Many beer enthusiasts ride bicycles — whether for commuting, exercise, or just for fun. In Portland, Christian beer enthusiasts Jenna Forstom & Emily Daman have seen a few too many cyclists struggling to find ways to carry their growlers from breweries or bottle shops, to their final destinations. Hop Hands mission is to deliver quality beer transportation products, which encourage environmentally friendly choices and help give back to the community. Hop Hands is a simple growler carrying devices that straps onto a bike, or can be carried by hand.

I was able to sit down with creators Jenna & Emily to talk with them about their project and their desire to give back to the community through what I have named “volun-beering.” They created this project as a way for their volunteering to come together with their love of beer and their Christian faith. These women are living out the Gospel daily. They embody what Pope Francis is calling us to do.

Fun fact: I love music. I have since I was old enough to recognize the differences. I grew up listening to the “Ultimate Oldies Station” in Atlanta before moving onto alternative rock in middle school. The music of the mid-90s was incredible, making it a great time to be a teenager. I used to sit in my room with my headphones on for hours, making mixed tapes (this was before CD burners were mainstream). Whenever I hear Counting Crows, Oasis, Bush and Collective Soul and so many others, I am rocketed back to my early teenage years when alternative music was on the rise … until the boy bands sprang on the scene.

I don’t know about where you live, but here in Atlanta, we are in full spring mode. We’ve got trees and flowers blooming, grass is green again and spring rain showers to help wash away the yellow pollen from the sky.

If you’re one of those people who is not affected by spring seasonal allergies, I am jealous. You can find me inside staring at all the people enjoying the perfect temperatures as I press my face against the glass wishing I didn’t erupt in sneezes and headaches from the outdoors.

If you follow me on Twitter or are IRL friends with me, you know that I’m *slightly* into ordering things online *cough cough* Amazon as well as a big lover of music. Well, this week I allowed myself to finally merge these loves: I purchased my very first turntable so I can now enjoy the glorious depths of sound found on vinyl.

St. Patrick’s Day has become an international holiday celebrated with beer and lots of it. It’s the one day a year everyone wishes they were Irish so everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day. It just makes things easier when you want to party, right? You had that long-lost third cousin once-removed who was 1/50th Irish.

Going to college in South Bend, Ind., I learned a lot about the fine art of St. Paddy’s Day celebrations. We listened to Gaelic Storm year-round and were Irish everyday, but especially on football Saturdays! So over the years since college, I’ve taken note of the best beverages to consume on this lovely holiday. I present them to you.