Knowing the proper protocol in the moment is a tricky thing especially when traveling abroad where the customs are different. If you are not use to bowing, it can get a little awkward. Some of the common drawbacks stem from not knowing when bowing is appropriate. 1. How low should I bow? 2. You're unsure if it' an insult to the Japanese business person who may see him or herself as modern enough to shake hands. 3. When should you bow, and how often? 4. You feel ridiculous, and wonder if you are doing it right Don't worry you are not alone, many Westerners visiting and doing business in Japan for the first time have these same uncertainties. It is only normal. Hopefully by the end of this article you will feel at ease with your new Japanese friends, and business partners. Some Japanese business people are very modern, and will try to make Western business people feel at ease by adopting the handshake instead of expecting a bow. However, even if you are left bowing, don't sweat it, the gesture was appreciated. Think of it this way, your fellow Japanese businessman was trying to make you feel comfortable and show respect for you, just as you were for him. So you are both beginning with mutual respect for one another. My clients from eastern parts of the world come to me to help them learn Western manners just as my fellow westerners come to me to learn eastern manners. Everyone is trying to understand International Etiquette to make a great first and lasting impression which is progress on all fronts. So you may be thinking to yourself, do I bow or not? The answer is yes, always bow to show respect When do I bow? Contrary to many a westerners belief, a bow is not simply for a greeting in Japan, it is a way to show respect, shoe appreciation, apologize, congratulate, and even to express sympathy. So what do I do if the host extends his hand, while I am bowing? Complete your bow, then acknowledge his hand and shake his hand. If he does not explicitly tell you bowing isn't necessary continue to bow. Do I bow to everyone in Japan? Bow to elders, monks, and people you are meeting for the first time. If you are not use to bowing, it can get a little awkward. Some of the common drawbacks stem from not knowing when bowing is appropriate. Hopefully you feel a bit more at ease and remember rather your bow is reciprocated it was noted as a sign of respect even in the modern times we live in.

Who doesn't enjoy an all you can eat buffet? I know I do, but buffet dining can get a bit tricky if you don't understand the rules. In this article you will learn ten tips to help you navigate the buffet gracefully. 1. Wash Your hands: I can't tell you how many clients I've seen who dash for the food, and forgo washing their hands. Your hands have been in contact with many surfaces prior to getting to the table, and must be disinfected. I personally also take it a step further and wipe my hands on a wet wipe after serving myself, just in case the shared serving utensils are contaminated  by someone who did not wash their hands. (that's just me) 2. You must get in line: Find out where the line begins and go with the flow do not dart in and out of the buffet line in an effort to hurry things along unless the person in front of you directly advises you to go around them because they will be a while, or they are waiting for a specific dish to be brought out. 3. Do not begin eating in the line, I understand the lure of that dessert on your plate and how it might beckon you to take a bite prior to sitting down but do all you can to resist eating until seated. 4. Serve yourself in courses: Think about a proper dinner in which you are served. Soup, Salad, Main, Dessert. Follow the same order at a buffet, avoid piling your plate with fish, chicken, waffles, cake, ice-cream, salad, muffins, veggies and bread, you will cause the poor person sitting across from you to surely lose their appetite looking at that messy plate of yours 5. Don’t use your bare hands to serve yourself: Most buffets come with a serving utensil for each dish and you need to use this utensil, never grab for things with the excuse of “Well I’m going to eat it” use the serving utensil. 6. When to eat: The same rule applies for a buffet as a formal dinner when being served, once you arrive back at your seat, wait for your party to come together before eating if there are 8 or less in your party. It is a good idea to try and stick close to your party while in the line so you all arrive back to the table together. 7. Talk with your children prior to entering: A buffet is a bit more relaxed and spacious, and children can get a bit out of hand running around and playing in the restaurant because of the informality, not to mention the sugar rush from the all you can eat dessert bar. 8.Move with grace and ease: I understand you’ve been waiting with your party, and the hostess has just called your party up, but please, do not rush to the buffet line, go first to wash your hands, and graciously move to the line in a calm manor to select the foods you’d like. Moving with grace and ease also limits accidents, as you are carrying your food back to your table and accidents can happen when we rush. 9. Don’t stuff yourself: I understand you want to try everything because it’s a buffet but do not stuff yourself. Instead decide what you would like to try and serve yourself smaller portions so you can enjoy the foods you’d like. But please do not stuff yourself then lean back in your chair as if you were in a recliner at home, and loosen your belt buckle, think of the others you are dining with. Simply, eat smaller portions and keep it together. 10. Use a clean plate for additional helpings: Do not return to the line with your soiled plate in an unappreciated effort to save the staff from washing dishes. Leave your plate on the table, and go to the line and begin again with a clean one, this is what is expected. Wait staff will clear away used plates by the time you return from the line.

Every glass dictates the way the glass should be held, avoid social blunders by learning the correct way to hold your glass. I know what you must be thinking, is there really  proper way to hold my drink? And the answer would be yes, there is a correct and incorrect way to hold your drink. If you would like to avoid embarrassment and show you have good manners and knowledge of proper etiquette the way in which you hold your beverage is important. When holding a glass of champagne Hold the stem of the glass between your thumb and index finger. To some this isn't a big deal but it's always good to know the proper way to do things even if only for formal gatherings when you want to be on your very best behavior. When holding a glass of wine Once a bottle of red wine is opened it should spend a bit of time inside of a decanter before serving so the it has time to breathe. Many great sommeliers believe this improve the taste. Red wine and white wine should both be held by the stem although some grasp the bowl and will probably continue to do so. The reasoning behind holding the stem instead of the bowl are practical. Our body's are warm which will alter the temperature of the beverage causing a difference to occur in the taste. Furthermore holding your glass by the stem, keeps your fingerprints off the bowl once the glass is empty which isn't a pleasant sight. Extra Tip When you're at a social gathering hold your drink in your left hand so your right had is free for shaking hands. Failure to hold your drink in your right hand causes all sorts of awkwardness when you are socializing; you will have to wipe your hand, transfer your drink and your handshake will be very wet and clammy. Also a another reason to hold your drink correctly.

A man simply needs to invest in a few tailor made shirts than to own dozens of ill fitting off the rack shirts that do nothing to accentuate and flatter body structure. As an Image Consultant I continuously remind my clients that fit is absolutely everything. An expensive garment can look cheap if the fit isn't perfect. As a woman I visit my tailor often to have off the rack items tailored for a sharper image. Having a garment tailored is an investment in your Personal Image, not only will you feel better but you'll have the custom suit and shirt much longer, and get more wear out of it. Excuses you tell yourself to avoid tailoring; It fits off the rack... Unless you are built like male model, trust me it doesn't fit off the rack, there is always something a tailor can do to improve the fit, that you don't recognize. I like my shirts baggy... If you like your shirts baggy, you unfortunately always look a bit shabby. Tailors are too expensive... If you are on a tight budget and can't afford the luxury of tailoring think of this. How many bargain shirts have you accumulated? Consider this, most men who tailor make their shirts don't have as many as you but they look sharper. Start simple, take in one of the bargain shirts you brought off the rack to a tailor and have him make adjustment. It's a lot less expensive than going custom. Exactly what needs to be fixed? Your collar may not sit on your neck properly. Your sleeves may be to short, or too long. You may have gaping on your upper back. Your shirt may be too roomy under your arms. You may have too much fabric in the back, and the shirt needs to be taken in. Your shirt may be too long, and you have too much fabric to tuck in. Our favorite tailors in Busy South Florida Mr. B Custom Tailor 7414 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138 (305) 200-3018 Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lady Blue Tailors & Cleaners 18405 W. Dixie Highway North Miami Beach, FL 33160 (305) 931-3902 Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Khai Le’s Alterations & Dry Cleaning 1655 Drexel Avenue Suite 210 Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 604-3312 Hours: Mon to Fri – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat – 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Basil’s Tailor Shop 6001 S.W. 70 St Miami , FL 33143 (305) 666-9570 www.basilstailorshops.com Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sew on Set Miami Beach, FL (305) 409-4206 www.sewonset.com Hours: Call to schedule an appointment.

Most men will pay for first dates, but don't expect all men are the same. Some men will expect you to pay or, pay half of the bill. Here are a few tips for women on first dates who would like to avoid surprises, or embarrassments. Keep in mind while reading that these are my suggestions, you may decide to use my suggestions or completely do your own thing. Here is some advice for a woman going on a first date: Tip# 1: Be Prepared. Usually when a man ask you out he intends to pay for the date, but just in case there is a change of events bring enough money of your own to pay. Things happen; men forget there wallets in the glove department after the valet has taken the car. His card may decline, causing him to be embarrassed, and you will have to pay. Or maybe he isn't a traditional man and believes you should split the bill. Worse case scenario the date is a disaster and out of spite he has decided not to pay. So bring enough to pay for dinner if it comes to it. Although the etiquette rule is, whoever invites the other, pays. Tip# 2: Don't order the most expensive thing on the menu. A lady is gracious and modest in her selections, ordering the most expensive entree on the menu isn't . Tip# 3: Offer to Pay: Some women may cringe at this but do offer to pay in a subtle way, men like to be men and that means providing. However, when I say offer to pay I mean show signs that you would help pay by looking at the check when it comes, when the check comes, don't turn your noise up with high expectations, instead reach for the bill. Although most men, won't let you touch it, but try anyway. If he insist he will pay, offer to leave the tip. Tip# 4: Backup Safety If you are meeting for a first date, let someone in your family or one of your friends know about the date, what time you are going, and what time they should expect you back. It is always good practice for a lady to have a third party looking out for her best interest. Tip# 5 : No Alcohol for safety: In my opinion a woman should not drink alcohol on her first date with a gentlemen, sticking to non alcoholic beverages allows you to stay clear headed, and get to know the gentlemen which is the real reason for the date anyway. If he insist on buying a rare bottle of wine or Champagne he would like you to try, take one or two sips but do not over indulge, if you don't trust him for any reason insist that you would rather not, and persuade him to order a glass for himself.. If you must leave the table at anytime and you leave your drink do not finish it when you get back to the table.

There is nothing like the feeling of well polish tips, you hold your hands differently you handle items differently, and you are proud to show them off. It's no wonder why nail salons are always crowded. The word manicure is derived form the Latin words "manus" meaning hands and "cura" meaning care. The purpose of a manicure is to improve the appearance and feel of the hands. ... Everyone wants soft, attractive hands and cleanly groomed nails. Not everyone has the time or money to have a manicure done at the salon, but many women have learned to do there nails at home. With so many nail kits that come complete with all the tools you need, you can give yourself that beautiful salon finish at home. I won't be joining you, because I personally feel like nail care should be left to the professionals. And my dominant right hands will make my left hand look great, but I can't polish with my left hand which makes my salon finish impossible. Nevertheless well manicured hands, and properly pedicured toes gives you a feeling of pride in your appearance for a small investment. If you are a DIY kind of person here are a few nail polish brands you'll love. I've recently fallen in love with Inglot, as I sat in the nail salon getting a pedicure a young woman on the other side of the curtain that separated us said I brought my own polish. The young nail tech responded, Oh Inglot is a great brand we will be carrying the like here very soon. I couldn't resist a quick google search and I'm happy I did. I never gave to thoughts to the fact that our nail polish needs to breath. The Inglot nail polish offer water and air permeability while allowing you to have a glossy mani pedi, you nails are not simply covered but they are allowed to breath, take in moisture. Which leads me to believe I have been smothering my nails in polish for years, who knew?

Every once in a while I stumble across articles online that hint at Luxury Items being a waste of money, or those who love them are materialistic and shallow. If one isn't careful you'll begin to set the bar lower and lower, and actually fall into the trap of purchasing fast fashion which is the true problem in the environment and the cause of waste, clutter, and poor working conditions for the poor who make them, the employees who are paid bellow minimum wage to sell them, and the environment that has to receive them because they don't last. Now let me back track for the sake of the eye rollers, and self righteous and the stubborn to clarify a few things. I get that certain luxury items may be out of your reach and that may be the cause of your attitude, I get that some of the people who wear luxury brands act as if they are better than everyone else because they can afford top luxury items and that may annoy you. I also understand that you would like to see the same amount of money spent on luxury items to be donated to a cause or charity. Now let me push forward once more to make my point. Luxury Brands are not the problem, in fact many top luxury brands treat their employees better, give to causes and charities, and create opportunities for women and men to live a life they never thought possible.Luxury brands last longer and are never really disposed of, instead they are resold, auctioned, or live in museums. So fast fashion may be the problem, but Luxury brands are not.