Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 70

NYC Artist Date

I have an immense appetite for solitude, like an infant for sleep, and if I don’t get enough for this year, I shall cry all the next.—Thoreau

After nearly three days of plant-based lifestyle training at Main Street Vegan’s master class and a four-hour meetup in Midtown, last Monday was all mine. A chance to hit my favorite jaunts at my own pace without an agenda.

I stayed at a beautiful, reasonably-priced boutique hotel in Midtown, The Mansfield—located steps from the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.

Monday morning I woke up with a glow after a fun, four-hour meetup the night before and hopped into the tub. A morning soak is a delightful way to start the day. Before leaving the hotel I sent a thank-you email with photos to the event’s attendees, dropped my bag with the concierge, and headed for a green juice spot.

Since Bryant Park was across the street from Joe & the Juice, I got my acai bowl and green juice to go and sat at one of the bistro tables pictured above to enjoy it outside.

My next stop was New York Public Library to browse their darling gift shop filled with journals, books, and literary-themed bags and to sit in the Rose Reading Room and pen some thoughts.

I’d done lots of research to find a beginner ballet class happening on this day and Ballet Academy East had a noon drop-in option. I took the Subway to the Upper East Side, slipped into my pink ballet slippers, and waited outside the studio on a bench with other middle-aged women while the young teens finished their practice inside. A twinge of envy bubbled up, they were so good!

The class included a live pianist and a former American Ballet Theater teacher who had lots of patience and broke steps down in helpful language. They included a lot of arm and head movements with the barre practice while I’m still learning the foot placement of the barre exercises. Head and arms add a whole new dimension. I became teary while doing work in the center while practicing a balancing move and during the waltz (I just can’t quite get thse darn steps—especially when we turn while doing it!).

Moments like this bring me back to seventh grade special honors math class which I should not have been in. I couldn’t grasp, well, anything and the teacher would come to my desk to try to help and all I heard was “wah, wah, wah.”

After the ballet class, the teacher and another student stopped while I was changing shoes to acknowledge my efforts and offered encouraging words. The fellow student said it took her an entire year to get the waltz. Thank god it’s not just me and I so appreciated their kindness!

From there I headed toward Union Square on the Subway to make myself feel better at Peacefood Cafe. I over-ordered—pizza, tempura veggies, chocolate mousse pie—and loved every minute.

Next stop was Strand. Oh Strand, how I love thee. I came away with a 500-page out-of-print biography on Anaïs Nin. This woman has captured my curiosity since hearing about her and Henry Miller in a Jewel song back in the 1990s.

From Union Square I walked to Ace Hotel. Sweaty and out of balance from hauling my laptop on one shoulder all around the city, I sank into a large chair to write in their lobby for an hour or so.

I launched Tranquility Salon and began penning a “One Year Later” post about selling the studio while there. The transition to YogaWorks anniversary was last week and the post is still in draft form.

Time passed quickly and I realized I could walk to the hotel to grab my bag in 20 minutes, so I might as well keep moving. Before hitting the hotel I took a few moments on the steps of New York Public Library to begin reading my new book. This has become my new favorite NYC spot.

I grabbed my bag and walked another 25 minutes to Penn Station for a total of 19,000 steps (nearly nine miles)! Rolling a bag through the 7th and 8th avenue crowds near Times Square was no easy feat. I felt like a ping pong bouncing around bodies.

On the train home I prepped this month’s Mindfulness module for Year of Tranquility and wrote the final week of the Self-Care module.

It never ceases to amaze me how much I can accomplish in one day in NYC—writing, exercise, healthy nosh, time in nature. A daylong Artist Date is a helpful tool for inner reconnection and creative flow. Bisous. x

The post NYC Artist Date appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Save the Date: TranquiliT Trunk Show

I’m delighted to announce that we’ll be offering a fall sustainable shopping event: TranquiliT Trunk Show to benefit Pigs & Pugs Project on Saturday, September 29, 12:30 – 2:30 pm in Washington, DC near Dupont Circle.

Shop an assortment of locally-sewn, seasonless, vegan, eco-friendly TranquiliT items. All purchases will be placed inside a darling Pigs & Pugs Project reusable tote. Our first 15 guests will receive a complimentary, tranquility-filled goody bag.

Here’s the skinny:

* Choose an off-the-rack selection or place a custom order. Our lovely local seamstress will be available to help with tailoring, measuring, and fitting.

* Select limited edition colors will be 25% off; bring a friend and you both save 10% off your entire purchase.

* Enjoy light vegan hors d’oeuvres, organic tea, and community.

Savor tranquility in our designer’s new office setting—a home for therapy, mentoring, workshops, and creative gatherings.

RSVP to receive directions and more details. We can’t wait to host you! Thanks for shopping local and supporting sustainable, slow fashion. Bisous. x

P.S. Live too far from DC? Never fear, we’ll offer a brief live component, too, so stay tuned for the scoop.

The post Save the Date: TranquiliT Trunk Show appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

TDJ Eat Plants: Green Smoothies

Every bite is an opportunity to boost your outer glow, deeply and over time.

—Jolene Hart, author of Eat Pretty

Sunday night I launched a short Facebook Live video series to show how you, too, can eat plants on a budget and whip up tasty treats with ease. I mean, if I can do it, anyone can!

Although it’s a bit fuzzy to start (God bless technology!), the video crisps up and I’ve posted it below for you and here’s a direct link to YouTube.

It’s no secret I’m a green smoothie fan (even Gizmo loves them) so I thought this would be the perfect place to start. They’re filling, nutritious, creamy, yummy, and oh-so-easy!

Ingredients:

Spinach

Frozen fruit

Avocado

Banana

Chia seed

Ground flax seed

Unsweetened almond milk

Vegan protein powder

Water

I’m offering a FREE 7-Day detox in October around our next Virtual Retreat. Sign up for the detox at kimberlywilson.com/detox.

Please share photos of your smoothies using #TDJEATPLANTS and let me know what other (easy) videos you’d like created. Thanks for tuning in! x

The post TDJ Eat Plants: Green Smoothies appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Facebook Live on Sunday at 6pm ET

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.—Michael Pollan

As a lover of plants (and occasional Smarties) who lacks grand (okay, any) kitchen skills, I’m launching a short Facebook Live video series to show how you, too, can eat plants on a budget and whip up tasty treats with ease.

We’re starting with my go-to green smoothie on Sunday. They’re filling, nutritious, creamy, and yummy! Learn what ingredients you need and why they’re a building block to our overall well-being.

Tune in to the Tranquility du Jour Facebook page on Sunday, September 2 at 6pm to join us live! RSVP here. Hope to see you tomorrow and wishing those of you stateside a beautiful long weekend. Bisous. x

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Tranquility du Jour #428: Transitions

Transitions with Christine Mason Miller. In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, we discuss her transition from Santa Barbara to Milwaukee, what it’s like to not have a job title, and appreciating the small things.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.

 



Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #428: Transitions

Upcoming Events

Year of Tranquility: Join anytime

Tranquility Salon: Starts September 17

Tranquility du Jour Live: September 23

TranquiliT Fall Trunk Show: September 29

Softening into Fall Virtual Retreat: October 20

Writing in the Woods: October 26-28 in West Virginia {4 spots left}

Tranquility in the Topics: February 16-23, 2019 in Costa Rica

Tranquility in Tuscany: July 13-20, 2019 {8 spots left}

Featured Guest:




Christine Mason Miller is an author and artist who has been guiding others toward a meaningful life for more than twenty years.  Her experience with writing, publishing, licensing and teaching have established her as an experienced, compassionate authority on how to bring dreams to life, particularly those related to writing and publishing a book. Her online course, The Conscious Booksmith , has supported hundreds of aspiring authors on their book creation journey. Christine is the author, artist and illustrator of four books, each one distinctive and unique in its topic, scope and design. Her latest book, Moving Water : A Memoir , is available on Amazon.






Find Christine:

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Previous podcasts with Christine: #384 Moving Water, #235 Desire to Inspire, #153 Ordinary Sparkling Moments

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The post Tranquility du Jour #428: Transitions appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Introducing a NEW In-Person Offering: Tranquility Salon

In an era of absolutism, salons created an arena away from the royal court where ideas could be discussed and behavior examined.—Benedetta Craveri

I’ve been dreaming up workshops, gatherings, and events in my new office space.

After wandering the streets of Paris in search of Gertrude Stein’s home—a space where literary and art figures would meet to share stories and show their work  on Saturday nights in her salon—I landed on the idea, Tranquility Salon.

Picture yourself sitting in a sensory-filled, welcoming setting surrounded by like-hearted women to reflect, sip tea, learn, enjoy vegan nosh, and discuss big things. You know, that dream you hold close to your chest, that creative urge bubbling up, or that practice you’d like to make a habit.

Tranquility Salon is a four-week in-person program exploring mindfulness, creativity, self-care, and dreams/goals. Together we’ll explore ways to live with more ease through proven techniques.

Sessions include poetry, teaching, discussion, and an activity such as journaling or meditating. A few hours of self-study between sessions is encouraged.

In an effort to ensure a cohesive and dedicated group, I’ve created a brief application process. To apply, please fill out this short form.

I’ll be back in touch with all applicants early September with additional questions, as needed, and acceptance letters for those who are a good fit in this inaugural intimate offering.

Space is limited to a small number of women or those who identify as women.

Details

When: Mondays on September 17, 24 and October 1, 8 at 7-8:30pm

Where: 1555 Connecticut Avenue, NW {steps from the Dupont Circle metro}

Investment: $299

The post Introducing a NEW In-Person Offering: Tranquility Salon appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquilosophy: Prioritizing Self-Care

There is a connection between self-nurturing and self-respect.—Julia Cameron

This month we’re exploring these 15 self-care practices in Year of Tranquility and I find this topic to be one of utmost importance, especially for women.

We all know the adage to put our own oxygen masks on before helping others, however, how often do we fully embrace this idea beyond the airplane?

Each week we’re diving into each of the listed 15 self-care practices listed and exploring ways to help with implementation.

For example, there’s AM/PM Rituals:

Creating morning and evening rituals helps reduce decision making fatigue, helps us stay grounded, and ensures the important things get done. Greet your day with a yoga sun salutation, cuppa tea, writing time, or a brisk walk—start with an intentional, tranquil tone. End your day with reflection. Shut down technology, soak in the tub, review tomorrow’s agenda, or read in bed for 30 minutes before lights out. Your ritual could be 5 minutes for a few hours. Try it on and see what works best for you and this stage of life. These practices become the bookends to our day.

And Journaling:

The process of putting pen to paper can be a therapeutic brain dump that also serves as a light into dark, unexplored places. Let your pen dance freely across the page. Make lists, create a mind map, answer a basic prompt that will change each time you write “At this moment I am feeling . . . “, and process what emotions arise and why. After a few weeks, months, or years of doing this, you’ll have lots of fodder for exploring and better understanding patterns, motivations, fears, and struggles. I’m currently studying Journal Therapy and learning so much about the power of this process.

And Restful Sleep:

Ariana Huffington is a big proponent of sleep. In her book Thrive she wrote, “Rob yourself of sleep and you’ll find you do not function at your personal best. This is true of work decisions, relationship challenges, or any life situation that requires judgement, emotional equilibrium, problem solving, and creativity.” A few tips on improving sleep: go to bed earlier, avoid screens, keep your room dark and cool, limit caffeine, and postpone worrying and brainstorming. I keep a pen and paper by my bed to capture these random thoughts and then return to dreaming. Additional tools include fresh linens, soft blankets, weighted blankets, earplugs, and fans. As needed, take a nap, even 20 minutes can make you feel mentally and physically refreshed.

We’re turning the corner on summer. Temperatures are cooler and there’s a feeling of fall in the air. It’s my favorite time of the year as things slow down and the mood turns inward.

As we prepare for this transition, what would it look like to focus on making self-care a priority? Read through this list and rate each practice on a scale of 1-10 with how satisfied you are with it right now. Note which practices you’d like to see more of during the final four months of 2018 (Can you believe I just wrote that?!).

This month my focus has been journaling, mindful movement, and creative play. Now it’s time to think about fall self-care priorities. If I don’t make a conscious effort, it doesn’t happen. Penning the practices into my planner, especially in the Month’s Dreams, helps ensure I stay aware of them throughout the month. And sprinkling them into my daily to-dos helps, too, since I LOVE checking things off.

Where will you focus? What most wants attention? How can you best care for yourself right now? You deserve it and, well, need it to thrive. Bisous. x

The post Tranquilosophy: Prioritizing Self-Care appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Wardrobe Confessional

Wearing a uniform is iconic, a cheap and easy way to feel famous.—Alice Gregory

After slipping out of the 2in1 fitted top that I wore the day before (and slept in—don’t judge, it’s comfy!), each morning I reach for another 2in1 fitted top from my second drawer. I must have eight or so of these tops and I wear one at least 300 days of the year.

My pants of choice are the capri leggings. Again, I must have eight or so of these bottoms.

I wear this basic outfit to ballet, to walk the dogs, to the Kennedy Center, to the office, to Paris cafes (see above photo), and everywhere in between.

You may wonder, “The Kennedy Center, really?!” Yes, really! Here’s a peek at many ways to layer the two pieces for 18 looks. Dresses up or down. Comfy, chic, easy peasy.

During cooler months I’m able to pull this combo off more easily by wearing tall boots over the capris and layering with a long sleeve wrap tunic or duster. And, yes, I sleep in the capris, too, during winter. What can I say, I LOVE layers!

During warmer months, I’ll pair the combo with ballet flats, clogs, or motorcycle boots (see above photo). To incorporate the leggings into the office during summertime, I’ll add a flowy top over the 2in1 fitted plus a few accessories to dress it up.

For me, having a uniform means I no longer experience the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome, reduces decision making fatigue, avoid buying frivolously, feel put together, have more time, and have a simple signature look.

Who said daily dress-up had to be hard? And, I even have built in pajamas! Bisous. x

The post Wardrobe Confessional appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

You’re Invited: NYC Meetup

Late August I’ll be hopping on an early morning bus bound for New York City with a tote bag, notebook, and pens. Last year I signed up for Victoria Moran’s Main Street Vegan Master Class and the time has come to spend three days immersed in learning!

On Sunday, August 26 I’ll host a casual meetup at a Midtown hotel, The Mansfield, in their M Bar. I LOVE the literary theme and old world glam style, so I thought this would be a magical place for connecting.

It’s described on their site as . . . “The M Bar is one of the most quintessential bars in midtown NYC. The beautiful venue is known for its classic cocktails and live music, featuring a domed skylight, mahogany bookshelves, Beaux Arts lighting, and comfortable lounge seating, creating an intimate and elegant atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by.”

If you’re able to join, please RSVP because, yes, there will be goody bags. I can’t wait to see you! Bisous. x

P.S. This is a free event. I’ll provide light vegan hors d’oeuvres. If you’d like a drink, you can purchase one (or two) at the bar.

Details
When: Sunday, August 26 at 7:30pm
Where: The Mansfield Hotel at 12 West 44th Street
Why: Because it’s fun to connect in person

 

The post You’re Invited: NYC Meetup appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

You’re Invited: NYC Meet Up

Late August I’ll be hopping on an early morning bus bound for New York City with a tote bag, notebook, and pens. Last year I signed up for Victoria Moran’s Main Street Vegan Master Class and the time has come to spend three days immersed in learning!

On Sunday, August 26 I’ll host a casual meet up at a Midtown hotel, The Mansfield, in their M Bar.

It’s described on their site as . . . “The M Bar is one of the most quintessential bars in midtown NYC. The beautiful venue is known for its classic cocktails and live music, featuring a domed skylight, mahogany bookshelves, Beaux Arts lighting, and comfortable lounge seating, creating an intimate and elegant atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by.”

I LOVE the literary theme and old world glam style, so I thought this would be a magical place for connecting.

If you’re able to join, please RSVP. I can’t wait to see you! Bisous. x

Details
When: Sunday, August 26 at 7:30pm
Where: The Mansfield Hotel at 12 West 44th Street
Why: Because it’s fun to connect in person

 

The post You’re Invited: NYC Meet Up appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.