movie time.

Don't worry, I'm not gone, just bein lazy.

Friends! I'm alive! I know it's been a slow week around these parts and I don't even have a good excuse, I'm just seriously slacking in the blogging category of my life. Hey, it happens. I'm going to make it up to you though... I'm going to make it up to you by recommending a ton of movies, ALL of which I watched on the airplane to/from Australia (because there's a lot of time for movie watching when you're flying to/from Australia!) So go buy some microwave popcorn and head into the weekend armed with this something-for-everyone movie recommendations list!

* 20 Feet From Stardom

This documentary tells the stories you never knew you were dying to know about the backup singers for some of music's greatest legends. From those who are happy to stand behind the star to others who simply couldn't make into the spotlight, this movie is a fascinating look at the voices you've always known, even though you never knew the person behind them.

* 12 Years a Slave

So this isn't going to be a feel good film, but it is going to move you. I never got around to seeing 12 Years a Slave in theaters (because motivating to see something sad can be tough) but I'm so glad I mustered up the courage to watch this film because it is outstanding. Based on a true story of a free man captured and imprisoned for years as a slave, this movie tells a story you need to know, via actors who deliver exceptional performances. 

* Julie and Julia

The perfect delightfully warm, wonderful and sweet anecdote to my previous recommendation, Julie and Julia is a hit from several years back that I just enjoyed for the first time. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep are perfection in this lighthearted story of two women (a modern amateur chef/writer Julie and the famous Julia Childs early in her life/career) discovering themselves through cooking, perseverance and love from their wonderful spouses. My only warning: prepare to salivate, the food porn in this flick is divine!

* Foxcatcher

This Oscar nominated film from 2014/15 didn't get very much buzz or wide circulation in theaters and I have absolutely NO idea why! An almost unrecognizable Steve Carrell plays the wealthy (and creepy) John duPont with astounding poise, while Channing Tatum portrays an Olympic wrestler in what I feel is the most significant role of his career. Add in the always talented Mark Ruffalo and a shocking true story and you have 1 fantastic movie experience. (Note: it starts off a little slow, but stick with it!)

* and then there's Birdman...

I did not get this movie. I did not get it at all. I'm putting it on this list because I watched it (how do you not watch the film that took home the award for Best Picture!?) but I cannot say I recommend it. I don't even know what to say about it... it was WEIRD. It was artsy. It was interesting? Give it a shot, maybe you'll fare better than I did!

Happy Presidalentine's Day!

This is so good.

For a lover of love and Presidential geek such as myself, I don't think it gets much better than Valentine's Day falling on President's Day Weekend. I'm in heaven. And though three day weekends aren't quite as special as they used to be since I started working from home, I still plan to snuggle with my sweetie on Saturday and pay homage to George and Abe (and all the others!) on Monday. Want to combine the two?! Well thank goodness for THIS.

Also, have you seen this commercial?! Obviously as soon as I saw it I was like "I MUST LEARN THAT SONG!" and so off to the world wide web I went to find it. 

Success.

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love and a Monday fit for a President (whatever that means!) xox

So long August!

Chilllll babe.

Hello friends and lovers and greetings from beautiful Charleston/Isle of Palms in South Carolina! I am here for the long weekend hoping to make the most of these final days of summer and to take a much needed break from staring at my laptop screen. The plan is to build sandcastles at the beach with my niece, float in the pool with my nephew and devour something fried and tasty from THIS place. Game on Labor Day. Speaking of which, isn't THIS picture cool? And if you're suddenly curious to know a bit more about the history behind this day off from work/school, click HERE. Lastly, here are some necessities to help you say so long to summer (while secretly praying for an unseasonably warm and sunny September of course!) See you next month :)

Because nothing says summer like Sangria... (HERE)

Breakfast Pizza of the Red White and Blue variety. (HERE)

Do you have one last pool party in you!? (HERE)

Yes Please. (HERE)

The highlight of my weekend (a funny little story)

Not my actual suitor, but certainly an adorable alternative

Hello my lovelies and welcome to a most manic Monday (for me at least!) But I wanted to pop in and tell you a funny little story from my weekend:

It's 7:40pm and Dr. H and I are hustling down the FDR Drive in an attempt to return our rental car before the 8pm deadline. We get off at 23rd street and I curse the red light that appears just as I'm about to clear the intersection. I sit at the light as a young family, Mom and Dad (holding a small daughter) and a son, probably around 10 years old, begin to cross in front of my car. The little dude looks at me in the drivers seat, makes eye contact and then gestures and mouths "call me". There is no denying that this invitation is intended for me. I burst into a smile and ask Dr. H "did you see that!?" We both look forward again and the kid is all smiles pointing and gesturing his hand like a phone (unbeknownst to his parents walking a pace ahead) "call me". I give him my sassiest smile and a thumbs up.

That kid is gonna be a lady killer. Watch out girls.

Seeing Summer.

Rainbows to the sea.

Bathing Beauties

Ocean Indulgence

and Sweet Treats

May your holiday weekend be filled with all of summer's greatest delights!

Peace out homies.

3 DAYS!!! 3 WHOLE DAYS!!!!

Friii-day... FRiiii-Day.... FRRRII-DAY.... FRIDAY... FRIDAY! WOOOOO!!! I feel like a deserve a freakin medal for surviving this endless week, but I will happily accept a long weekend instead!! Here for your viewing pleasure as we collectively count the minutes until quitin' time are some goodies of the Memorial Day and generally cool variety. 

This post from Domaine Home is a soup to nuts (or shall I say dip to pie!? hehe) summary of how to host the perfect Memorial Day weekend get together. Now who's inviting me over!?

And because who doesn't love a thematic cocktail (in a mason jar of course:) click HERE to learn how to make that America-tastic Patriotic Punch (or Pin it for July 4th HERE).

Sassy

Silly

Sweet.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

A Weekend to Remember.

Yup.

Not to toot my own horn or anything... but this past weekend I pretty much rocked Dr. H's birthday socks off (toot TOOT!!) There were surprise visitors and festive dinners, late night shenanigans and even horseback riding. We ate like kings (and drank like fish) and overall it was just one of those weekends that reminds you that these are truly great times.

Since now I look and feel kinda like THIS, I thought the best thing to do today was give you a little recap of some of our adventures since I heartily recommend everywhere we ate/drank/went/played.

* Friday - La Esquina & Brinkley's

Do not be fooled by the "taco counter" storefront at street level! Walk in the main door, head down a flight of stairs and through the kitchen (literally) and you end up in a cave meets-awesomely decorated bar and sit-down restaurant space. Though La Esquina can be a biatch to get a large group reservation at (one month in advance, limited space, etc) their price fix menu includes copious amounts of insanely delicious food which go quite nicely with their awesome cocktails. For a regular dinner, arrive early, make a reservation or be willing to sit at the bar and La Esquina will be a chic and tasty night on the town.

I've walked past Brinkley's dozens of times, but post-La Esquina (just around the corner in Soho) was my first time heading inside. The bar had a great atmosphere, a decent number of tables and barstools and though it got crowded as the night went on, it never filled to the "whose armpit is this in my face?" capacity that I detest. Gonna have to head back for eats sometime soon!

* Saturday - Coffee Shop, Union Square Farmer's Market & Ginny's Supper Club

Rising and shining(ish!) on Saturday morning our crew of 6 (siblings and 1 tiny niece included!!) headed to a birthday brunch at The Coffee Shop in Union Square. This spot is a go-to for me in the neighborhood with a menu filled excellent options (brunch or lunch/dinner) at reasonable prices. Items like the "Hangover Sandwich", pancakes, french toast and steak and eggs were hits all around my brunch table and the atmosphere is always lively (plus outdoor seating!) Reservations recommended if you want to avoid a wait.

I absolutely love the Union Square Farmer's Market. The produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods, meats, fish, (Martin's Pretzels!) and more are fresh, delicious and locally sourced. Though it can get a bit crowded on beautiful Saturdays, arrive early and get the fresh stuff before the crowds. (Open M,W,F,Sat 8am-6pm, more info HERE)

Below the (deservedly hyped) Red Rooster Harlem restaurant, is Ginny's Supper Club, a modern reincarnation of the glamorous Harlem speakeasies of the 1920s and also serving delicious eats by chef Marcus Samuelsson.  Our table for two had a prime view of the wonderful live jazz performance and the food was Ah-MAZ-ing. From the chicken and waffles and deviled eggs appetizers to our "Helga's Meatballs" and Mac and Greens (a mac and cheese of epic deliciousness in my humble opinion!), every bite was more delicious than the next. I even glutinously enjoyed the homemade ice cream sandwich for dessert because... BECAUSE. If you like live jazz and you want a glam, unique, DELICIOUS night on the town, reservations at Ginny's Supper Club should be it. (Note - you can also just buy tickets for the performance and drink/listen at the bar in the back!)

Dr. H is obsessed with horses (strange, but true) and somewhere in my birthday surprise hype-building we developed a running joke that I was getting him "a stallion" for a gift. The stallion jokes invaded daily conversation so much that I felt I had to do something horse-related for my beloved equine-enthusiast. Recalling an episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte went riding in the city and turning to our trusted friend Google, I discovered Kensington Stables located just off Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Bizarrely situated just like any other business on a city street corner, the stable is home to more than 20 horses and for the reasonable price of $37 you can take an hour-long ride through the park (including an only-in-NYC, is this really happening? horse ride through a traffic circle to get into the park!) The horses are all beautiful and riding through the city park was truly a unique experience. Kensington Stables also offers lessons or for just $3 your kiddo can take a pony ride up and down the block. Not too shabby NYC, not too shabby at all.

On my mind (and in my ears)...

YAY indeed!

It's Fri-yay!! This morning, after Wednesday weather that was reminiscent of a mid-winter monsoon and a Thursday that couldn't seem to make up it's mind, I basked in the glory of a perfect spring stroll to the subway and the fact that a glorious weekend is mere hours away. Here to take you into the weekend is a bit of what's been on my mind (and in my ears!) lately. Have a good one!

Purple reign!?

Been thinking about my hair again and maybe, just maybe, going back to the wild side. Since as I've shared before (here, here) it takes months for me to commit and dye-ve in (hehe), what are your thoughts on the purple/lavender trend? Not for my whole head of course, but maybe a few underside streaks for summer!?

Nutrition Fact.

j'adore

I'm thinking there will need to be gold polka dots in my next apartment. Yes definitely... gold polka dots... (Check out the dots and other amazing wall decals and removable wallpaper patterns from WallsNeedLove)

It sometimes is all Black & White.

What's that you say Dr. H? You want to throw me a "Black and White Ball" a la Truman Capote for my 30th Birthday!? (Someone tell him, he doesn't read the blog!!)

If you love lady rap, then you must check out the debut album from Iggy Azalea, The New Classic. Funky fresh hip hop and ridiculous beats (without the rage of Minaj or Lil Kim), Iggy will no doubt be in my ears all weekend.

Cheers to a joyful weekend!

Perhaps.

Over the past few weeks, I have been making a conscious effort to pause and take in the goodness of joyful moments in my life. Maybe it's the perspective that growing older creates, but I've suddenly become extremely aware of how important it is to savor moments of happiness and pleasure so they can serve as fuel for enduring hardships and struggles... Because it's easy to become overwhelmed by stress and sadness or to take moments of joy and success for granted, or worse, to pass through them as if only bracing for the next challenge...

So this weekend, if life feels good, take a moment to pause and soak in the warm fuzzy feeling... Let it ooze out of your face in the form of smiles and laughter. Whether it hits you over lunch with friends, during snuggles on the couch, after a delicious bite or just feeling the warmth of sunny weather on your skin, don't get lost waiting or worrying about the next thing, just pause and let yourself be merry :)

Snip-its and Suggestions.

Ain't that the truth!? Here we are at Monday and man oh man am I unprepared. If I could just get 1 more day of weekend, I think I'd be in much better shape, but since "Saturunday" does not exist anywhere but my fantasies, I'm snuggled up to my double shot cappuccino and hoping for a quiet day in the inbox. While we all try to keep a low profile and countdown the minutes until Friday, here are some snip-its from my wonderful weekend and at the very least a tv-related excuse for this morning's exhaustion!

* True Detective

Did you watch True Detective!? The finale of the HBO crime thriller's inaugural 8-episode season aired last night and I'm going to declare it the most suspenseful 60 minutes of television I have ever watched. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, this series takes a unique and mini-series-esque approach, with a story line that starts and ends in 1 season, promising an entirely new cast of characters come next year. Dr. H and I binge-watched the last 3 episodes in a row last night (thank you (but not really!) daylight savings for giving us enough energy around 12:45am to make the decision to power through "just 1 more" to the end) and now I cannot recommend this incredibly cast, impeccably scripted, insanely suspenseful series highly enough. If you're late to the party, find a buddy whose arm you can grip (seriously!) fire up the HBOGo and get watching.

* Manuel Racim

The remote controlled fabric wall is awesome!

Want to make the man in your life look the swankiest you've ever seen him!? A Manuel Racim custom made shirt is sure to do the trick! On the suggestion of Rebecca of The Daily Muse (love when I can turn an online recommendation into a real life success!) I gave Dr. H the gift of a custom designed shirt for Valentine's Day. Together we went to Manuel Racim's Tribeca shop and selected everything from fabric, to pocket type, collar shape to button color and upon pick up and fitting Saturday, I must say, my man could not have looked hotter. Though absolutely a splurge (prices start at $165) MR's pristine tailoring and "just your style" design options make these shirts an awesome gift for the well dressed man in your life!

* Aurora

exposed brick and homemade pasta!? Bring it.

Want to enjoy some of the tastiest Italian in downtown Manhattan!? On Saturday night Dr. H and I found ourselves at this chic and delicious Soho neighborhood favorite, oooh-ing and ahhh-ing over every bite from the I Cavoletti (roasted brussel sprout and cauliflower salad with melted cherry tomatoes and bottarga) to Le Pappardelle (with a veal ragu that would blow ya mind!) To compliment their homemade pastas and other delicious dishes, Aurora has a warm and inviting downtown vibe with a lively crowd (though thankfully not an "I can't hear you across the table" scene). Moderate pricing makes for an awesome night out with your honey or a small group. And for those preferring the outer boroughs, there's a second location (just as tasty!) in Williamsburg. (ps- they also make a killer brunch!)

Workin for the weekend.

Peek-a-Boo Friday! There you are!!

Yaaaaaaaay!!!! We made it through the first post-holidays 5-day week and now we only have to survive one more until the great Dr. Martin Luther King delivers another holiday-day off! Wooooo!!! This time of year, with winter in its "few, if any redeeming qualities" phase (once I've had some snow and a healthy dose of Christmas decor, winter has NOTHING to offer me) anything that makes the weeks pass quickly is welcome (so don't mind me if after MLK I've got laser focus on President's Day!) Here to welcome the weekend is a little bit this and that from what to wear, the movie you might want to see and a snack you just might need to fix up for yo'self! Have a good one :)

THIS winter grey with a pop of party manicure is on my lunch break "to do" list!

Hungry Girl (my favorite healthy recipe source) has THIS great recipe for "Healthy Mini Sausage and Kale Pizzettes". With basic ingredients and a waistline friendly 177 calories per bite, cook up these lil guys this weekend as a test run for your Super Bowl batch!! (ps- I really like fat free ricotta with just a little kosher salt for added flavor and swapping that for the low fat/light cheese the recipe calls for would make this snack even healthier!)

I love me some "Awards season" movies and though (as usual) I'm not fully prepared for the Golden Globes (give me until the Oscars to screen all the good ones!) my early favorite is American Hustle by FAR! If you're looking to catch a flick this weekend (and be "in with the in crowd" come Sunday's Golden Globes) I highly recommend American Hustle (way better than Wolf of Wall Street (which I also liked, but not as much!)).

How cozy casual chic is this winter weather look!? Cream cable sweaters are very much "in" this winter so you can find one anywhere (mine is from Forever 21 and is so soft that I default to it at least once per weekend lately!) Pair it with jeans and some classic winter colored plaid (and a floppy hat if you're feeling bold) and you have a winter weekend outfit that's equal parts stylish and comfy.

Family Day!

I love this.

Visitors from Hotlanta of the Bro, Sis and Niece variety mean Merry Meri is in Aunt Meri glory today. I'll make it up to you on Monday. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!!!

ps - Do you love Beyonce like I do? Do you need her like I do? If so, click HERE.
pps - a brutally honest NYC tourism ad that will CRACK you up.

Is it over yet!?

word.

Even though this week went by relatively quickly, I am so ready for the weekend. So. Ready. So let's all check out these goodies meant to entertain, amuse, feed and inform, then power down our computers and get the hell outta here! Have a great weekend :)

watch out for the yellow ones Buddy!

So I think it's a bit early to be pushing Christmas (though Radio City Music Hall obviously disagrees, their tree has been up for 2 weeks now!) but when I stumbled upon THIS list of secrets from my most favorite Christmas movie Elf, I simply had to share.

awwww

Those are some pretty darn cute rats. (<-- and that is something I never imagined I would say.)

Those are pictures of the Lower East Side of Manhattan... YESTERDAY!!! Apparently Steven Soderbergh is filming a Cinemax miniseries called The Knick right now and transformed Broome and Orchard streets to look like something straight out of the early 1900s. Can you imagine accidentally stumbling upon that while out and about? What a mind trip! So freaking cool.

I like it.

And lastly, because it's Friday and someone has to bring the sweet treat to the tailgate...

"Feed Your Football Face" Recipe of the Week: Sprinkle Nutella Rolls*

*brought to you by Inside BruCrew Life

Ok, so these guys look epic-bananas levels of delicious and I was thrilled to discover that they are epic-bananas levels of easy to make: 

Ingredients

1 package crescent rolls (Pillsbury)

1/2 cup Nutella spread

sprinkles

Instructions

Unroll the crescent rolls and press together the seams. Spread with Nutella. Make sure to not go all the way to the edge. Top with sprinkles. Gently roll up. Cut into 9 even slices. Place in a glass baking dish with room around each one.

Bake at 375* for 14 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating. Top with more sprinkles if desired.

Click HERE to Pin it, click HERE for the full recipe (and super helpful step-by-step images) and click HERE for all of the Feed Your Football Face Recipes of the week!

Tick tock tick tock...

Hug it out.

I am literally watching the clock today. I check it just about every 15 minutes... I am 193% (official count) ready for a crisp fall weekend out and about in my most favorite city. Got some girl friend plans, tickets to a sa-weeeet outdoor concert and a trip to Chinatown for some dim sum all on the agenda. Hellz yes. But...

...before you leave, you must click HERE.

Also, I dare you not to completely melt reading every single one of THESE. (via Peppermint Bliss!)
Here's the reason I will never purchase Barilla pasta again.

So true. SO true.

"Feed Your Football Face" Recipe of the Week: Mini Loaded Potato Footballs*

* brought to you by The Curvy Carrot

Are you SERIOUS!? I mean it doesn't get much easier, or much event-specific-perfect than these mini football-esque treats.

Ingredients
20 small red potatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings:  sour cream, cheese, chives, vegetarian bacon, etc.

Instructions1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, olive oil and salt together until coated thoroughly.
3. Place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, bake for 20 minutes or until soft.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. Once cool enough to touch, cut a small slit in the top of each potato and gently scoop out a small portion of the flesh, discarding it.
6. Top each potato with your desired toppings and serve while still warm.  (*I used a small piping bag fitted with a tiny pastry tip and piped sour cream directly into each potato for simplicity and ease.)

Click HERE for the full recipe post or HERE to pin on Pinterest.