Sunday, January 25, 2015

Felicity~



Pleasantness~











For some reason..I find it hard to believe that I pressed Publish..for the 900th time today since I started my humble little blog.It was just a bit of a surprise this week when I saw how many I had posted.
When my friend suggested I blog I told her I would have nothing to say after talking about a few recipes and my little ones at the time..
I just tried to find my first post..November 2008..I wnet to the next..Lucas was such a tiny thing..and he will be double digits this year'
Santa put Brut after shave in his stocking here this year..apparently..lol..it is being put to very good use his mom tells me:)
So much has changed..
Happy I stayed with it.
I enjoy it so much.
Part of my little life.
Food for the soul.
So many nice people♥

I bought tulips for the first time this past week..this winter..Bunches had frozen I think..in transport and they were $2.00 a bunch.
I took care of them and they brightened up the sunroom immeasurably during this yet again cold spell.

I made another of Josée Di Stasio's soups..this time her spinach one.And I am certain her brussel sprout topping had something to do with it~
I loved the green on green and redid it here.
I repainted my favorite chair and liked this trial better.
I cut it out because I made a mess next to it trying calligraphy in the wrong color..so I cut it out and made a gift tag.
I found I enjoyed making gift tags out of  my trials.
That really is my favorite chair here..Perusing seed catalogs in January:)
I stitched the pillow on the left about 100 yrs ago.. and the one on the right was a gift from a friend..many many years ago...I have mentioned this pillow before..it has a button from clothing her mom wore..
She is ..like I am.. a motherless daughter and we have missed them dearly..So this meant  lot..the button..since then I have tried to add my mother's buttons to things too.
I thought it was such a sweet gesture..idea..
Those Ikea chairs are great.You simply put the slipcovers in the washing machine...I really do like IKEA..every time we go..which is rarely ..I do find a little kitchen gadget..like a cookie cutter..loaf pan..that we just don't find anywhere else..I find the prices good too.
Really at my stage of the game..I don't need much..so we go maybe once a year:)

I made a little challah bread ..to go with soups and chilis..
This one proved so easy and good..I made half the recipe for 1 loaf.
This bread is excellent w/ a little honey butter..
I take my salted butter..add some honey and a bit of icing sugar.
Just put a bit on a slice..and your meal is even better.
I made the dough in the bread machine..then shaped and baked.
Still need a bit of practice on this shaping..it's not a perfect round..:)
PS..On Saturday I made it again..again halved the recipe to make just one..
Turned out just as well..I think I am getting the curving:)

La Recette for the soup:

Cream of spinach and parmesan cheese

4 portions

2 tbsps butter or olive oil or half and half..that's what I did.
1 leek chopped..white and tender green parts only  or one onion  chopped
2 potatoes sliced..Yukon Gold or Idaho
2 garlic cloves
3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
4 cups packed baby spinach
Nutmeg to taste
4 tbsps parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot heat the butter or olive oil.
Soften the leeks or onions a few minutes..
Add the garlic..potatoes and broth..
Cook until the potatoes are tender ap.20 mins.
Add the spinach and nutmeg..(I omitted the nutmeg)
Cook until softened ap. 2minutes
Let cool add cheese and then use your immersion blender..
Check seasonings..
Warm and serve.
Garnish as you please..I blanched some brussel sprouts and topped my soups with them.


Felicity ..another of the pretty words:)

I have written about my daughter putting a special napkin in Noah's lunch every day..From Pre K to K and now grade one..every single day..It amazes me..that I took my watercolor pencils and tried to draw Paddington from a book cover..it was fun to try and use the pencils ..as I rarely use them..but I did not get his expression at all..I will show you one day..




                                                                            ♥

But my daughter did capture  his expression




Every night before she goes to bed..  she makes one ♥
I asked her if he mentions them alot..she said:"Not really..he gives them to his friends:) "
Apparently his friends ask him for them:)
I found a cute cute Paddington Treasury book for him w/ a CD..
I know he will like it..as for me I am dying to take the cello off and look at the images and read it.
But I will wait for him.

77 comments:

  1. What a fun post. Your images are gorgeous once again. I know what you mean about wanting to look at the illustrations in good children's books. I love them too. Paddington Bear was around when my kids were little and he's back again. It's so adorable what your daughter does for her little one. Deb

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    1. I missed a chance at a Beatrix Potter collection..it wold have been nice to have..a have an old one.thi seemed different.They are totally nice to look at.I wish adult books had as many illustartions..maybe thta's why I love cookbooks.
      I agree it's so sweet to put one every day:)

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  2. The Apple doesn't fall from the tree...as they say~I envy you in a nice way Mon...everything you touch turns out beautiful!
    I bought pink tulips too Monique...to brighten my living room and it did but only for awhile!

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    1. You make everything lovely to look at..your food..your home:)
      They had more for $2.00 did you see?

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  3. So pretty, i recognize the The Painted Garden book and you made gift tags out of your paintings I Love it! You make such beautiful bread too, it must smell so wonderful. And those drawings that your daughter does for her son, priceless, i do hope he keeps some of them and doesn't give them all away, they will be treasures to him someday :)

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    1. I have that sweet book because of you:)
      I think I will make more tags..it looks different when you cute them out:)
      I know..he's 6..he doesn't get how he will feel one day yet..
      You know..some never do..He will though:)
      Bon Dimanche Jenni.

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  4. Que de douceurs dans ces plats, et ces dessins sur papier absorbant sont vraiment adorables ! Vous êtes douées !

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  5. Your posts are always filled with so much love and lovely ideas! Do you know I've never been in an Ikea store? The closest store is in Illinois about a 2 hour drive one way. I love that chair too and the pillows. Sweet story about the button. The soup and bread look delicious! I love the idea of the honey butter with the challah. That is so sweet that Noah gets a hand-drawn napkin every single day! She really is a good artist too! We have our boys here today :) Very chilly and windy so we are having fun indoors. Love the new pics of your boys ♥

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    1. Very chilly here too..My nose didn't even go out..
      How nice the boys on a Sunday..
      The best of times..
      We drive 3 hours one way to get to a TJoes..Here you can order online at IKEA..

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  6. The tradition of sending Noah off to school with a special drawing on his napkin each day is absolutely one of the best ideas. If I were Noah, I would keep them. What little treasures! Your hand painted gift tag is as well. It's a gift in itself!
    You are the best! It makes me smile just to think of the beauty you create.

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    1. Yours is!
      I seem to remember painting..soon?
      I found a cute medium sized glitter sparkle Christmas house that could light up and thought of you..brought it home and it didn't light..we opened it and the battery was not one my engineer husband had ever seen..so back to the store our Sarah's home went..

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  7. Happy blog anniversary Monique. I, as well as many others, are so glad you pushed the Publish button 7 years ago. Time flies when you're having fun. Hard to believe Noah old enough to be using Brut now. I adore Padding Bear. He is such a fun fellow and how adorable that your daughter makes homemade napkins each night. She didn't fall far from the tree :)
    Sam

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    1. ..the years fly by don' t they?
      I never expected that to be part of my vocabulary.
      I know you feel as I do about blogging.
      It' s good for us...written words..♥

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  8. 900 posts, congratulations! The soup looks wonderful and so does the bread. I am making the bread you posted when you were down in FL. We have a storm coming so hopefully the power does not go out before I can bake it! I will serve it with mussels from Dorie Greenspan's cookbook (it was so good I bought the book after going through the library book). I too would love an ikea close by but they are far away. How often do you have to wash the slipcover on a white chair? I would love white but am afraid to think what they would look like! Our grandson also entered that same stage in life and my daughter had the same comment. Too funny.

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    1. I would be shy to tell you that the yellow one..above has never been washed..12 years.
      I do vacuum it because it is next to the fireplace and cabinet that stores the wood..
      The whites in the sunroom..maybe once a year on the dining chairs..same for a white cushion on the loveseats..
      But Terry..the alphabet boys love the basement here!
      We eat in front of the TV down there on the coffee table..they each seem to feel totally at home down there ..TV..games..laissez faire!
      I hope your bread is fantastic.
      Take care..my friend in New Jersey is expecting up to 2 ft of snow!

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  9. So tempting to go for light colors but we have no area in the basement set aside for games, TV, eating food. I myself would add to the mess I am afraid! Oh I sure hope the snow blows out to sea and we don't get what they are talking about, 1-2 ft and winds that could cause power outages. Will let you know how the bread turns out.

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    1. Take care..they are really forecasting a doozy...

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    2. The bread turned out fantastic! Jerry loved it. I paired it with Dorie Greenspan's mussels with white wine and a salad. So far the weather is not bad.

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    3. That is great! Happy..now you will make it again:) That's how I got started:)I bet w/ mussels..delicieux!

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  10. Monique, your little reading space looks just like you - perfect. The bread is a showstopper; I just wish I could try it. I used to write little sayings on my kids napkins, but your daughter's idea is better.

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    1. I hope this means you are ok with Blogger now?
      I hope!
      Thanks Donna..the bread is sweet..in a way..tastes really good..must admit only my leggings feel good these days..

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  11. Where do I start. It is all so precious. The Tulips, your soup, your chair, your paintings, the bread, your daughter's sweet drawings, your gandson and the Brut aftershave. These are the jewels in the crowns of our lives. I loved it all! xxoo

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    1. Marie..Oli used it too this w/e:)
      Blogging is a jewel too n'est-ce-pas?:)

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  12. Dear Monique, 900 posts and each is better than the last & that is hard to achieve, as they are ALL wonderful to my eye. such charm & so pretty with all your lovely touches. What a wonderful thing for your daughter to personalize the napkin each & everyday.so thoughtful. Love your sketch label brilliant idea for tags.
    have a lovely week. I hope you have some sun to warm up your cold days along with your tempting colourful soup.

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    1. Still très froid this morning..-10 F.Siberian days this winter.
      Have to go out..I'll have many layers on:)
      Barbara I really thought I would never ever have enough posts to last one year..but ..it becomes part of a routine that I love.
      Thank you:)

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  13. I'm enjoying your soup recipes, Monique. I don't make it as much as I did when I lived in the north country, but do wish I had some this week. Chilly last night...in the 40's. That's cold for S, Florida! Your bread look delicious too.
    Years ago, slipcovers were very popular. Are they still? We changed slipcovers with the seasons~
    I've been blogging since 2008 too, but am not as prolific as you are. You're right, our blogging world is filled with wonderful friends!

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    1. Slipcovers form a great part of Ikea's furniture.
      I remember people getting cahirs slipcovered and removing them:)
      I don't change w/ the season..but they do have different colors and could..
      But these neutrals work for me..In the sunroom I can switch a couple of decorative pillows:)

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  14. I adore that your daughter does those drawings for your grandson every. single. day. Such love. It is familial; I can tell. Thank you for the beautiful images and soup recipe! And, congratulations on your 900th post! Wow! I'm so glad I've found you though I'm late in the game! blessings ~ tanna

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  15. Tanna..I've just been perusing your pages..:)

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  16. YOUR Paddington is FABULOUSE!
    As is yr daughters drawing. Talent runs deep in this family!!!
    Now what is the book at the top right picture? Hmmmm
    Congrats on all yr divine posts btw Monique!

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  17. So funny..can you see my Paddington?
    It was going to be on my next little post..
    Top right is one of the books Jenni recommended in 2014..The Painted Garden by Mary Woodin..
    Loads of watercolours ..words..very well done.bought from Amazon reseller.
    I love it.
    I am so happy I found your blog at one point.
    I have wondered sometimes how we just fall upon ones we love to go back all the time.
    I used to think it was always a camaraderie of sorts..but I have noticed that some are so irresistible to me..I have been commenting for years for my own pleasure without even knowing if they read them .
    It's for my own joy at telling them how great their food looks or how great their pics are or how adorable their kids are..
    Way better than magazines..

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  18. Happy 900 th, Monique! I remember when our little group started their blogs, seems like yesterday. I still keep up with the exiled, I see Susan and Debbie visit, do you keep up with anyone else from our old group? I haven't been blogging, no energy with this long lasting bronchitis.
    Love those napkins, so cute! The bread looks delicious. Awaiting 3 ft of snow they are predicting, we will be in for days!

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    1. Hope you are feeling better..Your absence is noticed when you don't post..I bet you have set 900 tablescapes! Now that isa labor of love and creativity.:)
      I do keep in touch..of course..with some..With whoever has stayed in my life..
      I heard about the snow..storm dare I say..stay warm..cozy..get well soon..soon soon.

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  19. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. When I receive an email telling me there is a new post from La Table De Nana I know I am in for a treat. You introduced me to Susan Branch recently--lovely. How lucky we are to have these wonderful blogs at our fingertips to inspire and enjoy. Will definitely try the bread recipe. Yum. 900! Congratulations.

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    1. I love her blog..it is by visiting each others blogs that we discover blogs ,,it's an ongoing meeting place.
      So much to learn and appreciate from everyone..always.
      People to admire because of ideas..or adventures..talent.. hurdles.. courage..humor:)

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  20. Your blog is food for my soul! Art in your family, Yay! Here is a book you all might like: Paddington Bear: My Scrapbook. It might be out of print, but Amazon shows it.
    http://www.amazon.com/Paddington-Bear-Scrapbook-Michael-Bond/dp/0694008869
    I like how the blog process helps to extend what we are already doing! Félicitations on your 900 posts of a blog that brings everyone happiness.

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    1. As YOURS is to mine!
      Gotta go look at that book..
      I am wanting to still take the cello off this one before Noah has it..but it will be fun to discover with him:)
      Thank you for the tip..
      And how I pressed publish 900 times..I will never know:)

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  21. I adore your pictures as well, dear Monique! Every time I visit your blog it's like I visit a perfect house with perfect family. Such a lovely atmosphere -)
    Thank you for that!

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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  22. Your blog is very special Monique. Thank you for delighting us with 900 blog posts. I so enjoy it with my morning coffee :-)
    Your photography is lovely and the recipes... Yum.

    I too am motherless. My beautiful mom is now watching over me as I watched over her. Great idea to use our mom's buttons.

    Love the napkins for Noah! And that your grandson has used the Brut :-)

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  23. Sad..sad.
    Please check your mail.
    I for one will remember many things you have written about your wonderful mother.
    And will always remember what a wonderful daughter you were and still are to her.

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  24. Hi M! Congrats on 900 (!) posts. I must go back and look at some of your older ones. I feel as though I've started reading you in the middle of the book ;) I love the drawings, so sweet. Your green on green soup is a feast for the eyes. The city got off light on the snow front (not even a foot, I think) but it is still snowing out East.

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    1. Our news is saying things were much better than expected..glad..the Maritimes are being hit now..

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  25. Yes much better than predicted as far as snow levels but very windy today. I think it hit more coastal and I am more inland. Arlene probably got worse than here.

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  26. Thanks, Monique for your 900 posts filled with great recipes, and innovative, clever things and tidbits. Great button story and drawings! I'm half-embarrassed to say there is an Ikea very close to us and I've never been in it. I go to stores all around it and next time will have to go there. Take care and keep on posting!

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  27. Hi Monique, congrats on 900 posts, your blog is so wonderful to read and a great journal, with so many wonderful recipes.

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    1. Thanks Cheri..I was just so amazed I wrote about it..and maybe shouldn't have.:)

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  28. I am amazed at your daughter. That is so sweet.

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    1. Me too..I am amazed:) All her non work hours=Noah:)
      He is the love of her life that's for sure♥

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  29. How amazing are those little drawings - what talent and dedication. I bet he's very proud of his daily gift and how popular they are with his friends.

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    1. I think he will always love the fact that she does this..I would:)
      She really is very talented..just doesn't have time to do it as a hobby.I told her that later in life..this talent would serve her well.:)
      Right now..she entertains Noah apart from her full time job:)
      Thanks!

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  30. I LOVE soup ..... so needless to say I must try this one!!!
    **hugs*
    diane @ thoughts & shots

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  31. I think I use the word 'inspiring' ad nauseum when I comment here, Monique. But every single time you manage to wow me. I am going to make that soup asap, I agree the green on green is mesmerizing. Clearly in the case of your daughter, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

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    1. Thanks Sue.. we all know how many recipes of yours are keepers here..I had to tell you to add the SaraLeechocolatecakebutwaybetter:)

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  32. So much beauty here...food for the body and soul! The soup is lovely, and one I'd love to try. I do so love your daughter's tradition of sending lunchbox notes. I wish I had been so creative when my children were that age. :)

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    1. I hope you like it Betty..I am planning on making your lovely dessert of 2 posts back:)I Pinned it so I would remember..
      I hope nothing ever happens to Pinterest..

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  33. So much fun stuff to look at here Monique. Your Challah bread is gorgeous as is the vibrant color of that wonderful soup. AndI love the story of your daughter making a napkin every night and he just takes for granted that that's how his lunch comes. When my son was little, he wanted toast every morning. I would toast the bread, butter it and then fold it in half and take a tiny bite from the fold. Then I'd open in and spread the jam or honey or whatever. There was always a little hole in the middle of his toast. He thought that's how toast came. Now when I ask my granddaughters what they want for breakfast they often say "toast and eggs" - "with a hole in the middle!". :)

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  34. Such a very sweet post Monique. Congrats on blogging so long and finding such lovely things to share. It is amazing how time slips away, but you are doing something you enjoy and we as readers get to share in that experience. The soup looks wonderful. i could use some of that goodness now, along with your challah bread, because I am sick. Love the lunch box notes! Thanks for sharing some sunshine.

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    1. I hope someone makes you soup:)Thank YOU for all the tips..And your positive attitude,and courage:)An inspiration.

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  35. I'm so glad that you continued to blog. I love our visits and your beautiful photographs, delicious dishes and seeing your delightful grandchildren!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. We do have a nice time visiting and learning from each other..
      Love it.

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  36. 900 posts, congratulations! Wow! You surely have a lot of beautiful, artsy creations to share. And that soup immediately got my attention - it makes me hungry even though it's late night here. :)

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    1. I have made many of your recipes..In fact your quinoa mushroom and spinach leftover is in our fridge cause I enjoy it cold as a salad!Thanks Julia.

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  37. Bonjour ma chère Nana,

    Comme le temps s'effiloche vite !... Pour toi déjà plus de 900 publications ! Bravo !... Il est juste que la vie d'un blog absorbe beaucoup de notre temps !... Tu as tant partagé généreusement. Merci d'exister et merci pour l'ensemble de tous tes petits messages que tu nous écris que tu m'écris.
    Même si pendant quelque temps on s'absente, la véritable amitié c'est : on revient et c'est comme si on s'était laissé la veille !... Avec une amie blogueuse c'est aussi la même chose ! Oh que c'est bon ! tout comme tes recettes qui me donnent toujours faim ! et tes sublimes photos remplies de poésie et de fraîcheur...
    Je t'embrasse affectueusement,

    Gros bisous ♡ ☼ ♡

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    1. :) Le temps passe vite.. certaines années plus vite que les autres.
      C'est un plaisir de t'avoir connue par l'entremise de nos "blogs"~

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  38. You started your blog a few months before I did, Monique, and I remember how happy I was to find you. I discovered you on Mari's blog and have been regularly coming by to visit ever since. It is amazing to see how much your boys have grown up. It was a treat to read through some of those early posts.

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  39. I am very happy I met you too..and it was through Mari..
    Hopefully one day she will join us again:)

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  40. Congratulations on such a wonderful achievement…if I only could read one blog, it would be yours. I love your mixture of beautiful recipes and of course all the pretty crafts you share with us. Your tulips and lovely green soup remind me of spring. :)

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    1. It was out of disbelief that I wrote about it being 900 posts..
      I am happy to have found you too Karen..and know about your life..travels..homes..food..Always exciting:) And beautiful.

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  41. 900 Congrats! Your blog is always a breath of fresh air and beauty...
    I love it! And you!
    Bisous...xoxo

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    1. Toi..:) Since forever it seems..Just watched the finale of Parenthood..:May we stay forever young:)
      Bisous x

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  42. Monique, Your blog has always inspired me from the first time I found you. You had me at Hello.. Happy 900th!!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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