Spring, spring, wherefore art thou!?

Hello!? Are you there?!

Here in NYC, springtime has been taking its sweet ass time making an appearance and though it is reasonable to hope that our puffer jacket days are behind us (knock wood) we're still hovering around chilly temps and the skies have been mostly grey. WHERE ARE YOU SPRING!?

Encouraged by the influx of tulips and daffodils at my local bodega, I thought I'd spend today talking about a few trends I'm noticing for spring. If we will the weather to get there it has got to happen eventually right!?

* Shirt Dresses

Generally speaking, there hasn't been much in the spring store windows that's jumped out or really excited me, but the steady stream of shirt dresses I'm seeing does make me happy. Shirt dresses are the perfect way to dress up or down with one piece, since you can pop on anything from ballet flats and converse, to wedges and sassy lipstick to make the look whatever you want. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Buy one, or three! These dresses are super versatile and pretty timeless.

* Fringe

Mom told me that fringe was "hot this season" and since when do moms not know best!? Whether on accessories like a purse, or on jackets or the bottom of a long shirt or skirt, this trend can easily turn cowboy if you're not careful, but done right, it definitely says chic.

Merry Meri Verdict: Scoop up one or two inexpensive pieces that you can wear to rock this trend and then guiltlessly set aside when the fringe moment is over (or you're not headed to a music festival:)

* Culottes

Also known as the look many of us will attempt, but few of us will succeed with, culottes are wide leg pants usually cut somewhere above the ankle and below the knee. The look is especially tricky to pull off for those of us not blessed with model-esque stems (or quads with any sort of thickness) but I'm going to try on pair after pair hoping to find ones that work for me (though this look, along with the still popular midi skirt, just may not pan out!)

Merry Meri Verdict: Proceed with caution!

* Floral Prints

I absolutely love bold colors and prints so it should come as no surprise that I love the continuing presence of vibrant floral prints on the runways and in stores. This trend is a lot about personal taste since you can wear anything from a floral pop on one item of clothing (stretchy jeans or a sheer tank) to a full-body floral look, just be careful that you don't end up looking like you had a run-in with the local florist (or worse, your grandmother's curtains!)

Merry Meri Verdict: The perfect way to freshen up your look after a chilly winter hibernation!

*One-Shoulder Shirts/Dresses

The latest in "if you wait long enough, all things come back into style", the early 00's 1-shoulder look appears to be making a comeback. I always found this neckline particularly flattering for women's shoulders and collarbones (a very often forgotten but oh-so-sexy body part) and the singe strap avoids the dreaded "armpit fat" and constant tugging of something totally strapless.

Merry Meri Verdict: I wouldn't go crazy buying up this trend since it's such a "look", but if you see one or two items that look pretty, scoop them up for this spring/summer!

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!!

Sip on spring

Drinking & Shopping... 2 personal favorites.

Today is a gloomy and grey April day here in NYC so I thought "hmmm... what is the opposite of that?" and quickly decided it is a bright and sweet cocktail. Yes indeed a cocktail is just what we need to survive these April showers until our May flowers arrive (and if that doesn't work, go shopping... but not after you've had a spring cocktail... that could get expensive).

A Raspberry Beer Cocktail sounds like heaven in a mason jar to me. With only a few ingredients required, you don't have to be a master mixologist to serve up this delicious (and potent!) drink during happy hour at you house! Click HERE for the full recipe from cup of Mai.

For those of you with a bit more patience and muddling experience, this Grapefruit Mojito looks divine and oh-so-springy! Click HERE for the full recipe from Iowa Girl Eats along with a complimentary recipe for Grapefruit Chicken Satay (Yum!!)

Skinny Sparkling Raspberry Margarita... was there ever a more delightful combination of words!? Since sweet drinks can often be loaded with sugar (i.e., calories) I was excited to stumble upon this recipe for a slightly less naughty margarita, including a brand suggestion for sugar free syrup (Torani). Click HERE for the recipe from the Comfort of Cooking, and get a practice cocktail in before Cinco de Mayo!!

Perfect for your next bridal shower or bachelorette, this pretty pink "Blushing Bride" cocktail is easy to make (just 3 ingredients, no mixing or stirring required) and darling to look at. Click HERE for the full recipe from Capitol Hill Style.

And because your Sunday brunch host/hostess duties are not complete without a champagne cocktail, here's a handy little chart of bubbly recipes for your sipping pleasure! (Enlarge and Pin it HERE).

Bunnies and Chocolate

I searched the internet extensively for a
real bunny next to a chocolate bunny. How
has no one taken that picture yet!?

Even though I don't celebrate Easter, I think the thematic decor and sweet treats for the holiday are just about the best the year has to offer (and don't even get me started on the candy!!!) Perfect for welcoming spring, a bridal/baby shower, little lady's birthday or your Easter brunch are some eats and treats from around the web. Enjoy!

These peeps cupcakes are so easy to make and even more adorable to look at. Full instructions from Mommysavers HERE or Pin it HERE.

Adorable, thematic and HEALTHY!!! Doesn't get much better than that! Full instructions from SaavyMom HERE or Pin it HERE.

At first I was going to dismiss this Jelly Bean Garland as way too involved a craft for me, but the full instructions from OhHappyDay (HERE) prove to be super simple. As if there weren't already enough reasons to love piping bags hehe.

A sweet spring decor idea just in time for forsythia season! If you've got some cute rainboots to spare (or maybe a trip to Target is in order!!?) all you need to create this adorable idea are vases that fit inside them. Sneaky huh!? Full instructions from On Sutton Place HERE, Pin it HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

That is one sassy lookin camel!

Hump Day comin in hot!! No time for chatting, just gotta hump it!!

* Someone PLEASE throw this party and invite me (Grilled Cheese 4 eva!)

* In NYC there are more than 26,000 people living in each square mile! More awesome NYC facts HERE.

* OMG remember mixtapes!?

* Spring-ify your home... Sounds like a good idea to me.

* I'm not picky, any 1 of these 24 will suit me just fine (please and thank you!)

* This polar bear melted my heart! (via exPress-o)

* What's that? You want to buy me this scarf in green and gold because it's on sale!?

* 2 dudes rockin out with cellos. Seriously. (it's AWESOME)

* If you need a smile (and several "ohmygosh-es"), these pictures are 100% for you.

Spring (your closet) forward!

pastel, midi, sporty... spring 2014

Even though the weather is STILL not cooperating, all my favorite spots to shop are jam packed with spring fashion and I've started picking up a few new pieces to spruce up the 'ol wardrobe. As usual, I'm focused on procuring a mix of timeless and trendy additions, considering price point, wear-to-work-ability and overall utility before I make any purchases. Far from an expert, but always the avid fashion fan, here's a little of what I'm seeing out there and how I'm feelin about it.

* Pale and Pastel

Pale but oh so pretty

I am a black, white or bright colors girl at heart, so this season's pale pink, barely there light blue and 50 shades of peach are not the most inspiring to me. Nevertheless, once I get to trying on, I love the flirty femininity that styling with these colors can invoke and adding brightly colored accessories really makes your look pop (see that necklace above!) Definitely going to be even more flattering and fun once we all get a little bit of sunshine on our skin, look for feminine shapes and fabrics (e.g., silk, flowy dresses, scalloped hemlines) to capture the romance of this season's popular palette.

Merry Meri Vedict: Do!

* Midi length skirts

The midi.

Much like the crop top before it (which FYI is definitely still hanging around for another year!) this look is one I desperately want to embrace, but can't seem to pull off. Midi skirts (often pleated) fall just at the knee or down to mid-calf (hence "midi") and tend to be slightly fuller looking. Based on my "have tried on at least 20 already" experience, this 2014 trend is best worn by ladies with long legs and little to no hips or junk in the trunk. Though I'm not ready to give up yet, this is a tricky trend to pull off.

Merry Meri Verdict: Do it, but with a discerning eye. No trend is worth sporting an unflattering outfit.

* Crazy Ear Embellishments

Holy Earring!

I loooove me some accessories and I'm all about a funky piece, but this season's wild ear cuffs and long over the ear earrings are pretty next level. First spotted on the red carpet during awards season, the trend appears to have gone main stream with options available everywhere from Bloomies to Forever 21. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Don't (unless looking like a Lord of the Rings character is your thing)

* Sporty & Menswear inspired

Get. The. Look.

The yin to that midi skirt's yang, this year's prevalence of athletic looks and tuxedo inspired suits and pants are a gift from the curvy girl gods. These looks are also extremely comfortable, with looser cuts and more classic lines... even well styled sneakers are making an appearance this season (if Vogue says it, it must be true right!?) Pick up pants with that tuxedo stripe for work and an "elegant sweatshirt" for Saturday and you'll be all set. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Definite do!

Whomp whoooomp.

That little guy on the right? That's me.

So remember last week when I was all "huzzah! spring is here!! Buy some new converse, smell the flowers, soak in the sun" rejoice-y!? Well this morning when the thermometer said 21 degrees and I had to take my sad and quasi-frozen pansies and tulips off the terrace, all that joy slipped away faster than you can say "where's my puffy jacket?" And with tomorrow's forecast of  snow seeming more and more plausible, I'm about ready to cry me some wimpy, "I just want to wear my pastels" tears. Sadsies. 

Since I'm feeling lazy, unmotivated and generally annoyed at the universe for sending us this relentless and endless winter, I thought I'd share some pictures of adorable animals today. Because nothing turns my day around like procrastinating on the internet, staring at cute little critters. 

It's gonna be alright bud.

I'm pawsitive this will cheer you up!

Wake me when it's over.

Here to help make the cold more bear-able

All ears if you need to complain about the cold!

Spring Attack

Who's ready for tulips!?

It is approximately 9:30am as I type this and I think I have wished at least 25 people a "happy first day of spring" already. HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!! From the moment I peeled my eyes open I've been in spring "attack mode" - mint green pants with gold flats (no socks!!!) my beloved striped trench coat, enthusiastic spring wishes to everyone from the doorman to the chick pouring my iced coffee (ICED coffee!) and even though temps are still a bit low, the official arrival of spring means the relentless cold of our snow-tastic winter MUST be behind us... right!? There is just something so refreshing, invigorating even, about this season. Here to celebrate spring are a few spring-a-licious goodies from around the web. Enjoy!!

After years of faithfully sporting black Converse, this weekend I'm going white. Chucks with a casual dress, with shorts or with cropped pants are an excellent uniform for spring (or if Converse aren't your speed, I adore my Keds and Toms and I've heard great things about Bensimon.)

Something about this "chicken bake" feels decidedly springy to me... Simply combine chopped tomatoes, a jar of artichoke hearts and ricotta cheese in a bowl (season as desired with salt, pepper, garlic, etc), then place in a casserole dish with lightly seasoned chicken breasts, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 until chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted (it's not an exact timing science since thickness of your chicken breast may vary!) Top with basil and perhaps serve with a side of tasty, healthy Shirataki noodles for a delicious and easy spring dinner!

How absolutely adorable are these Spring Chocolate Flower treats!? And even better is that they're beyond easy to create - all you need are pretzels, spring colored M&Ms and Hershey kisses! Click HERE to Pin it or HERE to go straight to the step by step instructions from The Frugal Gals.

Hello lover!

Lastly, click HERE for everything you need to know about what's going on in NYC this spring.

Spring has (finally) sprung!

Bleecker Street Blossoms

Well would you look at that... All we needed was a few, consecutive, warm sunny days and voila! my city is in bloom. I couldn't help but smile seeing just how lush and colorful everything was this morning. Washington Square Park is exploding at the canopy with green leaves and vibrant pink and white blossoms. And don't even get me started on the tulips 'round here lately. These tulips mean biz-nazz.

West Village reaching for the sun

And something about spring is particularly inspiring. I find it's easier to see the bright side, think optimistically about what lies ahead and feel good about things in general when the sun is shining warmly...

Feeling joyful

In celebration of spring (and because I need something to distract me from the fact that my seasonal allergies are now also in full bloom) here are:

* 10 Things to do During Spring in NYC

* A colorful craft for displaying your spring blossoms

* The most delicious salad recipe (avocado lovers inquire within:)

* A fruity spring dessert whose presentation will wow the masses

and remember...

Spring Eats

Fact.

Every year, the arrival of warmer, brighter evenings makes the effort of preparing a fresh dinner far more appealing. Even after a long day at the office, something about throwing open the kitchen window and whipping up a tasty meal for me and the hubs is extremely satisfying. Add a crisp glass of white wine and some lively tunes and I'm all smiles. Here to help you freshen up your repertoire and satisfy your tummy are a few new recipes for your cooking enjoyment!

Orrecchiette awesomeness

Even though Kale is all the rage lately, I've yet to cook it in my own home. Prepping a new veggie for the first time is kinda scary (too wilty, too crispy, no flavor, that smell!), but thanks to THIS simple recipe, kale is on the menu for tonight! Orecchiette with wilted spinach, kale and toasted pine nuts... I hope you're hungry Dr. H.

Because everything is better when you combine it with pasta, here's an awesome "summer" pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, feta and spinach (maybe add some greek olives as well if you're feeling adventurous!?) Keep it vegetarian or serve next to some grilled shrimp for a bit of extra protein and flavor!

So healthy... I might need to add a carb!

For me, eating healthfully throughout spring and summer is much easier than during fall and winter. I actually crave lighter fare and more fresh veggies once the weather gets warm. Hoping to get a little variety into my chicken repertoire, this 5-ingredient balsamic poached chicken recipe will be making a debut in my kitchen soon (perhaps with a side of sliced sweet potatoes or that orzo up above!?)

A summer chili! For reals!

No need to send your crock pot off to hibernate until the fall thanks to this tasty Mexican bean and chicken recipe. As usual, Pinch of Yum breaks the deliciousness down into a few easy steps and ingredients meaning you can get this started before you head to the office and come home ready to devour a tasty meal (perfect for a night when you want to hit the gym after work!!) For even more mexican crockpot goodness, click HERE.