Early New Year Recap Week 1

So the first week of my New Year went pretty well! Hurrah! I've been utilizing my gorgeous Bliss journal from Papya Art..If you have not yet, I encourage everyone to check it out! The paper products are gorgeous and practical! My 2011 day planner has a wallet inside for receipts and other bits and pieces that end up in a dayplanner! I have been going to sleep earlier and I feel the difference, now if I can just get off my chocolate kick than I will really be on the right path..all in good time though and I know it will happen sooner than I can imagine. I love the idea of self care and for such a long time like most women, I put myself last on the list when really I should be first- If I take exceptional care of me than those around me will feel the effects of that blissful state of mind.
I have to also say how open my heart is and so filled with loving gratitude. I met the kindest  Blogger online, Carol of Coco Yogini. She makes the most beautiful pearl Mala beads. In addition to the spiritual aspect they are stunningly beautiful to look at and the fact that they are created with love makes them even more beautiful. I will be receiving a Mala ( in signature pink) in the mail soon and I am looking forward to practicing my yoga and meditation with them. If anyone is interested, I will connect you with Carol.
Last but certainly not least I won a Blogger Giveaway! Elisse the fabulous Creator of "Fur Elisse" hosted a blog giveaway where one wrote about their favorite blog as well as why they blog. The prize was a handcrafted tote created by Elisse as well as gorgeous hairclips by Elisse's friend, Jozen. The cool twist is that not only the entrant won, the blogger they wrote about won as well!
I hope that week 2 of my Early New Year is as fantastic as my first...Bonne Nuit Ma Cheries..

xoxo Sweet Caroline

Blogiversary giveaway...

Hi Girls~

Check this out, the absolutely fabulous Elisse of Furelisse is hosting a blogiversary giveaway! I recently got to know Elisse through Melitas annual Tea Trade, when Elisse sent me the most delicious tea's in addition to other tea lovers treats all the way from Canada! Here is a link to the contest!! Good Luck!!!

xoxo Carolyn

http://furelisse.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/double-the-happiness-celebrating-my-blogiversary-with-a-giveaway/

New Year..in November!

I cannot believe it is November and that 2011 will be upon us sooner than we can imagine. 2010 has been a year. There have been many wonderful memories and new friends made and sadly way to many life lessons learned as I have had to bid final farewells to way to many people this year. The most important lesson I learned was that life is meant to be lived as fully as possible and in my case on and off the yoga mat. I am excited and exhilerated for all of the lessons 2011 will bring us! I have big plans for the new year and happily I have made the proactive decision to live them starting now not on December 31st! Some that I will share include lots and lots more yoga and towards the end of 2011 Yoga Teacher Training! As some of you know I work part time at a yoga studio and while my work week is long, the moment I unlock the door early Saturday morning I can feel the stress leave my body and my spirit becomes renewed. I want to also focus more on my writing. Perhaps write more than a random blog post and post on a regular basis. I also plan to say "No" a lot more- considering that I have the habit of saying "Yes" to pretty much everything asked of me, I think that will be a huge accomplishment.Extreme Self Care is part of this new Chapter...not only yoga, but continuing my Lunchtime Walks. As those of you who follow my Tweets know I am very diligent about making sure I take a little time in the middle of the day to get outside, enjoy some fresh air and a stretch of the legs. It definitely prepares me for the latter part of the day! Also weekend naps, Lush Bath Treats and plenty of Carolyn time. I give thanks everyday that I have a Boyfriend who understands and respects the fact that I need some me time on a regular basis. I run better with that and he gets it! I am such a lucky woman!
I wish you all a pleasant evening...

xoxo Carolyn

Time to Breathe

Wow! Finally some room to breathe! The last month has been a whirlwind of lots of life changing experiences- although none of them directly pertained to me, I have been spending a lot of time helping out a friend. Finally a break of Carolyn time. I am someone who thrives on routine. I like to go to sleep and wake up the same time, do my household tasks in a specific way..I think although I am not entirely a Type-A personality I definitely have some of the characteristics. Currently my routine is completely haywire! I've been staying with my friend who's husband heartbreakingly passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly last month. As much as my routine is haywire for a temporary time, her life and the lives of their 2 gorgeous sons has changed forever. A reminder to me to remember to be flexible and not so routine-driven. Like anything else everything in moderation. I've been spending more time at the yoga studio lately and had a fantastic class the other day! For the first time in a very long time I did a handstand! I have to say I enjoyed seeing life from that perspective! Being in class is a reminder of exactly how important my yoga practice is to me. My Beau often tells me, I am me but happier and more balanced after yoga class.



I will be housesitting next week in a beautiful home a 10 minute WALK from my office. Can you say blissful. I will have abundant Carolyn time to write in my journal ~I just treated myself to an absolutely beautiful Papya Art Journal and am looking forward to simply just lettting my heart and soul out! I participated in Melita's from Gussying up The Tuttle Tea Trade and have some beautiful teas from Elisse from FurElisse to savor and enjoy.






Savor the moments in your life...Namaste

Hi There...

Hello Friends~ Sorry for the lack of posts...there has been so much going on in life that not to much on my to-do list has been taken care of! I miss my blog friends and promise a fabulous post very soon!! xoxo Sweet Caroline

Quiet Contemplation...

Life has been changing quite rapidly lately and I have been really giving a 100% effort in going with the flow. I need to remember in times like this I need to drink oodles of water and practice even more yoga- although the intention is there sometimes I get busy and forget...and life itself has been non stop. I actually carved out some free time tonight for quiet. I am house sitting and the quiet is lovely. This evening I went for a walk with a friend came home put on my cozy new fall jammies and decided to just enjoy the stillness that surrounds me. This week was bittersweet. Sweet because one of my closest and dearest friends is visiting from LA and we were able to spend some time together- Angelo's on Mulberry Street in Little Italy so yummy & the service fantastic. Yesterday Angie & I went on a tour of the garment district and went to several showroom sales- lucky me found 2 amazing sweaters and a gorgeous necklace at Elizabeth Gillett a sparkly & very zen designer who designs for Anthropologie! 

On the bitter side of the week, I received a phone call from another dear friend, Her 45 year old husband had a massive heart attack in front of her and their 7 year old son and passed away. So tragic and horrible. Words cannot describe the way my heart breaks for her and her 2 amazing boys ages 7 & 3. If you are reading this, please send a healing thought their way. I would truly appreciate it. Thank you!

After this type of week, I am looking forward to a weekend of contemplation and quiet. I will be at the yoga studio in the morning and taking class right afterward with an amazing teacher! The afternoon will be celebrating Yom Kippur with my Beloveds family- my first Yom Kippur experience. 

I wish you all a weekend of creative sparkle while giving your loved ones and extra hug...

Namaste

Just Wondering...

I have been super busy lately between work and home I am feeling tapped out. I know I need to take extra special care of myself but for some reason when my plate is overloaded and I due to time constraints cannot get to yoga class, manicure/pedicure- the small things that make me feel like a million bucks..I am wondering how my Blog Friends do when time is short and you need to practice extreme self care..any ideas please pass them along! I am open to suggestions!

Curly Girl!!

I was at work one random sunny Tuesday in late September 2007 when a Co~Worker friend of mine asked me to stop by her desk. She had been in a random little shop in Boston and saw something that reminded her of me..it was a Curly Girl Calendar! I loved it! Although I would not be able to actually use it for a few months, I had to open it and loved everything that I saw~ from the eclectic funky fonts to the sage words of wisdom, I was hooked so much so that this past year I ordered  my wall calendar from Curly Girl! I was intrigued on who came up with such a fantastically magical and whimisical way to approach life. Wittyisms such as "I am fairly certain that given a Cape and a nice tiara, I could save the World" broach such confidence that even if you are not confident this really really passes on the energy that you honestly and truly COULD save the world!
Although I have not had the pleasure of meeting Leigh Stadley, I know we have a lot in common...from poor marks in Math class ( soo not my fave- I could have used some of the CG inspirational pencils to get me through it!!) to living in Boston and at times yearning for Paris.
Here is the passageway to Curly Girl- take a peek I know these fabulous treats will make you as happy as
they make me. http://www.curlygirldesign.com/

Hadley Pollet...from Belts to Yoga!!!

As most of you know I work Saturday mornings at a local yoga studio. I also am into stylish and unique accessories. A few Saturdays ago I struck up a conversation with a stylish woman- the bag she was carrying was utterly divine! We exchanged names- and I knew hers! Hadley Pollet! Not only did I know her name, I actually own a couple of her belts! I was thrilled not only was Hadley super sweet and stylish she was also a like-minded yogi.
Hadley shared with me that morning that soon she would be launching her first yoga apparel line! I was totally excited as I adore seeing the latest and hippest yoga wear! I am of the belief it must be comfy as well as stylish! I checked out Hadley's website www.hadleypollet.com to see for myself! The tops are simple and elegant with the Chakra's running down the front of the top. Gorgeous cardigans again with chakras running down the back and a comfy fit perfect for going for a post-class smoothie! There is also a long cardigan in black with Chakra's which would be divine over a cami or with Hadley's yoga pants with her signature Chakra design down the side.

I am really excited as this line will be launching this coming weekend at the Yoga Wanderlust Festival. Hadley will be there at Booth 18. If you are lucky enough to attend Wanderlust stop by and say hello to her!

E-Trunkin' Sunday...

On Sunday's in New Milford, CT there is a fabulous piece of what I call utopia, it is the Elephant Trunk Flea Market. It is one of the most fun places I can ever be oh so early on a Sunday morning..I live about an hour away and usually go with my dear friend the ever so stylish Marina. The ride entails lattes, music, laughs and conversations that range from anything from life to style tips which we frequently share with each other. We arrive, park on the lawn along with the hundreds of other cars, pay the 2.00 entrance fee and than meander..for hours! I went yesterday for the first time this season and enjoyed yet another amazing experience! We walk through the gates and start to gaze around at everything! The E-Trunk as I like to call it, also has a Farmers Market with oodles of the freshest produce available; an Italian stand with the cheeses, sausages and breads..as well as the local AM radio station "Italian House Party" all this is addition to miles and miles of style inspiration and chic stylish deals..I once bought 400 thread count, 600 twist Egyptian cotton bed linen set for 10.00 from a local company downsizing!! Yesterday I scored a zen looking Buddah for my yoga space at home and some pretty sachets made from vintage fabric and filled with French Lavender from the ever so lovely, Lana. There was a local upholstery fabric/custom design furniture shop,TigerLily that was selling the prettiest toiles and linens ever- with the ever so stylish Owner, Betsy Knapp and her daughter Samantha, they can actually be found online at tigerlilysgreenwich.com
I wish that all of you would be able to enjoy a gorgeous day like I enjoyed at the Beautiful Elephants Trunk in New Milford, CT!!

Ah Monday!

Today is one of those days which started out eh and just ended up fabulous for no good reason other than it was fabulous! My friend from my office and I went on our lunchtime walk and had oodles of laughs over each of our weekend adventures. I came home to a lovely package from Heather of SimpleDaisy! I ordered a fabulous pair of light beachy summer earrings which I am looking forward to wearing! Tommorow perhaps. Pondering some pretty new summery togs~ had some yummy luck now I need to narrow down what I need as opposed to what I just adore although is there really a difference?
I love light hearted Mondays! How was your Monday??

xoxo Carolyn

Bliss...

It has seem so long since I last posted. Life seems to be super busy lately. I've also been enjoying the late spring/early summer  weather we have been enjoying in Dear CT! I just adore this time of year, life seems to move at a slower easier pace and nothing seems impossible. I am looking forward to latter part of this week though..Thursday night the lovely Liz of Shorely Chic and the dynamic Jen of Itty Bitty Bag are hosting a trunk show something that I am really looking forward to. Liz does beach chic and I have a couple of her treats on display at my home and perhaps will find a more at the show. Jen creates the most beautiful bags/wallets/checkbook covers and all kinds of fabulous treats~ I am excited to pick up my wonderful birthday gift a custom designed pink (any suprise there?) damask purse perfect for summer! check out their websites www.shorelychic.com and www.ittybittybag.com and if you are in the Stamford, CT location join me for a glass of vin and delicious shopping!
Friday I am really looking forward to a long overdue visit with my dear friend, John. He invited me to join him at the Ridgefield Playhouse for a Sophie b. Hawkins concert to help out our friends in Louisiana. I cannot think of a better way to start the summer than a date with an old friend, wine, shopping and music! I am the luckiest girl!!
How are you Lovelies starting your summers off??

xoxo Carolyn

Spring!!

After a long cold and snowy winter spring is here. Seeing the flowers in bloom makes me happy and to me feels like a gorgeous new beginning. On Sunday which was a beautiful sunny day- Dave and I decided to walk to pick up breakfast and just enjoyed the happy feeling of the sun hitting our faces. After a very long week- my oldest and dearest friends Dad had passed away the week before, it was exactly what I needed- a day to just walk and enjoy a quiet day with my boyfriend. I've decided to take a cue from the very wise Analiese Marie and make this week a quiet extreme self care week..oodles of naps, journalizing, perhaps a well deserved manicure and a quiet girls night in. What do you do when you enjoy an extreme self care week??

xoxo Carolyn

Ah Sweet Saturday...

Welcome to a Saturday afternoon. I love Saturdays mostly because I work the early morning shift at my favorite yoga studio- even though I am officially on duty- the rituals of lighting candles, choosing which aromatherapy scent and just the cool vibe of everyone making their fave class a top priority is enough to bring a sense of joy and peace to the start of the day..My wish for all of you is to enjoy a relaxing and zen day.. Namaste

Rainy Days....

Ah it's Monday and rainy...I think tonight will be the perfect evening to snuggle in and settle down with "Tranquilista" and a hot cup of tea..it's my third time reading this book and I have learned so much and each time I pick it up I learn something new. I am also happy because I finally found a yummy yoga studio in my Boyfriends town! Yay! It is called Stone Yoga and is located in Teaneck, NJ..we went to scope out the location and serendipitously the lovely Charlotte Stone was there- she gave us a tour of the studio, goodies and a schedule. I think I am going to like it there...I am one lucky girl- I have 2 studios I can call my yoga home!! Bonne Nuit..xoxo

From Uggh to Ahhh

I have had a very trying day after a fantastic long weekend this really was bringing me down- a place I do not like to be. I knew something had to make my day just a wee bit brighter..well something did! The ever so lovely Chelsea Bea of Pencil Skirts and Pearls honored me with a Sunshine Award! Merci and hugs Chelsea, this came at exactly the right time. I would like to Pay this forward and send this too...Thank you ladies for the gift of sunshine...xoxo Carolyn

The Flag..

It all started around the Holidays. The ever so lovely, Micaela, of "Dolce Vota" wrote a blog post about her beloved brother, Marco who would soon be deployed. She wrote on how sad she would be without having Marco around to celebrate the holidays with  friends and family. Micaela graciously asked her blogger friends if they would mind sending Marco holiday cards. I thought that this was a fantastic idea, and popped a card in the mail. As we rang in 2010 Marco's Birthday was approaching and Micaela graciously asked again if we would send a card to help Marco celebrate his Birthday. I thought this was a fantastic idea and sent a card off..
Imagine my suprise when last Friday I arrived home from work to a package from Marco! Inside this package was a US Flag that had been flown over US airspace! Along with the flag, there was a certificate letting me know the specifics of when the flag had been flown as well as a photograph of Marco and his crew. I was so very touched by Marco's thoughtfulness. Currently I rent and decided that I will pass the flag onto my 5 year old Nephew, Miller so that he may fly it over his house.
Thank you Marco for your thoughtful gesture and Thank you Micaela for the reminder that no matter what your political views, there are so many men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting so that we may have the freedom that we enjoy.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Wow..it has been a week and it is only Tuesday. For some reason I have been feeling out of balance lately. It really came to focus Sunday when I was practicing yoga. I could not hold a pose to save my life!! I have been really focusing on making steps to bring a beautiful new changes in my life. I am a very lucky girl with oodles of support- an amazing family- I consider my Aunt who is also my Godmother one of my closest confidantes- I have a wonderful and supportive Boyfriend who is also my best friend. I also have tons of friends that are amazing and wise listeners and advisors when things get tough which truthfully has been happening alot lately. Between the economy and being in a not so happy Mon-Fri environment really takes alot out of a girl especially one that prides herself on having such a sunny positive attitude. I see that slowly fading and want to catch up with it before it goes away forever.

That said I am making proactive changes in my life. I REFUSE to allow the circumstances that are surrounding me to get me down. I am in the rain now but sooner than I can even possibly imagine I will be over the rainbow and back to my normally cheerful and happy self. If anyone has ideas to pass on please feel free to email me! Merci and big Hugs... XO Carolyn

Spring Cleaning...

So I am thinking I need some clear goals. This is something I have been thinking about for a long time unfortunately it feels that time sometimes gets in the way. I need to figure out how to NOT allow that to happen. For the month of April I want to accomplish the following:

Yoga at least once a week studio and more with home practice.

WALK with my beloved spring here, there is really no reason for me not to get some fresh clean air in my lungs and head- for some reason after a long walk I see things much more clearly.

Create a budget and stick with it! That will be a challenge especially these days but I just know it can be done.

Journal- I am going to make a proactive effort to write in my journal at least 3 times a week if not more!

Blog more! With my home computer needing repair that will be tough- lucky for me the library in the town I work is open late every night! No excuse not to stop by and blog!

Merci!! Merci!! for letting me get this out into the open!!

xoxo C

Happy Spring!

Tommorow is the day I have been waiting for!! The first day of SPRING!!! I feel like all the grey dreariness that winter sometimes brings has gone and tommorow is the first day of a gorgeous new season. I have had Spring Fever all week long!! Enjoying lunchtime walks staying up just a little later and getting ready to embrace this gorgeous time of year!!
I wish all a very Happy Spring!!!

xoxo Carolyn

Enjoy a Cozy Weekend...

The Tri-State area is supposed to be rainy and stormy all weekend..I will be in the City spending the weekend with a Friend and plan on movie watching while snuggling, journal writing and cooking dinner rather than going out or ordering in. What will you Lovelies be doing to create your weekend...Enjoy!! xoxo

Good Karma Swap!!!

A short while ago, the ever lovely KaileenElise decided to host a Good Karma Swap. The Swap Partners were done round robin style and the treats were to bring the gifts of celebration, comfort, calm and creativity. I received a lovely package from the delightful Heather of Everyday Grace. My gift was filled with all sorts of scrumtious goodies...cushy lavender socks, a gorgeous journal, funny sticky pads, a manicure set, a really cute sleep mask and of course chocolate.

Merci Beau Coup Heather for treats that are spot on..and Merci to you Kaileen for hosting!

xoxo

A weekend in the Countryside

I am ecstatic the weekend is finally upon us. I will be going to my sisters for a girls weekend. She and her family live in a charming 270 year old house basically in the middle of nowhere. I am excited to indulge in a facial as well as some spring clothes shopping at the Outlets near here home...Loft Outlet here I come! I will catch up on movies "Coco Before Chanel" and sleep...ahhh bliss!! My friends I wish for you the same peaceful weekend...Namaste

Half Broke Horses Review...

To say I loved Half Broke Horses is an understatement. Jeanette Walls took her Grandmothers true life experiences and blended them with a little fiction and lo and behold she had a winner, at least in my eyes.
Lily was amazing- strong and so sure of herself! From leaving home at 15 to take a job 500 miles away from home and getting there on her home on horseback..to marrying a total louse with zero knowledge that he was already married to someone else ( sounds like Jenny & Peter in "An Education" to marrying the solid practical as well as older and wiser Jim Smith..Lily's life was a journey with all kinds of experiences filling the blanks.
being someone who sort of rolls with the waves, Lily does not. She opens her mouth and she is sassy and spirited. I love the fact that it did not faze her when she got into trouble with the various school systems that she worked for when she was defending what she believed in! I thought that was superb!
I recommend this book to anyone young old and in between. I had heard it was similar to "Glass Castles" I did not get that impression at all!!
I hope that everyone in the Slow Readers Book Club enjoyed this book as much as I did!!

Snow Days...

We are expecting more snow tommorow!! I can smell the chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate already! I am wishing for a day where I can stay in relax, read my lovely book swap book and nap...Fingers Crossed!! xoxo

Le jour de valetines heureux, étincellee et beau mes chers

Happy Happy Valentines Day! I will be spending my Valentines Day in New York..in my opinion the second most romantic place in the world..with someone who means so much to me. I wish all my friends a weekend filled with sparkly love and twinkly lights and may all your Valentines be filled with Love and Magic. Til next week...xoxo

Gratitude!!

It's been awhile since I posted on Gratitude. I've been going through some personal stuff and probably not as aware as I should be with the lovely gifts life brings to us. I need  to remind myself each and everyday to cherish these gifts. I have an amazing life, fantastic friends both silver and gold..for all of you former Girl Scouts do you remember the GS quote "Make New Friends but Keep the Old..One is Silver the other Gold" I have been so lucky to meet a fab group of Blogger Buddies. It is so refreshing to know that there are like minded souls in the world and they are only a computer tap away! I have been very lacksidasical on my yoga studio practice..so bad I know! I saw a fave instructor tonight and told her I needed to get into her class. I will probably be sore for a day or two but oh it will be worth it.
I am also lucky to have an amazing group of old friends. Just as it is refreshing to meet new people and create new friendships, it is just as refreshing to nurture and tend to friends who knew you when.
So a great big Merci Beau Coup to all of my Friends both Silver...and Gold

xoxo C

Hurrah for the weekend!

I have a weekend filled with lots of fun things to do..my beautiful Niece/Goddaughter, Aurora ( She loves everyone to know that we she is my Goddaughter) is in a school concert tonight, spending time with friends and of course the Superbowl. Although I am told I picked "good numbers" in the office pool, whatever that means I will probably watch the game with the latest copy of Vogue in one hand and an amazing glass of vin in the other. What are you lovelies planning to do this weekend??

xoxo

Happy Mail!

I love reading. I was ecstatic last night when I arrived home to a package which held the fabulous Kimberly Wilson's new book "Tranquilista" I barely could contain myself I was so happy! I brewed some yummy green tea with organic honey put on my ever so comfy bamboo bathrobe and settled in for a lovely evening of reading with classical music in the background. "Tranquilista" is so inspiring and well written. I reccomend that everyone pop over to TranquilityduJour.com and order a copy.  I am in the beginning stages of some life changes and this book- along with my fantastically fabulous and suppportive family & friends this is such a wonderful guidebook. Enjoy a sparkly and happy day!! xoxo C

le changement est dans l'air

So a new year and a fabulous new sheet of pale pink paper to fill with lots of new adventures in 2010. I have decided that this is the year of change. I have been contemplating many things- which I will share another time..I have spent alot of time the past week journalizing, working on my home yoga practice, meditating and talking with Friends and Mentors about the next chapter. I think I have found a little sparkle of hope to go in that direction and am really focusing on extreme self-care to balance out the hard work I know it will take. Change is hard and scary but I am ready for this journey and I think it will lead me to a place within myself that I never even knew existed! Wish me luck!! I will need it!!! xoxo

Breathe..

The weekend is almost here! I am planning a fantastically fabulous weekend filled with a movie night with my Besty tommorow. Yoga and hanging with my funtastic 5 year old Nephew on Saturday and a fun Sunday afternoon celebrating with family friends at a Baby Shower! I am also going to sneak in naps, manicures and journalizing time..Enjoy the weekend!!

XO C

Creating a Sparkly New Year..

Bon Jour! I hope that is 2010 is starting off on a sparkly note dear friends. I have such a list of goals that I am aspiring to do..everything from practicing more yoga, reading more books, creating more beautiful and I hope creative blog entries and all kinds of yummy treats to make the start of the new decade memorable and spectacular. What are you doing to create a fabulous year??

Big Hugs!!