Gather Great Stories on Father’s Day

Dad and kids

Sometimes dads are forgotten and Father’s Day becomes that “last-minute throw something together” event. We can’t forget that dads have great stories about what they did as a child, what they did in school and of course, how they met mom. Grandparents are great storytellers as well, and you can hold their stories close to your heart and imagine what it is like to have been born in 1903.

Ask your father what he did as a child and stories of his dad. You may be surprised how similar they are to yours. So, on Father’s Day, listen to all the stories you can because what grandpa and dad did will be so different than what we do today, and these stories will become something to treasure forever!

Things to do with dad:

  • If you don’t live with your dad, give him a call. Ask him what type of phone he had as a child. You may be surprised that it was attached to the wall and you put your finger in a hole to dial or turn a handle!
  • If you can get to a lake or a beach and pack a picnic, this is a great time to ask about your dad’s best memories and of course, create some memorable ones to talk about years later.
  • Take dad for a hike and have lunch or dinner together afterwards.
  • Explore a heritage site in your area.
  • Buy dad a gift certificate online to his favourite store where he can shop online or at the store.
  • Have a backyard barbecue. Cooking outdoors is fun and the food tastes better.
  • For those on a tight budget, make a gift certificate on the computer or draw and colour one on paper. Make it to the value of: “A Clean Car – Washed and Vacuumed” by (insert your name).
  • A gift idea could be to buy matching baseball caps and wear them for the day.

Whatever you do, have fun, enjoy and capture the memories!

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Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash

Etiquette in Sport – think Rugby Sevens!

Fiji ball boy

If you are not familiar with rugby sevens, I highly encourage you to become a fan. It’s a shorter version of the full game, played with 7 players, 7 minutes each way in two halves. It’s fast, exciting, amazing, and a lot of fun.

Every year in spring, the Men’s Sevens World Series visits Vancouver’s BC Place and is played over two days by the best teams in the world. Also, the Women’s Sevens World Series visits Langford in Victoria and is also played over two days.

For those in Canada, you can watch live on CBC Sports.

But that is not what this is about. This is about the etiquette and respect I have witnessed between players in the sport of rugby. Rugby itself is a tough game to play (by men and women, I might add), requiring a lot of fitness and strength. It’s full of tackling, grabbing, pushing, shoving, but is not a dirty sport. It has rules that define how you must play the game, which has instilled a level of etiquette and respect in those who play it.

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Ring in the New Year with Etiquette!

New Year

Each year, we challenge you to extend your New Year’s resolutions to include etiquette.

Every New Year, we tend to build a list of resolutions for self-improvement. When the end of December rolls around, we take a moment to think back and set positive goals for ourselves that will inspire worthwhile changes in our lives. For many, New Year’s resolutions are based on improving one’s physical health, which usually includes diets or exercise regimes. However, New Year’s resolutions should also contain goals that will improve your personal or work life! The simplest way to reach your goals for self-improvement is to abide by proper etiquette.

Social etiquette can be particularly useful for everyday situations, including dating. If you want to gain someone’s trust and respect, make some room for social etiquette on your New Year’s resolution list. Professional etiquette, particularly business etiquette, can also help you improve your overall reputation in the workplace. If you plan on getting ahead and aiming for a promotion this New Year, you’ll definitely need to consider including basic business etiquette rules on your resolutions list!

With a New Year, it’s time for a New You! Here are 4 basic etiquette rules to keep in mind for the New Year. The following tips will help you make the right choices, in whatever situation you are in:

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Dress for Success

Dress for Success

It is true that you do not get a second chance to make a great first impression. This is especially true when interviewing for a new job. The way we look shows how we want to be perceived as well as how we feel about who we are visiting. Choosing to dress professionally when going for an interview gives the right first impression as soon as you walk in the door.

When we take the time to dress and take pride in our appearance not only does it boost our confidence, it also greatly improves one’s self-esteem!

If you can invest in quality classic clothing, you can build from those pieces. For example, a good-quality blazer can complement a simple dress and nice shoes.

BlazerIf you’re at the beginning of building your professional wardrobe, you can mix and match items such as a dressy top with a black skirt or pants, completing the look with the blazer.

These ideas work whether you are returning to the office, starting a new job, or working from home. Especially now with virtual on-camera meetings and phone calls.

And please keep watch for more fabulous ideas to follow in the coming months!

For ideas to inspire you, visit my Instagram @elizabethetiquette.

For details, or to purchase any of these beautiful pieces, please contact Tessa Belland on Instagram: @tessabstyle_vancouver.

To inspire, whatever the budget. Sometimes, people just need ideas.

Shoes

Fingers at the Table

Eating fast food

A Review of Basic Dining Etiquette

While out at a restaurant with my husband, I happened to observe a couple dining with a teenage boy, perhaps their son. They were well dressed and seemed familiar with formal dining, so I was startled to see the woman use her thumb to push food onto her fork while her knife remained idle on the table beside her plate.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the state of etiquette in our society and how such a basic rule could be so easily forgotten.

Perhaps the prevalence of fast food restaurants and finger foods has blurred the lines between eating with utensils and eating with our hands? And, of course, there are situations, even in fine dining, when using fingers is acceptable and even a necessity; however, in no situation are fingers deemed a good substitute for a knife. Pushing your food with your fingers is akin to licking your fingers or chewing with your mouth open and, in many situations, you will be judged on the basis of that behaviour.

Good etiquette is based on the circumstance and using your hands to eat is acceptable in many cultures and in some casual dining situations. So, you may wonder, when is it appropriate to use your fingers at a North American or European table that has a proper place setting?

As a general rule of thumb (pun intended), when you are provided with a knife, fork, and spoon, use the provided utensils to eat your food unless the food is awkward to eat with utensils, or a finger bowl is provided for washing your fingers afterwards. If you have trouble getting food onto your fork, use your knife, never push food with your fingers.

Foods generally accepted as finger foods:

  • Bread
  • Pizza
  • Sandwiches, unless covered with a sauce
  • French fries – in fine restaurants it is still preferable to use a fork and if the fries have gravy or another sauce
  • Fried chicken
  • Barbeque ribs
  • Crispy bacon
  • Corn on the cob
  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Small fruits such as grapes or berries

Our table manners speak volumes about us. Although this couple may not care what the other restaurant patrons thought of them at that time, they are also fostering poor dining etiquette habits and modelling them to their son, who may repeat the same faux pas in the future and possibly in a situation where other people’s judgements matter more such as a business dinner with potential clients.

. . . .

Photo by Greta Schölderle Møller on Unsplash

Proper Etiquette for Students – USA

Lexington Community Education

Lexington Community Education is based in Massachusetts, USA, and is offering several online classes for children from grades 2 to 9. A thorough introduction to good etiquette and proper manners for elementary students.  In this two-session class, Elizabeth Etiquette will begin by introducing the proper way to manage introductions and greetings, appropriate hygiene and grooming, deportment, posture and sitting correctly.

Proper Etiquette for Students in Grades 2-5

  • Start date: 01/26/21, 2 meetings
  • Class time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
  • Day of week: Tuesday
  • Location: Zoom
  • Only US$25

See class details and register here »

Proper Etiquette for Students in Grades 6-9

  • Start date: 02/10/21, 2 meetings
  • Class time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
  • Day of week: Wednesday
  • Location: Zoom
  • Only US$25

See class details and register here »

. . . .

See all classes »

Pet Etiquette in the Summer Sun

Dog on pavement

While we don our shades and sun hats to enjoy the summer sun, unfortunately, animals cannot deal with the rising temperatures, and dogs are especially at risk from severe overheating.

Showing consideration and respect for our four-legged friends is just as important as the respect we show to humans. Take care of our dog and our dog will take care of us.

Here are some tips to keep dogs safe and healthy OUT of the summer sun! They will also help you steer away from problems and possible fines from officials.

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8 Tips for Being a Good RV Neighbour

RVs

Going on a road trip with an RV is a great way to travel and enjoy the countryside. An RV offers easy access to the outdoors with all the comforts of home.

However, just like being at home, you will generally have neighbours, especially when you stop and set up camp. With neighbours by your side, proper etiquette is needed more than ever!

Following the rules of etiquette will help you to create a friendly atmosphere and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Follow these 8 tips for RV camping etiquette to be a good RV neighbour on your next trip:

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The Importance of Personal Hygiene Etiquette

Washing hands

Some of you may have heard the saying,

“Horses sweat, men perspire and ladies glow”

…but let’s be real, as humans, we all sweat and may have body odour. Keeping ourselves clean and smelling sweet is a sign of respect not only for us but for others.

The importance of personal hygiene is something nobody really talks about, so let’s start with the basics:

  • Shower/bathe or wash every day – it may seem like common sense, but not something everybody does.
  • Our hair can also give off odours – an alternative to washing your hair every day is dry shampoo.
  • Don’t forget to apply deodorant before leaving the house – if you are someone who tends to sweat profusely then re-apply, re-apply, re-apply!
  • Let’s talk sweaty feet. A quick wash doesn’t always do it, spend a little extra time in the shower giving your feet a good scrub to stave away foot fungus and any nasty odours.
  • For persistent sweaty feet try a foot deodorant – placing fresh teabags or dryer sheets in your shoes and runners help absorb any odours.
  • Not all bad odours come from sweat – don’t forget mouth hygiene.

Cartoon man nose smellKeeping your mouth fresh and clean:

  • Brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day- morning and night.
  • However, food odour can be pungent and linger. Don’t forget to keep something to freshen up your breath at work, school or when you’re out and about.
  • Oral hygiene is not just about your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and use mouthwash to clean any lingering germs.
  • Flossing! A must- every day.
  • Remember, odours linger. Hence, the importance of keeping our clothes clean and fresh.

A thought to ponder. Are you nose blind?

Noun; The gradual acclimation to the smells of one’s home, car, or belongings, in which the affected does not notice them, but your guests do!

Tip: If you think you might be nose blind, it may be worth asking a trusted family member or friend for their honest opinion.

COVID-19 Etiquette Inside and Outside the Home

COVID-19 etiquette

It is crucial that everyone practices good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

Hand Hygiene Etiquette

Handwashing with soap and water, or hand sanitizing with sanitizing solutions, gels or tissues.

Do this regularly, especially after touching door handles and surfaces or using the bathroom.

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
  • Before and after preparing food;
  • Before and after eating;
  • After using the toilet;
  • After coughing or sneezing into a tissue;
  • After handling body fluid-contaminated waste or laundry;
  • Whenever hands look dirty; and
  • Do not touch eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

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