A Little About Me

Hi, I’m Carina—a mom of five, Nana to three, and someone who usually has a creative project waiting to be finished! I spent 20 years as a stay-at-home mom, and my children now range in age from 15 to 32. My family is a big, lively part of my world, and spending time with them is one of my favorite things.

When I’m not with family, you’ll probably find me crocheting, gardening, playing video games, or relaxing by the pool. I’ve also been through a life-changing double lung transplant. It’s part of my story, and I’m figuring out this chapter one day at a time while making room for the people and things I love.

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My Colorado Roots

I was born and raised in Colorado, where I grew up spending plenty of time outdoors. Education was a big part of my family’s life, too. My father was a private stock market investor who graduated from Michigan State and went on to earn his master’s degree in economics. My stepfather—my second dad—was an attorney, and my mother was an English teacher who earned her degree at a time when far fewer women attended college.

After high school, I headed straight to college. Over the years, I attended several colleges, traveled around the country, and earned several degrees. Eventually, I settled back in Colorado and worked as an auditor at a CPA firm while raising my children and enjoying the outdoor life I’d always loved.

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A New Chapter

When the recession hit in the mid-2000s, I moved my family to the Midwest in search of better opportunities. I built a photography business that I loved, and for a while, life was going well. Then my health took a turn, and my whole world changed.

There’s more to that story, which I share in My Journey. Here at Just Carina, you’ll find the other pieces of my life, too—the crochet projects, creative ideas, gaming, family moments, and everyday things that make me who I am.

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It’s just me and the things I love.