Maybe you're that person who picks up gifts throughout the year and has her Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. If you're not, then you surely know that woman who sits back to chill while the rest of us scramble to finish our shopping and other holiday prep. For the rest of us, holiday shopping often takes us to to the last minute to check everyone off our gift lists. Men are often particularly prone to the last-minute shopping habit.
Rather than try to change their habits, we at Aw Else Boutique attempt to accommodate the men who shop for their ladies at our boutique. If you haven't already heard (are you living under a rock? Just kidding!), this Friday, AEB is hosting our Annual Men's Shopping Night from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. To further help them out, we have gift list forms in the boutique that you can complete so they can shop on their own and still get you just the right gift this year.
And although we're about all things feminine and fabulous at Aw Else Boutique, we know how to make the shopping experience not just tolerable but enjoyable for our guys, too. Not only will our expert staff help them pick great gifts for you, men can relax with a beer and some man food (subs and wings). We've further sweetened the pot for them with the assistance of our friends at Greensburg's premier men's clothing store, Lapels. All men who attend our Men's Night on Friday will be entered to win a Lapels gift basket, featuring
Tommy Bahama®, worth $150.
This year, men's night will feature our jewelry from Sorrelli, Sade Designs, and more - with select styles offered at 50% off the retail price. Plus, they can take 20% off ALL other, non-sale, merchandise in the boutique!
Do yourself a favor and "strongly suggest" that the man in your life attend our Men's Night this Friday. It's a win-win situation for the both of you!
The courtesy of reply is requested. For those planning to attend, please RSVP by calling 724.420.5236 or emailing us at rsvp@awelseboutique.com. We can't wait to treat our guys to a shopping event they'll enjoy and to help them wow the women in their lives!
We’re supporting Rooting for a Reason and accepting toy donations
for Children’s Hospital!
This year, Aw Else Boutique is taking donations of Christmas toys for children who can't go home for the holidays. Too many of us know first-hand how hard it is to spend time
in the hospital beside a sick child. But many have also experienced the warm
feeling that spreads through our hearts when someone comes to our sweet child's
hospital room with a gift.
Now through, December 18th, we'll collect toys to donate to patients at Children's Hospital. Bring your donation in on Monday (17th) or Tuesday (18th) and we'll give you $10 off any purchase of $40 or more.
Certain factors, including the risk of infection, prevent the hospital from accepting certain types of items. Please view
these gift suggestions from Children's to ensure that your donation is something the hospital can share with a child.
We appreciate your support and know how meaningful this gesture will be to
patients and their families. We'll be rooting for hope and spreading joy to
those not able to be where they should be for the holidays...home.
Accessories make fabulous gifts for all the women on you list for a couple of reasons. For one, girls never really out-grow the desire to play dress up. It's just less "play" and more serious business for us these days! Accessories are those little things that can make a big difference - often the difference between looking nice and looking fabulous. Women can never have too many accessories, so you can't go wrong. Another reason they're great as gifts: You don't have to worry about getting her something in the wrong size. A handbag, a scarf, a piece of jewelry will always be the perfect fit!
We have lots of fashionable accessories for women - with more arriving every day - but here are a few of our staff members' recommendations for great gifts.
John Wind Charm Bracelets
Charm bracelets from East Coast, jewelry-designing sensation John Wind come with the charms you see in the bottom of the photo above. From there, the bracelets are easily customized to fit the receiver's unique personality with addtional charms that simply clip on and off (no need for a trip tot he jewelers!). Shown here are the Eiffel Tower and a mini key charm, but we have many others to choose from.
Strappy Watches
A fun twist on your typical time piece. These watches make great conversation starters.
Hand Warmers / Fingerless Gloves
These fingerless gloves provide a fun and different solution to gloves that work with a touch-screen mobile device. We have them in several colors and patterns and they've been one of our most popular items this month. Get 'em while they're hot!
Big Buddha Wristlets
Wristlets are a must-have accessory for women these days. We need to keep our stuff handy, yet it's not alway practical to carry a bigger bag. These styles from Big Buddha are simple enough for everyday use and "bling-y" enough for evening wear - and they're just big enough for holding essentials.
Handbags from Chocolate New York
There's a reason Chocolate New York commands you to "wear your addiction" - women who have a bag from Chocolate do tend to come back for more. These sleek little numbers also transition well from day to evening and they have plenty of pockets for staying organized. This particular style includes the option to carry it as a satchel or as an over-the-shoulder bag.
A Scarf and Metallic "Tie"
Scarves are a great way to change up the look of an outfit, but we often hear women say that they just aren't sure how to "pull it off." NEW at AEB this month, we have decorative, metal "tubes" that create a stylish way to "tie" on a scarf without having to know how. (But if you do want to know how, there are dozens of options and we can help!) This accessory not only dresses up any scarf, anyone can "pull off" this simple look.
Aroma Decor Fragrance Diffusers
And for the home, these fragrance diffusers are gorgeous accent pieces for any room. They gently diffuse fragrance oils throughout your home, and they're verstile in that they can be refilled with a variety of scents.
As you've likely read on this blog earlier in the year, own co-owner Danielle Shaffer had the honor of being selected to travel to Honduras with the Bridgewater Candle Company to learn first-hand about the company's partnership with Rice Bowls, which helps to feed children living in poverty. It's an experience that has changed Danielle's life and cemented her dedication to the cause of addressing world hunger. Her efforts and her trip got the attention of the local media, and they covered Danielle's story in the Tribune Review earlier this week.
Stop in to AEB to buy a Bridgewater Candle - each har feeds one child for a day. Or simply drop some spare change in the Rice Bowl located near the candle display. Every little bit counts - you CAN make a difference!
Okay, did anybody get that "Y. O. U." reference back to the previous "Eenie Meenie Miney Mo" post?
Thanks to everyone who replied, both here and on our Facebook page, to the last post about which purse line we should carry. Your input was invaluable. But here at AEB, we decided that handbags are like potato chips - you can't settle for just one!
We not only have added two, new purse lines, we already have them in the store for you! Without further ado, allow us to introduce you to....
Big Buddha
Big Buddha offers "your daily Zen in a handbag." Sounds good, right? The designs were inspired by founder/designer Jeremy Bassan's travels to Thailand and the beautiful, exotic bags he discovered there. To Bassan, the "enlightened" bag both stands out aesthetically and is loaded with practical details - lots of pockets, top zippers, adjustable shoulder straps. Those elements are important to the designer because he creates the styles for "today's woman" who might be managing home and family plus work and/or school. According to Bassan, "Our bags are made for girls on the move - you can stuff your life in these bags." The designs run the gamut from polished and classic to playful and sassy.
Big Buddha is verstile, fashion-forward, animal-friendly and attractively-priced. Find your inner peace in the bag that has it all!
One of several Big Buddha styles you'll find now at AEB, with more on the way.
Love the contrast interior and the vast main compartment!
Chocolate New York
This line wasn't actually on our eenie, meenie list, but the addiction that you don't have to feel guilty about is back by popular demand at Aw Else Boutique! Chocolate New York is a brand of carefully constructed bags that also combine the latest trends in fashion with supreme functionality. Their goal is to increase the wearability for their clients, satifying your needs from day to night. These eye-catching bags are also both animal-friendly and sold at very enticing prices. According to Chocolate New York website, the brand "is not quiet; rather we represent the confidence and individuality of today's fashionista." Three other descriptors from the brand's website that we've found to be accurate: trendy, classy, and clean. These bags are for women who appreciate fashion and unique design details - and you know we're all about finding your own uniqueness at AEB! The brand is a perfect fit for us and our loyal customers. Stop in to see how you can "Wear Your Addiction."
Just a few examples of the gorgeous Chocolate New York bags
now appearing at Aw Else Boutique.
More to Come...
Not only are we expecting new styles of both Big Buddha and Chocolate New York to be arriving routinely over the next weeks and months, AEB anticipates soon adding yet a third new line of bags that you'll love. So stay tuned!
For the most part shopping for the boutique is a blast; spending money, searching for the up and coming trends, telling everyone about them and, of course, the day they come in is like Christmas! Well, we have been on a mission to find a NEW purse line and, well, I think we have narrowed it down. I wish our childhood game of "eenie meenie miney mo" could help reach a choice, but instead I am asking all of you.
LIGHT A
CANDLE * FEED A CHILD ™: Aw Else BoutiquePartners
with Bridgewater Candle Company to Fight Orphan Hunger
Aw Else Boutique to attend
orphanage service project in Honduras
Greensburg,
PA—August 2012—Aw Else Boutique, a fashionable women’s boutique featuring
unique accessories and gifts designed or handmade in the USA , has been
selected by Bridgewater Candle Company, a candle and home fragrance
manufacturer based in Spartanburg, SC, to participate in a special brand
experience orphanage service project in Honduras.
Bridgewater Candle Company
awarded the opportunity to go on the all expense paid brand experience to four
authorized dealers out of thousands. Through a nomination process four dealers
were selected from various parts of the country.
As one of the four dealers
chosen, Danielle Shaffer, Aw Else Boutique’s owner and partner will travel to
Spartanburg, SC on October 18th, 2012 to meet the Bridgewater Candle Company
family and tour the manufacturing facility. On October 19th, 2012 the group
will then travel to Honduras to spend time at the orphanage and complete a
service project that includes delivering much needed supplies. The group will
return on October 22nd, 2012.
Furthermore, Bridgewater Candle
Company is committed to sharing its blessings, warmth and hospitality with the
rest of the world through the Light a Candle Feed a Child program. In 2010,
Bridgewater partnered with Rice Bowls, a nonprofit that feeds and nurtures
orphans in developing countries. For every jar candle sold, Bridgewater makes a
donation to feed a child for a day.
Through the Light a Candle Feed a Child Campaign, Bridgewater
hopes to raise awareness for the global orphan crisis as well as help to fight
hunger of orphaned children around the world. As the orphan population grows into the hundred millions and
more children die from malnutrition every day, the owners of Bridgewater Candle
Company wanted to find a way to educate people about the crisis.
Check out this video to learn more.
With the support of its authorized dealers, Bridgewater has
been able to provide funds for over 618,000 days of food for orphaned children
since the program began.
The Bridgewater brand
experience trip to Honduras will give dealers the opportunity to get to know
the children at the orphanages they are helping to support. They will work
alongside Rice Bowls employees and see first-hand how the Light a Candle Feed a
Child program is changing the snapshots of life for children around the world.
“When my partner and I
decided to open a boutique, there was no doubt in mind about wanting to carry
Bridgewater’s delightfully scented candles,” said Danielle Shaffer, Aw Else Boutique’s
owner. “Our decisions on vendors were based heavily on a pay-it-forward factor.”
We wanted the work they were doing to be helping someone else, said Shaffer.
Bridgewater not only
delivered the pay-it-forward factor but excelled in delivering impeccable
customer service and product quality, said Shaffer.
“The thing that excites me
most about the Honduras trip is to have an everlasting impression of what it
means to serve others first-hand and to have the opportunity to share with
customers how the purchases they are making are impacting others,” said
Shaffer. “This will be by far the most humbling experience one can endure in
one’s lifetime. I believe you are placed in pathways for a reason. Therefore, I
can’t wait to let these children imprint on my life.”
How You Can Help? Bring donations to Aw Else Boutique and we'll take them to the orphanages.
We love to INSPIRE! So we're devoting this blog to INSPIRE you! Who doesn't enjoy success stories. This week we asked one of our favorite local artisans to write about what inspires her most. Samantha Veltri is the owner and designer of Bella Vetro by Samantha.After leaving her full-time career, she took the support of her family and friends and started began her dream. So a special thank you to Samantha for sharing a bit about inspiration.
Inspiring
Art
5
ways to inspire your creativity
-Samantha
Veltri of Bella Vetro by Samantha
1. See the beauty around you.
One of the easiest ways to
inspire your creativity is to open your eyes! See the world around you. My
favorite way to make the everyday world extraordinary is through my Blooms
collection. I may not be able to rattle off different flower names but when I see
one I love, name or not, I’m going to paint it. Wine glasses are a perfect fit
mocking the natural shape of a flower so through that I can bring art to the
plan glass.
2. Listen to your favorite music
There are millions of songs out
there but when you hear your style
you know it. That one song comes on and you can feel it in your heart.
Something changes. Use that force to bring out your inner artist. Whether it is
Rock, New Age, Classical or Pop crank up the volume and let the music guide
your creativity.
3. Use Your Personality
Sometimes I look around at my
glasses and notice that I always go back to the same vibrant pinks, popping
purples, and bold blues. I am drawn to bright and exciting colors which I
realized was a very direct reflection of my personality. Let your personality
be heard through your creativity. Your vision will thrive when you draw from
who you are and how you feel.
4. Keep it simple.
You don’t have to paint a Picasso
or write a 3-part novel to express your creativity. Sometimes I will paint with
a simple series of dots or lines and as a whole it is complete. Focus on one
aspect of what you can do to begin. Once you get going the inspiration can
build bringing in new ideas!
5. Let Your Experiences Tell the Story.
My love of foreign travel has
taken me to remote locations. Those life experiences left a stamp in my
passport as well as on my heart. I share those adventures through my art. Think
of experiences, good and bad, that have made you who you are today. Art can be
a way to relate to others while expressing your unique life story.
Enter to Win a set of 2 Wine Glasses designed and hand painted by Samantha.
We get asked several times to share our lessons learned and experiences on being a small business owner. Questions like 'What would we do differently, what steps did we take, how did we know this was the business to invest our lives into?' So, we thought we'd share our Top 4 Lessons Learned. 1. Marketing - While writing our business plan, we had included a budget specifically for marketing our business. Commonsense right? Well let me just reiterate this, "You cannot over advertise your business." Be smart, clear and consistent, be everywhere! 2. Bigger is Sometimes Better - When searching for our retail space, we thought with a mindset of "start small then go bigger." Looking back, yeah, we should have went bigger. If you go into something with a small mindset you'll get small results. Either way your still taking the risk.
3. Do Your Research - Beware when using social media platforms to promote, engage and build your business. Always have your facts. Hard lesson: The Chick-fil-a controversy. Innocently we thought it was truly a National Chick-fil-a Day. We posted a comment to show support to the local Chick-fil-a's; since we do lots of promoting for other local businesses and participate in several business groups where we strive to support each other, this was a mistake. Aw Else Boutique's culture and service tradition is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect - regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender.
4. It's Not MY Closet! - As the purchaser of the boutique, I find it challenging at times to select product based off what I would wear. Several times we have carried items that my partner thought would never sell, but then turns out to be a top seller. When heading to the trade shows, it can become very overwhelming. Keeping the styles of our customers at the forefront and not what I personally want. Laughing~ I do get first dibs on wearing the product though, which can be fun!
There truly are a ton of lessons learned just like anyone starting a new career, after a year you look back and think "did I learn a lot." Bottom line, it's still as fun, creative and a thrill as the first day we thought of the idea.
We'd love to hear some of your lessons learned from your career, job or life in general. Sharing is believing.
With today being our very first anniversary, we wanted to take this post to tell our story and introduce you to the people behind the scenes.
Prior to owning the boutique, I worked for UPS for 10 years travelling the country to help open franchise locations. After having my daughter, Ella, I resigned and pursued a local career at Kennametal where I worked in marketing until laid off in 2009. Being an alumni from Seton Hill University, I began the MBA program in the winter of 2010. This is where the passion for being an entrepreneur was established. During this time one of my professors taught a class on Entrepreneurship. Little did I know this would open the box to several ideas of owning a business.
My partner, Mark, worked for Kennametal for 12 years beginning his career in Engineering, then onto Marketing. Mark was, also laid off in 2010. A few months later, Mark and I met with E-Magnify to start our new ventures. We determined our passion and desire in helping others feel good about themselves, along with having a business who could participate in our community. So the wheels started turning...
One evening while working on our business plan we needed a name for our store, but we wanted to incorporate the names of our children - since this is who we are ultimately doing this for. So if you were not aware by now how we got our name, here it is. One of our favorite questions - 'Aw Else' Boutique came from Mark's girls initials Ashley, Amanda and Ally White for "Aw" and "Else" is my daughter's initials Ella Louise Shaffer. It meant a lot to us keeping our family values at the forefront of our business.
So with that being said, I dedicate this blog to all those who have supported us and our dream throughout this year. Also to our vendors, the new relationships we have built within our community and customers whom we love to serve.
We promise to continue our support of local businesses, made in the USA products and local artists.
Thank you for one incredible year! I have to add a plugin to visit awelseboutique.com to view all our upcoming events for this month! Too much you won't want to miss.
With this being our third blog, we thought we'd select 3 of our favorite accessories. There are so many great gift ideas to choose from like; Bridgewater candles, Bella Vetro by Samantha (hand painted wine glasses), Made in the USA Novo Bead, plus John Wind Maximal Art jewelry. You can see more of our products at www.awelseboutique.com.
Before diving right into our faves let's talk about some of the nuts and bolts about Aw Else Boutique. Previous to opening our boutique doors, we spent several months researching in Shadyside. Have you ever gone shopping there? Love it! We continuously strive to carry unique products that Greensburgian's are not accustomed to. With that being said, it becomes a challenge introducing these brands and products to our fellow customers, however we accepted the challenge and now relish in the discoveries our customers make daily.
We love hearing our customers tell us stories about gifts they have received, given or bought for themselves. Women love to feel good and look good and we love assisting them accomplish this. Tell us your story and be entered to win a cinda b Scala Ivory iphone case ($35 value).
So let's talk favorite picks from the staff of Aw Else Boutique. It was difficult selecting only three but we did and here they are.
First and foremost is our cinda b collections. Cinda b is thankfully Made in the USA, as though that's not enough, it's also machine washable, water and stain resistant. Some of the colorways, like Jet Set Black are very classy and sophisticated. While other colorways bring bright and bold together to create fashion-forward color schemes. Stop by to see our Fall/Winter collections arriving July 24th!
Jet Black Cinda b Handbags, Totes & Travel
Our second favorite has to be the sparkling experience of Sorrelli. Do you remember when passing on jewelry down through the family was considered traditional? With the expense of fine jewelry today, most ladies are turning to costume jewelry - which to me, is great cause I am not one to wear the same pieces every day. This is why Sorrelli Jewelry was not a hard decision for us to carry. Sorrelli, designed in Kuntztown, PA, consists of an abundance of amazing crystallized SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS® faceted crystals in the majority of its designs. Semi-precious cabochons like desert jasper, reconstructed turquoise, freshwater pearls, and tiger’s eye are also used in our bold, beautiful pieces. Our favorite is the Steeler Fan color collection coming soon with the Fall/Winter arrivals! Come by to experience the sparkle of Sorrelli.
Concrete Jungle Collection
Our third finalist goes to Lindsay Phillips Switchflops. Have you heard of them? When researching products, we had to keep in mind the economy, along with the idea of easy travel. Something that was cost effective, yet functional and stylish! While traveling for my previous corporate career, I found taking three pairs of shoes added yet another piece of luggage I was fond of carrying. This would explain the appreciation of the Lindsay Phillips interchangeable straps and snaps. The shoes are darling and might I add very comfortable. We're looking forward to the Fall/Winter collections this year. Lots of pizazz with the color trend plum. Arriving just in time for school to start. They tend not to last long so keep an eye out for their arrival.
Lindsay Phillips Alex Heel
Well as we wrap up our third blog, we would like to invite you all to come celebrate our 1 Year anniversary with us coming August 4th. Lots of promotions and giveaways planned for the whole month. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for dates and events.
Remember to share your Aw Else Boutique story and you may be our next winner! Giveaway will expire August 1st.
It's July 4th! We can't help but reflect on all admirable people who have given us the freedom to be who we choose to be on a daily basis. We say thank you to all who have served - God Bless America!
We wanted to share with you some of the most remarkable local places to visit before the thought of cold weather. Although it's hard to imagine it being colder with these mild summer days lately.
We've selected these three destinations with family friendly environments or for just a relaxing evening out on the town. Either or it's for sure to become one of your favorites too. Aw Else Boutique has no affiliations with these destinations.
As a native to the Laurel Highlands, one of our favorite summer ventures begin at the Concert in the Park - St.Claire Park in downtown Greensburg. Concerts are held for FREE every Friday beginning at 7:00pm and conclude around 9:30pm. Some performance slated for this month include The Mary Ann Redmond Band, Sons of Bill, Delta Rae and Hoots and Hellmouth. The schedule of events run throughout the end of August. Here are some shots of the upcoming artists and previous concerts.
Can you say Thank Goodness It's Summer (T.G.I.S)? We can every Thursday until Sept 6th. Enjoy FREE entertainment while taking in the summer evening. Many come to this social gathering to share with friends or just to relax. Let's not forget about the Bartender Challenge - volunteers in an effort to raise the most money. Below is a schedule of artists and dates they will debut.
Lastly, you can't think of summer without stopping by Sandhill Berries winery Greendance. Starting Friday's, these weekends are filled with entertainers from all over. Indulge yourself on some fine wines, cheese and crackers (also sold in the gift shop). However, you are more than welcome to bring your own picnic basket for friends and family - even your furry friends are welcome! Some of our favorite local known artists appear here. Like Detention, Tim & Stacie, Skero & Jingles, and Jason Kendall.
One of our favorite lines is cinda b - named after Cinda Boomershine. Cinda also has a love for the arts, one of her all time favorites is the Ravinia Festival in Illinois. Which so happens to be where you can find the inspiration for one of her most popular colourways - Ravinia Ivory.
Want a little bit of Ravinia Ivory to carry around with you on your daily journey? We’re giving away a delightful set of a Wrap-A-Round Clutch and a ID+Key case in the Ravinia Ivorycolorway (a $60+ value). Just comment below and we’ll pick a winner on Friday July 11th (so be sure to check back).
We all know the ups and downs of life. Especially the ones on the scale. The frustrations never seem to stop after the number shows, it sometimes continues when you head shopping. Trying on clothes is the most daunting part of shopping for me. Example this weekend I am attending to a wedding for my cousin. With all the stylish new summer colors I wanted something new. So off to shopping I go. After spending two days trying on over 20 dresses, I finally picked a blue/gray/white dress. Why do the clothes lines sizes have such a wide range? Low and behold someone understood our frustrations!
I am excited to share more about Me-Ality - the new machine available at Westmoreland, Monroeville mall and the Mall at Robinson that calculates your size via radio waves that hit 200,000 points on your body. The Me-Ality, which stands for measured reality, then gives you trouser options from size to color to cut from specific brands that it has contracts with. But ladies its not only for us, it measures the men too!
When using the Me-Ality its suggested to wear flat shoes and no sunglasses or large pieces of jewelry. After you have been scanned, you receive a printout of clothes and style suggestions with highlight indications on those that fit best.
With this in mind, I will be heading to the mall to test the Me-Ality. The machine is open the same hours as your local mall. If you have tried Me-Ality, we'd love to hear from you.
Reflecting back to my younger days, my poor mother thought there was no hope in seeing me in a dress and act girly. Yep, I was the one playing with the boys getting muddy and getting all bruised up. Little did we know many, many years later I would be the one owning a Ladies Boutique. But honestly this doesn't come as a surprise to me, once I got in the rhythm there was no stopping me. From this motion came passion. A passion to help others find or boost their self esteem or as I call it, inner glow. I say it over and over again, although its not always easy to hear, having someone pay you a compliment can change the say you feel in a nano second. Why be down when we love being up!
So I challenge you to give compliments and take notice how the ladies react. Warning - be genuine in your compliments! Paying - It - Forward is another favorite of mine, which means when someone does something nice for you, you in turn do something nice for another person. It's also a wonderful movie that aired in 2000. Here are a few ways I've learned to compliment other women aside from their appearance from Elizabeth Patch's More Ways to Love Blog.
So here are 10 ways to compliment your female friends and family members,
your co-workers and your casual acquaintances (and yes, even yourself!) without mentioning looks.
1. The “Good Job” Compliment
If someone does a good job, at anything, they deserve recognition!
Whether it’s a 4-year old who can read “big girl books”,
a 14-year old who made the winning goal at a soccer game,
or a 40 year old who finally gets her own administrative assistant,
nothing builds up pride and self-confidence more than being recognized for a job well done.
2. The “Brave Heart” Compliment
This is for the shy, hesitant friend who finally gets the nerve to travel to Europe alone,
the newly divorced woman who grows more courageous instead of falling apart,
and for everyone who overcomes the pain of the past,
steps outside her comfort zone and dares to start over again!
Admire her emotional bravery! You go girl!
3. The “You are a Goddess” Compliment
Bow down to her super-natural, amazingly awesome talents!
She can be the Goddess of the Play Date, or the Goddess of the Cocktail Party,
Domestic Goddess or Executive Goddess,
Multi-Tasking Goddess or Yoga Goddess.
Whatever type of Goddess she is,
giving her an official title is the ultimate compliment.
4. The “Smarty Pants” Compliment
If only we told our little girls how smart they are as often as we tell them how cute they are…
She (or you!) figured out something complex, solved a tough problem,
passed a test with flying colors, invented something new, started a business,
proved that women are good at math or science or visual/spatial relationships
(or any of those other things we’re not “supposed to be” good at ).
Pass along a big “Brava!”
(Ms. Smarty Pants knows this already: Brava is for women, Bravo is for men)
5. The “Tough Cookie” Compliment
She juggles being a single mom with a full-time job.
Or she’s the first in her family to go to college.
Or she somehow manages to bounce back from a disaster that would crush most other women.
She deserves all the praise you can give her for her strength, her determination, her stamina and her guts!
So tell her! (and maybe give her a hug too)
6. The “Show Me” Compliment
It doesn’t matter what the skill is,
whether it’s building a compost bin or designing a website,
asking someone to show you how she did it is the ultimate compliment of her skills and expertise.
“Amazing cookies! What is the recipe?”
“You really know how to fix a leaky faucet! Can you show me?”
“I wish I could do _________. How did you learn?”
7. The “Life of the Party” Compliment
Don’t you just love hanging out with someone who can turn a dull event into something fun?
Let her know!
“I love how you make me laugh!”
“You always make me smile.”
“You are so much fun to be with.”
8. The “Creative Touch” Compliment
This one is great for the artsy girls you know,
the ones who always come up with something unexpected and original.
Praise her creative touches,
whether it’s her handmade greeting cards, that wild color she painted her bedroom,
her ability to throw unusual ingredients together into something delicious,
anything and everything that shows her expressive nature!
9. The “Queen of the Castle” Compliment
Compliment my kids, my home, my garden, my cat, and you shine a light on me!
We are co-creators of the spaces we live in and the families we raise,
and most of us are damn proud when someone compliments our home or families!
10. The “Mushy Gooey” Compliment
Go ahead, tell her you love her
(or admire her or think she’s just plain amazing).
You don’t even have to give a reason!
