San Diego Moms Night Out

I had a blast with the ladies at the super posh event San Diego Mom's Night out. There was shopping, networking, mingling and fun with lots of lovely ladies. Looking forward to the next one!

Christmas Gift for Teen Girls

My Etiquette book for girls will make a perfect Christmas gift for tween and teen girls. Purchase your copy today and if you like you can have it signed by me with a personalized message. GET YOUR COPY HERE

Girls Have Style Pack Giveaway

Enter our contest to receive this exciting giveaway package!
- Win a signed copy of Girls Have Style at School, Elaine's etiquette book for teen girls.
- Our fashionable 'Etiquette Rocks' T-Shirt.
- A beautiful set of multi-colored bangle bracelets to match your t-shirt.

It's simple just follow the instructions below to win. The contest ends Thursday November 17 at midnight. Good luck!

About Elaine Swann Enterprises

I am, at times, asked "Exactly what do you do"? by various individuals. Some see me sharing etiquette advice in my role as a social commentator on various news stations. Others have attended or heard about my workshops and speaking engagements. Others come in contact with me because of book and product sales. Well, we had an event for our business partners last Thursday and we showed this video to answer questions. Here it is for you. Enjoy!

Talking About 9/11

With 9/11 coming up there will be more conversations on the topic. Keep these tips in mind when talking on the subject.

Tip 1: We are remembering heroes and loved one's that perished. Honor their memory with peace and compassion towards others.

Tip 2: Be sensitive to those who want to talk about the tragedy. TALK is is part of our HEALING process.

Tip 3: If the talk turns to politics and blaming gently steer the conversation back to human lives and families.

Tip 4: If too much talk on the topic is an emotional overload, say so...POLITELY...and move on.

Pregnancy Etiquette

I thought it might be a good time to share some pregnancy etiquette tips with the announcement of Beyonce's pregnancy. Just a few things America's Mom's to Be may have to deal with as their belly's grow.

For the Mom's to Be

Tip 1: Tell loved one's before posting the news online.

Tip 2:Be mindful of how much information you share online-there are intimate details of pregnancy that you 400 Facebook friends do not really need to know.

Tip 3: Keep tabs on how much you talk about baby. Engage in other conversation as well.

For the loved one's

Tip 1: Let the Mom to Be share the good news, ask BEFORE you tell others.

Tip 2: Ask first, before touching her pregnant belly. Invasion of personal space is not usually appreciated.

Tip 3: Keep your horror stories to yourself. Expectant mothers are freaked out enough, they don't need any extra help.

Book Signing and Reading

-Come join Etiquitte and Lifestyle Expert Elaine Swann at this FREE back to school event where she will be reading from her book for teen/tweens "Girls Have Style at School!"
-Special Appearance by Musician Chris Swann!
-Anyone and everyone is invited! See you there!
-For more information, contact: 760.754.9891 or events@elaineswann.com

...

Book Excerpts from Girls Have Style.. at School!


Chapter 4
Fashionista or Fashion Victim?

Now that we’ve addressed the first and most important layer of the New You, we’ll move on to the next: your wardrobe. And there’s a distinct difference when it comes to determining whether or not you’re a Fashionista or a Fashion Victim.

Being a Fashionista isn’t always about wearing the latest gear. You’ll find all different types of trends when it comes to fashion. Certain trends last for quite some time, while others may be considered in or out. And then there are those trends that are classic, meaning they never go out of style.

Sometimes, we see someone wearing a really cute outfit, and we decide we’d like to wear the same thing, too. But looking your best when it comes to clothes has so much more to do with your own personality than with what looks good on other people. This means you’re not going to be able to wear everything you see on television, in magazines or, for that matter, on other people.

People will notice you more if you’re wearing an outfit that complements your own personality. You want to avoid trying to mimic the hottest pop star or television starlet of the moment. Those ladies have wardrobe stylists who shop for them and put together really great ensembles for mega bucks.

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t watch television or read magazines. Those are great tools to help you follow the forecast for fashion trends. I get ideas from them to develop many of my own looks. I just don’t want you be a carbon copy of every other girl’s look out there. Taking the latest fashion trend and enhancing the look with your own savvy flare will make you more of a trendsetter, or Fashionista, at school and everywhere you go.

I’m going to list some tips that will help you when it comes to building your wardrobe. This way, you’ll have some really basic guidelines to fashion that never goes out of style, no matter what the current trend is.

To Purchase or Look at more information regarding this book, visit:
http://elaineswann.com/girlshavestylebook.html
See More

Hanging With Some Sassy City Chicks

I had the great opportunity to hang with some very special ladies at the Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash.
This event was a shoppers dream with huge discounts on designer clothes and jewelry. So I did what any sassy lady would do.

I shopped...

And I shopped...

And I shopped!
This is me with my Wardrobe Stylist Yolanda Shepherd of YStyle. I'm trying on a top from Kendall K. (UPDATE) I later wore this on a FOX5 News segment.

Complimentary cocktails were served all evening and attendees were chauffeured in a spin around town in their choice of several Chevy vehicles. As a member of the media, I had the privilege to test drive the 2012 Chevy Volt. What an amazing car. And it's so great on gas. It gets 400 Miles per gallon. That equals a ton of trips picking up the kids and running errands. Okay...so now I want one!


I was given a great goody bag with amazing products and samples. I was most excited about the beautiful necklace from the Love is a Devil collection.

I visited their booth and was blown away by the romantic and edgy look of thier design.
The designers, Alana Crain and Sharie Ellis who met at FIDM, say they createed thier line for the girl who knows what she wants, knows he own style, is confident and doesn't mind getting a little attention.
Their jewerly is so flattering they both have, at times, sold a piece right off their neck!



The name comes from thier play on words light/dark, happy/sad, and love/hate. You can find this jewrely line in selecct boutiquets arond town on online HERE.

Here I am with the two fab ladies. We are all wearing their design (l) Sharie Ellis (r) Alana Crain.



These lovely ladies purchased their tickets for the event on Groupon. How cool! Jenny L. Erica H. and Amy T. are students at UCSD.


They told me they came to the event to find unique things
and most importantly the wanted to get a bargin!

I found just the neatest thng for a sassy city chick's tired feet. Fold Flops! They're portable flip flops that come in a cute litte bag. They're great for travel, to keep in your car, or in your bag when out shopping.

I met the inventor/designer Mary Kiser. She has an amazing story where she quit her corprate job and went after her dream of owning her own business.

She's created an amazing item that all women can use at one time or another. Kudos to you Mary!

(UPDATE) I featured this great item in my travel segment on FOX5 News.



A great time was had by all. You can find more pictures from the event on our website elaineswann.com.

A big thank you goes out to Shauna Sichi of Weber Shandwick for inviting me to the event. I met some great ladies and had an awesome time!

A little shopping etiquette tip for you sassy ladies... Avoid talking and texting on your cell phone when finalizing your purchase. Your sales assistant will really appreciate your undivided attention!

Vist the SassyCityChicks website to see when their next event will be in your city!

How to Handle Confrontation

With all of today's technology there are many ways to communicate with one another. There are almost too many ways when it comes to discussing serious matters. I have a few tips on how to confront an issue.

1) Address, Resolve, Forgive, and Move On! This should be your thought process going into the conversation you plan on having. If you only plan on confronting a situation to make the other person feel poorly, or you plan on holding a grudge there is no point in opening the dialogue.

2) Do not use text, email, instant message, or social media sites. The tone and emotion of what you are trying to get across may get misinterpreted as something completely different, which leads to the translation of your message getting lost.

3) Face to face should be done in private (unless safety is an issue.)

4)It is okay to use the telephone, but be sure to set aside real time to talk. Do not have the conversation while driving, at work, or around other people. Not only is this disrespectful to the person you are talking to, it is also rude to those around you.

5) Hand-written letters are a great start to opening up a verbal dialogue later.

Dealing With a Jobless Friend

During this recession it seems we all have at least one or two people in our lives that are currently unemployed. It is important that we offer support not create a feeling of meaninglessness. Here are a few tips on how to deal with jobless friends:

First of all, do not consistently ask if they have found a job yet. This can be the most depressing question, and you can be sure they are already thinking about it enough. When they find a job they will most likely tell you. My next tip is don't offer empty words, offer tangible advice, referrals, and leads. The third tip to make the list is be sensitive when talking about your life if it is going well. Lastly, be open and willing to help with daily life needs.

Get more etiquette advice by following me on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/elaineswann

Travel Etiquette

Summer time means travel plans! Whether you are taking a plane, train, or automobile...let's go ahead and throw cruise ship in the mix with these...there are other people around you to consider. Here are my top 4 travel tips:

1. If YOU cannot lift it, check it. Do not be a nuisance by trying to lift heavy, overstuffed luggage overhead.

2. Dress comfortably, not sloppy. You'll have a better chance of getting into First class if you look the part.

3. Don't forget to tip. Skycap $1-2/bag, maid $2-5/day at the end of your stay.

4. Watch what you eat and drink before you board. 2 words...Bodily Functions.

For more etiquette tips follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/#%21/elaineswann

House Guest Etiquette

Summer is here! That means it's time for family outings and vacations. With the economy in the shape it is in money can be tight so it is nice to be able to save some money by staying with family or friends. Since these are people that you know and love be sure to treat them as such, and do not take advantage of their hospitality. (It would be nice to be invited back next year.)

Here are a few tips on being a good house guest.

1) Don't bring too much luggage.

2) Leave your pets at home.

3) Respect the moral values of your host.

4) Don't overstay your welcome.

5) Always send a thank you note after your visit.

For more information on how to be a great house guest please visit my website @ http://www.elaineswann.com/houseguestsdosanddonts.html

cartoon found on http://www.nataliedee.com/

Etiquette Camp For Kids

My next event is an etiquette camp for kids.

Monday, June 27 to Friday, July 1, 2011 in San Marcos

The camp is for both boys and girls, grades K - 5.

Each session lasts one hour. Modules covered in this program include; Personal Conduct and Style, Personal Development, Technology, Adult Interaction, Everyday Etiquette, Mealtime Manners, Effective Verbal and Written Communication. Culminates with a pizza party where children eat pizza with a knife and fork.

For more information and to register click on the link below.

http://www.elaineswann.com/etiquettecamp.html

Get the RSVP CODE for Movie Passess

FREE Mother Daughter Tea Event

Speand a day with the Etiquette Lady.

I'm looking forward to lots of fun and meeting some great mommy daughter duos!!!

It's Saturday May 14th 2:00 pm at the Encinitas Library in California.

Free gifts and goodie bags for each attendee.
Reservations required call 760-754-9891 or email events@elaineswann.com

Etiquette on the go for your KINDLE

I'm so excited to announce my teen etiquette book "Girls Have Style" is now available for purchase on your Kindle. Get yours today and so your little glam girl can learn to do everything with grace and style!

Recovering from a Major Flub

So we’re all still talking about Christina Aguilera’s big mess up of “The Star Spangled
Banner” on Super Bowl Sunday.

Now TMZ has a leaked video of her rehearsal. The video shows us that Xtina did not sing the entire song during rehearsal. She only went about ¾ of the way through. Hmmmmmm.
Here’s a great example of why we should give it all we’ve got BEFORE our big moment no
matter what we’re doing. I know sometimes we can just really blow it even after tons of
preparation. But you just don’t want to have to wonder if a half-done rehearsal was the
culprit.

So if you ever find yourself in a fix because you’ve had a huge ‘Opps I goofed moment”
follow these 3 simple tips:

1. Own up to your mistake.

2. Apologize

3. Move on

Don’t make a big fuss. When you do it just reminds everyone of your mistake over and over
again. If it’s possible one final thing you can do is work out a solution. It’s simple as
that.

Seems to me that is exactly what Christina did in this instance. Here’s her statement on the
matter:

"I lost my place. I got so caught up in the moment of the song that I lost my place. I can
only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its
anthem still came through."

She hit all 3 bit of my etiquette advice on the head, and for that Christina Aguilera gets an A+ in my book. Rock on Xtina!!