Hump Day on delay

child genius, obviously.

Since today is Throwback Thursday (#TBT), I thought we could throw it alllll the way back to yesterday, hump day, and share some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!!

* Some girlie, lovely cellphone wallpapers for all my girlie, lovely ladies.

* How to do LA with little kiddos (and make sure everyone has a good time!)

* Holy cow, these images (based on models) of animals in the womb are AMAZING!

* From Blair Waldorf and Carrie Bradshaw to Chandler Bing and Jerry Seinfeld, ever wonder how much your favorite Manhattan apartment from tv would really cost to live inf?

* This is 30 (via exPress-o)

* I think it's gonna be this blunt cut with this "tortoise/ecaille" color for summer. Thoughts? 

* Viva la smart ass!

On change.

Are you sure!?!

Recently, I've had a lot of change in my life. For the first time in my career I switched jobs and not only that, but I went from a large company in an office to working for myself at a desk in my living room. Everything about my day to day is different and I haven't yet identified what my new "normal" will be. So naturally, when the paperwork (we'd been expecting) about the expiration of our apartment lease arrived, I completely freaked out. I'm talking "should we move somewhere where I can have a home-office?/but I love this apartment/but I want a dog/what about cost/houseguests/babies/neighborhoods?" full on Melt.Down. (Dr. H is a lucky guy huh?) The entire episode was not exactly my finest moment.

For me, change is good, but it is also hard. While I consider myself a fairly adventurous and open-minded person, what I crave is usually variety, not change. Lots of little options and opportunities, but nothing that causes a major upheaval. And the challenge when you're a little "change-averse" like myself, is knowing when to push yourself vs. accept the fact that "I am who I am".  How much change should I be forcing myself to cope with? Maybe if I just started a new job I don't also need to move to a new apartment or maaaaaybe if I muster up a little courage, moving to a bigger apartment will make my new job easier. I don't know!! 

So that's where I'm at. A tiny pit in my stomach and a nagging confused voice in the back of my brain. Change is good, but it is also hard.

Hump Day Distractions

Nerd Humor.

Today is the day we hump my friends! Let's do this and get 1 day closer to the weekend shall we!?

* So... when can I move in?

* A delicious (and healthy!) way to use some of the basil I've been growing.

* Will someone please make these adorable umbrellas for me!?

* Oh you poor little thing, but we all feel that way about babies!

* An interesting take on why "our" generation is struggling to find happiness.

* The best way to tie your running shoes.

* Adorable "new home" printables.

* A sassy manicure idea for (gasp!) fall.

* Get out and about in NYC this summer (you don't have to be a kid to love this list!)

* How to respond when your text messages go unanswered...

Hump Day Distractions

Awww!

Let's take a little break from all the birthday talk and hump it out shall we!? 

* This simple pasta dish will be the perfect way to use the basil currently growing in abundance on my terrace.

* Well if this isn't the most adorable friendship I have ever seen (worth the pre-roll, made me tear up!!)

* And while you're watching tear-jerkers, there's this beautiful story from our elephant friends.

* A maxi dress you can just live in on the weekends (and it's on sale!)

* Fellow Potterheads rejoice!

* There's something so charming about this little dude's determination.

* Would you be brave enough to do THIS? I'd like to think I could muster up the courage...

* Bookmarked for next apartment 100%.

* Well aren't you the cutest little guy!?

* Coolest couples ever.

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 :)

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

I hope he didn't have beans for lunch..!

That picture made me chuckle big time. No matter what age you are, farts never really stop being funny. Annnnnyways, welcome to Hump Day my friends, where we all start to see the light at the end of our weekly tunnel and it's extra bright this week because we "spring ahead" this Saturday! (HOORAY for daylight savings!) Here to take you closer to those bright sunny evenings are some delightful distractions from around the web.

* Because you never know when you're going to need to print images of tasty donuts.

* The question is, when can I move in!?

* Any insanely interesting factoid about bell peppers that will change the way you see/eat/shop for them.

* Some of these kitchen hacks are really pretty great.

* Grilled cheese lovers rejoice! Everything you need to know for the perfect grilled cheese is right HERE.

* Mmm... those do sound nice.

* Styling to make you look skinnier. Yes please.

* Natural beauty. (perfect for around 4pm today when you need a "zen moment")

* OMG!!! THIS is like a fluffy dream but sorta creepy nightmare all at the same time.

Hump Day Distractions

Discussing their preferred hair product?

Because no day creeps by as slowly as the day before vacation, here are some delightful distractions from around the web to get you through the end of this half week and straight on to the turkey!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my merry friends!

* THIS dog is hysterical, awesome, disciplined and just damn cool.

* A little Thanksgiving drinking game for those looking to make their turkey day extra "interesting".

* Adorable Thanksgiving Printables for those looking to cute-n up their table.

* Who knew there were enough songs out there to create an entire Channuka playlist?

* Want to see Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling fall in love for the first time!?

* Have you heard about the invisible bike helmet? Would you trust it?

*I've already got a Peter Pan collar dress, but someone has got to buy THIS dress!! (via exPress-o)

* NFL football another way... Graphic designers are oh so crafty! 

* So, when can I move in!?

* A fantastic answer to the age old question "are silent farts really more deadly?"

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)

* Recently added to my "to read" list.

* 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!)

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.

Hump Day Distractions

Walken is always watching!

HOORAY, we're halfway there!! This has been one of those strange weeks where the days are going a bit slooooow but the week overall seems to be just moving right along. Keep on moving!! Here to take you to the other side are some goodies from around the web. Happy humping:)

* For all my fellow lovers of bold and beautiful color, a very cool photo collection. (via notetoself)

* Sound like a pro while watching the Bruins and Blackhawks battle for the Cup!

* I think that I need these elephants on my body (spotted on Pinterest Monday & CupofJo Tuesday... must be super cool right!?)

* The 2nd avenue subway line is really, actually happening (right beneath us!)

* Precisely the reaction I would have (it gets good starting at the :20 mark, be sure to watch to the end)

* For me it would be Grandma's swedish meatballs and Nanny's stuffed cabbage. (via exPress-o, I think!)

* Looking for some healthy(ier) crunchy treats? I love THESE and one of my girlies is diggin THESE.

* The most impressive 140 square feet you ever did see.

* Peter Griffin is that you!?! (could this actually be real!?!)

* Ron Burgundy is coming to the 80s... YES.

* As my sister said, not sure why this isn't animal abuse, but I'm kinda glad it isn't! (13 and 15 BLEW MY MIND!!!)

* A highly elaborate prank.

* And last but not least, animal pictures that will absolutely make your day!

The art of book-shelving

Carefully curated.

When I was unpacking from our move and setting up the new apartment, I noticed something funny.  As I emptied boxes of books and placed them on various shelves, I was carefully selecting which ones got primo exposure in the living room versus those which were relegated to the bedroom. Law school text books? Hide them, hide them now! Travel books, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Stewart/Colbert publications? Front and center baby. Without realizing it, I was creating a conversation piece, a snapshot of my interests and tastes through a carefully curated selection of books. It’s not that some books I own are “good” for display and others “bad” or embarrassing (I am proud of my Mr. Met book!), it's just that this collection, taken together, says some...thing, about ME. In my living room, everything from Fodor's and fiction to Jane Austin and Chuck Klosterman made the cut until I had created shelves which seemed to portray a perfect representation of my personality.

Brings new meaning to "reading rainbow"!

I think you can tell a lot about a person based on their bookshelves. I’ve seen organization by author and topic, years of saved magazine issues and even one “sort by spine color” collection. The books, their arrangement and even their mere presence as décor, tells you a story. What does your bookshelf say about you?

 

Live large, spend small

New home = blank canvas (Disclaimer: Not my apt:)

As most of you know, Dr. H and I recently relocated to a new apartment in Greenwich Village. Expanding by approximately 200 square feet and moving to one of Manhattan's most beloved neighborhoods, we, like so many other New Yorkers, are living at the tip top of our housing cost comfort zone (and consider it worth every penny!) The trade off however, is that when it came time to upgrade our Ikea/college dorm/parent hand-me-down furniture collection, sticking to a budget was an absolute necessity. Though I dream of a day when the "perfect piece" is more important than the "perfect price", today is not that day. Since I love to share all that's good and merry in my life, here are some of my decor shopping success stories. We managed to find awesome new furniture from both expected and unexpected places (online and in person) and who doesn't love a good deal!?

* World Market - www.worldmarket.com

Because no one wants to break the bank on decor "accessories"

Dr. H and I decided that we were going to keep our 2 couches, but spruce up the living room with new pillows, carpet, accent chairs and a throw (to freshen up our fading love seat). Worldmarket was the PERFECT website for decor accessories with quality not at all sacrificed for affordability. Their furniture also gets great reviews.

* Target.com

Who knew Target.com was this chic!?

I am a big fan of Target (or "Tar-sh`e" as my Nanny calls it!) but Target.com pretty much blew my mind. The selection of furniture, particularly accent chairs, not available in stores is bananas and free shipping/returns are more common than not. Minimal assembly and high quality fabric sealed the deal on my target.com love affair

 * Rugs USA - www.rugsusa.com

Something cozy under your toesies

You know what costs a lot of money? A new carpet costs a LOT of money, so thank you Pinterest for directing me to this amazing website. RugsUSA has a huge selection of rugs at every price point, in every size, color and print you can imagine. Shipping was fast and the site's frequent sales make the shipping cost a non-issue.

* Brooklyn Flea - www.brooklynflea.com

Winter Flea

Summer flea

Dr. H and I love a good flea market (for reals, my husband will willingly peruse a flea market... how lucky am I!?) and Brooklyn Flea is a very good flea market. Outdoors in Williamsburg and Fort Greene during spring, summer and fall, now indoors at Williamsburg Savings Bank, on our most recent flea trip we discovered the incredible Joel Voisard, a furniture craftsman who made us a custom wood kitchen table and bench which we absolutely love. Since Brooklyn Flea is populated by small business owners and artisans, prices allow you to get creative, go custom and purchase something one-of-a-kind, all while staying in your budget! (Also, lots of good eats to give you energy for shopping:)

* UrbanOutfitters.com

Come into my bedroom friend!

Another awesome store that's hiding all the good stuff online! Urban's online furniture selection is as hipster-chic as their clothing and in most cases, even more fairly priced. Our fold-out loveseat (the "Anywhere Sofa") has stayed with us for 2 moves and we recently added those pretty little nightstands to our bedroom.

* Other ways to save...
I'm by no means a professional decorator, but I've got a decent eye and a crafty mind. Some more ideas I put to work:

- By repainting two of our old kitchen chairs a funky purple and re-appolstering the other two a burnt orange, I was able to get "new" chairs for my kitchen, living room and desk for under $20

- I had my heart set on a big fancy bed frame, but those prices are a serious commitment. Ultimately we found an awesome headboard at Pier1 for a fraction of the price. In the end, not having a footer on the bed gives our colorful and glamorous comforter (HERE) more room to shine

- Pictures can be art. Get creative when it comes to covering your walls by mixing artfully framed photos from your own collection with other pieces you've purchased. This personalizes your space while still keeping it classy.

Creativity Overload...

New 'hood

After several days' delay (thanks Sandy) Dr. H and I have made a triumphant return to lower Manhattan living. Proud residents of Greenwich village once more, we are in the process of unpacking, organizing and decorating our beautiful new home. I am in Pinterest/crafting/organizing/decorating heaven. The downside of all this creative energy going towards my apartment however, is that a blog post for today was a bit of an afterthought. Oopsies. (Also, no internet in the new casa until Thursday). I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me... To hold you over until tomorrow, I am officially bribing you with this:

Yes, that is a baby Koala... in a mug... sipping a bottle!

awww... bunny...

THIS link packs in enough beauty to have you in awe for at least a few minutes...

... and THIS is a terrifyingly hysterical prank/ad campaign.

And one final wish...

bum. hehe.

Sandy

Sandy

Sandy

Sandy

So many Sandys, so little time... Here in NYC, Dr. H and I are hunkered down in our apartment, well stocked with soup, candles, mac cheese (duh) and bottled water. We're watching the white caps on the Hudson River (not a common sight) and hoping that we don't lose power (because the 22nd floor is a lot less awesome without an elevator). This Sandy is one feisty lady... 

I'm taking the unexpected day off as a chance to finish packing (will our move scheduled for Wednesday actually happen!? I don't know, ask Sandy!!) so I leave you only with THIS. Stay safe my friends.

I want to go to there.

Goodbye high-rise, hello pre-war!

Dr. H and I are planning to move this fall. After a two year "experiment" north of midtown, we've decided that we are, without question, "downtown people". So when our lease ends, we plan to migrate back towards our first apartment together in the Soho/Village/Tribeca-ish area. Now anyone familiar with NYC real estate knows that you cannot look for an apartment here until you are ready to sign on the dotted line (literally. Holding onto an apartment for more than 4 weeks before your lease starts is unheard of) but given my tendency to plan and our eagerness to relocate, I've been doing a bit of fantasizing...

about things like THIS...

... and THIS.

It's a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad thing to do for many reasons, but mostly because my Pinterest-lusting might be a tad larger than my budget (insert Dr. H eye roll here). So in an effort to re-direct my energy from fantasy to reality, I thought I would share some of the fantastic home DIY projects and decor ideas that I've come across in my browsing...

Calorie free cake stands for your bathroom & kitchen!

NYC apartments are notoriously short on counter space in places like bathrooms and kitchens so I will definitely be using this creative (and adorable) storage solution in the future.

Use every inch of space you have!

Our Soho apartment had a shelf above the hallway doors and it was a brilliant way to display some of our knicknacks and sports paraphernalia (we both have A LOT of sports paraphernalia!) Chic-ify the idea with a lovely corner like this one.

Wallpaper lined bookshelves

What an awesome way to jazz up those Ikea/thrift shop/flea market purchases!! I've seen this done with paint or wallpaper, in china/display type cabinets and on bookshelves. I guess if I do this I'll have to commit to not overfilling my shelves with crap!?

twinkle twinkle little star...

How awesome is that curtain!? I'm thinking it might be a perfect surprise for friends when they go to sleep in our guest bedroom (fantasizing again?) Anyyyyways, this starry night is NOT just for the babies... it can be purchased here on Etsy or if you're feeling bold, a craft store hole-punch and cheap shade (like this one) could make for some DIY magic!

Forever a mess?

This could never be my apartment.
I go more for the "organized chaos chic" look.

Do you ever get to that point of messiness in your home when you look around and are all "good God how did I let this happen!?" I suppose it’s possible that Dr. H and I are just huge slobs, but I suspect more than a few of you know exactly what I’m talking about… you’ve been throwing your shizz on top of the nearest pile thinking "whatever, this place is already a mess" when suddenly you can’t find the birthday check you've been meaning to cash and have vowed to wear only dark tops until your white bra can be located. It is no way to live.

This weekend I hit my limit and spent the better half of Saturday being monstrously productive at home. Though my bedroom is still a hot mess (I see you hiding in the corner weekend-bag-from-4-weekends-ago) my kitchen, living room and bathroom are sparkling and organized. It was a feat of serious determination. When I came home from work yesterday I reveled in my tidiness and vowed never to let it get that bad again. Then I left my shoes by the door and threw the unopened mail on the table. *sigh*

Hump Day Distractions (Jet Setter Ed.)

Mmmm....

What could be more distracting then thinking about a fantastic getaway? Get over the hump by getting inspired for your next vacation:

* A little advice for jet setter newbies

* Why pay a bag check fee when these guys will deliver your luggage for you!? Amazeballs (via CupofJo... just yesterday, what timing!)  

* I'll close my eyes and pretend I'm riding the Hogwarts Express (via Snippet&Ink)

* Thinking of adding this "shower in a can" to my carry-on (and my work week?) Recommended by my "hair guy" and he never steers me wrong:)

* A few suggestions on how to avoid being that person with the screaming child (would you ever make/buy THIS?)

* Another cool idea for saving all that "stuff" you brought home from vacation 

* Where all the music lovers are going

* I've been fantasizing about an apartment rental for my next trip to Europe so I can pretend I actually live there

* This has nothing to do with travel, but it's awesome.