Unveiling the 5 O'Clock Shadow

My Week Without Wine

Hi Style Pantry friends,

I've been on a bit of an experiment lately: a week without alcohol. Yeah, you heard that right. Me, the one who's always raving about that perfect glass or my love for dry martinis. But here's the thing – this isn't about becoming a teetotaler or judging anyone's choices. It's about understanding myself a little better, and maybe you'll find a bit of yourself in here, too.

Let me paint you a picture: It's day three of this alcohol-free adventure. I'm home alone – husband's off on a "work" trip in the Bahamas (I know, I know, but that's a whole other story), and my son's out with friends. It's that tricky time between 5 and 7 PM – you know, the witching hour when the day's winding down but the night hasn't quite kicked in.

Normally, this is when I'd be pouring that first glass of wine, letting the day's tension melt away with each sip. But not tonight. And let me tell you, it was... intense.

Without that familiar ritual, I found myself face to face with thoughts I …