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!
One 10- ounce package of frozen strawberries (preferably sliced)
Directions: Let strawberries thaw. 1. Combine half of all ingredients in a chilled bowl. Beat with a mixer until combined. 2. Add the other half to the bowl and beat with a mixer on high speed for one minute or until combined. 3. Poured into chilled tall glasses. Makes about 8 servings 4.
Transfertoalargepanwithenoughsaucetowellcoverthe meatballs and room to cook (homemade or gluten-free store-bought)Bringtoalightboil,reducetemperaturetoa simmer,andcookfor4hours,stirringoftensothatsauce doesn’tburn) E t i q u e t t eH o m e a n d L i f e s t y l e M a g a z i n e
gluten-free meatballs
I T A L I A N C O O K I N G
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.
3.
2. Address hardscaping issues. Remove any large rocks and sticks.
Test your soil. If you are planting in the ground, check the pH levels and the levels of nutrients in your soil.
Feed your soil. After testing, add any necessary nutrients for a successful harvest. 4. Check your tools. They should be sharp and ready to go- especially your pruners.
5. Make sure to have any necessary supports like trellises and stakes. 6. Plant your containers and borders. 7.
9.
Be ready to cover if temperatures drop below freezing. Spring weather can be very unpredictable.
8. Lastly, have fun! Your garden should be a source of good produce and joy!
ByLauraLongmire
mperatures (hopefully) rise, and the calendar pages turn, it’s our natural iontowanttowearlighter,brighterclothes.Unfortunately,it’softentoocoldin thespringtofullytransitionoutofourwarmerwinterwardrobe.However,thatdoesn’t mean we can’t start transitioning our outfits to match the longer daylight hours. There areafeweasywaystodothatwithoutsacrificingwarmthandcomfort.
Incorporate a Mix of Winter and Spring Pieces
Rememberthatinmostpartsofthecountry,weoftenneedtoslowly 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 intentionalandstylish.
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 quiltedjacketcanalsobeagreatmiddleground
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, blacksforgrays,andredsforpinks.Wearingawarmsweaterorcoat 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 crowdforthewrongreasons.
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 subtlyincorporatetheseason’sfreshandairyfeel.
Swap
Out Footwear for a Seasonal Shift
Changingyourshoesisanotherwaytotransitionyouroutfitsforthe season. As weather permits, you can move from wearing closed-toe bootstoopen-toebooties(ensuringyou’vehadapedicureorpainted your toes at home). Changing out leather sneakers for canvas ones andpumpsforslingbackscanalsocreateavisualtransitionforyour looks. Even wearing shoes with a lighter, rather than chunky, sole canmakeadifference.
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 seasonallyappropriatelook.
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 moredaintymetallicjewelry 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 foroneinalighterhuecanalsofreshenupyouroutfitinstantly.
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 selfconsciousafterawintertrappedindoors,youcanalwaysusealittle self-tannertomakeyoufeelmoreconfident.)
“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
Anotheroverlookedwaytotransitionyourwardrobefromwinterto springisthroughtextureandproportion.Heavier,bulkierknitsand 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 whilestillfeelingbalanced. For example, pair a chunky knit sweater with a flowy midi skirt, or wearastructuredwoolblazeroverabreezyblouse.Thiscontrastof textures creates an interesting and dynamic outfit that acknowledgesthechangingseason.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning a wardrobe for a new season doesn’t have to be all that complicated, but it’s easytofeeloverwhelmedbytheidea.Thekeyis 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 wintertospringinstyle.
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
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!
2
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
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 nichefocus.Herearesometipsforselectingahigh-quality supplementandgettingyourmoney’sworth
- 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 proprietaryblendareoftenpricedatahighpremium
- Select certified organic products This will ensure that no harshpesticidesareusedontheingredients
- 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. Thesefillerscannegatethesupplement'sbenefitsandmay causeadversehealtheffects.
- 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 foracopyoftheresults.
- 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 youonyouruniquehealthjourney.
*Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting supplements/vitamins
pring brings renewed hope and new beginnings It is the 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.
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 correct invitation 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.
Allow Time
Allowing ample time to attend an event, work, or meeting is always important While we cannot always control external factors, we can allow for some extra time to mitigate the risks of being late due to traffic or other unexpected events. We all know that one person is a time optimist and arrives 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.
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 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
PowerfulBody Language
A Genuine Smile
Engageuppercheek muscles(or“crowsfeet”area)
Good Posture
Shouldersbackyet relaxed
Haveyourchinup withoutyournose intheair.
Professional Etiquette
By Melissa Botta-Havran
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 handshakeasanexcusetoshowoffyour gym gains no one needs that power grip. Also, be mindful of email etiquette: "Hey" is okay, but "Yo!" is not. Building relationshipstakesfinesse,humor,anda lot of awkward small talk luckily, everyone’sinthesameboat!
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 outsidetheclassroom.Togetthemtothe finish line in a world meant to distract them with literally everything else but adopting proper etiquette skills, it became my job to make etiquette trendy again After all, elegance should be timeless,nevergoingoutofstyle
THEKEYTOBUILDING RELATIONSHSIPS
Growingupinthe1990s,mymodel for etiquette excellence looked quitedifferent.Inanageofdial-up internet and payphones, there were fewer outside influences to distract me from adapting to the world around me. I want to think that I am one of the last generations impacted by the temptations of hiding behind the screen of a cellular phone rather than engaging with the wonders of the world around me. Despite this undeniable shift in our society, I believe certain hallmarks of etiquette still have withstood the testoftimeandshouldcertainlybe demanded by any educator or potential employer I am referring tobasicpracticessuchas
punctuality, active participation, and respect for others’ opinions, which are important indicators of a student’s readiness for the workforce.Once students enter the workforce, how they interact with others becomes paramount. Professional etiquette goes beyond simply knowing how to communicate with others it involves a wide range of behaviors and attitudes that affect workplace dynamics. These include proper email and phone communication, understanding appropriate dress codes, demonstrating a strong workethic(suchasbeingpunctual, meeting deadlines, and being proactive), and adhering to workplacepolicies
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 am, 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 themtomakeapositivefirstimpression oncolleagues,supervisors,andclients.
“The way students present themselves in the workplacethrough their attire and body language can also make a significant impact.”
The way students present themselves intheworkplace throughtheirattire 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 canshapeyourprofessionaljourney
AUTHOR SUBMISSION CRITERIA
Send your manuscripts via e-mail in a Word doc to etiquettechics@gmail com
Include a brief autobiographical paragraph (2-4 sentences); professional photos of the author are welcome
EH&LM cannot provide financial compensation, but will be promoted on social media
A request to review your manuscript doesn’t guarantee we will accept or print your article.
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.
Feature Articles: 1000-word count
Articles: 600-word count
Topics: Anything etiquette-related, home and lifestyle, seasonal recipes, gluten-free recipes, quotes, and photography (Must be original and own rights )
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
MAGAZINE DEADLINES
Fall 2025: July 7, 2025
Winter 2025: November 1, 2025
Spring 2026: February 16, 2026 Want Want Want to to to Write Write Write forUs? forUs? forUs?
