tipsandsolutions : organization

Tip of the Week - Donna Smallin

katie — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:27:00 GMT

Keep Checking Back for Organization Tips from Donna Smallin

Known as The One-Minute Organizer, Donna Smallin is on a mission to organize the world! Donna is the bestselling author of eight books on how to unclutter, organize, and simplify your life, and she’s been a repeat guest on the CBS Early Show, The Daily Buzz, and Martha Stewart Living Radio. Her tips also appear regularly in Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day, Woman’s World and other leading publications.

"Goodbye Summer, Hello Winter" Storage Tips - November 2, 2009

Store summer bedding and clothing in a clean, dry, airy place away from direct sunlight. Consider using under-bed storage boxes. Or look for vacuum seal bags that compress items by up to 75% while protecting them from dust and insects. If needed, raise the bed height with risers to create more storage space.

A locking outdoor shed like the ones from Lifetime Products is ideal for storing outdoor items you won’t need again until next summer or fall: bicycles and other sporting gear, pool toys and chemicals, lawn mowers and leaf blowers, gardening supplies and tools.

Worlds Longest Yard Sale Tips

katie — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:09:00 GMT

Summertime is yard sale season, and the granddaddy of all sales, the World’s Longest Yard Sale, is just around the corner!

On August 6-9, this famous sale will wind its way 650 miles from Alabama to Ohio. Lifetime’s resident organizational expert and Home & Garden Guru, Donna Smallin, is stopping by the heart of the sale—Jamestown, Tenn.—to offer a few yard sale ideas to participants and collect tips from the best sellers to share with us on Lifetime.com.

If you can’t make it to the sale, don’t fret; below are a few of Donna’s tips for your own garage sale. Looking for the perfect sale date? August 10 is National Garage Sale Day!

Donna's Yard Sale/Garage Sale Tips

Collect Your Inventory—Yard sales are a great way to get rid of clutter and make a few bucks, but it can be difficult to decide what to part with. As a general rule, if you don’t love it or use it, lose it. With this mantra in mind, walk through your home with packing boxes in hand and decide what goes. Get kids involved by letting them keep whatever they earn from selling their old toys and clothes, or plan a fun family activity with the total proceeds.
Spread the Word—Three days before the sale, place a classified advertisement in your newspaper and post listings on local websites. Mention big-ticket and “hot” items such as toys and sporting goods in your ads to stir up interest. Also, place a “Yard Sale” sign at the nearest major intersection to capture drive-by traffic and post additional signs with arrows to point the way home. To get your sign noticed, write in black letters on brightly colored card stock.
Price to Move—If you’re not sure what to charge for items, take your cue from other yard sales or the Salvation Army Donation Value Guide. Then, use black marker on blue painter’s tape (which is easily removable) to price everything. If you’ve got a large collection of like items, such as books or CDs, place them together in a bin and hang one price tag on the container (e.g. paperbacks 25 cents). Toss odds and ends and anything not worth selling into a box with a “Free” sign. Once the sale starts, remember, it’s better to sell low than not sell at all, so if people are walking away without buying, lower your prices.
Organization is Key—The more easily people can navigate your sale and test out items, the more they’ll buy. Hang and sort all clothing by type (men’s, women’s, or shirts/pants), have a mirror handy if you’re selling accessories and plug in a power cord to test electrical devices. Most importantly, have enough space to display things properly. I recommend setting up on a few folding tables from Lifetime Products—they can easily support heavier items and are UV-protected so the yard sale heat and sun won’t hurt them. (They come in handy for other events, too.) Consider setting up an extra table for selling home-baked goods and/or lemonade.
Move your Stock—Have enough coins and bills to make change for at least three $20 notes, and carry money, along with a calculator, in a fanny pack or apron for quick sales. Also keep a stack of newspaper on hand for wrapping fragile items. When business starts to slow, close up shop and drive all remaining items to the nearest donation place. Take down your signs on your way.
Combine Efforts—Don’t have enough stuff for your own yard sale? Set a date one to two months out and hand-deliver flyers inviting neighbors to participate in the sale. Split the cost of placing an advertisement for a “Neighborhood Yard Sale” in the newspaper and have all participants post signs in front of their house or tie balloons to their mailboxes on the day of the sale.

Ready to get started? Get $10 off yard sale tables by entering WLYS09 when you purchase a 6-Foot Fold-in-Half Table or 6-Foot Adjustable-Height Table at www.buylifetime.com.

Organizing for Fun

katie — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:55:00 GMT

As it gets warmer outside, it's time to get out of the house!

Fun, laughter, and good times are often born spontaneously, but if you want to get the most fun out of a family outing, it's a good idea to do a little organizing beforehand. Some pre-planning can avoid the inconveniences that can put a damper on those good times.

If you launch into elaborate preparations that cause delays when everyone else is ready to just jump into the car and go, the whole excursion can get off to a frustrated start. Here are some suggestions that will help cut down on preparations and frustrations when it comes to "spontaneous" fun. Once you've packed a grab-n-go backpack, and packed a few essentials in the trunk of your car, all you'll have to worry about the next time you hear "Let's go!" is making sure everyone has visited the bathroom before heading out the door.

Things to Keep in the Trunk of Your Car

In the trunk, off your mind. Having these things pre-packed means you'll have less to remember (or forget!) when it's time to head out the door.

Personal Table
Lifetime folding chairs
A big blanket (for picnics and naps)
Jackets and sweaters for everyone
Mini Cooler
Frisbee, balls, etc. (recreational toys of your choice)

Things to Keep in a Grab-n-Go Backpack by the Door

Keep a backpack stocked and ready to go at a moment's notice. Keeping it in a handy visible location near the door will prevent you from forgetting it in the excitement of departure. Here are a few items that can make the difference between fun or fiasco.

Sunblock lotion
Non-refrigerated snacks
Bottled water
Pre-moistened towlettes

The Ultimate Family Reunion

Charly — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Tips for Planning the Ultimate Family Reunion from Edith Wagner.

Editor-in-chief of Reunions Magazine, Edith Wagner brings you tried and true tips for planning your next reunion. Although some family reunions can involve hundreds of people and take years to coordinate, it’s never too late to plan a gathering of loved ones and relatives. Such occasions are great times to bond with the family, and below are some tips and techniques to help minimize the work and help you enjoy the event as much as everyone else.

Getting Started!

Two 8ft. Lifetime Tables – Put them end to end to form one long banquet table.
Lifetime folding chairs – enough for each guest
Setting parameters – This is your job as host. The first thing you should do is decide:
- How many family members will likely attend?
- What type of space is necessary to accommodate that number of people?
- How much money am I personally willing to invest, and how much, if any, will need to be contributed by others?
Set the date – Poll a sampling of key family members (grandparents, siblings, cousins and other people whose presence is essential) that you have easy access to via email or telephone. Ask if they are interested in a reunion, and if they have any major conflicts coming up. This will help determine if it is feasible, and if interest is high enough to move forward.
- Once you have a general idea of a date, make sure it doesn't fall too closely to any other major events like weddings, baptisms, graduations, etc.
- Once a date is selected, stick to it.
Finalize a location – A reunion at home has a very personal and relaxed atmosphere, but not everyone has the space needed for such an undertaking. Every town across America has parks, recreation centers, hotels and resorts, etc. that are perfect meeting places for such events. Just remember that if the event isn't at someone's home, organization and proper planning will be even more important.
Create a budget – When money is spent as needs arise, costs can shoot through the roof. Devise a budget first, and follow it as closely as possible. Also, be upfront with family members about appropriate contributions. Spearheading such an event is a large contribution in itself, and this should be reflected in the level of assistance from others.
Delegate – If you try to plan everything yourself, you’ll produce undue stress. Early on, find family members who are willing and able to provide assistance. Talk to them about what they would enjoy being in charge of, and let them control that aspect of planning. Examples of different responsibilities to delegate are:
- Site selection
- Invitations
- Food
- Decorations
- Activities
- Music & Entertainment
- Tables & Seating
- Keepsakes and party favors
Communicate – Once all of the work has someone to oversee it, set up weekly meeting times, and stay in contact (in person or by telephone) to ensure everything is getting done in a quality and timely manner. Be sure to follow up after meetings.

Planning and Logistics

Create a theme – One of the most important things to remember is that a family reunion celebrates who you are, and where you come from. Invest time brainstorming a theme that works for the family. The theme can shine through in many different aspects of the reunion.

Invitations – Pick symbols and a color scheme appropriate to your theme, and use them in the invitations and decorations.
Food – Serve foods traditional for your family and heritage. Grandparents can be a great resource for this!
Games and activities – Do things that your family enjoys, but also try to incorporate something specific, like bocce ball for an Italian-American family, or Jai Alai for a family of Latin heritage.
Keepsakes - When creating party favors or other creative items, remember your theme and colors.
Music – No party is complete without it, so use it as a way to bring your theme to life.
Clothing – Encourage everyone to dress along the lines of the theme. If you do this, you are only one step away from having a costume contest for a fun activity!

Create a Layout – Outdoor spaces are large, so take advantage of it, but plan ahead where everything will go. Lifetime® tables and chairs can be set up in different areas of the party. They are lightweight and easy to move around, making it easy to toy with several different set-up options. Once the layout is finalized, label each table with what will go on it. This way, as guests arrive with their contributions, they will know where to put them. A few areas to think about are a registration area, space for sitting and eating, food and drink service and a keepsake table for displaying articles of family history or photos.
Prepare for the Weather – No matter how much hard work you put into planning, bad weather can foil an event. Have tents on hand, or plan your event adjacent an available indoor area or pavilion so that plans can proceed despite the weather. It may not be possible to tent the entire event, but a few strategically placed covered areas can keep the party flowing. If possible, plan a rain date.
Create a Comfortable Space – If you can’t have the reunion at someone’s home, put time into thinking about what needs this adds. As you go through a day in your home, ask yourself, “What am I doing that wouldn’t be possible outside in a park?”

Restrooms: Renting temporary toilet facilities to ensure that everyone can be comfortable throughout the day. Too many guests can cause a strain on septic systems.
Shade: The same tents you have on hand for rain can be used to create shady areas if the weather reaches the opposite extreme. Provide sunscreen and bug spray, as your guests will likely forget.
Water: There may not be an adequate water source at your event-site, so have plenty of bottles on hand. Factor in how long the reunion will be, and how many bottles each person might consume over that time period.
Electricity/Gas: This might be necessary for cooking.
Clothing: You never know when someone will catch a chill or overheat, and not have extra clothes on hand. Purchase a few inexpensive sweatshirts, t-shirts and hats to have around, or choose these as party favors.

Utilize Your Family's Talents – This will help everyone feel involved and can save money. Ask the good cooks to provide favorite family recipes, engage teenage participants by asking them to take photos, shoot video or baby-sit. However, keep in mind that everyone, including you, should have time to enjoy the festivities, so distribute assignments evenly.
Plan for Food – Food is often the centerpiece of a family event, but it can also be the downfall if not planned appropriately.

Decide if you want to serve one or more full meals or simply provide snacks.
Think about how much you would personally want to eat at the reunion. Allow for a little extra, just in case, and multiply this amount by how many will attend.
Reach out to local food distributors for quotes to help you find the best deals.
Use steam tables and coolers to keep foods at safe temperatures.
Always keep food in the shade.
Screen attachments on tents can be great for keeping away the bugs.
Tag a few family members to help be in charge of maintaining the food, helping little ones get their plates ready, etc.

Create a Schedule – While it is important to relax and not be inflexible during a fun party, if certain time guidelines aren’t set, activities that took a lot of resources to plan might get overlooked. Print a schedule for the day, and run through it with guests as they arrive.
Keep Safety in Mind – Always have first-aid supplies and cell phones on hand. It’s also not a bad idea to call the local police department, and let them know that you are hosting an event with lots of people. This way, if something should go wrong, they’ll be aware, and will know right where to come.
Create a Keepsake – Even after the reunion is over, the fun and memory making can continue by making something collectively as a family.

Quilts make great keepsakes. Provide every participant with a square of fabric and set up an area to decorate them on-site. After the reunion, ask a family member who is good at sewing to assemble the pieces. This simple process is a great way to create a new family heirloom that will be cherished.
Sign-in books not only keep a record of who attended, but participants can write a short note next to their name to create a simple keepsake.
Collages of photos from the day can be compiled and emailed to all participants.
Recipes that are featured at the event can be combined into a family cookbook.

The Day of the Event

Set Up – Ask a few family members to arrive early to help set-up. You won’t want everyone standing around as preparations are underway, but a few extra hands (and the muscles of nephews and grandsons) will be welcomed! Have a brief meeting with your helpers when they arrive. This way, there will be no confusion and things will be able to come together quickly.
Make Use of the Last Hours Before Guests Arrive – Timing is extremely important the morning of the event, especially when it comes to food. Here are some helpful guidelines:
Four hours from guest arrival

Helpers should arrive
Set up of tables, tents, etc.
Set up all activities
Begin decorating

Two hours from guest arrival
- Refrigerate drinks
- Purchase ice
- Make last runs to the grocery store, etc.
30 minutes before guests arrive
- Make sure all sign in materials are in place
- Turn on steam tables for food if serving hot dishes
- If cooking out, turn on the grill
- Transfer drinks and other food into coolers
- Put out eating utensils, plates, and napkins
Include Family Who Could Not Attend – Have a cell phone dedicated to this purpose and give the number to family members who were unable to attend. This will give them the chance to call in and get passed around to say hello to everyone. Be sure to give those that might call in a good idea of what times would be most convenient.
Plan the Next Family Gathering – Having everyone in one place at one time is a rare occasion, so take advantage, and set a tentative date for the next family gathering. Once you see how easy it is to pull this off, you may want to have another sooner than you think!
Clean Up – Whether the event is at home or in another location, have sufficient supplies on hand to clear trash and other clutter. Before the event starts, find a few younger helpers who are willing to be in charge of collecting trash and bagging everything up. You can even offer them each a few dollars for their help.
Encourage Post-Event Contact – Reunions are great ways to rekindle lost relationships. Create a phone or email chain while everyone is together. This will be great for spreading family news, and to pass along reunion follow-up. After the event, digitize photos, and use the email chain to pass them along to everyone. The next time big family news comes about; it will be easy to get the word out to everyone. This information can even be put together creatively to make a post-event gift to send to all participants.

After Everyone's Gone Home!

Thank Key Players – Give yourself a few days for everything to settle after the event, but as the planner, it is a good idea to send a special thank you note to everyone who helped make the event a success.
Stay in Touch – If you follow these tips, you’ll have an improved capability to stay in touch with your family after the event. Do your part to keep family bonds strong.

Maximize Your Storage Shed

Charly — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:45:00 GMT

Get the most for your money by maximizing the storage capacity of your outdoor shed.

Your home isn’t the only thing you should be concerned about when it comes to spring cleaning. How about that outdoor storage shed? Your yard is ready for a spring makeover and spring plantings, so you’ll be spending a lot of time in your outdoor shed during the coming summer months.

An outdoor shed is a big investment so be sure you’re getting the most for your money by maximizing its storage capacity. Organize your shed with shelving units and peg strips to keep your smaller items on the wall and free up floor space for your larger equipment.

Checklist

The following accessories will have you well on your way to your storage shed’s total spring makeover

Peg Strips - Use peg strips to hang tools and equipment of all shapes and sizes from hammers to hoes.
Shelving Units - Use shelving units to keep smaller items from getting lost and chemical products out of reach of children. You can utilize every little niche of your storage shed by installing corner shelves as well.
Bike Hook – Use a bike hook to suspend your bike from the ceiling so it's not always getting tipped over as you move around inside your shed

If, after you’ve utilized your Lifetime shed to its fullest storage capacity, you still find you have more stuff than space, we offer shed extension kits to expand your Lifetime shed from 2.5 feet to 36 feet, depending on the model of your shed.

Eye-Catching Craft Show Displays

katie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Easy ways to boost your craft Sales and great organizational tips!

‘Tis the season to pull out your craft materials and start hauling your goods to local craft shows and bazaars. If you’re displaying at your local indoor church bazaar for just a few hours, set up might be a little less elaborate than an all-weekend, outdoor city craft show. However, either way, we’ve pulled together some tips and hints to help your booth sizzle with success!

Checklist

Lifetime display tables
Lifetime folding chairs
Craft Show Caddy
Cash box
Change
Receipt book
Calculator
Several pens
Order forms
Clipboard
Lined paper pads for writing orders, names, phone numbers
Tax certificate (if applicable)
Tax tables
Business cards
Catalogs
Large sign with name and/or logo, with hanging wire or easel
Safety pins (for anything)
Large white sheet/material for sun protection pinned to tent back wall or sidewall (if needed)
Racks, shelves, mannequins, boxes, etc. used to hold/display your crafts for sale
Display signs with item categories and prices
Extra price tags
Extra material and tools used to make your products
Bags for items sold
A basic toolbox including a stapler, scissors, duct tape, and a utility knife.
Paper towels
Moist wipes
Tissues
Small broom/dust pan
Garbage bags
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm (if outdoors)
Cash for lunch if you can buy it at the show, otherwise pack a lunch
Flashlight
3”x5” index cards for emergency sign replacement
Small first aid kit with bandages, aspirin etc.
Place last list item here.

Small, Indoor Bazaars

Often times, space is limited. A Lifetime 6-Foot Fold-in-Half Table will provide ample display space for small crafts and will use minimal space in your vehicle.
Depending on the size of your crafts and if there is adequate space, try adding extra dimension to your display by stair-stepping Lifetime Adjustable Height Tables. Use a Lifetime 6-Foot Adjustable table at its highest level, then place a Lifetime 4-Foot Adjustable table in front of it set at the middle level.
Take a Lifetime Personal Table along to set beside you to keep your cash box and paperwork within arm’s reach, but away from the customers.
Remember to take a Lifetime chair to use for seating when you need a rest at your display.

Large Outdoor Craft Shows with Individual Tent Space

Place six Lifetime 6-Foot Tables in a square - two tables on the sides and one table on each end. You will stand in the middle and your customers will walk around the outside. Place a Lifetime Personal Table in the middle with you to hold your cashbox and paperwork.
Use six Lifetime 5-Foot Tables and place them in a U-Shape - two tables on each side. This allows room for your customers to easily browse under the protection of the tent.
Use six Lifetime 5-Foot tables and align them in three separate rows (two tables per row) so customers can walk “up and down the aisles”. Place a Lifetime 4-foot table at the back of the tent as a “checkout” counter.
Remember to take a Lifetime chair to use for seating when you need a rest at your display.

Large Outdoor Craft Shows with Individual Tent Space

Looks Matter! Think of creating your craft show display as if it was your own mini-store. Your display should be attractive, neat, organized, and creative to get your customer’s attention and interest.
Themes and props. Themed displays are a great way to tie your entire display together. If your craft involves sewing, set up an old sewing machine. If you make a seasonal craft, use seasonal props and colors.
Colors. Keep in mind the mood the color of your table cover can create and how it will make your craft pop. Blue, green and white tend to be comforting colors. White and black tablecloths are best for showcasing shiny jewelry. If you have a seasonal craft, use those prominent colors (such as red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, pastels for Easter) to set the tone and remind people of the upcoming holiday.
Eye level. Display your crafts at different elevations to make your display more interesting. Get creative and look for fun items around the house! Covered boxes, wooden crates, shelves, flowerpots, etc. can be used to place your crafts at different levels. Keep in mind, items at eye level will be seen first.
Explain your craft. Don’t always assume everyone will know how to use your craft. Try to display your craft in use. If it’s a holiday ornament, set up a miniature tree to display your ornaments. If you make baby booties, put them in a cradle. Be creative, and don’t forget to wear your craft if you make something wearable like jewelry or clothes!
Different perspective. After you set up your display, always remember to take a step back and look at the display from your customers’ point of view. What will they see as the focus of your display? Is there anything they won’t be able to see and might miss?
Price tags. No matter how many signs you may have stating the price of your items, people will still ignore them. To save yourself being asked over and over, or possible missed sales because people don’t want to ask, be sure to have price tags on each individual item. For quick and easy price tags, customize and download our free “Handmade by” price tags!
Make your craft. If time (and your craft) permits, actually work on a craft at the show. This will draw attention as people watch how you actually make your goods.

Tips

Put all your checklist items into a Craft Show Caddy. If you plan to sell your crafts at shows frequently, save yourself some time and put together a Craft Show Caddy. Purchase a large plastic container with lid and fill it all of your non-inventory craft show essentials. Also purchase several smaller plastic containers to easily organize similar items – one for a cash box (preferably a non-clear box so people can’t see how much money is in it), one to use as a tool box, and one for miscellaneous small items.
Designate a place in your garage or basement to keep the Craft Show Caddy, along with the tables, chairs, tents, dolly, etc. so that everything is in one spot and easy for you to quickly load. After each show, be sure to restock any items you may need to make sure you’re always ready to go. Print the caddy checklist above, and tape it to the inside of the lid. That way, if you run out of something, you can easily double-check what’s missing!
After you set up your display at each show, take a photo of your display so you can easily remember how it was arranged to quickly replicate it again next time! It’s also a great way to evaluate what you like, don’t like, and need to improve.
Sell yourself! Have a professional sign saying who you are, where you are from and what you make! Create a shirt with your logo for extra marketing. In addition, have a stack of business cards and catalogs prominently displayed so people can share your information with interested friends.
Acknowledge browsers. Allow your customers to browse at their own leisure and don’t hound them. However, if you see a customer showing particular interest in a certain item, approach her in a helpful tone with “I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about my items.”
Make it obvious. Customers don’t like to ask if they don’t have to. Have plenty of signs stating the prices of your items and make sure everything is individually priced.
Credit Cards. If you accept credit cards, post signs saying so. This may help boost your sales as many people don’t expect crafters to accept plastic!

Garage Sale!

katie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:14:00 GMT

Secrets to success when selling your old treasures

With the winter thaw complete and the warm sun shining down on the yard, it’s time to engage in the timeless act of “spring cleaning.”

Spring is the perfect time to climb up in the attic, creep down into the basement and de-clutter your entire household. Pull out all of the hidden treasures that have worn out their welcome and hold the first great garage sale of the year.

Checklist

Full assortment of Lifetime Folding Tables
A beautiful day!
Wide selection of junk from the basement, attic, closets and garage
Signage for posting around the neighborhood
Ad in the local paper or community newsletter
Price tags
Change (small bills, coins and receipts) and a cash box
Refreshments (or a Lemonade Stand so the kids can participate)

Steps

Before you begin, be sure to have plenty of Lifetime Folding tables on hand to display all of your beautiful treasures. These tables are strong and sturdy, and won’t add to the clutter when you are done because they fold-up and are easy to store.
Check with your local government for any laws or restrictions in regards to your yard sale. This should include asking about rules on posting signage.
Pick a warm, sunny day for your garage sale. Weekends are always the best time and it’s always wise to keep your eye on the weather before you start. A wet garage sale is no fun for anyone.
Now take inventory of what you have to sell. This will help you create a nice pricing plan as well as giving you an idea of how to package certain things together. Sometimes, a pair of old skis may just sit there and not get sold, but if you package them together with boots, poles and a fluffy scarf, you may move it much quicker!
Advertise your garage sale around town. See our free downloadable flyer below. This can include signage posted on street corners and in neighbor’s yards. It’s also a good idea to advertise in the local newspaper classified ads. Most garage sale aficionados check the papers first before planning their treasure trips.
Start early! Many people who frequent garage sales are “early birds,” especially if you post it in the newspaper. So prepare your yard and your family, it’s going to be an early start to a long morning.
Make sure you have plenty of change on hand to handle even the smallest purchase, and mark everything clearly with price tags. The eventual price is ALWAYS negotiable at garage sales, but it’s nice to give your customers a place to start the bartering. Have a secure cashbox on hand to keep all of your change and earnings in one place.
Provide refreshments for your patrons. Shopping can be a tiring chore, so it’s nice to have some cool beverages on hand. If you want to involve the kids, use a smaller Lifetime table and a few chairs and set-up a Lemonade Stand. It’s a great way to get the kids up early and the perfect spot to raise a little money for their summer spending sprees.
Invite your neighbors to join in on the fun. Garage sales that include the hidden treasures of more than one home are always a hit. Besides, it’s the perfect way to make new friends and re-kindle your old friendships.
When everything is done and it’s time to close up shop, take an inventory of what has been sold. If you don’t want to store your unsold bounty, make a trip to the local thrift shop or Salvation Army center. You may also want to check to see if your kids’ school or your church is having a rummage sale, your stuff may be a good addition to the local community drive.

Free Downloads

Printable flyer.
Printable pricetags. compatable with Avery Labels 8163 5963, 5163, or 5263

Study Zone 101

katie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:39:00 GMT

Set up the perfect space for Back to School success

Getting back into the study zone at home can be a tough process after a long, fun summer. Some simple organization can help you approach the coming year with the perfect homework setting; tailored to your child's school situation. So, grab a highlighter and take note of these easy ideas for finding and creating the perfect homework place!

Steps

Designated space Designate a set place in your room or home for your child to study. If it is a younger child, make the space someplace (such as the family room or kitchen) where you can easily supervise the work and be readily available to answer questions. If it is an older child, his own bedroom is an ideal location.
Table it There’s a reason classrooms have desks and chairs instead of couches and beds…it keeps the students alert! The same should hold true at home. Make sure your child has a desk or table to use for studying and doing homework. Try to make it someplace where his homework can lay uninterrupted if the work may take a long time. (For instance, a kitchen table may not be the best homework place because it may require unfinished homework to be moved at dinnertime.) A Lifetime Personal Table is the perfect size for a student desk. And, it can easily be folded and stored on the weekends when homework is out of sight!
Size matters Making sure your child has a desk or table is important. But, it also needs to be the appropriate size. For younger child, most homework usually involves just a worksheet or one book so a small desk such as a Lifetime Personal Table is adequate. And, the table height is adjustable to ensure a proper fit for your child. Middle school and high schools students, however, often have multiple items in use at the same time such as a textbook, dictionary, and notebook. Consider using a Lifetime 4-Foot Table for more space and an economical solution. If space permits, place two 4-Foot Tables in an L-shape to really give your child a place to spread out while having everything within arm’s reach and eye’s view.
Light bright Your child’s homework space should be well-lit to provide good reading light, as well as to help keep your child alert while studying. Placing your child’s desk near a window for natural lighting will also help brighten his homework mood. (However, ideally the desk should not face the window so you’re child won’t be tempted to watch activities going on outside.)
Shhhh Study halls require students to be quiet while studying and so should you. Keep your child’s homework space free from noise distractions. Kids will complain, but that means no TV, no radio, no iPods, no video games, no phones, no cell phones, etc. Parents and other siblings should also abide by this rule and be quiet in around the homework space.

Tips

Not sure where to put your study space? There are lots of places in your house or apartment that provide the ideal quiet corner. Here are 5 Places to Get Instant Personal Study Space.

The Bedroom. Children need to have a designated place to do their homework. The Lifetime Personal Table is the perfect size for use as a small desk in your child’s bedroom. Plus, with three adjustable height settings, it’s made to grow with your child.
The Family Room. Younger children frequently need homework supervision. Set up a Lifetime Personal Table in the family room so you can quietly read a magazine and be readily available to answer any questions while your child is doing homework next to you.
The Office Room. Computers are now an essential part of homework. When your child needs to do homework on the computer, place a Lifetime Personal Table to the side of the computer desk (to make an L-shape configuration) so she has room to spread out her books and papers to her side while having the computer easily accessible in front of her.
The Class Room. Teachers often need extra desks for student tutor time away from the rest of the class. Moving a desk can be cumbersome and extra desks aren’t always available. A Lifetime Personal Table is an easy way to quickly gain an extra student desk. When it’s not being used as a desk, it also can be used as a podium, a demonstration table, or simply to hold the homework in-box.
The Dorm Room. The Lifetime Personal Table is ideal for college students who need extra study tables during late night cram sessions with their friends. And, it folds flat for easy storage in compact spaces like under a bed or behind a dresser.

Give me a Break!

katie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:35:00 GMT

Simple break room solutions for small business owners

Happy employees are productive employees. And when it comes to your employees, little things can make a big difference. Creating an employee break room is a small perk that can help refresh minds, build friendships, and boost your bottom line. Whether you own a hair salon, a video store, or a real estate office, we can help you create a functional and affordable employee break room.

Checklist

Lifetime Tables
Lifetime chairs
Sink
Refrigerator/freezer
Ice maker or ice cube trays
Microwave
Toaster
Coffee pot
Water cooler
Dinnerware supplies- plates, bowls, spoons, etc.
Plastic wrap
Coffee mugs for guests
Glass beverage glasses for guests
Paper towels
409 or other all-purpose cleaner
Dish soap and sponge
Broom
Vending Machines
Water cooler
Coffee
Coffee filters
Sugar
Cream
Coffee stirrers

Steps

Find Space A separate room is ideal, but if space is at a premium, start with a simple divided-off area (out of view from customers) where employees can get away from their desk to eat their lunch away or just to relax. This can easily be accomplished by setting up a cubicle in the back of the room (or using portable room dividers) and including a table and chairs. If you are fortunate enough to have a separate room to use as a break room, the design possibilities are endless! Read our list of table and chair suggestions below to maximize your seating space. In addition to the dining area, add a kitchen sink so employees can rinse lunch dishes and easily clean up spills.
Establish Kitchen Convenience If you have the space and money, create a break room with the convenience and coziness of your home kitchen. Add a refrigerator, freezer and microwave to encourage employees to pack their lunch. Water coolers, coffee pots, disposable dinnerware supplies (paper plates, napkins, utensils, etc.), and vending machines are nice extra touches. Establish basic break room etiquette rules to keep your break room clean, stocked, and free of moldy, unidentifiable food!
Set the Mood In addition to serving as a dining room, a break room should be a place where employees can escape from the noise and stress of work. They should leave the area feeling re-energized, re-charged, and ready to tackle their next project. Paint the room a bright, cheery color that is different from the rest of the office motif to help change the scenery. Hang a bulletin board to post company announcements and memos and for employees to post personal signs and ads. Subscribe to trade journals and news publications so employees can read about the competition and current affairs during their downtime. Provide activities to help relieve stress such as a deck of cards, a foose ball table, or even a coloring book and crayons.
Provide Food for Thought Providing food and beverages for your employees is a quick way for employees to boost their energy during the workday. Vending machines are an easy way to provide a variety of options. Keep in mind, they can also be more expensive (for both employers and employees) and take up more physical space than other options. A more economical food option is to purchase snacks and beverages in bulk from a warehouse club. Place them in a basket or container for employees to purchase using the honesty system. Have a change box for employees to drop their money in on the spot, or make a tally sheet so employees can mark each time they take something and then bill employees at the end of each week or month. If you are really feeling generous and you have the funds, pull out all the stops and provide free snacks and beverages for your employees! Just stocking a few bulk containers of snacks or providing a bag of bagels every Monday morning can make a big impression on your employees. To encourage a healthier working environment, provide more nutritional snack options such as granola bars, microwave popcorn, and dried fruits. Employees will feel better and work better in the long run!
Be the Host with the Most If you host business guests in your office or shop, be able to offer them a hot or cold beverage while you meet. If you have frequent business meetings, purchase glass coffee mugs and beverage glasses to serve your important guests properly.
Get Employee Input Periodically ask your employees what they would like to see added to the break room. After all, it’s their break room! Make a suggestion box for employees to anonymously provide their feedback and place it in the break room where employees are most likely to think of the ideas.

Tips

Durable, and easy-to-maintain furniture is important for an employee break room. The tables and chairs should be easy to clean since frequent spills and splatters are a given when food is involved! And, as a small business owner, you need your furniture to be flexible for various purposes such as individual lunches, group birthday potlucks, training meetings, etc.
For small spaces with room for only one table, a Lifetime 4-Foot Round Table and four chairs create a comfortable and trendy atmosphere. If you have larger space, purchase two (or more) Lifetime Folding Card Tables with chairs. This allows you to have two separate tables for eating areas, or you can push them together and make one large table for a bigger group meal or training meeting.
If don’t have a counter in your break room, purchase a Lifetime 5-Foot Adjustable Height Table and set it at the buffet height, pushed up against the wall. This provides plenty of space to hold the microwave and paper supplies (such as napkins, plates, etc.), as well as room to prepare food before placing it in the microwave. Maximize your space and store extra supplies in containers under the table.
If you have an outdoor patio area (that is not in view of the customer entrance), create an outdoor eating area with a Lifetime Folding Picnic Table so employees can enjoy some fresh air on sunny days.
Assign a stock Boy or Girl. Designate one employee (or yourself) to be the person who stocks all of the break room food and supplies. That person should check inventory at the end of each day.
Refrigerator and freezer. Everything gets thrown out on Friday afternoon regardless of when it was put in. Establish a weekly rotating cycle so each employee is responsible for helping with this nasty task. No complaining allowed – if everyone uses it, everyone cleans it.
Coffee pot. First person to want coffee makes coffee. Make more if you empty the pot. Last one to leave the office turns the pot off.
Microwave. Nothing is more disgusting than getting your lunch ready to cook and opening the microwave door to see crusted, splattered food! If your food splatters or runs over while cooking, clean up the mess!
Dirty Dishes. No dirty dishes in the sink - rinse or wash them off. Empty dishes left on the counter to dry must be taken home each night.
Spills. Clean up after yourself. If you spill it, wipe it up. If you drop it, pick it up. This applies to tables, chairs, counters, floors, and appliances.
Refill it. If you emptied it, refill it. If you used the last paper towel, open a new roll etc.