When I was a girl, my grandmother used to call me ‘Spuds’.   Today, I’m not fond of that childhood nickname, but in hindsight, I see now that my Memah gave me this endearing nickname based solely on my potato obsession.  Potatoes are simply one of my favorite foods.  In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met a tater I didn’t like.  I collect as many recipes as I can that tempt me, especially if they involve that lethal combination of cheese, potatoes and butter.   

So when two blogger friends sent me two new potato recipes, I had to add them to the Guest Blogger Week lineup, especially since they have dramatically different views on the sweet potato.  I’ve never made sweet potato pie myself (gasp!) – I’ve always been a pumpkin pie gal, so when Sarah from Sarah’s Musings sent me her recipe, I was really very excited to try it. 

And then there’s my hilarious friend Erin over at The Fierce Beagle who cracks me up with her witty banter in her daily blog posts.  You really must pay her a visit sometime – her humor is incredibly infectious.  She’s going to give us a version of her Irish Thanksgiving Potatoes. 

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Ladies and gents, this next guest post is brought to you in anticipation of setting your holiday table.  Want to make your guests feel extra special ?  This is a wonderful way to welcome them with a small but thoughtful treat.  It is also a way to introduce a new tradition into your circle.  This tutorial is useful for your Thanksgiving table, your Christmas or Hanukkah table, your New Year’s Table, or just about any party you’re throwing.  I’ve always wanted to learn how to make party crackers in a stylish way.  Danielle teaches us how to create a personalized gift for your guests. 

Friends, please welcome Danielle and her tutorial on DIY Christmas crackers:

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Congratulations to #288:  LaTasha at Symone’s Mommy for being randomly selected to win the ‘Design Rules’ giveaway.  Thanks to everyone who participated… this book is worth the purchase on Amazon.  If you’d like to buy it here, I highly recommend it.  It makes a great gift for anyone looking to learn designer’s tips on home decorating. 

Congratulations LaTasha !

Happy Monday friends!  I’m so happy to bring you one amazingly beautiful DIY project from my great friend Lindsay over at Living with Lindsay. 

Lindsay is one of those inventive gals that I admire so much because if nobody’s done it, well she’ll figure out how, and then teach you.  When she showed us how to paint laminate, I was hooked.  When she transformed this Craigslist coffee table, I almost spit out my coffee.  Then she made this amazing wreath that was featured on Apartment Therapy.  She even watches Glee (love that show!).  Lindsay is just a DIY gal after my own heart. 

Today, in continuation of Guest Blogger Week, I’m proud to present her vintage inspired sequined holiday tree. 

Take it away Lindsay !

“When thinking about decorating my home for the holidays this year, I’ve been really drawn towards the vintage inspirations of my past. Growing up, we had a gorgeous array of ornaments handmade by my grandmother on our tree. I’m not sure if the ornaments exist anymore (unless they are hidden in my parents’ attic), but I am still inspired by their beauty.

These aren’t my ornaments, but I wish they were.

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I’m inspired by these tablescapes today, in anticipation of the big feast.  Fruits, vegetables, and abundance on display.  

Better Homes and Gardens 

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