How I Plan To Stop My Car From Being Stolen While Pumping Gas

Have you been hearing about this latest issue where people are having their cars stolen literally right out from under their noses? Yesterday, I saw a video about this particular incident below that happened a few days ago. A woman had just finished pumping gas into her SUV and was replacing the gas cap when a thief jumped into her vehicle and drove off with her SUV, her handbag, and everything else she had … [Read more...]




Nostalgic Christmas: Beautiful Snow-Covered Cottages & A Charming Gingerbread House

Welcome to the 792nd Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday was an interesting day with a few false starts at setting a table for Tablescape Thursday. It started with me discovering that the centerpiece I had planned to use was way too wide for my dining room table, so I had to completely scratch the table I had originally planned. As I worked on ideas for another table, I started feeling a bit queasy. I lay down … [Read more...]




Still Dreaming About A Mountain-Top Home, Where Do You See Your Dream Home?

If you could live in any place in the world, where would that be and why? A few months back I mentioned how I'd love to live in the mountains. I've been giving that a lot of thought over the past year and I think I'd love to live so high up that when I looked out the windows or stood on my deck, I would find myself surrounded by clouds. Okay, maybe not all the time since it would be nice to have beautiful, … [Read more...]




Trust Your Intuition, Don’t Hesitate To Get A Second Opinion

Welcome to the 737th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I had a situation come up that truly brought home how important it is to trust your instincts and that little voice inside that tells you when something doesn't seem quite right. I wanted to share an experience I had recently, in case you find it helpful in a similar situation in the future. I've been going to the same dental practice for approximately … [Read more...]




Something Amazing Happened–A Very Odd & Wonderful Before and After!

Welcome to the 733rd Metamorphosis Monday! No major Before and After happening around here this past week, at least construction-wise, but I do have two interesting, fun things to share. If you're looking for a challenging puzzle to do during the cold month of February, here it is! lol I always think of working a 1,000-piece puzzle as experiencing 1,000 little wins. Each time you place another piece, it's a … [Read more...]




All My Black Friday Favorites, Gift Ideas–Plus Some Beautiful Holiday Party Outfit Ideas

I'm just starting to scope out some of the Black Friday deals and wanted to share a few that I thought were noteworthy. I've mentioned before how much I adore my DeWalt drill. They have an amazing deal on the drill set that comes with a battery and the charger plus, the drill bit set. I just recently purchased the drill bit set and I used it last night to hang my Dyson Cordless Vacuum on the wall in my … [Read more...]




Gone, Gone and Gone! Plus, Two Future Updates I Have Planned!

Welcome to the 713th Metamorphosis Monday! The painter finally finished with the painting here in the garage. Repainting the shutters was the last thing to be done.   I don't know why, but during the time he was here painting, it suddenly hit me that I didn't like seeing all the lanterns atop the cabinets across the back wall of the garage.   Not sure why but I just suddenly … [Read more...]




Digging for the Hidden Gems and I Found Them!

I love shopping during the end-of-season sales because that's when you find the hidden gems--the absolute best deals! Talbots has a "sale- on-sale" going right now so the deals are extra good for this sale. This jacket I fell in love with earlier this spring is currently on sale, plus there's an additional 60% off of the sale price. You'll find it on sale here: Gingham Hooded Jacket.   Love … [Read more...]




Think I Finally Figured It Out & I’m Sleeping So Much Better Now!

A few months back I shared an experiment I was trying. I've been having issues off and on with my sinuses/nasal passages blocking up during the night and keeping me from getting a good night's rest. For a while, I wondered if it was the mint in the toothpaste I normally use and I switched to a different toothpaste that didn't contain mint for nighttime/bedtime brushing.  (Toothpaste available here: Citrus … [Read more...]




Love These Starry, Bright Solar Pathway Lights & They Were Super Easy To Install

In years past, I have tried solar lights on my deck posts in the back of my home. I loved how they looked but unfortunately, my backyard receives almost constant shade during the summer months, so after a couple of years, the lights stopped working. I came across these solar lanterns recently and the reviews looked really good, so I decided to give them a try in my front yard which gets tons of sunlight … [Read more...]




Enchanting Spring Table with Beautiful, Vintage China: Homer Laughlin’s, Georgian

Welcome to the 708th Tablescape Thursday! I have a delightful table to share with you today! If you live in an area where spring is dilly dallying around and taking forever to show up, I promise this table with uplift your spirits! Franki, a lovely BNOTP reader, recently shared this beautiful spring table with me that she put together for an Easter gathering. Though not part of the table, I love this … [Read more...]




What are the Chances?! Has This Ever Happened to You?

A few weeks ago, I took my first trip to Ohio to see my son, DIL, and grandchildren since selling my 14-year-old SUV to purchase a new one. It was my first road trip in the new car and I was looking forward to it for many reasons. Obviously, I couldn't wait to see family, but for once I didn't have to load up my glove box with multiple, freshly-charged blue-tooth speakers to last me during the 9-hour drive … [Read more...]




The One Item I Never Travel Without–Worth Its Weight in Gold!

It's spring break time for many families right now, including my grandsons. In my area, spring break starts next week. Do you have plans to travel for spring break or this summer? After the last few years of everyone staying home so much, I have a feeling this is going to be a huge summer for travel. If you've been reading BNOTP for a bit, you know I love a beautiful handbag, especially wicker bags for … [Read more...]




Visual Motivation Tools to Help Me Reach My Goals

Welcome to the 685th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Did you weather the time change okay this weekend? Are you loving these longer daylight hours? I do like the longer days but I had a lot of trouble falling asleep last night--but then, I pretty much have that problem every night. For as long as I can remember, I've always been a night owl. My sister was the exact same way. Left to our own doing, we … [Read more...]




How I Trick Myself Into Doing Things I Really Don’t Want to Do

We all have 'em--those dreaded chores around the house that we just don't want to do. We delay, finding other stuff to do that makes us feel productive while those "other" things wait, mocking us like the proverbial elephant in the room. Okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but I thought it would be fun today to share a few of the ways I trick myself into doing those non-fun things I don't feel like … [Read more...]




What I Bought at the Talbots Sale & Humongous Lawn Ornaments for a Bargain

When I was visiting friends in Texas recently, we stopped by their local Costco and look what I saw!   When I've shared my friend, Marie's Christmas decorations in the past, I always get a lot of questions about her huge lawn ornaments.   I think Marie purchased her ornaments from Frontgate or Grandin Road. When I've looked at those sites, the large lawn ornaments were always … [Read more...]




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

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




10 Questions & My Answers–Can’t Wait to Read Yours!

Last night as I was getting ready for bed, I had this idea for a fun post.   Below you'll find 10 questions that I came up with (and answered) but the main reason I thought of these questions is because I really want to hear your answers! (I've relisted the questions at the bottom of this post so you can share your answers in the comments.) I really struggled with a few of these, they … [Read more...]




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

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




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

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...]




32 Hours and Counting

Just a quick update via my phone to let you know, I still do not have power. The first day without electricity, I just stayed inside, thinking surely the power would be restored soon. For lunch that day I had canned tuna fish mixed with a little mayonnaise and chopped onion, eaten on a few celery sticks. The mayo was still trustworthy at that point. Supper was a can of beans. I haven't been that hungry … [Read more...]




Black Bean Salad Recipe, A Tasty Side Dish That’s Easy to Make

From time to time my daughter-in-love, Nancy shares recipes with me. Nancy often finds recipes online that sound interesting, then adds or subtracts depending on what she has available or on hand. Recently she made this yummy black bean salad and shared the recipe with me. I noticed it has an ingredient I've never tried: Trader Joe's Island Salsa. Have you ever tried it?  If you don't live near a Trader … [Read more...]




My Test Results are Back & I Would Love Your Recommendations for a Steamer

Thank you so much for all your caring comments yesterday. I can't tell you how much I appreciated reading those! They were very comforting when I was feeling my absolute worst. I wanted to give you a quick update to let you know I got some good news this morning when I logged on for my test results. Sometime during the night, the test results were posted to the online portal and thankfully, I do not have … [Read more...]




My Favorite Sales For This Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend always means lots of Labor Day Sales. I've been shopping my favorite online stores today to see what's on sale that I can't live without. Below you'll find all my faves, some I already own, others I would love to add to my home or wardrobe. Rather than list everything separately which would make this post way too long, I've gathered them together in picture links to make it easier to … [Read more...]




Buying ALLLL the Dresses! Obsessed with These Great-Fitting Styles!

Last week I mentioned that Lilly Pulitzer had come out with a line of dresses that was figure-flattering for all body types and surprisingly budget-friendly. I'm not sure if this is the first year these have been available or just the first year I've noticed. I think it's the first year they've had them available because I'm obsessed with their fun summer prints and often check their site during the … [Read more...]




Spring Cleaning and All My Favorite Cleaning Products In One Post

Recently I received an email asking about the Eye Vac I purchased a few years back. I still love and use it allll the time! It and my Mopnado have made keeping my floors clean so much easier/faster. That email got me thinking about how this is the time of year so many of us would normally be doing our spring cleaning. Since we are all home so much more this spring than we ever have been before, I thought … [Read more...]




My Favorite Christmas Dishes are Back & They’ve Added Two New Patterns!

Welcome to the 583rd Tablescape Thursday! I'm super excited to share that the Better Homes and Gardens dishware is back again this year! I was in my local Wally World recently and they had a huge display. I've had heard from a few of you that they have a train plate this year, so I was dying to see it!   These are the ones I picked up this year. I love the sweet deer plates and couldn't … [Read more...]




A Surprise Thank-you That Touched My Heart

Last January, after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season had died down and life was starting to return to normal, I was working in my office one day when the RING app on my phone went off indicating movement on my front porch. I checked my phone and saw a man place a folded, white piece of paper on one of the porch benches. Aftward, he walked back to his car that was parked on the street and drove … [Read more...]




Drama on the Drive Back and the Exploding Danger of Retread Tires

I wish I could say my drive back home from Ohio on Monday was uneventful, but unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. About 2-1/2 hours from home, as I was passing a red and green 18-wheeler truck on my right, suddenly one or more of its tires blew apart. With A LOT of tire tread headed straight for my windshield at interstate speeds, I braked hard and swerved to avoid it as much as I could while still … [Read more...]




So Many Signs of Spring

I just returned late yesterday from a week of visiting with family in Ohio. It was a gorgeous day as the plane took off from the Dayton airport. The pilot banked hard to the left and I found myself staring up at the gorgeous blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.   I'm always amazed by how different the area surrounding the Dayton airport looks as compared to the Atlanta … [Read more...]




An Uninvited Dinner Guest, AKA The Bear Who Came to Dinner

Have you ever had an uninvited dinner guest? Recently I mentioned in a post about some critters who were trying to take up residence inside the grill out on one of my decks. Since I so rarely used my grill and this wasn't the first time that had happened, I ended up giving the grill to a friend. Linda, a BNOTP reader, occasionally has uninvited guests visit her deck, too. What would you do if you looked … [Read more...]




Big Changes in My Ancestry DNA Results! Did Your Results Change Too?

A couple of weeks ago a friend and I were chatting on the phone about her Ancestry DNA results. Her test results had just arrived and though some results were as she expected, others were quite surprising. During the conversation, she mentioned that the results showed her relatives had all settled in the Georgia-Florida area. Umm, that's interesting! When I had my DNA tested back in April 2016, it didn't … [Read more...]




Embracing Winter with 3 Winter-Themed Tablescapes

Welcome to the 535th Tablescape Thursday! As we head into the coldest months of winter here in the U.S., I thought I'd share a few wintery tables from the past. I'll be leaving family to head back home soon, how did the holidays go by so quickly?! I'm sure you're asking the same thing...goes by faster every year, doesn't it? (Click on any title below to view more of that table setting.) A Wintery … [Read more...]




Follow-up to Your Requests: 12 More Products I Use for Fabulous Before & Afters

Welcome to the 509th Metamorphosis Monday! Good Morning! I had hoped to post a lot more while traveling across Egypt. Unfortunately, fast WiFi has been sadly lacking in many of the hotels. It reminds me of the days of dial-up--remember those? Ugh. I wish I could fast-forward technology right now so every hotel in the world would have high-speed internet. Dreaming! Fortunately, I was finally able to … [Read more...]




Vacation in The Bastle, a Farmhouse Reminiscent of Rosehill Cottage in the Movie, The Holiday

Imagine traveling to the northern part of England and staying in this 16th-century storybook home! This is The Bastle, a farmhouse built during the time Elizabeth I was Queen. Can you imagine?!   A nighttime view... This storybook stone cottage reminds me so much of the home in the movie, The Holiday. (Take a tour of that movie house here: Tour the Home in the Movie the … [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...]




Build a Vision Board: Inspiration & Daily Reminder of Your Dreams and Goals

Thoughts become things, this I do believe. Do you remember when the book/video called "The Secret" was all in the news? Though I couldn't get on board with much of what it espoused, one premise I took to heart was the idea that our day-to-day thoughts do greatly impact almost every facet of our lives. I truly believe, that which you focus on will often come to pass, be it good or bad. Of course, I'm … [Read more...]




I’m Pretty Sure This is All Your Fault! ;)

Aloha! This is the theme I just loaded onto my phone, thanks for giving me the little push I needed! Thanks so much for all the wonderful tips and ideas you left in the comments of my last post! Sooo appreciated! I can't wait to share Maui with you for Metamorphosis Monday! If you're not already, be sure to follow on Instagram where I'll be posting photos regularly during this trip. You'll find the … [Read more...]




The Elephants Who Came To Dinner

Welcome to the 485th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been visiting with family the last few weeks so don't have a typical Before and After to share, but I do have an amazing event to share that is a stunning Before and After. It only happens during the spring each year and draws visitors from everywhere. It makes me want to travel to Zambia so I can see it in person. Thanks goes to Winnie for sharing this … [Read more...]




Massive Hair Loss, A Comfy Chair, Tablescape Thursday Reminder & Something Beautiful

Thanks for all the great suggestions for desk chairs. I think some of the recommendations may have been a bit more expensive than what I had in mind, but I will definitely look into the ones you suggested in the comments on yesterday's post. Thank you for that! When I returned the chair I had purchased back to Staples today, I asked the guy who rang up the return what chair was their best seller and the … [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...]




Spring Wardrobe Updates and How I’m Coping with the Pollen

The pollen has arrived here in full force! I knew something was up when I came down with a headache two days in a row. I almost never get headaches, so I figured it had to be the pollen. Yup, the screened porch is fairly covered with it right now, as are the benches on the front porch. Something funny: last night I took an Advil Sinus and Congestion pill because my head was hurting so much, I couldn't go … [Read more...]




How I’m Preparing for Stormy Springtime Weather

I always look forward to spring each year, but there's one part of spring that I don't especially enjoy--the stormy weather we experience as the warm temps move in and clash with the cold that's already here. In years past we would get a lot of tornados during the months of March, April and May--peak tornado season. I'm not sure why, but thankfully, we haven't gotten that many the last few … [Read more...]




Shopping Haul for Spring and Summer Entertaining

So often when I purchase new goodies to use in table settings, I don't get to share them with you until I have a chance to use them in a table setting, weeks or months later. By then, many of the things I'm sharing are often no longer available. So today I'm sharing some of the items I've purchased in the last week or so, just in case they are things you would also enjoy for your spring/summer tables. … [Read more...]




It Took A While, But At Last It’s Done!

Welcome to the 472nd Metamorphosis Monday! Last September I shared some information I had gathered regarding the process of having VHS and 8mm Tapes transferred over to DVD. If you have the right equipment, you could probably do it yourself, but since the tapes I wanted to have converted over contained irreplaceable, precious memories of my son and other family members, some who are no longer here, I … [Read more...]




First Day Results for My Little Impromptu Snack Bar

A few days ago in THIS post, I shared this really neat idea I saw on Instagram, a way to say "thanks" during the holiday season to those hard-working folks who deliver packages to our door so frequently during this time of year. I'm not sure who started this idea, but I think it may have been Linette at the Instagram account shown below. I order a lot of items online to avoid getting out into the Atlanta … [Read more...]




A New Door & Which Finial Do You Like Best

Welcome to the 454th Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago I had the door to my  lower level replaced. Sadly, I no longer had a need for a pet door and the door had been scratched rather badly on the other side by the previous owner's dog. It has only taken me 27 years to replace it. I move at a glacial pace as Miranda Priestly would say of Andy in the movie, The Devil Wears Prada. That was on TV last … [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...]




10 Books On My Decorating-Entertaining Book Wish List

I'm always scoping out the latest decorating, gardening and entertaining books and oh my goodness, I've come across some scrumptious ones lately! Click the title of any book to read more about that particular book. The Gentleman's Farm: Elegant Country House Living If the book is anything like the room pictured on the cover, I can't wait to get my hands on this one. The reviews look good, … [Read more...]




Peloton Cycle: Two Months In And What I’ve Learned

A little over a month ago I shared about a Peloton spin bike that I purchased about a month before Christmas. If you're not familiar with this bike or haven't seen the commercials, the Peloton let's you take spin classes, both live and on-demand, in the comfort of your own home. I love this bike and feel it's one of the best (if not the best) step I've taken for my health and future well-being. It's also … [Read more...]




A Very Weird, Very Strange Day

Thanks so much for all the amazing suggestions, ideas and input on yesterday's post. So much great information, things I would never have thought about. I will be referring back to your comments again and again when I am closer to beginning my master bath renovation. Your comments have also tremendously helped others who are facing a bath renovation, as well. There's nothing like hearing from folks who have … [Read more...]




What Saying or Quote Would You Choose?

Recently I stumbled across these adorable hand-stamped spoons with clever, funny and sometimes poignant sayings. I've seen them before but these caught my eye because they looked especially well done.   When I saw they were endorsed by Martha Stewart and were part of the "Martha Stewart American Made Market" I knew they were going to be top-notch. Martha doesn't put her name on just anything! The … [Read more...]




Shopping for the Best & Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree

Welcome to the 409th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm having a tree dilemma this year. This is the tree that I normally set up in my living room.   And this is the tree I usually set up in my kitchen. Both trees were purchased many years ago in a Home Depot Expo during a big sale they had going on Black Friday. They have served me well for around 10 years now, but the last couple of years they … [Read more...]




Snowflake Sweaters and A Conversation With My Son

Conversation with my son via phone today: Me: Hey, I want to run something by you. I have some really neat things I'm considering buying you for Christmas, but I want to see what you think. Son: (Laughs) Ooookay. Me: So, you know how L.L. Bean is famous for their duck boots, well they finally seem to be caught up with their production and for once they are actually available during the wintertime! … [Read more...]




Christmas Preparations: Hanging the Wreaths

How are your Thanksgiving preparations going? I'm not hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year, so I've been busy working on other things, including getting the wreaths up on the windows.   Hanging the wreaths is usually the first bit of Christmas decorating I do each year since it's pretty much my favorite Christmas decoration of all.   One of the best parts about hanging … [Read more...]




21 Gift Ideas for The “Hard-to-Buy-For” Folks On Your Holiday List

Hope you're having an awesome weekend! I'm recovering from planting 80 bulbs and three small flats of violas. lol Feeling much better today. Looking forward to sharing some updates for Met Monday, tomorrow! Recently I shared some of my favorite gift ideas that were under or near the $25 range. If you missed that post, you'll find it her: 22 Gifts That Won't Break Your Holiday Budget. As promised in … [Read more...]




An Enchanting, Magical, Interactive Experience

Welcome to the 407th Metamorphosis Monday! I have the most beautiful, fun and enchanting thing to share with you today. It's not exactly a metamorphosis but in a way it is because after I "play" with it, I feel so relaxed. If you're not already in the mood for Christmas, it will definitely put you in the mood! This weekend, my friend, Sheila, shared the cutest thing I've seen in a while! Have you ever … [Read more...]




Like Having a Personal Assistant

A month or so ago, I was in Marshalls and came across these lanterns. I love shopping in there this time of year because they always get in the cutest holiday goodies and you literally never know what you'll stumble upon. I'm not sure if these will end up in a table setting or on one of the porches for a little Christmas decorating. They may just show up in both.   These lanterns came with … [Read more...]




5 Delightful Ways To Get Ready For Christmas

1.  Snowflake Swizzle Stirrers I came across these "Swizzle Stick Ice Molds" in Williams-Sonoma recently and bought one set to try them out.   Here's how they looked once frozen...cute!   They would be great for serving a mixed drink, or really any drink for the holiday season. I tried them out in some cranberry juice. No, I don't have my Fa La La plate out yet, just … [Read more...]




10 Ways to Stay Warm This Winter: My Winter Survival List, 2016

Those wonderfully high temps we had here in the Atlanta area this past week are starting to fade away. It got rather chilly last night. As I write this mid-afternoon, it's still 59° outside. I know that's not cold to most folks but it definitely falls into the category of "sweater weather" for this girl. Each year I put together a post with my favorites for surviving winter in comfort. Since our temps … [Read more...]




Transfer Old Videos to DVD or MP4 Files & Preserve Your Precious Memories

Do you have a drawer somewhere in your home filled with these? These were all in two small drawers in my family room. They date all the way back to the 80's and contain so many memories like birthdays, baseball games, ski trips, beach trips, scouting award ceremonies, swim meets, Christmases, trips to Disney World and Epcot, and a lot of "firsts" like the first time my son rode his bike without training … [Read more...]




Come On Fall, Bring On the Leaves! I’m Ready!

Last Friday I shared a few faves and promised to share the rest this week, so here they are! This Has Been A Life Changer Recently in a post I shared a photo of a fern on my deck. There were leaves on the deck that day and normally I would have taken the time to use my electric blower and blow them away, but my yard guy was coming that afternoon and they usually blow off the decks while here. So, I … [Read more...]




How I Turned a Guilty Pleasure Into Something That’s Actually Good For Me

Welcome to the 398th Metamorphosis Monday! I guess you might call today's Before and After a "Good Habit" metamorphosis or maybe a "healthy" Before and After. I don't have a lot of time for watching TV and truthfully, there aren't very many shows on that interest me these days. I did come across two recently that I enjoy; I'll share those toward the end of this post in case you're not familiar with … [Read more...]




A Little Porch Chat and Answers To Your Questions

It's so beautiful outside today!   Grab that glass of iced tea and let's head out to the porch!   I had several ideas about things I could share with you today, but then I had a better idea. I'm always a little worried that I've missed a question you may have left in a comment. It would be easy to do because if I'm away from my home on an errand during the day, I'll often pull … [Read more...]




A Match Contacted Me & Other Fun Updates

Happy Friday! Over the last few weeks, there have been so many things I've wanted to share but none of them were quite enough to create a whole post about, so I today I'm putting them all into one post. Contacted By a Match So remember back when I did the Ancestry DNA test? If you missed it when I got my results back, you'll find that post here: Ancestry DNA. After I got my results from … [Read more...]




Milk and Yogurt For Those Who Are Dairy Intolerant Due to Casein Proteins

Welcome to the 390th Metamorphosis Monday! I was away this weekend visiting family so don't have a Before and After to share from home, but I do have an interesting discovery to share. During my visit I stopped by one of my favorite grocery stores in the area, Dorothy Lane Market. While shopping in Dorothy Lane, I overheard one of the product vendors talking with another customer about a milk they have … [Read more...]




Today was the Closest I’ve Ever Come To Being Scammed

I'm not going to say I'm unscammable, because no one is, but I try to do everything I possibly can to avoid being hacked or scammed. I never click on links I don't recognize in emails. I have my phone number listed on the National Do Not Call list and I don't answer telephone calls from unknown numbers. I have long and complicated passwords for everything, as well as two-step verification for everything … [Read more...]




AncestryDNA: My Surprising Results Are Back

If there's one thing I've learned during this process of having my DNA analyzed with AncestryDNA, it's the more you learn, the more you realize how complicated and involved this whole tracing your DNA heritage can be. The more you learn, the more questions you have. This stuff is intense, but every day the process is getting better and better. So here's how this process went for me: I ordered the kit … [Read more...]




Where Do I Come From Anyway?

Ever since I first heard about DNA testing, I've wanted to give it a whirl. How cool would it be to learn if you really are a combination of all the places recorded in your baby book, or if there's more to your life's story than you know. When DNA testing was first made available, I waited for two reasons: 1. The cost and 2. Reliability. It used to be very pricey and I was a bit suspicious of the … [Read more...]




When Life Has Other Plans

Yesterday I had plans to post taking you on a  fun antiquing trip to A Classy Flea, followed by a historic home tour or two, but fate had other plans. The last couple of days my friend, Linda, has been visiting along with her aunt, Diane. You may remember Linda from when I shared the week we spent together touring over 13 historic homes across Louisiana and Mississippi. (See some of the tours I've posted … [Read more...]




My Decorating Book Wish List Just Got A Little Longer

I've just discovered another talented designer on Instagram whose pictures are like something from a fairytale or a movie. Check out the Instagram account of nicolasdepompadour. Nicolas has a beautiful home and is very well-traveled, so he shares some absolutely gorgeous photos of stunning rooms and gardens. He also has an adorable doggie named Sophie who is completely devoted to him and often appears in … [Read more...]




10 Books On My Decorating, Gardening, Entertaining Wish List

Pssst: By the time this post goes live, I'll be in Italy. I'll be sharing photos from there regularly on Instagram and would love to have you follow the fun! You'll find BNOTP on Instagram here: Between Naps On The Porch Instagram Normally when I share a decorating, gardening or entertaining/table setting book with you, it's always one I already own. I have a "Wish List" of books I would love to … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Decorating Safari Style

I created this post before leaving for Africa this past Tuesday. By the time you read it, I hope to be sleeping in a bed that looks like this. Though I don't wish for a plague of mosquitoes, isn't this just the most romantic look! If you find this style of decor enchanting, you'll find lots of inspiration for incorporating a little of it into your decor in the books I'm sharing … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: African Safari Journal

Though this book isn't a decor book, I've enjoyed it so much during the time I was preparing for my trip, I wanted to share it with you in case you have any interest in traveling to or learning about Africa and the birds and animals who inhabit this area.   In the BNOTP Library: African Safari Journal Author: Mark W. Nolting 3 Things I Like About This Book: The name of this book … [Read more...]




My Favorites In One Spot

One of the most popular posts here at Between Naps On The Porch are the ones where I share products I really like or that make my life a little easier.  Whenever I use something (like this morning when I was putting on mascara) I think, "This would be a good thing to share in a "10 Things I Can't Live Without post." Unfortunately, when I finally get around to creating those posts, I can't always remember … [Read more...]




A Tablescaping Mini-Haul

I haven't been shopping for tablescaping goodies in a long time. Today is the first day I have felt like getting out since I became sick with whatever it was I had. On my first trip out into the real world, I treated myself to a visit to Marshalls. It felt so good to get out of the house and just be normal again...well, as normal as I ever get. ;) I found some cute things for summer entertaining and I … [Read more...]




Feeling Nostalgic

I'm working on a little project at my son's house, I'll be sharing it real soon. Today it involved putting together a table.   I love the city where they live. I need to take some photos of some of the houses I saw today. They were wonderful! The streets in this area are wide, tree-lined avenues with sidewalks on both sides. As I drive down the streets, I feel like I'm in another world, … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Bringing Tuscany Home

With all things "Tuscany" on the brain these days, I have just the book to share. Author, Frances Mayes has written some great books over the years. One even inspired a movie, remember Under the Tuscan Sun? After seeing the movie and loving it, I purchased that book, as well as two of her other books, In Tuscany and Bella Tuscany. I loved them all. They aren't action-packed page turners but they are … [Read more...]




No Matter Where It Finds You

On Monday evening I drove into Atlanta to visit a store inside Phipps Plaza.   I purposely drove in late to avoid the end-of-day, going home traffic. I finished my shopping just before the store closed at 8:00 PM.   As I was leaving, something caught my eye.   We get a finite number of sunsets in our lifetime. So much beauty and it's completely free. Stop and … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Sharing My Decor Library

Can you believe it's been almost a full year since I first began sharing favorite books from my decor library. In that time I've shared 118 of my favorite books on the topics of Decorating/Design, Entertaining, and Gardening! Thanks so much to the four thousand BNOTP readers who have subscribed to receive, In The BNOTP Library posts! You are the reason creating these posts is so much fun!   I … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Great Traditional Style

When I came across this book a few years back, it was like finding buried treasure. It's one of those books that can be had for a song on Amazon but is worth so much more.   In the BNOTP Library: GREAT TRADITIONAL STYLE Author: Shelley Stewart Hardcover: 287 pages   3 Things I Like About This Book: Lots of beautiful houses featured from large historical homes to  lovely … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Vintage Vavoom

The book I'm sharing today is for those of us who love antiquing or hitting the flea markets and decorating with our vintage finds. I knew when I bought this book two years ago I would love it...it's by the editors of Romantic Homes Magazine.   In the BNOTP Library: Vintage Vavoom: Romantic Decorating with One-of-a-Kind Finds Author: The Editors of Romantic Homes Magazine Hardcover: 218 … [Read more...]




A Few Of My Favorite Reads This Past Year, What Were Yours?

I listen to a lot of books on Audible...around 8-10 each month. If I'm driving on an errand, sitting in traffic or on a long trip, a book is playing. If I'm sorting through the way-too-many pictures I've taken for a post and cropping or editing them, a book is playing. If I'm washing dishes, folding laundry, staining the deck, planting shrubs, spreading pine straw or cleaning out the garage, a book is … [Read more...]




Farm Living Is The Life For Me

I'm always taking pictures to share with you. Last summer I took some photos but never found a good time to share them here on the blog. It's really cold here today in Georgia and I'm craving a little summer. I thought you might be, too. We're headed up to the farm today where it's still summertime. So for the next few minutes, let's forget all about the cold. Where we're going, there's nothing but green … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: A Passion For Detail

Charlotte Moss is one of my favorite designers because she puts so much passion into everything she does, including those seemingly small details that give a room life and personality. I've never bought a Charlotte Moss book, I didn't love or come away with a new idea. This book has a bit of a scrapbook feel to me because the pictures throughout are all different sizes, some large, some medium size, some … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Nathan Turner’s American Style

Happy 4th of July weekend! How about a book filled with a little red, white and blue and some "American style" decorating, west coast style.   Are you a Nathan Turner fan? I rarely watch TV so wasn't familiar with his work until I came across this book last year. You'll find an eclectic mix of rooms in this book, lots of fresh ideas for decorting your home. Hope you enjoy checking it out this … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Classic Greenwich Style

You would laugh at me if you saw me getting ready to write a "BNOTP Library" post. I get up from my desk, walk over to the bookshelves here in the office and start pulling books off the shelf--one after the other, agonizing over which of my children is my favorite today. Okay, well at least that's how it seems when I'm going through the process. You would think I'm preparing to write the last "In The … [Read more...]




In The BNOTP Library: Enchanted Circles

After seeing Christy's beautiful hydrangea wreath this morning, what better book to share from my library than one that's all about making beautiful wreaths for each season of the year.   In the BNOTP Library: Enchanted Circles Author: Elizabeth Jane Lloyd Hardcover: 128 pages Book size: 0.5 x 9.2 x 9.8   3 Things I Like About This Book: Sections of book are divided up … [Read more...]




In the BNOTP Library: Antiques At Home

I've never met a Barbara Milo Ohrbach book I didn't love, this one included. I purchased Antiques At Home back in 2007 and it's one of my very favorites by her. In the BNOTP Library: Antiques at Home: Cherchez's Book of Collecting and Decorating with Antiques Author: Barbara Milo Ohrbach Hardcover: 256 pages Book size: 10.3 x 7.8 x 0.9 3 Things I Like About This Book: It's like going … [Read more...]




In the BNOTP Library: Country Living Decorating With White

If you missed the video I sent out in my morning post, you are in for a treat! I had to watch it several times and I still want to watch it again! lol It's pretty awesome! The comments you've left are pretty awesome too, I can tell you loved it as much as I did. In this post I'm sharing a book I ordered a few months ago and have really enjoyed. When it arrived, I was surprised and delighted by the cover. … [Read more...]