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Friday, August 3, 2012

Under The Tuscan Sun


After visiting France, I didn’t think anything or anywhere on this planet could be as beautiful and enchanting. For years after that trip, I dreamt of the romantic architecture, the gorgeous museums, the seductive accents and the magic of being in Europe’s sexiest little country. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that anything could be as splendid. So imagine my surprise when I landed in Florence, Italy, for a vacation with my two daughters and realized that, as lovely as France may be, Tuscany gives it a run for its money! Oh French Charmers, it was everything delightful rolled into one: delicious, farm fresh foods, dazzling window displays in some of the finest shops in the world, rich and enticing wines, gorgeous, historical architecture brimming with stories from the ages. And did I mention the men? Full of so many compliments and adoration, even the Roseanne of your group is bound to feel like Marilyn Monroe! It was heaven on Earth. (And I say that because, with so many historical churches spattered around, it truly could be!) My girls and I captured so many wonderful moments on our trip, so I thought I’d share a few with you. Enjoy!



















158 comments:

  1. it's my dream to visit France. Lucky girl!! xox

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  2. I love the store and that zinc clock is so nice

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  3. I love the store and that zinc clock is so nice

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  4. Lovely memories for you and your daughters. I have been to London and Paris. Tuscany is on my list though!

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  5. Oh, to take a trip like that with your daughters.... you are SO lucky. That must've been incredible. Enjoyed your pictures and checking around on your blog! Very fun. Thanks for the give-away to MMS blog! :-)

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  6. Oh what lovely pictures! I would love to scrapbook them

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  7. I would absolutely love to visit Europe! I've never been out of the US except to see Niagara Falls!

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  8. Oh, I would love to travel to Europe. Maybe someday!!

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  9. What a wonderful trip! And beautiful photos!

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  10. I've never been to France, but my Mom and her two best friends went on a trip to Europe when I was young. It was in France where Mom got food poisoning. Long story short, but Mom was so sick she and a friend had to get off the tour bus and little did they know until they got inside the building the driver stopped at that they were in an adult movie theater. You get my drift....

    Needless to say, to be sick in a foreign country where you don't know the language and to be trapped in a place like that was terrifying at the time, but thankfully everyone they came in contact with were very polite given the circumstances. It's one of those things that wasn't so nice at the time, but is really funny to look back on.

    I'm glad your trip went much better!

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  11. France was always my most favorite place on earth..but then I haven't been to Italy yet! Loved seeing it through your eyes and words.

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  12. France is on my bucket list. I would love to shop, eat and explore there. Lucky you.

    Danielle

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  13. Just heard about from MMS, so nice to find you!

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  14. Just visiting from MMS, so nice to hear about you. Ann

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  15. I have always wanted to go to Italy. My husband and I plan to spend our 25th anniversary there next year. We are really looking forward to it.

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  16. I have had a couple of opportunities to visit France. I just love Provonce! Isn't that just typical?!!!

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  17. I always wanted to visit Switzerland, but I am thinking Italy now if I happen to leave the USA!

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  18. I have never been to Europe. If I could pick one country it would be France....love it!

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  19. I have Tuscany on my bucket list!

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  20. I loved seeing your photos! I went to Italy a couple of years ago...so want to go back! I'm visiting from MMS.

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  21. Visiting from MMS, enjoyable blog will keep an eye on it....

    D`Amria

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  22. My children's father is French. He left at the age of 9 and has never returned though his grandparents traveled to the US many times to visit. What a joy it would be for my sons to actually visit the town where he was born. I, on the other hand, would love to visit Tuscany!

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  23. I agree that both Italy and France have incredible beauty! I hope to return to both places again! Visiting from MMS...love your shop too!

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  24. I am another Pacific Northwest woman wishing I could have the experience you've had in France. Thank you for the little insight.

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  25. What a wonderful place to visit.

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  26. Some great photos! It certainly looks like you and your girls had a wonderful time. I'm visiting from MMS

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  27. Sooo fun!! Oh my goodness I want to go there so bad!

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  28. The pictures make me want to be there. Thanks for sharing

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  29. This is the first time to your blog. I will add it to my favorites!!

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  30. found my way over here from Miss Mustard Seed... WOW. a great blog. i could get so lost in all the photos!

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  31. Stopping by and posting comment per MMS instructions. Looking fwd to viewing your blog.

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  32. I dropped over from Miss Mustard Seed. So glad I did. You have such a lovely blog.

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  33. Came to visit on MMS suggestion. What a beautiful blog.

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  34. It's been over 13 years since I was in Italy~ far to long. Your pictures bring it all back. Lovely!

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  35. Now I know where my next vacation destination should be. You make it sound fabulous.

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  36. The Tuscan region is a bit Frenchy - thus those who love Francy will most likely like Italy.

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  37. I came to this blog via Mis Mustard Seed and boy am I glad that I did! I just returned from Paris and your blog (including Tuscany) is making me want to hop on a plane immediately! A new favorite!

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  38. Commenting again - this time with my new and correct profile name :)
    I came to this blog via Miss Mustard Seed and boy am I glad that I did! I just returned from Paris and your blog (including Tuscany) is making me want to hop on a plane immediately! A new favorite!

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  39. You are so blessed to be able to vist such lovely places ! Came over from Miss Mustard Seed and am now following .

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  40. What beautiful photos! Someday I wish to visit there.Visiting from Miss Mustard Seed.
    xx
    Anne

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  41. Visiting from Miss Mustard Seed. I've been to Paris and France, but Italy is still on my "must visit" list....

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  42. Hi, I'm charmed by your blog! The Photo effects are great, and I can see that living vicariously through you will be my new pastime!
    Enjoy!
    Sherry

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  43. found you from Miss Mustard Seed...loving the images...that red dress if stunning!!

    CHeers
    ~ Jillian
    www.hersplitends.com

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  44. I just discovered your blog via MMS. You have a beautiful sie and I will look forward to reading your posts.

    Blessings.
    Beth

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  45. Hi! love all the pictures! will visit again!

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  46. Wonderful blog! What a wonderful trip to share with your girls!! Beautiful photography!! Looking forward to reading your future posts!

    xx Colette

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  47. I found your blog through Miss Mustard Seed, I love it, it's adorable!

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  48. Love your blog! So glad Miss Mustard Seed "Introduced" us! Thanks for sharing the pics of your trip!

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  49. I love both France and Italy for very different reasons. Beautiful photos!!

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  50. MMS sent me here! Enjoyed your gorgeous pics....I'll be back!

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  51. MMS's giveaway sent me your way!

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  52. I've been to Paris and am dreaming/planning my trip to Italy! That is where I've wanted to go since, well, as long as I can remember (I have Italian ancestry). The pictures are gorgeous! I'm so excited MMS sent us to your blog!

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  53. I have had fun perusing your blog with its lovely photographs! Thank you for sharing!

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  54. Thanks to MMS for introducing me to your wonderful blog! Thanks!

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  55. Oh, how I want to visit both Italy & France!! Thanks for sharing your pics.. and thanks to MMS for introducing me to your site! :)

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  56. Beautiful shots and great fashions!! Really makes me want to go there even more! Thanks for bringing it home. :)

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  57. Okay, I'm sold! When do we leave for France? Thanks Miss Mustard Seed for introducing me to a lovely new lifestyle - um, website!

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  58. Love the pictures and memories from your trip. My husband and I honeymooned in Paris and trip to Italy would certainly be a treat! Thank you for your giveaway through MMS.

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  59. may, 2011, a week in paris with my 2 daughters...sweeeeeeet!!!!!! we wanna go back!!!

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  60. Visiting from MMS. Beautiful pictures! Getting to Tuscany is a dream of mine!

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  61. I'm so envious of your trip!!! Beautiful. And I loved the goodies at the market.
    Visiting from mms!!

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  62. Lovely photos and beautiful blog. We are dertainly kindred spirits>

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  63. Enjoyed all the pictures, what a magical place!

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  64. So glad Miss Mustard Seed is hosting the giveaway. Thanks you so much for the giveaway because now I know you are here and I can follow your blog.....what a wonderful trip, thanks for sharing....

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  65. Visiting via Miss Mustard Seed... what a wonderful blog. Definitely will be back!

    Thank you for the gorgeous giveaway!

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  66. Visiting via Miss Mustard Seed... what a wonderful blog. Definitely will be back!

    Thank you for the gorgeous giveaway!

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  67. I am also here courtesy of MMS. This is fabulous. Can't wait to come back and visit. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!

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  68. thank you to Miss Mustard Seed for the recommendation. such a beautifully done blog, i will definitely make this a regular visit :)

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  69. Makes me want to go to France!

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  70. Thank you Miss Mustard Seed for recommending such a wonderful site to visit...daily! Oh, to be in Tuscany now!!!

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  71. So pretty! Visiting your site on the suggestions of Miss Mustard Seed.

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  72. Reading your blog and loving it -- thanks to Miss Mustard Seed for sharing your site. Thanks for your generosity in sharing the beautiful huge roll of paper....and cookbook -- can't wait to win -- hoping, hoping, hoping! Jean from South Jersey

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  73. Is it possible to love all things French more than all things U.S.? I say yes...!

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  74. I am delighted to have discovered your blog thanks to Miss Mustard Seed. The photos of your trip are wonderful. Now I have one more place to add to my dream vacation list.

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  75. What a fabulous trip! Thank you for sharing the pictures - wish I could see it all in "real life" but, the pictures are great.
    Jean Bee

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  76. I wish I was there. I'm visiting from Miss Mustard Seed.

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  77. Just frenchy fabulous is all I can say,I am in Love,a great big thank you to Miss Mustard Seed for sending you to me!!!!!

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  78. Love the giveaway. Just awesome. Miss Mustard seed is always sending us to fabulous places.
    DianeD

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  79. Looks like a dream vacation for sure !! So glad that Miss Mustard Seed sent us here!

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  80. Love the pics. Tuscany is on the "To Do List". Thanks to Miss Mustard Seed for directing us to wonderful blogs and shops like yours. Cschelski

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  81. Your photography is beautiful! Thanks to MMS for another great inspiration!

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  82. Beautiful page - I am completely envious of your travels. And, Miss Mustard Seed sent me, too. ;)

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  83. Inspiring photography..must visit France. Thanks to MMS for directing me here and look forward to your newsletters.

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  84. Oh my gosh, I am so happy yo have discovered you through Miss Mustard Seed! I took an art class in Toulouse, at La Cascade in June. Wonderful in every respect! Will devour your pictures and blog later. Thanks.

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  85. Wow Miss Mustard Seed was right, your amazing!

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  86. Great things happening here! I am...charmed!

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  87. So pretty, i am sure you enjoyed your vaca. hop on over from MMS, but i get your posts already!! Di

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  88. I visited France twice, once in 1999 & then again in 2001. I fell in love with it. I have yet to visit Florence, but definately on my bucket list. Loved the beautiful pics. Love your blog.

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  89. Such beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing them with us.

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  90. Such beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing them with us.

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  91. Ahhhh someday! Beautiful photos...thank you for sharing your vacation with us!

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  92. Ooh-la-la! Thank you for inspiring us and giving us the chance to win this incredible giveaway!!
    Holly

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  93. Love your blog. Found you through miss mustard seed

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  94. Here from MMS. Your blog is beautiful.

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  95. I share your love of all things French. Thank you for sharing your inspiration! Visiting you from MMS!

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  96. Never had an urge to go to Europe, your words and pictures have certainly have me rethinking that.

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  97. Bonjour! I'm been fascinated with all things French since I took French language way back in high school. How fun to discover your beautiful blog and boutique. I'm visiting from MMS!

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  98. One of the places that is tops on my list to visit! So lovely!

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  99. Sent here from MMS and am so glad I stopped by! How fun to visit Europe, would love to do that some day.

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  100. Found you through Miss Mustard Seed and can't wait to read more!!!

    Robin ~ Southern Bella

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  101. Visiting from Miss Mustard, and I love your beautiful blog. :)

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  102. What a beautiful blog, I have joined your site and will enjoy following along. I am so glad MMS mentioned you in her blog. Tobey of Tobeystreasure.com

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  103. I love your blog! I will definitely be back!

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  104. Love your blog! I am your newest follower!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Leticia

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  105. My husband and I were just there in June and I'm already wanting to go back...so beautiful :0)

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  106. Such lovely photos.... Guess I will just have to go myself now!

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  107. Italy looks so beautiful. Maybe I will someday. Love the amazing pics!!!

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  108. Lovely photos, I love your site!

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  109. I've 'clicked' in from MMS before, but somehow missed that you have a blog too. Both the 'shop' and the blog are lovely. Especially interested in what photo program you use, love the old film effect...Coreen @ 58 Vintage Faire

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  110. Hi,
    I have just found you through Miss Mustardseed.
    Your shop looks lovely. I have signed up for your newsletter.

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  111. Love your blog. I see your an instagram addict like myself.
    Found you from Miss Mustard Seed.

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  112. Miss Mustard Seed sent me your way.

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  113. What a wonderful trip to take with your daughters! Thanks for sharing the photos! Miss Mustard Seed sent me to visit. Thanks!

    Linda

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  114. Oh how I long to go there, I am so glad you shared your photos and Miss Mustard Seed sent me for a visit. Lovely!

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  115. Your trip to Italy looks absolutely wonderful! Such a beautiful place - just enchanting! Its on my wish list along with Paris. Hoping to win the Miss Mustard Seed giveaway - love the wrapping paper and would love to try some of the recipes too,

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  116. Beautiful pictures. Visiting from mms and am your newest follower.

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  117. Love your blog! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.

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  118. Beautiful pics of your trip! Thanks for sharing. And, thank you to Miss Mustard Seed for introducing me to your blog!

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  119. Just discovered your blog thru Miss Mustard Seed. Lovely and insipring!

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  120. What a lovely blog!! I, too, was sent over by MMS and am I so happy I came!! Your shoppe and your blog are so inspiring!! Beautiful pictures!!!

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  121. Delightful place to stop.

    Regards,
    Karla

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  122. Will be ordering soon..love your blog.

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  123. Beautiful photos, hope to travel to Italy someday.

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  124. Ah! Tres bien! All things Frech, all things wonderful!

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  125. Love your blog !!!Miss Mustard Seed sent me !!!

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  126. I am visiting from Miss Mustard See....you have a beautiful blog...love your vacation post....

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  127. Where has this blog been all my life! I am saving my money to go to France for my 40th Birthday and these pictures just make me even more excited and motivated to save! Thank you and thank you MMS for directing me to a fabulous blog!

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  128. Beautiful photos! Would love to visit Tuscany one day.

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  129. What a wonderful blog you have! Can't wait to catch up on all that I've been missing by not following!!

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  130. What a lovely vacation. I agree though it is hard to believe that anyplace could surpass the beauty and charm of France.

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  131. I'm visiting from over at MissMustardSeed also. I am so grateful to have found your website and your blog! It is truly beautiful!

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  132. It looks like so much fun! Europe is full of beautiful regions. Try Austria next time. Beautiful and so clean compared to France (my first love) and Italy.

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  133. You have a beautiful blog. I subscribe to your newsletter already. Love this article. My husband & I visited Florence, Italy on our honeymoon almost 25 years ago. There is something about Europe that is magical!! Hope to visit France one day as well.

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  134. Beautiful pics....I would love to visit Italy some day soon!! Thanks for sharing!

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  135. Thanks for the inspiration, I'll be visiting your blog more often!

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  136. Love the pictures....so beautiful...so want to be there.

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  137. Beautiful pics!!!! so inspiring!

    Karen

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  138. That would have been a wonderful trip with your girls!Beautiful photos too.

    Thank you for your sweet comment today.

    Carolyn

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  139. Beautiful pictures! Enjoyed them very much!

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