Greetings all, can you believe 2011 is almost over?  Well 2012 brings great things, like the HAVEN Conference scheduled for June 21-22 in Atlanta.  HAVEN is a gathering of notable DIY and home bloggers from across the country, and is sponsored by big brands like Home Depot, Rust-Oleum, and Minwax to name a few.

I’ll be there with the rest of the Haven team and we have put together two days of fantastic workshops for you ~ it will all take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Atlanta. 

There are some fabulous speakers and presenters you won’t want to miss, including our keynote John & Sherry from Young House Love, so for those of you who want to go, but haven’t bought your ticket yet, this is the giveaway for you! 

To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment naming the one thing you’re looking forward to at Haven.  Is it to become a better blogger or more skilled DIYer?  To learn something new in the hands-on workshops?  Or simply to mix and mingle with your favorite bloggers? 

One winner only, chosen by Random.org.  Does not include travel or hotel expenses, only the ticket to the conference (a $199 value).  Giveaway ends Friday December 23rd at 8 p.m. PST.  

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the winner #48 Barbara at 21 Rosemary Lane! 

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‘Tis the season of baking and I did my share last week!  One of my favorite recipes I make every year is apricot almond shortbread bars, they’re always a big hit at our Christmas party and my go-to recipe if I ever get invited to a cookie swap. 

This recipe originally appeared in Bon Appétit in December 2005, and I made it when it first was published. Over the years I’ve modified it slightly, subtracting the almond paste, adding orange zest, and also doubling the recipe to make a full cookie sheet.  You can find the original recipe here.  The following is my version of apricot almond shortbread bars: 

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Hey everyone ~ what a fabulous weekend we had!  It was a great party Saturday night with many of our friends and family in attendance.  We all gathered in the living room around the piano and sang carols with a loud rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas that included everyone at the party ~ it’s the highlight and an annual tradition.  We spent Sunday in San Francisco at the Dickens Fair (ever been? very fun!) and touring Union Square with the big tree right in the center all lit up for the season.  Here’s another tour of San Francisco at Christmas you might enjoy . . .

As you all know, the mister and I adopted a house earlier this year (see this post on origin of the Alma Project) and we’ve spend the year fixing up the house when we had a spare weekend thanks to donations from so many of you.  On Friday, we stopped by to surprise the families with a Christmas tree and some other holiday decorations.

Becky from Vinyl Crafts kindly donated this inspirational subway art for the wall and a fresh wreath and poinsettias brought some Christmas cheer to the kitchen nook.

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Hi friends, happy only one week till Christmas!!  I’m feeling the spirit of giving, so it’s time for my annual WC giveaway, this one includes some gourmet treats from the region, plus something special (and handmade) from me!  The following goodies have all been carefully wrapped and packaged and they’re awaiting shipment via USPS to the address of one lucky winner. 

I pick up these gourmet treats when we tour the local wineries, and today I’m giving away a box of some of my favorites. We love nearby Viansa (mentioned here) in Sonoma which specializes in Italian varietal and blends. Truffle honey and lemon vinaigrette plus chardonnay strawberry peach preserve are included in the box.

My most favorite balsamic vinegar on the planet comes from the famous girl & the fig, and it’s paired with the apricot fig chutney, delicious as a spread.  For your summer BBQ, also included are both a spicy zinfandel and herbed cabernet marinades. And yes, I’m parting with my baby cutting board (full deets here) which is the perfect size for presenting a mini wheel of brie or a favorite artisan cheese, and also this great 2011 Food & Wine guide to the wine scene ~ it will tip you off on all the best wines to buy plus offers some basic things to know about different grapes, blends, and varietals. 

Eligibility to win the Wine Country Gourmet gift box . . .

1) Leave one comment telling me your favorite gift to give this season. That’s it!

One winner, US only, chosen at random.  Giveaway ends Sunday December 18, 2011 at 8 p.m PST.  By entering this giveaway you agree to this site’s giveaway policy and Official Rules of Entry.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to:  #409 BJ at Sweet Nothings!

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Hey all, as promised here are a few shots I took over the last couple of days of our home this holiday season.  I’m keeping it simple, my decor this year is mostly garland for scent, poinsettias scattered here and there, ornaments in various vessels, and always branches ~ simple touches since I want to spend most of the next week enjoying the twinkle lights, the baked goodies, the traditions, and our family.

I’m officially done with all the decorating, welcome to our home this Christmas season! 

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