Drumroll please…I got a job!
Y’all this job search thing has been WAY tougher than I thought. I figured I’d come back from yoga teacher training and snap up a part time admin/office job in no time. Mmm…not so much. This whole process has made it obvious that NO ONE understands the variety of jobs teachers actually do. The management and administrative duties I performed daily were right up there with an office or executive assistant, and yet my interviewers acted like they were surprised I knew what a computer was. Again, the notion that elementary school teachers spend their days finger painting and singing songs is outdated and frustrating. In an interview for an assistant position where one of the job duties was restocking office supplies, I was told I was only granted the interview because a friend put in a good word for me. #girlbye
Last week, I realized I had two choices: continue searching for these office jobs that paid terribly, or suck it up and look for a nanny job. I’d been hesitant to nanny because I was hoping for a “real” job, but getting rejected for entry-level positions that pay $11/hour really humbles you. Lo and behold, the day I signed on to my profile on a childcare website, I found a description for the sweetest family. The kids are adorable, the parents are amazing, and they practically live across the street from me. Did I mention they give paid time off? Sounds like a “real” job to me. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m so ready to get back to work. The afternoon hours are perfect and give me the flexibility to teach yoga and work on Rebelle Kitchen.
Since yoga training, I’ve been dying to get to New York to buy a harmonium for my yoga classes. They’re an Indian instrument used for singing and chanting and hardly anyone in Charlotte uses them. Knowing that my start date was Monday got my rear in gear to buy a plane ticket and go. Traveling during the week + by yourself is so freeing and fun. I stayed with my friend Ali and her fiancé Will on the Upper East Side, and got to fill my days however I pleased. I took a yoga class at Jivamukti Yoga everyday, walked the Brooklyn Bridge, and wandered through Central Park. At night I met up with friends for dinner or just put my feet up after a day of exploring. It was glorious. The energy in New York is so inspiring.
As usual, having a capsule wardrobe made traveling the easiest. During the day I just wore my yoga clothes + TOMS + my crossbody, but I was able to create a few different going out to dinner outfits just by switching up tops and accessories. (It also helps that New York is the perfect backdrop for my love of all things black.) Four days worth of outfits, workout clothes, and toiletries all fit beautifully into my 20″ spinner suitcase. Check out my outfits + accessories below.
ON THE PLANE:
Not going to lie, I sort of roll my eyes when people post “the best carry-on bags” that aren’t backpacks. Are your shoulders made of steel? Sitting for long periods on planes already makes my back tight, so having a backpack to even the weight across my shoulders is essential. Plus, I love that my backpack has outer pockets for my water bottle + phone, and that I can keep everything inside organized in different pockets. The best. I traveled and walked around the entire city in these TOMS and they were my saving grace. How did I go so long without owning a pair of these?
02 | Black leggings
03 | Backpack
04 | Vegan TOMS
DINNER #1:
This outfit was perfect for a casual dinner with Ali and Will at Cascabel. (P.S.: their frozen margaritas were on fleek.) This crossbody bag is special because Kendra bought it for me before my last trip to NYC in March 2016. It was so thoughtful and has come in so handy many times since then! This outfit is one of my favorite combinations (chambray + leopard), and I can’t wait for the temps to continue to cool off so I can rock it more often. For a different look, I would swap the boots for TOMS, lose the scarf, and add a dangly earring.
01 | Chambray shirt
02 | Black pants (old) | similar | similar
03 | Riding boots (old) | similar | similar
04 | Leopard scarf
05 | Crossbody bag (on clearance for $9.99!)
06 | Pave stud earrings
07 | Tortoise sunglasses
DINNER #2:
I’m not going to lie, I’m a little obsessed with this outfit. It’s timeless and comfortable, which I am all about. Plus, all black + a pop of lip color made me feel so glam when having dinner with my friend Cate at Beyoglu. Cate was one of my roommates when I lived in New York for a hot second in 2009, and we hadn’t seen each other since I moved to North Carolina. Check out her amazing yoga and design work here.
01 | Dressy black tank
02 | Black pants (old) | similar | similar
03 | Riding boots (old) | similar | similar
04 | Leopard scarf
05 | Crossbody bag
06 | Pave stud earrings
07 | Tortoise sunglasses
08 | NYX Matte Lipstick
And then the reason for this whole adventure: my trip to Mindra’s Harmoniums! It took me two subways and a (long) bus ride to get to him, but it was so worth it. Mindra makes these beautiful instruments by hand and is incredible at what he does. Also, his mom made me a delicious Indian soup and then he drove to to the airport because it was raining. How amazing is that?
It was a whirlwind few days, but I sure am glad to be back home with my boys. Resting (and putting my feet up) before I’m a working girl again on Monday!
I love reading your posts, they are so funny and real! Can’t wait to try a yoga class with the new harmonium. And I’m glad the cross body bag worked out well. Good luck on Monday! They are lucky to have you! xx K
Thanks friend! Can’t wait to play for you!
obsessed with you.
The feeling is mutual.