Game 7

Do you watch hockey? I watch hockey. I love hockey... I kinda live hockey. 

Hockey ads give me goosebumps.

Conference championships are this weekend. I cannot freakin wait. #BecauseItsTheCup

3 Words

Forget me not. Not ever.

Yesterday, I attended a panel discussion about planning for one's legacy and thinking about what you want the people in your life to "inherit" from you. I put the word "inherit" in quotes because the panelists urged us to think about inheritance as more than just the passing of money and property from one generation to the next, but also the passing of values, aspirations and personal philosophies to live by. As an ice breaker, attendees were asked to share with the person next to them "three words you hope others think of when describing you". I froze. I looked at the stranger next to me and thought "3 words? How do I pick 3 words that perfectly paint me in the light I want to be viewed!?" Pressed for time, I blurted out Kind, Fun and Unique.

In hindsight, these choices seem a bit simple, even lame, and they definitely leave traits I deeply value on the sidelines, but you know what? I stand by my answer. When I think about what people should "inherit" from me, I hope it's a world view focused on being kind to others, never forgetting to have fun and maintaining a life that is uniquely you. 

The timing of this exercise also seemed apropos, since today marks 4 years since the unexpected passing of one of my most cherished friends. Though the pain of this loss never fully retreats, today I can think more clearly about her absence... I can be inspired trying to pick 3 words I'd use to describe her and think about what she might have wanted me to "inherit". I can try to embody that inheritance and pass along my own. 

What are your 3 words? What do you want your loved ones to inherit? 

Hump Day Distractions

Hehe.

Is there anything better than a 3 day weekend and it's partner in crime, the shortened work week!? Seriously. Tomorrow is Thursday, the hump is already here! I LOVE it. Here to hustle you through the day and onward to Friday are some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* A totally delicious and easy-but-looks-fancy watermelon salad. (because yay for summer and  for watermelon!)

* Ohmygoodness these cone heads are going to melt your heart!

* Would you ever do a "house swap"? The idea sounds awesome, but I just don't think my chachki filled apartment is made for it...

* Over the weekend I chased down the ice cream man for popsicles (Batman for me, Minion for Sis, Ninja Turtle for Mr. J and a snow cone for Dr. H. #TrueStory) For those with a more refined palate, there's THIS.

* Thinking about reading... and cleaning...

* Soooo, I'll take 1 of everything please!

* If guy BFFs vacationed like girl BFFs (this cracked.me.up.) (via CupofJo)

Well look what the cat dragged in...

Look who it is!!

Ummm. Hello!? Is anybody out there? It's me, Merry Meri, returning from my unexplained hiatus from blogland... I don't exactly know where to start... My break from blogging began as 1 busy day, then a few and then the longer I was gone the more daunting the idea of jumping back in became. And more than stressing about what to say, last week, for whatever reason, I just wasn't in the mood to say much of anything. Every time I tried to sit down and let the creative juices flow, it felt like a chore (and who wants to read posts from a bored-of-herself blogger!?). Thankfully, I had an awesomely restorative long-weekend and today I thought I'd catch you up a bit on what I've been up to!

*I am currently choking down a green juice because I'm doing a 3-day cleanse. And I'm not going to pretend I'm interested in the "health benefits" of juicing this time. This is a 100% juice/starvation mechanism to force me to stop eating like a beast and lose a few damn pounds. I've been eating like my goal is to break the scale lately and it's sad and delicious and unhealthy and fun (until you can't fit into any of your summer clothes). Wish me luck.

* Have you read "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr? I recently finished it and I really enjoyed it. Historical fiction, so a little heavier than your typical summer read, but still easy to get through with gripping characters. Check it out!

* I saw Pitch Perfect 2 over the weekend and while it wasn't even close to the amazingness of the original, it was more than a little laugh out loud funny and the music was aca-mazing. Go into it with realistic expectations (sequels are never as good as the original) and I think you'll be pleased.

* After 3 years in my apartment, I've finally discovered the flowers that are happiest on my terrace - pansies and dahlias. The colorful blossoms are flourishing and they make me smile every time I look at them. Go get yourself some fresh flowers my friends, it's worth it.

* Next time you're looking for delicious Italian in a charming, somewhat girly locale, check out Gina La Fornarina on the upper west side. From savory salads to big meatballs, pizza topped with amazing fresh ingredients and tons of homemade pastas (which I didn't try but looked mouthwateringly delicious) this is a spot I'd often seen, but never tried and now I'm glad I did because I'll be back!

* I finally saw the Backstreet Boys documentary "Show 'Em What You're Made Of" (yes that's really a thing!) and it was everything I'd hoped for. I watched at a sleepover with my mutually BSB-obsessed bff and the whole evening was like a page out of our 8th grade lives. I highly recommend you get together with your old BSB fan club and watch!

* I recently relocated my kitchen table to the side of my living room and created a desk that faces out the window. It's super ghetto but totally refreshing my work-from-home attitude. If I go missing again, this is probably where you'll find me:

NYC by music.

Holy crap I freaking love this.

On prioritizing.

'cause I'm greedy!

Over the past few weeks, I have become a master of prioritizing and a student of "letting it go".  Out of absolute necessity, life lately has forced me to rank what's important and set aside what can wait...  I've basically become a living billboard for the mantra "you can have it all, but not all at once".

For example, yesterday I managed to have a crazy productive work day, a date night with my dude, watch a kick ass hockey game, pack for a business trip/family celebration long weekend annnnd do 3 loads of laundry. This morning I left for my business trip with the piles of said laundry sitting on my couch (I just left the laundry my couch!!) Last weekend, I flew to Florida with dirty dishes in the sink (ahhh!!!) and piles of unopened mail sit on my kitchen table for days on end (gasp!) In another lifetime, I never would have been able to let these things go, they would have eaten at my soul and made me feel unsettled and off-balance. But the reality is that I can't be working and socializing the way I want and keep my home as tidy as I like it. When I looked at everything on my plate, I decided the laundry could wait. The t-shirt quilt coupon can go unused. The DVR can stay messy and full. I'm having it all, just not all at once.

Editor's Note: I vacuumed at 6:45am before leaving the house... I NEEDED to vacuum so I could come home to a pristine carpet. Baby steps!? 

Hump Day Distractions

Hooraaaaaay for hump day!

You guys, I did it! I'm wearing my crop top!! After weeks of putting it on and taking it right back off, today I finally mustered up the confidence to sport my Zara eyelet crop top (thanks to my "work completely alone at the home office" day and "event in Brooklyn" night). So far I'm feeling good and let me tell you, nothing keeps you out of the snack pantry all day like a crop top!! Here to keep you distracted from snacking or whatever your personal battle du jour may be, are some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* Read this. Then sign it. We need paid leave for women NOW! (ps- According to the International Labor Organization, the US joins New Guinea as the 2 countries out of 170 that provide no cash benefits of any kind to women during maternity leave. EEK!!!)

* Some super chic graduation gifts that will make you the coolest friend/sister/aunt/etc at the party.

* Plotting against my enemies...

* Zucchini Noodles with pesto - time to put my new spiralizer to work!!

* An adorable topknot hairdo just in time for summer.

* Girls with flowers will make you smile:)

* If you make it to your 102nd birthday, you can put your teeth wherever you damn well please!!

I woke up like this.

Seriously.

This was the scene in my living room/home office this morning... remnants of a margarita-fueled celebration of Mother's Day/Dr. H's 31st birthday. I'd say the evening was a "most interesting" success (who knew all he had to do was ask and they'd let him walk out the door with that giant cutout!?) 

It's been a whirlwind few days since I last blogged, including a book club rooftop gathering where I enjoyed the season's first sip of rose wine (and turned that sip into an entire bottle. By myself. #ThursdayNightDecisions) and 36 hours in Boca Raton where Dr. H and I got our Nana lovin' on (#SuperGrandkids). Our household has also become completely consumed by THIS ongoing saga and the week ahead includes business in Baltimore and graduation celebrations in Boston (#CantStopWontStop). But as always, I'll do my best to keep the posts coming so I can share important articles like THIS (a must read for those of you who enjoy a cheap mani/pedi) hair updates like THIS and of course adorableness like THIS. Happiest of Mondays... stay thirsty my friends!

Hump Day Distractions

Words to live by.

Hello hello and happy hump day! This week has been a weird one for me - strange pacing where the days go slow, but then suddenly speedy and I can't seem to remember what day it is - you know the kind. Thankfully hump day is a milestone I can use to get my head straight and from here on out it's a countdown to the weekend. Come and get it!!

* Moms - here are all the apps you need to turn your iPhone into your new BFF.

* These honest sympathy cards are absolutely amazing (and sure to bring a smile to the face of a friend in need)

* Style tips for the month of May.

* An easy cheese spread recipe? Yes please.

* In case it's been a while since you thought about the gorgeous offspring of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe (#CruelIntentions4eva)

* A highly endorsed PedEgg replacement to get your feet ready for sandal season!

* Poor Kate. Poor gorgeous, smiling, princess-producing Kate. 

* Goodbye hockey... long island sends its regards :(

* THIS looks awesome. Gonna have to check.it.out!

* When advertising doesn't advertise what they wanted it to (instead, something way more amusing)

Sheer is not a dress color

Apparently this passes for "dressed" these days...

As you all know, I will forever lust after an invitation to the Met Ball and obsessively study and adore the outfits of all the fancy people who are actually lucky enough to attend, but this year I must lodge a complaint. Attention all ladies: Sheer is not a dress color!

I have the utmost respect for women who rock bodies so hot that clothing should be optional and I fully support women with a daring fashion sense, but there is a difference between sexual/risqué and nearly naked/lingerie. As fashion has embraced sheer fabrics, plunging necklines and cutouts in all sizes and locations, I've found myself longing for the days when red carpets meant elegance and risky choices still involved actual fabric. Lately, it would seem that the more naked you appear, the better and while I would give ANYTHING to look like those ladies (and even if the Met Ball is a place for daring and costume-eque outfits) it seems ridiculous that these women feel the need to reveal so much at a red carpet event. Is this what high fashion is now? Is that what is required to turn heads? I don't know how we got here, but sheer is not a dress color and I think it's time my famous lady loves remembered that!

Croc Confessions

Cute. Comfy. Croc. (3 words I would not expect together!)

The sun is shining, temperatures are high and it would seem, that maybe, just maybe, spring is here to stay and summer is actually on the horizon (huzzah!!) Over weekend, in an attempt to enjoy this amazing turn of events, I spent lots of time outdoors, walking around, and I was once again faced with a crisis many women are familiar with... the age-old fashion vs. function debacle. 

I have always been a fashion over function lady (duh), but as my knees and back grow older (WTF!?) and my patience for discomfort gets shorter (I'm only human!), my quest to find shoes that look adorable, but also support a full day on my feet has become a priority. So yesterday, as I was strolling Soho in sassy, strappy sandals which felt only marginally more supportive than if I'd been walking barefoot (arg!), a moment of desperation and curiosity led me into the Crocs store. That's right, I said Crocs. And I found THESE and they are, my friends, a game changer. Made of that magical lightweight croc material that is somehow both cushiony and supportive, I slipped on the Leigh Wedge and knew I'd found a solution to my fashion vs. function summer shoe situation. These bad boys are so comfortable and so cute, I might even purchase a second pair in a different color (I bought "storm mushroom" which is pale blue/demin looking over a tan wedge). 

Now this hearty endorsement of a Croc style does not mean I am behind going full Mario Batali (just, NO, not ever), but if you're looking for an adorable summer shoe that's both comfortable and cute, the Crocs Leigh Wedge is the shoe for you!