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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Thursday, December 15, 2011

I won this gift

Spice Girl safely guarding my gift

My father used fondly say in his Irish accent "Ah sure I would not win an argument not to mind a prize".
Well dear father I won a beautiful giveaway. I will toast the memory of both you and my mother as we dine, in style, this weekend.


Kathysue from Good Life Design offered this generous giveaway and I was the lucky winner.  Today the package arrived in the mail.  The door bell rang and Spice Girl barked. She has agreed to securely guard my gift and know she will be rewarded too.  The gift is the makings of a delicious dinner, one just needs to buy the protein.  I selected Beirut, Lebanon as my choice of dinner. The company Destinationdinners


She will receive her reward on Sunday

Our plan is to have six friends for dinner on Sunday and yes, I will use, my finest silver, Waterford Crystal and Crown Derby Dishes.  Recipes are included in the gift and we are going to serve Kibbeh Bil-saneeeyeh (Baked Spiced Lamb)

Thank you Kathysue from Good Life of Design  and Destination Dinners for this fabulous giveaway.


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73 comments:

  1. Jane and Lance HattattDecember 15, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    Hello Helen:
    Lucky you, and fortunate the guests who will be whisked away to the Middle East with the Baked Spiced Lamb dish. It all sounds wonderfully exotic and delicious, made more so, we are sure, through being served in such elegant style. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!![That is if Spice Girl does not get there first!!!!]

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  2. JessieDecember 15, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Congratulations, what a fun prize to win! I love your dinnerware, it's beautiful!

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  3. MrsLittleJeansDecember 15, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Congratulations Helen! What a clever idea and great company...I will be sure to check it out. Meanwhile that Spice Girl has won my heart and my eyes are bedazzled with your China! Enjoy the evening. The dinner plan sounds delicious! xx

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  4. KathysueDecember 15, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Helen I am so glad you like your gift. I know you will enjoy sharing it with your friends. They do a beautiful presentation box and I know you will have fun fixing a wonderful dinner with all the exotic ingredients. xo Kathysue

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  5. fashion and frankDecember 15, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Ooh sounds yummy - lucky you - but hey how gorgeous are your dishes - my mum has a load of antique royal crown derby and it is beautiful - i think she would be most envious of your dining set xx

    btw i totally agree with your comment today - really interesting point of view and one i thoroughly concur with x

    http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/

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  6. Lacey RDecember 15, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Sounds like it will be a great evening!! Can you post the recipe?

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  7. MadeliefDecember 15, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Dear Helen,

    What a delicious sounding give-away you won! Like you I enjoy Lebanese food too. You made a good choice.

    Your Crown Derby dishes and crystal look beautiful. Very chique!!

    Wish you a happy evening!

    Madelief x

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  8. Louise @ INGREDIENTSDecember 15, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Congratulations! That looks like a fun prize! Spice Girl looks very pleased ;-)

    Your table setting is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos.

    all the best,
    Louise

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  9. Jacqueline @ HOMEDecember 15, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Oh Helen,
    What a wonderful giveaway to win and also to share.
    I wish you and your fellow diners a very special evening......you can't beat good food, wine and good company.
    ENJOY !! XXXX

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  10. Lisa GordonDecember 15, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Oh my goodness Helen, how wonderful this is!
    Congratulations on winning, and have a wonderful dinner.

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  11. LynneDecember 15, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Helen!
    How sweet is your Spice Girl! I love her name. She is a beauty!

    Your beautiful dishes and crystal are perfectly elegant for your "winning dinner" party.

    My Irish heritage allows me to truly appreciate your father's poetic words. I hear his brogue in your writing.
    ~Lynne
    [w/L]

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  12. julie feddersonDecember 15, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful prize! No wonder the Spice Girl is so intrigued!

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  13. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Good for you Helen! Be sure and post when that magnificent meal is served on that exquisite china!

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  14. Elizabeth Rose StantonDecember 15, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Lucky you! Your Imari china is gorgeous...fitting for such a feast! PS Is Spice Girl a beagle?

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  15. Heather RobinsonDecember 16, 2011 at 2:21 AM

    Hooray! You are most certainly a deserving winner. And that china is simply jaw-droppingly beautiful!

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  16. MiseDecember 16, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    What a lovely win, and what fun you and your guests will have with the Lebanese experience. Kibbeh Bil-saneeeyeh sounds like a wise and serious blessing - perhaps it would double duty as a toast from the Waterford Crystal on Sunday?

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  17. Tish JettDecember 16, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Oh Helen, That sounds divine.

    Your table is beautiful, but then again you are an artist.

    I have a crush on Spice Girl.

    xo,
    Tish

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  18. La Petite GalleryDecember 16, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Helen congrats,
    love the dinnerware, is it imari?
    That sounds so interesting,
    different countries. It was
    packaged so lovely. Give a hug to your darling dog for me.

    yvonne

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  19. La Petite GalleryDecember 16, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Helen congrats,
    love the dinnerware, is it imari?
    That sounds so interesting,
    different countries. It was
    packaged so lovely. Give a hug to your darling dog for me.

    yvonne

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  20. RDA Pony TalesDecember 16, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Congratulations Helen!
    What a wonderful gift to receive. And I feel sure you are going to have a splendid evening with your friends on Sunday.

    I absolutely adore Spice Girl, please send her many pats from me.

    Thank you for the lovely story about your father and Eileen. All horses are healing, but clydesdales are very special.

    Hugs,
    Abby xx

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  21. 24 CornersDecember 16, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Such an interesting gift...and a wonderful idea! I hope you will have a place set at the dining table for Spice Girl...after all, she did such a marvelous job of gaurding the prize, and obviuosly really loves Lebanese food!
    Enjoy...
    xo J~

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  22. Val's alentejo blogDecember 16, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    What a great idea. Your table will look beautiful Helen With your crown derby..and waterford,its sure to be a grand affair.
    Lebanese food, what a great choice.
    Spice girl, must have a special place too..
    Looking forward to seeing the photos..
    Have a wonderful evening.
    val

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  23. AngeDecember 16, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Mmm a delicious win. I'll raise my glass to that :)
    Merry Christmas and enjoy the evening.

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  24. Louise @ INGREDIENTSDecember 16, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Hi Helen, I just wanted to let you know that you have been given a Blog Award! See my post here!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    all the best,
    Louise

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  25. Genie -- Paris and BeyondDecember 16, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    Congratulations, Helen! Your china, crystal and table are beautifully paired for this exotic fare... You will have to share more photos and tell about your party.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  26. Castles Crowns and CottagesDecember 17, 2011 at 3:06 AM

    Isn't Kathysue just wonderful?

    HELEN, your puppy is so sweet and is THE GUARDIAN of that beautiful gift!!! Your dinnerware is so stunning, AND....I am intrigued that your parents WERE IRISH and that your mother SANG TO YOU IN GAELIC!!!! I am so glad that I chose that Enya version of Silent Night in Gaelic for YOU dearest!!! My momma could not read, so she would say the Rosary with me in Spanish to put me to sleep! Ahhh...the memories, non?

    MUCH LOVE TO YOU THIS SEASON MY DEAR! Anita

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  27. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    Hello Jane and Lance

    Wish you lived closer and we would make the place setting for 8.
    Spice Girl who comes from humble stock, she was rescued, will not steal food from the table, however, if it falls to the floor accidentally or otherwise, it is fair game and hers.
    Wishing you a joyful weekend
    Helenxx

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  28. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Hello Jessie

    Thank you for your good wishes. Happy you like our dinnerware. I love it too and holds beautiful memories of all who have dined with us through the years
    Helenxs

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  29. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    Mrs. Little Jeans

    It is indeed a very generous prize and inside the spices are beautifully contained. Can't wait for the exotic aroma of waft through the house.
    Spice Girl is very special.
    Helenxx

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  30. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    Hello Kathysue

    Thank you again for this delightful gift. The package sits on my counter and we have had lots of compliments.
    It is such a unique concept.There are at least ten spices included and if one were to shop for these alone, it makes for a costly dish.
    We are looking forward to this delicious meal.

    Thank you again so much for drawing my name and to Destination Dinners for their generosity,

    Helenxx

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  31. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    Hello Kathysue

    Thank you again for this delightful gift. The package sits on my counter and we have had lots of compliments.
    It is such a unique concept.There are at least ten spices included and if one were to shop for these alone, it makes for a costly dish.
    We are looking forward to this delicious meal.

    Thank you again so much for drawing my name and to Destination Dinners for their generosity,

    Helenxx

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  32. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:20 AM

    Fashion and Frank

    I am thrilled with this useful gift.
    Your mother must love beautiful things, just like you.
    I loved your outfit in your post.Please get Frank back working - just tell him Spice Girl is in 1st Place and he can't allow that!
    Helenxx

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  33. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    LR @ Magnificent and Egregious

    Thank you for visiting.

    I will definitely take pictures of the dish and recipe

    Helenxx

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  34. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    Hello Madelief

    Like you, we love to try different dishes. It just makes life so much more interesting.

    Thank you for complimenting my dinnerware. I love fine china, silver, crystal and linen and then some candles. It is so rewarding to dine with friends.
    Helenxx

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  35. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    Louise @ Cosmetic Bee

    Thank you for stopping Louise. I appreciate how busy you are with exams

    Spice Girl is a good dog. She does not steal food but she will beg, which we think is ok.

    Have a lovely weekend and enjoy your apres exam freedom.

    Helenxx

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  36. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    Jacqueline@ Home

    You are so right Jacqueline, good food, wine and company and "let the fun begin". Those are the best evenings.

    Helenx

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  37. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    Hello Lisa

    Thank you for your kind wishes.

    We are very much looking forward to this dinner.

    Wishing you a joyous weekend

    Helenxx

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  38. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    Dreams on 34th Street

    Hello Lynne

    I knew you would relate to my father's words. Ha Ha

    We are thrilled with our gift - so timely too

    Helen xx

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  39. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    Julie Federson

    Hello Julie

    You made me laught, I had not thought of it but you are right "Spice Girl is minding the spices" He He

    Helenxx

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  40. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    Jacqueline,

    I will indeed post the images of dinner - fun, fun
    Helenx

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  41. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    Elizabeth Rose Stanton

    Thank you for your comment on my dishes. Even a simple meal tastes good when served on pretty dishes.

    Yesterday we had dinner with a couple who are visiting from Italy and they were asking about Spice Girl's pedigree. I said she was a mutt, a rescued dog, part beagle, part coon hound and heavens knows what else.. He said "Si un bastardo"
    Language can be univesal.

    Helen xx

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  42. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Lost in Provence, Hello Heather.

    We keep looking at the menu and drooling and look forward to this delicious meal.
    I use my good dishes frequently and even simple fare tastes better.
    Helenxx

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  43. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    Hello Mise

    "Bil-saneeeyeh and Buicheas le Dia" will be our toast to this feast.

    We will indeed raise the glasses to Waterford and may it always sparkle.

    Have a great weekend Mise and I hope, the famous actress, Pink Girl is recovered.
    Helen xx

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  44. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    Hello Tish Jett

    Thank you for your kind words. I do love a pretty table setting and china and crystal and silver.

    Spice Girl is thrilled that she has a French fan and she sends you hugs

    Helen xx

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  45. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    La Petite Gallery
    Hello Yvonne

    Yes, my pattern is Imari.

    The packaging is beautifully done and we are so very much looking forward to dinner.

    Spice Girl send you her love. She is a gentle soul

    Helenx

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  46. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    My Spotty Pony and Dear Abbey

    I think Spotty and Spice Girl would look beautiful together. Spice Girl is food motivated and is known to carry a few extra lbs. Perhaps she needs a harness and some lunging exercises!! ha ha

    Yes whenever Eileen visits Ireland from Australia where she now resides, she visits my oldest brother and claims if it has not been for my Dad and the horses she would have been forgotten and likely would not speak.
    Fondly,
    Helenxx

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  47. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    24 Corners
    Hello Jessica

    What a novel idea to give Spice Girl a seat at the table, knowing her and if we did that, she would be seated at the head of the table before long.
    She is spoiled and I bake a dish of chicken livers for her each week and she gets some daily.

    Yes dinner will be exciting and exotic.

    Helen xx

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  48. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    Val's alentejo blog

    Hello Valerie

    Spice Girl will definitely get a reward for guarding and modelling.

    We are looking forward to dinner.

    Tonight is our boat parade which is always so much fun. We are going to a party where the guests all bring a dish, so I shall bring coconut shrimp, must start assembling
    Helenxx

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  49. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Ange

    Merry Christmas to you and family Ange.

    We shall toast all our followers and friends on Sunday.

    Helen xx

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  50. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Louise@ Costmetic Bee

    Thank you Louise for such a generous AWard. I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive such an honour from you. I admire and am always delighted to see when you have posted. Your posts and educational, humerous and I always learn from you.
    This is indeed a huge honour for me and I graciously accept.

    Helen xx

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  51. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    Genie Paris and Beyond

    Thank you for your kindness.

    We are indeed very much looking forward to our delicious meal.

    I shall take pictures for sure.

    Helen xx

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  52. helen tilstonDecember 17, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    CASTLES CROWNS AND COTTAGES

    Dearest Anita

    Thank you for your good wishes.
    Spice Girl is very special. She is gentle and also independent.

    Yes Anita I grew up in the West of Ireland. My mother spoke Gaelic and my father who was born two miles away spoke English. My early schooling was in Gaelic.

    How beautiful of your mother to tell the Rosary in Spanish - prayers sounds so beautiful when spoken in different languages. I loved the Latin mass which we had memorized.

    Thank you for choosing Silent Night sung in Gaelic as the music to your blog this week.

    Helenxx

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  53. ~Lavender Dreamer~December 18, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    What a wonderful surprise! Enjoy your special dinner and Happy holidays, my friend! Your blog inspires and enriches my life...I'm glad you're my friend! Hugs! ♥♥♥

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  54. La DolfinaDecember 18, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Congrats Helen....it looks to be quite an evening!!!
    It is cool you chose Lebanon. My mother's side of the family is Lebanese!!! Everyone who tastes our cuisine loves it.
    I've been to 2 Lebanese restaurants in my life.... One in Washington DC and one in LA very close to UCLA and both were run by families. They tasted just like my Grama's cooking!
    If you love your Destination Meal, let me know if you'd like me to send you some more recipes to try!! Or even better plan a trip to the SF Bay Area and come to dinner with my family and I. This is a sincere invitation:)
    Lots of Love and Merry Christmas!!!!!

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  55. Annie ~ Red Roses and CrystalDecember 18, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Ooh this is a lovely giveaway Helen and your choice of dinnerware matches the theme beautifully.
    The Spice girl is a real cutie.
    xx

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  56. helen tilstonDecember 18, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Lavender Dreamer

    Your kind and beautiful wishes are much appreciated.

    I, too, love your blog and your posts are always inspiring, amusing and intellectual.
    Happy Christmas
    Helen xx

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  57. helen tilstonDecember 18, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    La Dolphina

    Dearest Terri

    You have a rich cultural background. I am sure your Grandmother's cooking is superb and I would enjoy very much visiting beautiful San Francisco and joining you for a meal.
    I shall treasure that thought and hopefully, one day we can get together.
    Happy Christmas to you and your family.
    Helen xx

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  58. helen tilstonDecember 18, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Red Roses and Crystal

    Thank you for visiting.
    It is wonderful to taste different dishes and we are looking forward to this meal very very much

    Spice girl sends you back hugs, she loves being admired.

    Helen xx

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  59. MariaDecember 19, 2011 at 3:33 AM

    Grattis till vinsten, vad roligt att du vann!!! :)

    Jag såg tavlan, du målat, i det tidigare inlägget... så jättefin! Jag gillar verkligen stilen och färgerna!

    Ha en skön och behaglig vecka!
    Kram♥ Maria

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  60. Deana SidneyDecember 19, 2011 at 3:34 AM

    May I say, that is a wonderful idea to have all the goodies in one place and in the end much easier than purchasing all the bits.

    Love the Crown Derby.. one of my favorites and the terrine is spectacular. You have inspired me to bring out all the good stuff!


    Have a great holiday!

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  61. A Super DilettanteDecember 19, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Congratulations Helen! I hope the your fabulous dinner party is successful. And may I also say that Spice Girl is absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you so much for all your best wishes and seasons greetings. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and new year. With all the best wishes, ASD

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  62. HamptontoesDecember 19, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Congrats! Kathysue is wonderfu, isn't she? Giveway or not, I adore her and the way she lives her life. Enjoy your special dinner.

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  63. SteveDecember 19, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    How beautiful Helen and congrats on your prize.

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  64. Dumbwit TellherDecember 20, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    Helen, I can just hear your father's accent in my head. You winning could not have gone to a nicer person. What a fun meal on your beautiful dishes, your guests will feel quite honoured, I'm sure!

    Thanks too for leaving me such a thoughtful comment on my blog post last week. I truly appreciate hearing from you.

    Happy holidays to you Helen!
    x Deb

    P.S. I adore Spice Girl : )

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  65. Hollywood forever, KevinDecember 20, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I love the china and you dropping by Hf,K. Thanks for the comments. Have a happy holiday here from Hollywood.

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  66. helen tilstonDecember 20, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Hello Maria

    Thank you for your kind words and visit

    Merry Christmas

    Helenxx

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  67. helen tilstonDecember 20, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Lost Past Remembered

    Thank you for visiting.

    It is indeed a useful, beautiful and practical gift.

    Happy to hear you share my taste in china.

    Happy Christmas to you and family
    Helen xx

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  68. helen tilstonDecember 20, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    A Super Dilettante

    Dearest ASD

    I am delighted with my gift and it is useful and beautiful and will make for good conversation too.

    I knew you would love Spice Girl. She has a beautiful nature and yet is very independent and determined.

    Happy Christmas to you and may the new year be full of goodness beyond belief.

    Helen xx

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  69. helen tilstonDecember 20, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Dumbwit Tellher
    Dear Deb

    Thank you for visiting. It is always a joy to hear from you.
    Yes my gift is useful and beautiful. It is my first time winning

    Your father is a wonderful man and deserves the honour.

    Enjoy your Christmas in Scotland

    Helen xx

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  70. helen tilstonDecember 20, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Hamptontoes

    Yes Kathysue is a delightful woman and I love her blog. She is always uplifting and joyful.

    Thank you for stopping by and a very Merry Christmas

    Helen xx

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  71. helen tilstonDecember 20, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Hello Steve

    Thanks for visiting.

    I love my prize.

    Happy Christmas
    Helen xx

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  72. AnonymousDecember 27, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Dahhling I love your crown derby table setting....

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  73. Dovecote DecorJanuary 6, 2012 at 6:58 AM

    I am not an envious person, but I covet your china!!
    Best,
    Liz

    ReplyDelete

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