On Managing Yourself {Book Review}

I was recently given a compilation of essays published by the Harvard Business Review, the book is titled "On Managing Yourself". As it turns out, it's pretty amazing.

I've found that the essays in this little guy are completely spot-on for me at this stage in my career*. I've even found myself reading the essays aloud to colleagues, and wanting to pass-out relevant excerpts to others in my office. 

The first essay, "How Will you Measure Your Life", is a little touchy-feely. The author (Clayton Christensen) speaks to the importance of understanding one's values, and making sure that your actions and the things you dedicate your time to are in line with those values. It wasn't the most captivating of essays, but you get Christensen's point. 


The next essay, titled "Managing Oneself", explains how the various types of learning effect us in the workplace. Do you digest info best when listening? When reading? When talking out loud? The author, Peter Drucker, explains that it's super important no, crucial to know how you learn (and best retain information). Knowing how those around you learn is the next step, it makes you a hands down better manager. Don't send thousands of emails to a subordinate who digests info best by listening. They're missing half of the message just because of the medium!

The third essay got me really jazzed up. It's called "Who's Got the Monkey". Essentially the authors use a monkey as a metaphor for work. As a manager, I often become a bottleneck in the workplace. A staff member will ask me to review an email, or review a report, before they move on to their next step of the project. This puts the onus on me to move the ball forward. They (and 5 other subordinates) are waiting on an action item from me. Hello, bottleneck! 

The essay explains that in order to effectively manage, you can't "take the monkey". You have to keep the monkey with the subordinate who owns the project. Seriously, reading this essay turned on a light bulb in my brain. You've got to check it out. Super relevant stuff for anyone managing other people in the modern age!

I am about halfway done with the book and can't wait to finish it. There are more great essays about dealing with the influx of technology, and time management. Truly a great read! 

*Career Context: I have been working as the Sales & Marketing Director for Sorrelli (a fashion jewelry company) for the last 2.5 years. Before that I was the Marketing Manager at the same organization. I manage a team of about 5 direct reports and 15 indirect reports. 

Etsy Pick: Valentine, Be Mine

Valentine's Day Valentine's Day Valentine's Day!!! Fabulous finds from Etsy (obvi) to get you thinking about your lover, or your loves, or the people in your life that you want to share some love with. ALL of the ABOVE!!!! 

• Besos Cards from TJ in Port Huron, MI - $18 for set of 10
• His & Hers Mugs from The Printed Surface in NYC - $36 set of 2
• Monogram Necklace from Ellen in Willington, CT - $28
• Let's Make Out poster by Wouter Van Herck in Belgium - $15
• Sweet Lovin' card by Lindsay in Austin, TX - $5

I'm especially fond of the "Let's Make Out" poster. Who wouldn't want that in their home? Ok... on second thought... I can think of quite a few people who would not want that in their home. I may be in the minority here, but I'm all for it :)

Travel Journal {2013 update}

I have a rule: any trip that lasts 3 or more days goes into the Travel Journal. I filled two volumes of journals in 10 years with watercolors, descriptions of the places I've been, tickets, newspapers, wrappers, on-the-spot polaroids, and digital prints. At the end of 2011 I decided to design and make my own journal for my epic Volume III. My adventures in making the journal itself are chronicled on this blog here in my post titled "Bookbinding 101". 

I wanted to do an update post with images from Travel Journal Volume III. On my recent trip to Lake Placid for New Year's Eve 2013, I had some time to catch up on entries and reflect on my custom-made book. It's the best one I've had yet :)

All that Glitters: Berks County Living article

I was stoked to write an article for Berks County Living's January 2013 issue about my colleagues at Sorrelli. The article, "All that glitters: A look inside the Sorrelli Girls' Closets" takes a look into our gleaming jewelry boxes and packed-to-the-brim racks of clothes. Tania of Ama Photography came out to our homes to work her magic behind the camera, and we couldn't be more pleased! Hope you enjoy!

Etsy: Decor Finds

Etsy Picks: home edition by craftandconsumption on Polyvore

Recently we painted our foyer a bright white. I've been perusing Etsy for some unique finds that might add to the new space. Our style is a combination of graphic, colorful, and a little eccentric. I think any/all of these finds would make great additions to our home. More musings on the foyer to come!

#1 Persian Rug - $80

#2 Apothecary Amber Glass Bottles - $24

#3 Vintage Glove Mold - $42

#4.Vintage Brass Deer Head - $29

#5. Red Typography Poster - $15

Quinoa Vegetarian Chili (Slow-Cooker Style)

I was inspired by the recipe (and photo!) of Vegetarian Quinoa Chili from Two Peas and Their Pod. I am a meat-eater but love to go for meatless mains when possible. Also I've been traveling a lot for work lately (January kicks off the spring market season for fashion accessories!), I spent last week in NYC and Atlanta, with just a day at home in between. Nonstop travel is exhausting, and I generally don't wind up nourishing my bod with healthy, leafy greens while away. Usually I'm eating rich, fabulous foods late at night at client dinners. Needless to say, I needed to whip up some quality food that was healthy and hearty at home (a little DIY detox, if you will).

Etsy Picks: 2013 in Style

Super stylish hand-painted monthly calendar from Kimberly of KMala Illustration on Etsy. She prints each calendar in black ink onto a linen texture card stock and then hand-paints them before tying with a bow and shipping to your doorstep. Gorgeous! 

• Illustrated 2013 Fashion Calendar- $20

Recipes on Pinterest

I've been using Pinterest lately for recipes and it is delightful. The recipes are available anytime, anywhere. And everything is stored in a super organized and accessible place. 

In the past I would find recipes in magazines or online and would never go back to actually make them. My "Food Inspiration" board on Pinterest has made it so much easier to access recipes.

Etsy Pick: Golden Accents

Have you heard about the Small Business Saturday movement? I think shopping on Etsy.com is basically the online equivalent. I found some luxe goodies this week that I'd love to have in our home!

• Gold Wishbone Print - from Gilded Mint by Jennifer Latimer in South Carolina - $28 
• Metallic Lucite Tray- from Pencil Shavings Studios by Rachel Shingleton - $65

Luxe meets Tech: Holiday Goodies

My friends and family are amazing and I'm starting 2013 with a luxurious bounty of fabulous gifts. A little glimpse into my holiday goodies:

Luxe Holiday Goodies