Top Ten Tuesdays

Top ten things to do in Louisiana for Mardi Gras

It is undoubtedly true that February is a month of many things. But here in Louisiana, it is MARDI GRAS Season. What is Mardi Gras? It is the celebration of Fat Tuesday silly. However, we don’t celebrate it for just one day. Smaller parades and elaborate masquerade balls begin as early as January. The coup de grace occurs the long weekend prior to Fat Tuesday with back to back parades, concerts, and parties. This is the last chance to indulge in the food, drink, and festivities before the Lenten Season begins. Here are the TOP TEN things you must do during Mardi Gras Season in Louisiana.

1. Get your Mardi Gras Parade Route Map

2. Wear purple, yellow, and green clothing to the parade

3. Eat King Cake and find the baby

4. Stand in line for the bathroom

5. Dance in the streets while waiting for the parade

6. Take a picture with a Mardi Gras Indian

7. Catch a Zulu coconut

8. Take a nap between multiple parades

9. Place the largest, gaudiest beads you’ve caught around your neck

10. Be sober enough to find your car and get home

Feel Good Fridays

A weekly reminder to enjoy life and the fruits of your labor

It's finally Friday. The weekend is officially here and you should be proud of yourself. You made it! Gold star for you....and for me. As a teacher, I can't wait until 3:45pm on a Friday. It's like nothing you've ever experienced before. I shove the last crazy freshman out of the door as I hear the last few stragglers playing tag in the halls and running down the stairs. I close my door, kick off my heels, and turn up the music while I disinfect my classroom for the upcoming week.

I must say that this was not always the case. I would run out of the door with the students and save my chores for early Monday morning. Unfortunately, due to COVID, you can't leave cleaning your classroom to chance. So I created a cleaning playlist (Feel Good Friday) to help me expedite the process and get me on the road for two days of rest and relaxation. I've included my playlist in a link above and screenshots below. I have very eclectic taste so my music ranges from hip hop to hard rock. However, the playlist really depends on the flow of the day. Were my classes crazy? Were they chill? Were they engaged? All of these things play a factor in how I select my playlist.

What music do you like to listen to on Fridays? What tunes get you in the mood to let down your hair and take in some quality time alone or with friends and family? Whatever music you choose to rock out to, just remember that it's all about you and what makes you feel good on a Friday. Have a great weekend and suggest some new music I can add to my playlists.

Top Ten Tuesdays

Top ten things to do when you visit Louisiana

I know that I am not alone in the desire to travel…..am I? Of course not. COVID has truly put a stop to most if not all of my travel plans for 2020 and the beginning of 2021. However, that doesn’t stop me from sharing what you should do if and when you come to Louisiana.

Southern hospitality is what Louisiana is all about. From the food to the shopping to outdoor adventures, Louisiana is the true heart of Cajun Country. Listed below are the TOP TEN places to visit in Louisiana to experience true southern culture and hospitality.

10. Mike the Tiger at Death Valley (Louisiana State University)

9. National WWII Museum - Art District New Orleans

8. Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

7. Mercedes - Benz Superdome / Smoothie King Center

6. Avery Island- Home of Tabasco and Jungle Garden

5. Billy’s Boudin in Scott

4. Kaffie-Frederick’s General Mercantile in Natchitoches

3. Jackson Square - French Market

2. Cajun Country Tours in Breaux Bridge

1. Musical Legends Park on Bourbon Street