ARE YOU A NEW SIESTA MAGAZINE READER?
If so, then the message below if for you!
Since the STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED newsmail began in January of 2006, it has grown in length and popularity, now reaching multiple states in the US as well as several European countries. As SPM strives to offer a fresh look with each issue, Siesta Magazine has moved most contents to the new blogspot site. Though this e-mail will continue to arrive in your mailboxes on the first of the month, it will only include the magazine cover, news and announcements. From now on, if you click on the cover or the direct link to the blogspot, you will be directed to view the various sections of the magazine within the new site. SIESTA MAGAZINE issue dates are on the first of each month.
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~COVER ART~
"Central Park Autumn at the Lake" New York -DeNitto ©2003
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
+ SPEAKING OF SIESTAS!
+ THE BOOK CORNER
+ PICK OF THE MONTH
+ RECIPE OR COOKBOOK OF THE MONTH **COOKBOOK PART IS NEW!
+ GREEN LIVING TIPS
+ TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
+ MOM TIME
+ SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE MONTH
+ QUOTE OF THE MONTH
+ PHOTO OF THE MONTH
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+ SPEAKING OF SIESTAS!
{ Pictured: Ulysses resting from his little kitty journey. DeNitto © 2006 } A siesta /siːˈɛstə/, original Spanish pronunciation [ˈsjesta] is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some hot countries. The word siesta is Spanish, from the Latin hora sexta - "the sixth hour" (counting from dawn, therefore noon, hence "midday rest").At SPM the true definition is taken a bit further. If a nap is not possible, but there is enough time allowed for any other type of break, it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of that precious moment. As long as the mind and body can rest for a short period as often as possible during the work week, it can only enhance the quality of living.
Each month, learn more facts about SIESTAS and how you may benefit from taking them into your daily routine.
Below are October's SIESTA TIPS/FACTS:
Rain is just one peaceful sound that can actually help in falling asleep...
AUTUMN RAINS
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+ THE BOOK CORNER
This section offers ideas for books related to various subjects including organizing, designing, lifestyle improvements, humour, business, psychology and green living. During the year, the occasional novel or biography may also slip into an issue.
: BOOK RECOMMENDATION FOR OCTOBER :
TITLE: Pottery Barn Workspaces
AUTHOR: Martha Fey
COPYRIGHT: 2009
ISBN-13: 9781740898706
From the Pottery Barn book series, this book stems from the previous 2004 addition and centers around solving office storage space challenges.
WORK SPACES
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+ PICK OF THE MONTH
PROJECT BOXES
These classic boxes lie flat for streamlined storage as they are easily stacked and can be labeled for easy access. They are great for projects, special files or storing glossy promo materials.
PROJECT BOXES
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+ RECIPE OR COOKBOOK OF THE MONTH **COOKBOOK PART IS NEW!
AUTUMN SNACK TO TAKE TO THE OFFICE!
RECIPE: CARROT PUMPKIN SNACK CAKES
CAKE INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS
- 1 box super moist carrot cake mix
- 1 15 ounce can of pumpkin-- OR, if preferred, apple sauce!
- mix pumpkin into prepared cake mix, as instructed on box (adding oil, water and eggs to desired batter consistency)
- bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes
- allow to cool thoroughly
- top with special cream cheese buttercream frosting
FROSTING INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS
- 1 8 ounce package of cream cheese at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (equals 1 stick) unsalted butter, also at room temperature
- 1 one-pound box confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl with electric mixer approximately 30 seconds
- with mixer set on low, slowly add sugar and scraping sides of bowl when necessary
- add vanilla and inrease mixer speed, blending frosting until fluffy, approximately one minute
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+ GREEN LIVING TIPS
It's time to Greeganize!!! (an official SPM term!)
October Tip:
How can you GREEN your office?
If you cannnot afford major upgrades to your workspace with new lighting or natural materials for your furniture or flooring, you can start small with simple habits to become a better recycler!
> Create a highly accessible spot of the room to be designated specifically for paper shredding, recycling and regular trash. All mail which comes into the area should be opened and what is not needed should be discarded over one or more of these three bins, keeping in mind that the more you can recycle, the better.
> Before discarding paper with only a small amount of it written on, consider cutting the sheet into small sizes for making grocery lists.
> Never throw out old business cards! If flipped over, these cards make perfect message slips for phone calls, etc. They can be kept near phones in small trays, baskets or bowls for easy access during a call. This allows them to be used one more time before being recycled.
> Use natural storage solutions, such as wood or wicker letter trays, leather boxes, glass or ceramic pencil holders and tape dispensers. Natural materials are attractive, durable and efficient. For a pencil holder, an old mug or beverage glass from a flea market can certainly be revived for extended use.
> Find an old desk, repair it and refinish it, if necessary. Or, if you happen to like a weathered or worn appearance, simply clean it up before using it. Add an old, but comfortable chair to complete the look.
After being a better recycler, considering options for new supplies can still keep up with the theme of green. The site below can give you an idea of what green supplies are available.
GREEN OFFICE SUPPLIES
Now is the time to embrace the green.......
>>In future issues, Siesta Magazine will offer more tips or product guidelines with the latest information on how to adopt routines of green living!
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+ TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
SAVE TIME AND ENERGY / LOWER STRESS LEVELS
Unfortunately, a lot of people only think about saving money during an economic recession. But, many of us also don't think about saving time. We tend to waste time, which can cause us to also waste money. By not planning ahead better, we can be guilty about wasting gas or commuting fees.
In a recession, we now seem to be planning our days according to how much time, money and even energy that we have... all the way down to how much gas is the tanks of our vehicles or how many rides are left on our metro cards. Is this because we are forced to save money? Why can't we always think and plan this way?
Planning ahead is key to not only saving time, money and energy, but also it helps a lot in our stress levels. Certainly, if you are able to manage your time better, you would reduce stress. Reducing stress levels by taking into account what amount of time you may be losing -day after day or week after week- could then turn to help you also reduce the amount of money and energy that you may also be wasting.
Running errands? Making pick-ups?
+ Try to have a least two errands in an area. If you don't have more than one errand in that area, are you bound to run that one errand immediately, or can it possibly wait until you have another?
+ Determine whether or not your errands are even justified. You may have seen a new pair of boots in the sale paper, but they are clear across town. Can you justify the purchase against the time and energy needed to get there? Can you wait until you have at least one other errand in that area? Can you find similar boots closer to where you are? Can you live without the boots?
+ Carpooling the kids? Please arrive early, if possible, turn your engines off and bring a simple reading or writing activity with you to work on in your vehicle while waiting. As parents we all wait on our kids -for whatever reasons- so it's never a bad idea to have something constructive to do until they are ready. Also, having healthy snacks ready for them helps you avoid fast food or grocery stops during the trip home or to their extra curricular activities.
It's not too difficult to begin a good green habit of scheduling errands with work or family commutes here and there. Making a list of what needs to be done and matching the needs up to the areas is very helpful. In any case, it's a win-win to keep stress levels in check, while saving money and energy at the same time!
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+ MOM TIME
FORWARD: A note from SPM MOM...
During the early 1990's, as a mother raising two children through their first years, I now learn of many new products that are thrilling to me, even with my empty nest. I often find myself wishing that some of them were available 22 years ago. Below are neat links and ideas to products or educational items currently on today's market for parents to explore for their children-- babies through college students!
Are the kids invading your workspace?
How to cope with having kids near or in your workspace, with low interference.
As a parent with an office, studio or shop space at home, you may find that it can be a juggle to keep kids from interrupting or even invading your work area. However, there can be various ways to remain productive and have kids learn about why your space is very important. Kids can adapt to parents working from home with respect once they understand cetain boundaries. Parents can explain their jobs to their kids a early ages. Kids are interested in what their parents do for work and are usually eager to learn about their career choices. Explaining work is interesting for them and promotes a healthy understanding as to the importance of what the work means to both the parent and the child.
Parent work spaces, whether carved out of corners or in separate rooms, can be organized keeping kids in mind. Kids can be introduced to a work space by a special tour with explanations as to what tools, electronics, books or papers, etc. are used by parents and why. They can be reminded about what they may or may not be allowed to use or even touch.
Certainly, if a work space is in a separate room, or has dangerous tools, a lock can be installed on a door for added safety if a parent feels that it may still be necessary after discussing the dangers with their children. If this is the case, then it is better safe than sorry, of course. Managing an adult workspace with kids in tow is up to the comfort level, as well as the responsibility, of the parent. If a lock is installed on a door, it is still advisable to discuss with kids as to why the lock was installed.
As for time management, kids can also be alerted to specific periods of time where interruptions would greatly delay work, which would then cut into the time would be better spent with them doing something fun. (It is also advisable for a parent using special or loud tools to discuss startling interruptions with kids so that they would not cause an accident to occur.) In an office, a parent might need great focus on reading or writing or calculating and in order to ensure that they have quality time at their work, kids can be educated with reasons for what would be best in allowing a parent to finish their tasks in peace. It can always be up to the discretion of a parent as to when they choose to give permission to kids to be present or to interrupt them.
To comment more about safety, even in a simple office, as opposed to a shop or studio with tools which may be sharp or hot, there are certain items which can still pose a danger to children of young ages- even right down to a stapler, scissors or a letter opener. When setting up an office, keep in mind what items should be kept out of reach of crawling babies or waddling toddlers. This also goes for electronic equipment, wires, or heavy books leaning precariously on a bookshelf. There are also certain inconvenience which could occur, such as the common permanent marker wall doodles.
If desired, or possible, a parent can also create a specific office or studio design by designating an area of the space for the kids. Kids can feel included by having their own workspace, whether it is a table or desk. Cubbies can be added for organizing art supplies. Later, older children can also benefit from an office atmosphere as a productive area to accomplish their homework assignments or projects.
It is up to parents to determine what would be most productive for their work while still maintaining family life with the kids, whether or not they are granted time and space to share with the parent. Below are helpful tips and website links for a home workspaces, whether separated from or shared with kids.
TIPS & LINKS
+ DOOR SIGNS- Popular with teen girls, in particular, "do not disturb" door signs can help alert that you may be deep in thought, on the phone or using a sharp tool.
+ PROJECT SIGNS- It is quite simple to print up "do not touch" signs from a computer and laminate them to be used over and over. This can alert kids not to touch a stack of papers, touch wet paint or sticky glues, etc.
+ CLOCK SIGNS- This can help young children to learn how to tell time and adjust to a parent's working hours.
+ YOUTH DESKS - Here are some samples of study desks in youthful sizes.
+ CREATIVITY STORAGE This is a fantastic unit for parents really wanting their children to explore their creativity, while keeping their supplies in order.
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+ SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER IS A SPECIAL MONTH FOR YOUR WORKSPACE!
OCTOBER is National Ergonomics Month
OCTOBER 5th is Improve Your Home Office Day
The weather is cooling off and perhaps more time is being spent inside, making it seem like the perfect moment to make considerations about your workspace. With October being the official month to celebrate office improvements and ergonomics, this may be the time to dedicate some commitment as to what could help you work more productively and more comfortably.
SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR WORKSPACE:
+ Is your office functional enough to suit your needs?
+ Is it comfortable enough to sit through hours at a time getting through projects?
+ Is it cluttered and draining your mental energy?
+ Do you have a terrible issue with wires being tangled or in sight?
+ Do you find that you have either too many supplies, not enough supplies or the wrong supplies?
+ Is your filing system working?
+ Is your seating comfortable and of an appropriate size for your height and frame?
+ Is the space too sterile or too busy?
+ Do you rotate files from current to cold storage?
+ Are your phones within reach? Are they easily charged in a specific spot?
+ Do you have wasted wall, floor or surface space which could be used for shelving or other methods of storage?
+ Is your work area combined with personal living and if so, is the personal part overlapping too much, causing distractions or loss of workable space?
++ Is your work suffering as a result of two or more issues mentioned in the questions above?
It's easy to keep "trying" to work in less than favourable conditions without realizing that by taking the time to plan for a more productive workspace, you could add more pleasure and comfort into daily work life. Afterall, rather than working in a dull atmosphere, your space should inspire you, without being too busy that it is a complete distraction.
TIPS TO LEAD YOU TO A BETTER WORKSPACE
* Check comfort levels of your chair and how it fits up against your desk.- Do you have enough leg room?
- Does the chair allow your arms to be at the recommended level for typing and writing?
- Do you feel that you could use a chair with wheels for rolling accessibility to reach shelves or filing drawers near your desk?
- Is the chair causing back fatigue?
- Is the cushion soft enough for sitting for long hours?
* Compare the desk to your body size.- Does the desk have ample surface space for your arms to have enough support for computer work?
- Does it allow enough room to properly use a computer mouse?
- Do you also have enough surface space to use for reading and writing when not using a keyboard?
- Are you battling wires and small gadgets competing for space on or around your desk?
- Does your desk have ample room for common office supplies?
* Evaluate your storage space.
- Do you have good storage spaces for your larger supplies?
- Are your reference books or tools organized well enough that you could find what you needed in two to five minutes?
- Do you have a designated spot for files which need to be transported to cold storage because you don't currently use them, but by law, you may be required to archive them?
- Do you have a rotation of filing, weeding, shredding and recycling paperwork?
- Do you find that you cannot complete simple tasks due to overflow of clutter which causes delays and stress?
These are just some of the main thoughts and ideas which should be taken into account when considering office improvements.
Do you want your workspace up and running quickly? Do you need help creating a better workspace and developing systems that actually work for your routine?
STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED has special plans for this month. Plan now for workspace SPECIALS!! Click on photo for October promotions. These special rates are very popular, so call early to reserve space. Initial consultations are free!
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+ QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.--Theodore Roosevelt
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+ PHOTO OF THE MONTH
"TREE FROG WANTS TO SWEEP PORCH" -
DeNitto ©2009
