Manners for Your Holiday Happenings
12 Months of Holidays, Personal Polish
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My Simple Guide to What to Wear was a big hit last week. Thanks for all the sweet e-mails. Along with them were more clothing dilemma questions that all of us will face now or sometime soon. So, I’ve included those for us this week along with a great question about what to say when Continue reading …

Saying No to Buying Fundraising Items
12 Months of Holidays, Mom Manners & Kids Too, Only @ Work
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When neighbors and coworkers ask you to buy items (gift wrap, candy, etc.) for school fundraisers and you just don’t feel it’s financially sound for you to give, try saying something like this, “Janice, you know I’m always happy to contribute to Austin ‘s school fundraisers. With money being tight right now, I’ve had to Continue reading …

Gift Giving Manners
12 Months of Holidays, Impressive Hosts & Gracious Guests, Social Situations
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Can you believe that Christmas is just 66 days from today? (Eek!) Today’s column is about saying no to giving without sounding like the county grinch. How do you get others to agree to not exchanging gifts this year? What do you say if someone gives you a gift after promising not to? You know Continue reading …

Mother’s Day Manners
12 Months of Holidays
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I once suffered a miscarriage shortly before Mother’s Day. When I entered the sanctuary that Sunday, an usher carrying a basket of carnations greeted me. “Happy Mother’s Day, pretty lady!” He innocently beamed. “I know you must be a mom! Here’s a flower.” In a sudden daze I accepted the flower from his hand and Continue reading …