LIFE LESSONS - Miscarriage Misstep

Dear Elaine,

A friend we know suffered a miscarriage. She was 6 weeks along and had not yet announced the pregnancy. Her husband shared the news with us. Should I send her a card/note? These are not GREAT friends but people we do see a few times per year.

Dear friend,


Since your friend's husband did share the news of the miscarriage with you all, it's perfectly fine to send a simple note expressing your condolences for her loss.

Be sure to avoid saying things such as "It was God's will" or "Maybe something was wrong with the baby and this is nature's way of handling it". Suffering a miscarriage carries the same emotion of grieving for the death of a loved one so it's important you remain sensitive. Don't mention things about "Next time..." and such, the couple may really need time to heal before trying to get pregnant again. Just keep your message short and simple. Something along the lines of: "We're very sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers are with you during this difficult time" should be sufficient.

Be well

VIDEO OF THE WEEK - Avoiding Email Disasters

Have you ever typed out a scathing email to one person but accidentally sent it to a group of people? Here's how to recover from this blunder and more. Watch the video below.

ELAINE'S EVERYDAY STYLE - Houseguest Dos & Don'ts

Over the next several weeks many people will take vacations but not all will stay in a hotel. Some will spend everything from just a few days to weeks with family or friends. I have a few tips on how you can be the perfect houseguest, have an enjoyable time AND get invited back1

Don’t bring too much luggage - The easiest way to immediately irritate your host is to show up with way too much stuff. Just pack sensibly and try not to take up too much space.

Pack proper clothing and gear such as swimwear or sports gear - Find out in advance what type of activities you’ll be doing during your stay and then arrive prepared. You don’t want to have to borrow things from your host. You can also avoid making impulse purchases that can take you out of your vacation budget.

Do bring some cash of your own to have on hand - Have funds available if you go out to dinner or a movie. You should not expect your host to pay for your expenses on outings. It is a nice gesture to bring a simple gift with you when you arrive such as a special coffee, a bottle of wine or a food basket. Just be creative! Or you might even want to treat them for a night out. This would be a nice gift and help alleviate the workload. CONTINUE

LIFE LESSONS - Father of the Bridal Shower

This week's question touches on an age-old tradition that has brides asking what to do today.

Dear Elaine,

Can you tell me if it is customary to invite the father of the bride and groom to the bridal shower? What about the groomsmen? Are they allowed to attend the shower?
Hello,


No it is not customary to invite the Father of the Bride and Groom. This includes the groomsmen as well. That's the cut and dry answer. Let me add this though. Today weddings and the events surrounding them are changing and evolving to reflect today's modern society. So in my opinion I believe it's perfectly fine as it reflects our times today.

That being said, if you'd like to be creative and include these individuals making it a coed shower then by all means do so. Just keep in mind the dynamics of the shower should change as well. Female oriented games that are generally played at showers might have to be adjusted or not done at all.

You should also keep in mind the sensitivity with the opening of the gifts. The men may not want to sit in on that particular part of the soiree. I’m not sure how well it would go over with a father having to see his daughter open box after box of ladies lingerie (smile).

I hope this helps,

Elaine

VIDEO OF THE WEEK - Summer Travel Tips

Here are some great tips to use in order make your summer travel a pleasant experience. Enjoy watching!

 

EVERYDAY STYLE- Summer Office Attire

Now that we are in full swing of the hot summer months what we wear to work can sometimes be a bit challenging.

Many employers allow staff members to dress business causal at least one day each week. The heat causes most of us to wear fewer clothes and that’s perfectly fine--- to an extent.

It’s important to keep in mind this is still the office and your choice of clothing can dictate how seriously you are taken. So the question I hear most is “What is proper summer office attire”? CONTINUE

4th of July BBQ Party Tips

Are you getting ready for the 4th of July holiday? Watch my tips on how to throw a super posh party! San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

Father's Day Gift Ideas for Every Type of Dad

Today I visited the CBS/KCAL9 studios to share these really great Father's Day gift ideas for all different types of dads. Happy shopping!!!

Elaine Swann: Passion, Purpose, and Preparation

Hello, Friends!

      Excitement is in the air - Elaine Swann’s 2nd Annual Savvy Soiree is just ten days away. Elaine Swann is endeavoring to make this May 26th event successful, engaging, and even more impactful than the last. She is inspired to accomplish great things through this event and we are committed to helping Elaine achieve her goals.
      In the last blog, we discussed the importance of reflecting on your sources of inspiration, and taking time to consistently connect with things that inspire you to move beyond your comfort zones. Today, we are encouraging you to activate your “3 P’s” - purpose, passion, and preparation. How can you make this “rule of three” work for you on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis? To answer this question, let’s begin with a recent conversation that we had with Elaine.
      Elaine is a firm believer in intentional leadership, an approach that aligns one’s desired outcomes, core values, and purpose for an increase in results. She is an intentional leader. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Elaine Swann’s 2nd Annual Savvy Soiree is intentional. Elaine has a definite purpose in mind for this annual event. “I wanted to create an event that would bring mothers and daughters together outside of their normal environment,” she said. She realized that as young girls mature into teenagers, and develop personalities that are starkly different, mothers often find themselves in untenable positions. Figuratively speaking, the door slams, leaving some mothers contemplating, “What do I do now?” Elaine mentioned that she has great memories from time spent with her own daughter. “I have great memories of going out to dinner with her.” She added, “I would let her talk. During these times, I found out what was going on in her life.” She started with a purpose. Mission accomplished.
      There are many definitions that would perfectly define the word passion, but perhaps none greater than this: a compelling desire to do something because there is a need. Elaine stated that it was important to add a charity element to the Savvy Soiree. As aforementioned, on May 26th attendees will have an opportunity to make anonymous donations to Milestone House (FYI... Milestone House will be featured in our next blog! Feel free to browse their website at www.milestonehouse.org.) Why is she so passionate about the philanthropic aspect of the event? She responded, “I spend a lot of time with charities and recognize that every little bit makes a difference.”
      Finally, in addition to preparing for this year’s Savvy Soiree, Elaine has been consistent and sedulous in her planning towards the event’s long-term outcome; she already sees the end result. “I see the Tea growing in great size, going from a local venue to a huge convention center or hotel ballroom,” she said excitedly. “I see it involving hundreds of moms and daughters of all ages.” In the future, Elaine also hopes to involve other high powered individuals in the entertainment industry, featuring them as speakers or invited guests. The Savvy Soiree will always be free to the public and held after Mother’s Day.
      Friends, we hope that Elaine’s purpose, passion, and preparation has inspired you to activate the "3 P’s" in your life. Feel free to share your inspiring stories with us - we would love to hear from you! 
     In closing, as we indicated in the last blog, we would love for you to be a part of Elaine Swann's 2nd Annual Savvy Soiree Inspiration Board. Get involved with this great opportunity to gain exposure for your business, product, or service!
For more details, click the link: http://elaineswann.com/savvysoireecommittee.html
Additionally, you may also provide support in the form of: monetary donations, gift cards or certificates, and goody bag items for women and girls. We will appreciate monetary donations of any amount and in-kind donations of any quantity. Your tax-deductible gifts will be put to good use.

Be purpose-driven, passionate, and prepared!

TeamE   

Elaine Swann's 2nd Annual Savvy Soiree Inspiration Board

Hello, Friends!

      As we prepare for the launching of new ventures and the beginning of a new month here at Elaine Swann Enterprises, we are inviting you to join us in completing this quick anticipatory activity to kick-start the month of May. First, let's consider this guiding question: What inspires you to be your best self? Take a moment to really reflect on this question. Finally, you will need a journal or a sheet of paper for this last step: Jot down a list of ten things that inspired you during the month of April. Many of us are driven by our internal desires, with an increasing desire to understand our purpose. Yet some of us fail to consistently tap into our sources of inspiration.
      What is inspiration? We searched high and low for the best definition or thought-provoking quotes, and we eventually came across this definition - "The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something..." Fair enough. We believe the most powerful and meaningful definitions, however, are the anecdotal type; the touching stories about random people who inspire others through their words, ideas, and simple acts of kindness. It is in this spirit of inspiration that Elaine Swann donates her time to various organizations that positively impact the lives of young girls, one of which is Milestone House, a residential facility that services at-risk teen girls. (FYI... Milestone House will be featured in one of our upcoming blogs! Feel free to browse their website at www.milestonehouse.org.)    
     Milestone House's sincere commitment to their mission and vision is commendable; we are inspired by the program's undeniable passion for transforming lives and by the young girls who are benefiting from the high quality services. On behalf of Elaine Swann, we are excited to announce that Milestone House is the beneficiary of Elaine Swann's 2nd Annual Savvy Soiree. This Mother-Daughter Tea is a FREE event and will convene May 26th at the Encinitas Community Center at 1:00 PM. We are anticipating a great turnout and working overtime to make this event an uplifting and enjoyable experience for our 50 mother-daughter guests.
      Friends, if you have been inspired to support this event, then join Elaine Swann's 2nd Annual Savvy Soiree Inspiration Board. Get involved with this great opportunity to gain exposure for your business, product, or service!
For more details, click the link: http://elaineswann.com/savvysoireecommittee.html
Additionally, you may also provide support in the form of: monetary donations, gift cards or certificates, and goody bag items for women and girls. We will appreciate monetary donations of any amount and in-kind donations of any quantity. Your tax-deductible gifts will be put to good use.

Be inspired,

TeamE

Time for our Savvy Soiree Again!!

Well it's that time of year again. Coming up is our annual Mother Daughter Tea. A Savvy Soiree for moms and their girls of all ages. We'd love for you to attend and the great thing is it's FREE!!!

Make your Reservations TODAY!Call 760-754-9891 Email events@elaineswann.com


GIVE BACK!
This year our event will benefit Milestone House,a residential facility that offers high quality programs designed to prepare at-risk teen girls for independent and productive living.

You can learn more about Milestone House at www.milestonehouse.org

BE INSPIRED!
Join our Inspiration Board and be highlighted on our BLOG! Contact Jeanette Ansell j.ansell@elaineswann.com

The Power of Polite - Join the Movement

I am finished with my next book witch has truly been a labor of love. It's called "The Power of Polite - How to Get What You Want, Get Your Point Across, and Gently Put Rude People in Their Place".

Now comes the next stage of work which is to publish it. When we did my first book we started our publishing company. It's been so rewarding because we source the production work out to local businesses in our area and it really helps to recycle our dollars. The thing is now I need your help. I've recenlty launched a fund raising campaign to secure to funds to publish the book. It would be great if you could help me. I've got some great things to reward you for your contribution. To learn more just follow the link and take a look at our offers.

Thank you kindly for your continued support. Elaine~

Super Bowl Party Tips

If you are hosting guests to watch this year's Super Bowl. I've got some great tips on how to make your party enjoyable for you and your guests. CHEERS!

I'll Speak at Your Event for FREE!

Are you involved with a volunteer or non-profit group that is need of an etiquette speaker but you are working with low or no budget? We are now accepting applications for our 2012 non-profit donation program.

Just visit our website to get details and download the form to apply. I'd love to visit your city and spread the Etiquette Love!