Geek out / Sneak out.

It's the Peep-les Court.

Sometimes, I wonder if I got into the right profession (law) and then a day like yesterday happens (healthcare) and I remember that I am the Geek Queen of Dork Universe and love analyzing legislation intended for the public welfare under the lens of the U.S. Constitution. I worship SCOTUS. In case you live under a rock, read a bit about the impact of yesterday’s truly historic case HERE, HERE and HERE. No matter where you stand on the issue of universal healthcare, it’s important to be in the know!

And now that we’ve finished our civics lesson for the day… 

...I'm sneakin out of here. Have a swimmy, sunshiney summer weekend! 

It's better with a theme...

P-A-R-T-Y.

I am a firm believer in the awesomeness of a theme party. Now I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes, but truly... if you select the right theme for your crowd and occasion, a theme can instantly up the enthusiasm of your guests and make your party extra memorable. And lucky for me, themes and stylized celebrations seem to be ALL the rage right now! Thanks to Pinterest and party planning bloggers like Jordan of OhHappyDay (her blog is a never ending source of inspiration) it's easier than ever to become the host or hostess with the mostest. Here for your enjoyment are some merry meri tips for rocking the theme trend at your next party.

* Pick something easy.

"Stripes & Dots" / "Pretty in Pink"
Let your decor serve as inspiration for guest dress.

When throwing a theme party, you've got to know your crowd. How much effort are they going to be willing to make? If it's Halloween, costumes are an easy sell, but come winter, maybe a Wig Party is the perfect compromise. Or what about Glasses & Mustaches and have a pile of accessories for guests to select from at the door?! I recently discovered The TomKat Studio for ideas and supplies - check it out!

* As host, you've got to set the mood.

"Party Animals"

Nobody is going to get into a theme unless you're into it yourself! Sport a party getup that's fit for bragging and have some spare accessories for guests that show up "slightly unprepared" (ex: of course there will be glow jewelry at my Brighter the Better party in case someone leaves their neon at home!) Figure out foods that match the theme and craft (or buy) a few unique decorations to really take it to the next level.

* Get creative (and be personal).

"Fun & Games"

One of my favorite theme parties I've hosted was my Happy Hockey Birthday. I LOVE the sport and seeing my friends decked out in jerseys (and even a faux helmet) totally made my night! Think about things you and your guests love and find inspiration in everything from Cheese & Chocolate to Backyard Fun & Games (20-somethings on a Slip 'n Slide is a sight to be seen!)

* Don't go crazy - parties are supposed to be fun!

"Take a Chill Pill Party"

Not every party has to be a RAGING party. Not every raging party has to be uber-styled and stressful for the host. Know your own limits and make sure you don't plan beyond them. Keep the music pumping (a good playlist is KEY!) and the drinks flowing and your party will be a hit no matter the theme.

Hump Day Distractions

Get your game face on, it's HUMP DAY!!

I'm feeling a bit spunky today folks! I have an awesome weekend in my rear view and another fabulous one planned for the days ahead so I'm all "let's DO THIS people!" Ahhhh summer. Anyways.... here are some distractions for your hump day enjoyment.
* These images made the Facebook rounds last week, but if you haven't seen them yet, they will warm your heart.
* I'm pretty sure this is one of the greatest gift ideas ever (especially for fans of The Office) 
* Kristen Bell's love of sloths reaches a level you have to see to believe 
* Being safe doesn't mean you have to sacrifice being stylish
* Took this recipe for a test drive with friends last night. Six thumbs up at my dinner table!
* Just ordered one of these beauties with my married name monogram because I just love being Ms. Dr. H:) (baller version here)
* Some parents just weren't cut out for Facebook...

My midday meal slump...

My lunch rarely looks this glam

What are you eating for lunch? I find myself eating the same half dozen or so lunches ad nauseam (hehe) out of a combination of habit, convenience and lack of creativity. I try to make lunch 4 of 5 days every week (though I'd say I average only 3 days) because my homemade lunches are healthier and eating out can be expensive ($8-15 per day adds up fast!!) You'd think that because I am the creator of my lunches, I'd get creative, but the reality is that I throw lunch together in a maximum of 10 minutes before I run out the door each morning (I have no interest in making tomorrow's lunch after making dinner each night) and when I buy lunch, I gravitate to the same handful of places where I order the same handful of foods. Here's what's on the menu:

Homemade: turkey sandwich (occasional variation of turkey type and condiment); tuna sandwich (both on "lite" bread with no lettuce or tomato - too soggy by 1pm); green salad w goat cheese and avocado; "sides" are almost always carrots and hummus, fruit, Popchips/Special K crisps and sugar free pudding snacks (might as well bring a lunchbox with a note from my mom right!?)

When I buy: udon soup; chicken salad sandwich; make your own salad (and I "make" the same exact salad 90% of the time!); veggie dumplings and egg drop soup

Perhaps for some this is a lot of variety, but after years of the same things, I'm looking to mix the routine up a bit. What are your favorite quick/easy/filling lunches? Healthy (specifically PointsPlus friendly) suggestions are welcome (leave a comment! share the tastiness! talk amongst yourselves my hungry, merry readers!) Plus, have you ever tried the "Wheel of Lunch"!? 

Summer Mondays...

Case 'o da Summer Mondays...

Summer Mondays are freakin' brutal! Especially a Monday after a perfectly sunny/not too hot/plenty of fresh air and relaxing type weekend... Am I right!? To help you ease into the week (and feel energized enough to survive to the next sunny Saturday!) here are some goodies from the merry files.

Survive graduation season by gifting cash in this super unique
way (also an excuse to buy and eat several boxes of chocolate?)

Just downloaded some new music after a few weeks of Spotify testing (highly scientific). Let's all listen together: 

* The Lateness of the Hour by Alex Clare (whose song "Too Close" is featured in an Internet Explorer commercial)

* My Head is an Animal by Of Monsters and Men (the track "Little Talks" is what caught my attention)

* Never Trust a Happy Song by Grouplove (thank you Spotify "Top Lists" playlist for this one)

* Megalithic Symphony by AWOLNATION (as heard during SYTYCD auditions and highly endorsed by my sis-in-law)

* Also, Katy Perry's Wide Awake (for when I'm feeling angsty) Gym Class Hero's The Fighter (because it's great for workin out/a very cool music video) and Pitbull's Back in Time from the MIB III soundtrack (which I'm willing to admit I purchased because Mr. Worldwide knows how to throw down a dance jam!)

I think my parents need this on their driveway...
(because I have no driveway of my own to make glow-in-the-dark!)

I hope Dr. H is hungry for some mexican,
because this week I'm firing up the crock pot!

I want it all.

I cannot stop thinking about THIS ARTICLE that I read yesterday in The Atlantic. As I sat at my desk, letting my lunch get cold and my head cloud over with (worry/ sadness/ connection?) I was overwhelmed by Anne-Marie Slaughter’s words. “Finally!” I thought, “a woman admitting that women can’t have everything, women don’t always want to have everything and whatever it is she wants, we need to work for a world which supports her decision.” (The author says this and so much more with eloquence I cannot even pretend to possess. The article is long, but a very worthwhile read).

As I’ve mentioned before, I spend a lot of time angst-ing (I can’t help it, I’m an angst-er) about pursuit of a fulfilling career and family life. Dr. H and I recently found ourselves falling asleep at the dinner table, in a restaurant, at 10pm, on a weeknight (there is so much wrong with that picture) because I INSISTED on spending a meal together that didn’t involve an open laptop, television or couch. Even without children (or the dog I so desperately desire:) at times I feel the balance is already slipping. And I have also noticed, as I develop my professional self, that the work world doesn’t have much interest in the “loves to cook/craft/write” Merry Meri that is ultimately the truest reflection of who I believe I am. Just because I love my hobbies doesn’t mean I don’t love to work; just because I dream of many babies doesn’t mean I’m not going to have a kickass career… sometimes it just feels like the world isn’t ready for a lady who gets to pursue all of those things, however she chooses. To quote Slaughter, “last I checked, he [Thomas Jefferson] did not declare American independence in the name of life, liberty, and professional success. Let us rediscover the pursuit of happiness, and let us start at home.”

Holy whoa, that was hefty shizz for a Friday wasn’t it!? How can I make it up to you..?

A witty joke?

A totally rad sea lion?

Whatevs yo, I'm OUT!

Yours, Mine, Ours

Fingers are just like families... stuck together for life.

This past weekend I was in Atlanta with my "new" family. By marrying Dr. H, I acquired not just a fabulous husband, but several older siblings, 2 sets of in-laws, 2 adorable nieces and 1 awesome little nephew (quite the package deal!) After years of knowing "his" family and loving "my" family, we suddenly had "our" family (now I will NEVER remember all the birthdays!)

Though there doesn’t seem to be any way to match the lifetime (literally) I’ve spent with my parents and Sis, I'm amazed by the bond I feel with the family connected to me through my husband. The stereotype of nightmarish siblings and monster-in-laws may exist for a reason, but I want to let you all know that fairytale endings exist too! There's a chance your spouse's family will be just as awesome (and at times lovingly annoying) as your own. As I lounged late night between my completely passed out “new” big brother and sister (I suck at couch sleeping), I felt completely at home, loved and in love. For that I'm very grateful.