Lundi Gras Brunch

It's that time again, peoples.  No, not *that* time where we put red and pink upside down bottoms all over the place and pretend we're all loving each other.  And no, I'm not talking about the junk food extravaganza for the Super Bowl (although I might watch this year since the Ravens are playing. I remember when they won my senior year of college--Baltimore was celebrating like crazy--and the gal I partied with went out back and fired her shot gun. We knew how to have fun then. Anyway...).  Nope, it's Mardi Gras, my favorite holiday besides Thanksgiving!  I love it because it's not a holiday of moderation--it's about excess right before a time of penitence and self-control.  I personally detest moderation and balance. Give it your all, y'all, whether it's time to boogie down or take a facebook fast.

20 lb ago.

Little Winslow was all dressed up for the parades.

Anywho, my mother is a New Orleans native and currently lives there, so my brother and I have spent many Fat Tuesdays down in the awesomest American town.  We've never shown our boobs, and Bourbon Street has never been a necessary part of the celebration, although we've been there, done that, and don't need to return (except to Galatoire's Restaurant, which is so wonderful, serving classic Creole dishes).

This year, Aaron will be down there with his wife Zafera, but we can't make it.  Maybe next year baby Drew can finally witness the Mardi Gras madness like his sisters have.  For 2013, however, we'll have to bring some purple, green, and gold to Roeland Park, Kansas.  And we'll have to invite every kid/parent combo we know (P.S. If you haven't been formally invited, don't despair--I only handed out these invitations at Katie's preschool--let me know if you'd like to come!).

I got the invitations from Vista Print.  The shipping cost more than the cards themselves, but I think they look great! 

Cool invitations aside, the real draw is the food.  I'm hoping to ship up a couple of King Cakes from Frances' Bakery in Metairie.  It's my favorite, and I've tried a lot of King Cakes.  We're also going to have finger sandwiches.  I can't speak for everyone down in New Orleans, but I can say that finger sandwiches are a big deal for some.  They're not too fancy and are often served on gooey white bread (the kind that sticks to the roof of your mouth).  My mom and I have been known to put away an entire platter between the two of us, and we especially love the chicken salad.  I haven't decided what kinds I'll make, but there'll be something for the unadventurous as well as the foodies.

We'll have beads and crowns for the kids, but otherwise, they'll be left to their own devices, as it should be for a playdate (hate that term, but I wanted everyone to know it's totally casual).  We won't craft, paint, or do games because Katie Bel is sure to organize everything anyway (Little boy, you play the bad guy and chase me all around while I scream. Ready?  Go!).

Things left to do:

Make all the food
Finish the ceiling in the living room (thanks, Ryan!)
Bully everyone who hasn't RSVP'd properly yet
Drink a few cocktails in preparation
Make extra food so that Ryan can enjoy some since he won't be at the brunch

And yeah, I'm hosting this on a Monday morning. Why?  Well, because the mom organization I'm a part of has Monday Morning Coffee Club every week, and I haven't been able to go in ages, so hosting it means I get to be a part of it.  Also, because I can!  Katie has school Tues-Fri, and afternoons are terrible after nap (takes an hour for everyone to get non-grouchy), so there you go. Monday morning works best. I can't please everyone, and I'm not gonna even try.  I'm going to enjoy myself, and I'll leave the stress to the folks who want to make handmade masks from real turkey feathers using only kitchen twine and grass clippings.

In preparation for Mardi Gras, I'd like to give you an assignment: Enjoy a delicious cocktail.  Flash your husband/partner.  Lament that there ain't no place to pee on Mardi Gras Day.  Eat another pastry.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!