Prone to Wander Retreats

26/04/2024

🎶“She needs wide open spaces..."🎶

Travel is:
inspiring
grounding
educational

It is a way for us to expand our world view. Learn about cultures, foods, arts, architecture, religions, and customs that are different from our own.

It is a reality check, reminding us how fortunate we are - and humbling as we witness the generosity of those who have little wealth yet give from the heart.

Travel is a gift that we give ourselves and a gift we give to the world; because when we are more travelled, we are more tolerant, more accepting, and more understanding of the differences and similarities that bind us together.

I believe, with all my heart, that travel is transformative, thus my prayer for you is that you take advantage of every opportunity you have to explore this wonderful world of ours, you will never regret it.

(This photo was taken at our Marrakech: A city Exploration 2022 event. This pink home - my favourite color - was just a few moments walk from our hotel in the foothills of the Atlas mountains.)

24/04/2024

INTRODUCING:
MARRAKECH: A CITY EXPLORATION Sept 29 - Oct 9, 2024

Have you ever wanted to explore North Africa but felt intimidated to venture out on your own? Than join me, and a group of fellow creative, travel loving women this Fall for a ten day exploration of Marrakech and its surroundings.

Marrakech is spices, pottery, lanterns, tiles, carpets, and oils.

It is fresh salads, souks (markets) where you can find anything and everything, memorable spas and perfumes.

Marrakech is a city that will amaze, delight and stretch your travel acumen as you get to know its stunning heritage buildings and palaces, kind locals, traditional recipes and the artisans who call it home.

Together with our local hosts and guides, we will spend a week in the heart of the old city, followed by three days spent in the countryside giving guests the opportunity to see two different sides of this unique, memorable part of the world!

Want to get all the details? Marrakech: A City Exploration info page is now LIVE! https://pronetowanderretreats.com/marrakech-24

General Registration will open on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time.

26/02/2024

Are you sitting on your gift?⁣
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I was challenged by this question this week. During my reflection, I was reminded that sometimes dreaming of what we’ll do with our gift in the future takes the place of present action and honouring the callings we have. I have been guilty of this, more times than I can count.⁣
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Oftentimes that inactivity is because we feel inadequate or unworthy of stepping into our gifts, other times it’s because we’re scared of the reaction others will have if we are unabashedly open about them.⁣
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In my reading, I was reminded that our gifts are a blessing, with varied callings spread out amongst us so that together we are stronger. And when we hide our gifting, we deprive our community of the small part we are meant to play in making a healthy whole.⁣
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What an awesome thought, eh?⁣
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So, don’t sit on your gift, friend. Let it shine!⁣
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14/02/2024

Food is a gateway to knowing a culture better.⁣
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It’s why I never recommend that my clients eat at a McDonalds or grab a coffee at Starbucks when we’re in Italy. They’d be robbing themselves of the opportunity to try new dishes, see familiar ingredients reimagined, and get a glimpse into Italian traditions and cultural norms.⁣
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Take this amazing lunch as an example. It was served at the table of my friend and Tuscan retreat head chef, food anthropologist Orsa , who is absolutely passionate about the traditions and customs of the food she makes and serves.⁣
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This lunch was simple, yes. But it was also my introduction to a traditional bread from Puglia, Capresine. Typically made with a whole wheat grain, these little pieces of toasted bread were a way to extend the life of a perishable food before refrigeration. The pieces are moistened with water before being garnished in order to soften the top of the piece while still allowing them to keep their satisfying crunch.⁣
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After moistening them, Orsa garnished each piece with tomatoes, red onion, basil, and fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese followed by a dash of salt and splash of liquid gold, aka: olive oil from her olives.⁣
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And this is how a simple lunch turns into a little glimpse of a culinary tradition from the south of Italy and a meal that I now replicate at home!⁣
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08/02/2024

This morning as I hummed along to the Harry Styles song “As it Was” I had a moment of appreciation for the truth in the lyric “You know it’s not the same as it was”.⁣
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We are constantly evolving, never the same from one season to the next.⁣
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We earn our victories and learn from our defeats.⁣
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We pick up and drop hobbies and interests.⁣
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We make new friends, cultivate long standing relationships, and say goodbye to some friendships that have run their course.⁣
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Our faith walk goes through periods of infallible belief and moments of doubt where we have to dig deep, spend time in scripture, and lean on the prayers and encouragement from fellow believers to stay true.⁣
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As the years pass, we trade our youth for knowledge and wisdom - often hard won through trials, defeats, and losses.⁣
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There is a season for everything, and in its time the things we sow, the things we meditate on, the friendships we make, the adventures we take, and the things we learn, will shape us.⁣
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While we have moments of nostalgia for the past, I want to encourage you to recognize the beauty in who you are in this moment, today. Because, give it five years and this current version of ourselves will be a memory…⁣
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06/02/2024

There’s a good chance you never considered attending an out of country women’s retreat until you were referred to my company, or stumbled upon my feed. ⁣
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I get it. It’s something that might seem indulgent - especially if you’re someone who always takes care of others. But I am here to be your fairy godmother during our retreat and make the travel experience a pleasure instead of something that will stress you out. ⁣
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With a multitude of recommendations and travel tips, I am by your side to take the pressure out of planning and deliver an amazing experience.⁣
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From the moment you arrive at our Villa, you will be enjoying the unforgettable experience of being in Italy, not stressing out about the details!⁣
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So, leave the heavy lifting to me, I’ve got you! Who’s in? ⁣
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Upcoming retreat: May 17-24, 2024 with special guest
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02/02/2024

Who’s a spa lover? 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋‍♀️⁣
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Give me a thermal bath, massage, or facial treatment and I’m in heaven!⁣
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I can’t wait to bring retreat clients to this beautiful thermal spa in May. It’s a little slice of heaven, nestled in to the rolling hills of Tuscany. ⁣
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One of the perks of spending time in its waters? Baby soft skin and a noticeable improvement in muscle stiffness…. And I still remember the lingering scent of vanilla from the vanilla oil body massage I booked on one of my visits!⁣
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If you‘d like to experience the food, culture, craft, and beauty of Tuscany, I invite join special guest and I May 17-24, we’d love to share the adventure with you!⁣ Drop me a DM and I’ll send you all the info!
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30/01/2024

Food is a window into a culture.⁣
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The choice of ingredients, heritage of recipes, rituals of cooking methods, and traditions around how a society gathers to break bread offer an insight that highlights the differences and similarities from one culture to another.⁣
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As we approach the Tuscan kitchen, it is easy to think that we know it well because there are so many Italian restaurants in North America. ⁣
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However, all is not as it seems. ⁣
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While many of the ingredients are familiar to us, the stories behind the why and when and the surprising number of traditional Tuscan recipes that rarely hit the menu at American Italian restaurants provides a delightful surprise for those who are ready for a deeper dive into the culinary world of Tuscany.⁣
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Do you know:⁣
• that not all olive oil is created equal? ⁣
• that tomatoes are not native to Italy?⁣
• that every region has its own traditional pasta shape (and, naturally, every region thinks theirs is the best)?⁣
• that most Tuscans will not eat fruits or vegetables that are not in season?⁣
• that bean/legume dishes are very popular in Tuscany?⁣
• how long a typical meal will last if you’re invited to join someone for dinner? ⁣
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This is why culinary lessons and/or tours are one of the best ways to get to know a region. If you’re travelling this Spring/Summer, please consider adding a cooking lesson or culinary tour to your itinerary. It is one of the most brilliant, not to mention tasty, ways to get to know a people and their culture!⁣
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24/01/2024

The past few days have been filled with joy and excitement as I have been calling the ladies who registered to attend the May 17-24 La Dolce Vita Retreat to welcome and thank them for signing up for what I know is going to be a wonderful adventure.⁣
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We have room for YOU to join my team, special guest and I as we cook, create art, shop an antique and local market, and explore the sights of our little corner of Tuscany. It is going to be a week full of celebration and community that I know will fill your heart to overflowing. ⁣
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If you would like to register or have a conversation to answer any questions, please feel free to reach out via email or DM.⁣
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20/01/2024

Hi friends, I am gearing up for a big retreat launch tomorrow morning.

Ever wanted to visit Tuscany with a group of creative women? If so, perhaps my retreat, this MAY 17-24, 2024, with special Guest, Danielle Kartes, a.k.a. Rustic Joyful Food, is what you’ve been looking for! Danielle is a cookbook author, and makes frequent television appearances, most notably as a regular, culinary contributor to the Kelly Clarkson show.

In addition to a workshop with Danielle, there will be dinner parties away from our homebase, a visit to a local antique market, a Creative lesson with sixth generation Florentine paper marbler Maria Giannini, a culinary lesson at a true farm to table farm, a trip to a natural hot spring/Spa, and cities to explore.

How to get a little taste of what retreat attendees can expect, please check out this little preview video that gets me pumped every time I watch it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Ag9LRRziW/

For all the details visit: https://pronetowanderretreats.com/retreats

Prone to Wander Retreats is a place for creatives who are yearning to escape and enjoy a retreat full of beauty and inspiration; for the Mom who’s tired and ready to have her needs catered to; for the newly retired woman who is looking to rediscover herself; for the lonely soul who wishes she coul...

19/01/2024

Your invitation to Antique, Cook, Craft, and Explore Tuscany this May - https://mailchi.mp/be9287393c79/lets-get-inspired-in-tuscany-13708565

19/01/2024

Hi, Carolyn here 👋🏻 Friends, tomorrow is the big day! ⁣
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Registration opens for the May 17-24, 2024 Retreat, with special guest Danielle Kartes ( ) at 9AM Pacific Standard Time.⁣
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To be honest, I’m always a bucket of nerves before registration opens - it’s a leap of faith and an exercise in vulnerability whenever you put your passions and work product into the world.⁣
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But, I push past the nerves because I feel strongly that offering these retreats and experiences is a calling; it’s something that I was made to do. My gift of hospitality allows me to serve those who come in a way that is soul-stirringly inspiring and encouraging.⁣
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So, if this retreat is calling to you, let’s do this! I can’t wait to share what I know will be an epic adventure with you, this May.⁣
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Warmly,⁣
Carolyn⁣
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19/01/2024

Hi, Carolyn here 👋🏻 Friends, tomorrow is the big day! ⁣
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Registration opens for the May 17-24, 2024 Retreat, with special guest Danielle Kartes (@) at 9AM Pacific Standard Time.⁣
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To be honest, I’m always a bucket of nerves before registration opens - it’s a leap of faith and an exercise in vulnerability whenever you put your passions and work product into the world.⁣
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But, I push past the nerves because I feel strongly that offering these retreats and experiences is a calling; it’s something that I was made to do. My gift of hospitality allows me to serve those who come in a way that is soul-stirringly inspiring and encouraging.⁣
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So, if this retreat is calling to you, let’s do this! I can’t wait to share what I know will be an epic adventure with you, this May.⁣
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Warmly,⁣
Carolyn⁣
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17/01/2024

Creativity.⁣
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For many of us, it’s a way of life and the prism through which we express ourselves.⁣
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At La Dolce Vita Retreat we seek to supercharge and inspire your creative spirit while we journey through Tuscany together.⁣
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Whether dining at an impeccably dressed table, exploring an antique market filled with fabric, paintings, ephemera, and decor items large and small, or being led in a hands on workshop with Florentine artist , your creative muse is going to be immersed in beauty and lit up by the wisdom and experience shared by our guest instructors.⁣
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I can’t wait to share all this creative goodness with those who join us May 17-24, 2024.⁣
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𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬 @ 𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘. Registration details/instructions can be found on our website. (Link in profile). ⁣
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📷 credit:⁣
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16/01/2024

𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖: 𝗜 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁.⁣
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The magic of new friendships being made.⁣
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The magic of days filled with creative play and exploration.⁣
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The magic of Tuscany’s beauty and history leaving guests in awe. ⁣
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The magic of women setting into the rhythm of retreat life and allowing themselves to soak in the creative inspiration and encouragement that the program provides.⁣
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Women are often the ones holding it together for their families and communities. So the week clients spend at La Dolce Vita Retreat is one where each guest is invited to let go of that pressure and to experience the magic of having my team and I take care of them with sincere and genuine hospitality. ⁣
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As the retreat weaves its magic, it becomes an adventure that is treasured long after attendees head back home. ⁣
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Want proof? Check out our “testimonials” highlight reel.⁣
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𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟭𝟳-𝟮𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬 @ 𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘. Registration details/information can be found on our website. (Link in profile). ⁣
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16/01/2024

Whether you exercise your creative muse through:⁣
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• needle and thread 🧵,⁣
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• furniture and paint colours 🛋,⁣
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• brush and paint 🎨,⁣
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• flour and butter 🍪,⁣
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• antiques and vintage 📚,⁣
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• flowers and soil 🌱,⁣
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• camera and lens 📸,⁣
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• paper and glue 📝,⁣
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• or beads and gemstones 💎,⁣
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You are welcome at Prone to Wander Retreats.⁣
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Over the years of hosting La Dolce Vita retreat, I’ve learned that when creative women gather, it doesn’t matter whether they create with the same medium or not. The commonality born of chasing the beauty and peace that creativity brings, forges a magical bond.⁣
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I am tremendously excited about the May 17-24 retreat with special Guest . During our time together, I look forward to pouring inspiration and encouragement into the heart of those who attend. What a magical adventure we’re going to have!⁣
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𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬 @ 𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘. Registration details/instructions can be found on our website. (Link in profile). ⁣
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📷 credit: ⁣
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10/01/2024

As I put the final touches on the website for the launch of the May 2024 La Dolce Vita Creative + Culinary Retreat, with special guest , I am excited for what’s about to unfold.⁣
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It’s going to be a celebration of the creative and culinary traditions of Tuscany, and I simply can’t wait to share all the details with you!⁣
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Please feel free to reach out in my DM’s if you have any questions.⁣
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📷 credit: ⁣
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