Stop Worrying and Love Business Travel

When traveling for business, you need to arrive prepared and looking your best. A combination of planning ahead and choosing the right accessories can reduce stress, help to make the trip smoother and allow you to use your time more efficiently.

Packing light is the first step to a successful business trip. The fewer bags you have to worry about, the better. Depending on how long you will be away, many seasoned business travelers suggest that you limit your luggage to one carry-on and one check-in. Carry-on bags come in a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes, with a number of features perfect for the business professional. Rolling luggage that has separate compartments for a laptop, files and other business related items is also a good choice. Selecting lightweight, expandable suitcases with organizer pockets, tie-straps to secure clothing and built-in or detachable features like a valet tray will maximize functionality and help ease the more stressful aspects of business travel.

Today, luggage manufacturers produce cases for just about anything you need to take with you on a business trip, ranging from cases for PDAs and digital cameras to vanity cases and travel organizers. When traveling out of the country, passport cases can be particularly useful, especially ones with a boarding pass slot on the front.

In addition to luggage and carry-on bags specifically designed with the business professional in mind, Cymax Stores offers a range of business accessories that will keep you organized and on track once you have arrived at your destination. Eliminate the need to look for a smooth surface to write on with a handy leather letter size portfolio. Many of these notepad holders include other convenient features like an ID window, card holders, a section for documents and a place for pens. Organization is the key to a successful business day and a leather planner is the perfect tool to help to keep you focused and your agenda straight. A business card case is also another useful accessory to have along.

Wearing your power suit on the plane can eliminate the need to pack it. But if this is not an option, or if you need to carry rather than pack an additional suit, garment bags can be an elegant solution. Many manufacturers offer garment bags that include organizer pockets for shoes or accessories, a separate section for laundry and wet compartments. Rolling garment bags can be especially useful to the business traveler, since they typically can hold several garments at once. With additional pockets and compartments, rolling garment bags can be a viable substitute for the more basic kind of carry-on.

Good planning and the right accessories can eliminate unnecessary hassles, lost time and frustrating circumstances that can arise when traveling for business. Cymax can help you shop online in preparation for your business trip, with a wide range of business accessories to choose from.

Me ‘n the Boys at Cymax

Our office at Cymax is laid out so that many rooms make up the entire workplace, and most rooms house a handful of people. My work station is situated in an office that I share with four men. Being the only female in my room, some might call me lucky, as I consider the boys to be too. But all jokes aside, I do feel pretty lucky – not because of my hypothetical odds, but because the boys treat me like one of them. They talk about cars and hockey, and I pride myself in being able to join in the conversations.

I was never a girly-girl. No Barbies, no Rainbow Brite, no My Little Pony for me. I got a Cabbage Patch Kid for my sixth birthday, and days later, I put her in make-shift shorts and a T-shirt and gave her a buzz cut (I similarly cut off the few strands of hair from a Care Bear I got a year later).

While other girls were swathing their arms in Bangles, and accentuating their teased bangs with fluorescent colored headbands, I wore my brothers’ hand-me-downs that consisted of a lot of camouflage and other Rambo-esque paraphernalia, as well as anything inspired by Karate Kid. I cut my own hair short. I shared my brothers’ army men, Transformers, BMX bikes, and Hot Wheels.

I was most comfortable in the driveway with a goalie stick in hand than anywhere else. In order to clear the driveway to play a game of hockey, we had to move the car (aptly named The Beast). Dad got sick of us bugging him, so all three of us kids ended up being able to drive a stick-shift by the age of nine. One day we decided to go a little further than our usual around-the-block route, and were pulled over by a perfectly stunned police officer, who asked us to please drive back home safely and to enjoy our day. And we always did.

I feel as though my childhood has prepared me for the workplace (not that I have run-ins with the police anymore). Although there are plenty of females who work at Cymax, I just happen to have my desk in a room with none. But the boys are fun, and what’s even more fun is our three o’clock ritual. Four of us get up from our desks, and with a mob mentality, walk past the lunch room and kitchen, into the games room, where the foosball table gleams at us.

Let me introduce you to the Cymax Foosball Team: We’ve got the Motivator, whose forward spinning techniques are praiseworthy (“You got ‘Mo-ed’ is a common response to his signature move); the Nobleman, who stays loyal to his defensive excellence and can handle his stickmen with an undefeatable grace; the Breeze, who scores goals with such an ease that they’re in the bin before you can see them coming, and then there’s me. The boys call me the Viper… patient until the moment of attack, where I bite with a quick vengeance.

Gone are the days of hockey in the driveway (for me, anyway), so I’ve set my sights on other things that will give me the same satisfaction. Inspired by the team spirit at Cymax, I have found a few items that I can purchase by way of online shopping at www.CymaxStores.com. I can’t decide whether to get a stick hockey table or whether to invest in an air hockey table. All I know is that I look forward to when I can invite my friends over – male and female – to have our own mini Stanley Cup playoff. Should I ever want to expand my games room, Cymax has everything from game chairs to pool tables. But regardless of what kind of game table I end up buying for myself, I will always be indebted to Team Cymax and the 3 pm break-downs.

W00t!

Fantasy Worlds with Realistic Funds: Children’s Bedroom Furniture on a Budget

For years, I taught in a preschool and kindergarten, and though I learned a lot from the kids, one of the most valuable things I took away from my time at the school was how absolutely loved the children were by their parents. I enjoyed my time with my students and the days were filled with laughter, learning, and play, but come three o’clock, my students would line up against the outside wall of the school, and whenever a parent came down the path, I would dismiss a child, smiling as the little girl or boy ran as fast as they could into their parent’s arms. Artwork was shown off, stories from the day were told, and new songs that we’d learned were sung into their mother or father’s ears.

That school was always a happy place for my students; I took them in as though they were my own, and loved every minute of the time we spent together. But it was kids’ pure joy at seeing their loved ones and knowing that they got to go home that always gave me a sense of peace. Our school was decked out with the best equipment for both educational and recreational purposes, but nothing beats the safety and comfort that a home provides for a child.

Kids grow up way too fast and they tire of things really quickly. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that will last just a few years, especially as children constantly seem to be ready for something newer and bigger. You want to spoil your child, but that can be a daunting task to do on a budget. At Cymax, we take your budget into account and have a few tips up our sleeve for you to spoil your child while still being able to save for their college fund… which will be in use sooner than you think.

A child’s bedroom should be a safe haven – a place where they can play, learn, and dream. While there are a lot of furnishing options out there, at Cymax, we assure you that we can transform your child’s entire bedroom into a fantasy world that they will love, all for under $500.

Firefighters and princesses, am I right? Take the KidKraft Firefighter Bedroom Furniture Set. This adorable set includes a Firefighter Toddler Bed that transforms into a fire truck and an inventive Firefighter Hydrant Nightstand for $72. Add a Firefighter Step Stool for $30 and an imaginative Firefighter Clothes Pole for $43. For a grand total of $245, your little boy can live the life that he’s always dreamed of: the life of a hero.

For the princesses out there (and from my teaching experience, there are many) Cymax offers the KidKraft Princess Bedroom Furniture Suite. This stunning set includes a Princess Toddler Bed with four posts trimmed with gold crowns and a nightstand that is sure to add a royal touch to any young girl’s room, all for $172. Add a Princess Vanity Table and Stool for $144, where your little dreamer can get lost in the looking-glass. Finally, for a place to keep your little girl’s fairytale books and keepsakes, Cymax offers a Princess Bookcase for $93. Spoil your little princess with these bedroom furnishings for a total of $421, making it a happily-ever-after ending for both you and for her.

Cymax offers online shopping for products that encourage your child’s imagination and create a safe and fun environment for them to thrive in. My students always seemed ready for the school day, well-rested and relaxed. While in the afternoons, I watched the kids tell their parents all about their school day, in the mornings, I was the one who got to hear about their afternoons and evenings, their mornings before school, and the dreams they dreamed.

As one little girl once said to me: “I can be anyone I want to be when I sleep, but when I wake up, I get to be me again.”

Cymax Brings You Something for the Moon Day Blues

The origin of the word “Monday” revolves around the moon and her cycles. It’s Monday today, hence the crash course, and philosophical meanderings, on moon phases.

Tomorrow is a new moon, invisible to the eye, much to the dismay of those of us who are romantic moon gazers. But the new moon phase is essential. It is a time for new beginnings. It is a time of hope, growth, and renewal; a good time to make life changes and to focus on new energies, to end certain life stages in order to begin healthy ones – ones that involve opportunities for healing.

I am a moon gazer; I take comfort in the fact that I can look up at the sky and know that, regardless of how visible, the moon will always be there. And though I appreciate the apparent good that comes with a new moon, I will be the first to admit that I really miss her when I can’t see her.

But a new moon brings a narrow crescent, and the moon will continue through a waxing phase, and then again through several more stages leading to a full moon. Some people have reservations about a full moon – a full moon has generated many myths, which include everything from werewolves to disasters, but I love it. There is a magical feel to a full moon, and I always look forward to this phase, not only because of the power of secrets and mysteries that she brings, but because she shows her entire face. She’s right there, and as I gaze up in wonder, she stares back at me in her full splendor.

We still have a good two weeks before the summer solstice, just days after the approaching full moon. Summer is coming – and not a moment too soon – but moon gazing can be a chilly endeavor. Living on the West Coast, I never know what kind of weather I’m in for, so I always feel that I best to be prepared for warmth. Even in my state of daydreaming (or night dreaming, as the case is), I get pretty cold out there on my deck.

If you are a moon gazer, a star watcher, or a planet connoisseur, you will agree that the ambience that surrounds you is an important factor in being able to seek what you are looking for, hundreds of thousands of miles away. Cymax makes your hobby a little easier for you. With a click of the mouse, you can shop online for the essentials.

Cymax has new products that we’re excited to offer you, and with the convenience of online shopping, we can get you out of your house and outdoors so quickly, you won’t miss a thing. We have fire pits designed with both good looks and for giving off the heat you need to stay comfortable as you are moon gazing. The fire pits have a rustic charm about them that fits in with getting in touch with your basics. Patio heaters are also a great investment, if you are like me and want to prolong the time you spend outside, face turned to the sky.

Staring at the sky, although worth every minute, can be a strain on the neck and back. Our Oxford Garden rocking chairs allow you ultimate comfort and an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere with an easy tilt as you recline in the chair. The gentle sway of a rocking chair is a natural remedy for the stresses of every day life. And who doesn’t have stress?

On days where the moon is easy to find, we have binoculars that will make your moon gazing all the more better so you can see her intricate details. For the days when the moon hides her face, Cymax has telescopes to help with your search. However, there are just some days where you won’t find her, days where she won’t be visible at all. But similar to what comes along with the new moon, there is always room for hope: You may have to be patient, but she will always be out there… somewhere.

Cymax can help you Furnish a Dining Room on a Budget

Decorating a dining room doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. Online shopping allows you the freedom to mix and match pieces to get the look best suited to your lifestyle at a price that will fit your budget. To help get you started, Cymax set a budget of $700.00 and put together a dining room using three separate looks, country, contemporary and transitional (based on a typical 4-person configuration).

The Country Style Dining Room

The International Concepts Table and Windsor Chair Set is a fine example of casual country styling. Made of wood, in addition to the dining table, the set includes two chairs. Cymax added two more chairs to round out the place settings to four. To make your dining area more functional, while filling out the space and in keeping with the country theme, the Winsome Antique Walnut Wine Rack gives you the ideal place to store accessories, glasses and a small selection of your favorite wines.

The cost of the country style dining room is:

International Concepts Table and Windsor Chair Set - $319.00
2 additional International Concepts Windsor Chairs - $130.00
Winsome Antique Walnut Wine Rack - $239.00
Total cost of the country style dining room - $688.00

The Contemporary Style Dining Room

The Walker Edison 5-Piece Medallion Dinette Set with Tuxedo Chairs has a distinctive modern design. Black vinyl chairs with an open pattern backrest are paired with steel and glass for a spare clean look that is stylish yet inviting. The Adesso Sonata Three Tier Rolling Trolley gives you the convenience of mobility while adding the ideal finishing touch.

The cost of the contemporary style dining room is:

Walker Edison 5-Piece Medallion Dinette Set with Tuxedo Chairs - $509.00
Adesso Sonata Three Tier Rolling Trolley - $118.99
Total cost of the contemporary style dining room - $627.99

The Transitional Style Dining Room

Transitional Style is the perfect compromise between contemporary and traditional, taking traditional design elements and paring them down for a sophisticated appeal. The Home Styles Black Pedestal Dining Table and Chairs Set features a classic pedestal style footed base, while the chairs are visually distinguished by chic X-back. Matching this dining table with the Southern Enterprises Baker's Cart Sofa Table creates a natural focal point while adding a whimsical element.

The cost of the transitional style dining room is:

Home Styles Black Pedestal Dining Table and Chairs – $490.00
Southern Enterprises Baker's Cart Sofa Table - $129.99
Total cost of the transitional style dining room - $619.99

The key to furnishing a dining room on a budget is to have a plan. Decide how much you want to spend, the decor style and what will easily fit into the space. Creating the perfect dining area on a budget is easy and fun with the right resources. Now you are ready to shop online at Cymax Stores.

Please note: prices mentioned in this article are subject to change.

Luggage Isn't Just for Vacations Anymore

No matter where we go, it seems we always need to take something with us. Whether it’s just a quick trip to the drugstore, a business meeting or an afternoon in the park, we want some place to keep our keys, wallet and cell phone handy, safe and secure. Many luggage manufacturers are branching out and making quality items in a wide variety of bags that will get you to and from work, the gym, the grocery store and school in style. With so many kinds to choose from, Cymax Stores can help make your search for the perfect bag easy and convenient.

Being prepared for a busy day at the office doesn’t have to mean just your basic briefcase. Specifically designed to meet the needs of the business professional on the go, manufacturers are offering products that include those little “extras” such as built-in organizers and pockets for digital devices. Because of their multi-purpose nature, messenger bags have become very popular. They are generally soft-sided and have several different sections in addition to the main compartment. For the obvious reason, computer bags are also gaining in popularity amongst busy professionals. They are available in a wide variety of materials, sizes and styles, but most of them incorporate a padded or secure section for a laptop, to keep it safe in transport. The leather attache case is still a classic, while portfolios, catalog cases and rolling briefcases are viable alternatives.

Going to the gym, hitting the trail or climbing a mountain can be almost painless with the right accessory. A sports bag is a good companion to have with you when go exploring. They can include zippered water bottle holders, separate wet compartments, padded handles, adjustable straps and even wheels for added convenience and mobility. They also can be used as a carry-on or a weekender bag.

As all of us are becoming more conscious of ways that we can be kinder to our planet, the shopping tote might be the perfect solution. They can range from the basic two-handled kind to ones that have several features intended to make shopping easier, including wheels. For carrying a number of miscellaneous items, many luggage and handbag manufacturers offer a variety of all-purpose totes, made of materials ranging from leather to durable, lightweight nylon or microfiber. These totes often have special compartments for newspapers or umbrellas.

When packing all that necessary stuff for a day at school or on the trail, a common choice for students and hikers is the backpack. Designed to rest comfortably on your shoulders and strapped around your waist for added stability and support, it can carry a wide variety of items. But this style of bag is so convenient, easy to use and versatile, that versions of your basic backpack are now appearing in boardrooms as well, with special laptop compartments, organizers and space for cell phones, business cards and keys.

Lightweight, compact, crafted from leather or made from water-repellent materials, when shopping online at Cymax Stores, you’re sure to find right bag for your busy lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a briefcase, shopper tote, sports bag or backpack, you will find the perfect one that will help keep your day running smoothly.

Thinking Outside the Box: Breaking Free From Office Cubicles

Cubicle life can be drab and draining at the best of times. Being caged inside four walls of grey fuzzy fabric, put together with rusty screws and wobbly legs does not exactly inspire a creative and effective work area. Natural light and open space should not be a break-time luxury; instead, it should be a fundamental element of your office space.

Cymax Stores provides online shopping for office furniture that is essential to a successful work environment. At www.bushfurniturecollection.com, you will find a variety of office furniture fit for every type of business and every office employee. Office space arrangements can be tricky, but with over seven hundred options for cubicle configurations alone, Bush Furniture covers everything you might never have even thought of. No matter how small or big your office is, we’ll find a fit.

With collections such as Bush Furniture’s Office-in-an-Hour, designing your workplace has never been so simple. Cymax allows you to narrow your search by design, finish, and price so that you can find what you need right away. Mismatched chairs and tables, lack of storage options, and messy wires stick out like sore thumbs. Impress your clients with stylish uniformity and pamper your employees to a comfortable work environment.

Bush Furniture desks come with panel grommets for wire access, keeping computer equipment tidy and out of sight, so no more tripping over cable wires on your way to the boss’s office! No matter if you are right or left handed either, you will find a desk that accommodates you.

Although a messy desk might make it seem like you have a lot of work on your hands, it doesn’t look attractive for the passerby. Filing cabinets can help you clean up your desk and organize your files so that important information is out-of-sight but easy to access. Also an attractive and efficient storage option is a hutch for over a desk. A hutch allows you to keep your desk surface clear; it also allows you to display special items, such as framed photographs of your loved ones, so that your workspace has an individual and personal feel to it. Bush Furniture also carries bookshelves in all sorts of colors, sizes, and styles.

Many items in the Bush Furniture collection come in a variety of finishes, giving a different look for every office, while keeping the style within one workspace the same. With choices in quality materials, styles, and collections, get rid of the drib and drab in your workplace.

Most of us spend more of our waking hours at work than we do in our own homes, which is one of the reasons why it is so important to furnish an office in a way that respects and keeps in mind the needs of each employee. Our environment affects our frame of mind, which in turn affects our ability to produce and inspire ideas and productivity. Cymax works to help you accomplish a positive environment for your work team with our extensive Bush Furniture collections.

From our office to yours: happy shopping.