Happy Fat Tuesday!

I'll probably make some pancakes for Little Miss tonight to celebrate.

Mardi Gras Flower Arrangement

No matter what your beliefs are, I think Lent is a wonderful time for inner reflection.  I usually try to slow down a little during this time - turn off the computer, TV, and lights more often, cook even more, and just take things slower.  

This year I'll be concentrating on buying less and keeping what I buy local.  I also want to focus on decluttering - maybe I should try to get rid of one item each day!

Little Miss Enjoying a Moon Pie at a Parade

We'll also be taking most of the stuff we got from the parades to ARC Gateway so they can recycle them and make money for a good cause. 

Will you be giving up anything for Lent?  

It's Mardi Gras Time! Tips for taking Children to the Parades

Here in the Panhandle, we’re gearing up to celebrate Mardi Gras.  It’s a pretty family-friendly event, and people enjoy coming out to the parades with their children to enjoy seeing the floats and catching some beads.  Of course, when you add children to the mix it’s best to be prepared!  Here are a few tips to make your Mardi Gras a success:

1. Wear layers.  Even if it’s warm when the parades start, it could start to get cold by the time they are over, especially if you are in a shady area.  Bring things that are easy to take off and put on so you can stay comfortable.
2. Bring sunscreen.  It’s not hot yet, but that sun is still shining!  Be sure to make sure you and your little ones are wearing sunscreen so you don’t feel the burn later!
3. Bring plenty of drinks and snacks.  We always pack a cooler full of drinks and snacks when we go to the parades.  Depending on where you are, food may or may not be available for purchasing.  Most places have limited menus during this time, so even if you find something it may not be very healthy.  We like to pack fruit, crackers and peanut butter, and other relatively healthy snacks.  Not only do we have food right when we want it, but it saves money as well!
4. Try to set up near restrooms.  Now where the restrooms are, and try to take your child before they HAVE to go.  Lines can be long!  This will be the first year that Little Miss won’t be in a diaper for the festivities – it could be interesting! 
5. Be prepared to walk.  Parking can be difficult, and you may find yourself walking a long way.  We have a wagon that we load up with Little Miss and all of our gear and that works out well.  It has all-terrain tires, so navigates just about anything! 
6. Bring chairs.  It’s not necessary, but chairs are so nice to have!  We carry ours, since we have everything else in the wagon. 

Have fun and be safe!  Make sure your children have a good idea of where you are, so if you get separated for some reason they’ll know how to get back.  Maybe point out a store where you can meet if that happens.    

Costume Supercenter Review

One of my favorite things about Mardi Gras is having the chance to wear things out of the ordinary.  Whether it’s a ball or a parade, the only rule around Mardi Gras is that there are no rules.  I love the mystery that comes with wearing a mask to a Mardi Gras Ball.  We probably aren’t going to one this year, but if we were, I would definitely wear this Mardi Gras mask from Costume Supercenter.  

The mask is not only pretty and elegant, but comfortable to wear as well.  This is because it stays on with a headband as opposed to having to hold it or tie it on.  The great thing about the headband is that it also makes it easy to push back on top of your head if you get tired of wearing it.  The inside of the mask is covered with a velvet-like fabric, making it comfortable on your face.  The construction is pretty good – there are some glue spots that are visible upon close inspection, but nothing that most people would notice.  I love the detailing – the gold ribbon around the edges has bright colors woven into it. 

Little Miss loved her Mardi Gras headband from the Costume Supercenter.  It jingles when she wears it, and it will be the perfect fun accessory for the Mardi Gras parades.  The headband is covered with a soft cloth, so it’s comfortable to wear.  She really enjoyed modeling it for the camera, and the sparkles are a cute touch!  I imagine she’ll be getting a lot of beads when she wears this to the parades this year!

The Costume Supercenter is currently offering 20% off all Mardi Gras costumes and other items!

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Wordless Wednesday - Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Tree at the local Publix

Mardi Gras Game Packs - A Review

Here in the Panhandle, we have tons of parties celebrating Mardi Gras.  There are parties for just adults, and then there are the family-friendly parties.  Adult parties are easy, you don’t have to worry too much about entertaining the guests, they’ll usually figure it out themselves.  However, once you start having families over it can get a little more difficult, especially if the children are all different ages. 

Python Printable Games has a wonderful solution with their Mardi Gras Games.  For $19.95, you get 20 printable games delivered to you immediately.  You probably won’t use all of them, but you can choose the ones that suit your needs the best and print those out. 

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