Come Fly With Me...

Dear airlines: I’d like 1 extremely narrow seat with minimal legroom, no food and please, charge me extra to transport my personal belongings. Sincerely, NO ONE. I think we can all agree that air travel is a far cry from the luxury days of Pan Am (did anyone else watch that show?), but for many worthy destinations, it’s a necessary evil. Whether it’s 2 hours or 10, flying is part of your vacation and there’s a lot you can do to help make the experience more pleasant:

* Make me a deal baby: Dr. H is my airfare guru. While I may roll my eyes over the hours or even days it takes him to find flights, he’s pretty much mastered the system. The good doctor recommends searching for flights during the week, especially Tuesdays & Wednesdays - airlines mark up prices on weekends. * To sleep perchance to dream: If your travel plans allow for overnight flights, take em! Though you’re unlikely to get a “good” night’s sleep, you don’t waste valuable vacation days traveling AND if it’s a mid-vacation flight, you can subtract the cost of hotel for that night. Book that 11pm-7am flight, grab some Tylenol PM and enjoy the extra time you’ll have at your destination. * Distraction & a happy belly: I’m not a good airplane sleeper (hence the night flight, Tylenol PM) so I need to keep myself busy to pass the time. I'm always equipped with my iPod and Nook, but I also throw in at least one magazine since a good amount of in-flight time is spent in the “electronic devices prohibited” space (what is really going to happen if I leave my iPod on during landing!? Will the air traffic controller’s message suddenly be interrupted by my blaring Britney Spears!?) Pack a snack while you're at it to avoid the marked up/junk food at the airport (I love THIS IDEA for romanticizing the in-flight experience). * Prepare for the worst: Is there anything better than the moment you see your checked bag glide into baggage claim!? I have no confidence in my bag’s ability to keep up with me so I’ve learned (the hard way) to plan for the worst. On the way there, I always carry-on necessary toiletries (contact solution, a toothbrush etc), clean undies, a bathing suit (if applicable) and a clean shirt. I also try to fly in pants and shoes I’d be happy to wear exclusively if my bag doesn’t show. On the way home I stash any truly meaningful souvenirs in my carry-on and I never EVER check my camera. Not that I wouldn’t cry a river over lost clothes and shoes, but at least I’ll have my trip memories no matter what. * Let me upgrade you: If you can afford it, those fold out beds with real silverware and warm towels sure look lovely (especially for longer flights). Unfortunately, those first class amenities come at a substantial price. For our honeymoon, Dr. H and I flirted with the idea of first class, but it would have literally doubled the cost of our airfare and we simply could not justify blowing a majority of our vacation budget on getting to the vacation. That said, if upgrading doesn't impact your ability to spend while on your trip, I say go for it! 

Image via Pinterest

Spring Break (a girl can dream)

Travel Glamorously.

Is there anything more fabulous than packing your bags and leaving your "normal" behind!? Whether its to relax on a beach, hike through the rainforest or eat your way through a new city, travel is my ultimate love (Dr. H, you can come along with me?!) I grew up in a family that valued traveling for many reasons: we gained worldliness and a sense of adventure, we unpluggled from our ordinary and we got to spend time together. I discovered just how much of the world there is to see through the generosity of my parents and now as an adult I have to figure out how to get myself there! Between work, the expense, social obligations and umpteen other excuses, there are plenty of reasons to put off experiencing your travel wish list but I refuse to be deterred... We must pack our bags and explore!!

In honor of "spring break season" (ahhhh, those were the days!) this week on Seek to be Merry we'll talk all about travel: from planning and flying, to dream destinations and saving vs. splurging. For those of us without a spring break, it can be our inspiration to take a break of our own and start adventuring! Hasta manana my fellow jet setters!

10 reasons...

Sisterly love...

...why having a sister is the best:

1) Having a sister means you have someone to play with, at any age.  

2) Having a sister means you get to double your wardrobe. 

3) Having a sister means you always have someone to take road trips with.

4) Having a sister means you don't need your parents when one of you throws up in the middle of the night NEXT TO the garbage pail (because sisters take care of each other).

5) Having a sister means you always have someone to sit next to you on the roller coaster.

6) Having a sister means you have someone to tell you that those pants are too neon.

7) Having a sister means even though you couldn't be more different, something just makes you feel the same.

8) Having a sister means having someone to take a million "arm stretched out in front of you" self-portraits with. 

9) Having a sister means having secret noises and faces and snuggles.

10) Having a sister means having an unexplainable connection... you just need your sister in your life. Always.

Happy Birthday to my (funny, smart, wacky, beautiful) sister, who I need in my life. Always.

I am not Irish...

Unlucky, but beautiful

...but I dig St. Patricks Day.  There are obvious reasons (it's my sister's birthday; I usually enjoy tasty cold beers) and less obvious reasons (jade green is one of my favorite colors to wear; I love green bagels). Though I needed Wiki to tell you that the holiday commemorates not just St. Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), but also the arrival of Christianity in Ireland (what about leprechauns!?) there's just something awesome about St. Patty's. 

I mean, you get to start your day like THIS!
(via Thoughtfully Simple)

Your bagel store is out of green bagels!? Don't sweat, all you need is pancake mix and green food coloring (extra points for festive embellishments!)

Because not everyone likes to drink beer

Yes, St. Patty's is traditionally associated with the Irish ability to drink like a fish (has this been proven by science?) but, I can appreciate a holiday mandate to gather with friends and throw a few back. (Drink responsibly!)

HOLY whhhhhat!? 

If I wasn't still eating leftovers from my celebration of Oreo's 100th Birthday last week, I'd definitely be making these. 

I love Pringles and leprechauns! 

There are a ridiculous number of leprechaun themed crafts out there. I think my mom still has the cone-shaped leprechauns I made in elementary school (remember THIS? It must run in the family:)

Whatever your plans, may we all have the "luck o' the Irish" and a good time this Saturday!

Hump Day Distractions

HA!

Heyyyo! Look at us, we've made it to Wednesday!! I hope wherever you are, it's been as sunny and springy as here in New York. Mmm sunshine:) No matter the weather, here's some internet goodness to help you get over the hump.

*For a cool $9.65 million you can own a piece of Sex and the City history.

*Music Monday at Black * Eiffle introduced me to the amazing Andrew Bird. Love discovering a new (to me) musician.

*If only I were brave enough to take on a home decor DIY of this magnitude.

*Spruce up your plain old ponytail!

*Thinking of taking THIS recipe for a test drive on Sunday (what would be a good side dish/vegetable?)

*A dog finally tells us how he feels about watching us make and eat our sandwiches (this one's for you Sis!)

But it has sentimental meaning!

Do you attach sentimental meaning to objects? A ticket stub from your first concert; the locket your parents gave you; a cheesy souvenir from a memorable trip? I for one, am an overly sentimental person - I can find “significance” in nearly every material item I come across (“but this napkin memorializes my trip to Disney during its 100th anniversary celebration!”) and I often struggle to part with things others would immediately label as trash (a warning sign for a future segment on Hoarders?) Last week I went to the Orthopedist and he said I no longer needed the cumbersome brace I’d been sporting for weeks (yay!) As I left the velcro-hinged contraption behind, I thought “but we’ve been through so much together...” before rolling my eyes and realizing that this was a bit much, even for me! I think it's important to save sparingly but "smartly". Once I get past the initial “do I even have a place to keep this?” analysis, I try hard to fast forward and guess whether in a few years the object will bring me back to the time or place where it gained its meaning. Dried flowers from my prom corsage? Not exactly stirring my emotions; old birthday/holiday cards? I am forever grateful to have saved handwritten notes from loved ones who are no longer with me. Some things become junk as time goes by, but others become personal treasures.  How do you decide what to throw out and what to hold on to? Have you ever thrown something away that you regretted afterwards? (THIS is a very cool idea; I could see myself making little rings for vacations, milestone celebrations, etc) Image via Pinterest

Dim Sum Sunday.

Take me down to Chinatown

My Dad introduced me to one of the best NYC culinary adventures a foodie could hope for:  dim sum. At least once a month my family heads to Chinatown for a feast of dumplings, bok choy, pork buns, stuffed eggplant... (getting hungry yet!?) Chinatown is an amazing cultural experience in itself (Dr. H and I love wandering among the "locals" buying produce, fresh seafood and turtles (yup, they're from Chinatown) along Canal Street) but it's the dim sum that keeps us coming back time and time again. 

Oriental Garden: Elizabeth btw Canal and Bayard
Show up before noon or the wait can be up to an hour!

While I'm sure there are a ton of awesome dim sum spots in Manhattan's chinatown, we are Oriental Gardens people. Discovered by Dad, we never stray to the bigger/fancier looking dim sum joint next door. 

This is the scene around 10:30am; by noon it's jam packed. That
silver cart makes its way through the room.

Start off with some fresh brewed green leaf tea while you wait
for the cart to arrive.

Waiters circulate the dining room with small plates (vegetables, soups, spring rolls) and you can order any of the (extremely) well reviewed szechuan chinese dishes. The silver cart works the room with a variety of dumplings and other dim sum traditional dishes. Though we may pass on the chicken's feet (yup) nearly everything that cart brings us is a delicious decision.

Shu mai comes 4 per basket. If you ever go with me,
we'll be grabbing more than one basket from the cart.

Everything about dim sum is smiley.

For each dish or basket they put on your table, you get a stamp (or dollar amount for larger dishes) and I can't think of a better value in NYC than dim sum. We eat our faces off (is there any other way at brunch?!) and it's usually around $15 per person. Though it's definitely not for everyone, if you're an adventurous eater looking for a break from french toast and omelets, go for a Dim Sum Sunday. 

Wishing my Dad, my adventure inspiration and forever tour guide a very Happy Birthday:)