Tomorrow everyone pretends they are from the land of leprechauns, and I have a few places for you where you can sport your Kelly green. The Vintage Fashion Expo is here– a great way to help the environment by recycling and grabbing one of a kind items. The 100 women organization is a wonderful way to give back. And Flamenco, that elegant and passionate dance wows in Mountain View.

Everyone Is Irish

Top o’ the morning to you Tomatoes. Even if the origins of St. Paddy’s day aren’t particularly celebratory, I just love this joyful day. We are no Boston, but SF holds its own with the parade tomorrow. Beginning at 2nd and Market, this rousing group of parade participants will lead you to the Civic Center where the festival occurs. Irish dancing, music and of course a never-ending supply of beer await.

The Irish Bank in the financial district opens its doors at 9 a.m. for those hearty enough to swallow an Irish whiskey that early (ah college!). They have some of the best Irish bands around beginning at noon and playing well into the wee hours. Very entertaining if you happen to be in the neighborhood. 10 Mark Lane – Financial District.

If you need your fix of corned beef and cabbage and that dense yet delightfully tasty Irish Soda Bread, you can join the tourists at the Buena Vista. Heart warming Irish Coffees will be flowing, they are open from 9 – 2 tomorrow. Side note, the owner of the BV – originally a fisherman’s haven, wanted to serve up the warm concoction he had tasted at the Shannon Airport in Ireland so he visited countless times to come up with the right cocktail. A fan favorite since 1952 – Come on, it’s fun. Be Irish and enjoy! Corner of Hyde and Beach streets – as if you didn’t know!

March 17-18. Vintage Fashion Expo

The ultimate hunting ground for those of you looking to find one-of-a-kind articles of clothing or accessories has landed again. Going on 30 years – the fashions that were worn when the expo opened are now included!  Clothing, jewelry and accessories can be found from the late 18th century to the mid 90’s. Want some Mom Jeans?  This is the place for you. Have a daughter, niece, relative getting married?  The wedding gowns are spectacular. I’m heading there because I don’t like to look like everyone else and vintage dresses rock!

There are designer labels, mixed in with exotic, rare and esoteric items the likes of which will awe you. Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th at the San Francisco County Fair Building, Hall of Flowers. For more info: www.vintageexpo.com

100 Women Charitable Foundation

The 100 Women Charitable Foundation was founded by philanthropic Tomatoes, Teri Zingale, Connie Viveros, Barbara Dehn and Mary Ann Poulos in the fall of 2006 with a very simple concept: recruit 100 women to give $100 (or more) and use these funds to make donations that create a greater impact.  Feeling frustrated by the time and energy they devoted to raising money via traditional fundraising events, they decided to experiment with a new philanthropic model in which women could combine their financial resources without a significant time commitment and still impact the lives of those in need.

For any of you reading this who have “served time” working on school or charity events, you must be screaming hooray! The organization contributes to local non-profits in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties that support women, families and educational programs. Women empowering women – the wave of the future!

March 17. Flamenco

Passionate, exotic, visceral – all of these words have been used to describe the fine art of Flamenco Dance. On March 17th at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts, The Flamenco Society of San Jose presents a special evening.

Rosario Montoya, one of flamenco’s greatest dancers, noted for her passionate movements that are both authentic and energetic will grace the stage. Her work is intimate as well as visceral and stems from the very essence of the culture of the gypsies. http://www.mvcpa.com