Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A Domestic Goddess Giveaway!

***Giveaway is closed…will be back soon with the winner!***

Hello, my friends!

Hope your day is going well… Got a little giveaway fun for you today!

But first, a little card I made last night to get our theme going here…(it’s been dark, gloomy & rainy here…sorry about the photos!)

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The Domestic Goddess in all her kitchen glory—complete with wings!  One of my favorite images in the “Domestic Goddess” Creative Scraps by Crafty Secrets

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Didn’t do too much to this one…just some aging of papers and seam binding with “Vintage Photo” ink, and some framing with Platinum Stickles…

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…and some perfect vintage jade-like buttons to finish it off!

Today’s post will be a little bit different.  I’m so excited to introduce you to a true Domestic Goddess…and one of my very best friends—Barb Romero.

Barb is one of the most talented and interesting women I know…She was a theater major in college, and is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever heard…can enthrall a room full of wiggly  children in an instant.  

A  professional seamstress, she excels in costume design, (has been called on to make or alter beautiful wedding gowns!), interior design, gardener extroardinaire…

…and is also an expert on wildlife—she’s my boss at our County Park’s nature center—what a joy to be able to teach the school children of our area with her!

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(Here’s what one of our typical “work” days looks like—not bad, huh?!)

But best of all, Barb and I share a love of  our family histories and all things vintage—I so wish you could see her house—one of my favorite places to visit…oh, and her garden…aaahhhh!

Well, this wonderfully talented friend of mine is now in business with her daughter, Brynna (very talented as well—creates the most beautiful clothing for girls!), and is offering up her beautiful, vintage-inspired aprons in their Etsy shop, “Varinia Rose”…

Barb with aprons

Here’s what Barb said about her inspiration:

“One of my many memories of childhood was wearing a very large and very long apron that covered all of my Sunday clothes. It actually did hit the floor but I never got one spot on my Sunday best.

“I later found out from my mother (Granny Ann) that this had been one of her mother's aprons, so years ago, I very carefully unpicked this worn and faded turkey red and blue apron apart and started making them.

“Before I knew it my sister got into the mix and we'd spread a tiny bit of our history to the women in the family. I did take another batch to a church Christmas fair and realized that I had a good item! So, after taking one deep breath I'm ready to share them on “Varinia Rose”.

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“Each one is a little different. The aprons are made from 100% cotton decorator fabric…

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“…the aprons are French seamed to prevent fraying. The binding is made from a coordinating decorator fabric. They are machine washable and have a tie in the back just in case you want it to fit a little snugger. I usually just pull it over my head and ‘go’!”

Another page for my heritage scrapbook made last night, inspired by Barb and her new venture…

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Apron-inspired, of course…two more of my favorite Domestic Goddesses…my two great-grandmothers, Mary & Pauline—sharing a piece of pie on Pauline’s front porch…girlhood friends, their children joined in marriage, neighbors, lifetime friends…

…so happy to have this beloved family image now a part of Crafty Secrets’ “Vintage Photo” Creative Scraps…

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I also used elements from “Domestic Goddess” Creative Scraps for this layout—a bit of the collage for background (complete with a recipe for “Fairy Cake”—yum!)…popped-up an apron just for fun…

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…some framing with Platinum Stickles and a bit of rick-rack trim, of course!

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And some perfectly perfect plastic vintage buttons found in my button jar—two of them with rhinestones—love them!

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Now for the fun!

To get Barb and Brynna kicked off in their new shop adventure, I’m going to have a little giveaway here…

* One of Granny Ann’s fabulous aprons…

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* “Domestic Goddess” Creative Scraps

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* “Homemade” Images & Journal Notes booklet

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and

* “Little Chef” stamp set

SS05 Little Chef

A big thanks to Sandy, the lovely owner of Crafty Secrets, for donating these items for our giveaway!

All you have to do is leave a comment here to be entered—nothing fancy!

Leave a second comment if you’re a follower, and be entered twice…

Leave a third comment telling me you’ve been to visit Barb at Varinia Rose and be entered three times!

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That’s it!  I’ll choose a winner using Random Number Generator on Friday, Feb. 18th at midnight.

Well, that’s it for me today—thanks for joining me for some Domestic Goddess fun!

Julie

120 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, how wonderful it would be to win!! I love her aprons! All of the craft supplies would surely find home here with me :) Xoxoxo

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  2. I am of course a follower!

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  3. Her Etsy shop I have already "favorited", The gilrs clothing is adorable! Thanks again for this chance :) Happy Valentine's day Xoxoxo 1942charm.blogspot.com

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  4. Hey Julie, cute card! I'm always amazed at all of your family photos!! Great job!

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  5. These look terrific.Thanks so much for sharing.

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  6. I did visit the etsy shop this morning. The aprons are wonderful, I remember my mom wearing
    an apron similiar to those. Thanks for the chance in your drawing.

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  7. I've been a follower for quite some time but just made it official today!! Take care and keep sharing your wonderful family history with us.

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  8. What a fantastic giveaway. Good luck to them and their shop. xx

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  9. What a sweet story. I never knew you had such a wonderful job working with such great people. I love your card {as always} and I adore the aprons. I paid a visit to Varinia and fell in love with all of the aprons. French seams!

    What a great giveaway, very generous. I am a happy follower!

    XO,
    Jane

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  10. Oh Julie, this is such a darling post! You know how I feel about our ancestors too and always love reading what you share and seeing your fabulous photos of them... I love wearing an apron!... I always have, maybe because they remind me too of happy times in my mama's and grandma's kitchens... I visited Varinia Rose and love everything, especially those little peasant dresses for little girls!... I am a faithful follower of yours as well!... please enter me in your generous giveaway... Happy Valentines Day to you!... xoxo Julie Marie PS I LOVE people who love Nature too!

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  11. Sorry, I left it all in one comment... ok, I am a faithful follower!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  12. Sorry I didn't get it right the first time!... I visited Varinia Rose... I love everything, especially the little peasant girl dresses!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  13. Oh Julie!
    This is the first time I have seen "new" aprons that remind me exactly of my grandmothers!!!!! They are so perfectly vintage and right! Thank you for having this give-away! ALl kinds of wonderful goodies! I hope I am the lucky one! Thank you and Happy Valentines Day! Sandy

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  14. I am totally hooked on your blog. :) You're such an inspiration!!!

    What a fun and generous give-away!

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  15. i'm a 'follower', and you're in my googlereader. ;)

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  16. Great giveaway. Please, please enter me. I need that apron. LOL

    Have a God Filled Day

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  17. I am a faithful "follower".

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

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  18. What an adorable collection of clothing and of course those lovely aprons. My grandmother had one very much like them.

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

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  19. Julie,
    I am, too! This was such a charming post and your friend sounds like an amazing woman! Happy Valentines Day and thank you for your lovely blog and your lovely self!
    xo,
    Suz

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  20. i have been looking for aprons like these...i'm so excited about the giveaway! love their ety shop!!

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  21. Your cards are so pretty this week...i love all the little retro images, and fairy cake...oh my!

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  22. that is a nice "office" you get to work at!!

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  23. Hi Julie,

    Fantastic giveaway...count me in!

    Meri

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  24. I am a follower, so here's my second chance.

    Meri

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  25. The shop is wonderful, and I would just love to have one of the aprons, so here's my number three entry.

    Hugs,
    Meri

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  26. Oh my gosh--this is amazing!!! I love aprons and this is such a precious post.

    This is such a special chance for someone to have a beautiful handmade gift.

    Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day, Julie!!!
    Xo
    Cindy

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  27. Oh Julie!
    How I love it...ALL! The card! The Domestic Goddess card is perfect...aqua, red, the look of confusion on the cooks face! Oh it is so perfectly ME! lol

    The green apron is a dream...the prizes...to drool for!

    LOVE the new look of your blog too...lovely!

    Hugs dear friend!
    Paula Clare

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  28. Oh Julie, you always have the most adorable post... Your friend sounds very talented... and what pretty aprons she makes!!!
    Hugs~~ Daphne

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  29. I visited Varinia Rose, she has such lovely things~~ I especially love the little girl dresses!!! Thanks for entering me in your wonderful giveaway!
    Blessings~~~ Daphne

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  30. It's always so nice to pop by your blog and see your wonderful creations and find out more about your ancestors and how they inspire you. And now it's a treat to meet one of your talented friends, I'm off to go check out her Etsy store!

    Kat :)

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  31. Happy Valentine's Day. What a wonderful giveaway. The apron reminds me of my dear grandma's. Have a blessed day!

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  32. Love the darling girls dresses and beautiful aprons!

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  33. Another great "historical" post, Julie! All so interesting! Love your page, too!

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  34. I'm a follower, of course! Now off to see their Etsy shop!

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  35. Oh, wow! Love the chocolate orange dress and the precious baby girl dress! What lovely work they do!

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  36. Those aprons are so adorable. My grandma had some just like them. Loved the cowboy and schoolteacher love story! You're so lucky to know so much about your ancestors. Hope your V day was wonderful. Mimi

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  37. Love their Etsy shop. I have several things on my mother's day wish list. Mimi

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  38. Your cards and domestic scrapbook pages are fabulous!
    Those aprons are beautiful! They remind me of my mother who never lets me in the kitchen without an apron!
    Mercedes

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  39. I am an avid follower of your inspirational blog!
    Mercedes

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  40. Julie, I love both of your newest cards. Your talent never ceases to amaze me. You are so beautifully creative! I had a nice look at Barb's etsy shop as well. What a lovely assortment of aprons and little girls dresses. I wish I had a grand-daughter to spoil! Another wonderfully creative woman! OH, and a beautiful giveaway! I would love to win it! I just adore it all! Love and hugs to you from sunny, but cool UK this morning! xxoo

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  41. Second comment to say I, too, am an avid follower of yours!

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  42. Third comment to say I have taken a look at Barb's work and favourited her shop on my Esty!

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  43. What a sweet giveaway...Your cards and domestic scrapbook pages are awesome...
    and those aprons are beautiful...
    Have a Blessed day
    Tonja

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  44. I took a look at Barb's Esty shop and have favorite it and some aprons...
    Tonja

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  45. Love the pics and the aprons and they bring back so many memories of growing up.

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  46. ....and, I went to her Etsy shop!

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  47. I've been a huge fan of anything Crafty Secrets for a long time - they have such wonderful papercrafting goodies! And I am a HUGE apron-o-holic, so I'm totally in love with those aprons! Thanks for the chance to win! Becky G. in GA

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  48. And I've been a follower of yours for quite a while, as well!

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  49. And I visited the etsy shop - oh, how I love that peasant dress and the aprons - very sweet!

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  50. I am a vintage chic too only I think even more vintage then you!! I saw your blog name on Gracie owns me blog, Bobbi.... and was ready to see if you really are a vintage chic or not!!
    So far almost 2 years I have been blogging and have not found anyone older the me!!!
    I use to sew all the time but can't see very good anymore.
    Come and visit with me and we will see who is oldest! lol
    x Fern

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  51. Well Julie you are the best card maker I've seen and I love this retro kitchen stuff and could use this. A lot of give aways I'm just not interested in as I don't need more stuff you know but this is for tag, card and scrapping how fun I love to do that !!
    I checked Barb out and her little Etsy shop how sweet.

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  52. Best of luck to Barb and Brynna in the new venture! (this is not an entry to the draw since I'm lucky enough to have most of those things already and you don't want to be mailing across the Pond in any case, just a "good luck" message!)

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  53. im a follower thanks for the chance to win, just adore your blog
    chrissy o
    x

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  54. hi julie,

    what a sweet giveaway!

    xo
    elyse

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  55. What a great post and what a fun give away!

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  56. Just visited her Etsy site...what beautiful fabrics!

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  57. I must agree with the others who have left comments. The Granny Ann's Aprons are exactly what both of my Grandmother's wore each and EVERY day.
    Well, they DID take part of Sunday to go to church, without her apron. But...they were right back ON to get "the Sunday dinner" {pronounced in N.E. ease...Din nah} on the supper {sup pah}table!

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  58. Oh...and Julie {it is o.k. if I call you Julie? Since I've been following your blog for a while I almost feel like we're neighbors...in the blog world sort of way} ;)

    I have discovered many apron patterns from my Mother's and Grandmother's collection. I have also managed to save a couple of aprons from each generation! I love them. But love remembering the PERSON who originally wore them! {sigh}

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  59. Did I mention how CUTE the winged Diva Kitchen Goddess card was! You have such creative ideas! Thanks for sharing!

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  60. Julie, I love the sweet card you made. It looks very much like your blog. Happy colors and patterns and lots of details.
    What a pleasure to have a boss that you enjoy spending time with. How fun that the two of you have common interests. I love Barb's aprons and the fact that her and her daughter are in business together. Such a wonderful thing to share.Barb sounds like a very interesting person. Well rounded in the creative area.
    I am a follower of yours already.
    I visited Barb's etsy shop and it is full of cute little girl pillowcase dresses, too.
    Thanks for 3 chances to win. I would love an apron. I have yet to find a good one.
    Have a wonderful evening.
    Tammy
    tlsprinkle@yahoo.com

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  61. Adorable post,
    Julie! Makes me
    want to run and
    put on an apron,
    right this second : )
    I don't know what's
    cuter, your creation
    to celebrate Barb's
    aprons or Barb's aprons
    that inspired your creation!
    xx Suzanne

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  62. Darling shop. I
    think that the sage
    and white apron has
    P&H written all over
    it, don't you??
    xx S

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  63. What a wonderful giveaway! I love your blog and your talent with your cards! I have some of the Domestic Goddess paper and LOVE it!

    Jessica Roth

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  64. Wow! I love apron what a wonderful etsy site and I love her aprons!

    Jessica Roth

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  65. If only those aprons could speak! Love your story. I'm so glad to find out that you are another "TALL" gal! It would be so wonderful if we could meet on one of my trips to California! HUGS!
    Charlene

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  66. I've finally made it to Varinia Rose - so many beautiful things!
    Mercedes

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  67. Love the design of the apron. I grew up around aprons as well. My grandmother and my mom still wears a smock type of apron. Every Sunday she takes off her church clothes and puts on her apron. Aprons give warm memories. Thanks for sharing her memories!!

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  68. I am also a follower of your blog. I enjoy every posting!

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  69. Also have visited Varinia Rose!!! That makes three!!!

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  70. Hello Julie,
    What a great giveaway!!
    I love the card you made it is precious!!!
    Thank you!
    Suzann ~xoxo~

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  71. Also I am a follower of your blog :)
    Suzann ~xoxo~

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  72. I visited Virinia Rose
    Thanks!
    Suzann ~xoxo~

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  73. I remember these style of aprons cause my Grandmother always wore an apron. I would love to win this one.

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  74. I am also a follower of your blog.

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  75. I'm your newest follower and would love to be entered!

    Come by and visit with me sometime!

    Ciao Bella!

    Creative Carmelina

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  76. I enjoyed meeting Barb. Thank you for introducing her! This is such a great giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity to win. Have a great day! Twyla

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  77. Julie, It truly is so lovely to read about your friend. You can tell from your words how much she means to you. What a treasure as well to know someone who shares your love of family history. I always enjoy those posts the best. Hoping your school lessons in the park go well this year, Elizabeth

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  78. OH MY GOSH! What a WONDERFUL BLOG you have Julie and I can't believe I never found your blog before this! Thank you for entering my contest and for becoming a follower as well...I'm flattered. This visit is extra special because for one...I have been away from scrap-booking for at least 4 years and have been wanting to get back to it but just haven't found the right motivation ...until now....AND I LOVE aprons! I wear one every day. Not only that...but I have been looking for a smock apron for a while now and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for...until NOW! What perfect timing! As soon as I send this off I will pop on over to Barb and Brynna's web site and see what they have. I know I'll have fun. Thank you so much for stopping by and I'm VERY happy to have 'met' you. Have a wonderful day.
    Maura :)

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  79. Oh I'm definitely a follower now...love your blog!
    Maura :)

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  80. Julie I was just over at Varinia Rose and looked at the girls items....I LOVE those aprons. They 'do-up' exactly the way want...here in Kansas it gets VERY hot in the summer so it's nice to not have a tie at the waist making you even hotter. I also like that it has a tie that you can do up loosely so it doesn't slip off your shoulders while you work bending over...PERFECT! Love the ties and the little dresses too....very nice indeed. Thank you for sharing your friends with us! Enjoy your day.
    Maura :)

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  81. I love your blog! I too am a Domestic Goddess fan. Loved your card!

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  82. I visited Varinia Rose and those aprons would make awesome gifts. Barb is so talented!

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  83. Im a first time visitor and your blog is charming and wonderful! :)

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  84. That is a darling apron..love them! And you know I follow! :D

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  85. Golly, Julie... I'm your 96th "commentor"! Everyone just knows how sweet you are.
    It's my husband's birthday so we are headed to eat his favorite meal.. "Cabrito" - goat!
    I've truly been swamped these past couple of weeks so haven't been able to visit as often as I like. Love the apron info!! Your graphic at the top is one of my favorites. I've used it too... when I told about my mother using her Sunbeam mixer and then she telling me that she was going to have a baby. That was in 1953.
    Take care, dear friend!
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  86. so sweet of you to do a give-away, julie.

    fingers crossed. the apron is darling.

    xo
    ~molly

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  87. i'm a follower too, of course.

    by the way, i've a give-away going too. i would love to have you enter.

    xo
    ~molly

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  88. love your blog julie! I'm putting together a scrap book cook book and those little gifties would go perfectly in it! Also the aprons broght back memories for me of my great aunt Ruth and my great aunt Ester! they wore aprons just like those!
    have a great night!
    hugs
    vivian

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  89. I just found you a few days ago...enter me in your contest.

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  90. and Please enter me a 2nd time b/c I am already a follower.

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  91. Yes, I visited her shop. those aprons surely remind me of my grandma. If I am cooking a big dinner (not very often) I like to wear a full apron. thanks for the chances to win!

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  92. Hello Julie!
    Your Friend Barb sounds like a Wonderfully Talented Sweet Lady! I Love Her Aprons! I will be going over to her Esty to have a Peek! I love aprons. I call them my Adult Bibs! Lol!
    Thank you for your Visit and Sweet Comments. I I think I might need to Change my Button. I am not Liking the Black around it. Thank you for posting it on your Blog!
    Have a Happy Wednesday!
    Hugs
    Jill

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  93. I am Headed over Right now to visit her Etsy Store!
    Yay!
    Hugs
    Jill

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  94. Hi Julie,
    Love the page you made using your beloved "Mary and Pauline" image. It is so wonderful to see that precious image again. I'm so excited about your giveaway, seeing as I go gaga over aprons. :)
    Maureen

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  95. You know, I'm honored to be a follower!

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  96. Been over to "Varinia Rose." Lovely aprons, just darling!
    Maureen

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  97. Looking at your two grandmothers in their aprons reminded me of my own childhood when my siblings, cousins & I used to take the aprons out of my grandma's kitchen drawer & play dress-up in them. It occurs to me now she must have had to rewash and re-iron all those aprons, but she never said a word!

    kathy.bruner@hotmail.com

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  98. I follow you on GFC as lakecorv aka kathy.bruner

    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    kathy.bruner@hotmail.com

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  99. I visited Varinia Rose for a little walk down memory lane!

    kathy.bruner@hotmail.com

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  100. Oh I love your blog and would love to win!

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  101. I love your card and the Crafty Secrets line! Unfortunately we do not have Crafty Secrets products in any of my local stores. This giveaway would be a great opportunity to try their products!

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  102. I'm now a follower and commenting for an extra entry to win this fab giveaway!

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  103. Such cuteness all around! Love it!

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  104. Hi Julie, I am a new follower; your blog is fantastic...

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  105. I visited their shop, very pretty items. Wish them well...

    cardsandmorebygigi@gmail.com

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  106. so i am here for the first time; i saw your link as one of the winners on OWOH...what a geat event that was....

    cardsandmorebygigi@gmail.com

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  107. reminds me of the aprons my grandma used to wear...ALL THE TIME, she had one on.
    what a lovely memory it surfaced for me

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  108. Be still my heart!! Winning this giveaway would be like winning the lottery. Vintage red goodness for my kitchen!! And Barb's aprons brought back memories of my great-grandmother who lived in the country. Family reunions were so wonderful in those days.
    Please count me in for the drawing...I am a new follower, and I went to Barb's site and I'm going to go back! So glad I discovered your blog.

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