There is such thing, as too much of a good thing…

In the past 6 weeks I have travelled to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Louisville, Kentucky, Charleston, South Carolina, Portland, Maine and New Orleans, Louisiana. I have eaten some of the tastiest meals and drank plenty to wash them down. I’ve done a lot of dancing. (And in my spare time I left the company I worked at for over 5 years and started my own business…)

I have eaten (quite) well and travelled (very) often, potentially maxing out my own life’s motto of “une view a plein bord” and now it’s time to reset. I need to get back to some sort routine, or figure out a new routine as the case may be (perhaps each work-from-home-day should still start with brushing my teeth!?). I need to start taking better care of myself including making time for eating right and exercise (because I’ve blown through my entire supply of elastic waist-band pants). And because taking on any daunting task is better with a buddy… I’m bringing y’all with me. Welcome to Wellness Week my friends, where each day we are going to commit to do 1 thing we’ve been meaning to do that’s good for us.

Wellness Week Day 1 - Schedule those Appointments

We’ve all got the health appointment we’ve just been “too busy” to schedule. The dentist or dermo or orthopedist to check out a nagging pain... well the delaying stops now. Today, commit to making that call and scheduling your overdue checkup. Make it a priority. I promise, your body will thank you!

Peace out homies.

3 DAYS!!! 3 WHOLE DAYS!!!!

Friii-day... FRiiii-Day.... FRRRII-DAY.... FRIDAY... FRIDAY! WOOOOO!!! I feel like a deserve a freakin medal for surviving this endless week, but I will happily accept a long weekend instead!! Here for your viewing pleasure as we collectively count the minutes until quitin' time are some goodies of the Memorial Day and generally cool variety. 

This post from Domaine Home is a soup to nuts (or shall I say dip to pie!? hehe) summary of how to host the perfect Memorial Day weekend get together. Now who's inviting me over!?

And because who doesn't love a thematic cocktail (in a mason jar of course:) click HERE to learn how to make that America-tastic Patriotic Punch (or Pin it for July 4th HERE).

Sassy

Silly

Sweet.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Healthy Habit of the Month X.

So bright. So refreshing.

This post is the tenth installment of SeektobeMerry's "Healthy Habit of the Month" series. Sourced from my bff's at Weight Watchers, online articles and my own efforts to keep fit and trim, throughout 2013, I will attempt to integrate one new healthy habit into my life each month. Join me!

Another month gone by, another chance to check in and see how healthy we're feeling. For me, this is always a difficult time of year - as I pull out the warmer (bulkier) clothing and gravitate towards hardier meals, I also seem to have less free time for exercising (fall is always so busy!) and less motivation to "make the right decision" when it comes to what I eat. October's lack of focus leads to November's holiday feast and then before you know it we're surrounded by holiday party booze and h'ordeuvres reaching without thought for another round of peppermint bark (yum). With so much going on, I thought we'd benefit from a super easy and (supposedly) highly beneficial new daily habit...

Healthy Habit of the Month #10: Rise & Shine with Lemon Water
Once upon a time I incorporated a cup of hot lemon water into my morning routine and while it lasted (errr... 2 weeks?) it was good. You see, lemons are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber and research shows that consuming some lemon right after waking up is really good for you: "This is the best thing to consume upon waking, as it flushes the kidneys and the liver and alkalizes the blood. It also allows you to tune into whether or not you're really hungry." Lemon water has also been shown to de-bloat you, flush out the toxins in your body (by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver), improve complexion annnnnd aid with weight loss!!! (because of pectin fiber's presence in lemon, lemon water has the effect of reducing your hunger). Is this not the easiest and most wonderful idea? This month, vow to start every day with a glass of lemon water and get ready to feel like a brighter, lighter you!! (More information and sources for my factoids HERE, HERE and HERE).

Be sure to check out past "Healthy Habit of the Month" posts here: 

- Month 1: Adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal

- Month 2: Schedule a workout
- Month 3: Find an accountability buddy

- Month 4: Keep track (of your movement)

- Month 5: Challenge yourself

- Month 6: 1 Perfect Week
- Month 7: Sleep on it

- Month 8: Pack a Snack

- Month 9: Drink up!

Healthy Habit of the Month IX.

This post is the ninth installment of SeektobeMerry's "Healthy Habit of the Month" series. Sourced from my bff's at Weight Watchers, online articles and my own efforts to keep fit and trim, throughout 2013, I will attempt to integrate one new healthy habit into my life each month. Join me!

How are we doing my fitter, healthier, more productive friends? I am going to come right out with it and confess that this past month was not exactly the definition of health for me. My Jawbone Up band broke (it's been replaced, but those tracker-less weeks were weird!) and lots of travelling rocked healthy habits from my weekly work outs to packing snacks and filling up on fruits and veggies. Don't even get me started on sleep... Thankfully last week I had time to do a bit of a reboot and instead of letting it all go to hell, now I'm feeling empowered to get back to healthy living (with the occasional chili cheese fries of course). Every day is a new day to make good decisions right? And speaking of good decisions...

Health Habit of the Month #9: Drink Up!

Did you know that about 40% of Americans drink less than half of recommended amounts of water each day!? Recently, the First Lady launched a new campaign urging people to make an effort to choose water over sugary and caffeinated drinks and to generally increase their water intake. Though the campaign has received some criticism, most resources out there agree that drinking water is real good for us! Water is credited with maintaining a healthy internal balance (bodily fluids are involved in digestion, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature), aiding with weight control (drink a little more and you'll likely eat a little less!), maintaining high energy levels (water helps replenish muscles) and fresh, healthy looking skin (dehydration leads to drying and cracking). This month, commit to drinking enough water every day ("enough" should be more than a couple glasses - so that you aren't thirsty and your potty trips are "mostly clear") and help make that happen by keeping a favorite water bottle nearby. If it's there, I bet you'll drink it! And if water isn't your favorite, investing in a Sodastream and making your own seltzer is another great way to get the H20 you need! Happy drinking :)

Be sure to check out past "Healthy Habit of the Month" posts here: 

- Month 1: Adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal

- Month 2: Schedule a workout
- Month 3: Find an accountability buddy

- Month 4: Keep track (of your movement)

- Month 5: Challenge yourself

- Month 6: 1 Perfect Week
- Month 7: Sleep on it

- Month 8: Pack a Snack

Have a wonderful weekend

Be kind, but also... :)

Got any fun weekend plans!? I'll be swimming in a sea of niece/nephew lovin and hopefully enjoying some summer sunshine. I can't wait :) Here to send you into the weekend is a bit of crafty/drinky inspiration and a little something fun to make you smile. Enjoy!

Make a Monster!

Enjoy a "Summer Shandy"
(light beer, lemonade & peach brandy)

hehe.

Have a good one!

Eat, Drink and be Merry!

Ice cream season is coming!!!

Well if this wasn't the longest 3-day week EVER! Between the cold and then the construction  debacle and getting absolutely beasted by a post-vacation deluge of work, I'm ready for the weekend big time. Maybe it will even be warm and sunny enough to warrant my first visit with Mr. Softee!? I could use some Mr. Softee... Here to ensure a fun few days ahead are some eats, a drink and a little something to make you smile. See you next week!!

Superfood Quinoa Salad. YUM.

I always struggle to find ways to kick quinoa up a notch (it's like pasta's healthier, bland cousin) but this shrimp quinoa salad looks like it just might do the trick.  Click HERE for the full recipe, including homemade lemon vinaigarette dressing (which is so easy, I can't wait to try it!) 

Tuxedo Greyhound

Could there be a cocktail more spring-y looking cocktail than these "Tuxedo Greyhounds"!? Comprised of grapefruit juice, simple syrup (granulated sugar and water), vodka and champagne (precise mixology instructions HERE) I might have to channel my inner Megan Draper and sip one of these lovelies while watching Sunday night's Mad Men season premiere (anyone else SO excited!? Full recap of last season to get you ready courtesy of Rolling Stone mag HERE). So very Zou Bisou Bisou.

Be merry!!

Hump Day Distractions

Royal problems.

Well hello there! Fancy seeing you here... or maybe I should say, fancying seeing me here!? Dr. H and I are back from our everything-awesome(except Disney World)-Florida adventure (grandparents, siblings, Miami oh my!) and now I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. I've got some fresh ideas, delicious adventures and beautiful photos in store for you, but for now, let's hump this week all the way to Thursday!

* Would you be willing to sell yourself to investors?

* Is it weird that I have been home less than 24 hours and I'm already thinking about where to get my next drink!?

* So you're saying that paper scissors are not meant for cutting bangs?

* Dear future offspring. Cannot wait to dress you in one of THESE (too cute for words!)

* The financial district is about to give us some new soaring views.

* I want you on my toesies pronto.

* Just in case you needed a reason (or 6!) to sleep naked.

* I do not think this person has a future in real estate (and I wonder if he ever sold the house!)

Get me a cocktail!

Grey Goose martini. Dirty. Extra olives - that's me.

Ever have one of thoooose weeks? You know the kind... you're workin it hard core at the office, juggling a ton of personal projects at home and are just in desperate need of a DRINK?!? Well, I am having one of thoooose weeks and if you're there with me, have I got the post for you! No expert mixologists needed, just stop at the liquor store on your way home and whip up a little something to take the edge off tonight.

Blended Raspberry Cocktail

1/2 cup ice or several ice cubes; 8 ounces Minute Maid Light Raspberry Passion; 1 1/2 ounces vodka. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better (or easier) than that - this lil cocktail is just 115 calories! (I might try adding a few crushed raspberries for extra berry goodness).

"Grown Up" Root Beer Float

Two ways to make this bad boy: 1. Root beer (I like Diet A&W Root Beer best), Pinnacle Whip vodka and a dollop of vanilla ice cream to top it off (whipped cream works too!); or 2. if Pinnacle is too "flavored" for your taste buds, switch it out for plain vanilla vodka. Makes a sweet treat that will leave you feeling saucy:)

The Cayman Lemonade

Watch out ladies... this one's gonna go down easy! A few more ingredients than I usually prefer, this cocktail seems worth the effort - 1 oz Vodka; 1 oz Triple Sec; 1 oz Peach Schnapps; Cranberry juice; and Club Soda. Mix the vodka, triple sec and peach schnapps in a shaker, pour over ice, add a squeeze of lime, a splash of cranberry juice and club soda, stir and enjoy. (Easy peasy imitation: Crystal Light lemonade, vodka, splash of club soda. BOOM!)

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.

Feeling happy (hour).

Summa summa summa tiiime...

Well would you look at that..! The sun is shining, the temperature is climbing and it's FRIDAY! Woop woop!! As spring fades into summer (is Memorial Day really just 1 weekend away!?) I find myself longing to be outside at every possible moment, motivated by blue skies (and a potential suntan) to take all activities outdoors. While it's nice to escape the gym or picnic in the park, my absolute favorite migration involves cocktails, beer and the happiest of hours. Gone are the winter months in dark dive bars and window-less wine cellars, bring on the rooftops, gardens and sidewalk seating. Here for your enjoyment are a few of my favorite NYC outdoor spots or click HERE and HERE for suggestions from the "experts"!

The Standard Beer Garden is my go to for the perfect combination of outdoor casual and swanky cool. Situated under the High Line, you can find me at this meatpacking district hot spot clutching a giant beer stein (or two!) while Dr. H hits up the ping pong tables. 

Not many flowers in this garden, but plenty of beer.

There's something so quintessentially summer about waterfront boozing. NYC, comprised of several islands and a few rivers has a ton of great waterfront options including the truly unique Frying Pan. Located on the Hudson at 26th street, the Frying Pan is an actual boat (which was restored after sinking in the Chesapeake!) serving up buckets of beer and a solid "bar food" menu. 

Take me to the river.

Want to eat a ridiculously amazing burger while sippin' drinks and gazing at the Empire State Building? If yes, Rare View,  the Rare restaurant group's rooftop locations in Chelsea and "at Lexington" are for you. Start on the roof with cocktails and the DJ, and head downstairs for one of my favorite burgers  in all of Manhattan when your post-happy hour, "I serrrriously need to eat something" hunger kicks in!     

NYC from the top

I am not Irish...

Unlucky, but beautiful

...but I dig St. Patricks Day.  There are obvious reasons (it's my sister's birthday; I usually enjoy tasty cold beers) and less obvious reasons (jade green is one of my favorite colors to wear; I love green bagels). Though I needed Wiki to tell you that the holiday commemorates not just St. Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), but also the arrival of Christianity in Ireland (what about leprechauns!?) there's just something awesome about St. Patty's. 

I mean, you get to start your day like THIS!
(via Thoughtfully Simple)

Your bagel store is out of green bagels!? Don't sweat, all you need is pancake mix and green food coloring (extra points for festive embellishments!)

Because not everyone likes to drink beer

Yes, St. Patty's is traditionally associated with the Irish ability to drink like a fish (has this been proven by science?) but, I can appreciate a holiday mandate to gather with friends and throw a few back. (Drink responsibly!)

HOLY whhhhhat!? 

If I wasn't still eating leftovers from my celebration of Oreo's 100th Birthday last week, I'd definitely be making these. 

I love Pringles and leprechauns! 

There are a ridiculous number of leprechaun themed crafts out there. I think my mom still has the cone-shaped leprechauns I made in elementary school (remember THIS? It must run in the family:)

Whatever your plans, may we all have the "luck o' the Irish" and a good time this Saturday!