Dining Riverside in the Beautiful Garden of a French Cottage in the Loire Valley
Welcome to the 562nd Tablescape Thursday! Recently Norma, whose tables I've shared here at BNOTP before, had a good friend visit from England. Norma and her hubby live in the Deux-Sevres region near the bottom of the famous Loire Valley, known for its many chateaux. Norma lives is an adorable French cottage. Norma said, "The building with the blue shutters is our little cottage. It is only small, but big enough for us two. Actually, it is … [Continue Reading...]
A Thorny Situation & Seeking a Permanent Solution
Whenever I visit my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, I get a bit restless during the daytime while they are all at work and at school. I start looking for something to do and inevitably end up in the garden. I don't know why, but I find it way more enjoyable pulling weeds in their garden than I do at home. They have this one particularly evil weed that has the thorns from you-know-where! It grows 3 feet tall in the space of a few weeks and is absolutely … [Continue Reading...]
Celebrate the 4th of July: 5 Decor Ideas, 5 DIY Crafts & 5 Patriotic Table Settings
Welcome to the 543rd Metamorphosis Monday! The 4th of July is just a little more than a week away! Wow, summer is passing way too quickly for my liking! Do you have any special plans for your 4th of July celebration? For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing a round-up of some fun and easy ways to get ready for this festive, patriotic holiday. (Note: Click the title name of each post below for additional photos and detailed … [Continue Reading...]
A Beautiful Spring Table Setting in Vibrant Hues of Lilac Purple and Emerald Green
Welcome to the 561st Tablescape Thursday! A bit earlier in the spring, I received a lovely email from Warren whose tables I've shared here on BNOTP in the past. In his email Warren shared some beautiful photos along with information about a table setting he had created for a dinner party with friends. Warren said, "My wife, Kathie, wanted a simple but colorful tablescape for a small dinner party we were having for a couple of neighbors. I took the opportunity to … [Continue Reading...]
Dressing for the Cotswolds in July and Shopping the Summer Sale
In less than a month, I'll be heading off for a tour through the Cotswolds, my first ever trip to England. Laura, the friend and retired English/Lit college professor who put this trip together with the help of a professional travel agency, told me there are five BNOTP readers who will be joining in on this Literary Tour through the Cotswolds. I can't wait to meet everyone! I've been Googling the temps to see how the weather is this time of year. Of course, you … [Continue Reading...]
How I Set Up a Comfortable Computer Workstation in a Small Space
Welcome to the 542nd Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I'm sharing a small computer workstation I set up in the guest room at my son and daughter-in-law's home. If space is limited in your home but you would love a dedicated spot for working on your computer, I can definitely recommend the setup I've created and will be sharing in today's post. A little backstory: I often plan or time my visits with my son and daughter-in-law to coincide when I … [Continue Reading...]
Getting a Wave or Wrinkle Out of a Silk Tie
Recently I purchased a couple of Hermes ties for my son for his birthday. When he opened them a few days ago, one of the ties had an odd, little wave effect going on toward the bottom of the tie. Each tie had been packaged in its own box, and the boxes had been standing up vertically in the bag. I guess this particular tie slipped down and sorta crumpled up a bit in the bottom of the box, resulting in this weird little wave. I tried … [Continue Reading...]
Create Wonderful Outdoor Spaces for Dining in the Garden
Welcome to the 560th Tablescape Thursday! A few days ago I took you into a wonderful garden that was part of the Secret Gardens of Avondale tour a friend and I enjoyed a few weekends ago. There was one particular garden that really stood out for me. In addition to having a wonderful screened-in summer house... ...and lots of little outdoor seating areas perfect for chatting... reading... and … [Continue Reading...]
My Hermes Perfume Atomizer Collection & the Perfumes They Hold
I love perfume and wear it almost every day. It's amazing how a little spritz of your favorite scent can completely change your mood. If you're allergic to perfume or don't enjoy wearing it, you'll probably want to skip this post. I know some folks can't or don't wear perfume, but if you do love it and wear it, please continue reading and be sure to leave me a comment sharing your favorite scent. I love discovering and trying new scents! A few years back I … [Continue Reading...]
A Secret Garden, Lots of Whimsy and Beautiful Art: This Garden Tour Had it All!
Welcome to the 541st Metamorphosis Monday! No big Before and Afters happening around here so I'm taking you on a little garden tour for this week's Met Monday. Actually, now that I think about it, there are a couple of really cute Before/Afters in the garden! A few days ago, a friend and I enjoyed touring five beautiful gardens as part of The Secrets Gardens of Avondale spring garden tour. I loved the entrance to this little "secret … [Continue Reading...]
