Subscribe to the Blog

Mailing list

Sign up for my news & announcements list, and you'll receive a free e-book: 10 Ways To Nourish Your Inner Zen!

Downloads

Shop
The Blogshelf

Elsewhere

"Everyone knows somebody that needs to read this book (Perseverance) !" –Kathie Lee Gifford, Live on NBC’s Today Show

"Perseverance offers… profound insight for all of us seeking to lead a meaningful life." –Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of A Whole New Mind

»More Reviews


Buy Perseverance

Archive for the ‘Announcement’ Category

Giveaway: Shabby Apple Dress

January 20th, 2012 | 85 Comments »

I had so much fun with today’s giveaway! I was given the daunting task of choosing a dress from the vast selection of gorgeous dresses in the Shabby Apple online store for one of YOU to receive!

I decided to narrow my selection to dresses that would be perfect for spring—day or evening. I was pulled to the dresses that were BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT! I love to wear colorful + cheerful dresses in the spring. After much deliberation, I’ve chosen Mariposa Grove. I am in love with the color and the simple elegance the dress exudes. It looks so easy and comfortable to wear; yet, with the petal details around the neckline, the cap sleeves, and scoop neckline on the front and back, this dress is full of style. It would be perfect for an outdoor wedding, a bridal shower, luncheon, or brunch with friends. Okay, I’m sold!

And for my male readers, this dress would be a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day!!

Giveaway Details

PRIZE: Shabby Apple’s Mariposa Grove Dress (no exchanges for the winning dress)

TO ENTER: “Like” Shabby Apple on Facebook, then leave a comment below saying: “LIKED!”

BONUS ENTRY: Leave a second comment below with where you would wear this dress!

LOCATION: United States

GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday January 27th at 9 PM EST

P.S. If you purchase anything from Shabby Apple within 30 days, enter the code “ripple10off” to receive a 10% off coupon on your order. Just enter the code at checkout!

P.P.S. I did not receive compensation for this giveaway. I just love giving stuff away—especially items that I would love to receive myself :). I live vicariously through my giveaway winners!!

UPDATED WITH WINNER (Sun 1. 29.2012 @ 3:00 PM EST)!!

Congratulations, Susan Harmony!! I will be emailing you soon to receive all of your information!!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Treasure Chest

Desire to Inspire: A Sparkling Giveaway

December 7th, 2011 | 21 Comments »

I am thrilled, honored, and humbled to announce I am on the roster of twenty contributors to Desire to Inspire:  Using Creative Passion to Transform the World by Christine Mason Miller. In Desire to Inspire, readers will be introduced to twenty extraordinary women – writers, artists and entrepreneurs – all of whom share a unique example of how they create a meaningful life and, in turn, make a positive impact on the world. The stories and examples explore the roots of their desire to inspire and how they manage to pursue their passions in the midst of all the twists and turns life has given them. In addition to a beautiful collection of quotes, stories, and anecdotes, readers are given substantive, encouraging exercises aimed at supporting their own journey towards a meaningful, mindful life. It will be available  December 20th through Amazon and you can pre-order your copy today!

To be a part of Christine’s second book project is something I could never have imagined when I began A Beautiful Ripple Effect. The title of my blog is taken from Christine’s first book, Ordinary Sparkling Moments. This book was the catalyst for a multitude of positive changes in my life. I cannot begin to envision what the impact of this second book will be. However, I do know, it will be powerful.

To celebrate the release of her new book, Christine is generously giving away a gorgeous wall art piece to one recipient.

Giveaway Details

PRIZE: One of three wall art pieces (your choice from the three in the image above!)

TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the words “INSPIRE!”

BONUS ENTRY: Where would you put your inspiring new wall art? Answer in the comments.

LOCATION: No restrictions!

GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Sunday December 11th at 9 PM EST

**Updated (12.12.2011): winner is… Stephanie! Stephanie, check your email for a message from me shortly :)!**

Tags: , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Inspired, Random, Treasure Chest, When You Feel

An Invitation: Reverb11

December 1st, 2011 | 12 Comments »

Happy December! This month we say goodbye to 2011 and prepare to usher in 2012. Last year, during the month of December, I participated in Reverb10. Gwen Bell, Cali Harris, and Kaileen Elise launched and ran this project. The purpose of Reverb10 was to reflect on the past year and manifest what’s to come in the new year. This purpose, while seemingly daunting, is made easy through daily prompts that allow you to focus on different areas of your life in bite size (manageable) pieces. During Reverb10, I gained incredible insight by reflecting on the daily prompts and connected with new online friends on a more personal and vulnerable level. As I entered 2011, I found myself more confident stemming from the support of this new vibrant community of like minded individuals.

Looking forward to continuing this project this year, I was sad to hear that Gwen would not be hosting the online event.Not one to give up, I knew I had to get to work. Chatting with my friend Tiffany Moore yesterday, we brainstormed ways that we could continue Reverb11 with set intentions of it being fun and easy. And so here we are, welcome to day 1 of Reverb11!

The purpose of Reverb11 is to reflect on the past year and usher in the new year with intention. Rather than blindly entering 2012, you enter the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment. This new perspective enables you to be more proactive rather than merely reactive.

Each day during the month of December, I will be posting a prompt. I will also organize the prompts on a page in my sidebar for easy reference. Also, on this sidebar page, I will add resources and other inspiring morsels as we go. Additionally, if you will be participating in Reverb11, there will be a place for you to add your link to your blog so we can support one another along the way.

Aside from the daily prompts, Tiffany and I are setting up a Facebook group for discussion, support, and networking. And finally, we are also planning to host evening phone chats to bring the Reverb11 experience to life (virtual confetti will be provided!).

We’ve only had a day to pull this together so this project is a work in progress!

The first prompt was my favorite prompt from last year so we have decided to recycle it! It’s posted below for your reference.

Prompt #1: One Word
Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

**On Twitter: Use #reverb11 @carolynr @tiffanycmoore so we can share your reverb reflections and musings.

**Sign up via rss or email (in top left sidebar) to stay updated on the project and receive the daily prompts.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in: #reverb11, Announcement, Creativity & Inspiration

A Travel Inspired Giveaway: Simone France

November 15th, 2011 | 28 Comments »

I have been traveling a lot recently. While I adore visiting new places far far away, I don’t enjoy the wear and tear of traveling. Honestly, it makes me a bit overwhelmed and crabby. I am challenging this less than calm mindset by creating little nurturing gifts for my future traveling self (e.g., maintaining a travel cosmetics bag that is always stocked and ready to go with all of my essential items). These little gifts allow me to feel calmer before and during my travels.

I am excited to announce an incredible travel inspired giveaway from Simone France. Simone France, a celebrity facialist, has been hailed by Vogue as Manhattan’s last beauty secret. The Simone France product line empowers consumers to create personalized skincare regimens (and customers cannot stop raving about the results – read the customer raves to get the full “wow” effect).

The lovely team at Simone France is offering a huge giveaway for one recipient: a travel size complete system ($120 value).

Giveaway Details

  • PRIZE: Travel size complete system ($120 value)
    • 1/2 oz. Light Moisture
    • 1/2 oz. Refining Scrub
    • 4.5 oz. Soap
    • 30 Disposable Cleansing Cloths
    • 2 oz. Light Milk
    • 2 oz. Gentle Toner
    • 1/2 oz. Complexion Perfection
    • 1/2 oz. Instant Radiance
  • TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the words “TRAVEL!”
  • BONUS ENTRY: Dream destination? Answer in the comments.
  • LOCATION: No restrictions!
  • GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday November 18th at 9 PM EST

image: simone france

**updated: november 20th @ 2:20 PM

GIVEAWAY RECIPIENT: SHANNON!

Congratulations, Shannon. Check your email :)! Thank you to everyone for participating!!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Random, Treasure Chest, When You Feel

I Am Project Giveaway

October 3rd, 2011 | 22 Comments »

I have mentioned the I Am Project previously on A Beautiful Ripple Effect (here) and am excited to celebrate the opening of their Etsy print shop today with a fabulous giveaway!

About the I Am Project:

Our wish is to affirm and inspire the beauty in every woman, to celebrate the uniqueness in each of us, as well as the commonalities that unite us as women. We want to create a space to confront the dark places that come with growth; to witness women being valued for more than their bodies, clothes, or societal projections; to feel inspired by stories and images; and to become more deeply rooted in who we are as women. We want to become a net of resources that will nurture and fortify each other’s confidence, and fill women with awareness of the extraordinary beauty that each of us uniquely brings to the world.

Giveaway Details

  • PRIZE: A print of your choice (5×7″ or 8×10″ format) from the I Am Project print shop.
  • TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the words “I AM!” and …
  • BONUS ENTRY: Follow The I Am Project on Facebook
  • LOCATION: No restrictions!
  • GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday October 7th at 9 PM EST

images: i am project

* * *

GIVEAWAY RECIPIENT: HALEY!! Congratulations, Haley! We will be in touch via email :). Thank you to everyone for entering!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Creativity & Inspiration, Treasure Chest

The Glitter Inspired Giveaway

August 29th, 2011 | 27 Comments »

I would love to escape into a world of glitter. Something about glitter just screams, “FUN!” And who doesn’t need an added jolt of fun?! Let’s end August on a glittery note with a big sparkly giveaway. Are you in?

Super simple giveaway with THREE winners :). Each winner chooses one item from the glittery eye candy below.

Giveaway ends Friday September 2nd at 9 PM EST. Enter by leaving a comment below – share how glitter makes you feel! The winners will be announced on ABRE Saturday September 3rd Tuesday September 6th. Check back to find out if you’ve won!! This giveaway is open to US residents.

Let the glittery fun begin!

giveaway items: tinygalaxies organic silver post earrings with white gold | social proper glitter stripe note set | deborah lippmann nail polish set | martha stewart glitter (set of 12)

additional image credits: glitter background (paper source) | glitter + glam photo (via pinterest)

* * *
This giveaway was not sponsored by any of the featured companies. I just genuinely love *glitter* and my incredible readers. This is a little thank you from me to you for your support and generosity. However, if you’re interested in sponsoring a future giveaway just send an email to carolynblog (at) me.com.

* * *

The Winners of the Glitter Inspired Giveaway Are . . .

Congratulations Chelsea, Deb, and Darnita!! Check your inbox for a glittery message :)!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Random, When You Feel

Pen & Paper: Living Between the Lines

November 22nd, 2010 | 11 Comments »

I am beyond excited to announce a brand new monthly column on A Beautiful Ripple entitled, Pen & Paper: Living Between the Lines. It is written by the amazing Hope Wallace Karney. I am such a fan of Hope’s work, oh my goodness her journals are beyond breathtaking and filled with such fresh insight into life’s ordinary and extraordinary moments. I and am so honored to host this gem right here each month! Without further ado, introducing… Pen & Paper: Living Between the Lines!

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” – William Wordsworth

Hello, my name is Hope Wallace Karney and I am extremely excited to start a new column here on A Beautiful Ripple Effect. I thought for the first installment of Pen & Paper: Living Between the Lines I would tell you a little bit about myself, my journaling habits and what I have in store for you every month.

About Me

In 2004 I founded my own company, Paper Relics, while working full-time in technical project management and feeling so unfulfilled. One day I had enough, quit my job, and Paper Relics became my full-time gig. I design and sell my own line of greeting cards, which are available in boutique card shops across the country and on the Paper Relics website. I also am a freelance designer for small businesses.

My favourite past-times are reading and journaling – two years ago I started art journaling and documented it on my blog, Besottment. For years I would keep several journals, ones where I would spill my soul: pages and pages filled with my handwriting.  But I also would always have another where I kept bits that inspired me, quotes I loved, and memory filled ephemera. Now my journals are a combination of both, paired with collage and lettering.  I am able to work through my never-ending thoughts and questions in a way that lets me use words, imagery, thought provoking prompts and, most importantly for me: imagination.

I’ve started sharing my journaling style with others by offering online journaling e-courses, combining artistic techniques and prompts to inspire one to “dig deep” into their core. The latest of these classes will be for the upcoming holiday season –  “Winter Stories“. All my classes offer creativity and soul searching, where you can decide how deep you want to go and how creative you want to be.

I read many books across a wide range of topics, scouring them for ideas and aids for myself and my classes. I find that with introspection, I am able to enjoy life to the fullest and work through issues that arise in everyday life.  And of course, in the end I have a pretty journal documenting the journey.

My Journaling Habits

I started out using composition books when I was younger, and as I got older I would buy journals and notebooks to write in all the time. When I started art journaling I learned how to create my own journals filled with watercolor paper (more on that in a future post) and had fun experimenting. Above all, I started to explore my own style.


I have always loved lined Moleskines, and I would keep one in my purse to jot down thoughts, phrases, ideas, etcetera. When I started using one to practice my hand lettering, I quickly found that I loved working in them artistically. I could not use paints and some of the markers I loved, but I was able to open myself up and find my own unique journaling style with them – so that is what I primarily use today. I also love ringed journals and mini journals.

All of these I will talk about more in the months to come.

What’s in Store

I have so many ideas on what to share with you – including:

  • Journaling prompts
  • Journaling resources online
  • Journaling books
  • Journaling inspiration

I plan to delve deep into some topics and hope to get you to follow me down.  I want you to see how fulfilling journaling in any form can be, and if you already are an avid journaler, ways to make you go about it in thoughtful and creative ways… ways which will help you live “between the lines.”

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Creativity & Inspiration, Guest Bloggers, Pen & Paper

Loss Love Life: A New Project Sheds Light on the Transformative Power of Loss

July 11th, 2010 | 7 Comments »

I received an email yesterday from someone who had recently read my book, Perseverance. It’s an email I receive often, an emotional account of how an individual perseveres through unimaginable darkness, that always leaves me speechless. I question why I am worthy of receiving acknowledgment when this individual is far more powerful than I could ever aptly describe in words. I am merely the conduit that made sure this book entered the world. I never questioned its need to be written, but do question why I was the person selected to write it.

For over ten years, I have immersed myself in a world that deals with loss on a daily basis.  And I have become the person many people seek for hope and inspiration to work through the experience of loss. That’s a big role for one person to fill. I resisted this simple fact for quite some time. I felt that taking time to focus on myself would be selfish. In reality, by not taking this time, I was more selfish – acting as if I were superhuman. It wasn’t until I became my weakest that I realized the importance of beginning my own journey of healing. This blog served as my cocoon. Writing became a ritual that united me with my inner voice. It helped me to resist retreating into the habit of ignoring my emotions and self-care.

In May, I was contacted by Nicola Warwick of The Whole Self to contribute to a workbook she was creating on the power of loss. I resisted the project until the last day and then finally sat down with a piece of paper, a pen, and a big box of tissues. I wrote from my heart and after submitting the piece to Nicola felt a powerful wave of energy that sparkled with inspiration. I needed to write this piece, to share this story. I am grateful that the universe delivered this opportunity to me and that I embraced it.

The workbook, Loss Love Life, is available for free. You can download it and read its powerful stories whenever you feel the time is right. I have read it twice already and gain new insight each time. The workbook includes exercises and resources in addition to the powerful stories. The contributors include: Thursday’s Child, Julie Daley, Patti Digh, Margaret Fuller, Danielle LaPorte, Michael Nobbs, Carolyn Rubenstein, Andrea Schroeder, Kate Swoboda, Julie Jordan Scott, Dyana Valentine, Eydie Watts and Nicola Warwick.

Loss Love Life: Learn More + Download Here

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Authenticity, Perseverance, Personal

Introducing Food For Thought with Whitney Ahneman!

June 21st, 2010 | 19 Comments »

I am thrilled to introduce a brand new series for you, my incredible readers: Food For Thought with Whitney Ahneman. Whitney and I have been working together for over three years. She has been reading this blog since day one — often sneaking a peek of my posts when they are just raw thoughts in my journal. On a more personal level, Whitney has helped me realize the important link between nutrition and general wellbeing. She just completed her master’s degree at Boston University and is currently in her Dietetic Internship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston. She writes about everything nutrition on her blog, Witty Nutrition.

Food For Thought will be focused on providing a much more holistic perspective of nutrition, with lots of fun tips and inspiration. If you are anything like I was before meeting Whitney and cringe when you hear the word “nutrition,” prepare to fall in love with Whitney’s unique approach to the topic – I certainly have!

The series will be posted twice a month. To introduce Food for Thought, Whitney has recorded a short video for you. Please note that the volume is a bit low on the video so make sure your speakers are turned all the way up and your ears are wide open :)!

:: giveaway ::
To celebrate the beginning of a beautiful journey, leave a comment below for Whitney (questions, comments, kind words) for a chance to receive a copy of the latest cookbook by Real Simple editors, Real Simple Best Recipes: Easy, Delicious Meals. It is gorgeous eye candy and contains amazing tips, recipes, and guides. Comments will close Sunday June 27th at 6:00 PM EST with the recipient announced on Monday July 5th!

:: reminder for email subscribers ::
If you receive these posts by email, please watch for an email from me with the subject line “Please confirm your subscription.” There will be a link inside that email you’ll need to click. Once you click that, your subscription will be updated so you can get the new—and much improved!—version of these posts via email.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Balance & Simplicity, Guest Bloggers

10 Simple Truths For Living a Life You Love

May 12th, 2010 | 11 Comments »

Over the past six weeks, I have been conducting idea discovery sessions with fabulous individuals. These one-on-one sessions have illuminated 10 basic truths that I believe are essential for living a life you love. This list is not exhaustive; rather, it is a starting point from which you can create your own list. If one truth clicks for you, run with it! Write it on a sticky note and put it someplace where you’ll be reminded of it daily.

  1. Produce, do not procrastinate.
  2. Manage your energy not your time.
  3. Perfection is merely a facade that steers you in the wrong direction.
  4. Personal innovation is the key to any type of life success.
  5. Thoughts precede actions, which precede change. Care + Commitment = Change. Commitment alone does not equal change. There is a personal component to all that we do.
  6. Now is everything. Perseverance is power. Inspiration is everywhere.
  7. All that needs to be known dwells inside your own heart. Tap into that knowledge within, and trust that knowledge. Be confident in yourself and your power to choose your own perspective. You have more power than you know what to do with in your life. Harness that potential, and your limits will know no bounds.
  8. Invest in yourself. Personal knowledge and self-discovery are invaluable. Don’t limit your potential by limiting your personal treasury. You are your greatest ally and asset.
  9. From a place of clarity, you can move forward with freedom and creativity. Within clarity, there is no such thing as “stuck.”
  10. We all hunger for a fulfilling life — a life filled with meaning and purpose — for ourselves and for the people around us.

What is true for you?

. . .

ANNOUNCEMENT: RIGHT-BRAIN BUSINESS PLAN E-COURSE BEGINS MAY 17th!!!

Right-Brain Business Plan e-CourseI recently completed this e-course by Jennifer Lee and immediately signed up to take it again, starting May 17th for 8 weeks. After completing the e-course, I re-designed A Beautiful Ripple Effect and completed a business plan for an idea that I generated during the course. My business, Style My Vision, just became a LLC. And that is just the beginning. The e-course gave me all the tools and confidence that I needed to dream big and turn those dreams into a reality. The e-course is almost so good that I want to keep it my little own secret, but that would be far too cruel!

The fun online course will guide you through a visual, creative, and accessible process to clarify your business vision, goals, and actions steps. You’ll even make it through the traditional (a.k.a. “intimidating”) parts of the plan like competitive analysis, marketing, and finances in a way that’s creative, inspiring, engaging, and expressive (just like YOU!). This e-course is perfect for creative entrepreneurs, artists, health and wellness professionals, educators, coaches, designers, freelancers, writers, photographers, non-profit leaders or all-around creative souls wanting to make a positive impact with their entrepreneurial endeavors.

For more information on the session that starts May 17th and to register click here.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in: Announcement, Authenticity, Creativity & Inspiration, Personal

« Older Entries
Carolyn Rubenstein

About this blog

Monthly Archives

Categories

Recent Tweets