Straight From the Heart Blog
Thank You notes are powerful. Sadly, appreciation through a Thank You note seems to be on the wane. Gifts are received and hospitality is celebrated without a word of gratitude. To say “thank you” is the foundation of good manners. This must be instilled during childhood and it starts in the home. In today’s blog […]
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All too often, parents tell me that they leave their children at home because they are embarrassed by a child’s lack of manners or ability to sit still. The solution to this? A commitment from the family to make mealtime an event. Parents, you can help your children by teaching them respect and by connecting […]
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Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit New Zealand. While there, I experienced multiple cities and discovered a common denominator among all in the service industry…a desire to please. This heartfelt service was evident everywhere, from the World War I Museum coffee shop to the five-star restaurant where we dined. Truly, friendliness and […]
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Parents, you are the best teachers to your children! As an etiquette expert, my job is to be a support to all families that I coach. Remember, dining with your child and engaging in conversation must set the precedence in a child’s life before true manners will occur. In today’s blog post, I will discuss […]
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Happy Mother’s Day to all. This year, take time to think about all the sacrifices of time your mom made for you. You will find your heart filled with love and joy! After all, motherhood is a job…a blessing that’s also difficult and requires steadfast perseverance. In today’s blog post, I will share 10 basics […]
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This past week, I had the honor of sharing Etiquette Tips with the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Class of 2025. After arriving and setting up, I was given a short period of time to talk with the cadets about basic Fine Dining Skills with an emphasis on Self-Presentation. What a thrill to share […]
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As an etiquette expert, I’ve had the privilege of working with Girl Scout troops to help them earn merit badges focused on social skills, manners and self-presentation. Offering etiquette training to Girl Scouts is more than teaching table settings and thank-you notes — it’s about helping young girls grow into confident, considerate leaders who feel […]
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While working in the corporate world, I discovered an essential fact…companies must train their employees to enhance their personal knowledge of international cultures and local protocol to avoid awkward situations. Since many business interactions happen during a mealtime, business dining etiquette is an important part of a comprehensive training plan. In today’s blog post, I […]
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Everyone loves a gift! The act of gift-giving can often foster positive relationships between friends and family or even between co-workers or to clients, employees or to a boss. But before giving a gift (especially at work), check to make sure that you follow the appropriate rules of etiquette for your gift. In today’s blog […]
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Etiquette is essential in all environments. Whether in a personal or professional setting, etiquette boosts morale, encourages communication and increases productivity. When you are well-mannered and considerate in dealing with others, you will build valuable, long-term relationships. Research shows that as much as 85% of career success can be attributed to social skills. If you’re […]
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