Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 8

Today's Lesson is "Family Jewels". I don't really wear jewelry. I've inherited a beautiful, delicate, gold bracelet from my grandmother who passed, had a charm necklace from childhood to the age of 22, and many pairs of pearl earrings. All of those things no longer belong to me. For some reason, I just cannot be trusted with jewelry, because I always break it or lose it...or both. Right now, I really only wear my engagement ring. So far, so good.

I think one advantage of the engagement ring, is it is more than a gift. It is a symbol for my relationship with someone I see every day. I never want him to think I take his gesture lightly. A lot of times, I sit on the train and admire my lover's declaration of commitment to me. Over 2 years after his proposal , people often mistake me for a newly engaged bride to be.

I remain ambivalent about jewelry. One of my personal philosophies is,"Things bring you down". So I'll continue to wear my ring with gratitude and pride, but only time will tell if I manage to accessorize further...

Quite Continental Charm School Journal-Day 5

Today's Lesson: "Winterize your skin". I found that the link to this lesson did not work from the "table of contents" post. I did a quick google search, and the link on this post will get you to the instructions on how to love your skin. Obviously, it is no longer winter, and this winter was particularly mild, here in Boston. However,  I still managed to neglect my poor epidermis, and I found this lesson to be very necessary to prepare myself for the warm weather. So, today I took the time to pamper my skin, and here are my own field notes on the process:

1. I noticed the QCCS post did not mention one very important step in the care and keeping of one's skin (and other body parts), and that is STAYING HYDRATED! I am making it my goal to drink one glass of water before and after each meal, in addition to any other times throughout the day, that I feel moved to wet my whistle.

2. I used a moisturizing/exfoliating sugar scrub from Lush on my haggard feet and legs.

3. I sealed in the moisture and protected my new delicate skin with a generous slathering of Cetaphil Cream on my legs and feet, as well as just a general coating all over my body.

4. I actually do a weekly face exfoliation (every Friday) using St.Ives Apricot Scrub. Otherwise, I wash with Cetaphil face wash.

5. My lip balm of choice is EOS. It is moisturizing without being heavy or sticky, smells GREAT, and is free of questionable ingredients. Plus, the packaging is modern and adorable!

Sometimes I am really good about taking care of and moisturizing my skin (usually during the Summer when it is on full display), and I notice then, that as long as my skin is looking healthy, I don't need to accessorize as heavily or even put on makeup. I look and feel healthy and beautiful just the way I am. I think that is the ultimate goal of this lesson, and this experience.

Before: Dry and Crackd heels

Before: Dull, ashy legs

After: Smooth and supple

After: Glowing healthy skin. Putting my best food forward, so to speak!

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 7

I'm one week into my transformation, and today's lesson is "The Hostess Gift". My mom has nice little hoard of lovely treasures meant to show gratitude to those who welcome her into their homes. While I am aware of the value of this lesson, I do not often find opportunities to put it into action. As a grad student, a large portion of my social life is within the framework of a group project, or grabbing dinner in the basement cafeteria between classes. However, I do get a few opportunities to attend dinner parties during winter and summer break. On those occasions, I usually bring a baked good of some sort. It is nice to give gifts, even small ones, for reasons like " You vacuumed before I came over. Thanks!" I like to think that participating in this ritual I am helping to keep the spirits of giving, appreciation,  and community alive.

Quite Continental Charm School Journal-Day 6

Today's Lesson is "Be fashionably punctual".

VIA

 My best friend, Andi is the embodiment of that phrase. If she says "I'll be there at 8:15", she'll be pulling in the driveway at 8:14, and ringing the bell right on schedule! Part of the reason our friendship works is because we have this yin and yang thing going on. I'm usually punctual, but I'd say about 25% of the time, I find myself in a situation where I've managed my priorities so poorly it affects other people. Sometimes it's because I'm a chronic procrastinator. Sometimes it's because I have too many things to do that are equally important. Either way, this lesson is definitely hitting home today after several "mismanaged" moments in my schedule. Really, if you are late (and I don't mean those times when it truly is not your fault) it usually means you were not making the most of the moments leading up to that one.

I saw a pretty neat quote on pinterest (which unfortunately means it will go uncredited) today that I will use to "punctuate" my thoughts on this lesson:

"What are you doing today? Is it worth trading A DAY of your LIFE?"

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 4

Today's lesson is, "A Firm Handshake". I was lucky to have a family that sets high stock by strong women, so I  had my first handshake coaching session at the tender age of 9. I also remember having a guest speaker come to my seventh grade social studies class talk about the importance of good posture, eye contact, and a firm handshake. I was taught the value of the confidence, honesty, and sense of purpose a good handshake conveys. After this lesson, I'll be sure to remember this as I graduate from school and enter the working world.

If you think your handshake could use some help, the lesson at the charm school has some great pointers.

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 3

Today's Lesson: "Get a Library Card". I already have one, but I understand that the lesson is also about appreciating the value of free information in this country.Sometimes it may feel as though our society has abused, warped, and cheapened this commodity to the point of absurdity. However, the public library system remains a beacon of integrity. I live in Boston, so I am very lucky to have access to many neighborhood branches and the grand Central Library in Copley Square. I did not go to the library today, because I had homework (and plenty of reading) to do, and because the branch in my neighborhood is closed on Sunday anyway.

 I know for sure, the next time I go to the library (hopefully this week), I am making a bee-line towards The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. One of my professors of clinical trial design mentioned it during a talk about research ethics and I haven't been able to get her brief but powerful summary out of my head! As a newly hired research assistant in the area of public health I think it is paramount that I familiarize myself with this story- Heck! I think as a human being who strives to have respect and compassion for other human beings, it is important to know Henrietta's story.



I am so fortunate to live in a city where education and  information is so highly regarded. The Boston Public Library system is more than a gateway to other worlds by way of books (although that is a GREAT thing) but through the library system I have access to lectures, live performances, museums, digital information, lessons in practical skills, and even architectural tours of the Central  Library, itself. All I have to do is accept the responsibility of the care and keeping of my library card.

Tomorrow's lesson: "A Firm Handshake"

Quite Continental Charm School Journal - Day 2

Today's Charm School Lesson is " Class up your bedroom". I needed this lesson in the worst way! I swear she wrote this sentence after a secret reconnaissance mission to MY bedroom:

 "...far too often, bedrooms suffer a bit of neglect, especially in those years when we emerge from university or the home of our parents.  Generally, what little attention (and budget funds) we have for decor tends to be concentrated in the common spaces — the parts of our home we usually share when entertaining guests — leaving our bedrooms woefully mismatched or shockingly haphazard. "

   I actually have just purchased a dresser to contain my clothing that is usually strewn about the room. Before I purchased the dresser, I had 4 big, dilapidated, overflowing Tupperwear drawers to hold my clothes.Once I made the change, I realized that I had been, essentially, living out of a suitcase for three years. I never noticed the impact that had on me from day to day, but I now feel at home for the first time since I left my childhood home.

 On top of being in that unfortunate situation, I am notorious for having a messy bedroom. My untidiness might be one of my biggest flaws. I have never lived alone, so I know it must bother the other people with whom I live. Despite my best efforts, it always manages to get out of control! I REALLY hope this time I am able to keep up with my new clean room.

So, today I really dedicated some time to creating a truly personal oasis to which I may retire each evening. In order to make a real effort for personal change, instead of just "picking up my room" I set three goals for myself: 

1. Deal with the tragedy that is my bed linens. 

Old, faded sheet with giant holes

Crisp new new linens with subtle detailing! 

2. CLEAN (as opposed to picking up...that means washing the clothes instead just putting them in a massive pile in the laundry basket, sweeping/vacuuming the floor, and dusting the surfaces.)

I am so embarrassed to share this with you, but hopefully it will shame me into keeping my room clean in the future. Also notice the mismatched pillow cases, and the drab photos on the far right. They are some "artsy" black and white photos I took of scarred trees at a state park. So impersonal.

Nice and orderly, with personalized touches like the photos of the wall of Brad and  me, and the red pillow  (I made it out of an old sweater).  Also, the new linens make such a difference, since they match and are free of holes. It feels so peaceful and spacious in here now! 

3. Reduce the 'rag-tag' decorating elements and introduce more personal decorating elements as time and resources permit in an afternoon. 

New color photos of this room's inhabitants! :o)

Thanks for checking in! Be sure to let me know if you are starting your own charm school journey! Tomorrow, I will be showing some love to my library card! :o)

Quite Continental Charm School Journal- Day 1

I have stumbled upon the Quite Continental Charm School, and of course I am enrolling myself rightthissecond. Today's lesson is "An Attitude of Gratitude".

 I feel as though this may be the easiest lesson for me. As a Southern girl, I am no stranger to the art of writing thank you notes. In addition, I have a lot to be thankful for these days!  I just hope I can remember this lesson in the future on a day when I'm not feeling so great. For now, I will share my latest expression of gratitude: my very best mini chocolate loaf cakes for friends and mentors who helped me  acquire employment!  I am so grateful for their guidance, support, and encouragement! I hope these little morsels from my heart/kitchen are enough to show them how special they are to me!

 And of course, THANK YOU dear reader! You make the world a better place merely by existing, I am sure of it!
 Stay tuned for tomorrow's lesson "Class up your bedroom"!