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Friday 17 May 2013

Flamingos and Floaty Skirts


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Last week Darcy and I pootled off on an adventure to Coton Manor Gardens with my Auntie Rose, or 'Wose' as Baby Glitter calls her. 

In a nutshell, Coton Manor is a gorgeous ye olde house with the most beautiful gardens you have ever seen- and I'm not even an outdoors kinda gal. With secret ponds and water features, statues, windy paths, herb gardens, ornamental birds, pigs, horses, bluebell woods, and a stable yard cafe, it's just idyllic. 

As you walk around, the animals just wander free like something out of a film. You can stand right next to flamingos, have afternoon tea with a parrot and watch as a mummy mallard and her tiny ducklings scuttle passed your feet. Darcy thought it was all brilliant. 

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens


Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

Coton Manor Gardens

I didn't think I was going to be that bothered by the place and partly just agreed to go to take an interest in my Auntie Rose's pursuits but I'm SO glad I did. It's so easy to be swept up in the hustle and bustle of life and work and chores, but to step away for an afternoon and wander around a peaceful, tranquil place where everything seems so relaxed, was just bliss. 

The other part of deciding to go was because I thought it might make an interesting blog post for this week's Friday lifestyle feature so I suppose I have you lovely lot to thank. If I didn't have this blog and hadn't starting doing a weekly lifestyle thing then I might've missed out.

I think this is a lovely place to go with people or on your own with a book or just to sit and contemplate a little. It was like a mixture of The Secret Garden and Alice In Wonderland. 

Have you been here or anywhere like it before?



Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is The Life of Bon. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE.


126 comments:

  1. Aaah I love your pictures! Darcy looks so cute :) the weather is actually pretty nice out there aswell - it has been raining for days over here :( Great post!

    X Valérie
    scribblesofvalerie.com

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  2. Those pictures are so gorgeous and it looks like you had a beautiful day. Wish I lived closer to it as it looks such a lovely place to visit.

    Becky xx

    beautytobakes.blogspot.co.uk

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  3. Aww that place is so lovely!!! *-*
    It kind of reminded me of the little villages in the north of Germany, but with noticeably less fish or seaguls. I can't rememeber how the place I went to was called >-<

    I wish I cuold live somewhere similar, it's too adorable!

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  4. We love your friday lifestyle posts!! Lovely pictures:)

    www.mkstyleramlbings.blogspot.com.au

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  5. Wowwwwww that place looks incredible! That would be the ideal spot for me to read a book, with no distractions but nature. Incredible pictures as always Louise, I'm glad you had such a wonderful day! :D

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  6. Aw this looks gorgeous - what a beautiful day! Love your outfit too Louise :) xx

    scottishwendy.blogspot.co.uk

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  7. Your photos with Darcy make me all teary eyed. I love seeing you both together as mummy and baby. It's the sweetest thing. I'd love to visit some place like that. It'd be amazing I think.

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  8. Love your pictures! Looks so stunning there

    alittlebitsunshine.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. theres no where like this in sydney!! i wish there was though, it looks gorgeous xx

    Alex xx
    bowsandbrushes.blogspot.com.au

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  10. "gorgeous ye olde house" hahahah you are great!!
    Stunning picts as usual - really makes me want to visit!!

    xx

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  11. Love the pictures! Your pictures always look so nice!

    Check out my blog, that I just started.
    http://princesskayel.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. It seems so peaceful and must be such a nice get away! Lovely post, I love the lifestyle ones - possibly more than the beauty ones!

    I would LOVE it if you would check my blog out and maybe even follow too? :D

    http://hashtaglifeyumsigh.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-walk-to-remember-hashtag-life.html

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  13. Oh Darcy and you are sooo well dressed like 50's and the garden is just GORGEOUS! - Like little vintage summer wonderland:)!

    Bye,
    NIKA

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  14. Look likes an amazing place to spend a lazy afternoon and looks like you chose the perfect day to go.
    We have a few little places like that in Yorkshire but not found one as stunning as that

    Carrieanne x

    http://imjustalittlepixie.blogspot.co.uk/

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  15. That sounds like such a wonderful day! So happy you had that moment with Darcy and your aunt. Also, those glasses you are wearing are faaaaaaabulous :)

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  16. Beautiful photos! I love the colors and the lighting! I wish I could see a flamingo one day!

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  17. All these pictures are stunning Louise! This place sounds so lovely, and it seems like you had a pretty perf day! xxx


    holljc.blogspot.co.uk

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  18. Love this post - it makes me happy to see people actually interacting with their children... So many of my friends with young children plonk them in front of the TV 24/7. Darcy is going to be a beautifully well rounded individual.

    Also, love your skirt! Where's it from? X

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  19. What a great post! Please check out my blog? http://amysmusicalbloggings.blogspot.co.uk :)

    xoxo

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  20. Lovely pictures! The place sounds really pretty :) Darcy is such a cutie! xx

    Abby | Beauty and a Blogger

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  21. Really nice photos! You and Darcy are always too sweet :)) xx

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  22. this looks absolutely beautiful x

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  23. Lovely pictures, Summer in England is so amazing - I wish it'd come back. That week of sunshine was def not enough!

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  24. Waw it looks like a lovely place. And those pictures of you and Darcy are absolutely beautiful! xo

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  25. Darcy looks so big in that last picture! Looks like a lovely place to visit :)

    http://nataliewrites.co.uk x

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  26. This looks so peaceful! Darcy is just the cutest! x

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  27. Wow this place looks gorgeous :) I can't believe you can stand that close to flamingos! Ah I have to go! Thank you for sharing :) Darcy is beautiful xx
    Vicki xx

    ricoandtine.com

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  28. Aww Darcy looks so cute. I love posts like these it looks so peaceful and beautiful.
    xoxo

    http://hannmaree.blogspot.com

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  29. Darcy is so adorable!! She has so much personality for a such little girl. She is like a little you!! and that place is so gorgeous! :)

    http://msbribeauty.blogspot.com

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  30. What a beautiful place. It looks so peaceful. I want to find a place like that in Kent, if anyone knows of places like that here then please let me know as i have only recently moved to the area. XxX

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  31. I love your sun glasses!

    Natalie

    secretsofahappygirl.blogspot.co.uk

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  32. How pretty! Idyllic is the perfect way to describe this place! You and Darcy look so cute in your matching blue cardigans :)

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  33. Nice blog. Follow you!

    Please follow me :))

    www.beautyandfashion-makeup.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. That last picture is just stunning! Could have been taking in the '70 for all I know! You are so stylish!

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  35. Pictures of you both are always so sweet and pretty! I think I might have to save up for the camera you have, as I want to make memories like this and have stunning photographs to go along with them!

    http://thebeautypier.blogspot.com

    Megan x

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  36. Your such a great mum! The pictures are adorable:) x

    http://sugerandspiceandallthingsnice.blogspot.co.uk/

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  37. That place looks amazing! I am not usually into walking around gardens and the like but this looks beautiful...plus ice cream on offer always a bonus!

    http://MillieMagpie.blogspot.com

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  38. Beautiful pictures Louise :) Looks like you had a brilliant day out xx

    belle-amiebeauty.blogspot.co.uk

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  39. Looks beautiful! Darcy is such a cute little girl :)

    xoxo Appie | jusde-pomme.blogspot.com

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  40. Adorable - I love how it's so vintage looking :)

    amylaurenxo.blogspot.co.uk

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  41. I always used to go here as a child! did you go in the bluebelle wood? that used to be my favourite bit haha, lovely pictures again Louise X

    39augusts.blogspot.co.uk

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  42. Such a lovely place to visit!!! You are so right about it being a bit like Alice in Wonderland!! A very magical place it seems indeed!!! Thanks for sharing!! :)

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  43. Oh wow, this place looks more than beautiful! I love english gardens. <3
    You and Darcy look so adorable together! :)
    Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures with us!

    xx

    beckythewallflower.blogspot.com

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  44. I want to go and play with the flamingos!!

    Victoria
    www.florenceandmary.com

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  45. love how the flamingos are just standing there like randomly :P Great post as always :)
    daisyandmints.blogspot.co.uk/

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  46. This looks like such a lovely place, perfect for summer adventures!

    xx

    katedruryy.blogspot.co.uk

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  47. Wow that looks amazing and the birds are so cool!

    Check out my OPI nail polish giveaway!
    GIVEAWAY HERE!

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  48. this place looks gorgeous! cute and peaceful :)

    http://lifeslikearoadwetravelon.blogspot.com/
    xx

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  49. That looks seriously beautiful! I love going to National Trust-type places, they're always really scenic and far more interesting than you'd think.

    Louisa's Notebook

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  50. Wow, what a beautiful place! I love walking round the grounds of old country houses and having a cream tea or ice cream in the sunshine afterwards - it's something so simple, but my family have always done things like that and it really is good for the soul! A shame there isn't anywhere with flamingoes just chilling around the place near me though!
    Mel x

    melswallofmirrors.blogspot.co.uk

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  51. A beautiful post and lovely pictures as usual! I'm living vicariously through you! Keep up the good work and thank you so much for sharing.

    rachael-victoria.blogspot.co.uk

    xx

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  52. the place looks awesome and you look so beautiful, louise. sounds like a relaxed day in the sun.
    xx

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  53. These pictures are so lovely! Looks like a beautiful place :)

    Aimee Xx
    dress-it-up-6.blogspot.co.uk

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  54. This looks absolutely lovely!

    Katie xx
    http://beautybykw.blogspot.co.uk

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  55. You look gorgeous! Like a Vintage Vixen! & Darcy is just an absolute doll

    xx

    MissStyleMonster.blogspot.com

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  56. This looks incredible Louise! Seems like such a great place. Today is my birthday and it's definitely reminding me to relax and take everything in.

    http://mollycurley.blogspot.com

    xo Molly

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  57. This looks like such a great place for Darcy to enjoy! It definitely seems like a relaxed, blissful place.

    M.

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  58. nice pictures Louise!

    - Janine
    http://theeoptimist.blogspot.com

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  59. Wow those gardens are so beautiful!

    -Zoe
    www.glitterpillss.blogspot.com

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  60. This place looks beautiful! I'm going to have to visit there one day.

    kim xx

    http://kimbo95x.blogspot.co.uk/

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  61. aw, wow it looks so pretty! :-)

    Rhian

    www.beautyandthebrushx.blogspot.co.uk

    X

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  62. gorgeous photo's and looks like lovely place! xo

    http://prettypetticoats.blogspot.co.uk/

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  63. N'aw everything looks so cute! Love how you, Darcy and Matt go on these days out! The weather looks lovely! <3

    http://styleitwithme.blogspot.co.uk

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  64. Looks absolutely lovely, hope you had a nice afternoon! xxx

    Maddy from UNSTITCHEDD 

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  65. Wow it looks so pretty!


    -Megan x
    http://blooms-of-beauty.blogspot.co.uk/

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  66. So lovely, the photos you took are gorgeous, I especially like the ducks!

    Jamie-Lee | Glitter Infatuation | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog! x

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  67. That looks like such a peaceful place!! And the blooming flowers....gorgeous!!

    It's always nice to get away from real life and relax in a garden.

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  68. Wow that place looks lovely!
    Gorgeous photos, Louise! xxx

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  69. Your pictures look great! That place looks like right out of a storybook!
    - Danielle
    www.keenbeauty.com

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  70. Absolutely love your blog I'm new to the blogging world and I read your blogs all the time also found out from watching your videos on YouTube that we live in the same town.
    Ellie

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  71. Aw you and Baby Glitter are just adorable!!!! Love your matching floaty skirts, gorgeous photo's xxx

    Gemma | ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie

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  72. Its looks like such a beautiful day! I can't believe how big Darcys getting, its feels like you were pregnant only yesterday!

    lipstickpassport.blogspot.co.uk/

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  73. It sounds lovely, the pictures are so pretty.

    Pipp x
    http://pippjones281190.blogspot.co.uk

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  74. Such cute pictures of you and Darcy! You look great!

    Zoe // The Caribbean Flower

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  75. That place looks absolutely wonderful! Just my kind of spot to sit and relax for an afternoon :)
    Those pictures of you and Darcy are just darling! She is getting SO big!! <3

    mysmallrayofsunshine.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Ooh! Sounds Alice in Wonderland-tastic! Lovely :) Love the idea of flamingos just stood there as you casually wander past! Rather magical.

    Lauren x

    http://liabilitylauren.blogspot.co.uk

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  77. This is a beautiful post, the photos are so lovely! I love the outdoors :)
    Anna x
    awaywiththefairies321.blogspot.com

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  78. Louise, do you know where you found your skirt? I love it! Thanks ~Stef

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  79. What a beautiful place and gorgeous pictures!

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  80. Stunning! So idyllic; wish I was there with you! xxx
    http://anironictruth.blogspot.com.au/

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  81. Ice cream, fine weather and flamingos! Good times. Thanks for sharing with us Louise.

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  82. Oh wow, this place looks absolutely magical!! I'd love to go there one day! I've added it to my list :) Gorgeous pictures too, glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves!

    http://littlexcub.blogspot.com
    xx

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  83. That place looks amazing and magical! It looks like the kind of garden you would see in Alice in Wonderland or something right out of Pride and Prejudice! I'm so glad you had an amazing time it looked like Darcy was happy to be there as well!

    http://http://somelittlebirdies.blogspot.ca/

    Cheers! x

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  84. gorgeous pictures!
    http://stephsbeautybabble.blogspot.com.au/
    xx

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  85. Looks so much fun! That last picture of you and Darcy needs to be framed! So precious

    http://lovelyinlipstick.blogspot.com/

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  86. You are both so gorgeous and cute! I love the photos!

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  87. THis looks like a really beautiful day! xo

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  88. So cute, can't wait for summerto do all these fun things!:) x

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  89. I love your posts, they are always so much fun to read and cute! They practically make my day.

    www.walkingtalkingclotheshorse.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  90. Super amazing clicks :)

    Btw, I loved your blog and your writing style! :)

    Would like to follow each other through GFC?

    My Blog: ❤Makeup and Beauty Home❤

    Waiting for you! :) Thanks! Have a lovely weekend..

    ReplyDelete
  91. Aw Darcy's so sweet! I love your blog!

    My beauty/fashion blog: http://www.jehsee.blogspot.co.uk/ <3

    ReplyDelete
  92. wow looks lovely and such a nice day to :) lucky! xx

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  93. baby glitter is gorgeous! love your blog louise, never fails to make me smile x

    katianalovesmakeup.co.uk

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  94. cute post! lovely photos

    xoxo
    fashionable-addict

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  95. What a lovely photos and colours..real spring!

    Ila x

    http://cleanserblog.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  96. Wow it looks beautiful. The flamingos are just fabulous! Don't even get me started on Darcy- cutness overload right there! x

    http://beautymissblogger.blogspot.ie

    ReplyDelete
  97. http://thedangerousworldoffashion.blogspot.com/

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  98. The photos look so pretty, your photography skills Louise are actually so amazing! And Darcy is the cutest baby girl ever!

    http://misskitkat05.blogspot.co.uk/ - Check it out, just did a blog post on my cat :)

    ReplyDelete
  99. This is lovely, Louise. I volunteer at a nature reserve and you've inspired me to take some photos next time I'm there for my blog.

    http://ellieloves.wordpress.com/

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  100. your pictures are so amazing x x

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  101. you two are such a sweet mommy/daughter combo! and i love it that you dress Darcy with a touch of your style! makes her look super chic! haha hopefully you'll bring her to LA soon and go to Disneyland or something for a mini meet up!??!

    www.schnazzledazzle.blogspot.com

    thank you for blogging and video-ing (if that's a word?)

    ReplyDelete
  102. So adorable! I would love to own such a cozy business that makes so many people smile. Definitely adding this to my To Do List, if I ever make it over to the UK! <3

    My Little Slice of Happiness

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  103. Looks beautiful! Like the perfect, quiet place to escape life. I'd definitely love to go there. And your relationship with Darcy is adorable ^_^ your little girl is so sweet, big fan of your blog & videos xx

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  104. Hi,
    Just wanted to let you know, you where featured on my blog as one of the best bloggers I know! Read the post here: http://donttouchmytutu.blogspot.sg/2013/05/day-19-favorite-bloggers.html
    Love,
    Jac

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  105. Baby Glitter looks so cute in her pink dress :') it looks lovely there :3 x

    Have a look at my blog... if you like;
    http://doodlesforjanine.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  106. great shots ... lovely

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  107. Great photography, such an idelic place and the sun was out too :D

    http://littlemissblissfull.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  108. I love this! The photos you take are so good! xx

    http://alicethecamel1.blogspot.co.uk

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  109. Looks so beautiful! :)

    Kelly xx

    http://thebellelavieproject.blogspot.co.uk/

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  110. Lovely blog with inspiren pictures.

    I am following you now.


    www.kosmetyczna-hedonistka.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. What a lovely place to just relax and step out of our busy lives and enjoy the world for a moment. Louise I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I know you studied biology in university and I just got put on academic warning. This really worries me, and no one understand how difficult I find doing any sort of tests. I get really anxious and when it comes to writing a test I just blank out even though I know the answer I seem to panic and forget looking at all the other options everything looks the same. Do you have any ideas on tips for studying. I have my midterm Wednesday and after seeing that I got put on warning it's really making it even more difficult. How did you prepare yourself for biology tests? Any tips, I'd be so grateful to anyone's ideas. Thank you ladies.

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  112. It is great to step away from life sometimes! I love the last picture you look stunning!

    http://blueeyedb.blogspot.co.uk/

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  113. Wow thats really amazing. This was a very pleasant post. I would like to thank you for sharing this post.Many thanks

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  114. What stunning pictures! She look like a little you.
    You have a beautiful family, always love seeing your trips out!

    -Jade
    gracious-silhouettes.blogspot.co.uk

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  115. Sounds great :) really want to go xxx

    http://jeminixlife.blogspot.com

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  116. I go there a few times every year, its absolutely stunning in the summer, or in spring when the ducklings are out :-)

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  117. I live the village up from Coton, Guilsborough its such a lovely place! :)

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  118. I love going to Coton Manor. I'm hoping to go this bank holiday to see the bluebells (if the weather is decent!)

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  119. That looks awesome!!! I love your blog...especially your hairbow!! Fantastic ;) Newest follower! Hope you come follow me back @ www.nightchadye.blogspot.com

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  120. Brings back memories for me, I loved this place as a Kid, my parents would take me here most sunday afternoons when the bluebells were out : )

    I want to go back SO bad!

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Thank you for comment!
Sprinkleofglitter xxx

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