My goodness. A Sunday where I’m not headed to the airport, or saying goodbye to someone I love as they head out?!  I forgot what this kind of day felt like.  It’s been a busy weekend, but definitely not quite the chaos of jet-setting that I’ve become accustomed to.  It’s like a breath of fresh air to not be skittering around trying to cram as much as I can into a weekend.

That being said, it didn’t stop me from cramming a lot in there (I think there is a that’s what she said joke to be found somewhere in there, but I’m not in that kind of mood.)

This week’s Six Pack Sunday seems to revolve around beers (duh), buddies, and bells. Jingle bells (read: Holiday cheer.)

1. A Partridge Brewski in a Pear Beer Tree

On Thursday night at Rockfish, I enjoyed my first official Christmas beer on tap!  The dubious honor went to the Anchor Steam 37th Annual Christmas Ale . Anchor Steam, a brewery that Caitlin introduced me to after her hubby ventured to San Francisco for work, doesn’t always produce my favorite beers. My opinion was rocked, though, with this Christmas Ale! It tasted like mulled wine, done with beer. Cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe even a little fir tree? Either way. The taste was on point, and the complimentary glass, rimmed in gold, makes me feel like a fancy pants. Or a Santa pants.

2. Treat Yo’ Self

In case you don’t watch Parks and Recreation (I don’t), or you don’t use the internet (I hope someone printed this post out for you, weirdo), you might not be familiar with “Treat Yo’ Self”. Well, please observe the following video, summarizing the concept:

Well, I figured that Saturday morning, I’d do just that. After getting nearly all my Christmas shopping done before 10 a.m., I decided to treat myself with a pair of new tall black leather boots AND some homemade pumpkin French toast.

I’ll clue you in on a little secret: for me, pumpkin French toast just means that I mix pumpkin and pumpkin spice into the egg dip. It worked, it was delicious and decadent, and I felt like a little princess.

3. Applications: NO BREATHING!

Yesterday, the only true goal of my afternoon was to finish up my personal statement. After working on it for several hours (who would’ve ever thought it’d be so hard to state my purpose?), I completed it at the Nordstrom eCafe!  In case you’re not aware, the Nordstrom at Southpoint has free wireless which is reliable enough to stream Pandora! And, after dropping some SERIOUS change there earlier in the day, I figured I should finish my work where I started my morning. My romance with Nordstrom knows no bounds. None.

PS: Contrary to popular belief, my purpose is not just “Drink awesome beers, sweat up a storm while I dance, and dress up in wacky outfits because theme parties are the defining occurrences of my life.”

That would’ve been a much easier essay to write.

4. Speaking of Wacky Outfits…

Leggings, boots, Santa suit, undies on my head, and PBR suspenders aren’t what you wear when you go out on a Friday night?

Well, maybe you should try it.

North Carolina Girls’ Pint Out’s First Annual Festival of Beermas was a HUGE success, but I’ll write a full post on that later.  In the meantime, just go crazy and Polyvore my whole outfit.

5. Classy Broads Drink Classy Drinks

My new friend, Amanda, and I went to celebrate the completion of my essay with some big girl drinks at Fox Liquor Bar.  This Raleigh establishment reminded me a lot of the Crunkleton in Chapel Hill where the focus is on well crafted cocktails made with care and love.  And giant ice cubes.

My drink of choice was the Late Night Reviver: Beefeater gin, Fernet Branca, ginger, lime juice, soda water. Shake and served long with a garnish of candied ginger.  Amanda went with the classic Old Fashioned.

Hopefully, the classiness of our cocktails out offset the magnum of Arbor Mist we consumed in a Rugrats drinking game earlier in the night.

It’s all about balance, right?

6. Rap Battle in the Basement

I could be hallucinating but, if the sounds I hear are correct, this is what’s going on in the apartment below me:

There’s a lot of loud, angry rap music going on and I think my floor is vibrating.

If I’m missing Eminem rhyme birthday with first place, I’m gonna be super ticked.

If he’s shirtless, the ticked is going to be on a whole new level (woops. Confession of attraction to shirtless white rapper for the day? Check.)

Jeez, I think I need a nap.

How would you “Treat Yo’ Self”?  Fine leather goods?