Remembering Vi....

Last October I found out that a very very special and important person in my life passed away, Vi. Please know that she lived a long life filled with grand adventures and memories made with family and dear friends...this is my farewell to her.

When I was a very young girl my Gramps who was a widower was set upon a blind date with Vi, a Nurse who worked with my Great Aunt. I have always been off the charts with my sensitivity and she recgonized this. When I was about 10 she told me her role in my life was to not replace my Grandmother however to be a special friend almost like a Grandmother. I would go to Gramps house which she shared with him. It wasn't until much later til I realized in my world Grandparents were married and usually did not live together. She would also make a special effort to spend time with me. I am the Sister that goes with the flow and needs to be gently nudged if I need something. She also came to more school plays than I can imagine as well as car washes, etc.
When I was in college something shifted. Vi moved to Florida and while Gramps would visit her in the winter, it was safe to say their relationship had changed to dear friends and companions. I would see Vi onced in awhile around town or if she was visiting but it was definitely different. A new chapter had opened.
Flash forward several years. Vi sold her little house in Florida and moved to Ohio to be closer to her 2 daughters. As an adult I helped my Dad to care for my Gramps as he aged. Close to the end stages of his life, he had surgery. I was visiting him in the hospital when the phone rang. It was Vi. It had been a very long time since I had spoken to her and I thought she was another family friend. Vi, well she thought I was my Aunt. We chatted for awhile. It was the last time we ever spoke.
Last October I was at my Cousins wedding when my Sister mentioned something about Vi's passing. I had no idea at all and honestly it shook me to the core. Of course at that very moment the DJ decided to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" a song I listened to and helped me a lot with my healing from my Gramps passing. All of a sudden out of nowhere the tears started to flow. My Beau as you know is one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. He brought me outside, put his suit jacket over my shoulders and told me "I know she was special to you" yes she was and there will always be a piece of my heart for Vi- just as there is for all of my Granparents..

xoxo Carolyn

Joie de Vivre

Bon Jour~ it has been way to long since I have written..and while not so many of the changes I wanted to happen have happened yet, I tend to be impatient about some things the path to my future has been carved and I have taken the first steps to my new chapter. I've let go of some pieces of my life that no longer fit in it- interestingly enough I am not said but rather filled with so much sparkly & shimmery energy with some new fabulous facets! I've put myself in my own number one spot for once and it really feels amazing! I've spent a great deal of time housesitting in a beautiful home in the town where I work- I love that I can walk to my office in the morning after picking up a cup of tea on my way in. Its such an amazing feeling and I arrive at my office refreshed and filled with positive energy that lasts throughout the day which in turn innately guides me to eat healthier food for myself ( of course a little wine and chocolate does wonders for the soul) I've also learned to say "no" gently, kindly and firmly as I possibly can.
I sense great things for the balance of 2011 and enjoying the end of the year and ringing in 2012 with lots of goals complete and new goals to achieve...a debt free yoga teacher sounds magnificique!
Merci Beau Coup for letting me put my toes in the lake of blog writing again, I appreciate it!!

Bonne Nuit!

Rainy Evenings...

Wishing all a restful Tuesday evening. It is rainy and cold in Connecticut. I am taking this opportunity of having the pleasure of my own company. The plan is a yummy dinner and starting my Book Club book. Have any of you read "Just Kids" by Patti Smith? Its not my usual read however I am all about broadening my horizons! What are you Lovelies up to tonight? 

xoxo Carolyn

Snow Day and the New Year

It feels like forever since I wrote my last post- between Thanksgiving, The Holidays and  life in general seemed to move rapidly~something that I am not fond of. I prefer savoring life, enjoying every single moment that I possibly can.

Thankfully shortly a couple of days after New Years I began a 3.5 week house-sitting situation for my oldest and closest friends Mom. The fact that I can walk to both my day job, Yoga Studio as well as the charming town filled with oodles of adorable and unique shops is quite refreshing. I also get to spend quality quiet time with my Honey which is wonderful, especially now since he is busy working on 2010 end of year audits and for the next few weeks our time will be quality over quantity. I have been utilizing the down time while my Honey is working, writing in my journal, napping, meditating with my new pink pearl Mala beads sending many hugs and a Merci Beau Coup to Carol at CocoYogini for such a thoughtful and generous gift, perfect to start my year off.

I also made some serious and fabulous decisions for my future, some I am not quite ready to share just yet. For today though I am luxuriating in the fact that my office was closed due to the blizzard that covered Connecticut in snow last night, enjoying in a very rare bed day  spending it reading, I am very  excited that the Yoga Studio I work for on Saturday mornings is going to have a Book Club for all the Lovelies that work there! Phone dates with dear friends and soon a yummy indulgent dinner and a date with my journal.. I wish you all a lovely peace filled evening. 

xoxo Carolyn

Snow Day and the New Year!

It feels like forever since I wrote my last post- between Thanksgiving, The Holidays and  life in general seemed to move rapidly~something that I am not fond of. I prefer savoring life, enjoying every single moment that I possibly can.

Thankfully shortly a couple of days after New Years I began a 3.5 week house-sitting situation for my oldest and closest friends Mom. The fact that I can walk to both my day job, Yoga Studio as well as the charming town filled with oodles of adorable and unique shops is quite refreshing. I also get to spend quality quiet time with my Honey which is wonderful, especially now since he is busy working on 2010 end of year audits and for the next few weeks our time will be quality over quantity. I have been utilizing the down time while my Honey is working, writing in my journal, napping, meditating with my new pink pearl Mala beads sending many hugs and a Merci Beau Coup to Carol at CocoYogini for such a thoughtful and generous gift, perfect to start my year off.

I also made some serious and fabulous decisions for my future, some I am not quite ready to share just yet. For today though I am luxuriating in the fact that my office was closed due to the blizzard that covered Connecticut in snow last night, enjoying in a very rare bed day  spending it reading, I am very  excited that the Yoga Studio I work for on Saturday mornings is going to have a Book Club for all the Lovelies that work there! Phone dates with dear friends and soon a yummy indulgent dinner and a date with my journal.. I wish you all a lovely peace filled evening. 

xoxo Carolyn

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