ARE THE SILVER STARS SHINING ON YOU ? ..........

First of all, many apologies for being AWOL for so long and not commenting on any blogs for a fortnight !! I have been rather busy with this and that !

One thing that took up a great deal of the fortnight was folding up over 200 pieces of white paper to find the winner of my giveaway !! I am going to use random.org next time !! haha

After tearing, writing on and folding said pieces of paper, and mopping up blood from various paper cuts, they were placed in my birdcage, shuffled about a bit and I can now tell you that the winner is ..............................

.......... Zaira @ Little Emma English Home. Zaira has the most beautiful blog with wonderful pictures of interiors and travel, so it's well worth your while taking a trip over there if you haven't already been. I'm so happy that you have won, Zaira ( and sorry that everyone else didn't, especially Mise !!) and I hope that you will enjoy them.

I'm afraid that I won't be around for a few days.....AGAIN !! I'm off to stay with my sister in Horsham in Sussex. Mr. Home and my bother-in-law are going to Le Man's, as they do every year, and I stay with my sister and we eat and drink and generally enjoy the good life, until they come back !!!!

Wishing all of my American blogging buddies a very happy 4th of July.

.......... and, before I go, thanks to each and everyone of you for entering my giveaway and to all of the new followers. It's lovely to have made lots of new friends.I think that I'll have to do giveaways more often !!

Have a lovely week everyone .......... I know I will !!

Follower Feature

One of my favorite aspects of writing this blog is hearing from all the wonderful people who read and follow Red Door Home. It always makes me happy when someone shows an interest in an idea or tutorial by leaving an encouraging comment and/or asking additional questions. I get especially excited when I receive pictures of a completed project. Here is one such example.

You may remember the ceiling tutorial I created a while back. This easy ceiling treatment was part of my daughter’s bedroom makeover.

A few weeks ago I received a lovely email and pictures from a long time follower (who requested to remain anonymous) who used this project as inspiration for her dining room.

I think she did a wonderful job and am so glad she took the time to share her project. Thank you!

If you have been inspired by a project you have seen on Red Door Home, I would love to feature you! Send me an email and pictures of your completed project and you could be my next featured follower.

Why Wait to Celebrate and a Fantastic Giveaway!

I have to admit, I am a planner. I like to know exactly what is going to happen and when. Watching my more spontaneous friends I have come to realize, however, that many times I have missed out on what is really important – sharing my home, my time and making memories with the ones who mean the most to me.

Inviting friends and family into my home should not be intimidating. It does not require fancy dishes or a five course meal. I have always believed simple is best but some how my desire to have friends over seems to get bogged down with the need for details.

To that end, I was so excited when Debbie from The Hip Hostess contacted me. After reading her company’s philosophy and seeing the amazing selection of stylish aprons and other fun pretties, I realized it is time to move out of my comfort zone. I don’t have to have every detail planned or even have a special occasion to celebrate.

So for all you spontaneous gatherers and to help get us “planners” moving, The Hip Hostess is giving one Red Door Home reader their choice of any Demi Style or Café Style apron. So exciting!

These pretty aprons combine simple, contemporary style with fabulous fabrics to create a “couture in the kitchen” look that today’s modern woman will want and actually wear.

Whether you make it, bake it or fake it, these fabulous aprons will positively change your domestic attitude.

BONUS
The Hip Hostess of offering 20% off all purchases for Red Door Home readers through July 31, 2010. Simply enter the promo code “REDDOOR” to claim your discount.

To enter:
1. You must be a follower.
2. Visit The Hip Hostess and leave a comment telling me if you are a planner or a spontaneous gatherer and which apron you would select.
3. For a second entry, post about this giveaway on twitter, your blog, or facebook page and leave a comment with a link.

Open to US and Canadian residents only. Entries must be received by July 8, 2010. Winner will be selected by Random.org and will be announced on July 10, 2010.