10 Chic Desk Accessories to Beautify Your Workspace

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In the adult world, the only time you might splurge on a new set of desk accessories is if you start a new job or renovate a home office. But if you, like us, miss the summer ritual of your school years, when you would buy a fresh set of new supplies at the stationary store, carefully checking off each and every item (one red pen, two black pens, one three-ring binder...) then this buying guide is just for you. Here’s a roundup of good-looking, functional tools that will energize your workspace, making it a happy place to come to each morning. We warn you though—these beauties may incite some serious office envy. 

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  1. BEYOND OBJECT

  This sleek tape dispenser and pencil sharpener from the minimalist brand Beyond Object resemble works of art more than functional office tools. Bonus: these beautiful pieces will encourage you to keep your workspace clutter-free so they can really shine. 

  Tape dispenser, $110; aplusrstore.com. Pencil sharpener, $80; aplusrstore.com. 
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  2. POKETO

  If you consider yourself somewhat of a writing utensil connoisseur, you’ll flip for the unique and colorful options at Poketo. Plus, they’re so recognizable, your colleagues wouldn't dare try to steal them from your desk. 

  Colorblock pens, $5 each; poketo.com.
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  3. GOOD THING

  We all peek at the mirror throughout the day to make sure our hair is in place, makeup is in tact, and we're not about to walk into a meeting with food in our teeth. This svelte metal sheet, available in silver and copper, is as much a functioning reflective surface as it is a piece of decor. 

  Easy mirror, from $24; supergoodthing.com.
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  4. NATE BERKUS

  Season after season, Nate Berkus’s seasonal collections for Target never disappoints, and this one is no different. With more office accessories than even before, there’s enough to organize your work space, and give it a cohesive look. With the brand’s affordable prices, there’s no reason not to add everything to your shopping cart. 

  Clockwise from top left: Letter opener, $8; target.com. Hanging folders, $13;target.com. Desktop organizer, $15; target.com. Stapler, $16; target.com. 
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  5. TOM DIXON

  Feeling the copper trend these days? Tom Dixon’s super modern pieces are a cut above the rest. This small glimpse of the angular stapler and tape dispenser is just a peek into the treasure trove of metal supplies—from bookmarks to pens—that any design junkie will fawn over. 

  Cube stapler, $75; tomdixon.net. Cube dispenser, $95; tomdixon.net. 
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  6. HAY

  With pieces as visual and practical as these, there’s no reason to banish paper clips and push pins from your desk top. And if you’re using them regularly, you’ll be relieved to not have to open a drawer every time you need one. 

  Magnetic tower, $28; momastore.org. Cork cone, $18; momastore.org. 
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  7. ANTHROPOLOGIE

  This super-sleek brass organizer not only allows you to separate your writing utensils from your rulers and scissors, but there’s also enough room for you to separate your Sharpies from your pens, or your pencils from your highlighters. 

  Pencil holder, $48; anthropologie.com. 

  
  
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  8. POPPIN

  Many people nowadays don't have the luxury of a large work station. This desk stand keeps your monitor elevated so that you can tuck supplies, your laptop, or your keyboard when you’re not using it, underneath. 

  Desktop shelf, $99; poppin.com.
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  9. SOUDA

  For the super-minimalist, a business card and pen holder that keeps only three writing tools are all they need—and want—to have at their sparse workstation. 

  Business card holder, $18; soudasouda.com. Pen brick, $24; soudasouda.com. 
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  10. THREE BY THREE

  This dry erase writing pad keeps notes nice and tidy on one reusable surface. The best part is that you can start with a clean slate every day—literally.

Top 5 things to consider when designing an accessible kitchen for wheelchair users.

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Many people find themselves needing accessible homes for themselves or family members. There are approximately 30 million Americans using wheelchairs and the number of people who need accessible homes will continue to increase as disabled and aging people are finding more ways to remain living in their homes. One important way to increase independent living is making a home accessible to an individuals personal needs. Home modifications can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for people who want to live independently.

There are now more resources to help people stay in their homes living independently. Modifying an individuals home is one of the most important steps to assist someone in remaining in their home if they have physical limitations. One area of the home that is most important to accommodate is the kitchen. The goal of accommodating a kitchen is to create a barrier-free design to give access to all people whether abled or disabled. Some of these solutions are custom ordered items; however, some things can be accomplished by remodeling a kitchen a little differently.

With all the advances in accessible design, a beautiful and efficient kitchen can be designed to be accessible for everyone that lives in a home whether or not they are disabled. When designing a kitchen for people who use a wheelchair there are several things to consider for easy access. Kitchens require meticulous planning because every inch counts and appliances and cabinets come in fixed sizes and there may be limited usable space that limit what can be remodeled. Kitchen design has typically been based on the “work triangle” layout where the sink, fridge and stove have a short walking distance between them. For an accessible kitchen, it’s ideal to have several work areas that can be accessed from a single position. When space is limited choosing options may require a trade off of the most important accommodations.

Designing or remodeling a kitchen requires balancing the requirements for storage (cabinets), workspace (counters) and appliances. When making a kitchen accessible you have to consider all of these things and put everything within reach.

5 things you should take into account when designing an accessible kitchen are:

1. Work Surface (Kitchen Counters) 

• Typical countertops are positioned at a height of 36”. To make countertops accessible the work surface should be installed at a 34” height.
• Accessible counter workspace is 30” wide and countertops should be 28”-34” above the floor.
• Adjustable counters should have a range of 28” to 36” in height.
• Make sure countertop is not obstructed by base cabinets to allow for knee and toe clearance.
• If you are able to set the countertop height, this should be determined early in the design. The countertop will dictate location of storage cabinets and appliances.
• Ideally you would measure individual comfort ranges for working in the kitchen for whom the kitchen is being accommodated.
• Adjustable tables can be used before install or remodel to determine the ideal height to find dimensions that work for each member of the family. Often you need to use the space to see how it will best meet your needs prior to committing to a permanent design.
• Pull-out shelves coming out of the countertop is another good way to create easily accessible working space to prepare food.

2. Kitchen Sinks        

• Sinks that have open space beneath the sink that provides wheelchair or walker accessibility will allow users to access the sink. Knee clearance for a sink needs to be at least 27” high, 8” deep at the knees or 11” deep for children.
• The drain should be placed in the rear of the sink so the piping underneath will not prevent a person in a wheelchair from rolling underneath. Pipes should be insulated or enclosed to protect legs from hot pipes.
• Set water heater to a maximum heat low enough that will prevent burning.
• Using a single lever faucet is a lower cost option to making the faucet accessible. There are also touch control faucets that allow the user to turn on and off the faucet with one touch.  Also, installing the faucet to the side of the sink may make it more accessible for some people.
• Installing sliding drawers on both sides of the sink can provide easy storage of cleaning products or long rather than wide items.

3. Kitchen wall cabinets 

• For lower cost option, cabinets can be lowered to meet individual users needs.
• Although more costly, electric powered adjustable cabinets, which lower and raise the cabinet height with a touch of a button allows the cabinets to become accessible to all users.
• Place often used items within reach such as spice rack and cutting boards.
• Use cabinet accessories that make the cabinets more accessible such as pull down shelves, adjustable shelves, drawer dividers, lazy susan cabinet, et cetera.
• Use looped cabinet pulls instead of knobs that are operable with a closed fist. With these you do not have to twist, grasp or use pinching motions.
• Put most used items in low drawers such as the dishes, pots/pans, glassware, et cetera.
• Other useful cabinet hardware may be: full extension drawers, touch-release drawers and doors, swing-up hardware that allow cabinet doors to hinge at top and stay open, et cetera.

4. Doorways & Hallways 

• Installing a 36” wide door makes it accessible for a wheelchair or walker user. However, 42” width is more comfortable.
• Using swing clear hinges on the door creates a clear opening
• Using a lever-style door handle makes it easier for them to be opened.
• Clearance for a pass through kitchen should be 40” wide.
• Clearance for a U-shaped kitchen needs to have a width of 60″.

 5. Appliances 

• Install appliances lower. They should be approximately 31” from floor
• Electric cooktop with staggered burners with controls on the front will eliminate having to reach across hot burners.
• Raising the dishwasher 6” to 8” off the floor and making the dishwasher accessible from either side will increase access.
• Appliance controls with a maximum operating force of 5 lbs are standard accessibility requirements.
• Side-hinged oven door which opens the door to the side will allow a seated cook to get closer to opening.
• Using a bottom-drawer freezer style refrigerator makes the freezer accessible.
• If you cannot visit a showroom to test out any of the appliances, find a supplier that will allow you to return the item if it is not a good fit.
• Consider which way you want the appliance doors to swing open and make sure you can access the appliance without contorting your body.
• A cooktop separate from wall oven is best so they both can be installed at a comfortable height.
• Tactile controls such as raised buttons or dials with directional indicators that click into position at each setting can be used to increase safety.
• Appliances with touch pad operation are great for people who have limited finger strength and control.

Top 5 Things You Need in Your Kitchen

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If you are just starting to cook, or are moving in on your own, chances are, you don’t have much in terms of cooking equipment. Here is what we recommend for you to get, as you are starting out. As times goes by, you will, of course, get more kitchen gadgets. But here are five that we recommend starting out with:

1. A Chopping Board

This is something very basic, as you can’t chop anything without having a chopping board. It is very versatile, as you can chop pretty much anything on it – onions, potatoes, tomatoes, meat, herbs, etc.

Some people prefer to get separate chopping boards for meat, dairy items, vegetables, etc. Others get differently sized chopping boards, and use them depending on the volume of things they need to chop. Start out with one, and see what else you need. We suggest at least getting different cutting board liners when you  have the chance: one for meat, one for fish, and one for vegetables/fruits/grains.

2. A Knife

Again, this is very basic, but you will not be able to chop or cook anything without a knife. A good, sharp knife goes a long way to help you prepare food. You can go to some stores, and hold the knives in your hand, so that you know which one you are comfortable with. Again, when you have the chance, a chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a paring knife will get you through nearly any recipe.

3. A Big Pot

You need a pot for pretty much anything – from boiling pastas to making soups to stewing to basically anything else. Some pots come with colander inserts, which makes it easier to cook pasta and thaw frozen vegetables.

4. A Saute Pan

We love saute pans, and use them all the time. Again, they are very versatile, and we recommend getting ones without wooden handles, so that you can put the saute in the oven as well.

Use the saute pan for preparing stir fries, sauteing meat and fish, cooking vegetables and much, much more.

5. A Roasting Pan

These are perfect for preparing things in the oven. From roast to roasted chicken to roasted vegetables, a roasted pan can help you cook your favorite dishes in the oven.

Don’t be scared – cooking is fun. Start getting a few things that we recommended, and add to your collection of kitchen equipment as time goes.

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING YOUR KITCHEN

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The kitchen is the heart of any home but it can also be the messiest. You don't need a degree to keep your kitchen organized – you just need a bit of time and these five tips.

The kitchen is typically the heart of the home, so you want it to be just right. Sometimes, that involves a little paint and new appliances, but it could also turn into a full-scale renovation, complete with an architect, contractor, new plumbing, and custom cabinetry. Contemplating your very own kitchen revamp? Here’s what you need to know before you start:

1. Figure Out a Budget and Timeframe

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First things first—figure out how much you’re willing to spend on this project and factor in a bit of wiggle room in case of emergencies. Then, do your research about how much different kitchen projects cost. Be realistic about what you’re able to tackle during this renovation. It’s also smart to bring in an expert to give you an estimated time frame, but know that it can take twice as long as that to get done.

2. Get The Right Permits

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Depending on the level of renovation, some cities require special permits for a kitchen overhaul, so it’s important to find out exactly what you need before you start. This will also come in handy if you sell your place. Buyers will want to make sure that the whole house is up to code.

3. Ensure You Have Enough Storage

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What’s the point of completely gutting your kitchen if you don’t have enough space to stash your spices and collection of embroidered tea towels when it’s finished? Map out a place for everything in your new design plans.

4. Check Out The Plumbing & Venting Requirements

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Moving plumbing can be an expensive proposition, so talk with your contractor about what it will really take to get that special pot-filling faucet over your stove. Also, depending on your windows, you’ll probably want a hood vent to get rid of cooking smells. Talk to your contractor about where that will snake through, too.

5. Make Sure It’s Functional

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In your new kitchen plans, will your drawers bump into the dishwasher when they’re open? Does your microwave get in the way of your storage? Think through all of the possible scenarios before you sign off on a design—it will save you so many headaches later.

There! Now you’re ready to start your kitchen demolition — shake that sledgehammer, and good luck!

5 Simple Meal Planning Tips For A Healthy Family

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Eating together as a family benefits mental, physical and emotional health. Studies have shown that teens who participate in family mealtimes are less likely to become involved in drugs or other bad habits, and perform better in school.

Still, many families fail to make eating around the table together a priority. Busy schedules make it difficult to find the time. However, it's important to sit down with your family over a homecooked meal as much as you can. Create memories, and create healthy eating habits. 

The good news is that with a little planning, you can enjoy a family meal at least a few times each week.  

How To Make Family Mealtime Happen 

As a parent, you understand how difficult it can be to keep a family on task during the school year. Meal planning relieves some of that stress while creating healthy eating habits. Here are some tips as you begin your meal planning journey.

Make Time

Meal planning is time-consuming, especially in the beginning. Go into the process knowing that it’s going to take a while to get into a routine and allow yourself adequate time to figure out your unique system.

Evaluate Your Weekly Routine

Have a realistic vision of your family’s schedule. Each family has different time restraints based on the parents’ work schedules and the kids’ activity schedules. Think about things like:

• Which days you need a fast, easy meal
• When everyone is home to sit down together
• What day each week works best for grocery shopping
  

Brainstorm and Organize

This involves making many lists initially but will become easier as you get accustomed to the process. First, make a list of meals you know your family loves. Then search for recipes you’d like to try and jot those down. Keep these additional tips in mind:

• Schedule one day each week to meal plan and make a grocery list
• Start with five or six meals
• Organize your coupons the same day you meal plan
• Check for ingredients you already have
  

Create a Master Shopping List

There are several templates available online for both meal planning and shopping, or you can create your own. Once you’ve pinned down your exact meals for the week, fill in the form. Divide your list into categories so it’s easier to find things at the store.

Stick to It

The most important part of any new routine is repetition. Even if it doesn’t go as planned the first couple of weeks, keep trying. Remember, it takes a while to get your process down pat. But once you do, your family will start enjoying healthy meals together regularly.

5 Tips to Make Family Meal Planning Easier

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When it comes to raising a family, one of the hardest jobs is trying to come up with solutions for dinner every night—let alone trying to find the time to cook!

Because of our super busy lives, serving our families homecooked meals may seem impossible, but I’m going to share 5 tips about meal planning that will be well worth your time and effort..

Benefits of Having Family Meals Together

Depending on your family’s lifestyle and schedule, the benefits of investing the initial time and effort into meal planning will vary, but overall the number one goal is to help simplify what should be an enjoyable and special part of every day—sharing a meal together.

Once in a routine of planning meals, you will be able to:

• Save money on your grocery bill each week.
• Save money (and boost your health) by not eating last-minute prepackaged or fast foods.
• Eat a wider variety of healthy meals because you’ll be in the habit of planning and checking out new recipes and controlling the ingredients.
• Get your kids involved in the process of cooking family meals.
• Save time and gas by not making extra trips to the store on the fly for dinner.

Additionally, when families share daily meals together:

• Children and teens are less likely to develop addictive habits such as drugs, alcohol, or smoking.
• Children feel heard and important and therefore have a greater sense of self-confidence and are less likely to give into negative peer pressure.
• Children do better academically because dinnertime is a great opportunity to teach communication skills.  Lots of chatter at the dinner table and adult conversation gives kids an edge with their verbal communication skills.
• Children learn proper table manners. Waiting until everyone is served, no chewing with your mouth open, elbows off the table, etc. are all important manners to learn at a young age. 
• Parents are able to save their precious sanity by spending more quality time with their loved ones, and less wasted time figuring out dinner.