Category Archives: Tid-Bits & Funnies

5 Thoughtful Gifts for Your Work Colleagues This Holiday Season

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Your work colleagues aren’t just the people you meet, collaborate, and “circle back” amid the rush of deadlines, the pings of Google chat, and the welcome smell of Americano. They’re the ones you do life with: You spend at least one-third of your day with them. They understand the demands of your job more than your family ever could since they’re in the trenches with you, and they’ve seen you at your worst (and best!) when the going gets tough.

They’re family.

Research shows that the average individual spends more than 81,000 hours, or nine-plus years, in the workplace, which is why Americans generally find it easier to build friendships at work versus at church, school, or the neighborhood. Since your co-workers are family (the family you don’t choose), adding them to your Christmas list alongside your loved ones this year only makes sense.

What items make the best Christmas presents for coworkers? Let’s explore five thoughtful gifts for your work colleagues this holiday season.

Sticky-Note Savior

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We all love sticky notes: They’re an excellent way to organize our ideas, information, and plans. The problem? When they multiply and take over a desk or cubicle, the workspace can quickly become disorganized and cluttered, achieving the opposite effect. 

De-clutter your favorite colleague’s work area by introducing a dry-erase easel designed for the desktop. At 8.5 inches by 11 inches, the easel can easily be propped up or lie flat to save your co-worker’s space from a sticky-note takeover. Choose one with a clip they can use to manage invoices and bills more efficiently. The result will be a tidier workstation that will make your colleague happier and more productive.

A Beautiful Scarf to Accessorize

A festive scarf can add the perfect finishing touch to your coworkers’ holiday dresses, creating a polished yet playful look. A scarf’s color and style make it the ideal way to introduce the holiday spirit. Whether the scarf features classic holiday patterns or seasonal colors like reds, greens, or golds, it can instantly elevate a simple dress. Your coworker can drape it loosely for a relaxed feel or tie it neatly around the neck for a more polished look. 

For attending a formal holiday party, you might choose a fabric such as silk to provide a more sophisticated feel. Alternatively, a cozy knit scarf can create a more casual and informal winter vibe. With the right accessories, your coworker will feel more energetic and ready to celebrate the holiday season!

Satisfying Succulents

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Add green to your colleague’s winter workspace by giving them the unexpected gift of a succulent this year. These hardy plants are easy to maintain, even for non–green thumbs, and can brighten and freshen up any cubicle. They’re also small enough to fit in a tiny space, on a small desk, or on a window sill, adding a peaceful and calming natural vibe to any work area. Succulents are also purported to absorb negative energy and produce good energy, potentially leading to a more harmonious and balanced space. 

Handbag Hand-Up

Take your co-worker’s handbag game to the next level with the perfect functional handbag gift this Christmas. Choose a crossbody bag for a co-worker who values shoulder and back comfort, as it evenly distributes its weight by hanging diagonally across a person’s body. Gift a clutch to a colleague seeking convenience, as it can easily accommodate small items like lipstick, a cell phone, and a credit card while complementing a formal dress or casual clothes. Totes also make excellent gifts for team members who spend long days at work, as they can effortlessly fit their planners, laptops, gym wear, and even clutch wallets for nights out with the ladies.

Checkup from the Neck Up

Photo by Gwen Weustink on Unsplash

Show your co-workers how much you value them by treating them to a simple necklace or a ring in the holiday season. Pearl necklaces can instantly add sophistication and timeless elegance to their Christmas ensembles. Gold necklaces, due to their warm and radiant hue, are the perfect choice for invoking confidence and positivity.

Surprise Your Colleagues With the Best Gifts This Holiday Season

Now is the ideal time to start planning Christmas shopping for your work family. Fortunately, several gift options can help you demonstrate to your colleagues how special they are, whether you work together in person or across state lines. Dry-erase easels, fashionable holiday scarves, trendsetting handbags, and eye-catching necklaces can all be thoughtful, life-enhancing gifts. Consider all the above-listed holiday gift ideas for colleagues to spread a little more Christmas cheer around the office this year.

5 Favorite Everyday Fashion Trends

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5 Favorite Everyday Fashion Trends

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Fashion is changing as it becomes increasingly responsive to consumer demand. And a lot of that demand has to do with sustainability and fashion industry accountability. The 5 favorite everyday fashion trends we’ll talk about in this post are primarily concerned with a shift in consumer consciousness toward sustainability. Let’s take a look at what’s hot right now and what’s going to stay hot in the coming year.

1.  Fashion Shifts Gears: Slow Fashion

Fast fashion has become a global problem, producing in excess of 90 million tons of waste each year. In response, slow fashion is rising as a trend toward quality over quantity. Well-made clothes that last are now more desirable than the “disposals” of yesterday.

Part of the trend encourages consumers to buy from companies located close to home, reducing the environmental cost of shipping. Designer clothes that last, in classic cuts and styles are the new wardrobe staples, so “shop til you drop” is last year’s battle cry. Now, it’s “shop for a healthier planet.”

2.  Sustainable Fabrics

Organic cotton, untreated by substances harmful to the planet, is surging as a textile. But the biggest change has to be in recycling plastic and nylon to create new, sustainable fabrics.

Sea plastic is being recovered and transformed into fibers to create eco-friendly fabrics. The sea is cleared of harmful plastics, while unwanted waste is given something useful to do! But nylon, a durable material, is being recycled too. By recycling this plentiful textile, the environment is spared the high ecological price of producing new fabrics.

3.  Everything Old Is New Again

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Retro fashion is having a renaissance, with the 70s, 80s, and 90s all figuring prominently.

The 70s: A Wild Night at Studio 54

Bust out those sequined flares and hit the disco! All that’s worn close to the body, is sensually draped, or covered in sequins and glitter is back with a vengeance. And if you don’t have any of that stuff, don’t worry. Your local thrift shop can help with vintage band t-shirts, flares in bold patterns (another key trend) and all that catches the light like a mirror ball rotating over the dance floor.

The 80s: Johnny Rotten Rides Again

Get back in that thrift store, finding a striped sweater distorted by decades of wear and cut holes in it. You’re halfway there! 80s punk is another key impulse that promises anarchy in the UK and everywhere else! Wear your messed-up sweater over a vintage punk band T-shirt peeking out from those holes you’ve cut in it. Pull out that beaten-up leather jacket in the back of your closet or hit the garage sales for that Rebel Without a Cause look. Then, do Sid Vicious one better with a heavy chain link necklace, padlocked shut. Just add black lipstick and Catwoman eyeliner and you’re a countercultural goddess.

The 90s: Smells Like Grunge Spirit

Carrying over from 2023, Grunge 2.0 abides just as reliably as The Dude. A slip dress worn with Doc Martens is the lynchpin of this look but keep that flannel handy for your casual looks. A flannel shirt over 2024’s booty shorts with combat boots and torn hosiery ushers Courtney Love into the 21st century. In heavy rotation for the coming year, Grunge 2.0 is your moment to tip your hat to one of Seattle’s most notable exports.

All these retro looks are easy to put your personal spin on. Start in your own closet, collecting thrifted and garage sale items to build any of these trendy looks. You can even create your own vintage style by blending older items with fresh trends for a hybrid style that breaks the mold!

4.  Comfort Dressing

Comfort dressing in 2024 will be defined by the overwhelming popularity of athleisure wear. Not just for the gym or life’s more casual moments, athleisure is showing up on catwalks everywhere. Sleek athleisure derivatives are even showing up in professional settings. The trick is thoughtful construction that results in a superb fit, coupled with high-tech fabrics that wick moisture away and protect you from the sun. But comfort dressing extends to staying cozy at home, with “nesting” looks that wrap you in cuddly warmth, like a wearable blanket hoodie.

5.  Prints That Announce You

Big, bold, and not the least bit shy, 2024’s prints bloom with roses. The rose print trend is joined by tropical and geometric prints that have no qualms about owning a room. Asymmetrical and mismatched patterns (polka dots with stripes or florals) are also expected to blow up in 2024, drawing on Maximalist design that declares “more is more.” Minimalism is fine for some but you’re far too lively for such sartorial reticence. Get loud! And remember: there’s plenty of boldly vibrant retro print to be had secondhand! As 2023 recedes in the rearview mirror, 2024 is full of promise for change, reinvention, and the resurrection of old looks in new guises. It’s your year to make a statement for the planet and for your personal style, retooling the past for the needs of an environmentally sound

Why Settle When You Can Roam? A Guide to Working While Traveling

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Working from one place and settling down isn’t for everyone. There are some people who need to explore what’s out there and learn about the world. Of course, nothing is free, and living while  traveling the planet requires money. However, it is possible to roam and make the revenue you need to survive. We will cover what you need to know to master the art of working while traveling.

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Working Jobs That Allow You to Roam

We live in an era full of opportunities, one of which is obtaining work that permits travel. Some careers even require this type of movement to thrive. If you can’t sit still and need movement to enjoy life, there are options available. The following pursuits might make it possible for you to roam:

  • Data entry work
  • Any type of online job where all you need is an internet connection
  • Flight attendant
  • Language teaching or tutoring abroad
  • Translator and/or interpreter

In addition to those above, most types of freelance work may also work, such as:

  • SEO writing/blogging
    • Technical writer
    • Web design or development
    • Photography
    • Social media manager
    • Influencer
    • Videographer

Some of the undertakings mentioned above take time to develop. You may not make the income you need to support yourself and travel simultaneously at first. However, with the right mindset and determination, you can live your dream of making travel part of your work.

What Skills Are Required to Make Money During Travel

If you are trekking across the world and discovering new places, working may be the last thing on your mind. It’s an adjustment to have your work office change scenery every day. With this type of working environment, it’s imperative to have the following skills:

  • Responsibility: Be responsible and fulfill your work duties. Even if you only work for yourself, make sure you’re doing enough to cover your expenses.
  • Motivation: Have the drive to work when no one else is holding you accountable.
  • Time management: It’s critical to be aware of how and where you spend your time.
  • Organization: If you are voyaging around the globe, be efficient and organized with your belongings. Be aware of your items for work and your possessions that are necessary for everyday living. Have a system to sort through them.
  • Communication: Make sure you are able to effectively communicate where you’re located, with your clients, or who you work with.
  • Creativity: Be creative with when and how you work!
  • Flexibility: Being able to travel and work requires a massive amount of flexibility.
  • A good attitude: Positivity is always helpful in any situation, especially through tricky ones.

With these skills, it’s possible to travel worldwide while gaining a profit. 

What to Consider With This Type of Lifestyle

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There are several components to consider when globetrotting. It’s a necessity to stay out of danger or serious trouble, all while enjoying the experience. With this type of lifestyle, be conscious of the following:

  • Areas you are visiting: Make sure to do your research on the sites you visit to ensure your safety and well being.
  • Communicating with the locals: If you don’t speak the language, have a backup plan to work around this dilemma.
  • The customs of your country: Know the culture and stay safe.
  • Different types of currency: Make sure you have the specific currency for where you are. 
  • The equipment you’ll need: Be sure to have clothes, hygiene products, a laptop backpack, and dishes (such as plates,silverware, or a UV glass jar for dry goods like coffee or tea). Just as important, make sure you have a way to easily transport your equipment.
  • Your passport: Ensure that it is always up to date so you don’t run into trouble.
  • Taxes (if applicable): If you work for yourself or have unique employment, confirm that this is taken care of.
  • Your work: Be on top of finding places or clients where you can successfully accomplish what you need to.

Being smart and planning ahead of time will help you stay safe and know what you need to do.

Working while traveling requires the right skills to maintain a profession where this is possible. It also requires extra consideration when roaming between different countries. However, it’s a wonderful experience to make new discoveries about our planet while making a living. There are advantages to living this way, including increased awareness of culture and diversity. Those with this lifestyle get first hand education about the world and all it has to offer.

6 Weird High-Skilled Fishing Techniques

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As a veteran angler, you’ve performed a countless number of overhead and side casts. Why not try something new?

Believe it or not, there are many alternative methods of fishing out there. If you’re looking for a challenge, give one of these outside-the-box fishing techniques a go.

1.Calling a Fish In

Hunters can speak to the effectiveness of using a call to attract game such as turkey and deer. It may sound crazy, but certain fish also respond to calls.

At first glance, the idea of attracting fish through sound seems counterintuitive. One of the first lessons you learn as a young angler is to remain as quiet while out on the lake. But sometimes, this isn’t the best strategy. Dedicated striped bass anglers, for example, swear by hitting the sides of their boat with a wooden paddle to draw in fish. Some even choose to add a rubber tip to their pole to soften the sound.

And it’s not hard to understand why. Sound travels about four times faster and further through the water. Naturally, fish developed a strong sense of hearing and the ability to detect vibrations. If you’re still skeptical, give it a try for yourself.

2.Tickling a Trout

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It’s exactly what it sounds like.

You don’t need any high-end fishing gear to pull off this technique. All you need to do is walk down to your nearest lake or stream, find a trout, stick your hand under the water, and tickle its belly. Oddly enough, the fish will go limp, allowing you to scoop it up and take it with you.

As ridiculous as it sounds, this technique has been popular for thousands of years. This technique isn’t easy to pull off. But, considering how little you need to do it, why not give it a shot?

3.Bowfishing

This is another one that’s self-explanatory: Grab a bow and arrow, head out to your local waterway, and fire away at the first fish you see.

Okay, it’s not that simple. Bowfishing requires you to hit a target that moves unpredictably. Plus, it’s underwater, which can affect the momentum of a shot if you fire at a fish that isn’t swimming in shallow waters. Bowfishing bows and arrows are also slightly different from normal bows; they usually have fishing line attached so you can reel in your catch after you’ve hit it.

Most importantly, not all fish are eligible for bowfishing. You aren’t permitted to hunt gamefish in most states. That said, there are plenty of species you can pursue, including carp, Garfish, and Flounder. Grab your bowfishing gear, find a stream near you with fish you are permitted to bowfish, and head on out.

4.Skishing

Skishing is for the type of angler who also enjoys extreme sports. Like its name implies, it’s a combination of skiing and fishing.

To skish, you either swim out into a lake, stream, or ocean, then cast your line while treading water. Whenever a fish bites, it will pull you along with it. You just need to hold on and reel it in while enjoying the ride.

Skishing is certainly not an easy way to fish. Only try this technique if you are an experienced swimmer and angler. Before heading out, be sure to monitor water conditions. If the current or undertow is too strong, save this technique for another day.

5.Building a Dam

If the last technique was a bit too extreme for you, you’ll love this one.

Dam building is exactly as it sounds. First, you find a shallow stream in which fish are plentiful. Then, you use the materials available to you to construct a dam, with options ranging from logs and sticks to rocks and fallen trees.

Once you’ve built a dam, it becomes a waiting game. If you’ve built a dam that is too tall for fish to jump over and reaches the bottom of the stream, you’ll trap a few eventually. From there, the choice is yours to either grab them with your hands or cast a line and reel them in.

6.Drone Fishing

Everyone uses drones these days, including photographers, farmers, the military — and now, even anglers.

Modern drone technology has made it easier than ever to drone fish. There are many waterproof drones available on the market today that are ideal options for anglers who want to try out drone fishing. Drone fishing is also simple. You attach the reel to a mechanism on the drone and then move it out over open water using the remote. When you find a spot you like, you then release the reel using a button on the remote. Once you get a bite, it’s just a matter of bringing the drone back to shore.

Be Adventurous

Experimenting with new techniques is never easy, but trust us when we say it’s worth it. Give one of these techniques a try on your next trip. Good luck out there!

How to Prepare for Unexpected Unemployment – Top 8 Tips

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Nobody likes to consider the chance that they may find themselves unemployed, but due to the current pandemic and possible future recession, it’s a necessity that everyone should start thinking about. No matter how recession-proof you think your job may be, it’s always a good idea to start preparing for unemployment now.

If you’re unsure of how to prepare for unemployment,check this blog about the top eight ways you can ensure you’re ready for unexpected job loss.

  1. Trim Your Budget

Step one in how to prepare for unemployment is to take a look at your budget. How much of your income are you spending? Compare your spending on necessities versus luxuries. If you have any concerns about losing your job in the near future, cut down your budget as much as you can and don’t splurge on an extravagant vacation! Place all the money that you would normally put towards entertainment into your savings to prepare yourself for months with no income.

  1. Build Up The Emergency Fund

You might not have any specific savings accounts at this point, but you should now separate out at least two: an emergency fund and retirement savings. You should apply all of your extra funds towards these two accounts, with a special focus on your emergency fund during the time when your job may be in jeopardy.

Many people stop paying into their emergency fund once they reach a specific goal, but on our list of how to prepare for unemployment, the emergency fund is a critical part of surviving while jobless. Even if you’ve reached your initial goal for this account, keep paying into it until you have at least a year’s worth of living expenses.

  1. Look At Health Insurance

Many people rely on their employers for health insurance. When they lose their jobs, they never even consider what it means for their healthcare costs. You might think that COBRA could pick up the slack until you find new insurance, but this could be a heavy financial burden.

If you’re preparing for unemployment, you should start searching for health insurance options with your reduced income right now, so that you’re ready for whatever comes your way. There are a number of resources through the ACA that can help you find affordable healthcare no matter how much money you’re making.

  1. Speed Up Debt Repayment

One of the biggest burdens for those who are unemployed is still having to make payments toward various debts. Whether it’s a mortgage, student loans, or credit card debt, you should speed up your debt repayment, even if you have a low income. When preparing for unemployment, prioritize debts that have high interest rates or those that don’t offer deferment.

  1. Apply for Deferments

Rent and mortgage are at the top of everyone’s list when thinking about how to prepare for unemployment. The reason it’s not as vital as building up your emergency fund and trimming your budget is due to deferment and refinancing options. In cases like the current pandemic, many companies are suspending eviction and foreclosure to provide relief for people dealing with job loss.

You can reach out to your lender to see if you qualify for deferment; that suspends accruing interest and postpones payments until a later date. Negotiate with your lender to ensure the new payment dates are at a time when you’re sure you’ll have a steady income.

  1. Apply for Unemployment

Part of the taxes taken out of your paycheck is for unemployment insurance, and you should absolutely take advantage of this program if you lose your job. Part of learning how to prepare for unemployment is understanding the application and claim filing process. After you file a claim, it will take the unemployment office several weeks to process your application and attribute the correct Weekly Benefit Amount and Claim Balance to your account. Once they provide you with a claim summary, you can start certifying for your benefits — even if you have to do it retroactively.

  1. Start Networking

While everyone’s employment situation is different, it’s never too early to start refreshing your resume and networking with potential employers. Hunting for a new job can be very stressful and there are a number of preemptive steps you can take to make it easier.

In addition to ensuring your resume is up to date, you also want your social networking profiles to display you in the best possible light. Add all relevant skills to your LinkedIn profile and share successful projects on your Facebook page. Selling yourself to recruiters is critical for those preparing for unemployment.

  1. Find Supplemental Income

Starting a side job while you’re still employed is a great way to supplement your income and save more money. Whether it’s a hobby with marketable skills that you can turn into a part-time gig or a passion that you eventually want to transform into your own business, now is a good time to start building up your experience and resources. Did these tips help you learn how to prepare for unemployment? We want to hear from you! Comment below to start a conversation about the best ways to prepare for unexpected unemployment that we didn’t include in our blog.