I just posted about Paper, the app for your iPad that lets you turn your tablet into a digital notebook. My friend has worked with them since, I think, the beginning. She’s been singing the praises of the app (of course) since basically the first day I met her.
Since I follow my friend on Twitter (hey @amycao), I feel like I get the absolute up-to-date news notifications for all things FiftyThree. Seriously, it’s the best. I love seeing the company in the news and seeing the latest features that are rolling out. When I clicked through one of her tweets, I was expecting to watch a quick clip of a new feature or a little interview with a founder. Standard startup material, right? Well, it turned out to be a 22-minute video. I bookmarked it, ran out to grab lunch, and then watched it.
It was just what I needed. That morning, I was inundated with just a bunch of blahs pretty much the minute I woke up. I had this moment, where I was sitting in bed and just didn’t want to get up. I was really upset by something that had been said about me by someone that I knew. I was frustrated by a minor speedbump in a project. I was overwhelmed by the number of decisions I had to make in the next hour so I could respond to an email… and I felt frozen with perfectionism.
After a really amazing weekend with my friends, this week has been moving at a snail’s pace. A handful of meetings here and there, but I’ve generally been struggling to feel inspired. That morning was no exception; in fact, it was probably the most uninspired I had felt in a while.
I grabbed my iPad (because half of my bed is for me, and the other half is for books, magazines, my laptop, and iPad…) and just was doodling for a bit on the app. Eventually, I was ready to face reality and get up and shower and tackle the emails I needed to get out on a deadline. Just spending the ten minutes playing in Paper was all I really needed.
Of course, later that day, I watch the video and I’m even more inspired. The video is part of a series called “Small Empires” and they follow and get to know various people who have created and are doing amazing things in New York City. Similar to Humans of New York, I am really inspired by the video series because it sheds new light and brings new meaning to the certain pulse this city has.
“None of them are asking permission to innovate, they’re just doing it.”
The Paper by FiftyThree episode is great. I’ve worked at a tech startup and everything about FiftyThree is incredible. A clear vision, emphasis on team cohesion (love that they have a 1:1 ratio for engineers and designers), and an incredible product.
Even if you’re not a nerd about technology or startups, the concept of creativity and the beliefs that FiftyThree has about beauty and creativity are really wonderful to hear about.
Oddly enough, I had been stuck the past few days too! I recently wrote about it (pumped up for hump day!) and a few things that helped me to turn it around. You can find the link below. Glad that you are feeling re-inspired!
I have been calling myself a Chill Mom™️ since having Jack and now I’m realizing that I’m even chiller with Rory. (Like is birth order really less about sibling order and more about the version of mom you’re born to?) I’ve been just rolling with Rory’s infancy and I’m so much happier. Maybe it’s just that I’m more tired with a toddler too, or know that it’s going to go by so fast, or just have more confidence… probably a combination. I feel less obsessive and less stressed out by the details. I’m “making it” without having to fake it. As an example, today I noticed I hadn’t tracked a single nap- just watching sleepy cues and trying to get to a “good enough” pattern as Rory’s naps consolidate. Is he following a ~perfect~ nap schedule? No. Are we thriving? Frankly, yes!
(If you want to read my original Chill Mom post, comment “chill mom” and l’ll send it to you via DM!)
We came, we saw elephants, we ate ice cream 🐘🦒🦓 @ashleybrooke and I always talk about how we became FAST friends. Somehow we have been right there with each other during some of life’s worst moments… so it’s extra sweet that we now get to celebrate the good ones! Watching our boys play together, a little baby in a stroller, and another baby on the way… it’s everything we dreamed of.
Somehow yesterday felt like a week, last month was last year, and last year was a decade ago… but then time is simultaneously going by so fast too. The past ten weeks have gone by in a blink! Everyone warns you it goes by fast and they’re not wrong…. The days are long but oh how I wish time would slow down a bit? Or that maybe I could bottle up a tiny bit of these precious boys at every stage so I could revisit them down the road 🤍
I have grown to LOVE baby wearing. Not only do I think it’s such a nice and cozy way to bond with baby, it’s also incredibly practical, especially when you have a toddler to keep up with too! The @wildbird aerial carrier was a treat for myself- and I’m so obsessed with it. 👶🏼 Leave a comment “wildbird” and I’ll DM you the color I have as well as my personal review of it (including some troubleshooting tips).
Some top level things I like; - it’s easy to put on! - it’s so, so comfortable (for me AND baby!) - the little flap is seamless and provides extra support while baby naps and privacy when we need/want it
This affordable rechargeable LED lamp is cute and then made even cuter with this wicker lampshade! 💡✨ No cords needed- just charge and place wherever you want. (Will be extra perfect for dining outdoors this summer!) 💫 Comment “lamp” and I’ll send you links to the LED lamp ($38 for a pair!) and the lampshade (available in a few styles- including a darling blue).
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
Definitely bookmarking that video to watch later, I could use some inspiration.
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/
I'm excited to watch the video now! Hope your week continues to improve – blah days (hours…weeks…whatever) are the worst.
xo,
Rachel
Suppose Anything Goes
How great! I'm involved in a start-up as well & can't wait to see mine & my team's hard work pay off some day!
xo, B
BKCsquared
Oddly enough, I had been stuck the past few days too! I recently wrote about it (pumped up for hump day!) and a few things that helped me to turn it around. You can find the link below. Glad that you are feeling re-inspired!
http://www.thelondonproper.com/2013/10/pumped-up-for-hump-day.html
I can't even explain how much I loved this! So exactly what I needed to see today. Thanks Carly!!
KK @ Preppy Pink Crocodile