Shop Talk

July 2013

One of the musts that come with keeping a house, whether you’ve got a fully functioning four-bedroom or a simple studio apartment, is keeping your pantry, your refrigerator and your supply closets well stocked. Regardless of how often you make that essential trip to the supermarket, it’s important to keep to the rules of etiquette. After all, everyone’s got shopping lists to get through and it’ll help to stick within the rules, to help all shoppers move smoothly through their To Do’s!

Respect everyone’s space.

Supermarket aisles don’t exactly provide the widest, freest space for shoppers. It might take some delicate maneuvering to ensure that your cart isn’t blocking an entire aisle and causing cart traffic. Be mindful of where you park your things, try not to dominate any one area so that the flow of people is regulated, and you don’t get into a jam with fellow customers.

Watch over the kids.

Most kids love a trip to the grocery store. There’s just so much for them to see, a lot of space to run around with, candy to pull off the shelves, and carts to sit and speed on. As a general rule, parents should keep their eyes on their tots at all times—more than that, however, moms and dads should also make sure their kids sit well-behaved and don’t cause a ruckus, disturbing the supermarket peace. If you see a rowdy bunch of kids running past you though, try to be as understanding and patient as possible—chances are those kids are stressing out their mother more than you.

Don’t be a lazy returner.

It happens all the time. Something catches your eye—a pint of ice cream or a 10-pack box of assorted cereal. You go about your own business, roaming the aisles and 30 minutes later you decide you don’t want that cereal anymore. Do you suffer through the trip back to where you started or do you shelf your cereal on the wrong aisle instead? Give the grocery store employees a break and help keep things in their proper place. You owe them that.

Stay patient at the register.

Don’t heave and ho and tap your feet when the person in front of you is taking forever—unfortunately for you, he got there first and deserves the spot, no matter how long he takes. If it’s the person at the cash register taking forever ringing you up, try to be as diplomatic as possible. Nobody likes a dramatic scene at a place as mundane as the supermarket.

The Blue Leaf is a great place to host parties, whether you're looking to entertain corporate clients or throw a get-together for friends and family. We can help you forge new bonds and make new memories, no matter what the occasion. For inquiries, call The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at 898-BLUE or visit http://www.theblueleaf.com.ph/ for more information.

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The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion • 632 8872175 • 632 8875687 • inquiries@theblueleaf.com.ph

100 Park Avenue, McKinley Hill Village,Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Taking a Breather

June 2013

With the middle of the year fast approaching, it’s easy to find yourself being taken over by the stress of everyday life. Every once in a while, it becomes a good idea to allow yourself to let go, relax, and carve out some time in your schedule for a little pampering. Going to the spa is a wonderful way to treat yourself—not only does it afford you some precious Me Time, it also provides a temporary escape from the outside world.

With so many people retreating into their own private respites, it becomes increasingly important to be aware of the dos and don’ts of spa etiquette. Being mindful of your actions allows others to enjoy their experience and creates a relaxing atmosphere that is conducive for the relaxation that everyone seeks to find at a spa.

Stay comfortable.

While some women don’t mind stripping down to the bare essentials while walking around the locker rooms or hanging out at the lounge, there’s no hard and fast rule about disrobing. The most important rule is that you are comfortable in your own skin—whether that means wearing a bikini in the steam room or keeping your robe on at all times outside of the massage area. If stripping down feels awkward even during your treatment, consider getting a Thai or Shiatsu massage, which will have your body covered all throughout.

Make an appointment.

Calling in advance allows spas to prep your room and everything else that comes with the treatment you’re seeking. Speaking to reception also enables you to ask about prices, promotions, and packages ahead of time. It also allows them to inform you about add-ons such as extra time in the sauna, or being able to take a dip in the Jacuzzi before your body scrub or massage. The relaxation you find when going to a spa starts as soon as you walk through the door—and knowing that everything has been set for you in advance can help create a seamless an experience as possible.

Be polite.

Some facialists or technicians are instructed to sell you spa-sponsored products during your treatment. While a sales pitch can be distracting especially when you’re in the mood to remove yourself from the outside world, it’s important to be clear with your intention and then move on. Just inform your technician that you aren’t interested, or would rather hear about promotions after they provide you their service and they should easily back off. If they persist, approach the manager before you step out and express your disappointment over what happened.

Stay quiet.

There is nothing more off-putting than unnecessary noise at a spa. Keeping your cell phone in silent mode (no vibrating!) is a must. And when heading to relax with a group of friends, make sure to keep your voices toned down and hushed as well.

The Blue Leaf is a great place to host parties, whether you're looking to entertain corporate clients or throw a get-together for friends and family. We can help you forge new bonds and make new memories, no matter what the occasion. For inquiries, call The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at 898-BLUE or visit http://www.theblueleaf.com.ph/ for more information.

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The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion • 632 8872175 • 632 8875687 • inquiries@theblueleaf.com.ph

100 Park Avenue, McKinley Hill Village,Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Weighing In on Weight

May 2013

Physical appearance can be a touchy subject across the board. Whether you’re out to compliment someone on the success of her weight loss journey, or are eager to help someone out by advising him to head over to your personal trainer for a physical assessment, choosing the right words and the right moment to say them (or even the right time to just stay quiet) is essential. Although you may be coming from a place of sincere concern, commentary on one’s appearance can easily rub one person the wrong way, or be accepted as constructive criticism by another.

Before getting yourself involved in a tricky situation, read up on these short tips to make sure you always tread the line carefully.

The latest fad diet.

If you’re hooked on one cleanse after another, or are keen to speak about the wonderful effects that Paleo or Cohen has done for your body, make sure that you talk only about yourself and don’t egg someone on to join the bandwagon too. Unless you are positive that your friend or relative is actually looking for some advice, stick to your own truth instead of laying down what works for you on someone else. Remember that each individual is unique and what is effective for one body can have ill effects on another.

When someone asks…

Women are notorious for asking their husbands, boyfriends or even friends if a certain dress makes them look “fat.” There really is no right answer to this question, although one big no-no could be out and out, answering “yes.” Doing it as a joke can leave your friend’s ego, heart and mind scarred; saying it bluntly will be as damaging too, even if she asked for it. If you feel like an outfit isn’t doing your friend any favors, talk specifics—tell her that she would do better with a different cut because that would accentuate her legs or her tiny waist, rather than just leaving her with a one-word answer.

Assuming thin is in.

Just because most of what’s seen on TV, billboards and media highlights skinny as beautiful, does not mean that those who are preternaturally lithe love everything about the way they look. Telling that person that “they’re too skinny” can be patronizing when you mean it as a compliment, and can also be met as an insult when that person is trying to put on some weight. Instead of commenting on a person’s body type, why not compliment them instead on what you love about the way they look?

The Blue Leaf is a great place to host parties, whether you're looking to entertain corporate clients or throw a get-together for friends and family. We can help you forge new bonds and make new memories, no matter what the occasion. For inquiries, call The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at 898-BLUE or visit http://www.theblueleaf.com.ph/ for more information.

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The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion • 632 8872175 • 632 8875687 • inquiries@theblueleaf.com.ph

100 Park Avenue, McKinley Hill Village,Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Dating Etiquette

April 2013

Modern technology and the passage of time has taken us far from the rules that our grandparents subscribed to when it came to wading through the dating pool. Parent-approved pair-ups have given way to speed dating, handwritten declarations of love have been replaced by quick text messages, and even long hours on the telephone have evolved into chatting via the Internet.

Regardless of how communication has changed over the years, how relationships are defined, and how the rules of dating have changed, certain points remain true when it comes to meeting new people, embarking on a new relationship, or trying one out for size. Keep these constantly on your mind and make the sometimes-complicated world of dating fun and relatively hassle-free.

Save the important stuff for face-to-face conversations.

Texting and email are convenient ways to catch up, make plans—but not the ideal venue to talk feelings. Break-ups are difficult enough; adding that extra cold-hearted element of doing it over the phone just makes it all the harsher. On the opposite end of the spectrum, moving forward with a relationship is something you’ll want to discuss in person—without body language or being able to read a person’s facial expressions, parts of a conversation can be easily lost or misread between the lines.

Take things with a grain of salt.

Whether you’re fresh off a blind date and are waiting for a second date invite, or are deep into a month-long relationship, it is important not to let yourself be overtaken by emotion. Throw in the foibles that come with modern technology, and it is easy to get caught up in dating drama that you’ll find was not at all necessary after all. No reply after a text message you sent? Don’t fret and just call. Ignored on Facebook chat? There could be a million valid reasons why. Find out why with a clear head.

Take your time.

Quick fixes have become a staple of modern day living. Fast food, fast Internet, instant messaging—these everyday essentials have wired us to expect quick, sometimes premature results. Relationships can sometimes be built in lightning speed, but most of the time, it takes a slow burn to come up with solid decisions and results that make sense over time. Resist the urge to fast track, respect your partner’s pace (and your own), and savor the small moments.

The Blue Leaf is a great place to host parties, whether you're looking to entertain corporate clients or throw a get-together for friends and family. We can help you forge new bonds and make new memories, no matter what the occasion. For inquiries, call The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at 898-BLUE or visit http://www.theblueleaf.com.ph/ for more information.

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The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion • 632 8872175 • 632 8875687 • inquiries@theblueleaf.com.ph

100 Park Avenue, McKinley Hill Village,Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Trip Tips

March 2013

As the weather heats up and summer soon approaches, families and friends start making plans for a fun-filled break. Whether you’re planning a full-fledged vacation out of the country with the whole brood, or going for a weekend escape with your husband to a secluded beach, it’s important to stay courteous and considerate. Pooling the kids so they don’t cause a raucous in the hotel lobby or being gracious enough to keep quiet in the wee hours of the morning so you don’t disrupt your next-door hostel neighbors is always good practice.

While the summer holidays is a time for letting loose and running free, it’s always a good idea to stick to courtesy so that everyone has a pleasant, hassle-free time.

Make Provisions

Fussy kids can be a problem when long lines in theme parks and whole-day road trips are concerned. Planning ahead, whether you’re taking care of a one-year old or an active nine-year old helps prevent midday meltdowns that can interrupt even the best-laid plans. Toting a Ziploc bag filled with healthy treats, fruit, sandwiches, and even a bottle of water can tame unexpected hunger pangs and help settle down rowdy kids.

Appoint a Go-To Guy

Mixing different personalities while traveling with a group can be a major source of conflict. When there are one too many cooks on a family vacation, delays, mix-ups in plans and itineraries, and accidental slip-ups are inevitable. If you feel that your husband is more adept at dealing with hotel bookings, appoint him as the go-to guy in that department and allow your strengths in logistical planning, driving directions, and other tasks to keep you in charge of those areas. Separating responsbilities is not only efficient, but can tame tempers in tight situations.

Keep them Involved

Reining in the kids during holidays can be a huge, time-consuming task. Sometimes however, the adults don’t give the children as much credit as they deserve, especially when it comes to high-stress situations (consider how vacations are supposed to be hassle-free!). Whether you’re dealing with a 12-year old or a pre-schooler, clue them in on the goings-on, ask for their opinions when it comes to the places you’re visiting, and give them a rundown of rules to keep silence and courtesy for neighbors always at bay. They’ll appreciate your trust and may even work extra hard to help keep the peace throughout your holiday.

The Blue Leaf is a great place to host parties, whether you're looking to entertain corporate clients or throw a get-together for friends and family. We can help you forge new bonds and make new memories, no matter what the occasion. For inquiries, call The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at 898-BLUE or visit http://www.theblueleaf.com.ph/ for more information.

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The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion • 632 8872175 • 632 8875687 • inquiries@theblueleaf.com.ph

100 Park Avenue, McKinley Hill Village,Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.