Downtime at the office (Phew) - Take advantage of the slower week

The last week of the year, between Christmas and New Years, is one of our favorites to work. Since it tends to be much quieter, you can get yourself organized for the craziness January will certainly bring.

Both Lex and Ludlow consistently take their year end vacations the week prior, volunteering to work this week in order to get ahead of the new year.

Here is our top 10 list (ok, maybe 6), to take advantage of the downtime:

1. Organize! Your desk. Your client lists. The reference materials you always keep close by. Upcoming meetings will need some prep - you can get started. Also, get a handle on any future business trips so you know what you'll need well in advance.

Use the downtime at work to get home a bit earlier than normal, and organize your closet. Ludlow is hitting up the Container Store to FINALLY complete that project. Her poor clothes have been crammed for way too long.

2. Pamper yourself: book a massage and facial. It will be likely be a while before you get one of these in your schedule again.

3. Shop for food and cook dinner. Go food shopping (or order Fresh Direct, our favorite in NYC) and actually make yourself a proper meal.... for once. Shop for the week too so you can kick start your post December diet -- a week early. You won't feel so guilty about your calorie intake on NYE if you eat healthy the week before!

4. After Christmas Sales! There will be some good after Christmas bargains to be had - the best way to put designer pieces in your wardrobe without the sticker shock. You can stay away from the crowds and go online. Here are a couple of good links: Bergdorf's up to 60% off, J.Crew additional 20%, Net A Porter up to 70% off

5. Plan a trip, especially if you stayed local for the holidays. You will be itching for a break soon. Even if it's a long weekend, get something booked within the first 3 months of the year to look forward to. Jetsetter is the perfect site to get this done.

6. Thank you notes for the gifts you received from co-workers, family and friends. Call us old fashioned but hand written notes can come across more thoughtful than an email or text (if you can swing it timewise).

***We want to hear from you! What will you do this week, when you actually have a bit of downtime at work?