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.