Inspiration in Blogland

So much inspiration around blogland...sharing some of my favorites today. Enjoy! Mary Carol Garrity has created a wonderful backyard paradise for entertaining: Innisfree: Cottage By The Lake   Imagine if you went on a photographic safari and a Cheetah decided to get up close and personal: Cheetah Face to Face (video)   Tired of seeing so many kitchens with a white tiled … [Read more...]




The Case For The Corner Bed

Recently, we toured this adorable waterside cottage in Connecticut. Cottages, especially those that are quite old, often have quirky rooms that present design challenges for even the most seasoned decorator. (If you missed this wonderful cottage, you'll find the tour here: Tour a Charming Connecticut Dream Cottage)   You'll occasionally run into tricky situations, especially in bedrooms where … [Read more...]




Sisters

When I decided to start a blog back in August 2008, my biggest supporter was my sister, Glenda. Being 10 years older, she has always watched out for me...the best big sister ever.   Since our mother (pictured below) was ill for most of my life starting when I was very young, Glenda took on way more than the usual big sister's share of responsibility caring for me as I was growing … [Read more...]




5 Fabulous Fall Tablescapes

Every week beautiful, creative table settings are shared for Tablescape Thursday. Here are just a few of my favorites for Fall from last week's Tablescape Thursday.   Plum Creek Place used this gorgeous brown and  white floral pattern for her early Fall table.  You would never guess, but she thrifted everything, but the pears!   I love a little unexpected twist when setting a … [Read more...]




Pin With Me! Join My Tablescape Group Boards!

Are you a Pinterest fan? Yep, me too! I've been noticing lately, folks are already pinning ideas for Fall, Halloween and even Christmas! It's never too early to start planning and dreaming, is it? Pin Beautiful Tables With Me! Do you create beautiful table settings OR just love pinning them on Pinterest for future inspiration? I thought it would be fun to create a few group boards where we could pin … [Read more...]




Motherhood: The Longest-Running Continuous Production Of Your Life

Happy Mother's Day!   I miss Erma. Happy Mother's Day to Mothers everywhere! Source: The Gettysburg Times … [Read more...]




Inspiring Transformations For Your Weekend

Happy Easter! I haven't felt so well the last few days so this weekend I decided to just relax a bit and enjoy visiting some wonderful blogs. In my visiting, I found a few treasures that were just too good to not share. This kitchen renovation blew me away! I so wanted to post the "After" picture because it's amazing, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise for you. So, showing great restraint, I'm … [Read more...]




It’s a Boy!

He's here! A beautiful miracle! I won't get to hold him in my arms for a couple of weeks but I'm already in love. Mom, Dad and baby are all doing great!  … [Read more...]




A Little Bit of Everything

Remember the ice storm we had a couple of weeks ago--you know, the one we had right before we had two earthquakes? Yeah, life's been interesting around here lately.  I kept worrying during the storm that my magnolia would lose its top for the third time. Ice storms are its only nemesis.   It fared much better this time, only lost one small limb. Not bad at all.   My clay … [Read more...]




Hunkering Down

This was in the Atlanta paper today, a quote from one of the most respected meteorologist in Atlanta: "Do be prepared for massive power outages as this is likely to be a massive weather event,” Burns said Monday evening. Yikes! Here we go again, only this sounds even worse. Today I stopped by the grocery store on the way home from running a few errands. Here's what I found. The milk … [Read more...]




A Shopping Trip to Ikea

Remember all those pictures I had stuck on my phone, the ones I couldn't download to share? Among them was a shopping trip I took to Ikea back in December. Ikea is only about 30 minutes away from my home, but I so rarely drive in that direction it feels like it's in another state sometimes. Do you ever shop there? I love checking out the unique pieces they get in. I had never been there around Christmas … [Read more...]




Madison Town & Country Holiday Home Tour

Back in December, I went on a holiday tour of homes in Madison Georgia. I had planned to share these photos before now but I've been unable to download them from my phone. Does anyone have a Samsung Galaxy III? Got an easy method for downloading pics to your computer? In the past, with all the other phones I've ever owned, I just connected them to my computer via a USB cable and my computer automatically … [Read more...]




Something Fun For Your Weekend

A little fun for your weekend...   * Tour this beautiful 100 year old beach house on a private Cape Cod Island...to die for! * A Kitchen Transformation that shows the dramatic power of paint and other inexpensive, small changes * Will you purchase THIS when it comes out? I was on the waiting list and finally got the email saying I was chosen to be an "Explorer."  Unfortunately, I had to … [Read more...]




Dinner Party Preparations for New Year’s Day

Popping in today to see how you're doing? How was Christmas? I hope you were able to spend it with those you love most. I was in Ohio for most of the week, spending the Christmas holidays with my son and beautiful daughter-in-love. We spent our time together talking baby things since a little one will be arriving in late February. We also drove through many of the old neighborhoods in the area, including … [Read more...]




Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Hope you have time to sneak in a nap today! (Painting by Norman Rockwell) … [Read more...]




The Treadmill Desk: Burn Calories While Working and Surfing the Web

So. I'm very seriously thinking of asking Santa for one of these this Christmas. I've been toying with this idea for a few years and now I'm getting serious. I sit a lot...like waaaay too much. Some days vary, like the days when I'm hanging wreaths on windows or painting a room, but most of my days spent blogging full-time involve hours of sitting as I read/answer the 100+ emails I get on a daily … [Read more...]




Saturday Fun

Today, I'm in here... Up under the eaves... Doing this....   And this... So, hopefully by the end of the day, things will be looking like this. (picture from past year)   And this. (Photo from a previous year.) For a little tutorial sharing how to hang wreaths on exterior windows, go here: How to Hang Wreaths on Exterior Windows   The … [Read more...]




Sheer Madness

A few months after I added a screened-in porch onto the back of my home, I wanted to soften the hard edges of the porch. I decided the way to do that would be by adding curtains to the windows. Since there were a lot of windows, I needed to find a frugal way to do it. On a whim I decided to try sheers and I found them for just $5 a panel at a big discount store. They have worked out beautifully in … [Read more...]




Fabulous Books and A Birthday Celebration!

It's Here! Mario Buatta Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration arrived and it's big and beautiful!  It's 1 and 3/4 inches thick, over a foot tall, 9 3/4 inches wide and 432 pages long!   It's filled from cover to cover with big beautiful pictures of Mario Buatta's stunning work over the past 50 years.   If you're a Mario Buatta fan, this book is a must … [Read more...]




An Interview with Mario Buatta!

I'm spending the day outside on the porch, scrubbing down the walls and cleaning off the mildew and yuck caused by months and months of almost constant rain. Boooooorrrrring job. To pass the time, I headed upstairs and grabbed my iPod so I could listen to some of my favorite podcasts while I cleaned.   I noticed in iTunes, the ladies at The Skirted Roundtable (Linda, Joni and Megan) have a … [Read more...]




Remembering Summer

Welcome to the 260th Tablescape Thursday! As summer winds down and we start planning for fall, I thought I'd share a recap of some of the tables I put together this summer for Tablescape Thursday.   If you one of these table settings and you would like to see it in detail, just click on the title to view. Dining on the Porch for the 4th of July   Tutorial for making these … [Read more...]




Garden Dining in Buckhead

With very full bellies.. ...after dining on the porch at Greenwood's on Green Street... ...we were still feeling adventuresome. My friend, Jan, spontaneously suggested heading into Buckhead to have drinks at another fun restaurant she had been to and was eager for me to see.  One thing I absolutely LOVE is doing things spur of the moment. I don't know what it is, but sometimes planning ahead … [Read more...]




Cleaning Those Hard to Reach Windows

Back in May 2012, Nathan with Fish Window Cleaning sent me a can of Fish Foam, their fab window cleaner.  You may remember I tried it on my windows, and loved the results. I didn't think they were that dirty but once I saw how they looked after cleaning, I was pretty impressed! Amazing how windows can look clean but the grime is there dulling the view and blocking the light. I loved how much more light came … [Read more...]




Crazy Town!

It's Crazy Town here today!  So much going on but I love it.  The painter has been painting--more on that in a sec, the sod guy has been here measuring and the stump removal guy is due any moment. I'm loving all this activity because it means progress! Progress, at last! I'm finally getting some things done I had hoped to get done earlier in the spring before Mr. Max got sick. Keeping busy is good for me … [Read more...]




A Visit to the Pottery Barn Teen-Kids Store in Atlanta

Have you ever been inside a Pottery Barn Teen/Kid store? Since I ordered a desk chair from them years ago for my home office, I occasionally get their catalogs in the mail. (If you're new to reading BNOTP, to see the office/chair, just click on the category My Nest and then click on Office/Craft Room where you'll find links to bunches of office posts.) Every time a PB Teen catalog arrives, I wish I was … [Read more...]




Max

Just wanted to let you know, Max is gone. Thank you so much for all the well wishes and contributions you made in helping him fight cancer.  In the end, the cancer and his failing heart were too much. I'm devastated and it will take a long time for me to feel close to normal again.  The last few months have been brutal and heart-wrenching. For the last 13+ years, Max was a constant companion, … [Read more...]




The Attack of the Yellow Stuff

I'm always getting questions about how I keep the porch looking so clean.  Wellllll, it isn't always so clean.  I think it just appears that way in pictures.  Every spring around April, a monsoon of pollen hits.  When I got home from the hospital on Friday, here's how I found the porch.  Notice how the table seems to have a yellowish cast? It's all pollen and it's just getting started! You … [Read more...]




Unexpected

I'm in the hospital...Piedmont hospital.   Getting great care.  Writing this on iPad, so must be brief.  Not sure when going home...they are running tests for abdominal pain and bleeding.  Max is in good hands. … [Read more...]




Mystery Song Solved & Growing an Edible Shamrock Tree

What a fun day yesterday!  I loved reading your comments and suggestions concerning the mystery song playing on the cute Easter/Spring water globe I found recently in Marshalls.   I learned something new yesterday, too!   Did you know there are apps you can download to your cell phone or iPad that will "listen" to a song that's playing and will identify it for you?  I had no idea!  The two mentioned in … [Read more...]




Downton Abbey Personality Quiz: Which Character Are You?

Recently, a dearheart (thanks Sandi!) sent me a fun link where you can take a quick, 7-question quiz to see which Downton Abbey character you most resemble.  I finally got around to taking the test today and guess who I am? Anna, the head housemaid!  :)   Here are my results below.   I had to struggle with a few of the questions...really wanted to pick two answers.  Is it wrong when asked how I'd … [Read more...]




Solmate Socks and Wild Birds Unlimited

I noticed this morning my feeder was almost empty so I headed over to my very favorite birding store, Wild Birds Unlimited on Piedmont Road in Marietta, GA.  The folks who work in this location are so wonderful.  They bend over backwards to help you solve any squirrel problems and can answer any question you can dream up about birds. I bought a bag of Choice Blend.  The birds love this stuff!   In … [Read more...]




Coping, Or So I Thought

I've been kind of in a deep funk all day.  I was so busy on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, getting everything ready for the small dinner party I had Sunday night, I really didn't have time to think about much else.  Over the last few days I've been listening to the news about the horrible tragedy in Connecticut and reading a good bit about it online.  I think the culmination of it all just finally got to … [Read more...]




Holiday China: Two Beautiful Giveaways from Noritake

Giveaway Winners: Thanks so much to all who entered the two giveaways for Noritake.  There were over 500 entries for this giveaway! Chosen by a Random Number Generator, the winners are: Sandi, who won the Holly and Berry Gold bowls... And Gina who won the Platinum Wave plates. Congrats to both winners and I'll be contacting you via email soon.   Happy Weekend!  I have … [Read more...]




Stencil Your Room Beautiful: Eye-Candy and a Wonderful Giveaway for Your Weekend

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway from Cutting Edge Stencils.  Chosen by random number generator, the winner is:  Aurora m.   Thanks again to all who entered.  If you didn't win, check out the giveaway from Banarsi that is still going on and will be ending soon.   Happy Friday!  Are you looking forward to your weekend?  The Country Living Craft Fair is going on here in Atlanta … [Read more...]




Shhh, It’s a Surprise Present & A Fabulous Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway from Canvas Photo Company!  Chosen via a Random Number Generator, the winner is Diane.  I'll be contacting Diane at the email she entered with her comment.    Thanks again to Canvas Photo Company for Sponsoring this wonderful giveaway!   A few months ago my son, Chip, married his beautiful sweetheart, Nancy in a ceremony held inside the historic … [Read more...]




Warming Up With a Fall Mantel

Though the days are still nice and warm here, there's a definite chill in the air each evening.  I haven't decorated my mantel this year yet, but I thought I'd share a few pics from a previous year.   I've had this wreath for several years, but I still love it.  It's probably the most realistic "faux" wreath I've ever come across.   Books warm up any room...you can never go wrong with … [Read more...]




A Hoppy Picture for Your Evening

Sorry, couldn't resist that post title.  It will make more sense by the end of the post. Old Time Pottery Giveaway:  Picking A New Winner Remember the Giveaway we had a while back for Old Time Pottery?   I e-mailed the original winner several times and never heard back.  The winner didn't leave an e-mail address in her comment and she doesn't have a blog, but WordPress is designed where you … [Read more...]




My Fave Garage Sailing Tip: The Headlock Maneuver

Garage Sailing...what is it?  I like this definition from the Urban Dictionary online:  The pasttime of attending garage sales in pursuit of other peoples junk. :) Do you like garage sailing?  Did you go today or do you have plans to go tomorrow? I've been going through some of the remaining 75+ posts I hadn't categorized yet and I found one I wrote back in May 2010 on the topic of "garage sailing." … [Read more...]




Buffalo Curtains for the Library and Kitchen

Recently I shared a little update to my home office...yellow buffalo check curtains. (You'll find that post here: Buffalo Curtains for the Office) I'm really enjoying them. They have me craving new curtains/drapes for my family room and bedroom. After I shared the curtains in my office, I received an email from Marlene.  She had read my post about how much I love the look of the buffalo check fabric … [Read more...]




Monitor Shopping & an Interview with The Home Depot

I'm out running around today, shopping for two new monitors to replace the ones I currently have in my office.   I love having dual monitors, but I didn't realize just how poor quality/resolution they were until I purchased an iPad recently.  My iPad puts them to shame. Not only are they way too short/squatty, they are just too small in general.  They are 18" monitors, which sounded pretty big when I … [Read more...]




Almost Normal…An Update

Greetings!  How is your week going?  It's 1:45 AM as I write this.  That may provide a hint as to how my week has gone.   I can't figure out where the days go but they are flying by as I continue "unpacking" and getting things settled at BNOTP's new home.  I've had a table set all week and can't find time to photograph it during daylight hours.   I'm determined to get some pics tomorrow.  I'm looking … [Read more...]




The Secret to Clean, Shiny Windows: Fish Foam Giveaway

Update:  Winners Announced: Thanks to all who entered the Fish Foam Giveaway.  Using the InLinkz Random Number Generator, it selected the following winners: Congrats to Edith, Doreen and Jeanie A.!  Please send your full name/address to me at betweennapsontheporchatgmaildotcom and I'll forward that on to Fish Foam so they can get your product out to you.   Thanks for Fish Foam for a great … [Read more...]




Fun Random Things Worth Sharing

Several folks commented how great the garden stool I purchased recently looked in the guest room.  Thanks!  I do love it here, but I was mainly trying to find one for the screened in porch. So, I'm thinking a second seat might be in order.  I tripped over these online at Ballard Designs and they are super expensive...$269 each!  Crazy pricing. I think the vine design/color would look great here on the … [Read more...]




Shopping IKEA and Ballard Designs

Recently I took a shopping trip to IKEA in Atlanta and to the Ballard Design Outlet in Alpharetta.  Today, I'm taking you along with me.  These stores are very different.  It's hard to believe IKEA was here for several years before I ever visited.  I had this idea in my head that it was all super modern furniture...far from the truth.  IKEA carries a lot more than just furniture. I can see why folks plan … [Read more...]




Fun Stuff Worth Sharing: Part II

Sometimes I think these are the most fun posts.  I've accumulated all these tidbits and ideas to share with you, but somehow I just never found the right day or time to do so.  So here they are, all lumped together.  I dare say, there's something in here for everyone. Before Christmas I found this cute little deer door hanger at Lowes for $9.99.  He ended up out here on the porch. I decided to leave … [Read more...]




Paparazzi

Recently, a neighbor stopped by for a little sunbathing on the deck. Tanning the left side... Tanning the tummy... Tanning the right side... Life is good. Zzzzzzz.... Uhh?!  Did you hear that? I'm pretty sure I heard something. Rats!  The paparazzi found me again! Cat lover?  You may like this post:  Cat T.V. … [Read more...]




Top Projects for 2011

Rhoda is having a Top Projects of 2011 Party and I am joining in with a few of the projects I worked on around the old homestead this year.  There were lots of small ones, but I'm just linking to a few of my faves for this party.Bedroom becomes home office/craft room/sewing roomBefore:After: Project (from start to finish) can be viewed HERE.Screened-in Porch goes through a transformation for the 4th of … [Read more...]




Inspiration for Your Holiday Decorating and More!

Greetings Dear Friends!  How was your day?  I've been working on all kinds of fun things today, including a tablescape for Tablescape Thursday.  One bit of exciting news:  the blue and white pumpkin I submitted in the Country Living Facebook Contest ended up winning the most "Like" votes.  Thanks so much to everyone who took time to vote! Several folks have asked what prize the winner receives.  The … [Read more...]




October 2011: A Look in the Rear-View Mirror and Answering a Few of Your Questions

October 2011:  A Look in the Rear-view Mirror: Each month I share links to the prior month's posts, in case you missed one or just wish to revisit a particular post.  To read any post below, click on the link found in the title of that post. Hope you enjoy this "look in the rear-view mirror."   October was a fun month, for sure! We kicked off last month with a "Look in the Rear-view Mirror" … [Read more...]




Book Sale: Bring Your Rolling Cart!

So many beautiful table settings were posted for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday. If you haven't had a chance to visit them all, just scroll on down and enjoy! You'll find so much inspiration for fall and fun Halloween tablescapes! This morning I got up bright and early and did something I've never done before. No, not exercise...that would be way too practical. ;) Well, I did get a little exercise, now … [Read more...]




Shopping at Urban Relics

How was your Friday?  Anything special planned for today?  I had a unusually busy and fun Friday. I spent the morning visiting a local consignment shoppe and took a few pictures to share with you.  On the survey I recently posted, several folks mentioned they would love to see more shopping/thrifting/antiquing trips, so I think you'll enjoy today's post! My morning shopping trip was followed by lunch … [Read more...]




August 2011: A Look in the Rear-View Mirror

Thanks so much for sharing your fave decorating and design books in the comments on this morning's post. I love the fantasy "Buttonchief7" shared in her comment. Made me laugh! I think I have the same fantasy. Here's a little recap of all the events here at BNOTP for the month of August, complete with links in case you missed a post or would just like to revisit it. Thanks so much for visiting and … [Read more...]




Significant Headway Has Been Made

Well, well, well. Things were kind of interesting around here in Blogland the last couple of days, huh? Were you as happy as I was to see your disappearing post, magically reappear again? When I was finally able to access the dashboard, our Tablescape Thursday post was still missing along with all of your beautiful tablescape links. I temporarily created a blank post with just the script/code from … [Read more...]




Happy Mother’s Day!

"Motherhood is the longest-running, continuous production of your life. Every day. Seven days a week. It doesn't matter if it's SRO or an empty house: You play to it. It doesn't matter if the critics love or hate your performance. The show never closes. Every day you climb into your costume and do the best you can, writing the script as you go along."Erma BombeckMay 14, 1989Happy Mother's Day to Mothers … [Read more...]




The One That Got Away

Yipee! The furniture is back in place at last. It feels like the office grew several feet.  You can just see Max's steps peeking out from behind the desk. He is using them and they are working well.   I'm looking forward to finding a great chandelier to replace the overhead ceiling fan. From the very beginning I knew I didn't want this home office to feel too officey or too serious. Early on, I set my … [Read more...]




Fantasy Garages

Recently, I received an e-mail from a friend and it contained these pics of dream garages. Well, actually the e-mail was titled: "What a man's garage should look like." I have a love for luxury vehicles, antique cars and going to car shows, so I'm renaming this: "What a woman's garage should look like." HA! Whether you love a well-built touring machine or your taste goes more toward the racing side, … [Read more...]




Pottery Barn Home Office Update: Sharing Some Fun Stuff

Several folks have e-mailed or left comments asking how the office is coming along. (If you're new to reading BNOTP, check out THIS post and THIS post for some background info.) The weather has certainly slowed my progress down a bit. I have a small amount of sanding left to do and I haven't been able to complete that since it turned cold. Max, my four-footed furry shadow, won't stay out of the room … [Read more...]




Sleeping with a Mouse

Before my recent office move, my blogging headquarters used to be in the dressing room that's just off the master bedroom. Max kitty, my furry shadow, used to lie in my lap whenever he could squeeze his way in. Can I tell you--it's not easy blogging with a 15 lb cat in your lap. :) So, normally I would pull the bench you see in front of the dresser over beside my chair and he would happily curl up with … [Read more...]




Affordable Buffalo Check Curtains

Lately, I've had curtains/draperies on the brain. Once the walls are all finished in my home office, I'm toying with the idea of adding some simple curtain panels on either side of the double window. If you don't sew or if you just don't have the time to make your own draperies, one of the most reasonably priced stores with great "stuff" online is Country Curtains. Don't let the name fool ya, they carry … [Read more...]




Removing Wallpaper with Wagner

Welcome to the 106th Metamorphosis Monday! Meet my new best friend, Wagner. He's a little finicky but for the most part he and I are getting along okay.   He tends to drool a little and runs out of water sooner than he is supposed to...but that's okay. He gives me an excuse to take a little break every half hour. With Wagner, I can pull off strips of wallpaper this … [Read more...]




Snow in Georgia

It happens every Christmas. As it comes time to say goodbye to my son and his sweetie, I get those post-holiday blues. Does that happen to you or are you lucky enough to have your children/family living near by? I've lived in Georgia pretty much my whole life. We've had snow before Christmas and after Christmas, but this is the first white Christmas I can recall. It actually snowed on Christmas … [Read more...]




Slaying the Top 10 Reasons For Not Hosting a Holiday Party

As our Party Planning Week comes to a close, I thought we'd take a look at our Top 10 Reasons for not Hosting a Holiday Party again. Hopefully, I've given you a few ideas/tips that will help slay some of those reasons. :) (I've included links back to many of this week's posts that have included weapons you can use against those objections.)1. I work full-time...no way I have time to host a party.The secret … [Read more...]




Party Planning: An Ornament or Gift Exchange Game Your Guests Will Love

Ornament/Gift Exchange Game: I'll be honest with you, I normally don't like games at parties because they always take so long and I'd much rather just stuff my face and visit with my friends. But this game is different. It's a super-fast game, literally.  It's over in about 3-5 minutes and it leaves folks laughing. It really is a lot of fun! Here's how it works: In the invitation, I always ask folks … [Read more...]




Top 10 Reasons For Not Hosting a Party

Party season...it's almost here. With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, family will be coming in for the holidays and very soon festive party invites will begin appearing either via e-mail or my favorite way, snail mail.I have an idea! What if this year you gave the party? Yep, Y.O.U! :) I know, I know...there are so many reasons why you could never have a party in your home. Do they go something like … [Read more...]




Do You Have Synesthesia?

A few weeks back, I was listening to The Skirted Roundtable and the topic of synesthesia came up. Even as a Psych major, I don't ever remember having ever heard of it. Have you? I'm fascinated with almost any discussion about how our brains work...how we perceive our environment and how we think. Synethesia, from the Greek words, "syn" (together) and "aesthesis" (perception) is a condition, for lack of a … [Read more...]




Some Saturday Feedback Fun

Something Just for Fun: Do you shop or sell on eBay or Etsy? Ever have a fabulous experience that makes you want to leave "feedback" for the Seller or Buyer that's just not your everyday, ordinary feedback? Maybe you'd like to leave something fun to make that awesome seller/buyer smile when they see it? Here's a fun collection of "feedback" that's sure to shake up your feedback-leaving experience. Just … [Read more...]




A Front Porch Metamorphosis

Welcome to the 76th Metamorphosis Monday! My metamorphosis involves my front porch. I've made a little change out here. Let's see if you can spot the change. Before: Before: Here's one more "before" pic. This reminds me a bit of those "find what's changed" games where you study the pic to find the "thing" that's different. I don't think you'll have to study too hard. Ready? … [Read more...]




Time for a Picnic!

"Freshly showered and shaved, hair still dripping, Zeus hurried to the fence and puckered up in anticipation of the promised kiss." :-) The cute face of Zeus, along with my silly caption above, won me this fabulous prize below at Designs by Gollum! Isn't it awesome? :-) Zeus belongs to Michael, whose delightful blog is Designs by Gollum. If you've never visited or participated in Foodie Friday, … [Read more...]




Awesome Linking Tool by InLinkz

Welcome to the 66th Metamorphosis Monday! New Linking Tool: I'm trying something a little different this evening for linking up...it's a Picture Linky. It should be self-explanatory, so I don't think you'll have any problem. Just click on the blue "Add your link" button with the froggy face...you'll see it at the bottom of this post. Please be sure to add your Permalink, not your general blog … [Read more...]




Atlanta Like You’ve Never Seen It!

Have you heard about the flooding around Metro Atlanta?Clarkdale Elementary School:Another subdivision:I've ridden this roller coaster at Six Flags over Georgia many times. I don't think I could hold my breath long enough to ride it today.I was lucky...here's my only casualty...To see more views of the flooding around Metro Atlanta, click HERE and HERE.If you wish to help somehow, the only organization I … [Read more...]




Long Lines, Closed Roads, Dead Mowers, Head Lice and Champagne…

Recently I went shopping on eBay for a silver plated, champagne bucket. I had visions of tablescapes featuring chilling champagne. I saw floral centerpieces, starring a lovely champagne bucket filled to overflowing with big, beautiful flowers. So eBay a-shopping I went! I found this gem (seller's pic) and before long that wonderful e-mail arrived in my mailbox proclaiming, "Congratulations, You won this … [Read more...]




Adding Molding to the Dining Room

Welcome to the 19th Metamorphosis Monday! Back in January, I posted about some changes/renovations I had just finished in my dining room. I received a good many comments and quickly realized that everyone really enjoys seeing a good Before and After. That post ended up being the catalyst for that start of our blog party, Metamorphosis Monday, so I thought I'd share it again for this Met Monday. This … [Read more...]




A Little More Spring Fluffing…

When I posted this pic of my front door, I received several comments and e-mails asking where I bought the white basket and the daisy flowers.The basket came from a little antique shop on the Marietta Square in Marietta, Georgia, called Willow Antiques, Too. When there is another decoration or wreath on the front door, like now...I move the basket of daisies to one of the doors off of my screened-in … [Read more...]




A Master Bedroom and Dressing Room…

A Tease... See you for "the reveal" on Sunday evening at 9:00 PM, when Mr. Linky goes up for Metamorphosis Monday. … [Read more...]




Questions…Do You Have Questions?

Do you have a question for me? I often have this nagging feeling that I've missed answering a question someone has asked. One day when I was surfing Blogland, I noticed another blogger had a "Question Day"...so to speak. So here's your chance! :-) Do you have a question for me? Would you like to know where I purchased something you have seen on my blog? Are you curious what I do all day that … [Read more...]




The Porch

Recently, I've had several requests for larger pictures of the "room" this blog is named after...The Porch. Can you believe I've been blogging for 4 months and I've never shared the porch with you, other than a few small pics on my sidebar. Well, it's time to fix that. On Wednesday, I will post a whole slew of porch pics and you will be able to click on them and enlarge them for an even better view. The … [Read more...]




Cranberry Trifle

As promised, here's the recipe for the Cranberry Trifle I made for my neighborhood cookie party. The recipe comes from the current (December 2008) issue of Everyday Food. If you want a copy of the magazine, I found it in the check-out isle at Publix...it's about the size of a Reader's Digest. Cranberry Trifle 2 bags (12 oz each) cranberries, fresh or frozen (I used fresh) 2 1/4 cups granulated … [Read more...]




A Purr-fect View from the Porch…

Does anyone remember this? It was the main pic for my screened-in porch posting when I posted it on Rate My Space. This is the summer view. {{{BIG SIGH}}} When I stretched out on the settee this past summer and looked up, this was the view... For the past few weeks, the view has been changing with each passing day. The green has given way to yellows, reds, browns and golds....and before long, it … [Read more...]




Dreaming of Lace…

I came across this picture in a magazine and unfortunately, I can no longer remember the name of it now. It stopped me dead in my tracks. Does that ever happen to you? It doesn't happen to me very often. I have perused so many decorating magazines and books over the years that it takes something really different to grab my eye. After I closed my mouth before a big honking fly flew in, I drooled over the … [Read more...]




Beautiful Bras!

Recently, I was talking with Carol...some of you may know her as cedwards55 on RMS. Carol told me about a unique fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness that was about to take place in her area. This event had special significance for Carol and she explained, "October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Fourteen years ago (in October) I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My two sons were 3 and 7 at the time. … [Read more...]




A Surprise Package From Sweet Diane!

On Monday, after a long, stressful day at work, I pulled into my driveway, hopped out of my car, opened my mailbox to get the mail and...SURPRISE!!! A package! I LOVE packages!!! :-) Look at this adorable box...it even has cute little pansies decorating all the sides! Could this be the package a dear, sweet friend, Diane, recently told me she would be sending my way? Diane, who has her own blog, Four … [Read more...]




Gloria (HappyToBe) and Dreams of High Flight…

A little while back I discovered Gloria (HappyToBe on RMS) has led a most fascinating life. We all know from visiting her RMS site, she has collected some of the most gorgeous antiques you have ever seen! But, there's another part to the story...you'll never guess how Gloria got so many of those beautiful antiques home from the places where they were found. I asked Gloria if she would share this facet of … [Read more...]




A Tease…

Tomorrow...the Reveal. :-)   … [Read more...]




Friendships…

Friendships made on RMS are unique, because often times, we never actually get to meet each other face to face. We share so much in RMS land...the good times (front page) as well as the bad (troll, trolls, trolls). And sometimes bonds are made that in some ways feel stronger than many of the friendships we have right here at home. Then, every once in a while, if you're lucky, you get to meet face to … [Read more...]




Friends are the pillars of your porch…

Welcome to my first ever, blog! Many thanks to all of you who have poked, prodded and assisted me down this long, winding corridor that leads to Blogville...you know who you are! :-) Now having finally gotten up the nerve to dip my toe into the fast moving current of Blogland, it seems only fitting to begin a blog titled "Between Naps on the Porch" with quotes about, and views of, some great porches. I'm … [Read more...]