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.

Slip of the Tongue? Or Slight of the Hand?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Time to focus on the basics, yet again! 

Is it really that difficult to say "Please" and "Thank you"? 

Why are we too impatient to hold the door for the person behind us?

Word to the wise, say "Please" and "Thank You"!  This should have been ingrained in our minds at a very young age.  It might be difficult for a 3 year old to remember these words, but there is no excuse for a 13 year old, a 23 year old, or a 33 year old to have a "slip of the tongue"...  Get the point?!? 

Do you feel vulnerable by showing gratitude?  Guessing not, it's probably pride!  Get over yourself!

Are you just plain lazy? This is more realistic! Get over yourself!

Exhibiting gratitude, even in the smallest situation (i.e. the bank teller, the store clerk, your significant other) puts you in a position of control.  Acts of kindness will catch most people unaware, and oftentimes leave them...speechless...



Here's the winner!  Have you ever walked towards a building and the person in front of you lets go of the door, just as you are about to enter.  It almost seems intentional, as that door shuts in your face.  Unfortunately, this happens all too often.  But is it intentional?

What's the reason?  Well, most people are just too caught up in themselves.  Instead of being self-absorbed, try to remember others around you and be assistance to them.  Holding the door for a stranger will have an amazing impact, infinite signs of gratitude.  So instead of letting that door shut immediately behind you, remember to think of others and produce a "slight of the hand" trick by holding the door for a stranger.  What a welcoming surprise!

Let's Talk About You, Baby! Let's Talk About You and Me!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Why do we want to avoid meeting new people?

Why do we dread stepping out of our small social circles?

Why are awkward conversations so common? 

And why do we want to avoid social interaction altogether?

These may seem to be complicated long-winded questions, but they are not!  Meeting new people and those social situations are awkward because of the lack of common sense and the lack of generosity.  It's more apparent than you think!  Instead of making others feel comfortable, we do the opposite.  We talk about ourselves, and then we talk about ourselves some more, and then maybe we ask one question about their personal lives, but before they complete an answer, we talk about ourselves some more!  Get the point?  Get over yourself!

Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on others and this makes those horribly awkward social situations ever so much more enjoyable.  You may not really care to know what that woman's professional career entails or if that couple's children attend a private school, but they will be happy to share and surprisingly you may have more things in common than you realized.  The other bonus, they will eventually ask about your life.  This doesn't mean go crazy and tell them everything about you and your latest endeavors, leave a little bit of mystery.  You may need to pick up the conversation later in the evening or at another event sooner than you think.

Stop trying to one-up everyone you meet!  You would be surprised that most people don't care if you have the latest Chanel bag, or new car, or where you go grocery shopping, or that your baby got their front teeth early!  It is so obvious that you are trying too hard!  Keep your mouth shut and have a little humility.  People are more willing to befriend those who don't need to put on an exhibition! 

So what's the lesson?  Have you not been listening?  Think about others, ask questions, try at least to act interested.  You will be surprised how fast this will turn an awkward conversation around.  And maybe, you might find yourself enjoying the conversation.  It can be a relief not talking about yourself, take yourself out of the spotlight!  Let's be real, who wants to interact with fake and self-absorbed individuals?  Show some interest in others, even if you never see those people again, that conversation may have an impact on their lives (in a good way). 

Now how do you leave that lasting impression?  SMILE!  It really isn't that difficult and will have a surprising effect on others!

Time to Under-Expose: Keep Your Bras and Panties to Yourself!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Ok Ladies, this one is for you!  Now that we have approached those sweltering summer months, note to the wise (or not so wise), keep your bra straps, closures, panty lines or any such details to yourself and your lover!  When has it ever been stylish to expose your undergarments?  It's not attractive and it's not feminine, please leave something to the imagination! 

Bra straps are a huge no-no!  If you insist on wearing a spaghetti/thin strap top or halter shirt, go with the strapless bra but you better have one that supports you quite well.  Even if the straps of the shirt are thicker, make sure that you pin the bra into the shirt so they don't escape for public view.  Another bra issue, make sure the shirt back isn't too low and shows off your back closure.  If necessary, spend the extra money and buy a special undergarment to fix such public displays of not so appreciated show and tell!

Here's an ABSOLUTE!  Never, ever go bra-less!  You are not 13 years old!  No matter how great you may think you look, you will never again look that perky.  So do us all a favor and wear a bra!

Panty lines, well they are a little more difficult to hide, especially with the jersey knit skirts and dresses.  You may think it's impossible to fix this dilemma, but it isn't.  Buy a slip!  There are extremely cute and saucy slips available to purchase and these can be worn throughout the year.  Buy a light-weight slip to keep you cool during the summer months, but please make sure to purchase the correct size and length.  You don't want it to bunch up under the skirt if it is a size too big and you most definitely do not want the length of the slip to extend below the skirt...totally tacky!

Enjoy these warm months, since most of us only get to experience them for 3 months out of the year, but the heat is not an excuse to dress tacky, lazy or sloppy.

Need to go shopping to help unexpose yourself?

http://shop.nordstrom.com (check out the apparel-slip & bra section)

Picture from Nordstrom.com


http://www.stockingirl.com/

www.laperla.com Picture from LaPerla.com

Get a Clue! Are You a Wayward Walker or Wayward Driver?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

            We have all experienced those slow, inconsiderate walkers who can’t seem to determine which way to go, or their cart sits in the aisle at the grocery store without moving for passers-by.  There are also the dangerous wayward drivers who drive below the speed limit in the fast lane, swerving in and out of lanes or driving the center line.  Be considerate of others and be aware of your surroundings.  It is selfish to only think you exist on this planet.  Don’t be oblivious to those around you.  Show your respect for others in small daily gestures.

·         Don’t be a wayward walker.  This includes whether you are at the grocery store, pushing a cart in a parking lot, or blocking the entire sidewalk and not allowing bikers to pass.  Avoid sudden stops in the middle of an aisle or congested areas.  Oftentimes there are multiple people behind you, be aware of this and step to the side if you must stop.  This includes making a phone call or texting, just move out of the way during your loss of concentration and everyone will appreciate the consideration.

·         Do not be a wayward driver.  Either we have driven behind these people or in the passenger seat.  This situation can be the most frustrating!  Unlike when walking, we can easily maneuver around the other person, but when driving we have traffic laws to follow without causing an accident and injuring others.  The best place to start improving these ridiculous driving conditions should be with you.  Avoid using your cell phone or giving into distractions, this will keep the roads safer with less accidents and road rage.

Did you get the hint? 

Those Awkward Moments...

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

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:

• 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.

              http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/chocolate-easter-eggs-gifts-CHCeaster/

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 Pieces

Best of all, eat drink and be merry while you enjoy drama-free Easter gatherings!