I spent the day Sunday mostly doing nothing. Seriously nothing. Teddy miraculously sort of slept in. I made coffee at home and went to Starbucks. I watched a couple episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, read a couple of chapters, and even took a nap. Teddy and I roamed Third Ave for a little bit because a street fair was going on and I can’t resist the smells of fried Oreos, kettle corn, or sausage. I forced myself to take a shower, to tame my hair, to put on makeup. Cabbed down to Lincoln Center for the Nanette Lepore show, which was amazing and I saw my favorite Bill Cunningham and, of course, it was definitely worth it. It was the laziest of days. My apartment went unorganized for another day and I completely forgot about writing Prep Talk altogether.
I rarely have days like that and it felt pretty nice.
Until Monday morning when there were about fourteen different straws that broke my back. I really love Mondays normally but I typically work for at least four or five hours on Sunday. Not doing anything on Sunday put me in a really terrible position for Monday. By 9 am, I was completely out of sorts. Overwhelmed. Frustrated. Upset. I just wanted to crawl into bed and pretend like it was the weekend again.
The day had to continue on… I was fortunate (isn’t it funny how things work out even when they don’t feel like they are?) to be working that morning with someone who got it and could provide advice, wisdom, plus a good listening ear.
I’m in this super weird transitional point that can really be summed up nicely as growing pains. I’m all for the growing, but gosh the pain part of that is not fun!!! While I’m really looking forward to some of the things down the road for me, I found myself at a breaking point Monday morning as I put together a team. This type a girl has finally reached a point where it’s impossible to do everything that I want and need to do on my own. A good problem, but it’s definitely hard to relinquish elements of my life to other people.
So what did I do Monday? I essentially took a personal day. (Sounds ridiculous after doing nothing on Sunday, but I needed to do purposefully do some soul searching!) I cried a bit, talked to my mom a lot, put a lot of things out into the Universe (have you read Zen and the Art of Happinessyet?!), went for an hour-long massage, and then binge-watched Oprah videos on Youtube! Duh.
Isn’t it amazing that we can pull up videos, Ted Talks and Youtube videos and whatnot, of incredible people with the most perfect advice whenever we need it?!
I felt a lot better going to bed last night and was looking forward to clicking reset on Tuesday morning. And in case your wondering, it was a killer day. I woke up feeling totally renewed and a lot of thinks worked themselves out. Add in a couple of meetings with great people to get realigned on my path. (Even though I wish it weren’t the case, sometimes it’s just nice getting validation from someone else that you’re on the right path and going in the right direction… you know what I mean?)
Oprah is definitely someone I turn to, you know because I imagine her being my BFF, when I need inspiration! I love pulling up interviews she’s done, speeches she’s given, and I really love her commencement speeches (clearly). But there are plenty of men and women out there that you might find speaks directly to you. Find time looking through quotations, watching videos online, and if you’re lucky speaking to someone in person!
A long-winded post… all just to say, sometimes the answers you need are right under your nose. It might take a day or two, but it’s worth immersing yourself in inspiration, surrounding yourself with the most supportive people you can find, and taking time for you.
Great post – I am glad you feeling better! Those videos are really inspiring, didn't think I needed her wisdom this morning, but boy was I wrong, they made me feel super fueled!
I understand 100%! I'm going through this time of life where I'm trying to figure out what it is I'm going to do with my future, since I had to quit my job due to my health over the summer. I know some of what's coming up for me – a master's in English literature & writing and publishing my next 2 books – but getting there is really really difficult!
Oprah is amazing! I'm glad your feeling better & I totally understand growing pains. I'm at a stage in my life where a lot is changing. All good changes but still stressful at times. Sometimes I think about what my life is going to be like in 5 years and I freak out.
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!
Motherhood is pure JOY to me– nothing makes me happier than being with my boys! I wear my @haverhillcollection personalized jewelry every day as a symbol of my love for them– it’s a constant reminder for me of my greatest purpose. To celebrate my first Mother’s Day with TWO boys, I sent in my Haverhill necklace to add Rory’s birthstone and initial alongside Jack’s! I also got a second bracelet to stack with Jack’s. Love that this personalized jewelry can be altered as our family grows. Haverhill’s jewelry is designed to be lived in (perfect for busy moms!) made from solid 14k gold with high-quality birthstones so I never have to take it off to exercise, shower, or sleep. Use code MOTHERSDAY15 for 15% off!
Fried Oreos! I have yet to encounter a fried Oreo, but I'm looking forward to the day I do :p
— Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo
I love Oprah too – she's amazing!
laurenroseprep.blogspot.com
Great post – I am glad you feeling better! Those videos are really inspiring, didn't think I needed her wisdom this morning, but boy was I wrong, they made me feel super fueled!
I understand 100%! I'm going through this time of life where I'm trying to figure out what it is I'm going to do with my future, since I had to quit my job due to my health over the summer. I know some of what's coming up for me – a master's in English literature & writing and publishing my next 2 books – but getting there is really really difficult!
So glad you watched those videos!! xoxo m
Oprah is amazing! I'm glad your feeling better & I totally understand growing pains. I'm at a stage in my life where a lot is changing. All good changes but still stressful at times. Sometimes I think about what my life is going to be like in 5 years and I freak out.
Sounds like the PERFECT day! You are allowed to take those days every so often.. don't feel bad about it!!
xo ClassToCloset
Oprah has great advice!
Sometimes we just need to slow down and take a break from everything.
xo,
Amanda | affordablebyamanda.blogspot.com
Oprah is great! Just picked up her book "What I Know For Sure." You should check it out!
Great post! We all need some soul searching…I feel like I have needed a personal day lately as well. Good for you for taking some time for yourself!
xo, Taylor