Happy Haul-i-days

Simplify.  My mantra.  My sweetie and I both regularly do major clean outs (closets, clothes, drawers, fabric stash, sewing studio, garage... you name it) because we have some innate fear of becoming  hoarders, I guess (most likely, that would NEVER happen unless I win or inherit a mansion of some sort, because I have always lived in small spaces...).  The conundrum is, I am a collector by nature:  I adore vintage items, I can't bear to see anything that still has use go to a dumpster, and I am a sentimental sap---I tend to "rescue" things until I can find a good home for them to go to.

And. then. there. are. books.

My sweetie and I met while working at a bookstore.  We both have a weakness.  And that is why, despite doing my best every day to not focus on material things and accumulating more "stuff", I would gladly accept the gift of $500 worth of books from Chronicle Books Happy Haul-idays Giveaway.  Because, there is always room for books... 

 And the really fun part?  If I win, one of my readers wins $500 in books too, and so does a charity I choose...  I'd choose the Literacy Center at the University I work for... they do amazing work.

So, the $500 worth of books I'd choose (in no particular order):

1. Decorate by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick, $35.00, because Holly's blog, decor8, has always been a source of inspiration for me.
2.  Print & Pattern by Bowie Style, $29.95.  I don't think I need a reason.  It's glorious.  And, there is a second one available now. 
3.  The Liberty Book of Home Sewing, $27.50.  It's Liberty.  It's about sewing.  'Nuff said.
4.  Craft Inc. Business Planner, $16.95.  I've checked out this planner many times in my local bookstore, but have yet to carry it to the cash register.
5.  What the heck, I might as well have the newest edition of Craft, Inc., 16.95--since I'm winning it.

6.  1,000 Fonts: An Illustrated Guide to Finding the Right Typeface, $29.95.  I am a typeface junkie.  This is a book made for me.
7.  Florence Broadhurst by Helen O'Neill, $24.95.  A design icon and woman ahead of her time, I'm certain this would be a great read as well as drool worthy inspiration...
8.  Fast, Fresh & Green by Susie Middleton, $24.95--I love a good, simple cookbook, and I love veggies.
9.  Ruhlman's Twenty:  The Ideas and Techniques That Will Make you a Better Cook, $40.00.  I wasn't familiar with this one, but it looks like a fabulous resource for anyone who likes to cook.
10.  Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids, $19.95.  Because my sister and her three wee ones would love this.
11.  Also for my sis and her wee ones:  A Magical Day With Matisse, $6.95.   I have a small collection of books for children that teach them about famous artists and styles of art.  How fun is a book about Matisse for kids?!? 
12.  Miette: Recipes from San Francisco's Most Charming Pastry Shop, $27.50.  Because I am a sucker for anything Parisian inspired or pretty.
13.  The Doorbells of Florence (a novel) by Andrew Losowsky, $18.95.  Because I not only adore all things Parisian, but also love Italy, I love architecture, and I adore short stories...
14.  1,001 Symbols by Jack Tresidder, $9.95.  Because I've always been obsessed with history and symbolism.
15.  The Eiffel Tower by Lucienne Herv, $19.95.  Because I adore architecture, most things Parisian, most especially, the Eiffel Tower...
16.  Girl's World by Jennifer Paganelli, $24.95.  Because, you know, I have that little 3-month-old-niece to sew for now...
17.  French General: Treasured Notions, $24.95.  Because I mentioned I adore vintage items, particularly when sewing is involved, and French General books are always a fest for the eyes, no matter what.
18.  Sunblooms Bound Journal, Amy Butler, $9.95--because you can always use another pretty journal...
19.  Little Bits Quilting Bee by Kathreen Ricketson, $24.95, a new release with projects for pre-cuts--there is a blog tour going on right now.
20.  Black Cat Bone, by J. Patrick Lewis and Illustrated by Gary Kelley, $24.95.  Gary Kelley is a Cedar Falls, Iowa artist, who I've met... and if you've ever been to a Barnes & Noble Store, you've seen his art.  I have several of his illustrated books, and I know someone who would enjoy this one as much as I would.
21.  The Business of Design, $40.00.  Sounds like a great business reference. 
 
Grand Total:  $499.20 (notice how I spent nearly every penny?)

Remember, if I win, one of YOU win!!!!  So go ahead, leave me a comment...  What book from my list would be your first choice?