Chicago LadyBugs

02/26/2026

10/17/2023

Womanhood has a unique way of unfolding in every woman’s life. These journeys are made up of different stories, dreams, and challenges. None are likely to be linear, and factors including race, ethnicity, sexuality, and socio-economic backgrounds are intrinsic to any individual experience.
However, some parts of womanhood feel like a communal bond that transcends generations and cultures, connecting women through shared experiences and common goals. It's in the wisdom passed down from loved ones and the unspoken understanding among women who've walked similar paths.

09/14/2023

“Be kind” is a popular phrase these days. But as with etiquette, if you don’t practice it, the words don’t mean much. Cultivate kindness in your everyday conversations with these simple actions:

Trade You for I

When communicating with others, using "I" instead of "you" can make a difference. For example, rather than saying, “You don’t listen,” try “I don’t feel heard.”
Take it down a notch

“I really don’t like…” or “I strongly dislike…” rather than “I hate…” expresses the sentiment without aggressive language.

Avoid absolutist language

If you frequently use words such as never, always, every, none, in conversation, step back and think. This absolutist language often doesn’t convey reality and can be jarring to the person you are talking to.
Take care with criticism

Criticism can shut down someone’s ability to hear you. You’re more likely to be heard if you offer at least three positives for each negative you bring up.

Flip your language

Change don’ts to do. Flipping a negative to a positive brings encouragement to the interaction.
Leave room to be wrong

If you recognize that we all get things wrong occasionally, you will be kinder and more sympathetic when someone else gets something wrong.
Until next time, let's be kind 😊

09/04/2023

07/06/2023

Business Etiquette

Your employees' manners and behavior are a direct reflection on you and your company. demonstrating proper business etiquette and having soft skills can set the stage for success in your professional and personal lives.

06/22/2023

AUGUST 5, 2023 from 11:30 - 1:00 pm Adult Art of Dining Etiquette Class, $175 per person | esoc
OMNI CHICAGO HOTEL 90-minute, interactive, dining etiquette tutorial with social skills: table manners, meeting new people, body language, conversation skills and cell phone etiquette. Curriculum is appropriate for teens attending with a parent. Seating is limited!!!

OMNI CHICAGO HOTEL 90-minute, interactive, dining etiquette tutorial with social skills: table manners, meeting new people, body language, conversation skills and cell phone etiquette. Curriculum is appropriate for teens attending with a parent. Seating is limited.

04/07/2023

All ladybugs progress through a four-stage life cycle known as complete metamorphosis.

03/23/2023

Table etiquette varies from one country to another. To avoid insulting a host when dining overseas, it can be useful to brush up on local manners. If eating with your hands in India and parts of the Middle East, remember to always use the right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Slurping one’s noodles may be a definite faux pas in the U.S., but in Japan and China, it is a sign of appreciation. In France, any bread on the table is to be eaten during the meal, not before. Furthermore, to avoid offending your French dinner host, both hands should rest on the table and not in your lap when you’re not eating. Meanwhile, never use your fork as a scoop for your peas in the United Kingdom. Although it may seem very impractical, the “proper” way is to use the tines of your fork to lightly squash a small amount at a time, or stick them to some mashed potatoes.

03/23/2023

Where and why did the rule about no elbows on the table originate? No one seems to know for sure, but the rule is common to many cultures. There is even a reference to it in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the 16th century, the Dutch philosopher Erasmus warned that only those weakened by old age or infirmity should rest their elbows on the table. More recently, Emily Post continues to caution against it, unless engaging in conversation between courses. Some believe that the use of elbows could once have been seen as a sign of intimidation or potential violence. Martha Stewart claims that resting one’s elbows increases the likelihood of slouching, which was once considered, in itself, rude. Whatever the reasoning, most people agree that elbows on the table while eating can be seen as impolite and can intrude upon your neighbor’s space.