It's time for another round of 5 After 5! In case you missed it, last week's list was 5 of your everyday routines and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here.
Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.
And if you've posted your own 5 After 5 list on your blog, I've turned this series into a link party - so be sure to get your own 5 things added below (or leave your answers in today's comments if you're not a blogger). I loved reading everyone's comments from last week and I really can't wait to see what you share today!
List 5 Must-Have Office Supplies
Administrative work (whether at your job or just paying the bills at home) can be a drag sometimes, but it helps to have just the right supplies on hand whenever you need to get these tasks done. Some of these items have changed a bit for me over the years, but these are the things that have remained constant:
1. Cheap Blue Pen
I can remember once having a boss who prided himself on the fact that he had a fancy Mont Blanc pen. I would just sit there and cackle (inside my head, of course), feeling like my 10-cent pens were far superior to his $300 one that he was forever misplacing and panicking about. The two that I prefer are these and these.
2. Color Printer
I've always loved adding cute graphics to things, so a color printer is a must-have in my life. I've used it at home to make things like greeting cards, calendars, recipe books, and even to print photos and create printables during my scrapbooking phase. When I was in the classroom, I created practically all of my room decorations and labels to print out in color, bring in and laminate, and then display for the kids. Now, back at home with Gv, I find that I'm really using it a lot for all of our Latticed Learning fun during the week!
3. Scrap Paper
Even before recycling became the thing to do, I've used the backs of papers to write and color on. There are just so many times you just need something written down or printed out, but it doesn't matter what's on the other side of the paper. I always have a box of scrap paper out that's easy to grab. Back when I had an office job, it was underneath my desk. I had several boxes out in different spots in my classroom (which my students used, too) and now we have a large box for all of us to grab when we need something to write on. Gv knows that she can always take paper from this location if she's in the mood to draw or cut.
4. Good, Sharp Scissors
Fiddling around with a pair of dull or uncomfortable scissors is just a pain that I don't want to deal with. If I need to cut something, I want the task to be accomplished as quickly and easily as possible, so I always make sure to have several scissors like these on hand to get the job done. Sure, there were plenty of times in my classroom when I'd just pick up a random pair of child scissors because they were closest, but I always regretted it once I began my cutting.
5. Spiral Notebook
I used to be a Post-It gal. I had them plastered all over the place and loved how easy it was to toss one out as soon as I dealt with whatever note it contained. But now that I'm at home, I've found that a spiral notebook does the same thing (but a lot cheaper and neater) - I keep one open on my desk and just jot down notes as they come up. Each week I "neaten things up" by adding whatever I haven't gotten to yet onto a new page and then tossing out (which means recycling, of course) the old sheet that was covered with marked-out items on my list.
For next week:
List 5 Things That Make You Feel Cozy
I wouldn't say we're really feeling Fall here yet (because that just really never seems to happen), but we have actually had a few days that stayed in the high 70s/low 80s and that means we celebrate by opening all the windows and doors and turn on all the ceiling fans and pretend that it's cooler than it really is. It makes me look forward to the roughly five days each year that it actually gets chilly, and think about the things that make me feel cozy during that short time. Since so many other areas actually are experiencing chilly temperatures already, I figured this was a good time for this list. I can't wait to see what things keep you cozy!
What's your list? I'd love to hear! Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.
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