A favorite useful phrase

“If I were me, where would I put this?”

If that sounds a little nuts, I guess it is. However, it is a phrase that has helped me figure out where-on-earth I might have put something that I need to find. Rather than rushing around, tearing through everything, I just stop a moment and think it through logically: knowing me, and how I think about things, where would I have put ‘x’?

I’m telling you, 9 out of 10 times, I go to exactly where the item is. I just did it today. Since we moved to North Carolina, my husband and I have had to re-register to vote. I received my voter card a few weeks ago and put it away. His just arrived a few days ago and I was going to file it, but was caught up a bit short for a moment. Where did I put mine? I used this “if I were me…” process and opened a file and ‘eureka!’ …there was my card. I promptly filed his card there with mine.

This little system was confirmed for me the other day via one of my favorite podcasts, Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Specifically it was in Episode 187 where she discussed that it has been shown that if you’re looked for a misplaced object, it’s often exactly where it’s supposed to be. You just need to stop and think where that is.

I like my way of saying it better though…lol!

A way to remember a bit of etiquette

At my age, I’d like to think I’ve got most of the in’s and out’s of everyday etiquette figured out. Every once in a while, though, a great tip pops up that’s so worth sharing. Even if this isn’t something that ever bothers you, it’s bound to be worthwhile to share with a young niece or nephew or grandchild.

It all has to do with – ‘Which side of my plate is the butter plate on?’ or ‘Is this my water glass or my neighbors?’ Well, here’s the simple trick to help you subtly figure it out. (And again, I give kudos to the Happier podcast, which is where I heard it. Unfortunately I can’t remember which Episode it is from.) It’s very simple:

With your left hand, put the tip of your forefinger and the tip of your thumb together to make a circle, with the other fingers extended straight – it makes the letter ‘b’.
With your right hand, do the same thing, putting your forefinger and thumb together to make a circle. It makes the letter ‘d’.

At the table, you can subtly make these movements in your lap, and they indicate that your bread plate (b) is to the left of your dinner plate, and your drink (d), i.e. water glass, is to the right of your dinner plate.  So easy peasy, isn’t it?

Sources of style inspiration

I say – wherever you can find style inspiration – go for it! I saw this drawing by Mari Andrew on the Cup of Jo blog, and thought she captured a broad spectrum of possible sources in this cute illustration. I regularly go to Pinterest when I’m looking for something specific, but sometimes I also do a general ‘stroll’ for random ideas. Same thing with Instagram – there’s no shortage of inspiration there! What are your favorites?

Thanks for reading – carpe diem!

Adena