"Pink Frosts" of Late Autumn....

Since our "Pink Saturday" coincides with the first day of November, I thought these photos were very appropriate!.....Frosty landscapes iced in "pink"! The colors are so "soft & muted"...and the images so "still & wintery".....

I think this time of year is well suited to me.....I need a few weeks of "calm", ....to "catch my breath" before the holiday excitement is upon us all!.....So I will "thank" Beverly our hostess, ...& be off to visit you all.... & spend the rest of this weekend involved in peaceful pursuits!......

Note: Today is the last day to sign up for my Very Vintage Christmas Swap! I would love to have you join me!...but decide quickly!...times almost up! :)

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I invite you all to come visit,.... & maybe do a little shopping!!!!

My "Stenciled Autumn Pillow", along with my "Fairfield Wrap Pillow"......both would be perfect tucked into a cozy chair!....adding a bit of Autumn to your holiday home!......

Like many of you, this week is a busy one!.....With Halloween on Friday, we are busy stitching up costumes.....baking sugar cookies in the shapes of bats & pumpkins....mixing up popcorn balls, carving jack o' lanterns & decorating our front walk with an oversized spider & his 6 foot web!...Along with the preparations, ...Thursday evening is set aside for spooky little party my daughter is throwing for her "mommy & me" playgroup... & of course Friday is not only Halloween & trick or treating, but also my 51st birthday!?.....Did I mention it was a frightfully crazy week! :).....And amongst all this, I am trying to finish & list all sorts of wonderful Fall & Christmas pieces on my etsy shop,......"Heidi Devlin Designs"! .....Some of my things I listed a few weeks ago, but I am also planning on adding quite an assortment of new things as well, in the next few days! So I am giving you a little sneak peek at some of my creations!

My "Stenciled Autumn pillow" once again, with a scattering of lovely ragballs" on my little blue table!....Such a pretty "Fall" corner!

My dark brown collection of "ragballs", all in tickings & primitive prints!.....Ragballs happen to be an incredibly versatile accessory to any style of decor!....They look amazing in a country home, but also give modern spaces a sense of "connection with the past", in a very stark & simple fashion........

And my second collection of ragballs, in shades of autumn leaves!......So very pretty....clustered on a table, ...in an earthenware bowl or displayed in an elegant urn!

A "close up" of the incredible workmanship of my "Fairfield Wrap pillow"...The pillows are custom-made in your choice of linen, white denim or burlap....and the wrap is 100% wool, with a hand-dyed wool appliqued pumpkin!...Look at all those tiny accent stitches!!

One of my "pinwheel" quilts!...perfect for this time of year!...This quilt was part of a treasury put together by Cary @ "little love blue" for her etsy shop by the same name. You must visit Cary at her blog & etsy site, she makes the sweetest little wool "animals & delights"!!! ...and as an added treat,.... her "treasury" was chosen by Etsy to be on the front page! A huge congratulations to you, Cary... & once again "thank you"!

"Hand-stamped flour-sack towels", that I make & use as wonderfully "over-sized" dinner napkins!....All washable & dryable....Wouldn't a set of these look amazing on your Thanksgiving table!

And my "Stuffed Candy Canes".....these may very well be my "most popular" holiday creation!!....These are approx. 10" long & very light-weight!...I have mine in an old antique crock, but they also look amazing hung on the branches of your Christmas tree or placed next to a guest's placesetting as the lovliest "favor" to take home!......

A tiny felt "stocking" ornament...approx. 5-6" long & embellished with a bit of velevt ribbon, antique button & jingle bell!.....

My wee "elf boot".....a tiny 3-dimensional boot (approx. 5" long)...When I designed these I kept thinking how addorable it would be to fill these "boots" with little peppermint pillows or jelly beans & give as favors or tuck in a child's stocking......

The prettiest "quilted heart" ornament!.....approx. 8"x8".... & adorned with little snippets of ribbon, bells & buttons!

Another "quilted heart ornament".....all ready to be hung on your tree..... or given as a wonderful gift to a dear friend!

Another tiny stocking!...this time in Christmas red!....Oh-so cute!!!

The sparkly "icicles" that adorn the top of my oatmeal wool felt "Christmas stocking"!!...approx. 20" long & 8 " wide

A simple, sweet "stocking"....ready to be sent off to your home,...to be hung & patiently await Santa's arrival!! I will be listing all of these items within a day or so!.....along with holiday tablerunners, more quilts & charming stockings!....I invite you all to stop by & do a bit of shopping!!....See you soon!....Thank you so much!....Heidi XO

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Pink Saturday.......

Happy Saturday......"Pink Saturday" that is!......Today's photo is one that shows just how much the addition of "pink", even in the simplest ways, ....adds unexpected "charm"!.... The most "mundane" corners of a room, can just come to life when a bit of "pink" decides to "enter the picture"!...... Enjoy October!....Enjoy this day!....enjoy "pink"!..........Heidi XO......P.S. & thank you Beverly!

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Artsy Mama's "Autumn Gathering Home Party".......

This morning we are all gathering together for an "Autumn Home Party" over at Kari's blog "Artsy Mama"!...... My beautiful cake is all baked & frosted..... & ready for company! ( recipe at the end of this post)

My table is set.....

The decorations are up.......

And I am here at home waiting for you all to arrive!.....Let us all visit each other on this fine Autumn day! Thank you Kari for being our hostess!...Here's to Autumn!!

Note: Recipe for Country Living's "Maple Walnut Cake"......

INGREDIENTS


2.5 cup(s) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
.5 teaspoon(s) salt
.5 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
.5 cup(s) butter, softened
.5 cup(s) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1.5 cup(s) pure maple syrup
2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
.5 cup(s) water
1 cup(s) finely chopped walnuts
6 walnut halves

Maple-Sugar Frosting

DIRECTIONS
Make the batter: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a small brush, lightly coat two 9-inch cake pans with softened butter or vegetable-oil cooking spray. Dust with flour and tap out any excess. Set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a large bowl using a mixer set on high speed, beat the butter and sugar for 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat for 1 minute after each addition. Add 1 cup maple syrup and vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture by thirds, alternating with the water and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently stir in the walnuts.
Bake the cake: Divide the batter equally between the two prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until a tester inserted into the center of each cake layer comes out clean -- about 30 minutes. Cool in the cake pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Using a knife, loosen the cake layers from the sides of the pans and invert the layers onto the wire rack to cool completely.
Make the cake garnishes: Lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the walnut halves about 3 to 4 inches apart. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 1/2 cup maple syrup over medium-high heat. Cook the syrup until it reaches hard-crack stage (300 degrees F), or when a drop placed in a glass of cold water becomes hard and brittle. Remove from heat and carefully spoon boiled syrup over the walnuts, allowing it to run in streams around the sheet pan. Set aside to let cool completely.
Frost the cake: Use a serrated knife to level the mounded sides of the cake layers, if necessary. Line the edges of a cake plate with 3-inch-wide strips of waxed or parchment paper and place a cake layer, trimmed side down, on top. Place 1 cup of Maple-Sugar Frosting on top of the layer and spread evenly. Place the second layer, trimmed side down, on the first and cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining icing. Decorate the top of the cake with candied walnuts and the hardened maple sugar. Remove paper strips and serve. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Serves 12.....

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"Deliciously Casual Dining Rooms".....

Hi Friends, As most of you know, I so enjoy making the rooms of my home "pretty"!....They need not be "extravagant" or "overly decorated".,...I like instead, simple rooms subtley decorated with the pieces you actually use in a dining room......dishes, glassware, linens & candles. I often ask clients to open their cabinets & pull out some of the pieces they love the most & either use them or at the very least display them out in the open! I love to take a sideboard or buffet, & cluster stacks of dishes, folded napkins & handfuls of silverware casually among beautiful serving pieces & seasonal foliage or flowers....make the sideboard appear as if you are right in the process of setting the table! It is unpretentious & charming & "oh-so-easy to do"!

I also am very fond of the idea of truly using your "collections". Whether it be quilts, cake plates, or water pitchers....get them out!,... & instead of scattering them throughout your home, group them all together,....therefore creating a spectacular statement! All of a sudden, a few "humble watering cans", running down the middle of your dining table...or a wall of "white ironstone platters" take on the appearance of a very important collection!....

And as a final touch, be sure & do one thing.....always remember to mix things up a bit "style-wise".....avoid a severly coordinated room!......Allow your rooms & especially your dining area to be just a slight bit "unpredictable"!.....Add a large, "overscaled" crock of Fall leaves to your table( photo:1).....Paint a "checkerboard" pattern on your wood floor(photo:2) or hang your favorite quilt, even though it's shade of blue doesn't quite match the rug!( photo:3)....

Remember dining rooms can handle a "bit of folly",... after all, isn't gathering around a table with your family, friends & food supposed to be "fun"?.....So go forth, make your dining room "deliciously casual", while all the time keeping it very, very "pretty"........Heidi XO

Note #1: There is still a few more days left to join me in my Very Vintage Christmas Swap!!! I so hope you will!

Note #2: All photos courtesy of "Country Home" magazine.......

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"White Pumpkins"...the "Little Ghosts of the Garden"

One simple monogram, elevates a tiny, humble pumpkin to a "work of art"!....

A few years ago most of us had never heard of a "white pumpkin"?......and now they are all the "rage"!......Now don't get me wrong, I am a "purist at heart", usually sticking with the classic orange pumkins in all their shapes & sizes......However, I am completely fascinated by these lovely cream-colored squash!.......I love them best when they are tucked into arrangements that are already very monochromatic,...in a hutch filled with brown & white transferware,....clustered around the bases of wooden spool candlesticks, or piled into beige earthenware bowls!....White pumpkins possess a quiet elegance that their bright colored cousins do not. This year I have decided to carry their "whispered beauty" into my holiday decorating as well. I'm planning on mixing them with lots of evergreens, white hydrangeas, paperwhite narcissus & rosemary plants that have been allowed to become "wild & unruly"!......punctuated by old, silver, slightly worn mercury balls!....Very fresh & inviting!....just another way to incorporate these "little ghosts of the garden"!

White pumpkins..."en masse"........

"Classics of the Autumn"....."mums & pumpkins".......

So incredible!.......This pumpkin serves as the perfect "canvas" for the most charming "calligraphic designs"!.....

And the "white pumpkin"honored in wax...are they not the cutest candles!

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My "Very Vintage Christmas Swap"..... & "Pumpkin Cream Tarts"

Hello Friends, I am afraid the "swapping bug" has definitely bit me! I am involved in a number of lovely, holiday swaps, .....all of which I am having a wonderful time putting together for each of my "partners & partners to be"! I encourage all of you to get involved as well!...It is so satisfying to make up a sweet box for someone else...& then in turn receive one in the mail!....especially during those festive holiday weeks ahead!...
With that said I would love to "thank" all of the ladies who have already signed up to participate in my "Very Vintage Christmas Swap"! The response has been unbelieveable & so appreciated!! I was looking at the calendar & realized there are only 13 days left to add your name to the list of friends who will be joining me!!...Remember, you do not need a blog, just an e-mail address!...in order to be included in the this charming holiday swap! Just go to the button on the right side of my blog for all the details! I hope to hear from you all very soon!.....Heidi XO

I also came across this amazing dessert on the "Country Living" website,... "Pumpkin Cream Tarts with Candied Cranberries"...& just felt the need to share it!...I thought it would be as appropriate for the holidays, as it would be for these Autumn months we are in right now! ....I am planning on trying this recipe later this week! Would love to have you test it out as well & then we could compare notes!......Enjoy!...Heidi XO

INGREDIENTS
3 cup(s) gingersnap cookie crumbs
2 tablespoon(s) cinnamon
1.5 stick(s) unsalted butter
2.75 cup(s) sugar
1 cup(s) fresh cranberries
.5 cup(s) milk
1 teaspoon(s) unflavored gelatin
1 cup(s) puréed pumpkin
2 tablespoon(s) brandy or Cognac
.25 teaspoon(s) ground nutmeg
.25 teaspoon(s) ground cloves
4 large egg yolks
1 cup(s) heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks

DIRECTIONS
Make the tart shells: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the gingersnap cookie crumbs, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and butter in a large bowl. Cover the bottoms and sides of eight 3 1/2-inch tartlet pans with removable bottoms with the crumb mixture. Transfer the tartlet shells to a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
Make the cranberry topping: Bring 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Add the cranberries and cook until they just begin to soften. Remove cranberries with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and set aside. Reserve cranberry syrup for another use.
Make the filling: Fill a large bowl with ice and water and set aside. Place the milk in a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over it, and set aside. Combine the pumpkin purée, 3/4 cup sugar, brandy, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and egg yolks in large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble and a thermometer reads 140 degrees F. Stir in the milk mixture, cook for 1 more minute, transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, and place over the prepared ice bath. Stir occasionally, until cool — about 10 minutes. Fold the whipped cream into the chilled pumpkin mixture, fill the prepared shells, and smooth the tops. Chill for 6 hours or overnight. Top each tartlet with a spoonful of the candied cranberries and serve cold.

Oven Temp: 350.......Servings: 8....Calories: 428

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Fanciful Twist's Halloween Party.....

The ominous clouds of October are beginning to gather......The air is still , the sky is dark.......

The light is very weak.....& out of nowhere, the slightest breeze begins to blow.......

I gather my things,.....& venture out into the misty world of the "unseen".......

As I emerge from the "shadowy glen"......I come upon the dwelling that is calling to me in short, whispering gasps..... "Come in dear child, come in"....... The door is heavy, but as I enter.....I know I have come to the the place of all "Halloween Delights"! Witches abound, ghosts wander & festivities for both young & old will be enjoyed!....I have come prepared, in my very "best black", for an evening of gloulish enchantment"

My "bewitching bubbles" & "cauldren of mysteries" will keep me well!......Good night sweet friends!...For this indeed is the "witching hour", when we all will "kick up our heels" & "drink our concoctions"...& party till wee hours,.... with Vanessa at "The Fanciful Twist"!...Wickedly wishing you all a wonderfully spooky time!.......Heidi XO

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An Autumn "Pink Saturday".....

Greetings!...Another week has passed & "Pink Saturday is once again here!....This morning, I am sharing the glorious talents of Britian's own Jane Packer, floral designer extraordinaire!....Jane's flower arrangements are so simple,.... & yet so breathtaking!...This photo to me was ideal for our "Saturday of Pink".....exquisite "pink" blooms set against the darkest wood paneling.....Thank you's to Miss Packer for providing such "rosey inspiration"!....& to our lovely hostess Beverly,... @ How Sweet The Sound".......Off to enjoy this "Autumn Pink Saturday"!.......

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"Voicing My Opinion"......

Senator John McCain......

Like many of you, our family last night was watching the "presidential debate", between John McCain & Barack Obama. I'm not sure what to say?.... What ever happened to "true debating"?...the kind we used to have in high school or college! I remember being in "history/current affairs" classes where 18 year-olds had more heated debates!?... Why not put both candidates on a stage/room...no commentator, no time frame, no rules!.......just two men discussing the issues, ...two men having to sit & look each other in the eye, ....two men confronting their differences. Instead, we have debates that are so scripted & so politically correct, & supposedly so "fair" that we have lost the entire essence of what debates should be....I say, ditch the suits for a pair of jeans & a simple work shirt,... throw both McCain & Obama in a room for a couple hours.... strategically hide the cameras & let them have at it!....let them talk, walk, get up, sit down, get mad, wave arms around & even "YELL"!.....LET THEM DEBATE!!! I somehow believe doing it this way, would provide us with more answers, than this polite, "buttoned-up" way of doing things!!


Senator Barack Obama....

And on a slightly different note.... As most of you who read my blog regularly know, I am not a fan of the liberal media....I don't appreciate their "left-wing views" being portrayed as if they are fact! I don't like how everywhere you turn, the "opinions" of Obama are made to appear to be the more "popular".... & the "concerns" we have about his experience, his "questionable associations" or "policies" are just allowed to slide, never to be delved into??? What is wrong with this picture! Are we really O.K. with allowing today's media, along with the "Hollywood elite" to dictate to us & maneuver the facts just enough to get the candidate who they favor elected!?......I certainly hope not!
I so hope we will all take the time, to personally delve into the important issues our country faces!..I hope you all read, watch & look to many sources to get a balanced idea of what exactly is at stake?......Look at both candidates & make sure you thoroughly understand what each stands for,.... along with the direction they wish to take our great nation. This November 4th is not just another election...it may very well be "the election"!....."The election" that could take this country in two very different directions, depending on who becomes our president! Wake up friends!.....get informed!......There are 20 days left, before we need to cast possibly the most serious vote for president ever. Contrary to what our"liberal media" would like us to believe, this election is not over yet!..... learn the facts & vote!
I believe that our country is worth fighting for...so let's do just that!.....In doing so, our America will continue to be the greatest country on earth...... the "Land of the Free & the Home of the Brave"..........

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"Snippets of Inspiration"......

Could this be the most charming little "writing corner"!.....I think I "need" this desk!.....

Here in California, it is finally feeling a bit like Fall......the temperature is slightly cooler & the sunlight during day, is soft & not as intense as it was a few months ago. Trees are losing their leaves,...and as we walk the wind scatters them across our path. Along with "Autumn expressing herself" outdoors, .......most of us are trying to bring a "warm coziness" to the inside of our homes!....I know I am!...Yesterday, I was looking for some "snippets of inspiration" in some of my decorating books & October magazines.....I found some lovely rooms that "reflect the season" in such a fresh & beautiful manner, that I thought I would share a few with all of you.....Take a peek!....Maybe you too will find a new way to bring "Autumn" into your home!.....Enjoy this October day!........Your friend, Heidi XO

The "fabric & upholstery" in this room, ....add such an "inviting feeling", that a book & cup of tea is all you need for a wonderful October afternoon!....

"Old-fashioned" at it's best! ...squishy pillows, soft blankets & "patchwork"....."deliciously cozy"!....
The perfect "Autumn" pantry.....organized, well-stocked & that "glorious color"!!

Another "Sweet October" bedroom....the colors & textures just speak of the season.....

Note: Be sure & check out my "Very Vintage Christmas Swap"!......I would love to have you join me!......And remember, you do not need a blog, just an e-mail address is fine!....Just go to the button on the side of my blog for all the information!...Hope to hear from you soon!......Heidi XO

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My Friend Jill's, "Breast Cancer Awareness Post".....

Happy Sunday to you all!.....This morning, I was visiting my friend Jill @ "Bailiwick"....Today, she has written a lovely post about October being "Breast Cancer Awareness" month. She also is generously offering to donate $1.00 for every comment left on her post. She is asking in return,.... that in your comment, to please "honor" someone in your life, that has been effected with this disease. Like in Jill's family,... I also have two close relatives who have been diagnosed, my mother & my sister-in-law.....& they too are both doing amazingly well!....Please drop by Jill's blog today & help "fight for a cure"!....Just leave her a comment & "honor" a lady you love.......Heidi XO

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Pink Saturday....

Good morning!......As many of you know, I love this season of ""...however finding "pink" pieces that depict this time of year is not easy to do!....So needless to say, I was "tickled pink" the other day, when thumbing through the mail, I came across the new "Wisteria" catolog!.....O.K., I'll admit it, not to hard to find things I "love" in the pages of "Wisteria", but to find "pink"?...... Well, yes I did friends!..."Wisteria, pink & autumnal", the perfect combination!....Isn't this "mercury glass compote" just amazing!,.... again very difficult to find a piece of mercury glass I don't covet "heart & soul"!!!....but add the dried hydrangeas that just so happen to be the lovliest dusty shade of "blush" & you have a breathtaking "PINK SATURDAY" post!....I am so going to try & recreate this "pink" at my house this season!....Wishing you all the "rosiest" of PINK SATURDAYS!.......& a sincere "thank you" once again to Beverly @ "How Sweet The Sound" for being our hostess.

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NOTE:

Hi Friends,.... For the posting of my "Very Vintage Halloween Swap", please scroll down. Thank you.......Heidi

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"Russet Shades of Autumn"....

The beautiful "russet shades of autumn" is what this post is all about!....Oranges, rusts & mahoganys are the colors that are dominating the season...& so they should be! What could be more appropriate!....."Warm, cozy, inviting color" is exactly what we are attracted to with the drop in temperatures & shorter days ahead.....It's interesting, isn't it?.... that Mother Nature has the perfect prescription for the "sadness" we feel when "bright summer" leaves us....She helps us cope, by treating us to simply the most spectacular spectrum of fall color that only she can provide!....Appreciate all her efforts...after all, these "Russet Shades of Autumn" only come but once a year!.......

A "touch of russet" adorning an old door.....

"Russet little spheres".... scattered across a country field.....

"Russet", all dresses up!.....

And a most mouth-watering, ..."pale russet dessert".....Country Living's "Pumpkin-Goat Cheese Cheesecake"...

1.25 cup(s) granola, (no large nuts or raisins)
3 ounce(s) wafer cookies, crushed, such as Jules Destrooper Crisp Butter Wafers
.333 cup(s) dark brown sugar
1.25 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
1.25 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
.75 teaspoon(s) fresh ground nutmeg
.5 teaspoon(s) salt
.25 cup(s) butter, melted
2 tablespoon(s) butter, melted, combine with above
8 ounce(s) goat cheese
1.5 cup(s) granulated sugar
2 package(s) (16 ounces) cream cheese
1.25 cup(s) pumpkin puree, solid pack
1 cup(s) sour cream
3 large eggs
1.5 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Toss the granola, cookie crumbs, brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon each cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt together in a medium bowl. Stir in the butter and pat the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Beat the goat cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer set on low speed. Add the cream cheese and beat for one more minute. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to beat on low speed for 20 minutes or until the mixture is very smooth. Transfer the batter to the prepared springform pan and bake in the middle of the oven until set, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours until cake is completely set. Bring cake to room temperature before serving.
TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Purchase ready-to-go graham cracker crumbs and make the crust according to the directions on the package.

Note: I have not tried this recipe yet, but am going to any day now!....I hope you will too!
Note: Be sure & sign up for my Very Vintage Christmas Swap!.....Just push the button I have posted for all the details!....

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