This year is very odd. Tuesday is Mardi Gras. And Wednesday is Valentine's Day (but also the start of Lent for those who are Catholic. That's going to be one tough day!). Even more amusing (to me, anyway) is that Easter falls on April Fool's Day, but that's not what this post is about.
Let me start with Mardi Gras. My last Mardi Gras post was entirely focused on food and drink. I've got a few more recipe links for you. As well as some DIY craft ideas.
Here is a quite extensive list of Vegetarian Mardi Gras recipes, including mains, sides, desserts, and mocktails! A few more recipes from Vegetarian Times. And a small article from VegNews with Vegan recipes and alcohol suggestions.
Here is a page with a few less-traditional dessert recipes (like a monkey bread and Mardi Gras cookies), printable decorations and masks, as well as a few crafts. Here is an "Elegant, Easy, DIY Mardi Gras Centerpiece". "25 MARDI GRAS DIY IDEAS" has some recipes [not all Veg-friendly, though you CAN substitute] as well as decorations, masks, a hat you can make, and even a nail art idea!). If you have (or buy) Mardi Gras beads, you can use them to make a wreath or some cones. Find out how, here! And finally, "DIY Mardi Gras Party Decor – Under $50" tells you how to make gorgeously decorated masks in bulk AND an easy centerpiece on a budget.
Now, on to Valentine's Day (aka Singles Awareness Day)! First, check out my last Valentine's Day post for a good mix of decorations, homemade cards, and recipes.
Vegetarian Times has some recipes (both Vegetarian and Vegan). Also, check out "10 Romantic Vegetarian Valentine’s Day Recipes", "25 Vegetarian Recipes for Your Valentine's Day Dinner", and "26 Ways To Cook Dinner For Your Favorite Vegetarian" for more ideas.
Country Living has 42 DIY crafts for Valentine's Day. Here are 31 more. "31 Creative Ideas for Valentines Day Decorations" and "18 Sweet and Simple DIY Valentine's Day Decorations" also have some ideas. While "35+ Unique DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts For Men" and "31 Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her" can help you come up with some gift ideas, even if you don't have money to spend.
What if you're celebrating Singles Awareness Day? Well, here are "10 single serve recipes for Singles Awareness Day". Vegetarians: In the "Mexican Salsa + Steak Salad", try a seitan steak (such as this one), some "steak" strips by Morningstar Farms or Gardein, or see if you can get your hands on some Viana Cowgirl Veggie Steaks in time. And use your favourite veggie "bacon" for the "Veggie + Bacon Hash with Eggs". Vegans, sub out the cheeses with Vegan cheese, eggs with your favourite replacer (for "Veggie + Bacon Hash with Eggs", you could try the VeganEgg or make a Vegan sunny-side up "egg" yourself), and butter with a Vegan option (such as Melt!). I've mentioned options for all for all of these in past posts.
Or you can throw a party for all your single friends. Some ideas on planning can be found on Buzzfeed.
Well, that's it for now. Until next time....