Spring
Energy Efficient Landscaping
The right landscaping can give your home more than just great curb appeal, it can also help with energy efficiency. Take a look at what we learned.
Let the good times roll! Take a look at our family friendly activities for Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras is back this year and we are excited to share some great ways that you can celebrate from anywhere.
Laissez "les bons temps rouler!"
Make a shoebox parade float.
Almost anything can be used as decoration for the float. Feathers, glitter, aluminum foil, and tissue paper are all good supplies to have on hand when decorating. You can pick a theme for your float or parade (ex: Animal Kingdom) and have a contest to see who wins "best float!" This is a great opportunity to use the odds and ends left over from other arts and crafts projects. Let your imagination run wild.
Yardi Gras
Yardi Gras started in New Orleans as a response to the parades being canceled in 2021 and is still going strong. To participate, try decorating your house and yard like a Mardi Gras float! You can use left over holiday decorations or really anything that is lying around the house or garage. Choose a theme or just mix it up. For inspiration check out these decorated houses.
My neighbors and mailman are enjoying the wreath I hung on my door and I plan to keep adding more decorations until Mardi Gras.
Yardi Gras has taught us not to throw out that pink flamingo and extra ribbon as pretty much anything goes. Just have fun with it!
Decorate a mask.
We have found some free templates that can be used to get you started. Mask decorating is a great project for kids (and adults) of all ages. You can simply color a mask or add bits of flair such as sequins and feathers. To hold the mask in place either use a piece of string or elastic (left over from your Covid mask making). For another look try taping a chopstick or straw to the side of the mask to be used as a handle.
Celebrate with King Cake
Many grocery stores now carry King Cakes as part of their seasonal stock. They start to appear on Twelfth Night (January 6th) and will be available until Mardi Gras Day.
If king cakes are not available at your local grocery store, you can order online and have one delivered to you. You could even try baking one. There are lots of recipes online that start with cinnamon rolls if you don’t want to try baking from scratch. Or you can pick up a king cake kit which couldn’t be easier to make. The one we have listed has praline filling which is delicious!
Traditions are a big part of Mardi Gras; we hope you have fun starting a new one with your family!