Today at The Inspired Room, Melissa is sharing her story … I was a Reluctant Entertainer!

Once upon a time, I was definitely a reluctant entertainer. I wasn’t reluctant about having people over, though, I was reluctant to have them over for dinner. I didn’t know how to cook anything that resembled what I thought was a “guest worthy dinner.” … (read more, here.)

Not only does Melissa share her story, but she also has a fabulous giveaway going on!

Two people will win all 3 of these items:

- The Reluctant Entertainer (August 2010)
- Beautiful demi-style pink sorbet Hip Hostess apron
- Pink sorbet Hip Hostess tea towel

I feel very fortunate that Melissa (along with The Nester) endorsed my NEW book, The Reluctant Entertainer. The 3 of us girls have similar messages when it comes to embracing the imperfect, and Melissa’s blog specifically is full of inspiration and creativity, showing us how to live an authentic and beautiful life. (Here’s their endorsement from the back of the book.)

And then there’s Debbie, (The Hip Hostess), who has been my cheerleader with this RE book project from day one. Debbie makes high-quality aprons with gorgeous patterns – stunning work. I love my Hip Hostess aprons!

Back to the GIVEAWAY – Leave your comments over at The Inspired Room and enter to win!

(Thank you, Melissa and Debbie! And in case you missed out on Nester’s giveaway a week ago, there were almost 1000 comments of women sharing their fears and issues they have with entertaining and practicing hospitality. Just read the comments – if you are reluctant – you are not alone!)

I’m so excited to host this awesome giveaway today on RE from UPrinting! Not only one winner, but two, will receive ONE large gallery wrapped canvas print using your favorite photo! How fun is that?

A few details
16×20 Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints for two winners
Free UPS Ground Shipping
Limited to US residents and must be 18 and above to enter

It’s been several years since I won my Dollar Store goblet canvas! My husband took the picture, and then I turned it into a gallery wrapped canvas. I still have it hanging in my kitchen.

Since then, it’s become my RE icon! In fact, one reader recently asked me: Did I see you say that those gorgeous cut-glass goblets you use for parties and in your masthead are from the DOLLAR STORE???

I smiled and wrote her back, Yes! I love a bargain that looks beautiful.

I’ve moved my canvas print around from room to room, but right now it resides on a shelf in my kitchen. See how it’s beautifully wrapped around the corners?

Perfect and elegant. And it’s … so RE! I love how it says: Entertaining is easy, affordable, and beautiful!

Your chance to WIN
Tell me what photo you’d turn into a canvas print if you won?

What to WIN
UPrinting is giving away ONE canvas print to TWO winners.

Tweet or Facebook or Blog
Do one of the above and get a 2nd chance. Come back and leave a 2nd comment so I know about it.

When to WIN
Come back on Friday this week and I’ll announce the 2 winners! Very exciting!

I especially think about my foodie friends who are amazing photographers, how just the right food or entertaining photo could turn into an amazing canvas! A work of your art!

(Thank you UPrinting, and for being a paid suporter of this blog.)

When I got my book deal for The Reluctant Entertainer back in February 2009, I was stoked. I was so excited about sharing my views and ideas with others, especially those who were slightly reluctant to roll up their sleeves, get in and cook and meal, and invite friends or a family or two over for dinner. And when the publisher said hardback and colored photos, I was even happier! (Thank you, Bethany House.)

Over the last couple of years I’ve forged some beautiful friendships with many bloggers, but two in particular, The Nester and Melissa Michaels, graciously agreed to endorse my book. Do you know how thrilled I was when they said, “yes!?”

Today The Nester is holding my VERY FIRST book GIVEAWAY over at her blog, Nesting Place, and is giving away 5 copies of The Reluctant Entertainer.

You just have to read Nester’s story. Nester is so good with words. She’s so good with people and life. And Nester is the queen of practicing what she preaches, that things do NOT have to be perfect to be beautiful.

5 books are waiting …… so head over to Nesting Place! And if you don’t know about The Inspired Room, you’ll want to spend some time there, too.

Thank you, friends, for your support of this long journey. And for those waiting for my Balcony Girls eBook, it’s in the works. Finally.

(I just heard that Amazon is releasing the book Jul 21st, and I just peeked at Nester’s blog and there are over 400 comments already – wow – thank you! Photos taken at Nester’s house.)

I grew up with a house full of various Kraft Foods products, one being Mac and Cheese. (In fact, you can read my post called, “Kraft Foods is more than Mac and Cheese!“) And some of those same products I stock in my kitchen today (hungry kids!) Last summer I was able to visit the Kraft Foods kitchen (see article below!)

Recently I received a selection of complimentary Kraft Foods products, new-on-the-market items, and I’m here to share them with you today, and to tell you about this generous GIVEAWAY for you!

• New KRAFT HOMESTYLE DELUXE Macaroni & Cheese Dinner: I plan to take this with me to the EVO ’10 conference where I’ll whip up a meal in the hotel room for my daughter and her friend tagging along. This new MAC consists of packets of “seasoning” and breadcrumbs, plus a packet of Velveeta-like sauce. It will be interesting to see if the girls like it better than the blue box!

• New DIGIORNO Pizza & Breadsticks: I’ve been a DIGIORNO fan for years, so I can’t wait to try this new product. I’m sure my kids, in particular, will like this concept.

• OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Shaved Meats: We go through a lot of lunch meat in our home, and my kids are really into healthy bread. So not much food in the fridge goes to waste. This will be tasty and devoured.

• New KOOL-AID FUN FIZZ Drink Drops: I’m not crazy about artificial sweeteners, but these only have 5 calories per serving and my kids will want to try it!

• RITZ CRACKERFULS Filled Crackers: These are stocked in my snack box in the pantry. My kids like pretty much any kind of snack crackers, so these will be eaten by them and their friends!

• New KRAFT 100 CALORIE PACKS CHEESE BITES: Another great snack full of protein. I’m all for protein for kids!

A GIVEAWAY for YOU!
In addition to my selection of samples, Kraft Foods has generously provided one gift basket filled with samples of New KOOL-AID FUN FIZZ Drink Drops, New KRAFT HOMESTYLE DELUXE Macaroni & Cheese, and RITZ CRACKERFULS Filled Crackers, along with free coupons for New DIGIORNO Pizza & Breadsticks, OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Shaved Meats, and New KRAFT 100 CALORIE PACKS CHEESE BITES, all of which I will be giving a box away to ONE LUCKY WINNER.

Just in time for summer vacation with hungry kids in the kitchen!

How to win
To win, please leave a comment and tell me what your favorite Kraft product is. I will choose a winner via random drawing. If you want to TWEET about this giveaway, come back and tell me with another comment and your name will go in twice.

Minor details
This promotion is not linked to Kraft Foods, and Kraft Foods is not responsible for conducting the promotion or for selecting the recipient. All opinions expressed in this post are that of the author and not of Kraft Foods. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US or Canada only.

Winner will be announced on Monday, June 21st!

Do you subscribe to the Kraft Foods Food and Family Magazine? This season RE is featured on page 19! It’s full of amazing recipes and summer ideas! You can order the magazine, here.

Good Luck and I hope you WIN!

Oh wow. My son is graduating from high school in just a week. And I recently found the hammer that he used to carry around.

How did Elliot grow to be bigger than life, in such a short time? (memory board that I put together)

My friend, Katrina Kenison, came in to my life at the perfect time – one month before Elliot’s graduation. My cousin Peggy (who has 2 grown kids) sent me her link, called “The Gift of an Ordinary Day,” as she recites part of her book on motherhood. I cried because I could relate. I just wanted to just grab Katrina and give her a hug!

Please take a few minutes to hear Katrina recite portions of this book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day.

She says …

“Zip your jacket, here’s your sandwich – mothering.”

“Learn the art of letting go. Savor the moments now. Family dinners …”

“You ignore their bedroom. You fill the refrigerator. You negotiate. You learn to text and you learn to pray.”

“If Motherhood teaches us anything, we cannot change our children, we can only change ourselves.”

Today lovely Katrina has agreed to give away 2 of her books here at RE!

COMMENT to WIN
Tell me what you loved the most hearing Katrina read portions of her writings?

COME BACK
I’ll announce the 2 winners on Wednesday this week!

TWEET, FB, BLOG
If you do one of the above, you’ll get an extra entry. Please come back and tell me if you do.

I’m already standing on my tiptoes saying goodbye to my son headed off to college. How did it all end so fast, I ask myself?

If you know of a graduate in your circle of friends, or in your family, would you pass this post on to them?

When I asked my friend Debbie is I could get a little personal with her, as in, find out more about her biz and her aprons and to see a picture of her … I didn’t realize she’d be so darling! She is a hip hostess!

Meet my Guest:
The Hip Hostess

Here’s Debbie, creator of The Hip Hostess apron company … to share her story! Thank you, Debbie, for being my guest today. And after you read this post from Debbie, you’ll be able to comment to WIN your own Hip Hostess apron!

That’s right, keep on reading and found out how you’ll WIN and be able to choose your very own Hip Hostess apron, just in time for Mother’s Day!

Just look at Debbie’s NEW fabrics! I LOVE the Blonde Martini!

When Sandy asked for a picture of me in an apron I suddenly realized I didn’t have one. Really. At least not one fit to post. Didn’t think I would have the time this weekend as we were expecting company but… as I was tidying up the kitchen and calmly waiting for our guests to arrive a moment of panic set in. I had completely forgotten to make the French Apple Tarts I wanted so desperately to make. I bought all the ingredients, was all geeked up to bake, but I must have filed it in my head and then completely lost it. My baby boomer brain is losing cells by the minute I swear. Now let me just say I love to cook but, I am NOT a baker, can’t bake my way out of a paper bag so this was a huge challenge for me, but I was determined to make those darn tarts come hell or high water! I threw on my apron and figured it would all be so charming if my guests arrived while I was in the middle of baking. You know the hip hostess thing? Lightbulb moment. I yelled at my husband “Get the camera and take a picture of me!” His reply:”What? Why?” Because hey, I had my apron on, more importantly I had make up on and I wasn’t having too bad of hair day. Just do it! He snapped a few shots and this one was the winner, although as Nora Ephron would say “I feel bad about my neck.”

The darling daughter and think alike but she always goes for a more glamourous approach.

I know this isn’t breaking news but I love aprons and love to wear them. A lot. In fact to me being in the kitchen without wearing an apron is like driving without a seat belt. Seriously, something just doesn’t feel right about it. Do I have a favorite? Well that’s kinda like asking me which is my favorite child, but if you really have to know I do admit to being slightly (OK a lot) partial to my Demi Style Black a la Mode. As you might be able to tell from the kitchen and my wardrobe, I’m pretty much all about black and white. Here’s a peek of my aprons at home.

I hate to bring up the “I” word here, but I IRON my aprons. Go ahead call me crazy but I’m just weird like that.

Here’s where the aprons hang out patiently waiting their turn.

A few more awaiting my attention.

A little laundry tip…
Do not, repeat Do not wash all your aprons in one load. Oh what a tangled mess we weave!

Oh and by the way, Debbie’s French Apple Tarts didn’t come out too bad!

Now it’s your turn to COMMENT to WIN your very own Hip Hostess apron!

It’s this easy …

What do you do with your aprons, if you have any?

Store them?
Do you wear when cooking only?
Do you take off when your guests arrive?
Wear them inside?
Wear them outside?
Where do they hang?
Do you collect them?

ENTER TO WIN
Answer one or more of the above questions.

EXTRA ENTRIES
Tweet, become a NEW follower at RE, or post this giveaway on your blog and you’ll receive an extra entry. (Make sure and come back and tell me about it!)

ANNOUNCED
Come back on Thursday this week (May 6th) to find out who the winner is.

I love to hang my aprons in my pantry. My friend, Vicky, gave me this cool hook. Not only are they pretty to look at, they’re accessible when I suddenly need one.

Thanks Hip Hostess – for your Mother’s Day generosity!

If you want to order an apron now, visit HIP HOSTESS or apply this special code to your order by May 31st: MDAY20 for 20% OFF until 5-31-10

Don’t forget to link up this week to Home is ... flowers in the yard or in your kitchen window! (See sidebar for details.) If you want to see what the party was about last week, visit here.

A few weeks ago, when my kids came home from school, I had this healthy Bush’s Beans dip waiting for them.

Bush’s Black Bean Dip
1 15-ounce can of Bush’s Black Beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup salsa
2 T fresh lime juice
2 T fresh cilantro, chopped (we used a little less)
¼ tsp cumin (we used a little less)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

It was so easy to make. You just add all the ingredients into the food processor or blender!

Blend and serve with pita chips or fresh veggies, or in my case tortilla chips.

I love cooking more with beans. Especially for snacks when we tend to reach for “unhealthy” quick and easy processed food!

Today I’m giving away 4 of these awesome Bush’s Bean strainers! You open the can and drain the beans right from the can. So EASY! I love mine!

Open the can, put the strainer over the open end, and then pour/strain out the juices!

ANSWER TO WIN
Just let me know what kind of bean that your family uses the most of?

TWEET THIS POST
Tweet this post (come back and tell me) and you’ll get 2 chances to win.

COME BACK
I’ll announce the 4 winners this Wednesday April 28th, at the end of Home Is … post. (Remember to link up this week with a yard sale find or a bargain.)

There’s also time to get in on the 5-CD Mela Kamin giveaway!

I’d love to hear from you if your family enjoyed this healthy dip. I found it so hearty and fresh!

And thank you, Bush’s Beans, for providing the strainers for this giveaway!

When I met recording artist Mela Kamin in Nashville earlier this year, and she handed me her CD, of course I was thrilled and I couldn’t wait to listen to it. This lady has talent, yes! And today on RE, she’s generously giving away 5 CDs to 5 winners! Thank you, Mela!

One of my favorite songs on her Summer in my Soul CD is These Hands … it makes me think of my own Mother, and how seriously she took raising her family. I’d only hope that I’ve been able to use my hands in the way that Mom did, in the way that she taught me. I’ve posted this picture of my kids and me before, but I love how it captures our hands – from newborn Abby’s – to Garrett’s, to Elliot’s and their Mama’s.

These Hands
Blessed are the hands of her
Comfort, guide and shield her young ones
Never let her be forgotten or denied

With these hands, she feeds the children
With these hands, she makes the beds
With these hands, she wipes the teardrops
She’s the one that understands
It’s hard to feel important,
when your days are not your own
She’s the one who really rules the world
With these hands

Women, how divine your call
Angels guard your earthly mission
A cause that crosses every boundary and divide

A world without a Mother’s hands is a
Place no soul could live
Every heart and every life is shaped
by what she gives

Lines upon her hands and face
Tell of your amazing grace
The ones who hold the future, plant the seeds today

(Written by Mela Kamin, Carl Herrgesell & Dan Needham; copyright 2009 Mela Kamin / 4:10 Ministries)

Beautiful words, and what a calling we Mothers have on our lives!

WIN
I’d love to hear what kind of gift you’d want for Mother’s Day this year? Do you like quality time, surprises, eating out, music, clothing, chocolate, just being together …. Tell me what you like?

TWEET or Become a NEW Follower
Come back and tell me if you tweet this giveaway or become a new follower – for a second chance in the drawing.

COME BACK
I’ll announce the 5 winners on Wednesday, April 28th.

In the meantime, if you want to order this CD now, Mela would love to give you a discount – $5 off each order (one per person) – expires May 31, 2010 – code: MAY2010RE. And pass the word around about Mela’s beautiful music.

Today I’m giving away one of my friend’s new cookbooks: The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook!

I’m so proud of Erin Chase. She is one amazing lady!

Last week, when I went to the grocery store, the shopping part was not all that bad. But when I got home (I always call my kids ahead of time: Open the garage door and get ready to unload!) I realized the job that I really HATE is putting the food away! I don’t know why. It seems like it should be fun to get organized and be thankful for food to stock the fridge and pantry with. But I don’t enjoy the work of it.

Here’s how to WIN Erin’s new cookbook …

WHAT TO WIN
One copy of The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook, by Erin Chase

WHEN TO WIN
Come back on Wednesday this week, and see if you won! (Also, don’t forget to link up on Wednesday this week to Home is …! See the sidebar for more info. Share about a meal where you used “leftovers.”)

HOW TO WIN
Which do you like the least: Grocery shopping OR putting the food away?

Oh, and if you have kids, do they help out when you come home with a car load of groceries?

Good Luck everyone!

Do you wish you could save thousands of dollars a year?

In this economy, I do! I’ve really been enjoying this new book by Jonni McCoy, Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy. (Bethany House, 2009)

Today I’m giving away a copy of this book, PLUS her new cookbook, Healthy Meals for Less: Great-Tasting Simple Recipes Under $1 a Serving! (Bethany House, 2009)

The book is full of so many tips, and the recipes are affordable and healthy, too!

One thing she says she did to save money was she got rid of the extra freezer she had. She figured it was costing an extra $20 a month, money that could help pay for four or five meals per month. Interesting because this last year I finally bought a used upright freezer for my garage!

One tip Jonni shares is that she lays what she is freezing FLAT in the freezer, with cardboard in between!

I started doing this myself last year. In fact, it was my friend Minor who taught me how to do this when he and his wife downsized and got rid of their big freezer!

ANSWER TO WIN
Comment and share your tips or frustrations that you have with your freezer, either in the house or in the garage. Do you think it saves you money?

TWEET or FOLLOW
Tweet about this giveaway, become a new follower, or post on your blog for a second entry. Make sure and come back to tell me!

2 WINNERS CHOSEN
Come back on Wednesday and I’ll announce the winner!

Even if you don’t win, don’t forget to check these books out! It’s a must for your library if you want to save some money this year.

Don’t forget that WED. this week is Home is … Day here at RE! Link up and share an Easter memory from the weekend! Check out the side bar for the weekly post topics. You can read more details at the end of this post. Or see how we all linked up last week, here.

This week I’m giving away 5 copies of 5 Secrets Great Dads Know (Paul Coughlin, Bethany House 2010).

Enter to win and tuck it away for Father’s Day in June!

This book is about raising confident and virtuous kids. For men or women, you’ll learn the characteristics of great dads as well as some of the best things dads can do for their kids! I like the introduction, We’re Dads not Moms. Check it out, here.

Courage. Assertiveness. Love for God. Protecting kids from bullying.

Here’s a bit from the book:

I want our children to be remarkable, better than average. Better at defending the small classmate who is pushed against lockers or ridiculed online. Better at befriending the one who is out of the clique or teased because she wears last year’s shoe styles or a hairdo that is six months behind the fashion curve. Better at being less accepting of – and less silent about – what’s really wrong and unacceptable in life. These children laugh more, play more, and weep more – they’re emotionally attuned, spiritually vital, and pragmatically prepared to respond when virtue calls them to action ...

ENTER TO WIN
Just make a comment, and you’re eligible to win! It’s that easy!

FOLLOW or TWEET
Become a new follower or tweet about this giveaway and you’ll get a second chance. Come back and tell me.

5 WINNERS CHOSEN
Come back on Friday, March 26th and I will announce the 5 winners!

A couple of years ago we entertained outside under our covered patio on April 1st, while it was snowing outside. I called it our April Fool’s dinner and you can read all about the food I served. Normally we don’t entertain outside in Oregon until the end of April or May.

This giveaway is to find out when you start your springtime entertaining!?

Lisa Leonard Designs Giveaway
Lisa Leonard makes beautiful jewelry. I know because I I have one beautiful necklace that I dearly love. Her work is stellar — classy, sharp and attractive.

Today on RE Lisa has generously agreed to give away 2 necklaces! Yes, 2 lucky winners will be able to win one of the following:

Illuminate necklace
illuminate. (v.) il.lu.mi.nate.

to lighten, to brighten, shine, glow

our hand-drawn chandelier is hand-stamped on a 1″ sterling disc, sweetened with a Swarovski crystal teardrop and strung from sterling chain.

customize with a meaningful word, phrase or names.

up to 18 characters.

And …

Forever Necklace
So sweet, so beautiful. This sterling heart is hand-carved in wax and cast in sterling silver. Customize with a special name or word. Pendant can be hand-stamped on both sides. Strung on sterling chain.

COMMENT TO WIN
What month do you start entertaining outside?

Yup, it’s that easy to win!

EXTRA ENTRIES
Tweet, post on your blog, become a new follower on RE – and come back and tell me for an extra entry.

WINNERS CHOSEN
Come back on Friday this week (March 12th) and I will announce 2 winners! Exciting!

Thank you, Lisa!

(If you haven’t seen it yet, my friend, The Nester, has been recently featured in Serious.Life Magazine. A great read about an amazing gal!)

Let me tell you what I love about Kelly Anderson. Not only is she a generous soul and a beautiful person, her Kelly Anderson Art oil paintings are incredible, and they will make you smile! Painting flowers is actually a stress-reliever for Kelly as it makes her happy creating and painting them for others!

The day that she brought this gorgeous, springy painting of stargazer lilies to my house, I literally teared up when she left.

There’s just something about her work that is good for the soul, and during a difficult time for me, it brightened my attitude every time I walked into the kitchen.

Because it’s springtime and because I’m such a believer in Kelly’s work, this week we are giving away an original piece – to ONE lucky winner!

Even if you don’t win, just know that Kelly’s work is so affordable, so make sure to check out her website.

Talk about bringing a bit of JOY into your life!

Perfect idea for Mother’s Day!
If you’re like me – you will be forwarding her link right on over to your husband’s email, right? It’s a perfect, affordable idea for Mother’s Day … start putting the bug in his ear now!

WHAT TO WIN

A piece of “Kelly Anderson Art” right in your home. Kelly is giving away this original piece of beautiful astramaris!

HOW TO WIN

ANSWER THIS: How do you cheer up your kitchen? Do you enjoy having meaningful artwork on the walls?

WHEN TO WIN

(Make sure I know about either one.)

Come back on Monday, March 8th to find out who won this incredible original piece of art!

If you’re local in my town, Kelly’s work is displayed at Facet’s Jewelry Studio in downtown Medford. You’ll also see her work displayed at the Art in Bloom weekend.

Oh, and if you’re an animal lover, check out her new line of “dog” pieces! Incredible! Thank you Kelly!

Marni Jameson’s new book, House of Havoc, has just been released! I’ve just received my own copy and I’m devouring it – laughing out loud as I read!

Marni is a nationally syndicated home columnist who writes with great humor and gives practical advice – always about the home. Really, she’s my kind of girl! (Actually, she’s even written about Reluctant Entertainer, Ease that party paranoia by letting go of perfect!)

Here’s a bit from the book …
Everyone knows when a house is out of control. The cupboards are a jumble. You can’t find a set of towels that match. Your living room looks like a daycare center. You need to decorate, or redecorate, but haven’t a clue where to start…

Yup. I can relate, Marni!

One chapter that really HIT ME (Help!) is chapter 9: Paper Control: File This Under File This

Story of my life. With 3 teens in the house, one going off to college, 2 drivers, sports, activities, taxes .. I could fill up our entire house with papers!

Marni’s quick tips go like this:
- Know your papers
- Create AAA filing system (active, at hand, archive)
- Remove and replace
- Thin it
- Trust technology
- Ask before you hoard
- Bust paper before it gets in

Of course you have to read the rest the chapter to get the actual TIPS and to pick up on her awesome SENSE OF HUMOR!

And here’s more that you will learn from this improvement guide:
- Accommodate a growing family (in a non-growing house)
- Clutter bust your office (in less than an hour)
- Uncover the six secrets to great design
- Know which family-, feline-, and Fido-friendly fabrics will make everyone feel at home
- Make sumptuous drapes (with glue gun) and add bling to your dining room (for under $10)

Now for the GIVEAWAY …

WIN
Two people will win a copy of the House of Havoc!

COMMENT
Let me know the one area where you feel the most disorganized in your home
1. paperwork
2. clutter
3. kitchen organization
4. closet organization
5. photo/memento organization
6. knowing when to keep and when to throw, whichever area you’re working in!

COME BACK
I’ll announce the 2 winners on Wednesday this week, so come back. Tweet about this giveaway and you’ll have 2 chances!

Good Luck! And thanks Marni – I really find value in your message!

The online conference, A Woman Inspired, is coming up later this month, and this week I am giving away 5 FREE tickets!

Yes, 5 winners have the chance of attending this awesome conference for FREE. And guess what? You can even stay at home in your jammies!

I love the mission and the direction of this conference (thank you, Amies!), as it focuses on God and finding those hidden arts that are inside of each of us, encouraging and inspiring us to grow and live our days fully for God.

What a great way to start off the New Year!

Do you want to learn to express yourself through paint mediums, culinary masterpieces, vibrant rooms, or maybe through your own life as the canvas? Well, you can get inspired here. Whether you feel stuck in a rut or just don’t know where to begin, we can help. I’m confident that many of you have a pile of unfinished projects, or have maybe put off doing things simply because you feel you don’t have the time. We have all been there and can definitely relate. We would like to help you get some momentum going so that you can begin to create and design no matter what your canvas preference is. Learn how to:

-develop your God-given talents and gifts
-push past creative blocks
-further your education in the area of your choice (at no cost)
-be more productive
-be more focused
-let your light shine!

My friend Meredith (Like Merchant Ships) and I are speaking together. (I feel so blessed to be able to share this opportunity with Meredith!) We are 2 friends who’ve reaped the benefits of hospitality and want to show you why it’s important to live a creative and efficient life, learning to give of yourselves to others – even when you’re on a budget! We’ll be sharing our different approaches to entertaining and even hit on the discouraging emphasis that our society puts on “how things have to look.” (Yep, the big “I” word = Image!)

I’m SO looking forward to some of my other friends sharing as well, like Laura (Organized Junkie), Rhoda (Southern Hospitality), Jen (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam), and Erin ($5 Dinners), and many other talented ladies.

It’s going to be a great week in which women will be challenged and inspired to grow in the ways that God created us!

WIN
Leave me a comment if you’d like to win!

5 WINNERS
5 winners will be selected and announced on my blog on Thursday, January 14th.

Here’s a personal testimony from my friend, Donnetta, My Quiet Corner, who’s listened in on 2 past conferences!

What an incredible experience it has been to be able to attend 2 different A Woman Inspired conferences. I found the presenters down to earth and real, the topics practical, the application of the material presented realistic and achievable and the messages inspiring. I appreciate their awareness that we are all busy and in different time zones by providing each presentation in Mp3 format to download for later listening (or listen to again). I plan to make this conference my 3rd one! If I don’t win a ticket *wink*, then I will register myself. It is worth it! – Donnetta, My Quiet Corner

So, even if you don’t win, head over to A Woman Inspired and buy your ticket today!

Or, how about buying a ticket for you and a friend? You can even do the morning sessions and just stay in your jammies!

Yesterday I posted about not losing your joy during the holiday season.

Check it out, if you haven’t already. Then come back and tell me how you plan to reignite your joy this holiday season?

We all know the real reason we are celebrating … and it’s so important to keep that focus.

In the meantime, The Hip Hostess is generously giving away ANOTHER beautiful red Sheath Style apron here on RE! From her Merri Mixer Collection! (gasp! are those my new wood floors?)

COMMENT
How do you plan to remain joyous in the next couple of weeks?

FOLLOW, TWITTER, FB
Do one of the above and get 2 chances to win (let me know).

COME BACK
You’ll find out who wins on Friday, 12/18!

GILDA’S CLUB
Every time a Merri Mixers apron is purchased a donation will be made to Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit. And Debbie informed me that the actual Sheath Style apron that I’m wearing in the photos was the first donation The Hip Hostess made to this cause (very dear to her heart, and for those of you who know me, very dear to my heart – losing my mom to ovarian cancer!)

Here’s a bit about Gilda’s Club: Gilda’s Club is a network of affiliate clubhouses where men, women and children living with cancer, as well as their friends and families, meet to learn how to live with cancer, whatever the outcome.

Thank you, Debbie! I can’t wait to read the comments. And I hope for the discouraged person out there, you will gain some encouragement from the comments of this giveaway!

Good Luck, Ladies! And you’ll get this just in time for Christmas!

I didn’t know that 3 hours in a car together could be so meaningful!

It started like this. A few weeks ago as my family and I headed out of town for a long Thanksgiving weekend, we asked everyone in the car to put their cell phones on the center console. Check! All cell-phones lined up and turned off.

Not having time for lunch, we went through fast food KFC for a quick Twister Wrap and popcorn chicken, eating on the road. It’s funny how when we’re all eating at the same time, there’s often silence. But that didn’t last for long as we devoured our food (thank goodness for extra paper towels in the car), and the chatter picked up again.

A favorite in our family for years has been listening to Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. Now I must admit, when the kids were younger, they didn’t always get the humor. But this trip was different. Even our oldest says, Dad, I actually like GK now!

Those words were music to his dad’s ears, as we munched on our favorite Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Joe Joe mint cookies (sorry, Girls Scouts, these win any day over Thin Mints!), sticky-fingers and all (again, paper towels came in handy!).

As we headed down the highway, I found myself drifting off to sleep with PHC playing through the i-Trip. I don’t know how long I was asleep, but I awoke to GK singing the old hymn, Day by Day … it was beautiful.

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

I lay there, half asleep, giving thanks and taking in the words. And then realizing how quickly life is passing, next year our family unit won’t be quite the same, as one son heads off to college. Thanksgiving may not happen as it has in the past 4 years. As our kids get older, and life changes, we may be starting new traditions.

The short three-hour road trip in the car together, ending with these words: Where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average (GK’s ending to every podcast), and then the idea to take away phones and settle in and engage with each other, became a BIG thanks and a great way to start off the holidays for me, as a Mom.

It’s the little things that count. Ones that take effort, but that take us deeper with one other.

WIN a $50 VISA CARD
Comment to win: Do you keep extra paper towels in your car, or what do you do for sticky-fingers or emergencies in the car?

TWEET, FB, or POST
Tweet, post on your blog, or Facebook (come back and tell me), and you’ll get 2 chances. Even with no blog, you are eligible to win.

WINNER ANNOUNCED
Thank you VIVA® Diva Café, for this generous giveaway. Winner will be announced on Monday, December 14th. Perfect, and and just in time for Holiday Shopping!

(This post was sponsored by Viva Towels. For fun, fork-free recipes – including videos – and snappy entertaining ideas, get over to the VIVA® Diva Café).

“Just in the nick of time” seems to be the story of my life. Especially during the holidays. Can you relate?

I was inspired to write about this when my friend Kathy shared with me that she recently got her upstairs wood floors complete “just in the nick of time” before her son, Jeremy comes home from college. We moms just seem to work on that timeframe, don’t we?

My floors are NOW IN! Last week, 24-hours before my our Annual Progressive Dinner was to take place, my floors went in. Just in the nick of time.

I love that phrase, it’s so “me” with the busyness of life!

Would you be willing to share your “just in the nick of time” experience as of late? If so, you’ll be eligible to win a Wild Wool scarf (a perfect Christmas gift, valued at $48 internet, $70 retail), for you or a Christmas gift for a loved one!

I think about eco-friendly a fair amount. I think about if it is authentically eco-friendly, how expensive it is, how practical it is, and how good looking it is. I have found the ultimate combination of these factors in Wild-Wool products. They are cashmere-like scarves, throws, and gloves etc. that are softer, warmer and lighter than plain wool, and are 100% natural fiber. Not only that, but they are 100% sourced and manufactured in New Zealand. (The story behind them is compelling and so, so interesting. If you check out the website, read the entire Ecological Profile.)

Abby and I were tussling over who would get to wear the denim one, when the boys and Paul pointed out that the scarves are uni-sex and would look mighty good on them as well!

And now you can see for yourself how soft and wonderful these scarves are! I’m telling you, we’re all fighting over “who’s going to wear the scarf!” They are so amazingly soft.

Here’s how to win
Leave me your “just in the nick of time” comment. Or, what are you feeling rushed over? Winner announced on Friday, December 11th. Tweet or FB, and you get 2 chances. Good Luck!

Thank you Wild-Wool! A huge thank you to Chrys, at Wild-Wool, for donating this beauty to one RE reader!

… where you learn to be yourself, to be real, and for my family – it’s a place where courage is bolstered!

And from my heartfelt readers, home is … where I can be me … where we feel safe … where our tempers flair at times but love grows … the best eternal witness to what’s happening to us inside (wow!) … family … where my puppy rules … where we learn about God’s love … a place with doors that swing open to welcome family and friends (another wow!) … where my husband is … my favorite place … where we can relax without messing up …place of refuge … happiness … hugs … laughter … crying … where we’re fed … where no one judges you … safety … where we cultivate kindness and acceptance.

The winner to the Hip Hostess Apron is Ellen B! After her name was chosen, I read her comment more thoroughly and I’d say, what a good reminder to us younger mothers who still have kids at home. Ellen said:

Home to me is where there is comfort, acceptance, and love no matter what! Being able to relax and be at ease and always welcomed. When your older children who have moved away from home come and sink into your couch and relax and enjoy themselves without being nagged to come home that’s one sign that God has blessed your efforts to make this kind of home…

Thank you Ellen B (whose name must mean “hospitality!”), and happy hostessing with your new apron! We’ll actually be twins now because I have the same one!

The GOOD NEWS is that The Hip Hostess has agreed to give away another apron on my blog (not sure the date), between now and Christmas! Don’t you just love Debbie and her generous spirt? (Yes, here’s a sneak preview – and I love the RED!)

Now on to the KRAFT FOODS Basket Winner! I’m excited to announce that Polly, from A View from my Window, has won the KRAFT FOODS basket! Congrats Polly! And thank you, KRAFT FOODS!

I’m thankful for RE readers and supporters, as next week I’ll be giving away a $50 Visa Card and a Wild Wool beautiful scarf! Also, I’ll be sharing an impressive, EASY, tasty Christmas appetizer. Do you know of a weary caregiver? Have you thought about giving this gift to a family – a Once a Month Dinner? How about hosting a Wreath Party in your home? Do you have a problem with “stuff?” Or maybe you’d like a very simple-giving Sweet Spiced Apple Butter recipe? Stay tuned …

I’d love for you to share if you have any entertaining plans this weekend?

(Top photo: Progressive Dinner a few years ago with yard sale water goblets and napkin rings – I think I served salad that year! I heart yard sales = where another person’s junk becomes your beauty!) Oh, and Nester’s having a Garnish your Gifts Giveaway! And don’t forget if you’re looking for some inexpensive Christmas projects to pick up Kimba’s eBook.

Perfect, just in time for your Christmas shopping, Hip Hostess has a beautiful variety of aprons on her site, and this week, Debbie is giving away one Melon Splash Demi Style Apron!

Yes, you could be the winner of an apron, exactly like the one I’m wearing here!

But let me start with this. When Mary from Giving up on Perfect asked her readers, how do you define home? I couldn’t help but comment.

There are so many answers to give. Home is a resting place, a place of safety (hopefully), it’s where we get our tummies filled up and we let our hair down. My home is often messy, full of kids and laughter, and tons of noises like barking dogs and most recently power tools! It’s also not a perfect home–just ask our neighbors when they hear us yelling! Like, come on, get in the car! We’re leaving for soccer! Get your violin done! Whose turn to do the dishes? Pick up your socks! Pick up the towels! The list goes on and on.

On a more serious note though, my answer to Mary was this:

Home is where you learn to be yourself, to be real, and for my family – it’s a place where courage is bolstered.

It’s where we talk around our table about life, and we go deep. There is no untouchable subject in our home. Since the kids’ dad wrote a powerful curriculum, a faith-based response to bullying – we talk about all the cool things happening with this ministry, and how it compares to our kids’ experiences, we learn to encourage one another, which bolsters our faith. It encourages us to make a stand in life. To stand up for what is right. It helps us think of how we can give to and love others. It’s an important kind of bolstering – a kind that is required by all. And it happens at home.

ANSWER TO WIN!
So … what is home to you?
Leave a comment, share your heart and a chance to WIN something that will HELP YOU be more hospitable, right? There’s nothing like a brand new Hip Hostess apron to get you inspired!

2 CHANCES
Tweet this giveaway, add to your Facebook page, or post on your blog, and you’ll get a 2nd chance to win. Oh, and you don’t have to have a blog to be eligible to win!

WINNER ANNOUNCED
I’ll be announcing the winner on Friday, Dec. 4th!

Thank you, RE readers, for your loyalty and support. Thank you, Hip Hostess, for the chance for someone to WIN! And if you want to order some aprons right now, please use this promo code:
Code: HOME (all caps) 20% off Expires 12-31-09

Now don’t forget to enter the Kraft Foods Basket Giveaway that is still going on! And head over to The Inspired Room and check out what Melissa is giving away! So soft and cuddly! Isn’t the spirit of giving so exciting at Christmastime?