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“Let’s go shopping!” that’s what I heard over the phone last weekend from my best friend. Well, not being one to turn that offer down, I pick her up and we’re off to Kohl’s, her favorite store. I wander around the store with her, not seeing anything I necessarily wanted to buy, but watched as she picked up one item after the other, listening as she told me where she was going to wear it and how great it would look with such and such items. She’s going through so fast that I failed to notice how she wasn’t trying these items on.

Finally we have an entire cart of clothing for her, and I mention, “Hey, are you going try all this on?” Nope. She was certain that the items fit her. After all, she knew the brand, she knew her size. I smile, nod and decide that some people just need to learn the lessons the hard way, and that I had no right to impede upon that education. We checkout, spending too much money on items that she was sure fit, but that I was less than thrilled about returning later, when they didn’t fit.

We talk a lot during the week. A LOT! Monday came, and she was telling me about how one shift didn’t fit right. Tuesday was a pair of jeans, Wendsday she didn’t wear her new clothes, Thursday was a pair of shoes, Friday she tried everything on and garnered a pile that she has to return. This weekend was spent returning the items and exchanging them for different sizes that she actually tried on. Lesson learned.

What can you take from this story? Well, hopefully the same lesson my friend took home, which was to try everything on. You may think you are saving time buy buying items without trying them on, you may even think you “know” your size. However, with all the different materials, cuts and styles out there, what is a size 8 and fit perfectly in one outfit can be a size 8 and way too small in other style. Take the minute, try on the outfit. After all, isn’t that half the fun of shopping with your best friend? Getting out of the dressing room and looking all goofy? I know that’s my favorite part.

Winter is ending, finally. There are more days of bright sun and fewer days of snow. There are more days of warm temperatures than there are of negative degree nights. This being said, winter is not done, it is just changing. Gone are the days of feet of snow, but here are the days of ice and slush. This means a change in the wardrobe and in particular the shoes that one wears. While some shoes are ideal for the snow which provides some traction, these shoes are not always ideal for the wet ice and the freezing slush.

Winter boots, with their thick insulation and waterproof construction, are still considered the best footwear that a person can have. These come in a wide array of fashions, even heels, although on the ice, one would suggest a very short heel or flat. These come in an array of materials, most often leather or a rubber-like material. These boots provide the individual with the best traction and the best defense against the cold and wet that the slush and the ice are. In addition, these are easy to clean and easy to care for.

While the peep toes and the strappy heels look fun, one must remember what they are used for. They are used to look sexy and fun. This is nice, except they provide no protection against the weather. The soles on these shoes are often smooth, limiting the traction that a person has available. The material is thin and form fitting, keeping the sexy look and there is a lot of area on the foot that is not covered. These shoes are ideal for contracting frostbite in the winter/spring weather. Save these shoes for once you get to the event and in the door.

As for those horrid Uggs and the cloth version of these shoes, please, please use some common sense. If the shoe looks like a house slipper, do not wear it outside. If the construction of the shoe features cotton, remember, cotton is very absorbent; it is what towels are made of. These shoes may be warm and soft in the store, but they are not functional outside. Stepping in a puddle in these shoes will guarantee a chill; slush and ice will not only be outside of the shoe, but also in the shoe and against the skin. Not to mention that the shoe makes the individual look like they have blocks for ankles and calves, lost in all definition without the logic of a winter boot.

Moladh na hÉireann! It will soon be St. Patrick’s Day, a festival in which the Irish celebrate St. Patrick driving the snakes from Ireland by drinking and having a grand time. This is the only time of the year where EVERYONE is Irish. Even those who have no Irish blood in them are Irish, and the wearing the color red will warrant a punch in the arm. Green will be the color of the beer, the color of the eggs and the ham. Everything is Irish and everyone loves it.

However, St. Patrick’s Day is not all fun and games. There are serious concerns about this holiday where drinking is celebrated. There will be police out in force to prevent drunk driving, something that can get the innocent individual killed but leave the drunk unharmed. The police will also be out and about cooling the tempers of those who cannot handle their drinks with a smile. This is a festive holiday that can quickly turn to tragedy.

To keep yourself safe this St. Patrick’s Day, one should use common sense. Are you planning on getting piss drunk this year? Well, consider a taxi to get you there and back. This will help to keep the drunk driving down and will also allow you one less thing to worry about. Many times the taxis are free on St. Patrick’s Day to accommodate the safety of everyone, but do call ahead to make sure of this and to ensure the proper pick up time for the taxi.

Are you angry or irritated before you have even begun to drink? Yes? Please put down the whisky and take a moment to relax and have some fun before drinking. Alcohol has a way of removing our filters and what was minor irritation before can become rage with just a few car bombs. If you have had a history of being violent once drinking, consider not drinking for everyone’s sake, including your criminal record.

Above all, be aware that even the full blood Irish get hang-overs. Take the time to hydrate with water between drinks. The taste of Murphy’s does not depreciate if you have a glass of water with it. Killians is just as red after a glass of juice. Take care of yourself while drinking. Enjoy your drink with some food to prevent nausea. Relax, you have all day and all night to enjoy your drinks. There is no reason to hit it heavy right off the bat. Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day and remember those snakes that left the Emerald Island in order for this holiday to come to be.  Eirinn go Brach.