Friday, August 30, 2013

Click and Run.

Get on it.
Before you head off into your long weekend, I have a few requests for my loyal readers. Pretty pretty please (with sugar on top!) take a minute to connect to SeektobeMerry in a few great places:

Click HERE to like SeektobeMerry on Facebook (Get my daily post in your newsfeed!)
Click HERE to follow Merry Meri on Pinterest (I'm an awesome pinner!)
Click HERE to follow Merry Meri on Twitter (I tweet daily posts and more!)
Click HERE to follow SeektobeMerry on Bloglovin (an excellent blog aggregator site)

Not only are these things helpful to you, but your connecting with the blog helps me grow my traffic, which just might help me (maybe, someday) make writing in this happy little space something I could do on a may-jah scale (and that would be oh so lovely!) So please take a minute to do some clickin... then get the hell off your computer and go enjoy this last bit of summer!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

The end of an era...

In the early 2000s, who didn't want a belly like Britney!?
This week I did something major. This week, after 11 years of pierced glory, I removed my belly button ring. A singular act of rebellion against my parent's wishes, the week I turned 18, I marched into Tattoo Lou's (yup) and got the piercing I'd been pining for for years (take that Mom and Dad!) I was completely satisfied with the decision from the moment I made it; I was just the kind of girl who rocked the subtle, sparkle of a belly button ring. Over the years I endured questions (my babysitting clientele always had trouble wrapping their little brains around an earring there!), commentary ("you still have that metal thing in your stomach?" - Nanny, every time I went to her pool in Florida) and indifference (my girls would often remark, even years after I got pierced "I always forget you have a belly button ring!") But a few month ago, when I'd removed my belly bling because its protrusion was highly noticeable through the dress I was wearing, I glanced in the mirror and saw what my stomach looked like without the jewelry I'd become accustomed to seeing there. I thought "that looks.. kinda... good". I contemplated my next move for weeks, finally deciding that at the end of the summer (after bathing suit season, to give the hole time to close up) I would remove the ring forever. Fast forward to yesterday when, after having removed the ring for a dress on Tuesday, I realized I'd never put it back in. For those of you not in the know on these things, a belly piercing closes up fast and I realized it might actually hurt to try to put the ring back in... given how close I was to my personal bye bye belly ring day, I decided to not even try. It felt like the universe was sending me a sign... It was time. 

This morning, as I inspected the tiny empty hole above my belly button, I felt a little bit... sad? "Did I make a mistake taking it out!? Should I try to shove the ring back in there just for this weekend!?!" Because even though I know that belly button rings are not the height of trendiness, class or glamour, I liked having one and taking it out makes me nostalgic for a time in my life when having a belly button ring seemed perfectly reasonable. I can't pinpoint why exactly I don't feel that way anymore (maybe it's just that when I really looked at my tummy sans ring, it seemed flatter without a piece of metal poking out?!) but something about the piercing suddenly just seemed done. So goodbye belly button bling... we had a great run. I'll miss you every time I'm in a bathing suit and sporting just a little less sparkle.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Hump Day Distractions

Absolutely.
This week has been bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s... but the good bananas, like workin hard, having fun, livin well kind of bananas. So let's just keep on keepin on through hump day and head straight for the holiday weekend that's so close we can almost taste it!

* Sexy men reading classic children's books. Even sexier than you'd think (via CupofJo)
* Remember Rolly? I just wish I'd been asked to have him featured in THIS (via exPress-o)
* These amazing snaps were taken with a cellphone. A freaking CELL PHONE!!!
* Never been, heard good things... who wants to go eat with me!?
* Another way to lurve your Instagrams (a little pricey, but kinda awesome! courtesy of Justina)
* I want to live here.
* For the bookworm in your life, awesome books-turned-art/clothes/accessories? (another CupofJo awesome find!)
* If your phone could say what you really mean.
* Animal photobombs. Amazeballs. (thanks Sis!)

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Nailed it.

A rainbow of options
I am a nail polish addict. I loathe going more than a day without color on both my fingers and toes whether I polish them myself (I have quite the colorful collection) or venture out for a mani/pedi by professionals (if you're in NYC, Il Villaggio downtown is my jam!) As I mentioned once before, I am totally into the latest trend of bold and funky nail designs, but there's also something elegant and chic about a solid gorgeous palate on all 10 digits. Even though I'm not ready to think about fall apparel or accessories (*shudder*), I think I can stomach talking nails, so here for your toesies and fingertips is some inspiration for the months ahead.

This funky design could be a perfect pop for the wedding I'm attending this October.

I love this rich and sassy shade of red ("Oxblood" by Essie) for everyday wear in the fall.

Starry Starry Night by Essie. Another stunning dark color perfect for a fancy occasion

I've done the glittered tips before and gotten a ton of compliments. 
I think this combo could be a perfect way to kick up to classic grey polish for fall.

Ombre doesn't have to be reserved for your hair. Hopefully you have a very patient nail salon and can convince them to take this trend for a spin! (PicturedEssie colors "To Buy or Not To Buy", "Bikini so Teeny", "Smooth Sailing", "Mezmerised", & "Midnight Cami".)

I don't think I've ever seen "chrome" or "mirrored" polish at my nail place before, 
but I'm determined to take it for a test drive this fall.

Nail color tip: I am always struggling to remember the ridiculous names of the colors I love. To help stay organized, I snap a picture of my post-manicure hands holding the bottle, name-side facing up, and keep the images in a folder on my phone. When I want to repeat (or stay away) from a past color choice, all I have to do is check my lil nail gallery for the name:) 

Monday, August 26, 2013

The forgotten part...

"Music" Television (also teen pregnancy & catfish)
Last night the MTV Video Music Awards were held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NYC (Brooklyn is so hot right now). The awards show was generally painful to watch (expected) with crowd shots focusing primarily on the Smith family having the appropriate reaction to overtly and classlessly sexual Miley Cyrus, the (real/for show?) Gomez/Swift friendship and Gaga in a thong. Yes there was the awesome Justin Timberlake concert and the much anticipated NSYNC appearance (I think "reunion" is a bit strong for 60ish seconds on stage), but overall I couldn't help but focus on the central fact that renders the MTV VMAs nearly pointless - no one sees music videos anymore! Without TRL or a music television station that actually plays music, these videos are simply floating around the internet for the occasional blog reading, twitter skimming music lover like myself to discover (and even I had only seen Macklemore's 2 winning videos before this morning!)

So here for your viewing pleasure are the music videos from some of last night's MTV Video Music Award winners (full list here)... because even if I am so old that I was more worried about the disturbance to the neighborhood than the coolness of the pre-show location (old balls) some of these videos are pretty damn awesome!

Video of the Year - Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best Male Video & Best Choreography - Bruno Mars “Locked Out of Heaven”

Best Female Video - Taylor Swift, “I Knew Your Were Trouble”

Best Pop Video - Selena Gomez, “Come and Get It”

Best Hip-Hop Video & Best Cinematography - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, “Can’t Hold Us”

Best Video With a Social Message - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, “Same Love”


Best Collaboration - Pink ft. Nate Reuss, “Just Give Me a Reason”

Friday, August 23, 2013

A rant, a rave and some other shizz...

Fact: Carbs = joy.
HEELLLOOOO Friday! And somewhat sadly, the last official summer Friday at my office (because early dismissal for Labor Day Weekend does not count!) You best believe I'm gonna be rollin out today as close to 2pm as humanly possible. Until then however, I've got a few things I'd like to talk about.

A Rant: What is up with Victoria's Secret discontinuing certain styles of bras!?! I do not understand what they are thinking when they suddenly take a style that's been on sale for years and discontinue it. Where are my boobs supposed to go now? I don't want an Angel-lift-push-magic Bra, I want the same damn bra I've been wearing for the past 4 years, just a new one, with straps that aren't adjusted to the tightest setting and still too loose.

A Rave: Back in February I tweeted about Lorde, an awesome new artist who is now creeping her way up the charts. I'm totally digging this uber talented sixteen year old New Zealander's sound. Her track Royals” is getting a ton of buzz, but also check out her cover of the Replacements’ “Swingin’ Party,” her second single "Tennis Court HERE," and this “Bravado” remix.

Some other shizz
Yoga Bear (not to be confused with Yogi Bear)

Someone just told him it's Friday.

Fin.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Healthy Habit of the Month VIII.

One day in the belly of Merry Meri. What can I say? I eat!
This post is the eighth 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!

Month number eight!! Can you believe it!? Eight months into our "be a healthier me" journey, I hope you're feeling some benefits. Though I am far from a model of health and wellness (not addressing that mac cheese addiction just yet... or ever:) setting these monthly mini goals has made me much more aware of my health-related decisions and I definitely feel a modest level of results. I make better choices and have more control over the "badness" of my bad ones... for us non-celebrity/athlete mere mortals, I think that's a realistic goal to shoot for. So what are we up to this month you ask???
Healthy Habit of the Month #8: Pack a snack
Did you know that snacking can actually be good for your health!? According to the USDA, the average American eats 2.2 snacks per day and gets 1/4 of her total calories from snacks! The key is to snack smart, because if you do, you can get some amazing benefits like increased overall energy (no blood sugar dips and crashes!), better appetite control (no desperate trips to the vending machine) and better concentration (people who eat healthy snacks tend to have increased focus and performance!!). So for this month's healthy habit, we are all going commit to packing a snack every.single.day. Whether it's throwing a bar in your purse, stocking your desk with a bunch of great options (I've got popcorn, almonds, turkey jerky and protein shakes stashed in my cube like a may-jah fatty!) or taking the time to prepare fresh snacks when you're packing your lunch, this month don't forget to pack a snack!!

For some awesome simple snack inspiration, click HERE; For quick/easy store bought options, click HERE; and for some kinda fancy but still totally doable ideas, click HERE.

And be sure to check out past "Healthy Habit of the Month" posts here: 
Month 1: Adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal
Month 2: Schedule a workout
Month 3: Find an accountability buddy
Month 4: Keep track (of your movement)
Month 5: Challenge yourself
Month 6: 1 Perfect Week
- Month 7: Sleep on it

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Hump Day Distractions

Yeeeaahhh buddy!
Is it strange that I find today's forecast of 90 degrees and sunny to be absolutely THRILLING!? Summer weather appears to be back in full force so this cubicle-bound girl has just crossed all her fingers and toes that the heat lasts until the weekend. Also, am I super lame for talking about the weather so often? Who cares, I lurve me some summer sun! Here to get us all over the hump are some delight distractions from around the web. Happy clicking!!

* John Steinbeck's 1958 letter on love transcends time.
* A fascinating slideshow documenting the impact Mayor Bloomberg has had on New York City.
* This braided crown looks adorable and easy to execute - that's my kinda hairdo! (via ExPress-o)
* MUST.WIN.THIS.NECKLACE!!!!!!!
* Some of THESE photos are in fact pretty damn awesome.
* Too much time on his hands or Vine video genius?
* THIS article has been making the rounds on my Facebook feed. It applies to everyone (not just parents!)
* A simple, sweet way to make your party balloons look pretty.
* If Disney Princesses had Instagram. Freakin brilliant!
* Some awesome prank inspiration.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Where to stay?

My kind of Paris apartment!
As has become our own lovely little tradition, Dr. H and I are currently planning an overseas adventure in celebration of our wedding anniversary. This year we're treating ourselves to a "cycling holiday in the Loire" (oui oui!) followed by two nights in Paris (ooh la la!) Ever the adventurers, we are presently debating whether to stay in a Paris hotel, or to rent a small apartment for an authentic Parisian experience.

Have you ever rented a home or apartment instead of staying in a hotel? Lately tons of trustworthy and user friendly home rental sites have popped up (airbnb and homeaway seem the most popular) and it's easy to see the appeal of living among the locals in your own private residence instead of in a single room, one tourist of many in a hotel. I've personally had some amazing home rental experiences in places like Maine and Vermont, but I did once end up in an errr, "rustic" beach house with axes on the wall for decor. You win some, you lose some!! For those of you up for a different kind of adventure, here are some Merry Meri and Dr. H guidelines for renting vs. checking into a hotel:

* You don't want to feel like a squatter in a complete stranger's home. The property should be be sufficiently de-personalized, tidy and clean. Though some don't mind, I prefer an apartment or house that's set up for renters without too much of the owner's stuff everywhere.
* Renting an apartment can be a great way to experience a city's most expensive neighborhoods at a fraction of the cost of a hotel, BUT look closely at what's included in the per night cost. Linens, towels and cleaning fees may be extra and those costs may eliminate the savings you thought you were getting.
* Take time to read the reviews! Dr. H and I are brave, but not brave enough to be the first guests at a rental property. See what previous guests have to say about their stay and make sure the reviews are fairly recent. Some sites also have property owner "responsiveness" ratings which are very helpful. You don't want to rent from someone who is slow to respond and will make you worried a few days out as to whether your booking is good to go.
* Think about the type of trip you want to have. If it's appealing to wander through neighborhoods or head to a market and prepare your own breakfast (baguette and cheese anyone!?), an apartment might be perfect for you. But, if you're looking to be waited on and pampered (who doesn't love housekeeping's daily visit!?), a hotel may be a better fit.

Monday, August 19, 2013

A most magical thing...

Scenes from the park on a Tuesday night...
Over the past week, I've felt a wave of end-of-summer melancholy begin to wash over me. The weather has been beautiful, but more "perfect September" than the scorching summer sun that I love. I've also noticed that sunset comes a few minutes earlier than I'm expecting each day and that all my upcoming weekend plans take me solidly into fall. Summer, it would seem, is winding itself down...

But last week, the most magical thing happened. As I was walking home, beautiful, actually... enchanting, guitar music found my ears. Living across the street from Washington Square Park, I'm fortunate to frequently encounter talented musicians of all types (the guy who wheels in his baby grand piano, the female singer under the arch, the drum circle in the southeast corner...) but this was something else. Sitting right at the corner entrance to the park was a younger gentleman playing frenzied, melodic, amazing guitar music. I stood and listened (along with several other passersby) before heading home. And here's the best part - after stepping into my apartment, I realized I could still hear the music loud and clear through the open windows of my apartment!!! It was like having a private concert outside my window.

Two days later, Dr. H and I were walking home from dinner and the guitarist was back. This time inside the park, an intimate crowd of listeners had gathered on the benches surrounding him. I told Dr. H, "this guy is incredible, we MUST stop" and so we did. On a cool summer's evening, we sat together on a bench in the park and just listened to beautiful music. We did it again on Friday with our niece and nephew who were equally enchanted (and eager to help with the dropping of a dollar into his guitar case!) And then there was last night, when Dr. H and I stood on the terrace together, just inhaling the sunset and listening to "our guitar guy". It almost feels like "guitar guy" came to the park to serenade the end of our summer personally, to make everything feel beautiful and magical and just right. I'm actually dreading the possibility that any day now he may move on to a new neighborhood and be gone forever. 

Until that day however, I'm just trying to soak up his magic. I'm trying to remember that every year the beauty, pace and happiness of summer come and go, so I need to embrace every ounce of it while it's here. The fresh air, the smell after it rains, the sticky way the season attaches itself to your skin... as another summer begins to end, I'm going to remember to stop and smell the roses, or listen to the music, as the case may be:)

(Update: He has a Facebook page!! Meet "guitar guy"!! It's stuff like THIS track that makes my heart sing!)

Friday, August 16, 2013

Have a wonderful weekend

Be kind, but also... :)
Got any fun weekend plans!? I'll be swimming in a sea of niece/nephew lovin and hopefully enjoying some summer sunshine. I can't wait :) Here to send you into the weekend is a bit of crafty/drinky inspiration and a little something fun to make you smile. Enjoy!

Make a Monster!

Enjoy a "Summer Shandy"
(light beer, lemonade & peach brandy)

hehe.
Have a good one!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

that’s what she said

That's what she said.
This post brought to you by the fabulous (parent)thetically speaking.

Take a 2.75 year old – give her an impressive (if I do say so myself) vocabulary, the ability to put together complete sentences, an imagination that goes on for days, and a fondness for the gab – and you’ve got yourself a very entertaining conversationalist.

Has a story (or a tiny, rambling, crazy person) made you chuckle and think “what could possibly be going on in their head?” Here are some gems that I’m oh-so-glad I wrote down…
                                                           
(telling a story…)
- When I was little, I had big friends, they was called Alex and Emily.
- When I get big, I’m going to go to a office all by myself and there’s going to be big people in my story.

(imagination…)
- We going into the house’s mouth! (pulling into the garage)
- Here’s a pancake, cheese and pasta sandwich for you…Mmmm tastes chocolate-y.
- Chickens can’t go on vacation. You’re too goofy.
- My whole world is gone in my room. It went outside. You look for it while I get my toys…you found it? It was all the way out there? At the beach?

(when she should’ve been in bed a half hour ago…) 
- Ooooh, I remember that and then I said, do you want some food? Not yet, after dinner.
- Sometimes I eat bread, and sometimes I eat mommy’s cheeks.
- (Q: What’s the opposite of old?) A: Winter. Winter means light.

(sweet nothings…)
- Thanks for letting me borrow your arm. It’s so pretty. I love it.
- May I snuggle you?
- When you was a baby, I scooped you in your crib and that was my best hugs ever.

(simple, yet somehow profound…)
- I’m Dolly. I have tags. I go with Jane.
- The sky’s not falling. It’s just staying there.

 And that, folks, is what she said.

For previous posts from (parent)thetically speaking, click HERE.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Hump Day Distractions

I feel you bro.
Hellllo hump day! I can't remember the last time I was this happy to be heading over the hump. I'm still paying for the irresponsible (aka, amazing) decisions I made over the weekend meaning I'm completely exhausted, in girl friend withdrawal and complete dance party detox. It's brutal I tell you (#champagneproblems). Let's hump the day together...

* "A study... found that dispositionally happy people—those who have a general leaning toward the positive—are less skeptical than others. They tend to be uncritically open toward strangers and thus can be particularly gullible to lies and deceit." <-- That sounds about right! (Click HERE for a fascinating and very worthwhile read about what happy people do differently)
* Sleeping Beauty adorable-ness.
* Uncle Phil? It was you all along!? (mind blown)
* Strong possibility that THIS will be making its way into my home...
* This little dude is just cooler than cool.
* Tonight's dinner menu. I'll let you know if it lives up to my mighty high expectations!
* The perfect buffet spread.
* A kind of genius idea for parents looking to maintain their sanity.
* Look at all the stars who were almost on The Office.
* We've all been there buddy.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Breakfast for Dinner.

"Brinner". Genius.
Do you ever eat breakfast for dinner? Though I know of plenty of people happy to turn their day upside down with a bowl of cereal or an omelette in the evening, Dr. H and I rarely, if ever, go for it. Maybe because we tend to be light breakfast/hearty dinner people (totally the opposite of what's recommended I know!) but breakfast for dinner just doesn't seem substantive enough... Until yesterday when I stumbled upon this:

Pinterest HERE; actual site HERE
... and I was like "now those are some breakfast for dinners I can get behind!" Though the recipes aren't quite "breakfast" (an eggs benedict burger? egg pizza?) all 25 suggestions still sound most egg-cellent:) Or perhaps you want to prepare this super simple creation for the avocado lover in your life?

Bacon & Egg Stuffed avocados
Just scoop a bit of the avocado out, crack in an egg, sprinkle with bacon and bake 425 for 15 min! Easy, rich in protein and pretty darn healthy (sub turkey or Canadian bacon for "undeniably healthy") I 100% plan to try it out.

And if you're thinking "this is all way too complicated, I'll just have an omelette", that's cool, I've got you covered....
Black bean chili omelette
Top 20 most popular omelettes from Allrecipes.com (the people have spoken!) HERE and for 10 more delicious "Brinner" recipes (pizza frittata, baked oatmeal, lemon blueberry pancakes or bacon-egg-grilled cheese!!!) click HERE.

Monday, August 12, 2013

The morning after...

Actual bachelorette weekend scene. Yup...
This past weekend I went to Atlantic City with my girls for a bachelorette celebration. The weekend was a success of the most epic proportions, as evidenced by the fact that I was able to capture these two stunning shots yesterday:


That's sunrise... I don't think any further explanation is required for why I do not have a more entertaining post for you today. So please accept my apologies, wish me luck procuring enough caffeine to survive the workday and click HERE for an "escape the Monday madness "smile. 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Girls Weekend!

SATC OGs
Here's hoping your weekend is so full of happiness and laughter 
that you can feel it all over again when you look at the pictures on Monday. Ciao beauties!

(PS- if you're in NYC, I think it might be an amazeballs idea to head over to Williamsburg in search of THIS.)

Thursday, August 8, 2013

a forever kind of love.

Love
Sometimes a blogger gets to take bloggy liberties and use her bloggy space however she pleases, and today is going to be one of those sometimes-es. Today I'd like to use this space to send out a big, public, loving thank you to my most awesome Dr. H.

You see, earlier this week, I attended the funeral of a man who passed away after 99 years living an inspired life on earth. He spent nearly 65 of those years married to a woman who by all accounts was his entire universe. The way they looked at one another melted hearts. Theirs was and always will be, an inspiring and forever kind of love. I didn't know them especially well, but well enough to unmistakably know that.

After the funeral, I found myself trying to imagine what 65 years feels like. 65 years of anything, let alone 65 years of marriage, is impossible to perceive when you haven't even been alive for half that long... but I'm comforted by the possibility of it; the idea that Dr. H and I will be partners for longer than I can even imagine... because the thing is, I need him. I am bursting at the seams with energy, emotions, ideas and big 'ol dreams, so I married a man who grounds me, loves me, inspires me and pushes me. If I'm going to be around another 65 years, I'm pretty sure I need him to be around too. 

So thank you Dr. H for all of your wonderfulness. May we grow old and wrinkly together, melting hearts with the looks we share and inspiring others with a forever kind of love.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Hump Day Distractions

My milkshake brings all the...
Here we are, just chugging along somewhere between Monday and Friday, am I right? I've got a most-favorite ladies trip to Atlantic City comin' in hot this weekend, so I'm pretty much just staring at the clock waiting to hit the road. Here to help us all pass the time are some delightful distractions of the internet variety. Happy clicking!

* THIS seems to confirm that the dudes in Mumford and Sons are pretty awesome...
* When uber-geek meets uber-rich, this wedding is what happens (be sure to click the link to see the photo slideshow!)
* A simple and adorable way to cheer up your votive candles for a party.
* A devoted four legged friend will go with you anywhere, even the bathroom?
* Dr. H... the war of the beard wages on (am I winning!?)
* Mother's occupation? Princess of the United Kingdom of course.
* SF to NY in under 1 hour. Do you think THIS really could happen? (via CapitalHillStyle)
* Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake, since you folks can't get enough of these quinoa recipes (on Pinterest HERE)
* Some pretty fantastic advice on turning 30 from Olivia Wilde.
* THESE photos will blow ya mind.
* A totally awesome panhandler prank (for anyone who has ever rode public transportation).