Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
Who hasn't experienced those downright, harshly annoying, extremely tense awkward social moments? They are everywhere! And seem to be more prevalent as our society only communicates via email, texting and facebook. Sorry to bust your bubble, but if you want to succeed in this world you need to work at rubbing out those awkward moments! We aren't just talking about those horrid instances on a first date, no, we are talking about moments during the first meeting of your future in-laws, a regretable interview, that business meeting which quickly turns south or a family party gone horribly wrong!
If you didn't cause the awkwardness, then try to help a friend out by either laughing along, crack a joke to lighten the situation or best yet, turn the conversation around and maybe no one will even notice!
If you happened to cause a socially awkward situation (which we all have at one time or another in our lives) then best bet, turn the conversation to a new topic without making it obvious or more weird for the group. Need a conversation topic? Always ask questions about other people! Who doesn't like to talk about themselves? It's our human nature. Otherwise, give a close friend "the look" and maybe she will come to your aid.
Just remember, they are bound to happen. The question remains, how will you handle them?
Sauce of Life Tip: "If you caused an awkward situation, act like it never happened and just keep talking. It will be forgotten sooner than you realize." ~Danielle Marie & Katrina
Do you remember a time when men were men and women were women? A time when doors were held, respectful tips were given to pleasant waiters and thank you letters were anticipated. What has become of these times? Are these manners on the brink of extinction? According to our society, few people follow rules with regards to manners. Let's dish out the common-sense! ~Danielle Marie and Katrina ~
Monday, May 21, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Happy Jelly Bean Day! Uh, Family Drama Day?
Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
The Ladies at Provocative Manners would like to wish you all a wonderful and blessed Easter!
Who doesn't enjoy Easter without a little anticipated family drama? Did we say enjoy? We meant abhor!
Stay clear of family issues. Avoid them like the plague. This ruins a wonderful Holiday! Don't start the drama. It isn't the time or place to discuss financial debt or begin an intervention for your Uncle Peter's addictions. Keep it calm, simple and enjoyable for the entire family. If people know you hate drama (and will nip it in the bud immediately) then it is less likely people will instigate a problem in your presence.
Sauce of Life Tips:
Picture from Hotel Chocolat.
Picture courtesy of Il Volo
Picture from Party Pieces
Best of all, eat drink and be merry while you enjoy drama-free Easter gatherings!
The Ladies at Provocative Manners would like to wish you all a wonderful and blessed Easter!
Who doesn't enjoy Easter without a little anticipated family drama? Did we say enjoy? We meant abhor!
Stay clear of family issues. Avoid them like the plague. This ruins a wonderful Holiday! Don't start the drama. It isn't the time or place to discuss financial debt or begin an intervention for your Uncle Peter's addictions. Keep it calm, simple and enjoyable for the entire family. If people know you hate drama (and will nip it in the bud immediately) then it is less likely people will instigate a problem in your presence.
Sauce of Life Tips:
- Make sure everyone has a drink (not necessarily alcohol) but something to keep them busy!
- Keep the food, desserts and jelly beans coming! People won't start fights if they are eating!
- Know your crowd, maybe it's time to limit the alcohol.
- Don't come empty-handed, if you're a guest, bring a small gift for the host or a dish to pass.
- Out of kindness, bring an Easter egg, a basket of treats or a chocolate bunny for your elderly relatives.
Picture from Hotel Chocolat.- If family drama starts, be the distraction. You may need to cause a scene: spill a drink, play a loud game of hide & seek with the kids or turn on the newest music of Il Volo. Who can resist their voices? www.ilvolomusic.com
Picture courtesy of Il Volo- Decorate your home with over the top Easter and spring themed items. This will put everyone in a great mood and the drama will be forgotten. Go to www.partypieces.co.uk for cute decor!
Picture from Party PiecesBest of all, eat drink and be merry while you enjoy drama-free Easter gatherings!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
When In Rome...
Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Well, this renown saying most definitely pertains to those basic everyday NITTY GRITTY MANNERS! Forget about yourself, forget about your personal stubborness and leave that "giv'me giv'me" personality home; you will never get far in life with that philosophy. Instead, recognize your surroundings, follow the appropriate manners as to your situation and most of all, think of others!
Here's an example...
In France, bread plates are not used at the dinner table. Instead, buttered bread is placed on the table next to the main plate. While in America, bread plates are used. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, so here the lesson is...be flexible with customs and traditions. You may not be invited back to dinner if you insist on openly defying the host!
Easier said than done, right? It doesn't have to be! Use this same philosophy when having dinner at a friend's house or eating at a unique restaurant. It's ok to follow other customs, everything is not about you. This is not the time to force your personal opinions on others. "When in Rome...or in France...or in Japan...or in the United States." Stop being STUBBORN! Adjust to your surroundings, relax, be congenial and you might make some amazing friendships while having the time of your life!
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Well, this renown saying most definitely pertains to those basic everyday NITTY GRITTY MANNERS! Forget about yourself, forget about your personal stubborness and leave that "giv'me giv'me" personality home; you will never get far in life with that philosophy. Instead, recognize your surroundings, follow the appropriate manners as to your situation and most of all, think of others!
Here's an example...
In France, bread plates are not used at the dinner table. Instead, buttered bread is placed on the table next to the main plate. While in America, bread plates are used. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, so here the lesson is...be flexible with customs and traditions. You may not be invited back to dinner if you insist on openly defying the host!
Easier said than done, right? It doesn't have to be! Use this same philosophy when having dinner at a friend's house or eating at a unique restaurant. It's ok to follow other customs, everything is not about you. This is not the time to force your personal opinions on others. "When in Rome...or in France...or in Japan...or in the United States." Stop being STUBBORN! Adjust to your surroundings, relax, be congenial and you might make some amazing friendships while having the time of your life!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Be a Bridesmaid and Get Over Yourself! You're Not the Bride!
Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
Every bride has those friends they regret asking to stand up in the wedding. Why must there always be a bridesmaid who finds issue with the dress style or color or length or fit? Usually there is always one bridesmaid in a bunch who complains about the cost of everything. And last, but not least, we have those bridesmaids who don't want to help in anyway but to make their appearance the day of the wedding! Here's some simple advice for those of you out there who may fall into one of these categories...GET OVER YOURSELF!
Stop making it difficult for the bride, it's her special day and let her enjoy the planning of her wedding. It's stressful enough without your complaints.
If you don't love the bridesmaid dress or you are being overly self-conscious, STOP, and keep your criticisms to yourself. Let's be real, will you ever really wear that dress again? And how often do you plan on looking at those pictures? It's highly unlikely they will be hanging them next to your own wedding pictures.
Remember, that when you agree to stand up in a wedding, you need to have some money saved for dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair, engagement party costs, bridal shower costs, bachelorette party costs, gifts and any other random items the bride wishes for you to purchase. Let's be realistic, you need about $500. If you can't afford it, just decline the honor. The bride won't be upset, she's planning a wedding is well aware of costs. She would rather know the truth and not have you stand up than listen to your monetary complaints for a year.
Bridesmaids are not only asked to stand up as sign of favoritism and love but also to help with the numerous preparations. If you can't help the maid of honor plan the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party and assist the bride with preparations and clean up the day of the wedding, then maybe you should rethink being a bridesmaid. This isn't your day to just show-up and enjoy, it's the bride and groom's day to relax. So, GET OVER YOURSELF!
Here's a tip: If the bride is stressed, then the groom is stressed, so you better pick up the pieces, fast!
Remember you will eventually have your own special day, you're not the bride this time! Be a good friend and try not to think of your needs but those of the bride and groom and it will make the planning process and wedding day much more enjoyable for all!
Courtesy of Andrew Schliesman Photography
Every bride has those friends they regret asking to stand up in the wedding. Why must there always be a bridesmaid who finds issue with the dress style or color or length or fit? Usually there is always one bridesmaid in a bunch who complains about the cost of everything. And last, but not least, we have those bridesmaids who don't want to help in anyway but to make their appearance the day of the wedding! Here's some simple advice for those of you out there who may fall into one of these categories...GET OVER YOURSELF!
Stop making it difficult for the bride, it's her special day and let her enjoy the planning of her wedding. It's stressful enough without your complaints.
If you don't love the bridesmaid dress or you are being overly self-conscious, STOP, and keep your criticisms to yourself. Let's be real, will you ever really wear that dress again? And how often do you plan on looking at those pictures? It's highly unlikely they will be hanging them next to your own wedding pictures.
Remember, that when you agree to stand up in a wedding, you need to have some money saved for dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair, engagement party costs, bridal shower costs, bachelorette party costs, gifts and any other random items the bride wishes for you to purchase. Let's be realistic, you need about $500. If you can't afford it, just decline the honor. The bride won't be upset, she's planning a wedding is well aware of costs. She would rather know the truth and not have you stand up than listen to your monetary complaints for a year.
Bridesmaids are not only asked to stand up as sign of favoritism and love but also to help with the numerous preparations. If you can't help the maid of honor plan the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party and assist the bride with preparations and clean up the day of the wedding, then maybe you should rethink being a bridesmaid. This isn't your day to just show-up and enjoy, it's the bride and groom's day to relax. So, GET OVER YOURSELF!
Here's a tip: If the bride is stressed, then the groom is stressed, so you better pick up the pieces, fast!
Remember you will eventually have your own special day, you're not the bride this time! Be a good friend and try not to think of your needs but those of the bride and groom and it will make the planning process and wedding day much more enjoyable for all!
Courtesy of Andrew Schliesman PhotographyMonday, February 20, 2012
The Art to the Smell of Cheese
Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
Ever wonder how to cut a slice of cheese?
Don't kid yourself, it is an art.
We've all been to those wine tastings with platters of delicious cheeses. Where to start? Sometimes they are pre-sliced, which if not eaten right away will dry out and harden, but the best cheeses are those left out on the platter for two hours before serving and not pre-sliced. Look for these at a gourmet cheese shop, they are usually not available at your local chain grocery store.
Here's a specialty store that carries a wide variety of excellent cheeses!
http://www.sendiksfinefoods.com
Now, how should you properly cut a slice of cheese?
Try not to mix knives, there should be one knife for each variety of cheese.
Never cut the "nose" off the cheese. This is the softest part and the best part! So if the cheese brick is a wedge, do not cut off the thinnest corner....THE NOSE! Slice along the length of the cheese, this way you get a little nose while leaving some to share with others.
Want to try the "King of Cheeses"?
http://www.cheese.com/Description.asp?Name=Roquefort
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