Wednesday

600,000 Blog Hits and a Drawing for Willow Blue Tea Set

Photo courtesy of Wedgwood /Johnson Bros. China

As the year comes to a close I've been reflecting upon how 2009 has been such a wonderful blogging year for me, making new friends and reconnecting with old friends.


It amazes me to see visitors from nearby, and all around the world! I'm so appreciative of the inspiring connections I've made via the internet since I began blogging, and all that I've learned from others.


I'm in awe that we're fast approaching 600,000 blog hits in such a relatively short period of time. I want to thank each of you for your support through your visits, emails and especially those of you who have signed up to follow my blog, and those who take the time to leave such encouraging comments.
I would like to show my appreciation for all of your incredible support.*


If you follow my blog you probably know my love of blue and white China ~and as a token of thanks I'm having a drawing tor this lovely Willow Blue tea set by Johnson Brothers.
The classic Willow Blue china pattern was first popularized in England more than 200 years ago, it is made of fine earthenware.


The set includes 4 teacups, 4 tea saucers, 1 teapot, 1 covered sugar bowl and creamer, and the hatbox is also included.


----> To enter the drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post and
tell me about one of your favorite cold weather comfort foods. <----



~ Bonus!! ~

If you are a follower of my blog, mention it in your post and your name will be entered in the drawing TWICE.
And if you are not a follower, what better time to sign up to follow to double your chances?!
The pesky details:

* ***Important Note:***
Unfortunately, due to shipping restrictions, the drawing is only open to entrants in the contiguous 48 states of the United States, and is void where prohibited by law.

Cannot be shipped to P.O. Boxes.


Entries will be accepted until January 30th, at 9:00 PM, Pacific Time.
Winner will be announced the following week.
(Winning entrant will be chosen by automated random integer generator.)

Winner's information (except internet name) will not be shared, period.

Please free to tell your friends about the drawing.
The more the merrier!

I wish each of you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Thank you again for being a friend of

Once Upon a Plate.



xo ~m





Please click the the logo to go to Susan's "Between Naps on the Porch" lovely blog to see all of the Tablescape Thursday entries!









248 comments:

  1. Oh, gosh, I just ordered this tea set from Wedgewood! How funny! Would love to win one for my Mom.

    Well, to go with the theme, one of my cold weather comfort foods would have to be a cream scone with homemade lemon curd and my homemade raspberry jam. That treat, a pot of hot tea, a warm fire, and my dog at my feet all makes for a very enjoyable respite from the cold!

    Julie

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  2. Oh my, I love a piping hot bowl of french onion soup, creamy melted cheese and crusty bread. So comforting!

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  3. My favorite cold weather foods are...homemade soup (of any kind) and warm, crusty homemade bread. Oh...and a nice glass of wine.

    And, yes, indeedy, I am a follower!

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  4. My cold weather favorite is Potato Soup....I follow you on Google Reader..

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  5. Oh Mari, what a generous gift. I would love this so much. It is beautiful!! I am not surprised that you have had 600,000 hits. You are very unique and a wonderful photographer. I wish you luck through the next 600,000 blogs, because I will be there reading every one. My favorite comfort food in the winter would be french bread and a hearty beef stew.

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  6. 600,000 hits...wow, I can't begin to imagine it. Of course my own
    100th post is creeping up fast and I find that pretty shocking.

    As for cold weather foods, I'm all about soup. I love a good corn chowder or potato soup...pretty much cream of anything will do. I am a happy follower...and wish you a wonder 2010.

    Sue

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  7. My cold weather favorite is minestrone soup with some crusty bread! Yummy in the tummy!! :)

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  8. My favorite cold weather comfort food is macaroni & cheese. I make mine using the recipe in James Beard's Pasta cookbook.

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  9. What a lovely tea set!

    My favorite cold weather food is cheesy potato soup and french bread.

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  10. I am definitely a follower!

    And my favorite cold weather comfort food has to be shepherd's pie. Meat, veggies and buttery potatoes all in one dish? Sounds like comfort to me!

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  11. Any type of soup, the heartier the better, with a grilled cheese sandwich is what I crave when it's cold outside.

    I'm a follower too! Thanks for the contest. I love your blog, and congrats on the huge number of hits!

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  12. Mari,
    I found your blog from "Between Naps on the Porch" and just love it! I am glad that I not only found it but I could win this beautiful little blue willow teaset. I have an antique one and would love this one too.
    My favorite confort food in the winter...Hmmmmm, that would be many but my favorite thing to do is brew a pot of herbal tea, grab a yummy muffin top and curl up in my easy chair with a blanket and good book. The fireplace aglow and the cat at my feet. Warm, cozy and yummy! Thanks for sharing and I will be following you from now on.

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  13. Please enter me in that drawing. I have been a follower for some time. My favorite cold weather food is chili. I also love me some hot chocolate, mac and cheese, chocolate lava cakes, soup, apple pie, cheesecake...umm.

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  14. I'm not surprised you've reached 600,000 hits, Mari. Your blog is wonderful and a visual treat every time I come to visit. I've been a follower since the first time I clicked on your site.

    My favorite comfort food is soup, a good, stick-to-the-ribs kind like split pea or bean and ham.

    And what a lovely gift for one of your readers. I would be so thrilled to win...I'll keep my fingers crossed.

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  15. oh how lovely this tea set is!! i have my grandmother's china.. which matches this beautifully! ..and i am a loyal follower! :D

    my fave winter comfort food is pasta figoili soup to warm those nippy nights.

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  16. I just recently discovered your blog and spend 3 hours last night reading your archives. Love your recipes. Y You have inspired me to want cook more. Please enter me in your giveaway. Also I am an official blog follower.

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  17. Just a friendly congratulatory note from Monique.. Your visitors are a grateful group..I've learned so much over the years.
    You are a pleasure to visit~Happy New Year and continued fun with your beautiful blog~

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  18. Congratulations on so many blog hits. That's amazing.
    I would love to win the tea set.
    My favorite comfort food is Mac & Cheese. In fact it's raining right now, so I may jsut have to make that tonight.
    Also, I am a follower of your blog.

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  19. Love the tea set, it would make a wonderful birthday gift for my Mom.

    My favorite wintertime comfort food is homemade soup.

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  20. I love reading your blog! My favorite winter comfort food is homemade bread. The smell and warmth from the oven make me all warm and cozy!

    I am also a follower of your blog.

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  21. I love reading your blog, I follow you on Google Reader. My favorite cold weather food is homemade chicken soup. My grandmother always served it with mashed potatoes in the bottom of the bowl. The tea set reminds me of a set she had for us to play with when I was little. Unfortunately, I did not inherit that set. I would really love to win your set as it would always remind me of her. She's been gone for about 20 years now and I still miss her a lot!

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  22. WOW!! I can't imagine that many hits!! You wont believe this but during our holiday travels we pased the Blue Willow Inn and resturant in Social Circle Georgia! Awesome place. Please enter me in your give away. I'm a follower too! My favorite wam comfort food is actually grilled cheese and tomato soup. can you believe that!!

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  23. I would LUV LUV LUV to win this. I've admired this pattern since seeing it on my grandmother's table when I was a girl. I am already a follower.

    My favorite cold weather food...let's see corn chowder!

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  24. Congrats on a wonderful milestone! I can see why you are so popular. I love to visit and get inspiration. I not only follow you, but you are featured as a blog I follow on my blog!
    Kudos, yea!, way to go and keep it coming!
    Yvonne

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  25. A nice dish of polenta with short ribs in tomato sauce would warm anybody on a cold winter day.

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  26. I just found your blog, and what a perfect time to find it. I love the wedgewood, please enter me, I love the blue and white. I just became a follower too. Blessings, Debbie

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  27. Chili!! and I'm a follower already

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  28. How pretty! I am a follower and a fan. Please enter my name.

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  29. One of my favorite cold weather foods is ginger tea. It will make you warm all the way through!

    I'm also a follower of your blog!

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  30. How amazing is 600,000 hits! And what an amazingly wonderful gift to give to someone. I would certainly be thrilled should my name be selected. So yes, please enter my name twice as I'm definitely a follower. As for winter comfort food...how about hot buttered popcorn by the fire.
    Congratulations and thanks again for sharing this delightful blog....Sarah

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  31. I'm not surprised that you have that many hits CONGRATULATIONS.

    I follow you each time your post.

    I have two favorite cold weather foods, first, macaronni and cheese (made with several different types of cheese) and my second is tuna casserole (brings back memories of childhood to me).

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  32. What a gorgeous set! Before I went gluten free last year, I used to make something my kids dubbed "Mom's Mess". It was chopmeat, potato crowns, cream of celery soup, shredded cheddar cheese and a little black pepper. You'd cook the potato crowns until done, brown the meat, mix the cream of celery soup {following the directions on the can ~ I did half milk, half water} with the shredded cheddar and pepper. Put the chopmeat on top of the potatoes, then pour the soup and cheese mixture over the whole thing. Filling, warm, delicious. I used to love it and if I can find gluten free potato crowns, I'll make it again!

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  33. Oh what a gorgeous tea set...matches my dishes!
    You know how much I love your blog...keep it up girl!
    Happy new year!
    L~xo

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  34. What a beautiful giveaway! So pretty and elegant. I love any kind of warm soup or chili. I had potato soup today.
    I am a follower too.

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  35. 600,000 hits? Why am I not surprised? You have such a wonderful blog, Mari! Wishing you and your family a fabulous 2010 filled with happiness and health!

    Ju

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  36. I love the blue and white as well. What a great give away!

    One of my favorite cold weather (I live in Florida, but it can get a little cold here too!)comfort foods is tea and cinnamon sugar toast! Thanks for opportunity!

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  37. Congratulations to your wonderful blog. I've been a great fan of it :) My fav comfort foods for cold weather are rice porridge and soup.

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  38. I don't know why my comment came out from "Anonymous"? Anyway, that was me!

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  39. My favorite winter comfort food is chili! I'd love to win the tea set.

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  40. What a beautiful tea set that is. This is my first time to visit your blog as I came over from Susan's. I believe I will bookmark you now. Oh no, not because of the giveaway but because of your posts.

    I do follow your blog now and I cooked our favorite winter comfort food tonight. Homemade Chicken Soup.

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  41. Congratulations on all the traffic!! Now, you may or not know, but I really love but do not own blue and white china. So, as you can see, it is a case of need with me :) I'll make cookies to go with the tea!! I've been a follower for a long time. Thanks for such a generous giveaway!!

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  42. I forgot--My alltime favorite cold weather comfort food is chicken and dumplings--from scratch.

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  43. My all time favorite cold weather comfort food is vegetable beef soup...plain and simple but oh so comforting. I have become a follower and would like to enter your drawing for that beautiful tea set...I posted the tea set picture to my blog sidebar with a link back to your giveaway....please let me know if you prefer if I take the picture down.

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  44. My all time favorite cold weather food is chili...with oyster crackers. Has to be Oyster crackers! It is perfect to eat covered up with an afghan.

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  45. I've been following your blog for a long time and I still say it is the most beautifully presented blog in the world...and that covers a lot of territory!!! ...and the food is great also:-)

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  46. Mmmmm.... my comfort food would be eating bacon and eggs while still in my jammies. And not having to step outside into the cold.

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  47. my favorite cold weather food is chili. :)

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  48. Wow! 600,000 hits???!! I'm in awe!

    Yes sign me up for the drawing. I love Blue and White too. I am now a follower (thought I was before).

    Let's see ... favorite comfort food??? My Meatloaf.

    Happy New Year!
    ~Liz

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  49. I am new to the Blog world and to Once Upon a Plate! I am finding so many great ideas and friends in blogdom! What a blessing. I love, love my Johnson Bros Willoware and I am throwing my hat into the ring. All time fav winter comfort food...good old home-made chicken noodle soup.

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  50. Sign me up and I am a follower also. Comfort food this winter is Hot Rolls and Honey. Yum-Yum :) Thanks Lena

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  51. My favorite cold weather food is Red Beans, Rice and Sausage. And soups. And hot tea. I love comfort foods, especially when the weather is cold. Love the Blue and White! I just signed up as a follower too. Love coming to your blog to see what is new.

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  52. Thats amazing Mari...!!! Heartiest Congratulations...reaching soon 600,000 blog hits..Add us twice as we already are your blog follower, and my favorite comforting food is Dutch Oven Peach & blueberry cobbler by the fire place with my kids..yummmalicious...

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  53. My cold weather comfort food is really a drink...spiced tea and a warm fire! There's nothing cozier! The tea would be great in this precious tea set!

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  54. How beautiful a tea set! I love all things blue & white or blue ANYTHING! Congrats on reaching that many blog hits. I am a fairly new blogger, so I have no idea how many I have...probably more from me than anyone else.
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

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  55. Oh a lovely cup of tea with hot crusty bread toasted with lashings of butter, there is nothing like it. I already received this gorgeous tea-set from hubby as an xmas gift so no need to add my name, just wanted to congratulate you, your blog is a thing of beauty, happy new year, Kathy.

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  56. Ooooohh! Since I love anything blue, I sure would love some Blue Willow. I have so many favorite cold weather comfort foods.... One of my favorites is baked acorn squash (sliced into rings) with chunky slices of apple in the center, and then honey and butter melted all over it. But then there is also Shepherds pie with lots of gravy in the meat and veggie layer and then it's lovely top layer of swiss cheese and mashed potato... Delicious! Or Lasagna with layers of spinach, ricotta cheese and meat sauce... Yum!! It's hard to pick just one.
    (I am one of your followers too.)

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  57. Cold weather & a big mug of hot chocolate with a marshmallow or two.... a perfect pair!

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  58. Congratulations on the success of your blog! I really enjoy following Once Upon a Plate on Google Reader, as well as learning new tasty recipes.

    What an absolutely beautiful tea set! I love the colors and especially the pattern too!

    My absolute favorite cold weather comfort food is soup. Although I enjoy most any kind, I love to make a big batch of baked potato or french onion (even though there's only two of us) so I can have a leftover bowl(s) the next day.

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  59. I am also a fellow collector of Blue Willow, started collecting when I lived in Mount Vernon, VA 10 years ago.
    My favorite comfort food is chicken and dumplings, preferably the dumplings!!

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  60. Soup and homemade bread. Nothing beats this on a cold day.

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  61. I am a follower.......

    My favorite comfort food would have to be my Mom's chicken and dumplings. It's always so warming and calming during winter time for some reason. Maybe just because it's Mom's.

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  62. Hello! I arrived here by way of Susan's Between Naps on the Porch! I've looked around and I've got to tell you, your gallery @ Tastespotting is superb! I saw the one of the homemade girl scout cookies (Samoas!) and was undone by it! Yummo! I'm a believer and I've joined the ranks of your other followers!

    My comfort food in cold weather is a toss-up between my gumbo, my potato chowder or my chili! Oh, and don't forget Mexican food - good in any weather! I'm currently visitin in Albuquerque for the holidays and just made the potato chowder tonight for my mother, 2 aunts and an uncle and it was a big hit! (Yay me!)

    Okay, I WILL cut this short, because there's already a bunch of people ahead of me, and tons more are sure to follow, and I don't want to keep you up late reading long comments! Nice to meet you!

    Leslie Anne

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  63. My favorite cold weather comfort food is a hot steaming bowl of ramen.

    This is a great giveaway!

    I hope you have a happy New Year!

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  64. I have enjoyed following your blog for over a year now. Sometimes you astound me when you take something so simple and make it into something so special.
    My favorite comfort food would have to be Mac & Cheese. I have learned to make it from scratch and vary the cheeses and toppings when I bake it. Yum, so much better than the boxed stuff. katklaw777 at yahoo dot com
    Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

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  65. Hi Mari with an I,
    Your blue and white is lovely, I too am a fan of blue and white. Congrats on the milestone and keep on blogging
    Enjoy a happy healthy new year
    Maryrose

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  66. Just stumbled on your beautiful blog and I'm going to enjoy exploring.

    (I, too, have a penchant for blue and white china)

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  67. Happy new year full of new tastes. Love.

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  68. Good Morning, What a wonderful give-a-way, thanks for the opportunity to win it. I am a new follower also.

    Barbara

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  69. I have followed and enjoyed your blog for a long time. It has to be exciting to know you are reaching so many people and so far.
    Congratulations! I appreciate the recipes as well.
    Since I am a food lover, it's REALLY hard to pick a favorite cold weather food. I guess I would have to just pick one of a thousand and say clam chowder with fresh sourdough bread.

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  70. What a beautiful set! what am I not living there? :D

    Happy new year to u and ur.hopr it brings more joy, love and good health. :)

    xxx zurin

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  71. Here is a Blue Willow Design For Cape Ann Massachusetts including our lobster boats, fishing boats, light houses, breakwater, lobster, fish, scallops, mussels and more. I'd like to help point the designer to where it can be produced into China and was wondering if you could give me a recommendation for someone who could make this happen.

    http://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2009/12/30/mary-rhinelanders-limited-edition-cape-ann-blue-willow-print-video/

    http://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2009/12/30/mary-rhinelanders-limited-edition-cape-ann-blue-willow-china-design/

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  72. I'm not one to enter into blogging give aways, but blue and white are my favorite! I'm a follower so please enter me twice.

    Congrats on the upcoming milestone.

    - The Tablescaper

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  73. What a beautiful way to introduce food and recipes - You have an excellent flair to accomplish both. I love your blog - food has never looked as good. Thank you for all your efforts in creating and maintaining such a great blog. Happy New Year!

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  74. What a wonderful giveaway!! Love the Blue Willow Tea Set, and I do love your blog! My favorite cold weather comfort food would have to be Beef Stew!

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  75. Congratulations on your huge success with your blog. It is so well deserved and I love reading it. YOur always delight. The tea set is just fantastic and what a wonderful giveaway. As you know I am a follower and my favorite comfort food is a big pot of beans and cornbread. Just warms my soul. It has been such a pleasure to have met you this past year and I so look forward to the coming year and more of your wonderful posts. Thanks also for leaving such kind and gracious comments on my blog, you warm my heart. I hope you have a very Blessed and Happy New Year. Hugs, Marty

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  76. Congratulations Mari for your blog's success! Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful tea set. I also would give it to my mom as a gift. Any kind of homemade hearty soups and stews are my favorite type of cold weather comfort food. Also, baked loaves and muffins are nice in winter to fill the house with sweet scents and to share with family and friends. Michele

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  77. I have been following your blog since August. Congratulations on its success!! I truly enjoy your cooking exploits and love the improvizations -- a true master to my way of thinking. I have tried the pan fried salmon with GREAT SUCCESS!
    My cold weather comfort food is: old fashioned hot biscuits (like my Gramma used to make) and a bowl of French Onion Soup with gruyere cheese topping.
    I hope hope I am the winner of this beautiful tea set!

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  78. Goodmorning! And Happy New Year's Eve..Day! lol I recently became a follower and subscribe to emails of your blog. I never grow tired of your fantastic photography and lovely recipes you've prepared! I hope you have much continued success in 2010!!

    We've all been ill with the flu so what I'm craving most right now in the way of comfort foods is a nice big steaming pot of White Chicken Chili. mmmmmm!

    Take care!
    Wendy

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  79. Congratulations! My favorite cold weather comfort food would definitely have to be chili or some other hearty soup. Yum!

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  80. What a generous drawing!! You are a wonderful host to your blog. No wonder you draw so many friends, old & new!!

    My favorite cold weather food is... well, I would be hard-pressed to single out just one! But I do love a white chili. I'll be making it very soon and will be happy to pass on the news about your drawing.

    I'm sure the new year will bring many more friends to your beautiful blog - How could anyone resist??!

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  81. What a great idea! I'm so thrilled to have found your blog this fall (and yes, I immediately became a follower). My favorite cold weather comfort food? Grits with parmesan cheese and butter. Warms and cheers me every time!

    Happy new year!
    Elizabeth

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  82. My favorite cold weather comfort food is chicken tortilla soup!

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  83. My favorite cold weather comfort food has got to be Settlers Beans with cornbread...
    I am also a follower on your blog.

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  84. Oh what a generous gift -- I'm beginning to catch the "blue bug" -- and have begun collecting some blueware - So I would love this tea set. I also signed up to follow too.

    Cold weather comfort food for me is soup (I love them all! and try to find at least one new recipe to try each year) and hot tea.

    Wishing you much happiness for the new year~

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  85. Congratulations on the success of your blog Mari. It is so well deserved. I love reading it and am a loyal follower. What a fabulous and generous giveaway! I absolutely love Blue Willow and would like to be entered in your giveaway.

    My favorite cold weather comfort food would be soup and stew with dumplings or fresh baked bread.

    Happy New Year!

    ~ Tracy

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  86. My favorite comfort food is soup or stew. I have been enjoying your blog for some time and became a follower today. Congratulations on your success! Happy New Yer.

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  87. I love and follow your blog - I adore blue and white china - have it displayed in my kitchen cabinets!

    I would love, love, love to own this adorable tea set.

    Favorite cold weather food by far - chili and cornbread!!

    mmontemayo@aol.com

    Thank you for your blog!

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  88. I love blue and white. in fact I have my grandmother's dishes...and pink and white. and any china that is pretty and makes me happy. cold weather comfort food - a tea party with a butter cake from philadelphia (not that I've ever made this but its a gooey delicious treat when home). I am a follower too

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  89. Love the white and blue Willow tea set! I have an old blue and white teapot that was my mother's but it is missing the top and had a chip on the spout. Seeing the set on you blog made me think of my mother.
    Love your blog and I have become a follower :)
    Kath

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  90. Hey Mari, Congratulations!!! Well with all the pretty pictures posted on your blog, you are bound to get that many hits :) And yes, I would absolutely love to win the gorgeous tea set!!!!

    Coming to my favorite winter comfort food, nothing can beat a piping hot bowl of soup and some fresh homemade bread!!!

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  91. Mari...I just returned from London last night...so sorry I missed this. You know I eagerly follow you :-))

    The tea set set beautiful and looks just like you!

    Good luck with the drawing and Have a wonderful New Year!!

    Thanks for all of the delicious posts....Happy New Year....xo Diane

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  92. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  93. I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past 6 months, so inspiring!

    Soups & stews with fresh crusty bread is my fav winter foods.

    Please count me in for this amazing give-away!

    Knitting Mania

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  94. My favorite cold weather comfort food is stew and biscuits. very buttery biscuits!

    I follow your blog on google reader.

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  95. Hi there -I discovered your blog through Susan's BNOTP. The blue willow china is dear to my heart-one of my dear aunts has this as her only china.
    My favorite cold weather food -Yum-is chili-
    Have a very happy and healthy New Years.
    Kathy

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  96. I absolutely love your blog - always beautiful and inspiring. I love a nice soup, glass of wine, and a good crusty bread!

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  97. Good Morning,

    Love the blue and white! Would go well with my favorite winter soups and tea.
    Thanks
    Karen Cook
    jaycook@comcast.net

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  98. I'm a follower and I love your blog. Blue & White is certainly a favorite although lately I've been with black and white mostly. My favorite comfort food for cold weather is homemade Chicken & Noodle Soup.
    Sheila @ Raggedy Kingdom

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  99. You know I'm a follower;)

    I would have to say my favorite cold weather food would have to be a long simmered beef Bourguignon, even though I rarely eat red meat, this one is my favorite in the winter months.

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  100. I subscribe to your blog, and love it!

    Cold weather comfort foods...homemade organic eggnog, hot meusli with butter and maple syrup, eggplant parm!

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  101. Beautiful set...would love to play with it! Happy NY to you!

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  102. Homemade chicken and egg noodle soup...Mmmm.

    Google Reader follower as well.

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  103. First of all, I am bookmarking your blog as it looks amazing. I've arrived via Knitting Mania and I do love Blue Willow. I had an inexspensive set given to me years ago. Sadly, what pieces remain serve as kitty dishes. (Please don't hold it against me.)

    I am actually making my favorite cold weather comfort food this evening...baked potatoes and meatloaf.

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway!

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  104. I am so enjoying your blog and recipes - always seems to be something with a new spin on it! One of my favorite cold weather comfort foods is a crockpot full of a simple beef stew, with a basket of warm yeast rolls waiting on the table. Reminds me of the years when my kids were growing up - it doesn't get much better than that for me! Susan

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  105. Wow! Congratulations! I always love checking your blog to see what's cooking.

    My favorite cold weather comfort food has to be homemade beef vegetable soup with cornbread! A close second would be a pot of gumbo with crusty french bread.

    Love the sweet tea set. How could you not love anything blue & white?
    Best wishes for the New Year. Carolyn

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  106. One of my fav cold weather treats is macaroni and cheese!!!
    I follow you using Google Reader.

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  107. Oh I just love tea sets. For some reason they remind me of the magic of childhood. Thanks for the opportunity.

    I am a follower of you blog.

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  108. What a wonderful giveaway! This pattern is such a classic, and I am a big fan of tea!

    One of my favorite cold-weather comfort foods is broccoli-cheese soup with fresh, hot bread from my bread machine.

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  109. Vegetable Beef Soup is a must during the cold months!

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  110. Tomato Basil Soup - Creamy and steamy hot~~ I love your blog and I am a follower! Thanks. Carolyn

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  111. Steamy Hot Tomato Basil Soup. I love your Blog and follow it~~ Thank U!

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  112. My darling sister (Knitting Mania) headed me over here. Looks like I have been missing out on a wonderful blog. Please count me in on your beautiful give away!

    My favorite winter time comfort food is soup. Anyway any how. Right now I have a delicious pot of Vietnamese chicken noodle soup awaiting me, accompanied by lime, cilantro, and rice noodles YUM!

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  113. Mary, congratulations on reaching 600,000 visitors. That's impressive. Beautiful giveaway.

    Ann

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  114. Congratulations Mary on reaching 600,000 visitors. Your blog is a joy to visit, so I'm not surprised at your success. And what a way to celebrate with that lovely tea set.

    ~Ann

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  115. What a milestone. Congratulations.!!!
    I love good old chicken noodle soup.
    msgb245 at gmail do com

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  116. 600,000 blog hits!!! Oh my gosh. I don't even know how you know something like that. I'm sure I don't want to know my pathetic numbers.

    Where was I...favorite comfort food..right now mac and cheese.

    Of course I follow you.

    And of course I know just where I would put this adorable tea set in my china cabinet. I would even take pictures of it and show you that it had a good home.

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  117. WOW...!! 600,000. Can't say I'm surprised with all the great recipes you post daily. I love getting them in my email every day. Super give away in my very favorite Blue Willow. I've collected it for many years and have 100's of pieces. Wishing you the best in 2010, Judy

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  118. Hello,
    So generous of you to giveaway this beauty! My favorite winter food is a very warm soup and crusty bread. YUM.
    Happy New Year!

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  119. I would love that set. I love English china especially by Johnson Brothers. I really like the hat box as well.

    I'm not normally a soup fan, but potato soup is a great warm comfort food that I love. Also, a bowl of black-eyed peas over rice with buttered bread. Mmmm good.

    Thank you for doing this.

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  120. Happy New Year my sweet friend! Can't wait to see and here what you'll dish up today. I'm making a great comfort food of ours - can't have New Year's Day without it. Pork and Sauerkraut!!! Slow roasted in the oven all day. My Mum used to make dumplings after we took the roast out to cool a bit - mmm, nothing better!

    I've been a follower of yours this past year and have truly enjoyed getting to know you and reading about the wonderful food that you make.

    Wish me luck!
    Leann

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  121. Just made Julia Child Bouillabaise. This has to be the ultimate in comfort food along with crusty warm french bread!

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  122. Blackeyed peas and corn bread! In Texas, New Year's Day wouldn't be the same without it!

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  123. Beautiful tea set -- would love to win it!

    Hmmmmm, favorite wintery comfort food is probably chicken and dumplings.

    Blessings,

    G

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  124. I've been following your blog for about 6 months but never signed up to be a follower until today. I've recently purchased some Johnson Bros. china and a chintz tea set at separate garage sales. I would love to win the Blue Willow, I've never had any. Congratulations on the 600,000 blog hits. Wow!

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  125. What a lovely idea for a giveaway--soup is definetely the best food when it is cold, but definetly homemade!!

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  126. I just love your blog site and I visit it everyday to see what is new. I always wanted a tea set, and this one is so lovely. I hope that I am picked. My favorite cook weather food would have to be a pot roast with carrots and potatoes. And, we can't forget about the warm bread on the side.
    Kelly

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  127. WoW! Congrats on your successful blogging! That's quite a milestone. I wish to be entered into your contest. I have a rather large blue and while collection so if I was lucky enough to be the winner I would give this to my newly engaged daughter! She always threatens to "accidentally" take some of my pieces! :) I am a follower of your blog also. And I must tell you I enjoy your recipes so much. I thought I made the best creamed spinach, but after trying yours I now have a new favorite. Happy New Year and congrats again!
    cmflan122@gmail.com

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  128. What a wonderful and gracious giveaway! I'd love to be entered. My favorite wintertime comfort food is steak tips and rice. It's easy (made in the slow cooker) but oh, so delicious! Thanks again for offering this beautiful giveaway.

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  129. I have been drinking tea since I could walk. My grandfather was from England so tea was served lik water. I would so love that incredible tea set. It is a thing of beauty! I am so happy for you that you have had so many visitors. Your blog is such a happy and inspiring place to visit and you are a tremendously talented cook and photographer. Thank you for your generosity in ALL you share!!!

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  130. Mari I so enjoy your blog and check in often. Your dishes and tablescapes are so great! I'm a new blogger and struggle what to add sometimes but need to get brave and jump in more!!! In the winter my cooking goes toward hearty soups like potato, leaks or spinch with Italian Sausage. I need to start cooking health for my husband and I so my cooking will be heading in a new direction in 2010...which is all good. I wish you the best in 2010. Best regards...

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  131. Mari, have enjoyed your blog via BNOTP but have now signed up as a follower since I find myself checking in often. Please enter me in your drawing...the tea set is lovely. As for comfort food - my go to dish is chili and cornbread. My family just loves it on a cold, wintry day. Thanks for your inspiration.

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  132. We love soup in the winter months...chili, baked potato soup, creamy chicken noodle, chicken enchilada...the list goes on and on!

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  133. I'm not one to normally enter blog give aways... but blue is a color that works very well around here..lol I'm a follower so please enter me twice... Mr. P loves cheesey potato soup right now.. I seem to make more of it than anything.. Our temps are dipping below zero for the next couple of nights..might have to throw in some chili has well.. Happy New Year my friend..hugs ~lynne~

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  134. Blue and white are some of my favorites as well. Just love your blog.

    My favorite cold weather comfort food is macaroni anc cheese. I have been making the Good Housekeeping Cookbook recipe for almost 30 years. Yum!

    Tammy

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  135. I love the tea set!

    One of my favorite comfort foods is Chicken Pot Pie. My favorite recipe is by Ina Garten and it's called Chicken Stew with Biscuits. Yum!

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  136. I would love to win this tea set for my granddaughter, she just started tablescaping... she is 5.

    Mine and my families favorite winter comfort food has to be Chicken Tortilla soup, with all the trimmings; fresh avocado, homemade fried corn tortilla strips, cheese, green onion, cilantro, sour cream, fresh tomato. YUM!

    I'm having a little New Years Give away too... stop by and enter if you get a chance...
    ~Really Rainey~

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  137. What a lovely giveaway! My favorite comfort food is hands down beef N Noodles with mashed potatoes. I also love french onion soup!
    Indeed I am a follower of your lovely blog!
    Happy New Year!

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  138. Good grief, I've tried for 3 days to post a comment. Some problem with
    the g. chrome browser. Swithched to IE. Chili and cornbread say "winter in Texas" to me. I check your blog daily. Thanks for your inspiration.

    Mary

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  139. What fabulous blue dishes. I've been a follower for a long time now, so I'd love to be entered in your giveaway. My all time favorite for a cold wintery day is onion fondue soup. It's been a favorite of mine since I was a small child. My mother used to go to the Hamburger Hamlet after work and bring it home for me especially when I was sick.

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  140. I am a follower and often see you on Foodgawker. What a gorgeous tea set! Thanks for the giveaway. Favorite cold weather food is soup. Tonight it is freezing and windy in VA. I made Potato Chowder with cheddar, parmesan cheese and bacon. Perfect!

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  141. I would love to win such a beautiful tea set. In fact a cup of tea is one of my favorite things to have with my chosen comfort food, a hot crisp bacon sandwich in the early morning, on a cold day. I am now a follower of your blog.

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  142. What a wonderful, generous giveaway! I would love to have this tea set among my collection.

    Your blog is beautiful!

    Chris

    P.S. I'm a follower.

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  143. Wow, beautiful tea set. If I win this perhaps I could attempt to make a beautiful table scape as you do! (In my dreams!) Next to Michael Ruhlman's blog, yours is one I go to on a daily basis! Happy New Year!!

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  144. Oh my gosh, I forgot to add my fav cold weather dish...it has to be soup...any kind, but french onion is my favorite, with the onions cooked forever till they almost melt away!!

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  145. Cream of turkey soup or french onion soup. Lovely giveaway.

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  146. What a lovely tea set! I love the Blue Willow pattern. My favorite cold weather comfort food is hot chocolate with buttered toast, a good book, a blankie and a comfy sofa.

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  147. Mashed potatoes with creme fraiche and caramelized shallots.

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  148. I just found your blog from a photo of your Olive Penguins. Your blog is fantastic! I would love to have a chance to with this tea set. My favorite comfort food is home made mac and cheese!

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  149. I love that tea set! My favorite cold weather food is mashed potatoes and gravy... or mac and cheese. Both are comforting, yummy, and warm!

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  150. My favorite cold foods are soups-potato cheese or potato and corn or vegetable soup with a big skillet of cornbread.
    I also love mac and cheese, potato au gratin, comfort foods. Umm.
    Please enter me in the giveaway and stop by Bloggeritaville when you can!

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  151. Hi there
    My favorite cold weather food is yummy hot steamy soup.

    I also follow you :)

    YAY I have two chances to win that great set
    Cheers
    Cathy

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  152. Yes, I'm a follower now! I absolutely love all of your pictures--simply stunning.

    My favorite cold weather recipe is Roaster Corn and Crab Chowder. It's soothing, comforting and delicious all at the same time. We love to have it by the fire with warm biscuits on the side. Mmmmm...

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  153. Homemade Texas Chili with Cornbread warms us up during the cold winter months.

    I have my late Aunt's Willow Blue dessert plates - this tea set would look smashing with these plates. Love tea parties even if only one person attends, ME!

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  154. Just re-visiting your awesome blog. I simlpy love all the recipes you send out daily and have tried quite a few. My favorite comfort food is CHILI... I've always loved it and my Dad would always tell everyone who would listen how much I loved chili. So even as a child it was my comfort food. My Dad was a terrific cook and bread maker/baker. I miss him so much.

    Keep up the great blog, I love it. Judy

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  155. I love you tablescapes and amazing dishes and pictures! You are the ultimate food blogger. Everything is always so lovely!!! I am a follower and would LOVE to win this teaset!!! It is so beautiful!!!

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  156. Oh Mari..600,000 blog hits!!!! Congratulations!!

    I became a follower of your blog about 3 seconds after I clicked on your first photo! I can't tell you all the wonderful ways that you have inspired me to create more interesting meals with your recipes, set more beautiful tables with your gorgeous ideas & take clearer, more interesting photos because of your fantastic photography! I thank you for all that you inspire.

    My favorite cold weather comfort foods have to be heaty soups....ham & bean or potato or clam chowder....anything thick & steaming in a BIG bowl with crusty bread along side. We just finished some, as a matter of fact! :-) Its cold & snowing here in Ohio.

    I would love to win that precious Blue Willow china tea set, since my sweet granddaughter, Caroline & I enjoy having tea parties when she visits. You would laugh to see how carefully she adds her 2 sugar cubes & always tells me "I like it sweet, Nana!". She stirs & the taps her spoon twice, very gently on the cup edge. Every time....always twice. Too cute!

    Even if I don't win, you can be sure I'll be back to visit again & again.

    fondly,
    Rett

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  157. Just stumbled on to your blog! How could I not enter this! I love Blue Willow! I use a Johnson Brothers set as my everyday dishes!

    Great blog!

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  158. My favorite cold weather comfort food is split pea and wild rice soup. Easy and delicious!

    I am a follower of your beautiful blog as well. :)

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  159. I have a BLUE AND WHITE kitchen! I love Blue Willow. Some of my Comfort Foods are... An Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese sandwich with Cream of Tomato Soup. Another is Mac and Cheese with Stewed Tomatoes. Nancy from OHIO

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  160. Just stumbled upon your beautiful blog--looking for a koi fish mold for nian gao for lunar new year (it was a round about search).

    Favorite warm you right up food--Mom's Potato Soup.

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  161. Let's see cabbage soup is delicious, just made some today. Wonderful giveaway!

    Linda

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  162. Hi Mari:
    I became a follower (which I would have done without your drawing, but now I'm really glad I did!). I've also added you to my blog roll so I can follow your posts. Finally, I added your giveaway to my blog sidebar. I'm already a fan! I'll be back to visit. Hope you'll stop in and say "hi" at Brynwood, too.
    xoxo
    Donna

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  163. Beautiful job on the blog. My favorite winter foods usually involve some sort of soup or stew. Depends what is in the pantry. More likely than not, I'll yearn for beef barley soup.

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  164. I was referred by a friend to your blog. Beautiful yummy photos! Looks like I'll enjoy looking around.

    I'd love to win the Willow tree set to add to my small hopechest collection. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  165. Hi! Your blog is new to me...found you via a link from Baking Bites for a recipe. I spotted your giveaway and would love to be entered. I'm also looking forward to browsing your site! Thanks very much!

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  166. Oops, I forgot to answer your question. I think my very favorite comfort food this winter has been Baked Potato soup topped with cheese and bacon.

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  167. One favorite winter food is homemade German spaetzle noodles covered with cheese and onions....

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  168. I love to make Italian Bread Wedges for lunch on a cold day - so hot and yummy! They're basically like a white pizza, with garlic and spices sprinkled on a Italian-dressing-covered crust, topped with parmesan and mozzerella cheese.

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  169. 600,000 blog hits? Wow! Congrats! This is a beautiful Blue Willow tea set and I hope I get a chance to win. And of course, I have been a follower of yours for a while now. And lastly, my favorite food when it is cold is chicken noodle soup. I like to have it when I am sick too, which usually happens around the Christmas holidays....Christine

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  170. Almost 60 years ago my mom's best friend gave me a Blue Willow miniature set (made in Occupied Japan). It is one of my most treasured possessions. For cold weather Chicken & Dumplings fits the bill!

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  171. Love blue and white dishes--I use Blue Calico everyday! Clam chowder is my fave for cold weather comfort.

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  172. OMG! I love this tea set! I am a follower on Google and would love to be entered in your giveaway. My favorite cold weather food is homemade chicken noodle soup.

    Gina

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  173. Oh I would love to enter. Pick me. Pick me.
    My favorite cold weather comfort food would probably be potato soup or chili. Guess it depend on how much time I had to cook it.
    I will write about this on my blog and become a follower. I just found you today. I have already put you on fav's list. I'll be back.
    Have a Blessed Day,
    Sherry

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  174. I have followed your blog for some time now and have left a comment before. Everything you make looks so delicious. Please include me in this give-away. I would love this set. Thank you!
    Sandra

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  175. Love your blog, thank you for the chance to win the tea set. My grandmother had blue willow dishes, wish they had come to my mother, ah well. They would remind me of grandma every time I used them. Thank you again! Beverly

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  176. Great give away. Love your blog.

    leana
    kenleana@pacbell.net

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  177. I am a brand new subscriber to your blog! I discovered you on Susan's between naps on the porch. I am a southern gal from North Carolina and around here we love a big pot of bubbling chicken and dumplin's. Now dumplin's are not the same thing as those thin strips of pastry. Dumplin's are clumps of gooey dough dropped on top of the chicken stew while it is still cooking. In about 20 minutes you have a thick, hearty pot of divine goodness that will keep you warm the rest of the day or night.

    SO-O-O, please, please send me that beautiful blue and white tea set so I can enjoy a nice pot of tea with my chicken and dumplin's.

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  178. My favorite cold weather comfort food is Baked Potato Soup. New Follower/Vickie Riddle

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  179. Hum, It's hard to decide which is my favorite. Perhaps it is chicken and dumplings for the memories and the love connected with it.
    I enjoy reading your blog. I am often inspired by it. Thanks!

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  180. Being from Louisiana (now living in Colorado)... I would HAVE to say gumbo (delicious, hearty, spicy and satisfying)! French bread, good wine and friends :)
    mmcgowen@steamboatwireless.com

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  181. Please enter my name in your contest. I love Willow Blue China.

    My favorite cold weather comfort foods are - homemade vegetable soup & cornbread.

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  182. I love a good slow cooked indian curry! Nothing warms you up like some spicy curried lamb.

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  183. Slow-cooked stewy things, like short ribs or oxtails are my favorites. Congrats on 600,000!

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  184. I love the blue. i have blue cast iron. my favorite winter dish is risotto or chicken and dumplings.

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  185. Congrats on your milestone. I truly appreciate all of your hard work. My favorite cold weather meal is a steaming hot bowl of lemon chicken soup with a hunk of crusty buttered bread.

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  186. My favorite cold weather food is Beef Nilaga..a Filipino soup made with beef shanks.

    Great Blog!! - MO

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  187. My favorite is Red Beans and Rice. With a nice crusty bread on the side....... Yum! I subscribe to your blogs in my google feed reader and love them!

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  188. One of my favorites is white chili.

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  189. I'm a chicken soup and homemade biscuits from scratch type of girl. So good! I'm going to start following too. I love your photos!

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  190. My favorite is any kind of chili with cornbread. I love this giveaway!

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  191. I started following your blog the minute I stumbled upon it! I recently made the Acorn Squash soup, and Loved it, it was delicious!

    I love this china set! It is beautiful! Hosting dinner parties with this would be grand!

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  192. Always looking forward to your postings.

    Fav winter comfort food would be Asian hot pots, from Japanese sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu to Thai style Hot Pots. Warms you up fast, fun communal dishes and healthy too.

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  193. Wow - 600,000 hits. That's amazing! Please enter me in your fabulous giveaway.

    My favorite winter comfort food is soup, soup, soup and hearty, crusty, full of flavor Italian bread warm out of the oven. Over the past two weeks I have made: Velvet Tomato Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Italian Meatball Soup and Baked Potato Soup. Yummy!!!!

    Thanks,

    Lucy
    www.farmersattic.com
    www.farmersattic.blogspot.com
    www.lucy43g.etsy.com

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  194. A hearty soup or chili with crusty bread would fit the bill for me!!
    Congrats on the 600,000 hits! Thank you for a chance to be in this lovely drawing!

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  195. Oh my I do like soup too but when I think of the cold winds and snow blowing, I like to sit by the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate with a dash of cayenne pepper and nibble on cookies!
    Just happened across your blog looking for Mexican Rice soup. Love the pictures of delicious foods on your site! Would love the tea set!
    Toni

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