IDEA172: Go on a Food Tour to Travel your Own Backyard

As travelers, we sometimes forget to discover our own backyard. We are caught up with work, family, and getting things done around the house.  I live in Washington, DC and there is no shortage of things to do in the city. From free access to Smithsonian museums to new exciting restaurants there is always something interesting to experience. A food tour sounds like something that may be reserved for tourists. I beg to differ. I recently took a tour with Carpe DC Food Tours and I learned as much as I savored.  Now about the tour...

One of the most popular areas in DC right now is U St NW in the trendy Shaw Neighborhood.  Locals Mary and Stefan offer a food tour of this busting area via their company, Carpe DC Food Tours. Many can tell you that a trip to the District is not complete without a trip to the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl. Mary and Stefan know this and this is why the tour begins at Ben’s Next Door, the sit down version and neighbor of this iconic restaurant that has witnessed the many changes of the city.  Of course we start the tour with the famous “half smoke”, a sausage topped with rich chili. Delicious.  This is paired with local beer from DC Brau.

What makes the tour remarkable is that we’re not only popping in and out of the eateries, but getting to know what surrounds us.  DC has gone through many changes throughout the years and it is consider by many the epicenter of African American culture. The U Street neighborhood tells those stories on the murals, in places such as Ben’s Chili Bowl, and at the neighboring Howard University. Stefan, our tour guide and Carpe DC’s co-founder knows the history of this neighborhood thoroughly as he is currently pursuing his PhD in archeology focusing on neighborhoods such as Shaw.

We enter the beautifully designed Eatonville Restaurant where we indulge in a beautiful dish of a fried green tomato topped with avocado. (Pictured at the top) I devour this beautifully presented dish as we watch the DC brunch (Brunch in DC is a religion) crowd come alive at the openly colorful dining room.  The merge of fine dining with fast food comes together at out next stop, Fast Gourmet. This locally owned fast food restaurant is located at a gas station. Some of the nonlocal guests were a little hesitant but all worries faded away as we bit into the savory Colombian style corn empanada.

I don’t want to give away all the tour secrets so I will not divulge about the other food offerings. This is just a sneak preview.  What I will say is that the four hour tour is a cultural and edible snapshot of Washington, DC, past and present. You can see this through the contrast of the food that we eat, the streets we walk by and the coexistence of new and old DC.

In speaking to Stefan and Mary at the end of the tour, one thing is evident:  they are all about sharing the local DC experience with visitors and locals alike. As he enters into each eatery, you can tell he has a personal connection with the staff.  They also strive to be socially responsible with their sales. A portion of each ticket sold goes to feeding a homeless person via the local charity, Bread for the City.

Our tour group was diverse: a local couple on a date, two ladies in their late sixties, an Australian tourist, and myself. One thing is for sure, we all learned plenty of new things about the city and its consistent evolution. Carpe DC Food Tours is a delicious learning experience whether you are a local or a visitor. 

No matter what city you call home, food tours are a fun way to try many new tastes and see your town with fresh eyes!  

PHOTOS: JESSICA VAN DOP DEJESUS

Jessica van Dop DeJesus is a Washington, DC is a travel media specialist and the editor of the foodie travel blog The Dining Traveler. She began traveling as a young US Marine 18 years ago and has been to 42 countries on and off duty. Her content has been featured in publications such as Travel Channel, USA Today, Budget Travel, Edible DC, Telemundo, Hipmunk, and INK361.

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Get more travel your backyard ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

IDEA171: Bring the Exotic into Your Everyday Though Home Décor

I am over the moon about Live Like Your Traveling’s mission to inspire people to live with a travel mindset, and turn the everyday into the exotic. As an individual who has been deeply shaped by my travel experiences, I completely relate to that “travel high” feeling one gets from breaking away from daily routine.

As an interior designer, I find the best way for me to help bring the exotic to others is through their home décor.

While it would be lovely to jet set around the world finding amazing items for our homes that isn’t reality for most of us. The next best thing, in my opinion, is a source for high-quality, fair trade goods from around the globe. One of my personal favorite brands is San Francisco based, St. Frank. On a recent visit to San Francisco, I sat down with Founder & CEO Christina Bryant, to learn more about the online company and their new brick and mortar location. 

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Tell us about the meaning of your company name, ST. FRANK:

While St. Frank’s roots are global, sourcing our textiles from low and middle-income countries, the company’s name honors the special place in which it was founded—San Francisco, California. We are grateful for our home, a fertile ground for entrepreneurship and social innovation. We also celebrate our ancestral namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, son of a wealthy textile merchant, who dedicated his life to the poor.

How does a customer’s purchase with St. Frank directly impact your artisans? 

I’m really passionate about our approach to social impact because I believe it has a deep and lasting potential to change communities. Rather than adding a charity on top of a business, we aim to harness the power of business to create social change. Our goals are to both provide quality jobs for artisans (so that they can make choices on how to better their lives and communities) and to preserve transitional crafts. To do this, we partner with a range of organizations. All of our contemporary artisan partners are employing fair wages, skills training, and other holistic supports to their craftsman. Our vintage textile partners are knowledgeable vendors, small business entrepreneurs like us. In all of these cases, our partners are creating good jobs in their communities and we are striving to help them build capacity to further their good work.

You’ve recently outgrown your start-up office space, congrats! Tell us about your new business location and how you plan to develop not only a retail space, but also a community space. 

We are really excited to be opening our flagship store downstairs from our original startup offices on charming Sacramento Street in San Francisco. Of course, we want to give our collectors the chance to see and shop our products in person, but our intention behind this space goes further. The store is designed to be a place for our customers to take part in the St. Frank lifestyle. For example, we will regularly host other exciting brands whose work we love, how-to workshops and wine tastings. We aim to give our collectors the chance to discover new, emerging work through us, meet with the designers and live a beautiful and interesting life aligned with our values. 

What is your best decorating advice when it comes to incorporating globally inspired textiles into someone’s home? 

Choose beautiful, ethically sourced pieces and incorporate them in a way that adds an interesting layer to your space. Global textiles are known for their pattern and texture. Try an accent pillow, fabric by the yard over a headboard or bench, or (in our favorite case) frame textiles to showcase the handwork and craftsmanship as art on your wall. 

Where and when can San Franciscans and travelers alike visit St. Frank?

Our flagship store opened mid-November this year - 3665 Sacramento Street! For those who can't make it out to the store, shop and learn more about the artisans and their incredible work, over at st.frank.com.
 

Claire's St. Frank Favorites

1  Silk Tree of Life Suzani - Uzbekistan / 2 Nam Lai Pillow - Laos / 3 JuJu Hat - Camaroon  / 4 Pangden Print Edition - Tibet

PHOTOS: CAROLINA MARIANA

Claire Rose Staszak believes in the power of personal sanctuary. Her interior design work has been featured on national blogs such as Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge and The Everygirl. You can find DIY projects, inspirational interviews and design tips on Claire's blog  Centered by Design.

*Weekend Pass* to Discovering Street Art in Your Own City with Erika Holum

You guys...@erikaholum has been on our radar since her time living in London. She's been embodying the #livelikeyouretraveling mindset and tagging her travels and explorations in whatever city she happens to find herself. We are constantly inspired by her curiosity and awe! Over the weekend she shows us different ways to discover and savor *street art* in your own city...or abroad! 

Meet your street art hunting neighbor, Erika!

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PHOTOS: ERIKA HOLUM

Hi friends, I’m Erika, your global neighbor!

This weekend pass is designed to take you through what you might not already know about the street art in your city! Maybe you’ll take a closer look at that mural on your morning commute or walk a little slower through your city’s street. This takeover is noticing color, patterns, shapes, designs, and all the feels. We’ll learn some fun facts, take a look at all sorts of different street art, and most of all, have some fun! Are you ready to #livelikeyouretraveling on your city’s streets? Let’s go explore!

This photo is from my hometown of Houston, Texas, by muralist @anatronen1971

My favorite characteristic of any urban landscape is the street art.

The murals, messages, signs, and symbols brings a certain vibrancy and life to any old street. Welcome to #AlphabetStreet in London, England by @einesigns. 

Tip: If you find a large mural in the heart of your city, learn a little more about it! Ask around and chance are, it’s there for a reason. Whether it’s a political message, artistic flavor, or marketing campaign. There’s a method to the madness, and a opportunity to learn something new! 

London, UK

Street art can be as simple as a sweet little chat on the gorgeous façade of this Parisian boulevard.

Tip: Look for the sweet, yet subtle details of your neighborhood. What makes your cities streets unique?  

Paris, France

Of course, the original street art: flora. 

Keep in mind, your city’s bright foliage brings a joyful bursts of color and energy to your day. Be sure to lookout for all sorts of beautiful treasures growing in your city like this sweet flower shop near the London Bridge. And added tip: try to identify as many as you can!

London, UK

Ahh, let us not forget the gorgeous facades of cafes, store fronts, markets, and historic buildings in every city. 

This is one of my favorite people, @sheelysheils outside of a gorgeous café in Paris, France. Be a part of the art! Enjoy your city’s architecture, and look at the details of what makes your neighborhood or city’s business and buildings unique!  

Cafe in Paris, France

And of course, our dear old friend, graffiti art.

Graffiti art has been the choice of many people who state their views loudly (or rather, very quietly) on the city’s street. Whether you have a Banksy in your neighborhood or a few rambunctious teens, graffiti art does indeed bring character to the walls of any neighborhood. This is a simple and sweet favorite of mine, seen in a quiet alley of Paris, France, that states, “What is next?” It makes me think. What about you? What do the streets of your city say? I want to thank you all for following along to this Weekend’s Pass to Street Art!

Your street art hunting neighbor, @erikaholum. Cheers, friends! 

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For more ways to connect with the people and world around you,
get everyday ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling 

IDEA175: Amanda Blakely's 5 Favorite Ways to Live Like You're Traveling with Kids! [Toronto]

To live like you're traveling everyday takes determination, planning and lots of inspiration. Having two kids, I know, requires double the planning and double the inspiration since you're thinking how to take the whole family on a 'tour'. Luckily kids happen to be naturals at this whole adventure thing and ANYTHING you do as a family is hysterically exciting even a supermarket run! Bless their little hearts. I however, am not so easily amused and so I'm always on the lookout for travel loving parents that instil a sense of wonder in their kids and live like they're traveling as a family! One such role model is Amanda Blakely of Petits Genoux. Amanda together with her handsome boys recently took us on a virtual weekend getaway to her town Toronto, Canada.  

Meet your Toronto Neighbor, Amanda! 

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As a seasoned traveler, my wanderlust runs deep (from backpacking to business travel, I have circled the globe numerous times). Now as a mother of two, I am passionate about cultivating and passing along this love of travel to my children by placing an importance on collecting experiences, not things. Our first son, Atticus, was conceived in Australia and when my husband and I found out we were expecting, we hatched a master plan to spend a paternity leave traveling Central and South America with our new babe. It was an unbelievable experience to have as new parents.

We had the opportunity to expose Atticus to new cultures, cuisines and customs, while we got to practice this whole parenting thing together as a team (in some foreign lands no less). Fast forward almost four years and we've added another little boy to our growing clan and have been on many more adventures together. Some of our most treasured memories have been made while on the road as a family. BUT, for obvious reasons a nomadic lifestyle is not realistic for most families. So we're excited to share with you some of our favourite ways to live like we're traveling { as a family } in our own city. 

Traveling does not mean you must stray far from home or spend a ton of cash. To me, living like I'm traveling is about celebrating each day (wherever I might be - home or abroad) and approaching it with an adventurous heart and an open mind.

To our family, it means trying out a different park on the weekend, visiting a new coffee shop or a pop-up market. Allow yourself to be awed, surprised or humbled by what you uncover. It only takes a shift in perspective to walk the same road we have already walked a thousand times to really look up and notice the beauty that lies before us. Like most families, we spend a ton of time at our local parks, but sometimes you just need to break out of the routine and do something else equally kid-friendly. Toronto has the friendliest firefighters who always welcome little visitors to the station if they aren't out on a rescue. Here we are on one of our recent visits with @babybrainorganics.

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1 - Get out of the city. -  A Toronto tradition every Fall is to visit a local farm.

Not only is it the perfect opportunity to take in the colourful vistas of autumn (red, yellow and burnt umber leaves as far as the eye can see) but Ontario has an abundance of agriculture and with the harvest comes a bounty of delicious fruit and vegetables. We picked up a pumpkin and a bunch of apples to bake a galette on our recent visit to Whittamores farm.

2 - Explore the many neighborhoods of Toronto

We like to visit all the ethnic Burroughs for authentic treats (from little India to little Italy). But this little storefront belongs to Mean Bao Queen West outpost and is the home of our favorite Pulled Pork Bao.

3 - Attending a book reading and supporting a local or visiting author is a great way to feel like a tourist in your own town. 

Check Now Toronto for listings of readings (or other such events) from week to week. Here we are at my friend Lindsay Mattick's launch of #FindingWinnie last weekend. On Instagram: @LindsayMattick and Photo by @textstyles

4 - Jump on the bandwagon and become a sports fan. 

For the first time in over 20 years our hometown baseball team Blue Jays are making us proud. Visit a pub or try and get your hands on a ticket to witness history in the making as the Jays attempt (again) to win the World Series.

5 - Visit a new coffee shop and watch the world go by... 

(for the 5 glorious minutes it takes your kid to eat his bribe muffin) while you feel like you're a backpacker again.

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Thanks Amanda and family for letting us hang out (virtually) for the weekend! And a special thank you to the handsome guys Archer and Atticus!! 

Get more everyday ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling 

IDEA170: Throw a Surprise to Renew your Sense of Wonder

When we travel, a big part of the experience is the discovery of something new, never before experienced, seen, tasted, felt. Through this, our perceptions change and our preconceived notions dismantle. We grow. But how can we continue to learn and see things in a new light, when our surroundings and the people are more or less familiar? Is a journey to faraway exotic land the only way to stretch our minds? How can we infuse the elements of surprise into nearby travels? We asked our global neighbor Laura of Travel by Surprise to reveal the essence of a great surprise. Elements that we can borrow to create a sense of wonder in our everyday lives. 

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If life is about the journey and not the destination, we give that concept new meaning at Travel By Surprise: we take the destination out of the picture entirely. We send our clients to surprise destinations; they don’t know where they’re headed until we send them off. We worry about the details so that they can be fully present on the journey.

Recently, I planned a surprise getaway for my girlfriends. Without batting an eye, they all took off from work, packed their bags, and patiently waited for me to tell them where we were going. Behind the scenes, I had an amazing time meticulously choosing what each of my friends would enjoy, the sorts of design elements that would inspire them, and the activities that would allow us to really savor our time together.

Planning a surprise getaway—even a short jaunt in your own backyard—
allows you to get outside of yourself, to see the world from a different perspective, and enhance your sense of wonder. 

The surprise was wonderful. We were all squeals and giggles and laughs and hugs. The best part, though, was that I got to live with that delicious sense of anticipation for weeks—months, even—while I planned our trip. Anticipating that excitement and sharing in that joy allows me to live like I’m traveling every day, and what I love best about planning surprise trips for others.

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What are the elements of a great surprise? 

Not all surprises are equally epic. I’m sure we’ve all been to a flop of a surprise party, or had a well-intentioned prank go horribly, horribly wrong. Fortunately, my surprise trip for my girlfriends went off without a hitch. We had the most delightful weekend together, exploring our backyard in Northern Michigan’s wine country. To ensure that we had a spectacular surprise, I kept a few things in mind when scheming and dreaming about how to sweep my friends off their feet. 

1 - Personalize

Personalization is so important to an excellent surprise. Don’t just think about fun things to do, or what you might enjoy: truly consider what brings your friends joy, what makes them come alive, and what will foster genuine connection. Draw inspiration from their hobbies, interests, and personalities. It ensures that they will feel cared for, and that they will love what you’ve planned for them.  

For instance, my friends care a lot about beautiful design. My friend, Lauren, is an aspiring interior designer, and Kelly dreams of living on a farm. I took a cue from my friends and rented a design-focused farmhouse, the Honor and Folly Cherry Orchard Farm, built in the early 1900s, sitting on 20 acres, and neighboring a cherry orchard. Everywhere we looked were inspiring, handcrafted details that captured our imagination from the start. We stayed up late into the night telling ghost stories, and we took a leisurely morning sipping coffee. 

2 - The Extra-Ordinary

One of the joys of planning surprises is the “wow” factor. Kick off something magical and really solidify that you’ve embarked on something special by doing something extraordinary. We kicked off our weekend with bubbly and a delicious farm-to-table dinner at Mission Table. 

Not everything needs to be extraordinary. The “ordinary” can sometimes be just as surprising. I also asked each woman to bring their favorite poem on our weekend away; I wanted to learn more about each of these creative, word-loving friends through the poetry that inspires them. We spent a leisurely morning on the porch, delighting in the words of Gerard Manley Hopkins, T.S. Eliot, e.e. cummings, and Mary Oliver.  

Our surprise getaway really celebrated our friendship, blending both the out-of-this-world and the day-to-day. My friends and I are in a wine club together, so it was only right that we should go wine tasting. But instead of sipping wine in our living rooms, we sampled Northern Michigan’s finest wines while looking out over the vineyards at Bry’s Estate. 

3 - A Little Magic

When you plan a surprise, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities: what if they don’t like it? What if something goes wrong? What if…? You just can’t plan for everything. You can’t foresee the things that will go wrong: the wrong turns, the not-quite-as-right. But you also can’t plan authenticity: you can’t possibly know what conversations will be sparked, what connections will be remade, or what ideas will be inspired, rekindled, imagined. And that’s the best part! The more you plan and schedule, the less space there is for the magic.

The best thing to do is to let the magic work: leave room for the unexpected and welcome it with open arms.

Thanks for having me! It was so fun to have you along for our surprise girls' getaway and to share our tip of the mitten with you! 

Your adventure-planning neighbor,
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Laura, Travel by Surprise
PHOTOS: RYAN PRINS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Get everyday ideas to create a sense of wonder @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

*Weekend Pass* to Travel Your Backyard in Northern Michigan with Laura of Travel by Surprise!

We have a special treat for you this weekend! For the lucky girlfriends of Laura @travelbysurprise... SURPRISE!!...a fall getaway through Northern Michigan's wine country! Come along for hidden gems and weekend escape ideas to #travelyourbackyard.

Meet your adventure planning neighbor, Laura! 

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PHOTOS: RYAN PRINS

Hello, friends! We plan custom travel experiences, with a catch: the destination is a surprise.

This weekend, join my girlfriends and me on a surprise getaway through Northern Michigan’s wine country. What better way to transition from the workaday grind to a luxurious slow-down of a weekend than by taking the time to watch the sunset? 

Mission Table, Michigan

When was the last time that you had a sleepover with your friends?

Trade your hair-braiding in a friend’s basement for wine and heartfelt conversations in unfamiliar surroundings. This gorgeous farmhouse by Honor and Folly (Detroit) was the perfect place to inspire honest and beautiful connection.

Honor & Folly Boutique Inn, Detroit Michigan

Enjoy breakfast al fresco!

After cooking together, find a spot outside and let the morning sun and fragrant coffee warm you from the crisp autumn air. Windmill and orchard backdrops don’t hurt, either. 

A poetry reading can be a lovely way to live like you’re traveling.

Poetry and travel have a lot in common: they both ask us to slow down, to change the way that we experience the world around us, and to involve all of our senses at once. Reading aloud is a lost art.

Northern Michigan is known for its vineyards.

Wine tasting is such a fun way to get to know a place through the sense of taste! We sipped and savored Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, and Reisling at Bry’s Estate, all while taking in amazing views of the Bay. Michigan’s finest, all around. Thanks for joining us! It was so fun to have you along on our surprise girls’ getaway, and to share our tip of the mitten with you! 

~ Your adventure-planning neighbor, Laura of @travelbysurprise

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For more ways to connect with the people and world around you,
get everyday ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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Saalhof Vineyard : Be A Bon Vivant Anywhere

Does one have to live in France to be a Bon Vivant? Or be present in Italy to experience La Dolce Vita? And why do we strongly associate certain delicious experiences with a particular place... Most importantly, how do we translate "living the good life" for ourselves and set out to create a lifestyle we want right where we live!

To me, being a Bon Vivant has a lot to do with enjoying what your local region has to offer. And I feel nothing inspires this appreciation more than eating and drinking of the land. Just like the mysterious concept of terroir suggests that the taste of wine embodies climate, terrain, soil and even traditions of a place, similarly why not we as people enjoy where we live by truly embracing all the elements.  

So the other week I went on a Bon Vivant excursion to experience the bounty of my adopted land, The Netherlands! Why not go wine tasting and see how the 'terroir' here affects the wine. We decided to go to Saalhof Vineyard in Wognum.

Vineyard!? In the cold and wet Netherlands? My surprise was big as yours, but apparently yes, there are more then 170 commercial vineyards according to Winehoek. 

The Saalhof Vineyard or, Wijngaard in Dutch, is in the region of West Friesland which is in the North West of The Netherlands. Historically fiercely independent and a bit stubborn people live there. I mean, how many floodings would you put up with before deciding that maybe you should not live in an area that's not meant to be above water? Well, none of that for West Frisians. They keep plugging away, sucking the land dry... for centuries! This resilient spirit is probably what's responsible for the success of Siem and Ada Loos, the creators of Saalhof Vineyard. 

To grow wine in such a cold wet climate is tricky to say the least. The vines must be planted further apart to give grapes a chance at catching those illusive rays of sun for a few minutes a day. The foliage must be trimmed often so that grapes are well ventilated and stay dry otherwise they can rott. Thus the position of grapes on the stalk is important... the list goes on. And even after all that, not just any ol' grape will grow in this climate. It takes a special kind of grape! For example the Souvignier Gris, a grape variety invented in Germany in 1983, and the Rondo, created in 1964, a grape very resistant to winter frost and mildew.

So what in the world possessed Siem and Ada to start a vineyard? Apparently one too many bottles of wine... literally. They were sitting around with neighbours, drinking wine and talking about France and the art of enjoying life. About the romantic atmosphere of the French vineyards, of reaping the fruits of your land and then gathering with family at the end of the day to enjoy a big meal all together. For Siem it wasn't just wine fueled talk, it sparked a realization of the kind of lifestyle he wanted, and inspired a mission to create it right here in his own country. 

My family immediately felt the joyful vibe as we pulled into the vineyard with its neat rows of vines, large tables set up outdoors for communal eating, and an inviting guest house. It was a gorgeous fall day with sun shining and with a glass of sparkling wine it did feel like we were somewhere in the French countryside. We came with my husband's cousin's family and their two kids for the open day and spontaneously decided to linger on for dinner.   

It was such a pleasure to walk through the vineyards, of course the kids ran around, exploring and playing hide and seek between the vines. I tried Secco "Het mirakol uit Westfriesland" (The miracle of West Friesland), a sparkling white wine. Made with Johanniter white grape, created in 1968 specifically to grow well in cold and moist regions. After falling in love at first sight with the place, I was worried the wine may not match the expectations. But those worries proved unfounded. From the first sip Secco is an absolue delight. True to the name, the wine is pleasantly dry, and fresh with a delicate aroma of green apples and melon. Light sparkle brought out further the citrus undertones of lemon and grapefruit. Yum!

We stayed to eat the most delicious burgers and home fries at the restaurant, Saalig. The sun was setting and we poured another glass of Rondo, a red wine made with Rondo and Pinot Noir grapes, to help "wash down" the satisfying dinner.  

It was a perfect afternoon! Also the family and staff are really welcoming and happy to chat with you about their work. Of course the best part is the feeling of joie de vivre that washes over you from spending a leisurely afternoon with your family without rushing and just giving each other attention. 

I grabbed a few bottles of wine to bring home and made a note to come back for one of theme dinners at Saalig. Oh and you bet I signed up to be on the list of volunteers to harvest the grapes! 

I challenge you to think about what does being a Bon Vivant mean to you? And how can you make it happen right where you live! Maybe a visit to a local vineyard can help with some inspiration...

Here is a video interview of the owner of Wijngaard Saalhof by Tasty Tales: 

IDEA168: Go Back to your Roots to Inspire Your Next Step Forward

Today, we can easily interact and learn from people from all corners of life. Through images or videos, their experiences inspire us. Interacting with other cultures like a local is something I definitely love, but there are times when connecting back to my origin, can nurture and inspire more than anything else in the world "out there" could. Finding your DNA manifested in the people and places you call home can often reactivate the juices of life.

Inspiration comes when I get away to an environment that allows me "be."  

It's the lush, green landscapes of a place I call home that activate my sense of simple living. It might mean eating with my hands, getting my feet dirty or ending up with salty messy hair. It's when the pressure of perfection falls away. Free of frills and complexity is part of my approach when it comes to designing with leather. Leather is meant to get scratched and collect “life.” A bag will go through stages much like a tree will go through many stages of growth and with each year collect beauty through its age and experiences. Through my connection to nature and family, I keep my roots alive and it's not a coincidence that I've continued my grandfather's craftsmanship of leather. 

Passion comes alive when the treasures of our heart are infused in the things we do, so I invite you to explore those elements that are inside you to transform them into inspired action.

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Recently, I planned a trip with my family far away from the city. We rented a small cottage in Uvita de Osa, Costa Rica and let the old rituals, stories and inside jokes re-surface. Even though the house was far away in the mountains, I’m sure those in back in San Jose could hear us laughing and dancing!

Inspiration blossoms from a sense of belonging. 

It is much more easy to be authentic when we are in the comfort zone of family. You don’t have to impress your siblings, so you can turn off the part of your mind that's always strategizing, striving or scheming. A space surrounded by love, allows you to forget about the outside world and to be in the moment.

I found mom doing her embroidery, dad telling the same old stories that would make us laugh...

Having the family together at the table brings me joy and the presence of the natural colors is something that manifests in my designs. 

It’s in the simple but cherished moments, where I find what moves me forward. Inside our hearts is where inspiration resides. 

So if you're ever feeling stuck, or need a little perspective...just go and dig in! Whether it's with your family, a place, a craft, music, food or talking to an old neighbor… put time towards something that can re-connect you with where you belong. Explore a favorite childhood activity or make that old recipe you inherited from your grandma. Visit an authentic spot in your city, out of the noise and away from touristy areas will also do.

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Sofia Protti, Costa Rica Designer - Contributor
Entreprenuer, blogger and owner of the Cueropapel&tijera brand since 2008, is dedicated to the development of leather products that are loaded with passion and cultural flavor, with a high demand on quality. She designs as a means of self-expression that stems from her beliefs. Her work is dedicated to the memory of her grandfather and to the beauty and sentimental value of personal belongings. (Photos provided by Sofia)

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Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

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*Weekend Pass* to Keeping Travel in Your Heart and Home in Chicago with Claire of Centered by Design

It is a sweet world to be in when you design a life that weaves your loves together. Especially if it's also something you're happy to call work. She marries her background in yoga (spiritual) with design (material) to create personal sanctuaries for her interior design clients. So who is this calm inducing, creative woman? It's the uber talented Claire, of @centered_by_design! This weekend, she shows us how she stays curious and lives like she's traveling in her home town of Chicago! 

Meet your design loving neighbor, Claire!

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Hello! I’m excited to share a visual journey that illustrates how I keep travel in my heart and home. 

Garfield Park Conservatory is my favorite green oasis when I need a break from the concrete jungle.

Farmer’s markets are one of the best ways to shop local and feel like you're traveling at the same time!

Visiting farms bring delicious items right to your doorstep. Use them to create a meal that reminds you of a favorite culture or trip! I frequent the Logan Square and Green City Market regularly. 

Tropical Caribbean island or Lake Michigan? Michigan?Sometimes it’s all about your perspective. 

I love to take day trips and mini staycations in downtown Chicago. It feels miles away from my neighborhood to be down at the lakefront, even though in reality it’s only 4 miles away!

Part of my mission as an interior designer is to bring my client’s spirit into their home.

This often happens through prominently displaying travel mementos, or using their personal travel photography as artwork. This collection of prints in my office reminds me adventures abroad in New Zealand.

Head over to learn more of my design tips: 
--> IDEA166: Create a Personal Sanctuary that Keeps the Travel Memories Alive

Thanks for having me LLYT! ~ Claire of CenteredByDesign.com

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IDEA167: Let a Horse Teach You to Be a Better Leader

Did you know horses can read our minds? Or better said, they can sense how we feel even when we ourselves are unaware of some deep internal turmoil that might be causing havoc in our life or our work without us knowing the reason for it. 

Recently I had a chance to see first hand how these fascinating animals can sense our emotions and make us more aware.  My friend Jane of knowboundaries, an Equine Assisted Coach, invited me to see one of her equine assisted coaching sessions. It is a form of coaching where you work on getting to the next level of personal and professional success by interacting with horses.

So one windy day I caught a bus from the bustling Amsterdam Central Station to a picturesque Dutch village. It was only a 15 minute ride to Broek in Waterland. Stepping off the bus in a green little village with water canals, wooden bridges and colorful houses surrounded by fields...felt like a getaway. 

At the stables De Drie Merrien, I met with Jane and Ulo, her beautiful horse. Her coaching client was there as well, whose objective was to breakthrough to be a better leader in her business. 

It's amazing to think that we might have involuntary reactions in certain situations. We might be snapping at our family members over some annoyance. We may be affecting our team negatively with our worries without even realizing it. If we were aware that our automatic emotions were affecting and even hurting others we would probably change the way we react. But how can horses help?

Of all animals, horses are extremely sensitive and mirror our own emotions. This is because they are prey animals and their nervous system is highly in tune with what's happening around them. They can sense emotions through the smell that we emit and the tiny vibrations that are caused by the beating of our hearts.

Did you know that when we're happy and calm we smell differently then when we're stressed, angry or anxious?

The coaching session did not involve galloping at high speeds. Under Jane's guidance, her client walked with Ulo. Jane asked questions about her client's work and as she responded it became obvious where the anxieties laid. Ulo would move her head or try to walk away in the opposite direction. She immediately sensed any discomfort coming from her human coachee. 

It's not a new concept that a horse is a great companion and helper. People used to be around horses a lot, working in fields with them, transporting things or traveling on their backs weather in the country or in the cities. Then gradually over the last century, we have been replacing nature and all living things with objects that perform on demand for us. We think of it as gaining effeciency and productivity but in the end we are slowly loosing the enchantment with anything living. Even ourselves. 

More and more we replace real face time with phone and social media "facetime" as we apply the same "on demand" approach to people. Why are we morphing into these strange beings?  The Biophilia Hypothesis suggests that losing our connection with nature is what's causing us to stop feeling a part of the natural circle, diminishing our sense of responsible for doing our part in protecting fellow living things. And so we are letting our whole planet waste away. Why do we care anyway, we'll just build ourselves a NEW hi-tech planet right!? Ops...

So how can we connect with nature? 
What can we do daily to be more in tune with what's happening around us?

We have to do it the slow "inefficient" way, and simply get out into the natural world! Spend more time outdoors observing animals. Go on a horse ride. And why not bring a friend along and TALK to them in real life. When was the last time you stood close to a horse. They're big and tall...and their eyes are knowing. Seems like they want to tell us a secret...

Don't worry all is not lost. Nature is patiently waiting for us to find our way back. Look at your week and schedule in at least a few hours to connect with it. If you are near Amsterdam, grab a few friends and head over to the countryside for some nature, horses and local delicacies. 

Thank you Jane and Ulo for letting us get to know these amazing animals better and re-igniting our natural drive to get closer to nature! 

NATURE BREAK IN BROEK IN WATERLAND

Arrive: (15 minute bus ride from Amsterdam Central Station) Broek in Waterland 
Riding Manege: De Drie Merrien 
Coaching Session with Horses: Know Boundaries with Jane
Rent a boat or kayak: Fluisterboot Varen 
Lunch: De Witte Swaen for Dutch Pancakes

PHOTO CREDITS: ALLA FELDMAN

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