#BEDM Day 19: Workspace

Since I already showed you my workspace on Day 7 of BEDM I figured I could show you my ideal workspace. So lets start dreaming!

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What does your ideal workspace look like?

#BEDM Day 8: A Day in the Life

Usually a work day would be pretty dull to document but I actually did something after work today so not so bad at all. That and the whole election bloodbath made today interesting. 

Every morning during the week, I get up at 7 - an hour and twenty minutes before I need to get ready for work. This time is so important to me to relax with my breakfast, a cup of coffee and blogs to read. It really starts my day the right way. And there's usually at least one kitten on me - in this case two!

This is what I look at all day- my desk is where I work, eat and today checking the election stats!

So after work we headed to a nearby pub that had recently re-opened after a re-vamp. As I was driving I had a rose lemonade. How cute is that cactus?

Then it was off to a Chinese for some team bonding over noodles. I had duck spring rolls and seafood chow mein. Yum! The funny thing about this place was the background music. Everything from elevator music, to Sinatra and even the wedding march!

And the final stop on the tour was back to the pub to have some of their amazing dessert! I was really full so had a scoop of clotted cream ice cream (delish!). The others had cheesecake which looked amazing!

The slices were massive - they could have been doorstops. The snickers cheesecake was absolutely amazing according to my colleague and after sneaking a taste - I had to go buy myself a slice to take home for tomorrow!

Time to head home and put together this post! I usually end up doing a blog post with at least one kitten on me again. Pretty much my world now pairs my laptop with a furry creature. They go hand in hand. 

This is usually about the time Topher arrives home from work, so after a chat it's off to bed for all of us. She's always watching!

So how was your day?

My Morning Routine

Ever since we moved back to Manchester, I have gotten into the habit of not cringing when the alarm goes off. For a start, it's two hours later than what it used to be in Peterborough. I will not miss that 5am beeping. The bags under my eyes are breathing a sigh of relief and are hopefully disappearing slowly but surely.

Waking up is now something I'm happy to do and I've been honing my morning routine over the last three months to give me the get up and go that I need to tackle the day. As I live so close to work I could actually get away with setting the alarm for 8, even 8.30 if I was feeling daring. This is what I used to do in London when I lived the same distance from my job. But there was something about that which was leaving me unsatisfied with the rest of the day.

Flashback to 2011 before I started this blog. I worked at New Look which was varying shifts starting from 7am to 5pm. This wreaked havoc with my body. It didn't help that I stayed up late and woke up just before I would need to leave for my shift, no matter what time it started - even 5pm. This is something I advise against as it leaves you feel like you're on the never ending treadmill of work, eat, sleep. Just horrible.

Even though I'm now on a schedule (9-5 baby) I cannot get away with that same attitude of just waking up to get ready for work and go. So from the week that I begun my new job, I started waking up at 7.30am. This gave me time to shower, have a leisurely breakfast and read some blogs for about 50 minutes before getting ready to leave for work. Nice. This combined with me making sure I'm in bed by 10.30 has been such a life changer. No feeling guilty if I happen to stay up a little later because as long as I'm asleep by midnight, I get at least 7 hours sleep.

But recently, especially since getting the kittens, I decided that I could get so much more done if I got up at 7am. That would give me an hour and 20 minutes of free time before having to go to work. Think of the things I could get done in that time. Reading about morning routines of successful people tends to be full of meditation and yoga but I think it's about finding what works for you. Maybe I could use my wii fit (after wiping the 3 years of dust off it) or schedule some blog posts or tidy the house. Do the things I'm too tired (lazy) to do when I get home.

I find that I'm the kind of person who gets most motivated when I'm unable to do what I want. Ideal isn't it? Finding myself thinking about things I could blog about while I'm at work is my worst attribute. So many yellow post-its are floating inside my bag. And then I lose my motivation by the time I put my key in my front door. So if I get up a bit earlier than I can get through all the things that I feel like doing during the day. Morning appears to be a time when I feel like getting things done - yep, I was surprised too.

So I'm going to continue this little experiment of mine and see what I can get done when I wake up early in the morning. Are you with me?

What's your morning routine?

365 Project: September Edition

 1st: Sunset part 1, 2nd: Sunset part 2, 3rd: Unusual pencil sharpener, 4th: Llama biscuit.

5th: Converse, 6th: Books, 7th: Be yourself, 8th: Sunset part 3.

9th:Fleeting first class train life, 10th: Silly texts part 1, 11th, Silly texts part 2, 12th: Assassin's Creed-esque man with face tattoos.

13th: Disney holiday dreams, 14th: Quote, 15th: Special parking, 16th: Fog.

17th: Derp, 18th: Flower power, 19th: Graffiti, 20th: Motivation.

21st: Classic Car boot London, 22nd: Jewellery, 23rd: Beginnings of the worst cheesecake ever, 24th: Fat ring, thin ring.

25th: Jewellery, 26th: Operation Raccoon is a go! 27th: Cat selling fruit on our road, 28th: It's upgrade time,

29th: Chocolate truffle tart, 30th: Traffic.

I have to admit that this month was a difficult one. I didn't do much at all. Be prepared for a lot of work and home shots. As of the end of September, I now drive 2 hours to work. Just looking for the light at the end of the tunnel which should be visible by the end of next week. Come on operation raccoon! Don't ask, Topher named it. 

How was your month?

Life right now

I'm tired. Like seriously tired. I now have permanent bags under my eyes. I think I'm close to breaking point. One of these days I won't get out of bed to go to work. I'll just stay in and try to forget that I don't get paid sick days.

But today is not that day. I'll keep trudging on. I'll keep travelling four hours a day for a company that don't give a damn about their employees. For a company that gives the minimum pay, holidays and expect the world for nothing in return. The worst thing is, the final nail in the coffin; paying over half your wages just to get to said job.

I'm tired of walking around like a zombie during the week and wasting my weekends away sleeping. It feels like this past year of my life has passed by so quickly and I haven't done much with it. I just want to go home. I finally know where home is and it's not here.

5 steps to well being #worklifebupa

Last week I was invited by DigitasLBi to attend the #worklifebupa event to learn about achieving a good work life balance. I figured since I spend a lot of time juggling work, commuting, my two blogs (yes, there's two now - more on that soon!), as well as making time for friends, family and just relaxing, it would be a good learning experience. That and they said there would be food. 

 

It was at the DigitasLBi which is just off Brick Lane in London and there was networking with other bloggers, drop in SEO sessions with the experts, as well as talks by people from Bupa, Mindapples & A Lady in London.

 The main aspect of the evening that stuck out for me was during the talks when Amanda from Mindapples discussed the 5 steps to well being.

The mindapples tree

The idea was to write down your 5 a day things that make you happier

1. Connect
2. Be active
3. Take notice 
4. Keep learning
5. Give

To be interpreted how you wish. It makes sense - things like take notice is a big one to me. Everyday you see so many people not looking up from their chosen electronic device when they're out and about. It's a bit sad, but we're all guilty of it. I read blogs on the train to and from work but recently I make sure to look out the window as well so I'm not just staring at a screen the whole day. The scenery is so beautiful!

I also enjoyed the other two talks. Julie from Lady in London was a very interesting woman who informed us that sometimes you have to say no when it comes to work. I certainly wouldn't mind doing that! Her lifestyle sounded amazing but terribly tiering as well so it's even more important to get that work/life balance. 

And Stuart from Bupa made me realise how different Britain is from the rest of Europe in terms of our working day. There are other ways then 9-5. I really agree that a long working day isn't always the most productive. He also put into perspective that every week is 168 hours long. Weird to think of it that way, right? That makes me want to choose more wisely in future. 

After the talks I had a wander and tried out some of the delicious food and drink that was on offer. 

I had a smoothie from Speakeasy which frankly was delicious! It was called the wake-up (which I needed after being up since 5.30am) and had coffee, frozen yoghurt, almond milk, flaxseed and cinnamon in it. I seriously need another one of those. 

My eyes lit up when these Portuguese tarts were placed on the table. I had to swipe an extra on the way out - and that was me restraining myself!

Not sure why DigitasLBi have a badger in their offices but I dig it. 

Overall, it was a very informative evening and I met some lovely people too. I wish I could have stayed longer to chat but I had to run to catch my train home. Thanks DigitasLBi, Bupa and the other speakers for a great evening!

Outfit Post: Staying cool

It has been a scorcher of a week hasn't it? Even with the rain and thunderstorms. It's been a bit of a challenge dressing for both the weather and the office. Especially my office which has no windows of AC. It got up to 29 degrees last Friday. Anyway, the short shorts and tiny t-shirt you wear around the house at the weekend won't cut it for that commute and that workplace environment. So here's my formula for staying cool on the tube.

Vest: Charlotte Russe, Skirt & Sandals: Primark, Necklace: Reborn @ New Look

A skirt of a decent length (how very grandma of me!) because who wants to be flashing their knickers at everyone on the escalators as you go up?

A top with no sleeves - very important. One that doesn't show too much cleavage but still not overheating yourself. The central line is particularly bad in the evening rush hour.

Sandals - I don't know about you but my feet get overheated very easily. So sandals are essential if you're lucky to work in an office that will let you. Just watch out for those ladies in stilettos (ouch!).

A hair tie of some kind - if you have long hair like me, it's a god-send when your hair is sticking to your back in a sweaty office. 

And finally, minimal jewellery. I kind of break the rule with this outfit by having a necklace which I wouldn't normally recommend. If you want jewellery then I say go for earrings. They're not as plastered to your skin as necklaces are. 

What are your tips for staying cool and corporate at the same time?

365 June Edition

I think it would be better for everyone if I just made my 365 project into a monthly edition. So much less hassle - which leaves more time for fun! This was my June:

Getting some blog stuff done on the train, Topher being silly, Happiness is getting a seat on the tube, Someone brought a friend, Silly conversations, Wind turbines, Peterborough Cathedral, The tree that looked like a sloth, Managed to loose 4lbs in a week!, Pretty skirt, New project, Just my watch, Another pretty skirt, Blognix!, Birmingham Library, Strawberries, Giant bug, Pretty flower, Family catch ups, Delicious food, London to Brighton trek start, London to Brighton trek end (not at the finish line), Brighton breakfast, Sunflowers, Kings Cross, My birthday flowers, PCs are annoying, Lady Dinah's cat cafe - post coming soon!, Juice named after a friend, Pretty skies.

How was June for you?

365 Project: May edition

I still managed to get through my 365 project during May but of course couldn't post it due to my BEDM challenge. So here we are, a months worth of photos. Boom.

Being lazy, texting about toothpaste #wesocool, chocolates!, Primark binge, Cinco de mayo nails, another leaving party, all the stapling in the world to do, veggie couscous, being lazy, trying to defrost a chicken using sunlight, hampstead heath, sandwich, vintage postcard, peanut butter dessert, outfit post, Jay-z memes a go go, goodbye London flat, plumbing is not my forte - tape is, Primark goodies,  Hogwarts?, working hard, Topher's new love, more work, attempting to cook, Peterborough walking, pretty sky, apparently you can make your screen turn upside down on a PC, even more work, commuting times, never let Topher borrow my phone, fritatta. 

How was your May?

#BEDM: DAY 21: Dream Workspace

My ideal situation would be to work from home. But then, isn’t that any bloggers dream? I’d love to make money blogging, illustrating, making jewellery and just being overly creative every day. Wouldn't that be nice?

I’ve been dreaming of my ideal work environment for years and in the last three, Pinterest has fueled my desire for my own workspace. One day people, one day. For now, take a looksie at my favourites:

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I think it's mainly the fairy lights that are making me happy in this one. So pretty!

My ideal office if it were to be in my house would have all my work stuff on one side, then a massive long rail down the other wall where I'd keep all my clothes. Kind of like this one from A Beautiful Mess:

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In my ideal office, above the rail would have a shelf for handbags, and below would be a long shoe rack. Sigh. 

Plus I would certainly need lots of shelves:

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And finally, a great source of inspiration for me is Scathingly Brilliant's office:

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I just adore all the art work on the walls. Go check out her blog - she recently moved and has been posting tours of her new place. Oh the pastels! :) 

What does your dream workspace look like?

#BEDM DAY 16: A Day in the life

Or maybe not. Maybe I was so busy that I didn't take any photos during the day...though it wouldn't have been particularly interesting. I've been at work. I've been at work sticking down packaging that one of our suppliers didn't think to do. So that would have been pretty dull. Then this evening - my final evening living in London will be spent packing up the two thirds of the flat we haven't packed yet. Very dull again. 

I could have switched todays topic with tomorrows, but to be honest I'll be too busy moving out. So I'll just quickly describe my Monday to Friday life.

I work in a jewellery buying office so spend my day doing administrative tasks and looking at jewellery. 

Small things eh?

 I wake up at about 7am everyday and have my breakfast while catching up on blogs. Then I get ready for work and start at 8.30am. Finishing at 5pm, I rush home to my empty flat (the bf worked evenings) and make dinner. Blogs are written, programs caught up on then usually procrastination until the bf got home at 11pm. Then bed. How exciting! Makes you understand why I live for the weekend. 

Now that we're moving, this will be pretty similar only with a couple of hours commuting added. But the bf won't be working evenings anymore - yay!

Well done if you've read this far, imaginary gold star for you! 

365 Project: Week 13

This week's post now features two different countries and two different months. Oh how exciting! That sounds sarcastic...I didn't mean for it to sound sarcastic. 

March 26th

Joking with the girls at work

March 27th

Made diet coke chicken again. Yummy!

March 28th

Work leaving do

March 29th

Arrived in Jordan

March 30th

Flat hunting with the family for our new "base". I could literally fit my London apartment in half of this room! We eventually picked something smaller that was more "us".

March 31st

Attempted to sit in my cousin's hanging chair. Very awkward and made me feel old, ha ha. 

April 1st

Bought all the strawberries in the world. For like a third of the price you would get in the UK. Strawberries (any berries in fact) are ridiculously expensive, am I right?

How was your week?

Welcome to Jordan

When my alarm woke me at 5am on Saturday I covered my head with my duvet. Why oh why did I stay out late last night? It was one of the girls at work's leaving party and I had promised myself I would leave at 10pm. Latest. You have a flight to catch in the morning Diane, you're being picked up at 6am and still need to wrestle your evening dresses into your overflowing suitcase. I blame the person who bought another bottle of champagne. 

So was it worth it? Totally. I had a great time and still successfully caught my flight that morning.Win.

I have been coming to Jordan every summer to visit my family since before I can remember and apparently it's been over 20 years since we last came in the month of April. I couldn't believe my eyes as we drove out of the airport. So green!

That evening, loads of the family came round and we had mezze. Damn I missed this food!

The next day, we headed out and I spotted these beauties along our travels!

Welcome to Amman, Jordan.

Have you ever been?