who inspires you?

I’m so lucky to work with people who are smart and know their stuff. I have camaraderie with these people as we have worked together for many years. I am inspired by how much they know, their talent and their individual style. Here are some reasons why I am inspired by this team:
- they do their homework, meaning they research industry trends and are prepared for work
- they have amazing talent and are so smart, but don’t act like a “know-it-all”
- they have a helpful mindset and will give more than expected without resentment
- they don’t have a sense of entitlement or negative attitude
- they have great ideas of their own and take initiative
- they have great communication skills
- they know how to “sell” their concepts and ideas
- they take calculated risks, but with great optimism
- they are great at team building and reach out to expand our sense of community with other departments
- they push for better processes, organization and talent

Those are just a few of the reasons, but there are more (not as performance-driven):
- they have great individual style (yep, let’s put that first!)
- they are fun to be around, they make me (and others) laugh
- they know their own strengths and weaknesses
- they LIKE to work and push themselves very hard

These people inspire me every day. They motivate me to do my best work. Who do you work with that pushes, drives and inspires you?

on a quest

I’m on a quest for a great, new office tote for spring. This option came in today and it’s got a lot of great features: the braid detail on the handle, down the sides and also on the front of the bag and also plenty of internal, convenient storage. I like the color of the exterior - not as sure about the interior. I also like that the handle is short - so it looks like a reasonable size tote that can carry all of the office necessities. Perfect, quick, reach-in pockets that keep the security badge and lip gloss so handy! The price is also easy on the wallet. Here are the details:

Lucky Brand, medium slouch, off white, sku #6512720420000, $149 - Piperlime

Not positive that this is pure, perfection, but I like it a lot. In an ideal, spring tote, I’d like a bright interior and a softer leather, but for the investment - this is a great option.

Getting the blood going

There are certain TV shows that we just LOVE to watch - which inspired us for work. It's not because the work shown on those shows are the same type of work that we do, but more because the people are passionate about their work, they have been highly stylized (hello - TV) and also because you're literally looking into their work environment, observe their work tools (mostly macs) and see some awesome work habits/mannerisms. It's just great to watch work ambition and passion! Here's a list of the latest TV obsessions:
Kell On Earth, Bravo (sadly - season is ending super soon!)
Project Runway (talk about passion . . . )
The City (new season starts April 27th - more Cutrone for us!)
The Celebrity Apprentice (just to watch all of the different leadership styles and to discuss how the project should have been managed)

One of our favorite things to discuss are the characters from these shows and how they handled their various challenges. We love to watch to Kelly Cutrone's antics on Kell On Earth and to watch how she manages her office and her business which she completely built herself. Totally helps that it is centered around the fashion PR business. Kelly also shines as the mentor on The City for Whitney Port. But, what's also so delicious about that show is the behind the scenes insight of Elle magazine with Erin,  Olivia and Joe Zee. These shows are WAY more fun to discuss than The Celebrity Apprentice, but we're liking that show for Cyndi Lauper. She is AMAZING. Project Runway is also good discussion because of the passion that the designers and judges bring to the show.

Too much TV is a time waste, but good TV that you can learn from and take inspiration back to the office with is totally worth the time.

cute for corporate

Cute spring shoes to wear to work - so much fun!

These are from Piperlime:
Vince Camuto - $110

Surprisingly comfy too!

SO glad this day is done! Ever have one of those days where you have SO much to do and only a day to get it all done? It’s where you have a feeling of anxiety before you even walk in the office because you have to strategize and really organize all of the priorities. It’s such a relief and a big feeling of accomplishment when you get everything that was on the “to do” list actually done! Here are some things that can really help:
- get a good night’s sleep (tired and cranky never helps an already stressful day)
- get a good workout in (an early morning accomplishment is a great energy boost)
- get a plan together (give yourself a few early wins so that you can tackle the bigger challenges with a positive mindset)
- communicate (make sure others around you know what’s going on, explain your stress)
- put your heart into it and do your best (everyone loves to be motivated and inspired by those they work with and nobody is really inspired by half-done work)

Feels so good to put in a “hard day” of work. Everyday is a busy day, but you know the more difficult days when they happen. Don’t let them take you down - just work it through and you’ll survive (and hopefully impress yourself)!

go nude

A major polish trend this spring is to wear a nude nail color. The great news is that it goes with absolutely everything, looks professional and doesn’t make your manicure stand out too much in corporate world. Yet, nude is a little fresher looking than the usual pale pink.

A couple of really nice Essie shades to try are Mambo & Eternal Optimist.

just you, your work and the hum of a quiet office

Sometimes you just need to work late. Sometimes the office (once everyone else has left for the day) is a very good environment to get a lot accomplished in a little amount of time. There is nothing to distract (again, this applies to those moments when nobody else is there) and you have all of your usual work tools needed to get the important tasks - that just can’t wait - completed.

AND isn’t it a Great feeling to go home with a very clear head? Nothing to stress about until the next day; a few more “to do” items done. And it this also seems to bring a little more energy into the next morning because you’re going in happy that there aren’t as many dragons to slay. What’s not to love?

On the other hand, just what did you lose by staying a little late? You might have missed out on some quality time with the kiddos, spouse/partner, friends - or just having some very (also) important “me time.” Downtime is also really really good for the soul and when you find yourself working a lot of extra hours - you’ll realize that it may just not be that great in the long run at the office. Those hours start to become expected, maybe, just because “somehow” everything still gets taken care of. Who knows why overtime is a touchy subject. When it’s a case of expected, repeated overtime - there are two general causes (combined or separate):
not enough staff to meet the company needs (tough battle to prove)
poor time management by the employee (tough pill to swallow!)

Expected OT hours generates poor attitudes because there is usually a lack of appreciation of the time you’re giving (btw - this is TOTALLY null and void if you’re: a) getting paid overtime pay, b) can include these as billable hours that will be reflected in your pay, or c) if you own your on business). Somewhere, somehow - expect a mutiny. It could be physical: you might get sick, because you haven’t slept as well, eaten as healthy, taken the time to exercise . . . . or it could be mental: poor work attitude is a perfect way to sabotage a strong career.

Just do everything you can to avoid giving too much of your personal time to the office. Really use that workday to get everything possibly done that could be in order to avoid the OT crutch because “downtime” allows you to recharge and gain more energy for the next day. Every once in a while, though, working late really does help to give a little time to get a big project completed and a good, stress-free night of sleep! Like a guilty pleasure.

new Monday - new outfit

I’m in love with my Monday and it’s barely begun. For some reason, at this point I only have a couple of internal meetings - which means that I can focus on a huge project that I need to have finished by Thursday. Therefore, I’m making it a comfortable Monday with a pair of skinny black pants, a very soft striped tee with a gray sweater over it (perfect for those chilly offices) and a cute black necklace for a bit of polish to the outfit. Comfy, J.Crew cool.

taking it home

Well, here’s to the end of the week - the beginning of a really great weekend - and possibly the accomplishment of all of the work that you might be taking home to do “in your spare time.”

When Friday late afternoon, early evening approaches - I tend to hit panic mode. I’m sorting through all of the things that I would LOVE to have all wrapped up and finished before the weekend, but don’t for various reasons. Then I start to worry about what the beginning of next week looks like - and how I just don’t know how it’s possible to NOT take it all with me and work on it, at some point, over the weekend.

Then, the weekend hits. It starts off innocently enough - with only a few plans (or kid games) scattered here and there - but before I even have a chance to sit and relax - it’s over. That’s when I start to mentally figure out what I REALLY need to have worked on in order for the following week to go more smoothly. I do as much as I can, check my emails - and go to sleep.

I try to have work/life balance. Sometimes not doing all of my “homework” is my way of telling myself that work is not my life. BUT - doing some of my “homework” is also my way of respecting my work, my team and giving myself the gift of accomplishment (and less “To Do’s”).

pretty darn happy!

So, I have to say that I love The Container Store. This store always carries items that are intended to help keep things organized. It’s that “a place for everything and everything in its place” mentality that I love, but even better than that - it has cute "places" to keep things tidy. How encouraging!

So, I signed up to receive The Container Store emails and happy happy, joy joy - I received my first “Welcome” email with a 20% off savings! What a way to excite me to go shopping there as soon as possible!

home away from home

If you work all day, every day in the same office - the things you choose to have around you are very important. For instance, there might be a picture of your family that acts as a reminder of who you are supporting with your career. You might also have a certain piece of art that makes you smile because it was something your child made just for you to take to work. Maybe there is a memento from your last amazing vacation. Whatever the object(s), the idea is to ensure that you feel comfortable and productive. Also, you can learn more about the people you work with by noticing their unique workspace items. Everyone has different comfort objects.

Crafting the most inspiring and productive work environment is an evolution. Things that were once near and dear to me (little pebbles that I picked up while visiting an island far away) have found a new home, which is not in my office. But lately, I’ve been intrigued by finding inexpensive fine china pieces to house daily objects. Also, people who walk into my workspace think that I cross stitch. I do not have that skill, but I enjoy being around art that has a strong, cozy pop of color for an otherwise very corporate environment.

Just take note of your surroundings. If the most personal touch your workspace has is a post-it note pad, you might consider what can be added to your work “home” to make it an inviting, inspiring and productive environment. And no, a cup of Starbucks does not count.

put it down - if you dare

Is it a bad thing when you bounce from computer screen to phone screen all day long? These phones that do everything - check emails on multiple accounts, text, keep various  calendars in order, have super cool to do lists, keep track of all expenses, etc, etc, have become an essential work tool for most of us. I don't recall telling folks 10 years ago to text or email me with important questions because I'll be in a meeting, but now I do. (Texts are more commonly used - not sure why. Maybe I respond quicker to texts.)

Some people have a really difficult time being able to put their phone (read: lifeline) down. I had a friend of a friend that I went to a college football game with and the entire time was spent with me watching the game and her tapping on her phone. Who she was texting the entire time (on a Saturday instead of cheering for our football team)? Her co-workers. Not outside office friends - but her nearest and dearest fellow comrades from her office. By the end of the game, her battery was almost dead - which should give a good indication for how much she was just tapping and sending away. On a Saturday. During a college football game. Our team won anyway (woo hoo!).

That day taught me a lesson. I periodically check my phone (okay, pretty frequently) especially during the workday. However, during the weekends, I try to connect with the friends and family that I don't work with all day every day. I try to enjoy my life outside of the office as much as possible and keep the office chatter (and stress) on the low end. Occasionally, I might see an email that needs a quick response or think of something too funny that I know I'll forget about during the weekend - so I'll send a text to work friends, but for the most part I really try to put the phone down. Sunday evenings are usually the one time when I'll cheat a little and scroll through the office side of my email accounts. I feel like that's pretty beneficial for getting a jump on the upcoming Monday morning. I'll admit, it's hard not to look all the time - just to be "in the know" or "on top of things," but it's worth it to focus on the people in your life who just want to see and catch up with you.

BTW, I think there are exceptions to this idea - for instance, if you own your company, work in sales, are a doctor or minister - for those professionals, I more understand the constant need to be connected. On the other hand, if you are a cog in a big company wheel, you can most likely check a couple of times (at most) throughout the weekend and live your happy life without having to feel chained to your desk/phone.

who's tired of winter black?

It’s that time of the year to start adding some brighter colors and lighter fabrics to the daily routine. Here are some easy pieces that might help the great transition from winter grays and blacks into a pretty spring/summer work wardrobe (all from J.Crew):
Everyday Cardigan, $88 in bright lilac (item #25135)
Tissue Tier Tank, $39.50 in light pewter (item #23338)
Vintage Silk Scarf, $58 in lilac (item #24826)
Festival Faceted Necklace, $34.50 in sandstone (item #25155)

This cardigan wears like a jacket and is great for those offices that have over-active air conditioners (WHY MUST THEY DO THIS???). The tissue tank is made work appropriate with an additional element such as a light scarf or a sweater. It is super soft and the texture is amazing. This necklace will add just a touch of sparkle, but you can wear it more frequently because it’s not too much of a statement piece. Another benefit of this necklace is that it wears quietly - meaning, people won’t hear you coming and going all day long. The scarf is just a really beautiful fabric that will help reflect a very flattering color onto your face which is a great way to look less tired!.

A touch of lilac along with soft, comfortable clothing and a pretty sparkle will certainly help raise your mood on the Monday after daylight savings. Well, that and maybe some warm tea or coffee.

glam it up - change it up

The easiest way to make a wardrobe feel a little broader is by wearing different colors of polish. Especially as the winter weather is wearing on, and it’s not quite time to bring out some lighter clothes yet, wearing different color polishes can help you feel like you’ve gotten something new. Depending on the color of choice, you can really enhance some of the same old outfits by trying either a nice new nude color or go for a deep pretty shade of wine. The thing is, people at work notice how nice you look and when you get tired of wearing the “same old thing” (we’ve all been there), a very affordable change (and nice distraction to anyone who might feel like they’ve seen the same gray turtleneck a million times) is a nice new nail color. A new nail polish is extremely affordable compared to a new skirt or jacket. Besides, we’re in that time of year when we want to shop but for warm weather clothes (which, in most areas, we can’t wear yet anyway). Change it up - what’s there to be afraid of?

Ready to make a power play in your meeting today? Nothing screams confidence and power like a strong, bright red. A vibrant red looks great against any shade of gray, black or camel. But, keep it short and neat. The moment this color starts to chip - either repair or lose it. A chipped, red nail looks messy and cheap (neither are great qualities you want your office mates to think of you). A very strong, bright red to try is: Essie Russian Roulette.

Wine colors can be a nice, more preppy alternative to the popular blacks. The wine nails are considered a very classic look for the office (unlike the brighter shades or blacks). A good wine color to try: Essie Bold And Beautiful.

Nude colors and an air of feeling like your wearing a color, but you never have to worry about what it matches. Good nude shades to try: Essie Mambo or Essie Eternal Optimist.

Bright colors (like corals or hot pink) can look so much fun when paired with coordinating clothing, accessories (scarves!) or lips. Bright colors are really cute and can add a pop of color to a very dreary wintery day when you’re really ready for spring flowers. At work they look more on trend when they are super short. Good corals to try: Essie California Coral; good deep purple shade - Essie Bahama Mama; good blue - Essie Mesmerize.

Then there’s the natural - light pink. Just enough effort to feel more pulled together, but so easy to put on (with or without a salon visit) and this is the manicure that lasts the longest. After you’ve worn the color past the first couple of days, you might see a less than perfect nail, but nobody else will notice - because this color just looks so natural. Vary the amount of coats you apply to determine how natural or light pink this appears. Good natural shade to try: Essie Mademoiselle.

Black polish - everyone’s favorite is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. Goes with everything.

If you must go without a polish (sometimes nails just need some air!) make sure to use a cuticle oil to help rough, dry edges disappear!

Ultimately, this just comes back to the impression that you want to make at the office. You want to ensure that the people who work with you everyday see you with your best “game face” on. People notice things like good nails as if they are noticing a new hairstyle or cute new jacket. They don’t always know exactly why they think like you’ve got everything under control, but something as simple as a coat of polish (and a top coat!) can give that impression. A nice new nail color can make people completely forget the tired, winter clothes - and suddenly when you’ll smile as you try to determine what to wear to work (that will look good with your super cute nails). Cute nails add confidence and that’s a beautiful work accessory worth the investment.

what's this about?

Yep - this is what I saw on my way into work. Mixed signals - both green and red lights lit at the same time. It wasn’t a blip - they were both just “on.” You hear about getting mixed signals in a personal relationship, but what about when you get them at work? Sometimes things are on a good roll:
- the deal went through
- the client was THRILLED!
- sales look great

Sometimes they’re not:
- office drama (politics)
- not being as productive as you want to be
- missed project deadlines

That’s the part about work that I love the most: you have to have bad days to help define and really enjoy the good days. What once was considered a “good day” now has new definitions thanks to a recession that has altered how most companies operate on a daily basis. Still, there are plenty of good days to be had and a great way to have more good days is by communicating as clear as possible, ensuring that expectations are super-clear and that everyone knows their contribution or role.

Communicating clearly enables better days in the office by:
- giving people a definition to their part of an organization or responsibility within a project which empowers that person to move ahead with their best effort
- sets clear expectations of project timelines and allows all people involved to work towards a common goal
- demonstrates respect for your internal and external clients
- allowing for more delegation when possible - so that you can focus on your own “to do” list and get more things done

Clear, respectful communication is the ultimate way to avoid mixed signals.

breakfast of champions

It's a very standard morning routine.

When I get to work in the mornings, I go to the break room.

I put my lunch in the frig, fill my cup full of ice and water - grab two straws and head back to my office.

I use one straw for my water (lids are important for clumsy spillers like myself) and one straw for my protein shake.

I always enjoy this specific protein shake and Luna bar (Caramel Nut Brownie - it's like dessert in the morning, but a healthy one!) while sorting through a ka-billion emails.

The combo of the two always makes me super thirsty - so I chase it with a lot of water.

This breakfast keeps me full and happy until lunch (which sometimes happens much MUCH later in the afternoon).

It's my morning routine. It's mindless, but I guess that's the definition of "routine." It gives me comfort that I don't even think about it anymore. Some people think about their morning Starbucks order or what the company deli is offering for the breakfast "special," but for me - I would rather just already know that this morning routine will take absolutely no thought, (as long as I purchase enough to last for the week) so I can focus my mind on more important topics of the day.

nose hairs, spitting, rudeness are NOT okay - especially in an interview

We've been interviewing for a new position. It's a gig that many want, but only one will get. During this process of sitting down and meeting our candidates - we've learned a few things that might be a little help to people who are currently interviewing for a new job:

1. Don't interrupt. When someone is explaining the position for which you are interviewing - let them. Sounds elementary, but seriously just don't. First - it's rude. Second, whatever you're jumping in with - assumes you already know what we were in the middle of telling you and you probably don't. Third, you might (okay - WILL) save yourself from saying something that will hurt your chances of getting to the next level.

2. Come prepared. Do your research - know the company that you are meeting with. It's still really impressive to meet someone who actually cares enough about the gig to invest some time before the initial interview to even bother to Google or Bing. Sad, but true.

3. But don't suck up. Don't be Wally from Leave It To Beaver. Any possible good impression will be gone and it simply creeps us out.

4. Let your work do all of the bragging. If the work is good and the experience is on par for the position - we'll be impressed. There's a fine art to selling yourself. You don't want to speak to us as if we have no clue about our own job. Most likely, you're meeting with the person who had to do battle to get this open position, write the job description and has sifted through over a hundred applicants to determine who to meet. SO - don't blow it. Talk specifics about your accomplishments and let us handle the "very nice" commentary.

5. Don't look at us and think - "They're younger than my kids!" We can read that thought by the expression on your face. Not a good moment for an interview. We're looking for talent - prove to us in the brief time we have together that you are the best, most qualified in the industry.

6. Look the part. COME ON. Is it too much to ask for everyone to take a moment before the interview and check their teeth for food or nails for dirt - or even nose hairs??? We just met someone who had the longest nose hair. It was really distracting, but not as bad as the spittle between his lips that sometimes went airborne and landed on his tie. Sad.

We did have several successful candidates. Here's what they had in common:
- Expertise in the industry
- Genuine interest in working for our company - proven by their research and 
smart questions
- Personalities that just "clicked" with us (without any hard "sell" on their part)
- Work examples that spoke volumes about their talent
- Really good (and smart) listeners

Don't leave the interview up to "luck." If it's really a job you want, then take it seriously and go after it - but in a very smart way.

Pulling it together

I'm gathering my items that I need to take with me to work tomorrow.

It's going to rain, so I'll use my plaid "bad weather" tote.

Inside it:
- yellow, hold EVERYTHING IMPORTANT folder (large spreadsheets, important work docs - like the past 3 paychecks that were direct deposited, etc)
- essential notebook (with a million notes, but especially noted important ones)
- mechanical pencil & eraser (also must-haves for me)
- security badge for work
blue bag with holds 8 lip glosses, 2 lipsticks, a few flosser tools, my ear buds, a handmade love token from one of my kiddos, some elastic ponytail holders and a thumb drive
my wallet
- sunglasses & business card case
- lunch (yes I take - almost everyday)
- new April issue of Glamour (I find it interesting that it always arrives first)

Everything in it's proper place. Seriously helpful.

Why do people do it?

Hoarding office supplies is a crime.

In some offices.

In other offices, hoarding office supplies ensures that when you realize you need multi-colored hanging box file folders with a 2'' capacity - that you'll have them. THEN you can FINALLY organize your project drawer with a color coding system that will allow you to file and later access documents quickly and easily.

Plus, I plan to share office supplies that I've put on the order list. Really, I do.

a little goes a long way

"It's the little things that mean a lot."

We all know this to be true, but a great example of this in the office is the simple "thank you" through an action. This action might be something as easy as getting the team Starbucks or personally saying to someone how much you appreciate their work. The big idea is recognizing all of those extra efforts that teams or individuals give which make projects successful. Everyone appreciates being told "great job" or "thanks for your help" when the actions deserve this recognition and when the kudos are genuine. It's an opportunity to give praise and reinforce the type of work behavior that you want from the team. It's also a moment when either the team or the individual sees that you do really value their work and to receive positive feedback. The more powerful recognition is when the action is unexpected - that way people can realize that every project is important and that you're looking for the good in their work.

Do something that makes an impact - something they'll remember and want to recreate. This doesn't need to be expensive, just thoughtful.

alive and focused

The best way to begin a workday feeling alive and focused (for me) is a morning workout. Nothing makes me feel more awake and ready for work than a great early workout beforehand (not even staying up late and getting a lot of homework done!). My morning workouts are really tough (think Last Chance Workout from Biggest Loser tough) and so - once they are over - any challenges that I might face that day at the office seem pretty manageable. Oh - and if I start to feel sore during the day of my intense workout, I'm super happy because this means that my workout did my body some good. Great overall feeling. Better day at work.

The very idea of an evening workout has the opposite effect on me. I've taken evening classes (fun workouts), but when I do - I tend to get cranky as the day gets closer to the end, I'm more tired and I start to feel a huge pressure to leave "on time" so that I can make the class time. Focus on my work at work isn't nearly as good - as I'm generally preoccupied with what needs to be completed so that I can get to my evening workout.

I know several people who have the exact opposite reaction - they hate getting up early (especially for a workout) and absolutely LOVE the afternoon/early evening time. In the long run, it's a case of different strokes for different folks. What really matters is that exercise is a consistent element to the work week. Great for stress relief and overall improved health.

Weapon of choice

How do you manage all of the many MANY "to do" lists in your life?

My answer is now very simple - it's the Todo iPhone app. This app allows for multiple running lists. Mine include "work" (of course!), "home," "B&B" (my kids list) and also "paperclip" (for this blog). With this app you can:
- View your entries as one giant list, or by list type
- Add an item on a list you and assign it to whichever list it should belong in
- Note which items are special by adding a star to them
- Set up repeating items (such as a reoccurring deadline)

This app has more capabilities than I've even discovered, but what I have discovered is a very easy method for keeping all of my tasks organized. It's extremely simple to learn and use. There is a free version of this app to try, before you fall in love with this app (full version is $9.99). Enjoy!

office mate

This weekend I got a new office mate & he's already made quite an impact. His name is C.D. (which stands for Cranky Dog). He is the perfect office mate in that he is a great listener - he's there when I need him, but is super quiet so I can think. He's old enough to have a ton of wisdom (1940s!), but really regardless of his presence - my decisions are my own. I like him. He looks cranky, but he's really the ideal office mate.