never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – margaret mead

wow, can you believe that tranquil space is celebrating our first year in our 17th street haven and our tenth year of serving up tranquility in washington? my how time flies! over the next six months we will be hosting special events for the countdown to our 10-year birthday bash on friday, october 30. stay tuned for all the scoop and be sure to mark your social calendars. in reflection over the past ten years, i wanted to share insights into our tranquilosophy.

tranquil space exists to serve. when we launched in fall 1999, my hope was to connect individuals seeking a like-minded community through yoga. this vision has grown and expanded over the years, but the value is still at the core of tranquil space. as a means for even further expansion of our values, we launched tranquil space foundation three years ago. (watch video from last week’s lunafest event). i believe that organizations and individuals shine best when giving back.

wondering how to incorporate a little day-to-day do-gooding? below are a few, simple ways to make a difference in your daily life:

1. exude kindness: smile, say “thank you” often, listen fully.
2. get active: support a cause with all your heart and oodles of resources.
3. build community: gather like-minded individuals to find support and combine efforts.
4. give back: share your resources, plant a community garden, pick up trash.
5. go green: reuse paper, eat in season, switch to wind-powered electricity.
6. be present: give others your full attention.
7. reach out: touch base with loved ones. send “thinking of you” e-mails.
8. live simply: pack your lunch, savor tea sipping, trim expenses.
9. be beautiful: put your best self forward. always do your best.
10. live your yoga: lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu.

maya angelou reminds us, “i've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” may we all work daily to leave a memorable mark on the world. after all, that’s what yoga is all about. what is your do-gooding to-do du jour?

let’s leave a legacy.

goddess leonie (a soon-to-be interviewed for tranquility du jour diva) posted this fabulous illustration on her blog yesterday. i *adore* it and thought you would, too!

interestingly enough, i had beau take a photo of these 12 tips with his iPhone while browsing leo babauta's book the power of less: the fine art of limiting yourself to the essential . . . in business and in life recently at the bookstore.

look at the comparison - hers makes doing less more fun and colourful! take a moment to reflect on what you could cut out or how you can simplify, rather than what you need to do. which of these 12 tips can you commit to?

moi, i'm continuing to work on the morning ritual and my MITs for the day. i currently do them for the week, but like the concept of doing them each day, too!

this year's mantra of spaciousness is seeping into a strong desire for simplification.

life is frittered away by details. simplify, simplify. - thoreau

the weekend artist date to philly was a total treat filled with sights, scents, tastes, art, and architecture. truly decadent.

first we hit cezanne and beyond exhibit, saw the rocky stairs, and dined on the most delightful mozzarella + tomato croissant that was infused with olives. passed the rodin museum where i snapped a photo of the thinker. hit a bookstore. found naughty paris: a lady's guide to the sexy city and decided i had to have two books she recommended: true pleasures: a memoir of women in paris and all you need to be impossibly french. both felt like must-have pre-paris reads. next we did some shopping in rittenhouse square to get beau a belated holiday gift. came across LUSH and had to get some bath bombs - a girl can never have too many. picked up the versatile le sac dress from american apparel for some design inspiration. wore it as a one shoulder piece the rest of the weekend. back to the hotel to freshen up and off to white dog cafe for an organic, local meal. sesame crusted tofu is highly recommended! sadly, their sister store black cat was closed.

dined at a lovely outdoor cafe at rittenhouse square for brunch. took note that i need to make sunday brunch more of my regular routine. post-ashtanga, maybe? i indulge a couple times a year and it feels like such a treat. it was fun to observe ladies in their sunday best out to partake in a luxurious lunch. next stop, sephora. another every few years indulgence. got some tinted moisturizer (hate heavy make-up feeling, but this provides light coverage + sunscreen), a beautiful red called "illicit raspberry," (tantalizing name, eh?), and the scent "pink sugar." stopped into anthropolgie to see what books they had in stock. they have the best books! snapped a photo of the darling bedding area. on to a yummy facial (thanks, beau!) and finally a picnic on a leopard-print blanket along kelly drive in fairmount park.

obsessed with the smell + taste of cotton candy. came across a bunny at LUSH in the scent candy fluff. OMG, truly divine! the sales lady saw i was over the moon about it so she gave me a sample of the dusting powder. plan to bathe in the pink easter bunny infused candy fluff bliss before crawling into bed tonight - despite the ungodly hour. topped the obsession off with a bag of cotton candy in three hues at the gas station on our way home. cotton candy to eat, bathe in, and wear!
during the ride home i did my reading for monday's creative non-fiction class which covered interviews, travel writing, and memoir. our text is on writing well. highly recommend it! also listened to passion and purpose: the power of conscious capitalism by the CEO of whole foods. inspiring! he shares that businesses and entrepreneurs shine best when infusing values, authenticity, sustainability, and giving back into their work. my mission is to do all i can to embody these ideals. truly touching to see the impact one can have!

now, off to bathe in a pink, cotton candy-smelling oasis.

bonjour! *delighted* to launch tranquility du jour tv!

every couple of weeks (in between podcasts), we'll have a short video focused on yoga, creativity, do-gooding, style, and more! our first episode is of my artist date exploring philly: a city full of inspiring art + architecture.

if you have suggestions on topics you'd like explored via video, please let moi know. hope you enjoy. merci!

Labels: tdj tv

today we had a tranquil space manager team retreat to discuss strategy and brainstorm. attached is a photo of our four managers (jo ann, marq, beau, brooke) opening their goodie bags filled with a mini composition book, flower die cut post-its, an emergenC packet, and organic chocolate bar tied with a "follow your dreams" ribbon! i heart goodie bags. all events should have them!

the other photo is of my patio garden where i'm sitting right now typing away. weather is divine, lighting is ambient, garden still needs lots of TLC but is very green thanks to all our recent rain, cats are exploring, pug is tricking me in to more treats, beau and moi are planning a jaunt to philly tomorrow and sunday, i just got home from yoga. i feel incredibly lucky and truly blessed. in a time filled with such lack, it is helpful to take a step back and find solace in the simple things.

i'm still relishing in last night's success. a true treat to have received such positive feedback and interest at tranquil space foundation's event. do-gooding is the most rewarding feeling EVER. when you're having a blue day, or the "mean reds" as beautifully coined by holly golightly in breakfast at tiffany's, reach out to someone else. visit a nursing home, call your gramma, walk a dog at a shelter, write a letter to a dear friend, send a "thinking of you" e-mail. these small, simple gestures can do wonders for your mental well-being.

for your viewing pleasure, watch this fun tour of tranquil space that beau finalized this week. we will have been in our new home ONE YEAR on may 2. truly hard to believe! if you haven't visited us yet in dc, please do so. would love to welcome you! best wishes for a truly tranquil and gratitude-filled weekend. relish in simple luxuries.

tonight was an absolute treat. we had a lovely turnout, great enthusiasm toward the work of tranquil space foundation, and the films were ENTICING. beau and i put purple irises on each other to signify our involvement in the foundation - felt like prom!

a *BIG* treat was the attendance of all of our four grantees:
1. nest
2. the women's collective
3. latin american youth center
4. girls on the run

i'm truly honored to be connected with so many amazing women and men wanting to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. our two main efforts at this time are:

1. Tranquil Teens program: yoga, creativity, + leadership curriculum for girls 9-12th grade
2. giving micro grants: gifting other non-profits whose efforts align with our values

do-gooding feels good! a *BIG* merci to all of you who showed your support tonight. much appreciated. xo

camping under a starlit sky
taking a mini sabbatical
strolling the streets of paris
studying art
speaking french
leaving a legacy
retreating by the beach
owning a cozy b & b for yoginis
doing handstand
living in the country
snowstorm at the beach
driving along the west coastline in a convertible donning headscarf + big sunglasses
having a column in a fabulous glossy
simplifying down to only extravagant necessities
having a regular day off each week
starting a revolution
making an impact
exploring the amalfi coast
writing a best-seller
reading by a fire . . . for days, even weeks
feeling less pressure
hiking + car camping near monument valley
absorbing all reading material on my bookshelves via osmosis
understanding henry miller + anais nin's love affair
being a visionary leader
making others feel special
eating oodles of whole grains, greens, fruits, + veggies
having a lifestyle-focused talk show (think podcast on camera)
starting each day with meditation
having madonna's body
growing tranquil space foundation into a national (or global) organization
recording my 4th yoga CD to coincide with tranquil space's 10-year birthday bash in october
stopping puppy mills/mistreatment of all animals
enjoying the present moment
savoring more sacred time with friends
taking TranquiliT to a global green brand that helps women feel beautifully creative
roasting marshmallows over a campfire
cultivating an english garden
speaking with utmost clarity
living my yoga via thought, word, + action

happy earth day. if you're free, come to tranquil space dupont for a chat on going green at 6pm on wednesday, april 22. take home a complimentary seedling.

in honor of this special day, TranquiliT is offering 15% off *all* online orders. plus, each order will be shipped in a complimentary eco-friendly reusable tote. code is EARTH. to help offset carbon emissions from shipping, we plant a tree for all online orders shipped.

GO GREEN: take shorter showers. bike to work. compost. eat less meat. carry a reusable water bottle. buy local. frequent libraries and second hand bookstores. buy in bulk. recycle your cell phone. make your own cleaning supplies. simplify. garden. plant herbs. wash in cold.

In celebration of Earth Day, TranquiliT is offering 15% off your *entire* order one-day only. Shop on Wednesday, April 22 and use code EARTH at check out to save. In addition, ALL online orders placed on Earth Day will be shipped in complimentary eco-packaging that turns into a reusable tote. Happy eco-shopping!

Ways to GO GREEN: Take shorter showers. Bike to work. Compost. Eat less meat. Carry a reusable water bottle. Buy local. Frequent libraries and second hand bookstores. Buy in bulk. Recycle your cell phone. Make your own cleaning supplies. Simplify. Garden. Plant herbs. Wash cold.

ooh la la, bonjour paris!

flight is booked, apartment on rue de grenelle secured, transport from airport to apartment set. now, the planning. sure i have months to do it, but one can never be too prepared for her 10 days of gardens, cafes, and museums in paris, now can she?

attached are photos from my tiny 220 square foot parisian chez moi for 10 days. darling, no? tres economical and how fabulous to go "home" after a long day of museuming, rather than to a hotel. located on rue de grenelle which runs from the champs de mars (eiffel tower), through the rue cler area (has the famous street market), cross the invalid (napoleon's tomb) where the trendy café esplanade is located, and ends at the place de croix rouge. apparently the rue de grenelle is full of shoe shops and designer boutiques. a girl can browse and dream while donning comfy TranquiliT, long faux pearls, ballet flats, and a chic noir hat.

i am enamored with the idea of being, just simply being in paris. yes i want to see some sights, but i did that during my first trip as a backpacker in 1995. actually unintentionally happened upon the city of lights during bastille day! this time i want to savor joie de vivre and take in the style, culture, cuisine, and eye candy that paris holds so proudly.

merci beaucoup to all of you who have passed along your beloved hidden gems. please keep them coming and i'll be sure to keep sharing new finds, agendas, and parisian ideas as they unveil themselves over the next six months until i land in paris. au revoir, mademoiselle.

looking for a creative outlet THIS thursday? i'm *delighted* to share that tranquil space foundation (TSF) is hosting lunafest as a fundraiser for the breast cancer fund and TSF. here's the scoop on the films by, for, and about women. here's the lunafest story . . . and here's where you can purchase a ticket for $20 to support the event (even if you can't make it).

the skinny
when: thursday, april 23 7-9pm
where: steptoe + johnson, 1330 conn ave.
why: spring TSF fundraiser, support of women, fun do-gooding!

after living in dc for 13 years, i still haven't explored philly (other than last fall's madonna concert which really doesn't count). beau is treating moi and louis to a weekend in philly saturday and sunday. tres excited!

we've already gotten tickets to the cezanne exhibit at philadelphia museum of art, booked a tiny room at a pet-friendly hotel, perused fairmount park online, and gotten excited about the rodin museum (get to see the thinker). i plan to visit white dog cafe (owned by a philanthropic entrepreneur that i admire).

philly readers or visitors: any additional suggestions? do tell!

• direct download (mp3)

Bonjour Mademoiselle:

Welcome to the 151st edition of tranquility du jour: a guide to bringing tranquility to your every day.

Today’s show menu features happenings and musings on mind/body fusion with Kate Hanley.

Workshops + Retreats: Join moi for our next le chic teleclass chat "Shine with Summer Solstice" on June 29 PLUS events around the globe: a decadent retreat to Costa Rica over Memorial Day, hip hop yoga in DC (with a DJ) on Friday, June 5, a summer solstice staycation in DC on June 20, another tranquility-filled week at Kripalu August 9-14, a Living Your Yoga 4-week series in September, and the annual Fall Foliage retreat to the hills of Virginia October 16-18. All the scoop is on my workshops page.

Featured Tranquilista: Kate Hanley
Kate is a Brooklyn-based writer and registered yoga instructor. The author of The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide: 77 Simple Strategies for Serenity, Kate has appeared as a stress-reduction expert on the TODAY show and Martha Stewart Sirius Radio and served as the coach for the iVillage.com iFeelGood Community Challenge.

Kate is a contributing editor to Body + Soul magazine and a regular contributor to Natural Health, Natural Solutions, and the Gaiam Stream of Consciousness blog. Her work has also been published in Yoga Journal, Playboy, Delicious Living, TimeOut New York, Prevention.com and LHJ.com. Hanley hosts her own website, msmindbody.com, where she discusses simple things busy people can do to feel better in the minds, bodies, and spirits.

Savvy Source: The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide: 77 Simple Strategies for Serenity and msmindbody.com.

Signature Style: Spring has sprung at TranquiliT. Featured "look of the podcast" is the versatile organic bamboo essentials. Seven staples to design your eco-essentials. Special savings on Earth Day. Be sure to join the TranquiliT mailing list to get the skinny.

Chic Community: Mingle on our forums. Join our Facebook page. Follow moi on Twitter. Download tranquility du jour on demand. Watch videos on youtube.com/hiptranquilchick.

Au Revoir: To close out the show, we’re playing Pale Blue Eues by Hopscotch from Promonet. You can learn more about Hopcotch at its Promonet page.

Leave your thoughts on hip tranquil chick by writing a review at Amazon.com!

• You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! Click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes!
• New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast Alley.
• Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available.
• Do you use another podcatcher? Use this link for the podcast RSS feed.

Interested in starting a podcast for yourself, your organization or your business?
Check out nineball media.

Labels: podcasts

Long to live in something comfy, chic, and eco all at once? Moi, too! Look no further than the newly arrived TranquiliT lounge line. This collection is soft, 95% organic bamboo, stretches with your movements (5% spandex), and looks fabulous. Great for indulging with the Sunday paper and a yummy cup of jasmine tea at home, or topping off with a long strand of faux pearls and strappy heels for an art opening.

TranquiliT is designed for living, loving, and do-gooding in a creative, versatile, comfy way. I hope you enjoy the lounge line with the same enthusiasm that I had designing it.

In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we'll be having a special online sale for all of you on our mailing list. Be sure to join to stay in-the-know on eco-fashion savings!

Also, busily working on fall designs. Please let us know if there is anything you must have added to your wardrobe and I promise to consider it in my rounds of sampling!

Thanks for indulging in TranquiliT! xoxo

as i work in the showroom on an uber-sunny, gorgeous spring day, i can't help but still be delighted to have the opportunity to create inside my "design lab." i'm assessing designs, clarifying the seven staples of the line for building a wardrobe with only a few pieces, and handling customer service inquiries.

i am constantly drawn to creative ideas, offerings, images, possibilities. browsing at a bookstore. perusing accessory aisles of boutiques. smelling jasmine tea. choosing new linens. don't you find that colors, textures, baubles, images, words, sounds, smells have the ability to inspire? i'm wondering where YOU find inspiration: blogs, books, tv shows, stores, yoga poses, magazines.

as i work on designing today, i'm pondering how best to find *new* inspirations on a regular basis. was recently exposed to this fun event SARK is doing that sounds delightful. am loving listening to carla bruni (thanks, melissa!). think this girl is genius. loving twitter updates. just a few new inspirations i've come across.

please share where YOU gain inspiration. i know you have some fun gems to share, too.

back to designing and then late-night yoga this evening. wishing you a delightfully inspired weekend!

happy hump/tax day! per the lovely carolyn's request, i have posted an updated photo of my bedroom sans loft bed. in addition, i also have my "back to school" supply photo complete with scented pencils, damask paper, and my text on writing well. school is fun! have two assignments due next monday: 1) what i want to get out of the course, 2) what i like to write about and why.

also attached are two photos from my newly redesigned nook thanks to sunday's organizing extravaganza: chaise lounge surrounded by heaps of books, knitting supplies (same scarf i started in 2006, but who's counting), my in box, and oodles of post-its and art supplies.

may you find some space in your busy schedule to carve out a creative, inspiring nook at home or at work to feed your soul. think of it as necessary to survival, not simply an indulgence. see p. 146 of hip tranquil chick for additional ideas on carving out tranquility at work: create a comfort drawer, slippers under your desk, lamp lighting, throw blanket for easy picnicking. voila, may you be surrounded by inspiration!

happy rainy morning in dc. here's my article on simplifying that i thought you may enjoy. feels good to do some spring cleaning!

chilly spring morning in dc. takes awhile for the bones to warm up. did a few organizing chores last night that helped ensure i woke up refreshed and ready for monday. it made such a difference that i wanted to share the suggestion:

* moved pile of stuff from kitchen table to living space
* began sorting said stuff into piles: take to showroom, take to studio, put in "memories" box (photos, memorabilia, notes), trash, file
* rearranged bathroom stuff: trashed cosmetics from 2003 back (yep, think i had some lipsticks from college - ick!), consolidated two baskets of makeup into one, pulled baskets off floor to open up blank space
* organized vanity area under bathroom sink. found lots of new space and a box of tissues that i needed.
* did laundry, immediately folded and put away (rather than waiting days to fold, etc)
* moved chaise lounge to face in toward couch. stacked heaps of books nearby. set up colorful post-its, markers, an art kit, and an inspirational magazine (boho) on bed tray near chaise for easy creative reach.

getting organized feels so good. i vow to keep my kitchen table/home office space clear (hold me to this beau) as it deserves breathing space, too. and maybe, just maybe, i'll use it for dining rather than working!

on another note, tranquil space was featured in a darling blog called design wonderland today. yay for clean, green, organized space!

what a delightful weekend. beau and i spontaneously decided to head to his half-finished (no hot water or furniture) cabin in the woods late friday night. we packed up louis, grabbed a futon mattress, and headed to the hills.

here are some photos from our journey. weekend highlights included:

* got my highlights, lowlights + pink streaks touched up while outling the upcoming week in my planner pad (usually a sunday night extravaganza) on friday
* ooh la la: booking flights to paris using miles (november 13-23 - suggestions, tips, + ideas welcomed!)
* running into BFF on way out to cabin, swinging by her home + chatting into the wee hours before driving out to west virginia
* waking up to rain pouring down on the skylight above our heads
* BFF + her beau joining us for a few hours on saturday
* dining at cracker barrel (of all crazy places)
* rocking in the pink dolly parton rocker
* hiking up the mountain in beau's backyard
* having our first fire and going through heaps of backlogged magazines: o, inc, yoga journal, lucky, shape - (i pull out must-have articles or images for future inspiration)
* putting dog treats in clear easter eggs and hiding them for sir louis
* watching louis find the eggs, figure out how to open them, and devour said treat with a vengence
* indulging in easter dinner in berkley springs
* oodles of spring cleaning once home: ficus trees outside, sprucing up backyard garden area, throwing out cosmetics age 5 years+, organizing kitchen table (aka "home office"), writing gramma a letter, rearranging living room setting

all in all a decadent (and much needed) change of pace. the country brings a sense of spaciousness that fuels the soul. now to top off the weekend with a rejuvenating bubble bath. 'night!

slumbered for 9 hours last night and feel like a new woman. sleeping is truly one of my most beloved passions! up early, did a sun salute (committing to one every day as soon as i wake up to help jumpstart it as a habit and keep me from going straight to e-mail - join moi!), made some of my yummy organic rose tea, and wrote my column for the examiner on simplicity. now off to get highlights, lowlights and pink streaks infused into my tresses. roots are *not* tres chic! then to the showroom to work on fall TranquiliT designs and indulge in creative/strategic play until tonight's mentoring and yoga class.

SO very excited about the weekend. easter is a day off. first one since valentine's day and i'm over the moon about not having any plans. we may head out to beau's new cabin in the woods that is still getting renovated. thinking of hiding treats in the woods for louis to capture to easter egg hunt from my early years.

pre-easter, explore some internal and external spring-cleaning:

internal: take note of what you’re eating, drinking, and how you’re moving. as you know, i'm on a 10-day detox diet that consists of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and beans. observe your eating patterns and see if there are ways in which you can spring clean your diet – less processed food, less caffeine, less meat, more fiber. drink more water to flush out your system. add a slice of lemon, orange, or a strawberry to your reusable water bottle to make it more fun. in addition to cleaning up what you consume, move your body at least 20 minutes each day.

external: take a moment to observe your surroundings and to-dos. is your desk a mess? are items in their proper place? unless you live in a tiny home or work in a tiny office, an overhaul takes time and can’t be done in a day. start small with your desk or your kitchen table. slowly weed through the muck. have file folders, markers, and a trash bin nearby. put papers into appropriate files, tear out magazine articles you want to keep, bundle pens, post-its, and paper clips together. sort your sock drawer. clean out your closet. pass former must-haves along to a local charity. reflect on your to-dos. are they things that only you can do? are they moving you in the direction of your dreams?

life is frittered away by detail. simplify, simplify. - henry david thoreau

i skipped my evening yoga class to come home and kick up my heels before a mentoring call this evening. despite my body craving its daily dose of yoga, this detox has me super low on energy so i thought a little TLC time would do me good. craving a little down time? here are a few suggestions:


* go home early
* take a mental health morning
* soak in the tub
* light incense
* get a massage
* eat a fresh spinach salad
* take a nap
* get a foot rub
* rest on your couch and listen to carla bruni
* sip bubbly
* cuddle with a furry 4-legged friend
* meditate
* do yin yoga
* indulge in journal writing
* daydream

feels so yummy and indulgent to be home while it is still light outside! i gotta do this more often. love spicing things up in simple ways.

dearest readers,

this year tranquil space will celebrate an *entire 10 years* of serving up tranquility to washingtonians. below is a list of highlights and insightful tidbits into the background of how it all began and continues to unfold.

i encourage you to do the same. explore the highlights that have defined you, made you proud, and shaped who you are.

happy timelining!

june 30, 1973 born in lawton, oklahoma: midwestern cancerian.
1981 began journal writing and opened first savings account for my $2/week allowance.
may 1991 graduated from high school.
may 1995 graduated from university of oklahoma. drive to chicago to see oprah show, visit friend at university of chicago, and got mary engelbreit sunflower tattoo on my belly.
july - september 1995 backpacked around europe thanks to money earned while working part-time in college.
october 1995-august 1996 lived in summit county, colorado skiing, snowboarding,
selling clothes at DKNY, and working for keystone resort. take first yoga class.
july 1996 bought first car: old jeep cherokee.
september 1996 drove to dc with all possessions in my jeep. began paralegal program at georgetown university. worked as receptionist and got my first e-mail address (the rest is history).
september 1997 finished georgetown paralegal program.
september - november 1997 drove to alaska from dc and down west coast camping and enjoying nature.
december 1997 - august 1999 worked at intellectual property law firm as trademark
paralegal.
june 1999 took first yoga teacher training.
september 1999 - july 2000 worked at georgetown university to assist running the paralegal
program.
august 1999 began teaching yoga at a gold's gym on capitol hill.
october 1999 opened up living room to strangers to teach yoga.
january 2000 got nose pierced.
july 2000 took a 2-week teacher training in california and decide to take the plunge into
self-employment. double life became too hard.
summer 2000 took up and running course at women's business center, nia and pilates
teacher training. offered first wild woman workshop. started teaching yoga at joy of motion.
fall 2000 - may 2003 rented beautiful parlor space at church on 16th street.
january 2001 began offering creativity circles.
fall 2001 began master's program at george washington university in women's studies.
december 2001 took teacher training with cyndi lee.
february 2002 led first international yoga retreat to costa rica.
march 2002 offered first teacher training. studio grows by word of mouth.
may 2002 launched TranquiliT at local bar with fashion show, yoga demos, and fundraiser for dc rape crisis center.
july 2002 took first teacher training with shiva rea.
november 2002 secured new space on p street after a year of searching.
december 2002 released first yoga cd -- an intermediate practice.
february 2003 host second retreat in costa rica.
june 2003 moved into home on p street after numerous red tape delays. turned 30 and took myself to ibiza, spain for my first real vacation in years.
july 2003 took second teacher training with shiva rea.
september 2003 took teacher training with baron baptiste.
october 2003 solidified book idea. began buying tons of books on writing a proposal
and getting published.
december 2003 released second yoga cd--vinyasa yoga for the newbie yogi.
january 2004 began dating beau.
spring 2004 began designing own tops and additional pants. TranquiliT bloosomed.
june 2004 featured lady on ladies who launch.
august 2004 finished master's program and bought the pink palace (600 sq. feet of raspberry
and leopard print-embellished bliss).
october 2004 got book agent and began blog.
december 2004 TranquiliT featured in shape and get little louis the pug for christmas.
may 2005 hip tranquil chick article featured in fit yoga, TranquiliT featured in
washingtonian, and show TranquiliT at first yoga conference in midwest.
june 2005 spoke at women's business conference on leaving a legacy and started hip
hop dance classes.
september 2005 began hip tranquil chick podcast.
september - december 2005 returned to ballet classes after an 18-year hiatus.
october 2005 signed on with publisher inner ocean.
november 2005 story featured in book starting from scratch.
january 2006 took first knitting class.
march 2006 TranquiliT featured in daily candy and interviewed on martha stewart
living radio.
july 2006 launch tranquil space foundation.
august 2006 attend sarah powers yin yoga teacher training and woodhull ethical
leadership training.
october 2006 took french classes.
november 2006 attended creativity retreat with lynne franks in mallorca, spain. hip tranquil chick book launch soiree.
december 2006 released third yoga cd: get your yoga on.
march 2007 taught at omtime in denver and took first beading class.
april 2007 tranquil space named among top 25 yoga studios in the world by travel + leisure. took one month jivamukti yoga teacher training.
may 2007 donated jeep to charity and trade for white cruiser bike with pink rims.
june 2007 led first hip tranquil chick retreat in new york.
july 2007 signed lease on new home for tranquil space. 9-month green buildout begins.
august 2007 led third retreat in costa rica.
september 2007 launched tranquil space arlington.
october 2007 hosted first annual tranquil space foundation gala.
november 2007 taught at centre de luna in montreal.
january 2008 launched online creativity circle. began authentic leadership program at naropa university in boulder.
february 2008 taught at asheville yoga center.
march 2008 featured in book life entrepreneurs and us news. led 2nd annual hip tranquil chick retreat in new york.
april 2008 completed authentic leadership program at naropa university.
may 2008 opened new 4,000 square foot home in dupont: tea bar, three studios, spa, and boutique. add pink streaks to my tresses. switch to 100% wind powered electricity.
june 2008 sojourn for 15 hours in new york city in celebration of my 35th: yoga, sip rose tea, eat cupcakes, dine on organic cuisine, and browse bookstores.
july 2008 taught at yoga tree in san francisco and met with team at new world library. begin writing second book, tranquilista.
august 2008 opened TranquiliT showroom and taught at kripalu.
september 2008 story featured in washington times. began offering contemplative crafting classes at TranquiliT showroom.
october 2008 hosted second annual tranquil space foundation gala. begin tweeting (@tranquilista). honored as a new leader in philanthropy by greater dc cares.
november 2008 featured designer on washingtonian.com (where i boldly proclaim that tarjay is my favorite place to buy clothes - geez!) and show TranquiliT at dc's green festival.
january 2009 attended inaugural ball donning TranquililT armwarmers. started boxing with pink gloves. celebrated 5 years with beau.
february 2009 signed up for creative non-fiction writing classes. mentioned in us news as celebrity-style coach.
march 2009 tranquilista first draft to editor. led third annual hip tranquil chick
retreat in new york.

happy, happy monday! sure it's rainy and dreary in dc after a weekend of *amazing* weather + cherry blossoms, but i can see past the drizzle thanks to the yellow daffodils everywhere!

feel off the wagon with my detox this weekend. i blame the cheese - one of my biggest downfalls. saturday and sunday night involved social outings complete with yummy food. what's a girl to do? back on the wagon with oodles of water (realized i wasn't drinking as much since switching from the huge 1.5 liter bottles to my smaller klean kanteen), fruit, nuts, and hopefully some yummy greens later tonight.

attached are photos from saturday's upcycle class at the showroom on remaking your clothing. mine was a basic bamboo tee where i cut the sleeves, trimmed the hem with pinking shears, cut up some remnant leopard-print + pink fabric, folded it, and handsewed it down. added a rosette for additional flair. voila! ok, so maybe not the most fabulous first try ever, but it was fun! hopefully more upcycling to come. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this concept of sustainability.

at the showroom packaging up online orders, pulling items to restock tranquil space, and ordering cute new tags to showcase the multiple ways to wear some of the pieces. i love playing in my "design lab." it offers a chance to use a different side of my brain and, as you know, creativity offers oodles of possibility. to make sure it happens more often than not, i'm doing my best to keep as much of friday sacred for full on creative play. it's good for the soul.

how do you indulge in aristic play? can you carve out some space in your busy calendar to collage, paint, upcycle a tee, doodle, or blog? wishing you some creative space among your many to-dos. after all, it does a body (+ spirit) good!

• direct download (mp3)

Bonjour Mademoiselle:

Welcome to the 150th edition of tranquility du jour: a guide to bringing tranquility to your every day. Another milestone in serving up tranquility!

Today’s show menu features happenings and musings on being creatively fit with Whitney Ferre.

Workshops + Retreats: Join moi for our next le chic teleclass chat "Shine with Summer Solstice" on June 29 PLUS events around the globe: a decadent retreat to Costa Rica over Memorial Day, hip hop yoga in DC (with a DJ) on Friday, June 5, a summer solstice staycation in DC on June 20, another tranquility-filled week at Kripalu August 9-14, 2009, a Living Your Yoga 4-week series in September, and the annual Fall Foliage retreat to the hills of Virginia October 16-18. All the scoop is on my workshops page.

Featured Tranquilista: Whitney Ferre
Based on the principles of that underlie the aesthetics of design, this book shows how to strengthen creative ability into a reality by working out the right brain through a series of exercises. “This is for everyone who wants to create change, to make a difference and leave the world around them different and better than when they started; to help unlock their creative potential to transform any area of their life,” says author Ferré. In life and the workplace today, developing ideas outside of the box is what differentiates the extraordinary from the common place.

Whitney Ferré has helped hundreds of people to find their creativity as founder of the Creative Fitness Center. The Center first gained national recognition on HGTV. Today she continues her outreach leading corporate seminars, teaching art classes, and as a creativity expert on television & radio. Whitney is also an artist, a wife, a mother, and a co-owner of Rumours Wine Bars that build communities around food, wine, and art. She lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee.

Savvy Source: The Artist Within: A Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit and creativelyfit.com

Signature Style: Spring has sprung at TranquiliT. Featured "look of the podcast" is the versatile organic bamboo skirt dress coupled with armwarmers.

Chic Community: Mingle on our forums. Join our Facebook page. Follow moi on Twitter. Download tranquility du jour on demand. Watch videos on youtube.com/hiptranquilchick.

Au Revoir: To close out the show, we’re playing Quicksand by Natalie Walker from Promonet. You can learn more about her music at natalie-walker.com.

Leave your thoughts on hip tranquil chick by writing a review at Amazon.com!

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happy weekend fellow hip, tranquil, fabulous femmes!

many of you have asked about my 10-day detox diet which i'll be sure to share. on day 2 now. basically it's all about fruits, veggies, nuts/seeds, beans, and whole grains. sadly, no sugar, pasta, white cheddar popcorn (just writing that made my mouth water), cupcakes, or heaps of bread that i adore. alas, i will carry on with it and hope to feel lighter in the end. it's hard to break eating preferences of the past 35 years!

attached is a lovely flier from one of tranquil space foundation's grantees this year, nest. *so* exciting to see the work they are doing and i adore my hand embroidered bag from guatemala.

as i mentioned on twitter, i am pondering a 10-day to 2 week sojourn to paris and asked for feedback on 1) time of year and 2) places to see. i've only been once and it was post-college 1995. i feel like it is time to return and explore the city in a new, less touristy way. any suggestions or feedback is most welcomed!

we hope to start showing bi-weekly vidcasts in between the bi-weekly podcasts. please let moi know if there is something you'd like featured. have tons of ideas, but want to be sure to spark your creative interest.

was feeling overwhelmed with my lack of space in the ol' planner pad so i went through and cancelled a few meetings and play dates to allow myself some open calendar space. immediately i felt lighter. experiencing that overwhelmed "what have i done to myself" feeling? peruse your calendar to see if there are meetings or events that you can shift. i *know* open space is important, yet continue to overbook. oh, when will i learn?

find inspiration. open up calendar space. give back. indulge in exotic travel. shine brightly. savor the taste of spring. eat your veggies. be grateful. love life.

and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. – anais nin

bonjour april. during our retreat last weekend we spent a lot of time focusing on our intentions for spring. this quote by anais nin has been a favorite for years and felt appropriate to share this month as nature is in full bloom around us.

we’re through the first quarter of a new year: how does it feel? how are your intentions unraveling? what would you like to explore further? at tranquil space, we teach that finding your edge on the mat is that point of sensation – not pain, and not lack of feeling. life is similar. if you stay in our comfort zone, you lack feelings of sensation and fall into stagnation. if you step too far outside your comfort zone, you can experience pain. the trick is to find that balance of joyful, challenging sensation that ultimately leads us to full-fledged blossoming. what would that look like for you?

to push myself out of my oh-so-comfy comfort zone, i have signed up for the army 10-miler, taken up boxing (pink gloves, of course!), am starting a cleanse (gotta shed my organic gummy bear addiction), and signed up for a 10-week creative non-fiction class. what micromovements (small steps toward a larger goal) can you take this month to explore your spirit on a different level?

below is a list of ideas – some small, some large – to help you explore life outside of your comfort zone, gain inspiration, and find a newfound sense of blooming:

take up tango, go to an art gallery, take a mental health day, sign up for a language class, jump into a yoga 2 class, create a morning ritual, try knitting, write a book proposal, start a blog, bake bread, read a biography on someone you admire, start a book club, design a vision board, meditate for 10 minutes each day, launch a socially conscious business, switch to 100% wind-powered energy, compost, volunteer, adopt an animal, smile at someone on the metro, try an arm balancing pose, subscribe to yoga journal, forgive, write a screenplay, browse a bookstore for hours, let go of the past, move to a new city, try a new career, return to graduate school, form a support group, try art therapy, take a leadership intensive, schedule unscheduled time, doodle, explore aromatherapy, get a massage, indulge in a pedicure, wear red lipstick, take a staycation, write out your 5 year goals, journal write, send snail mail cards with tea bags inside to loved ones, write in colored pens, travel solo, take a road trip to a nearby winery, hike in the hills, pack a picnic, paint your walls, pray, design a dress, chant, set an intention each day.

let’s bloom!