Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

Posted on December 23, 2024 by msw blog

Staying at a cocktail party too long may indicate you’re having a great time, but it can be inconsiderate to the host.

If the host indicated an ending time on the invite, that means it’s time to leave when that time comes. If no ending time is suggested, etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley suggests staying aware of some clues. For instance, if coffee and dessert have been served and cleaned up, the host turns off the music, most guests have gotten their coats and left, or the host’s partner says goodbye and goes to bed, the event is over. 

Farley also says to be aware of if the host starts speaking about the event in the past tense, like “It was so wonderful seeing everyone tonight.”

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Gift Wrap

Posted on December 23, 2024 by msw blog

When you’re in the throes of the holiday rush, buying gifts can feel like a practical task — so much so that you forget that gift-giving is ultimately a symbolic ritual, meant to express appreciation for others. And wrapping them? Well, that often feels like just another chore. But even a smidge of extra effort can make the gift — and the recipient — feel extra special.

Newspaper or magazines: Choose pages with colorful images or interesting articles. Instead of plastic ribbon, opt for recycled twine for a chic look that’s also biodegradable.

Fabric scarps – Check your linen closet for old pillowcases, table clothes and sheets you are no longer singing. Then wrap gifts with these fabric scraps.

Reusable bags – Give two gifts in one by placing gifts in a stylish yet functional bag. Buy a tote packing cube or toiletry case.


Glam it up“It could be as simple as an ornament from your tree, or a sprig from your wreath, or go out in the garden and pick a stick of rosemary, which adds a scent as well,” says Alton DuLane

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Something New

Posted on December 22, 2024 by msw blog

Give yourself permission to do something different. We don’t always have to be and do what we and others expect of ourselves. Dare yourself to do something you haven’t done before. No need to make it an effort. It’s often the simple things that surprise and satisfy us unexpectedly.

Positively Purging–I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging”, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

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Buying Wine

Posted on December 22, 2024 by msw blog

Q: I’m hosting this holiday season and want to buy wine that’s good but doesn’t totally break the bank. But when I walk into a liquor store, I’m completely overwhelmed. Help!

A: We get it: the towering shelves, the endless aisles, the various countries to choose from. It’s confusing. But with these tips from wine consultant Isis Daniel, known as the Millennial Somm, you can level up your wine-shopping skills.

1. Ask for help. If your guests are seasoned wine drinkers, you might want to pick something from a boutique vineyard or a skilled vintner versus a mass-produced wine. Just remember: a more expensive bottle doesn’t necessarily mean the wine is better.

2. Figure out your budget. Most wine stores will have staff that can help you pick out a bottle—just tell them what the occasion is and any preferences you might have.

3. Use an app.There are free wine-search apps like Vivino, Delectable and Wine-Searcher, which allow you to scan the bottle labels for information about the wine, customer reviews and ratings, pairing recommendations, and more.

4. Do a little research. These days, we have the information we need at our fingertips to solve any wine puzzle presented to us. Look up ideal food and wine pairings and the typical characteristics of wines from different regions.

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Affirmation

Posted on December 22, 2024 by msw blog

“Today, I free myself from judgment. I am ready to hear and trust the guidance of my inner knowing.”

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something

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