Oh The Places You Will Work

If you're anything like me, and I suspect you are - you have a job. At this sometimes delightful place where you work, you probably work with other people, right? For those of you who are stay at home parents or work from home luckies, this doesn't really apply to you, but I suggest reading on. You never know when you'll find something entertaining or helpful (and I'm aiming for both!)

I work for an awesome company, in an absolutely beautiful office. With that being said, it is a small office of just a handful of people. We see each other for hours on end with, at times, minimal outside interaction.  Since we here at NattilyNatalie discuss fashion, fare, and FORM - let's go over a few handy tips to make your work life a little less frustrating... and maybe a little more fun!

Work Selfies Happen

Starting You Day

- Have you noticed some people park in the same spot everyday? Don't take their spot. Some people are very particular. There is always plenty of parking (or even company or city assigned spots). Keep those in mind.

- Some people are morning people. Some people are not. Some people need a lot of coffee to function. Those of us who are morning people (Oh, oh! Meeee!) sometimes need to make a little effort to keep our water cooler chatter to a minimum, until your usual work companion is ready for pleasantries. 

- Did you fight traffic on your way in? Me too. Everyday. Glad to hear a little about it, but there is little need to discuss bad traffic every morning adnasum. 

- Having a bad morning? Fight with your significant other? Hungover? Leave it at the door. If you can't,  give a quick "hey guys, I'm going to have a bit of a quiet morning." Your coworkers will understand.

- Altenatively, if you have a normally chatty coworker who is acting a little odd, a quick "Everything okay?" Is more than okay. But please make sure to give them space if they need it. They may not want to share details with you. 
- If you're grabbing coffee, donuts, danishes, whatever for breakfast of a snack - don't be a jerk. Ask if anyone else wants something.

Day-to-day

- Hey guess what? You are at work to work... So I actually recommend doing that for the majority of the time your are in your office, if not the whole time. Coworker interaction is inevitable. Feel free to be friendly or brief - it's about your comfort level. You definitely want to be pleasant, but don't be afraid to end a conversation.

- It's really normal and natural to have a little crush on a client or coworker. DO NOT ACT ON IT. Seriously. It's the best way to ruin your career. 

- If someone (be it coworker or client) is making you uncomfortable, say something to them. Or your manager. Or their manager. Key point: tell someone.

- Are you the one in control of the music at your office? Lucky you. May I advise, play it softly. No one wants to have to yell over your uns-ing house music, nor do the want to have to try to think around it. Keep it PG, keep it quietish, and please don't play the same 5 songs over and over again. 

- If you are sneakily watching videos, don't try to make everyone else watch them. Especially if they are inappropriate. Even if you don't find them inappropriate. 

- Don't whistle or sing along to the music. Zero people want to hear it. Zero.

- Try to keep your bodily activities (post lunch brushing and flossing, nose blowing, etc.) in the restroom. Seriously. Kinda gross. Yes, we all do it. But eugh. 

- Can I second that recommendation of brushing and/or flossing post snack/lunch/whatever?  Especially if you had a fragrant curry or a giant bowl of hummus (I'm certainly guilty of eating both). Regardless of the space you are working in, you probably have another human who has to come near your work space, and people have sensitive noses. You get my gist. 

- Don't mess with the air conditioning. If you are cold and everyone is cold, fix it. But if someone is complaining about being hot and you are freezing, go ahead and bring a sweater or jacket into the office. I recommend a light wool blend.  ... I live in Florida. The coldest it gets here is in August - because everyone's A/C is set to 64 degrees. 

- Keep your eyes on your own work. Unless someone invites you to look or asks you how to do something, consider it Noneya. (As my lovely friend M says, it's Noneya Business).
- If you're going to be on your phone, try to be subtle. No one wants to see their employee blatantly off task. Use the restroom, like everyone else.

End of The Day

- We're all in a rush to get home. It doesn't hurt to chip in and be a team player. But, if someone says no, don't pressure them into letting you help. They might be working on a confidential project or want the extra time at the office.

- If you office is going for a group outing post work unless you are ill or out of the office - you MUST go. It can be a great thing for your career. Though keep in mind, these are coworkers, not your best friends. Keep it appropriate.

- Last, whatever you do, don't cut anyone off in the parking lot. Not cool.

To review: keep it PC, be conscientious to your coworkers, and for the love of all things holy, DON'T whistle. 

What's For Dinner: One Pot Turkey & Bean Chili

The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but yum! This recipe has been handed down from my great grandfather (seriously) to my grandmother, who shared it with her daughter-in-law (my mother). The best part about this dish, besides it being really yummy, is that it is incredibly easy to personalize to your flavor palette. My grandmother makes it a hearty beef and tomato chili, my mother a spicy, low sodium turkey chili, and my sister makes it vegan! I personally am a huge fan of beans in my chili, but I also make mine a white chili. 

Technically it's name could be One Pot Three Bean White Turkey Chili. We all know it's an absurd name, so we just call it chili. 

For my One Pot White Chili, here's what you'll need:

1 lb of lean ground turkey

1 medium white onion

3 cloves of garlic 

1 8oz. can of tomato sauce

3 Cans of beans (I like pinto, great white northern, and black)

1 C of chicken stock (Or 1 can of cream of 
chicken soup, if you are feeling naughty)

1/4 tsp of cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp of red pepper 

1/2 tsp of taco seasoning

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Dice your onions and garlic and throw them in a big pot over medium-high heat. Once the onion starts to soften (and someone inevitably yells towards the kitchen how good it smells) add your meat and start to cook it. (Your meat can be fresh or frozen. It doesn't matter). 

While cooking your meat, chop it with your spoon into little pieces. Once it's starting to brown a little and look cooked, add your secret ingredient: tomato sauce. I don't know why it works so well, but it does. It adds that certain je ne sais quoi.


Add you chicken stock or cream o' chicken (seriously, just use what you have) and your beans. Canned, fresh, two cans, five cans - at this point it's entirely up to you what you like in your chili. Give your pot a big ole stir.


Now it's time for seasoning! I generally eyeball it, so the measurements at the beginning of the recipe are estimations.  Anyway, add paprika, red pepper, and cumin. Stir it again and see what you think. Then, add some taco seasoning (because yum) and some salt and pepper. Stir it again. Let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

That's it. So easy and so good! From my family to yours.

                                           

Dandelion: Greatest Flower Ever

Yeah. I said it. That weed of which people try to rid their yards. The "flower" only appreciated by small children. You may be familiar with some of its work, maybe poking through sidewalks? Yep. That's the one. It's AMAZING.

First, did you know it's leaves make a delightful, bitter salad additive? Schmancy restaurants are starting to feature it. Seriously. 

But we're here to talk about the root. Specifically, the root made into a tea. Have you tried it? I would certainly love to hear your opinions on it. If you haven't, my friend, you are in for a treat. While we all understand the benefits of herbal teas (Sleepy time for anti-stress, what what!), I had not tried dandelion root tea until a few months ago. I had read about some mildly frightening blend of water, tea, and additives that will MAKE YOU SKINNY!!!1!!!1! As we know, I'm a skeptic until I've tried it. And I certainly don't believe in any magic drink, pill, or serum. 

Time and time again, we are shown the only way to lose weight and keep it off it diet and exercise. 

I'm not one for diet or exercise. I try to stay active and not eat cupcakes for every meal. But, all that cupcake eating and cheese making (and obviously eating) can make a gal feel a little gross the next morning. This is where dandelion root tea comes in. 

A cup or two of this magical stuff throughout the day (the box suggests one bag per cup, but to three times a day) and the next morning... Less bloat. Dandelion root apparently helps rid your body of excess water weight. 

This tea isn't going to make your fairy godmother appear out of this air, but it will certainly help you feel better tomorrow (and so will a few veggies).

Ditch the Phone

Most Sundays, I try to enjoy brunch with my parents. It's a relaxing way to catch up with my family and review all of our weeks, all while staying guilt free that I haven't seen them or spoken with them in weeks (because you know that happens). This week, the weather was lovely, so after brunch we chatted on their porch, enjoying the 70 degree weather and dappled sunlight.

It was ideal and charming. Families were playing catch in their perfect green lawns. People were gardening in their perfect flower beds. Families were riding bikes. Seriously. Their neighborhood is ridiculous.

Anyway, these charming families were walking dogs and their kids in strollers, when this lovely family rides their bikes by; Dad on a sporty bike, two little girls on a tiny white wheels bikes, a sullen teenager on a cruiser with a basket, and bringing up the rear, your classic "do-it-all" modern mom.

It was so perfect... except the mother was on her mobile phone. On her bike. Ignoring her family. Talking so loudly that from my parents' porch, I could hear the whole conversation.

I get the desire to be someone who does it all. Someone who can have a job, have kids, run a house, make delicious food, have a social life, do every Pinterest craft, and look flawless doing it all. It's unrealistic, but I get the desire.

But really, Lady. Engage with your family. Put your damn phone down and spend this gorgeous Sunday with your family. There is really no phone call that can't be taken in 20 minutes when you get back from your bike ride. As a kid, there was nothing more important than spending time with my family. Could you imagine spending this time with your parents and getting the "one minute" finger? You only have to get that one minute suggestion a few times until you stop trying. As an adult, I know I get frustrated when someone I have some important matter and they won't put down their phone.

Embrace your family. Engage your friends. Don't waste your life having superficial relationships, because you couldn't put your phone down and ask your family and friends about their day. 

Hey! I was watching that!

After five years of living alone in my little nugget house, I got a roommate. The Viking and his pup, Mocha, moved in at the end of this past summer. Needless to say things have been a little bit different around here. I have a new couch (and the current desire to rearrange my living room), less space in my closet, and a kitchen full of awesome gadgets! I've gained the best person to spend my free time with and someone to share everything with. Which includes my DVR. Dum dum DUUUUUUUMMMMM!

It's really not that bad, until we get to Tuesday nights and I want to record my shows and he wants his... and it only records two shows at one time. Gah!

As a little side note, let me just say, I have pretty awful taste in television. Not that amazing television is really happening currently in the world, but I have a talent to hunt out the Honey Boo Boos, Gypsy Weddings, Unfunny two camera comedies with laugh tracks... anything to not watch anything too scary (read: NCIS, Law & Order, CSI: Omaha, Or any of those crap dramas) I've lived by myself forever, so that was my excuse. Honestly though, I have a crazy imagination and a job where I have to review bomb threats and what to do in a hostage situation. Needless to say, I prefer rainbow, unicorns, and mildly funny comedies to get away from the stress of my day. Thankfully Sir Viking gets that and prefers reality shows that mostly involve restoration or digging things out of the dirt.

Since we both have things we want to watch, that are both pretty different, we've got a system down. (With the mildly reluctant help of Mocha and Lewie).

- Get a second DVR - After a mishap with some saved programs and trying to watch EVERYTHING on the Olympics, we opted to get an additional DVR for our bedroom. Mostly movies, jointly enjoyed shows (Daily Show, SNL, Real Time, etc.) and a few of his favorites have migrated upstairs as well, since he keeps later hours than I do.

- Take Turns - We watch the most TV together on weekend mornings eating breakfast. Our method: if you just watched one of your shows, let your roommate/significant other/cat watch one of their shows.

- Utilize On Demand - Sometimes you want to watch a couple of shows that are all on at the same time. Thankfully our cable service offers most of the popular TV shows the next day for free. So, naturally, we've been taking advantage of that.

- Consider Netflix, Hulu, or the like - For catching up on shows you like and making sure you have free space on your DVR.

Really, the most important thing is compromise. If you are choosing to live with someone, then you obviously like them. If you like them, you should probably be nice to the. And if they watch TERRIBLE TV and it's their turn, either grin and bear it, distract yourself, or politely go into a different room.






* No pups or kittens were harmed in the making of this blog... even if they look surprised that they were caught because they were up to no good (he is a cat, after all) or upset that they were awoken. 

Leopard Print

By now you may or may not have noticed that it is incredibly important to me to embrace who you are and what you love. Especially if it's an archaic social norm. If you're into it (and it doesn't harm others), go for it. We all need hobbies and interests.

I could, quite obviously go on ad nauseum, but that's for another day. Today, my though it about leopard print. Leopard print can be wonderful but can get so tacky, so quickly. And thanks to the tween stores of the universe and their love of neon green leopard spots, my beloved leopard print has received a bad rap.

Eff that noise. I love leopard print. I love how I feel when I wear it. It's this blend of sassy, chic, and less tightly wound, as my job makes me a little tense some days. But the key to leopard, only one piece at a time. If you wear more than one piece at a time you're going to look like a lunatic.

Here are the best pieces that you can get, that would work with just about any favorite print or graphic color as a pop:

- Shoes. I always have at least two pairs of leopard print shoes. One flat and one heel, so work and play are both covered. And believe me, any time I need a little bit of funk or sass in an outfit, leopard shoes are my go to.

- Cardigan or Coat. I love adding on a little sassy cover that might not stay on the whole time I have an outfit. Just a little ump.

- Purse or Clutch. I have seen a lot of terrible leopard print adds in my day. But a really good one can make all the difference in the world. If you're not really to take the plunge with a purse, a little make up bag or wallet is a nice addition to your normal purse gear, to brighten up your day.

- Scarf. This is an easy way to try something new or embrace something you love with a big impact for a little price. Just remember, only one piece at a time.

I'll leave you with this, what's your leopard print? What makes you feel chic, yet care free, with only one piece?

High School Is Over.

A few weeks ago, while ignoring my DVR and trolling the interwebz (you know you do it too) I stumbled across a picture of a bunch of women, in what looked to be a glamor shot of sorts. The caption read "my friends are prettier than your friends".

Wow.

Okay, I will admit, your friends are all extremely pretty and the picture taken was lovely. I could only hope to take a picture near that nice (but alas, photogenic was not one of the traits I was awarded when they were being handed out.)

The caption is what got me. First, if you want to convey the message that your friends are beautiful, say that. There is no need to make someone feel bad to make yourself feel better. Second, however proud you are of your friends and how they may look, a little humility will win you a lot more points in the long run. Third, I'm fairly certain life isn't one big popularity contest, showing accolades in your yearbook. If that's what it's about, I suggest you take a wee moment for self reflection.

Your friends should be thought of as beautiful because of the people they are (Granted the more you know someone, the more good you see in them, the more beautiful they become to you). Kind, giving, caring, selfless... The kind of beauty that shines through even the darkest of days.

When you have appreciation for your life and can see the true beauty, you don't have to brag about how "pretty" your friends are, what a great car you have, how much money you make, etc. Your insecurity is showing, and it's not winning gaining you any points.