Mother Nature you Mother *bleeeeeeep*-er

Sunshine Spotted (1 hr before it was time to go home)

Greetings friends and lovers from sunny and temperate New York. So sunny in fact, that one would never even guess that it rained here ALL WEEKEND, or wait, I stand corrected, until about 4pm yesterday... just in time for you to pack back into the car, say "adios!" to your beach-weekend accommodations and curse the weather gods for this unfortunate turn of events. 

(#Bitter #AtLeasttheTriptoTargetwasfun?!)

Because holding a grudge never made anything better (other than being a delightful outlet for my twisted, dark emotions...) I thought we should kick off the week by focusing on the END of the week and the upcoming July 4th holiday. I LOVE July 4th because it's summer, sunshine (hopefully!), BBQ, fireworks... do I have to continue?! Here to kick off our holiday week are some essentials of the red white and blue variety. Enjoy!

This is one of those crafts that's going to get you a LOT of oohs, ahhhs and "how do you have the times!?" but in truth, it's super easy and adorable to look at. Paper cones, cupcake liners and star stickers are the essential items needed to make these adorable patriotic treat cones... plus of course your favorite surprise sweets. Full tutorial HERE.

Is there anything as American as apple pie? (I would argue, yes, absolutely... ever heard of hamburgers and, hello!? George Washington!? I digress...) For those looking to stick with tradition and pie however, click HERE to learn how to make those cute lil pies on a stick and other adorable yet classy 4th themed items.

Like all good Americans, I love potatoes and mayonnaise, so it should come as no surprise that I'm endorsing preparation of a decadent potato salad to accompany your burgers and dogs. THIS bacon ranch recipe looks pretty freakin bananas, but here's the whole darn Pinterest "potato salad" search result because how on earth was I supposed to select just one!?

Since looking adorable is an essential part of your July 4th festivities (and overnight shipping puts the world of patriotic fashion just a click away!) here and here are some great suggestions for getting all chic, red, white and bluey!

I pledge allegiance to the patriotic sangria. Anyone else want to cheers to that!?

Hump Day Distractions

Hellz yes you are granny!

So this week the universe is all like "Come and get it girl!" and I'm like "Ready or not, here I come!" and it's been exhausting and exhilarating and crazy... and I think I kinda love it:) And even though the insanity led to a quiet day around these parts yesterday, fret not... this bloggity blog has a place deep in my heart so it ain't goin no where!! I hope that all of you are having a similarly inspiring week filled with new opportunities, exciting activities and some delightful hump day distractions. xox

* Ever stand on the beach and stare out to the ocean and wonder who is across from you!?

* If you live in NYC and like the Rangers, THIS is probably your best chance at scoring tickets to the Stanley Cup Final (plus the money goes to charity!!)
* The perfect fruit salad to whip up for your next summer BBQ 

* I think I just might need you in my closet :)

* Dear God Mets, this is disgusting (also, you make me SO proud).
* Zosia Mamet (Girls) makes an excellent point about being unafraid of not leaning in.

* I have absolutely always wondered what goes on inside the dishwasher... and now I know.

* I personally go big or go home when it comes to fast food, but in case you're a healthier human than I, there's THIS.

* These ads are brilliant, thought provoking, powerful and (hopefully) effective.

* Every single one of these is true (and I'm not even technically 30 yet!!!)

It's snowing again...!

Let it snow!

...which means of course, that all I'm thinking about it eating (also, sweatpants). Cozy soups, piping hot mac and cheese, perhaps some chili or maybe something over quinoa or rice!? Here to keep you warm while the weather outside is frightful are some winter weather recipes sure to delight. Stay safe everybody!

Love me some one-pot goodness! This "Spinach Artichoke Wonderpot" from Budget Bytes is looking like an awesome dinner option for tonight. And maybe add some sauteed chicken or shrimp for a little extra protein? Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Oh man... any recipe with the word "lazy" in it is going to earn a try from me! These simple Egg Pita Pizzas look delicious as suggested and you could really choose your own adventure with additional toppings and seasoning if you're feeling bold. Pita as pizza, so easy and brilliant!! Pin it HERE, full recipe from Everybody Likes Sandwiches HERE.

The perfect way to use my new Le Creuset Mini Cocottes (thanks Dr. H!) I cannot wait to try out this gooey spinach mac at home (and it's obviously healthy, because hey!! Spinach!!) Pin it HERE, full recipe from Donna Hay HERE.

And if sweet treats are more your winter weather style, don't forget about ms. (parent)thetically speaking's ultimate Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies! Click HERE to get the recipe!!

ps- took that panoramic beauty about 48 hours ago... however NYC's white snow is really an excellent way to show off my sun tan (#silverlining).

The sand, the sea and me

Not my (beach) bum.

Have I ever mentioned my love affair with the beach? How there is nothing that soothes me, delights me and brings a smile to my face more than the smell of the sea and the feel of the sand beneath my toes? Maybe once or twice:) Since I cut "summer week" short by a day (and I've got serious beach brain after an amazing seaside weekend!) I thought I would share some of my favorite beach getaways (Note: I could go on FOREVER about this topic, so the list is by no means comprehensive!!!) 

* Fire Island, NY

New York, a world away from the Empire State Building

Located across the Great South Bay from the southern shore of Long Island, I spent my childhood weekends soaking up sun on Fire Island. The car-less island is filled with lots of different "towns" each with their own feel and scene from boaters with families to post-college co-eds looking to revisit the young life. And most importantly, the beach is a stunna.

* Santa Monica, CA

Beauty by the pier.

One of my favorite girlies lives a short walk from this west coast beauty and I don't think it gets much better than that! An awesome combination of seashore, delicious dining and entertainment, the beach in Santa Monica (and the stroll from there to nearby Venice) is one of my favorites I've ever visited. 

* South Beach, FL

Retro glam Miami

Turquoise water, soft white sand, a row of palm trees and then a retro chic strip of amazing shops and restaurants... that's what coming ashore in Miami will get you. There's the sexy bar scene, the cultural flavor and sunshine for days. Just a quick flight from NYC, I hope to spend more time in Miami in the years to come.

* Southampton, NY

I'm a biased long island girl - our beaches really are the tops.

At the end of Dune Road's incomparable strip of beach houses is (in my humble, but beach loving opinion) long island's most awesome beach. Cupsogue Beach is beautiful and it has a great beachy bar and seafood stand to keep you going all day long. Though it may be missing Miami's palm trees, the endless sand and fresh summer scene will have you coming back for more.

Hump Day Distractions (Beach Bum Ed.)

Use SPF. No doubt.

Well it's a good thing I'm blogging about sunshine this week because the real world is giving me nothing but rain! It's been a rather grey May here in NYC so my fingers are crossed for a bright and sunny June. In case your week-before-the-long-weekend is going as slowly as mine is, here are some distractions to get you over the hump!

* I am shore you are going to sea the humor in THIS.

* Send some seasonal wit and sarcasm to your best buddy's inbox.

* Hooray! A way to get your bod bikini ready without giving up brownies (Weight Watchers points plus value included!)

* Show off some awesome tats at the beach.

* Want to throw the chicest BBQ on the block? Chill the water with THIS (or THIS) and wow your guests pre-burgers and dogs with THIS and THIS.

* Because a pint just isn't big enough to share (and some roommates cannot be trusted!)

* A genius trick for your at-home experimentation with neon nail polish? 

* I don't go to the movies very often in the summer, but for a new Wes Anderson flick, I might have to make an exception (love me some Bill Murray!)

* BONUS Distraction: This one's for you Sis.

Lookin just beachy...

quintessential beach beauty

One of the best things about summer is how much less effort is required to face the day. There's no other season where I can get dressed in literally 2 minutes (sundress, sandals, done!) let my hair air dry (see you next fall straightener) and pack for a weekend getaway in an oversized purse (goodbye bulky sweaters and boots!) Though I'm far from a fashion expert, I am a pro at scouring blogs and magazines for hot styles and great deals, so here are a few ideas which will have you giving Marilyn a run for her money.

Neon. Neon. Neon.

Pink, orange, yellow, green... Much to Dr. H's dismay, for this summer neon is in and the brighter the better. Since fluorescent colors can be so, well, fluorescent, start with an accent like nail polish (I love Short Shorts by Esse), jewelry or a pair of sunnies, and work your way up.

she wore an itsy bitsy, teeny weenie...

Polka dots are the perfect print for summer. Classic on a bikini, crafty on your nails or flirty as a dress, put some polka in your closet and wear the timeless piece for years to come!

Anchor yourself with seaside accessories.

Anchors symbolize strength and stability which is the perfect yin to their summery fun yang. Shop etsy for awesome handcrafted options or J Crew to perfect your prep.

"brimming" with beach sexiness!

Beach hats are the best. It's a chance to bust out your glam side with a big brim, your indie side with a fedora or keep it simple with a hat supporting your favorite team. Adventure outside your headwear comfort zone shopping HERE or HERE or consider an NYC street vendor for awesome options at ridiculously good prices!

Ooooh that smell... can you smell that smell!?

There is nothing sexy about a sunburn, so start your day with something strong and waterproof and reapply like crazy! For those lucky enough to brown over burn, throw in a reapply or two with my favorite sunscreen and you'll be a bronze beauty in no time!

See ya later shower!!

Is there a product out there that "styles" your hair as beautifully as ocean salt and a beachy breeze!? Summer hair is messy, carefree and fun so abandon your attempts to secure every flyaway and enjoy the hairdryer hiatus!

I said I was gonna get a pair... and I did.
(Cheap via a Prince St. vendor or HERE for only a few $ more)

The quintessential summer accessory, leave your standard pair of sunnies at home and go crazy with neon wayfarers, oversize frames or just have a little heart:)

Summa summa summa tiiiime...

Beachy beauty

... time to sit back and unwind! Even though the summer solstice is still a few weeks away (I know these things, I took latin) anyone with a love of sand between their toes and white pants considers Memorial Day the official start of summer, and as I've mentioned before, I think summer is just the bees knees! You've got warmth, sunshine, beaches, sun dresses, flip flops, the smell of sunscreen... I could go on forever. To celebrate the pending arrival of my favorite season, this week on SeektobeMerry we're going to talk about all things summer - what the cool kids are wearing, what to pack for a day in the sun, where to escape to and of course, the tastiest things to eat. So queue up the Beach Boys on your iPod (or any of THESE quintessential summer jams) and get ready for a week of sunshine-y goodness!

Note: Lots 'o links in that paragraph - click the purple text to enjoy!

California dreamin...

Peace out homies.

By the time you read this, I will be at 30,000 feet, en route to the Pacific Ocean between my toes and amazing music in my ears. Thanks to awesome friends (who think up awesome wedding gifts) I am headed to the Coachella Music Festival. I get 24 hours in Santa Monica and then 72 hours in the desert rubbing elbows with celebrities while listening to some of my favorite musicians (more on them tomorrow!) It has all the makings of an absolutely perfect weekend getaway.

Even if you aren't on vacation these next few days, that doesn't mean you can't find something awesomely out of the ordinary to do! Here are a few mighty fine suggestions to get your imagination going:

* Get Sporty. Baseball season is underway and you know you've missed your team. Grab some cheap seats and go eat a hot dog OR if you're feeling more like a homebody, the NHL Playoffs kicked off last night and there are ridiculous matchups going on all weekend long (and go "drink from the Cup" in Times Square through Friday!)

* Sing and Dance. Coachella isn't the only show in town... there's live music happening everywhere, all the time, if you know where to look. Sonicliving and Tourfilter are two great sites for finding out about upcoming shows in your area. 

* Get Creative. If you're in the NYC area, I highly recommend checking out the BUST Magazine Craftacular and Food Fair. That's right, crafts AND foods... be still my heart.

* Play Outside. Spring is my favorite season for picnics because the temperature is really perfect - no sweaty cheese or warm wine. Pack up some goodies (Dr. H and I LOVE our picnic backpack) and venture into the great outdoors.