Hump Day Distractions

Rubber Ducky, you're the (big) one!

This morning the skies opened up in NYC and dumped enough rain on me to soak nearly every ounce of clothing I was wearing (despite my raincoat and umbrella!) ...and did I mention it was before 8am and I was going to WORK OUT!?! Universe, you're a real b*tch sometimes, ya know that!!? Anyway, here to help us hump the hell outta this day are a ton of delightful distractions. Enjoy!

* What an awesome way to preserve your kid's artwork without having to save every single piece (though I strongly recommend keeping more than a few originals anyway:)

* More information than you ever needed (but kind of wanted) to know about the Doritos Locos Taco.

* Anyone have a spare $695 to buy me these quirky beauties? (via Honestly WTF)

* And while we're on the topic of expensive beyond belief... Looks like a sort of unintentional sequel to "The September Issue" (which I adored).

* Spice up your dinner party table decor for just $9.99 (via Justina Blakeney)

* Warren Buffet wants us to remember the ladies..!

* Pasta salad deliciousness.

* Whole lotta awesome hair tutorials.

* Amazing people in amazing combinations.

* Craft those cheapy votive candle holders into a little something special.

* THIS dog just blew my mind.

* A Dad with an excellent sense of humor (I hope his wife has one too!)

* I think her joke is hysterical and his animation is perfection.

Eye (and ear) Candy.

Me? Are you looking at me?!

Today's a nutty one, so I have no choice but to distract you with a little feast for the eyes. 

Lookin sharp.

Tan works for you my friend

Smolder.

And because all good visuals are enhanced by an excellent soundtrack... courtesy of NPR and the Mr. Jay-Z, HERE's the whole damn thing in all its jazz-age-meets-hip-hop glory. Let the Great Gatsby madness commence.

Would you rather...

Get your thinking cap on!

Back in the fall when Dr. H and I moved, one of my best girlies gave us the game Would You Rather? as a housewarming gift (the same brilliant lady who planned a trip to Alice's for her birthday!) On a cozy Saturday night at home not too long ago, we busted out the game, quickly abandoned the rules and board and just started tearing through the cards, asking one another "Would You Rathers". This led to hysterical, heated debates on important issues like eating nothing for 3 days vs. eating only your most hated foods for 1 day. Then when our (elementary school age) niece and nephew were visiting and we needed something to pass the time while waiting for the subway or preparing dinner, the same Would You Rather cards provided awesome entertainment and conversation from the silly (would you rather burp uncontrollably or fart uncontrollably) to the thought provoking (would you rather have 1 very good friend or lots of people you're only friendly with... this one took a little re-phrasing to help them understand, but their answers and explanations were inspiring!) 

So next time you're looking for an ice breaker, a party game or simply a way to pass the time on a quiet night or boring car ride, consider a lil round of "Would You Rather". You'll be amazed at how the game transcends ages and just how much you can learn about people when they're forced to choose between peeing every time they stand up or pooping every time they sit down.

Sourced from Pinterest HERE

Click HERE and HERE for more excellent questions to bust out during your next round of WYR!

The not nagging nag.

My nags are full of love.

Sometime early last week, I noticed that the face wash Dr. H uses in the shower (Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash by way of CVS) was empty. I allowed 2 days to go by before casually saying "Hey Dude, I noticed you're out of facewash" (soooo casual) "Have you been using mine?" (Clarasonic Acne Daily Clarifying Cleanser by way of Sephora). Dr. H freely admitted that yes, he was out of facewash and yes, he had just been using mine. "No big deal" (says the Queen of casual) "but my facewash costs about double yours, so please get more soon." Message received, wife feels accomplished for gently putting maintenance of husband's personal sanitation needs on his own plate.

But then more days go by... and still no Neutrogena. Desperate to say something again, I bite my toungue. You see, I am genetically predisposed to be a bit of a nagger (my Mom and I prefer to call it "persistently organized") but everyone knows there's nothing more awful than living with a nag (being married to one?!) So several more days transpire and I'm literally feeling the additional lost ounces in my facewash bottle during what are now moderately rage-filled showers (predisposed to nagging and overreacting?) I'm beginning to contemplate just replacing the damn facewash myself, but then my dear Dr. H will get the (false!) impression that if he does nothing for long enough, I will just do all of life's tedious tasks for him. Thankfully, I devised the perfect solution:

Problem solved (the ducks agree)

Does this count as nagging? Does my husband realize how lucky he is!? Happy Friday my friends!!

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...

Hump Day Distractions

Fact.

Today is one of those spring days so sunny, crisp and delicious that it's pretty much cruel and unusual punishment to be asked to work indoors. Plenty of wistful staring out the window going on right now... Since we're stuck inside, might as well have a little fun right? Hump the day with me here:

* I've got a lot of sliding to do in this lifetime..!

* I'm not usually one to wait in line for an art exhibit, but THIS might be too cool to ignore.

* My eagerness to see Leo in all his Gatsby glory is matched only by my excitement for the movie's soundtrack. Sneak peak some tracks HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

* The adorable talkative twins are back, with another hil-aaarious conversation

* "Streaming on Netflix? I don't understand the question and I won't respond to it". (Dead dove do not eat)

* A thought provoking article on the way we react to shootings versus bombings.

* Charming decor, light and loveliness in Berlin.

* The most thoughtful bike thief ever. 

* Is taking a personal photographer on your family vacation too much of a good thing?

* Hold the new $100 bill up to a light and see a donkey and elephant making sweet, consensual love.

* Are you listening Dr. H!?!

* Some more "if at first you don't succeed" superstars.

* Kids are hysterical...

* ... and kinda drunk.

Would you, could you...

... wear a one-piece? Recently, it seems that one-piece bathing suits are making a comeback. They're showing up in styles intended for all shapes and sizes, from pinup retro to low cut  sexy, expertly embodying Mama Rose's timeless quote, "make 'em beg for more, and then don't give it to them!"

Sometime not too long ago, one-pieces left the bodies of sexy icons like Marilyn Monroe and were christened "mommy suits" or relegated to use only by women "of a certain age" or size. In came string bikinis and barely there two pieces as symbols of youth, fitness and sex appeal. So naturally I was unsure about going for a one-piece, despite the plethora of cute options, because I didn't want to age myself or pick something unflattering. As I do with most of life's greatest questions, I sent a link along with the question "is this cute? I can't decide..." to my girlies. One friend actually pondered aloud, "are we one-piece age or do these not count because they're trendy?"

The suit in question. Anthropologie

The question had to be answered, so I went for it (figuring worst case scenario I'd just make a return) and I'm pleased to report that the era of the "one-piece age" is officially behind us!! That pretty pink lady is pl-enty youthful and chic... just ask Dr. H who despite my insistence, refused to believe that what I was wearing was actually a one-piece (the literal "one-piece" of clothing on my body was irrelevant, "well it's just not what I was imagining" was all he could muster in defense). So ladies, I say go forth! Purchase sexy bikinis and one-pieces alike, usher in a return to discretion on the beach and by the pool and remember, any item can look sexy if you wear it that way:) 

Suits pictured can be found HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.