According to the calendar we still have about 10 days until spring officially starts, but I always consider West Branch Builders Home Show Weekend to be the unofficial kick-off to spring.

We turned the clocks ahead, the days are getting longer (and hopefully warmer) and it’s time to start thinking about all those spring and summer home improvement projects.

We have XX pages this week, filled with people who want to help you get all those projects done! So, make a note, then stop by their booths and see them at the West Branch Builders Home Show this weekend!

Be sure to come upstairs and see us at booth #202 too! As usual we are doing a giveaway so stop by to register to win an amazing grilling package! We are giving away a grill from Elery Nau Hardware, and to make sure you can start using the grill right away, we are also throwing in a $50 gift card to Rupert’s Specialty Meats so you can grab some steaks, burgers, chicken or whatever else suits you to grill! But wait! There’s more! We are also tossing in a $50 gift card to Frosty Beverage to complete your grilling season needs! I’ll be around Saturday afternoon, so stop by and see me!

This year, the Home Show completely sold out of vendor booths! So there are over 150 vendors to see this weekend! It’s shaping up to be another amazing Show for the WBSBA!

St. Paddy’s day is right around the corner too. I’m sure there will be plenty of celebrating happening this weekend! As far as I know, there is nothing official happening this weekend, but I’m sure some of you will be out celebrating the luck of the Irish this weekend anyway. If so, please be safe out there. Get a DD, or call an Uber, Lyft or taxi. Faith and Begorrah — Just get home safe!

If you are planning on celebrating at home, perhaps you would like to try a new cocktail? Check out these Irish themed cocktails and remember — always enjoy responsibly!

Take your whiskey and ginger game up a notch with this Ginger Mule:

Ginger Mule:

Ingredients
• 2 ounces Irish whiskey
• 6 ounces ginger beer or more!
• juice of half a lime about 1 ounce
• lime slices optional, for garnish
• mint sprig (optional for garnish)
• ice

Instructions

Fill a copper mug (or other glass) with ice. Pour in whiskey and lime juice, top with ginger beer. Stir to mix, garnish with lime slices and mint sprig.

Notes: *Ginger beer is to taste. If you like more of a whiskey taste, add less ginger beer. If you like a sweeter drink, add more! I usually just top the glass off with ginger beer.

If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, try this dessert cocktail!

Baileys Irish Floats

Ingredients:
• 6 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 2 c. Guinness beer
• 1/2 c. Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/4 c. chocolate syrup

Directions:

Scoop three scoops ice cream each into two tall glasses. Pour 1 cup Guinness and 1/4 cup Baileys over each serving. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

And, if all else fails, just pour some Jameson over ice and call it a day!