6 Pairs of Shoes That Kept Me Warm, Cozy and Comfortable in Italy

October 27, 2015 by 52 Comments

For several weeks before my trip to Italy, I checked the "extended" forecast for the Tuscany and Amalfi Coast region a couple of times a week. As the time drew closer to leave, I checked almost daily. Forecasts can often be wrong but the three-week extended forecast for the areas we were to be touring, was consistently showing chilly temps and cloudy days with lots of chances for rain. Ugh. Not what I … [Read more...]

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



A Dry Run

September 2, 2015 by 95 Comments

Yesterday morning I took photos for the post I planned to publish, then I headed off to an eye-appointment. It's been a while since I've been to the eye doctor and I had totally forgotten that they dilate your eyes. Unfortunately, there was to be no picture sorting or post writing after that. Vaccines...My Experience Before getting into today's post, several folks have asked about the vaccines I had … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Africa, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Kenya, Travel



10 Rolling, Carry-On Bags That Are Beautiful, As Well As Practical

July 28, 2015 by 56 Comments

I've been giving a lot of thought lately to what luggage I'll be carrying when I travel to Italy this fall. When I first started dreaming and planning for a trip, the travel company I was considering using really emphasized taking a very small suitcase (like a carry-on size) for the whole trip because they often booked rooms in small Mom-Pop owned hotels where there were no elevators. Also, due to the … [Read more...]

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



My Living Room Is Hiding A Secret

June 16, 2015 by 46 Comments

My living room is hiding a secret. It's just a little secret, nothing earth shattering.   See that area behind the seating group, the one with the built-in cabinetry and bookshelves? The secret is underneath the tall lamp I have there. Can you guess what it is?   It's this! Did you guess you would find a sink under there? The sink still works, I ran a little water in it again … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , , , ,



In The BNOTP Library: Vintage Treasures

June 6, 2015 by 4 Comments

If you love antiquing, thrifting, flea markets and garage sales, and enjoy decorating and crafting with your vintage finds, you'll love this book. It's filled with lots of lovely collections and beautiful craft ideas.   In the BNOTP Library: Vintage Treasures Author: Jane Cassini & Ann Brownfield   3 Things I Like About This Book: Lots of creative ideas for using vintage … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Take a Peek Inside My Travelon Travel Purse

May 18, 2015 by 99 Comments

Welcome to the 329th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I was supposed to clean out the garage but instead I spent part of the weekend doing this. The addiction continues. ;) With summer almost here and dreams of travel always on my mind, I'm loving travel puzzles these days.   This one will look like this once completed, well except the blue shop is also visible in the puzzle. I … [Read more...]

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



A Stylish Anti-Theft, RFID Secure, Crossbody Bag For Travel

May 11, 2015 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 328th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently on Instagram, I shared a picture of a puzzle I was putting together. (You can follow BNOTP on Instagram here: BNOTP on Instagram) I wondered if anyone would be able to recognize it, in its half-finished state. They did! Can you tell what it is? If you guessed Cinque Terre in Italy, you're right! Cinque Terre means "The Five … [Read more...]

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



Antiquing at A Classy Flea

May 1, 2015 by 44 Comments

It's been a long time since we went antiquing at A Classy Flea.  Just inside the front door I spotted this painted chest. This would be cute in so many places. I could see it in hallway, a bathroom, a bedroom or on a porch. Of course, you could use it in a dining room but I love using pieces like this is unexpected spots. $249   I was tempted by this book, tons of beautiful pictures inside! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With:



How To Remove Odors From A Bag, Purse or Tote

March 16, 2015 by 103 Comments

Welcome to the 320th Metamorphosis Monday! Earlier this past winter when I was working on my winter bedding and was deep into all things plaid...   ...I came across this picture of the Pendleton Weekender bag. It was love at first sight! There was just one problem. The bag hasn't been available for over two years. It was last sold in stores back in 2012. Drat! Don't you hate it when you … [Read more...]

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



A Forever Coat

February 13, 2015 by 92 Comments

I've never been a serious fashionista, but last summer I began to catch the bug. I had come across a cute fashion blogger named Sarah, who blogs at Classy Girls Wear Pearls.  I subscribed to her blog posts and over the past year while reading her blog, I began to learn about so many clothing brands and stores I'd never heard of before. Finding Sarah's blog has put a bit of a dent in my wallet, but in a … [Read more...]

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



Let’s Go Antiquing!

September 6, 2014 by 74 Comments

It's been a long time since we made a visit to one of my favorite haunts, A Classy Flea. I stopped in today and found some fun things. The only thing I purchased was a small book but there were quite a few things I found super tempting. I used great restraint! Sweet serving dish... would be great for a springtime or Easter dinner. Be lovely to display year around. Dishes like this are just too cute to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



A Closet Makeover Marathon

August 25, 2014 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 291st Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of years ago, I opened up a big ole fat can of worms. Have you ever purchased something because it was a great price or maybe it was on sale, then before you knew it, it ended up costing you a lot more than you had planned? I'm not sure if the project I'm sharing today is one you would want to undertake or if it's more of a cautionary tale. ;) I am … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Closets & Pantries, DIY Organization and Storage, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, My Nest Tagged With: , , , , , ,



What’s Your Style? Take The Quiz!

July 9, 2014 by 70 Comments

Recently, I came across a blog called, Nautical by Nature, written by Kate. On her "About" page, Kate has a fun style quiz. I loved reading her responses so I thought it would be fun if we took the quiz, too. I added four questions of my own about books, movies, plays, etc...  to the quiz. The questions I added have an asterisk in front of them. All the others were on the original quiz. You'll find … [Read more...]

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



Let’s Go Antiquing!

March 14, 2014 by 110 Comments

It's been ages since you and I went antiquing.  Remember when we used to go on antiquing trips to A Classy Flea? It's a gorgeous sunny day here so let's go! I'm going to be sharing a pretty bedroom makeover for Metamorphosis Monday and it features two beautiful cathedral mirrors, so this one caught my eye. It was $97.   Here's a unique way to make an Adirondack chair, using vintage skis … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Antiquing and Thrifting for the Weekend

April 14, 2012 by 1 Comment

It's been ages since we took an antiquing/thrifting trip.  I've gotten several emails/comments asking for another trip, so let's go!   Let's start with A Classy Flea, one of my fave haunts for great deals. (Click any photo to enlarge, click the back arrow to return to the post.) Just outside the front door I saw a fun, beachy sign.  I could so do with a beach trip about right now.  How about you? Not … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Scents: Do You Have a Favorite?

March 20, 2012 by 100 Comments

A few weeks ago I posted about "20+ Things I Can't Live Without"  I've gotten so many great emails (and comments) about that post, I think they'll be a "Part II" coming up in the future.  At the end of that post I asked for your favorite "can't-live-without" products.  The comments were awesome!  I'm still going back periodically to reread them, trying out the fab ideas/products you mentioned, as well as … [Read more...]

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



A Roller-Coaster Day

April 2, 2011 by 93 Comments

Today was a crazy, roller-coaster day, filled with highs and filled with a few tears. The day started with an e-mail that a chandelier I had bid on (and lost) on eBay for the office, might actually get to be mine after all. :) It hasn't been confirmed for sure, but there's a good chance. Keep your fingers and toes crossed...I should know soon. Next, I found this in my e-mail Inbox and I rushed to shower … [Read more...]

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



Shop Vintage and Save, Part II

March 4, 2011 by 35 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the great tablescapes posted for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday, come along for the rest of a recent outing to A Classy Flea. An Empire secretary from the early 1800's: $1,200 A cute cottage server: $149. This would make a great sofa desk or a hall table, wouldn't it? Old Wicker Chair: $25. I can never resist vintage wicker. Antique Mantel: … [Read more...]

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



Shop Vintage and Save $$$

March 2, 2011 by 52 Comments

Though, I've finally found wallpaper remover that actually works to remove wallpaper (YAY!) I've been taking a little break this past week. Instead of stripping wallpaper, I've been indulging in the fun part of building a home office...the furnishing/decorating. I don't buy a lot of furniture these days, but starting a room from scratch has had me doing my part to boost the economy. I normally prefer old or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



A New Addition to the Office and Antiquing at the Queen of Hearts

February 15, 2011 by 67 Comments

Wow! So much amazing creativity and talent in Blogland! Have you checked out all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for yesterday's Met Monday? You amaze me each and every week with the projects you take on in your own homes and the beauty you create for your families and the ones you love. Thanks so much for sharing your talents and most of all, thanks for showing us how we can do it, too! I'm … [Read more...]

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



Buying China at Auction

January 20, 2011 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 126th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your help yesterday with attempting to identify the large bird who stopped by my backyard for a visit. Most folks thought he might be a Red-tailed Hawk, others thought he could be a Red-shouldered Hawk and another reader suggested he might be an immature Bald Eagle. I was surprised to see some of the images online for the immature … [Read more...]

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



Antique Forget-Me-Not Book

September 11, 2010 by 37 Comments

Hi Everyone! In the midst of all my computer "stuff", I've been acutely aware of what today is...a day we will not soon forget. So today I'm sharing a beautiful book that's over 100 years old and is ALL about not forgetting. Cornelia, whose beautiful tablescape was featured last Tablescape Thursday, recently came across an amazing find...a Forget-Me-Not book.   Have you ever seen or … [Read more...]

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



A Whimsical Idea for a Garden Bench

June 5, 2010 by 50 Comments

This was just outside a shop I was in recently...isn't it a hoot?! Someone has cut holes in the seat and sunk the pots down into it. So, don't throw out that old piece of furniture...just paint it with an outdoor grade paint and you'll have a delightful planter for your garden.  Love it! Visit How Sweet the Sound for more Pink Saturday fun! A Classy Flea: A few weeks ago, my all time favorite … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature Tagged With: , ,



Garage Sailing Tips…Don’t Forget the Headlock Maneuver

May 15, 2010 by 42 Comments

It's that time of year...time to put on the comfy sneakers, throw a few bottles of water into the mini-cooler, grab the sun hat and head out garage sailing! In your neck of the woods these events might be called yard sales, estate sales or tag sales. Whatever you call 'em, there are fabulous bargains to be had for the savvy shopper who knows the garage sailing ropes. Here are 8 tips the pros … [Read more...]

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



A Chandelier for the Master Bedroom

April 12, 2010 by 131 Comments

Welcome to the 65th Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago, I shared this pic of the fixture that has been hanging above my bed for the past 20 years...to my dismay. This was one sad ceiling fan. It was made of some really awful fake wood, so shortly after we moved in, I painted it hoping I could make it "go away." Didn't work, I could still see it.   Well, it only took me 20 years but I have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, My Nest Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Home Library Design Ideas

February 15, 2010 by 79 Comments

Welcome to the 57th Metamorphosis Monday! On a previous Met Monday, I took you into my "formal" living room that really isn't a formal living room. It's actually been more of a storage room over the years...which is kind of sad since it's the very first room you see when you walk into my home. I have some big plans for it...one day. You can read about those HERE in this previous Met Monday … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Library (Someday), My Nest Tagged With: , , , , ,



Victorian Photo Album with Beautiful Old Photographs

August 30, 2009 by 77 Comments

Welcome to the 33rd Metamorphosis Monday! My Met Monday post for today is a "reverse" Met Monday. I'm showing you the "After" first...then I'll show you the "Before." I came across this old, old Victorian style picture album around 20 years ago. I believe it may date back to the late 1800's. If you have any information about these type albums, please share it in your comment. I'd love to know more … [Read more...]

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



Antiquing and Thrifting, Let’s Go Shopping!

July 18, 2009 by 65 Comments

Recently, I made a trip to one of my favorite haunts...A Classy Flea. I was soo amazed at all the great stuff they have gotten in this spring! Before we head out the door to the Flea, We haven't been on a shopping trip to A Classy Flea in ages! Of course, since it's Pink Saturday, you know I'm going to start out with something that's Pink! Isn't this a darling canopy?! I think any little girl who falls … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



A Beautiful Mary Frances Purse

March 7, 2009 by 80 Comments

Today, I thought I'd share a little Mary Frances handbag I bought a few years ago. It's the only Mary Frances bag I own. I always carry a small purse because I don't like the weight of a heavier one. This Mary Frances bag is my favorite for an evening out. You can dress it up or down. It looks great with an evening dress or with jeans...I've carried it with both. Front view...I love all the little … [Read more...]

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



Weekend Antiquing Trip

December 6, 2008 by 60 Comments

Recently, when I was out antiquing in Roswell, Georgia, I came across a Christmas tree and yes, it was  pink!  Beverly, at How Sweet the Sound is hosting Pink Saturday so stop by and check it out. Look at all the wonderful vintage ornaments I found nearby...and yep...some were pink. Check out these forks! Can you guess why they are shaped this way? Here's a little sign that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With:



Seashell Chest

October 24, 2008 by 64 Comments

My birding vacation got in the way of shopping at the Flea for a couple of weekends...but I made a trip this week.  You won't believe what I left behind that I really wanted! I did buy two things that I'll share at the bottom of this post. This adorable chest was probably my favorite treasure this week at A Classy Flea...but alas, it was already sold. I took six pics of it though because I thought this … [Read more...]

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