Will you be my Valentine?

I love love!!

In case you've been trapped under a wintery weather mix (or many feet of snow as I've heard our friends up in Boston are!) I'm here to remind you that Valentine's Day is right around the corner, this Saturday, February 14th. Now I don't subscribe to the overly commercial glorification of this "hallmark holiday", but I absolutely love love and I think any day that asks us to pause and appreciate the people we love is a day worth honoring. So here to help you forgo the sappy cards and do better than a box of red chocolate (though don't get me wrong, chocolate is good!) are some merry meri tips for the loviest holiday of them all!

Sometimes the best way to say I love you is with a cheesetastic homemade card! Thankfully I've got a bunch of amazing, adorable and easy DIY valentine ideas for you right HERE (seriously punny:)

* Merry Meri Tip: Valentine's Day means major markups at the florist and crowded restaurants with boring price fixe menus. Send your sweetie flowers in advance of the big day (they'll be just as appreciated on Thurs or Fri!) and since Valentine's Day falls on a weekend, consider a lovers brunch or lunch date to avoid the dinner crowds. Plan the day and then see where the night takes you:)

Want to be "that mom" who rocks your preschooler's Valentine's Day celebration harder than anyone else? How about these adorable "main squeeze" valentines?
Pin it HERE, Full tutorial HERE.
For more candy free valentine options, click HERE.

If you're looking to get crafty with your kiddo, I love this heart-inspired "Bee Mine" craft.

Pin it HERE, Full tutorial HERE.
Another cute kiddo craft idea from favorite blogger Naomi HERE.

Perhaps an adult themed craft is more what you had in mind!?
Amazingly easy step by step instructions for transforming the toy "bang" gun into a "bang me" gun (and where to get the gun) HERE.

* Merry Meri Tip: You don't have to spend a lot or go out to have a romantical night with your babe. Consider cooking together (order your first box of Blue Apron!?) or host your own semi-potluck where each of you is responsible for preparing a dish and you surprise one another with the final results! Set the dinner table with candles and the nice dishes (or at least don't eat at the coffee table (like we always do!)) and enjoy.

If you ask me, sentimental is always the way to go on Valentine's Day and nothing is more romantic than a hand written note. This year, consider getting old fashioned on your sweetie (or friend or beloved family member) and write them a note (or a bunch, like the pic above) telling them just how much you care.

And though Dr. H and I don't usually do big gifts for this holiday, that certainly doesn't mean gifts aren't lovely (right ladies!)? For some more awesome gift inspiration visit HERE (all under $40!); HERE (for him and her); HERE (the most adorable options); HERE (for ma high rollers); HERE (for him); HERE (edible, wearable and quirky), HERE (insanely easy and perfect for friends/coworkers)

Plus, some super cute cards (better than Hallmark!) HERE. Also, check out Urban Outfitters, they've got some serious greeting card game lately and though a bit overpriced, I think having a crude, sarcastic, sexy card is worth the extra $1!

* Merry Meri Tip: No significant other? No sweat!! One of my best Valentine's Days ever was a Gal-entine's Day (thanks Leslie Knope!) with my girlfriends in college. We held a "Secret St. Valentine" gift swap of gag gifts, played "pin the manhood on the man" and wore every share of red, pink and hearts that we owned. It was a BLAST. Love is love people, so spend your holiday with people you love!!

Juno it's snowing right?

current situation (3pm Monday)

Hey-o friends and lovers from snowy snowy NYC! Dr. H and I are hunkered down at home today and probably tomorrow as well (yay home office co-worker!), with a stocked fridge and a fresh supply of sweatpants. We're used to snow here, but not usually feet (plural) so all bets are off on how this goes down (good thing we've got Netflix and HBOGo #essentials). Later this week I've got some awesome winter vacation photos and a recap to finally share, as well as a review of the insane food moment I had at Parm on Saturday night, but until then, here are some essential tools for weathering this winter storm!

Hurry! Go grocery shopping right now and buy all the ingredients you need to make this delicious recipe. A little bit healthy (spinach!) and a lot a bit warm and filling (pasta! cheese!!) I'm excited to try this substitute-greek-yogurt-for-cream pasta dinner. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

No better time to try out a new hairdo than on a day when you're stuck indoors with time to kill (and nowhere specific to be!) I love this sassy ponytail not just for its effortlessly chic look, but also because it looks truly simple to execute. Give this style a try today (I know you've got nothing else to do!)

Stuck inside with kiddos for the next 48 hours? Click HERE, HERE, HERE (free printables!), HERE (recipes), HERE (snowman snowday party anyone!?) and HERE for some recommendations on how to make the most of/survive your snow day. 

Because you're clearly going to need something for dessert after that spinach artichoke pasta dish and an exhausting day of snow-related crafts, here's a Braided Nutella Bread. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE. (PS- want to make this idea so easy it's silly? Swap the dough recipe for a Pillsbury pre-made can of crescent rolls or other "bun" dough!!)

PS- I wonder if I'll be able to convince the hubby to head outside and play with me later!?

Homemade Halloween?

This post brought to you by the fabulous (parent)thetically speaking.

I write this as I take a break from one of 3 “sewing” projects that I’ve got going. I say “sewing” because while what I am doing involves taking two pieces of fabric and joining them with needle and thread, I am doing so in an incredibly crude and amateur way (7^th grade home ec for the win). My mom did give me her sewing machine, and boy is that a fear I need to conquer. So by hand is how I do.

star wand in progress.

My little girl has opted to be a pink sparkle flower star fairy (inspiration image here, she enjoys the PBK catalog, just like her momma). Homemade tutu and star wand are under way. She is so so excited about it, and that makes me so happy. Little Mister is still an age where he actually has no clue what Halloween or costumes are. So I figure this is the time to have fun with it. We were thisclose to having him be The Dude, but Harry Potter prevailed. I’m working on a fleece Gryffindor scarf (thank goodness it doesn’t have to be very long).

scarf-spiration

How do you do Halloween? Do you use what you’ve already got? Do you find an inspiration image and get supplies to bring it to life? Do you go to Party City and get the whole kit and caboodle taken care of in one shot? I see benefits to all paths. There are times when you want to be what you want to be, and store-bought is the easiest, and surest, way to get the complete vision. There are times when a mix is in order. Like Potter for instance. I’m making the scarf and wand. I bought a little black cape and a gray and scarlet sweater vest from a local kids consignment place. There’s just no way to DIY that stuff (with my skill level at least). 

I think the same can applied to most anything – homemade vs. store-bought…food especially. It comes down to what you have the time, skill, energy and enthusiasm for. (do you like how I ended that with a preposition? I’m 30 and I still don’t know how to avoid that…7^th grade language arts, not for the win) Do you have certain things where homemade is an absolute priority? Other things that are just as good off the rack?

For all things fabulously (parent)thetically speaking, click HERE.

For the Kiddos

Sassy summer Mama

Even though it’s easy to start getting the ho hums about summer whizzing by (have you seen the back-to-school commercials?) the reality is that summer is most definitely NOT over. In fact, we have an entire glorious month to go! And since the kiddos are still hanging at home (and parents/babysitters are likely running out of ideas and inspiration to keep them entertained) I thought today would be the perfect day to have a Summer Inspired For the Kiddos post. So round up the lovely littles in your life, check out the goodies below and let’s make the most of this August!

* Paper plates have never looked so good!

I love doing craft projects with little kids, especially ones that they can easily execute on their own. These 20 paper plate projects from Spoonful are low maintenance, low cost, and absolutely adorable. Sounds like the perfect children's activity no!? Pin ‘em HERE or visit the full site HERE.

* Close by and Hands Free

This gem comes from the supermom of my adorable niece and nephew (aka my sister-in-law) and I think you’re gonna LOVE it. Have you heard of the Go-Pod? If you haven’t, this easy to pack, pop-up and use contraption is perfect for your littlest babes who just want to be nearby and have a great view for the family BBQ, evening at the beach, or picnic in the park. Sold everywhere, the Go-Pod just might become your go-to for the 4-months and up member of your posse.

* Stylin' Summer Outfits

There are few things more adorable than babies in rompers; but I think babies in printed rompers might be one of them. I absolutely LOVE the collection of prints from Winter Water Factory, like those little fishies above or these anchors or maybe sailing ships? And while you’re shopping for baby clothes, don’t forget to check out what they carry for adults because those really are some sassy/fun prints!

* Deliciously Adorable

Stop right now- we have to go and make these Star Fish S’mores… that’s right, they’re S’MORES!! And while I confess this recipe is a bit more detail-oriented than what I typically go for, I think all you Betty Crockers’ out there should do it while the rest of us get inspired to make a simpler version (dip star-shaped sugar cookies in chocolate and then use the exterior instructions from there?)

* Make mealtime more merry!

How adorable is that plate? I just discovered that Shutterfly now has an entire home décor section including these fun plates that you can customize for the entire family (they remind me of those draw-on then bake-in-the-oven plates I made for all my grandparents as a kid!) These would make an adorable gift or how about a picnic perfect gingham and stripes combo for your own family!?  Let your kids help pick their favorite pictures and I guarantee dinner is about to get way more fun!

* Tips for Travelling with Littles

Summer vacations aren’t always easy when you have tiny travelers to contend with, but thankfully the always cheerful Naomi of Love Taza has some expert tips for hitting the road with kiddos while ensuring summer fun. From the obvious notes (be flexible with your schedule) to fun insider tips (cough up the $$$ for a centrally located hotel room to maximize time spent out and about), click HERE for Love Taza’s full list of tips.

Do you all have any fun summer plans? What do you do to keep the kiddos entertained on hot summer days?!

Be Mine.

Romance... transcends species.

With just 3 days to go until Valentine's Day, it is officially game time! If you haven't already, get those cards in the mail and be sure to schedule any delivery items asap (FYI boys, I don't think there's anything wrong with avoiding the rush/up-charge and having gifts arrive Thursday:) I know it's corny and commercial, but Valentine's Day is a moment to pause and share your love, and I don't think anyone should miss out! Here to guide you through the loveliest of holidays are a few final inspiring ideas for friends, lovers, kiddos and family. Plus, don't forget to visit past SeektobeMerry recommendations HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE!!!

Super easy to make (no baking required!) and beyond adorable to share with friends, I'm totally smitten with these "Cupid's Donut Hole Arrows". Click HERE to Pin it or HERE for the full instructions from Squirrelly Minds.

Looking for a way to keep your tiny Valentine occupied while you're hiding from the cold weather? This simple craft requires only paint and a perfectly pinched toilet paper roll to capture your heart (hehe). Pin it HERE.

And while we're on the subject of kiddos, here are 20 No Candy Valentine's for your young (or young at heart) buds.

Click HERE for the Pin or HERE to the site with links to each idea!

Gents, not sure how to show your heart to your lady? Well it couldn't be easier thanks to this awesome collection of adorable heart themed gifts curated by exPress-o:

Get all the details you need to make a purchase by clicking HERE.

And if you're wondering what to do on Valentine's Day... Time Out New York suggests THIS LIST and New York magazine has THIS AWESOME "Ditch Dinner and a Movie" list. Now get planning!!

Valentines-ing.

Fact.

Hello my loves and happy sunny, snowy Tuesday to you! With the countdown at 10 days to go, I thought I'd share a bit more Valentine's cheer from around the web. (To check out last week's love-a-licious post, click HERE.) Are you ready to share some love with all the special people in your life!?

These online Valentine's Day cards from Paperless Post are adorably witty and perfect for the favorite foodie in your life (plus an ecard is ridiculously easy to send!) Click HERE for the full page of seasonal options from my favorite online card creators!

* Click HERE for fifteen awesome, unique gifts (from pet portraits to personal chefs and family crests!) *

Another simple and sugar free way to ensure that your kiddo is giving out the best valentine's in his/her class (or maybe as a teacher-to-student valentine!?) These "Of all the fish in the sea, I'm glad you're in my school" goldfish goody bags are too cute for words and who doesn't love goldfish!? Click HERE to pin it, HERE for the original post.

All you need is a heart shaped cookie cutter and some fruit to pull off this healthy and seasonally sweet treat! (And I love that you get the watermelon heart cutouts and can fill the heat-shaped holes with smaller fruit like berries!) Can anyone say Valentine's brunch!? Pin it HERE.

Like what you see!? Click HERE for 10 awesome Valentine's Day ideas from the crazy crafty and always inspiriting Jordan over at Oh Happy Day.

PassovEaster

Moses parting the red (peep) sea. Genius!

Given that we had a snowstorm in NYC last night (what the whhhhhat!?), it's hard to wrap my head around the fact that the "spring holidays", Passover and Easter, are right around the corner. But by this time next week I'll be craving carbs like it's nobody's business and binging on the last of THESE guys while willing the sun to come out and live up to March's "out like a lamb" reputation. Until then, what better way to get into the spring spirit than by thinking about delicious holiday eats and treats!? Enjoy!

Are you ready to take your Matzah Pizza to the next level!? No longer just a "throw on some sauce and cheese" situation, consider making your pizza Margarita style with THIS simple recipe and for the more adventurous eaters, there's THIS Buffalo Mushroom Matzah Pizza (both recipes from the adorably named "WhatJewWannaEat, This Aint' Yo Bubbe's Blog"!)

These spring-y crafts are easy peasy (on right) and possibly destined for PinterestFail.com (on left). THIS "vase of flowers hidden in a bigger vase stylishly stuffed with Easter candy" centerpiece can be pulled off by just about anyone (the key is to get the flowers into the center vase and then creatively fill the larger vase around it). The Flower Umbrella on the other hand may require some skills. I can't find the step by step anywhere (I hate when people Pin without providing the right link!) but I think it's just a tall colorful umbrella (hook handle seems essential) with some bouquets (wrapped with damp paper towels and aluminum foil at the base?), faux eggs and craft grass/moss (available at Michaels) shoved into the top (using a pretty ribbon to prevent it all from sliding to the bottom). If any of you actually attempt this one, I'd love to see the finished product!

Matzah Lasagna 

This dish was a HUGE hit in my house last year, so even though I featured it in the 2012 Passover/Easter post, I promise it's worth repeating! Full recipe (which I used more as a guideline than word for word) HERE.

Peeps on chocolate covered pretzels!? YES PLEASE!!

These look so simple and so cute... might have to whip up a batch for my co-workers (who I've been promising a homemade sweet treat to for weeks!) Full tutorial HERE.

Perfect for the little bunnies
in your life!

Lastly, an adorable non-chocolate treat filled with everyone's favorite fishes. Easy and perfect as decor at each place setting or as a "goody bag" on the way out the door!

Will you be my valentine!?

Love-ly.

Hooray!! Valentine's Day is almost here!! As a girl obsessed with hearts, fresh flowers, date nights, special friends and my wonderful beyond imagination hubby, you know I'm ready to get down with cupid. Despite the overly commercial nature of Valentine's Day and Hallmark's emphasis on romance, I look at v-day as a chance to celebrate all the wonderful relationships in my life and to remind all the people I love, just how much they rock. To kick off our lovey week, here's a roundup of fabulous goodies for all the valentine's in  your life.

Heart Attack

If you put it in the mail first thing tomorrow, your "heart attack" should arrive just in time. Or maybe you need to leave it on your love's doorstep! Whoever the recipient, full inspiration for this adorable idea HERE.

Want to make a homemade card instead of spending forever in the greeting card aisle at CVS? How about "King of my Heart", "Queen of my Heart"? or maybe "Perfect Match"? More homemade holiday inspiration HERE.

A smashing good time!

There are lots of sweet treat ideas out there for Valentine's Day, but my favorite is this "smash cake" from You Are My Fave. Waayyyy easier to make than I would have guessed, this adorable dessert could be a perfect surprise for the chocolate lover in your life!

"You're the only fish in the sea for me!"

Holy cow cute! Whether you're sending your kiddie to school with Valentines for the class or want to make your co-workers think you're the craftiest colleague on the planet, these printables are for you! Available for purchase on Etsy HERE, you just purchase and print the template, then cut and package these fantastic fishies at home.

Crafty Little Things

It's Friday! Do your happy dance

Hooray for Friday!! Here to send you off into the long weekend are a few fantastically fun crafts I've recently discovered on Pinterest. Nothing too complicated, but a whole lot of "awwwww" and "cool!" and "why didn't I think of that!?" Enjoy!

Think spring!

A decorative way to grow and display fresh flowers!? Sign me up. To get the look: Fill a glass container about 1/3 of the way with marbles or decorative rocks. (Clear glass will enable you to watch the roots develop). Set the tulip bulb on top of the marbles/stones, pointed end UP. Add a few more marbles/rocks so that the bulb is surrounded but not covered (for support). Pour fresh water into the container. The water shouldn't touch the bulb, but it should be very close, so that the roots will grow in. Wait 4-6 weeks and then voila! 

DIY dishware

This one seems almost too good to be true it's so easy. Buy cheap glass dishware. Decorate with gold sharpie marker (think simple like dots or stripes or maybe for the more artistically brave, get silly with your sketches?). Bake at 350 for 30 min, then let cool in oven. The perfect way to create a whimsical custom look for your next dinner party!

So easy and obvious. Binder rings... DUH!

I am a massive collector of cards. I've saved sentimental notes from dozens of special people and moments in my life and they are truly treasures. What they aren't, however, is well organized or displayed. This binder rings idea is truly genius and definitely on my to do list. And a merry meri tip - if the card doesn't say it, be sure to write the date (with year!) on the back so you can always remember which special moment the card was commemorating.

I do not like green eggs and ham, but I LOVE these!

Ummm... it didn't occur to me to have an adult Dr. Seuss theme party until right now, but maybe a 1 fish, 2 fish, Lorax filled celebration needs to be on the horizon!? Whatever the age group, these lil guys were too cute not to share. 

Now all I need is some snow!!!