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Making the Most of Working from Home During the Summer

Wishful Thinking “Treehouse Office” by Kathy McCabe & OpenAI

One of the greatest perks of working remotely is the freedom to choose your office. While many people imagine a traditional desk setup, summer offers an opportunity to rethink where—and how—we work.

For me, that often means heading out to my “treehouse” office. It’s not an actual treehouse, but it feels like one: surrounded by greenery, birdsong, and enough fresh air to make even the busiest workday feel a little lighter.

After decades of working remotely, I’ve learned that a change of scenery can do wonders for productivity, creativity, and overall happiness.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Refresh Your Workspace

When you’re working from home year-round, it’s easy to fall into routines. The same desk. The same walls. The same view.

Summer invites us to step outside those routines.

Natural light can improve mood and reduce eye strain. Fresh air helps combat that “stuck indoors” feeling. Even a short change of environment can spark new ideas and make everyday tasks feel less repetitive.

You don’t need a fancy backyard office to enjoy the benefits. A patio table, porch swing, deck chair, or even a shaded spot under a favorite tree can become a productive workspace.

My Favorite Summer Work Gadgets

A few simple tools can make outdoor work much more enjoyable.

Portable Power Station

Nothing ruins a productive afternoon faster than a dying laptop battery. Portable power stations have become more affordable and can keep laptops, phones, and tablets running for hours. Something like this one would be great for backyards and camping.

Laptop Sunshade

Bright sunshine and computer screens don’t always get along. A collapsible laptop sunshade or privacy hood makes outdoor work much easier and reduces glare.

Comfortable Wireless Headset

Whether you’re taking client calls or listening to music while working, a good wireless headset provides freedom to move around without being tethered to your desk. If you’re like me, you like a really good headset – one that is over the head, not hooked to the ears (I can’t stand that!). I have used Jabra headsets for decades – literally! My favorite for travel or working in my Treehouse office is the Jabra Evolve. It’s steady and reliable and has an incredible battery.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

If your backyard Wi-Fi is spotty, a mobile hotspot can provide a more reliable connection and allow you to work from almost anywhere. If you’re not using the hotspot on your phone, many of the cellular companies have hotspot devices and plans that could work – compare!

Lightweight Folding Table

Sometimes the perfect office is simply wherever you decide to set up. A portable table can transform a garden corner, deck, or poolside area into a functional workspace.

Remote Access Software

I love Splashtop for logging into my office computer from wherever I might be. It’s secure and affordable, and very necessary for grabbing that file you forgot to upload to the cloud, which is stored on the office computer’s desktop.

Working Poolside (Without Losing Your Laptop)

If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a pool, it can become a surprisingly effective workspace—with a few precautions.

Keep electronics away from splash zones.

Use a waterproof case for your phone.

Choose a shaded area to protect screens from overheating.

Schedule lighter tasks such as emails, planning, reading, or brainstorming while outdoors.

Save intensive projects for cooler indoor hours if temperatures become uncomfortable.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Season

One lesson I’ve learned over the years is that working from home isn’t just about productivity—it’s also about flexibility.

Take a few extra minutes to watch the hummingbirds at the feeder.

Step away for a quick walk through the garden.

Enjoy that second cup of coffee while listening to the rain on the roof.

The work will still be there when you return.

Summer is fleeting. One of the hidden benefits of remote work is the ability to appreciate those small seasonal moments without waiting for a vacation.

So whether your office is a treehouse, a porch, a patio, or simply a sunny window, take advantage of the season. Open the windows, step outside, and create a workspace that reminds you why working from home can be such a gift.

After all, some of the best offices don’t have four walls.

Have a great rest of your day!  Kathy (TheBestVA)

Understanding Notary Services in PA

Understanding Notary Services in Pennsylvania — Including Remote Online Notarization

Image by Kathy McCabe & OpenAI (Person in the image is Kathy McCabe)

For many people, needing a notary happens during an important life moment — buying a home, signing legal paperwork, handling estate matters, authorizing medical forms, or managing business documents.

And yet, there’s still a lot of confusion about what a notary public actually does.

As a commissioned Pennsylvania Notary Public and Remote Online Notary (RON) using BlueNotary, I thought it might help to explain not only what notaries can do, but also what Pennsylvania law says we cannot do.

Especially now, as Pennsylvania continues updating notary regulations and remote notarization procedures. (Pennsylvania Government)

What Does a Notary Public Actually Do?

A notary public is an impartial official commissioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to help deter fraud and verify identity during the signing of important documents.

In simple terms, a notary’s role is to:

  • Verify the identity of the signer
  • Confirm the signer is willing and aware
  • Witness signatures when required
  • Administer oaths or affirmations
  • Complete the notarial certificate properly

A notary is not there to give legal advice, choose forms, or explain legal consequences. That distinction is extremely important.


What a Pennsylvania Notary Cannot Do

This is where many misunderstandings happen.

Under Pennsylvania law, notaries cannot:

  • Give legal advice unless they are also a licensed attorney
  • Tell someone which legal form they need
  • Explain legal rights or consequences
  • Prepare legal documents for others unless separately qualified to do so
  • Notarize a document if the signer is not present (either physically or through approved remote communication technology)
  • Ignore identification requirements
  • Notarize incomplete documents

In other words, a notary verifies identity and witnessing requirements — but does not act as an attorney or legal advisor.

If someone needs legal guidance, they should always consult a qualified attorney.

What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization, often called RON, allows documents to be notarized securely online using approved audio-video technology.

Pennsylvania permanently authorized remote notarization under its Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), and remote notaries must comply with strict state rules and approved technology requirements. (Pennsylvania Government)

As a Pennsylvania-authorized remote online notary using BlueNotary, I can notarize eligible documents remotely for clients who may be:

  • Busy professionals
  • Elderly or homebound individuals
  • Travelers
  • Out-of-state clients
  • Families handling urgent paperwork
  • Businesses needing faster document turnaround

The signer and notary meet through a secure online video session, identity verification is performed electronically, and the notarized document is completed digitally. (Pennsylvania Government)

Important Pennsylvania Rules About Remote Notarization

Pennsylvania has specific requirements for remote notarization, including:

  • The notary must be physically located in Pennsylvania during the notarization
  • Approved communication technology must be used
  • The session must include identity verification procedures
  • Audio-video recordings must be retained according to state rules
  • The notarial certificate must indicate communication technology was used
  • Certain document types may still require in-person notarization or may not be accepted remotely by every agency or institution

Recent Pennsylvania regulatory updates that became effective in late March also clarified additional requirements involving remote and electronic notarization procedures and fee structures. (Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin)

Because laws and acceptance policies can vary, it is always wise to verify whether the receiving agency, court, title company, or institution will accept remote notarization for your specific document.

Image by Kathy McCaebe & OpenAI Download this Information

 What Documents Can Be Notarized Remotely?

Many common documents can potentially be notarized remotely, including:

  • Affidavits
  • Powers of attorney
  • Business documents
  • Consent forms
  • Contracts
  • Certain estate planning documents
  • Authorization forms

However, some transactions may still require in-person notarization depending on state agency rules or institutional policies.

For example, Pennsylvania title work involving vehicle certificates may still have restrictions regarding remote notarization. (Notary.org)

Copy Certifications and Remote Notarization

Pennsylvania notaries may certify copies of certain original documents by confirming that the copy presented is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.

However, not all documents may be copy-certified by a notary. Government-issued vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and certain court or state-issued documents must be obtained directly from the issuing agency.

While Pennsylvania permits remote online notarization for many services, I currently provide copy certification services in person only.

This policy allows me to carefully examine the original document directly, maintain the integrity of the notarization process, and help reduce the risk of altered, incomplete, or fraudulent documents being presented electronically.

My goal is always to provide professional, compliant, and secure notarial services while protecting both the client and the integrity of the documents involved.

Why People Appreciate Remote Notary Services

One of the biggest benefits of remote notarization is convenience.

Instead of traveling, waiting in line, or coordinating schedules, many people can complete the process from home or office — often much faster than traditional appointments.

For clients with mobility issues, transportation limitations, demanding work schedules, or urgent document needs, remote notarization can be incredibly helpful.

Final Thoughts

Whether notarization happens in person or remotely, the goal remains the same:
protecting the integrity of important documents and helping prevent fraud.

A notary’s role is built on neutrality, careful identification practices, and following Pennsylvania law precisely.

If you have questions about whether your document may qualify for remote notarization, I’m always happy to discuss the process and help determine the next steps.

Disclaimer: Notary services do not constitute legal advice. If you require legal guidance regarding your documents, please consult a licensed attorney.

 

AI for Virtual Assistants

AI for Virtual Assistants: Simple, Affordable Ways to Get Started Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Image by Kathy McCabe and OpenAI

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere right now. It’s in headlines, webinars, business groups, and probably half the emails in your inbox. And if you’re a Virtual Assistant, you may be wondering if you’re already behind.

You’re not.

The truth is, AI is simply another business tool — much like email, spreadsheets, online scheduling, and project management software once were. You do not need to become a programmer or tech expert to start using it effectively. In fact, some of the best AI tools for Virtual Assistants are inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and designed to make everyday tasks easier.

If AI has felt intimidating, the good news is that you can start small and learn at your own pace.

Start With One Simple Task

One of the biggest mistakes people make with AI is trying to learn everything all at once. Instead of attempting to automate your entire business, start with one task that feels repetitive, time-consuming, or mentally draining.

For many Virtual Assistants, this might be drafting emails, brainstorming blog ideas, organizing meeting notes, writing social media captions, or creating outlines and checklists. AI is especially useful for helping you get started when you’re staring at a blank screen, wondering what to write first.

Rather than replacing your skills, think of AI as a brainstorming partner that helps you work faster and more efficiently.

Image by Kathy McCabe & OpenAI  Download this Infosheet

Beginner-Friendly AI Tools for Virtual Assistants

There are many AI tools available now, but you do not need expensive subscriptions to begin experimenting and learning.

OpenAI ChatGPT

ChatGPT is one of the easiest and most approachable AI tools for beginners. Even the free version can help with drafting emails, creating outlines, brainstorming content ideas, summarizing information, and rewriting text in a more polished or professional tone.

A great way to begin is by taking something you’ve already written and asking AI to improve the wording or adjust the tone. You’ll quickly start seeing how helpful it can be for reducing writing fatigue and saving time.

Google Gemini

Gemini integrates naturally into the Google ecosystem, making it especially helpful for people already working in Gmail and Google Docs. It can assist with summarizing documents, organizing information, drafting responses, and generating ideas.

Microsoft Copilot

For Virtual Assistants already spending a large portion of the day inside Word, Excel, Outlook, or Teams, Copilot can be particularly useful. It helps organize information, summarize meetings, draft content, and simplify repetitive office tasks.

Canva AI Features in Canva

Many VAs already use Canva for graphics and marketing materials. Canva’s AI tools can assist with generating captions, presentation text, content ideas, and visual layouts. This can be an easy and comfortable way to begin experimenting with AI without feeling overwhelmed.

AI Should Support Your Work — Not Replace You

This is one of the most important things for Virtual Assistants to understand.

Your real value does not come from typing faster or producing more content. Your value comes from judgment, communication, organization, reliability, and your ability to understand your clients personally.

 AI should assist your work — not replace your judgment.

What it can do is help reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks or help you move past creative blocks. Instead of starting every newsletter, blog post, or email from scratch, AI can provide outlines, ideas, rough drafts, or talking points that you can then refine using your experience and your client’s voice.

That balance is where AI becomes most useful.

The Best Beginner Uses for AI

For someone new to AI, the easiest place to start is with low-risk, everyday tasks.

AI can help draft and polish emails, shorten long responses, and create polite follow-ups. It can brainstorm blog topics, newsletters, lead magnets, and social media captions. It can summarize meeting notes into clear action items and help organize scattered thoughts into structured checklists or workflows.

Many Virtual Assistants also find AI extremely helpful for creating SOPs, onboarding documents, and step-by-step process instructions.

These are practical, realistic ways to begin learning AI without needing advanced technical skills.

Tips for Learning AI Without Feeling Intimidated

One of the best ways to approach AI is to stop thinking of it as something you need to “master.” You’re simply learning a new tool, and like any tool, it becomes easier with practice.

Use everyday language when speaking to AI. You do not need complicated prompts or technical commands. In many cases, typing something simple like “Help me write a friendly overdue invoice reminder” works surprisingly well.

It’s also important to remember that AI is not perfect. Always review anything it creates, especially if it involves dates, finances, legal wording, or sensitive client communication. AI should assist your work — not replace your judgment.

As you experiment, save prompts that work well for you. Over time, you’ll naturally build your own library of useful prompts for emails, social media, blogs, client communication, and workflows.

And perhaps most importantly, avoid comparing yourself to tech experts or AI influencers online. Most successful Virtual Assistants do not need to become AI specialists. They simply need practical ways to save time, reduce burnout, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in a changing business environment.

AI Can Actually Reduce Overwhelm

Ironically, many people fear AI because they think it will make work more complicated. But when used properly, it often does the opposite.

AI can help reduce mental fatigue, speed up repetitive tasks, organize scattered information, and make difficult projects feel more manageable. Sometimes the hardest part of any task is simply getting started, and AI can help provide that starting point.

That alone can make an enormous difference in productivity and stress levels.

Final Thoughts

You do not need to fear AI, and you certainly do not need to know everything about it to begin benefiting from it.

Start simple. Stay curious. Experiment slowly.

The best Virtual Assistants are not necessarily the ones using the fanciest technology. They are the ones willing to learn, adapt, and use tools wisely to better support their clients and businesses.

AI is simply another tool in the toolbox — and like every other tool, the real value comes from the person using it.