Bathroom Rules & Etiquettes to be followed at Your Workplace

Some people may not be aware that there is a bathroom etiquette which should be followed particularly when using the one in office. This blog is all about bathroom etiquettes which is important in our daily life.

Anywhere we visit there are certain etiquettes relevant to that particular setting. Among all, workplace etiquette is the most vital one as you are going to leave an impression on your colleagues. Remember that the world is always judging you and of course you don’t want them to develop wrong impression about you. Here are some important bathroom etiquettes that should be followed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

•    There should always be a clean approach when it comes to washroom i.e. you should have the practice of washing and wiping your hands after using the toilet. You yourself would not like someone not cleaning their hands after using the toilet and coming to you for shaking hands.

•    The most important etiquette is to not talk about business and work matters in the restroom. Save the business talk to be discussed in the conference room or in your cabin.

•    Before entering into the stall, just peek to see if there’s anyone inside. Don’t simply barge in. Moreover, while using the bathroom, it is very important to flush. Even you would not like to use a dirty commode which is not flushed.

•    Always leave BOTH the toilet seat and cover down when not using the commode. This applies to both men and women, whether at home and in public facilities.

•    Before leaving the toilet make sure that it is clean enough for others to use. In case any toiletries are unavailable, make sure to report it to the concerned person who looks after the maintenance.

•    Never use the last sheet of bathroom tissue without informing the host. Better yet, a host should leave extra rolls in the room for guests to access as needed.

•    Bathroom etiquettes should also be followed elsewhere. Remember to be respectful of a person's home. Do not rummage around for items you may want, such as aspirin. Instead, always ask the host to assist you.

BONUS TIP: When placing a new roll of bathroom tissue in its holder, the tissues are to be unrolled from over the top, so the end hangs in front of the roll, not behind.

Send Warm Wishes by Following Some Flower Etiquettes

You don’t have to depend on words each time to convey your best wishes to the someone special. Flowers are a delicate beauty of nature which acts as a silent message. Flowers are always selected as ideal gift all over the world and can bring smile on a face, brighten one’s day or even express your love or sympathy. Although sending flowers might seem a simple task but if you are unaware of the etiquettes of sending flowers you may come across embarrassing situations. Here are some of the flower etiquettes that should be remembered in order to avoid an awkward situation. 

Mistakes to Avoid at Your First Date:

Your first date can get jostled if an embarrassing flower incident strikes your way. Flowers are always symbolic. Some represent love while others represent friendship. Make sure to bestow neutral flowers so that your first date does not come across any embarrassment. Of course you will never want to start a date with a flower that represents friendship only. 

Sending Flowers at Your Workplace:

Sending flowers at your workplace can be the most perfect way to say “I’m thinking of you”. However, it can even be a breach of etiquette. Some of your colleagues can feel embarrassed on receiving flowers at work. Therefore it is essential to consider the person you are sending flowers to and their possible reaction.

Give the Correct Number of Flowers: 

Also consider the number of flowers you give, as what is appropriate varies from place-to-place. In the U.S. a dozen flowers is appropriate and customary. In Europe and elsewhere even numbers are considered inappropriate. Almost everywhere, the number 13 is considered unlucky. In parts of Asia, never give a gift having an association with the number 4 (it sounds similar to the word death). Giving a single flower is generally reserved for lovers. 

Be an Equal Opportunity Flower Giver: 

Men enjoy receiving flowers, too. The difference to keep in mind when presenting flowers to men versus women is in what kind of flowers you give, in what colors, and how they are presented. Keep to stronger, dominant colors, such as yellows and oranges. Do keep the wrapping simple, avoiding lots of ribbons, bows, and frills. While in the U.S. it has is customary for flowers to be given by couples, by a woman to another woman, and by a man to a woman... with the emergence of equality, it is no longer inappropriate---thank goodness---for a woman to give flowers to a man.

Mismatched Outfits & Corsages at Wedding:

When it comes to a Christian weddings, flowers play a significant role. The dress of a Christian bride is always white and it is essential to gift a white corsage to a Christian bride at her wedding so that it complements the wedding attire without any mismatch. It is quite obvious that one will never prefer to gift a bouquet of red roses to a bride dressed in white. One must also consider the size of the corsage before gifting it. Avoid choosing bouquets that are too large or too small. 

Etiquettes for Sending Get Well Soon Bouquets:

The sweet fragrance and bright colours of get well soon bouquets can really charm up the mood of a person who isn’t feeling well. However some hospitals have restrictions on flowers. Thus it is important to check if there are any such rules or not before sending flowers as the get well wishes. 

Valentines Day : 

The most popular flower for Valentine’s Day is still the rose. If you choose to give roses, remember that the red rose symbolizes love, the yellow rose shows friendship, the pink rose represents admiration, and the white rose indicates purity and innocence.

Mother’s Day :

Choosing a flower for Mother’s Day is simple. All you have to do is pick one that you know is her favorite. If she likes all types, consider giving her a spring bouquet with a variety of colors and varieties. Carnations are always a good choice if you’re not sure what she likes. They are an excellent expression of love and admiration. You might consider giving her a carnation corsage in her favorite color.

By following these flower etiquette tips you will reduce the chances of getting into any awkward situation and convey your best wishes easily.

A Few Flight Etiquettes for a Peaceful Journey

I love to travel and explore destinations. For me, travel means to board a flight and fly for at least 3 hours. Over the years, I have noticed some weird behaviors which people often repeat while traveling on an airplane. In this blog, I am sharing some of the unrewarding airplane behaviors for your reading pleasure.

No Infliction of Odors and Noises-

Show respect for others by not inflicting odors and noise on your fellow passengers. Avoid the temptation to douse yourself with perfume because you might cause a respiratory problem for someone who has allergies. If you carry food onto the plane, make sure it doesn’t have a strong aroma that might offend someone who is squeamish.

Those Drunken Dragons-

There’s nothing worse than a drunken passenger – especially for those of us who’ve had drinks spilled on us by drunken people on planes. If you are such a traveller then you deserve to lose your carry-on bags.

Space Invaders with Drooping Heads-

Here, I am not talking about any video game or movie. I am actually referring to those who tend to occupy a large space for relaxing their arms and feet. When they fall asleep their heads always droop towards you. This is something which is really irritating. Regarding what does belong to you, the customer pays for the seat and the space behind that seat, not in front of it. You can recline as you please, except during meal times.

Those Constant Kickers-

A common habit of children, constant kicks at the back of someone’s seat is very annoying. Children are innocent beings. They might not be aware of flight etiquettes but parents should be alert and make them realize of such unappreciated play habits. However, I have noticed parents taking such things casually and they even don’t apologize for their kid’s behavior. Parents should teach their kids how to sit still.

Save Your Time & Carry a Pen-

Bring a pen for customs or immigration forms if travelling abroad. The rail/airline staffs don’t have an inexhaustible supply – it also saves time if you fill in forms while still on board.

Ensure Security but Don’t Block Others Way-

Before you get to the x-ray machine, take everything out of your pockets. Put it all in your bag, or the pocket of a coat that you'll put through the machine. When your belongings come out, collect them quickly and move to a spot where you’re not blocking anyone. Then you can put your shoes and belt on.

No Abusing Act inside a Plane-

There is no reason whatsoever to abuse airline staff. They are trying to get their work done. It’s a plane, not a restaurant or a hotel. Try not to make their life too difficult with requests such as “I’ll take the chicken but will you please remove the asparagus sauce for me.” If for some reason you feel that they aren’t doing their job, report the matter to their superiors or write an email when you land. Failure to comply with the directions of the crew members can be a criminal offence.

Etiquettes to Follow While you get up from Your Seat-

Get up from your seat properly. There is no need to hold down on the seat in front of you in order to get up from your seat. This will only aggravate your fellow passenger. Pay attention to the seatbelt sign, it’s there for a reason. There is nothing more inconsiderate than passengers who get up and grab their bags from overhead lockers as soon as the wheels touch the ground. This behaviour is a) idiotic – you really aren’t going to get out any faster, and b) dangerous.  I’ve seen bags of duty free whiskey drop out of the overhead bins, potentially harmful to the person sitting below. Just wait till we can all stand.

Break Your Silence after Taking a Hint from the Other Side-

Many people enjoy flying in silence so before you start running your mouth to the person in the neighboring seat, learn to take a hint. You might want to introduce yourself when you sit down to get a feel for the other person’s mood. If he or she quickly dismisses you by opening a book, be respectful and stop talking.

Have Patience before Getting Off the Plane-

Wait your turn to get off the plane.  Jumping up quickly, climbing over other passengers’ laps and rushing into the aisle to get your bag first is probably not going to help you get off the plane any faster in the long run. If you’re worried about missing a connecting flight, talk to your flight attendant before you land and ask for assistance deplaning quickly. Everybody is anxious to get off the plane. Wait your turn.

Flight etiquettes are followed as a gentle reminder to all of us to think about our fellow passengers while flying in the sky. So, let’s follow these common courtesies and make flight journeys peaceful and happier for us and others.

Corporate Style Statement for a Male Newbie

An interview ending with golden words like “You’re hired” automatically brings smile on a newbie’s face. Appreciating the hard work and dedication of a fresher candidate, I am writing this blog on the styles and trends a male newbie should follow at his workplace.

Although a man’s wardrobe has only a few accessories but there are some items that should not be given a miss. Now when you have already overcome the initial phase of your career, get ready to cross the next levels for the ultimate success.

Here’s the list of a few corporate must-haves for men:

Understanding the Importance of Cufflinks:

A classy and suave cufflink can add an extraordinary appeal to a French sleeve or any other formal attire. Men who are fed up with the common corporate get up and hence seek to go for something unique can experiment with cufflinks and create their individual style statements. Among the most up-to-date varieties of cufflinks some are torpedo cufflinks, silk knots, French cuffs or chain cufflinks. So, let your look get accessorized by these smartest and cleverest collections of cufflinks.

The right Tie:

Since you are a newbie for a corporate setup, I would strongly recommend you to opt for ties with colors like red, blue, burgundy, grey and navy blue at your workstation. Wear it formally at your office and later you can loosen it up for a party as well. Such ties with refreshing colors will undoubtedly make the corporate get up more fun. You can choose ties with stripes as well as plain ties to complement a corporate style.

Belts to Complete your Style:

A belt is a perfect accessory for men that is complete subtle on style and gives a real eye-catching look. For a professional look, I would suggest you to choose a black or a brown leather belt. While planning your wardrobe, make sure that this item is not missing. Belts are not just meant to hold your pants from slipping. It has a style factor which gets reflected on your personality.

Jackets & Suits for Enhancing Your Masculine Personality:

Keep some light blue and beige linen jackets that bringing the end of a work week in style. Team it up with brown trousers and replace that boring look of yours with a whole new fashion. For other days of the week, you can choose to wear a black suit which occupies an essential part of your corporate wardrobe. Make sure that your suits are not too flashy or dressy and complement your shirts well.

Allure Your Cheeks with the Pinkish glow

Since coral and peach blushes are creating new obsession among ladies, rose color has taken a back seat. But if you ask me, I would say that rose color should always be prioritized as it adds a natural sheen to one’s beauty. Take a look at my views on this topic in details.

People say that rose color has lost its popularity with the evolvement of new uncommon shades. However, my opinion completely varies from this. As per my opinion the definition of blushing is to bring an instant pinkish glow on one’s face particularly the cheek area, a natural flush, which comes automatically in situations of being embarrassed, being love struck, to name a few. The rose hue can never go out of fashion because we girls always love to create an illusion of that reddish natural glow. 

When to wear a rose blush? 

No matter whether it is a fresh morning look or a gorgeous party look, a rose blush can be used diversely for almost all occasions. However what matters is the way you apply it and the intensity of the redness after applying it. Nowadays even brides prefer to allure their cheeks by giving them a natural rosy touch and this pinkish hue perfectly complements the rich embellishments of bridal attire. 

What is better a powdered makeup or a cheek tint for that natural glow?

A lot of ladies cannot decide whether a powder makeup or a cheek tint will work better to get rosy cheeks. A cheek tint on application gives a soft blush to your face which is often mistaken by others as a natural glow. Apply a rose tint makeup for a fresh morning look as you step out of your home and let the glow of the sun brighten your skin even more. On the other hand a rose colored powder will intensify the beauty of your face for an evening occasion. 

My personal preference is to choose a cheek tint since it creates a natural pinkish glow on the face and I can step out of my home with minimal makeup. I think a rose-colored blush is a must have for the makeup box as it will never be out of fashion. 

Tips for Wearing Boots with Dresses and Skirts

It is common to pair feminine, dainty clothing like dresses and skirts with boots for an edgy look. Since the wrong combinations can leave the wearer looking short, stumpy, and awkward, boot-wearers should follow a few general rules.

Watch the Hemline

One of the basic rules while wearing boots is to ensure that they stay below skirts and dresses. This is not so much a problem with ankle boots, but for knee- and thigh-high boots, it is important to show at least a little bit of skin between the top of the boot and the outfit's hemline; this is more flattering. The exceptions are long, flowy skirts with fluid hemlines, as they do not hug the figure and, therefore, do not look awkward with longer boots.

Add Some Tights

Tights are a practical way to wear dresses and skirts in the winter and still stay warm, and they look great paired with boots. They are also useful for people who prefer not showing too much skin. Solid colors like black, brown, and gray suit most outfits and picking boots in colors that match the tights can make the legs look leaner and longer. Patterned tights can spice up otherwise simple outfits and give them a playful touch.

Match the Style

Not all dresses and skirts go well with all kinds of boots. Pencil skirts, for example, are better served by high-heeled ankle boots than with knee-high boots. Cowboy boots look great with high-waist skirts but are not as effective when paired with sweater

dresses. A-line skirts go well with knee-high boots but less so with combat boots. When in doubt, it is better to stick with the basics; ankle boots suit almost all kinds of skirts and dresses.

Suit the Occasion

Boots spruce up most outfits, but not all of them suit all occasions. At the workplace, for example, one might get away with high-heeled ankle boots or even mid-calf length ones in the winter, but not thigh-high boots. Flat or block-heel boots are better for casual wear, while formal occasions require heels. The same dress can work for two different occasions just by changing the boots. Combat boots are great for walking long distances because they are flat and comfortable.

Keep it Simple

Since boots are more eye-catching than regular heels, it is better to keep the rest of the outfit simple and not detract attention from it. For boots heavily accessorized with zippers, studs, or chains, dresses and skirts with small or muted prints works the best. Other accessories like scarves and jewelry should remain simple as well.

In winter get a chance to flaunt our style by wearing boots. Give yourself a versatile look that goes with a corporate ambience as well as a casual hangout. Next time if you decide to pair up your attire with those trendy boots, make sure to follow my tips for a flawless image. 

Power Dressing Guidelines for the Corporate Woman/Corporate Man

There is nothing new when I say “power dressing”. It’s not a contemporary concept. Rather, term was first coined in the late 70s. The politicians and business class were instrumental in introducing “power dressing” throughout 1980s. This style of dressing was generally carried forward by the shimmering television hosts, the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Prince of Wales.

Is a formal way of representing oneself? Well, I say a big no. We all dress to impress — be it in corporate meeting or for a cosy dinner. It’s always been a saying “clothes make a man,” so next time you plan for going out, live the phrase!

The most significant thing that one needs to keep in mind is, whether you are a man or a woman, ironing clothes properly. A crease-free shirt/skirt lifts eyebrows than the other way round.

Men should choose the right fabric, and match the right fabric according to your skin tone. Making a mark in a meeting or a presentation is also determined by how you showcase yourself. You can be the best speaker in a meeting; but if you are not dressed prim and proper, I bet the impression is not going to last long.

There was a man who spoke well, don’t draw a period following the “well.” Try to bewitch minds when you stand in a room. However, before we begin with our guidelines, one thing needs to be kept in mind. You should be aware of the decree of dress code of your organisation.

Few adjectives fall in place when you comply with the guidelines of power dressing — confidence, attractive, trustworthy. You can get your job done smoothly, if you are dressed well.

For men having a classic shirt is a must in closet. You must not go out of style in power dressing. Solid colour trousers or skirts must be blended with soothing shirts. For a power look will only be complete when it is complemented by ties, brooches, and kerchief (for men) and proper hair do, jewellery, nail enamel, and soothing gloss.

Both men and women should be careful with their shoes. Men should be careful with shoes laces and polishing their shoes; while women should try to put on stilettos. Wear a perfume and make sure it is not loud. You can try your hand on Burberry or Calvin Klein.

Dressing is not only about the apparel, it also encompasses accessories. The apparel material and season type is also a concern area. Do try to wear cotton and soft colour clothes in summer; while winters can be passed with bold and polyester material.

First thing that should be kept in mind is don’t wear casual for business meet. It depicts your character. How you present yourself speaks a lot. You can take a safer route, when you are in a rush, by sporting traditional, boring colours. Often it better serves the purpose, than going over the top.

Never take a chance when you are unsure to carrying attire. Be confident to carry what you wear, because it is the bottom line of “power dressing.”

Perfect Dressing Tips for Pear Shaped Bodies

Next time when you stand in front of a mirror, let your eyes recognize your body type. If your buttocks are wider than your shoulders, be assured that your body has got a pear shape. A little knowledge about the dresses suiting your figure will leave you wear improper dresses which is going to spoil your overall beauty. I am going to help you out on this by providing you relevant style tips. 

Here’re the tips on what not to wear to keep your bulky pear away from others` attention. Scroll down the list and follow them for a sleek look. 

Let Your Body Deceive Others Eyesight:

For this, you need to avoid putting on body-con dresses. It’s better to leave them for the model shapes to drape. Since such skin tight dresses will make your bulky areas more prominent, it’s better to say no to them. 

Drape the Right Colors:

When it comes to choosing the right colors, pear shapes must play the game smart. If you choose to wear dresses having dark shades at the top and light shades at the bottom, you are the one who is going to get an award for having the best pear shaped body. Such a combination will make your upper part thinner than it is already and the light shade of hues at the bottom will make your buttocks wider and fatty. 

If you have the fear of getting called as the queen of pear, choose to wear dresses in a reverse order i.e. with a light color on the top and dark color at the bottom. By draping such a color combination, you will automatically get compliments from your friends. 

Follow the Thumb Rule of No Frill, No Fuss:

Leave any dress having heavy embellishments or details at the lower section.  Horizontal patterns, large prints, sequins, frills, gaudy embroidery or gemstones are a no-no for a pear shape body type. To create an illusion for the onlookers, highlight your upper part by accentuating it with a gorgeous necklace. Thus the bottom line is to decorate your top well so that the focus remains on the upper portion and not on the lower part. 

End it just above Your Knees:

Mini dresses are a big blunder for the pear shapes. Such a dress will only complement a wearer having toned legs. Most of the pear shaped women tend to have heavy thighs and hence it is better to go for an A-line dress that ends just above the knee.