Thursday, July 28, 2016

Handwritten Letters - Still Important

I realize posting an online blog piece on written letters is a littler ridiculous but I hope you will be encouraged to pick up a pen the next time you want to reach out to someone. 

Write Just Because  - Consider writing a letter for no reason at all. And think about how positively you will impact the receiver! You may even find you actually like writing about the everyday - reflecting on small daily pleasures like the sunshine from the window that wakes you up in the morning and successfully fixing that leaky faucet. Just sharing your experiences and concern for others shows you care about keeping them informed and close to you. 

Clearly Communicate - I am the biggest offender in this but when you write, consider your penmanship. I know this is no longer taught in school but thoughtful handwriting shows you took time and you care about the letter you are writing. You take it more seriously than a grocery list. 

Personalized Stationary - Bring it back! It does not have to be expensive or fancy but just a notecard with your initials or name is like putting on your "Sunday best."  

Thank Profusely - You may frequently thank people for giving gifts but consider thanking people just for being themselves - you're coworker who always lends a hand, your children's teachers, doctors who have made an impact, etc. 

Bonus to Handwriting - Hand writing instead of texting/typing activates your brain to retain more information. You may find a better way to take notes at work - and remember more!


To dusting off those pens!

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Perfect Party Punch

Here are a few tips to make the perfect party punch for your next summer soirĂ©e. 

1) Stick to the old punch formula - "one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak."

2) Make the perfect garnish for your punch by freezing fruits or cucumbers or herbs into ice blocks. Immediately raises your punch game. I like to check out my local farmers market for good ideas. The farmers know their foods and how to pair them. For example check out your local Edible magazine for some good locations near you. @ediblehouston is my choice. 

3) White spirits like gin or vodka work best in summer punches as they are not overpowering. One of my new favorite punch additions is the Deep Eddy flavored vodkas like grapefruit or lemon for refreshing summer punches. 

4) Use quality ingredients. Just because it's going in a punch is no reason to skimp on quality. Guests will know the difference. 

5) Let your punch shine by using glass or crystal bowls for colorful punches or copper bowls for less colorful punches. 





Saturday, July 2, 2016

Beach Time Behavior

We are all heading out to beaches and lakes to celebrate this 4th of July. We have just a few tips for being a considerate beach goer or lake lounger. 

1) Beach Food
Make your food bite size so nothing gets wasted. Sand proof you food - use your ziplocs religiously. Smaller than containers and easily thrown away. Some may use coolers as the main place to congregate but the real pros will bring out the folding tables to bring it all up a notch. I love these tables from Sam'sClub. http://m.samsclub.com/ip/4-comm-adj-comm-grade-adj/prod8340198?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_Folding_Tables&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300000300481&adid=22222222628000000571&veh=sem. They come in different sizes and are very easy to tote (and useful for house parties with a quick tablecloth). 

2) Dunes & Don'ts
Keep glassware off the beach 
No boom boxes or super loud talking
Throw away your trash
Keep your dog on a leash
Secure your umbrellas
Refill any holes you dug
Don't feed the gulls
Use spf - a lot
Stay off the dunes

3) Beach Butts
Smoke if you must but keep it far from others and make sure smoke is not heading downstream to fellow sunbathers 

Now go enjoy the long weekend!