Poise...Present yourself with Style and Grace

Poise is the way you carry yourself. If one walks into a room gliding like a gazelle, others say, "oh, she has a certain class about her." The truth is, she probably has posture. You see, poise begins with posture. Do you have good posture? Click on the following link, http://www.ergonomics-info.com/posture-photo.html and check out the best way to begin to put your best foot forward.

Getting Out of Tricky Holiday Situations

During the holidays, creating a home that is warm and inviting is crucial for the comfort of your guests and for the retention of your reputation. Sometimes however, things can go sideways and steps have to be taken to salvage a good time for all. Here are questions submitted to Lady T regarding how to recover from holiday disasters.

1. My husband's ex-wife wants to attend the family dinner with her kids. She's away from home and has no one locally she can visit, but I don't want her there. What should I do?

You must remember the most important part of your question. The "ex-wife" wants to visit. You're the woman your husband has chosen to spend his life with and as long as she doesn't make a habit of crashing your family get together's, there's nothing wrong with being the bigger person and welcoming her to your lovely home.

2. My boss re-gifted me a gift she received during an earlier gift exchange. Should I confront her about it? If someone re-gifts you something with your knowledge, graciously accept the gift and thank the person for it. It's not worth being insubordinate.

3. My daughter has a friend whom I know is struggling financially. We want to buy her and her family gifts, but I don't know how to approach it. What should I do? If you have a rapport with the family, let the mother know you all are participating in a gift exchange and let them know you have been selected as their secret Santa. Get a list and proceed to blessing.

4. I promised to help my siblings pay for a gift but I don't have the money to help now. Should I tell let them buy the fit anyway? Once you realize you won't be able to help, call immediately and let the person know who arranged the payment. Once you do get the money, it's always nice to give what you said you would.

5. I don't have enough money to travel home for the holidays but my family keeps asking me if I'm coming home. If you know early in the year you will be unable to attend, let the family know early as possible. This may give them time to make some arrangements to help you.

Are you facing some holiday situations you're not sure how to handle? Ask Lady T.

10 Tips to Stronger Relationships During the Holidays

For some, the holidays is the best time of the year. For others, "not so much." Don't let the holidays destroy great relationships. The following tips will help you rediscover old friends, and tighten the bonds with the new.

1. Send out a nice card to your network of friends and family.

2. Don't pressure anyone to buy you anything during the holidays.

3. Forget about old slights, and past indiscretions, this is the time of year everyone should be happy.

4. Don't compare what you received from your spouse compared to others.

5. Start shopping early, this will help alleviate the pressure of shopping at the last moment.

6. Pick up the phone and call old friends and loved ones. Reaching out during this time of the year is very important.

7. Buy a gift for someone random. Did you pick a name from the "Angel Tree?" Reaching out to others by demonstrating the love of God is really what the holidays are all about.

8. Don't apologize for your gift. If someone is truly your friend, or truly loves you, no apology is needed.

9. Take the 12 days of Christmas to text over a nice word to your network to let them know how you really feel about them.

10. Don't work yourself so much during the holidays that you have no time for your spouse. Set aside some time for a "private," gift exchange to keep the fire burning into the new year.