Holiday Dress Attire Etiquette
The holiday parties are officially in full gear and there is also much confusion when it comes to what to…
The holiday parties are officially in full gear and there is also much confusion when it comes to what to…
The New Year is a great time to start a new and improved way of eating. (Diet is an ugly…
It’s that time of year! Everyone is starting out fresh and with a new outlook. I went to the gym…
Coming together over delicious food and sharing homemade treats are part of what makes the holiday season wonderful. After working…
Whenever you invite a big group of people into your home, you are challenged with being in several places at…
The holidays are the perfect time to remember friends and family with a unique and thoughtful gift. However, it’s also…
As we prepare for the holidays, many of us will be faced with the task of hosting a holiday dinner. While…
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to share quality time with friends and family, enjoying food and conversation around the dining table….
While most people don’t go into the holidays with the intention of creating family drama, family dynamics are often fraught…
There comes a time in any serious relationship when the coveted invitation arrives: your significant other asks you to meet…
As the saying goes, “To err is human, to forgive divine.” But the bridge between mistakes and forgiveness is a…
A friend recently received a birthday present she will always remember: a decision-free celebration. This was a magical experience for…
The month of November elicits thoughts of friends, family, gratitude and celebrations. No doubt, thoughts instantly turn to the turkey…
The turkey is generally the star of the show on most people’s Thanksgiving table. Regardless of how it’s prepared, starting…
Halloween is in a few days, and the excitement in the office is building. One group getting in on the…
With midterm elections upon us, voting is on everyone’s “to do” list. One bone of contention when it comes to…
In your own city, or on your travels, you’ve likely seen people riding around town on electric scooters. With less…
A new season is here, and it’s time to make a few fall updates. Now is a good opportunity to…
Helping your children to reach their fundraising goals is a noble cause. As with every worthwhile effort, it requires decorum…
The change of seasons always sparks a desire to clear out space and organize before the holiday season. Today, Melissa…
Although ride share services (Uber/Lyft) are now commonplace, there are still many who have not yet used one. I recently covered…
Your holiday invitation sets the tone for your celebration. A beautiful invitation, received in the mail, lays the foundation for your…
It’s Fall! Temperatures are dropping and leaves are changing colors. Cider is simmering on the stove and football season is in…
Create a few pre-party planning rituals that will impress your guests and set the tone for the evening event. When…
Whether you are watching the game from your living room couch or hosting a soiree from the back of your…
Celebrate the new season by tossing open your back door and inviting friends over to visit. The theme is…
The weather is changing, temperatures are dropping slightly, and soon fall will be right around the corner. You may be…
A proper sleep schedule is just as important to your health as eating a nutritional diet. We all know…
When you accept a friend’s invitation to dinner, you take on a certain responsibility to be a good guest. Previously…
Human beings are wired to be social. It’s a scientific fact that isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact…
Family vacations, and even business trips, often include a four-legged friend. When traveling with a pet, there are guidelines of…
From a small mistake that inconveniences a customer to a gaffe of epic proportions, errors will happen despite our best…
What is your first thought when you walk in the door of your home? Do you take a sigh of…
Most job seekers spend a great deal of time preparing for the interview, anticipating how they will answer questions while…
Whether you are writing, speaking or delivering a presentation, using the correct word can mean the difference between demonstrating expertise…
Rules of etiquette have changed. Previously published on HuffPost. What once was relevant may no longer apply as society advances….
Millennials bring a different and exciting worldview to the workforce. Defined as individuals born between approximately the 1980s to the…
Of the innumerable moments in your parenthood journey, saying goodbye to your son or daughter as they leave for college…
Over a ten-year period, educator Richard St. John interviewed more than 500 successful professionals, from astronauts to entrepreneurs, physicists to CEOs, to…
If you haven’t stayed at an Airbnb, this popular mode of vacationing is often more exciting and unique than your…
In a world where outrageous behavior makes headlines, self-expression and individual freedoms often seem more important than following rules of…
People tend to do business with those they like, which is the main reason entrepreneurs invest time and effort in building client…
It’s a moment when everyone realizes the stakes are getting high and there is a potential long-term plan. You are…
Today is National Hot Dog Day! Whether sitting on the bleachers at a baseball game, a barbecue or pool party,…
In the professional world, appropriate summer office attire can be a challenge. Previously published on HuffPost. Some major corporations, including…
After a long day of travel, you’re probably ready to kick back and settle into your hotel room. Previously published…
It’s travel season and summer often means a trip to the beach (or pool). Here are a few etiquette reminders…
On a recent beach vacation to Sea Island, Georgia, I was on a quest to find the perfect collection of…
July 4th is the day the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted and the United States declared itself independent from…
While most flights manage to accomplish the goal of getting passengers safely to their destinations, the job is getting done with less…
When it comes to planning a wedding, most couples strive to leave a unique mark on their big day. Whether…
Getting fired is one of the most intense experiences of adult life. Whether you saw it coming or you feel…
Whether you consider it a vice or virtue, many professionals admit to using foul language at work. But that doesn’t mean…
Weddings are a time when family and friends shower the happy couple with love in the form of thoughtful gifts….
There is something incredibly romantic about saying “I do” on an exotic shore. Previously published on HuffPost. If you are…
“Going to the chapel and we’re— gonna get married!” Congratulations, you’re getting married this summer. What an exciting time! As…
Tipping is a sensitive subject and almost everyone has a strong opinion. Previously published on HuffPost. Some people are more…
High school graduation is finally behind you and the transition from living at home to sharing a dorm room with…
Classroom instruction is valuable, but when it comes to understanding what a profession is really like, there’s no substitute for…
With Memorial Day just around the corner, Flag Day on June 14th and July 4th right after that, the start…
Southern roots are more than talking with a charming drawl or driving a pick-up truck. Photo courtesy of Lettermade. Regardless…
There are rules when it comes to weddings, but when it’s the Royal Wedding, it’s important to be crystal clear…
Once again, graduation season is upon us and this year is particularly bittersweet. It’s my youngest daughter’s high school graduation…
You may have recently lost your mother or are simply missing her after many years of being estranged. Or…
Shielded behind a computer screen, some people forget they are interacting with other human beings, saying things online that they…
As amazing as it feels to be recognized for a professional achievement, many people feel uncomfortable during their moment in…
Without the right mindset, commuting to the office can be one of the most time consuming and stressful tasks we…
Listening with intention is not always an easy task. Previously published on HuffPost. In our daily lives, we are full…
Food delivery apps make ordering any culinary delight as easy as tapping on your cell phone and getting hot or…
The work days are filled with lunch-related dilemmas. Previously published on Inc. From skipping a meal to dining with a client,…
Parenting is such an important job. It’s almost overwhelming to comprehend that between casual playdates, weekly sports practices, evening dinner…
Have you ever found yourself in a meeting with colleagues or superiors and felt as if you had nothing significant to…
It can be tough to find your dream profession; millennials know this first hand. Previously published on HuffPost. Young professionals…
Spring is here and the festive, decorated eggs mark a special time for family get-togethers. Of course, it often includes…
Whether you are traveling for business or taking a much-needed vacation, many people enjoy an occasional drink in the sky…
When life is humming along at a smooth pace, and every character is behaving as you prefer, it’s easy to…
It’s time to break out the shamrocks and enjoy the holiday weekend. Gather a few friends together and celebrate St….
While it is admirable to strive for client-pleasing service, there may come a point where your company is better served…
Whether you travel as part of running your own business or you’re planning a vacation, you’re probably looking for a…
You’ve worked hard to create a strong professional relationship with your employees. You recognize their efforts, show appreciation when they’ve done an exceptional job,…
We are living in the most connected era, daily looking into people’s lives across the country from our cell phone…
With Spring Break right around the corner, images of white sand and suntan lotion are likely top of the brain….
There are hundreds of distractions in any given workday. From a steady stream of emails, the endless ping of text…
Traditionally, ending a letter was a fairly straightforward affair. Previously published on HuffPost. The rules were clear. You’d choose a…
Socrates once said, “The soul, like the body, accepts by practice whatever habit one wishes it to contact.” Previously published…
While relationships may not look the same as they did in the 50s, common courtesy is a value that never…
It’s not about the money, but how you celebrate. Valentine’s Day is only one day out of 365 and, according…
It is a frequently asked question when meeting new people, or making small talk in a cubicle moving swiftly up…
Personal correspondence is one of the most meaningful ways to let someone know you are thinking about them. Who wouldn’t…
The third week in January is National Hunt for Happiness Week and while we are all on a quest to…
January 23rd is National Pie Day, and there’s nothing more American than a freshly-baked apple pie. And with numerous creative…
Despite all the typical lofty resolutions made at this time of year, there a few simple habits that are almost…
When things aren’t working as they have in the past, or you find yourself going down a rabbit hole, instead…
Alpha personalities, people with dominant tendencies who naturally assume a leadership role, can contribute a great deal to your team….
Catching a movie after a big meal is always a good way to retreat from the holiday frenzy. There are…
You read about them in holiday stories, sing about them in Christmas carols and serve them on your dinner table,…
If you think nothing says “Happy Holidays Valued Client” like your corporate logo emblazoned upon a baseball hat, this is…
The holidays are full of good tidings and joy, however, they also are a perfect opportunity to encounter a checklist…
We commonly associate gift registries with weddings, bridal showers and baby showers, to supply newlyweds and new parents with those…
Wherever drama and conflict show up, the office disruptor is bound to be nearby. This article was originally published on HuffPost. This individual…
Cocktail napkins take front stage and are an important accessory when complimenting your favorite beverage at a party. I have…
A holiday celebration is always much more meaningful when shared with people you love and respect. Planning an event requires…
As we head into the holiday season, people will gather around the table to share a meal. Hosts and guests…
There is much confusion when it comes to this popular root vegetable. Did you know your yam may be sham?…
If you have taken a bite of a hot pepper, the burn you are experiencing is a result of capsaicin—a…
There is a sense of order and comfort when you know what to expect from a host and guest’s perspective….
It’s time to prepare your home for the influx of seasonal guests. One of the things on your list should…
As the weather cools, few things in life can beat waking up to the smell of a fresh pot of hot…
There are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to caring for a cast-iron skillet. With proper care, cast iron…
This article was originally published on Inc.com. Some people exude the kind of assurance which gives them an air of power,…
October 28th is National Make a Difference Day, where volunteers around the country will give their time to serve their…
Travel and holiday celebrations are upon us. Many people will be taking full advantage of their Uber or Lyft apps…
Children (and adults) don’t want to be isolated or have their allergy pointed out, but safety is always top of…
Celebrating a marriage is always a joyful occasion. When you choose to remarry later in life, it can be an…
Daily experiences, especially those which are difficult, can teach you valuable lessons that help you grow and succeed. This article…
The month of October is filled with sweet treats and Halloween decor, but if you have children with food allergies,…
Recovering from professional setbacks can be difficult. This article was originally published on HuffPost. From a job offer that never comes…
September 29th marks National Coffee Day. Start a tradition by sharing a cup of coffee with a friend is a…
Whether you’re running a small business or overseeing a major corporation, establishing leaders within your organization is a worthy goal….
A change in season joyfully means a breath of fresh air! It’s the perfect time to spruce up your workspace…
Whether you are celebrating in a parking lot, or inviting people over to enjoy the game at your home, it’s…
Your tweets and posts can either enhance your brand, image and reputation—or have the reverse effect. This article was originally…
There is almost always something around the house which needs to be done. Chances are you keep a mental or…
A date and a job interview both require making good first impressions and establishing a solid relationship. This article was…
Today, September 8th, is National Ampersand Day, celebrating a favorite piece of punctuation. This symbol pops up often for shorthand and stylistic variety in emails, text…
The fall semester has begun and it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming job fairs. Studies show these events…
Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of a new school year and welcomes the upcoming fall season. It’s time to…
Heartbreaking tragedy is often followed by breathtaking generosity. In the wake of the devastation in South Texas, communities and individuals…
What can you say to someone experiencing a tragedy and what can you do if you want to help? As…
Communication is a delicate skill and there is a time and a place for using an emoji. As smartphones…
The ceremony was beautiful and you’ve just returned from the honeymoon. What’s next? If you’ve decided to take your new…
There are unwritten rules for the distance people should remain from each other to maintain a level of personal and…
Summer is winding down, and it’s time to start thinking about fall. The autumn months tend to bring a whirlwind…
Nowhere are manners more evident than during a business meal. This article originally appeared on Inc.com. There’s more to dining…
I am always delighted to hear feedback from readers, especially when they are responding from personal experience on a topic…
Summer is flying by and before you know it you will be shopping for back-to-school supplies. There’s still plenty of time left to check a few things off…
It is remarkably easy to get distracted while attending to the busy details of daily life. Goals and dreams often…
When you start packing your suit case for a vacation or work trip, it’s easy to get overwhelmed deciding what goes…
With social media and online reviews lending increased importance to every comment, it’s imperative that businesses adopt a robust customer…
The success of your business lies directly in the hands of the people who work for you. One bad attitude…
It’s been said that 80 percent of success in life is showing up, but this percentage is dramatically reduced when you…
Mother’s Day presents an opportunity to unite with others as you celebrate Moms everywhere. This year put together a day…
This article originally appeared on Inc.com. Breaking bread is an important part of a business relationship that leads to trust…
This article originally appeared on Inc.com. Knowing (and utilizing) a few simple executive tools will allow you to put your…
Here is Part II of our two part series on how to create a warm and welcoming guest room. Your…
Coming together for Thanksgiving offers so much more than the opportunity to share in a delicious meal, though that is certainly…
Holiday entertaining at my home is one of my favorite perks of the fall and winter seasons. But, have you…
We all need a vacation every once in a while or need to take time off to attend a special…
The Easter Bunny is fast approaching and what could be more fun than having an Easter party to welcome the…
Whether the New Year has brought you new career opportunities (Congratulations!), or you are just interested in polishing your professional…
The start of a new semester is always a good time to review a few College Classroom Etiquette Tips: 1….
We all enjoy the fresh start and potential opportunities that the New Year brings. Whether you are contemplating small resolutions…
It’s the holiday season and we want to do the right thing when gifting our letter carriers and package delivery…
From the office Christmas party to holiday dinners, you’ll likely be visiting with close friends, family you have not seen…
It’s often difficult to stay focused on the job when there is tinsel to be strung and mistletoe to be…
This Thanksgiving I’m taking inventory of a few people and things I’m extremely grateful for, for blessings and gratitude. Who…
Are you minding your Twitter and Facebook etiquette? I’ve recently blogged about “You Are Who You Tweet” and “You Are…
You know you’re really a grownup when Thanksgiving rolls around and the family looks to you to host the meal….
The following excerpt is from my friends at The Daily Muse, an online magazine for the professional woman. Enjoy! “A…
Holiday parties are just around the corner and being a great guest is part of one’s duty when a host…
One of the most popular training sessions that I offer is Corporate Dining Etiquette. It’s great fun, fabulously entertaining and…
When visiting a house of worship, be an angel and use your best manners. Remember… someone “up there” is always…
If it’s time to update your resume, you’re probably thinking about everything you need to include. But it’s just as…
There are good manners and rules of etiquette even in the game of football. Well, in watching the game of…
I am excited to introduce you to my friends at The Daily Muse, an online career- and lifestyle-focused magazine and…
Republished: Brand & Conquer: Building Your Personal Brand, Courtesy of Pretty Young Professional Whether you are just starting out in…
These days, many people view their pets as part of the family; giving them the same type of love and…
Are you ready to honor your mom, your grandmother, and anyone else that fills a maternal role in your life…
Tasteful Ways to Wear Your Hat In Style The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “The Run for the Roses,”…
I am so excited to welcome you to my new blog! I plan to offer etiquette tips along with my…
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