A Traditional Three Leaf Clover

St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow.  It could also be appropriately called “Let’s Wear Green and Get Drunk Day,” since that’s what most folks do.  And if you happen to be one of the poor souls not wearing green because you missed the memo about it being St. Patrick’s Day, then you best steer clear of any and all bars.  Unless you enjoy being pinched by random drunken obnoxious strangers.

But why, oh why, do they do this?  What in the Irish tradition is this pesky pinch tied to?

Actually….its not tied to anything!  Its one of those things “modern traditions” pinned upon the holiday upon being hijacked from its origins.   Because in Ireland, the “wearing of the green” and the pesky pinching is not actually a tradition.  They do sport pinned shamrocks on the St. Patrick’s Day, but the color green is a coincidence.  The shamrocks are actually representative of St. Patrick having used them to educate people on the Holy Trinity.  Yes.  I did just make a religious reference.  Because SAINT Patrick’s Day is of a religious origin.  In fact…back in the day they actually used to mandate that pubs in Ireland be closed!  Can you imagine?!  No pub crawls on St. Patrick’s Day.  The horror!

So, while you and I may now know that wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day really has nothing to do with the dang holiday, I am sure the random drunken obnoxious stranger in the bar does not know that.  And trying to explain to said Obnoxious Stranger why he (or she) should not be pinching you is simply a waste of your time.  So don’t chance it.  If you intend to hit up a bar tomorrow, sport some green and avoid that pesky pinch!

And for those of you who are pesky pinchers…give it a rest.  Just enjoy your green beer and have a good time!

And me?  I’ll be drinking a black velvet (Guinness and Cider) and sporting a green scarf somewhere (better to be safe than sorry)!

Patience.  That is what this time of year is ALL about.  Patience.  Lines are everywhere.  Lines to get into the parking lot of the mall, lines to park once you’re in, lines to pay, lines to get out of the parking lot.  Lines. Lines. Lines.  And just as you are feeling pressured and stressed, so are all those people behind the registers trying to help you out.  So as we hit the home stretch of the holiday season remember this - your manners.  Don’t forget to say Please and Thank You to all the kind folks trying to get not only you but the line of people behind you on your merry way!  Hold the door open for folks.  And be patient.  Because everyone has somewhere they’ve got to be.  Spread the cheer and you’ll find yourself enjoying the season!

Happy Holidays!

We All Like to Have a Good Time

With so many holiday parties turning their heads, I think it is time to review some tips when it comes to alcohol.  Let me first say, I enjoy having a good time out just like anyone else!  However, I have come to learn that sometimes taking advantage of the open bar is just not worth it.  So here are some tips to help you avoid becoming the office drunk (or even the drunken bridesmaid!).

• Eat something! The worst thing you can do to yourself when you know you will be drinking is not eat anything.  I know that when you’re running around just trying to get to the party, food is the last thing on your mind.  But really, praying to the porcelain god should be deterrent enough to make you stop and have a bit to eat.
• No shots. Of any kind.  See the problem with shots is that you can’t measure your intake, and then they just hit you like a ton of bricks because chances are you already had a drink or two prior to that and after that.
• Pace yourself. You are not in a drinking contest.  If you’re at a holiday party, you’re there to socialize and have fun and maybe get on your bosses good side.  You’re not there to be a spectacle.  And if you’re at a wedding, you’re there to celebrate.  Not make the embarrassing drunk toast to the bride and groom.
• Eat something! If you have already been drinking and feel yourself approaching that line, get some food in your stomach.  It will help you from hurling yourself across the line.
• Alternate your beverages. There is no harm in changing up your beverage selection throughout the night.  Have a glass of wine or two, then a glass of water.  Part of the socializing bit is having a drink in your hand.  But there’s no law that says the drink must be alcoholic.

Thanksgiving!  A time for eating turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie…usually until your pants no longer fit.  But if you are hosting dinner for friends and family, then the day is much more than that!  There is turkey to be cooked, potatoes to be mashed, tables to be set, getting ready yourself and the timing on all those pieces can be terribly consuming!  So here is a helping hand..a brief overview on how to a set a table…for all you first timers!

Courtesy of Real Simple Real Life (big fan of Real Simple Magazine!), here are quick and easy tips for how to set a table.

How To: Set a Formal Table - Click Here for More

How To: Set an Informal Table - Click Here For More

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!