The Tricked-Out Desk: Winter Duo!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

During the work week, you spend more waking hours at your desk than you do in the comfort of your own home. So why not make your desk as homey as possible?

Here are two new goodies that Just A Sec loves. They make our workspaces healthier, happier places to be. Check 'em out!:

Beat The Winter Blues:
The Sunlight 365 Mood-Enhancing Light Box



Most of us have heard of "SAD" -- Seasonal Affective Disorder. When winter sets in, some of us suffer from SAD symptoms like depression and fatigue. An increasingly common treatment for SAD is light therapy -- that is, exposure to bright lights that mimic natural sunlight.

Seasonal depression, ay? Like you needed another reason to feel like crap at work! But the good news is, you could feel a lot better every day, starting now -- with a Sunlight 365 by Zadro.

The Sunlight 365 is the perfect size for your desk -- it fits in the palm of your hand -- about the size of a pocket calculator. It has a built-in stand that props the Sunlight 365 up on your desk surface and bathes you in therapeutic light while you work. A simple-to-use control panel allows you to make adjustments to the intensity of light and how long you're exposed. You can choose to let the Sunlight 365 run for 15, 30 or 45 minutes at a time, and then the light shuts off automatically. In fact, the Sunlight 365 even lets you create and save three different "programs", or combinations of intensities and lengths of exposure. It plugs into an electric outlet. The Sunlight 365 also comes with a soft carrying case -- handy for taking it home for a happier weekend!

Save a fortune on anti-depressants -- get your Sunlight 365 for $59.95 today from Zadro.


Your Secret Weapon:
The Sunpentown Personal Humidifier



A humidifier can keep you healthy, beautiful and feeling your best. It adds moisture to the air and helps eliminate itchy, cracked skin, a dry nose and allergy and asthma problems. And did you know that many viruses that cause sickness can only live in a low humidity environment? That means they'll die out in an environment where the moisture level is raised by a humidifier.

All great reasons to use one -- but who wants to hook up a big, clunky humidifier on their desk? How many of us have that kind of room?

Sunpentown has a treat for you! Their Personal Humidifier is the cutest thing we've ever seen, and it's got substance behind its style. This tiny humidifier is about 4" long and 2.5" wide!! And get this: it works with an ordinary plastic water bottle. That's right -- there's no tank. Just keep a small bottled water bottle on-hand, fill it at the water cooler, and attach it to the Personal Humidifier. This smart little device comes with two different adapters to fit small and large water bottles.

We were impressed by how efficiently this baby works. It quietly emits a steady stream of cool mist, which is adjustable with a low-to-high dial. There's even a light-up indicator to let you know when it's time to refill the water. The Personal Humidifier plugs into an electric outlet. Choose from three colors: all-white, black-and-white, or pink-and-white.

Your overall well-being is priceless -- so invest in your Personal Humidifier for $59.00 today at Sunpentown.

It's a "Secret Santa" Gift Extravaganza!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!



Looking for a Secret Santa gift? Or an idea for what to get your boss?

The secretaries who make up the Just A Sec volunteer army have stepped up to give their recommendations for this season's best gift ideas.

UNDER $10

Got a Desk? Got Your Gift!
Paper Trackers
$4.95 -- $8.95



"These are the kind of things you wish you had on your desk every day, and they would be so simple to make, and you wonder why nobody's made them yet. Well somebody has!"

So said our friend Gabriella, a secretary at a local university, after setting up her desk with Paper Trackers.

Paper Trackers are a series of elegantly simple organizing gadgets that get papers off the surface of your desk, but keep them handy where you need them.

Gabriella liked the Paper Trackers' versatility. "What's great about the Paper Trackers is, you can use them any way that works for you. It doesn't matter what your desk set-up is. You can attach them almost anywhere."

Paper Trackers are like slender, transparent pockets where you can stow flat items you need to see quickly -- notes, photos, business cards. They attach with adhesive strips, magnets, or adjustable clips, depending on where you need to keep your Paper Tracker. For example, you can keep notes on the top and sides of your computer monitor by using adhesive Paper Tracker 11" Bars; or clip phone numbers and business cards to your phone with a 5.5" Paper Tracker Bar with Double Swivel Clip.

"They're very easy to assemble," Gabriella told us. "It's just a matter of slipping the plastic sleeves into the bar, then either sticking on your magnets or adhesive pads, or attaching a clip."

We love the Paper Tracker products as a less bulky alternative to bulletin boards and pushpins, clunky standing files, etc. And at under $10, anyone can get their own. They're a can't-go-wrong gift for anybody with a desk -- your co-workers will dig them!

Take a minute today to order up a bunch at www.papertracker.net.


$20 AND UNDER

Cocktails, Anyone?
The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis
by James O. Fraioli
$12.95



"I wanted to catch up with my friends," said Reena, a legal secretary in midtown. "Most of them know how to make mixed drinks, but I never knew."

Then she read The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis.

"This book was great!" Reena raved. "I knew nothing. Less than nothing, and I was able to make martinis for myself and my friends this past weekend."

"It's a small book, written in simple language. You won't get overwhelmed. There's really just some basic information you need to know what you're doing, and this book gives it to you without a lot of extra stuff you don't care about it."

"I definitely liked the opening chapter that tells you what all those bar tools do, what they're called, what's the difference between 'neat' and 'on the rocks'. I never knew what a cocktail shaker was for before. It was those little things that made me feel like, oh, OK, I know this. I know as much as everybody else now!"

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis breaks up its recipes into six categories: Classic Martinis, Flavorful Fruit Martinis, Aromatic Herb and Vegetable Martinis, Exotic Martinis, Festive Holiday Martinis and Decadent Dessert Martinis.

"I chose two martinis from the book to master and then serve up to my friends: the Kamikaze Martini and the Marilyn Monroe Martini. They were easy to make, they turned out great, and now everybody thinks I'm the drink master!" Reena admitted, though -- she hid the book from her friends!

Don't hide it from your friends -- get them each a copy at your favorite bookseller, or from Amazon.


Cheerful Umbrellas: The No-Brainer Gift
Totes Jingle 'brella and Santa 'brella
$14.99



"As far as I'm concerned, if you need to get a gift for a co-worker, this is it," said Linda, a legal secretary in lower Manhattan. "Just buy one of these for every gal you work with and you'll be set. I mean, who doesn't need an umbrella? Even if you've got one, who needs just one? You're always losing an umbrella. And these are really, really cute. Nobody who gets one of these from you is going to say, 'Ew, I got such a boring gift!' These Jingle 'brellas are just too adorable."

Everyone at Just A Sec agreed -- this year, Totes has a winner with its Jingle 'brella and Santa 'brella. They come in a variety of happy-go-lucky prints like retro-dots, houndstooth and animal prints, and chic solids too.

Linda noted, "They're nice and compact too, but you get good coverage when you open them up." Too true. The 'brella folds up to 6" in length but opens to a 38" canopy arc.

"Plus, you don't even have to wrap these," said Linda. "I wouldn't. Look -- they come with either a little Santa hat on top or a bow and bells! How CUTE! I'd just put a gift tag on and give it." You can't beat a gift that doesn't need wrapping!

Quick! Order a Totes Jingle 'brella or Santa 'brella for everyone you know at www.totes-isotoner.com.


Rock that New Year's Resolution!
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good
By G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D. and Deborah S. Romaine
$16.95



"I think this book is the perfect universal gift," says Charlotte, a downtown secretary in real estate. "When you think about it, you're supporting everyone's New Year's resolution, no matter what it is. Everyone wants to start the new year with a change. This book makes a big impact for a little money, in my opinion."

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good was co-written by the director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, so he should know what he's talking about when it comes to successfully breaking free from those monkeys on our backs. But, as with all books in the Complete Idiot's series, the advice is presented in a clearly-organized, easy-to-understand way.

"I'm completely engrossed in it," Charlotte said of Changing Old Habits. "Honestly, I'm not someone who reads a lot of self-help books, but this one is so easy to read. And it's making a lot of sense." She added, "I'm looking ahead and it looks like the authors have really covered the subject from beginning to end. I see chapters here that address your state of mind even after you've changed your habit. How to keep your good habits going long-term. I know that's what I'm going to need, so I feel better knowing those chapters are ahead."

You can purchase The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good from your favorite bookseller, or at Amazon.com.


Goodbye, Hat-Hair and Sweaty Necks!
Trailheads Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband
$20.00



"Oh my god, I hate wearing hats in winter. I will, like, not put a hat on my head, no matter how cold it is. First of all, I cannot have anything pressing down the top of my hair. My top-hair just doesn't fluff back up like my side hair does. And secondly, I get so sweaty under my hair, right at the back of my neck if I wear a little knit hat. It doesn't matter if it's minus twenty outside. My neck sweats, and it's gross."

That's what one Tribeca secretary told us.

"I tried wearing earmuffs, the kind that wrap around the back of your head. But for some reason, they really hurt my ears, like they pressed on them or something and gave me a headache."

Then Lisa tried the Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband by Trailheads.

"OK, I think I found my answer! I love this thing. It kept my ears nice and toasty warm, but I didn't sweat on my neck! And I didn't have to smush down the top of my hair, either!"

The cozy fleece Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband wraps around your head, covering your ears. But a clever opening in the back allows you to push your hair through, pony-tail style, getting it off your neck. No more sweaty hair sticking to the nape of your neck while the rest of your head gets frostbite!

The Trailheads Goodbye Girl is also moisture-repellant, so it dries quickly after a walk from the subway in sleet or snow. Headbands are black with cheerful contrasting colored piping, your choice of pink, blue, green or red.

Get yours at Trailheads.


UNDER $40

Decisions, Decisions
The Decision Kit by Knock Knock
$21.00



Who doesn't have to make decisions? We face them every day. Admittedly, some are bigger than others -- so why not do a friend a favor and give them The Decision Kit this Christmas?

Sandra and Kellie are friends who work together at a corporation in midtown. They played with The Decision Kit and gave it a big two-thumbs-up.

"I want to get this for Christmas!" Kellie laughed. "This was a lot of fun," Sandra agreed. "We went into it just looking at it like a game, but then it got kind of heavy. In a good way!" "Yeah, here we are having a laugh and then it's two hours later and we've had twenty epiphanies each and felt like we'd been to therapy," said Kellie.

The Decision Kit definitely has a sense of humor (it even includes an "I Decided Today!" jacket pin), but the tools inside the pretty Decision Kit box can actually help you work through a dilemma. There are three notepads that urge you to examine the pros & cons of a situation, identify your gut feelings, and list your next steps. To inspire you, there's a tiny booklet of quotations about decision making. And after all this, if you still can't decide, they've given you a coin to flip!

We loved The Decision Kit, and everything else we found at Knock Knock. You'll find a treasure trove of witty co-worker and boss gifts on their web site. Hurry! Go now!


Book Worship
The Peeramid Bookrest
$32.95



Nicole, an executive assistant, reads in bed every night. But after years of doing it, she's still not thrilled with having to hold the book up to her face. Here's what she told us:

"I know, it seems like a stupid thing to complain about, doesn't it? But if you read a lot, especially in bed, after a while you get tired holding up your arms. You want to keep reading but your arms get sore. Sometimes I wish someone would just hold the book in front of my face for me."

After she tried to Peearmid Bookrest, she was overjoyed.

"This is the best thing I could've hoped for. It totally takes the pressure off my arms, and it holds the book at the perfect height and angle."

The Peeramid is, well, a pyramid -- stuffed and sewn with a "ledge" for placing your book. It sits on your lap, giving you a place to rest your book as you read.

"They stuffed it the perfect amount," Nicole noted. "If they'd made it softer, it wouldn't support a book. It's just firm enough, but still nice and lightweight on my lap. And I love that they included a bookmarker!" That's right, a pretty cord attached to the peak of the Peeramid drapes down and serves to hold your place. You can leave your favorite paperback right on the Peeramid when you've finished reading for the night, and pick it up again the next night. Sit it on your nightstand or on the floor beside your bed. It's attractive and comes in a wide variety of lovely fabrics for any guy or gal reader you know.

For that reader in your life, order up a Peermid at Hog Wild Toys today.


Foodies, Vegetarians and Wannabes
The Vegetable Box by Keda Black
$34.99



"I can think of three types of people who would love this gift," said Tracy, a downtown insurance company employee. "Foodies, vegetarians, and people who want to get more veggies in their diets."

The Vegetable Box is a whimsical alternative to the commonplace cookbook. Recipes are printed inside one of 14 mini-cookbooks which come nestled inside a wooden crate -- a great gift presentation! Each booklet covers two different vegetables, and they're divided into sections inside the crate.

"I really liked how the dividers list all the recipes that are inside the book in that section," Nicole told us. "It made it easy to see what I wanted to make, instead of having to flip through each book one at a time. I could choose a couple of things that sounded interesting, check out the recipes, and narrow down what I wanted to try from there."

And how were the recipes, Nicole?

"I'm sort of a mid-range cook, a little adventurous but not a total gourmet, and I thought there was something here for everybody. The recipes are not all so far-out that nobody but a professional chef could have success with them, but there are enough interesting ingredients to satisfy people like me who really like to explore the local gourmet shop and try something new."

Everybody knows somebody who'd love The Vegetable Box -- and will love you for giving it to them. Get yours at your favorite bookseller or visit Amazon.

Woman Treadmills at Her Desk

A Missouri woman works all day standing up, and walks on a treadmill behind her desk, too. What's the gadget that helps her do it?

Read her story here.

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.