You're never too old for something new (to eat!)

I really like cherries, who knew? (not me!)

How often do you try a new food or re-try a food you've always written off as something you don't like? I am always happy to taste something brand new, but I've also made it a habit to regularly revisit foods I "don't like" to make sure that I still don't like them! This may sound strange, but it's important to try foods over and over again because science has shown that our tastebuds actually change over time!

I was first amazed by this tastebud evolution in college... My roommate "introduced" me to strawberries (how was there ever a time that I didn't LOVE strawberries!?) and the little lady I used to babysit was responsible for my "discovery" of delicious broccoli ("if you try it, I'll try it" she said. So we both did, and we both liked it!!) In recent years, I've shed my "picky eater" skin, eating mussels, lobster, brussels sprouts, almonds, cherries and countless other foods, all thanks to re-trying them. No luck yet with peanut butter, but perhaps there's still hope that I'll enjoy my first ever PB&J someday? So next time you go to pass on a food you think you dislike, consider giving it another chance... the results may pleasantly (and tastily!?) surprise you!!

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

Summer scenery.

... this morning on the subway everyone had the same look on their face. After a gorgeously hot and sunny long holiday weekend (4 days away from desks for most!) there was a noticeable collective case of the Mondays going on. Sun-kissed cheeks located just below eyes that said "really? back to this again?" Because yes, ugh, back to this again. But all hope is not lost! Below is a comprehensive list of Merry Meri curated "just a little somethings" to satisfy each of your 5 senses and to keep you smiling through the week and surviving until the weekend. Enjoy!!

* Taste

An unlikely combination of awesome.

I would never have thought to put these ingredients together, but I'm thrilled that somebody did because holy delicious! A little watermelon for sweetness, mint for even more refreshment, plus feta for a savory pop (I like Athena fat free feta for a guiltless version of the already healthy(ish) cheese) and ta da! you have a tasty summer salad. Other additions like balsamic dressing, red onion and cherry tomatoes are welcome. Check out a few takes on the deliciously simple summer recipe HERE, HERE and HERE.

* Hear

Worthy of more than just a "little talk" :)

Most people recognize the hit single "Little Talks" by the indie folk rock band Of Monsters and Men, but I'm here to encourage you to buy their entire album! The group's first full studio release, My Head is an Animal is filled with light vocals and pleasant melodies perfect for lounging at the beach or floating in the pool. With a sound reminiscent of great bands like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers and Arcade Fire, pick up this no-need-to-skip-any-tracks album today!

* Smell & Touch

Lemon Zest-y

Over the weekend I picked up a big bottle of Bath & Body Works "Energy" aromatherapy body lotion in the Lemon Zest scent for my desk. I try hard to follow the drying generic office bathroom soap with lotion, but working in a cubicle demands some "scent-etiquette" for my nearby neighbors. The light lemon fragrance of this lotion is genuinely invigorating (as the bottle promises!) and it didn't infiltrate my shared air space with girlie-ness. Just as important, the lotion isn't heavy or creamy after application. For a bit of light summer  energy, pick up some BBW Lemon Zest (bonus - it's 50% off on their website right now)

* See

Babe it up like Grace Kelly used to in Newport

With summer Fridays in full effect, now is the perfect time to see what's just outside New York City.  Click HERE for 29 outstanding no-plane-required getaways including "glamping" (more thoughts on that in a future post!) in the Adirondacks and glamorous gambling in Atlantic City.