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I saw a shirt the other day that said Thursdays are the new Fridays. It’s so true and like I’ve said before, Thursday is Friday Jr and basically the weekend. Once you get through Thursday you can do anything for just one more day. For starters, tackling those last few items on your to-do list or running all the errands you really just didn’t want to mess with earlier in the week. For me, it’s a little of both. Friday’s invigorate me and and I’m extra motivated to get all the things done so I can start my weekend that much sooner.

Speaking of staying motivated, a question I have been asked a lot recently is “how do you stay motivated working from home?” Working from home is still very new to me. I have always enjoyed a routine, getting ready and going into work. It helps me stay focused and really minimizes the distractions of home. Since Wally was born, my family and I made the decision to move everything from our office to the my house. While this has been a huge and I mean HUGE blessing and all around life saving help to be able to stay at home with Wally, it comes with its challenges. You don’t really realize how much stuff there is to do around your house until you are in it all the time and more focused on all those tasks you’d rather be or should be doing than actual work. Knowing the struggle is very real for myself and all of you that have asked, I wanted to share how I try to structure my days and how I stay motivated.

First I’ll say that I leverage nap times like no other. Each napping session is designated for something: a shower, catching up on emails, writing posts, cleaning the house or running errands. Wally only takes 3 really good naps each day so from there I prioritize what is most important. The shower always ranks high, because I honestly feel more motivated to do things when I feel good. It also has me ready for the inevitable curveballs that come each day. If I’m showered and dressed, at least I won’t look like a troll if I have to go out in public or meet people at the house. Another way I stay motivated is with a good to-do list. I am a firm believer in the power and satisfaction of scratching things off.  Having a running list keeps me motivated and organized because, the longer the list, the more motivated I am to get it back down again. It also helps keep mom brain in check and keeps things from falling through the cracks. Mamas you know what I’m talking about.

This isn’t a foolproof system or a how-to post my any means. I’m still getting the hang of being a work at home mom, but slowly but surely we are finding our groove. Until next time, Cheers!

Cocktail Crush

Mint Julep – Image: The Southern Fatty

Is there anything more refreshing than a good mint julep? This cocktail is one of my all-time favorites because of the light, refreshing flavor and because of how pretty it is. Anything that gets its own special cup is something fancy and probably something I’ll like. I look forward to sipping one of these at backyard bbqs or on an easy night on the back porch watching the sun go down.

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon Simple Syrup
• 3 tablespoons VSOP Cognac
• 2 tablespoons rye whiskey
• 4 mint sprigs

DIRECTIONS:

1. Lightly muddle mint leaves and Simple Syrup in a mixing glass.
2. Stir in Cognac and whiskey.
3. Fill a Julep cup or glass with crushed ice.
4. Pour mixture over.
5. Stir until frost forms on outside of cup.
6. Add more crushed ice to make a mound.
7. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve with a straw.

This recipe originally found on Bon Appetit.