LITTLE MONTH WITH BIG HAPPENINGS!

Good Morning Foodies!
I was just thinking with all that is going on this month, this would have been a grand time for LEAP YEAR! Could really use the extra day! Always a crazy but fun time!

This month will include SUPER BOWL, VALENTINE’S DAY, MARDI GRAS, ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE BEGINNING OF LENT! Not to mention, HUBBY got tickets for me to see ANDREA BOCELLI. So excited about that!

I will try to squeeze as much as possible in the next few weeks to cover these events.

Even though VALENTINE’S DAY comes first, right after SUPER BOWL—it is pretty much a one- day deal whereas, MARDI GRAS began a couple of weeks ago. I will address that today!

For those of you who have experienced the MARDI GRAS SEASON, this will all make sense to you! I am not so sure about those who have only heard stories and seen pictures, but will give it my best shot!

We all know that throughout LOUISIANA, the CARNIVAL SEASON is chock-a-block with PARADES OF WONDERFUL FLOATS WITH ROYALTY ABOUND, MASQUERADE BALLS THAT COVER FROM SIMPLE TO GRAND EXTRAVAGANCE, WILD AND CRAZY REVELLIERS, LOTS OF BEADS AND OTHER THROWS, KING CAKES WITH THE HIDDEN BABIES AND TOO MUCH FOOD TO EVEN LIST! Then let us not forget the CRAZY HORSEBACK RIDING AND CHICKEN CHASING EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY SIDE TO GATHER THE GOODS FOR THAT FAMOUS MARDI GRAS GUMBO!

Growing up around the NEW ORLEANS AREA, I have experienced quite a few of the parades and parties. It was not until I moved to this area that I was exposed to the CHICKEN CHASING CRAZIES OF MARDI GRAS! This is something you have to see with your own eyes—WORDS DO NOT DO IT JUSTICE!
The bottom line is that REVELRY comes from every direction, but the most magnificent thing is that what you enjoy comes from the people you share it with. The gatherings cans be simple impromptu gatherings to the most elegant of events.

I encourage any of you to have this on your BUCKET LIST! If you want the ultimate—DO NEW ORLEANS; if you want smaller scale but still fascinating-DO LAFAYETTE; if you want simple and crazy-DO MAMOU! I know there are celebrations all over the state. Try and enjoy one of them that is near you!
No matter how you celebrate MARDI GRAS and all the weeks leading up to the BIG DAY—surround yourself with plenty of GOOD FOOD AND GREAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Practice the following:
“THROW ME SOMETHING, MISTER!”
After all the MARDI GRAS CELEBRATIONS, here comes the CLEANSING ROUTINE-ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT! I am sure we can all use a little CLEANSING!

HOPE MR. GROUND HOG HAS A BIG UMBRELLA!

Have a safe and productive weekend!