About Me

“Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world, took the midnight train going anywhere.”

I’m Carly, I’m 23 years old, and I’m Canadian.

I grew up on the beach in the middle of nowhere, but I'd say I'm an even split between country mouse and city mouse. I absolutely love living on the water; nothing is more peaceful. Yet sometimes I long for the lights and the hustle and bustle of city living. After living in Ottawa for 4 years, I quickly outgrew it and since I need travel and adventure in my life I packed up and moved to England for 2 years. 

Unfortunately my move to England wasn’t all for fun, my dream of becoming a lawyer led me to studying at Sheffield Uni. But, grinding through a second degree made me realized I wasn't entirely happy and I started to lose track of who I am and what I want in life. My sister says I’m having a quarter-life crisis.

So, since nobody wants to live their life in ‘crisis-mode’ for the rest of time, I moved back to Canada and decided to start this blog as a way for me to indulge in my passions and explore my creative side a little more. I used to love writing, and yet I’m struggling to remember the last time I picked up a pen and wrote anything (that wasn’t a law essay). And since I've dabbled in a bit of modelling, photography, and graphic design, I thought a blog was just the kind of outlet I needed. So here we are :)

When I’m not busy delving deeper into the blogging sphere or trying to cram my brain with legal nonsense, you can likely find me curled up in an oversized knit sweater, with a blanket, slippers, leg warmers, hot water bottle, and of course a lovely cup of tea (I’m always cold!) while reading a book or watching a documentary.

I also love to boat, wakeboard, snowboard, surf (I guess I’ve pretty much mastered the ‘board’ sports eh), run, workout, travel, craft, and cook (self-proclaimed queen of casseroles right here!).

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About Inspired By Lena

Great Grandma's bracelet for Emily

This blog was originally almost named ‘Cranberry’ something or other (if you know me, you know my addiction to all things cranberry) but after much deliberation, I came up with a name that held a little more meaning (more meaning than cranberries? I know, crazy!)

I've never really followed a trend. I have my own style and wear whatever feels comfortable to me. I do my own thing and don't dwell over what other people think. I try to be reasonable and understanding in my relationships with people, instead of judging them and jumping to conclusions. 

I wasn't always so laid back though. It took years of me trying too hard to fit in that I finally realized I wasn't meant to. That inspiration to embrace my quirky side came from my younger sister Emily. Emily has never been one to follow the crowd; from day one she has known who she is and always lives her life the way she wants. I think embracing yourself like that is such a beautiful thing, and from that thinking, Inspired By Lena was born.