Manners Meltdown: When being nice is not so easy

 Winter happens every year at this time in the NCR, still Ottawans struggle with the frigid temperatures, dark days and bad moods which unfortunately are in great supply. Recently posted on my Facebook page was the following adage: Winter's Five Stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and April; the last one

I DO’S and I DON’TS of I DO: Wedding Etiquette – The Finale

 As summer winds down, the same can be said for the frenetic wedding season. Dresses have been bought, bouquets carried and champagne guzzled. The hoopla has more or less died down; however there remains one Very Important Ritual that needs to be completed by the newly betrothed before they walk

Bette’s Etiquette Beat: Do’s and Don’ts of I Do: Wedding Etiquette

 Welcome to old and new friends. Make yourself at home. I trust all had a good start to the New Year, practicing your impeccable manners, and are eager to climb aboard as we resume our etiquette journey for 2013. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this is a busy

Bette’s Etiquette Beat- Pedestrian Politesse Part II

 As mentioned already,  this month's topic is one that is near and dear to me. Hence my musings are a little more lengthy this time around. Blame it on the heat!   Enjoy Part II of Pedestrian Politesse. Happy Canada Day! Scenario 1:  Crosswalk Conundrum The light changes and the

Bette’s Etiquette: Pedestrian Politesse- Part I

 Hard to believe that it was only a short while ago the days were darker, colder and winter was casting its familiar hand on the nation’s landscape.  Tylenol, toques and tedium were the order of the day.  Now with the official start of summer (June 20) people are coming out

Bette’s Etiquette Beat – Deadiquette

 Spring has sprung in the Nations’ Capital!  It is always one of my favourite seasons- buds blossoming, winter coats and boots being stored away, new beginnings. Spring is also a melancholy time for me personally, since it was the first day of spring, 11 years ago, that my father died

Bette’s Etiquette Beat: Love is in the Air!

 Love is in the air!  The day of hearts and flowers, hugs and kisses, proposals and romantic gestures is upon us once again.  I always find it curious that we need a special day on the calendar designated to being loving towards each other.  Shouldn’t we be that way all

Bette’s Etiquette Beat ~ For the New Year!

 Welcome to 2012!  So does a New Year mean a new you? There is nothing like January 1st to start thinking about how you want to better yourself over the next twelve months; exercise more, eat healthier, do better at school/work, and be kinder to others. I must say, I

Bette’s Etiquette Beat

 Welcome! Bienvenue! Make yourself at home, take your shoes off and have a seat.  Can I get you anything to drink?  Few things are more welcoming than being greeted warmly and sincerely by another.  Emily Post famously said “Nothing is less important than which fork you use. Etiquette is the