You Don't Just Need These Rules for Drinking on St. Patrick's Day.

I firmly believe that St. Patrick's Day is the greatest drinking holiday of all time. We're not reflecting on the past like on New Years. Nor are we getting sunburnt on the Fourth of July. We don't have to create a costume like Halloween. Everyone has a green shirt in their closet. The weather is usually great and by this time of the year, we all need a drink. 

Whether you're drinking to celebrate the Irish or drinking just because, here are a few drinking tips from an old pro. 

Rule #1: Never Drink Anything Blue.

Nothing is as horrifying as throwing up something blue. Nothing. Except, pooping green. Which will happen to you if you drink one too many blue drinks. Nothing good ever happens when someone hands you a blue drink so stay away. Stick with more traditional shades of beverage and you won't be mortified in the morning.

Rule #2: If a Bar Only Exists When You're Drunk, There's a Reason.

We have a local bar that I swear only exists when I am drunk. I have never been able to see it in the cold, sober light of day. I drive on that road everyday and nope -- not there. But when I'm drunk, I am suddenly transported there. There is a good reason why and that is -- no sober person will drink at an establishment that smells like piss. 

I think the moral of this rule is don't go there sober if you want to keep the illusion alive that it's a great place to be. 

Rule #3: To Say It Is to Summon It.

We usually only use this rule when it comes to shots. Someone drops that S-word and suddenly there are shot glasses lined up and the Jameson is flowing. However, I'm going to expand this rule. If you say something is going to happen, it will. "I'm going to puke" -- and you will puke. "I'm going to fall" -- and you will fall. Keep this in mind when you're friend is telling you and you might be able to get there in an appropriate place.

Rule #4: Live Within Walking Distance.

Cabs are expensive. Provided you can walk, do so. Always have a decent bar within walking distance. You never know what's going to happen. 

Rule #5: Take Your Pictures At the Beginning of the Night.

Oh, everyone looks so cute at the beginning of the night. So take the group pictures then! Do not wait until the mascara starts running and the hair ends up in a weird place. And the boys start removing their ties. Trust me. My friends and I seem to only take pictures after we've been drinking and if that picture up at the top didn't scare you, I've thankfully deleted all the ones that could.

And with that, all I can bid you is good luck on this glorious holiday or ... any day that you decide to go out and enjoy yourself. 

LET'S TALK ABOUT BEER, BABY.

And cider too.

Here are some of the beers I've been drinking lately.

Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro

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I first tried this beer in Philadelphia. I was at this bar and I said to the bartender, "Give me something good." And this is what I got and I definitely was not disappointed.

This beer reminds me of a dessert. It is creamy and delicious. 

I guess my only complaint is that I can only have just one at a time because it really is that creamy and rich. 

Fox Barrel's Blackberry Pear Cider

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Everyone that knows me is aware of my love of cider. But, my love does not extend to pear cider. I've had a few terrible experiences with pear ciders and I always say, "It tastes the same going down as it does coming up." 

Now, one of my favorite pizza places - Mellow Mushroom - recently added Fox Barrel to the menu. And I was apprehensive, but this is actually really delicious. The pear isn't overly strong. The blackberry is very sweet and it tastes like juice.

New Belgium's Snow Day

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Unfortunately, this beer is seasonal. And at the bar near my house, I can't even get it anymore. But, it's definitely a winter favorite.
I love dark ales for winter and Snow Day does not disappoint. It has such a great flavor. I had it for the first time this winter and I cannot wait until next winter so I can drink more of it.

Any beers you've been loving lately? Let me know in the comments. I'd love to try them.

birthday recap.

My mom bought me a Kindle Fire HD and so far, I love it! I'll be blogging all about it when I get a chance (when I figure it all out).


My grandpa took me out for pad thai - it's the best pad thai I've ever had. And then gave me the necklace I've been asking for for almost twenty years.

I went out with my friends later and found my second favorite bar on Mill Ave.


Seriously...


So far, 23 isn't that bad.