Modern Manners

Many years ago when I first got an iPod I started downloading a ton of podcasts. For those who don't know: podcasts are multimedia digital file made available on the Internet for downloading to a portable media player, computer, etc. On iTunes they're free to download and they're like an audio version of a magazine.

In my search for fun things to listen to while running, other than music of course, I found the Quick and Dirty Tips podcasts. When I saw there was a category all about modern manners with Modern Manners Guy I started downloading them immediately!

 
I truly believe in having good manners and proper etiquette in all situations. There is no excuse for rudeness. Learning them is an ongoing process. Every social situation requires a different set of etiquette. Not all rules can be applied blindly to every situation. Manners and etiquette are messy and confusing, but I try my best to use them properly. The world would be a much nicer place if we all listened to these podcasts. Imagine how much less annoying Costco would be on Saturday and how much more enjoyable family gatherings could be!

There are a variety of other "experts" you can listen to and read: grammar with Grammar Girl, all things domestic with Domestic CEO, fitness with Get Fit Guy, and with practical parenting with Mighty Mom and lots more right HERE. 

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I'd like to start a weekly post about manners inspired by Modern Manners Guy himself. Each Monday we'll have a different topic. I'll share my experiences and opinion and I'd love to hear your advice and point of view in the comments section. I think this has potential to be very interesting, educational and maybe even fun! 

So come back Monday for that!

Barbecue Shrimp

Owen had his 4 month well baby check up today. The little guy was so good and so brave. He got shots and barely whimpered. I was lucky to have my sister-in-law Kelly with me to help out and keep him happy. This was definitely the most successful trip to the doctor we have had thus far. Owen spent the remainder of the day camped out on my lap sleeping and/or eating. Keith is at the Giants game tonight so I'm on my own for dinner tonight and unfortunately I'm having leftovers, which are unfortunately NOT as delicious as this dish I'm about to share with you. 

I found this in a Southern Living special edition magazine full of semi-homemade dishes. Despite the misleading title, there is no barbecuing involved in this dish, but it still was amazing. Don't forget to serve it with some Texas toast to sop up all the tasty sauce! 

Barbecue Shrimp
1 1/2 pounds unpeeled jumbo raw shrimp (2 1/25 count)
1 large lemon, cut into wedges
1 (0.7-oz.) envelope Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 425°. Place shrimp and lemon in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Stir together dressing mix and butter. Pour butter mixture over shrimp, stirring to coat.
2. Bake, covered, at 425° for 25 to 30 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink, stirring once.
3. Remove shrimp mixture from oven, and sprinkle with parsley.

I'm Loving: This Blog

Not mine. I mean, I do love my blog, but this isn't a post where I'm going to tell you how much I love my own blog--that would be silly. I was on Twitter this morning and stumbled upon Melissa's page and subsequently clicked around and found her blog I Pick Pretty.

I'm in love, blog love.

She's a mom, which of course I can relate to.
She is hilarious, which is hard to be over the internet.
Her layout is cute. It reminds me of Mary Poppins.
Her posts are fun and not too long--I usually don't have time to read a long winded post--and they're right up my alley.

I've been sitting here drinking my second cup of coffee (!!!) fully enjoying reading it, all while my husband plays some bang bang shoot people video game next to me at the kitchen table and the little man sleeps.

Anyway, Happy Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy the 3 days and go check this blog out.

Fun Gifts to Give

I'm so tired of giving bottles of wine as token "I'm thinking of you" birthday gifts for our friends and family. Who doesn't love a great bottle of wine, but I've been itching to get a little more creative with my gift giving. 

Recently I was doing a little shopping for gifts and was pleasantly surprised with what I was able to find without much searching, in a short amount of time, with my tiny man in tow. 

Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale is going on right now and they have Philosophy's bubble bath and shower gels on sale (3 for $33 or 2 for $25). Wrapped up really cute in a clear gift wrap and a bright bow any of the scents could make an adorable little gift. Why not give a birthday girl Vanilla Birthday Cake, or a bride-to-be Unconditional Love?

Up in Brass Plum I also found this cute bracelet ($8), which is similar in style to the Michael Kors 'Safari Glam' Adjustable Leather Cord Bracelet ($55) I've had my eye on, but for a much much better price.

And finally, the gift I was actually shopping for, a birthday gift for a family member who is a Jimmy Buffet fan. Margarita Mix for the Margaritaville lover, right? Williams-Sonoma currently has a few fun flavors including Key Lime, Mango Passion Fruit and Morello Cherry Pomegranate. 

I'm always looking for fun new gift ideas. Anything you like to give?

Tissue Paper Pom Poms

We made a bunch of these tissue paper pom poms to decorate my mother-in-law's house for our celebration following Owen's baptism. 

Though I knew they were easy to make, I briefly considered buying them pre-made at Party City ($6.99) when we stopped there for a few party essentials. They're reasonably priced if you only needed a few, but I wanted a bunch in various sizes and the colors in person didn't match what I had in mind, so I purchased tissue paper instead and we made them ourselves! 

I did a quick Google search when we got home from shopping and found these easy step-by-step directions. The pictures where helpful, but make sure you read the directions too. 

Here's what you need: 

• 8 sheets of tissue paper (per pom pom)
• scissors
• floral wire
• ribbon

I found that the shorter we cut the "curves" or "points" the fuller they looked. 

The best party was that after the party I strung a few of them together and hung them in Owen's room. Aren't they fun?