Hi y’all, Dallasites101 here, guest blogging for our friends at Smart City! Hopefully, Covid-19 will soon be behind us. With the fall months approaching, we’ve seen more companies slowly reopening the office – our team included! We know some of you have mixed feelings about office life, but it can be really exciting for some to see people face-to-face again, get back into a morning routine, and upgrade their work environment.
You know we love supporting local companies any chance we can, so read on for five ways to prepare to head back to the office while also supporting awesome local brands and companies.
MEAL PREP YOUR LUNCHES
One of the biggest changes to going back into the office is not having your fridge and pantry at your convenience. To avoid eating out every day and to also stay fueled and healthy, we love meal prep services to help plan out our meals. A few of our favorite options include:
Prep Kitchen – one-time meals, bulk proteins and veggies, and pre-made meals (delivery available)
Evolved – gluten-free, vegan, and plant-based meals (delivery available)
Roots Market & Juicery – juice cleanses, smoothies, and plant-based meals (pick up only)
Front Porch Pantry – family-size dinners, one-time lunches, desserts, breakfast (delivery available)
CREATE A CALM WORK ENVIRONMENT
We understand going back into the office can cause some anxiety and stress, so it’s important to create a calm work environment. Pick up a soothing candle, spray, or wax sculpture with scents like coconut milk, mandarin peony, and jasmine and amber from local brand Cel Sal available at CocoAndre Chocolatier and Autumn Moon in Bishop Arts. Or try Henry’s Daughter candles at MKT in West Village (p.s. they have some fall scents, too)! Jackson Vaughn also has amazing seasonal candles and sprays available at both Society locations. Calywan Wax Co is a local brand that donates proceeds to ending human trafficking. Their candles are infused with essential oils to create a calming and focused space and can be purchased at Whole Foods and Central Market.
UPGRADE YOUR OFFICE SUPPLIES
It’s very likely that you haven’t recently purchased any sort of office supplies like pens and highlighters, planners, sticky notes, notepads, folders, even to-go coffee mugs! Visit Archer Paper Goods in Deep Ellum for all sorts of planners and notebooks, an entire pencil collection, and tons of unique knick-knacks for your desk!
One of our favorite brands for colorful and trendy merch is Talking Out of Turn. Find the cutest notepads, mugs, to-do lists, and calendars with inspirational quotes, funny catchphrases, and girly prints. Plus their store in Bishop Arts is ADORABLE!
Another local brand that donates its funds to nonprofit organizations is Read Between the Lines. Support the Dallas “I Have a Dream Foundation” with a purchase of a notebook, stationery, calendar, and more from their online store or their brick & mortar at The Shops at Legacy!
PURCHASE A NICE COMPUTER BAG
No more grabbing your laptop from your nightstand or working at the kitchen table, it’s time to pack up your stuff and look good while doing so! Spice up your in-office aesthetic with a nice leather computer bag, tote, or backpack from Leatherology. Their products are made from leather sourced from all over the world and come in a variety of beautiful colors. You can even have any of their items monogrammed for an exceptionally professional look. Check them out for a selection of leather notebooks, portfolios, planners, business card holders, and more.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LUNCH SPECIALS
Although we love the budget-friendly and efficient option of meal-prepping our lunches, we also love exploring new places to dine and stepping out for some fresh air and a short escape! If you’re looking to head out for a quick bite but feel stumped on where to go, we’ve rounded up some awesome lunch specials all over DFW!
Written by Abby Schikevitz of Dallasites101
Dallasites101 is a hyperlocal media company in Dallas, about Dallas. They are your 101 to Dallas, encouraging new and native residents to continuously discover and engage in the city, through content and experiences. They want Dallasites to call the city home, to find and build their sense of place here by trying “the new.” And that doesn’t just mean what’s new to Dallas, but also what’s new to them!
Featured image sourced on Unsplash. Product images sourced by Dallasites 101.
