Welcome to the blog

and other etiquette thoughts

For several years now, we’ve been told, “don’t say Happy Memorial Day.” But as humans, we try to be pleasant and a lot of times the first thing to come to mind is just that: “Happy Memorial Day.” Here are my thoughts on the matter and some useful, polite alternatives for you to consider. It’s […]

Thoughtful alternatives to “Happy Memorial Day”

May 31, 2021

Bear and I demonstrate the simplest way to pin on a boutonniere that stays tight all prom night!

How to Pin on a Boutonniere

Apr 23, 2021

If you’re wondering how in the world am I going to convince my kid to go to cotillion classes, this post is for you! You love the idea of cotillion, maybe you attended as a child. But your middle schooler, on the other hand, is NOT feeling it. And I get it. Etiquette, manners, and […]

How to Convince Your Kid to Go To Cotillion

Apr 9, 2021

I want to show you how this simple technique (named after a garden vegetable) can help your middle schooler stay focused and get more tasks accomplished.

How to Motivate Your Tween or Teen to Focus

Mar 24, 2021

woman in red dress

What is the etiquette around wearing certain colors as a wedding guest? Most of us know white is a color reserved strictly for the bride and it’s off limits for a wedding guest to wear white. But what about other bold colors? Specifically, red. A friend asked me a few months ago if it was […]

I know the rule about white, but can I wear red to a wedding?

Feb 16, 2021

Is it possible to be an over-thanker? It’s important to express your gratitude, but my friend was worried about coming on too strong with a thank you text PLUS a handwritten note. My friend, Loren, sent me a message the other day and asked: What a sweet question, Loren. Send a quick text or email […]

Over-Thanking: Can you say thank you too much?

Jan 25, 2021

If you ever plan to be an adult, you’re going to need to know how to address an envelope correctly. Good envelope etiquette really makes you look like you know what you’re doing to the person who receives your letter and, of course, the main reason for correspondence etiquette is so the post office can […]

How to address an envelope: a 3 min tutorial for teens and tweens

Dec 13, 2020

dia de muertos party first birthday

Earlier this month we had a triple birthday party themed around the Disney movie, Coco, and the Mexican tradition of Dia de Muertos on which the movie is based. This October, our oldest son turned 5, our youngest son turned 1, and I turned 30. Goodness gracious, still can’t believe I’m 30. 😲 Since it […]

Our family’s Dia de Muertos party and outdoor movie night

Oct 23, 2020

Five year old boy at birthday party

I really like hosting parties. I love the invitations and food, the decorations, dress, and desserts. But, most of all, I enjoy providing a pleasant event for our family and friends and making people feel welcome at our home. This week I started passing that idea of being a welcoming host along to our children. […]

How to help your kid be a good birthday party host

Oct 15, 2020

woman hanging American flag outside home

I’m sure you’ve seen flags flying on big flag poles at half-staff, but how do you modify that for flags hanging outside your home or on your porch? Watch the video or read on below to learn how to fly a flag at half staff at home using a mourning ribbon. Flying a flag at […]

How to fly a flag at half staff on a house with a mourning ribbon

Sep 9, 2020