Several weeks ago, Gotham Books sent me an advance copy of Design Rules: An Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator, written by Elaine Griffin, an interior decorating specialist, and also rated one of the country’s top 100 designers by House Beautiful.  I was delighted to be included among the group of bloggers that were given copies of this text. 

Perhaps you’ve read a few of these reviews, like my friend Lindsay over at Living with Lindsay who wrote an incredibly insightful review, as did the marvelous Kimm at Reinvented.  Once I read their reviews, I simply had to read Elaine’s book cover to cover for myself !  I’m so glad I finally did, because I carried away dozens of helpful tips and tricks.  And now I get to giveaway a copy of this text to one of you !

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With so many great submissions, we’re kicking off Guest Blogger Week early!  Today, I’m featuring a new and talented blogger named Janel Kaden Doran and her blog Dinks.

Janel shows us how she crafts some extra special touches during the season for her Thanksgiving table, and not a moment too soon since the big day is upon us !

Enjoy these simple and easy tricks for dressing up your seasonal tabletop, including Golden Twig Place Card Holders, Purple Flame Place Card Holders, a multiple use Starburst Bow, and a Giving Thanks Simple Place Card Holder.

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One of my most favorite bloggers, perhaps yours too, is Kimba from A Soft Place to Land.  She was kind enough to invite me guest post on her blog last summer.   

So when she sent me an advance copy of her new publication ‘A Very Kimba Christmas’, I was delighted to absorb every one of the 72 pages of her writing, photography, and grand ideas.

I adore Kimba’s chic and casual style, her originality, generosity, and her family friendly approach to decorating.  Here’s a glimpse of a few of the fabulous projects inside her ebook, with very detailed step-by-step tutorials. 

Burlap table runner, jute Christmas trees, and a wreath that looks like something out of Frontgate (or better!) but with simple instructions on how to do it yourself for much less. 

Click on over right here to pick up your copy. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.  And thank you Kimba for inspiring us all to feather our holiday nests with handmade seasonal touches !

Hi friends – this gal could sure use your vote in two contests.  The first is the Michael’s Handmade Holiday contest.  Right here is the link to my Manzanita Advent Tree – click on over and give me your highest rating if you would, pretty please.  Weekly winners receive gift cards, and the grand prize is a trip for two to NYC to see the Martha Stewart show.  Me wanna go !  Hey, what can I say, I dream big.

The next contest is the Divine Caroline ‘Love This Site’ awards.  My blog has recently been nominated in the Home & Food category.  I’d consider it a great honor if you’d click on over right here, register, and vote for this site.

Thanks friends.  Have a fantastic weekend !

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I’ve got pie on my mind.   Every year, when Mom cooks the bird, I’m usually given the assignment to bring pie and wine.  I welcome that assignment wholeheartedly.  I like pie.  I like wine.  Though not usually together. 

A few years ago, I got to thinking.  Pumpkin pie is fabulous, and I really do love it plain.  But after the sweet potatoes, stuffing, mashed potatoes and other soft mushy deliciousness, I was craving an enhanced version of pumpkin pie, with a little caramel sweetness and hint of pecan crunch.  I pulled this idea off the internet a few years ago and I thought I’d share. 

Sometimes it’s called Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Pie, but I like it better when it’s called Praline Pumpkin Pie.  It’s a huge hit in my family.  Combine it on a plate with a slice of our family recipe for Key Lime Pie, and you’re in Pie Heaven.    

It’s super easy, and very yummy.  You bake a regular pumpkin pie, just like you would ordinarily make.  Then you add this special topping in the last 10 minutes.

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