Margaret Mason

TMN Contributing Writer Margaret Mason is the author of No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog, and publisher for Mighty Mighty Media, home of the award-winning shopping sites Mighty Goods, Mighty Junior, and Mighty Haus. You’ll find more of her online writing at Mighty Girl.

Writing My Twitter Etiquette Article: 14 Ways to Use Twitter Politely

Every form of communication deserves an etiquette manual, if only so we can treat our fellows better, even in 140-character bites. MARGARET MASON’S 14-point guide to improved tweets. (The Thoughtful User Guide | August 15, 2008)

Things We’re Denying Ourselves

A recession looms at the door—before it arrives, we have an opportunity to improve our minds, bodies, and wallets. Though we may soon be denying ourselves more than pleasures, this is what we’re omitting right now. (Of Recent Note | April 30, 2008)

Gift Subscriptions

A gift in the mail is a joy to open—a gift every month (or less) trumps that. For those stumped on how to tie up their holiday shopping, our resident shopping expert MARGARET MASON advises you to pour yourself some ’nog, and order a few magazines. (Guides | December 20, 2007)

Hangover Cures

Robert Benchley once quipped, “The only cure for a real hangover is death.” Though ultimately true, right now there are holiday parties to attend. THE WRITERS offer solutions for the morning after. (Of Recent Note | December 13, 2007)

This Is Not a Eulogy

This is an appreciation. Our friend, writer, editor, and teacher LESLIE HARPOLD recently died. A memorial for a woman who was difficult to describe—and who couldn’t stand sentimental bullshit. (Profiles | December 18, 2006)

iPod Etiquette

We have something important to discuss. Are you listening? Oh, seriously, will you take out your earphones? Yes, both of them. MARGARET MASON has some advice on iPod etiquette. (The Thoughtful User Guide | October 27, 2006)

San Francisco

San Franciscans love green space, and locals never find themselves too far from a good picnic spot. In the first of our series on city parks, MARGARET MASON visits six of her favorites. (A Walk in the Park | August 3, 2006)

May 2006

It’s the last Wednesday of the month, so it’s time for another episode of what THE WRITERS have recently been loving: restaurants in California, television in Japan, vitamin-laced candy, and more. (Of Recent Note | May 31, 2006)

Twelve Calendar Gifts for a Happy New Year

In 2006 you will remember every birthday, every tooth cleaning, every oil change and tune-up. Your mother will get flowers; you will turn your mattress; you will schedule your vacation months in advance. MARGARET MASON picks the calendars that will help. (Guides | December 19, 2005)

Fifteen Prudent Gifts for the Budget-Minded

You enjoy the lights, you’re fond of the cocktails; you loathe the stores. Our shopping expert offers her online picks for under $30, so you can focus on making merry. (Guides | December 2, 2005)

Fifteen Luxury Gifts Worth the Splurge

Maybe you’re feeling especially generous, maybe you did something unforgivable, maybe you’re just loaded. Our shopping expert suggests gifts they’ll remember for years. (Guides | November 23, 2005)

The Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Guide

You put it off again this year, and now you’re on the verge of disappointing your very own mother. You have four days to find and ship an amazing Mother’s Day gift. MARGARET MASON recommends gifts from sites that offer quick delivery. (How To | May 3, 2005)

Valentine’s Gift Guide

The heart-shaped box of chocolates was sweet and the bouquet of roses was lovely, but your Valentine deserves a surprise this year. This Valentine’s Day, let Margaret Mason do your shopping for you. (Opinions | February 1, 2005)

Twenty Gifts That Go Easy on Your Budget

You’re a generous sort, but you don’t have much time (or cash). Mighty Goods shopping expert Margaret Mason has 20 clever gift ideas that won’t leave you paying off your credit cards through July. (Opinions | December 16, 2004)

Don’t Be Rude: Couples Showers and Late Wedding Gifts

You’re asked to buy an expensive, ugly bridesmaid’s dress, but aren’t invited to the shower. You bought the wedding presents years ago; they’re just in your closet. Margaret Mason puts things in perspective. (How To | November 29, 2004)

Don’t Be Rude: RSVPs and “Best Persons”

A wedding invitation arrives without an RSVP card, and a bride wonders what to call a female ‘best man.’ TMN’s etiquette expert Margaret Mason helps you through I dos. (How To | October 4, 2004)

Give Me a Sign

Political conventions exist for the cameras, and the cameras like to see audiences with a sea of signs. But where do all those banners come from? Margaret Mason outlines the life cycle of a rally sign. (Stories | September 15, 2004)

Of Recent Note: For Summer 2004

Of interest lately are special books, catchy songs, lovely clothes, and a slew of other wonderful items we’ve collectively enjoyed the last few weeks, and now wish to pass along for your very own summer pleasure. THE WRITERS recall and review. (Opinions | June 10, 2004)

Don’t Be Rude: When Guests Outstay Their Welcome

If your guests are walking all over you, it may be that you look suspiciously like a doormat. MARGARET MASON answers a reader’s question on how to get up, dust off, and reclaim the living room. (How To | May 19, 2004)

Virtue: Volunteering from Home

You planned to spend the morning hammering together a shelter for the homeless, but your hangover is better suited to a cup of coffee and the Sunday paper. In the second installment of her Virtue series, Margaret Berry shows you how to get off your duff without leaving the couch. (How To | March 24, 2004)

Virtue: Ten Bucks? Ten Charities

They’re providing basic sanitation; we’re subscribing to Cooking Light. In the first installment of her series on Virtue, Margaret Berry introduces you to 10 charities that know the value of 10 bucks. (How To | February 12, 2004)

Wedding Guide: Part IV, Wedding Tips

Will custom-printed cocktail napkins take this celebration to the next level? No one cares. In our wedding guide’s final installment, writer and newlywed Margaret Berry gives the you tips that count. (How To | November 25, 2003)

Wedding Guide: Part III, Wedding Party Responsibilities

The bride and groom just spent hours arguing over dad’s new wife and whether she gets to sit at the head table. Now is not the time to piss them off. MARGARET MASON explains how the wedding party can stay in good graces. (How To | September 8, 2003)

Wedding Guide: Part II, Ten Ways to Mess Up Your Marriage Proposal

You’ve got one chance here, don’t flub it. In the second part of our Wedding Guide series, Margaret Berry writes the warning label for your proposal. (How To | August 5, 2003)

Wedding Guide: Part I, Fifteen Fights to Have Before You Get Engaged

If you’re the couple that never fights, now’s your chance. In the first installment of our Wedding Guide, Margaret Berry asks you to vent now, or forever hold your peace. (How To | May 19, 2003)

The Non-Expert: Threesomes

Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week MARGARET BERRY provides the 12-step program for a satisfying threesome. (How To | April 3, 2003)

Charlie White

California photographer and author of Charlie White: Photographs discusses a world of desire, Apeneck Sweeney, and loud hungry things with gnashing teeth. (People | March 20, 2003)

Women’s Fashion: Part V, Releasing Your Inner Slut

If you look like you just got some, it’s sexy. If you’re dressed like you’re out to get some, it’s slutty. In the fifth part of our women’s fashion series, MARGARET MASON encourages you to ignore the distinction. (Opinions | March 20, 2003)

Life Lessons in Literature

Where were you when the family car broke down, when you first heard about oral sex, when you chose a political party? More importantly, what were you reading? Margaret Berry shares the books that made the woman. (Stories | February 11, 2003)

Women’s Fashion: Part IV, Accessories

Forget about your butt; consider your jewelry. (You can change it a hell of a lot faster.) MARGARET MASON adds part four to our Women’s Fashion series with a look at the history of accessories. (Opinions | January 14, 2003)

The Non-Expert: Santa Claus

Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week THE WRITERS determine once and for all the existence of Santa Claus. (How To | December 20, 2002)

Women’s Fashion: Part III, Hats

In the third installment of our Women’s Fashion series, MARGARET MASON wonders why hats ever fell out of favor. After all, if you choose your headgear well, no one will notice what else you’re wearing. (Opinions | December 10, 2002)

Women’s Fashion: Part II, Color

MARGARET MASON returns with our second installation in the Women’s Fashion Series. This week, black is slimming, but orange is fun. To hell with neutrals, we want to see more cha-cha in your wardrobe. (Opinions | November 14, 2002)

Women’s Fashion: Part I, Classics

Forget about trends for a moment and focus on good taste. MARGARET MASON kicks off our series with what you need: the a-line skirt, the peacoat, the little black dress. (Opinions | October 28, 2002)

Don’t Be Rude: Part IV, Weddings

Continuing with her series on etiquette, Margaret Berry explains why you can’t ask your wedding guests to pay for your mortgage, or their own drinks. (Opinions | September 30, 2002)

Don’t Be Rude: Part III, Socializing

Why is that woman next to you gasping? Oh, dear. You seem to be stepping on her toes. You didn’t even notice, did you? Well, do move a bit to the right, and let Margaret Berry explain how you got there. (Opinions | September 4, 2002)

Don’t Be Rude: Part II, Relationships

Continuing her series, Margaret Berry returns with advice on relationships: how to call, coo, cuddle, and compete, all by adhering to a decent code of conduct. (Opinions | August 12, 2002)

Don’t Be Rude: Part I, Kindness

You may think that etiquette doesn’t matter, that grapefruit spoons are for sissies and no one should hold the door anymore. Think again, jerk. Margaret Berry weighs in with her first of a four-part series on being polite. (Opinions | July 30, 2002)

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