MYMM: Cell Phone Do's and Don'ts

So we'll admit it- our phones are usually glued to our hips. There's no denying that it takes a lot of self control not to check our phones every minute or so. With that said, we are extremely conscious of our cell phone etiquette in public. Here are some definite do's and don'ts with regard to that precious cell phone of yours. 

• DO- Keep your phone on silent during class, meals, meetings, work, or any important event.  Oh, and did I mention during religious services! I can't tell you how many times someone's phone has gone off during church. Talk about #embarrassing. Big no no. Also- college tours! Try to keep your phone away for those. 
• DON'T- Answer a phone call or text message during a meal. My friends and I always have contests when we go to meals together to see how long we can go without checking our phones. But in all seriousness, be courteous to your guest and put the phone away!
• DO- Respond to text messages or phone calls promptly. If you have a smart phone, emails count too! Don't ever ignore a text or phone call from someone (unless its a boy calling/texting you in the AM hours...but that a whole other story). 
• DON'T- Send something to someone via text message that would get you in trouble or make you have any regrets. The thing about today's technology is that there are records of everything you say and do on your cell phones. Think before you send! 

Technology may be advancing, but try to be true to the traditional rules of courtesy with regard to your phone. 


xoxo, 
A+C

MYMM: School and Classes

We all know how rude people can be in class. Here are a few helpful tips so you don't find yourself guilty of an etiquette faux-pas in class!

1. Show up on time. This is fairly self explanatory, but nothing is more rude than showing up 15 minutes into a lecture.

2. Don't eat or chew gum. Pretty obvious. It's rude and distracting.

3. If you're going to be in class, pay attention. I've heard so many stories of people watching movies in class or listening to music. It's disrespectful to the professor and other students who are trying to focus.

4. Thank your professor. This little gesture will put a smile on his or her face. It will set you apart from the other students.

5. Be engaged and ask questions. Not only is this polite, it's also to your benefit. You'll remember the things that you asked better than reading your notes.

6. On the contrary, don't talk too much. That can get distracting, and others may have great comments to add in as well!

7. Turn things in neatly. No frills on the sides of papers and nice handwriting show that you care about your work and respect your professor.

What are some other ways that you stay polite in class? Keep minding those manners, lovelies!

Love,

A+C

Mind Your Manners Monday: Facebook Edition

Facebook is something the vast majority of us use frequently. However, it's important that we are not annoying and that we stay polite, and well, mind our manners!

1. It's your status-not your diary. It's so not necessary to write about every little thing. No one wants to read about your debate between eating an apple or an orange for breakfast. Those kinds of things go for twitter more than facebook.

2. Don't brag. Another thing that irks people is constant bragging. No one wants to come off as pretentious to 853 of your closest friends. Even if you are going meet Lady Gaga at her concert in London, don't make it your profile picture, status, or other wall post.

3. Avoid PDA. End of story. No one wants to see any form of PDA between you and your significant other.

4. Do not send out millions of app requests. Nothing drives me crazier than "farmville" or "quiz" requests on facebook. It's annoying, and chances are, the other person is not interested.

5. Refrain from adding strangers. It makes it more awkward if you do meet in person, and it's rude and confuses the other person.

6. Lastly, If you wouldn't want your grandmother, mother, boss, or professor to see your facebook, it's probably time to delete some posts.

Via

Keep minding your manners, lovelies!

Love,

A+C

Mind Your Manners Monday: Email Etiquette

In this day in age, we are sad to say that Email has pretty much done away with traditional snail mail (who doesn't love getting letters in the mail?!). With that said, everyone should know the wrongs and rights of Email etiquette. 

When writing an email...

• Include the purpose of the email in the subject line. These days, there is so much spam mail being sent around that important emails often get lost in the shuffle; add a word or phrase to decipher your email from a spam email. 
• Include a friendly and appropriate greeting. Always. If it is to a superior or an adult, show respect by calling them Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss (Insert last name here). Always make sure the name of the person you are sending the email to is spelled correctly!
• Include all of the details necessary. You do not want to leave anything out and cause confusion. 
• Proof reading is so important. Use spell check! Read your email out loud to hear if it makes sense. Proper punctuation and capitalization is a must. Do not use shortened versions of words (i.e. text talk). 
• Multiple instances of "!!!" or "???" may be considered rude or disrespectful. Avoid that. 
• Check the address(es) you are sending the Email to before you send it. The last thing you want is to send your Email to the wrong person. 
• Don't beat around the bush. Keep emails brief and concise. 
• Sign your email courteously. (I.e. Sincerely, All the best, Best regards, Thank you, ect...)

Example: 

To: WMBostwick@gmail.com

Subject: Babysitting on 1/30

Dear Mrs. Bostwick, 

I hope all is well with you and the family! I just wanted to confirm that I will be able to babysit the kids on Monday, January 30th at 7:00pm. If that time or date changes, please let me know. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me at ###-###-#### or send me an email to this email address. See you soon!

Sincerely, 

A

When responding to an email...

• Always include the proper greeting. Always be courteous and respectful. 
• If the person is asking you (a) question(s), answer all of them! Go through the email from them and read through sentence by sentence to make sure you address any question they may have for you. 
• If the person is doing you a favor, make sure to thank them! Show your appreciation. 
• Again, being clear with what you are writing is important. You do not want any of your responses to be misconstrued or misinterpreted. 
• Before sending, you must proof read what you have written and confirm that you are sending the message to the right Email address. 
• A proper closing is again required as previously mentioned. 

Example:

To: WMBostwick@gmail.com

Subject: Babysitting on 1/30

Hello Mrs. Bostwick, 

I'm glad to hear all is well in the Bostwick household! I have no problem coming to the house at 6pm, as opposed to 7pm on Monday, January 30th. Yes, I will have my car, so driving Lucy to ballet class will not be an issue. I appreciate you letting me know about the change of time. I look forward to seeing you and the rest of the family on Monday! 

Thank you, 

A

Keep minding your manners, ladies! 

xoxo, 

A+C

Mind Your Manners Monday: Hostess Gifts

Everyone loves a good party! But, it's as important to be a good host as it is to be a good guest! How do you know when it's appropriate to bring a hostess gift? We've got a few simple guidelines that should get you covered! But, when in doubt, it's better not to show up empty handed.

A small gathering with family or very close friends: If it's an impromptu dinner at you brother's house or your childhood best friend's house, it's probably not crucial. However, it is crucial to offer to bring something (fruit, dessert, or salad). Even if the host says no, it's still polite to bake a batch of brownies or something small.

A cocktail party or larger gathering: Absolutely. My mother always says: if you get a mailed invitation, a hostess gift should be brought. For those of age, a nice bottle of wine and fun cocktail napkins always works. For those under age, flowers are always thoughtful.

A birthday or holiday party: Even if it says no gifts, it's still polite to at least write a card and bring something small, especially for a friend!

Rule of thumb: When in doubt, bring something! For those living on their own, it's great to have a few things stashed for last minute!

You can't beat this darling little turtle! Throw in a small votive, and it will surely bring smiles! At $5.50 from Bath and Body Works, you can't beat it!

You can never go wrong with some yummy Caramel Pecan Bark from Godiva! Anyone with be happy with this little treat.

A Lilly Coffee Mug would be such a fun gift to bring to a brunch or coffee! 

What are your favorite hostess gifts? Do you have any other MYMM ideas??

Love,

A+C

Mind Your Manners Monday: Thank You Notes

Introducing a new feature...

On Mondays, we are going to write an etiquette post. These posts will range greatly, from thank you notes to remaining poised in a potentially awkward situation. We also want your suggestions! So comment below or drop us an email about a manners dilemma you would like us to cover.

So, Everyone has written all of their thank you notes, right? (We won't tattle if you haven't gotten around to it yet!) My family (C) has a 48 hour policy with writing thank you notes; which actually helps a lot. My parents are very adamant on writing notes in a timely matter. Handwritten notes will never go out of style! It's more fun to open and envelope in your mailbox, rather than your inbox.

Sample: Family Members (Concrete Gift: the most straight forward.)

Dear Aunt Jane and Uncle John,

I just wanted to thank you for thinking of me this Christmas. I really love the Kate Spade necklace. I'm planning on wearing it to my friend's party next weekend! It is certainly a piece I will enjoy wearing for many years to come. It was so great that you could come into town for the holidays. I loved spending time with you, and I hope to see you soon!

Love Always,

Jenny

Sample: Gift Card or Money

Dear Grandma Martha and Grandpa Mike,

I just wanted to thank you for thinking of me this Christmas! I really appreciate the (gift card/money). I'll be sure to spend it wisely! I am looking forward to looking at new wedges for spring time. It was really wonderful to spend time with you on Christmas. I hope that I can see you soon!

Love Always,

Maria

Sample: Holiday Party Thank You

Dear Sarah,

I hope that you had a lovely holiday season. I wanted to thank you so much for hosting your annual ornament exchange! It was so lovely to spend time with you and our other fabulous friends. Those Christmas cookies you made were fabulous, and your decor was beautiful. Hopefully we can meet for coffee sometime soon! Thank you again!

Love Always,

Samantha

Brief Pointers

• Never mention the amount of money or the gift card value. 
• Be sure to say how much you appreciate the thought, and beyond the actual gift!
• Have fun with it, be creative in what you say!
• Try to write them within a week, however, it's better late than never.

It wouldn't be a fun post without a few cute cards:

Jonathan Adler

Stacy Claire Boyd

Donovan Designs

Have you written your notes yet? What is your favorite stationery?

Love,

A+C