Thursday, July 16, 2015

signing back in....

Hi folks!  I've been away from blogging for a bit this month and have really missed it.  I was taking some time to be still and focus on not doing anything if that makes any sense.  It's funny how during my everyday doings my thoughts would drift off to all of you here!

The garden is really full now.  I'm enjoying slowly walking through it and picking weeds here and there.  No planting goes on for me in July except for annuals.  There is always the constant moving of pots to fill in where things have fallen flat and trimming back where things look overgrown.






My old milk crate for the garden gate.





 Our first monarch in the garden enjoying the milkweed!!!  





And now some exciting news to share....I'm one of 5 finalist in the Amateur Small Garden design contest over at Gardenista. 


The winner will be chosen by the public vote.  People can vote once a day until August 15th HERE.  If you click on Amateur Small Garden you can vote for my photo...


Thanks friends!  
I will be around to see you all soon!  Hope the season is treating you well!!!   


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80 comments:

  1. JulieJuly 16, 2015 at 9:50 PM

    Welcome back - was hoping you were okay and hadnt decided to abandon your blog.

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  2. VeggieMummyJuly 16, 2015 at 10:14 PM

    I've missed you and your beautiful garden this month - and it's looking gorgeous, I must say. Glad you're back, now I'm just off to vote for you. Good luck! xx

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  3. CJJuly 16, 2015 at 11:12 PM

    How beautiful your garden is looking, so very green and healthy and lush. Congratulations on reaching the final, it is very well deserved. I've voted for you, and I'm wishing you the very best of luck. Have a lovely weekend Nicole. CJ xx

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  4. JoyfulJuly 16, 2015 at 11:24 PM

    You have a lovely garden. I'm sure you enjoyed your time away from blogging to tend to it and enjoy it. I voted for you. Good luck!

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  5. ChrisJuly 16, 2015 at 11:25 PM

    Nicole, so nice to see your post! Wonderful!! Sometimes we all need to take a break and have a time out. Life sure can get too busy and you are one busy lady. I think it was easier when our kids were little. The big thing was getting an answering machine! Our first computer was pretty basic. No internet in those days! Your garden looks amazing still. I love your repurposed milk crate. How exciting to have a monarch butterfly! I wonder if milkweed grows well here? I have voted for you and will continue to do so. Thanks for leaving a comment on my post, I'm sure you have a ton of blogs to catch up on. No rain here yet, but it cooled off a bit for a few days. It is actually so alarming to see how dry western Canada is.mother nature is not happy with us, we need to pay attention! ( sounds like a rant coming on) take care of yourself and enjoy the days ahead.

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  6. elaine July 16, 2015 at 11:42 PM

    I did notice it had gone a little quiet over here hope you enjoyed the break to recharge your blogging batteries. I'm not very fond of my garden in July but hey it can't be perfect all the time. Good luck with the competition - your garden is looking lovely.

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  7. Jo@awholeplotofloveJuly 16, 2015 at 11:45 PM

    Welcome back, that's fabulous news about being short listed. I've just cast my vote & I hope you do really well in it x

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  8. AnonymousJuly 17, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    Welcome back, Nicole. I enjoyed your beautiful garden photos and I love the butterfly. I'll be voting for you - good luck!

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  9. AnonymousJuly 17, 2015 at 3:09 AM

    Ahh Nicole! So lovely to see a post from you. Was wondering if you were ok. So glad you are. Your garden's looking lovely and Good Luck with the award. Exciting! Sam x

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  10. LaLauraJuly 17, 2015 at 4:26 AM

    Amo la tua estetica, e naturalmente ho votato per te :)

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  11. kathyinozarksJuly 17, 2015 at 4:32 AM

    I just voted-your gardens are always so lovely-hugs

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  12. LeonieJuly 17, 2015 at 4:59 AM

    Welcome back! Had been thinking of you lots and hoped things were ok. Congratulations!! Awesome and exciting. Hope you are all well and happy xx

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  13. Starr WhiteJuly 17, 2015 at 5:05 AM

    No matter the outcome of the photo contest, your garden is a real winner :))) glad you're back, hope you feel rested and refreshed. I can't wait for August so I can plant again!! big plans, big plans :)

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  14. JaneJuly 17, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    so awesome! i am just coming back here again after voting! good luck and happy weekend!! :)

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  15. Pioneer Woman at HeartJuly 17, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    That garden is looking amazing. Glad to see you back.

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  16. MeredithJuly 17, 2015 at 6:26 AM

    Your garden is amazing and you should be so proud to be part of the whole contest. I voted for you of course because I think you are incredible. Love that you have taken time to be still. Hugs,
    Meredith

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  17. MindyJuly 17, 2015 at 8:22 AM

    LOVE the planted milk crate. I'm gonna have to steal that idea. ;)
    The kids and I just brought home a Milkweed yesterday. How exciting that you got a photo of the visitor!
    Everything is filled in and looking great. I'm constantly moving pots to fill holes, too.
    Off to vote!......

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  18. SallyJuly 17, 2015 at 8:28 AM

    Welcome back, Nicole! How exciting to be a finalist! I definitely will vote for you, my friend! Happy Gardening!

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  19. Janneke July 17, 2015 at 8:38 AM

    Hi Nicole, glad you have not forgotten your blog at all and so exciting you are a garden contest finalist, of course I voted for you because I've learned to know you as a keen gardener and designer of all kind of lovely things, especially for and with your Beans.
    The old milk crate filled with plants for the garden gate is another lovely idea.
    Have a nice weekend and happy gardening!

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  20. LindseyJuly 17, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    You and your garden totally deserve to be finalists! I have poorly neglected my garden this year. I can't wait to get back at it next year! I have a lot of rearranging to do!

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  21. Lochness LassJuly 17, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Wow good for you Nicole. My vote is in. I love your gardens....they are so inviting and not so small. LOL
    Enjoy your summer. Cheers, Beckie xo

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  22. Karen @ Beatrice EuphemieJuly 17, 2015 at 3:20 PM

    Oh, that is wonderful, Nicole and well deserved! Your garden is so beautiful! I'm off to vote....Best of luck! Karen xo

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  23. AnonymousJuly 17, 2015 at 8:29 PM

    Nicole, welcome back? You've been missed. This is me, Diane, from My Cottage Garden, and I have a new blog now. It's going to be more photos and less talk, I hope you will have a look, but I on,y have one post so far. ;). I will vote for you, for sure. Yiu deserve it!

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  24. AnonymousJuly 17, 2015 at 8:49 PM

    That's great news, congratulations! Your garden is looking great. I'll go check out Gardenista right now.

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  25. JShelbyJuly 18, 2015 at 3:53 AM

    voted for ya ;) Good luck, you deserve it!

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  26. AnonymousJuly 18, 2015 at 4:53 AM

    Nicole, thanks for staying with me over at Wordpress! And I must not have had my glasses on when I made that previous post. Spelling!

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  27. Lady of the ManorJuly 18, 2015 at 5:10 AM

    Congratulations on being selected as a finalist!!! I'll be voting everyday for you! Your garden is gorgeous and your photos always inspire me.

    My gardens haven't done this year with the tornado damage and all of the rain. Also, we've been traveling some now that Wonderful Hubby has retired. We're planning to build our 'retirement' home next year so I'll be dividing my perennials later this summer and fall. I'm not leaving them all!!

    Glad you've taken some time off but even more glad you're back! I'm off to vote now. Have a great weekend!! Z

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  28. AnonymousJuly 18, 2015 at 6:09 AM

    Thanks for visiting my new blog, Nicole. I appreciate the support. I'm liking the wordpress so far. Congrats on the contest, I checked out and voted for you (you are ahead!) and I really think you did a wonderful job choosing the photos for it. xx

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  29. SussiJuly 18, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    Voted:)

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  30. Amy at love made my homeJuly 18, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Congratulations!! That really is great!!! Wonderful to hear from you and to see your beautiful garden. xx

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  31. Carla from The RiverJuly 18, 2015 at 12:57 PM

    Hi,
    Congratulations! I love your garden and you are inspiration to me!!
    Carla

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  32. jabbottJuly 18, 2015 at 1:57 PM

    Love the milk crate planter, hope you are well x

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  33. UnknownJuly 18, 2015 at 7:38 PM

    Voted!
    Glad you are back Nicole.
    Btw, your monarch is enormous! :D

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  34. Draffin BearsJuly 18, 2015 at 9:02 PM

    Dear Nicole,

    Woohoo and congratulations, that is wonderful and off to vote for you - good luck!
    I understand you leaving blogging while you have the beautiful summer over there - I say enjoy and come back when you are able - loved seeing your gorgeous garden photos.
    Hope you are enjoying the weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  35. AnonymousJuly 19, 2015 at 1:40 AM

    Hi Nicole, I missed your creative vision, but I understand the need for a break, especially with little ones. It is about balance and sometimes we all need to recalibrate. I'll be voting for you! And your garden is looking gorgeous, so full of contrast and texture and sophisticated colour, I love it. Have a great Sunday! Sarah x

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  36. JoJuly 19, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    You have such green fingers and congrats on being one of the 5 finalists! I wished I could have a garden and such green fingers too.

    Jo
    Jo's Jumbled Jardinière

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  37. GretchenJuly 19, 2015 at 11:15 AM

    welcome back :). Off to vote right now!!

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  38. Our photosJuly 19, 2015 at 2:10 PM

    Wonderful ! I love the butterfly !!

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  39. CarrieJuly 19, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    Hurrah, you're back. I totally understand the need to be away from the computer and just reconnect to yourself. Congratulations on your nomination :)

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  40. Rowena @ rolala lovesJuly 19, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    Welcome back Nicole! I've missed you friend! I sure hope your time away has rejuvenated and refreshed you. In the meantime, your garden sure looks to be flourishing this summer so it's no surprise you made it as a finalist in that garden design contest. So excited for you! I just voted and I bookmarked the page so I can go back and vote again. You're in the lead yay :) Have a marvelous new week!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  41. LeanneJuly 20, 2015 at 6:43 AM

    Hey Nicole,
    Many congrats on your being a finalist. I shall duly go and vote for you. Your garden is a beauty. The Monarch butterfly is quite beautiful. Have you read Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver? They play a pivotal role.
    Have a great week.
    Leanne xx

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  42. StephanieJuly 20, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    My sweet friend, its so good to have you back in the blogging community - you were greatly missed!

    How exciting about being a finalist! You are incredibly talented with your gardening, dear Nicole, so I am not surprised :) I truly hope you win!

    Hugs and blessings to you!

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  43. StacyJuly 20, 2015 at 7:10 PM

    Congrats on being a finalist! I'll hop over to vote as soon as I can!!! And hooray for the monarch butterfly!! I can't wait to plant milkweed here. I also envy your dahlia. Mine are all womp womp this year but I hope there is still time for them to grow. I hope you have been well, Nicole. Have a great week!!

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  44. Art and SandJuly 20, 2015 at 9:47 PM

    So exciting! I voted and so far you are way ahead!!!

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  45. Helen July 21, 2015 at 4:49 AM

    Nice to see you back!! And many many congrats on being a finalist - very well deserved!! I've voted :) xx

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  46. organicgardendreamsJuly 21, 2015 at 8:20 AM

    Dear Nicole, your garden looks simply great! I love the two wider shots at the end of your post. Seeing those I am not surprised that you are one of the five finalists in the garden design contest. Wishing you good luck that you become the winner!
    Warm regards,
    Christina

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  47. Celestina MarieJuly 21, 2015 at 6:04 PM

    Hi Nicole, so glad to see you back. I've stopped by several times and you were not home. I do understand taking the time to be still and just be. Your gardens are lovely!! Congrats on being a finalist. You are so worthy of this and deserving.
    Thanks for stopping by and your kind comment. Have a great week.
    Hugs, cm

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  48. AnonymousJuly 22, 2015 at 2:42 AM

    WOW! It is very beautiful to see your garden. Time passes as we start to work in the garden. I love to make arrangements in the garden and also to take care of the plants...

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  49. DonnaJuly 22, 2015 at 3:39 PM

    Welcome back Nicole and congrats....I voted....beautiful design!

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  50. Midnight CowgirlJuly 23, 2015 at 8:35 AM

    Your garden looks beautiful, and congrats on being a finalist!

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  51. JoJuly 23, 2015 at 1:37 PM

    Hi Nicole, I voted and your garden looks really great. That butterfly is amazing and so big! Jo x

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  52. LizJuly 24, 2015 at 4:01 PM

    I took a break too! Its hard trying to do yard work, follow around a 2 year old and drive back and forth to visit hubby. Your yard looks fantastic! I really like the old milk crate, clever idea! Headed over to vote for you now!!

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  53. Casa MariposaJuly 26, 2015 at 6:49 AM

    Welcome back! But it's always good to take a break. :o) I voted for your wonderful garden. :o)

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  54. AlisonJuly 26, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    Welcome back, Nicole. How exciting to be a Gardenista finalist!! I have just voted, I really hope that you win :-) enjoy the rest of the summer with your beans xx

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  55. Gabriel gardenJuly 27, 2015 at 3:26 AM

    Ciao Nicole! Complimenti per questo traguardo! Ora ti do il voto!

    Un saluto :)

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  56. CateJuly 27, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    Nice to see you back Nicole! I hope that your time away has done you good, and congratulations on your nomination, I'll pop over and vote straight after this! Have a good week lovely lady, xxx

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  57. trishieJuly 27, 2015 at 8:50 PM

    Congrats on being one of the finalists, that is so exciting!! I hope you win xxxx

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  58. SuzanneAugust 2, 2015 at 12:29 PM

    Congratulations! You have my vote.
    Your monarda are beautiful!

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  59. UnknownAugust 3, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    AWESOME Nic! I'll be right there to vote! Well deserved! xoxoxoxox Jen

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  60. Mindi@MyLove2CreateAugust 6, 2015 at 8:37 AM

    How awesome Nicole!! Congrats on being a finalist, you are so amazing you deserve to win! I voted and and will continue to do so until the 15th. I have been MIA for a while too so I wish I could have started voting sooner! Best of luck friend!!

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  61. HazelAugust 7, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    Oh my word!! A finalist, but then of course you would be! Your garden is fabulous my friend! I am off to vote for you.. I hope you win. You more than deserve it! Have a great weekend, Hazel xxx

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  62. Summer August 7, 2015 at 10:29 PM

    Hi Nicole, your photos and garden are beautiful. i've just voted for your garden. congrats on being a finalist. you've worked so hard on your garden.well done you.

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  63. JenniferAugust 14, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    It is good to take a break sometimes. Summer is so short and your kids must keep you so busy. I hope you enjoy the break and best of luck with your entry. Congrats on being a finalist!

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  64. janice15August 20, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    Hi Nicole.. lovely photos.. some of my things this year in my Garden didn't grow well like my tomatoes for some reason not sure why.. but the Garden is a constant cleaning for sure.. nice to see you here.. mis your visits.. with love Janice

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  65. Art and SandSeptember 2, 2015 at 11:31 PM

    Just stopped in to say I miss you!

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  66. My Garden DiariesSeptember 3, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    Miss you too...was actually by your blog the other day to look at wedding photos.....just such a beautiful day for your son Carol!

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  67. elaine September 8, 2015 at 1:33 PM

    Dear Nicole
    Hope everything is Ok with you - long time,no see - blog land isn't the same without you.
    Elaine

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  68. M @ LiveLikeYoureTraveling.comSeptember 13, 2015 at 8:06 PM

    Congrats on making top 5!!! And welcome back :) - We just transformed our front and back gardens and I'm so excited to share with you!

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  69. janice15September 18, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    I havent heard from you maybe thats why.. Congatulations how exciting.. Your Garden is looking lovely. Ive decided not to plant much more.. Hope all is well with love Janice

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  70. JeanneSeptember 26, 2015 at 2:56 PM

    Lovely shots but looks as if you are on another break. Sometimes you just need a blog break! Life gets in "the way"

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  71. lynn cockrellOctober 6, 2015 at 2:40 PM

    Just stopped by to see how you have been. I feel bad for not dropping by sooner, but I hope you will understand. Our sweet Jimmy has been so very sick and he went home to be with our Lord and Savior in September. As Christians, we know he is at peace and not suffering but there is such a big void left in our family. I noticed you have not been posting much either. I know how busy you must be with taking care of your beautiful family and trying to study, but I pray you and yours are doing well! Much love to you, sweet Nicole!

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  72. Tanya October 7, 2015 at 12:05 PM

    Just a quick note to let you know you're thought of often, and I hope all is well with you and your beautiful little family. XOXOXO

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  73. JoyfulOctober 8, 2015 at 5:39 PM

    Hi from beautiful Vancouver, Nicole, I hope you are doing okay. I haven't seen you in a long while so I hope all is well. xx

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  74. Lochness LassOctober 9, 2015 at 7:10 AM

    Congrats Nicole. I hope all is well with you. Cheers. Beckie

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  75. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 11:37 AM

    Hope you are well dearie. Miss you! xoxo Jen

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  76. UnknownNovember 5, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    Hi friend! It seems a lot of us have taken time off blogging! I hope to see you again soon! But I can't blame you for being away... This blogging thing is not easy with a family to manage! xoxo

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  77. JoNovember 13, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    Missing you Nicole, Hope you are well. Jo x

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  78. Jean | DelightfulRepast.comNovember 30, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    Nicole, just checking in to say "You're missed!" And to let you know I just posted a great giveaway -- something you might need yourself or that would make a great gift.

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  79. Lady of the ManorDecember 2, 2015 at 8:08 PM

    Hi, Nicole! Hope all is well with you and your family. Miss you here in blog land. Zenda

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  80. JankoJanuary 28, 2016 at 10:24 AM

    Hi, I have not missed you because I am the first time here. Congratulations

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