See Jane Work | Pulling It Together

Books & Publications

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:19:00 +0000

When you live in a small house getting organized isn’t a luxury, it’s a must. In fact, I would even go so far as to compare it to cleaning the bathroom, it should be done frequently and thoroughly. Most experts agree that in order to stay organized you must “edit” your belongings. Over the years, I’ve come to accept this as a part of my daily life, for example when a new article of clothing comes in, another goes out. Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution, and I do have some weak areas. One of those areas is my book shelf. I’m a collector of information and I need my books and publications.

Information may seem like an odd thing to collect, but my collection has proven useful on more than one occasion. Information not only spurs my creativity, it allows me to feel helpful to those around me. I feel like the office darling when I can produce information seemingly out of thin air. Someone in the office is researching color trends, and I instantly provide three articles on that very subject. Another co-worker mentions an upcoming trip to Paris, and there I am with a dog-eared travel guide from my trip.

Although I love my collection, it’s useless if I can’t find what I need when I need it, so I’ve come up with some solutions to organizing books and publications in style. Here are a few of them.

• Create a travel box. Maps and travel guides are never sized to fit well on a book shelf. Label a See Jane Work Letter Box with the destination or simply “travel” and toss them in. The box will keep these items looking neat and tidy on your shelf.

• Label a Letter Box, pouch or file folder “to buy.” If you’re researching an upcoming purchase and find yourself holding on to related catalogs or articles, simply tear out the appropriate pages and place them in the file folder, letter box or pouch. It’s much easier than going back through all the pages of the magazines or catalogs.

• Create a theme binder. You may find yourself holding onto magazines, when it’s just an article or two you’re interested in. Get a few binders and a large stack of clear sheet protectors, and start tearing out pages of interest. Create a décor binder to hold magazine pages you’ve collected as inspiration for your next decorating project or dream room; you can also add pocket pages to hold swatches. Create a kitchen binder for articles about cooking or for recipes.

• Planning an event? Create a binder filled with inspirational pictures, articles, and brochures; you can even include blank paper for notes. For a large event, like a wedding, a binder might not be enough. Use a See Jane Work Art or Letter Box to store books, brochures, fabric samples and other event related material.

• Utilize magazine files. Sometimes a holiday or other seasonal magazine issue can be so full of information it is really necessary to keep the entire issue. Organize those magazines in magazine files so you can quickly find an issue.

• Check online. Many print articles are also available online. If so, don’t keep the paper copy. Simply print the online version to a PDF format and save it on your computer. I keep a folder on my computer called “Reference” then create subfolders for specific subjects.

• Instructions and manuals. These are almost always available online. Double-check before you toss them. If you find a few that are not available online store them in a See Jane Work Art or Letter Box.

• Odd size books. Odd sized books, manuals and other publications can make a bookshelf look messy. Group by subject and store them in a See Jane Work Art or Letter Box.

Back-to-School WORK

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:18:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed that no matter how old you may appear, you still feel the same inside? Unless faced with a mirror, my age was just a number. Unfortunately, that number became painfully apparent when I attempted to join my kids on a Slip-N-Slide. Now with that experience permanently cemented into my brain and my injured hip, I’ve come to accept that I must give up some vestiges of my youth. I may still enjoy the occasional Popsicle or swing in the park, but I’ve retired my mini-skirts and short-shorts. The one thing that I won’t give up is Back-to-School shopping.

Back-to-School shopping was the only time my father would spend money. He may have believed that with the right notebook I would suddenly understand the quadratic equation. You can’t blame the guy for trying and honestly the reason didn’t really matter. The end result was the same. My dad forked out some cash and I had new clothes and school supplies that somehow made me believe this school year would be different; full of good hair days and good grades.

Every year around this time I get that familiar desire for new clothes and office supplies; a new dress for an important meeting, maybe even just a notebook or pencil cup, something that will jump-start my creativity and inspire me at work. Although my goals have changed, grades no longer matter and a good hair day is when my grays don’t show, the main premise remains. This year will be different. So get inspired and get that promotion!

Must Have Back-To-School List:

Office Organization Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Supplies Needed:

* 8-10 large cardboard boxes for sorting
* Sticky notes
* Sharpies or other marker
* Project Organizer or poly Velcro envelopes

Use marker to label cardboard: Donate, Recycle, Trash, Shred, Supplies, To Do, To File, To Store, Belongs Elsewhere.
✓ You may also need boxes for Books/Reference materials, or Samples/swatches this will depend on the type of work you do in your office.

Sort contents of office into boxes
✓ Force yourself to make a decision and apply one of these categories to each item.

Donate any excess office supplies, books, etc. to a local school, charity, or library.
✓ Donate extra laptop cases or portfolios to Dress for Success.

Recycle any excess supplies that can’t be donated including paper.
✓ DO NOT PLACE SENSITIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THIS BIN.

Trash and non-recyclable waste.
✓ Toss any loose extra supplies collecting in the bottom of your desk drawer.

Shred.
✓ This is the place for any sensitive information.

Supplies should only be saved if you absolutely need them and plan to use them within a year’s time.
✓ If you have a tiny office, remember that work is first and foremost. It’s better to limit your supplies to those you will use in just a few months rather than sacrifice work space.
✓ Put just enough supplies in an organizing tray on top of your desk or in your desk drawer.

To Do items should include legitimate projects that you are working on sort them into clear poly envelopes, or use file folders or task clips
✓This is the perfect time to use decorative file folders. It will set apart your “To Do” items from your “To File” items.
✓It couldn’t be too important if you’ve been meaning to do it for two years, items like this are better left undone and out of your “To Do” pile.

To File items will need to be sorted into file folders.
✓ For now you can label the folders with sticky notes, later create printed labels using word processing software or your neatest handwriting with a felt tip pen.

To Store items should be primarily financial records, and a few edited keepsakes.
✓ Contact your CPA or look on the IRS website to see how long to keep records.
✓ Save as much as possible to a DVD disk and store with your tax return.
✓ Limit keepsakes to 1-2 See Jane Work Art Boxes. I store my children’s artwork and other mementos. If they get full I go through and edit.

Belongs elsewhere items that have found their way into your office, but really don’t belong need to be removed from the office.
✓ If at the office return things to storage room or your car to take home.
✓ If at home enlist family members to help you quickly clear out the box, return shoes to closets, etc.

Organize odds and ends.
✓ Manuals can be found online, no need to store these.
✓ Donate rarely used books to the library. You’ll know where to find them if you need them.
✓ Organize fabric swatches or other oddly shaped items in clearly labeled storage boxes.

Computer Recovery Box

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:26:00 +0000

The excitement of getting a new computer can often distract us from the important task of organizing the computer and its accoutrements. Once the screen lights up, you instantly forget about things like the emergency recovery disk. That is, until there is an actual emergency. Part of being organized is being prepared for the times you hope will never arrive but often do.

While on vacation and enjoying some rum punch, my boyfriend (now husband) and I got into a very heated debate about whether a woman should be flattered or insulted by being called an Amazon. In his hurried attempt to Google examples to make his case and avoid being smitten by my Amazonian sword, he accidentally spilled some punch onto the laptop keyboard. At the time, I was mostly upset that I wouldn’t be able to finish my rum punch, but a little later the reality hit. I didn’t know what software was on my computer, where the emergency recovery disks were located and when I called the place I had purchased it from I was told I needed the date of purchase. I could remember the year, but certainly not the actual date.

When I had received the laptop I’d thrown the box and its contents into the garage. I was finally able to locate the box and emergency recovery disk, but software I had added later was stored in various locations throughout my office. It took hours to find each disk and the license keys. All this trouble could have been avoided by either not drinking rum punch while using my computer or by properly organizing my computer in the beginning.

I have since created a Computer Recovery Box. You may never have the occasion to use it, but there is a certain peace of mind that comes from being prepared.

The steps to creating a Computer Recovery Box are as follows:

Purchase a See Jane Work Letter or Art Box (depending on the space needed), or use another secure container with lid.

Label the box with the exact computer it has been created for. For example: Dell Laptop, service tag B5TK3. The service tag or other identifying number can usually be found somewhere on the computer.

Purge any software or hardware you will not be using. For example you probably don’t need 4 free mouse pads or a disk with trial software.

Download and complete the Software Tracker, then log each product ID, date of purchase, software version, and even purchase location.

Retain all receipts for the computer, software, and accessories. Some receipts use ink that tends to fade. Photo copy the receipts whenever possible. The larger size paper is less likely to get lost, and the ink won’t fade.

If you use an online back up system keep the User ID, Password, and a telephone number in the computer box as well. If you actually need the back-up you may not have immediate access to the internet, but you can at least call and find out what steps will be necessary to recover your data.

I hope you never have to use it, but if your computer crashes or even if you upgrade your computer you may need those old license keys and software. You’ll be glad you took the hour or less to set up your Computer Recovery Box. Once you finish pour yourself a rum punch to celebrate, but please don’t drink it near your computer.

Dual Not Dull

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:27:00 +0000

I love to read through collections of ideas for dual purposing objects. People send in their ideas to a magazine, and then the editor publishes the ideas that are most clever. Dual purposing products is important as it not only eliminates clutter, it also helps the environment by reducing waste. The only problem with these articles is that they can be difficult to apply to your own life. For example, using a crab knife to remove old grout is a great idea, but I don’t own a crab knife and I’m not sure what to do once the old grout is gone.

So using this concept I've identified some dual purpose objects that will help you get organized. These are ideas that will work for almost anyone. No crab knife, no problem.

Choose dual not dull. I love a play on words, but in this instance it truly works. Dull office supplies serve only one purpose. An ugly pencil cup, calendar, tape dispenser, (fill-in-the blank) is only good for one thing. On the other hand attractive office supplies not only serve their intended purpose, but also enhance your décor.

Think outside the box. While I’m a big fan of purchased storage boxes (I did after all create the See Jane Work Storage Collection), I realize that it’s not possible to buy storage boxes for everything you own. Save the fancy storage boxes for open shelving. Used gift, shipping, shoe or even liquor boxes work great inside of closets or in the garage. Over the holidays request department store gift boxes in just one size. When you give gifts in your home people often leave the wrapping behind. You could be left with several same size boxes that will stack easily in a closet. If you’re a wine drinker you may be on first name basis with someone at a local wine bar or shop. Ask them to set aside boxes from their next shipment of a particular brand. The boxes will be uniform in size, color and design.

Dual by design. Some products do all the work for you. No need for clever ideas here, the No Tomorrow Planner Pad is triple-purpose. It has room for your daily appointments, tasks, and notes. The Mouse Pad Notepad comes in several styles that at minimum are dual-purpose, acting as both a note pad and a mouse pad. Some styles even include room for tracking tasks and/or appointments.

It’s all in the bag. Carrying both a laptop bag and hand bag used to be a necessity. Laptop bags were so devoid of style you wouldn't use them for any other purpose. A lot has changed. A well-designed laptop bag can function as a hand bag, laptop case, and sometimes even a diaper bag (Baekgaard Laptop Tote shown).

Save it. Saving money is very important, but saving time, storage, and your mind is also important. If you find yourself keeping slightly similar items on hand, it’s time to simplify. For example you may have acid free glue for pictures and art, and regular glue for everyday use. Skip the regular glue and just buy the acid free. If you’re anything like me you can never find the exact size of binder clip you need. Skip the small size and just keep large on hand, or buy a small mixed set.

Post your great idea in the comment section, but please keep it clean. While a used tissue could technically be repurposed as a sticky note it's a very disgusting idea.

Do's & Don'ts of Office Style & Organization

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:46:00 +0000

I’ve always enjoyed the Do and Don’t sections in fashion magazines. You know the ones that have photographs with captions under them “Do wear an animal print belt, don’t wear an animal print spandex body suit.” In these instances a picture is worth a thousand words. Being an entertainer and dressing well are not mutually exclusive so with the paparazzi following celebrities all over town it’s easy to catch a few fashion disasters. The Do’s and Do Not’s of office style and organization are just as funny, but much harder to capture in print.

I recently saw a cubicle that was a perfect example of an office don’t, but it would have been obscenely obvious if I had snapped a picture. It was filled with a collection of bird houses. I may be misinformed, but bird houses probably don’t belong inside and certainly don’t belong in an office. Here are a few more Do’s and Do Not’s for Office Style and Organization.

Do let your workspacestyle. Don’t let your personal style clutter your workspace. Color is a great way to convey your personal style at work. Pink paper clips, a pink stapler, and pink pencils will allow you to work efficiently while still enjoying your “Pretty in Pink” themed cubicle. On the other hand, your collection of salt and pepper shakers is best displayed at home. You need your desk space to work, if you really want to be surrounded by your collection snap a picture and frame a few shots for your desk.
Do add a few touches from home. Don’t bring your entire home to work. A mild scent diffuser can freshen up your space and make it feel a bit more serene. A double-strength floral scented candle is a fire hazard and may offend your co-workers. A small dish of candy on your desk can be hospitable, but not if your office mate is desperately trying to lose weight.
Do keep important information close. Don’t cover your walls with notes. Frequently used extensions, addresses, and accounting codes should be kept handy. Neatly type this information and post it on a strategically placed magnet or bulletin board. If you really don’t need to reference the information all day every day, create a frequently used binder and use sheet protectors to protect the pages inside. A wall covered in paper just looks messy. Although you might not mind the mess, your boss probably does.
Do spend a few extra dollars for a fashionable alternative. Don’t keep every free gift that comes your way. You may not be able to afford actual art for your office, but for less than $20 you can buy a great artistic calendar. It’s useful and attractive. The only thing good about a free calendar is that it is free. Spend a few extra bucks and brighten your workspace.
Do give useful office gifts. Don’t add to the clutter. Don’t buy the desktop Zen garden or any other executive “toys.” It’s hard to buy for a boss, client or office mate, but adding to the clutter on their desk isn’t helpful. Take the time to find out what they really like. Office supplies have come a long way, buying something they actually need in a style they like will leave a lasting impression. Check out the See Jane Work gift category if you need ideas.

Please remember. Pointing out Do Not’s is only funny if no one’s feelings are hurt. Sending someone a link to See Jane Work’s Pulling It Together section is discreet. Printing this out and taping it to a coworker’s monitor is not.

I can hardly wait to see the comments on this article. As always, we love to see before and after pictures so please feel free to
e-mail them.

Scheduling And Other Dilemmas of Modern Life

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Scheduling has always been a problem for me. I'd like to think it's because more demands have been placed on women today. The reality is that although I have to bring home the soy bacon and fry it up in the microwave, my grandmother was up at dawn milking cows. When I think of it in those terms, my hectic life suddenly seems more appealing.

It's not that life was any easier then, it was just more repetitive. There also weren't as many choices when it came to keeping track of tasks and events. My grandmother was happy with a free wall calendar from the local drugstore. That would never work for me.

I like the idea of a smart phone, but without a wall calendar my kids would end up at practice when they're supposed to be at tutoring. A paper based Agenda is visually more appealing, but communicating appointments to my assistant would be frustrating. There just isn't one perfect method. The key to staying organized is knowing who you are and what method or combination of methods will work best for you at any given moment.

When deciding on an Agenda or Planner, take note of the following:

Life is full of change. You get promoted, change jobs, and your children grow up. You don't need to stick with a system that doesn't work, allow it to change with you.
There isn't a rule that says you must use one method. A combination of methods may be more effective.

Here are some ides:

Work in an office and have kids? Try a combination of the Whomi Wall Calendar and your computer. This stylish alternative to the ugly wall calendar you get every year in the mail will actually complement your kitchen decor.
Visually minded? Try a Sarah Pinto Planner. Stylish and simple, this planner has a section at the end of each week that is great for tracking personal goals.
Indecisive? Try the Bob's Your Uncle 8 Days-A-Week Planner. It's undated, so if you forget to use it for a couple weeks, no pages are wasted. Simply pick up where you left off.
Busy mom? Try the Mom Agenda. Each day is divided by family member.
Student? Try the My Agenda. Each day is divided by subject.

Organizing Books and Publications

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:35:00 +0000

I would be curious to know the percentage of people whose New Year's Resolution is to become more organized. I know for me this always tops the list. And unlike the familiar but slightly unrealistic goals we tend to set for ourselves, becoming more organized is not only achievable, it's really essential in our busy lives.

That's not to say I wouldn't like to be as thin as a super-model, but the fact of the matter is that I am not a super-model, I am a business woman and a mother, so while being ultra-thin might have its advantages - in my life being organized is an absolute necessity.

Please spend this next year with us organizing one aspect of your life or office each month.

I could definitely be considered a collector, not of a particular object, but of information. I keep articles on travel destinations, jewelry, fashion, business and parenting. I am only limited by the space on my bookshelf and the memory in my computer.

I have occasionally tried to give up my collection, but I just can't. I became the office darling when I magically pulled out an article on New York hot spots just as two co-workers were preparing for a trip there. A new mother was ecstatic when I brought in my dog-eared parenting book on managing colic. My business partner was impressed by my collection of articles about starting a new business.

Now that I have a reputation to uphold, I simply can't give up my collection. If any of this sounds familiar, I can help. I have learned a few things over the years that will help you maintain your collection and your sanity.

# 1 Edit your Collection
The most important issue when saving books, magazines, or articles is to carefully edit.

If you use just one recipe out of a cookbook, photocopy that recipe, put it into a clear sheet protector and then into a binder with other “one hit wonders” from your cookbook collection. Then donate the cookbook, or organize a cookbook swap with friends or co-workers. Tip: Once you have several pages worth of recipes, add index tabs dividing them into categories such as appetizers, main dishes and desserts.

Thin out magazines and paperback books monthly and donate anything you’re unlikely to read again to a local hospital or senior center. When trying to decide whether or not to keep a magazine, try going through it with a pad of page markers. If you’ve marked five or more pages, go ahead and keep that issue. If you found only one or two pages that you think you’ll refer back to tear them out, place them in sheet protectors, then put them in a binder labeled by subject and recycle the magazine. Tip: Store back issues in magazine files to avoid unmanageable stacks, and label your magazine file boxes by subject (for instance Holidays) rather than magazine title or year.

Nearly all electronics and appliance manuals are available online. If you will only need to read through the manual once to figure out how to set up and use the product, consider tossing the paper manual. If you come up with a question later, the manufacturer’s website can probably search for the answer more quickly than you could look it up in a printed manual. Tip: Before you toss the manual consider when and where you’ll be using the product. For example you may want to take the directions for your digital camera with you when you go on vacation in case you don’t have convenient access to the internet. Also factor in the potential resale value of the item. Designer products and high-end toys that include the original packaging and accompanying manuals might fetch a better price on eBay.

#2 Create a Place for Your Collection
It's really only helpful to save written materials if you can find them when you need them, so storing things accessibly and labeling them accurately are critical.

Bookshelves needn’t be only for books. If you find your travel information is mostly in the form of brochures, newspaper articles, pamphlets and maps, put these items in a labeled See Jane Work Basics Art Box. They stack nicely and keep odd-sized publications together. Tip: Newsprint yellows and becomes brittle with age. Consider making a photocopy of articles you plan to keep for more than a few months.

Desktop File Boxes are another way to contain and organize printed materials that can’t stand alone on your bookshelf. Sort loose pages into file folders and then create hanging files labeled with specific categories.

If you like to look through magazines and catalogs in bed, put a basket next to the nightstand so you can deposit new arrivals there as soon as they come in the mail. Keep a few clear, re-usable project envelopes in the basket so you have someplace to keep pages that you tear out. Tip: If you plan to place an order later, tear out the order form, and/or catalog cover so you’ll have the catalog edition, your customer number and any coupon codes handy.

#3 Sort Materials by Subject Matter
There are two ways to go wrong here, either by over-categorizing, or by under-categorizing. Fortunately it’s fairly easy to recognize both.

If you’ve got a binder titled Party Decorating that only contains two pages, try instead labeling it Party Planning, or maybe just Entertaining, and include recipes for appetizers, decorating ideas, a note pad for making guest lists, and flyers from caterers and party rental stores.

Likewise if you’ve got a file box labeled simply Home that the lid won’t quite close on anymore, you probably need to make a box for each room or even just divide your files into indoor projects and outdoor projects. Tip: Divide your reading material into categories that make sense to you. Just because your file cabinet came with preprinted files labeled Home, Auto, Taxes and the ever useless Miscellaneous, doesn’t mean you have to use them. If you know that you’ll look for an article on scuba diving under Travel rather than Sports, go with your first instinct.

#4 Know Your Organizational Style
We’ve all met someone whose idea of order seems to lie somewhere between utter chaos and random disarray, yet she can somehow find, and photocopy, the directions for a fantastic grade-school science project just in time to save your 12-year-old’s 6th grade career.

It doesn’t matter if your method of organization is a little unconventional as long as it works for you, but do try to pick one system. If you will really take the time to scan everything into your computer, then ditch your paper files. If your inbox is overflowing with articles waiting to be scanned, just admit that system doesn’t work for you and put the articles in binders instead. If getting your tears into binders sounds like a project unto itself, start by using Jane Marvel Pouches to contain tears until you’re ready to sort through them. If your tears never make it into binders, but you can always find what you need in your decorating zip pouch or accordion file, then skip the binders. Tip: Schedule time at the end of each week to go through your inbox, stacking trays, and the pile of paperwork on the corner of your desk, putting everything in its proper place. It’s a lot easier to stay on top of your filing if you never allow yourself to fall more than a week behind.

If you’ve let yourself go a little in this area, don’t despair. Just as children, career changes and other major life upheavals seem to add ten pounds in all the wrong places, we tend to gain unsightly clutter for many of the same reasons. And, like losing those ten pounds, getting our living and working spaces back into shape requires setting realistic goals and then following through to accomplish those goals. By focusing on one problem area at a time we can help you achieve and maintain your organizational objective.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.

How to Overcome Organizing Obstacles - Part 3 - Separation Anxiety

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Judging by the growing number of self-storage facilities and professional organizing services popping up everywhere, many of us are struggling with an almost paralyzing inability to manage our belongings.

From last season’s fashions to last month’s periodicals, we are spending too much time and energy searching through heaps, sorting through stacks, and sifting through piles. It’s just so hard to let it go.

Before you start to panic, realize that you don’t need to give up treasured possessions, even if they don’t serve any practical purpose. If your grandmother’s favorite candy dish is stored in a box in the hall closet because there is simply no way to incorporate her signature pink poodles into your decor, that’s okay. But really how attached are you to that plastic piggy bank with your accountant’s name and number stamped on the side that’s gathering dust on your office shelf?

Try these tips…

Pretend you’re going shopping. Walk through your office and home like you’re in a boutique. What would you buy, and what would you pass over? Would you really choose that plain mouse pad that came with your computer, or is a designer mouse pad with matching folders for desktop files more your style?
Change your attitude. Think about it…when you clear your desk, your closet, or even your calendar, you’re not losing anything rather you’re gaining valuable space and precious time.
Give to a good cause. I know it feels wrong to give away a jacket you only wore once before you noticed that it makes you look kind of frumpy. But if you give unwanted items to a non-profit agency whose cause you support you can turn shopping mistakes into valuable donations.
By recognizing the things that come between you and your organizing goals you can begin to overcome those obstacles and develop a strategy for getting and staying organized that will simply become a habit…and good habits are hard to break.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.

How to Overcome Organizing Obstacles - Part 2 – Too Much of a Good Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:53:00 +0000

The only way you can truly get and stay organized is if you have a system for storing things where you can easily find them again. A closet full of unmarked boxes is just chaos waiting to happen, and if you are even considering storing something in a bag that was designed for collecting garbage, you need to think long and hard about whether you really need to keep that item.

On the other hand, if you’ve acquired so many storage boxes, baskets and bins that you’re running out of places to put them, you’ve got the right idea, you might just need to do some editing.

Keeping things contained is only half the battle. Before you purchase even one more storage box, think about how and where you’re going to use it.

Try these tips…

Storing your storage. Look for file boxes that fold flat when they’re empty, sets of nesting baskets, and bins that fit inside bigger bins when they’re not being used.
Make every inch count. Delivery trucks and warehouses are loaded with an eye towards using every inch of space. While you might not want to pack your closets or shelves quite that snug, with a little planning, you can maximize your space without making your home or office look like a stockroom. Corral small items in lidded boxes that can be stacked on a shelf, and use magazine files to keep catalogs and directories handy.

Hang it up. Wall-mounted message centers, hooks, magnet boards, and file collators are a great way to get notes, lists, and receipts off your desk. Mount them at eye level so you don’t forget to look at your reminders.
Once you’ve got everything in it’s in place, make a concerted effort to sort through cabinets, closets and drawers from time to time to be sure you’re not keeping things you no longer need. You just might have more space than you thought you did.

For more on How to Overcome Organizing Obstacles check back with us for Part 3 in this 3-part-series.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.

How to Overcome Organizing Obstacles - Part 1 – Living in the Real World

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:18:00 +0000

In a perfect world, your meetings and appointments would be scheduled in manageable intervals, your paperwork would be carefully filed in color-coded folders, and your home and office bookshelves would be so neatly arranged they’d make the Library of Congress look like a rummage sale in comparison. In the real world, half your clients are on east coast time, the other half are on west coast time, your file purging project was postponed when your 9-year-old called crying because her puppy ate a tray of chocolate cupcakes (foil liners and all), and your books, binders and catalogs are crammed on shelves in more or less the same order they were in when you unpacked them from moving boxes…three years ago. While there’s a lot to be said for learning to just ‘go with the flow’, by overcoming some common organizing obstacles you can make your home, office, and schedule a little more predictable and a lot more productive.

Try these tips…

Picture this. One of my favorite features in decorating magazines is the “Before and After” shots. You can use this same technique to help you with your organizing efforts. Take a picture of your current space to get a good look at what others see when they walk into your home or office. Once you’ve had a chance to tidy up and make a few improvements (like replacing that old coffee mug full of ballpoint pens with a designer pencil cup and matching paper tray, take another picture. Keep your “Before and After” shots in a desktop folder to inspire you to keep your living and working areas looking picture perfect even on your most hectic days.

Measure twice, move once. If you’re planning to give your office or a room in your home an organizing makeover, keep notebooks with detailed sketches that include the size and location of windows, doors and electrical outlets. Check your notes before you buy something new, or move something from another room only to find it’s not going to fit.

Have a master plan. Put together a “sketches and swatches” binder before you make major changes. Include design elements from magazines and catalogs, paint chips and fabric samples. Don’t lay down a drop cloth until you’ve got a clear idea of how it’s going to look when you’re done.

For more on How to Overcome Organizing Obstacles check back with us for Part 2 in this 3-part-series.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.

Recession Proof Organizing

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:01:00 +0000

I hate to be the one to bring up the “R” word. Just like you, I’m tired of the newspaper headlines. Unfortunately, the reality is that for most of us the recession has brought about change. For some, those changes were out of necessity, for others it was simply the politically correct thing to do.

Those that have made changes to be politically correct may not buy any less, but they are certainly more discreet. I know of a few people who wait until dark to secretly unload their shopping bags. If you can’t afford to shop at least you can be entertained watching those around you feel guilty enough to hide their purchases.

Whichever category you fall into, we have some great organizational tips that will save you both time and money. Having more time and money is always in style no matter what the newspapers are saying.

Organize your online shopping
An organized shopping effort is important whether it’s online or in a store. Shopping online for an organizational solution can be a great way to save money, because you’re less likely to end up with an impulse purchase. It can be hard to feel organized when you can’t find the website you were just on last week or you can’t remember the user id or password you created just yesterday. Make online buying simple with the Open Sesame Password Log or the Password Log from Buttoned Up.

Organize your errands
Use a shopping list to foster discipline and more careful buying habits. You’re less likely to make those buying mistakes that will waste both time and money. I have one friend that spends hours in the return lines, and another who hates returning items so much that the bags stack up in a closet at her house.

FUN TIP: Write a budget at the top of the list. If you come in under budget allow yourself a trip to the sale rack.

Organize your tasks
Use a task list to make sure that important tasks get accomplished on time. The benefits of utilizing a task list are endless, but here are a few to convince you. Reduce stress simply by writing your tasks down on paper.

Secure your bonus at work by getting your projects done on time. Avoid late fees from forgotten bills. We’ve created a form you can use to organize your tasks. [DOWNLOAD]

Organize your meals
Bring your lunch to work. You’ll save money and calories. The Built NY Lunch Tote is a stylish way to bring your lunch. You can even use it when you are running weekend errands and avoid the last minute drive through meals.

Organize your receipts
Organize your receipts to make sure that you don’t miss a tax deduction or reimbursements from work. Create a strategy for organizing your receipts and stick to it for at least 6 months. One year I tried so many different methods I’m still finding receipts in envelopes. The money lost in tax deductions would have more than covered the expense of the Receipt Catcher from Buttoned Up. Depending on your life style, keep one in your laptop bag and another in your car.

We hope these tips work for you! We welcome your feedback especially if you have tips of your own you would like to share.
If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.

Graduate In Style

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:50:00 +0000

She’s figured out Geometry, analyzed Statistics and her History final is a thing of the past. Celebrate her accomplishments with a graduation gift as smart and stylish as she is.

Whether your graduate is moving up to high school, moving out to college or moving on to the “real world” of the work force, See Jane Work has the organizational tools and supplies that will help get her prepared for the next step.

Junior High or Middle School Graduate Going to High School

OMG! Pink backpacks, and notebooks with pictures of puppies on them are so 8th grade! Your Teen Queen needs school supplies that reflect her emerging sense of style, and organizational tools that will help her make the transition from the playground to the senior quad.

From Intro to Lit to Biology Lab, composition books are essential high school supplies. Let her express her individuality even when she’s working on group projects with colorful Composition Books from See Jane Work.

The My Agenda planner has a week-at-a-view calendar format to help her keep track of daily appointments and due dates, as well as four extra rows at the bottom of each week for filling in class schedules, practices, meetings and study groups.

While odds are her cell-phone is never far from her ear, she might need help keeping track of little things like her house keys, student ID, and library card. The Do Not Forget door hanger has pockets to hold her wallet, sunglasses, and iPod, and a strip on the back helps keep homework assignments from being “eaten by the dog.”

While high school may seem like it lasts forever, the next step is really only a few years away. Get started on the college application process early with the AppliCase from Captio. With comprehensive lists, forms, and instructions, as well as pre-screened resources for everything from college selection to finding financial aid, the AppliCase will give your college-bound student a leg up on the arduous task of selecting a suitable school.

High School Graduate Going to College

It seems like only yesterday you were wiping a tear off her cheek as you dropped her off on her first day of kindergarten. Now you’re wiping the tears off your own cheeks as you realize your little girl is going away to college.

Don’t worry, you’ll get over your weepiness when you start making plans for the home office/den/guest room you’ll have once you get all her junk boxed-up and moved to the attic. But before you start ripping out the carpet, get her a gift that encourages her independence while at the same time letting her know you’re always there for her.

She’s getting an advanced education and you’re getting an advanced migraine trying to get her to keep track of the receipts for tuition and other educational expenses that you’ll need to provide to your accountant in order to get any kind of tax break for this little investment. Help her help you with the CollegeCase from Captio. The handy ‘In Box’ keeps receipts and documents from getting lost and the included tips and resources will help her plan ahead for financial self-reliance.

College dorm rooms are notorious for many things, but tons of storage space isn’t one of them. Give your college student someplace to keep her paperwork, catalogs and mail with coordinating pieces from the See Jane Work Basics Collection. Magazine Files hold periodicals, catalogs, and class lists, upright on bookshelves or desk tops, and stackable Letter Trays will give her a neat and tidy place to keep mail, schedules and reports.

It’s not that you don’t love to hear from her, but her cell phone bill is eating into your retirement savings. Cut down on the number of “411” calls she makes to you by giving her a planner with the ‘contacts’ pages filled-in with the physical and e-mail addresses of friends and family, as well as emergency numbers. The next time she needs to send Aunt Rose a “thank you” card, it won’t cost you forty-five daytime minutes.

While you’re at it…give her some note cards and a nice pen or pencil. Tuck some postage stamps in the box so she can’t use that as another excuse to “just call.”

Now that you’re not waiting up for her every Saturday night, how will you know that she’s safe? Give yourself a little peace of mind by sending her off with the Collision Kit from Buttoned Up. With a flash camera and pockets for her insurance info, road service card and registration she’ll be as prepared as possible in the event of an accident or roadside emergency.

Give her a head start towards that A+ in English 101 with a Leather Bound Dictionary and Thesaurus. One of the most frequently used reference sources of all time, the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is a staple in classrooms and libraries.

College Graduate Going into the Work Force

It’s that moment that every parent dreams of…the moment when their little girl becomes a financially independent adult. Never mind the fact you’re still paying for her car loan, her auto insurance, and her gas. She’s got a college degree and that’s a step in the right direction.

Congratulate her for all her hard work and give her an edge during job interviews with a gift that says she’s young, she’s fresh, and she’s got style.

A laptop case protects her computer (which you probably paid for) and gives her a polished, professional look whether she’s going to interviews or starting her new career.

Help her get through those first few weeks at her new job when she doesn’t know anyone and can’t seem to make it out of the elevator without snagging her stocking. The Working Girl’s Survival Kit includes a bottle of clear nail polish, deodorant and twenty more essential health and beauty items that she’ll stash in her desk drawer as soon as she knows which desk will be hers.

She may have a long way to go to reach the top of the ladder, but she’s meeting people and making contacts along the way. A card case filled with her own business cards shows she’s got…well at least a name and a phone number. If her company doesn’t provide new-hires with cards right away, order some for her from the local print shop with her name and contact info printed on them. Tuck them in a Leather Business Card Holder, so she’ll have them ready whenever she meets a new associate or potential client.

A nice pencil cup and desk pad will make even the desk next to the janitor’s closet look dressed up and professional. Include a set of Fashion Color Pencils to give her first workspace flair.

Being an adult means having adult responsibilities. Help her keep track of insurance policies, bank accounts and even emergency plans with the Life.doc Organizing Binder from Buttoned Up.

If your graduation gift is a financial contribution, or maybe even a trip abroad, think about giving her something to open besides an envelope. Luggage Tags from Pamela Barsky will help her find her suitcase if she’s planning a trip, or going to school far from home. A blank journal gives her a place to record her thoughts, dreams and aspirations as she moves on to the next chapter in her life.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at

ideas@seejanework.com.

Managing Kids' Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:35:00 +0000

It starts out simple enough. Hoping to encourage your child to make new friends (maybe even some whose mother’s won’t mistake an invitation for an afternoon play date for foster care), you sign him up for Scouts. The next thing you know he wants to play Little League baseball, then soccer, and then your other child wants to take piano lessons, and cheerleading, and before you know it, you’re spending 2-3 hours every afternoon driving in what seems like a endless loop from one activity to the next.

When your neighbor down the street discovers your kids are on the same soccer team, she suggests carpooling. That sounds like good idea, but for some reason she never seems to be able to do her share of the driving due to some kind of ‘personal emergency’. You’re a good sport, but the last time you agreed to do both the drop-off AND the pick-up you couldn’t help but notice her car parked out in front of the nail salon.

While nothing short of full-time limousine service can completely eliminate the hassle of kid’s activities, you can reduce your risk of having a nervous breakdown on a crowded soccer field by keeping an organized schedule, having everything you need in the car, and by being prepared for minor emergencies (or even sometimes major ones) with a few helpful items from See Jane Work.

GET IT IN WRITING
If you decide to carpool, or even if you’re just transporting your own kids, make sure that you have everybody’s schedules and contact info written down to avoid conflicts and overbooking.

The Mom Agenda has spaces for your own schedule as well as for up to four others, and includes a transferable Mom Essentials booklet that makes it easy to move contact info from one year’s agenda to the next.
Zip Pouches from Jane Marvel can keep game schedules, flyers and hand-outs neat in the car or in your tote bag, and a Big Clipboard keeps the snack list and team roster where you can find it.
Post the family’s weekly schedule on the fridge or file cabinet with a magnet-backed Family Planner.

GATHER THE GEAR
If you’ve got kids under 7-years-old you might as well just resign yourself to the fact that you will spend most of your time finding, packing, re-finding and re-packing their little gear. That whole, “You’re a big boy, you need to remember your own stuff” line doesn’t get you very far when your tiny T-ball player is in tears because he forgot his mitt.With older kids, consider making a “point of no return” rule. If you’re more than halfway to ballet lessons and she just remembered she left her leotard at home, she will be dancing in her jeans this week.

A Storage Box from Hable Construction keeps equipment corralled, and the cut-out handles make it easy to carry it from the house, to the car, to the field. The open top allows you to do a quick spot check before you close the trunk or leave the park and it folds flat when you’re not using it.
The Jane Marvel Carry All is a stylish way to tote dance shoes, swimsuits, or extra clothes for after practice.
The Instant Carryall stores in a neat nylon pouch that fits in your glove compartment, then opens up to a full-sized tote perfect for carrying crafts made at scout meetings or snacks for the team.

MAKE ‘BE PREPARED’ YOUR MOTTO TOO
Skinned knees, stubbed toes, bruised shins and that’s just walking from the car to the playing field. Keep first aid supplies in the trunk and a small kit in your handbag so that you don’t have to walk back to the car every time someone slides into home.

Minor Emergency Kits are small enough to fit in your bag, tote or jacket pocket. Keep the First Aid Kit for minor injuries and the Sewing Kit for split seams and lost buttons.
Loaded with all of those ‘just in case’ items we keep stashed in our desk drawer at the office, the Working Girl’s Survival Kit is also a must-have for the car. From headache pain to mustard stains you’ll have everything you need to handle a minor crisis.
There’s nothing like a busy parking lot full of stressed-out Mommy’s driving ginormous SUVs to bring about a fender bender. Whether you bump someone or you were bumped, you’ll want to make sure to get contact info, as well as some photos for the claims adjuster. The Collision Kit from Buttoned Up has forms for writing in insurance information and accident details as well as a disposable camera with flash.

REMEMBER IT’S ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN
It may not seem like it now but, someday you’ll miss the practices and games, lessons and recitals, meetings and campouts. While it lasts, make driving to away games or weekend tournaments more fun by popping some Beach Boys tunes in the CD player, or sing along with songs they learned at camp. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and be sure to order extra prints to send to Grandma in Texas.

The Vintage Record CD Sleeves/Labels are a fun way to add something special to your custom made CDs.
The Built NY Camera Case protects your digital camera from sideline slams and backseat bumps, and the detachable wrist strap makes it easy to hang onto even when you’ve got a folding chair in one hand and a cooler full of juice boxes in the other.

Although it’s a huge hassle (actually it’s a huge hassle piled on top of a huge hassle), if you can possibly swing it, consider becoming a team parent, den leader, coach or assistant. Even full-time working parents can usually find a little time to contribute to the team or troop, and while your child will probably never remember to tell you, he or she is sure to appreciate your commitment and support.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at

ideas@seejanework.com.

Home Sweet Home Office

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:29:00 +0000

For them, Back to School means the end of carefree days of sleeping late, playing with friends and family beach trips. For you, it’s the return to relative sanity as you drop them off and let someone else think of something for them to do all day.

Once you’ve spent a couple of days vacuuming, wiping and scrubbing the summer fun out of your carpet, car, and furniture, Back to School time can also be an excellent time to get started on creating or improving your home office.

Whether you’re looking for a way to balance work and family, seeking an economical way to turn that great idea for a small business into a reality, or considering giving full- or part-time telecommuting a try, your home office (or dedicated workspace) can be as professional, organized and efficient as any cubicle or office building.

When you’re working from home, managing your time is essential, and staying organized comes with an all new set of challenges, but with a little flexibility and a few tips from See Jane Work, you can make your home office a functional and stylish extension of both your professional and personal lives.

Make Office Rules
Success in any venture requires focus, self-discipline and cooperation. Nowhere is that more evident than when one is working for from home. In order to stay on track, it’s helpful to lay down some ground rules and then stick to them.

Set regular working hours. Whether you work from 9 to 5, or from 3pm to midnight, establish a regular schedule so that family members know when you are, and are not, available for non-emergencies. If you have to park your car around the corner so that friends don’t see that you’re home and decide to pop by to chat, you need to gently but firmly explain your office hours. If they’re just not getting it, suggest going out for a cup of coffee. Then when your “coffee break” is over you can leave and get back to work.
Make sure your workspace works for you. If you’re comfortable and productive spread out on the kitchen table, don’t force yourself to set up your office in the back room. Designate a few drawers in the kitchen for office supplies, or use letter boxes to hold desk tools and paper. Then just make sure you wipe the jam off the table before you start work.
Enforce the dress code. No you don’t need to put on nylons and heels, but you do need to shower and put on clean clothes before you start your work day. Even if your client can’t tell over the phone that you’re wearing bunny slippers and a bathrobe, your ‘just rolled out of bed’ demeanor might come through. It’s okay to check your e-mail while you’re waiting for the shower to warm up, but before you take your first call, or make any critical decisions, be sure you are dressed for work.
Don’t forget to “clock out” at night. One of the downsides to working from home is that you never leave the office. Avoid burnout by stopping work at, or around, the same time every day. Shut down your computer if that helps, or at the very least close all the files you’ve been working on. Let business calls go to voice mail, and put your Blackberry in a drawer so you won’t be tempted to “just check on one thing.”

Don’t Let Your Worlds Collide
Some interruptions are unavoidable. If your 9-year-old takes a softball in the eye, your inventory report may have to wait, but you can cut down on the number of starts and stops in your workday by maintaining a division of work and home.

Take real breaks. You didn’t mop your kitchen floor, or mulch your flowerbeds on your lunch hour when you drove to an office…don’t start doing it now. Do household chores after work, or better yet, hire help.
Go wireless, if you dare. If having a Blackberry means you can make it to your kid’s baseball game without missing an important call, that’s great. If it means you spend family time surreptitiously replying to e-mail, you’ll need to get that electronic monkey off your back.
Always keep business and household paperwork separate. When your client calls and needs information, you do not want to put her on hold while you sift through the stack of spelling tests and grocery store coupons that landed on your desk. Designate an in box or bulletin board for family paperwork and make the rest of your desktop a business-only zone.
Keep at least one file cabinet just for your business. If you don’t have room for file cabinets, keep file boxes on your desk or bookshelf. Use one color for business and another for home, and then label them by year, account or category. Magazine Files for catalogs and directories, and large binders for documents are also space-saving alternatives to traditional file cabinets.
Consider using a post office box for work-related mail. If the nearest postal center isn’t conveniently located, sort mail daily using office tabs and letter trays to keep personal correspondence from getting mixed in with business mail.

Don’t Buy Too Much…or Too Little
The excitement of creating your own office can sometimes get in the way of efficiency. Before you run out to the nearest office superstore to buy everything you had when you worked in an office building, take a moment to consider exactly what you need and how much to keep on hand.

You won’t need a storeroom full of office supplies. For most of us, working from home means borrowing space from other rooms. You may have your desk in the den and store copy paper in the hall closet. That’s fine as long as you don’t buy so much paper that the vacuum cleaner will have to be kept in the living room. Now that you are a staff of one, resist the urge to purchase in volume. Instead of buying the “value pack” of ballpoint pens, choose one nice pen with some refill cartridges.
Look for products that do double duty. A file tote keeps folders and paperwork orderly on your desk, and is also easy to take along to business calls and appointments. The handy Marker Wheel has five different highlighter tips for categorizing line items, and a Memo Mouse Pad saves space on your desktop.
Purchase a separate set of desk tools and supplies for your home office. Getting up to find the scissors in your sewing basket every time you need to clip a tear sheet is not time-efficient, nor is digging around in the kitchen junk drawer for a paperclip. Keep scissors, tape, a stapler with extra staples, paper clips, and a letter opener in or on your desk. (It may be necessary to threaten your family members with a month of laundry duty if they are caught “borrowing” things from your desk.)

When Managing the Household is Your Job
If the purpose for your home office isn’t to conduct business, but rather to be a hub for household scheduling, bill paying, and communication, you may be less concerned with file storage and more concerned with clutter control.

Keep it current. Hang a row of magnet boards over your desk for messages, to-do lists and schedules. Edit frequently tossing outdated notes and invitations.
Look for family friendly storage solutions. Large art boxes are perfect for storing art projects, award certificates and A+ tests. Keep one for each child, labeled by year or grade level.
Have an action plan. A planning calendar designed just for busy families will remind you to drop-off at soccer practice before you have to pick-up at ballet lessons.
Get it in writing. Encourage older children and tweens to actually write down a phone message, and leave a note telling you where they are by keeping a supply of notepads and pencils on hand.

If you’re looking for some inspiration when it comes to office design and décor, be sure to check out the Desk of the Month archives on See Jane Work. From Basic Brown to Silver Sparkle, we’ve got all kinds of ideas for making your workspace as beautiful as the rest of your home.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.

Managing Your To-Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:05:00 +0000

Whether you’re planning your day, or planning your future, nothing beats a well organized To Do list for getting all your tasks, large and small laid out in front of you.

The way you manage your To Do list says a lot about you. Are you efficient and orderly, or spontaneous and creative? Do you have one master list that is the outline for all of your plans, or do you keep a number of short lists that somehow all fit together? Do you make your list everyday, or only as needed? Maybe your styles overlap, or vary depending on the day.

Whatever your approach to getting through your daily, weekly and monthly tasks, we have some tips on ways to make your To Do list suit your organizational style.

Where to keep your “To Do” list

Bulletin or Magnet Boards. Your list is only helpful if you can find it, and for some of us, that means having it staring us in the face. A prominently placed bulletin or magnet board can be an excellent way to manage multiple lists. If you don’t have the desk or counter space, go ahead and use the fridge or the side of a steel file cabinet. A set of coordinating magnets will keep even busy surfaces from looking cluttered.

Tips:

Remember to edit frequently. If your board is full of old lists, reminders for events that have passed, and expired coupons, urgent items are likely to get lost.
Divide and conquer. Use magnets or push pins to separate your board into categories. If your shopping lists are all in one area it will be easier to take them with you or recopy them before you head out the door.
Think before you tack. A bulletin board should be used for items that require immediate action. Don’t use it to hold items that really just need to be filed.
Consider your needs. If you spend your day in the car, a bulletin board on your desk is probably not for you. Consider a pad of sticky notes or a portable agenda instead.

Electronic or Paper Planners. Keeping your To Do list with you at all times is one way to make sure critical tasks are not overlooked. An electronic calendar or paper planner makes it easy to check items off your list whenever there is a lull in the day. You can also add and schedule tasks as they come up instead of trying to remember them later.

Tips:

Don’t use a method that’s not suited for you. If you find programming your cell phone frustrating, an electronic PDA is probably not the right tool for you, even if your co-worker claims she can’t live without her’s.
Keep your organizer organized. In an electronic planner one list works best, but in a paper planner there are usually categorized sections. Keep your correspondence list, shopping list, work tasks, and home tasks separate.

Notepads and notebooks. For those who prefer a more informal scheduling system, a few pages of lined, or even blank, paper can be a flexible, versatile To Do list.

Tips:

A small notebook or composition book that you can take with you to appointments lets you jot down contact info and items for follow-up.
Notepads or sticky notes in your car, tote or briefcase can help you stay on track. Pair them with a master calendar on the wall in your office or home for scheduling items with a specific due date.

Organizing the stuff that is attached to your To Do list

Sometimes a To Do list isn’t just a list…it’s a bag of stuff that needs to be returned, or letter that requires a reply. Keeping the things that go with your list orderly ensures you’ll have what you need when you need it.

Tips:

Returns. Avoid making a special trip by keeping a bin in your car for items you need to return to the store along with the receipts. If you find yourself in the area, you can easily swing by the store and take care of the return.
Invitations. Whenever possible respond to invitations as soon as they arrive. If you’re not sure of your schedule yet, attach the invitation to your task list so you won’t forget. Once you’ve accepted an invitation, place it in a tickler file labeled by month, so that you’ll be reminded to purchase a gift if necessary and you’ll have the location and directions handy on the day of the party.
Correspondence. Keep a Jane Marvel pouch filled with correspondence items including a pen, note cards and stamps. Grab the pouch on your way out to appointments or take it with you when you travel. Use time spent sitting in the car, waiting room, or on an airplane to get caught up.
Errand Day. If you’ve got more than a few errands to run, consider making a day of it. Load up your car with the dry cleaning you need to drop off, the packages you need to mail, and items that need to be dropped off or returned the night before. Take a minute to plan an efficient route on paper before heading out on the road. Double-check store hours so you don’t drive all the way there just to find out they are closed on Mondays.
Phone calls. When making phone calls it helps to take a few minutes to organize the calls. If Aunt Mary has a habit of keeping you on the phone for an hour, call her last, and then make sure your time is limited. Start the call by explaining that you have an appointment in twenty minutes and won’t be able to talk for too long.

Keep it Fun
Your To Do list needn’t be all about chores and errands.

Tips:

Give yourself a little lift by adding a few items to your “to do” list that can be done quickly and nearly effortlessly, or which you’ve nearly completed. It will make you feel good to cross them off your list.
Don’t forget to add some enjoyable tasks to the list. Schedule a pedicure immediately after your dentist appointment, and make having lunch with a friend a weekly goal.

Finally, if a particular task never seems to get done, no matter how many times you put it on the list, it’s okay to occasionally admit defeat and cross it off for good. If you can’t delegate it to someone else, or hire help you may just need to forgo the task. If you’ve managed this long without re-painting the baseboards, maybe they’re actually fine the way they are.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com

Alternative Sources of Income During a Recession

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:26:00 +0000

Everyday the news reports more and more pink slips. It’s hard to not worry if you haven’t gotten the slip, and if you have you’re probably overwhelmed at finding a job in this economy. We’ve talked to people who have gone through this same thing. Here are some things people are doing to make extra money until they can find a job.

1) Pet Sitting: Believe it or not, people that haven’t gotten a pink slip need someone to help with their pets. From walking pets to staying overnight this service is in demand. There’s no reason you can’t send out resumes from someone else’s house and make some extra money while you are at it.

2) Meal Service: Do you like to cook? Print a weekly menu of what you plan to cook and share it with your neighbors. Offer to deliver a home cooked meal to their door if they order at least 24 hours in advance.

3) House Sitting: For short and/or frequent business trips calling to cancel the paper or hold mail is a pain. Make sure neighbors, friends, and family know that you are willing to stay in their homes for a fee.

4) Concierge: Let friends, family, and local businesses know that you are an expert on your area. You can schedule site seeing, recommend and make restaurant reservations, and even book hotels. If you live in a well-known tourist location you may find that your neighbors would be relieved to have house guests taken off their hands.

5) Homework Club: Patient with children? Remember your math lessons? I would pay any amount of money for someone to do my children’s home work with them. Invite kids to your house for “homework club.” I think you’ll be surprised at how many parents will pay for this service.

6) Personal Assistant: You have to go to the grocery store anyway, why not go for all your neighbors. Offer to run errands, take an elderly parent to the doctor, do banking, grocery shopping, make phone calls, pay bills.

While these may all seem like great ideas, please check with the local licensing agencies to make sure that you don’t need any special permits or licenses. Please let us know if you have any other ideas.

Get Your Desk In Working Order

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:44:00 +0000

Straightening your desk at the end of the day might seem a lot like making the bed before you leave the house in the morning. Why bother when it’s just going to get messed up again as soon as you return, right?

But just as a bed with fresh linens and neatly tucked blankets is far more inviting than one with a ball of sheets kicked to the end of the mattress, so too a tidy desk with everything you need tucked neatly away can make work more appealing.

Since many of us spend more time at our desks during the week than we do in bed at night, it really is worth our while to make our workspace tidy and comfortable.

While we won’t insist on “hospital corners” we would like to offer some suggestions on ways to keep your work area organized that require little more effort than pulling up the bedspread and fluffing the pillows.

What Does Your Desktop Say About You?
Whether you’re working from a penthouse office or the reception counter, the first thing clients, customers and co-workers notice when they enter your workspace is your desk top.

Is it covered with heaping piles of unfinished work? Is it decorated with bean bag toys you got with the drive-through ‘kid’s meal’ you picked up at lunch? Is it so austere and devoid of any style that it looks like you might not be planning to finish out the week?

It doesn’t take a lot of time and energy to design a desk top that reflects both your style and your professionalism. Focus on a few essential elements.

Personal items. While a desktop should have a professional appearance, it’s certainly okay to reveal a little bit about who you are outside of the office. The key here is moderation. A framed photo of your child, spouse or even your dog is acceptable. A snapshot of you in a bikini drinking a margarita in Mexico tacked to your bulletin board is not.

Decorative items. If you’ve got room for it, there is nothing wrong with a few carefully chosen items that only exist to bring beauty to your workplace. A potted plant, a framed print on the wall, or a vase of flowers adds warmth and welcome. A dead plant, a poster picked up at the dollar store, or a wilting bunch of blooms might make people question your attention to detail.

Desk top tools. Especially in small workspaces, desk tools that do double duty as design features are a great way to add style without sacrificing space. A fashionable desk set or even just a pretty pencil cup can make your desk look coordinated but not cluttered. If you keep files on your desk, put them in colorful folders, or if you prefer a more clean, contemporary look, choose bright white. Avoid paperwork pile-ups by using a desktop sorter, or stacking trays.

Make Your Top Drawers Top Notch
My mother always taught me that true beauty came from within. With four daughters sharing one bathroom, she had good reason to promote the philosophy that it’s what is on the inside that counts. Nevertheless she made a good point. If your desktop is spotless, but your top drawer is full to bursting with decaying breath mints and business cards from people you have no intention of ever calling, you might need to work on your desk’s inner beauty.

For most people it’s just a matter of clearing out the accumulated junk and replacing it with necessary items ( HERE IS OUR LIST ). Once you’ve determined what stays and what goes (and what stays in theory, but is replaced with something newer and nicer), keep loose items contained with individual boxes or a sturdy drawer organizer.

Work Your Way Down
Fitness gurus tell us that an easy way to get more daily exercise is to simply take more steps. Park in the back of the lot. Walk to lunch instead of taking your car. Use stairs instead of the elevator. All good advice, unless you have a deadline to meet and every single file you need in order to complete your project is in a different cabinet, in a different office and on a different floor in your building.

Save time and energy (you can burn it off at the gym after work) by taking a good hard look at the files you’re storing in your desk drawer. Do you really need to keep a folder full of receipts from a business trip you took in 1998 at your fingertips? Do you really need to keep it at all?

Desk drawer file space should be reserved for Current Year, Current Accounts and Current Product Lines. Everything else can go to storage, or maybe to the shredder.

While you’re sorting it out, it may be a good time to freshen things up a bit with new hanging file folders in coordinating colors. Use your computer printer or a label maker to add a uniform, professional look to file tabs and folder labels.

Now Keep it That Way
Once you’ve got your desk in order, take a few minutes each day to keep it neat. Probably the best thing to do is simply put things away when you’re done with them, but if you can’t or won’t work that way, then at least make sure you put everything away before you leave for the day.

Keep a micro-fiber dust cloth in the back of your drawer to wipe off your desk, shelves and monitor, and, if your office doesn’t have a custodian, make sure that the trash, especially if it contains food, is emptied every day.

A beautiful and efficient workspace will make your work days more productive and pleasant…which may even help you get a better night’s sleep.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.

Getting Organizationally Fit

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:51:00 +0000

We’ve noticed a lot of comparisons lately between organizing and dieting. Many of these comparisons are apt. Like dieting, organizing is a good way to get rid of unwanted pounds (of clutter) and inches (of paperwork piled on your desk). Being well-organized has proven mental and physical health benefits. And, similar to a weight loss regimen, a solid plan for getting organized is far more likely to be successful when we have the support of our spouse, kids and co-workers.

As with a diet and exercise program, there is no shortage of “expert” advice on how to lose clutter without even trying, or how to be totally organized in 30 minutes or less. While it may sound tempting, the truth is, truly getting and staying organized requires changing deeply ingrained habits and committing to long term maintenance.

Here are some common organizing pitfalls, along with some tips from See Jane Work on how to keep them from sabotaging your success.

Fad Organizing
You just read an article in your favorite women’s magazine about how to be completely organized in a week and you can’t wait to get started.

On Day One you get up at 5am to alphabetize your pantry. On Day Two you put eight years worth of photos into albums…in perfect chronological order. Day Three is toys and games day, so you wait for the kids to go to school before you ransack their rooms tossing anything that isn’t in the original shrink-wrap. On Day Four you purge your file cabinet throwing away any receipt more than a month old. By Day Five you’re feeling a little light-headed but you go through your closet and decide that last season’s wardrobe will be this season’s charitable donation. On Day Six with half the contents of your home sitting on the curb waiting for the rescue mission truck to pick-up you beam at your achievement. That is until Day Seven when you go to look for your pearl earrings and realize you left them in the pocket of the corduroy blazer you just gave to charity.

In short, this type of extreme organizing is about as rational and sustainable as a diet consisting entirely of grapefruit and dry toast.

How to Avoid It
According to the so-called organizational mavens, we’ll all feel much better when we have less “stuff”. While there is certainly merit to getting rid of useless items, there is a fine line between useless and not-often-used…like, for example, your turkey baster. Sure you could save a few inches of drawer space by only keeping the things that you use everyday, but how practical is it to go buy a new turkey baster every November? By taking a more moderate approach you can implement organizing systems that will produce lasting results.

Apply the “Something In, Something Out” rule to most purchases. In other words, if you buy a new toaster, don’t keep the old one “just in case.” (What are the odds you’ll have a true emergency that could have been averted by a second toaster?)

Don’t buy more hangers. If you add something new to your wardrobe, donate the oldest or least often worn garment in the closet. (But make sure you check the pockets first.)

Designate one kitchen drawer for infrequently used items. Keep the nut-cracker, lobster forks, and that “hilarious” talking bottle opener your father-in-law gave you together in one drawer so that you don’t have to dig through a bunch of random utensils every time you need the salad tongs.
Keep receipts, appraisals and insurance info together in a binder so that in the event of a loss you’ll be able to find your insurance company’s toll-free number and the necessary documentation. The Valuables Kit has sections for jewelry, furnishings, art and more.

While lightening your load is generally a good thing, don’t force yourself to give up things you love. A well-organized life should make you feel empowered, not deprived.

Yo-Yo Organizing
After weeks of emptying closets and drawers, cleaning out the garage and diligently filing, shredding or tossing every piece of paper that enters the house, you’ve grown a tad complacent. “It won’t really matter if I just sort through that stack of mail on Monday,” you rationalize, or “I’ll just put this box of old toys in the garage for a couple of weeks until I can get to the thrift store.” Before you know it, you can’t see the top of your desk and you’re back to parking your car in the driveway.

How to Avoid It
Stop the vicious cycle of order and disorder by establishing routines for staying organized that work with your lifestyle.

Sort your mail over the recycling bin so that junk mail never gets to your desk.

Have bills sent via e-mail and pay them online. The Open Sesame Password Reminder Log can help you keep websites and passwords handy.

Put letter trays on your desk to neatly sort and hold paperwork that needs to be dealt with, just not right this minute.

Keep the phone number to a local charity that picks up donations in your planner so that a busy schedule doesn’t get in the way of your organizing efforts.

By making maintaining order in your home and office part of your regular routine, you’ll eliminate frustrating highs and lows. But keep in mind that staying organized requires vigilance. You’re simply not going to get it done once and then never have to think about it again.

Binge and Purge Organizing
You’ve had it up to here with piles of paperwork, shelves out of order, and lost books, toys and homework assignments. Determined to regain control, you go on a storage container spree, voraciously buying all the baskets, boxes and bins you can find. But when you get home, you realize that the cute little drawer organizer with all its tiny compartments serves mainly to take up more space in your drawer, and those deep plastic bins that can hold everything make it nearly impossible to find anything.

How to Avoid It
The secret here is to purge first. Before you buy so much as a file folder you must first decide what actually needs storing and what should really just be tossed.

Keep an eye out for household items that are redundant or obsolete. (When was the last time you used a popcorn maker?)

When cleaning out closets and drawers, be pragmatic. If you can’t get into those pre-pregnancy jeans right now donate them. (You can reward yourself with a new pair once you’ve dropped the baby weight.)

Think it through before you renew. If your coffee table looks like it should be in the dentist’s waiting room you’re probably subscribing to more magazines than you can really read in a month.

When you get to the garage, look for anything that has a layer of dust over it. (That whole ‘biking to work’ thing sounded good, but since you live in Seattle you’d need scuba gear to pull it off.)

Once you’ve done a complete physical inventory, you can go ahead and buy a few necessary storage items. Storage Boxes from Hable Construction are durable, easy to carry, and best of all they fold flat when they’re not being used, and See Jane Work Basics Magazine Files will keep your periodicals from piling up.

Remember when setting organizational goals it is important to have realistic objectives. Like those impossibly thin models in fashion magazines, the impossibly tidy rooms featured in decorating magazines have been professionally styled, lit, photographed and then touched up by an editor to eliminate any unsightly wrinkles in the bed linens or blemishes on the moldings. Your desired outcome should be continuous improvement…not unattainable perfection.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at

ideas@seejanework.com.

Graduation Gift Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:28:00 +0000

by Lisa Friedman/someonespoilme.com

Graduation is Bittersweet
These are just some of the emotions graduates face as they close one door and open another. That being said, it is important as a friend, parent, spouse, cousin, aunt or uncle to show your support for the graduate as she (or he) goes out to conquer the world (or high school)!

Here are some basic graduation etiquette tips…

Whom do you acknowledge?
It is thoughtful to acknowledge anyone you know who is graduating – whether they are graduating from 5th grade or med school. Graduation is a meaningful time in people’s lives, so if someone you know is graduating, it is thoughtful to show your support and acknowledge them.

How do you acknowledge?
This can be done with a gift, card, phone call or even an email. In your note to the graduate, you should express how proud you are of her achievements and the confidence you have in her future.

What do I give for a gift?
You can help them cherish the memories of the past few years or help them look forward to a new beginning. A monogrammed photo album, photo printer, engraved photo frame, customized bottle of wine or personalized memory book would all touch the heart of the graduate and let her know that nothing was left too far behind. To show your support for her new beginning, opt for a designer business card case, passport cover, cool alarm clock, engraved cuff-links, or a customized laptop bag. To simply pass along your well wishes, you can send flowers, cookies or an edible card.

How much should I spend?
It is not so much the dollar spent, but the thought that counts, especially when it comes to graduation gifts. Graduation is not a mandatory gift giving occasion for people outside the immediate family. That being said, anything you do give will be enormously appreciated. Whether it is a $10 edible card with a sincere message or a $200 engraved locket, she will be touched by your thought during this exciting time in her life.

See Jane Work picks for graduation. Give your graduate a gift they can put to use for years to come:

Island Leather Luggage Tag/$10
Island Leather Passport Cover/$21

Other great gifts:
Built NY Laptop Sleeve 15.4"/$42
Patent Leather Card Case/$20
Moonsus Glamour Laptop Tote/$288
College Survival Kit/$49

Sites We Love: Basic French

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:54:00 +0000

Basic French is a favorite site for both Holly and I. I go there regularly to get my bathroom soap and candles but always seem to find a special treasure or two as well.

The Cote Bastide Hemp Candle is touted as the owner’s favorite and it has become mine as well. It’s such a clean, refreshing scent and it lasts forever. I also like the simple design; it goes perfectly in any interior.

I also think having a soap dispenser with great smelling soap is one of those little things in a stressful life that can bring you brief moments of joy. I always order refills of the La Compagnie de Provence Hand Soap and Orange and Grapefruit are probably my favorite.

Check out Basic French to find your own little treasures!

Real Simple Office Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:10:00 +0000

I can’t get over this office remodel that Kate Parker from Real Simple did and I think you’ll love it too!

This room is so common in so many people’s homes. The multi-task room office/reading room/makeshift guestroom/storage, whatever it is, it’s a mess. Not to mention that the woman who’s office this is spent 30 to 40 hours a week in this office. Not terribly inspiring.

And here’s the after. Just beautiful. It is warm, contemporary and clean. I love the whiteboard above the desk, so much more decorative than a cork board from Staples. I also like having an extra table area behind the desk to give more room to organize piles of paperwork.

This is a great idea for a desk which Carly from Real Simple tells me is from IKEA. It gives you two layers of work space. You can easily store your calendar and comp books below so there is always room to work on top. Here’s a better view of the desk. I also love the printer/fax machine cubby to the left of the desk. It has roll tops so you can disguise that ugly printer.

To see more on this miraculous makeover go to Simply Stated.

Designer Spotlight: SusyJack*

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:03:00 +0000

The minute we saw the SusyJack* line we all died and went to heaven. The bold colors and beautiful prints are inspirational and the entire line has been flying off the shelves since the day it arrived. Not only is Susy an incredibly talented designer, she’s adorable and fun to work with.

Here’s a peek into what inspires her…

What inspired your product line?
susyjack* is inspired by the desire to create a basic, simplified, alternative choice in the paper goods market, by trying to use paper as a material in a new way, and by the utilitarian objects I find fascinating at the hardware store. Also, many of the designs come from my own, personal efforts to be ‘lightly’ organized.

The patterns and illustrations on each of the products are inspired by my love of minimalist art. I enjoy the challenge of working with as few elements and colors as possible…and still trying to come out with something that feels spontaneous, artistic and meaningful.

–My life, and many of my friends lives, are so varied…family member, worker, employer, friend…home decorator…community member…the list goes on and on, and I hope that my items address needs for a variety of people, settings, and lifestyles. I love that people often find their own, personal uses for the products. Keeping the items simple and fun is really important to me. None of the items really have a completely prescribed function…and for me, looking at how different people invent new uses for an item is really inspiring and always enlightening!

Name five office products you can’t live without.
…in no particular order…

Classic Silver Paper Clips– They’re a beautiful object, and so very, very useful. Especially for making sure your business card is front and center when you send correspondence.

Sketchbooks– I always have one with me….on my lap…on my desk…or in my purse.

Colored Binders + write-on tabs– I am all about binders…and I never use filing cabinets. Binders are a great way to know right where things are without having to search for them. I always punch and file things right away. I hate piles of paper on my desk and it’s nice to know my stuff is securely stowed somewhere for easy access later.

Pencil Cups– I can’t stand not being able to find my pens, pencils, xacto knife…scissors… I have strategically placed pencil cups all over my workspace so that I don’t waste time trying to find the right implements over and over.

Accordion File– I try and keep all of my bills, receipts and other official, money oriented stuff, in one easy place, organized by month…my little accordion file! By using it, I limit my rummaging time when I’m looking for something, trying to figure out if I paid something, or…eeek! doing my taxes…

What’s your favorite item on See Jane Work?
Oh…there are so many! I have been a SJW fan since WAY before starting my own line!I would have to say it’s a tie between…

The Sew Chic sewing kit– This is such a handy item for the office– and it’s so beautifully packaged.

The Folle Classic Stapler– These are incredible a stapler for life!! They are great quality, and worth every penny. They go through anything without jamming…and it’s just so oddly satisfying to press down that big round silver top!

and…the Coccoina Paste. Call me a nerd, but it’s a beautiful design, safe for kids, and I love the way it smells!

What would be your dream view from your window office?
I know it’s asking for a lot here in nyc, but I’d love to see a big, big tree! I hope it’s not asking for too much, but maybe a spot overlooking Central Park?

Take Five: Wall Clocks

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:12:00 +0000

Sure, your laptop has the time on the bottom right, all of your e-mails state the time and for most of us, we have a watch on our wrist that tells the time. But clocks are a fun way to decorate our home office. They can make a bold statement, be traditional or whimsical.

One of my favorite clocks that I actually have hanging in my living room is the Silhouette Cuckoo Clockfrom Anthropologie. Although the cuckoo doesn’t work, it is a bold color statement against my dark brown walls and it adds whimsy which I love. The George Nelson Sunburst Clock is a classic and can brighten up any dull space. The BRAVUR clock from IKEA is simple, inexpensive and goes with pretty much any decor. Clean, simple design is what you’ll get with the Junghans Clock from Nova 68. If you’re going for a more traditional look, the Roman Numeral Clock from Wisteria is a simple, yet stylish statement.

No matter what your style, a wall clock is functional and beautiful. So get ticking!

What We’re Reading: The Lazy Environmentalist

noreply@blogger.com (Jane) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:23:00 +0000

I love the book The Lazy Environmentalist by Josh Dorfman. Although I like granola, I’m big on shaving my legs and not particularly fond of Birkenstocks. This book shows you little ways to make a big difference. The premise of the book is to make the reader aware of choices. Next time you buy light bulbs buy the energy efficient bulbs. As you replace cleaning supplies use all natural supplies. Drugstore.com allows people to rate supplies so you can see what works, plus they have free shipping on large orders. Although I’ve been known to wear a disguise to buy Tilex, I’ve mostly given up all the other chemicals in my life. He also has ideas for the office which can make for a healthier, happier work enviroment.