Hi. Happy Friday! How was your Mardi Gras? How was your Valentine’s Day?

It’s no secret that I adore both of this weeks holidays. And sorry if you’re one of those “Valentine’s Day is just a Hallmark scam” people, but I totally buy into all the mushy hearts, cards, chocolate and love that’s all over on Valentine’s Day.

As for Mardi Gras? What do you mean you don’t celebrate?? After experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans last year and seeing just how big of a deal it is there, it actually baffles me that my mom grew up there and now lives somewhere that barely recognizes that it’s a holiday. I bet that was a shock when she first moved here.

I won’t lie, I listened to New Orleans Jazz radio and watched live stream of Bourbon Street basically all day. Then I went home, made étouffée and pretended I was in the Big Easy.

We even made our own shrimp stock and the étouffée passed my mom’s judgment, so I felt pretty good about myself. Except when I thought about how much butter was in there. Then I felt less good about myself. 🙂

I celebrated Valentine’s Day by dragging Joey to the gym with me at 6 AM, enjoying lunch at a new-to-us restaurant and making margaritas for Hannah and I.

I know Valentine’s Day is marketed as a couple’s holiday but for me it has always been about ALL the love in my life. So I’m happy to spend it with all the love in my life, friends, family and margaritas included.

**********************

Do you get really into Valentine’s Day?

Do you like Cajun food?

If you had to choose: chocolate or alcohol?