Beverly Hills Manners - 90210 Manners

Red Carpet Manners – "An Eclectic Mix of Moments at the 84th Academy Awards"

2012-02-27T12:08:00.002-08:00

After last year’s attempt to “hipify” the Oscars and bring in a younger demographic with hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco, this year mega producer Brian Grazer, promised to deliver an awards show that stayed true to its brand. Blending a veritable mix of Hollywood tradition with a few innovative twists, the show made its best attempt to remain entertaining throughout. The biggest pitfall,

Manners Monday - Longing for the Days of the Grapevine

2012-02-21T00:42:00.000-08:00

Anyone who's experienced carpal tunnel from tapping through an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend's photos on Facebook knows firsthand the "Don't Tell Me, I Don't Want to Know" syndrome recently uncovered in an article in the New York Times. Back in the day before social networking, one had to hear the gory details of what was going down with one's ex through the good ‘ole grapevine, the only resource

Red Carpet Manners – Grammy’s 2012 – “A Bittersweet Mix of Music & Memories”

2012-02-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

A night that had been building as a celebration and coming out party for the multi-platinum artist, Adele (who had been keeping quiet after a much publicized battle to save her vocal cords), took a tragic turn on the eve of the Grammy’s when the world learned the incredibly heartbreaking news that Whitney Houston had passed at the young age of 48. Yet another life taken before her time

Manners Monday – “How to Survive Valentine’s Day as a Single”

2012-02-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Not everyone is perfectly paired off for Valentine’s Day. Once upon a time, I’m sure even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie experienced a lonely night or two when the fateful holiday came around and there was no special person waiting for them in the wings. Valentine’s Day can be a tough holiday for a singleton and we’re not gonna sugar coat it by telling you to keep your chin up and put down the tub

Manners Monday – “Dressing Appropriately for the Occasion & Beyond”

2012-02-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

My daughters are eight and ten and they are slowly beginning to grasp the concept of dressing appropriately for the occasion. After years of hearing me rant and rave when they attempt to leave the house in shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of winter or wear a miniskirt that exposes too much leg to a birthday party, they are finally beginning to listen. Dressing should be equal parts common

7 Etiquette Rules to Go with Your 7-Layer Dip on Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

When the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots on Sunday, it will be a no holds barred game out on the field, but that doesn’t give us carte blanche to behave like banshees, especially when we’re a guest in someone else’s home. Whether you love the teams or hate the teams, participate in betting pools or just watch for pure enjoyment, there are some basic etiquette ground rules that

Red Carpet Manners - Ratings Trump Risqué at the 69th Golden Globe Awards

2012-01-16T01:40:00.000-08:00

The decision to invite Ricky Gervais back as host of the Golden Globes was a calculated one. His over-the-top, borderline offensive banter brought in record ratings last year and that’s all it took for NBC to welcome the risqué host back for repeat duties. This time, however, the network took painstaking measures to make sure the humor did not cross FCC boundaries and avoided any extra hiccups

Manners Monday - Top 5 Manners Makeover Tips for 2012

2011-12-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

It happens the same time every year, the last week of December arrives and looming thoughts of how we are going to approach the next 365 days begins to consume our minds. How can we initiate a better exercise regimen to take off those extra ten pounds? How do we alleviate ourselves of that unwanted debt to put money aside for our future? How can we administrate our time more effectively so

Manners Monday - Best & Worst Manners Moments of 2011

2011-12-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

As we wind down 2011 and prepare to usher in a new year, we have been busy meticulously compiling our best and worst manners moments of the last twelve months. As with previous years, unfortunately we have seen a tipping of the scales toward the ill-mannered with an abundance of this year’s entries falling onto our worst category. There have been several recurring themes whether it be a

Manners Monday – “Thoughtful Tipping at Holiday Time”

2011-12-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

The holidays are in full swing! You can feel the hustle and bustle everywhere. The smell of pine and peppermint fills the air. The jam packed schedules are often joyful and relentless. The laundry list of gifts brings both cheer and tugs at our purse strings. We may not necessarily look forward to being with our crazy families, but we always relish in a brief respite from work and daily

Manners Monday – “Taking the Stress out of Holiday Shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday & Beyond”

2011-11-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Now that the last bit of turkey leftovers has finally settled in our bellies and the guilt of the extra five pounds that we gained from that second helping of stuffing and sweet potatoes has set in, we are more than ready to take our minds off of ourselves and all of the food we have consumed and channel our energies into others by tackling our holiday gift list. Back in the day, before the

"Manners Monday" - Toast Your Host on Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Whether hosting your own Thanksgiving feast or guesting a Thanksgiving with relatives or friends, everyone can agree it takes a tremendous amount of effort to pull it all together. As Thanksgiving has become quite the coveted holiday, hosts begin formulating their invitations weeks, months and, in some cases, years in advance to get a jump start on their competitors. Other more casual feasts

“Manners Monday” – Means of Communication or Weapon of Mass Destruction – Twitter Etiquette Rules

2011-11-16T00:51:00.000-08:00

I first heard of Twitter back in January of 2008. A gentleman I was working with on marketing my business alerted me to the tool and explained it as a distilled form of communication, namely 140 characters that basically answered the question in real time, “What are you doing now?” For months, users would post such mundane musings as what cereal they were eating for breakfast to where they were

“Manners Monday” – “Feeling a Bit Under the Weather?” – Try Minimizing the Spread of Colds & Flu with Manners

2011-11-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

Each year at the same time, I make the ceremonious phone call to my physician, as well as the girls’ pediatrician to schedule our annual appointments for the flu shot. The moment I make the announcement my youngest starts to freak out! She would rather eat lima beans than get the flu vaccination, or any shot, for that matter. Thankfully, all the lead up to the shot winds up being much worse

Manners Monday - "Tricks are For Kids" - Halloween Etiquette Primer for Kids of all Ages

2011-10-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Kids of all ages love Halloween. Young children begin prompting their parents for costumes as early as August. Some of them have been planning which superhero or princess they want to be months prior while others can't wait to visit the pumpkin patches and eat candy corn till their hearts are content. Many celebrate with Halloween parties and decorated houses and a few skip the festivities

Manners Monday – "Other People’s Unruly Kids" – How & When to Broach the Subject

2011-10-25T00:18:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by Martha Stewart Living Radio this morning on the subject of other people’s ill-mannered children and how to broach the subject with the little rascals and their parents when their bad behavior starts to rub off on your own children. As parents we’ve all had our fair share of experience with other people’s unruly kids. If we’re lucky, we can steer clear of them by staying

Manners Monday – "Life Lessons from Steve Jobs: Grit, Resilience & Gratitude"

2011-10-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 16th was declared “Steve Jobs Day” in the State of California by our Governor, Jerry Brown. The acknowledgement pays homage to the tech genius who transformed the way we lived and who passed away years too soon from a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His memorial took place on Stanford University’s campus, the same grounds where he recited his now infamous commencement speech

"Manners Monday" - Hey You Guys! How to Properly Address the Fairer Sex

2011-10-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

My daughters had their aunt and cousins from Seattle visit with us last weekend for the holidays. We were six girls living under the same roof (my husband was at home too, but this article is about the ladies). As you can imagine, there was a lot of female bonding and also a fair amount of primping and coiffing. The young girls, ages four to nine, would spend the longest time getting ready.

Manners Monday – “Keeping Our Eyes Wide Open” - Eye Contact Etiquette

2011-10-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

In an age where the majority of our gaze is focused down at our smart phones or in front of our computers, the act of looking someone in the eye seems almost ancient. So much of our daily communication is spent online that we rarely have an opportunity to engage in face-to-face interactions. How many times have we seen the E-troduction used over the in-person introduction or a conversation

“Manners Monday” – Making Family Dinners Fashionable

2011-09-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

Sitting down to a family meal together as a unit has certainly become a thing of the past. The old image of mom whipping up a multi-course meal perfectly dressed with a neatly pressed apron and matching pearls while dad and the children wait patiently at the table with napkins in lap and impeccable posture are gone, or at least forgotten. The days of wrapping up work by 5pm in order to be home

“Manners Monday” – In Defense of Cursive Writing & Snail Mail

2011-09-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

Over the past year, two developing news headlines have left a particularly prickly thorn in my side. Two stories that are simply another indication of the challenges we face in the 21st century and the direction we are travelling in as a nation. The first jeopardizes one of our country’s oldest institutions and questions the way we deliver communication and the second impacts our children’s

Red Carpet Manners at the 2011 Emmys – “Sue Sylvester Delivers a Solid”

2011-09-19T01:17:00.000-07:00

Emmy winning actress, Jane Lynch, may not want to quit her day job as the sarcastic and sardonic, Sue Sylvester, but she certainly ruled the stage as this year’s mistress of ceremonies at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Dressed elegantly in flowing gowns designed by David Meister to fit her towering six foot frame (after triple Spanx!), she seamlessly scurried from pre-taped skits to live stage

Manners Monday – On the 10th Anniversary Remembering 9/11 – "Dignity in the Face of Disaster"

2011-09-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, it was an otherwise typical morning. I was 6 months pregnant and lying in bed with my husband. I didn’t get much sleep the night before as I was already carrying about 30 pounds plus extra baby weight on my 4 foot 11 inch frame and peaceful slumber was not part of the program. When the clock finally struck 7:00am, I figured it was okay to turn on “The Today Show

Manners Monday – “White After Labor Day? – Don’t Fall Prey to Fashion Faux Pas

2011-09-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

When I think about the Labor Day holiday, I confess that the images that come to mind are not of laborers toiling away in the trenches or standing on the picket lines fighting for their rights. I admit that I do not view the holiday as a day of observance to rest or look at it as a final opportunity to party with friends and family before summer officially ends. When I think about Labor Day, I

Back 2 School Manners - The College Years

2011-08-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

The beginning of a new school year is sometimes met with bittersweet sentiment, especially for those parents with older children who are leaving the nest and going away to college for the first time. After years of preparation, test taking, filling out applications and going on tours, the final weeks are spent shopping for dorm room essentials, new wardrobes and such. I remember my first day of

"Back 2 School Manners"

2011-08-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

After the Labor Day weekend, children all across the country will finally be back in school. Some parents will be jumping for joy and rushing them out of the house desperate for some peace and quiet and others will be experiencing the bittersweet emotion of separation and loss that their “baby” is growing older. Regardless of your child’s age and how long they have been attending school, we

“Oh Yes It’s Ladies Night” – Red Carpet Manners at the 2011 VMA’s

2011-08-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

The ladies stole the show at the 2011 Video Music Awards. Beginning with the arrivals on the black carpet (apparently the red carpet wasn’t cool enough) and continuing with the first draw dropping performance of the evening right up until the final farewell tribute and award for Best Video of the Year. It was a fascinating night filled with theatrics and thoughtfulness with some of the biggest

Manners Monday – “Do You Poop Out at Parties?” – Party Etiquette Tips for Adults

2011-08-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Do you poop out at parties? Are you unpoopular? Lucille Ball posed these questions to a television audience to encourage them to try a healthy tonic that would instantaneously transform them from lifeless dud into life of the party. As the Vitameatavegamin girl, she pitched zest and flair in a bottle. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? If only there was some secret magic potion (and I’m not talking

Manners Monday – “Time is on My Side” - Time Etiquette

2011-08-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter returned from sleep away camp yesterday and, although she was gone only twelve days, it felt like an eternity. Time has definitely been playing tricks on me. I’m finding lately that either time is moving very quickly at lightening speed or it is going as slow as molasses and dragging its feet. It never seems to keep a steady, calm pace. I’m either playing beat the clock

"Manners Monday" - When Is a Kiss Just a Kiss? - Kissing Etiquette

2011-08-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

The act of kissing has been a hot topic in my etiquette classes this past week. First, during a group session with Korean students, one gentleman in his twenties wanted to know how to stave off women who act too familiar and prefer to greet him with a kiss. Then, during a private session with two brothers, it was a precocious six year old boy who couldn't’t wait to recount to me his disgust over

"Manners Monday" - Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow - Hair Etiquette

2011-08-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

My hair runs my life! It all started about 10 years ago when I became pregnant with my first child and completely lost patience with washing and blow drying my own hair. You see, I have very thick wavy hair and, if not blown dry properly, tends to look like a frizzy, hot mess. For some reason, when my hair is good, all is right with the world. I might not feel my thinnest or my most stylish, but

"Manners Monday" - Put on Your Dancing Shoes!

2011-07-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dance is back and it’s hotter than ever! For as long as I can remember, I have always loved dancing. From back in the day watching the funky dancers get down on Soul Train to studying John Travolta’s disco moves in Saturday Night Fever and Michael Jackson’s effortless moonwalk in the Billie Jean video. As a child, I lived for dance parties and dance contests. I took dance lessons all throughout

Manners Monday – “Hooray, It’s National Parent’s Day”

2011-07-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

Hooray, it’s National Parent’s Day! An annual celebration held on the 4th Sunday of July that recognizes parental figures and honors them for the significant and supportive role they play in their children’s lives. This special day of observance pays tribute to all parental figures whether biological, foster or step, single or married, traditional or non-traditional. Regardless of how our

“Manners Monday” - The Butler Did It –Codes of Conduct for Texting

2011-07-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

I must confess, I rarely text. I can barely even remember that it’s an option on my Blackberry! Most of the time, I pretend it doesn’t exist merely for the fact that I’d much rather have a conversation with a person than type my thoughts or feelings into a piece of technology. Not to mention the fact that we’ve been warned time and again on the trials and tribulations of the oft-written text

"Manners Monday" - Bracing Ourselves for Carmageddon

2011-07-11T13:06:00.001-07:00

Carmageddon is coming and you’d better take a chill pill because, if all the predictions are correct, Los Angeles will come to a complete stand still this weekend causing major delays (and potentially major headaches) everywhere. For those special few who have been living under a rock

"Manners Monday" - Summertime & Beach Etiquette

2011-07-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Summer, summer, summertime, time to sit back and unwind at the beach. True or False? True, if you’re the only person situated on a deserted island. False, if you try to venture out to the beach on a major summer holiday. The 4th of July is practically synonymous with going to the beach. The annual countdown begins at least a month in advance. The requisite new bathing suits in the latest

"Manners Monday" - Language Barriers

2011-06-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

When I work with clients, we always begin with the first impression and I explain to them that how we sound and how we look are the primary criteria people use to form their initial opinions about us. How we sound, in fact, is a very big part of who we are, where we were born and the environment in which we lived. For example, a person raised in Fargo, North Dakota sounds completely different

"Father's Day & The Tie"

2011-06-19T02:01:00.001-07:00

Earlier this week, my oldest daughter was in panic to find an old tie of my husband’s to use for a Father’s Day art project she was completing at school just in time for the holiday. My youngest daughter was also working on an art project that involved a paper tie. The tie has become the unofficial symbol of “father” and all of his wonderful attributes. I haven’t researched it officially, but I

"Manners Monday" - Business Cards - Still Useful After All These Years

2011-06-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Years ago when I was contemplating the design of my business card, I thought long and hard about the logo, the colors and the card stock I wanted to use to represent my company. I came up with the above card displaying a mansion which I thought was representative of many of the homes in Beverly Hills and utilizing a moss green and mauve pink (seen on the back of my card with all of my contact

"Manners Monday" - Handbag Etiquette

2011-06-12T11:44:00.001-07:00

Talk about dream bags, this Kelly croc would be it for me! The navy is classic and timeless, chic and fashionable. I just received my summer copy of Bergdorf Magazine in the mail this week and I always look forward to reading it, not because it will show me the latest in fashion, but for the imaginative selection of essays and interviews. In this particular issue, there was a wonderful essay

"Manners Monday" - Giving Consumers a Place to Vent

2011-06-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

Against my better judgment, I found myself at Sears in Santa Monica shopping for a new dishwasher over Memorial Day Weekend (I wanted to take advantage of the special holiday sale.) After my horrific customer service experience with them last summer, I swore I would never step foot back in the store. I remember it like it was yesterday. My then 5 year old dishwasher decided to go on the fritz.

"Manners Monday" - BBQ Etiquette

2011-05-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

Beginning around Mother's Day and lasting all the way until Labor Day Weekend, barbecuing becomes the American pastime of choice enjoyed by everyone. When the weather is good, it provides a great excuse to get family and friends together. The idea of sitting outside, soaking up the sun and eating great food is always appealing. And there is something about barbecuing that makes everything

"Manners Monday" - How to Walk in High Heels

2011-05-22T17:05:00.001-07:00

At only 4 ft. 11 inches (and change) on a good day, I practically live in my high heels! As far as I see it, I have no choice. If I don't want to get lost in the crowd or prefer to have a conversation with friends at eye level, I have to wear them. Over the years, my feet have actually become accustomed to wearing heels, especially in the last few years where they have become part of my

"Manners Monday" - Audience Etiquette

2011-05-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

This week's "Manners Monday" comes to you straight from the Big Apple. I've been here accompanying my husband to the major broadcast networks' upfronts, as well as conducting a little business of my own. During my free time, I have taken complete advantage of the city's rich culture and made sure to attend at least one ballet, one musical and even managed to fit in a movie (it was raining a lot

"Manners Monday" Celebrates National Etiquette Week

2011-05-05T11:40:00.001-07:00

This "Manners Monday" we are proud to support the kickoff of National Etiquette Week (May 9th-13th). We absolutely love celebrating this annual event as it provides us with the perfect excuse to jump on our soap box and shout out to the world that manners do indeed matter! It also allows us an opportunity to enlighten a few folks that may still be living in the dark ages on what manners mean

"Mother's Day" - Who Is It Really About?

2011-05-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

You see this beautiful photo of my two smiling girls? This is who it's all about for me and that's enough.On Mother's Day, the world of mothers seems to be divided into two very distinct camps: (1) those that want to be pampered and honored and waited on hand-and-foot and, (2) those who consider it to be just another regular day and are happy to cook and clean and take care of their families as

"Manners Monday" - RSVP For Goodness Sakes!

2011-05-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

We're back this week with a new installment of "Manners Monday" and we're discussing the act of RSVPing. Recently, Jennifer Brandt, of Perfectly Disheveled, and I have overheard many friends complaining about other people not responding to their personal invitations. It has not seemed to make one iota of difference whether the invitation was to a small baby shower or a big charitable fundraiser,

The Royal Wedding - An Event to Remember

2011-04-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

I distinctly remember watching the royal wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles on "The Today Show" with my mother and sister one morning before school. I knew it was a grand event recognized by the whole world, but it had no particular meaning for me personally. Years later, as I viewed the royal wedding between Prince William and Katherine Middleton in the wee hours of the morning, I was

"The Cordial Bride"

2011-04-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

When planning a wedding most consult a wide range of experts on everything from the wedding invitations to the bridal gown and floral designs, all of which focus on the spectacular event that is the wedding day. But after the careful planning and preparation that goes into each and every detail of a wedding has been reviewed with precision there is still something of utmost importance that must

"Manners Monday" - Wedding Gift Protocols

2011-04-24T23:56:00.001-07:00

This week's "Manners Monday" has gone royal. With the big event just around the corner, we have been asked by the Los Angeles Times Ministry of Gossip to weigh in on a couple of subjects related to the etiquette's and protocols associated with attending a royal wedding. Most recently, we contributed our two cents on the appropriate amount to gift a royal couple, especially when extensive

"Manners Monday" - Fear of Missing Out a/k/a FOMO

2011-04-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Worried that your friends are having the time of their life without you? Jennifer Brandt and I wanted to explore this new syndrome identified as FOMO or the fear of missing out and how technology has upped the ante in the game. Back in the day, you had to hear it through the grapevine. All those fantastic tidbits of information about friends and family had basically one source, word of mouth. Now

"Manners Monday" - Standing in Line

2011-04-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

While Jennifer Brandt and I prepare to shoot our next "Manners Monday" installment, this week I thought I'd post a fun clip from one of my favorite shows that consistently deals with life's every day annoyances. If you've taken any of my manners classes, you'd know that I am constantly citing "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" for the relentless inappropriate behavior that is magnified in

"Manners Monday" - Life's Embarrassing Moments

2011-04-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

This week's "Manners Monday" recalls the old Saturday Night Live sketches with Gilda Radner playing the character, Roseanne Roseannadanna. Each week, while discussing a current social issue she would inevitably digress and launch into a lengthy antecdote featuring a celebrity who suffered from some really embarrassing moment. Now Jennifer Brandt and I aren't featuring celebrities, but we are

"Manners Monday" - The Importance of Appearance

2011-03-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

Appearance has always been important to me, not because I want to impress anyone else, but because I like to feel good about the way I look. In a town where an inordinate amount of emphasis is placed on appearance it feels like I am admitting something terrible. Am I talking about weekly botox appointments (have never tried it YET) or major plastic surgery? No! Do I get weekly manicures and blow

Manners Monday - Cell Phone Etiquette

2011-03-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

Ask anyone their biggest manners pet peeve and one of their top three responses is likely to be poor cell phone etiquette. Rude cell phone behavior is spreading like wildfire and no one is immune to the offense. Friends and families, singles and marrieds, professionals and parents, whether in public or private, everyone is placing calls and accepting calls in the presence of others and it is

"Manners Monday" - Road Rage!

2011-03-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

I love driving. I think I have always enjoyed it from the moment I received my learners permit many years ago. Give me some good music and an open road and I am set! Not to toot my own horn (no pun intended), but I actually think I'm a pretty good driver. I've even had a fantasy about opening my own driving school geared towards women because we drive intrinsically different from men. We are

"Manners Monday" - It's More Than Please and Thank You!

2011-03-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Why Manners Monday? Well, considering the latest insanity going on in the world with "Winning!" crazy man Charlie Sheen's taking over the airwaves, anti-Semite John Galliano's racist remarks, and Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi's out of control threats of violence, we are once again at a crossroads and in major need of some help. This trifecta of zero tolerance and rampant incivility is at an all

Red Carpet Manners @ the Oscars 2011 - From the "F" Bomb to Firth Strong

2011-02-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Bieber fever, tonight was all about Oscar fever! The pinnacle of awards shows arrived to crisp clear skies after a couple of days of freezing rain and in some parts SNOW here in Los Angeles. We'd been hearing for weeks about Anne Hathaway and James Franco's gearing up for Oscar hosting and couldn't wait to see what original fare they had up their sleeves. The start of the show featured a

Red Carpet Manners @ The Grammy's 2011 - Volume & Vigor

2011-02-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

I’ve been a lover of all things music since I can remember. I had a huge collection of 45’s with all the hits and would dance around my bedroom singing every lyric word for word. As I grew older, I tried my hat as a singer for a stint during college and a bit after performing in cabaret clubs here in Los Angeles. My first internships and jobs were in the music industry from MTV and KROQ to

“Manners Maketh the Man” – What Women Really Want on Valentine’s Day

2011-02-03T23:45:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and women everywhere are contemplating what February 14th is going to look like for them. First of all, they are wondering if their significant other has even bothered to remember the date on the calendar and, secondly, if they actually took the initiative to make a special plan.This holiday brings with it a tremendous amount of pressure for couples,

“Talent, Not Tanning, Is the Winner in the End” – Red Carpet Manners at the 2011 Golden Globes

2011-01-16T23:23:00.001-08:00

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s prestigious 68th Golden Globe Awards were held earlier this evening under glorious California skies, kicking off the height of awards season. As always, this event delivered the glitz and glamour, bestowing the best and brightest with accolades for ability and talent. Nowhere on this list did we see nominees from the cast of “Jersey Shore” -- or any other

Best & Worst Manners List 2010

2010-12-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

As the year draws to an end, we are besieged by the endless lists of the best and the worst of 2010. From television programs to magazine covers, lists of every kind appear whether it’s in the form of a Barbara Walters special or a Time Magazine cover spread, you simply cannot pass through to 2011 without a proper recount of 2010. We certainly did not want to miss the boat, so we painstaking

The Rules of Regifting - Seinfeld Style

2010-12-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

In 1995, an episode of Seinfeld entitled "The Label Maker" was the first time the word regift was coined. It all started with Elaine who purchased a label maker as a Christmas gift for her friend Tim Whatley. He then apparently regifted the item to Jerry as a thank you for Super Bowl tickets Jerry had given him. This obviously upset Elaine and prompted her to exclaim, "He recycled this gift. He's

“Naughty vs. Nice” – Why Be Nice When Naughty Seems To Have All the Fun?

2010-12-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of issues with this "naughty versus nice" dilemma. As a mother raising two impressionable girls and an etiquette instructor attempting to make headway in a society where vulgarity is the preferred norm of existence, I have a double interest in the cause. Just listen to the news on any given day and you'll hear countless stories of celebrities, athletes and politicians who have

"Thanksgiving with the Family" - Can't We All Just Get Along?

2010-11-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

What is it about the holidays that sends most families running for the hills? Rather than feeling like an uplifting experience that we look forward to, holidays tend to feel more like a doom and gloom sentence that we have to endure, but not without a good dose of mind-numbing substances to help get us through. The real truth of the matter is everyone really does want to get along and have a

"Glamorous at Thanksgiving" - Why It's Important to Dress More Than Just Your Turkey

2010-11-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Inspired by an article I read recently in Bergdorf Goodman magazine, I wanted to explore further the idea of not only dressing the turkey on Thanksgiving, but also oneself. There is nothing worse than showing up to an affair in elegant attire and discovering that the rest of the guests never got the "memo." Even if the host does not include a dress code in the invitation to Thanksgiving, common

Bullying - A Rite of Passage or a Dangerous Path to Destruction

2010-10-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

It was my freshman year of high school. I was excited to begin a new school and had purchased a brand new wardrobe at Ann Taylor for the occasion. I was all prepared to start off the year on a good note. I had my best friend from elementary school to lean on, I joined the drill team with a group of friends and looked forward to the next four years with high hopes. Unfortunately, my experience was

"Countdown to Halloween - Tips for Surviving the Night of Fright 2"

2010-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Kids of all ages love Halloween. Some of them know exactly which superhero or princess they want to be months prior. Others look forward to visiting pumpkin patches and eating candy corn till their hearts are content. Many celebrate with Halloween parties and decorated houses and a few skip the festivities altogether. Regardless of how you choose to acknowledge the holiday, before October 31st,

Back To School Manners - The College Years

2010-09-28T14:21:00.001-07:00

“Red Carpet Manners” at the VMA’s – “Heavy on Crass with Just a Touch of Class”

2010-09-14T00:24:00.000-07:00

When you enlist someone like Chelsea Handler to host the show, hold on tight because you know you’re in for a wild ride. She appeared on stage in all her glory dressed in a Lady Gaga regalia with a house on top of her head while releasing white doves from her pikachu. Before launching into her emcee duties, she made sure the audience knew that she was the first woman to host the VMA’s in the last

"Jumping The Gun" - A Classic Ari Gold Moment Offers Important Manners Lesson

2010-09-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Last week's Emmys preempted us from watching our favorite Sunday night guilty pleasure, "Entourage". We had to wait several days before we had a chance to check out the second to last episode of Season 7. Luckily, we felt did not disappoint. In fact, we found it to contain a valuable lesson that we thought was important enough to share with our readers.For those of you who live under a rock or

Red Carpet Manners – Emmys' Style

2010-08-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

This year’s Emmys came a month early and brought with it a new babyfaced host from late night. Thankfully, the Los Angeles weather held up surprisingly well for this time of year and provided us with a day that was goldilocks perfect. The female nominees were smartly dressed in the latest trends of nudes and shades of blue with their male counterparts attempting to compete in their predominantly

"It Doesn't Matter If You Win or Lose" - 5 Goals to Scoring Good Sportsmanship

2010-08-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard the expression, “It doesn’t matter if you will or lose, it’s how you play the game.” With little ones, explaining that losing can be just as fun as winning is a difficult argument to make, especially when you have a husband like mine who is competitive even during a family game of Sorry or a tennis match on the Wii. Each time he wins a round, it is followed by a BOUYAA!! So, of

“Headphones, Peanuts, Restraining Order?” - Today’s Air Travel Etiquette Rules

2010-08-11T23:36:00.000-07:00

Last Monday's showdown between JetBlue flight attendant, Steven Slater, and a fellow passenger, was just one more reminder that the friendly skies aren't so friendly anymore. No matter how many Richard Branson Virgin Airways beauties you stick on the plane, the travelling experience is a far cry from what it was back in the day.I remember so looking forward to getting on a plane going anywhere.

A Handshake Is Worth A Thousand Words

2010-07-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Forget about the picture, one handshake is all you need to get a good reading into the person inside. The proof was in the pudding during a recent encounter at a yogurt shop just last week. While in line, I happened to notice a surfer-dude guy with big muscles and sunglasses on top of his head. I was wondering what this guy was doing getting yogurt in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday? Did

Mad Men Etiquette Lessons - Season 4, Episode 1

2010-07-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

1. Interviews: An interview is an opportunity to set the record straight and highlight your attributes. Be an open book and offer more than one word, snide remarks.2. Empathy: People are always hiding behind something and sometimes they over-compensate for it. Don't make fun of a man with a wooden leg.3. Truthfulness: Transparency is key in business. Bribery and fighting over a holiday ham may

"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word"

2010-07-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

An article by Lisa Belkin in Sunday's New York Times Magazine, took a good look at the act of saying sorry and whether we really mean it or are just mouthing the words to appease others. In the article, Dr. Aaron Lazare, author of the book "On Apology" proclaimed that apologies are one of "the most profound of human interactions" and, that when made sincerely, can mend most offenses. As we get

Group Gifts - Thoughtful or Tacky?

2010-06-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Is it inappropriate to email guests and ask if they would like to participate in a group gift for a birthday? Anonymous For the most part, yes. I would refrain from sending a mass email regarding a group gift. I think it’s perfectly fine to send that as a suggestion to a small group of friends in your immediate social circle, however, I think some may take offense if it were sent to the masses.

Mother's Day - A Tale of Love, An Exercise in Patience

2010-05-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Many of us have issues with our mothers. They are in our hair, reminding us of our faults and shortcomings, but we have to remember that they really do not mean us any harm. Yes, sometimes the words come out all wrong, but deep down they just want us to be happy and thrive. Regardless of the relationship you have with your mother, observing Mother’s Day in some form and trying to make amends is

RSVP or TTYN - Do We Pay a Social Price for Not Responding?

2010-04-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

The act of RSVPing has been on my mind a lot lately. More than ever I hear friends and associates complaining about other people not responding to their personal invitations. It has not seemed to make one iota of difference whether the invitation was to a small baby shower or a big charitable fundraiser, the consensus seems to be that people in general have forgotten common courtesy and the

The Price of Beauty - Tipping Etiquette

2010-03-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Most of us are slaves to our beauty salon and spa appointments. We book our regular sessions for brow shaping, bikini waxing or highlights and wonder how much extra we will have to drop that week for the price of making ourselves look more beautiful and younger looking. Not only do we have to factor in the cost of the service, but the tip has become even more important with overhead at an all

Red Carpet Manners - Oscars 2010

2010-03-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

The 82nd annual Academy Awards, like its predecessor the Golden Globes, was unable to escape the California rain. Luckily, the tents had been assembled and the heaters turned on so that the celebrities were able to stay dry as they strutted and sauntered down the red carpet with family members and significant others in tow. So while the rest of the world was dissecting the style and fashion of

Obesity – Could It Be Better Managed with Manners?

2010-03-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

March is National Nutrition Month and we thought we would “weigh in” (no pun intended) on the great weight debate and how paying attention to a few good manners can help the obesity epidemic.Last week, the Obama administration called for a “re-authorization of the Child Nutrition Act…to improve the health and nutrition of our nation’s children”. This statement was made in the same week that a

"Tiger Takes a Mulligan"

2010-02-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

In a press conference yesterday, Tiger Woods, issued a 'profound' apology to his fans, his colleagues, his family, his sponsors, the PGA, his charitable foundation and everyone else he felt he failed with his recent unconscionable behavior. He accepted 100% blame and took complete responsibility for his actions.While watching the replay of the Tiger apology with my husband, he explained to me

"I Never Met a Chocolate I Didn't Like" - How to Eat & Enjoy Chocolate

2010-02-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I suppose if I'm being totally honest, that's not exactly true. I am not a huge fan of truffles or boxes of chocolates because I don't like creamy centers or certain fruits and nuts mixed with my chocolates. I am a big fan, however, of solid chocolates. I used to eat only milk chocolate, but since dark chocolate has become so popular I have noticed that I actually prefer it because it has a

5 Ways to Revitalize Your Health and Well-Being Using Manners

2010-01-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

We do not typically think of manners as having an impact on our overall health and well-being. We usually think of the most common links such as proper diet and regular exercise. As it turns out, manners actually do have an impact and it is bigger than we realize. Take a look at our list below, along with practical exercises for how you can revitalize and rejuvenate your health and well-being

Red Carpet Manners @ the 2010 Globes

2010-01-18T00:31:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was my youngest daughter's 6th birthday, so instead of watching the Golden Globes and tweeting away with the up to the minute account of red carpet manners winners and losers, I was making sure my daughter, her sister and their friends didn't kill themselves as they ran around my house playing, singing and having fun. Needless to say, I had to wait until everyone left to plop myself

Best & Worst Manners List 2009

2009-12-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

In a year where there was many a battle of class vs. crass, we decided to weigh in on some of the year’s best and worst moments in manners. In 2009, celebrities, politicians and athletes all made the list and so did a few unknowns desperate for their five minutes of fame. From Captain Sully to Kayne West, we’ve compiled our take on the most civil and uncivil behavior that inspired us or made us

The Rules of Re-Gifting

2009-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Holiday time is flush with gift-giving. Composing the long lists of whom to get gifts for and how much to spend. Should I give the person something I like or something I think they will like? Will they be happy with their gift or will it make them want to spit in my egg nog? Even if you spend hours deliberating over what you think may be the perfect gift, chances are it may wind up as a re-gift

Oh the holidays! 'Tis the Season and Such...

2009-12-10T16:06:00.001-08:00

Personally, I love this time of year. We Southern Californians get a touch of cold weather and clear skies and we can actually drink hot chocolate without melting. All is cheerful and festive. What I don't subscribe to, however, is the stress and chaos that seems to go along with this time of year. The list is never-ending from the holiday cards, to the gifts and parties, not to mention the

Halloween Etiquette - Tricks for Surviving the Night of Fright!

2009-10-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Halloween can be a wonderful and fun-filled time not only for the little ones, but also for adults. There are some basic etiquette rules however, that we all need to observe to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Here are a few essential tips on how to survive the night of fright!Trick-or-Treating. This is truly a tradition reserved for younger children who look forward each year to

“Top 10 List of Back-To-School Manners”

2009-09-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

After the Labor Day weekend, children all across the country are finally back in school. Some parents are jumping for joy and can’t get them out of the house quickly enough and others are experiencing the bittersweet emotion of separation and loss as their “baby” is growing older. Regardless of your child’s age and how long they have been attending school, we have devised a list of Back-to-School

Is it rude to keep your cell on the table at a restaurant when you are expecting a call?

2009-08-25T21:58:00.001-07:00

Yes. When you are in the company of another person, put your cell phone away. Hide it in your lap where it is not visible. If you need to have your phone on to receive a call from the kids or the let’s say the White House, by all means keep it close by. Otherwise, put your phone on vibrate and let everything else wait!

Brother, Can You Spare a Parking Space?

2009-08-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I drove to my local Farmer’s Market with my two girls as I do almost every Sunday. It's usually pretty crowded and parking is hard to find. I approached the parking area in front and waited for a space to open up. I sat patiently in my car with my girls hounding me, “Can’t we get out of the car mommy?” “I have a headache, I want to get out of the car!” I noticed there was a car

To Dodge or Not to Dodge, That is the Question

2009-08-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a dodge ball? I was in the supermarket the other day and saw someone that I was just not in the mood to speak with. I was pretty sure that they saw me too and I wondered, Should I dodge this person or should I just be polite and greet them? I am ashamed to admit that on this day, I dodged--BIG TIME. When I saw her coming down the aisle, I ran. When I

No Subject Line, No Email Etiquette

2009-08-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

"More than 90% of Internet users between 18 and 72 said they send and receive email, making it the top online activity just ahead of search engines", according to the non-profit research group Pew Internet and American Life Project (Feb 2009).As a user, you may be wondering what exactly the guidelines for proper email etiquette are and questioning whether this tool has actually simplified our

"Mix up a cocktail: Customer service is on the line"

2009-07-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

I was recently watching the now defunct comedy spoof show “Mad TV” late one night and found myself hysterically laughing at a skit detailing a conversation between a man and a customer service representative. The whole skit escalated into the man screaming obscenities and the customer service rep hanging up the phone!! It was a dead-on interpretation of how extremely exacerbating these phone

Who Wants to be Perfect?

2009-06-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

I started a personal exploration to uncover the perception of perfection to determine whether perfect was even attainable in today’s world and to see if anyone really cared to be perfect!As a parent and an etiquette instructor, the quest to be perfectly mannered is the biggest problem I face every day. Sometimes I’m afraid to tell people what I do because I think they will judge my every move,

Manners – New School Style

2009-05-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Manners – New School StyleWe’ve come a long way from the stodgy, old rulebook of etiquette from days past. The iconic images of the prim and proper looking women and men of the 40’s and 50’s have given way to a more modern, sensible and practical image of today. In our frenetic world of sound bites and short attention spans, people are searching for a more tangible and more accessible way to