CREATIONS BY MARIE ANTOINETTE & EDIE MARIE

Welcome to our Team Blog! Marie Antoinette & Edie Marie have joined together to create a fun place to share our ideas and lives with all of you. We know that our teaming up has been confusing for some of you and we apologize. We will refer to ourselves as Marie Antoinette (the Doll Creator & maker of fabulous items) who lives in Peacock Paradise and Edie Marie (the creator of the posts and story telling on this blog & amateur crafter of many things in my "attic") who lives on Golden Pond. What great fun we have combining our forces!!

Thank you for stopping by to see what's happening in our studios in Peacock Paradise and on Golden Pond!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

I's Mardi Gras Time! Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!!!

A Happy Mardi Gras to one and all!!! My beautiful daughter Alexia and I invite you all to our Mardi Gras celebration post. Her And I are in this together...LOL...Of course she is in all my post one way or another. We will have lots of info and lots of pictures. And a couple of Acknowledgements. SO!!! Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!!! That means: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!

America's first Mardi Gras (found on MardiGras.com, this is only an exerpt)

"The explorers eventually found the mouth of the Mississippi River on March 3, 1699, Mardi Gras of that year.
They made camp a few miles upriver, named the spot Point d'Mardi Gras and partook in a spontaneous party. This is often referred to as North America's first Mardi Gras.
A couple of decades later, Bienville founded New Orleans and soon Carnival celebrations were an annual event highlighted by lavish balls and masked spectacles. Some were small, private parties with select guest lists, while others were raucous, public affairs.
Collectively, they reflected such a propensity for frolic in the local citizenry that historian Robert Tallant wrote in his book "Mardi Gras" that "natives would step over a corpse on the way to a ball or the opera and think nothing of it."
Parades officially began in 1838.
On Ash Wednesday of that year, The Commercial Bulletin read: "The European custom of celebrating the last day of the Carnival by a procession of masqued figures through the streets was introduced here yesterday. "

Mardi Gras was a LOT different when I was a kid growing up in New Orleans- it was a family event. Here's some footage we found on youtube (this is not my footage- I do have some but it has to be converted to digital yet!) that gives a better idea of what it was once like:




Here are a few of my personal pictures from Mardi Gras past- from late 1970's or early 80's, and then there's one from the Mardi Gras before Katrina.

On the above picture, I am standing below the balcony of Patout's on the 500th block of Bourbon Street, across from the world-famous Chris Owens strip club. We had rented the balcony, and my husband took the picture of me down on the street from up there.

Here's a Mardi Gras ball doll I made a few years ago:


And here is a Mardi Gras tree I made last year:

I want to make a couple of acknowledgements- first to Tracie of My Petite Maison:
I want to show you some thing I won from her blog, and she went above and beyond with what she gave! This gorgeous bottle she made specifically for me; also, the Paris picture book and the Porch magazine (which Tracie has some lovely things in, btw) were both wonderful. The tags and antique papers were also just fab- and the whole package smelled divine, what with the real lavener buds in there. Thank You so much Tracie!

Last but not least, look at these gorgeous and sweet smelling handmade soaps i bought from Savon Marie: They were simply the best smelling soaps and so very pretty! I know I won't be able to use them, just to smell and look at! You simply must go and check her out, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks everyone! - Marie Antionette

83 comments:

  1. Oh, look at that darling Mardi Gras TREE!!!! and that lovely Mardi Gras doll! I love them! Congratulations on winning Tracie's giveaway! She's such a dear talented gal! How lucky for you!!!! Enjoy your yummy soaps and enjoy the upcoming mardi grap festival. Thanks for sharing the old photos from Mardi Gras of the past! :)

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  2. I would love to make it there one of these years....it looks like so much fun!!!
    Glad you enjoyed yourself!!

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  3. Happy Mardi Gras Marie A!!
    Mardi gras is magic! J'adore!!
    We are getting ready for a jazz brunch next Sunday. There are three parades here in Jefferson! I'm cookin' up my costume, what about you??

    xox
    Constance

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  4. The pictures of you are so darn cute!! Have a happy Mardi Gras celebration! Also, I love,love, love your creations!!!
    hugs,
    Sherry

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  5. Have a Happy Mardi Gras!

    I would love to be there in all the excitement and fun. Maybe one year I'll be able to make it.

    Congrats on your winnings.

    Kris

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  6. Hello sweet lady! Thank you so much for your lovely posts on my blog. What a delight to have your visits and kind wishes.

    I would also like to give you a big virtual hug and kiss for the Valentine goodies. WOW! What an unexpected treat!

    Cant' wait to see more on Mardi Gras! I have never actually been but maybe one day. I have only ever visited New Orleans once, in the early 90's and I loved it! Maybe the next time I go I can see more of it since I was by myself the first time and didn't want to venture too far.

    Have a fabulously magical and creative day my dear.

    xoxo
    ~Kellie

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  7. Thank you daaaaling! They have been tucked away and i thought ya know someone needs them , they are too nice to just stay here unused. If they dont sell on my blog then i will just put them on my website. Hope you are doing great!!!!! I gotta get up and get to doing something productive today... haha havent had quite enough coffee yet though... lave ya!
    suzanne

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  8. Hi Sweet Friend, Loved reading about the first and history of Mardi Gras. You look so cute in the pics.
    Your doll and tree are gorgeous. WOW you are such a talent.

    Congrats on winning the giveaway from Tracie. What wonderful treasures from her and her talented hands.
    The soaps sound divine.
    Being so close to N.Orl. I hope to visit one day. DH has been for work and he enjoyed it.

    Happy Mardi Gras Sweetie
    Thanks for stopping by.
    See you again soon.
    Hellos to your Daughter too. She always helps you make such a fantastic post.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  9. Happy Mardi Gras Marie....

    maybe you'll try one of the martini glass dolls.... I'll be looking for that.....

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  10. Hi Celetsina,My daughter is a treasure.Thanks for stoping by Hon.Hugs Marie

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  11. Hi Marie,
    All the Mardi Gras photos are darling, you're having such a blast in each one. I would love to come see the celebration some time (my hubby's been, but I haven't - drats, hopefully soon). Your post is precious, thank you for mentioning the little bottle I made just for You! The soaps you've shown are beautiful. I've always wanted to visit New Orleans to visit the cemeteries, so you'll have to tell us all about them some time. Your daughter did a beautiful job on your banner, I love it!
    xoxo~Tracie

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  12. Happy Mardi Gras to you too Toni!
    You have darling photos again! You and that Frankenstein kind of person (I'm not good in names of those scarry movie types) it's just too good to be true. As your dolls! Have fun and spoil us again with photos!

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  13. Well, Happy Mardi Gras to you too!!
    Congrats on your win!
    Loved the photos!
    Rosemary

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  14. Happy Mardi Gras Marie Antointette.
    I enjoyed reading about the History
    and seeing your wonderful photos - loved them.

    Also congratulations on winning
    Tracie's giveaway ~ aren't you the lucky Gal! I love everything, the little bottle and soaps.

    Your dolls and tree are beautiful

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  15. Honey I had no idea that Mardi Gras went back that far into the 1800's. Thanks for the history lesson. You look like you are having the time of your life in all of these photos. Let the good times roll!

    I followed the link...that amethyst soap is so divine looking, and I can imagine its wonderful yummy scent.....I'm crazy about lovely smelling soaps too, but I can't resist using them up and then I'm sorry they're gone!

    Enjoy the Mardi Gras!

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  16. Oh honey, you bring back memories...I'm so old I can remember when they threw doubloons...and Blaine Kern was the king of the float-makers...and Al Hirt playing before some idiot hit him (he was my back-yard neighbor)...my gawd I can't believe I forgot Chris Owens...LOL...man she kept her looks...By the way, you did too, yer as pretty now as in the 70's!!!

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  17. OOOh my gosh...I want to celebrate with you. I have never been to Mardi Gras but I am all for it and I am so happy you can enjoy this wonderful celebration. Love the history your provided. Also I love it when you stop by my blog and leave such sweet remarks. You are a DARLING...I think I will start a list of darlings...OOOH yes and of course you will be there.
    Hugs,
    Pat

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  19. Hello Marie Antoinette! So good to hear from you and see your beautiful smiling face in the photos! Oh you have a rich heritage and environment from which to draw inspiration for your beautiful dolls! Enjoy the festivities and yes, how lucky you are that you will be meeting our dear Sherry! I would love to meet you all someday as well. Blessings to you dear one! Anita

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  20. Hi Marie, I don't think I will ever make it to Mardi Gras so thanks for showing it to me thru your eyes. My son has been though. He had a great time but said once was enough!! That coming from the mouth of a 25 yr. old. Don't you just love your Savon soaps? I order from her too and in fact getting read to order her Pink Sugar Kisses lotion. Yum!!! Have a super great weekend Marie.

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  21. The verdict is still out. They give you a free 14 day trial period. And lets just say, I'm still debating.
    Typepad's features are better suited to me, and yes, the pictures/posts are centered and easier to manipulate. Over all I like Typepads features better. If you're good at figuring out how to maneuver around a site, you would probably like it better. You can pick & choose your layout (1,2,3 column...album features, display, adding on features, etc). The only problem I'm having is adding backgrounds from free blog bkgd. sites~Thats not really as important though, but it would be nice.

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  22. Ohhhhh FUN FUN FUN....I want some beads! =D

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  23. I enjoyed trhe history of Mardi Gras. I learned something new today ! Have a great weeekend my friend.

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  24. Hi Sweet Marie!

    Happy Mardi Gras!! Your post is fabulous!! I love the photos of you, you're so beautiful. It was fun seeing the utube videos of Mardi Gras past. It was so different back then wasn't it? Oh all the things you got are so lovely! I'm almost to my 1yr blogaversary! And you know what that means... a giveaway!

    TOMORROW (Sat) PLEASE CHECK MY POST! YOU WILL BE RECEIVING AN AWARD FROM ME!! IT'S AN AWARD FROM THE HEART.

    BIG HUGS, SHERRY

    PS I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT MAY!! I'VE PACKED MY BAGS 6 TIMES IN MY MIND!

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  25. Love all the great photos! So interesting! Of course I LOVE your pretty doll and now I need to look at the bath products! Thanks for the link!

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  26. Ohhhh so many pretties! How special that you won and got yummy goodies from sweet Tracie! Everything just looks great... and Mardi Gras... ooooh~la~laaaa! I miss living in the South... and I have many fond memories of times spent in New Orleans... haven't been since it was wiped out, but ohhhh it was a breathtaking city, without a doubt... Love the new banner!! I can't locate your email addy, but mine is on my side-bar, and you can reach me via that! Hope all is going well and I'll look forward to hearing from you...
    God bless...

    ~hugs 'n prayers~

    Pearl

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  27. Oh my what a pretty doll - and the tree is just delightful!
    Hope you are feeling better - I finally called the Dr the other day - toooooo sick to even make it there! They called in some antibiotics and I'm feeling better - finally!
    Thank you so much for sharing the pics of Mardi Gras - I've always thought it looks like so much fun and pretty crazy!
    :)Kris

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  28. I've never been to Mardi Gras, but it sure looks like fun. I would LOVE to see all of the wonderful costumes - of course I would need to wear one too! Thanks for sharing!

    Teresa

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  29. Lovely Mardi Gras pix pre-Katrina! I just love this post :) Congrats also on winning those yummy soaps!

    Sandy xo

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  30. You are such a lucky lady my friend, look at all those lovely things you won/received! Very fun! And I lurve the picture of Mardi Gras, so pretty ... and you must be a peanut because you look so tiny next to everyone else, especially Frankenstein! ha ha Have a blessed Sunday!

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  31. cool blog - I so enjoyed checking out what you blogged about.
    YOU are very attractive and creative - killer combination ! Keep inspiring us/me !

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  32. Sorry to hear about your cold. I do hope that you still enjoy the celebration of Mardi Gras, have fun!

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  33. Hi Dear Friend, Love seeing your great post again. Your dolls are a treat to see every time.

    Thanks for stopping by and your kind comments. You will never know how encouraging you are to me and I thank you so much for that.

    Big hugs, Celestina Marie

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  34. I've always said if I didn't live in Texas, Louisiana would be my next pick. Loved this post. I love history and the background info on Mardi Gras was great! Your dolls are just beautiful. What a wonderful talent to possess.
    Debbie

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  35. Marie I just had such a wonderful time searching through your blog! SO much fun! I love your dolls what a wonderful talent. I sew a little but nothing like your beautiful work!
    Thank you for the kind comment on my blog. It made my day:)
    I will definetly be back to see what you have to share.
    XXXX
    Becky

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  36. A Happy Mardi Gras to you! Love the photos!

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  37. How awesome!! I love New Orleans! No other place like it! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the win!
    Happy hauntings, Gail

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  38. i hope you had a good time!!! congrats on your wonderful win from Tracie:)

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  39. Hi Marie,

    THANKS SO MUCH for all the wonderful Mardi Gras goodies. I LOVE everything especially the vintage comic book & CD!

    You are THE BEST!

    Hope you are having a wonderful Mardi Gras!!!

    PS: I posted a shout-out to you on my blog today!

    XOXO

    Chris (-:

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  40. Thank you for welcoming us all to your Mardi Gras.
    I hope you all have a wonderful celebration
    Andrea

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  41. Hi, thank you so much for sharing some history on Mardi Gras and your pictures. My husband and I went there when we first met, it was a blast! I really love the doll that you made! Great work!
    Jamie

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  42. Hello,

    How fun!


    ~ Gabriela ~

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  43. Hi Marie Thank you for the Valentines card a nice surprise!!

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  44. Happy Mardi Gras again!!
    Thank you for the nice complement!!
    I enjoy your visits!!
    Rosemary

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  45. Hi Marie ~ WELL I was glad to give one of my favorite people *TOO* a shout-out!

    Thanks again for all the wonderful goodies and you are the best!

    YES puleez send those read vintage comics my way...love em'!

    Chris (-:

    XOXO

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  46. I have never been to Mardi Gras. I can only imagine how much fun it is. We have the Mummers parade in Phillie, not sure if you have ever heard of that. I have never been to that either. We planned to go one year, and it was canceled due to snow. We never arranged another trip. Your dolls are charming. I want to thank you for all of your concern for me during the past few months. I'm back to blogging now and hope to visit more often.

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  47. Hi Marie Antoinette,
    Thanks for visiting my blog....it is a pleasure to meet you. How lucky that you were born in New Orleans....such a charming city so rich in history. So pretty too...I loved the garden district and riding on the trolly. So neat. We've had the pleasure of vacationing in New Orleans twice and I loved the architecture there and all of the beautiful courtyards. We actually stayed at the Marie Antoinette Hotel in the French Quarters when we visited. How neat is that?! We sure did have lots of fun for in New Orleans....we took our sons when they were youngsters.....to the zoo, aquarium, river boat cruise...oh, we so enjoyed it all. I have never been during Mardi Gras....but I found the history of it so interesting. That is such a beautiful Mardi Gras Tree you made...very creative! Happy Mardi Gras!
    big hug,
    Queenie~

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  48. Love the pictures. You have not changed a bit.

    I thought of you when I saw a new painting of a peacock by my friend Joan....go check it out.. http://crowproductionsbyjoan.blogspot.com/

    hugs~

    Jenny

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  49. Hi Marie,

    How are you? Love the Mardi Gras pictures. What great memories you must have. Your doll is just beautiful! Congratulations on your winnings!
    hugs,
    Carrie

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  50. Hey Marie,
    I hope you feel better soon...I know how you feel girl,...our family has been fighting this cold for a week now and it keeps lingering on and on. I want it to go away...Maybe we're on the tail end of it now....Stay well...
    big hug,
    Queenie~
    Oh I wanted to say that those are beautiful picures of you and your husband....in your Valentine's Post.....you two make such a sweet couple. The years go by too too fast don't they?! My sweetheart and I have been together for 24 years and been married for 18...and we always say that lifetime would never be long enough to spend together.... Smiles.

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  51. Great post and loved seeing the old photos. X

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  52. I love your blog. Thank you for visiting my blog. I paint birds a lot and these peacock characters roam the Denver Zoo. My middle name is Antionette and I lived in New Orleans when I was ages 2 to 4. I am 56. I remember so vividly Mardi Gras from the fifties. I clung to my dad's leg as people dressed as primitives with scary make up would jump over the little kids. I remember people throwing beaded neckless off floats just like that video.

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  53. Mardi Gras - oh what a pity that I didn't go when I was in the U.S.A. That would be so much fun!
    I like your photos. I hope you are feeling much better and that life is good for you these days!

    Smiles, Suzy

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  54. I've never celebrated Mardi Gras. It looks like a ton of fun. I love the photo of you with Frankenstein!!It made me giggle.

    Hugs!
    Nancy

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  55. I LOVE this post!!! You are so cute! How neat to go to Mardi Gras! My hubby and I both have always wanted to :)

    I LOVE Savon Marie soap! The scents are divine!

    Hugs,
    Amy

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  56. We only visited New Orleans once and it was during a very hot June. I loved learning some history of the Mardi Gras. Your personal experiences are facinating. Thanks for sharing.
    Sweetie

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  57. Hi Marie,

    Just loved the Mardi Gras and all the photos.

    Don't you just LOVE LOVE LOVE Savon Marie. She makes the bestest Flip Flop soaps in the summer. AND.... cupcake soaps 2DIE4.

    xo Cath

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  58. Hi There, Thanks for visiting my blog. I lived in Nawlins in the '80's --and love Mardi Gras. Did you see my Mardi Gras blogs--when you were on my blog?

    Your dolls are GORGEOUS... There's a lady I knew in New Orleans who had the House of Broel (bridal shop) on St. Charles Ave. She lived in Picayune I think...

    I'm going to check out your blog more. Hope you check mine out too.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  59. You are so creative, MA! have a great weekend!

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  60. Have a Happy Mardi Gras!
    Loved the photos!
    Very fun!
    Hugs

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  61. Thank all the Mardi Gras info and pics! Every year we receive Mardi Gras cakes from clients in our offices.

    Victoria xx

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  62. I love all of your mardi gras pictures. I'd love to go sometime it looks like so much fun.

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  63. Might have missed the boat to the celebrations but I might say THIS is one HOTT party via your blog Marie!

    Just how cute are you! Those pics are incredible... I can hear the bands playing and if I imagine it hard enuff.. I might be smelling the aromas escaping those restaurants! I'm hungry now!

    xo, me :)

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  64. Just wanted to drop by and say HI! and hope you are feeling better!
    Love ya
    Kris

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  65. You are sooooooo cute! Mardi Gras is fun but the best one is in Brasil!!!! Which ornament did you like? Let me know...xoxox

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  66. hi! thanks for visiting my blog! i love yours- the damask background, parisian things... oh, me like!! you are adorable too, i might add! and mardi gras, how fun that must have been!! don't be a stranger now!!

    noelle ♥

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  67. Well Well,... All I can say about the comment on you and your hubbster is,... YOU GO GIRL!!! in this day of disposable thins and that good on you for gkeeping it real... congrats and many more to come...

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  68. Hello Sweet Marie,

    Hope all is well in your world. Here's sending you fairy wishes for a magical day!

    Cheers! =D
    ~Kellie

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  69. I love the whole essence of the Mardi Gras, I hope to one day get down to New Orleans for a visit during this amazing celebration!

    P.S. I have a surprise parcel for you heading your way next week. SHHHH this is a surprise, LOL! Hope you enjoy!

    XO!
    Lisa!

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  70. P.S. there are some awards on my blog for you too!
    XO!
    Lisa!

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  71. Hello sweet lady! I hope you are well. I see you haven't posted in a while. Take care! Anita

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  72. I have enjoyed learning about Mardi Gras and seeing your very pretty dolls. I am new to the south and hope to get down your way soon. I know there is alot wonderful things to see and experience. Now back to the blog as I want to see more!
    Marcie

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  73. Hi Marie Antoinette~~
    Thanks so much for visiting my blog. Your very sweet comment means so much to me, thank you!
    LOVE your blog!! I have visited New Orleans once, when we first moved to GA. Went there with my hubby on a business trip and we had a BLAST!! Would love to return soon!
    Take care and Hugs to you!
    ~Lynn

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  74. Hello everyone,I'm so sorry I have not posted anything new yet,.I just wanted to let you know that i am reading your wonderful comments.I have been ill now for 6 weeks,I've had no voice for 5 of thoses as Sherry of Eddies Marie's attic can tell you.We talk on the phone.Anyway.I finally did go to the Dr. and now waiting for the results of a chest exray I had at the hospital Saturday morning.Io feel better.I have been creating something very special,but won't reveal it yet.So bare with me until I can get rid of this mess.Love you All Marie Antionette

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  75. Holy Cow girl! You have quite a following! It has been a while since I heard from you and now I know why,hehe! I have added a couple new posts and thought you might like to check them out. I hope you are well and I look forward to hearing from you!
    ~ Nichole

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  76. HI Sweets, Stopping by to say hi. Hope you are doing well. Looking forward to Spring I bet.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  77. Hi Again, Just stopping back by to say hope you feel better soon. It has been going around and hard to shake the awful cough. Well wishes come your way. See you again soon.
    Smiles, Celestina Marie

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  78. so glad that you are enjoying the carnival, don't forget to enter your name in the 7th post for the giveaways!
    XO!
    Lisa!

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  79. Invitation to 'Why I Love Vintage' Blog Contest!
    Please stop by and have fun!
    Wishing you a wonderful weekend~
    Stephanie

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  80. What great photos! I love the one of you and Frankenstein!

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