Monday, July 26, 2010

Wicker and Wood



I love wicker and I love wood. Either together or separate. I have always been drawn to their warmth. My trip into the big city (Portland, Oregon) last week allowed me to indulge in these affections, as I found a couple of new antique wicker and wood pieces that I adore.

The piece shown above is what I would call art. To me, it's no different than a painting on the wall as it represents a unique expression of creativity and fine craftsmanship. I fell in love with this piece when I saw it, with its beautiful bobbin turned spindles, legs and arms, and pristine rush seat.

It's actually two pieces...called corner chairs. But according to the antique dealer, the chairs were often kept together and used as a bench. I'll keep them together as well.

Since I get a lot of inquiries about pricing of antiques, I will start listing what I've paid for the antiques I buy. This piece was originally priced at $130 for the pair and it was 50% off - so I paid $65. As I said to Hubby, 'that's a great deal.'



I also happened across this antique wicker trunk. I've always loved the look of trunks like these. This one is in pristine condition, so I knew I couldn't pass it up at $40. I love that it's on old, squeaky wheels.


Even the handles are still intact.


The top is in great condition too. By the way...this happens to be the first piece of furniture I've purchased for our growing family.

We'll use it as a toy box. xoxo

The other item I found on my excursion into the big city was an antique French armoire...also for the nursery! We just brought it home over the weekend so it's in several pieces right now - photos will have to follow.

Hubby is still working hard on finishing the dining room (after work and on the weekends). He's hung the drywall and is in the process of finishing up the mud (which takes three coats with a twenty-four hour drying period in between).


As for me, I've been trying to stay off my feet. My ankles, calves and feet have started to swell significantly and the only way to keep the swelling down is to lie down with my feet up (which somehow makes my eyes close).

And as you can see, I'm growing! Everywhere! In fact, soon I will surpass dear six foot four tall Hubby on the scale - ouch.

I'm feeling quite well overall, suffering mostly from pure lack of motivation...hence the lack of posts last week. But I am getting really excited to decorate the nursery. I haven't been running around much the last several months so my trip into Portland last week was a big day for me.

I have a strong vision of what the nursery will look like (I've drawn it out on paper about a dozen times now). The armoire was the major, potentially most challenging, item to acquire so now that we've found that, the rest should come together quite easily.

I'm very excited to share my vision for the nursery with you - and will do so in the coming months!

70 comments :

  1. I'm so happy for you!! I'm from Battle Ground, WA and always look at Portland CL for great finds. I saw something similar to those corner benches on Pdx Craigslist (maybe the same ones) that I loved. You got some great things there. I can't wait to see the nursery design. I'm sure it will be awesome.

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  2. Great finds! You look beautiful sleeping on the hammock. Take it easy, soon you will be running around after your little one:)

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  3. You are beautiful Trina!

    Looking forward to nursery.

    xo Dawn

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  4. Such beautiful pieces ... both the set of corner chairs and the wicker trunk. There's definitely something warm and homely about pieces like these ... I always wonder about where they've been and who they've been with!
    Can't wait to see your nursery design ... sounds interesting. Look after yourself ... and keep those feet up ... you can never have enough catnaps at this time!

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  5. How wonderful, Trina! I wish you all the best and I'm so looking forward to seeing your plans for the nursery.

    : )

    Julie M.

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  6. Love the chairs and wicker hamper you purchased and can't wait to see the armoire! Glad you are keeping well and resting as needed. Best wishes!

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  7. Beautiful wicker pieces! Good to see you taking it easy and getting off your feet when you can. Can't wait to see pics of the nursery, have a good week, Nan

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  8. you look fantastic!! A piece of advice from a mom of 2 girls..throw your scale out & look away when the OB office weighs you :) Remind yourself its all for a good cause and you deserve all the extra treats you are eating too!! :) CANNOT wait for peeks of the nursery!

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  9. You loook beautiful! And your finds are just perfect...what a great price too!

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  10. Love the chair/bench, fantastic price. And I too can never resist an old wicker trunk. I have a similar one in my living room- no wheels tho'.

    And you look beautiful.

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  11. First I want to say that you look beautiful pregnant. I am happy to seeing that you are taking time for yourself to relax. Secondly your wicker finds are fabulous. What a bargain for the wicker. Can't wait to see the armoire. I know the baby's room is going to be incredible. Take care, Lori
    PS. If it makes you feel any better I hit 204 lbs.

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  12. Trina you look lovely. I love that you are kicking back! I have no doubt that your nursery will be amazing! I share your affection for wicker. Beautiful pieces! Have a wonderful week. Stacey

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  13. Hello Trina ,
    Have just found your blog and I'm enjoying everything about your amazing house.I am also so happy about your wonderful news.As a mother myself you will love almost every minute of the journey. I live in Massachusetts and our antiques are very expensive, we never see anything as reasonable as what you can get in the northwest. Enjoy your new things they are really neat!

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  14. wonderful finds! those prices are pretty amazing. i love using antiques in a baby nursery. i have done so with both of mine and it gives the room such warmth and character! have fun nesting - the best part of being pregnant (next to feeling those little movements)

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  15. love the chairs -- a great piece and the trunk will come in very handy! Our Daughter still has her toy chest trunk that I painted for her for her first birthday -- it is a treasured piece as this will be to your little one.

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  16. Great finds! I really love the chairs!
    Can't wait to see the nursery!

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  17. Good Morning Trina! What wonderful treasures you found at the antique store and I can't beleive the good prices too. Since moving to the country a year ago I haven't done much shopping and I'm really missing the antique stores...you have motivated me to get out and get hunting! You look WONDERFUl...I do hope you were careful getting out of that hammock ;) Oh dear do I remember the mess and length of time it takes for drywall to go up and be ready to paint...the dust! I am looking forward to seeing your armoire and your nursery...have fun putting it all together. Judging by the rest of your beautiful home it will be very special. Have a wonderful week...Maura :)

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  18. Hi Trina,

    You look absolutely beautiful:). And so peaceful sleeping on that hammmock:). I can't wait to see what you come up with for the nursery! I, myself, am struggling with colors for the little guy:). But I'm working on it. The armoire sounds perfect, as is the toy chest.

    Thanks for posting prices on the antiques. It's something I've been wanting to get into now, but I am a bit scared. I'm trying to just start with what I like, but it's good to get a feel for what is considered to be a 'good price'.

    I can't wait to see/ hear more of the nursery and the sweet growing baby bump!

    xoxo,

    Blair

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  19. hi trina,

    i love, love, love the wicker bench, it is a piece of art! i also adore the basket with tiny wheels, perfect toybox. i cannot wait to see the nursery.

    i have to say the real piece of art though in this post is you my dear. your look so beautifully happy and content. the picture is priceless.

    much love,

    ~janet

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  20. What fantastic finds! Cannot wait to see the beautiful design/decor that will be the nursery!

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  21. Love the pieces that you found! Get all the sleep you can now and don't feel bad about it. You will be joyfully and sleeplessly casing little ones around soon enough!

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  22. Sending a sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm! You look absolutely beautiful relaxing in that hammock! I remember planning our nurseries, one for a boy and one for a girl. My son's nursery was very country - with wide plank wood floors and an oval braided rug, an oak shaving dresser and my old crib. I lined the drawers of the dresser with yellow gingham paper, which is still there by the way (30 years later!). My daughter's nursery was planned after Princess Diana's nursery for William - very soft and plush. I tried my best to get the same look on quite a limited budget - I still have the magazine drawing of Prince William's nursery in a scrap book! Your antique buys are just wonderful and perfectly affordable - great buys and very functional! Keep comfortable and off your feet! Ciao, bella!

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  23. Love your new finds. The wicker basket is great - just the thing for toys.
    You look comfortable and happy in that hammock! Hope all goes well for you and the baby. I'm sure from your other posts that the nursery will be amazing when it's finished :o)
    Best wishes
    Rose H

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  24. Can't wait to see your nursery design. My sister in law is due around the same time as you so I will be sharing all your design tips with her!
    Take advantage of all the sleep your body naturally wants--it will be a lost art once those babies arrive.

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  25. Dear Trina,
    What beautiful pieces! I love the wicker trunk! Your corner chairs would match the bedroom furniture I have from my grandparents. Wish I could go shopping for antiques with you! You have such a good eye for those special pieces.
    You look beautiful! I read a quote from Edith Schaeffer that said motherhood is such an incredible privilege because we get to be the very first home our children ever know. What a profound truth! I can hardly wait to see your beautiful nursery. Rest as much as you need, as your body is very busy caring for your dear ones. This is such a special season of life and our thoughts and prayers are with you!

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  26. What a great stage of life to be in... ~Terri

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  27. When I saw the wicker trunk, my first thought was "that would make a great toybox." Congrats on the pregnancy! Such happy news. My brother & sister-in-law in Seattle just had triplets. She keeps saying "twins would be so easy!"

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  28. Those chairs are GORGEOUS! Sculpture for sure. And how awesome to get a pair. Glad to hear you're feeling well, too!

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  29. Oh trina, you look gorgeous!! just gorgeous :)

    makes me so happy!

    and what sensational buys you've had - those corner chairs are sensational. well done you.

    jxxx

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  30. Lovely finds and I want to paint you on that hammock, so that when you are chasing that little farm hand - you will look back and remember those idle full moments. You look lovely.
    pve

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  31. What beautiful pieces you have found! I can't wait to see your vision for the nursery... I love your home and style! The picture of you in the hammock is wonderful--Take care of yourself.

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  32. The chairs are wonderful and I am in love with the chest. I have never seen one on wheels. You look wonderful and I know you have to be so excited. Take care.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  33. Hello, I'm a fairly new reader. I found your blog just before your happy announcement. Thanks for including a photo of yourself; you look beautiful. I want to echo what Maura said, above -- be careful getting in and out of the hammock :-)

    My "baby" is 24 yrs old, and I still remember what it felt like to need the extra sleep - and to pass up my husband, who is a runner, on the scale! All I can say is, enjoy every minute; sleep when you need to - and yes, eat when you need to!

    God bless you, and thanks for blogging. (oh, and the wicker pieces look wonderful).

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  34. I too love the look of wicker and that wood bench is divine! As for you, you are looking gloriously lovely my friend! What an exciting time for the 2.5 of you~
    Have a fabulous week,
    xx

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  35. Now, that IS a deal!! Nice find, as is the wicker trunk! Can't wait to see the armoire!

    You look lovely, so glad you are taking good care of yourself and the wee-ones!
    xoxo,
    joan

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  36. Great Finds!!! Can't wait to see the armoire and the finished nursery. I love those corner chairs! Have a great week.

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  37. Love, love, love your corner chairs and the price is unreal. The trunk is fabulous too. You had a really successful hunt. Great finds. Hugs, Marty

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  38. I can't wait to see your nursery, too! And, don't worry about that darn scale. It will all work out. You are so smart to rest. Kathy - IL

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  39. I can't wait to see your nursery!
    Do you know what gender your babies are? Will you share names before they come?

    SO EXCITING!!!!

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  40. Trina...you three look so peaceful and happy on your hammock! So glad you and the babes are doing well and that you were able to have a nice day of shopping. The chairs and the trunk are wonderful. I too have always loved wood and wicker with their natural warmth...your home was just made for them, a perfect fit.

    Enjoy your week and your times of rest...
    xoxo J~

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  41. Is it just me, or do you always seem to find the most amazing pieces at the most ridiculously low prices? In all my antiques shopping, I've never come across someone who's found so many bargains. What's your secret? I live in Richmond, VA, just south of DC and struggle to find great flea markets, antique stores, etc.

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  42. Hi Miranda,
    I found the chairs at Simply Grand Antiques on Grand in Portland. They're having a 50% off entire inventory right now. They have everything from armoires, tables, desks, cabinets...all 50% off.

    It's a huge savings and the showroom is large.

    Trina

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  43. Hi Christopher,

    I'm a total bargain shopper. I really am and don't even bother looking at stores I know will be expensive. I find that antique stores (I hardly ever go to Flea Markets) that are set up as malls with lots of booths and different dealers offer the best prices. Perhaps it's because they have to compete with other dealers in the store...

    Happy antiqueing!

    Trina

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  44. What fabulous finds! The wicker chest will be a wonderful addition to keep baby items in. You look adorable!!

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  45. Those chairs were a great find and at a really great price. Love the wicker too. I can't wait to see the nursery. I know it will be as lovely as the rest of your house.
    You look wonderful!

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  46. What GREAT pieces, Trina! And you - you're looking wonderfully & beautifully pregnant! You just keep resting - you'll be running yourself ragged in another year. As for the nursery - I simply cannot wait to see what you're doing! We have such similar taste in decorating, but I find yours inspiring! Blessings on you and your family!

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  47. You look beautiful!! And I adore those chairs :-) Still so excited for you Trina!

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  48. Such great finds! I can't wait to see the vision that you have for the nursery!!

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  49. Trina - what great finds! Isn't it nice to think that just maybe...someday...your treasures will be treasured by your children when they're grown up? Especially love the wicker trunk. I have one that's about 1/4 that size that I keep 'must-keep' mags in.

    Looking forward to your nursery photos!

    Rest well, friend!

    xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

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  50. First of all, you look absolutely beautiful. Yes, those naps are necessary! Secondly, you found great things at great prices. All are wonderful. I can't wait to see your plans for the nursery.

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  51. Trina, your antique finds are superb! I agree, GREAT DEALS! I'm looking forward to seeing your ideas for your nursery,too...maybe you can give me some ideas! Do you know what the genders are yet? (I can't remember if you've said so or not, or if you are going to find out....)

    -Gail

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  52. Trina, gorgeous finds - you have an eye my dear! You are looking gorgeous but it must be tiring in the hot summer to be pregnant. Do take it easy - we will be waiting when you are able! Oh my, I cannot imagine what your nursery will be like - exquisite I am sure. ALmost cannot wait to see it!!!!!

    Love xo Terri

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  53. So happy that
    you are enjoying
    the journey, Trina : )
    You look wonderful
    and I love the new
    pieces that you've
    acquired! Your
    nursery will be
    pure magic, I'm sure....
    xx Suzanne

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  54. great finds and GREAT prices! can't wait to see the nursery come together. take good care of yourself and those sweet babies!

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  55. Trina - so glad you got to take a run through the big city, and the pieces you found!! I'm going to be driving through Portland, and on through northern OR in a couple weeks, and am excited to be seeing your country! Wish I had time to stop in Portland for some of these great finds!

    You're looking great, by the way!

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  56. Lovely pieces! ENJOY keeping those feet up & rest all you can...that baby will have you up & going all too soon....around the clock...for YEARS to come! ;) In all seriousness~babies are a wonderful blessing! Congratulations!

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  57. Good morning Trina.
    Those chairs ARE art and they are twins! How fitting.
    Ooooo a basket with wheels. Perfect for corraling toys; even more perfect for climbing in and pulling brother or sister around!
    Ok, here's a thought. I can't tell how sturdy or stiff the basket is.
    I bought a beautiful large really old basket at a local consignment shop here. The owner who is a real collecter sugggested tying 4 small stiff galvanized metal rods verticaly from top to bottom in each corner to keep it square. Also placing a light-weight but sturdy peice of wood cut to size in the bottom to prevent any sagging down the road.
    Lovely finds you have and you look lovely too.
    Take care. xo

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  58. I think they make perfect toy chests. I have an old one that I use for my sons toys as well. It looks pretty and hides the toys inside perfectly without standing out and looking like a toy box. Also, it's super light for him to open and close himself and I never have to worry about the lid hurting him in any way.

    On a side note, you mentioned that your feet are beginning to swell. Mine did near the end of my pregnancy as well and aside from keeping them elevated, I would sometimes wrap them in cabbage leaves. For whatever reason, it worked. The fact that it's natural was an extra bonus!

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  59. Trina, you are a beautiful pregnant woman! Enjoy every second of it, the whole process goes by so fast! We all cant wait to find out the gender of your babies!

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  60. Just had to mention that your blog posts have provided me with lots of "awwww, lovely" moments lately! You're looking gorgeous and I can't wait to see how your nursery turns out- your home is a design icon for me!

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  61. Yesterday, I combed several antique stores for a wicker trunk to use as...guess what...a toy box! I kept thinking how wonderful one would look in the nursery, and as we have had three baby showers recently, the need for a toy box is suddenly great. I think the wicker will go with the vintage feeling of the room and will be perfect. You look adorable, and I am so happy to stop by and catch up with you. My schedule is no longer dictated by me, as you can imagine (and I love every moment of it), so I have less time to blog. We do see signs of the baby's schedule starting to regulate, and we are so thankful for that! One early morning about 3:00 a.m. when both my husband and I were awake with the baby, he looked across the room at me with weary eyes and said, "Paula, there's a reason people do this in their 20's instead of their 40's...we're too old to lose this much sleep!" HA! We both laughed but know we wouldn't change A THING. Even our lack of sleep hasn't curbed our excitement over being first-time parents. We're LOVING EVERY foggy, sleep deprived moment of it!

    Best wishes!
    Paula

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  62. I just love these beautiful photos of you Trina..it's such a lovely time. The toy box is gorgeous, just perfect. I had the swelling ankles too when I was pregnant through the summer. The excitement gets you through though! Looking forward to seeing the nursery come together..with you giving orders from the hammock! Rachaelxx By the way, the chairs are really beautiful too, what a find..

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  63. You are beautiful! Many blessings to you with your family. You will have such a beautiful home to bring sweet babies into as well! The hammock looks perfect to lounge in, on a summers day. May I ask where you found your hammock, it is so cute. :)
    ~ Katie

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  64. Hi Katie,

    I can't remember where I got the hammock - I want to say Hammocks.com. Their web site looks most familiar to me (I ordered it online).

    Happy hammock shopping!
    Trina

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  65. My eight year old daughter says that you are pretty.

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  66. First of all, you look beautiful resting in the hammock. Glad the tiny ones are growing well. Congrats on these fabulous finds!!! i am amazed at the incredible deals you got!!! Really, great prices!

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  67. That is a beautiful picture of you. Can't wait to see the nursery come together.
    Londen

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  68. Just found your blog and feel like I am late to the party, and I know so many of the people who are already here!

    You have some wonderful posts! I used to have one of those corner chairs but sold it. Your photo makes me wish I still had it, and your price was unbelievable!The photo of you is precious, and all that swelling and lack of sleep will be worth it - my baby is 16 but I remember those days like they were yesterday. Best wishes to you and yours and I look forward to following your wonderful blog.

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  69. WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE TO CALL HOME -YOU GUYS HAVE DONE A REMARKABLE JOB. SO BEAUTIFUL - BREATH TAKING. ENJOYED!

    LOVE YA, MARIA - COTTAGE FEEL -
    XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine

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