cute is in the air

We were in The Container Store this afternoon picking up a shelf for my daughter’s locker. I wondered (oh so innocently) over into the “work” area of the store and found these cute - there is no better word to describe - packets of page stickies. I had such a hard time choosing between the three designs. 

Discover these and SO MANY OTHER nifty things to help you enjoy taking notes and personalizing your work space at:

girlofallwork.com

Seriously inspired!

start your engines

Now that the September issues have FINALLY started to arrive, I’m getting super excited about the latest fall trends. These magazines were really well put together - and inspired me to start my shopping now!

My husband isn’t quite . . . as . . . excited . . . as I am. (He will be.)

this may take a while

I’ve got a really long meeting today. I have this meeting once a month and it generally lasts about 3 hours. It’s a meeting in which I’m an active participant.

I like to dress comfortable, but extremely professional because we’re sitting around a table looking at each other for a good portion of the day.

I like to bring my usual essentials to this meeting: notebook, project folder, pencil, eraser, a water, and (at least in my pocket) my Bobbi Brown lipgloss. 

Going into a long meeting, I need each of these items. If something were missing, the world would not turn as smoothly. I don’t think that I would “pout” exactly, but I wouldn’t be at my very best. What are your “must haves” for really long meetings?

when it's almost over

I have that same sinking feeling that I sometimes get from an extended vacation. You know, that feeling of “it’s almost over” and part of me is glad and the other part of me wishes it would NEVER end.

Except this feeling has absolutely nothing to do with vacation (that came and went last month).

This feeling is about the fact that the summer is almost over. My reality is that in a few days, my kids will return from their super fun summer camp and then we’ll have ONE WEEK before school starts back.

I’ve LOVED this summer. I know my kids have been really happy each and every day. My commute to the office has been easy, cheesy (hardly ANY major traffic delays). AND, during the summer, I don’t have to rush after work to pick the kids up from some evening practice. I do have to be home in time to let the babysitter leave, but it’s a doable (almost) time.  The evenings with the kids have been fun: kinda lazy, with lots of quality time together.

Once school gets back in session, the traffic is insane. Pretty much double the amount of time it usually takes me to get to the office (yuck!). And, I’m always rushing after work to pick up one of the kiddos from a practice here or there. By the time everyone has their showers and gets things settled for the next day, it’s bedtime. No time to just HANG.

Okay, enough of the dread. On to the GOOD part of school season starting (because dread it or not, here it comes!). I like the fact that at some point the cooler weather will arrive and the leaves will turn a pretty color. I’ll be in sweaters before I know it, then jackets and my tall boots (I’ve missed them!). I’m already on the lookout for cute, new shoes (yet practical) for the season.

I like backpack shopping. We don’t replace backpacks every year, but this year was the year to replace - and it was seriously fun helping my daughter decide on what she wanted. I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils (it’s one of my favorite back to school smells!). Fresh, new notebooks with clean sheets of new paper in sparkly new binders. The first day of school outfit. Back to school haircuts (which they both need - especially after being away at camp). I’m excited about the new kid care that will help us out after school (family friend that our kids LOVE). We have a lot of fun plans to look forward to this fall. 

I’ve got to get over the anxious “the vacation is almost over” feeling about this summer. It is almost over and new routines will be made and some sad realities will return (like the increased traffic and travel time for my commute). Then again, that’s just the way life is - take the good with the bad and focus on the good.

political attire

Sunday morning political TV shows dress codes give insight into what these folks wear in their offices. I watch Meet The Press and wonder how much of my tax dollars go into helping people select the most camera-ready outfit, hairstyle and accessories - all in the name of people appearing to have power and authority over their subject matter.

While my office is business casual, people in various positions determine just how casual they push that dress code envelope. I find that the more dressed up I am, the more professional I feel.

I wonder if the people who appear on the political talk shows feel the same way? The more dressed up they are, the better show they can put on. I think given the economical times, I would prefer a little less stuffy attire and a little more straight talk about the state of affairs. 

I question if the American public would take these characters seriously if they dressed slightly more casual. I’m not suggesting really casual, but maybe instead of suit and ties, chinos with a nice shirt and jacket. I just don’t understand why the political office has to appear so stuffy (and expensive). 

(Also - the amount of self tanning, the automatic lowered voices when responding to questions, the size of women’s earrings - is absolutely hilarious! Otherwise, I would get tired-head trying to take it all seriously and pay attention to what’s being said.)

For people who are voted to be the servants of American society (they represent the communities who put them in their position), they certainly dress like they are well above middle-class.

start with a smile

So - I shopped this past weekend for a few pieces in preparation for the upcoming cooler season (even though it’s pretty HOT right now). At first, I couldn’t get in the mood - but then I realized that I would be disappointed when the jacket I wanted was sold out of my size. I seized the moment and discovered some amazing pieces!

I’m TOTALLY starting this week with a smile by wearing one of my new pieces that I can’t wait to try!! It’s from J.Crew and it’s called a Microspun Cowlneck Tee. It’s really thin (so it works for the over-air conditioned office). The moment I tried it on - I knew that I HAD to own it. It is SOOOO soft!

The cowlneck is very flattering. I love the fit - extremely comfortable. I bought one in a light gray and another in black. (They were only $39.50 each.) I have a bazillion meetings today and the good news is that I’m wearing something soft, professional, and yet . . . comfy. It’s the perfect way to kick off a busy week. 

It’s weird to be this happy and it’s not even Friday!

the need for plans

I’m looking forward to the weekend just so i can take a moment to plan some upcoming things. I know that at my corporate office, we take days to think strategically about what we need to accomplish in the upcoming fiscal year and how we’re going to meet those financial objectives. 

It’s such an optimistic thing to do. Looking ahead - opportunities abound. Exciting vibes.

I’m going to assess what I’ve done so far and think through what I want to accomplish and set some plans about how I can push this further.

It’s healthy (and there aren’t any rejections, yet).

Can’t wait!!