Tuesday, November 1, 2011

2nd Blogiversary {+ Giveaway!}

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2 years ago I hit "publish" on my 1st little post on this blog. Now, I'm so thankful that I did! If I hadn't started blogging, I may have never:

1) Applied myself at developing photography skills. My interest in photography really started when I was trying to take pictures of food with my 4-year-old 5 megapixel point-and-shoot!

2) Finished the 30 Day Shred after having my 1st baby. You guys helped keep me accountable!

3) Met Sarah, Christine, Amanda, Mandy, Kathy, Robin, and so many other lovely ladies.

4) Documented half of the sweet moments from our life over the last two years that are recorded on this blog.

5) Purposefully tried to have some sort of adventure or tackle something new each week. Like mulberry picking, canning jam, cooking Thai food, or container gardening.

6) Reconnected with childhood friends like Jodi.

7) Started a twitter account. I thought twitter was ridiculous/confusing. Like any social media, it can be a time waster if you don't watch out, but used wisely, it's a fun tool for connecting. And it's definitely useful for connecting with other bloggers.

8) Learned the basics of freezer cooking from bloggers like Once A Month Mom, Money Saving Mom, and Life As Mom.

9) Forced myself to write. My posts are not poetic or perfectly formed. I aim to simply say what I'm thinking. But, of course, attempting to do that has pushed me to work on communicating more clearly. And to try not to say the word "amazing" or "really" 20 times in one post.

10) Formed relationships with you, my readers. Thanks for your comments, new ideas, encouragement, advice, recipes, and sweet emails.

After attending Blissdom early this year, my blogging goals changed. I'm not stressed by trying to monetize my blog or meet a lot of the "blogging standards" that float around out there. My blog works around our life, and it's a comfortable fit. I typically have at least 5 posts in my head that I'd like to write when I have the chance...but all in good time. Meanwhile, the truly important parts of my life are not neglected.

So! In celebration of two years here at Alicia's Homemaking, I'm having a giveaway! There are two different prizes up for grabs, the 1st being this fun bird's nest charm that I made myself (get out!).

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Bird's nest charm, approx 3/4 inch in diameter.
The second item is a $20 giftcard to Starbucks...one of my favorite places to get away and have some time alone.

There will be two winners (one person will win the charm and one will win the giftcard). To enter, simply comment on this post and make sure to include your email address.

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):
  • Subscribe to Alicia's Homemaking via email or RSS.
I'm looking forward to the next year!



Linked to Top Ten Tuesday.

P.S. Honestly, my nose is not as big as it looks in that picture! Haha...
P.S.S. This giveaway will run through November 16, 2011!
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132 comments:

  1. Happy blog anniversary! I didn't realize you've only been blogging a couple months longer than I have. So now I know how popular my blog could be if I had really been focused on it. :)

    That bird's nest charm is really impressive!

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  2. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted the giveaway.

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  3. And I follow on Facebook as Newlywed Trek.

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  4. Happy blogiversary! I love the charm--will you post how to make it??

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  5. I follow by e-mail now, but I really prefer my old-fashioned method of vising all my bookmarked blogs every morning :-) Not on Twitter--I still think it's silly like you did :-)

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  6. Love the necklace and the gc!!!!

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  7. I follow on twitter!

    molly@littlestorieseverywhere.com

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  8. I follow on FB!

    molly@littlestorieseverywhere.com

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  9. I subscribe via Google reader

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  10. I like you on FB!

    angelmama1209 @ yahoo . com (same for above comment)

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  11. I subscribe via Google reader.

    Happy Blogiversary!

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  12. Oh, and I follow by RSS too. Forgot that one.

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  13. Congrats!! I'm so glad you started your blog, it's one of my favorites!! steph4given@yahoo.com

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  14. Happy blog anniversary. I enjoy so many of your posts.
    Lindsaylou_19@yahoo.com

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  15. I follow you in my Google Reader as well.
    Lindsaylou_19@yahoo.com

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  16. I love your blog, read every post :)
    Candacekirk@gmail.com

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  17. And I'm a follower on Facebook :)

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  18. I subscribe via RSS! I love your blog :-)

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  19. I'd love to win :)
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

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  20. I have always loved and admired you Alicia! Congrats on 2 years of blogging. I follow you on facebook, both through your blog as well as through just your personal page. :)

    pinknurse2008@yahoo.com

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  21. Alicia, happy blogiversary! Haha, that's a funny word. I can't believe you made that charm. It's awesome! Did the one you bought on etsy inspire you? Anywho, I'd love to win it ;) or the giftcard of course. Love you!

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  22. I didn't know you had a facebook page. Liked it! :)

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  23. I recently found your blog thru a friend and have enjoyed it! You are inspiring me to set weekly goals for myself, something I never did before. Thanks for a great blog!

    nickelnotes@gmail.com

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  24. Hi Alicia! I found you at the Top Ten Tuesday link. I just started blogging in August, so there are times when I wonder how long I can keep it up! I appreciated your list, and, like you, I'm glad to have a reason to write, and I like documenting our lives. Congrats on your two years!

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  25. I am so happy you published that first post too! It has been so wonderful forming a friendship with you {and even more wonderful meeting you face to face this year!}. Your blog is such a blessing to me and others I am certain. I always feel cheery and happy after visiting {though I do wish we lived closer so we could chat in person}.

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  26. Alicia! You are such an encouragement to me whether it be here on your blog or in lifegroup. I am so happy to have you around in my life! Happy Blogiversary! Cheers to many more years of exciting moments to share with all your friends! :-)

    Angela (abakidis@gmail.com)

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  27. I am following you on facebook! :-)

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  28. And I subscribed via email! Can you tell I really want some starbucks? ;-)

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  29. Wow, it seems like you have been blogging much longer than two years! Happy blogiversery :) I subscribe via email.

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  30. I follow you on Facebook :)

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  31. What a great list, happy blogiversary! I've enjoyed getting to know you here too!

    That charm is amazing, way to go Alicia! That's the one I want!

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  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  33. I follow you on Twitter and just tweeted the giveaway!

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  34. Happy Bolgiversary! I'm so grateful you started blogging two years ago. Your posts are always engaging and encouraging. Thank you for the time you've put into this blog.

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  35. I'm subscribed via Google reader...

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  36. I liked you on FB... :-)

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  37. Happy 2 Year Blogiversary!
    That is a really sweet charm :-) Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with readers like me!

    dreamajeanie@gmail.com

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  38. I'm a follower on twitter! Retweeted your tweet about the blogiversary giveaway.

    @dreamajeantet

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  39. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

    I feel honored to have made the list on #3. You are truly an amazing lady, mama, and blogger. Your growth in both blogging and motherhood and the intentionality with which you conduct your life are such a blessing to watch. Honored to know you. Proud to call you bloggy friend.

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  40. Congratulations on your 2nd Blogiversary!! :)

    thriftysarah(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. I'm a subscriber with Google Reader.

    thriftysarah(at)gmail(dot)com

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  42. Happy blogiversary!!! That is so exciting! Love your list!

    joycelau319 at yahoo dot com

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  43. RSS subscriber

    joycelau319 at yahoo dot com

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  44. FB follower

    joycelau319 at yahoo dot com

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  45. Happy Blogiversary!! I'm so impressed you made that precious charm!!! And I want it! LOL!!! :)

    sweetdarlin 25 at yahoo dot com

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  46. Happy blogiversary to you! So excited about your future posts and this giveaway!
    hmexecutive@yahoo dot com

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  47. Heather jandhwilloughby@yahoo.comNovember 2, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Happy Blogiversary. Time flies so fast. Thank you for taking the time to be an encouragement to all of us. Do you remember Chip's sermon about Shamgar and his oxgoad?

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  48. Well, I already subscribe to your feed. The necklace is gorgeous. Can you tell us all how you made it??? That would make a great Christmas gift for one of my daughters and also I'm a big fan of Starbucks too! Love their Pumpkin Spice Latte!

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  49. Congratulations! I've been enjoying the journey! :-)

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  50. Subscribe via RSS

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  51. Follow via FB

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  52. Follow you via twitter

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  53. I enjoy your posts, especially because they're often so useful! Thanks for sharing :)

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  54. Happy Blogiversery! I really enjoy your blog Alicia. I subscribe via email. brooks.katie85@gmail.com

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  55. I also follow you on Facebook.
    brooks.katie85@gmail.com

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  56. I love you blog. I always look forward to all your posts! Happy blogiversary!

    Estella
    rohme@trinity-health.org

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  57. I follow via email!

    Estella
    rohme@trinity-health.org

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  58. I follow you on facebook!

    Estella
    rohme@trinity-health.org

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  59. Happy Blogiversaryyyyyyy!!! You are such an inspiration!

    Mandy
    MandyFinstad@gmail.com

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  60. RSS subscriber

    Carmen Q
    nemesis_33012 at yahoo dot com

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  61. Love Starbucks!


    Carmen Q
    nemesis_33012 at yahoo dot com

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  62. Twitter follower and tweeted


    Carmen Q
    nemesis_33012 at yahoo dot com

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  63. FB follower


    Carmen Q
    nemesis_33012 at yahoo dot com

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  64. Happy blog anniversary! Thanks for this giveaway!

    egholtrop at gmail dot com

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  65. I subscribe with RSS.

    egholtrop at gmail dot com

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  66. the charm is really cute and i would love to win this giveaway i love iced coffee

    renelmiller803@yahoo.com

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  67. Congratulations on the Blogiversary! It would be awesome to win either prize!

    clintsgirl612@yahoo.com

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  68. I'm a follower on Facebook!

    clintsgirl612@yahoo.com

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  69. Congratulations on two years blogging!
    What a lovely giveaway!
    monk5 at charter dot net

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  70. Fun giveaway!
    reklaw422 at hotmail dot com

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  71. Your blog is in the list of my favorite blogs to read, and that list has gotten alot shorter over the past year :) I love the personal-ness that comes through your blog, so many that I used to read have "gone big" and aren't as personal anymore. Keep up the great blogging! ( mhershey84 {at} yahoo {dot} com )

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  72. And I do follow you on Facebook ;)

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  73. I read you everyday..Love your blog!

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  74. I read you everyday...Love your blog!
    Paula (amishwoman49@ hotmail.com)

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  75. Happy Anniversary! I stumbled across your blog this week & I can't wait to follow you from now on!

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  76. Congrats on your bloggiversary! I'm inspired by your words every week!!!

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  77. Great giveaway! The charm is adorable and who doesnt love Starbucks?

    cjkj08 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  78. Thanks for the chance and congrats on such a great blog! :)

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  79. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  80. tweeted and follow @deegee13

    https://twitter.com/#!/DeeGee13/status/133043688183042048

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  81. fb fan Dee G

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  82. rss subscriber :)

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  83. I like the birds nest.
    mummytocharis at yahoo dot com

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  84. E-mail subscriber.
    mummytocharis at yahoo dot com

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  85. Like your Facebook page (Sarah Jane).
    mummytocharis at yahoo dot com

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  86. Twitter follower (@mummytocharis) and Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/mummytocharis/status/133752486677856256
    mummytocharis at yahoo dot com

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  87. congrats on your anniversary - good job!
    Hope I win the gift card!
    luckyseattlemom at gmail dot com

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  88. I like you on facebook under Jl Johnson
    luckyseattlemom at gmail dot com

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  89. RSS feed subscriber
    luckyseattlemom at gmail dot com

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  90. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary and your achievements!

    Teresa
    tmhewson a tidewater dot net

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  91. Beautiful charm! I LOVE starbucks!

    dawnj22@hotmail (dot) com

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  92. That is so cute! :) I like.

    gitrecca at gmail dot com

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  93. Congratulations to you! I'd love to win :-) Star kirbyfive at att dot net

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  94. Congrats and thanks for the giveaway! brightbird@gmail.com

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  95. I'm a new facebook fan. brightbird@gmail.com

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  96. Fun giveaway - thank you for the chance to win!
    tyson 2468 at charter dot net

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  97. RSS subscriber via google reader :)
    tyson 2468 at charter dot net

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  98. Following you via twitter and tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/#!/HeidiHMc/status/134155030826713088
    tyson 2468 at charter dot net

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  99. Thanks so much!

    Laurasu82 at yahoo.com

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  100. Happy blogiversary! hpb157@yahoo.com

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  101. I like you on fb! hpb157@yahoo.com

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  102. This is a great giveaway :) I've been wanting a birds nest ring for years, and this is so cute as a pendant!

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  103. Oops, and I realized, in case the gveaway isn't over, that this is my email:
    hanlonrunner at yahoo dot com
    I'm following you on facebook now!

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  104. I'd love to win! Yay!
    jenn
    jmlbettinger at yahoo dot com

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  105. I'm a facebook follower!
    jenn
    jmlbettinger at yahoo dot com

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  106. Happy Anniversary! Love the charm, and Starbucks! What a great giveaway.

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  107. It was fun to read about all the ways you've grown through your blogging experience!
    bkittie@hotmail.com

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  108. I've enjoyed reading your blog for the past year or so, watching your little boy grow, learning homemaking with you.

    That nest charm is soooo darling! I'm impressed!

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  109. Yay! Could be so helpful!! :)

    hayhay1091@yahoo.com

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  110. Congrats on your 2nd blog anniversary! Thanks for the generous give away.

    -April
    aprjames12@aol.com

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  111. Mmmm...Starbucks. I feel the need to get a latte.

    ms.tallahassee at g mail dot com

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  112. congrats!
    feh79 at yahoo dot com

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  113. Congratulations! I'm glad you've grown so much from blogging.

    Laura Lane
    lane.family at yahoo.com

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  114. Congrtulations and love the necklace!

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  115. Thank you for the opportunity.
    rbjj32825[at]lycos[dot]com

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