Talking Out of Turn

Being yourself at work can come easy for some but can be a challenge for most. The problem often lies in striking a balance between professional and fun. You don't want your coworkers to think you are dull outside of work, but at the same time, you want them to treat you like the boss babe that you are. Striking that balance is easy with the right work essentials. Here are a few of the many items you can pick up to show the office who you really are and (professionally) stand out from the crowd.  Coffee First, Then Work Getting through the morning is practically impossible without at least one (or two, or three) cups of liquid happiness: coffee. That magical bean juice is good for the soul, and if you’re like most, the day doesn’t officially start until after the first cup. Don't limit yourself to the boring mugs available in the break room. Instead, let all of your coworkers know how fun you are with inspirational or funny coffee mugs. Seek out one (or...

With spring upon us, if you're like most, you’re probably gearing up for your annual spring cleaning bonanza. Something about spring, whether it’s the air or the sounds of birds chirping, makes us want to start fresh and organize our stuff to declutter our lives. With that in mind, many of us find that even after all of our hard work, it’s difficult to stay organized even a few days after cleaning. This year make the habit stick. Here are a few tips you can use to enjoy a clutter-free work environment all year long.  Essentials Within Reach How much of the stuff on your desk do you actually use on a regular basis? Clutter can negatively impact your life by causing distractions, stress, and even anxiety. Many of us fall into the trap of having too much on our desk, thinking that we’ll need that stack of files, memo book, or collection of old coffee cups at some point (we won’t). Instead, cut out the clutter and keep only what you need to get your job done wit...

April 10 is National Encourage a Young Writer Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the magic of putting thoughts to paper (or Word docs) and truly expressing yourself. Having the literary gift to put words together is something truly worth celebrating, so if you know a young talent, make sure to take a moment to commend and encourage them. Here are a few gift ideas to celebrate the young aspiring writer in your life that will help inspire and motivate their passion.  Encouraging Pens From day to day, we could all use a little bit of encouragement to motivate us and reassure our passions. A writer could always use an extra pen since they have a habit of disappearing. There are endless options when it comes to the pencils and pens you can gift, from basic pens available in bulk to fancy fountain pens with a feather to boot. Strike a balance and shop for jotter pens with a touch of attitude through inspirational messages and phrases printed right on the barrel. Fr...

We've almost made it. With the temperatures rising, spring is just on the horizon and you're probably about due for a spring break trip. You've booked your plane tickets or planned the road trip route, and now the only thing left to do is stock up on some essentials. Besides the obvious sunscreen, flips flops, and swimsuit, your travel bag might be missing a few items that will enhance the trip. Here are some ideas: Hold My Drink Glassware isn't allowed on most sandy beaches, and using paper and other disposable cups for every drink is so un-environmentally conscious. Instead, you should get a reusable mug or tumbler cup that will keep your drinks frosty cold for hours. Reusable cups, mugs, and tumblers have come a long way in the last few years, and now they're a mainstay at parties and events. Pro tip: Pick one up that separates you from the sea of solid color cups, and grab one with a quirky message like "No Worries" or "Chill...

Getting a promotion or a new job is always an exciting occasion, and seeing your friend get one is just as exciting. A promotion or new job means that your pal is moving up in the world, and if you’ve been friends for a while, you’ve had the pleasure of watching them grow and succeed with every rung of the ladder they’ve climbed. To celebrate this momentous occasion, besides taking them out for drinks or dinner, you should get them a gift that will come in handy for the new gig—whether it's a tool to help them get things done faster or something to put a smile on their face during hectic workdays. Here are a few ideas to get your gift-giving mental gears turning. Keep Them Organized When your friend first starts their new job, their desk will be perfectly organized with every pencil, pen, and paper clip in its rightful place. They'll probably promise themselves that, unlike at their last job, they'll stay organized. Fast-forward a few weeks, and it...

Whether you use a purse, tote bag, or another type of bag, you're probably well aware of the organizational nightmares lurking inside these cute bags. Whether you're an organized person or not, losing things and digging around for stuff is a problem we all have to deal with from time to time. Just as you might plan to do some spring cleaning around your home, use this time as an opportunity to finally get your purse in order so you can spend less time digging through it just to find your headphones.  Lay It All Out The first step can be the scariest for many people, fearing what they might find hiding at the bottom of their otherwise cute bags . However, before you can create a perfectly organized purse, you need to start with a clean slate. So dump out your bag and face the clutter at the bottom of your purse. This will give you a clearer perspective of what you should carry with you and what can stay home—you might even find something you'd misplaced! ...

With the holidays over and as many people head back to school, the spring semester is the dreaded second half of the year that many people call the “spring semester slump.” It can be a challenge to get back in the groove of things after having a few weeks off from school, and with the promise of the warm summer sun so close yet so far away, staying focused on your goals and assignments can be a bigger challenge than in the fall. Luckily, there are ways to get over the spring semester slump that can even help you get more out of your time at school and maybe even make it enjoyable too. Here are a few tips to help get you through the spring semester. Stick to the Plan If your New Year's resolution was to be more organized and get more done, you're going to need a plan. You should schedule your assignments and start them as soon as possible. Procrastination can sneak up on you if you aren't careful, and what was once due in three weeks is now due before...