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MARCH 2011  Celebrate Mardi Gras

 

Mardi Gras is one of the worlds most celebrated carnival & parades.  The festivities start March 5th-8th in New Orleans.  Disney World has a Mardi Gras celebration for the family and if you can't travel just decorate & throw your own party!  The colors are vibrant purple, gold, and green.  Those official colors were assigned in 1872 here is what they represent.  Purple: Justice - Green: Faith - Gold: Power.  If you are not in costume you should wear these colors in New Orleans.  Grand Balls, Costume parties , parades and lavish decorating fills the month of March in honor of Mardi Gras.  History tracks it down in Europe in the middle ages while French-Canadian explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, landed on a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans in 1699 and called it "Pointe due Mardi Gras." He also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated the very first Mardi Gras. In 1875, Governor Warmoth of Louisiana signs the "Mardi Gras Act" making it a legal holiday in Louisiana

 

Sweetopia is a wonderful site filled with goodies for every occasion!  Look at what she came up with !        Please click here to visit this yummy site!      The idea is from p. 26 of Peggy Porschen’s book Beautiful Cakes

 

 

Step 2: Fill in or flood your cookie using the same piping tip.

Step 3: Fold a small piece of parchment in half so that there’s a crease in it.  Open it up and lay your cookie on the parchment. Sprinkle disco dust onto the wet icing.

Step 4: Shake excess disco dust from cookie onto parchment.  Lift parchment and pour extra disco dust into container.  (Try and make less mess than I did! Lol.  The crease helps funnel the disco dust, but it’s hard to take a picture at the same time!)

Step 5: Brush disco dust off the outer edge of the cookie with a soft bristle paintbrush. (Preferably when the cookie is dry so as to not poke the wet icing with your paintbrush).

Step 6: Pipe dots (size and position your preference) using a #1 piping tip and clear piping gel.

Step 7: Using tweezers, place tiny dragées around the piping gel.

That’s it!

(Another tutorial on how to use disco dust HERE and HERE).

MARDI GRAS KING CAKES  History behind the King Cake...

As part of our Christian faith, the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ Child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas.  The baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings called "A King's Cake." Inside every cake is a tiny baby (generally plastic now, but sometimes this baby might be made of porcelain or even gold). the person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party. 

  

February 2011       A MONTH FULL OF LOVE!

Love letters from Yesterday...

Tis the season to show your love!  Roses speak loud and clear in decorating your home and giving them to those you love.  There's something special about getting roses at work. You feel like a Queen for the day. It's ok to send them to your King too!Sent them to your Mom, your daughter, your son, anyone in your life!  Here are some of my favorite Rose Artist!

http://www.gailmccormack.com/

 

                           

Kimberly Ryan is one of the most Romantic Artist in the USA!  Her roses and little blue birds will steal your heart

but look at this incredibly romantic work of art,Called "Prom Queen In Pink" she designed!  

                                           

Its is absolutely dreamy with roses.  The pinks, lace, ruffles and vintage lace trim!  This has been a labor of love with her beautiful gown and other hand made accessories. Vintage pink scrolls Brocade with the design a bit raised, its so beautiful is a pretty vintage pink. Her dress is lined with a corset style look. She made a beautiful Corsage pin which is removable also. Her fluffy ruffle choker is also removable. Vintage lace, vintage millinery roses. Her own petticoat . The form itself is vintage with the vintage stand painted pale pink. Her lace Gown is spectacular. I love this form because you can change her outfits, isnt that what they are for ! Especially if you collect vintage dresses and gowns you would have a ball dressing her with one of your collections. 

                                                     

The dress measurments are 34 bust -29 waist basicly large with a side zipper perfectly fine to borrow I'm sure she wouldnt mind :) She stands 47 inches tall the pole comes off easy with a twist of the turn key which is iron. You can even display her torso on a table or shelf if you choose. The stand is made of solid wood as well the top plug  

                                                 

                                               

Click here to Visit The remarkably romantic art of Kimberly Ryan         http://www.shabbyrosestudio.com

Valentine's day traditions fill homes with romance!  Don't forget to send your valentine cards out!  Here are some vintage valentine's that will warm your heart!  Vintage valentine cards are highly collectibe!  I have some antique valentine's day cards with lace on them and gold pins and hankies attached to the cards!  They are precious and beautiful!

JANUARY 2011   NEW YEAR - NEW TRADITIONS!

January is the perfect time to start Traditions and one of my favorites, is a "FAMILY TREE" and a Family Wall.  It makes a House a Home.  It adds Memories, Love and thoughtfullness & if done right it's beautiful decor!  My Daughter has a Huge "R" for her last name in the middle of her hallway wall surrounded by Family photos.  It is her Family Tree.  She has it organized with each part of our Family and her Father's Family.  It's truly inspirational to see!  Everyone loves to go to her wall and so many are surprised to see their photos! Find a Special place for your Family photos and start your story today!   Here are some Fantastic Family Tree/Photo ideas! 

Shabby Chic, Elegant, Traditional, Country or Modern, you can decorate with family photos.

There are all kinds of decorative Wall Decals to accent your Family Wall!                                                                           Amazon has the best deals most are under $20    www.Amazon.com
 

These are easy to apply vinyl decals that look great on a wall with a quote & then add your photos to make your own Family Tree by adding framed photos or below are Family Tree Templates that you can order or download free to make your own Family Tree Photo.

Family Tree Charts come in several designs to fit your decor.

http://kids.familytreemagazine.com/kids/FamilyTreeForm.asp          

http://www.chathamhillgames.com/genealogy.php     $7.95

http://kids.familytreemagazine.com/kids/FamilyTreeForm.asp         

http://www.obituarieshelp.org/free_printable_blank_family_tree.html

FREE  DOWNLOAD THIS:   "THE BASICS OF TRACING FAMILY GENEALOGY"
http://www.obituarieshelp.org/free_printable_blank_family_tree.html
 Download and print blank family tree templates to fill in your familie's names and information.