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Would you want to be driving in front of her and have to stop suddenly?
In 2007 in Washington State a law passed that made it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving without a head-set. However, it was a secondary offense, meaning one could only get a ticket if there was another infraction committed, such as speeding, or swerving.
The legislators noticed that despite the law, there has been an increase in car crashes and associated injuries with cell phone use and in March of 2010 they voted to make driving while talking on the cell phone or texting a primary offense. This revised law went into effect on June 10th and if ticketed, comes with a fine of $124.00 per offense.
Drivers who are distracted by the phone, eating, texting, even some conversations and music, aren’t as alert as those who just focus on the road and their route. Did you know that a driver talking on a cell phone is as impaired as a driver with a .08 blood-alcohol level? Did you know that a driver who is texting is as impaired as a driver with a .16 blood-alcohol level (double the legal limit)? Did you know that a driver talking on a cell phone will be half a second slower to hit the breakes in emergencies and missmore than half the visual cues seen by attentive drivers? (These facts are from the Washington State Department of Licensing).
While fictional, dramatacized and graphic (do not watch with young children near by), this video originated on break.com and viewed often on YouTube depicting the potentially fatal results of texting while driving is one you may want your teen driver to see (or may want to review occassionally yourself if you’re tempted to text while driving).
The New York Times did a series called “Driven to Distraction“. Make sure to check out the fun 3-minute game we featured in a previous post ( illustrating what happens when we drive distracted) and this quick video that features real people and shows interesting simulated distracted driving results.
The next time you go to send a text while on the road, don’t, or pull over if you must. If you have to make a call, only do so using a hands-free devise, and even then, remember that its not just important to keep our hands on the wheel, and our eyes on the road, we also need to keep our mind in the game and fully engaged as well.
Bottom Line: We’re just not as good at multitasking as we think we are and the road, behind the wheel, is a dangerous place to discover the truth. Is there any call, text message, email or other distraction that’s more important or more urgent then you life and the lives of others? We think not. Don’t drive distracted!
Thoughts? Comments? You know where we stand on this issue; we’d love to hear from you. (Just not while you’re driving).
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We recently posted a product review of Smead’s Stadium File. Today we’ll review their SuperTab Folders.
An alternate to a traditional file folder, the SuperTab Folders’ primary differentiating factor is the size of the tab found at the top of the folder. Providing 90 % more space in which to label, these folders allow the user to write larger for increased visibility, and/or include more text on the tab/label than they would otherwise be able.
These folders are available in Letter Size or Legal Size, recycled manila or a variety of primary and pastel colors, and in boxes of 24, 50 or 100. Oversized labels, made specifically to fit to oversized tabs, are also available. A free Microsoft Word label template for use with these labels and on the oversized tabs is also available for download at www.smead.com/SuperTab.
Pros: Larger labeling space allows the user to write larger on the tab/label for greater visibilility. This could lead to the user being able to find the file faster when looking in their drawer or in a tiered file holder. The user can also include several lines of text on a label, where they may otherwise be limited with standard folders/tabs.
Cons: If you intend to mix these in with your traditional 1/3 cut file folders, some will look different (though not much … overall height of the folder in general is about the same as standard folders, just the tab is bigger). Because of the bigger cut away right below the tab, you can see more of the document you store in the folder itself. For some, this may be a negative. For others, it won’t matter.
Where to Buy/Pricing: You’ll find these folders at a variety of office supply stores, including Office Depot or Staples. Price ranges from about $11.99 for a box of 100 manila up to $20.99 for a box of 100 colored folders.
If you try these, let us know what you think. If you know of other new products we should check out or consider reviewing, we’d love to hear from you.
Disclosure: This is sponsored content and we have been given product samples and a nominal gift card to do this post. That being said, we do not blog about anything we do not believe in and Smead did not edit our post or direct our content in any way.
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We’re always on the look-out for new products that can help our clients stay organized. Recently, we were asked to review three from Smead. We were sent samples of their Stadium File, SuperTab Folders, and Viewables Labels. We’ll be posting our review for all three products over the next few days. The first will be for the Stadium File.
The Stadium File is a desktop organizer. This organizing tool contains 12 tiered pockets that keep papers and files visible. A great tool for someone who has papers spread out on their desk and worries about “out of sight, out of mind”. This keeps active papers and files (letter size) in front of you, in an organized fashion. Retailing for around $20, the organizer comes with several options for labels – A-Z, Jan-Dec, 1-31 and household subjects.
Pros:
- Price Point – this is a low investment to make to get the piles of paper up off the surface of your desk.
- Compact – it only takes up a corner of the desk
- Good option for active papers to be set up in a tickler file based on when the action needs to happen or categorical file based on what needs to happen with the paper.
- Not limited to an office desk, this product could also be used on a kitchen counter to corral papers needed in a “Household Command Center” with rosters, schedules, frequently used forms, lists, etc.
- Can use pre-printed labels or blank labels that come with the product to customize the files for your needs.
- Can accomodate loose papers or file folders
- While some tiered file holders only support the bottom part of paper or files, this supports the entire width of the paper or file. In some tiered file holders I’ve used in the past, the folders eventually curve. That wouldn’t happen in this organizer.
Cons:
- Made of 10 % recycled and 10% post-consumer material, this is a paper based product and is not completely sturdy. The whole unit may be pretty easy to knock over if you weren’t careful. When the organizer is full, it makes it heavier, and would be less likely to tip over.
- The built in tabs bent pretty easily when I slipped in a manila file folder and then were covered by said folder.
Where to buy: This product can be found at Office Depot, Franklin Covey and on Amazon, among other places.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an inexpensive solution to help you manage “active” papers and files on your desk top, this is good option. If you decide to give it a try, please let me know what you think.
Disclosure: This is sponsored content and we have been given product samples and a nominal gift card to do this post. That being said, we do not blog about anything we do not believe in and Smead did not edit our post or direct our content in any way.
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I didn’t want to do it, but I’m glad I did.
As you may remember, I’m training for a half marathon that takes place in late June. I have a plan – a specific training plan that spells out what distances I will run on which particular days. In my head, I know that sticking to this plan will prepare me for the race. My goals are to finish, perhaps to shave a little time off my last (and first) half marathon, and to do so injury-free.
The other morning I was scheduled to go out for a run. I really didn’t feel like running. I was tired, it was early, and my motivation seemed to have gone AWOL. I got up and went out anyway, convincing myself that just getting started was the first step.
Once I began, I settled in to the run. In fact, it was one of the better runs I have had for a while. The air was fresh, the temperature comfortable, and the time passed quickly. I had some good music to listen to and brainstormed a few ideas for Simply Placed. I do some of my best thinking while out on a run.
So even though I didn’t want to do it, I’m so very glad I did.
For me, this reinforces the benefit to setting a goal for something that is important to you and having a plan of action. Lastly, some discipline to stick to the plan, even if it means just committing to taking one step to get you going, will take you a long way.
What’s in your plan for the day? What will you do if your motivation hides from you for a while? Need more ideas? Please let us know.
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Last Fall we had the opportunity to help organize the kitchen and pantry of the Zero Energy House in Bellevue. The overall project was featured earlier this year on the cover of and inside of 425 Magazine.
If you didn’t get a copy, we’ve got the link to the article here. We’re proud to be listed as a “resource” for making the vision for the house a reality for owners Donna and Riley Shirey.
We hope the Shirey’s continue to enjoy their organized pantry and kitchen and applaud them for their commitment both to simplicity and to the environment.
Here’s to organized and sustainable living!
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We love to hear stories about lives made simpler, business growth, and money saved as a result of the work we do with our clients. We often receive testimonials from our clients via email, phone or verbally. Here is a great testimonial from one of our “happy clients”, Dellann Elliott, Executive Director of the Chris Elliott Fund.
I’ve been working with Simply Placed and I love it! Last month when I went to my personal accountant to prepare my taxes, I can’t tell you how EASY it was! I use the FreedomFiler system for both my personal records as well as CEF’s records. What a difference it has made in my life!
Lacey comes in once a month to organize and update my papers and filing system. Because we use the FreedomFiler system, she knows exactly where to put everything. She even pulled the files that I needed to take to my tax accountant for me. When I walked into this appointment and simply handed him my nicely labeled and organized files, he said “WOW! This is different than all the past years. Great Job.” I then proceeded to tell him about Simply Placed and the Freedom Filer system.
Usually, my tax accountant keeps asking me for more of my records during tax preparation time. This year he did not have to ask me for ANYTHING else to complete my taxes as all the records were given to him as they were all nice and neatly filed. Thank you Debbie, Lacey and Simply Placed!!!
Thanks for your kind words Dellann! We’re glad we could make things easier for you so that you can do the important work you do for the CEF – advocating, education and fund-raising for patients with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. We love the difference you make in the lives of others!
To learn more about the Chris Elliott Fund and how they m
ake a difference, visit their website or their blog.
Let us know if we can help you set up a new filing system for your home or home-based business! We’d love to make your life easier and save you money on next year’s tax bill at the same time.
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I’m so pleased to announce that on Wednesday, April 22nd at 4:42 am Simply Placed employee Lacey welcomed daughter, Payton Joy Pohlman into the world. She weighed 7lbs 15 ounces and is 19 1/4 inches long. She & Mom are doing great!
As the daughter of a stellar professional organizer, it came as no surprise to us that Payton was punctual, arriving on her due date! We’re sure she’ll be a great manager of time as she grows up and we look forward to seeing what’s in store for our future organizer.
Lacey worked with Simply Placed clients right up to the day before she went into labor. She looks forward to returning to work after a little time off to enjoy her newborn.
Congratulations to Lacey and her husband Chad! Welcome to the world and to the Simply Placed family Payton!
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Reminder: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9th!
Not sure what to give your sweetie for Mother’s Day this year? We’ve got an idea we think she’ll love! Give her the Gift of Time. This is a gift that won’t add clutter to her life and that she’s sure to appreciate.
Most Mom’s we know are constantly giving of themselves. Often putting others first means that their needs, wants and desires are a second (or last) thought.
When my husband asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day this year, it wasn’t anything material that came to my mind, it was that I wanted time! Time with my family, time to myself, time with my husband, time to do the things that I don’t get to but would like to do (or have done) … these are the things I wish someone could give to me.
We have a couple of suggestions:
1. Give her a gift certificate to a service provider that can save her time. Think house cleaner, gardener, handy-man (unless you’re caught up on your “honey-do” list or love to do these things yourself), baby sitter, Professional Organizer (hint hint). These professionals can take tasks off her hands, or even show her how to save time or make her life easier.
2. Bring us in to do some Productivity Consulting with you at work so we can help you get more done in less time and send you home earlier each day to enjoy your family (and so they can enjoy more time with you!). Your wife will appreciate the efforts you make to get home earlier or more consistantly.
3. Do the same for your wife if she works outside the home. Send us in to her office for a Productivity Consultation. If we can help her get more done efficiently and effectively at work, she’ll have more time for herself.
4. Arrange for a date-night (you get the sitter, make the plans and give her the gift of experience). Enjoy the time together as she enjoys not having to make any of the arrangements!
5. Send her out for some “me-time”. Get her a gift-certificate for a day spa, or a cooking class (if she’s find that enjoyable), or surprise her by having a girl friend of hers swing by to take her on a hike. While she’s away, do one or two things around the house that she would normally do. Not only does she enjoy the time away to “recharge”, but she comes home to a few things checked off her list. Double gift!
You get the idea. The Gift of Time is usually high on her list and is a great option (not to mention that its easy to arrange last minute … just in case you’ve put off getting a gift, or have forgotten that Mother’s Day is just days away).
Let us know how it goes and let us know if we can help you out!
Happy Mother’s Day to the women in your life. And don’t worry, your turn is next month!
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Debbie is training to run her 2nd half marathon at the end of June. She’ll participate in the Seattle Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon on June 26th. Way to go Debbie!!!! The first thing Debbie did was make this a personal goal…she decided to commit to running a half marathon. She shared her goal with important people in her life (to gain support and accountability) and now quite publicly (Do you think that will increase her chance for success? You bet it will!) After she decided to take on this task, she knew she would have to come up with a training schedule and a plan of attack to get in shape. She then had to decide how she would ”work the plan.” She is currently in the process of working the plan. Debbie has a 12 week half marathon training schedule. She has blocked off days, times and distances to run in order to get her body prepared for this task. She’s joined forces with a few others training for the same event to build community and create additional support. She’s running full force forward (pun intended) with her eye on the prize (she’s decided on a way to reward herself when she’s accomplished the goal).
Without setting the initial goal, creating a plan, blocking off time to do the work and then working the plan, Debbie would most likely not do very well in this half marathon. By taking the steps that she has taken, Debbie will be ready both mentally and physically and will achieve great results.
We hope you can see how these simple steps can help you whenever you set a new goal.
1. State your goal.
2. Share your goal with others.
3.Create an action plan.
4.Schedule the tasks.
5. Work the plan.
6. Celebrate success!
What are your favorite strategies for achieving goals and following through? We’re always looking for new ideas and inspiriation.
If you have a hard time following through on your goals, please let us know. We would love to help you by creating a plan and keeping you accountable while you “work your plan.” Ask us about our packages … we’ll be happy to find the one that’s right for you and your goals.
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On May 4, 2010 from Noon to 4:30pm the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce will be Celebrating Women in Business. The keynote speaker, Liesbet Trappenburg will present “You are Not Your Job! Creating Sustainable Work/Life Balance.”
Debbie has been asked to be one of three break-out speakers for this exciting event. Debbie will be teaching “Multitasking Makes you Stupid.” Learn why multitasking is not an effective productivity strategy. More importantly, learn how to focus on one task at a time, working free of distraction, so you can consistently get more of the important things done in less time. You’ll be able to implement some new productive habits immediately so that you can work smarter, not harder and get results.
They are expecting 100 Sammamish businesswomen and entrepreneurs at this year’s event! For more information or to register for this event, click here!
