What day is it? (no, seriously)

Shut UP with this cuteness.

Do you want to know how out of it I am this week? I am so out of it that I spent literally all day yesterday thinking that it was Tuesday. Like posted a non-hump day post and bookmarked links that would be "good for tomorrow's hump day post" and only realized it was Wednesday when Modern Family and Nashville started recording on my DVR around 9pm. That's right, my ability to navigate the days of the week is now officially dependent on television programming (#shouldIbemoreembarassed?). So here, on a one day delay, are some delightful distractions from around the web. Here's hoping I don't get ahead of myself and think tomorrow is Saturday and forget to post...

* Wise words to remember.

* There is such thing as a "meatball sub cupcake" and THIS is how you make it. YES.

* Frogs. So many hungry frogs. (thanks Mom!)

* So I pretty much want one of everything from this Etsy store...

*Amazing Autumn.

* I really like everything I've seen of the new ad campaign from Under Armour, but especially this spot with Gisele.

* A refreshing and unique take on the value of having a stay-at-home parent in your family.

* No one can tell Dr. H about this... NO ONE!!!

* Gotta love a good smart ass.

Bling Thing.

or a ruby, or sapphire, or emerald... 

I have always been a lover of all things sparkly, statement, subtle or blingy, but lately I feel like I've stumbled upon some serious jewelry realness across the internets. From bold and blinged out cuffs to dainty chains and charms, here are some beauties worth adding to your collection.

How ridiculously rad is that bracelet!? Custom options just like it are available via the Etsy shop Doloris Petunia and it's only a matter of time before I place my order. I also love the shop's Swarovski friendship bracelets ($28 each) and a stack of Jelly Jems ($18 each or 3 for $45) are the cutest take on the jelly band trend I've ever seen! So pop over to Doloris Petunia and check out her collection of jewels, headpieces and more today!

On the opposite end of the jewelry spectrum, I was excited to discover designer Meira T's collection which is full of dainty charms and chains that make for beautiful everyday outfit accents. From moons and stars to feathers and gemstones, these necklaces come with a significant price tag, but promise to be an elegant yet unique piece that will withstand the test of time in your jewelry box. 

Another Etsy gem comes from StarryBasement Co. whose location cuff caught my eye on Pinterest and led to a treasure trove of adorable cuffs bearing inspirational quotes and customizable messages. Priced reasonably at approximately $20 each (depending on your metal choice), I'd love a stack of copper, silver and gold bracelets for myself, or maybe there's a certainly newly engaged girl who might need this anniversary cuff one day!?

Did you know that Madewell has a seriously awesome jewelry collection? Because they totally do!! I bought this "Knotish" necklace last spring and receive compliments every time I wear it and that's just one example. From bold statements to simple elegance, be sure to check out Madewell next time you're on the hunt for a new piece or bling!

For the Kiddos

Hey kiddo!

After spending 4 days in Atlanta with my beyond delightful 3 year old niece and brand spankin new little nephew, I have developed a severe case of baby brain. Not to be confused with "want a baby" brain, my baby brain is just a constant state of kid-filled daydreams which get me super excited for the day when Dr. H and I decide to start a family (because from what I can tell, having a family is awesome:) To hold me over until that day, (and to share all the ideas and info I've been hoarding for it!) here's the latest installment of "For the Kiddos". Enjoy!

I'm absolutely in love with the adorable shirts and leggings available in the Spoon x Chogre Etsy shop! Made of organic cotton and covered in colorful, unique prints, I can't wait to have a tiny human to dress in these shirts!

Want a craft activity for your toddler that doubles as an adorable gift? How about you "send a hug"!? The perfect way to send love to far away relatives, this 3 ingredient craft (paper + scissors + markers/crayons) is sure to be a hit with your kiddo as well. (Original post HERE.)

Pretty much the coolest way to store your kids Legos. Ever. (Also, an excuse to eat Cheese Balls!)

Toddler proof your doors for the cost of 1 pool noodle. It's all about improvising people!!!

Breakfast is always better with (smiling) monsters! Turning morning oatmeal into an adorable treat using THIS simple step-by-step tutorial. You've probably already got everything you need except the edible marker (and I think every kitchen should probably have an edible marker:)

Parental Reading.
Here are a few kiddo-related books I've recently heard very good things about around the web:

* How to Have Your Second Child First: 100 Things That Are Good to Know... the First Time Around

* All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood (not how parents effect kids, how kids effect parents)
* Real Food For Mother and Baby (a book about just giving your kids all the good stuff you're eating).

And here are a few interesting articles that got me thinking:

* Comparing American parenting techniques to those in other countries (REALLY fascinating)
* Why Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes.

* 7 Secrets to raising happy kids? Sure, why not!!?
* 10 common mistakes parents make - a REALLY interesting look at what parents do now and how it may impact the long term health and well being of their kids. 

Plus, a few things you just might need to buy:

* Must have baby items according to Cup of Jo.

* The perfect high chair solution for apartments dwellers and others without a ton of space.

* Got a little one waking you up before the sun!? Maybe this "ok to wake" clock is the solution?!

Hump Day Distractions

HAHAHA

Knock Knock.        ~        Who's There?        ~        Snow.         ~        Snow Who?

Snowbody cares that it's snowing again Meri!!!

But it is. And this time there's a sh*t ton (official amount) of ice as well. Bananas. (b-a-n-a-n-a-s). Flooded streets, slick sidewalks, it's freakin paradise I tell  ya!!

Anyways, for those of you snuggled at home, stuck at work, or basking in the glory of living anywhere other than the northeast, here are a ton of delightful distractions. Enjoy!

* THIS Etsy shop has the most adorable little items (so many Valentine's Day ideas) and if you click HERE, you can enter to win a custom "Love Ring". Awwww.
* Quinoa as breading. I am intrigued.
* This video will absolutely melt your heart.
* THIS app is the most glamorous way to get your hair did (also would make an awesome gift for a new mommy or friend on the mend from surgery!) Can't wait for an excuse to try  it out.
* Absolutely obsessed with this loft space (the all white, ehhh not so much)
* The Super Bowl had a just teaser, but the entire video is absolutely worth watching.
* Get me the hell out of here (on a budget!) 
* Old people are awesome.

(pin) there, done that

(pin) there, done that.

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

Our fearless leader, Ms. Merry Meri recently talked about some (adorable) items and ideas that she has pinned for possible-future-bambino(s). I can vouch for the awesomesauce-iness of one of those items, the bow-tie onesie from Haddon & Co. (it’s as dapper as it looks). Her post got me thinking about other home runs scored on Pinterest and the times that I struck out swinging…(nice little baseball metaphor, huh? sometimes you just have to let it happen).

* I made this for my guest room – I painted the canvas an accent color and added in a second dot color. I love the finished result.

* This chicken recipe was not so good, I’m not sure where it went wrong. Too much lemon maybe? And soggy green beans, yuck.

* A headband holder was in order for J’s room – iced tea mix container for the win. (I actually took a headband to the grocery store with me and walked around sliding it onto containers until I found one big enough. I have the Ziploc bag with 3 lbs of iced tea mix to prove it.) She loves that she can get her headbands all by herself.

yum!

* Last year, right before Passover, I made this bread. It was the perfect way to carb-load before the holiday got under way. I would like to make it again and try this soup for dipping.

* Fail. I tried so hard to make this work, but it was just not meant to be. I think I used the wrong foam and the wrong greenery. I ended up buying a moss ball from Michaels and shoving (literally…I’m not being dramatic) on the tied-up sticks.

* And I am smack-dab in the middle of an Etsy-inspired project that could either be a success or a dud. Its fate lies with my hot glue gun.

Going through my pins as I wrote this, I realized how many ideas were lying dormant in my boards – so I am off to DIY, cook, organize and create a unique, functional wall shelf by simply hanging an old baby grand piano on the wall (I mean, c’mon. if you get a little lost in Pinterest-fantasy-land, click on over here for a reality check)

not going to happen, Pinterest.

Part of the fun of Pinterest is talking about it with fellow addicts! What have been some of your most successful pins? Any flops? 

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