Spring/Summer 2025 Edition

ETIQUETTE SPRING/SUMMER 2025

Planting & Gardening

Is Your Garden Ready?

HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Seamless Style Sweater Weather to Warmer Weather

The Etiquette of Time

SEASONAL and Italian

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs!!

RECIPES

SPRING/SUMMER 2025

Dear Readers, The beautiful sounds of spring have arrived, and summer is soon behind! Here in Upstate NY, snow lingers until early May (no exaggeration!) But, the cold gets less severe, and the sun shines more, and even sometimes, we hear the beautiful sounds of birds chirping and children playing in our neighborhood. So, with all things of the warmer weather seasons in mind, we have this spring & summer issue of Etiquette-Home and Lifestyle Magazine!

From practical recipes to useful gardening tips to style (moving from winter to warmer!) Our outstanding contributors have added their expertise and professional etiquette, style, health & wellness, and the critical etiquette of time management, all with a practical and inspiring approach. And we also have steps to boil the perfect egg! How could we not cover eggs -they are literally part of the national narrative! Many other wonderful recipes are included like homemade gluten-free meatballs and instructions for baking the perfect ham.

So, let the sunshine in, smell the beautiful flowers, and rejoice in hearing all those wonderful sounds of spring & beyond!

With Etiquette Enthusiasm,

Susan

Susan A Vernick ETIQUETTE-HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Editor-in-Chief

ETIQUETTE-HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS EDITOR'S NOTE Spring has Sprung and Summer is Coming!

SPRING RECIPES All things wonderful spring (& summer!)

HEALTH & WELLNESS Choosing Supplements

TRENDING

SEAMLESS STYLE WINTER TO WARMER WEATHER TIME & ETIQUETTE PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE FAVORITE THINGS! THE PERFECT EGG!

BODY LANGUAGE ETIQUETTECHICS@GMAIL.COM THEETIQUETTECHICS.COM

2025

EH & L Magazine

Spring Recipes Simple and Delicious

SMOKED HAM (cook-beforeeating) Whole, Bone-In 10-14lbs 18-20 min/lb.

Half, Bone-In 5-7 lbs. 2225min/lb.

Shank, bone ib 3-4 lbs, 35-40 min/lb.

Arm Picnic Shoulder 5-8lbs. 3035 min/lb.

Shoulder Roll (butt) 2-4lbs. 3540min/lb.

SMOKED HAM (cooked) Whole-Bone-In 10-14lbs 15- 18min/lb.

Half, Bone-Ine 5-7lbs 18-24 min/lb.

Arm Picnic Shoulder 5-8lbs 2530-min/lb.

Spiral Cut 7-9lbs 10-18 min/lb.

BAKE AT 325 DEGREES (160C) AND INTERNAL TEMP OF 145 DEGREES (63C)

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BOILING EGGS TO

eat To Start: 1. Use cold water a. Put the eggs in a pot and cover with water.

2. Bring to a boil a. Heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil.

3. Reduce heat to slightly lower, maintaining a gentle simmer.

Cooking time: Adjust cooking time based on desired boil.

Soft boiled: 4-6 minutes Medium boiled: 7-8 minutes Hard boiled: 8-10 minutes Ice bath: 1. Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and aid in peeling.

Optional tip: Adding a splash of vinegar to the water can help the eggs peel more easily.

AVOID COMSUMING EGGS THAT ARE UNDER 165 DEGREES AND UNDERCOOKED EGGS.

BOILING EGGS TO

decorate/color To Make: Place a single layer of eggs in a saucepan.

Add cold water to come at least 1 inch above the eggs.

Cover and bring the water to a boil; turn off the heat.

Let the eggs stand covered in the hot water for 15 minutes for large eggs, 12 minutes for medium, and 18 minutes for extra large.

Immediately run cold water over the eggs; when they are cool, drain and refrigerate.

This process helps eliminate the green border around the yoke and reduces cracking.

n e z o r F y r r e

e b w a r t S a i r e d n e l B Ingredients: 1. One 10- ounce package of frozen strawberries (preferably sliced) 2. 1 quart milk 3. 1 pint strawberry ice cream 4. 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel Directions: 1. Let strawberries thaw.

2. Combine half of all ingredients in a chilled bowl. Beat with a mixer until combined.

3. Add the other half to the bowl and beat with a mixer on high speed for one minute or until combined.

4. Poured into chilled tall glasses. Makes about 8 servings

gluten-free

Ingredients

Combine all ingredients until well combined but not too wet.

Adjust the eggs and bread crumbs until the mixture can be formed into meatballs. Roll into 1-2 inch meatballs and fry in a pan with a small amount of olive oil until all sides are brown. (The meatballs are not cooked through.)

Transfer to a large pan with enough sauce to well cover the meatballs and room to cook (homemade or gluten-free store-bought) Bring to a light boil, reduce temperature to a simmer, and cook for 4 hours, stirring often so that sauce doesn’t burn)

gluten-free meatballs

Etiquette-Home and Lifestyle Magazine

Directions

ITALIAN COOKING

3lbs ground beef 1lb gluten-free (GF)-spicy or hot ground Italian sausage 3-4 eggs 1-1.5 cups gluten-free breadcrumbs (plain) 2 T ground gluten free parmigiano-reggiano cheese 1teaspoon GF ground garlic 1Tablespoon salt 2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil (GF)

recipes

Spring‌ April showers bring May flowers- and fruits and vegetables too! Get started on your dream garden by following these few tips and tricks!

1. Find a good place to plant. Look for a place in your yard or on your balcony that fits your plant needs. If you know you’ll be planting plants that need a lot of sun- don’t place your garden in a place that gets a lot of shade and vice versa.

2. Test your soil. If you are planting in the ground, check the pH levels and the levels of nutrients in your soil.

3. Address hardscaping issues. Remove any large rocks and sticks.

4. Feed your soil. After testing, add any necessary nutrients for a successful harvest.

5. Check your tools. They should be sharp and ready to go- especially your pruners.

6. Make sure to have any necessary supports like trellises and stakes.

7. Plant your containers and borders.

8. Be ready to cover if temperatures drop below freezing. Spring weather can be very unpredictable.

9. Lastly, have fun! Your garden should be a source of good produce and joy!

By Laura Longmire temperatures (hopefully) rise, and the calendar pages turn, it’s our natural inclination to want to wear lighter, brighter clothes. Unfortunately, it’s often too cold in the spring to fully transition out of our warmer winter wardrobe. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t start transitioning our outfits to match the longer daylight hours. There are a few easy ways to do that without sacrificing warmth and comfort.

Incorporate a Mix of Winter and Spring Pieces Remember that in most parts of the country, we often need to slowly mix in different pieces with our winter items. This is a great time to wear monochromatic outfits, which always look luxurious and elevated when done well. Pair a darker and lighter hue of the same color in an outfit. For example, wear navy pants with a lighter blue shirt or a burgundy skirt with a mauve sweater. This way, you combine both seasons while making your outfit look incredibly intentional and stylish.

Layering is also key in this transitional period. Instead of reaching for a heavy winter coat, opt for lighter outerwear like trench coats, denim jackets, or stylish blazers. These pieces offer warmth when needed but don’t feel as bulky or wintry. A lightweight puffer or quilted jacket can also be a great middle ground.

Embrace Lighter Colors and Prints

One of the easiest ways to transition your wardrobe for spring is to wear lighter, brighter colors. Swap dark browns for lighter khakis, blacks for grays, and reds for pinks. Wearing a warm sweater or coat in a more spring-like color will help keep you warm while freshening up your entire outfit. Be careful not to go too bright, though—it’s not summer yet, and you don’t want to stand out in a crowd for the wrong reasons.

Spring is also a great time to introduce florals, pastels, and fun prints into your wardrobe. If it still feels too cold for a full-on floral dress, consider a floral scarf, a pastel handbag, or printed shoes to subtly incorporate the season’s fresh and airy feel.

Swap Out Footwear for a Seasonal Shift Changing your shoes is another way to transition your outfits for the season. As weather permits, you can move from wearing closed-toe boots to open-toe booties (ensuring you’ve had a pedicure or painted your toes at home). Changing out leather sneakers for canvas ones and pumps for slingbacks can also create a visual transition for your looks. Even wearing shoes with a lighter, rather than chunky, sole can make a difference.

If the temperatures are still cold, opt for ankle boots rather than knee-high boots, or try loafers with no-show socks for a refined but seasonally appropriate look.

Adjust Fabrics, Accessories, and Layering Pieces Swapping fabrics, accessories, and layering pieces are all ways to look appropriate for spring. If you live in a warmer climate, try wearing cotton instead of wool or even linen for lighter fabrics.

Instead of wearing heavier, thicker metals, try lighter acrylic or more dainty metallic jewelry.

Accessories can significantly impact an outfit's feeling of being spring-ready. Consider trading your thick wool scarf for a lightweight silk or cotton scarf. Swapping a dark leather handbag for one in a lighter hue can also freshen up your outfit instantly.

Try a blazer or utility jacket instead of an overcoat if it's not too cold. You can also change up the look of your outfits by adjusting hemlines and sleeve lengths. Opting for a short-sleeve shirt or cropped pants will warm up the overall look. (If you feel selfconscious after a winter trapped indoors, you can always use a little self-tanner to make you feel more confident.)

“Spring is also a great time to introduce florals, pastels, and fun prints into your wardrobe.”

Don’t Forget the Power of Texture and Proportion Another overlooked way to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring is through texture and proportion. Heavier, bulkier knits and thick fabrics scream winter, whereas lightweight knits, flowing silhouettes, and layered textures feel much more appropriate for spring. Mixing both can be a great way to ease into the new season while still feeling balanced.

For example, pair a chunky knit sweater with a flowy midi skirt, or wear a structured wool blazer over a breezy blouse. This contrast of textures creates an interesting and dynamic outfit that acknowledges the changing season.

Final Thoughts...

Transitioning a wardrobe for a new season doesn’t have to be all that complicated, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea. The key is to slowly integrate seasonal elements into your outfits while keeping warmth and practicality in mind.

By layering strategically, incorporating lighter colors and fabrics, adjusting footwear, and playing with accessories, you can seamlessly move from winter to spring in style.

Laura Longmire, founder of Where Life Meets Style, is certified in Personal Wardrobe Styling and Custom Color Analysis. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University and has been trained in Shoe Styling by the creator of ShoeWardrobeReview. With over 20 years as a military spouse, Laura has lived and traveled extensively, experiencing diverse climates, cultures, and style demands

Favorite Things

1 2

Dazzle Dry Nail Prep Kit and Polish Our new favorite nail polish and kit! Lives up to the promise of being dry in 5 minutes and lasting!

Danny’s Special Collection A heartwarming story about the bond between brother and sister- perfect for the month of April as we celebrate Autism Awareness month.

3

Relax Girl Candle The perfect candle for a relaxing evening, with peppermint, cedar, clove, and eucalyptus notes.

CHOOSING SUPPLEMENTS WISELY

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Picking a quality supplement is key to reaping its benefits.

There are so many options! Many brands are sold at big box stores and grocery stores, smaller boutique brands at health food stores, and many online stores with various niche focus. Here are some tips for selecting a high-quality supplement and getting your money’s worth.

- Avoid “Proprietary blends” unless there are exact amounts of every listed ingredient. Selecting a supplement with a proprietary blend can be very misleading. It can include undesirable ingredients to your situation or desirable to you but is included in such a low dose that it may not be beneficial. Also, consider that items with a proprietary blend are often priced at a high premium.

- Select certified organic products. This will ensure that no harsh pesticides are used on the ingredients.

- In general, avoid purchasing supplements at “big box” locations. The brands they typically sell are massproduced, generally not high quality, and usually not organic. They frequently contain unhealthy or harmful fillers, such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

These fillers can negate the supplement's benefits and may cause adverse health effects.

- Select a company that does third-party testing. Many will post their third-party testing by the lot number on their site. If it's not posted, you can always email them and ask for a copy of the results.

- Purchasing directly from the online manufacturer will ensure you receive the desired brand at a fair price.

Avoiding third-party reseller sites will also help keep costs down.

Remember, the decision to purchase and use supplements is a personal one that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. This list is designed to support you on your unique health journey. *Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting supplements/vitamins

REBECCA FERRARO

Rebecca Ferraro is a lifelong learner, runner and a corporate training executive with over 30 years of experience. Rebecca is passionate about how plants can be used to help treat disease and illness and has recently earned a Certificate in Plant Based Medicine from Cornell University.

Rebecca is active in her church and is a wife and mother to two young adults, a stepmother to two young adults and has two grandchildren.

ETIQUETTE OF TIME BY: Kate Gawi

always important. While we cannot always control external factors, we can allow for some extra time to mitigate the We all know that one person is a time optimist and arrives

perfect time to start fresh and embrace the new season with new energy. At this time of the year, spring cleaning springs to mind; however, it is not only our homes that could use a dusting. As the days get longer, a quick refresher in polishing our manners and silverware is a good time to reflect on the etiquette of the time.

at the last minute, and while this approach works in most cases, it is advisable and less stressful to have a few extra minutes up your sleeve. It is equally important to allow time to get back from your meeting or appointment so that you are on time for your next commitment.

Allowing time is not only applicable to being on time. Our commitment to being present and available for another person and not making that person feel rushed is one of the most precious gifts of time that we can give.

Respond on Time Being invited to an event is exciting. Receiving a beautifully crafted invitation to a wedding, a cute invitation card to a baby shower, or a formal invitation to a corporate event requires us to respond on time. A invitation

Allowing ample time to attend an event, work, or meeting is

risks of being late due to traffic or other unexpected events.

pring brings renewed hope and new beginnings. It is the

correct

Allow Time

should

have

an

RSVP

date,

so

responding on or before the date set out in the invitation is an absolute must. An invitation could be in the form of a physical card or in a digital format, but both deserve a timely reply.

Be on Time Once you have accepted the invitation or even agreed on a time and a place for tea with a dear friend, be on time.

Generally, there is a grace period of 15 minutes for dinner parties or dinner reservations at restaurants. Being 15 minutes late for a dinner party is commonly accepted and may also give the hostess an extra few minutes to get prepared. Arriving too early could cause stress and inconvenience for the host as there is plenty to be prepared for a successful supper. Being late for meetings and work is unacceptable as companies and institutions must adhere to opening times and schedules.

Organize Your Time Time is the one thing we all have equal amounts of in a day.

It is good etiquette to keep things organized, including organizing and planning your time. Keeping a diary for appointments, duties, and events simplifies life and can be a good tool for keeping your weeks manageable. A diary is helpful as you wouldn’t want to double book yourself or forget your commitments. Distributing enough time for the happenings and keeping records can prove efficient and save time, as well as yours and others. Remember to allow time for yourself, as quality time is one of life’s luxuries and important for your well-being. Balancing your time allows for a well-balanced life.

Respect Time Most teachings in etiquette and good manners come down to respect. Respect someone’s time, as theirs is as valuable as yours. Extend your respect for time to adhere to visiting and opening hours, they are there for a reason. As much as it is important to allow time for the people we interact with, it is important not to take too much of their time. Know when to leave, whether there is a set time or not. Do not overstay your invitation; read the room and exit expressing

Kate Gawi is an interior designer for some of Australia’s most opulent homes, coowner of Architeria Architects and author of “Tea with the Dutchess: How to do anything with style”.

your thanks.

With spring and summer approaching, let’s apply time etiquette and choose quality over quantity, remembering that time can be savored but never saved.

Powerful Body Language

A Genuine Smile Engage upper cheek muscles (or “crowsfeet” area)

Good Posture Shoulders back yet relaxed

Chin Up Have your chin up without your nose in the air.

A Good Handshake Grab the web of the hand A firm grip 2-3 seconds long

Professional Etiquette

By Melissa Botta-Havran

RELATIONSHIPS

Building relationships with good etiquette is like throwing a party where everyone feels comfortable—except it’s at work, and there’s no cake. The golden rule? Please don’t interrupt unless it’s with snacks. Remember, eye contact is key, but not the intense "I'm studying your soul" kind. And please, don’t use a handshake as an excuse to show off your gym gains—no one needs that power grip. Also, be mindful of email etiquette: "Hey" is okay, but "Yo!" is not. Building relationships takes finesse, humor, and a lot of awkward small talk—luckily, everyone’s in the same boat!

As an etiquette instructor at a liberal arts university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it’s my job to have my finger on the pulse of the needs of the average college student. Often a herculean task, nothing is more rewarding than seeing someone you have instructed succeed both in and THE KEY TO BUILDING outside the classroom. To get them to the RELATIONSHSIPS finish line in a world meant to distract them with literally everything else but adopting proper etiquette skills, it Growing up in the 1990s, my model punctuality, active participation, became my job to make etiquette trendy for etiquette excellence looked and respect for others’ opinions, again. After all, elegance should be quite different. In an age of dial-up which are important indicators of timeless, never going out of style. internet and payphones, there a student’s readiness for the were fewer outside influences to workforce.Once students enter the distract me from adapting to the workforce, how they interact with world around me. I want to think others becomes paramount. that I am one of the last Professional etiquette goes beyond generations impacted by the simply knowing how to temptations of hiding behind the communicate with others—it screen of a cellular phone rather involves a wide range of behaviors than engaging with the wonders of and attitudes that affect workplace the world around me. Despite this dynamics. These include proper undeniable shift in our society, I email and phone communication, believe certain hallmarks of understanding appropriate dress etiquette still have withstood the codes, demonstrating a strong test of time and should certainly be work ethic (such as being punctual, demanded by any educator or meeting deadlines, and being potential employer. I am referring proactive), and adhering to to basic practices such as workplace policies.

Professional Etiquette

Email has become the most common form of communication in the modern workforce. College students, who may primarily use informal texting or social media, often need guidance on crafting professional emails. For instance, avoid sending a novel when a sentence will do. No one wants a “Hey, what’s up?” at 2 a.m., but don’t sound like you’re writing a Shakespearean tragedy. Keep it brief and clear, and maybe throw in a “Thanks!”—it’s not a party without a polite exit. As an educator, I can’t tell you how many cringe-worthy emails I’ve received with ‘ur’ instead of you’re; the list is endless! This lack of professionalism when addressing a superior can result in misunderstandings, tarnished reputations, or missed opportunities.

Teaching students how to compose clear, concise, and polite emails equips them to make a positive first impression on colleagues, supervisors, and clients.

Melissa has been an etiquette instructor for over a decade. She is passionate about empowering individuals through polished conduct. She specializes in teaching all ages in various areas such as business etiquette, dining protocol, international etiquette, and social graces. Melissa works with corporate teams and instructs at schools, and she additionally provides private consulting using her warm and personalized teaching approach.

“The way students present themselves in the workplace— through their attire and body language —can also make a significant impact.”

The way students present themselves in the workplace—through their attire and body language—can also make a significant impact.

While each workplace has dress norms, teaching students how to understand and adapt to these expectations is crucial.

Dressing appropriately and being mindful of one’s body language helps project competence and confidence and build trust with colleagues and employers.

As an etiquette coach, I consider trust to be one of the most crucial elements for career success and the cultivation of meaningful relationships. Trust, when combined with active listening, empathy, and mutual respect, can help individuals build a network of professional connections that contribute to both personal and collective achievements. Trust is not just a word; it's a powerful tool that can shape your professional journey.

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EH&LM cannot provide financial compensation, but will be promoted on social media.

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The editors of EH&LM reserve the right to edit your manuscript for clarity and space and to reject any article at any stage of our editing/production process.

Fe a t u r e A r t i c l e s : 1 0 0 0 - w o r d c o u n t Articles: 600-word count To p i c s : A n y t h i n g e t i q u e t t e - r e l a t e d , h o m e a n d l i f e s t y l e , s e a s o n a l r e c i p e s , g l u t e n - f r e e r e c i p e s , q u o t e s , a n d p h o t o g r a p h y. ( M u s t b e o r i g i n a l a n d o w n r i g h t s . ) Due to our small staff and the volume of submissions we receive, we can only respond to your article if it has been accepted for publication.

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e t i Wr ? s U fo r

Spring/Summer 2025

Editor in Chief: Susan A. Vernick Creative Content Editor: Anna Vernick Creative Editor: Lauren Vernick An Etiquette Chics, LLC Publication © 2025

Etiquette-Home and Lifestyle Magazine

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