The not nagging nag.

My nags are full of love.

Sometime early last week, I noticed that the face wash Dr. H uses in the shower (Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash by way of CVS) was empty. I allowed 2 days to go by before casually saying "Hey Dude, I noticed you're out of facewash" (soooo casual) "Have you been using mine?" (Clarasonic Acne Daily Clarifying Cleanser by way of Sephora). Dr. H freely admitted that yes, he was out of facewash and yes, he had just been using mine. "No big deal" (says the Queen of casual) "but my facewash costs about double yours, so please get more soon." Message received, wife feels accomplished for gently putting maintenance of husband's personal sanitation needs on his own plate.

But then more days go by... and still no Neutrogena. Desperate to say something again, I bite my toungue. You see, I am genetically predisposed to be a bit of a nagger (my Mom and I prefer to call it "persistently organized") but everyone knows there's nothing more awful than living with a nag (being married to one?!) So several more days transpire and I'm literally feeling the additional lost ounces in my facewash bottle during what are now moderately rage-filled showers (predisposed to nagging and overreacting?) I'm beginning to contemplate just replacing the damn facewash myself, but then my dear Dr. H will get the (false!) impression that if he does nothing for long enough, I will just do all of life's tedious tasks for him. Thankfully, I devised the perfect solution:

Problem solved (the ducks agree)

Does this count as nagging? Does my husband realize how lucky he is!? Happy Friday my friends!!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Raindrops on roses...

Today I thought I would share a few things that have become Merry Meri obsessions of late. From beauty and cleaning to workouts and water, here are a few "can't live without" items for your consideration:

* Clarisonic Mia *

Like an electric toothbrush for your face!

A little over a year ago I was in bride-to-be/how can I look like a more glam me? mode and I purchased a Clarisonic Mia after reading a glowing review from the beautifully skinned Rebecca of the Daily Muse. While I'm not sure I breakout less as a result of my Mia, my skin definitely looks significantly better - less dull and grey - thanks to a once daily scrub. A bit pricey ($120 at Sephora) I'm so pleased with the improvement to my skin that I'd definitely recommend the investment. 

* Skull Candy Headphones *

Get on my ears!

When I walk around with my Skullcandy headphones on, I'm in my own little badass, music lovin, happy place. I freakin LOVE my giant headphones even if they do look a bit ridiculous on a white girl dressed for her office job (channeling my inner dj!?) The sound quality is awesome and not a week goes by without some random stranger complimenting their awesomeness. Perfectly priced for the holidays, gift or get some Skull Candy.

* Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo *

My hair's new bff

I mentioned that I was experimenting with dry shampoo back in May, but now it's been upgraded to "cannot live without" status. Always fearful of drying out my dyed and frequently blown-out locks (also I'm extremely lazy in the morning) dry shampoo, specifically Oscar Blandi brand, is pretty much the greatest invention ever. I few carefully placed and well rubbed in lines of the powder on my scalp and that "how long has it been since that chick washed her hair?" greasiness is traded in for volume and a clean-to-the-touch mane.

* Nathan Human Propulsion "Tritan Bottle" *

Drink up!

I am obsessed with my turquoise "sippie straw" water bottle. I use it every day at my desk, when I workout and when I'm travelling. Purchased at Modell's for like $15 because I'm a big water drinker and hater of the waste individual plastic bottles create, this guy is dishwasher safe, has no BPA (a thing I know nothing about other than BPA = bad) and the straw seems to have the effect of making me drink more which is not only healthy, but seems to help with my ravenous appetite and seasonally dry skin. Grab a Tritan and drink up:)

* Mr. Clean Magic Eraser *

Love that bald man.

You know you're getting old/growing up when one of the items you can't live without is a cleaning product, but peoples... this stuff is le-git. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers get EVERYTHING off your walls, whether it's scuffs from furniture, fingerprints from excessive wall touching (apparently something Dr. H and I are quite guilty of) or all the scratches and marks you get from 2+ attempts to hang that bookshelf that just keeps falling down (I know from experience?). I literally walk around exclaiming in amazement when I clean with these things - buy them!

* Vinyasa Flow Yoga *

Yoga Vida in NYC

I've come and go from the practice of yoga over the years, but I recently discovered a studio just a short walk from my apartment (convenience is key!) and it's hitting a yogi bliss sweet spot. Requiring intense control and mental clarity, yoga has been an excellent escape from work stress while simultaneously whipping me into shape. Yoga seems to magically produce results almost instantly, lengthening and tightening up some of my "soft spots" after only a few classes (visible results = excellent motivation). Whether you're a beginner or one of those crazy-headstanders, consider an hour on the mat next time you're looking to relax and workout.