You Handled That Perfectly™ With Kelly Avalon Carly Cruickshank

Shows

You Handled That Perfectly®SkincareThis week we're talking all things skincare. We share our favorite products, walk through our morning and nighttime routines, and separate skincare myths from facts.In this episode:Our skincare routinesFavorite products & brandsCommon skincare mythsSunscreen, collagen & moisturizerHow often to exfoliateProducts MentionedAffiliate and non-affiliate links may be included.HERBIVORE Lapiz Oil (Carly’s absolute FAVE!!)HERBIVORE BakuchiolHERBIVORE Green MagicHERBIVORE Cloud JellyHERBIVORE Aquarius CleanserHERBIVORE Pink Cloud Jelly CleanserHERBIVORE Aquarius Face Creamevanhealy Rose Geranium Hy...

2026-10-1529 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Midlife CrisisWhat if a midlife crisis isn't really a crisis at all?In this episode, we're talking about the reality of midlife and why the experience is often very different for women than it is for men. While both tend to experience major life shifts around ages 47-48, women often aren't trying to relive their younger years - they're finally stepping into themselves.We discuss the impact of hormones, confidence, identity, relationships, careers, and why so many women reach a point where they're no longer willing to stay small, settle...

2026-10-0127 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Social Media, Part 2When did social media become our doctor?In Part 2 of our Social Media series, we're exploring how Instagram and TikTok have transformed the way women think about health, wellness, hormones, and body image.We discuss why relatable influencers often feel more trustworthy than experts, how algorithms amplify our insecurities, and why it can suddenly feel like every symptom needs a diagnosis after just a few minutes of scrolling.At the same time, we recognize the positive side of social media. It's opened conversations about...

2026-09-1726 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Social Media, Part 1Social media doesn't just influence our shopping carts. It influences our expectations.In Part 1 of our Social Media series, we're exploring how the content we consume every day can quietly shape the way we view our friendships, marriages, parenting, and even ourselves.From viral relationship advice to parenting trends and endless messages about what we "should" be doing, we discuss how repeated exposure can begin to feel like absolute truth, even when it isn't.We also dive into the growing trend of gray divorce...

2026-09-0332 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Back to School, Part 2Back to school doesn’t just mean new school supplies and new routines. For a lot of moms, it can also mean a fresh start in business.In this episode, we’re talking about why entrepreneurship feels especially appealing when the kids head back to school, the appeal of MLMs, knowing when NOT to start something, and what moms are really looking for when they say they want to own their time.Plus, Carly shares about Her Next Level, the collaboration book she contributed to, including her chapter, “Her Priori...

2026-08-2036 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Back to School, Part 1Back-to-school season is full of mixed emotions, and if you're feeling all of them, you're definitely not alone.In Part 1 of our Back to School series, we're talking about what this transition feels like for moms. The excitement, the relief, the overwhelm, the guilt, and the bittersweet realization that every school year brings a little more independence for our kids.We also discuss navigating new teachers, changing friendships, parent expectations, and how to intentionally use your time once the school day begins instead of immediately filling every open hour...

2026-08-0634 min

You Handled That Perfectly®PlaydatesNeed fresh playdate ideas that don't require a ton of planning, money, or energy?Playdates look a lot different once your kids hit elementary school. Gone are the days of moms hovering over toddlers and making small talk while preventing disasters every five minutes. These days, playdates can be about fostering independence, building friendships, creating community, and sometimes giving parents a chance to connect, too.In this episode of You Handled That Perfectly™, Kelly and Carly talk about playdates for school-aged kids, sharing creative ideas, budget-friendly options, and simple wa...

2026-07-2337 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Mid-Year Check-InMid-Year Check-In: Reflecting, Resetting & Moving ForwardCan you believe we're already halfway through the year? In this episode of You Handled That Perfectly™, Kelly and Carly take a mid-year pause to reflect on what's been working, what's no longer serving them, and what they hope to bring into the second half of the year. Through a fun and thoughtful check-in, they explore personal growth, business lessons, unexpected wins, shifting priorities, and the little things making life better right now.Whether you're feeling energized, overwhelmed, inspired, or somewhere in between, th...

2026-07-0925 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Survival Mode Series, Part 6Survival Mode in Marriage | Connecting the Dots from Episodes 1–5In this episode, we're looking back at the first five episodes of our relationship series and exploring the common thread running through all of them.Over the past five episodes, we've discussed:Feeling DismissedMood UnpredictabilityWalking Away or Going Silent During Conflict (Stonewalling)Checking Your Phone During ConflictCarrying the Mental Load AloneWhile each topic stands on its own, they often point to a deeper issue: survival mode.In this recap episode, we're connecting the dots and exploring what survival mo...

2026-06-2524 min

Living an Intentional Life Podcast You Handled That Perfectly: Choosing Your Priorities & Trusting Life's Detours with Carly Cruickshank | Episode 198Send us Fan MailWhat if living intentionally wasn't about doing more—but about getting clear on what matters most?In this heartfelt conversation, I'm joined by Carly Cruickshank —mom, entrepreneur, designer, and co-host of You Handled That Perfectly™. Together, we explore the freedom that comes from choosing a single priority and allowing that priority to guide the decisions we make every day.Carly shares her journey from corporate burnout to building White Space Design®, her own successful packaging design agency, after recognizing that the life she wanted to create for herself and her fam...

2026-06-1644 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Survival Mode Series, Part 5Carrying the Mental Load AloneWho's keeping track of the appointments, school events, grocery lists, permission slips, birthday gifts, and everything else that keeps a household running?In this episode, we're diving into the mental load—the invisible planning, remembering, coordinating, and managing that often falls disproportionately on women.We’re discussing:What the mental load actually isWhy invisible labor can feel so exhaustingThe connection between cognitive labor, stress, and burnoutHow unequal responsibility impacts relationshipsResentment, emotional exhaustion, and being the "default parent"Why sharing the mental load is about more...

2026-06-1131 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Survival Mode Series, Part 4Checking Your Phone During ConflictWhat does it really communicate when someone grabs their phone in the middle of an argument?In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most common modern relationship habits — checking your phone during conflict — and why it often feels so much deeper than “just looking at a screen.”We unpack the emotional dynamics that can happen in heterosexual relationships, where women may pursue connection while men may withdraw to regulate when emotionally flooded. The problem? Phones can make emoti...

2026-05-2836 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Survival Mode Series, Part 3Walking Away or Going Silent During ConflictIn this episode, Kelly and Carly discuss one of the most painful dynamics in relationships: stonewalling and emotional withdrawal during conflict.While many people assume yelling or arguing is the biggest threat to a relationship, research shows that emotional shutdown and withdrawal can be even more damaging over time. When one partner goes silent, the other partner’s brain often interprets it as rejection, abandonment, or emotional disconnection — turning everyday disagreements into much deeper feelings of loneliness within the relationship.

2026-05-1431 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Survival Mode Series, Part 2Mood UnpredictabilityLet’s talk about something that doesn’t get named very often. You know that moment when he walks in the room and within about five seconds you can tell what kind of night it’s going to be? Nothing dramatic has happened. No big fight. No slammed doors. Just a subtle shift in energy. And suddenly, you’re adjusting. You’re a little softer. A little quieter. Maybe you wait before bringing something up. Not because you’re weak or scared, but because you’re reading the room. And sometimes… the room is your hus...

2026-04-3026 min

2026-04-1627 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Phone AddictionIn this episode, we’re talking about something almost all of us deal with: our relationship with our phones.Be honest… have you ever picked up your phone to check one thing—and suddenly it’s 42 minutes later and you have no idea what just happened? Same.Our phones help us run businesses, stay connected, and manage everyday life—but they also quietly take up more space than we realize. The average American spends over 4.5 hours a day on their phone… that’s more than 70 full days a year.Wild, right?We’re diving i...

2026-04-0242 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Kindness CertifiedIn today’s episode, we’re doing something a little extra meaningful—we’re participating in Podcasthon, a global podcast movement where creators use their platforms to support causes that matter.For this episode, we’re highlighting an organization that aligns deeply with our values: Kids for Peace.As a Kindness Certified company, this isn’t just a feature for us—it’s a reflection of how we live, parent, and show up in the world.We’re diving into:What it actually means to be “Kindness Certified” (and how it shows up in real life...

2026-03-1852 min

You Handled That Perfectly®FriendshipsAdult friendship can feel surprisingly complicated — especially in the busy season of life many women in their 30s and 40s find themselves in.In this episode of You Handled That Perfectly, we’re unpacking the realities of adult friendship: why making and maintaining friendships feels harder now, how friendships naturally evolve over time, and the emotional layers of guilt, grief, and shifting expectations that can come with it.We talk about the idea of reason, season, and lifetime friendships, the reality of the “catch-up friend,” and what to do when you feel like you’re always the...

2026-03-111h 16

2026-02-261h 06

You Handled That Perfectly®One Year!In this special episode, we’re celebrating ONE YEAR of You Handled That Perfectly! 💛We’re taking a moment to reflect, re-introduce ourselves, share why this podcast exists, what the name really means, and what’s coming next for our community. Most importantly, we’re saying thank you — because this space wouldn’t exist without you.Why We Started This PodcastWe created You Handled That Perfectly to build the kind of community we couldn’t find.A space for:• Support• Encouragement• Humor• Real life• Moms in the same phase of life•...

2026-02-1257 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Circle BackIt’s that time of year, not Christmas, that’s over, the time when everything you said you would “circle back” to is finally catching up with you.Any of these sound familiar?:Oh, let’s circle back on that subject after the holidays. I’m gonna circle back on that email after the new year. Maybe I can circle back on decluttering once we know everything the kids are getting for Christmas.We all know it. We all do it, in some way. So today’s episode is about that — the...

2026-01-291h 09

You Handled That Perfectly®Self-careWelcome to Season 2 of You Handled That Perfectly! Kelly and Carly kick off the new season (and the new year) by redefining what self-care really looks like for moms—without adding more to your plate.In this episode, they break self-care into three approachable categories: personal, family, and professional, with a strong emphasis on micro habits that actually stick.What we cover:Why self-care doesn’t require a “new year, new you” mindsetHow saying no is sometimes the most powerful form of self-carePersonal self-care beyond bubble baths (mental...

2026-01-151h 11

2025-12-1144 min

2025-11-271h 03

You Handled That Perfectly®Safety Series: Kids OnlineIn this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s on so many parents’ minds — kids, technology, and how we keep them safe both online and offline. This is a HUGE topic and one that we will cover again in the future, but for now, it will be two episodes, starting today with keeping kids safe online. Next time, we will go into helping to keep our kids safe offline.We talk about the upsides and downsides of tech for kids, what’s really going on with safety in the world today, and how much w...

2025-11-1350 min

2025-10-2944 min

2025-10-1650 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Identity Crisis Series, Part 3: Empty NestersWe are wrapping up our series on identity crisis. I am sure this is not the last we will talk about identity crises, because as moms, we go through so many changes throughout our lives. If you're looking around your quiet house and thinking, “Wait—who am I now?”—you’re not alone.According to a 2023 study by AARP, 60% of empty nesters report experiencing a loss of identity after their children leave home. More than half - and like our previous stats about PPD - this number feels LOW!Because ev...

2025-10-0244 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Identity Crisis Series, Part 2: School-Age KidsThis episode is the second in our identity crisis series, which is about what it feels like when our kids go to school. Maybe you were a stay-at-home mom, and now your kids are gone during the day. What now? Maybe you work a 9-5 and your schedule has to adapt to school hours, and who you are in your career has to shift. One question I see asked all the time in my mom groups is: I’m traveling with my kids, what are all your tips and tricks?! I love that we are doing this episode! I ha...

2025-09-181h 08

You Handled That Perfectly®Identity Crisis Series, Part 1: Birth & PostpartumIn this episode, we are starting a new series all about identity crises. We’ll explore three different phases of life that all involve a shift in who we are as mothers and as women. We are starting with the change that comes when we become mothers, the birth and postpartum phase. The next two episodes we go into when our kids start school and when we become empty nesters (someday for us!)In reality, around 10–20% of mothers experience clinically significant postpartum depression (World Health Organization).

2025-09-041h 18

2025-08-2131 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Travel with Kids, Part 1In this episode, we’re talking about traveling with kids. We figure this is the perfect time to talk about this since it is summertime! We’re going to break down the different kinds of travel like road trips, air travel, and sight-seeing / amusement parks.One question I see asked all the time in my mom groups is: I’m traveling with my kids, what are all your tips and tricks?! I love that we are doing this episode! I have asked a couple of friends who I know travel with kids regularly for some t...

2025-08-071h 10

You Handled That Perfectly®Summer with KidsIn this episode, we’re talking about what it’s really like to parent through summer—when routines are loose (or non-existent), snack requests are endless, and emotions are running high (theirs and ours).We wanted to have an honest conversation about the mental load of summer—how much falls on caregivers to create the magic, keep the peace, and somehow still get things done. If you're feeling a little tapped out right now, you're not alone.We get into how we're navigating screen time, camp decisions, sibling dynamics, quiet ti...

2025-07-241h 01

You Handled That Perfectly®ProcrastinationIn this episode, we’re diving into procrastination and work avoidance—those moments where you know exactly what you should be doing, but you find yourself doing literally anything else. Maybe you’re deep-cleaning your kitchen, maybe you’re lost in the seventh layer of TikTok, or maybe you're just... frozen. We’ve all been there. And we want to talk about it with some honesty, some science, and a lot of grace.Because procrastination is about managing emotions, not time. Work with your rhythms, not against them.Check out:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You Handled That Perfectly™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

2025-07-0943 min

You Handled That Perfectly®PrioritYIn this episode, we talk about how we view priorities. This is something we’ve mentioned before in previous episodes, and we wanted to dedicate an entire episode to this concept.The word is “Priority”, being singular, which means that there can only be ONE most important thing. It wasn't until the 20th century that the concept was pluralized into "priorities." The shift reflects a change in thinking, from the understanding that one could only have a single 'first' thing to the modern idea that several 'first' things can be jugg...

2025-06-2559 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Comfort ZoneIn this episode, we are going to talk about getting out of our comfort zone! Whether it is something big, like moving to a new city, or small, like driving a different route to work, we think the fact that you tried anything is impressive! ⁠We talk about taking small steps in our manifestation episode and how that can make a big difference, and the same could go for stepping out of our comfort zone. Start small and do something like drive a different route to your favorite coffee shop. Mixing up the routine ca...

2025-06-1140 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Household ManagementIn this episode, we talk about the mental load and household management. We get into how we each manage our households and what that looks like with our families. We also touch on kids’ chores, activities, and expectations. The mental load is described as “the often invisible cognitive and emotional labor involved in managing a household and family, including planning, scheduling, and remembering tasks. It's the work of anticipating needs, making decisions, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.” We came up with 5 ways that can help you lighten the mental load!

2025-05-281h 01

You Handled That Perfectly®Angel Numbers & Human DesignIn this episode, we are talking about angel numbers and human design — and how these tools can actually help you get more in sync with yourself. Here’s the thing — when you start paying attention to patterns, nudges, and your own natural energy, it’s like the volume on your life turns up. You start to realize what’s really yours versus what you’ve just been carrying.Dog Breed + Zodiac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You Handled That Perfectly™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You Handled That Perfectly™ Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You Handled That Perfectly™⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠

2025-05-1446 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Empowered Women Empower WomenIn this episode, we are going to walk you through a brief history of women, specifically in the US, as it relates to womens' rights, money, business, etc. And the different events that led to where we are today and where we hope to go in the future."We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." — Maya Angelou“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” — Coco Chanel“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish” — Michelle ObamaCheck out:A fun quiz to see which t...

2025-05-0145 min

You Handled That Perfectly®The QuizisodeWe took all the personality quizzes—just like we used to in our favorite '90s magazines—and we’re sharing our results! From Love Languages and Myers-Briggs to the Enneagram, Big 5, Emotional Intelligence, and Clifton Strengths, we break down what we learned, what surprised us, and how these tools help us better understand ourselves (and each other). Don’t worry—we’ve linked them all so you can take them too!Check out:⁠5 Love Languages⁠⁠Myers-Briggs⁠⁠Emotional Intelligence⁠⁠Enneagram Personality Test⁠⁠Big 5 Personality Test⁠⁠Strengths Finder...

2025-04-1647 min

You Handled That Perfectly®BONUS: Two Minute Nervous System ResetAs mentioned in our Manifestation Part 2 episode, this quick bonus segment will walk you through a calming breathwork and grounding exercise designed to regulate your nervous system in just two minutes. Use it anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in your head—and reset your energy so you can shift into clarity, calm, and alignment.Check out:⁠⁠⁠⁠You Handled That Perfectly™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You Handled That Perfectly™ Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You Handled That Perfectly™⁠⁠ Instagram

2025-04-1603 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Manifestation, Part 2We love talking manifestation so much and had a lot to say about it, we decided to do a part 2!This time we get a little more into the science behind manifesting and how it’s not only a fun thing to do but also proven to help reduce stress, build confidence, and give people a sense of purpose. There is a big tie between manifesting and nervous system regulation. They go hand in hand because knowing that you are aligned with the universe in your goals and trusting the process will allow your bo...

2025-04-0241 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Manifestation, Part 1“When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.” - Wayne DyerManifesting what you want is no new concept. We remember reading The Secret then creating vision boards and putting out positive energy essentially, doing all the things. There are so many self-help and affirmation-style resources now that come with the idea that we can manifest our futures. But manifesting is only part of the process, the rest comes with action taken on those dreams.In this episode, we talk about how we m...

2025-03-1939 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Starting a BusinessIn this episode, we talk about starting a business! We felt like this was a logical next episode for us since it is so fresh in our minds having just started this business. Like we mentioned before, we both own businesses that launched in 2023 and have taken slightly different paths with those. Carly started her business with a jump in and figure it out as you go mindset. She built out her client base through connections and networking. She got in touch with previous employers and asked if they needed help and wanted to contract to her...

2025-03-0638 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Get to know KellyCarly interviews Kelly: Kelly is the founder and owner of Avalon Professional Services, where she helps female entrepreneurs—especially moms—streamline their operations with high-level support that bridges the gap between a virtual assistant and a fractional COO. With over 20 years of remote work experience and a background working alongside C-level executives, Kelly has mastered the art of organization, efficiency, and strategic problem-solving. She is passionate about helping business owners reclaim their time so they can focus on what truly matters.Dedicated to delivering exceptional service and building strong, long-term relationships, Kelly goes above and...

2025-02-1936 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Get to know CarlyKelly interviews Carly: Carly has been in the design world for over 15 years! Her career started in fashion design and then moved into packaging design and finally expanding to all areas of graphic design. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business, a degree in Product Development, and an MFA in Graphic Design. She absolutely loves all things visual, whether it is viewing them or creating them. You’ll find that she is an extremely efficient worker and receptive to your requests since your goals are the same, create something that allows your brand to shine. White Space...

2025-02-1333 min

You Handled That Perfectly®Welcome!Hi! Welcome! We are Kelly and Carly, best friends who have known each other forever. Like literally forever, since preschool! We’ve both started businesses in the last couple of years, and have kids, and puppies - so life is busy.We started this podcast to share our experiences and knowledge on starting new businesses while handling motherhood but more importantly, to encourage other women in similar places in life and let them know that if you are doing your best, even if it may not feel perfect, you are handling it perfectly. Our goal for...

2025-02-0518 min