Well, as I settle into Christmas, I start thinking about the new year and what I want to do.  So, I decided all of those short stories needed to be put to use.  So I took my very favorite and added it to the free chapter section of the site.  So everyone can get ready for John Lennon and the Chicken Holocaust!

Life throws you curve balls.  That's what I've learned in the past two years.  This Thanksgiving, I found myself looking forward.  I think that will be my new goal:  To honor the past, but to always look forward.  Things have been crazy with the book coming out and going into the Christmas season with NanasAtticStore.com, but I think everyone should just stop and take a moment for their families.

My new decorating book, Home Decorating for the Real World, is now available for download on Amazon Kindle.  So besides my wonderful family, I'm thankful for the growing availability of my work.  Grab your paperback or Kindle version from Amazon today. 

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If the last two years have taught me anything, it is that life is always changing and to never take a single moment for granted.  So today, I promise to take a moment and be thankful for my successes, forgiving of my failures, and grateful to have my family.  That may sound like an obvious thing to do today, but if it’s so obvious, why do we only do it once a year?

Take a moment today and have a great Thanksgiving!

It's another one of those WOW! moments.  Home Decorating for the Real World will be included in the google book search.  It all sort of seems unreal still.  Thanks to everyone!

Well, the book had it's official launch yesterday!  It still seems strange to look at an actual book and see my name as the author.  I thought my personal high was a byline in a literary magazine, but this sets a new standard.

Read all about it in the Press Release
Dana Michelle Burnett Launches First Home Decorating Book.

Spread the news!

Today my daughter got me.  You know what i mean, it was one of those rare moments that humble you.  We were rushing like cray to get off to school and she announces in a panic that she has to take something to school for show and tell.

Great.  We really didn't have time for her to search through all of her stuff to pick out some crazy little something.  Fine, I say, what do you want to take."

She smiles up at me and says that she wants to take my book (one of the early proofs).  She wants to show her class what her mom can do.

Needless to say, I think she's my biggest fan!

Hey everybody!  Great news, the book should be out next week!  So excited.

Easy Christmas Decorating Ideas.....Hint:  Taken from Home Decorating for the Real World!

The holiday time of year is here now. Now is the moment to pull out the Christmas decorations and get in the holiday mood. With the amount of options and Christmas decorations becoming less expensive, there's no reason why you can not have the Christmas wonderland of your dreams.

A recent trend that has come about in recent years would be to decorate your tree, or occasionally even your complete home, in a theme. This theme may be anything from a matching color scheme, a theme based on a certain Christmas item, or even a popular animated or tv character. Does it seem hard? Not really, just make use of these suggestions as motivation.

Modern: It is simple to decorate your tree in a contemporary theme. Most modern day styles in home decor include sleek lines and standard color schemes. Use this exact same thought in embellishing your tree in a contemporary theme. Select clear or white lights from top to bottom, a basic tree topper of glass or silver, and a classy black and white color scheme. Given that it might be difficult to find black ornaments, decide instead for black artificial flower stems. This provides you the necessary color and usually takes you one additional step away from the traditional seasonal tree.

Color Coordinated: In case you are not looking to decorate the whole room, or if your room has a color scheme that won't go with conventional red and green, you can color coordinate your Christmas tree with your existing decor. Ornaments are available nowadays in a wide variety of shapes and hues. Choose shades that mix with your present decor and make a few artificial seasonal flower arrangements in the same tones to easily finish your holiday decorating.

Snowman or Santa: This may appear like a traditional Christmas concept, but it has a completely new twist. As opposed to having a combination of holiday ornaments, select one figure such as a snowman or Santa. Purchase unique ornaments of this character for your holiday tree from discount stores and a few collectible figurines of it as well. Just following through with this one character through the room will make your Seasonal decorating look as though you hired a professional for a very limited expense.

Disney or Cartoon Theme: This is one of the easiest and least costly themes to do yourself and it is additionally the one that draws the most compliments. For this theme, use multi colored lights a great deal all through the Christmas tree and room particularly if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace with a mantel. Go to the party supplies part of any store and get inexpensive party favors of your selected character. With just some thread or clear string, you can turn these items into ornaments easily. Don't neglect the possibilities of printed gift bags, fill with tinsel and place on the tree as well. For a tree topper, purchase one stuffed character or doll from the toy department and secure to the tree with floral wire. Easy, one of a kind, and definitely a conversation starter.

Twinkle and Elegance: This is my own favorite. I keep thinking that I will do this as soon as my daughter outgrows the Disney theme. Cover the tree with many clear or white lights, there is no such thing as too many! Buy inexpensive clear ornaments in snowflake and ball shapes and place on the Christmas tree. For a bit of added opulence, insert peacock feathers too. I buy mine from a nearby flea market, but many craft supply stores have them as well. For a Christmas tree topper, spend a little extra money on glass or crystal. When a tree in this theme is lighted, the clear glass and plastic sparkle and no one can help but take notice of the spectacular colors of a peacock feather.

Stop by NanasAtticStore.com for inexpensive Christmas Decorations.

 

I'm so excited!  I'm awaiting the last proof of my decorating book!  I hope to have it on the shelves by Christmas.  Also, the first chapter was just uploaded to the site.  I'm letting my visitors get a sneak peak at the book before it even hits the shelves!  Have a great weekend!

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