Old

O hey y'all! 

How is your St Patrick's Day? I hope that you've thoroughly overdone yourselves.  Isn't that what St Patrick's Day is all about? Irish culture and the over indulgence of certain intoxifying beverages?

If you've ever been to Dallas, you'll know, that their 2 biggest party days are New Years and St Patrick's Day.  Although, some will probably argue that football season is insanity as well.  And, well, while with college football, they may have a point, I'll fight them to the death about certain pro football teams (GO PACK GO!). 

Anyways, with a certain birthday approaching in the very near future, I've had to come to the reluctant realization that I am not the young, spry gal that I once was.  Seriously.  I'm sure I'm getting a lot of eye rolls with that statement, but I'm pretty in touch with myself, and it's true. 

I'm. uh. old.

 While I try to ease into my late twenties gracefully, many of my friends are getting married, having babies and baby siblings, or doing the whole party lifestyle thing.  More power to all of them.  However, I find the eternal struggle as to what suits myself.  I'm in absolutely no way ready to even consider reproducing (this weekend helped solidify that reasoning).  However, my body has reached it's limit as to what it can handle "party-wise".  

So, what I'm getting at, is -- Yes, I'm currently in my mid-twenties quickly bordering on the very scary upper-twenties.  Yes, a full day of partying must be well thought out and planned accordingly.  And yes, unfortunately, according to HIMYM, "Nothing good," really doesn't "happen after 2am".  I mean really, if I am not in bed by midnight, I'm going to be a little crabby.  I really am not missing out on anything, right? 

Anybody want to correct me? Anybody think I have the right mindset here?  I'm serious here.  I'm willing to listen to anybody.  I feel like I'm failing as a human being! I love to have fun, and I have plenty of fun (as far as I am aware!)

That being said, Slainte!

Nothing But Perfect Advice

I always strive to be the ultimate hostess.  I LOVE having people over, having some appetizers, drinks, and entertaining. It's absolutely top 3 favorite thing to do in my life.  However, since my income is less than adequate (I'm talking lottery amounts here, folks!) I don't have a chance to always keep things on hand,  just in case someone drops by, or plans change.  

I was reading on Thoughtfully Simple the other day, the solution to my problems!! I also added some of my own opinions and additions!

1. Always keep 2 bottles of red wine and 2 bottles of white wine on hand. 

You'll always have something to serve your guests. Plain and simple, entertain is keeping the belly full and tongue from being parched! Now, if you're going to be a guest in my abode, I will probably not offer the white wine - I have very little love for white wine.  It's too sweet! Most white wine drinkers I know will also drink red wine if need be.  I'd also suggest keeping a 6-pack on hand as well (something domestic).  Some people just prefer beer to wine.  This way, if a couple or couple of friends stop by, there really is something for everyone.  This being said - keep a couple of water bottles handy at all times.  People always want to quench their thirst, and you can always throw it in a nice tumbler with ice cubes to make it ice cold!

2. Keep ingredients on hand for simple appetizers.

I wish I was able to follow this one better.  My cooking skills are limited.  However, I am slowly inching my way up the foodie ladder (thanks Pinterest!).  Martini Kabobs are easy enough, and keep well (olives, prosciutto, cocktail onions).  I also would suggest keeping sour cream, mayonnaise, and a dip packet to mix in, and that's easy enough - since more likely than not, you have chips and crunchy veggies to dip on hand as well.  Not necessarily the most fancy of appetizers, but certainly works in a pinch! Who doesn't like chips and dip? 

3. Keep Supplies like cocktail napkins on hand and invest in a simple set of cocktail plates. 

Yup. Paper Towels don't exactly scream, "I was totally ready for you, and I'm not grasping at straws to accommodate for you". Something like cocktail napkins/plates say, "These might seem relatively formal, but I'm classy like that. No you didn't put me out at all!".

In my world, I follow this every day.  However, in real life, I don't keep wine on hand - because I'll find a reason to drink it.  I don't keep too many ingredients on hand - because it generally goes bad before I use/eat it.  I don't have cocktail napkins on hand because I hate to spend money that I shouldn't spend on non-absorbent, functional things. It's not a perfect world, but I sure do dream in one!!

Happy Week before Turkey Day! :)

Water

Water Rules. It's one of my favorite sayings because water does in fact, rule. I'm not much for lemonade or sweetened drinks.  When I feel the heat, absolutely nothing sounds better than a glass of cold water with ice.

Water is the original beverage. I think I would even go as far as to call it classic.  I suppose some would say it's plain and simple and not something exciting - especially to use at an event.  I mean, how much can you dress up something see-through?

No need to have these brain busters haunting your every thought my friends.  Be Different...Act Normal has the answer. Dress up the ice! Get some frozen fruit and spice up the water! How much fun is this? This is the perfect way to dress up your beverage!

Knowing how much I love color, I have fallen completely in love. Beware my friends, I may just spice up your drink with some color cubes!