3 years already? Let̕ s Celebrate!!

This weekend will be nothing but fresh berries and champagne, with plenty to go around! Did I mention royal cupcakes?  If you have not yet heard, Heather and I are celebrating 3 years of blogging, and hosting an online bloggiversary bash! Which really just means fun and games for you!

So many great things have come from the blogs since that sunny May back in 08! I love the conversations we have here and over at Georgiana's Gossip Guide, and Twitter as well, for those of you there. I hope everyone has had as much fun here as I have!  In short, thanks for hanging out and taking part in our little salons, keep the humor, wit, and knowledge coming! 

So, each bloggiversary we try to do a fun giveaway, and this year we are focusing on fans. Practical for warm days and gossiping about the fabulous past with your friends! Every lady should have a fan in her possession.  In fact, I would be surprised if you didn't!

That is where the giveaway comes in to play!

How To Enter:

To win one of four fans I am giving away, simply comment on this blog stating why you don't have a fan.

example:

"I left it on a train in France. Oops!"

Or Heather's reason:

"some prossie broke mine!" 

One 'grand' prize winner will receive a fan and Let Them eat Cake! Bon Bon Lip Balm from Tokyo Milk! yum! I mean, this is a birthday after all!  French Vanilla, shredded Coconut and a hint of cocoa...for a perfect kiss!

Winners will be announced Friday May 13, Good luck!

Coronation of Louis XII

Louis XII reigned from 1498-1515. During his rule, he kept France alive by holding many royal ceremonies and rituals, proper etiquette required!   His coronation ceremony was marked with tradition; it began at Rheims, followed by Saint Denis and then Paris.

As he entered the city with both royal and city officials, he was dressed in dazzling armor, representing himself as both a military and government leader.  One supports the other, and the overall image was of a powerful man whose authority was not doubted.

He also had an overly elaborate tableau displaying a working of icons to represent his family.  He had inherited the throne from his late cousin, Henry VIII.  He claimed two titles as both King of France and the Duke of Milan, and his tableau reinforced his family’s roots in Milan through heraldic imagery.

Having this large image on display during his parade told the people of France (literate or illiterate) this proud and powerful ruler can rightfully claim both France and Milan.  And what a way to make a statement! The little sensitive spot, lay with the current Duke of Milan! Ludovico Sforza. oops?  It did not take long before Louis XII made his move.  He entered Milan in 1499, and successfully captured it, much celebrating ensued!


Names sound familiar? We have recently met this Duke of Milan in The Borgias (watch full episodes here) I have been watching the entire season, well made, great art references and overall a well done historical drama.

Video Game: Marie Antoinette and the American War of Independence

Marie Antoinette has now inspired a video game for the Nintendo DS system (trailer below), which I was lucky enough to try out!  First off I will admit that my little Nintendo DS Lite has been one of those purchases I have not regretted, and well worth the money! I love all the games I have including my cooking game that has taught me a thing or two...

So the new game is called Marie Antoinette and the American War of Independence.

The educational game sends you time travelling along with Oscar (smarty pants side-kick to the brainy professor) ((if you liked the Professor Layton games this is similar!)) back to 1781.  The adventure takes place on water, in American and, of course, all the way to Versailles!

You will meet many famous characters from the past such as Washington, La Fayette, Rochambeau etc., and you will learn a little bit about each, and their roles during the period.  The game is full of mini games, riddles and quizzes that you must pass in order to move on to the next adventure.  You will need to know a thing or two about the 18th century to pass these, but if you don't know the answers you always get another chance!  Some of the activities reminded me of the mini-games in Mario Party, and I have a feeling not only the kids will enjoy this one.

One thing I wished was improved is the soundtrack.  I believe gaming is a full experience and if the music isn't perfect, it affects the overall experience.  I have played several games on my DS with excellent soundtracks such as Harvest Moon and Professor Layton & the Diabolical Box.  It would be wonderful if the music for Marie Antoinette & the American War of Independence was a little stronger.  The video game overall is still very entertaining!

I am working on my game now, and I admit I have yet to reach Versailles but I am well on my way! I think now that the holiday has passed I will be able to sail through.  Why am I excited to get to Versailles?  You get to "meet Marie-Antoinette in her elegant world at Petit Trianon castle. But be careful! A mysterious secret society is acting in the shadows…"  The purpose of the game is to find traitors and save the Queen.  Will you be playing?

Check out the trailer:

Where to buy (for Nintendo DS):
Marie Antoinette and the American War of Independence

You may also want to check out these games for the PC:
Versailles Mysteries I   ...and my little post and trailer of it here
Versailles Mysteries II