iteresting desings on the beads. Like flowers or croses or fish or something like that.

DO NOT buy them in the Quarter. Its like a 400% markup.

http://www.accentannex.com/

Is a local store for throws. Pretty good prices. Not sure if you have to buy in bulk though.

I was going to say the same thing juniorgrrl. Definitely don't buy them anywhere near the Quarter. You'll get severely ripped off. I may go to Mardi Gras if I'm not working that weekend. I know this sounds cheesy but I'd rather stay around Baton Rouge and go to Spanish Town or even go to Mamou and Eunice for the day rather than fight the crowds in New Orleans.

Re: Mardi Gras
 

I know what you mean! I am about to drop already. For Krewe 1 (Northshore), we had our ball on December 29. It was really nice because the King and Queen are husband and wife. Their oldest daughter (15) is a princess and the youngest (3) is their page. The page is so tiny that she had to have "an assistant" for the mantles. That Krewe parades this Saturday and it will be the inaugural parade. I was in costume and hubby was in a tux. Right after this parade we have a float party for Krewe 3. For Krewe 2 (Northshore), we just have a ball, which is the next Saturday. I wear a costume and hubby is in a tux. I was a maid last year so I got to wear a very elaborate costume. We have a big sis (previous maid)/lil sis (new maid) party tonight. Plus we are still practicing for the tableau. For Krewe 3 (New Orleans), hubby and I alternate riding. He is riding this year so I get a new gown, which is supposed to come in tomorrow! The parade is February 11. My friend and her husband are Queen and King of a Metairie Krewe. Their ball was New Year's and the parade is Feb. 2. So much to do and so very little time.

He could wait till he got down here. You can buy s*it loads from Sam's Warehouse. That's where a lot of people are getting their stuff from.

B

Re: Re: Mardi Gras
 

Which Northshore Krewes are you in? PM if you want :)

aopirose Sounds like you're season is going to be a blast! I can't believe you started DEC. 29!!!
Hubby was popping his "studs" Sat. so our neighbor is bringing some new tuxs by tomorrow night.

I was a Duchess several years back (now, the women my age are usually Queens) It was the best time! Of course I'm glad we have pictures because I'm not so sure I'd remember the "details". Our Captain made sure no glass went empty.

Your schedule is far more hectic than mine. We were in 3, but it became redundant so now we're in a women's and mens'. I like wearing the ball gown the best. We throw "pearls" and wear our masks. My daughter was to be a debutante, but soro stuff is in conflict. It's no biggie to her though. Maybe she will want to do it next year.

Riding the float is probably THE most fun! What those people will do for beads!

JAM,

This is my absolute favorite time of the year. I complain but with a smile. I can go either way with the costume or the gown. I like the Krewe costume because they are big and roomy and you can wear nice comfy flats. On the hand, I love getting new gowns.

I do hope that things work out with your daughter. I was looking at my scrapbook last night. I was a deb a while ago ;) and it was so much fun. I still see a few girls from my coterie.

I agree that riding is the best especially the night parade in New Orleans. It is almost hard to describe to someone who has never done it. Everyone should have it on their "Things to do before I ..." list. I always throw to children, old folks and the people BEHIND the ladders.

A few days ago, I had started a thread related to what people do for beads called Carnival. I tell you the best laughs that I have had come at the expense of men when the temperature drops. :D

Thank you for your suggestions. I'll pass them along. I only wish that I could join in the festivities in New Orleans. Maybe next year!

It sounds like you guys are speaking a diffnt language. What is all this stuff about Krewes, Kings, Queens etc? I'm clearly a northerner
Heidi

Got to it before I could :). See, some of us just see the big parade and lots of beads. I take it this is like a month long thing?

Sorry Heidi and any other lost soul,

Carnival - The word Carnival is sometimes used interchangeably with Mardi Gras, but that isn't correct. The Carnival (a Latin term that translates into farewell to the flesh) season begins on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) or Twelfth Night as in the twelve days of Christmas and culminates on Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday). Mardi Gras is only one day. The season can last up to two months. It just depends on when Ash Wednesday falls.

A Krewe (Old English spelling of crew) is a Carnival organization. The membership roster varies by organization - all male, all female or both. How to join? Most are by invitation only and don't worry if they want you, they come to you. It is a major NO-NO to ask. There are more open Krewes who aren't as strict as all that.

King, Queen, Maid, Duchess - Depending on the organization, they may or may not have these. Carnival is about pretend and many pretend to be royalty for a day. It is a high honor to be selected.

Debutante - A young woman who is being presented to society. Some consider it a throw back to when fathers were saying hey my daughter is available, but again it is a high honor to be selected. Some Krewes have only debs but sometimes a Duchess or maid can be a deb. It just depends on the club.

Ball - Just what it means, a fancy party. Most Krewes have a only a ball.

Tableau - An organized skit or performance that carries out the theme of the ball.

www.mglinks.com is a helpful tool.

Thanks for the explanation, aopirose. I was really lost too -- I'm going to check out that website ASAP.

Hearing about Mardi Gras has me totally intrigued. Can anybody suggest any books (novels would be great) or movies or websites that provide insight into New Orleans life in general? It is like a different world to me, and I am completely fascinated and want to learn more.

While we do have a Fat Tuesday celebration in downtown complete with bustling bars and a parade, I will be celebrating West Coast style. I'll be at an OAR concert with one of my sisters.

It must be so much fun to be a part of New Orleans society. I agree with Valkyrie that it sounds totally intriguing. Here's a question...are Krewe members usually well established NO families (as in being in the area for MANY years) or are "outsiders" (people who have not been in NO forever) ever invited to join?