Eliminate all of these tempting interruptions with “Distraction Free” writing programs—applications that block out all visual and audio distractions while you write.  Here are three options you might want to try:

ByWord

• Syncs all devices with iCloud and Dropbox
• Export and print
• TextExpander integration
• Cons: limited font choices; no support for Word Document file types

WriteRoom

• Simplified interface
• Syncs with Dropbox
• Customizable font and background colors
• Cons: limited font choices; only supports .txt files

iA Writer

• Simplified interface
• Syncs all devices with iCloud and Dropbox
• Focus Mode to concentrate on certain text
• Cons: font not customizable/resizable; only supports .txt files

Got any suggestions of your own?  Share with us!

What are your best tips for traveling?

• Ensure that you have travel size shampoo/conditioner/etc. for your 3-oz. bag going through security.  It’s better to bring multiple small bottles than one larger one because you can throw them out once empty, making your load lighter.
• Pack extra Ziploc bags, in case anything gets wet or damaged.
• Never worry about packing your hair dryer—every hotel in the world has one.  But I love hot appliance bags so I can pack my straightener/curler while it’s still hot!
• If traveling internationally, make sure you have power adapters.  
• I love using Grid-it organizers for holding all of my chargers.
• Bring a virtual notebook with all of your travel info—rental car confirmation, flight and hotel information, pre-booked activities, and any tourist stuff you want to do.
• No matter the length of your trip, always unpack your suitcase!  Living out of it makes you feel disorganized (especially for me, since everything is packed so tightly in my carry-on).  Even on a 2 night stay, I unpack my bag.  

Got any of your own special packing tips?  Share them with us!

• Built-in keyboard (will you use this enough to want a keyboard built-in?)
• Magnetic automatic wake-up feature
• Prop positions – some are simple (1 to 2), and other cases have multiple views and angles
• Strap/handle – carry your device like a bag
• Extra pockets for paper or cards – ability to use your tablet like a notebook

External keyboard (wireless)
Great for when you want to be able to type on the keyboard occasionally, but prefer your cover to have different features.

External stand or charging station

Plug-in for photo memory cards
A great tip while traveling is to dump your photos each night onto your tablet to create more space on your memory card for the next day.

What are your thoughts?  Which accessories or features help improve your productivity?

Steve Ballmer’s words were music to our ears. In case you missed the huge news, Steve Ballmer announced the new Microsoft Office last Monday and we are thrilled about the latest features!  As productivity consultants, our number one goal is to save people time and help them be more productive, so we are incredibly excited about the changes Microsoft will be implementing.  Elizabeth Bowman’s initial thoughts on Microsoft’s press conference were featured on KING 5 News at 5:00 PM on Monday.  Watch the clip now to see her thoughts on the changes!To keep you up to speed, here are our top 4 highlights from the press conference:

1. The myth of “going paperless” is a reality.  
For years, we’ve helped people go as paperless as possible and Office 2013 takes “going paperless” to a whole new level.  Long gone are the days of printing out documents before a meeting and making notes with a pen.  Now the new inking features allow you to effortlessly write, draw and erase with the touch of a finger or mouse.

2. Working on-the-go isn’t just for businesses anymore.  
Many businesses are already seeing the benefits of using Office 365 to get things done quickly and efficiently.  Now you can experience the same features for your personal productivity using the new Office 2013 to organize pretty much anything.  For example, you can organize your recipes, travel plans, tasks, schoolwork and much more!

3. Collaborate and share information with your team more efficiently.
As Steve Ballmer mentioned, we live in the world of the “modern office” where more and more teams are collaborating virtually for projects and meetings.  Microsoft Office 2013 encourages teams to edit items simultaneously with a few clicks of a button and collaborate on changes.

4. Stay connected while working mobile.  
The vast majority of us have multiple devices to sync.  From work computers to mobile phones to family computers, we want to have access to the same information on every device.  SkyDrive and SharePoint have been around for some time, but now Office 2013 automatically saves documents, notes and personal settings to the cloud so you can access them on-the-go.

What are your thoughts on the Microsoft announcement?  Which features are you most excited about?  We want to hear your thoughts on the recent developments and how you hope to become more productive!

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1. Develop a meal plan and corresponding grocery list for the week before you get to the store.  Having a plan of action will keep you on track and minimize the “what’s for dinner?” stress.
2. Use a hand basket or the small shopping cart.  You’ll be less inclined to impulse buy on more items when you have less space to fill.
3. Shop primarily on the perimeter of the store.  Michael Pollan’s Food Rules book provides guidance on choosing real food, most of which is not found in the aisles.
4. Buy in bulk or stock up on non-perishable items when they’re on a good sale.  Having your favorite items in good supply at home means fewer trips to the store.
5. Use the self-checkout lanes.
6. Shop in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds.