My Favorite Black Friday Sales

I don't think I've ever been more excited for a Black Friday than I am today. The sales are pretty much the best you'll find throughout the year, and I love that I can stay at home in my PJs and still take advantage of all the best deals! Noritake is having their BIGGEST sale of the year with everything sitewide at 30-50% off!   These beautiful Christmas accent plates are on sale 30% off. … [Read more...]




Easily Add Lighting to Attics, Closets & Sheds & A Wallet Update I Just Made

Welcome to the 512th Metamorphosis Monday! I have two quick updates to share for this week's Met Monday. Hope you find these helpful! I store the majority of my Christmas decorations here in the upstairs bonus room eaves. As seen below, there are little doors that lead to that storage area.   That area can be quite dark, especially when all the wreaths I hang on my exterior windows are … [Read more...]




Hanging Wreaths & My Favorite Tartan Flannel Sheets Are On Sale

Have you completed your autumn decorations? I didn't really decorate a lot this year since I was out of the country for most of October, then under the weather with a nasty cold/virus for 10+ days of November. About the only decorating I did prior to leaving for Egypt was to hang a fall wreath on my front door. (See more of this wreath in this previous post: Autumn Wreath for the Front … [Read more...]




Great Storage Idea for Handbags Or Collectibles & All the Details To Create It

Welcome the 511th Metamorphosis Monday! If you've been reading BNTOP for a while, I know you're familiar with this view of my home office.   On the other side of my office, there's a cozy, little reading corner.   Several years ago I hung a Bucket List Travel Map above the chair here in the office, hoping it would keep me inspired and focused on seeing more of our big, … [Read more...]




Christmas Shopping This Weekend & Taking Advantage of the Best Sales

During the day on Tuesday, my lights went out three times. They weren't out long, just long enough to get all the clocks in the house flashing away. Later that night as I was getting into bed, they went out and stayed out for good. I have no idea what was going on with the power in our neighborhood that day but when I looked out the window, I could see the whole street was out. I never felt panicked … [Read more...]




What Do Travelers Really Wear When Visiting Egypt?

It's 4 am here. Last night we arrived back in Cairo, having completed the Aswan-Abu Simble part of our trip. I can't wait to go through all the photos I've taken to share some of the highlights of this tour across Egypt! It will take some time to go through all the photos I've taken and to organize them for a post, but I hope to share those soon. I've received a few comments here and on Instagram … [Read more...]




What’s Inside My Travel Handbag & Travel-Themed Toothpaste

Thanks so much to Ginger for telling me about this fun "luxury" travel toothpaste. The toothpaste comes in some pretty exotic-sounding flavors. The description describes them this way: This set contains 1.3oz travel sizes of all three limited edition toothpaste flavors in Marvis’ Wonders of the World collection, inspired by an imaginary and adventurous journey around the world. I purchased one set … [Read more...]




Fall Wreath Idea, A Porch with a River View & Dreamy Fashions Inspired by Fashion Week

I have quite a few fun things to share today, starting with this beautiful fall wreath Carol created for her front door this year. Carol said, "I saw your fall wreath and wanted to share with you my fall wreath. I am always finding something new and I add to it every year, so it has morphed into this now." I love this idea! What a great way to update an older wreath. I especially love the monogram … [Read more...]




Almost Scammed As A Seller on eBay & Why I Won’t Use eBay Authenticate

Do you ever shop on eBay? I tend to shop on eBay in spurts. I may go months and not shop there at all, but occasionally if I'm looking for an item that's no longer being made or sold in stores, I'll search for it on eBay. I'm truly thankful eBay exists because I've purchased a number of things there over the years that I simply could not find anywhere else. Do you sell on eBay? I very rarely ever sell on … [Read more...]




Bracelet Storage Idea & A Wicker Bag Purchase

Tracking shows these chargers I ordered recently are arriving today...hope they are as beautiful in person as they are in this picture. Would love to set a table with them for this week's Tablescape Thursday if they arrive in time. I'm yearning for another set of blue and white dishes. I only have one set and would love another to mix and match. (Pssst: If you missed it, these chargers are still on sale … [Read more...]




Earrings for Sensitive Ears & Camouflaging or Hiding a Bracelet While Traveling

Thank you so, so much for all the lovely comments on yesterday's 500th Metamorphosis Monday post! I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your kind words. You are always, always the best part of this blog and I never forget that! I'm very thankful you are here each and every day and I can't wait to share another 500 Met Mondays with you! I plan to be here creating posts as long as my brain works and my … [Read more...]




Protecting Vachetta Leather & Giraffe Manor Featured in Harper’s Bazaar

Before we get into today's post, little reminder that this next Monday (August 27th) is our 500th Metamorphosis Monday party! Wowza! So amazing that 500 weeks have passed since Met Monday got first started, yet I haven't aged a day! ;) har har. I bet you haven't either! :) For next week's Metamorphosis Monday, if you would like, please share a photo (or two) of  5-10 of your most favorite "Before and … [Read more...]




The End-of-Summer Sales are Awesome Right Now

This past week has been a lot of fun as I've been visiting with my son, daughter-in-love and grandsons. We've been doing a lot of grilling since my son upgraded to a Big Green Egg this summer. Any BGE fans out there? I've been so impressed with the flavor of the food he's been cooking. It has me thinking about getting one if/when I move one day. Amazing all the things you can make on this grill, even … [Read more...]




Tour the Museum of Style Icons in Ireland, Part II

On Monday we began a tour through the Museum of Style Icons, a museum owned by Newbridge Silverware in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. It was a wonderful, unexpected highlight during my trip to Ireland last year. In that previous post, I shared this pretty cocktail dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's.   That dress was displayed near several other dresses worn previously … [Read more...]




A Visit to the Newbridge Museum of Style Icons

Welcome to the 498th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been away the past few days visiting family. As I was thinking about what I might share with you today, I remembered a fascinating stop we made during my trip across Ireland last year. I think it was on the same day we visited Blarney Castle. As we were heading back to our manor home for the night, we stopped for a little shopping excursion inside the … [Read more...]




When Smeg and Dolce & Gabbana Conspire, Something Wonderful Happens!

I always have a running list in my head of things I want to share with you. Today I'm finally sitting down to share them all in one place. They run the gamut in price, some are super affordable while others are pricey but just too good to not share. This morning I purchased a pair of these L.L. Bean Sport Shoes for myself and my daughter-in-love. I think they will be great for the hiking trips we go on … [Read more...]




Change Can Be So Hard Sometimes

When I first moved into my home almost 30 years ago, I struggled to furnish it. As a faithful reader of Traditional Home and Colonial Homes magazines back then, I had fallen in love with classic-traditional furniture styles and antiques. I would regularly visit some of the best furniture stores in the Atlanta area--stores like Matthews Furniture, Beverly Hall, and Furniture Craftsman. I drooled over the … [Read more...]




Geesh, I Knew It was Hot, But Never Expected This!

The eagerly anticipated Louis Sherry chocolate truffles arrived today. A bad feeling crept in as I opened the lid to the decorative tin and saw chocolate smeared on the papers inside the box. Uh, oh. Apparently, the truffles didn't survive the summer heat during the shipping process.   For reference, this is how the chocolates are supposed to look.   I had also ordered a tin of … [Read more...]




Living the Life of Reilly and A Luxurious Gift Idea

Recently in a post, I shared some fun ideas for hanging art or small paintings down low where they can be appreciated while sitting nearby. (See that post here: Hang a Little Painting Where It Will Surprise and Delight.) Cindy left this comment on that post. A friend’s cat has his own art gallery at his level. Every visit, I check to see if he has added to his collection. Small pieces that are … [Read more...]




Wonder If Goldilocks Ever Shopped for a Handbag Organizer

Welcome to the 495th Metamorphosis Monday! Back around Christmastime, I purchased this bag when my SA called to let me know they had gotten one in the color I wanted. It took three tries, but I have finally found an organizer that works beautifully with this bag.   I really like a little organization in my bags, so I went in pursuit of a handbag insert/organizer as soon as I purchased this … [Read more...]




A Tie for My Son, Summer Sandals & Starting My Christmas Shopping Now

Remember that time I was so obsessed with this polka dot shirt, I had to order it twice? I still love that shirt and wear it a lot, so I'm glad I have two despite the fact it tried its best to run on me. lol Pssst: If you've ever had a problem with colors bleeding in the wash, check out this previous post:  How Color Catcher Saved My Favorite Shirt.   I have a fave shirt for summer this year, … [Read more...]




Genius Ideas To Make Travel A Lot Easier

Welcome to the 494th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a typical "Before and After" to share this week, so I thought I'd share some products that could definitely transform the way you travel, making your travels a lot easier. Recently Zenda left this comment below on this post: My 5 Essentials for Traveling Internationally. Susan, I wanted to thank you for recommending the anti-theft travel bag. I … [Read more...]




Summer Dresses: Flowing and Oh, So Feminine!

When I was packing to take off to Ireland last summer, it dawned on me that I should take along a summer maxi dress. I wanted something pretty and flowing, a dress that would be perfect for a summer evening or dinner in Ireland. I searched in vain that evening but never found anything I really liked. I ended up buying a navy, floral dress that was really a little too big, but I knew I could camouflage it … [Read more...]




Evil Eye Bracelets: Whimsical & Great for Stacking

When you were a kid growing up, did you ever hear someone say, "Don't give me that evil eye!"  Often it was said jokingly to make you smile or cheer you up right after you've just been told "No" to something you wanted to do. I remember hearing it a lot growing up in the south, and though I knew well what it meant, I never knew its origin. Wikipedia says: The evil eye is a curse or legend believed to be … [Read more...]




Update on Necklace Spacer & Protect Your Bracelet While Cleaning or Gardening

Update on the Necklace Spacer Several folks had asked that I update them on how the necklace spacer worked. Mine arrived a couple of days ago and I immediately took off both my necklaces, attached them and put it to work. The result? It worked great! My necklaces stayed tangle-free all day. I'm very pleased! Tip: If you change clothes while wearing your necklaces/necklace spacer, check the position of … [Read more...]




Wear Multiple Necklaces Without Chains Tangling

Welcome to the 491st Metamorphosis Monday! When I was vacationing in Maui last week, I was minding my own business walking down Front Street in the lovely town of Lahaina when a beautiful sun in a nearby shop window dazzled me with its shimmering beauty. It literally stopped me dead in my tracks. I've always loved sun motifs and this beautiful sun glimmered and sparkled in the Hawaiian sunlight. It was … [Read more...]




How I Avoided Air-Sickness During My Helicopter Tour, + 4 Products I Use & Love

Recently on THIS post, Linda left a comment asking about a product I had mentioned a few years ago--my battery storage/organizer. I purchased this organizer below after reading a news article about a guy who had been storing "dead" batteries in a bag in his garage until he could take them for recycling. Apparently, some of the batteries were not completely dead, so when the tips touched they sparked a fire … [Read more...]




Back Home At Last & A Few Favorites from Hawaii

Welcome to the 490th Metamorphosis Monday! Well, this is a record for the latest Met Monday has ever posted. I've been flying all night and most of the day but I'm finally back home from Maui. The flights were great and uneventful, just very long. It's a long way from Georgia to Hawaii and back, especially when you go there via Seattle. It's a long way even when you don't go via Seattle. lol I don't … [Read more...]




Dress Shopping in Hawaii

Reminder: Today is the last day to get 40% off everything at Talbots. I purchased several shorts and pants yesterday, so it's a great time to check out their sale. You'll find the sale here: 40% off Sale. Don't forget to use the code Friends40 to get the discount. I almost never shop for clothes while I'm on vacation but this trip was the exception. I visited Whaler's Village and went a wee bit crazy! … [Read more...]




I Almost Missed Their Best Summer Sale! These are My 12 Favorites!

Right before I left for Hawaii, I stopped by the Talbots near my home to pick up another pair of their adorable, scalloped-edge short. If you don't have a pair of these, I very much recommend them. They are so much more flattering on the leg than a straight-edge hemmed short. I don't know why that scallop makes such a difference, but it does! I already have two pairs in white, available here: … [Read more...]




My Favorites for Summer & How I’m Keeping Drinks Cold on Hot Days

How do you like my fancy shoes? lol This is the footwear I've been sporting today...I promise I'll have an explanation for this on Monday for Metamorphosis Monday. :)   When I haven't been running around with grocery bags on my feet, I've been shopping for summer clothes. Talbots has an awesome sale going on right now. I purchased a pair of these shorts last summer and love them! They are … [Read more...]




An English Garden Bangle & The Best Memorial Day Sales

Happy Weekend! How is your weekend going? I've been going pretty much non-stop today, which is basically what I do every day. lol I find it hard to sit still for long, anyone else like that? My day started out with running errands this morning, then I forced myself to work on weeding the front yard the rest of the day. I'm still fighting Spiderwort, I dig it up every year and every year tons of it comes … [Read more...]




Lipsticks That Won’t Creep Into Lip-Mouth Lines, Plus A Sneaky Sale

As I've gotten older, I've almost completely stopped wearing lipstick. I've never smoked and have rarely used a straw over the years, but somehow over the years I've still managed to get a few small lines around my lips. No matter how many different lipsticks I've tried, they have all had a tendency to creep into those little lines we start to get around our mouth as we get older. The matte finishes aren't … [Read more...]




Home Water Softeners, Whole House Filters, De-Stressing & A Few Shopping Finds

Welcome to the 486th Metamorphosis Monday! This past week while I was out of town was definitely a challenging one. It all started when I had a plugin update appear on the dashboard of the blog that turned out to be a bad update. You may have noticed some issues last week with Between Naps On The Porch. In the process of trying to fix the issues the bad update caused, my hosting company actually … [Read more...]




Pagoda Umbrellas & Beautiful Cars

This morning my son, grandsons and I attended a local car show. I love vintage and antique cars so I awoke early, super excited to go. We didn't see a lot of vintage cars at the show, but I still enjoyed it tremendously. Some of the cars we saw are those you normally only see in car enthusiasts magazines. My son recognized and named many of them all as we walked around, including the McLaren that goes for … [Read more...]




Summer Shopping & A Big Sale

Whenever I visit with family here in Ohio, I stop by the local Talbots. I always pass right by it en route to my favorite grocery store, Dorothy Lane Market. If I ever move here, I would love to have a house within biking distance of DLM. I have this fantasy of hopping on my future pink or aqua colored cruiser bike, you know, the one with a wicker basket in front and two baskets in back :) and cruising … [Read more...]




Tablescape Thursday News, Recent Purchases, & Email Addresses to Avoid

Hotmail Blocking Emails Occasionally I hear from someone who has subscribed to receive email updates so they'll know when a new post is up here at Between Naps On The Porch, but unfortunately, the updates are never arriving. Today I learned something very surprising. Apparently, there's a big problem with Hotmail. Often, emails that are sent to Hotmail email addresses end up being rejected and never get … [Read more...]




Okay, But I Could Set the Building On Fire…

Yesterday I was stapling some papers together when my stapler up and died. The spring inside broke and after several frustrating moments trying to reconnect it, I gave up. Normally I would have persisted but I've been ready to ditch that stapler for a long time since it has always jammed about every other time I used it. In searching for a new stapler I came across one I knew I had to get. Do you … [Read more...]




20 Spring-Summer Fashions: Everything’s on Sale & Here’s What I’ve Purchased!

I love spring and the clothes that go with the season! There are so many cute, cute things on sale right now. So far, I've ordered a new pair of shoes for summer, and a couple of more pairs are calling my name. It's hard to resist all the great sales going on right now. Everything I'm sharing in today's post is currently on sale so we can shop guilt free! I love Dooney & Bourke Bags, the quality of … [Read more...]




Lots of Little Tweaks, An Office Update

Yesterday was a non-stop day and I still feel like I have so much left to do. Do you get this way come spring? I want everything spiffied up and organized for spring--and I want it right now! lol I did too much stuff yesterday to share it all, but thought I'd share a few fun things, as well as a little splurge that arrived mid-day. I spent part of the day trimming off dead branches from the Standard … [Read more...]




Packing for Spring Break

So everyone is on spring break this week where I live--except me. Waaaaa! Even though I'm not sunning myself right now on a sandy beach somewhere, or shopping all the cute beach boutiques (a favorite pastime in places like Hilton Head) I had fun putting together a few outfits that would have made the trip if I had taken a beach holiday. But first... Before I share those with you, if you're a fan of … [Read more...]




Let’s Go Antiquing at A Classy Flea…So Many Cute Things!

Yesterday I drove over to a Pier 1 that's about 20 minutes away to pick up some plates I had purchased online. Normally the Pier 1 near me would have them, they had them in stock the day before, but they are currently on sale for $20.88, so the stores are all selling out. (They are still available here: Bunny Plates. See all the Easter goodies included in the sale here: Easter.) I purchased a few more … [Read more...]




Frame a Hermes Silk Scarf with Museum Glass for Maximum Protection and Clarity

This is definitely another "Instagram-Made-Me-Do-It" project. So, I was minding my own business one day, checking out a fave Instagram account when I came across this picture below.   I immediately recognized that infamous Hermes orange and the iconic brown ribbon Hermes uses to tie all of their wonderful packages.   I had never seen this particular scarf before and loved … [Read more...]




The Best Hair Styling Tool I’ve Ever Used

A few years back I shared a tool that I've been using for years to add some light curls and body to my hair. It did a great job adding curls, but it never helped with the little frizzies I tend to get right after I've washed and blow-dried my hair. I still used it though because it was so much more convenient and easier than hot rollers, and it didn't feel near as hard on the hair as a curling iron. (It's … [Read more...]




Pearl Earrings for Sensitive Ears & A Jewelry Keeper for Travel

I am earring challenged! Over the last few years I've rarely worn earrings, despite really loving them. The problem has been two-fold: 1. Over the years my ears have become super sensitive to earrings that aren't 14K gold and 2. I am forever losing earrings, usually just one. Maybe I should just start wearing all my orphaned earrings together...start a new trend! lol I've been hoping to add a pair of … [Read more...]




Online Shopping for End-of-Winter Deals & Loving the New Spring Fashions

L.L. Bean is having an End-of-Season sale, just wanted to share this in case you're looking for some last minute goodies to get you through the winter. I just ordered this coat for my son. With the sale, plus an additional 25% off at checkout, it ended up being half off. Awesome sale! They have gotten a lot of snow this winter so I thought he would enjoy it when playing outdoors in the snow with his … [Read more...]




A Great Way to Carry Your Favorite Perfume In Your Handbag & When Traveling

This post is for the perfume lovers. I know some folks don't care for perfume or may even be allergic to it. If that's you, please feel free to skip this post and come back tomorrow when you'll find a new post on a different topic. If you love perfume as much as I do, read on! Hope you enjoy! :) Perfume is a passion of mine and I'm always up for trying new scents. Lately I'm really enjoying some of the … [Read more...]




Easy Way to Remove Pills and Fuzz from Cashmere & Wool Sweaters

Welcome to the 471st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope you had an awesome weekend! For this week's Met Monday, I have a great little tool to share, something I've been meaning to share all winter. At the start of fall this past year, I noticed a lot of my sweaters were covered with little pills here and there, especially my light-weight cashmere sweaters. I have a battery-operated pill-remover … [Read more...]




Denim Transfer, The Bane of Handbag Lovers Everywhere

Welcome to the 470th Metamorphosis Monday! Update: I found a much better product that has worked for removing denim transfer from my car's leather seats and from my office chair. I've linked to it at the very end of this post. I fell in love with wearing denim jeggings this past fall, those and the "ankle-slim" pants have become my faves. Unfortunately, having never worn really dark denim jeans in the … [Read more...]




My 10 Favorite Home & Home-Making Related Purchases of 2017

Happy weekend! How's your weekend going? If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you probably know I'm not a fan of scary movies, but I may try watching Winchester (starring Helen Mirren) with my hands over my eyes. lol The movie is hitting theaters in early February, but  I'll most likely wait until it comes to Amazon since I can't imagine seeing a scary movie on the wide-screen! … [Read more...]




Hall Tree Decision, A Missing Bag, A Delightful Book, My Fave Winter Lotion & A Scrumptious Scarf

Can you believe I'm just now storing away all my Christmas wreaths? I took the wreaths off the windows after I returned from Germany, but due to being sick and then going out of town for 8-9 days, I'm just now getting everything put away. And you know what, I feel zero guilt about it. lol Getting well and visiting family were all way more important than putting the wreaths back in storage and taking down … [Read more...]




Help Me Choose: 3 Beautiful Pink-Nude Bags for Spring and Summer

Happy Saturday! I am back home now, made the long drive yesterday from Ohio to Georgia and fortunately, the roads were great. The sun was out the whole way. I think that's the first time I've ever made that drive in sunshine, usually it's raining. I didn't even have any slow downs due to accidents or construction, definitely a first on that, too! So, my obsession with pink seems to be continuing. I'm … [Read more...]




Making Progress & A Favorite Sweater Is On Sale

Welcome to the 467th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm still sick, but getting better. When I visited Urgent Care last week, the doctor said to call her if I wasn't better by Thursday and she would call in an antibiotic. I was still not getting any better when Thursday came around, so I called the next day on Friday. My breathing has been terrible and all I have wanted to do is sleep--all day and all … [Read more...]




Packing for The Netherlands, Germany & France at Christmastime

I've received a few comments asking if I would share what I will be wearing during my upcoming trip to Germany. I'll be packing the usual suspects: pants, sweaters, turtlenecks, scarves and boots, but I'm finding packing for this trip a lot more challenging. The problem is sweaters are really fat and fluffy, so they take up a lot of space. But I love sweaters so I'm determined to take several, even if I … [Read more...]




Last Minute Christmas Deals & The Coat I’ll Be Wearing In Germany for Christmas

A lot of stores are having last minute sales with free shipping for the holiday season. Here are a few that caught my eye. Sundance is offering 20% off this weekend, along with free shipping. I'm eyeing this beautiful cardigan here: Cardigan.   Frye has a great sale going on, 25% off with the code: CHILLY at Checkout. So if you've been lusting after a pair of Frye shoes or boots, this is a … [Read more...]




Goodbye Shoulder Bumps: Hangers Designed for Holding Cardigan Sweaters

Welcome to the 463rd Metamorphosis Monday! This has been such a wacky morning. When I "woke-up" my computer today to complete my post for Met Monday, the "Caps Lock" button was stuck in the "on" position. The key itself wasn't physically stuck down, but it was showing a little green light indicating the caps lock was on, and no matter what I did, it wouldn't turn off. Can you imagine me typing out and … [Read more...]




A Few Winter Wardrobe Additions and Gift Ideas

This fall/winter I've been on a quest to completely overhaul my winter wardrobe, focusing on two things: comfort and warmth. I added a few more pieces this past week and thought I'd share those in this post in case you're looking to update your winter wardrobe, or just looking for some additional gift ideas. Before this fall I didn't own a single Fair Isle sweater. A lot of the ones I've found over the … [Read more...]




Answering Your Questions & A Christmas Home Tour

Still haven't turned the corner on this cold, or whatever it is. When I talk, I sound like a man, or maybe a frog--or maybe a man with a croaking frog in his pocket. lol It's embarrassing! When I go someplace like the grocery store, or have to call someone on the phone, I sound ridiculous. Oh well, not much I can do about that. Spent much of the day in bed, just sleeping and trying to get over this yucky … [Read more...]




Shopping In an L.L. Bean Store & A Little Treat For Your Delivery Person This Season

I've been out of town this past week for Thanksgiving. Just got back in late last night around 11 PM. It was a bit of a rough drive since I'm still sick with a yucky cold, but at least the weather was perfect for the trip home. On the way home and just 45 minutes into my trip, I got a wild hair and did something completely unplanned. It was totally a spur of the moment decision. This past week a friend … [Read more...]




My Favorites for Cyber Monday, Love This Time of Year!

Welcome to the 461st Metamorphosis Monday! I couldn't let Cyber Monday go by without sharing my favorites. Many of these things I already have and love, others are on my wish list. A few of the items I had hoped to share today, sold out overnight, like some amazing boots I've been drooling over at Talbots. So if you see something today that you love, don't wait like I did. The best stuff is going fast! I … [Read more...]




Bears in Sweaters and A Winter Sweater Wardrobe Metamorphosis!

Welcome to the 459th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been on a major flannel shirt and sweater kick this fall. Actually it started last fall when I went through all my sweaters and donated those that were too big or just not my taste anymore. I hadn't realized it until lately, but in the past I've had a tendency to buy sweaters that were really about a size or two, too big for me, thinking that was necessary … [Read more...]




Finally Chose a Christmas Tree and We’re Shopping in Sundance!

Happy Weekend! Well, I finally did it! I finally pulled the trigger and ordered my very first Balsam Hill Christmas tree. It arrived yesterday and is currently setting on the floor of my entry, awaiting its unboxing. I'll do that today to make sure everything works. Not sure when I'll decorate it, there's plenty of time for that still.   After much angst, this was the one I chose, the … [Read more...]




Cozy Inside this Rainy, Blustery Weekend

It's been a cold, blustery, rainy weekend, definitely feels like winter has arrived, even though it's still just fall. After putting out suet for the birds and making sure the feeders were all filled, I've been doing a bit of online shopping for myself and for Christmas.   I always like to get a head start because Christmas gift shopping and wrapping is the one thing I can always get done … [Read more...]




A Closet Update: Hacking Shelves for Boot & Shoe Storage

Years ago, shortly after my home was built in the early 1980's, the first owners turned the bedroom that's beside the master bedroom, into a dressing room/closet area. (Read more about that in this post: If These Walls Could Talk: A Mystery Alcove. The bedroom was around 12 x 13 feet and they closed off the door/entrance from the upstairs hallway and cut a large double opening from the master bedroom, … [Read more...]




Wardrobe Additions & How to Keep Boots from Losing Their Shape and Falling Over

Work continues on the decks but they are getting close now to being done. The basement door-staining project inside has been a nail biter. I gave my painters a stained piece of trim (left over from when the hardwood flooring was installed in the living room) so they would have something for matching the door stain to the surrounding judges paneling. The first stain they tried on the door wasn't remotely … [Read more...]




Critters On My Feet!

Just a quick post as I take a break from working on tomorrow's post for Tablescape Thursday. Remember these adorable scuffs I shared recently? I purchased a pair for my daughter-in-law since she's a kitty lover, too. I also thought my grandsons would get a kick out of them.   She texted this photo last night saying that my oldest grandson who is 3 years old now, thinks they are hilarious. … [Read more...]




Antiquing at A Classy Flea

Thanks for all the input yesterday on the new finial I was trying out. I had seen the brass shamrock several folks mentioned, but I really had my heart set on a dragon or something a bit fanciful and fairy-tale-like. I think I'll just stick with the two finials I have already for now, but will keep an eye out in case something better comes along. Appreciate all your helpful input! Today while out running … [Read more...]




Catching the Sales for Some Fall Wardrobe Additions

Raining up a storm outside today thanks to tropical storm Nate, so I'm inside catching up on mail and doing a bit of online shopping at my favorite stores. Talbots is having a killer sale right now, ends tomorrow so thought I'd share it now in case  you are interested. It's 40% off any regular priced item with the code OCT40 and 25% off everything else. Here are a few of the items I'm eyeing to use the … [Read more...]




My Favorite L. L. Bean Boots Are Finally Back & What I’m Loving for Fall

Years ago I was trying very hard to track down a pair of L.L. Bean boots. I had seen them on their website, but they were showing out of stock for months and months. Not one to easily give up when I really want something (but then you knew that already from my cabinet extravaganza, right? lol) I pondered this little boot dilemma, then I got an idea! I reasoned that surely some of the physical L.L. Bean … [Read more...]




How Much Does It Cost To Have VHS & 8 mm Tapes Transferred Over to DVD?

Thanks so much for all your input on Saturday's post about the hall/basement door I recently had replaced. After reading all the comments, I was leaning toward having the door installation redone. (Read the comments here: Is This Door Too Short?)   I've had such mixed feelings about this situation and that's not normal for me. Normally when work is done in my home and there's a problem, I … [Read more...]




My New Mopping System and Is This Door Too Short?

How is your weekend going? I've been working on a lot of things around here and I thought I'd share some of them with you in case they are helpful. Remember this door that I shared recently in a post? It's located in a small hallway...   ...that's right off my living room.   The door leads down to my partially-finished-in basement...just needs paint and flooring. I had the … [Read more...]




Update for A Frye Campus Tote Organizer & Irma’s Knocking On My Door

Welcome to the 450th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm putting this post up early (Sunday evening) in case we lose power in the morning, compliments of Hurricane Irma. The bathtub is full of water, have plenty of bottled water, groceries, lanterns, batteries, phone back-up batteries and other supplies. The latest forecast for Atlanta shows tropical storm force winds of 30-45 mph with gusts to 55 mph starting … [Read more...]




The Best Summer Sales and A Few Changes To My Glassware Storage

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments you left on Thursday's post! There were several questions and I tried to answer those in the comments on that post, so if you have a moment, check out the comments for additional information on that project. You'll find that post here: Tablescaping Storage for Dishware, Flatware, Napkin Rings, Napkins and Glassware. I've been washing glasses the last couple … [Read more...]




Weekend Shopping Finds: My Favorite Shorts & A Good Read

I'm visiting family this weekend out-of-state and popped into my favorite Talbots there. I purchased these shorts in white and oh my gosh, are they comfortable! I wore them to an outdoor birthday party and they were perfect. They are generously cut so if you get your normal size, you'll find them super comfortable. I loved them so much, after the party I immediately went online and ordered another pair. … [Read more...]




How I’ve Spent the Last 48 Hours

I've been a busy bee the last 48 hours. I don't know what has gotten into me, but I've been going non-stop! After this Frye tote arrived recently, I decided I wanted to add a bag organizer to it so it would have more support across the bottom whenever I carry heavy items like my laptop. I researched online forever and even contacted Frye. No one makes an organizer for this bag, but I found one that was a … [Read more...]




4 New Items I’ll Be Taking and Wearing When I Travel to Ireland

Can you believe it's already been a whole month since I first shared about the upcoming trip to Ireland for the Deluxe Irish Castles Tour. That trip is a just a month away now---hard to believe!   One of the fun things about travel is it gives you a good excuse to add a few new pieces to your wardrobe. Isn't that pretty much a requirement for any vacation! ;)   Ireland is known … [Read more...]




Travel Shopping: Barbour Coats, a Tote, Dining Set for the Deck & Flying the Nest

Happy Weekend! Phoebe Update (Not into birds? Click HERE to skip the Birdie Update.) The baby birds left the nest yesterday. I awoke yesterday morning and checked in on them. Two solemn little faces peered down on me. lol It has been so much fun watching their progression, it has reminded me a lot of a human baby's growth, only on a much more accelerated scale.   When they were … [Read more...]




Summer Sales, Cute Birdies and Dish Storage Update

Birdie Update Mr. Snake has not been back. I guess he doesn't want to encounter that psycho woman again who sent him sailing off the top of the bench and into the shrubs when he tried to make a dinner of the Eastern Phoebe birds nesting in the corner of the front porch. The birdies have made quite the mess up in that corner of the porch, but you can't mind too much when you see these sweet faces. Just … [Read more...]




Fashion Favorites On Sale and 3 BNOTP Friends Join Me in Ireland!

Oh, my gosh, I have some exciting news to share! Three Between Naps On The Porch friends are joining me on the Ireland trip planned for the end of August! So excited! Teresa joined me on a previous trip to Holland and Belgium. We had a blast and became fast friends. We've stayed in touch and are always tempting each other with trips we find or hear about.   Teresa booked the Ireland trip, … [Read more...]




Stylish Summer Sandals & Hard-to-Find, Rebecca de Ravenel Earrings

Earlier in the spring, I purchased this cute, wicker handbag. I have so enjoyed carrying it this spring. Everywhere I go people comment and ask me about it. I don't think I've ever carried a bag that brought so many compliments! Even the sales associates in my local Talbots love it. At first, they asked if it was one of their bags. It looks like it should be! Keeping my wicker bag in mind, I went … [Read more...]




The Safest Way to Clean a Silk Scarf

Welcome to the 437th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to a great start! For this week's Met Monday, I thought I give an update on whatever happened to the Hermes scarf I bought on eBay, the one that arrived sporting an ugly, oily looking stain in one corner. In a previous post I shared this photo. (See that post here: Washing an Hermes Scarf and Madame Paulette.) This was the … [Read more...]




Superga Sneakers, A Favorite of Kate Middleton

I'm declaring this the summer of the sneaker! lol I don't know what's gotten into me, but I'm on a sneaker tear. I think I could live the rest of my life wearing only Sperry Topsiders and Superba Sneakers! Recently, after reading the book, Classic Style, I added a pair of Stan Smith sneakers to my shoe wardrobe.   You can read more about these legendary sneakers in this previous post: … [Read more...]




Going Classic & A Healthy, Easy Idea for Lunch

I've always been drawn to classic design in clothing. I do find it fun to mix in the occasional "trend" piece, but over the years it's always been those classic tried-and-true pieces that I return to again and again. As mentioned in a previous post, I'm currently reading the book, Classic Style by Kate Schelter. (Book is available here: Classic Style.) It has recharged my love for the never-let-you-down, … [Read more...]




Two Enjoyable, Yet Very Different Books: Wanderlust and Classic Style

This past weekend I did something I haven't done in a while, I curled up with a couple of new books and just vegged for a whole evening. The two books could not have been more different from each other, so it was like whiplash reading as I alternated between the two of them. I'm not sure what that says about me, that I would order and enjoy two such different books. lol   Wanderlust by … [Read more...]




Awesome Travel Deal & A Peek Inside My Summer Bag

Happy Friday! It's here! The wicker bag I ordered a few days ago came, so I'm sharing some pics of how it looks in person, as promised.   I took photos in a few different spots in the upstairs living room so you could get a better idea of the color in different lighting.   The leather top is a nice warm brown and I really like the bamboo handle.   The interior … [Read more...]




The Secret to Fitting a Small Bangle Over a Wide Hand

Welcome to the 434th Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever come across a beautiful bangle bracelet online and wanted to order it, but had no idea if it would fit? I ran into that issue recently, and in my usual manner tried to figure it out the hard way. If you have a simple problem, turn it over to me and I can complicate it for you in no time! So here's how this little tale goes: I have a fondness for … [Read more...]




The Perfect Wicker HandBag, At Last!

What's that expression, "Nature abhors a vacuum?" I guess Aristotle was right because without any planning or scheming, that empty spot on the hat rack over the little reading corner in my office....   ...is empty, no more. (See the post where I shared adding this hat rack to the office here: Hat Storage That's Both Functional and Decorative.   A Youtuber I watch ordered … [Read more...]




Marie’s Fanciful Spring Decor & Beautiful Butterfly Earrings

When I visited my friend, Marie's beautiful home a few days before Easter, her home was decorated in the most wonderful, fanciful way for spring. Though I've posted a couple of times sharing her spring decor, I wasn't able to share everything. I could not let you miss out on her darling bunny tails and egg garland! At the end of this post, I'm sharing a few items that I ordered and arrived today. I love … [Read more...]




Workstation Computer Glasses, A Major Quality-of-Life Improvement

Welcome to the 433rd Metamorphosis Monday! The week before I left for Morocco in mid-March, I forced myself to purchase new eye glasses. At one time I had two pairs for everyday use, but one pair mysteriously and unpredictably snapped in half one day for absolutely no reason. I lived in fear the other pair would do the same at any time. I have contacts I wear occasionally, but they don't work very … [Read more...]




Ralph Lauren, Seashore Dinnerware & A Shirt I Liked So Much, I Bought It Twice

A few weeks ago I drove into Buckhead (Atlanta) to shop at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. I was in search of Dior's Tribale earrings. (Read more about that trip here: The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.) Well, I must be a glutton for punishment because I did it again, only this time I headed to Lenox Square to try on some shoes. I had ordered them a 1/2 size up like all the reviews online at Nordstrom had … [Read more...]