tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22984364304985993072024-03-18T08:01:53.634+01:00my french country homeA reflection of the way we like to livesharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.comBlogger1169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-90390723701291423452013-11-20T12:48:00.000+01:002013-11-20T12:48:07.155+01:00welcome to the new blog and a special giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my new blog!!</div>
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I so hope you like it!</div>
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The layout is a little lighter and fresher looking; the archives are easier to negotiate; there are share buttons to ... well, share with; and many different ways of following the blog.</div>
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The blog roll has changed to highlight a new selection of blogs each day and the tags and the search button work better too.</div>
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I have to say a huge, enormous thank you to the patient and talented team who helped me put this together - no problem was too big, no detail too small, <a href="http://it-consultis.com/">you guys</a> are my heros!</div>
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And - fingers crossed - in a week or so I'll be welcoming you to the grand re-opening of my brocante store!</div>
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But the big news is that to celebrate my new site I have a very special giveaway for you: the chance to win your very own brocante tour, to stay here in our guest cottage in Normandy and come shopping with me at my best brocante addresses to find your very own treasure!</div>
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The winner of this 'yay-for-the-new-blog' giveaway will be welcome to come, alone or with a friend or partner, and stay here for a week anytime during 2014. While they are here, I shall take them out for two days shopping for brocante and flea market treasure, and share with them all my very best addresses.</div>
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To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is subscribe to My French Country Home, or - if you already subscribed to the old blog - then just confirm your re-subscription to the new site. The come back and leave a comment to tell me its done.</div>
If you would like a second chance to win this private brocante tour just share the news of the giveaway on twitter, instagram or facebook, then come back here to tell me.<br />
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Be sure to leave separate comments for each new entry!</div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-52432312395681248642013-11-19T23:54:00.000+01:002013-11-20T00:38:15.622+01:00autumn, a new camera and subscribing to the blog<br />
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Could not resist stopping the car this afternoon as I drove down this beautiful forest road </div>
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- seemingly alone in the world!</div>
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So yes, these shots are taken with a new camera ..... and no, </div>
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I'm not entirely sure it was the right choice. Hmmmm...</div>
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Seems to me that a new camera must be like riding a new horse; </div>
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it takes a while to find the right buttons to press!</div>
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I stayed with a point and shoot - because I'm lazy! - but moved to Lumix on a whim ...</div>
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let's just say, the jury is still out ..<br />
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A quick word about subscribing to the blog. If you already subscribe, please don't be surprised to receive a message asking you to sign up again! Don't worry, this is not a hoax, and nobody is asking you for money!!</div>
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The only reason you
are being asked to resubscribe, is because the blog is about to move home and I
want to be sure that all my subscribers can follow without a hitch.</div>
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Thank you for your patience, you are the best. </div>
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-33736143377695484432013-11-18T17:03:00.000+01:002013-11-19T00:04:32.690+01:00butternut squash soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mCUAzbHAgU/Uoo3SKjLPUI/AAAAAAAAlK8/MG5_O1j7RRc/s1600/DSCF2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mCUAzbHAgU/Uoo3SKjLPUI/AAAAAAAAlK8/MG5_O1j7RRc/s640/DSCF2183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't know why it took me so very long, but I only recently discovered that I don't have to peel a pumpkin or a squash when making soup. This discovery has changed my life.... well OK not my life, but my soup making habits certainly!</div>
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Here is our current favourite, and by favourite I mean I have made this soup every week for the past month and a half! Butternut squash and celeriac or branch celery ( or both!)</div>
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Recipes do not come any easier than this .....</div>
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Wash the butternut squash and cut off the top and bottom. Cut in quarters lengthwise then scoop out the few seeds and surrounding filaments. Chop the squash into large cubes Peel an onion and a garlic clove, chop. Wash a couple of celery branches, chop into small pieces. If using the celeriac then peel, and chop into cubes. You are looking overall for more squash than celery, so adapt quantities accordingly.</div>
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Drop the vegetables into a saucepan with a knob of butter and let everything cook gently for about ten minutes. Now add a bayleaf, some chopped parsley, then cover the vegetables with hot chicken stock, or if you prefer then just hot water. Salt and pepper.</div>
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Cook for about 25 minutes until everything is thoroughly soft. Remove the bayleaf, mix in a blender, add some milk if it is too thick and adjust the seasoning.</div>
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I like to serve bowls of this soup with a single sage leaf lying on the top, just because the grey green sage looks so lovely against the pale mustard soup.</div>
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-39372524398955309812013-11-16T08:53:00.000+01:002013-11-17T17:34:10.235+01:00alone in the world in Brittany - maison for sale<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlAEKoRDRYo/UoZDlwDL25I/AAAAAAAAlFw/4vwENIPXmcM/s1600/DSC00051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlAEKoRDRYo/UoZDlwDL25I/AAAAAAAAlFw/4vwENIPXmcM/s640/DSC00051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a lovely property for you to dream about, mull over and generally long for this weekend. A rugged stone home, on its own spit of land on the beautiful coast of Brittany.</div>
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This is a holiday home to a friend of mine, whose children are now grown and far away. She has decided to sell and let another family create their own happy memories here, for it is quite idyllic.</div>
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Its a very special feeling to be on your own tip of land, with the ocean spreading out before you in almost every direction. There is a small road running along the coastline, and the drive way leading to this house leads off quietly, so no passing traffic.</div>
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Although this is the Atlantic Ocean, this part of Brittany benefits from the Gulf Stream and enjoys a surprising micro-climate which results in mimosa and palm trees blending in to the local landscapes. The water surrounding the house seems to get extra special treatment, and while the sea a few miles down the coast feels a little nippy, the swimming area around the house is amazingly warm.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlh2PiLaJTw/UoZDoTdnmDI/AAAAAAAAlGU/QF_S8_sx8Kw/s1600/vue+sud+ouest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlh2PiLaJTw/UoZDoTdnmDI/AAAAAAAAlGU/QF_S8_sx8Kw/s640/vue+sud+ouest.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The property is at the Ria d'Etel, only a few miles from the beautiful seaside towns of Quiberon and Trinité sur Mer, home to many world-class competitive sailors and their boats.<br />
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It is also close to the surprisng stone age monuments at Carnac.</div>
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Inside the house there is room for ten to sleep, with two bathrooms and five bedrooms. The building dates from late 19th century and is in excellent condition.<br />
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If you would like more information you are welcome to email me; I'll either answer your questions or put you directly in touch with the owner.<br />
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-32880006205089845492013-11-14T15:27:00.000+01:002013-11-14T18:58:32.347+01:00can't leave home without it!<br />
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Yesterday afternoon my camera died .... I'm not crying, there are no boxes of kleenex required, but it chose to 'pass' just as I arrived at an appointment to take pictures of a house, and yes ... I felt pretty foolish.</div>
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I have never had a really expensive fancy camera. And I don't have the patience to learn how to use anything too complex. This one was just a Fuji..... I loved it.<br />
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It lived in my handbag; on the car seat beside me; it came away on holiday with me; it's taken planes, trains and boats; been to Paris for lunch, to the market shopping and of course around every early morning brocante fair.<br />
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It has been dropped, rained on, dribbled over (by a horse, not me!), sat on and I'm pretty sure Ghetto pee-ed on it too, but that didn't stop it turning out tens of thousands of pictures, and being a totally reliable companion for the past three years or so.</div>
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My camera is absolutely one of the things that I cannot leave home without.<br />
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And that is why this is short ... I am off to buy the replacement ... the salesman will need to be patient as I try to explain the sort of pictures I want to take, the way I want a camera to feel, the fact that it is part of my everyday life .... He'll want to talk about ISO and shutter speed, and I'll be wondering about pictorial atmosphere, and the weight of the camera in my hand ... this is not going to be easy! I'll tell you how it goes. </div>
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Wish me luck!</div>
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-55352463425330447842013-11-14T10:59:00.000+01:002013-11-18T10:59:48.029+01:00Styling magazine - a november issue all about brides<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEfkXL0e6AQ/UonkYofLVCI/AAAAAAAAlIs/QEf_utNq1ys/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+3.51.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEfkXL0e6AQ/UonkYofLVCI/AAAAAAAAlIs/QEf_utNq1ys/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+3.51.08+AM.png" width="452" /></a></div>
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Fresh off the press! Coty has done it again, this month she brings us 200 pages of beautiful pictures on the wedding theme. Pop over to enjoy the beauty and read the amusing accounts of bloggers weddings, for real or in their dreams!</div>
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<a href="http://issuu.com/stylingbycotyfarquhar/docs/styling_november_2013"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://issuu.com/stylingbycotyfarquhar/docs/styling_november_2013">Styling magazine, November issue</a></div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-38367347778426255352013-11-13T13:14:00.000+01:002013-11-14T08:04:22.141+01:00chic french chickens<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3x3klEaOrM/UoNy1JdQDPI/AAAAAAAAlDc/YTwoVTTJkPE/s1600/cf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3x3klEaOrM/UoNy1JdQDPI/AAAAAAAAlDc/YTwoVTTJkPE/s640/cf2.png" width="498" /></a></div>
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If there is someone in your life who is dotty about chickens and who loves all things French, then you have no choice but to get them this beautiful book for Christmas!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTIKwUEa08I/UoNyyqVaAOI/AAAAAAAAlDU/srg1WAS8ixM/s1600/814Tb9vQ9pL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTIKwUEa08I/UoNyyqVaAOI/AAAAAAAAlDU/srg1WAS8ixM/s640/814Tb9vQ9pL._AA1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Poules so Chic is a beautiful volume of photos of thirty different breeds of chicken, all strutting their stuff against a background of designer fabrics! Love it! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nTNg3cmuLgU/UoNy699Am2I/AAAAAAAAlEE/rbtxstKWfrs/s1600/cf6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nTNg3cmuLgU/UoNy699Am2I/AAAAAAAAlEE/rbtxstKWfrs/s640/cf6.png" width="532" /></a></div>
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Alongside the pictures of each breed, is a page of fun information about their vital characteristics.</div>
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All in French of course, but that just adds to the charm.</div>
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Can you imagine how many photos were required to get these shots of chicks standing still and facing the right way! I heard all about the shooting of the pictures firsthand because the book has been written and put together by my friends<a href="http://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.fr/2012/12/my-stylish-french-girlfriends-cecile.html"> Franck and Cécile Schmitt</a>, a talented pair for sure.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spHKQj3i5OY/UoNy6Mj4v4I/AAAAAAAAlD8/Ke6lBdoMHbY/s1600/cf5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spHKQj3i5OY/UoNy6Mj4v4I/AAAAAAAAlD8/Ke6lBdoMHbY/s640/cf5.png" width="510" /></a></div>
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The book was released a couple of weeks ago in France, and is also available for sale via Amazon Canada, who is happy to ship to the States. And if you would like a little chicken diary to accompany your gift, or to slip into your own christmas stocking, then check out their Agenda des Poules -- way too cute!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuIwGJZWWag/UoNzGgOVsJI/AAAAAAAAlEQ/WEpgVkxzOmM/s1600/l-agenda-poules-2014-12015-450-450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuIwGJZWWag/UoNzGgOVsJI/AAAAAAAAlEQ/WEpgVkxzOmM/s640/l-agenda-poules-2014-12015-450-450.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.fr/Poules-so-chic-Franck-Schmitt/dp/2815304740/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384347275&sr=8-1&keywords=poules+so+chic"> Poules so Chic on sale in France</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Poules-so-chic-Franck-Schmitt/dp/2815304740/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384343731&sr=8-1&keywords=poules+so+chic">Poules so Chic on sale in Canada</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.fr/Agenda-Poules-2014-Schmitt-Franck/dp/2815304716/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384347301&sr=8-1&keywords=l%27agenda+des+poules">L'Agenda des Poules in France</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Agenda-poules-2014-Franck-Schmitt/dp/2815304716/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384347201&sr=8-1&keywords=l%27agenda+des+poules">L'agenda des Poules in Canada</a></div>
<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-46016946189258638362013-11-12T14:55:00.000+01:002013-11-12T20:01:08.644+01:00Learning to cook in Paris<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD85m97vPIw/UoIu4DCYBQI/AAAAAAAAlCA/vJ6mvDChrsA/s1600/Ecole-Cuisine-Alain-Ducasse-Paris-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD85m97vPIw/UoIu4DCYBQI/AAAAAAAAlCA/vJ6mvDChrsA/s640/Ecole-Cuisine-Alain-Ducasse-Paris-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a family that just loves to sit down to a good home-cooked meal together, it is inevitable that we have several shelves full of cook books. Some are hardly ever opened, some are turned to just for a specific favourite recipe, and then there are one or two that look rather the worse for wear because they are used and read so often.</div>
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One of these favourites is the Cuisine de la Méditerranée by Alain Ducasse. The famous French chef has just added the restaurant at Le Meurice to his already impressive list of four star tables carrying his name. You can enjoy Ducasse's food in Monaco, Paris, Hong Kong, Tuscany, New York, London St Petersburg .... need I go on.</div>
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Not only is his food delicious, his restaurants drop dead gorgeous, but as a bonus, his recipes really truly work! He reconciled this blogger with the traditional French cherry clafoutis, and I'll often turn to him first when looking for dinner ideas.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEc10XvctvM/UoIu52Gpf1I/AAAAAAAAlCQ/UG0w7OS95e0/s1600/portrait-d-alain-ducasse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEc10XvctvM/UoIu52Gpf1I/AAAAAAAAlCQ/UG0w7OS95e0/s640/portrait-d-alain-ducasse.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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In Paris he has a <a href="http://www.ecolecuisine-alainducasse.com/en/home">cooking school</a>, with lessons along themes and specialities. You can organise a children's cooking lesson and let them eat the cakes they bake, or take a class on patisserie; great wines or haute cuisine.</div>
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Best of all - yup, I was saving the best bit for the end! - he runs classes in <a href="http://www.ecolecuisine-alainducasse.com/en/cooking-classes/111-Cooking-classes-in-English">english</a> or offers translators for any of the french speaking classes - you really have no excuse!</div>
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Wouldn't this be a fun and memorable thing to include on your next trip to Paris? </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVvtFhlfIhY/UoIx_vzTSdI/AAAAAAAAlDA/-x8tLdBGxlE/s1600/ECOLE_logo_OK.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVvtFhlfIhY/UoIx_vzTSdI/AAAAAAAAlDA/-x8tLdBGxlE/s320/ECOLE_logo_OK.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ecole de Cuisine Ducasse</div>
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64 rue du Ranelagh<br />
75016 PARIS</div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-47047333904576473752013-11-11T16:30:00.000+01:002013-11-14T08:14:51.541+01:00 country antique fairs and remembering young soldiers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNqvudfh_eE/Un9yGXQT3fI/AAAAAAAAlBI/83orYmn0eH0/s1600/DSCF2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNqvudfh_eE/Un9yGXQT3fI/AAAAAAAAlBI/83orYmn0eH0/s640/DSCF2151.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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As the temperatures drop, the brocante season winds down and makes way for low key relaxed country fairs, put together for a weekend in a château or a little store lost in the middle of Normandy.</div>
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A weekend that brought me country style furniture ... </div>
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the colours of the fall .... </div>
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...and these amazing hand written registers of young soldiers, from Normandy, signing up for the first world war. It is very touching to see how young, small and light weight they were. Each soldier was measured, closely observed and facial features described. Each was rated according to the level of education; starting with can he read or write, and finishing with whether he has studied beyond school. Quite a few couldn't sign their own name.</div>
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Among the skills the army was looking for were the ability to play a musical instrument, ride a bike, ride a horse, care for a horse, care for pigeons, drive a car, shoot straight and swim. Many replied 'non' to each.<br />
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On a weekend where we'll be remembering the armistice signed at the end of the first world war, this is a timely reminder of how many young men left their homes with very little knowledge and experience and lost their lives for their country in muddy trenches in Northern France.</div>
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-88314236864332595832013-11-09T11:48:00.000+01:002013-11-14T14:07:31.591+01:00autumn mood boards<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgF5wtFo2-s/Un0A5uFRP4I/AAAAAAAAk-8/JazKctvYSe0/s1600/DSCF2128+-+Copie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgF5wtFo2-s/Un0A5uFRP4I/AAAAAAAAk-8/JazKctvYSe0/s640/DSCF2128+-+Copie.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Same day</div>
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same garden</div>
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same season</div>
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two totally different palettes</div>
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no wonder we love the autumn</div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-14858137447058762552013-11-07T17:12:00.000+01:002013-11-07T17:17:17.339+01:00the french country look - window frames and hardware<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Windows are the eyes to the facade of a house, their shape, size and style gives immediate character to a building, so how are the typical french country windows?<br />
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The first thing to know is that French windows open in to the room, not out to the garden. Don't ask me why, that's just the way things are. And the answer to your next question is no, it isn't annoying or inconvenient. I have never had anything knocked over by an open window, but of course it does restrict the use of the window sill.<br />
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Window panes are medium to small in size. In our house, the glass in our windows is mostly still the original pane, and as we look through some of them the image is distorted by the wavy uneven thickness of the glass.</div>
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I guess they were originally made smaller because it was easier to make, and also less expensive to replace in the case of breakage. </div>
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Shutters are most often outside, but on some grander homes with higher ceilings<br />
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Sometimes windows are lined up in straight rows; </div>
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and sometimes they have to ...well, adapt to the shape of the house!</div>
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If wooden frames aren't your thing, then there is an old French tradition for narrow iron frames that is very popular again today<br />
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don't you love this old illustration for window design?</div>
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And finally the hardware. Traditionally a tall vertical bar, the crémone, which is actioned by a turning handle to fit into catches above and below the window.<br />
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Voilà! A little tour on the authentically French, hope you enjoyed the pictures.</div>
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-82362888849829472052013-11-06T14:47:00.000+01:002013-11-06T14:47:15.728+01:00French market shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shopping at our local market can be a dangerous thing</div>
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I may well arrive with a list of things I need, there are too many other temptations and I invariably leave with a basket weighed down with unexpected goodies.<br />
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The care that is taken to arrange and display fruit, fish cheese and vegetables is time well spent. Walking around the market becomes a sensory experience that is difficult to resist. </div>
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A few images from our local market, where colours and perfumes change as the seasons progress.<br />
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-28111125725413837162013-11-05T22:30:00.000+01:002013-11-06T14:28:35.533+01:00the - very rare - guest blog - my daughter takes the reins!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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This is a guest post - unusual in several ways. Firstly because I don't normally do guest posts on MFCH, and secondly because the author today is one Ella Santoni, yup .. we are related!</div>
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Ella is one of my daughters. At the very outset of her professional life, she has created a start-up offering edgy events on the Cote d'Azur. She is talented, she is strong, and - as for all four of my 'little ones' - I am fiercely proud of all she does.</div>
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When Marsha of Splenderosa suggested we invite a guest to write this month's post, I immediately thought of Ella: the born communicator ..... I asked her to to talk about blogging from the point of view of the blogger's family: those offstage, behind the scenes. This is what she came up with, we hope you enjoy! </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U81TrWqivYw/UnfMqEuJ27I/AAAAAAAAk20/M_Y3RClHjFY/s1600/1274458_10151582534495666_979198627_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U81TrWqivYw/UnfMqEuJ27I/AAAAAAAAk20/M_Y3RClHjFY/s640/1274458_10151582534495666_979198627_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">The
love story between my mum and her blog. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Ironically, today I am My French Country Home’s 'guest blogger'. Why ironically ? Because I am Sharon's daughter and her french country home is also <i>MY</i> french country home. So you know, the whole "the way we like to live " thing </span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">?</span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB"> ... well I've been
there, done that ! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">The reason I accepted to write today, is
because I liked the theme my dear mother suggested: 'The family’s vision of
the blog'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Since Mummy started writing My French Country Home,
I have observed and read a lot about this little blogging world. I must say,
it’s like the Third Dimension: everyone is so nice to each other, every blogger
is so interested in other bloggers' projects. It’s like a slightly surreal worldwide family. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Today the blog is part of my mum’s
personality and we have accepted her “virtual life”.But at first, I didn’t<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it see that way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">I remember when she first told me
that she wanted to start a blog. I didn’t really take it seriously. She asked
for my help, but I was too busy with my “cool teenage life” and preferred to ignore the whole thing. But she persevered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every evening after dinner, she spent long hours in front of
the computer screen, (which in itself was pretty surprising!) Figuring out the colours, fonts, how to do this and that …<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then after a while, her first
post was up followed by her first comments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">In what felt like the lapse of a minute, strangers from all
over the world could read and see what our lives looked like. It was as if
the computer</span><span lang="EN-GB"> screen</span><span lang="EN-GB"> became a new window in the house. Even though Mum never showed much inside the house, or never showed any of us. It was flattering
but at the same time a little weird. We - the kids - sometimes didn’t really get the
point of it. But we adapted.... </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDPzUxuHt0I/Unfqrf7tgFI/AAAAAAAAk38/mfNHDa4M5BM/s1600/DSCF4356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDPzUxuHt0I/Unfqrf7tgFI/AAAAAAAAk38/mfNHDa4M5BM/s640/DSCF4356.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Little by little, we all got curious. People around the world would read about our house in Normandy. So surprising
! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Mum got to know so many different people. Then we actually met some of these
bloggers physically, which was lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard so many different stories, got to
know different cultures, we loved it! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Now, a few years down the road, as the four of us
have grown up, and left home (all except for Jim, sorry mate!), without realizing it, her little website has become
a way of staying connected with home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Today, I always take a
moment to read what my mum has posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s as if<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was back in
Normandy for a couple of minutes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sometimes, I laugh when I read about the
adventures </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">of my little Ghetto. (Ugh! my dog is so badly behaved!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> )</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, I wipe away a tear as I read
articles about</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB"> how mum worries about raising her kids (that would be us!). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sometimes, I
smile when I see pictures of our beautiful </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">home and the flowers in the garden. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sometimes, I feel wistful when I read about the horses</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB"> and our rides in the
forest. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNzayoRUkoM/UnfqeKP7egI/AAAAAAAAk3w/7DSI1UdopGg/s1600/DSCF7930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNzayoRUkoM/UnfqeKP7egI/AAAAAAAAk3w/7DSI1UdopGg/s640/DSCF7930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">I guess that even if the blog has slightly invaded
our private lives, it is a very little thing compared to the joy and pride
it has given us. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">So I have to seize this opportunity to thank you, readers, for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the enjoyment you have brought my mum over the
past couple of years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB">I hope you liked these few lines, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span lang="EN-GB"> GO BLOGGING GO! </span></span></div>
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Thank you to Marsha, for another in the By Invitation Only series. If you'd like to read the input from other non bloggers, then pop over to <a href="http://www.splenderosa.blogspot.fr/">Splenderosa </a>and enjoy the fun!<br />
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PS Ella has asked me to add a collective word of thanks to this post, she is thrilled and flattered by your kind comments, but her day has been pretty busy and there simply wasn't time to reply to each one. Thank you!<br />
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-23745622184989563342013-11-04T15:25:00.000+01:002013-11-04T15:25:56.038+01:00the impossible chocolate mousse!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now I love to make desserts. We entertain a lot here, and while my husband generally cooks the main courses (he is a great cook!), I am unfailingly responsible for bringing up the rear end of any meal.</div>
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I am happy to turn my hand to pastries, and creams, and pies and sorbets and poached fruit and even mile high birthday cakes but the ONE thing that I can never ever get right is a chocolate mousse.</div>
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"But it's so easy!" .....everyone tells me that .. all the time.. but no my friends it is not SO easy, at least not for this distracted cook.</div>
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It seems to me that there is a psychology in making a mousse work; melting chocolate and beating eggs is a delicate chemistry that a moment's lack of concentration can cause to fail lamentably.</div>
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But today, for Sunday lunch, a request has been put in " Pleeeease can we have a chocolate mousse?..."</div>
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So I am steeling myself to try ... again.</div>
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This is what I would like to achieve ..... </div>
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I'll keep you posted!</div>
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Monday update ..... well it worked!! Can't believe it, my first ever really good chocolate mousse! Here's the picture to prove it!, and the recipe below ... (and yes, there are raw eggs in this recipe)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxMQjWR-7kk/UneOg85hlSI/AAAAAAAAk2g/OSECz9Kxt4k/s1600/DSCF2109.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxMQjWR-7kk/UneOg85hlSI/AAAAAAAAk2g/OSECz9Kxt4k/s640/DSCF2109.gif" width="480" /></a></div>
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For about 8 little one portion pots like these, you will need:<br />
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3 egg yolks</div>
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6 egg whites</div>
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10 ozs/ 300g good quality dark chocolate</div>
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5 fl oz/15cl cream</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/4</span> cup/50 grams sugar</div>
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First heat very very gently the chocolate, either in a microwave or in a bain-marie. Whatever you do, don't let it get too hot.</div>
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When the chocolate has just melted, add the cream, a third at a time and beat continuously with a spoon to mix everything smoothly. Add the egg yolks and beat again.</div>
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Beat the egg whites until stiff, adding the sugar little by little as you go.</div>
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Mix in a spoon of the egg whites thoroughly, then gently fold in the rest. Spoon into your little pots and pop into the fridge for up to 12 hours. Serve cold, with a little pouring chocolate if you wish, although I like them as they are.</div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-46468880812989167252013-11-02T13:20:00.000+01:002013-11-04T15:24:20.391+01:00a rainy day in Paris and a bloggers lunch<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5j3Kz50gA8/UnTcmmjjSII/AAAAAAAAk1M/t4JTIu5qcd8/s1600/FEBoulangerie-PicMonkey-Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5j3Kz50gA8/UnTcmmjjSII/AAAAAAAAk1M/t4JTIu5qcd8/s640/FEBoulangerie-PicMonkey-Collage.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The first of November arrived with buckets of rain, but it didn't bother me one bit!</div>
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I had a lunch date with Vicki Archer, and I was looking forward to being tucked away in a little Parisian bistrot ... good food, good company, good location: all the things that work for me!</div>
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Vicki is as generous as her lovely blog, French Essence. We had a ton of things to talk about: the blogs of course, but also family life; our living in France; our dreams and wishes... girl talk ...you can imagine how it went.</div>
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Vicki is in Paris for a few days, and has been delighting her instagram
and blog followers with the photos she's taken as she walks around the
city. The pictures I'm showing today are all hers;</div>
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Enjoy.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-_cFwRubds/UnTcl2_2JuI/AAAAAAAAk1E/JtoUqR160-w/s1600/FELEft-bank-PicMonkey-Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-_cFwRubds/UnTcl2_2JuI/AAAAAAAAk1E/JtoUqR160-w/s640/FELEft-bank-PicMonkey-Collage.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-11607931126301169002013-10-31T15:35:00.001+01:002013-11-07T10:07:31.920+01:00how do you like to entertain?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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As I sat upstairs at my desk this morning, I heard my youngest son come home, laughing and chatting with friends.</div>
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It is the school holidays here, and they are making the most if it! Places to go, people to see, you know how it is . Yesterday evening they went to a pre-Halloween party and a sleep over. It seems that the morning-after party was happening here with an improvised brunch.</div>
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I popped down to greet them then left them to it. They are 16 years old now, and the last thing they want is me fussing over them in the kitchen.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0reNhYk5vnk/UnJo0JjcMQI/AAAAAAAAkz0/oFbcz4_LxpE/s1600/mcguire-jim-american-breakfast-of-pancakes-eggs-and-bacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0reNhYk5vnk/UnJo0JjcMQI/AAAAAAAAkz0/oFbcz4_LxpE/s640/mcguire-jim-american-breakfast-of-pancakes-eggs-and-bacon.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Someone plugged in the music, and as Jim started cracking eggs and frying bacon I could hear him telling his pals where to find plates, flatware and orange juice. One of the boys volunteered to light a fire, and before long the house was humming with the quiet(-ish) sound of a bunch of contented teenagers and the delicious aroma of an open fire and morning bacon.</div>
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I couldn't resist going down to enjoy the scene, and found six of them around a sparsely laid dining room table, eating well and cracking jokes. Magic.</div>
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As I turned away from the room, I couldn't help but think of all the dinners and lunches and brunches that have taken place in that room, all the mouths that have been fed, the lively discussions, the meals enjoyed.</div>
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And I wondered about the chemistry of successful entertaining - for that is what my son, Jim, was doing. It may just have been eggs and bacon, with orange juice and muffins, he still laid on a meal for friends.</div>
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I, like most of you, love to lay a pretty table for friends, to set the scene. I love the candlelight, the sparkling glasses the flowers on the table, the champagne, but this morning there was none of that. And it didn't matter one bit.</div>
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So what are the most important things? If you think back to the best meals you have laid on or been invited to. The most memorable dinners, the most wonderful lunch. What was it that made it work?</div>
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Was it the amazing food, or the scintillating conversation? The soft music or a guest with a particular gift as a raconteur? Was it a big dinner for 10 or twelve, or a quiet dinner for four ?<br />
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Personally I can remember dinners for the way the table was laid, or the choice of menu, but the ones that really stick in my mind, that I still recall now and then, are the ones where we laughed and talked through the night, and simply enjoyed the pleasure of good company.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qiMhNlFwYc/UnJng_mumLI/AAAAAAAAkzs/pFVJ8VamRMI/s1600/DSCF5364.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qiMhNlFwYc/UnJng_mumLI/AAAAAAAAkzs/pFVJ8VamRMI/s640/DSCF5364.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo 2 via google</span><br />
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-35724102788091959492013-10-30T17:01:00.000+01:002013-10-30T17:34:15.761+01:00feeling distracted ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yCYwKWDXGVA/UnEsyES-K5I/AAAAAAAAkyE/9LoZuf7M35Q/s1600/l%27amour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yCYwKWDXGVA/UnEsyES-K5I/AAAAAAAAkyE/9LoZuf7M35Q/s320/l%27amour.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are one of the people waiting for an email reply from me then I owe you an apology .... I have been a little distracted of late, and maybe concentrating less than I should. I try to keep up with mails each day, but I'm pretty sure that a couple have sadly slipped through the net.</div>
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The truth is that I am working on refreshing this little blog, and oh boy, it is a labour of love...<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"> l'amour toujours l'amour..... </span></span></div>
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I have experts to hand, who are patient and kind, and they never get flustered when I find yet another thing to change .... But I'm dealing with unfamiliar software, and freshening up the design and oh my goodness I feel like I'm starting back at zero all over again!</div>
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It is amazing how many details have to be checked, how many decisions made. </div>
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Font for example! Who would have thought it could be so important?! I am looking at shapes and sizes of letters until my eyes are screaming out for a rest. It's interesting and stimulating but decisions can be hard to take.<br />
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Look at how the blog title takes on a totally different mood with a change in the font.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFmlQwrljP8/UnE09GYpBzI/AAAAAAAAkyU/gBYMpV22h2A/s1600/font2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFmlQwrljP8/UnE09GYpBzI/AAAAAAAAkyU/gBYMpV22h2A/s640/font2.png" width="640" /></a>So there is my excuse. I like to keep you informed of what's going on here. Without your support and encouragement, this blog would have no raison d'etre, no meaning at all.<br />
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Thank you for your patience, I hope to be able to announce the new MFCH quite soon. And if you are waiting on an unanswered mail, would you mind dreadfully if I asked you to send it again. This time I promise you'll have a quick reply.<br />
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Merci beaucoup!</div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-40024533681376399582013-10-30T00:26:00.000+01:002013-10-30T00:27:15.552+01:00brocante kitchen storage - like/unlike?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CZnqnDqCTo/Um-v9tfOWmI/AAAAAAAAksw/L55nVx5sJzk/s1600/1183_618001821574979_1789994951_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CZnqnDqCTo/Um-v9tfOWmI/AAAAAAAAksw/L55nVx5sJzk/s640/1183_618001821574979_1789994951_n.png" width="524" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Came across these pictures in a French magazine recently, I think it was Maison de Campagne, but can't be sure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Many people today are looking for an alternative to the squeaky clean fitted kitchen, preferring free standing pieces and a more simple, country look.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">But here I'm wondering, is this a step too far or, on the contrary, does it give an authentic country feel?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">I have a favourite picture, but I'm curious to know if you would pick the same. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">You know that I'd love to hear what you think, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e;">so tell me please: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">like/unlike</span></span></div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-52374918120470171482013-10-29T11:00:00.000+01:002013-11-04T21:13:04.178+01:00selfies - will you show yours?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DK8SYaLqYBo/Um49W9SyzJI/AAAAAAAAkmc/2odnZa_H1o8/s1600/IMG_1499_pp+-+Copie+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DK8SYaLqYBo/Um49W9SyzJI/AAAAAAAAkmc/2odnZa_H1o8/s640/IMG_1499_pp+-+Copie+(2).JPG" width="464" /></a></div>
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One of the wonderful thing about taking pictures with a phone is that 'Slightly-Out-Of-Focus' can not only be interpreted as 'Interestingly Artistic', it also hides all manner of things, which is why I have tried a Selfie. I am told they are all the rage, although my children did look slightly nervous when I announced my intention of a Selfie post on the blog!</div>
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So today I have one simple question for you: "Will you show me yours?! "</div>
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I know it takes guts to show yourself online. Heaven knows I have hardly ever done it myself, but I would love to have a wonderful visual collection of my readers here, so I am inviting you to send me <a href="mailto:sharonsantoni@wanadoo.fr">a mail</a><a href="mailto:sharonsantoni@wanadoo.fr"> </a>with your selfie and I'll add them all, gallery style, to this post below ... you can either go under 'anon' or just a first name or, if you wish, I'll caption you with your name and the name of your blog too.<br />
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Just a fun way to start the week ...<br />
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oo ~ 0 ~ oo<br />
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PS. This is the next day and I am amazed and delighted at all your comments, and the astounding number of extremely kind emails I have received privately. Thank you so much. The thoughtfulness and generosity of my readers has never failed to surprise me.</div>
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And as for the gorgeous bunch below ... well! What can I say?!<br />
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We are indeed blessed :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica from Prince Snow Farm<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bety of Villa Eduards</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deborah of Alamodeus</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon Weir<br />
Interiors and Decorative Painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gina of Pura Vida</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel James Shigo</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meredith lee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercy Gallardo </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">@ La vie interieur </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">natalie @living my joy </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda Rush</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeanne @ Collage of Life</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven and Brecht Dujardyn @artandskills</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen@LePotager, Fullerton, CA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie@ Hostess of the Humble Bungalow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meg @Pigtowndesign</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary Leon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather @ LostinArles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ Newman</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JoJeNash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLv9KHngvtI/UnAb9K2Q43I/AAAAAAAAkvU/So_0Y5BJ_ok/s1600/helen+goff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLv9KHngvtI/UnAb9K2Q43I/AAAAAAAAkvU/So_0Y5BJ_ok/s200/helen+goff.jpg" width="126" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen Goff and Gussy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWqYElwaBHU/UnAbkAcZLBI/AAAAAAAAkvM/UVD0OQhYk14/s1600/meg%2540lifespatina.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWqYElwaBHU/UnAbkAcZLBI/AAAAAAAAkvM/UVD0OQhYk14/s200/meg%2540lifespatina.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meg @LifesPatina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NjWTBawqJM/Um-MnmuD9QI/AAAAAAAAksM/5yARga0sSJg/s1600/mail.google.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NjWTBawqJM/Um-MnmuD9QI/AAAAAAAAksM/5yARga0sSJg/s200/mail.google.com.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedi Goosen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NI7hkyoFC7Y/Um_YuuLqfyI/AAAAAAAAkt0/d3SJQleYkeE/s1600/sharon+ledrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NI7hkyoFC7Y/Um_YuuLqfyI/AAAAAAAAkt0/d3SJQleYkeE/s200/sharon+ledrick.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharron Ledrick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VB8NaFnp0QI/Um_YtXNLLbI/AAAAAAAAktc/THuHPYZrJxU/s1600/cyndi+%2526+dixie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VB8NaFnp0QI/Um_YtXNLLbI/AAAAAAAAktc/THuHPYZrJxU/s200/cyndi+%2526+dixie.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyndi with Dixie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igvdE6UBQws/Um_Yub2jZoI/AAAAAAAAkts/AfLE__mZ-Ko/s1600/rita+kolycius.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igvdE6UBQws/Um_Yub2jZoI/AAAAAAAAkts/AfLE__mZ-Ko/s200/rita+kolycius.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rita Kolycius</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacey@Staceysnacksonline<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e-iElCSfDk/Um_5MVFerlI/AAAAAAAAkus/nHs1_GkFeks/s1600/dawn+schreiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e-iElCSfDk/Um_5MVFerlI/AAAAAAAAkus/nHs1_GkFeks/s200/dawn+schreiner.jpg" width="169" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn Schreiner illustrations<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane @ Lilac and Old Roses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4_79XErdLI/UnDyyuHwelI/AAAAAAAAkws/Gqh1hQj0dKU/s1600/sarah+baumberger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4_79XErdLI/UnDyyuHwelI/AAAAAAAAkws/Gqh1hQj0dKU/s200/sarah+baumberger.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Baumberger and Boop </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CgmGjhYFAo/UnAaeeoYb2I/AAAAAAAAkvA/GTi-QEHR-yk/s1600/isabelle+stephan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CgmGjhYFAo/UnAaeeoYb2I/AAAAAAAAkvA/GTi-QEHR-yk/s200/isabelle+stephan.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabelle Stephan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaKFWwhWqVI/UnDyi-uI_SI/AAAAAAAAkwc/j8HcCD47-J4/s1600/david+at+webb+house+in+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaKFWwhWqVI/UnDyi-uI_SI/AAAAAAAAkwc/j8HcCD47-J4/s200/david+at+webb+house+in+mirror.jpg" width="139" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Terry at Webb House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QDlU9zY_fk/UnDySAsQQjI/AAAAAAAAkwU/ZLvS8U7aNtc/s1600/sue+mcarney.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QDlU9zY_fk/UnDySAsQQjI/AAAAAAAAkwU/ZLvS8U7aNtc/s200/sue+mcarney.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue Macarney</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7b77L1XOFJo/UnDykl0z7dI/AAAAAAAAkwk/cSJR7ZYVFmQ/s1600/Cynthia+Sambeat+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7b77L1XOFJo/UnDykl0z7dI/AAAAAAAAkwk/cSJR7ZYVFmQ/s200/Cynthia+Sambeat+.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia Sambeat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xagVX5R5GQ/UnD7sx4FvqI/AAAAAAAAkw8/PwIpJdcwGJA/s1600/caroline+%2540thebalanced+approach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xagVX5R5GQ/UnD7sx4FvqI/AAAAAAAAkw8/PwIpJdcwGJA/s200/caroline+%2540thebalanced+approach.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroline @thebalancedapproach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WvcYHWqdw8/UnE2eUyTbII/AAAAAAAAkys/hwSwARk24FU/s1600/colleen+taylor+and+Amber.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WvcYHWqdw8/UnE2eUyTbII/AAAAAAAAkys/hwSwARk24FU/s200/colleen+taylor+and+Amber.tiff" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colleen taylor and Amber</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fh0vpAVI7yk/UnQv3xWzAZI/AAAAAAAAk0s/BPi80fdcuA4/s1600/helen+tilston.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fh0vpAVI7yk/UnQv3xWzAZI/AAAAAAAAk0s/BPi80fdcuA4/s200/helen+tilston.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">helen tilston paintings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qK-421MIewY/UnYVr15QC9I/AAAAAAAAk14/X6Pa4WjFXIA/s1600/christl%2540artemanocreativ+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qK-421MIewY/UnYVr15QC9I/AAAAAAAAk14/X6Pa4WjFXIA/s200/christl%2540artemanocreativ+%25282%2529.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">christl@artemanocreativ</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT6CjimxjLg/UnQvyaMs1cI/AAAAAAAAk0M/WKP-O9lWHaU/s1600/laurasrosegarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TT6CjimxjLg/UnQvyaMs1cI/AAAAAAAAk0M/WKP-O9lWHaU/s200/laurasrosegarden.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">laura@laurasrosegarden</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf0UHWvBSYM/UnQv1ekYXEI/AAAAAAAAk0U/VPGJYQrOctQ/s1600/patti%2540pattijohnsoninteriors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf0UHWvBSYM/UnQv1ekYXEI/AAAAAAAAk0U/VPGJYQrOctQ/s200/patti%2540pattijohnsoninteriors.jpg" width="158" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">pattti@pattijohnsoninteriors</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mat_XGC-TJA/UnQw77Q6WjI/AAAAAAAAk00/a1gwnArZBBA/s1600/sherry+niemi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mat_XGC-TJA/UnQw77Q6WjI/AAAAAAAAk00/a1gwnArZBBA/s200/sherry+niemi.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sherry niemi</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkyR9HeEMnk/UnYU3w50aUI/AAAAAAAAk1s/cBaRaQUfVAA/s1600/lizzie+from+n+carolina!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkyR9HeEMnk/UnYU3w50aUI/AAAAAAAAk1s/cBaRaQUfVAA/s200/lizzie+from+n+carolina!.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizzie from n carolina!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOciN7R73vc/Unf_tILxa7I/AAAAAAAAk4I/8i_IRq-qlFA/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOciN7R73vc/Unf_tILxa7I/AAAAAAAAk4I/8i_IRq-qlFA/s200/photo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roberta gallini</td></tr>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-64721975607634731302013-10-27T15:30:00.000+01:002013-10-27T15:47:48.360+01:00discipline for dogs .... in my dreams!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YDWXWuu4UkA/UmuVUtZ-HUI/AAAAAAAAkkU/ePxmWQga9v8/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YDWXWuu4UkA/UmuVUtZ-HUI/AAAAAAAAkkU/ePxmWQga9v8/s640/IMG_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gibson and Ghetto continue to <strike>drive us mad</strike> enhance our daily lives, and in particular with their clever schemes and tricks for ... running away.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn6yFqpeIUk/UmuVUnXg4MI/AAAAAAAAkkY/Jy7Ko-2SGh8/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn6yFqpeIUk/UmuVUnXg4MI/AAAAAAAAkkY/Jy7Ko-2SGh8/s640/IMG_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They have turned Running Away into an art form, and us into paranoid dog owners with a constant eye on the gate and an ear open for shrieking chickens or stampeding horses ...<br />
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.... life could be so simple .....</div>
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Their Running Away takes two forms. First of all via the gate. If we forget to shut it properly they are both off, hightailing it across fields, punch drunk on their freedom.<br />
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Mind you, a closed gate is actually a mere formality for Ghetto. There is a wonderful world out there, just waiting for him and if he can still escape, he will! ... this week I actually caught him on film ...<br />
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..... this is me watching him go ......</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hd_uMd3fQu4/UmuSA_OStXI/AAAAAAAAkjg/etmMYPRRbAo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hd_uMd3fQu4/UmuSA_OStXI/AAAAAAAAkjg/etmMYPRRbAo/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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....and this is me waiting for him on the other side ...</div>
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where he was of course not the slightest bit embarrassed to find me, camera in hand!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGorjM7KXJ4/UmuO3OWGUGI/AAAAAAAAkjY/axKyg9D-xaY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGorjM7KXJ4/UmuO3OWGUGI/AAAAAAAAkjY/axKyg9D-xaY/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you know I like to walk these mutts as often as I can in the forest - excellent therapy for all concerned be they two or four legged.</div>
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I am now in the habit of keeping Ghetto on a lead until we have passed all the horse pastures on the way to the forest. One, because I don't have time to chase him through fields and two, because I couldn't afford the vet's bill if he caused any harm to my neighbours horses.</div>
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Horses, in Ghettos tiny mind, are simply toys to play with. He is oblivious to the fact that he weighs 6 kilos and they come closer to 400! Our own horses are fairly calm and more interested in their food than a hairy hound. But our neighbours thoroughbreds are a different story. They are <strike>lunatics</strike> rather highly strung, and it takes very little to set them off galloping at top speed around their paddocks, the same paddocks that can be dangerously slippery in this damp autumn weather.</div>
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Once Ghetto tasted the adrenalin rush obtained by chasing racehorses, he was hooked! </div>
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He loved the feel of the wind in his hairy ears, the proximity of flying hooves, and me screaming at him from the side lines just added to the thrill. Hmmmm...</div>
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Consequently, he now stays on the lead until the horses are out of sight and I'm sure he has set his cap firmly on the forest. </div>
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Once we are in the forest of course, they are both off their leads and rush back and forth, sometimes disappearing for five or ten minutes then charging up behind me panting, wagging their muddy tails, just the time to 'check in' before racing off again.</div>
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A long time ago they understood that when we start going down hill it means the walk is coming to an end. This became the signal to them to simply disappear. </div>
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What was meant to be a 90 minutes brisk and pleasant stroll was prolonged by an extra hour as they had me walking a supplementary loop of the forest, screaming their names and coming back home late, stressed and bad tempered.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUq-wXht9gg/UmuWDrxcNrI/AAAAAAAAkkk/EjHFo56N6l0/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUq-wXht9gg/UmuWDrxcNrI/AAAAAAAAkkk/EjHFo56N6l0/s640/IMG_1335.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And so we have come to an understanding ... in the shape of a long cord. (no, don't worry, I haven't hung them ... not yet) . I attach them together! Barbarian? No , not at all. They tried once to take different routes around a large tree ... once, but not twice.</div>
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They now come home quite happily. The rope fills Gibson with a feeling of Great Responsibility and he becomes eminently Sensible and Obedient. And Ghetto? well he simply doesn't have the weight to argue.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyWdbb7Oa3k/UmucFmsT40I/AAAAAAAAklI/igdP0PUrJ-s/s1600/DSCF2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyWdbb7Oa3k/UmucFmsT40I/AAAAAAAAklI/igdP0PUrJ-s/s640/DSCF2023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A simple but delightfully effective solution that brings us all home on time and smiling.</div>
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until of course, they find a new trick</div>
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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend </div>
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thank you for reading me.<br />
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PS, and if you want to share your own dog training tricks, then I'd just love to hear!<br />
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-30465352297965611882013-10-25T14:52:00.000+02:002013-10-26T00:57:17.700+02:00french chateaux with chequered walls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSh26uPh2n8/UmpjvOdpZaI/AAAAAAAAkh0/HDedxJ_9d1I/s1600/bricks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSh26uPh2n8/UmpjvOdpZaI/AAAAAAAAkh0/HDedxJ_9d1I/s640/bricks.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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One of my very favourite features of the older châteaux and manor houses in Normandy, is their traditional chequered walls.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rS_k0dfQ9iU/Umpjuyw8mfI/AAAAAAAAkhs/s4fINGzCm9I/s1600/briques2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rS_k0dfQ9iU/Umpjuyw8mfI/AAAAAAAAkhs/s4fINGzCm9I/s640/briques2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't you think it would make you happy to wake up in a chequered château?! I'd have a permanent smile. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0Qr5BNXm8A/UmpmELYJzEI/AAAAAAAAkig/D1TOXSMrBUU/s1600/Saint-Germain-de-Livet_%C3%89glise2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0Qr5BNXm8A/UmpmELYJzEI/AAAAAAAAkig/D1TOXSMrBUU/s640/Saint-Germain-de-Livet_%C3%89glise2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These walls are 16th century, and were basically built with materials to hand, namely brick and stone. Today most have been restored and perfectly maintained, but now and again I come across a smaller version, at the end of a green valley, looking a little sad, and in need of some TLC .... <br />
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If you want to see some more, then check out names like Falaise, St Germain du Livet, or Manoir de Blais. <br />
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wishing you all a happy weekend <br />
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-91990688632679209552013-10-24T18:01:00.000+02:002013-10-24T18:01:01.175+02:00 the french country look - part 1 - the fireplace<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OC89bt-2CFQ/Umj6CH-vttI/AAAAAAAAkgU/XdYNVSceJ38/s1600/chem3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OC89bt-2CFQ/Umj6CH-vttI/AAAAAAAAkgU/XdYNVSceJ38/s640/chem3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Few labels can be as freely used as 'french country' ... not that I am
very well placed to say anything, but ahem ... well, this is my blog and I live in France, in the country so I'm
allowed!</div>
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I'm sometimes asked what I think French Country means, and I can only refer to the homes I see around me here in Normandy. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsAlUxy2vmo/Umj5kc8qa-I/AAAAAAAAkgA/YFiJkP8wvCA/s1600/DSCF7456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NsAlUxy2vmo/Umj5kc8qa-I/AAAAAAAAkgA/YFiJkP8wvCA/s640/DSCF7456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the French Country fireplace, the most typical are the old carved stone sort. These can be found antique or be carved new . They are often quite high, and not necessarily very deep, but if they have been designed properly then they draw well and heat efficiently.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzfM63zjJE0/Umj6BsG170I/AAAAAAAAkgQ/L5dfAVlalss/s1600/chem7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzfM63zjJE0/Umj6BsG170I/AAAAAAAAkgQ/L5dfAVlalss/s640/chem7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In this house, we have two open fireplaces that burn large quantities of wood through the winter months. The house may already be warm, the sight of the flames just adds so much atmosphere that the effort required to tend the fire and maintain the fireplace is worthwhile.</div>
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I think my favourite fire is the one we light in the dining room for Sunday breakfast. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHC_0emLnOk/Umj6B3ZXPoI/AAAAAAAAkgY/DbTNybCA6YA/s1600/chem9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHC_0emLnOk/Umj6B3ZXPoI/AAAAAAAAkgY/DbTNybCA6YA/s640/chem9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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As you can see from the pictures I am favouring a dark to neutral colour palette around the fire at the moment. </div>
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And when it comes to accessories, they remain traditional. The cast iron plaque against the back wall, a pair of decorative chenets for holding the logs and of course a big log basket. Mine is currently a sturdy champagne grape collecting basket.</div>
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Voilà! - condensed French country from me to you! </div>
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-48854366318462450472013-10-24T00:30:00.000+02:002013-10-24T00:54:26.533+02:00goodbye to the dahlias<br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are nearly at the end of October, and here in Normandy waaay overdue for the first frosts. When the cold finally arrives, it will be time to say goodbye to my dahlias that have given us so much pleasure since late summer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been asked loads of
questions about growing the dahlias, which I shall attempt to answer
below, but in the meantime, and just for fun, here is my little adieu to
these lovely blooms.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ1axOfUXlI/Ume1k7CGdLI/AAAAAAAAkfc/UhllpoGsJ8Q/s1600/DSCF1977.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ1axOfUXlI/Ume1k7CGdLI/AAAAAAAAkfc/UhllpoGsJ8Q/s640/DSCF1977.gif" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">And to your questions, not that I think I am some sort of dahlia expert, but this is what I have picked up through experience: ...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">~ are dahlias easy to grow? YES! providing you have the right soil and climate</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">~ how do you plant them? Plant the tubers in the spring, mark the spot where they are buried and keep an eye open for the first leaves during the summer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">~ do they require much maintenance? Nope, just a very strong support to keep them growing upright, and regular dead-heading. Oh yes, and you may want to keep an eye open for any caterpillars or earwigs - to be gently removed to a dahlia free zone!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">~ do you have to dig them up in the winter? This really depends on your climate. I find they hate being too wet, but they don't mind the cold. I leave my more ordinary varieties in their beds through the winter, and only left the special ones. If you do lift them, then don't forget to label each tuber, with a name, colour, height of the plant.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Is it true I can split the tuber and make more plants? Yes, definitely! This is also the advantage of lifting the tubers in the winter. If the dried tuber has more than one stalk out the top, then it can be split. I use my garden spade.</span></span><br />
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-53494761052249165492013-10-22T12:34:00.001+02:002013-10-22T12:34:12.978+02:00manicures for Parisians on the go<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsyZW0LCif4/UmZRwJhIPII/AAAAAAAAkdQ/01mSijiT2Uo/s1600/boud4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsyZW0LCif4/UmZRwJhIPII/AAAAAAAAkdQ/01mSijiT2Uo/s640/boud4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">There is a fun little pink van to be seen on the streets of Paris ,</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txFk9Nur6Tc/UmZRtB60kgI/AAAAAAAAkcw/sIGNlO17N_k/s1600/boud3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txFk9Nur6Tc/UmZRtB60kgI/AAAAAAAAkcw/sIGNlO17N_k/s640/boud3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;">bright pink, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;">and wearing eyelashes </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFqKKFsbgu4/UmZRujmtnKI/AAAAAAAAkdA/COS6OlaUQxE/s1600/boud.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFqKKFsbgu4/UmZRujmtnKI/AAAAAAAAkdA/COS6OlaUQxE/s640/boud.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://www.leboudoirdescocottes.eu/">Le Boudoir des Cocottes</a></span> has been dreamt up by</span></span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;">two girlfriends. They bring a manicure and make up service to their clients; busy Parisians who may have trouble fitting a manicure into their weekly routine, but are delighted when the salon comes to their street!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f6O2tPsmcY/UmZRtEhGy1I/AAAAAAAAkc0/YNzsnzPXRoQ/s1600/boud2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f6O2tPsmcY/UmZRtEhGy1I/AAAAAAAAkc0/YNzsnzPXRoQ/s640/boud2.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingrid and Estelle have adopted a delightful retro style, and the whole thing is super feminine and fun</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3kuLLcLBGU/UmZRuwDB6HI/AAAAAAAAkdM/9dBX_fpp2ro/s1600/boudoir-cocottes-new-tendance-L-KS1H8i.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3kuLLcLBGU/UmZRuwDB6HI/AAAAAAAAkdM/9dBX_fpp2ro/s640/boudoir-cocottes-new-tendance-L-KS1H8i.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like a French manicure next time you're in Paris, then check out their <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://www.leboudoirdescocottes.eu/ou-sont-les-cocottes/">schedule</a></span> or drop them <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://www.leboudoirdescocottes.eu/contact/">a line</a></span>.</span></span></div>
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sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2298436430498599307.post-87314249085864944232013-10-21T15:47:00.001+02:002013-10-21T15:47:11.543+02:00pumpkin soup<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTr_6UY2zmY/UmUm6TYkAeI/AAAAAAAAkcA/fnwXLLl5DmU/s1600/Pumpkin-Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTr_6UY2zmY/UmUm6TYkAeI/AAAAAAAAkcA/fnwXLLl5DmU/s640/Pumpkin-Soup.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The wonderful thing about winter soups is that they are so easy to make, and you can be so free with the ingredients!</div>
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Our pumpkins are all ripe here, and a warm soup is welcome for a quick lunch, or supper in front of the fire.</div>
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I prefer to cook my vegetables in the oven, because I love the extra flavour that comes when the vegetables caramelise a little rather than cooking more gently in a pan.</div>
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Of course if you have a small to medium pumpkin to spare, then the hollowed pumpkin makes a beautiful way to serve the soup, but otherwise it is just as delicious poured directly into bowls or mugs. </div>
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To make enough soup for a family meal I cut into medium sized pieces:<br />
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1 large onion (preferably red)</div>
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2 cloves garlic</div>
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2 sticks celery</div>
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a quarter of a large pumpkin</div>
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2 leeks</div>
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a large handful of cherry tomatoes</div>
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You can add a potato to the vegetables if you like, but it isn't obligatory.</div>
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I lay these on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, and bake in a hot oven for about 20 minutes. You want the vegetables cooked through completely, and just beginning to caramelise but not burnt.</div>
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Once everything is thoroughly cooked through, the vegetables need to be blended. You can either shoot the vegetables into a deep pan and use a hand-help blender, or push the vegetables through a vegetable grinder, or even pulse in a kitchen blender. When they are completely smooth, turn the heat on under the pan and start added some chicken or vegetable stock and milk. </div>
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You can make the soup as thick or as thin as you wish. Some people are happy with just salt and pepper to season, I like to vary the seasoning, sometimes adding ground ginger, sometimes a little nutmeg, or even some cumin. A swirl of cream in the bowl looks pretty to serve, and tastes good too!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZJ_NlcJvqE/UmUm6Nqi1NI/AAAAAAAAkb8/8N0O4aFGe14/s1600/acc_selection_automne_200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZJ_NlcJvqE/UmUm6Nqi1NI/AAAAAAAAkb8/8N0O4aFGe14/s640/acc_selection_automne_200x300.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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bon appetit!</div>
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Photos 1 & 3 google images<br />
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<br />sharon santoni at my french country homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17475608374691177747noreply@blogger.com11