{The Classy Woman}: The Modern Guide to Becoming a More Classy Woman

Manners Monday: Food Sampling Etiquette

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. It's been too long since I've posted a Manners Monday post, my apologies. I'm back with a new post, and while it may not be as common as how to properly set a table, cell phone etiquette or the importance of mailing wedding thank you cards, it's a topic that has become quite personal lately. Apart from just my own experiences, trying out new food and beverages is something that we all experience now and then. I mean, who doesn't enjoy sampling new food or drink items while shopping? Those bite-sized treats kind of draw you in like a moth to a flame, especially when you're hungry. ;)

I mentioned briefly both here and via Facebook that alongside of my design business, I picked up a part time job to supplement my income while I'm pregnant to build a little nest egg as I will be staying at home with our little one once she is born. While I'll continue to blog, offer e-design services and do some freelance writing jobs, these are all things I can do from home for the most part. I'm working as a Sales Rep for a specialty foods company whereby I'm responsible for building relationships with a particular chain of grocery stores here in Florida. Part of my job is to offer samples of our product for a few hours, 4 times per week in an attempt to build a loyal, repeat customer base. During the past 3 months that I've been in this position, I've seen some pretty interesting things occur at the sample table-some to my horror. Today's topic is all about Food Sampling Etiquette because I find that when it comes to complimentary food, some people's manners seem to go out the window.

10 Etiquette Tips for Sampling Food

1. Be Mindful of the Setup Process- I can't tell you how many times I'm in the midst of setting up my table and don't even have the product out yet, let alone the serving tools gathered and people rush up as if I'm going to give them a sample on command. Some stand off to the side and stare in my direction waiting for me to finish. I know from speaking to others who do demos that I'm not alone in my feelings that this is quite annoying, particularly if it's a day you happen to be running a bit behind schedule and do not need any distractions to slow you down. If one is feeling snack-ish or has questions about the product, they should wait. Instead the time can be used to work on a grocery list for a few minutes and circle back around, the samples aren't going anywhere.

2. Hello, Please & Thank You Go a Long Way- Whomever is offering the samples at a table or on a tray, goes to the trouble of setting everything up and preparing the food, the least one can do is greet them and treat them as a human being vs. a servant, asking politely for a sample and thanking the person for the food or drink sample. It's free food, anytime someone gives us anything or does something for us in life it's always proper to say thank you and this is no exception.

3. Ask Before Grabbing- Before reaching your hand out for a sample, always ask what it is or read the signage on the table. Many people take without asking only to realize it has an ingredient that they are allergic to or it does not fit their diet. Some aren't even entirely sure what it is or how spicy it is. If you take a sample and realize after grabbing it that you aren't going to be able to eat it, it then becomes wasteful as it ends up in the trash. With the product I sample, one is the original flavor and the other is a spicy version, even though it's extremely well marked, people don't bother to take a second to read and countless samples end up going into the garbage as a result which is completely avoidable.

4. If You Touch it, You Take it- As with anywhere else food is served, once an item of food (or the napkin/plate it is served on) is touched, it cannot be put back. This is common courtesy and an essential food safety rule when serving food. If you happen to change your mind or grab the wrong sample, apologize and toss that sample away. Don't leave it on the table for someone else to grab. Even if you only touched a corner of the napkin or the edge of a plate, it is food someone else will handle and it cannot be served.

5. Don't Leave a Mess Behind- If your sample is served in a cup, on on a plate or napkin, be sure to pick up the serving material from the table and toss it into the trash not leaving it for the demo server to do or tossed into a shopping cart, basket or on the floor. This is something that I experience daily and I don't understand why a napkin that comes with it would be left on a table. If you happen to drop or spill a sample on the floor, it becomes your responsibility to clean up the mess and leave the area the way you found it. Ask for some napkins and clean up the floor- the server will be happy to offer you another sample afterwards, accidents happen.

6. Keep it Positive- We're not all going to love everything we taste test, but we don't need to be rude, negative or disrespectful to the person serving it. After all, it's free food and the purpose it to test it out. If you're not a fan of the product, keep it to yourself. Never use the words ick, yuck, ew or make a disgusted face (as a young toddler would do). If it's not for you, you do not have to eat it. Instead, toss it out, thank the server and be on your way. If there is an area of critique, put a positive spin on it with a comment like, "This would be even better if it had more berries, jalapenos, etc."

7. Avoid Being a Sample Glutton- We've all seen these folks who take a sample but one is not enough and they go back to take several more as if the samples were a replacement for their lunch. They're also generally the same people who will tell you the reason why they cannot buy the product such as it's too high in fat but they'll come back around and eat 4-5 samples. Always assume that it's one sample per person unless otherwise stated. Sometimes, when multiple versions or flavors are offered, the server will encourage you to try a couple or one of each flavor. At my table, we offer 2-3 flavors and I always encourage customers to try one of each so they can be compared. If you're really in love with a new product, there is no harm in smiling and politely asking if you may have another because you enjoyed it so much. After this point, purchasing the item would be the greatest compliment, leave some samples for the next person.

8. Taking Coupons- Many times with a sampling table, coupons will be offered along side. Again, it's one coupon per person. Printing coupons costs companies money, unless you really see yourself buying the product that day or before the expiration date, it's best to leave it for someone else. If you grab one and change your mind upon seeing it on the shelf, leave the coupon beside the product for someone else. Never grab a stash of coupons, however if you are buying more than one item or multiple flavors, it's completely okay to ask if you are able to have 2 coupons for your 2 items and it shouldn't be a problem if you are going to be a new or repeat customer.

9. The Best Location to Eat Your Food Sample- Once you grab your sample, always take a few steps back and allow other passersby the opportunity to come up and grab something for themselves. This is also a good idea so you're not eating too close to the table where some have food fall from their mouths. Daily, I see someone who feels the need to eat their food sample and try to carry on a conversation with me. As always, chewing with one's mouth closed and not talking while eating is always appreciated by everyone nearby.

10. Responding to Being Offered a Sample- Sometimes as you pass by a sample table, if you don't come up to it directly you may be asked if you'd like to try the product. If it's processed, appears fatty, doesn't look appealing or you're just not hungry, a simple "No, thank you" or "Not today, thanks" will suffice. There's no need to go on a rant about how you don't eat processed food, junk food, anything that's not organic, how you think fish is gross, etc. It's impolite to say anything that may deter other customers from sampling and that may be offensive to the person serving the food.

Have you ever encountered any unusual behavior while at a sampling table? Maybe you work in the food service industry and have an example of your own? On the contrary, have you sampled something yummy recently that you just have to share? I'd love to hear what you have to say in the comments below!

As always, thanks for reading!

XO

*photo credits: (1) , (2)

Baby Gender Reveal Time! It's a.....

2013-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone! Well, we finally did it. We shared the sex of our little one with our parents once I hit my 6 month mark and then revealed to the rest of our friends and family the next day via my personal Facebook page with some special photos we took specifically for the reveal.

Some of you may remember that I mentioned via Facebook a few weeks ago that I put the brakes on my plans for a fun gender reveal party (which was supposed to take place this coming weekend) even though I had all the details planned out, there was just too much going on and I was feeling too overwhelmed by life to prepare for this party and then clean up afterwards all on my own. I knew I could spend my time, energy and budget in a better way than a party that would last just a couple hours. We still wanted to do something creative and fun to document this time and decided to head to one of our favorite hotels which has a nice architectural backdrop for our photos that would mark the occasion and use the balloon color to announce our news.

Hubby and I are overjoyed to announce that we our expecting a baby GIRL!! We had both been praying for a healthy baby and would have been happy either way but the Lord is giving us both our true heart's desire, a daughter to love. :) Without further ado, here are a few photos from my 24-Week pregnancy belly shoot.

Over the weekend my in-laws hosted a family reunion get together of sorts to bring all of the extended family together since we hadn't seen each other in a while. We thought it was the perfect time to pull Paul's mom and dad aside privately and give them a special gift to open in another room together so they could learn the baby's gender first and then we let them share the news with everyone else at their party. It was such a fun evening and everyone was so sweet, supportive and excited for us. Since all of my husband's cousins began their families many years ago, we will be the only ones with a baby.

For their gift, I took our favorite sonogram photo of the bunch (our little jellybean with her hands clasped and close to her mouth) and had a duplicate made of the photo then added a cute little pink bow on the head and slipped it into a pretty cream frame for them to keep. It was really easy to do and I plan to make one for each of my parents as well as a keepsake for us which will likely live in the nursery until she arrives!

My Mother-in-law has graciously offered to host my baby shower along with the help of my husband's two Aunts since my closest friends and family live miles away back home in Toronto. They asked for my ideas on a theme and the date, so we've penciled in the date of July.13th and the overall decor will be a color theme of pale pink, white and gold. I'm thinking soft, feminine, elegant and chic. I look forward to seeing what they come up with!

{Fun Facts}

What I craved the most this month: Everything sweet! Fruit (still eating watermelon almost daily), smoothies, sweet tea, desserts, you name it and my baby wants it! I was already a bit of a sweet tooth beforehand so not too much has changed. What they say about girls craving sweets is true!

Something new I tried this month: My midwife recommended Hypnobirthing and I have read so many great personal experiences about how it can shorten the length of labor and delivery as well as make for such a peaceful birthing experience-some women experienced no pain at all! I have attended my first private class so far and since she is also a Doula, we have chosen her to be present and support me during the birth as well. Has anyone else used the hypnobirthing technique? I figure it's not only good for pregnancy but also beyond, it helps you use the pain in your life and transform it into a powerful tool with the right visualization tools.

Weight gain from 20-24 weeks: A whopping half of a pound although my bi-weekly photos would have you believe otherwise! I've gained 11 lbs total as of my 24-week check up and am feeling really good which is most important to me.

When I started wearing maternity clothes: While I'm still in 95% regular clothes, I finally grabbed a couple pairs of maternity pants, a few tops and a pair of shorts and they are really comfortable! I'm trying to creatively work my own wardrobe and new pieces that are a size larger or my own size into my existing wardrobe for now so I can wear the items after the birth and beyond without investing a lot of money into a maternity-specific wardrobe.

New Development this month: Itchy tummy! No matter how much cocoa butter, belly oil or natural lotions I use, my bump is stretching and letting me know about it. If someone has a good home remedy, please let me know!

Did you find out and share the gender of your first baby? If you did, what was the most memorable moment about revealing it to family and friends? Maybe you had a creative way of sharing the news? I'd love to hear about it!

As always, thanks for reading!

XO

*All other images my own, except these: (1), (2)

A Classy Woman is Confident

2013-04-30T09:42:00.001-04:00

When I was a teen my mother and I would shop together for clothing quite a bit and because we were the same height with the same overall frame, we could share and essentially expand our wardrobe as a result which was a huge bonus. While I have memories of fun trips to the mall of us getting some great deals, carrying our shopping bags in the crook of our arm while eating frozen yogurt together and laughing, I also have other memories. I remember my mom trying on outfits and because of her youthful appearance for her age many sales clerks would think we were sisters often telling her she looked far too young to have a daughter my age. While some might see it as an ego boost, I think all this flattery may have gone to her head as she became even more engrossed in her physical appearance. She would often ask: "Does this dress make me look fat?" When I replied with a NO, she'd say, "Are you sure? Do you think I look too old for this?"

Even at that age I found her lack of confidence in the 'dressing' department and need for such constant validation as it pertained to how she looked quite annoying and not at all something that I wanted to emulate. I promised myself I wouldn't be that woman with my friends or my significant other. To this day she tends to still fuss about and obsess over her physical appearance to the point of dressing much younger than her age. It's hard to live in the present moment and enjoy the company around you when you're focused on yourself all the time. Besides, what man is attracted to a woman without confidence and who constantly second guesses herself and her decisions? I also knew that the last thing I'd want to do it point out my areas that may have needed a bit of improvement. It's always more fun to focus on the areas which you feel best about.

We've all had friends or other ladies in our life who have asked that dreaded question: "Does this make me look fat?" and to this question I have the following reply below as it pertains to being a classy woman.

Part of being a classy woman includes being a confident woman who is decisive in her choices-that is one of her most attractive qualities! She isn't wishy-washy and always asking others for their opinion nor does she require their validation. She takes the time to learn about and appreciate herself, others and the things which are important to her so she can make the best decisions possible with boldness and without regret!

Did anyone else grow up with a mother or friend who always asked this question. How did you respond and what did you take away from their behavior?

Thanks for Reading!

XO

A Reminder For When You Feel Like Quitting

2013-04-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

Every Sunday I like to share a 'Sunday's Thought' on our Facebook Community Page. I thought this was a good reminder as we all feel like giving up at in area or another at times. Let me encourage you. Don't quit! The Lord rewards those who have the courage, faith and strength to persevere. When you run out of your own, pray and ask that He will give you His Strength to keep pressing on. We cannot do it all in our own strength nor were we ever intended to. The sooner we recognize this and put this into practice, the less burdened and heavy we will feel.

I ask for His strength, courage, confidence, joy and determination from time to time when I feel as though I've run low on my own and can't go any further and He has never let me down yet!

I hope you all have a beautiful Sunday & thanks for reading!

XO

Half Way There! 20 Weeks and Counting....

2013-04-22T15:27:00.004-04:00

First off, I'm so sorry for my lack of posts lately! Life has certainly become much more hectic as I now have more appointments and baby-related things to attend to while still maintaining everything else. As I promised from the beginning, I will continue to share photo updates with all of you. I'm a bit behind on this one as I'm now over 22 weeks along. I thought I'd share the pics that we took at both 20 weeks as well as 18 weeks (I've been posting bi-weekly to an album via my personal Facebook page for my friends and family back home who I will not see during this time so they can follow the progress.)

This milestone week was particularly exciting as we got to see our little jumping bean on the ultrasound. Two friends gave me the bright idea of drinking either orange juice or sweet tea 30 mins beforehand to make sure baby uncrossed its legs and let's just say that baby was moving around so much that the technician couldn't get clear measurements or photos at times!

About 15 minutes into the appointment our technician told us she was pretty sure of the baby's sex. She took some more measurements and highlighted images to print and when she was positive she asked us if we know what we were having. We both knew what we hoped the answer was as we did have a preference but neither one of us wanted to say something and be wrong, so she shared with us what our little one was and showed us how she knew by pulling up a few images on the screen. It was such an exciting time and tears of joy came for me once we finally knew one way or the other for sure what we were having. Most importantly though, and what we had prayed the most about was that baby would be healthy, we were relieved to find out that everything was looking very healthy and on schedule and also that my due date remained the same. I'm a planner and I've always known that I wanted to know beforehand to prepare the nursery in a way that truly reflected the kind of space I wanted for our little one, I also thought it would help me bond and connect with baby in a more specific. We've had baby names of both sex chosen since the first year of our marriage so now that we actually know the sex, we enjoy speaking about and to our little jellybean by name.

For months I have been pinning images to a secret board on Pinterest and planning a gender reveal party down to the fine details. This is something that I've known for a few years that I'd want to do. The day I had to order the invitations I took a step back as I was feeling really overwhelmed with having so much on my plate. It was hard to let the idea of this cute party and reveal go but I realized I wanted to enjoy this time in my life and not feel stressed out while trying to fit in as many things as possible. Sadly, I decided it was a 'nice to have' and not a necessity. I am now going to use the budgeted party money as well as my time and energy towards something more long term (vs. a 2-hour party) like the nursery and some home improvement projects and I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. We plan to share the gender with our friends and family in the next couple weeks in a cute, fun and free way which I'll be sure to share with you also really soon! :) Until then, it's still a secret but I finally began a registry and have begun purchasing a few items that incorporate gender specific colors.

Here are some 18-week photos below, the point at which I began living in comfy dresses! ;)

Click {here} if you missed the 16-week update, and {here} to see my original announcement.

{Fun Facts}

What I craved the most this month: I can't get enough of Watermelon! It's a fruit I love but lately I've been eating a big 32oz container of pre-cut watermelon DAILY! It's a nice way to begin my day or treat to stay cool during our 90-degree spring days here in Florida. Aside from my cravings for fruit, I also crave greek yogurt, pickles and kalamata olives regularly-all things I ate regularly before becoming pregnant.

The most memorable moment this month: Seeing our little one on the big screen during our 20-week ultrasound for the first time! Tied with this was learning the sex of our little jelly bean. :)

The most exciting development during this time: I first felt baby move at 15.5 weeks but since about 18 weeks I've felt baby move daily often several times per day, especially right before bed and first thing in the morning particularly if I lay on my back for a few minutes. Sometimes I get some pretty big bumps which always make me laugh as I wonder what new moves baby is learning.

Weight gain from 16-20 weeks: 6.5 lbs. I gained 10.5 lbs total by my 20-week check up and am feeling great.

Regular Wardrobe or Maternity Clothes?: While I've had fun picking out a few new maternity items over the past month for a little bit later on, I'm still wearing all of my own jeans, dresses with stretch, etc. I spent a few hours emptying out my closet and drawers last week of all winter clothing as well as items that I can no longer fit into or won't fit into soon which are in storage bins that hubby placed in the attic. I just gained a whole lot more closet space for my upcoming maternity wardrobe!

What was the most special memory from YOUR half way point? Was it learning the gender or seeing baby via ultrasound or maybe something else that was unique? How soon did you know what you'd name your little one?

As always, thanks for reading!

XO

And the 3 Book Winners Are....

2013-04-11T12:29:00.000-04:00

Thank you to those who entered, and bravely shared their personal story/or the story of someone they love. We pretty much had a 1:1 winner ratio, these types of giveaways are very specific and I knew the number of entries would likely be under ten. I had one reader (Missi V.) who did not want to publish her personal story for all to see in the comments and chose to e-mail me via our Facebook community page instead.

Congratulations to:

Missi V.

Julee

Catherine Mac

Please e-mail me your mailing address (or the mailing address of the person you wish to have the book mailed to) and I'll ship the books shortly. :) I pray this book will be a blessing and will offer breakthroughs as you or a loved one works to repair their broken heart.

Today we're running a fun little poll on our Facebook page called 'This OR That?' where you can share your preferences on things like 'Flats OR Heels?'. I personally enjoy sharing my personal preferences and favorite things (who doesn't?) so hop on over and participate, we've had several ladies leave comments already.

Thanks for Reading!

XO

Picture Hanging Dilemma & Nursery Art Ideas

2013-04-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

Over the past couple months I've been working with a few new design clients. The one thing that all three of them had in common was needing assistance in the area of wall art. I definitely find that it's the finishing details of artwork and accessories that really make for a great space. Both for my clients and within my own home I take a bit of extra time finding just the right accent accessories, especially when it comes to art.

Another thing that two of my clients are looking to create is a gallery wall-one of them (an e-Design client) happens to live in a Chicago loft space and is feeling frustrated looking for art and thinking of ways to hang art on the exposed brick wall in her living room. It posed an interesting challenge for me that I was determined to find a solution to.

If you live in an industrial-style space, have an exposed brick wall, want to hang art on a concrete wall or are looking to hang some expensive framed art pieces that require a sturdy picture hanging solution, look no further than AS Hanging Systems! They literally have a system for every possible scenario.

{here is an example from their website of what their systems can accomplish}

All three spaces are still a work in progress at this point but I've had a lot of fun with the details of a nursery I'm designing for a friend of a friend who is choosing to wait to find out the sex of their baby during the birth. So, I'm designing my first gender neutral baby's room! While I can't show you the finished overall design just yet, I thought I'd share some cute nursery wall art that I came across recently. The mama-to-be wants to incorporate a beautiful photo of her little one from the baby's newborn photography session in the space. Since she is a lover of sustainable, eco-friendly furniture and decor finds, she especially loved the personalized bamboo wall art plaques I suggested.

We are still looking at other possible options for wall art. Based on her requirements, below are a few I've recommended to her so far.

{I fell in love with these personalized bamboo wall art plaques as an eco-friendly addition}

{here is another personalized bamboo plaque option with multiple images by Paper Culture.}

{unlike my other picture hanging dilemmas, you can see this piece is easy peasy.}

{I love how thick these plaques are and seeing that bamboo!}

{I am a big fan of Tara's high-quality signs and regularly follow her blog Between You & Me.

I couldn't resist this 'You are My Sunshine' sign in a gender neutral yellow.

You can see more of her wall art via her Etsy shop.}

{This personalized canvas uses one of my client's favorite patterns-chevron/zig-zag.

It also happens to be one of my favorites as well and comes in 3 other colors.}

All this nursery designing has got me thinking of my own baby's nursery (which I have yet to do anything with) but I'm hoping that my 20-week ultrasound this coming Monday will help set things in motion as we'll (hopefully) get to find out the sex if the little bean cooperates. Up until now I've just been pinning pretty images, ordering a few coordinating fabric samples and taking home paint swatches from the hardware store and paint shops whenever I happen to be in one. ;)

Do you have any tricky walls that you've found creative solutions to for hanging art? For those who have little ones, was there a special piece you just had to have (or create) for your baby's nursery to complete the room? I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks for Reading,

XO

*photo credit for first image

Giveaway: 3 Winners!

2013-04-05T12:14:00.001-04:00

Since it's the end of the week, I have a quick little book giveaway for you today-it's a gift for the heart. As I've been hearing stories from others regarding loss lately (like my husband's cousin who lost her Aunt & Uncle in a car accident just 2 weeks ago) and I know there are many who struggle to move forward after having endured other difficult circumstances, I wanted to share a book that I thought might help.

I have (3) copies of Paul Davis' book: 'Breakthrough for a Broken Heart -Overcome Your Disappointments and Blossom Into Your Dreams' to give away! You might recognize the name because he's my husband. ;) It's a quick and powerful read including some of his own personal stories. He was married once before me and sadly his previous wife was unfaithful, this prompted him to write the book a few years later just before we began dating 7 years ago, and includes many other types of examples also. I hope it will be a blessing to someone struggling. Paul is an Author of 15 books, a celebrated Life Coach as well as engaging Public Speaker sharing messages of hope, truth and inspiration.

If you or someone dear to you has lost a loved one, gone through a painful divorce/ breakup or perhaps has wounds from their childhood that are not yet resolved, be sure to enter our giveaway for the chance to win a copy.

Entering is simple but you must be a follower of this blog (via Google Friend Connect in the right hand sidebar). #1. Simply leave a comment letting me know who you think the book would help (you can always email me the personal story if you don't wish to leave it in the comments, just leave a comment below that you are doing so) and #2. Follow me via Facebook or Twitter (or both if you like!) That's it! :) One comment entry per person. Open to all readers Worldwide. All books will be mailed to your address of choice via Media Mail.

Normally, I use Random.org or Rafflecopter to select the winners but this time I'm going to read your comments and let my heart select the winners. I'll be drawing the winning names on 04/09/13 @ 11pm EST and announcing them on 04/10/13. Good Luck!

Thanks for Reading!

XO

*image credit

Manners Monday: Cleaning Up After Yourself

2013-04-01T14:33:00.001-04:00

I hope you all enjoyed a beautiful Easter weekend! Ours was kept very simple and this year we didn't even have a formal Easter lunch or dinner. I missed seeing family but it was nice to do something different this year, just us two (I guess I should be saying just us three now). ;)

It's been a few weeks since I posted a Manners Monday post and like nearly all of the posts I write, today's post was also inspired by a personal experience. Last night after a late church service we were famished and decided to head out to any sit-down restaurant that was open at that time. Thankfully living close to an airport, that area always has restaurants open later. Upon finishing up our own meal, Paul and I were shocked by the mess left by the table of four sitting beside us. It was a table with two adults, a 10-year old and an 8-year old. There were paper wrappers from straws left on the ground, napkins under the table, on the seat and food as well as other paper wrappers from sugar packets, etc., all over the place. I would have been ashamed of myself if I was that family, they left the table looking like a pigsty.

Today's post is a reminder about the importance of cleaning up after one's self and any kiddos you may have with you. I sometimes hesitate to write certain posts because I don't want to insult my readers. However, when I see certain behavior continually taking place in society, I feel compelled to write such posts because there are clearly many folks who aren't aware that what they are doing is not acceptable behavior.

10 Ways to Clean up After Yourself

1. Tuck in your Chair-When dining anywhere whether it be someone else's home, your own home, a restaurant or fast food location, always tuck in your chair when you leave. Tuck in the chairs of anyone at the table that hasn't done so (I find myself doing this the odd time for hubby). Servers can easily trip over the chair leg and people can get a bag or sweater snagged on a chair back. It just helps create more space and keep a tidy area AND it's the way you found it upon sitting down.

2. Bathroom Paper Towels-Many times in public restrooms there will be the option for paper towels along with hand dryers but I find many just toss the paper towels on the floor, especially if they are handling the door on the way out and there is not a trash can nearby. If this is the case, hold onto the paper towel and toss it into the nearest garbage bin upon exiting. Sometimes if I'm in a washroom and it's relatively clean minus a few random wads of paper towel on the floor, I'll take a clean one to pick them up and toss them. It takes but a few moments to make a cleaner space for everyone.

3. Disposal of Chewing Gum-Many of us endured finding blobs of hard gum under our desk in school or having the unfortunate experience of stepping in hot, melted bubble gum in the summer sun. It's no fun. I see people wad up gum and toss it on the street, sidewalk and other areas all the time. The simple solution is to place it in a tissue and put it in the trash or use the wrapper of a new piece of gum you're going to chew (if it came in one). In a pinch, if I don't have a tissue, receipt or any paper and my gum foil package is near the end, I'll put it into the package until I'm near a trash bin. More on chewing gum etiquette {here}.

4. Clean up After Pets- Your pet is an extension of you. We discussed this topic in detail already here during a previous Manners Monday post on pets. Just a quick reminder that if you have a dog, not only should you have it leashed while going for a walk and carry a plastic bag to pick up any waste that it creates, equally important is to clean up the waste left in your backyard. I have a next-door-neighbor with three dogs that they do not walk. They simply allow the dogs to do their business in the backyard and I'm yet so see them clean it up although I don't see it lying around everywhere per se. All it takes is the first wave of hot weather to remind me it's there and it's not pleasant when we open up all of our windows. Not only is it the polite thing to do but it's one of the jobs that comes with choosing to be responsible for owning a pet.

5. Take Everything You Came With- About a year ago hubby and I had some free passes for Epcot so we decided to spend the day there. While on the monorail, a couple took their belongings and left a bag filled with garbage sitting on the seat. Whatever you choose to bring with you, pick up along the way or purchase, becomes yours. If you no longer want something, it is also your responsibility to take that item with you and dispose of it properly. I also see this happen a lot on subways, airplanes and particularly in church. Bulletins, candy wrappers and all kinds of things are left for the staff to clean up afterwards-completely unnecessary. I cringe when I see people picnic in a park or spend a day at the beach and leave their trash behind to end up in the ocean. It's comes down to laziness and disrespect.

6. Don't be a Slob in a Hotel- Since housekeepers come in just hours after a hotel room has been vacated, many think they can treat their room in a way that they never would at home. They throw trash on the floor instead of placing it in the waste bin, toilet paper gets left on the floor instead of making it into the toilet itself, tissues are left all over the counter along with soap wrappers, etc. Yes you are paying for a room which includes cleaning but the amount of effort it takes to put things where they truly belong is minimal and it shows respect for not only the hotel and housekeeping but for yourself as well. The same holds true for cruise cabins or any other accommodations you'll be staying in. Treat others as you would wish to be treated. If you were the one cleaning the room, how would you hope to find it?

7. Clean Up After Your Kids-Like pets, children of course are always an extension of you. We first discussed raising polite children {here}, which include tips on cleaning up. Sometimes I'll be shopping in a store and see a child spill soda or eat a snack the parent has brought along and pieces are falling out of the cart all over the floor. What's sad is when I see the parent recognize it and keep moving like it never happened. If a child pulls clothing off a store rack, removes items that they shouldn't be touching, it is the parent's responsibility to put the items back where they belong. The same is true in a restaurant where a quick tidy up before leaving is a must. Where I find this to be even more concerning is in the home of a family member of friend. I've watched kids track dirt into someone's home on a muddy day, leave their toys strewn all over a room while 'visiting' and even spill drinks or color where they shouldn't be coloring. It's so important to be respectful and value the property of others when in their home.

8. Properly Disposing of Cigarette Butts- One way to quickly make a beautiful place less attractive is to fill it with discarded, stepped on cigarette butts. Throwing lit cigarettes out the window of stepping on one outside of a storefront is not only unattractive but it litters our earth with trash. I would highly doubt that the person who does this also acts the same way at home. I find it particularly irritating to see stepped-on butts at the end of our driveway from those who walk by via the sidewalk. They are not different than any other kind of trash. If you smoke and must step on the lit part of the cigarette butt, be sure to dispose of it into a trash bin or the cigarette disposals filled with sand outside of an establishment. More on smoking etiquette {here}.

9. Recycle any Recyclables- As someone who has recycled as a young child, it pains me to think of tossing a glass bottle into a garbage bin because where I'm visiting doesn't have a recycling bin. I'll typically take home a glass or plastic bottle if there isn't one nearby. Our city provides us with a large rolling cart so it would be irresponsible to toss it and requires pretty little effort on my part. If we all chose to take home that one bottle or container and recycle it the way it was meant to be, our planet would be a much cleaner place and it's truly the proper way to clean up after yourself and it teaches children at an early age what goes where.

10. Dining as a Guest in Someone's Home- While many hosts will sometimes insist that you should sit because you are the guest. Try to be mindful of what it takes for a host to prepare their home and meal for you to be their guest. Offer to clean up when everyone is finished eating by clearing plates, silverware and discarding napkins, etc. It's a small gesture but every little bit helps your host out. Always offer to help with the dishes or tidying up wine glasses in a sitting room, etc. The host will have a lot to do after the event has ended and will be most grateful for anything that contributes to the clean up. It's also a sure way to get invited back as a guest in the future.

Remember, it's always best to leave an area that you've visited cleaner or at least as clean as you found it. You never know when you'll be the next person in line and besides it's the classy thing to do.

Do you have any you'd like to add to today's list? Is there one thing you see happen over and over that you wish others would be more mindful of? Leave a comment and share your thoughts! :)

Thanks for Reading!

XO

*image credit

Happy Easter!

2013-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

As much as I enjoy sharing crafty DIY projects and tablescapes, adorable bunnies and decadent chocolate, those all pale in comparison to the love I have for Jesus, who is the reason we celebrate this day. I am so thankful for my salvation in Him-the most beautiful gift one can receive. I am in awe of the love He has for each and every one of us, so much so that He died on the cross for us and endured much unthinkable torture along the way.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will have life even if he dies."

~John 11:25

Today we celebrate His resurrection, He is who He said He was. :)

May you always know just how much you are loved and that no matter how alone you feel in this world at time (I've been there many times in my lifetime), there is one who will always be there for you anytime you call upon Him and unlike the loved ones we have in our life here on earth, He will never disappoint!

This is such a beautiful time of year for so many reasons. Wishing you all a blessed Easter as you spend it with those you cherish most.

Thanks for Reading!

XO

*image credit

Don't Allow Others to Destroy Your Inner Peace

2013-03-29T12:21:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone! I wanted to share a great reminder for everyone today in the form of a quote. I already shared it on the Facebook Community page but thought it was worth repeating here for those who may not follow along there. This is a life lesson that I'm still working on myself. I actually just experienced this earlier this week and was disappointed with myself for letting it get to me like it did.

If we want more peace in our lives, we need to learn to let go of the anger and/or frustration we feel with regards to how others behave around us. It's easy to become upset when it affects you directly or it's regarding something you're passionate about but that temporary moment of the negative behavior isn't worth destroying the inner peace and joy that you have created inside you! :)

Thanks for Reading!

XO

Fashion Friday: Spring Favorites from Asos

2013-03-22T19:33:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that I prefer shopping for clothing online. No traffic, no parking lots to circle, no lines to stand in to try items on or to pay and of course it helps keep our gas budget down too when I'm not driving all over town trying to find some new staples for my wardrobe.

ASOS is no exception, I love this online retailer for many reasons, one big one being that they offer FREE shipping both ways and their return policy makes things a breeze if something isn't for you. They have a large selection of regular, petite, curve (plus size) and even maternity for women as well as accessories too and they have so many great styles at affordable prices. They show each item from multiple angles and even have a 10 second runway video of the model walking in each item so you get a much better idea of how an item hangs, how long it is and overall what you're ordering.

Come take a peek below at what some of my favorites are for Spring and also for you expecting mamas like myself, I have an additional collection of my personal maternity picks too because a gal has to look stylish and classy for Springtime-bump or not. :)

{Find it here}: 1. Blazer // 2. Ruffle Tank // 3. Red flowy skirt // 4. Black Dress
5. Bonjour Top // 6. Green Pleated Skirt // 7. White Dress // 8. Feather Clutch

{Find items here}: 9. Nude Blouse // 10. Lace Dress // 11. Navy & White Maxi
12. Black Dress // 13. Green Striped Top // 14. Navy Striped Dress
15. Baroque Print Dress // 16. Black Maxi Dress

Spring has so many wonderful options-bold prints, flowing skirts, the classic stripe, bright colors, ruffles, lace, satin and soft textures just to name a few.

I'd love to hear from you! Which are YOUR favorite ASOS styles shown above? What's on your list of items to add to your spring wardrobe?

Thanks for reading!

XO

*Please note that this is not a sponsored post nor was I was not compensated for writing this post about ASOS clothing, all opinions are my own.

Credits: All clothing images by ASOS, all text images belong to me.

Hello Spring!

2013-03-20T13:17:00.004-04:00

Wishing you all a Happy 1st Day of Spring! There are many wonderful aspects to this beautiful season but for me, I'm specifically reminded of the growth and newness of life which it brings to us all. :) Whether it be our own personal growth as we change and blossom into the person we long to become, the excitement of planting new seeds, plants and flowers into a garden that will bloom and change over the next few months or the warm sunshine and gentle breezes that cause for lazy days in a backyard hammock or exploring the beauty of your own city after a harsh winter, I hope this new season brings you much joy!

While pale pink peonies will always be my all-time favorite flower, there is something special about seeing tulips that were once just bulbs emerge from the ground, open up and reveal all of their vibrant colors during spring. That has always been a true sign of springtime for me along with little buds on the trees. I think it is what I most look forward to each year.

What is your favorite part of Spring? What are your favorite things to do during this lovely season?

Thanks for Reading!

XO

How A Lady Responds to Being Whistled At

2013-03-19T15:05:00.001-04:00

Today's post was inspired by a quote from Adele and if you follow our community along on Facebook then you saw me post it there earlier today. :)

I think the simple answer to today's post topic is that a classy woman just doesn't respond at all. She knows she is worth of far more than flippant comments and distasteful cat calls as she passes by.

A true lady just keeps on walking and ignores the whistles as if she didn't hear a thing. ;) Such immature boys who degrade women to a mere physical object are not true gentlemen and don't even deserve a turn of the head from you. Silence is the best reply to a fool!

I wish men knew just how uncomfortable they make us women feel with their silly attempts to get our attention. It is not flattering, it is not a compliment, it is disrespectful.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you respond or keep on walking?

Thanks for Reading!

XO

*image credit

16 Weeks and Counting....

2013-03-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

I promised you all that I would share some baby updates and photos as we take them and since hubby snapped some 16-week pics yesterday, I thought I'd post them here for you all to see and also fill you in on new and exciting things that have been happening in our little world. Don't worry, I promise this won't become a pregnancy blog. ;) Regular scheduled classy woman posts to follow! Since many of you asked to be kept in the loop and it's a part of my life and I sometimes share about my personal life, my hubby and our life adventures I thought it was appropriate.

I just booked my 20-week ultrasound appointment and we're really excited to find out if baby Davis will be a little girl or boy! If baby cooperates and isn't crossing its legs so we can learn the sex (I was told to drink orange juice or sweet tea beforehand and apparently that will do the trick), I'll be planning a gender reveal party next month with our closest family and friends to share the news. I'll be sure to share some photos with all of you along with whether we'll be buying pink or blue after our big bash.

Compared to the 12-Week photo that I included in the announcement post last week, you can see that my bump has gotten quite a bit bigger in the past month which caught me by surprise to be honest. I think part of this is due to the fact that my 5'9" height is all in my legs and my torso is quite short. What's funny is that the day we take progress photos for some reason my belly always looks bigger than it typically is, the very next day it always seems to shrink a bit. ;)

{Outfit Details} Top: Ross (chambray sleeved version here) // Bottoms: Target

Wedges: Tory Burch // Earrings: Jewel Mint sold out similar style here)

Bracelets: Forever 21 (wearing mint & coral of the 7-pc set w/ some thin gold bangles)

*All outfit items above are non-maternity.

I wanted to share some fun facts, and I'll likely continue something similar in future monthly updates. I don't know about you, but as a woman (even well before I became pregnant) I always enjoyed seeing other bloggers and friends' prego pics as well as hearing their personal journey, cravings and funny stories. Everyone's experiences are so unique.

{Fun Facts}

What I craved the most this month: Hamburgers. I don't normally eat them but they're all I can think about. ;)

Biggest food aversions this month: The smell of curry and Indian spices (which I normally enjoy) make me feel queasy. The first couple months it was the smell of BBQ'd meats.

The craziest/funniest/scariest moment this month: I slipped while walking to my car in the driveway of my Dentist after a routine cleaning (while wearing flats), I caught myself and thankfully didn't fall but it scared me and I've since stopped wearing those shoes until I have rubber soles added to the bottoms.

The most exciting development this month: I felt baby move for the first time at 15.5 weeks! I hear that is early and most don't feel it until later but It felt like somersaults and as though baby was wearing boxing gloves and hitting my belly.

Weight gain from 12-16 weeks: 4 lbs, I've gained 5 lbs total to date.

Regular Wardrobe or Maternity Clothes?: I'm still wearing all of my own clothes. I've added several new maxi dresses to my closet for the coming months but all are regular sizes in my own size or a size up that will fit me for many months if not the entire pregnancy and post-delivery also. Most of my pants fit however I purchased a button extender so I can keep wearing them longer.

I'd love to hear from you! What do you remember from your own pregnancy at 4 months? Maybe some of my 'fun facts' questions & answers will spark your memory. :) Did you wait until the birth to find out your baby's gender or were you excited to find out ahead of time?

Thanks for Reading!

XO

Manners Monday: Picking Up a Friend

2013-03-11T12:31:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday everyone! First of all I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to those who took the time to leave me a sweet comment here on the blog, a private message via e-mail, tweeted to me or shared a comment over on my Facebook Page regarding my recent baby news! All of your kind words and well wishes really blew me away, put a tear in my eye and made me smile. Even though we've never met in person, I feel truly blessed to have so many amazing women in my life through this blog. :)

Today's Manners Monday post was inspired by a neighbor who has someone pick her up and always honks loudly to let the whole neighborhood know that she has arrived. I thought it was time to share this tip here on the blog.

Call me old fashioned, but even in today's time with the simplicity of text messages and phone calls via a cell phone, there is something nice about having someone greet you at your door when they are picking you up, even if it's not a date. ;) I don't often get picked up by friends or family, unless we're taking one car somewhere together, typically I am the picker-upper or we agree to meet at the location. When I do get picked up, nothing makes me cringe more than when someone honks their horn to announce they've arrived. I'm generally ready and waiting in my kitchen where I have a window view of our front property and driveway so I can easily pop outside once I see them arrive to save them getting out of their car.

Unfortunately not everyone treats promptness the same way, you may be left waiting for a friend who is still getting herself together when you arrive. Be mindful of this when being picked up by a friend, it is best to be ready 5 minutes before you agree to meet so that you don't keep the person doing the driving, waiting. If this does happen while you are the driver, it is perfectly polite to return to your car to sit inside the heat or air conditioning where it's comfortable after having knocked on their door and spoken to them unless you are invited into your friend's home instead.

If you happen to be arriving at an apartment or condo building with a gate code and buzz code, elevators, etc., etc., in this case (because of the time involved and sequence of events just to get upstairs) it would be more acceptable to call up to a friend and let them know that you have arrived and where you're located out front. If it is an elderly family member you are meeting or friend you haven't seen in a long time, do make the trip upstairs and greet them personally, it will mean a lot.

If you liked today's post, you might also enjoy a previous post I wrote on Manners and Etiquette for Driving which is where I first mentioned about the 'no honking when picking up friends' tip. ;)

Do you have someone who is guilty of the dreaded 'car honking' when picking you up? How do you prefer to let a friend know that you have arrived? I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thanks for Reading!

XO

Sharing Our Exciting News with the World!!

2013-03-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

"L" is also for.....

Love

Life-Changing

Lullabyes

Learning

Looking forward to meeting our precious gift

Luminous Glow

Lots of Cravings

Laughter

Light of our world

I am beyond thrilled to finally share with you all that Paul and I are expecting our first child this summer! :) We found out just before Christmas (it was the evening before we left for a cruise to be exact. It was challenging but I kept it a secret from hubby for a few days so he could be surprised on Christmas Eve during our trip-I loved his reaction.) We kept tight-lipped for a while and finally began sharing the news with our closest family at 6 weeks after it was officially confirmed by the doctor and then began telling our friends at about 12 weeks as I entered the 'safe' zone and got closer to the second trimester.

We heard baby Davis' heartbeat at 12 weeks and recorded it on my smart phone. My sniffles can be heard on the audio as I wiped away tears, I had dreamed for so long about what that day would be like. As baby's heart beat fast our hearts raced with joy and anticipation as we wait to meet our little one.

So far I've taken belly photos at 5, 9 ,12 and 14 weeks. I'm trying to take a new photo every 2 weeks now to document my progress sharing it via Facebook with my friends and family back home who I will not see during this time. I recently just turned 15 weeks and bought a much-needed DSLR camera so I'm excited to hopefully get some better quality photos than I had with my point and shoot camera. :)

{A pic of hubby & I on Christmas Eve when it was only us two that knew.}

In terms of my health, while I endured a bit of light morning sickness from weeks six to twelve, I've had really high energy since the beginning and have felt pretty great for the most part- I credit a big part of that to healthy eating, exercise and a fantastic whole food-based prenatal vitamin. I still fit into all of my clothes which is a plus as my belly growth has progressed slowly. I have purchased a few cute maternity items though for the coming months that I'm actually looking forward to wearing. ;)

{ This is a fairly recent photo of me taken at 12 weeks in our front hallway.}

I'm so grateful for all of you who follow along here at 'The Classy Woman' and always enjoy reading your comments and feedback. As I move into this new phase of my life in the coming months, you can still look forward to many of our regular posts as well as some new posts on etiquette, manners, fashion and more as it pertains to pregnancy and being a new mom which I know many of you will be able to relate to. As an interior decorator, I'm already working on the floor plan layout and nursery design schemes for each gender and I'll be sharing the finished space here with you all as well once it's complete. I'm really looking forward to sharing this journey with you all!

Any other pregnant mamas-to-be out there? When are you due? For all the moms out there-what was your favorite part of being pregnant? What month did you notice that your bump became really obvious? I look forward to hearing what you all have to say. :)

As always, thanks for reading!

Manners Monday: Gym Etiquette

2013-03-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had an amazing weekend, it's hard to believe it's already March and spring is just around the corner. As many are still keeping their New Year's resolutions of getting into shape and preparing to wear skirts and eventually swim suits, I thought it was time to share a post on the importance of proper gym etiquette. Also, thanks to Paula (a regular reader) who suggested I write on this topic a few weeks ago. :)

Most people realize that it's only courteous to wipe down the equipment after use and to not hog a machine for a great length of time but there are several others tips that will allow you to be more mindful of others while working out.

Proper Gym Etiquette Tips:

1. Leave Your Cell Phone in the Car- Many gyms actually have strict rules about cell phones, but some do not. Either way, it's hard to concentrate on your workout if you're busy chatting on the phone nor will you be getting the results you desire. Most importantly, it is inconsiderate to those around you who want to focus on their workout.

2. The Gym isn't for Socializing- I used to belong to a ladies only gym, while I really enjoyed the environment, I found that many times women would arrive together to workout and just socialize, not taking their workout seriously but monopolizing the equipment in the process. Socialize at Starbucks, if you're going to truly workout, make sure both you and your workout partner understand each other's goals not only for your own sake but to be courteous of those who will want to share the equipment. Also, don't chat with others who are on equipment, let them do their thing and you can catch up later.

3. Wipe Down Equipment After Use- A lot of ladies feel that because they didn't 'sweat' while using a particular machine that they do not need to clean it, this is not so. If everyone felt that way, we'd have a lot of bodies sitting on equipment that never got sanitized. Do your part, take a moment and use the provided paper towel & spray or wipes to wipe down anywhere your bottom, back, hands or any part of your body has touched.

4. Never Slam Weights- If you're using equipment or dumbbells and feel the need to slam them on the release, this is a sign that the weight is likely too heavy for you. You'll get better results from a lower weight with multiple repetitions vs. trying to look like Ms. Muscles and dropping the weights. It can damage the equipment and also distract others. Always put away free weights back where they belong so nobody trips over them or becomes hurt.

5. Don't Monopolize the Equipment- When you see someone who is working through their set, it's always okay to ask if they mind if you 'work in'. This simply means that while they give their body a minute to relax and do some stretching, you can get in a set of your own. Be sure to perform your set quickly after selecting your own weight and seat height. Be sure to note what the other person's weight and seat height is so you can adjust it for them before they do their next set. If you don't enjoy sharing sets with others, be aware of how much time you're spending on a particular machine, especially during prime busy times. Limit yourself to 30 minutes on cardio equipment and about 5 mins maximum for each weight machine.

6. Take the Free Equipment Tour- Many who are new to working out don't want to show others that they are so instead of going on a gym tour or being shown how to use the equipment, they dive in without any instructing hoping they'll figure it out. This can waste extra time on machines as one attempts to look at the illustrations and figure it out and can also cause injuries if not used properly. Everybody starts from the beginning at some point so take the tour and learn as much as you can and never be afraid to ask a trainer or employee how to properly use a particular piece of equipment.

7. Never Interrupt a Class- If there is a yoga or spinning class already in session, use common sense and skip the class this time if you are late making sure you arrive early the next time and work out in the gym area instead. There is nothing more distracting than warming up and having people open/close doors, talk and get set up next to you when a class is 10 mins in and instructors loathe this inconsiderate behavior-it's just not fair to anyone. The small yoga studio I belong to actually turns over a sign on the door that says 'session in progress' and locks the door-it's a great solution but hard to implement in a large gym environment, so instructors rely on you to make the right call.

8. Sweat Suits- Have you seen the suits designed for sweating that kind of resemble a garbage bag? I've workout out next to someone on a treadmill before who wore one, let's just say that his sweat was dripping out of the wrist of the suit and flinging itself onto me-I was horrified! Sweat suits are a no-no unless you are running alone outdoors. Even then, many don't think to wash them and they really breed bacteria, so if you want to sweat a bit extra, wear a sweatshirt over top of your usual tee. Be sure to clean up any excess sweat that may have dripped onto the machine.

9. Bathroom & Locker Room Manners- Some women are more modest than others, some have no problem at all stripping nude in front of complete strangers while others prefer privacy. Decide this ahead of time so you'll know if you'd like to change in an individual stall or in the open area. The same holds true for showering. Most showering facilities are private with a shower curtain but some still are not. As much as I love to shower immediately after a workout, I prefer to shower at home so I put a clean towel on my leather car seat and drive home where I have all my soaps and things I need without having to pack them. Always leave the change room and bathroom as clean as you found it. For some reason these areas can get really messy, be sure to pick up after yourself.

10. Appropriate Gym Attire- Many women dress scantily clad while working out in the hopes of 'meeting a man'. Be sure that if you're wearing a sports bra top that it covers everything and doesn't expose nipples or show cleavage. Pants, shorts or capris should not slide down and expose your bottom or underwear while working out. Shorts should be a reasonable length as to not expose yourself while doing hip adductor/abductor, bending exercises, etc. Form fitting materials are appropriate for the gym, but know where to draw the line. A tank or tee and a pair of yoga pants or yoga capris are always appropriate. Gym clothing doesn't need to be boring, why not incorporate some fun colors such as a hot pink tee or running shoes with this season's trend of neon.

What rules do you find are most commonly broken in the gym? If you have another tip to add to the list, please share it in the comments below, I always look forward to your feedback. :)

Thanks for reading!

XO

*image source

Manners Monday: A Meal Behind the Wheel?

2013-02-25T11:14:00.001-05:00

Today's Manners Monday post is a shorter one, but it's one that we're all faced with. It's really a gentle reminder that true ladies never eat a meal behind the wheel of a car.

I've sat at many traffic lights and turned to my right or left and watched a woman shove a hot dog, hamburger or handful of french fries into her mouth. It always makes me cringe. While there is nothing wrong with the occasional fast food treat, there is something wrong with eating one's lunch or dinner while in the driver's seat of a vehicle. There's just something so crass and unappealing about it. It always reminds me of piggies gobbling down their daily feed-it's anything but feminine, ladylike or elegant.

There are also the folks who zip through the drive-thru only to park in the fast food lot and eat their meal on their lap. When I park somewhere to go inside I always feel a bit sorry for that person that I see as I get out of my car-they always look so lonely or as if they need to feed their food obsession in private. One way to eat in a more ladylike and polite manner is to eat with others, such as your co-workers or a with a friend over lunch. When proper utensils are required, sitting up straight, placing a napkin in your lap and dabbing your mouth with it when necessary along with other proper table etiquette become routine.

I'm a real person just like you and there are times when I run late, dash out the door to get somewhere and that granola bar or banana become a life saver. Life happens, none of us are perfect but making a habit of eating while behind the wheel is not at all classy. Make it your absolute last resort and let the items you bring from home come with a napkin, be small and bite-sized and not something that will crumble and make a mess on your outfit or in your car. The best option on the go is a fruit smoothie- you won't spill with a straw and if you have them add protein it will be filling for a few hours. There are so many smoothie places these days and even Starbucks can make you one in a pinch. :)

Instead, make the time for a proper breakfast or meal where you can sit down and chew your food and digest it properly. If you must eat on the run, take an extra 10-15 minutes the night before to prepare something that's easy to eat while you're still inside your house getting ready such as a bowl of cut fruit, a muffin, yogurt, etc.

Eating in the car is not only tacky but it can be dangerous. Remember the scene from 'The Wedding Planner' where Jennifer Lopez nearly gets run over by a cab driver who is desperate to save his ice cream from falling off the cone and choose to pay his attention to it instead of the road? It can also cause food particles to fall between seats, under the seat or mats or in small crevices that are hard to clean and it can create an unpleasant odor in one's car which is not very appealing. Here are 5 tips on keeping a clean car.

No matter how hungry you are upon picking up take-out, resist the urge to eat it until you are home. You'll enjoy your meal a whole lot more that way. By keeping a small container of almonds or other nuts in your car and a bottle of water on hand at all times, you'll have a perfect little snack that will keep you feeling full so you won't feel the need to go through a drive-thru or snack on your take away meal while on the road.

What are your thoughts on eating in one's car? If you have to, what types of things do you limit yourself to while in your own vehicle?

Thanks for reading!

XO

Sometimes Silence is the Best Reply

2013-02-19T20:10:00.003-05:00

Today's thought is short and sweet as the quote above pretty much says it all.

A classy woman knows that her words would be wasted on a fool whose ways are focused on ego, pride and who cannot see beyond senseless thoughts and actions. Your silence will speak volumes when walking away is not an option! :)

Thanks for Reading!

XO

A-Thread Jewelry Giveaway Winner!

2013-02-19T13:43:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all who entered our a-thread jewelry giveaway! Since we had just 8 entries, the odds were in everyone's favor. Random.org selected our winner to keep things fair, it was No.6, Congratulations to Lady Tobi! :)

Please look for an e-mail from me. Once I have your mailing address, I'll ship your earrings to you. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2013-02-14T11:28:00.001-05:00

I hope you all started your morning with a little bit of red, pink, hearts or something sweet. :) For anyone who enjoys a little DIY, above are some fun and inexpensive ways to show your love.

Why not plant a pot of pink petunias and attach a message for the recipient to plant in their own garden to watch your friendship bloom. :) Sliced strawberries on skewers with the hulls pulled out make cute hearts for adults and kids alike. Feeling crafty? How about making some heart-shaped lavender bath melts for someone special in your life? Here's the recipe via the blog 'Be Beautiful'.

As we celebrate this day of love, I wanted to wish you all a lovely Valentine's Day! May each of you ALWAYS know just how much you are truly loved!

Do you have anything special planned today with your family or loved one? I'd love to hear about it! :)

Fashion Friday: Outerwear with Flare (Guest Post)

2013-02-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

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We're switching things up here for today's Fashion Friday with a guest post from a celebrity stylist! Let me introduce you to Anya Sarre who is one of Hollywood's most influential trendsetters. A nationally recognized celebrity Stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named "Best Television Fashion Stylist" for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Anya is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood's biggest celebrities.

Here are Anya's tips on Outwear for the Fall and Winter Seasons:

Outerwear Offers Fashion Flare

Fashion trends this season offer variety and volume: velvet, fur, leather, and print! Whatever items you choose to elevate your wardrobe, you are not done shopping until you have invested in the perfect outerwear and shoes. Consider retro chic, modified trench coats with an eye to accessorizing for a feminine finish.

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Style and Attitude

High-waisted trousers with wide legs in a range of earthy tweeds are cozy basics this season. Accentuate this androgynous piece with a tailored Oxford shirt, a necktie, and even a vest or sweater thrown over the top for added warmth. Choose a brown plaid wool trench coat with cuffs and detailed buttons to ward off the chill; for the fashion bold, don a bowler-inspired hat in a coordinating color to draw attention to your feminine features. A metallic or leather briefcase in lieu of your handbag with elegant short booties finishes the look.

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Tempting Textures

The winter runways are teeming with a melody of fabrics and textures. If the luxury of velvet, leather, and fur elicits a soft sigh from you, consider adding pieces to your closet that will keep you purring through the dark, cold months to come. Choose black or basic gray for the bottom. Skinny leather pants, a leather pencil skirt, or even tone-on-tone patterned coated leggings pair well with a simple tunic or a silk blouse in a jewel tone—like burgundy or jade. When bracing for the cold wind, look for a plaid trench coat with a wrap closure. An asymmetrical fur collar adds visual interest and a touch of elegance. Black leather handbag and matching pumps are the final touches.

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Sixties Style Updated

This season the sixties are hitting the scene. Top a playful pink mini-skirt with white tights and a fitted white turtleneck. Accessorize with round white sunglasses—for a Jackie O inspiration—a silver vintage chain, and black leather knee-high boots. For venturing in the outdoors, choose a shorter fitted trench with a side button closure. Look for a trench with a scalloped collar and pair it with a fun black beret and elbow-length leather gloves.

Whatever your personal style, there is a fun trench coat that will add warmth and pizzazz to your wardrobe. Be adventurous and try on something unexpected! You may find the love of your winter.

Thank you so much Anya for your fabulous tips, it was my pleasure to have you guest post here on The Classy Woman blog today!

If you'd like to read more of Anya's fashion advice, here is her website.

As a Canadian gal who has braved many cold winters and knows the importance of keeping warm and dry, if you live in a really cold climate and warmth is your number one factor along with a pretty fur-lined hood, I highly recommend looking into Canada Goose Jackets. You don't have to live north of the U.S. border to appreciate them, I know many of you around the globe cannot wait until spring but until this long and crazy winter weather comes to an end, this will be your warmest option!

Thanks for reading!

A-Thread Clothing Review & Giveaway!

2013-02-12T14:53:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the generous A-Thread Women's Clothing company as they enjoyed my blog and wanted to see if I might like to review one of their items. Of course, I immediately clicked over to their website and started browsing their line. I was so impressed with their dresses and tops that when it came down to selecting an item, I had it narrowed down to four, two were really cute dresses. Everything is so pretty and affordable too! Right now they're offering 10% off everything for Classy Woman readers by entering the code: CLASSYWOMAN10 at checkout! Stick around until the end of the post, there's a pair of earrings available for one of you! :)

In the end I married practical and pretty by ordering this purple peasant top in size medium which I've already worn twice! Spring is all about fun prints and I especially like the color combinations and design of this top. I love that it can be worn with so many different bottoms I have in my wardrobe: white denim cuffed capris, red skinny jeans, purple skinnies, dark wash skinnies, white shorts and more. You can see the two different ways I wore this outfit, using the same handbag but different color and length of pants, shoes and accessories. (For the purpose of this post I took photos for both looks on the same day.) * I apologize for the somewhat dark photos, hubby took the pics in our front hallway on my pocket camera and it was a cloudy day.

What I love most about this top is that even though it doesn't have the high price tag of 100% silk, it is delicate and lightweight just like silk. It's loose and airy which is perfect for hot, humid Florida summers when your clothes feel like they're stuck to you most of the time. ;)

My top arrived quickly and was beautifully packaged in hot pink tissue and pretty twine. As a fun addition, the kind folks at A-Thread sent me a pair of gold leaf and turquoise bead earrings also! I'm in love with this loose billowy top and want to share the a-thread love by giving a pair of these lovelies below away to one lucky reader! In case you're wondering, they're 1.5" in length total.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Must be a public follower of this blog via GFC (Google Friend Connect) via my sidebar.
2. Visit the a-thread website and tell me what item is catching your eye for Spring.
3. Follow The Classy Woman on Facebook

That's it! Once you've done all 3 things listed above, leave your reply in a single comment below. Giveaway ends Feb.18, 2013 at 11pm EST and I'll announce the winner on Feb.19th. The winner will be selected randomly via Random.org to keep things fair. This Giveaway is open worldwide as I'll be shipping the item to you myself. ;)

A big thank you goes to A-Thread online clothing boutique for providing my lovely top to review and for giving me the opportunity to give away a pair of their earrings!

Thanks for reading & good luck!

XO

A Lady Knows What Fits and What Doesn't

2013-02-07T11:42:00.001-05:00

Today's post was our Classy Tip of the Week on our Facebook page. It's a gentle reminder as we get ready for spring, a time when less layers are typically worn and the urge to wear fitted clothing and mini skirts emerge....

A lady knows that regardless of what is 'in fashion', she can never go wrong with wearing what truly fits her curves properly, has classic lines that flatter her body and won't shift while she's walking or sitting making her uncomfortable. Stay true to your own figure and you'll always feel confident! :)

Here's a previous post I wrote about How to Dress Classy on a Budget, including tips on what basic staples are essential in everyone's closet and wearing what fits your body type. If you're a new mom and struggling with what to wear so you look 'put together' while still being practical, you'll appreciate this post I created on How to Dress Classy as a New Mom.

Thanks for Reading! If you like what you read today, tweet it, pin it or share on Facebook with our new share tools right below this post!