“You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.” – Diane von Furstenberg

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately, and this quote really speaks to me. Throughout the season of Lent, one of the things I am really focusing on is not letting others affect me. Something else I am doing is donating one item a day to a local charitable organization. I am not limiting this to clothing items, but anything in the house I believe someone else would benefit more from having, I am donating. Examples include pots and pans, baking sheets, shoes, clothes, books, bedding, blankets, decor items, and baby stuff.

One Dress, Worn 3 Ways

I’ve found it to be extremely beneficial when buying dresses for work to consider all of the different ways I can mix and match it. For example, I never look at the dress and assume the only way I will wear it is on it’s own. I think you will get the most use of out a dress when you can mix and match with different shoes, leggings, jackets, cardigans, accessories, etc. Below, I am wearing one of my FAVORITE dresses that I’ve picked up so far for spring. It is pink and tweed with just a little bit of fringe on the bottom. This dress is the perfect example for mixing and matching. I wore Look 1 to work this past week when it was still chilly outside, with leggings, booties, and a tight fitting long sleeve black top. Look 2 is wearing it as is with nude pumps, perfect for a warm spring afternoon. And Look 3 is ready for a business meeting with a black jacket and black heels. Other ways to style this dress could be wearing some sort of spring scarf, a colorful cardigan, leggings and no long sleeve top, wedges, blush colored heels, etc.

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

The Ultimate Cuff

After the babies were born, I got an Apple watch. It came in such good use when I was feeding a baby (or both,) trying to change them, or just didn’t want to move because the feeling of holding your newborn baby is the best feeling in the world and when they fall asleep on you, you just sit there and enjoy the moment. I could talk on the phone, read my text messages, track my steps, receive news alerts, etc. I also have a Michele watch that I used to wear to work every day, so it kind of felt like I was going from Posh Spice to Sporty Spice when I returned to work. At the time, I was so new to wearing an Apple watch, I didn’t even know there were third party retailers who made professional and stylish looking bands. But, because our phones are super creepy and know everything we are thinking, an advertisement for The Ultimate Cuff kept popping up on Instagram. After a few months of wondering if it was worth it, I gave in and bought it and while it has both pros and cons, I definitely do feel more professional and stylish when wearing this band versus the one the watch came with. The pros are what I just mentioned: professional and stylish looking. Also, it comes with a pretty nifty storage pouch for transporting and storing so you don’t scratch it. The cons are that sometimes the clasp loosens up and the cuff becomes loose on my wrist. It hasn’t fallen off, but it is kind of annoying when I have to tighten it up. Also, it isn’t for working out. So, because I work out at lunch, I have to remember to bring my other band and switch them out for my work out. Bottom line, I have been pleased with it and am glad that I bought it. The pros outweigh the cons in this situation for me.

Healthy Office Habits Final Review

Over the last several weeks, I’ve discussed some of the habits you can develop that will lead to a healthier lifestyle at work. I wanted to take this week to do a final review of these habits.

Walking

Take breaks throughout the day to go on walks. Not only does it help clear your mind and give your eyes a break from looking at your computer screen, but it also does wonders for your health. Think of it as a “Health Break” (kind of like a smoke break but with actual healthy side effects.) It also gives you time to build relationships with coworkers. In my office, there is a group of about six of us that go on daily walks, once in the morning and afternoon. Click here to read the original post about walking.

Water

Drink up! Aim to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces. For example, a 200 pound person would aim to drink 100 oz of water. This will vary based on your activity level and certain goals. Find a water bottle that you like and carry it with you all the time. In the car, at your desk, to the gym, on the way home, at daycare, etc. I promise it will help. My favorite is this Camelback water bottle. It is seriously my favorite, and if you’ve followed me for a while, you have probably noticed the green water bottle in pics going back to when I was pregnant. Click here to read the original post.

Meal Prep

Bring your food to work. If you remember back to this post, I definitely do not encourage spending your entire weekend prepping food for the week. I mean, we are busy people with busy lives and want to ENJOY time away from work, so make it simple. Here is a sample meal prep day for me:

Breakfast: English muffin, laughing cow cheese wedge, boiled egg, Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning

Lunch: 3 oz shredded chicken or ground turkey, broccoli, asparagus, half a Wholly Guacamole cup with amino acids

Snack: Quest bar

Dinner: Pesto Pizza with a side of mushrooms

Dessert: Enlightened Ice Cream

Y’all, there really is not much to prep at all. So I’m serious when I say make it simple. Not only will your waistlines thank you, but your wallets as well.

De-Stress

Your iPhone, which is probably in your near proximity as we speak, is capable of doing so much these days. One really neat thing you can do with it is use an app to help you destress and find your calm. Apps such as Calm, Breathe, and Headspace can help you slow down and focus on your breathing. In this fast paced world we live in, it is imperative to take a few minutes a day for yourself. Click here to read the original post.

What are some of the things you do at work to stay healthy? I’d love to hear in the comment section 🙂

Well friends, that is it. Have a great week and look for me on the ‘gram. I’ll be posting work outfit inspo daily with it all linked to my Shop My Insta page.