 Etiquette 
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Published: July 23, 2010 By Andrea Augenstein
As we were raising our busy bunch of seven kids, it became obvious table manners were lacking and needed to become a priority. Our blended family group is tight-knit with only a ten-year span in ages. This meant dinnertime equaled a bunch of teenagers all grabbing for food and not always showing consideration for others.
We decided a fancy night out at a wonderful Italian restaurant, famous for seven-course meals, was just the ticket. The idea was to have training sessions for several weeks at home, all leading up to the big night out. Sunday dinners in the dining room were taken up a notch with fine linens, a knife, three forks, two spoons, a dessert fork on top, a bread plate, and just about every other utensil one can think of.
We learned proper etiquette for napkin use (pat, don’t wipe, and no blowing boogers into the cloth napkin), food passing (no going out for a short pass with the biscuits and no laying over your neighbor to reach the mashed potatoes), and table talk (no whining, no dissing the food, no dissing fellow diners, no dominating the conversation.)
The big night came and we were pretty confident it would be a success. The kids were so excited about it all. They all prepared by dressing up in their Sunday best.
At the restaurant, the dinner rolled along with antipasti, bread, soup, salad, lemon Italian ice (to cleanse the pallet), entrée, and then dessert. Some liked some of it, some liked it all, all were polite, all sat quietly or spoke nicely for the two hours this took, all had a wonderful time, and two young ones fell asleep in their chairs!
Our waiter was a father of five children who couldn’t believe we pulled it off. He saw us come in and thought his evening was going to be hellish. Instead, he told the kids he loved serving them and was so proud of them. He was sure he’d never be able to do the same with his own.
Our night at Ristorante Della Fontana was a night we remember with fondness, and an experience we credit to our well-mannered children.
 Andrea Augenstein Andrea Augenstein
Sandy, UT
Andrea is the “head” “master,” and only gardener on one green acre in Sandy, Utah, where she bakes and designs wedding cakes (AndreasArtisticCakes.com), is a studio potter, enjoys time with her grandkids, and road trips or ATV rides with her retired husband, Bob.
Improving Life
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Published: July 21, 2010
By Jennifer DeChristoforo
It’s the time of year where your body is (or should be) bikini-ready, and perhaps it is. But, maybe you fell off the Bikini Body Wagon late spring when the weather started to get really nice and the idea of outdoor cocktails with friends was way more appealing than spin class.
But now it’s time to pack for your beach getaway. Instead of beating yourself up for not looking “perfect,” use your vacation to recommit to your workout, your body, and yourself. Ultimately, taking time for you is exactly what vacation is all about!
The Hopscotch Super Seven Fitness Pack-ables
Add these items to your suitcase to create your personal on-the-go gym!
Pedometer:
This is the single most important tool you can have when losing weight or redirecting yourself toward a healthier lifestyle. My personal trainer and fitness master, Helena Collins of Life in Synergy and Synergistics Personal Training Studio in Boston, swears by it! Walking is the backbone of her Synergistic Lifestyle Program. Ideally, you want to hit 10,000 steps per day. Whether you’re walking on the beach, boardwalk, all around Disney World or through the airport, your steps add up! And at the end of the day, you have a tool that actually shows your success. It feels so good to hit that 10,000 steps goal and even better when you surpass it.
Water bottle:
You don’t need me to tell you, it’s HOT! Your body needs water. Plain and simple. And your body needs more water in the heat—especially when you’re exercising outdoors. I was emailing with a former high school classmate who is now a doctor, asking her for solid tips on running outside in the heat. Her answer: WATER. Keep hydrated; drinking before, during, and after runs. Additionally, she recommended that I do any outdoor running before 8:00 a.m. or in the evening when the sun has gone down and temperature has dropped.
Resistance bands:
Super portable and super effective. You can efficiently target both your upper and lower body using these bad-boys! Before you stop into a sports store to buy them, check out your local TJMaxx or Marshalls. They usually have a small “sporting goods” section and you can get these for a steal!
Jump rope:
When was the last time you skipped rope? Before one of Helena’s trainers handed one to me, it had been over 20 years! Again, this is so easy to pack and gives you a real cardio workout. Invent little games and goals for yourself—can I do twenty jumps consecutively? Can I skip rope all the way down the boardwalk and back? You’ll also enjoy a rush of nostalgia while you amp up your heart rate.
Workout DVD:
I get the best workouts in a class setting, and this is my absolute favorite portable class—IntenSati: Intention & Power by Patricia Moreno. Patricia has invented a workout that engages your body, mind, and soul. IntenSati is a high energy, cardio workout that combines martial arts, exercise, yoga, dance, and spoken meditation to help you reach the goals you intend for yourself. Dynamic and easy to follow, you’ll work up a sweat while redirecting your intentions on what you really want to achieve (like your hot bathing suit bod!).
Healthy recipes:
Most people cannot afford personal chefs. Ever. Let alone while on vacation. But having a bit of a guide is very helpful and planning your meals will serve you well. While I don’t love the word “diet” (hello, DIE is the first syllable!) I do like this book for its “mix-it-up approach,” great recipes, and overall easy-to-use style. The 4 Day Diet: Be Thinner by Friday by Ian K. Smith, M.D. It’s paperback, which equals packable!
Journal:
OK. So maybe you think I’m a little weird, but every star trainer and women’s magazine tells you the best way to achieve your goals is to WRITE THEM DOWN. I write for a living, so I tend to be resistant to “writing after hours,” but I finally am letting go and fully following the advice of Jillian Michaels (Check out her show, Losing It with Jillian for inspiration! I’m totally hooked!), Patricia Moreno, and my very own Helena Collins. Writing something down is a physical action. Until you take action, you’re just “thinking about doing it.” So do it. Write down everything you want for your vacation and beyond. The biggest excuse people use is “I don’t have the time.” Well, this is your time, and to borrow a line from Patricia Moreno, “If not now, when?”
I asked Helena for a little “love note” and advice for the Hopscotch readers regarding fitness and vacation and this is what she said, “Vacation is one of the best times to start a new healthy life. It’s a new beginning away from the hectic stress of work, a time to realize that heath and fitness are ways to show yourself that you care about you!”
Safe vacation travels and Happy Fitness New Year. Don’t forget your sun block!
 Jennifer DeChristoforo By Jennifer DeChristoforo
Boston, MA
Jennifer is really just a cookie baking, rock-n-roll girl-next-door with an extreme love of words, heels, lip-gloss and mascara. A self-described dating/wedding expert, Jennifer has worked for BRIDES magazine as an Editorial Special Projects Manager, and later as a contributing writer for Brides.com. She was the first “starting over” blogger for Tango magazine’s Love Blogs, penning the original column “Breaking Up is Hot for You,” and has written for Alloy.com. She currently resides outside of Boston with her Yorkshire terrier, Bear.
Etiquette
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Published: July 19, 2010
By Erin Kelley
Ten years ago, my family and I were at a fancy dinner table amid the festivities of my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary party. I, of course, was dressed in what I thought to be the prettiest dress, and could not wait to see my relatives from near and far away.
It further excited me to know that my younger cousins would not be present at the event — that this party was only for the “grown ups.” And being grown-up required that I act as adult as possible. This was very important to me. I spent the night watching my family and relatives for cues on how to appear older, wiser. That evening, my Aunt Kim taught me a new word, associated with adulthood. She called it “etiquette.”
I was thrilled to be sitting next to Aunt Kim. She had resided in California for nearly 25 years and I grew up on the East Coast. This was one of those special occasions when I was lucky enough to see her. As many might imagine, I was a spunky eleven-year-old to sit next to. At one point during dinner, Kim asked me to pass the salt. So, I did.
She looked at me and said, “Do you know what etiquette means?” At this point in my elementary school-level career, I could only conjure up that etiquette had been one of my vocabulary or spelling words, but I never bothered to ask what it meant.
After I shook my head no, Kim spent the next few minutes teaching me that when one asks for salt, they mean the pepper, too. The only thing I could think of was, “Well, she asked for only the salt, so I that’s what I gave her.” However, eleven-year-olds are still young enough to do what they are told, so the new rule stuck. I spent the rest of the meal practicing my new etiquette skill.
Today, I see myself as a very well-mannered 21-year-old. Even though I don’t owe it all to Kim, I will never forget what she taught me during that special dinner.
Over spring break in March, I was lucky enough to visit Kim in California. While we were out to dinner one night I asked her, “Do you remember when you taught me about etiquette?” She replied that she didn’t. It didn’t surprise me, as sometimes simple lessons like what Kim taught me resonate more with the student than with the teacher.
As we go on to celebrate my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary this September, I will be mindful of my “pleases and thank yous,” and holding the door open for the next person. Most importantly, I will definitely know what to do when someone asks me to pass the salt, thanks to Aunt Kim.
 Erin Kelley Erin Kelley
Boston, MA
Erin is a fun-loving redhead that has a passion for writing, fashion, music, and dancing. She lives by the saying, “If you ain’t laughing, you ain’t living.” Erin is currently a third-year student studying Communications at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she resides.
Writing Prompt
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Published: July 8, 2010
In a time when “plz” passes for “please” and “thx” for “thank you,” it’s no wonder that people’s use of manners and etiquette has become, well, abbreviated.
The simple treasures of social decency seem to be traits of a bygone era. Handwritten thank-you notes, anyone?
But some things are worth holding on to. (No passing gas at the kitchen table is one off the top of my head, thankyouverymuch.) So I ask, what piece of etiquette will you never forsake? And from where or whom did you learn it?
This could be a tribute to Grandma. A social commentary. A plea for reform. It’s up to you.
We all look forward to reading your work.
Simply, e-mail: editor@hopscotchforwomen.com. The deadline is up to you.
Fashion
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Published: July 6, 2010
 Silence & Noise Paperbag Trouser from Urban Outfitters By Britney Stevens
 A look from Stella McCartney During the summer, I am all about over-sized shorts, girly skirts, and light dresses. The last thing I want to
blanket my body with is a pair of heavy pants or jeans. My philosophy while walking the streets is the less layering and covering the better (while, of course, still, ahem, covering my body).
But with my college dress code of no shorts, skirts, or dresses above the knee, as well as my own personal standards, my selection of summer-wear is drastically narrowed down, and I’ve been feeling desperate as to where to turn. Fortunately, sooner than later, I was introduced to the idea of harem-inspired trouser pants, and I am infatuated with them.
 Gap's more traditional trouser version I don’t know if it’s their loose fits with extra wiggle room, the security pockets, or the how their high waist somehow bypasses the tragic “Mom jeans” effect. Whatever it is, I have been convinced enough to purchase a pair for summer. One pair, currently selling at Urban Outfitters for $29.99, is fantastic.
I skeptically ordered them online, convinced I wouldn’t dare wear them until fall. Upon ripping open the package, I was surprised to find how lightweight and chic they looked. Not to mention, they aren’t skin tight, making me feel fresh and cool. Since they’re cropped at the ankle, I even noticed catching a slight breeze (proper ventilation is key during excruciatingly hot summer months).
I’ve been pairing them with a pair of awesome brogue-inspired flats from Aldo, in both blue and black. I have to say, even though it’s summer, I am very comfortable. Tuck in a blouse or V-neck tee and I’ve got a chic, flattering outfit that’s versatile and comfy enough to wear all day or night.
Hop Tip
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Published: June 30, 2010
1.5: How many letters a person receives in one week, on average
10.8: How many pieces of junk mail that same average person would receive in one week
41: How many pounds of junk mail that piles up on your kitchen table each year, on average
*Native Forest Network
Every Tuesday, right after our condo building’s weekly janitorial maintenance crew leaves, someone from the Boston Globe swings by our foyer and dumps a dozen advertising circulars on our front stairs. A few days later, this happens again. Never does one tenant in our building actually use these circulars (After all, they don’t contain any coupons, but just a listing of promotions. What good is a newspaper circular without coupons?!).
These stacks of advertisements end up strewn around our building’s front entrance, littering the front yard, and in harm’s way as a potential slipping hazard. A number of times, I have walked downstairs to find our entire foyer covered with a layer of crumpled circulars, as if a child had it’s playtime on our filthy, cracking, marble steps.
My husband embarked on the journey to stop these Globe Direct bulk mailings, and was each time met with resistance. It was one of those “customer service” situations that seemed where incompetency reigned, rudeness was even more glorified.
It would be one thing if these unsolicited advertisements were addressed to each tenant individually and if they actually found their way into our mailboxes. Instead, Globe Direct tried to frame it as their duty to deliver this spam to our front door.
This all brought to mind, not only the green issue of wasted paper, but also a privacy issue. I thought, Surely, we have to have access to an opt-out method– similar to the “Do Not Call” list. After a bit of research, I’ll share my findings, so you can cease being plagued by unwanted credit card solicitations, unrequested catalogs, and other bits of junk mail that might be clogging up your mailbox.
How to get out of:
Credit card and insurance mailings:
www.optoutprescreen.com
Catalogs you don’t shop:
www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference
To have someone do it for you:
For a fee, www.41pounds.org will do the legwork in your place.
Oh, and if you receive Globe Direct mailings, contact this guy and watch Customer Service 101 fail right before your eyes:
Rich Dempsey
Manager- Quality Assurance
Globe Direct
9 Latti Farm Road
Millbury MA 01527-2131
508-871-1929
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