No Matter Where It Finds You

April 24, 2015 by 30 Comments

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...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Sharing My Decor Library

April 14, 2015 by 13 Comments

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...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Great Traditional Style

March 13, 2015 by 9 Comments

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...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Vintage Vavoom

February 17, 2015 by 4 Comments

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...]

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

February 4, 2015 by 45 Comments

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...]

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Farm Living Is The Life For Me

February 3, 2015 by 42 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Inspire



In The BNOTP Library: A Passion For Detail

September 13, 2014 by 9 Comments

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...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Nathan Turner’s American Style

July 4, 2014 by 6 Comments

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...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Classic Greenwich Style

June 24, 2014 by 4 Comments

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...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Enchanted Circles

May 6, 2014 by 2 Comments

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...]

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In the BNOTP Library: Antiques At Home

April 6, 2014 by 11 Comments

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...]

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In the BNOTP Library: Country Living Decorating With White

March 28, 2014 by 18 Comments

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...]

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In the BNOTP Library: A Home of Your Own

March 25, 2014 by 11 Comments

Today I thought I'd share a book that's probably not that well-known. I noticed this evening that it's been out about a year but still doesn't have any reviews on Amazon. Not sure why because I really like it and think it's a great book.   It was the cover that drew me to A Home of Your Own. I loved the entry and staircase shown on the dust jacket. Speaking of  dust jackets, this is one of … [Read more...]

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Lost in Time, An Interactive Blog Post Where You Complete the Story

January 14, 2014 by 35 Comments

Before reading today's post, you'll want to read this previous post for it to make sense: Paris Apartment, Another World Frozen in Time After reading about the Paris apartment abandoned for seven decades, I lay in bed that night thinking how great it would be if we could fill in the blanks, imagine the rest of the story behind this mysterious tale. The next day, several folks left comments on that post … [Read more...]

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My Winter Survival List for Winter 2014

November 6, 2013 by 126 Comments

Each January for the last two years, I've put together a winter survival list with my top 10 favorites for surviving winter. Instead of waiting until we're deep into winter, I thought I'd share my faves now as the cold weather and winter looms ahead. I think what got me in the mood for this is the drizzly, cold overcast day I awoke to today. I'm actually kind of enjoying it, though...makes this heater … [Read more...]

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Sunday, You’re So Good to Me

October 20, 2013 by 29 Comments

Sunday, time to sit back and relax a little. You've worked hard alllll week.   A good book...   ...and a "Rustic Retreat" candle, I'm totally addicted to the scent.  They can be found in Walmart but don't buy them all because I'm going back for a few more. ;)   Then there's this: Loved it so much...   I went back for more. I also bought the Caramel … [Read more...]

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A Treasured Heirloom

August 26, 2013 by 142 Comments

Welcome to the 239th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently True Value asked if I would share a story about an "heirloom" piece passed down through my family. Immediately, a special chair came to mind. It's an heirloom piece that played an important part in our everyday life for many years, starting when we moved into our first home, a yellow cottage in a small Alabama town where my husband was stationed on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Inspire



Pete the Cat, The Whimsical Art of James Dean

May 17, 2013 by 36 Comments

Each week when I take Max to Georgia Veterinary Specialist, we wait in the "cat" waiting room until it's time for him to go back for his chemo treatment.  The walls in that area are decorated with some great kitty cat art.  Yesterday, I snapped some pics with my cell phone to share it with you.  I saved my favorite for last. Pete the Cat looked vaguely familiar to me, but I wasn't sure why.  It turns out … [Read more...]

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Secret Lives Between the Pages

May 14, 2013 by 79 Comments

If you subscribe to the Between Naps on the Porch newsletter, Postcards from the Porch, you know I always highlight a couple of books I'm reading that week at the end of each newsletter.  Sometimes the books are recent finds, other times they are books I've had for a years and have pulled back off the shelf to enjoy again. A few months ago I ordered the book, Forgotten Bookmarks, a book Amazon … [Read more...]

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The Morning Room

April 29, 2013 by 73 Comments

Welcome to the 223rd Metamorphosis Monday! Do you have a room in your home that's your absolute favorite spot to be in the early morning? My upstairs family room is that room for me. You may recognize the next 2-3 pictures since I've shared them before here on BNOTP.  This room is a cheerful, bright room, but early in the morning it's truly a sunny, happy spot to be.   One of the reasons this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Inspire, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest



My Dream Home

February 20, 2013 by 137 Comments

At some point during the day, nearly every single day, I catch myself dreaming about living in an adorable cottage in a small town or rural area. I've never been a city girl so living 20 minutes outside Atlanta is definitely not my cup of tea. The city I live in is super congested and traffic is always bad unless it's 10:00 AM on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday or 10:00 at night.  I do all my grocery … [Read more...]

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Brass is Back, Baby!

January 29, 2013 by 147 Comments

I am a lover of polished brass.  There, I said it...right out loud! I'm sure you've noticed, brass has been getting a bad rap over the last few years.  Its cousins chrome, nickel and oil-rubbed bronze have squeezed it out as the metal of favor. Now granted, I have seen some not-so-great brass in my days, the kind that looks lifeless and dull, or worse, pitted.  But I never really understood why quality … [Read more...]

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Top 10 Faves On My Winter Survival List, 2013

January 18, 2013 by 96 Comments

Last winter I put together a list of a few of my favorite things that help get me through the cold winter months.  I ask in that post what helps you survive the winter and your comments were filled with wonderful ideas and suggestions.  Thanks so much for sharing your fave winter survival tips. Since we're well into the throes of another winter, with at least two months ahead of us, I thought it would be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire



What Would You Do If Money Were No Object?

October 10, 2012 by 71 Comments

Over two years ago I created a post and asked the simple question, "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"  The comments/answers were wonderful, insightful and inspiring.  I know we all use that word "inspiring" a lot these days, but the comments truly were inspiring.  If you didn't get a chance to read that post and the comments, you'll find it here:  What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not … [Read more...]

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A Secret Message

August 6, 2012 by 49 Comments

Welcome to the 185th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a "home" related Before and After to share this week.   Well, actually I did but I couldn't wait and shared my mirror update a few days ago.  So for this Met Monday, I thought I'd share a very different kind of "Before and After."  It's a romantic "Before and After." Once upon a time there was a Bride and a Groom.    The morning of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Inspire, Valentine's Day Crafts, Valentine's Day Holiday Home



Sweet Max: A Story of Adoption and Healing

July 20, 2012 by 193 Comments

I ♥ cats!   Most of my friends love cats too and the few that were either anti-cat or on the fence, tell me Mr. Max is the first cat they've ever met that they really like.  Max has a way of winning over the most ardent cat hater. Max has developed a bit of a fan club in the four years I've been blogging. If several weeks go by and he doesn't show up in a post, I start to get comments and emails asking … [Read more...]

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20+ Products I Can’t Live Without

February 3, 2012 by 117 Comments

I've been working on this post in my head for months.  Every time I do or use something here in my home that I love or can't do without,  I have thought about this post.  It isn't written to endorse any particular brand, although that's invariably going to happen just because sometimes it's a particular brand that does the job just the way I want it done.  If I really prefer that brand, I'll mention it in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Inspire



10 Must-Haves on My Winter Survival List

January 17, 2012 by 142 Comments

I love, love, love hot weather.  When I used to work in an office environment, when my fellow office mates thought the temperature was just right, I was cold.  If it felt just right to me in the office, everyone else was roasting.   Cold weather is not my friend. Over the years I've found ways to deal with Old Man Winter.  Today I thought I'd share a few things that are high on the "Susan's Winter … [Read more...]

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Near Abductions: My Story

August 3, 2011 by 128 Comments

Sometimes you see something on TV and it hits home. A couple of weeks ago, I caught part of the show, 60 Minutes.  They were interviewing two young ladies who had been kidnapped as children but were miraculously able to escape a few days after their abduction. That virtually never happens...escaping. The abuse they suffered permanently altered their lives in very negative ways.  They still struggle today … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire



A Love Story for Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2011 by 106 Comments

The most fabulous benefit of having a blog is all the wonderful folks it brings into your life. I have truly met some of the nicest Dearhearts over the past two years. Recently, I was chatting with Phyllis and she shared a little about her wonderful parents and their life together. It's the most perfect love story and with Valentine's Day only a few days away, I knew I had to share it with you. Phyllis … [Read more...]

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A Sign?

January 9, 2011 by 63 Comments

My Day: Meet friend for lunch. Shop with friend for office furniture in largest Pottery Barn in the United States. Say bye to friend. Head to Pottery Barn near home to drool over office furniture some more. Bump into more friends in Pottery Barn. Have fun visit. Leave Pottery Barn. Drive by TCBY on the way home. Go through drive-thru and order low-fat yogurt cone. Spot "Fudge Brownie Sundae" on … [Read more...]

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For The Past Two Years, I’ve Been Leading a Double Life

October 22, 2010 by 206 Comments

Yes, it's true. Shocking as it may sound, for the past two years I've been leading a double life. While my evenings and weekends blogging have been surrounded in creativity, beauty, and truth, my days have been immersed in deception, lies, drug abuse, mental and physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation. For the last 8 years, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, I have worked full-time for the … [Read more...]

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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...]

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When Life Gives You Lemons…

August 28, 2010 by 50 Comments

What do you do? I'm a firm believer in just digging in my heels and pushing forward. Don't waste time asking why... Or, why me? Listen to your heart and find your strength from within... How's that old saying go? "If you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." Be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for … [Read more...]

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What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?

April 4, 2010 by 105 Comments

Got a question for you! I came across this intriquing question somewhere recently...don't remember now where I read it, but it really got me thinking. The question was: "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?" I was wondering what your answer would be? Would you fly a plane? Would you start your own business? Would you buy a yacht and sail around the world? :-) I guess since I'm … [Read more...]

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A Special Tablescape Filled with Memories

December 10, 2009 by 89 Comments

Welcome to the 68th Tablescape Thursday! A Tablescaping Story Once upon a time, long, long ago, a happy, young couple graduated from college...He from lawschool, She from undergraduate. A few days later they celebrated their 1 year wedding anniversary and as summer came to a close, the starry-eyed couple loaded up a U-haul, and along with their sweet kitty, headed off to a far-away land, all alone. He … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Inspire, Previous Nests, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,



For the Love of Art…Meet My Friend Annie and Artist, May Cao…

March 10, 2009 by 42 Comments

Last September, three weeks after I first began blogging, I posted about a friend of mine, Annie and a talented artist by the name of May Cao. Recently, Annie told me May's work is now available in a local studio called, Two Doors Art Studio and Gallery, located in Roswell, Georgia. I've repeated the post below but have also added additional information at the end about an upcoming "Artist Reception" … [Read more...]

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A Love Story…City Girl Meets Country Boy…

October 1, 2008 by 37 Comments

Earlier in the summer, pics of the most amazing home appeared on RMS. I knew right away that the person(s) who lived there was special because this particular home was unique, exuded warmth and was positively enchanting. This wonderfully cozy home turned out to be the home of Laura (Tomarie on RMS) and her real, live cowboy husband, Tom. Well, being the incurable romantic that I am, I asked Laura if she … [Read more...]

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Sisters

September 20, 2008 by 31 Comments

Today, my post is about a special gift I received for my birthday this year. My sister, Glenda, and I have always been very close and she surprised me with this beautiful angel from the Jim Shore Collection. "One's Sister is a part of one's essential self, an eternal presence of one's heart and soul and memory." Susan Cabill Isn't she beautiful? I love her little halo and all the detailed … [Read more...]

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In Appreciation of Art, Meet my Friend, Annie and Artist, May Cao…

September 8, 2008 by 41 Comments

Recently, when I was chatting with Annie, a dear friend of mine, she mentioned she had done a "sitting" that day. I asked what a sitting was and Annie told me she occasionally sits or models for artists here in the Atlanta area. How interesting, I thought! I asked a lot of questions and Annie patiently answered. Annie told me, "Modeling for an artists is generally called "modeling" and the real title of … [Read more...]

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