Dailywear Thursday

In order to reinforce my new habit (dressing for work at the home office), which I'm doing to create my intention of more focused work throughout the day, I'm sharing my outfit every work day for a week. Today I'm wearing some favorites; Feist concert tee (American Apparel), pink flowy skirt (Moon Collection), diamond print leggings (Charlotte Russe), vintage Chanel earring, re-purposed as a brooch.

Photo by Papersheep

The home office

Working from home can be a challenge. Especially for me with the kitchen so close by, and the ability for endless coffee, tea, and snacks. There is also the isolation factor. A few things I've picked up in the last few weeks have helped keep me on task.
A scheduled start time. Just because nobody is checking to see if you're late doesn't mean sleeping in will get that design out the door, or the taxes filed etc. I start everyday with breakfast at the kitchen table and then sit down in front of the computer by 10am.
A scheduled break. I run every day, two miles to and from the neighborhood park. I tried to do this in the morning, but it just wasn't working, so now it's scheduled everyday at 2pm. It's far enough into my day that I feel accomplished, and far enough from the end time, that I can use that burst of energy to push through the rest if the day.
Ambient noise for concentration. I'm in the habit of turning on NPR while I prepare and eat breakfast. But that is usually enough news for the day, so once I'm at work, I switch to podcasts while I design, and music plus Coffitivity (gentle sounds of a coffee shop with volume control) when I need to think. Current favorite podcasts are: This American Life, Radiolab, 99% Invisible, and The Moth story hour.
Every now and again, if it's not a week where I visit the studio, I'll still visit a coffee shop, just for the human interaction.

Papersheep HQ

After a year and half of saving $ on rent, my roommate has moved out and I now have a whole room open! It's complete with a view of the big tree in the backyard, which is so lovely to watch year round. Over the past few days I've been working to transform this room into a home office where Papersheep can continue to grow. Already I've given the space a fresh coat of paint, including this Citra Lime color from Benjamin Moore on one accent wall, and moved in my desk and tools. Now I'm working on the finishing touches. Currently I'm dreaming of this simple white modern bookcase from Ikea and this Karma Living throw (with anti-slip padding) as a floor rug. Still need a lamp shade or cover for the ceiling light. Stay tuned for the before and after!