Photo by fauxels from Pexels by Sharon Schweitzer, Culture & Etiquette Coach As more folks are headed to work mixers, neighborhood cookouts, and soccer games with the kiddos, we are receiving questions about making conversation. What are the best ways to introduce yourself and others in a social or work gathering? How [...]
Image by Julia Volk on Pexels Regifting occurs when someone gives a gift that was previously given to them by someone else. At its heart, regifting lacks integrity because the original gift recipient is repurposing a gift that was especially chosen just for them – to a different person. In U.S. culture, regifting [...]
Image by Biljana Jovanovic from Pixabay A new Shutterfly poll, conducted by Ipsos, has revealed that two in five U.S. Americans plan to send out holiday cards or give personalized gifts to connect this 2021 holiday season, a significant increase of nearly 24% from 2020. So, during this pandemic holiday season, individuals, families, and [...]
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels Your brined turkey is perfectly prepared, and your sauces are expertly simmered. Your home is thoroughly sanitized. ‘Tis the night before Thanksgiving; you and your sous chef have planned an excellent celebration. The only concern is guest behavior. You break out in a cold sweat with memories [...]
Image by Nicole Michalou from Pexels The holidays are just around the corner and invitations have been arriving via email and delivered in our regular mail. So, how do you make sure that you have the best and safest holiday gatherings this year? US culture: Safer ways of showing respect for each other, [...]
Image by Mindy Hofman This is the third blog post by our guest blogger Mindy Hofman - please read her bio. A time to reflect on the benefits of sharing healthy meals with your friends or family, October is National Eat Better, Eat Together Month. As a single parent it can be challenging [...]
Photo by Tim Douglas from Pexels What would we do without our baristas? The chipper people who make our coffee shop experience delightful. In honor of National Coffee Day, September 29, 2021, we asked our local baristas for insight into making a better coffee house experience for all. Coffee shop popularity shines a [...]
Image: silosandsmokestacks.org Many people are ready to venture out and explore the world again. A recent study at the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU Berlin) in Germany has determined that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is far lower in museums and theaters than in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, or public transportation. Since today is Smithsonian Magazine [...]
Photo by Prasanth Inturi from Pexels Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind. ~Henry James, American-British Author In our evolving Covid-19 world, it’s not hard to find rude people. You’ll encounter them at home, online, at school, and [...]
Image by Sharon Schweitzer - Hue, Vietnam Capturing the moment with a photograph in a new place, enjoying the sunrise, or the sunset on the coast, taking a photo can be an instinctive reaction for many people. Experts tell us almost every household in Western Europe and the U.S. owns a camera. Snapping [...]
