Wednesday 26 February 2014

Tips on Organising an Office Social Event

Things are still a bit slow on the blogging front as I navigate my way through these early days with a newborn (and two year too!). So today I am pleased that we have a guest post by Gennie Richards offering up a few tips on Organising an Office Social Event...
 
Social events make up an important part of working life. The success of any business comes down to having a cohesive and happy workforce. Organising social events throughout the business year is one of the best ways to achieve this. 
 
Successful social events are not simply a case of gathering your staff members together and leaving them to it. In order for your office's social events to be as effective as possible, it's important that you set aside some time to plan the events as thoroughly as possible. Here, we take a look at a few tips which can help you to piece together the best social event for your office. 
 
Communicate 
 
The most important thing is for everyone to be present for your event. This not only requires smart planning to ensure that you pick a time which is appropriate for everybody, but also necessitates clear communication. 
 
Set a date for your event as early as possible and do all you can to ensure that the date is known throughout your workplace. If you've chosen a time carefully and have let everybody know, the rest is down to your co-workers in terms of attendance.
 
Choose a sociable activity 
 
It's usually a good idea to get out of the office when you're organising a social event, and this means you'll probably be taking part in an activity of some kind. The key here is to avoid doing things which make it difficult for people to talk. Going to see a film is an example of an activity which isn't particularly appropriate for this kind of event. 
 
Get your finances straight 
 
There are few things more awkward at a social event than running into financial difficulty. In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, it's generally wise for businesses to take care of the costs in advance.
 
In situations where payments might need to be made during the event, it makes sense to use your business account with American Express Australia. This usually takes a weight off everybody's mind, making it easier to relax and socialise. 
 
Speak to your co-workers
 
The ultimate goal of planning a social event is to keep everyone happy. For this reason it makes sense simply to speak to your co-workers when planning an event. Finding out what everybody would be most comfortable with can be a huge help when it comes to keeping the entire office happy.
 
Thank you so much to Gennie for this special featured post. If you are interested in being a guest contributor or having your product reviewed or featured on the blog, please contact me at utterlyorganised@gmail.com

Wednesday 19 February 2014

It's a GIRL!!! Miss C arrives...

I know, I know, I am a bit behind on this post, but for those of you who follow my Facebook Page, this will be old news. On the 20th of January our little Princess - Miss C - made her way in to the world and in to our hearts.

 
Shock and utter disbelief doesn't even begin to describe how surprised I was to see that we had ourselves a beautiful little girl. You see even though I am no sonographer, I swear black and blue that at an ultrasound during my pregnancy I saw a little 'something' that made me 100% convinced of a bouncing baby boy. So convinced was I, that I had purchased a whole stack of clothes fit for a little man and had the wardrobe all kitted out in blue.
 
We are slowly settling in to life as a family of four and taking each day as it comes. As I had to have a C-section, I am still unable to drive and am starting to get a bit sick of living in my pj's and going a tad stir crazy at home. I know, I really should enjoy this time, as I know all too well that it goes in the blink of an eye.

Mr B is an amazing big brother and already very protective of his little sis'. It is gorgeous to watch him try and talk to and entertain her - if only he could change nappies and breastfeed too!!

Thank you to all of you that contacted me to wish me congratulations, we really do feel so blessed (albeit a little tired!).

Monday 10 February 2014

My Top Tips for an Organised Office Space

Once upon a time I had a whole spare bedroom dedicated to a study/ home office space and let me tell you it was bliss. I had room for a large desk, filing cabinets and a super generous bookshelf to boot! Two kids later (bye, bye spare room) and my home office is confined to a small space that we added on purely for a storage area in an extension several years ago.

Now I cannot stress enough that this space is 'small', so it is imperative that it remains clean and tidy so that I actually have enough space to swing a laptop. Running a small business from home (plus a bit of blogging thrown in for good measure) does mean that I stare at these four walls a lot, so I have tried to create a home office space that is not only functional, but a little fabulous too.

Here are just a few of my tips for organising your very own office space...

Pretty Up
 
Gone are the days of boring beige manila folders and silver in-trays. Nowadays office and desk accessories are so chic and affordable too thanks to stores such as Typo, Officeworks, Kikki-K and even good old K-Mart.
 
Look for desk accessories that are not only practical but pretty - trust me they will get your creative juices flowing! 
Clear Desk, Clear Mind
 
No matter how chaotic a day I have had, I always make time to clear my desk and office space at the end of each day. It means that when I return to this space the next day, I feel calmer and more organised from the onset.
 
Spend a few moments at the end of  the day clearing your desk, popping everything back in its place, filing and tossing away any paperwork not needed and your mind will thank you the next day - trust me. Make it a routine in your day and it won't feel like a chore after a while.

Leave Room for the Imagination
 
In the form of an Inspiration/Vision board. Not only will this tame your loose papers and little odds and ends such as teeny business cards and post it notes, but it will inspire you.
 
 
I love to keep a few personal photographs on mine to make me smile during the day too!

Pick up a super cheap Pinboard from K-Mart or Ikea for under $10.00 - bargain!

Give me a Home!

My number one organising tip for any space in the home or office is to give things a home. Invest in storage and organisational solutions such as filing cabinets, shelves, bookcases - whatever it takes to give your paperwork, files, books and whatever's a home.

It is no secret that I love to label, I just find that it gives items a home (and looks so pretty too). You don't need to go crazy with expensive labelling, I just print my little labels off on my trusty home printer on adhesive paper. The storage boxes were purchased from Ikea and have served me well over the years.

 
What are your top tips for an organised office space?

Outgrown your office space? Maybe TGC can help you...

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Rice Bubble Muesli Bar Slice Recipe


Well with school back in full swing, I thought it was high time for a bit of a good old fashioned lunch box filler recipe - the good old Muesli Bar Slice.
 
When I was a little girl, my Mum used to make the yummiest Muesli Bars in town. As a 'slightly' older girl, I have searched high and low for the same recipe to no avail. I tried recipe after recipe until recently stumbling across what I consider the solid gold of all muesli bar slice recipes! This one uses Rice Bubbles, is so quick and easy, requires no baking and you can add in any type of fruit or seeds your little heart desires....
 
  • 1 Cup Toasted Muesli
  • 1/4 Cup Sultanas
  • 1/4 Cup Apricots (Diced)
  • 3 Cups Rice Bubbles
  • 1/2 Cup Coconut
  • 1/4 Cup Sesame Seeds
  • 4 Tbs Honey
  • 125g Butter
  • 4 Tbs Peanut Butter (may want to omit this if sending to school)
  • 1/2 Cup Raw Sugar
 
  1. Line a Lamington Tin with Baking Paper - I use one that is 30 x 20cm
  2. Combine your dry ingredients (Muesli, Sultanas, Apricots, Rice Bubbles, Coconut and Seeds) in a large bowl
  3. Melt Butter, Honey, Sugar and Peanut Butter (if using) in a saucepan over a low/mid heat.
  4. Once melted, bring to boil and simmer for approx. 5 mins (be careful not to burn)
  5. Add the melted ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine
  6. Press in to prepared tin and pop in the fridge to set (an hour will do the trick!)
  7. Cut up in to desired bars or squares and enjoy!  
NOTE: As mentioned above, if sending to school you may wish to omit the Peanut Butter from the recipe.
 
Do you have a Retro Recipe from when you were younger that you still love to make today for your own family (or you!)?
 
 
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