May your holiday be joyful. |
| Traditional Menu
Contemporary Menu
| Unconventional Menu
I'm Taking the Day Off Menu
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2. Review Menu and Cut Items
It's possible that you over-planned. Remember that while the food of Thanksgiving is a delight, being thankful should be in the spotlight. Cut a few of the items on the menu to make room for more love and thanks at your table!
3. Plan Two Shopping Trips
Do an early shopping trip to get shelf-stable and frozen items. Be prepared for supply chain disruption by doing your Thanksgiving shopping right away. Plan for a second trip to get any forgotten items, or to satiate any last-minute whimsy!
4. Audit your Serving Dishes, Fridge + Pantry
Pull all those big platters and serving bowls off the top shelf of the cupboard. Identify which bowls will be best for the winning items on your menu.
Organize items in the Fridge and Pantry by Menu Item, to make for easy preparation and grocery shopping. Sticky Notes are your friend.
Organize items in the Fridge and Pantry by Menu Item, to make for easy preparation and grocery shopping. Sticky Notes are your friend.
5. Pre-Cook
Many of your menu items will allow for pre-cooking. Even the Turkey can be cooked and carved on Wednesday, and then heated in the oven and smothered in gravy an hour before it's time to eat! That solves a lot of the Turkey Day chaos! Casserole dishes with lids are great for storing, reheating and serving. If an item can't be cooked or baked beforehand, prepare it as much as possible (chopping, slicing, dicing, peeling).
6. Set the Table (and Yourself)
Set the table right after a quick breakfast or quiet cup of coffee. This is a key step to enjoying a fulfilling Thanksgiving dinner. Having the table set with a tablecloth, plates, bowls, glasses, silverware, napkins and centerpieces will minimize traffic in your kitchen right when hot pots and pans are moving about. It will also quickly identify which plates, forks and spoons are available for serving and stirring!
The final steps in getting a beautiful dinner on the table always take longer than expected. Hit the shower and get dressed for the event before diving into the final cooking, so that you can continue managing the meal as guests arrive.
The final steps in getting a beautiful dinner on the table always take longer than expected. Hit the shower and get dressed for the event before diving into the final cooking, so that you can continue managing the meal as guests arrive.
7. Create Distractions away from the Kitchen
Set out small bowls of nuts, pickles, olives, or snacks that fit your menu, far from the kitchen to keep guests moving and mingling without interrupting the final steps of dinner preparation.
Consider non-food distractions, as well, like:
Consider non-food distractions, as well, like:
- Placemat-making station: scrapbooking paper, scissors, glue, ribbon, sequins, leaves, markers
- Guestbook
- Thankful Wall: butcher paper rolled out on the wall, markers or crayons
- Beverage station: sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea
- Water station: water dispenser, cups, marker or stickers to personalize cups
8. Delegate
Our favorite tool for simplifying is delegating to others who can do the job better! Your sticky notes can help guide eager helpers. Have a few tasks or menu items in mind that can be stirred or frosted or finalized by someone who prefers to stay busy.
Don't be shy about delegating desserts and sides, and even the main item to your favorite local restaurant or grocery store. Show your thankfulness for local business owners!
Don't be shy about delegating desserts and sides, and even the main item to your favorite local restaurant or grocery store. Show your thankfulness for local business owners!
9. Take Notes
Sometimes you figure out just the perfect way to make a magical moment. Take notes! We recommend putting the notes in a place where you'll be sure to see them, like somewhere in October or early November in your Google Calendar or Microsoft Office Calendar. Make it an annually recurring event, and continue to add to your notes each year!
10. Be Thankful
We like to encourage every guest at the table to share what they're most thankful for about from the last year. This is a wonderful way to give everyone an opportunity to talk, and to keep the focus on gratitude and thankfulness.
If you want to delegate your Note-Taking process, also ask your guests what their favorite menu item was!
If you want to delegate your Note-Taking process, also ask your guests what their favorite menu item was!
Have a Happy and Simplified Thanksgiving!
"The metaverse also could be a game-changer for the work-from-home shift amid the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of seeing co-workers on a video call grid, employees could see them virtually."
| Mark Zuckerburg hasn't been short on innovative ideas, but his latest announcement of a new metaverse might be the most surprising yet. The Metaverse aims to be a 3D-style, virtual reality platform where users can do just about anything digitally that they could do in real life. For Star Trek fans the concept of teleportation and holographic experiences is nothing new. The benefits of being able to pause reality and enter a more imaginative, but controlled, space are endless. For many who now work from home, a virtual office would allow for easier collaboration, project management, and not-just-your-face-to-face meetings. Perhaps some employers will encourage Casual Avatar Fridays, where employees can let loose and show up as a dragon or Dwight from The Office. |  Metaverse: Simplified |
What's the Metaverse going to do to my internet speeds?!
We don't have exact data on how the Metaverse is going to impact Internet Speeds, but we predict the usage will be greater than the increase we saw when the pandemic first hit. There are still a lot of pieces that need to be worked out, but this is a good time to be rethinking your business systems and customer experience.
- What would be easier in a 3D environment?
- What new way could your customers be engaged in 3D?
- What new products/services could you offer if you could interact virtually with each customer?
- How could your staff complete tasks faster or more easily?
Want to imagine how the Metaverse might impact your business?
Source Information: AP News
Get started and get into the Halloween mood! Players with the best scores in the shortest time period will win a Treat!
The 5 top scoring participants will get a $25 Amazon giftcard!
What’s your favorite horror movie?
While telecommunications can have its glitches and challenges, we have found a way to keep it Simplified.
Which frees us up to watch Horror Movies.
We asked the Team Members of Simplified Communications to tell us their favorite Horror Movies, and what they watch to get in the mood for Halloween.
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Ryan's Halloween Film Favorite:
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Reed's Must-Have Reel:
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Lindsay's Favorite Scary Movie:
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Patrick's Favorite Horror Flicks:
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We're ready to make your Internet and Phone service a lot less scary!
Knock on our door for a treat!
Business Class + Enterprise Class = Success!
As the demands of the internet increase, we are seeing more and more clients shift to dual connectivity. Depending on the needs of your company or organization, a combination of Business Class Internet and Enterprise Class Internet may be best.
To help determine the best options we'll first explore:
Every business has unique needs. The benefit of working with Simplified Communications, is that, as an independent broker, we can put together an ideal package, utilizing the best services available.
To help determine the best options we'll first explore:
- What internet services does your business have in place currently?
- Is the current service meeting your needs or falling short?
- What kind of growth or changes are you anticipating that might affect your bandwidth needs?
Every business has unique needs. The benefit of working with Simplified Communications, is that, as an independent broker, we can put together an ideal package, utilizing the best services available.
What our clients are saying:
I went to Patrick when I was moving my company and needed to upgrade my internet and phone systems. It was great to work with him vs. going directly to one of the providers as he was able to find the best deal and recommend what I needed for the size of my company. Incredibly prompt communication and he was on it to hit all of our deadlines and push the providers when it seemed like things were going off track. Reed on the Simplified team was also great to work with when we needed help with installing access points in our office. I would recommend them to anyone looking for business internet or phone.
--Micah
 | Business Class Internet is a big step above residential level or standard internet, but with the new consumer demands on speed and reliability, you may be needing something more. Enterprise Class Internet is the next step up from Business Class Internet, and it is worth looking into if your company relies heavily on the internet. We've compiled a quick overview of the differences between Business Class Internet and Enterprise Class Internet. Reach out to our team to find out which service is best for your current trajectory and growth in your business! |
Business Class Internet usually offers:
- Fast, Asymmetrical Speeds
- Reliability
- Static IP
- Enhanced Customer Service
There is no universal standard for Business Class internet. Check with our team to make sure your internet package is appropriate for your needs
Enterprise Class Internet also offers:
DEDICATED SERVICE
Dedicated service means that if you subscribe to 100mbps, you get 100mpbs dedicated to you, and it is not shared with other businesses.
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
Quality levels are guaranteed in most cases with a Service Level Agreement. SLAs vary from carrier to carrier but typically offer four guarantees:
OTHER BENEFITS AND FEATURES
Dedicated service means that if you subscribe to 100mbps, you get 100mpbs dedicated to you, and it is not shared with other businesses.
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
Quality levels are guaranteed in most cases with a Service Level Agreement. SLAs vary from carrier to carrier but typically offer four guarantees:
- Mean time to repair
- Jitter: The fluctuation of latency over time.
- Latency: The time it takes for a packet to get to its destination.
- Uptime: What percentage of the time will the internet be up and running.
OTHER BENEFITS AND FEATURES
- Project management from service order to installation
- Other network solutions in addition to internet connectivity. For example, Point to Point connectivity between 2 sites, MPLS (allows for multi-location businesses to communicate with any other location through a private network, Express route or Cloud Connectivity.
Enterprise Class Internet is considered "the most reliable and highest-quality option, offering guaranteed bandwidth and same-day repair response."
Let's make sure you're getting the best possible internet services!
Cloud-computing giants and phone companies have decided they need each other to drive the market for 5G business services.
Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Corp. have all signed partnerships with telcos in recent months as they seek new opportunities amid slowing growth in demand for data storage. Telcos, including AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., are also looking to revive flagging revenue while tapping into cloud computing's ability to make super-fast 5G networks more efficient and cheaper to run.
"The cloud companies need to reinvent themselves," said Omdia analyst Vlad Galabov.
"Communications service providers have the same thing — everyone has a mobile phone, a network — so both have saturation."
Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Corp. have all signed partnerships with telcos in recent months as they seek new opportunities amid slowing growth in demand for data storage. Telcos, including AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., are also looking to revive flagging revenue while tapping into cloud computing's ability to make super-fast 5G networks more efficient and cheaper to run.
"The cloud companies need to reinvent themselves," said Omdia analyst Vlad Galabov.
"Communications service providers have the same thing — everyone has a mobile phone, a network — so both have saturation."
The parties are working together to bring computing functions such as data processing onto the 5G network, closer to where data is generated. This system, known as multi-access edge computing, or MEC, enables partners to offer enterprise services such as real-time analytics, manufacturing automation and live product tracking.
Teaming up is a great strategy right now in all industries. If you're needing a solid telecommunications partner to work with in your business, we are excited to collaborate!
| We are so appreciative to all of the participants of our Incentive Program who made the contest a success! We had a lot of fun giving away prizes and working with our Sponsors, Comcast Business Solutions Provider and Spectrum Business! Participants earned prizes like a Yeti Cooler, Amazon Gift Cards, Bose Headphones, Office Lunches and much more! Contact us to let us know if you would like to be notified when we announce our next contest! |   |
To 5G or not to 5GRemember all the things we couldn't do with dial-up? We could see the potential for using the internet in many industries, but the slow speeds just put a damper on innovation. With wifi and faster speeds, our world has completely changed in almost every type of business and organization. As 5G is deployed globally, we are in for another grand shift in possibilities. Imagine smart surgeries and smart factories where machines and robots aren't at risk for glitching in the middle of key functions. With 5G, technology can take over more tasks and responsibilities previously dedicated to humans. Let's talk about what this means for your business! |  |
Every Cloud has its silver lining
Faster speeds and improved reliability, paired with the COVID culture shift, every possible industry will shift to full or partial remote work. The only way for businesses to function virtually is through Cloud Services. Simplified Communications recommends shifting to the Cloud for:
Our agents are happy to chat with you about the implications, costs and logistics of using Cloud Services. Whether you make the shift now, or in the future, it will be a necessary evolution based on telecommunications trends.
- cloud-based phone services
- company communications and scheduling
- company file storage
Our agents are happy to chat with you about the implications, costs and logistics of using Cloud Services. Whether you make the shift now, or in the future, it will be a necessary evolution based on telecommunications trends.
Mined Reading?
Have you noticed how it seems like your phone and online platforms are reading your mind? Every click and view is providing information to Artificial Intelligence, that's not really "mind" reading, but rather, it's reading through "mined" data to predict if you need food delivered to your office right now, or if you're ready to buy that new espresso maker.
Technology has barely scratched the surface of what is to come in intuiting what your customers need before they even know they need it.
Review your company's first impression online and through the phone--are you making it easy for customers to get their needs met? We can help.
Technology has barely scratched the surface of what is to come in intuiting what your customers need before they even know they need it.
Review your company's first impression online and through the phone--are you making it easy for customers to get their needs met? We can help.
Want more details on the current and coming telecom trends? Learn more:
"My computer is frozen" takes on a whole new meaning.
It is now winter in Antarctica, which means the sun won't rise until September. But those working at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole research station can't count on Netflix to keep them entertained during the six-month-long night.
That's because the internet is too slow to stream anything, Josiah Horneman, a physician assistant working at the station, told Insider.
Antarctica has not been connected to the network of underwater cables that carry data around the world. Instead, the remote station relies on satellites to get their internet, as Horneman explains in this TikTok post below:
That's because the internet is too slow to stream anything, Josiah Horneman, a physician assistant working at the station, told Insider.
Antarctica has not been connected to the network of underwater cables that carry data around the world. Instead, the remote station relies on satellites to get their internet, as Horneman explains in this TikTok post below:
@joespinstheglobe brief description of our internet! #southpole #antarctica #dailylife #internet
♬ original sound - JoeSpinsTheGlobe
If your internet is running at penguin speeds, we can help.
The American Dream--simplified.
4th of July celebrations include fireworks, BBQs, outdoor games and gatherings of friends and family.
We started this company with a phone, a domain name and a dream. It's been an incredible experience and we have loved every moment, every tough question, every new piece of technology, every amazing client and vendor. We're living proof that the American Dream is real and doing what you love is the best way to enjoy freedom and independence--simplified.
We hope you have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend! Enjoy some fun ideas for your BBQ and be sure to share your favorite recipes with us!
We started this company with a phone, a domain name and a dream. It's been an incredible experience and we have loved every moment, every tough question, every new piece of technology, every amazing client and vendor. We're living proof that the American Dream is real and doing what you love is the best way to enjoy freedom and independence--simplified.
We hope you have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend! Enjoy some fun ideas for your BBQ and be sure to share your favorite recipes with us!
4th of July Fun for your Patriotic BBQ:
Watermelon, Blueberry + Feta SaladCube watermelon and feta cheese into equal sizes. Garnish a rectangular plate with rows of watermelon and feta stripes. Add a square of blueberries, with star-shaped cheese in the top left corner.
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Freedom Frosted Pretzel FirecrackersDip pretzel sticks into white chocolate frosting. Let dry. Dip ends again in blue-colored chocolate. Drizzle with red lines.
Decorate with star-shaped sprinkles! |
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Patriotic PopsiclesGrab your popsicle molds and your favorite red, white and blue juices, yogurts and fruit!
Puree the blue layer first (frozen blueberries with lemonade). Pour into the molds. Let it set in the freezer. Puree the white layer (try coconut milk for a milkier middle, or add lime or lemon to water). Pour. Add popsicle sticks at this layer. Puree strawberries, raspberries and/or watermelon for a tart finale! Pour into molds. Leave room for the mixture to expand. |
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Firecracker Hot DogsA great way for the kids to eat hot dogs while enjoying the festivities.
Carefully insert skewer stick into hot dog. Wrap a strip of bread dough around the hot dog, securing at the ends of the skewer. Bake in the oven or on the grill! Add flags or cheese stars after firecrackers have cooled. |
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Share your 4th of July recipes and traditions with us in the comments!
Workplace rules and expectations have made a huge shift in the last few years. As your team ventures back into the workplace, now is a good time to review if a BYOD policy is the best option for your company!
Workplace rules and expectations have made a huge shift in the last few years. As your team ventures back into the workplace, now is a good time to review if BYOD is the best way to do it.
As we explore BYOD policies, keep in mind that Bring Your Own Device refers to laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Any wifi or cellular enabled device used for work will fall into this discussion.
Studies indicate that your team will see an increase in productivity when using their own devices on the job. There's something about having all the settings and preferences right at your fingertips, and even that friendly wallpaper of your cat, to speed up tedious tasks.
Employees also share that their job satisfaction increases, and that means they stick around at their favorite job for longer. Unifying communications into one phone (instead of a work phone, cell phone, home phone) reduces stress and increases productivity!
For Employers, enjoy a decrease in costs for providing hardware: computers, phones, etc. We recommend using apps like RingCentral, Teams or any other VOIP provider for employee work phone calls and communication.
Be prepared for the disadvantages of BYOD:
As we explore BYOD policies, keep in mind that Bring Your Own Device refers to laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Any wifi or cellular enabled device used for work will fall into this discussion.
Studies indicate that your team will see an increase in productivity when using their own devices on the job. There's something about having all the settings and preferences right at your fingertips, and even that friendly wallpaper of your cat, to speed up tedious tasks.
Employees also share that their job satisfaction increases, and that means they stick around at their favorite job for longer. Unifying communications into one phone (instead of a work phone, cell phone, home phone) reduces stress and increases productivity!
For Employers, enjoy a decrease in costs for providing hardware: computers, phones, etc. We recommend using apps like RingCentral, Teams or any other VOIP provider for employee work phone calls and communication.
Be prepared for the disadvantages of BYOD:
- personal devices being lost or stolen, and losing company data or exposing company information in the process: use cloud-based platforms to retain and protect data
- insufficient anti-virus software
- decreased control
- potential increase in IT costs, should you provide support and repairs: be clear on what repairs and solutions your company will provide, reduce complex software and switch to cloud-based platforms where possible
At Simplified Communications, we strive to find ways to simplify your workplace. BYOD is one solution to consider! Need help implementing a BYOD culture?
Breaking News:
Internet outage brings down major news outlets.
For an hour.
At Simplified Communications we tout the benefits of using cloud-based services. Today, we saw one of the major benefits of technology that operates in the ethers. It can be fixed quickly.
Unlike the days when a service technician needed to be called, an appointment scheduled, and a series of guesses tested and tried in-person, with cloud-computing, problems can be identified from the comfort of one's pajamas, from anywhere in the world. That makes for speedy recoveries.
Unlike the days when a service technician needed to be called, an appointment scheduled, and a series of guesses tested and tried in-person, with cloud-computing, problems can be identified from the comfort of one's pajamas, from anywhere in the world. That makes for speedy recoveries.
| CNET: Today will be remembered as the day the internet broke -- before swiftly being fixed again. On Tuesday morning, websites including Amazon, Reddit, Spotify, Ebay, Twitch, Pinterest and, unfortunately, CNET went offline due to a major outage at a service called Fastly. Everywhere you looked, there were 503 errors and people complaining they couldn't access key services and news outlets, demonstrating just how much of the internet relies on this largely unheard-of cloud computing service. At around 2:58 a.m. PT, Fastly's status update page noted an error, saying "we're currently investigating potential impact to performance with our CDN [content delivery network] services." Shortly thereafter, reports emerged on Twitter of major news publications including the BBC, CNN and The New York Times being offline. Twitter itself was still running, although the server that hosted its emojis went down, leading to some odd-looking tweets. |  Ready to simplify? |
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