welcome to the new website!

by Sharon Santoni

door with red virginia creeper

It’s been a long time coming, but at last it’s done, I’m so happy to show you around the newly designed  website.  It seems appropriate to be making these changes as we move into autumn here in Normandy, the season that is all about metamorphosis.

We have changed so much and kept so much too!

autum by the river

This little blog has evolved a great deal since I first created it nearly seven years ago.   I could never have imagined all the doors that would be opened for me, simply because I started writing a blog.

I often talk about reinvention here on the blog, and how fortunate I have been, in the way that my blog has given me a bigger reinvention than I had imagined.

house by river in normandy

I have made new friends, both virtual and for real, and I have found myself in places and situations that without the blog I could never have experienced.

So that is why I like to keep the blog up to date and looking fresh.   Because we all need a little boost now and again, and reinventing our surroundings gives us just that.

Here you are on the blog page, if you subscribe  this is where you’ll land each time you open our newsletter, but I’d love to show you around the rest too.

autum by the river

There is a page for the videos; for the book; for the blog; a page to say bonjour; a page with information about the tours, a brand new page offering prints of photos from the blog and there is one more surprise page … you can take a sneak peek now but the big reveal will come this week.

I wanted to include more for you to enjoy but keep it streamlined for your comfort.  I wanted to bring you more photos of life here in France, and that’s why the blog page layout has been slightly changed.

And because I could never have done  this alone, a big thank you to Shannon for sorting the technical stuff to Shari of Little Blue Deer Design for creating the new logo and to Hana, who I’ve been lucky to have working with me since the summer and who you’ll be hearing more about very soon.

 So make yourself a coffee and stay a while and if you have a moment then feel free to let me know what you think of the new design

autumn on fields in normandy

Enregistrer

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112 comments

Deborah Lindsay November 6, 2016 - 10:13 pm

Dear Sharon and Hana- The new website is absolutely beautiful. Such a treat- and just at a time that I needed some gorgeous visions of Normandy.
Love to you both!
Deborah

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Bettyann Lamott November 7, 2016 - 2:33 am

Thank you so much for your beautiful blog. I love all that you do. blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving .

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Nicolette November 7, 2016 - 3:08 am

Deborah
I agree!!! Wish I were back roaming around Paris and Normandy on our wonderful brocante tour with Sharon and Hana.
Love the new blog and can’t wait for the French boxes to be available.

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Sharon Santoni November 8, 2016 - 9:44 am

Miss you, too, Nicolette ! Hope you’re well x

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Ruby Harpst November 7, 2016 - 2:24 pm

So enjoy this site… thanks for sharing…

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Sharon Santoni November 8, 2016 - 9:43 am

Thank you, Deborah. We miss you here in Normandy as well. So many wonderful memories 🙂

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Shelby de Quesada November 19, 2016 - 7:08 am

Beautiful

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jeanne November 6, 2016 - 10:14 pm

It really is beautiful. Good job!

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Christine November 6, 2016 - 10:15 pm

Love the changes, absolutely stunning!

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Rita Key November 6, 2016 - 10:15 pm

I absolutely love it Sharon! Congratulations!
Rita

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SR November 6, 2016 - 10:17 pm

Beautiful!

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Jeanne~Collage of Life November 6, 2016 - 10:19 pm

Coffee by my side…can’t think of a better way to spend my time, love the new look Sharon! Congratulations!! xx

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Marsha Scott November 6, 2016 - 10:21 pm

I just love it! And, I feel exactly the same way about blogging and the true friendships which have come from our endeavors. I also think it is our true souls we give our readers, the “real” us. Big huge CONGRATS, Sharon. All the best, forever.

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Vicky from Athens November 6, 2016 - 10:22 pm

Sharon, you’ve done a beautiful job of recreating your blog. The scenery is stunning and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!

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Barbara Novello November 6, 2016 - 10:30 pm

Beautiful – its till on my bucket list!

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Estrella November 6, 2016 - 10:32 pm

Sharon what a gorgeous way of sharing across the Miles. I had the pleasure to visit Normandy two years ago with my family for Holiday just love to go back . How peaceful!!!

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Our French Oasis November 6, 2016 - 10:32 pm

Simply stunning, love the changes, it all looks so inviting. I think you have reinvented yourself quite brilliantly and with great style, I can only imagine how incredibly proud your children must be. Hope you had a glass of champagne to celebrate the new website. Susan x

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Freda November 6, 2016 - 10:33 pm

Lovely but I do have difficulty reading the words in colour (not enough contrast for me and admittedly my eyesight is not great, but thought you might want to know….)

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Judi November 6, 2016 - 11:35 pm

I have the same challenge. Maybe just a wee darker pink/mauve? But all else is gorgeous! Glad about additional photography, too!

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Rob November 7, 2016 - 9:48 am

Unfortunately have to agree…

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Rebecca Schildroth November 7, 2016 - 1:49 pm

Me too the highlighted words are almost impossible to read.

Beautiful pictures.

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Diana November 8, 2016 - 2:49 am

Me too. I am okayish with the small print, but the pink is very difficult to see.

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Sharon Santoni November 8, 2016 - 9:47 am

Thank you, Freda. Comments like these help so much. We’re having the color darkened up a bit.

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Brenda Chambers November 6, 2016 - 10:33 pm

Just beautiful. You did a great job.

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christiane sterges November 6, 2016 - 10:33 pm

simply gorgeous pics !! this will be even more so one of my favourite escapes for the gray winter months ahead !!

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pamela November 6, 2016 - 10:36 pm

Your new page is awesome!! It Looks great! Love all the photos. and just looking at it seems very easy to navigate.

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joanna November 6, 2016 - 10:36 pm

Uncommonly beautiful! you have a very blessed life,,, enjoy every moment.

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holly November 6, 2016 - 10:58 pm

the site is beautiful – just like your blog. thank you for sharing your life.

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Cheryll November 6, 2016 - 10:58 pm

Absolutely beautiful and fresh! Looking forward to the reincarnation.

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Europeanfarmhousecharm November 6, 2016 - 11:07 pm

Beautiful!! Love it!

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Helen November 7, 2016 - 4:38 am

Just beautiful . I feel like I know you through all your pictures, thoughts. Just love it. I love France!

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Jane Nash November 6, 2016 - 11:11 pm

Fantastic! I love it, those photographs are just beautiful. I have serious jealousy problems! Best wishes, Jane x

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Suzanne Glenzy November 6, 2016 - 11:13 pm

The new site is absolutely beautiful!!
Suzanne G

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Kathryn Gauci November 6, 2016 - 11:16 pm

Fabulous. I love it.

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jae November 6, 2016 - 11:23 pm

Incredibly beautiful! Thank you for the visual treat today.

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Kristin November 6, 2016 - 11:26 pm

Beautiful update! I always love reading your blog, now with a freshly created beautiful layout to temp my senses I eagerly await the posts.

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Cathy November 6, 2016 - 11:31 pm

The new look is fantastic, you did a great job!

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eleni November 6, 2016 - 11:37 pm

Absolutely love the newly updated blog. It may be my “Old and tired eyes” but I do find the writing a little faint on the coloured photographs.

Looking forward to your Blogs and beautiful pictures.

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Sharon Santoni November 8, 2016 - 9:49 am

Thank you, eleni ! We’re having the color darkened up a bit.

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Valerie deFields November 6, 2016 - 11:49 pm

Sharon, this is lovely. Your blog has become a source of “meditation” for me. Thank you for your beautiful work.

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Carolyn November 6, 2016 - 11:51 pm

Congratulations. It is lovely

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Stacey Lacik November 6, 2016 - 11:54 pm

What a lovely blog! Beautiful job; congratulations!

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Melanie Wilkes November 6, 2016 - 11:54 pm

I adore these beautiful pictures. Thank you!

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Sue M. November 7, 2016 - 12:05 am

Nice!

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JaneEllen Jones November 7, 2016 - 12:10 am

I so enjoy seeing photos of a country I know will never get to visit. Thanks to you, your blog and incredible photos I get to see some Of France, learn about it.
Just as this summer our granddaughter posted many photos of places she visited while in Italy, am getting to be world traveler, not too bad.
Your new website is wonderful, love all the new photos and new format.
Hope you are having wonderful weekend.

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Suzanne Davis November 7, 2016 - 12:13 am

I love your new site as much as I love France.
Your site is magical!
Thank you!

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Lory at Designthusiasm November 7, 2016 - 12:13 am

I love the new design! In particular, I think the layout and function of the blog page is wonderful and just the perfect thing to showcase your exquisite photos!!

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Carole Shiles November 7, 2016 - 12:18 am

This is a stunning reinvention. I love everything about it. THE photos are lovely.

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Fran G November 7, 2016 - 12:41 am

The beauty you bring to my life and my soul is a gift, thankyou Sharon.

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Colleen Taylor November 7, 2016 - 12:44 am

It’s gorgeous, new & very clean! I must admit though, the print is quite faint, perhaps because it’s very small as well. Lovely, great job, Congrats!

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Julie Bresette November 7, 2016 - 12:48 am

Lovely!

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Suzanne November 7, 2016 - 12:53 am

Question: Sharon, how does one search for previous blogs, other than by a photograph? Seems difficult to find archived stories.

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Sharon Santoni November 8, 2016 - 9:51 am

Thanks, Suzanne. I was thinking about this, too. The archives have gone but we now created it so you can search by topic or keyword. The main categories are in the menu at the top of the blog page and then you can search for any other topic. Your comments help so much.

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Lin Powell November 7, 2016 - 12:55 am

It is really lovely. Love all the pictures. However, I also have to admit that I loved the old website as well.

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Vicky Howard November 7, 2016 - 12:58 am

I’m an artist living in Kansas City and enjoy escaping to the beautiful world you share from your lovely home in France. Congratulations on your new site! It’s easy to navigate and filled with wonderful content. Cheers to the joy you share with the rest of the world!

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Susan B. November 7, 2016 - 1:04 am

Sharon, it’s gorgeous! Congratulations!

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Caryn November 7, 2016 - 1:22 am

Beautiful, restful on the eyes, and loaded with goodies. I’m so grateful to my sister for sharing this blog with me a few years ago.

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GSchoen November 7, 2016 - 1:27 am

Thanks for the tour- I came to your book first, and then to your instagram and blog. I love all that you give. Many thanks

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LisaP November 7, 2016 - 1:30 am

Wow! It looks beautiful, and I could happily fall into any one of the photos.

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Trudye November 7, 2016 - 1:37 am

Beautiful new look, Sharon!
Congrats! xx

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Taste of France November 7, 2016 - 1:56 am

It’s stunning! I often dislike redesigns but you have really succeeded. Easy to navigate and beautiful.

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MaryD November 7, 2016 - 1:57 am

Absolutely lovely.

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stacey snacks November 7, 2016 - 1:59 am

Simply Beautiful. I love it.

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Betty Stockdale November 7, 2016 - 2:05 am

Cannot enlarge lettering on new website so I will be unable to read text.

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Zina November 7, 2016 - 2:07 am

Congratulations Sharon! The new website is lovely. I love the prints you’re selling, especially the dahlias.

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Debrashoppeno5 November 7, 2016 - 2:13 am

I like the new look and the pictures are so lovely.

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Irene Peterson November 7, 2016 - 3:27 am

Dear Sharon,
Your photos are such a source of comfort to me. Thank you for your love of sharing! Sending my warmth to you.

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Clare November 7, 2016 - 3:29 am

Sharon, you are absolutely amazing! This blog is by far the most beautiful! Congratulations on your hard work and your dedication! Blessings!

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Irene Peterson November 7, 2016 - 3:30 am

THIS IS NOT A DUPLICATE –

Such lovely photos! They bring me great comfort. I send you my warmth.

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Sheila November 7, 2016 - 4:11 am

A beautuful change. Love France and the opportunity to share the beauty ty of your home and environment. I met you at Sonoma Cheatua. Continued success.

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jen owens November 7, 2016 - 4:11 am

It is just beautiful. New & familiar at the same time… perfect! Congrats to you Sharon and to your team.
-Jen xo

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Karen November 7, 2016 - 5:35 am

You always create magic, this new site is absolutely gorgeous.

Karen
A Scrapbook of Inspiration

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Judi Hirst November 7, 2016 - 6:16 am

Your new layout is great.
Looking forward to seeing more.

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Laura November 7, 2016 - 6:16 am

Beautiful!

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Darina November 7, 2016 - 6:39 am

Congratulations, your site looks wonderful! When I am reading your posts and admiring the photos, it feels like I am in France for that moment. I really miss it. Looking forward to future posts!

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Dottie Monta November 7, 2016 - 6:46 am

Outstanding!
Easy to navigate, and I was so pleased that I can refer to older postings, as some of my favorites are there.
The flower tour was lovely; nice to hear you say that new inspiration is always welcome (it’s true), as my volunteer work involves flowers. And ah,that enchanting arrangement you went home with!
Congratulations on this beautiful site that delights so many of us!

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Botanic Bleu November 7, 2016 - 6:58 am

Sharon,
The site is beautiful. However, I have a request for old eyes. The font colors are hard for me to read. The main font is too pale and the accent font used for links is almost invisible. Please adjust the colors to darker ones.

Judith

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Leslie in Oregon November 7, 2016 - 9:49 am

I have the same praise and the same requests. Thank you!

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Sharon Santoni November 8, 2016 - 9:53 am

Thank you, yes ! I’m going to darken up the color a bit today.

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Missy Klicka November 7, 2016 - 7:13 am

Dear Sharon,
Thank you so much for the beautiful photographs and insight to living in Bon France!
Having just spent some time there and returning from a two month tour of Europe, I know the romance of capturing these visions for us to dream about and enjoy!
Thank you to the team for a wonderful job!

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Thai November 7, 2016 - 8:31 am

THANK YOU SHARON.
Wonderful blog.It’s CHRISTMAS before christmas.
Thank you for this precious gift from Normandy.

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Dorka November 7, 2016 - 9:14 am

The new look of your site is absolutely gorgeous.I wish I could start the redo with my page,though I should find someone to help me with the technical problems.Best regards for the Great Hungarian Plain full of wonderful cranes staying here in the autumn.
Dorka http://www.dorottyaudvar.co.hu

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Debra November 7, 2016 - 1:01 pm

Absolutely beautiful!

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Linda Mahkovec November 7, 2016 - 1:01 pm

Sharon,
Everything you do touches the essence of beauty. I love the new site and it fills me with longing to visit Normandy – but now it would have to be in the fall.
Linda

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Heather in Arles November 7, 2016 - 1:31 pm

Sending my warmest Félicitations. You have all created a welcoming and soothing dream of a getaway, much needed. I can only imagine the level of work and planning that has gone into this. Brava.
et Bisous.

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Wendy Going Forward November 7, 2016 - 2:09 pm

Congratulations, your hard work has paid off! Your site is beautiful. I almost got lost in your photographs. Looking forward to your next post

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Meagen November 7, 2016 - 2:14 pm

Congratulations, it is really beautiful!

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Teresa Person November 7, 2016 - 2:31 pm

Lovely … Really like the ability to order your beautiful photographs….thank you… Teresa Person

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Teresa Person November 7, 2016 - 2:34 pm

very nice… Love ability to order your photographs…thank you, Teresa Person

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Suzanne Atkin November 7, 2016 - 4:04 pm

Looks so great, Sharon. I have never felt so connected to my ancestral homeland as I have since I first logged on to your wonderful blog a few years ago. Your progress is amazing. Girls in college, a book( which I bought and cherish), book tours, brocante tours, recipes, dinner parties, flower arrangements, video’s, showcasing French Farmhouses for sale, links to other French blogs, consulting for Soft Surroundings, etc. The photos on this weeks blog are a feast for the eyes. I can’t wait for the surprise. Kiss the dogs for me. Change and Progress are my two favorite words. You Go Girls!! I’m with you all the way.
P. S. I didn’t know you had so many Suzanne’s in your readership. I love finding people with my wonderful French name. How fun! Love you all.XX

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Jeni Maus November 7, 2016 - 4:25 pm

Beautiful Sharon! Love it…so gorgeous 🙂

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Alison November 7, 2016 - 8:42 pm

Sharon, I just LOVE LOVE your videos. A cup of coffee and taking the time to sit and watching one your lovely videos is one of my great pleasures:) Your voice is divine:) Please please do lots & lots more – if possible!!!
Alison
ps new website is divine:)

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Susan November 7, 2016 - 10:13 pm

I’m all about photographs. Love it! I could do with bigger, bolder font.

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suzana November 7, 2016 - 10:37 pm

so beautiful Sharon, congratulations, for me it was worth the wait. Can’t wait to see what the next many years bring. Suzana

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Debbie November 7, 2016 - 10:56 pm

Look you new website! Thank you for sharing it with us.

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Freda Carroll November 7, 2016 - 11:20 pm

Sharon
What a BEAUTIFUL web site. Congratulation! Can’t wait to see and read more from your blog.

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Lynne from Australia November 8, 2016 - 3:11 am

Beautiful! Very easy to navigate but I’m another who can’t read the coloured writing – too pale for my eyesight.

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Sharon Santoni November 8, 2016 - 9:58 am

Thanks, Lynn!

I’m lightening it up today.

Kindly,

Sharon

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Irena November 8, 2016 - 4:34 pm

Beautiful but takes longer to navigate. I appreciate the amount of work but miss the old style.

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Ardith November 8, 2016 - 8:44 pm

Sharon, your new website is lovely and delightful, with a seamless navigation. What more could visitors wish for? Congratulations, Ardith

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Elsie November 9, 2016 - 3:29 am

Blog is very pretty but cannot zoom in on pictures or enlarge print. A big minus for me.

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Nancy November 9, 2016 - 3:55 am

I found it difficult to navigate…I had no idea what to do….I kept clicking on things to find the blog…almost gave up and made a comment on fb page….I guess I am alone in feeling that way from reading the above comments or others, who feel as I do, just gave up…have always love your page.

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Sharon Santoni November 9, 2016 - 7:24 am

Hi Nancy

I’m sorry that you had problems navigating the site. The blog page can always be found via the header list of pages at the top of each page. Once there you just select a picture and you’ll be on any individual blog post with the possibility of jumping to others via the ‘You May Also Like’, or via the next and previous buttons.
I hope you’ll get used to the new layout very soon
best
Sharon

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Lori November 9, 2016 - 5:14 am

Your new site is beautiful. I did want the quince jam recipe but unfortunately is not available 🙁 maybe sometime soon. it is quince season here in Idaho in the United States. I’m not loving the pink highlighted words they are barely visible or readable.. and to some that may take offense, yes I see just fine. Love your style, love your beautiful images.

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Sharon Santoni November 9, 2016 - 7:25 am

Thank you for pointing that out Lori, I shall fix the link straight away and I’m sending you a private mail with the quince jelly recipe

warm wishes
Sharon

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Sandra T. November 10, 2016 - 4:03 am

Well, I am just now getting a look at the new website. (We were a little busy on this side of the pond!!) I love, love, love it!!

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Nancy November 10, 2016 - 8:17 pm

The website is certainly beautiful – but perhaps you could add a Search function? Did I miss finding that? There are some posts I would like to revisit – and it would definitely be helpful in finding your wonderful recipes.

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Kate R November 14, 2016 - 7:49 pm

I’ve enjoyed drinking in the beauty from your blog for a long time. Fabulous photos always! I am wondering if there is a way to find a cache of the recipes you have posted over the years? I have made a few very successfully and would like to browse through the others but cannot find them. Help?

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teaorwine November 15, 2016 - 8:57 pm

Love the fresh and new look!

best,
teaorwine

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Colleen November 20, 2016 - 8:25 pm

Mostly lovely — I agree with those who miss being able to zoom in on the page. It seems that’s a feature that gets lost every time a blogger updates her site. I’d be interested in knowing why web designers think that’s not a handy feature to have. Optimized for mobile isn’t always helpful for everyone.

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Name *kath January 19, 2017 - 9:47 am

merci pour votre blog délicieux. surtout continuez vs ns faites plaisir

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