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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IDEA153: Create Anatolian Nights In Your Garden.

We come back from vacation and immediately start to reminisce how we lingered talking together with our travel companions into the sweet nights... Why can't we re-create this atmosphere back home!? Of course we can. For this we just need a few details to ensure a comfortable recline, delicious scent in the air, and sparkling lights inviting us to share delicious little secrets with each other. 

Let's get inspired by our Anatolian neighbors in Turkey to really enjoy the remaining summer days. 

• • •

1 - The comfortable recline.

After dinner one must recline on the left side as did the nobles back in the day. Why the left side? Hmm... apparently that leaves the area of digestion in the most comfortable position to digest. Happy stomach, happy soul? 

{ KilimDecolic Pillows }

2 - Delicious scent in the air.

Now this one can immediately transport us anywhere we want to go.
Strong musky night air filled with the incense of Frankincense and Myrrh. For an all day long scent rose petals from the Turkish Damascena rose will set the mood softly. 

{ Vintage Brass Incense Burner / Frankincense Resin Incense / Rose Petal Potpourri }

3 - Flickering lights.

They will guide your conversation, induce you to share secrets and not to mention will make your skin look wonderful and glowing. And now that we're in August and the sun is going down earlier and earlier, we can turn those candles on for a cozy glow. 

{ Hittite Figured Ceramic Candle Holder, Ceramic Houses, Turquoise Beads Votives } 

It's amazing how just three three simple ingredients can transform any regular night into an adventure to Turkey... And as the weather cools you can move the setting to your living room and continue to live like you're traveling to Anatolia throughout the year. Ahhh... now I'm in the mood for strong rosehip tea and a turkish delight!
 

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

A destination is simply a suggestion to the senses. 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

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Design a Lifestyle You Love : Seeking Greener Pastures with Ashley of Wilson Creek Pottery

I feel fortunate to know Ashley and Shannon of Wilson Creek Pottery. They are light hearted, deeply passionate people who give freely, and refer to their closest friends as "superfriends." When we last spent time together, we went to visit them in their new home in idyllic Spring Green, Wisconsin. Still freshly inspired from their month long trip to India, Shannon taught me how to make Ghee and we feasted on homemade Indian food. We visited Ash's Pottery Studio, met a neighboring Rhasta donkey, played a riveting game of pictionary, ate inappropriately large amounts of warm pretzels & curds, and toured the Hindu Temple that happened to be on a nearby estate. It makes me smile just thinking about it. In a short weekend, Eric and I got a colorful taste of their new life.  

I witnessed them take a chance and move from the city they knew for years, to seek "greener pastures" with a new house and pottery business. I had to imagine there was a lot leading up to this decision. I wanted to know, how did they turn a "what if" into a reality? When I interviewed them for their story, they immediately brought up a guiding concept that has influenced their decisions. One that deeply resonated with me and set me on a my own course to make tremendous changes with my job and life. 

Choose a lifestyle, not a career.

Beginning in our early youth, we're conditioned to focus our attention on what career we'd want. Is that really the guidepost that would provide the fufillment that we seek? What would happen if we asked children "how do you want to live?" rather than "what do you want to be when you grow up?" This quote was exactly what I needed to hear at the time, and I'd like to share with you some key principles that supported their journey. For those who are on the fence...I hope it might be just what you need to spring into action!

• • •

Get inspired & dig deep.
Ashley read and reflected on the insights of writers and luminaries that she admired, all of which guided her overall approach towards life. One person in particular, her art professor, John Slavik, also had a particularly strong influence. He achieved a balance that she had always wanted: he gave time to himself creatively as well as giving time to the people he loved. Also, there are sacrifices to consider with anything that you desire...whether that takes the form of money or time spent. For Ashley, it meant simplfying her life to gain more time. 

Give weight to what you want.
Ashley had a job she enjoyed. She was happy, but there were still facets of her life that were unfufilled. When Katrina happened, they wanted to be able to react quickly and help, but work schedules didn't allow for it. After several trips abroad were denied, it was clear her job situation was not aligned with how she wanted to be able to use her time. Outside of work, she and Shannon dreamt of a quiet life set in nature with neighboring animals. (Fainting goats and mini donkeys...to be specific!) They wanted to create a home for friends and family that was a sanctuary, yet offered new experiences. 

Let it reveal itself. Stay open and get out there.
Originally they weren't looking to buy a house, let alone a business. However, a dinner with her art professor's family led to discussions of a "what-if" opportunity. One where Ashley would have the chance to apprentice and transition a pottery business from the previous owner. Unsure, but open to the idea, they took a fun road trip to check out the house and studio. When they arrived, the ideas came pouring in. Suddenly, the space and the life that they could have, started to take shape in their minds.

Be courageous & stay the course. Gather like-minded support.  
Shannon provided a backbone of support to aid in taking the risk. The move to Wisconsin required a substancial investment and bet on a career that was uncertain and taking that leap was scary. But to Ashley,

"It was scarier to think that I might let it pass by." 

Create a legacy.
Pottery is especially meaningful to Ashley, "being that it's meant to be touched and used. To be shared during a meal, one of the most important things to do together." There is an intimate quality to her work because her pieces are tied to personal events for her customers. Wilson Creek Pottery, has been a go-to place for Spring Green locals to get gifts for weddings and special occassions for years. The pottery is durable and stays around so long that families collect and enjoy them generation after generation. And in the same spirit, Ashley hopes to carry the torch lit by Peggy Ahlgren (the previous potter of 40 years) while bringing to it a rustic, yet modern perspective. 

• • •

I'm excited to see Ashley's work evolve and whether we're preparing or gathering around the table for a meal, we're reminded of Spring Green and a potter's loving touch. (Shown: Milk Jug Vase & Honey Pot) --> Visit Wilson Creek Pottery to see more of Ashley's designs. 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

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IDEA141 : Make a Symbol of Love, Uniquely Yours

{ Above: Nora & T. - Switzerland }

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

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

• • •
Courtney & M. - Mexico

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

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

• • •
Karen & J. - Chicago

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

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

• • •
Audrey & S. - Chicago

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

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

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

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #51    • • •

There's a story behind every ring.

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

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

about 10 years ago

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Take Us To Lunch : Living Pura Vida in San José with Cueropapel&tijera

We are continuing our adventures in Costa Rica with Sofia Protti founder and designer at cueropapel&tijera who is taking us on a tour of her regular lunch spot in San José. This place happens to be El Mercado Central where you can find little sodas (eateries) and all kinds of colorful wares. A place you can really soak in some atmosphere, let's go?!!

• • •

I went to El Mercado yesterday! It was nice to visit this time having in mind what things would be interesting to see and to know for other people. I enjoy food so much that El Mercado is like a party to me. Herbs, seafood, vegetables, lots of fruits, the smell of plantain leaves that are so usual at this time of the year to cook "tamales" our traditional Christmas meal... uh! It is wonderful!

I never get bored here, as there is always something new! A different kind of "chili" or a new fruit, or simply a little spot that has been there for years, that you haven't noticed before. As usual, what I did yesterday was to have Fresco de frutas, a frozen fruit juice made of chopped fruits (banana and papaya mostly) and syrup. This is so classic, and delicious. So after the walk you have to do to get to El Mercado, where you need to start your journey is Fresco de Frutas.

• • •

After that, I wander around the market to see the handicrafts. You can find the traditonal market bags made out of "cabuya" (a natural fiber produced here), small leather bags, post cards, baskets, and "hamacas." The coffee shops are all over too.

My favorite picks are the "cabuya" bags because of their colors, the thread, and their long lasting quality. Every housewife in Costa Rica should have one, as all our grandmas did. It is so meaningful to me. Not only for the colors and shape, but for the memories I have going to the market with my grandma. Her bag was aged and had so much personality that I found it unique and special and also because of all the good stuff we put in it. 

Leather handicrafts are also my favorites. I get so much inspiration here as I am always trying to reinterpret the traditional styles into my own modern version of it. 

• • •

Then I finally go back to Soda San Martin. The place where I get my fresco de frutas and my soup. This place was stablished in 1953, and it is well known for the typical local food. Their specialty is the Olla de Carne, a meat soup with a lot of vegetables, but today I was craving the Seafood soup!

Tell us a bit about your country and your work...

What I love the most about my home place is our style. We are easy going, friendly, full of opportunities, education, and progressing forward is a chance that everyone has. 

One thing I would like to see improved is our ambition (in a good sense). Costa Rica is such a good place to live that we easily get into a "comfort zone" that makes us lose our competitiveness. We lack ambition and a sense of empowerment, which I admire in other countries. I studied Industrial Design at the University, but leather has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My grandpa who was a leather craftsman supported our family by creating leather bookbinding and other crafts.  I loved being at his workshop playing or "working" with little pieces of leather during my free time. I decided to switch from my design career to my grandpa's passion. 

When he got sick, I realized that the only thing I could do to keep him "alive" was to do what he loved.

I did not start the business thinking it was going to be my grandpa´s business forever, and by the time I felt strong and clear about what I wanted to do, I decided to take the best of his work and make my own version of it. So that´s how I founded CueroPapel&Tijera* in 2008. (*leather paper & scissors) 

Costa Rica's essence is easy to infuse into my products. For inspiration, I visit local spots for coffee, talk to people, and I take lots of pictures of every flower I find, the sky, greens in the views, rain, and everything that resembles our country. So I AM Costa Rica and translating this feeling to my designs is something I do through texture, color, and simplicity. A very Costa Rican saying, Pura Vida, means an agreement of life to me! We say "Pura Vida" intead of saying "hi" or "ok." "Pura Vida," is our phrase for everything. We even say it in place of "thanks!"  

So, this is exactly who we are: "Pure Life."

(Follow Sofia on Instagram (@sofiaprotti) to see more of this pure and colorful Costa Rican life.)

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What is one thing you recommend to do in Costa Rica to experience this Pura Vida?

My recommendation would be to see a sunset with a cup of coffee. Trust me our coffee is the best. The air is so perfect and the light is gold. Birds sing and you can have tamales with coffee, which is pretty close to glory I guess.
 

SOFIA'S FAVORITES FOR SAN JOSE:

Lunch spot: 
Soda San Martin in El Mercado Central 

Coffee:
Sofia's daily favorite coffee "1820." The name refers to the year Costa Rica started exporting coffee beans. Coffee production used to be the country's main economic activity (it is now tourism), and still remains the biggest export. 

Sharing always goes both ways, giving and taking. Thank you Alla and Mu-Hsien for taking the time and showing interest in my small unique homeland, Costa Rica. I hope others can also join this giving and taking experience, from which I have already learned so much.

Always welcome to Pura Vida land!
- - -
Sofia 
OTSP Neighbor Profile : Cuero Papel & Tijera  

Thank you global neighbor Sofia for taking us to lunch and sharing your Pura Vida way of thinking and working... I think we are definitely inspired to pay closer attention to nature's kaleidoscope and be open to the inspiration it sends our way!  (Photos: via Sofia) ~ Sofia helps us infuse our life with vibrant colors and simple and pure Costa Rican sensibility through her modern yet rich in history artisan leather bags and accessories. 

 { Alla's Picks }

 { Mu-Hsien's Picks }

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #44    • • •

Inspiration is all around us, 
you just have to look through a fresh pair of eyes to see it.

 Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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Make Delicious Sweets with Your Instagram Photos

I've heard people say that they'll start being impressed with Instagram when they'll be able to eat the pictures. Well... you kinda can! These three companies are making it possible for you to print your Instagram photos on delicious, sweet morsels.

• • •

1. Boomf.com let's you print on marshmallows, now that is very exciting because fancy marshmallows are pretty in vogue right now. 

• • •

 2. Bakingforgood.com makes it possible to put your Instagram pictures on sugar cookies! I'm a fan of sugar cookies... wait, who isn't!? The photo quality will probably be a bit more sharper then on a marshmallow and these do provide a slightly larger canvas. Now what you'll do with that information is totally up to your own creative interpretation. I'm just saying. 

• • •

3. Cocoagraph.com puts your photos on chocolate bars. Oh my..! This is getting very dangerous very quickly. Then again you don't need to worry because you can Instagram a selfie, print it on a chocolate bar and then eat into your figure to make yourself look skinny! So yeah, no need to be alarmed about the calories. 

And guess what! Now that we have Insta marshmallows, Insta cookies and Insta chocolate do you know what we can make!? INSTA S'MOORS! I kid, I kid, you will probably have a hard time eating these up because you'll just want to stare at them, they'll be so pretty. What you can do to extend the visual enjoyment is to hang these on your Christmas Tree as ornaments. Every day you and your family can sit by the tree, remove one delicious Insta cookie and eat it while sipping some tea, or popping that Insta mallow into your hot coco. I don't know...I feel a new Christmas Tradition in the making! 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

You can make make sweet memories, 
and eat them too!

{ Keep in touch via Bloglovin, Feedly or Facebook }

Take Us to Lunch : City of Dreams, Bogotá with Azulina Ceramics

One of my favorite things to do if I'm visiting friends in another country is to spend a day with them just doing what they normally would on a regular day. I believe the scientific jargon for this is: "observing the locals in their natural habitat". This, I think, is truly the best way to take it slow and really soak in the atmosphere.  I found, I always end up uncovering the true essence of a place better then running around from one touristic landmark to another. And what could be more "normal" then having lunch at someone's regular haunt? 

Well today we have a fabulous Global Neighbor Melissa Moriarty, founder of Azulina Ceramics, who is taking us to lunch with her... in Bogotá!!! 

Melissa is bringing us to Masa, a place where she likes to eat, located in Bogotá's "Zona G" (Zona Gourmet). This area, we hear, is the place to be for not only the best restaurants in town, but also to sample the world. International cuisine is a trend on the rise among the world curious Bogotanos.

Tell us about Masa.

Masa is just the greatest. It is a cafe and bakery located in the Chapinero neighborhood of Bogotá, which is the hip place to be. It has a big family-style table in the entrance and a sunny, outdoor patio. My favorite thing about Masa, besides having Bogotá's best pain au chocolat, is that they are turning themselves into a friendly, neighborhood spot. Patrons are allowed to bring their dogs onto the patio and they offer bike locks for those who show up on two wheels. They are thinking of the little things. And believe it or not, that is a first.

{ Is that CARROT CAKE!??? } 

What about you Melissa, originally from Houston, Texas, you've lived in DC, Boston, Chicago, Spain and Honduras! What has brought you to come settle in Colombia? 

I first visited in 2011 when I joined my uncle on a business trip to Medellin. I fell in love with the energy of Colombia and its people almost immediately. There is just something in the air: there is this good, positive, exciting energy. It is so contagious I get giddy talking about it.

Everyone is involved and committed to making Colombia a better place to live, work and raise children, and as a result new, innovative services are popping up daily. The energy is almost palpable. I am so excited for what's to come.

• • •

Melissa's description made me think about my former home, THE place for incredible energy. NYC that is. In fact, Silvana Villegas, the owner of Masa has studied and worked in NY before moving back to Bogotá to open this restaurant with her sister. Silvana has brought back a bit of Manhattan to Bogotá with a 'make your own' salad bar, not something you see everyday in Colombia. Together with french pastries, world inspired breads, fresh juices and omelettes, it's a brand new way of looking at lunch in Bogotá, traditionally a heavier, rice and beans kind of a meal.

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Melissa with Silvana, owner of Masa

Has your perception of Colombia changed now that you've been living in Bogotá for a while?

No, but the realities of living in a country with old-fashioned, bureaucratic systems makes for some additional hurdles and frustration. I'm lucky in that my company, Azulina Ceramics, is a U.S. Corporation and I deal with all legal and accounting standards according to U.S. laws. However, I have lots of ideas and aspirations to start different businesses and social initiatives here so it won't be long until I am dealing with those 'hurdles'. But you know what? There is so much opportunity here because there are still so many problems to solve and so many people willing to join in on your cause. I love that about Colombia.

What was most surprising thing you discovered about your new home or something you did not expect? 

I've found that Colombians are exceptionally well educated and hard-working, in all things and in all levels of society. I could not be happier to be working with my team in El Carmen de Viboral. From the women artisans to the business development team, everyone works their butts off and makes the impossible possible. I had a misconceived notion that doing business would be difficult for cultural reasons or perhaps because I thought people might be stuck in their ways, but I have been so surprised by how open everyone is to collaborate.

(Photo: Jay Marroquin)

What makes you feel at home here? Do you speak Spanish? 

My friends, boyfriend and boyfriend's family make me feel so happy and at home here. Colombians are generally very warm and welcoming, so it has been easy to meet and make amazing, lifelong friends. And frankly, with that, I could live anywhere. The rest is just material.

As for Spanish, I can speak like a native. I don't look like I can, so I use it as my secret weapon. Ha! 

• • •

{ Melissa's yummy lunch, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and ham,
pain au chocolat and coffee in Azulina's "everyday mug" from the Flora Collection. } 

What is another insider tip (besides lunch at Masa!) you want to give to us planning to visit?

If you are heading to Bogotá download these Apps: Uber and Tappsi. The city is going through some growing pains so their public transport isn't yet easy to navigate and use, especially for a tourist, so I recommend you use Tappsi or Uber to order taxis. Cabs are super cheap, like $5 max to go practically anywhere. I use either Tappsi or Uber at least 4 times per week. Yay technology.

• • •
{ Masa's Mythic Pain au Chocolat looking ever so scrumptious on
hand painted canape plate from Azulina's Lima collection. } 

MELISSA'S FAVORITES FOR BOGOTA:

Lunch spot: 
Masa (Cll 70 # 4-83 Bogotá D.C.) and a second restaurant is planned to open in the near future. 

Getting Around: 
Taking a cab is an inexpensive and quick way to get around in Bogotá. 
• Uber - Is a taxi booking app available in 22 countries, you can request a ride, be picked up in minutes and pay using your phone. 
• Tappsi - A Bogotá based company servicing Latin America. 

Thanks Alla and Mu-Hsien for the opportunity to share a bit about the world's greatest hidden treasure: Colombia. 

Con Mucho Amor,
- - -
Melissa of Azulina Ceramics
(Photos via Melissa)

Thank you Melissa for taking us to lunch and sharing about your new home and also introducing us to Silvana's Masa. You ladies are true global neighbors bringing a bit of New York and Paris to Bogotá and exporting a bit of Colombia to the world! We love that you help bring us all closer together! And we are even more curious now about the city that's making it all possible, Bogotá. ~ Bring a little piece of Colombia into your home and head over to Azulina.com for beautiful hand painted ceramics! 
 

Here are some of our favorites:

{ Alla's Picks }
A tall mug worthy of my coffee worship!

{ Mu-Hsien's Picks } 
A lovely pitcher that doubles as a vase & a cheery mug to start off the day!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

One neighbor's everyday mug,
is another neighbor's global find! 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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Take Us To Lunch : Living Pura Vida in San José with Cueropapel&tijera

about 11 years ago

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Love Without Borders : Courting in Chiapas, Mexico

Here at LLYT, we love a good love story, especially one that brings people together... beyond borders. We last visited (Wild Sicily) through global neighbor Jillian, of A Feathery Nest and today we bring you a taste of rural Mexico through Courtney, of Chiapas Bazaar. (Photos via Courtney)

Sure you can fall in love with a person or with a place, but to fall in love with someone who also lives in a faraway place? Sounds like something out of a fairy tale, right? But in today's world of high speed trains, planes, wifi and pretty much high speed everything, why should borders cultural or geographical still deter us from following our dreams? So starts a new series "Love Without Borders" in which we will take a peek at the lives of our Global Neighbors to see what happens when we transcend these barriers. Thank you Courtney for sharing your story!   

• • •

Chiapas and I have a curiously long history together. While I’ve only lived here full-time for a year and a half, Chiapas and I first heard of each other back in the year 2000. Chiapas was here, where it always is, and I was studying Spanish in a city called Cuernavaca, a beautiful town about an hour outside of Mexico City.  At that point, I hadn't yet visited Chiapas - that happened for the first time in 2004.  But sight unseen, it had always intrigued me - jungles, Zapatistas, Mayan ruins...

After finishing university, I moved to New York City and scrambled up the corporate ladder at LVMH, finally ending up at Marc Jacobs International. Life was cozy and delicious, but something was missing. I also had this dream of joining the Peace Corps, of serving a greater good - paying it forward. So I undertook the laborious process of applying to go volunteer in the developing world. I was finally assigned my country - with all my Spanish lessons and my extensive Latin America travels - and I went to Moldova (itty bitty country in Eastern Europe, in case you haven´t heard of it…).  

I had about three months to tie up loose ends with my US life, friends, and family. I decided to take one month and spend it in Chiapas, Mexico where I could eat tacos and mole to my heart’s content.  It was a solo trip - almost like a NYC decompression chamber. But I was also fortunate because I had some friends in Chiapas that I knew from my study abroad days.

 • • • 

During this time in Chiapas, it was through a friend of mine that I had met during my time in Cuernavaca that introduced me and my future husband. The following events are important because they just affirm how the universe had been conspiring to get us (me, M. and Chiapas) together. While living in Moldova with M. still in Mexico, I fell and broke my ankle and was eventually discharged from the Peace Corps. Once I healed, I moved here to Chiapas to be with M. and I haven’t looked back. I had always wanted to live in Mexico, so there wasn't much of a discussion between M and I about where we would start our new life together.

• • • 

So now you see - I have a background in world of fashion and I have a passion for service.  How did these two interests manifest themselves in my adopted home of Chiapas?  In this { www.chiapasbazaar.com }  

We started Chiapas Bazaar in early 2013 with the goal to provide a steady income to rural artisans in the state of Chiapas by exposing their products to international markets where there is a great demand for beautiful, handmade treasures. We are also keenly aware of the demand for factory-free pieces and are extremely proud to say that artisans work from home where they can still do their daily duties and create their pieces in their downtime.  It’s a “win-win” for everyone. The artisans can continue their trade but reach new markets and have steady work; customers around the world can own a piece handmade by a Chiapas artisan; and we create the connection between these two that wouldn’t otherwise exist.  

• • • 

Our job takes us to many beautiful rural places in Chiapas - the greenest place you might imagine, full of lush tropical vegetation or pine forests where the vast majority of the population works in agriculture in the countryside. We travel and visit the off-the-beaten path villages where Spanish is often the second language of the residents. It´s almost like the backdrop is the same, just the traditional dress of the people changes. In these villages with semi-paved roads, you’ll find the most beautiful colors and color combinations, traditions passed down generations, and true artists.  

We feel extremely honored to work with the artisans and we feel that we have a huge responsibility to educate customers and anyone who visits our site about the work the artisans dedicate themselves to and the time, effort and skill it requires to produce such beautiful things.

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Muchos saludos from Chiapas and we had so much fun "meeting" you both!  
- Courtney of Chiapas Bazaar

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Head on over to ChiapasBazaar.com for Mexican handmade global finds! 
Here are some of our favorites:

Alla's Picks

Mu-Hsien's Picks

So wait... if you bravely defy any obstacles and just 'go for it' the universe actually HELPS you along? I guess we suspected that, it's just the universe wants us to be the ones to take that first scary step. --- If you're a Global Neighbor who has transcended cultural or geographical borders for love and would like to share your Love without Borders story, (we'd love to hear from you!)  
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Sometimes you have to break an ankle 
to get on the right path. 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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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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