We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming...

Just me and a few friends at Coachella 2012

...for one Merry Meri catch up day. Catch up at work, catch up at home, catch up with reality. I'm fighting off the "ho hums" with the pleasant thought that at least it's already Tuesday. Coachella update and a super-sized Hump Day Distractions coming tomorrow (promise).

Mini-Adventure Anyone?

Via Pinterest

I find that a weekend getaway is the perfect activity for shaking off the winter blues. All of the darkness and cold of the season give me a serious case of the "ho hums" and it can be hard to coordinate week-long vacations! A weekend trip is just long enough to feel like a vacation, but short enough to squeeze into a day or two. Here's some mini-adventure inspiration for your pre-weekend eyes... 

Tarrytown, NY (the wood-sy farm inn)

http://www.oncewed.com/32294/wedding-blog/real-weddings/elegant-new-york-farm-wedding-ii/

This is a beautiful summer spot, but on Saturday Dr. H and I will explore its winter appeal. Tarrytown is an adorable New Englandy town located right on the Hudson River. It's also apparently home to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, an operational farm and restaurant widely known for its 5-12 course "Farmer's Feasts"! Dr. H has to wear a jacket and tie and there are farm tours available! This spot is an escape from the norm, just a quick train ride from the city.

Stowe, VT (the snowy, cozy ski spot)

Via Pinterest

Snowboard, fireplace, woodsy decor filled dive bar. Done! Stowe is the quintessential east coast mountain town. It's perfect for a road trip and condo share with friends (bonus points if you score a place with a hot tub!) I think that if it's going to be cold and snowy, we might as well enjoy the beauty of wide open spaces and snow covered mountains. Another great option if you're in NYC (which means VT is a bit of a hike) is Hunter Mountain. Just a couple of hours north, it's another cozy town and beautiful mountain.

Coney Island, NY (the quirky, vintage getaway)

Via Pinterest

All you need is an afternoon and a metrocard. Coney Island is an amazing escape to a land of nostalgia and amusement. Though typically thought of as a more summer-time destination, the Coney Island Aquarium and Original Nathan's Hot Dog shop are open and the boardwalk is beautiful on a still, sunny, winter's day. Though you'll have to come back in the summer for the rides, just looking at the Wonder Wheel is enough to take your mind far away from home!

Annnd we're back!

Hey there everybody! Welcome back to your regularly scheduled merry programming. How are we doing on this lovely winter Tuesday? Personally, I'm suffering from a major case of the post-holiday “ho-hums”. I just made this term up, but I think it describes the feeling perfectly. It’s that “I just had an awesome [insert holiday/vacation/fun activity here] that I’d really been looking forward to, now it’s over and I’m back to real life which isn’t bad, it’s just not as awesome as [insert same holiday/vacation/fun activity here]”. Are you familiar with the “ho hums”!?

I had a wonderful long weekend celebrating, relaxing and doing a whole lot of nothing with my family and now I’m just... ho hum. I find it so difficult to get back into the swing of things after wrapping up something wonderful and long anticipated! It’s like I need a buffer day between vacation and reality. Topping off my ho hums is that most of my closest friends are STILL on vacation, including my bestest bud Dr. H, who is currently in Florida. I’m jealous and sun tan-less. 

How do you recover from the “ho hums”? I like to find the next fun activity and start thinking about how awesome it will be immediately. I try to always have my next awesome activity on the calendar because even if it’s far away, knowing that it’s out there helps win the ho hum battle. Fortunately, I don’t have to wait long this time because I have a New Year’s weekend getaway right around the corner! (Only 70 hours away, but who’s counting!?)

(Note: those 2 Tiffany lovebirds are NOT having a ho hum day).