Lunar New Year Activities

This has been a very long, stressful week, so while I take a bit of time for myself before I come back with a full post of great things, I thought I'd show you a few highlights of the last couple of weeks that we've been doing Lunar New Year activities. It's been a lot of fun and I highly recommending doing things in your city if they are offered. 

This week we set aside some time to finally do our Lunar New Year Destination Date Night. I simplified with only one (really good, mind you) backdrop, but a fortune tree and some fun headgear. 

Sometimes, if I set things up and there aren't any accessories, Eric will ask where his hat is. LOL! We did those fun firecracker headbands last year, so this year we got dragon glasses. I had to buy a dozen, so I also shared at work, which was a big hit.

For some reason, there doesn't seem to be a restaurant around here that does delivery that offers both noodles and bao, so I went rogue on my weekly trip to Trader Joes and bought all the Asian things that I've seen mentioned being served on traditional Lunar New Year tables. 

I wasn't kidding. Here's my haul (sorry I didn't take a photo of the boxes before they were open.) This all, literally, cost about $20. Stay tuned, or check out my insta for our desserts (which I got at Uwajimaya, a local Asian market.)

Our local mall had a day of celebration, where I got to be a model on their Instagram Stories, but first we stopped by the Wishing Tree.

Here's Eric adding his wish.

There was this awesome storyteller, where we learned why fireworks and celebrations and the color red are so important to the holiday. He also told some great other tales and, as you can see, the kiddos loved it. We did, too.

 

They also had a fantastic dance troupe. They did three lovely traditional dances. There was also Chinese opera, which was...different. 

Last year we visited the Chinese Garden during the day and had a wonderful time. I was disappointed we missed out on the nighttime lantern show. This year I was able to get tickets before they sold out, but it was very crowded, but this was probably because they brought back the Dragon Dance this year.

The lanterns on the lake were beautiful, and I was still easy to see with all the people. There weren't many different things, besides the Dragon Dance than going during the day. 

I love this little pagoda though. It's stuffed to bursting with info on Chinese New Year, including the traditions and games and decorations.

If nothing else, everyone seemed to have an awesome time, even if you couldn't really walk anywhere during the Dragon Dance.

I hope you're all having a great February so far and, if you're celebrating the Year of the Tiger, I hope that's also full of prosperity, love, and success. 

Does your city have any cool holiday celebrations surrounding other cultures?

8 Alternative Budget Spring Break Destinations

Spring Break may be fast approaching, but non-essential travel is still kind of frowned upon, and you probably don't feel comfortable visiting a place that's packed full of drunken tourists. We all want to get away from home and have some fun, so if you're trying to take a trip that's somewhat safe and also budget-friendly, here are 8 options for you: 

• Washington, DC - With Covid restrictions finally lifted, most of the museums have reopened. The weather is generally nice during the spring, so eating outside will be pleasant, allowing you to dig in to the rich foodie scene. If you want to eat inside, right now you will need to show proof of vaccination. Here are some of the things we did on one of our previous trips.
• Phoenix/Tempe - Arizona isn't at the height of its hot temps in March/April, making it an ideal vacation destination. Get amazing hotel rates or spend a little extra for a luxury resort that may be offering up to 40% off. There are a lot of cool things to see and do there, and tons of delicious Mexican food, too.
• Palm Springs - While not as exotic as much of the rest of this list, and known mostly for their golfing, Palm Springs is a nature-lovers’ desert oasis. From hiking, horseback riding and swimming, there is something for everyone who loves to be outside. Steeped in Native American and Mexican culture, the city is now a resort paradise that draws regular travelers and celebrities alike. You can find great deals on accommodations, entertainment and even dining and spa services. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it – and find it for less – in the desert of Palm Springs.
• Austin, Texas - While the city may be weird, it's also romantic and unique. Learn to get down and lose your two left feet on Saturdays at the White Horse for free with lessons from Two Left Foots. The Blanton Museum of Art stays open late on Third Thursdays, so it's the perfect post-dinner activity. The New Movement has free and affordable comedy shows all week long. And what's cooler than a speakeasy? Behind a false bookcase in Firehouse Lounge, you'll find a secluded bar for a drink with your travel companion(s).

• Los Angeles - California has some fantastic weather much of the year, or at least better than other parts of the country. I've never turned down a trip to LA, because Disneyland, Universal, Hollywood, delicious foods, amazing art. I mean, the list goes on and on. Couple that with flights that are almost 25% less than other times of the year and you really can't go wrong. My friend and I spent two days in LA last year when we did theme parks and we were never disappointed by what we found to do.
• New Orleans - I've traveled to New Orleans and have written several posts about it. With Mardi Gras behind them, Spring is a wonderful time to visit. Not only do you get to take advantage of the warm weather, but you also aren't wading through hoards of tourists.  Save on your trip to New Orleans with the Power Pass. Starting as low as $28 per day, gain entry to the must-see attractions of the city. Choose from places like the Musee Conti Wax Museum, Audubon Zoo, Cajun Pride Swamp Tour and much more! Available in 1, 2, 3 and 5 day durations. Add a 1-3 day MealTicket to eat at awesome restaurants for one low price. If you know you’ll be stuffing your face with étouffée, jambalaya and other Cajun deliciousness, this is definitely the way to go!
• San Francisco - This may seem like a really expensive destination, but if you look for hotels in the Union Square area, you can find rates as low as $120 for a 4-star hotel. Find awesome, and affordable, things to do there using this 48 hours post.

• Las Vegas - As long as you don't gamble away your savings in the casinos, you can totally make a trip to Sin City cheap. Rates at the MGM Grand can run you under $100 per night, and you can spend less at a less-luxurious hotel. Not sure how to keep your money in your pockets? Here are free and cheap ideas and what you can do if you have kids in tow.

Right now you'll find a lot of great airfare deals for the next several months. I've seen some really affordable Alaska flights, starting at just $59 each way, so if you're planning to take a trip, now's the perfect time to start booking airfare and accommodations for it.

Where are you hoping to go this Spring?

Happy Lunar New Year

Cung Chúc Tân Xuân (or Gracious wishes for the new Spring in Vietnamese). It's the Year of the Tiger! I'll be doing Lunar New Year festivities this whole weekend, and I'll be following up with several posts. You can see my posts from last year here and here. If you are also looking to celebrate, here are some things to know and do:

I know this shows old years. Last year was the Year of the Ox, and next year will be the Year of the Rabbit

So, Saehae bok mani badeuseyo - May you receive lots of luck in the new year in Korean - and I'll be back with my local festivities soon. You can follow me on Instagram to follow along in real time.

Do you have a favorite way to ring in the New Year, Lunar or otherwise?