Oh dear, whatever had she done.......
Whatever was she thinking....?
She was really rather in a pickle....
Because instead of  355 winners to celebrate one million visitors to this little Moroccan blog.........

she only had one:-(

But mark these words.....
If ever, through some incredible occurrence, this blogging girl were to become...
ahem, rich and famous....
Say, a long lost uncle (after a remarkably healthy life filled with large quantities of laughter) were to depart this earth and leave all his worldly possessions to his niece in a Moroccan olive grove to whom he felt a strange and extraordinary connection, although he never quite managed to contact her (clearing of throat, you get the picture)   ........why then, each and every one of you would be getting a special little something. 

But for now........Graciel, please step up to the plate.....

A little beauty therapy for you.............

A vintage Moroccan incense burner, dated to approximately 1950.  14 inches tall, 8 inches wide.  Undoubtedly used during romantic liaisons behind tall walls somewhere deep, deep in the Marrakech medina............

Attached, an Egyptian scarab, word wishes and a small feather from Peacock Pavilions to bring extra barakah.  Meant for keeping on the coffee table or nightstand to call forth some romantic liaisons of your very own........

Oh eeek! In the Spring of last year Somerset Life Editor Staci Dumoski contacted me. And after email to'ing and fro'ing ......months later........

Blog friends Cory Amaro, Kristin Robinson, and Maddie are also featured in this issue.  Do check these lovely blogging ladies out.

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Thanks for all the great entries into the Great My Marrakesh Give Away.  Stay tuned next week for the announcement of the winner!

PS  Travelers to Marrakech from the US willing to bring a package for me (nothing illegal, I promise!!!), please do write at maryam@mtds.com.  I would be so grateful.

Do you remember Laurence Landon? That adorable and charming French designer of lovely things -- including candle holders and lights -- in Marrakech?

The lucky blogging girl was on hand for the opening of her new showroom in Sidi Ghanem, Marrakech's industrial zone just outside the city, where those in the know come to shop.......

Listen here....

In her vintage haute couture, Laurence arranged the flowers until they were just so....
And lit the candles of her own beautiful pieces, one by one.
Until everything was flickering and aglow.

Soon it was all perfect and ready....
The guests began to trickle in, and there was much oohing and aahing by candlelight....

Moments later Laurence Landon's showroom was full.  Why there was even Serge, the jeweler, and Valerie, the realtor to New York's fabulous interior designer (and blogger) Martin Raffone (who is buying a little riad in Marrakech....)

They all devoured the most delicious canapes (Oh, those French....they do see to every little detail, don't they?)

And admired more of Laurence Landon's work, with its shimmering inlays.  (So elegant that it made her think of this special blogging Canadian interior designer, visiting Marrakech over Christmas.... )
Then they feasted on the very prettiest crumpets....

Followed by yet more  coveting of Laurence Landon lights....

And drank glasses of wine.....
Not quite as many glasses as Landon candles but nonetheless.......
And when the evening was over, the blogging girl hopped on the back of the wine bottle's camel and set off for her Marrakech home in the olive grove.......

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Laurence Landon

324 Z.I. Sidi Ghanem

40000 Marrakech

Tel:  063-727002

Monday-Friday: 2-6:30 and by appointment