Deb Lee
Washington, D.C.
As seen in:
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Things I love: Productivity, sleep, coffee, and apps. Not necessarily in that order. 🐘💚 Evernote Certified Expert. Podcaster 🎧 @productivityluv.
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Articles by Deb Lee
Corn Soufflé
Corn Soufflé This creamy corn soufflé is a family favorite that’s great for holidays. It pairs perfectly with roast turkey or ham, looks impressive, and couldn’t be easier to make! It always disappears fast. Submitted by Mary Poris Updated on March 20, 2026
Addressing my increasing concerns about lower leg edema
Chronic lower extremity edema is common among people with Fabry disease. This type of swelling occurs because of fluid buildup and may range from mild to pitting — when the swollen skin is pressed and an indentation remains. Before I began receiving intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry in a 2002 clinical trial, the edema in my legs, feet, and ankles was severe. I developed varicose veins and cracked, tight skin and faced a higher risk of infection.
On the Shelf: In Limbo
Reviewed by Jesse Lobbs “Limbo,” by Deb JJ Lee, First Second, 2023, $17.99. This graphic memoir is a deep work, looking into one of the most challenging parts of growing up: your identity. In the epilogue, the artist writes how their graphic memoir became a vital touchstone for finding closure in both their experience as a Korean-American teenager as well as how a tumultuous relationship with their mother shaped those years.
A Graphic Memoir: Deb Jj Lee: Trade Paperback: 9781250252661: Powell's Books
by Deb JJ Lee $17.99 New Trade Paperback Release Date: 6/22/2023 Upcoming Event Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee knows she's different. Ever since her family emigrated from South Korea to the United States, she's felt her Otherness. And as the pressures of high school ramp up, friendships change or end and everything gets harder. Even home isn't a safe place, as fights with her mom escalate. Deb is caught in a limbo, with nowhere to go. But Deb is resilient.
The Mary Sue Book Club, March 2023: Powerful Magic, Sensational Secrets, & Public Policy
After two fairly neatly-themed months of The Mary Sue Book Club, we’re back to a mix of stories that have very little in common. Well, except that they overlap with the many interests of TMS readers! Some of these books may look familiar. We’ve featured about half of them on our most anticipated books and comics lists at the start of the year. Below, there are three non-fiction stories: one gorgeous graphic novel memoir, one “big bitch manifesto,” and one about … urban planning.
In Limbo, by By Deb JJ Lee.
Illus. by the author. Mar. 2023. 352p. First Second, paper, $17.99 (9781250252661); First Second, $24.99 (9781250252654). Grades 9-12. 741.5. REVIEW. First published February 1, 2023 (). “About a fifth of my life was spent working on this graphic novel,” debut creator Lee reveals in their author’s note.
In Limbo, by By Deb JJ Lee.
Booklist Online Book Review: In Limbo. <ParaStyle:ByStar>By Deb JJ Lee. Illus. by the author Mar. 2023. 352p. First Second, paper, $17.99 (9781250252661); First Second, $24.99 (9781250252654). Grades 9-12. 741.5. REVIEW. First published February 1, 2023 (Booklist).
Brilliant Books for Business Owners (Yes, Audiobooks, Too)
Reading books for entrepreneurs can be an effective way for business owners to “always be learning.” A big plus is that reading can be more affordable than taking a course or series of courses which in turn can help make learning a regular habit.
IN LIMBO | Kirkus Reviews
A GRAPHIC MEMOIR by Deb JJ Lee ; illustrated by Deb JJ Lee ‧ A raw, relatable memoir exploring mental health and immigrant experiences. Poignant images and text capture the emotional challenges faced by a Korean American teen in New Jersey. Artist Lee looks back on fraught high school years of longing to fit in. But Lee was withdrawn and socially awkward and suffered frequent microaggressions.
In Limbo: A Graphic Memoir|Hardcover
English 1250252652 A debut YA graphic memoir about a Korean-American girl's coming-of-age story—and a coming home story—set between a New Jersey suburb and Seoul, South Korea. Ever since Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee emigrated from South Kora to the United States, she's felt her otherness. For a while, her English wasn’t perfect. Her teachers can’t pronounce her Korean name. Her face and her eyes—especially her eyes—feel wrong. In high school, everything gets harder.
Is it time to review your goals for 2022?
As we approach the middle of 2022, it’s an excellent time for business managers and leaders to reflect honestly on the work-related goals set for this year as part of New Year’s resolutions. It’s likely you were highly motivated at the beginning of the year and made bold resolutions as well as setting exciting new business goals.
I Broke Up With My Phone for 24 Hours. Here's How I Handled It.
Recently, I posed this question to my friends on social media: “Are you addicted to your mobile phone?” It’s no secret that many of us are very attached to our phones — so much so that we’d give up many creature comforts and basic needs (like showering and eating) just to have our phones close by. To test how connected we are to our own devices, my podcast co-host, Cris, and I decided to see if we could part ways with our phones for an entire day.
Are You Addicted to Your Mobile Phone?
Recently I did a thing with my good pal and productivity specialist, Cris over at Organizing Maniacs. We launched the Productivity Lovers Podcast! We both jumped enthusiastically into podcasting and, in fact, we’ve recorded 12 episodes so far! We also snuck in a bonus show (Episode #9A). In this episode, we talked about phone addiction and the impact it might have on our productivity. Keep reading to learn more about this real-life problem. Are You Addicted to Your Mobile Phone?
How to Help Your College Student With a Job Search: 7 Tips From Experts
In a few months, a new group of freshly minted college graduates will enter the workforce. When these students graduate, they will have spent the last three semesters of their college careers navigating a pandemic that has drastically changed the landscape of college campuses.
Best Productivity Apps " D. Allison Lee
We all want to be more productive, in business and in life. And when you use some of the best productivity apps, you get to streamline business processes, get more work done, and collaborate with your team. Of course, when you’re more productive at work, this means you and your team can balance your work and life responsibilities a little easier. Win! To help you get started, check out 45+ of the best productivity apps below.
How to Create a Tickler File Using Evernote » D. Allison Lee
Did you know that a tickler file can help boost your productivity? You can create the old school version or set up an Evernote tickler file instead. And, since small business owners tend to manage a wide variety of tasks, having a system that “tickles” your memory can be pretty important. Keep reading to get started.
Work From Home Benefits: 12 Things You “Get To Do”
There are several benefits to working from home for both small business owners and their teams. Still, creating a new work routine can take some getting used to. That’s because we humans are creatures of habit and starting new ones — especially when the world seems a bit chaotic and upside-down — requires patience, practice, and a positive mindset.
5 Essentials for Your Digital Home Office
If you’re like many modern day business owners and CEOs, you probably find yourself working from your home from time to time — maybe even from the garage like several famous startups. That means that you’ll likely need some tech tools to transform your workspace into a well-functioning digital home office — one that you can rely on to help you consistently get things done. Keep reading to learn about five essentials you need to get started.
12 Things You "Get To Do"
There are several benefits to working from home for both small business owners and their teams. Still, creating a new work routine can take some getting used to. That’s because we humans are creatures of habit and starting new ones — especially when the world seems a bit chaotic and upside-down — requires patience, practice, and a positive mindset.
3 Reasons to Dress Up When You Work from Home
3 Reasons to Dress Up When You Work From Home Posted 16 Mar / By Keri Lunt Stevens / In Productivity To all you freelancers out there in your pajamas: I feel you. While other professionals run around in suits and silk blouses from 8 to 5, we rock a sunup to sundown workday clad in sweats and an oversized T-shirt. Though dressing up to work from home may seem pointless, it’s not.
Business Automation: 13 Time-Saving Productivity Tech Tools
Is being more productive on your to-do list this year? Getting organized, using time more effectively, and getting more things accomplished have likely been on your “new year, new goals” list at some point. After all, they’re practical and within reach for just about any business owner. So, how can you start the year off on the right foot and up your productivity game? A simple plan of attack that includes on business automation can help achieve your goals and get more done.
Digital Life in Disarray? Use These 6 Steps to Get Organized.
Are you ready to organize your digital life? I’m a fan of the conveniences that our digital world has to offer but I also recognize that, like things in our physical world, our digital stuff can get disheveled, unorganized, and chaotic. That chaos is likely because our personal and work lives are increasingly intertwined with digital stuff. Many of us have traded in ink-covered fingers from paper newspapers for reading news online.
Digital Life in Disarray? Use These 6 Steps to Get Organized.
Are you ready to organize your digital life? I’m a fan of the conveniences that our digital world has to offer but I also recognize that, like things in our physical world, our digital stuff can get disheveled, unorganized, and chaotic. That chaos is likely because our personal and work lives are increasingly intertwined with digital stuff. Many of us have traded in ink-covered fingers from paper newspapers for reading news online.
8 Essential Productivity Apps for Consultants and Coaches
This post was updated again in March 2020! Jump down to #6 to get the deets on the new app! If you’re a freelancer, consultant, or coach, you’ll need to rely on systems to keep track of your clients and projects — and to simply get stuff done. One of the most helpful things you can to increase your productivity is to use a combination of people and technology, including apps. For example, you might use a productivity app or a suite of apps to help you stay on top of your freelance game.
Business Automation: 13 Time-Saving Productivity Tech Tools
Is being more productive on your to-do list this year? Getting organized, using time more effectively, and getting more things accomplished have likely been on your “new year, new goals” list at some point. After all, they’re practical and within reach for just about any business owner. So, how can you start the year off on the right foot and up your productivity game? A simple plan of attack that includes on business automation can help achieve your goals and get more done.
The Most Important Thing You’re Not Doing as a UX Designer
If UX is all about empathy and caring about users, why don’t we care for ourselves the same way? This story is part of Self-Care is for UX, a series on the personal risks of working in design.
5 Ways a Tablet Can Help CEOs Get More Done
iPad productivity. Yes, it’s a thing. And, it should be — especially for CEOs and business owners who need to stay connected to their teams. It’s a tech tool that can help you easily run your business and get things done whether you’re a road warrior or stationed primarily in your office. Keep reading to learn how an iPad can be an effective tool in your small business toolbox.
SMBs Must Optimize Digital Processes To Compete Against Leading Brands
SMB owners rarely have the luxury of stepping back to evaluate productivity in their organizations. They’re too busy doing the hard work of driving growth themselves, carrying a herculean number of tasks on their shoulders. As a result, small businesses frequently suffer from poor processes that inhibit their effectiveness, because the cost or time of process improvements is too great.
Digital Organization: 5 Steps to Get Your Digital Life in Order
We all need a little order in our lives, right? Chances are, you’ve probably heard about the Marie Kondo organizing craze and maybe even sorted through your things to find the ones that “spark joy.” Well, don’t forget about organizing the stuff in your digital life, too. Just like our physical world, our digital life needs a little tidying up from time to time.
7 Days to Unclutter Your Phone and Build Better Mobile Habits
Digital Detox: 7 Days to Unclutter Your Phone and Build Better Mobile Habits Do you need a digital detox? If you pick up your phone several times every hour or feel lost when you don’t have it, you probably do. Would you be willing to give up basic necessities like eating, drinking water, sleeping, speaking, driving or showering (yes, showering!) rather than spend a day away from your phone?
How Artificial Intelligence Increases Business Productivity
Over the years there has been a rise in the use of technology in everyday businesses. But, this doesn’t simply mean the standard computers or hard drives we use in our daily routines. Newer technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise in the workplace especially because of the productivity benefits. According to a study by Accenture, artificial intelligence has the ability to increase productivity by 40% or more.
Why Small Business Owners Struggle With Productivity (And How to Fix It)
Are you experiencing small business productivity problems? Running a business, leading a team, and accomplishing priorities can be difficult. As a small business owner, you do a lot, don’t you? You vet ideas, meet with your team, and seek ways to improve your product or service in addition to all the daily tasks you have on your list. If you’re floundering and struggling with productivity problems or know someone who is, know that you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon.
Why Small Business Owners Struggle With Productivity (And How to Fix It)
Why Small Business Owners Struggle With Productivity (And How to Fix It) Are you experiencing small business productivity problems? Running a business, leading a team, and accomplishing priorities can be difficult. As a small business owner, you do a lot, don’t you? You vet ideas, meet with your team, and seek ways to improve your product or service in addition to all the daily tasks you have on your list.
Desktop zero is the new inbox zero
My computer desktop used to be like the inside of my purse—meant for my eyes only. But when it came time to project my screen for a presentation I was giving about personal productivity, I realized that scrambling to clean up icons wasn’t a good look. I’m not alone in struggling with desktop hygiene. In a recent survey of more than 650 professionals in the US that I conducted in partnership with Bynder, 30 % of working adults said they had 100 or more files on their desktop.
Quick Learning: 5 Excellent Productivity and Small Business Podcasts
Recently, I’ve been multitasking. It’s not as bad as you think — it’s good multitasking. Listening to productivity and small business podcasts have been high on my annual goal list, so I decided to give my brain a workout while I’m on the treadmill. Two tasks. One time block. Learning should be a priority for all business owners as it allows you to grow or even to pivot when necessary. Of course, time is not always on your side, especially for startups and solopreneurs.
8 Ways to Creatively Do Two Things at the Same Time
Good Multitasking: 8 Ways to Creatively Do Two Things at the Same Time Good multitasking? Sounds crazy, right? That’s because you’ve probably heard that multitasking is bad for your brain. You probably even heard that from me (here, here, and here). In fact, there’s lots of evidence that suggests that we humans suck at multitasking and that we’re actually doing something else entirely called task switching.
Multitasking Lowers Your IQ
“Research also shows that, in addition to slowing you down, multitasking lowers your IQ. A study at the University of London found that participants who multitasked during cognitive tasks experienced IQ score declines that were similar to what they’d expect if they had smoked marijuana or stayed up all night.
Get Organized: 7 Digital Files You Must Delete Right Now
Digital clutter can be a huge headache, create stress, and stop your productivity in its tracks. That’s why I teamed up with Bynder for Get Organized and Be Productive Month (GO Month) to share actionable tips and tricks (here and here) you can use to declutter and organize your digital files. And, though GO Month is officially over, there are several things you can do to tame your unruly digital files. One of those things is to hit the delete button.
Get Organized: 7 Digital Files You Must Delete Right Now » D. Allison Lee
Get Organized: 7 Digital Files You Must Delete Right Now Digital clutter can be a huge headache, create stress, and stop your productivity in its tracks. That’s why I teamed up with Bynder for Get Organized and Be Productive Month (GO Month) to share actionable tips and tricks (here and here) you can use to declutter and organize your digital files. And, though GO Month is officially over, there are several things you can do to tame your unruly digital files.
Get Organized Month: Digital Declutter Campaign » D. Allison Lee
January is National Get Organized and Be Productive Month (GO Month), a global campaign geared to help “individuals, families, and businesses regain control over their surroundings, time and possessions.” Not surprisingly, the start of a new year is usually when many of us reflect on the past 12 months and also look ahead to the coming year. As I look back, I’m super stoked about several accomplishments last year, like … … making some cool tweaks to enhance the D.
7 Steps for Sustained Business Success " D. Allison Lee
As a business owner, it is great to make a big splash and lots of sales on opening day. But it’s far better to build a business that succeeds over the long term. The techniques that you used to start your business are not the same as those that will sustain it over time. As an owner of multiple businesses, I found these actions, after making plenty of mistakes, to be the most effective for my sustained business success. The #1 most valuable asset in your small business is YOU — the entrepreneur.
Evernote for Writers: A Match Made in Writing Heaven » D. Allison Lee
If you’re planning on writing a book or an extensive blog series, you’ve probably already realized that you’ll need some help capturing and organizing your thoughts and content. Enter stage left: Evernote (referral link). Evernote is an excellent tool for writers. Keep reading to learn why. I’m an Evernote Certified Consultant and I love using Evernote — especially for writing.
8 Ways to Stay Focused When Writing a Blog Post
Blogging can be a fun, interesting, entertaining, helpful, and fabulous experience for both bloggers and their readers.But, what blogging often isn’t is quick. It’s usually not a done-in-a-jiffy type of activity. It requires the ability to stay focused when writing because there’s no shortage of people and things that can take you away. And, then there’s editing. And, sourcing images. And, editing those images.
8 Ways to Stay Focused When Writing a Blog Post
Blogging can be a fun, interesting, entertaining, helpful, and fabulous experience for both bloggers and their readers.But, what blogging often isn’t is quick. It’s usually not a done-in-a-jiffy type of activity. It requires the ability to stay focused when writing because there’s no shortage of people and things that can take you away. And, then there’s editing. And, sourcing images. And, editing those images.
Coffee And Coworkers: How Caffeine Affects Workplace Productivity
Are you surprised that coffee and productivity go hand in hand? You shouldn’t be! Coffee is almost sacred within the confines of the office walls. It is a way to lift you out of your slump and a mechanism to chat to the coworker you’ve been eyeing out all summer. It can also be motivator during those moments that you just can’t deal with work any longer. Quite frankly, coffee should be credited with the reason that we are even able to make it through those arduous all-nighters and financial reports.
10 Easy and Productive Evernote Tips " D. Allison Lee
Evernote is a pretty powerful app that you can use in many ways on both the personal and business fronts. Simply put, Evernote can help you remember everything — but it can do much more. But, before you jump down to see exactly what you can do, I would suggest that you pick one or two tips to try. That way, you won’t get overwhelmed and give up before you get started. So, be strategic about which tip you’ll test first.
Question - Can every projector support a Fire Stick?
I want to use my Fire Stick on a projector but does anyone know if some projectors may not be able to support the Fire Stick? It's my understanding...
“No Apps Productivity” - How to Get Things Done Without Using Technology
Is it possible to have “no apps productivity?” Can you really get things done without using apps? In today’s fast-paced world, it might seem impossible to get things done without using technology. Just about everyone has the latest app and gadget, right? … some piece of technology that helps them with doing things like finding their favorite recipes, managing their tasks, and staying on top of big projects. In fact, I’m one of those people. I love apps.
The Number One Place to Put Calls to Action
Do you include Calls to Action (CTAs) in all your marketing messages? If you’re not, this is a good time to start. Keep reading to learn why. A well crafted CTA can be very persuasive and help you get more action, er, clicks. Calls to action get people to do just that — ACT. A strong, simple, and direct CTA can be very compelling and get your clients and prospects to do what you tell them to do — and to do it quickly. Btw, did you notice that both CTA and “act” contain the same letters? Coincidence?
Top Cybersecurity Tips for SMBs in 2017 " D. Allison Lee
Today’s post was written by the Community Outreach Coordinator for HP’s Small Business Solutions. Small Businesses are now being targeted by hackers more than any other business segment, according to a recent report from cybersecurity firm Symantec. With almost 50% of SMBs experiencing a data breach in 2016, having an understanding of cybersecurity and how potential breaches can affect your business is critical for companies of any size.
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