Office Supplies

2006-05-10T03:18:00.000-07:00

The internet has changed the way we do many things but one of the most overlooked is how much it has helped companies to cut their costs. One of the most obvious examples is the purchase of office supplies. With a few clicks on the mouse, the buying agent for a company can shop Office Max, Office Depot, Staples and their local business suppliers for the best prices.

It is simple to see who has the best deals on everyday items such as toner cartridges or BIC pens. Where the internet really proves its worth is when you need something slightly off the beaten path. Say you want to give your employees a fine pen set for Christmas, you can do your comparison shopping on line. Need business cards? Now you can order them from your desk instead of trooping down to the stationary store or printer.

Business people who utilize the internet to buy their office supplies save money, save time and increase productivity. These are all good things.

Patio

2006-04-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Nothing adds more enduring value to a home than improving a deck or patio. Plus, think of the added enjoyment you receive by being able to comfortably sit on your deck or patio sipping a tall beverage to fight off the summer heat.

The house today without some sort of deck is the rarity so we’re going to concentrate on way to improve what you currently have. First, look at your handrails? Are they warn and splintered? You may want to consider painting them. I know, I know, that means they will have to be painted every few years but, trust me, it is worth it. I put two coats of a top end white enamel with a mildew additive and three years later I still happy.

Get the mildew off of your deck. Not only is it ugly, it can be dangerous. When wet, the mildew can be quite slippery and lead to a nasty fall. I prefer to use a professional cleaning service for this one. They are fast and, with a bit of shopping, you can find a reasonable price. You may also want to put on a sealer while they are there. I never bother with my concrete pads but I do apply it every other year on my wooden deck. Be sure to use a penetrating sealer, with or without color (I use Behr). I like the kind with a UV filtering component. Avoid the ones that are wax based. They look good for the first few weeks with the water beading but by the end of the season, you’ll be considering doing it again.

Like anything else around the house, one Saturday afternoon working on a project instead of frustrating yourself at the golf course can make a world of difference.

Home Office

Office Supplies

Patio