Random Stuff Thursday

A whole lot of random here on the blog today.

Last weekend when we went to visit my in-laws we stopped by a store that had all of their Christmas decor 70% off.

I almost didn't want to go because I knew it would be too tempting.

Well, I caved and walked out with $40 worth of stuff that would have been nearly $200.

SCORE!

One of the things I bought for $10 was this purple and gold wreath.

I'm sure they were selling it for ECU fans but I immediately thought two things.

Football season it could be decorated for LSU!

Second, Mardi Gras!!

 Instead of having my niece send me Mardi Gras beads and such, I remembered that my co-worker's wife is from NOLA.

He told me that had a garage full of stuff that I could have!

SCORE again!

 Last night I got creative and came up with this!

Gaudy?

Yes, but that's what Mardi Gras is all about!

 I took the masks off some beads that were in the bag.

 To go with our wreath I put out a garden flag that my MIL gave me over the weekend.

 So, we are keeping it festive in the hood!

I'm sure my neighbors think I'm a loon.

 Out of the entire bag of beads these are my two favorite.

Love me some Abita and the Katrina beads brought back memories.

 While I was decorating my wreath Brad was getting his creative on by decorating wine bottles.

More on this in another post.

 For dinner last night I made this recipe by suggestion of a co-worker.

One sentence.

MAKE.IT.NOW

It's from the Weight Watcher site and it's awesome.

click here.

 And, last but not least today...
 I bought tickets for the Circus this weekend.

It's a date with our nephew Reed on Saturday morning.

Brad was originally going to go but we have too much to do for our Super Bowl party and to get ready for our ski trip next week.

 So, it's just me and the Reeders!

I've already been warned by dozens of people about the expensive souvenirs and food that we will encounter and that every kids begs for.

I'm serious.

Everyone keeps warning me.

So, here's my question and I want you to be honest.

Reed is 5 and 1/2 years old.

Is he too young to give a $20 bill and tell him he can use it however he wants but when the money is gone.. it's gone?

I did this with my brother's kids and you avoid all of that begging and pleading for everything.

Advice?

I'm super stoked about the circus.

I only remember going once as a child.

Happy Thursday!