Stained Couture’s weekly series, Link-End Round-Up, features interesting reads I read from around the internet this week.

Happy Friday! This week was pretty good for me. Well, this week was pretty good, because I had a free mid-week day off thanks to the Fourth of July. Since the 4th fell in the middle of the week, a lot of people took the rest of the week off. Smart decision. Thankfully, this has made the office pleasantly quiet and allowed me to get a lot of work done.

No plans for the weekend, except to clean out the fridge from any remaining leftovers from the BBQ and go to church. Also, to pop the remainder of the fireworks, because we have plenty left over.

Actually, I need to dedicate some time to cleaning and organizing spaces in my bedroom and living room. Over the past few months, I’ve gotten more shoes than I did all of last year. I’ve been going hard for cute flip flops and casual sneaker options. Hot weather and cluttered spaces don’t mix well in my life. Actually, I feel like they amplify each other, because I hate both. I think I’m going to work on that tonight by lighting some incense, blast my 90s hip-hop and R&B playlist, and cleaning like crazy.

Well, here’s to an amazing weekend and let’s chat some more next week.

LINK-END ROUND-UP: July 6, 2018

• How to build closer relationships – Ideas.Ted
• The science behind happy relationships – TIME
• How to create a cohesive Instagram brand – Later
• Exfoliation tips for the best skin ever – New York Times
• How to look busy and motivated at work – The Guardian
• You’re probably applying your sunscreen wrong – Domino
• Boost your productivity as an introvert or extrovert – Evernote

by

Stained Couture’s weekly series, Link-End Round-Up, features interesting reads I read from around the internet this week.

This week took forever to end. Maybe I’m just experiencing a little jet lag from being off from work all last week. Although, this week felt long, but my workflow was pretty ‘lax. Thankfully, I didn’t come back to work with an inbox outpouring with work or incomplete tasks that I needed to finish. Being caught up and ahead before I left allowed me to enjoy my vacation days a little more. Sometimes, even when you’re on vacation, “work” can sometimes creep in your mind. “”Was that email sent?” “Is the office burning down, because my absence is unbearable?” Thankfully, the building was still in tact when I got back on Monday and I didn’t return to any major problems that developed while I was out. Success!

Next week should feel a little better. We get an automatic mid-week break thanks to the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I prefer taking days off in the middle of the week. Doing that helps you recover from Monday and Tuesday, which can be horrid. Plus, you only have a couple of days left before the weekend. This increases my productivity like crazy.

As of this moment, I really don’t have any major plans for the 4th except to drink cocktails while watching popping fireworks. I’ll probably spend most of the day at home, watching ID Network, and under a fan. That makes me so happy just thinking about it!

For now, let’s have a relaxing weekend and enjoy this week’s Link-End Round-Up.

Link-End Round-Up: June 29, 2018

• The benefits of running vs. walking – Consumer Reports
• 10 things to never do unless you’re getting paid – Forbes
• Easy tricks to make sure your email gets read – Refinery 29
• Steps to running a side business with a full-time job – Crew
• Shaving secrets to help you survive summer – The Everygirl
• Feel busy all the time? There’s an upside to that – Harvard Business Review
• Struggle with self-control? Take yourself out of the equation – New York Times

by

Stained Couture’s weekly series, Link-End Round-Up, features interesting reads I read from around the internet this week.

Hello, Friday! I’m in such a good mood, because today is my last day in the office before I begin my staycation. Although I have a few non-work obligations, I’m not going to be doing much next week. After the week I’ve had, this break is going to be super appreciated and necessary.

On Tuesday, my sister and I took in my neighbors puppy, because they were trying to get rid of him. We took him in hoped to find a new home for him without having to take him to a shelter. I was pretty confident that his cuteness factor and happy demeanor would melt someone’s heart and adopt him. However, I didn’t want to take that chance, because Memphis doesn’t have any no-kill shelters. Thankfully, we were able to find him an amazing new home and he went there yesterday. Not only are my sister and I are thrilled, but our 2 adult, set-in-their ways dogs are, too.

Tomorrow, my dad is having me and my siblings over for a cookout and/or West African feast. We’re Liberian, FYI. I’m assuming it’s a combination celebration for Father’s Day and my nephew’s birthday, which both fall on Sunday. So, after work, I have to try and find a gift for a picky dad and an awesome 6 year-old. Wish me luck.

I will try to post next week, but I can’t make any promises. There are times when I wish I was one of those bloggers that has posts scheduled weeks in advance, but I’m not by preference. More on that on another day and when I’m in another mood. 🙂

Well, I’m off to finish this workday/workweek on a high and productive note. Have a great weekend!

LINK-END ROUND-UP: June 15, 2018

• Jobs where you’re mostly likely to be single – Thrillist
• When is it okay to cook with frozen vegetables – Taste
• The internet is changing the way dogs find homes – Buzzfeed
• How to start weight-training as a beginner – Business Insider
• Create extra counter space in a tiny kitchen – Apartment Therapy
• Secret to marketing marijuana lies with cannibus influencers – Adweek
• Best low-maintenance dog breeds for people who work full-time – Bustle

by