Manicure of the Week

Rainbow Girl Nails!

                                                   Source: leilockheart.me via Melissa on Pinterest

The Hostess Gift

When invited to attend events as a guest of another Chapter, Bethel or Assembly it is nice to bring the hostess a small token of your thanks.  We at Sweetheart Social feel strongly that it's best to present a small, personal gift to your hostess as you arrive.  Presentations within meeting can be long and drawn out leaving attendees not involved in the exchange feeling uncomfortable. Be sure to keep gifts simple and under $20.

It is customary in some jurisdictions for presentations of elaborate gifts to be given from one organization to another at the end of significant business. If a gift of this sort is being presented from the organization you are representing, it is unnecessary to go to the additional expense of a personal gift. 

What to Give
Books or Bookmarks, CDs, personal organizers, fruit baskets, candles, picture frames, small floral arrangements, boxes of chocolate or other favorite treats are always a lovely way to recognize your hostess.  It's best to keep the gift simple and relatively inexpensive.

Overnight stay in a Private Home
When using someone's home to stay in a gift is mandatory. The longer the stay, the more expensive or elaborate the gift should be.  For example, for a weekend stay, you may decide to send flowers or bring a basket of fruit and muffins.  If you’ve stayed for three nights or more, a gift certificate to the hostess’s favorite spa or restaurant would be appropriate. 

Should you send something if you're not attending?
There’s no need to send a gift to a host or hostess if you’re not attending the event.

Adapted from Emily Post 
Source: bakerella.com via Anjali on Pinterest

Fashion Friday: Duchess Catherine Evening Gowns

Duchess Catherine is quickly becoming modern fashion icon.  Her clothes are always young and stylish, yet modest enough for just about any young lady to wear.  Long, thin, and flowy Kate seems right at home in an elegant chiffon evening gown proving that you can be stunning without having to sport a ball-gown shape.  Here are just a couple of our favorites.

Source: Uploaded by user via Marian on Pinterest

Source: marieclaire.co.uk via Fay on Pinterest

Source: beautynfashions.com via Char on Pinterest

Manicure of the Week

Tuxedo nails for a formal affair, just a touch of sparkle, we love this cute manicure!

Source: pinknailsvegas.com via Sweetheart on Pinterest

Table Manner Tips for Teens

Although today's teens may face many challenges on their journey to adulthood, empowering them with good manners helps ease a smooth and successful transition into adult social and business situations. 

"Etiquette is all about learning proper social skills from how to make first impressions in interviews and during social events, to graceful dining habits that are vital signposts to success in today's very competitive business environment, " says Fiona Cameron-Williams, International Protocol Consultant to the United Nations International School in Queens, NY.

Ms. Cameron-Williams believes that table manners play an important part in making a favorable impression, be it at a business meeting, on a first date, or during a social gathering.  "They are visible signals of the state of our manners and therefore are essential to personal and professional success," she continues, "The point of etiquette rules is to make you feel comfortable - not uncomfortable."

For those of us in the world of Masonic Youth, year end banquets and formal dinner parties can be the norm.  Though efforts are always made after a business meeting to relax and have fun, it's important that we practice the basics of good manners at the table so that we can put forth a good impression.  The following table manner tips for teens are provided by Ms. Cameron-Williams during her Teen Etiquette and UN International School Etiquette Courses:

Simple table manners:

• Pass food from the left to the right. Do not stretch across the table, crossing other guests, to reach food or condiments.
• If asked for the salt or pepper, pass both together, even if a table mate asks for only one of them. This is so dinner guests won't have to search for orphaned shakers.
• Set any passed item, whether it's the salt and pepper shakers, a bread basket, or a butter plate, directly on the table instead of passing hand-to-hand.
• Never intercept a pass. Snagging a roll out of the breadbasket or taking a shake of salt when it is en route to someone else is a no-no.
• Always use serving utensils to serve yourself, not your personal silverware.

Source: atti-tude.com via Marsha on Pinterest

In a restaurant:

• As soon as you are seated, remove the napkin from your place setting, unfold it, and put it in your lap. Do not shake it open. At some very formal restaurants, the waiter may do this for the diners, but it is not inappropriate to place your own napkin in your lap, even when this is the case.
• The napkin rests on the lap till the end of the meal. Don't clean the cutlery or wipe your face with the napkin. NEVER use it to wipe your nose!
• If you excuse yourself from the table, loosely fold the napkin and place it to the left or right of your plate. Do not refold your napkin or wad it up on the table either. Never place your napkin on your chair.
• At the end of the meal, leave the napkin semi-folded at the left side of the place setting. It should not be crumpled or twisted; nor should it be folded. The napkin must also not be left on the chair.
 

 

Source: sugarandcharmblog.com via Susan on Pinterest

At a private dinner party:

• The meal begins when the host or hostess unfolds his or her napkin. This is your signal to do the same. Place your napkin on your lap, completely unfolded if it is a small luncheon napkin or in half, lengthwise, if it is a large dinner napkin. Do not shake it open.
• The napkin rests on the lap till the end of the meal. 
• The host will signal the end of the meal by placing his or her napkin on the table. Once the meal is over, you too should place your napkin neatly on the table to the left of your dinner plate. (Do not refold your napkin, but don't wad it up, either.)

Adapted from SOURCE

Fashion Friday: Tiara Tips

Many offices and elected positions within Masonic youth organizations require their girls to wear a tiara. Though all jurisdictions have their own rules governing what sort of tiara you can wear, if you're lucky you'll be allowed to chose a personal traveling tiara that will be yours to keep.  There are a lot of designs out there, enough to fit any personality.  So how do you know what type of tiara you should chose?



Tiara Tips:

Since chances are you will just get this one tiara to commemorate your term in office, be sure to chose something that will look nice with all of your gowns.  We here at Sweetheart Social are partial to Sweetheart Tiaras that actually incorporate a heart shape. 

What sort of dresses do you tend to wear?  More modern dresses look best with modern tiaras.  But if you tend to wear vintage style gowns you can continue to express that look with a more antique style headpiece.

Keep in mind that a rhinestone tiara and no pearls, will match any gown style.  If you chose to wear a tiara that incorporates pearls, make sure the shade of pearls in your tiara and the ones in your accessories are always a perfect match.

If you have short hair you will want to decide on a lighter, more delicate tiara that won't require lots of pinning to hold it in place


Pick a Tiara that Compliments Your Face:

• Round or Full: Choose a tiara with some height or one that has a peak, this will make your face appear longer and create balance.
• Oval or Long: Choose a tiara with little or no height that extends over your head from one side to the other at an even height or a thinner headband style tiara.  Avoid tiaras with a peak at the top, which will make your face appear longer.  

A Couple Spots to Shop for Tiaras:

• American Beauty Queen
• Holly Hardwick Crowns
• Doc Morgan for JDI

We hope that you've enjoyed this very brief set of tips for picking a personal tiara.  If you love tiaras as much as we do you might enjoy visiting The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor for Tiara Thursday! It's a great spot for a tiara loving, royal watching gal to get some fashion inspiration and have some fun.

Image Source: glowlikestars.tumblr.com via Angelique on Pinterest

Manicure of the Week

I love this! Hello Kitty is so sweet and fun! Young ladies being installed into offices where they have had to pick a theme or symbol could easily adapt this idea of the french manicure and accept nail. Simply have your accent nail match your theme!

                                                                    Source: google.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Cell Phone Etiquette

In this crazy instant access information age, we're all connected with cell phones and smart phone.  However it's important to remember that those phones are there for our convenience and not so that people can get a hold of us 24/7.   

Be in control of your phone, don't let it control you!  There's very little that can't wait a couple of hours until your meeting or activity is over with.  Make an effort to be with the people who are face to face.

If you are waiting for an important call (such as from your doctor or to tend to a serious personal matter) it's best to let the people you are with in real space to know that your attention may be pulled away briefly.  Always apologize for the interruption.


Be Courteous

• Speak softly. If you must take a call in public, keep you voice low whenever you're in the presence of others. You want to be considerate and avoid disturbing those around you.
• Watch your language, especially when others can overhear you. Oblivious to those around them. Some cell phone users feel free to pepper their conversation with obscenities. The people nearby may try not to listen, but it's hard to ignore. 
• Avoid talking about personal problems in a public place. Talking about personal problems in a public place can make those around you feel highly uncomfortable as well as being embarrassing for you. Make sure you save these conversations for home or another private place. 
• If it must be on and it could bother others, use the silent ring mode and move away to talk. If you must be alerted to a call, put your device on silent ring or vibrate, and check your caller ID or voice mail later. If you must take a call, wherever you are, move to a private space and speak as quietly as you can. If you’re with a group, simply excuse yourself for a few minutes: “Sorry, I need to take this call. I’ll be right back.” Then keep the call as brief as possible.
• Don’t make calls in a library, theater, church, inside a meeting, or from your table in a restaurant.  Phones should never be on the floor of a lodge room.  Period, end of discussion.  Excuse yourself, or even better just let the call go to voice mail.

Safety

• Keep Cell Phones out of the Changing Rooms.  With most cell phones now having cameras youth groups have put rules into place to keep them out of the changing rooms.  You may think it's fun to take pictures of everyone getting ready, but you never know what's in the back ground and it's simply not appropriate.
  
• Private info can be forwarded, so don’t text it.  Don't text anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing. You never know when your message might get sent to the wrong person or forwarded. Not to mention if someone finds your lost phone. Never text disparaging information about others.
• NEVER drive and phone at the same time. People who are talking, texting, or otherwise using a cellphone while driving are significantly slower to react to a red light and are at least four times as likely to be involved in an accident. Many states have outlawed cell phone use while driving. Hands-free phones may lessen the risk somewhat, but the smartest choice is to pull into a parking area and stop before making a call. 
• Texting is even more dangerous.  If you are the driver, be sure to give a passenger your phone as a designated texter.  Never, ever text and drive.

We hope that these common sense tips help you manage your cell phone when in public. The most important thing of all to remember is to be engaged in the moment with the people accompanying you.  Your cell phone can be a great tool, but don't let it's social aspects alienate you from the people that you're with.

Cell phone etiquette was adapted from the Emily Post Institute article "Top Ten Cell Phone Manners" 

Image Source: brenebrown.posterous.com via Joanna on Pinterest

Fashion Friday - Summer Maxi Dress

With the mercury rising this is turning into a summer of record breaking heat it.  As we mentioned before, Staying Cool and Looking Neat is an important skill for a lady to have.  If your organization has called for a casual summer it's your cue to put your health first and relax the dress code.

However just because you're going casual doesn't mean you can't look cute.  A breezy summer maxi-dress can be just the ticket to making a classy statement.  Choose a dress from a natural fabric such as cotton, linen, or silk to stay cool.  Also be sure to watch your neckline, if the dress is cut to low you can always wear a camisole underneath. You can pair a simple dress with a belt and fabulous necklace.

Source: lookbook.nu via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: simplelovelyblog.com via Jourdan on Pinterest

Source: images1.chictopia.com via Gaby on Pinterest

Write On: Birthday Greetings

As young ladies with social obligations we are often called upon to write correspondence to our friends and sisters throughout the Masonic community, as well as those people we know outside of the community.  Correspondence is important to us because it let's people know that even though we may be apart in miles, or though it's be a while since we've seen each other that they are still in our thoughts.  Besides, everybody loves it when they get something in the mail that's not a bill!

One of the most common forms of correspondence that people are participating in today is the birthday greeting.  Sending a timely and personalized birthday card through the post (good ole snail mail) is a great way to let somebody know you care.


How To Write Birthday Greetings:

• Compliment the recipient’s best qualities. Take advantage of the opportunity to say why you admire the recipient: “I’m so lucky to have such a charming, supportive, who is always there for me” or “I’m so proud of you for all you have accomplished this year.”


• Turn a birthday card into a thank-you note. Tell someone how much they meane to you and how they have made a difference to your life.


• Focus on the year ahead and what you hope it brings: joy, success, a new job, celebrations, possibilities. Look forward to something the two of you have planned or the next time you will bee them. 


• Don’t assume people are thrilled about a birthday. Some folks aren’t. And if age is an issue, don’t point out the number in the card. Emphasize the person, not the milestone.

At A loss For Words?

If you are at a complete loss as to what you should write inside of a birthday card, why not add a few simple quotes from others to your knowledge base.  However use caution when sending "canned" messages as you wouldn't want to use the same quote year after year.

• "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." ~ Lucille Ball
• "All the world is a Birthday Cake, so take a piece, juts not too much." ~ George Harrison
• "Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again." ~ Menachem Mendel Schneerson
• "God gave us the gift of life; It is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well." ~ Voltaire
• "If you survive long enough, you're revered - rather like an old building." ~ Katherine Hepburn
• Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time." ~ Jean Paul Richter
• I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity." ~ Elenor Roosevelt

We adapted these tips from Real Simple
Source: shop.banquetworkshop.com via Patty on Pinterest

Manicure of the Week

Don't be afraid of color!  Though french tips are traditionally white, don't be afraid to give yours a pop of color or even glitter.  Well manicured hands don't have to be boring, a young lady can keep her nails fairly simple while still having fun!

                                                      Source: Uploaded by user via Lisa on Pinterest

Sweetheart Guides: Chapter Sweetheart Crestwood, MO

Both DeMolay and Sweethearts across the country sometimes struggle with what the purpose there is for young ladies in this organization dedicated to making better men. The Crestwood, Missouri Chapter offers very precise guidelines for it's Chapter Sweethearts that explain exactly what is expected of the young ladies during their term. We like the Crestwood Guidelines because not only do they ask the sweetheart to be kind, polite and a liaison between organizations, but they also explain her role in gaining membership and developing fundraising activities.

CHAPTER SWEETHEART Responsibilities:

• Be present at all Chapter meetings, installations, social events, fund raising activities and athletic events that are planned during your term. 
• It is essential for the Chapter Sweetheart to know every boy in her Chapter and to make them feel welcome and involved. Dating within the Chapter or public displays of affection are forbidden. 
• Plan a fund raiser with your Chapter. Examples: car wash, dinner, raffle an item, sucker sales, etc.
• Vigorously seek to enhance the attendance, participation and membership of your Chapter. 
• Always have a sincere, warm and friendly smile for everyone. 
• Become a friend to all in your Chapter. 
• Maintain a cooperative attitude with the Advisors. 
• Act as liaison between DeMolay and Job's Daughters or Rainbow - possibly help plan a shared fun activity. 
• Be a hostess to visiting Sweethearts. 
• Help serve at breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, or receptions. 
• Assist with decorations, publications and committees. 
• The outgoing Sweetheart is expected to install her successor, however, can be made at the discretion of the Advisory Council. 
• The Chapter Sweetheart should always keep in mind that she is elected by the boys of her Chapter as their representative. DeMolay is a young man’s organization and ladies are elected by them to assist the Chapter and aid them in the enhancement of leadership, membership, service, and other DeMolay virtues. 

We'll be posting guideline from Chapters Across the country in the coming weeks so that you can see how Sweethearts across the country conduct themselves.

Does your Chapter offer detailed guidelines as to what is expected of it's Sweethearts? Does it outline expectations for a Sweetheart Court as well or are they a more nebulous concept in your area? Leave us a comment and let us know what you like best about the Sweetheart Guidelines in your State!

Fashion Friday: 1950's Blue Prom Dresses

We here at Sweetheart Social are absolutely in love with vintage style.  You know, when it wasn't so difficult to find a knock out dress without your knees showing and the necklines weren't down to your belly button.  We hope to curate some beautiful timeless looks to share with you with our Fashion Fridays.

We've noticed that quite a few prom dresses put out for the 2012 season had a fun vintage look to them that harkened back to the 1950s!  They say everything old is new again, with pleated chiffon, ruched waistlines, tulle overlays, and rows of mini-ruffles the retro look is showing strong.  As girls that have to buy a lot of formal and semi-formal dresses these pretty, lady-like, vintage styles are something we love!

Check out these beautiful blue 1950's Prom dresses that show off some timeless design elements that were so in this year!

Source: flickr.com via Sweetheart on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Sweetheart on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Sweetheart on Pinterest

Manicure of the Week

Cute and colorful this manicure if perfect for the Jobie To Be! You know she'll be buzzing with excitement.

                                                                      Source: polyvore.com via Neichel on Pinterest

Election Etiquette: Some Things to Remember

Summer in Masonic Youth Groups is the season of conventions, elections and pageants.  All the young ladies are trying to put their best foot forward to take a position in the coming year.  Sometimes though, it can be hard to be part of an organization that elects it's officers and leaders.  Every girl has their own goals and priorities, some they talk about, some are kept private.  When more than one person in the organization wants a specific position it's important to remember that the group is about more than one person, and that you are all there together to support your organization for it's greater good. We at Sweetheart Social thought we'd offer a few gentle reminders for this emotional journey.

                                                     Source: Uploaded by user via K@hy on Pinterest

DON'T

1) Don't throw a fit in public if you don't get the placing you want. It's normal to be disappointed and upset, but try to go somewhere private if you need to cry, swear, etc. There is a time and a place for everything, at the meeting or event is not the place for your meltdown.

2) Never, ever, EVER say anything disparaging about another girl, another group, or advisor. You don't really know everything going on in their life, and should try to a kind point of view.  People in foul moods usually have a fairly good reason, and everyone needs a friend.

3) Don't speculate about cheating, unfair scoring, etc. there is most likely nothing funny going on.  Don't let your imagination get the best of you.  If you think something is off, see if you can bring it up discreetly.

DO

1) Compliment people on their outfit! Everyone likes a compliment, as long as it's made sincerely and at an appropriate time.  We're girls, we all like to be told that we look pretty.

2) Listen to and respect the your advisors, they know what needs to be done during an election or pageant.  If you have a question, be sure to ask nicely.  Don't argue with them if they are saying something that you don't like.

3) Respect other people's space and belongings. If it doesn't belong to you, you shouldn't be touching it.  Girls and their parents often spend hundreds of dollars on dresses and accessories when running for an office or participating in a pageant.  Respect their belongings just as you wish them to respect yours.

4) If elections include speeches, clap for the other girls when they are finished.  It's not easy to create an organizational plan and then get up and talk about it.  Everyone should feel supported.

                                                           Source: outcamethesun.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

If you are not placed to the position you would like to be it's okay to be sad, but don't take to long to dwell on it.  Talk to your new leader about her goals and figure out how you can best support the organization within her plan.  Most of all remember that you're both on the same side in wanting to make the group better.  You can always run again next year.