On Assignment Feb. 7: Carnival-ready checklist, Mardi Gras supplies and a cookbook sunk at sea
> Training days
It’s Carnival-season training time. Here’s a checklist to get you and your home ready and in-shape for the best time of the year:
✔Clean your house from top to bottom. By the time Mardi Gras day rolls around, you’ll be swimming in go-cups, take out boxes, beads and throws, and, at my place at least, costume accessories in every room. You’re going to want to make sure all is in order before the (wonderful) chaos begins.
✔Stock up on paper towels for spills and clean up, cloth hand towels for the powder room (this Dirty Coast king cake tea towel is a great option), ahem extra toilet paper of course, and hand soap (we love this Mrs. Meyer’s basil-scented option at Whole Foods) and hand sanitizer. Dr. Bronner’s makes an organic, spray sanitizer in a lovely lavender scent that’s so refreshing you’ll want to get one for the bathroom, your purse, your car, etc. I like to have a basket of disposable face masks (in addition to our standard KN95s) by the front door as well, just in case you have an unexpected visitor stop-by or need to run out quickly to catch a Muses shoe. Fleurty Girl also has a wide selection of masks that are cheeky and chic, for those looking for a fashion statement, as well as germ protection.
✔Get your Carnival make-up ready to go. NOLA Craft Culture has a wide selection of wearable glitter, lashes, feathers and more. A quick trip and a chat with the experts, and you will be set to shine all parade season lone. We really like Bolt Balm from Electra Cosmetics (available in store) for our body glitter needs. It goes on easily, doesn’t feel cakey, and won’t sweat off throughout the warmest parade day.
✔ Get your costume/outfit ready. If you are looking for last-minute costume needs, try an insider favorite, Broadway Bound at 2737 Canal St., for a wide selection of sequins, feathers and more. Right around the corner at 2811 Toulouse St. is Plush Appeal, which has every kind of parade throw you could want, novelties and accessories, all variety of beads in every color and so much more. It’s hard not to get into the Carnival spirit while perusing the aisles of this Mardi Gras mecca.
✔Get your best walking shoes, boots or costume-ready footwear. I have a pair of these glittery walking sneakers that can take me from Napoleon on down to Canal Street and back for catching both Zulu and Rex. Majorette boots are also a popular choice for many. Order from Spy Girl NOLA for boots that were made for walking (and marching). Be sure to break in any new shoes or boots ahead of the big day. Take a walk around the park. Strut up and down St. Charles Avenue. Your feet will thank you later.
instagram.com/spygirlnola
✔Get your bar ready. You won’t want to be running to and from the store for supplies, so be sure to think ahead. Stock up on go-cups, mixers (such as tonic, seltzer, olives, lemons and limes), bitters (New Orleans’ own El Guapo Bitters are a must-have for a well-stocked bar), cocktail napkins (these from Lionheart Prints are cute and festive enough for visitors – plus check out all of their other must-have parade and party essentials) and a variety of beverages, both adult and zero-alcohol options.
✔Get your house ready. Finally, if you haven’t already decorated for the season, it’s time to haul out the big beads, festive door hangers and parade adornments. Float artisans across the city are selling the distinctive flowers that can be seen in many parades, so be on the lookout for some of familiar favorites. Check out the special, limited edition signature Orpheus flowers, on sale at Plush Appeal.
>Savor the flavor
King cakes – And now for something completely different. We tried the savory pretzel king cake from La Boulangerie, in order to mix things up a bit.While this salty cousin of the sweet variety is presented with house made mustard, we also paired ours with a charcuterie selection from local cheese mongers St. James Cheese Co. as well as cold cuts and meats from our local grocer. Along with a pint of our favorite locally-made lager, it made for the perfect casual Friday afternoon happy hour.
>Ship wrecked
In the most 2022 turn-of-events to happen, the much-anticipated new cookbook from Turkey and the Wolf’s own chef Mason Hereford (along with J.J. Goode) went the way of the Titanic, when the shipping container carrying the books sank to the bottom of the ocean on their way to New Orleans. The New York Times picked up on the crazy turn of events with an article detailing the tragedy at sea. And yet, while “Turkey and the Wolf: Flavor Trippin’ in New Orleans” is delayed, it is on the way, so be sure to place your preorders for its debut, now scheduled for this summer.
>Corsetry art
Finally, personal-connection plug, the walking krewe I belong to, the Dames de Perlage, recently released our 2022 theme announcement. Each year, the Dames hand-sew a unique corset. Inspired by the city of New Orleans. Past themes have included “Streets and Neighborhoods,” “They All Asked for You” and “Jazz Fest.” This year, we pay homage to the city’s rich variety of street art and murals with our “Hiding in Plain Sight” review. Look for us along the Avenue in the Krewe of Freret, Krewe of King Arthur and Krewe of Tucks, and in the French Quarter for our Dame Fine Second Line on Lund Gras. And be sure to check out our Instagram page to view some of our artwork, the beading process and more.
Categories: On Assignment, Things To Do
