New On The Blog

A Man's Guide
to Wearing
Shorts

Today, where we see every form of fashion on our streets, the question of men and shorts still produces uncertainty among many. There is a reason for this that is embedded in our DNA, and to fully understand we need to explore a little history.

13 Table
Manners Every
Child Should
Know

“What are the main table manners children should know?” A common question I am frequently asked. Yet I have a tough time narrowing my answer. I pick my top three, then a fourth pops into my mind. Then a fifth. We may not all attend black-tie events, but we do all eat. Your children will one day be placed in a situation where they need to skillfully know their way around a dining table.

Love to Our
Mothers, By
Blood or Law

As we approach Mother’s Day, I would like to take a special look at the precious women in our lives that hold the title of Mother-in-law. Do you remember the movie Monster-in-Law? It starred Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda in a romantic comedy centered around the tumultuous relationship between a bride and her future mother-in-law. If you have not seen it, you should. It will keep you laughing but, sadly, may hit closer to home than you would like to admit.

We Are in
Control of
Our Image

I recently asked a group of college students these questions showing them the same photos. I had them shout out adjectives for the pictures they were viewing. For the home I heard: beautiful; wealthy; cared for; loving family; a place I want to live. For the broken-down home they said: old; no curb appeal; I wouldn’t go near it; scary; unstable.

Rules Without Reason Equals Rebellion: A History Lesson

“Rules without reason equals rebellion.” -Cynthia Grosso, Charleston School of Protocol. This could be my motto! I have a stubborn streak that can serve me well, but when it gets me into trouble, I just blame it on my DNA. No matter the reason, I am not the best rule follower unless I know why a rule was created. 

Social Guidelines for Wearing a Hat

Remove your hat! Don’t set it on the table! Never let someone see the lining! Women, keep your hat on! Women, take your hat off! Ahhh…..I’m so confused!!! The old rules of hat etiquette were so straight forward, and everyone knew what to do. A gentleman removing his hat inside a building was as second nature as brushing his teeth. In today’s changing society, there is much confusion about hat etiquette, for both men and women, so let’s solve this mystery by starting with the “why” of hat protocol.

How to Listen
Effectively

Do you find your spouse often saying, “Are you listening to me?” Or maybe you feel your child is not being an active part of the dinner conversation. If this resonates with you, it might be time to brush up on the finer points of being a good listener, while teaching your family to do the same. Below are 11 tips to help you get back on track so you can start enjoying deeper and more meaningful communication with those you love.

Slow to Anger

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11 ESV).

 

When I am tired and my mind does not seem to focus on a deep study of the Bible, I will flip to Proverbs to keep focused on God’s Word in a more simplistic way. Yet, every time I read this book, I walk away amazed at the power it brings and thankful for the renewal I feel. The verse I read today really resonated with me.

4 Family Meal
Planning Tips

As a stay-at-home mom to 2 toddlers, a large part of my day is spent in the kitchen preparing food. Meal planning at the beginning of the week is essential to ensuring my family is well fed with home cooked nutrition (I give myself a break on the weekends)! If you get overwhelmed with meal planning like I used to, try these tips to sooth your soul:

The Importance of
Family Meals

As a wife and mother of two rambunctious toddlers, it is a challenge to get a home-cooked dinner on the table at a reasonable time. Pulling the children away from their toys, getting them seated at the table, cutting up their meal, blowing on food that is too hot, and calling my husband away from his work can be exhausting.

5 Criteria for
Trust-
worthiness

Sometimes you just need to re-post tips that were great to read. I find myself saying this quite often when it comes to The Gottman Institute. They are some of the leading relationship experts in our country, and the research they did on trustworthiness is very informative.

Hospitality

Meeting friends for dinner after work, grabbing coffee with your girlfriend or just ordering pizza on a Friday night with neighbors. We all have a deep desire to be connected in a world that often forgets the importance of relationships. Many of us have the desire to entertain, but we let our circumstances keep us from extending hospitality. Often it revolves around our lack of confidence in our ability to host events. I get this!

12 Party
Themes
Everyone
Will Enjoy

A perfect entertaining year for me would be hosting a different themed party each month! Will I do that? No. Will I dream about it? Yes! If I cannot have a party every 4 weeks, I can at least help my Lisa Lou family with ideas so hopefully a few of you can carry the torch of hospitality for the rest of us.

3-Year Old
Luci's
Galentine's
Party

You are not allowed to complain about not getting something that you never asked for. Read that again.

You are not allowed to complain about not getting something that you never asked for.

Complain if You Did Not Ask!

You are not allowed to complain about not getting something that you never asked for. Read that again.

You are not allowed to complain about not getting something that you never asked for.

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  • Lisa Lou
    • Sep 7, 2021
    • 2 min read

What Every Powder Room Needs


Friends are visiting at home more these days. Without fail, the one room most will need to use is the guest bathroom. Have you taken inventory of this area lately? It is an easy space to make boutique beautiful. Here is the list I reference to keep this area ready and waiting.

Mouthwash: I place the mouthwash in a crystal decanter and then use a tray to hold 2-ounce disposable cups and paper hand towels. If you choose fabric hand towels, have several. People do not like to use wet towels.

Paper Guest Towels: I keep a big inventory of these. Set out a stack. There are many great designs to choose from!

Toilet Paper: Check the current roll. If it is low, switch it out. Always provide a spare roll within sight.

Air Freshener: Does this need an explanation?

Lit Candle: Always welcoming.

Trashcan

Pump Hand Soap: I prefer pump over a bar. Bars remain wet and are less hygienic.

Lotion: A nice touch, especially as much as we wash our hands these days.

Artwork: Have something visually pleasing so guests do not stare at a blank wall while on the seat of honor.

Lights: Overhead lights off unless you can dim them. Ambient lights on. Sconces are great.

Lock: I dread that feeling when I am in someone’s bathroom trying to hold the door shut because there is no lock, while at the same time taking care of business. Yikes!

Mirror: Although rare, I have been in powder rooms without a mirror. This item is a must!

Rug: This provides added texture, softens a room, and adds comfort for standing.

Plunger: This is the one item you may hide in a cabinet. If someone needs it, they will find it!

Master of Disguise: Some powder rooms double as a child’s area. We had to keep the bathtub in the guest bathroom while our son was at home. I disguised it making a curtain for the tub that mimicked the window drapes.

Together with you,

Lisa Lou