Make Your Own #Silk

Well, that's what I read on their booth. If you have been to an art show before, you probably seen this type of display. I stopped and observed how this artwork transferred to the fabric. It was cool actually! This is very creative and free hands-on learning for kids too.

This booth is just one of the many interesting art exhibit and display that I find most compelling and fascinating during the #PeterAndersonFestival in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. One scarf which this young lady created for herself is worth $30.

 

It is not about the money right? If the kid enjoys being creative in designing her own scarf, $30 is worth it. I think she is with her grandma.

 

See the fabric display on top? That's the finish product. It is beautiful and yap, each design is different all the time. He asked the young girl what color she likes and he added the chosen colors on the liquid component. One drop each time. The colors spread around it and the girl will play on the color using a straw eventually creating a design. When she's done, the man put the length of the fabric on top of the colors and in second, all the colors will transfer to the fabric making it a scarf with awesome design.

 
Pretty cool huh? Anyway, this is a great business from home to start with right? You do it! Good luck!
 
I tried to look for a signage to advertized this man's business but, didn't see it. Anyway, he probably lives around here in the Gulf coast area. If you see him, please do support his business will you?

Confession Time

We are now living in Mississippi ... for good. The big move happens so fast. I was offline from blogging for so many weeks. The truth? I confess that I did not miss blogging at all. It feels weird. I love blogging and I love sharing anything under the sun. Could this be the moment that my blogging activities cease for good? Only time can tell. In the meantime, here is a #selfie that I took while we were at #GoldenNugget in Biloxi.

At the Women's Bathroom in Golden Nugget in Biloxi ... #selfie time.

 

Bay Bridge in Biloxi

The moment we drove on the Bay Bridge in Biloxi, I realized right then that I missed this place after all. The last time I was here was a year ago. I appreciate the beauty it beholds from sunrise to sunset and ... the beach view was totally glorious. I am not a beach person by the way. I hid from the sunshine and the scorching heat hahaha. I probably would be hanging out by the beach when I own my jet ski ... pretty soon :-)

sunset by the Bay Bridge

Last Friday, I was with Erin and we walked on the bridge. Yes, that bridge! It was a nice evening and since it was cool, we hang out by the beach first. I took some pictures which I did all the time whenever I hang out here. We started at 6 PM and Hubby picked us up at the end of the bridge by the Golden Nugget casino by 8 PM.

Bay Bridge Biloxi.
The building at the end of the bridge is the Golden Nugget Casino
and the Palace Resort and Casino is the building on the right.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is both cultural and religious celebration done annually, March 17 to be exact. Why is this day important? This is supposed to be the date when Saint Patrick died, the patron Saint of Ireland. My husband is of Irish descent so; every year we celebrate St Patrick's Day.

In his hometown, there is always a parade on Saint Patrick's Day. Schools, civic organizations and business establishments participate the parade. There are numerous colorful floats with Krewes in them throwing some beads to the crowd. Saint Patrick's Day is always a family day event and everyone in the town looks forward to it every year.

Most people are wearing green with shamrock prints. People wearing green t-shirts and green caps are common sights on the streets. After the parade, some families go for a barbecue with their family and friends. Some tourists in the area go to the casinos for a shamrock party.

Saint Patrick's Day is a fun holiday down in Mississippi. It is lent season but, some people drink beer and eat lavishly for this day only. In our family after the parade, we just get together and served snacks.

The photos here were taken in Biloxi, Mississippi. We always had a great time celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. How about you? Do you celebrate St Patrick's Day?

I was able to catch some beads too. All these will be sent to my mom and family back home.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Everyone!

St Patrick's Parade is Coming Soon

The Mardi Gras is over but, guess what parade is coming soon? It is the St. Patrick's Parade which is done yearly in Mississippi, New Orlenas and other places in the US. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated and observed by the Irish and American Irish community. The family of my husband is of an Irish descent so; the family and relatives look forward to this big celebration. The photos below were taken during Mardi Gras in D'Iberville, Mississippi. I will be posting pictures of St. Patrick's Parade on my next post so; please take time to comeback and see the pictures okay?

In the meantime, St. Patrick's Day will be on March 17 and though this is not a holiday, people are celebrating this day as religious and cultural event. St. Patrick's Day is a fun activity for the whole family. There are parades, and lavish food preparation too. Though it's lent season, fasting restrictions are lifted for this day only. Wearing green with shamrocks print is popular on this day so; you will see everyone wearing green and shamrocks are everywhere..

Color green is associated with St. Patrick's Day because it was being told that St. Patrick used the #shamrock plant as a visual aid to explain the #BlessedTrinity to the pagans in Ireland.

Anyway, the food that people served on St. Patrick's Day could be anything as long as the color green is added. Most families served corn, beef, and cabbage with green cupcake and shamrock cookies.

So, are you having a St. Patrick's parade in your town?

Have a Vacation at the Gulf Coast

I took this photo while I was at the garage of Beau Rivage Hotel in Biloxi. I told Hubby that I will take pictures by the Gulf while he was searching for a good parking spot. For some reason, the water looks muddy here. Maybe, there was a storm a day earlier. Anyway, we checked in at The Beau for three days and the remaining three days at the Isle of Capri. It was a fun vacation! Are you planning for a vacation soon? You should check out the Gulf coast.

By the Gulf Coast

I remember this day when the late FIL called the men in the family for a boating trip on the Bayou. He just bought a pantoon boat during the Boat and RV Show. I was not with him when he bought this. I could have told him to buy a smaller yacht instead (wink). He asked me if I like it. I told him, the small yacht is a lot nicer LOL. Oh, I miss him a lot!

Probably 10 minutes away from where we live is the East Beach and Front Beach. Every day after my work, hubby and I took the scenic route towards Ocean Springs Mississippi. I got out from work at 7AM, just in time for sunrise.

The view here is fantastic! Before we head back home, we always have breakfast in any of the buffet/hotel/casinos in the area. There are almost 10 but, our favorite place to dine are: HardRock, the Isle and Beau Rivage.

Here's hubby enjoying the view by the Gulf Coast. We will probably go there on my birthday this year.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

"Most humble-minded man,

pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker

for having chosen him as the instrument

whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols

and unclean things had become the people of God."

Saint Patrick

I would say that right where we live in Mississippi, all activities are centered to family and religion. People support every events in the town and my husband and I were always present in the crowd. Most families that I knew were family oriented with laid back lifestyle. They are hardworking, God-fearing and most of all, family tops on their list. Events like St. Patrick's Day is well attended and look forward too by families each year. The family of my husband is of Irish descent so, St. Patrick's Day is a big deal for them.

As we all know, Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He brought Christianity to the country. I never read his books but, some bookworms said that the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and the Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians are good books to read.

Green and Shamrocks

The original color associated with Saint Patrick was blue but, over the years it was changed to green. The green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century.

There was a rebellion at that time and the Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March to catch public attention and it was also considered as a political statement.

It was known that Saint Patrick used the shamrock, the national flower of Ireland to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. Wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs was omnipresent from that day onward.

Snakes and Pagan Practice

 

My husband told me one time that there are no snakes in Ireland. Saint Patrick is most known for driving the snakes from Ireland and most of my online readings claimed that it is true; there are no snakes in Ireland.

 

Probably, it may never have been for the island was separated from the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice Age. Pagan religions worshipped serpents. When Saint Patrick drives away the snakes from Ireland, it became symbolic because it ended the pagan practice.

Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is observed annually every March 17, the date of his death. It is a tradition for spiritual renewal. Saint Patrick's Day is associated with everything Irish such as anything green and gold, as well as shamrocks and luck.

The holiday began in Ireland and as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. Celebrated on March 17th every year, Saint Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday and many Irish attended mass before going to the festivities.

In the United States, cities with large Irish population just like in Mississippi, St. Patrick's Day is a very big event. Big parades, wearing of the green, Irish music, throwing of Shamrock and green beads, Irish food and drink, and more activities for kids such as crafts and games are part of the festivities. So, Irish or not, let us all celebrate this holiday and have fun!

Beautiful View by the Gulf

Look at the view, gorgeous isn't it? This was taken in Ocean Springs Mississippi at the Front Beach. The body of water is facing the Gulf of Mexico and the Pier is called Chester M. McPhearson, Jr. When we live in Mississippi, hubby and I frequently visit this place. During my day off, we would go crabbing and fishing in this area.

The huge building across the water is the Isle Hotel and Casino in Biloxi Mississippi (see the photo below). Anyway, check out the cute and colorful car below. I was taking photos of the Gulf when this car pass by.

I miss this place but, right here where we live, we have this beautiful view as well.

Mardi Gras in Mississippi

Mardi Gras is over last Tuesday but, I got some requests to publish more photos of the Mardi Gras in Mississippi so; request granted and take a look at the photos below:

This Mardi Gras parade photos were taken in Ocean Springs, Mississippi along the street of Porter Avenue.

It is necessary to raise your hand and shout "Give me some beads" or else, no one will see you.

You can xpect that the floats are decorated in gorgeous theme and colors. Expect a big party on the streets and after the parade, family and friends usually have a barbecue party at home too.

The more funky your outfit during the parade, the more likely you will be notice in the crowd. I just wear my humongous beads hehehe.

The most love animals were not left behind. Canine is part to most Mardi Gras parades in Alabama, Mississippi and New Orleans.

See the funky hats? I saw the Krewe's gave them nice beads. Children usually get the nice teddy bear and toys so; if you are behind the children, you will likely get less beads. Krewe's love children and they will never notice you.

Most Krewe in the floats gave out ordinary/common beads but, reserved the rarest and beautiful beads later. They usually gave it to the person they recognize in the crowd. But, if you are carzy and do some wacky attention to get beads, you might have the luck.

If you are dog lovers, you will be amazed to see different breeds of dogs during the parade.

The crowd anxiously waiting for the parade.

Snappy high school bands.

This type of float is the most common in Mardi Gras parade but, some floats go beyond the ordinary.

The Mayor and the city officials are always present as well. For more photos, check out Mardi Gras in all my blogs. Thanks for always patronizing my blog. See you next time.

Mardi Gras Parade in Biloxi

It's Mardi Gras season and I am so happy to know that here in Cocoa Beach, there is a Mardi Gras celebration. This year, we were supposed to go to Mississippi for Mardi Gras but, their celebration was scheduled so early and by the time we checked, it was over. Anyway, I was browsing my folder and came across these Mardi Gras Parade pictures. These photos were taken during the Mardi Gras Parade held in Biloxi, Mississippi about  two years earlier.

I enjoyed my days living in Mississippi for so many reasons and watching the Mardi Gras parade is one of them and became a tradition. My first Mardi Gras experience was funny because I was just observing the crowd catching the beads. They were shouting and begging for beads. That is the reason why they bring bags and to make the event more funky and fun, most people wear their priced and unique beads which they catch the year before.

There are so many Mardi Gras Parades so; before the week was over; I became expert in shouting and begging for more beads. After Mardi Gras season, I collected enough beads, stuffed toys, and knick-knacks to send to my family and friends back home. It is the joy of catching the beads and family gathering makes Mardi Gras fun and enjoyable to look forward to.

One of the things that I love aside from catching the beads is taking photos of the Mardi Gras floats. Most of them are well-decorated and trendy and most people on the float are wearing beautiful masks and colorful costumes.
 
Mardi Gras is associated with religion before Lent begins. I was working in the casino in Mississippi and when Fat Tuesday is coming, we have to go to work and absences are discouraged. Mardi Gras is a busy business season. Anyway, if you are a Catholic like me, don't forget that Ash Wednesday is coming.

Check out the photo above, see that man with beads all over his neck and almost covering his head? LOL. Well, that is a normal sight on Mardi Gras parade.

Did you know that Mardi Gras parade varies from city to city? Some have day parade and others prefer night parade. Most of the time, the weather is nice and sometimes, chilly especially the night parade. Most people are covered in layers and as for me, I needed more than that, I need a blanket to save me from freezing.

This is a freezing day but, the sun is up so; it's not that bad.

As you can see, everyone is bundled up yet, the freezing temperature is tolerable because of the sunny skies.

See the people above? Everyone is begging for beads ... now shout, " Give me some of that Beads!" (wink) Thanks for stopping by. Happy Fat Tuesday everyone! Eat some King cakes!

Awesome Mardi Gras Parade in D'Iberville

When we moved to Mississippi, I was a lil bit sad. After few weeks, hubby and I were able to adjust the easy lifestyle of enjoying the beach, do fishing and crabbing. There are 8 casinos nearby and one activity that we love doing was dining in their restaurants. We hang out and hop each one almost everyday. I worked in one of the casinos too. There is no dull moment living in Mississippi. Each month there's always big activities happening down the Gulfcoast such as cruisin' the coast, mardi gras, 4th of July, and many other incredible festivals.Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana carry the Mardi Gras tradition like no other. It's a huge celebration. These photos were taken during the Morning Mardi Gras parade at D'Iberville. There are so many awesome krewes, amazing floats and tons of beautiful beads, yummy moon pies, and gorgeous stuff toys were thrown to the happy crowd.I was standing with the kids around me so, the Krewe's did not see me but them. I collected few nice beads for me this year and caught some ordinary beads as well.The parade lasted about 2 hours and we have full bag of beads after. If you watch the Mardi Gras parade and these men give you the paper flowers, you have to kiss them. I usually hide at the back of my hubby when they are around but, one guy approached and gave me the flower. A trick initiated by my husband and I got nowhere to escape. Well, it was fun. Our family were there with us and I admit, I will surely miss this type of activy since we are back for good in Orlando.