Strong is the New Pretty.

I am always drawn to ad campaigns, articles and stories about ways we can instill gender equality in children and how to raise young men and women without typecasting their surroundings as "girlie" or "boyish". I'm definitely guilty of defaulting to "you look so pretty" with little girls and buying toy trucks for boys, but improving the message is important - we need to approach raising boys and girls more equally, specifically without marginalizing girls into believing that strength, smarts, energy and leadership skills make them a tomboy, know-it-all, wild or bossy. There's no doubt then, why these amazing photographs caught my eye.

Taken by Kate T. Parker, a mother, wife and commercial photographer, Parker says "I suddenly realized, wow, all of my strongest images are of my girls just being themselves — their freckled, emotional, sometimes dirty, messy selves.” How badass do her daughters and their friends look in these pictures!?

And what I love even more about Parker's viewpoint is that she doesn't mean to exclude anyone - "the project, she clarifies, is not about “taking out” girls who like the color pink and act in ways that might be considered traditionally feminine. Quite the opposite, actually: “Whatever your kids are, celebrate that.""

Isn't it awesome to imagine a world where a girl who loves to run around outside and a boy who prefers playing with a toy kitchen doesn't seem "off"? A world where kids get to be their authentic selves without culturally encouraged norms pushing them to behave, dress or think a certain way? I think we're in better shape than we've ever been before, but there's still a long way to go. Baby steps for our babies though right!?

ps - If you're interested in some AWESOME kids clothing that totally does away with gender stereotypes (but still looks adorable), click HERE.

Noble Nobel

Malala Yousafzai

Today I would like to honor the incredible Malala Yousafzai who just this morning became the youngest person and first Pakistani, to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In case you've somehow missed her story, Malala, age 17, is a human rights advocate who, when she was 15, was shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning on behalf of girls’ education in the Swat Valley of Pakistan (where the local Taliban banned girls from attending school). I love Malala for her courage, her eloquence and her message of peace. I love Malala because she reminds me of a wonderful friend who would have been over the moon to see women's education have such a heroic advocate. I love Malala because she gives me hope that goodness can prevail. Learn more about Malala and how you can help support and empower girls through education, click HERE. 

Some thoughts on friendship...

Matching bracelets: the official symbol of girly friendship since Forever.

I just got back from 4 days vacation with my "lady loves" and their guys. I met several of these girls in elementary school and all of them by age 13. An identifiable clique in high school (with pictures galore to prove it!) our interests varied from sports and theater to student government and studying (we be smarties if I do say so myself!) And as we grew up and apart in our day to day, we grew closer at heart, connected by the strength of a shared history and one epic group email chain. When one of our own was tragically taken from us in 2011, we leaned on one another to cope and committed that very week to taking a trip celebrating our friendship sometime soon. 

3 years and one journey to Jamaica later, our friendship is deeper than most would think possible (or sane... Dr. H stared in disbelief when I told him 3 of us were reuniting tonight to workout and we were planning a full group dinner for early Aug!) Friendship, especially for girls, can be tricky to maintain, but a mix of love, respect, compromise and hard work just might be our secret. Love is the obvious one, but the other three are where I think we really shine. You see, my girls and I are not at all "the same"; though we have many shared values, we have dramatically different lines of work, day-to-day lifestyles, taste in men... you name it! But we click because we respect each other tremendously and we compromise (or even sacrifice) in the name of avoiding conflict. And then there is the hard work. We email and call and text, make plans, reach out, send gifts and provide mountains of support even when it isn't convenient or easy. It's as though we all silently agreed to "just do it" because we knew the benefits would far outweigh the effort. And they do. My girls are one of the greatest joys in my life and I feel blessed everyday to have them. So here's to my girls and yours and to best friendship and all it entails. 

Hump Day Distractions

Hellz yes you are granny!

So this week the universe is all like "Come and get it girl!" and I'm like "Ready or not, here I come!" and it's been exhausting and exhilarating and crazy... and I think I kinda love it:) And even though the insanity led to a quiet day around these parts yesterday, fret not... this bloggity blog has a place deep in my heart so it ain't goin no where!! I hope that all of you are having a similarly inspiring week filled with new opportunities, exciting activities and some delightful hump day distractions. xox

* Ever stand on the beach and stare out to the ocean and wonder who is across from you!?

* If you live in NYC and like the Rangers, THIS is probably your best chance at scoring tickets to the Stanley Cup Final (plus the money goes to charity!!)
* The perfect fruit salad to whip up for your next summer BBQ 

* I think I just might need you in my closet :)

* Dear God Mets, this is disgusting (also, you make me SO proud).
* Zosia Mamet (Girls) makes an excellent point about being unafraid of not leaning in.

* I have absolutely always wondered what goes on inside the dishwasher... and now I know.

* I personally go big or go home when it comes to fast food, but in case you're a healthier human than I, there's THIS.

* These ads are brilliant, thought provoking, powerful and (hopefully) effective.

* Every single one of these is true (and I'm not even technically 30 yet!!!)

Girls on the Internet.

Yes. Yes please now.

I can clearly remember several years ago, sitting on my living room couch with 2 girlfriends, surfing the internet for engagement rings. I wasn't really in the market at that time, but it can't hurt to look right!? Then came wedding dresses, so many hours spent browsing for dresses, even with friends who were already married or not even engaged. It was just the girlish thrill of looking at those gorgeous gowns and we were all doing it so that made the obsession seem acceptable.. 

Well now it's real estate. Apartments, houses... doesn't matter that I'm locked into a lease until this fall and nowhere near financially able to buy, Dr. H receives emails of  "dream home" listings several times per month. Gone are the diamonds and dresses, now I fantasize about crown molding and tall windows, parquet floors and built-in bookshelves. And at first I thought maybe I was a little whack-a-doo (I am), spending time pouring over real estate listings for really no reason, until a girlfriend showed me her Trulia App, which she said she uses to casually peruse listings from her phone whenever she's bored, despite the fact that she moved to a new home very recently! I instantly felt better, at least I'm not alone!! And besides, I've got Pinterest boards filled with decor for an imaginary home, might as well start shopping right!? What do you spend your time, wasting your time, browsing the internet for?

Who run the world!? (#BanBossy)

 

Have you ever heard someone call a little boy bossy? What about a male colleague or friend? I never thought much about this until reading (the awesome) Sheryl Sandberg's book, Lean In (READ it!), but when she talked about this interesting social "habit" of labeling outspoken girls who exhibit leadership skills as bossy, it really struck a chord with me. You see, I was definitely a "bossy" little girl (shocking I know!) but in hind site, I was probably just louder than many other kids, always willing to volunteer my ideas, plans or take the lead. These are all valuable life skills that immediately take on a negative connotation when the person who possesses them is described as "bossy."

Well this morning, I was pumped when my Facebook feed was filled with people sharing the #BanBossy campaign website (yay social media!). BanBossy.com is a partnership between LeanIn.org and the Girls Scouts of America which serves not only as a platform to raise awareness about our cultural use of the word "bossy", but also hard facts about the impact it has on young girls as well as leadership resources for women, parents, teachers, managers and troop leaders (aka, everyone).

Did you know:

- Girls are twice as likely as boys to worry that leadership roles will make them seem "bossy"

- Both boys and girls believe it's easier for men to become leaders

- Women make up just 19% of US Congress, 5% of Fortune 1,000 CEOs and 17% of corporate boards

I cannot tell you how much I take this campaign to heart. Even though my "bossy girl" fears may not show on the outside, on the inside I'm often riddled with self-consciousness, worried I am "too in charge" or make too many suggestions or plans in group situations. Well bossy girl no more!!!! Today is the day I work harder to put my own insecurities to rest and champion this campaign to help all the little ladies in my life. Because, to quote my "run the world" sassy female idol Beyonce, "I'm not bossy, I'm the boss"* 

To visit Ban Bossy, click HERE.

To listen to Sheryl Sandberg talk about why "bossy" should be banned, click HERE.

And for one more great article on this campaign, HERE.

*bow down bitches.

The morning after...

Actual bachelorette weekend scene. Yup...

This past weekend I went to Atlantic City with my girls for a bachelorette celebration. The weekend was a success of the most epic proportions, as evidenced by the fact that I was able to capture these two stunning shots yesterday:

That's sunrise... I don't think any further explanation is required for why I do not have a more entertaining post for you today. So please accept my apologies, wish me luck procuring enough caffeine to survive the workday and click HERE for an "escape the Monday madness "smile. 

Girls Weekend!

SATC OGs

Here's hoping your weekend is so full of happiness and laughter 
that you can feel it all over again when you look at the pictures on Monday. Ciao beauties!

(PS- if you're in NYC, I think it might be an amazeballs idea to head over to Williamsburg in search of THIS.)

Feeling the heat...

Thick thigh beauty

Maybe the intense heat wave we're having in NYC has officially roasted my brains, but for today's post I'm really gonna "go there". Ladies, let's talk about Chub-Rub. Chub-Rub is a term coined by my sister and I many years ago to describe the horrible between-the-legs rubbing that occurs on any woman with more than 1% body fat (this is an approximation, but if your thighs don't touch when you walk, I assume you are a super model). Turns out chub-rub is a pretty common thing, in both name and general bane-of-female-existence-ness. There's nothing worse than wearing a skirt or dress on a hot day and having the friction sneak up on you. Not every outfit can accommodate bike shorts underneath (though when it can, that's a GREAT solution) and no woman wants to be caught doing the chub-rub waddle.

Thankfully for us all, toiletry companies are in on the Chub-Rub dilemma and have developed a multitude of products to assist us thick-thigh'ed ladies in our times of greatest need. Thankfully for YOU, I've taken 3 of these products for a test drive and have an official Merry Meri Chub-Rub Relief Report.

The Products.

Body Glide Anti-Chafing Stick

This product was my first ever in the anti-chafing category, discovered at a sporting goods store during the summer I trained for the Marine Corps Marathon. The deodorant-like stick is easy and mess free during application and there isn't an overly slick or greasy feeling where you apply it. The relief lasts for hours at a time making this product perfect for a workout or for a hot day (though if I'm going all day, I do need to re-apply once or twice).

Merry Meri Verdict: Awesome product, especially for exercising, but bulky packaging for day-to-day use; definitely going to check out the "for her" product when my current stick runs out.

New-Skin Anti-Chafing Spray
I purchased this product last week when a day of running errands on bike and foot led to a desperate moment in the Duane Reade first aid aisle. I love New-Skin's blister products and was drawn to the mess-free spray application and purse friendly size packaging. The promise of cooling relief was accurate, but the non-greasy claim was not. Well it wasn't exactly greasy... but slick isn't a good thing either. This product provides relief, but leaves you feeling a bit too lubed up (hehe) and I also had to re-apply more than once.

Merry Meri Verdict: Good in a pinch, but unlikely to become a staple in my medicine cabinet

Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

Girls, get over the fact that it's made by "Monistat", this product is the real deal. My favorite anti-chafing product for day-to-day use, after application this gel dries completely into what truly feels like fresh powder right where you need it. Available in a small, purse friendly tube, other than a small deduction for the fact that you have to apply by hand, this is my top choice for Chub-Rub combat. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Winner!! Great for all day (same as Body Glide, all day = re-apply once or twice) and according to the product reviews, also apparently an amazing makeup primer!?

Note that all of these anti-chafing products can be used anywhere on your body that you're getting an uncomfortable rub (underarms, underboob...!) and for a few other product suggestions, click HERE. (And a nifty little "fake your thigh gap" photo trick HERE!)

Who run the world?

Preach!

Did you know that today is International Women's Day? Throughout the world, celebrations range from remembering general sentiments (commitments to respect, appreciation and love towards women) to acknowledging more tangible accomplishments (women's economic, political and social achievements). Observed for the first time in 1909 (following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America) in the western world, International Women's Day became a more well-known popular event in 1977 when the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women's rights and world peace. (Thanks Wiki!)

Now you're probably thinking "this shizz is right up Meri's alley" she's all "I want it all" (HERE) and "celebrate my accomplishments" (HERE) but something about International Women's Day just sorta irks me. I admit, women often travel a tougher road than men and far too many women face brutal discrimination and a complete lack of basic human rights; extra attention needs to be paid for sure, but is elevating women's problems over general societal inequalities really the answer? Maybe, but I'm not completely sold. I believe that if we focused on equality as a general concept, women would find allies among other disenfranchised groups and we could elevate the rights of all instead of just the rights of "she". Studies have proven that supporting women (via education, financial assistance and basic medical care) often lifts a community as a whole better than providing that same support to men, so maybe instead of a day that focuses on women as group in need, we can work towards a global culture that recognizes women as a most powerful tool. Intelligent, capable and caring individuals with as much ability to impact positive change on the world as anybody else. So whether it's "our" day or any other day... go get em girls!

And on a completely unrelated note...

Yesterday's snowstorm finally decided to make an appearance. Way to go weather(wo)man. Happy Weekend!!

Naked Lena Dunham

Lena knows her nudity is overdone. She does not care!

Did you catch the Season 2 premiere of Girls last night or is it still on your DVR because of the Golden Globes? Thankfully, I'm a seasoned television junkie who managed a mixture of live and recorded shows to get a full night of television accomplished. Which brings me back to Girls, and naked Lena Dunham. Lena, the brilliant, hysterical and uniquely beautiful woman that she is, seems to have a thing for getting naked on her show (even Amy and Tina made fun of it during their monologue). Within the first 5 minutes of the new episode, Lena boob was front and center and it ended with a full Lena moon.

"She's just so NOT attractive" Dr. H (and so many others) said. "It's like... uncomfortable to watch. I hate it," and this for some reason makes me realllllll feisty. I'm not all "She's a real woman! Hollywood should just embrace it!" because honestly, Lena's body is not something most aspire to and I like (sadistically and with admiration) stunning celebrity women. But people of all shapes and sizes get naked in real life, so why not on tv? Flawed funny men have been baring all for ages (Jason Segal in Forgetting Sarah Marshall? Will Ferrell in, like, everything!?) and that is somehow funny, not gross. So I say, Lena, take it all off! Keep making people squirm until maybe they realize that there's nothing to squirm about. TV creates imaginary worlds, beautiful worlds and depictions of the real world, so if you and your cast mates feel the need to constantly strip down, why the hell not?

PS- Amy... Tina... you rock. Honestly.

Hump Day Distractions

'staches for everyone!

Today is not Friday, but at least it's not Monday right?! Am I right?! Here to help you navigate the boredom of the day is a whole butt load (that's the technical term of course) of delightful distractions. Happy humping.

* A most unusual classroom. Better or worse than the norm?

* I've already ordered THESE awesome lil guys (Sis I hope you're excited!)

* The fabulous HBO series Girls is returning Sunday (woo hoo!) Click HERE and HERE for cast and costume goodness
* T Swift remixed with Jackson 5... you know you want to (on repeat:)

* Malted Milkball Krispie Treats. 100% happening. Soon.
* Al, this is what we call "TMI".
* What a brilliant gift idea for the cute kiddies in your life.

* These are so wrong... and SO funny.

Hump Day Distractions

I am here to support you too.

Welcome to your weekly installment of Hump Day Distractions where I've got a little bit of Olympic goodness, a unique salad (followed by dessert of course) and more than a few laughs all queued up for you. Happy humping!

* Who knew that the First Lady was so into hugs?

* Despite Bob Costas' best efforts, nothing captures emotion better than a beautiful still image 

* Great idea buddy. Great idea.

* Will we float through the air with the greatest of ease? Finally scheduling my birthday gift to Dr. H for August.

* If you're one of those people who avoids salads with bacon and mayonnaise, I'm not sure we can be friends anymore.

* Why stop at bacon? Bring on the dessert! (easy enough for even the dessert challenged such as myself)

* If you like the show GIRLS, you're going to love BOYS

* How does that saying go? If at first you don't succeed, try try again?

* I want to work with whoever did THIS

* P to the S - Bloggity blog had some RECORD breaking traffic yesterday! Many many thanks for reading and sharing

* Be even more merry - follow me on "the Twitter" @seektobemerry (pretty please;)

Hump Day Distractions

This person is my hero.

We've made it to the halfway point folks. Join me as we ride over the hump...

* A frog sitting on a bench like a human. The title pretty much sums it up.

* Would you ever carry a purse THIS neon? (I would... I do:)

* Doppelganger is a very funny word (and these are very funny comparisons)

* Because even members of the animal kingdom like frolicking in the waves (via Snippet & Ink)

* Are you watching the new HBO show Girls? This is what all the ladies are saying about it.

* Prepare for cinco de mayo using your slow cooker.

* Love me some witty sign graffiti.

Valens.

Fact – I LOVE love. Hearts, romantic gestures, smiles which have a meaning far greater than just happiness... love is my favorite emotion because it wraps so many other wonderful feelings up into it. In honor of February (“love month” as one of my fellow bloggers (iheartthisblog, check her OUT!) calls it) I would like to dedicate today’s post to something I love. This post is dedicated to friendship; specifically, my very bestest girlfriends and the incredibly special friendship we share.

“My girls” are the definition of unwavering love. For 15 years (did you know girls could get along with one another for that long!?) across continents and colleges, through relationships and tragedies, we have managed to forge a bond that is truly unique. We are, at times, the definition of cheesy, but the love we share is exactly what love is supposed to be – unconditional, joyful and completely fulfilling. Who in your life fills you with love? Though February tends to emphasize love between romantic partners, the name "Valentine", is derived from valens (4 years of latin and 5 seconds on Wikipedia) which means “worthy, strong, powerful”. What I have with my girls is the very essence of valens. May the love you share with friends, parents, children and siblings fill you up this month and every day thereafter.

Image via Pinterest