Hump Day Distractions

This hump day take it slow and nice and easy (hehe).

Not gonna waste your time with pleasantries this week... let's get straight to the distractions:

* This is the ultimate summer guide for New Yorkers 

* I have a bag of tots in my freezer ready to go at all times...

* This commercial will make you smile... 

* ...so will this adorable root beer loving baby!

* Melted candle wax is no longer my nemesis.

* Best compliment I've ever received about my writing? That I sound like Carrie Bradshaw

* Some of the best photobombs I've ever seen...

* I mean COME ON you animal loving fools!!!

... And if you're an NYC'er, this is happening tonight. For FREE! 

Summer Shows

"Boob tube".

So... now that The Office and 30 Rock and Mad Men and Dexter are all on hiatus, what are Dr. H and I feeding our tv addiction with you ask? While I admit the dvr is a bit empty these days (and I swear we're getting outside plenty to play) we've got plans to get by on a solid dose of summer shows and onDemand/Netflix options.

So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)

Better than American Idol, X Factor and Dancing With the Stars, combined.

There are some big fans of Nigel, Stacy Tookey and of course Miss Mary Murphy in this household! The only competition show Dr. H and I never miss an episode of, SYTYCD (yes, there is an acronym) is an amazing showcase of the beautiful and exciting art form of dance. Watch and prepare to be amazed by athleticism, grace and sexy shirtless men!

The Newsroom (HBO)

New fuel for my cable tv addiction

How great do the previews for this show look!? Not to get too political or preachy on you, but I am extremely critical of the impact the 24-hour news cycle is having on global affairs and American politics. I am also extremely fond of anything Aaron Sorkin and/or HBO touches. So obviously, I'm pretty confident that Sunday's series premiere is going to be amazeballs (and my inner couch potato is counting on it).

The Wire (HBO via HBOGo app & borrowed DVDs)

I'm overdue to see for myself what the hype is about.

This show is my summer project. Premiering in June 2002 and airing its season finale in March of 2008, I missed The Wire completely on first pass. What I find noteworthy however, is that over four years after the last episode aired, this show is a constant source of conversation for my fellow tv-loving friends. If the hype is legit, I expect Dr. H and I will be going on multiple episode per night binges by mid-July.

Tosh.O (Comedy Central)

I've got a serious Daniel Tosh crush

Warning: this show has been known to make me (a) gag; (b) cringe; and (c) fall over laughing. Tosh.O is a collection of internet video gems, expertly discovered and strung together with socially inappropriate (and very often totally offensive) jokes. Dr. H and I love Tosh's ability to amuse, disgust and insult people of all races, creeds, sexualities and genders in his 30 minute time-slot. 

Are we missing something!? Help Dr. H and I fill our tv time by leaving a comment below!

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!