Mother Nature you Mother *bleeeeeeep*-er

Sunshine Spotted (1 hr before it was time to go home)

Greetings friends and lovers from sunny and temperate New York. So sunny in fact, that one would never even guess that it rained here ALL WEEKEND, or wait, I stand corrected, until about 4pm yesterday... just in time for you to pack back into the car, say "adios!" to your beach-weekend accommodations and curse the weather gods for this unfortunate turn of events. 

(#Bitter #AtLeasttheTriptoTargetwasfun?!)

Because holding a grudge never made anything better (other than being a delightful outlet for my twisted, dark emotions...) I thought we should kick off the week by focusing on the END of the week and the upcoming July 4th holiday. I LOVE July 4th because it's summer, sunshine (hopefully!), BBQ, fireworks... do I have to continue?! Here to kick off our holiday week are some essentials of the red white and blue variety. Enjoy!

This is one of those crafts that's going to get you a LOT of oohs, ahhhs and "how do you have the times!?" but in truth, it's super easy and adorable to look at. Paper cones, cupcake liners and star stickers are the essential items needed to make these adorable patriotic treat cones... plus of course your favorite surprise sweets. Full tutorial HERE.

Is there anything as American as apple pie? (I would argue, yes, absolutely... ever heard of hamburgers and, hello!? George Washington!? I digress...) For those looking to stick with tradition and pie however, click HERE to learn how to make those cute lil pies on a stick and other adorable yet classy 4th themed items.

Like all good Americans, I love potatoes and mayonnaise, so it should come as no surprise that I'm endorsing preparation of a decadent potato salad to accompany your burgers and dogs. THIS bacon ranch recipe looks pretty freakin bananas, but here's the whole darn Pinterest "potato salad" search result because how on earth was I supposed to select just one!?

Since looking adorable is an essential part of your July 4th festivities (and overnight shipping puts the world of patriotic fashion just a click away!) here and here are some great suggestions for getting all chic, red, white and bluey!

I pledge allegiance to the patriotic sangria. Anyone else want to cheers to that!?

Juno it's snowing right?

current situation (3pm Monday)

Hey-o friends and lovers from snowy snowy NYC! Dr. H and I are hunkered down at home today and probably tomorrow as well (yay home office co-worker!), with a stocked fridge and a fresh supply of sweatpants. We're used to snow here, but not usually feet (plural) so all bets are off on how this goes down (good thing we've got Netflix and HBOGo #essentials). Later this week I've got some awesome winter vacation photos and a recap to finally share, as well as a review of the insane food moment I had at Parm on Saturday night, but until then, here are some essential tools for weathering this winter storm!

Hurry! Go grocery shopping right now and buy all the ingredients you need to make this delicious recipe. A little bit healthy (spinach!) and a lot a bit warm and filling (pasta! cheese!!) I'm excited to try this substitute-greek-yogurt-for-cream pasta dinner. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

No better time to try out a new hairdo than on a day when you're stuck indoors with time to kill (and nowhere specific to be!) I love this sassy ponytail not just for its effortlessly chic look, but also because it looks truly simple to execute. Give this style a try today (I know you've got nothing else to do!)

Stuck inside with kiddos for the next 48 hours? Click HERE, HERE, HERE (free printables!), HERE (recipes), HERE (snowman snowday party anyone!?) and HERE for some recommendations on how to make the most of/survive your snow day. 

Because you're clearly going to need something for dessert after that spinach artichoke pasta dish and an exhausting day of snow-related crafts, here's a Braided Nutella Bread. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE. (PS- want to make this idea so easy it's silly? Swap the dough recipe for a Pillsbury pre-made can of crescent rolls or other "bun" dough!!)

PS- I wonder if I'll be able to convince the hubby to head outside and play with me later!?

Hump Day on Delay...

a very witty Disney store employee

Keepin pretty busy over here but not so busy that I'm going to skip over sharing some of the goodies I've scouted out around the web. Because no matter how crazy your day is, you probably need to see pandas loving going down a slide, a walrus working out and something interesting to skim-read on the toilet. AmIRight!? Happy Thursday everybody!!

* How to outsource your life - everything from at home beauty treatments and personal chefs to someone who will actually run your errands for you!

* Because you've always wanted to see a walrus workout (the leg-lifts at :40 and 1:05 sit ups at are my personal favorites)

* I sure do love you Shel Silverstein.

* I'm a little nervous about this announcement. What about Mary Murphy and the hot tamale train!? 

* GDub love for life (college friends really are such special friends... want to come over and nap!? hehe)

* Well don't you look tasty and healthy!!

* What turning 30 means in three extremely accurate charts.

* These pandas are having pretty much the best day ever.

Hump Day Distractions

So far, so good.

Happy Hump Day my friends! How you livin? Today, is one of those days that Dr. H and I would say is "just a day" as in "how was your day?" "oh you know, just a day. a day in the life." Not bad, not good, just chuggin along. Sometimes we all need "just a day" don't you think? Here to help make this day a little more lively and interesting are some distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* Rejoice! Science finally supports my theory that showering daily is bananas (or at least a tad unnecessary).

* Was recently reminded of THIS post and took comfort in the planetary explanation for last year's wild ride.

* Two of my favorite things, Downton Abbey and Cards Against Humanity, combined.

* This is a real thing and it's so f*kcing amazing I can't STAND it. I am going to buy this. You've all been put on notice.

* I really liked this post from Justina.

* A must have piece of clothing for fans of the Poo Emoji.

* So what you're saying is that Matthew McConaughey has been exactly the same for over 2 decades now? Nice.

* Up your breakfast game while still keeping it under 400 calories.

* Life changing "surgery" for a tortoise, thanks to Legos. 

Hump Day Distractions

I find this extremely amusing.

Happy Channuka (Chanukah/Hannuka) my friends! I hope those of you celebrating the festival of lights kicked things off in style last night and that your latkes were extra tasty. Here to help us get one step closer to the weekend (a holiday we all celebrate!) are some goodies from the world wide web. Enjoy!

* For those of you who want to take your latke game up a notch, check these recipes out!

* Looking for the coolest menorah on the block? Some suggestions HERE.

* This super chill piglet yawning will calm your nerves and make you smile.

* So gorgeous. So cool.

* Simply adorable Christmas ornament/decoration DIY.

* Looks like Pixar has another "hysterical for kids and adults" (maybe even more so for adults!?) movie coming out way!

* Some pretty awesome Christmas movie "did you know?" factoids.

* Sparkle (New Year's Eve is coming. Where can one buy this dress!?)

Holiday Cheer!

Holiday Cheer & Charm.

Greetings friends!! This Monday feels particularly momentous because Channuka starts this week and Christmas (including the lovely vacation time that accompanies it) is officially NEXT WEEK! Talk about a reason for holiday cheer!! Here to help you prepare for the holidays are some seasonal eats, treats and crafts I've spotted around the web. Happy (almost) Holidays!

I love this simple and seasonal placeholder which even the less Martha Stewart inclined can definitely pull off! Pin it HERE, full instructions HERE (as well as some other unique place card holder ideas.) 

If Channuka is your holiday, fret not, I've got a simple and sweet centerpiece for you too! These white roses surrounded by golden gelt are the perfect decor idea for serving up your latkes in style. Pin it HERE, (super easy) full instructions HERE. 

What a festive and simple way to bring some snowman cheer to your Christmas tree decor!

As long as we're talking about snowmen... So easy, so cute. Now you just have to hope there aren't any serious Olaf lovers at your dessert table!! Pin it HERE, full instructions (and some other pre-school aged holiday crafts) HERE.

Pomegranate seeds are one of my favorite fall/winter seasonal treats and combining them with cheese clearly takes my love affair to the next level. Add some tasty honey and a cute serving dish and you'll have the holiday appetizer game in the bag. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

So true.

Hellllooo out there from blustery, soggy NYC! For grey day number 2 here in the city the weather gods have at least given us snow flurries instead of steady rain and for that I'm grateful (#desperate). Here to help you over the hump and through this gloomy weather are some goodies from around the web. Enjoy!

* Looking forward to more stunning snowy days ahead, like THIS.

* I want YOU. I want you so baaaaaad babe.

* For my fellow yogis. 

* What you and your kiddos should not miss this holiday season in NYC.

* Adding this to the dinner queue. 

* Because everyone knows someone who is always complaining that they're cold.

* A nifty little tool for anyone who uses Google on multiple devices. 

* Child geniuses.

Pull it (like "Push it" but much tastier)

An affliction so well known, there are eCards for it.

Recently I've noticed a trend on my Pinterest feed and it isn't just an explosion of red, green and glitter (#seasonalpinning) - it's "Pull-Apart Bread" creations. Now maybe I'm behind the times, but I'd never heard of pull-apart bread until recently and I've certainly never made one. That said, I've also never come across a carb I didn't love and when you stuff a carb with cheese, I pretty much lose my shizz. Plus, the recipes I'm spying usually involve pre-made dough so my complete lack of patience for baking shouldn't be an issue. Here for your "bulking up for winter" pleasure are some simple, tasty pull-apart bread recipes perfect for holiday entertaining!

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls (so cute and tasty!)

Pin it HERE, Full recipe HERE.

Grilled Cheese Pull-Apart Rolls (yeeeeessss!)

Pin it HERE, Full recipe HERE.

Breakfast Pull-Apart Bread (there's bacon!)

Pin it HERE, Full Recipe HERE.

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Monkey Bread (bc sugar is an excellent substitute for cheese)

Pin it HERE, Full Recipe HERE.

Plus, here are 16 more Pull-Apart Bread Recipes for you to salivate over.

Gobble Gobble

Can you guys believe that next week is Thanksgiving? I literally cannot wrap my head around how quickly yet another month has passed us by! It feels like just yesterday I was bemoaning the end of August and 10 seconds ago I was picking out a Halloween costume... whoa. Thankfully, because my dining room table ("dining room" used interchangeably with "only food-eating-height" table) seats just four people, it is not my responsibility to host Turkey Day. I am one of the lucky ones that gets to sleep in, watch the parade on tv and then show up with a bottle of wine in hand and eat until I pass out on my cousin's couch (#murica) But this complete lack of responsibility hasn't stopped me from collecting a TON of awesome Thanksgiving recipes and ideas from around the web for all of you to enjoy... 

So, with 1 weekend left to shop, here's everything you need to be declared Queen of the Pilgrims at your Thanksgiving Feast.

Even though people love their classic Thanksgiving side dishes, if you think your crew is willing to live on the wild side (literally hehe), these 12 Classic Thanksgiving Sides with a Twist like Buttermilk Biscuit Stuffing, Fully Loaded Smashed Potatoes and Sriracha Green Beans with Candied Bacon (good lawd YES!) are sure to be a hit.

If you are ready to channel your inner baking Goddess this Thanksgiving, these Sweet Potato Pumpkin Rolls with adorable little "gratitude scrolls" inside are for you! The recipe sounds absolutely delicious, the finished product looks wonderful and when guests crack open their rolls to find a little parchment paper note of gratitude (or some other message... know your audience:) inside, everyone will be blown away by your craftiness for sure!

Nothing welcomes guests like a home that smells of holiday sweetness. Whip up some of this Thanksgiving Stovetop Potpourri if you've got a stovetop burner to spare next Thursday!

Holiday eating doesn't have to be horrible for your waist line to be delicious (they claim) which is why I was excited to stumble upon this collection of Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes including that delicious looking Farro, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad or maybe a Pumpkin Cheesecake Bite is more your "healthy" style!?

Thanksgiving inspires a lot of great crafting ideas, from the food, to the colors to the theme of thankfulness. Click HERE for an awesome list of "Best Ever Thanksgiving DIYs" from Style Me Pretty Living (my personal favorites are the leftover pie slice printables and the gourd candles (above)) and click HERE for 30 table-decor specific ideas. 

Finally, pick one of the many takes on Turkey Cupcakes and wow your guests with an easy to make dessert that will be (almost) too adorable to eat. Options HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

Autumn in New York...!

Heeeeey Wednesday how we doin!? Today I've got a bit of a spring in my step because Dr. H and I finally booked a belated anniversary/holiday-time vacation last night (more on that soon), I am getting all prettied up later today for a fancy work event tonight and THAT photo above is the view when I step out on my terrace. That view. J'adore. Also, directly below my apartment (and for several blocks around it) film crews are setting up to shoot Law and Order SVU. If I have an Olivia Benson siting that would be epic. Just EPIC!! (I told you I'm in a good mood today:) Here to spread some Wednesday cheer are links from around the web. Enjoy!

* If you're like me, ass in a desk chair more waking hours than not, these stretches are for you.

* Dinner in 20. And looks tasty too!

* In my next life, I want to come back as one of (parent)thetically speaking's kids.

* Hey Dr. H!! I told you so. (get ready for a cuteness EXPLOSION!)

* Cool and unique shelving at an affordable price. Always a good find.

* And while we're talking cool and unique, I really dig these light fixtures.

* How long you need to exercise to burn off some of your favorite eats (30 minute bike ride for 1 slice of pepperoni pizza... that doesn't actually seem so bad, sign me up for a 90 minute ride please!)

* The most wildly fun commercial ever (man I wish I could have seen this in person!)

Hump Day Distractions

You don't have to be Sleeping Beauty to love bed, right Cindy?

Today is the kind of grey, rainy day that makes you want to hide in bed forever. If only that were actually possible, we'd be all set (AmIRight!?) Here to get us through the gloom and 1 day closer to the weekend are some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* Just when you thought you knew everything about the Office (man I miss that show!)

* I just need to make a trip to the Lego store and my new home office will be complete.

* Who knew chicken and spinach could look this delicious?

* For my other NYC dwellers, how to outsmart the MTA (because won't that feel good!?)

* A kind of amazing pet parrot reunion story.

* This little girl and I are definitely kindred spirits.

* Go ahead, pee in the shower!

Hump Day Distractions

Hump Day Photobomb.

Another week, another Wednesday my friends. Here's new batch of distractions from around the web to get you through to the other side. Enjoy!

* Because you definitely need more rainbow-colored sheep in your life.

* Ziplock bags always make me feel super wasteful and un-eco-friendly. Perhaps THESE are a solution!?

* Some more fall fashion tips (including one awesome fall trend I definitely overlooked on Monday, hooray for hats!!!)

* This recipe is tailgate food perfection (or any time really... when isn't a good time for a mini hotdog!?).

* This story of a terminally ill 29-year old woman who is electing to end her own life is sad, touching and thought provoking. I encourage you to take a few minutes to learn about Brittany.

* Part of her wonderful "Motherhood Around the World" series, CupofJo asks Moms from other countries to comment on motherhood in America. The feedback is fascinating!

* I do love flamingos... 

* This is like joy overdrive.

Hello October!

J'adore October.

I always have trouble with the transition from summer to fall, but by the time October rolls around I'm ready for some strolls in the crisp autumn air, pumpkin scented candles, leaf peeping, anniversary celebrating (3 years, can you believe it!?) and of course my beloved Halloween!! In honor of the start of one of my favorite months of the year, here are some tasty fall-inspired recipes for you to enjoy. Cheers to fall my friends!

Spiral Apple Bread with Caramel Apple Glaze. OOOO.MMMMM.GGGGGGeeee!!! 

Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Nothing says fall like some homemade Corn Bread.
Full recipe HERE.

Soup is just about ready to re-emerge from the back of my pantry and recipe list. 

Check out this yummy Creamy Pumpkin Soup for a seasonally perfect meal.

Pin it HERE. Full recipe HERE.  

And because no season is complete without a thematic cocktail, I present the Caramel Apple Pie Martini!

Pin it HERE. Full Recipe HERE.

Some things I want to eat right now.

I swear I'd cook every night if I could do it here!

I thought I would kick off today and the week with a few tasty looking recipes that have made it onto my cooking to-do list recently. Nothin too complicated, everything so yummy. Enjoy!

A Tequila Lime Chicken Sandwich with Guacamole and Chipotle Mayo is pretty much the stuff my dreams are made of and the great news is that recipe is not nearly as complex as you might think! And though in my expert(!?) opinion a freshly baked bun from your favorite local bakery is (definitely) the way to go, you could also forgo the bun and serve this chicken/cheese/bacon/guac mountain with a side of beans or veggies for a slightly last carb-tastic meal. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

This recipe is so simple that it's pretty much begging to be a part of your next Sunday brunch. Simply combine in an oven-safe dish 1-2 eggs (depending on the size of your dish), sauteed spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, a dollop (official term) of goat cheese and a few torn pieces of proscuitto. Sprinkle with pepper and a little sea/kosher salt and bake in the oven until the egg starts to firm up (but not all the way). Serve and enjoy!! Pin it HERE.

I always get afraid of recipes which call for shredded brussel sprouts because they seem like so much work, but this Bacon and Brussels Salad looks so tasty that I think I'm going to have to overcome my fears (and purchase a mandoline!) Using the age old trick of improving veggies with bacon, the 40 minutes of prep time will definitely be time well spent. Pin it HERE or check out the full recipe HERE.

And because there should never be a post about food that doesn't show a little love to dessert, check out these adorable Mini "Ice Cream Cone" Cake Pops! The recipe is just my speed (a pre-made glazed munchkin is the main ingredient) but those of you with more of a Betty Crocker inclination could certainly make your own "ice cream scoop" cake pop. Pin it HERE or check out the full recipe HERE.

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. 

For the Kiddos

Sassy summer Mama

Even though it’s easy to start getting the ho hums about summer whizzing by (have you seen the back-to-school commercials?) the reality is that summer is most definitely NOT over. In fact, we have an entire glorious month to go! And since the kiddos are still hanging at home (and parents/babysitters are likely running out of ideas and inspiration to keep them entertained) I thought today would be the perfect day to have a Summer Inspired For the Kiddos post. So round up the lovely littles in your life, check out the goodies below and let’s make the most of this August!

* Paper plates have never looked so good!

I love doing craft projects with little kids, especially ones that they can easily execute on their own. These 20 paper plate projects from Spoonful are low maintenance, low cost, and absolutely adorable. Sounds like the perfect children's activity no!? Pin ‘em HERE or visit the full site HERE.

* Close by and Hands Free

This gem comes from the supermom of my adorable niece and nephew (aka my sister-in-law) and I think you’re gonna LOVE it. Have you heard of the Go-Pod? If you haven’t, this easy to pack, pop-up and use contraption is perfect for your littlest babes who just want to be nearby and have a great view for the family BBQ, evening at the beach, or picnic in the park. Sold everywhere, the Go-Pod just might become your go-to for the 4-months and up member of your posse.

* Stylin' Summer Outfits

There are few things more adorable than babies in rompers; but I think babies in printed rompers might be one of them. I absolutely LOVE the collection of prints from Winter Water Factory, like those little fishies above or these anchors or maybe sailing ships? And while you’re shopping for baby clothes, don’t forget to check out what they carry for adults because those really are some sassy/fun prints!

* Deliciously Adorable

Stop right now- we have to go and make these Star Fish S’mores… that’s right, they’re S’MORES!! And while I confess this recipe is a bit more detail-oriented than what I typically go for, I think all you Betty Crockers’ out there should do it while the rest of us get inspired to make a simpler version (dip star-shaped sugar cookies in chocolate and then use the exterior instructions from there?)

* Make mealtime more merry!

How adorable is that plate? I just discovered that Shutterfly now has an entire home décor section including these fun plates that you can customize for the entire family (they remind me of those draw-on then bake-in-the-oven plates I made for all my grandparents as a kid!) These would make an adorable gift or how about a picnic perfect gingham and stripes combo for your own family!?  Let your kids help pick their favorite pictures and I guarantee dinner is about to get way more fun!

* Tips for Travelling with Littles

Summer vacations aren’t always easy when you have tiny travelers to contend with, but thankfully the always cheerful Naomi of Love Taza has some expert tips for hitting the road with kiddos while ensuring summer fun. From the obvious notes (be flexible with your schedule) to fun insider tips (cough up the $$$ for a centrally located hotel room to maximize time spent out and about), click HERE for Love Taza’s full list of tips.

Do you all have any fun summer plans? What do you do to keep the kiddos entertained on hot summer days?!