They say it's your birthday...

I love emojis!!

... well maybe not your birthday, but MINE! Yaya! I love birthdays and even at the unexciting and definitively adult-ish age of 31, I'm enjoy celebrating another year hear on earth, doin my thang.

30 was a freakin hell of a year for me. I made a ton of professional changes that at times nearly sent me off a cliff, but I came through feeling so much stronger, happier and confident about what I'm capable of accomplishing. 30 also proved, more than ever before, that I have the most incredible community of people around me, cheering for me, encouraging me, supporting me and lifting me up when I need a boost. To my amazing friends, my family and my beloved Dr. H, thank you. Thank you for making 30 so damn good. 

So here's to another year. Here's to the challenges I know I'll face and those that will come out of no where. Here's to laughing with my husband and hugging my best friends. To delicious food, family celebrations, growth, acceptance, love and fun. Cheers!

I woke up like this.

Seriously.

This was the scene in my living room/home office this morning... remnants of a margarita-fueled celebration of Mother's Day/Dr. H's 31st birthday. I'd say the evening was a "most interesting" success (who knew all he had to do was ask and they'd let him walk out the door with that giant cutout!?) 

It's been a whirlwind few days since I last blogged, including a book club rooftop gathering where I enjoyed the season's first sip of rose wine (and turned that sip into an entire bottle. By myself. #ThursdayNightDecisions) and 36 hours in Boca Raton where Dr. H and I got our Nana lovin' on (#SuperGrandkids). Our household has also become completely consumed by THIS ongoing saga and the week ahead includes business in Baltimore and graduation celebrations in Boston (#CantStopWontStop). But as always, I'll do my best to keep the posts coming so I can share important articles like THIS (a must read for those of you who enjoy a cheap mani/pedi) hair updates like THIS and of course adorableness like THIS. Happiest of Mondays... stay thirsty my friends!

Belated but not forgotten...

On December 9th there was a milestone around here that came and went unacknowledged. I can't believe it, but I totally missed celebrating Seek to be Merry's 3rd birthday (whhhat!?!) That's right, it's been three whole years since this little hobby took off and that's quite an accomplishment if I don't say so myself! 2014 as a blogger was a bit all over the place, much like 2014 was for me as a human. There was a lot of snow and travel and big huge life decisions. I ate well and drank often. I let go of being a 5-day-per-week-without-fail blog post-er and I adopted the hashtag as a form of communication (#EmbraceIt). 2014 was so many things, that I forgot to stop and celebrate my own blog's birthday. Whoa. 

Maybe, like all things as they get older, each passing year becomes less of a "THING" and more of "just another thing". Maybe I'm totally distracted by work and juggling wonderful things going on with family and friends. Maybe I don't need my blog as much as I did in 2011 when I escaped to this corner of the internet with all of you. Who knows. Who cares!? HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG!!

To celebrate, here are some of my most favorite posts and a roundup of all the goodness we shared: 

Food Glorious Food!

* cozy winter eats (and again) * cocktails * strange snacks * for cheese lovers * pasta and potatoes MmHmm * damn good recipes * Sangria & dessert * football food * cozy fall-ish recipes * pull-apart breads

My beloved New York City

* deli and dessert * Adult show, Kid museum * The Smith * Potatopia * custom shirts and a charming italian spot * Street Meat * the Met Ball * horseback riding in Brooklyn and 3 amazing restaurants * cuban and fancy italian recs * Broadway

Career & Life

* Grown up stuff * taking the slow route (+ food) * sharing kind thoughts * A mom memory * juggling * enjoying joy * ways to chill out * life and death * inspiration * the uneasies * living in extremes * changing jobs * goodbye 20s * friendship * last names * Sis's engagement(!) * On change * working from home * Lack of peppermint bark at the "office"

Merry Meri Recommendations

* a charming short * Disney Princess 1/2 marathon * Waterlogue App * ask for what you want! * Costa Rica * combatting wrinkles * Chicago * Blue Apron * Big Kid birthday parties * A good movie * For the Kiddos (1, 2, 3) * road trips * Charleston and Maine * a show and a book * what's on my tv * Marcel is back * For lovers of ballet * Serial (seriously) * Swift and Poehler

Feeling Fashionable

* my favorite hair tool (ever) * paper dresses * VPL * Spring 2014 fashion * Zara hotness * jewels I love * Fall 2014 trends * Sweaters and Shoes * For Holiday Parties

General Ridiculousness

* loving pictures * lunch baggies * going purse-less * #OscartheFriendlyPup * hickey burn * the lightweight quilt * a poem for Dr. H * photobombing * stealing cilantro and other crazy things * Swimmin in the creek * Queen B * stop saying sorry! * getting hit on by a 10 year old * puns * dancing in the living room * the Doritos Locos Taco * Owning a bajillion iPhone cases * Nude photo scandals * For love of Dr. H * Using a bajillion bags * Burning myself on things I know are hot

Goodbye 20s

x10.

This morning I woke up 30 years old. Well if I'm being honest, I went to sleep last night (errr, very early this morning?) 30 years old. As a wise blogger once said, I've "become 30." It's funny, turning one of these "milestone ages", because people expect you to feel something about it, or to at least pause and reflect. Thankfully, I'm quite the feeler and reflector...

Looking back, my 20s were a roller coaster of epic proportions... I spent whole years living in a fantasy of friendship, fun and adventure (GDub!) and other years truly struggling to move forward towards the person my younger self felt certain I was supposed to become. I'd like to think that with every decade a person is fortunate enough to live, he/she can look back and be proud of the 10 years that went by, but I'm going to come out and make the bold statement that your 20s might be your most defining decade. My 20s taught me the incredible value of friendship, the importance of cherishing loved ones and how to cope with tremendous loss. My 20s taught me how to not get what I want, how to keep fighting for what I want and how to have confidence throughout the journey. My 20s taught me to suck it up and let it go and to get comfortable in my own skin. My 20s turned my parents and sister into my closest friends and a random guy I met at 18 into the love of my life. My 20s were a lot of hard/good/beautiful work!!

And while I'm sure my 30s will further define me, I already sense they will be different... I think (and hope!?) they will be less about me and more about all of "you". More about the family I hope to build, the relationships that fill me with love and the world I finally feel confident enough in myself to try to impact. In my 20s I did a lot of figuring things out, now I get to just "be me" and see where it all leads. And I think that sounds pretty fantastic.

"Big Kid" Birthday Parties

Never too old for a party!!

For today's "Birthday Week" post, I thought I would talk about one of the most top of mind birthday related items - the birthday party!! As I've gotten eghm older eghm, I've found it more challenging to plan birthday celebrations for myself and others - not only are loved ones' schedules more complicated to coordinate, but planning a party, especially for yourself, is kinda tricky. Age appropriateness is key (please keep that drunk 23 year old's rail vodka off my shoes!) and variety is crucial to motivating people to attend (one can only endure so many "private space at back of bar" celebrations). But birthdays are the perfect excuse to gather all your friends and family in one place for some quality, happy time together, so here are some Merry Meri thoughts on planning the perfect "Big Kid" Birthday Party.

* What you want to do and what people will want to do with you.

It's your birthday party so you can ________ if you want to, but if you want people to come, you should think about what they'd enjoy as well. Do your friends love being at the beach? Maybe your celebration should be coordinating a group trip with a BBQ in the sand and a cooler full of cold beer! If little kiddos are in tow and nap times are an issue, maybe you set up a lovely picnic in the park for several hours and invite friends to come and go as their schedules permit. Think about your crowd and plan a party that they'll love as much as you will.

* Being classy does not mean you're lame!

When I was planning Dr. H's birthday, researching unique NYC restaurants with a private room and pre-set menu, there was a moment when I thought "Ohman we are so old and boring", but seriously!? Get over it. As you grow up your tastes evolve and if you enjoy delicious food in a classy joint with pitchers of awesome mixed cocktails, do that. Love brunch? Birthday Brunch it is! If staying in is more your speed, dial up a caterer or your favorite restaurant and have them deliver a feast for your friends. Borrow a large table, set it up in the living room or backyard with some fancy pants place settings and host the classiest dinner party your friends have ever attended. Embrace your "big kid birthday" taste.

* Consider covering some (or all) of the cost.

Now that we're adults (gasp!) asking everyone to pay their own way feels a little tacky. If you're able, pick up the tab at the end of the night or set a uniform price for everyone to contribute and pick up the balance of the check yourself. This allows you to "host" on whatever budget you can swing and let's friends feel like guests which is always appreciated.

* Don't be afraid to throw it back (to your childhood)

You know what grown ups don't do enough of? Playing!! Maybe it's time you re-visit your 7th birthday party locale at the mini golf course or bowling alley or plaster paint palace. I doubt your friends would object to a round of laser tag or some go carting and pizza..! Birthdays are an awesome excuse to do that random activity you haven't done in ages with the people you enjoy "playing with" most.

* You know I love a theme...

...but themes don't have to be cheesy or costume related, they can be anything! Bust out that ice cream maker you got for your wedding and host a make-your-own-ice-cream-sundae party. Make the theme "Whiskey Wishes" and have everyone bring a bottle to sample and share. What about a "Happy Brie-thday Party" where everyone brings their favorite cheese and you supply the wine!!? Host a game night (YES) and give out gift cards or booze as prizes. The possibilities are endless, just think fun/tasty/unique and then go for it!

What are your favorite "Big Kid" Birthday Party ideas!?

It's birthday week!

Happy happy birthday.

Hello hello and welcome to Merry Meri's birthday week!! Now please let the record show that while I am a big fan of birthdays, I traditionally limit my self-birthday-promotion to the day-of and perhaps a second weekend date for celebrating, but this year my wonderful Dr. H apparently has grander plans in mind. Since yesterday evening I've been tagged in a series of Instagram posts from Dr. H and my amazingly loving friends which appear to be counting down the years of my life (#2014, #2013, #2012, etc; #Birthdaygramathon #meri30for30). Now that I've caught on, when an alert pops up on my phone that another photo has been posted, I internally squeal with delight and race to unlock my phone and see who posted what photo (and what degree of embarrassing it may be!) It appears the good doctor took my "birthday wish not to have to plan my own birthday" request quite seriously and coordinated a week's worth of love and celebration. My heart is truly bursting with excitement and appreciation. (#Thatsalotoflove #WhataguyImarried).

And since I've got a serious case of birthday brain, I thought I'd go big or go home and make Birthdays the theme of this week's blog posts. We'll do some party ideas, gift inspirations and of course my thoughts on leaving my 20s behind. Birthday brain for everyone!! To kick off birthday week, here are some awesomely creative birthday cakes and sweet treats that even an amateur Betty Crocker could pull off. Enjoy:)

Look like a baking MASTER with this polka dot perfection. Pin it HERE, full post HERE.

Maybe a little cake for everyone at the party is more your cup of tea!? (Could be super cute for a kiddos birthday to have the littles each decorate their own!) Pin it HERE, full post HERE. 

How about a DIY Brownie Ice Cream Cake!? Sourced from Pinterest (HERE) via Cookies and Cups: Bake brownies as directed, let cool. (optional chocolate frosting for next layer). Scoop/spread softened ice cream (like choc chip, cookie dough, mint chip, chocolate). Freeze. Layer on store bought or homemade whip cream, throw on some sprinkles.

How about a "bouquet" of these adorable floral cupcakes for the bloom-loving birthday girl in your life!? Pin it HERE.

And for those who really want to avoid the oven, I don't think you'll hear any complaints if you prepare an artfully stacked birthday donut mountain for your birthday boy or girl (they might even prefer it!!) Pin it HERE.

A Weekend to Remember.

Yup.

Not to toot my own horn or anything... but this past weekend I pretty much rocked Dr. H's birthday socks off (toot TOOT!!) There were surprise visitors and festive dinners, late night shenanigans and even horseback riding. We ate like kings (and drank like fish) and overall it was just one of those weekends that reminds you that these are truly great times.

Since now I look and feel kinda like THIS, I thought the best thing to do today was give you a little recap of some of our adventures since I heartily recommend everywhere we ate/drank/went/played.

* Friday - La Esquina & Brinkley's

Do not be fooled by the "taco counter" storefront at street level! Walk in the main door, head down a flight of stairs and through the kitchen (literally) and you end up in a cave meets-awesomely decorated bar and sit-down restaurant space. Though La Esquina can be a biatch to get a large group reservation at (one month in advance, limited space, etc) their price fix menu includes copious amounts of insanely delicious food which go quite nicely with their awesome cocktails. For a regular dinner, arrive early, make a reservation or be willing to sit at the bar and La Esquina will be a chic and tasty night on the town.

I've walked past Brinkley's dozens of times, but post-La Esquina (just around the corner in Soho) was my first time heading inside. The bar had a great atmosphere, a decent number of tables and barstools and though it got crowded as the night went on, it never filled to the "whose armpit is this in my face?" capacity that I detest. Gonna have to head back for eats sometime soon!

* Saturday - Coffee Shop, Union Square Farmer's Market & Ginny's Supper Club

Rising and shining(ish!) on Saturday morning our crew of 6 (siblings and 1 tiny niece included!!) headed to a birthday brunch at The Coffee Shop in Union Square. This spot is a go-to for me in the neighborhood with a menu filled excellent options (brunch or lunch/dinner) at reasonable prices. Items like the "Hangover Sandwich", pancakes, french toast and steak and eggs were hits all around my brunch table and the atmosphere is always lively (plus outdoor seating!) Reservations recommended if you want to avoid a wait.

I absolutely love the Union Square Farmer's Market. The produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods, meats, fish, (Martin's Pretzels!) and more are fresh, delicious and locally sourced. Though it can get a bit crowded on beautiful Saturdays, arrive early and get the fresh stuff before the crowds. (Open M,W,F,Sat 8am-6pm, more info HERE)

Below the (deservedly hyped) Red Rooster Harlem restaurant, is Ginny's Supper Club, a modern reincarnation of the glamorous Harlem speakeasies of the 1920s and also serving delicious eats by chef Marcus Samuelsson.  Our table for two had a prime view of the wonderful live jazz performance and the food was Ah-MAZ-ing. From the chicken and waffles and deviled eggs appetizers to our "Helga's Meatballs" and Mac and Greens (a mac and cheese of epic deliciousness in my humble opinion!), every bite was more delicious than the next. I even glutinously enjoyed the homemade ice cream sandwich for dessert because... BECAUSE. If you like live jazz and you want a glam, unique, DELICIOUS night on the town, reservations at Ginny's Supper Club should be it. (Note - you can also just buy tickets for the performance and drink/listen at the bar in the back!)

Dr. H is obsessed with horses (strange, but true) and somewhere in my birthday surprise hype-building we developed a running joke that I was getting him "a stallion" for a gift. The stallion jokes invaded daily conversation so much that I felt I had to do something horse-related for my beloved equine-enthusiast. Recalling an episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte went riding in the city and turning to our trusted friend Google, I discovered Kensington Stables located just off Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Bizarrely situated just like any other business on a city street corner, the stable is home to more than 20 horses and for the reasonable price of $37 you can take an hour-long ride through the park (including an only-in-NYC, is this really happening? horse ride through a traffic circle to get into the park!) The horses are all beautiful and riding through the city park was truly a unique experience. Kensington Stables also offers lessons or for just $3 your kiddo can take a pony ride up and down the block. Not too shabby NYC, not too shabby at all.

An ode to (old man) Dr. H

Make a wish!

There once was a boy named H, from Albany he did hail,

filled with personality, a bit of mischief and smarts, plus on a euphonium he did wail.

And when the boy became of college age, off to George Washington he did go,

and thanks to a summer camp boyfriend connection, a girl named Meri he came to know.

Mer and H became fast friends and sparks began to fly,

but alas their love was not mature, he chose another girl (we still don't know why).

But from 18 to 19 and 19 to 20,

their friendship continued, their adventures were plenty.

A cruise in the Caribbean, Redskins football, Jerusalem and late nights in the dorm,

21, then 22, slowly their hearts began to warm.

Love was declared at the end of GDub and a relationship was made official,

then she headed to New York City and him from DC to LA and Mer nearly blew the whistle.

But true love prevailed and by 25 they were living together,

at 26 he got down on one knee and they decided to make it forever.

11 birthdays since the first they celebrated as friends,

tomorrow Dr H turns 30, today "we're in our 20s" officially ends.

But no matter the decade my "older man" is perfect in every way...

so here's to you my husband, I love you and Happy Birthday!

On Becoming 30

Even SHE knows, 30 is fabulous

This post brought to you by the fabulous 

(parent)thetically speaking.

Tomorrow's the day. And you know what, I'm forcing myself to have feelings about it. Because, really, I don't. (I mean, I'm still excited, because cake. ice cream. presents. birthday.) But I decided I needed to get some feelings about it and that I should probably talk about them, because this could be one of those situations where you're eating cake and then all of a sudden you're crying and eating cake, and crying more and then eating more cake.

So here's what I think I think (thanks Peter King) I'm not turning 30 - I'm not going to be one person on Thursday and another person on Friday. Same girl, new decade! I'm becoming 30. It's just what's next (and frankly, I'll still do some things that keep me feeling like the 90's were 10 years ago...like doing the dance to Bye Bye Bye whenever and wherever I hear it). It's organic and natural - nothing is altered about who you are. We spent our 20's figuring out "who we are", now we get to BE!

This is a milestone year for many of us, how are you feeling about it? Those who have paved the way - how did you deal? Anyone else passive on the whole thing, like me? Oh, and I'm slightly appalled at the number of 'pins' for 30th birthday cakes that are a tombstone marking the death of youth. Ugh, please, youth is in the mind of the beholder!

I do love birthdays though (not just mine!), and am totally looking forward to the celebrations that such a milestone warrants (my little girl is just old enough to understand and participate, so we're going to bake together and I'm hopeful for a little beaming-with-pride-I-brought-mommy-breakfast-in-bed deal). How do you celebrate birthdays?

ps. Public Service Announcement! I can't be the only slacker who coveted the now-sold-out Zara soft checked scarf. Well, in my desperation, I went to eBay to find it. It's going for around $100. This is unacceptable, as it was $30 for full retail. My desperation goes further...because I found a knock-off and I bought it. It took a week and a half to get here from China, but hellllo gorgeous - got it today. If you are a coveting, desperate, slacker like me, here is the eBay listing. (be sure to select the "camel" color scarf.)

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

Happy Day.

Today, December 9th 2013 is SeektobeMerry's 2nd Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you bloggity blog.

Over the past two years, my attachment to this tiny project, to Grandpa's suggestion that I write a book, has grown larger than I could ever have anticipated. Hundreds of daily visitors and over 505 posts to date (on more topics than any human should be able to dream up!) make this my most ambitious "hobby" yet. But more than any statistic or number, the best thing about writing this blog continues to be all of you. I cannot tell you how gratifying it is to hear someone say that they are a reader or that they enjoyed something I shared. Knowing that I am achieving my goal of sharing merriment with all of you is what keeps me coming back, motivates my creativity and brings me joy on a deep and incredibly fulfilling level.

Fact.

I don't know what the next 365 days will bring for me as a blogger (or as a real life human for that matter!) but I do know that being Merry Meri is awesome so I'm going to try my bestest to keep at it for another year of Hump Day Distracting, Craft inspiring, Healthy Habiting, Restaurant reviewing,  and Smily-worthy musing. Thanks a million to all of you for making this blog the source of joy that it's become.

Looking back... The Blog is born!! * Happy First Birthday * 

Hump Day Celebr-istractions

That's about right...

Hey-o my merry friends! Guess who is humping her way through a birthday today!? That's right... another year older, wiser and very merry if all goes according to plan:) I'm also really hoping that THIS happens today because how kick ass would it be to share my bday with the future King or Queen of England? (I'm hoping Queen!) Anywayysss since I'm going to be distracted all day, I thought you should be too, so here's a heaping pile of birthday-licious goodies from around the internet. Enjoy!!

* This is oh so perfectly timed...

* How to make your birthday snap, crackle and POP!

* Just when I though I couldn't love Mr. Met any more, he invited me to meet his wife.

* Nothin wrong with getting a little cheesy on your birthday!

* Get high, get happy... just drink some beer (I knew it!!) (via CupofJo)

* "I am sitting right next to my air conditioner and it's on turbo. WTF do I need to put this b*tch on? Power Ranger?!"   - One sassy woman's rant about the heat wave. (warning, contains some "adult" language)

* Looking for a splurge? Maybe your iPhone wants to walk like an Egyptian!?

* Some more tips for getting yourself organized.

* Why on earth did Avon stop making these!!?

* Reeee-mix!

* I could click through this list and crack myself up all damn day (and because it's my birthday, I just might!)

Hump Day Distractions

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

...what do we do? We swim, swim, swim! All the way to Friday right!? Another weekly grind, another hearty serving of Hump Day Distractions for your clicking pleasure. PLUS, there's something new and totally freaking awesome coming to the blog tomorrow, so get excited and until then, distract yourself here: 

* THIS Mom totally rocks my socks off.

* 12 hours in ______. (everything you need to know)

* As if being an astronaut wasn't awesome enough, THIS dude is taking space travel to the next level of cool.

* Game on breakfast.

* For your favorite "Face Farmer" and his offspring (bookmarked for an eventual lil merry kiddo of course).

* Don't let your desk job drag your fitness routine down!

* If I ever have to leave NYC, at least I will know where to go.

* I am a size 7.5 and my birthday is in July. Who's buying?

* Thanks to Sis for sending this dance-tastic routine my way.

* Townhouse perfection.

* The world is such an incredibly beautiful place.

* This one has made the rounds, but just in case you missed it, these parents are my heroes.

* I'd like to think that Dr. H and I would handle THIS the exact same way (but we'd be singing Journey of course!)

Hump Day Distractions

The Mystery Section.

Welcome to Hump Day, the one day of the week when just getting through it is considered a major victory. Is Friday in your sites yet!? I've got an awesome weekend in the queue so every spare second is being spent daydreaming about my niece and nephew, a mexican dinner, little orphan Annie (on Broadway!) and a big girls tea party (awesome right!?) Here to help bring our daydreams just a little closer to reality are some distraction from around the web. Happy Wednesday!!!

* Beautiful and terrifying at the same time... if you love the ocean, THESE are for you

* Soooo, when can I move in?
* Slim-Fast wants dieters to look good doing the reverse cowgirl. Honesty is awesome.

* Lookin sharp NYC.

* I want to visit THIS bridge real bad (<-- something I never thought I'd say!)

* Dishing some ((un) warranted) celebrity hater-aide.

* No sh*t (better get some more water cups!)

* Fabulously adorable birthday dinner decor

* I would eat that "Walk Off" and that "Stratsburger" too.

* This is what diversity in fashion looks like.

* Just when you thought you knew the lowest depths of a Bridezilla...

* Dancing babies in fashionable adult-wear aka, adorable.

* Beauties in bloom.

* Sometimes you've just gotta dance. Hardcore.

* "Caution. Slippery Bacon"

Celebration

Hooray!

Do you know what Sunday is? Sunday is Seektobemerry's FIRST BIRTHDAY! Remember this:

HELLO!

I'm Meri and this is my blog. I live in Manhattan and I am constantly exploring and searching for the beautiful and interesting things in life. I seek to be merry at all times and this blog is a collection of the thoughts and ideas I hope will take me there.

*   *   *

Well, one year and 252 posts later (I only missed like 10 days! Speaking of which, sorry about yesterday:) here we are. When I started this little side project, I had no expectations. I wanted a place to be creative, to write and to share internet goodness of the adorable, amusing, trendy and tasty varieties. Mission accomplished. And the best and most unexpected part!? YOU GUYS. Way more people than I'd ever imagined are reading STBM and the friendly feedback and fun comments I get from all of you make my day every.single.time. It seriously rocks. So thank you for reading - I hope the year ahead brings more merriment for us all.

To celebrate, here's a collection of some of my favorite, and some of the most popular, posts from the past year. I have no idea how I'll keep it interesting next year, so let's just enjoy this original content and worry about that later!! xoxo, m

* How much is too much? * Big solutions start with small actions * Just a little comfort (object) * Valens * I Moustache you a question * You look tired * A Tribute * Dare to Bare? * My absolutely ridiculous b*tch list * Quirk it! * I'm in love with Joe * I want it all * Funnies for your Friday * It's better with a theme * Coming undone * A Stinky Situation * I want to go to there * On Vanity * Sit the F down * Going Bananas (b-a-n-a-n-a-s) * Pet Panic * Happily Ever After: Year One * Where the curvy girls at? * Something to smile about * Love in a digital age? * 

And of course, everywhere I've told you to go eat: Sammy's Roumanian Steakhouse, Meatball Factory, Oriental Gardens (Dim Sum), Chat n Chew, Socarrat Paella Bar, FRANK, Do Hwa, Miss Lily's, The Smile

A merry day...

Hopping Hedgehogs Having a Happy (Birthday) Hootinanny

There are lots of reasons why I think that birthdays are wonderful: Birthdays are a chance to bring together people you love (no better way to get loved ones to clear their calendar than playin the birthday card!); Birthdays are a chance to indulge (I firmly believe in a little birthday treat!); and Birthdays are a chance to start a new year (and vow to make it your best one yet).

Cake and hearts, 2 of my favorite things!

Though many people dread their birthday, or the idea of a date which reminds us that we're getting older, I advocate for embracing the day!! On your next birthday, celebrate your you-ness and remember that older can also mean happier. 

Buds for life (like me & Dr. H!)

Pursue something new that you love or just celebrate with someone who makes you smile (also, eat some ice cream?!). 

throw a mad tea party?!

Wishing you all a very merry un-birthday (unless today is your special day too!? :)