Name: Carolyn Anbar
Where do you live? Montclair
When did you move there? I’ve lived in Montclair since 2001.
Where did you grow up? I’m a proud Philly girl!
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion? I was a manager/buyer at Watchung Booksellers for almost 20 years, and now I’m hoping to put my creativity to use in other ways. I just began Blank Slate, your spaces re-imagined/re-purposed/re-created. I believe your spaces (personal and business) should make you smile. I’m passionate about getting rid of clutter, moving some furniture, hanging your artwork, and living and working with joy. Also, I hope to do some creativity/drawing workshops soon.
Coffee, tea or … ? Coffee, iced coffee, but starting to cut back. Tea is only when I’m sick or really cold.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? A perfect Saturday morning is chilly, coffee at my side and the New York Times (paper version) ready to be savored slowly. Then a brisk walk, garage sale…
What’s your favorite local restaurant? That’s a hard one. Paper Plane, Cafe Giotto’s and da Pepo. I love the spinach salad at Cafe Giotto’s and the Di Casa panini at da Pepo.
What’s on your nightstand? Too many things. Right now reading On Human Bondage (my friend’s favorite book and I’m loving it). Lots of creativity books. And usually a music memoir, some motivational something or other. And many hair ties.
What are you listening to? A day could include Valerie June, classic 70s, Chris Stapleton, Beth Orton, Mazzy Star.
What are your current indulgences? Time, air conditioning, and chocolate chip ice cream anywhere I can find it.
What talent you would most like to have? It would be wonderful to play a musical instrument well, sing and/or speak another language.
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about Montclair? Let’s see…..MAM, Montclair Stationary, Barbara Eclectic, True Value Hardware, Well in Montclair.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? I hope everyone is smiling and remembering what a kind, funny person I was. And boy, did she have great hair.
The loveliest person and many of my favorite books were recommended to me by Carolyn!
Carolyn recently helped me recreate a tricky space that’s been driving me crazy for years. I can not believe how amazing it looks now. I feel like I’ve had my own HGTV moment. Carolyn has a great eye and is so thoughtful about how to make spaces personal and joyful while mindful of budget and how to repurpose items you already have. I can’t recommend her highly enough!