These Shoppes Are Still Promising Delivery by Christmas

December 21, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



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

December 11, 2021 by 4 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



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

November 27, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



20 Toys They Will Love Getting for Christmas This Year

November 19, 2021 by 15 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , ,



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

November 10, 2021 by 12 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



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

November 2, 2021 by 7 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



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

October 30, 2021 by 8 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



My Favorite Fall-Winter Clothing Hack

October 27, 2021 by 12 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , , ,



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

October 17, 2021 by 6 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , , , ,



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

October 13, 2021 by 19 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

October 11, 2021 by 44 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire



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

October 8, 2021 by 32 Comments

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...]

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



My September Favorites & A Long-Needed Pillow Upgrade

October 6, 2021 by 24 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



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

September 27, 2021 by 36 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , ,



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

September 25, 2021 by 12 Comments

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...]

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



Planning Ahead for Autumn and Thanksgiving Holiday Tables

September 23, 2021 by 24 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,



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

September 21, 2021 by 22 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Seasonal Decor



Hop in My Time Machine! Destination: January 1957!

September 20, 2021 by 42 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



August Favorites & An “Autumn is Coming” BOGO Sale

September 17, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



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

September 8, 2021 by 34 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

September 4, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Musical Lamps

August 30, 2021 by 42 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Lighting, Living Room (Downstairs) Tagged With: ,



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

August 28, 2021 by 15 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

August 23, 2021 by 46 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Bedroom (Master), Before & After, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Lighting, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs)



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

August 20, 2021 by 21 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Bow Lipstick Case Repair & A Tale of Two Throws

August 16, 2021 by 20 Comments

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...]

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



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

August 10, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

August 8, 2021 by 17 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites Tagged With: ,



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

August 4, 2021 by 117 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Antiquing at the Queen of Hearts.

July 31, 2021 by 24 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

July 29, 2021 by 19 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , ,



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

July 28, 2021 by 5 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

July 24, 2021 by 32 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Lighting Tagged With: , , ,



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

July 16, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



June Favorites + Christmas Came Early for My Son

July 10, 2021 by 13 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



What’s on My Bedside Table?

July 7, 2021 by 47 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

July 6, 2021 by 31 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , ,



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

July 5, 2021 by 35 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With:



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

July 4, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

June 30, 2021 by 23 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Updates for the Master Bedroom and Guest Room, Expanding Storage

June 28, 2021 by 41 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , ,



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

June 26, 2021 by 7 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

June 22, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

June 21, 2021 by 25 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



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

June 20, 2021 by 11 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: ,



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

June 16, 2021 by 32 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Inspire



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

June 12, 2021 by 19 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , ,



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

June 9, 2021 by 37 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



My Lilly Pulitzer Etta Shirts Are Turning Into Swiss Cheese!

June 1, 2021 by 99 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , ,



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

May 26, 2021 by

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

May 24, 2021 by 26 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

May 22, 2021 by 52 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



All the Perfumes Currently in My Fragrance Collection

May 19, 2021 by 49 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , ,



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

May 11, 2021 by 25 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



April Favorites, Plus 3 Pairs of Earrings I Just Purchased

May 8, 2021 by 8 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites Tagged With: , , , ,



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

April 25, 2021 by 8 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



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

April 10, 2021 by 20 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



4 Cheerful Ensembles for Spring and Summer

March 31, 2021 by 20 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , ,



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

March 24, 2021 by 36 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

March 20, 2021 by 12 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites Tagged With: ,



A Mini Shopping Haul: What I Found Today in Marshalls

March 17, 2021 by 24 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: ,



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

March 10, 2021 by 7 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

March 8, 2021 by 18 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , ,



Why I Never Get Anything Done…

March 5, 2021 by 59 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

March 2, 2021 by 12 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

February 28, 2021 by 27 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Easter Table Settings, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: ,



January Favorites and How I’ve Been Passing These Cold Winter Days

February 20, 2021 by 32 Comments

I'm sooo happy right now. I just looked out the window and though it's almost 5:30 PM, it's still bright and sunny outside! That means the daylight is staying with us longer and longer each day! No wonder the birds have been so happy and singing their little hearts out today--they know spring is on its way! I'm late as usual but wanted to share the few things that made it to my "favorites" list for the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



Every Year They Sell Out, But This Year I Caught Them + They’re on Sale!

February 17, 2021 by 5 Comments

Seems like every year I miss out on these! For the past few years in early spring, Talbots gets in these pretty jeans that are in the most beautiful shade of pink, and almost every year I miss out on getting a pair because they always sell out so quickly. For once, I've caught them early--plus they are on sale 30% off today in a Pop-up sale! They call this soft pink color, French Rose and it is sooo … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Beautiful Antiques and Wonderful, One-of-a-Kind Lamps

February 10, 2021 by 41 Comments

Recently I noticed one of the lamps on my desk had become a bit wobbly. The next day I dropped it by my favorite lamp shop, Flourish Antiques, to have it repaired. David Puffer, the owner of Flourish, has his lamp shop inside the Marietta Antique Mall. To fill the time while David was repairing my lamp, I took a stroll up and down the aisles inside the mall, snapping photos of some of the beautiful antiques … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , ,



The Weirdest Thing, A “Shocking” Experience & How I Finally Solved It

February 6, 2021 by 55 Comments

So I've had the weirdest thing going on the past few months. At first, I thought it was a fluke but when it wouldn't stop I had to seek out a solution. I thought it was worth sharing because 1. It strikes me as kinda funny now looking back and 2. In case you've experienced this, maybe this weird little tale and how I solved it will help somehow. Update: I'm getting a lot comments asking if it's an … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: ,



10 Favorites, Must-Haves, & Time-Savers for the Kitchen

February 3, 2021 by 31 Comments

Carrying on in the theme of Monday's post where I shared some changes I've made that have enhanced my life in both small and big ways, I thought I'd share a few more tips/ideas I use on a daily basis that I've found to be super helpful-- only this time we're in the kitchen. Some of these I have touched on in previous posts but with all the staying in we're doing more right now, this seems like a good time … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Beautiful Necklaces Crafted from Broken China & A Shirt I Need in My Wardrobe

January 29, 2021 by 36 Comments

Recently when my dear friend, Teresa, was in town, she and I got together for dinner. We had so much fun catching up that evening. I had forgotten what it was like having dinner out with friends!   Teresa and I are ready to go back to Egypt--what a trip that was!   You may remember our crazy "Lucy and Ethel" adventure when we tried to have dinner in the Old Cataract … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , ,



My November and December Monthly Favorites (Better Late Than Never)

January 23, 2021 by 28 Comments

With all the busyness of the holidays, I never got around to sharing some of my favorites for the months of November and December...and here we are in the last week of January! Below you'll find just a few of my favorites, hope you find this helpful! A few months back I purchased a sampler Discovery Set of Frederic Malle Perfumes, mainly because the set included two perfumes I've heard reviewers rave … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



My Winter Survival Favorites: Part 1

January 11, 2021 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 624th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Each year I love to put together a post with my favorite winter survival goodies, those things that help make the winter season a lot more comfortable and maybe even a little fun. If you've been reading BNOTP for very long, you probably know that I pretty much go into hibernation come wintertime. Has this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



A Fun Find During My Drive Back Home

January 10, 2021 by 19 Comments

A few years back I stumbled across a big, fat turkey in Pottery Barn. He was a bit on the pricey side so I didn't buy him that day, hoping to catch him in a sale later on. Well, much to my dismay he sold out faster than you can say Jiminy Cricket!   Amazingly, Pottery Barn brought him back the following year. I was so surprised! I remember a sales representative in Williams Sonoma once … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



When Night Becomes Day! Does It Do This Where You Live When It Snows?

January 5, 2021 by 75 Comments

Since I've been visiting family in Ohio, it has snowed several times. We even had a white Christmas this year. A few days ago after another relatively light snowfall, I was working at my computer late at night when I got thirsty and decided to get something to drink. I walked into the kitchen, flipped on the light, got my drink, and as I was standing near the sink I noticed the house next door was clearly … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Inspire



If Santa Didn’t Bring Everything You Wanted…

December 29, 2020 by 9 Comments

A couple of my favorite stores are having big after-Christmas, end-of-season clearance sales. Even though winter is still with us for several more months, the new spring clothes are already appearing in-store and online, so it's time for some great winter sales! I've been eyeing this adorable snowflake sweater all winter! It's currently on sale 2/3rds off! You'll find it on sale here: Snowflake … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



21 Christmas Stocking Stuffers-Gift Ideas in All Price Ranges

December 19, 2020 by 32 Comments

The countdown is on--just a few more days until Christmas. In today's post, I'm sharing some of my favorite Stocking Stuffers, some are actually nice enough to be given as full-on gifts. Hope you find these suggestions helpful as you finish your Christmas and holiday shopping! I always drool over these beautiful hand warmers when a Sundance Catalog arrives at my door. They are wool (not polyester) so … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Gift Ideas for All Ages, Including Cashmere on Sale! These are Some of My Faves!

December 16, 2020 by 5 Comments

How is your holiday shopping going? Are you all finished? Is it all wrapped. I have mine all wrapped but I've purchased a few more last-minute gifts, so need to get those wrapped over the next few days. I bought one of these wearable blankets for myself a month or so ago with plans to take it with me the next time I visited family in Ohio. I showed it to my son one night when he was watching TV and was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , ,



Favorite Winter Fashions And They Are All On Sale!

December 13, 2020 by 11 Comments

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! I've been doing a bit of online shopping this weekend and two of my fave stores are having great sales. If you're in need of some pretty winter clothes, all the items I'm sharing below are currently on sale 50% off. In fact, everything is on sale, 50% off. Love these straight leg cords! They are available in several colors, including neutral colors, but I do love … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



My Favorite Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales

November 29, 2020 by 12 Comments

If you didn't do any shopping for Black Friday, I discovered today while I was shopping online that there are still a lot of BF sales going on. In some places, Cyber Monday is already underway. I get a lot of emails/comments asking about my office furniture. It's currently on sale for Black Friday.   The corner desk is currently on sale here: Corner Desk with Drawers. Plus, I think the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Thanksgiving by Candlelight

November 26, 2020 by 24 Comments

Welcome to the 635th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Sorry our Tablescape Thursday party is going up a day late. Hope you enjoy it even though I'm running a bit behind this year. Pssst: I'm sharing my three fave Black Friday sales at the end of this post in case you're doing some shopping today or this weekend. Just before everything was about to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , ,



Christmas Decorating, Door Updates & Keeping the Little Ones Busy this Thanksgiving

November 21, 2020 by 20 Comments

Will you have little ones visiting your home for Thanksgiving? With two wiggly, little boys headed my way, I've been thinking about fun things to keep them from getting too bored while they are here. I still have a few of their dad's toys here, but the majority of those have already been taken to their home during my previous visits. I picked up a few things over this past week that I think they will … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



My October Favorites Including Christmas Gifts for Family & Friends

November 7, 2020 by 14 Comments

I've been doing a fair amount of Christmas shopping for family over the last few weeks. Today I had planned to share some of my Christmas finds when I realized I had never done a favorites post for the month of October. So this post is a little of both--my favorites from October and some of the Christmas gifts I've purchased for friends and family. This awesome storage pouch definitely makes the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



Bringing Out the Cozy: Fave Flannel Sheets & New Art for My Bedroom

November 2, 2020 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 614th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! This post is going up a bit late because I changed horses midstream. lol When I awoke this morning, all I could think about was how much I wanted to put my flannel sheets on the bed. I'm definitely in the mood for some autumn/fall decorating. Time to cozy up the house before the cold weather arrives! Though I'm … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



A Dead Computer & The 2 Things That Made The Power Outage Bearable

October 31, 2020 by 50 Comments

Finally, the power is back on. You know, it's amazing how fast our brains adapt to a new situation. I was working on a puzzle and listening to a book on Audible when a loud snap sound happened from the direction of my computer and the lights came on. It felt so weird to have electricity at my fingertips again, to be able to just flip a switch and have light in a room! lol I know that sounds weird but it was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



A Cute Retro-Style Refrigerator for My Home Office

October 21, 2020 by 31 Comments

Often when sharing an update here in my bedroom, I end up sharing this view of the room. But just around the corner and out of view is another room.   Previously this was a 4th bedroom, or 5th if counting the Bonus/Frog room, but the first owners of my home closed off the entrance to this room from the upstairs hallway, cut a big opening in the wall to connect it to the Master Bedroom and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Office/Craft/Sewing Room



It’s Been a Whirlwind Month: Lots of Cleaning, Painting and the Doors Arrived!

October 19, 2020 by 50 Comments

Welcome to the 612th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you probably know I spent much of summer and the start of the school year helping with my grandchildren in Ohio. School is still just 3 hours a day there so it definitely makes it challenging for working Moms and Dads. Once I returned back home, it was full steam ahead! I … [Read more...]

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



When Hope Is Not Enough & My September Favorites

October 13, 2020 by 26 Comments

A few weeks back when I was visiting with family, I mentioned to my daughter-in-law that I was super annoyed that as I have gotten older, the pores on my face seem to be more visible. I had heard women complain of having big pores or visible pores all my life, but I had never really understood what that meant. As I've gotten older, I've noticed that I have pores on my face, too! lol I know that sounds … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Monthly Favorites



How I Protect My Cashmere-Wool Scarves from Moths & Other Dastardly Bugs

October 6, 2020 by 22 Comments

As you know if you've been reading BNOTP for very long, this girl doesn't do cold weather. Not. A. Fan. However, over the years I've come to discover that winter isn't near so bad if you have the right gear, i.e., quality coats, Uggs, warm sweaters, Uggs, woolly scarves, Uggs, wool socks, Uggs--you get the idea. ;) Next to woolly Uggs, my other favorite cold-weather gear is soft, wool or cashmere … [Read more...]

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