Did you see this classy subway shot of Helen Mirren riding the R train in New York? It’s impressive! She is a poster child for proper subway etiquette: Sitting up straight, her knees touching so she doesn’t invade someone else’s space (unlike the dude to her left!). Even with an open seat beside her, she resists temptation and keeps her purse in her lap. Like I said, the ultimate form of public transportation class!

I’ve been on a tear lately about subway etiquette after run-ins with several inconsiderate underground travelers. My biggest pet peeve: People who lean against the subway pole and, in doing so, prevent anyone else standing from having a place to rest their hand and support their balance. And while my love for Mr. Tom Hanks runs deep, he demonstrates another underground problem: man spreading. 😉 (I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt: this pic may have simply been snapped on a very empty train.)

What are your biggest subway frustrations? Or flipping the question, have you encountered any travelers as courteous as the lovely Helen Mirren?

(Images via Time)

Happy Friday, my darling readers! How was your week? A four-day week always flies by, right? I am excited for a productive weekend ahead. I’m actually taking a writing class! I write every day for work, but this is my chance to write for me. 🙂 I hope you have something wonderful planned. Here, to get the weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Storytelling on Snapchat.

Thoughts on giving men the red carpet treatment.

Salad for breakfast.

Love this shirt.

Curious about this movie!

The perfect 2016 planner.

Love this Brooklyn apartment!

Why it’s hard to stay caught up on TV.

Daydreaming about spring coats.

Made me laugh. And think of Matt.

Another good (but completely unsubstantiated) Serial theory.

(Image via Damsel in Dior)

Do you bring your lunch to work? I am the worst at doing this, but I’m trying to turn over a new leaf. Here’s my strategy: Trader Joe’s salads. Have you tried these before? I’m usually anti-pre-packaged salads, but these are actually good! Plus, there’s a big enough selection for me to vary it up and not get bored. My top three so far:

1) Trader Joe’s Kale and Edamame Bistro Salad. I supplement this one with a half of an avocado, sliced up. It’s so delicious with the salad’s lemon-herb dressing—and filling. I was able to divide this $5 salad in two so it lasted me two meals.

2) Trader Joe’s Mozzarella and Tomato Salad. This is another yummy choice—plus, the cheese is a nice treat!

3) Trader Joe’s Greens and Seeds Salad. The best part of this salad is the mix of sweet (the pomegranate seeds), savory (the squash), and crunchy (the pumpkin seeds). It can be hard to find in-store, but when I do, I stock up!

What do you pack for lunch? 

(Image 1, 2)