Desk decorating

 

I've been feeling pretty relieved lately now that I don't have to think about my OATs for a while. But pretty much soon after they told me that one of the surgery staff is going on vacation for two weeks in April. So now the pressure is back on for me to get fully trained in the majority of what she does on surgery days, and on top of that, on non-surgery days (meaning days when they're doing consults and pre-ops). That's one of the reasons they want me to come in on whatever extra days I can to do training (on top of my regular two days a week + whenever there's a surgery = 3x a week typically). This week is the only week since the beginning of the year that there hasn't been a surgery date. So because of that I decided to plan to go in on Friday to get some more training. I actually haven't met the other optometrist yet that does a lot of the consults (and some pre-ops/post-ops) since I'm only there on surgery days. (The chief optometrist is there, but teaching in another clinic, though she'll always drop by throughout the day). 

In the meantime, I've finally organized my desk up to my liking. I can now sit there without feeling anxious about how disorganized everything is and then just give up and start distracting myself on the computer (oops). I picked up a few inexpensive things at Home Goods (had a few good finds, but definitely had to do some digging). Although Target does have great pieces as well, they can be quite pricey for what it is. In general I've been liking the decor items from Nate Berkus' line, but if they're not on sale they can be pretty pricey for what it is. I try to walk at the end of the aisles first since they always leave their clearance items there. That's where I picked up the items pictured above. I was itching to get a desk calendar, but after re-organizing I noticed that it was going to be way too cluttered. (My very first choice was the Stendig calendar but of course by the time I looked into it they were all sold out. Maybe for 2015...). I picked up the 2014 Sugar Paper Calendar on sale for $4. It's a good size and doesn't clash with my desk. I also found these cute greeting cards by Mara-Mi the same way. Definitely have been helping not having to spend a ton to get my place to look nicer. Hopefully I can get photos up once I feel like it's up to my standards.

Workspace Inspiration

Lots of unique knick knacks to personalize the space

Clean desk tops where everything has its place

Nighttime Skincare Routine

You know you're getting older when you actually have a skincare regime. I remember back then when people used to ask what I did I would literally answer, "Soap and water!" My skin has always been sensitive and dry so I didn't mess with what didn't need fixing.

The past year or so I've really changed up my skincare regime. It's probably also due to the fact that since I'm working I tend to wear more makeup. I just don't feel put together or professional without some foundation. I can usually leave out the wipes if it's just a regular day since I try to avoid wearing a product all over my face (except lotion/sunscreen) if I don't have to.

At the end of the day I'm usually itching to clean my face, but I'm also exhausted and hungry. So I'll quickly take the majority of my makeup off with whatever makeup remover wipes I have on hand. The Simple Radiance Wipes are what I'm currently using, though I do like to try different brands every time I run out. (I haven't found one that I absolutely love yet).

After I've gotten some dinner and feel a bit more human I'll finish up with the rest of my routine before I head to bed. That consists of using Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover to get that waterproof eye makeup that I use off. (I've been using this for years and it's definitely a HG product). Then I'll go in with my Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to actually wash my face. This is a great cleanser for my skin type since it doesn't strip it of its moisture. Before I put on any lotion or creams I'll wipe my face with a few drops of the The Body Shop's Seaweed Clarifying Toner, mainly concentrating on T-zone. And two new products I've been loving to finish off my routine are from the Vitamin E line, also from The Body Shop. I'll moisturize with the Nourishing Night Cream and add the Eye Cream as well.

Overall still pretty simple compared to some other people's skincare routines, but it works for me. And I can go to bed in peace knowing I'm not leaving any residue from the day on my face.