Friday, December 10, 2010

Inspiration Friday Party No. 15!

Book Review and Giveaway

Welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by what is sure to become party central this weekend. We are starting things off a little bit earlier than usual because of all of the fun going on around here. First up is my weekly Link Party, Inspiration Friday. A place where we can exchange all of our (mostly yours!) fabulous ideas and creativity on Holidays, Home, Food, and just Life in general!
Then on Saturday, my sister Heather from Gourmet Meals for Less, and I will be hosting our first ever Cookie Exchange at this month's installment of


If you have recipes for Holiday Treats, we want to see them. So come back on Saturday to join in the fun!

Before we get to the Party this week, I just have to share with you a little bit about an amazing Author and her enchanting collection of Poetry entitled Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia.


When Patricia Neely-Dorsey contacted me to see if I would be willing to do a book review on my blog, I was completely honored. Not only because I am an avid reader, but also because I am only really a Wannabe Southern Gal and she is the Real Deal!
With only minor claims to Southern Heritage, I wondered how I would be able to connect and relate to these poems that speak to the heart and soul of the Southern way of life.
I shouldn't have been worried. From the moment I opened it's pages, I felt myself being transported to a place where the breeze carries just a hint of sweetness, the roots run deep, and the hospitality makes even total strangers feel like family!
Here is an excerpt of her poem entitled "Childhood Christmas".
Christmastime at our house
Was such a joyous thing;
There was much anticipation,
Of what the day would bring.
For many months prior,
The list making would begin;
There were so many things I wanted,
On pure memory I couldn't depend.
I carried handy 'round with me
A trusty little list,
There was not one single thing,
I wanted my parents to miss.

While reading her poem entitled "The Magnolia Tree", I almost forgot that the rain was pouring outside my window as I became lost in the world of this magestic icon of Southern Heritage.
Patricia writes, "As you can see, I am so proud of where I came from, so happy with the life I've lived, and totally enamored with the southern way of life. I hope that you find as much joy in reading my poems as I have found in bringing them to you."
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, or reading more excerpts, it can be found at Amazon.

But before you do that, you are going to have a chance to win your very own copy of Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia!

I have put together a little Christmas Giveaway for you!

Nothing says "Southern" to me more than a Mint Julep cup and I absolutely love their versitility. Not only can you drink yummy concoctions from them, you can also work them into your decor.



As part of this Giveaway, I am including a gorgeous Mint Julep cup similar to the one seen here.
And because so many of you commented on my "12 Days of Christmas" table runner seen here,
I just "happened" to be out and about, and just "happened" to find the matching Kitchen Towel, which is so enormous it could definitely be used as part of a Tablescape. Or you could just keep it old school and hang it from your stove!

Here is what you will receive if you win!


Except, probably not the poinsettia...it would be dead by the time you got it and no one wants to get a dead poinsettia in the mail.

Entering this Giveaway is simple...
1. Link up to Inspiration Friday, and or
2. Become a Follower and leave me a comment letting me know you have. Or if you are an existing follower, leave me a comment letting me know you want to be entered for a chance to win!


Now, on to the PARTY!
Here are some highlights from last week...
As usual, I'm featuring newer bloggers so take some time and hop over and give them a warm welcome to our little community.
First up is Honey from 2805.
She shared this "Berry Glitzy" mantel creation that is just absolutely stunning!
 Isn't that gorgeous?

Next up is Tracey from Restoring Tracey.
She created these beautiful "faux" mercury glass candleholders using metallic spray paint. Then she tucked them into this basket wrapped in burlap. Doesn't this look like something out of a Pottery Barn Catalog?

Be sure and visit these lovely ladies to learn more about their beautiful creations!

Now, it's your turn!
What have you been up to lately?
Link it on up, my friends and be sure to visit other links when you get a chance. I try and get around to everyone but this party just keeps getting bigger and bigger so I'm counting on you to help make others feel welcomed and loved!

Here is how to link up...
1. Add your Permalink to your entry but not your General Blog Address. To get your Permalink, click on the title of the blog post you are wanting to submit and copy and paste the address into the URL box. You will also have to add your address but it will not be visible to anyone else.
2. Do not try and Link up until you have actually published that particular post on your blog.
3. Please link back to the host blog, Southern In My Heart, so that those who visit your blog will be able to find some wonderful Inspiration from everyone else.

I hope you have a blessed weekend from this
Southern Girl at Heart,
Vanessa











39 comments:

DIYbyDesign said...

I've never been first at a party. Cool. Thanks as always for hosting.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Thanks so much for hosting the party!

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Thanks for hosting and I hope mine is appropriate! It was quite inspirational for me!! I've never been one for poetry but haven't given it a try since high school! This seems to be very enchanting!!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful book, Vanessa! Your giveaway is beautiful and very generous!

I am a follower and I'm participating in Inspiration Friday.

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Hi, Vanessa! I linked up today! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Honey at 2805 said...

Hi Vanessa!

I'm so-o-o-o excited about being featured on your blog this week. Thanks you, it's such an honor.

I just linked up to this week's party, am a Follower, (of course, of course), and would love to win your gracious gift.

Thanks for being such a great hostess!

Hugs, Honey

~Kristin~ said...

Dear Vanessa,
I know my link is a little off subject as far as decorating goes, but it is life inspiring...and our goal, for our family this Christmas, is serving others outside of ourselves. I love, love, love a baby story which includes adoption stories as well and hope that my link up and giveaway will resonate with your sweet, sweet readers.
Happy Day Vanessa and friends!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Vanessa, your giveaway is such a lovely gift and so perfect from a "Southern Lady". Hope you are having a fabulous day. I will be there for the cookie exchange. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for featuring me Vanessa!! I really appreciate it! I think your giveaway is awesome...thank you for a chance to win that as well!!

Lady Chris said...

Please enter me in the give away...thanks! Good Luck everyone

Melissa Miller said...

Very generous giveaway Vanessa! How pretty it all is. Thank you for the chance to win. I'm a loyal friend and follower.

Happy weekend! ~Melissa :)

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

Hey My love love! I am SOOOOO Behind in my blog visits!! All these dern TREES! EEEKKK! Still having light issues! I ADORE you and your PRECIOUS blog! Ever inspiring!!! Thank you for always taking time out to say BOO to me! You make me SMILE , like dis :0)

xoxokara

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the chance to win! and thank you for hosting.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, forgot to add that I linked up too!

Karen said...

Vanessa,
I finally got it somewhat together at my house. NO TREE THOUGH! You can tell I am still dealing with this. I'm linking up!!!!!! Can you believe it. Thanks for hosting.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Great giveaway Vanessa.

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Vanessa, how sweet of you. I love your giveaway. Yes I joined, and yes I am a follower!!~ Thanks for hosting.

Anonymous said...

Hi Vanessa!

Great giveaway... I remember commenting on that runner!

I'm a follower!

Thanks for hosting!

xx,
Michelle

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Thanks for hosting Vanessa~ I am a follower too!

Tricia said...

Hi Vanessa! What a nice giveaway. Thanks for hosting this week, I'm all linked up :)

Kelly said...

I'm so glad to join the party again this week....and count me in for the giveaway! :)

Kelly

Kelly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carrie said...

Oo! I would like to be entered for a chance to win those fabulous prizes. What a great idea! As always, your blog makes me smile and inspires me with ideas that I hope to one day use when I have my own home. God Bless!

Honey at 2805 said...

Wanted you to know that I posted your party button on my sidebar, and then your other button with a Giveaway Title.

My Cozy Corner said...

Hi
Love your giveaway. I'm a follower and love following your blog everyday. Everyone is busy, busy with wonderful Holiday beauties. Thanks for having this great party every Friday. I hope to see you on Saturday.
xo
Betty

Debbie said...

Well, I'm already a follower and should receive two chances because I'm such a follower on crack that I rise to the level of stalker.

Great book review and inspiration Friday post today.

My Cottage Charm said...

Thanks for inviting me to your linky party...I'm all linked up now :) Oh and your giveaway is great! :0)
Hugs
Missy

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Vanessa, how sweet you are to be doing a give-away. I'd love to win this. I am a follower.
CAS

Sue said...

Cookies? Did someone say cookies?! I'll be looking for new recipes for one of my favorite treats!
Fantastic julep cup and tea towel, Vanessa. Good luck to all who enter. Since I won your last give-away, I'll let someone else have my chance! ♥ Sue

Becca Bertotti said...

Hey, hey ... I've got my party hat on and am ready to mingle! Thanks for hosting! *Becca*

Alison Agnew said...

Thanks for hosting the party! And I love your giveaway...prettiness and poetry all wrapped up together...yum.

I'm a new follower!

Blessings,

Alison

Unknown said...

Hi Vanessa!
Thanks so much for hosting again! I saved this post just for today.
What a cool give away you are doing. I've never seen a mint julep cup-gorgeous!!
xo
lynn

Jemsmom said...

I am a follower and I just linked up my Christmas kitchen! Thanks for hosting a great party!

P.S. I have always wanted a mint julep cup!!

My Garden of Eden said...

Thanks for hosting the party! I am you newest follower! Feel free to check me out as well :)!

Abby M. Interiors said...

Thanks for hosting such a wonderful party and for visiting my blog today! Such a treat!

I'm a follower and I will be back often. ;-)
abby

Christie said...

I hate to be late to the party!! I linked up everything that I worked on this week!!! Hope that is okay! I just love the post, 'Where the Magic Happens!' Love everything about it and the sweetness of your children! Love the mint julep with the poinsetta...so pretty and bright! I struggle with color...just can't seem to pull it off the right way, but LOVE the simple poinsetta in the cup! We are thinking alike! I have a one little julep cup out, too...not as pretty as this!! Blessings to you my friend!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Vanessa,
I'm so happy that I remembered to come by and party with you...can't wait to go looking around:) Thanks for this giveaway...it looks sooooo GREAT! I'm a happy follower.

Blessings,
Linda

Anonymous said...

really an eye opener for me.

- Robson

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