Hump Day Distractions

This person is my hero.

We've made it to the halfway point folks. Join me as we ride over the hump...

* A frog sitting on a bench like a human. The title pretty much sums it up.

* Would you ever carry a purse THIS neon? (I would... I do:)

* Doppelganger is a very funny word (and these are very funny comparisons)

* Because even members of the animal kingdom like frolicking in the waves (via Snippet & Ink)

* Are you watching the new HBO show Girls? This is what all the ladies are saying about it.

* Prepare for cinco de mayo using your slow cooker.

* Love me some witty sign graffiti.

Brainstorm.

When do your lightbulbs strike?

Do you have a weird time of day when you do your best thinking or come up with your most awesome ideas? For some people it's in the shower, for others it's while they're working out (I wish!) and for me, it's laying in bed, moments before I pass out. The room is dark, my head is clear and I'm about to drift off when suddenly the lightening bolt strikes. It's a blog post topic, a craft project, a forgotten deadline or some other random passing thought that at the moment seems completely brilliant. I lay there, and I’m all “get up and write this down Meri... your phone is RIGHT next to you and you know you aren't going to remember in the morning, just type a quick email to yourself..." but the energy of rolling over and opening my eyes is apparently too much so I lay there repeating the thought over and over, willing myself to remember when I wake up. Fast forward a few hours to sunrise... no idea, no vague recollection of the idea, nadda. It makes me freaking bananas!!!

Why is it so difficult to recall thoughts we have when our brains are completely at ease? It seems unfair that the lightbulbs tend to go off when we're half asleep, soaking wet or otherwise no where near (or motivated enough to reach!) a writing instrument. Do you have any tricks for remembering your random brainstorms? Are they usually worth the trouble?

P to the S: It's May 1st. Holy hell, when did that happen!?

Destination Newport.

The Cliff Walk - Newport, RI / I heart New England.

Now that the season for chilly weekend getaways has passed us by, it's time to chat about spring/summer destinations (nothing beats the Mondays better than dreaming about a Friday!) Though I'd never visited before last summer, I've been to Newport, Rhode Island three times this year and I'm in lurve. From the stunning and outdoorsy Cliff Walk, to the  ridiculously fresh seafood and bumpin bar scene, Newport is my new favorite mini-adventure!

Plenty of good meals to be eaten at places like The Mooring (go for the lobster, crab and shrimp doughnuts, stay for the excellent martinis), and get your fresh air/"I did something active today" fix by walking (and at times rock hopping) on the infamous Newport Cliff Walk.

The lobster roll (bottom) was tasty, but the lobster grilled cheese
(top) really took me to culinary heaven (eaten on Bowen's Wharf)

You can shop for adorable knickknacks (unsurprisingly, I am a "chachki" junkie), jewelry, and preppy nautical themed apparel for hours (my heaven) or go for a boat cruise around the harbor and coast.

Don't forget your Topsiders!

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Newport has an awesome drink/dance/party scene. It's a city filled with people chilling (jazz festival) getting fresh air (sailboat racing) or celebrating (bachelorette parties, weddings, reunions) and the restaurants and bars set a perfect scene for everything from sunset cocktails to late night dance parties. Newport is a historical town by the sea that adores cocktails, celebrations, outdoor adventurers and relaxation... are you packing your bags yet?

Love me a good music festival (on the water = even better!)

A milestone.

Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small

Guess what!? This is my 100th blog post! The response to my daily musings has been amazingly positive and flattering so first and foremost, THANK YOU for reading! It makes my day to have someone tell me that they loved a post, related to an emotion or tried a recipe I recommended.  Connecting with people through happy thoughts and writing rocks.
 

For me, a blog is kind of like a (free!) subscription to a magazine. You pop in to read snippets of something you’ll enjoy, to discover things you might not have known about or just to take a little mental break.  And in truth, I am writing for nearly all the same reasons… Seek to be Merry has me cooking, crafting, writing and sharing the day to day situations which make me laugh.  It is my happy place! The fact that you peeps are actually reading is the icing on my tasty blog (cup)cake.

So where are we headed!? Who knows, but I’ll keep writing and we can journey towards 200 together! Have a merry weekend.

Do you dare to bare?

A story:  I’m sitting on a bench in the locker room at the gym and the chick standing next to me (who is in the process of getting dressed) leans over to pick something up. I’m sitting, she’s standing, and now she’s bending over = eye level full moon. Wow. Later that same visit, a woman blow drying her hair topless strikes up conversation with me and I’m all “trying to keep eye contact… but your boobs… so… right… THERE!”

How do you handle yourself in the locker room? Are you always in a towel wiggling your gym clothes up and down or do you strut your stuff without caring who sees? Are there any boundaries or rules we’re supposed to be adhering to?! I am not embarrassed by nudity (and see nothing wrong with baring all in places like locker rooms) but are we chatting nude? Do we bend over and reach up and walk around? I know that these issues are not strictly female either thanks to a male friend who once told me about a sitting (dressed) vs standing (nude) locker room encounter he had with a buddy’s dad (and I thought I had eye contact issues!) I guess we all just have to grin and bare it:)


Image via Pinterest

Hump Day Distractions

Hump Day indeed.

Another week, another Wednesday... at least there's predicatibility!? Got some funny, yummy, crafty goodies to get you to the other side of the week. Enjoy!

* These have made the facebook rounds already, but they're so awfully hysterical that I had to re-share.
* I think this simple recipe could be a wok'in good time!
* The DIY trend of buying something meh and crafting it into something awesome, curtains edition.
* The most beautiful places to get lost with a good book.
* Nothing better than an awesome cover of an awesome song.
* Remember those adorable sisters? They're back and their Dad is a freakin genius.
* Workin on your fitness doesn't have to be like THIS (unless you're like the lady on the treadmill; she is amazeballs!)

Sweet Treat.

My sister makes every birthday extra "sweet"...

...she wraps up dessert with ease! (it's my blog, I get to brag:)

I am a foodie. As I've mentioned once or twice before (hehe) I love to eat and cook. Where I fall short in the kitchen however is when it comes to dessert. I'm a lover of ice cream over most baked goods and Betty Crocker I am not. Sis is a marvel when it comes to sweet treats, but I need to keep it simple. I try to select easy recipes that have some sort of "wow" factor to distract you from the fact that the core ingredients probably came out of a box. So here are a few super easy, but sure to impress ideas for your next "I'll bring dessert" moment. 

Bite sized banana splits!
Perfect for a dinner party and so CUTE to serve

From Pillsbury pre-made to blooming beauty

"Awesomeness in a pan"
It's all about the (chocolate, candy, pre-made) ingredients! 

I'll make the cobbler AND bring the ice cream!

Bake (buy!?) cake; cover in candy; tie with a bow...
that's my kinda dessert!

Ed. Note: I discovered ALL of these inspiring eats on Pinterest! Follow me by clicking HERE (and on Twitter HERE, because you know you want more merry in your life).