Is the Word "Sorry" in your Vocabulary? It Better Be!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

We all have those crazy, over the top, outlandish days!  Wait, you may say that's pretty much everyday.  No, we mean those days where all you want to do is sit, have a glass of wine (actually make that two glasses) and zone-out or even have a good cry!  We've all been there and it's usually the cause of too much stress, over-booking ourselves, loss of control and thoughts of failure.  With all this being said, don't take out your problems on everyone else!  This all ends up creating ugly situations where we regret our actions and words.  So, what's the next step?  Time to apologize!  Why is it so hard to apologize when we are in the wrong?

Just remember, apologizing is stating you have done something wrong and asking for forgiveness. You may sometimes have to apologize even if you are not at complete fault, but be the better person and try to move on while helping others move on as well!

Seriously, this topic shouldn't be that hard to understand, now let's put it into practice!  If you bump into another shopper at the store, apologize or say "excuse me".  Don't give them the death stare, you aren't always right!  If you get in a car accident, ask how the other person is doing and apologize if you were at fault!  If you hurt another person with cruel words or actions, apologize!  This will make a world of difference to that other person, and add a smile too.

If it's your spouse, hurry up with that apology, don't take a week, a month or your whole life to remove your pride and bring out the words "I'm sorry".  All that waiting may result with you missing out on some amazing conversations, romantic dates or even those fabulous nights of love-making!

After the initial apology, it may take the other person time to accept it.  Be patient, show your kindness, concern and gratitude and life will be much easier and happier!  Don't keep these feelings built up, they will eat you alive!  In the end, IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON! 

Do you need a "smoozing gift" to help the apology get started?

Flowers: Pick a bouquet of wild flowers, A few hydrangeas from your garden or have your local florist design a custom bouquet!  www.dmhcustomfloraldesigns.com

Chocolates:  Who can go wrong with chocolates?
A Card with a Personal Message
Wine or A Favorite Beer:  So much to choose from!
A Massage:  This could be a personal massage or a gift card to a salon www.azanaspa.com
A Surprise Night out on the Town:  Have fun with this one and go crazy or keep it simple!

Champagne and Chocolates (or as Heather Dubrow says, "champs") LOVE!

Photo: www.heatherdubrow.com

Sauce of Life Quotes: "A stiff apology is a second insult.... The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt." ~G.K. Chesterton

Bring Back the Old Traditions? Yes, Please!!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

"Cultures grow on the vine of tradition." John Goldenberg

Remember when we were younger, and everything "seemed" better.  Well let's be honest here, it WAS better!  People practiced, enjoyed, and looked forward to traditions.  Whether it was traditions of faith, or mom's Christmas pies, those silly games we played as children, those ever obviously wonderful memories and continue to reminisce about.

Tradition
1. the handing down from generation to generation of the same customs, beliefs, etc.
2. the body of customs, thought, practices, etc., belonging to a particular country, people, family, or institution over a relatively long period
3. a specific custom or practice of long standing


Everyone always seems so busy today and they make a lot of excuses.  Yes, we must work to live, but what about creating those happy memories too!  Don't fill your days with lifeless memories and missed opportunities.

Traditions can be crazy, silly, meaningful or just plainly traditional.

Here are some great websites to help you get started on creating traditions.

http://www.cozi.com/live-simply/50-holiday-traditions

This is a free online family calendar!  "Bye bye chaos, hello coordinated!"

Cozi — it’s great and it’s free

“It helps us keep organized calendar-wise, as well as shopping lists. For families that have older children, younger, or just a busy schedule, it helps to keep everybody on track.” - Michelle Duggar, 19 Kids and Counting





http://www.tipjunkie.com/24-creative-family-traditions/

24 Creative Family Traditions

So sit down today and make a list of traditions you want to incorporate in your life.  Remember, sometimes the best traditions are spontaneous, though othertimes they need a little push.

"A love of tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril; but the new view must come, the world must roll forward." WINSTON CHURCHILL, speech, Nov. 29, 1944

Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Take a Look or Take a Fall

Written By: Danielle Marie Heckenkamp

It seems that everytime we go out, whether it's to the grocery store, the mall, the office, the park, a date or even a wedding, there's something missing!  You may ask, what's missing...?  Does anyone own a mirror?



Wait, maybe it's just a lack of common-sense.  We aren't talking about spending excessive amounts of time primping and prodding just to buy groceries!  No, we are talking about the basics here: 

Did you brush your hair and teeth this morning?

Did you take a minute to put on some mascara, eyeliner and a dab of lip gloss? (Come on ladies, you know what your face needs to look awake!)

Are you wearing matching socks?  (And men, brown socks and black shoes do not compliment!  Don't even get us started on the white socks and black shoes!)

Did you even get dressed?  And no, pajama pants that look like yoga pants do not count!

These questions might seem ridiculous and wreak of common-sense but for some reason common-sense is extremely lacking in today's society!  Why is it so hard for people to put themselves together in the morning?  We don't mean you have to leave the house looking like Kate Middleton (even though she always looks fabulous!) but give yourself 15-20 minutes to get ready and make a little more effort with a little less laziness.  You will be amazed at the results!

NO EXCUSES!



"Carelessness in dressing is moral suicide." ~Honoré de Balzac

You think there is no time to get ready for work in the morning?  Think again!  Here's your solution: wake up 20 minutes earlier!

You think that your children must look put together for school, and there is no time left for you?  Think again!  Here's your solution:  wake up 20 minutes earlier!  Get yourself dressed first and then wake up the family.  Children will lead by example.

You think, "this is my day off, why should I get dressed?"  Please reconsider this thought process...  If you plan on staying home, that's fine, wear the yoga pants but at least brush your hair and apply a small amount of makeup.  You may have an unwelcome guest sooner than you think.  If you do leave the house to run errands, most definitely PUT YOURSELF TOGETHER!  You might run into a client, future client, past co-worker, old highschool crush or future lover! 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS DO COUNT!

Unfortunately, the theory of "individuality" has been taken to an extreme!  An extreme of laziness, self-deprecation, lack of common-sense and in the end, just irresponsible as the next person.  You won't lose your personal style or values by dressing with style!  It has become abnornal to see a woman put together with clothing fitted properly, makeup complimenting her facial features and her feminine physique isn't hidden behind frumpy t-shirts.  Men, show your masculinity, be proud of it!  Don't wear baggy pants and t-shirts (enough said!).  Please get rid of the Hawaiian shirts or save them for Hawaii.  Why is it so hard for men to wear a polo and khaki pants?  Here's a tip:  Women love a well-dressed man!  Use that to your advantage!


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"Like every good man, I strive for perfection, and, like every ordinary man, I have found that perfection is out of reach - but not the perfect suit."   ~Edward Tivnan

Lesson learned? 

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."  ~ Coco Chanel

Honor Your Mother: There is a Reason to Her Rhythm!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

With our culture the way it is today, mothers are under attack.  So much is expected of them and yet very few are able to live up to it.  In our opinion, it is lack of respect.  Where is the respect for our mamas?

How often do we see a teenager on their cell while shopping with mom, or a son pulling away from his mother when she tries to fix his uncombed hair that will cause him to squirm when looking back at pictures.  Or when a mom is struggling at the grocery store with her toddler and onlookers seem annoyed rather then lending a kind word.

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

 

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In short, do you love your mother?  Show her with words, affection, or sweet gifts.  Mothers are the heart of the home, the living beat of the family.  Remember the old saying, "if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy, if papa ain't happy ain't nobody care!"  So make mama happy!

We can all remember the days when our mothers were the most embarrassing thing in the world!  Now as adults, we realize how great their advice was, and it wasn't just to hear themselves talk!  There was a reason for all the comments and constructive criticism even though it seemed insane at the time.   There was reason to their rhythm!

"Mothers are all slightly insane." ~J.D. Salinger

Lastly mothers are the only ones who will forgive us immediately.  They have that continual and unconditional love! So if you love your mom, call her, write her, or send her your love today!  Order flowers!  Not for a specific date, but just because you love her and appreciate her!

http://www.bethenny.com/products

~Show your love!  Purchase your mom a bottle of Skinnygirl!  Not only will she love the taste but you can spend some much needed quality time together over a great drink!~

"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." ~Honoré de Balzac

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Respecting the Respected: Happy Independence Day!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie) & VaVa Voom (Katrina)

          Ladies, why do we quiver with delight when we see a man in uniform?  Some of us actually become giddy as a school girl and start to blush!  Why, because men in uniform are real men, our knights in shining armor.  These men are real men and they deserve real women.  Don’t you wonder if a course on “How to be a Gentleman” is taught at boot camp or military school?  Soldiers are physically put together, they never fail to hold doors or look you in the eye.  Of course there are some bad apples, but most of the time they are just plain....hunks!  When you see a soldier in uniform, man or woman, young or old, thank them for the service. Forget the politics and battles, these are our Americans who fight to protect us.  They deserve respect!

         

          A Quote to Toast: “America's veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded more than 229 years ago.” ~Steve Buyer

            How frequently do we go about our daily lives listening to the latest news but give little thought to the men and women offering themselves in the service of our county?  Not only should we remember our soldiers and their unselfish sacrifices for our freedom, but we as civilians need to show them respect.  These men and women are the true unsung heroes of our country.

·         When you meet a soldier in a public place, if it is an appropriate time, make an effort to thank them for their service.  Show courteous respect for their unselfish and heroic acts.

·         Attending services in honor of our service men and women is another way to show pride and appreciation.  There are many ceremonies in honor of our military on Armed Forces Day, Veteran’s Day and the Fourth of July.  Take the opportunity to participate in these parades, outdoor wreath presentations and speeches or military concerts.

·         Be an active and responsible American citizen.  Your right to vote is a serious responsibility, do not take it lightly.  Our leaders directly affect our military personnel.

·         Know your history and teach it to your children.  We shouldn’t be ignorant to major historical and currents events of our nation.  Honor the men and women who have died for our freedom by understanding what they fight for, starting with the founding of our country to present day foreign affairs.

            We can all contribute and honor our soldiers in different ways.  With the current conflicts, we have many returning soldiers in need of jobs, housing, relationship connections, schooling and treatments.  Become involved by volunteering at a veteran hospital, visit the ill soldiers, aid the staff or help in the healthcare area.  Out of respect, we must go out of our way to thank and support those who have put themselves in the line of fire to protect our freedoms for love of their country and their fellow-countrymen.

            A Quote to Toast:  “We can't all be Washingtons, but we can all be patriots.”                                                        ~Charles F. Browne

            Everyone deserves respect, especially the elderly, political officials, (no matter how much you disagree with them) clergyman, religious persons, law enforcement and educators.... You know what? Show everyone your respect!  It is a known fact that if you treat people with respect, you will receive it too.  And to those who disagree, well good luck being respected!  Muah!

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."  ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.