About a year ago, I had the opportunity to go to this really cool bar in Chicago. It was basically like a modern-day speakeasy. 20′s music. 20′s drinks (no margaritas or cosmopolitans, sorry). No cellphones. No cameras. You couldn’t even talk very loud. They had all these rules that made you feel like you were actually in a speakeasy. The vibe and atmosphere made you feel like you were being a total badass in the 1920′s during prohibition, cause you were still gettin’ your drink on.

The only difference (obviously) is that I went to a “speakeasy” in 2011, and alcohol is legal and loved by all. I’m not a huge partier or drinker by any stretch of the imagination, but I do enjoy to go out with my friends every now and then to have some drinks. I’m in my 20′s and that’s pretty much one of the only things that college kids can–1. afford to do and 2. actually do for fun in a small college town. So if prohibition were to come back in 2012 (dear God, save us all), or if we were all to be transported back to the 1920s in a Delorean, we would all have to come up with some new hobbies to do on a Friday night. So I will now present nine hobbies I would consider taking up just in case alcohol was taken away Prohibition-style, and we were all left in shambles (which usually happens after the consumption of alcohol).

initiating the gallery...

How would you keep yourself busy during Prohibition? Let us know in the comments!

Katie is finishing up her undergrad at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She enjoys wasting hours on Facebook and tweeting things no one cares about. When asked the question, “Do you do marathons?” She promptly responds, “Of course! Which show?” Follow her @KatieGarrity! Or read her personal blog where she talks about Ryan Gosling and hummus a lot here! 

Cocktail rings add elegance and glamour to any ensemble. Celebs like Catherine Heigl and Jamie Lynn Sigler rock them on the red carpet (above), but you don’t need a formal event to show off your bling. Cocktail rings can make a simple outfit, like a sweater with jeans and heels, pop as well.

According to WiseGeek.com, cocktail rings became popular during US prohibition. At cocktail parties, they flaunted the fact that women were drinking illegally (but fashionably). Prohibition is no longer in effect (thank GOD), but big, bold cocktail rings are still in style. And we are grateful.

For most rings, the bigger the stone the better. You want to draw attention to it! However, to keep it from looking ridiculous if you have small hands, search for rings that don’t extend any farther than the bottom of your knuckle. And while most people wear cocktail rings on their right ring finger, they look chic when worn on your index finger, too.

Don’t blow all your cash on a cocktail ring, though! You can find fake stones for almost nothing, and many real stones for under $200, if you feel like a splurge. Here are some rings that fit every budget: