Airbnb Tree Houses : Plan an Escape that Taps Your Inner Child

There's something about being in a treehouse that automatically sets the stage for adventure. Maybe it's because you're up in the treetops with a bird's eye view, completely tucked away from it all. You can't help but feel totally separated from your normal life and you truly are nestled in the beauty and awe of nature. Surrounded by a symphony of outdoor sounds, you belong to the woods, beach or jungle, yet there are the creature comforts to keep you safe and cozy. Do you remember the last time you were in a treehouse? What did you feel?! I've got a bit of a softspot being that we got married in a treehouse. Let's reminisce for a quick second...

Ahh our ceremony was held completely nestled in the trees. There's just something about being completely off the ground. Ok sorry...I'm back. – Today, we go tree-hopping for some inspiration for your own escape! All treehouses can be booked via airbnb.com.

• • •
Rainforest Treehouse, Cooper, Costa Rica
This hideaway puts you in the middle of rainforest-creature-watching and hotsprings dipping.

• • •
Artsy & Rustic 1927 Tree House, Los Angeles, California
The perfect personal retreat, suitable for tea, reading and a whole lot of pampery me-time.

• • •
The Shitake, Cave Junction, Oregon
Need to write that book you've been meaning to get to? This treehouse for one has your name written all over it.

• • •
Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall, UK
Wake up with your hunny to a sunrise over the orchards and breakfast in bed...

• • •
Treehouse at Kilauea Volcano, Volcano Hawaii
Don't even get me started on outdoor showers... what an indulgent treehouse amenity! :)

I hope you're feeling fully inspired to seek a playful refuge. You can't help but have fun in a such a unique setting!


• • •  INSPIRE YOUR GLOBAL NEIGHBORS  • • •

Show us how you get Zzz's in the trees and
TAG: #LiveLikeYoureTraveling on Instagram, Facebook
or leave a comment below with a photo or link. 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

---

READ NEXT:

---

IDEA151: Travel the World in your Baby Bag (6 Amazing Natural Products)

For whatever reason both Vito and I were convinced that we were having a girl when I was pregnant with Mo. During my 20th week echo we asked the nurse to 'zoom' in so we can know the sex. She zoomed in, we saw, but we were in denial. "What is it, what is it?" We asked. She simply smiled and typed on the monitor: "Hurrah it's a boy!" Because I was so convinced that it'll be a girl, I immediately had to let go of the frilly dresses dancing in my head, the cutesy plastic play pearls and the shimmery organic glosses me and my girl would share. Later, the story repeated itself on the 16th week echo with Vin. (Poor Vito had to let go of the vision of his daughter winning the Miss Universe pageant, which our daughter would have inevitably won.) 

After getting over the initial surprise, I started constructing a brand new vision in my mind consisting of adorable overalls, raised collar polos and tiny little bow ties. This however still left the dilemma of cosmetics sharing that I envisioned... But to come to terms with that I have a bit more time, for now I've discovered it is absolute FUN to raid my baby's diaper bag! 

And of course in true globe loving fashion, it's really a trip around the world in one diaper bag...

• • •

Here is what I'm getting grabby with: 

1 - Pitta Patta Calm & Content Moisturizing Lotion from Australia (Worldwide)

Uses for baby: This is deliciously scented (with lavender essential oil) light and smooth lotion. Perfect for baby massages after a bath.  

Uses for mommy: Guess who sneaks this out of the nursery in the morning? Moi! I find this makes a wonderful face and neck moisturizer for the colder windier weather. It's super light and possibly because of the essential oils leaves your face with a dewy glow. 
 

2 - Bjobji Lenitive Diaper Cream from Italy (Worldwide)

Uses for baby: Diaper area. It's unscented and once again really light and smooth. I don't like diaper creams that are thick and sticky. Most creams (and Vaseline) protect the skin from wetness but also seal off the pores not allowing the skin to breathe normally. This natural cream protects but does not block pores. I love it for Vin! 

Uses for mommy: Ok, this might be a bit funny, but this is great as a blemish spot treatment... I don't know why, but it works. I guess because it contains zinc oxide to help keep diaper area dry, so it helps to dry the blemish. Just wash your hands after you apply it to your baby's bum ;)  (I'm not a doctor, just letting you know it works for me. And btw... still waiting for that day when blemishes don't appear anymore.) 
 

3 - Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash from Switzerland (Worldwide)

Uses for baby: This is a divinely scented cream wash. Because this does not have chemicals it doesn't make crazy sudds and is super gentle and easy to rinse your baby with. I used it on Mo as a baby, and still do! And now I was baby Vin with this also. Little bit goes a long way. 

Uses for mommy: I love this as face wash! Just a tiny dab of it washes the face perfectly without giving you that horrible 'squeaky clean' feel. It is super gentle and let's your face keep its moisture.
 

4 - Gwdihw Cheeky Cherub Baby Balm from North Wales, UK (Worldwide)

Uses for baby: I use this for Vin's cheeks (face cheeks that is). We don't use the little hand gloves to protect him from scratching himself because he just sucks on them. So for the occasional inevitable scratch I use this balm and within 20 minutes the scratch magically disappears! I also use it for any dry skin patch.  

Uses for mommy: Besides this product coming in a cute little tin, it's a bit of a miracle worker on many levels! This makes a PHENOMENAL cuticle treatment. After using this I threw my expensive fancy vitamin E one out the window (well, figuratively). I'm constantly touching the baby and he is grabbing my fingers and then sucking his hands so I can't have anything yucky on my fingers. I also use this around the eye area. It instantly perks up the skin around the eyes. This also makes a wonderful primer. I put some around my nose and cheeks and the make-up glides on beautifully and helps the color to really blend into the skin. Love, love, love stealing (I mean BORROWING) this! 
 

5 - Purelan by Medela Nipple Cream (100% Lanolin) from Switzerland. (You should be able to find this, or another brand of 100% lanolin in a baby supplies store in your country.) 

This is pure lanolin without any additives, which is pretty much fat secreted by sheep to protect their coat from the environment. It's a 100% natural product and safe to ingest, so you don't have to remove it from your nipple before breastfeeding. Yet at the same time it's an incredibly strong balm! A small 40g tube will literally last forever. Even when you're done breastfeeding keep it for the winter. It'll make perfect hand cream! This I would compare to gardener's balm. It literally repairs cracked skin, but why wait, just use it to prevent cracking. Also great on feet after a good scrub. 

6 - Naty by Nature Babycare Eco-Sensitive Fragrance-Free Wipes from Sweden.
(Check listing for your country)

Uses for baby: THESE are the most amazing wipes ever! I've used these on Mo and now on Vin neither of them have ever had a diaper rash/redness. 

Uses for mommy (or I should say, the house): I wipe everything with them. Kitchen counter, little spills, hands. ETC. I keep a pack in my kitchen drawer for when I need a small damp cloth for... anything. Yes, they sell special packets of wipes in the kitchen cleaning department, but I find those have too many chemicals and are overly perfumed for the kitchen counter where I clean fruit, or lay a piece of bread. 

I'm so glad I've discovered these! It's understandable that brands need to choose how they market their products and sticking with messaging to the target market, but it's too bad more people don't come into contact with these great, gentle products unless they've had a baby themselves. So! Don't ignore the baby section next time you're shopping for beauty products!
 

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED #60    • • •

If your intention is to learn,
you can learn something new even from a baby. 

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.

---

READ NEXT:

---

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  

---

READ NEXT:

---

IDEA 142: Contemplate Life in Patagonia, Argentina

Love, marriage... then perhaps kids?

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

Here is how the brilliant idea struck me. 

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

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

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

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

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

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

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

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Look up to the sky for your anchor. 

---

---

IDEA117: Stock Your Global Pantry with Nudo-Italia Olive Oil and Adopt Your Own Tree

Few years ago Vito and I stayed for a week in Sicily, spending some time in Taormina, visiting quietly fuming Etna and taking a spin to see some of the Eolian islands. Even though it was the first week in October, the weather was still sweltering during the day only cooling off pleasantly at night. Compared to the "mainland" Italy, Sicily to me always feels so undiscovered, do full of nature's abundance. It seems that the raw elements are in charge and we humans are mere guests allowed to observe.  

The same feeling applies to Sicilian cuisine. The ingredients themselves are at the very center of cooking, coming fresh from the sea or land. The less is done to them the more glorious their taste is. This really is very surprising in Sicily, the most simplest ingredients are thrown together and are already delicious without a lot of complicated moves in the kitchen. Just a drizzle of olive oil and a twist of salt and you're done! On our first day there we sat down for a nice lunch, a salad (for me) and a simple pizza with pomodorini and ruccola (for Vito). I eat salads for lunch all the time, but this salad was out of this world. Greens, tomatoes, mushrooms, tuna and a sprinkle of corn, and of course a generous splash of olive oil somehow resulting in an explosion of taste! Vito's equally unpretentious pizza got a drizzle of oil as well and washing it all down with a light white wine, we could not have been happier. 

Through out the week over and over we have experienced this phenomenon of delicious ingredients enhanced just with olive oil. Even a basket of bread, which I usually ignore when eating out, would be inhaled immediately with intermittent dunking in a little plate of olive oil and Sicilian salt. We thought about how to bring this "magic" back home with us. Is it even possible? I mean, we can't reproduce the fresh air and sea breeze and sunshine that are so instrumental in making the ingredients taste so good. No, sadly it's not possible at the moment, and neither is a lavish Sicilian summer residence, but there is something we can do to incorporate a big part of Sicilian magic in our cooking... and that is, to use best quality olive oil.  

I was searching for a while to find a great source of olive oil and finally came across a company called Nudo-Italia that offers quarterly olive oil delivery straight from grove. And "straight from the grove" is not just a clever tag line, you'll know WHICH grove the oil comes from! Through their "Adopt a tree" program you can actually browse a list of small family operated olive groves that they work with and choose one yourself. When you adopt a tree you receive quarterly delivery of 1st press olive oil. Recently Nudo-Italia added a Sicilian grove called Barone Pastore located on the Trapanese cost. You can read more about it here. And guess what!? You can actually VISIT your tree, and hug it, if that's what you're into. Yes, yes, you can visit the grove and your tree, as well as arrange for a tour of the olive press and learn more about your olive oil and how it's made. 

Most of the grove owners also operate Agriturismo, which is a farm stay type bed and breakfast. (Check them out here.) What do you know? Maybe that dream summer residence in Sicily is not so far fetched after all... 

Or better yet, take a tour with global neighbor J, of (*sparklingly) to Sicily, back when she was dating her Sicilian husband R, in "Meet Me in Sicily..."

While scheming up a yearly Sicilian getaway, feel free to indulge in Sicilian style living right in your own home.  We've been doing just that by taking advantage of the uncharacteristically warm summer here in the Netherlands and grilling up anything that moves, chopping-up anything that's green and dousing it all in Nudo-Italia olive oil. Ahhh... che vita dolce! 

 Where to find Nudo-Italia olive oil: 

Order on their website & world wide delivery costs are already included in the price.
(Grove photos via Nudo-Italia.com)

And I did not forget about the Sicilian salt! Like the Barone Pastore olive grove, the salt is also found on the Trapanese coast, which is said to have the oldest salt marshes of Europe. (In the US purchase HERE, rest of the world HERE.) 

 • • •    WHAT ABOUT YOU?    • • •

Do you have an obsession with something from Sicily? 
Any delicacies you buy directly from producers?
 

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

---

READ NEXT:

---

Blog

Refresh Your Grocery List with 5 Essential Chinese Ingredients

about 11 years ago

Blog

IDEA110: Enjoy a 15 Min. Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese on a Weeknight

about 12 years ago

IDEA115: Get Summery Soft Lips with Organic Lip Tints

I don't know about you, but in the summer when it's warm I just want to wear as little as possible!  That goes not only for clothes but also for make-up.  I just want to take it all OFF. However, while the foundation may hibernate and there is no need for extensive blush, I still want color on my lips. I still want...something! Also keeping in mind a personal challenge to upgrade my cosmetics with more organic and natural options, I was quite critical when searching for my new lip color. 

I came across HibisKiss Lip Color and wanted to try it simply because I kind of got seduced by the beyond adorable packaging and thought it would be a great little lip balm for the summer with some natural sun protection build in.  When I first put it on I was very pleasantly surprised at exactly how much color it gave my lips! I got "Tropical" and it really complements my natural lip color which is cool pink making my lips more vivid, more present, and giving them a lovely subtle shimmer.  It smells and tastes delicious too and is quite long lasting for a 'balm'.  Also, it's organic!!! And that's no crazy rumor. ;-) (Rest of the world here.)  

View fullsize

View fullsize

• • •

More All Natural Options

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

1 - Yes to Carrots C Me Blush Lip Tint in Sunset Pink. This little number contains peppermint oil which I hear makes your lip tingle a bit after application.  How fun for the summer! And imagine sneakingly re-applying this right before smooching with your honey? You'll leave his lips tingling and he won't even know what hit him! (In the US you can grab it at Target or Walmart. Rest of the world here.)

2 - Badger Balm Lip Tint & Shimmer in Jasper Red!  This is very interesting because the lip tint comes with a shimmer stick on the other end!  Because, some days you feel like a shimmer and some days you don't. ;-)  (Rest of the world here.) 

3 - Korres Mandarin Lip Butter Stick in ROSE! Lovely addition to the line-up by this Greek natural company. (Worldwide here.) 

4 - Intelligent Nutrients Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss in Purple Maize. It's getting more "complex" here with this deeper grape color.  This is more of a gloss, but because it's all natural it's not sticky like the regular glosses. (Worldwide here.) 

5 - Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Goddess. Ok true, at $48 this one is a definite splurge.  But I imagine using this as an instrument of seduction... It's a delicious summer night, it's late, you just had a wonderful dinner with your husband/lover/hot guy you met 3 hours ago followed by a decadent desert you both shared... you take out this mysterious (to him) silver case out of your snakeskin purse, rotate the top to open it and proceed to massage your lips with deep burgundy color with your finger. Is it getting hot in here yet? Then you click the silver case shut dropping it back in your purse as he watches you mesmerized. And then... well, what happens then is clearly non of our business.  
(Rest of the world here.)

Hope you've enjoyed this organic lip line-up! 

 

 • • •    WHAT ABOUT YOU?    • • •

What organic lip tints do you use? 
Know of any good organic lip tint recipes?

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.

---

READ NEXT:

---

Blog

IDEA114: Get Luminous Skin with this Natural French Beauty Secret

about 11 years ago

Blog

7 Gold Shimmer Body Oils to Indulge In

about 9 years ago

IDEA114: Get Luminous Skin with this Natural French Beauty Secret

My grandma told me to never reveal my beauty secrets... but I figured... what the heck!  You know for a while I had lots of my friends convinced that my sweat sparkles? Yes yes, the lovely shimmer is what happens when I sweat. Now I will reveal what it really is, sorry grandma, this is just too good not to share!  

Let's talk summer skin...
You're showing a lot of it during the balmy summer days so making sure it's looking wonderful is pretty important. Enter: Organic Bronzing Oil.

I've been using bronzing oils in the summers for a long time after I accidentally discovered a bottle in a tiny local pharmacy. Bronzing oil is just what it sounds like, it's an oil to which tiny golden sparkles are added.  When you apply it to your skin it gives a beautiful overall shimmer.  The sparkle particles are really tiny so it doesn't look like you've spilled glitter all over yourself, it just gives your skin a light sparkle when the sun hits it.  

As I "grew-up" I've modified my choice of bronzing oils and now I use only the organic versions made with lovely, good for your skin, oils. My current choice is Huile Prodigieuse OR by NUXE. ($34.96 here worldwide.) 

NUXE, meaning Nature plus Luxury, is a French bio-cosmetics company started in 1989 by an entrepreneur Aliza Jabes with the help of her research pharmacist father. It's made with oils of: borage, St Johns Wort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut, and macadamia and Vitamin E.  These lightly moisturize the skin and also have a very pretty scent.  Now perhaps it's misleading to call this a "bronzing" oil because it does not actually change your skin color, but simply make it more glowing. You know, it gives you that je ne sais quoi...

What I love is that it's so light, you can use this on your face AND your hair for the ultimate sun kissed just returning from a day on my yacht look! 

• • • 

More all natural choices
 

Nuxe falls close to the middle of this line-up in terms of price. The difference lies in the different mixes of oils and of course "brand mythology".  

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

1 - Monoi de Tahiti Precious Dry Oil from Yves Rocher another French cosmetics brand, is also a delicious choice made with Monoi de Tahiti oil.  I've always been a huge (HUGE!) fan of their regular Monoi de Tahiti Oil so I have a feeling this shimmery addition is going to be a huge hit for the brand as well. (A steal at $20 for 100ml bottle, and seems to be perpetually on sale for $12 on the Yves Rocher world sites. )

2 - Acorelle Organic Glittering Dry Oil from Acorelle again a French bio cosmetics brand.  Made with jojoba, and vitamine E oils, scented with calendula extract and ylang ylang oil.(13.90 Euro. Worldwide here. The delivery cost however to the USA is a hefty 19 Euro so this will only be worth it if you're buying a few more hard to get items.)

3 - Organic Bronzing Shimmer Oil from LucyB Cosmetics, a company inspired by bush flowers of Australia, is made with organic coconut, jojoba and sunflower oils.  It's scented with LucyB's signature Australian Bush Flower Essences.
($28 for a 50ml bottle. Rest of the world here.)

4 - Gold Shimmer Oil from Omorovicza, a Hungarian Company with roots going back 2000 years when the Omorovicza family set up a spa after the healing properties of Hungarian thermal waters were discovered. Coconut, rice germ, apricot seed and calendula oils were scented with ylang-ylang to create this. 
(A splurge at $80 for a 100ml bottle in the US here. Rest of the world here.)

Or make your own organic bronzing oil! 
Grab yourself a bottle of organic sunflower oil and some gold and bronze mica powders. Mix the gold and bronze powders to achieve the color of your choice and measure about 1 tsp of mica powder for 1 oz of oil. Add some essential oils to scent it. The below supplies will last you for more then one portion.  

• Sunflower oil  ($6.50 for 16 oz)
• Gold and bronze mica powders ($12.60)
• A little glass bottle for your creation

• • • 

The final step in pulling off this beauty secret is to know exactly what to say when you receive numerous complements and inquiries about why your skin is shimmering.  I suggest something like this: "What? Me? Sparkling? Where?" Look really surprised and pretend to inspect your skin carefully... "Oh hmm... I don't know, I am a bit sweaty, I guess that's what it is...I'm so embarrassed..."   Look appropriately embarrassed because someone noticed you shwitzing.  Practice this little performance in front of the mirror a few times to perfect it. 

 • • •    WHAT ABOUT YOU?    • • •

What is your go to beauty secret? 
What's a beauty tip you can't live without in the summer? 
{ Show us + Tag it‎‎ #OTSPnaturalbeauty }

on our Facebook Page or leave a photo or blog post link in the comments.
 

---

READ NEXT:

---

Blog

IDEA115: Get Summery Soft Lips with Organic Lip Tints

about 11 years ago

Blog

LLYT Challenge : Get Out of Your Beauty Box, (Part 3)

about 11 years ago

IDEA113: See the Best *Sights* in Costa Rica

When traveling the best sights are not the ones you find in a guide book but the insights you discover about yourself and your travel companion.    

Canyoneering Tour in Arenal, Costa Rica

Mu-Hsien may look delicate, but I saw nothing delicate about her while she fearlessly scaled down a 120 foot waterfall.  My cautious suggestion the day before that we should perhaps skip this unnecessary endangerment of our lives was met with "I'm booking it for us tomorrow morning."  

• • • 

 Baldi Hot Springs in Arenal, Costa Rica

She never likes to be the center of attention, but in Costa Rica she totally left Volcano Arenal fuming in the background as she proceeded to steal the show by acting like a lounging "Bali Princess".  

• • • 

Olga's Cafe in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Alla is rarely calm! Except strangely enough, when in stressful situations such as finding us a hotel room in a fully booked town during Christmas...or when she's eating. Like a wild animal, she must not be disturbed. Especially during our *wow-this-must-be-what-real-fruit-tastes-like* morning ritual.  

• • • 

Guanacaste coast, Costa Rica

While on a rough ride through the Guanacaste coast Mu-Hsien took artsy snaps of beautiful flora and fauna, while Alla excitedly pointed out large private villas in the distance.

• • • 

ATV Adventure in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

At least we both agree that there are few sights that eclipse the magnificence of a radiant sunset overlooking golden rolling hills, undiscovered beaches and a friendship beyond borders.

What's the most surprising thing you've ever discovered about a travel companion? Have you ever acted out of character while traveling?

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

---

READ NEXT:

---

There are no items to display from the selected collection.

Blog

Do What You Love...Right Now.

about 11 years ago

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    • • •

---

READ NEXT:

---