10 things that freak me out.

I think issues make one interesting.

1) When I check my mailbox and there's nothing in there. Like not even a catalogue. Did the mail(wo)man forget to come today?

2) Waking up one minute before my alarm clock is set to go off. How did you do that body? HOW?!

3) Paper cuts. So tiny, SO painful. 

4) When I go to a favorite restaurant & decide to branch out & not order my "usual" item. What if I'm disappointed? 

5) The smell of asparagus pee. What happened in there?

6) Cats.

7) When I get stuck with the "Do Not Walk" hand at several consecutive crosswalks. Am I walking too fast or too slow? How do I fix this!?

8) The word (and idea that anyone would eat something called) "leeks"

9) The recurring daydream (nightmare!?) of a serious trip-and-fall wipeout in the work place. I would have to quit. 

10) People who don't like Disney World (what is wrong with you?)

Picture this.

Here's a man sitting on a throne made of thirteen lions. Amazeballs.

It's Friday and I'm feeling lazy so I'm just going to share some Pinterest-procured  awesome images. Also THIS hysterical way to make your day better. Smiles guaranteed. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Party at my house. 

hehe.

If I were an elephant, this guy would
totes be my bff.

You thought your mom was embarrassing...

Someone just told them it's Friday!!!

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.  

Hump Day Distractions

Brings new meaning to "love your vegetables"

Another week another Wednesday. A 5-day work week is a real biotch after a few days off, but together we can make it through. Hump with me:

* Quite possibly the most awesome Facebook prank ever.

* A cheetah like you've never seen a cheetah before...

* One awesome reader sent me this link as a reminder that plenty of individuals are grateful for Jews on Christmas!

* I'll take one of EVERYTHING please:)

* THIS outfit is perfection.

* Children of the 90s and lovers of TGIF rejoice! 

* To God regarding dinosaurs: you did the right thing (and other adorable notes from kids to the big guy upstairs)

Be lazy and save money!?

Dinner time decisions...

Dr. H and I both have colds. Amazingly, this is the first time in our relationship that we're sneezy, snotty messes, at the same time (that's hot right?!). What this translated to last night, was two very lazy people, laying on the couch, unable to decide what to do about dinner. "I'll just eat soup" he says. "I had soup for lunch" I answer. "Dude, I'm ordering from the pizza place, you in?" And just like that, I abandoned my "it's the holiday season (of spending), avoid unnecessary expenses" resolve and allowed a calzone and meatball sub to come to the rescue.

But when the delivery guy came to our door and the whopping grand total of $15 (including tip) sunk in, I realized that it would be tough to buy ingredients for a dinner for two that amounted to less than that. Our chinese and mexican takeout bills are often similarly low. One of the most glorious things about NYC is that you can get almost any type of cuisine delivered to your doorstep, at any time, at any price point you choose. Though we usually pride ourselves on being Manhattanites that actually cook, it could be that Dr. H and I would be better off not making our own dinner if the end game is to cut cost. And it's waaaay easier to lounge on the couch in sweatpants waiting for a delivery guy than to slave over the stove. How many nights in a row is too many when it comes to take out? Depending on how long these colds last, we just might find out.

(A Jew) On Christmas.

George Washington get his tree

The decorations are up, the holiday music is playing and faster than you can say "Black Friday Insanity" Thanksgiving is in our rear view and the countdown to Christmas has begun. Christmas... beautiful, sparkly, cheery Christmas. Moment of honesty: I really wish I celebrated Christmas. Though I am proud of my Jewish heritage and I love my Chanukah traditions (Mom's latkah's are a once-per-year delicacy) nothing compares to a twinkling tree, mint hot chocolate and Mariah Carey belting out that all she wants for Christmas, is me. 

My parents tell a tale of little Meri coming home from preschool, confused about Santa. "If I'm good, he's supposed to come! Is he going to come!?" Stuck with the difficult task of explaining religious diversity to a 3-year old (and risking the reveal of some "Santa-related truths" to an entire preschool) my parents did what any parent of a blabber mouth would do: they told me to believe. And believe I did - cookies, carrots for the reindeer and a short note thanking Santa for stopping by. From that year on, the magic of Santa has been a tradition in my Jewish family (you should see my stocking) and an annual small gift from Mr. Claus reminds each of us of the holiday's joy (and a funny Meri story.) Because similar to Chanukah's 8 nights of gifts, Christmas has developed traditions quite distinct from the religious significance of the day. For me and so many others, twinkling lights, an excellent soundtrack, togetherness and giving are all non-religious Christmas magic (also the Nutcracker, It's a Wonderful Life, the smell of fresh pine and gingerbread). So while I may not get to put up a tree (tempted, so tempted)  I'm going to love on Christmas with the enthusiasm of a goy... it's like my parents said "all you have to do is believe" :)

A Thankful Hump Day

Sup G?

Happy almost Turkey Day my merry friends! In honor of the holiday and the day we all collectively say "why on earth did I bother coming into work?" (aka, today) I've compiled a fantastic list of distractions for you. I wish you all safe travels, delicious meals and a few moments of peaceful reflection to remember that no matter the challenges you face, there is much in this world to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.

* I love this NYC tradition more than you can possibly imagine.

* Big Squishable Animals. Yup.
* So funny. So true.

* Some people should really stay off of Facebook.

* The truth about what will be on your tv all day tomorrow.

* So easy, you can have THESE on your dessert table even with less than 24 hours notice. Sure to be gobbled up (hehe).

* Why Friday just might be more awesome than Thursday.

* Two really cool ways to support those still recovering from Hurricane Sandy HERE and HERE.

* 49% of me says "ahhh! so dangerous!" but 51% says "damn I want to try that". (Skip to 1 minute mark).

* Be thankful for what you have. Be charitable to those who have less.