What’s in a website? Well, probably a lot of errors. But hopefully a lot of great stuff too, like intuitive flow, and high content recognition. Of course you probably don’t care about any of that. You just want a site that fills your needs, usually that means either great products or useful information.

Here at HandStandswe’ve been working like crazy people to design a site that will do all that and more. Our graphic designers have been busy making the place look pretty (and they are amazing, I have to say), our techie-nerds have worked their fingers to nubs making it work right, and our content writers (that would be me) have been doing our best to sure it all makes sense. So have we missed stuff? Absolutely. But are we excited? You betcha!

So much so, that we’ve put all kinds of specials and offers on the new site, just to thank you for stopping in.

Whether you’re a long-time customer or just happen upon our new place, please take a look around, kick the tires, and contact us as sales@handstands.com and let us know if you find a goof or have a suggestion (we might even give you a prize!) In case you missed the name, it’s HandStands, as in doing flips of joy. And that’s us, right now, doing flips.

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There’s nothing like an advent calendar—joyfully updated by young children—to add stress to the parents of those little tots. The calendar at my house has the number 3 on it. Yikes. As in just 3 days to Christmas! And there are sooo many things that haven’t been done: card in the mail? Nope. Gifts for the neighbors? Uh uh. Gift for the boss? Nada.

So what’s a person to do when the holiday is almost here and you’re not prepared?
First and very foremost—relax. Christmas will come whether you have every bit of mistletoe in its place or not, and the only thing that will truly ruin it is if the Grinch moves into your house.

I know this because he was there this morning. In the form of me. And it was not pretty. I was making that list, checking it twice, and it was much too long. There was just too much to do in three days time and I was not going to make it. So when my little one approached me with two cheap snow globes in his hand and a broad grin on his face, I told him to throw them away. “I’m done decorating and those are just cheap and ugly.”

Ho, Ho, Ho.

Yep, that little smile disappeared in an instant. “My teacher gave me this one,” he said, deflated. And that’s when it hit me. I am not Santa. Or even Santa’s helper. I am Grinch, green and true. And that’s also when I started to put together this list.

Which leads to tip number two: Prioritize. There are some things that just have to get done, but lots of it will pass without the world collapsing. Figure out which is which. The boss probably should get a gift if you want a job next year, but it can be as simple as a note of gratitude. If cards haven’t been mailed, send an email with a promise to do better next year; or make it a New Year’s greeting. Send out a text to the neighbors and tell them much you appreciate them. They’ll remember that even more than a plate of cookies. It’s amazing how many things can get crossed off your list, or at least made simpler, when you prioritize and use a little creativity.

Tip number three: Take a look at the budget. It probably won’t be pretty, and that ‘ol Grinch may flare up for a minute or two, but the last few days before Christmas are when budgets are truly blown. If you’ve been good with your credit cards, don’t mess up now. If you have dug into your credit, keep the hole as shallow as possible. It may be hard to pass up those big last-minute deals, but your bank account will thank you next month.
Tip number four: Do some service. Whether it’s making a donation, visiting someone lonely, or even spending an extra few minutes with your children; doing something good for someone else is the best way to remember the purpose of the season and bring a smile to your face.

Tip number five is akin to tip number one, but it can’t be said enough: RELAX! Follow these directions carefully: Build a fire (or flip on the gas switch next to the fireplace); light a scented candle or put some mulling spices into a pot of apple cider; make yourself a warm drink; sit down; put your feet up; inhale as deeply as you can; and then exhale, long and slow, and send any Grinch thoughts away with that breath.

Do you consider yourself a fashionista?
“Fashionista – A term used to define a woman with a penchant for shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends.”

We are looking for you! The E-Commerce division is considering a new fashion accessory and is looking for focus group participants for this Thursday in one of two sessions. Sorry guys this is strictly for women. We will be giving a $25 Target gift card to all participants.

When: Thursday , November 11th, 2010
Where: HandStands Corporate Office in Bluffdale
Who: Women of all ages and background.
If you know someone (friends, family and neighbors) who would be willing to spend about 60-90 minutes with us, please forward this to them and ask them to complete the screening survey.

Screening survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YVQFLQ2

Want to know how you can clean up the mess that has built up on your shelf space? Follow the link below to find the ultimate organizing tips!

http://handstandsproducts.blogspot.com/2010/03/solution-to-clutter-acquired-on-shelf.html

Spring is just around the corner, which means it is time to start thinking about saying goodbye to all snow gear, and hello to summer fun! Unfortunately, this includes some seriousl cleaning. Many people may cringe at this thought, but have no fear! For the next week, we will be offering a tip a day to help you organize your things and get your home in order. The tip of the day today is cleaning the shelfs! Much like an unmade bed can ruin the presence of room, a messy shelf can do just that. The mess and clutter that accumulates overtime is just not attractive, so we have a solution that will help solve this very problem. The Bellagio Italia CD/DVD Binders are such an amazing asset to the shelf. Not only do they help clean up the clutter with with their organizational pockets, but they are featured in a timeless old-world fashion, which will never go out of style. Designed to look like books, the Bellagio Italia CD/DVD Binders blend in with the other books on the shelf, while containing storing a wide variety of CD’s, DVD’s, Blu-Ray DVD’s and even photo Cd’s. Get rid of the clutter on the shelf and try this handy storage accomplice that will leave your shelf looking like you paid a million bucks, for an unbelievably affordable price. For more information about these CD/DVD Binders, visit the link below. http://www.handstands.com

HandStands has compiled 50 uses of the Sticky Pad. Is there one we didn’t mention? Help us think of some more ways to utilize the Sticky Pad!

50 Uses of the Sticky Pad

1.)     To keep the mouse at my computer from sliding all over the place.

2.)    Use as a coaster in your home to hold your drink stationary.

3.)    Place on your desk to hold pens, paper clips, etc.

4.)    Use as a remote control holder for armchair or on entertainment center.

5.)    Store in the bathroom to hold jewelry, make up, etc in one location.

6.)    Place in drawers to hold misc. items in place instead, of rolling all over.

7.)    Use to Earthquake proof your china cabinet.

8.)    Bose speakers stabilizers.

9.)    Allows you to utilize the computer as a DVD display in car on long trips.

10)   Put between my skis when in summer storage.

11)    In the back of my car on grocery day to keep the bags from sliding around.

12)   Place between two large coolers on long trips to keeps from sliding.

13)   Baby high chair grips

14)   Drafting table pencil holder

15)   Airplane tray table stabilizer so my laptop doesn’t slide.

16)   Around copper pipes to keep from rattling.

17)   Spacers to keep doors and cabinet doors from slamming

18)   Airline pilots use them in their flight tray to keep coffee and other things from moving.

19)   Cut them into strips and use as pencil or pen grips to stabilize fingers.

20)  My daughter used them in some new prom shoes to keep her foot from slipping.

21)   Used for toll-road passes to hold the electronic pass firmly on the dashboard.

22)  Place on a shovel handle to get a better grip.

23)  When mixing in the kitchen by hand, whisk can rest on the sticky pad, placed on the bowl, in order to not spin out of control.

24)  Used like a magnet on stainless steel fridges, since they are not magnetic.

25)  Used on the back side of my ukulele or guitar to keep it from sliding when playing.

26)  Used as a grip on the seat of my car to keep my brief case from sliding off the seats when I come to a quick and abrupt stop.

27)  Placed in the trunk of my car to keep the emergency kit (plastic Tupperware) from sliding on the carpet.

28)  It can be used to keep long PVC pipes snug and together while transporting them.

29)  Secure the DVD player on top of the TV.

30)  Cut pieces off the sticky pad to stick in corners of the car around the windshield to fix rattles.

31)   Great for holding the little “sauces” from fast food restaurants.

32)  Use to sustain spices in the spice cabinet of my kitchen.

33)  Place under desk telephone.

34)  For use as a mat when putting together/repairing eyeglasses, to keep the small parts from rolling around.

35)  Place under the computer.

36)  Put under bar stool legs or chair legs to prevent scratching on the hard floor.

37)  Golf Cart Companion-so things don’t fly off when you drive.

38)  Sticky Frame.

39)  Place board games on, to keep from sliding.

40)  Put in your lap to keep your guitar from slipping.

41)   Rest under the Sewing Machine Petal, to keep it in place.

42)  Place on my TV to hide ‘on screen logos’ that appear on all TV stations except HBO.

43)  Coaster for water bottle at work, or for beverages on the coffee table at home.

44)  Cut up and place on the back of brushes, to keep them in place without sliding.

45)  Rest Air Freshener Canister on top of Sticky Pad in the car.

46)  Place my wallet on the sticky pad, so it does not slide around.

47)  Rest CD’s and DVD’s on it, without having to place on a dirty surface where it might scratch.

48)  Slap onto the fridge and place pens on it. Insures easy access and strong stability.

49)  Cut into small pieces and place binders, to keep them closed while traveling in backpacks or hand bags.

50)  Slice into pieces and place on the back of a picture frame hanging on the wall, this will help prevent scratching and scraping on the wall.