My first trip to China was approaching. I started a packing list. Walking stick for the Great Wall? Check. Eddie Bauer ‘moisture-wicking’ shorts and tanks? Check. Comfortable shoes ? Check. (Don’t ask how many pairs I took!) But to enjoy and appreciate this people-crammed, but gorgeous country to the max,  I learned while there,… Read More


business etiquette

Business etiquette is the polish that helps create courteous and respectful business environments and relationships with coworkers, clients and customers. High standards of professional manners are what makes interacting with others enjoyable and pleasant. And makes you look impressive! Here are 10 timeless business etiquette rules. Do a little self-assessment. Consider these marks of professionalism… Read More


Bike trail etiquette is timeless; it knows no seasons. Warm spring days are an especially busy bike trail time in my area. I am grateful for a city bike trail that borders my backyard and allows me such easy access. In addition to the hundreds of daily bicycle riders, including a local bicycle club, it… Read More


You just got engaged! How exciting! If you’re planning on posting about your engagement and upcoming wedding, here are seven pieces of social media engagement etiquette you need to know. As an etiquette expert, I was honored to be interviewed for this article in WeddingWire. Once the initial shock and excitement of the proposal dies down—a.k.a. once… Read More


10 Things You Should Never, Ever Say Over Text or Email Before you hit the send button on that text message or email, read this list of things you should never communicate through a screen. I was honored to be one of the “etiquette experts” interviewed for this Reader’s Digest article.  Using good “screen” etiquette… Read More


Emoji Business Etiquette

Emoji Business Etiquette The question, “Should you use emojis in your business email?” is one of the most reactionary topics in my popular “Email Etiquette” training session. We all use email in business but rarely do employees receive any type of formal training in the do’s and don’ts of what makes business emails professional, including… Read More


Hot Tea Etiquette

Hot Tea Etiquette – 8 Tips to Appear Socially Refined While January is recognized as National Hot Tea Month, hot tea etiquette is important in business and social settings all year long. We’ve come a long way from the straight-laced Victorian tea times when afternoon tea was first established (and even the post-Edwardian period…think Downton… Read More


10 Blunders to Avoid While Hosting a House Guest. We all know the things to do to be a gracious house guest. But, when the roles are reversed,  do we know how to host a  house guest overnight so they feel welcomed and comfortable? I was honored to be interviewed, along with two other etiquette… Read More


tipping guidelines for service providers

With the holidays upon us, and 2017 coming to a close, end-of-year “thank you” tipping can be a tricky and confusing topic. The purpose of holiday tipping is to reward good service and to say thank you. And according to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, “sixty percent of us gave tips to one or more… Read More