Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts

Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts (446)
(NewsUSA) - It starts when you receive the invitation in the mail -- either your computer's Inbox or the one that your junk mail gets delivered to.
That complex social conundrum of being asked to a party.
Do you bring wine or beer? Is wine too pretentious? There's always craft beer, or is that elitist? And what to wear? Is it a casual gathering or a dinner party where at least a sport coat is needed? Is it acceptable to add a plus-one, since you just started dating the potential man or woman of your dreams?
While modern-day society may no longer follow the social dictates of Emily Post's rules of etiquette, there's nothing like a soiree to throw many of us into an internal tailspin.
To help navigate the often frustratingly opaque rules of attending a party, be it cocktail, dinner or a child's birthday, the following tips can help:
* Call to RSVP. The French may not have the corner on manners, but they do know that RSVP means respondez s'il vous plait, or please reply. This is essential for the host to get an accurate headcount and not responding is considered rude and inconsiderate.
* Decode the dress code. Is it a formal affair in which tuxes and dresses are appropriate, or a more casual, anything goes party? If you're unsure, it's never inappropriate to ask the hostess.
* Go dateless. Unless specifically stated, it is considered rude to bring an uninvited guest or to ask if you can bring a plus-one. If you can bring a date, remember to RSVP for them, or conversely, if you accepted for your guest and plans change, let the host know that as well.
* Hold your liquor. While you may want to imbibe all the free-flowing alcohol, avoid drinking to excess. Nothing is more disrespectful and uncomfortable than a drunk party guest, particularly at more upscale affairs.
* Take what you need to feel comfortable. For some that's a small bottle of aspirin to ward off a headache, a pair of more comfortable shoes discreetly hidden in the folds of a coat, an embroidered handkerchief rather than bulky tissue, or if you're a smokeless tobacco user, something other than a spit cup or bottle. Smokeless tobacco accessories, such as the portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR, will help you avoid the uncomfortable (not to mention sometimes messy) aspects of enjoying your snuff, dip or chew while at a party. The new 4-ounce FLASR pocket-sized spittoon is designed to al-low users to open and shut it with just one hand, making it an ideal solution for users to enjoy smokeless tobacco unobtrusively and discreetly without unwanted attention.
For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.

Love Your Gums to Safeguard Your Smile

Love Your Gums to Safeguard Your Smile (438)
(NewsUSA) - Are you attracted to a dazzling smile? Approximately one-third of American adults report first noticing a smile when meeting someone they find attractive. However, poor oral hygiene can harm not only your smile, but your overall health.
TV's Bachelorette Trista Sutter knows the importance of making a good first impression, and she is partnering with the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) in a public awareness campaign about the importance of healthy gums.
"I believe in being grateful for -- and loving -- what we have, and the gums we are given are the gums we have for life," Sutter says in a statement. "I personally have always tried to take good care of my teeth. But, like many people, I didn't know I should be doing more to take care of my gums. This is why I believe the AAP's campaign to Love The Gums You're With is so important; everyone should understand the importance of keeping their gums healthy."
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is surprisingly common; it occurs in half of American adults aged 30 years and older. The condition, caused when bacteria in plaque form below the gum line, can lead to swelling, irritation, and possibly receding gums and tooth loss.
Gum disease may impact more than just your smile. Symptoms such as red, swollen gums and bad breath may be signs of a person's health beyond his or her mouth, as gum disease has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer. Not only can gum disease affect your overall health, it can affect your personal life, too. According to a new survey by Harris Poll, 60 percent of American adults who have a partner said their partner's oral health has an effect on intimacy.
The AAP recommends brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation to help prevent gum disease. It's is treatable, and, in many cases, reversible with the right care. If you suspect you may be at risk for gum disease, you should talk to a periodontist about your gum health. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and can provide a personalized treatment plan.
Visit www.perio.org to find a periodontist in your area and check out the AAP's Facebook page at bit.ly/loveyourgums or @PerioNews on Twitter for tips and resources, including some fun educational information and a message from Sutter about the importance of gum health.
Sutter adds, "Your gums will be grateful for the extra attention."

Florida Resort Gives the Golf Getaway a Makeover

Florida Resort Gives the Golf Getaway a Makeover (338)
(NewsUSA) - The traditional golf resort is going through a major transformation.
While golf is still at the core, the newest properties increasingly offer activities and immersive experiences that appeal to golfers and non-golfers alike -- changing the way guests view and book their getaways. Central Florida's Streamsong Resort is one of the destinations on the forefront of this trend.
Set on 16,000 acres, Streamsong emerged on the site of a former phosphate mine. With towering sand dunes and extreme elevation changes, its land is more reminiscent of Scotland than central Florida. In just a few years, its two intersecting golf courses -- Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue -- have earned a place on some of the industry's most prestigious rankings, including GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S. A third course, Streamsong Black, will open in late 2017.
"Today's golfer wants a broader experience," said Richard Mogensen, Streamsong's general manager. "Streamsong is designed with this guest in mind."
Beyond its two golf courses, the resort features many options to enjoy the outdoors or just relax. Home to some of the best bass fishing in the United States, Streamsong offers guided catch-and-release fishing expeditions on its prolific lakes. The picturesque sporting clays course, located 10 minutes from the lodge but still on property, is the perfect spot for beginners to learn and pros to refine their shots with guidance from certified instructors. The grotto-style AcquaPietra Spa, infinity lakeside pool, nature trail and tennis courts provide additional opportunities to unwind and enjoy the setting. Dining options, like the award-winning contemporary Italian restaurant SottoTerra, tempt the palate with fresh, innovative fare in spectacular settings.
Streamsong even looks different from the traditional golf resort. Its modern 216-room lodge and intimate 12-room clubhouse have captured architectural accolades for their design, which pays homage to the property's surroundings.
"Golf is absolutely in our DNA, but our eye is also always on delivering that complete experience," Mogensen said.
For more information, visit www.streamsongresort.com or call 1-863-428-1000.

Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts

Modern-Day Party Do's and Don'ts (446)
(NewsUSA) - It starts when you receive the invitation in the mail -- either your computer's Inbox or the one that your junk mail gets delivered to.
That complex social conundrum of being asked to a party.
Do you bring wine or beer? Is wine too pretentious? There's always craft beer, or is that elitist? And what to wear? Is it a casual gathering or a dinner party where at least a sport coat is needed? Is it acceptable to add a plus-one, since you just started dating the potential man or woman of your dreams?
While modern-day society may no longer follow the social dictates of Emily Post's rules of etiquette, there's nothing like a soiree to throw many of us into an internal tailspin.
To help navigate the often frustratingly opaque rules of attending a party, be it cocktail, dinner or a child's birthday, the following tips can help:
* Call to RSVP. The French may not have the corner on manners, but they do know that RSVP means respondez s'il vous plait, or please reply. This is essential for the host to get an accurate headcount and not responding is considered rude and inconsiderate.
* Decode the dress code. Is it a formal affair in which tuxes and dresses are appropriate, or a more casual, anything goes party? If you're unsure, it's never inappropriate to ask the hostess.
* Go dateless. Unless specifically stated, it is considered rude to bring an uninvited guest or to ask if you can bring a plus-one. If you can bring a date, remember to RSVP for them, or conversely, if you accepted for your guest and plans change, let the host know that as well.
* Hold your liquor. While you may want to imbibe all the free-flowing alcohol, avoid drinking to excess. Nothing is more disrespectful and uncomfortable than a drunk party guest, particularly at more upscale affairs.
* Take what you need to feel comfortable. For some that's a small bottle of aspirin to ward off a headache, a pair of more comfortable shoes discreetly hidden in the folds of a coat, an embroidered handkerchief rather than bulky tissue, or if you're a smokeless tobacco user, something other than a spit cup or bottle. Smokeless tobacco accessories, such as the portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR, will help you avoid the uncomfortable (not to mention sometimes messy) aspects of enjoying your snuff, dip or chew while at a party. The new 4-ounce FLASR pocket-sized spittoon is designed to al-low users to open and shut it with just one hand, making it an ideal solution for users to enjoy smokeless tobacco unobtrusively and discreetly without unwanted attention.
For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.