Written by Sara Lilkas, Marketing Intern St. Patrick’s Day is here!I used to think that the arrival of the green themed holiday meant that spring was finally here and it was my first excuse to start wearing flip flops. I would go to the store every year and buy a new pair of green flip flops just for this occasion. However, my flip flop wearing dreams were shattered throughout the years with unpredictable weather, most notably the ice storm two years ago in March. I had to use a mallet to get into my frozen car. Regardless of the weather, St. Patrick’s still brings many of us outside for the first time in months after a long winter (this past year’s mild winter may be the exception to the rule) for outdoor parades and activities. To get ready for St. Patrick’s Day, there are a few steps to take. First you have to find your green clothing, it’s rare to see anyone wearing anything, but the color green on March 17th.  The second is to plan how you will be celebrating the holiday. As I previously mentioned parades are a popular way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but I usually prefer to host a St. Patrick’s day dinner party, either on or around the holiday (I’m not one to host in the middle of the week.) I love Irish food. I am always a fan of a hearty stew and basically anything made from potatoes. For St. Patrick’s Day dinner would not be complete without some interpretation of corn beef and cabbage. One of the simplest ways to make this St. Patrick’s Day classic is with the slow cooker. We have a few different recipes to choose from our Pinterest board as well as some nontraditional takes on the dish. The board also features a variety of side dishes and desserts that make for a very festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. My personal favorites are the Traditional Irish Potato Pancakes, Irish Spiked Brownies, and Surprise inside St. Paddy’s Day cupcakes.   As with most holidays, decorating my house for the holiday is one of my favorite activities. For St. Patrick’s Day I tend to keep it simple. A decorating scheme using burlap, muted greens, white, and a touch of gold is perfect not only for St. Patrick’s Day, but many of the pieces could be reused for spring or Easter (as long as they are not covered in shamrocks and yes some of your decorations have to have shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day!)  And don’t forget the kids! Keeping the little ones entertained can be a challenge, but there are a ton of fun craft and activities themed around St. Patrick’s Day! Many of the crafts are great pieces of art that can be then used to decorate the home! Everyone have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Written by Jane N. Golub Director In Store Marketing Programs DOLE BANANA DIPPERS New Dole Banana Dippers come in two varieties – Dole Banana Dippers in  Dark Chocolate and Dole Banana Dippers in Dark Chocolate with Almonds. The goodness of bananas comes together with the rich indulgent taste of dark chocolate and almonds.  New Dole Banana Dippers are fresh frozen banana slices covered in a splash of dark chocolate or dark chocolate with a touch of almonds. Dole Banana Dippers deliver 4 grams of Dietary Fiber, 180 mg of Potassium, only 7 grams of sugar and 120 calories per serving.  Dole Banana Dippers are a convenient healthy snack for families and an elegant way to serve fruit for parties.  Simply pull from your freezer and enjoy anytime, anywhere! Dole continues to reinvent Frozen Fruit by offering consumers easier ways to incorporate fruit into one’s diet – with an  emphasis on quality.  Dole has a variety of other frozen fruits like blueberries and strawberries in cups or bags and ready-cut fruit like strawberries and bananas.  New Dole Shakers are a fun and easy way to make a fruit and yogurt Smoothie for home or on the run. Banana Dippers, Shakers and Dole Fruit can be found in the frozen fruit section of the Frozen aisle.  Dole is committed to bring healthy and delicious product to the market and is your brand for quality and innovation. GARELICK FARMS NEW TruMoo LOWFAT VANILLA MILK For a limited time only, Garelick Farms NEW TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Milk has turned a lucky green color for St. Patrick’s Day! TruMoo Vanilla Lowfat Milk offers the same wholesome goodness of regular lowfat TruMoo with a delicious vanilla taste kids love and essential protein, calcium and Vitamins A & D kids need every day. TruMoo Vanilla Milk is made with delicious vanilla flavor, just enough sugar (no high fructose corn syrup) and a lucky green color to add some fun.  TruMoo Lowfat Green Vanilla milk, with a festive St. Patrick’s Day label, is only available in Half Gallons through March 17th.  Make St. Patrick’s Day Delicious and Nutritious! TruMoo Lowfat Chocolate Milk is available in a variety of sizes: Gallon, Half Gallon, Quart and Single Serve.  Visit www.TruMoo.com for more information. Look for Garelick Farms TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Green Milk in the Dairy aisle.