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January 12, 2011
To celebrate National Hot Tea Month, I thought I would share some tips on brewing up the most perfectly perfect pot of tea.
First things first: Make sure your tea is fresh. Yes, tea does have a lifespan. Black teas–if stored in a cool, dry, airtight space–may last you for years, but white and green teas will likely lose its appeal after a few months. Trust your palette.
Then follow these steps for a perfect pot of tea:
1. Boil water in a kettle. Just because you can boil water in a microwave, doesn’t mean you should. At least not for tea.
2. Warm your teapot by filling it with hot water, leaving the water in the teapot while you’re boiling the water for your tea.
3. Boil enough water to fill your teapot and then set it aside.
4. Empty the “warming” water from your teapot, through the spout. This will ensure that the entire teapot is warmed up and ready for your tea.
5. Place tea into the teapot. You can use teabags (Earl Grey or Orange Pekoe are favorites) or one of the many unique blends of loose tea. If you’re using tea bags, pop the teabags into the pot and let them sit for 30 seconds before pouring water over them. This will release some of the flavor and oils into the pot.
6. Next, pour the hot water from the kettle over the tea and replace the lid. Let your tea steep for 3 – 5 minutes.
7. Take tea bags out, put the lid back on the pot, and cover the pot with a tea cozy.
8. If you’re adding milk to your tea, warm the milk first – so that it doesn’t cool your tea – and pour into teacup BEFORE you add the hot tea. Add sugar if needed.
9. Enjoy!
Bonus Tip
Every tea family has a optimum steeping temperature and brewing time. Here’s a simple guide to the four tea families:
- Black tea: 4-5 minutes at 212° F
- Oolong tea: 2-4 minutes at 195°-205° F
- Green tea: 2-4 minutes at 175° F
- White tea: 3-5 minutes at 165° F
And Now, Some Tea Trivia
To kick the tea celebration up a notch – and test your knowledge on tea– see how many of the following tea trivia questions you can answer correctly.
1. What famous tea party was held in the U.S. in 1773?
2. What popular tea is named after a British Royal?
3. What temperature should be used to brew green tea?
4. Afternoon tea is also known by another name. What is that name?
5. What is the Chinese method of stopping oxidation when processing tea leaves?
6. What is a Japanese tea ceremony?
7. What is referred to as the champagne of tea?
Share your answers in the comments below and be sure to drop by next week to find out all the answers!
image: yakubovich
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Posted by Margaret in Just for Fun and tagged National Tea Month, tea etiquette, tips for making tea
December 30, 2010
Cheers! As we ring in the new year, it seemed appropriate to share a few toasting tips for 2011.
Cheers! Happy New Year 2011
First tip
The best toasts follow the three B’s of toasting: Begin, Be Brief, and Be Seated. And if you’re the one giving a toast, you’re wise to incorporate a fourth B—Be Prepared
Tip #2: Make it Personal
Speak from the heart when giving a toast. Share a funny anecdote or a personal story that will not only pay homage to the person being honored, but entertain the crowd.
Tip #3: Don’t Rush and Keep Cool
If you’re a little nervous about being “in the spotlight,” take some deep breaths before you begin and then speak slowly. Remember, you’re not auditioning for the school play, you’re sharing a toast. Memorize your toast or use notes as reminders of key points. Rehearse in advance to calm your nerves.
Tip #4: Keep it Short
Keep your remarks brief—less than a minute and a half, and ideally only one minute.
Tip #5: Don’t be Corny
Choose your words carefully, avoid clichés, and deliver a short message filled with goodwill.
Tip #6: A Shoe Won’t Do
Sipping champagne from a shoe is interesting, but best to use a wine goblet, champagne flute or other glass for a toast. And…must I say it? Never drink from a bottle.
“Here’s a toast to the future; a toast to the past; and a toast to our friends, far and near. May the future be pleasant; the past a bright dream; and may our friends remain faithful and dear.” ~ Anonymous
Happy New Year!
photo by: RLHyde
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Tips and tagged New Year's Eve, toast to 2011, toasting etiquette, toasting tips
December 24, 2010
‘Tis the season of giving so I’ve decided to share my all-time favorite eggnog recipe with you. (Feel free to share this cup of cheer with all your friends this holiday season! ).
The recipe calls for bourbon, but tastes just as yummy without the punch of alcohol.
Serve eggnog at a party in a large punchbowl with “puddles” of whipped cream spaced over the suface, sprinkle with grated nutmeg and set out with wine glasses or Irish coffee mugs for a decorative touch.
Happy noggin’! And cheers to a wonder-filled holiday season!
Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1 pint whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 ounces bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 egg whites
Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.
Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.
For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture
Recipe compliments of Alton Brown.
photo credit: isik
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Posted by Margaret in Just for Fun and tagged Christmas, eggnog, party planning
December 18, 2010
With the holiday season fast approaching, I’m sure you’re wondering how you will thank those people in your life who provided you with services throughout the year. Your hairdresser? Your caregiver? The groomer who clips your pooch’s nails just right? You want them to continue to pamper your every whim next year, don’t you?
Tipping during the holiday season has always been a way to share your gratitude with those people who have made your life just a wee bit easier during the year. But how much should you tip? And does it have to be cash?
Here are a few tips for holiday tipping to help you plan for the season.
1. Hair Stylist / Barber: A good rule of thumb, assuming you tip well all year long, is to add 50% to your regular tip. It’s tough to find someone who “gets” your hair. Make sure they know how much you appreciate the time they rescued you after you decided to give yourself new bangs.
2. Mail Carrier: A small gift is a nice way to thank your mail carrier for lugging that package from your grandmother through the snow-covered sidewalk to your front door. Rain, sleet, snow…you get the picture.
3. Housekeeper: If you have someone coming in to keep your house spic and span, be sure to acknowledge them for their hard work. Suggested tip is the equivalent of what you’d pay for your cleaning. Dishpan hands leads to more manicures, which is costly. Avoid that cost now by showing your appreciation to your house cleaner. She (or he) deserves it!
4. (Speaking of) Manicurists: I suggest $15 – $20 for your manicurist. ($30 if she has to bring out the hand sander and goggles for your pedicure)
5. Live-in Nanny: If you have a full-time nanny, a Christmas bonus equivalent to a week’s salary is appropriate. Caring for your child is such personal thing, so if you really want to show your appreciation, make it more personal. Bake your nanny some cookies, have your child make her a card, and buy her a personal gift. Something you know she would never buy herself. She’s caring for your most precious gift, so be sure you express your gratitude in a way that shows how much that means to you.
6. Day Care Provider(s): A gift from you, or cash ($25 – $70), and a small gift from your child. Be sure to add a personal note.
7. Teenage Babysitter: Don’t forget to pick up a little something for your part-time sitter. An iTunes gift card or an Amazon gift certificate, perhaps?
8. Massage Therapist / Trainer: You know you will need their full attention in the new year, so don’t forget them now. The cost of a session is the best gauge for tipping. If you’re strapped for cash, a gift card for the movies or a local restaurant will show you appreciate their dedication to making your body the best it can be!
9. Pet Groomer: If you have the budget, a cash tip, the equivalent to one visit is a good rule of thumb. A small gift, or gift card, is also a nice way to let your pet groomer know you appreciate the care he or she gives to your pooch’s “do.”
10. Teacher: Give your child’s teacher a gift, not cash. Along with the gift, be sure to have your child write a personal note. That will go a long way the next time little Billy says, “It wasn’t me. Joey made me do it.”
Remember, there really aren’t any “rules” for tipping during the holiday season. But, in today’s economy, if you are able to tip generously, do. And if you’re a little strapped for cash, get creative. When looking for ways to share the love, let the holiday spirit (and your personal budget) be your guide.
photo credit: mysza831
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Posted by Margaret in Etiquette Tips and tagged etiquette tips, Christmas, holiday, tipping guide
December 2, 2010
If you think you’re the only one listening to the callers on cell phone or the music on your iPod… think again!
We tend to assume that ear buds, headphones and cell phones funnel sound directly to our eardrums, but in truth, a significant amount of sound escapes these channels, flowing freely into the environment around us.
This side-stream sound can easily annoy other people – or worse!
On Friday afternoon, Jason was carpooling home from a conference with several colleagues. It was nearly 5:00 pm when Jason’s phone rang; it was his wife calling, wondering when he would be home.
After a quick update, as they were about to end their call, Jason’s wife let him know just how much she was missing him with a spicy little comment that was clearly meant for his ears alone.
Unfortunately, her message reached more ears than she intended. Suddenly, everyone was blushing and looking out the window – everyone except Jason, who had no idea how many people knew about his very personal plans.
Here’s what else he didn’t know: One of the easiest ways to accidentally compromise confidentiality is to take a personal call in close proximity to someone else. As careful as you may be with your own words, your caller’s speech can easily reach those within a few feet of you. And in a small, closed environment such as an office or car, your unintended audience has no choice but to listen, like it or not!
Cell phones are not the only offender, though. As any frequent flyer can tell you, personal music players, portable games and movie players are just as guilty of earpiece sound leakage.
Gym-goers know it, too. We love to move to our own beat, but when we pump up the volume, it shouldn’t be any surprise when our immediate neighbors move elsewhere.
The key to conquering earpiece leakage: a little consideration – and distance! Lower your volume setting when around other people, and make sure you’re at least 10 feet away from an unsuspecting audience when you take personal calls.
These are such simple steps, but they can make such a big difference to those around you – and that, my dear reader, is the very essence of etiquette.
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips
November 29, 2010
It can take years to build a great professional reputation, but here are some quick, easy ways to please, respect, even impress the people you work with.
1. Always use diplomacy: Speak to your convictions in the calmest, most respectful way possible. Always.
2. Treat everyone kindly: Relationships with peers and subordinates are as important as those your carefully cultivate with superiors, clients and other key people.
3. Never leave your boss open to surprise: Keep her or him informed of issues, discretely.
4. Keep detailed notes on people: Use your contact manager to note personal details (spouse’s name, children, and other notable facts). This is such an easy way to reinforce a relationship.
5. Disparaging comments can do tremendous damage to a relationship, reputation, even a career in the blink of an eye. Be very careful with your words about others, as they will often be repeated.
These guidelines may seem deceptively simple, but they highlight an overall attitude of respect and service that is becoming increasingly uncommon. Adopt them, and you’ll stand head and shoulders above the rest.
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips
May 15, 2010
Are you familiar with the legend of Phoenix? In these turbulent times that we all seem to be going through, I think of it often – the mythological symbol of rebirth, resilience, pride and self-determination.
As the story is told, a single phoenix (a large and stunningly beautiful bird) lives in Arabia for 500 years. At the end of that era, it burns itself and its nest in a great rush of fire. A new phoenix, even more magnificent than the last, always rises from the ashes.
All around us, so much is going up in flames: retirement plans, college funds, home equity… relationships, dreams, even identities. This heat is intense, and many people are feeling burned. Whether we like it or not, this is a time of intense and rapid change. But I can’t help thinking that something magnificent will soon rise from the ashes we see today.
There’s something about difficult times that inspire us to take greater action than we might otherwise. Some of the world’s greatest success stories started in the ashes of an epic failure. The Rockefellers, the Kennedys, even the Obamas captured enormous victories because they dared to build something new in a time of crisis.
Each one of us has this ability deep inside, a committed, no-nonsense side that’s made of courage, and vision, and values. It’s from that place that we create our own personal masterpieces.
In turbulent times, it’s easy to forget that we each have this capacity to create, but with every thought, every word, every decision and every action, we are weaving the future.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to ask ourselves: What do I really want to create NOW? How do I want to shape the future? Whether you take a baby step or a big, bold one, you choose the direction you go.
So, if you could recreate your life, any way you want, what would you create? It’s an important question to ask… because you can. Starting now.
I once attended an event where the hostess pulled out a measuring tape and stretched it across the middle of the room. When she reached 75 inches, she said, “This represents our average lifespan.
“Now, find your age on this tape and take a look at where you are in life. How much time is behind you? More importantly, how much lies ahead? And how are you going to spend the time that you have left?”
No matter what lies behind you, turn your eyes to the future. Dare to live your passions and your values. Dare to dream, and dare to take action. Dare to be a Phoenix.
As a Coach, I recommend:
As you ponder your course through these times of turbulence and change, here are some things to consider:
- Which values do you want to live more of?
- Which needs, when met, help you be at your best?
- Which supportive, stimulating people do you want to surround yourself with?
- What do you need to in order to maintain your confidence, energy and joy?
- What do you want to influence people about?
- Where do you need support?
If any of these questions make you want to dig a little deeper, consider using a self-coaching guide, like the Mapping Your Path workbook, or engaging the support of a coach. With the right questions, insights and support, there’s no telling how bright your future could be.
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Posted by Amazing Editor in A Page of Insight
May 3, 2010
Once you decide to work with a professional life or business coach, the next step is to find the right coach for you. Where do you start? What do you ask? And how will you know when you find the right one?
When you find the coach that is right for you, your path suddenly becomes an adventure. With insightful questions and perceptive observations, a coach can guide you through inspiring moments and groundbreaking realizations. Without a doubt, a coach can change your world.
So how do you find “your” coach? What’s the fastest, easiest way to make a great match? How do you get from Point A (“I need a great coach”) to Point B (“I’m working with the most amazing coach”)?
To get started, do your research. Read about coaching on the Web and in the press. Talk with those you trust and ask for referrals. Ask friends and family members about their own experiences with coaches. And every step of the way, listen to your intuition. What sounds attractive? What resonates with you, or turns you off? These are clues to the kind of person you want to work with.
Today, many coaches profile their services on the Internet and offer some information about their background and experience. Some include a photo of themselves. As you explore and absorb this information, pay attention to how you feel. Listen to your heart as well as your head. Does this person resonate with you? Could you open up with this person?
Most coaches will give a free introductory session, so use this time to explore how the two of you relate. Ultimately, you’re looking for a coach who will really work to understand you, acknowledge your accomplishments, and support your growth. This is going to be someone who can (and will!) show you how to stretch in new ways. Why? Because you can!
It is important to select and interview at least three coaches before making your decision. Before you conduct these interviews, take some time to get clear on the following points:
- What do you want to use your coach for?
- Does it matter whether it is a male or female coach?
- What background would you like your coach to have?
- What do you expect from your coach?
- What about you would be helpful for the coach to know in working with you?
During the interview, be sure to address the following points:
- Tell me about your coaching practice/business.
- How long have you been coaching?
- Describe the characteristics of clients who relate best with you.
- What is your specialty or niche?
- Tell me about your background and experience. How does that relate to my goals?
- If I selected you to be my coach, what would we start working on first?
The coach you select will be your own personal guide to the life you really want to live, so stay with the process until you find someone you genuinely feel excited to work with. When you do, then you’ll know – you’ve found the coach for you.
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Posted by Amazing Editor in A Page of Insight
March 22, 2010
Common courtesy is still the best guideline for etiquette, in any arena, but with technology changing so fast, it can easily fall by the wayside.
Here are some simple rules to remember about e-mail etiquette.
1. Write a descriptive subject line so the recipient will know immediately where this matter fits in the larger picture.
2. Remember to include a greeting. It’s effortless, yet it makes a connection between writer and recipient.
3. Don’t waste people’s time. Think twice before choosing “reply to all” and delete any unnecessary information in forwarded messages (headers, addresses, etc.).
4. Always be respectful; e-mails are easily saved, shared and quoted in the future. If you feel the urge to write an emotionally charged message, go handle it in person.
5. Respond in a timely fashion – even if only to say, I can’t respond until (date).
It’s the little things that matter… but they really do matter! Remember, it only takes a moment to give yourself the Etiquette Edge.
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, email etiquette
March 7, 2010
With so much public concern about the H1N1 virus and other contagious germs, hand sanitizer dispensers are popping up everywhere! We see them at schools, the grocery store, office buildings, and just about everywhere else we go.
While these alcohol-based gels are an extremely effective way to kill germs and protect our health without breaking stride, they do have one major drawback… clammy hands!
When the alcohol evaporates, it always takes some body heat from your skin along with it. This leaves skin feeling chilled until your circulating blood warms it again. The same thing happens when we wash out hands. A little body heat leaves your skin with the evaporating water.
While this isn’t generally an issue for most people… it can certainly make for an uncomfortable handshake – for both people! How can you radiate warmth and brilliance… if the first impression you give someone is a clammy hand?
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged first impressions, hand sanitizers, handshakes
