Happy Mardi Gras (and/or Carnival) all!

I was in New Orleans last weekend and had the chance to take in The Barkus Krewe parade, where dogs are the star of the show and their owners parade their best friends throughout the French Quarter.

Like all parades, there were dazzling marching troops between the “floats”.

The balconies were dressed for the occasion.

To make you feel like you’re in New Orleans, I’m throwing you some Mardi Gras beads;

A haint blue ceiling to sit beneath;

a hearty hunk of King Cake;

and (almost) front row seats to a parade