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?