Headquarters at Home

So your job has been outsourced, phased out, or recessionized...And you're laid-off, paid-off, or pissed-off. Well I'm not about to dole out job advice, but I can provide a few tidbits that will help you establish your home office or make it run smoother. After all looking for a new job is a job in and of itself.

#1. Carve Out A Space

If you do not have the luxury of a dedicated office space, consider setting up shop in a spare closet. Check out this transformation from Lowe's Creative Ideas. The home owner can conceal this space by simply closing the curtain when her work is complete!



#2. Organize!

An unorganized space can put a serious block on your creativity and can also rob you of your productivity. Just think about the time and energy you waste looking for necessary items in order to start or complete a project. Frustrating, right? One solution that helps me from becoming overwhelmed is to assign projects I am working on to storage boxes. This box from Ikea is stylish, affordable, and comes in numerous colors to coordinate with your decor.

Make your storage solutions perform double duty having both style and function. These magazine holders come in a spectrum of colors and add a splash of color to an otherwise drab bookcase.

Feeling crafty? Click here for an excellent magazine holder DIY project from Martha Stewart!


#3. Love It!

Make sure this is a space that reflects the things you love. This is where you are hopefully pursuing your passion. Be sure to position your desk so that you may look out of the window if you need an occasional distraction or frame photos of your loved ones in colorful frames to evoke positive feelings and combat stress. For instant artwork, consider framing your favorite quote, scripture, or whatever your source of inspiration.

Try adding whimsical desk accessories such as these gold paper clips found at most office supply stores or colorful thumbtacks to make tedious paperwork a little less mundane. One of my personal favorite accessories is this candy coated leather bound Webster's Dictionary which also makes a great gift!#4. Find a workday pleasure to break the monotony of the day.

Try drinking your coffee or tea out of a dainty teacup and saucer set you generally reserve for special occasions. And while you're at it, burn a candle or oil with an invigorating fragrance such Mandarine by Votivo (one of my personal favorites.) Most times in an office environment candles or oil burners are prohibited but now you make the rules. After all you are in the comforts of your own home.


Don't be bummed out if you've been pink-slipped. Kick the cubicle to the curb, get comfy at home, and make getting the job done a pleasurable experience everyday.

Eau de Parfum for the Home

Do you have a fragrance wardrobe? For me the answer is a resounding, yes! My personal fragrance aesthetic depends upon the occasion, mood, or the season. Now here is your assignment: Choose your signature fragrance, then dig a little deeper to discover its fragrance notes. This is a foolproof method of finding a signature fragrance for your home. Need a little more assistance? I’ve sniffed out the latest in fragrance technology, Scentsa (now available in your local Sephora store), which identifies fragrant notes found in various colognes. For example, if you are in a romantic mood, rev your olfactory engines with a candle or even a linen spray that contains warm, woodsy notes found in many men’s fragrances. For even more variety, try one with spicy oriental notes often found in women’s perfumes.
As for the sweet smelling body splashes and spritzers you own, save them for the kitchen. Besides, do you really want to walk around smelling like a gingerbread man? No need to toss them out, but repurpose them for another use. If you are trying to sell your home, use them as a home fragrance and spray the air before a showing. According to local real estate agents the smell of baked goods gives prospective buyers the feeling of comfort and familiarity. This tip is especially beneficial if your baking skills are not up to snuff. You will be pocketing cash from your sale in no time!
Where to shop? Try Candlebar & More Midtown 976 Piedmont Avenue for an array of affordable and long lasting smell goods. Got extra cash, splurge on a Linari reed diffuser in “Ciero.” They boast remarkable staying power (six months to one year) at $105 a pop. It’s dark, sleek design can double as room décor proving itself to be mantle-worthy or even earn a spot front and center on your coffee table.

To purchase, visit www.lafcony.com.