Poised for Success by Jacqueline Whitmore

29 Oct

Today Is My Birthday!

In honor of my special day, I’d like to share some family photos with you.

This is a picture of my mom, Elsie Whitmore, on her way to the hospital. She is pregnant with me! I love her high heels and fashionable sunglasses!

This is a picture of Mom returning from the hospital, holding her newborn baby girl (ME)!

October 29, 2010 | Filed Under An Etiquette Expert's Life, Inspiration | 7 Comments 

Halloween Etiquette


Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but just like any other holiday, it comes with some very important etiquette dos and don’ts.  Here are few of them.

If I’m invited to a Halloween party, what should I bring?
If you’re going to a potluck dinner, ask the hostess what she/he would like for you to bring.  Otherwise, plan to bring a small hostess gift like a bottle of wine or a fall decoration.

How long is it okay for my child to knock or ring the doorbell?
Your child should knock or ring the doorbell no more than once.  Most people are generally quick to respond on Halloween.  If no one answers within a couple of minutes, move on to the next house.

If I don’t want any trick-or-treaters to come to my house, what do I do?
A well-lit house is like a welcome mat to trick-or-treaters.  If you don’t wish to have any visitors, turn your lights off.  And if you do want visitors, you might want to turn your lights off by 9:00pm to discourage any late-night ghosts and goblins.

Is it okay to give out cookies or popcorn instead of candy?
Although you may have good intentions, most parents are concerned about safety these days and won’t allow their children to eat anything that isn’t in a sealed package.  Therefore, your goodies are probably going to end up in the trash.

What are some other tips to remember?
Don’t forget your Halloween manners.  Teach your children to be grateful instead of greedy.  Two or three pieces of candy from each house is sufficient.  And when your children receive the candy, teach them to say the magic words, “Thank you!”

October 26, 2010 | Filed Under Holiday Etiquette | 1 Comment 

Beware Of The Bulging Wallet

Do you suffer from “thick wallet syndrome,” also known as George Costanza Wallet (made famous by the character in the popular television show, Seinfeld)?  If so, it’s probably time to banish your bulging wallet.  All you really need to carry is a credit/debit card, driver’s license or ID, and a couple of twenties in case you find yourself in a pinch.  Besides, you don’t need the back problems that go along with an overstuffed wallet in your back pocket.  Clean out all the old receipts, scrunched up pictures and sandwich-stamp member cards, and invest in something sleek and more sophisticated.  A money clip, for example, fits comfortably inside a jacket pocket and is the most elegant and efficient solution for a man who doesn’t always wear a jacket.  Better leather-goods makers including Tumi, Coach, Bosca and Mont Blanc offer simple card cases, big enough to hold one or two credit cards, a driver’s license or photo ID, and a few business cards.  Try not to carry a lot of change in your pants pocket.  Leave it in your car for use at toll booths or parking meters or put it in the tip jar the next time you visit a coffee shop.

October 22, 2010 | Filed Under Dress for Success | Leave a Comment 

Quick and Easy Beef Stroganoff

With a full-fledged chill in the air, there are few things as tempting as a good book and a soft blanket.  A dish of delicious beef stroganoff, however, comes close.  This recipe can be prepared and cooked in less than 30 minutes.  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 oz. beef fillet or boneless sirloin
  • 1  small onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 rounded tsp. paprika
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil or sunflower oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

To serve:

  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1-2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • wide egg noodles (I use whole wheat egg noodles)

Cook egg noodles according to directions on package.  Drain and set aside.

Cut meat into small strips (about 1 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick.  Finely chop the onion.  Crush the garlic.

Melt the butter in a skillet, add the onion and cook over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent.  Stir in the garlic and paprika.  Cook for 1 minute, stirring.  Remove the mixture from skillet and set aside.

Add the oil to the pan and heat it over high heat.  When it sizzles, add the beef and toss for 3 or 4 minutes until the beef is sealed and lightly browned.  Stir in the onion mixture and salt and pepper and heat through, stirring.

Swirl in the sour cream, sprinkle with parsley, and serve over cooked egg noodles.  Makes 2 servings.

October 16, 2010 | Filed Under Recipes | Leave a Comment 

Etiquette & Image Consultants Retreat Was a Huge Success

(l to r) Joyce Anthony Marsh, Sylvia Tishler, Marsha Doll, Kate Lewis, Yvonne Fuentes, Tidi Khobane. Not pictured: Marilyn McCroskey

Many thanks to the seven fabulous women who attended my Etiquette & Image Consultants Retreat on October 1-2, 2010.  They traveled from many parts of the world including Johannesburg, South Africa, Vancouver, Canada, Denver, CO, Brooklyn, NY, Tampa, FL, Tallahassee, FL, and Macon, GA.

(l to r) Yvonne Fuentes, Marilyn McCroskey, Jacqueline Whitmore, Joyce Anthony Marsh, Tidi Khobane

The retreat provided an opportunity for each woman to network, exchange ideas, and develop a better understanding of her business and marketing goals.  In the evenings, we also found time to relax and play.  On Friday night, I took a few of the ladies to the beach where we sat seaside, sipped some refreshing white wine, and laughed and engaged in great conversation until the sun went down.  On Saturday night, I treated the ladies to a celebration dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach.  All in all, the weekend was a huge success.  I’m looking forward to the next one in Spring 2011!

October 12, 2010 | Filed Under An Etiquette Expert's Life | Leave a Comment 

Why You Should Drink More, Eat More, and Exercise Less!

A dear friend forwarded this to me, and it was too good not to pass on. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


Interview With a Trusted Chinese Doctor


Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it… Don’t waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can’t think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain…good! Read more

October 11, 2010 | Filed Under Health & Wellness, Inspiration | 4 Comments