Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 353
April 5, 2011
What's Your Biggest Stress at Work?
A new survey finds more than three-quarters of Americans are stressed by something at work. What ranks highest on their list of frustrations?
Low pay was the biggest source of stress, followed by commuting, an unreasonable workload and fear of being fired or laid off, according to Everest College, a for-profit institution based in Santa Ana, CA, which conducted the survey of 1,000 adults with Harris Interactive. The poll asked respondents to choose just one of their greatest pet peeves among 12 different job stresses.
"If you look at low pay, commuting, being fired or laid off as top concerns, people are still in survival mode and they are going to stick it out with the jobs they have today," says Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development for Everest.
It's not surprising that low pay ranked at the top. The Labor Department's March employment report, released last week, shows average hourly earnings remained flat for the fourth time in five months. The Wall Street Journal notes that the 1 percent annualized growth during that period is the weakest stretch in 25 years, leading one economist to call this a "wage-less" recovery. It's likely to continue as long as unemployment remains high.
Moreover, the non-profit Wider Opportunities for Women commissioned a new study that looks at how much workers need to earn to grasp at middle-class status. A single worker needs a salary of $30,012 a year — or just above $14 an hour — to cover basic expenses and save for retirement and emergencies, according to a New York Times story on the study. That's nearly three times the 2010 national poverty level of $10,830 for a single person, and almost twice the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
A family with two working parents and two young children needs to earn $67,920 a year, or about $16 an hour per worker to cover basic expenses and save for retirement, emergencies and their children's college education, the study estimates. That compares with the national poverty level of $22,050 for a family of four.
Among the other work stresses in the Everest survey, annoying coworkers ranked in the middle, followed by the boss, poor work-life balance and lack of opportunity for advancement. "Work-life balance was such a buzz word before the recession – but it's not at the top of the priority list anymore," says Cullen.
Baby boomers and the youngest workers were most concerned about low pay, while college graduates worried most about potential layoffs. Married people were less stressed than singles, possibly because their households have two incomes.
What's your biggest stress at work? How do you deal with it?







What is Your Carbon Footprint?
First things, first: your carbon footprint is the calculation of the amount of greenhouse gases released as a result of your day-to-day activity—anything from driving your car to the hamburgers you serve for dinner. And it doesn't just include your actions, but the all the actions up to yours. So the hamburger includes the emissions generated by raising the cow, transporting the meat, and so on.
To find out what your carbon footprint is, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Emissions Calculator. The short survey will also give you steps to take (like adjusting your thermostat or buying energy star appliances) that can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Did you take the quiz? What is your carbon footprint? What steps are you going to take to lower it?
Related:
Your Carbon Footprint, Decoded
25 Easy Ways to Help Save the Planet







The Latest Hand Lotion We Love
Recently, one of our favorite brands launched a super hydrating hand lotion, and I had to share it with you.
To buy: $3.50, amazon.com
We're big fans of EOS's shaving cream, and their new hand cream that is one of the best throw in your purse products I've seen to date.
The aloe and shea butter formula is moisturizing and, best of all, not greasy. I keep one at my desk and my fingers are never sliding off the keyboard afterwards. I have them stashed all over (bags, desks, and by my bed) because they are perfectly palm-sized and have a satisfying click so you know the pod is closed and there will be no spilling in your purse.
Have you tried it? Or do you too have a favorite hand cream that you refuse to part with? I'd love to know which brand has you in the palm of their hand!
P.S. If you want to try it for free, visit to EOS's Facebook page because until May 2nd they are giving away 5,000 hand lotions each week. To enter just "like" their page. If you don't win the first week, they will automatically re-enter you until the duration of the promotion.







How Not To Nag
Living with other people can be frustrating for many reasons, especially if you feel like you aren't being respected by your housemates or family members. Numerous times I've heard mothers complain that their children don't do chores when asked and they have to nag their kids incessantly to get them to do anything. I've also heard similar complaints directed toward spouses and roommates.
Nag, nag, nag.
As easy as it is to nag someone (and, wow, is it easy!), it's not a very nice or effective act. First and foremost, nagging is a sign of disrespect, so it's usually met with disrespect in return. Nagging says: I don't trust you. I don't believe in you. I don't think you're capable.
In addition to being disrespectful, nagging is one of the least effective ways to motivate someone to take on a task. Nagging is only good at motivating someone to not do something.
How do you stop nagging? That's a good question. If you've been in the habit of nagging for months or years, instantly changing your behavior is going to be difficult. In the end, though, the change is worth it.
Have a conversation. Turn off the music, television, and computer and calmly talk about the situation. Start by explaining why you want help in the house and the benefits of your living arrangements looking and operating a specific way. Be honest, but don't complain about the other person's past behavior. Don't blame, and don't belittle. Focus on the future and how you envision life under the same roof.
Listen. The other person will have an opinion on the future you have described, and it might not perfectly align with your vision. Really listen to what the person has to say, because you may be able to find some common ground that both of you can live with.
Discuss consequences. If X doesn't happen, what will the consequence be? Does the consequence appropriately match the undone chore? If your daughter leaves her shoes in the middle of the living room floor, is it fair for you to donate those shoes to charity? Maybe not, since you're the one who likely bought the shoes and would have to buy her a new pair. So, what is the right response? What consequence would motivate her to not leave her shoes in the middle of the floor?
Playing fairly. Does everyone carry an equal amount of work or the appropriate amount of work for his/her schedule? Is someone carrying more responsibilities than she should? If Sally can't leave her shoes in the middle of the living room floor, than neither should Billy or you be able to.
Each person should write down what is expected of him/her daily, weekly, and monthly and consequences if chores aren't completed. There can't be any misunderstanding of expectations when a person writes out his responsibilities and the consequences of his undone actions.
Start new system and apply consequences when necessary. Don't nag or remind someone to do a chore, simply apply consequences if something doesn't get done. Carry out the exact consequence as was decided upon during the conversation -- no exceptions.
In a month, sit down and have a second conversation to review the progress made. Change responsibilities or consequences as necessary. Be sure to apply praise where praise is due.
If sitting down and talking about expectations feels like an impossible task, consider going to a family therapist to have a professional help you through the process. Even if you're just roommates, you're still living like a family, and a therapist should be able to help.







In Your Opinion: What Constitutes a Dinner Party?
I have to admit, I'm a bit baffled by the term dinner party, and how it's different from just having friends over to dinner. If you asked me if my parents entertained while I was growing up, I would likely say no, but the truth is, we did have people over to the house for dinner on a fairly regular basis. Entertaining was reserved for Oktoberfest in our house, that's when the fancy dishes came out, and that's what I would consider a dinner party.
Now that I'm an adult and can entertain on my own, I'm a little bit murky on what constitutes a dinner party, and what is just a dinner with friends.
Here's how I separate the two in my mind:
Dinner with Friends:
- planned somewhat spontaneously (no farther than a week in advance)
- planning is in person, over the phone, or via e-mail
- food is simple and doesn't take a lot of advanced preparation
- no themes, special decorations, or place settings
- no activities, unless the Scrabble board spontaneously materializes
- small group of guests whom you see on a regular basis
Dinner Party:
- planned further in advance
- email or phone invite is more formal (it's the primary reason for the email or phone call, not just a piece of it)
- food is something that you would not normally cook; it might take ingredients you don't normally have on hand
- there is something special that sets it apart, and extra effort is put into setting the table
- there might be some kind of event or activity before the meal
- likely includes close friends and people whom you are just getting to know or don't see often
What do you think? I'd love to hear how you differentiate a dinner party from a casual dinner with friends.
Related:







April 4, 2011
Go "One-Day-Without-Shoes" Tomorrow
I can't help but get all warm and fuzzy inside when I think of Toms shoes. The wildly successful company founded by (super cute) Blake Mycoskie is known for its buy-a-pair-give-pair program--where with every pair of Toms shoes sold the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need somewhere in the world. Amazing and inspiring!
But it doesn't stop there.
Last year, Mycoskie lauched the One-Day-Without-Shoes event to raise awareness about how few people in the world go about their day without shoes. By pledging to go shoeless for one day we are empathizing with those you don't have the simple luxury of having shoes and in return stirring us to action.
This year's One-Day-Without-Shoes event is tomorrow, April 5th. So, make sure you leave those shoes by the door tomorrow---or kick them off for part of the day. You now have an amazing excuse to walk around the office barefoot--or at the very least at your desk (tell your boss it's Julee and Toms approved)!
Happy barefooting!







Use ThredUP to Get Rid of Clothes Your Kids Have Outgrown
It will soon be time to switch out your closet for a more warm-weather friendly wardrobe. And if you ave kids, that means you'll soon be faced with a pile of clothing that they've outgrown. Instead of hauling them off to the thrift store (or worse yet throwing them out), try posting the items that are still wearable on ThredUP.
ThredUP works much like a consignment store with out the hassle of having to haul your clothes to one. Instead, you can purchase a box of gently-worn clothes in your child's current size. To shop the site, simply browse the clothes that other parents have listed. They will include information like the sizes, colors, brands, and condition of the clothing included so You have an idea of what you'll receive. Once you find one you like, simply pay $5 plus shipping (for a total of $16), and you get a brand new range of outfits.
As a seller, you simply fill out the information about the clothing you are ready to give up (including all that helpful info like colors, sizes, brands, and condition) then list it on the site. Once someone purchases your bundle, ThredUP will send you a box, and you can print out a pre-paid shipping label. All you'll have to do is tape up the box and schedule a USPS pick up.
What do you do with clothing that your children have outgrown?
Related:
Where to Donate Your Old Goods







April 1, 2011
The Simple Tip is Going Green in April
To celebrate Earth Month, we'll be focusing on eco-friendly tips for the month of April everything from recycling to saving water and energy and of course great new uses for old things. Today, an easy way to save water.
One easy way to save approximately 1,000 gallons of water in one year is to install an aerator on your faucet. The small attachment adds more air to the water as it comes out, but doesn't affect water pressure. You can find faucet aerators at the hardware store, and most will cost less than $5.
Learn eight more easy ways to save water around your house.
What steps have you taken to be more green?
Related:
11 Cool Reusable Water Bottles







Friday Find: PONO by Joan Goodman
Happy April everyone!
In celebration of the Spring (although it's still bitterly cold here in the northeast), I want to share with you one of my favorite jewelry collections...PONO by Joan Goodman. Anytime I see..hold...or wear one of these stunning Italian resin pieces it instantly puts a smile on my face. Checkout the items below and you'll see why.
Designer Joan Goodman knows a thing or two about amazing adornments--she is also the president of Bobbi Trim, ltd., the famous and uber stylish, family-owned button company (their clients include: Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Thakoon, Anna Sui, Derek Lam, etc).
What do you think?







Small Kitchen Solution: Bialetti All-in-One Cookware Set
Having spent a little more than three years living with a kitchen that was smaller than my cubicle at work, I fully appreciate this all-in-one cookware solution from Bialetti that I found while browsing TheKitchn's coverage of the International Housewares Show that took place in Chicago in March.
With folding handles so that everything can nest together, this would take up a fraction of the space in a cabinet compared to buying each piece individually. I think it would be perfect for a first apartment. It isn't available for sale yet, but keep your eye on the Bialetti website.
What do you think of this? Would you buy it for a starter kitchen?
(photo by Faith Durand for TheKitchn)






