Greetings Dear Readers! Miss Mary Jane reporting live from The Den, with a few local tidbits and timely etiquette tips from the Grande Dame of Etiquette herself…Emily Post (sigh…my heroine).

First up: No. 2 (by birth order only) daughter and I have found the most wonderful little Mexican food restaurant and now it has become a secret little tradition of ours. Traditions are important and the cornerstone of strong family ties. Even if your family situation has changed, you can forge new traditions that are fun and meaningful. Trust me on this. Anyway, back to the tidbit. Los Betos on Fairview. If you can look past the tired interior and messy tables (oh come on…you’re not at the Ritz) belly up to the counter and order away. You know you’re at an authentic Mexican place when you see the pickled carrots and onions in the condiment area.

Next Tidbit: While searching for a new dress to wear to Vegas baby, Miss Mary Jane had the good fortune to pop into Barbara & Barbara. Bingo! The clothes are cute and fashionable and whether you’re 14 or 40, you can always find something. Of course, you’ll just have to visit Shoe Fetish next door to get some new kicks to go with your new outfit. Just one teensy tiny thing…MMJ humbly suggests that they sass up their window displays. Although the clothes alone usually catch my eye, the displays lack creativity and the glass is either dirty or tinted, I can never tell which.

Guess what’s back in vogue again? Give up? Two words: hula hoops. That’s right…everybody’s doin’ it. Miss Mary Jane’s own mother is hoopin’, there was a crowd of young girls at Camel’s Back hoopin’….and MMJ is strongly considering it. Right after my archery. It’s definitely in the hopper.

Ta Ta for now my dear readers. MMJ wants to gently reminder you to please do sit up straight and mind your manners.

P.S. Almost forgot the promised etiquette tip by Emily Post: There are so many good ones in her book “Etiquette”, but this is a classic: “Walking Together.” “A man generally walks on the street or curb side of a woman in daytime or in safe areas. If he prefers to ignore the street/curb rule, he should always walk on the woman’s left. In the evening, if she is wearing high heels and going down steps, a ramp, or is walking on broken pavement, she is wise to accept his arm to help keep her balance. Never should a man grab a woman by the elbow or the arm and shove her along” (I burst out laughing when I read that). “It is only when he is helping her into a car, taxi or bus” (what about the limo?) “or up steep stairs that he should put his hand under her elbow. He may also take her hand and precede her through a crowd to clear a path for her” (sigh…my hero).

Miss Mary Jane welcomes all your comments and questions you may have. To comment on this or other blogs click here. I shall reply with haste.