Made ~ Marie Antoinette Bookmark

I'm participating in a bookmark swap over at Little Messy Missy.  After reading The Other Boleyn Girl, my passion for history was renewed so I was inspired.  I decided to create a bookmark in honor of Marie Antoinette.  I used some flocked paper that was made in India, some scrapbooking paper and images from Narry and The Graphics Fairy.  Here is the end result.  Tres chic, don't you think?

 

Reading

Since I met my husband I haven't read as much as I used to.  And after I had my son, I have read even less.  Unless it is a celebrity gossip magazine, the length of USA Today article, a blog post or work related document, I haven't read it.  That's sad because I used to read book after book after book.  At one time, I had even made a list of all the books I had read.  The list was 250+ books long.  (The exception to the rule of not reading much as of late has been the Twilight series.  I don't know of anyone that has resisted that series.)

Because I haven't been reading as much, I'm a little behind on reading best sellers and such.  On vacation last week I completed The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory.  The book was definitely a page turner.  I loved the opulence and the intrigue.  It reminded me of the books I used to read as a young tween/teen.  At that age, I enjoyed reading novels based on historical characters, mainly women like Catherine the Great, Cleopatra, Clara Barton, etc. I often wondered what life would be like during those times.  If you could be any famous woman in history, who would it be and why?

I'm hooked on Ms. Gregory's storytelling.  I picked up The Boleyn Inheritance yesterday at our local bookseller and have already read 100+ pages.  I can't wait to pick up where I left off. 

 

Announcing...

The winner of the CSN giveaway is Cheryl W. Congratulations to Cheryl on winning the $40 gift certificate.  (Cheryl, check your e-mail for details.)  Have fun shopping! 


Thanks so much to all of you that entered.  I would also like to extend a BIG thank you to CSN for sponsoring my very first giveaway here at Maid Marian Made.  Because this giveaway was so much fun, stay tuned for a new giveaway in the near future.

 

My First Petite Inspiration Box Swap

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back view

I participated in my first petite inspiration box swap at Speckled Egg.  The theme was "Paris" or anything vintage/Paris inspired.  I had so much fun creating the box with images from The Graphics Fairy, paper and ribbon from Hobby Lobby and some Mod Podge.  Now, I am hooked.  I've made three other boxes since then.  Mr. MMM probably thinks I've gone overboard.  Oh well!  The creative bug has been dormant for some time and is now awake.  Watch out!

Anyway, I was paired up with two lovely ladies who sent me some really great boxes in return.  Here are pics of their creations. 

From Little Messy Missy

From Cee Kay

You both did a fabulous job.  I can't wait to put your supplies to use.  Thanks, ladies!

A Maid Marian Made Migration ~ Target

Located in downtown Minneapolis is the flagship Target store.  This is a mecca for all you Target lovers like moi.  It is two stories tall and has an escalator that not only carries you between floors but also your shopping cart.  How cool!  I spent about two hours browsing.  Seriously.  I found an adorable dress and this beautiful Liberty of London reusable tote bag.

I love how the bag folds up neatly so that you can carry it in your purse.  The bag was only $1.99!  Tres cute!!! I bought several to use as gift bags for birthdays, baby showers, etc.  Thanks to The Pink Chick for the idea.

I've Run Away

I've run away to the beach with my family for the week.  I will be back with all new posts when I return.  In the meantime, I have a few posts that are scheduled to keep you occupied while I am gone.  Enjoy!

My First Giveaway: CSN Stores

I'm thrilled to announce that I am hosting my first giveaway here on Maid Marian Made.  I was approached by CSN Stores to give away a $40 gift certificate that can be used at any of their over 200 stores.  Warning:  Be prepared to spend HOURS perusing their online mall.  I can attest that I did!

CSN stores carries a variety of products anything and everything from lighting to toddler beds to shoes and so much more. The prize is a $40 promotional code to use at any of the CSN Stores.

To enter just comment on this post by midnight (EST) Monday, July 12th. Become a follower of Maid Marian Made for an additional entry.  For an extra entry, mention a product you can't live without that you found on one the CSN store websites. If that wasn't enough, tweet or blog about this giveaway and get another entry. Please make sure to let me know about your extra entries.  I won't know unless you tell me.

Legalese: CSN Stores is not compensating me in any way to host this giveaway. Only the winner of the giveaway will receive goods courtesy of CSN Stores.