Buttons & Bows

Hello Everybody,

Here is something I could not resist. I found this soap mold and knew I had to have it. This is not the greatest photo, but I wanted to share my newest bar of soap. The buttons are colored with mica. I love using mica; it adds subtle color and shimmer.

This bar is in blue, but rest asured, a pink one is soon to follow. All I need now are some bows.

Meet Adele and Francoise

Hello Everyone,

I just could not resist these. They were created by Caroline of caroleecrafts.com I carelessly erased the original set of pictures I took. They were beautifully wrapped. I thought I had downloaded them, but apparently, I did not. Fortunately I still had the card. I just love the way it opens. Also included in Caroline's package was a lovely lace sachet full of lavender, one of my favorites. As pretty as they look in the picture, Adele and Francoise are even lovlier in person.

Thanks again Caroline. By the way Caroline is in the UK, but her package arrived very quickly. I have had to wait much longer for packages from places like Arkansas. The cost of postage was also very reasonable. Caroline has many beautiful hand made items on her site. You can visit her at www.caroleecrafts.com

Marie

Petite Bookstore & Drawing

Hello Everybody,

Yesterday I received an order from The Petite Bookstore. I ordered two books last week, and Tedi's presentation was beautiful. In addition to the books, there was a bookmark made from a giant paperclip embellished with ribbons. So simple yet, very elegant. Then there was a lovely tag with a gold crown on it, also perfect for a bookmark. Finally, there was a beautiful journal. These were all gifts! The journal even had ribbon tags on it, so there are sections for different topics. I was so thrilled with the gifts that I almost forgot about the books I ordered! So I want to thank Tedi for everything and encourage you all to visit her at The Petite Bookstore. You' ll love her selection and receiving your order will be like receiving a very special present. For some reason, my links are not working. Tedi's site is www.petitebookstoe.com. Maybe that will show.

And now for the winner of last week's giveaway. I used the random number generator to pick the winner. The winner is Carol. Thanks to everyone who participated.

I survived Mardi Gras

Hello Everybody,

This is not me.

I survived Mardi Gras. It was such fun. I really love New Orleans. The people are so friendly and the food was fantastic. And of course Mardi Gras itself was unforgettable. They sure know how to throw a party. I lost most of my pictures, but I did salvage a few. I would like to share one that I call Bachelor Number Three. He was quite charming. I never did get his name. He seemed annoyed though that I did not get his entire costume. He was wearing a kilt, but that picture is blurry, so this one will have to do.

I just loved the parades, especially Zulu, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary. I liked Zulu because their costumes reminded me of the Mummers parade in my hometown of Philadelphia. The Mummers parade is held on New Year's Day, and like Mardi Gras, the tradition goes way back. Below is a photo of the Krewe of Zulu, but they look just like Mummers. I always said Macy's has nothing on the Mummers. Well, they don't have anything on Mardi Gras either. I mean look at all those feathers and sequins. What's a girl to do!

My friend and I tried lots of restaurants including Antoine's, Deenies, The Court of Two Sisters, The Palace Cafe, and a few I can't remember. I tried oysters and lots of other seafood wherever we went. So I got inspired to have a giveaway of my Bombshell Soap. Just leave a comment. I will draw a winner in about one week using the random number site.