Turns out, green wasn’t the holiday’s first color. Legend has it that blue was the first color associated with St. Patrick’s Day. That changed in the 17th century. Green is one of the colors in Ireland’s flag, and several revolutionary Irish groups adopted the color throughout history.

There’s also geographic connotations. Ireland is known as “Emerald Isle” for its beautiful, lush reen landscaping. And green is also the color of spring and shamrocks. Chicago has dyed the Chicago River green on St. Patrick’s Day for more than 40 years.

Innisfree Irish Pub at 1925 University Blvd in Tuscaloosa begins celebrating with an Irish breakfast buffet at 7 a.m. on March 17.

And there will be plenty of Irish specials … plus lots of green beer and other treats.

I love eating green things — beer, eggs, cakes, cookies and anything else that you can think of. Check out this round up of the best green foods online. Maybe they’ll inspire you to whip up a few green dishes of your own.

1. Lucky Green Velvet Baby Cakes (above) from Picky Palate are an easy green dessert for St. Patrick’s Day.

2. Pandan Pistachio White Chocolate Cookies from Pham Fatale are so very vibrantly green!

3. Mint Ice Cream from One Perfect Bite gets it’s lovely pale green color from fresh mint leaves.

With spring right around the corner, as well as plunging necklines, check out these pretty necklaces. They’re all under $50 and they won’t break the bank. And they’ll have you looking great for spring.

So I was glad to find these tips about cleaning with lemons. You can find them virtually year-round, so there’s no excuse not to buy them. Besides my all-time favorite of vinegar and baking soda, lemons can be used for more than just lemonade. Use this fruit to clean countertops, copper pots and pans, faucets and dishes.

I’ve seen the plays before and they are so funny and entertaining. There’s nothing like seeing Madea, played by Perry, on stage.

But if you’ve ever wondered exactly where all the local bars are, check out this map that pinpoints at least two dozen top spots in Tuscaloosa.

You’ll find popular bars on this list such as Carpe Vino, Bar 1831 and Little Willie’s.

I’ve told her that being left handed is a special trait that she shares with President Barack Obama and Leonardo DaVinci.

Now, research finds that left hands may be hazardous to your health. With so many things made for right handers, left handers have a hard time adapting.

What do you think? Is being left-handed dangerous?

How about selling your things on eBay? Or becoming a pet sitter or dog walker? We’ve gathered a lot of ideas that will hep you raise cash quickly when you need it.

What’s the best way to raise cash?

With the click of a mouse, students are learning in non-traditional settings, without lecture halls or rigid in-class schedules. They’re fitting college classes between nap time, car pools and kids homework with the help of online universities.

But this new way of taking college classes isn’t right for everyone: Some people need the “structure” of a college classroom.

Do you prefer a traditional college setting or would you like an online university?