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Tips to Creating a Home Workspace

December 3rd, 2015

wfh

We all seek a work life balance to experience the best of both worlds and priorities in our lives. A new way of doing this that’s being adapted in recent days is to work from home in your very own workspace. Prior to being a productive, home-based worker, you need to know what to consider when creating a home workspace. Regardless of whether your live in an apartment with only a few rooms or a spacious home, it is possible to create a home workspace in any environment. Here is how a home office space can be created keeping both function and form in mind:

Select and equip the best location.

Just because you can work from any location doesn’t always mean that you should. You must have your own dedicated space from which to operate. A spare bedroom makes for the best space. Use an outdoor area or garage if a completely separate space is required. Refrain from using your bed or dining room table for work unless absolutely necessary. Instead, clear out a closet to use as your hub. Products that can maximize functionality include wireless keyboard and mouse, rechargeable batteries and dual monitors. Whatever area you choose, be sure that it is somewhere you can channel your concentration and avoid outside distractions.

Automate the office.

Save yourself a few seconds each morning by selecting multiple tabs that open automatically when starting your browser. Task your computer with setting reminders for you when to get up, move around and take a break. Furnish your office stylishly. Pretty vases hold pens and pencils while woven baskets hold files. Add shelves to create further storage space.

Pick the view.

Ensure you orient your desk in the direction that will channel creativity while maximizing productivity. If you find yourself easily distracted by a pretty, picturesque scene out the window, try facing away. On the other hand, if looking at a wall causes you to lose concentration and determination, face outward. Apply these principles to your unique personality and what works for you.

Anticipate distractions.

When you have access to a well stocked kitchen down the hall, consider stocking a drawer in your desk for quick fix snack items. The less time spent outside the office, the more work can get done.

Think of the simplest solution first.

Check out second hand shops and reuse stores for filling up your office prior to buying and spending a ton of money on it. Your home workspace exists for you to make money and not spend it.

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Going Green: Eco-Friendly Grocery Shopping

November 22nd, 2015

eco grocAs years pass, we’re constantly growing and evolving in ways to perfect out grocery shopping efforts. Just when we thought we had it all figured out, a new way to save money has blossomed or a healthier option has been created. While it could feel like a chore, grocery shopping is one of the easiest ways to have a positive and eco-friendly impact.

Nowadays, rising concern over the health of the planet continues to impact the human race in many different ways. One thing we know for sure is that by taking small steps in the right direction, we can bring positive growth to our planet’s current state. Below are few of the steps you can take the next time you head out to go grocery shopping.

Buying in Bulk

It could feel easier to purchase individually wrapped beverages and snacks; however, the convenience is added to over 60 million tons of plastic, paper and glass in packaging. These rising numbers is what gets thrown away just in America each year. Search and purchase products that have the least amount of packaging. Items such as soap, juice and pasta could be purchased in bulk and repackaged later using reusable containers in the freezer or a lunch box.

Stay Away from Pesticide Residue

Nearly every piece of factory farmed produce will contain chemical residue these days. Similarly, foods are the worst offenders in comparison to others. The existing pesticide-heavy vegetables and fruits are leafy greens, peaches and berries. Ensure these fruits and vegetables are organically bought in order to leave the chemicals at the door.

Select Reusable Containers 

Each year, Americans carry home in excess of 100 billion single-use plastic bags. These end up in landfills and even the ocean. Ensure plastic is kept out of the waste stream through the use of reusable bags at the store. Refrain from using plastic produce bags by choosing to use reusable mesh bags instead.

Support Local Farmers

You can show support for local farmers while grocery shopping by supporting small farms and reducing the energy required to transport food to the table through buying local goods. Through selection of a farmer’s market in the area or shopping at grocery stores that carry and support locally-sourced meat and produce goes a long way in ensuring the environment is eco-friendly.

Consider the ways in which you can make a difference by adapting some new habits in your everyday life. Grocery shopping is a great place to start!

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5 Home Materials To Reuse and Recycle

November 4th, 2015

When you do something that reduces your carbon footprint like reusing materials around the house, you know that you are on the right track environmentally speaking. Think about it, there are plenty of uses for things lying about at home like the ones in the list below.

Organic Farming

Seeds from vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, bell peppers, and beyond need not be thrown out.  Instead, plant them and viola! You have yourself freshly, home grown produce. Composting is icky, especially if you do not have the outdoor space. Instead, plant the seeds and watch life unfold as you create your own veggie block or fruit corner.

Grit and Grime Done Away

Used up toothbrushes do not always need to be thrown away; they are ideal to clean bathroom tiles and faucets as well as other small, hard to reach spaces. Why invest in something fancy when you have the solution in the bathroom?

Paper Waste

Paper is invariably the first item to be thrown away. Instead, recycle an old calendar to make envelopes. Use the back of a printed sheet as a message pad. Make a collage of your family photos with old cards and hang them up on the wall. Paper, especially decorative patterns, can always be repurposed.

Create Magic with Duds

Throwing out old clothes is quite a normal thing, especially when fashions change or the clothes have exhausted their ‘use by date’ policy! Instead of throwing them out, cut reasonable sized bits and mop the floor. Cut them into strips and use them as a window or surface duster. If the tee shirt shows promise, cut out the workable part and make a new cushion cover.

In the same way that old clothing can be crafted into a new object or use, it can also be given to Good Will or thrift shops. Not only will it serve a better purpose here than in the trash, but it could help someone in need.

Plastic Bags 

Reusing plastic bags around the house is easy. Try storing frozen meat, poultry and produce in plastic bags in the freezer. Use old grocery bags to clean up after your pets or as small, trashcan liners.

If you can reuse something, go for it! All it takes is a little bit of creativity and a willingness to recycle your belongings. Although it’s quick and easy to pull out your credit card and invest in something new, taking a bit of time and thought will go a long way in helping you to save money as well as savor materials.

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5 Productivity-Boosting Habits To Start

October 22nd, 2015

prodAs human beings, it is normal to experience good days and bad days when referencing our professional occupations. Sometimes, we’re ready to tackle the day and get work done; others, it’s hard to stay motivated. To get out of the dud, here are five easy breezy workable methods.

Avoid Social Networking Distractions

This is an easy suggestion, but it can get tricky. Keep in touch with friends, but do not let jibber-jabber interfere with work. If it does, refrain from going online or make a point to connect later. Facebook, as well as other social media outlets, is a wonderful medium to keep in touch, but it’s best to stay offline during work hours.

Manage Time

To be productive, you need to be efficient. If you are a person who often finds themselves delayed for a meeting, set your alarm an hour ahead of time to ensure you make it in time for the meeting. This not only improves your ability to make a presentation but also gives you the brownie points that are essential in today’s cutthroat world. Punctuality is important.

Avoid Office Politics 

Stay away from office politics because it reduces efficiency. This is easy to say that is a given especially if you are in the middle of it. However, instead of going down the petty politics path, avoid colleagues who do not create a positive environment and get on with your work. The only way to get into the right frame and do the job right is to plan, reason and implement.

Team Spirit 

Being a leader has its advantages, but if you do have bad habits it can take your eye away from the ball. Delegate work to the right people, and ensure that you kick that butt right away and prioritize with counterproductive measures and assignment of tasks.

Appreciate and Motivate

Everyone wants to feel appreciated, and boosting staff morale encourages him or her to up the ante. Think about this, if you can scold someone for doing a bad job, you can just as easily reward them for a job well done.

To achieve the impossible, start with the problem areas that get you down and figure out how you can work around them. The question about why there is a problem should be ironed out to achieve the best results. To be productive, a good place to start is by removing your ego; only then can you pay attention to your team’s wants and needs to boost productivity all around.

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Vintage Furniture Boutiques In San Mateo, CA

October 5th, 2015

vin furSometimes, there’s nothing that lights up a room and accents an interior design plan quite like a vintage classic. As easy as it is to love contemporary, modern furniture pieces, master-crafted, vintage furniture has a special quality that you can’t find nowadays. As a resident of San Mateo, if you’re looking for the best places to score a classic piece for your interior, we’ve made a list of the must-visit places below.

Thrift City Furniture

Shopping for something unique to dress up the home is not easy. If rustic, old world charm is the look that does it for you, stick to something precise. Thrift City Furniture in San Mateo is an ideal place because of the heady mix of traditional, modern mid century, antique and vintage pieces on display. Anything from the shop will make you happy because the prices are comfortable and the store is large with well-displayed products. The place is a treasure and the owner is extremely helpful while knowing his stuff.

Global Den 

Global Den has an eclectic mix of amazing pieces with excellent textures. If you want to buy a restored piece with high quality, you are in the right place. The furniture on display is beautiful, and Ellen knows her work for sure. Who would have thought that mirrors can change a room or handmade rugs can set the tone? If you think that’s good, you haven’t seen anything yet! The wide range of chairs, tables, chandeliers have the piece de resistance feel to it and more. If you have a certain idea in mind, she will find you the piece you want.

Pierson Twentieth Century Design

Pierson 20th Century Design has a wide range of mid century furniture. If you want something that no one else has, you are in the right place because there are rare finds out here. When shopping around for something unique, it is essential to visit boutiques and meet with someone who knows her or his matter. If you want antique doors or mantels find a certain style that resonates well with the interiors. Most manufacturers today confuse the style of antique and vintage, and oversell the aged furniture with a splash of this and that.

When looking out for new furniture to add to your space, you need to ask yourself what really makes a home look good. If you want an item that speaks of class, shop vintage.

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Best Day Trips & Road Trips Near San Mateo, CA

September 24th, 2015

Planning a holiday to get away from the humdrum of daily life is a game changer. It allows you to get a change of scenery, without the hassle of dealing with airports, flight delays and excess time. You can hop in the car with family and friends and find a new adventure in a couple of hours. Here are a couple of choices for road trips near San Mateo to look into for your next escapade!

Coyote Point Recreation Area 

Located on Highway 101 and relatively close to San Francisco, this place is peaceful with greenery that is extremely pleasing to the eyes. Coyote Point Recreation Area is located right in the center of a hill, a beach on one side and the harbor located on the other. If you love biking and/or walking, there’s a scenic trail that takes you right to the beach. This place is ideal for an outdoor party, preferably in a season that does not have extreme weather patterns like rain or low temperatures. If you enjoy watching planes take off, and like being surrounded by all that San Mateo has to offer, you are in the right place.

Seal Point Park

If you want to hang around in a place that offers amazing views, you have to check out Seal Point Park. Ideal for a picnic, this site is also suitable to bike, walk, stroll or take your furry friend out for an outdoor adventure. If you want to fishing, you have the open opportunity to do so at the Bay and with plenty of parking to keep your car away from the action. You get to feel the fresh air on your face and feel the wonders of nature. This area is ideal for a weekend getaway, with an amazing view of the San Francisco Bridge! Carry your binoculars with you to get a great view from wherever you are.

View from the Top

Northern California has so much to offer like the Mendocino Coast with such amazing views! Venture up the coast, and plan a stay here to enjoy some time away from it all. Fort Bragg has breathtaking coastlines, boutiques and Redwood forests. Motels in the vicinity provide tourists with stunning ocean views that encompass the romance in the sunsets, the lushness of botanical gardens and sandy beaches. Whether you desire a romantic time away from it all back home, or just need a break, you will find serenity and beauty here.

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The Best Coffee Shops In San Mateo, California

September 3rd, 2015

San Mateo has plenty of coffee shops to cater to the ardent lovers of the beverage and the craft. In a city that operates a large portion of the world’s tech portals like Google and Apple, coffee is necessary to say the least. Here are some of the best coffee shops in San Mateo, California.

The Three Bees Coffee House 

Situated in downtown San Mateo, this coffee shop is the ideal place to visit. You get a variety of your favorite beverages with a very relaxed atmosphere. The reason they coined the name ‘Three Bees’ is because they are situated at Third and B Street. If you want to have something with a treat thrown in with your latte or espresso, you need not look any further because they have something for everyone. A Panini, wrap, pastries or even a dainty foam picture! What a nice way to kick start the day. If you want to hang out a little longer, free Wi-Fi connectivity gets the creative juices going. Not only do they serve the best coffee in town, the croissants and muffins are to die for. Check them out for a cozy feel without the fuss.

Philz Coffee 

A game changer among coffee shops, Philz serves whatever your taste buds desire. The place is pretty much the ideal choice if you are not looking for a big chain or franchise thing, but you like a little twang of authenticity thrown in, sans the hype. Situated at 113 S B Street San Mateo, CA you get to order from a menu with a wide variety of unique options. If you are looking for the dark roasted variety, you have to try out Tantalizing Turkish, which is a unique blend or the Code 33 ideal for the CA cops. Should a light blend strike your fancy, look no further than Canopy of Heaven or the Greater Alarm.

Kingston Café 

Out on Kingston Street, you can wash down amazing goodies with a café au lait, cappuccino, espresso, decaf or a classic cup of coffee. If you are not one for coffee, the chai latte or the green tea latte will boost your caffeinated needs.

California is the place to be because you get to experience the thrill of what life has to offer in total. If you haven’t already, visit one of these popular coffee joints in San Mateo and try out some of their specialties. It’s the perfect stop to start your day with a bang!

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