With February being such a short month, what better way to keep our readers excited than with an issue all about a certain March celebration. That's right, our theme this month is Mardi Gras! And with so many topics to discuss, and parties and parades to attend, gather up your favorite masks and beads to start this purple, gold and green adventure! We even have a spectacular playlist sure to get you in the mood for a trip down Bourbon Street.
Psst! Over here! I'm Nikky and I'm going to tell you all about the upcoming columns in this month's issue of SOUP! There is something for everyone, including a very special King Cake in Recipe of the Month. Who can say no to cake? If that person's you, then why not check out the latest Adventures of Beagle as the beloved pooch thinks back with regret for overindulging. And what's New Orleans Mardi Gras without a whole lot of jazz? Get your snapping fingers ready to dive into the tunes in the latest Music Column. We also have a new Puzzling Things that will take you straight to Italy with the choice of two different puzzles to complete. The top winner will also receive a pretty graphic with their galleon prize. This and more awaits you within the coming pages, so don't dally any longer.
Hey everyone, Janelle here! I hope no one's partied out just yet, cause there are some things y'all should hear about Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras, which actually translates to "Fat Tuesday" in French, is actually considered part of the Carnival season. Mardi Gras has been linked to the Roman pagan celebrations of spring and fertility (yes, it was in December - that is due to the Romans using the Julian calendar), before it was then linked to the Carnival celebrations. Carnival, itself, is a Christian festive season that happens before the six-weeks of Lent that start on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras celebrations can start as early as November, but they all will end on Shrove Tuesday.
What are you waiting for? Grab your friends and go get some beads from the floats in the many parades. Just make sure you have February's issue with you, as there is some wonderful advice within the pages.
Until next time,
Nikky & Janelle