Dressing & Impressing - tis (nearly) the season!

Fact... Until February. I'll be over it by February.

Ladies... we are officially at mid-November which means in 4 short weeks "Holiday Party Season" will be upon us (possibly sooner depending on when your December social calendar commitments begin!) I always love and simultaneously hate Holiday Party Season because:

1) dressing for these parties can be tricky, especially if it's an office or work-related function;

2) dressing for these parties can be pricy, since stores know just when to mark up their holiday-perfect pieces;

3) dressing for these parties can be glamorous, because there are so many chic black, gold, red and deep green options out there; and

4) dressing for these parties can be fun because holiday cheer looks great on everyone!

Here to help you get ahead of the shopping rush are a few gorgeous dresses I've spotted recently and how I'd wear them.

I absolutely adore this dress. I think it is chic, feminine, ever so slightly sexy, but without question elegant. Perfect for a holiday season wedding or a cocktail attire seasonal party, though a bit pricey, this dress is sure to turn heads. And just think, it will be perfect for Valentine's Day too:) Buy it HERE.

Is your office holiday party at the office or does it begin immediately after work making a "costume change" impossible (or maybe just inappropriate?) All three of the dresses above could transition beautifully from desk to dancing, have a little pop of holiday cheer (love that sassy gold belt!) and won't leave any co-workers questioning your taste for the office or the party! Buy it HERE, HERE and HERE.

If you're looking for a bolder, more unique holiday party look that is still unquestionably sophisticated, I love this jumpsuit. Pair it with high heels, statement earrings and maybe even a thin gold belt to take the look straight into holiday party rock star status. Buy it HERE.

Finally, if your holiday party is all about bringing the glam, this dress is the one for you. Just as fancy, but a whole lot more sassy than the lil red number I posted first, this dress does beading and sequins without screaming dance costume or flapper. I think it's stunning and could be paired with strappy, sexy shoes or black tights and heels depending on how high you want to turn it up. Buy it HERE.

"Big Kid" Birthday Parties

Never too old for a party!!

For today's "Birthday Week" post, I thought I would talk about one of the most top of mind birthday related items - the birthday party!! As I've gotten eghm older eghm, I've found it more challenging to plan birthday celebrations for myself and others - not only are loved ones' schedules more complicated to coordinate, but planning a party, especially for yourself, is kinda tricky. Age appropriateness is key (please keep that drunk 23 year old's rail vodka off my shoes!) and variety is crucial to motivating people to attend (one can only endure so many "private space at back of bar" celebrations). But birthdays are the perfect excuse to gather all your friends and family in one place for some quality, happy time together, so here are some Merry Meri thoughts on planning the perfect "Big Kid" Birthday Party.

* What you want to do and what people will want to do with you.

It's your birthday party so you can ________ if you want to, but if you want people to come, you should think about what they'd enjoy as well. Do your friends love being at the beach? Maybe your celebration should be coordinating a group trip with a BBQ in the sand and a cooler full of cold beer! If little kiddos are in tow and nap times are an issue, maybe you set up a lovely picnic in the park for several hours and invite friends to come and go as their schedules permit. Think about your crowd and plan a party that they'll love as much as you will.

* Being classy does not mean you're lame!

When I was planning Dr. H's birthday, researching unique NYC restaurants with a private room and pre-set menu, there was a moment when I thought "Ohman we are so old and boring", but seriously!? Get over it. As you grow up your tastes evolve and if you enjoy delicious food in a classy joint with pitchers of awesome mixed cocktails, do that. Love brunch? Birthday Brunch it is! If staying in is more your speed, dial up a caterer or your favorite restaurant and have them deliver a feast for your friends. Borrow a large table, set it up in the living room or backyard with some fancy pants place settings and host the classiest dinner party your friends have ever attended. Embrace your "big kid birthday" taste.

* Consider covering some (or all) of the cost.

Now that we're adults (gasp!) asking everyone to pay their own way feels a little tacky. If you're able, pick up the tab at the end of the night or set a uniform price for everyone to contribute and pick up the balance of the check yourself. This allows you to "host" on whatever budget you can swing and let's friends feel like guests which is always appreciated.

* Don't be afraid to throw it back (to your childhood)

You know what grown ups don't do enough of? Playing!! Maybe it's time you re-visit your 7th birthday party locale at the mini golf course or bowling alley or plaster paint palace. I doubt your friends would object to a round of laser tag or some go carting and pizza..! Birthdays are an awesome excuse to do that random activity you haven't done in ages with the people you enjoy "playing with" most.

* You know I love a theme...

...but themes don't have to be cheesy or costume related, they can be anything! Bust out that ice cream maker you got for your wedding and host a make-your-own-ice-cream-sundae party. Make the theme "Whiskey Wishes" and have everyone bring a bottle to sample and share. What about a "Happy Brie-thday Party" where everyone brings their favorite cheese and you supply the wine!!? Host a game night (YES) and give out gift cards or booze as prizes. The possibilities are endless, just think fun/tasty/unique and then go for it!

What are your favorite "Big Kid" Birthday Party ideas!?

World Cup Roundup

Brazilian Beauty.

With Team USA's big game at noon, I thought today was the perfect time to get into the World Cup spirit. Every 4 years I am amazed by the cultural pride that explodes across the 5 boroughs as our melting pot of a city celebrates each country's attempt to be crowned the king of soccer (working 1 block from "Little Brazil" has led to especially good people watching!) So here for your futbol loving, U-S-A chanting pleasure are some goodies of the World Cup variety. Now let's go for the GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

The World Cup has sports marketers at their best and there have been tons of great commercials airing during the games while longer ads (like Nike's very cool 5 minute animated spot) make their way around the web. HERE is a great roundup of commercials from brands like ADIDAS, Beats by Dre and Nike. But I think my personal favorite is the "obviously knows how to make fun of himself" EA Sports commercial from the guy team USA left behind, Landon Donovan.

I was going to save this kick ass (and easy to make!) Patriotic Trifle Treat link for a 4th of July post, but if Team USA manages to advance after today's game, I think you might be needing this recipe for your viewing party of their next match up. Full tutorial from PS I Made this HERE.

And in case you're still trying to figure out how the USA can advance even if they lose, there's this "oh so simple" infographic courtesy of the NY Post:

* I love THIS playlist from Spotify entitled "The World's Game" or
you can check out the official FIFA 2014 World Cup Playlist HERE *

Whether it's on the sticks of rock candy, lollipops, cake pops or even just cocktail straws, your viewing party probably needs the flags of the countries in the match up you're watching incorporated like this:

And finally, you may need THIS to get out and watch today's game:

Hump Day Distractions

Hey there buddy!

Hello my merry friends and happiest of hump days to you! This week NYC is experiencing endless cloudiness (seriously) which though generally gloomy is quite preferable to a gloomy weekend. So here's hoping that as we get over the hump, so does the sun and we'll all be basking in the glory of 5pm Friday together soon!

* Some essential summer party supplies (like flamingo candles. of course).

* In case there was any remaining doubt about how wrinkly too much sun makes you.

* I may not be into the gold polka dots, but I love pretty much everything else about THIS quirky Brooklyn abode.

* Go mama bear go!

* Once upon a time you could say "banana oil!" and mean "that's doubtful". This and other slang from the 1920s that we really ought to consider bringing back!

* I want to go to there.

* A brilliant ponytail trick that I absolutely plan to try out.

* I love THIS.

Poor Bob (and other Olympic musings)

Wonky wonk eye. POOR BOB.

As I've mentioned once or twice (or three times!?) before, we are BIG Olympics fans in my house. More so Dr. H than his missus, but even I can't resist a good pairs skate, luge run or international hockey game. Though my heart belongs to the summer games, there's plenty to love about the Winter Olympiad... Except Matt Lauer. In my house, we have absolutely NO love for Matt Lauer. I mean... what happened to your eyes Bob!? Did you wash your face with Sochi water!? Did Putin do this to you!? This is clearly the worst case of pink eye known to man and I suspect foul play. I do however love the @BobCostasEyes Twitter handle. Come back to us soon Bob!!

And even though the Winter Games kicked off last weekend, it is definitely not too late to throw an Olympics soiree (this 3-day weekend!? closing ceremony celebration next weekend!?) Here's everything you need to get into the Olympic spirit.

Invitations from the always Olympic-enthusiastic YouAreMyFave.
Just CLICK HERE and follow her link to print, they're designed and ready to go!!

Wintery decor, crafts and treats from the craft-astic OhHappyDay

CLICK HERE for the full post.

And finally, for the baking inclined Winter Olympiad enthusiast, I present this freaking confectionery masterpiece:

For reals, that thing is just awesome. Full recipe HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

Yes you ARE!

You know what's blowing my mind this morning?! Today is the LAST day of July... as in the day before August, also known as "Summer's Sunday" (get it, if the summer was a weekend, August would be Sunday because no matter how much you try to enjoy it, you know the end is near!!!) Ick. Let's forget about the beginning of the end for a while by distracting ourselves with some internet goodness. Enjoy :)

* I think I need to throw a party just so I can make a bunch of THESE.
* Why Americans and Brits don't have the same accent (learn something new everyday!) 
* Wait. $10,000!? Why isn't EVERYONE buying one of these?
* I might need this on my neck...
* Sesame Street never shies away from tackling tough issues.
* Made THIS quinoa deliciousness the other night and it earned a Merry Meri/Dr. H 2 thumbs up!!
* I love these images. (via ExPress-o)
* Who knew that bears were so itchy (SO adorable)!?
* My waistline is in serious trouble if this idea ever becomes real.
* And because I was scarred for life several years ago by a little something known as the bar exam... congrats to those who survived the past 2 days and fingers crossed you do not have to pull a stunt like THIS.

It's Game Time!

I am ready for some football.

With Super Bowl XLVII just a few days away, it's time to settle on the perfect game day eats to make you the King/Queen of your viewing party. Whether your rooting for the Ravens, feelin the Forty-Niners or just love an excuse to drink beer on a Sunday night, here are a few standout recipes for your eating pleasure:

Beefy mac cheese of the Gods.

* Hamburger Mess - Full Recipe HERE. Because nothing says sports like a huge casserole of gooey, meaty macaroni and cheese!

Meat, this time STUFFED with cheese

* Feta-Stuffed Buffalo Meatballs - Full Recipe HERE. There are no words, only a small trail of drool...

Hot & Healthy

* Jalapeno Poppers - Recipe HERE. This is actually a Weight Watchers recipe... so you can save your calories for beer:)

Get. In. My. Belly.

* Mini Taco Bowls - So easy, you don't even need a recipe! Just place won ton wrappers in muffin tins, fill each cup with taco seasoned ground meat, cheese & bake for 8 minutes at 350. Top with favorite taco toppings!

For the gourmet fan...

* Brie Bites - Full Recipe HERE. Because bringing anything involving jam to a Super Bowl party automatically makes you the classiest guest around.

A dessert DIP!!!

* Funfetti Cake Dip - Full Recipe HERE. This stuff will blow your mind... super sweet and less unhealthy than you'd think (uses fat free greek yogurt and cool whip!)

And last but certainly not least (these will never stop blowing my mind)...

For those with ambition greater than any I've ever known...

It's better with a theme...

P-A-R-T-Y.

I am a firm believer in the awesomeness of a theme party. Now I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes, but truly... if you select the right theme for your crowd and occasion, a theme can instantly up the enthusiasm of your guests and make your party extra memorable. And lucky for me, themes and stylized celebrations seem to be ALL the rage right now! Thanks to Pinterest and party planning bloggers like Jordan of OhHappyDay (her blog is a never ending source of inspiration) it's easier than ever to become the host or hostess with the mostest. Here for your enjoyment are some merry meri tips for rocking the theme trend at your next party.

* Pick something easy.

"Stripes & Dots" / "Pretty in Pink"
Let your decor serve as inspiration for guest dress.

When throwing a theme party, you've got to know your crowd. How much effort are they going to be willing to make? If it's Halloween, costumes are an easy sell, but come winter, maybe a Wig Party is the perfect compromise. Or what about Glasses & Mustaches and have a pile of accessories for guests to select from at the door?! I recently discovered The TomKat Studio for ideas and supplies - check it out!

* As host, you've got to set the mood.

"Party Animals"

Nobody is going to get into a theme unless you're into it yourself! Sport a party getup that's fit for bragging and have some spare accessories for guests that show up "slightly unprepared" (ex: of course there will be glow jewelry at my Brighter the Better party in case someone leaves their neon at home!) Figure out foods that match the theme and craft (or buy) a few unique decorations to really take it to the next level.

* Get creative (and be personal).

"Fun & Games"

One of my favorite theme parties I've hosted was my Happy Hockey Birthday. I LOVE the sport and seeing my friends decked out in jerseys (and even a faux helmet) totally made my night! Think about things you and your guests love and find inspiration in everything from Cheese & Chocolate to Backyard Fun & Games (20-somethings on a Slip 'n Slide is a sight to be seen!)

* Don't go crazy - parties are supposed to be fun!

"Take a Chill Pill Party"

Not every party has to be a RAGING party. Not every raging party has to be uber-styled and stressful for the host. Know your own limits and make sure you don't plan beyond them. Keep the music pumping (a good playlist is KEY!) and the drinks flowing and your party will be a hit no matter the theme.