We can't always talk business

Sometimes we gotta talk about the fun things, like Beer Pong! Just in time for summer cook outs and tailgating fun for the fall!

Keep your beer cold and your table clean with this freezable beer pong rack!

Now you can have a completely transparent sitting area or waiting room!

How cool would your waiting room or sitting area be?

Kids need an office too!

My friend Brian works from home and in doing so, he also has his child care at home. This is a great way to save money and get to spend extra time with your kids. To make the experience more enjoyable for your young ones, make sure you get an "office" set up for them!

Class up your home or business

Bar stools don't have to be plain and they are definetely not just for bars! Check out this stylish and sturdy bar stool, great as an accent for your dining area, office or, of course, bar....

This is what I do with all of my files and old invoices....

Call me old fashion, but I still like some sort of paper trail for my invoices, billings and files.

One problem....space!

Not a problem any longer.

This is the perfect "accent" for your home

This chair has quickly become one of my most favorite items. It comes in clear, black and ivory and is not only super cute, but sturdy and comfy as can be!

Sold individually and just the thing to complete your patio or home!

I think I need one of these

I am always looking for something to organize all my sons pens, pencils and scissors. I usually end up using a cup or mug from my kitchen, but that just looks tacky. I found the cutest thing and its recycled (way to go me!)

Want to change things up without making a new purchase?

Keeping track of papers and important information can be tough

and having a home office can make it even harder. Most jobs offer tons of file cabinets, storage space, markerboards and anything else your working heart desires to keep you organized and on task. I was trying to think of something I could use at home to enhance my working experience....I think I found the perfect thing: a tackless paper holder for my wall!

Now, all my important papers, reminders, invoices and posters can be hung and removed quickly and easily, without putting any holes in walls either!

The best thing is, this comes in different lengths and is so easy to use! This works well in my small home office, but will also work wonders in a large business too! Who comes up with these things?

Office Space?

A home office is not always just for a party of one. When businesses grow (and that is the plan usually), a basement or garage or larger space may need to be utilized to accomodate potential new employees or business partners. In keeping with the business feel, it only makes sense to create cubicle spaces for each person.

Royal Blue May Be My Most Favorite Color

So when I saw this, I just had to get it!

This may be my new favorite thing!

I am big on containers, packages inside packages and multiple function items!

I may have found the newest addition for my house (but hey, this will fit almost anywhere and be useful!)

Keep it green

Keeping things green should not just be trend....this is a must for home and the office.

Teaching your kids to recycle and doing your part to keep the planet clean and flourishing has become more and more important over the past 10-20 years.

With greener furniture and office products available almost everywhere you look, why would you not?

Often times the cost is similar or less and of course, that warm fuzzy feeling is worth a lot!

Sometimes your home office is also your childs school

I have spent a lot of time talking about a home office but lets take a detour now to home schooling. In the same way that I need a designated office space to stay focused, my kids need to have a designated school space to stay on task. I make sure that I have chalkboards, desks and chairs that are not only attractive but functional.

Let us venture out of the office for a minute

This is a far stretch from anything office related, but it may come in handy to some so I thought I would chat about it.

I play roller derby, and at every game and event, there is always a large water cooler for the players. The problem is, the cooler always leaks and for girls on skates, this is never a good thing!

Wouldn't it be great if someone came up with a water cooler, on a stand, portable, with some sort of basin attached to it so no water hits the floor?

Just saying....

How functional is it really?

Sometimes in life, things are so cute or cost effective, that we impulsively purchase them without really thinking about their level of functionality. It's a mistake I have made one too many times in the past.

A good price or super retro and modern does not always mean the best purchase.

I have finally found a great source for functional and attractive items!

I pretty much love this chair

I am always on the look out for new furniture. It is a bit of an obsession of mine (next to the weather). I found this ridiculously cute chair and had to share it! Now I know this is not really home office related, but I suppose, depending upon what your work is, this could be fitting. If not, its just so functional and attractive, I am sure you can justify needing it in some space in your home!

Wholesale Interiors

I just came across this company recently and am super impressed with their products! With a bit of an Ikea feel to them, they are practical, attractive and priced well. It looks like maybe they cater more to a business, restaurant or office, but a lot of their items,

I wouldn't mind having in my home!

Furniture stores are not just for furniture

There are so many other items you can purchase from a furniture store like this super awesome foot roller. Whether working on your computer or just relaxing on the couch, your feet can be in the lap of luxury.

OFM Inc

Being environmentally friendly has become more and more important these days. Its funny how we as humans did not think years ago, or hundreds of years ago, about the consequences of some of our actions. Now, we find ourselves trying to play catch up, in a sense.

OFM Inc is a step ahead of a lot of companies! They have not only created a line of green products, but their actual offices have gone green as well. Its refreshing to see when a company decides to alter business/office practices to better our world and future. Its even cooler to see them producing items that are attractive, well built and good for the environment!

Choosing your provider wisely

There are many sources for office equipment. Whether it be an online source or a face to face purchase, you want to make sure you are getting the best deal on quality items.

For office furniture, three of my favorite manufacturers are OFM, Flash Furniture and Balt/Moore Inc. Each of these manufacturers have their own little niche in the furniture world and have a history of producing durable and attractive items backed by long term warranties.

Flash Furniture has just come out with a new line of custom embroidered chairs, collegiate, MLB and NFL themed chairs. Not only can you represent your favorite team, but do it in complete comfort.

OFM recently came out with a new line of connected seating, benches and tables. These are perfect for a company break room, airport, doctor office waiting rooms and any space or business that requires a larger seating area.

Balt/Moore Inc. is a leader in providing dry erase boards, magnetic boards and easels for businesss and schools. They have also become known for their Best Rite section full of kid friendly seating and desks.

This week, I will dig in deeper to each of these manufacturers and highlight some of their greatest and newest items!

It Can't All Be Business....

Sometimes you gotta let loose!

These days, offices recognize the need for their employees to relax through out the day. Some offices provide massage chairs in the break rooms, some have tv's or music playing and some even have pool tables and video games. Working from home should be no different. Studies show that taking breaks through out the day and doing things that are enjoyable and fun actually make people more productive. So....take a break!

Short on space? Odd shaped room?

Sometimes a conventional desk just doesn't fit in the work space you have available. Instead of getting a super small desk, the Balt Flipper line of tables solves this problem for you!

Balt Flipper tables can be combined to creat different U shapes, corner desks, large conference tables and so much more! And with locking wheels on each table, these move with ease for the changing needs of your life and business!

Oh wait, there is one more thing....these are flipper tables, meaning you can flip the actual workspace portion on its side for those times when you need full space in your room or office!

Working from home can be hectic

Sometimes being confined in your home office space is not the most practical thing. As a parent and someone who works from home often, I find that life requires my home office to be mobile at times. When I have a sick child or just want a change of scenery, having a portable desk makes that possible.

So many chairs to choose from

When choosing a chair for your home office/business its important to remember that your chair not only needs to be comfortable and functional, but it should reflect who you are and the industry you are associated with. There are so many different options to choose from, one does not need to only look to the executive, high back chairs you would find in corporate America.

There are very retro stools available, with or without backs. These look good in an artistic sort of environment or a business that is maybe geared towards a younger demographic.

Ergonomic, kneeling chairs are out there as well. These may not look that comfortable, but to many, these are just the thing for a small work space and someone looking to improve their posture while they work.

Of course, there are a myriad of executive, high back chairs with or without arms, in cloth or leather material. This are probably the most professional looking and to the vast majority, are going to be the most enjoyable to utilize for a long day at a desk or typing on a computer.

Whatever your taste and needs are, its important to remember that you have tons of options and, like any other purchase you are making, you want to be completely happy with the look, feel and price of your purchase.

Step one to your new home office

Computers can be updated with new software, so even your 10 year old tower, operates efficiently. An old desk may not look that great, but it will get the job done. An old, back breaker of a chair....now that is something you cannot tolerate.

No one wants to sit in an uncomfortable seat for 8 or more hours a day. Not only will you find yourself getting up more often and in turn, leaving your work.... you will be tired and sore once your work day is over.

There are many chairs to choose from online and in retail stores. Just like a new pair of shoes or a mattress, you want to make sure that your chair is going to be comfortable for a long time. Sit in it for a while, move around and get a good feel for how it works with your body and needs.

Once you find the perfect fit, make sure that there is a good, 1-2 year warranty on the chair and its components in the event something does need replaced down the road.

Then just sit back....relax...and enjoy your new purchase....

Work from home... or plan to?

Most everyone wishes they had a place in the house to carve aside for work. Whether it is to do taxes, pay bills, or even run a small business from your house, you need something more than the kitchen table to make this space conducive to productivity.

As an employee in a small company (where we are often asked to work from home), I understand how important this is. Here are some reasons why it is better to call an area your "home office":

1. Mental Separation: On lazy Saturday mornings, have you ever just grabbed something to eat and plopped down on the couch, only to find that 3 hours have passed and you're still in your pajamas? When working from home it is as important to have a routine that separates your "leisure" mind from your "work" mind. Getting up, getting dressed (even if just out of your sleep attire), and heading to your office area will prep your mind to be focused on work rather than picking up after the kids or doing laundry.


2. Privacy: While I am working at the kitchen table, my 5 yr old will ask me for a snack, to play a game, watch a movie, or 11 other things with me responding "I have to get some work done" repeatedly. Even your spouse may not understand that you sitting in a common area doesn't make you fair game to start dinner or bring in groceries. The home office helps provide some degree of separation and puts you more "off limits" to the rest of the house (at least until you call it a day).


3. Focus: Focus was mentioned in bullet #1, but is worth its own mention. There are far too many distractions while working out of your home. There are always 100 things needing done. To get your work accomplished, be it taxes, bills, or doing year end books for your business, you need time and space to focus on the task at hand, or else the quality will suffer and deadlines may not be met.

These are all reasons why you should have a home office. Next thing is to think about how you will start this home office. Look to online resources or even local deals to find what will work for you without breaking your bank. Local resources can offer you some great prices, such as listings on Craigslist or the local paper. The only catch with these is finding a way to go pick up that 3 piece sectional desk with hutch. The back of an Accord may not have space to get all that, so you're scrambling to find someone with a truck (or have to go rent one).

Online resources are a good move here, where you can get brand new lower rate items with front door delivery included. Always inquire about the optional charges involved with front door delivery, as truck delivery may require lift-gate service or hand truck. Look here for some low-cost home office products. Or email here with any questions about getting your home office started. Good luck!