Friday, March 2, 2012

BREAKFAST FAVORITES BY MARLA FROM "FAMILY FRESH COOKING"

Marla 1
A few weeks ago, I put together a recipe roundup focusing on my favorite Valentine's Day Desserts for my dear friend Marla. It was a real honor for me to be featured on Family Fresh Cooking as I have been reading her lovely blog since 2010 and was lucky to witness how this dazzling woman has developped her cooking, baking, writing and photography skills over the years.
As I had so much fun and pleasure composing my article for Marla, I thought that it would be a great idea to ask her if she wished to return the favor. Thankfully, she didn't refuse my offer and graciously accepted my proposition with much enthusiasm. Her positive response to my request made me extremely happy.

You see, Marla is a talented, optimistic and kind person who is very influential. I respect and admire what she does. Every time I visit her refreshing and unique blog, I take a virtual vacation and feel highly inspired. Her healthy, yet indulgent, original and tempting recipes never fail to make me hungry and her brilliantly radiant pictures (dishes, landscapes as well as sweet family portraits) always make me dream, bring a smile to my face and delight me to the highest point.

Marla 3
For those of you who still don't know who this perky lady is, well let me introduce her shortly.

Marla is a sporty (she skis, surfs & is active at all times and all seasons), energetic, bubbly and proud mother of two (a cute girl and an adorable boy) who lives in Southern California  (Orange County) and feeds an undying love for Telluride in Colarado, travelling, work, anything artistic as well as for quality food. Being fit and on the move is very important for her, so everything she cooks has to have a positive impact on her well-being. Mindful living is her mantra in everything she does and her mission is to inspire a lifestyle through her site.

Even if we don't live on the same continent and have very differents lives, we both have a lot in common. Not only does our mutual enthusiasm for everything related to food, photography and blogging unite us, but also other subjects make us connect. As a matter of fact, we both share an undying love for the nature and especially alpine regions. She happens to be enamoured by a mountainous state I dream of visiting and I reside in a country she is passionate about!

So, today, I am extremely thrilled and grateful to host her fantastic work on Rosa's Yummy Yums. I hope you'll enjoy Marla's marvelous shots and breakfast treats as much as I do...

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Telluride Colorado Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_6073
Hi there! My name is Marla Meridith and I am the content creator, recipe developer and photographer behind the blog Family Fresh Cooking. I launched my blog back in June 2009. One of the first wonderful people to welcome me to the ever-growing food blogger community was Miss Rosa. I am honored and thrilled to be guest posting here today. Rosa has been an inspiration to me as soon as I stumbled on her stunning site. I am a creative person who loves great food and amazing photography. Rosa offers all of that and more. I try to emulate the same practices on my blog. Sharing a thoughtful, open and honest voice is also very important ~ yet another reason why we hit it off so well.

Another interest we share is a love for travel and the mountain lifestyle. She lives in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Switzerland is first on my bucket list for travel. Although I live at sea level in Orange County (the OC) California, my heart is in the San Juan Mountains ~ in Telluride, Colorado. We spend a good part of the winter and summer there and I jet back as often as possible. My favorite film festival MountainFilm is held every May. Although I just got back from skiing T-Ride a few days ago I am all ready obsessed with the idea of my next visit. I embrace places with awesome people, a sense of history, breathtaking landscapes and of course great food!

Marla Meridith Collage1
Currently I am working on a press trip to Rosa's beautiful country for late June-early July. I will be in the St. Moritz region. Any advice and tips you have for me would be so appreciated, feel free to Email or Facebook me your thoughts on the area. I will take a train from Zurich to St. Moritz and stay at a lovely resort. I will rely on public transportation to bring me and my camera gear around to photograph all the beauty. My goal is to keep it simple, stay near St. Moritz and take day trips to photograph the countryside and small surrounding towns. Currently I know nothing about the region ~ other than the fact that it is beautiful!

Telluride Colorado Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_6168
Let's talk about food, shall we?

The focus of my recipes is on energetic, whole foods that taste great and keep you going throughout the day. I believe in homemade lunch box meals no matter what your age if you spend lots of time away from the home. Real food tastes great and makes us feel our best. Treats and desserts are super fun too ~ for those I rely on Rosa. She is the queen of gorgeous, internationally inspired decadence. As a matter of fact, she shared some of her beautiful desserts on my blog to honor Valentine's Day earlier this month.

Since breakfast thrills me more than any other meal of the day, I have decided to share with you some of our favorites. The thought of an awesome home made breakfast has me dashing out of bed each day by 4am. A large pot of coffee helps to....

Blueberry Oatmeal Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_9873
Let's start with my Blueberry Coconut Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal. Not only do we love this because of it's vibrant purple color, but the flavor of sweet blueberries with creamy coconut is heavenly!

Carrot Shake Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_9882
If you like to sip your meals in the form of a gourmet frozen shake then you will enjoy my latest Creamy Roasted Carrot Coconut Shake. This is kind of like carrot cake in a frosty glass. Do be sure to roast your carrots first as this is what will add all of that great flavor to your creamy, dreamy shake.

Coconut Scrambled Eggs Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_9330
You might notice a theme in my breakfasts...most include form of coconut and lots of nuts. I am nuts for nuts, and they always need to be toasted to bring out their fullest flavor.
Have a heart & cut your toast into heart shapes with a big cookie cutter. This is my sweet twist on scrambled eggs: Sweet Coconut Scrambled Eggs on Toast.

Peas Cheese Frittata Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_3782
If you are more in the mood for a savory breakfast, frittatas are another great option. Here is my Baby Peas and Cheese Frittata. I use a combination of my favorite cheeses in this recipe. Feel free to use your favorites too no matter what the combination. Cheese rules and that is all there is to it.

Quinoa Breakfast Bake Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_6460
Now back to some sweetness....Do you ever have sweet potatoes for breakfast? We sure do in my Quinoa Sweet Potato Breakfast Bake. I love that sweet potatoes are such a healthy food that taste great both sweet or savory. My Sweet Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Bacon are a great option for party appetizers or to much with a hearty green salad.

Pumpkin Tart Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_5037
No matter what the season pumpkin is always a favorite. I stock up on cans of pumpkin purée in the winter months so I can enjoy it throughout the year. My Pumpkin Pie Tart has a gluten free & vegan almond meal crust. It takes hardly any time at all to bake up, it's the quickest way I have found to make a pumpkin pie from scratch.

Yes, we do enjoy this tart-pie for breakfast, snacks and desserts. It is super healthy & of course delicious!

Chai Carrot Muffins Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_5582
If you want a quick handheld breakfast then how about Chai Carrot Pear Muffins? Another gluten free and vegan recipe. For the record in our house we are not gluten free or vegan, but I love experimenting and providing recipes for all different lifestyle choices.
Chai Pear Carrot Sauce Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_5526
This was based off my recipe for Chai Pear Carrot Sauce. Serve this fruity spiced sauce with yogurt for creamy parfaits....

Harvest Crisp Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_5417
Last, but certainly not least feel free to indulge in my Gluten Free Harvest Fruit Crumble. Embrace the flavors of the season with fresh fruit topped with almond meal, old fashioned rolled oats and sunflower seeds. Feel free to use the freshest seasonal fruits.

Thanks for having me over for a visit & I hope to connect with you over on my blog too!

Visit me at Family Fresh Cooking and I am all over the web: on PinterestTwitter,  FacebookStumbleUponInstagram.

 All of the images in this post are ©Marla Meridith Photography.
 
Marla 2
Telluride Colorado Marla Meridith Photography-IMG_9625

81 comments:

  1. LOVE being over here today Rosa ~ so proud to know you and to be featured on your beautiful virtual home. I think my photos might look better curated over here ;) XOXO

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  2. Oh my gosh! These are such wonderful breakfast. I love that creamy carrot cake shake!

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  3. J'ai découvert Marla grâce à toi Rosa, c'est une fabuleuse photographe... je suis fidèle à son blog maintenant, quel talent! Bises à vous deux...

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  4. Beautiful food photos, and a lovely guest post. (Love the foodgawker shirt, Marla!) :-)

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  5. Marla's photos are as stunning as yours Rosa. Thank you for introducing her to us with those amazing breakfasts.

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  6. Nice post, great photos and some lovely recipes!

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  7. C'est MAGNIFIQUE !!!!!!!! J'adore tes photos et j'avoue que je les préfères en couleurs ! Un enchantement ! Amazing !!

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  8. All look amazing and georgeous Rosa, really Love them and the breakfast amazing!!!

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  9. Wow...gorgeous and delicious!

    Thanks for the introduction to Marla. I'm off to visit her blog.

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  10. ELISA BOELLE: En fait, ce ne sont pas mes photos. Ce billet est de mon amie bloggeuse Marla... ;-))

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  11. Great post! Each one looks better than the other :)

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  12. This is so mean - I am away from my kitchen for a large part of March and I want everything I see.... everything! The mountains make me yearn. Spent some time during college in Switzerland - it will so overpower you with its beauty. Lovely, lovely posting Rosa and Marla. I'm off to visit Marla.

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  13. beautiful food photography. i'm not sure if i just want to admire it or eat it (or both.)

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  14. I really enjoyed reading this post and the beautiful photographs that Marla takes! Wow! Loved also the breakfast offerings, would make all of them, hands down.

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  15. One word GORGEOUS! love Marla & you are the best Rosa! :) xx

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  16. Marla is one of my favorite bloggers! She is so talented in so many ways. What a great guest post and feature to honor her and her immense talents. Thanks for sharing, Rosa!

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  17. Breakast like this? I would definitely eat!

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  18. I do see that Marla is a natural when it comes to photography, not only in taking photos of food but landscape as well. I really enjoyed this post, glad to find out about her!

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  19. Vraiment superbes les photos de ta copine!

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  20. Two of my favorite bloggers in the same place!!

    Gorgeous breakfast round-up. Refreshing!

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  21. Great round-up! Love Marla's work!

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  22. Loved this! I love Marla's photography, and all of her food always looks so delicious!

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  23. Pretty pictures! The quinoa sweet potato breakfast bake looks so healthy!

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  24. Everything looks awesome and so good. Plus, the pictures are really beautiful. I note the recipe of steal cuts oats! Thanks Rosa, I've been really happy to see Marla's blog!

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  25. Reading these comments is a BLAST!!! So flattering to hear that my photos are as good as hers!

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  26. Great post Rosa and lovely collection. I can't choose between them, I like them all.
    The photos are stunning! Have a great day.
    Cheers

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  27. I love Marla's blog and subscribe her posts. Her post is always so perfect. Food styling and photography is just simply gorgeous. I especially love how she use all different kinds of colors and textures in her picture. Lots of beautiful and delicious breakfast options! Thanks Rosa for your wonderful guest!

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  28. Encore un talent que l'on découvre grâce à toi....
    bises rosa, bon weekend et merci !

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  29. I can not believe these photos , particularly the first one . It is just incredible

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  30. Wow THANK YOU for featuring marla and her delicious blog...now off to visit her blog.

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  31. De superbes images qui donnent envie d'évasion, suivi d'un réconfort bien appétissant
    Bises
    Je te souhaite un bon WE
    Valérie.

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  32. Fabulous photography of our gorgeous region...and fabulous culinary ideas for brunch and breakfast...Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration with us...One caveat...is it possible to NOT hear that horrific song "kick in" everytime I visit your site?! It's quite dark imho...

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  33. Hi Rosa,
    As usual it is such a visual treat visiting your blog. Thanks for introducing Marla. Her photography like your's is stunning. I am just speechless looking at all these exquisite foods and photos. Have a great week ahead!

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  34. Wow Rosa!! De toute beauté!! Tu es merveilleuse:)

    Bo samedi XX

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  35. Love Marla's blog, what a great guest post! The photos are stunning and this collection of healthy breakfasts look wonderful!

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  36. Un desayuno magnífico y las fotos maravillosas,estaría en medios de esos paisajes hermosos lleno de naturaleza,abrazos hugs,hugs.

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  37. Nice to meet Marla...I guess it is true what they say about birds of a feather. I can "hear" the resemblance in your enthusiasm.

    The photography is so captivating and the recipes inspiring...

    Thanks for sharing, Rosa and thank you Marla!

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  38. Wow what healthful inventive dishes, love them each.

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  39. I am so bookmarking this page for b'fast ideas!
    Beautiful pictures, as usual.

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  40. I love Marla, her energy and creativity. Wonderful guest post, Rosa :)

    Cannot wait to read Marla's adventures in your home country :)

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  41. nice read, delectable pics & im all hungry now :) the fritata looks fabulous!

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  42. Quelles splendeur ces images!!Très inspirantes aussi!

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  43. Some great breakfast ideas, Marla. Love esp. that baked blueberry oatmeal.

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  44. Hi girls!

    I am glad to meet u Marla! Your food style is pretty much the same as ours, we are not vegetarians but we do enjoy trying out new things and cooking healthy.

    Your photography is so tempting by the way. I d love to try each and all of your wonderful breakfast creations.

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  45. que de belles choses déguster ça donne envie de chausser les skis!!pierre

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  46. Such wonderful breakfast ideas! That blueberry coconut baked steel cut oatmeal looks divine!

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  47. Wow, this is an amazing post, with stunning photography. I hope you have a wonderful time in Switzerland.
    Thanks Rosa for hosting, you make a great team!

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  48. What an amazing feast this round up is!

    I always hope that you know that visits to your blog are virtual vacations and always inspiring!

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  49. What fun delicious recipes. i loved all the ideas. Thank you for sharng.

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  50. Et bien c'est le petit-déjeuner de rêve. Très jolies photos.

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  51. Marla has such a great blog! Such lovely photography too :D

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  52. Such a wonderful meeting of two amazingly talented bloggers. Marla's photos are beautiful. You can see and feel her passion for beautiful healthy food.

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  53. merci de nous faire rêver et découvrir toutes ces beaux paysages, que de belles choses, des petits déjeuners riches en saveurs et en couleurs, difficile d'y résister. Bravo à toutes les deux et bonne semaine ;)

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  54. merci Rosa pour ce partage gourmand difficile de résister à toutes ces bonnes et belles choses. Merci à Marla pour ces superbes photos. Bonne semaine à vous deux :)

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  55. Hi Rosa,
    The suggestions are mouth watering and the photos and text, outstanding as always. Just had a peak at Marla's blog and loved it!!
    Cheers and have a great week,
    Lia.

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  56. Incredible pictures, I especially like those strawberries cut in heart shapes. I am craving a ski holiday now!

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  57. Stunning pictures. A dream of a breakfast, somewhere in Colorado. Thanks to you both.

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  58. How exciting! I hope you get to meet! Um, you had me at frittata! Ok, now I want to eat and go skiing! xo

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  59. Wow, What a wonderful breakfast!!!!
    Beautiful presentation, so tempting. Love it!!!

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  60. Loving those beautiful heart strawberries! I would melt if I was served those at breakfast. I am very sad to be eating cornflakes for breakfast, I wish that I could eat one of these!

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  61. Marla, welcome to Rosa's space and thanks for sharing your delicious dishes and fab photos!

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  62. Oh wooow... Food porn all the way!! I swear, these photos are even better than most of the cookbooks I've come across. Seriously blown away each time I visit your blog, Rosa. Thanks for the inspiration, Marla! Hope you're doing well =)

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  63. Love Marla's blog she is a true inspriation, happy to see her featured on your space!

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  64. Prendre un petit déjeuner au soleil, en haut des pistes, petit chalet en bois, après soirée lové au coin du feu...

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  65. I really like her blog, she is another talented blogger and photographer. Thanks for sharing with us, I really enjoyed reading this post.

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  66. What a wonderful post!!
    Love all the breakfast and pics :D
    xoxoxo dear
    http://janakitchen.blogspot.com

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  67. Those are some truly incredible breakfast creations, excellent!

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  68. I dunno if that baked oatmeal would give me all of Marla's energy. But it sure looks good. LOL

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  69. OMG those skiing pics make me ache to put my ski boots on... What a fab guest poster - and guest post!

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  70. Rosa, thanks for introducing me to her blog, which I didn't know until now.

    Great site, I immediately subscribed to it - she started blogging the exact same month I did... cool!

    I love her philosophy of life, which matches some of my own

    beautiful guest post!

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  71. I love discovering new blogs, thank you for introducing me to this new one! All the breakfast recipes sound delicious and would truly inspire me to get out of bed, I particularly love the sound of the gorgeous blueberry coconut baked oatmeal.

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  72. DAAANNNNnnnnggg that all looks so good. I don't know where to start.

    On another note: I live in an area known for ski resorts. I should learn how to do it some day.

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  73. C'est tellement touchant la facon dont tu décris Marla, grâce à toi, je viens donc de découvrir un autre merveilleux blog. Et bien sûr, congrétulation! Bon Week-end Rosa (au fait, as tu bien recu mon email? :-)

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  74. Amazing Photos!!

    I'm excited to peruse your blog.

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  75. Breakfast never looked so good. I'll have one of each.
    Sam

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  76. Your site is absolutely beautiful. The photographs bring everything to life and you seriously have made me want to create something wonderful in my own kitchen . Thank you for the new inpiration and beautiful work!

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  77. Tes photos me vendent du rêve tout simplement!! Magnifique ;)

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  78. DONNA: Thanks for passing by and for the kind comment. Well, you can stop the music whenever you wish by pressing "pause"... ;-)

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