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Ioannina ~ Part 3

August 6, 2018 · by: Athina Leave a Comment

So there we were, still wandering about Ioannina, the buzzing and bustling campus city—even though at the time (the end of August) not a single student was to be found anywhere around! Our search for the next point of interest took us just a couple of miles to the outskirts, to a small hill overlooking the Lake of Ioannina, house to the Perama Cave.

The Perama Cave of Ioannina

The 3-level cave is part of the bed of an ancient underground river that was created 1,500,000 years ago (in the lower paleolithic age). It lies within the Goritsa Hill at the area of Perama, just 3 mi/5 km from the center of Ioannina.

Elderly locals claim that an entrance to the cave had been known before 1900 but a local feudal lord ordered it shut in 1907 for safety reasons. Then the cave got forgotten until World War II when the villagers sought refuge in the cavities of the Goritsa hill in an attempt to protect themselves from air strikes. Since one would have to crawl for about 0.06 miles mi/100 meters to reach the underground chambers, the cave hadn’t really been scouted until 1951 when the well-known geologist-speleologist John Petrochilos was passing by the area, heard of its existence, and decided to explore it.

The expedition took place from 1953 to 1956 and new parts of the cave were discovered. The hiking route that’s now accessible to visitors is 3,600 ft/1,100 m long, going through a total area of 159,306 ft²/14,800 m². The altitude difference from the entrance to the exit (through grand corridors and extensive chambers) is 82 ft/25 m. The air temperature is 64.4 °F/18 °C and the water temperature (found in several small ponds) is 57.2 °F/14 °C. The water hardness is 180 °fH (French degrees) with a 5.5 pH and the moisture levels are at 100%, all year round.

The biospeleological study carried out in the cave by the Swedish professor K. Lindberg found insects of the following classes, subclasses, and orders:

Diplopoda (millipedes)
Arachnida Acarina
Oligochaeta
Harpacticoida
Isopoda
Amphipoda

A new species of dolichopoda was also discovered by the French biospeleologist P. A. Chappuis, who named it “Dolichopoda petrochilosi” after John Petrochilos, aka the Pan Cave-cricket.

The Perama cave was also home to the Ursus spelaeus, the species of cave bear that lived in Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene and became extinct about 24,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Maximum. The tooth of one was found for the first time in Greece by Petrochilos in 1956—along with more bone fragments, later on. A more recent study, conducted in 1992-93 by the Greek professors P. Pavlakis, A. Fistani and N. Symeonidis, also revealed remains of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild goats (Alpine ibex). Photography is not allowed in the cave but I snapped a few pics at the Information and Promotion Center of the Perama Cave. You’ll find it just a few meters from the Cave, across the port parking lot.

Ursus spelaeus model | Information & Promotion Centre of the Perama Cave

Ursus spelaeus/Cave bear model

The center features a variety of paleontological finds from the Cave of Perama and from other locations all over Greece. There’s also a small screening hall where you can watch a documentary called the “World of Caves”, by the Department of Paleontology & Speleology of the Greek Ministry of Culture. It shares valuable information on what kinds of caves there are, how they were formed, their fauna, paleontological and archeological findings, and how humans are connected to caves throughout the millions of years of evolution.

Oak leaf fossil | Information & Promotion Center of the Perama Cave

Oak leaf fossil found at the small settlement of Klissoura in Elassona, Larissa

Tree trunk fossil | Information & Promotion Center of the Perama Cave

Tree trunk fossil from a conifer tree found in Kassandra, Halkidiki

Skull model of ursus spelaeus | Information & Promotion Center of the Perama Cave

Skull model of the ursus spelaeus found at the Perama Cave

Bone fossils & speleothems (cave formations) | Information & Promotion Center of the Perama Cave

From left to right: swine bone covered with stalagmite deposits, bird bone covered with stalagmite deposits, drapery speleothem, longitudinal section of a stalactite, transverse section of a stalactite, straw (baby stalactite) speleothem.

You can head on over to the Perama Cave’s official website to marvel at photos of the cave interior. In case you’ve missed them, don’t forget to check out Part 1 & Part 2 of this series and stay tuned for the next route to Metsovo.


Γιάννενα: πού να πας – τι να δεις (μέρος 2ο)
Το Σπήλαιο Περάματος

Η αναζήτησή μας για το επόμενο σημείο ενδιαφέροντος στα Ιωάννινα μας έβγαλε λίγα χιλιόμετρα έξω από το κέντρο της πόλης, σ’ ένα μικρό λόφο με το όνομα Γκορίτσα, με θέα προς την Παμβώτιδα, στην περιοχή του Περάματος.

Το σπήλαιο έχει τρία προσβάσιμα επίπεδα και σύμφωνα με τον σπηλαιολόγο Ιωάννη Πετρόχειλο αποτελεί τμήμα κοίτης υπόγειου ποταμού, που δημιουργήθηκε κατά την τεταρτογενή παγετωνική περίοδο (τρέχουσα και πιο πρόσφατη από τις τρεις περιόδους του καινοζωικού γεωλογικού αιώνα), ηλικίας 1.500.000 χρόνων περίπου.

Οι ηλικιωμένοι κάτοικοι του Περάματος ισχυρίζονται ότι η είσοδος στο σπήλαιο ήταν γνωστή πριν από το 1900, αλλά ο τοπικός μπέης είχε διατάξει να κλείσει το 1907 για λόγους ασφαλείας. Στη συνέχεια το σπήλαιο ξεχάστηκε μέχρι τον Β’ Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο, όταν οι χωρικοί αναζήτησαν καταφύγιο στην κοιλότητα της εισόδου του στο λόφο της Γκορίτσας, στην προσπάθειά τους να προστατευθούν από τις αεροπορικές επιδρομές. Δεδομένου ότι κάποιος έπρεπε να συρθεί για 100 περίπου μέτρα μέχρι να φτάσει τους υπόγειους θαλάμους, το εσωτερικό του σπηλαίου παρέμεινε απροσπέλαστο μέχρι το 1951, όταν ο γνωστός γεωλόγος-σπηλαιολόγος Ιωάννης Πετρόχειλος που περνούσε από την περιοχή, άκουσε τυχαία για την ύπαρξή του και αποφάσισε να το εξερευνήσει.

Η αποστολή του Πετροχείλου πραγματοποιήθηκε από το 1953 έως το 1956, διάστημα κατά το οποίο ανακαλύφθηκαν νέα τμήματα της σπηλιάς. Η διαδρομή που είναι πλέον προσβάσιμη στους επισκέπτες έχει μήκος 1.100 μέτρα και διανύει συνολική έκταση 14.800 τετραγωνικών μέτρων. Η υψομετρική διαφορά από την είσοδο στην έξοδο –μέσω μεγάλων διαδρόμων και εκτεταμένων θαλάμων– είναι 25 μέτρα. Η θερμοκρασία του αέρα είναι 18 °C και η θερμοκρασία του νερού που λιμνάζει σε αρκετά σημεία, είναι 14 °C. Τα επίπεδα υγρασίας βρίσκονται στο 100% όλο το χρόνο.

Η βιοσπηλαιολογική μελέτη που διεξήχθη από τον Σουηδό καθηγητή Κ. Λίντμπεργκ βρήκε έντομα των ακόλουθων ομοταξιών και συνομοταξιών:

Διπλόποδα/Χιλιόποδα
Αραχνίδια
Νηματώδη
Κωπήποδα
Ισόποδα
Αμφίποδα

Ένα νέο είδος δολιχόποδων (γρύλοι των σπηλαίων) ανακαλύφθηκε επίσης από το Γάλλο βιοσπηλαιολόγο Π. A. Σαπουί, ο οποίος τους έδωσε την ονομασία “Dolichopoda petrochilosi” προς τιμήν του Ιωάννη Πετροχείλου.

Το σπήλαιο Περάματος ήταν επίσης το σπίτι της Ursus spelaeus, του είδους της αρκούδας που ζούσε στην Ευρώπη και την Ασία κατά τη διάρκεια του Πλειστόκαινου και εξαφανίστηκε περίπου 24.000 χρόνια πριν. Απολίθωμα δοντιού του είδους βρέθηκε για πρώτη φορά στην Ελλάδα από τον Πετρόχειλο το 1956 – καθώς και περισσότερα θραύσματα οστών, αργότερα. Μία πιο πρόσφατη μελέτη, που διεξήχθη το 1992-93 από τους Έλληνες καθηγητές Π. Παυλάκη, Α. Φιστανή και Ν. Συμεωνίδη, αποκάλυψε επίσης οστά κόκκινων αλεπούδων (Vulpes vulpes) και αλπικών αγριοκάτσικων (Alpine ibex).

Λίγα μόλις μέτρα από το σπήλαιο, απέναντι από το χώρο στάθμευσης στο λιμάνι, θα βρείτε και το Κέντρο Προβολής Άννας Πετροχείλου. Το κέντρο διαθέτει ποικιλία παλαιοντολογικών ευρημάτων από το Σπήλαιο Περάματος καθώς και από άλλες τοποθεσίες ανά την Ελλάδα. Υπάρχει επίσης μια μικρή αίθουσα προβολής όπου μπορείτε να παρακολουθήσετε το ντοκιμαντέρ «Ο Κόσμος των Σπηλαίων», του Τμήματος Παλαιοντολογίας & Σπηλαιολογίας του Υπουργείου Πολιτισμού, με πολύτιμες πληροφορίες για τα είδη και το σχηματισμό των σπηλαίων, για την πανίδα τους, για τα παλαιοντολογικά και αρχαιολογικά ευρήματα και για το πώς ο άνθρωπος συνδέεται με τη σπηλιά μέσα στους αιώνες της εξέλιξης.

Περισσότερες πληροφορίες και φωτογραφίες από το εσωτερικό –που ο απλός επισκέπτης δεν επιτρέπεται να τραβήξει– θα βρείτε στην επίσημη ιστοσελίδα του σπηλαίου.

*images by Athina D. Pantazatou for Kicking Back the Pebbles

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About Me

A stalwart bookworm ever since I can remember myself. I studied English & American Literature and became an EFL/ESOL Teacher. I successfully(!) combined teaching and working as an executive secretary, in a big advertising company and a law firm, for several years. I'm a freelance writer, line editor, and blogger as of lately. Also, a bit ironic by nature but, all in all, quite easy-going. Partner to 1 & mother to 2 cats. I once tried to give up coffee and then swore to never make that mistake again... Read More…

kickingbackthepebbles

If there was ever a time for a black-themed Christ If there was ever a time for a black-themed Christmas tree, I say 2020 is it! 🎄🎄🎄
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I've listed my items, in case you're interested @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). For the items specific to the Greek market, I've listed similar on Amazon and Amazon.co.uk (some are affiliate links).
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P.S.: I realize as I'm posting this that several online shops are swamped with orders during lockdowns and have decided to go on a brief halt. Also, keep in mind that all shipments are susceptible to delays due to Covid-19 restrictions. My post is only meant to inspire you and not to overwhelm you in any way. If you like the look and wish to go for it, you can totally DIY it—or do something similar—with whatever materials you have at hand. To recreate these particular baubles, use matte black spray-paint and give your old ones a coat or two. Use a small paintbrush and mod-podge to draw snowflakes (or any other shape you 🖤), sprinkle with gold glitter, and voilà! Things should get better. Be patient, keep your chin up, and get creative—it helps battle the blues. 
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #christmas #christmas2020🎄🎅🎁#christmastime #christmasiscoming #christmas2020notcancelled #christmasdecor #tistheseason #christmasmood #holidays #festive #seasonsgreetings #christmasshopping #happyholidays #christmascheer #photooftheday #instagood #christmasvibes #countdowntochristmas #countdown #joy #noel #holidayseason #christmassy  #christmas2020doesnthavetosuck #christmas2020loading #lockdownchristmasspecial #lockdownchristmas2020
Final day (7) of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Supe Final day (7) of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. What a marvelous week this has been! 
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I've kept you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below and today is no exception. Copy & paste the link below to Krystina's final weekly post where you can find a roundup of the entire Superfood Week and today's recipe by Foodie and Wine Lover—a direct link will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I did. Thanks for following along! 😊
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Pear & Blue Cheese Salad 🥗 by @foodieandwinelover @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/15/november-superfood-week-day-7/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Foodie and Wine Lover @ https://foodiewinelover.com
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Day 6 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 6 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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I'm keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). Dig in!
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Roasted Pumpkin With Pomegranate and Cream of Feta 🥘 by @eatyourselfgreek @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/14/november-superfood-week-day-6/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire @kouzounaskitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Eat Yourself Greek @ https://eatyourselfgreek.com
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #eatyourselfgreek  #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 5 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 5 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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I'm keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). Dig in!
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Roasted Delicata Squash With Arugula and Aronia Berries 🥗  by Sweet Greek  @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/13/november-superfood-week-day-5/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire @kouzounaskitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Sweet Greek @ https://mysweetgreek.com/blog/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #xtinaxenos #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 4 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 4 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week, featuring yours truly! (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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The recipes are also available on my site, but due to a broken recipe plugin and a chronic procrastinator—yep, referring to me again—they're all messed up and nowhere near shearability. If you do insist on jumping over, you may proceed at your own risk. 😅 For the time being, here's where it's safest:
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Roasted Carrot Saffron Soup & Coriander Chickpea Soup 𝑝𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑖 @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/12/november-superfood-week-day-4/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 3 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 3 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week—take a peek at my post from two days ago for more deets! 
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You can find the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Carrot, Ginger, and Apple Smoothie🧋& Beet Soup 🥣 by @kouzounaskitchen @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/11/november-superfood-week-day-3/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 2 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 2 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week—take a peek at my previous post for more deets! 
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I'll be keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Fasolada, Greek White Bean Soup 🥣 & Briam, Greek Style Mixed Oven-Roasted Vegetables 🥘 by Cook Like a Greek @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/10/november-superfood-week-day-2/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳👩🏻‍🍳 Cook Like a Greek @ https://cooklikeagreekblog.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #cooklikeagreek #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
When it comes to superfood antics, some like kale, When it comes to superfood antics, some like kale, pomegranate, green or matcha teas, nuts, and berries, usually get all of the glory. And yet, more research is uncovering the age-defying, disease-fighting, fat-blasting super-powers of commoner foods you've been likely overlooking. Leeks, carrots, beets, chickpeas, beans, squash, pears (to name but a few) are cheap, quick to prep, unexpectedly tasty, and most are probably already in your kitchen. To make it even easier for you to tap into their head-to-toe benefits, @kouzounaskitchen is hosting a superfood week get-together of foodies (myself included), featuring recipes packed with a wide array of the aforementioned age-erasers! 
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I'll be keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Mediterranean Roasted-Chickpea Salad 🥗 & Leek, Vegetable & Feta Cheese Puff Pastry Pie 🥧 by Foodzesty @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/09/november-superfood-week/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Foodzesty @ https://foodzesty.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #foodzesty #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
— Lucy Maud Montgomery, 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝐺𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠
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 🍂🌰🍄 I'm slowly falling into autumn even though Attica's warm weather doesn't really agree. One of my favorite web and graphic design sites @designerblogs is helping set the mood instead. I've been using their blog planner for years—it's one of the best you'll find out there. Its pages will help you brainstorm post ideas, draft your weekly uploads, set monthly and yearly goals, track monthly and yearly and stats, track affiliate links, social media advertising and posts, newsletter campaigns, finances, usernames & passwords, giveaways—you name it! I'll leave the links for both their classic design and this year's limited edition blush-color planners below (copy & paste on desktop), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). 
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Aaand don't forget to grab your own monthly quote and matching wallpaper for desktop, phone, and tablet from their FREEBIES section and get your boo-game on with their spooktacular Halloween resources (also linked)! 🎃👻
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➡️➡️ Designer Blogs resources:
2021 Blog Planner (2 colors, 4 sizes) @ https://www.designerblogs.com/2021-blog-planner/
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2021 Life Planner (2 colors, 4 sizes) @ https://www.designerblogs.com/2021-my-life-planner/
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Free October wallpaper @ https://www.designerblogs.com/free-october-wallpaper-2020/
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Halloween freebies @ https://www.designerblogs.com/category/seasonal/halloween/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #bloggerlife #organizingblog #travelblog #foodblog #dreamingoftraveling #wanderlust #keepinitreal #quarantinelife #itsfallyal #fallcolors #pumpkinseason #verilymoment  #aquietstyle #momentsofmine #planneraddict #plannernerd #plannerlover #plannergeek #plannerlife #designstudio  #planners #anneofgreengablesquote #anneofgreengables #lucymaudmontgomery
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