Hump Day Distractions

Hump Daaaaay!

Guys. Today is my baby boy Dugans' 2nd birthday!!!! Remember yesterday when I mentioned that I might be too obsessed with my dog!? Well, first of all, NO SUCH THING and second, how could you not be obsessed with this face:

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Dugans may not have come home to Dr. H and I until Nov. of 2015, but he was born on this day 2 short, but somehow seems like forever, years ago. I can remember getting the email from the breeder that there was 1 little dude puppy in the litter (I've only ever had male dogs and figured I'd stick with what I know) and that he was nearly completely white (only thing we'd said was "NYC is dirty, we don't want a white dog"). After a lengthy debate which seems truly insane now, we decided that this pup was for us and the rest is history!!!

In honor of Mister Dugs (pronounced Doogs) birthday, here's a doggy style (hehe) serving of hump day distractions. Enjoy!

* Here are some of the best dog instagram accounts. Personal favorites of mine are Toast, Muppet, The Dogist, Samson and of course DUGANS!

* Do you know DoggoLingo?!

* Adorable puppers grow up into adorable doggos

* I could go on for hours about the love affair blossoming between baby and puppy in my house (and I probably will at some point), but for now, THIS

* Halloween is coming and obviously in my house it's going to be a family affair!!!

* Dog memes are funny

They say it's your birthday...

I love emojis!!

... well maybe not your birthday, but MINE! Yaya! I love birthdays and even at the unexciting and definitively adult-ish age of 31, I'm enjoy celebrating another year hear on earth, doin my thang.

30 was a freakin hell of a year for me. I made a ton of professional changes that at times nearly sent me off a cliff, but I came through feeling so much stronger, happier and confident about what I'm capable of accomplishing. 30 also proved, more than ever before, that I have the most incredible community of people around me, cheering for me, encouraging me, supporting me and lifting me up when I need a boost. To my amazing friends, my family and my beloved Dr. H, thank you. Thank you for making 30 so damn good. 

So here's to another year. Here's to the challenges I know I'll face and those that will come out of no where. Here's to laughing with my husband and hugging my best friends. To delicious food, family celebrations, growth, acceptance, love and fun. Cheers!

You go first.

Love.

Earlier this week, I attended a funeral for a beautiful, 94 year old woman named Fran. The other half of this amazing couple, I sat teary-eyed through touching eulogies, all of which mentioned the triumph of Fran's 64 year marriage to her soulmate, who passed away less than 2 years ago at the age of 99.

Following the funeral, I once again found myself thinking about my own life and my soulmate, Dr. H. It was then that I informed Dr. H that I hoped we would both live long, happy lives together, but that when it came time, I hoped he would die first. Dr. H was taken aback. "So you want me to die? Are you gonna kill me!?!" I laughed and tried to explain. I hoped he would die first to save him the pain and to spare him the struggle. I did not want him to be left behind. I feared he would be too alone... I am the "caregiver" in our relationship and I want to care for him until the end and then I'll somehow find a way to care for just myself. I know I could do it, just like the amazing Fran did. Dr. H said he understood, but he still didn't like it. 

In the end, Dr. H and I decided that we're going to "Notebook it"... because there's just no way for either of us to imagine ever having to live without our soulmate.

Happy Presidalentine's Day!

This is so good.

For a lover of love and Presidential geek such as myself, I don't think it gets much better than Valentine's Day falling on President's Day Weekend. I'm in heaven. And though three day weekends aren't quite as special as they used to be since I started working from home, I still plan to snuggle with my sweetie on Saturday and pay homage to George and Abe (and all the others!) on Monday. Want to combine the two?! Well thank goodness for THIS.

Also, have you seen this commercial?! Obviously as soon as I saw it I was like "I MUST LEARN THAT SONG!" and so off to the world wide web I went to find it. 

Success.

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love and a Monday fit for a President (whatever that means!) xox

Will you be my Valentine?

I love love!!

In case you've been trapped under a wintery weather mix (or many feet of snow as I've heard our friends up in Boston are!) I'm here to remind you that Valentine's Day is right around the corner, this Saturday, February 14th. Now I don't subscribe to the overly commercial glorification of this "hallmark holiday", but I absolutely love love and I think any day that asks us to pause and appreciate the people we love is a day worth honoring. So here to help you forgo the sappy cards and do better than a box of red chocolate (though don't get me wrong, chocolate is good!) are some merry meri tips for the loviest holiday of them all!

Sometimes the best way to say I love you is with a cheesetastic homemade card! Thankfully I've got a bunch of amazing, adorable and easy DIY valentine ideas for you right HERE (seriously punny:)

* Merry Meri Tip: Valentine's Day means major markups at the florist and crowded restaurants with boring price fixe menus. Send your sweetie flowers in advance of the big day (they'll be just as appreciated on Thurs or Fri!) and since Valentine's Day falls on a weekend, consider a lovers brunch or lunch date to avoid the dinner crowds. Plan the day and then see where the night takes you:)

Want to be "that mom" who rocks your preschooler's Valentine's Day celebration harder than anyone else? How about these adorable "main squeeze" valentines?
Pin it HERE, Full tutorial HERE.
For more candy free valentine options, click HERE.

If you're looking to get crafty with your kiddo, I love this heart-inspired "Bee Mine" craft.

Pin it HERE, Full tutorial HERE.
Another cute kiddo craft idea from favorite blogger Naomi HERE.

Perhaps an adult themed craft is more what you had in mind!?
Amazingly easy step by step instructions for transforming the toy "bang" gun into a "bang me" gun (and where to get the gun) HERE.

* Merry Meri Tip: You don't have to spend a lot or go out to have a romantical night with your babe. Consider cooking together (order your first box of Blue Apron!?) or host your own semi-potluck where each of you is responsible for preparing a dish and you surprise one another with the final results! Set the dinner table with candles and the nice dishes (or at least don't eat at the coffee table (like we always do!)) and enjoy.

If you ask me, sentimental is always the way to go on Valentine's Day and nothing is more romantic than a hand written note. This year, consider getting old fashioned on your sweetie (or friend or beloved family member) and write them a note (or a bunch, like the pic above) telling them just how much you care.

And though Dr. H and I don't usually do big gifts for this holiday, that certainly doesn't mean gifts aren't lovely (right ladies!)? For some more awesome gift inspiration visit HERE (all under $40!); HERE (for him and her); HERE (the most adorable options); HERE (for ma high rollers); HERE (for him); HERE (edible, wearable and quirky), HERE (insanely easy and perfect for friends/coworkers)

Plus, some super cute cards (better than Hallmark!) HERE. Also, check out Urban Outfitters, they've got some serious greeting card game lately and though a bit overpriced, I think having a crude, sarcastic, sexy card is worth the extra $1!

* Merry Meri Tip: No significant other? No sweat!! One of my best Valentine's Days ever was a Gal-entine's Day (thanks Leslie Knope!) with my girlfriends in college. We held a "Secret St. Valentine" gift swap of gag gifts, played "pin the manhood on the man" and wore every share of red, pink and hearts that we owned. It was a BLAST. Love is love people, so spend your holiday with people you love!!

A love story.

Who knew that googling "I love my printer"
would yield such a perfect image result!?

Last night I realized that I haven't told you all about my newest love affair. Ladies and gentleman.... I am in love with my printer. That's right, my printer. You see, Dr. H and I haven't had a printer in our home for almost 5 years and it's never mattered much because we both had access to one at work. Sure we had occasional "why don't we just buy a printer?" moments, but generally we were fine. Then I decided to work from home.

For nearly 5 months, for reasons I cannot entirely explain (that warped laziness where you're too lazy to do something you know deep down will actually make life easier?) I did not get a printer for my home office. Then, a few weeks ago, I was in the neighborhood of the best photo/video/printer/gadget store on the planet (fo reals) so I marched in there and came out a changed woman. For a price waaaay cheaper than I was anticipating (why did I think printers were like $250!?) I can now print papers and pictures and annnnything I want and I can do it wirelessly and I can even do it from my PHONE! As in I can snap a picture, print it and have it in a frame on my wall in approximately 90 seconds (haven't actually timed this process, but I'm sure it will eventually happen). Plus the printer is so small! When did they figure out how to make printers small!?

Now I'm sure some of you are thinking I'm crazy (I am), because this technology is not exactly new, but I was behind the times in printer world and man how it has changed!! (I imagine I'll have a similar experience when I someday purchase a car, 5+ years since I last owned one... which had a tape deck). So here's to being surprised by the awesomeness of a new gadget and to marveling at how something like a printer can unexpectedly brighten your whole day. (I think I'm going to ironically print this blog post).

Thank You.

October 15, 2011

Today is my 3rd wedding anniversary. Three years as Mrs. Dr. H in the books. It's remarkable how time can fly like that... I thought a lot about what I wanted to say in this post, how I could outdo the cheese-tastic outpouring of love that I displayed for years one and two (or do I just write a sentence and give you some Hump Day Distractions!?) but after reflecting on everything that happened during our third year as husband and wife, I think what I really want to say is: 

Thank you. 

Thank you my beloved Dr. H for a year of unprecedented support and encouragement. For a year of pep talks and planning, assistance and patience. Thank you for helping me face my fears, chase my dreams and chill the F out (because alone I clearly would have lost my mind). Thank you for enduring my melt downs and sleepless nights, my manic energy and breathless (endless) conversations. Thank you for teaching me how to use Excel (again) and for doing all my math for me. Thank you for dancing with me. Thank you for so much love.

In marriage, you are told there will be give and take and that the goal is to achieve balance between the husband and wife. Husband, I do not know how I will ever repay you for the year that you've given me, but I'm happy to spend the next however many years it takes trying:) I love you.

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. 

Goodbye 20s

x10.

This morning I woke up 30 years old. Well if I'm being honest, I went to sleep last night (errr, very early this morning?) 30 years old. As a wise blogger once said, I've "become 30." It's funny, turning one of these "milestone ages", because people expect you to feel something about it, or to at least pause and reflect. Thankfully, I'm quite the feeler and reflector...

Looking back, my 20s were a roller coaster of epic proportions... I spent whole years living in a fantasy of friendship, fun and adventure (GDub!) and other years truly struggling to move forward towards the person my younger self felt certain I was supposed to become. I'd like to think that with every decade a person is fortunate enough to live, he/she can look back and be proud of the 10 years that went by, but I'm going to come out and make the bold statement that your 20s might be your most defining decade. My 20s taught me the incredible value of friendship, the importance of cherishing loved ones and how to cope with tremendous loss. My 20s taught me how to not get what I want, how to keep fighting for what I want and how to have confidence throughout the journey. My 20s taught me to suck it up and let it go and to get comfortable in my own skin. My 20s turned my parents and sister into my closest friends and a random guy I met at 18 into the love of my life. My 20s were a lot of hard/good/beautiful work!!

And while I'm sure my 30s will further define me, I already sense they will be different... I think (and hope!?) they will be less about me and more about all of "you". More about the family I hope to build, the relationships that fill me with love and the world I finally feel confident enough in myself to try to impact. In my 20s I did a lot of figuring things out, now I get to just "be me" and see where it all leads. And I think that sounds pretty fantastic.

It's birthday week!

Happy happy birthday.

Hello hello and welcome to Merry Meri's birthday week!! Now please let the record show that while I am a big fan of birthdays, I traditionally limit my self-birthday-promotion to the day-of and perhaps a second weekend date for celebrating, but this year my wonderful Dr. H apparently has grander plans in mind. Since yesterday evening I've been tagged in a series of Instagram posts from Dr. H and my amazingly loving friends which appear to be counting down the years of my life (#2014, #2013, #2012, etc; #Birthdaygramathon #meri30for30). Now that I've caught on, when an alert pops up on my phone that another photo has been posted, I internally squeal with delight and race to unlock my phone and see who posted what photo (and what degree of embarrassing it may be!) It appears the good doctor took my "birthday wish not to have to plan my own birthday" request quite seriously and coordinated a week's worth of love and celebration. My heart is truly bursting with excitement and appreciation. (#Thatsalotoflove #WhataguyImarried).

And since I've got a serious case of birthday brain, I thought I'd go big or go home and make Birthdays the theme of this week's blog posts. We'll do some party ideas, gift inspirations and of course my thoughts on leaving my 20s behind. Birthday brain for everyone!! To kick off birthday week, here are some awesomely creative birthday cakes and sweet treats that even an amateur Betty Crocker could pull off. Enjoy:)

Look like a baking MASTER with this polka dot perfection. Pin it HERE, full post HERE.

Maybe a little cake for everyone at the party is more your cup of tea!? (Could be super cute for a kiddos birthday to have the littles each decorate their own!) Pin it HERE, full post HERE. 

How about a DIY Brownie Ice Cream Cake!? Sourced from Pinterest (HERE) via Cookies and Cups: Bake brownies as directed, let cool. (optional chocolate frosting for next layer). Scoop/spread softened ice cream (like choc chip, cookie dough, mint chip, chocolate). Freeze. Layer on store bought or homemade whip cream, throw on some sprinkles.

How about a "bouquet" of these adorable floral cupcakes for the bloom-loving birthday girl in your life!? Pin it HERE.

And for those who really want to avoid the oven, I don't think you'll hear any complaints if you prepare an artfully stacked birthday donut mountain for your birthday boy or girl (they might even prefer it!!) Pin it HERE.

"Chicago, Chicago I will show you around..."

Visit!

Guess who's baaaack!!!? Did you miss me? Apologies for the unannounced radio silence at the end of last week, but I was travelling for work and just couldn't pull off the juggling act. But now that I am back in action, I thought I'd give you a fun little detour from my usual "all about NYC" posts and share some favorites from Chicago.

First off, let me just say that I LOVE Chicago. Granted I have never been in the dead of winter, but with each visit I make to Chi-town, I fall a little more in love. I'm a sucker for a good cityscape and the architecture in Chicago is unrivaled, plus much like NYC (and other "I could live here" favorites like Boston and DC) the city is truly urban, with people walking from place to place, using public transportation, enjoying beautiful parks and living all throughout (as opposed to cities where people primarily live outside the urban center). Having visited several times now, here are some favorite eats and adventures from lovely Chicago. Any of you have something to add to the list!?

Eats

I have had a lot of awesome meals in Chicago and think it's safe to say that their cuisine rivals (in both diversity and deliciousness) the best Manhattan has to offer. 

* Homestead - Ate here on Saturday night, can't remember the last time I loved a meal so much! This farm-to-table spot has an inventive menu intended for sharing so you can taste tons of unique dishes in just 1 visit. Every ingredient is fresh and dishes are served at a leisurely pace so you can enjoy every bite!

* Piccolo Sogno (due) - For straight up awesome Italian eats, from antipasta to pizza or pasta, head to Piccolo Sogno or its second location Piccolo Sogno Due.
* Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - NY and Chicago may not be able to agree on how to make "the best" pizza, but there is no denying the incredible deliciousness of a tasty Chicago deep dish pie. Check out one of Lou's many locations to judge for yourself.

* Rudy's Bar and Grille - After strolling Millennium Park, you're probably going to need a place to throw back a few beers and watch "the game" (whatever sport may apply!) Rudy's is located just off the park, has lots of tvs, a great beer menu and their bar food is totally top notch (the Breakfast Burger anyone!?). Plus they serve most of their burgers and sandwiches on pretzel buns (YUM).

                                                                                     To Do

"The Bean" in Millennium Park is a Chicago landmark

There's no shortage of activities, planned or leisurely to do in Chicago, whether you're young or old, into being outside or in.
* Architectural Boat Tour - if you do one touristy thing in Chicago, I say do this. With the Chicago River flowing right through the middle, the best way to learn about the history of the city and its beautiful buildings is on one of these boat tours. There are tons to choose from, just click HERE.

* Millennium Park - This park has it all: green spaces for lounging, cool sculptures, art and plazas, an awesome stage for performances and a super convenient location. Be sure to visit Millennium Park if for no other reason than to snap a fun picture of your reflection at Cloud Gate (aka, "the bean"!) 

* Wrigley Field- It doesn't get more iconic than a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Built in 1914 and now the second oldest MLB park still in use, check out a game from inside the stadium or watch from one of the perfectly situated rooftop bars surrounding it.

* Navy Pier (and Children's Museum) - Located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan (the only lake I've encountered that's so big it doesn't skeeve me out!) the Navy Pier has an awesome collection of carnival games, rides, restaurants and even a Children's Museum (never been but read great things).

* Shop the Magnificent Mile - Just like 5th Avenue, but in Chicago. An awesome mix of affordable and "just looking", stroll the Magnificent Mile down Michigan Ave and shop until you drop!

* Walk around - Chicago is a walkers dream. Lots of wide, clean sidewalks, public parks, bridges, beautiful buildings and unique, distinct neighborhoods make Chicago the perfect place to spend an entire day wandering. Biking more your style!? Just like NYC's Citi Bikes, Chicago has a bike share program with racks throughout the city.

* Still on my "to do" list: The Shedd Aquarium and The Art Institute (because obviously I need reasons to come back!)

An ode to (old man) Dr. H

Make a wish!

There once was a boy named H, from Albany he did hail,

filled with personality, a bit of mischief and smarts, plus on a euphonium he did wail.

And when the boy became of college age, off to George Washington he did go,

and thanks to a summer camp boyfriend connection, a girl named Meri he came to know.

Mer and H became fast friends and sparks began to fly,

but alas their love was not mature, he chose another girl (we still don't know why).

But from 18 to 19 and 19 to 20,

their friendship continued, their adventures were plenty.

A cruise in the Caribbean, Redskins football, Jerusalem and late nights in the dorm,

21, then 22, slowly their hearts began to warm.

Love was declared at the end of GDub and a relationship was made official,

then she headed to New York City and him from DC to LA and Mer nearly blew the whistle.

But true love prevailed and by 25 they were living together,

at 26 he got down on one knee and they decided to make it forever.

11 birthdays since the first they celebrated as friends,

tomorrow Dr H turns 30, today "we're in our 20s" officially ends.

But no matter the decade my "older man" is perfect in every way...

so here's to you my husband, I love you and Happy Birthday!

So this is love...

Dearest Dr. H-

Thank you for loving me, for letting me love you and for making every moment of my life feel like something out of a Disney movie. Here's to a million more kisses, shared dreams and big wishes... and of course, our very own happily ever after.

Much love,

Your Merry Meri

(image sources 1,2,3,4)

Ski Bunny Out!!

Bahhhh!!!

Tonight I leave for my annual "I'm in love with my clique from junior high school" trip to Vermont, where I plan to spend three days in our glamorous rental house alternating between snowboarding (aka, butt bruising) and improving my apres ski skills (aka, will 1 handle of Tito's be enough!?). Unfortunately, between unearthing my snow pants and grinding out work so I can be off tomorrow, I didn't get my post for today (or tomorrow) done. I'm hoping you'll forgive me because I did scrounge up THIS:

And THIS:

And a recipe for THIS (click HERE to Pin, HERE for full site):

S'mores cookie bars. STFU!

* Plus if you want a good chuckle, click HERE...

* ... and if you have 5 minutes to spare and want to watch something that will remind you why love is the most powerful force on the planet, click HERE. 

* Lastly, THESE never ever get old!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends!!

Valentines-ing.

Fact.

Hello my loves and happy sunny, snowy Tuesday to you! With the countdown at 10 days to go, I thought I'd share a bit more Valentine's cheer from around the web. (To check out last week's love-a-licious post, click HERE.) Are you ready to share some love with all the special people in your life!?

These online Valentine's Day cards from Paperless Post are adorably witty and perfect for the favorite foodie in your life (plus an ecard is ridiculously easy to send!) Click HERE for the full page of seasonal options from my favorite online card creators!

* Click HERE for fifteen awesome, unique gifts (from pet portraits to personal chefs and family crests!) *

Another simple and sugar free way to ensure that your kiddo is giving out the best valentine's in his/her class (or maybe as a teacher-to-student valentine!?) These "Of all the fish in the sea, I'm glad you're in my school" goldfish goody bags are too cute for words and who doesn't love goldfish!? Click HERE to pin it, HERE for the original post.

All you need is a heart shaped cookie cutter and some fruit to pull off this healthy and seasonally sweet treat! (And I love that you get the watermelon heart cutouts and can fill the heat-shaped holes with smaller fruit like berries!) Can anyone say Valentine's brunch!? Pin it HERE.

Like what you see!? Click HERE for 10 awesome Valentine's Day ideas from the crazy crafty and always inspiriting Jordan over at Oh Happy Day.

Love is in the air...

With February just around the corner (thank GOODNESS, I don't know how much longer I can survive these winter temps, we need to get a move on here!) I couldn't resist the urge to start sharing some inspiration of the lovey, dovey, Valentines variety. As I've mentioned before, (HERE, HERE, or HERE!) I love love and I believe that Valentine's Day is 100% NOT only for romantic love, but love of friends, family and your partner. So in celebration of loving love, over the next few weeks I will be sharing all sorts of Valentine's inspiration, from the adorable way your kid can have the best cards at school, to the easiest ways to incorporate hearts into everything about February 14th. Happy loving:)

So easy and charming, these pomegranate ice cubes require only 3 supplies (seeds, chocolate or ice molds and water) and 1 step! Sippin on something "lovely" has never been so simple. Pin it HERE, full directions HERE.

Want your kid to be the coolest in his/her class!? Well then these "wild about you" Valentines should do the trick! Admittedly a bit pricier than something you'd buy at CVS, a trip to the dollar store or Target should produce inexpensive toy animals and then all you need to do is attach them to a paper square with your "wild" message and a signature (or even easier, slip the card and animal into small clear cellophane bags like THESE and tie them shut with a red ribbon!) Pin it HERE, more inspiration HERE and HERE.

Adorable to look at, easy to make and tasty to eat - my perfect sweet treat combination! I think the only difficult thing about preparing these chocolate dipped pretzels will be selecting which seasonal sprinkle you want to use (hearts? red and pink traditional sprinkles!?) Pin it HERE, step by step HERE.

730 Days

When you put it that way, 2 years doesn't seem like very long does it? But somehow, in just 730 days, I've completely abandoned life as "me" and wrapped myself wholeheartedly into a "we" with Dr. H. 

After two years of marriage, we've found our rhythm as a couple and settled into a partnership that is inextricably a piece of who I am. I define myself, without a moment's thought, as half of a "we" and though that may sound corny, when your identity is defined in part by your love for and life with another person, the future feels filled with endless possibility. Because I know that my own strength is limited and that my ability to dream big is confined to only my vision of the world, but with Dr. H as my "we", I have someone whispering words of encouragement in my ear and broadening my perspective on what's out there to experience. Whether it's something small like motivating me to keep peddling up the giant Loire Valley hill or something huge like fantasizing about buying a home and starting a family, there is no me anymore without my "we".

So dearest Dr. H... my Peruvian hiking partner and fellow Brazilian beach bum, my Portuguese co-explorer and French biking buddy... here's to the 730 days behind us and the thousands of days of love, support and adventure ahead. You are essential to the definition of me and I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy Anniversary. (#babeitup)