Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a lovely and relaxing weekend! Now back to business....not if you live in New Orleans, however. It is Mardi Gras time! Starting tomorrow, this fun week of celebration begins with a bang! Booze, beads, parades, parties, yummy cajun food- what's not to like about this holiday? Can't get to New Orleans or can't enjoy the alcoholic beverages? No problem! You can still revel in all things Mardi Gras. Doing fun activities and throwing spontaneous get togethers during the work week can be a total mood lifter, so why not try incorporating a few of these Mardi Gras ideas to change up your week day routine!

* If you have kids at home, make Mardi Gras crafts to honor the occasion. Grab sequins, shiny beads, glitter and make an ordinary foam mask from the craft store extraordinary. String some beads and create a "Mardi Gras" necklace. Top it all off by having your kids wear their Mardi Gras garb and "parade" around the house to jazz music.

*Bring Mardi Gras to your workplace.Bring in something delicious and "French Quarter" inspired such as a King Cake or beignets for your co-workers to enjoy. You will be sure to get the gold star of the week for these delicious treats!

* Craving cajun or creole food? Indulge in some Lousiana fare this week! Look to sites like Metromix and City Search for restaurants that will be serving "Mardi Gras" inspired menus this week. With pungent flavors and southern specialties like Po Boys, Jumbalaya and gumbo how can you resist?

* Throw a Mardi Gras get-together. For a festive mid-week feast, we recommend going pot luck on this one. Ask each person to bring a Mardi Gras inspired food item. Play some great jazz tunes in the background and serve vibrant non-alcoholic beverages like a Mardi Gras punch in addition to Hurricanes or Sazeracs.

Have a great day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas