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