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.)

***Giveaway now closed.***