Business Manners: Sharing the Love with Cookies!

When You Give A Mouse A Cookie...

Yes, it happened again.  Those awkward moments that happen one time or another.  But how do we are take the next step?  What should be our response?  This happens to us all the time.  The most recent experience revolved around a cookie, yes, a cookie!  O.K. so you're thinking...cookie no big deal...  Well a cookie can become more of a nuisance than a savory, sugary treat.  

Something that seems like common sense to a few people may not be so common to others.  Such is life, I guess.  No, not such is life.  This is the time to make the common sense common again, and if that means we have to start with a cookie, then so be it!

Here's a hint: if you decide to bring treats whether it's to the office, a business meeting, a social gathering with friends, please bring enough food (and a bit extra) for everyone!  Common sense, right?  Well it should be.  Don't get me wrong, it's very thoughtful of you to take the time and purchase a treat for a special person in the office, but if you choose to only buy one cookie, then try not to give it while everyone else is watching.  It's a bit rude.  Now you are allowed to buy what you want for whomever, but out of consideration for others, maybe instead of buying one large cookie for one person, maybe you could purchase enough cookies for everyone.  Maybe not so innovative of an idea, but definitely one to keep in mind for future events.  Spreading the love for today!

A Bit of Eye Candy.

Here are a few of our favorite sweet treats.

Credit: Betty Crocker

Credit: Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe

Credit: Macaroons

Credit: Carrie's Confectionary

Credit: My Recipes

Far Away Places and Beautiful Inspirations

Wisconsin was hit with a lot of snow!  Don't believe me?  Check out pictures on instagram!

So for today, we wanted to dream of far away places and beautiful things.

Take a look into the things that inspire us.

Enjoy!

Yes, we know this is more snow, but it's in Germany so it makes it better, right?

Credit: Pinterest (Germany)

Credit: Pinterest (Venice)

Credit: Pinterest (Paris)

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

eShakti Spring Fashions! Save 20%

Here at Provocative Manners, we partner with eShakti to promote their beautiful custom made clothing styled to fit every woman's personality and body type.  They have an absolute amazing spring clothing line available for purchase now, perfect for your next dinner date, evening at the symphony, wedding or lunch with the girls.  If you are in need of retail therapy then spend those leisurely hours at eShakti!  And get ready for spring weather.

Showing the love, here is a discount code just for our readers at Provocative Manners!  

Here is your special 20% discount code PRVCTVEMNN 

enter it into the "promotional box" when you check out at eShakti. 

- valid from 02/26/13 thru 03/10/13

***Code has to be entered in the 'Promotional Code' box. No Minimum Order Value. The discount code is not case sensitive. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This code can be clubbed with any other gift coupon or gift card in the same order. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. Not applicable on previous purchases. 

Spring Fashion Trend: Lucite Elegance

We are all itching for spring!  The sun rising each morning, April showers bringing May flowers, and a new season of fabulous fashion trends.  Today we are giving to you an array of the new trend in spring fashion: Lucite Elegance.  This is a great accessory when done sparingly, please don't go overboard!  Remember fashion is about showing your personality, but also remaining sophisticated and classy.  Mix and match, fashion should compliment who you are.  That is what fashion is all about: Experimentation!

Lucite Elegance by provocmanners featuring lucite rings

Jcpenney
jcpenney.com

Charlotte Olympia clear handbag
net-a-porter.com

Lucite ring
etsy.com

Sunglasses
nastygal.com

Epic\ Designs Simplicity Is The Keynote Of All True Elegance Coco...
amazon.com

Small Victories: Take Them Inch By Inch

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Silva Heckenkamp)

Life is all about those small victories, right?  Whether it is that long bucket list, those big career goals, our weight loss (inch by inch or pound by pound), academic goals, family goals, relationship goals or life-long dream goals.  Everyone has a few of those over the top, out of this world dreams that seem unattainable but we still work each and everyday to achieve.  How can we reach those goals: is it the small victories or the big victories?

Credit: Success

For me, I have a hard time appreciating the small victories, it's probably due to my choleric temperament.  I lack patience, which I try to work on everyday!  So my "goal" is to focus on the small victories.  Whether it's success in business (even just the small triumphs), a boost in my health goals or little step towards daily acts of patience.  Because truly, in the long run, it is the small victories that create the larger accomplishments.

Credit: PolkaDotCoaching

Sauce of Life Tips:

1. Appreciate the beginning of each new day.  The rising of the sun gives hope for new life.

2. If your goals revolve around weight loss or getting healthier, then focus on it one day at a time.  Set a long term goal, but don't be too hard on yourself if you fail to reach it fast.  Good things come in small boxes, meaning it takes time!

3. Set realistic ambitions.  We all have crazy dreams, but make sure to plan practical goals that will help us attain those life-long ambitions eventually.

4. Everything is within your reach, but with hard work and patience.  (Yes, I need to practice what I preach!)

5. Not everything in life is about you.  Set goals that also benefit others, whether through acts of charity or acts of mercy.  We are all in this together, so work for the well-being of your neighbors too!

6. Most importantly: LOVE LIFE!  Stop taking it so seriously; eventually you will miss out on what true joy, true love and true wellness really are.  Life is what you make it, so make it worthwhile!

Just Because.....So Pretty

A Glamorous Friday.

I have no place to wear these, but they are so pretty!

We are linking up with Lauren From My Grey Desk Blog for a High Five for Friday!

London Fashion Week - Fall 2013

Designer: Temperley London - Fall 2013

Credit: Sarah-Leigh Wade

Designer: Preen - Fall 2013

Credit: Teresa Greenfeld

Designer: Daks - Fall 2013

Credit: Sarah-Leigh Wade

Photo Credit: Liza Herlands

It's Time to Entertain Like a Leading Lady: Oscar Style

Host the Ultimate Party!  Oscar Style!

Who doesn't love a fun and fabulous night with the girls?
What better excuse to throw an amazingly unforgettable party than the upcoming Oscar's?

Here are a few simple but elegant ways to spice up your house with a bit of Oscar style decor!

Make your own gold paper star garland!  

Credit: Ben Franklin Crafts

Set the stage with perfect lighting.  Candles create the ambiance.

Credit: CraftedCandles

Provide popcorn as a healthy fun treat for your guests.

Credit: BellyBytes

Well presented food can provide fun centerpieces.  These will keep your friends talking.

Yummy, but unique treats!

Credit: The Crafty Hostess

Don't forget to dress for the night.  Enjoy the evening in everything gold: a bit of gold jewelry, makeup and of course glasses of bubbly champagne.  Off set the gold with a few contrasting colors, such as the cobalt blue.  All that really matters is having a fabulous night while relaxing with the girls!

Oscar Style Girls Night by provocmanners featuring a multi-chain necklace

Christopher kon zipper bag
shirise.com

H M multi chain necklace
$12 - hm.com

Bride hair accessory
etsy.com

Essie nailpolish
target.com

The Ability to Be Better

The Ability to Be Better for Others and Not Just Ourselves.

I think we can all agree with the fact that we live in a very selfish world. People are all about how to get ahead in the world, how to make the most money, be the prettiest, be the most popular. People this is no road to happiness, this is the road to a selfish lonely and unhappy life.

If every person were to wake up each morning and ask themselves how can I better today for others, imagine the change in the world.

So I'll put you to the test. I dare you for the three days, to wake up in the morning and ask yourself this question: "How can I better myself for others today?"

Examples of how to better yourself.

Smile at a stranger.

Call an old friend and tell them you miss them.

Don't Complain even once all day long!

Make a new friend

Make a new goal to accomplish tomorrow and do it!

If we are always trying to better ourselves rather then being satisfied with stats quo will will move mountains, or at least get out of bed and look at them;)