Thinking Way Outside the Box for Mother’s Day Gifts This Year

With Mother's Day just a couple of weeks away, I've pulled together a few gift ideas that I think most Moms would love to receive. There's a little something for every Mom and a couple of these would work as Father's Day gifts for the Dads, as well. Could your Mom use a beautiful tote for grocery shopping or just everyday use? This tote started out at $129, was marked down to $109.99 and now is 40% off … [Read more...]




Freshening Up My Wardrobe for Spring

Recently, I shared this pretty lemon topiary shirt I planned to order for spring. It took me back to my travels to Italy, especially to the Island of Capri.   It arrived and it's so much prettier in person than in the photos. I love it!   I can't wear an all yellow top, though I love yellow so much and wish I could. But since this top has so much green and cream, it looks … [Read more...]




Garage Nesting Doves, An Albino Squirrel and So Many Spring Goodies

Welcome to the 688th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Week! I hope your week is off to a great start! I just returned from visiting family in Ohio. It was a wonderful visit, so wish we didn't live so far away from each other. While I was there, we had some return visitors. Every year, a pair of Mourning Doves return to nest on the top shelf of a storage shelf in the garage. This is their 3rd year … [Read more...]




An Easy Way to Store and Display Your Summer and Winter Scarves

Welcome to the 686th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you love wearing a scarf--a woolly warm scarf for winter, or an airy, bright scarf in the spring or summer? My winter scarves tend to get worn a lot more than my summer ones, probably because this girl can't stand being cold for even a minute. lol I think I would wear my summer scarves a lot more if I had them displayed in my closet where I could actually see … [Read more...]




Steaming Wrinkles from Silk Scarves & Two New Pairs of Shoes

A while back I shared some outfits I love to wear come summertime. With this outfit below, I shared a favorite pink wicker bag that unfortunately has canvas handles. I don't know why they chose to put canvas handles on a bag because they are inevitably going to get dirty.   In an attempt to avoid getting the handles dirty, I purchased these handle-covers on Etsy. They worked well except I've … [Read more...]




My February Favorites and A Couple of Things I Have My Eye On

Winter decided to return to Georgia for a period of 2-3 days. It's blustery and cold this weekend but fortunately, our warmer weather is coming back on Monday. In the meantime, the birds are loving the dried mealworms I've been putting out this winter. That's a fluffy bluebird with his back to us atop the mealworm dish--which is really just a flower pot saucer.   A sassy Robin came down for … [Read more...]




My New Summer Dress, End-of-Winter Sale Finds & A Great Spring/Summer Sale

I've been shopping the online sales for spring, there are some great sales underway right now. Before we dive into the sales, I wanted to share a dress I purchased recently. I first spotted it on Instagram and as so often happens, it was sold out. Seems like every time I see a dress I love on Instagram, when I check out the website, it's sold out. I guess everyone else sees it on Instagram and beats me to … [Read more...]




It’s the Weekend, Let’s Go Antiquing!

Recently I mentioned that I was going to start antiquing more. I used to go antiquing every single weekend, but as my home filled up with lovely finds, I started slacking off. I have really missed it so I'm enjoying getting back out on these beautiful, sunny days and seeing what treasures I can find. This weekend I decided to visit the Queen of Hearts antique shop that's about 30 to 40 minutes away from … [Read more...]




Spring Shopping & What I Brought Home from HomeGoods Today

This is our weather right now, it's unbelievably gorgeous outside today. The daffodils and Tulip Magnolias are blooming beautifully! I think the Red Bud trees may already be done, spring has come so early this year!     I love being at home but all this sunshine pulled me out. I've been hoping to visit HomeGoods to see what they had in for spring. I was hoping for some St. Patrick's … [Read more...]




Planning Some Updates to My Spring-Summer Bag Wardrobe, Here are My Faves

Welcome to the 683rd Metamorphosis Monday! My timing is always off for our Metamorphosis Monday party. I seem to always have a Before/After to share about two days after the party. lol If you missed it earlier in the week, I shared an update for the small passageway between my kitchen and living room here: I Listened to You and Went Back for Them. I have a small Before/After in the works, I'm finally … [Read more...]




Preparing for Spring and My Favorite Spring Finds, Both Home and Fashion

I have a serious case of spring fever now. The daylight is staying longer and longer each day and the birds are chirping up a storm. Yesterday I cleaned out the last of the birdhouses, readying them for spring nesting. This was the one I cleared out yesterday and surprisingly, there was only one nest inside. Usually, I find two or three nests inside, but I think that's been when the bluebirds have nested … [Read more...]




I Listened to You and Went Back for Them!

Okay, this is all y'all's fault! Ha! Since so many of you left comments and emailed saying I needed to go back for the vintage birdie prints I saw while antiquing a few days ago, I decided to take your advice and go back and get 'em. I was shocked by how heavy they were when I removed them from the wall in the antique shop to take them up to the register. I noticed that the frames were real wood, I could … [Read more...]




Tempting Finds, May Go Back for a Few Things

Welcome to the 682nd Metamorphosis Monday! No big "Before and After" happening around here for today but I did get some inspiration from antiquing this weekend. The first place I visited was The Market in Woodstock, Georgia.   Saw this big guy just inside the front door.   I don't know why I'm always drawn to sleds and toboggans since I absolutely can't stand cold weather. … [Read more...]




My Top 10 Amazon Purchases for 2021 + a Bonus

I meant to share this post in January, but I'm running a bit late. I thought it would be fun to share those items I purchased last year via Amazon that turned out to be my best or favorite purchases. I forced myself to limit it to just 10 items, which means I had to leave off the wool seat cover I added to my office chair that saved me from being "electrocuted" (only a slight exaggeration) every time I … [Read more...]




Spring Temptations & Should I Spray These Before Baking In Them?

Welcome to the 681st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Valentine's Day! I hope this Valentine's Day finds you feeling much loved and appreciated! I probably should have waited and shared the display case today instead of on Saturday, but I was too excited to share how it turned out to wait. lol So, I don't have a Before/After to share but I do have a few ideas for spring and Easter from a recent shopping … [Read more...]




It Finally Arrived and I Love How It Looks and Works!

Back just before Christmas, I succumbed to temptation and ordered this awesome Home Alone LEGO house. The house in the movie, Home Alone is one of my favorite movie houses of all time, so I just couldn't pass up on this fabulous LEGO build. (Take a tour of the home as seen in the movie in this previous post: Tour the Home Alone Movie House.)   It was a pretty big undertaking with 3,955 pieces … [Read more...]




Shopping the Spring Fashions & Everything’s on Sale!

It was 61 degrees here today and the birdies were singing their little hearts out. My daffodils are poking their heads up out of the ground and the first day of spring is just a little more than 5 weeks away! Can you believe it?! I'm getting so excited! I've been scoping out the spring fashions today and I came across an awesome sale. I love this sweater that's currently on sale. I especially love it in … [Read more...]




They Mystery of the Bumpy Plates: Sarah Needs Your Help to Solve This Mystery!

A few days ago, Sarah, a lovely BNOTP reader, left a comment on a previous spring shopping post where I had shared some bunny plates I came across in Pottery Barn. She had a question about the plates due to something really odd she was seeing on Peter Rabbit bunny plates she had purchased both last year and this year. Sarah said, "Do you find the Pottery Barn Peter Rabbit stoneware to have bumps on them? … [Read more...]




An Idea That I Hope Will Work–What Do You Think?

A week or two ago I ordered these black jeggings during an awesome sale. I loved them the moment I noticed the beautiful button detail on the side near the bottom of each leg.   I've never seen jeggings with a decorative button detail like this and I love it! (Jeggings with jewel button detail are available here on sale: Bejeweled Jeggings. All jeans and jeggings currently on sale can be … [Read more...]




A New Addition for My Home Office

Welcome to the 678th Metamorphosis Monday! There's a new addition here in my office. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing piece that I've added to this room, but I'm definitely enjoying it. Recently, I was thinking how nice it would be if I had a smallish treadmill here in the office so when I was in the mood to watch a YouTube video or anything online, I could also be "out for a walk" at the … [Read more...]




How I Finally Purchased (and Funded) a Handbag I’ve Been Stalking for 3 Years

The last time I purchased a handbag was February 19, 2020, almost two years ago. That's showing great restraint for me, considering how much I love handbags. lol Back in 2019, Louis Vuitton produced a Limited Edition shearling version of their iconic Speedy bag. They named it the "Teddy Speedy" and I loved it the moment I saw it. It looked so cozy for fall and winter! Unfortunately, it was priced a good bit … [Read more...]




You’ve Heard of Cozy Mysteries–How About Cozy Puzzles?! They Are The Best!

We are deep into the heart of winter now--it's bloomin' cold outside! Though I sorta hate to admit this, I have kinda come to enjoy winter the last few years. I think deep down I'm a bit of an introvert who is pretty happy staying snuggled up inside reading, puzzling, and working on whatever project I have going at the time. I truly love spending time with friends but I also need my alone time to recharge. … [Read more...]




Most Comfortable Jeggings Ever & What I Bought Shopping the Sale

I'm working on a fun post for tomorrow but I wanted to pop in today to share with you the awesome sale I just caught on some of my favorite jeans. Currently, Talbots has a ton of things marked 50% off. In addition to that, the sale includes another 20% off! Ridiculously awesome sale!   I ended up purchasing 4 pairs of jeggings. I always buy the "curvy" style in their regular jeans to avoid a … [Read more...]




Let’s Go Antiquing at the Queen of Hearts!

A few weeks before Christmas, I was out running errands and couldn't resist a stop by the Queen of Hearts. They had their windows so festively decorated for winter. I love it when shops do that!   So cute! Let's go inside and see what's new--or maybe I should say, what's old! lol   I really liked this lamp, just didn't care for shade. I much prefer my lamps to have either white … [Read more...]




These Shoppes Are Still Promising Delivery by Christmas

It's 4 days before Christmas and if you are still shopping online for gifts, these are my favorite shops that are still saying they can get your gifts to you before Christmas. Talbots has a sitewide 40% sale going on right now.   They are promising delivery by the 24th for all orders placed by 2:00 PM today. You'll find the sale here: Talbots.   Ralph Lauren is advertising … [Read more...]




All The Things! A Gift Giving Guide for Christmas & the Holidays

How's your Christmas/Holiday shopping going? If you're struggling a bit or looking for some last-minute items, here are some of my favorites. You hear me rave about L.L. Bean's Wicked Good Slippers allll the time because my son and daughter are always asking for these when their birthday or Christmas rolls around. They are crazy about them! They come in a ton of different styles.   This is … [Read more...]




Christmas-Winter Favorites are on Sale, Awesome Gift Ideas, Too!

How was your Thanksgiving? I hope it was relaxing and wonderful! Mine was great--I had so much fun visiting with friends in the great state of Texas. I managed to squeeze in a bit of Black Friday shopping while there. I love that we don't have to get out in the fray to shop on Black Friday (unless, of course, we want to) but can stay snuggled up in our jammies and shop the sales right from home. One sale … [Read more...]




20 Toys They Will Love Getting for Christmas This Year

Do you have little ones on your shopping list? In today's post, I've put together a list of both play and learning toys that I've given to my grandsons in recent years. These are the ones they always ask me to play with them whenever I visit. If you've got little ones on your shopping list, I hope you find these ideas helpful. My oldest grandson has always loved this game, now the youngest one really … [Read more...]




Awesome Sales, Hostess Gift Ideas & Gifts for Your Special Loved Ones

I love this time of year! I can feel the excitement of the upcoming holidays in the air, especially when I visit some of my favorite places to shop this time of year. I have a lot of different things I want to share today, so we'll be jumping around a bit in today's post. I think that's the way my brain works anyway. lol A while back I set a fun, mystery-themed table for Tablescape … [Read more...]




New Purchases for the Holidays & An Item You Asked About is Back

Before I forget, wanted to let you know this adorable Christmas Vacation Wrapping Paper is back in stock. I had several folks ask me about it last year and I couldn't find it in stock at that time, but it appears to be back for this year. This has to be my favorite Christmas wrapping paper ever!   I love the whimsical design plus, it's really nice quality paper. There's also a lot of paper on … [Read more...]




Shopping Ahead for Christmas & My Fave Cashmere Shop is Having a Big Sale!

I always start my Christmas shopping a bit early. This year, I've been hearing about all these cargo ships that are stuck off the coast of CA and how there could be shortages of some items. That got me motivated to go ahead and get my shopping done for my two grandsons just in case the shortage rumors turn out to be true. I've been eyeing this awesome robot for them for some time. When their dad was … [Read more...]




My Favorite Fall-Winter Clothing Hack

We've been having beautiful autumn days here in Georgia. The nighttime temps are a bit chilly but then the days warm up so nicely--definitely the kind of weather where layering is in order. I tend to do a lot of layering even in the dead of winter because I don't like wearing a coat unless I'm going to be outside for an extended period of time. I don't normally find a coat necessary if I'm just out … [Read more...]




Advent Calendars for the Tea, Coffee, Chocolate & Wine Lover

A couple of days ago I shared some of my favorite Advent Calendars that have just come out for the holiday season. Most of the ones I shared in that previous post were beauty-themed, although there were a few surprises like this over-the-top beautiful Wedgwood Advent Calendar. If you missed that previous post, you'll find it here: They are Here! The Most Beautiful Advent Calendars of the … [Read more...]




It’s 1921! Let’s Shop the Newest Fashions: Silk-Taffeta Dresses, Oxford Boots & Floral Straw Hats

How about another trip in my time machine? This time we're headed back to January 1921 to check out the news, the movies that are playing at the Capitol Theater, what's on sale at the Piggly Wiggly, and how much the latest styles in hats and shoes will set us back. Actually, some of the prices are a bit higher than I expected. You may remember a few weeks ago I shared this unique end table in my upstairs … [Read more...]




Finally Sharing All Those Photos, Ideas and Tips That I’ve Been Saving

Welcome to the 663rd Metamorphosis Monday! Throughout the year, I'm always taking photos of things that I want to share with you that I think you'll enjoy. I've been going through photos this morning, and I thought it would be fun to share an assortment of random pictures and ideas for this week's Met Monday, especially since one of two of these are Before/After ideas. Hope you enjoy! During one of my … [Read more...]




I Had My Car Windows Tinted: Here’s How They Look & How Much It Costs

Have you ever had your front car windows tinted? I have never had that done with any car that I've owned, but I decided to do that with the car I purchased recently. My main goal in having the two front windows tinted was to get some of the sun that streams in through the windows off of my arms. That's the one part of my body that I think has suffered sun damage over the years. As with most things we do … [Read more...]




My September Favorites & A Long-Needed Pillow Upgrade

I have just a few favorites to share from September and among them I definitely have to sing the praises of these corduroy pants I ordered from Talbots. I love their cords because they don't add inches/lbs to your body like some corduroy pants tend to do. They hug the body just right. I always buy their  "curvy" fit in pants or jeans--that just works best for my body shape. The curvy fit is super … [Read more...]




A Fashion Book Collection & Prada Marfa, A “Shop” in the Middle of the Desert

Welcome to the 661st Metamorphosis Monday! It's always dangerous when I start a new project. Usually, I start out thinking that it's going to be a gradual process, something I'll be working on for a while. Then before I know it, I want to see it completed. Right now! Once I get a vision in my head, I can't seem to put the brakes on or slow down. Anyone else have that problem when starting a … [Read more...]




I Can’t Live Without This Thing–Keep Finding New Ways to Use It!

In the past, I've shared this awesome little desktop vacuum with you. It is amazing! I like it so much, when I set up a desk in the guest room at my son's home, which is also a great workspace for my oldest grandson when I'm not there, I immediately purchased a second one since I use it so much at home.   I use it at least once a week to vacuum my large desk mat that does double duty as a … [Read more...]




Planning Ahead for Autumn and Thanksgiving Holiday Tables

Welcome to 678th Tablescape Thursday! Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma are having some of the same issues a lot of companies are having right now, they are having trouble getting stock into the stores. When I visited Pottery Barn yesterday, I didn't see nearly as many holiday-themed goodies as I would normally expect to see.   I thought these pumpkin-shaped bowls were really cute! There … [Read more...]




8 Ways to Stay Warm and Cozy in the Fall-Winter Home

Tomorrow is the first official day of Autumn. Though the mid-day temps are still in the 70s and lower 80s here in the Atlanta area, you can sense that fall is just around the corner. Not sure why, but for once I'm not dreading the cooler weather as I normally would. Maybe I'm just relishing the return of all the hunkering-down coziness I associate with fall--like woolly, soft, throws, snuggly sweaters, … [Read more...]




Hop in My Time Machine! Destination: January 1957!

Welcome to the 660th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday to you! I hope your week is off to a great start! Last week I shared a new lamp I had added to the upstairs living/bonus room.   In that post, I also shared a little about the "end table" on which the lamp was sitting.   As mentioned in that previous post, my sister, Glenda, used to work as the bookkeeper for a … [Read more...]




August Favorites & An “Autumn is Coming” BOGO Sale

September is halfway over and I just realized today that I hadn't shared my favorites from last month. I spent the first 3 weeks of August visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons. When I arrived, I was not happy to discover that I had left my toiletry bag with all its contents, at home! Argggh! I had it filled with everything I would need over the next few weeks and I turned right around and drove … [Read more...]




The Painting Arrived & I Found the Perfect Place for It!

I can't quit playing in this room. lol Recently I added some cabinets down the left wall of this guest bedroom that's quickly become my "woman cave." lol   I love handbags and have been really wishing for a long time to gather them all together in one spot where I could see and access them more easily. This wall in the guest room was the only wall big enough and the guest room is very rarely … [Read more...]




This End of Season Sale is Killin’ It! Autumn is on Sale, Too!

I love this time of year when all the end-of-season sales are in full swing while the autumn sales are just kicking off! The end of summer sales are the best right now so this is my favorite time to pick up some great deals for next year. Or, if you live in the south as I do, you can still wear them for another couple of months! I just ordered these earrings. They are normally 29.50 and I got them for $6 … [Read more...]




Musical Lamps

Welcome to the 657th Metamorphosis Monday! Did you ever play the game, Musical Chairs, when you were little? Well, it's been like musical lamps around here lately. lol I may end up with one odd lamp out in the end, not sure at this point. Last week I shared a new lamp I had purchased to use in my home office. It turned out to be much larger than I had expected so not a good fit for the office. Lesson … [Read more...]




A Special Book Inspired This Post, Starting My Holiday Shopping Now

Recently I was scoping out books on Amazon and I came across a book that looked amazing and was available to be pre-ordered. Extraordinary Voyages combines our love of fashion, particularly Lous Vuitton fashion, as well as our love for travel. That makes a lot of sense since Louis got his start in 1854 making beautiful trunks designed for travel. How wonderful it would be to own a vintage or antique LV … [Read more...]




2 Beautiful, New Lamps–Unique in Color and Size, Crazy About Both!

Welcome to the 656th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all your input on Friday's post! Appreciate all of your suggestions so much! After three weeks in Ohio, I'm back home now. The weekend was spent unpacking, going through mail, washing clothes, and all the catch-up stuff that usually needs to be done after a few weeks away from home. The two lamps I ordered prior to my trip arrived and I'm … [Read more...]




HomeGoods Shopping Trip: What Would You Keep & What Would Go Back?

A few days ago when I visited HomeGoods, I was surprised by how many things they had in for creating pretty tables and decorating for the holidays.  It felt like old times as I walked through and checked out the new offerings for fall. When I shop for items I may want to use in table settings or my holiday decor, I love to find pieces that aren't necessarily holiday-themed so that I can use them all … [Read more...]




Bow Lipstick Case Repair & A Tale of Two Throws

Welcome to the 655th Metamorphosis Monday! A few years back I shared these absolutely gorgeous lipstick cases by the House of Sillage. I think I first came across them in a post on Instagram and I was smitten!   House of Sillage periodically comes out with new additions and they are always beautiful. Over the last few years, I've added to my collection and I use them all the time. I use … [Read more...]




Warehouse Sale, Up to 75% Off, Ending in 6 Hours–Wish I Had Found It Earlier!

I just discovered a few minutes ago that some of my favorite stores have a huge Warehouse Sale going on and many things are 50-75% off! I wish I had seen the sale earlier since there are only a few hours left (6 hours left as I write this) and the sale ends today. Below I'm sharing a few of my faves and I'll add to this post as I continue to shop the sale.   I've always wanted a piece of Le … [Read more...]




My July Favorites & Today is the Last Day of the Sale!

Today is the last day of the Nordstrom sale, only 13 hours left and the sale will be gone for another year. I ended up purchasing these Mother-of-Pearl heart earrings after a friend of mine purchased them and said they were beautiful! (Thanks, Susan!) That was all the push I needed. Can't wait until they arrive! They are available on sale here: Mother-of-Pearl Drop Earrings. The other item I am still … [Read more...]




Is it Time to Ditch Those Floral Valances in the Guest Room?

In some of my recent posts, we've been playing here in the guest room a lot. In one post I shared a new lamp I had purchased for this room. (See that post here: New Lamp for the Guest Room.)   A week or two later, I added some Ikea Oxberg cabinets down one wall as a fun, attractive way to corral all my handbags into one area. The guest room is so rarely used since family prefers the larger … [Read more...]




Antiquing at the Queen of Hearts.

I hadn't realized how much I missed antiquing until recently when I ventured out to one of the nearby antique malls. Having really enjoyed that trip, a couple of days ago I stopped by a Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors shoppe. As I entered the store, this was the first thing I saw and I could feel the anticipation and excitement coming back that I used to feel during a fun antiquing excursion, … [Read more...]




Magic Bee Dinnerware & Iridescent Flatware-A Mesmerizing Shopping Trip!

Welcome to the 670th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I stopped by HomeGoods to see if they had a particular book I would like to find at a discounted price. They didn't but I enjoyed checking out the dinnerware and flatware they had in stock. I haven't shopped inside a HomeGoods in a long, long time because I noticed a few years ago, they seemed to be carrying fewer dinnerware sets. I took some photos … [Read more...]




Finally! The Anniversary Sale is Open to Everyone! Here are my Faves!

Today is the day that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finally opens up to everyone, including those of us who are not cardholders. The first thing that caught my eye today while shopping was their cubic zirconia earring sale. When it comes to jewelry, obviously I prefer real diamonds, but for earrings, I love wearing cubic zirconia because I have a tendency to lose earrings or misplace them. Cubic … [Read more...]




2 New Lamps I Just Ordered & A Sale on a Sale on a Sale!

Ever since I ordered a new lamp for the guest room, I haven't been able to get this new lamp source I recently discovered out of my mind. Lamps are one of my favorite things in the world! Seriously! I always cram as many into a room as I can reasonably use, preferably one in every corner or area of a room. It usually works out where I end up with 4-5 lamps in each room.   The lamps I normally … [Read more...]




My Favorite & Best Finds in the Once-a-Year Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I have had so much fun reading the answers to the "Questions/Answers" post I shared a few days ago! If you missed that post and could use some inspiration right now, you'll find that post here: 10 Questions & My Answers...Can't Wait to Read Yours! And Shelia, if you see this post, everyone wants your Pineapple Casserole Recipe! (See Shelia's answer to Question #6 below.) 6. Something you cook or … [Read more...]




June Favorites + Christmas Came Early for My Son

I almost skipped creating favorites post this month since I didn't really buy or come across anything super exciting last month. I did buy one gift for my son that was a big hit. I'm always asking my daughter-in-love for gift ideas. She recently texted me that my son had mentioned how much he would love a Yeti cooler but it was one of those items that she knew he would never buy for himself. I thought … [Read more...]




What’s on My Bedside Table?

A popular themed video on YouTube among handbag lovers/collectors is a "What's in my handbag" video. Apparently, women are often curious about what other women carry around in their bags during the day.   A few nights ago as I crawled into bed, I thought, "I wonder what most people keep on their bedside table?"   So today I thought I'd share with you the things I normally keep … [Read more...]




How I’m Preventing Additional Holes in My Lilly Pulitzer Etta Shirts

A few weeks ago I shared a shocking discovery. I looked down and found lots of tiny holes in one of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer shirts.   I had no idea what had caused them, but it prompted me to look at my other Lilly Pulitzer Etta shirts.   They alllll had holes--every last one of them!   In reading many of the reviews on the Lilly Pulitzer website, I discovered … [Read more...]




A Tip for Getting Faster Deliveries & A New Purchase I’m Already Using & Loving

Welcome to the 649th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I mentioned in a post that the Ikea Billy Bookcases here in my home office, make lousy bookcases. They really do! Unless you only own/read paperback books or wish to fill your bookcase shelves with a lot of tchotchkes, the shelves are going to bow. They do not hold up well under the hardback books at all!   Magdy, a lovely BNOTP reader, … [Read more...]




What I’m Eyeing in the 50% Off 4th of July Sale Today

Talbots has a great sale going on, it's 50% off almost everything on their site, including the new arrivals! You don't see that very often so I had to check to see what new items they have in.   I LOVE these shorts! I've found over the years that a busy pattern like this is very flattering on the hips. Love the green and white palm leaf design! They are on sale 50% off here: … [Read more...]




Let’s Go Antiquing–There Was a Table That Really Tempted Me!

I still really, really miss A Classy Flea. I think every antiquing post I ever write will probably start out with those words. Why do all great things eventually have to come to an end?! Sometime soon, I'm going to get in my car and drive to allll the old haunts I used to frequent back in the day when I used to go antiquing almost every weekend. I can think of 5-6 places right off the bat. I wonder if … [Read more...]




Updates for the Master Bedroom and Guest Room, Expanding Storage

Welcome to the 648th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Ages ago, I ordered three Billy Bookcases for my home office. FYI: I don't recommend the Billy for book storage unless you are 1. Storing only paperback books or 2. Will be mixing in lots of tchotchkes on the shelves with your books. The shelves can't handle a lot of weight and bow easily when loaded down with … [Read more...]




Williams Sonoma Shopping Trip & A Bag You’ve Asked About Is Back in Stock

Happy Weekend! Yesterday, I headed out to do a little shopping in some of my favorite homeware stores and I snapped some pictures to share. Before I share those, if you were one of the dearhearts who contacted me after I shared this Lady Dior handbag that I purchased a couple of years ago, I noticed recently that the shop where I found mine has gotten another one back in stock. You rarely see them available … [Read more...]




Amazon’s Prime Sale: These are My Favorites and Best Finds

Have you been shopping the Prime Day sales? The sale started yesterday and is still going through today. I'm pretty sure today is the last day and there are quite a few goodies that are tempting me. Some of the items I'm sharing below are included in the Prime Day sale and some are just things I've been eyeing that have great reviews. Several of the items I'm sharing are things I've purchased in the past … [Read more...]




How to Gain Back Inches If You Shrink a Linen/Cotton Tablecloth or Napkins

Welcome to the 647th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Have you ever accidentally shrunk something in the wash or while drying? Cotton and linen seemed to be especially prone to shrinking. Recently Elena shared with me an awesome trick she discovered online for regaining some of those inches that can be lost when a cotton/linen item gets shrunk during the washing … [Read more...]




So About Those Pierced Chargers–Here’s The Skinny, Plus a Sale Update

I came across something recently that I thought those of you who enjoy following Tablescape Thursday, would enjoy seeing. It's a receipt from January 2008. Over the years as I've created table settings for Tablescape Thursday, the most often asked about item that I use in many of the tables I set are these cream, pierced chargers. (Table setting below can be viewed here: Limelight Hydrangeas in a Summer … [Read more...]




Uptalk: How to Make It Less Annoying When Listening to a Video on YouTube

Have you ever heard of Upspeak or Uptalk? Do you know people who talk this way? I've often mentioned how much I enjoy listening to handbag and perfume reviews on YouTube while working here in my home office or just whenever I have some downtime. Unfortunately, a growing trend I've been "hearing" a lot on YouTube is the occurrence (or should I say scourge?) of Uptalk, also referred to as Upspeak. Merriam … [Read more...]




Birds & Bees Living in the Dovecote & Beautiful Summer Tops on Sale

A couple of days ago I went outside via the garage door and cut through a little path behind the magnolia to get to the front porch. I'm currently not using the front door since there's a sweet bird nesting in my front door wreath.   As I passed by the dovecote in the front yard, I noticed a bee flew out? Ummm, I've never seen a bee fly out of the dovecote. The bee flew out of the opening … [Read more...]




May Favorites, Preventing Holes in Shirts & Replacement Filter for Aprilaire SpaceGard

I've never received a reply back from Lilly Pulitzer about the holes that have appeared in all of my Etta shirts. I'm disappointed that they haven't replied back to my email. In the meantime, I've pretty much figured out that the holes were probably made by the button on the shorts that I love to wear all summer since the holes are near/around where the button is on all my Talbots shorts. It's a little too … [Read more...]




My Lilly Pulitzer Etta Shirts Are Turning Into Swiss Cheese!

I love, love, love me some Lilly Pulitzer! Lilly Pulitzer is one of my favorite brands because of their fun, happy, Palm-Beach-style prints.   Last summer and the summer before, I purchased a bunch of their cute Etta shirts. I started out by purchasing two and after they arrived and I saw how light-weight and comfortable they were, I had to have more.   Over the past two … [Read more...]




The Best Memorial Day Sales & My Favorite Spring-Summer Fashions

There are so many great Memorial Day sales going on right now for beautiful vacation/resort fashions for summer. I've been checking them all out and today I'm sharing a few of my favorites below from the new spring offerings. I adore this beautiful eyelet shirt that's currently on sale 30% off. There's just something so feminine and beautiful about eyelet. You'll find this shirt on sale here: Beautiful … [Read more...]




A Growing Hermes Perfume Atomizer Collection & A Cozy Addition for My Bath

Welcome to the 643rd Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Is there something you love to collect? Maybe you have a beautiful doll collection. Or, if you love handbags as I do, perhaps you have a growing handbag collection. If I were a guy, I think I'd have a big necktie collection. lol I love shopping for ties for my son--both Hermes and Vineyard Vines make really fun … [Read more...]




My Bookcase Decision and Several Fun Ideas and Tips I’ve Been Meaning to Share

Good Saturday Afternoon! I hope your weekend is going awesome! Today I thought I'd create a quick catch-up post. I have a little folder on my computer that I occasionally drop pictures into when there's something I'd love to share with you that I think you'll find helpful or interesting but perhaps isn't worthy of a full post. Periodically that folder gets a little fat and I know it's time to pull those … [Read more...]




All the Perfumes Currently in My Fragrance Collection

Back in November 2015, almost six years ago now, I shared my small perfume collection with you. I love, love, love perfume and with very little trouble, I could easily become a hoarder of all perfumes. lol If I awake in the morning and find I'm in an okay-whatever mood, with just a few sprays of a favorite scent, my day will suddenly feel sooo much better! Perfume has that effect on me, it's definitely a … [Read more...]




Problem Solved: Hide Those Not-So-Attractive Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

Earlier this week I shared some new additions to my master bath. I'm hoping to fully renovate at least one of my baths next year but in the meantime, I'm appeasing myself by adding little improvements and touches that make my heart happy. For example, I ordered this adorable birdie-themed tissue holder for the counter here in my master bath. Apparently, it's my favorite tissue holder since this is the … [Read more...]




April Favorites, Plus 3 Pairs of Earrings I Just Purchased

Today's post is an April favorites post that sorta ended up morphing into a summer earrings post. I'm really into earrings right now. I think it started when I bought these adorable daisy earrings that I literally find myself wanting to wear every single day.   But before we get to that, here are a few of the other items I've really enjoyed over the past month. Last winter when random … [Read more...]




25+ Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day–Dad Would Probably Like Some of These, Too!

Wow! Thanks so much for all the great book suggestions you left in the comments of my last post! I'm really looking forward to checking out all the books and authors you recommended! Sooo many great recommendations! Also, thanks so much for trying to help me figure out the name of the book I read back in high school that I would love to find again. There was one particular book that was suggested that I … [Read more...]




March Favorites, Update on the Curling Shirt Issue & Adorable Spoons I’ve Ordered

Happy Weekend! I'm popping in today to share a few of my favorites from the month of March. As always, this is an eclectic mix and I hope you find these helpful. One night recently, we had a power outage. Fortunately, it didn't last very long but when it happened, I was so thankful for these little emergency lights that I have plugged in all throughout my home. The second the power went out, they … [Read more...]




4 Cheerful Ensembles for Spring and Summer

I love wearing casual dresses during the spring and summer months because they are so comfortable and cool for our hot, humid days. A dress that I purchased last year and really enjoyed wearing was this Lilly Pulitzer dress below called the Ophelia Swing Dress. I love the patterns Lilly P designs for their clothing so was happy to discover last year that they are now making some of their dresses a bit … [Read more...]




Spring Smiles, Favorite Summer Dresses & Need Sewing Advice for a Problem Shirt

Happy Spring! I hope you seeing some nice weather, it's so pretty here right now. Remember the flowers I used recently in a table setting? The lilies are starting to open and they are sooo pretty!   The birds are pretty happy with our spring weather. I glanced out the window of the dressing room upstairs a few days ago and saw this handsome fella perched on the roof of the front porch. I have … [Read more...]




February Favorites & Beautiful Spring Pillows I’m Eyeing for the Porch

Happy spring! I realized earlier today that I haven't shared my February Favorites, so wanted to do that before we got too much further into March. The weather here has been so beautiful! We've had some early spring rains, but we needed it so I'm not complaining. I hope you are seeing spring weather or at least hints of spring where you live. A little less than a week ago I shared how I had decorated my … [Read more...]




A Mini Shopping Haul: What I Found Today in Marshalls

I ventured out today for a bit of shopping. Actually, I was out running an errand to pick up some flowers and decided to stop into Marshalls since this is the time of year they often get in really cute spring decor goodies. I picked up these two pillar candle holders with the idea of using them in a future Halloween table setting. Or, they would work great on a sideboard or chest when decorating for … [Read more...]




Toni’s Elegant & Practical Solution to Upgrade Her Desk Space and Closet Storage

Last year, while I was staying with family and helping with my grandsons for a couple of months, you may remember that I purchased a desk to work at while I was there. I actually purchased a couple of desks during that time. The first one turned out to be a bit too shallow for my needs so I ended up purchasing a second one. My daughter-in-law and l were both desk shopping around the same time and I sent … [Read more...]




My Favorite Products for the Best Shiny & Clean “Afters”

Welcome to the 632nd Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Over the last couple of weeks, I've received several emails from BNOTP readers asking about the various cleaning products I use and have mentioned loving in previous posts. Since it's almost time for some serious spring cleaning, for this week's Met Monday I'm sharing all the products I love and use in my home. … [Read more...]




Why I Never Get Anything Done…

A recent morning... Awaken. Need to make bed.   Start to make bed but notice lint on duvet cover.   Go to closet to get lint roller, but find the buffalo-plaid, wearable blanket bought this past winter folded on top of the basket where lint rollers are stored. Oh. Yeah. Remember never got around to finding a good place to hang the blanket after returning from … [Read more...]




Big Sale on Favorite Spring Fashions + Adorable Bee-Themed Dinnerware

A few days ago I took you shopping with me in Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. There were a few more items I saw and snapped photos of that I didn't get to share in that post, so I'm back today with those, plus some spring clothes inspiration that I think you will love. They even brought back my favorite goes-with-everything polka dot shirt! Do you ever watch Shark Tank? This cutting board was … [Read more...]




Shopping the Spring-Easter Dinnerware in Two of My Favorite Stores

I ventured out yesterday to a couple of my favorite shops to see what's new in for spring. The first place I stopped was Pottery Barn. I was surprised to see that they only had a couple of tables set for spring.   I remember this cute floral, Peter Rabbit pattern featuring Peter running and jumping through the flowers from last year.   Doesn't this make you long for … [Read more...]