Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Welcome to the American Made Brand Blog Tour!

Thanks for visiting Louisiana!  We are excited to have you and hope you enjoy your visit to "The Pelican State."  Louisiana earned it's statehood in April 30, 1812 and is the only state to govern using the French Napoleonic Law: the reason we have parishes rather than counties.

Art in BloomMany people think of New Orleans when they think of Louisiana, and that certainly is reasonable when one considers the impact NOLA has on our economy, history, culture and lives.  But there is much, much more to our state. Let's travel from city to city for a glimpse of the culture and traditions of the magnolia state.

Art in BloomLouisiana has a predominately Catholic community in the southern parishes, myself included.  I can't imagine going to New Orleans without visiting or attending mass at St. Louis Cathedral.  Within walking distance of the cathedral are the French Market, Cafe du Monde, and the Riverfront. Plan to spend most of the morning in the downtown area for beignets and shopping and strolling.

Of course, there's the French Quarters with its party atmosphere, music, and delicious alcoholic concoctions.  Be warned!  A hurricane (and every other drink) is potent.  Every sip has consequences.


Have children in your party?  Take them on a street car ride to the Audubon Zoo, but don't forget the Aquarium, IMAX, Insecterium, New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and WWII Museum.  All are filled with interesting, fun activities and history.  Like the weird?  Voodoo and cemeteries are a big draw.  I could go on, but we need to move on.  To represent NOLA, I included the Mercedes Benz Superdome because so many people visit.


Baton Rouge is next on our route.  The Louisiana State Capitol is a definite stop.  On my license plate it's the tall, pointed building.  I have memories of searching the tree line for the first glimpse of the Capitol as we drove into BR when I was a child.  It is the tallest state capitol in the union, a point of pride for Louisianans. Visit Baton Rouge is a good place to do some searching if you're planning a trip.  The zoo is awesome and there's lots of shopping at the Mall of Louisiana.  Do yourself a favor and visit River Road plantations and the LSU Rural Life Museum.  


Lafayette is city of cajun French culture.  Visit Acadian Village...like the Rural Life Museum in BR, it has a collection of historical buildings.  Architecture is important to Louisiana's history and culture.  Mardi Gras is a huge festival in Lafayette but with a family friendly atmosphere. Swamp tours, food, history, festivals, and friendly people are all attractions that draw people to Lafayette.  You definitely want to go to a Zydeco concert.

I would not do my state justice if I left out our swamps.  Louisiana has swamps in every section of the state, including the northernmost parishes. Of course, swamps are far apart in the north, but it's interesting to travel along the interstate in pine woods and hills and suddenly there's a small swamp of cypress trees, moss, and lily pads.  


Biedenharn Museum & GardensAnd speaking of the northern parishes, there are two cities that I must mention: Shreveport in the west and Monroe in the east. In Shreveport there's the Boardwalk for shopping; riverboat casinos; golfing, fishing and outdoor activities; and beautiful public gardens.  Monroe has parks, gardens, a zoo, and outdoor attractions.  Of course, Duck Commander is located here, but you know that from Duck Dynasty.  

Between these Louisiana cities are lakes, woods, small towns and interesting historical places, such as Poverty Point.  Louisiana has too many things to do it justice; I can only hope that my license plate gives one a sense of the beauty, culture and people of Louisiana.  



Don't forget to visit Olive and Ollie to see the Ohio license plate.  It debuts today, also.  But before you go, enter to win the giveaways.  First place is a set of eight fat quarters from the American Made Brand by Clothworks.  AMB will send the fabric once I choose a winner and contact them with your info, so make sure I have an email address for contacting you.  The second prize is a small fleur de lis wall hanging that I made a few weeks ago specifically for this giveaway.  Again, leave an email address.

How to enter?  Couple of ways actually:

  1.  follow my blog and leave a comment telling how you follow
  2. like my Facebook page and leave a comment saying you did
  3. share the American Made Brand website and leave a comment telling us how you shared.  Click here and scroll to the very bottom for a list of ways to share, such as FB, Pinterest, Twitter and so on
  4. leave a comment telling where in Louisiana you have or would like to visit
Each comment is a opportunity to win.  I'll choose a winner on Thursday, June 5.  Must have a U.S. address to win.  You can come back as often as you'd like to re-enter.  Now, hurry, go visit Olive and Ollie...Heather would love to see you!

313 comments:

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WhoMom said...

Like and reshared AMB fabric site.

WhoMom said...

Liked your FB page.

Lorri said...

Mary, thanks for sharing all the great information about you beautiful state of Louisiana. Your block really depicts it very well!
Following you on FB and I want to visit New Orleans and walk down Bourbon Street.....It would be even better if it was during Mardi Gras! LOL

GranChris said...

I love the food of New Orleans so I would go back if I could go anytime.

Deb said...

I'm in Virginia and have never visited Louisiana. To be honest, it's not a state that's on my bucket list, but I'm sure it's nice, although the swamps don't thrill me. :) Sorry.

Anonymous said...

I would love to visit New Orleans.

Sandra said...

I visited New Orleans in 2001 loved it.

syvisser@gmail(dot)com

Lee said...

I follow with gfc. Your block is great!

Lee said...

I have never been to Louisiana but I would love to see all the historic sites there and a taste of the local foods!

quilter said...

I am from Pennsylvania, and would love to visit your state, maybe someday

Moogy said...

I visited wonderful New Orleans in the 70's so it's been a long time. I'd like to return and see more of your state. Your block is great.

Moogy said...

I am now following you on Facebook and looking forward to seeing your posts.

Moogy said...

I shared the AMB page on facebook.

Vicki B said...

I've never been to Louisiana. Can't imagine what the swamp area looks like. I am from Nebraska.

Julie S said...

I remember visiting Rosedown Plantation and New Orleans, and I will never forget crossing Lake Pontchartrain by car!

Tinliz said...

I have never visited your lovely state. Did not realize it has so many points of interest and beauty.

cjmont said...

i follow on facebook. i lived in alexandria for 2 years and have visited all of the places you named except monroe.

cjmont said...

i liked your facebook page.

cjmont said...

i loved my 2 years in louisiana and would love to visit again sometime.

cjmont said...

i shared amb on facebook

cjmont said...

where is the link to download your license plate?

Brenna said...

I love Louisiana! I've been to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and driven along I-10 countless times traveling from TX-FL and back again. I love the drive through LA!

Calicojoan said...

I think you have truly caught the spirit of Louisiana in your license plate. I've been the New Orleans a few time. Always a fun time...your so right about those hurricanes! LOL!

Emily C said...

New Orleans sounds like fun, but I have not made the trip, yet.

Allison Sews said...

I've visited New Orleans several years ago

Cherry Tree Quilts said...

I liked your FB page and am following.

Cherry Tree Quilts said...

I was so excited about the AMB website that I shared it with my FB friends a couple of weeks ago.

Cherry Tree Quilts said...

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in New Orleans. I would love to go back some time and see more of the sights. I would also love to go to Lafayette. The swamps are so vital and I've heard such great things about the Cajun people.

Cherry Tree Quilts said...

I am following you on Bloglovin.

Ali said...

I have not been to Louisiana yet, I have a trip all planned out with hotel and tourist things and of course fabric shopping... all in New Orleans because I think I'm going solo!

Allison said...

Have never been to LA, but my husband has promised me that NOLA will be our next domestic trip! I can't wait!

Unknown said...

I follow you by bloglovin, Google, and pinterest. Thanks

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to visit New Orleans. Have only seen photos and read about it.
I am certainly enjoying this blog hop.
Sue.quilts at verizon.net

Unknown said...

I liked your Facebook page and follow! Thanks

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I shared AMB info on Facebook! Thanks

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I have always wanted to visit Louisiana. I've heard a lot about Baton Rouge and the French quarter, so maybe there first. I have always wanted to just sit and listen to some Cajun accents! Thanks for the giveaway!

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Allison said...

I follow your blog on Bloglovin'.

Missenota aka Kristin S. said...

Hello from Minnesota! I have spent a little time in your state (a few months at Fort Polk, the Army base -- training for a deployment.) You all have some crazy wildlife that I was not accustomed to! (snakes, spiders, etc.-- Not to mention in the French Quarter of New Orleans!) ;)

Allison said...

I like your FB page.

Allison said...

I shared AMB's page on FB.

Allison said...

I've never been to Louisiana but would like to visit historical sites.

Allison C said...

I like you on FB

Allison C said...

Would love to go to New Orleans

CyndyK said...

I just signed up to follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks for sharing your block Cyndy cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

auschick said...

I'm guessing you mean June 5 not May 5!

Following on GFC

auschick said...

I once did katrina rebuilding volunteering in New Orleans :)

Ginny said...

I was in just in New Orleans last month for a business conference and stayed a few extra days to see the city. I really enjoyed it! Loved the food!

Jeanne Gwin said...

I follow your blog via bloglovin

Jeanne Gwin said...

I am a "liker" on facebook

Jeanne Gwin said...

I have been all over Louisiana. I don't know where I would settle if I was down there, maybe I would just be a vagabond with the 5th wheel and live everywhere.

Joanna said...

I've never been to Louisiana. I'd like to go to a Zydeco concert so I guess Lafayette is where I would visit.

Regina said...

I visited New Orleans twice while in school but would love to see other parts of the state.

Sylvia said...

I would like to visit New Orleans some day!

Pamela said...

I've visited New Orleans. I love the French Market, and also took a swamp tour. What a wonderful city. I like your license plate!

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Never been, but would love to visit New Orleans!

giddy99 said...

I tried to follow your blog via Feedspot (my reader), but it says it can't find your site??

giddy99 said...

I like you on Facebook! giddy99

giddy99 said...

I've visited New Orleans a few times; just recently (mid-May) for a business trip!

Helen said...

I would love to visit New Orleans when the weather is beautiful there and cold here in Kansas. :-)

Margaret said...

I've been to New Orleans -- that's it. I'd love to see more of LA.

Cindy Neidt said...

New Orleans is at the top of my list of places to visit.

Cherry said...

Years ago I visited New Orleans - the BBQ shrimp I had there was awesome, the French Quarter was fun & I'd love to go back & see more of the whole state.

Paige said...

Once we drove from Vicksburg, MS down to New Orleans, and it was a lovely drive. Nice block.

wendy said...

Cute plate! I have not had the opportunity to visit Louisiana but it sure sounds beautiful. I think I would love to visit some of the museums, historical places and gardens.

Janie said...

I have been to New Orleans, the food is delish!! Thanks for the chance.

Sherry VF said...

Thanks for the info. on LA. I've only visited NOLA but after your highlights by city, I'd like to see Shreveport sometime. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com

ytsmom said...

I'm a new follower. I used to do the same with the Nebraska state capitol. It has a figure called 'The Sower', so it was always, I see The Sower!

Jill Hicks said...

I would like to visit New Orleans again. I enjoyed my visit there a few years ago.

LuAnn said...

I follow your blog on Bloglovin!

Luann716@hotmail.com

LuAnn said...

I have been to New Orleans twice!
Love that town!

Lu Ann
Luann716@hotmail.com

Ramona said...

Mary, It's too cool that you are on this blog hop! I just bought a couple yards of American Made Brand. Have to try for a fat Quarter bundle. Thanks for the chance to win.

I live in West Monroe and find New Orleans one of my favorite cities to visit. I would love to take a day trip through the coastal towns in the 'toe' of the state.

Ramona Putnam

Ramona said...

Mary, It's too cool that you are on this blog hop! I just bought a couple yards of American Made Brand. Have to try for a fat Quarter bundle. Thanks for the chance to win.

I live in West Monroe and find New Orleans one of my favorite cities to visit. I would love to take a day trip through the coastal towns in the 'toe' of the state.

Ramona Putnam

Ramona said...

I follow your blog.

Ramona

Ramona said...

I follow you on Facebook.

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

I've been to LA once, as a little girl. We stayed in New Orleans in the French Quarter, and loved it!

Christy H said...

I've never been to Louisiana, so anywhere!

Cindy said...

If I lived in Louisiana, I would like to live in a small town on the coastline, or a large one, LOL.

Cindy said...

I'm following you on Bloglovin.

Jayardi said...

• • • Never been to LA, but I think it would be fun to visit during Mardi Gras. Thank you for sharing.

Bethany said...

I am a new follower via bloglovin!

Bethany said...

I would want to visit Baton Rouge and New Orleans!

Mara said...

I shared the AMB brand on my blog
http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/2014/05/love-solids.html

Mara said...

I have been to Louisiana but when I was little I would like to go again to visit New Orleans and bring my husband for the food!

Adtski31 said...

Would love to visit New Orleans one day!

Debbie said...

I have visited your beautiful state many years ago. Thanks for the giveaway!

Donna said...

Following your blog. I would like to visit Duck Commander
seamstress2@roadrunner.com

Unknown said...

I'm from Bossier City, Louisiana and I love going home to visit family and friends. I'll never get tired of red beans and rice as well as King Cakes and we love to visit New Orleans as well when we have time in our trips home. I have aunt's, uncles and cousins that lives all around the state in different areas.

Diane M said...

I'm learning so much from this tour. Fun stuff! I've only been to the French Quarter and that was many, many years ago. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I like you on Facebook

Unknown said...

I follow you on Bloglovin

Unknown said...

I would love to visit Baton Rogue.

Unknown said...

I shared AMB on Twitter here is the link. https://twitter.com/brenda90159/status/473605939279306752

Jess Burns said...

I've visited New Orleans, but that's been it. (The ironic thing is that I went during Mardi Gras, but the friend I went with was pregnant, so there was no drinking!)

sophie said...

I would love to go to New Orleans for the Jazz Festival ... and the food!

sophie said...

I would love to go to New Orleans for the Jazz Festival ... and the food!

Carmen N said...

I follow via GFC. I would love to visit Louisiana someday.

Unknown said...

I follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks for the giveaway and the info abour Louisiana.
katztoo at exede dot net

nicolesender said...

New bloglovin follower: Nicole Sender
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

New fb follower: Nicole Sender.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

shared on fb about American Made Brands.
https://www.facebook.com/nicole.sender2/posts/10202979558881318
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

I've never visited Louisiana. I'd love to visit New Orleans!
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kelly Wilson said...

Hi, I follow via Bloglovin'. Thanks! notwendy gmail

Kelly Wilson said...

I follow your facebook page too. notwendy gmail

Kelly Wilson said...

I grew up in the deep south but have never visited Louisiana. I'd like to visit the beaches! Thanks for the state tour. : ) notwendy gmail

Kelly Wilson said...

I shared the AMB page on Facebook. notwendy gmail

Michele said...

I've been to New Orleans a few times and would like to go back again. Haven't seen the rest of the state yet, tho.

Michele said...

I've been to New Orleans a few times and would like to go back again. Haven't seen the rest of the state yet, tho.

Lori said...

I am now following you on FB
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Lori said...

Your block is wonderful. I have never been to LA but would love to visit Baton Rouge. Quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Lori said...

now following on blog lovin
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

The "Big Easy" is on my short list for vacation in the very near future. I have had it planned several times and something ALWAYS happens to make me cancel. I am also enthralled by the swamps and want to do a swam tour on an airboat too.

just in case: m3reyna at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I loved New Orleans and have fond memories of a trip there for a conference.

jean
jlickun@aol.com

Marci Girl said...

I hadn't heard about this blog hop until today and just had to visit the Louisiana stop because I am in Lafayette, actually right down the road from that little photo you posted! You did a great job representing our state!

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