Latest news with #JoHayes
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
4 Shopping Mistakes You're Making at ALDI, According to Etiquette Experts
ALDI may be known for its unbeatable prices and speedy checkouts, but regulars know the real charm lies in the unspoken rules of the store. From navigating narrow aisles to honoring the sacred quarter-for-a-cart ritual, shopping at ALDI is a uniquely communal experience. To help you navigate your next grocery run with grace, we spoke with Jo Hayes, founder of for her top tips on shopping at ALDI with kindness and courtesy. Related: These $9 ALDI Candles Are Voluspa Dupes—and They Won't Stay on Shelves Long 1. Forgetting to Pay It Forward One of the most beloved ALDI traditions is the 'pay-it-forward' cart handoff. Shoppers often gift their cart to someone heading in, expecting nothing in return, not even the quarter deposit. 'This is a lovely gesture of goodwill, from one shopper to another,' Hayes says. 'A quarter is basically nothing. It's not going to break the bank, but the gesture demonstrates kindness, courtesy, and generosity.' Still, etiquette suggests offering your quarter in return, even if the other person refuses. 'Offering is a return gesture of goodwill,' Hayes says. 2. Taking Your Time at Checkout If you've ever shopped at ALDI, you know that checkout is not the place for lingering. Cashiers are famously fast, and there's no room at the register to bag your groceries as they're scanned. 'Certainly, ALDI cashiers are super quick—and we love them for it,' Hayes says. To keep the line moving, Hayes advises stowing your cart on the receiving end of the swiped products. After the cashier scans, quickly return items to your cart, pay, and move to the bagging area. Take your time organizing your haul there, but be mindful of others waiting to use the space. 3. Aisle Hogging 'Keep as close to the side as possible, yourself and your cart, to allow room for other shoppers,' Hayes recommends. ALDI's smaller store layout and narrower aisles require a bit of extra awareness. Don't abandon your cart in the middle of the aisle or block popular sections while you compare yogurts. Park it beside you and stay alert to your surroundings. 4. Snacking Pre-Checkout Wondering if it's okay to pop open a bottle of water or sample some cherries before you check out? Hayes offers a firm but polite no. It's also a hygiene issue, especially with fresh produce that should be washed before eating. 'If everyone did this, the store could potentially descend into a chaotic feeding frenzy,' she explains. 'Even sampling smaller fresh produce is a no-go." Save the snacking until after you've paid. Embracing the ALDI Way What really sets ALDI apart is the community atmosphere. From returning carts to sharing smiles in the checkout line, shoppers often engage in little acts of kindness that brighten someone's day. Hayes says these gestures are essential to modern life. 'They go a long way in boosting mental and emotional wellness, a sense of community, connection, and general relational well-being.' So next time you're heading to ALDI, bring a quarter, pack your reusable bags, and remember that good manners are always in stock. Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Etiquette expert reveals what NOT to wear the office, plus the best work-appropriate outfits - and whether getting your toes out is allowed
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more British people are cranking up their fans in their houses and the AC in their cars to maximum as the UK continues its blistering heatwave. However, while the sunshine may be good for trips to the seaside and catching a tan in the back garden, it poses a problem when it comes to dressing for work. For many women, dressing for summer can be daunting as the high street fills up on holiday essentials such as skimpy bikinis, flip flops, crop tops and denim shorts - all of which would not go down well in the office. The last thing women want to wear are heavy polyester trousers with matching blazers while they step onto crowded public transport in balmy 33-degree weather. Shoes are also another issue. Every year, women working in corporate jobs ask themselves the age-old question of whether it is appropriate to get their toes out. There is a fine line between suitable sandals for work and footwear that is only appropriate for vacations. But how does one dress in an appropriate manner when there is seemingly a lack of options in affordable stores? To avoid getting a HR complaint, MailOnline have put together a list of summer office Do's and Don'ts with help from our etiquette and fashion experts... What NOT to wear World-leading etiquette expert Jo Hayes said that workers can often mistake the summer heatwave for a summer holiday dress code - but says that dressing as though you're off to Glastonbury or the beach for the day won't cut it when you're in the office. She said that casual wear should only be worn on your weekends to the seaside, along with short shorts, flip flops and jelly shoes. 'No bikini tops [should be] visible underneath other layers of clothing. No sarongs, tank tops, spaghetti strap tops or dresses [should be worn],' she told MailOnline. Hayes added: 'No crop tops, no mid-riffs, no cleavage, no mini-skirts. Modesty and professionalism, always.' She said that open-toed shoes can be appropriate, but only in certain circumstances. 'Toes on show are not necessarily a deal breaker in the office. But ensure the toes are clean and well maintained [with] a coloured polish - nothing too wild. 'Ensure the sandals are professional, nothing close to a flip flop. A heel, even if very small, is generally better than a flat sandal for women. Personal stylist Shauna Colaci says that many people often make the mistake of wearing sheer clothes without lining, especially when it comes to white linen trousers. She added: 'Linen is great, but overly creased clothes can cross into scruffy territory if not styled right.' Those climbing the corporate ladder should also not opt for leggings or cycle shorts. Colaci said: 'They be comfy, but they usually read "gym" not "team meeting." 'Tight clothes restrict airflow, show sweat marks faster, and can make you feel self-conscious.' What to wear Hayes says that people often mistake professional workwear as heavy and bulky clothing when in fact the smartest attire can be light and airy. She said: 'Keep layers as light as possible. Choose light, natural, breathable, fibres and materials, over thick, heavy, and synthetic materials - for example, light cottons and linen work wonders in summer.' She said it's also important to make sure that you wear lighter hues instead of black and navy as darker colours attract the heat more. Broderie anglaise cotton blouse £18.99 Shop Pure Cotton Square Neck Crochet Detail Midaxi Tiered Dress £55.00 Shop COLLECTION POLKA DOT MIDI DRESS £49.99 Shop White Linen-blend Bermuda Shorts £69.00 Shop White cotton shirts, floaty maxi skirts and delicate dresses can be styled into your wardrobe for clothes that are work-appropriate but that you can also sport while meeting friends on the weekend. Hayes said that it is important to have loose flowing clothing with short sleeves or sleeveless but said that there should not be any spaghetti straps or excessive cleavage on display. The broderie anglaise cotton blouse from H&M, the cotton crochet dress from M&S and the light blue and white striped shirt from George at Asda all provide airy comfort but also still look chic. She said it is also crucial to have the right jacket that is season-appropriate. She recommends investing in a light linen blazers instead of dragging out winter jackets for windy summer days. She added: 'For ladies - good news. The Capri pant is bang on trend this summer, presenting an in-style, cooler option to the full-length pant. 'But, caveat. No skin-tight, athleisure options here. Think sophisticated, feminine, Audrey Hepburn, circa 1950s. 'Linen or cotton are excellent options. Pair with a light blouse, and / or light linen blazer for a sophisticated, professional look.' & Other Stories offers a good array of smart, crisp linen blazer that will keep you cooler than cheaper polyester options. Stylist Lisa Talbot says that even though it may be 28-degrees outside, offices often love to crank up the AC, meaning you can spend eight hours a day wearing structured blazers or lightweight knits without breaking a sweat. She said: 'Summer work style isn't about baring more, it's about wearing smarter. By choosing light fabrics, soft tailoring, and clever layers, you can look put-together and professional without melting before your morning meeting. Fitted Linen Blazer £177.00 Shop Light Blue Striped Poplin Popover Oversized Shirt £14.00 Shop Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers £27.50 Shop Black Crinkle Frill Boho Puff Sleeve Mini Dress £14.00 Shop Classic Capri Trousers £98.00 Shop Black Gingham Capri Trousers £69.00 Shop Black Gingham Print Embroidered Frill Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress £35.99 If you want a more practical piece of clothing that will keep you cool, Hayes recommends city shorts. The garment is similar to tailored suit trousers and are a plausible option for men and women, unless your workplace have a strict suit-only policy. Nobody's Child has a stylish pair of white Bermuda shorts made from natural materials - 55 per cent linen and 45 per cent organic cotton - and for men, M&S and Moss Bros provide good options. To maintain a level of professionalism, Hayes said: 'Ensure they're tailored, and cut to the knee, or just slightly above.' For those who want an option that is in-between city shorts and trousers, Capri pants may be worth looking into. They usually come just below the knee, fit like a tailored trouser and are versatile enough to be styled with many different shirts, blouses and tops. The White Company have slightly stretchy black Capri pants, made of mainly organic cotton and elastane - a wardrobe basic - but if you want to mix things up, Nobody's Child has a monochrome gingham option. Gingham print has also been sweeping across many clothing stores, with New Look offering a good all-rounder midi dress perfect for picnics and strolls in the park on a hot day. ASOS DESIGN cotton shirred blouse in buttermilk £26.00 Shop Daisy Street x Molly Mcfarlane boho maxi tiered skirt in buttermilk £36.00 Shop Tailored V-Neck Waistcoat £65.00 Shop Julissa Jumpsuit £139.00 Shop Butter yellow is currently one of the hottest colours and has been seen on an array of celebrities and royals since spring. Daisy Street on ASOS has a good all-rounder boho-chic pale yellow maxi skirt that, along with a £26 long-sleeved shirred buttermilk blouse, a decent price for 100 per cent lightweight cotton. Jumpsuits are another way to effectively combine office wear with a summer wardrobe, without compromising on style. Hot pink is another hue that has been seen at high society events such as Ascot, and it will certainly make you stand out in your neutral office. Phase Eight and French Connection are two stores that have an array of bright raspberry-coloured clothing on offer. Leather ballet flats £44.99 Shop Leather Chain Detail Flat Loafers £259.00 Shop Chisel-toe slingback court shoes £37.99 Shop For shoes, Hayes said women should opt for enclosed ballet pumps, court shoes or Mary Janes as they provide a smart option without having to struggle with heels in the heat. Slingback heels also open up your feet more to help them breathe in the heat, without showing any toes. She said: 'For men, you may have fewer options than women, but, if your workplace standards allow, you may be able to ditch the heavy socks and brogues, and go for a cooler, leather deck shoe, with thin invisible socks. 'Or, if you're style-savvy and can pull off the smart leather sandal, there are some professional-standard men's leather standards that could [work] when paired with a professional city short, or long chino turned up at the ankle.'
Washington Post
22-06-2025
- Washington Post
Is it rude to ditch your travel partner for the airport lounge? We asked.
Traveling has always come with complications. Our By The Way Concierge column will take your travel dilemmas to the experts to help you navigate the unexpected. Want to see your question answered? Submit it here. As airport lounges crack down on crowds, some are getting stricter with guest policies by implementing new rules and higher fees. If you're a card-carrying member, but your travel companion is not, is it a faux pas to leave them behind for a little lounge time before your flight? All is fair in love and upgrades? Not quite. The airport lounge can feel like a port in the storm, an elegant oasis away from the chaos of the greater terminal. But they're not worth ruining a relationship over — or at least the start of a trip. 'Let's just acknowledge that these lounges are fine, but they are not amazing,' said Nick Leighton, co-host of the etiquette podcast 'Were you raised by wolves?' 'Like if the Qantas First [Class] Lounge was plopped into the middle of New York City, would it be the hottest restaurant or a lounge down? No, it would not.' In fact, 'there are a lot of lounges around the world where it is worse than the terminal outside,' Leighton added. But the allure of 'free' charcuterie and can be alluring, so let's figure out what to do in a lopsided membership situation. Tackling this question starts with establishing some context, says Jo Hayes, founder of First: who is the travel companion? If it's a colleague, Hayes says you may appreciate some time apart anyway. Leighton agrees, so long as you're talking about your work equal. 'It's sort of like every man for himself if you're at the same level,' he said. 'It's a little trickier if you're traveling and your boss doesn't have access. There's a little power dynamic there.' To avoid flexing on your colleague — superior, subordinate, whoever, really — Leighton says to part ways before you get to the lounge, maybe mentioning you're going to grab some food and you'll see them at the gate later. Mostly, you don't want to rub in your elite status. 'We want to be mindful of your companions' feelings; we don't want to embarrass them,' Leighton said. A loved one — like a family member or your romantic partner — is a different story. 'I think the default setting is that you don't go,' Leighton said. Lisa Richey, founder of the American Academy of Etiquette, Inc., had the same sentiment. 'Instead, find a quiet corner, have a coffee, and be fully present,' she said. 'This is a great opportunity to enjoy a human connection.' However, every relationship is different. Leighton pointed out that some couples appreciate a break from each other, they might not even choose to sit next to each other on the plane. 'In that case, have at it,' he said. 'Enjoy that lounge; enjoy that warm prosecco!' If you don't have that kind of 'separate togetherness' approach to your travel day, consider their reaction to a proposed split. How do you think that conversation is going to go? Will you hurt their feelings by even asking? And what kind of airport are you leaving them in? Is the terminal miserable and your lounge visit further salting the wound? Hayes says whatever the scenario, her No. 1 tip is to have clear communication before you decide. Here's her sample script: 'We've got a two-hour layover. How would you feel about my going into the lounge for that time? It feels a bit awkward, or rude, leaving you out here, so if you'd prefer I stay with you, just say so.' Frame the question in a way that's polite and demonstrates you have considered their feelings. You want them to feel respected, and that you don't want to do anything that would hurt them. 'This is what good manners are all about,' Hayes said. Plus, 'when people feel respected, they're far more likely to offer grace in return,' she added.
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Driver's 'Petty' Reaction to Passive-Aggressive Note on His Car Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A post about an office worker who received a passive-aggressive note accusing them of parking in someone else's space has gone viral on Reddit. The post, titled "This is now my parking spot," was shared by u/Ashamed_Class_7987 in the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, and has quickly gained traction with more than 24,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments since it was posted by June 17. The post features an image of a note left on a car windshield, which simply reads: "This is not your parking spot." "Started a new job in an office building with a parking garage," the Reddit user wrote. "There are multiple companies in the building and some of them have reserved spots. This was not one of those reserved spots. I come out to my car and find this note on my windshield." The poster added that, although they usually park in random open spots, this note changed their approach: "From now on I will make it my mission to park in this spot as often as I can." In a later comment, the poster wrote: "The tone of this note pissed me off and now I have to be petty. Maybe one day we'll have a conversation about it." Etiquette expert Jo Hayes told Newsweek that the issue appears straightforward. "This is a fairly cut-and-dry case," she said. "If the spot is unmarked/not reserved, and is essentially a first-in, best-dressed situation, then the poster has every right to park there whenever they please." However, Hayes added that there may be a number of caveats in this situation and "things are often not as they seem." The poster is new to the job, she said, "which clearly means they are a freshman to this whole office building/garage situation." Disputes like these are not uncommon, according to a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Newsweek. Involving 1,000 U.S. adults, the study explored intense or unusual conflicts with neighbors. From noise complaints and lawn issues to boundary disputes, Americans reported a wide range of friction points in shared spaces. Gregg Ward, founder and executive director at The Center for Respectful Leadership, advised against escalating conflicts. "If your neighbor doesn't behave in ways you want them to, the last thing you should do is get into a tit-for-tat battle with them," he told Newsweek. "This happens all too often, and it never ends well. In short, don't respond to disrespect with more disrespect—it will just make everything worse." Hayes also encouraged due diligence before engaging in what could be interpreted as retaliatory behavior. "I would encourage the poster to double-check that the unmarked, apparently 'unreserved', car spots are, in fact, unreserved, and open to anyone … i.e. that they have every right to park in that spot," she said. "The poster could approach building management, or her own office manager, to confirm this." Hayes also pointed out a possible administrative oversight. "There could be a situation, such as building management/facilities lagging behind on their car park marking schedule, and this car park is actually reserved for someone, it just hasn't been marked yet." Hayes took issue with the poster's stated intention to make a point by parking there deliberately. "Saying 'from now on I will make it my mission to park in this spot as often as I can' sounds rather spiteful and vengeful," she said. "I'm not saying the poster shouldn't park in the spot—if he/she has full rights to park there, go ahead. I simply remind the poster that, to go out of your way to park there, when other spots are perhaps easier to park in, is nasty and spiteful." "Remember the golden rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you, even if they are not doing the same," Hayes said. Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system. Stock image: A note is left on the windshield of a car. Stock image: A note is left on the windshield of a car. Getty Do you have a parking-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Newsweek
Employee's 'Petty Revenge' on Colleague Who Keeps Taking Their Pens Praised
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A worker who grew tired of their colleague repeatedly stealing their favorite pens turned to an unexpected solution—refilling the pens with glitter ink. The incident was detailed in a post shared by u/Main_Scallion2394 in the r/pettyrevenge subreddit, and it has gone viral, amassing over 51,000 upvotes since June 9. Titled "My coworker kept stealing my pens. so I started refilling them with glitter ink," the post recounts how one office worker devised a sparkly form of petty revenge after months of missing pens. "I work in this pretty chill office," the poster began, "but for whatever reason my pens kept missing—not like … all my pens. Just mine, the ones I actually liked using." The worker in the viral Reddit post said that they suspected a particular coworker but wanted to avoid direct confrontation. That changed one day during a meeting: "I kinda had a feeling who it was but didn't wanna cause drama, then one day I saw her using my purple gel pen during a meeting. I said something like 'hey I think that's mine' and she just laughed and went 'oops lol [laugh out loud] didn't even notice.'" Stock image: A woman holds a pen while talking to a man also holding a pen while seated at a desk. Stock image: A woman holds a pen while talking to a man also holding a pen while seated at a desk. Getty Rather than escalate the situation, the poster got creative. "So I ordered some cheap refillable pens and swapped the ink for glitter gel. They looked normal when you wrote with them but dried all sparkly and ridiculous," the poster noted. The payoff came at the next office meeting. "Next meeting she's writing away and someone goes 'why does your notebook look like a birthday card?' She just stared at it like it betrayed her soul," the poster wrote. Since then, the pen thefts have stopped. "My pens haven't gone missing since—no apology or anything … just awkward silence. Honestly? I'll take it." Etiquette expert Jo Hayes told Newsweek: "While this petty revenge may have felt satisfying in the moment for OP [original poster], the reality is that this sort of behavior is what one would expect of a child, not a grown adult working in an office environment." A 2022 study by The Myers-Briggs Company found 36 percent of people reported dealing with conflict at work often, very often, or all the time. Poor communication was found to be the No. 1 cause of conflict and "the more time that an individual spent dealing with conflict at work, the lower their job satisfaction and the less included they felt," the study said. Experts Warn Against Petty Revenge While many on Reddit applauded the poster's creative approach, etiquette experts said there might have been a better way to handle the situation. Hayes acknowledged the wrongdoing of the pen thief: "Of course, what the pen-stealer has done—and on a continual basis—is wrong; no doubt about it." However, she added: "The MO [modus operandi] for dealing with this sort of thing is clear, direct, adult communication, not passive-aggression, avoidance, or petty revenge." Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the Were You Raised by Wolves? podcast, agreed. He told Newsweek: "Better would be a polite-yet-direct conversation with the colleague. Something along the lines of 'I've noticed my pens keep disappearing … I would appreciate it if you would ask before borrowing them.'" Leighton added: "Unfortunately, good etiquette isn't usually as satisfying as exacting sparkly revenge." Hayes said that, while addressing these situations can be uncomfortable, doing so builds valuable life skills. "Sure, addressing a situation—even one as seemingly innocuous as pen stealing—is uncomfortable. Few would disagree. But any adult who wants to be successful in life needs to get comfortable with being uncomfortable." She added: "Avoiding uncomfortable situations, particularly conflict resolution, might be the easy way out in the moment, but, in the long run, we only do ourselves a disservice." 'Devilishly Clever' Despite the experts' advice, the majority of Reddit commenters were firmly on the side of the original poster. One user, u/IDGAF53, commented: "Oh that's devilishly clever. You're my petty kinda person!" Another, u/AstrixRK, wrote: "Perfectly petty! This is a perfect example of petty revenge." User u/JustanOldBabyBoomer added: "Glittery revenge is the BEST revenge!!!!" Another, u/Affectionate_Gap8220, said: "I would love this as a form of 'revenge'—innocent and right to the point!" Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system. Do you have a work-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
