Get me OUT OF HERE!

This kid is a genius.

Today I have that mild headachy-burn-behind-the-eyes feeling because I've been working into the wee hours and last night also doing laundry (12:30am in the basement laundry room, totally normal) in advance of the insanely anticipated vacation I'm going on tomorrow (#JamaicanMe30 woop woooop!) I'm not complaining, because hello VACATION, but the "do it all now so vacation can be vacation" workload combined with my building excitement is making any level of focus today... interesting. And when focus is coming and going I thank the holy heavens for Pinterest. Here for your reading pleasure are some freshly mined gems from site that just keeps on giving (distractions... and procrastination... and mind numbing entertainment). Enjoy!

I'm not usually one for whites and pale pinks, but this bouquet is just stunning.

Well don't YOU just look like an out-of-this-world salty and sweet treat!?

If it could be done for just 24 hours, I'd totally do it.

Beautiful to look at and no doubt delightful to eat!

I never thought about it that way... 

I desperately want to slide on this slide.

Spring Attack

Who's ready for tulips!?

It is approximately 9:30am as I type this and I think I have wished at least 25 people a "happy first day of spring" already. HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!! From the moment I peeled my eyes open I've been in spring "attack mode" - mint green pants with gold flats (no socks!!!) my beloved striped trench coat, enthusiastic spring wishes to everyone from the doorman to the chick pouring my iced coffee (ICED coffee!) and even though temps are still a bit low, the official arrival of spring means the relentless cold of our snow-tastic winter MUST be behind us... right!? There is just something so refreshing, invigorating even, about this season. Here to celebrate spring are a few spring-a-licious goodies from around the web. Enjoy!!

After years of faithfully sporting black Converse, this weekend I'm going white. Chucks with a casual dress, with shorts or with cropped pants are an excellent uniform for spring (or if Converse aren't your speed, I adore my Keds and Toms and I've heard great things about Bensimon.)

Something about this "chicken bake" feels decidedly springy to me... Simply combine chopped tomatoes, a jar of artichoke hearts and ricotta cheese in a bowl (season as desired with salt, pepper, garlic, etc), then place in a casserole dish with lightly seasoned chicken breasts, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 until chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted (it's not an exact timing science since thickness of your chicken breast may vary!) Top with basil and perhaps serve with a side of tasty, healthy Shirataki noodles for a delicious and easy spring dinner!

How absolutely adorable are these Spring Chocolate Flower treats!? And even better is that they're beyond easy to create - all you need are pretzels, spring colored M&Ms and Hershey kisses! Click HERE to Pin it or HERE to go straight to the step by step instructions from The Frugal Gals.

Hello lover!

Lastly, click HERE for everything you need to know about what's going on in NYC this spring.

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"

Turning the corner...

Good moods are blooming...

What's that feeling in the air you ask?! It's sunshine and energy and the lightness of spring.  21 days until winter is officially behind us and don't even get me started on the gloriousness that is daylight savings... we've made it over the hump MONTH (seriously, December has the holidays, January you can endure, but by February you're like "F this shizz, gimme some spring") and now we say au revoir to our winter blues. In celebration of the end of February, here are some light-hearted, light-tasting and smile worthy biddies from around the web.

Veggie Quesadilla

Veggie Quesadillas are usually tough for me because I don't like bell peppers, but this unique recipe is filled with yummy spinach, goat cheese, caramelized onions and tomato. Sounds delicious (and easy!) Craving a bit more protein? I think grilled chicken or shrimp could be an excellent addition to the meal. Click HERE for the full recipe.

The gorgeous Justina...

One of the best things about reading blogs is how easily you can stumble upon something awesome that you'd never have discovered on your own. For example - 31bits, a totally amazing jewelry company making some totally amazing jewels. Featured on Justina's blog, 31Bits is currently providing 108 women in Gulu, Uganda with English lessons, finance  and vocational training, community groups and health education via their gorgeous bauble business. So when I add THIS stunning piece to my collection I can look and feel great.

So simple and so sweet. Help usher the brightness of spring into your home with THIS adorable craft or THIS "why didn't I think of that!?" use for those little spice shakers you can pick up cheap at Container Store or that you already have sitting empty at the bottom of your spice rack (am I the only one who has these!?)

Spring is coming. Yippee :)

Loving goodies.

Filled with love.

Even though Valentine's Day shouldn't be all about gifts, gifts sure are lovely aren't they!? And what better way to show someone you love how much you appreciate them than by sending a surprise goody their way!? Here are some great gift ideas for you and all the Valentines in your life. Happy (last minute!) shopping!

Love in Bloom.

Gentlemen, in my opinion you can do no wrong with flowers. Skip the 1-800-Flowers generic bouquets by searching Google for a local florist and I don't think there's anything wrong with having them arrive tomorrow to avoid the holiday markup and delivery crunch (they'll still be lovely on February 14th!) If you're in NYC, Sprout has a stunning collection of pre-designed bouquets at a very reasonable price point. Pre-order now!!

Dr. H and I received Pablo Neruda's collection of love poems as a wedding gift from a very thoughtful friend (who's also an English teacher!) and I think it would also make a beautiful Valentine's Day gift. Inscribe your own note in the front cover (maybe wrap with these adorable Anthropologie heart earrings!?) and let the woo'ing commence!

Dudes may not be into sentimental gifts the same way the ladies are, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with them! If your guy won't enjoy more standard gifts like nice cuff links, a new golf club or sports team apparel, consider this awesome hot dog roller (with bun warmer!), a box 'o deliciousness from the infamous Peter Luger's or perhaps a set of these hysterical Jack Spade "Stop Talking" cards (Dr. H, would you like to put in a request!?) 

Plan a date night somewhere unexpected.

Never been kissed at the top of the Empire State Building? Always wanted to ride through Central Park in a horse drawn carriage? Dying to see the Knicks in action!? Whatever the activity, think of something you and your Valentine love and do it together. Silence your cell phones and enjoy a few hours of old fashioned quality time for two.

And if you need more inspiration, here are a few great gift lists from around the web:

* Via CupofJo

* Via Anthropologie

* Via Peppermintbliss

* And a few more ideas for the dudes via ThePostGame.

Hump Day Distractions

You and especially YOU.

Hump day has arrived and somehow the weekend still seems soooooo far away. How ever will we make it through this grey Wednesday? Here's my best effort to distract you... I'm off to read celebrity gossip and browse Pinterest.

* I am a huge advocate of fresh flowers in the home at all times (it really does improve your mood!) Learn how to take a bodega bouquet from drab to florist fresh HERE.
* Thinking of purchasing THESE to solve the "flats for walking, but heels at work" pant length crisis. Has anyone tried them? Do they work!?

* A+ for effort kid. A+

* Never worry about missing "the good part" of the movie again [viaCupofJo]
* What an amazing endeavor by a father. What an amazing gift to his son.

* The most adorable look-a-likes you ever did see.

Hump Day Distractions

Dancing Polar Bear = I am officially distracted. Work it bear!!

Oh hey there Wednesday! Look at you sneakin up on me thanks to a lovely 3-day weekend shortening the week! It's rainy and grey here in NYC so I've been snuggling up with tea and willing Friday to arrive. Soon enough... In the meantime, allow the distractions to commence:

* Photobombs seriously crack me up!

* I'm skeptical about the ability to preserve freshness, but maybe it's worth a try?

* Dannnnnce to the music.

* I find Google Street view to be highly entertaining (also, ridiculously helpful). Apparently, so does THIS guy.

* Hey baby-makin friends... I am going to spoil your babies with adorableness from HERE.
* THIS is a pretty great story about how a moment of honest praise turned into something much much bigger.

* Now if that isn't the most darling thing!! 100% chance you see this as decor at the next shower/kiddie/girly party I'm involved in hosting.

* My wifi network name is not nearly creative enough