{ DIY Kindling Packs }

The holiday parties are here. And you can't arrive empty handed.
You've got your bottle of wine. Now, kick it up a notch and bring this charming kindling to your host.

I gathered to following items from around my house.

A few pages of newspaper - opened up and laid out

I added dried rosemary to this kindling packet. But, you could use cinnamon sticks too.

A handful of dried twigs from around the yard.

Some dried pine cones are great in the mix too.

I rolled the ends like a giant piece of candy.

I pinched the ends so I could tie them.

I used burlap to tie the ends,

and some cotton rope on other packets.

I tucked several kindling packets into an old rusty bucket, along with some pine tree cuttings.

I added a cute tag.

Ta-da! You could make a ton in no time. Leave them by you door to grab at the last minute when your heading out to a party or get together all winter long.

Hello. What a great hostess gift, right?

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{ Sneak peek video }

Click the image to get sneak peek of me decorating my Christmas mantel ~

The Finalist for The Next Home Show Designer

The judges have spoken.  

The finalist of The Next Philadelphia Home Show Designer are,  in no particular order... 

Cassie from

Michael from 

Dana from 

One of these talented designers will have their work featured at the 2013 Philadelphia Home Show.

The winning designer will be given a space to design (top to bottom) at the show to be seen by over 50,000 home owners in the Philadelphia area!

Next up - the interviews! After the interviews we will announce the WINNER. 

I can't wait.

The winner will have a room to furnish and design next to mine at the show. I know I'd have fun with all 3 of them.  Hmmm, that get's me thinking!  May be there is a project we could do with 2nd and 3rd place.

So be sure to check out these designers and check out the Philadelphia Home Show next February 2 - 10th 2013.

We'll keep you posted with the results!