If you watched the Superbowl yesterday, you noticed not only the fabulous Patriots win (#Pats Nation baby), but also the fact that this year’s Superbowl definitely had more of a feminist appeal, which I absolutely loved! First of all, the much-anticipated ads featured the first-ever feminine care brand to advertise during the Superbowl, Always. And if we add to it Mindy Kaling’s funny, but not so funny, statement about women of color being invisible (and why it has to stop, like NOW), this year’s Superbowl clearly intended to include women in the big sports conversation, and we appreciate it!
So today, both the social and more human water coolers at work will probably feature more women talking about the Superbowl, instead of just witnessing the obnoxious high-fives of male colleagues across the office. We are no longer invisible, and if the NFL can finally come to its (gender) senses, so can the rest of the world…Check it out for yourself below, with the ad featuring Mindy Kaling:
Did you find the Superbowl ads more feminist this year? How do you feel about it?
This gathered seam dress is an early taste of Spring (and oh boy, do we need it right now in New England), yet is appropriate for lower temperatures. Loving the ecru/green pattern of this dress, and the practical, longer sleeves and silhouette. The colors are seriously mood-lifting, and the fit looks extremely comfortable (and forgiving). It’s $79.90 at Zara!
I would jazz up this dress with these Isabel color block leather pumps from Ann Taylor on a more formal day. For a more winter-ready look, I’d switch the pumps up for this LaCanadienne pair of black suede wedge boots.
Boundaries at work – Photo credit: chattocherry.com
Setting boundaries at work is no easy feat, yet it’s necessary, especially in the workplace! Finding balance in your work and life involves establishing these boundaries in an effective way that allows us to get work done, yet still have a life!
Working late, taking on an extra load of work, covering for co-workers do happen, but they should be the exception and not the rule here. Unfortunately in today’s “intensive” workplace, it happens more often than not, and is most often the responsibility (and burden) of the employee to set a reasonable limit to.
I’ve been there, trying to impress my boss and team on a new job, or prove that I was as valuable as others by working late, taking on extra work, and all around biting on more than I could chew. If you’re there right now, here are a few valuable tips I was taught along the way:
1. YOU set the tone! Yes, it’s actually your responsibility to set the tone at work. Leave on time whenever possible, avoid the face time trap at work! There will be times when you’ll have to stay late or take on more work, certainly. In the meantime, start setting the tone around what you are willing to do, and what you are not!
2. Speak Up! Have a conversation with your boss about job expectations, and be honest! If you’d like to make it home for dinner, or your gym class, introduce the idea that these are important to you. Reassure your manager and team that your work will be done on time and during regular hours.
3. Re-evaluate your schedule regularly! Efficiency is key here! Every so often, take a look at your schedule and re-evaluate what you spend your time on. Many meetings are a pure waste of time, so start shaving some of the extra weight. If you’ve already proven yourself, you may want to clarify with your boss when assignments and projects are really due, so as to prioritize better.
If all your efforts at setting boundaries and prioritizing your work are falling on deaf ears, it may be time to start sending out your resume…
Happy Sunday! Late, late day today, and so is the 411…Today is Superbowl Day, and as New Englanders, we are gearing up for it, and can’t wait…As I’m getting on my Superbowl high, here is a quick update on the news that made this week:
In other fabulous news, Variety made my day with this article around Viola Davis and Uzo Adoba making SAG History with both lead actresses won by Black women;
Fortune introduces 6 powerful women at Davos you may not know;
Inc. makes a list of 32 incredibly useful business gadgets for 2015, while predicting the end of the office;
We’re in the midst of #Snowmageddon here in New England, and Power to Fly provides 5 tips to work from home when Mother Nature forces you to (check out Harvard BizReview on 5 ways to work from home effectively);
After the success of Selma, Shadow and Act reveals Director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo re-team for Katrina Set Love Story;
In other positive news, Project Eve shows how many women-owned firms increased between 1997 and 2014;
I loved, loved this Elle column from LaToya Peterson on how to negotiate your salary;
Mashable reveals 100% of women of color interviewed in STEM study experienced gender bias;
Last but not least, Daily Worth tells you not to apologize for how you spend your money (and I whole-heartedly agree).
TGIF! I’ve heard quite a buzz in the press about the NYDJ slimming jeans. Now anything that purports to make me look slimmer while allowing me to snack on cheese nachos and buttered French bread is bound to get my attention, hence today’s week-end pick, these skinny jeans from NYDJ!
Skinny jeans can be tricky! Wear them the wrong way, and you’re bound to look like a chorizo roll. They can be too tight, not tight enough, give you the Michelin roll on top and Twiggy style at the bottom, basically, the skinny of it is that the skinny can go very wrong! That’s why I love this NYDJ pair in a dark wash, classic styling (read no sausage casing effect), and versatile as can be. And apparently, their slimming technology works so well you are actually encouraged to get one size smaller than what you usually wear (slow clap please)!
