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.

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!

• • •

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.

• • •

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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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! 

- - -
Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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LLYT Challenge : Live La Dolce Vita

I spent a few glorious days in Rome last week for my birthday! There were romantic walks along the Tiber river with the dusk setting. There was taking in of the sites punctuated by tiny magical espressos. Afternoons were spent leisurely sampling wines in piazzas overlooking century old works of art. It was a total disconnect from everyday life and a complete immersion in "La Dolce Vita." The few days Vito and I spent in Rome seemed like a full two weeks.  

I got inspired to break down the whole concept of "La Dolce Vita." Clearly living la dolce vita is not only for the Romans, though of course the architecture, cozy piazzas to canoodle over a glass of wine, and the moonlight basking in the cool surfaces of smooth naked marble forms...do help to put you in the mood. So, what what can we learn from the Italian way of living life sweetly and how can we recreate it right where we are? 

Mid-afternoon espresso and tiramisu in Trastevere, Rome

Firstly, the translation of "La Dolce Vita," from Italian is "The Sweet Life." It is a way of living that is opulent, full of pleasures... physical and otherwise, full of romance, indulgence and luxury. That's right! I said romance, indulgence, opulence, and luxury! It's OK, I promise. In real terms it means to take time to enjoy life for no other reason but to receive pleasure... oh-oh.

Shockingly vulgar...don't you love it!?   

So how are we going to be a bit more like Marcello and Anita? By taking a few regular every day things and dolce-vitafying* them:
 

Dolce-vita-fy, verb  
(according to the OTSP dictionary)
• • •
To up the glamour quotient, to make more sexy, to make something enjoyable for no reason other then to luxuriate in the moment. To take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Synonyms: glamorize, sexify, romanticize, elevate

Regular: Drinking water 
Dolce Vita! Drinking water out of a crystal wine glass with an ice cube and a lemon slice!

Regular: Sleeping
Dolce Vita! Sleeping on 500 thread count sheets wearing naughty little silk something!

Regular: Dinner (in the company of baby spitting peas and 3 yr old re-enacting fire rescue operation on the table)
Dolce Vita!-ish Dinner with a glass of wine, candle light and a bud vase bouquet on the table (+ baby & 3 yr. old)
 
Regular: Manicure
Dolce Vita! Manicure in bright red, magenta, orange, neon or any other color that makes you feel like the type of woman who kisses men in dark alleys and jumps into fountains!

Now that we've extensively defined what La Dolce Vita means we can introduce the challenge for April...

Create Your Dolce Vita Challenge

Reflecting lights in the Tiber river, Rome (More pics from my birthday getaway.) 

La Dolce Vita moments regardless of the myth, don't "just happen" and they are not only reserved for Rome and Romans. I in fact clearly saw said Romans in their cars yawning and looking not amused stuck in after work rush hour traffic along the Tibor river completely oblivious to the beautiful scenery. This just proves the point that these moments need to be CREATED and furthermore you have to put yourself in the MOOD for them.  

Thus in order to successfully create dolce vita moments you need to have these 2 elements: 

1. Ease of execution - so that when inspiration strikes you it's not a whole big production to set-up a certain atmosphere, situation or experience. Also if it's easy and accessible then you will want to have more and more of these moments!

2. Mood - yes if you yourself don't feel like the star of a sexy Italian movie then you won't really want dolce vita moments. And notice that you have to PUT yourself in the mood, not 'wait' to be in the mood.

The Approach

Plan ahead for spontaneity:
Think about what kind of dolce vita moments you'd like to enjoy, visualize them, think about where they're happening and the kind of mood you're in... Is it a prosecco lunch al fresco? A candle lit evening at home? A rowdy family brunch with freshly baked bread and adorable kids wearing cute outfits? 

Figure out what "props" and "gear" you need to execute the setting. A picnic basket for an impromptu dinner fuori (outside)? Beautiful candles for a romantic dinner per due? Having a clean and organized house to lounge around in or spontaneously invite friends for a cocktail?

- Get your home ready room by room for dolce vita moments 
- Take 'inventory' of what you have and what you need to the dolce vita moments you wnat

Always be in the mood: 
What puts you in a good mood? What makes you 'ready' for an adventure? (And how you define "adventure" is absolutely non of my business...) Does it take a good hair day? Mani/pedi? Working out? Statement necklace? High heels? Latin music? Then make it happen - everyday. What gives you energy and inspiration? Do more of it - daily!

Aspetta! (wait), you say, you mean "spontaneous" and "effortless" dolce vita moments actually require PREPARATION!? Si si, correct! Feel free to call me a soul sucking killer of romance, but you'll be thanking me when you're lounging around in over-sized sunglasses on your sexy lawn furniture sipping Ferrarelle water from long stemmed champagne glass with a strawberry perched on the rim. 

Now let's go prepare for La Dolce Vita!

Doesn't spring cleaning now seem like making love to Adonis in the afternoon on the black sands of a secluded Mediterranean volcanic island!? (Stromboli btw.)
 

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

• • •   SAGE POSTCARDS  • • •

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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IDEA146: Find Fresh Pickins that Will Make You Smile

This month we join our OTSP Glimpse with lovely neighbor Trishie's Floral Fridays. There's nothing like having fresh flowers around the house and for me it's a must. It's a sure way to *make me smile* and I love the reactions that they elicit from guests who visit. They step closer to touch and smell the flowers ;) It's essential that I surround myself with a vibrant and multi-sensory environment. It draws out my creativity and it's almost a distraction if I things just don't feel good. (Good-kind-of-crazy Allium balls pictured above)

One of my biggest tricks to making it affordable to have these pick-me-ups every week, is to use little bud vases, much like the kind you might find in your neighborhood cafe. With a small vase, you only need to a few stems of 2-3 types of flowers or filler plants to create a really unique arrangement. Cost wise, these were all fresh pickins straight from my garden or yard, so that's a bonus. Plant spring, summer and fall blooms and you'll have something to play with all season long!  When picking out what types of flowers to grow... my mind quickly goes to a garden like this in Taiwan. 

• • •

A few of my favorite fresh pickins...

The roses in the front parkway have white markings on them that make them extra romantic and exotic to me. I like to combine it with a pop of yellow prarie flowers to compliment each other. Are you smiling yet? ;) 

• • •

Oh daffodils! They are the first to spring up and I don't mind pairing them it with a stem from a flowering bush. I'm all about using all varieties of plants to create enduring combinations!

• • •
Now Queen Anne's Lace...they are a real treat and can go for $3+ a stem in a shop or you might easily find some growing like weeds on the side of the road. How ever you come acquire one, their intricate and delicate petals makes for a great contrast next to a bold graphic bloom like the coneflower (echinacea).

• • •

Lily of the valley couldn't be cuter with their bell shaped petals the size of a pencil's eraser. They are so sweet and fresh...perfect for a space where you might not expect it. 

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

  {  Want more ideas? Follow our Pinterest board: Urban Garden  }

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #55    • • •

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 to Live Like You're Traveling follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

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IDEA109: Create Inspiring Window Views with a DIY Tealight Plant Trio

My windowsill is on an ever-evolving rotation of plants reflecting an ebb and flow of my mood and the seasons. Much like the energy of a house that lives and breathes along with the inhabitants, I like to bring life to the kitchen through a variety of ways to pot and present plants. I look out of my kitchen window everyday so it's well worth keeping a view that's fresh!

Today's tip for creating an inspiring view...

• • • 

Create a collection using unconventional pots

This could mean for you...a whimsical mug, vintage tins, used jars, or other found objects and containers in your kitchen. I couldn't resist finding a reason to use these Roost turquoise tealight holders, paired with plants inspired by our recent trip out to San Diego. We explored the Huntington Library, a bountiful combination of 14 botanical gardens in one! Most impressive and memorable was the Desert Garden of cactus & succulents. 

A few design considerations when creating a collection.
1 - Use different heights, shapes or sizes of containers for added visual interest.  
2 - Contrast soft and hard textured plants. 
3 - Tie it together with a unifying element. 

How I put it together...
1 - Poured a layer of small red lava rock to line the bottoms for drainage. 
2 - Used succulent soil, not regular soil for cactus and succulents to ensure proper aeration. 
3 - Potted the plants and added a layer of lava rock to top off each plant (also a unifying element and makes for a more refined look!) I used a soft fluffy cactus + leafy pink hypoestes + structured hen & chick succulent + tealight holders from Sprout Home, but you can also find it at this cute online-boutique home goods shop Sugarboo & Co.

Note on light: my window is South facing which is the best for full sun plants (which is why I end up putting a lot of succulents there). For East or West facing you'll want plants that are part sun loving and south facing, most likely more shade loving plants will do better.) Of course depending on what kind of buildings or lack of obstructions you have in your view can affect how much light you receive and should be considered as well.
 

For everday adventure ideas, follow us @livelikeyouretraveling
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

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IDEA104: Origami the Prettiest Soap Gift

I’m a long time admirer of Fresh. It is an inspirational success story of two entrepreneurs finally finding their niche and their true passion. Fresh soaps are not only natural, but the packaging itself is a work of art. How gorgeous would these soaps be on top of a towel in the guest room to surprise your overnight guests? However Fresh’s price tag of $12 per 5 oz soap, at least for me, makes this soap more of an object to drool over than for utility.

• • •

Of course drooling for too long is not very attractive so we’re going to take immediate action! Inspired by Fresh’s soaps I pulled together two materials that helped achieve a wow factor soap look.

The Prettiest Soap Gift
 

Materials
• Oatmeal Lavender organic bar soap from Vermont Soap. I buy a case of 12 at a time.
• Japanese Origami paper for wrapping. (Similar.)
• Grosgrain ribbon, 1/4’’ single stitched, in turquoise and white from my favorite trim store M&J Trimming. (My favorite because, when I worked in Manhattan I once walked in there just because it looked pretty and was inadvertently introduced to a whole new world. It’s where I learned words like grosgrain, jacquard and rococo.)

Directions
1 – Wrap your naked bar of soap in a square of kitchen plastic wrap, this step will insure that the oils from the soap won’t stain your origami paper.
2 – Follow with the origami paper. Use a bit of scotch tape to fix the ends in place.
3 – Tie a pretty bow with the grosgrain ribbon.

***Bonus (Cost of Fresh Soap: $12 each. Our inspired soap: $4 each.)

These pretty soaps make great gifts for any occasion, a nice detail to make your guests feel like they’re staying at Hotel Costes, or to simply stash a few around your bathroom as eye candy. We hope you liked this little project! Make it, come back and report what you’ll use these for!  
 

• • •   LESSONS LEARNED   • • •

When in doubt, put a bow on it!

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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