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

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

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

Let’s savor together…shall we?  

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PHOTOS: MU-HSIEN INC

1 - Wake Up to a Stunning Water View

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

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

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

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

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2 - Indulge the Senses with Nature's Bouquets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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3 - Sip on a Nourishing Island Drink

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

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

Get that tropical beachside feeling with these smoothie recipes:

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

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

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4 - Take a Cooking Class Featuring Exotic Ingredients

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

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

Peekytoe Crab Salad Recipe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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5 - Slowww Down with a DIY Body Scrub

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

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

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

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IDEA278: Inspiring Views & Tips for An Enjoyable Hot Air Balloon Ride in Napa Valley

You'd think that a little basket and some fabric would make for a bumpy ride. But before I could look up while fumbling with my camera bag, we were already floating up into the air! Our lift off was so gentle. Despite being able to visually see that we were getting higher, I could barely sense that we were moving. I had always heard that going on an hot air balloon ride was a must in Napa Valley...and now I know why. 

We were lucky enough to get the one clear day out of a series of rainy days and up in the open air, it was peaceful and breathtaking. It's a rare occasion, where 360 views are part of the whole experience...we could see all the way to the ocean and spotted many of the small wineries and homes that make up this little piece of sanctuary in northern California. After challenging ourselves to try this unique form of transportation, we celebrated with the rest of our balloon companions at Domaine Chandon with bubbles and breakfast!  
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PHOTOS: MU-HSIEN INC

3 Tips for an Enjoyable Napa Valley Balloon Ride

1 - Go for the early morning rides. There's less wind and it makes for the smoothest experience.

2 - Go with the company that offers pick up from your hotel. Especially convenient if you're going for an early balloon ride and if you've had a few glasses of champagne after the ride!

3 - Bring an extra layer or hat, it can be much cooler up in the air. 

To experience this for yourself, get in touch with Napa Valley Balloons Inc. who happened to be the top recommendation from our concierge at Auberge du Soleil. 

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Get everyday ideas to create a sense of wonder @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

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Saalhof Vineyard : Be A Bon Vivant Anywhere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspiration blossoms from a sense of belonging. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{ Experience the Sweet Italian Life }

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

{ Live The Sweet Life In Tuscany }

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

ALL PHOTOS VIA KM ZERO TOURS

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

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LLYT Nature Element : 4 Reasons to Infuse Your Life with It

What if there existed something that would make us healthier, happier, brighter, calmer at peace with the world and our place in it, and simply a better person to be around? Would we seek it out and immerse ourselves in this magical substance? What would our life be like if we could continually preside in this elevated sense of existence? 

It just so happens, that this 'substance' does exist and it is very much available to us. Can you guess what it is? If you say travel, good guess! But what specific part of traveling makes us feel so good and teaches us so much about ourselves and the world? Well, spending time outdoors no matter the weather especially in nature is a big part of it. And there is a very concrete explanation why being outside and spending time in NATURE makes us healthier, calmer, more creative, and better towards others and the world.

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“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.”

— Albert Einstein

1. Nature Boosts Our Health

The Japanese have been practicing the art of Shinrinyoku, or "forest bathing" for centuries, but only in the 1980s has it become a subject of studies that actually quantified what and how being in nature makes us healthier. Trees produce and give off allelochemical substances called phytoncides. These substances are trees' natural protectant from harmful insects, fungi and bacteria. When people are near trees and essentially bathing in phytoncides, the human immune system is also enhanced. The way phytoncides work for trees is by preventing the growth of an attacking organism and in humans phytoncides work by increasing human natural killer (NK) cell activity which studies have linked with disease prevention and fighting ability. It sounds like the invisible shroud of vitality and longevity... 

2. Nature Helps Us Relax

Another health benefit is that being in nature has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect. Nature literally helps our brain and body trigger what sience buffs call "Relaxation Response". The magic, or rather, the science behind this lies in understanding how our brain controls the way our body's biology reacts to our environment.

Botanical garden in Leiden

"Humans are said to have two types of attention: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary attention is the type of attention used when a task requires deliberate and sustained attention. ~ By contrast, involuntary attention does not require an effort. Certain elements in our environments such as “strange things, moving things, wild animals, bright things, pretty things, etc.” can draw in this type of attention." 

"Building on the work of James, Kaplan and Kaplan describe attention fatigue as a process that occurs during the performance of cognitive tasks which require prolonged use of directed attention and active suppression of irrelevant information. When the capacity to maintain directed attention becomes overloaded, performance declines, and people are subjected to increased levels of mental fatigue, leaving them less capable of dealing with uncertainty and having a reduced ability to plan." - Mardie Townsend and Rona Weerasuriya, "Beyond Blue to Green: The benefits of contact with nature for mental health and well-being" 

3. Nature Promotes Creativity

Were you ever stuck trying to solve something and you just could not figure out how to do it. Well if you happened to walk away from your desk and go for a walk in the park, you might have noticed that an answer seemed to come to you 'out of nowhere'. In fact you've done something really important; you've given your brain a safe place to decompress, run processes that help to compartmentalize our experiences and learnings and give us space to create new connections between concepts and information... voila' creativity! Down time, doesn't only help our brain to 'untangle' but physically our relaxed state enables our body to circulate blood flow to more different regions of the brain. Thus it helps us tap and use more of our brain power. It literally makes us smarter and more capable of creatively thinking about our everyday tasks, our work and our lives. 

4. Nature Makes Us Better People

The study of biophilia and the theory of "Nature Connectedness" suggest that when we are close to the natural world we are better aware of us being a part of it not the center of it. To observe falling leaves in Autumn and to watch green buds appear in Spring teaches us about our own temporary existence. To marvel at the amazing mountain vistas, to experience the colors of a sunset and to hear the roar of a waterfall, allow us to experience being in awe. This feeling, studies show, is what makes us reflect on the interconnectedness of all living things and feel the solidarity with our fellow humans. Perhaps the smaller we feel the easier it is to realize how important it is to help each other and collectively take care of our planet. 

“Our investigation indicates that awe, although often fleeting and hard to describe, serves a vital social function. By diminishing the emphasis on the individual self, awe may encourage people to forgo strict self-interest to improve the welfare of others. ”

— Paul Piff, PhD, Assist. Prof. of Psychology & Social Behavior U of C, Irvine.

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Further Reading and References: 

• Report: The Economics of Biophilia Terrapin Bright Green. 
• A forest bathing trip increases human natural killer cell activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins in female subjects. Li et al. (2008). 
• Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer cell function. Li et al. (2009). 
• Trends in research related to Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing) in Japan. Tsunetsugu et al. (2010). 
• Beyond Blue to Green: The benefits of contact with nature for mental health and well-being. Townsend et al. (2010). 
• Three steps to understanding restorative environments as health resources. In C. Ward-Thompson & P. Travlou (Eds.), Open space: People space (p. 165) New York: Taylor and Francis. Hartig, T. (2007). 
• Awe, The Small Self, and Prosocial Behavior. Piff et al. (2015).  

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Get more ideas to connect with nature @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lacy Yamaoka, Anguilla Island Life, Make Coconut Oil

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

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

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

• • •

Learn to Make Coconut Oil Like a Local

Lacy Yamaoka, Anguilla Island Life, Make Coconut Oil

What You Will Need

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

How to Prepare

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

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

anguilla locals make coconut oil

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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

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

anguilla locals make coconut oil fresh

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

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

fresh coconut oil in anguilla

 Lacy's Favorite Uses for Coconut Oil 

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

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

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lacy yamaoka

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

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

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

4 Unique Uses of Coconut Oil to Try

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

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

• • •
 

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• • •

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

IDEA160: Go on a Solo Adventure to Connect and Reset

Everyday, we cheer folks on to squash the mundane and seek out everyday adventures... to satiate your wanderlust in-between those big trips afar. The best way for us to follow along and for you to be inspired by other global neighbors, is through our #LiveLikeYoureTraveling tag via Instagram. We couldn't help but notice Amy, full of curiosity, taking us through the colorful details of her surroundings in New Jersey and New York and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone. So we asked her to stop by to share her discoveries from these recent solo adventures, where she embraces two of our challenges: (1) Go Waterfall Hunting and (2) Shop Like You're Traveling, plus tips on how to have one ourselves...

• • •

Some of my most successful adventures in which I really felt like I was able to live like I’m traveling have been where I was by myself. I am actually a big fan of going out and exploring the world alone - whether it’s a big trip to another country or just a local walk in your own town. Traveling with a companion / friends / family can also be extremely rewarding, but there is something so gratifying about being able to experience something for yourself and only for yourself without the presence or opinions of others potentially influencing your decisions. I’m here to share with you some of my experiences and tips for adventuring alone, and by the end - maybe you will feel inspired to go out on a solo adventure of your own!

One of the biggest benefits of solo adventuring is that you are able to connect on a completely different and elevated level - which applies to more things than one. In early September, I ventured by myself to a local park (approximately 30 minutes from home). Despite living in New Jersey for my entire life, I had never been to Schooley’s Mountain Park before. Of everyone in my family, I am probably the most adventurous one - always lusting for new people / places / things. I was determined to experience Schooley’s by myself - as I heard that there were two waterfalls and an overlook to be found.

I woke up early and packed a lunch (as I didn’t want to have to go back home just for food) and drove to the park. On the drive there, I rolled down my windows, turned up the radio, and sang loudly (something I don’t enjoy as much when other people are in the car… mostly because I’m 1000% tone deaf and fear for their ear drums). I also passed a lot of scenic farmland on the way there, which was really nice. I found the waterfalls myself - where I ate my lunch and dipped my feet in the water. I also made my way to the overlook, where I saw a family of hawks. I had never been that close to a hawk in the wild before. I ended up spending the whole day there, and to this day it was one of the best days of my life...

By myself, I was able to wholly connect with my surroundings.

• • •

Another time where I was able to connect more with my surroundings while traveling on my own - was when I went to the historic town of Chester (NJ) by myself for the first time. I went the week before Christmas, and it was such a fun small-scale adventure around the holidays. I took my time in every shop that I entered looking at all the trinkets and objects. One of my favorite parts was that I had conversations with many of the shop owners. It was really fascinating to learn about the products they sold and the stories behind their businesses. It’s not one of the easier things to do - as our society has become one ridden by social anxiety. Trust me, some encounters were slightly awkward too. For the most part though, it was an extremely rewarding experience. I don’t know if I would have taken the time to talk to as many people as I did had I not been alone - nor would I have probably spent an hour at the large antiques shop there.

PLANNING TIPS FOR GOING SOLO 

• Get ideas where to go via Instagram. It's actually one of my main sources for travel ideas. To some people it’s just a silly little app, but to me it is a wealth of inspiration. I follow many locals in my area - who often share places that they go. One of my favorite accounts for NY escapades is @hiddengemofnyc because they tend to post ideas that aren’t your typical NY tourist ideas. Sometimes I find out about events / exhibitions / places via Instagram and then go to Google afterwards to find out more details.

• Keep a local bucketlist. I keep a list of local places that I want to go / things I want to see on my phone in my notes app. It’s like a short-term bucket list ;). I try to prioritize the items on the list by things I want to see from most to least, and then try to plan a day based on that. Some places require their own full day, while others can sometimes be combined into the same day. I always try to have some sort of “loose” plan - but am always open to straying from the plan too.

• Go without a plan. Planning is great and all, but sometimes the most amazing adventures happen when you stumble upon the unexpected. When I'm in New York, I often like to explore by foot, instead of taking the subway (destination & weather permitting). I've discovered a lot of awesome things that can't be found on a map this way. (ex. street art, cool doors, sidewalk shops, food trucks, etc). If you’re really feeling adventurous: just get in your car and drive (with no particular place in mind)...the ultimate road trip!

Many people have told me that I am crazy to go out wandering by myself - mostly for “safety” reasons. To some extent, this is probably true. I have been “cat-called” one too many times while walking the streets of New York (which is ten times more awkward / uncomfortable when you’re alone). I’ve come across multiple snakes on a path while hiking alone. I’ve gotten lost while driving alone, but would find my way back eventually. Life isn't meant to be lived on the terms of “what ifs” and the rewards of adventuring solo outweigh those potential negative what ifs. I know that I for one always feel refreshed and revived after having a good adventure by myself.

A good solo adventure to me is like pushing a reset button.

When I return to my home / my workspace - I come back more motivated than ever with a passion to be productive. While it may seem that initially I went out to procrastinate from getting things done, I find that getting away and experiencing new things often helps me get more done in the end.   

I hope that this has maybe inspired you to go out on some solo adventures yourself! Where are you headed next? Let us know in the comments below!

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Follow Amy for design, wanderlust and noms on amychendesign.com & @amyventures

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Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling