Last Friday and Saturday, Jeremy and I went away for our first-ever romantic weekend.
Actually, we went to 12 hours of continuing legal education and it was only half a weekend. But it was great.
We had a lot of fun learning the latest and greatest in insurance, tax, and regulatory trends, as well as updates on the 4th Circuits's employment cases, DOJ and the SEC's FCPA enforcement (watch out!), and copyright law.
(Don't say it, Liz.)
We also ate at one of the more memorable restaurants I've ever patronized (down a rural highway and off the paved road) and stayed in a hotel.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Torrie's Gracious Question
My cousin Torrie has our next question.
Question: If someone writes you a thank you note and sends a gift for the kids in response to something nice you did for that individual, is it then expected that I write a thank you note for the gift? It's like writing a thank you note for writing a thank you note. It could be a never ending cycle!
Answer: What a lovely question! It is always correct to send a thank you note when you receive a gift. Even when the gift was given as thanks.
You do not, however, have to thank a person for her thank you note.
So, unless you receive another gift in response to your note, the cycle has reached its conclusion.
Enjoy your stationery!
Question: If someone writes you a thank you note and sends a gift for the kids in response to something nice you did for that individual, is it then expected that I write a thank you note for the gift? It's like writing a thank you note for writing a thank you note. It could be a never ending cycle!
Answer: What a lovely question! It is always correct to send a thank you note when you receive a gift. Even when the gift was given as thanks.
You do not, however, have to thank a person for her thank you note.
So, unless you receive another gift in response to your note, the cycle has reached its conclusion.
Enjoy your stationery!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Non-contentious Hostessing
Carrie has a question!
Question: I am not someone who enjoys heated political conversations, particularly when they are started in my home by someone who is not part of my household. This is partly because I lack interest, but more importantly because I don't enjoy the feeling of contention it brings.
How can I ask this person to stop bringing up politics, or at least keep them friendly, without offending him/her or making him/her feel unwelcome?
Answer: I sense that you would like a non-confrontational approach to this problem. Three ideas come to mind.
1. Don't go there.
As hostess, you can steer conversation away from political topics. For example, even if you have a non-political comment, do not mention the EPA, Sarah Palin, or high-speed rail.
If you hear someone else mention such a topic, jump in with a segue, i.e. "Did you ever hear about Greg's trip on a Soviet train? It was so interesting." and then turn to Greg expectantly.
2. The sudden interruption that you simply cannot contain.
Let's say Guest starts down a contentious path. You might say, "OH! I just remembered! Before I forget I have to ask you . . . ." and then ask about a totally different topic within the person's expertise.
You could also call away his conversation partner to do something that only he or she can do. Jake might be required to open a jar of pickles, for example. Be sure to act embarrassed that you are interrupting.
3. Look politely blank. Say, "Oh." And then change the subject.
Depending on your relationship with this person and this person's personality, there is a fourth option.
4. Disagree blandly. "Really? I don't think so." Or, "Really? I read [the opposite]." Then shrug and change the subject. You can only do this if you appear calm, slightly bored, and well informed. It will not work if the person is intent on evangelizing.
Happy hostessing!
Question: I am not someone who enjoys heated political conversations, particularly when they are started in my home by someone who is not part of my household. This is partly because I lack interest, but more importantly because I don't enjoy the feeling of contention it brings.
How can I ask this person to stop bringing up politics, or at least keep them friendly, without offending him/her or making him/her feel unwelcome?
Answer: I sense that you would like a non-confrontational approach to this problem. Three ideas come to mind.
1. Don't go there.
As hostess, you can steer conversation away from political topics. For example, even if you have a non-political comment, do not mention the EPA, Sarah Palin, or high-speed rail.
If you hear someone else mention such a topic, jump in with a segue, i.e. "Did you ever hear about Greg's trip on a Soviet train? It was so interesting." and then turn to Greg expectantly.
2. The sudden interruption that you simply cannot contain.
Let's say Guest starts down a contentious path. You might say, "OH! I just remembered! Before I forget I have to ask you . . . ." and then ask about a totally different topic within the person's expertise.
You could also call away his conversation partner to do something that only he or she can do. Jake might be required to open a jar of pickles, for example. Be sure to act embarrassed that you are interrupting.
3. Look politely blank. Say, "Oh." And then change the subject.
Depending on your relationship with this person and this person's personality, there is a fourth option.
4. Disagree blandly. "Really? I don't think so." Or, "Really? I read [the opposite]." Then shrug and change the subject. You can only do this if you appear calm, slightly bored, and well informed. It will not work if the person is intent on evangelizing.
Happy hostessing!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wendy's Tricky Question
Dear SwindleFun,
How would you approach an oven that needs to be cleaned last year and has recently experience an exploding potato. (Yes, I know you are supposed to poke holes in them. I was in open rebellion and paid for it.)
Dear Potato Lover,
The first thing I would do is consult the Good Housekeeping website. It recommends that you use any commercial oven cleaner as directed on the can. It also recommends that you soak your racks in a solution of ammonia and water.
Does this work? Never fear. I tried it for you.
Except for the ammonia part, because I didn't have any. I used S.O.S. pads instead. They did the job, but next time I'm going to try ammonia in the tub.
I used Easy Off oven cleaner as directed by the can, but I was not amazed with the results. My oven wasn't even that dirty. S.O.S. pads took off most of what the Easy Off left behind.
In light of my Easy Off experiment, I recommend:
1. Knock loose any charred bits with a dry rag.
2. Vacuum up any loose charred bits with your hose attachment.
3. Use the oven cleaner as directed on the can. (Spray. Wait. Wipe, wipe, wipe.) Don't spray the ceiling of the oven if it's not dirty--it's a real pain to clean around the broiler element.
4. If you have some spots left, use an S.O.S. pad on them or follow the can's directions for spot cleaning.
5. Wipe, wipe, wipe.
Happy cleaning!
How would you approach an oven that needs to be cleaned last year and has recently experience an exploding potato. (Yes, I know you are supposed to poke holes in them. I was in open rebellion and paid for it.)
Dear Potato Lover,
The first thing I would do is consult the Good Housekeeping website. It recommends that you use any commercial oven cleaner as directed on the can. It also recommends that you soak your racks in a solution of ammonia and water.
Does this work? Never fear. I tried it for you.
Except for the ammonia part, because I didn't have any. I used S.O.S. pads instead. They did the job, but next time I'm going to try ammonia in the tub.
I used Easy Off oven cleaner as directed by the can, but I was not amazed with the results. My oven wasn't even that dirty. S.O.S. pads took off most of what the Easy Off left behind.
In light of my Easy Off experiment, I recommend:
1. Knock loose any charred bits with a dry rag.
2. Vacuum up any loose charred bits with your hose attachment.
3. Use the oven cleaner as directed on the can. (Spray. Wait. Wipe, wipe, wipe.) Don't spray the ceiling of the oven if it's not dirty--it's a real pain to clean around the broiler element.
4. If you have some spots left, use an S.O.S. pad on them or follow the can's directions for spot cleaning.
5. Wipe, wipe, wipe.
Happy cleaning!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wendy's First Question
Question: Wendy would like to know if she should submit her questions in the SwindleFun comments field.
Answer: Yes. That is fine. You may also email me with a query, or ask me in person.
Answer: Yes. That is fine. You may also email me with a query, or ask me in person.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Miss Manners on Favors
This afternoon, I read a recent column from Miss Manners that explains the etiquette of favors.
Given our recent discussion of the same topic, I thought we might all enjoy it.
Given our recent discussion of the same topic, I thought we might all enjoy it.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A Question for You
Our carpet is, despite my best efforts, awful.
Does anyone have any experience with do-it-yourself steamers?
Does anyone have any experience with do-it-yourself steamers?
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