How to Avoid Akward Holiday Moments

I was recently invited to appear on ABC to share my advice on how to get through those awkward holiday moments. Check it out

Day of the Diva

Calling all Brides-to-be, Mother's of the Bride, Maid's/Matron's of Honor, Bridesmaids and anyone else that will be wrapped up and tied up with wedding planning in the near future!

Before you take another step you have got to get your Wedding Etiquette in check! Come meet me "The Etiquette Lady" Live and In Person at an awesome event just for you. It's the Day of the Diva Women's Expo & Bridal Showcase.

Sunday November 2, 2008
11:30 to 3:00 pm

Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa 71333 Dinah Shore Drive

Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

I'd love to meet you future Brides at the Day of the Diva Women's Expo and Bridal Show. I'll be the featured speaker. Join me as I dish my wedding etiquette tips along with:

From HGTV Design Star - Stephanie Cook 2008 finalist, Dr. Boogie stylist from "Shear Genius". There will be lots of free give-aways and one lucky bride will win a designer gown!

Admission is FREE!!!

Hang Up and Drive - Buick Enclave

I drove the Buick Enclave and WOW!!! What and awesome fit. I'ts super, super mom friendly. It gives you the feel of rinding in an SUV, but it's off the charts in luxury and features.

I had such a great experience with this vehicle I had to put it on tape.







Watch Part I of video on the Buick Enclave






Okay, you thought that was nice? Here's Part II

Eva Longoria - Fat or Pregnant?

Is is really any of our business this early in the game?

Weeks ago during and interview Le Grand Journal with her husband Tony Parker, Eva Longoria Parker was asked if the was pregnant. People are still wondering and still asking.

"I'm just fat" was her reply. Funny thing is I get it - celeb lives tend to be open for public inquires and scrutiny. But really though, this line of questioning is a bit gauche.

Okay, here's a great tip on womanhood: Most women prefer to wait until they've completed their first trimester before making their pregnancy public. Some choose to do this for all sorts of medical reasons. Oh and this includes civilians - not just celebrity women.

So don't be shocked when folks just evade the question or out right pull an Ashlee Simpson and plain ol' lie (I knew she was pregnant!). Women have their "personal" reasons for wanting to hold off.

Etiquette Expert Opinion: If you come across someone who looks a bit pregnant (as Mrs. Parker does in the photo above) and they haven't taken the liberty to share it with you YET then for the moment it's none of your business. Keep that question to yourself and let them tell the good news when they're good and ready.

Oh and my girly opinion? We just have to wait aand see!

Exquisite Weddings Magazine

Ever been asked to do the honors of a toast at a friend or family members wedding? Once asked, etiquette questions coming popping out everywhere. Which means we all could use a bit of help. Well writer Glen Beres examines the topic for Exquisite Weddings Fall/Winter issue. Cool thing is he came to me for my input and advice. Good looking out Glen!! The issue is on stands now.

Etiquette Expert Opinion: Read "6 Tips for Great Toasts" HERE

Rock Star Wife

Last night I trailed behind my swexy hubby Chris Swann to watch him in concert. He truly is one of the baddest bass players in the country!! Here he is rocking the HenBev B4 bass.

Check him out!!

Hang up and Drive - Saturn Vue Hybrid

Best Feature: Ummm it's a Hybrid... the gas mileage hands down.

Worst Feature: Nothing much the seats in back went all the way down but it was a bit heavy to pull back up.

Techno Features? XM radio, OnStar of course. Power everything.

Girl Friendly? Yes, you know it really really is good for us girls who have got a lot going on.

Trunk Space? And how. When I was taping this weekend I put the seats down and sat crossed legged in the back. I ate lunch and redid my makeup (for the camera).

My Take: Man the hybrid technology is amazing. This should not be the exception, it should be the rule with cars. We really are saving the environment. Driving a Hybrid make yo feel like you're doing something really responsible for our planet. The Saturn Vue is a really great car whether you're single married, kids or not. This size is just perfect. Hey this is cool- rather tan a spare tire, tee's a tire sealant and inflator kit. Hows that for saving our earth? I want a Hybrid.

How many folks I saw that need to hang up and drive? I was only distracted by 4 annoying folks this time.

My hand is actually burning on the hood HA!!

This is the console


That Hybrid Technology

Yes I can sit cross legged in the back- no problem

Oceanside Harbor Days

This weekend I covered a two-day event, Harbor Days in Oceanside. Here's the website with the information. Later I'll post a link for you to see once the show airs. Right now my feet hurt, I'm tired and sun burned (yes black folks do burn). In this picture I'm doing my final outro. I'm actually at the end of the two days and the end of my wits.


Etiquette Expert Opinion: I don't know I'm too tired to think...goodnight.

The Duchess

Protocol, prim, and proper. Last night I saw a screening of the film The Duchess starring Keria Knightely. Prior to the film we there was a tea and dessert reception in the theater lobby. I also host a teble setting contest where movie goers (women) raced against one anther to see who could set a table the fastest and correctly. It was fun. Well fun watching. Good job ladies!!!

I really enjoyed the film especially since it was based on a true story. Needless to say the whole protocol thing had me intrigued. I left wanting to more about Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. So now I'm pouring over the Internet reading so much. Interesting story.

Oh there was all of about 4 men at the screening and it seemed as thought they had no choice but to attend. I though that was funny. Girls take a ladies night out and go see this film. It's a great story, the costumes are amazing. Yes definitely an Oscar next year for that. You'll leave want to to learn more about the people and this era.

Etiquette Expert Opinion: Keep a limit on your house guests stay. Set a time to stay and an exact time to leave.

Wealth TV - Holiday Etiquette

Yippeeee, I was Invited back to tape another segment for Etiquette 101. It's a show that airs on Wealth TV. It's an HD Network check you local listings HERE. This show was on Holiday Etiquette which is coming up and we can all use some tips.

Etiquette Expert Opinion: Here's on tip - The difference between a holiday party at work and at home? At work, it's still business MORE

Thanks for bringing me back Wealth TV folks. I love spreading the Etiquette Love!!!

Host Genelle Padilla doing her thing

Me in front of the green screen

HD Can be a little scary folks

Hang Up and Drive - GMC Acadia

Best Feature: The Rearview Camera System!! I love it the rear image show up in the rear view mirror!!

Worst Feature: I don't know but that click-clack turn signal really gets to me.

Techno Features? Okay there were lots of them and this is not really high tech but I LOVED the dual sun roofs (hey it's California baby)!

Girl Friendly? Yes indeed honey. I was able to get up in the truck without having to hike up the dress I have on. Plus the seats were SUPER easy to fold down.

Trunk Space? From the rear to the drivers seats. Plenty of space. I had a photo shoot and fit my rolling rack in with ease.

My Take: Soccer moms this is a big YES. It seats 7 and not a "fake" seven. I mean a for real 7. The second row has 2 captains chairs. There's plenty of space to get in the back. I can't say how much I really liked the rearview camera system. It was really nice just having to look in the review mirror and not down at the console panel. Plus there's safety all around- it's got 1st, 2nd and 3rd row head curtain air bags. For me, it had a really smooth ride for a big car.

How many folks I say that need to hang up and drive? 9

Hopping in- glam style

Climate control in the back seats baby

Tons of space in the back

Another shot of the back (darn I should have put the seats down for you)!! But see the drivers seats? Well they fold all the way down to there.

Absolutely Fabulous

What an an awesome lady. Michelle ripped it you guys. She surpassed all expectations an came out with flying colors. Last night she spoke at the Democratic National Convention. At first I wasn't sure if her speech would be overshadowed by Ted Kennedy's anticipated appearance. Not so. I'm so proud. Can I just say her hair was fabulous? Okay well it was!!

The girls were natural. Too cute!! The baby girl is something else. You think?

Was I the only one who heard the Senator Barack Obama tell hi wife she "looked cute"? Gottta love these two.

You Have Got to Be Kidding Me!

Good night!!! I just don't know what to say about the behavior of some of these Olympic athletes. Cuba's Angel Matos gets disqualified for taking to much time out (which apparently is one of the rules of the game). So in his anger he kicks the referee in the face. Are you serious? Wow - "Poor Sport" is an understatement with this one.

Swedish wrestler Ara Abrahamian threw a hissy fit (as well as some sort of metal object) screamed at the Olympic Officials and still won a bronze medal for an earlier match. So he gets a medal for being the 3rd best in the world. What does he do? Snatches it off, flings it on the ground and walks away. Wha wha!

Yeah so both of the men were reprimanded. Matos was banned from pro Taekwando for life and Abrahamian got his medal snatched the heck back. But the images and the behavior now remain part of history - Olympic History that is. Great message you're sending out there guys. I mean I know it takes a all types to make up our would but I really expected more from these "professional" athletes. Good luck little leaguers and Pop Warner football players, you'r gonna need it.

Etiquette Expert Opinion: Good Sportsmanship starts with a good example from the parents. So to yo Parents out there, these kids cannot raise themselves. Take note:

• Avoid shouting directions, shout words of encouragement.


• Address any concerns with coaches or officials privately.


• Don’t be so concerned about winning. More

Internet Etiquette at Work

This city official in San Diego got in big trouble because he was on the Internet way too long at work. Plus he was downloading pics of Pamela Anderson and more. Basicially offending the nosey people who were looking over his shoulder.

So today I get a call from ABC 10 News to come in and guest on this evening's news to give my advice for Internet etiquette at work. I did, I was cool. Nice set, LOVED the lighting. Note to self...duplicate this lighting whane I get my own syndicated show.

Kimberly Hunt, Karol LeBeau, and me

Thanks 10 News!!!

Etiquette Expert Opinion: Computers at work should only be used - only before or after work hours. Lunchtime use is okay only if you are able to make it very clear to coworkers you are on break for lunch and not on company time. MORE

Waiting for my segment
Almost my turn up

There were no crew members, just one guy electronically operating all of the cameras. Wow..

See, there's the one guy (in the red).

Ellen & Portia Get Married

Recently in the State where I live (California) the ban was lifted for same sex marriages. So now (or for now how ever you want to put it) it's legal to get married to a person of the same sex.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are one of the first celebrity couples to get married under the new law. There are lots of regular folks out there that will and are planning on doing the same thing.

So what does one do when invited to wedding ceremony of a couple who are of the same sex?

Etiquette Expert Opinion:
Regardless of your opinion or beliefs. Just wish the couple well.

Don't take this as your opportunity to rant about the law or their lifestyle (Whether yo are for or against it - ranting is annoying).

If you are invited and chose not to attend, just RSVP in the same manner you would any other wedding (check the little line that say "will not attend"). Don't make a big thing out of it.

If yo do attend keep in mind there are some folks who might be uncomfortable with the play by play report. Be fair to all parties, and considerate of who you're speaking to when sharing information.

Organized Organizers

I had a speaking engagement with the National Association of Professional Organizer San Diego Chapter. I spoke on Etiquette in Business (Book me to speak to your group HERE). What an awesome group of people. I spoke at their monthly meeting and I really had a great time. The meeting was so...um...organized! Great job(and thank you) President Dhawn Hansen and Tracey Turner.

For those of you who are organizers you really need to be a part of this group. There's an awesome support system and great resources to enhance your business. Here's their site

Me chatting it up with Organizing Diva Kathi Burns

Ludacris Didn't Get it Right With Obama

Okay, so all the political analysts and media folks are all up in arms over this song Ludacris wrote in "support" of Senator Barack Obama. I just listened to the song and found the lyrics online. He said some pretty ummm- well interesting stuff about Senator John McCain and others:

On Senator McCain: "Paint the White House black and I'm sure that's got 'em terrified McCain don't belong in any chair unless he's paralyzed".

On Senator Clinton: "Better yet put him in office, make me your vice president Hillary hated on you, so that ***ch is irrelevant".

On President Bush: "Yeah I said it cause Bush is mentally handicapped ...and you the worst of all 43 presidents".

Oh and Luda didn't discriminate, he tapped on Jessi Jackson too: "Jesse talking slick and apologizing for what? If you said it then you meant it how you want it have a gut"!

So what's really hood here? Well Luda is just trying to show his support for the Senator. He's doing his thing the way he knows how. Show love for one person by lyrically ripping the other apart. Works for the rap game but it's a no, no, no, no no for the political thing. Folks we've got to realize the way this whole thing goes:

Barack Obama is running for PRESIDENT of the United States of America. Therefore, not only will he be scrutinized heavily but his public supporters will be raked over as well. This means you can't do that street stuff when it comes to supporting Senator Obama. You can be firm and honest but do mouth check. That means ask yourself " If I say this, can it potentially hurt the Senator"? Come on now did we not learn anything from the whole Dr. Jeremiah Wright thing?

So now the Obama camp has had to "denounce" Ludacris, condemn his song, and of course the Senator will have to distance himself from the rapper. Sad case Luda meant well but he got it wrong.

Etiquette Expert Opinion: Shall I put it old school? Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Always think before you speak.

Oh here's a link to the song and the lyrics: HERE

Broken Engagement - Keep the ring or not?

So Bachelor Matt Grant and Shayne Lamas have called off their engagement. Okay so it happens, better to call off an engagement than go through a divorce. ETonline.com reports Shayne says she's keeping the ring and Matt says give it back. So the question is- what is a girl to do when you've received an engagement ring yet the engagement goes kaput?

Etiquette Expert Opinion: An engagement ring is a gift for promise-of-MARRIAGE. Once the marriage is called off the proper thing to do is (pry the ring out of your hands and) return the ring.

It might feel icky for a while but you'll get over it. More importantly, when it comes to future relationships they'll be no DRAMA over why you still have (wear, cherish, keep it in a shiny box) your ex's engagement ring. Think of all the arguments you can avoid.

Etiquette Camp for Kids

For the past two-weeks I've been hunkered down with two separate groups of kids for the Mira Costa College for kids program. I've been hosting the etiquette camp and wow have these kids worn me out! It's been great and really fun teaching them. It's always a pleasure knowing one is investing in the lives of our country's future leaders.



Subjects I taught included everything from hygiene & grooming to how to conduct oneself while out in public, yes the ever necessary table manners, respecting school peers, teachers, and authority figures were among the topics.



Fun Times!

Hang up and Drive - Chevy Malibu

Best Feature: The way it looked, sporty and cute.

Worst Feature: I can never really find one

Techno Features? XM Radio and all the GM Goodies. Loves it!

Girl Friendly? Yes not big and bulky.

Trunk Space? Surprisingly, yes there's a decent amount.

My Take: I really had fun with this car. It was a good fit for me. It hugged the road well but had a lot of power behind it. Strong car - if that make sense to you. I felt like I was driving my own car not that "opps excuse me, I'm overwhelmed, this in my husband's car" type feeling.

How many folks I saw that need to hang up and drive? I'm really sick of this folks, pay attention to the road! - 14

See, I fit right in

Cute

Sports Etiquette on Wealth TV

Yippeeeee! I was invited back to be a guest on Wealth TV's Etiquette 101 show. We taped my interview today in front of a green screen again.

This episode was all about sports etiquette. I gave my opinion on good sportsmanship, tennis etiquette, golf etiquette, and with my hubby being a surfer and all, I had to give my two cents on surf etiquette. We talked about much more but you'll have to see the piece when it comes out.

Etiquette Expert Opinion: A good sport always plays fair- and whether they win or loose they do so gracefully.

Here are some flicks from the shoot:

Last minute primping

Etiquette advice in action

Cool flick on how the green screen is being used

Producer Ginelle Padilla asking the tough questions

Me with Etiquette 1o1 Producer Ginelle Padilla

Teleprompter Read

So we all have our "first" whatever at some point in our lives. For me, although I've been a guest on several television shows believe it or not I've never read from a teleprompter. I got a call today to come in ASAP to do a teleprompter read for KOCT. Yippee!!

The station won the 2008 Hometown Video Festival Award for Overall Excellence. Our production manager Jacob Rush is heading to Washington DC for the national conference of the Alliance for Community Media to receive the award. He'll also show a short PSA on how our station remains successful.

Me with Emmy award winning Proucer Russell Ferguson

Reading the prompter

Hang up and Drive - Infiniti QX56

Cool thing, we video recorded my review this time. I really dig it. Big ups to Luis Cooper from coopermediagroup.net. He really hooked us up on the shooting and editing of this video. Thanks Luis!!

Oh and the background music is composed by none other than my rock star hubby Chris Swann. Rock on!!!

ETIQUETTE EXPERT OPINION: How to recover from an embarrassing moment - Yeah, so when the wind catches your skirt and blows it on almost totally over your head in front of a film crew (panties and all) - just gracefully flip it down, say "Oh Dear, all right now so where were we? Shall I start from the top or where we left off?" (So glad no one has a picture of that).

Obama Gives Obama Some Dap

This past Tuesday Barack Obama claimed victory as the Democratic presidential nominee. And in doing so he gave his wife something that's not unfamiliar to many brothers & sisters - he gave his wife Michelle some Dap (translate - fist pump, fist bump).

So then all the analysts and commentators went berserk trying to figure out what it meant, whether or not it was some sort of subliminal message or a so-called "terrorist symbol". Well it was none of those. It was just a little something we see in "our" community when two individuals want to congratulate one another on a job well done. Nothing less nothing more, nothing to read into. Just a little rock on brotha!!
Etiquette Expert Opinion: It's perfectly fine show show a moderate amount of PDA with your honey.