Halloween Etiquette

Whether you are getting a small child ready for trick-or-treating or an adult dressing up for a costume party, put some thought into your manners on this spooky day. Don't forget that even though people may not recognize you or your little ones, you'll still need to act appropriately.

Here are some tips on good manners for you and your children:

• Halloween Etiquette Tips for Trick-or-Treaters - Follow Halloween etiquette rules so everyone can have fun.
• Halloween Etiquette Tips for Parents - Follow safety rules first and know how to act when kids come to your door.
• Costume Party Etiquette - Wearing a mask doesn't make it okay to do anything you wouldn't do without one.

Health of a Writer

I love being a professional writer and hanging out with other people who do what I do, but one thing I've noticed is that so many of us suffer from ailments associated with inactivity and bad lifestyle choices. Because of this, I've decided to work hard at staying healthy.

Here are some things I do:

• Eat high quality food - If possible, I try to eat organic fruits, vegetables, and meats.
• Exercise - I do something physical everyday. This can be a 4-mile walk or a 20-minute session on my rebounder (mini trampoline).
• Walk away from the computer - Since the computer is essential to work, I can't leave it for very long, but when I'm not working or checking email, I try to find something more physical to do.
• Manage back pain as naturally as possible - I rarely take pain medication, but every once in a while (once or twice a month, maybe) I'll take ibuprofen. 
• Talk and laugh with friends - Laughing makes me feel good, so I do it as much as possible.

Is There a Such Thing as Too Much Cuteness?

Now that I'm a grandmother, I don't think there's any such thing as too much cuteness. Here are a few videos I found and wanted to share with y'all. I absolutely love cats, dogs, and babies!

Cutest cats:


Cutest dogs:


Very cute babies:



And for the cutest of all, here are my granddaughters:

Sophia and Emma playing in a box of corn

Emma washing the car

Sophia and her dog Cody

Halloween Preparation - Pumpkin Carving and Fun Treats

I thought it would be fun to share a few Halloween tips and tricks to help you enjoy the season with your kids. Carve a pumpkin, make spooky decorations, and then relax and enjoy a few treats.

Let's start by carving a pumpkin. Here's a video that covers how to select a pumpkin and a carving tutorial:




When it's time to make treats, try something quick and simple that the kids can enjoy with you. Watch this video for child-pleasing goodies:

Basic Etiquette

I write etiquette articles for About.com, and it's my pleasure to announce that our titles have been changed from "Guide" to "Expert." Although I enjoyed being a Guide, I often had to explain what it meant. Now people don't even question me. However, one thing I have to remember is that when I call myself an "Expert," people will be watching and waiting for me to make a mistake in manners.

If you look hard enough, you'll find me doing something wrong. But shh, don't tell anyone.

Here are some of the most basic articles I've written that can help most people:

• Good Manners for All Occasions
• Thank You Notes
• Courtesy During Cold and Flu Season
• How to Start a Conversation
• Conversation Etiquette
• Social Media Manners
• Teaching Children Basic Manners
• Table Manners
• Restaurant Etiquette FAQs
• 10 Rude Things Not to Say
• 7 Tips on the Proper Handshake
• Business Relationship Etiquette
• RSVP
• Wedding Etiquette
• Funerals Etiquette
• Sympathy Notes

I've written quite a few articles not listed above. If you have specific needs and would like to learn more about proper etiquette, go to my About.com site and click around: Etiquette.About.com.

Another Wonderful Year of Life

This is my birthday week. I really don't mind people knowing my age, but I'm not going to put it here. However, I will state that my birthday next year ends in a "0." And I'm the mother of 2 adult daughters and nana of 2 precious little granddaughters. It's not hard to figure out.

Granddaughters in their pink Barbie Jeep

Each year, I do a little bit of reflecting on my life and ponder anything I could/should have done different. This is one of those times when I can't think of a single thing I wish I'd done or not done. I'm content with everything I have, and I'm thankful to have wonderful family, friends, and business associates (agent who also falls under the "friend" category, editors, publishers, publicity geniuses, and other publishing professionals).

Online Class Reunion Party

For those who haven't received an invitation to the Online Class Reunion party on Facebook, please consider yourself invited now. All you have to do is click on this link: Class Reunion, sign in, and click "join," and you're in!

Graphic designed by Sandie Bricker

We plan to have some fun stuff, including character sketches, trivia questions, and prizes! Come celebrate this fun series, and if you've ever been to a class reunion, share your most memorable moments.

See you there!

Debby

Etiquette Refresher

Between being from the South where manners rule and the military brat lifestyle where you wouldn't dare step out of line, I've learned that proper etiquette can make a big difference in all aspects of life - from personal to professional. Now that I look back, I see that the times when I didn't do what was expected of me, things went haywire in my life. 

Here are some etiquette tips that will help bring order to an otherwise chaotic society:

• 10 Quick and Easy Etiquette Tips
• Maintain Your Friendships with Good Manners
• Courtesy and Acts of Kindness
• Handling Awkward Situations
• Apologizing
• Thank You Notes

Don't forget to teach your children how to behave:

• Manners for Kids
• General Etiquette for Teens
• Teaching Sportsmanship

Mind your manners at work:

• Business Relationship Etiquette
• Job Interview Etiquette
• Etiquette for Cubicle Dwellers
• Shaking Hands

At weddings:

• Wedding Etiquette FAQs
• Guest List Etiquette
• Church Manners

At funerals:

• Funeral Etiquette FAQs
• How to Write a Sympathy Card
• Sympathy for the Loss of a Pet

Manners While You're Out and About:

• Grocery Store Manners
• Shopping Mall Etiquette
• Etiquette at the Gym

For more information on good manners, please visit my About.com Etiquette site: Etiquette.About.com.