DIY Mini Magnets as Chic Home Décor

 

I love simple, homemade gifts that are unique, serve a purpose and look like they took a lot longer to make than they actually do! To that end, I found a great idea on Keep It Simple for DIY bubble magnets. After I saw this project, I just had to recreate it for my desk. See below for my take and how to replicate it! ...read more

Taking Note: Custom Notepad How-To

 

By now, most of you have probably realized that I really enjoy creating personalized things for myself and others (see my previous posts on personalized sticky notes, custom banners and branded pens). One reason for this is that it’s nice to know that no one will have the same thing that I do. An added bonus is that it’s fun to see my designs turn out just the way I envisioned. ...read more

Custom Pens Make Just the “Write” Gift

 

Every year around this time I get nostalgic about the days of back to school shopping. I looked forward to picking out new clothes for the upcoming school year, but I enjoyed selecting my school supplies even more! Maybe I was a weird kid, but I loved organizing my fresh paper, unused folders and binders, and brand new pens into my backpack for the first time. I still get really excited about school (now office) supplies and I’m always on the lookout for something new or unique for my collection. ...read more

An Ode to the Sticky Note

 

Ah, the sticky note. Despite its simplicity, I think it’s one of the greatest inventions! That small yellow square is a staple in every office – whether home or business. Better yet, now it seems that you can get sticky notes in every shape, color and size imaginable. In fact, about a year ago I found the ultimate sticky note – a preformatted to-do list!

With my blank sheets dwindling, a replacement was definitely needed so I decided to make my own. I created a template and uploaded it to FedEx Office® Design & Print Center, but there are a variety of pre-made options there as well. You can access my template here and watch the video above for step-by-step instructions for uploading your design to the FedEx Office site!
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New Year’s Resolution Series: Stay Positive with Health Journals

 

If you’re like a lot of people I know (including fellow Out of Office blogger Leah), you definitely gave some consideration to improving your wellness in the New Year. Maybe it was to find time to meditate, have better posture, lose a few pounds or try yoga. Unfortunately – at least in my experience – many of these undertakings seem overwhelming and too often people give up shortly after starting.


For me, there is one piece of advice that I always try to remember when creating a routine such as an ambitious new workout regimen: always take it one day at a time. With this in mind, I’ve found a really helpful way to keep myself focused on my wellness goals – a health journal.


There are lots of ways to create a journal that will monitor your daily activities in a way that is convenient for your lifestyle and that will lessen the stress of meeting your goals.

 

Road Warrior Series: A Quiet Place to Work

 

A few years back, I travelled a lot for work. I was criss-crossing the country and I often had need to find a quiet place to work where I could get on the Internet and really get some work done. Back then, my options were a bit limited...


First, you have your bookstores. But finding place to sit down in a busy store tends to be difficult. On the bright side, they’re usually pretty quiet.


Then there are the coffee shops. A place to sit is easy to find, but whether or not you can get work done is another issue entirely! People scrambling in to get their coffee fix, others pounding away on their own keyboards, and still more customers having a leisurely conversation over a cappuccino. For me, all that hustle and bustle doesn’t help me concentrate on that big presentation. Don’t get me wrong, I like that atmosphere when I’m not working and just hanging out, but not when I have a deadline!


Luckily for me (and others who work like me) FedEx Office has announced that it will offer free, unlimited Wi-Fi in virtually all of its Print & Ship Center locations by the end of October 2010. ...read more

Road Warrior Series: Business Trip Survival

 

As many of our Out of Office readers most likely already know, a business trip can be a great source of stress and nerves, particularly the night before you hit the road. Somewhere between practicing your presentation and packing just the right outfit, the anxiety hits hard.


But every good road warrior knows that the best offense is a good defense: be prepared. Good preparation for a business trip – whether it lasts two days or two weeks – can be the difference between basking in the glow of your boss’ praise or quietly wishing things had gone differently. By following these three tips for perfect preparation, you will not only survive but thrive during your time away from the office.


 

    Sticking Out with Sticky Notes

     

    Have you ever heard about taking an apple for the teacher on the first day of school? And I don’t mean a computer here! Apparently, apples are considered the traditional present for teachers in the United States, Denmark and Sweden. Some say the practice began as a form of payment for lessons, and others believe they were given because of the good health associated with apples. Whatever the reason, it’s a short-lived gift! ...read more

    Close the Book on Another School Year

     

    Summer is officially here! That’s right, today marks the first day of the season. Bring on the barbeques, swimming pools and baseball games.

     

    By now, school has closed for the summer or is just about to, and you’ve likely removed many of the papers and classroom projects that once adorned the refrigerator. Quite often, all those report cards, art projects, certificates and tests you saved throughout the year end up turning yellow or gathering dust in a file folder or box somewhere. Why not collect them in one place and make something that will save room while preserving memories of an A+ book report or fabulous finger painting?

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    A Very Sweet Father’s Day Art Project

     

    What’s better than spending a rainy afternoon coloring? How about baking chocolate chip cookies? 

     

    I thought both sounded pretty satisfying and came up with a way to combine the two for the ultimate Father’s Day craft project – a colorful and custom mailing tube, filled with homemade cookies!  Whether you’re shipping the cookies or just using the tube as a fun wrapper, this is definitely an affordable, fun and delicious Father’s Day gift idea that adults and kids will surely love making.

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