]




An Appliance Slider Tray For My Kitchen, Love How It Works!

Welcome to the 742nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was a great one! Last Monday I shared a full, down-to-the-studs kitchen renovation my son and daughter-in-law just recently completed in their home. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: This 1970s Kitchen Just Got a Dramatic, Down-to-the-Studs Renovation.   As part of a yay-we-have-a-new-kitchen and early, joint … [Read more...]




Successful Bird Rescue & Finally Finding That Perfect Beachy, Aqua-Blue Top

Oh my goodness, what a day! I spent almost two hours today rescuing a baby Wren that somehow managed to find his way into my chimney/fireplace. That rarely happens, like once every 10 years. Instead of going out the wide open door onto the porch, a door he hopped right by several times, he kept hopping behind various furniture pieces. He was so cute talking to his Mom who was chirping for him outside. When … [Read more...]




Pull-out Appliance Tray/Stand, Protects Kitchen Cabinets & Undercabinet Lighting

Thanks so much for all the lovely comments left on Monday's post where I shared a dramatic, long-awaited kitchen renovation my son and daughter-in-law just completed in their home. Just as their renovation was coming to a close, I came across an awesome coffee maker that I was pretty sure they would love, especially my son who has been literally searching for years for the perfect coffee maker. I am … [Read more...]




My Go-To Style For Easy Summer Outfits

A few days ago I purchased two more pairs of white jeggings from Talbots. I really love their jeggings because they don't fit super snug, they are a bit more of a relaxed jegging fit. They have a good sale going on right now: Buy 1, get 1 50% off, so I purchased two more pairs here: Regular Fit White Jeggings.   If your waist is a good bit smaller as compared to your hips, I really recommend … [Read more...]




All My Favorite Cleaning Products, Including One That’s Great For Polishing Jewelry

Welcome to the 739th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope it was a great one! We've been having the nicest weather lately and I've so enjoyed all the sunshine! This weekend it was so nice, I backed my car out of the garage, blew out the few leaves that had blown in, and gave the garage floor its first official mopping since it was installed last summer. There were just a few spots here and … [Read more...]




This One Is For The Coffee Lovers

My son and daughter-in-law are on the tail end of a full-blown, down-to-the-studs, kitchen renovation. They've been so close to having it complete but the countertops were very delayed. Those finally arrived and were installed on Monday. The appliances and plumbing stuff go in next, so they may have a functioning kitchen again by this weekend! Yipee! Recently, I was shopping in Williams Sonoma and I saw … [Read more...]




The Sale Just Got Better–But I Was Too Slow & Missed Out On My Favorite

Happy Weekend! Just hopping on to share that Talbots has turned up the volume on their spring sale--it just got a lot better! In addition to everything being 25% off, the sale includes 40% off any one item. So that's 40% off one item, then 25% off everything else. If there was something you were eyeing in the sale, SPRING is the code to use at checkout. Sadly, this jacket I had in my cart has sold out. I … [Read more...]




Retail Therapy After A Nightmare Week, Plus, An Intriguing Find!

Oh my gosh, this has been a week and a half. I had a very stressful situation come up that I will share more about on Monday, but I'm happy to say that it has all worked out okay. At least, I hope it has--only time will tell. After an absolute nightmare week, today I was craving anything that was positive and happy. It was really beautiful out, so I decided to do a bit of shopping to try and put myself back … [Read more...]




My February Favorites Including a Purchase I Wish I’d Made Ages Ago

Happy Weekend! Instead of waiting so far into the new month, I'm sharing my favorites for last month (February) now. As you know, I've been on a huge puzzle kick for the last few months. One of the most challenging puzzles I've done in a very long time was this LEGO mini-figure faces puzzle. I could never work on it for longer than 30-45 minutes without taking a break--it made my brain hurt! Fortunately, it … [Read more...]




January Favorites and Send Help Because I’m Losing My Mind! Ha!

So, I really, really worry about myself sometimes. Usually at some point during the day, I'll fix myself a big Tervis mug of iced coffee with a good helping of milk mixed in. If I'm not in a coffee/milk mood, the other drink I'll sometimes enjoy during the day is a mug of unsweetened iced tea mixed with a small amount of cranberry juice. Just now, I went to the fridge, poured iced coffee into my Tervis mug, … [Read more...]




When Is It A Collection, Or Is It Just Hoarding? ;)

Do you remember when your interest in decorating first began? I have the worst memory in general, especially when it comes to dates, but I definitely remember what kicked off my borderline obsession with home decor. My love for decorating really took off when I discovered two magazines: Colonial Homes and Traditional Home. I could hardly wait for each issue to arrive in my mailbox! I poured over those … [Read more...]




My Top 10 Favorite Amazon Finds In 2022

Happy Weekend! It's raining here. Again. It's been raining here so much, I actually did an online search today to see if we were breaking any precipitation records. I didn't find the answer to that, but I did learn that Georgia is in the top 10 states for rainfall, ranking #7. I never realized we were in the top 10, we even get more rainfall each year than Seattle! Wow! I guess that's why everything is … [Read more...]




A Sneaky, Hidden Sale For Spring, 25% Off All The New Spring Fashions!

I must confess, this is my absolute favorite time of year to shop for clothes. I love it when all the vibrant, fun spring fashions start hitting the stores. The only downside is normally, the spring fashions are not on sale when they first start hitting the stores. But there's a sneaky way around that problem! I just realized yesterday when I got a little brochure in the mail, Talbots has a little hidden … [Read more...]




All My December Favorites

Where has January gone? Has this month flown by for you, too? This has been such a fun, exciting morning. My son and daughter-in-law are in the middle of a full, down-to-the-studs kitchen renovation and they shared photos with me today of how the kitchen looks after it was completely demoed yesterday. I get so excited for renovations like that and this one is well overdue. My DIL said it hasn't been … [Read more...]




A Great Way to Store Your Beautiful Headbands

Welcome to the 730th Metamorphosis Monday! I have become enamored with wearing headbands lately. I used to wear them many years ago but hadn't thought about wearing them again in ages. I noticed a YouTuber/Instagramer I sometimes follow began promoting a brand of handmade headbands made in the UK where she lives, and they look so nice on her, it revived my interest in trying them again. Unfortunately, … [Read more...]




2 Electrical Updates: A Practical One For The Basement & A Bit Of Luxury For The Bath

This would make a great Metamorphosis Monday post, but I'm eager to share how the electrical work I had done yesterday turned out so let's just dive right on in. It was a good day for getting stuff done! So, remember when the unfinished side of the basement looked like this with insulation visible in the walls between the finished and unfinished side?   When I had the whole house surge … [Read more...]




My Yearly Winter Survival Favorites + Something New I’ll Be Purchasing This Week

I'm a tad late this year, but each winter I like to share my favorites with you--those things that help get me through the winter in comfort. I am not a fan of cold weather, but I have to admit that I do like some of the goodies that I pull out this time of year. It's all about staying cozy and comfortable as possible when it comes to winter. I know I've mentioned these several times over the past few … [Read more...]




Stalking Mode Activated: Hunting Down Two Items That Sold Out During Christmas

So, do you know the worst time to discover something really awesome that you didn't previously know about, but would now love to acquire? Answer: Right after Christmas! Ha! That's because everybody and their sister have already purchased or been gifted the item, so it's sold out everywhere! Argggh. I'm persistent, though--it's almost like it becomes a challenge, an exciting quest to hunt the item … [Read more...]




50% Off The Sale Price & Some Of These Would Work Great For Spring!

It has been a crazy few days around here. Looking forward to sharing an important update on Monday for Metamorphosis Monday! In the meantime, you guys have been sharing all your wonderful after Christmas sale finds and you've given me FOMO! Audrey messaged me on Instragram about the big Talbots sale that's going on right now that's 50% off the already on sale winter styles! On top of that, there's another … [Read more...]




Sometimes It’s The Little Tweaks That Make Life Better

Welcome to the 727th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Year to you! I hope your 2023 is off to an awesome start! Apparently, I'm trying to repeat the start of 2018 as I began the year with a yucky virus. I came down sick on Saturday and I think I'm finally past the body ache and fever stage. Unfortunately, I had to postpone the drywall work that was supposed to start in the basement tomorrow. So I don't have … [Read more...]




2 Awesome Sales from 2 Awesome Stores–And The One That Got Away

I've been checking out the sales this week now that Christmas is behind us. I had a feeling there would be some great sales and there are--including from a store I always loved shopping in before they closed the location near me. Talbots is having a killer sale--it's a sale-on-sale-on-sale type sale. This beautiful 83% wool, camel and ivory coat is on sale from $369 to $279, plus another 40% off of the … [Read more...]




Caught Some Amazing Sales Today & Finished My Christmas Gift Shopping

I've been shopping for Christmas gifts over the past week and I've found some wonderful treasures. If you've got a few friends and loved ones still on your list, I hope some of these suggestions will be helpful. So when you're shopping for gifts, you have to buy a little something for yourself, right? Hee, hee. I have been wanting one of these adorable book nooks for a long time, but the ones I always … [Read more...]




Kinda Late On This One, But the Sale is a Great One!

A while back Alda left this comment on a post. Will be watching too for your favorite Christmas shirts for your grands. I purchased the Dino shirts last year you shared, and my littles LOVED them . Can’t wait to see what you find for boys are hard to find cute shirts that are classics. Alda, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to pull this post together, but it's finally here. Here are just a few of the fun … [Read more...]




Lots of Fun Updates from Decorating to Organizing to Filling Up a New Freezer

Welcome to the 722nd Metamorphosis Monday! Have you started or completed your holiday decorating? I got my wreaths up a few days before Thanksgiving, but that's about as far as I've gotten. If you would like more info about how I hang my wreaths each year, you'll find a post where I share the details here: How to Hang Wreaths on Exterior Windows.     So, it took me a while but I … [Read more...]




Obsessed! These Are My Favorite For Errand Running & Daily Wear, So Warm, Too!

Just a quick Sunday post to share these wonderful joggers I found recently. After ordering one pair, I loved them so much, I ordered two more pairs. I just ordered a 4th pair today because I know they'll eventually sell out and I'll still want to have them available next winter. They have become my "uniform" for every day and they look so much nicer in person than they appear in this photo online. They are … [Read more...]




Gift Ideas for the Holidays & Sharing a Special Love of Mine That I’ve Never Shared Before

With Christmas just 43 days away, I'm sharing some of my absolute favorites that I know from personal experience make great gifts--either for you or for someone else. Before we go holiday shopping, if you plan to hang wreaths this year, especially outdoors, the shop where I purchased mine when I replaced all mine a few years ago, has them back in stock again this year.   The bows with the … [Read more...]




A Sassy GPS, Renaissance Fun and Some Adorable Shopping Finds

I've just returned from spending time with family in Ohio. It was a fun visit with football games, great food, Halloween shenanigans, and a visit to the Renaissance festival. It has been many years since I visited a Renaissance festival--we used to go almost every year when my son was growing up. After spending a fun day going through mazes, eating barbeque, and watching full-armored combat that went from … [Read more...]




It’s June Again, But I’m Still Shopping the Autumn-Winter Sale!

October has decided to be June. I'm in Ohio today and it's so warm outside! It's going to be in the 80s today! What?! Everyone here is wearing shorts except me! I brought along a suitcase full of wool sweaters and corduroy pants that will be useless this week. I still remember the year I visited and we were Trick-or-Treating in the snow! It was the first Halloween I've ever spent watching snow fall from the … [Read more...]




24 Charger Plate Designs, Including Several DIY-Low Cost Options

Welcome to the 734th Tablescape Thursday! Back on June 1, 2017, I shared my entire charger plate collection in one post. Since then, I've added 7 new charger designs to my collection and donated two sets.   The two sets I decided to no longer keep are the large corn platter (top right corner) and the watermelon platter at the bottom right corner. The reason I decided to part with those is … [Read more...]




New Tablescaping Goodies, Attractive Storage Idea & the Room I’m Renovating Next

I'm headed over to Home Depot today. I have a project I'm working on in both the unfinished, the semi-finished, and the storage area of my basement. I will share a lot more about that on Monday for Metamorphosis Monday. In the meantime, I wanted to share a couple of table purchases I just made recently, as well as a few photos of the semi-finished part of the basement at the end of this post. The fall … [Read more...]




Shopping The Early Access Sale And A Favorite Out-of-Stock Item is Back!

Back in 2015, I made a small change to my front porch that had a huge impact. I changed out this dinky, not-so-nice-looking doormat for a bigger, better one.   I was amazed by how it transformed my entrance! What a dramatic difference a doormat can make! This one below looked beautiful for many years. After about 5 years, I decided to order a new one since the original one shown below was … [Read more...]




My September Favorites–Some New Goodies and A Few Perennial Favorites

I have a variety of favorites to share this month. A few I have shared before, but they bear sharing again since I continue to use and love them on a regular basis. You may even spot a few great Christmas gifts in today's post. After setting last week's Halloween table setting for Tablescape Thursday, and using some Colonial Candle tapers in that table, I decided to check out what they had available for … [Read more...]




5 Autumn Outfits, Embroidered Cords I Just Purchased & A Sweater I’m Stalking

It has been chilly here in North Georgia this week! I'm really getting excited about all the beautiful fall fashions. I just purchased these fall-themed corduroy pants today--caught them on sale.   I love, love, love the embroidered autumn leaves and acorns! Sooo dang cute! You'll find them currently on sale here: Corduroy Pants for Fall.   During the winter, I wear a lot of … [Read more...]




My 10 August Favorites–Definite Lifestyle Improvements!

We're 2/3rds through September and I've never gotten around to sharing my August favorites. A lot of my favorites are those things related to the major garage overall I completed recently, but a few fall outside that renovation--like my new desk chair. I'm pretty crazy about the new desk chair that I bought in August when the gas lift cylinder failed on my previous chair and I was unable to repair it after … [Read more...]




A Colorful Upgrade–I’m In Love With This Beautiful Weather Station!

Welcome to the 712th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I hope it was restful and fun! For this week's Met Monday, I have a small Before/After that makes me smile from ear-to-ear each time I see it--which just so happens to be multiple times per day. It's a small addition here in the kitchen. I've been enjoying it so much, I ended up purchasing another one for my office. What has me grinning ear … [Read more...]




What I Just Bought in the Flash Sale–Couldn’t resist 30% Off!

Just putting out a quick post because I just discovered Talbots is having a Flash Sale...and it's 30% off everything! Whooo, hooo! Usually, I don't discover their Flash Sales in time to share them but this one I did! I already have their corduroy jeggings in the color black and light tan and love them, so I ordered two more pairs. I love corduroy jeggings because I find them sooo much warmer than jeans … [Read more...]




Favorite Fall Fashions for Sweater Weather, I’m Shopping the Sale!

You can really feel autumn trying to sneak in here in Georgia. The temps will be going back up again this coming week, but lately, there's been a crispness in the air and the nights are much cooler. Autumn will be here before we know it! The cooler temps have put me in the mood for a bit of fall shopping and I just discovered one of my favorite stores has a 2-day sale going on their new fall arrivals. … [Read more...]




It’s Here–My Fortnum & Mason Bespoke Hamper Arrived & It’s Delightful!

The Fortnum and Mason hamper I ordered a few weeks back arrived this week. If I ever make it back to London again, I would love to visit their Piccadilly store in person. In today's post, I thought I'd share what I ordered. I also have a sneaky plan for the hamper, looking forward to sharing that very soon.   When I placed my order, I chose their "Large" size hamper. I knew it would be a … [Read more...]




Even Better Than I Expected! Love It When That Happens!

It is sooo nice when you order something online and when it arrives, you discover it's even better than you had expected. That's pretty much the way it always is when I order from L.L. Bean. So many things have changed over the years with so many companies going out of business or just not offering the same level of goods or services that they have in the past. L.L. Bean is one of the few companies where … [Read more...]




Is it True? Will LED Light Fixtures Cause Your Garage Door Opener to Malfunction?

Over the past few weeks as I've shared the updates I've been making here in the garage, one question I've been asked in the comments a couple of times was if the new LED lighting I had installed would create any issue with my garage door opener.   During the renovation process, one of the things I had done was the replacement of the original seal on the garage door. Sometime over the past 40 … [Read more...]




A Unique Birthday/Holiday Gift Idea + 2 Awesome Sales from Two Favorite Stores

Thanks so much to Gail for letting me know about a sale I would have surely missed. Gail knows how much I love Fair Isle sweaters, especially the beautiful ones L.L. Bean carries every winter. This one below was one I purchased a few fall seasons back and I still wear it often during the winter months. It' sooo warm!   They have some really pretty ones on sale right now. This one has been a … [Read more...]




20 Favorites That I Buy Over and Over Again–Can’t Do Without Them!

I've been wanting to put this post together for ages. Sometimes I'll be in the middle of using something and I'll think, I need to share how awesome this is! It took a while and I'm sure I'm leaving some things off that I'll remember later (so this list/post may grow today) but these are some of my favorite things, from clothes to household items, that I find myself purchasing again and again. Since fall … [Read more...]




Susan Albright’s Whimsical Designs, Beautiful Toile Dresses For Summer

This past summer I've been seeing the cutest dresses on Instagram. The dresses were a brand that I had never heard of before called, Susan Albright. I loved the designs I was seeing, they were so fun and whimsical--perfect for summer. Curious to see more, I checked out the website and fell hard for this adorable blue and white toile design depicting scenes around Pawleys Island. Have you ever heard of … [Read more...]




What I Bought in the Sale & Sandals So Comfortable, I Ordered Them Twice

I couldn't resist picking up something from the current Talbots sale since everything on the entire site is 40% off. I'm still debating on this top--I LOVE the design but I prefer all cotton and it's a blend. It probably has enough cotton that I will love it. I may go ahead and order it today since the sale ends today. (Update: I did order it...just too pretty to pass up.) If you love this design as much as … [Read more...]