All Things D recently published an article AND the actual Yahoo! memo that went to all employees explaining that they will no longer be allower to work from home.

Even if they took the job with the understanding that they would work from home.

The Huffington Post covered it nicely here pointing out that new-mother-who-only-needs-two-weeks-maternity-leave and Yahoo! CEO, Marissa Mayer has made another decision that sends the wrong message.

The new policy will begin in June and I'm guessing you're going to see a LOT of Yahoos using up their vacation and looking for new jobs rather than comply and head into the office.

I could be wrong, but to me, Yahoo's loss is another company's gain.

If your company is looking to hire, all you need to do is take out some full page ads in prominent newspapers near Yahoo! offices.

If you were a Yahoo!, would you stay or would you go?

When you think of the Better Business Bureau you might think...
Better
Accountable
Trustworthy

So it is ironic that the latest BBB newsletter focuses on customer service and one of the primary sponsors they thank is none other than Pepco.

Pepco who has been rated THE WORST utility in the entire United States for customer service and reliability.

Unfortunately this isn't the first time the Better Business Bureau has sold out on their brand. They did the same thing last year (http://www.homeofficehustle.com/blog/2012/1/5/shame-on-you-better-business-bureau.html ).

It's good to know Pepco is spending the money from rate hikes NOT on improving infrastructure but rather on PR.

It's not working.

It might not seem like a big deal, but lighting can have a huge impact on your home office. Lighting can alter mood and with growing concern over the environment and trying to use energy more efficiently, it is actually one of the most important aspects when considering a design for a home office.

We will provide electricity saving tips here that also do not require one to sacrifice ambiance or comfort.

Take Advantage of Natural Lighting

Choose the room in the home with the best, longest access to natural lighting. Big windows that let in plenty of sunlight are a great way to create a serene and more efficient work environment. By placing your desk in such a way as to be able to have your workspace lighted naturally means that, during the day, there is no need for artificial lighting at all. Studies have also shown that natural light is more psychologically appealing and conducive to productivity than artificial light.

Another advantage to making use of natural sunlight is that it can also aid in the warming of a room, naturally, during the winter months. Sunlight is free, it is good for the mind and it is something that many of us have in abundance. Taking advantage of this resource just makes sense.

How to Be Most Efficient

We do still have to work when it is dark and the type and placement of light fixtures can really make a difference in the energy consumed in home office lighting. When lighting your workspace with energy-efficient lights such as LEDs or compact fluorescents you are getting pleasant, adequate lighting that uses a fraction of the electricity that a traditional light bulb has. Many also report that this type of lighting is more conducive to comfortable work.

Taking advantage of natural lighting through thoughtful placement of office furniture not only saves on electricity, but it provides beautiful, natural sunlight that has been shown to be more psychologically beneficial than artificial lighting. Natural lighting can only take you so far, which means that thought should be put into how you choose to light your work space when nature isn't enough. Through the use of advanced, efficient lighting, you can easily achieve a pleasant, productive work environment that also helps reduce energy consumption and costs.

Disclosure: This guest post was provided by Energy Rates New York, a degregulated energy provider, who is helping to cover the cost of my coffee addiction. While I did not write this post, I AM a deregulated energy consumer and have found we saved a LOT the past two years that we signed on with a different energy provider. I would highly suggest you look at your options if you live in a state where they have deregulated energy.

Have you?

I was inspired recently when my friend Danielle (who gave us a tour of her home office here) posted a photo on Instagram that she had cleaned up her office.

Then I realized a home organizing friend, Molly of Go Mom Inc. had dedicated January's video series to cleaning up the home office!

I'm not saying I'm motivated... yet, what with tax prep all over the floor of my office now. But here's one of Molly's videos to get us all started:

Tell me - do you do a big office clean up the beginning of the year?

If not in January, when?

image via PopSop.com

I discovered Starbucks VIA a few years ago when our power kept going out. It was the perfect cup of coffee and I didn't even need to warm up water to enjoy it! Suddenly, I realized there would be many many other times I would benefit from having VIA around. Over the past few years, these are the top 5 reasons I keep a supply on hand of both the iced and regular Starbucks VIA Ready Brew (which even though it calls for warm water I have noticed disintegrates just fine in cold water).

1. VIA When the Power Goes Out

Homework by candlelight thanks to Pepco

If there is one thing I need after waking up with no power it's COFFEE... dammit! I'm annoyed enough by the fact that we've lost power. You do not want to see me annoyed and deprived of caffeine! I used to stock up on Sterno and Folgers instant coffee, but it would still take forever to boil water over the sterno. With VIA, all you do is mix it into room temperature (or cold) water, add cream and sugar (optional), and enjoy while you call the power company (again) to report the outage.

2. VIA when you Chaperone a School Field Trip

Yet another field trip to the National Zoo

If you have never sat on a bus filled with 2nd graders after a very long day touring around Washington, DC, then you might not appreciate just how awesome coffee can make you feel. It's not easy to find coffee around the Mall area of DC, but you can always find a bottle of water! Pour the VIA into the bottle of water, shake, and enjoy! If I'm on my game I'll remember to pack a few of those International Delight single-serve creamers.

3. VIA When You Travel - It's much better than the standard room coffee

You know those little single-serve coffee makers they have in most hotel rooms with the little disc packets of pre-measured coffee? The ones that never make a strong enough cup of coffee? Well ditch them. Just heat up the water and add your VIA. Perfect for wherever you traditionally get weak coffee including hotel rooms and airplanes (I HATE airplane coffee). 

4. VIA to Strengthen Weak Coffee

Occasionally on very early mornings when I've stayed up too late playing around on Instagram, I miscount the number of scoops of coffee I need for the amount of water I've already put in. Ironically, I make the weakest coffee on the days I need the strongest. I used to dump out the pot and re-make it. Now I just open up a VIA and pour it into the pot or pour as needed into each mug. It saves time and water this way.

5. VIA When Camping

Yet another Girl Scout camping trip

Sure, you could wait til the water on the camping stove starts to boil. Or, you could fill your cup with water, dump in the VIA, mix and start slurping your way to a better morning immediately!

Tell me when Starbucks VIA (or another instant coffee) has saved you from certain exhuastion.

Janine

Note: I have no relationship with Starbucks other than I buy things from them and they happily take my money. Also - don't download the Starbucks app unless you want to spend EVEN MORE MONEY there because it makes it so easy. Some links are affiliate links.

And before you do the math, YES, it took me 4 months to do this video.

But I DID IT!

Progress, not perfection People.

Have the kids haul out toys and things from the garage or shed and build an obstacle course in the driveway, or the back yard! This will keep them busy, and outside for hours. They can keep adding to it and then time each other. Plus, it will help you clean out the space... but clean UP might be a nightmare.

And so it seems, are many of my friends. Who knew?

Maybe it's the economy - everyone forced to go into work for themselves. Or maybe it's my age - many of us parents who want to spend more time with our young families and less time commuting if at all possible.  Whatver the reason, I got a huge response when I shared this post on Facebook from Mama's Lil Guide:

image via Mams Lil Guide

It got me thinking.

I want to share with everyone many of the small businesses that I hope to support this holiday. So here is my list (or possibly part 1), in no particular order. Check them out. Give them a holler. And if you shop online or live nearby them, please consider supporting them too.

Home Office Hustle's Shop Small Business Guide 2012 (Part 1)

RETAIL SHOPS

The Blue House  Bethesda, MD - clothes, jewelry, kids gifts, kitchen/household, decorations, purses and more

Images via The Blue House

Toy Chest  Ridgefield, CT - A favorite place to visit when we are at Grandma's. Tons of toys for playing and learning for all ages - even my niece who is in middle school always finds something cool.

image via Toy Chest

Karmabee  Kingston, NY and Karmabee on Etsy - Featuring lots of unique gifts for adults and kids made by local Hudson Valley artisans.

image via Karmabee

Toy Kingdom  Rockville, MD - Tons of great toys for all ages including crafts, games, and more.

image via Toy Kingdom

Artisans Gift Gallery North Potomac, MD and Online - I always find something here that is just perfect. Whether it's for a teacher, a friend, a client, or my mom! It's also my go-to SCOUT bag and bin store. image via Artisans

BAKERY 

perfect for teacher gifts, holiday parties and more

As You Wish Bakery  Damascus, MD - creator of the awesome Lego Cake you may have seen on Pinterest

image via As You Wish Bakery

Cakes to Crumbs  North Potomac, MD - she helped us throw and amazing Cake Boss party for our twins!

image via Cakes to Crumbs

Monet Baking Company  Danbury, CT - a dear friend from college who had I known would become a baker I would have insisted we live together after graduation!

image via Monet Baking Company

STATIONARY, ART, HANDMADE

Lemons with a Pea on Etsy - fun notecards and works of art with a huge slice of humor (sometimes raunchy but we like it that way. I love her "Blocks of Awesome"...

image via Lemons with a Pea

Noted Occasions on Zazzle - Sandy (who happens to be my sister-in-law) is a brilliant designer and owns a custom stationary business. Throwing a holiday party? See her line of invitations.

image via Noted Occasions

Blankies, Burps & Bibs (and Bows) - Need a gift for a new mom or baby? This is the place to come. Sharina is my friend, my neighbor, and crafty rock star. Ask her about these awesome no-slip headbands, custom dresses, and bows.

 Be You Be True - I LOVE all of these t-shirts and gift items because it's about embracing who you are. What better message can we give our girls, and now boys too? For kids and adults, these gifts can be used to celebrate a team walk, a birthday, or anyone who inspires you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kathleen Oristian Photography North Potomac, MD - my friend and a local photographer who helped us pull off an amazing Photo Booth birthday party

Bizzie Photographer  Silver Spring, MD- California blogger friend who relocated to DC this Summer

JEWELRY

Studio Jewel - Lisa is not just an incredible metal smith. She's an open and honest blogger, and is always giving back to her community. Sign up for her email newsletter for special savings alerts too!

image via Studio Jewel

Lisa Leonard Designs - I love following Lisa on Instagram and love her unique designs.

 image via Lisa Leonard Designs

 Silpada - while Silpada itself might not be considered small, the independent reps who sell it are. My friend Kristin does an amazing joband you can order online from her.

image vial Silpada Designs

MUSIC

You have to give a listen to the new album Roads from The Voice breakout star Chris Mann. Then check out his Christmas album available at Walmart.

image via Chris Mann Music

BOOKS

If you want to...

Laugh - try Shauna Glenn's Relative Insanity

Learn - try Pinterest For Dummies by Kelby Carr

Live on a Budget - check out Amy Allen Clark's book to be released in December (The Good Life for Less: Giving Your Family Great Meals, Good Times, and a Happy Home on a Budget )

PERSONAL TRAINING & FITNESS

Get Results Trainers  Montgomery County, MD

Warrior One Yoga - North Potomac, MD

Amy Anci New York, NY and Montauk, NY

I know I am missing some so please leave a comment with your small business and I'll add it to Part 2. What local or small businesses do you plan to support this holiday season?

Do you have a stuffed animal problem?

Every year I try to go through and clean out some of the stuffed animals that have accumulated over the years. Every year I add to the pile but I don't know how to get rid of the pile!

I asked my friends on Facebook and my friends helped me build this useful list.

1. Fill a Bean Bag Chair

How about a bag with a see-thru panel on Amazon that can be use for Stuffed Animal Storage.

2. Donate Stuffed Animals to... an Animal Shelter!

I reached out to our local Humane Society who responded that their  thrift store, Wagging Tails would take them to resell and the money raised will help the animals.

3. Donate them to the local police who often give them to kids during domestic situations

I contacted our local county police through twitter and they replied that YES, infact they do take them!

4. Contact shelters, food banks, an other low income or homeless resource centers

I had contacted a shelter years ago and they specifically said NO to stuffed animals so I assumed no one would want them. Then a friend suggested I contact A Wider Circle and they said YES! They would take them and YES, they would love it if I would wash them first.

 5. Try Freecycle or Yard Sale

I've had no luck with getting rid of stuffed animals at yard sales.

But other people have had success so I had to include it.

I HAVE had success with Freecycle and I encourage everyone to try it.

Go to Freecycle.org and search for a group in your area. Then read the rules and follow them before posting. I've been able to find new homes for things I would otherwise trash... broken fishing rods (yes, broken), old furniture, clothing, and more.

Have you found a creative way to get rid of stuffed animals without sending them to the trash? I'd love to hear about it!

Surely there is a better place to camp out for 2 hours while I wait for my kids who are at a bowling party.

Yet after 20 minutes of driving around this was the best option. It was this or taking over one of the home office furniture set ups at Staples.

This place has better coffee.

Yet, thought for Staples - put a coffee shop in some of your key stores and I'm betting you'll see an increase in sales! At the very least, accessory sales.

Pros about McDonalds:
Cheap food and any size coffee is only $1
Plenty of available tables
Free Wi-Fi (at participating stores)

Cons
The chairs aren't cozy
The mocha is very sweet
Those fries are a distraction - so tempting!