Lady Laws: Thank You Notes

Hey Guys, whether it’s a gift, an interview, or simply a note to show your gratitude for a lovely evening, there’s something to be said about taking the time to write a kind word or two. And I don’t mean via text.

Let’s face it—we live in a digital world where people communicate in 140-characters or less and are constantly emailing and texting. The stream for communication is non-stop and instant, which is why discovering a hand-written note in your mailbox is such a refreshing surprise. When it comes to sending a hand-written letter of thanks, there are a few things you should know:

Crafting the Perfect Thank You Note 

1. Use a nice pen. Forget pencil, or a run-of-the-mill ballpoint—instead, use a luxurious fountain pen or felt point pen when sending thanks.

2. Pick the right paper. It’s been said that the weight of the paper is reflective of how important something is… Now I’m not telling you to send a stone tablet, but a card or piece of stationary that has some weight to it is a very nice touch. If you’re looking to send thank yous without breaking the bank, remember that you can always make your own using some watercolor paper, glitter, and a nice stamp.

3. Writing the letter. If you don’t have a lot to say—increase your font size—you don’t want it to look like you have nothing to say. Also, always reference what you are giving thanks for and how it will be used or appreciated. And if someone sends you money, do not say “Thanks for the cash!” Rather you should tell them what you are going to use the funds for such as a big ticket item like a new computer or a trip.


To Send or Not to Send

            Gift: A gift should always be acknowledged in a hand-written note. The only exception is if a close family member or friend gives you a gift in-person and you thank them on the spot, then a thank you note isn’t necessary—although it is a nice touch!

            Interview: If you’ve read my blog on interview etiquette then you might already know this: Always, always send a thank you note after an interview. Pop it in the mail the second your interview is over. This is an easy way to show you are an on-the-ball candidate with excellent manners.

            Host: If you were invited to a lovely dinner party, it’s best to show your appreciation before you leave by saying thank you or you can bring a small hostess gift to the gathering as well. However, if you are a houseguest, I suggest dropping a note in the mail to say thank you to your host for opening up their home to you. 


According to Emily Post, in most cases, it’s best to send a thank you note within two to three months of receipt of the gift…or the sooner the better.



Do you send thank you notes? Also, what other etiquette questions do you have for me?

 Leave them in the comments below.



XO Tatum

Get Fit: Surviving The Munchies

           Get Fit: Surviving The Munchies 

Hey guys, if  your like me you want your metabolism pumping!!!! In a study it showed it you ate three meduim sized meals a day with three snacks you will burn more fat so, instead of starving yourself between each meal, have a nutritious snack. It will help get your metabolism pumping and your body burning calories too.

Instead of those chips and pre-made snack packs, opt for one of my favorite healthy snack suggestions:

Grapes & Grahams: Take one graham cracker and split it into two squares. Spread each square with a light layer of cream cheese. Then sprinkle eight halved grapes over the top. It sounds strange, but it's so delicious!

Pear/Apple & String Cheese: To curb your sugar cravings, have a piece of fruit with a side of cheesy protein (my favorite type of protein). Cheese is packed with calcium and according to good old Everyday Health, calcium "can help adjust your body's fat-burning machinery."?

Greek Yogurt: Have a cup of Greek yogurt. If it's plain, drizzle a little agave nectar over it and top it off with a few berries or slivered almonds. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which will keep you feeling full. Plus it has a lot of calcium too!

Hummus & Veggies: This is my favorite snack. The hummus is made from chickpeas, which is rich in protein and fiber. It's low fat and filling. Perfection!

What's your favorite snack?

Upload and submit a photo of your favorite healthy snack with a caption explaining the ingredients. I'll feature my favorite submissions in a follow up post!

xoxo, Tatum

In the Kitchen: Breakfast Smoothie

Hey Guys, today I have a new series In the Kitchen!!!!! Here is the first recipe A Breakfast Smoothie.

ingredients

• 2 cups Raspberries
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice from fresh lemons
• 2 cups Orange Juice
• 3 tablespoons Kesella/yogurt

directions

1. Mix the raspberries in 30 seconds
2. Add orangejuice and the Kesella
3. Add the honey and Lemon juice
4. Finish!!

OOTD 1-6-13

OOTD 1-6-13

Hey guys, I'm back with another OOTD!!!! Today my outfit was seaside chic. 

Pink Jeans: J. Crew $125 witch are expensive but they are $50 for limited time

                                                        

Shirt: J. Crew KEEPER CHAMBRAY SHIRT $78

                                         

Sunglasses: J. CREW KIDS $80

Shoes: SPERRY Women's Emma Flat $110 

 

Lady Laws: Airplane Etiquette

Lady Laws: Airplane Etiquette

Hey Guys,while flying comes second nature to me (I fly to once every two months or more), I've learned my fair share of travel tips and mid-air manners for life at 30,000 feet. Today, I am going to dish my tips on in-flight etiquette. According to a recent study, half of airplane travelers surveyed are most annoyed by: 1. Fellow passenger's poor hygiene, 2. Kicking the back of airplane seats, and 3. Deplaning before those seated in front of you. While I'm sure all of you have lovely up-in-the-air etiquette, I thought it might be nice to go over the basics. So think of this as your "go graceful" travelers guide...

1. Carry low & light.
 If possible, check your bags. If you do carry-on, hold your bag low so as not to knock your neighbors as you make your way to your seat.
2. Use your overhead
. Real estate is valuable on an airplane, so pack your goodies into the overhead compartment that correlates with your seat. I cannot tell you how many times I have spotted people jamming their things into the compartments toward the front of the plane (far away from their seats). Now what do all those people at the front of the plane do? Simply put, be courteous.
3. Sprawl slowly.
 Only recline once the crew has stated that it is safe to do so. When you do recline, do it slowly. No need to surprise the person sitting behind you with a quick jolt.
4. Get over grabbing.
 Try your best not to grab the headrest of the seat in front of you as your make your way to and from your spot. It's annoying, isn't it?
5. The armrest debate.
 There are a few ways to deal if you find yourself in the center seat: A) You share with your neighbors, B) You claim one right off the bat, C) Hopefully the two end seats will feel bad for you (you know, since you're "stuck in the middle"?) and just let you have both of them.
6. Chatty Cathy and Silent Susie
. Depending on who you end up next to, be sure to navigate such encounters with grace. If you are too tired to chat or too anxious not to, take a clue from (or give one to) your neighbor.
7. Smells & stinks.
 Be mindful and don't bring smelly food onto the plane such as fast food, stinky garlic hummus or sticky buns etc. Also, don't wear perfume or lotions that are particularly overpowering either. Your fellow travellers will thank you!
8. Turn it down.
 While that new Ellie Goulding remix may be amazing, you don't need to share it with the rest of the plane. Remember that other passengers can often hear what you're listening to on your headphones if they're blasting.
9. Bring your own books (or entertainment).
 How creepy is it when you realize lazy Larry hasn't been sleeping the past 3 hours...instead, you realize, he's been reading The Hunger Games with you! No thank you.
10. Don't be a diva (or a drunk).
 Remember, everyone is in the same boat–err, plane–so act accordingly. Things might not go your way, but it's important to behave and be as lovely as possible. I like to think a Zen-like attitude will influence those around me.

Speaking of flying, if you could visit 3 locations (anywhere in the world) where would you go?

If you have any other frequent flyer pet peeves to air or suggestions to share, tell me in comments below. 

My very late New Year's Resolution

My very late New Year's Resolution 

1. Give up soda

2. Do well in school

3. Stop putting off things

4. Go to New York 

5. Be more active ( more than 3 times a week )

Comment below on your New Year's Resolution

OOTD: 1-5-13

Hey guys this is my first OOTD!!!!!!!! But first I would like to share some awsome news im getting a Etsy shop selling tutus and other cute boutique items comment any thing else I should sell, also I'm getting a overdue youtube channel. I also have Pinterest account so here is the link http://pinterest.com/taytay711110/. 

This is what I wore today!!!!

Striped shirt: J. Crew $38.00 but this is a girls shirt but there is similar shirts for women

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch normaly $78 but on sale for $39, these are pretty price but worth it

                                          Hunter Rain Boots: $135