tis the season of giving

"one of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others." 

lewis carroll

the holidays are in full swing. i'm sure you've attended one....ahem....five...holiday parties at this point already. this is what the season is about. reconnecting. getting together. celebrating. rejoicing. being in the company of those we love. but amidst all the parties and presents, we may lose sight of the giving. of those less fortunate than ourselves who are not enjoying those parties and presents, who cannot be home with the ones they love, or maybe who don't have a home at all. so we learn to give, this is the season of giving. and there are so many ways to do so. 

look to your church, your children's schools, the town hall, even grocery stores. they are all most likely running drives to collect food and gifts. there are endless volunteer programs taking place during this time as well. look up soup kitchens in your area. look up meals on wheels. or non-profits that support children with disabilities. send a note to our soldiers abroad. habitat for humanity. stop by and visit with elderly people whom may not have anyone left. even just a hello and a smile can go a long way. 

the feeling of giving back is hugely rewarding. and once you experience it, you'll never want it to end.  the gift of giving is an incredible one, letting those in need receive. this will be something you make a tradition, or even more so, you start doing regularly. tis the season to brighten this world up. smile big, give hard, love all. 

my favorite quotes x 2

"I love this spot. It’s like heaven, right here on earth. Maybe that’s what heaven is. Maybe we go through life collecting people and places we love, and they become our heaven."

- - - - - -

take a moment, take it all in. this place is your place. this time is your time. enjoy everything you have, learn that nothing should be taken for granted. let this be your heaven. 

my favorite holiday treat

years ago, when I was a sophomore in college, I came across the most delicious recipe for pumpkin muffins. and boy was I needing that taste. a taste of fall, of leaves burning, a crisp bite to the air. I was away in San Diego, were the seasons do not change, and yearning for home, for autumn in Connecticut. I know it's a little late, now that Halloween and Thanksgiving have passed, but these muffins will carry you into Christmas just as well! trust me, you will not regret the time you put in, for the outcome is pure yum for your tum!

chocolate chip pumpkin muffins (serves about 36)

2 c. brown sugar

1 (15oz) can pure pumpkin puree

1 c. light tasting olive oil

2/3 c. water

4 large eggs

3 1/3 c. all purpose flour

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. allspice

1/8 tsp. cloves

2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. slt

1 1/2 c. mini semisweet chocolate chips

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper. In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin, oil, water, and eggs until smooth. Mix all the dry ingredients together and then gradually blend that into the pumpkin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips (do not use mixer for this part). Fill muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake for 15-19 minutes, or until an insider toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks before removing. 

And voila! you have a yummy treat for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Try them wit a dash of vanilla extract, or even add some cream cheese frosting. 

enjoy!

xx

nance

all you need

sometimes all you need is a rainy day. a day to be cozy and warm, to reflect and reset. a day where it is ok to do nothing, but gaze out a big frosty window and watch the drops fall. 

sometimes all you need is a big cup of tea, with a dollup of honey. a good book to read, and a journal to write. a day where your mind wanders and travels and dreams. 

sometimes all you need is day spent with your best friend. to explore, eat, drink, and laugh with. a day where you realize, friendship is something you can't live without. 

sometimes all you need is a loved one to be near you. to hold you and comfort you. a day where you let your guard down, and welcome the love. 

sometimes all you need,

is right there in front of you. 

Fall Schedule!

Fall is creeping in on us, you can feel it in the air. It's a period of transitions, of change. And with that, my schedule has changed! Here it is, please come join me on the mat! 

Monday

12:15 - 1:15pm Vinyasa @ Intensity Gym, Norwalk, CT

6:15 - 7:30pm Vinyasa @ Bedford Post Inn, Bedford, NY (Begins 9/8)

Wednesday

5:45 - 6:45pm Power Vinyasa @ Equinox, Darien, CT

Friday

11am - 12pm Yoga Stretch @ Intensity Gym, Norwalk CT (Subbing for a beautiful friend on maternity leave, beginning on 9/5) 
4:30 - 5:30pm Sweet Release @ Intensity Gym, Norwalk CT 

Saturday

8:30 - 9:45am Open Flow @ Bedford Post Inn, Bedford, NY 

Sunday

9:30 - 10:30am Vinyasa @ Oxygen Fitness, New Canaan, CT

*Privates upon request*

Hope to see you all on the mat!! 

xx

nance

summer must-have's

We all have our own favorites for the seasons, pumpkin scented candles in the fall, peppermint tea in the winter, rose water come spring....there are so many little products we come to love and cherish. I have found my favorites of the summer, and even though the summer is beginning to wind down, here they are! 

Kai Body Glow

When not in the mood for sticky lotion in the summer, opt for this dry oil, scented with cucumber...it's light, airy, and gives you a sweet summer glow!

http://www.kaifragrance.com/shop/body-glow-p-33.html

Creed | Virgin Island Water

My best kept secret, my perfume. I've been wearing this since high school, and it's become a smell my friends and family know me by. It's unique, it's light, it's summer year round. It's the Caribbean tropics brought to wherever you are. Indulge in this, or any Creed scent for that matter. They are all divinely made. (Great mixed with the Kai Body Glow, too!)

http://www.creedboutique.com/creed-universal-perfumes/34-creed-virgin-island-water.html

Chakra Balancing Roll-ons

Carried at Whole Foods, an oil for each chakra, these scents help you find and maintain balance throughout your busy day - my personal go to is the heart chakra oil, for compassion and understanding. 

https://www.auracacia.com/dspCmnPrd.php?p=p&cn=Opening+Heart&ct=chakra&i=y

Essie Nail Polish | East Hampton Cottage

Imagine the pink sand beaches of bermuda have come to your nails, with glimmering pearls of white intertwined. 

http://www.essie.com/Colors/Sheers/east-hampton-cottage.aspx

Terra Soy Candles | Rose

Natural soy candle with the uplifting scent of rose to waft through your house.

http://www.terraessentialscents.com/index.php/ace-category/product/54-rose-soy-candle

Blinc Mascara

Water resistant mascara carried at Sephora - lengthens and holds all day long with no smudging at all! It's incredible - my absolute new favorite! 

http://www.sephora.com/blinc-mascara-P46017?skuId=692467

So there's just a few! Maybe I'll share some more come Fall :) Enjoy! 

xx

Nance 

NJoy Consignment - Round 1

Hi all! Thank you so much for your support and reading my words, ideas, and thoughts! I hope that they have connected and resonated with you in one way or another. I truly appreciate and feel blessed that you take the time to read what I post. 

I have been doing some very late in the season 'spring cleaning' and have decided to sell some of my clothes! Many have never been worn, tags still on, and the rest are in great condition, only worn a few times. So take a look! If you are interested you can contact me and I can send you more pictures & info. I will ship the clothes to you at an additional cost. However, if you are in the area, you can just pick the clothes up! Payment will be made through Venmo, or cash if you are local! 

Please contact me via email with any questions and inquiries! Thank you all so much! Enjoy shopping :) 

Current/Elliot - Size 29 - Floral Jeans - Never Worn

$75

Alice & Olivia for Scoop - Size Small - White Silk Dress, fitted at bottom - Lightly worn 

$45

Rebecca Taylor - Size 6 - Silk floral maxi dress in turquoise and pink - Tag still attached, never worn

$80

 Rebecca Taylor - Size 4 - Floral tank top, silk in front, grey cotton on back - Lightly worn

$30

Rebecca Taylor - Size 4 - Silk floral tank top - lightly worn, very good condition

$30

Millau - Size M - Turquoise racerback tank with small bows along back strap - Never Worn

$25

Tibi - Size S - Strapless pink graphic dress - Tags attached, never worn

$75

Robbi &  Nikki - Size M - White silk 3/4 sleeve blouse, sheet with built in tank underneath - Never worn

$45

Shoshanna - Size 6 - Yellow & White lace one sleeve dress - Tags attached, never worn

$100

Missoni - Size 6 - 3/4 length sleeve v-neck dress, white black and pink - Great condition

$50

Finders Keepers Label - Size 8 (Runs small) - Silk and lace romper - Tags attached, never worn

$60

Beyond Vintage - Size M - Silk 3/4 length sleeve with delicate detailing- Good condition

$45

Parker - Size M - Silk Blouse with sheer paneling and lace details - Never Worn

$55

Nanette Lepore - Size 2 - Red and white floral silk dress - worn once

$75

Anna Sui - Size 4 - Chiffon strapless dress with elephant and floral pattern - Tags attached, never worn

$120 (From $198)

Viereck - Size M - Blue silk dress with draped neckline, cinches at waist - Never worn

$60

____________________________________

Keep your eyes peeled for another round coming up soon! 

xx nance