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Friday, November 25, 2016

giving thanks and a giveaway




Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!  
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving day.  
We had a very relaxing, simple day filled with lots of puppy love (and football;)
We are very grateful to have so much to be thankful for.  I think it is important to be thankful every day, so Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
I usually make the whole traditional Thanksgiving meal even for just the two of us, but this year decided to opt out.  I can not figure out how one single meal takes three days to prepare, but as you all know, it does.  Instead, we had pizza and margaritas!  It was fun and whimsical and perfect for the cold, rainy weather we had and sitting in front of the fireplace in the barn room.

Before we head on into Christmas, and winter, I wanted to share this artwork of Ella that the very talented, and oh-so-kind, Patricia Van Essche of PVE Design painted of Ella from a photo I posted on the blog several years ago.  She, then kindly sent me this print of the painting.  I framed it in an antique gilt frame.
Patricia captured the essence of Ella in this piece and I love it so much.  
Contact Patricia if you would like a painting of your own dog.  I know several people personally who have had her paint their pets and they are so happy with the final work.  
Patricia also paints houses!  To read all about the painting she did of the farmhouse and the notecards she sent please click HERE
Patricia's artwork makes a wonderful gift and since we are coming into that season I wanted to share her work with you in case you were in need of a special gift.




The original photograph of Ella from the blog.



Patricia captured Ella so beautifully.


Patricia is also a Director for the fabulous India Hicks , and has offered to
 give away one of India's candles to my readers!  I am personally crushing on the description of The Grove, but do tell me which candle you would chose?!
Head over to India's website and have a look around.  There are wonderful accessories, jewelry and bags that would make for a great gift!
Giveaway will close Wednesday, November 30th at 8pm EST.  I will contact the winner via email, so please be sure to leave your contact information in your entry comment!  



Casuarina
The simple green fragrance from the Casuarina tree that I pass by as I walk my dogs at dawn down our jungle path. The island only just beginning to stir, my own house still asleep. A time of silence, before the madness begins.
 




Black Hibiscus
Tea and oranges: England in the tropics, captured by the suggestion of sea air, oranges and Earl Grey tea.





The Grove
This fragrance is reminiscent of our island palm grove, stretching lazily from our terrace down towards the end of the garden. We planted this avenue the year our first child was born. A seductive concoction of mandarin, orange blossom, gardenia petals and salty air
Our candle burns for a good long time, believe me I have tested this, at every Get Together I light our candle to bring a little bit of home.


On a final note, I want to thank you for your interest in our farmhouse, my decorating, our lives, and our sweet rescue girls.  Your presence here is a great gift in my life and I am ever so thankful for you.
Post Script:  don't forget to check out the adorable adoptable dog of the week (and watch the video) on the top of my sidebar!!!   
xxojoan

Post script:
After deducting the 4 extra comments that left a total of 96 entries.
My Little Bungalow is the winner.
Congratulations Claudia!

90 comments:

  1. Oh my, the picture she did for you is totally amazing. I love it and the candles are all wonderful. So many pretty things to see and chose from and some fabulous gift ideas as well. I would love the Black Hibiscus candle, that fragrance sounce devine.

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  2. The Black Hibiscus sounds incredible! And I love the painting, its lovely.

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  3. The painting Patricia did is lovely! The candle fragrance I'm most interested in is Casuarina. It sounds devine! trknagy@gmail.com

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  4. Black Hibiscus in honor of my British spouse (I love the painting)

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving! Beautiful print of Ella! I too love the description of The Grove and also Black Hibiscus.

    I am contemplating getting my Sullivan a rescue sibling! I am waiting on an email response now!

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  6. I'm with you - The Grove sounds like it would be lovely!
    The painting is beautiful! I recently lost one of my dogs so I know it means so much to you to have this to remember him by.
    Nacole M

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  7. Oooh, a candle giveaway. Just up my alley. I'm a bit addicted to them. My choice from the descriptions would be the black hibiscus (plus, the black container is very chic). I just visited the website and there are many lovely things. I also really like the photography and design of the online catalog. Thanks for offering this giveaway. It would be such fun to win!

    Your Thanksgiving, Joan, sounds wonderful. Unique and relaxed, just like you!
    Claudia

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  8. I think they all sound lovely, but The Grove is probably the one with the most appealing description. Love your house, blog and style! Wishing you all the best, Susan

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  9. Happy Thanksgiving! Love that you celebrated with pizza and margaritas! What a wonderful heartfelt painting of your sweet dog. I am heading over to India's website now to start my holiday shopping. I want to let you know that I adopted a dog two weeks ago- a beautiful chesapeake bay retriever/ golden retriever mix and she is so precious!! The candle I am most interested in is Casuarina since the description fits my life at the moment (cherished early morning walks with my new beloved dog!) My email is beachandsky@gmail.com

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  10. Such a charming painting of Ella! The Grove sounds divine. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway, Patricia and Joan.
    cwilhillaticlouddotcom

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  11. What a sweet pic! And India hicks website is full of pretty things...I may have to get an Agra tassel for my stocking 😉 I agree that the black hibiscus candle sounds yummy!

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  12. Love India's products and that beetle logo, adorable. I would love the black hibiscus candle. Ella's portrait is so beautiful.

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    1. Forgot to leave my email. Just in case I win........ starrmo@cox.net

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  13. The candles look lovely,(the boxes too). Any of the fragrances sound like they would be a delight to try or to win:)

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    1. Faith410@gmail.com for fairykin in case I win. The best to all of you who would like to win.

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  14. The Grove sounds lovely ! Your blog is a treasure to read - I always look forward to a new post in my email inbox. The painting of Ella is just beautiful !

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  15. Think Casuarina would be delightful at Christmas time. Worked with India years ago on a Nautica shoot. Delighted to learn of her success. atdcom@aol.com

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  16. The Grove sounds lovely! The packaging is nice as well!
    Linda (dot) nell (dot) cates (at) gmail (dot) com

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  17. The Casuarina sounds lovely and refreshing!

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  18. The Grove sounds so relaxing and fresh. The picture of Ella is Beautiful. How one captures light and the soul of the subject I'll never know. But she is spot on with Ella! The frame is the star on top of the tree!! Enjoy this Holiday Season and Thank you for such a nice give away.
    Betsy - kgarrison59@att.net

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  19. Joan,
    What a wonderful gift! I love the print of Ella and know I would enjoy a print of our dogs as a gift.
    The Black Hibiscus candle sounds heavenly, but in truth, any of the candles sound like something I'd enjoy burning.
    xo,
    Karen

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  20. I think I would like the Grove candle! The packaging is so cool,too! I love the painting of Ella, I am a proud owner of a rescue as well, and she is a black dog!

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  21. How nice of to have such a special and personalized piece of art honoring Ella. I loved your Thanksgiving dinner! You're right it seems silly sometimes to spend days preparing one meal for one (in my case) or two people and it's over in Half an hour or so😊 It's also nice to be able to just relax and appreciate the day without all the stress. I don't think all the fragrances sound relish so based my choice - Casuarina- on the beautiful container and box! jaynez@prodigy.net

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  22. How very thoughtful of you. My choice would be Black Hibiscus. I love your style - your home is so lovely. bjmk3224@sbcglobal.net

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  23. What a special gift of Ella! I looked at the candles and think Casuarina would be wonderful and fitting for me. Diannet228@gmail.com

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  24. Thank you for your lovely blog. We are also transplanted New Englanders from Mississippi with a big, old house that we've been slowly remodeling. It's been 20 years and we're almost done but it's not quite as wonderful as yours but we're happy.Your dog picture is beautiful and will be cherished for years. I would love ANY of the candles fragrances.

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  25. The Grove sounds wonderful! Great portrait of Ella!

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  26. I have always been intrigued by India Hicks and am happy to know she has some tempting new products any of which I love. I also love to hear about your pups (the painting is lovely) and hope that the dogs you feature all get good forever homes.

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  27. I've enjoyed your blog for years and have taken many ideas, both decorating and organizing, into my own home. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! I would choose The Grove candle. I'm a sucker for orange blossom and gardenia. Happy Holidays! ~ Sara

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  28. I hear you about the 3 days of preparation!! Pizza seems like a viable alternative, but I do like those turkey sandwiches the next day (and the next, and the next)
    Thanks for the lovely giveaway (The Grove sounds wonderful!)
    and thanks for so many years of letting us into your home.

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  29. I would choose the Black Hibiscus! It sounds wonderful! Thanks!

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  30. The Grove is my choice! Patricia is such a talented artist! I follow her on IG @pvedesign and love seeing her creations....her recent thanksgiving designs were perfection. I have followed your blog from the beginning and enjoy indulging in your creative talents as well. Thank you for a fun giveaway! Sincerely, Wendy cwjmj@netscape.net

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  31. The Grove is my choice of candles too! Sounds lovely! Lots of pretty things at India Hicks!

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  32. I agree, The Grove, sounds like it smells heavenly! What a fun giveaway :)
    michelleb55@comcast.net

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  33. You are so right about cooking for Thanksgiving - it does take three days! I love the pizza idea and might suggest it for next year. The grove candle sounds fantastic to me! Give your sweet girls extra love from a fellow dog lover!

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  34. So glad to hear the sky didn't fall because you had pizza for Thanksgiving! I might have to give that a try one of these years. Black Hibiscus sounds intriguing! Thanks for the opportunity! ;)

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  35. As I sit here exhausted from a marathon few days of kitchen craziness, I'm absolutely loving the idea of pizza and margaritas! You're a wise woman :) The portrait of sweet Ella is beautifully captured, what a wonderful meaningful gift!
    I'm quite sure any of the candles would save my sanity, but The Grove speaks my fragrance language.
    Happy belated Thanksgiving!
    Michelle in Pleasanton, Ca
    Rob_michelleflores@comcast.net

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  36. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful site, so many goodies! The candles all look lovely but if I had to choose one it would probably be Casaurina!

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  37. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and many talents with your readers. The candle sound luscious, especially The Grove!

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  38. I think the Grove description sounds perfect. I admire your love of adopting shelter dogs. They seem to know that they have been given a second and sometimes third chance at a loving life. We have three as well and they are a gift! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

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  39. I think I fancy the Black Hibiscus! That Crown Imperial Scarf in Poppy Red is also quite beautiful! What a generous and fun giveaway.
    jkg4121@att.net

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  40. I would choose the Grove candle. Thank you for sharing your life and home on this blog, I do really enjoy reading it.

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  41. Oh what a great surprise to open a package and find your sweet Ella there. I'm on my way to visit PVE's blog. She's obviously talented. The Grove candle sounds amazing.
    Thanks for always reminding everyone to adopt. It warms my heart that so many of us are working so hard to save the pups and all creatures. Jeane
    PortobelloHomeGift@gmail.com

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  42. I would be delighted to receive any of the candles, but I think in this case I will pick The Grove. Here is wishing you and your family (four footed friends absolutely included!) a very happy holiday season.
    Diogenes704@gmail.com

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  43. Black hibiscus sounds so perfect for a New England winter!

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  44. Black Hibiscus. So sweet of her to send you a print of
    Ella. Your photo is amazing, too! Salyenia@gmail.com Salyenia on Instagram Thank you! Jamie Earles Ardmore, Oklahoma

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  45. What a lovely giveaway, Joan! I have always admired Patricia’s work and I will be sure to keep her site in mind as I’m shopping for gifts. I bet the Black Hibiscus candle smells delicious, so that would be my pick. cdclaycomb@charter.net

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  46. Although I love the descriptions of all the candles, "The Grove" sounds perfect for me. Patricia's portrait of Ella is beautiful.

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  47. After spending an entire week, cleaning, shopping, and cooking ... I am liking your idea of a pizza Thanksgiving! The traditional turkey dinner was good, but when you are the only person doing it, it's exhausting. I would love to have her paint my sweet Gypsy girl. And being a tea lover, I might have to choose Black Hibiscus.

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  48. Casuarina sounds like heaven. I am headed over to see Patricia's website. Annie sends love to the girls!

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  49. Each of the candles sound like they would have a beautiful fragrance, but the Grove is the one that I would pick. Thank you for the chance to enter the giveaway. The portrait of Ella is lovely and captured her so beautifully in the fall light. Long time blog reader and enjoy reading each new post.
    Rschrimsh(at)aol(dot)com

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  50. Orange blossom and gardenia - The Grove "smells" perfect in my mind already! Thank you, Joan, for sharing your home, your family and your life in your blog. I enjoy it very much. Debi H at dbld@amerytel.net

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  51. Pizza and margaritas, by a cozy fire with rain falling outside, is my idea of a perfect holiday celebration. I'd love to skip the traditional Thanksgiving meal for just my daughter and myself, but she won't hear of it, nor does she want to prepare it herself. I have simplified things a lot, though, and we did have a lovely Thanksgiving. As for the candles, it's really hard to choose! I think I'd go with Black Hibiscus because I love the name, and I do love Earl Grey. I'm at seabluelee at yahoo dot com - just in case I get lucky! Thanks for the chance, Joan. Best to you and yours ~ Lee

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    1. Tell her to start reading because next year she's doing it! she can watch old Martha on YouTube. I started doing it when I was ten and wasn't a bright kid so I'm sure she can handle it :) it's only worth the trouble if you love it!

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  52. From the wording, I think the Grove sounds like the one I would pick.

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  53. I love the idea of The Grove also. I love the scent of Gardenias!

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  54. All the candle scents sound enticing, but I think I would pick the Black Hibiscus! The portrait of Ella is lovely. By the way, I made your Pumpkin/Cranberry/Pecan muffins and they are delicious! Thanks for that recipe! jsmflake@gmail.com

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  55. Each one of the candle scents induces different senses and thoughts. It would be difficult to choose a favorite, but if I must, the Grove. dcrim4@gmail.com

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  56. I am always so glad to see your "name" in my inbox. Your blog is always so beautiful and inspirational..Thank you and thank you for the giveaway! Im going with Hibiscus, but they all sound wonderful.

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  57. Happy Thanksgiving, Joan + Dan + doggies. What a beautiful portrait! I want garden statues made of Barbie! Pizza and margs sound fab right about now. No more sage for me for a while!

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  58. The Casaurina sounds lovely and I love the portrait! scarletclad@gmail.com

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  59. The Black Hibiscus sounds wonderful. Live your blog, brings back so many memories of New England. Thank you for sharing your home and pups. We have 3 rescue pups and wouldn't trade them for the world! -Susan
    scottieshenanigans@gmail.com

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  60. They all sound so wonderful bit the Grove would also be my favorite! Thank you for the giveaway and sharing your beautiful home and puppies!!

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  61. The Grove sounds yummy. I would like to share that your adoption stories moved us. We just adopted a sweet 6 year old Westie Mix. His name is Gus and he is the most loving dog. We couldn't be more blessed to have found our Gus.

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  62. In the spirit of the season, I would like to thank you Joan for sharing pieces of your life. You are an inspiration to me as a young homeowner starting to decorate. Also, thank you for a thoughtful giveaway- the Grove candle sounds enticing. My email is sarahrezutko@gmail.com

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  63. Love India Hicks everything! Have her book Island Life and return to it over and over for inspiration and beauty. I would love the Casaurina as I dream of walking my dogs down to the beach. holly_boyl@yahoo.com thanks you for the offer! xx-hb

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  64. Hi Joan, As always I love every post! I made your Italian Sausage and bean soup last week and it was wonderful. Thanks for the recipe. An interesting story I think you will enjoy! I first found out about Milieu magazine from an IG picture you posted. It's my favorite magazine! My daughters best friend is a photographer and has a spread in the new Winter 2016 edition. It's the Victorian- style townhouse in San Francisco. Check it out. My daughter is a stylist and she and her friend (Brie Williams) just photographed a fabulous house in Jamaica built in the 1600s. It will be in an upcoming Milieu issue. Anyways.....I was just this morning reading about India Hicks in the new Milieu and than read your post about the candle give away. I think they all 3 sound amazing. Kind regards to you and yours!!!!!!

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  65. Happy Thanksgiving! Your home and way of living is inspiring. I'm liking the description of The Grove also...anything with a hint of gardenia! Blessings!
    Maria
    dancermms10atgmaildotcom

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  66. I remember India Hicks from the 1981 royal wedding! I would love the Casuarina as I'm sure my dog would love the beach. :-) sallye22 at gmail dot com

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  67. i'd choose the black hibiscus! j.rontal@gmail.com

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  68. Happy Thanksgiving to you both. I have had many hours of enjoyment from your blog. Thank you ! I think my favorite would be the Causarina

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  69. Casuarina sounds so pure and lovely!

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  70. Casuarina sounds like it would bring a whole new level of relaxation into my life!

    ejohnson044@hotmail.com

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  71. Thank you for sharing and caring. I would love to experience The Grove fragranced candle. blackjackcathy@gmail.com

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  72. What amazing descriptions, some of the best I have ever read! I would definitely pick the Black Hibiscus candle.

    brinewt22 at gmail dot com

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  73. Black Hibiscus. I love Early Grey Tea.

    ameekperspective at gmail dot com

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  74. Black Hibiscus! My sister has used India's products since they were introduced and the quality is outstanding. We may try your P&M meal idea next year....we streamlined our traditional spread this year but were already discussing a major menu overhaul for next time LOL.

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  75. Black Hibiscus for sure. Thank you for such a great Giveaway!!!!

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  76. The Grove! Awesome giveaway. Love you blog and your puppies are precious.

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  77. Black Hibiscus! LOVE the painting of sweet Ella! ivylee128@bellsouth.net

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  78. I would choose Black Hibiscus. Thank you so much for offering such a lovely and generous giveaway.

    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  79. The description of each fragrance is so enticing. I'd like to be counted if it is open to overseas visitors to your blog. I'd like Casuarina

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  80. I think the print of Ella is wonderful. I would love to get one done of Bonnie Blue. Now you just need two more :-) Joan thank you so much for visiting my blog. I replied to your comment but wasn't sure if you would see that. I appreciate your visit and your comment. I hope you and Dan and the girls have a great Christmas ! Warm Regards Leigh

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  81. They all sound sublime....The Grove would be lovely! Thank you!

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  82. They all sound amazing, but I think The Grove would be right up my alley.

    I just lost my doggie last week, and one of those prints would be a perfect Christmas present to myself. What a sweet idea.

    melanieks10@gmail.com

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  83. Black hibiscus! All the way! :) Congrats on the magazine feature! I can't wait to hear all about it! Patricia's work is incredible.

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  84. They all sound wonderful, but I think The Grove would be my first choice.

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