A Simple Idea For Wrapping Christmas & Holiday Gifts

December 18, 2024 by 22 Comments

Wrapping presents isn't high on my list of favorite things to do, but I sure do like how they look once they are wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. I've found that watching a movie or listening to a book while I wrap makes the wrapping a lot more enjoyable.   This year, I decided to go with a simple idea for the bow, something I saw in an ad on Instagram, I think for Ralph Lauren. Using … [Read more...]

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Love This New Feeder, Delish Popcorn & The Spotting Scope Is Pretty Awesome, Too!

December 14, 2024 by 11 Comments

The Spotting Scope has been a huge hit!   My grandsons are fascinated with using it to watch the birds and squirrels. Every 30 seconds they are saying, "Mimi, come look!" (Spotting Scope is available here: Spotting Scope.)   I need to cherish these moments now because I know they won't last forever. Maybe in a few years when they are older, they will want to go on bird … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Found A Christmas Tree, Plus Adorable Gingerbread House, Gingerbread Man Pillows

December 7, 2024 by 15 Comments

Yesterday was a crazy, busy day, but a good one. Though I couldn't fit three large boxes of Christmas ornaments into my SUV for this trip up to the Dollhouse, I decided to take your advice and purchase a tree just to enjoy the lights. This is where it landed, here in the otherwise empty living room. Please excuse the gaps, I just brought the tree into the house yesterday evening and wrestled it into its … [Read more...]

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My Favorite Black Friday Finds For Everyone On Your List

November 29, 2024 by 10 Comments

There are so many great Black Friday deals going on today! If you're shopping the sales, here are some of my favorites. I really love this Vineyard Vines merino wool, quarter-zip sweater. I've bought their sweaters in the past for my son and he always loves them. A few years back I bought one of their sweaters for him for Christmas that turned out to be a favorite. The next year when I saw him wearing it … [Read more...]

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Hanging 13 Wreaths, This Year’s Front Door Wreath & Loading Up The Sleigh

November 25, 2024 by 25 Comments

Welcome to the 826th Metamorphosis Monday! It's been a busy week as I prepare to head north again. I started to hang the wreaths on the windows earlier in the week and found them all painted shut. Even though the painters had the windows slightly raised when they painted the exterior this past summer, the windows still managed to weld themselves shut during the intervening months.   Thankfully, … [Read more...]

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



What I Bought During The Early Black Friday Deals—Never, Ever Thought I’d Buy This!

November 23, 2024 by 15 Comments

I made a rather big purchase for the basement in the Dollhouse recently. As I was thinking about that choice this morning, it reminded me once again how so many of the choices I make when decorating a room are guided through raw emotion and fantasy. I know that sounds weird, but some rooms do that to me—immediately bringing a scene into view, like a motion picture playing in my head where I can envision the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, Christmas Gift Ideas, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , , ,



17 Favorite Gift Ideas To Delight You & Your Loved Ones!

November 19, 2024 by 9 Comments

I've had several requests to put together a post with favorite gift ideas since Christmas is just barely a month away now. The goodies I'm sharing today are those that I know to be awesome because either I own them myself, or I've given them as gifts in the past and they were well received. Please feel free to bookmark this post to refer back to if you haven't yet started your holiday shopping. Over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



My Faves For Holiday Entertaining & An Advent Calendar I’ve Stalked For Years Is On Sale

November 13, 2024 by 11 Comments

Are you busy decorating and planning for the upcoming holidays? It was definitely a wake-up call for me when I stopped by HomeGoods a few days ago and found it packed with happy shoppers. It made me realize how close the holiday are upon us! You could really feel the excitement in the air; everyone seemed to be in such a great mood! One of the first things I always look for each year as the holidays … [Read more...]

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It Has Turned Cold & I’m Craving A Warm, Cozy, Snuggle-Worthy Wardrobe

October 16, 2024 by 9 Comments

It has turned very cold here in Ohio. The lows have been in the 30s at night. It's been almost that cold in northern Georgia, too. Though I don't like cold weather, I do like an excuse to wear warm, cozy sweaters. I've always had a soft spot for snowflake sweaters! This is one of the prettiest ones I've seen, love the design! It's currently on sale 30% off here: Snowflake Sweater.   One of my … [Read more...]

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



My September Favorites for Met Monday, Plus 3 Tempting Items Currently On My Wish List

October 7, 2024 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 819th Metamorphosis Monday! Whenever I'm at the Dollhouse, there are always a lot of Before and Afters to share. If things go as planned this week, I'll soon be sharing how the dining set I ordered looks in the dining room. One update I made recently for the Dollhouse dining room was adding silk-wrapped bulbs to the dining room chandelier. Here's how those style bulbs look in the dining room … [Read more...]

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Would You Have The Nerve To Do This? Yikes!

January 17, 2024 by 14 Comments

Mr. Gingerbread Man and his many stories live on! Hahaha! During November and December, whenever I shared about this adorable Kate Spade Gingerbread House bag, the emails, pictures, stories, and comments I received from BNOTP readers, friends, and my daughter-in-law were the best! This fun bag stole the show and was always the topic of conversation everywhere it traveled. I could write a blog post doing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Gift Ideas, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



My December Favorites, Favorite Updates In Real Time & A Very Special Gift

January 9, 2024 by 27 Comments

Thanks for all the great suggestions and tips for saving and removing the wax that's left over when a candle is finished. I love the suggestion a couple of you mentioned about putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. I had read about that online, but then forgot to mention it in the post, so thanks for that reminder! I will try that in the future, for sure. I have such a variety of favorites to share … [Read more...]

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



Happy New Year! So Looking Forward To 2024!

January 1, 2024 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 779th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy 2024! I hope you had a fun New Year's Eve. I spent it with friends and family which seemed like the best way to kick off the new year. I have two wonderful decor and centerpiece ideas to share with you for this week's Met Monday. My dear friend, Teresa, loves traveling more than anyone I know. She and I have shared some wonderful adventures over the past … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Table Settings, New Year's Decor, New Year's Table Settings



Still In Christmas Mode and Up To Our Necks In Legos!

December 28, 2023 by 10 Comments

Welcome to the 796th Tablescape Thursday! We are still in full Christmas mode here, as I'm sure so many of you are, too. It's been a week of feasting,  Monopoly, Christmas movie watching, afternoon naps, bike rides on new bikes, eggnog drinking, Lego building, caring for neighbor's pets, more feasting, more napping, more Monopoly, and a lot more Lego building! This week feels like a fun, mini-vacation … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Tablescape Thursday, TV & Movie House Fun



3 Fun, Easy Gift Wrapping Ideas For Your Holiday Gifts

December 12, 2023 by 18 Comments

Every year the decision looms--how will I wrap my Christmas gifts this year? Sometimes I make a trip to HomeGoods or a nearby store to check out the gift wrap, but for other years, I have enough to work with in my current stash of wrapping paper. If you're looking for a few gift-wrapping ideas this year, here are three ideas that I've done in the past that were easy and stress-free. Option 1: One idea … [Read more...]

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It’s Currently Sold Out–But I Found It + Fave Phone/iPad Stand & A Puzzle Board Hack

November 29, 2023 by 8 Comments

Recently I decided to resubscribe to Netflix. I had unsubscribed years ago because I didn't really care for much of their programming. The reason I decided to give them one more try is that I'd like the ability to watch movies while walking on my treadmill here in the office. My treadmill has a slanted thingy that I could lean my iPad against, but it's really low so would be kinda hard to view. Then I … [Read more...]

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Favorite Black Friday Sales & Some Have Been Extended!

November 24, 2023 by 14 Comments

Whoo, hoo! The sales are amazing today! This adorable gingerbread bag that I purchased recently at 50% off, has just been marked down another 25% for Black Friday! You'll find that amazing sale here: Gingerbread House Bag, Half Off + An Additional 25% off! The cardholder is also discounted another 25% here: Gingerbread CardHolder.   Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I can't wait to wear this … [Read more...]

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



A Wish List Item I Finally Purchased AND Some Great Holiday Gift Ideas!

November 18, 2023 by 12 Comments

A few days ago someone left a comment that they were having a tough time finding the Newman's Own Lemon Pepper that I mentioned during a previous post that was about making Lemon Pepper Chicken. They also mentioned that they thought it was being discontinued. What?! That put me in a bit of a panic and I immediately bought two more. I hope it doesn't get discontinued since it's my favorite for seasoning … [Read more...]

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



A Peloton Seat Upgrade, Paul’s Pot Pies & Favorite Puzzle/Lego Advent Calendars

November 13, 2023 by 15 Comments

Welcome to the 772nd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a fabulous weekend! Have you started your holiday shopping? I did a bit of shopping for family this weekend, and I ended up picking up something for myself, too--a very special bag. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Cutest Thing Ever--I Couldn't Resist! Plus, It's On Sale 50% Off. For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I have a smallish … [Read more...]

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Cutest Thing Ever–I Could Not Resist! Plus, It’s On Sale 50% Off!

November 12, 2023 by 35 Comments

Over the years, Kate Spade has produced some of the cutest, most adorable handbags you can imagine or dream up. As much as I have always loved them, I've been able to resist getting one. Until now.   When I saw this enchanting Gingerbread House bag, it was instant love and I knew I had to have one. Of course, it didn't hurt that it's on sale 50% off right now! (Gingerbread House Bag is … [Read more...]

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My September Favorites & Some Are Prime Day Deals! Perfect Timing for Holiday Shopping!

October 10, 2023 by 9 Comments

Thanks so much for sharing yesterday how autumn is looking in your area! I loved reading your comments--they made me feel so much more connected with what you're experiencing where you live. We are way behind here in leaf-color-changing compared to so many of you. It was really interesting hearing from those who live in areas that don't necessarily experience a big change--a great reminder that fall isn't … [Read more...]

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



My November Favorites + A Few Extras

December 20, 2022 by 6 Comments

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you! I just realized yesterday that I had never gotten around to sharing my November favorites. This time of year, Cutemol always makes the list as I'm using it at least once a day to avoid having my fingertips crack in the dry cold weather. Cutemol is a life-saver. My daughter-in-love loves it so much, she subscribes to it for monthly deliveries. It's also a miracle … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Monthly Favorites



3 Fun, Unique Gift Ideas, Including One for the Person Who Already Has Everything

December 14, 2022 by 15 Comments

I'm always trying to think of fun gifts for my friends and family. I usually try to give them something from their wish list, but I also like to sneak in something they weren't expecting--a little surprise, or maybe even a BIG one. Ha! Explosion Gift Boxes: If you have someone on your gift list who is impossible to buy for, one idea is an Explosion Gift Box. I purchased two of their Halloween Explosion … [Read more...]

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Caught Some Amazing Sales Today & Finished My Christmas Gift Shopping

December 10, 2022 by 6 Comments

I've been shopping for Christmas gifts over the past week and I've found some wonderful treasures. If you've got a few friends and loved ones still on your list, I hope some of these suggestions will be helpful. So when you're shopping for gifts, you have to buy a little something for yourself, right? Hee, hee. I have been wanting one of these adorable book nooks for a long time, but the ones I always … [Read more...]

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



Sharing Two New Purchases That Would Make Great Gifts or Stocking Stuffers

December 4, 2022 by 3 Comments

When I shop for Christmas presents each year, I always try to shop for those things that I already know the recipient wants or has on their wish list. If I don't have that information to go on, then I look to those things that I enjoy and know to be wonderful or add value to my life. One of those "add-value-to-my-life" things is this Hagerty Jewelry Keeper that's designed where we can actually see our … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Can You Guess What Robin Used To Create This Charming Christmas Village For Her Holiday Mantel?

December 2, 2022 by 5 Comments

My son was always a huge Lego fan growing up and he often received a Lego set for birthdays and Christmas, but I never expected to buy a Lego set for myself. Then Lego produced the Home Alone house and they had my full, undivided attention. Ha! I was so influenced by that home when I saw the movie, I know it subconsciously influenced my choice of home--including the one I've lived in for the past 33 years. … [Read more...]

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Gift Ideas for the Holidays & Sharing a Special Love of Mine That I’ve Never Shared Before

November 12, 2022 by 12 Comments

With Christmas just 43 days away, I'm sharing some of my absolute favorites that I know from personal experience make great gifts--either for you or for someone else. Before we go holiday shopping, if you plan to hang wreaths this year, especially outdoors, the shop where I purchased mine when I replaced all mine a few years ago, has them back in stock again this year.   The bows with the … [Read more...]

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



Shopping The Early Access Sale And A Favorite Out-of-Stock Item is Back!

October 11, 2022 by 6 Comments

Back in 2015, I made a small change to my front porch that had a huge impact. I changed out this dinky, not-so-nice-looking doormat for a bigger, better one.   I was amazed by how it transformed my entrance! What a dramatic difference a doormat can make! This one below looked beautiful for many years. After about 5 years, I decided to order a new one since the original one shown below was … [Read more...]

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



It’s Here–My Fortnum & Mason Bespoke Hamper Arrived & It’s Delightful!

September 7, 2022 by 20 Comments

The Fortnum and Mason hamper I ordered a few weeks back arrived this week. If I ever make it back to London again, I would love to visit their Piccadilly store in person. In today's post, I thought I'd share what I ordered. I also have a sneaky plan for the hamper, looking forward to sharing that very soon.   When I placed my order, I chose their "Large" size hamper. I knew it would be a … [Read more...]

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Even Better Than I Expected! Love It When That Happens!

September 4, 2022 by 6 Comments

It is sooo nice when you order something online and when it arrives, you discover it's even better than you had expected. That's pretty much the way it always is when I order from L.L. Bean. So many things have changed over the years with so many companies going out of business or just not offering the same level of goods or services that they have in the past. L.L. Bean is one of the few companies where … [Read more...]

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



A Unique Birthday/Holiday Gift Idea + 2 Awesome Sales from Two Favorite Stores

August 27, 2022 by 14 Comments

Thanks so much to Gail for letting me know about a sale I would have surely missed. Gail knows how much I love Fair Isle sweaters, especially the beautiful ones L.L. Bean carries every winter. This one below was one I purchased a few fall seasons back and I still wear it often during the winter months. It' sooo warm!   They have some really pretty ones on sale right now. This one has been a … [Read more...]

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My Catan Obsession: The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had Playing a Game!

April 8, 2022 by 20 Comments

Do you enjoy playing board games? I've never been that interested in them, especially if they drag out for a long time. Also, with so many board games, it often feels like the same old game every time you play it. Well, my thoughts about board games completely changed on my last visit to see family in Ohio! My son introduced me to the game, Catan, and I am officially hooked! During my visit, my son told … [Read more...]

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These Shoppes Are Still Promising Delivery by Christmas

December 21, 2021 by

It's 4 days before Christmas and if you are still shopping online for gifts, these are my favorite shops that are still saying they can get your gifts to you before Christmas. Talbots has a sitewide 40% sale going on right now.   They are promising delivery by the 24th for all orders placed by 2:00 PM today. You'll find the sale here: Talbots.   Ralph Lauren is advertising … [Read more...]

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



Awesome Stocking Stuffers & Gift Ideas, Plus I’m Crazy About My New Floor Lamp!

December 17, 2021 by 17 Comments

Happy Weekend! I bet you are busier right now than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! I hope this post helps with the last-minute rush for gifts and stocking stuffers. But first...how about a bit of decorating! Recently, I shared a new update to my bedroom. I finally got around to adding draperies to the windows, something I've wanted to do for a very long time. During that process, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



So, You’re Not Going To Believe What I Just Ordered!

December 14, 2021 by 55 Comments

Initially, I tried to resist, but in the end, it was futile! Soooo, a month or so back I tripped across this new, just-out LEGO set while shopping for Christmas gifts online. These days, I never look at LEGO sets unless I'm specifically shopping for a gift for one of my grandsons. I used to buy them all the time for their dad who loved them as much as they do now. This new set caught my eye because it … [Read more...]

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

December 11, 2021 by 4 Comments

How's your Christmas/Holiday shopping going? If you're struggling a bit or looking for some last-minute items, here are some of my favorites. You hear me rave about L.L. Bean's Wicked Good Slippers allll the time because my son and daughter are always asking for these when their birthday or Christmas rolls around. They are crazy about them! They come in a ton of different styles.   This is … [Read more...]

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



11 Favorite Christmas Decor Books + Two On My Wish List

November 28, 2021 by 7 Comments

Do you have any favorite Christmas or Christmas-decor-themed books that you love pulling out this time of year? I have several that I always relish looking through to get the ideas flowing for my holiday decorating. I've gathered all my favorites together below in case you could use a bit of inspiration for your Christmas or holiday decor. The only one I was hesitant to include in this post was Martha … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Recipes, Christmas Table Settings, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



20 Toys They Will Love Getting for Christmas This Year

November 19, 2021 by 15 Comments

Do you have little ones on your shopping list? In today's post, I've put together a list of both play and learning toys that I've given to my grandsons in recent years. These are the ones they always ask me to play with them whenever I visit. If you've got little ones on your shopping list, I hope you find these ideas helpful. My oldest grandson has always loved this game, now the youngest one really … [Read more...]

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

November 10, 2021 by 12 Comments

I love this time of year! I can feel the excitement of the upcoming holidays in the air, especially when I visit some of my favorite places to shop this time of year. I have a lot of different things I want to share today, so we'll be jumping around a bit in today's post. I think that's the way my brain works anyway. lol A while back I set a fun, mystery-themed table for Tablescape … [Read more...]

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



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

October 30, 2021 by 8 Comments

I always start my Christmas shopping a bit early. This year, I've been hearing about all these cargo ships that are stuck off the coast of CA and how there could be shortages of some items. That got me motivated to go ahead and get my shopping done for my two grandsons just in case the shortage rumors turn out to be true. I've been eyeing this awesome robot for them for some time. When their dad was … [Read more...]

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



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

October 17, 2021 by 6 Comments

A couple of days ago I shared some of my favorite Advent Calendars that have just come out for the holiday season. Most of the ones I shared in that previous post were beauty-themed, although there were a few surprises like this over-the-top beautiful Wedgwood Advent Calendar. If you missed that previous post, you'll find it here: They are Here! The Most Beautiful Advent Calendars of the … [Read more...]

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They Are Here! The Most Beautiful Advent Calendars of the Season!

October 15, 2021 by 10 Comments

Last year I put together a list of some of my favorite Advent Calendars but unfortunately, many of the ones I had wanted to share were already sold out. Every year they go quickly! In August when I shared a post about a book I was purchasing and a few gift ideas I had for Christmas, Barbara kindly left this comment on that post. Thanks so much for the reminder, Barbara! I'm getting this post out early this … [Read more...]

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

August 28, 2021 by 15 Comments

Recently I was scoping out books on Amazon and I came across a book that looked amazing and was available to be pre-ordered. Extraordinary Voyages combines our love of fashion, particularly Lous Vuitton fashion, as well as our love for travel. That makes a lot of sense since Louis got his start in 1854 making beautiful trunks designed for travel. How wonderful it would be to own a vintage or antique LV … [Read more...]

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



21 Christmas Stocking Stuffers-Gift Ideas in All Price Ranges

December 19, 2020 by 32 Comments

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

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



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

December 16, 2020 by 5 Comments

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

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Favorite Winter Fashions And They Are All On Sale!

December 13, 2020 by 11 Comments

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

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



Decorate for Christmas with Whimsical Christmas Pillows

December 5, 2020 by 20 Comments

Do you love decorating with pillows? I really love it when a pretty decor item is also functional and pillows definitely fall into that category. In addition to lamps, cozy throws, art, and books, I love, love, love using lots of pillows in all the rooms of my home. They can add so much whimsy, not to mention a ton of cozy during the fall and winter months. I guess in a way, they are like the scarf or … [Read more...]

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A Thanksgiving Recap with a Few New Ideas for Christmas

December 2, 2020 by 23 Comments

Does an idea ever come to you in the form of a picture or an image? You're just going about your day and suddenly an idea comes to you out of nowhere, but it doesn't come to you as a conscious thought. Instead, it pops into your head as a picture or an image. Has that ever happened to you? That happened to me about two weeks before Thanksgiving. I had been picking up a few goodies for my grandsons in the … [Read more...]

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25 Beautiful Ways to Decorate & Dine for Christmas + An Insanely Awesome Christmas Punch

November 30, 2020 by 26 Comments

Welcome to the 618th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! How was your Thanksgiving? I hope it was awesome! My son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons were here so that made it extra special. I need to do a post sharing some of the things I did differently this year, especially regarding the turkey. Both my son and dil commented that this year the food was the best ever and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Christmas Napkin Folds, Christmas Recipes, Christmas Table Settings Tagged With: , , ,



Thanksgiving by Candlelight

November 26, 2020 by 24 Comments

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

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

November 21, 2020 by 20 Comments

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

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



My October Favorites Including Christmas Gifts for Family & Friends

November 7, 2020 by 14 Comments

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

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



11 Beautiful Advent Calendars for Grown-Ups, Including One Just for the Guys

October 24, 2020 by 23 Comments

Every year around Christmastime, my son and daughter-in-law give my grandsons a chocolate Advent Calendar. They may forget to do a lot of things during the day, but they never forget to ask to open another little door on the calendar. lol Did you know there are Advent Calendars out there for the grown-ups? I don't know how I've missed it all these years but I just discovered this when I got an email from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas



Finally, They are Back in Stock, I Just Ordered Three New Ones Today

October 3, 2020 by 25 Comments

I've been meaning to create this post for months but I couldn't because all the puzzles in the whole world were sold out the minute it appeared we were all going to be staying home a lot. Okay, that's a slight exaggeration, but barely. Honestly, 500, 750, and 1000 piece puzzles (my faves) were as scarce as toilet paper for months and months! I guess a lot of folks love puzzles as much as I do! I was … [Read more...]

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November Faves, Greenery for the Mantel, Winter Bedding & Great Stocking Stuffers

December 7, 2019 by 48 Comments

Happy Weekend to you! Do you have some Christmas shopping planned today? I think I'm going to visit my nearby Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn today just to see what's all on sale. I LOVE shopping in both stores this time of year. Before I get into my November favorites, just wanted to share a quick photo of the greenery I used on the mantel this year. I was so busy getting ready for family to arrive for … [Read more...]

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23 Ideas for Decorating for Christmas + A Delicious Punch for Holiday Parties

December 3, 2019 by 14 Comments

Here they are, all in one post, my favorite ways to get ready for the Christmas holidays! I hope you find this helpful as you decorate, craft, cook and prepare for the holidays! You may want to bookmark this post for future reference if you see something you would love to make or do as Christmas draws closer. Also, please feel free to pin any of the images to Pinterest if you find that helpful for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



A Surprise Thank-you That Touched My Heart

November 12, 2019 by 39 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Inspire, Thanksgiving Recipes



Some Cozy Winter Updates That Would Also Make Great Gifts for Christmas

November 3, 2019 by 49 Comments

Welcome to the 562nd Metamorphosis Monday! I've been visiting with my grandchildren for the last two weeks but will be heading back home soon. On this trip, I brought up the chest-of-drawers from son's old bedroom visible below the top bunk in this old photo.   The chest ended up in one of the dormer windows of my grandsons' bedroom, replacing the train table that had been there. I would … [Read more...]

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



The Big Present Puzzle & Making It All Fit

December 21, 2018 by 67 Comments

Thanks so much for sharing in the comments on yesterday's post how you keep track of recipes you find online that interest you and that you may want to make some day. I learned so many new things from you and I'm impressed with the systems you have devised for keeping up with recipes! One of the reasons I asked that question is because I was contemplating adding a recipe Plugin to BNOTP that would let … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With:



Gift Ideas for Kids of All Ages, I Want Some of These!

December 16, 2018 by 14 Comments

Update: If you have trouble seeing links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. This will be my last gift idea post and this one is geared toward the little ones who steal our hearts every day. I will continue to add gift ideas to this post as I've been doing with the other gift posts I've put together, so be sure to check back if you're still looking … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Favorite Gift Ideas for the Men in Our Life

December 15, 2018 by 7 Comments

Update: If you have trouble seeing links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. Recently, I shared a few gift ideas that would make great stocking stuffers. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Stocking Stuffers They'll Love on Christmas Day.   A few days later I shared suggestions for the ladies in your life. That post can be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Gifts Any Woman Would Love, Even The Picky Ones!

December 11, 2018 by 20 Comments

Update: If you have trouble seeing the links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. Recently, I shared a few items that I thought would be much-appreciated stocking stuffers this year. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Stocking Stuffers They'll Love on Christmas Day. Today I thought I'd share a few goodies that I think would make wonderful … [Read more...]

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



Stocking Stuffers They’ll Love on Christmas Day

December 8, 2018 by 27 Comments

Update: If you have trouble seeing links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. Happy Weekend! How is your Christmas shopping going? I've finished mine now, just waiting for a few additional items to arrive. Today and tomorrow will be gift-wrapping day and it's gonna take a while since I tend to go a little crazy buying gifts at Christmastime. If … [Read more...]

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If You’re Feeling Behind Right Now, Hope This Makes You Feel Better

December 4, 2018 by 59 Comments

If you're feeling behind right now, know that you're not alone. I feel a little like that guy on the old Ed Sullivan show (dating myself here) who is up on stage spinning 20 dinner plates at one time. I think that's the way my brain works best, though. I'll start a Christmas decorating project, get 2/3rds of the way in, starting feeling a bit bored and start another one. Last night, determined to get the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas



Pottery Barn Inspired Christmas Garland: Bigger and Better Second Time Around

December 3, 2018 by 48 Comments

Welcome to the 514th Metamorphosis Monday! I had hoped to do an update on the installation of the Ring Doorbell today, but I need one more part to fix an issue it's having. Hopefully, the part I've ordered will arrive this week, then I'll be able to complete that final post. So watch for that coming up real soon.   Pottery Barn Inspired Christmas Garland Gets an Update Many, many years ago … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas Tagged With: ,



Create a Little Snack Center, A Small Thank-you to Our Delivery Men & Women

November 30, 2018 by 48 Comments

My day had a not-so-great start. I awoke, turned on my computer and it began making an odd whirring sound. I think the fan in the CPU tower has gone out. Again. ~~~sigh~~~  It shut down by itself and made a terrible "siren" sound when I attempted to restart it. So I'll be packing a lunch (because it takes that long to get there and back!) and driving to the other side of Atlanta today to leave it for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Recipes Tagged With: ,



Finally Doing It–I’m Adding a Security Camera to My Front Porch

November 28, 2018 by 46 Comments

I've been thinking about adding a security camera to my front porch for a long, long time. Fortunately, I've never had a package or anything go missing from my porch, but a camera could come in handy for that, as well. The main reason I've been wishing to add a camera is in hopes of avoiding unnecessary interruptions. So often when I'm working in the office or somewhere in the house, I'll hear the doorbell … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Porches Tagged With: ,



A Family Christmas Mantel & The Best Cyber Monday Shopping Finds

November 26, 2018 by 24 Comments

Welcome to the 513th Metamorphosis Monday! My sweet daughter-in-law, Nancy, has been sick the past few days with a yucky cold, but this weekend she was feeling much better and started pulling out the Christmas decorations. It was so much fun seeing my grandson's reactions to the trees, lights and pretty decorations. There were a lot of Ooohhs and Ahhhs and WOWs! One of the areas that saw a makeover … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Thanksgiving Decor



My Favorite Black Friday Sales

November 23, 2018 by 13 Comments

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...]

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Christmas Shopping This Weekend & Taking Advantage of the Best Sales

November 10, 2018 by 31 Comments

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...]

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



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

July 21, 2018 by 46 Comments

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...]

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

December 15, 2017 by 52 Comments

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...]

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



First Day Results for My Little Impromptu Snack Bar

December 5, 2017 by 51 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home, Inspire



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

November 27, 2017 by 22 Comments

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...]

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



10 Unique Gift Ideas and An Awesome Sale!

November 11, 2017 by 32 Comments

Yesterday I bought a Christmas tree. It's still in its box in the back of my SUV. I have a couple of more places I want to check before I unbox it and put it up. I like it much better than the Balsam Hill tree I purchased recently, and it was half the price! I'm not sure I'll ever buy another tree without first seeing it in person. Hope to share it with you all decorated real soon. 10 Unique Gift … [Read more...]

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24 Books I’d Love to Find Under the Tree on Christmas Day

December 13, 2016 by 26 Comments

I'm a bit under the weather right now with a nasty cold virus. You never realize how wonderful the ability to breathe through your nose is until it's gone. I think what I really need most right now is to get into bed and stay there for a while...like 9-10 hours would work. lol I hope you are staying well! Wash your hands a lot! Glad I got sick now and not two weeks from now! 24 Books I'd Love to Find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas



Snowflake Sweaters and A Conversation With My Son

November 26, 2016 by 21 Comments

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...]

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



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

November 19, 2016 by 21 Comments

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...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire



22 Gifts That Won’t Break Your Holiday Budget

November 12, 2016 by 59 Comments

The title of this post started out as, 22 Gifts Under $25, but along the way I kept remembering some pretty great items I wanted to include that were slightly over the $25 mark. So I gave up trying to keep every gift in this list under that set amount, but many of the gifts highlighted below are under that price or close.   If time allows, I'll try to put together two more "Gift Giving Ideas" … [Read more...]

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



26 Holiday Gifts They’ll Never Return

December 11, 2015 by 47 Comments

How's your holiday shopping coming along? If you're like me, I usually get it about 95% done but get stuck on those last few gifts. There's always a few folks on my list for whom I struggle finding the right gift. I've put together a list of 26 wonderful gift ideas. The list includes gifts for men, women and children so there's something here for everyone. Many of these are products I currently use and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, 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: , ,