Here We Are...with Luci

Email Etiquette: Give Good Message

We all know that moment at the computer when the decision to press "send" makes you stop and think...hmmmm. Is what I wrote clear? Did I write too much? Not enough? Does it "sound" rude? How much time is too long to reply? These and other common issues can be easily addressed with a few rules of email etiquette. Hitting "send" knowing you've been clear in your message can be as simple as the press of a button.

1. Say "Please and Thank you" - There is never a valid reason for bad manners. Even though it is an electronic message, you are still touching people with your words. This is an opportunity to impart goodwill and pleasantries with little effort.

2. Spelling Counts - Always spell-check. 'Nuff said.

3. The Proof is in The Pudding - Or in this case, the meaning. Take the time to read and re-read your message. Often you will find grammatical errors, use of an incorrect word, and unfinished ideas. Our brains work faster than we can type.

4. Don't "Drunk" Email - Stay off the computer after the after-dinner-drinks or else you might send the wrong message, literally and figuratively.

5. All Caps = Yelling! - No one likes to be yelled at in any form. An occasional word or two for emphasis is okay, but be sure it fits the meaning.

6. Don't Get Mad, Get Even - Like drunk emailing, this is a dangerous state of mind to be in while at the computer. No matter how angry you are, walk away, take a deep breath and plan out what must be addressed after you cool off. Then write it in draft form and re-read it the next day. If, and only if, you would be okay with it being published on the cover of the New York Times, hit send...otherwise, wait another day and revise, edit, or delete it. Let time be your cool-headed friend.

7. K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simply Succinct. Get to the point. When re-reading, edit out any "extra" info that is unnecessary or off-topic. People are busy, so streamline your message. If there are many issues or a list to address, then "number" or bullet point them so they are obvious to the reader. 

8. The Clock Is Ticking - Set a "reply time quota" for yourself to return emails. Be realistic. If you know that it takes you a few days to respond to non-urgent emails, that is fine. But stay on a program so people get a sense of your schedule. If an email slips through the cracks and weeks go by, then apologize at the opening and move on with the message - no one has time for excuses.

9. Privacy Is A State of Mind - It would be reassuring if everything we wrote on the Internet had implied privacy and confidentiality. It doesn't. Operate as if everything is, or could become, public knowledge. Using this approach will save you and your recipients from potential problems if sensitive information is ever disclosed.

10. The Permanent Record - It now really does exist. Every stroke of the keys that is sent is permanent. When in doubt, police your own content for any probable cause of trouble. Plus, use rules 1 - 9 to help avoid a message that might come back to haunt you.

Try these rules on your next email message. Make your online experience easier, safer, and clearer. With a little etiquette, you can give good message each time you hit "send."

Five Easy Ways To Green Your Bathroom

Thinking about going green around the house? Not sure where to begin? The bathroom is the perfect place to start this process. It is small enough to make some big changes in a practical, affordable way.

Here are five easy, cost effective ways to green your bathroom today:

#1. Replace your regular toilet tissue with recycled bathroom tissue. When you are shopping, also look for recycled facial tissue. Since you have to buy these items regularly, this is a fast and eco-friendly fix.  

#2. Throw out the aerosol air fresheners. Many contain harmful chemicals that end up in your lungs and on your skin. Instead, find space to bring in plants that will clean the air for you. Well established plants that stay in the bathroom will be on duty 24/7. Note: If you have pets, be sure to read about the plant before buying (just in case your furry friend decides to snack on a few leaves).

#3. Whether you are taking a long hot bath or ridding the bathroom of odors, a candle can be helpful. Just be sure it is as green a candle as possible. Bathrooms are confined spaces and you are breathing in whatever you are burning; from now on, only buy natural organic wax candles with non-metal wicks. Not sure where to find one at a reasonable price? Check out Blue Moon Candles and make it your new source for candles that glow greener. Bonus: The intense fragrances are fabulous - read more about these candles and a Here We Are reader's terrific experience which she shared in our comments section!

#4. Set your dishwasher for the early morning before everyone is awake. Try to coordinate the end of the wash cycle with the start of the first shower. This may take a few tries, but it will save you $$ in energy bills because the water is already hot...no need to run the shower for minutes heating the water. 

If you have to run the water, then collect it in a handled bowl. What? Bail water? It only takes a little bit of effort, but when you see how much clean water you collect to re-purpose, it will become a habit. Your houseplants and garden will thank you. Tip: I use bowls similar to these from Williams-Sonoma that are non-breakable with a lip and a handle. I pour the water into my watering can while I am in the bathroom so there is no spillage around the house.

#5. Accessorize green from today forward. When shopping for towels, there are many green options to explore from bamboo to organic cotton. Replace paper cups with non-breakable ones that can be washed in the dishwasher (look for BPA-free products). Also, look for bamboo bathroom items like tissue box covers, wastepaper baskets, soap dispensers, etc. Bonus: Bamboo is an abundant, renewable resource; items made from it are long lasting and anti-microbial.

No matter the brand or source, this is a better way to spend your money - the more eco-friendly products sold, the more that will come to market.

It's easy to go green in your bathroom using these five tips. Do you have any tips to add? Share them in our comments section - every little bit of knowledge helps!

Think It, See It, Believe It, Be It

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. ~ James Allen (1864-1912)

As the long holiday weekend approaches kicking off the summer season, it is a good time to think about life. A change of season can be a helpful marker to evaluate and assess where you are in your life and where you are going.

Is your life what you want it to be? How can you change it? While all change takes some time, it starts with a thought of desire. Thinking is the first step, seeing what you want is the second, believing it can be yours is the third. Once you accept this and apply these steps, you will be it. It is a simple approach to change that you can immediately put to use without bells, whistles, excuses, or angst.

Think it, see it, believe it, be it. Give it a try this weekend and you will be on your way!

Aqua Globes: A Wet 'N Dry Review

A Here We Are Product Review

If you have been wondering about this seemingly helpful household item, then read between the tea leaves of this review to see if a set of Aqua Globes is in your future. Whether you are digging into your wallet to spend $9.99 for two or $14.99 for four, consider that more is not always better.

After months of testing this touted time-saver of all things green around your home, I have come to the conclusion that, while they are helpful, they are not essential.

For Indoor Use

When using an Aqua Globe in a plant that requires a lot of water, you still have to water that plant on a regular basis. The trickle of water released is not enough to provide the moisture content necessary for many a thirsty plant, like an elephant's ear houseplant. Also, you will end up refilling the Aqua Globe numerous times. Instead, it is much easier, and faster, to simply water this type of plant on a regular schedule with a watering can.

The filling process takes patience and a steady hand. The spout opening is small, so be prepared to stand at the sink as a light stream of water finds its way into the Aqua Globe opening. After the first use, when refilling, you may need a chopstick to loosen dirt that is clogging the opening. SAFETY TIP: Use a dish towel to hold the globe part when filling to avoid dropping it because the glass is slippery when wet.

I can't give this product a thumbs down. They do perform better for household plants that don't require a lot of water, like snake plants. Depending on your particular household humidity, you will find the water dissipates more evenly and lasts longer between refills. NOTE: To properly place the Aqua Globes, plants must be in a container that is at least eight inches deep; otherwise, you run the risk of the top-heavy glass globe falling out of the planter breaking and spilling water. 

USAGE TIP: Before the first use, water your plant thoroughly, then add the Aqua Globe. This technique will extend the time until the next refill.

For Outdoor Use

I hate to be a stick in the mud...but let's just say water your outdoor plants regularly by hand. The Aqua Globes are less effective outdoors, and the sun makes the glass hot to the touch. Plus, outdoor plants require much more water than the Aqua Globes can provide. Using them outdoors will not make your gardening chores any easier because of the need for continuous refilling.

NOTE: In my outdoor experiment, I thoroughly watered and then added one Aqua Globe to a sixteen inch limestone container filled with geraniums, impatiens, and ivy. While the blue glass sparkled in the sun, it was hot and empty every morning during the summer. I still had to water the container the old fashioned way.

The Root Of The Matter

If you are one who completely forgets to water your indoor plants, then this product might be of use to you. For the gardeners, green thumbs, and leaf-talkers, save your money and buy another plant to add to your collection.

Have you tried this product or one like it? Tell us your experience, we want to hear from you!

5 Helpful "Busy Morning" Tips To Get Mom Out The Door With Ease

A Post By Staci - The Mom Squad

Are your mornings hectic? Have you ever run out the door half-dressed, breakfast in one hand, and the home phone in the other? Maybe you work at home attempting to stay organized AND one step ahead of the little ones so no one becomes "unhappy?" LOL, we've all been there!

Here are five helpful "busy morning" tips to get you and the family out the door with ease. While each may seem obviously simple, when combined into a daily routine, they become powerful assets for organization and saving time (+ your morning sanity!):

1. Put up a cork board in an easy-to-see area. Attach a big calendar to it. Fill it in with activities, play dates, and events as they come up for all of your family members. Use a different color highlighter pen for each family member. My husband, for example, checks the board for his orange highlights each night so he is prepared for his assigned activities or appointments. With one glance, we can see where each of us will be the next day and when we have to be there!

Attach all invitations, notices, or other paperwork to the cork board. Pin it up as soon as it arrives. This keeps it all in one place and you can see it next to the calendar listings. Double BONUS: (1) It helps with clutter because it isn't piling up on a desk somewhere. (2) It saves you time because it allows you to easily find the information weeks later without searching for it.

2. Check the calendar every night so you can prepare the clothes you or your children need for the next day. If the kids are old enough, this is a good habit to get them into so they learn to plan ahead. Getting an outfit ready the night before can go a long way to making the morning more pleasant.

This is also the best time to gather backpacks, homework, weather related items like snow boots, gloves, flip flops, sun hats, etc. Place them near the door in an organized line up so each person can "grab and go."

3.  Prepare lunches after dinner when the kitchen is still messy. Get your morning coffee measured out; if possible, preset the coffee machine timer. The smell of fresh brewed coffee can be a wonderful eye-opener. It helps me wake up on the right side of the bed...and we all know that when Mama is happy, everyone is happy!

4. Love your TO-DO List!! Prepare it the night before when the kids are in bed. You will have a more productive day as you narrow down and focus on the important things that must get done. Only include realistic To-Do's for the next day. This helps you end each day knowing you accomplished something...Be grateful for any To-Do items you check off the list - it was a good day!

TIP: Do NOT list big projects like "paint the bathroom" or "measure for carpeting." Include these items on a "home repair" list  - you don't need to remind yourself about tasks that you will not complete on an average day.

5. The iRobot Roomba is my new best friend!! This vacuuming robot moves in small circular patterns as it makes its way around the room doing the work for you. I put it into the family room while we are in the kitchen having breakfast so the room is vacuumed when the kids move in there to play. It does a good job between big vacuuming days, makes me feel like I am cleaning up without having to put out much effort, and is a very helpful gadget for those of us that have a hard time keeping up with housework with so much else going on!

At first, some of these tips may take away from your nighttime relaxation, but the extra effort will alleviate hectic activity, rushing, and stress as you get everyone out the door. Plus, a deserving Mom like you could indulge in an afternoon nap to make up for that lost time, right? Riiiiight!!!

Help other busy Moms and share your "busy morning" tips with us!

Planting The Seeds of Friendship

Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it.  ~ Cicero, Roman author, orator, & politician (106 BC - 43 BC)

Is your garden a flower pot, window boxes, or vast rolling hills? This is truly one instance when size does not matter. Big, small, contained, or wild...the pleasure you receive when that first flower blooms is worth the wait.

Those of you who garden know the feeling that emerges as the petals of color brighten your landscape. This spring, I plant the suggestion of a seed exchange with your friends. Even those who claim to have a less than a green thumb can benefit from this experiment. It is a wonderful chance to share and grow your friendship along with a beautiful garden.

It is also a fun way to try to grow different flowers that you might otherwise not plant. BONUS: It's free AND when the flowers bloom in your garden, it's like your friend is there with you.

Last year, Judith's Zinneas graced a rock garden I can see from my office window. Currently, purple Tulips are still standing tall from a box of bulbs I shared with Amorette. This year, I have a bag of Black Eyed Susans to share with any takers. The search for my lost bag of Bee Balm seeds (plants that grew from the seeds of Laura's garden) continues -- it seems a gardening troll is playing a trick on me! They are for Juli whenever they turn up.

Now is the time to bag them up to trade or give...it is an easy way to sow the seeds of flowers and friendship.

What will you be planting and with whom will you share your seeds this spring? Tell us about your garden and which types of seeds are your favorites!

Kathy Ireland: A Model Message For All Women

Kathy Ireland's latest book, Real Solutions For Busy Moms, Your Guide to Success and Sanity, offers readers a well-designed, practical plan on topics that range from money matters to household safety.

NOTE: A new copy, signed by Kathy, is the May Gift Giveaway for a Here We Are reader who comments on any entry during this month (you must be subscribed by email).

At a recent event, as Kathy signed the copy, she also included the message, "Please take care of yourself." While the book focuses on "Moms," it carries a message for all women to remember to first take care of oneself. There are several chapters dedicated to this very idea, "No I In Mom," and "Your Best You."

Are you taking care of "you?" If you have to pause to think about the last time you did anything for yourself, the answer is probably "no." During a discussion of the book, Kathy spoke about this very issue women encounter, "Take time for yourself before everyone else...YOU are a member of your family, so taking care of your family means taking care of yourself." This seems simple enough, but why is it so many women struggle with this common, self-induced dilemma?

While I don't claim to have the answer, one of the reasons Here We Are exists is to help busy women enjoy a variety of useful topics. It also exists as a place to explore ideas, thoughts, and important issues to empower women to live a better, brighter, easier lifestyle on our way to running the world. If we can't take care of ourselves, we will never run the world. We will just stay exhausted, distracted, and begin to forget who we are as individuals. If we are not strong individually, we can not be strong collectively.   

Yes, this is a complex, and perhaps, an uncomfortable area to explore; but we have to begin thinking in terms of our own best personal treatment or lack thereof. It is not selfish, egotistical, or vain. It is self-preserving, self-honoring, and necessary.

So tonight, tomorrow, and the day after...implement Kathy's message as a model to shape your life each and every day, "Please take care of yourself."

Tell us your approach to taking care of yourself or how you will begin this process by adding a comment below.