100 Ways to be Elegant (without depending on a label) 1. Send thank you notes, always and to everyone. 2. Practice good posture 3. Speak more softly 4. Listen without interrupting 5. Wear solid colors 6. Ignore fads, or use them sparingly 7. Have a signature wine that you serve at home 8. Wear only 2-3 accessories 9. Have impeccable manners 10. Read on a variety of topics 11. Maintain a budget 12. Study the arts 13. Have one signature perfume/cologne 14. Show restraint in expressing anger 15. Learn the art of conversation 16. Learn French 17. Wear a trench coat 18. Learn how to wear a scarf 19. Wear a tuxedo, when one is called for 20. Practice quality over quantity 21. Don’t yell or scream 22. Learn to dance the waltz 23. Have one fabulous signature meal you serve guests 24. Remember birthdays 25. Go on picnics 26. Wear dresses/suits more often, and on dates 27. Simplify your life, your home and your calendar 28. Wear pearls 29. Open the door for ladies 30. Let him open the door for you 31. Remember that it’s more important to be kind than it is to be right 32. Serve coffee or tea after meals 33. Arrive exactly on time 34. Don’t complain 35. Dress to travel 36. Be well travelled 37. If you’re a women, don’t wear black shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day…wear spectator pumps instead 38. Keep your home clean and uncluttered 39. When guests stay over, put a small pitcher and glass for water on their nightstand, along with a book they might enjoy 40. Learn how to host a small dinner party 41. Have one subdued solid color scheme throughout your home, use accessories to add color 42. Learn how to make the perfect martini 43. Learn how to tie both a regular tie and a bow tie (whether you’re a man or a woman) 44. Be a lady or a gentleman at work, especially when delivering a difficult message or when tempers flare 45. Wear lovely/handsome hats 46. Don’t point out the mistakes of others 47. Wait your turn patiently 48. Don’t curse 49. Chew each bite 20 times 50. Sip your drink 51. Learn proper etiquette for all situations 52. Accept compliments graciously 53. Be quietly self confident 54. Don’t boast 55. Be respectful of others 56. Have fresh flowers in your home 57. Write a letter rather than send an email to those you love 58. Keep your nails well manicured 59. Maintain your shoes and clothing 60. Don’t ever lose your joie de vivre 61. Be well groomed 62. Remember that money does not equal elegance, nor is it necessary to be elegant 63. Wear less make-up 64. Wear well-fitting clothes 65. Spray lavender on your sheets 66. Be positive 67. Learn to politely say no 68. Be concerned with making others feel comfortable 69. Maintain good health 70. Don’t overindulge 71. Hold yourself to high standards 72. Turn your mobile off at dinner PLEASE 73. Wear simple, classic hairstyles 74. Think before you speak or act. Ask yourself, can anything good come from this? 75. Apologize quickly and sincerely 76. Have integrity, even when no one is looking. 77. Don’t speak ill of others, or gossip 78. Always take a gift to your host or hostess 79. Tie a scarf on your handbag 80. Take a clutch in the evening 81. Wear well fitting jeans with either a long sleeve white shirt or solid sweater for more casual events 82. Only wear sneakers for exercise 83. Use white sheets, white towels, white dishes 84. Be sure your clothes are pressed 85. Your car’s horn should say “pardon me, but do you see me?”, rather than “get out of my way!” 86. Overdo empathy 87. Light candles in your home 88. Go for walks in the park on Sunday 89. Give others sincere compliments 90. Understand your own worth 91. Learn how to open a bottle of champagne 92. Dress appropriately for the occasion 93. Do small favors for others, without expecting anything in return 94. Say please and thank you 95. Take the time to stop and listen to others, especially children 96. Take responsibility for yourself and your own happiness 97. Keep a journal 98. Give thoughtful gifts, rather than expensive ones 99. Less is more 100. Savor the moment

munchkinboq:

I love new years. I love the fact that I’ll be leaving a whole year behind me, no matter if it was good, bad, or average. I like that kind of closure. I love this feeling of starting over again and having a fresh year ahead of me, filled with new chances, new experiences.