Hump Day Distractions

I pretty much live my life in fear of this. 

Hello there my merry friends and welcome to Hump Day. I'm chugging along through my first full week as my own boss (more on that soon!) while also trying to enjoy every minute of the gorgeous summer sunshine, that rumor has it, will be fading to fall in just a few weeks (doh!) Here to delight and distract us until the weekend arrives are some goodies from around the web. Enjoy! 

* By the time I got to the end of THIS, tears were just streaming down my cheeks. Way to go Pampers.

* I want to cook HERE.

* For my fellow Mad Men fans, some thoughts from Matthew Weiner about the finale (plus the trailer for a movie he made that I didn't even know was coming out this month)

* Love me a good one pot pasta dish (especially when it allows me to use some of my home grown basil!)

* #IceBucketChallengeFail (warning, some of these look painful and not at all funny, but most are pretty damn hysterical)

* As someone inching closer to becoming a Park Slope stereotype, this list cracked me up.

* If company's slogans were honest.

* I don't know what it says about me that 3 different family members sent me THIS link, but cool. 

Hump Day Distractions

Can you even handle this cuteness!?

I've been looking forward to this post all week because not to over-hype, but I've got some seriously awesome internet gems to share with you!! So let's not dawdle, let's get to the distracting!

* As a glasses wearer, NYC enthusiast and admirer of creative people's work... I love THESE.

* Looks like Sis got it right with the whole Dentist thing... 

* When moms send texts. 

* Theme of today.

* I didn't even know that it was happening but given my full blown OBSESSION with Wet Hot American Summer, I'll be seeing this movie asap.

* 8 interesting facts about Rose wine.

* I want to say my friends and I would never have done something like this, but... Poor kid.

* Must return to Morocco. Must go to HERE.

* As a collector of cards for every occasion, this is a great roundup to have on hand. 

* Way to go Barbie (and way to go Mattel!)

* This banned commercial is so freakin funny. 

* And finally, this guy is my hero... for how he handled the whole ordeal, how he managed to get it on film, how he endured that death stare and how he celebrated his victory. Way to go guy!

Up a creek... literally (a story).

Once upon a time, long long ago, Merry Meri and her family resided on the awesomely named street of Captains Walk. After over two decades at number 1 Captains Walk, the family decided to relocate to a house along the water and it was agreed that a small memento of their previous address would fit in perfectly at their new waterfront abode... 

[Imagine what you will, but let's just say cilantro isn't the only thing my family has "helped itself to"]

Fast forward to this weekend, when Merry Meri and Dad decided to tackle the final phase of project "Captains Walk Memento": hanging said memento on the dock by the creek in the backyard ("Captains Walk" is the dock where you park your boat!? How witty!!) The project was moving along swimmingly (foreshadowing) when Meri noticed a little creature making its way up the creek, a muskrat lovingly named by the family "Muskrat Sally" (our wit knows no ends!) "Look Dad there's Muskrat Sally!"... followed moments later by a splash as distracted Dad dropped our sign into the creek. Sh*t.

Meri and Dad immediately reached for the fishing net and dangled themselves off the edge of the dock and boat attempting to recover the sign now undoubtedly sunk into the murky, muddy bottom of the creek. Eventually Mom, noting that "too long had gone by for this little project" made her way down to the dock only to find both of her determined DIY'ers hanging upside down pulling various items out of the creek (including the step stool which was knocked overboard in the chaos and a large wood plank which was discovered during the search and rescue mission).

"I have to get in!" Meri exclaimed bravely, "we cannot abandon that sign!!!" and as Mom and Dad looked (and laughed) on, armed with a pool float and boogie board, Merry Meri entered the (never willingly swam-in) creek. Squealing in equal parts over the cold temperature and the feel of the brown, goopy creek bottom, Merry Meri located the sign and used all her foot strength to begin pulling it out of the mud... Undeterred by being ankle deep in slimy creek muck and a momentary confusion of the boogie board strap for an approaching muskrat (actual screaming may have occurred), Meri pulled the sign above the surface. Once their hysterical laughter had subsided, Mom and Dad shared in the victory celebration and Dad confessed to being proud and impressed "I wouldn't have gone in there without a full wet suit!"

After several years, one questionable "relocation of town property" and a swim in the creek later, operation Captains Walk Memento is now complete. Way to go Fam :)

For Mom

The moment you're "mom". Beautiful.

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend and even though everyday is Mother's Day in my humble opinion (I mean seriously!!) here is a roundup of inspiration from around the web to make sure your Mama knows just how very much she is loved. (Love you Mom!!)

OhHappyDay is pretty much my favorite resource for holiday related crafts and gifts-piration and Jordan does not disappoint on Mother's Day. Click HERE for links to her gift ideas (the first set of images above), click HERE for the (FREE!) printable template for her seriously sweet banner and party kit and click HERE for 7 crafty cute DIY ideas.

Is there a new mom in your life!? Want to send her something extra sweet and useful!? This "New Mom in a Box" kit from YouAreMyFave is super simple to pull together, but will no doubt be viewed as a special and thoughtful gesture. (Plus, it's important to make sure Mom feels the love while everyone is coo'ing over the baby!)

For those more mature ladies with mature Mama's I think "versatile spring clutch" is a safe and sassy gift go-to. Belle over at CapHillStyle just did THIS post on spring/summer clutches and I love everything she suggests.

I think there is something totally charming about these Atelier Stella planters and vases (website to buy HERE, originally spotted on Honestly WTF HERE). The sort of gift that will make Mom smile and think of  you every time she sees it, place your order today and give Mom a picture of the purchase along with a plant "to be planted" on Sunday to hold her over until the pottery arrives!!

Hump Day Distractions

Awwww.

Today is Wednesday. Today is Hump Day. Lordy get me over that hump!!

* HOLY inspiration, every one of these smart, beautiful, powerful mamas.

* You should really read what this sleep doctor has to say.

* For my fellow Game of Thrones geeks. Amazeballs.

* Where to buy cheap art.

* And while I'm getting my inner geek on, want to see how much thought went into the NYC subway signage?!

* Just purchased. Will let you know if I'm able to get my pinup on this summer.

* An absolutely adorable denim apron (because who says the chef can't look chic!?) (via exPress-o)

* Holy crap that's cool.

* Don't worry, THIS sweet pair is still lovingly snoozin the days away together.

Interviewing for the world's toughest job.

If you haven't seen this video yet, it is 100% worth 4 minutes of your time.

geeking out.

Being a geek means......

This post brought to you by the fabulous 

(parent)thetically speaking.

so guys, I think I’m a geek. Nay, I KNOW I’m a geek, but I just kinda wanted to put some stuff out there, and see if maybe we all have a little inner geek? I remember it well, when I realized and embraced my geek-ness. It was middle school, and I was the brunt of some teasing, etc (your classic middle school stuff) because I, like, voluntarily raised my hand to answer the questions the teachers were asking. And I voluntarily stayed home on the weekends to watch Nash Bridges with my dad and go thrifting with my mom and read John Grisham books. So there you had it, I was a geek, I identified it and looked forward to a lifetime of discovering the ways my inner geek would become an outer geek. So I thought I would share with you, through the magic of internet links, the ways in which I tend to geek out. Anyone else relate to this stuff…anyone? Bueller?

Basically the greatest shirt ever.

*My (mandatory) but entirely too enthusiastic participation in History Day  and my completely optional participation in Odyssey of the Mind...or maybe it was my pride in making it to states for both…word.

*my excitement for 7pm when Jeopardy would come on (to this day…though it’s on at 7:30 here, kind of life-altering) 

*My obsession with the notion that our universe has a shape – I just think it’s one of the coolest things to think about! Here’s a quick write-up, but I feel as though I could’ve taken an entire college course on the subject

*I would like to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for my 5^th wedding anniversary, and would like to make it a requirement that my husband read all the books before we go (he’s only seen the movies, ugh, don’t get me started). And I want my own wand. I really really do.

*Aaron Sorkin is a writing genius , and I quote parts of his dialogue daily. (full disclosure, I spent at least a half hour reading quotes before picking one to share)

from The West Wing…

CJ: Duchamp was the father of Dadaism.

Toby: I know.

CJ: The dada of Dada.

Toby: It’s like there’s nothing you can do about this joke. It’s coming and you just have to stand there.

*One of my besties (who totally gets me) got something like this for my son for his first birthday…why, yes, it is indeed a toy lightsaber

So there you have it. And this handy Buzzfeed chart lets me know that I am an offshoot of Geekus Prime. Please tell me you’re on here somewhere too?! 

Mom's gloves.

Get out the gloves!

When I was a little girl, I often used to watch my Mom get dressed for a party or her weekly date night with my Dad (sorry for the lack of personal space Mom!) and one thing I distinctly remember was my Mom's thin cotton gloves. Over time the memory has faded and I can't remember if they were black or white (I think white?) but she put them on before slipping into her panty hose, a ritual that I found both amusing and bizarre. When I questioned the need for her "getting dressed gloves", Mom would explain that her hands were sometimes rough or dry so she wore the gloves in order to put on her stockings without snagging or ripping them. I don't know if she learned this trick from my Grammy or if she thought it up herself, but as a little lady, I thought my mom half dressed but wearing little white(?) gloves was nothing more than giggle-worthy.

Fast forward 20+ years to me sitting on the edge of my bed, exasperated by my second failed attempt to slip into sheer black panty hose (which I've recently decided to bring into my wardrobe, because maybe they're cool again!?) without snagging the hell out of them. The one jagged nail I hadn't noticed, that cuticle, the ring I was too lazy to take off... snag, snag, snag. My legs looked like they'd been through a war zone and I hadn't even left the house. So mom, kuddos to you for enduring your little girl's teasing and for being a brilliant problem solver in the field of ladies leg wear. Also, can you tell me where to get a pair of thin cotton gloves!?

Grown up stuff.

Ho Hum.

So now that I've spent the better part of my allotted blog-writing time perusing Golden Globes fashion photos (and deciding that I will save my own celebrity fashion post for the Oscars) I'm going to get straight to today's point... Being a grown up is hard.

You see lately, it feels like life has been throwing a fair amount of "grown up stuff" in my direction. Grown up stuff like health scares and marital struggles, professional uncertainties and the loss of older generations... the sorts of things that (if you're lucky) you remain blissfully distant from until suddenly, they seem to be everywhere, happening to you and your friends and family. And so of course you call your Mom and you ask "what's going on Mom? Why do these difficult and challenging things keep happening to me and people I love?" and Mom, in her infinite wisdom says "It sucks doesn't it? Being a grown up sucks sometimes." And there are two parts of Mom's wisdom that ring perfect and true. (1) Yes, apparently being a grown up really can suck. When age, obligations, accidents and emotions no longer exist outside your "kid bubble", adult life is challenging, draining, scary and often unfair... BUT (2) only sometimes. Because when being an adult isn't weighing you down, it's empowering you to explore and cherish what you love, however you damn well please! You want to stay up until 2am with your girlfriends and then eat frosting for breakfast? Do it. (done!) Or how about celebrating your "baby" cousin turning 21? Surreal and totally awesome. So while I've recently seen first hand how being a grown up can be very heavy at times, it can also be incredibly empowering. If you manage to fight through and carry the load when adulthood sucks, you get to spend the rest of your time pursuing whatever it is that makes you happy.

And that my friends, is some grown up stuff.

Hump Day Distractions

They say it's chocolate swirl ice cream...
but I think we all know what this emoji is about

How are we holding up today my friends? It seemed like yesterday was a rough one across the board, with at least a dozen different people I encountered (and I don't think that's an exaggeration!) bemoaning that it was just a "tough day". Preach. I've been recovering from some sort of "when-did-I-get-so-old!?" lower back injury since Sunday night, popping Aleve like candy and using a heating pad at my desk #oldballs. Here to help you survive today, and get one step closer to the glorious shortened holiday week that's just around the corner, are some fun goodies from around the web. Enjoy!!

* Have family coming to visit you in NYC this holiday season (I do!)? Just want to get out and get into the spirit?! Click HERE for some excellent ideas and events going on around the city!

* 10 things to stop doing so you can get happy.

* This mom seems pretty bad ass.

* These are an excellent blend of hysterical, creative and occasionally quite creepy...

* Aca-scuse me!? You need more a cappella Beyonce in your life?

* Have you met these two best buddies yet? Prepare to say awwww (x, 1,000,000)

* Well THAT is an inventive and delicious looking combination of foods I love!

* Mom always said she was the most evil Disney villain... now she's got her own movie to prove it!

* This girl cracks me up (last one is my favorite)!

Hump Day Distractions

Awwww yeah.

Is it Friday yet? No seriously... IS IT FRIDAY YET!?! Man oh man... at least the temperatures warmed up? Here for your humping pleasure is a big 'ol list of goodies from around the web. Enjoy!

* Lose 10 lbs like Beyonce. 

* An interesting study on the impact of tv on littlest kiddos. I see where they're coming from, but I dunno... Sesame Street and Dora don't really seem to be hurting anybody...

* Yes please.

* If only I had a dresser drawer to spare, this organizational DIY looks fabulous!

* I want to go to there... all of theres.

* Since I suffer from self-diagnosed seasonal affective disorder, I will definitely be trying some of THESE tips.

* These cracked me up big time.

* Six foods that will help keep you healthy this flu season.

* The secret of the mystery flavor revealed!!

* A beautiful video that every mom should see.

* These are absolutely more important than work right now (prepare to smile!)

24 hours in DC

This post brought to you by the fabulous 

(parent)thetically speaking.

You know how nothing else will ever taste as good as your moms _______ (insert comfort food here)? And that's probably because her version was the first version you ever tasted and because there are warm, fuzzy, wonderful memories associated with that dish? And even if the fanciest, classically trained chef were to make that dish for you, you'd still prefer your moms?

Well, Washington, DC had the same effect on me. No city will ever compare to it, in my eyes. Its the first (and only, I guess) big city that I've lived in. The neighborhoods, the restaurants, the culture, (the history, for pete's sake!) - it suited me perfectly. I moved back closer to home (starting a family might do that to ya) after living in DC for almost 5 years. In a couple of weeks, I get to go back for the 2nd time since leaving 3 years ago. So I'll have 24 hours to relive a bit of my past. And I will be eating nonstop! (I know you all plan trips based solely on the location of delicious food and are already thinking about the next meal while still eating the previous one!) 

 

I thought I would share with you my short list of likely destinations during my abbr. trip (mostly restaurants). Now, I know that this list will not knock your socks off with trendy and see-or-be-seen power spots (check out the Bitches for the real scoop)...but, it is a list of spots that make a transient city feel like home, so there.

*Matchbox DC (the apple pear salad is my favorite salad from anywhere, hands down)

*Founding Farmers (wearefoundingfarmers.com). My go-to dinner spot with one of my besties.
*Cone E. Island Ice Cream (yours truly spent a summer scooping up some tast e. treats there) Get the fantasy bar - as a topping or a whole bar. You're welcome.

*Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe (get the Goober Pie for dessert. Just do it, don't ask questions)

*This little cafe down the street from my old office (they have an iced chai latte unlike any I've ever tasted)
*Chop't (yeah, yeah, chain-shmain, soooo good though)

*Georgetown Cupcake (cliche I know - but, but...I'd been going there since almost day 1 - their tiny store was right around the corner from where we watched football games on Sundays). While in Georgetown, do yourself (and your closet) a favor and go shopping.

What would your list look like (for any city)?

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

For the Kiddos

Tiny & Sweet

It's been a while since my last "For the Kiddos" post (HERE), so I'm excited to share some of the latest awesome, adorable and miniature(!) goodies I've collected around the web!! From clothing and gifts for new mamas to nursery decor, here's a merry meri dose of kiddo excellence for you.

Rock the ridiculous leggings

With cooler temps comes a chance to rock some of the coolest leggings! We adults may not be able to get away with mustached legs or rows of animals, but our favorite little ones certainly can. Check out the awesome mustache pair above from Seed Heritage HERE and find the adorable animal print (and so many other hipster baby prints like THIS and adorable apparel items like THIS) from Fable Baby HERE. 

Nothing cuter than babies in bathrobes

Perfect as a gift (totally unisex!) or for the little cutie you get to share bath time with each night, this hippo robe is sure to be a hit every time it gets put on. Super affordable via Overstock.com, get your Hippo HERE, or the equally adorable shark HERE.

Beary good breakfast idea!

So simple. So freaking cute.

Makes saying goodbye more fun!!

Never met a little kid that didn't love a silly rhyme.

Insta-cute

I can't think of a better way to kid-ify a room than with wall decals. Quirky, cute and completely not permanent, you can indulge your daughter's love of pink hearts or your son's obsession with space ships without worrying about the cost of re-doing the room when they grow out of it. Check out the awesome collection from Ferm Living HERE (I'd even consider those dots and triangles for quirky adult decor!)

Simple & Sweet.

And since it can't all be about the bambinos, how about this beautiful bracelet for mom? A recent awesome Etsy find, shopLUCA will personalize each bracelet in tiny font with the new baby's name and birth date. Dainty and sweet, these bracelets are the perfect way to add some pretty to a new mom's day and remind her of her bundle of joy!

For the Kiddos.

Love those little tushies!

Confession: I have a "for my non-existant children" board on Pinterest. Allow me to explain... You see, with many of my friends now having kiddos of their own, my Pinterest homepage and Facebook news feed are bursting with baby/toddler goodness and there's just no way I'm going to remember it all when Dr. H and I are ready for bambinos of our own. So to make use of all the great ideas and information I've been collecting, I thought I'd start a little "For the Kiddos" column here on the blog. Just a few bits of kid goodness for all the Moms, Grandmas and #1 Aunties (eghm!!) out there looking for some info and inspiration. 

HaddonCo.

Want to have the most dapper little gentleman at the playground!? These adorable onesies are almost too cute for words and make an amazing baby gift which perfectly blends practical with unique. Click HERE to check out the entire HaddonCo collection on Etsy (25% off sale going on right now!)

A full set of chompers

Wondering when and where the teething is gonna happen? This chart has been approved by Sis (my brilliant personal Dentist) as accurate, so save it now and know exactly when it's time to stock up on teething rings!

Animals on parade!

How gorgeous is this puzzle? I almost want it for myself! Unisex colors, educational (it features upper case letters on one side and lower case on the other) and easy on the eyes, click HERE to purchase the animal parade from the MOMA store.

"Saturday"

I cannot get enough of Greg Abbott's collection of happy monsters and adorable animals. I think these prints would be adorable as decor in a little kiddos bedroom or playroom or for my fellow whimsical adults, Abbott's art comes on iPhone and iPad cases as well as pillows and totes. LOVE it.

Kid in a box.

People always joke that kids love the box more than the toys inside, but this bright idea takes box love to a whole new level. Stick your munchkin inside a big empty box with some crayons (and stickers!) and you get a break while they stay in one place and play happily (at least for a few minutes:)

On Having a Bucket List.

Babs the Brave.

Yesterday my Mom went skydiving. Yes that's right, skydiving, as in voluntarily jumped out of a perfectly well-functioning airplane at 13,500 feet, only to fall fast and then glide slow all the way back down to earth. Fearless. Which is ironic, because my Mom is not typically the thrill-seeking type (a woman who once opted out of a family zip-lining trip in Costa Rica, she has certainly done a high-five worthy about face!) On this particular occasion however, Mom seized the gift certificate her daughters had purchased for her (after over a year of hearing "I'd love to go skydiving" we thought it was time to give her a nudge) and she jumped out of an airplane. Her exhilaration upon landing was adorable, endearing, exciting and empowering. "Just check this off my bucket list!" she exclaimed while making a gigantic check mark gesture... I think I was as proud of her as she was of herself. 

It was in this moment that I realized that bucket lists, or the pursuit of an adventure, experience, destination or challenge beyond our ordinary, are good for the soul. When looking at my mom's post-jump smile, I could tell she felt a truly unique sense of satisfaction - the type that only comes from accomplishing a seriously special task. And though it's much easier to come up with reasons not to pursue our lofty, silly or death-defying wish list items, life is simply too short not to shock even yourself every once in a while. So... what's on your bucket list?

Hump Day Distractions

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

...what do we do? We swim, swim, swim! All the way to Friday right!? Another weekly grind, another hearty serving of Hump Day Distractions for your clicking pleasure. PLUS, there's something new and totally freaking awesome coming to the blog tomorrow, so get excited and until then, distract yourself here: 

* THIS Mom totally rocks my socks off.

* 12 hours in ______. (everything you need to know)

* As if being an astronaut wasn't awesome enough, THIS dude is taking space travel to the next level of cool.

* Game on breakfast.

* For your favorite "Face Farmer" and his offspring (bookmarked for an eventual lil merry kiddo of course).

* Don't let your desk job drag your fitness routine down!

* If I ever have to leave NYC, at least I will know where to go.

* I am a size 7.5 and my birthday is in July. Who's buying?

* Thanks to Sis for sending this dance-tastic routine my way.

* Townhouse perfection.

* The world is such an incredibly beautiful place.

* This one has made the rounds, but just in case you missed it, these parents are my heroes.

* I'd like to think that Dr. H and I would handle THIS the exact same way (but we'd be singing Journey of course!)

Hey Mama!

Grace.

Audrey.

Jackie.

To the glamorous, devoted, loving and kind; to my Mom, my Nanny, my Mom-in-Laws and our Nana; to young Mamas just getting the hang of things and seasoned pros whose babies now have babies of their own... Thank you. 

A most Happy Mother's Day to you all.

Super...

The cat came back, the very next day...

Around 9am last Friday, Mom emails me and asks "Where's your blog today? It's Fri the 13th!" I looked at my desk calendar and realized "HOLY CRAP today is Friday the 13th!" (Moms can be so wise:) Now I am not one of those super superstitious people, but I am just superstitious enough to be wary of Friday the 13th, avoid walking under ladders (safety first!) and generally steer clear of black cats (also, all cats. I'm really allergic). What my mom's email made me realize however, is that superstitions are really super silly - I hadn't even noticed it was a bad luck day until she mentioned it, but once I knew, I was all kinds of worried about how my day's plans would turn out. 

Now I know that I am quirky, but I can't figure out why I care about Friday the 13th, but I work on the 13th floor of a skyscraper and don't think twice about it (Did you know that many buildings in NYC don't even have a 13th floor!?) Superstitious, super silly or not, I guess I'll just have to hope that luck is on my side!

PS - did you catch my Raffi reference!?   

based on the novel.

I heart a good book.

Growing up, my mom had a rule that I could not see a movie that was based on a book unless I read the book first. I don't know where she got this rule, or what made her decide to stick to it so staunchly, but I'll never forget seeing The Little Princess movie (based on a favorite childhood book) and being FURIOUS at what a terrible adaptation it was. Things were changed, important details were overlooked and it just generally did not do the author's fine work justice. 

I mention this because right now I am reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and I freaking LOVE it (if you are like me and somehow overlooked this book as a 90s teenager, get it now).  I suppose I could be embarassed that the reason I am finally reading this book is that it's been made into a movie which Hermoine Granger (aka, Emma Watson:) is starring in (so obviously I plan to see it), but I'm not. Whatever it takes to make the time to read a good book is fine with me. Whether it's because the books are almost always better, or because reading is wonderful... Mom was totally right (doesn't it always work out that way!?)

Take me home.

Come here guys, I need a hug!

As you may have noticed, last week was a bit... off. A bit less merry... filled with more of life's tough stuff than anyone prefers. And you know what I wanted more than anything as the week wore on? To go home to my Mom and Dad's. Now this isn't the house I grew up in- there's no childhood bed or memories there, but it's where my parents are and I wanted to lay on their couch and listen to their voices and let them feed me delicious meals. I'm a married, professional woman and when life got tough, what I wanted was my Mom and Dad.

As I grow up and become an "adult" (used in quotations because I'm still not positive when exactly I'm old enough to fit into that category) I'm amazed by how much I still need my Mom and Dad. And it's not just because my Dad knows how to hang a light fixture and my Mom knows how to make a yellow-ed bathing suit white again... it's because their presence can calm me in some unspoken way. Traveling home with Dr. H for a day with my Mom and Dad took the weight of a very heavy week off my very tired shoulders. I guess even if we grow up and grow older, we never stop being our parents' kid. Awesome.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

P to the S: Seektobemerry is now not just a blogspot, but also a .com! Typing www.seektobemerry.com into your browser will bring you the same bloggy goodness as www.seektobemerry.blogspot.com AND I'm way more google search-able! Check it out, tell your friends!