Au revoir!

I'm in a Parisian state of mind...

Friiiday. FRIIIDAY. FRRRRIIIIIDAAAAYYY!!! And not to brag, but this Friday is extra sweet for me because Dr. H and I are off on a(nother) anniversary adventure, this time to France! (I bragged). Anyway, even if you aren't headed to France tonight, I'm wishing you the most wonderful weekend and some sunny, smiley October days ahead. Plenty of goodies will still be here between the 31 Days of Halloween and some F.I.T.S. of Merriment, so keep stopping by and being merry. Au revoir!

31 Days of Halloween - A Glow-in-the-Dark Mummy Pumpkin!

This adorable alternative to a jack 'o lantern is sure to bring the smiles (and if you ask me, it's just as cool!) Pin it HERE or go straight to the BHG instructions HERE.

"Feed Your Football Face" Recipe of the Week: Chili Mac Casserole*

*brought to you by Lady Behind the Curtain

This hearty dish is perfect for the colder weeks ahead when tailgating means warming up and filling up with something tasty.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 - 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 - 16 ounce kidney beans, undrained

6 ounces tomato paste

4 ounces chopped green chilies

2-1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook macaroni according to package directions. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, chilies and seasonings. Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Click HERE for the full recipe (including printable version) or HERE to Pin it!

Check out previous "Feed Your Football Face" recipes HERE.

Where to stay?

My kind of Paris apartment!

As has become our own lovely little tradition, Dr. H and I are currently planning an overseas adventure in celebration of our wedding anniversary. This year we're treating ourselves to a "cycling holiday in the Loire" (oui oui!) followed by two nights in Paris (ooh la la!) Ever the adventurers, we are presently debating whether to stay in a Paris hotel, or to rent a small apartment for an authentic Parisian experience.

Have you ever rented a home or apartment instead of staying in a hotel? Lately tons of trustworthy and user friendly home rental sites have popped up (airbnb and homeaway seem the most popular) and it's easy to see the appeal of living among the locals in your own private residence instead of in a single room, one tourist of many in a hotel. I've personally had some amazing home rental experiences in places like Maine and Vermont, but I did once end up in an errr, "rustic" beach house with axes on the wall for decor. You win some, you lose some!! For those of you up for a different kind of adventure, here are some Merry Meri and Dr. H guidelines for renting vs. checking into a hotel:

* You don't want to feel like a squatter in a complete stranger's home. The property should be be sufficiently de-personalized, tidy and clean. Though some don't mind, I prefer an apartment or house that's set up for renters without too much of the owner's stuff everywhere.

* Renting an apartment can be a great way to experience a city's most expensive neighborhoods at a fraction of the cost of a hotel, BUT look closely at what's included in the per night cost. Linens, towels and cleaning fees may be extra and those costs may eliminate the savings you thought you were getting.

* Take time to read the reviews! Dr. H and I are brave, but not brave enough to be the first guests at a rental property. See what previous guests have to say about their stay and make sure the reviews are fairly recent. Some sites also have property owner "responsiveness" ratings which are very helpful. You don't want to rent from someone who is slow to respond and will make you worried a few days out as to whether your booking is good to go.

* Think about the type of trip you want to have. If it's appealing to wander through neighborhoods or head to a market and prepare your own breakfast (baguette and cheese anyone!?), an apartment might be perfect for you. But, if you're looking to be waited on and pampered (who doesn't love housekeeping's daily visit!?), a hotel may be a better fit.

Hump Day Distractions

Where!? Where do I find this!?

Do you guys ever wake up starving!?! Like stomach growling, how was dinner only 12 hours ago STARVING!? This morning's breakfast was like an appetizer and I'm literally counting the minutes until I can justifiably dig into my lunch. What's up with that? Annnnyways, here to distract you from the mid-week blues (or your hunger, as applicable) is a big ol pile of internet goodness. Happy Humping!

* THIS is amazingly creepy (via CupofJo)
* Fellow bike riders rejoice, GoogleMaps has got us covered!

* 22 habits that happy people have (most are easier said than done, but we gotta at least try!)

* Hey Dr. H... I've got our 48 hours in Paris all figured out:)

* A bitty ballerina attempts to master first position (collective awwwww!)

* Cheese, cheese and more cheese. Who's with me!?

* Bill Clinton does #THICKE

* I want.

* I also want.
* I have got to visit the real life "goodnight room"

* See, I told you guys that getting enough sleep was important to weight loss!

* If NYC kids could name the new little prince (apologies for the ANNOYING pre-roll commercial)

* What was he supposed to do, bring his own toilet paper!? (ps, eww)

Hump Day Distractions (Jet Setter Ed.)

Mmmm....

What could be more distracting then thinking about a fantastic getaway? Get over the hump by getting inspired for your next vacation:

* A little advice for jet setter newbies

* Why pay a bag check fee when these guys will deliver your luggage for you!? Amazeballs (via CupofJo... just yesterday, what timing!)  

* I'll close my eyes and pretend I'm riding the Hogwarts Express (via Snippet&Ink)

* Thinking of adding this "shower in a can" to my carry-on (and my work week?) Recommended by my "hair guy" and he never steers me wrong:)

* A few suggestions on how to avoid being that person with the screaming child (would you ever make/buy THIS?)

* Another cool idea for saving all that "stuff" you brought home from vacation 

* Where all the music lovers are going

* I've been fantasizing about an apartment rental for my next trip to Europe so I can pretend I actually live there

* This has nothing to do with travel, but it's awesome.