Hi! Just popping in today with a few little updates from me. Nothing too exciting, it’s more of a “hello! how are you?” than anything else.
+ I have been taking baths almost every single day. It’s fast becoming a nightly habit for me. Sometimes I leave the lights on and read. Other times I turn the lights completely off, light a few candles, and meditate. Hamilton isn’t quite sure what to make of the whole bathtime thing; he’s tempted to jump right in with me! If you’re looking for the best bubble bath, you can’t beat L’Occitane’s Lavender Foaming Bath.
+ Speaking of reading, I was in such a reading rut for the past two months. I was reading one book that I could not, for the life of me, get into. Usually, when I start reading something, I finish the book even if I don’t like it. But I was stuck on it and decided to table it (for now) and pick up something else. To get back into the habit, I committed to reading every day for the next 30 days, even if it’s just a few pages at the end of the long day. (I’m also counting audiobooks for this since I’ve been spending so much time in the car.) Right now I’m reading Only Time Will Tell (my mom recommended it!) and listening to The Magician’s Assistant. You can follow all of my reading on my Goodreads!
+ My trainer teaches our class at 11 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He recently added a “trigger point rolling” 30-minute class before it, and it’s been amazing to learn how to use a foam roller to work out sore muscles. I love to do it before class and after. I also love using a yoga ball to work out some of the tension I have in my back.
+ I got the new Apple Watch! I’m going to do a full blog post about it because I love it so much but just wanted to throw that out there.
+ Oh, I’ve also been watching Sex and the City. I had watched a few episodes here and there if it was on television and I saw the movie. But I hadn’t watched the whole series all the way through. Why have I waited so long?! I’m kind of obsessed with the whole show. It’s so funny how some of the styles, although the very late 90s/early 00s, have come back in fashion. Anyway, I’m hooked on it right now. (I’m also definitely a Miranda. 🙄)
+ Am I crazy for starting to think about my goals for 2018 already? Last year, I started working out in October, and I liked getting a head start on it so when the calendar rolled over I was already two months into the good habit. I am still in brainstorming mode about what I want to focus on though. Do you guys have any new goals on your horizon?
+ The rest of my travel for the year is pretty much booked right now. I’m in DC next week for a Meet and Greet at the Tuckernuck store (Thursday night, hope you can make it!), then maybe Philadelphia for a quick overnight trip, Tampa for Thanksgiving, possibly Nantucket for the Stroll, then my family is coming up here to visit, and then back to Tampa for Christmas! Having accomplished so much travel this year, it feels nice knowing I’m going to familiar places for the last two months. I got hit with a wave of homesickness last week and didn’t really realize how much I was craving going home. Having my flights booked for Thanksgiving made me feel so much better!
+ One thing I’ve been having a lot of fun with is my Youtube channel! Doing video is a complete 180 from writing blog posts, but it’s been a fun muscle to flex. Adds a new layer of planning and strategy into my week though. I think with every passing video, I learn something new and feel better about the next week’s.
+ I mentioned this in passing a little while ago but wanted to touch on it again. I have almost entirely been taking the weekends off, and it’s unbelievable how much of a difference I feel in myself. I used to work all weekend long, and then I started cutting back significantly. I still put in an hour or two of computer time on Saturdays and Sundays, but otherwise, I’m largely disconnecting. It’s a double-edged sword as a blogger though. It means I’m giving up two days of potential “content.” While I may still put up an Insta story or two, I make an effort to put my phone away and step back from sharing. I might be (definitely am) hurting my business by doing this, but I’m mentally so much happier carving out that time to just walk away from everything for 48 hours. I could feel myself getting close to burning out and now I feel like I have a healthy balance of being “on” for social and “off” for my well-being.
I wish I could have baths every single day. Heck, once a year would be nice – I just need a bathtub and a bathroom big enough for one, haha!
Love your videos, keep working on it! 🙂 But don’t forget your blog 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I have already started thinking about my 2018 New Year’s goals too…it is crazy to think that 2017 is almost over! Hope you enjoy the rest of your travels!!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
I definitely need to get into the foam rollers! I’ve heard how great they are for muscles but it’s never something I’ve properly looked into!
I hope you have a great Thursday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Adding a soothing bath to a night time routine sounds wonderful, I will have to try that. Can’t wait to hear more about the apple watch, I have really been considering one lately.
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
I am definitely already thinking about my goals for 2018, mostly because I wasn’t so great about keeping up with habits in 2017. Biggest goal is beginning my own blog thanks to your tips in your post from earlier this week! I’m committing to an hour a day of developing content (thanks to Maxie for her post on consistency!) so that I’m prepped to go live in January. Thanks so much for your honesty on what it takes to get started!
I hope we see some of Meesh YouTube videos when you visit home!
I’ve followed you for years so I’m excited that you’ll be doing a meet and greet here in DC! Will there be more details about the event next week?
I can’t wait to read your apple watch post! I have been considering getting one myself!
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sex and the City! I am a Carrie/Charlotte!
I think it’s great that you’re disconnecting on the weekends, Carly. Everyone needs breaks to enjoy offline activities!
And, no, you’re not crazy to think about 2018 goals. I’m with you! Already thinking about what I’d like to accomplish in various aspects of my life in the new year.
Yay, so excited you’re coming to DC again!
I have also started to think about 2018 goals. This year has not gone at all the way I wish it had so I’m trying to push forward and figure out how I can change that for next year!
Baths are the best! I enjoy reading in a nice warm bath at night.
I feel you on homesickness! It’s so refreshing to come home and be surrounded by family for the holidays!
We all care about your mental health and happiness more than a few extra posts here and there, Carly!!! So happy you’re enjoying yourself, but we are all still see such wonderful content don’t worry about that! Sending hugs!
* all still seeing (excuse my quick response!)
That photo is so precious! // September was a really slow reading month for me, so I’ve been trying to ease myself back into it in October as well 🙂 // It’s probably good to plan ahead, even if it is all the way to 2018! I remember last year, 2017 came out of nowhere! I spent two days organizing all my New Year content haha // I was on fall break last week so I had more time and made a vlog! I’ve been trying to get the hang of Youtube as well, but it does take a lot of time! // One of the perks of working for yourself is that you get to set your boundaries and make time for what’s important to you. And I think most people have that idea when they first start. But as we progress and continue to push ourselves, sometimes we forget to set those boundaries, and this perk can be challenging to maintain! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Foam rollers are life!! Rolling out your IT band is the worst though. Glad you’re taking weekends off!! Life is too short not to take a break and enjoy it 🙂
Thanks for the update Carly! Although taking weekends off might be “hurting” your blog, you DESERVE the time and need those mental breaks! Can’t wait to see more videos too 🙂 so fun.
<3 Rachel
http://www.blushonbluff.com
Don’t worry about unplugging over the weekends Carly, everyone who loves you blog and content will stick around! I know I will. Also I adore a hot bath at the end of the day, and my dog likes to peek over and check on me just like Ham <3
Carly! Have you ever been to Nantucket for Winter Stroll? Elin Hilderbrand wrote a book about it and it sounds amazing!!! The Black tie event at the Whaling Museum and all the stores open with apps and drinks when shopping sounds fab! If you’ve been, is it worth it?
It is definitely not too early to start brainstorming your 2018 goals! I have started a list on my phone. Ok you should try watching Grey’s Anatomy it’s our favorite right now!
Gosh your pupper is cute <3
I haven’t watch Sex & the City all the way through either! I’m pretty sure I’ve seen every single episode just not in order. I love the show so I really need to watch it from beginning to end. I’m dying to get the Apple watch but I’m going to wait until Christmas to see if I get it as a gift lol.
I am also a bath convert! I LOVE them. They are so relaxing and such an easy way to incorporate self-care into a daily routine.
And 2018 goals….I can’t stop thinking about them. I have a sticky note where I write down my ideas to revisit in December. But they are slowly creeping to the forefront of my mind.
chelseyfisher.wordpress.com
I wish I could take baths every night except my apartment bath kinda freaks me out no matter how many times I clean it. Instead, I opt for diffusing essential oils to help me relax and unwind! YES to Philadelphia! I hope you have a chance to make it here. I’ve been traveling to a lot of big cities recently but there’s something about Philly that just can’t be beat. I’m probably (definitely) biased but can’t help it, this city is incredible!
Eeeep!!! I have been following you for SO long (high school senior to college senior 😧), it makes me happy to see you’ve found a work/life balance. I’ve always greatly respected the separation you’ve kept between your personal life and your blog. And I LOVE SATC! Also, no shame in being a Miranda, ❤️ a Charlotte
This is my favorite type of post! So glad you’re doing well!
I don’t love my foam roller in the moment, because it always feels like I’m mad at my muscles. However, it makes the WORLD of difference the next day (and even a few hours later). Foam rolling is such an easy way to take care of yourself and make sure that your body is getting everything it needs after a good workout!
I also am getting my resolutions in line! Mine tend to be broad and not overly specific, but I also get started in November. I find that I need to make an effort to set time aside for myself in the holiday season, and it’s nice to have something specific to do in that time! I’m looking forward to hearing yours 🙂
OMG I am totally watching the same shows and reading the same books and its a total coincidence. I’m excited to hear about the new iwatch as I still sport the 1st edition which I still love. Enjoy the weekends – your health and happiness are the most important!
When do we get to find out about this exciting new man in your life!! Seems like you are doing so well – happy and healthy 🙂
I have been in such a reading rut lately as well. I finally have the time to read but both books I have tried were just so hard to get into. I used to love reading so much and I want to get back into it (college kind of got in the way for four years)! Glad to hear Sex and the City is worth it I have been debating going back and watching from the beginning for a while.
Have you heard of the app OverDrive? You just need a library card to sign up and then you can download ebooks from tons of libraries! I’ve just discovered it and it’s been so nice to have for train rides and quick reading breaks.
I use Hoopla which is the same thing. Best apps ever!
Carly, I loved everything about this post! That picture of Ham is toooooo cute. Also, I love daily baths. They chill me out so much. I’ve been following for years and I have to just say…I am proud of you- as a fellow human being- for putting yourself above your job. Keep being a great example 🙌🏽
Hello too Carly! I love that you started thinking about 2018 goals already. You’re not the only one! I made a goal list for 2017 and now I get to reflect on them. I made myself run a half marathan this spring because of it! It feels really good to go over that list periodically and more so now that it’s coming to an end. It helps me plan well for next year! One of my personal goals for 2018 is to build my home workout gym. 😃💪😄 So excited! I think more than anything, the anticipation of achieving those goals is what’s most rewarding for me. I get to challenge myself and become better. Cheers to your 2018 goals! 🍻
I’m proud of you for taking a step back and unplugging on the weekends. I think it’s a brave and confident move and sets a great example. I have loved your blog for years because it’s REAL…you’re real.
xo love from Texas!