Mardi Gras Party

With winter in full swing (and some of us snowed under) - few will turn down a fun celebration. While Mardi Gras is "officially" celebrated on Fat Tuesday, (Feb 16 this year) most of us can't really party on a Tuesday night - so any Fri or Sat in Feb or March will work!! Interested in throwing a Mardi Gras party, but not sure how? See a collection of helpful links below for history, decorations, great recipes, and even music. Everything you need, at your fingertips! Hope you have a ball.

Invites:
Evite: Easy and free
http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/create/event.do?template=zatarains_mardigras_cst
http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/create/event.do?template=laissez
http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/create/event.do?template=mardigraswords
OR
An invite on a mask (unique and works best when you can hand deliver to your guests!):
http://www.shindigz.com/party/Masquerade-Invitation.cfm
Printed invites:
http://www.impressinprint.com/FILE-items_MENUID-581_CID-831_SCID-227_OnSale-False_R-R.aspx


History:
Learn about Mardi Gras:
http://www.eastjeffersonparish.com/culture/MARDIGRA/HISTORY/history.htm

Decorate:
Think beads and masks!
http://www.mardigrasoutlet.com/

Tableware:
{Plates, napkins, everything you need!
http://party411.makesparties.com/Catalog.aspx?intDisplayableCategoryID=1350&intDisplayableProductID=121856


The Menu

Ron's BBQ Shrimp:
http://www.cajungrocer.com/appetizers-rons-bbq-shrimp-c-1170_1171_1174.html

The Very Best Jumbalaya (ever!)
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1724,128177-246192,00.html

Corn and Zucchini Saute
http://www.cajungrocer.com/vegetables-corn-and-zucchini-saute-c-1170_1365_1372.html

add some warm, crusty bread...

And of course - a King Cake for dessert (you can order - they'll deliver!):
http://www.cajungrocer.com/fresh-foods-king-cake-c-1_15_26.html
(also check out the beautifully decorated cookies they offer...)

Music:
Don't forget the tunes.
CDs:
http://www.amazon.com/Century-Novelty-Mardi-Gras-Music/dp/B001VOENVG
http://www.amazon.com/Mardi-Gras-Party-Various-Artists/dp/B0000003NN/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_c
iTunes:
Search for "Mardi Gras, Various Artists" for a download-able collection

Talk to Teens About Distracted Driving

New research findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving distracted driving, and more than half a million were injured. Many are teens.

There are technology tools that help, including newly launched iZUP™ (“eyes up”), a new mobile phone application. iZUP runs quietly in the background and automatically launches when it detects that a phone is in a moving vehicle. While driving, incoming calls are sent to voice mail and text messages are held until the vehicle stops and a driver can read and respond to them safely.

iZUP also prevents outgoing communication while driving, yet authorizes calls to three pre-determined numbers, such as a parent’s cell phone. The application always allows emergency calls to 9-1-1. When the driver places an emergency call, the software generates an automatic notification to the account holder and sends a Google Map specifying the exact location of where the call was made.

iZUP, and other similar tools seem like a smart addition to education and constant reminders, a way to ensure your child doesn't die because they decided to respond to a text message "just once."