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Thursday, May 28, 2009 at

A picnic blanket caper

I've been searching online for a picnic blanket, but I'm weirdly stumped. Do you have a favorite picnic blanket? Do you have any shop recommendations? Thank you so much!

(Photo by Emilie Bjork)
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97 comments:

  1. Her top is cute!

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  2. these look cute and affordable. i like the st. tropez color combo!

    http://katalinaklark.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=690

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  3. I collect tartan throws from Nova Scotia and Ireland for the picnics in the fall. I love quilts in soft floral shades for the spring, especially for photo shoots we style at the Saratoga Ballet and Shakespeare in the Park. I have a ton of Picnic accoutrements, my newest favorite is the red vintage tin/metal "Pret A Manger" for two. It has adorable dishes, towels, etc. available at picnicfun.com or by me at www.theparishouse.com

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  4. try looking at the bedspreads and coverlets at urbanoutfitters.com. we got one last summer to use as a picnic/beach blanket and it rocks. xx

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  5. I would like to have a picnic here on the beach chairs!


    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24997713

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  6. Do It Yourself:
    http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=531
    (nice simple little step by step article.)

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  7. We used to have this awesome blanket that we got at Ikea for, like, $10. It was fleece on one side, and a sort-of nylon texture on the other. It wasn't super good looking or anything. But, from a utilitarian standpoint, it may as well have been designed specifically for picnicking. I tried to locate it on the Ikea site, with no luck. I did, however, find this gem, which I like mostly for the name: BLÅHÄGG

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  8. Have you tried Alchemy on Etsy? Like Turbo, I like picnic blankets that are both soft and water-proof, but those are so hard to find and especially pretty ones! You could try making your own, but it might just be easier to request it. I requested a pair of earrings on Alchemy and I got bids within like 15 minutes. It was crazy! Oh I also saw that Cost Plus is having a sale on picnic baskets and blankets, but I didn't really see what they had. :(

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  9. This is the one we have
    http://www.campingworld.co.uk/Models.aspx?PartnerID=1&ModelID=944
    the underside is waterproof and the strap means you can roll it up and carry it like a bag. Plus the green checked pattern is terribly british - always accompany with a flask of hot tea…

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  10. don't know of any great shops off the top of my head, but I thought this was pretty cute and simple--and cheap!

    http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/04/diy-wednesdays-picnic-blanke.html

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  11. Once you have your blanket, I can thoroughly recommend London's Fortnum & Mason for the best picnic hampers on the planet.

    Gorgeous handmade wicker baskets :)

    They deliver worldwide too.

    http://www.fortnumandmason.com/Spring-Summer-Hampers,1121.aspx

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  12. i've been meaning to ask the same exact question! we have an adorable picnic basket but a ratty old blanket! can't wait to read through the comments!

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  13. I have a roll out one that I got during summer some place. I can't remember. It's not the soft and pretty type though. Just a nice thick natural one that keeps bugs, dirt, sand & grass away from you!

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  14. I use a vintage buttercream chenille blanket I found at an estate sale. Its so pretty and soft.

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  15. mmmm ... something cute and plaid and vintage.
    i realize that doesn't narrow it down by much, but i would suggest scouring etsy and ebay regularly -
    that's how i find a lot of really unique things!
    i'll let you know if i come up with anything in particular.

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  16. p.s.
    this little set is kind of cute ...
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24992680&ref=sr_gallery_2&&ga_search_query=vintage+blanket+picnic&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

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  17. a picnic sounds SO fun right now!

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  18. I have one similar to this that I bought last summer: http://www.picnicfun.com/products/jaja-blanket-tote?idcategory=85#imagegallery

    Let me tell you it is beyond perfect for all those weekends spent in Central Park.

    Also, Crate & Barrel just released these, which I most definitely have to snatch up as well!
    http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=12600&f=28425&q=wine+holders&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1

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  19. have you looked at Pendleton? the roll-up blankets and Motor Robes are great picnic options. I'm planning to have some at our wedding for impromptu lawn sitting!

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  20. There were picnic baskets at Pier 1 and World Market the last time I checked. =)

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  21. oooh these are great, thank you so much!

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  22. Did you try etsy? I'm sure they'd have some adorable ones. I love my one with hearts all over it, got it in nz years ago so is probably about time to invest in a new one also xxx

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  23. I'm a total sucker for vintage quilts and I have about a million of them...I always keep one in my trunk for impromptu picnics!

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  24. I received one as a gift a few years ago that I love love love. It's waterproof on one side (which comes in handy for picnics following summer storms, which forever keep the ground wet...) and it's the picnic-perfect red and off-white checker cotton on the other.
    I think it was purchased from Kohls for a very affordable price too!

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  25. This one is the best, oh yes! I liked it so much I bought a second in case we had a big group picnicking with us, which nevers seems to happen. It is denim on one side (normal dark denim, not the light blue that it looks like in this photo) and the bottom side is waterproof nylon. You can fold it up in the handles for carrying. The lawn dampness doesn't soak through and any food spills wash out of the denim easily. They have other patterns too, but I like the denim. It is called the Outdoor Blanket by Tuffo on amazon.com.

    http://www.amazon.com/Tuffo-Water-Resistant-Outdoor-Blanket-Denim/dp/B00099YL0W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1243551788&sr=8-5

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  26. sorry for the second post but...
    a quick search produced this find!
    http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/summerliving/decorativepillowsblankets/PRD~478932/Picnic+Time+Striped+Blanket+Tote.jsp#

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  27. I just listed a darling, electric blue picnic blanket in my etsy shop. Vintage, wood and the perfect size for two!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25684646

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  28. Oops, I meant 'wool' not 'wood'!

    I'll proof read next time!

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  29. If you have any basic sewing skills you can make this.

    http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/04/diy-wednesdays-picnic-blanke.html

    It took me about a half hour and it is waterproof!

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  30. I use a big colorful (and sturdy!) sheet that I found at a thrift store last summer. I think thrift stores are the best place for picnic supplies--blankets, cups, plates, baskets!

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  31. I'm afraid I don't have any shopping tips for you, but you've just made me want to have a picnic. Too bad I've got a cold.

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  32. I stumbled on this company when I was at a festival at the National Cathedral: http://linensofprovence.com/cart/. Their tablecloths are waterproof and beautiful, I was thinking of getting one for my mom.
    http://www.theredpersimmon.com/ is a locally run place in DC that sells linens from fair-trade companies in India and Madagascar.

    They aren't "blankets" per se, but tablecloths...and a picnic is just an outdoor meal without a table!

    Finally, I'd say get a big piece of fabric from any fabric store. I've done that and it always works out fine.

    Good luck in your search!

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  33. I bought a cheap (and super cute!) quilt at HomeGoods recently to use as a picnic blanket. I plan to use it as a beach blanket too!

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  35. i love Mexican sarape blankets: http://elchamaco.com/mexicanblankets.htm?gclid=CJbSzZei4JoCFRYiagodNwOFCA

    and they're easy on the wallet!

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  36. Anonymous8:39 PM

    http://www.picnicfun.com/category/picnic-blankets

    //y

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  37. these are great picnic blankets - we use ours all the time. not super cute, but basic & so functional.

    http://www.mambeblankets.com/index.html

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  38. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=116626
    this is mine. I love it... although right now it's being used as a backseat protector from dog-hair.

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  39. Why don't you make one? Or buy a quilt from someone on Etsy? Those are the very best kind.

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  40. oh man i just saw today eailer a post about making your own ... would be perfect!

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  41. Picnic like the stars (Courtney Cox article led me to these blankets with totes!): http://katalinaklark.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=690

    Zip and go: http://www.zipngoblanket.com/

    Lots of options:
    http://www.picnic-basket.com/Picnic-Blankets_c_43.html

    You could always search etsy.com for handmade picnic blankets.

    Enjoy!

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  42. Louise10:03 PM

    Hello !

    I know a very nice and poetic picnic blanket. French design in Paris but maybe you can get it.
    You can see the shadow of a tree on it, I love the idea.
    Here is the link http://www.absolumentdesign.com/objets-design/nappe-design-a-l-ombre-d-un-arbre.php

    Louise from Paris

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  43. this fantastic set comes with a blanket:
    http://downandoutchic.blogspot.com/2009/05/picnic-present.html

    good luck finding the perfect blanket!

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  44. I just scored a vintage Mexican blanket in shades of turquoise, plum, grey and white (complete with fringe) for $4 at a garage sale. Very bohemian looking, I love it. Try searching vintage Mexican blanket on Ebay.

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  45. My favorite picnic blanket is one that was made for me out of squares of old jeans. It's very durable and if the grass is wet, it takes a while to seep through! Unfortunately, it was bought anywhere, so I have no link to share, but it's a good way to reuse jeans!

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  46. My fave is a Brooks Bros red (possibly Fraser tartan) plaid wool that my parents used in the 60s and my grandparents in the 50s. It has been three generations-worth of picnic blanket and holds so many good memories, I could never replace. Plus, since it's Brooks Bros, it never fades or wears out.

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  47. Anonymous11:07 PM

    http://www.toast.co.uk/product2.aspx?categoryid=outdoor%20and%20picnic&productid=6BMT1&seoterm=madras%20tablecloth&categoryref=%2fcategory2.aspx%3fcategoryid%3doutdoor%2520and%2520picnic%26seoterm%3doutdoor%2520and%2520picnic%26nopaging%3dtrue%26


    a classic style :D

    xoxo,
    emily

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  48. I just use one my mom's friend made for me. It's plaid on one side and checkered on the other tied with yarn. I made one once and it was really easy. You should make one.

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  49. A vintage quilt (not *too* old, so it's still a bit sturdy) is the best picnic blanket. Cozy, soft...and machine washable. :-)

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  50. My picnic blanket is an old tartan one which has lived in the back of my dads land rover for as long as I can remember. It gets dragged around and used for covering cold knees in the car, for the dog to sleep on, for picnics and everything inbetween. It's a little bobbled now and nobody knows how or where we got it but I imagine I'll use it till it falls apart!

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  51. we are going to a couple of festivals over here in the UK this year and i am crocheting a huge granny square which will be lovley and soft to sit on and not to heavy to carry

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  52. I just always used old sheets. Not very fancy, but neither are most of the picnics I attend :)

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  53. a lovely welsh blanket - they're nice and heavy so they don't flap about
    xx

    http://www.re-foundobjects.com/product/view/97

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  54. I always use a pretty vintage bed sheet, it's much lighter to sit on than a heavy blanket!

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  55. Do u have a Cost Plus store? They are having a sale on various picnic blankets.. ones that u can roll up and have a velcro tab w/a handle to make carrying easier and they have other styles...

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  56. today is totally picnic weather day. i love eating outside and under trees.dream picnic blanket..

    http://www.geekologie.com/2009/03/27/pillow%20blanket%201.jpg

    maybe just a good old fashioned quilt. :)

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  57. We always use an old bedspread! Have a great weekend.

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  58. Look at this ECO set I found on ETSY by Trishafern

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25231164

    You might love it.

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  59. Dear Joanna,
    Here is a link to a blog I'm sure you will love. The purpose is to post everyday one picture of paris
    http://www.unjouraparis.com
    It's not my blog so I feel really free to recomend it !

    Ps : I still love your blog and regarding your question, I think you should buy a piece of fabric and make your own picnic blanket !

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  60. maternity. gone wrong.9:04 AM

    I saw a really cool grass-photo-printed picnic blanket (maybe @ MOMA?) a while back. Can't find a link, though.

    Also, this picnic blanket landscape project is super cool:

    http://christopherkho.com/projects.php?p=11

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  61. Ah. Sadly, my salary, or lack thereof, does not even allow for me to invest in a picnic blanket.

    I therefore use my bath towels. And have to waste extra quarters on them to wash them when I need new clean bath towels.

    But it's worth it. Anything to sit outside now.

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  62. I like the quilts from India Rose...the colors are beautiful.

    http://www.indiarose.com/shop/detail_all.php?prod=quiltedthrow

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  63. Yes! I sell them.

    www.pillowmint.net

    (Throw blankets by Utility Canvas. The BEST!)

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  64. http://www.picnicfun.com/

    Everything picnic.

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  65. i got a cute fifties camp blanket on ebay.

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  66. I'll sell some very soon in my e-shop.... Http://ounishop.blogspot.com

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  67. Sarah C.12:40 PM

    I just saw a link for a really fun one this morning:

    http://citified.blogspot.com/2009/05/summer-whites-links.html

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  68. Joanna, I think this would be a great opportunity to find a pretty old quilt, bedspread, or giant towel at a thrift store or charity shop! Sometimes I draw the line at questionable-cleanliness-looking thrift store bedding for my actual bed, but the picnic blanket will be going on the ground anyway!

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  69. the urban outfitters tapestries do me well for this type of use...

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  70. I have one from MUJI and think it's the best!

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  71. I was at Cost Plus World Market and saw some cute picnic blankets which made me think of this post.

    http://www.worldmarket.com/Outdoor/Outdoor-Rugs/Striped-Picnic-Blankets/lev/4/productId/10129/Ne/1100001/sectionId/3103/N/1100630/categoryId/1100630/pCategoryId/1100203/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX|1||CATEGORY_SEQ_3131|0/index.pro

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  72. A really great, tough blanket is the Hudson's Bay blanket available from The Bay in Canada.

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  73. Not the most economical option but I'd love to have it!
    Mociun Beach Blanket in Infinity Print via Bird:

    http://www.shopbird.com/product.
    php?productid=18776&cat=377&
    manufacturerid=&page=1

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  74. delilah12:27 PM

    i love cath kidstons picnic rugs -they waterproof and fold up neatly:

    http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/p-13295-cath-kidston-strawberry-waterproof-rug.aspx

    love your blog by the way!

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  75. great pic!

    http://www.ineedaguide.blogspot.com

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  76. We use an army blanket from WWII. It belonged to my husband's uncle. Try vintage for a picnic blanket!

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  77. I use a soft, handwoven pink Mexican blanket. I picked it up for $5 on a beach boardwalk!

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  78. Me and my wife bought this earlier in the year. It's gorgeous for picnics now the sun's out, and great as a blanket in the winter time too. A little bit old people's home at times, but all the better for that.

    Steve

    http://shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/products/celtictibet-throw/170/

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  79. I second the recommendation for the Tuffo. We have one that's waterproof navy on one side and multicolored stripes on the other. It has kept us dry at several concerts (when it became an impromptu shelter) and has also served us well at the beach and on picnics.

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  80. http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Quilt-Kentucky-Stars-57-x-81_W0QQitemZ120425490901QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c09eb29d5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50


    Vintage quilt - cheap, easy, and no guilt if you stain it!

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  81. I've always loved Hudson Bay blankets from LL Bean for picnics..

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  82. I love my ikea fllece blanket. So soft and pretty with white hearts over a red background, but not so great when the ground is wet. Took it with me to Singapore last week to watch Shakespere in the park :)

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  83. My favorite picnic blanket is one my great-grandmother made! It's kind of odd colors and patters, a bit quirky but perfect for picnics and reading outside! I keep it in my trunk to use on nice days (I have a tiny apartment)

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  85. these look cute and affordable. i like the st. tropez color combo!

    How to make a website

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  86. Anonymous11:55 AM

    Here's a fabulous resource for Picnic Blankets, Picnic Baskets, Picnic Coolers and Tailgating tips and tools - http://the-picnic-shop.com

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  94. Kelsey2:12 PM

    My husband brought this home last month after my second ultrasound. We spend many afternoons in Hyde Park relaxing on this blanket. It's super durable and I love the colours! It is a tad expensive, but definitely worth it. Enjoy shopping!

    http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=80&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=18519959&parentid=A_FURN_BEDDING_THROWS&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&navCount=98&navAction=poppushpushpush&color=&pushId=A_FURN_BEDDING_THROWS&popId=A_FURN_BEDROOM&prepushId=APARTMENT_FURNISH&selectedProductSize=

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    ReplyDelete
  96. Anonymous6:56 AM

    Here what i found -> vision correction

    ReplyDelete

  97. Has anyone heard anything about the waterproof picnic blankets ? I read an article online about them, but have never been able to actually find one to purchase, both online and in a store. I think that they would be so convenient! My kids love picnics, but they totally hate it when the grass is wet, and the water goes through the blanket, and then they get all wet sitting down! I don't blame them at all! I hate it too!

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