How much more time have you spent on Zoom or some other video conferencing platform in the last 18 months? I know it has gone up dramatically for me. Now it is time to make my sessions even better and I’ll tell you what I got to help. Plus I’ll throw in something fun as well. Yes, there will be Amazon links to buy the stuff I describe and I do get a tiny commission if you use them to buy something.

My office is fairly dark. While I can turn on some lights so that it is easier to see me during a Zoom call, I would prefer to have something more focused. That’s why I wanted to get a ring light that could light up my face. I went with the UBeesize 12″ Ring Light with Tripod.

There were larger and smaller lights and this just seemed to be the right size for my needs. It also came with a tripod that allows me to stand it behind my monitor so it lights me up perfectly during my video meetings. There is a bit of glare on my glasses though there isn’t an easy way to avoid that. I’ll probably keep it on the brightest setting, but there are +/- buttons on the light to adjust the color temperature and/or dim it. If I had one critique it is a very bright blue LED light next to the power button when it is turned off.

One thing that surprised me is just how lightweight the ring light is compared to other lighting I’ve had in the past. I’m sure that is because the LED lights weigh almost nothing and the shell around them is plastic so it doesn’t feel as fragile as glass. Overall I’m thrilled with my light and I’ll look forward to my next Zoom meeting.

The next item won’t make you any more productive, but it is a great conversation starter. A couple of months ago I went to a local restaurant for the first time. Soon the owner brought a shot to me in what seemed like a frosty glass to thank me for the initial visit. After I enjoyed the shot, he told me to throw the glass on the ground and break it. It was an ice cube!

The next day I went looking for my own mold and ordered the Silicone Shot Glass Mold for Resin & Frozen Whiskey Glass Ice Cubes Ice Tray. I’ve made glasses for a few folks already and every one of them has wanted to get their own mold. Don’t want alcohol shots? Serve water or lemonade or whatever you like in it. It will get a conversation going and the person drinking the shot will have fun with it. Salud!