Showing posts with label keurig. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keurig. Show all posts

Monday, November 22, 2010

Rainy Day Projects

This weekend we woke up to cloudy skies, rain and what San Diegans would consider 'chilly' weather. (our Bostonian friends are rolling their eyes...) And while I loved that it gave me a chance to put on my boots and hat, it also gave me permission to spend Saturday morning in my pjs with a hot glue gun, loads of ribbon and a giant cup of coffee. (Holiday box for Keurig of course!).

Two years ago, a couple days after my wedding, my good friend (from ReadySetWife- check it out!) and I were lounging on Coronado Beach- the same beach my husband had proposed on. While dipping our toes in the water, we each found a full sand dollar. We were thrilled! Then we suddenly found another. Wow, what are the chances!? Wait, then another and another.... I think you know where this is going. It was like we stumbled upon a sand dollar graveyard. You had to look carefully as the tide rolled out for 'bumps' in the sand that caused a ripple in the water and then jump on it.  Here I was, with a friend who I rarely see, who lives 3000 miles away and we weren't even talking.  We became so fixated on these sand dollars- collecting them and then bringing them back to our blanket, methodically lying them out- that I'm very sure we became 'those crazy ladies' to others at the beach.

It left me with a very happy memory of my wedding week and the friends who flew across the country to spend the occasion with us- AND- a bucket full of sand dollars sitting in a cupboard. Until now. Twenty of them (a fraction of what I have) would become dangling ornaments- painted  gold and adhered to festive ribbon.  Deciding it needed a bit more, I hand stamped muslin bags and this became the packaging.  It was nice to take a tiny departure from jewelry to enjoy a rainy Saturday morning project.  The rain has since lifted and it's back to jewelry- with of course one thing remaining the same- that giant cup of coffee.
(PS. What's YOUR Rainy day project?)

Monday, May 3, 2010

Get dressed.

I had a request to post photos of where I work here on the blog and since it's not everyday I get a request,  I am happy to do so.  Right now, I work in a studio/office out of my house, which is basically one room I have taken over.  Since the people who work for me work out in the field, this set up suits me. I spend most of my time between the chair at my jewelry desk and the chair at my computer desk. I'm sure I switch chairs at least 10 times a day.  I had my studio/office painted yellow because I love the color and wanted something bright and cheery.
I've been doing the 'work from home' scenario now for 3-4 years and I've definitely learned a few things. I thought I'd post some tips for working from home as well as some huge misconceptions:

Gonna work from home? Here are some things that help me survive:
- Have a set wake up time in the morning and get up. Then get dressed. And not in sweats.
- Have a routine or schedule. I do all of my 'me' stuff in the morning- workout, check personal emails, run an errand.  I know once I start working, Ill never get that stuff in.
- Make sure your workspace is defined. If you have receipts on the kitchen table, product on the coffee table, and packing materials on the dining table it's just going to be more chaotic.'
-Make time for breaks and force yourself to set aside time where you are not looking at work. This is a tough one for me.
- Coffee maker. I can't live without my Keurig.

And here are a few things to consider:
-It's lonely. Something I did not anticipate. I love people and when it's just me and Lucca, well- sometimes the dog gets an ear full.
-You wear a LOT of hats. There are plenty of times I wish I could call the "IT" guy. Instead, Im usually on hold with HP or have my fax machine in pieces.
- You never 'go home' since you are already there. Stir-crazy anyone??

That said, there are aspects I love and you might too! Have any tips I didn't mention? Share!