How to work from home

When I tell people I work from home I typically get one of five responses.
 - Oh that's awesome, I'm so jealous.
 - Tough commute huh?
 - Do you actually get any work done
 - Do you stay in your pajamas everyday?
 - What happened on Days last week, I missed it?

& my responses:
Oh that's awesome, I'm so jealous. - You should be, I'm basically living the dream.
Tough commute huh? - If Starbucks wasn't so far away it would make the commute much better.
Do you actually get any work done - Not really, they pay me to sit around and look pretty.
Do you stay in your pajamas everyday? - I wish, the dogs look at me funny if I don't get dressed.
What happened on Days last week, I missed it?  - The same thing that happened as last week but with MORE DRAMA! Can you believe it?

Ok, I kid; however, I have found that there are some keys to successfully working remotely.

Working from home can be awesome, and a wonderful tool to make all your friends jealous.  By eliminating your commute, you not only help the environment but provide an extra XX minutes in your day to accomplish all the other things you wish you were doing instead of sitting in traffic.  This point was especially true for me since my average commute was 90 minutes a day each way.  I have now gained an extra 3 hours in which I'm able to get a little more sleep, squeeze in a little longer run, and watch one more episode of Mad Men on Netflix.

You'll notice that I say I only gained 3 hours.  That is because, yes, I do in fact get work done.  I have been the top performing sales rep for my company since my first full quarter.  If you too would like to work from home, and be successful at it, you have to be diligent and self-motivated.

I still set my alarm and get out of bed.  I still shower AND get dressed. I walk down the two flights of stairs and plant myself at a desk complete with phone, internet, and absent a television.  I listen to the radio a little louder than I would in an office environment and I frequently have a dog (or two) curled up under my feet.

When I first had the opportunity to work remotely, at a previous company, I skipped most of these steps.  In fact, there were days when I found myself sitting in bed with the TV on and laptop by my side.  I noticed my performance suffering.  It was odd, it wasn't that I was working any less, I was just working less effectively.  That's when I decided regardless of where I'm working or what I'm doing you have to distinguish WORK from HOME.

I have a dedicated room and get dressed as if I'm going into an office, although I will admit we have more "casual" days here.  For example, this is what I work yesterday.

Complete with pearls & ballerina bun

Part of the challenge of working from home is the lack of separation.  You can find yourself working far more, or far less than you normally would.  I still take a lunch, mine just happens to include Days of Our Lives & laundry.  Just be sure to dedicate yourself to your work so you can continue to enjoy the pleasure of working remotely after all if you don't work hard, you'll eventually find yourself hardly working.

Happy Tuesday!

Forcing It...

The rest of the blogging world has spent the past few weeks begging for fall.
I have a hard time parting with summer every year.  I love the sun, shades, and golden glow of summer kissed skin.


After returning from Florida, I have made a concerted effort to embrace the change which is upon me; although, I must admit it feels like I'm forcing it.  I've ordered the pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks each day this week, and my pedicure included Lincoln Park After Dark instead a bright cheery color.

This weeks outfits:

Tuesday

I don't own these yellow Sperrys (yet); however, I'm lusting after them to help with my unwilling transition.  This week also brought the return of my fall makeup too.  Instead of brushing on a light coat of tinted moisturizer and mascara, I've added concealer and mineral powder back to the routine.

Wednesday

Each day I've tried to mix and match my fall and summer pieces.  So far, it's been fun; however, I hear the weatherman has quite a treat in store for us this weekend (brrrrrrr...65 sounds so cold)

Dear Summer, 
You are truly missed (already)!


Sincerely, 
G

If you feel like you're forcing yourself into fall, here are some things to look forward to and inspire you.

Boots

Layers

Autumn Colors

& Football!

Happy Labor Day

I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day off!

Enjoy the a happy and safe holiday.

{crafting.mom}

{coco.kelley}

Lessons learned from People Watching

Here I am ready to kick off my Labor Day weekend at the BWI airport. 

Airports are the best place to do some solid people watching. Well, maybe second to a mall or Wal-Mart depending what you're looking for.

You can watch families, friends, and couples interact.  I don’t personally know any of these people but I would guess they way they treat each other here is indicative of their overall relationship.

So far I have seen:

·       A daughter roll her eyes as she explained to her mother how to “fly stand by.”

·       A family laugh as they watched their flight pull away from the gate, without them on it.  Now they have time for breakfast, the father exclaimed.

·       A couple argue over carrying the bags.  The young man stood firm that if it was too difficult to carry her bags and walk expeditiously she should have packed less and chosen more practical shoes.

Which brings me to my next point.  Do people understand that an airport is a public place and not just an extension of their bedroom?

Trust me when I say, I am well aware that 6:00 am is early.  I would much rather be at home in my pajamas too; however, spare the rest of us from seeing your superman flannels.  I, and most likely the other flyers, am making snap judgments based off the way you are dressed. 

{this.is.glamorous}

From my people watching I have come up with some keys to flying stylishly, comfortably, and practically.  Hopefully these rules can help you get through security quickly, to your gate on time, and without everyone wondering if your house completely lacks mirrors.

1.     A female acquaintance of my father & frequent traveler once told me that she always dresses to impress when flying.  You never know if your future husband, business partner, client or customer will be sitting in the seat next to you.  With that being said we all know, you only have one chance to make a first impression.  Do you think someone so influential is going to talk to you if it appears you haven’t showered or taken the time to get dressed?

2.     Conversely ladies, you are not working the corner.  If your flight changes gates or you get caught behind the family of 12 that’s never flown, are you really going to run through the terminal in your 5-inch heels and mini skirt?  You could be Heidi Klum and that probably still would not be attractive.  Opt for something more practical, sophisticated and polished.

Even KK has problem with her shoes at airports.

3.     Let’s start with the shoes:  I usually opt for flip-flops, flats, or slides.  I’ve seen several ladies working the wedges this morning.  Whatever you choose remember that things happen; there is always the chance that you will end up having to rush, maybe even run through a terminal.  Additionally, you will have to remove your shoes at security.  It doesn’t matter how cute you look or how much they cost, so please don’t choose your Manolo lace-up boots that take 45 minutes and a friend's assistance to take off.

{fashion.by.he}

4.     While we are talking about going through security, you will have to go through a metal detector, this means you will need to remove your belt and excessive jewelry.  For our gentleman friends:  if you remove your belt and your pants fall down, you need new pants.  This is primarily a rule for life; however, it applies specifically to airports.  Ladies, I love a good set of bangles as much as the next girl but again – METAL DETECTORS.  I watched a woman walk by earlier with brightly colored, layered bangles.  They were the chunky plastic ones from the 80s.  GENIUS!

5.     Perfect Flight Attire:

·       Flying has become increasingly difficult over the past few years which often times makes for long days.  Choose something your comfortable in.  I prefer cotton - maxi dress during the summer, leggings and tunic for winter.  If you're pants dig into after sitting for an hour or your skirt is too short when you sit down they probably don't make the best flight attire.

·       In addition to a comfortable fabric and fit, I recommend dressing in layers.  If you're anything like me, you're probably cold on a flight.  Layers will also help you adjust to varying temperatures between departure and destination.  I ALWAYS carry a cardigan and sometimes even a blazer. 

6.     My final piece of advice is regarding your "personal item."  Ladies this is one of those times your b/f will love that oversized bag you call a purse.  Of course I use a rolling suitcase as my carry-on but I even take an overnight bag as my personal item; with the right one you can fit not only your laptop, purse, layering items, and reading material but also anything that didn't fit in your larger carry-on.

Look at how some of these celebs are rocking their airport style:

Cameron goes airport casual

Diane Argon is one of my newest girl crushes!

Jessica looks incredibly classy in pleather.

Rosie does it to me everytime.

& Finally here's what I chose to fly in today.  I'm no celeb but I think I did all right for myself!