Big Easy on the brain.

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house, 

 A Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans was all we could think about. 

I saw a tutorial for a wreath made of Mardi Gras beads on Pinterest a few weeks ago and immediately added it to my "To-Do During the Measly 10 Days That I'm Home" List.

So Mama Lisa and I hit the Michael's/ JoAnn's/ Hobby Lobby trifecta in search of wreath forms that had survived Christmas. 

And then we sorted through the 200 pounds of Mardi Gras beads that my parents took home from our last family trip to New Orleans. 

"When we go back this year, we aren't taking home any beads. And I mean NONE. Actually, we can take home the cool ones. " - Mom
(Notice anything peeking out of that green bag? Like a cat?)

I would feel silly posting a step-by-step "how to" because the tutorial we followed was pretty much perfect. (click here)

Mine is on the left, mom's is on the right. 

It took the better part of an afternoon to start and finish them and I might have almost stormed off in frustration trying to perfect my bow. 

Purple, gold, and green decor: check. 

Jambalaya cravings: check. 

Currently watching a Saints game despite the fact I'm not even a huge NFL fan: check. 

The countdown until Mardi Gras has officially begun.