Take your stretchy pants to work day (hooray!)

Not this kinda pant, not this kinda work, but cool pose right?

Guys. Lululemon is making chic work pants and they're the splurge you didn't know you needed to make, because trust me, these pants are the real deal. 

Anyone who knows Dr. H knows that after me and Miss Awesome, the thing he loves most in this world are his "Lulu Man Pants" aka, the slim fit chino-esque pants made of stretchy material by yoga-world dominator Lululemon. He owns the ABC pant in like 4 colors and loves them for both their insanely comfortable fit and dress up or down ability (plus, look up what ABC stands for). Well ladies, it's our turn to take our Lulus to work and these two pants are it:

The Noir Pant (HERE) and On the Fly Pant (HERE) fit like butta over my booty and hug my hips and thighs in all the right places. They breath in the heat and are just heavy enough for when it's cold. They do NOT wrinkle and though they're pictured here with sneakers, I pair mine with booties or even strappy heals and it's a whole other work-date night situation (with enough stretchiness for dessert!). 

Now listen, I am not someone to casually spend $118 on a pair of pants. That's a decision I think about VERY carefully, but if you do the "what's the cost per usage?" calculation on a timelessly styled black dress pant (that just so happens to feel like a yoga pant) you're sure to realize your investment and then some. As I shift my closet to "less stuff, higher utility" (#adulting) these pants are definitely on the path to wardrobe dominance. Check em out!

ps- Lulu does free alterations so shorties like me, rejoice!!

Hump Day Distractions

Happy Birthday buddy!

Today is Wednesday. Not Thursday or Friday, but thankfully not Monday or Tuesday. We take what we can get right!? Let's cut to the chase and be distracted:

* How to make your very own Chipotle burrito bowl

* Did you know that children are our nation's poorest age group, with almost 25 percent of children under 5 living below the federal poverty level? Sad, but true. Learn more HERE.

* Oh man... I'm pissed off just watching this guy!

* Real estate gems from the Big Apple.

* The most beautiful places to get your yogi on.

* Some super chic sporty/swimy clothing from a recently discovered brand, perfect for all that scenic yoga you'll be doing (via exPress-o)

* My muffin tin never felt so essential.

* Sassy nails are even easier than you think!

* Just when you though Zach Galifianakis couldn't be any more amazing...

* So... this pole dancer just blew my mind (it gets good around the 1:20 mark)

* I am pretty sure I NEED this.

* I'll take the super pooper if it means I get to have that woman's body 

* These doggies are here to make you smile.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Raindrops on roses...

Today I thought I would share a few things that have become Merry Meri obsessions of late. From beauty and cleaning to workouts and water, here are a few "can't live without" items for your consideration:

* Clarisonic Mia *

Like an electric toothbrush for your face!

A little over a year ago I was in bride-to-be/how can I look like a more glam me? mode and I purchased a Clarisonic Mia after reading a glowing review from the beautifully skinned Rebecca of the Daily Muse. While I'm not sure I breakout less as a result of my Mia, my skin definitely looks significantly better - less dull and grey - thanks to a once daily scrub. A bit pricey ($120 at Sephora) I'm so pleased with the improvement to my skin that I'd definitely recommend the investment. 

* Skull Candy Headphones *

Get on my ears!

When I walk around with my Skullcandy headphones on, I'm in my own little badass, music lovin, happy place. I freakin LOVE my giant headphones even if they do look a bit ridiculous on a white girl dressed for her office job (channeling my inner dj!?) The sound quality is awesome and not a week goes by without some random stranger complimenting their awesomeness. Perfectly priced for the holidays, gift or get some Skull Candy.

* Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo *

My hair's new bff

I mentioned that I was experimenting with dry shampoo back in May, but now it's been upgraded to "cannot live without" status. Always fearful of drying out my dyed and frequently blown-out locks (also I'm extremely lazy in the morning) dry shampoo, specifically Oscar Blandi brand, is pretty much the greatest invention ever. I few carefully placed and well rubbed in lines of the powder on my scalp and that "how long has it been since that chick washed her hair?" greasiness is traded in for volume and a clean-to-the-touch mane.

* Nathan Human Propulsion "Tritan Bottle" *

Drink up!

I am obsessed with my turquoise "sippie straw" water bottle. I use it every day at my desk, when I workout and when I'm travelling. Purchased at Modell's for like $15 because I'm a big water drinker and hater of the waste individual plastic bottles create, this guy is dishwasher safe, has no BPA (a thing I know nothing about other than BPA = bad) and the straw seems to have the effect of making me drink more which is not only healthy, but seems to help with my ravenous appetite and seasonally dry skin. Grab a Tritan and drink up:)

* Mr. Clean Magic Eraser *

Love that bald man.

You know you're getting old/growing up when one of the items you can't live without is a cleaning product, but peoples... this stuff is le-git. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers get EVERYTHING off your walls, whether it's scuffs from furniture, fingerprints from excessive wall touching (apparently something Dr. H and I are quite guilty of) or all the scratches and marks you get from 2+ attempts to hang that bookshelf that just keeps falling down (I know from experience?). I literally walk around exclaiming in amazement when I clean with these things - buy them!

* Vinyasa Flow Yoga *

Yoga Vida in NYC

I've come and go from the practice of yoga over the years, but I recently discovered a studio just a short walk from my apartment (convenience is key!) and it's hitting a yogi bliss sweet spot. Requiring intense control and mental clarity, yoga has been an excellent escape from work stress while simultaneously whipping me into shape. Yoga seems to magically produce results almost instantly, lengthening and tightening up some of my "soft spots" after only a few classes (visible results = excellent motivation). Whether you're a beginner or one of those crazy-headstanders, consider an hour on the mat next time you're looking to relax and workout.