Friday, June 02, 2017

I'm back and with a new look! **Big Giveaway!**


Hello my lovely readers, 

I am back! Did you miss me? Well, I can't believe my last blog post was back in October - so much has happened for me since then, that the time has simply flown by! I hope you have all been well and enjoyed 2017 so far. 

Well, first and foremost, what do you think of my redesigned blog? I have to say I am really pleased with the new look and my sincere thanks must go to the very talented Janet Taylor for the wonderful drawings, and to the fantastically clever Sarah Johnson for incorporating them into my new blog. I can't take credit for any of it!  However, I am glad to have this revamp finally complete and to be back with you. Keep reading to hear about a massive giveaway, and about a number of interesting posts from a variety of friends, that  I have lined up to celebrate my new look! 


But before all that, I want to give you a little brief catch up of some exciting recent events and also what I have planned in the coming few weeks.  

So first, following the Jane Austen festival back in September 2016, I had a very exciting invitation to feature in a US television programme about Jane Austen's ring. It was a real surprise when they got in touch, but I was so excited to have the chance to experience being filmed for my first time ever. The programme aired in February as part of a series called Strange Inheritance, and the episode in which I feature was investigating the story behind Jane Austen's ring. I don't have a recording I can share with you, unfortunately, but I am told there are often repeats shown in America - so my US readers could look out for it - and they also hope it will make it to British television before too long. The filming of my scene was great fun. With a friend, I had to travel up to London and while "taking afternoon tea", I was interviewed about Jane and my journey with her, as well as my opinion of the ring and who may have given it to Jane. The interview was quite a long one, although, of course, not much made it into the final programme - you know what the editing process is like! However, it was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity, as well as good fun! Did anyone catch the show and spot me?   


Next, and still on the subject of television, I am in the middle of another exciting project at the moment. Not long after the American appearance, I was contacted by the BBC, who were making a programme about Jane Austen's fan culture and interested to include me!  I was incredibly surprised, and honoured, to be contacted, and it has been such an amazing adventure.  To date, I have had two filming days and have the final one to look forward to next week. I can't tell you too much detail at the moment, but I will keep you updated, as and when I am permitted to share more information with you! It is certainly a perfect way to make the bi-centennial year memorable! 

Then, just yesterday, I was interviewed by the Guardian newspaper, who are doing an article on Jane's continuing popularity, 200 years on - so it really is all go this year!







Indeed, with 2017 being such a monumental year for us Janeites, you will doubtless already be aware that there is so much going on - and I for one am trying to cram in as much as I can! I have already attended some wonderful balls and talks, Regency Week in Chawton is fast-approaching , and the Jane Austen festival in Bath is around the corner, in September. But I have many more balls and talks and events on the horizon too. 

Particular events coming up that I am looking forward to include the memorial service for Jane on July 18th at Winchester Cathedral, where she is buried. Then there is a similar event 6 days later, when we will be walking the route of Jane's final journey. It is going to be a sad occasion, however I am determined to stay happy and see it as a celebration of her life, rather than mourning her death.








So, that is a brief account of what I have been up to and some of my plans! 


Now, back to my new look and my celebratory posts and giveaway! I have asked a number of my friends, many of whom have shared these recent events and experiences whilst I was away from my blog, if they would like to write a post.  I am delighted that I have had a great response and a variety of super posts are coming your way in the next few weeks. 

As well as writing posts, many of my friends have offered to donate things for a giveaway - everything from books or jewellery to wall prints and audiobooks! I have a wonderful 20 items or more up for grabs in this giveaway, which starts today, and continues throughout the course of the re-launch.




*** INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY***

Twenty lucky winners will receive a prize from my giveaway, ranging from books, audiobooks, jewellery, prints, and more! I will randomly draw the winners and whoever is drawn first will have first choice from the prizes, and so on. 











How to enter: 



1. Comment on any of the posts throughout my re-launch - one comment per post counts as an entry! 
2. Follow me by email, using the box in the right hand sidebar  - if you already do, tell me and you'll still get the extra entry!
3. Like my page on Facebook - again, tell me if you already do (here, or on Facebook)!
4. Invite your friends to like my page - tell me and tag me so I can see! 
5. Share my posts on Facebook - again, if commenting only here let me know! 
6. Comment on Facebook - let me know here if you do!
7. Follow me on Twitter - let me know, or if you already do!
8. Retweet my posts - let me know (here, or on twitter)! 
9+1 any of my posts on Google+ - again, the more posts you do, the more entries you can get!.
10. Subscribe to me on YouTube - tell me if you do, or already do! 


**IMPORTANT** Please leave your email address, Facebook name, Twitter name, Youtube name or whatever is needed so I can keep track of and check all entries as there are many ways to gain entries. If you are the lucky winner, I will be in touch by email to sort the prize out. 

Other posts from my re-launch tour - comment on each one for more entries to the giveaway!




94 comments:

  1. A charming blog ... never heard of it before but will no doubt be stopping by regularly now. Best of luck with your re-launch! (And of course the giveaways!)

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    1. Thank you very much! glad you have found me :) comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  2. Congrats for re-inventing yourself, dear Sophie !

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  3. Subscribed to email list; liked on FB. teaguide.net at gmail dot com

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  4. Hello Sophie, I am Julie R you will know me on fb as Julia Grace Poldark, I have just enlisted on your email list, I made a comment on your fb page and have been with you I belive from the very beginning. I am subscribing to your youtube as we speak and I think that is all I can keep up with. :) Your new blog is loveley, good luck and I will speak to you soon :)

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    1. Thank you very much :) comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  5. How exciting about you being on TV!! I'm going to be checking to see if I can find it on Netflix!! Welcome back!

    Also, I follow you on Facebook. Your posts always brighten my day!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words :) comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  6. This new look is lovely, Sophie. Well done to you all.

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  7. This is gorgeous! So much lovely news, too! I am so proud of you! Can't wait to share the news of your spectacular giveaway!

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  8. I see a few others that are fans of the new look. I just found the site, so I have nothing to compare. However, I do have an obsessions with Lizzie - so I am so glad that I found your FB page and blog.

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    1. I am glad you have found me :) comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  9. Congratulations, and welcome back!

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  10. Love the new blue of the blog

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  11. SOPHIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
    As you can see I am very excited (It's Evie btw, I changed my nom de plume)
    Love the new layout! Very professional :D
    Let me just go make sure I've liked your page. I think I already have :)
    I'll be back to comment more on your wonderful news but I must away, I've a picnic in the park to get to (Yes I'm THAT Aunt that has picnics in the park for the small ones)

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    1. Thank you for your comments! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  12. Well, this is fun! I'm a new reader, but I'm excited to go through the history of your blog and check out your essays and videos. My FB name is Cheryl Seely Savage, my youtube name is Cheryl Savage, and my email is cssavage at gmail dot com.

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    1. Hello! I am glad you have found me :) I hope you enjoy my old posts - many were written when I was but 16 so excuse them sounding somewhat juvenile! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  13. Your new blog looks amazing! And how nice that you are back again. I missed your posts! I am super excited about the giveaway.
    I just followed you by mail, already follow you on fb as Ninka Lü, commented on your fb post and comment here on this blog post.

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    1. My email is kr.kuragu(at)gmail.com

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  14. subscribe - meikleblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I don't have a twitter, but I do follow you on youtube and Facebook. 😊 and I just entered my email. Your new vblog looks anazing.

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  16. Like your page on Facebook

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  17. follow on twitter - vesper1931

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  18. follow on youtube -vesper meikle

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  19. Congrats on the new look, Sophie, it looks amazing!
    Hope you get to do all sorts of exciting things in the bicentenary year and many more afterwards! Hugs and best of luck!

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  20. You had me at BBC! And how did I miss the American one? Love you Sophie!

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    1. Hehehe! Thank you! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  21. The new look is lovely and it is wonderful that you are getting recognition as an ambassador forJane.

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    1. Thank you :) it was an honour to be asked. comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  22. I didn't know you had a blog too. I follow you on facebook but will definitely visit your blog too :)

    leilanisauer at gmail dot com

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    1. Glad you do now! Thank you! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  23. Posting on behalf of Nicole Clarkson:
    Gorgeous new blog, bonne chance with your new adventures! I love the new look and Janet's drawings of you are just perfect.

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  24. Love the lace! Congrats on your new look and new drive. Thank you for having a give-away. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks very much! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  25. Hi Sophie! Love the look of the blog! You're adorable and love your style. Followed you on your Facebook but will for sure check out YouTube! :D Congrats on the new look and all the exciting projects you have been apart of! I'm in the States and for sure want to look out for the ring program!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely words :) comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  26. Lovely blog design! You look great in Regency costumes :) Thanks for the exciting giveaway!

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    1. Thank you very much :) comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  27. So happy that you are back. I love your new blog. You have been quite busy and I missed you not popping in on us and proud of all your accomplishments on what you have been doing. Congratulations on your tv appearance about Jane Austen's ring.
    Can't wait to see you in your new gown and all that is to come while you are on your adventures.
    Thank you for a chance of the giveaways.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words! I have indeed been busy, but I am glad to be back! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  28. Welcome back to blogging, lovely lady! What a year you have had, and it's only half way through. So excited for you! The blog looks gorgeous! You, Janet, and Sarah did amazing work. Need to hunt down the show about the ring when I'm in the U.S. this summer. So cool!

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    1. Thank you so much! :) I hope you find it :)

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  29. Your blog looks absolutely lovely Sophie! How exciting about everything that's going on! Very much looking forward this to seeing you on-screen and in August. Keep up the good work!
    Esther x

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    1. Thank you! :) see you in august! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  30. Look who's back! Liked, liked, shared, liked, shared, invited, liked.... on social media and in real life (although I hesitate to 'share' you with others you beautiful lady!) So proud and can't wait to see what comes up next

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    1. I am back! thanks for all that :) <3 thanks for commenting and just being you <3 comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  31. So wonderful that you are situated where you can attend so many celebratory Austenesque events! Looking forward to reading about your adventures on your blog, Sophie!

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    1. I am very fortunate :) comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  32. Loving the new look of your blog Sophie! Janet's pictures are amazing and Sarah has done such a great job with the blog design. I particularly like the pencil drawing that sits in the border on the right side of the screen. It's so lovely to have you back with us, too. Thanks for sharing the photos of what you've been up to since last Autumn.

    Netley Abbey is a place I've been to! Some friends had their wedding reception at a nearby hall (just across the road, I think) and we all went over to the Abbey for their wedding photos. Fantastic place.

    Thanks for your extremely generous giveaway. I wonder if the US programme is on YouTube anywhere?

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    1. Thank you so much! :) I am really pleased with their work and so grateful to them! I love my logo too! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  33. Subscribed as:

    apothecaryamd (at) gmail (dot) com

    For some reason, I don't get notifications from blogspot blogs via my normal email address, so I have to use my gmail account.

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  34. Liked and following Laughing With Lizzie on FB and have been for quite a while.

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  35. We're friends on FB, too - Angela Dale

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  36. Following you on Twitter - @Anji_Dee and have retweeted your re-launch tweet.

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  37. Sophie, I am so delighted for all you have accomplished, and how very well you represent (whether you know it or not) all of us who continue to thrive on Jane Austen's life and literature. You have a superb team around you, and hats off especially to dear Janet. I'll be making my own visit to Jane's grave earlier in July, and shall try to explain to her what all the fuss is about! I am sure she is surprised to be one of the true immortals. You help her reach a new generation and audience, and I honor you for it.

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    1. Thank you so much for such a lovely comment :) I really appreciate it. I am proud to be a Jane fan! I hope to see you again soon! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  38. I love the new design. Janet did a beautiful job as did Sarah.
    I already follow you on twitter, youtube, and on facebook and have commented on facebook.

    I have missed your posts and love that you are back.

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    1. Thank you. I love it too! I am glad to be back as well! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  39. I retweeted your opening tweet...Skamper25Fortin and posted on fb as Debbie Fortin.

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  40. After a break for dinner, I'm finishing off my posts!

    Postd your FB link just now.

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  41. Posted on Google+

    https://plus.google.com/109635335271733158478/posts/XFiLcXZKAQ7

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  42. Added to one of my interest boards

    https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/300685712612098104/

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  43. Subscribed to your YouTube channel - first one I've ever subscribed to! I think you might find me as Anji Dee, which is my Google name.

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  44. Hi Sophie! I loved you are back here and with tons of giveaways! Thanks! I am following you here, on Twitter and on Facebook! Looking forward to your future posts!

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  45. Oh, and my email is danielaquadros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  46. Great giveaway. Following on U Tube, Twitter @wevettewilliams, Facebook Evette Gabriella Williams, email subscribed. Good luck with the relaunch x

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    1. Great thank you! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  47. Hey! Good job with the blog Sophie! liking forward to seeing my post in there :)

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  48. Hi! I just found out about your blog!
    I subscribed my e-mail, follow you on Facebook (Rebeca Romeiro) and on YouTube.
    Success!

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    1. Oh welcome! :) thank you ! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  49. Congratulations on your new blog Sophie-it's lovely to read about all your exciting adventures!

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  50. I just discovered your blog and am so happy I did. Congrats on your relaunch!

    I follow you by email.
    Liked your page on Facebook
    Follow you on twitter
    Retweeted your giveaway tweet
    Follow you on YouTube
    Shared your post on Google+

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    1. Thank you so much :) glad you found me too! comment on this post too for more chances to win: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  51. Love the new look for your blog, Sophie. Sarah did a fabulous job and the colors are so easy on the eyes. Everything about it looks 'vintage'. It's neat to see all the drawings on the site as well! We had a time getting here didn't we! :) It has been a fun experience.

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    1. Thank YOU for your wonderful drawings! next post is up: http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/blog-re-launch-tour-food-production-in.html

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  52. Love the new look! Enjoying hearing about all your adventures. Thank you for the generous giveaway!!
    cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net

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    1. email follow! cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net

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    2. Thank you so much! I am glad you are enjoying it! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  53. tweet
    https://twitter.com/becksterbek/status/874074489511751680

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  54. I adore and love the customised graphics on your blog, Sophie. Janet and Sarah do an excellent job designing and illustrating it. Wow, you have quite an adventure while you're away from the blogging world. How I wish that I could live in UK and enjoy all the Jane Austen events. It's very unfortunate that there's not even a Jane Austen society in my country, Malaysia. I'm quite envious of you Brits and Yankees. And thank you so much for the generous giveaway too.

    My list:
    1) Like your FB page as Sylvia Claire Chan
    2) Shared the post on 'My Love for Jane Austen' FB page which I managed

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    1. Thank you so much! I am really happy with the outcome for my new blog :) I certainly have had a busy time! you will have to form a society! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  55. I'm sorry I haven't heard of you until now, but I'll be signing up for email right now! Thanks for adding your voice to the world of JAFF.

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    1. I am glad you have now found me. thank you for commenting!

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  56. I met you today at the funeral service (I took photos - which I will email to you tomorrow). Love the look of your blog and looking forward to reading more of it. Have followed you by email.

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  57. “So I’m someone’s mom!” Welcoming our first child, Cecily , at 12:24 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. We are absolutely head over heels in love with Cecily, and parenthood is already the most insane and beautiful thing in existence, It's made me excited to have a little spitfire of a daughter of my own. I remembered when i found out i was pregnant 3years ago and was about to walk away from the musical. But at eight weeks, i had a miscarriage. i was so unhappy, until i seek help spiritually from Priest Babaka the herbal practitioner, who helps and guide me to get pregnant again, even at the trying times few weeks in April when i battled symptoms of the coronavirus including "a cough that makes it feel like my head is splitting open from the inside out, but luckily, the baby was okay with the Priest help. i am happy to finally be a mother, couples out there that needs help, trying to conceive a baby, contact Priest Babaka on babaka.wolf@gmail.com or Facebook at priest.babaka , you will definitely have a baby to make you a parent. He handle Pregnancy related cases.

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"I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible," therefore I would dearly love for you to comment and let me know what you think!

Thank you for stopping by Laughing With Lizzie and I hope you will take the time to visit again before too long!