Archive for April 2009
Administrative Professionals’ Day 2009
I gave gifts to recognize the support pros in my office today — Administrative Professionals’ Day. Started in 1952 as Secretary’s Day, this workplace celebration honors the administrative assistants and receptionists who bolster our organizations. While none of these folks report to me, they are the glue of the office, so I was happy to express my gratitude for their service.
A small example springs to mind. Last year, one of my fluorescent task lights for my work desk burned out. The oblong bulb seemed an odd length. I asked for a replacement, thinking it might take a while. Instead, I had the bulb in hand the very next morning. The office coordinator had stopped at an office supply store on the way home to find the exact replacement.
So I did a little shopping yesterday at a local florist. I chose yellow Gerbera daisies in clear potbelly vases. I gave them with note cards, thanking them for their service.
Before you give, be sure to check for any company policies on employee gifts. And, of course, you’ll want to give a gift fitting for the workplace.
Tags: flowers, for work, note cards, thank you
Amazon.com sent me an e-mail today, letting me know that electronics maker Philips has announced a voluntary product recall for the Senseo single serve coffee machine
The safety problem: An electrical flaw combined with a build-up of calcium from hard water can lead to a blockage in the coffee machine. If this happens, the Senseo’s boiler could burst — a nasty burn hazard. Philips estimates the risk is about three per 1 million coffeemakers and offers free replacements for affected models. I checked our model, and it does not fall within the production dates of the design flaw.
I’ve recommended the Senseo several times. I enjoy the simplicity of a quick single mug of coffee. We’ve given the Senseo as a gift — and that’s how Amazon.com tipped me off. My sister-in-law stayed with us for a few days in 2006 and savored each cup. So we sent her and my brother-in-law a Senseo gift pack (the coffee machine and the embossed tin canister
Tags: coffee, gift sites
I like to work with local florists, giving repeat business for great service. So I called my hometown florist to send my mom flowers for her birthday. Sadly, I discovered the business was no more. Even this soured economy, flowers can be an affordable gift, and florists will meet your price points. In fact, some floral shops are offering deals as “emotional stimulus packages.”
A quick Google search found another florist, affiliated with Teleflora, in a nearby suburb. Cecilia, my new near-hometown florist, was very helpful. I chose Lavender Sunshine, a combination of yellow roses and blue and light blue irises in a vase. The delivery arrived on time, and my mom said the flowers made her day.
If you’re looking for mail-order flowers online, I regularly use and recommend ProFlowers.com (as does Consumer Reports).
Related Post: Giving Flowers
Tags: birthday, flowers, for mom
