The Classy Woman

  1. Candle  //   2. Jewelry Box  //   3. Lipstick  //   4. Pave Bracelet 5. Chevron Mug  //   6. Perfume  //   7. Crossbody bag Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? In our home we try as often as possible to send each other little notes of appreciation and/or pick up something small that we see while out and about that we think the other would like, usually something practical and useful. The other day hubby surprised me with two of my favorite cookies from the bakery dept. of Whole Foods Market while he was grocery shopping. It's those thoughtful little things that show one another that we care and we certainly don't reserve it for just one day. For Valentine's Day, we definitely don't go all-out. We typically enjoy a meal out together either a day before or after Feb.14th to avoid the restaurant craziness which makes for a much more intimate experience. From time to time we'll get each other a little something special when ou...

When I first thought of today's topic it brought to my remembrance a memorable scene from the movie Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts (Vivian) asks the hotel manager for a  lesson in table etiquette as she wasn't sure which fork to use and when. Minutes later in the movie while at an upscale restaurant while attending as a guest alongside Richard Gere (Edward), she's presented with food she isn't sure how to handle such as escargot, wishing for a regular salad as an appetizer stating "that's the fork I knew!". All joking aside, when dining out or in someone's home for a more formal meal, it is important to know which fork is used and when, also which type of fork goes with what. This will be the beginning of a series of posts to familiarize you with various table setting components. In the coming weeks we'll also explore the proper way to eat some tricky foods. At home, there is generally not much confusion between forks. We know that the larger fork...

Does anyone else have saving more money or growing their savings account on their list of things to do for 2014? When I was just barely into my 20's, one of the smartest pieces of advice I received came from my father. He told me that he wished someone had told him to save money when he was my age, because as we know, the earlier we start contributing to our future and retirement, the more that money will compound and the the greater the amount will essentially be. I took him up on his advice and am so grateful I did. I was blessed to land a great job straight out of College which allowed me to take advantage of saving even though I had several bills to pay while living on my own. The first thing I did was make sure that a specific amount was automatically set up to come out of my paycheck total every two weeks. One of the things I try to do now, and I think it's a great way to help grow one's savings account is to transfer money between bank accounts . It works best of co...

Today's post is short and to the point, the way an apology should be. If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you need to say "I'm sorry" and wondered if you said enough or not enough, given the circumstances, here are some quick tips on how to apologize and say I'm sorry with class. The suggestions below are for a more formal apology, which is a bit different than apologizing to your husband, child or best friend. 1. Apologize in a Timely Manner - Even though a lady always strives to be pleasant, kind, cordial and considerate of others, she is only human and makes mistakes on occasion. It is important that an apology be made immediately upon realizing the error of her ways and not allow time to create further upset. 2. Make Eye Contact- As with all conversations, especially with an apology and to show sincerity, it is important to make direct eye contact (when speaking to someone in person vs. over the phone) and humbly apologize for what has take...

Even in today's more causal society, making an introduction is an important tradition and social grace. There is no worse feeling than being in the company of a friend or significant other while they bump into someone they know or while mingling at a party and you are left on the sidelines to introduce yourself. In the case of a date or relationship, the choice for them not to introduce you raises a few questions: Are they unsure where the relationship is headed? Do they not want to share too much information with others too soon into a relationship? OR Do they just lack civility and good manners? It's always best to make introductions from the beginning of meeting another person. Depending on age, gender and relationship there are a few aspects that will affect how you do introduce one person to another. Below are some guidelines. 1. Age before Gender: The younger person present is always introduced to the older person present. It shows a level of respect and regard for the e...

As I mentioned in this post the other day, today marks my 5th year blogging which is a bit mind boggling! I've enjoyed every moment of it and so glad you all have joined along for the ride. I'm keeping things short and sweet, I'm going to celebrate as I do every year with a cupcake from my favorite local shop. :) Just for fun, in honor of my five years, here are 5 things you may not know about me: 1. I've traveled to 25 countries, nearly all of them within the past 7 years with my world-traveler hubby. My two favorites are Paris and Santorini. 2. Several years ago, I used to model hair and makeup for a QVC-like show in Toronto called The Shopping Channel. (TSC) At the time I worked part-time as a server at a high-end steak house while modeling and actually was recognized by a patron. ;) 3. I used to be a Certified Personal FitnessTrainer. Optimal health is a huge passion and of mine. 4. I met my husband online while living in Canada via ChristianCafe.com. We were enga...

Once Jan.1st hits the gyms become packed, people buy a brand new pair of running shoes to kick off the start of a new program and no new workout commitment would be complete without the introduction of some new workout gear. There's something about the investment of all that newness (although not essential) that makes one feel ready to tackle their fitness goals. You might as well look good while sculpting a brand new body, right? A classy woman puts her best effort into all that she does including how she presents herself to the world in her daily work life, time spent out on the town, at home as well as in the gym. While it's not essential to have a new workout wardrobe (and in some cases these may be items that don't fit into your current budget), it is essential to look put together instead of frumpy using what you already own. Too many times I've seen women working out in what appears to be their man's sweats. They look to be about 2 sizes too big (perhaps an a...

On Sunday the 12th I will be celebrating 5 years of blogging. People say this all the time upon reflecting over a stretch of time in their life but now I'm the one asking, "Where did the time go?" It truly did zoom by but then again doesn't time fly when you're having fun? Some begin a blog as a hobby, others to document their family life and daily adventures, DIY home projects, a journey they are experiencing, as a travel diary, there are so many reasons to start a blog. For me, this blog was born out of a passion to educate, inspire, communicate with other like-minded individuals who are committed to personal growth and encourage others to live their best life, regardless of upbringing and financial status. I feel the same way today as I did when I began, I've just learned a few more lessons along the way. The truth is many days this blog is writing me as much as I'm writing it. The very post where I share insight and pray it will bless someone else ofte...

Do you use Instagram? I do! Actually, I set up an account over a year ago and then suddenly one day after an iPhone update, I was no longer able to post my images anymore. After fiddling around with it, I was able to post some photos a month ago but without captions and I wasn't able to reply to anyone's comments on my own or others' profiles which was really frustrating.  Miraculously, it began working again yesterday so I've begun posting pics. I created a backup account in my own name just in case this one goes on the fritz again but it looks like it's good to go now.  Sooo, if you'd like to follow along and see what inspires me or take a peek at some candid shots of my day-to-day life and moments with our sweetie pea Lily, come on over and join me. You can click {this link} to take you to the page or find me @TheClassyWoman.  I hope to see you there! Thanks for Reading! XO

One of the trickiest things to manage graciously while being caught off guard is a drop-in visitor. You know the ones who show up uninvited and unannounced? It typically takes place at a time that is completely inconvenient, when your home is the least presentable or when you're dressed in a nightgown while relaxing at home or are otherwise engaged. Now, I'm all for fun surprises and I love my friends and family dearly but I find myself in this situation from time to time and it's sometimes a bit awkward. There are basically two choices, let them in after you become decent/drop what you're doing or find a clever and gracious way to let them know you're unavailable. Technically there are three, because you could just simply not answer the door at all and pretend as though you aren't home (which if you are sick, may be a good option) however, I personally prefer not to lie or pretend and just face whomever arrives.The key is to do what feels best to you and respon...

Hi There and Happy 2014!! I hope you all had a fabulous New Year's Eve and are starting today off in a way that will help shape your year with the goals and dreams you have in mind or at least relaxing with a favorite hot beverage and favorite book or magazine in hand. :) Yesterday was special because like our first Christmas spent as a family of three, it was Lily's first NYE but our little party animal was asleep before the count of 5..4..3..2..1. If you visited our Facebook community today you saw a peek into our evening, you can see a few family pics  here . The beautiful thing about the new year is it offers a fresh start, a 'reset' button if you will. Whatever happened last year, the circumstances thrown your way or the decisions you would have made differently, we have another chance to "get it right". I'm a big believer that our thoughts shape our world and in the spirit of creating a more positive life for ourselves (and because I'm also a lo...