Rabbit, rabbit. First day of a new month—my sister once said that’s what you’re supposed to say, so I still do it, some 20 years later.

I’m still feeling pretty good about my new years resolution to make more time to catch up with friends. Last night, I had a girls’ date at Flute, a champagne bar with several locations around the city. I’d bought a Living Social deal back in January for a kir royale* flight and cheese plate at their east side location—it was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day and catch up on our lives.

We each ordered 3 different flavors. I went with cassis, ginger, and elderflower. The cheese plate featured a lovely collection of things, but my favorite was definitely the truffle cheese. I was surprised that I only drank 2 of my glasses—they were each only about two ounces. I just really didn’t love the ginger flavor (it had a medicinal syrupy quality that just wasn’t doing it for me). Also, I was not in the mood for an alcohol headache. It doesn’t take much these days.

Despite not being even remotely tipsy, however, we found ourselves giggling and googling “Hammaconda.” And such is the beauty of hanging out with girlfriends you’ve known since you were five.

What’s your favorite cocktail? Favorite cheese? Thoughts on the Hammaconda? 

*True story: The name of this blog stemmed from a craving for a kir royale one afternoon back in 2009 when I was trying to think of blog names. I thought “K.I.R.” What can I do with those letters? The phrase “keeping it real” popped into my head, and after rolling my eyes and giggling at the thought, I said, “What the hell,” and so this blog was born.