straight up

I like to store new file folders standing up. This makes staying on top of organization a little easier because of quick access to the type of folder and color I want to use.

Another bonus is that it's easy to see how many of each color are left, so I have a better idea of when it's time to restock.

Besides that - it just looks better than holding onto the bulky boxes that file folders come in.

I realize that this sounds a little compulsive, but yep - it's this way in my home office as well.

Don't judge.

want an easier workday?

An easier workday is definitely possible when you follow one simple step: talk to people instead of sending an email. In person works best, but picking up the phone also works - just as long as it doesn't involve TYPING. 

With everyone being as busy as we all are - just making a call or walking over to someone's office is quicker, people can't misunderstand your "tone" when they are actually talking to you (which can save a TON of time in editing an email to ensure that comments are clear and can't be misinterpreted), and if there is a moment of back and forth discussion - you've just saved a million minutes and an overstuffed inbox.

I'm just saying that talking with people actually means better productivity than emailing someone and it's better for improving work relationships. Of course, emails are sometimes necessary: meeting recaps, communication of decisions, or just to document something in writing.

Give yourself an easier, more productive workday - try to avoid crafting a great email. That's right - type less, talk more. Make better connections today.

what to wear?

My closet is not very deep in tons of clothes. It's partly due to the fact of "who has time to shop?" and partly because it's not often that I find items that I just have to have (my husband might completely disagree!). So, when getting ready for work, I used to question when I last wore a certain item especially a recent addition that I would just LOVE to wear (just like a kid!). I say "used to question" because I developed for myself a new closet organizing system that makes it really easy to remember what I've worn to the office lately.

Basically, I hang my complete outfits I've worn in daily order from least to most recent (right to left; tops up top and bottoms below). When dry cleaning (or good 'ol laundry) is needed - then I just leave a couple of hangers in that place so that I know that I have something being cleaned that will eventually go there. This is my very simple (didn't cost anything!) solution to keep up with my workday wardrobe and it really works for me.

If you have a great solution for this - I'd LOVE to hear it!

P.S. Please don't leave mean comments about my hangers. I realize that they are not from The Container Store - yet. It's a work in progress and when determining an order of priority for spending money - hangers hasn't hit the top of the list - yet.

just enough to be polished

Needed to update my mani/pedi with a fresh, new color and this week I felt the need to be pale. I went with my favorite natural: Essie’s Mademoiselle. Even with two coats, I can still see my nail and yet it adds enough polish to any outfit. New nails just give a little added confidence to my Mondays because I feel more pulled together. Short, yet polished - that’s the way I like ‘em!

Target: work and play

perfect for work:

Jaye Hersh Hollywood Intuition large tote in black

Regular $29.99, on clearance now for $20.98

- looks like a cool patent leather tote

- pretty large, perfect for a business trip carry on (no worries of a scuff!)

perfect for play:

Merona skinny wallet with a strap in black

$15

- plenty of convenient pockets

- not a lot of expensive details, but plenty of style

Visit paperclipmag.com for more images of these bags.

Kate Spade: work and play

perfect for work:

Kate Spade Flicker Bon Shopper, Black

crinkled patent cowhide with italian vachetta trim

$225

- nicely sized, not too large

- comfortable fit for anything you would need for the office

perfect for play:

Kate Spade Villa Bridget in Bone

smooth, shiny goathide

$275

- just enough room for essential necessities: cell phone, a couple of Bobbi Brown lip glosses, ID and debit card

- gold link and leather chain

- gold dot silk faille lining brings great personality to the interior

Visit paperclipmag.com for more images of these bags

the short list

Every day has new challenges. Meetings, questions, discussions, phone calls and emails. 

I'm going in early today to try to get ahead on a couple of projects because I have two meetings that I know are going to take up some major time (either in the actual meetings or preparing for them). 

Honestly, I know that going in a little early will allow me to cross off a lot of my "to do" list left over from yesterday and I'm pretty darn excited about that!

My project list is never-ending (thank goodness!), but if I can keep it to a minimum by clearing out the easy stuff - then it makes me panic a little bit less. I like to keep my list as short as possible, or at least keep it pretty steady, so that I'm not letting many items pile up into a big stress ball for me.

What's your strategy of taking care of your "to do" items?

Tory Burch: work and play

perfect for work:
Tory Burch slouchy straw tote - natural gold
glazed leather trim
$350
- when this bag completely opens up - it's huge (think weekender!)
- will fit files, research, gym clothes, cosmetic case - pretty much anything you need
- straw means it's very light for such a large tote




perfect for play:
Tory Burch carson mini bag - sand
leather and chain strap
6'' H x 7 1/2'' W x 1 1/2'' D
$350
- super SUPER cute with plenty of room for weekend necessities
- high-quality detailing


See more pictures of these bags at paperclipmag.com

Ready, set, go!

Today is going to be a great day because:
- I have a favorite project all lined up to work on (and time to do it!)
- One of my favorite meetings of the week occurs on Mondays
- I have something cute to wear (with cute shoes to match!)
- I have a LOT of really good posts scheduled for this week

Basically, I had an amazing, fun weekend where we spent some time spring cleaning and organizing our house and so I'm ready to get back to my office and continue the good vibration there as well. 

Anyone with me on making this a VERY good Monday???

office interuptus

My day began as usual.

Meeting at 9. LOTs of important discussions and decisions.

Mid-meeting my silent phone lit up. It's the elementary school calling. So I excuse myself and answer. (Why do I forget WHY the elementary school would call in the middle of a meeting?)

Of course. School nurse.

Bradley has thrown up twice. (TWICE??? They usually call on the first instance of something of this nature.) He's feeling horrible and we need to come pick him up.

Of course I DID ask if there were any witnesses to the moments of illness. Regardless, of the response - as good parents (and school policy), we made arrangements to share the responsibility of being home with him. Todd Owen took the morning, I took the afternoon (after my meeting was over).

Skipped lunch - since I was leaving so early - and got as much completed as possible and packed a few projects to take home with me.

Once home, I'll admit - he looked pale. Ill really - lying on the sofa. He tells me that he's thrown up THREE times today. I ask the husband if he witnessed the moments of illness. Nope, everything happened without parental supervision. We give him a snack. Tell him to lie back down for a little while and Todd Owen heads out to his afternoon appointments while I settle into my comfortable notebook and try to watch for any important work emails.

Once Brooke gets home from school, that's when Bradley REALLY tells us how terrible he's feeling. He reports that he's thrown up for a fourth time.

We establish a new house rule: IF SOMEONE THROWS UP, DO NOT FLUSH. A PARENT MUST SEE THE TOILET WITH THE VOMIT IN IT. (I know - this is really GROSS! Twice in one week. I'm SO sorry!!)

I put Bradley in his bed. Kiss him lightly. Whisper how much I love him and that I'm very sorry that he's feeling SO bad because I really wanted to go ride bikes with him. He asks, "Really?"

Such a dramatic recovery. In less than ten minutes, Bradley bounds into the room and tells me how he is all sparkly, fresh and new again. "It's amazing!" he exclaims.

Yes. It. Is.

And yes - we rode bikes tonight, in celebration of health.

feeling green

So, I'm in a meeting and it's not going well.

Ultimately, I am having a very rare occurance of feeling TERRIBLE at work. Unfortunately, the meeting is completely for my benefit. It's regarding direction for a project that I'm working on and so I really need to be attentive, clear headed and need to just get through the meeting without throwing up on the conference table, people's notes, or for that matter - people.

The question becomes, do I let those who are in the meeting with me in on the fact that I'm extremely ill - or do I just try to make it through without having to admit my stomach's need to hurl?

Well - the decision was made for me.

No NO - I DID NOT vomit during the meeting (or dash out of the meeting with my hand over my mouth). Nothing that dramatic. I simply realized that I was talking funny. I was SO focused on keeping my stomach contents in check (my apologies for grossing you out), that I was talking extremely slow, kinda soft and my words became very looooooonnnnnnng. It was just weird.

I needed to confess. And I did.

Well, I got through it. Actually, as I thought the meeting was over, it wasn't - we had another little pow-wow (different subject) afterwards. I got through that as well.

It was embarrassing though. Ever been through something like this?

not SO plain

If you are like me and like the idea of having the color coded office with similar files all filed under the same color (which makes things really easy to find later), then you might also like this idea: just use many color sharpies to color code your files. Manilla files are so much less expensive that you can feel a little more free to write ON them (gasp!) and when they get overly destroyed over time - easily replace them. They look neat and - with the label being color coded - still help you stay organized!

is it SO wrong?

Kids today need more exposure into workplaces.

My daughter (who is almost eleven years old) wants to be a special education school teacher when she grows up. I know that one of the main reasons is because her teacher (who she adores!) is studying to specialize in this field of education.

In talking with her, I realized that I remember being a kid and playing "school." BUT - thank goodness for TV (seriously)! TV shows like, "Police Woman" and "Charlie's Angels" were on and giving us little girls a vision of becoming something other than a housewife, school teacher or secretary. I can even remember a commercial for Avon that made me look forward to making my own money. When I was a little girl, working women (to me) were Super Cool! (Probably helped that my mom worked in an architectural firm.)

Thinking about current TV shows that my daughter watches, there aren't many - if any - glimpses into a work environment that look attractive. I've tried to show her that people are passionate about their careers by watching shows like, "The Zoe Project," "Project Runway," "Kell On Earth" (thank goodness they bleep the bad words). These shows have cool work environments with fun characters to watch, but of course with a TON of drama (of course, it IS TV we're watching).

So, this past Saturday night - I decided to give her a little bigger glimpse into a work environment. I knew the glimpse would have to be stylish, and fun-looking featuring someone that she could relate to: "The Devil Wears Prada." (Is it SO wrong that it's entirely made up?)

Lately, my daughter has been fascinated with the movie, "Momma Mia," starring Meryl Streep. She grew up watching, "The Princess Diaries," starring Anna Hathaway. So, I knew that she would be blown away by "TDWP." And she was. As soon as it was over, she asked if we could watch it again! (and I was THRILLED!!)

Thinking we were bonding over stylish offices and quirky leadership styles, I suggested that we watch the documentary, "The September Issue." I thought that as much as she was intrigued by the character Miranda from "The Devil Wears Prada," that she would adore learning about Anna Wintour and in inner workings of Vogue.

I was wrong. Within the first 10 minutes of watching the documentary, she labeled the movie "boring" and suddenly wanted to go ride bikes (which we did). BUT, I'm keeping my ears attentive to see if our movie time made any impression of a broader career objective. I am thankful for teachers and very appreciative that my kids gain so much from their time in school, but I think we need to ensure that kids today understand that there are more careers available to them.

In the meantime, is the "take your daughter to work day" thing totally over?

what have you been reading lately?

If you were watching the Bravo series "Kell On Earth," then you might also like to learn more about Kelly Cutrone.

Her new book, "If You Have To Cry Go Outside And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You," will definitely give you a broadened picture of who Kelly is and how she came to be the owner of her fashion PR company, People's Revolution. My favorite chapters of this book were chapter seven, "You Are The Brand: Normal Gets You Nowhere," and also chapter eight, "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside" because these are the meaty chapters with advice for building personal brands and future careers. For those of us already on our way, it's a good reminder of what we like about our own journey. The fact that it is personal, kooky and always evolving.

When you decide to invest in this book, please keep in mind that Kelly Cutrone has become a household name to a younger demographic, thanks to her presence on the TV shows "The Hills," "The City" and now "Kell On Earth." So her main target audience for this book is high school students, college students and 20 somethings. If you are a fan, you'll enjoy getting to know a more personal side of Kelly. For instance, you'll read about the birth of her daughter, Ava. You'll also gain an appreciation for how she has built her business and you'll get an insider glance at how she operates her office.

If you've watched her give Whitney Port advice on "The City" over the past seasons, (or watched her Bravo show lately), you'll already expect that her read will be kinda kooky until she talks business. Then, she really shines and suddenly, you realize that she's crazy like a fox.

the great deception

Am I the only person who prefers to leave my desk completely clean when I leave in the evenings? Sure my desk may look empty, but the “to do” list for my tomorrow is absolutely scary. BTW - it doesn’t always work out that I can leave it this clean. And, yes - I see the mess I have behind my desk - past issues of WWD to dispose of, old projects that are still in limbo, a few powerpoint desks of research. You don’t need to point it out. It BUGS me. Promise.

Anyone else this weird about how you leave your work space after a great day at the office?

to avoid the afternoon snoozer

In order of how you put this super yummy salad together:
- shredded lettuce
- shredded carrots (I like LOTS)
- broccoli (also - the more the better!)
- 2 thin pieces of deli sliced chicken
- 1/2 cup finely shredded mexican mix cheese
- 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced
- instead of croutons, just a little bit of fried onion (cheese flavor!) sprinkled on the top


It's like my version of a chef salad (sometimes I substitute turkey and ham instead of chicken). I'm a fan of Brianna's dressing (not heavy, but full of flavor). I don't use very much because just a little in this salad will go a long way.

What are you having for lunch today?

which side of green are you on

So Jaime & I were talking about this article that we read about Yahoo's Shine site and how the office for the writers/editors is based from everyone's homes. Sadly, we were both in agreement that we're not as productive in our home environment. We've both been in the position of trying to work from home, and neither of us enjoyed it as much as working in a structured office. We also talked about who we know that we can TOTALLY see working from their homes and being extremely productive doing so.

The interesting part of our conversation was really about how it's generally the dream of stressed-out, working women (moms) to just be able to stay at home. It's the "grass is always greener" mentality. I can remember when my kiddos were really young (not so much during the baby and dirty diaper phase) and just wishing that I was home spending more time watching them grow up. But, when given that opportunity to work from home, I realized how much self-motivation this really required. I didn't need to look "cute" for anyone - no meetings to get dressed up for or group presentations to give. It was not motivating to me - because this was the point where I learned that I THRIVE in an office environment. I absolutely enjoy working within a team of people who are passionate about their brand.

Also - I learned a really important mommy lesson during this time. At first, my kids were SO excited to be in the car pool lane because their mommy was going to be them up personally every day after school. They also really liked getting to do more activities because we weren't concerned about how we could get them to early afternoon practices when my office had been too far away. Yep - initially, things were pretty darn great. THEN . . . . you know, the kids starting asking when I was going to go back to my office. Then, they got a little less happy each day when the new routine of my being around was established. I learned that they were reflecting how I was feeling. When I worked in an office (and - despite my doubts about mommy stuff - LOVED it), my kids were very happy. When I came home and redefined our entire family structure, it was abnormal and uncomfortable because it was a major change (for all of us). Ultimately, nobody was happy. So, when I had the opportunity to go back into corporate world - I was thrilled and with some adjustments on the homefront - the family was also thrilled! If you love what you do - your family will also be happy and supportive because they want the best for you. So, no more guilt trips about family.

If you like to work in an office environment, do it. (How many times can I remind you of the perks - cute shoes, cute clothes for meetings and you have the constant and direct inspiration from others you work with!) If you're productive (like my husband) from a home office, then more power to you as well. I think this segment of the workforce is growing and that I should seriously give more consideration to this workspace.

So - which work environment is your preference?

does happy win?

Does it pay to be happy at work? If you listen to the “experts” it definitely does, but then I think sometimes it also pays to feel pressure or stress. In fact, sometimes my best work comes from “feeling the heat” because I’ve procrastinated (gasp – yes, I’ll admit it happens). I definitely would NOT describe myself as “happy” when I’m working under pressure. In fact, sometimes I’m furiously frustrated that I’m in the position of working late on a project that I wish I already had completed.

If everything at the office was just as I would dream it to be, well . . . . I would make trivial adjustments which would render grocery shopping or preparing lunches before coming to work unnecessary and I would build in extra time for “bonding” with my team and (heck – while I’m at it) a bunch of others here at the office. I would have an onsite Starbucks (no, sadly with all of the luxuries we have – this is currently not one of them) - if for no other reason than to have the Starbucks cup in hand during my next meeting (you’ll notice it’s a great accessory if you watch any trendy movie with a lot of office scenes, plus it could knock the overly air-conditioned frostbite from my fingertips)! I would devote more time off to everyone and yet not feel the pain of trying to figure out how to manage the usual workload with a short staff when someone is on vacation. Did I mention that my adjustments would be trivial? I’m extremely happy at work. So much so that I have a hard time leaving on time (but, that’s a different stress!).

Here are two reasons why I think it DOES pay off to be a happy employee:
1 - Happy employees are more fun to be around. They seem to have their eyes and ears open and gosh-darn-it - people just like happy people more than Negative Nancy (or Sarcastic Sally). Happy comes off as if you’re engaged and interested in positive progression. Negative exudes fear, complacency, apathy, and boredom. Just think back - how often were you inspired by someone because of their negative vibes? Meanwhile, the happy-go-lucky (sometimes goofy) cube neighbor actually made coming to work more FUN.

2 - When you are a happy employee, you control your future. You’re happy because you’ve realized that it’s your efforts that will determine your success. I heard a speaker once (back when I had just graduated from college and was TOTALLY not sure what I would do for a living) who said: “If the work is good, the money will come.” So - by focusing on making my work something that I’m proud of gave me a sense of comfort knowing that I was putting my best effort forward. When your boss is in a bad mood (whether it’s personal or work-related mood moments), it is a huge comfort to know that you are not determined by how/what that boss feels. You determine your own path with your own efforts. Believe me, people notice and take care of the talent. Happy is beneficial to you because you’re working to better yourself and this attitude makes a BIG BIG (okay - HUGE) difference in how far you will go.

By the way, when i mention happy - I mean genuinely happy. The fakers stand out and just triple the negative energy (posers!). You’ve GOT to like what you do. If you don’t - change as soon as possible. Life is too short to not enjoy what you do every day. If you are in a miserable gig - learn what you can from it (try to make the very best experience), reward yourself with the much earned vacation and little items (cute shoes!) that make your environment more comfortable and engaging and then - if you just can NOT break out of the miserable mindset - do you and your boss (and probably your office mates) a  favor and get out!

Don’t worry be (well, you know) . . . . it works!

soften up

I know, I know - the lipsticks are making a comeback in beauty trends, but still - I’m LOVING these two colors of lip gloss by Bobbi Brown. They have the perfect amount of shiny (not too sticky) and a nice pop of soft color - so my lips won’t disappear. These lip glosses make a perfect balance to eyes with eyeliner, which make for a less severe, tired appearance on a Monday morning in the office (WHY do I have tired face on Mondays?). Also, lips feel soft and moisturized thanks to the Jojoba, Avocado, Chamomile Oils and Aloe Extract which gives a seriously luxe feel. Less expensive lip glosses have less “staying power” and leave lips feeling dry and sad (causing several moments of buyers remorse). I’ve become addicted to the soothing power this gloss, and love how long this little tube of gloss lasts (regardless of how often I apply throughout each day) and quite honestly, I feel instantly pretty with every application. But, be prepared - it’s an investment (like good shoes!).

Here are the details:
Top: Bobbi Brown  Lip Gloss, Rosy 22
Bottom: Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss, Tangerine 15

Available at fine department stores such:
Nordstrom
Saks Fifth Avenue
Neiman Marcus

OR shop directly at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com
$20 each

super awesome thingee

Whether you need to reference a new page in your always-with-you notebook, big project binder, stack of research materials or within your files, Avery NoteTabs are a great office tool. Think of a big, transparent square that has light adhesive (like a Post-It), but with a sturdy tab that is designed to stick out for quick, easy reference.

The super awesome factor is that you can move it (reuse the same NoteTab)! So, where I normally use a paperclip (go figure!) to mark the next clean page in my notebook (cheap but lumpy), or a Post-It note to mark certain pages within files - the NoteTab is an even better solution. I can write myself a note on the tab (probably how they named it, duh me) or highlight words shown within the see-through surface area stuck on the page. As my position needs to move, I can easily lift it up and move it without losing any ink from where it was.

It’s a really nifty tool. With the sturdiness of the material, and the fact that they are reusable means that you’ll be saving several (LOTS) of Post-It Notes from your garbage!

Avery NoteTabs, available in many colors, $8.39 for a 20 pack, Office Depot

more things for spring

New arrivals in!

1st pic: Tory Burch, “Julianne” Peep Toe Wedge, Grey Pitone Rocha, $295, Nordstrom
The shoe is comfortable. The wedge heel is not too high. The peep toe “peep” amount is perfection and this particular color will go with practically everything. They’re gorgeous and will look stunning in any conference room!

2nd pic:
DKNYC, “Mallory," Nude, $98, Piperlime
The wedge heel is solid wood. The bottom toe strap is suede and the ankle strap is patent leather.

3rd pic:
BCBGGeneration, “Hyla,” Black, $79, Piperlime
Perfect for casual Fridays! The amount of platform makes the heel not high at all. Squishy sole for added comfort. 

4th pic: Enzo Angiolini, “Padi” Wedge Slingback, Black Patent, $89.95, Nordstrom
Classic - will never go out of style. Pretty patent means bring Band Aids. The heel is higher than traditional - so not an “old lady shoe.” Looks like Kate Spade on a budget.

5th pic: Seychelles, “Kick Up Your Heels,” Vacchetta, $89.95, Nordstrom
Only for those ready to make a shoe statement. The nude color is perfect. The platform helps the high heel. Wood sole. Makes a great summer sandal for work or for play. Okay, more for play, but still . . .

If you have any problems seeing the images (they took forever to load) then please visit: paperclipmag.com for the complete post.