I’ve learned a lot since moving to New York City. A lot about relationships (both friendships and otherwise). A lot about myself. A lot about life. I’m obviously still learning a lot, especially about how to balance having a life and finding success at work. If I had to write a book about my life at this exact moment it would literally be titled Finding Work-Life Balance. I am like a 23 year old walking cliche.
The best part is that I’m working at a company that is all about this. So I learn a lot along the way. Seriously just sitting in the office is a huge dose of education. I’m super lucky to work with the some of the smartest young women. Every day I watch and I listen and I learn. Besides the fact that I’m inspired by everyone in the actual office, I learn an insane amount from Office Hours. (Even though I work at Levo League, I promise this isn’t a plug.)
Technically, I have to watch every single Office Hours that goes on because of my job. But truthfully I look forward to the online chats every Tuesday and Thursday. It’s impossible to watch the thirty minute chat and not come away feeling inspired. I tend to hit a wall in the middle of the afternoon (I call it my midafternoon quarterlife crisis and Meredith hits the wall too). The inspiring videos always gives me that extra burst I need to get through the day.
Not only do I feel inspired watching them, but I learn a lot. Part of it is that these women (and men) have been there before and they tell you things that they wish they had known. (This is obviously something that I would enjoy.) The other aspect is that it’s nice to know that everyone has had lots of ups and downs. Everyone has overcome challenges. Everyone has made mistakes. Everyone has felt insecure. Everyone struggles to find great balance. Knowing this and seeing that they’ve “made it” is beyond reassuring.
Working at Levo League means that everyone who walks through the doors is awesome. Really, you never know who is going to be standing in our kitchen. Every day brings someone new.
Kate White and Christine Hassler have both visited our offices and they gave us the best advice ever. Two of the things they said have seriously stuck with me:
Christine Hassler: The way people treat others is often how they treat themselves. That is, if someone is being unnecessarily harsh to you, imagine how they talk to and treat themselves.
Kate White: When you’re really ready for something right to come along, it will. But you have to be ready and willing and open for the new thing. That is, if you want a new job or a new boyfriend or a new anything, when you’re truly ready it will happen.
Yes, I’ve been super homesick lately and part of that is missing my mom. But, I feel like I have a whole slew of “moms” out there at work and because of work.
Where do you find inspiration and support from?
xoxo
PS We also had a ton of dogs in our office last week. LOVE.
I guess I find inspiration and support from my parents, my brother, and my two best friends. Also, just the fact that I am alive and well is inspiration enough.
I love that Christine Hassler quote!! We have a white board at my work in our break room where I write inspirational quotes on there. I'm definitely writing that one up there! It's perfect!
You have such an amazing job. Levo League is great, I check there website and twitter feed religiously, no joke. It's funny how you receive inspiration from everyone at Levo League while I, MYSELF, get inspiration and motivation from your blog post everyday. I am so glad that I came across your blog in the Fall of last year. I haven't seemed to get enough of what you have had to say. It is always something new and refreshing everyday. Keep Being Great Like You ARE!!!
I know what you mean. I work in awesome environment where I am constantly inspired to achieve more. Sheryl Sandberg, Micky Drexler, Gabby Giffords are all people who have stopped by my office to give us talks. Definitely read Sheryl's book Lean In if you haven't already.
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!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
The litttle brown dog is adorable!! What type of dog is it?
I guess I find inspiration and support from my parents, my brother, and my two best friends. Also, just the fact that I am alive and well is inspiration enough.
I absolutely love your blog. 🙂
I love that Christine Hassler quote!! We have a white board at my work in our break room where I write inspirational quotes on there. I'm definitely writing that one up there! It's perfect!
-Rachel
sparkleshinebeauty11.blogspot.com
It's so cool to hear how much you like your job and how much you get out of it. Who wouldn't want to work at Levo? 🙂 I'd be in dog heaven!!
You have such an amazing job. Levo League is great, I check there website and twitter feed religiously, no joke. It's funny how you receive inspiration from everyone at Levo League while I, MYSELF, get inspiration and motivation from your blog post everyday. I am so glad that I came across your blog in the Fall of last year. I haven't seemed to get enough of what you have had to say. It is always something new and refreshing everyday. Keep Being Great Like You ARE!!!
xoxo
Definitely my family, friends, and role models in the field I plan to enter! Wishing you continued success & cute pics! <3
I love this Carly! You are so fantastic and I feel so lucky to get to work with you every single day.
I know what you mean. I work in awesome environment where I am constantly inspired to achieve more. Sheryl Sandberg, Micky Drexler, Gabby Giffords are all people who have stopped by my office to give us talks. Definitely read Sheryl's book Lean In if you haven't already.
Wow. I definitely needed that piece of wisdom from Christine Hassler right now.