Story Time

Today I thought I would tell you a funny story, because it's a summer Monday and funny stories are especially useful for curing the back-to-work blues.

Once upon a time, many years ago, a little girl was in a Florida airport with her Mom and Dad. Towards the end of a successful family vacation and before the era of cell phones and internet, the young girl's parents had gone to the airline ticket counter hoping to address an issue with the next day's flight. Relatively unsupervised and possessing a vibrant imagination, the little girl wandered over to a group of pay phones and began making pretend phone calls. No coins meant no real calls and no harm done, that is until one intricately imagined scenario, in which an emergency at the airport required the little girl to be a hero and call for help. She picked up the pay phone and dialed three numbers... "Hello this is 911, what is your emergency?" said a voice on the other end of the line. Click.

Now back at the airline counter standing angelically next to her Mom and Dad, a police officer approached.

"Excuse ma'am, sir, is everything all right?"

"Yes officer, why do you ask?"

"Well I believe your daughter just dialed 911 on that pay phone."

Incredulous stares came down on the little girl... "Did you just dial 911?" her parents asked. And at that moment, the little girl answered the only way a child prone to wild imaginings and healthy fear of punishment could: "NO!!"

After several apologies to the confused officer, the little girl was hauled off, possibly in tears, by her embarrassed parents. Once in the car she was scolded for calling 911 in an airport, but more than what she did, she was in trouble for lying about it. Back at the hotel, the little girl was punished, forced on the last night of vacation to sit and write an essay about why it's bad to tell lies. This essay, location presently unknown, is rumored to have been a stroke of literary genius and perhaps an early indication of the young girl's talent for the written word.

Many years have past since that fateful night, but two life lessons will remain with the little girl forever: (1) Calls to 911 always go through on pay phones, even if you don't put any money in; and (2) It doesn't matter what you did, you will always get in more trouble it you lie about it. Nice work Mom and Dad.

Summer Cinema.

Ferosh.

No particular reason, but I am in love with that zebra. That fabulous, (fake?) neon zebra.

Anyyywayyyss... HAPPY FRIDAY my friends! Just in time for these warm summer nights, I thought I'd send you off into the weekend with a list of some of my most favorite summer movies (plus 2 to get excited about seeing in theaters). So when the sun goes down, you've finished admiring the fireflys and you're basking in the gloriousness that is air conditioning, consider one of these fabulous flicks. Have a great weekend!!!

* Wet Hot American Summer (Trailer HERE)

Wet Hot American Summer

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Set on the last day of camp in 1981, "Wet Hot American Summer" follows a group of counselors (Janeane Garofalo, Paul Rudd, Michael Showalter, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper and Christopher Meloni in what is arguably his greatest role... EVER) each trying to complete "unfinished business" before the day ends. Totally inappropriate and completely hysterical, this is a Merry Meri must watch for summer.

* Moonrise Kingdom (Trailer HERE)

Moonrise Kingdom

Though it only came out last summer, this endearing Wes Andersen black comedy sky rocketed to top of my favorites list immediately. Set on an island off of New England in the 60s, a young boy and girl fall in love and run away together. Concerned parents Bill Murray and Frances McDormand enlist local law enforcement Bruce Willis to search for their daughter while fearless khaki scout leader Edward Norton searches for the boy. And even with that cast, the most brilliant performances come from the kids... watch and love. 

* Almost Famous (Trailer HERE)

Almost Famous

This story of a teenaged aspiring writer who is "kidnapped by rock stars" is pure brilliance. Originally released in 2000 (with a killer soundtrack and gorgeous newcomer Kate Hudson!), Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical tale (writer/director Cameron Crowe was a teenage writer for Rolling Stone) about coming of age during the tumultuous 1970s. Amazingly, life lessons about growing up, falling in love and the glamorous (rock n' roll) life will be relateable to people from every generation.

* Caddyshack (Trailer HERE)

Caddyshack

This movie is like a right of passage... every human on earth simply must see it. When an exclusive golf course (think rich old members and young, pathetic caddies) has to deal with a crass new member (Rodney Dangerfield) and a destructive dancing gopher (leave that to Bill Murray) classic 80s comedic hilarity ensues. From the infamous "doodie" scene to Chevy Chase's pursuit of prize money on the course, Caddyshack is a must see.

* Vicky Christina Barcelona (Trailer HERE)

Vicky Christina Barcelona

Another visit inside the brilliance that is Woody Allen's brain, I absolutely adore Vicky Christina Barcelona. The 2008 romantic dram-edy tells the story of two American women, who spend a summer in Barcelona and meet a sexy artist, (hell-o Javier Bardem!), who is attracted to them both and still in love with his mentally and emotionally unstable ex-wife (Penelope Cruz at her best). Charming, perfectly cast and set in gorgeous Spain, VCB is summer perfection. Bonus - the soundtrack is awesome as well! (Woody Allen runner up... Midnight in Paris) 

And to wrap this post up, (because blog formatting is a pain in the ass and I do have a full time job to contend with):

* Jaws (Trailer HERE). This movie absolutely terrifies me (still), but it's a summer classic and truly one of Spielberg's best. 

* Dazed and Confused (Trailer HERE). Before there was Wet Hot, there was Dazed and Confused. Anyone who has ever lived through the last day of school (1976 or otherwise) will love watching Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, Milla Jovovich and Ben Affleck play out the infamous day.

And two newbies getting much buzz for summer 2013:

The Way Way Back - From the creators of Little Miss Sunshine, with a stellar cast (and plenty of cameos) the Trailer for this Sundance darling had me cracking up! Can't wait to see it!

The Kings of Summer - Another film festival favorite, this movie is being compared to another summer classic, Stand by Me (which I must confess I've never seen... it's on the "to do list"!) Plus, anything with Ron Swanson in full beard deserves a shot. Trailer HERE.

Take me out to the ballgame (& other awesome summer activities)

Hello Summer!

Perfectly timed to the arrival of today's genuinely summery weather (hello 90 degrees in midtown Manhattan!) Dr. H has surprised me with two tickets to tonight's Mets v. Yankees game (what a guy:) I can't think of a better way to welcome my most favorite season than by watching David Wright's booty hover over third base with a hot dog and cold beer in my hands! Though many look to escape NYC during the dog days of summer, I absolutely LOVE it here (except for the sauna that is the subway, nobody can love that sweat box). Here to help you join me in NYC summer lovin are a few of my most favorite activities for soaking up sun in the city (and click HERE for some suggestions from the pros over at NY Magazine!)

* Check out a baseball game. NYC has 4 great teams to entertain you, the Mets, Yankees, Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees. While the majors are always exciting, a trip across the river on the (FREE!) Staten Island Ferry means an awesomely intimate and affordable ball game (check out THIS all-you-can eat deal for just $22) or maybe a date night of Brooklyn baseball and a ride on the Wonder Wheel is more your style? (Don't forget about Nathan's!)

* Dip your toes (or your entire body) in the Washington Square Park fountain. The water is filtered and treated so it's clean and ready for splashing!

* Drink al fresco. Click HERE for some oldies but goodies... Or use THIS guide and head up to the roof!

* Eat some Mr. Softee. The trucks are on every freakin corner... good luck resisting temptation!

* Visit the Central Park Zoo! With a small footprint inside Central Park, the zoo is extremely manageable for people with little kids (plus there's a great petting zoo) and you'll feel miles away from the city as you watch the sea lions, snow leopards and penguins do their thing (Note: Gus the Polar Bear hangs out in his air conditioning when it gets too hot!) 

* Walk along Hudson River Park. This park, spanning from Battery Park City to the George Washington Bridge is such a treat. There's lots of green space for lounging, a bike and running path, piers with playgrounds and water toys, free kayaking, mini golf, bike rentals and more! The park also hosts tons of events throughout the summer including free concerts, movies and fitness classes!

* Visit the Cloisters. This one is on my to do list, as I've never been to the Met's outpost near the northern tip of Manhattan island (on a hill overlooking the Hudson River!) Created through a Rockefellar grant, the art collection is housed in five French cloistered abbeys and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hump Day Distractions

Nothin wrong with a little Junk in your Trunk!

Best feeling ever = sitting on the couch and realizing that tomorrow is not Tuesday, but already Wednesday! Thank you 3-day weekend for last night's joyous moment (even if you were unwelcomingly cold and rainy). Here to take you to the other side of this short week are some kickass distractions... enjoy!

* 100 hysterical reasons you should be watching the new episodes of Arrested Development on Netflix.

* For all you eye-patch wearing, sea fairing types... Ahoy matey!

* A new funky place to shop online (the "for him" section has me thinking Father's Day)

* Perfect for my imaginary summer house by the sea.

* Dr. H and I are planning a trip!!

* 14 photographers documenting how they see their children.

* And speaking of the kiddos, mine will definitely need a ton of THESE. 

* Wouldn't mind seeing this beauty on one of my fingers!

* How to be a rockstar host(ess) [via exPress-o]

* Some warm fuzzies for your Wednesday.

* What is with all these amazingly talented and creative spouses!?

* Can you imagine being in the car immediately behind THIS unmarked truck?

* Architectural FAIL.

On Having a Bucket List.

Babs the Brave.

Yesterday my Mom went skydiving. Yes that's right, skydiving, as in voluntarily jumped out of a perfectly well-functioning airplane at 13,500 feet, only to fall fast and then glide slow all the way back down to earth. Fearless. Which is ironic, because my Mom is not typically the thrill-seeking type (a woman who once opted out of a family zip-lining trip in Costa Rica, she has certainly done a high-five worthy about face!) On this particular occasion however, Mom seized the gift certificate her daughters had purchased for her (after over a year of hearing "I'd love to go skydiving" we thought it was time to give her a nudge) and she jumped out of an airplane. Her exhilaration upon landing was adorable, endearing, exciting and empowering. "Just check this off my bucket list!" she exclaimed while making a gigantic check mark gesture... I think I was as proud of her as she was of herself. 

It was in this moment that I realized that bucket lists, or the pursuit of an adventure, experience, destination or challenge beyond our ordinary, are good for the soul. When looking at my mom's post-jump smile, I could tell she felt a truly unique sense of satisfaction - the type that only comes from accomplishing a seriously special task. And though it's much easier to come up with reasons not to pursue our lofty, silly or death-defying wish list items, life is simply too short not to shock even yourself every once in a while. So... what's on your bucket list?

Have a wonderful weekend!

In my mind, this is precisely what the weekend has in store

I am in complete denial. That little biotch Mother Nature appears to have a mostly grey and chilly few days in store for the New York area, but forecast be damned, I packed for 3 days of glorious 80 and sunny weather. My wedges and parrot print romper brilliance waits for no one (<-- actual outfit I plan to wear this weekend). Annnnyways... it's Memorial Day Weekend which means the (un)official start of summer (first fireworks of the season WOO!) So no matter the weather, I say bust out your white pants, throw another shrimp on the bar-be (hehe) and enjoy these bits and biddies from around the web on your way out the door. Happy Friday!!

* Cooked THIS recipe for dinner last night and it legit rocked my world (note: I sauteed some shrimp with salt, pepper and olive oil, then added them for a bit of protein)

* Friend of the blog Laur thinks we should ALL be making THESE for dessert this weekend. (Thanks Laur!)

Red White & Blue

Doesn't get much easier than sand in a pretty jar with some party-store purchases propped out the top.

Raspberry Ice Cubes

Add to a glass of white wine, put your pedicured toesies up and Ommm...

Honey Bear Flower Vase!

Learn how to make these adorable honey bear flower vases from your old honey bottles along with 51 other "Insanely Easy Ways to Transform Everyday Things" (Cue the "why didn't I think of thats" now!)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Healthy Habit of the Month V.

Would you like to get a closer look Ryan!?

This post is the fifth installment of SeektobeMerry's "Healthy Habit of the Month" series. Sourced from my bff's at Weight Watchers, online articles and my own efforts to keep fit and trim, throughout 2013, I will attempt to integrate one new healthy habit into my life each month. Join me!

How are we doing my fit and healthy friends? Five months into our "Healthy Habit of the Month" series, I hope you're all still with me because I'm actually starting to feel a bit fitter and healthier! Last month's challenge to "Keep Track" has had a huge impact on my activity and sleep habits (just ask Dr. H who had to endure me walking in circles in our living room at 11:30 last night - had to reach that daily step goal!) and though my accountability buddy and I need to rekindle our relationship, I'm still nailing it with at least once weekly workouts and kicking it up a notch in the fruits and veggies department. Tiny changes are starting to make a big difference and it feels really good! So what are we up to this month you ask?

Healthy Habit of the Month #5: Challenge yourself.

Last night I finished my first ever 30-day fitness challenge. Over the past month I adhered to THIS totally do-able 30-day Squat Challenge and holy crap... RESULTS!! In taking on the challenge, I decided that instead of trying to totally revamp my workout routine or suddenly commit to an aggressive fitness plan, the squat challenge seemed achievable and easy to squeeze into my normal day (because it's totally normal to be doing a quick 25 squats in the bathroom stall at work, I swear!) All kidding aside, these 30-day challenges which are all OVER Pinterest are really worth a try because they're do-able and the results are tangible. You can do anything for just 30 days and with 4th of July weekend just over one month away, its the perfect time to go for those  stronger, slimmer thighs and a tighter, higher booty!

30-day Squat Challenge HERE

30-day Crunch Challenge HERE (on Pinterest HERE)

30-day Burpee Challenge HERE (and how to do a proper burpee HERE)

30-day Squat/Crunch/Plank Challenge HERE (this is my next one, whose with me!?)

30-day Pushup/Squat/Plank Challenge HERE

And for previous Healthy Habit of the Month posts, click HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE!