based on the novel.

I heart a good book.

Growing up, my mom had a rule that I could not see a movie that was based on a book unless I read the book first. I don't know where she got this rule, or what made her decide to stick to it so staunchly, but I'll never forget seeing The Little Princess movie (based on a favorite childhood book) and being FURIOUS at what a terrible adaptation it was. Things were changed, important details were overlooked and it just generally did not do the author's fine work justice. 

I mention this because right now I am reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and I freaking LOVE it (if you are like me and somehow overlooked this book as a 90s teenager, get it now).  I suppose I could be embarassed that the reason I am finally reading this book is that it's been made into a movie which Hermoine Granger (aka, Emma Watson:) is starring in (so obviously I plan to see it), but I'm not. Whatever it takes to make the time to read a good book is fine with me. Whether it's because the books are almost always better, or because reading is wonderful... Mom was totally right (doesn't it always work out that way!?)

It's the freakin weekend...

Party shoes and pink balloons!!

... baby Ima 'bout to have me some fuuuuun (you like that R. Kelly reference right there!?) I've been on a bit of a Pinterest binge lately so I thought I would send you into the weekend with a few pieces of my recently mined internet treasure. Happy browsing, baking, crafting, laughing and most importantly, happy Friday!

I think I need this for my house.

Hook shower rings onto a hanger to hold your scarves.
GENIUS!

I will try my best to live by this.

Cake batter rice krispie treats. Get in my belly! (Recipe HERE)

I haven't taken THIS for a test-run yet, but if it works,
it could be totally awesome.

Adios my friends!!!

Daddy's Girl (always).

Do something quintessentially "Dad & me" - time together is an awesome gift.

Dudes and dudettes, Father's Day is THIS SUNDAY!! It feels like we were just standing in the greeting card aisle lamenting the awful selection of Mother's Day cards doesn't it? And for me, there's something about Father's Day that's much more difficult to nail than Mother's Day. Maybe it's because I'm a daughter, or because Dads so often just buy themselves the things they need/want, but to quote one of my girlfriends, "how many polo shirts can I buy him!?" So in preparation for this Father's Day, I thought I would help you think outside the box - find a way to tell your Dad he rocks without falling victim to the Hallmark-i-ness of the holiday. Because if your Dad is anything like my Dad, he is awesome. Luv you D ;)

What could be better than cheese delivered to Dad's doorstep?
Cheese delivered to Dad's doorstep EVERY MONTH!!!

Last year Sis and I got my Dad a cheese-of-the-month club membership and he LOVED it. "Of-the-month" clubs are an awesome way to gift a favorite item (wine, beer, hot sauce, jerky, PIZZA!) and introduce your Dad to a variety you might not have otherwise been brave enough to purchase. I've had great experiences with www.amazingclubs.com and love their fun variety (maybe your Dad needs a "Sirloin of the Month"!?)

Buy your Dad the car of his dreams!

Just because he's a Dad, doesn't mean he won't love a good toy. Most Dad's flip for gadgets, electronics, planes, trains and automobiles, so consider that remote controlled car you know he'll have a blast crashing around the driveway or maybe a classy dart board? The less practical, the better.

Get tickets to the game and wrap them thematically to take
the presentation up a notch from "hey Dad, here's an envelope"!

There's something so "Dad" about going to a game together. Even my Dad who isn't a huge sports fan, seems to love sitting in the stadium with his girls, enjoying hot dogs and a few hours of conversation. Pick an event you know your Dad loves and grab some tickets. Time together and live sports? It's a home run (hehe).

When in doubt, turn to music

What band did your Dad love as a teenager? Who is on that ratty concert t-shirt that he refuses to throw away? Check out who is touring this summer (Jones Beach has an awesome lineup) for a musical take on the gift above, or maybe buy a vinyl? If he doesn't have a record player, that might be a funky gift or consider professionally framing the album cover, turning it into a keepsake/piece of art.

Hump Day Distractions

Obviously humpback whales think Wednesday Rules.

Well hello there Wednesday, nice to see you again!! I'm feeling very merry this week and I'm grateful for the exchange of major ho hums for some of life's beachy/bachelorette-y/family filled/wedding-y/niece-playdate-y fabulosity. When things are good we must appreciate:) And speaking of good, I think these distractions will have you smiling while you hump the day. Get it.   

* Though I'm more of an English girl, this tuckered out Frenchie brought a big smile to my face.

* The perfect DIY for the MVP at my next theme party

* Grab your (wo)man and make it a date night

* All Dr. H tested, Dr. H approved (though he discovered he is not a spaghetti squash man)

* This season of Mad Men may be over, but here are some fabulous factoids to keep Sterling Cooper Draper Price on your mind (via CupofJo)

* Some cutesy, crafty printables for your next BBQ

* SOON

A bad good habit?

Not mentioned, SWEATY.

I recently started taking spin classes here in NYC. Four months post-op on my knee, I’m not quite strong enough to run which SUCKS for a girlie who uses running not just for fitness, but also for mental clarity. So I have taken up spinning, checking out classes at Pedal NYC (literally IN my apt bldg!) and at the awesomely awesome (and super trendy) Soul Cycle. So you’re all “she’s exercising, great what’s the big deal?” The big deal is that spin is no deal at all… at $30-34 per class, this is my worst “good” habit since discovering sashimi (how many $3 strips of raw fish does it take to fill YOU up!?)

Is there such a thing as a bad good habit? How do we pick which eco-friendly/healthy/fit expenses are worth the price!? I pay almost double for organic berries and who knows how much for bottled water and Brita filters, so why not round out my “healthy Meri monthly bill” by paying out the butt for an amazing workout that I really enjoy? I mean, I think my butt deserves a nice candle-lit bike ride every once in while! 

The sand, the sea and me

Not my (beach) bum.

Have I ever mentioned my love affair with the beach? How there is nothing that soothes me, delights me and brings a smile to my face more than the smell of the sea and the feel of the sand beneath my toes? Maybe once or twice:) Since I cut "summer week" short by a day (and I've got serious beach brain after an amazing seaside weekend!) I thought I would share some of my favorite beach getaways (Note: I could go on FOREVER about this topic, so the list is by no means comprehensive!!!) 

* Fire Island, NY

New York, a world away from the Empire State Building

Located across the Great South Bay from the southern shore of Long Island, I spent my childhood weekends soaking up sun on Fire Island. The car-less island is filled with lots of different "towns" each with their own feel and scene from boaters with families to post-college co-eds looking to revisit the young life. And most importantly, the beach is a stunna.

* Santa Monica, CA

Beauty by the pier.

One of my favorite girlies lives a short walk from this west coast beauty and I don't think it gets much better than that! An awesome combination of seashore, delicious dining and entertainment, the beach in Santa Monica (and the stroll from there to nearby Venice) is one of my favorites I've ever visited. 

* South Beach, FL

Retro glam Miami

Turquoise water, soft white sand, a row of palm trees and then a retro chic strip of amazing shops and restaurants... that's what coming ashore in Miami will get you. There's the sexy bar scene, the cultural flavor and sunshine for days. Just a quick flight from NYC, I hope to spend more time in Miami in the years to come.

* Southampton, NY

I'm a biased long island girl - our beaches really are the tops.

At the end of Dune Road's incomparable strip of beach houses is (in my humble, but beach loving opinion) long island's most awesome beach. Cupsogue Beach is beautiful and it has a great beachy bar and seafood stand to keep you going all day long. Though it may be missing Miami's palm trees, the endless sand and fresh summer scene will have you coming back for more.

Funnies for your Friday

Pickle girl 4 eva.

Hey-o. No better way to kick off the weekend than with a smile, so enjoy these witty images and then grab a beer and head for the beach (that's what I'm doing!!) See ya on the other side!

Herd love.

That party will be out of this world:)

I love ice cream and Sesame Street.

So glad that they met.

Have a great weekend! Go bananas!!

All of this silly courtesy of time spent (wasted?!) on Pinterest. Click here to follow me on my creative (procrastinating!?) adventures!