Kristi Politely

Cool Ladies & Inspiration.

Some of you may be wondering how I got here or why I got here… 

Instead of learning some ladylike lessons this week, I’m going to share some cool people that helped me get here and that I just love. 

I was feeling the need for new inspiration in my life. I decided that I should try and get inspiration somewhere new. I’ve mentioned my being described as a very passionate person, and there’s nothing greater than hearing what other people are passionate about. If they get as crazy as me whether I like it or not, I’m hooked in!

So I figured, what better way to get inspired than by other people? I needed some blogs in my life (since talking to strangers in LA can be a little dangerous :/ )…and that’s where I stumbled upon… 

A Beautiful Mess (Elsie & Emma)

I fell in love with this blog from the moment I stumbled upon it. Originally spearheaded by Elsie (Emma had a separate blog, which I also just loved), this blog is crafty, vintagey, foody, inspirational goodness! 

Discovering this space, made me REALLY want to create something of my own, but with a bazillion blogs out there, I was so worried about how I could make a space that’s my own. I had a brief endevour that just didn’t feel like “me” and I really challenged myself to create something that was true to myself and also unique.

Along with their beautifully photographed, interesting, inspiring posts, they offer some GREAT e-courses that you can always re-reference. I did the one on blogging, not only did I feel even closer to Elsie after the course, but it was SO helpful…click here for the direct link to take the course yourself. 

A Girl, A Style 

There are SO many things I can say about Miss B, first, she lives in London/Cambridge (need I say more?) so she is constantly whisking me across the pond to my dreamland. She’s just so fabulous, she had amazing style, posts the best pictures, and has a super cool official type job on top of it! I feel like we could be friends…while I obsess over her awesome wardrobe…it’s a light hearted lovely little blog that does nothing but brighten my day. 

Jenna and the Giant Apple

Well, I guess I should preface this by first saying that I actually know this awesome lady! We used to work together (and have car siblings and get told we look like siblings) before she left me to go live it up on the east coast. She’s always had a special place in my heart because she was the first person who REALLY made me feel welcome when I started working at my current company. On top of it, she’s funny, pretty, sweet, smart, and a BEYOND excellent writer. So I may be a touch bias, but I won’t feel bad about it. Check out her blog and you’ll see for yourself. She definitely inspires me to be a better writer, own my style, and now I have second thoughts about sharing my fragrance with anyone or telling anyone what it is…unless they want to purchase it for me…but even then I may ask for a giftcard instead (see why here). 

So basically, what I’m saying is, if I was being sent to a deserted island, and I had to bring 3 bloggers with me…^ Ta-Daaaa! (well technically it would be 4, but I’m counting Emma & Elsie as 1).

Lastly, while I was in Vegas last weekend, I took the opportunity to get super dressed up and glammy (more so than I’ve been trying to do on a daily basis)…and while I was getting dressed I had a thought “I wonder if Briony & Jenna would approve?”…in my head I heard “yes” and I hope they would really agree. We went to the Artisan hotel, hidden gem I say! They had a TON of statues, artwork, amazing photo-opness (which I MORE than took advantage of) so here’s a picture of me at the entrance (but from the end of the night). 

(not only do I love my outfit, but this photo captures a truly happy smile, not a “smile for the camera” smile…I think those moments can sometimes be few and far between so I like these moments captured. I love it!)

Tell me who inspires you? 

Politely Yours,

Kristi

Quote of the Week!

Credit to one of my favorite blogs: http://www.glitterguide.com!

Politely Yours,

Kristi

Sundays with Stan

Nuzzle someone’s head when their mind is overactive. Remind them to open up their mind to love.

The human brain is filled with frenetic thinking. The mind itself is a maze of memory, feeling, worrying, and planning. When the head is nuzzled, it harks back to a time when instinct was stronger than analysis. 

Touching the head can evoke a warm and calming feeling. When the brain can let go a little of its millions of brainy missions, the body can open more and receive genuine contact. Rubbing or nuzzling the head can be a gateway to a new phase of contentment. 

— 

AMEN! Seriously the best feeling ever when Stan leans back, stops by, or wakes me up with a head nuzzle. It’s SO soothing and just makes you stop whatever you’re doing to enjoy it a little. Even beyond pets, a kiss on the head is known as a way of saying “I adore you”, getting my hair washed and blow dryed at a salon (I leave super relaxed and ready for a nap!). 

In the Thai culture, you are never to touch or pass anything over someone’s head. The head is considered to be sacred. 

I don’t know how I feel about this - first, does this then negate head nuzzling?! I’ve clearly stated a strong case to the goodness of this! Also, when my sister (from another mister), Julie, was in Thailand she got to visit a Tiger sanctuary. She was drowning in the enjoyment of my impending jealousy…I’m still jealous. Grr. However, they weren’t allowed to touch the tiger’s heads because of this cultural rule. GAH! I would have had the WORST trouble with this?! I WANT A TIGER HEAD NUZZLE AND I WANT IT NOW! 

Anyway, when you are with someone you love, a little head pat, nuzzle, or kiss never hurt anybody. At least, in the American culture. 

*head nuzzle* Politely Yours,

Kristi & Stan

*Source: Lessons from Stanley the Cat by Jennifer Freed

Sundays with Stan

Do not let age, gendor, race, economic, or species differences matter. In the eyes of love, we are all here for the same reasons - to evolve, to learn, and to be close. 

When your eyes are closed and you are near enough to someone, you can hear their heartbeat. The amazing thing is that everyone’s heart is pretty much the same. Some of us move faster or slower than others, or to a different beat, yet what is on the inside is much more important, and longer lasting, that what is showing on the outside. 

— 

Wise words. I think its a natural instinct to make judgments of people. It’s how you determine whether you are in a safe situation or not, or who to trust and who not to trust. However, actions from a person should help you make those judgments - not their physical appearance. I know this is definitely something easier said than done…but something to think about today. 

Politely Yours,

Kristi & Stan

*Source: Lessons from Stanley the Cat by Jennifer Freed

Live Performance Etiquette or lack thereof…

Summerland Concert - June 29th, 2012

Marcy Playground, Lit, Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, & Everclear

I am a self proclaimed live music addict! I will see my favorite bands/artists EVERY time they come to town if I can! There are SEVERAL things that can ruin a concert experience. So yes, there are good manners for concert attendance.    

Whether it’s a Broadway spectacular (more on that in a sec), a rock festival in an open field, or a high school choir concert, truly enjoyable performances depend to a degree on the behavior of the audience. The experience can easily be ruined by a discourteous attendee. 

Here are some general courtesies:

• Be on time. 
• Have your tickets ready (or at will call, everything you need to pick up)
• Say “Excuse Me” when passing others in your row to take your seat.
• Remove Hats (if it will block the view of the person behind you).
• Good Posture. 
• Noises Off. Lights Out. (oops! totally a guilty party here.)
• No talking, unless audience participation is requested by the performers.  
• Avoid other sounds that can disturb the people around you.

Ok, some of these rules can be a little strict in my opinion but let’s breakdown a couple here…

Sister Act on Broadway - June 21st, 2012

First, Raven Symone was “out” that night…but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because the show was AMAZING and her stand in was PERF. 

What made the performance a little less enjoyable: No talking, unless audience participation is requested by the performers. 

Lord Have Mercy! The group of women behind us where chatting the WHOLE performance!! All I could hear was “SSsssSSSs hiss hiss SsssSSS”… SO distracting!   I did several over the shoulder glares (Don’t they know the international signal for “that’s annoying”!) I was losing my mind. I suppose I should have politely asked them to pipe down…but I was SO upset that I don’t think I could have got the words out nicely…and as Flower so politely states in Bambi “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”… (ok, I fail at this sometimes, but I kept it in mind here). 

Back to Summerland… 

Good Posture - FAIL

I’m not trying to be a bitter single lady here…I am all for love and sweet kisses in the magic of musical moments! 

HOWEVER, spending almost the ENTIRE concert locking lips was little annoying. Especially in auditorium seating, where the seats are aligned so you can see in between the two seats in front of you. Naturally, I stood up and looked over them, but they could have been a little more considerate. 

Example: stand up and face each other from ONE seat, so you aren’t blocking the people behind you or COME UP FOR AIR!

I paid to see some live music not to see your make out sesh! Get it together people. 

Moving on… 

Here are some of my concert FAILs:

• Noises off. Lights out. - I can’t bear to turn off my phone completely! I live in the technology era and being completely disconnected gives me anxiety. Plus, I need Scramble with Friends & Words with Friends (xkristimariex) to occupy me during set changes! 

• Don’t take flash photos or shoot video during live performances. - I didn’t even list this above. I mean, obviously flash photography/videography is prohibited during a play or movie, but at a concert?! I think that’s an unrealistic request. (or maybe I just refuse to abide by it. so there. hmph. ughh…just took my ladylike ways down a notch. *haha) 

• No talking, unless audience participation is requested by the performers. Ok, I know I just had a complete bitchfest about other people not abiding by this rule. BUT I think there are appropriate times or polite ways to talk during a performance. 

For Example: During breaks or set changes, chat away I say! If you have a quick comment to share - Do It! quickly, of course. Lastly, in a concert setting only - SING THE EFF ALONG! That’s my favorite part of live shows! Ok, so maybe other people around me didn’t pay to hear me sing, but for the most part, everyone is having a giant sing-a-long which is usually encouraged by the performer. So there. I won’t feel guilty. 

Okay, I’m sure you’re tired of me cramming good manners down your throat for today. So read, remember and think about your actions when you attend your next live performance.

As always, Politely Yours,

Kristi

*Source: Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th Edition