I brag on my mom all the time. I don't think I can get through the day without saying something about her, or having one of my friends tell me how cool she is. I know she's cool. I've lived with her for 19 years. (My dad's also cool. He loves reffing rec soccer and extreme couponing and I appreciate every dog video he sends my way.) But did you know how cool my mom's friends are? They're cool, as well. My mom rocks at picking out friends. I didn't realize that in suburban Madison you could find so many ladies who love being themselves.

Because of them, my mom's new favorite color to wear is pink. She can't pass something any hue of pink without sincerely debating buying it. It doesn't even have to be cute -- it just has to be pink. Because of them, my mom now owns multiple pink wigs and pink sequin shorts and probably thirty pink lipsticks and lip glosses.

Back story: one of my mom's friends loves NOLA. She especially loves Mardi Gras NOLA. And when Huntsville began throwing its own Mardi Gras parade, she wanted in. And she wanted her friend group in, as well. You wouldn't believe how many friends wanted in. And so in Huntsville, Alabama, The Cotton Candies were born.

This Mardi Gras krewe decks out in all pink with white boots. That's the only rule, so far - to wear pink with white boots. The outfit design is placed all in the wearer's hands. They get to decide how to dress up in their pink. Every lady has her own style and flair that she adds to the group. They choreograph their walk to two songs and rock out during the parade. People love them. They love the people. They love each other, too. You can tell. They are so supportive of every outfit choice, every wig, every dance move. These ladies aren't just people walking in a parade together - they're close friends.

And I get to be close to them, too. After living in Alabama for nine years and being the only daughter, I get to experience all of my mom's events with her. I get to be her biggest supporter and personal photographer, her mini-self, her super cool daughter who is awesome. Because of this, I get to know all of her friends. (It's a small enough town that one of the Cotton Candies was my beginning drama teacher. She's ah-mazing.) I get to talk to them and hear their stories and experience their bubbly personalities. I love them all dearly. Do you know a person who will willingly deck out in all pink and strut in a parade? I know like 40.

These women are amazing role models. They are not afraid to be silly, to look strange, or to stand out. They celebrate their individuality while also celebrating their friendships. It's a sight to see, and I hope to be home for this next Mardi Gras parade.