Monday, March 12, 2012

Lucky Charm - Taste Testing the McDonald's McCafé Shamrock Shake

By: Finance Foodie

It's everybody’s lucky day, as the seasonal McCafé Shamrock Shake is now available nationwide at participating restaurants across the country for the first time ever! The creamy, mint-flavored shake made with McDonald’s low-fat vanilla ice cream, "Shamrock Shake" syrup and topped with whipped cream and a cherry has been an annual limited-time menu favorite since its introduction in 1970. Typically appearing on restaurant menus in select markets only around the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, this year is the first time in history that customers nationwide will have the opportunity to experience the “Simple Joy of McCafé” with a Shamrock Shake.

Walking by the huge ad everyday outside McD's storefront of course made me want to take this baby for a test drive. My thoughts? Not as bad as expected! Usually, anything "minty" makes me think of Scope and the not-found-in-nature green coloring of the shake was initially really off-putting, but since the mint flavor was so subtle, it tasted more like someone dropped a small breath mint in a vanilla milkshake. The biggest downside - at 540 calories for a small shake, it sure packs a big punch in the gut - so obviously, this decadent dessert should be enjoyed only in moderation.
McDonald’s is sharing the luck of the Shamrock Shake now through March 25, so hurry up and get your fix before it’s too late!

*****Giveaway******

Financefoodie.com and McDonald's wants two of my readers to get either $25 Arch Card or a Shamrock Shake night with the family!

Grand Prize 
$25 Arch Card - Congrats Diana!
First Prize
 

Five (5) free product coupons for a Shamrock Shake (ARV: $10) - Congrats Aileen!

You can enter up to THREE times:
1. REQUIRED: In my comments section, tell me what is your favorite thing about St. Patty's Day (mine is the green clothing -- green is my favorite color after pink!).
2. Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter (leave a separate comment telling me this)
3. Reblog / Retweet this giveaway (leave a separate comment telling me this)

This is a quick one - contest ended on Wednesday, March 14 at 5pm EST. Winners will be chosen via random integer generator on random.org announced on the financefoodie.com site shortly afterwards!

Full Disclosure: Product coupons provided by McDonald's. Arch Card provided by Finance Foodie Media Productions. I was not monetarily compensated for this post. 

195 comments:

  1. I like the green beer. arobimom at gmail dot com

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  2. Follow on Twitter @monkeygrl59. arobimom at gmail dot com

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  3. https://twitter.com/#!/monkeygrl59/status/179354535444234240. retweeted. arobimom at gmail dot com

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  4. Mine is having corned beef & cabbage. Love it!
    Thanks so much
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

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  5. My favorite thing about St. Pat's day is seeing all the decorations and everything so green.
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

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  6. I follow Finance Foodie on twitter @smilekisses
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

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  7. I like the Parades! Thank You!

    ptavernie at yahoo dot com

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  8. yep like wearing a lot green! -regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

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  9. My favorite thing about St. patrick's day is that McDonald's brings their Shamrock shakes back!!

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  10. Green is my favorite thing! I can't get enough of it on a daily basis and St Pattys day is just a big ol celebration with green everywhere!
    ericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. I like getting to pinch people for not wearing green.
    xraygirl2008(at)hotmai(dot)com

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  12. Following Finance Foodie on twitter as xraygirl2008.
    xraygirl2008(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love making green food!
    xxbeccaannxx@gmail.com

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  14. I follow on twitter as BeccaPeters1
    xxbeccaannxx@gmail.com

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  15. I like getting the fun stuff I see in the stores for my kids to wear. They get a funny hat, some fun beads and my daughter, some funky earrings as well!
    pauline15_01(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  16. excuse to have a beer with dinner
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

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  17. One of our favorite things about St. Patricks day is the local downtown parade. It's always a lot of fun and is a rite of springtime!. LKVOYER at aol dot com

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  18. Following on Twitter @dancersmom69. LKVOYER at aol dot com

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  19. Retweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/financefoodie1/status/179349334368845824 LKVOYER at aol dot com

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  20. The Irish kisses are fabulous
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

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  21. My favorite thing about St Pattys day is Shamrock Shakes!
    kripley81@yahoo.com

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  22. My favorite thing about St. Patty's Day is the frivolity and the Leprechauns!

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. @chrisdeglen tweeted:

    twitter.com/#!/chrisdeglen/status/179418783792898048

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. Not sure if it's my favorite, but one of them - mint makes a comeback. Mint w/ chocolate, mint milkshakes, mint oreos - they all come back for a limited time.

    paschott [at] gmail [dot] com

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  25. My favorite thing is the St. Patty's Day parade!

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  26. I love the decorations and sending fun cards to celebrate the day.

    submitted by tarwars53@gmail.com

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  27. I love Shamrocks and Leprauchans! Thanks! ard1977@gmail dot com

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  28. twitter follower @amied027. ard1977@gmail dot com

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  29. the best part is that cabbage goes on sale for 7 cents per pound.

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  30. Best thing for me is all the green food.

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  31. @BBirdie2 following you on twitter

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  32. Tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/BBirdie2/status/179494430775066625

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  33. I LOVE St.Patrick's Day because of the parade!

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  34. My favorite things about St. Patrick's Day... okay first would be the theme meal that my family always makes for dinner. Never know what we may tint green. :-)

    Second is researching some of the legends with my daughter such as how to find the leprechaun's gold. :-) Third is stopping for my Shamrock Shake every Saturday they're available while we're out shopping.

    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

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  35. I follow you on Twitter.
    (Katharina Ess)
    angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

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  36. I like boiled dinner (corned beef and cabbage).

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  37. i like the party my neighbor throws.

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  38. I like the green clothing.
    erma2167@sbcglobal.net

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  39. I like the corned beef and cabbage.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

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  40. I like watching the parades.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  41. I follow you on Twitter (@mami2jcn)

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. tweet:

    https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/179544870707400704


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  43. We have a parade in our town to celebrate the Irish heritage here. The food and carnival are the best!
    hunandride@hotmail.com

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  44. https://twitter.com/#!/jen_r_horn/status/179547236064165889
    huntandride@hotmail.com

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  45. I like saying "Top o' the mornin' to ya!" to people in a fake Irish accent!

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  46. We always make Rubens on St Patricks Day

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  47. https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/179559864203350016

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  48. My favorite thing about St Patrick's Day IS that the Shamrock Shakes are finally available again!! Wish they were around all year!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Stephanie
    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  49. i like the fact you get to pinch those who dont wear green :)

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  50. I like doing St. Patrick's Day crafts with my kids, especially the leprechaun hunt.

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  51. I like the green cake.
    bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  52. My kids & i make green eggs and ham so it's a fun tradition

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  53. i follow @financefoodie1
    @unevenfist

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  54. I like the traditional corned beef.

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  55. I love that it makes people feel lucky!

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  56. I love green too! I enjoy St Patrick's Day because it is just plain fun!

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  57. Following on twitter @annedoggett

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  58. tweet https://twitter.com/#!/annedoggett/status/179577444892807169
    jedoggett@embarqmail.com

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  59. I like that everyone comes together to celebrate St Patricks Day in their own way.
    alliana88m AT yahoo DOt com

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  60. I like that everyone comes together to celebrate St Patricks Day in their own way.
    alliana88m AT yahoo DOt com

    ReplyDelete
  61. following you on twitter -talliana1
    alliana88m AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love that the weather starts getting warmer around St. Patty's Day, and the parades.
    KellywcuATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow you on twitter(kellydsaver)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/kellydsaver/status/179594474287136768

    kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  65. My favorite thing is that Shamrock Shakes are available!

    ighmeg at yahoo dot com

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  66. mine is just the color green. I love green!!!

    choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

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  67. I follow Finance Foodie on Twitter.

    choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  68. My favorite thing is the great mucis and the food.

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  69. Green beer is my fav.
    shawnac68@hotmail.com

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  70. My favorite is the parade.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

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  71. I follow you on Twitter @eswright18
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

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  72. tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/179607852812472322

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  73. If I'm entirely honest... the drinking! ;P

    kaleidoscopequeen at gmail dot com

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  74. Getting to wear green clothing, and showcase my irish shirts. Or green shirts. lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

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  75. I like finding fun recipes for St Patrick's Day-making green foods!

    maxfrostfate@gmail.com

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  76. I'm following on Twitter- @maxfate

    maxfrostfate@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I Re-Tweeted Thanks!
    https://twitter.com/#!/maxfate/status/179618141410820096

    maxfrostfate@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. hmm pinching anyone (especially hubby) that forgets to wear green : ) thanks for the chacne to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

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  79. I follow on twitter @eaglesforjack thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

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  80. I love the parades and cooking corn beef and cabbage
    Diane Baum
    esldiane@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Mine is my birthstone! GREEN emerald.
    Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill12@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Favorite is eating corned beef, which we seldom eat

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  83. My favorite is the tradition of eating cabbage, one of my favorite veggies.
    lisa.blogs2 at gmail dot com

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  84. I like green clothing and green food.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Follow you on Twitter: rhoneygee

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. My favorite thing is our small local parade, because my kids love it.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I follow you on twitter (I'm @prizealert)

    ReplyDelete
  88. Here's my tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/prizealert/status/179685065398288384

    ReplyDelete
  89. My favorite thing about St patricks day is watch all those that are not Irish pretend to be
    ccasper@centurytel.net

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  90. see all the people dressed in there green

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  91. i love the boiled ham and boiled potatoes and cabbage dinner we have

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. follow you on twitter @aes529

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. https://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/179697154976264192

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. My favorite thing about St Patty's Day is seeing all the green!
    magickalblessings26{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  95. My favorite part of St Patricks Day is the various misspellings of the word leprechaun.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Tweeted the giveaway https://twitter.com/#!/1brisket/status/179707753802117120

    ReplyDelete
  97. We always have corned beef and
    cabbage for St Patricks Day
    That is my favorite
    Thanks Cathy Truman

    ReplyDelete
  98. I like any reason to wear green!

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  99. I love the green too, I really am in love with all things Irish.. Ireland is my dream get away so this holiday just makes me cheerful!

    ReplyDelete
  100. im following you on twitter. @3xaMomma

    ReplyDelete
  101. I love the parades. :)

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. follow you on twitter from @Mistysunrise

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. honestly, it's the McD's shamrock shake!

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. follow you on twitter @hockiemack

    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. tweet

    https://twitter.com/#!/MistySunrise/status/179750816196984832

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. love the parades

    jdmimi at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. There is something about the day that just makes you feel lucky and as if it is magical. I also love leprechauns!
    Enves

    ReplyDelete
  108. I follow you on twitter.
    laurallee56
    lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I like eating out at our favorite Irish restaurant.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter under Chellesyvonne

    spayde.michelle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. My favorite thing about St. Patricks Day is getting to make corned beef.
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I'm following you on Twitter @lisalmg.
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. I Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/lisalmg/status/179767780558647296
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I like finding something green to wear. :)

    rawrms at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/#!/livelovelynn/status/179775614792900608

    rawrms at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. Love wearing green on St Patty's!
    firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. My favorite thing about St Patty's Day is people telling me I must be Irish since I look Irish. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Following Finance Foodie on Twitter
    @AZKarMa

    ReplyDelete
  119. My favorite thing about St. Patrick's day is cooking kraut and sausage.

    cweller75@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  120. I like the pictures of the Chicago river when they dye it green. I would love to go there and see it and the parade they have.

    tdlsfm(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter

    ReplyDelete
  122. My favorite part about St Patricks day is that everyone becomes Irish for a day. We have green everything, everywhere and it is widely celebrated.

    ReplyDelete
  123. I tweeted about the giveaway at https://twitter.com/#!/1froglegs/status/179820562116378625

    ReplyDelete
  124. I'm Irish and I like to celebrate!
    Thanks for the contest.

    ReplyDelete
  125. https://twitter.com/#!/slehan/status/179838631832334337

    ReplyDelete
  126. My favorite thing is the corned beef...mmmmm.

    ReplyDelete
  127. I'm following you on twitter @Leenburke

    ReplyDelete
  128. I love bar-hopping with my friends--it's just something we rarely do.

    wicker403 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  129. green beer and irish food!
    ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  130. My favorite thing about St. Patty's Day is all of the green food and beer!

    Tandt625@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  131. Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter
    Mtlgrl4evr

    Tandt625@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  132. Thanks for the giveaway...love celebrating my Irish Heritage, watching the parades, & imbibing a pint or two of Guinness !

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  133. Following YOU via Twitter: @brianpiero

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  134. Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/brianpiero/status/179909410523586560

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  135. My favorite thing is going to the parade.

    ReplyDelete
  136. I will have to go with the color green everywhere. :) That is my daughter's favorite color so she loves it too.

    thisisme79 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I follow on Twitter. @thisisme79

    thisisme79 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  138. Tweeted

    https://twitter.com/#!/thisisme79/status/179915219466854402

    thisisme79 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  139. Green drinks, especially the Shamrock Shake, not sure why that isn't here year round

    ReplyDelete
  140. I follow on Twitter (@eyzofblu63)

    ReplyDelete
  141. I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/179929361124823040

    ReplyDelete
  142. My favorite thing is all the green food:)
    michedt at yahoo . com

    ReplyDelete
  143. Follow via Twitter. @michedt
    michedt at yahoo . com

    ReplyDelete
  144. Everyone seems to be happier on St. Patrick's Day. thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  145. Corn beef and cabbage! YUMMMMMMMMMM

    ReplyDelete
  146. I follow on twitter as lstanziani.Thanks!
    lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  147. The corned beef- actually the reubens but to me everything is better in a sandwich. ;-)
    discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  148. I follow you on Twitter dddiva
    discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  149. https://twitter.com/#!/dddiva/status/179948039849508864
    discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  150. The green food
    kate contest girl @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  151. twitter @katecontestgirl
    kate contest girl @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  152. I like pinching people!
    skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  153. My favorite thing about St. Patty's Day is pinching people if their not wearing green!

    countrystars95@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  154. follow you on twitter
    skipthelaundry2
    skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  155. tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/skipthelaundry2/status/179948455786053632
    skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  156. My favorite thing about St. Patrick's Day is wearing green which is one of my favorite colors.

    longbarb1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  157. Corned beef and cabbage!

    braaisjo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  158. I follow on Twitter- tlcfromtn

    braaisjo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  159. https://twitter.com/#!/tlcfromtn/status/179960779523633152

    braaisjo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  160. My favorite things is seeing how everyone else dresses. There are some crazy green outfits!!

    ReplyDelete
  161. I don't really have a fav thing...I guess the meany in me would like having free reign to pinch people who don't wear green...LOL
    Angie aka Tofu Fairy
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  162. I follow you via Twitter as MsTofuFairy
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  163. I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/MsTofuFairy/status/179972372084961280
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  164. I follow you on Twitter from @polopony95!

    countrystars95@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  165. It's gotta be the color green! I love greed :)

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  166. following you on twitter as @stickyprints

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  167. i LOVE Corned beef and cabbage !!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  168. I follow on twitter im @dwalline

    ReplyDelete
  169. I like being able to make fun St. Patricks Day projects and treats with the kids :-)

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  170. I'm a follower through twitter. @khmorgan_00

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  171. Retweeted...@khmorgan_00

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  172. Mine is definitely everyone doing their best to wear green!

    Thanks,
    Niko O.

    ReplyDelete
  173. I also follow you on twitter (niko2k4)!

    Thanks!
    Niko O.
    niko2004 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  174. My fave thing is Shamrock Shakes. I've been getting them since I was a kid & start getting them in Feb. dramaqueensmum@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  175. Following Finance foodie on Twitter (dramaqueensmum). dramaqueensmum@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  176. Tweeted. https://twitter.com/#!/dramaqueensmum/status/180013358836232192

    ReplyDelete
  177. I like wearing green.
    donna444444@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  178. I follow you on twitter.(donnak4)
    donna444444@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  179. My favorite thing is the Irish food.

    ReplyDelete
  180. ^^ being able to pinch someone
    ahha
    (my bf said "drinking")

    Thanks for the opportunity,
    riadeliza823(at)ymail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  181. Followed Finance Foodie on twitter
    (@riadeliza823)

    Thanks for the opportunity,
    riadeliza823(at)ymail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  182. RT:
    https://twitter.com/#!/financefoodie1/status/179349334368845824

    Thanks for the opportunity,
    riadeliza823(at)ymail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  183. I love the corned beef and cabbage our neighbor makes it every year!
    gabe411 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  184. I like looking for four leaf clovers with my daughter!
    invisible_fairy_05@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  185. oops missed it sorry for entry
    gabe411 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  186. Honestly, my answer has to be green beer lol. not necessarily to drink, i just think it looks really neat lol.

    ReplyDelete
  187. I love wearing st patty's day themed hat and shirt. I love going to McDonalds and getting a shamrock shake and I also love listening to celtic music!

    ReplyDelete