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Etiquette Simplified In a recent article written last week on Etiquette and Eating Habits, a meaningful explanation was given on our cultural values. The writer thoughtfully expressed that, "No society can survive or flourish unless its members accept rules governing food sharing and consumption. Mealtime manners, which govern the way food is eaten in the company of others, provide for giving and receiving small, vital, and constantly reiterated signs that these rules are in working order... Civilized and considerate people the world over demand that meals shall be eaten with respect, not only for the food and the effort and good fortune it represents but also for the people in whose company it is eaten. Human beings normally eat in the company of others. The word "company" is derived from Latin, meaning "bread with," and therefore "those who share food." The act of sharing a meal becomes a symbol of every kind of relationship and of the acceptance of cultural values that may seem to have little to do with consuming nutrients. Since eating normally happens more than once a day, human beings turn meals into opportunities to learn and to practice "culture." Politeness at meals provides daily exercise in making socially desirable norms "second nature."" Doesn't it make sense that etiquette should always be implemented into our daily meal plans and a part of our everyday healthy lifestyle choices? With intentional planning we can continually create elegant settings that encompass our foods choices as well. But in the words Linda often quotes from Dorothea Johnson, Founder at The Protocol School Of Washington, "What we don't know, we don't know." So, to help turn our Dining Dilemmas into Dining Solutions, Co-Authors, Rosemarie Burns and Linda Reed have written an easy-to-follow guide book on table setting protocol, manners, and etiquette. With so many ways of entertaining, you'll quickly learn through step-by-step diagrams, "how to be a confident host and savvy guest." Read what other's are saying... The IPPY Award Winner, Which Fork Do I Use? Confident and Comfortable Dining is a rich source of information, designed to guide both the novice and seasoned host in creating memorable dining experiences, and to alleviate the nervousness that comes with entertaining. You’ll love the in-depth table setting information and beautifully illustrated graphics for preparing the table for all occasions-from a simple breakfast to a six-course formal affair. Be amazed and amused by party ideas and fun historical dining tidbits that you can use to entertain your guests. Includes hundreds of illustrations depicting a vast array of serving utensils (perhaps some of which you never knew existed), glassware, barware, dinnerware and serveware, correct dining etiquette, and more! Rosemarie Burns and Linda Reed Co-authors and certified etiquette consultants Owners of Manners Simply Rosemarie and Linda co-founded the etiquette consulting firm of Burns & Reed Enterprise in 1998 and Manners Simply in 2010, with offices in Danville, California and Eugene, Oregon. Many of their students have assumed that since they teach etiquette they came from privileged backgrounds. Quite the contrary; their beginnings were humble. Rosemarie grew up in a working class neighborhood in Oakland, California, while Linda grew up in a rural farming community in Oregon. They had rich but simple lives centered around family, food and friends. A desire for perfection drove Linda and Rosemarie to seek more knowledge, confidence, and refinement. They recognized the only way to achieve this personal growth was through expert training. It was this training that brought the two of them together at The Protocol School of Washington in our nation’s capital. They mastered the coursework and have been teaching seminars together ever since. Rosemarie and Linda are known for their passion about entertaining! They love the creative process of planning, cooking, and inviting others to join in. Rosemarie and Linda’s goal in writing Which Fork Do I Use? Confident and Comfortable Dining is for hosts and guests at any level of experience to be encouraged, inspired, and confident enough to entertain and dine well. You too can prepare great food, create new ideas and memories when gathered around a table with family and friends! In addition to their elegant book, Burns and Reed's Consulting Service, Manners Simply offers Etiquette, Protocol, Training and Seminars for their clients. With a combined 43 years of experience in dining and etiquette seminar instruction, both Burns and Reed are certified to instruct in the areas of American and Continental Styles of Dining, Social Etiquette, Tea and Etiquette, Business – International Etiquette and Protocol, and Dining and Etiquette for Children, Teens and Adults. Clients within the Manners Simply portfolio include Fortune 500 executives, business owners, college athletes, fraternal and professional organizations members, international clients, aspiring young entrepreneurs, medical professionals, stay-at-home moms and dads, teens and children. Manners Simply offers customized programs for businesses, associations, and conventions. Burns and Reed bring years of practical experience to these fun, factual, and information packed training seminars and can tailor a seminar, lecture, or dining event to fit your needs. Which Fork Do I Use? is the perfect gift or keepsake for daily dining and for all generations to enjoy. A few of the things you’ll find inside: *Table setting basics *14 beautifully illustrated table setting diagrams: Breakfast, Brunch, One-course casual lunch or dinner, Two to Six-course dinners, Dessert, Fondue and Sushi course *Buffet and Cheese Course *Entertain with Themed Parties (Progressive dinner or 70s party, plus more) *Contemporary dining etiquette and manners *Host and guest guidelines *American and Continental eating styles with illustrated techniques *How to toast *Setting up a home bar *Wine pouring finesse *Dinner party planning tips and timeline *Invitations, menu cards, place cards, thank you notes *AND MORE! PLUS, a five page reference guide for tableware. What Other's Are Saying... " I didn’t realize how much I needed to learn about dining, entertaining and being a good guest until I read Which Fork Do I Use? This fantastic book is a great resource for party givers and professionals alike. I now have a valuable gift for each of my friends and colleagues – a copy of this book!” ~ Lisa Pinguelo, Marketing and Sales Director " This book is a must-read for everyone who entertains for business. Which Fork Do I Use? reduces the stress of hosting a dinner party or event for business in your home. This book is very helpful if you are a guest at a business party, dinner, or event. If you travel internationally it provides information that will give you confidence in social activities whether business or personal.” ~ Don Kingsborough, Former VP Global Retail and Strategic Development, PayPal *Our appreciation to Rosemarie and Linda for their permission in this featured article, here on Let's Talk! Forum. Be sure to follow Which Fork Do I Use? on Facebook and Instagram for the latest social content.

There is just something about embracing a healthier lifestyle that inspires us to become more creatively organic — like choosing handmade and nature made products, materials, and fresh, colorful foods that benefit our lives in simple, wholesome ways.  Have you ever considered committing to a 28 or 60 day Plant-Based diet? Last month I took the semi-Vegan plunge into the 60 day "plant-based" challenge, and have been so pleasantly surprised by the way my body feels on a fruit, veggie, nut and seed based meal plan. And in those times when I feel my body needs a little more sustenance, I’ll add either fish, chicken, rice, beans, potato or gluten free pasta on the side. For me, this nutritional journey just fits perfectly into the healthy, healing lifestyle I strive to maintain. It isn't for everyone, of course...but I do recommend at leased substituting several meals a week exclusive to plant-based nutrition. Get Creative! However, since I’m not fully "Plant-Based" oriented just yet, I still allow myself one or two cheat days a week for ice cream or a hamburger while I slowly ease into this wholesome lifestyle. So far, I can say that I’m about 60 to 75% vegan...and loving it!  What exactly is a Plant-Based diet? Sadia Badiei from my favorite vegan blog, Pick Up Limes describes the term, "Plant-Based" this way: "Plant-based implies a more wholesome way of eating and living. Veganism is viewed more as an all-around lifestyle choice which also includes the exclusion of purchasing animal products, but when it comes to nutrition a dietary vegan can drink cola and eat potato chips all day and still be "vegan".  The term "plant-based" Offers more compassion, especially to those newly transitioning. It's more inclusive. If you want honey but you've just cut out meat and milk, awesome! If you want cheese for now but you can exclude the other animal products, then great! Perhaps you can revisit the cheese later if you feel up to it. The point is: you eat plant-based most of the time, and that's commendable. Following a plant-based lifestyle the majority of the time is a clear win compared to nothing at all. For those already following a plant-based lifestyle: I encourage you to offer compassion to all individuals, plant-based or not. Be open and honest to answering questions, and do not judge the choices of others. Lead by example, and those that are inspired will be more likely to follow suit."  While you're browsing around her website, be sure to utilize the free printable resources for Weekly Meal Plans, Shopping Lists, Habit Tracker, Healthy Food Hacks and so many more helpful resources that keep you easily accountable on your nutritional path. And also subscribe to the Pick Up Limes YouTube Channel with refreshingly delightful videos that are as light, airy and nourishing as the recipes themselves. The journey to a more mindful, organic meal plan is also a good opportunity to create unique and intentional recipes every week and shop accordingly. (It may require a bit more creative planning if you have a large family at home, or finicky eaters... but it's definitely workable.) I have enjoyed this nutritional challenge so much that my pantry, fridge, freezer and cupboards have already been cleaned out and restocked with fresh, vibrant, nourishing foods. New cookbooks adorn my kitchen counter along with glass canisters that boast organic granola, oats and nuts for conveniently measured use; as well as few additional free-formed, organic stoneware dishes from Chrissy Teigan's, Cravings Collection that compliment wholesome vegan meals. There are numerous books, blogs, YouTube videos, vlogs, magazines, dietary topics and social media posts surrounding nutritional meals and recipes these days, so no one should be without the knowledge and wealth of wisdom we have at our fingertips surrounding and maintaining a healthier, nutritious lifestyle. So, why eat Plant-Based? Well, after a little research, you'll probably be amazed at just how healthy you feel even after a week or two of dedication. Read, Carla's Golden Wellness blog to learn the "57 Nourishing Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet". The American Heart Association shares that, "Going plant-forward is easier than ever these days. Start by searching out some enticing vegetarian recipes that are easy to prepare. Choose ingredients and flavors you know your family will enjoy. Experiment with a meatless meal once a week, then add more days as you get used to it. Odds are good that you will get used to it! Your heart health and your waistline might get used to it, too. Bon appetite." If you have any delicious plant-based/vegan recipes you would like to share with us here on Let's Talk Community Forum, just log in... We love hearing from you! Your healthy lifestyle ideas, comments, photos and reviews are welcome.

The healthy lifestyle foodie from "The Basic House Wife" blog... Along with her friend, Mykklyn Stanzione who shares Kaitlin's same vision for a vibrant life; Together, they have created a beautiful, "Good Food-Good Mood" blog filled with their favorite recipes and related products that inspire us to live a healthy, happy, mindful lifestyle. Kaitlin shares her journey with us... "My name is Kaitlin Vigil, from "The Basic House Wife" cooking blog. I have always had a joy for baking cakes and cupcakes, but my love for cooking all categories of food started once I got married and my husband and I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle. I graduated from The University of Utah with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and taught 6th grade for a year before I took time off to follow my husband for his job. I am currently living in Washington D.C. with my husband Zachary Vigil who is a linebacker for the Washington Redskins. With us moving so often it was hard for me to hold a job and that is when I discovered my love for cooking. Aside from my cooking passion, you can find me in the mountains hiking, snowboarding or riding my horses!" On her blog, Kaitlin encourages us to... "Discover how you can look and feel better by choosing "Super Foods" that burst with powerful nutrients and even taste great. Super foods can help reduce physical signs of aging and lower the risks of illness such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. We have hundreds of yummy recipes and snacks for all different taste buds - kids, vegans, gluten free intolerant and many more, all while keeping in mind a healthy diet and feeling younger every day." To Learn More, visit Kait & Myk at The Basic House Wife cooking blog. * Our thanks to Kaitlin Vigil for her contribution here on Let's Talk Community Forum. Kaitlin Loves Our Lip Balms too!