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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IDEA 142: Contemplate Life in Patagonia, Argentina

Love, marriage... then perhaps kids?

When did you realize for the first time that you wanted kids?  
Was it a specific moment or a slower kind of realization? 

Here is how the brilliant idea struck me. 

It took a trip to the end of the world* for me to have the moment. I remember it exactly, especially because it crept up on me so unexpectedly. It happened on a platform overlooking the dramatic Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia, Argentina.  Never have I been the kind of person who visualized being a mom and holding chubby babies in my arms. In fact I was always squeamish if friends offered for me to hold their baby.  Like, “NO! You do realize I can drop that thing right!??” I can only shake my head now. 

Then I met Vito and Vito said he wanted kids. The more we talked about it the more I tried to get used to the idea. I played a game called, “Would this be possible with a kid?” I asked this question whenever I was having fun. Reluctantly I had to admit that many of the times the answer would be yes. Still I wondered, is it right for me to have kids when I've never experienced that "warm and fuzzy" feeling of wanting to be a mom? What if that feeling never came? And worse, what if the feeling came when it was too late to even have kids!?

So there we were, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the glacier. We stayed by the rail captivated for close to an hour. If you've ever seen a glacier then you know how hypnotic it is to just watch how every few minutes a little chunk (the size of a 5 story building) cracks off and slides into the water below almost as in slow motion. Mesmerized we stood thinking about how lucky we were to be on this amazing adventure seeing and experiencing things we never have before. I felt completely fulfilled and happy. I had my man with me, and we had Perito Moreno before us. Just then, a family: mom, dad, and four little boys arrived on the platform. There was immediate commotion as the rambunctious boys were more interested in chasing and pushing each other (dangerously close to the railing) than admiring the glacier. Finally the parents, ending up each with two boys practically hanging off of them like monkeys, stood leaning into each other to admire the scenery. And that’s when it hit me. “The feeling.” Except it was not warm and fuzzy. It was sharp, urgent and uncomfortable. It was jealousy. That couple had Perito Moreno AND four boys. We only had Perito Moreno and no boys! Zero! Not even one boy! What's more, they even had the audacity to look like they were enjoying the glacier experience and bonding as a family at the same time. The nerve on them! 

I watched the four boys with a brand new captivation, Perito Moreno now relegated to simply being the backdrop, as I realized that perhaps the next “BIG” adventure Vito and I are always looking for could indeed be...parenthood.

We'll be back with "Part 2" to show you four unique places to stay in Patagonia that are very "conducive" to this whole life contemplating business...
 

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Life's greatest adventures don't require travel to the ends of the earth, though we may need to go there to realize it. 

{ For more far away travel ideas, visit our Pinterest board: RemoteTravel }

IDEA141 : Make a Symbol of Love, Uniquely Yours

{ Above: Nora & T. - Switzerland }

My ring represents our meaning of love, that much like the moon, it can be shiny and sparkly...and yet is sometimes a rough trail. T. designed the model out of wax and the goldsmith did the finishing in gold.

Symbols of love come in all shapes and sizes. Most important are the people, cultures and beliefs that are brought into union. Today, we glimpse the wedding rings across several of our global neighbors! In each case, you'll find that the materials, process, design and meaning are all so varied. Probing deeper...they let us in to answer, what makes it uniquely yours?!

• • •
Courtney & M. - Mexico

(Lovely neighbor Courtney, over at Chiapas Bazaar) wanted something simple, beautiful, and most importantly, meaningful and symbolic. We decided on using one of the few organic gemstones in existence, a 25 million year old tree resin that is found in a few places in the world, one of which happens to be the state where my husband was born and raised. We chose a piece of faceted amber and had it mounted as a solitaire in white gold by a local artisan. We love the way it turned out, its uniqueness, that it comes from organic materials and was locally made in Chiapas. The artisan who made the ring kept repeating,'it is a true jewel, no one else will have something like this.'

How beautiful to weave in your husband's home town and local artistry...and there's something about amber that embodies the mystery of the earth's history!

• • •
Karen & J. - Chicago

My father-in-law's grandfather had this ring made for his future wife sometime around 1919 or 1920 in Germany before they left to come to the United States. When my husband had it appraised, the jeweler said everything about this ring is hand-crafted from the cuts on the stone itself to the delicate filigree work in the setting and down the side. It was saved for the wife of my husband (the only boy of four). The diamond has a flaw in it, but it's part of his family history and I wouldn't want any other ring.

Ohhh...Karen, all the way from Germany...this ring was destined for you all along!

• • •
Audrey & S. - Chicago

The engagement began with the mountain rings. Each member of S’s immediate family has one of these rings—handmade by an artisan in Alaska and modeled after the mountain range along the Kachemak Bay. The view has always struck a chord with S’s parents, and became representative of their wild Alaskan natures.

S. has always been my stars, and I’ve been his moon. We’ve never yearned for diamonds or glamour, so we wanted to find something simply representative of our past, present, and future. With a Portland-based jeweler, we designed the sapphire wedding rings to represent the moon circling the sky over the mountains, in a perfect union. 

How beautifully symbolic and the pieces truly *fit* together, just like the two of you!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #51    • • •

There's a story behind every ring.

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is to post a comment, like below or pin on Pinterest! ~ For More ways to Live Like You're Traveling, follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

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Love Without Borders : Phoebe & Ronnie, Create "Many Many Adventures"

about 10 years ago

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LLYT Challenge : {Love} Like You're Traveling!

This "Live Like You're Traveling" joins "Floral Fridays" with a beautiful theme of "Something Romantic". More info on "Floral Fridays" below.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess who lived in a Concrete Jungle. One fine day she met a dashing prince from a kingdom far away and over the ocean. They fell in love! Every 6 weeks they would fly all over the world to meet each other at a new exotic location... They fell more and more in love! Then, exactly a year from the day they met, the dashing prince whisked the princess from her Concrete Jungle to his kingdom far away and over the ocean... where they're living their happily ever after...

Hmmm... fairy tale? Yes! MY fairy tale! (ps. Eat your heart out Hollywood!)

Am I lucky? For sure!!! BUT that's not my point. My point is that actually falling in love is a simple science and if we can crack it, staying in love will also become as easy as eating cake for breakfast! WHAT!? Yes, yes, that's right, SCIENCE! Just stay with me...

Take Vito and I for example. We fell in love under very High Emotion* circumstances, let's add them up:

1 - We had obstacles to overcome together (living on 2 different continents, being from 2 different cultures, different languages, etc.) 

2 - We had a limited amount of time (we saw each other about every 6 weeks for a long weekend, thus we knew at some point in time we would have to make some decisions.)

3 - When we did see each other, we usually traveled to a place that was new for both of us (that's already exciting all on its own).

Here we are circa 2006 reunited in Schiphol airport, such young punks :) 

• • •

Have you ever wondered why co-stars in movies fall in love so often? Because they're thrown together in "High Emotion" circumstances. They usually have to overcome some kind of obstacles together, like long shooting schedules, tyrant directors, and so on. They know that the filming of the movie is only for a limited time, and we tend to stress when we think something nice might be taken away from us. Finally, the filming of a movie is usually in some location that's not their home.

This is also the reason, people that work together fall in love, pairs figure skaters usually get married (Olympics on my mind!), and lovers that meet while traveling always stay sharp in each other's minds.

So what can we learn from all this? 

{ Love } like you're traveling!

If we can figure out how to create similarly High Emotion* circumstances in our daily lives, just like the ones that come up naturally when we travel, then we'll be able to stay in love forever. Theoretically speaking... :) 

One of our missions of living like you're traveling is to see beauty with a pair of 'fresh eyes', this doesn't just apply to your surroundings, your city, it also applies to the people you love. So how do we create these *High Emotion* situations in our everyday lives?

Glad you asked, because this brings us to our...
 

• • • THE LLYT CHALLENGE • • •

Let's do one specific thing for each one of these!

1- Surprise each other
Thinking up new "projects" to do together will give you opportunities to surprise each other. Like... putting together IKEA furniture (...then again let's scratch that), or signing up to learn scuba-diving, or having a baby together (ha!). Or simpler and less expensive then babies, how about just surprising your loved one with something that seems "off schedule" that you'll know will bring a smile to their face?

2- Learn something new about each other
Again, if we do the same thing every day as a couple, there is very little chance for you to learn something new about your partner. Let's break the routine. Get off the couch. Go to a shooting range and maybe your partner can learn about your aggressive Rambo qualities! Go cart racing? Camping? Simply doing something different together will render plenty of opportunities to learn something new about each other... and even for you to learn something new about yourself too. *Also, don't forget to ask probing questions about each other!...try to find out something you didn't know before about your partner!

3- Celebrate each other
And this is an EASY one! But one I'm sure we all easily forget. Give presents to each other for no reason. A little box of chocolates? Champagne with strawberries on a regular Wednesday night? A fancy night out for no reason! Or simply, give each other a compliment everyday for a week...! 

And since this is a romantic Floral Friday, I'm remembering the TWO DOZEN long stemmed red roses that arrived at my house one Valentine's day when Vito and I were doing our inter-continental dating... Maybe I'll ask Vito to "surprise" me with something equally ridiculous (and FABULOUS!) this Valentine's day! The rose in the photo above is also a present from Vito on my birthday, but this time a more practical and long lasting version planted in our patio outdoor pots. 

{ IF YOU'RE UP FOR MORE...VIEW ALL --> LLYT Challenges  }
 

Floral Fridays is a monthly photography project with different themes each month. This series is about fun and taking time out to smell the flowers. To play along, please email Trishie (trishie@underlockandkeyblog. com) for next month's theme

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How to Live Like You're Traveling : 5 Key Principles

about 11 years ago

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LLYT Challenge : Try Out New Traditions

about 11 years ago

Do What You Love...Right Now.

Yesterday we put extra layers on and went for a walk on the beach. My first time seeing an open sea was when I was eight years old and my parents and I went to Sevastopol. I remember my dad pointing towards what seemed to be just a darker patch of sky in the distance and telling me that it's the sea. I was almost afraid to approach because it seemed that the sea would spill over washing us away. 

From that moment I was in love with "it,'' all of it! The salt, wind, sand, a bit of danger, a lot of adventure and a shimmering horizon that promises...well, anything even an eight year old can dream up. There on the horizon everything is possible! Romantic isn't it!? 

Speaking of the far away horizons... The other day a mysterious packet arrived all the way from Costa Rica. Sofia sent me a garland made of colorful leather patches, a bit of Costa Rican colors to decorate Netherlands with. I was beyond excited and it was immediately decided that the "colors" are coming with us to make their first international appearance at the beach! 

{ "Costa Rican colors" flying high on a North Sea beach...Made by cueropapel&tijera. }

• • •

The idea was to bring a bit of Costa Rica to our North Sea beach. A symbol of international friendship and a reminder that we really are closer to each other then we think, all part of a big global village. As I was trying to snap a picture of the garland being thrown here and there by the strong wind I noticed something. There, dotting the water were surfers. Yes surfers! This is Northern Europe... in the middle of WINTER! But there they were on their boards! 

It's not the first time we've see them, they're always out there. But with Costa Rica on my mind I said to Vito, why don't these crazies just move to Costa Rica if they love surfing so much. Vito said: "Why should they? They seem pretty happy surfing right here." And there it was, the Aha! moment (again). That's true! Why should they move somewhere else!? They're doing what they love right here at HOME!!! 

I'm guilty of this as anyone else, not doing certain things that I love because I get caught in the "If this, then, that" statements. If I lived in the warm Costa Rica, then I would take up surfing. If I lived on a Caribbean island, then I would run on the beach every day. If I win the lottery, then I will quit my job to sail on my pimping yacht around the world...

• • •

{If I lived in the time of Ben-Hur, then I would ride an epic chariot...
No "if this, then that" statement is stopping these guys! }

• • •

Do you do this too? In our defense, it's natural to do this. We go on vacation we try new sports, new foods, we get inspired, and we come home sad that we can't partake of these experiences anymore. Ohh, if I was...then I would... Let's ask ourselves what's really stopping us? Is it REALLY impossible to do what we want? What is your "if this, then that" statement that is holding you back from doing what you love right now???

• • •

Jump start your week and flip the statement! "If I really want to...then I WILL make it happen!"
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED   • • •

If you really want to surf, then grab your board.
The waves are closer than you think.

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IDEA135 : Infuse Your Days with Costa Rican Colors!

about 11 years ago

Blog

IDEA136: Look Up & Get Lost in a Skyscape (Riviera Maya)

about 11 years ago

IDEA136: Look Up & Get Lost in a Skyscape (Riviera Maya)

I did double-takes...triple-takes and allowed myself to get lost in it. Lost in each of the skyscapes that I encountered on our last-minute 5th yr. anniversary trip. Last summer, we set off to the Riviera Maya in Mexico for a little exploration and R&R. It takes me a few days just to unwind and get used to not having to be so darn *productive* all day, so I definitely took note of these times where nothing else really mattered...no worries fought for my attention and no problems were needing to be solved. 

Here is to allowing for some drop-everything-to-take-it-in moments this week!
Warning! Looking at these may cause a calming effect!

• • •

Returning to our casita, I turned around before stepping inside,
to notice that the sun was saying goodbye over the serene water...

• • •
As we headed out to dinner, I stopped in the middle of our stairs. 
This unassuming little moon had my attention.

• • •
I made an effort to get up earlier than usual and this was my reward. 
When the heavens speak...I listen!

• • •
And sometimes a little orchestration is called for,
Room service with a view doesn't just happen on its own!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Look up to the sky for your anchor. 

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IDEA135 : Infuse Your Days with Costa Rican Colors!

@reremorales #dippedinturquoise #getarunningstart #treasureisjustaroundthebend

Learn to see hidden treasures!

{Beach in Manuel Antonio.} 

The very same one pirates used to lounge on... and apparently a huge amount of treasure that escaped Captain Morgan's grasp is still hidden somewhere in the hills of Manuel Antonio. 

Welcome to OTSP Glimpse.

OTSP Glimpse is a visual hop to discover a piece of the world, to peek into someone else's window, to see what life is like as seen by our global neighbors. We are fascinated by the way people present their world. And by sharing with each other we will be inspired to see our own lives in a new light, to try doing something differently or to simply think in a new way.  Remember, the most beautiful glimpses you might see may be someone's everyday, and what is a regular occurrence for you, may be very exotic to another global neighbor. By sharing we might just discover that what's around us is indeed glimpse worthy!

This first glimpse of the year takes us to Costa Rica. There is something about starting a new year submerged in an atmosphere very different from our own. It reminds us to think differently and notice new possibilities. What is one new thing you'd like to try or learn this year?

• • •

@patlyn10 #intothegreen #reachingforsun #neverstopgrowing

Try ONE new thing each month.

{Hiking near Vulcan Irazu.}

• • •

@proyetoasis  #betheredqueen #bebold #bevibrant #beheard

Infuse your days with COLOR!

{Alpinia purpurata, or Jungle Queen in Arenal.}

Bright colors have a therapeutic effect on our minds. They almost trigger us to wake up! When outside is a never ending pallet of grays, it might feel safe to cocoon yourself in the safety of black sweaters, but to splash a bit of bright color around you may very well be the prescription to awaken from the winter slumber.

What color makes you smile?

• • •

@samcrevelin #lavenderhorizon #getawayboat #discoveriesawait 

Plan tiny escapes.

Is your 'proverbial' getaway boat ready!? Mine is just there on Tamarindo Beach.  I have to always remind myself that everyday routine has been created by me and only me, and to depart from it all it takes is doing something differently and acknowledging that you're not stuck in it. And if needed: plan that getaway, it could be as simple as a longer lunch break at a brand new location, or planning a weekend trip to a new city...

• • •

@maria_eva #goldensunset #ordinaryisextraordinary

Be passionate and you will be rewarded in gold.

{Sun setting on Tamarindo Beach.}

Just like the fable of a king who turned all he touched into gold, we can do it too. There is a difference between just getting something done, or putting real effort into it. We can turn things around us into gold, and ordinary moments into golden memories by being passionate.

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

You alone are in charge of coloring your day.

{ Keep in touch via Bloglovin, Feedly or Facebook }

 

IDEA112: Cultivate Tranquility with a Japanese Matcha Tea Ritual

Initially I was drawn to Matcha for it's astounding health benefits. Anti-aging, cancer-fighting, stress-reducing, weight-loss aid, superfood status. It blows away other green teas when comparing EGCG antioxidant levels (137 times the amount of EGCG as other infused green teas!)  

Matcha is a premium form of green teas traditionally used in Japanese Tea Ceremonies. There's extra care in it's culitvation process as it's grown in the shade. This causes a greater production of chlorophyll, also adding to its brilliant green color. 

Unique to other teas, Matcha leaves are steamed and ground immediately after picking. Instead of just consuming a portion of leaf infused phytonutrients, the ground form allows you to benefit from the nutrients of the whole leaf! And because of omitting the oxidation process, it prevents the bitter taste, leaving a smooth, vegetal flavor with a lightly sweet aftertaste.  

• • • 

Since digging in to the use of it in tea ceremonies, I am now left with a much deeper curiosity for its rich tradition. Tea ceremonies are elaborate and poetic affairs that are meant to cultivate harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.  

Every detail has symbolic meaning. From the purposely non-ornate tea houses and what's housed inside to calm the senses, to every ritualized gesture in cleaning the utensils. There is a complexity to the etiquette, showing great respect to the manner in which tea is poured and sipped. Now although I may not go as far as  studying the art of Chudo (Tea Ceremony) I AM inspired to introduce another expression of being present into my day to day. Although I already enjoy tea rituals whether in the morning or after dinner, learning about this Japanese art form intensifies my own connection during this process. It is truly yet another example of when, what you put into something is directly related to what you get out of it.

• • •

Before I share a modern adaptation for Matcha, let's take a moment to prepare our minds and channel the tranquility often found in Japanese rock gardens. I sat by this one, a view just steps from a tea house, which instantly brought a sense of calm. One can't help but notice the extreme care that must have gone into the raking. Drawing from that sensibility...now let's make some tea :)

Japanese Matcha Tea Ritual

Take your time. (Even if this only takes a few min.) Every action in making the tea can draw you deeper into the present moment.

Materials 
• Organic Matcha Powder
• Whisk & small bowl

Modern Preparation
1 - Pour a little less than a table spoon of Matcha powder into a bowl (1 tbsp per serving)
2 - Heat water til boiling (1 cup per serving). Set aside to cool for a few min. (optimum temperature for the water is ~175F/80C.
3 - Pour 1/3 cup of water into bowl with matcha and whisk quickly in a zig zag motion until a layer of foamy bubbles cover the top. Should only take 10 sec.

Serve
Pour whisked matcha into a cup and fill the rest with more hot water. Final direction is the most important :)...Take it in. Relish in the fact that you're doing something good for yourself or others!

For a fuller Japanese tea experience...
Learn more about Matcha benefits, discover what a full tea ceremony might entail, watch an insightful video demo, or explore collectible items below: Organic Matcha, Chashaku (matcha bamboo scoop), Chasen (matcha bamboo whisk), Chawan (matcha bowl).

 • • •   WHAT ABOUT YOU?   • • •

What's your favorite daily ritual?
What's your current go-to healthy drink?

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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IDEA122: Sweeten Your Day (and Tea), Russian Style

about 11 years ago

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IDEA108: Refresh Your Drink Selection with a Homemade Cranberry Drink

about 12 years ago

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IDEA101: Spoil your Island Lover with These 8 Things

8 Ways To Spoil An Island Lover

We have a thing for adventure. And nothing speaks adventure like islands! Islands are seductive. Once you fall under their spell and become an Island Lover, you can’t help wanting to add more and more islands to your collection. While thinking about what I want for my birthday, which is not that far away (ahem!), I thought it would be fun to take you into the deepest folds of my (bottomless) mind and let you know what fantasies possess an Island Lover. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll forever capture the heart and soul of your special Island Lover.

• • •

1 – Go where no one has ever gone before.
One thing you must understand about an Island Lover is that we’re adventurers, explorers if you will. Did you know that there is an island that has been trod upon by less people than the moon!? “Atlas of Remote Islands, 50 Islands You Have Never Set Foot on and Never Will” by Judith Schalansky will be taken as personal challenge by your Island Lover. Be careful! You’ll most likely be required to come along! (Pictured is the re-illustration by Christina Hart, concept.)

2 – Get lost in the sea mist. 
Let them revel in the exciting seafaring vibe with Handmade Enamel Bangles in seafoam colors by Bullfinch & Barbury. I would not be surprised if your Island Lover will want to lick them convinced they can taste the salty sea. Very possibly they’ll want to lick you next to check for salt levels, and that could lead to explorations of different kind…

3 – Vanilla on the horizon
There is nothing like a specific aroma to transport you to a faraway land. Exotic flowers and sweet vanilla warmed up by the african sun. Are we in Madagascar? It’s “Vanille Sauvage de Madagascar” by La Maison de la VANILLE.

4 – Havana nights.
Rustic, mint colored dinnerware from Anthropologie is perfect to recreate those lingering past sunset dinners of homemade food, recently caught fish and of course plenty of laughter.

5 – Get ready to cast off!
What equipment do you need for a voyage of island discovery? Why, a yacht, some chilled champagne and accessories depicting life at sea of course! Gold plated anchors and sailboats on these enamel bangles from KEP Designs speak exactly to such sensibility. Anchors aweigh!

6 – Leave your heart in Capri.
In the midst of glamour, dramatic views, mysterious grottos and gem colored Mediterranean… In return take away the essence of the island, “Aria di Capri” by Carthusia. This solid perfume is made on Capri using centuries old techniques.

7 – I’m not a fussy eater, I just have discriminating taste!
Appease those refined taste buds with simple, fresh and aromatic island recipes. Let “Love, Laughter and Lunch: The Evocative Memories of a Cypriot Family’s Journey” by Helen Tsanos Sheinman take you on a discovery of Cyprus with gorgeous photography and family stories.

8 – An Island to call my own.
Just like the obsessed Gollum trying to possess One Ring; “My precious, my precious!” is the chant that involuntary rises up in the hearts and throats of true Island Lovers as we glimpse an Island. We want it. We want it all to ourselves! You can make this fantasy come true for your Island Lover… Get them the ultimate gift: an island of their own! PrivateIslandsOnline.com also kindly shows us available private islands for rent if buying one may be just a tad steep in price. Surprisingly in some instances renting a whole island to yourself can cost on par with a regular hotel stay.

WHAT!? Sorry, I gotta run…and reserve me an island!!!

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED   • • •

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is by posting a comment, like below or pin it on Pinterest! ~ For More ways Live Like You're Traveling follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

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IDEA135 : Infuse Your Days with Costa Rican Colors!

about 11 years ago

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IDEA136: Look Up & Get Lost in a Skyscape (Riviera Maya)

about 11 years ago