Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting milestones a couple shares, no matter how long it’s been since they said ‘I do’. Becoming a homeowner comes with a host of benefits, including building equity, the freedom to personalize your space and a sense of stability. Preparing for the purchase process will help to ease any strain on your new relationship. Here are some helpful suggestions for saving for your first home while maintaining your newlywed bliss. Strategies for Saving for Your First Home Do the Math It’s important to take stock of your current financial situation and determine, e ..read more

For those planning an upcoming spring or summer travel adventure – whether it be taking a trip with a group of friends or driving a few miles down the road for a weekend with your roommates – making lasting memories is the ultimate goal. If you prefer traveling with friends, you are in good company. A recent poll found close to 80 percent of respondents believe travel is more fun when shared with a friend or partner. Truthfully, sharing space, time and money comes with some anxiety if not handled properly. Here are a few etiquette tips to help you pull off traveling with friends. The Etiquett ..read more

I’m often asked how best to approach table manners for teens. It doesn’t matter what your grandmother taught you, or whether or not you have ever attended an etiquette course, there are some dining tips that will assist you and your teen. With a little practice and a lot of modeling, their comfort level will climb. Be sure your teen understands that table manners are a powerful way to show respect for fellow guests, even if the guests at the table are immediate family. Mastering the basics builds confidence that will be used for a lifetime of circumstances including dates, job interviews and ..read more

I’m often asked about how to stand out in the business world, especially when someone is new to the organization. It’s an important question, and many basics will always be true—being punctual, courteous and keeping your word, for starters. In today’s blog, we’re spotlighting a few more secrets to business success. How To Stand Out in the Business World Dress Your Best According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management: 55 percent of first impressions are made by what we see (visual). 38 percent is the way we hear your first words (vocal). 7 percent are the actua ..read more

Hints of Spring’s arrival are slowly emerging—it officially begins March 20—and the warmer weather opens up all sorts of dining possibilities. If you’re looking forward to a special meal, whether fine dining or something more casual, knowing what to expect will make you feel more comfortable and confident at the table. Here are a few Spring “Dining Etiquette Must Knows” to take with you. Spring Dining Etiquette Suggestions Make a Reservation Any time of the year it’s best to use an app or place a call to make a reservation for a particular time slot. If you have to cancel or are running late ..read more

First dates tend to be a little nerve-wracking, and having a first date on Valentine’s Day comes with extra sweetness and stress. You may be wondering whether or not you should bring a gift, send flowers, or handwrite a card—it can be a lot to maneuver when you have barely spoken to them beforehand. While much of the etiquette for a first date on Valentine’s Day applies to any first date, there are some nuances worth covering. Here are some of our favorite tips on how to handle a Valentine’s first date with confidence and courtesy. How To Be the Perfect First Date This Valentine’s Day Be Prom ..read more

Relationships and romance are in the spotlight in February, as many couples select the month to tie the knot. When researching the popularity of February weddings, I came across a beautiful description from Saphire Event Group: “February can be a highly desirable wedding month for many couples, largely because it has the flavor of the winter season, while also hinting at the forthcoming spring.” Those preparing to celebrate a special bride often ask, “Is there a difference between a wedding shower and a bachelorette party?” In short, the answer is yes. Keep reading for more insight and a batch ..read more

February is almost here, and our plans for 2023 are still in focus. There is conversation around what is yet to come in the Year of the Rabbit. Even Pantone’s color of the year sounds lively and uplifting: Viva Magenta (complete with “vim and vigor”). It may seem odd to write about burnout before Valentine’s Day, but being intentional about what you do—and do not—want over the course of the year is a powerful exercise. I’ve always liked the Edwin Louis Cole quote, “There are dreamers and there are planners; the planners make their dreams come true.” Along those lines, let’s examine recent wor ..read more

The thank you note may seem like an old-fashioned, outdated way of communicating, but the reality is … the significance of a handwritten note should not be overlooked. Thank you notes make a powerful and positive impact on the recipient. During my university sessions, students often ask, “Are thank you notes outdated?” On the contrary, sending a handwritten note in the digital age immediately cuts through inbox clutter. In honor of National Handwriting Day, here are a few thoughts on why and how to write a memorable thank you note. A More Personal Side to an Email While an email is efficient ..read more

As we wrap up the first couple of weeks of 2023, chances are good many of us haven’t been able to keep our new year’s resolutions for one reason or another. No matter how sincere the intention is, change is hard. A study conducted by the University of Scranton found that 23% of resolutions are broken in the first week. What’s more, only 20% are able to stick to their goals for any sustainable length of time. Why do we struggle to honor our resolutions, and is there a different, more realistic approach when we find ourselves in this place? Keep reading for a new year’s resolution check-in and ..read more