Hump Day Distractions

Disney and vodka, my two favorite things!

The day may be almost over, but my feeling is better late than never... Yes!? Hhere are your Hump Day Distractions!

* Something all ladies need to know - how to get that perfect messy bun.

* SHUT UP and get in my belly you salty and sweet and ridiculously good looking treat!!

* Definitely going to use some of these small space decorating/cleaning tips.

* Thoughts on why "Grandma Hillary" is spun negative but "Grandpa Mitt" was a selling point.

* So Dr. H, where are we going for dinner!?

* Who'dve thunk snails could look so freakin adorable!?

* Those swings! OMG!

* Say cheese :)

The Battle of Blanket

Coming soon...

Two nights ago, Dr. H announced that he wanted to swap out our (beautiful) comforter for a lighter weight quilt. He said he's too hot at night and the (cozy, luscious, fluffy... see where this is going!?) blanket we've been using for the past 18 months should be replaced before the weather gets any warmer. "Fine" I said without debate, "I will start looking for something". I figured why not? It's an excuse to buy some new bedding...

Fast forward to last night when I discovered that Operation Replacement Blanket was in full effect. Dr. H had taken our duvet to the cleaners (way to go!) and was proposing that we use one of our spare blankets for bed that night. "WHAT!?! That moth ball smelling, too small, doesn't match blanket that you used with lord knows who on your bed in college!?!" (Perhaps I overreacted just a tad?) The conversation spiraled quickly (down in productivity, up in volume...) to the heart of the matter: I love our blanket, I don't want a quilt, and though I'd tried the night before to be "cool wife" and put my husband's bedtime needs ahead of mine (usually the right call in our household:) I didn't realize it would happen so fast and dammit I wasn't ready to part with my fluffy, beautiful bedding! 

One glass of scotch (his) and a vodka soda (hers) later, the Battle of Blanket had ended, but the debacle, like frogging and mattress size before it, remained: when bed-mates prefer different things... who wins!? All I'll say is that Dr. H should thank his lucky stars that I'm a good sleeper:)

Inspired Thoughts...

Grow your grass.

Sometimes, the perfect way to start your week is with a little inspired thinking...

Make it.

it's never too late.

Fact.

Burned (a somewhat funny story)

Pucker up fishy!

This morning, as I was hustling to style my hair with my beloved curling wand, I waived that magic wand across my neck in a most un-magical way. "Ahhh!" the dreaded hair hot tool burn. Though not uncommon for me to occasionally suffer a finger or hand wound, this was the first for my neck and it hurt pretty bad, but I bravely soldiered on to ensure a timely morning departure. When I'd finished hair and moved on to makeup, I finally paused to take a look in the mirror at what exactly I had done and was horrified to discover a small redish/purple mark on the frontish/side of my neck. The mark itself wasn't horrifying, but its strong resemblance to another type of redish/purple mark that one gets on the frontish/side of her neck was.

As I assessed the damage and applied concealer, I hoped that the small size of the mark would thwart anyone from making naughty assumptions or at least make them wonder what sort of tiny, fish-mouthed man I'd shared my steamy make out sesh with. I then pulled my hair forward around my neck and like a sheepish teenage girl, headed out to face the day.

Pinterest-ing Lately.

I needed to pin this. Obviously.

I am a Pinterest addict. I absolutely LOVE the site as a source of inspiration, information and mindless entertainment (not to mention crucial to my blog content!) and I actually get stressed if more than a day or 2 goes by without time to scroll through my feed (how will I catch up on all those pins!? What if I miss something epic-ly awesome that I NEEDED to re-pin!?) Some of my pins have a clear purpose (recipe, craft idea, decor or fashion inspiration) while others are just because they make me smile (I have an entire board dedicated to "Disney Dreams" and another simply for things that are "Beautiful to Look At"!) So here for your Thursday clicking pleasure are some of my favorite Pins from lately:

How simple/sexy/chic is this look!? I have all the pieces in my closet (black blazer, ripped boyfriend jeans, grey t and black clutch).Add some strappy heels for additional polish... Friday night are you here yet!? Pin it HERE.

OMG this is brilliant. Perfect for road trips, tailgating or general ready-for-anythingness! Pin it HERE, buy it HERE.

So true.

I keep my sunnies collection balanced on the top of my bedroom mirror, but this storage/display solution is pretty cool (plus I always find that keeping all my options visible is key to remembering all my options!) $50 to buy for those of you that aren't craft-inclined, but I think you could easily DIY this with some ingenuity and assistance from Home Depot. Pin it HERE, buy it HERE.

This dessert... this Nutella, berry bruschetta dessert, must get in my BELLY! Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

Happy Allergy Season!

And then it was springtime and Merry Meri awoke, so puffy and stuffy from her allergies that she almost resented the beautiful blooming flowers... almost:) Anybody else suddenly TOTALLY socked in the face by seasonal allergies this week!? While I invest in a lifetime supply of Zyrtec and debate life in a bubble, here are some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* I'm either ridiculously on trend or ridiculously typical. I prefer to think the former.

* Shut up with this beautiful/adorable/royal perfection. (those cheeks, I can't even!!)

* This kid is the man.

* I hate myself for desperately wanting to eat THIS. It looks So. Damn. Good.

* And obviously I'll be having some Wonuts for dessert (#FatKidForLife)

* "Condom truck tips, spills load"... and other brilliantly cringe worthy headlines!

* I absolutely love THIS story. Totally worth five minutes of your time. (via exPress-o)

* Brooklyn is in bloom!! Track the cherry blossoms HERE.

* I still love Queen Bey, but THIS made me un-follow her Instagram account.

* I could stare at pictures of this adorable duo all. day. long.

* This is in fact that cutest party ever.

Wrinkle me this...

Recently I've become obsessed with my forehead, or to be more specific, the visible wrinkles on my forehead. Once only noticeable when I raised my eyebrows, usually to make my "Muppet face" in photos (you know, the gaping open mouth huge smile with bulging happy eyes and enthusiastically lifted eyebrows!?) now even my "only slightly amused face" (pictured at left) has visible creases across the top. While perhaps these could be viewed as marks of decades of a joyful existence, permanently ingrained on my face, I'm mostly just like "good lord when did that happen and how do I make it stop!?"

As a result of this latest development (which mocks me in every reflective surface I encounter) I've begun to explore the glorious female money-suck of anti-aging products. While the choices are plentiful, all natural, at the drug store or sold exclusively at high end retail, the one thing they all have in common is a pretty serious price tag (even drugstore Garnier brands I have explored retail for $15 (here) -$30 (here) for just a few ounces). Ladies, is there anything more dicey than spending a buttload of money on a product you don't have any experience with (see: that hair salon shampoo/revolutionizing conditioner!?) Thankfully, all my nearly/recently/kinda 30-ish readers, you have me and I am here to make this wrinkled mess better for ALL of us. I've been doing some research, diving deep to find free samples and I have some preliminary results to share:

Garnier Ultra-Lift: I hate to say this ladies, but it looks like these products give back what you put in and at a wallet friendly $15 at CVS, this brand did not impress me. Though I did notice improvement in my skin's "radiance", my nightly applications made me feel more greasy during the day and I didn't see much firming going on. I abandoned application as part of my night time routine before I'd even finished using my supply.

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Cream: Points out of the gate for this product which Origins happily provided me a sample of. I'm about 1 week into the tiny capsule I was given for free (and certainly have enough for a second week) and honestly, I'm impressed! My skin looks noticeably healthier, even-toned, more radiant and maybe I'm crazy, but are my forehead wrinkles slightly less "deep" looking? Retailing at $55, I'm really pleased to have had a chance to test this product for free and unless I am de-railed by breakouts or some other reaction, I plan to invest in a full supply.

Philosophy Time in a Bottle: Retailing at a jaw-dropping $74 for 1.3 fluid ounces, I have been debating this product ever since it was so highly recommended by my go-to beauty product expert Belle over at CapHillStyle. Despite the "in just 3 days I was in love" endorsement, Sephora refused to give me a sample and I just couldn't swallow the expense. Perhaps when I earn enough Beauty Insider points or score a birthday discount I will take the plunge, but until then, Time in a Bottle is going to have to stay in the bottle, not on my forehead.

I will report back to you at the end of May with a full "Wrinkle me This" product progress update. I'm also going to commit here in writing to being more diligent about sunscreen and perhaps even seeking hats/shade (gasp!). We're not getting any younger people, time to start taking better care of the skin we're in!

dresses and grass

This post brought to you by the fabulous 

(parent)thetically speaking.

First of all, guys, I'm blushing over here. How sweet is that Merry Meri of ours? She totally has my back with the blog that I started, and some of you have even checked it out! Hope you're liking what you see over there! Clerical note: I'm going to switch to the pseudonym system for my little family that I'm using over there, instead of the initials that I (initially, ha) started with here.

So my daughter Sally, has, for quite some time been unswervingly focused on being in "just her legs" when she wears a dress. There may or may not be twisting, kicking tantrums that ensue when I tell her that it's a tights or leggings day (it's always been slightly aggravating for me, because as my dad says, it can be like trying to dress a drill bit).

So the other (leggings-wearing) day, she finally gave some insight into her strong feelings on the subject. She uttered what might possibly be the most innocent and beautifully simple sentence ever: "mommy I don't want to wear leggings because I like when the dress tickles my legs."

Oof. So simple. So sweet. Something so little brings her so much joy. During the spurt of warm weather two weekends ago, she got similarly upset when we said she had to leave her shoes on (we were doing yard work, so the grass was seed-y and wet - I know, I know, we're cruel, thoughtless parents). And then, wait for it, she says - "but I want the grass to tickle my feet. Mommy, take your shoes off so the grass can tickle your feet too."

Always practical (and responsible) aren't I? Leggings when its cold, shoes when its wet. Do we lose that sense of simple joy when we grow up and become responsible adults? Or maybe not...is it really the small things that we look forward to, that drive us? (believe me, the big, responsibility-laden stuff is quite a motivator as well). When I think about the things or moments that bring me actual joy, its everyday happenings, its the times when we remember what tickles our legs and kick and scream to make sure we get to experience it. 

What is it for you?

Reflecting.

Beginnings and Endings.

This past week, something very poignant happened... a beautiful old woman I knew left the earth and an adorable baby girl joined it. The two events occurred within 24 hours of one another and I was struck by just how circle of life-y it made me feel. Because the universe can be incredibly confusing at times, challenging us, delivering struggles and causing pain, but this was amazingly clear: sometimes the universe must do out with the old and in with the new. And both events were uniquely beautiful - celebrating the end of 97 years of life and adoring the first few hours of another. It's rare to have things like this coincide so exactly, but on some other-worldly level, Mollie's departure and Marie's arrival seem very much a sign that the universe is in fact thinking of us and asking us to keep the faith. I'm going to try to remember that.

Have a wonderful weekend my merry friends!

Interviewing for the world's toughest job.

If you haven't seen this video yet, it is 100% worth 4 minutes of your time.

Hump Day Distractions

Are you dying looking at this picture? Because I'm dying
looking at this picture. (More (very) random greatness, HERE)

Guess what you guys!? I'm going to talk about the weather!!! The it-snowed-last-night-are-you-serious-with-this-frost-on-the-ground, mother f'ing weather! If you don't believe in global warming and the man-made impact on our weather patterns, it is time to get on the freakin bandwagon my friend. Seriously. [Rant. Over.] While I thaw out and will it to get warmer ASAP, here are some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* Hey there hockey fans, are you ready!? #BecauseItsTheCup

* It's like someone went into my brain and created my heaven on earth.

* You know you're getting old when you swoon over a good deal on chic flatware.

* Pursue your passions.

* If you purchase THIS awesome necklace in gold or silver (not rose!) and use the code "run4brad" at checkout, 75% of proceeds will go to Burke Rehabilitation Hospital on behalf of an amazing co-worker of mine and her husband.

* Do you have any of these kitchen gadgets?

* Irene and Alice, you are my heroes (seriously watch this for a smile, it's adorable).

Sip on spring

Drinking & Shopping... 2 personal favorites.

Today is a gloomy and grey April day here in NYC so I thought "hmmm... what is the opposite of that?" and quickly decided it is a bright and sweet cocktail. Yes indeed a cocktail is just what we need to survive these April showers until our May flowers arrive (and if that doesn't work, go shopping... but not after you've had a spring cocktail... that could get expensive).

A Raspberry Beer Cocktail sounds like heaven in a mason jar to me. With only a few ingredients required, you don't have to be a master mixologist to serve up this delicious (and potent!) drink during happy hour at you house! Click HERE for the full recipe from cup of Mai.

For those of you with a bit more patience and muddling experience, this Grapefruit Mojito looks divine and oh-so-springy! Click HERE for the full recipe from Iowa Girl Eats along with a complimentary recipe for Grapefruit Chicken Satay (Yum!!)

Skinny Sparkling Raspberry Margarita... was there ever a more delightful combination of words!? Since sweet drinks can often be loaded with sugar (i.e., calories) I was excited to stumble upon this recipe for a slightly less naughty margarita, including a brand suggestion for sugar free syrup (Torani). Click HERE for the recipe from the Comfort of Cooking, and get a practice cocktail in before Cinco de Mayo!!

Perfect for your next bridal shower or bachelorette, this pretty pink "Blushing Bride" cocktail is easy to make (just 3 ingredients, no mixing or stirring required) and darling to look at. Click HERE for the full recipe from Capitol Hill Style.

And because your Sunday brunch host/hostess duties are not complete without a champagne cocktail, here's a handy little chart of bubbly recipes for your sipping pleasure! (Enlarge and Pin it HERE).

Costa Rica is for Adventurers

Annnnd we're back! Dr. H and I have returned from our whirlwind trip to Costa Rica which included hiking in the rainforest, zip-lining through the canopy, spotting toucanettes, snakes and tarantulas, experiencing our first noteworthy earthquake, strolling on a beautiful Pacific ocean beach and most importantly, spending some quality time with a most favorite friend, Q. Costa Rica my friends, is divine. Though I haven't uploaded my camera pics yet, it was such a great trip that I thought I'd share a bit about our adventures and iPhone images today, with more to come whenever I get my act together and edit all my "real" photos.

For the first 3 nights of our trip, we stayed at the Hotel Belmar located in Monteverde, which is a small town in the north-west-middle-ish part of Costa Rica, home to several "cloud forest reserves". These cloud forests are incredible rainforests in the mountains, overflowing with plant life and animals, many of which are found more densely in Monteverde than most other places in the world. The weather changes literally every minute in Monteverde, varying from bright sunshine, to mist, to pouring rain depending on what cloud is briefly floating overhead. It's incredible.

Hiking, day and night is what you go to Monteverde for, but they also have lots of "eco-tourism" activities for adventurers like zip-lining, hanging bridges and horseback riding. Also lots of places to see butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and hummingbirds up close.

If you're visiting Monteverde, I cannot recommend Hotel Belmar, where my buddy Q is working, highly enough. The rooms and facilities are beautiful, the food in their restaurant is knock-your-socks off delicious and the staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. Like everyone in Monteverde, they are proud of where they live and eager to make sure you love it as much as they do. 

We spent the last 18 hours(ish) of our trip in Playa Hermosa, a small beach town located about 20 minutes from Liberia International airport. If black sand beaches, gorgeous sunsets and insanely cheap fresh ceviche/massages/shaved ice on the beach are your thing... go here.

I had to beg Dr. H to stand up & take this photo...
I'm really glad I did.

As usual, I spent the last few hours of my vacation wondering why on earth I live in a crowded city, spend the majority of my days sitting at a desk and relegate activities like hiking, exploring and strolling on the beach to just a fraction of my time... but I guess that's what makes travelling and vacations so magical. And sure, I could pack up and move to the jungle or settle into a life somewhere exotic by the sea (I've certainly considered it!), but I know eventually I would miss my "real life" - my amazing family and friends, my meaningful work and even the sparkling skyscrapers and bustling pace of New York City. So I guess I'll just make sure I keep getting away, as often as possible, to amazing pockets of the earth like Costa Rica. I hope you do too:)

F.I.T.S. of Merriment

Sunset at Hotel Belmar

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy! (Read past F.I.T.S. posts HERE.)

Funny: So. True.

Interesting: Want to know how to prevent your hydrangea bouquets from instantly wilting!?

Tasty: It may not be winter, but I still want to eat ALL of these NYC eats.

Site I Love: Fancy having more pretty Paris pictures in your life!? Well Paris in Four Months is a lovely little blog I stumbled upon a few months ago, written by Carin, an incredibly talented photographer who moved to Paris for a few months from her native Stockholm and never looked back. Her photos are swoonworthy and she also posts interesting articles and tid bits about the world of high fashion as well. In it just for the pictures? You can follow Carin on Instagram HERE. 

F.I.T.S. of Merriment

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Merry Meri is on vacation so she's left you with something Funny, something Interesting, something Tasty and a Site she loves (F.I.T.S.!!) to hold you over until her triumphant return. Enjoy! (Read past F.I.T.S. posts HERE.)

Funny: These doodles will make your day.

Interesting: This is an incredibly fascinating article about how a family reached their autistic son through the magic of Disney (long but a very worthwhile read!)

Tasty: Chocolate dipped marshmallows pretty and perfect for Easter. Need I say more!?

Site I Love: Turns out LC has a whole lot more to offer than The Hills and a line at Kohls! I really love Lauren Conrad's blog, covering fashion, travel, professional development, music, books, recipes and everything in between. It's a lifestyle blog intended for fierce young females and I highly recommend you check it out.

Hump Day

Get it!?

Happy happy Hump Day to you!! I've got to confess I'm cheating a bit today as I'm already well over the hump of my week, with bags packed and ready to go on a quick getaway with Dr. H to visit a favorite friend who is currently living in Costa Rica. But for those of you not boarding an airplane this evening, I've got some fabulous distractions to take you to the other side of this week. Enjoy!

* Hand written thank you notes are making a comeback (as they should!)

* A brilliant cork-to-candle craft for your next dinner party. 

* Ahhh to fall asleep in a sea of watermelons... 

* Currently reading (and loving) the Goldfinch, just put several more of THESE books on my to do list!

* If you watch Game of Thrones, you absolutely must watch THIS.

* This outfit is spring 2014 perfection.

* I'm usually too lazy to mix fancy cocktails at home, but this lil guy looks worth the effort! 

* In case you haven't seen this already, here is precisely why you should be buying HoneyMaid products.

* Have you heard of Babysuiting?

Chill out

Pause and be peaceful

As we all endure the daily grind of this in-betweeny season that is "no longer winter, but not quite totally spring (and when the heck is my next day off from work again!?)" I think it's particularly important to remember to chill out. It's so easy to get swept up in not just work, but errands and social obligations, that "me time" (not even "we" time for those of you coupled up) often falls by the wayside. Today I'm going to share some of my favorite "me time" activities, perfect for when you just need to pause and chill out all by yourself.

* Go for a Walk
Sure it's not a hard core workout, but walking is still exercise and taking a stroll to soak up some fresh air and clear your mind can be wonderfully refreshing. I love walking home from work with some happy music playing or getting home, doing a quick change and strolling through the park during "magic hour". Allowing myself to feel slightly inefficient (it's ok not to be running!) helps clear my mind and either appreciate the wonderful things or contemplate and mentally sort through challenges.

* Indulge in a Spa Treatment
This doesn't have to be a pricey massage to be effective - treating yourself to a manicure or chair massage at your nail place works just fine too! There's something magically soothing about zoning out while someone pretties up your fingernails and a massage of any length or type!? Heaven. If you're in NYC, there are lots of CHEAP massage options, my favorite being Renew Body Wellness (8th between 5th and 6th) where an hour long foot massage is $24 and a full body runs just $39 (or how about $20 for 20 min)!!! Though not a day at Red Door, Renew is my favorite way to unwind and indulge on the cheap.

* Take a Bath

I absolutely love taking baths. Soaking in the tub is the best way to relax, sooth an achy body and just escape from the hustle of real life. I love a dimly lit bathroom (I have a nightlight, but a candle is great too) and lavender scented epsom salt (perfect for the aches!) but turns our there are lots of great "put it in your tub" options like green tea, honey, ginger and even jell-o!! (Found via exPress-O) 

* Curl up and Read

I usually only read while commuting or in bed before I fall asleep, so there's something incredibly peaceful about curling up on the couch in my quiet apartment (maybe some soft music and a lit candle too!?) or on a park bench and reading a favorite book or magazine. In our tech-inundated world, it's easy to pick up a phone or iPad or default to mindlessly watching television, but next time you want to take a 20-minute time out, consider the old fashioned pleasure of a good book!

* Meditate
Last week I learned that 2 of my girlfriends are "into" meditation. Then I discovered this App (which I already love) via CupofJo. Turns out daily meditation may be a bit of a trend and given that savasana is often a favorite part of my yoga classes, I'm thinking it's time to jump on board. Pausing to clear your mind, focus inward and accept the outward doesn't take long and sounds incredibly refreshing. Click HERE for lots of great info and then get meditating!

Can't Knock the Hustle.

Be sure to take your daily dose of sparkle!

Bubbly Bath

Merry Meri is poppin glitter pills, spreading fabulous sparkle all around (and hopes to end today with something akin to the bathtub pictured above). She'll be back tomorrow with your regularly scheduled programming. Until then, check out THIS Instagram account of smiling dogs (because who doesn't love a smiling dog!?) ps, follow my main pup Oscar on Instagram HERE. xox.

Bunnies and Chocolate

I searched the internet extensively for a
real bunny next to a chocolate bunny. How
has no one taken that picture yet!?

Even though I don't celebrate Easter, I think the thematic decor and sweet treats for the holiday are just about the best the year has to offer (and don't even get me started on the candy!!!) Perfect for welcoming spring, a bridal/baby shower, little lady's birthday or your Easter brunch are some eats and treats from around the web. Enjoy!

These peeps cupcakes are so easy to make and even more adorable to look at. Full instructions from Mommysavers HERE or Pin it HERE.

Adorable, thematic and HEALTHY!!! Doesn't get much better than that! Full instructions from SaavyMom HERE or Pin it HERE.

At first I was going to dismiss this Jelly Bean Garland as way too involved a craft for me, but the full instructions from OhHappyDay (HERE) prove to be super simple. As if there weren't already enough reasons to love piping bags hehe.

A sweet spring decor idea just in time for forsythia season! If you've got some cute rainboots to spare (or maybe a trip to Target is in order!!?) all you need to create this adorable idea are vases that fit inside them. Sneaky huh!? Full instructions from On Sutton Place HERE, Pin it HERE.

Girls on the Internet.

Yes. Yes please now.

I can clearly remember several years ago, sitting on my living room couch with 2 girlfriends, surfing the internet for engagement rings. I wasn't really in the market at that time, but it can't hurt to look right!? Then came wedding dresses, so many hours spent browsing for dresses, even with friends who were already married or not even engaged. It was just the girlish thrill of looking at those gorgeous gowns and we were all doing it so that made the obsession seem acceptable.. 

Well now it's real estate. Apartments, houses... doesn't matter that I'm locked into a lease until this fall and nowhere near financially able to buy, Dr. H receives emails of  "dream home" listings several times per month. Gone are the diamonds and dresses, now I fantasize about crown molding and tall windows, parquet floors and built-in bookshelves. And at first I thought maybe I was a little whack-a-doo (I am), spending time pouring over real estate listings for really no reason, until a girlfriend showed me her Trulia App, which she said she uses to casually peruse listings from her phone whenever she's bored, despite the fact that she moved to a new home very recently! I instantly felt better, at least I'm not alone!! And besides, I've got Pinterest boards filled with decor for an imaginary home, might as well start shopping right!? What do you spend your time, wasting your time, browsing the internet for?

Hump Day Distractions

That is one sassy lookin camel!

Hump Day comin in hot!! No time for chatting, just gotta hump it!!

* Someone PLEASE throw this party and invite me (Grilled Cheese 4 eva!)

* In NYC there are more than 26,000 people living in each square mile! More awesome NYC facts HERE.

* OMG remember mixtapes!?

* Spring-ify your home... Sounds like a good idea to me.

* I'm not picky, any 1 of these 24 will suit me just fine (please and thank you!)

* This polar bear melted my heart! (via exPress-o)

* What's that? You want to buy me this scarf in green and gold because it's on sale!?

* 2 dudes rockin out with cellos. Seriously. (it's AWESOME)

* If you need a smile (and several "ohmygosh-es"), these pictures are 100% for you.