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.

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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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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IDEA166: Create a Personal Sanctuary that Keeps your Travel Memories Alive

I have a woman crush on Claire, of Centerd by Design! A woman who marries the principles of yoga with her love of interior design...AND a passion for travel?! Seriously, where did you come from? The interior design junkie and yoga instructor in me was immediately hooked. So how exactly does she apply yogic teachings with the aethestics of creating a modern home? Well, she starts a design company about finding personal sanctuary. We're excited to have Claire today to share how her travels shaped her path and continues to inspire her along the way.  

• • •

Claire: I’ve always yearned to travel. I think it might have started with my dad’s stories of climbing Mt. Everest to base camp, but a bit of wanderlust has always filled my soul. In college, I spent a summer in Cameroon, Africa. When I graduated college I enrolled in AmeriCorps and lived in San Francisco. Several years later I lived abroad in New Zealand for a year with my fiancé. These major life milestones shaped the way I view the world. 

We are all the same. We all have different struggles.
Be kind. Be as giving as your situation allows.
Everyone wants to create a home, a safe haven, 
a place to feel at peace...a sanctuary.

During these years, I became a yoga teacher and kept various creative day jobs in marketing. I had an “aha moment” during a long and labor-intensive renovation project at work. It was then that I realized, interior design is my calling! Fast-forward to present day, and I am happily completing my degree in interior design and I have opened a design and decorating business, Centered By Design. It took me a little awhile to assess my values and blend my love of design (often material) with my passion for yoga (often spiritual). I came to the following conclusion, which I guess you could call my design mantra! 

Taking the time to re-center ourselves and find a personal sanctuary is more important than ever in today’s fragmented and fast-paced world.

I believe that sanctuary is much closer to home than you think. My approach to working with clients blends my intuitive nature as a yoga instructor with my passion for interior design. Daily, I see how the connection between the body, mind, and our physical environment can have powerful influences on our personal well-being.
 

• • •
 

So how does one create a personal sanctuary? 

The best part is that no one’s ideal space looks the same! Just like no one’s favorite yoga pose is the same. We all feel and experience life differently. I find that incorporating my travel memories, family heirlooms, nature and color creates what feels like sanctuary to me. I’d love to share some of my tips for bringing your travels, your personality and your special mementos into your home! It’s all about creating what feels good to you! What do you want to look at and be reminded of on a daily basis? 

1 - Decorate with Textiles

• Textiles are light and easy to pack. Every country or culture has designs, colors and patterns unique to their heritage. 

• Textiles go just about anywhere! Pick-up a unique tablecloth that reminds you of your favorite restaurant in (for example) Paris. Create an eating nook in your space that feels like that memorable al fresco spot where you drank wine for hours and smiled the night way!

• Textiles are the perfect art piece, whether draped over the bed, hung on wall, framed behind glass, or even placed on the floor – don’t under estimate the power of a beautiful textile as art. You can even frame a coffee bag and make it look amazing!

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2 - Use your own Travel Photography

• Affordable and personal! 

• Frame various photos (landscapes work well for color – think ocean, sky, farm land, flowers) in different size frames and combine them with other mementos for the ultimate shelf styling.

• For visual impact, use a consistent color palette. In this example, I used my client’s photography and chose to print the images in black and white. Placed in matching style frames the look is professional and clean.

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3 - Thrift your Heart Out

I’m a sucker for a good DIY project. Traveling out of Chicago is always awesome because I’m on the look out for vintage finds. Not only will these items tell a story (since you’re on an adventure when you find them!) but with a little TLC they can become a true mark of pride and creative prowess.

• Re-purpose an old window frame as an art piece; this one is backed with colorful paper and some decoupage. 

• Look for classic designs, like this George Nelson inspired clock. I took they dingy old brass thing, and spray painted it black for a modern look.

• Even a cool looking shirt or hat can become décor when styled in an interesting way. I keep my favorite printed shirt and lucky hat hanging in my room. If you get bored of the same look, it’s easy to change!

I hope next time you travel, whether near or far; you will keep your eyes peeled for souvenirs that are personal, inspiring and functional. You may just find the perfect item to decorate your home!

~ Your design happy neighbor, Claire of Centered By Design

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CLAIRE HURWITZ STASZAK

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IDEA174: Be an Agent of Change with Jessica of The Brave Collection

Do you ever get the feeling that you just HAVE to go after something? Even if it might not be a popular route, and despite the challenges...you follow it whole heartedly? This "have-to" feeling is something New York based designer, Jessica Hendricks has embraced in her journey of creating The Brave Collection. Following a trip to Cambodia, she was fascinated by the paradoxical beauty set against the heartbreakingly violent past of this small Buddhist country. Determined to empower a unique community of women survivors, she was inspired to create Brave and to connect courageous women across the globe. 

So often when we travel, we see new perspectives of life and it stirs our inner fire. We are inspired to answer life's biggies like "why are we here?...how will I leave my imprint in this world?" Join us today as our global neighbor shares with us what it took for her to have the tenacity to forge her own path...

• • •

Mu-Hsien: Tell us about your trip to cambodia. What drew you to the country?

Jessica: I was in school at NYC at Tisch School of the Arts. In these sacred four years of study and contemplation that were supposed to be widening my eyes and preparing me for the rest of my life, was I truly seeing all there was to see? I decided to travel east. I’d base myself in Thailand as an English teacher and travel until I found whatever it was I was searching for. I ended up in Cambodia.

Mu-Hsien: Cambodia proved to be a pivotal moment for you. Shocked to learn that Cambodian women today lack dignified job opportunities, or worse are falling victim to human trafficking...what gave you the courage to pursue change and awareness?  

Jessica: The visceral reaction that I felt at the sight of people dressed up as items for sale marked my first glimpse into the world of human trafficking. I was so deeply passionate about celebrating and supporting this very special community that I couldn’t focus on anything else until I really pursued this idea. I returned home to New York, I bought two books that would forever change the course of my life: The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam, a Cambodian survivor of slavery, and Half the Sky. More than four years of exceptional university level study, more than actually breathing the Cambodian air, reading about the journeys of survivors of sexual trafficking as told by Mam, Kristof and WuDunn sparked an unstoppable passion somewhere beneath my rib cage that has yet to wane.

I grew up in a very entrepreneurial family, so paving my own path was something I learned by example. 

Mu-Hsien: After returning home, what were the first 3 crutial steps you took to go from “passionate idea” towards Brave becoming reality?  

Jessica: Purchase a URL. Create a first bracelet prototype. Tell friends and family I respect that I am creating something new to hold myself accountable! ~ Three years after my trip to Cambodia, I returned to Southeast Asia on a solo journey, working with a team of talented, underprivileged Cambodian artisans to create The Brave Collection, a jewelry line to raise funds and awareness to fight the sexual trafficking of women in Cambodia and back home in New York (where I later learned that trafficking also exists).

{ Her jewelry line is handmade by Cambodian artisans who come from underprivileged backgrounds or suffer from disabilities. Many of the artists are mothers, who are provided a fair and safe work environment where they earn above average wages and receive benefits like health insurance and stipends for their children's education. }

Mu-Hsien: How are the connections you’re making with the artists in cambodia affecting you and how does it impact them? 

Designer Jessica Hendricks with Nimul, a Cambodian Artisan

Jessica: I have learned so much from these amazing women. They celebrate each day with gratitude and they are endlessly creative. For them, our priority is to provide them with dignified, sustainable work in the arts. More than that though, we are working to provide an opportunity for these women to re-connect with their own heritage, and to take pride in the beauty of their culture by celebrating it with our global community. (Below, an artist works on the metal detailing that says, “Brave” (Klaa-han) in Khmer.)

{ This sterling silver with gold vermeil necklace depicts the Buddhist Flag, representing Wisdom and Compassion} 

• • •

Mu-Hsien: In moments of doubt, uncertainty or challenges...what keeps you on your path? 

Jessica: I have so many ideas, whims, doubts and inspirations all the time! Yet I have learned the value of deeply committing to one thing that truly matters. It takes time, patience and a whole lot of Bravery to stay strong through the ups and downs that come with building something from scratch. 

Mu-Hsien: How do you live like you’re traveling? 

Jessica: I bring elements of my travels into my life in Brooklyn. I have dream catchers from Tulum hanging on my walls, and tiny wooden elephants from Laos. In moments of anxiety I remember how incredibly vast this planet is and it helps me channel a bit of the groundedness and deep peace I feel while I am out in the world exploring.

 

In honor of mothers and the ever-courageous females in your life, use code "LIVELIKEYOURETRAVELING" and Brave Collection will make an additional donation through May 10, to Free To Shine Cambodia, an organization which fights human trafficking. 

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

IDEA165: Create a Coffee Shop Atmosphere by Day and Dining Lounge by Night

Are formal dining spaces really necessary these days? My husband and I didn't think so. We live in a modest 100+ yr old Brick home in Chicago. We remodeled it a few years ago and made sure to maximize every corner of space with functionality and style.  One of our key concepts was in creating a dual purpose (work space + dining room). 

As more families and couples use the dining room in a less formal setting, we maximized our small dining room design, by turning it into a workspace. It's a place where we might sit down to work on the computer or spread out our latest art projects. It is a creative space for daily use and when the tables are put together, it makes for a traditional dining area. It's super cozy corner channeling a morroccan lounge, teasing you with throw pillows to come in, relax and stay for a while. 

Cafe Workspace : BY DAY
 

On most days, this room acts as a workspace for us. We had custom tables built to act as "cafe tables" by a designer in Chicago who re-purposes the bases of Charles and Ray Eames' pieces. When separated, they become a his and hers workspace. We find this to be most convenient and functional for our everyday lifestyle.

To give it that inviting and cozy space you might never leave... add small touches of vibrant bud vases with fresh flowers, favorite mugs, and soft neutral pillows with accents of color bring out the cheer. Wood tables made by hand evoke a sense of warmth, counter balanced by clear barely-there chairs.

Building in a few secret compartments in our bench seating, and it becomes a fully functional office space as well.  In the drawers, we have hidden and housed our office supplies, file cabinets, and even our printer!

Lounge Dining : BY NIGHT
 

Push the tables together, add an additional chair at the end, a center piece and other ambience making details...and voila! We are ready for entertaining! 

For more background on our design, head over to our feature for -->  About.com : Home

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Design Details:
Light fixture & pillows: West Elm, Pottery Barn 
Mid-century mirror: An Orange Moon
Tobias clear chairs: Ikea 
Mid-century Teak Shelf :  Broadway Antique Market Chicago
Built-in Cabinetry : TriStar Custom Cabinetry

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* 

LLYT Glimpse: 8 Decor Elements Found In Every Scandinavian Home This Winter

There is something our neighbors to the North know about winter. And that is... how to enjoy it!

Since the cold and the dark are conditions that last for quite a few months out of the year they're not something one just puts up with for a short period, they are the reality of everyday life. What do our neighbors in Scandinavia do? They make their homes warm, cozy and bright! 

After consulting the live catalog of livingrooms (Thanks Instagram!) we have picked out the 8 elements that every Scandinavian home seems to have. And we're sort of obsessed. 

1 - The Star - Perhaps it is the Christmas star (jul stjärnan) or the advent star, or the North star that shines brightest of all. It is a star that is hung on windows with a little light inside. (See above)

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photo by: @marenbaxter

2 - The Rocking Chair - More specifically the white rocking chair from Eames. 

3 - The "plus sign" pillow and it's geometric friends - It could be a black plus sign on white, or white plus sign on black, or a whole other color altogether, but it's a plus sign and it's right there in the middle of the room demanding attention, and for some reason completely irresistible! Julie from the Einstein blog talks all about it here. 

4 - White fury thing - We can call it sheep skin throw, but honestly it can be a fake one too, weather real or fake it's simply a furry white thing. Inspiration overload here. 

• • •

photo by: @jeanette-duaas

5 - Urbania Tea-lights - Candles, tea lights, lanterns etc, etc, the more the merrier. THE tea lights of note ofcourse belong to the Urbania collection by Danish designer Kähler. (World shipping available through Nordic Moods.)  

6 - The "Snow ball" lights - These are not Scandinavian, they are apparently Thai, but this winter EVERY home in Scandinavia has them.

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photo by: @brenates

7 -The Omaggio vase - It has stripes, usually black, sometimes grey and this year it's GOLD to celebrate 175th Anniversary of the Kähler brand. 

• • •

photo by: @mokkasitt

8 -Striped Mug from Lexington Company -  last but definitely not least, is the striped mug. Speaking of stripes, the inconspicuous beige stripes and star mug is what's holding everyone's hot coco this winter. Don't be fooled by this company's very patriotic American look, they're a 100% Swedish company from Stockholm. 
    

Share your suggestions for a cozy winter, and use  #LiveLikeYoureTraveling!

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Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

IDEA158: Go Treasure Hunting In Your Neighborhood

We threw out a challenge to infuse the gift shopping and gift giving with adventure. Yes, we will SHOP like we're traveling. Remember the thrill of walking around the new city and being surprised by tiny boutiques, leisurely browsing and discovering never before heard of artisans and brands? Shops where owners are friendly and treasures are wrapped beautifully and you're sent off with a kind word and a smile? That only happens when you travel right? Well let's imagine for a moment that the 'new city' you're visiting is YOUR city.  

I myself have left the bounds of the internet and descended to the street letting my feet touch the pavement and headed to the part of Amsterdam that is sure to surprise even the most blasé of shoppers, De Pijp. Its intertwining streets that seem to crisscross when you least expect it, house many local artist studios and boutiques resembling treasure troves filled to the brim with locally made goods.

Just a step off the main artery, Ferdinand Bolstraat, at Saenredamstraat 65, I discovered, Kesemy Design Studio and Shop. 

As you peek through the window the joyful pastels call out your name. The shelves are lined with little vases, candle holders, cups and other home wares resembling more objets d'art then utilitarian items. I went inside to basque in the beauty and of course to run my fingers along the smooth and shiny ceramic surfaces...

Once inside I met Kesem, the owner and designer of Kesemy Design. She set the timer on her baking ceramics so she wouldn't forget them as we chatted. The shop happens to also be the studio where Kesem makes her creations and finishes them in a kiln. There is also space to hold workshops. Kesem moved to Amsterdam a few years ago from Israel, where she met her husband, Johnathan, who was working there at the time. Johnathan happened to be from Amsterdam and when his project came to a close Kesem decided to moved to his hometown.  

(photo: Kesemy Design)

Kesem has an easy way of infusing traditional touches into very modern and functional items. I immediately fell in love with the delicate wall tea-light holders pressed with lace.  

One look at these and I was transported back to  when I visited the Alhambra at night.  The intricate design and tiles were illuminated highlighting the magical patterns in a whole new way. 

Lace can be found also on bud vases, dishes and cups making it easy to mix and match while carrying out one uniting element. 

Nature is also a  big inspiration in Kesem's work. I was intrigued by the micro details of leaves etched into the ceramics. Kesem explained that she uses actual leaves, pressing them into the clay.

The effect is amazingly perfect and touchable leaf that seems to have just fallen imprinting itself into the ceramics glaze reminding us that nature remains the master artist. 

(photo: Kesemy Design)

It was a surprise to me that these usable works of art are actually affordable. There are plenty of pieces under 20 Euro which of course made my heart rate speed up as I realized I can take home a whole SET of delicious cream and turquoise tumblers!  

And then I found jewelry...

(photo: Kesemy Design)

We surround ourselves with objects that illuminate our lives, figuratively and sometimes literally...

Visiting Kesemy Design was a good reminder of how much more meaningful we can make our immediate surroundings. In this world of layers of technology and information overload, I think we are quite drawn to things hand made, to processes that are slow where we can return to basics. To knowing where each particular thing has come from, to know it's source. I brought home two little vases that day; and every time I fill them with flowers it gives me a strange sense of serenity that I know whose hands shaped these vases. Speaking of working with your hands, Kesem runs workshops right in her studio where you can sign-up to learn basics of working with clay, painting ceramics and making ceramic jewelry. You can bring your own bottle of wine, some friends and create. There are even classes especially for kids.
 

Follow Kesem's Facebook Page for workshop announcements.
I say, treasures definitely found! Happy treasure hunting! 

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Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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Take Us To Lunch: Porto Gazing with Vanessa & Joana of Dua2Por3, Portugal

Once in a while something happens that reassures you that you're on the right path in life. When it happens it's a really happy day, a day you draw inspiration from anytime doubts decide to come lurking.  I had that kind of a day when I arrived in Porto for a lunch date with two very talented women Vanessa and Joana of dua2por3, a creative design firm. Their company does illustration, pattern design, graphic design, info-graphics and packaging design. I first discovered their work by coming across a collection of notebooks they've designed depicting scenes of everyday life and culture of Portugal. Each notebook design is a visual story giving you clues about the heart and soul of that region, transforming the blank pages within into an invitation to visit and write down your own discoveries... I knew I wanted to know more about them, their work and of course why they want to share their country, Portugal, with the world.  

I traveled to Porto with three of my friends and a long weekend of "ladies at leisure" awaited us. My very first activity in Porto was to meet with Joana and Vanessa. Only in retro spec can my friends and I appreciate just how fortuitous that would be for our Porto experience. 

My partners in crime. 

• • •

Vanessa suggested we meet in front of Lello Bookstore,
which just so happens to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the entire world! 

Vanessa came to meet me and my friend M, who joined me for my "work stuff."  She explained that Joana would be joining us later because she was showcasing her line of minimalist jewelry at a local artisan market and before that if we'd like we could take a walk and see some interesting parts of town. "Of course we would!"...screamed M and I a bit too aggressively. We quickly learned that Vanessa, besides owning a design company, is also an architect. She's a graduate of University of Porto, one of the oldest and prestigious Universities in Europe.

• • •

Which would explain how she knew so much about the beautiful tile clad facades
that made the city look cheerful even on this uncharacteristically dreary day.  

As we walked along the pedestrian street Rua de Cedofeita, Vanessa told us how she met her business partner Joana, at a design course. Joana herself comes from a Business and Marketing background but like Vanessa, she's passionate about all things design and out of this shared desire to practice more creativity, the two ladies joined forces in a venture merging their different skill sets to enrich their design practice.  

• • • 

Shortly after we turned to seemingly nondescript, rather narrow street called Rua de Miguel Bombarda. At first glance it didn't seem to hold much interest and we wondered why Vanessa decided to lead us away from the center towards this area. Then of course she started pointing out delectable little gems such as art galleries featuring local artists, delicious tiny boutiques with locally made goods, a hotel without a sign with a secret garden in the back that hosts performances. This magical street revealed to house many doors to hidden wonders. 

As Vanessa continued to tell us about these places we began to understand the spirit of Porto. A city full of inspiration, enthusiasm, creativity and locals who truly love and enjoy their city. It was a refreshing new view. Opposite to the grim news reports of economic decline of southern Europe and how seemingly the only thing to do is abandon ship leaving the region in search of work elsewhere. Porto was revealing itself as a city full of entrepreneurial energetic locals who are not focusing on negative predictions but instead are busy creating, discovering and building. No wonder the Univeristy of Porto's own incubator program UPTEC is a first place winner of Regio Stars award last year for smart growth. 

• • •
Just when we thought we've seen it all, we ducked inside a door into a spacious ultra modern space, a stark contrast to the rustic exteriors outside. Vanessa announced that this was Centro Comercial Bombarda, a shopping "mini-mall" with innovative local and international brands, few galleries, and funky cafes and restaurant or two. There is also a courtyard where you can sit and enjoy a long Portuguese lunch.   

• • • 
But we were not yet sitting down for lunch, we now headed to the market to meet up with Joana. In a modern courtyard at the end of Rua das Flores was a little oasis where artists and creators displayed their treasures. There were edible goods, decor, accessories, organic personal care products, clothes and more. Shopping there you could literally stock the entire house and wardrobe! 

Joana and Vanessa OF dua2por3 at Chocolateria das Flores

Joana turned out to also be just as friendly and sunny as Vanessa. Finally, now that I had the two ladies together I asked the question I've been wanting to ask them ever since coming across their Portugal inspired notebooks. Why? Why Portugal and why Porto? The girls glanced at each other before breaking into a chuckle. "Why? Well... because it's so NICE!" They elaborated by telling a story of how the idea was conceived. Upon finishing their course they won top spots in a design competition. To celebrate they went down to the waterside to enjoy some coffee and cake. It was sunny day, the view marvelous, coffee delicious as always sipped from a porcelain cup... and the idea stuck. Porto had something special! Everyone should come and experience it. It isn't about the historical monuments, or the UNESCO protected Ribeira neighborhood. But simply because of this intangible feeling of well being one gets from the simple act of sitting and drinking coffee overlooking the Duoro river... because it's so nice! 

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{ Wanderlust Notebooks }

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Thank you ladies for not only sharing Porto and Portugal with all of us through your inspired notebooks, but also for being true global neighbors and making me and my friends' weekend in Porto so much more meaningful!! 
 

JOANA AND VANESSA'S FAVORITES FOR PORTO:

Shop: Local creative brands along Rua Miguel Bombarda (See O Porto Cool photo reportage) 

Lunch Spot: Rota Do Cha' for an Indian/Japanese inspired lunch of Portuguese proportions. Sit in the wonderfully zen garden weather allowing. On your way out do pick up some delicious tea at their downstairs boutique. 

Afternoon pick me-up: Chocolateria das Flores for a real Parisian hot chocolate, yes the kind that tastes like a melted chocolate bar in a cup. Also try their artisanal bon bons... trust me. 

And there are more... The ladies surprised me with a whole list of places to eat, needless to say we dined like queens! Our culinary discovery of Porto however will be a post of its own!

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

It's good to fall in love with new places, 
especially if they inspire you to fall in love with your own town. 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

Photo Credits: Lello Bookstore via Visitporto.travel, Gallery Hostel  via Hostel.com, Rua de Cedofeita via Housing Just Landed, Centro Comercial Bombarda Courtyard via Hioporto.com, Art in Centro Comercial Bombarda via Valencia Out.

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