Season of Plenty.

Liza Minnelli, 1948

Marilyn Monroe, 1958

Sigourney Weaver, 1983

Sofia Loren, 1954

Nothing says Thanksgiving like beautiful women stuffing their faces. 

Wishing you and yours a plentiful, tasty, health and happy holiday!

I am the bag lady.

An alternative to draping them across chairs...

This morning I looked around my living room and noticed something a tad alarming. Seven (7!) different bags, in various states of packed/unpacked, hanging on the chair backs in the room. There were 2 purses, 1 gym bag and 4 different tote bags strewn across my desk chair, two kitchen chairs and the corner of the couch. I am the bag lady.

City living is definitely partially to blame for this situation. Without a car, I'm like my own personal sherpa, toting (literally!) everything I need each day in various bags, from my laptop and wallet, to bike shoes and what I picked up at the grocery store (don't hate me because I'm green!) What I can't really blame on anyone but myself is how the bags end up hanging and abandoned once I get home, remnant packs of tissues and gum, the hand sanitizer I'm always looking for and occasionally an iPod or favorite lipstick buried within them. I'm like Goldilocks with my purses, always changing to the one that's "just right" and if one more event hands out a free "perfect for your groceries" tote bag, I'm tote-ally screwed. (hehe) Tomorrow is slated to be a home cleanup/organize day... wish me luck getting the invasion of the bags under control!!

Hear it, Read it, Make it, Love it.

Looking out.

Welcome my friends to one of the most wonderfully weird weeks of the year where Monday feels like a Monday, but Tuesday feels like a Thursday and Wednesday feels like a Friday, but a summer Friday because you know you're cuttin out of work early Wednesday aren't you!? So even though it's Monday, we're all "I can conquer the planet if the planet only requires conquering for 2.5 days!" AmIRight!? To kick off the weirdo holiday week, I thought I'd deliver a long overdue Hear it, Read it, Make it, Love it for your enjoyment. Because you didn't really want to get any work done today anyway:)

* Hear It

Country girl legit takin hold of NYC.

I think it is time for us all to admit it out loud- Taylor Swift is awesome. There. I said it. I like Taylor Swift because her music is insanely catchy, she has mastered the power of reinvention and unlike so many other young musicians of her generation, T. Swift's talent is next level. The writing and instrument playing and now even sassy performing? On point Swifty. So stop being in denial and download a copy of her latest album 1989 today.

* Read It

Love this cover art.

I picked up a copy of Amy Poehler's Yes Please in hard copy last week and I've been enjoying every minute of my time with it. Well worth the investment over an eReader copy (there are cool pictures and graphics that just won't translate) this book is filled with stories of Amy discovering her comedic power, surviving a divorce and juggling a wild life (which she deeply appreciates while finding exhausting). The book has more advice and anecdotes than I expected and though  not outstanding or insanely laugh out loud funny (a la her buddy Tina's Bossypants), reading it makes me smile and I picked it over turning on the tv several times this weekend (and that's definitely saying something:) Go for it. (ps, OMGeeee I just learned while googling Amy for this post that her middle name is Meredith. How awesome!?!)

* Make It

May-jah Day after the Feast Nomnoms.

Because the only thing better than your Thanksgiving feast is the feast you get to have again the next day (and the next) with all those leftovers. I've got some serious leftovers inspiration for ya here, 50 recipes to be exact, sorted by item (e.g., cranberry sauce, turkey etc). A few of these recipes look so good you might be stowing away food for Friday on purpose!!

* Love It

Yes. Just so much YES!!!

Gobble Gobble

Can you guys believe that next week is Thanksgiving? I literally cannot wrap my head around how quickly yet another month has passed us by! It feels like just yesterday I was bemoaning the end of August and 10 seconds ago I was picking out a Halloween costume... whoa. Thankfully, because my dining room table ("dining room" used interchangeably with "only food-eating-height" table) seats just four people, it is not my responsibility to host Turkey Day. I am one of the lucky ones that gets to sleep in, watch the parade on tv and then show up with a bottle of wine in hand and eat until I pass out on my cousin's couch (#murica) But this complete lack of responsibility hasn't stopped me from collecting a TON of awesome Thanksgiving recipes and ideas from around the web for all of you to enjoy... 

So, with 1 weekend left to shop, here's everything you need to be declared Queen of the Pilgrims at your Thanksgiving Feast.

Even though people love their classic Thanksgiving side dishes, if you think your crew is willing to live on the wild side (literally hehe), these 12 Classic Thanksgiving Sides with a Twist like Buttermilk Biscuit Stuffing, Fully Loaded Smashed Potatoes and Sriracha Green Beans with Candied Bacon (good lawd YES!) are sure to be a hit.

If you are ready to channel your inner baking Goddess this Thanksgiving, these Sweet Potato Pumpkin Rolls with adorable little "gratitude scrolls" inside are for you! The recipe sounds absolutely delicious, the finished product looks wonderful and when guests crack open their rolls to find a little parchment paper note of gratitude (or some other message... know your audience:) inside, everyone will be blown away by your craftiness for sure!

Nothing welcomes guests like a home that smells of holiday sweetness. Whip up some of this Thanksgiving Stovetop Potpourri if you've got a stovetop burner to spare next Thursday!

Holiday eating doesn't have to be horrible for your waist line to be delicious (they claim) which is why I was excited to stumble upon this collection of Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes including that delicious looking Farro, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad or maybe a Pumpkin Cheesecake Bite is more your "healthy" style!?

Thanksgiving inspires a lot of great crafting ideas, from the food, to the colors to the theme of thankfulness. Click HERE for an awesome list of "Best Ever Thanksgiving DIYs" from Style Me Pretty Living (my personal favorites are the leftover pie slice printables and the gourd candles (above)) and click HERE for 30 table-decor specific ideas. 

Finally, pick one of the many takes on Turkey Cupcakes and wow your guests with an easy to make dessert that will be (almost) too adorable to eat. Options HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Little bits of things...

This morning I stumbled upon the trailer for an upcoming live action version of Disney's Cinderella which I have to admit I didn't even know was a thing, but turns out it is and it's arriving in March 2015 and the trailer is out and it is... Perfection.

Should I be embarrassed to tell you that I had tears in my eyes by the end? Because I did. And I think it's because everything about this depiction, this recreation of an animated tale that I've loved with my whole heart since I was a very little girl looks Perfect. The casting of Lily James (Downton Abbey) as Ella, the way they've woven just a little back story into the fairytale, those costumes... I melt...

In other news, this week the beloved (by all but Dr. H) OscartheFriendlyPup has been spending quite a bit of time at the Merry Meri HQ while my parents are on vacation. I thought you all would enjoy a visual of "the state of things"...

"Yes Meri, can I help you with something?"
("Yes Oscar, I've given up on keeping your off the couch")

Some of us are working harder than others...

A few minutes ago Osc adorably nuzzled his nose onto my legs. When I responded by petting him lovingly, he proceeded to climb halfway up onto my tiny ikea chair and lay his 100lb body across my lap. What a mush.

And finally, I stumbled upon this link this morning and it cracked me up. Click for a laugh:) (Is it the weekend yet!?)

Hump Day Distractions

Me neither!

Friends. It is day 3 and the cold rages on. This is both literal and figurative as NYC is enduring a frigid 20-something degree day while I personally am still enduring a stuffed nose, icky cough and voice that sounds like something straight off the sex chat hotline (so hot). Here to get us through the day and over the hump are some goodies of the internet variety. Go heat up some tea and get your click on:)

* A cool giveaway opportunity for the bike-loving little in your life!

* If you love food like I do, this game is going to be a lot of fun (also, gut wrenchingly difficult).

* If you buy me this room, I will prepare Thanksgiving dinner for the fam for life. Promise.

* Calling all ballers/Brooklyn Nets fans (is that a thing that actually exists?!), THIS is for you.

* Brilliant!

* Seasonally appropriate and perfect for soothing a sore throat. Time to get yo soup on!

* Breaking news. BREAKING F*CKING NEWS!!!! (emoji lovers rejoice... there will be a taco!)

Blegh.

That's about right.

Today, I am sick. I felt it coming on Friday evening and by yesterday I had a full blown cold with a painful sore throat, cough and swollen glands. It's one of those "not bad enough to be totally down for the count, but totally bad enough to feel miserable" situations and the grey skies and rain here in NYC ain't makin me feel any better. Blegh indeed. 

I wish so badly that I had one of these.

Can't hurt to try.

So. True.

Lunch. (aka, Jewish Penicillin) 

Serial-ously worth a listen.

Listen. Do it. Do it now.

Last week I sent you off into the weekend with something wonderful to watch, this week I'm going to tell you about something that's seriously worth a listen. As I've mentioned, Dr. H and I love podcasts. We listen to several different programs (though mostly The Moth and This American Life) all the time, especially at night before bed. Lately however we've been straight up addicted to a new podcast called Serial (and when I saw this post I deeply regretting not preaching to the blogosphere sooner and being solidly able to claim "first"!)

Adnan.

Serial, from the creators of This American Life, follows one true story over the course of a whole 10 episode season. This season the host, Sarah Koenig, is exploring the January 1999 disappearance (and subsequent murder trial) of a girl named Hae Min Lee, a senior at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. Hae's 17-year-old ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was arrested for the crime, convicted and sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. The case against him was largely based on the story of one witness, Adnan’s friend Jay, who testified that he helped Adnan bury Hae's body. But Adnan has always maintained he had nothing to do with Hae’s death. Some people believe he’s telling the truth. Many others don’t.

Episodes.

Serial is truly and absolutely gripping and I'm not the only one who thinks so... since it launched on Oct 3rd, each episode of Serial has been downloaded or streamed at least 1.2 million times. I seem to talk about Serial with someone new almost daily and Dr. H and I frequently chat about the case, forming our own opinions about Adnan's guilt and the trustworthiness of Jay. We can't get enough.

This weekend, stream online, download on itunes or use the podcast app on your iPhone to listen to Serial. It's free and interesting and awesome (and it doesn't get much better than that!)

Hump Day Distractions

Autumn in New York...!

Heeeeey Wednesday how we doin!? Today I've got a bit of a spring in my step because Dr. H and I finally booked a belated anniversary/holiday-time vacation last night (more on that soon), I am getting all prettied up later today for a fancy work event tonight and THAT photo above is the view when I step out on my terrace. That view. J'adore. Also, directly below my apartment (and for several blocks around it) film crews are setting up to shoot Law and Order SVU. If I have an Olivia Benson siting that would be epic. Just EPIC!! (I told you I'm in a good mood today:) Here to spread some Wednesday cheer are links from around the web. Enjoy!

* If you're like me, ass in a desk chair more waking hours than not, these stretches are for you.

* Dinner in 20. And looks tasty too!

* In my next life, I want to come back as one of (parent)thetically speaking's kids.

* Hey Dr. H!! I told you so. (get ready for a cuteness EXPLOSION!)

* Cool and unique shelving at an affordable price. Always a good find.

* And while we're talking cool and unique, I really dig these light fixtures.

* How long you need to exercise to burn off some of your favorite eats (30 minute bike ride for 1 slice of pepperoni pizza... that doesn't actually seem so bad, sign me up for a 90 minute ride please!)

* The most wildly fun commercial ever (man I wish I could have seen this in person!)

Dressing & Impressing - tis (nearly) the season!

Fact... Until February. I'll be over it by February.

Ladies... we are officially at mid-November which means in 4 short weeks "Holiday Party Season" will be upon us (possibly sooner depending on when your December social calendar commitments begin!) I always love and simultaneously hate Holiday Party Season because:

1) dressing for these parties can be tricky, especially if it's an office or work-related function;

2) dressing for these parties can be pricy, since stores know just when to mark up their holiday-perfect pieces;

3) dressing for these parties can be glamorous, because there are so many chic black, gold, red and deep green options out there; and

4) dressing for these parties can be fun because holiday cheer looks great on everyone!

Here to help you get ahead of the shopping rush are a few gorgeous dresses I've spotted recently and how I'd wear them.

I absolutely adore this dress. I think it is chic, feminine, ever so slightly sexy, but without question elegant. Perfect for a holiday season wedding or a cocktail attire seasonal party, though a bit pricey, this dress is sure to turn heads. And just think, it will be perfect for Valentine's Day too:) Buy it HERE.

Is your office holiday party at the office or does it begin immediately after work making a "costume change" impossible (or maybe just inappropriate?) All three of the dresses above could transition beautifully from desk to dancing, have a little pop of holiday cheer (love that sassy gold belt!) and won't leave any co-workers questioning your taste for the office or the party! Buy it HERE, HERE and HERE.

If you're looking for a bolder, more unique holiday party look that is still unquestionably sophisticated, I love this jumpsuit. Pair it with high heels, statement earrings and maybe even a thin gold belt to take the look straight into holiday party rock star status. Buy it HERE.

Finally, if your holiday party is all about bringing the glam, this dress is the one for you. Just as fancy, but a whole lot more sassy than the lil red number I posted first, this dress does beading and sequins without screaming dance costume or flapper. I think it's stunning and could be paired with strappy, sexy shoes or black tights and heels depending on how high you want to turn it up. Buy it HERE.

Weighing In...

Hmm...

Because we have a little trust-tree here and honesty is always the best policy, I thought I'd talk today about a current personal struggle... Recently, I have been struggling with my weight. 

As frequent readers of the blog know, I try to prioritize a healthy lifestyle while nevertheless enjoying the "finer things" (like cheese... and carbs... and vodka). Unfortunately, for the past few months, my ability to practice mindful eating seems to have evaporated and the number on the scale is (way) up. I see the change in my face and in the way my clothing fits and it's something I think about every time I look in the mirror. And though I've enjoyed every bite of the decisions that got me here (cookies anyone?), my predisposition for being overweight, a noticeably slowing metabolism (helllooo 30!) and how generally lousy I'm feeling mean I've got to address this. But how? 

Maybe because work has been so consuming or because I've been traveling more than ever (or because nachos taste so damn good), self-control and discipline have been really difficult to muster lately. I feel stuck and lacking in confidence and I don't like it one bit! And though I don't have a solution right now, or even anything peppy to say about this "weighty" situation (never too bummed for a good pun) I thought it was important to say out loud. Maybe for accountability, maybe so other ladies out there feeling the same way know they aren't alone... I'm not sure. But that's where I'm at and I'm hoping to find the motivation to make a change really soon. 

Be still my ballerina loving heart...

J'adore.

What better way to send you into the weekend than with something beautiful, lovely and fascinating!?! Introducing the truly wonderful City.Ballet. series, a recent discovery* and my latest obsession. City.Ballet. is an online series of short videos about the New York City Ballet. Everything from the dancers' pursuit of a career in ballet, to growing within the company, coping with injuries and dating one another! It is such an amazing peak behind the curtain (literally!) at my beloved ballerinas and I feel like I've learned a TON about what their lives and careers are actually like. 

Each episode is about 6 minutes (perfect for watching when you need a quick break from or work or to relax before bed!) and they're narrated by the one and only quintessential New Yorker, Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker so, yeah... I feel like I've just discovered NYC Ballet's best kept secret because Season 2 just launched (how am I just hearing about this!?), so start with Season 1 Ep. 1 below and enjoy every minute from there!! 

 

Click HERE to watch the entire series on YouTube.

* Full credit and much gratitude to Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo for doing a post about this series and sharing it with her readers, including me. Gotta give the original discovery credit where it's due!

DC and Distractions

rain rain go away!

I could tell you that yesterday I jetted down to Washington D.C. because I had to be a part of all the post-election day excitement ("excitement"), but really I went down to my second most favorite US city for a quick work trip and meetings on my alma mater's campus (GGGDub!) I barely had a moment to enjoy the District, but I did get to have a little catchup/sleepover with a college roomie before turning back around to NYC. So now I'm back and I'm serving up some distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* Are you ready to tear up from an absolutely adorable holiday commercial?

* This makeup artists' skills are legit!

* "12 Great Sandwich Hacks" that are about to change your life.

* Dot wall DIY. (exactly what it sounds like!)

* There is such thing as a Ballerina Orchid and it's beautiful...

* I have some high heels desperately in need of this repair.

* Small, elegant and purdy.

* There's no greater thrill after getting off a ride than discovering you've taken an amazing mid-ride picture.

Go get your sticker!

I Voted stickers... so hot right now.

Happy Election Day my merry friends! As a political science major who once upon a time dreamed of a career in political office, I take election day very seriously. Because even though I too am a bit disillusioned with the state of politics in our country, a voice is a voice and yours should be heard!

Want to very quickly learn where your polling place is, who will be on your ballot and what referenda and other ballot measures you'll be seeing behind the curtain? Visit TheBallot.org an amazing site which provides all that info based upon the home address you enter. Don't just be a voter, be an informed voter.

And if you want to get schooled in why our individual state legislatures are WAY more important than we (or the news media) seem to realize, watch this expert/hysterical/slightly terrifying bit from Sunday's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (a great show that you should be watching btw). Our current Congress is on course to be the least productive in history(!), but at the local level really important bills are being passed by the 1,000s. Politics is local people!!

let's chat!

Pull up a chair!

Last night, as I thought about the posts I wanted to share on Seek to be Merry this week, I realized that it's been a little while since we've "talked" (and by talked, I obviously mean the typical Meri "I say what's on my mind and cross my fingers that somewhere, anywhere, someone is listening). 

Between Halloween, guest posts and goodies from the internet, I haven't had a moment to tell you about how I've been on an organizational rampage in my apartment (when you work from home a tidy home becomes a bit more of a priority), that I kinda love the new sitcom Blackish (is that ok given that I'm white-ish!?) or how I've embarked on an epic journey to find good "shape wear" (a tiny piece of my recent body image struggles which naturally come with (are the result of!?) a side of fries and several beers). I also need to tell you that Dr. H and I bought a new couch (it's "peacock" and he suggested that color choice!) and that turns out there is in fact a piece of Ikea furniture that's easy to assemble (THIS and we built it in legit 25 minutes!!) Lots of little, good things going on around here these days. What about you? How is you fall turing out to be!?