Hump Day Distractions

Nerd Humor.

Today is the day we hump my friends! Let's do this and get 1 day closer to the weekend shall we!?

* So... when can I move in?

* A delicious (and healthy!) way to use some of the basil I've been growing.

* Will someone please make these adorable umbrellas for me!?

* Oh you poor little thing, but we all feel that way about babies!

* An interesting take on why "our" generation is struggling to find happiness.

* The best way to tie your running shoes.

* Adorable "new home" printables.

* A sassy manicure idea for (gasp!) fall.

* Get out and about in NYC this summer (you don't have to be a kid to love this list!)

* How to respond when your text messages go unanswered...

Hump Day(ish) Distractions

Life before Instagram...

Since this is only a 4 day week (and yesterday we gots a little sentimental, girl power-ish up in here) I think it's definitely appropriate to be humping the day today. So here for your clicking pleasure is a heaping pile of goodies which will hopefully get us all to tomorrow, which is Friday(!!) I see you buddy... and I'm comin for ya!

* 17 beautiful Maya Angelou quotes which will remind you of her profound greatness.

* Sis and Mom, I think a field trip to this place for custom lipstick is in order.

* You all know I'm a cleanse-er... thinking of trying this one, recommended by Team LC. Thoughts?

* The Onion nails it again.

* Just in case you're planning a trip to London.

* Governor's Island is an awesome summer-in-the-city spot. Here's their 2014 calendar.

* Very cool, INEXPENSIVE art made from your own pictures!

* Think I need to purchase one of these (also maybe an excellent Father's Day Gift?)

* Funky/chic nail art that you can absolutely execute at home.

* And finally, since it's been a while since we had anything aca-awesome around here, THIS.

Workin for the weekend.

Peek-a-Boo Friday! There you are!!

Yaaaaaaaay!!!! We made it through the first post-holidays 5-day week and now we only have to survive one more until the great Dr. Martin Luther King delivers another holiday-day off! Wooooo!!! This time of year, with winter in its "few, if any redeeming qualities" phase (once I've had some snow and a healthy dose of Christmas decor, winter has NOTHING to offer me) anything that makes the weeks pass quickly is welcome (so don't mind me if after MLK I've got laser focus on President's Day!) Here to welcome the weekend is a little bit this and that from what to wear, the movie you might want to see and a snack you just might need to fix up for yo'self! Have a good one :)

THIS winter grey with a pop of party manicure is on my lunch break "to do" list!

Hungry Girl (my favorite healthy recipe source) has THIS great recipe for "Healthy Mini Sausage and Kale Pizzettes". With basic ingredients and a waistline friendly 177 calories per bite, cook up these lil guys this weekend as a test run for your Super Bowl batch!! (ps- I really like fat free ricotta with just a little kosher salt for added flavor and swapping that for the low fat/light cheese the recipe calls for would make this snack even healthier!)

I love me some "Awards season" movies and though (as usual) I'm not fully prepared for the Golden Globes (give me until the Oscars to screen all the good ones!) my early favorite is American Hustle by FAR! If you're looking to catch a flick this weekend (and be "in with the in crowd" come Sunday's Golden Globes) I highly recommend American Hustle (way better than Wolf of Wall Street (which I also liked, but not as much!)).

How cozy casual chic is this winter weather look!? Cream cable sweaters are very much "in" this winter so you can find one anywhere (mine is from Forever 21 and is so soft that I default to it at least once per weekend lately!) Pair it with jeans and some classic winter colored plaid (and a floppy hat if you're feeling bold) and you have a winter weekend outfit that's equal parts stylish and comfy.

Nailed it.

A rainbow of options

I am a nail polish addict. I loathe going more than a day without color on both my fingers and toes whether I polish them myself (I have quite the colorful collection) or venture out for a mani/pedi by professionals (if you're in NYC, Il Villaggio downtown is my jam!) As I mentioned once before, I am totally into the latest trend of bold and funky nail designs, but there's also something elegant and chic about a solid gorgeous palate on all 10 digits. Even though I'm not ready to think about fall apparel or accessories (*shudder*), I think I can stomach talking nails, so here for your toesies and fingertips is some inspiration for the months ahead.

This funky design could be a perfect pop for the wedding I'm attending this October.

I love this rich and sassy shade of red ("Oxblood" by Essie) for everyday wear in the fall.

Starry Starry Night by Essie. Another stunning dark color perfect for a fancy occasion. 

I've done the glittered tips before and gotten a ton of compliments. 

I think this combo could be a perfect way to kick up to classic grey polish for fall.

Ombre doesn't have to be reserved for your hair. Hopefully you have a very patient nail salon and can convince them to take this trend for a spin! (Pictured: Essie colors "To Buy or Not To Buy", "Bikini so Teeny", "Smooth Sailing", "Mezmerised", & "Midnight Cami".)

I don't think I've ever seen "chrome" or "mirrored" polish at my nail place before, 

but I'm determined to take it for a test drive this fall.

Nail color tip: I am always struggling to remember the ridiculous names of the colors I love. To help stay organized, I snap a picture of my post-manicure hands holding the bottle, name-side facing up, and keep the images in a folder on my phone. When I want to repeat (or stay away) from a past color choice, all I have to do is check my lil nail gallery for the name:) 

Have you Heard About..?

Sharing secrets.

It has been a WHILE since I last gave you tips for being "in with the in crowd", but I think I've finally got the scoop on enough goodies to deliver the next installment of "have you heard about?" So without further adieu (and at the risk, as always, of waving an "I'm totally behind the times and completely clueless about it" flag!) here are some tid bits on what's hot with the cool kids. (See previous personal prediction home runs HERE, HERE and HERE).

*Cronuts

Introducing, the Cronut!

Move over cupcakes, there's a new pastry sensation in town! It's called a "cronut" and NYC'ers have been lining up as early as 5:30am to score 1 (maximum 2) of Chef Dominique Ansel's half donut, half croissant pastry hybrids. The final masterpiece of a reported 2 months and 10 plus different recipes, the cronut debuted on May 10, 2013 and has been the king of sweet treats ever since. Online "scalping" and delivery services have reportedly resold the $5 pastries for as much as $100 while mere mortals must wait in line hours before Ansel's Bakery opens (8am Mon-Sat, 9am Sun) to score a cronut which took 3 days to prepare and should be eaten immediately "as they have a short shelf life". Imitations and DIY attempts abound, but in order to really taste the sensation, get in line!

*Biking Around Town

Hello Citibike!

Remember when riding your bike around the neighborhood was the most awesome way to get around? Well bikes are back baby and they're taking American cities by storm. Recent bike share programs like CitiBike in NYC, Hubway in Boston, Capital BikeShare in DC and countless others are popping up across the country, seemingly determined to get more American cities on THIS list, which highlights that North America could learn a thing or two from the rest of the world about getting around on 2 wheels! Dr. H and I are newly minted CitiBike members and we couldn't be more thrilled with the program. For $98 a year we have access to any bike, at any rack in the city, any time of day or night. The handy app tells us where the nearest bike rack is (and how many bikes are available at that moment) and we have 45 minutes to ride and return the bike to any other rack in NYC. Want longer than 45 minutes? No problem, just "check-in" at a rack by parking your bike and then re-rent and continue on your way! Though the program hasn't figured out how to handle helmet safety (Dr. H and I always wear our own) biking is an awesome way to enjoy fresh air, workout a bit and get from A to B.

* Sassy Nails

Show your sparkle

As one of those women who is rarely spotted without nail polish, I'm thrilled to observe that sassy nails are so hot right now. While a classic single color mani/pedi will never go out of style, intricate designs, multiple colors, glitter and "party nails" (aka making just one finger pop with a different color or funky design than the rest of your mani) are everywhere and on every type of lady. No longer reserved for those crazy checkout line ladies sporting acrylics and rhinestones, tasteful, but fun nail art appears to have gone mainstream (inspiration on Pinterest HERE, HERE and HERE) so girlies, I say have a little fun with your fingernails this summer!

*Cards Against Humanity

Game on!

This isn't the newest news, but if you haven't played Cards Against Humanity yet, move it to the very top of the "to do" list at your next get together with friends. The self-proclaimed "party game for horrible people" is like the twisted, raunchy, offensive drunk uncle of Apples to Apples. When 1 player flips over a black card with an unfinished phrase or question (e.g., "what are my parents hiding from me?") the other players must create a word association  which they think will be the 1 player's favorite (e.g., "Grandma"; "Harry Potter Erotica"; "72 virgins" <-- some of the only examples I could find appropriate for this blog's family friendly environment!!) Guaranteed to offend everyone in the room and create a rowdy good time in the process, bring Cards Against Humanity (available for purchase HERE) to your next big kid play date. 

Summer Trends: Do or Don't

Happy Summer Indeed!

Since summer weather is just getting into full swing, we haven't done much talking about the latest "looks" for my favorite season. Luckily, many retail stores are nearly done with their "summer lines" which means now is the perfect time to start browsing sale racks for discounted prices on the season's top trends. Plus, warmer temps mean a chance to test out different hair styles, nail colors and accessories.  Here to help you navigate the  fashion jungle is a list of some goodies I've spotted on the streets of NYC and a few I've tried out myself. I'll weigh in with a "do or don't", but the ultimate verdict is up to you!

* Thick Stripes

Striped stunna

Always a fan of simple clean lines, bright colors and the occasional nautical theme, I'm thrilled that thick stripes are popular this summer. Be careful with placement (personally, my bum doesn't need anything "thick" running across it), but generally thick stripes like THIS and THIS are one size fits all!
Merry Meri Verdict: Do

* Mixing Bold Prints

Dots and Flowers and a big bauble!

This seems like a super tricky trend; I think successful execution really relies on finding the perfect pieces. From what I've read and seen, the best print mixes create a contrast (large/bold with small/simple) so that the mis-match looks intentional and somewhat (somehow!) complimentary. I think a bold floral combined with dots or stripes is a safe bet.
Merry Meri Verdict: Do (carefully!)

* Overalls 

Cute and all, but...

I am kinda in disbelief that overalls are "back". The perfect look for toddlers (or teens in the 1990s) I'm having trouble getting back on the overall bandwagon. Perhaps in the shorts style (for a romper-like look) I can get behind overalls, but something long and denim like THIS looks absolutely ridiculous on anyone not making a living as a farmer. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Don't

* Crop Tops

Bare a little belly!

I cannot tell you how many different crop tops I've tried on attempting to execute this trend. Perfect for small-waisted, but large hip'ed ladies like myself, the key is to find a top that doesn't hug too tight (this!?) and which falls in the perfect place against a higher waisted pant (this) or something low waisted if your hips are enviously love-handle free. Loose fitting bottoms might also make for a perfect pairing.

Merry Meri Verdict: Do (but choose wisely, baring belly isn't perfect for all environments!)

* A "Pale Nail" (all the way to white)

white is the new hot pink

Neons and bold reds will always be summer staples, but my wandering eye at the nail salon seems to indicate that "pale nails" are pretty popular right now. Shades of barely there pink, purple, mint and blue are everywhere or be bold with bright white (I've been using THIS). Even if Dr. H keeps asking if I "did my nails with white out" I think pale nails are the perfect compliment to your summery, tan skin!

Merry Meri Verdict: Do

* BIG, bold baubles

Bright bling

Gone are the days of "less is more" - jewelry seems to be going through a more, bigger and brighter phase. Never one to shy away from a stunning statement piece (yup, yup) I do think that the "bubble necklace" is a bit too popular so maybe you're better off going your own unique way. I LOVE the affordable options available at Baublebar.com and if you're feeling extra bold, layer it on!

Merry Meri Verdict: Do (but be sure to pair with simpler outfits that allow the pieces to really pop!)

Hump Day Distractions

Happy Birthday buddy!

Today is Wednesday. Not Thursday or Friday, but thankfully not Monday or Tuesday. We take what we can get right!? Let's cut to the chase and be distracted:

* How to make your very own Chipotle burrito bowl

* Did you know that children are our nation's poorest age group, with almost 25 percent of children under 5 living below the federal poverty level? Sad, but true. Learn more HERE.

* Oh man... I'm pissed off just watching this guy!

* Real estate gems from the Big Apple.

* The most beautiful places to get your yogi on.

* Some super chic sporty/swimy clothing from a recently discovered brand, perfect for all that scenic yoga you'll be doing (via exPress-o)

* My muffin tin never felt so essential.

* Sassy nails are even easier than you think!

* Just when you though Zach Galifianakis couldn't be any more amazing...

* So... this pole dancer just blew my mind (it gets good around the 1:20 mark)

* I am pretty sure I NEED this.

* I'll take the super pooper if it means I get to have that woman's body 

* These doggies are here to make you smile.

Hump Day Distractions (Beach Bum Ed.)

Use SPF. No doubt.

Well it's a good thing I'm blogging about sunshine this week because the real world is giving me nothing but rain! It's been a rather grey May here in NYC so my fingers are crossed for a bright and sunny June. In case your week-before-the-long-weekend is going as slowly as mine is, here are some distractions to get you over the hump!

* I am shore you are going to sea the humor in THIS.

* Send some seasonal wit and sarcasm to your best buddy's inbox.

* Hooray! A way to get your bod bikini ready without giving up brownies (Weight Watchers points plus value included!)

* Show off some awesome tats at the beach.

* Want to throw the chicest BBQ on the block? Chill the water with THIS (or THIS) and wow your guests pre-burgers and dogs with THIS and THIS.

* Because a pint just isn't big enough to share (and some roommates cannot be trusted!)

* A genius trick for your at-home experimentation with neon nail polish? 

* I don't go to the movies very often in the summer, but for a new Wes Anderson flick, I might have to make an exception (love me some Bill Murray!)

* BONUS Distraction: This one's for you Sis.