Heated Mardi Gras Beads

Mardi Gras, being often in February (as it is this year), is a pre-lenten holiday that involves beads, drinking, food, sometimes breasts, and cold freakin' weather.

So you're standing outside, in the cold, in the wind, watching parades pass you by, and the float riders throw beads to the crowd (except in Mobile, Alabama, where I hear they aren't allowed to throw anything at all.).

Why not have one of the floats throw heated beads? Bead expenses are already high, as anyone who has been to a New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration can tell you - often, the beaded necklaces contain painted logos or faces, stuffed animals, several intertwined strands, or even LEDs.

This idea consists of a set of stranded metal or plastic cages, wrapped in cheesecloth, that contain iron powder, salt, water, activated charcoal, and vermiculite - all natural ingredients that are found in modern handwarmers. Beads are shipped in sealed plastic bags as it is, which are opened by the float riders on the route, so there's no risk of people getting already-expired beads.

Have one float toss these suckers out every so often, and at least a few revelers will be able to stay a little bit warmer for a little bit longer.