Merci & French Finds Giveaway!

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 One of our favorite shops in Paris was the concept store Merci. The idea or mission behind the shop was to give Thanks by providing a stunning place for customers to find unique, well made products and using the profits to benefit an endowment fund to help the poorest children in Madagascar. It’s such a clever way to market charitable giving although we really shouldn’t have to be seduced by wares in order to give. Come along and take a peek for yourself…

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In the courtyard you’re greeted by the adorable red Merci car and a beautiful selection of faux bois outdoor furnishings and potted trees. The displays indoors are spectacular! They had a great mix of modern, industrial and French chic mixed harmoniously together.

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Downstairs was my favorite spot. It was filled with wooden kitchen utensils, napkins and towels, picnic supplies, etc., etc. Their selection was a stylists dream! I also adored this simple pendant lightbulb in the shape of a diamond. 

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And they had a rainbow of Pantone mugs in a multitude of hues. Each one had the Pantone color name and html code number on it…so cute! 

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There are 3 floors to wander about with mens & womens clothing, housewares, books, apothecary and linens. And lots of cool Japanese paper goods like journals, envelopes, bags, tape, notebooks, cards and much more.
Temptations everywhere!

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Merci is located at:
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris 75003
The nearest Metro is Saint Sébastien-Froissart on Line 8.
Open: Mon-Sat 10am to 7pm

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I wanted to thank you for coming along with us on our Paris adventure by giving away a Bundle of French Finds from our trip to one of you!
The gift  includes a bar of Violette Savon, a nubby cotton dish towel and scrubber, the latest holiday issue of Marie Claire Idees Magazine, a token Eiffel Tower keychain, vintage ephemera and buttons from the Paris flea market, Raspberry Pastilles Candy and the most delicious Fleur de Sel Butter Caramels.

Winner will be announced Friday, Dec 2nd.
To enter just leave a comment answering the following question:

 What was your favorite part of your Thanksgiving holiday?

CONGRATULATIONS!!  THE WINNER IS:

Wendy in Kennewick said:

My favorite part was a phone call from my godson on the East Coast, closely followed by stuffing! I have so enjoyed your Paris blogs and adding to my list of non-tourist places to visit the next time I am there.

Thanks everyone for sharing your holiday memories. I felt like I was right there along with you having turkey, playing cards, eating pie and enjoying family!

341 Responses to “Merci & French Finds Giveaway!”

  1. Made In The South

    What a fabulous shop and trip ya’ll had. We are planning a trip in May. I am making a list of places you have suggested for us to visit.
    Cooking is my favorite part. Crazy huh?

  2. Jess E.

    I LOVED following your trip through photos!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was seeing my sister and brother-in-law! They’re moving across the country for pre-deployment training, so we won’t see them for a long time. <3

  3. koralee

    Yahooooo….this looks amazing! Thanksgiving is all about family and DESSERT!!!! My mom’s pumpkin pie..Why do we eat it only once a year? I ask myself this every Thanksgiving. xo
    Thanks for the chance.

  4. Jill

    What a lovely giveaway! I miss Marie Claire Idees – I let my subscription expire and haven’t got around to renewing. I’ve enjoyed following your adventures through Paris very much.
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year, hands down, was having our daughter home. We hadn’t seen her in a year and a half because she’s living in Guam. She and her family will be transferred to Washington State next summer – we’re looking forward to having them in the same time zone as us! ::Jill

  5. chris bouchard

    What a fab giveaway! Sounds like a trip of a lifetime too.
    Of course, my favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday was having many of our extended family and all of my immediate family around the table for Thanksgiving! And the desert buffet comes in second 🙂
    ~Chris

  6. JeanFB

    What a fabulous store! And that giveaway is delightful – I would love to win. My favorite part of our Thanksgiving was after we had eaten and cleaned up, we all sat around the table and played board games. It got everyone laughing and talking and being silly together – priceless! Thanks so much for a chance at your fab French finds. 🙂

  7. Heather R.

    Thank you for thinking of us! I had a great time visiting a fellow military spouse and her family in Tennessee. Also, Skyping with my husband while he is in Afghanistan. Merci!, Heather R.

  8. Josie

    The fact that it was my first one! So cooking my first Thanksgiving dinner for my adorable American husband-to-be!

  9. andrea b

    My favorite part of the day was walking around the block with my guy, holding hands and talking about all we are thankful for!

  10. Ellette

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was of course just being with family and friends, sharing a meal and having fun playing games.

  11. Pam Capone

    What fun stuff! All the yummy food. I only cook turkey with all the trimmings twice a year so it is always a special treat.

  12. Karen B

    I loved spending the day with extended family. We played a dance game on the Wii and laughed and laughed.

  13. Nan

    My favorite part of Thansgiving this year was spending it with our 4 month old granddaughter Gigi…being a grandma is priceless!

  14. karen

    i am grateful for this Thanksgiving because we got to connect with my husbands family for a change. Hearing stories of him as a child, and how my children carry traits of their grandparents, who they have never met, was priceless.

  15. LPiccione-Volger

    Listening to my children ages 16, 13, 12 and 9 tell us what they are thankful for. Priceless!

  16. christina

    … watching my daughter shake the pies, to see if the middle would jiggle- placing the toothpick in the center of the cake to see if it was done, tasting the dressing, then adding a touch more sage. to be honest with you, i didn’t really know she paid attention, all these years. i loved watching her, and the traditions she has been handed.
    ; )

  17. Michele

    I think it’s a tie between spending the weekend where it was 20 degrees warmer than home, or having pie after each meal!

  18. Cathy Wegner

    Being with my children and grandson. I love stuffing, so that was wonderful also.

  19. Gail

    Heather, that looks like such a fantastic shop! What fun……
    My favorite part of my Thanksgiving holiday was definitely seeing family that we don’t see often enough…..that and the food!
    Thanks so much for this wonderful giveaway, I’d be happy as a clam with just one of the items!

  20. Robin

    Having my son’s sweet girlfriend join us in our family gathering, and knowing he has someone that really cares about him. Great giveaway!

  21. Dawn Gahan

    What a trip to be able to capture in photos!
    I do believe that with a new baby in the family (he’s 7 months old), the table had a whole new vibe. My grandmother passed away in August and so this was our first Thanksgiving without her, a sad one indeed. But the joy of a little one pushed up to the table in a highchair . . . I know MamMom was looking down and smiling!
    Thanks for a great giveaway!
    Dawn

  22. Kimberly

    The best part of Thanksgiving is easily family. We gather from far and wide to be together. Thanks for a chance to win a wonderful giveaway!

  23. Linda Rubin

    Heather, I loved traveling with you on your Paris adventure through blogland. the store looks fantastic…what a dreamer’s delight.
    your giveaway is wonderful and would like to win.
    My favorite thing about Thanksgiving was to be able to share it with all my boys, their wives and my two adorable grandsons. The food was spectacular as well.
    Linda
    lindarubin@centurytel.net

  24. Laura F.

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was sitting at the kids table with my teen girls and my little niece and nephew.I think I laughed through the whole meal.
    Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us…so beautiful!

  25. sheila payne

    Hi Heather,
    Thanks so much fro sharing you trip with us all…what a great experience for you and your daughter. We had a lovely thanksgiving, I sent for my Mom to come and spend it with us here in Murrieta, it was a great day, just enjoying each other. My Mom had lived with us up until about 9 months ago and we were not getting along at all. It was so nice and refreshing to see her at our home as a visitor, we re-did my 3 girls rooms, shopped and just had a great time. I hope you have a wonderul week.
    Smiles,
    Sheila

  26. Andrea

    Besides the yummy food, and scents wafting throughout the house, it’s having family together, celebrating and being thankful for eachother.

  27. RobinT

    My favorite has always been spending time with family and friends. After our dinner we have always started our christmas decorating as a family.So the entire day was my favorite.Thank you for a chance to win .

  28. joanna

    I have loved following you on your trip! What I love about thanksgiving is sitting down at the table to a feast that I was able to create…listening to the moment of silence as everyone takes their first few bites. I love looking around at those I love, seeing the happiness on their faces as I enjoy a feeling of intense gratitude for all I have been blessed with.

  29. shirley

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was 8 of us playing a game…laughing and carrying on like when we were little kids again.
    Shirley
    Hudson’s Holidays

  30. Renaisy Daisy

    Seeing friends and family I haven’t seen in a long time, and having a spontaneous “dance party” at my friends house to the song, You Can’t Go Back to Constantinople.

  31. Cherie B

    I would have to say watching football with family while the turkey is cooking and the house smells so good. And the eating-that was so good! How could anything be better?!

  32. Margaret K

    Thanks for the virtual vacation! Such colorful pictures to go with the descriptions. Spending time with my family and close friends is always my favorite during Thanksgiving.

  33. Bonnie

    Mine was in October (from Canada). Loved enjoying the company of my family. The leftovers are a close second!

  34. Cherie B

    ooops-I typed my email address wrong with the above comment.
    Attached is the correct one.

  35. Kimber-Leigh

    my favorite part of thanksgiving was having my parents with us…it’s been awhile since we’ve been able to be together on thanksgiving day, and it was so wonderful to cook together with my mom. (and the new pecan pie recipe is now a favorite too!)
    what a beautiful store and concept! i long to travel to france again…so i’ve enjoyed “reliving” paris through your blog! thanks for these posts and this terrific giveaway!

  36. MaryBeth

    Just got back from Paris last week and loved it.
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving as always family.

  37. Suzanne B.

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is spending time with family and watching our children laugh and play with their cousins. It’s such a sweet reminder of what life is all about! Thank you for this awesome giveaway opportunity!

  38. Beste E

    I love reading your blog especially on a Monday like this at work..Best part of Thanksgiving?? Hmm yummy food ??!!! 😀

  39. Victoria Hayden

    Heather what a wonderful giveaway…very generous of you!! I have enjoyed seeing your trip to Paris, a dream for me to visit someday…my daughter graduates next year and it is our plan to take a trip together that way! 🙂 My favorite part of Thanksgiving, spending time with my family and when we ask the question “what are you thankful for” to each person hearing their thoughts. Grateful to have family to love and each unique person! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too! Thank you again for the opportunity…fingers crossed!! 🙂

  40. Mary Koepfle

    We made a Thankful wreath out of lovely burnished paper leaves that we will add to each year. Everyone had to write at least one. A new tradition!

  41. Cyndi

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was spending the day with my daughter and three grand kids, something I haven’t been able to do in several years. Thanks for the giveaway. Your trip with your daughter sounds like a dream!

  42. Paula Parrish

    Hello Heather,
    Wow, sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I would love to win the Paris goodies. My favorite part of my Thanksgiving was playing cards with my family.
    Smiles, Paula

  43. Yvonne A.

    My favorite part was spending time with my husband and kids! Loved following you along on your trip!

  44. shannon

    I have enjoyed all of your Paris posts and would love to win this lovely giveaway of goodies!
    My favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday was that all of my moms family made it out to celebrate the day. It’s not very often that we can all be together on Thanksgiving so it was nice to see us all there to celebrate together!

  45. Jenni

    My favorite part of our Thanksgiving was being with family. While all the Grandmothers have passed in our family, we kept their memory alive by making their famous recipes and using their china. Brought tears of joys to my eyes

  46. Sue W

    I’m sad to see “our” time in France come to an end! Thank you, Heather for taking such lovely pictures that I truly did feel like I was right there beside you.
    I loved being able to host Thanksgiving this year for the first time. Although one sister couldn’t make it, the rest of us had a great day just enjoying being together.
    And then there were the leftovers! Open-face turkey sandwiches on Wonder White Bread with gravy and mashed potatoes. Almost better than having turkey the first time!

  47. Mz V

    My favorite part was, and always is, having my kids back home, vegging out in the den, laughing together and filling our now-empty house with their energy. We love it when they come home!!!

  48. tricia

    Our entire family was sick…not my favorite part…but we all came together to cook and make the holiday special just by being together.

  49. Jan

    Spending time with my four grandchildren! And their parents (our children) and their spouses. We all sat down for the Thanksgiving meal together (at least for a few minutes with the toddlers)!

  50. Michelle

    Spending time with the family and seeing all the littles…I follow you on Twitter and Facebook and it was such fun seeing all of your posts on Paris! Thank you Heather!

  51. debbie

    my favorite part of Thanksgiving was my youngest daughter and her hubby passed out a card…with a picture of my granddaughter holding a sonagram of her little baby…??? brother or sister…and a sign that said Im going to be a big sister!……it was a blessed moment and everyone was in tears…

  52. Lolo

    What a gorgeous giveaway!! You are so generous and thoughtful…love the selection 🙂
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving…my crazy family 🙂 We have never had a dull holidays, and I never expect to have one either! Yes, the food was yummy, but its the few times that are big family get to be together that makes Thanksgiving special 🙂
    Merci! And I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!
    XOX

  53. sydney85

    Your giveaway is divine! My favorite part of Thanksgiving was having our daughter home from grad school. I have always been amazed by her but I saw this time a very composed, loving and incredible young lady. She literally took my breath away. We baked together and I found now that we are more like friends than mother/daughter. I am so lucky!
    She has gone back to school now but I thank you for letting me remember how special this Thanksgiving was.

  54. Angie

    Lovely trip, you captured it well and Merci is on my list for my next trip there. The giveaway looks amazing and I would love to have all those things!

  55. Cindi

    I loved all your pictures and this giveaway looks awesome. The best part of my Thanksgiving was find out my son has no detectable cancer in him. We had a lot to be thankful for this year.

  56. Angie

    Ack. Forgot to mention Thanksgiving- the best part was having my family all together.

  57. Janae Matue

    Your pictures of your great adventure were wonderful! My favorite part of Thanksgiving is just having my entire family together enjoying great food, fun and family!

  58. Angela

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is spending time with family and thoroughly enjoying wonderful meal that took my mum all day to prepare.

  59. juniperlover

    My favorite part of this year’s Thanksgiving was hearing from my son in Afghanistan!

  60. Terri/Grand Prairie,TX

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is having my college children home with us for our Thanksgiving meal.
    Thanks for all your vacation posts..I felt I was there in Paris too : )

  61. Catherine

    Oh Heather, I’ve been dreaming/ living vicariously through all of your wonderful photos! Your giveaway is so generous!
    My favorite part this Thanksgiving was spending it at my Mom’s house in Guadalajara! We made a feast! I hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful one also!
    Catherine

  62. Kate

    What a great travel blog. Paris is ust incredible, I can’t wait to go back one day! My favorite part of Thanksgiving is Pumpkin Pie. I need to make it more often!

  63. Jody

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is spending the day with family we don’t see often enough.
    Thanks so much for sharing your photos and for the chance to enter the amazing give away!

  64. Danielle Muller

    heather! such a great giveaway! i enjoyed following along with you on your parisian adventure! my favorite part of thanksgiving was spending the day with my family…it was a wonderful day! thanks again! have a beautiful week 🙂
    blessings,
    danielle muller
    daniellemuller.typepad.com
    sngbrd1997 {at} aol dot com

  65. Lorrie

    We celebrated back in October (in Canada) but my favorite part of Thanksgiving weekend was finding out that our daughter and her husband are having a baby! It cloaked the entire weekend in joy.

  66. gabrielle messina

    What a beautiful concept behind the store, Merci! And the little red Fiat is just too cute! Much cuter than the new version! I Took our family Christmas picture in front of my Father-in- Law’s vintage Fiat complete with a Christmas wreath on the hood a few weeks
    ago! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1602440836375&set=a.1034859607199.4992.1696711613&type=1&theater
    Favorite part of Thanksgiving cracking open chestnuts and sipping cappuccino with the ones I love hours after the big meal!

  67. Marianna ~ Star Girl Jewelry

    wow what a dreamy boutique and finds! My favorite part of Thanksgiving holiday was watching my 1 yr old eat all the foods he was too little to eat and enjoy last year! My little piggy loved everything! 🙂

  68. Kari VanNoy

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving Holiday was baking with my mom this year! We made 2 pumpkin pies, 1 pecan pie, 1 cheesecake, 1 pumpkin cheesecake and some orange-cranberry sauce! It was so much fun spending time in the kitchen with her.
    P.S. LOVE this giveaway!

  69. NancyC

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was spending it with a very good friend of mine, since I couldn’t be with family this year. We had a great visit and meal at one of our favorite restaurants. I also got to spend time with another good friend who came to visit from out of town later that weekend. So I was reminded how thankful I am for special friends!
    That’s such a wonderful giveaway, too!

  70. Donna Scott

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was spending it with good friends who we do not see often and the girls beating the guys at a game of bocce ball.

  71. Wendy in Kennewick

    My favorite part was a phone call from my godson on the East Coast, closely followed by stuffing!
    I have so enjoyed your Paris blogs and adding to my list of non-tourist places to visit the next time I am there.

  72. Vickie White

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was spending it with my family on the beach in Panama City. Beautiful and NO crowds!!!!

  73. Jessica at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!

    I’ve enjoyed reading about your adventures in Paris. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this generous giveaway!
    What I love best about Thanksgiving is whipped cream on pumpkin pie. I usually joke that I would like a little pumpkin pie with my whipped cream.

  74. Judy Leung

    Heather- You have been living my dream by going to France!
    This was the first Thanksgiving I have spent alone, & although it was hard I was able to take time for reflection & to realize how lucky we are to live in this great country. My favorite part was being able to talk to my children on the phone & know that they were having a wonderful day.

  75. Randi S

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was sitting down after dinner and playing Apples to Apples with my children and in-laws. We had three generations, enjoying the company of each other, laughing together and creating some good memories. It was good!

  76. Lori

    My favorite part was staying up late here in Germany (my husband is a Marine), as we watched the UT vs A&M football game…oh! and talking to my mom on the phone ; )

  77. Jill Flory

    My favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday was getting out my Christmas decor! And I would LOVE to win this stuff! Love the pic of the red car – too cute:)

  78. Jamie

    Having both sides of the family together, mine and my husband’s, in very chaotic harmony. They’re loud, rambunctious, and all very much loved. Hope you had a fabulous holiday, too!

  79. Peggy Williams

    We went to my daughter’s boyfriend’s parents house in Florida. They live in a lovely community surrounded by little lakes/ponds. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is when we went for a walk because my husband would not believe the ponds had alligators in them and we saw a great BIG alligator sunning himself on the shore! He had the best time taking pictures! We did have a lovely dinner also, but seeing that alligator was the highlight!

  80. Meg S

    My favorite part was seeing my family! I live across the country so it was good to be around everyone for the holiday.

  81. birdie blue

    loved all of your beautiful pics from your paris trip. three of my four daughters are taking french in school and i shared your site with them. they really enjoyed looking and studying all of your pictures, especially the tiny details, in hopes of a similar trip one day.
    unfortunately one of our girls is seriously ill, and we had to stay home this thanksgiving. it ended up being a wonderful day with the girls helping to the best of their ability and we enjoyed an informal dinner ‘en famille’, without all of the rushing around that ordinarily accompanies the holiday.
    so kind of you to do a give-away. i’m completely crossing my fingers…
    xo
    molly

  82. D' Forman

    My favorite part of this Thanksgiving was the slow, relaxed start to the day, watching the parade (we were going to a friend’s) and sharing past Holiday memories with my husband.

  83. Peggy

    Merci looked fabulous! Thanks for sharing… I would love to win. My favorite time of Thanksgiving was spending time with friends and family and having time off of work to play at home.

  84. Michelle

    What a darling store – Merci! Such fun treasures.
    My favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday was laughter around the table with family.

  85. Kim

    Heather~Thank you for taking us along with you to Paris.I hope to get to Paris next year myself so I am keeping track of all your visits of what to see.
    This year my favorite part of my Thanksgiving was that we have endured some hard times the end of this year and Thanksgiving Day gave us a time together to reflect and still think about what we are grateful for.
    I like to go around the table and have my family take turns and say what they are most thankful for.
    Thank you for thinking of us during your trip.You will have one happy winner~Cheers & Blessings Kim

  86. Alana Shipley

    My favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday was treasure hunting with my husband. He usually works during the week, so he misses out on the good treasures the stores here put out mostly monday-friday.
    Thank you for sharing your trip. The photos are beautiful and inspiring. Are those light bulb vases all over that one table? I love them!!

  87. smwilliams2000@gmail.com

    Wow, that shop it is incredible! I’m certainly going to add this to my list of shops to visit while in France.
    The best part of thanksgiving is of course the leftovers! 🙂

  88. Mary Beth S

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is seeing family all together and telling them how much I am thankful for them.
    That is such a great store.I so miss seeing the Marie Claire idees magazine–I gave up looking for it when the closest Border’s closed. What a wonderful bundle of French goodies. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures of your trip!

  89. Carla H.

    My favorite part of my Thanksgiving holiday was simply spending time with my family. I have to admit that I also enjoyed the reactions to the food I made for them.

  90. Jessica Hann

    My favorite part of the Thanksgiving hoiliday was getting to cook and bake for my family. It was all so delicious and having my toddler twins help me in the kitchen was priceless!!

  91. Linda

    Using all the leftovers for a turkey pot pie with a flaky biscuit topping. I made it in a new deep casserole from Crate and Barrel in the new “spinach” color, and it was a creamy, bubbling thing of beauty.

  92. Trish

    The wonderful weather, family, friends and food! Definately the best holiday ever!

  93. Donna

    There is so much to love about Thanksgiving…one of my favorite holidays, although it seems to get lost in the Christmas rush these days…..I love the cooking the most…filling the house with all those great smells….love that!
    Love your blogs on Paris…feel like I have been there myself!

  94. Mandi Pike

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was celebrating life with our family. My fathers 75 birthday was last week, and my niece is days away from having a baby…which will make my parents great grand parents! Thrilling for us all!

  95. Valerie Kuzma

    My favorite part of this Thanksgiving was being with friends. We demolished our kitchen so I got out of cooking this year, friends came to the rescue; so that we could have a real thanksgiving meal, not a store bought microwave meal.

  96. Danielle

    I loved being with my family, we laughed and had delicious food. Awesome giveaway, hope I win!!! Thanks!

  97. Leslie W

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was cooking. I love baking and cooking and the more to cook for the merrier 🙂
    I would love to be able to go to this store and shop, I of course would be ahhing and ohhing over the kitchen section!

  98. alice shumway

    my daughter sitting on the couch when we came home from a movie.She had been living out of state for 6 months. Hadn’t seen her since then and had talked to her that morning and she didn’t say a word she was on her way.Family is all together now::)))

  99. Rebecca

    What a great gift!
    My favorite part was cooking with my husband for our last American Thanksgiving for a few years before we move to the Cayman Islands.

  100. Molly

    My favorite part of thanksgiving this year was hosting my husband’s family. Instead of driving for hours we got to leave the dishes for later and fall into our own beds!

  101. elise

    Hi Heather,
    Loved reading all about your trip to Paris! It’s a place I’ve never been but now on top of my “must visit” cities due to your great blog!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is the next day – Friday. I have the day off with a fridge full of yummy leftovers and happy memories of the day before. It’s a special quiet day that I can spend thinking about and planning for the upcoming Christmas chaos! Snuggly blankets, a warm cat, lots of magazines and holiday movies on TV – what could be better?

  102. Kim K.

    Absolutely the best part about Thanksgiving was spending time with my wonderful family – we all needed a get-together and we had a blast!!
    (BTW, I was in Paris one week before you were – I am loving all of your photos!!)

  103. Liz

    My favorite part of the holiday weekend was spending time with my family. This was the first year that I haven’t lived at home during the holidays so I like to cherish every second I get!

  104. Kathy

    My favorite part was hearing my husband’s laugh and seeing him happy after a 2 year struggle with “reversible brain damage” caused by a prescription drug. It’s like falling in love all over again!

  105. teresa

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year- Our Family Thanksgiving tradition of a friendly competition- it’s always so fun seeing everyone play, laugh and just enjoy each others company-
    Wonderful giveaway-
    I’ve loved all that you have posted about Paris- =)

  106. Trena

    Thank you for sharing your trip. Makes me feel like I was along with you! Anyway, my favorite part of Thanksgiving was hosting it at my house this year. That means I got the leftovers since I cooked!

  107. Lori

    My favorite part was being surrounded by family and friends 🙂

  108. Kelly

    My favorite thing about Thanksgiving was all the family time. It was so nice to be away from my desk for a few days to soak up fun, food, and shopping with my favorite people!

  109. Ellen Einkauf Photography

    This giveaway is so stellar!
    The best part about Thanksgiving is being with family. I spent this years Thanksgiving with my cousin’s husbands family as I was unable to make the drive home. Though we aren’t that close, it was so wonderful how open their family was to me. It’s the holidays that turn acquaintances into family and that is what is so special.

  110. Victoria Hopkins

    Spending the day with family and friends.
    Victoria xx

  111. Jacqueline Meindersee

    time spent with my family is priceless, i value it each and every day of the year; though on thanksgiving it seems as time stands still for us.

  112. Teresa Carr

    The best part of Thanksgiving was the whole family getting together. Thanks for the opportunity. Love your photos

  113. peggy R

    One of my favourite parts of our thanksgiving was that I made reservations at a restaurant for the whole family. No clean up , no prep just lots of time for fun and conversation. I love your blog and your work Heather.

  114. Amy Beeman

    I am in love with all of your posts! My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was taking my neices and my own children to their grandpas ranch to feed the cattle with him. Something that has become a tradition and is just a fun adventure to watch 3 generations playing in the hay bales and enjoying the great outdoors! Thanks for your beautiful pictures, this is something that is on my bucket list!

  115. Jennifer Wilson

    What an amazing giveaway! Someday I’ll make it to Merci…
    My Aunt did the turkey this year and it was so moist and FLAVOURFUL. Really amazing. And excellent in leftover sandwiches.

  116. Karen

    Loved the trip through Paris by photos. Please feel free to indulge us more if you would like.
    Favorite part of the Holiday-Homemade good food shared with family!

  117. Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was spending it with our family at a family reunion….it was fun and stress free….

  118. kathy hansen

    Thank you for taking us along your trip to France, it may be the closest I ever get..My favorite part of Thanksgiving was the one on one time I spent with my 84 year old Mother in law in her kitchen as we both shared in the cooking..Auntiesisy@aol.com

  119. Shane

    I’m sad as we don’t have a ‘Thanksgiving Day’ in New Zealand where I live.
    We celebrate ‘Waitangi Day’ in February. Waitangi is where our founding document was signed by the British and the indigenous people – Maoris.
    Sadly in recent years it has been a day of unrest.
    Happening in the middle of summer, families join together for a picnic day at the beach.
    I love to see Paris through someone elses eyes.
    With my daughter living in France, I’ve visited many times yet I’ve not been to ‘Merci’. Full of gorgeous things we all love!!! It will be added to my list for my visit in April!
    Marie Claire Idees is an absolute fave mag!!!
    Thank you for your giveaway Heather.
    Bonne chance everyone!!!
    Shane

  120. Jan

    Favorite part of Thanksgiving….family, food and not having to cook !!

  121. Malinda @ Vintage Homestead Emporium

    Enjoyed the pictures and narrations of your
    lovely trip. Each post was slowly savored.
    As to Thanksgiving, watching my four children
    sitting and laughing with my parents was a beautiful
    memory.
    I know as we all grow older, this time
    will never come again.

  122. Lynette Bays

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was the time spent with family. This year Thanksgiving lasted more than just one day. It started Tuesday and did not end till Friday!!! Lots of catching up with family that lives out of town. Oh and lets not forget all the food we had to make over that span of time 😀

  123. Hannah T.

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was having my best friend over for a few days after having not seen her for 2.5 years. She brought my kids candy, and watched movies, and helped me cook 5 delicious courses spread out over Thanksgiving day. It was fantastic.

  124. Anne Reap

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was simplifying it enough so I wasn’t exhausted and could enjoy my company thoroughly. We ate well, drank well,and still had enough energy to move around a bit.

  125. Tammy Dellinger

    Hi Heather- My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was that my Father in law was released from the hospital the day before and was at the table with the family. He had been very sick the week before, we were all so thankful that he was there with us!!
    Tammy

  126. Elizabeth Fedorko

    I cooked two Thanksgiving dinners for both sets of parents, and if I was brutally honest, I would say that my favorite part of Thanksgiving was when it was over, BUT actually my favorite part was seeing the smiles of appreciation on the faces of my aging parents and in-laws when we sat down to dine together.~~~XXOO, Beth http://www.elizabethholcombe.typepad.com

  127. seashoreknits

    I have so enjoyed your photos of Paris – they are just the sort of things I would love to see. And your pics of Merci are so great! I felt just like I was browsing with a girlfriend 🙂
    Your giveaway looks SO fantastic!!! Thank you so much for it.
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was cooking in complete harmony with my dear mother in the kitchen and patting ourselves on the back for the good food. We had so much fun.

  128. AnitaK.

    My favorite part was spending Thanksgiving with my cousins. My parents are gone and I’m an only child, so being with family is even more meaningful to me.

  129. Sandi

    My favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday was having it at my son’s familys new home. We also celebrated Christmas so it was a full few days , but we had a wonderful time!!
    Thank you for the giveaway!!
    Blessings~

  130. Sandi

    My favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday was having it at my son’s familys new home. We also celebrated Christmas so it was a full few days , but we had a wonderful time!!
    Thank you for the giveaway!!
    Blessings~

  131. Emily

    My favorite thing was spending some one on one time with my kids! I’ve loved hearing about your Paris adventures. I hope to go there someday;)

  132. Annette Rousso

    My favorite part is cooking with my mothers recipes, I put her picture in the kitchen so I feel like she is with me. Then having my family is the “brandy sauce on the mince pie”!

  133. Heather Salazar

    Thank you for sharing your vacation with us.
    Our family had a great Thanksgiving it was quiet and filled with lots of yummy food.
    Thanks
    Heather S

  134. Renee

    My favorite part was the $1 paper turkey my daughter bought at Target that we had to assemble then decorate the feathers with stickers printed with all that we are thankful for. Most were heartfelt, but with 3 teenage boys, some were pretty silly too!

  135. Lora W.

    My favorite part is watching the parade on TV with family. It makes me think of when I was little and would watch it.
    A very close second is eating desserts.

  136. D

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was having my all my family at my house. It was wonderful! Thanks for sharing such a generous giveaway.

  137. Darlene L

    We were really lucky to still have our 88 yo mother with us this year. We had a touch and go summer so we cherish each and every holiday with her. Thanks so much for the give-away. I have really enjoyed your Paris adventure.

  138. Margo

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was having my all my family at my house. It was wonderful! Thanks for sharing such a generous giveaway. FYI for some reason my first comment lists me as “D” (who I am not) so I am making this comment. Thanks, Margo

  139. kerrie

    This is such a generous giveaway. I would just love to visit that shop! I wanted to name a daughter Merci.
    My favorite part of our Thanksgiving was walking with my Mom in our city park which is over 100 yrs old, in a drizzle rain, under the old oak and redwood trees. Just to spend alone time with her while the men cooked the turkey at home. I only see her a couple of times a year. And I was grateful to have all four of my children with us for the holiday weekend.

  140. Emily

    My favorite part was after the dinner has been eaten and all has been cleared and put away,we get to playing games….Love family fun times,the laughing and time spent together…Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving together….

  141. heartandkeeper@gmail.com

    Before dinner all the mingling…laughter, talking, visiting! After dinner the lingering! Finally the short drive to our son and his wife’s home for dessert! So many things to be thankful for!!

  142. Mandie

    This Thanksgiving we spent the morning and afternoon volunteering at a soup kitchen. It was our first year to do so and we LOVED it! We have a 12 year old and a 9 year old and they both asked if we could do it again next year :-). Our favorite part was delivering to a retirement home. We had 19 people to deliver to there and each and everyone of them was so gracious and thankful. Sure makes your heart feel warm! Blessings to you and yours

  143. Vicki

    Heather, thanks for bringing us along with you on your trip! My fav part of Thanksgiving was I cooked the WHOLE thing this year. And did pretty well without stressing. I surprised myself. All 15 of us had plenty to eat and I loved watching all the cousins playing football on the lawn afterwards! They range from age 6 to 25! It was awesome!

  144. Kim Linton

    My parents and siblings came to visit for the Thanksgiving holiday. My most favorable moment was snuggled up in my bed Friday morning with my 4 and 5 year old nieces and 8 year old nephew watching disney and nickelodeon. Just a few quiet moments during the day. 🙂

  145. Deb B.

    I loved that I got to celebrate with family one day and friends another day. Two Thanksgivings are great!

  146. evelyn

    Thank you,Heather! for sharing with us! I enjoyed the trip to Paris!!
    Our family sat at the dinner table and we played ‘Turkey Talk’.
    Questions were on a piece of paper and we each answered the question that each picked out of a bowl. FUN!to hear all their responses. It’s a new tradition at our house.

  147. Rachel

    moi s’il te plait ! I haven’t been to France in over 9 years, would really enjoy these items :o)
    I enjoyed the gluten-free key lime pie my husband baked 🙂

  148. Angela in Atlanta

    I am most thankful for my family and being able to spend it with them.
    Thanks for letting us follow along love it!! Makes me want to return yet again!!

  149. Deborah & the furry ^..^ gang in OK

    Thank you Heather for all your beautiful post. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my neighbors and their extended family. My favorite part was getting there in time to help her with the food and getting everything prepared for the crowd. Just wonderful to see her actually enjoy the day!!
    Blessings xoxo

  150. Deborah & the furry ^..^ gang in OK

    Thank you Heather for all your beautiful post. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my neighbors and their extended family. My favorite part was getting there in time to help her with the food and getting everything prepared for the crowd. Just wonderful to see her actually enjoy the day!!
    Blessings xoxo

  151. Deborah & the furry ^..^ gang in OK

    Thank you Heather for all your beautiful post. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my neighbors and their extended family. My favorite part was getting there in time to help her with the food and getting everything prepared for the crowd. Just wonderful to see her actually enjoy the day!!
    Blessings xoxo

  152. Deborah & the furry ^..^ gang in OK

    Thank you Heather for all your beautiful post. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my neighbors and their extended family. My favorite part was getting there in time to help her with the food and getting everything prepared for the crowd. Just wonderful to see her actually enjoy the day!!
    Blessings xoxo

  153. Dawn @ The Feathered Nest

    Hi sweet Heather! You are so very kind to offer some of your treasures you brought back ~ I know you must have had a wonderful time ~ I would LOVE to be entered to win! Thank you so much, xxoo, Dawn

  154. Jeannine

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving holiday was seeing my daughter and her fiance and skyping my son from Afghanistan.

  155. Karon Nichols

    My favorite moment was sitting at the baby grand piano with my two year old grandson and just jamin’ together. *sigh*
    Blessings, Karon

  156. Jillbeth@aol.com

    Oh my goodness, this giveaway beats them all! Merci Heather! Well, getting a forest service tree cutting permit and hiking through the Oregon forest with my family, including my parents to find the perfect tree in ‘nature’s tree lot’ was definitely the highlight of my Thanksgiving weekend!
    xo~Jill

  157. Sandy

    There is a good chance I am in a different stage of life than most of the bloggers. Our sons (ages 28yrs and 31yrs) have gone absolutely crazy and begun a life of their own. Shock! Well, my husband and I are thrilled to watch and enjoy many parts of their lives and are also blessed with wonderful friends. MY favorite part of Thanksgiving was playing with my friend’s sweet baby granddaughter. she won my heart and reminded me of how quickly those babies become grown children!

  158. Melissa Lynch

    I loved all of your trips photos, I hope when my daughter is older I too could take a trip with her somewhere grand.
    My favorite part of thanksgiving would be cooking with my mother and three sisters together and listening to our children playing in the other room and our husbands watching football in the main room.

  159. Beth Rawling

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is being able to prepare and savor delicious food for my dear family and to take a long walk afterward to enjoy the crisp autumn air.

  160. amy jupin

    my favorite part was eating my husband’s pumpkin pie. he makes it from scratch, using butternut squash, and it is divine!

  161. Jenn S.

    My favorite part of the long weekend was cutting and stacking firewood with my husband and siblings on the family farm. Nothing like some good honest work to burn off the turkey dinner!

  162. valarie kraft

    My husband of 13 years asked me for a divorce a few days before Thanksgiving. I am devastated. I spent the Day with my sons. They give me strength, and unconditional love. They made me remember what is truly important. I am thankful for them.
    Valarie

  163. Jen @ LitasWorld

    This year my mom was able to come to California from Florida to be with all of us…it made the Thanksgiving holiday all the more special! Just her being here with us doing nothing special meant the world to me. I think it’s a tradition we have to repeat every year now!

  164. Lou Ann

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was actually pausing to look at my family and be thankful to share it with them. Our children and new grandson are such a blessing.

  165. Shell

    Hi Heather!
    Sounds like you’ve been off on a fun adventure!
    My FAV part of Thanksgiving? Having my two boys (errrrrr, young men) Home! For the last decade,,,,they’ve both been all over the Globe off and on. My oldest has finally settled here in Washington State again (At least for now) and my youngest, a former Marine is finishing his BA up in Bellingham, Washington. Whenever I get the chance to spend a few hours with BOTH, I feel truly blessed.
    My family is small,,,,,and scattered to the Four Winds. I have a sister in Ireland, another in Germany, Family in Holland, CA, and Illinois. . . So,,,even a Small gathering is special!
    (I’m starting to work on a book of local Artisan’s and Crafters for the New Year,,,,if you have any pointers, I’d love to hear about it!)
    Enjoyed meeting you this year at Farm Chicks! Happy Holidays……
    Shell

  166. Chellie

    The best part of Thanksgiving is the conversation and laughter with friends and family. Thanks for sharing your trip – your pictures are fantastic.

  167. June

    my favorite part was having five of my six children and their families home and around the table…and for making the best apple pie I’ve ever made in my life.

  168. therese t.

    my favorite part was being well prepared so i could sit down and have a glass of wine and a few quiet minutes with my mom.

  169. D. Zellner

    Loved all you shared about your trip to Paris. Thanksgiving is special from the smell of the turkey roasting and the warm scents of homemade pies to the hugs and kisses of loved ones near and far. The best part of Thanksgiving was spending it with my children and grandchildren and having them “help” in the kitchen. 🙂

  170. mary

    Favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was getting to go home and spend it with family! We stayed with our son which was the first time he asked us to stay at his place-

  171. Wanda

    Favorite: sitting around fire place, roasting marshmellows, and making our Santa List. Thank for sharing your Paris memories!

  172. Anne Salas

    Thanks for sharing your amazing trip to Paris! I’m hoping to go in the Spring and you love to know where you stayed. I can’t wait to pop into all of those fabulous stores! My favorite part of this (not so traditional) Thanksgiving was a road trip to see my brother at school. My family spent 4 hours in the car, after our annual 5 mile Turkey Trot, and stopped for a “lovely” fast food Thanksgiving feast. Fries and all!

  173. Gina

    My favorite part was sitting on the couch with my family and chatting about movies and tv shows we have enjoyed while the kids played on the floor by our feet. So super relaxing after a yummy meal.

  174. Sara S

    My favorite part was spending time with my nieces. Two of them are going off to college next fall and I know our holiday time with them will be less often as they get older. I love them so much, it will be hard for me!

  175. tammy t

    Being with extended family and really feeling grateful for all of them. I love that they all live close enough so that we can get together!
    tammy t

  176. Karen

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was getting to be around all of my family and my boyfriend, especially my sister’s brand new baby girl!

  177. Carolyn

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was spending time with my hubby of 54 years and with my children…such fun. Oh, thanks so much for sharing your adventure with great pictures, has been fun for me as well.

  178. Julie

    Oh this year was our best. My daughter has really taken to the kitchen (she is 15) and we cooked all morning. Sat and visited all day (the 4 of us) and we ate the turkey my son and his dad so lovingly smoked on the grill. NO STRESS.. NO TRAVEL… Lots of leftovers…
    Hope yours was Happy!!!

  179. rita

    I love the cinquecento (fiat 500). So happy that you and your daughter made it to Paris.
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving especially this year was after dinner when everybody gets quite and I got to spend time at the table with the Girls of the family. Been busy working Thanksgiving is one of the only Holidays we get to spend with all them. It was a Real Gift. Ciao for now Rita

  180. Dinahsoar

    The best part of my Thanksgiving was being with my mom and sisters for the first time–at Thanksgiving–in almost 20 years. It was wonderful. Food is always abundant at Thanksgiving, but being with loved ones is the real feast.

  181. Nancy

    Oooh LaLa…what a lovely giveaway…Thank you for sharing a bit of Paris with us.
    We were invited to my daugther’s future in-laws home for Thanksgiving…the food and company were exceptional! I must say my favorite part of Thanksgiving is family…both future and present…of course all the yummy food and desserts sure do help to make the holiday!

  182. Rachel

    I enjoyed your pictures. They are beautiful. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is spending time with my family. Being lazy, sleeping in, eating too much dessert and Black Friday shopping with my daughter. I also use the time to reflect on my blessings. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the give away.

  183. Lynette

    My favorite part of this year’s Thanksgiving was that my 27 year old son was able to join the family for the first time in 9 years. A blessing.

  184. Aimee

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was being with family and all of the AMAZING food!! I love Paris – thanks for sharing! Makes me want to go back!

  185. Rhonda

    Wonderful giveaway – ooh la la – j’adore!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving Day was when the man of the house, on our way to our family dinner, turned a bit early and we ended up on a dead end lane. A dead end lane that overlooked the desert and the mountains. It was so beautiful and we have never been down this lane. I only wished I had my camera.
    It was as if was meant to be, for us to see this land of ours from this view. The land we now call America.

  186. flybabymom

    Ah–my favorite part of Thanksgiving sounds really cliche’-ish–but it really was just being with family! I helped my sister-in-law cook on Wednesday night, we watched the Macy’s parade Thursday morning, had a fantastic meal as a family and with several friends, then went house-hunting along with my brother & sister-in-law. Delightful time together!

  187. Mary Slaughter

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was cooking, sharing a meal with my family and feeling VERY grateful for all I have,

  188. Melinda Holley

    We enjoyed a wonderful time with friends and family. We ate, shopped, ate, ice skated, ate, sledded, ate and built a snowman. But most of all we enjoyed one another and were grateful for our many blessings.

  189. Arneta

    Face time w/ my 22 year old newlywed son while he was away for the first time on Thanksgiving…he was with his beautiful wife and her family….
    Thank you for sharing your time in Paris with us! 🙂

  190. Patti Hall

    My favorite part of this years Thanksgiving was that it was the first holiday in years that my parents, two sisters and their families and my family were all together in the same place celebrating together!

  191. Bonnie

    My favorite part of this Thanksgiving was getting to spend a couple of hours hanging out with my oldest niece, hearing all about her classes & challenges in her freshman year of high school. She is such an amazing young woman and I loved listening to her tell me all about the changes this year has meant so far.
    I am loving your Paris posts!!! Can’t wait to use your advice on our trip… someday…

  192. Terri Staats

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was the time spent with family.
    Merci looks like a fun store! Thanks for sharing it with us.

  193. Jennifer Probasco

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was baking pies with my two daughters….flour everywhere!! It was totally worth it!

  194. Karen

    I wish I could see that gorgeous shop; thank you for showing it. Favorite part of Thanksgiving was seeing my son, who is serving with the Marines.

  195. Karen

    My favorite part was spending time with my sister & niece…and, of course, the blueberry Jello salad! 🙂
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  196. patti

    My favorite part was being able to travel to ohio to spend it with my grandson…he is 2 1/2 and made the greatest table decorations – he is destined to be creative like his mom and I!!

  197. Tracy B

    Heather-
    I am enjoying the Paris pictures and information as I am planning a trip in October. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is spending time with my whole family. It only happens twice a year and I treasure it more and more each time.
    merci for the lovely giveaway!
    Tracy

  198. Robin

    Such gorgeous photos. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is having all the family together sharing a wonderful meal and warm conversation…oh, and the pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting!

  199. Ellen

    This year there was a distinct lack of drama…..that was my VERY favorite part…..smiles

  200. Jen

    Favorite part of my Thanksgiving holiday is always gathering with extended family. I love seeing my kids play with their cousins while I catch up with mine. No one’s in a hurry, we all linger to talk over more coffee and more pie. Have greatly enjoyed your posts about your trip – so gorgeous and your photos are amazing. This shop looks like so much fun! Appreciate your taking the time to share.

  201. MNCaroline

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was that my 84 year old dad who had heart surgery in October was with us and healthy again!

  202. Becky

    Spending hours making a mess to create a fabulous meal, spending too little time eating the fabulous meal and during all this time I am getting in little jabs about the poor turkey (I’m the vegetarian in the family).

  203. Good Grief Girdie

    We have a big family and every year we try to invite those around who do not have a family or home to have the Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. This year we had a couple from China join us! They were so interesting to talk to and they loved American food! He was easier to understand and communicate with while the wife just smiled!

  204. Claudia

    Well, I have to say the food! I love, love the traditional Thanksgiving dinner – minus the turkey as I’m a vegetarian – and it all turned out beautifully this year.
    Thanks so much for this lovely and generous giveaway!

  205. dru

    Finding three new recipes and sharing them with friends, and of course, Lambic Raspberry Ale by Lindemans. Best with turkey ever.

  206. Jessica

    Being with our family. I am a Grandma to a beautiful little girl. So we are getting to start lots of “firsts”.

  207. Teresa C

    I’ve enjoyed your series on your trip to France!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was the desserts!

  208. jeanie beck

    My favorite part of thanksgiving was having my family together and enjoying a wonderful over indulgent meal..the whole day was delicious..your trip looked amazing..hope to go next year and i will certainly visit many of the places you recommended ..thanks

  209. Lisa

    my favorite part of Thanksgiving was seeing everyone really enjoying themselves. Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to reflect on the year and be grateful for what you have.

  210. Sandra Lee

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was having a sweet family from Bulgaria to my house…we are their family here in the US as all of their family is still overseas. Their darling little girl, Boyana is like my own as I have known her and watched her grow up since she was 6 months. Family is the most important thing in life whether they are near or far. Love these photos of this shop…I could spend a fortune in there!!!

  211. Katey

    thank you for sharing your paris adventures with us. lovely photos.
    favorite thanksgiving moment: we went around the table sharing what we were thankful for and hearing what my teenage boys were thankful for. it was heartwarming.

  212. Abigail

    My favorite part was being with the ones I love, enjoying happiness, laughter and being grateful for all that I am so blessed to have. Oh, and the food too of course!

  213. Barbara

    My favorite part of our Thanksgiving was having our daughter home from college for a few days. It was just the best!!

  214. Heidi

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was listening to what my children are thankful for as we shared the little notes that had been filling up the ‘thankful jar’ all month over a meal of our favorite Fall foods.
    Thanks for the chance to win your fabulous French finds.

  215. Ale Newsome

    My favorite part of my Thanksgiving holiday was being stress free… we decided we would cook together and eat whenever dinner was ready, and play in the snow whenever we felt like it, and read books together and snuggle in the couch whenever the kids were ready for it. Turkey breast instead of whole turkey cut down the time in the kitchen and our family has more than just memories of food.

  216. Kerren

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is have a get together for a fabulous turkey meal at our house with our friends. Our families live in another part of the world, so our friends are our new “family” and we are thankful for their friendship.

  217. Gina M

    My favorite part was gathering all 27 of us in a family photograph. Two takes, and everyone was looking and had their eyes open!

  218. Heidi

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was trying new, delicious things I normally don’t eat… we had a big potluck so I tried about 10 different dishes!

  219. Stephanie

    Such lovely photographs! So difficult to choose my favorite part of Thanksgiving, but I will say the joyous sound of unrestrained uproarious laughter from the adults during the children’s dessert eating contest was priceless. No utensils, hands behind their backs with plenty of whipped cream covered eyelashes and noses… most certainly a new and lasting tradition!

  220. Sue

    I thought this year was going to be a sad Thanksgiving….my husband had surgery and we were stuck at home without our family for the second year…..I wasn’t looking forward to it at all…I had done some baking….and was going next door to give some of my pumpkin rolls to our neighbors..I heard the trash truck coming down the street and hurried to put some on a plate for them….the look on their faces when I handed them their plate was priceless…the nurse who came to see my husband that same day was also given a plate, again the look she gave me was priceless..the feeling of sadness of not seeing my family was gone, I will always have my family, but giving to others, who didn’t expect anything from me, was the best part of my Thanksgiving…

  221. Darlene

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was making Springerle cookies with my brother and sister. These are a family favorite, and we are trying to master the recipe and technique. The Thanksgiving making allows the cookies to sit in tins – aging and strengthening their anise flavor – in the weeks up to Christmas. Of course a few were sampled, and we are happy to think we’ve almost reached the perfection of Mom’s!

  222. Wendy

    Hi Heather! My favorite thing about Thanksgiving was being with family and giving thanks for all the amazing blessings in my life. Your giveaway is very gracious and generous. Thank you for the opportunity!

  223. Carolyn - homework

    Thank you so much for taking us along with you to Paris. You did such a great job of sharing your adventures. Your happiness and delight definitely came across in your words and photos!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was hosting Thanksgiving. Even though my mother has always done it I want her to start enjoying the day rather then spending it in the kitchen.

  224. julie

    My favorite part of this year’s holiday was the beautiful background music of my dad and brother’s jamming with their guitars and mandolins. I was in heaven.

  225. Tammy

    Love your site, I have shared it with my girlfriends! What a fabulous give-away! My favorite part of Thanksgiving was having my Mom cook the dinner along side of me.

  226. jen@thecottagenest

    I am so taking notes of your adventures. My favorite part of Thanksgiving was doing the cooking in this home that makes me so happy. A close 2nd would be waking up Saturday morning after our house guests had left and having the quiet house all to ourselves!

  227. Victoria Ramos

    My sister had an impromptu tiny wedding the night before thanksgiving……it made the next day even more special!

  228. Lori

    Heather,
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was after the meal was over and I sat holding my 8 week old grandson as he slept, observing my loving family members who were there, knowing that one day I will not be here, but the traditions we cherish will continue with him. Losing both my parents recently bring these thoughts home more and more…life goes on and we have to make the most of our time here.

  229. Sahra

    I’ve really enjoyed tripping through Paris with you-you’ve got an amazing eye photographically and found some real treasures- plus you did a fine job editing them down so it was precious eye candy and not like looking at someone’s boring va-kay photos…what a fun looking giveaway, thanks for thinking of us!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was that my 18 mo. son and 14 mo. niece could eat with us this year-we put them in high chairs next to each other at the head of the table and they ate turkey with their little fingers…the after dinner in the dark walk with the babies, uncles and grandma was memorable too….

  230. Brenda Olmscheid

    Thank you for sharing Paris with us … the photos are beautiful! My favorite part of Thanksgiving was having our Aunt Norma released from the nursing home the day before … she was able to be home with family for Thanksgiving (which also happened to be her 92nd birthday) … so much to be thankful for!

  231. tami

    Amazing trip!
    Favorite part of Thanksgiving, time with family, nah, it was the stuffing 🙂

  232. Barb

    It’s been great seeing all your Paris posts! We were there 15 years ago, and you’re making me long to go back!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was being with our neighbors and enjoying their friendship. We were invited to dine with them and their family and we all pitched in and brought a dish to share.

  233. Carolyn

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is cooking my family’s favorite recipes. When I suggest a new addition to the menu, they balk. In their words – “This is not the time for experimentation.” Of course my second favorite part is enjoying those leftovers!

  234. denise young

    Thanks for sharing your Paris trip photos with your readers. Enjoyed it!
    My favorite part of my Holiday was relaxing. I did not host just made some side dishes. Enjoyed hanging out with friends and family.

  235. Laurie

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was that I finally fluted the edges of my pie beautifully! (I’m not a pie maker)

  236. carol

    My favorite part was being lazy, i cooked, we ate, laid around and watch tv, read or just did whatever we wanted to for one day. Hope yours was lazy too ! have a great christmas season….

  237. Ellen

    Baking nut roll the day after Thanksgiving with my 82 year old mother and my 89 year old father. Making lots of memories.

  238. Reyna

    Wow, it looks like such a lovely place to wander! My favorite part of Thanksgiving was spending time with so much of my family and cousins! It was really amazing! Thank you so much!

  239. Laurie M

    My favorite part was finding out our 81 year old neighbor didn’t get home with her turkey for dinner, so we carved ours up early and took it over to her, she had tears in her eyes and was so grateful. (I wasn’t grateful she didn’t have her dinner, just grateful she told us about it so we could do something)

  240. LM Whisler

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was being with our family. we have suffered losses and serious illness the last few holiday seasons , and it just makes you appreciate your family that much more!!!

  241. margie

    Being with family, and everybody going for a walk after dinner.

  242. Theresa R

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was just being with my family and enjoying the day.

  243. Tamra /The Gilded Barn

    Spending it alone with my husband. After 28 years of marriage, this was the year that all the kids flew the coop and had other plans. We spent the day, just the two of us, at home in our P.J.’s relaxing. A quiet day at home with my best friend….Heaven!

  244. Linda powers

    I was able to join my daughter and celebrate her engagement, buy her wedding gown, and explore her new city in Wisconsin! Forever grateful.

  245. Karen Cox

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was decorating the table and making it festive for all of our guests. Then sitting down to enjoy one another! Happy Holidays.

  246. natalea

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was my 6 year old daughter coming up with a dinner game in which she asked random questions and the winner won a plate to eat their pie on! Thanks so much for the chance at this WONDERFUL giveaway Heather! xo nat

  247. Pixie

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was when the meal was done and our 4 lil grandsons wanted to blow out the centerpiece candle. So…we sang, Happy Thanksgiving to you…Happy Thanksgiving to you…Happy Thanksgiving to *(insert name)…Happy Thankgiving to you. It’s the simpleness of what makes a child happy. Yes, we re-lit the candle for each lil boy!

  248. penny nelson

    Being together with family and listening to what each person was thankful for as we went around the table.

  249. Kimberly

    H~ I knew there would be a gazillion comments for this awesome give away. Here’s to hoping! Blessings, Kimberly

  250. Diana

    I have all guys in my family and this year we were lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving at Cowboys stadium watching the Dallas Cowboys play the Miami Dolphins. My favorite part of this day was being together with everybody really enjoying themselves. Thanksgiving dinner was made, the air was brisk (even in Texas) and all of us had fun. Being together and being thankful means everything!

  251. Debbie S. in Florida

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was having 5 days off of work in a row!

  252. Kelly O

    My favorite part is spending time with family and friends. Oh and the eating part too:)
    Thanks for the giveaway!!

  253. Amy Bauer

    Favorite part of Thanksgiving…. playing games with the whole family after the feast. What a lovely giveaway! – Amy Bauer

  254. Debe Leone

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is that my son got married a couple of years ago and THEY host the dinner each year now. I don’t have to clean and clean, just cook a couple of dishes & go over to enjoy myself! Wonderful and Thankful I am. Enjoyed sharing your trip to France! My name is written all over those candies. Hope I win!

  255. Debbie

    My favorite part was sharing the Thanksgiving prayer at dinner with my family which thanked God for our joyful gathering, blessings of hot food and warm shelter and THANKS to God for GIVING us His son.

  256. Christy H-L

    In addition to hosting Thanksgiving dinner, my favorite part was that I had so much to be thankful for this year.

  257. Raquel

    Being able to go visit our family and friends and spend it with all the people that we love. And being able to use my “I’ll start my diet after the holiday” excuse!

  258. Lynn

    My favorite part of the holiday was being able to spend time with family. The beautiful weather was a bonus, we almost set a record high temp. It was nice to be able to go outside and walk off part of the feast.

  259. Erica Cooper

    Oh I have heard about this store! How fun to see bits and pieces of it. (Swoon!)
    I think I found out that what I really love about Thanksgiving (after several members of our family spent it with the flu this year) is that it doesn’t really matter what you eat, what day you eat it on, or where you are…but who you spend it with that matters. Even if those loved ones are far away, it is that feeling of family and gratitude that we still embody even if we are not near.
    Blessings to you this holiday season!

  260. Katherine

    Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it is all about tradition. Every family can create their own. No gifts, no pressure, just food, family and friends. The more people the merrier. It doesn’t matter from whom or where the food comes from just being together is enough. What a thoughtful give away.

  261. mbeachy@kctc.net

    Loved being home with my family having Chicken Marsala, pear, apple, pecan and gorgonzola salad, pumpkin ice cream and after a walk and watching a movie together, cinnamon rolls. My favorite things–my family and food. What can top that?

  262. Amy

    Being with my family!!!!
    Welcome home & thank you for “taking us along” on your trip!
    Amy G.

  263. Tammy Hubbart

    Favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was that our kid’s and grandkid’s all came and stayed the night. We played wii, watched movies,just played :), cooked like crAZy people and ate till we were all ready to pop.

  264. Annie

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was watching my 3 & 5 yr old daughters, Kate & Betsy, playing with one of my best friends, my 90 yr old grandmother… They call her Little Gramma, and they adore her as much as I do 🙂 Thank you for doing such a great giveaway!

  265. pixie

    Spendig it as my first holiday in my new home…as a homeowner. It’s tiny, but it’s MINE! Yay!!!

  266. Miss Cherry Heart

    What a fun trip! I wonder if I will ever get to Paris in this lifetime!
    Thank you for thinking of us and bringing one lucky winner some Paris goodies!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was being surrounded by family and friends. The magic and love that fills the air is amazing!
    Merci
    Miss Cherry heart

  267. Annette

    My favorite part was picking the last of the fresh herbs from our New York City community garden plot during the unseasonably warm early morning, and enjoying the rare sound of the city’s silence.

  268. Syndee @ alwaysbarefoot

    Favorite part of Thanksgiving is being grateful for family, health & peace… grateful in the true sense of the word~ it is ‘great’, and as a result, I am ‘full’. 🙂 Syndee

  269. suesue

    One day, one day I Will go to France! How lovely to share your trip. So many fun photos to tempt us and give us an eye candy tour. Thanks so much for that and the chance to win some wonderful goodies!! My favorite part of Thanksgiving was being with family, extended family and friends. Sharing good food and better memories….

  270. Colleen

    Family and family pet who will not be around for another Thanksgiving 🙁

  271. Kelly

    Time with family! Loved visiting and playing games together.
    Thanks!

  272. lissy parker

    My favorite part of my Thanksgiving Holiday was having my son home from college in North Carolina. He is always such a joy and help to me.

  273. Teri

    Spending the day with family, especially my two sons who got to come “home”…one for just the day the other for the whole week.

  274. Karen Lowe

    My favorite part was celebrating with our new baby girl – only 2 weeks old.

  275. Susan

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was sharing dinner with our best friends/neighbors. It was just going to be us and the kids. The turkey was taking way too long to cook because it was still partially frozen. The kids were getting impatient and hungry. And when we finally took the turkey out of the oven around 8pm, the phone rang and it was our friends who were on their way home and hungry. We invited them over and had a great time all together. The enjoyment was multiplied many times over by having our good friends with us.

  276. annar

    It was just the two of us for Thanksgiving this year, the girls being too far away and too busy at school and work to come home. But knowing that they would be coming home for Christmas, I gave their rooms a nice, thorough cleaning. I made up their beds with the softest flannell sheets and their favourite quilts. I am thankful for them every single day of the year.

  277. Robyn

    that’s an easy one! being with my family! drover 334 miles to LA to spend time with them and my sister who flew in from Philly, where she is working for 6 months! Thankful for many things but love my family!!
    Thanks for sharing your pics, someday I hope to visit many of these same places.

  278. Karla Laura

    What a delightful place you had to visit. (Among others, but a bit different)
    My favorite part about Thanksgivings, was my chat on the tele with my Uncle. Even though we didn’t spent the day together, our chat was touching and meaningful. It truly made my day.
    Warm regards,
    Karla

  279. Amy

    My favorite was spending time with all my family!
    Thank you for the beautiful Paris photos and descriptions, it was amazing to see!

  280. Ricki DiCola

    My favorite part of this Thanksgiving was being with my family and mom. I also loved just hanging out on the couch with my girls, us all in pajamas, watching the seasons first Christmas movies. This to me defines happiness.

  281. sognisiciliani

    Being at home after a Diagonistic test and cooking my turkey and fixings. Test came back good. I have much to be thankful.
    Glad you had a wonderful trip!!!!

  282. JJoy

    My mom recently had another stroke and has been in rehab. I was most thankful that she was able to come home for the day to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family and friends. To see her face light up and joyfully enjoying a great meal is the greatest gift. We are thankful that she is on the road to recovery, and ever grateful that she is a part of our celebration!!

  283. Bretta

    My most favorite part of Thanksgiving was sending my 3 and 6 yr old girls to their Nana’s the night before to get everything ready — they stuffed the turkey, set the table, made flower arrangements ….. such special memories for them!

  284. Chic Coles

    This is such a beautiful store! I would love to go to Paris and shop!
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving this year was being in Hawaii with my family and boyfriend. It was our first Thanksgiving he and I were able to spend together, and I am so thankful to have such wonderful people in my life!

  285. Amber

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was being with my family and REALLY feeling grateful for them!

  286. Jenny

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was watching my three-yr-old son and his grandmother make edible turkeys from oreos, candy corn, whoppers, mini reece’s cups, and icing. So cute.
    New reader to your blog and love it. Blessings!
    Jenny
    http://www.misssavvychic.blogspot.com

  287. Marcela

    Me encantó seguir tu viaje por París!
    Aquí en Argentina no celebramos Thaksgiving day 🙁
    Gracias por el sorteo, espero tener suerte !!!
    Saludos,
    Marce

  288. Trisha

    What a fun trip!! =)
    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is relaxing and being with family. It’s nice to just enjoy the day and eat good food.
    Happy Holidays!!

  289. Alison

    Going to sleep with a smile on my face from a day of gratitude spent with friends and family.

  290. Julie Madsen

    Heather, thanks for the Paris tour! It is on my bucket list with my daughter as well. We have bookmarked your pages and so appreciate the specifics as we have shared your blogs posts with each other. She’s away at college, but I got to see her for a brief 36 hours at Thanksgiving and it was by far the highlight of the holiday. We love spending time together and your trip with your daughter inspired us to start planning. Thanks for such a beautiful blog and loads of inspiration. Julie

  291. Kaye Lyssy

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was the gathering of friends and family and sharing in the delicious feast. Was just in Paris in April….sure wish I would have known about Merci! Thanks for sharing!

  292. Sabrina

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was dressing my 6 month old in an outfit I bought him last thanksgiving when I was pregnant with him!
    I never thought the day would come! 🙂

  293. Dawn Elliott

    The Food was fabulous, but the best part of Thanksgiving is spending time with my husband, kids, and exteneded family.

  294. Vicki Cotnoir

    How generous. Thank you!
    The best part of Thanksgiving is that we have men and women who sacrice for our freedoms,my heart breaks that they are away from family they love. That we have a country,that stops to give Thanks! How blessed we are!

  295. Theresa

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is that my family is happy and healthy after quite a challenging year.
    Thanks for the giveaway Heather.
    Theresa

  296. susie

    This Thanksgiving I was thankful that we had the whole day of doing nothing but hanging out and eating. Crazy as it sounds, we are usually at hockey games on Thanksgiving day. Around here if you have boys playing travel hockey, there is always a local tournament Thanksgiving weekend. This was the first year in many that my boys didn’t have hockey games on this day.

  297. Andrea Navin

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is spending time in the kitchen with my friends and family. It seems that all the good stuff happens there – I learn new recipes, we talk about our lives, we remember those that we love. It is what bonds us together in the end.

  298. Karen

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was the turkey. This year I washed it, put it in a vintage roaster, salt and pepper and put the lid on it. No basting, no fancy stuffing or seasonings. I came back 4 hours later and took the lid off, it was perfectly browned and moist and juicy. Easy peasy!!! The best ever!
    Thanks for sharing your trip to Paris!

  299. Pamela

    Merci for the Frenchy giveaway! So kind of you. My favorite part of Thanksgiving was being able to sit outside on the deck with a cup of coffee under a sky of stars and whisper blessings to people and places I love. The weather was record warm here in Minnesota.

  300. Peggy

    thanks for the wonderful giveaway! favorite part of thanksgiving is having a wonderful dinner with my family

  301. Peggy

    what a wonderful giveaway … my favorite part of Thanksgiving is having dinner with my family

  302. Emily Pleau

    My favorite part of thanksgiving was spending and uninterrupted day with my husband, and starting a new tradition of making gingerbread houses.

  303. Diane

    Tradition. Making the same green bean casserole we always had when I was growing up. Continuing that on with my kids and of course mixing it up with some new recipes. Some that work out and some that maybe don’t. Getting stuffed, napping and then getting out some turkey to make a sandwich later that night. Simple turkey, mayo, salt and pepper on white bread, yum!

  304. Amber

    Favorite part would have to be listening to all the funny conversations everyone was having. Oh and the eating of course!

  305. Rise' McKnight

    Hi Heather,
    Reading your blog is always so inspiring! I have such fun checking out all of your gorgeous photos too! What a neat givaway!
    My favorite part of this Thanksgiving was how relaxed I was while preparing the meal..(no company this year), also having a piece of lemon pie wasn’t bad either.
    PS The comment from Jessica Hann amazes me….”TODDLER TWINS” helping in the kitchen?? What a pro!

  306. Linda

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving….preparing the meal together with my daughters & being together with friends and family… playing fun games and eating pumpkin pie!!

  307. Jenny

    Family is the best part, but, setting the table with special flea market finds with my daughter is a very close second! I love the Paris shops!

  308. Paula W.

    Oh I hope I’m not too late! My favorite part of this Thanksgiving was that we were a small group of five, down from a usual 13. We could actually listen to each other around the table instead of the din of clanking dishes and chairs scraping because someone forgot to bring something (usually ketchup?!?) to the table. My mother-in-law thought she was baking for 13 and brought 3 pies. Oh the choices!!

  309. tammyCA

    I hope I’m not too late (it’s still Friday). 🙂 My favorite part of Thanksgiving is being home this year & cooking the meal myself. For so many years we went to somebody else’s house…it was really nice to just be here and then later watching “Miracle on 34th Street” with a fire blazing and doing my embroidery.

  310. Bonniezo

    am i too late to enter?
    thanking my mom for cooking and she is 80!

  311. Lisa

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving was actually being here. 🙂 I am proud to say that I am still kicking after finding out I had intestinal cancer this past May. God is good.

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