Weighing In...

Hmm...

Because we have a little trust-tree here and honesty is always the best policy, I thought I'd talk today about a current personal struggle... Recently, I have been struggling with my weight. 

As frequent readers of the blog know, I try to prioritize a healthy lifestyle while nevertheless enjoying the "finer things" (like cheese... and carbs... and vodka). Unfortunately, for the past few months, my ability to practice mindful eating seems to have evaporated and the number on the scale is (way) up. I see the change in my face and in the way my clothing fits and it's something I think about every time I look in the mirror. And though I've enjoyed every bite of the decisions that got me here (cookies anyone?), my predisposition for being overweight, a noticeably slowing metabolism (helllooo 30!) and how generally lousy I'm feeling mean I've got to address this. But how? 

Maybe because work has been so consuming or because I've been traveling more than ever (or because nachos taste so damn good), self-control and discipline have been really difficult to muster lately. I feel stuck and lacking in confidence and I don't like it one bit! And though I don't have a solution right now, or even anything peppy to say about this "weighty" situation (never too bummed for a good pun) I thought it was important to say out loud. Maybe for accountability, maybe so other ladies out there feeling the same way know they aren't alone... I'm not sure. But that's where I'm at and I'm hoping to find the motivation to make a change really soon. 

F.I.T.S. of Merriment

Sunset at Hotel Belmar

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy! (Read past F.I.T.S. posts HERE.)

Funny: So. True.

Interesting: Want to know how to prevent your hydrangea bouquets from instantly wilting!?

Tasty: It may not be winter, but I still want to eat ALL of these NYC eats.

Site I Love: Fancy having more pretty Paris pictures in your life!? Well Paris in Four Months is a lovely little blog I stumbled upon a few months ago, written by Carin, an incredibly talented photographer who moved to Paris for a few months from her native Stockholm and never looked back. Her photos are swoonworthy and she also posts interesting articles and tid bits about the world of high fashion as well. In it just for the pictures? You can follow Carin on Instagram HERE. 

F.I.T.S. of Merriment

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy! (Read past F.I.T.S. posts HERE.)

Funny: These doodles will make your day.

Interesting: This is an incredibly fascinating article about how a family reached their autistic son through the magic of Disney (long but a very worthwhile read!)

Tasty: Chocolate dipped marshmallows pretty and perfect for Easter. Need I say more!?

Site I Love: Turns out LC has a whole lot more to offer than The Hills and a line at Kohls! I really love Lauren Conrad's blog, covering fashion, travel, professional development, music, books, recipes and everything in between. It's a lifestyle blog intended for fierce young females and I highly recommend you check it out.

Une vie á plein bord.

Bonjour my merry friends and a most sincere apology for leaving you all on your lonesome at the end of last week... I had fantasies about finishing up the last two F.I.T.S. posts once connected to wifi abroad, but vacations sometimes need to be vacations from everything and sitting at a computer was just not part of my itinerary. I hope you can understand :)

Today I'm back, and struggling, I think as we all do, to put vacation behind me and a normal day-in-the-life Monday in front of me. I miss the French countryside air, spending hours each day on a bicycle, that magical Parisian elegance and also... where is the fromage?! After 8 nights in France I can tell ya a thing or two about good fromage. #insanelyluckygirlproblems

As I dive back into the ordinary and reflect on my time away, a quote I discovered at the Rodin Museum in Paris (Rodin being a most favorite artist of mine) really stands out. He said, "une vie á plein bord" which translates to "a life full to the brim". I think this is an apropos mantra for a girl who writes a blog focused on happiness and really for any of you out there who also "seek to be merry". I think, if we make it our goal to fill our lives to the brim, hopefully with wonderful things, but also with struggles and hard work, we can finish each day with a unique sense of contentment and personal pride. Our victories will be more joyful, our power to overcome challenges more obvious and our love for people and places more fulfilling. Because to me "full to the brim" isn't necessarily about a jam packed schedule or constant thrill seeking, but more making sure that at the end of each day you know you threw it all on the table. Maybe all Rodin was saying was the Frenchy elegant version of "give it your all", but whatever, I like it and I'm in. 

More pics and a full run down of the Dr. H and Merry Meri Tour de France coming soon, but for now let's get back to our 31 days of Halloween!!! It's a Q-Tip Skeleton!

Click HERE for the full instructions from Alive & Mortal on this simple and kid friendly holiday craft!

F.I.T.S. of Merriment

Château d'Ussé (inspiration for Sleeping Beauty!!)

Merry Meri is on vacation this week so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: Maybe it's because we had them as pets, but I find this very VERY funny.

Interesting: This old guy is pretty freaking adorable (via exPress-o)

Tasty/31 Days of Halloween: These mini caramel apples are super easy to make and far more "eat-able" (that's right, eat-able, not edible!) than their larger whole-apple counterparts. A perfect wow-worthy dessert for your next fall get together! Full instructions  (and topping ideas!) HERE.

SiteILove: Love to shop? Love to find a good deal on the things you want to buy!? Well then I have a site for you!! Copy Cat Chic is a fantastic blog which compares high price point items (mostly home goods, but adult and kid clothing too) to their less expensive counterparts. Tis beyond fabulous.

F.I.T.S. of Merriment

Azay le Rideau

Merry Meri is on vacation this week so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: A smiley turtle. Yup.

Interesting: Touch it and you'll turn to stone. Whoa.

Tasty: So I guess we're all taking a trip to Chicago for THIS!?

SiteILove: Want to follow a super chic mama on her adventures with 2 kiddos in NYC? Marissa of Lady & Prince used to work for Oscar de la Renta, now she works for Ivanka Trump, and in the midst of all that awesome she has a beautiful family in Dumbo, Brooklyn. A little bit fashion, a little bit family and a whole lot of NYC, I'm studying and learning and loving reading about all of her adventures.

31 Days of Halloween: Ding dong the witch is dead!! Check out this be-witching front door decor which is easily executed with a pair of stuffed tights and old shoes tucked under your welcome mat.

Au revoir!

I'm in a Parisian state of mind...

Friiiday. FRIIIDAY. FRRRRIIIIIDAAAAYYY!!! And not to brag, but this Friday is extra sweet for me because Dr. H and I are off on a(nother) anniversary adventure, this time to France! (I bragged). Anyway, even if you aren't headed to France tonight, I'm wishing you the most wonderful weekend and some sunny, smiley October days ahead. Plenty of goodies will still be here between the 31 Days of Halloween and some F.I.T.S. of Merriment, so keep stopping by and being merry. Au revoir!

31 Days of Halloween - A Glow-in-the-Dark Mummy Pumpkin!

This adorable alternative to a jack 'o lantern is sure to bring the smiles (and if you ask me, it's just as cool!) Pin it HERE or go straight to the BHG instructions HERE.

"Feed Your Football Face" Recipe of the Week: Chili Mac Casserole*

*brought to you by Lady Behind the Curtain

This hearty dish is perfect for the colder weeks ahead when tailgating means warming up and filling up with something tasty.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 - 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 - 16 ounce kidney beans, undrained

6 ounces tomato paste

4 ounces chopped green chilies

2-1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook macaroni according to package directions. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, chilies and seasonings. Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Click HERE for the full recipe (including printable version) or HERE to Pin it!

Check out previous "Feed Your Football Face" recipes HERE.

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy! (Read past F.I.T.S. posts HERE.)

Funny: This has got to be the most simultaneously hysterical and cruel prank ever.

Interesting: A few moments after a moment of NYC history that we've all come to recognize.

Tasty: Who's ready for our next adventure with quinoa!?

SiteILove: Do you love watching HGTV as much as I do?! (Property Brothers?! Income Property!?!) Even if I'm not  a house flipping DIY genius, soaking up creative and crafty ideas is inspiring. And thankfully there's YoungHouseLove, a blog just as fabulously all-things-home saavy. From massive renovations to truly do-able decor DIYs, I'm grateful that a favorite fellow blogger sent Sherry and John (self-described DIY dorks) my way!

Hump Day Distractions

You guys, have I got some goodies for you!! It's like the internet's cup runneth over with delightful distractions this past week and each day my collection of links just grew and grew. And some of them are pretty damn awesome, starting with that Geico commercial courtesy of Sis. I mean that camel!? (whoot whoot!) So without further adieu... hump away.

* Millard Fillmore or Alec Baldwin? Harder to tell than you'd think! (via CupofJo)

* Super late to the game on this one, but in you also are in the dark: Alanis thought there was quite a bit that Uncle Joey oughta know.

* Some people are so creative it blows ma mind (su-shi what I mean HERE, full recipe HERE).

* Fact: I will never be brave (stupid?) enough to do THIS job.

* For my fellow anchor lovers... I think we need.
* Oh Boys, quit playing games with my (cuddly panda loving) heart.

* Discovering a 1,200 year old city buried 30 feet under the Mediterranean Sea.

* Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps by Skinny Mom. Yes please.

* DON'T LET ME DOWWWWWN!

* 3 easy, polished updos (and 1 more HERE).

* I want to go to there (plus, how great is the word "yurt"!?)

* Who knew that cutting things in half would be so beautiful (more here).

* I'm a Jawbone Up girl, but the Fitbit is pretty popular too.

* Tiny tattoos that will make you think "mmmaaaybe I could pull that off" (does #16 look familiar!?)

* That's a lot of food Ron.

* I miss my inflatable furniture (said no one, ever).

* And lastly, THESE teachers are my heroes. 

Who loves you?! I'm off to Boston and Cape Cod for some college friend fabulousness, Fenway fun and a wedding by the sea, so get ready for some. F.I.T.S.. to take you into the weekend. See on next week friends!

Summer Trends: Do or Don't

Happy Summer Indeed!

Since summer weather is just getting into full swing, we haven't done much talking about the latest "looks" for my favorite season. Luckily, many retail stores are nearly done with their "summer lines" which means now is the perfect time to start browsing sale racks for discounted prices on the season's top trends. Plus, warmer temps mean a chance to test out different hair styles, nail colors and accessories.  Here to help you navigate the  fashion jungle is a list of some goodies I've spotted on the streets of NYC and a few I've tried out myself. I'll weigh in with a "do or don't", but the ultimate verdict is up to you!

* Thick Stripes

Striped stunna

Always a fan of simple clean lines, bright colors and the occasional nautical theme, I'm thrilled that thick stripes are popular this summer. Be careful with placement (personally, my bum doesn't need anything "thick" running across it), but generally thick stripes like THIS and THIS are one size fits all!
Merry Meri Verdict: Do

* Mixing Bold Prints

Dots and Flowers and a big bauble!

This seems like a super tricky trend; I think successful execution really relies on finding the perfect pieces. From what I've read and seen, the best print mixes create a contrast (large/bold with small/simple) so that the mis-match looks intentional and somewhat (somehow!) complimentary. I think a bold floral combined with dots or stripes is a safe bet.
Merry Meri Verdict: Do (carefully!)

* Overalls 

Cute and all, but...

I am kinda in disbelief that overalls are "back". The perfect look for toddlers (or teens in the 1990s) I'm having trouble getting back on the overall bandwagon. Perhaps in the shorts style (for a romper-like look) I can get behind overalls, but something long and denim like THIS looks absolutely ridiculous on anyone not making a living as a farmer. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Don't

* Crop Tops

Bare a little belly!

I cannot tell you how many different crop tops I've tried on attempting to execute this trend. Perfect for small-waisted, but large hip'ed ladies like myself, the key is to find a top that doesn't hug too tight (this!?) and which falls in the perfect place against a higher waisted pant (this) or something low waisted if your hips are enviously love-handle free. Loose fitting bottoms might also make for a perfect pairing.

Merry Meri Verdict: Do (but choose wisely, baring belly isn't perfect for all environments!)

* A "Pale Nail" (all the way to white)

white is the new hot pink

Neons and bold reds will always be summer staples, but my wandering eye at the nail salon seems to indicate that "pale nails" are pretty popular right now. Shades of barely there pink, purple, mint and blue are everywhere or be bold with bright white (I've been using THIS). Even if Dr. H keeps asking if I "did my nails with white out" I think pale nails are the perfect compliment to your summery, tan skin!

Merry Meri Verdict: Do

* BIG, bold baubles

Bright bling

Gone are the days of "less is more" - jewelry seems to be going through a more, bigger and brighter phase. Never one to shy away from a stunning statement piece (yup, yup) I do think that the "bubble necklace" is a bit too popular so maybe you're better off going your own unique way. I LOVE the affordable options available at Baublebar.com and if you're feeling extra bold, layer it on!

Merry Meri Verdict: Do (but be sure to pair with simpler outfits that allow the pieces to really pop!)

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: Children are our future (also an excellent source of entertainment).

Interesting: Why the way we think about charity is all wrong and what we can do to make it better. A TED talk totally worth 18 minutes of your time (if wanting to make the world a better place is your thing:)

Tasty: At this point in Passover I'm fantasizing about pasta big time. Eat it here.

SiteILove: Want a little bit of fashion, movie recs, home decor, eats, treats and everything in between!? Well then exPress-o is for you! An expert curator of internet goodness, I enjoy multiple times daily posts and smiles thanks to the goodness of Diana at exPress-o. Check'er out!! 

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: When you end up in a mall fountain, your addiction to texting has gone too far.

Interesting: Ever wondering what the rich, famous and amazing were doing before they were rich, famous and amazing? Here's what some extremely successful individuals were doing when they were 25.

Tasty: All the deliciousness of creamy spinach dip squeezed into one bite sized cup!

SiteILove: Are you a young professional woman looking to be fashionable, sensible and budget saavy with your work wardrobe!? If so, you've got to start reading Capitol Hill Style, a fashion blog for professional women. Blogger Fashionista-in-Chief Belle believes that chicas shouldn't have to sacrifice their sense of style for professional success so she features styling tips, beauty product reviews, and professional guidance for fashionable ladies with serious jobs. With links to click and purchase all her fashion and beauty goodness, it's a delightful one-stop-blog'n'shop!!

Escaping.

I guess I am a heliophiliac.

I'm off to the land of sunshine and grandparents (also known as Florida). I must apologize because my midnight packing/plant watering/vacuuming left no time for a F.I.T.S. post, but I promise to make it up to you. Xoxo

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Site seeing in Sintra.

Merry Meri is on vacation this week so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: Snoop Dogg decided to get political (it's brilliant. Fo shizzle).

Interesting: Parts of NYC's East Village have been a declared a historical landmark. Hipsters rejoice! (Also, wouldn't going on one of these tours be totally geeky/awesome?)

Tasty: Doubling down on the delicious desserts for you this Friday... THIS is so brilliant I can barely contain my excitement and THIS looks so good I nearly licked my computer monitor.

SiteILove: I am seriously late to the party on this one, but if you aren't already reading Suri's Burn Book, you really should be. Written brilliantly "by" the spawn of the now defunct Cruise/Holmes union, Suri takes her reign of the Hollywood-child kingdom very seriously (watch out Jolie-Pitts!)

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Lisbon is for Lovers.

Merry Meri is on vacation this week so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: What if the Disney villians had won? (thanks sis!)

Interesting: As the weather gets colder, I self-diagnose my "seasonal effective disorder". Beat the winter blues with these creative tips.

Tasty: 'tis the season for all things pumpkin. Bring fall into your kitchen with one of these tasty recipes (and thanks to loyal reader Laur for the link!!)

SiteILove: My love and admiration for all things Justina Blakeney started by following her on Pinterest and blossomed into daily reading of her blog (oh social media you're so savvy!) Focused on interior decorating, fashion and a bit about her "boomba" (adorable Ida was born just over a month ago) Justina's blogis a colorful, cheerful, thoughtful expression of all that makes her unique and interesting. I can only hope to curate my knicknacks as thoughtfully as she has in her "Jungalow".

Hump Day Distractions

Thanks Bill.

By the time you read this I will be wandering the streets of Lisbon, Portugal with mi amor, the infamous Dr. H. But fear not, I could never leave you to face the week alone. F.I.T.S. of Merriment is making it's triumphant return tomorrow and as for today, hump it here (who loves ya!?):

* College football fan? You're gonna love THIS. 

* In NYC, we take our brunch-ing very seriously.

* I am going to make a magical forest of balloons in my parent's backyard (yup, I just said that)

* There's something very goth-y gorgeous about this. I want.

* I love you Brad. Always have, always will.

* I need to get me one of THESE. (via CupofJo)

* One day dogs may have their revenge, but in the meantime, enjoy THIS.

Refresh, recharge, reboot(ing).

The wonton soup Gods are so in tune with who I am.

Well hello hello. It's been a while, but I'm back from vacation-land and I hope you enjoyed your F.I.T.S. of merriment while I was gone. I spent my days smelling the fresh Maine air, biking, kayaking, hiking, lovin on my family (to whom I am, as the fortune cookie says, "deeply attached") and as promised, eating copious amounts of lobster (whole, rolls, omelets, mac cheese, salads). It was out of control awesome. Now however, it's back to work, and instead of my usual iced coffee tomorrow morning, I think I need a to go cup like THIS:

Brilliant. Totally, F'ing BRILLIANT.

It's gonna be a rough one, (may-jah ho hums!) but I'm confident that by tomorrow I will find my footing back here in this strange place called "reality" (eww). In the mean time, you admire this adorable little girl and her hedgehog friend:

Hedgehogs. So hot right now.

And I'll focus on Peter Pan's key to flight:

Get me some pixie dust

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Hooray it's Friday
(unless you're me on vacation, in that case, BOOOOOO!)

Merry Meri is on vacation this week so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: So GIFs are like "the new big thing" (says me). Mom, in case you're reading this, a GIF is a short clip file (somewhere between a video and a picture) and peeps loooove to match these clips with funny captions. Check some pretty awesome ones out HERE and HERE 

Interesting: Less makeup, more natural beauty 

Tasty: Anything involving Whoppers is worth a try right!?  

SiteILove: You Are My Fave - I first came to know "YAMF" when another blogger linked to one of her "Spotted and Hearted" posts (example HERE) and it was lurve at first read. Melanie Blodgett is an expert at sourcing the coolest and craftiest things from around the web  (like this brilliant birthday in a box idea) and she dreams up some pretty great stuff all on her own as well!  

Bonus site lovin: My funny as hell sis-in-law just started a blog where she creates Us Weekly-esque covers bearing the headlines we were all thinking, but didn't have the cajones to say out loud. May-jah laughs... check it out:)

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Babe'in it up

Merry Meri is on vacation this week so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: When life gives you lemons..?

Interesting: I think I've mentioned my love-affair with the still image before. For me, there's nothing more incredible than capturing a solitary moment which evokes a feeling or tells a story far greater than the confines of that single frame. Here is a collection of some of the most powerful images ever taken (do you agree?)  

Tasty: It's called "Revolutionary Mac & Cheese" so obviously it's time to stop reading and start cooking!! (Link on Pinterest HERE) 

SiteILove: The Daily Muse - This blog is a great daily read about the life and interests of Rebecca Baust, a Manhattan-dwelling nutritionist/writer/photographer. All about clean lines, simple decor and healthy living, Rebecca's aesthetic is like the yin to my zig zag, organized chaos, mac cheese loving yang. We both however adore photography and sarcasm. Also, her dog Sam Wiggins is absolutely the coolest.

F.I.T.S. of merriment

Love me a good adventure!

Merry Meri is on vacation this week so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy!

Funny: "The hospital was Butler and you were in the criminally insane unit! I remember you clearly!" and other incredibly heartfelt (and totally bizarre) Craigs List Missed Connections 
Interesting: Ever wonder where the most spoiled children in the country are living? Wonder no more (warning, bad news for us NYC'ers ahead) 
Tasty: It's like a whole bunch of my favorite ingredients making love between two slices of bread.  
SiteILove: NYC Taught Me -  You know that Sharon Beesley is awesome because her blog is primarily about parenting and living in NYC with three young kids, which isn't exactly my demo, but it's nevertheless one of my favorite daily reads. Sharon is a rock star at field trips, crafts and finding humor in everyday moments; I'm constantly bookmarking her site for "someday". In my next life, I'd like to come back as one of her kids so she can dress me super cool and take me adventuring.