IDoSugar -- Meant to be.

Heidi Klum Says Don't Be a Know-It-All

SavvySugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:30:31 -0800

While being a supermodel is hands-down out of the question for most of us, Heidi Klum's business sense is something that can inspire and motivate any working girl. She's smiling on the cover of InStyle's December issue and inside the magazine she spells out her five rules for success. The rule below is my favorite.

Be open to learning new things: "It's not good to think you know it all—I don't think that's cool or smart. I think there's always more things that people teach you. Be confident and open to incorporating certain suggestions!"

Her rule applies all year-round, but it's especially important advice given many companies are now in performance review mode. Notice valuable feedback when it's given to you, and you'll improve overall.

Tough Question No. 2: What Are You Doing With Your Life?

DearSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:30:00 -0800

Many of us have felt the effects of the worsening economy, so if you've lost your job as a result, I bet one of the questions you'll be asked this Thanksgiving will be what you're planning on doing now. Not only can that question be invasive, but it can end up making you feel even worse about your situation than you already do. To see my suggestions on how to answer that uncomfortable question,

Which Country Has the Most Employed Mothers?

SavvySugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:30:29 -0800

Working moms are masters of multitasking and I admire their ability to juggle so many responsibilities. We all know at least one mom who manages to make it all work, and there are some countries that rely on the labor of working moms more than others. Can you guess which country boasts the most employed mothers?

Source

How Does Your Work Influence Your Choices?

babysugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:31 -0800

A woman's got to do what a woman's got to do. Whether she's stripping to pay for her daughter's education or arguing court cases in front of the Supreme Court, moms often find a way to make ends meet to take care of their cubs at home. Some mommies are more proud of their professions while others try to hide the truth from their children. As one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Angelina Jolie's job makes it quite difficult for her to keep her job a secret.

Not ashamed of her roles, the mother of six sat down with UK Harper's Bazaar and chatted about the movie roles she chooses to play.

I tell stories that are about the type of woman I'd want to meet. The type of woman where I think, even if it's silly characters I've played, like in Tomb Raider, there's something about her that will be fun for my daughters to see one day.

When you clock in every day, do you consider how your job affects your offspring and their opinion of you?

How to Find More Time For Lunch

SavvySugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:30:33 -0700

Look around. Are you and the majority of your co-workers stabbing at the salads on your desks? According to a recent survey by Robert Half International, senior executives work through lunch three days a week and take about 35 minutes for lunch on the other two days. Because employees are inclined to emulate the habits of their bosses, you can bet those without an office are spending at least three days working through lunch.

Doug White of Robert Half offers tips on how to combat the disappearing lunch break, and there is one in particular that I fancy. In fact, since adopting this way of work, I've discovered more time during the day and have been able to fit in lunch-time workouts a couple days a week — something that was impossible before.

When planning your day, set a few early goals for yourself. In addition to your daily to-do list, consider creating a "to-do by noon" list, for instance. Meeting these deadlines will give you a sense of relief and accomplishment, setting the stage for a more relaxing and enjoyable lunch.

Source

Should Workplaces Do Away With Secret Santas This Year?

SavvySugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:15:28 -0700

The tradition of participating in Secret Santa gift exchanges has existed in every office I've worked, and it can be a fun way to bring employees together for holiday cheer. There's always a price limit set for the gift (the most I've heard is $25), but I'm wondering if companies should skip the gift-giving games this year. Most people are cutting down on their gift budgets, and I'm not sure workers would be excited to allocate some of their whittled down holiday money for a co-worker's Secret Santa gift.
Source

Should Workplaces Do Away With Secret Santas This Year?

Yes, Secret Santa exchanges should be retired this holiday season.

No, it's an inexpensive way to bring employees together.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Top 12 Platonic Work Couples on TV

SavvySugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:10:27 -0700

Maybe the person you spend all day with at the office has become close to you simply because you're forced to be around the person all day, but according to a recent Careerbuilder survey, there is a 20 percent chance your significant other is jealous. The survey discovered that out of more than 6,000 respondents, 10 percent said they have a work spouse, and of those people who feel they might as well be married to their co-worker, 20 percent said their actual significant other is jealous of that person. Workers were asked to rank platonic couples we see working together on TV, and below is the final ranked list. Do you feel like you have a work spouse?

Regis and Kelly
David Letterman and Paul Shaffer
Jay Leno and Kevin Eubanks
Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer
Howard Stern and Robin Quivers
Judge Judy and Petri Byrd

See the other six platonic couples when you

Ivanka Trump Wants You to Save Money on Lunch

SavvySugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:00:17 -0700

It's difficult to imagine the always-polished Ivanka Trump packing up leftovers for lunch, but she recently blogged about sympathizing with the monotony of brown-bagging it.

With gas and food prices on the rise, more and more people are skipping the deli line and bringing lunch to work to save money. This is great, but all I hear is how boring a brown bag lunch can get and how people want something different, especially when they are stuck at their desks — something I completely relate to.

Today kicks off an advertising campaign that pairs Ivanka with ConAgra Foods to promote a new line of microwave meals called Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers. Because the meals will last up to a year without refrigeration, the company is targeting busy young office workers that may be looking for an inexpensive and healthy lunchtime solution. If you are in New York or Chicago, samples of the meals will be available today at the Grace Building on 42nd Street in New York, and 1 South Wacker Drive in Chicago.

ConAgra Vice President Michael Locascio explained the company's reasoning for selecting Ivanka as the spokesperson and said, “We wanted somebody who would appeal to a younger office worker who’s technology-savvy.” Do you think she was a smart choice considering the company is trying to promote the lines as budget-friendly?

88-Year-Old Waitress Says It's All About the Blarney

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:30:40 -0700

Most of our retirement dreams revolve around a lot of R and R, but 88-year-old Rosie Donaghey came out of her retirement at age 70 to work as a waitress. This golden girl reentered the workforce after her husband passed away in 1994, and now has a loyal customer following that appreciates her wit and wisecracks. She currently works at the Wicked Wolf restaurant in East Bronx, NY, where she's locally famous for saying things like, "I'd rather be shot than eat clams."

Rosie says that working isn't a necessity for her financially, but it's apparent that the job means just as much to her as it does to the customers that love her. Going after what we want doesn't ever have to end! She also has some advice for anyone striving to be a great waitress: "Be pleasant, and let them take their pick of tables." She later added, "I guess it's the blarney."

Her last statement rings true in many professions — the gift of gab can go a long way.

Source

Do You Get Ready to Go Out at Work?

SavvySugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:00:42 -0700

Some women feel the need to freshen up before leaving for happy hour or dinner out and that can mean more than applying fresh lip gloss.Does the ladies' room sink turn into your personal vanity when you have plans right after work?
Source

Do You Get Ready to Go Out at Work?

Yes, I do my hair and makeup in the ladies' room.

I'll touch up my makeup, but nothing that takes much time.

No, I prefer to do my grooming elsewhere.

I don't do anything to get ready for after work plans.

I don't usually go out directly from work.

Something else. See my comments below.