By Liz Hekimian-Williams

I guess this New York City girl is now a nature enthusiast to extreme! Our recent sand dollar experience proves it.

Do you remember that famous story about a girl that throws a starfish back into sea one at a time along shoreline? When girl was told by an onlooker that what she was doing wouldn't matter much, she replied "it matters to that one" and threw another starfish back into sea.

Well, I have a sand dollar story to share. The other day we happened upon a little island while boating and we couldn't believe how many live sand dollars were in water and on sand, green, fuzzy and thriving. They weren't white and dry like you buy them in a store. My kids were really interested in them and so were we adults, actually.

Other kids were getting them out of water and hauling them home, showing them off to us, and even offering them to us. My family enjoyed holding them and looking at them, but then we'd each throw sand dollars back into water... to keep on living... and we left with only memories as souvenirs. Now I wasn't always like this. In fact, when I was a teen, my folks took me to Bahamas and we had some natives dive down and get us a couple of starfish that we brought back as souvenirs. Back then it seemed like most normal thing to want to do. I still remember shock on my kids' faces when they first would hear about my youthful vacation and starfish experience, though. They invariably asked why would I do that because didn't it kill starfish? Boy that made me feel lousy.

Turns out they had a very good point. I've learned from life, from my kids, I don't know from where else exactly but now I feel same way as kids do. I wonder, why DID I want to do that?

15 Tips for Successful Packing by: Joyce Moseley Pierce 1600 words - 65 character lines

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, frequently or only occasionally, it seems that we basically pack same things every time. Here are a few tips to help simplify process so you don't have to stress about it every time. Remember that most of these items can be purchased when you get there, but you don't want to spend your vacation money on things you already have at home, and if you're traveling on business, you may not have time to run to store for something you need at an 8 am meeting.

After reading through these ideas, you might want to make an itemized list of things you consider important to take. Keep it in your suitcase so it will be available next time you pack and use it as a checklist to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. If other things come to mind while you're traveling, update your list for next time, but be sure to return it to your suitcase.

Rule #1 for me is to keep it light. I traveled toBrazil for 10 days with only a carry-on rolling bag and backpack. My husband packed a rolling bag that was big enough to stuff a body into and it was difficult to manage when we stayed in hotels that didn't have elevators. I don't pack more than I can carry by myself and I try to leave a little room for those vacation purchases. I have a nylon carry-on bag that zips up into a small square that comes in handy for carrying things home if I get too carried away.

1. Pajamas or gown. I have a pair of pjs I keep in my suitcase just so I don't forget them. The reason I take pajamas instead of a gown is that hotels are usually cold and if I'm staying with friends or family, I want to be able to get up and use bathroom without having to have a robe.

2. Underwear. Pack a pair for every day and then include extras. If you're going to be doing activities that require showering and changing clothes during day, be sure to include enough for that. Don't forget bras and sports bras.

3. Make up and toiletries. Instead of having to remember what to take every time, go through your beauty routine at home and set out things you use every day. Refill sample jars from trial offers, or buy travel-size containers to pack your cleansers so you don't have to pack an 8 oz. tub of cold cream. Don't forget deodorant and shaving supplies. I keep a razor in my bag all time and just change blade when I'm leaving again. Keep your toiletry bag stocked and leave it in your suitcase for next trip,but be sure to check and make sure you don't need to refill any of containers.

4. Tooth care. Instead of buying a travel size tube of toothpaste, when I get toward bottom of my big tube, I stop using it and throw it into my toiletry bag. I also pack floss and toothbrush dentist gives me.

5. Feminine products. Don't forget to pack at least enough to get you by until you can get to store. A urologist once told me that women seem prone to bladder infections while they're on vacation. If you are, you might want to pack an OTC medication that will help relieve pain and lessen symptoms until you can get to a doctor.

6. Medications. I have a separated pill box that holds pills for a week. Usually my trips are not that long (unfortunately!) so I'll put in what I need for each day and use extra slots for aspirin or other things I might need while away. I have another pill box that I use for my vitamins.