Hello, my friend!
Here are a few essential items that have helped me work-wise. If you haven’t already, definitely check out my Work from Home Tips for ways to remain productive while working from home. If you are like me, I need a few (maybe a handful of) things to help my workspace feel like my own – which helps me enjoy work just that much more! Some of these items also help me get through the workload also. I hope you find some goodies to add to your space!
This is your space, make it your own!
ONE: Desk – I bought mine from Target, but it is no longer for sale. This one is similar; it has a simple look with the wooden top and metal legs.
TWO: Decorations – I love having photos of my husband and kiddos to look at while I’m working. As a trainer, I often introduce myself and tell about my family, then in forewarn about tons and tons of stories to come! Ha.
THREE: Faux succulent plants – doesn’t have to be faux though! I am a “succer” for succulents, I have them literally all over my home! I couldn’t not have one my desk. And in fact, I have three! One elephant, one on a planter stand, and the third one is actually a pen holder also!
FOUR: iPhone Holder – and it comes in pink! I have really been enjoying this phone stand. I can sit my phone vertical or horizontal and at any angle! It even has a hole for your charger!
FIVE: Pen Holder – I picked up this faux succulent pencil cup from Office Depot for $7 – it was such a great price! Keep reading below for my favorite pens! Succulent pencil cup
SIX: Sticky Notes Holder – Speaking of my sticky notes’ holder, I had an old acrylic one from my old office space. I love how it looks on my training podium next to my succulent pencil cup.
SEVEN: Mouse Pad – A cute mouse pad is definitely a nice touch to a computer space! And what I love about it is it’s similar to a phone case – in my opinion – where you can change your mousepad every so often for a nice refresher in your workspace, and oftentimes they’re under $7 on Amazon!
Create your morning routine!
ONE: French Press Coffee Maker – I have been loving this French press! My girlfriend got it for me for Christmas and I love it. I wasn’t the one who made coffee before work… although it is definitely cost effective if you are! But now that I am working from home, I cannot go a morning without coffee. It’s like a mental thing for me, I suppose.
TWO: Coffee Mug – You can’t have too many coffee mugs, in my opinion. Start a collection, if you haven’t already! (I bought mine from Target but couldn’t seem to link it.)
THREE: Hydroflask – I didn’t used to be a water bottle, kind of gal before, but now we have a family of hydroflasks! Although they are pricey, after using my sister’s I fell in love. I bit the bullet and had to get my daughter her own pink one. We love how it keeps our coffee hot (her hot cocoa warm) and our water nice and cold. They will last us for a while!
FOUR: Comfortable Tops – While working from home, I am not the one “dressing” for work. I am not in my pajamas (although that would be nice), but I do like to change into a nice, comfortable shirt for the day.
FIVE: Concealor – Find yourself your own trusty concealer and just a few dots in certain places will make you feel ready to take on the day!
SIX: Mascara – That can go for your own trusty mascara also. I just love a fresh coat of mascara and waken my eyes; you will never catch me without any on!
Create your schedule!
ONE: Planner – I found this Essential Monthly & Weekly planner through @plannerpeep’s YouTube channel and I am so happy I did! I have had my share of different planners and it seemed after 3-4 months, I’d slowly but surely “fall out of love” with it and no longer use it. This particular planner works great for work! It starts off the week on Monday and leaves smaller spaces for the weekend. It also has the broken into two parts: one part for notes/to-do lists and the second part for a hourly calendar. I love it! (It also comes in the 7×9 size; that’s the one I have and I love it!)
TWO: Planner with Stand – Remember my share of different planners? Well, I did very much enjoy this particular planner, but after about a month I gifted it to my girlfriend (it’s undated and I did not write ahead) and it works great with her daily/weekly planning style. I picked the blue color!
THREE: Refillable Notebook – I am such a picky note taker… I just can’t help it. But this notebook is a game changer! I love that it comes with dividers and the pages are moveable! I can literally take the page out and add it into a different section. I love that! The “executive” size is the perfect size and the leather looks professional! I have gotten so many compliments in meetings and have bought two more for my sister and friend!
FOUR: Laptop Messenger Bag – I love this bag! I used to carry my planner by its self or sometimes carry a larger lunch tote to carry all of my work things. Nope, not anymore! I picked up this laptop bag and love it. It fits my laptop, planner, pencil pouch and there’s still space!
FIVE: Wall Calendar – I love a nice, big wall calendar. I personally enjoy writing birthdays, anniversaries, various celebrations along with my recurring work tasks. It’s nice to walk in, see the calendar and have a sneak peek into my day (or week!).
SIX: Clock – I was literally about to purchase this clock for my training room, primarily for the wireless charger! The wood pattern is cute, and a quick glance at a LED clock would be great in class!
Other work essentials!
ONE: Favorite Pens – My favorite pen, hands down, is the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pen in 0.7. Oh, my! If you have not yet tried this pen, whenever you get a chance, head into your local craft or office store to test these babies out! I literally have two in each of the blue shades, probably three or four (or more!) in black, and one of each of the remaining colors. And if you like a more daintier writing style, try the 0.5 size!
TWO: Favorite Highlighters – Zebra Highlighter Mildliners – If you have not heard of these “mildliners” and you are a highlighting-note-taker, you need to! The “mild” colors are easier on the eyes, and these have dual tips – a thicker end for highlighting and a thinner end for writing titles or notes.
THREE: Pencil Case – I’ve had this pencil case for probably a year and a half now, maybe longer, and it’s been great! I love how it has a mesh pocket in the front, a middle divider that has an elastic holder for my favorites, and tons of space in the back!
FOUR: Blue Light Glasses – Why did it take me so long to get onto this blue light glasses craze? I love it! Even my husband loved it and stole the second pair! It has definitely made a difference working on a computer all day, my cell phone and then my laptop – such a game changer!
FIVE: Essential Oils – I also am behind on the essential oils craze, too! I personally picked up a trio (energy, immunity, sleep) from Target, and I have been really enjoying them. I like to roll the energy one onto my wrists in the mornings, then use my wrist to rub a little behind my ears and my temples. If I start to feel fatigued or a cough, I’ll use the Immunity one. I am not sure if it’s completely working, but hey, I have not gotten sick since using it!
SIX: Headset with Mic – Lastly, for my home work space, I did need a headset with a mic. And guess what? Luckily my husband had an old wireless gaming headset! How neat! I charged it up, connected it to my computer and my calls sounded crystal clear. It was a little funny when I first showed it to my coworkers (coming from caller-center style headsets at work), but hey, it’s fun to use and sounds great!
Phew! That was a lot and certainly, these are collected over some time, but I hope you found something you’d enjoy in your workspace! Let me know your favorite work items in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you’re enjoying – maybe I can, too! Take care and I’ll talk to you soon!