There’s no question that a good hamburger on the grill is a summer staple. Whether turkey, chicken, or beef, there’s lots of room for these in my summertime diet (or should I say, lack of diet).

However, because they’re so often served to company at this time of year, the key is to keep them interesting. Guests will truly appreciate a little extra effort to polish them up with some interesting and unexpected toppings:

1) Turkey burgers pair extremely well with cranberry mayonnaise and sage seasoning. But don’t be intimidated. Buy a can of good quality cranberry sauce and mix equal parts cranberry with equal parts good quality mayonnaise. For the sage seasoning, use dried sage and mix 2 teaspoons with a 1/2 cup of melted butter, then brush the burgers with the mixture near the end of their cooking time. 

2) For chicken burgers, the sky’s the limit. I like them paired with spicy salsa, sharp cheddar and fresh sliced avocado. But you can also grill some some red and green peppers (until soft and charred) and that does wonders for presentation and taste. If you really want to enhance that flavour combo, add a dollop of hot marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

3) The classic beef burger needs little else than ripe tomato, lettuce, and pickle slices. But they also go really well with sauteed mushrooms (that you can cook ahead of time) or grilled asparagus to add colour and crunch.

Even if you serve one interesting topping in addition to the classic condiments, you can count on someone to think you’re a budding Martha Stewart.

Now get out there and grill.

Did you know that email stands for electronic mail?  It’s been known as email for so long that I forgot what it stood for. 

I receive around 200 emails a day, which I believe to be about average (or below average).  Email has snuck up on us all and become our main form of communication.  Email is quick and easy, and most importantly, it’s free.  It’s the preferred method of communication and the reason why everyone must own either a Blackberry or an iPhone.

It’s amazing that something so key to our society has little to no training.  In school we learn proper penmanship and grammar, we practice presentation skills and essay writing but we don’t take “email 101″.  The way you present yourself over email is very important.  I myself have to brush up on my etiquette from time-to-time as it is extremely easy to fall into bad habits.

To remain polished over email one must keep the following guidelines in mind:

1. Be concise and to the point
2. Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions
3. Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation
4. Make it personal
5. Use templates for frequently used responses
6. Answer swiftly
7. Do not attach unnecessary files
8. Use proper structure & layout
9. Do not overuse the high priority option
10. Do not write in CAPITALS
11. Don’t leave out the message thread
12. Add disclaimers to your emails
13. Read the email before you send it
14. Do not overuse Reply to All
15. Mailings > use the bcc: field or do a mail merge
16. Take care with abbreviations and emoticons
17. Be careful with formatting
18. Take care with rich text and HTML messages
19. Do not forward chain letters
20. Do not request delivery and read receipts
21. Do not ask to recall a message.
22. Do not copy a message or attachment without permission
23. Do not use email to discuss confidential information
24. Use a meaningful subject
25. Use active instead of passive
26. Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT
27. Avoid long sentences
28. Don’t send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks
29. Don’t forward virus hoaxes and chain letters
30. Keep your language gender neutral
31. Don’t reply to spam
32. Use cc: field sparingly

For more information on email etiquette visit www.emailreplies.com.

It took me until I was 23 or 24 before I really started to value tradition. Up until that point, I viewed “the way it’s always been done” as an out of date reason to do something. And for certain things I still think that’s a valid statement.

But there are simple rituals and traditions in my life, such as my uncle’s whipped cream and pumpkin pie antics at Thanksgiving, my mom’s Yorkshire pudding, “Tuesdays with Morrie” dinners with my dad, getting a new pair of pajamas on Christmas Eve, and dancing with my husband on our anniversary that mean a lot to me. I find these things bring comfort, definition, clarity and purpose to my life. Why? Oddly enough, because they’re the way things have always been done.

One of the nicest and most sentimental gifts I’ve ever been given was a letter from my mom on my wedding day. She wrote it for me on my first birthday, in November 1979, to be opened on the day I married. When I held it in my hands I couldn’t imagine her at 26 years old, having the foresight to think of something so special for her baby daughter who would be a woman by the time the letter was read. When she wrote it, she was younger than I was on the day I became a wife.

Although it’s not a tradition yet, I know I’ll be passing that along to my son or daughter and hopefully in time it’ll become something that’s done throughout the generations of my family. A new tradition will be born…

Oh yeah- and I still have to get that recipe for Yorkshire pudding too!!

We’re curious to hear what some of your favourite family or personal traditions are. Are they new or long standing? How do you make sure you keep tradition alive? Is it important to you? Please post a comment and let us know. We’ll post again soon to highlight some of the great things our readers celebrate in their lives.

Lately, the theme in my world is baby. Not my own, but those of good friends and family members. It’s been exciting of course, but I have to admit I’ve been a little bored when it’s come to shopping for the many showers and gifts associated with this time.

It could be because on a selfish level I’d like to be buying a pair of Jimmy Choo’s I’ve had my eye on (come on - I’m admitting it’s selfish) or because most of the baby stuff out there is so predicable. Jungle animals, ABC letters, princess motifs - I’ve seen a hundred different versions of the same stuff, which is probably why I fall over anything handmade, organic or subtle.

Enter EGG Baby, by Susan Lazar. From her interesting symbol blankets and sweaters, to her adorable booties and cable hats, the designs are clean, classy, and princess-crown free. Anything like this is sure to stand out among a sea of go-to’s at the next shower you’re invited to.

Check out the site here http://eggbysusanlazar.com/index.html to locate a retailer near you - or to access a list of virtual stores to order on line (some are Canadian!).

In case you were wondering, potlucks can be polished.

In fact, I attended a lovely one just last week.  A very polished gal was kind enough to host a baby shower during the week (summer weekends are fully booked) and to make this mid-week affair a tad easier she asked everyone to bring something.  The potluck was a huge success and the meal was delicious.

First off, everyone always gathers in the kitchen anyway so you might as well put them to work.  Just kidding,  although it is true that people do love to gather in the kitchen - so why fight it.  During the potluck, all of the guests sipped wine and assembled their contributions as they complimented each other on their culinary skills and recipes.  It was fantastic.

Here are a few tips to ensure your potluck is pretty and fun:

1) Preparation is key.  As the host you must have your food item completed and the kitchen clean so it’s ready for your guests.  If you aren’t organized your potluck will turn into a chaotic affair.

2) Have your table set.  Cute napkins and a few candles set the mood for a fun evening.  Everything needs to be set before your guests arrive as you will be busy finding baking sheets, spices, serving bowls and other items your guests will require.

3) Ask guests to bring their recipes.  Guests may enjoy a recipe card listing the ingredients to the contributions of the evening. A Cranberry Brie appetizer was served at the potluck I attended that I am dying to get the recipe for.

4) Have cold beverages ready.  Sipping a cold glass of wine while catching up with friends in the kitchen sets the tone for a lovely evening.

Next time you are thinking of hosting a gathering but are really crunched for time, host a potluck and enjoy a fun and interactive evening.

When I lived in an apartment (which had no air-conditioning or balcony), I usually avoided entertaining in the summer months. It was just too hot. But I would day dream of being able to have friends over to eat freshly baked pies that I’d have out to cool on the windowsill and I so badly wanted to be able sip lemonade on a breezy porch. I’m sure that kind of imagery only made it worse for myself because baking anything - actually no, hold on - turning ON the oven during those months, was not an option.

After realizing that I was growing to resent summer while being cooped up in a hot apartment, I decided to turn the lens on the great outdoors. I started to see the possibility of entertaining, sans-backyard option, in one of our gorgeous city parks.  

I invited my best friend and her boyfriend over for cocktails and appetizers - outside. I packed up a cooler with spiked lemonade, shrimp cocktail, brie, grapes and crackers. I pulled out a soft blanket and some plastic tumblers and we were off. It was fantastic!

For those of you who are in a challenging indoor space this season, or for those who just want to shake it up a bit, don’t hesitate to think outside the box for entertaining options. People are so rarely invited to something like a picnic lunch. You can keep it old-fashioned and simple and focus on hearty sandwiches and potato salad, or go gourmet and opt for sliced tenderloin or smoked salmon on an open-faced baguette, or a zingy Asian noodle slaw. You just may pull off the best invite of the summer!

Pick up a copy of this pretty picnic resource, Eating Outdoors, by the editors of the beautiful Country Living Magazine. On sale now at Chapters Indigo.

Sometimes being polished is simply a matter of words - please and thank you.

My blood boils with the lack of manners expressed in our society these days, and not just from our youth.  This blog is based on the importance of etiquette, and us gals share fun hostess gift ideas and cute stationary options, all in the hopes of finding creative ways to showcase proper manners.  However, at the end of the day I don’t need a handwritten note expressing thanks (although I certainly love it) but a simple thank you said verbally or written in an email is perfectly acceptable.  It astonishes me how people forget, or worse, don’t even think to say the important words of please and thank you.

I have one good friend who, on any occasion will call the morning following any type of gathering to express her thanks and highlight the aspects of the evening she enjoyed.  A simple yet much appreciated gesture.  We all lead busy lives, so throwing together a dinner party or devoting time toward helping with a renovation project deserve at the very least proper acknowledgement. 

Then we have the importance of the word please.  This word should be used with husbands, Starbucks barristas, landscapers, grocery store clerks, taxi drivers, and anyone else who may cross your path.  It’s a must.  This word should also be included in emails, nobody wants to appear as though they are barking orders. 

If you’re reading this blog chances are you don’t need to be reminded to use these words.  You can merely take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone if the lack of manners drives you crazy.  I guess we all need to stick together to ensure we can leave a polished world for our children.

Thank you!

Welcome to July! Summer has arrived and if your calendar is like ours, it’s booked.  BBQs, dinner invites, weddings, baby showers, you name it.  And we just realized that most of these events are happening in the homes and backyards of our friends.

Although it’s not impolite to go without bringing something to a party or BBQ, a small token adds an extra touch of kindness that any hostess is sure to appreciate. Sure, a bottle of wine is a standard go-to, but here are some creative summer-themed ideas to help you out:

1) Package up the alcohol-based ingredients to make a fun cocktail and tie the recipe card to the neck of the bottle. A summer favourite of ours is the LCBO’s Scarlett O’Hara. Search for lots of great recipes on their site.

2) Who doesn’t love popsicles in the summer? Go old-school and put together a do-it-yourself kit with molds that you can pick up at your local housewares store. Popsicle recipes are easy and endless. Martha has a few grown up suggestions on her site, using flavours such as melon and basil . 

3) Local berries or fruit is always a foolproof option and a welcomed gift come breakfast time the next day. When presented in a small wicker basket (that the hostess can keep), this easy gift becomes the epitome of simple polish. Check out Foodland Ontario’s guide to what’s in season and when.

4) If the hosts are gardeners, consider a fresh pair of gardening gloves or an accessory like a cushion pad for painless weeding. Packaged alone or paired with a vintage inspired watering can, it makes for a useful gift.

5) A copy of Cottage Life, Coastal Living, or Canadian House & Home magazine is sure to bring a summer smile. It’s a gift that’s light on the pocketbook and gives the host some pretty reading material for the next day.

Happy Summer!

Thanks to my mom, I have the thank-you note down pat. In our household, it was a requirement of the holiday season, or after any celebration that included the receiving of gifts. Sure, I remember finding it a pain at first, but then it became quite normal.

When I moved away from home, I began to realize that this habit wasn’t in fact a habit shared by all. Though I was initially put off, I grew to understand that this, like many other teachings of etiquette, needs to be introduced early on if it’ll be adhered to for life.

So, in doing some research on teaching manners to kids, I came across a great idea featured on the website of the ultimate maven of manners, Emily Post. There sits a recommendation to turn the thank- you writing process into an activity for your family.

How? Make it fun by creating an inspiring and crafty table full of pens, pencils, markers, colourful paper, stickers, pictures and more. For the littlest ones, Mom and Dad can ensure that the thank-you message is included while the toddlers draw pictures of the gifts they received. The older kids can write a line or two to practice their printing in a way that starts to teach the essence of saying thanks.

Once it’s all done, have a family dinner to continue the feeling of importance in the activity you undertook. Bit by bit, it’ll start to sink in and become a part of what kids get used to doing when they receive something.

Hats off to Emily for the idea.

Pick up art supplies for your letter writing at Curry’s. Their website features store locations in Ontario.  

I just returned from a trip to Texas for a wedding. Although I was over the moon about getting to partake in such a special event (and being able to eat endless guacamole and corn tortillas), I was equally jazzed about observing whether good ol’ southern hospitality was alive and well in the lone star state.

Guess what, Y’all? It is.

Everyone from the people I passed on the street who said “Howdy,” to the waiters who called me ”Ma’am,” to the grandpa who was telling me about the grandchildren he was hosting for the weekend, was friendly. OK - maybe not everyone. But most.

It’s safe to say that for the most part, manners are still highly valued in southern culture. You hear a lot of “pleases” and “thank yous” and “Sirs” and “Ma’ams” in a way that’s absent in our city.  And don’t even get me started on how often I had a door held open for me.

I came back totally eager to try this new approach. I’m gearing up to say “hello” to strangers when I pass them on the street. I’m throwing caution to the wind and I’m actually going to try it! I might get crazy-lady glances at first, but I hope it will start to create some normalcy in my neighbourhood around greeting people in a gracious way.

If you want to be inspired by a true southern lady, check out Paula Deen’s Home Cooking TV show on the Food Network Canada. Her accent alone will make you want to learn more about grits and fried chicken.

www.pauladeen.com