THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

St. Patrick's Day and anything that has to do with Ireland has a special place in my heart.  We got engaged in Ireland back in 2004 and what a wonderful trip it was!  We got to visit Dublin and stay at Bono's The Clarence Hotel, we rented a car and drove up the Antrim Coast to visit Belfast in Northern Ireland, we got engaged in the stunning Ashford Castle in Mayo, and rounded out our trip in the Dingle Peninsula and Galway.  Needless to say, it was absolutely amazing!    Ireland is such a beautiful country with warm, friendly people, good food, and such pretty greenery everywhere.  I can't wait to go back to Ireland with the boys one day.  This year, we spent our holiday eating green bagels for breakfast at the bagel shop and having my home-cooked corned beef and cabbage for dinner.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"May your blessings out number the shamrocks that grow, 

And may trouble avoid you wherever you go." 

- An Irish Toast

ODE TO THE GUINESS

Today I write my Ode to the Guinness because it is one of my favorite beers out there. Right off the bat, I have to say the first time I ever tried a Guinness was at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, Ireland...so yes, I was spoiled right away because there is no other Guinness anywhere else in the WORLD that tastes as good!

Now to the reasons why a Guinness is good and actually good for you. Contrary to what most people think, Guinness is low in calories (about 10 per ounce), and is mixed with Aligal gas (70% nitrogen to 30% CO2) which makes it less filling than other beers. Guinness also has Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Iron, Magnesium, Riboflavin and Antioxidants in it...so it's sort of healthy in a way too. So go ahead, raise a pint, and say Slainte! (pronouned slan-cha) That means Cheers! in Gaelic. :-)