Be Unique with Style & Grace...

To be Unique with Style & Grace...
in other words:
U B U, I B ME...
(You be You, I Be Me)

NeeCee

I am not an expert...on exercise or style...but I know what works for ME....
That's all we need to do:  Find what works for YOU!

In this world, what works for YOU... should be YOUR STYLE!

We should practice OUR independence & STRIVE to be individuals!

That's what makes Us UNIQUE!
Just be happy with WHO and WHAT we are.  And WHERE we are at in this life. There are so many stages life brings...so we need to just accept WHO we are at this moment! And Work on WHAT we should change to improve OUR health!
Being Healthy & Happy lets you enjoy being YOU!
"Uniquely YOU"

So, That's what I have been doing...
Slowly getting back into my normal routine since Dad passed. After taking care of Dad the last couple of years, I must relearn to make time (and take care) of myself. 
I think its natural to Start & Stop any, diet, exercise, new routine or changing an old habit...BUT the KEY...is to BEGIN AGAIN!
SO That being said....
I am Beginning Again....after the Head Bang on the Car Door, the Fall Down the Stairs (see my previous workout post here)...I started in on my exercise program again...THEN....I Slashed my HAND open with a Knife!

*(I waited several days before I took a photo & did a little photo touch up! TOO NASTY...didn't want to gross you out! Haha)
It was gashed open PRETTY DARN good! I probably should have had stitches, several stitches....BUT....1. I had butterfly bandages, 2. I had company for the weekend, 3. it was Saturday & didn't want to go to the ER, besides.... 4. I didn't have time...we had things to do and places to go! 
So Hubby and I did our own medical treatment....IT WORKED!
 Plus I had pain pills on hand! Yeah!

Needless to say....My workouts were put on hold! BUT I did stay on my Healthier diet... so my LENT Vow was NOT (completely) broken! 
URG!!! :S

Yummy...Fresh Cajun Salmon & veggies for Lunch!

I did loose more weight (another 4 lbs) and I am now back into my exercise routine.
Hence, NO more beating myself with worry about best laid plans for work outs, etc.
Being Clutzy and Out of comission WAS OUT of MY CONTROL!
So I am Going with & sticking to my MOTTO:
UBU IB ME!

Me & Dad

"We are not defined by Age, Beauty or Fitness...

We are admired for being Unique with Style & Grace!" @NeeCee

Will you... 

JOIN my Challenge to be 
"UNIQUE with STYLE & GRACE"...

Love Life, Be Unique with Style & Grace...

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Cell & Land Line Phone Etiquette....

*Several requests for this topic have been requested. This post first appeared last year.

Land Line & Cell Phone Etiquette....

Use your Manners while using the Phone...

Rudeness and lack of consideration has crept into our everyday lives. 

This happens on "BOTH" ends of the phone. 

Whether it is a land line or mobile phone!

When using phone etiquette, just use the "Golden Rule", 
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you....

Simple Rules for Phone Manners:

Check the number you are calling before you dial. 

If you call a wrong number, apologize politely. 

If you received a wrong number call, explain politely they have called

 a wrong number.

Give people enough time to answer the phone...they may be busy too!

 Leave them a polite message on their voice mail, if you need a returned call.

A short concise message with your phone number is all that's needed.

 

Don't make a call if you don't have the time to talk. If you need to be quick,

 state it up front! Ask if it is convenient to talk now. Ask if you are

 interrupting anything? Let them know... "they" may call you back at a more convenient time.

If "they" say they have a "moment"...keep it short. Ask them to call "you" 

back

if you need more talk time! If you say you will call back....CALL BACK!

When "YOU" call someone don't ask them "wait" while you "do" something else....unless there is an emergency! The same goes for when you "answer"

 the phone.

Talk clear and concise on the phone. Loud enough to be heard. But...not 

so loud that everyone KNOWS your personal business. Everyone has enough worries in their life without hearing YOURS!

Always say; Hello, Please, Thank You and Goodbye! Always identify whom is

 speaking. Even though, "they" may have "caller id",... it doesn't mean they

 know "who" is on the phone.

Be an attentive listener! It is hard to have a conversation with someone who 

doesn't practice this art...what is good for one, is good for all.

Haven't we all had this caller: "Yackey-Yack-Yack, all about ME, and then doesn't listen too YOU"! It makes you not want to answer their next phone call!) 

Use common courtesy at all times.

Use the person's name when you talk, especially when thanking them etc. 

Just like you would in person.

If "bad" news needs to be delivered, if at all possible deliver it in person.

Answer your phone promptly or return the caller's phone call promptly.

Never be too busy to be nice and polite. Being pleasant usually works best. 

If you have rude caller and they won't listen...hang up after you inform them

 you're doing so....

If you have company, let the caller know that you must be brief. And, that 

you will return their phone call at a later time.

If you take a phone message, do so clearly with the name and phone number.

 Make sure the right person gets the message. 

Always return your calls in a timely manner.

Try to let the caller end the phone call first. Unless... you have a caller that

 continues on and on, over and over...then excuse yourself from the call.


Children should not answer the phone unless properly instructed in phone 

etiquette. Especially business calls...


If you answer or call from someone else's phone... always identify who is 

answering or calling.


Phone calls in general should never be made before 7:00am or after 9:00pm 

(I prefer 8:00pm for my household. That is our relax and sit back time.)

 Unless otherwise prearranged. Always try to avoid mealtimes.

If you are a solicitor calling, phone etiquette is a MUST. Do you want to be

 called at home by a rude solicitor? I think NOT. Do unto others...

NEVER eat while talking on the PHONE!

If you have more than one extension on your home number:
If you answer the phone on one extension, and alert another person they

 have a phone call...when they pick up the other extension, carefully and

quickly hang up your extension. It is EXTREMELY rude to listen in on a 

 conversation that is NOT yours!

It is also extremely rude to be LISTENING on an extension to an incoming 

phone call THAT you have not answered. 

 You NEVER listen in on someone's personal phone call. 

If you pick up the phone announce that you are joining the conversation.

 

 There is no apology for that kind of behavior! It is never acceptable!

 (*It also causes unnecessary background noise, which is also rude. 

Rudeness can be avoided, just like many accidents.) 


Keep your general phone calls to a minimum so as not to interfere with 

other people's daily routine's or schedules. 

Make business calls well before the end of the business day. Unless you

 have a prearranged appointment.

These are few cell phone rules in addition to the above information....

When in public places, put your phone on silent or vibrate.

 If you forget, do so immediately when it rings, beeps....etc. 

Events such as; Movies, Weddings, Graduations, Dining, Funerals, 

Business meetings, Party's....get the idea?

 Same goes for texting....just kick in the common sense and courtesy.

Excuse yourself from the table or room if you need to answer or make a 

phone call. (*Keep in mind there may be reasons for people not excusing themselves...one of them is physical handicaps, seen or not seen.

 It may not always be easy to get "up!" They, also should use their 

common sense & courtesy at the table. And so should YOU!)

 Today, because of mobile phones, people are able to conduct business

 just about anywhere. Being polite needs to be used on both sides of the 

fence! 

Games on the phone are for waiting rooms....not the dinner table. 

 Although, it can be a great tool for a bored child at dinner,

 but NEVER an adult.

If you are talking on a cell phone and you are with another person,

 such as in a store, keep walking. If you can walk and chew gum...

you can walk and talk!

In California (and some other States) you now have restrictions about talking 

and holding the phone while driving. Newer cars have sync systems that

 connect your phone to the vehicle's stereo system, making hands free calls 

simple. There are also ear pieces and portable systems that do the same. 

When receiving a phone call from a cell phone user, you may hear traffic noise, a faint or tin can sound in their voice. This is NOT the callers fault. 

It has to do with the technology. If you can't hear them,

 it is YOUR responsibility to inform them. Otherwise, how will they know?

 Also keep in mind that this technology is not perfect.

 If you can't hear someone, say you will call back.

 Don't be ignorant and blame them! Use you manners!

When on your speaker phone or the speakers in your vehicle WITH passengers...

ALERT the person on the other end that THEY are being heard by ALL! 

Dropped calls occur often. These are not the callers fault. 

Lots of things cause this to happen. USE your patience and COMMON sense.

And... LAST but not LEAST....

Whether you are on a land line or a cell....make sure you END your

 phone call. BEFORE... you STUPIDLY do something! Like... 

TALK about the person you THOUGHT you hung up with! 

This has happened to us, and "others" that we know! 

 ***This happens sometimes when a caller gets a text or email while

 ending the phone call. You CANNOT end the call until the other person 

hangs up THEIR phone OR about 10-20 minutes pass and the vehicle finally disconnects the original call. Then it's TOO LATE,

 they have HEARD EVERYTHING you've said!

"BEEN THERE, DONE THAT...DON"T WANT TO GO THERE AGAIN!" 

(And,... "that" can cause another "whole set" of problems....BOY HOWDY!)

 Ignorance is NOT Bliss, when you use BAD MANNERS!

I may have missed a few rules of etiquette. But, this covers quite a few. 

But, it all boils down to using common courtesy 24-7-365!    

As Always Be Gracious & Kind with Style...

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A Toast to the New Year...

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR...2012

Here are a few New Year's Toasts & Blessings
 for your use and enjoyment:

Irish Toast:

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.

Martin Luther:

Glory to God in highest heaven,

Who unto man His Son hath given;

While Angels sing with tender mirth,

A glad new year to all the earth

Benjamin Franklin:

Be always at war with your vices, 

At peace with your neighbors,

and let each New Year find you a better man.

William Arthur Ward:

This bright new year is given to me

To live each day with zest

To daily grow and try to be

my highest and my best!

Vern McLellan:

What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.

Ring in the New Year with Style...

*All photos were courtesy of Pinterest

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Using Healthy Manners...

We are all so busy with our daily lives and work! We can't afford to get SICK! If you are like me, I try to not physically cringe when someone is sick around me. Nothing against them, I just don't want or have the time to be sick!

Since the weather has changed so quickly, I thought a reminder of "Healthy Manners" would be appropriate. Everyday we encounter germs from someone or something! 

First things first, we all need to be responsible for ourselves and our family. Make some room on your calendar for yearly shots and Doctor's appointments if needed. Keep the first aid drawer stocked with supplies; for cold, flu, aches and pains. Make sure the heating pad, ice bags, thermometers, etc., are ready and waiting (hopefully not used). 

It doesn't hurt to have a few quick comfort foods and drinks on hand either. Your favorite cans of soup or stews, crackers, etc.
 Drinks; water, ginger ale, tea's, even hot chocolate. :)
 What ever foods make you feel good when your sick.
Always BOOST your immunity!

That being said, lets go on to "Healthy Manners":


1. Always WASH your HANDS! This is the easiest and best thing we can do for ourselves and others. It is always proper etiquette to wash your hands after bathroom use, and before and after eating.  In public places such as; hospitals, doctor and dentist offices, schools and churches, washing your hands is also necessary.   
Just about anywhere you go, 24/7/365, there are germs. You never know if someone is sick or other harmful germs are lurking about. Door handles, shopping carts, you name it, germs everywhere! 
I carry handi-wipes in my purse, have for years. Some stores are now providing wet-wipes near the shopping carts! That is wonderful! 
BRAVO for THEM!

2. Upon sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose properly. Meaning; NOT with your HAND! The proper way to handle this (and this is acceptable) is to turn your head to the right into your shoulder. OR cough or sneeze into your crooked elbow. 
You don't want to use your hand, you may have to shake hands later! 
Ew-wee, Smoo-ee! YUCK!
When you sneeze or even cough, excuse yourself and blow your nose. Then wash your hands, after disposing the tissue in the garbage. No one should hear you trying to breath through an open mouth or stuffy nose!

3. Breath through your nose as much as you can. Your nose was designed to FILTER out GERMS. You will stay healthier. Breathing through your nose is also good for your mouth and teeth too, keeping them healthier, as well! 

4. Kisses! Some people love to kiss you hello and goodbye. And that is fine. In some countries, a kiss on the cheek is a sign of respect. Expected even.
But if you are the kisser; closed lips, cheeks are best, and NEVER if you are SICK. 
If you are the receiver, there is nothing wrong with slightly turning your head and presenting your cheek. If you are SICK, it is your responsibility to inform the kisser.
The preference is YOURS how (or IF) you receive the kiss. 
No one should ever be offended when offering a "kiss of friendship," 
it should always be the receivers choice.  
And, finally, KISSING is usually reserved for people who know each other well!

5. Shaking hands with another is always proper etiquette and pretty much expected in the business world. You should always offer a handshake. 
*Note: There are some proper medical excuses that should be understood and need never explained. "If you have pain, refrain." Having a diagnosis of arthritis (3 types), I understand. There are times when I can't stand the thought of shaking hands. Just the thought of it makes me cringe with pain. You never know another persons reasons, just accept it.
 So consider any options /reasons that may apply.
There are some people that excuse themselves from shaking hands with the reason that they are SICK! Well, I am sorry but if they are SICK or they think they are SICK, WHY ARE THEY NOT HOME! They should be at home, PERIOD!
If you are the receiver of a handshake and you are not sure if the other person is SICK then excuse yourself, and wash your hands.

6. Be DISCREET and act RESPONSIVELY. If you are sick, take extra measures to protect others from your germs. If you or your child is sick, STAY HOME. (*People will respect "that" decision)
Give yourself 24-48 hours to recoup from your illness. 
It's the right and polite thing to do! 
Use your best manners when you are sick. Period!

Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday with Style...

*Photo's are a product of pine creek style and google images

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It's the Season for Thank-you's!

While sitting in church several years ago, our Pastor commented on giving thanks.

Not only to God, but to the people around us, for being in our lives. This was around Thanksgiving and I thought this was a great idea.

photo by NeeCee

 So, I started a yearly tradition for myself. I make a small list, and send out thank you cards at Thanksgiving. I pick a hand full of people and write a small note to thank them for the difference they make in my life. Whether it be big or small, it all makes a difference. The response has been great.

 Sometimes, I wish I could be a little mouse in the corner. So I could see the question in their eyes regarding a thank you note arriving from nowhere. And the smile that follows when they read the thank-you note. 

I do love unexpected gestures of kindness! Who doesn't?

photo by NeeCee

 I have "surprised" a few people. They had no idea they made a difference, especially in MY life. I've even taken "it" a step further by writing letters to loved ones. Just to thank them for loving me and having a presence in my life. No matter if it was one day or years, big or small. I am so grateful to have done this in written form. Sometimes you can't quite say what or how you feel verbally. I know these have been well received, because I had a few long lasting hugs in return.

A few of these people have now passed away. So I am grateful to have shared my thoughts with them..."sooner because there was NO later". 

Giving Thanks is always appreciated. That's why WE need to do it more often. It's the right thing to do.

 Below is a list of (just a few) when to send to send a Thank You note:

Starting with gifts first, since the season is rapidly upon us. 

Gifts:

All gifts should be acknowledged with a verbal thank you if the giver is present.

A written Thank you should be sent within the week of receiving said gift. This pertains to any gift given for any occasion throughout the year. 

(Including wine & alcohol, food baskets, housewarming gifts....)

A lot of people say an immediate verbal thank you is sufficient. Today it is more acceptable, but it's still nice to receive a hand written thank you. Within your immediate family, this practice should be fine. Unless you're teaching children about sending thank-yous, then it would be a great way to teach them. 

Loved this Thank-you...found it on google images.

Only my kids would put $40.00 in the bank! I was tough! But then again, they never received anywhere near that amount! LOL

I always taught my children, if the gift was money, to explain how the money was going to be used. The grandparents and great-grandparents loved to know that some of the money would go into their savings accounts.

photo by NeeCee

Dinners or Parties:

A handwritten note to the host or hostess is a wonderful gesture on thanks and appreciation. These should be sent the day after the dinner/party. It is also proper to thank them verbally that evening or the next day by telephone. An email or text is also acceptable the next day. A handwritten note must still be sent.

photo by NeeCee

Flowers:

If you receive flowers a formal thank you is not necessary. However, a phone call or an email is always appreciated and a thoughtful gesture.

Job Interviews:

A thank you note, handwritten, is proper protocol following an interview. This is part of your first impression and sometimes crucial to the interview process. Make sure you take or ask for a business card after the first interview. You'll want to make sure you have the correct spelling of their name and address. Make sure to double check your grammar before sending the thank you card.

Wedding/Baby Showers:

Handwritten thank you cards are the most suitable way to express your sincere thoughts. Thank your guests for attending the event and mention the gift and/or use of said gift. Send them within a timely manner.

*I was so impressed with a Bride recently that I thanked her. She sent her thank yous out "within" a month of the wedding. 

There have been some, I have never received!

Hand-Me-Downs:

Big ticket items are best acknowledged with a handwritten thank you note. 

Smaller items, an email is sufficient. It is a kind gesture to thank them for your generosity.

Helping Hands:

Anyone who helps you with something; moving, painting, special yard work , etc. deserves a handwritten thank you. Driving you to the store or appointment, etc., an email in the form of a thank you will suffice. 

It's the season for Giving Thanks with Style...

To all of my members and followers for loving my blog...

May you have a blessed HOLIDAY SEASON...NeeCee

**All photo's belong to Pine Creek Style & some were found on Google Images.

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It's time to R.S.V. P...

Lady's and Gent's....It is that time of year for Invitation's to start arriving. We have all gotten the "RSVP" invitation. The problem is, NOT everyone responds. Leaving the host & hostess in a quandary! The first dilemma is trying to plan around an undetermined number of people, which leads to preparation and buying of food, drinks, party supplies. and more.

* Did you know that over 80 percent of personal invitations never respond!

"Your Host deserves the respect of a response."

It is the Host's responsibility to clearly inform their guests of ALL the information regarding the upcoming party. It is then the Guest's responsibility to R.S.V.P. in a timely manner. 

*Accepting social invitations should never be a chore. It's really a compliment to be invited to someones home or event. 

Just by receiving the invitation, it says they would love to have you present.

We have all been on both sides of this Party-Fence. So, since we All have been there, remember to be considerate of your Host's & 

Guest's when it comes to R.S.V.P.'s.

There are many forms of RSVP's; Regrets Only (simple & easy), Please Reply, RSVP (Respodes s'll voius plait, French form), Please respond by _____ (date), etc. 

A Guide for Basic RSVP Rules:

1. An RSVP should be answered with in 24-48 hours of receiving the request.

(Many invitations now include an "End Date" for responses, 

this may also be your guide.) 

2. Regarding multiple same date invitations: Proper etiquette dictates that the first invitation received is responded to as Accepted and all other/s are Declined.

3. Immediately mark the date "saved", on your personal/business calendars.

Inform anyone in your household or guest to do the same.

4. If you must divide your time between two events, please do so respectfully.

Give both events your undivided attention and gracefully explain WHY you must leave early or arrive later, beforehand. Not really recommend to do this, but some circumstances do apply. Use your BEST judgement.

5. On E-vites, (emails invitations). Make sure you respond responsibly. They may have a responder attached to notify the sender that you opened the correspondence. Therefore a timely response is mandatory. This invitation deserves the same respect as a written invitation, and so does your Host.

6. If you must decline an invitation, do so with respect. Treat other's as you would like to be treated. Don't let a poor excuse catch you in a lie. Be honest with your reasons why you can't attend. 
A good rule is; "Less is More".

Above: Probably a response card sent from a frustrated Host!!!
~~~

In any case you MUST respond, it is the polite thing to do! 

You never want to appear inconsiderate or rude.

Common Courtesy & RSVP's are Always in Style......

"Happy Holiday's to You"
**All photo's belong to Google Images or Pine Creek Style by NeeCee

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