Back for the new year

You might have noticed that this blog hasn't been updated in several months. I debated whether or not I should continue with the hiatus or just stop blogging altogether. I've decided, though, to come back to it. Since my last post I have visited Paris for the first time! Visiting that beautiful city was one of the best experiences I've ever had so far, and I look forward to visit again soon. My trip also included a visit to Versailles, which was really one of the highlights for me...it was fascinating to actually "be there" and see everything for yourself. I came back with a few souvenirs: two 18th-century fashion plates postcards, which I will post later because I plan to use them as decoration in some way, and some apple candies...the package said they were made from apples in the King's Garden, and they were delicious! I highly recommend buying these from the souvenir shop there if you ever visit.
That aside, my point of this post is to basically get back into this blog, updating it with anything and everything Marie Antoinette-related! I'm always up for new ideas, so any comments/suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog are welcome!

-R*

An entrance fit for a queen

I am amazed at what people can do when it comes to restoring historical places and objects. Just take a look at the photo on the left, of the recently restored Royal Gate at Versailles. I must say it looks pretty magnificent. It is now located in the Palace courtyard for all to see as they enter. The project to restore the gate, which disappeared during the French Revolution, began two years ago and was finally completed in July of this year. The entire project(or feat I should say) cost 9 million Euros to complete, or almost 13 million USD! There are other restoration projects that have been happening at the Palace--you can find out more about them at the official Chateau de Versailles website.

-R*

Hats hats & more hats

While recently browsing on Etsy, I stumbled upon Marie Antoinette-inspired hats! They are absolutely gorgeous, take a look for yourself:
Click! <--This hat is my favourite, it's called the "Lady Lyndon".

I also discovered this amazing hat, it looks like a recreation of Marie Antoinette's famous hair design of a ship!

Here is another hat I liked by the same designer as the one above, Topsy Turvy Design.

I'm amazed at what people can create....

-R*

Perfect for that 18th-century glow

Awhile ago I was surfing around the web, looking at different kinds of lighting, and somehow came across these sweet candle holders. I'll admit I have a fascination with all kinds of decorative lighting, and candles are no exception. And yet again, here is something with the fleur-de-lis. If you look at my past blog posts you'll also see plenty of other fleur-de-lis related objects. These are made of glass and covered in rice paper, and they're available in multiple colours. However, my favourites are the pink and blue ones. These would look great if several of them were lined up on a dining room table or a mantel, casting a beautiful light!

-R*

My 1st Pink Saturday!

I came across the idea of Pink Saturday last week and decided to join in. So today marks my first post for Pink Saturday, where I share something pink! This week I am sharing this teacup and saucer in my dining room (hopefully the picture is not too fuzzy, it's difficult taking pictures without flash! You can enlarge the picture for a better view). It's not completely pink, but I think the pink flowers and trim on it is what makes it so sweet. I had never noticed before, but when I looked on the bottom I discovered it was made by Shelley China, in England.
I think teacups are so much fun to look at, and they're great to collect and decorate with!

I'm looking forward to my next Pink Saturday...

-R*

-R*

Let them eat cake...on these plates!

I found these while doing some online window shopping, and think they are just too cute. Aren't they unique? Each of these cakeplates showcases Marie Antoinette in a different outfit, with the name of one of her homes next to it. You can buy the set of 4 for $39.99 at Decorative Dishes. While you're there, check out some of the other "Rosanna" designs, they're really fun to look at!

-R*

Diamonds vs. Pearls

Since it's been so long since I updated my weekly poll, I had a grand total of 50 votes!
Question: Which do you prefer in jewelry?
Diamonds: 31
Pearls: 11
Something more colorful like emeralds, rubies, etc: 8

So, the answer must be that diamonds really are a girl's best friend!
Check back soon for a new weekly poll!

-R*