Haute Papier Madness

Stationery freaks, wait until you hear this - Haute Papier (a favorite DC-based paper shop of mine) offers a subscription box called a Haute Box.  For only $80/year or $20/box, they'll send you a quarterly box of beautiful "pens, pads, coasters, greeting cards, and letterpressed goodies."  Who doesn't like that?

Sign up for one box or a yearly subscription.  I'm anxiously awaiting my first box!

Yes, You Should Bring a Hostess Gift

Can you get away with not bringing a hostess gift to an event at someone's home?  I guess.  But, as Emily Post said, "A gift for your host or hostess is a lovely way to thank them for their hospitality and is always appreciated."  It's in poor taste not to bring a small gift if you are attending a cocktail or dinner party (cookouts count) and especially if you're a house guest for any length of time or you're attending a house warming party.

Remember that a good hostess gift does not have to be expensive or a big deal.  The best gifts are those that can be used for future entertaining, can be used that night, or is a little something extra that the host or hostess wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves.  The purpose of bringing a hostess gift is to show your appreciation for being invited.

A bottle of wine is nice, a bouquet of flowers is fine.  But, why give your host or hostess the same thing as everyone else?  Here are some of the more fun gift ideas I've seen around the internet lately (click to shop):

For those who happen to live in the DC area, my absolute favorite place to pick up fun and unique hostess gifts is The Nest Egg in Fairfax Corner.  They even gift wrap!  You'll also find plenty of things you're in dire need of yourself, guaranteed.

If you forget to pick a gift up before the event or if you leave it at home on the counter on the way out, don't worry!  I completely forgot to pack our hostess gift for my mother-in-law, Mrs. Morgan, when my husband and I went to his parents' house for a week-long stay.  You can redeem yourself within the laws of etiquette by sending a thank-you arrangement, box of treats, or other surprise by delivery after the fact.  Even the strictest of us have an etiquette lapse sometimes.

Flying the Friendly Skies Wisely

I travel a lot, but I certainly have sympathy for those who don't and who may not necessarily have TSA policies at the forefront of their brain.  However, savvy and less-savvy travelers alike hate that person in line at airport security who is surprised that she can't wear a parka and boots through or who is shocked he can't bring his 2-liter of Diet Coke with him.  I'm that person behind you with shoes/scarf/jacket off, sighing obviously, while holding my laptop and regulation-sized baggie of liquids.  Get it together!

Recently, I posted on how to pack for your travels.  Now, we're talking about how to be an efficient, stress-free, and smart traveler when flying to your destination of choice.

Checking In for a Flight
If your airline allows it, check in online before heading to the airport.  You can also pay for any checked baggage at that time.  If you're unable to check in before arrival, the self-service kiosk is your best bet.  The full-service desk with an attendant is the worst possible choice if you're in a hurry.

Checking Your Luggage...Or Not
Checking luggage is great for lots of reasons - no dragging anything around the airport, no fighting for overhead compartments, and much more.  However, there is some headache involved in checking luggage.  First, many airlines charge for checking baggage on domestic flights.  Often, there is no charge for international flights, but make sure to verify that ahead of time. Many airlines also have a 50 lb weight limit for checked bags.  There will often be an overage fee for bags over the limit.

The benefit to doing carry-on for all luggage is that you don't have to wait at the baggage carousel, there's no fee (usually, see Frontier's awful new policy), and there's little chance of losing your bags.  One of my favorite tricks for carry on luggage is to volunteer to check your bag at the gate before boarding.  Airlines will frequently do this for full flights.  It's almost always free!

TSA/Airport Security
The best advice possible for TSA is to PLAN AHEAD.  TSA takes forever to get through - always.  Whether it's confused people or slow staff, you'll always want to plan for far more time than you think you need to get through security.  Most of all, don't be a jerk.  When you get in line for security, take off your scarf/jacket/cardigan/shoes, get your laptop out, get your baggie of liquids out, and take off anything that will set off the metal detectors.  You'd think this would be common sense, but every airport visit shows it isn't. 

Click here for TSA's packing tips for making going through security easier.

In-Flight Comfort
When you get on the plane, take out your items you'll want during the flight when you sit down.  Even if everything you need is in the bag under the seat, it's still a pain to you and to your seat mates if you keep pulling the bag out to get things during the flight. 

More Advanced In-Flight Comfort
I just got back from Korea last night, so I've tested and fully validated your need for the following extra items for international travel (or if you're just a princess on domestic travel):

• a seat pad to relieve pressure on your tailbone
• a blanket - or a Snuggie if you're feeling particularly audacious
• an eye mask for sleeping or undisturbed daydreaming (like my panda one)
• socks
• eye drops to prevent dry eyes
• lip balm

Be smart, be prepared, and make the flight easy on yourself and others.  Happy travels to you all!

(Passport Image Credit)

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, Mrs. Vandersluis, and my mother-in-law, Mrs. Morgan.  You ladies are my constant inspiration and aspiration. 

Happy wishes from me to you and all of your mothers out there for a glorious day!

Saying It with Flowers

When my mom was in high school, her boyfriend brought her a thoughtful faux pas of a gift: gladioluses, a common funeral flower at the time.  In telling the story, she always mentions how sweet he was, but ends with, "Uggggh.  He pulled gladioluses out of his hot trunk.  I could have sworn he stole them from a grave."  The sentiment was appreciated, but a little more research (or a question or two to the florist) would have gotten the poor guy more mileage with the gift.

Though fewer people out there are as versed in flowers and etiquette as my mom is (and was as a teenager), it's always better to be on the safe side when sending flowers. Here are some of the meanings for the most popular types of flowers to send:

• Amaryllis - Pride, Pastoral Poetry
• Aster - Symbol of Love, Daintiness
• Begonia - Beware
• Cactus - Endurance
• Camellia - Longing for you, You're a Flame in My Heart, You're Adorable
• Carnation - Fascination, Woman Love
• Chrysanthemum - You're a Wonderful Friend, Cheerfulness and Rest
• Crocus - Cheerfulness
• Daffodil - Regard, Unrequited Love, You're the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I'm with You
• Daisy - Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity
• Forget-Me-Not - True Love, Memories
• Forsythia - Anticipation
• Gardenia - You're Lovely, Secret Love
• Gladiolus - Give Me a Break, I'm Really Sincere, Flower of the Gladiators
• Heather - Admiration, Solitude, Protection, Wishes Will Come True
• Hydrangea - Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness
• Iris - Fleur-de-lis, Emblem of France, Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor, My Compliments
• Lily - Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You
• Lily (Calla) - Beauty
• Lily (Day) - Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother
• Lily (Tiger) - Wealth, Pride
• Lily of the Valley - Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You've Made My Life Complete
• Narcissus - Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are
• Orchid - Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children
• Peony - Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage
• Poppy - Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination
• Primrose - I Can't Live Without You
• Rose (Bouquet of Mature Blooms) - Gratitude
• Rose (Single Full Bloom) - I Love You, I Still Love You
• Snapdragon - Deception, Gracious Lady
• Sweetpea - Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time
• Tulip - Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland
• Violet - Modesty

For more detail, this website has a nice table of the flowers, meanings, and a photo of the flower.

Though traditionally pertaining to roses, these meaning behind flower color choices can be applied to other flowers:
    •    Red - romantic love
    •    Purple - the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight
    •    Coral and orange - desire
    •    Yellow - joy and friendship
    •    Pink - gratitude and appreciation
    •    Light pink - feelings of admiration and sympathy
    •    Peach - either sympathy or gratitude
    •    White - reverence and humility

If you're really savvy, you can send a friend or loved one her birth month's signature flower.  You can even go wild and crazy and send her flowers according to her astrological sign.

If you're planning to shower Mom with flowers this Mother's Day, check out RetaiMeNot for coupon codes before buying.  I would suggest a springy bouquet of varied flowers, but you can never go wrong with Mrs. Vandersluis' favorite, yellow roses.

(Image Credit)

How To Pack

I'm off to Korea for a week for the Osong Beauty and Cosmetics Expo this coming Saturday, so I've had packing and traveling on the brain.  It should come as no surprise that my mom is a champion packer, and that I've been channeling her expertise while getting my things together.  This post will tell you about some of my favorite tips and packing methods.

Packing List
First, no matter the length of the trip or the destination, you'll need a packing list.  This will help you (1) think of everything beforehand instead of while packing, (2) check off items so they are not forgotten, and (3) have a "packing out" checklist to ensure that everything you brought finds its way back home. Check your hotel(s)' amenities before completing your packing list.  For example, you may be able to leave your hairdryer at home or there may be a fabulous fitness center or a tennis court that you'll want your workout clothes for.  Here's a great pre-made packing list from Pinterest that can be a starting point for your own list.

Clothes 
For your clothes that require ironing, save yourself the trouble of ironing on vacation.  Iron the clothes beforehand and put them in cleaner's bags.  This will provide a shield for the clothes while they are traveling and also a slippery surface that will reduce the chances of your clothes wrinkling.

If you're going on a road trip, leave the cleaner's bags of clothes out of your luggage.  After filling your trunk, lay the clothes flat across the baggage. If you are flying, going by train, cruise ship, or whatever else, save those bags of clothes for the last stage of your packing.  Gently fold the bags of clothes and secure them across your other items in the bag.

For clothes that do not need ironing, like gym clothes, PJs, bathing suits, underwear, etc. or materials like denim, rayon, lyrca, and polyester, you should roll them before packing.  Rolling saves space and also, counter-intuitively, crunches the clothes up less than traditional folding.  Small items like socks, underwear, bras, tights, etc. should be made as small as possible and put into extra spaces found within other items, like shoes and purses.

Don't forget to pack an extra plastic bag or two for wet bathing suits, hair towels, or dirty laundry for the trip home.

Toiletries
Shampoos that strip your hair, conditioners that are pretty worthless - hotel toiletry quality is often the luck of the draw.  If you're looking for quality, but aren't necessarily wed to your everyday products, try luxury brand sample sizes, like from Birchbox or from some of your local beauty supply stores, so that you don't have to sacrifice great products for small sizes.  Go through your daily routine (morning and evening) to be sure you account for everything you'll need to get ready for the day and for bed.

Food
If you have special dietary needs that you are unsure will be met where you're traveling, pack some emergency snacks like Larabars, trail mix, or other items that will suit your needs without being perishable in your bags.

Using Space Wisely
The basic principle I use when packing is to use every single inch of space wisely.  This means phone charger, camera, and laptop charger in a purse; underwear and tights in shoes; anything TSA doesn't need to scan in my makeup bag or flat iron case.  USA Today published a good article on how to make to most of your space, TSA's policies, and amenities on the road.  Real Simple also had a helpful article for dealing with clothing-heavy packing.

In the end, don't stress too much about remembering everything.  Unless you're going on a safari or ice fishing in Antarctica, the place you're traveling to will likely have stores where you can get what you need.  Bon voyage!

Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

One of my favorite healthy comfort food recipes is my Roasted Vegetable Lasagna.  It's one of those recipes that might have started from a cookbook or blog way back when, but now has evolved into its own thing.  This lasagna gets its flavor from roasting the vegetables before assembling and baking the lasagna.  It's sure to be a crowd pleaser for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

You can use just about any of your favorite vegetables in this lasagna. 

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch pieces or smaller
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces or smaller
• Half of any type of bell pepper, chopped
• 4 small fresh tomatoes, plum, seeded and chopped
• 4 medium garlic clove, peeled and chopped
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp table salt, or more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or more to taste
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 8 oz canned tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• In roasting pan, combine vegetables, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, garlic, and olive oil. 

• Bake until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Place half of vegetables and 1/2 cup water in food processor and process until smooth (You can also use a pot and an immersion blender).

• Spoon 1/2 cup of vegetable purée into the bottom of a 9 X 13-inch baking dish.

• Place three noodles over the purée. 
• Top noodles with 1/2 cup of purée, 1/2 of remaining vegetables, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.

• Repeat layers and then top with remaining 3 noodles, purée, and cheese.

• Bake until bubbly, about 40 to 45 minutes. Slice into 6 pieces and serve.  Enjoy!

 

Letting Kids Dress Themselves...Sorta

For moms of little fashion divas and dudes, you probably hear all the time that your child wants to dress herself or himself.  Finding the balance between crazy kid outfits and and not limiting their creativity and self-expression must be difficult.

When I was little, I not only had an extensive wardrobe, but I also had a lot of opinions about what my outfit should look like.  My mom had a smart method for giving me a choice in what I wore each day...kind of.  Each morning, my mom would lay out 3-4 full outfits for me to choose from.  The only rule was that there could be no mixing and matching.  This way, I was thrilled that I was dressing myself, and my mom was equally as thrilled that I didn't look like I escaped from the circus.

Once place that my mom did allow unbridled enthusiasm and expression was in my accessories.  From age 2 onward, I had a huge accessories wardrobe, including bracelets, necklaces, purses, headbands, hats, bows, shoes, socks, barrettes, and scarves.  And, of course, whatever my sidekick Teddy wanted to wear that day.

Here are some adorable kids' accessories that I've seen around the internet lately (click to shop):