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We’ve been thinking how different the generations view certain ways of doing things and even some of our peers do as well. We’ve also come to see how life-altering events such as the pandemic have changed what we might do now versus just three years ago.  We came up with our top 10 examples that reflect our practices and how we might tweak what we do to be more proper and kinder. Some of the etiquette of days gone by have become passe.  See if you agree—or not.  Giving occasion gifts. The gift-giving rule of thumb for weddings and other events...

Note: We blogged on this topic in April 2020. But Covid-19 has brought the “equality of labor in the home” factor to the fore. This blog updates our original one with old and new information. We believe this is an important topic and one we might all want to discuss with our offspring if they’re in romantic relationships. We grew up in an era where there was a division of labor in our homes. Usually, the man did the messy inside and outside stuff—dishes, garbage, fixing the toilet and changing light bulbs, yardwork and maybe grilled—and cleaned the grill afterward.  The...

We think we should receive big kudos for serving up some of the brightest, most ingenious ideas for stretching our food budgets. We are happy to share them in this blog. But before we do, certain questions hang in the air like tiny food particles: Is it tacky to cut back on food costs? Will you be found out and people laugh and point at you? Most important, is it worth the effort?  But before hitting the food fix button, be sure you have examined the short—and long-term results of this endeavor. Yes, it’s a method to save money and...

Most of us own too much. On top of that, we usually have distinctive taste. So, it’s inevitable that while we appreciate receiving gifts, we don’t always like or need everything we receive, especially as we age and are trying to downsize and get rid of lots of stuff!  What can we do? It’s simple. Regift (or in some cases donate). However, there is a downside to this ploy. We worry the recipients will find out. Yet, heh, heh, we do it anyway.  Fortunately, we have in our inner circle a top pro who shares tips on how to do so...

Grief seems to be the topic de jour. It’s everywhere. Anderson Cooper’s new podcast, “All There Is” touches on his grief from the deaths of his father when he was 10, his brother who committed suicide and his famous mother Gloria Vanderbilt who died not that along ago. Her passing inspired the podcast as he sorted through her belongings and had to decide what to keep and what to let go.  Stephen Colbert, comedian, writer, producer, political commentator and television host, counseled Cooper, who said he is still trying to understand his grief. Colbert, whose own father died when he was...