Looking to spice up your after-work life?
Get your co-workers together and heat things up! The International Culinary Center is introducing a new series of fun, hands-on cooking classes for people of all ages and culinary skills at a fraction of the time and cost of a professional culinary school.
Subjects range from "The Perfect Baguette" to "The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner", to a special "Cooking 101" series taught by chef, radio host and author Michael Colameco.
The courses -- which cost between $150 and $395 -- are single-session classes that run three or four hours, so no commitment over weeks and weeks. All classes are taught by world-class chef-instructors.
Here's a schedule with costs:
Food Technology for the Home Cook, 10/4, 10am - 1pm, $150
Pizza 101 for Future Chefs, 10/4, 10 am - 2 pm, $195
The Perfect Baguette, 10/11, 10am - 2pm, $195
Cooking 101 with Michael Colameco
Fish 101- 10/22, 6pm - 10pm, $395
Chicken 101- 11/22, 10 am - 2 pm, $395
Pasta 101- 12/16 6pm - 10 pm, $395
The Secrets of Spices, 10/24, 6pm - 10pm, $195
Wine Uncorked, Thursday 11/6, 6:30pm - 9:30pm, $175
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner, 11/7, 6pm - 10pm, $195
Chocolate Treats & Truffles, Saturday, 11/15, 3pm - 7pm, $195
Classic Croissants, 11/22, 10am - 2pm, $195
Christmas for Epicures, 12/11, 6pm - 10pm, $195
Classes are held at The International Culinary Center located at 462 Broadway at the corner of Grand Street in Manhattan.
For more information about course descriptions or enrollment, please visit www.internationalculinarycenter.com/rec or call 1-888-90-TASTE.
Bon appetit!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Follow Your Boss to His/Her New Company?
On Ask Seymour at The Big Time, Seymour answers one reader's excellent question:
"I just found out that my boss is leaving to take a job with another company. I really enjoy working with her and she's asked me follow her to the new organization... is that a smart thing to do?"
Find out Seymour's answer here.
"I just found out that my boss is leaving to take a job with another company. I really enjoy working with her and she's asked me follow her to the new organization... is that a smart thing to do?"
Find out Seymour's answer here.
Employers Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence
Did you know?
Recognizing that responding to domestic violence is "good business," companies increasingly are implementing policies that help employees who are facing domestic violence. By working to mitigate the economic, legal and productivity risks related to domestic violence, businesses create a workplace that is safer for victims.
Read more about the beneficial practices for companies in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel. Does your employer have policies like these?
Recognizing that responding to domestic violence is "good business," companies increasingly are implementing policies that help employees who are facing domestic violence. By working to mitigate the economic, legal and productivity risks related to domestic violence, businesses create a workplace that is safer for victims.
Read more about the beneficial practices for companies in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel. Does your employer have policies like these?
Your Company WANTS You to Goof Off
One company decided to let their employees goof off on company time and pursue personal interests. They found it actually proved profitable. Read more here, then let us know -- would YOUR employer ever go for this?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Changing Boss-Secretary Relationship
We discovered some interesting comments from one blogger about the changing roles of secretaries in relation to their bosses. Seems we serve a more important role than we ever did before in past variations of our titles. Read more here.
Get Your Significant Other a Job -- at YOUR Office?
Is your significant other looking for work? Thought about getting him or her an interview in your office, but questioned how the company might look upon romantic partners working in the same place? Here's an article you should read first.
Monday, July 28, 2008
How to Have an Office Olympics
Get your co-workers out of the doldrums. Plan an Office Olympics for this coming fall! John Bentham at The Guardian gives a complete set of instructions here.
Cool Shoes for Hot Summer Feet -- Secretary Approved!
You’re on your feet all day. Negotiating crowded subway platforms and buses packed with steamy bodies; rushing around on your all-too-short lunch hour under the hot sun, trying to accomplish no end of errands; not to mention everything you do in the office!
Well, one thing you don’t have to sweat are those hot feet. We found three pairs of shoes designed for comfort first, but they’re hot-weather friendly.
Hey, it’s nearly August already – free those tootsies and let them breathe!
The Marian Sandal from Aravon
Aravon puts a lot of thought into the design of its footwear.
In Aravon shoes, the foot fits and sits properly on the outsole for best support throughout the dynamics of the gait cycle. The arch is gently fortified as it flexes and every step is cushioned in the heel and forefoot. Over the course of a day, this finely tuned support adds up to feet that are less stressed and less tired.
Our tester secretary loved the Marian sandal. “It felt like I was walking on bubble wrap – in a good way!” she told us. “The sandal fit my foot perfectly. I was able to customize the fit because of the strap across the foot. It gave plenty of room to pull the sandal tighter or more loosely across the top of the foot, and it closed easily with Velcro."
"I also liked that the other two leather straps had a small gap in them with some stretchy fabric, because it meant that the straps didn’t pull too much across my feet. With shoes of this style, I often get blisters because my foot rubs up against the straps. In these sandals, the straps had some ‘give’, and my foot didn’t feel abused.”
She added, “My feet stayed nice and cool. I didn’t feel like they were ‘cooped up’ in my shoes. Also, I was amazed because my feet didn’t SMELL at the end of the day. I wore these sandals every day for a week and NO SMELL.” Editor’s note: That must be because of Aravon’s “Ionact” antibacterial feature. Every surface of the Marian sandal is treated Ionact antibacterial protection to deter the growth of bacteria and reduce odor. Gotta love that!
Did our tester have any complaints?
“The Marian sandals came with a set of optional extra insoles, which were removable. I started the day using them, but in the middle of my lunch hour I noticed one of them was riding up my ankle, and actually up under the cuff of my pants! That was a little embarrassing, so I stopped and pulled the insoles out. But I didn’t really need them. The sandals were comfy and attractive without them. I would say, skip the insoles. They don’t stay in place, and the sandals are a dream just as they are.”
Aravon shoes come in narrow, regular and wide widths. The Marian comes in black leather and copper metallic leather, and retails for about $128. Find out where to get yours at www.aravonshoes.com.
The Flip by Chaco
Some of us here at Just A Sec cringe every time we see a woman running around Manhattan in a pair of flimsy, cheap flip-flops. We don’t know how they do it – that’s gotta hurt! If you really need to go nearly-bare, here’s a much better option: the Flip by Chaco.
First of all, Chaco is all about healthy feet. They design the contours of their footbed with the help of a certified pedorthist to control pronation (that’s when your feet have a tendency to roll inward) and maximize performance. Chaco aims for a supported, comfortable stride in any activity.
Our tester secretary told us she had never been a “flip-flop person”, but was willing to give Chaco’s Flip sandal a try. After one week with the product, she started wearing them every day on her commute.
“I keep my work shoes under my desk now, and wear the Chaco Flip sandals to and from the office every single day!” she told us. “My feet don’t get sweaty, they feel so dry and free. And I swear, I’ve never owned a pair of shoes that was as comfortable to my feet as these little flip-flops. I really feel like my feet are getting total support. I can walk for ages without my feet or ankles getting tired. I always thought wearing flip-flops was a really careless thing to do to your feet, because it seems like you can’t possibly be getting the support you need. But these Chaco sandals are awesome. I’m actually going to check out their web site to see what they have for fall and winter, because I’m going to be so sorry to give up the Flips when it gets cold.”
She also added: “I have thick feet, and the straps on sandals like this are almost always tight on the top of my foot. The Chaco Flip sandals fit great.”
Enough said? The Flip is also water-friendly and machine washable, and comes in a variety of cute color combinations. It retails for about $56. Find out where to get yours at www.chacousa.com.
Angie by Munro
Not everyone likes to expose their toes and heels in summer. We understand that. If you’re one of those foot-modest types, we’ve got the cooler shoe for you: Angie by Munro.
Munro uses comfort footbeds and carefully chosen materials combined with specialized manufacturing techniques, all with an eye towards making the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever own.
At first, our tester was skeptical about her Munro “Angie” shoes. She’d had bad experiences with Mary Jane-type shoes before. The rounded edge of the shoe opening, which rests against the top of the foot, had given her grief with Mary Janes in the past. They never fit quite right. She complained that Mary Janes always left a semi-circular imprint on the top of her foot, and dug into her skin every time she lifted her foot and caused a bend in the shoe. She was also wary of the strap across the top of her foot. “The straps are always so uncomfortable. They either bite into you or make you sweat under them, or both.”
Ah, but she was pleasantly surprised by Munro’s Angie.
“I honestly thought, no, these shoes won’t be any different than the other Mary Jane styles I’ve tried,” she said. “But I have to admit, I was completely shocked. These shoes are so comfy. The whole opening of the shoe is edged in a stretchy, soft material, and it doesn’t bite into the top of my foot at all. I also feel like there’s plenty of room inside the shoe. They feel very stable and supportive. I also like that the uppers are made of a sort of meshy-stretch material. I feel like my feet can really move in these shoes. The soles flex, the whole shoe flexes without feeling schlumpy and weak and not supporting my foot. The inside of the shoes is so soft, too.”
“I also love that the strap is elastic and closes with Velcro. It makes it easy to adjust to a good fit. It gives me the Mary Jane look without the pain and sweatiness of a hard leather strap.”
Any downside to these shoes?”
“The only disappointment was that they gave me blisters the first day, on the back of my ankles, just above my heels. As soon as I started wearing bandages over them, it took care of the problem. I have a feeling it’s because the shoes are new, and as they stretch and give a little, they won’t rub against the back of my foot as much. It would be nice if I didn’t have to wait to break them in, but I do think the problem will resolve itself.”
The Angie shoe by Munro is available in black or gold, and in a variety of widths, including double-wide. It retails for about $165. To find your pair, visit www.munroshoes.com.
Well, one thing you don’t have to sweat are those hot feet. We found three pairs of shoes designed for comfort first, but they’re hot-weather friendly.
Hey, it’s nearly August already – free those tootsies and let them breathe!
The Marian Sandal from Aravon
Aravon puts a lot of thought into the design of its footwear.
In Aravon shoes, the foot fits and sits properly on the outsole for best support throughout the dynamics of the gait cycle. The arch is gently fortified as it flexes and every step is cushioned in the heel and forefoot. Over the course of a day, this finely tuned support adds up to feet that are less stressed and less tired.
Our tester secretary loved the Marian sandal. “It felt like I was walking on bubble wrap – in a good way!” she told us. “The sandal fit my foot perfectly. I was able to customize the fit because of the strap across the foot. It gave plenty of room to pull the sandal tighter or more loosely across the top of the foot, and it closed easily with Velcro."
"I also liked that the other two leather straps had a small gap in them with some stretchy fabric, because it meant that the straps didn’t pull too much across my feet. With shoes of this style, I often get blisters because my foot rubs up against the straps. In these sandals, the straps had some ‘give’, and my foot didn’t feel abused.”
She added, “My feet stayed nice and cool. I didn’t feel like they were ‘cooped up’ in my shoes. Also, I was amazed because my feet didn’t SMELL at the end of the day. I wore these sandals every day for a week and NO SMELL.” Editor’s note: That must be because of Aravon’s “Ionact” antibacterial feature. Every surface of the Marian sandal is treated Ionact antibacterial protection to deter the growth of bacteria and reduce odor. Gotta love that!
Did our tester have any complaints?
“The Marian sandals came with a set of optional extra insoles, which were removable. I started the day using them, but in the middle of my lunch hour I noticed one of them was riding up my ankle, and actually up under the cuff of my pants! That was a little embarrassing, so I stopped and pulled the insoles out. But I didn’t really need them. The sandals were comfy and attractive without them. I would say, skip the insoles. They don’t stay in place, and the sandals are a dream just as they are.”
Aravon shoes come in narrow, regular and wide widths. The Marian comes in black leather and copper metallic leather, and retails for about $128. Find out where to get yours at www.aravonshoes.com.
The Flip by Chaco
Some of us here at Just A Sec cringe every time we see a woman running around Manhattan in a pair of flimsy, cheap flip-flops. We don’t know how they do it – that’s gotta hurt! If you really need to go nearly-bare, here’s a much better option: the Flip by Chaco.
First of all, Chaco is all about healthy feet. They design the contours of their footbed with the help of a certified pedorthist to control pronation (that’s when your feet have a tendency to roll inward) and maximize performance. Chaco aims for a supported, comfortable stride in any activity.
Our tester secretary told us she had never been a “flip-flop person”, but was willing to give Chaco’s Flip sandal a try. After one week with the product, she started wearing them every day on her commute.
“I keep my work shoes under my desk now, and wear the Chaco Flip sandals to and from the office every single day!” she told us. “My feet don’t get sweaty, they feel so dry and free. And I swear, I’ve never owned a pair of shoes that was as comfortable to my feet as these little flip-flops. I really feel like my feet are getting total support. I can walk for ages without my feet or ankles getting tired. I always thought wearing flip-flops was a really careless thing to do to your feet, because it seems like you can’t possibly be getting the support you need. But these Chaco sandals are awesome. I’m actually going to check out their web site to see what they have for fall and winter, because I’m going to be so sorry to give up the Flips when it gets cold.”
She also added: “I have thick feet, and the straps on sandals like this are almost always tight on the top of my foot. The Chaco Flip sandals fit great.”
Enough said? The Flip is also water-friendly and machine washable, and comes in a variety of cute color combinations. It retails for about $56. Find out where to get yours at www.chacousa.com.
Angie by Munro
Not everyone likes to expose their toes and heels in summer. We understand that. If you’re one of those foot-modest types, we’ve got the cooler shoe for you: Angie by Munro.
Munro uses comfort footbeds and carefully chosen materials combined with specialized manufacturing techniques, all with an eye towards making the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever own.
At first, our tester was skeptical about her Munro “Angie” shoes. She’d had bad experiences with Mary Jane-type shoes before. The rounded edge of the shoe opening, which rests against the top of the foot, had given her grief with Mary Janes in the past. They never fit quite right. She complained that Mary Janes always left a semi-circular imprint on the top of her foot, and dug into her skin every time she lifted her foot and caused a bend in the shoe. She was also wary of the strap across the top of her foot. “The straps are always so uncomfortable. They either bite into you or make you sweat under them, or both.”
Ah, but she was pleasantly surprised by Munro’s Angie.
“I honestly thought, no, these shoes won’t be any different than the other Mary Jane styles I’ve tried,” she said. “But I have to admit, I was completely shocked. These shoes are so comfy. The whole opening of the shoe is edged in a stretchy, soft material, and it doesn’t bite into the top of my foot at all. I also feel like there’s plenty of room inside the shoe. They feel very stable and supportive. I also like that the uppers are made of a sort of meshy-stretch material. I feel like my feet can really move in these shoes. The soles flex, the whole shoe flexes without feeling schlumpy and weak and not supporting my foot. The inside of the shoes is so soft, too.”
“I also love that the strap is elastic and closes with Velcro. It makes it easy to adjust to a good fit. It gives me the Mary Jane look without the pain and sweatiness of a hard leather strap.”
Any downside to these shoes?”
“The only disappointment was that they gave me blisters the first day, on the back of my ankles, just above my heels. As soon as I started wearing bandages over them, it took care of the problem. I have a feeling it’s because the shoes are new, and as they stretch and give a little, they won’t rub against the back of my foot as much. It would be nice if I didn’t have to wait to break them in, but I do think the problem will resolve itself.”
The Angie shoe by Munro is available in black or gold, and in a variety of widths, including double-wide. It retails for about $165. To find your pair, visit www.munroshoes.com.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Lunch Etiquette: Single or Multiple Checks?
When you go out to lunch with co-workers, do you ask for separate checks, or do you make an attempt at dividing up a single bill? Ever wonder which approach is the "better" one, the more considerate? Blogger OzTech explored the issue of restaurant check etiquette for the rest of us -- and you can read his take here.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Rules for the Kitchen at Work!
Smashing someone else's lunch in the refrigerator to make way for your own. Draining the last of the coffee in the pot and not refilling it. Leaving your dishes in the sink.
While it may be OK to do these things in your house, it's bad form in the workplace, say etiquette experts. After all, the office kitchen is a communal space.
But if there's a slob or a food stealer among your ranks, don't despair. Sometimes all it takes are some firm kitchen rules. Read up on some tips from etiquette experts on how to make the office kitchen a clean and friendly on the Your Lifestyle Check blog today!
While it may be OK to do these things in your house, it's bad form in the workplace, say etiquette experts. After all, the office kitchen is a communal space.
But if there's a slob or a food stealer among your ranks, don't despair. Sometimes all it takes are some firm kitchen rules. Read up on some tips from etiquette experts on how to make the office kitchen a clean and friendly on the Your Lifestyle Check blog today!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Don't Go to the Beach Without This.
This is more than just a product review. This is a momentus occasion.
We were so impressed with this particular product, we were inspired to create an award.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Renetto Canopy Chair, and the brand new Just-a-Sec SEC-tacular seal!
From now on, when Just-a-Sec discovers a product or service that completely blows us away, we're going to "certify" it with our very own SEC-tacular Seal. And we don't plan on giving this award lightly, either.
Now settle in and get better acquainted with the item that inspired it all:
Did you ever envy those people on the Friday night train headin' out to the beach for the weekend with their low-maintenance gear strapped to their backs? Maybe you thought, "That looks like fun -- but that would never be me. I can't enjoy the beach without an umbrella to shield me from the sun, and some huge blanket to sit on -- I'm too much a creature of comfort. Everything I'd need to be happy on the beach would fill the trunk AND back seat of a rental car. If only I could be so spontaneous and head out after work on Friday!"
Hey -- now you can.
The Renetto Canopy Chair makes it possible to sit in total comfort on the beach, in the park, anywhere, off the ground and out of the sun. And the best part is -- you can wear it like a BACKPACK. Just strap it to your shoulders and GO.
The first time we took the Canopy Chair to Brooklyn's Prospect Park for a test run, a woman actually came over and asked us how to get one. We weren't surprised.
The Canopy Chair has a waterproof canopy that glides easily overhead when the chair is in its open position. It glides just as easily out of sight behind the chair whenever you need it to. There's nothing clumsy or difficult about it. It's an easy, simple movement.
Inside the roof of the canopy, within perfect reach above your head, there are two large, secure mesh pockets for storing small items like paperback books, bug spray, snacks, etc.
The chair itself is incredibly comfortable. Renetto didn't skimp -- the seat is wide enough for just about anyone, and the arm rests are wide too. (Don't you hate those chairs with narrow and/or hard arm rests that dig into your arms, making it impossible to relax?)
BOTH arm rests have built-in beverage holders. We appreciated this little detail, because we were able to keep a bag of chips in one and a Diet Coke in the other, and even stash a small notebook and pen in one when we needed to.
Renetto struck a perfect balance here: a chair made of lightweight materials that's still durable. The chair's frame is made of lightweight powder coated steel and the fabric is heavy-duty 16mm polyester. Cleans up and dries out in a jiff, too. We took it to the beach, got it soppy and sandy, and it bounced back like a champ with minimal effort.
The chair folds into itself and the canopy becomes the carrying case. The design is ingenius.
The case stays shut by way of two snap-lock buckles. Folding the chair in and out again and buckling it open and shut was much easier than we anticipated. It literally took seconds.
When the chair is buckled shut, two well-padded backpack-style adjustable shoulder straps let you carry it while both your arms remain free. It's the ultimate Friday night getaway accessory.
The Renetto Canopy Chair comes in blue or orange, and sells for one fabulous price of $39.99. Purchase yours at www.canopychair.com.
We can't recopmmend this product enough. It completely exceeded our expectations and made a concrete difference in our enjoyment of summer activities.
We were so impressed with this particular product, we were inspired to create an award.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Renetto Canopy Chair, and the brand new Just-a-Sec SEC-tacular seal!
From now on, when Just-a-Sec discovers a product or service that completely blows us away, we're going to "certify" it with our very own SEC-tacular Seal. And we don't plan on giving this award lightly, either.
Now settle in and get better acquainted with the item that inspired it all:
Did you ever envy those people on the Friday night train headin' out to the beach for the weekend with their low-maintenance gear strapped to their backs? Maybe you thought, "That looks like fun -- but that would never be me. I can't enjoy the beach without an umbrella to shield me from the sun, and some huge blanket to sit on -- I'm too much a creature of comfort. Everything I'd need to be happy on the beach would fill the trunk AND back seat of a rental car. If only I could be so spontaneous and head out after work on Friday!"
Hey -- now you can.
The Renetto Canopy Chair makes it possible to sit in total comfort on the beach, in the park, anywhere, off the ground and out of the sun. And the best part is -- you can wear it like a BACKPACK. Just strap it to your shoulders and GO.
The first time we took the Canopy Chair to Brooklyn's Prospect Park for a test run, a woman actually came over and asked us how to get one. We weren't surprised.
The Canopy Chair has a waterproof canopy that glides easily overhead when the chair is in its open position. It glides just as easily out of sight behind the chair whenever you need it to. There's nothing clumsy or difficult about it. It's an easy, simple movement.
Inside the roof of the canopy, within perfect reach above your head, there are two large, secure mesh pockets for storing small items like paperback books, bug spray, snacks, etc.
The chair itself is incredibly comfortable. Renetto didn't skimp -- the seat is wide enough for just about anyone, and the arm rests are wide too. (Don't you hate those chairs with narrow and/or hard arm rests that dig into your arms, making it impossible to relax?)
BOTH arm rests have built-in beverage holders. We appreciated this little detail, because we were able to keep a bag of chips in one and a Diet Coke in the other, and even stash a small notebook and pen in one when we needed to.
Renetto struck a perfect balance here: a chair made of lightweight materials that's still durable. The chair's frame is made of lightweight powder coated steel and the fabric is heavy-duty 16mm polyester. Cleans up and dries out in a jiff, too. We took it to the beach, got it soppy and sandy, and it bounced back like a champ with minimal effort.
The chair folds into itself and the canopy becomes the carrying case. The design is ingenius.
The case stays shut by way of two snap-lock buckles. Folding the chair in and out again and buckling it open and shut was much easier than we anticipated. It literally took seconds.
When the chair is buckled shut, two well-padded backpack-style adjustable shoulder straps let you carry it while both your arms remain free. It's the ultimate Friday night getaway accessory.
The Renetto Canopy Chair comes in blue or orange, and sells for one fabulous price of $39.99. Purchase yours at www.canopychair.com.
We can't recopmmend this product enough. It completely exceeded our expectations and made a concrete difference in our enjoyment of summer activities.
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Sweat-Free Summer Commute -- Yes, for YOU!
A Just-a-Sec Exclusive!
Summer commuting can be uncomfortable. On overcrowded buses, subways and regional rail lines -- hot, sticky, steamy, messy. How's a secretary supposed to show up at work without needing a whole 'nother shower?
At Just a Sec, we decided to check out a few products made to keep you cool, even in the ickiest situations. Maybe you didn’t even know they existed. Here they are, along with our reviews on how well they work on-the-go:
Black Ice Personal Cooling System -- Cool Collar CCX
The Black Ice Cool Collar CCX makes a big impact for such a small item. In a nutshell, it's a comfy collar you wear around your neck that keeps you cool. And it's amazing what an overall cooling affect it can have throughout your whole body just by sitting lightly against your neck.
Some of us here at Just a Sec have used other kinds of cooling neck wraps before -- the kind made of fabric, with little crystals inside that inflate and create a cooling sensation when dipped in water. But these wraps weren't that effective, and besides -- you had to wear them WET. The Black Ice Cool Collar CCX is a million times better.
First of all, there's no wearing a wet or damp wrap. The Cool Collar CCX is completely dry against your skin. Secondly, those wet wraps don't always work in high humidity. The Black Ice Cool Collar CCX is designed using different technology, so it administers even, long-term cooling. Additionally, some cooling systems use gels or ice that are so cold, they actually hurt your skin and can cause frostbite. Black Ice isn't painful -- just soothing and comfortable. We also liked that the Black Ice pack is designed to hold the cooling material in several small sections, so the coolness is distributed evenly around your neck.
The device is actually made up of two pieces -- a spongy, flexible outer collar (which comes in a variety of colors) and the detachable Black Ice pack. The Black Ice pack attaches to the collar with Velcro. To get it cool, simply put the ice pack in your freezer or refrigerator. We "charged" our Black Ice pack in the refrigerator before bed, and it was ready first thing in the morning. But if you're in a hurry, you can drop the Black Ice pack into ice water and it'll be ready in 20 minutes.
The Black Ice pack stayed cool the entire length of a two-hour commute. It was placed into an office refrigerator and was completely recharged in time to ride home in comfort.
The collar is, thankfully, not ugly. It's very low-key; attractive, but doesn't call unnecessary attention to itself.
We give the Black Ice Cool Collar CCX a BIG thumbs-up! It truly made a stuffy commute more pleasant.
The Cool Collar CCX sells for $39.95. For more info, visit www.blackicecooling.com.
The MiraCool Terry Ranger Hat
MiraCool makes a hat that supposedly "keeps you cool all day!" We gave it a try, but were disappointed.
The MiraCool hat uses "crystal" technology -- small water-absorbing crystals are embedded into channels in the hat's crown. When immersed in cold water for 10-15 minutes, the crystals plump up and create a cooling sensation for about 48 hours.
This means that the hat must be soaked in water for the cooling effect to be "activated" -- so basically, you're wearing a wet or damp hat. Not only does this feel a little weird, but it wasn't doing our hair any favors.
Furthermore, while the crystals did, in fact, plump up, we just didn't feel much of a cooling sensation from them -- either against the hand, or when worn on the head.
The hat itself is cute -- we will say that. It has a jaunty, classy look with a floppy brim, metallic grommets and terrycloth lining. It just didn't make us cool.
The MiraCool Terry Ranger Hat gets a thumbs-down for effectiveness, but half a thumbs-up for being a just plain adorable hat. It comes in tan or navy and several sizes, and sells for $14.99. Visit www.miracool.com.
The SunLover's Cool Mat by CoolTech Marketing
Rather than wearing your cool, the SunLover's Cool Mat lets you sit on it.
Let's be honest, here -- sometimes when you're sitting on a train car with little-to-no air conditioning on a boiling hot day, the inside of your underwear can become a swamp. And it makes you feel gross. But the SunLover's Cool Mat makes a huge difference. Not only does it prevent severe undie-sweats, but it actually gives you an overall pleasant sensation of coolness throughout your body.
There are three pieces to the mat. First, there are two cool packs filled with thick liquid. The cool packs are placed in the refrigerator, where the liquid hardens and cools -- almost like water hardening to ice. Then, there's the outer fabric cover, which comes in a variety of pretty patterns.
When the cool packs have been "energized", you slip them into the fabric cover, and you're ready to go -- just put the Cool Mat on any seat and let the coolness comfort your behind and lower back.
We placed the cool packs in the refrigerator before bed and they were ready for the commute first thing in the morning. But if you're in a hurry, you can drop the Black Ice pack into ice water and it'll be ready in 25 minutes.
You do need to be mindful of placing the cool packs on a flat surface inside your fridge; otherwise, they can harden in a lumpy position and be less comfy to sit on. If your refrigerator is overcrowded, that may seem like a challenge, but we found the packs hardened fairly flat even just draped over a bunch of jars, cans and bottles.
The Cool Mat also has some weight to it, so be prepared for that. We wish it could be a little lighter to carry, but we felt the cooling benefits far outweighed the small burden of
having to carry the mat. We also have a suggestion for the manufacturer: built-in carrying handles would be great!
The SunLover's Cool Mat gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up for its ability to keep us comfortable in sticky situations! It sells for $139.95. Visit www.cooltechmarketing.com.
Summer commuting can be uncomfortable. On overcrowded buses, subways and regional rail lines -- hot, sticky, steamy, messy. How's a secretary supposed to show up at work without needing a whole 'nother shower?
At Just a Sec, we decided to check out a few products made to keep you cool, even in the ickiest situations. Maybe you didn’t even know they existed. Here they are, along with our reviews on how well they work on-the-go:
Black Ice Personal Cooling System -- Cool Collar CCX
The Black Ice Cool Collar CCX makes a big impact for such a small item. In a nutshell, it's a comfy collar you wear around your neck that keeps you cool. And it's amazing what an overall cooling affect it can have throughout your whole body just by sitting lightly against your neck.
Some of us here at Just a Sec have used other kinds of cooling neck wraps before -- the kind made of fabric, with little crystals inside that inflate and create a cooling sensation when dipped in water. But these wraps weren't that effective, and besides -- you had to wear them WET. The Black Ice Cool Collar CCX is a million times better.
First of all, there's no wearing a wet or damp wrap. The Cool Collar CCX is completely dry against your skin. Secondly, those wet wraps don't always work in high humidity. The Black Ice Cool Collar CCX is designed using different technology, so it administers even, long-term cooling. Additionally, some cooling systems use gels or ice that are so cold, they actually hurt your skin and can cause frostbite. Black Ice isn't painful -- just soothing and comfortable. We also liked that the Black Ice pack is designed to hold the cooling material in several small sections, so the coolness is distributed evenly around your neck.
The device is actually made up of two pieces -- a spongy, flexible outer collar (which comes in a variety of colors) and the detachable Black Ice pack. The Black Ice pack attaches to the collar with Velcro. To get it cool, simply put the ice pack in your freezer or refrigerator. We "charged" our Black Ice pack in the refrigerator before bed, and it was ready first thing in the morning. But if you're in a hurry, you can drop the Black Ice pack into ice water and it'll be ready in 20 minutes.
The Black Ice pack stayed cool the entire length of a two-hour commute. It was placed into an office refrigerator and was completely recharged in time to ride home in comfort.
The collar is, thankfully, not ugly. It's very low-key; attractive, but doesn't call unnecessary attention to itself.
We give the Black Ice Cool Collar CCX a BIG thumbs-up! It truly made a stuffy commute more pleasant.
The Cool Collar CCX sells for $39.95. For more info, visit www.blackicecooling.com.
The MiraCool Terry Ranger Hat
MiraCool makes a hat that supposedly "keeps you cool all day!" We gave it a try, but were disappointed.
The MiraCool hat uses "crystal" technology -- small water-absorbing crystals are embedded into channels in the hat's crown. When immersed in cold water for 10-15 minutes, the crystals plump up and create a cooling sensation for about 48 hours.
This means that the hat must be soaked in water for the cooling effect to be "activated" -- so basically, you're wearing a wet or damp hat. Not only does this feel a little weird, but it wasn't doing our hair any favors.
Furthermore, while the crystals did, in fact, plump up, we just didn't feel much of a cooling sensation from them -- either against the hand, or when worn on the head.
The hat itself is cute -- we will say that. It has a jaunty, classy look with a floppy brim, metallic grommets and terrycloth lining. It just didn't make us cool.
The MiraCool Terry Ranger Hat gets a thumbs-down for effectiveness, but half a thumbs-up for being a just plain adorable hat. It comes in tan or navy and several sizes, and sells for $14.99. Visit www.miracool.com.
The SunLover's Cool Mat by CoolTech Marketing
Rather than wearing your cool, the SunLover's Cool Mat lets you sit on it.
Let's be honest, here -- sometimes when you're sitting on a train car with little-to-no air conditioning on a boiling hot day, the inside of your underwear can become a swamp. And it makes you feel gross. But the SunLover's Cool Mat makes a huge difference. Not only does it prevent severe undie-sweats, but it actually gives you an overall pleasant sensation of coolness throughout your body.
There are three pieces to the mat. First, there are two cool packs filled with thick liquid. The cool packs are placed in the refrigerator, where the liquid hardens and cools -- almost like water hardening to ice. Then, there's the outer fabric cover, which comes in a variety of pretty patterns.
When the cool packs have been "energized", you slip them into the fabric cover, and you're ready to go -- just put the Cool Mat on any seat and let the coolness comfort your behind and lower back.
We placed the cool packs in the refrigerator before bed and they were ready for the commute first thing in the morning. But if you're in a hurry, you can drop the Black Ice pack into ice water and it'll be ready in 25 minutes.
You do need to be mindful of placing the cool packs on a flat surface inside your fridge; otherwise, they can harden in a lumpy position and be less comfy to sit on. If your refrigerator is overcrowded, that may seem like a challenge, but we found the packs hardened fairly flat even just draped over a bunch of jars, cans and bottles.
The Cool Mat also has some weight to it, so be prepared for that. We wish it could be a little lighter to carry, but we felt the cooling benefits far outweighed the small burden of
having to carry the mat. We also have a suggestion for the manufacturer: built-in carrying handles would be great!
The SunLover's Cool Mat gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up for its ability to keep us comfortable in sticky situations! It sells for $139.95. Visit www.cooltechmarketing.com.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Rather Work in Small "Slivers of Time"?
Here's an interesting idea to suggest at the next staff meeting.
In Great Britain, Anglia Ruskin University’s Employment Bureau is responding to the growing need for flexible working by matching employers who need workers on a shift-by-shift basis with people who are willing to work for specific periods of time and often at short notice.
"Slivers of Time" is the name of the new initiative which can provide quick cover for employers who have a need for paid help, whether it involves someone to work on a leafleting campaign, someone to help in the kitchen during a busy lunch shift or to do book-keeping for a couple of hours a week.
Read more about it here.
In Great Britain, Anglia Ruskin University’s Employment Bureau is responding to the growing need for flexible working by matching employers who need workers on a shift-by-shift basis with people who are willing to work for specific periods of time and often at short notice.
"Slivers of Time" is the name of the new initiative which can provide quick cover for employers who have a need for paid help, whether it involves someone to work on a leafleting campaign, someone to help in the kitchen during a busy lunch shift or to do book-keeping for a couple of hours a week.
Read more about it here.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Mean Girls Strike in the Workplace
When we think of bullying, school comes to mind. But that ''mean girl'' factor is happening in the workplace and women are often the victims. Read more from our friends in Austin, Texas.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Find a Family-Friendly Workplace
How do you go about landing a job with an organization that is family-friendly? The Young Mommy Chronicles outlines some key tips today. Visit them here.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Remedy for Crappy Earbuds
I didn’t like the earbuds that came with my iPod -- they just wouldn’t stay in my ears.
I bought two more sets of replacement earbuds (different brands), and in one way or another, they sucked, too.
Finally, I found the perfect buds. So perfect, in fact, that I’ve been using my iPod every day, more than ever before, and never enjoyed it so much.
Thank you, V-Moda, for creating your “Vibe Duo” earbuds. The sound quality is superb. I’m talking leaps and bounds ahead of all the other earbuds I owned before. They’re designed with “noise-isolating technology”, the company says, which really and truly does reduce noise from outside your head and allows for deep, delicious bass and getting lost in the music.
And they stay in my ears! They’re unbelievably comfortable. Somebody finally got it right.
Not to mention, they are pretty -- looky!:
Mine are “Red Roxx”, but they also come in chrome and “nero” (black).
And by the way, if you have an iPhone, V-Moda Vibe Duo earbuds are compatible. They have a discreet microphone and a nifty call control button on the y-cable that hangs from your ears. You can answer phone calls quickly and operate music playback features within easy reach.
One suggestion to V-Moda, though. The Vibe Duo could use one minor improvement -- if you would only make the tiny letters “L” and “R” on the earbuds (for “Left” and “Right” ears) a tad easier to see, bigger and brighter. It does take me a few seconds of intense study every time I pick up the earbuds before I can figure out which one goes in which ear!
But finally, I’m getting optimum use out of my iPod -- to and from work, listening to music and recorded books -- my commute is going by in the blink of an eye. The right earbuds can make all the difference, my friends. Thumbs up to the V-Moda Vibe Duo! They sell for about $99.99, and they’re worth it. You’ll never even bother trying another pair.
For more info, visit shop.v-moda.com.
-- KB for Just a Sec
I bought two more sets of replacement earbuds (different brands), and in one way or another, they sucked, too.
Finally, I found the perfect buds. So perfect, in fact, that I’ve been using my iPod every day, more than ever before, and never enjoyed it so much.
Thank you, V-Moda, for creating your “Vibe Duo” earbuds. The sound quality is superb. I’m talking leaps and bounds ahead of all the other earbuds I owned before. They’re designed with “noise-isolating technology”, the company says, which really and truly does reduce noise from outside your head and allows for deep, delicious bass and getting lost in the music.
And they stay in my ears! They’re unbelievably comfortable. Somebody finally got it right.
Not to mention, they are pretty -- looky!:
Mine are “Red Roxx”, but they also come in chrome and “nero” (black).
And by the way, if you have an iPhone, V-Moda Vibe Duo earbuds are compatible. They have a discreet microphone and a nifty call control button on the y-cable that hangs from your ears. You can answer phone calls quickly and operate music playback features within easy reach.
One suggestion to V-Moda, though. The Vibe Duo could use one minor improvement -- if you would only make the tiny letters “L” and “R” on the earbuds (for “Left” and “Right” ears) a tad easier to see, bigger and brighter. It does take me a few seconds of intense study every time I pick up the earbuds before I can figure out which one goes in which ear!
But finally, I’m getting optimum use out of my iPod -- to and from work, listening to music and recorded books -- my commute is going by in the blink of an eye. The right earbuds can make all the difference, my friends. Thumbs up to the V-Moda Vibe Duo! They sell for about $99.99, and they’re worth it. You’ll never even bother trying another pair.
For more info, visit shop.v-moda.com.
-- KB for Just a Sec
Friday, July 11, 2008
How NOT to Gross Out Your Co-Workers
Do you have some habits that TOTALLY disgust your co-workers? Read this article to find out why you have no friends in the office!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Have Much Time to Yourself?
In a survey of 12,000 women interviewed in May and June of this year, 34 percent said they have less than an hour a day to themselves, according to Working America’s 6th annual “Ask a Working Woman” survey. Read more here.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Nifty Online Tools -- and They're FREE
On the Jame's @ Work blog, we found a valuable list of savvy little online tools you'll like. Look here!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Stealing Office Supplies: Right or Wrong?
According to a recent survey, 19% of all office workers admit to stealing office supplies for their personal use. And nearly 25% of them felt no guilt.
This blogger thinks pilfering office supplies from work is wrong. What do you think?
This blogger thinks pilfering office supplies from work is wrong. What do you think?
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Tricked-Out Desk: Summer Edition
You spend about 7 hours a day at work. Five days a week – that’s 35 hours. With two weeks’ vacation, that’s still about 1,750 hours of every year of your life spent at work.
So why not make your desk as comfy as possible? Maybe you didn’t realize it, but your cubicle is your castle – at least from nine to five.
In this edition of JAS’s The Tricked-Out Desk, we feature five products to enhance your environment during those 1,700+ hours in your home-away-from-home.
Keeping Your Cool – in More Ways Than One
That arrogant boss may make you hot under the collar, but this summer stay cool with JAS’s two favorite styles of compact fans.
Vornado’s Fun New Flippi
The Flippi comes in a desk-friendly 6-inch size (the “V6”) as well as larger models closer to 11” tall, for home. The desk-size Flippi V6 model is shown here.
Our Flippi is Passion Red, but it also comes in Midnight Blue, Raspberry Pink and Raindrop Blue/Green. The Flippi is a sleek, cheerful workhorse of a fan that adjusts in both tilt and speed. It runs on electricity from your outlet (not batteries) and stows tidily away when not in use.
(See? The fan flips face-down into one streamlined unit.)
The Flippi V6 retails for about $24.99. For more information, go to www.vornado.com.
The New Wave in Cool: SPT’s Mini Tower Fan
Tower fans are becoming increasingly popular – but have you ever seen one desk-sized?
This Sunpentown model stands a slim 15.7” tall and shares some of the same advanced features as your favorite full-size tower fans. It can stand stationary, or, with the push of a button, it oscillates. The entire tower pivots smoothly back and forth on its sturdy base. You can also choose from three different speeds, or set it on its timer function to blow for 1, 2, or 4 hours before automatically turning off. The space-saving SPT Mini Tower Fan is quiet and pleasing to the eye.
The SPT Mini Tower Fan sells for about $39.00. For more information, visit www.sunpentown.com.
Food & Beverage Service
Too busy to get up and hunt down a snack or cool beverage? We hear ya. So why not keep sustenance on-hand?
The Unisar miniFRIDGE is one of our favorite desktop accessories. You’ll be surprised how much you can fit into this compact unit! The Unisar miniFRIDGE weighs less than five pounds and measures only 11” x 7.25” x 10”.
Just plug it into your nearest electric outlet and the Unisar miniFRIDGE will keep its contents reliably cool around-the-clock. Use it to stow cans of soda or bottles of juice, fruit cups, ice packs, fat-free cream cheese for your bagels. There’s even a tiny removable shelf to help keep your fridge’s contents organized.
But it gets even better. The Unisar miniFRIDGE also acts as a WARMER. That’s right! With the flick of a single switch, the temperature inside changes from cold to hot. So when the cooler months return, you can keep your soup or other lunch items warm inside the miniFRIDGE. And for those of you with aching necks or wrists, store warming muscle wraps inside, and recharge them in a snap.
And if you want to take the miniFRIDGE home for weekend adventures, no prob! It has a carrying handle and even comes with an adapter to run on your car’s power.
The Unisar miniFRIDGE sells for about $59.99. For more information, see www.unisar.com.
Always as Good as The First Sip.
How nifty is this? The clever folks at Dream Link have made a miniature refrigerator that holds and cools one single beverage can – and it runs off of your computer!
Instead of plugging into an outlet, the Dream Cheeky USB Fridge plugs into any USB port on your PC. It doesn’t need any special software, and works on PCs and Macs. Just plug and play!
As you work, you can keep your Diet Coke as cool as the moment you cracked it open. The Dream Cheeky USB Fridge is small enough to keep right at your desk, within your reach.
And we’re not too proud to admit that we love “cute” – and the Dream Cheeky is. It looks like a vintage fridge and it even has a tiny light inside!
The Dream Cheeky USB Fridge comes with a four-foot-long USB cable, and it’ll be cold enough for your favorite canned beverage within seconds of plugging in.
It sells for about $29.00. Get yours now at www.buy.com
Desks Can Smell.
There are a number of reasons why your work space might smell – but we won’t get into them. Instead, we’ll stay positive and offer our favorite solution: The Pearlessence Mini Aromafier instant air fragrancer. This unobtrusive egg-like machine fits into the palm of your hand and operates on two AA batteries (not included). Alternatively, you can buy a USB cord to power your Pearlessence Mini Aromafier off of your computer (like the Dream Cheeky Fridge, above), or purchase an AC adapter to plug it into an ordinary electrical outlet.
Here’s how the Pearlessence Mini Aromafier works. Place a few drops of essential oil onto the absorbing pad inside the Aromifier. (The Aromafier comes with a starter bottle of fragrance oil – ours was Lavender.) Turn on the machine. A small, whisper-quiet fan inside begins to diffuse the scent into the area. You’ll know the machine is working when a light is lit. Enjoy all the benefits of aromatherapy right at your desk, and combat unpleasant odors, too.
Visit www.pearlessence.com to purchase the Pearlessence Mini Aromafier and accessories, including a variety of aromatherapy oils. The Mini Aromafier sells for $15.00.
So why not make your desk as comfy as possible? Maybe you didn’t realize it, but your cubicle is your castle – at least from nine to five.
In this edition of JAS’s The Tricked-Out Desk, we feature five products to enhance your environment during those 1,700+ hours in your home-away-from-home.
Keeping Your Cool – in More Ways Than One
That arrogant boss may make you hot under the collar, but this summer stay cool with JAS’s two favorite styles of compact fans.
Vornado’s Fun New Flippi
The Flippi comes in a desk-friendly 6-inch size (the “V6”) as well as larger models closer to 11” tall, for home. The desk-size Flippi V6 model is shown here.
Our Flippi is Passion Red, but it also comes in Midnight Blue, Raspberry Pink and Raindrop Blue/Green. The Flippi is a sleek, cheerful workhorse of a fan that adjusts in both tilt and speed. It runs on electricity from your outlet (not batteries) and stows tidily away when not in use.
(See? The fan flips face-down into one streamlined unit.)
The Flippi V6 retails for about $24.99. For more information, go to www.vornado.com.
The New Wave in Cool: SPT’s Mini Tower Fan
Tower fans are becoming increasingly popular – but have you ever seen one desk-sized?
This Sunpentown model stands a slim 15.7” tall and shares some of the same advanced features as your favorite full-size tower fans. It can stand stationary, or, with the push of a button, it oscillates. The entire tower pivots smoothly back and forth on its sturdy base. You can also choose from three different speeds, or set it on its timer function to blow for 1, 2, or 4 hours before automatically turning off. The space-saving SPT Mini Tower Fan is quiet and pleasing to the eye.
The SPT Mini Tower Fan sells for about $39.00. For more information, visit www.sunpentown.com.
Food & Beverage Service
Too busy to get up and hunt down a snack or cool beverage? We hear ya. So why not keep sustenance on-hand?
The Unisar miniFRIDGE is one of our favorite desktop accessories. You’ll be surprised how much you can fit into this compact unit! The Unisar miniFRIDGE weighs less than five pounds and measures only 11” x 7.25” x 10”.
Just plug it into your nearest electric outlet and the Unisar miniFRIDGE will keep its contents reliably cool around-the-clock. Use it to stow cans of soda or bottles of juice, fruit cups, ice packs, fat-free cream cheese for your bagels. There’s even a tiny removable shelf to help keep your fridge’s contents organized.
But it gets even better. The Unisar miniFRIDGE also acts as a WARMER. That’s right! With the flick of a single switch, the temperature inside changes from cold to hot. So when the cooler months return, you can keep your soup or other lunch items warm inside the miniFRIDGE. And for those of you with aching necks or wrists, store warming muscle wraps inside, and recharge them in a snap.
And if you want to take the miniFRIDGE home for weekend adventures, no prob! It has a carrying handle and even comes with an adapter to run on your car’s power.
The Unisar miniFRIDGE sells for about $59.99. For more information, see www.unisar.com.
Always as Good as The First Sip.
How nifty is this? The clever folks at Dream Link have made a miniature refrigerator that holds and cools one single beverage can – and it runs off of your computer!
Instead of plugging into an outlet, the Dream Cheeky USB Fridge plugs into any USB port on your PC. It doesn’t need any special software, and works on PCs and Macs. Just plug and play!
As you work, you can keep your Diet Coke as cool as the moment you cracked it open. The Dream Cheeky USB Fridge is small enough to keep right at your desk, within your reach.
And we’re not too proud to admit that we love “cute” – and the Dream Cheeky is. It looks like a vintage fridge and it even has a tiny light inside!
The Dream Cheeky USB Fridge comes with a four-foot-long USB cable, and it’ll be cold enough for your favorite canned beverage within seconds of plugging in.
It sells for about $29.00. Get yours now at www.buy.com
Desks Can Smell.
There are a number of reasons why your work space might smell – but we won’t get into them. Instead, we’ll stay positive and offer our favorite solution: The Pearlessence Mini Aromafier instant air fragrancer. This unobtrusive egg-like machine fits into the palm of your hand and operates on two AA batteries (not included). Alternatively, you can buy a USB cord to power your Pearlessence Mini Aromafier off of your computer (like the Dream Cheeky Fridge, above), or purchase an AC adapter to plug it into an ordinary electrical outlet.
Here’s how the Pearlessence Mini Aromafier works. Place a few drops of essential oil onto the absorbing pad inside the Aromifier. (The Aromafier comes with a starter bottle of fragrance oil – ours was Lavender.) Turn on the machine. A small, whisper-quiet fan inside begins to diffuse the scent into the area. You’ll know the machine is working when a light is lit. Enjoy all the benefits of aromatherapy right at your desk, and combat unpleasant odors, too.
Visit www.pearlessence.com to purchase the Pearlessence Mini Aromafier and accessories, including a variety of aromatherapy oils. The Mini Aromafier sells for $15.00.
Labels:
desk accessories,
happiness,
just-a-sec exclusive,
reviews
Dealing with Pain-in-the-Butt Co-Workers
The Tyra Banks Show's web site has some concise and to-the-point advice today on dealing with difficult co-workers, including those of the gossipy, slacker and casanova varieties. Have a read for some solid tips from Tyra.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Ex-Employees Starting A Biz: Can the Old Boss Object?
So, you want to go off and be your own boss. Can your current boss kick up a fuss once you've done it? An interview with an employment lawyer at this blog may address some of your concerns.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Socializing Between Tasks is Good For Your Work Product
A little flitting about and chit-chat at work might actually be something your employer should encourage.
Researchers have found that workers who socialize between tasks are actually more productive. Learn more here.
Researchers have found that workers who socialize between tasks are actually more productive. Learn more here.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Unique Job Perks: $2K for a Vacation!
If you work for the sort of employer who...well, gives a crap, maybe you'll pass along some of these ideas for unique perks to help retain employees.
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