Everyday Bucket Lists to Break the Routine

You know the feeling and sense of accomplishment that comes from crossing items off a list. However, this isn't the kind of list where you're just "getting stuff done." Rather, with each item crossed off you'll know that you have enriched your life with experiences. So make good use of the precious time that you have.

Why do you need a bucket list? I mean, isn't it just a list? 
Much like anything else, it's about the approach and what you put into it that makes it unique. But a good bucket list has a few key elements. 

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4 Elements to Creating a Good Bucket list

1 - There is a sense of time to accomplish them by
2 - Requires self-reflection to dig into what you want to do, and what's important to you.
3 - Is created before you need it, so when the moment strikes, you don't have to think.  
4 - Is documented and easy to access, to review, add and cross off from. 

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Bucket List Ideas for Common Ruts

RESTAURANT BUCKET LIST
Fixes: "Ordering from the same 2 places nearby, AGAIN?" 

RECIPES / GROCERY BUCKET LIST
Fixes: " I am so bored with the same 5 dishes I make. "

TV/MOVIE BUCKET LIST
Fixes: "I can't believe we are watching this crap" syndrome.

NAUGHTY BUCKET LIST
Fixes: "Let me guess. I know exactly how this is going to go down."

PARTIES/GATHERINGS BUCKET LIST
Fixes: "I haven't seen "so and so" friends in forever!"

THINGS TO LEARN BUCKET LIST
Fixes: "I am so uninspired lately."

WEEKENDER BUCKET LIST
Fixes: " There's nothing to do."

JUST A TUES NIGHT BUCKET LIST
Fixes: "I haven't felt spontaneous in a long time."

Tools: I use Anylist, a checklist app that makes it easy to create shared lists. This way, all the lists are in one place and you can be alerted when someone adds something new...which just means more things to look forward to. Yay! 

Which kind of bucket list would be good for you? Let us know! 

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Photos by: Mu-Hsien Hsieh

10 Habits To Break For A Limitless 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Every year at that magical moment when clock strikes 12 even if we were not thinking about new year resolutions, I know that somehow a thought probably flashed in your mind about the kind of year you'd like to have... It did for me. 

Whatever you are thinking and cooking in your mind take inspiration from travel and the kind of person you are when you're on a trip. Anything is possible! Let's stay in the travel mindset and here are 10 habits to conciously break to be LIMITLESS in 2017: 
 

10. Don't wait for the weekend!

A week has 7 days. ANY day is good enough for a party. Any day is good enough for a surprising move... #cheatonyourweekend and infuse your everyday with interesting activities! Lunch time visit to a museum, or a free concert, or treat yourself to a desert at a cafe just because. 

9. There is no bad weather!

Don't think that just because it's raining or cold or grey that your life must stop. Go and buy yourself a proper outdoor jacket and boots and #getoutside!!! When we travel we go sightseeing no matter the weather and so should it be during the regular days. Go for a hike, stroll, canoe ride, walk on the beach, eliminate "bad weather" as a concept and there'll be nothing to stop you.

8. Don't be spontaneous!

Look, spontaneous little adventures happen in movies but if you want to do exciting and interesting things YOU MUST PLAN THEM! You can't sit around waiting for fun things to "spontaneously" happen, go and make them happen! Romantic dinners? Meeting new people? Learning something new? All takes planning. Make a reservation at that cute place you've been meaning to try. Find a workshop to learn how to... make yogurt, build a table, trim a bonsai... Plan plan plan! And you will pleasantly realize that spontaneous adventures happen to those who plan ahead. 

7. Don't think you know who you are!

When was the last time you surprised yourself? Get to know the you you've never seen before. Do something out of character, test a limit. Try something you've never considered as "your thing". Is it skiing? Is it a drive in a sports car. Maybe a sailing lesson? Job change? Or simply a dress the color you never thought you could pull of. Put yourself in a new situation and perhaps you will surprise yourself.  

6. Presents are not just for special occasions!

When we travel we like to browse an interesting boutique and perhaps we discover a little treasure that we want to have. We also think of our friends and family and bring them a little something. It's a bit like a mini celebration. Well. Keep on doing that! Once in a while get yourself a present, yes ask for a gift wrap! Get a little surprise gift for your friend, or your mom or your...? This will make it possible to turn any day into a "special occasion".

5. Don't think you know your loved ones!

Keep on getting to know them. Invite them to do something they've never done. Bring your kids to opera or somewhere else that you enjoy but you don't think they would. You never know but you just might discover something you have in common but never knew. Do new things together and make new discoveries that you can share. It's like traveling together but... at home.  

4. Forget your age!

Yes that's right. Let's stop compartmentalizing ourselves by age brackets. What is that!!?? If you're young you can still participate in life in a meaningful and impactful way. And now I turn around and say the same to those of us over the age of "young". Keep on learning new things. Don't be afraid to teach. Love! Run! Read. Cook. Play. Dive. Dream. Swim. Dance.

3. Forget your name!

Our "persona", character, career, our "name" we've built up over the years if left unchecked can corrall us into a narrow path. Sometimes we are afraid to take a risk or deviate from what others expect from us. When we travel we are free of these pre-set values. We are free to reinvent ourselves anyway we want. So forget your name and reinvent yourself whenever you want!  

2. Resting isn't for the lazy! 

In order to be truly limitless and move mountains you must be in the right shape physically and mentally! In order to care and love others you must have energy to do that. REST! Recharge yourself regularly. Take care of your body, take time out to rest your mind. Enjoy the time to yourself guilt free. If you are not in top shape the world around you can't benefit from your mind, strength and love.  

1. Don't assume others will do it! 

And at NUMBER 1! It's all on YOU! Is there a business idea you've been kicking around? Maybe a huge world issue you've been thinking about... If you want something done about it YOU should do it. Don't worry about getting it all done, just pick a bite that you can do on your own to kickstart your idea or to tackle that big world issue. Don't assume someone else will get it done, or that someone else is more "qualified". Don't think of how to complete it just how to start it. And then... JUST START! 

We wish you a LIMITLESS 2017!!! 

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Be Healthful Retreat & Four Seasons - 5 Natural "Recipes" for that Island Getaway Feeling

Oh wait...relaxing is a purposeful activity? Due to the scheduled down time when traveling, we actually allow ourselves to choose activities that help us to slow down and enjoy the moment. When we're in a greater state of awareness, we tend to focus more on what we're putting in our bodies, eating well and re-fueling, which often sets the stage for personal insights and reflection. This very sentiment was at the core of a BeHealthful retreat I recently participated in held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Our intimate group of women learned beauty secrets from various cultures during a weekend stay with wellness workshops and activities.

Inspired by our weekend's activities which incorporated LLYT concepts of looking to nature for nourishment and beauty, and slowing down to savor more in our everyday life, I've pulled together 5 natural "recipes." These recipes can serve as rituals that will help you getaway more often and prepare your home spa so that you're able to channel Bali or the Caribbean at a moment's notice.  

Let’s savor together…shall we?  

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PHOTOS: MU-HSIEN INC

1 - Wake Up to a Stunning Water View

Wake up to a room with a view...bonus points if it has a view of the water. Is there a stunning lake, river or ocean near you? Make use of what ever body of water might be near you and feel a whole world away.

Behealthful Retreat guests were spoiled with lake view rooms, green juices in the morning, a detox box and other goodies to support a cleansing and nourishing weekend at the hotel and back at home.  

Getaway Recipe: Add Scenic View of Nature Near You + High Thread Count sheets + Abundant Fluffy Pillows, mix... and savor!

*Spa Day bonus: If you choose any of the Four Season spa treatments, even just a mani/pedi, as long as it's a 50 min. service, you'll have access to the pool, steam sauna, whirlpool, fitness center etc. Indulge and make a day of it with a friend!  Book a spa service here.

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2 - Indulge the Senses with Nature's Bouquets

Nothing transports my mind to a beachy spa more quickly than taking in intoxicating wafts of essential oils. Before I even step out of bed, my morning ritual starts with a spritz of aromatherapy spray on my face while I take in a deep <inhale>. The cool mist and vibrant scents instantly refreshes and gives me a spa moment...everyday.

Our DIY Aromatherapy Workshop was Lead by Sarah Baker, a plant-based nutrition & health coach and our event co-host. Much like any good flavor profile, I learned that in creating an ideal essential oil blend, 3 types of notes should be considered.

1 - A Top Note, Energizing and cleansing (ex. Peppermint, Eucalyptus)
2 - Middle Note, Robust for focus and healing (ex. Nutmeg, Frankensense)
3 - Low Note, Warm and calming, (ex. Cedarwood, Sandalwood)

Revitalizing Spray Recipe:
4 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
4 drops Peppermint Oil
Distilled water

Fill a 2 oz spray bottle nearly full of distilled water. Add essential oils. Shake to blend. Option to include a few drops of vegetable glycerine helps to attract moisture and assists in absorption of the essential oils into the skin. Start with less and slowly adjust the intensity of the scent desired.  

*Tip: Keep one by the bed, in your purse or your office desk. Good for whenever you need a pick-me-up!

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3 - Sip on a Nourishing Island Drink

Tropical vacation days almost always begin with an exotic juice or smoothie. Vibrant colors and wellness boosting ingredients will perk up your mood and fuel you for your day's adventures. *Bonus, fun smoothies pair well with annoying chores too. Ugh, need to organize that closet? Fix yourself a drink and watch how things almost become <gasp>...fun?! 

How adorable are these juices? And they tasted so delightfully smooth and complex in flavor. Four Seasons's Chef Michael Ross, proves that healthy food can actually be exciting and maybe even sexy? He prepared these juices to accompany a bento box assortment of healthy but sumptuous bites. On the menu for breakfast: Kale & Egg White tacos / Smoked Salmon Tartine / Quinoa Porridge / Greek Watermelon Yogurt with Chia & Marinated Watermelon. 

Get that tropical beachside feeling with these smoothie recipes:

Tropical Recipe
½ ea mexican papaya; chopped
1 ea mango; chopped
¼ ea pineapple; chopped
1 tsp agave
½ cup greek yogurt
½ cup bahia juice
1 cup ice
1 scoop protein powder

Acai Blueberry Smoothie Recipe
1 cup blueberries
½ pkg acai berries
1 tbl protein powder
½ cup greek yogurt
1 cup ice
1 tbl agave
1 tbl cranberry and pomegranate reduction
 

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4 - Take a Cooking Class Featuring Exotic Ingredients

Get that "WOW, I made this?!" feeling and learn to use ingredients that are outside of your usual grocery list rotation. Working with exotic ingredients will naturally connect you to new tastes and cultures around the world. *Bonus if they remind you of places you've traveled to, or want to visit soon!

We headed back into the kitchen where Chef Mike had prepared a demonstration for us to make a refreshing salad suited for spring and reminds me of the East Coast. I loved learning how to "segment" a grapefruit and other prep techniques. It was also my first time plating using the "swoosh" effect! I've included the recipe here so you can welcome spring into your home and try it out yourself.

Peekytoe Crab Salad Recipe

Pea Purée
3 cups fresh english peas
1 quart fresh spinach
3 avocados
24 oz veggie stock

Boil vegetable stock in a small rondeau. Add peas and cook until tender, but still bright green. Add spinach to wilt. Season with salt, no pepper. Place the mixture with avocado and purée hot until smooth. Pass through a chinois and then cool over an ice bath in med. sized bowls. 

Crab Salad
#3 Fresh Crab, picked through
5 oz mayonnaise
35 grams minced washed preserved lemon
1 cup minced chive

Delicately with gloves, mix with your hands to ensure you don't break up the large pieces of crab.

Grapefruit
3 grapefruits segmented with a sharp knife (reserve the juice) 
30 grams of sugar
1 cup grapefruit juice from segments plus water

Boil water/juice with sugar to dissolve and pour over grapefruit segments in an ice bowl. Allow time to cool down. 

Garnish
"Window pane" radish slices
French snap peas and micro greens
Finishing olive oil

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5 - Slowww Down with a DIY Body Scrub

Reward yourself after a long day of work or adventures! Focus on soothing your body with a much deserved exfoliating self-massage. Allow this act of self-care to bring you back to center, and to be in the moment, daily.

Vanilla Body Scrub Recipe:
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
2-3 drops of Vanilla Essential Oil

Create this simple scrub by mixing ingredients in a bowl with a spoon or gloved hands to help melt the coconut oil. Massage with loving intention to exfoliate your body while in the shower. Rinse to remove excess.
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For more healthy recipes, DIY Home Spa Ideas, and updates on future BeHealthful retreats, head over to balancedbabe.com.

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*Weekend Pass* to Staying Connected to Guatemalan Roots in L.A. with Sarah Tramp

Gathering around the table, with friends and family, is one of the most universal acts we share as humans. And it’s important to take the opportunity of sitting and eating to share about our lives with one another. Besides, how else do you get to try so many different foods? You can’t eat everything by yourself! And asking a member of your family to show you how to make a traditional dish from your culture is a wonderful way to spend time with them, and learn about where you’re from. This weekend, pastel loving designer and adventurer:

Sara of @hellosaratramp shows us how she stays connected to her roots in Guatemala, while living in L.A!

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PHOTOS: KARA MCFARLANE

It’s been 15 years since I’ve visited my mother’s home country of Guatemala. 

Still, some of my most vibrant childhood memories are from my times there. As I prepare to return, I’m just a little nervous about how much everything will have changed..I grew up speaking Spanish with my grandparents, visiting Guatemala yearly, and eating lots and lots of traditional food prepared daily by my beautiful grandmother – Mama Ana. I’ve grown up with this food, but it’s so fun to share it with those who haven’t. The best way to share your culture is through tasty traditions. 

And you’re invited, as I take you shopping in LA, to help prepare for a typical Ligoria Fiesta! 
Finding spots to buy the right ingredients is just as important as the recipes, but that isn’t hard in LA, which is vibrant with Hispanic culture.  

It’s taken my grandma years to find all the different spots around town to pick-up her various ingredients. 

Like all good family traditions, it starts with food. Basically, it’s the best bribe in the world. In my family all anyone one of us has to do is send a group text, “BBQ this Sunday?” and we know. It’s. About. To. Go. Down.

My grandma and my uncle Pete are two of the best cooks I know. Add my aunt’s specialty, super strong margaritas, and an iPhone blasting pop out of it’s tiny speakers and you’ve got a typical Ligorria family fiesta. There are certain foods that are key to Guatemalan cooking – tortillas, black beans, tomatoes, rice…things like right type of corn to make atole with can be hard to come by here. Since we each bring something different to the table I like to pick up what I can locally. The Farmers Market may not be the most ethnically diverse grocer, but it is the freshest. 

Mar Vista Farmer's Market, Los Angeles, California

In Guatemalan cooking, tomatoes are used in everything.

Every dish has some type of chilmol, salsa, or broth made from tomatoes. They add so much flavor and color to our food. Garlic and peppers too. My family loves their food spicy. Like, really really spicy. And can you believe that there was a point in my life when I didn’t love onions? I was a misguided youth. Now I can’t get enough of them.  

Corn is delicious, and important in Guatemalan culture.

My favorite sweet drink, atol de elote, is made from corn. It’s like a sweet, creamy corn porridge you drink hot, topped with cinnamon. Guys, it’s really, really good.  

Sitting down to eat, and actually talking to one another is a luxury not many of us allow ourselves anymore.

Our fast paced lives have us eating on the go, or while we’re catching up on late night emails in bed. As long as my abuelita is around (and we’re hoping that will be a long, long time) I plan to keep learning from her, and eating at her table. What is it that everyone says? Oh, “my grandma makes the best food,” and yea, she does. I especially love her stories about growing up, meeting my grandfather (who sadly passed away in January, but was kind of a total bad ass – he grew up in the jungles of Guatemala hunting jaguars), and brushing us up on all the family we were going to meet again in Guatemala. If there’s one thing I can say about Guatemalans it’s that they’re extremely warm and inviting, so I have no doubt we will be kept well fed while aboard. 

If you’re still hungry for more, I will be sharing all the details of our feast and a recipe for easy tostadas soon!

~ Your Los Angeles neighbor, Sara of @hellosaratramp

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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: 

KM Zero Tours : Slow Travel for a Taste of the Sweet Life in Tuscany

This special edition of "Take Us To Lunch" is actually an invitation to a virtual dinner! Our new friends Arianna, Olivia and Alessio of Km Zero Tours take us to an authentic polentata al fresco at a Tuscan casa.  

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Alla: What is Polentata? Arianna tells us all about this traditional Italian peasant meal...

Arianna: Polentata is an old recipe from the Abruzzo region, the birthplace of Alessio. This recipe was born as a traditional dish for poor people who could not afford to buy many ingredients or even enough plates for the entire family. It is made with corn flour, a type of flour that typically cost less than wheat flour. People cooked polenta in a large, deep pot, stirring constantly for a long time. When polenta was ready, they poured it directly onto the table, eating it right away, all together, not using any dishes!

The traditional sauce for polenta was tomato sauce enriched with a single sausage (given the high cost) which was used to give flavor to the entire sauce and was eventually designated to head of the house. We have decided to re-propose this ancient dish for our guests, enriching it with more sauce and sausages! ;-)

The best thing about this experience is that we eat together at the same table, sharing values and ideas and becoming friends.  

How did this idea of sharing Italy with visitors come about and what does Km Zero mean?

The expression “Km Zero” (literally “no distance”) products, refers to a conscious choice to buy quality products and to consume them as close as possible to their area of production, ensuring freshness, seasonality and biodiversity, as well as strengthening connection with the land.

Arianna: Inspired by this concept we developed our project “Km Zero Tours,“ wanting to give people authentic tasting experiences, letting them re-discover ancient traditions and refine their palettes by understanding the journey of a product from farm-to-table.

Alla: When your guests return home, what would you like them to bring back to their countries from this experience?

Arianna: The best souvenir our guests can bring home is to become fully aware of how a product originates, understanding its history, tradition and the hard work and passion of the producers. We'd love for them to rediscover the pleasure of sharing experiences and values with others, which encourage them to interact with local people, actively engaging with them.

Alla: How did you and your partners meet? How did you decide to start this business together?

Arianna: Olivia and I are sisters, so we didn't actually "meet," but Alessio (my boyfriend) and I met 9 years ago in Bologna and immediately felt we had in common an endless love for our land and for its products. Precisely this love and genuine passion has led us to get to know a lot of different local producers and to taste their products. It opened our eyes. In most cases we felt that there was no real information about what we eat, and most of all there was no way to witness the passion, experience and knowledge of producers.

We created Km Zero experiences to help people to get a taste of Tuscany from a local perspective, through authentic products and meeting genuine and passionate local producers. 

Alla: Is there a specific moment you can share when you felt especially inspired to be on this journey of sharing Italy with the world?

Arianna: We love to tell the story of a time we went shopping at a local market to buy vegetables, cheeses and other products. It was our turn at the stand of fresh vegetables and we asked the lady if she could give us some fava beans (fave toscane). It was late in the afternoon, and she told us that unfortunately the fava beans were already gone. In any other country, perhaps the conversation might have ended at that point, but in Italy, the market is not only a place to buy products, but a place where you can exchange experiences and stories...and you always finish your day with some nice surprises!

In Italy, those who are not in a hurry, ready to stop just to have a chat and listen to people...are the ones who gain the most!

The lady invited us to wait until the end of her working day, to go with her to her house, where she would give us fava beans directly from her garden. We were not in hurry, so we decided to wait. Not only did we get fresh and delicious fava beans, but we saw her beautiful country house, met her family, and even stayed there for dinner! We returned home with new vegetables and  friends, having tasted incredible food while sharing inspiring stories. 

Alla: What is your greatest challenge for you in your business?

Arianna: The most difficult thing being able to transmit a real experience through virtual channels such as the web. Despite this difficulty, we are still managing a method that allows us to overcome this obstacle and to be able to express our philosophy, passion and project. 

We "Live Like We're Traveling" every single day as we discover and encourage our guests to discover a different and charming world...from the artistry of olive oil making to woodworking.

Every experience represents an interesting journey and collection of stories, experiences, parfumes and flavors, that deserve to be savored. The best way to live the "dolce vita" is to follow the rhythms of this beautiful and charming country, enjoying its atmosphere and observing the people. To comprehend their gestures, listen to their stories and take part in the slow and creative lifestyle.

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Thank you Arianna, Olivia and Alessio! For sharing your work with us today and for sharing Italy with the world in a way that brings us closer to it's people and their way of living. Your advice for living la dolce vita is a great inspiration for us to get to know our own local producers wherever we happen to live. Thank you for reminding us that our taste buds are made happier not only by healthy food but by truly connecting over a meal and taking the time to talk with each other and listen to each others stories. 

{ Experience the Sweet Italian Life }

With Km Zero Tours you can really touch Italian culture. Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a wine maker? You can now experience it first hand. What about making goat cheese yourself along side cheese artisan themselves...or prepairing a slow cooked meal from the freshest ingredients while learning Italian? 

{ Live The Sweet Life In Tuscany }

For a complete immersion in the Tuscan way of living, stay in a stone villa, Casa Montrogoli, on the hills overlooking vineyards and rows of Cyprus trees. Perfect for bringing your entire family along!        

ALL PHOTOS VIA KM ZERO TOURS

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

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Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup - Share a Taste of Home with Friends

When traveling, few things unite people like a great meal prepared and shared together. Food is such a natural and direct way to learn about a culture, which is why I love to cook with friends, a tradition that started many years ago abroad. To me, the kitchen is a creative space. A place full of experimentation, chaos and laughter and our friend's kitchen over at Wilson Creek Pottery is no exception. Recently, we traded in the hustle of the city for a scenic weekend visiting them in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

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In their lovely kitchen, we were surrounded by the warmth of their hospitality and their pottery.
It was the perfect spot for trading secret ingredients and resources. 

Our friends love to travel out in the world and from their own kitchen. They can't help but bring back inspiration from their travel. Their last big trip in India, solidified their love for Indian cooking and Ayurveda. When we last visited, they treated us to Indian fare. From handmade chapatis to showing us how to make our own ghee! 

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This time their adventurous mood was set on asian noodles and a perfect chance for me to return the generosity. They knew of my love for noodles and asked if I could show them how to prepare a dish. There was no question. I had to share with them one of my favorite noodle dishes: Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup. (Pictured above) What is delightful about this dish is the complexity of the broth. It's an iconic staple and something I grew up on. To understand my love for noodles is to know me and I was more than happy to share a piece of my home with them. I can have it morning, day or night and my husband couldn't really comprehend this until he saw for himself...the land, people and food of my first home. After a few days into our trip to Taiwan, my husband looked at me knowingly and said, "I get it now."  

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And so today we would all join in culinary adventure to experience the flavors of Taiwan from a cozy house in farm country, Wisconsin. Our plan was ambitious but we made sure to give ourselves ample time. The plan was to prep the broth, the most effort and time intensive part of the dish and we'd prepare it to a point, so that the flavors could be melding while we took a hike nearby.   

And when we tired ourselves of the snowy hills and neighboring animal friends...we would come back home to a simmering broth that would be ready for us. 

• • •
I'm happy to report that our bellies and hearts were full...Now it's your turn! Try it in your own global kitchen!
--> Head over to The Dining Traveler where I shared with her the recipe.

What taste of home would you share? 
• • •
Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

Anguilla Island Life On Tap - Learn to Make Coconut Oil Like a Local

For a while now, Lacy Yamaoka has tempted us with the sights of intoxicating turquoise waters, glimpses of island culture and alluring drinks with a view. Our curiosity was piqued and we needed to learn more about this island life! Her captures @lcyamaoka emanate a relaxed state of mind, a great reminder to slow down and savor life. Originally a Texan, she has called many places "home," before settling in Anguilla (for now). As a luxury travel writer, she shares with us the best of what the Caribbean offers. To experience life like a local, is to see through the eyes of our global neighbors. So Lacy took us along on her adventure to learn how the local Anguillians prepare the island's "liquid gold." And don't worry, if you can't make it to the island, you can make the island come to you...

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Part of picking up your belongings and heading for a fresh start in a new place is to discover unfamiliar customs, adopt a different lifestyle and in many cases do as the locals do. Natural facets of the Caribbean culture are to slow down, laze in the sun, soak in the salty-blue sea, and sip from the coconut. From their tropical fragrance to the refreshing taste of their flesh, coconuts are traditionally a nutritious staple in many equatorial corners of the world and have recently hit the health scene as a bona fide, magical ingredient.

Culturally worldwide, we are reaching back to our roots and rediscovering organic and whole foods are truly the secret to living well, with coconut oil dubbed as the ultimate elixir for longevity.

There is a plethora of coconut oil on the shelves, it is rather overwhelming to choose which is best from hydrogenated, expeller-pressed, cold-pressed, refined, unrefined, virgin, and organic. To give you a bit of insight, refined oil is chemically-treated, bleached and deodorized which can cause the coconut oil to lose it’s potency and scent. Hydrogenated oil is a type of refined coconut oil that is injected with hydrogen resulting in trans fat, which we all know is bad news for our diet. Expeller-pressed, cold-pressed, organic and virgin coconut oils are unrefined, which means they are not chemically-processed and actually maintain their content of medium-chain fatty acids and lauric acid, which are superfoods for your heart and brain.

The best tip is to choose the most unrefined oil, or virgin, and simply stay away from the rest.

Lacy Yamaoka, Anguilla Island Life, Make Coconut Oil

Many locals living on the island of Anguilla make their own coconut oil from their endless supply of trees in their beach-lined backyards. This at-home method is often referred to as the wetmilling process, meaning the oil is literally extracted from the wet coconut meat and it’s milk. In the final step of the extraction process, the oil is boiled out at a high temperature for an extended period of time allowing the antioxidants to dissolve into the oil, creating the most pure version of them all, virgin coconut oil. 

With guidance from Erica Pagliuco, my fellow coconut-o-phile, we tackled a culinay first taught by the locals and created a modest amount of oil and bottled up our summertime scent. This is a two-day process so the value may seem dubious, although the benefit is a little goes a long way and lasts up to six months if you use it sparingly. Topically, it works wonders and we highly recommend this nutty-delight drizzled over a bowl of warm popcorn. There is something about the real deal that hooks a true island lover {Read: 8 Ways to Spoil and Island Lover} and this by far cures our pursuit to create an endless summer.

Enjoy our island adventure batching up our own coconut oil and if anything join us in our new-found appreciation for the simple life! 

• • •

Learn to Make Coconut Oil Like a Local

Lacy Yamaoka, Anguilla Island Life, Make Coconut Oil

What You Will Need

• 7-10 coconuts
• A machete (or a friend with one in our case, Richie!)
• Food Processor or Blender
• 3 large bowls
• 1 large boiling pot
• Cheesecloth or tea towel
• Gas Stove (Electric stove adds time)
• Medium-sized strainer or sieve

How to Prepare

1 - Gather fresh coconuts. Shake them to make sure they have water in the nut to deem them mature.
2 - Peel off the outer fibrous coat and crack the green coconut to access the inner fruit using the machete.

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3 - Pour out the water or preferably drink it from the inner fruit. Why not, it’s full of electrolytes to keep you hydrated for the rest of the feat!

anguilla locals make coconut oil

• • •

4. Using a flat head, knife or tool, gently separate the coconut meat from the hard shell. 
5. In the kitchen, break meat into small chunks and put into food processor with a little water to get it moving. Pulse until finely chopped.

anguilla locals make coconut oil fresh

• • •

6. Place chopped meat into large bowl and fill bowl with cold water until quite full. 
7. Let the coconut meat soak on the countertop for about 30 minutes in the water while processing all of your coconut meat.
8. Prep another bowl with strainer/tea towel and strain milk from the meat by twisting, squeezing, pushing and pressing into new bowl using the set-up.
9. Repeat several times to extract as much milk (which contains the oil) from the meat.

anguilla locals make coconut oil fresh

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• • •

10. Make room in your refrigerator for the bowls and refrigerate overnight.
11. The next day the surface of the water will be coated with a thick layer of white, hardened coconut milk which contains the oil.
12. Collect and strain all of the hardened, white pieces into a pot which will next be placed on the stove. Be sure to strain as much of the white pieces as possible into the pot using a slotted spoon or strainer.
13. Boil on a high heat for about an hour constantly stirring to avoid burning. This step ensures final extraction of the oil from the milk.
14. The coconut water evaporates over time leaving behind a brown debris which you will finally strain and toss out. The old-school locals use the debris to make a coconut “cake” they bake in the sun.

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15. You are left with a golden oil ready for bottling. The best benefit of all is you will have remarkably baby-soft hands from all your hard labor.

fresh coconut oil in anguilla

 Lacy's Favorite Uses for Coconut Oil 

1 - Whipped Body Oil. Add the unmelted coconut oil to a saucepan/kitchen aid with your favorite few drops of essential oil - I love eucalyptus or lavender and whip on high for about 5 min. It's nice and whipped for you to put on before bed after a bath. 

2 - Hair Treatment/Mask. Heat a few tablespoons of oil, finger or comb through and then wrap head in towel for 30 minutes...then shower and wash hair regularly. Lemongrass essential oil is nice in this. I feel the oils make it more spa like for sure! Coconut oil is said to be anti-fungal so it would clear your scalp of dandruff I've heard or act preventatively. 

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lacy yamaoka

Thanks Mu-Hsien & Alla for the opportunity to share our slice of paradise. Come lime on the beaches of Anguilla real soon, the bliss awaits.

Your island neighbor,
- - -
Lacy of lcyamaoka.com
(Photos via Lacy) 

Thank you Lacy for taking us on this culinary adventure! There simply is something so special about creating something with your own hands that provides so much meaning and connection. If you're curious to explore using coconut oil in your home spa we're leaving you with four more unique uses of coconut oil to try! For the coconut-0-philes out there..what do you swear by? ~ Leave us a note below!

4 Unique Uses of Coconut Oil to Try

1 - Easy Coconut Kettle Corn - Natural Chow
2 - Healing Homemade Coconut Oil Lip Balm - Everyday Roots
4 - Coconut Oil Toothpaste - Body Mind Soul Spirit
3 - Coconut Oil Salt Scrub - The Coconut Mama

Follow our Pinterest board: Pamper & Home Spa for more ideas to *bring the island to you* 

Design a Lifestyle You love : "BeHealthful" with Sarah Baker of Balanced Babe

Today we chat with fellow Chicagoan, Sarah Baker. A model turned health and wellness entrepreneur, founder of BalancedBabe.com, BeHealthful Retreats and StyleBodySoul. This ambitious babe is dedicated to transforming the way women relate to food, a purpose she discovered during her travels and modeling abroad. We wanted to know what fueled her quest for a healthy lifestyle and of course, to pick her brain on eating healthy in Chicago!

• • •

Before health and wellness coaching, you were modeling quite a bit. That must have taken you to some beautiful locations! Do you have a favorite? Are there any cultures or places that fueled your quest for a healthy lifestyle? 

I loved traveling to Milan, Italy. I lived there for three months and cherished the culture! Even though a lot of people say it’s very industrial, I still think it had charm. I always walked around the Duomo and the city center daily going from casting to casting so I was able to explore a lot. I also enjoyed living in Istanbul, Turkey for three months as well. I think if I would have been there as a tourist I would’ve enjoyed the experience a bit more, but I was able to take in the ancient architecture at least! The food was also - AMAZING.

What inspired your journey in health and wellness? Was there a specific event or issue that acted as a catalyst?
 
My passion about nutrition research and holistic health was a process that started to take hold when I was in my late teens, but I was always either focused on modeling or acting. Finally, once I lived in a small area in Istanbul and ate nothing but plant-based, fresh and local produce, I realized that I needed to promote this lifestyle in my community. 

Being in the modeling industry is also very tough. There is a lot of criticism and it seems as if there is constantly a microscope on the model’s body image. I’ve been around a lot of young girls who had very poor self-esteem and extremely bad eating habits, especially being in an international meeting point for models all around the world in Istanbul. That trip turned a light bulb on in my head. 

I decided then and there that my real passion is to help young girls and women love their bodies and have healthy relationships with food.

• • •
 

In creating a lifestyle you love, what major steps did you need to take to get where you are? Were there difficult choices, risks or acts of faith that led you to today?

First, I needed to quit smoking. Can you believe that I was a smoker on and off starting at age 16?! It’s a common way to keep slim in the modeling industry. It took me about 7 tries to finally kick it, and I am SO glad I did. If you can quit smoking, you can take on the world! 

No one is perfect, there's always room for personal growth, so I don't dwell on past bad health habits or feel ashamed that I didn’t treat myself well when I was younger. I look at them as great obstacles conquered.

I come from a family background of faith in God and goal-setting. I probably started writing down my goals at an earlier age than most. I also realized that I have an entrepreneurial spirit and that the best way for me to have the freedom to pursue my goals would be for me to start my own business rather than work for someone else. My health/wellness website, Balanced Babe, led to launching BeHealthful Retreats and branching out to consulting via SBS Image. So it wasn’t a difficult choice at all to switch my major from Fashion Business to Nutrition while also completing certifications in plant-based foods and holistic health coaching.
 

• • •

Chicago is a haven for foodies, however healthy restaurants seem hard to come by. As a Chicagoan, I'm super excited to have discovered your plant-based dining guide that's an extension of your "Be Healthful Retreats." For those that feel it's difficult to find healthy, organic options in restaurants, do you have any tips when eating out?...Who's at the top of your list lately?

It is sooo hard not to dine out regularly in Chicago. I am probably out to eat about 4 nights a week, which can add up in boat loads of calories if you are not careful. Here are some tips that work for me when dining out:

• Order at least one veggie dish: This could be a salad, side of sauteed spinach, or a vegetarian entree (a lot of Chicago spots are catching on to the vegetarian movement)!

• Vegetarian does not mean PASTA...Sure, pasta is technically vegetarian if there isn’t any meat in it, but it still isn’t the healthiest option. If you truly want to order vegetarian while dining out you have to look for the veggie options!

• Choose wine, carbs or sweets, not all three!
   

Sarah's Top Four Plant-based Options in Chicago:

1 Lyfe Kitchen 413 North Clark Street, (River North)
Loocal & organic American fare in a bright, cheerful space with outdoor seating.
PHOTO: KIRSTEN SCULLY

2 Taxim 1558 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago (Bucktown)
Upscale modern Greek dining with an all-Greek wine list & a full bar plus stylish decor & a patio.
PHOTO: ROGER KAMHOLZ

3 Karyn’s on Green 130 South Green Street (Greektown)
New American dishes go vegan at this stylish restaurant with a sprawling bar & upstairs lounge.
PHOTO: KARYNSONGREEN.COM

4 Duseks 1227 West 18th Street, (Pilsen) 
Imaginative pairings of high-end pub grub & specialty beers offered in a funky, historic building.
PHOTO: ANNA KNOTT
 

• • •

When cooking at home, it's easy to get stuck on a few go-to dishes. How do you keep things interesting?
I love cooking and do it often, so I buy a bunch of local and in season produce that I know I should be eating and experiment with 5 ingredients daily. It is also crucial to have the kitchen essentials:

• beans
• nuts
• complex carbs like quinoa
• leafy greens
• seasonal veggies
• onions and garlic
• almond milk or coconut milk
• fruits like apples, grapes, berries

I choose three veggies that I want to eat and make a lot of stews and soups that will last me for the week. If you are not an avid chef, you can choose a vegetable that you want to focus on and simply google “spinach vegan recipe” (I would google vegan recipes just because there is now an abundance of this dietary cuisine and the majority of recipes are delicious)! Googling recipes with the ingredients you have handy can do wonders and may broaden your go-to cooking list.
 

As a health and lifestyle consultant, what are the biggest challenges that you see people facing these days? 

The biggest challenge hands down is the HOW. Everyone knows that you should eat healthy and you should do this and that, but few know how to make it work for them and how to sustain it. It’s so important to focus on the “how” when making lifestyle changes.

You must be quite busy running the blogs, and various wellness offerings, how do you keep from burning out? 

I am a strict time management gal! I have so many time management techniques that I use - they allow me to work on multiple projects daily without being all over the place. My consulting company, StyleBodySoul, LLC not only offers holistic nutrition and lifestyle consulting, but also offers small business coaching to holistic entrepreneurs and businesses, so I use a lot of time management techniques with clients as well.

I have three main sectors to my brand that I focus on: Balanced Babe, my consulting services, and the holistic health conference series, Be Healthful. Managing those three parts of my brand along with the projects that go along with each venture (launching some fun projects for Balanced Babe and Be Healthful in 2015!) can take up A LOT of my energy and time. Because there is so much going on with me, I work like a dog on the weekdays, and take my break on the weekends. Saturday’s are my days off where I relax, do yoga, say adios to emails (which is hard!!) and zone out from the world (this means watching Real Housewives on Bravo). I also make sure that I exercise in the morning or at lunch time to keep me sane during the week.

Sharing vegan recipes on a a shoot for Living Healthy Chicago segment 

Before you leave us...tell us, what's the most important thing that helps you to embrace life with curiosity and awe, to live like you're traveling?

More than just one...
Passion, determination, and the urge to always grow and create!

GET MORE HELPFUL TIPS
1 -  EathHealthful.com for the full directory of plant-based restaurants and reviews in Chicago.
2 - BalancedBabe.com for more holistic health and wellness tips and inspiration.
3 - BeHealthful Retreat to participate in, or attend the next event coming up on March 22!
4 - StyleBodySoul for lifestyle and business coaching.

• • •

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

Wake-up to a New View Right in Your Own City!

The travel industry often times ignores their third and most readily available client segment...THE LOCALS! 

Hotels dread the off season and scramble to fill rooms. The bad economy and rising fuel prices that drive up air ticket costs all add to the nightmares of hoteliers. The out of country, and out of city travelers may very well get grounded by all kinds of factors but so what!?  The locals are a third client segment that does not need to get on the plane to get to you! They may be stuck in their own cities and in dire need to feel like they're traveling. Save them!!! Give your own city dwellers an idea that they can have a mini-getaway right in town. Let them feel miles away, pampered and spoiled right in their very own city, minus the expensive air ticket to say... Bali. 

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For the third year, Amsterdam is hosting a Hotel Night to inspire its own residents to feel like they're traveling and see their own city with a fresh eyes as they wake up to different views of the lovely Amsterdam all around 40+ participating hotels. On Saturday, January 17th, Amsterdamers can try out these hotels with a special discounted rate and participate in various events that the hotels maybe organizing. Perhaps a spa experience? Special dinner? Or an activity aimed at rediscovering your city...   

Well done Amsterdam! Live like you're traveling movement is on the rise! 

Do you have a hotel night in your city? You can always sign-up for newsletters of your target hotels, or even better, follow them on Instagram, to know when deals come up. 
 

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Sweet dreams are closer then you think! 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

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