Because empowerment should not be without integrity.

Tip #45: When introducing people, offer a quick sentence about each person to establish a relationship.

Tip #46: Don’t expect people to remember every thing you’ve told them. Even good friends can’t always keep everything straight.

Tip #47: Read Elements of Style. Even if you’re not a writer.

Tip #48: Always keep a supply of gift wrap and blank cards on hand.

Tip #49: Have a fabulous red* coat.
* Note: Fabulous red also includes awesome purple coats. It may even be extended to a stylish navy peacoat, but it has to be pretty dang swank to count. I also have mad respect if you can rock a knee-length white without getting it dirty.

I always think of Martine McCutcheon’s red coat from Love Actually.

Tip #50: Have a firm handshake. None of that ‘limp fish’ business.

The End.

Tip #40: Only those who’ve served the country should wear the uniforms of service. No fatigues. (Okay, so some of these apply to men and women.)

Tip #41: Wear audacious hats.

Tip #42: On occasion, wear red lipstick.

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”

– Gwyneth Paltrow

Tip #43: The silent treatment has an expiration date. It should never last longer than 48 hours. After that, it’s just cowardice.

Tip #44: Be more afraid of inexperience than failure.

Because empowerment should not be without integrity.

Tip #34: Don’t hide from a camera. Learn when to ignore it.

Tip #35: Just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you should. Learn to share responsibility. Learn how to give and learn how to receive.

Tip #36: Learn how to repurpose and reuse.

Tip #37: Don’t be too afraid to make the first move.

Tip #38: Give your mom some credit. One day you’ll realize she understands far more than you thought she did.

Tip #39: Indulge your dad.

Tip #33: Dance.

Photo by hubby, Toby Keller. For more from this photo series, click here.

(For empowering and feminine dancing, I highly recommend belly dancing.)

Tip #28: On flights, always bring a trial size package of Visine, mouthwash and makeup essentials. A quick freshening at the end of a flight helps you feel human again.

(Domestic flights these days are getting ridiculous too. So also pack some food from home to bring onboard. It will save you from a choice between starvation and bankruptcy. I also bring a small travel pillow and blanket because I get cold easily and they don’t give that stuff out anymore.)

Tip #29: Travel light. Only pack what you can carry by yourself.

Tip #30: If you have special diet restrictions, plan accordingly.

Tip #31: At least once in your life, travel alone to a foreign country.
Tip #32: Learn a foreign language.

Because empowerment should not be without integrity.

Tip #26: If you wouldn’t say it or show it in person, don’t put it on the internet.

Tip #27: Passive aggressiveness is still aggression. It’s just less honest.

Because empowerment should not be without integrity.

Tip #23: Take every opportunity to practice public speaking.

Tip #24: Work hard and play hard too.

“There are moments to indulge and enjoy, but I always know when to go home and wash my knickers.” – Kate Winslet

Tip #25: Very few people look good in skinny jeans.
file under: #sorrybutit’strue

Tip #21: When children do not obey your wishes, consider the possibility that your request was not clear or precise enough for them to understand.

Image from Fetch My Flying Monkeys

Tip #22: Never judge a mother with a crying child.

Tip #19: Don’t act inferior to superiors or superior to inferiors.

Tip #20: Surround yourself with people whose traits you admire.

This lady (on the right) is one to admire.

Such a big, giving heart she has.

P.S. Yay! 300th post!

Because empowerment should not be without integrity.

Tip #17: Femininity is not anti-feminist.

Tip #18: Allow people the space to change. Often you’ll find they become fuller versions of themselves, better and more beautiful than you imagined. Authentic selves are always more interesting than contrived ones.