I *heart* Good Books! (a giveaway x 2)

I love a good book.  Just ask my local library, where my fines are currently....$11.70.

Since it's so close to Christmas, I'm giving away TWO fabulous books today. Both would make wonderful gifts for the holidays!

ONE:  The Reluctant Entertainer : Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality by Sandy Coughlin

You've probably heard of Sandy before.  She blogs over at, big surprise, Reluctant Entertainer. {Isn't she adorable?}

I needed this book.  I love the IDEA of entertaining.  I dream, I make plans....and then I think, "I don't like my kitchen curtains. The grout in the bathroom needs resealing. If only the backyard were landscaped. There's a red wine stain on the rug....and on and on...."  {Do you do this, too?}

Well, Sandy has made me a changed woman.  Entertaining is not about being Martha Stewart (love you, Martha); it's about hospitality.  It's about the people you'd like to invite into your home and get to know better. It's ok to entertain even if you don't have 8 matching soup bowls.

Reluctant Entertainer is filled with entertaining tips, advice and even easy recipes. You'll love it! And I think you will be inspired to open up your home and your heart. ♥

Two: 1,000 Ideas for Decorating Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes by Sandra Salamony and Gina Brown

I had heard a lot about this book because so many of my favorite bloggy friends are featured in it: Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie, Amanda from i am baker and Marian from Sweetopia to name just a few.

Well, if you want some baking inspiration, this is the book for you!  It is PACKED with gorgeous, inventive cookies, cupcakes and cakes.  I was wowed on every page.

The book doesn't have step-by-step instructions, but in the back of the book, it does list the elements used, such as fondant, royal icing, etc.

This is another QUICK giveaway....the winners will be picked Thursday, December 16th at 8pm CST.

Giveaway closed.

To enter: tell me your current favorite entertaining or cookbook (...and whether or not you already have one of these books at home.)


Extra entry: tweet it! (Leave a separate comment, please.)  Tweet

***Giveaway now closed.***