If you know me you know I love beads, dressing up, Mardi Gras and southern cooking. My grandparents were from the south and a little part of me somehow feels at home when I hear a a turn of phrase or a southern drawl even though I really am a California gal at heart.

For years many we would throw a great big house party for Mardi Gras here in the UK because in our house it is birthday month. It took days to prepare and clean up but it was worth every minute. I’d ususally make red beans and rice, jamabalaya, gumbo and 4 massive king cakes enough to feed dozens of friends. We got out of this tradition thanks to Covid but I think this tradition will have to be resurrected… but not this year because I have another party to be at… my first born is 16 this Mardi!

Part of the Mardi Gras tradtion is the bead throwing and wearing. This jeweller is right at home with a dozen or more strands draped around her neck after a few swamp coolers. It is the weight and the rattle when you dance I just love the feeling.

Before modern plastics mardi gras beads used to be made of glass and sometimes wood or old coconut shells. I admit I have many strands of plastic in my collection of course but I love the old glass beads. The tradition of “throws” dates back to the 19th century when The Rex would throw out fake jewels to his loyal subjects off his moving parade perch.

Need some NOLA sound? Check out one of my fave bands Hot 8 covering Basement Jaxx Bingo Bango….