Current Inspiration
Giant Knits & The Fall Air – It's definitely fall here, and I love the crisp feeling in the air. The leaves are starting to fall and my tomatoes are starting to be threatened by frost (*shakes fists*) but threatened tomatoes or not, I love this season. In August I knit a giant wrap scarf that's over 5 feet long, and pairing it with my favourite vintage leather jacket makes the fall even cozier and more wonderful.
My New Job – Because I have one! I'm working afternoons & early evenings in a beautiful little shop in the heart of my favourite neighbourhood. The adjustment has been huge- I'm working with people my age, I can wear my clothes, I'm selling beautiful stock and I feel like I can really be myself. On top of that, I have every morning to work on my blog design client work and getting my etsy shop online. It feels like I've finally found the balance that I've been looking for in the past year- I have space to be creative and we're still paying the bills. It makes me incredibly happy!
Online + Offline Balance – Part of my job means that I'm not able to be on my iPhone or using social media for my purposes while I'm working. At my old position I had open access to the internet and it was a huge distraction – this change has been an incredible gift. Instead of working endless hours on a computer and then coming home to work more, I have a clear separation. I've had more ideas in the past two weeks than in the whole summer, and I love having lots of energy and “fresh eyes” again.
This September I Will…
Be a Hostess – One of my best & oldest friends in the universe (Awmber!) is coming to stay with me this weekend! I don't live somewhere that people tend to visit, so this is the first time I've played host and I'm crazy excited to show her everything about where I live. I'm anticipating lots of good food, movie marathons, and photos taken. And then refusing to take her to the airport, because she would really love it here if she gave it a chance, I swear.
Handwriting It – I have been terrible at sending cards and letters over the summer, but the fall seems like a perfect time to get back into sending little packages and letters. There's something about the change of seasons that makes writing by hand and finding beautiful stamps feel even more indulgent.
Try a Pumpkin Spice Latte – I used to be a big pumpkin spice girl, and then a few years ago as I was drinking one I saw that the milk was pretty….orange. I felt like I was at risk of developing superpowers & haven't felt the same way about them since. My go to Starbucks latte is Vanilla + Soy, but I think I'm going to try the pumpkin spice again. I can't wait until Gingerbread is out for my seasonal lattes love affair to start! Failing a good experience, I might make Cinnamon Dolce my new “Only In The Fall” drink. Wish me luck!
Be Myself – I can't tell you how big a difference changing jobs has made. I had a very passive aggressive manager who would make snarky comments all the time, including ones about my tattoo (which is always hidden), and because it was such a quiet office I was alone almost all the time. I felt very isolated and “outside” the culture there – and not for any good reason – and it was hard to stay positive in that environment. I feel like more than ever this change has reinforced how comfortable I am in my skin, with my choices, and in doing what works for Jesse and I. I think this fall is going to be a beautiful time to enjoy all the changes the early fall has brought.
What's inspiring you this month?
LAST UPDATED ON: September 7th, 2010
CATEGORY: All Business & Blogging Posts
I am so excited to hear that you got a new job. It’s always great to have a change in “scenery”. It’s uplifting and inspiring. I feel the same way about our move to Texas. It feels like I have much more energy these days.
Congratulations on the new job! I’m so glad that you can be yourself and wear what you want to wear! The past few jobs I’ve had I had to wear uniforms, or steal toed boots (hahah what a bummer!) and it’s just not fun getting dressed in the morning!
Good luck with all of your goals! That’s so exciting you will be having a guest, you’re going to have such a blast! If I ever make my way out West (and I SERIOUSLY hope to! Maybe not this winter, but next? My boyfriend has winters off, so that’s when we’ll go on vacation. He wants to drive into another time zone this winter, but I think we might go out east? We’re not sure yet!), I’d love to check out your city! Haha. Okay, that totally sounds creepy. Hahaha. Especially since I was going to say if you want to be pen pals I’d be in! I bought all this new stationery recently (at Staples of all places, haha.) and I picked up 10 Canadian stamps so I’m in need of some Canadian pen pals now!
I want to try a Cinnamon Dolce latte from Starbucks now! Mmm!
Okay, this comment is getting super long! Haha. Hope you have a great night. :)
lol You’re too cute Holly!
#1 – If you ever drive west I would be happy to show you around &
#2 – I would love to be penpals, lets give those Canadian stamps a workout! E-mail me your address and we can start picking cards :)
I LOVE that offline/online balance part and for me- starting to work from home (or boyfriend’s house, or coffee shops, or in hotel rooms…) has really helped me find that. I’ve been able to work when I’m most efficient and take real breaks in the middle of the day when my head needs space. It’s a huge blessing :) I’m so happy for you and your new job, your recent travels, and the new colors in your house!
I love that you’re finding your balance. I totally hear ya on being on the computer all the time. I work by day on the computer and try to shed myself of it (and my phone) by night. While it sometimes means I get behind on my blogs and Facebooking, it also means I spend quality time with those I love … and I wouldn’t trade that for the world!
Fall comes late to Virginia and I am so anxious. It’s a little cool out today but the sun is so bright and it’s been so dry that the grass is getting crunchy again just like in July. I’m SO ready for fall to come and stick around for!
You should try to caramel apple spice if it’s where you’re at. There’s no coffee in it, but it is the PERFECT Fall/Winter drink from Starbucks.
I need more of an online + offline balance. It’s so hard since my classes are all online. I’m trying to print things off in advance, though, and do as much as I can offline.
I am super happy that your new job is bringing wonderful changes to your life. Congrats missie, enjoy it.
Can you believe we have neither pumpkin spice lattes nor cinnamon dolces at Starbucks here? I am so jealous!
Glad you are liking your job so much. I am currently looking for a job and I worry a little about finding a balance between using the internet for personal purposes (if I am allowed) and not over-using it because it really is a huge distraction!
My life has changed so much in the course of 2 months and I really feel like it is for the best. Great to hear how happy you are and it really inspires me to be happy in my own respect.
Inspiring me this month are beautifully colored macarons, a new job, a new apartment, and an old relationship with a new twist!
I look so forward to your Type A-ery posts! Always inspiring, but this month especially so. You have a great way of reminding me to be true to myself and mindful of the simpler things. :)
And my jealousy of fall (while we’re still very much in the midst of summer) aside, I’m so thrilled to read about your new adventures! Isn’t it just wonderfully fantastic when things all come together like that? For those of us who aren’t quite there yet, it’s inspiring to see it CAN, in fact, be achieved. :)
My trip to Minneapolis is continually inspiring me.
Six weeks left of school is inspiring me.
My 10k training.
So many good things in my life right now; it’s truly a blessing!
Congrats on your new job, Kyla! Sounds absolutely fantastic. And I hear you on wanting to get back into the handwritten card groove. I slacked all summer on that front.
Here’s to happy Septembers! :)
Aww it sounds like you’re doing really well. Congratulations on the new job and best of luck with re-trying a pumpkin spice latte. They’re good, but you’re right, totally orange. Maybe you should try making your own??
Congratulations on the new job! It sounds perfect :)
What a sweet list! Congrats on the job. I hope you stay happy there.
I was so ready for fall this year, even more than any recent year I can remember. Good luck on the new job!
I am so excited for you to get settled into your new routine with work and your etsy shop. I’ve never been as ready for fall as I am this year but the possibilities of scarves, cooler evenings, pumpkin everything, the leaves changing. Ah, it warms my heart. I am so glad that Amber is going to visit you this weekend. Have a fantastic time!!
I love getting snail mail. It’s so much fun! I’m so glad things are working out for y’all. That is wonderful. I really need to get back into knitting. I want to move beyod, scarfs, blankets and hats lol.
everytime you blog a monthly inspiration post… i always end up writing my own little list. ;) love it.
It made me grin to read about you shaking your fist at the frost. :)
My September goal is to make a huge dent in my knitting project (baby blanket #2). i started it this past weekend, but you saw how fine the yarn was and it’s being knit on size 3 needles, so it’s obviously going to take quite awhile!! I HAVE to have it done by 10/16, so the clock is ticking. I am pretty sure I will be doing a heck of a lot of knitting while Amber is driving when we do our road trip from Vancouver to Portland!
Oh, and I promise, I will try to come and visit you some time! Maybe Mandy or Nora will fly into Minnie and we can road trip it up to you! pretty sure doing that drive alone might make me crazy. And you probably don’t want a crazy guest showing up! ;)
Honestly, right now I’m being inspired by a bunch of new favorite bloggers–like, um, you :)
Your new job sounds like a dream come true–congratulations!
I’m so glad to hear you have a job that fits your personality more! Those are always the best, and I hope I can find something like that for myself.
I also find that the fall is inspiring for sending cards and packages – especially this year, when a lot of my friends are getting new apartments and/or going to college and graduate school. Sending them treats to help them along with their hard work always makes me feel happy.
I am so happy for you. The new job sounds like it is just a perfect fit for you. I do know exactly what you mean. I am on a computer constantly during the day, and sometimes a computer is the last thing I want to look at during the evening.
I usually take a good long walk, change, and get something yummy to drink as a little break.
I also can’t wait for your shop to open- it will be perfect!
I can’t believe that I am going to be there in like… 2 days!!! SQUEE! And I am so with you the oversized knits….
Haha, I just tried the pumpkin spice latte for the first time because eeeeveryone raves about it! I do think that ordering mine with soymilk and no whip sucks the soul right out of it, though. Alas! I’m supersuper psyched to wear scarves EVERY SINGLE DAY! They’re the best part of fall :)
I just tried a salted signature hot chocolate frappucino from Starbucks and seriously, it was like the harvest of Fall in a frozen blend of delight!!! I loved it. I cannot wait for Christmas time because my drink of choice is the peppermint mocha. I am not a spice person, and I really don’t have a fall drink yet, so I need to scout some out too… Except, I love vanilla rooibo chai from our local Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
This September, I want to be cool.
Weather wise and living wise.
:)
Ah I’m so jealous. It’s still super hot here and will continue to be for at least a month. I am dreaming of scarves and tights!
Everything is going so well for you, which is utterly fabulous. I wish I lived closer so I could pop my head into your new work abode. It sounds like a fabulous place to be happy with yourself, and make some money on the side.
I do find that being on a computer and my Blackberry all day at work leaves little desire to boot up my laptop at home in the evenings and weekends. I’m curious to see what zero internet/phone usage for 2 weeks will do to me (Good? Bad? Ugly?)
I noticed that the leaves are starting to change color yesterday. I’m trying to savor that, my blooming sweet peas and the ever-taller sunflower stalk in my backyard as much as I can. (I fear they will all have succumbed to the much-too-early frost before I return!)
Holy smokes batman! The milk is orange! I didn’t notice that before.
Love your fall inspirations and am happy to hear you’re so in love with you new job! Sounds like a great balance of freelance and shop work :)
Congrats on the job. LOVE that you’re happy transitioning into fall.
You can make your own pumpkin spice lattes at home…I started doing this last fall. It takes a little while to get the hang of the recipe (or at least it did for me) but the results are worth it!
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup milk (can be soy!)
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1.5 oz. espresso
Brew your espresso. Meanwhile, dump everything else in a pot and whisk it constantly over medium heat until it gets really frothy (not boiling!) Pour your coffee into a mug, add the pumpkiny milk, stir and enjoy! You can also adjust the recipe, leaving out the espresso, if you want a caffeine free pumpkin “creme” but where’s the fun in that?!
Kyla, that’s so exciting about your new job. It must be such a relief to be out of that old environment that not only didn’t suit you, but brought you down. Here’s to seasons changing and a fresh start! Thanks for sharing. Always fun to hear about others’ accomplishments.
Which store do you work in? If it’s like your blog in any way I’d love to check it out!
My September Inspirations are mason jars full of candies and mixes, the yellow of the changing leaves, the way Staples smells and the new Arcade Fire album. This is definitely my favourite month!
That’s so great to hear! Congrats.
I’m being inspired by the comics I’ve been reading namely the Green Lantern and Batman series. I always find it a bit lame that I continue to draw inspiration from my childhood idols but there are always situations in my life where I wish I could be a bit more powerful. I’ve been having problems with subletting my old apartment and it’s the 6 year anniversary of my grandmother’s death, so it’s been a difficult beginning to September. But, I keep picking up one of my old comics and giving it a read and pushing through like I were a Green Lantern or a more psychologically healthy Batman :).
Congrats on your new job! Offices are icky – yay for happy places where you can be yourself! :)
I always feel extra inspired in the Fall. It’s home to me. So, I feel inspired to fill my days with Fall things. AND kicking your butt in fantasy football :)
It’s so nice to hear that you’re finding that balance – it’s so inspiring because I know exactly what you mean about being in an office that doesn’t fit who you are!! It sounds like you’re living your dream right now – I love that!!!! Can’t wait for your etsy shop :)
It’s amazing the changes the right job can bring about, isn’t it? That’s how it’s been for Ben since he landed the one he’s at now – night and day!
Right now I’m being inspired by all the creative-ness I see in the blogosphere. Not to create things (ha! you don’t want to see that), but to support those who do.
So happy to hear about your new job. It sounds absolutely perfect for you, because I know how it feels to feel out of place. Being at a job where you’re not connected to your computer or phone gives a nice break for everything. I have to do the same at my job and I kinda like it!
I LOVE your idea of sending handwritten notes! So personal. And mail is so fun! I need to start writing more as well — thanks for the inspiration!
Congratulations on all of the positive changes! I’m so happy for you. I work in an environment where I’m often alone and it takes a toll.
I LOVE your new job. It seriously sounds PERFECT for you!!! So glad that everything has fallen together and is working out for you guys :-)
That’s awesome – good luck with the new job!
My main inspiration this month is our new house. Looking forward to moving in and making it a home. That and fresh fall mornings. I think I need to go buy some sweaters and new shoes.
Sounds like fall is going to be the catalyst for some big {good} changes for you dear! Congrats on the new job, what sort of of shop is it?
Rain, cake mixes in a jar, and handmade cards are my inspirations this month. I’m on the same boat as you with wanting to send packages and cards to friends. Pumpkin spice latte isn’t too bad. I usually ask for a little less syrup and nonfat so it isn’t too sweet.
Happy September! :o)