Chances are you've caught some of the buzz around the latest social media addiction Pinterest. After all, with 17 million plus new users, it joins the ranks of the top three social media sites along with giants Facebook and its nearest rival Tumblr. So why is everyone suddenly "pinning" and how can you get in on the action?

Pinterest works as a virtual "pin board" and allows users to collect and categorize images. The site is by invitation only, but don't let that scare you off; you can request an invitation from Pinterest and one generally materializes in your in-box a few days later.

Pinterest is right up our organizational alley. Simple, streamlined and easy to use, Pinterest is the perfect counterpart to paper organizing. The site allows users to readily and easily capture digital images, be they home décor inspiration, recipes or fashion. 

The site allows for simple categorization, images are "pinned" to specific boards that they user creates. There is also a social networking component that allows users to seek inspiration from others or to follow like-minded pinners.

Organizing is why we get up in the morning and between Pinterest and Pendaflex, storing the bits and pieces of one's life, be they digital ephemera or paper, has never been easier. And we like easy almost as much as we like organization.

For more on Pinterest, read:

• Pinterest Popularity Explained: What's Behind The Pinning Addiction?
• The 9 Most Creative Uses Of Pinterest
• Marketers Find a Friend in Pinterest
• How to use Pinterest

Have you jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon? How do you organize your pin boards? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Happiness is on your mind: last month's post How to Be Happy At Work got our readers clicking like crazy. After all, who doesn't want to be happy at work? So many hours of each day are spent at our desks, if we're not happy at work; we're spending a large part of our day feeling unhappy indeed.

We know that our tips on cultivating happiness at work boost your happiness quotient because you told us so. Ready for more ideas?

No one gives happiness advice like Gretchen Rubin, creator of the blog and book The Happiness Project.  Rubin devoted a calendar year to both studying happiness and trying to boost her happiness levels with specific steps each month. Rubin's entire web site has great, user-friendly advice; we particularly like a recent post, Feel Grateful for the Basics. In it, Rubin examines the "lost wallet syndrome," which is the phenomenon of taking for granted the things that make our life easy, pleasant and provide happiness. Only once those things are "lost" do we realize their crucial role in our happiness. Bottom line: appreciate what's good in your life; everybody has blessings so take the time to count them.

We also like the advice from the Zen Habits, a blog about simple living. In the post A Powerful Three-Step Algorithm for Happiness, http://bit.ly/JdKZj1 the author recommends spending the day doing three simple things: 1) taking the time to appreciate everyone you encounter, 2) smiling and making eye-contact and 3) trying to express appreciation and love to all you encounter. Sounds simple but when was the last time you really took the time to express simple appreciation to those you love for their role in your life. Bottom line: happiness is contagious, spread it to others and get it back in spades.

Finally, you know us: organization is our reason d'être and we like to think organized people are happier people.  Think about it: organized people are less stressed, more productive and have more time to spend on passions and people. So go ahead and add a little happiness to your life by getting organized!

Do you think it's possible to increase happiness? What is your surefire way of boosting happiness for yourself? For others? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Parents of bickering siblings may wish their quarrelsome kiddies would just stop arguing already, but the fine art of how to disagree agreeably is a crucial skill.

Too often arguing is seen as counterproductive, or emotions are allowed to trump reason and arguing becomes combative. When people disagree disagreeably, the opportunity to achieve consensus or to come up with a winning idea is lost. Done properly, arguing has upside.

Argue to Communicate

Gun shy about arguing? Look at disagreeing as just another way to communicate. In How to Disagree Agreeably,  Real Simple Magazine offers a primer on how to compromise, clear the air and fight fair. Tips include: wait until your calm, pick your battles, be respectful and consider compromise, among others. Read on for in depth strategies on how to disagree with everyone from your boss, to your co-workers to your significant other.

Argue to Innovate

Arguing can be constructive, rather than destructive. Fast Company profiles one company that uses arguing, rather than brainstorming, to generate out-of-the box thinking. In Innovation Is About Arguing, Not Brainstorming. Here's How To Argue Productively,  employees at one design shop chronicle how they use the model of "Argue. Discuss. Argue. Discuss." as the "special sauce" that allows for continual innovation. The goal? Deliberative discourse that achieves allows people to work together to solve a common problem versus trying to "win."

To work, deliberative discourse relies on certain key points including:

• No hierarchy. All players are welcome to voice ideas and opinions.
• Say "no, because..." Offer an explanation of your no, this both soothes ruffled feathers and opens the door to dialogue.
• Diverse perspectives. Curate your group so different viewpoints are represented.
• Focus on common goal. Find the common ground and avoid dwelling on the differences that might drive you apart.
• Have fun. Enough said!

Do you ever argue constructively? What are your tips for keeping arguments agreeable versus disagreeable? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Even at the best of jobs, on the best of days, work can be stressful. Deadlines, budget crunches, juggling multiple demands and work styles: some days things just run off the rails. The next time you have a lousy day at work, reflect on these tips and ensure that even the worst day at work is just a temporary blip.

Bad Day at Work? 10 Tips to Help You Make It Through: This article offers nuts and bolts tips such as not skipping breakfast and lunch (hello! No one can function, let alone remains stress-free on no food!) as well as big picture advice such as taking time to focus on what truly matters in life. Best tip? Asking for help when you need it.

How to Turn Around a Bad Day at Work:  Practical tips for rough days including a true gem: allow yourself be in a bad mood as long as you don't take it out on others. Other good ideas include taking a time-out: before you explode, or do and say something you might regret, take a walk, a long lunch break or just sit in a quiet conference room and regroup.

50 Tips for Surviving Your Worst Work Days:  A comprehensive list offering tips on managing stress, just saying "no" and avoiding negative people.

How do you deal with bad days at work? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Life throws curveballs. Problems pop up and deadlines go off track. Do your best to keep one step ahead of botched deadlines with a little contingency planning.

While not every problem can be anticipated and planned for in advance, having a general game plan for dealing with missteps will get you back on track faster. The next time a missed deadline looms, reflect on these tips and power through.

Fess Up: If you have missed, or are going to miss a deadline, the first step is coming clean. Let your boss or client know that the deadline isn't going to be met. When possible, give advance notice that the deadline is slipping. By coming clean in advance, you may be able to renegotiate the deadline.  At the very least, your client or boss will appreciate not being blind-sided.

Mea Culpa: Missed deadlines generally mean apologies are in order. If your client or colleague dropped the ball and this resulted in the unmet deadline, this may not apply. But if the responsibility for missing the mark lies with you, a sincere apology is in order.

Get Cracking: Missed deadlines require an action plan for getting the project back on track. Determine if more time, additional staff or new resources are needed to right the course. Having an action plan in place when you reveal a deadline is likely to be missed can help soften the blow and allow you to still appear in control.

Not Again: Once a deadline has been missed, do your utmost to ensure it doesn't happen again. Chronically missing deadlines reflects poorly on your work and time-management skills. Do whatever it takes-work late, get up early, subcontract the work-but get it done on time.

How do you deal with missed deadlines? Do you have tips to ensure you never miss them? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Tired of juggling streams of digital data, paper notebooks and zillions of yellow post-it notes to keep track of to-dos, appointments and all the random bits of information required to make it through your day? Add one-stop organization to your life with productivity app Evernote.  Called the "killer app"  by former Mashable editor and Silicon Valley insider Ben Parr, Evernote is an app and web service that will organize your life: period. 

With Evernote, users can keep track of notes, web clips, images and bits of data on virtually any device or computer. Evernote syncs with the cloud making it useable on any device, anywhere and allows for simple searches by key word, tags or even handwritten text inside images.

Wondering how this app could work for you? Check out these first-hand accounts from devoted users.

How I use Evernote for Work: This MacWorld writer uses Evernote for everything from corralling info on work trips (i.e. itinerary, PDF images of boarding pass and airport shuttle tickets, maps, as well as trip notes) to keeping track of favorite teas (he snaps photos of labels which can be searched by key words.) Read on for tips on making this tool your own killer app.

10 Tips On How to Use Evernote To Its Fullest:  Ten simple steps that will make Evernote your own go-to app. Tips include using the merge feature to search across various notes for common topics as well as info on how to encrypt text so Evernote can be used to store sensitive passwords.

8 Great Ways Couples Can Use Evernote Shared Notebooks:   Evernote is more than a work productivity tool; this article examines the ways couples can use Evernote to keep the home front running smoothly. Ideas include sharing recipes and grocery lists, to keeping tabs on home improvement projects.

Finally, with tax day right around the corner, check out this useful read  on how Evernote makes tax organization easier than ever.

If you're an Evernote user, what is the most useful or surprising way you've used the app? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex  Facebook page.

Long commute got you down? You're not alone. The average American commutes almost 50 minutes a day says the Census Bureau. And the number of "super-commuters," who live far outside a metropolitan area, but commute in for work is growing fast.

Commuting isn't fun, virtually everyone agrees. In fact Time Magazine  last year ran a health piece called Why Commuting Sucks the Life Out of You  which cited all sorts of depressing statistics including the fact that couples facing long commutes have higher divorce rates than those without.

While long commutes, often in crowded conditions, will never make anyone's list of a good time, we've rounded up some tips to make commuting more bearable and perhaps even productive.

Finish up Work: Technology means commuting time can be used to finish up work that might otherwise cut into home time. Laptops let you send emails, proof reports or read documents. Bluetooth technology allows for hands-free meetings from inside your car.

Get to that Book: Reading is probably one of the most popular commuting pastimes and e-books, read on the slim iPad or e-readers, makes reading even the weightiest tome manageable. Car commuters can get in the action with audio books. Or collect useful articles in your e-reader for subway or train perusal.

Advance Your Career: Use your commute time to fit networking into your busy schedule. Update your LinkedIn profile; send networking e-mails to industry contacts and schedule future lunch and drinks dates with peers. Keep abreast of industry trends by reading useful articles or listening to podcasts. If you commute in the car, use your hands-free device to schedule calls with your mentors.

Scheme, Daydream: Downtime is a rare commodity. While you may not have chosen a long commute, you're stuck with it, so make the most of the idle hour to let your mind wander. Keep a notebook handy or download a note-taking app on your smart phone to jot down any inspiration that strikes.

Unwind: Can't find time to get to that crossword puzzle? Squeeze in a nap? Download that new album and play it from start to finish? You're in luck - you're commute provides a window of time to devote to the little leisure pursuits that you enjoy. Hey, it's not 18-holes of golf but it's a start!

How do you make the most out of your commute? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

At 150 million members strong, the LinkedIn bandwagon is verging on standing-room only. But are you more of a bystander than a LinkedIn leader? Time to grab the baton and lead the charge to get your profile noticed and networked. Make the most of LinkedIn with these simple steps.

Get Going

The tips in 10 Things to Do Immediately on LinkedIn  will get you up and running-stat. Start by posting a professional photo and then dive into industry appropriate groups, cultivating a wide network by participating in threads and chats. Other tips include making frequent updates and actively seeking recommendations.

Get Recommended 

LinkedIn's recommendation features allows users to fully showcase their talents and abilities. According to a recent Forbes.com article Everything You Need to Know About LinkedIn Recommendations,  hiring managers do actually read and consider recommendations when vetting candidates.

Best practices for LinkedIn recommendations are similar to offline ones: recommend only those whose work you truly know and when requesting your own recommendation, it's best to do it person by phone, rather than sending a generic LinkedIn request. For more, read 7 LinkedIn Recommendation Best Practices for Your Job Search. 

Get Noticed

Savvy LinkedIn users understand that the platform is more than just a chance to list resume skills. In The Five Best Practices for LinkedIn Profiles: Network Ahead of Your Job Search,  the author suggests using your profile to share your own expertise learn and from others. This type of organic networking will serve you well in future job hunts. Also, create a profile that showcases your "voice" and avoid dull resume-speak. Other tips include documenting your experience using multimedia, links and other options that just aren't possible with conventional resumes.  Finally, read Get Noticed: 5 Steps to Writing a Perfect LinkedIn Profile for more ideas. 

How do you make the most out of LinkedIn? What catches your eye or impresses you about LinkedIn profiles you've seen? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Staying organized is simpler than you think: it's all about daily maintenance. Too many of us expend energy and time creating filing systems or cleaning closets and then hang up our organizational hat. Little wonder things fall apart. But by committing to a simple daily regimen, you may find yourself in the enviable position of never being disorganized again!

Embrace a Schedule: Commit to a block of time daily to restoring order. A 10-15 minute window each night makes the most sense: recharge cell phones, check and update your calendar and return scattered items to their rightful spots. On weekends, schedule two longer 30-minute blocks for bigger projects such as filing paperwork from the past week and organizing the coming week's schedule and to-do lists.

Create a Donation Station: Keep a bag or box handy for donation items. When you have a spot to stash no-longer needed items, you increase the odds of successfully donating it to a cause or person in need, rather than allowing it to languish in your home as clutter.

Create a "To-Go" Spot: Designate a highly visible spot near the front door for items needed to run errands. That way when you're heading the door, you can easily see what needs to be returned, mailed, purchased, repaired, etc. and chores don't get overlooked.

Designate Helpers: Enlist family members in your maintenance program. Assign each family member to a specific task, rotating tasks to keep interest fresh. Deputizing family members makes them stakeholders in the process and betters your odds of maintaining order.

Reward Success: Incentives work so reward yourself, and your family members, along the way. Small rewards like an extra TV show or a later bedtime can be used at the end of Week One, and bigger rewards such as a family outing or a new purchase, can mark a successful month of maintaining order.

Keep in mind that experts say new habits take at least three weeks to form, so be diligent about practicing your organizational upkeep until it becomes second nature.

How do you preserve an organized home and a sane schedule? What daily activities keep the trains running on time in your world? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

What do your weekends look like? Are they two days of rest and relaxation, allowing a chance to recharge for the busy work week ahead? Or are they jam-packed with chores, kids' sports and various commitments?

We know the laundry needs to get done but downtime is critical to your well-being. This weekend make a must-keep appointment with yourself: schedule a chunk of downtime just as you would any other important commitment. Time to get serious about relaxation.

Go Mental: Sometimes a mental break is all that's needed. Meditation, or relaxation techniques, can clear your head and provide relief from stress, anxiety and even mild depression. Not sure how to get started? Guided mediation tapes can be found online that walk you through the process. Practiced regularly, these moments of silence will recharge you for Monday's hectic pace.

Move It: Exercise is the best form of stress release bar none. Take a brisk walk, run with a friend or take a morning yoga class. Getting the blood pumping releases the physical stress that builds up during our desk bound work week. Start your day off with exercise to ensure it gets done before the day's activities distract you.

Unplug: Take a mini vacation by unplugging all your devices. Ignoring phone calls and e-mails during the week is a luxury that is next to impossible, so use the weekend to disconnect and savor the free time created from your self-imposed digital diet.

Give Back: The work week is dedicated to advancing the cause of your company and career. Make the weekend a time to focus on others; giving time and energy to others in need is incredibly rewarding and renewing.

Reconnect: Life is busy, work days are hectic. Chances are you don't have enough time Monday through Friday to connect with your spouse, spend time with your kids or hang out with friends. Reconnect with the people, and the pursuits, that matter most during the weekend.

How do you recharge for the bust week work ahead? Do you carve out time to reenergize during the weekend or are you on an endless chore treadmill?  Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Twitter is the perfect example of a crazy, improbable idea-only 140 characters for communicating?!?-that caught fire, making early skeptics look positively antediluvian. 

But for every crazy idea that becomes a monster hit-Twitter is nearing 500 million users-any number fizzle into major flops. So how does one know when a big, over-the-top idea is destined for Twitter-style success or is destined to go the way of business dinosaurs like the Edsel, Betamax and Pets.com?

We've rounded up some reading from across the web that examines what Harvard Business Review writer Michael Schrage  calls "Goldilocks" crazy: not insane, not conventional, but "just right" crazy. 

• Managing the "Crazy Ideas" Conundrum
• Big Innovation Lives Right on the Edge of Ridiculous Ideas
• 10 Crazy Online Ideas that Actually Worked

We also look at articles that challenge readers to think outside-the-box, jettisoning clichéd ideas and conventional thinking. Use these tactics to come up with your own fresh and novel ideas.

• 11 Ways to Think Outside the Box
• Do You Recognize These 10 Mental Blocks to Creative Thinking?
• How to Harness Your Creativity at Work

How do you harness out-of-the-box ideas?  Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

When do you get your best ideas? Does lightening strike when you're alone, either working solo or caught up in a day-dream? Or are you most inspired by the energetic give-and-take of a room full of smart, collaborative peers?

 We fall into the hybrid camp: sometimes inspiration strikes unexpectedly: surfing the web, commuting, or dare we admit it, hitting the snooze button again and again. Other times, we require the collaborative spark that comes from bouncing ideas around with bright, imaginative colleagues.

So we were intrigued by a recent New York Times piece, The Rise of the New Groupthink which asserts that the trend towards workplace collaboration is actually counterproductive to creativity. The author even goes so far as to say, "Brainstorming sessions are one of the worst possible ways to stimulate creativity." Instead, the article cites privacy, freedom from interruption and solitude as the keys to innovation.

Not surprisingly, the article stirred the pot, generating a number of counter responses.  Keith Sawyer, an academic and author of "Group Genius"  and "Explaining Creativity"   rebuts the notion that creativity is best left a solo endeavor, saying, "Decades of scientific research have revealed that great creativity is almost always based in collaboration, conversation and social networks - just the opposite of our mythical image of the isolated genius."

For more on this debate, read Fast Company's The Fortunes of Solitude: Susan Cain On Introverts, The "New Groupthink," And The Problems With Brainstorming and The New Yorker's Brainstorming Doesn't Really Work.

At the end of the day, we believe that both methods of harnessing creativity and spurring innovation have their merits. If you favor the collaborative, group approach, you might like the tips in our past post Light it Up: Brainstorming Techniques That Work.  For those more apt to fly solo, read Sometimes, It's Better to Brainstorm Alone  and the Wall Street Journal piece, Brainstorming Works Best if People Scramble for Ideas on Their Own. 

Do you favor group brainstorming or do you get your best ideas when working alone? Have you had any luck with particular brainstorming tools or techniques? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.