Category: good

good

These Little Piggies …

Vicki

Happy birthday to Olaf and Levi! One year old! Check out their cake video: today.https://www.facebook.com/froghollowrescuefarm/

The Ginger Genie

These little piggies stayed home…

Do these little guys not make your face squish up with delight?

Piggy Brothers Piggy Brothers

Meet Levi and Olaf, the newest members of Frog Hollow Animal Sanctuary.

How Cute Am I? How Cute Am I?

They were just born a few weeks ago to Mya, the Pot-bellied pig. There were 3 to begin but sadly, the first female of the litter, was not able to grasp life.

Cute Piggy Bums Cute Piggy Bums

Her two brothers, however, took hold and have been having amazing adventures as they explore what this world has to offer.

I am Loved I am Loved

After plenty of suggestions and lots of thoughts, Frog Hollow has settled on the names Olaf and Levi for the newest little piggies.

How can you stay mad at that face?

Please visit the Frog Hollow Sanctuary Facebook page. I can’t speak for everyone but I know my days certainly get an injection of sunshine…

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VNC Image & Etiquette
Business, Civility, Confidence, courtesy, Etiquette, good, Grace, Image, pleasantness, Respect, Whatever

Other Words for Image & Etiquette

Vicki

VNC Image & EtiquetteWhen I am researching for articles, posts or material for VNC Image & Etiquette, I have many words that I will use in my search that are related.  I’ve included them here.  Let me know of words that you might think of and include them in the comments below.

Etiquette Manners Image
Wardrobe Style Fashion
Look Leadership Career
Success Civility Kindness
Courtesy Mentorship Career
Politeness Positivity Optimistic
Friendliness Thoughtfulness Respect
Self-esteem Confidence Congeniality
Social Grace Charm Protocol
Butler Poise Elegance
Class
Confidence, good, Respect

How to Appear Confident … even when you’re not

Vicki

Confidence

Confidence is key in this western society that we live in. Jobs, relationships, perceptions and self-esteem can all be made or broken by how much confidence we exude or don’t. Many times, we simply are not confident. We might be nervous, feel inferior, not feel knowledgeable or unprepared and worry that we just don’t fit the bill. Even though we may feel that way, it doesn’t mean we can’t present ourselves confidently.  Even just looking the part despite not feeling it, can get us through until, eventually, our artificial sense of confidence turns into the real thing. “Fake it ’til you make it”, I like to say. Here are some tips to help you come across as confident even when you don’t feel it.

1. Posture – The way you stand can say so much about you.  If you aren’t feeling your best, slouching, hiding behind long hair or leaning against the wall can be a direct message that you don’t want to put yourself out there.  Stand or sit straight with your head up and your shoulders back.  Pretend you have a string that is tied to middle of your head and a puppeteer is holding you up by the string – straight and looking forward.  Good posture sends the message that you know what you are doing and you are comfortable with where you are.

2. Eye Contact – Always make eye contact when you are talking to or listening to someone.  If people can’t see your eyes when you are talking to them they may not feel you’re trustworthy.  Shifty eyes will make people nervous.  No eye contact suggests you don’t believe you are good enough to talk to or worse, you don’t believe the other person is good enough to talk to.  If you don’t make eye contact when someone else is talking, it may give the impression that you aren’t listening or you are not interested in what that person has to say.  Not only can it destroy your confidence believability, it may keep you out of the networking loop.

3.  Admit when you don’t know something – I’ve had people tell me that they will pretend to understand or know about something that they have no clue about just so they don’t come across as stupid or naive.  You are not expected to know everything.  Asking for information to learn something or just plain saying “I don’t know the answer to that,” shows that you are comfortable enough to show you are human.  This, believe-it-or-not, is confidence.

4.  Smile – The best thing you can do for almost any situation is to just smile.  Especially when you aren’t feeling confident.  Physiologically, smiling will send signals to your body to relax and help you take control of your thoughts and feelings.  Smile long enough and you can trick your body into thinking your are happy even if you aren’t.  It will signal to others that you are happy or experiencing a “light” moment and are, therefore, approachable.  When people approach you to spark conversation or make inquiries, it will make you feel confident.  And the greatest thing about smiling is that it’s contagious.

5.  Wear your power outfit – Everyone should have a power outfit.  That one outfit that makes you feel like you can take on the world.  You look good and feel good in it and you can’t help but feel confident.  I have a pant-suit that I only wear when I’m presenting to large and perhaps, corporate, audiences.  It makes me feel tall (I’m not), put-together, attractive and stylish.  Even if I’m sweating buckets and am incredibly nervous, I know that I look like I mean business when I’m in my power outfit.  And sometimes, just putting on that outfit is enough to put me into full-fledged confidence mode.

6.  Firm hand shake –  A firm handshake is a must.  It may be a bit cliche but when meeting people, if the grip isn’t one with some fortitude, it can make or break an introduction and thus, a relationship.  A firm handshake (one coupled with eye contact *see point #3) suggests that you know who you are and you are ready to make a new and possibly great connection.  Even, when not feeling the power of a confident mood, that firm handshake at least gives that message at the start so you can catch up with confidence later.  Caution, however, that the handshake isn’t too strong.  A bone-crushing handshake can give the impression that you mean to dominate and that does not, a great introduction make.

7.  Prepare – If you have an event or an opportunity approaching where you are worried that your confidence may not be in full order, the best thing to do is prepare.  If it’s a networking event, read-up on who is expected to be there; what is the focus of the event; are there questions you can prepare ahead of time so that you are armed with information for those awkward silences.  Perhaps check out what is trending on twitter before heading in so that you have some quick conversation-starters like “Did you catch that headline about …?”  If you are going into a situation where you will be in the spotlight, go over your notes or ask a friend to prepare questions to ask you.  The more preparation you can do ahead of time, the more confident you feel and the more confident you will come across.

Should you be in situation where you’d rather just curl up and sit in the corner, these tips will hopefully help not only put you into the centre of the room, but help you to feel comfortable being there.  Are there other ideas that you use to help you feel confident even if you aren’t?

Confidence, courtesy, good, Grace, Image, Respect, Whatever

Top 10 Most Gracious Celebrity Women according to me

Vicki

These are women that I see as role models. They are women I’d like to have at my supper table and who I’d love to sit down and chat with. From what I know of them (and of course that is through the lens of the media) they exemplify the following characteristics:

Criteria:
• Often seen smiling
• Present positively
• Sense of humour
• Well – groomed
• Well dressed
• Courteous
• Humble
• Giving
• Authentic
• Not afraid to look silly
• Courageous
• Confident
• Grateful

10. Michelle Obama

Gracious Michelle Obama

9.  Kate Middleton

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8. Queen Latifah

Queen-Latifah-590x442

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Emma Stone

emma-stone-24599

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Meryl Streep

Meryl-Streep

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Princess Diana

princess diana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen-Degeneres

3.  Maggie Smith

Maggie-smith-original

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Julie Andrews

julie-andrews_1628923c

 

 

 

 

 

1.  Audrey Hepburn

audrey

Civility, Confidence, courtesy, Etiquette, good, Image, Respect

A Quick Thought About Your Impression

Vicki

more business casual
Whether we like it or not, agree with it or not, judgments will be made about us. If we do not take into consideration how we look or act, these judgments may not be in our favour. Furthermore, these assumptions may not only be made about us but could be made about our positions, our departments and/or the organizations we work for. Therefore, it is very important to put thoughtful consideration into our appearance and behaviour.

Civility, courtesy, Etiquette, good, Respect

Make Courtesy a Habit

Vicki

I often have conversations with people about how society has lost it’s courtesy and civility.  It often leads to discussions of entitlement and how our youth today, don’t seem to have the understanding of manners and decorum that once used to be taught in school and practiced at home.  Then, you sit by the young gentleman in a small plane who gets up and assists you to your seat and starts polite conversation and you realize that all is not lost in the world of polite society.  When instructed to turn off all electronics, he did so promptly and stowed it in his carry-on. He indicated he was a university student travelling to visit some friends for a weekend party.  If he had of told me that first, I would have judged him as one of those youth that I often talk about with my adult cohorts.  I was impressed with his ability to manage conversation, make eye contact and use the most impeccable manners throughout the flight.   I didn’t point out the impression he made on me civilityfor fear of embarrassing him but I want to pass it on – especially to young people out there – manners and courtesy are never out of style.  Make courtesy a habit.  You never know who you are going to impress with it. 

Civility, courtesy, Etiquette, good, Grace, Respect

After You Ma’am.

Vicki

 

Volunteering at a recent event, I was amongst 4 retired gentleman.  Each of them was probably around the age of 60.  The event lasted a few days so I had the pleasure of these gentleman’s company for the duration of that time.  We checked in at Volunteer Headquarters every morning and then caught a shuttle bus to our designated work areas.  I couldn’t help but notice the overabundant politeness that seemed to take place.  Each of them insisted I enter the shuttle first, they stood if I stood, they would open and hold the door for me and wait until I went through first.  On one occasion, I got on the shuttle after everyone else and the bus was full.  At least two of the them quickly stood up and offered their seats.  I indicated that I was okay but they were insistent that I take one of their seats.  I didn’t want to create a scene or not respect their expressions of courtesy so I took the seat.

I wouldn’t say this behaviour was foreign to me but it certainly wasn’t something I was used to on a regular basis.   I know  from my university days, when feminism was at its peak, men offering  to do anything for women created somewhat of a controversy.  Perhaps that is part of the reason it isn’t as prevalent so much any more.  For me though, I liked it.   Men or not, being met with courtesy, grace and respect – it was a good thing.

Civility, Community, courtesy, good, Respect

Civility Includes Respect for the Environment

Vicki

What do you think of when you think of civility?  Is it putting up with the in-laws when they drop in unannounced?  Maybe tolerating the sniffling of the co-worker in the cubicle beside you.  Or do you think of keeping your dog fenced in yard so he doesn’t do his business on someone else’s lawn.  Do you ever consider your respect for the environment as an act of civility?  Let’s not forget that we are only borrowing this space on earth while we are here.  Respecting the elements is important for everyone now and those to come.

Here are 5 Ways you can help the environment from fellow blogger, Kelly Allen.  Even if you already do these,  it’s always a good reminder to know that even the small things can add up to a big difference in the end.  Please read:

http://kellybrownpaper.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/5-ways-you-can-help-the-environment-today/

Civility, courtesy, good, Peace, Whatever

Some Christmas Spirit

Vicki

My high school English teacher and dear friend tagged me on a Christmas meme.  I love these things and I especially love the holiday season and so of course I wanted to dive right in.  Please feel free to copy and paste in your blog.

 Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

I love Egg Nog during the holidays but nothing beats hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day or night; especially after toboganning or skating.  It brings back many wonderful memories of childhood.

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? 

Santa uses very distinct wrapping paper and is meticulous about his wrapping.  And his gifts don’t go under the tree, they are the ones set out in front because they deserve the most attention.

Coloured lights on tree/house or white?

It was coloured lights when I was little but now I love the twinkle of white lights.   I have wee ones at home and they love the coloured lights.  My oldest – 7 – goes crazy with the lights and wraps them around everything.  I don’t share his enthusiasm for the explosion of multi-coloured lights around the house but I let him have his way.  It will be all too soon when he won’t want to be such a willing participant in the decorating.

Do you hang mistletoe?

No.  But I love to get caught under it with loved ones at someone else’s home.

When do you put your decorations up?

The rule growing up was “nothing before December 1st”.  I hated that rule.  So, the rule in my house is any time after Remembrance Day.  I love the Spirit of Christmas and I want it to last as long as possible.

What is your favourite holiday dish?

Definitely the turkey with all the fixings.  Sharing in this meal with family is so special.  There are so many memories …

Favourite Holiday memory as a child?

Sitting in the living room with only the light of the Christmas tree and listening to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”.  There was a feeling of awe and magic that I think one only gets as a child.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I’m still learning.  I believe Santa is much bigger than the man in the red suit.  He’s a spirit full of magic and love and hope and peace and all that is good and he passes that spirit on to all those who believe.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Only if it’s pjamas.  But even then, I like waiting.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? 

My husband has to assemble it because it’s too heavy for me but then my boys and I hang the ribbon and ornaments.  Usually, the bottom three feet of the tree of packed since that’s as far as the boys can reach.  That means there aren’t many ornaments left for me to hang on the upper limbs.  It makes me smile.

Snow! Love it or Dread it? 

I wish I loved it.  I’m not a confident winter driver so I find the snow a bit intimidating.  And being in Canada, snow is (usually) plentiful at Christmas.

Can you ice skate?  

I sure can.  Now if I just had a pair of skates.

Do you remember your favourite gift?

When I was ten, my sister (5 at the time) and I, literally, saved all our pennies to buy a computer.  At that time, the Commadore Vic 20 was hot on the market.  We had spent that summer collecting beer and pop bottles, grew pumpkins to sell in the fall and held a yard sale.  My parents were so proud of our efforts that they surprised us with the computer on Christmas day.  My sister and I were stunned.  We fully expected to pay for it ourselves.  We were able to spend our hard-earned money on games and accessories for the computer.

What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

The spirit.  People give and share.  Family and friends get together.  Children watch Christmas classics and get so excited.  It’s so special.

What is your favourite Holiday Dessert?

Pie.  I like pumpkin and chocolate.  I think I’d have to say that chocolate is my favourite.  Anything chocolate is awesome!

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

My younger self wouldn’t believe this but it’s going to church with family on Christmas Eve.  There is just something about that service that gives me goose bumps.  I feel connected to all those important to me, past, present, with me in body and spirit.  It moves me.

What tops your tree?

It used to be an angel but now it’s a star if we can get it stay on top of the tree.  It’s a bit heavy.

Which do you prefer giving or receiving?

Giving.  It’s so much more fun to give – especially when you know you’ve got something for someone that they will love.

What is your favourite Christmas Song?

I’m not sure I have a favourite song but I definitely have a favourite album.  Christmas with Conniff is hands-down my favourite.  No one in this era even seems to know what I’m talking about when I mention Ray Conniff because he was a musician from back in the days of my grandparents who haven’t been with us for over 25 years.  But, Grandpa would pull that vinyl album out every Christmas, skips and all, and we would sing along to it.  It took me many years and lots of searching to find it on CD.  When I did, it was one of the best gifts I gave to my mom.  Lot’s of memories with that one.

Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?

The first couple are yummy then I get sick of them pretty quick.  I do like bits of candy cane sprinkled on chocolate or in my cocoa but for a hint of mintiness.

Favourite Christmas Show?

I know it’s not the classiest, but I have to say Christmas Vacation.  That’s the one that I look forward to every year.  I also like watching Rudolph and How the Grinch Stole Christmas with my boys.  Those are some classics.  Oh, and Love Actually.  I like that one too.

Saddest Christmas Song

Honestly, if it’s sad, I usually change the station.  I can be sad at other times, Christmas, for me, is about  Joy.