IDEA137: Bring Good Luck with a Chinese New Year's Tradition

I feel pretty lucky to know another home outside of the U.S...to know another language...a whole very different culture from the American side of me. I was born in Taiwan and with Chinese New Year's coming up and all, I figured I'd give you a little glimpse into what fond memories I have of my hometown AND to give you a peek into some of our Chinese Traditions. 

I'm hoping that some of this *luck* will rub off on you this week! 

• • •

{ 18 Peaks Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan }  
Taiwanese people are serious about their parks. It's a way of life. Zen-like parks are everywhere. You'll find old and young enjoying the flowers and many hiking trails overlooking mountain peaks and views of the city.

• • •

{ Hsinchu Noodle Stand } 
We are pretty darn serious about our food as well. And I don't think my husband really understood
why I love noodles so much until he tried them for himself in my hometown. 

• • •

Every time I smell the exhaust of scooters...I am instantly transported to a bustling scene like this.
Although it's a small island, it should not be understimated...my grandmother had dial up before I did!

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{ Sun, Moon, Lake, Nantou, Taiwan } 
Meanwhile in the countryside...it's as though you've stepped straight into a mystical story.
Taiwan's mountainscapes are a favorite. They have a distinct way of layering and fading into the distance.

• • •

{  Chinese New Year's Tradition }
I used to love seeing these red envelopes. They were always filled with LUCKY MONEY 
gifted from my parents or elders! Red is a symbol of good fortune and practically everything is red...This is just one of many aspects of New Year's to bring in luck. Families also clean the house to sweep away the bad luck and making room for good fortune in the coming year. (via @zyucy)

• • •

{ Lantern Festival 2013, Hsinchu, Taiwan } 
This marks the end of the chinese lunar year, and the end of the New Year's celebration.
(My cousin pictured is clearly too excited about this all to keep it to herself) 
 

• • •

New Year's is a big deal. Parade of lights, light up the town along with the lanterns...
(via @ben_issac)

2014 is the year of the Wood Horse, and each year the symbolic animal brings on a certain "vibe" to the year. Not all animals bring good things to the year. Fortunately for us, horse year is considered VERY LUCKY...so get ready for big wins, romance and unexpected adventures!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

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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IDEA138: Cook a Chinese New Year Meal

about 11 years ago

LLYT Challenge : Try Out New Traditions

There is some kind of magic that envelops January... It's the start of the new year and it's impossible not to feel just a little bit like this year ANYTHING is truly possible. So many interesting and exciting adventures await! Ahhhh....

Ok, did you finish giving yourself a hug and twirling around the room with eyes closed? Guess what, those interesting and exciting adventures will not just fall in your lap (well they might if you're lucky) but are you willing to leave it up to chance to have "the best year of your life?" Why not actively pursue those exciting and interesting adventures instead of just waiting for them to happen? That's right, inspiration drill sargent Alla is here! Now drop down and give me 20...and on your knuckles! 

That's the magic of travel, it puts us right in the path of adventures. Whether it's because we have our eyes open for them or simply because we're immersed in a new atmosphere of another culture, we find excitement all around. But this magic does not have to END when we touch town at our home airport. Let's review the first concept of our mission shall we?

• • •

Foster a curiosity for the world and celebrate our differences.

Well that's why we travel right? We want to soak up a new language, discover amazing food you won't get elsewhere or shop in the quaint streets of a charming town... even to see what it feels like to live like a local. The life-long student in us, feels alive with the stimulation of new experiences and learnings. We borrow from other cultures and traditions to enrich our own personalized approach.

 

So what are we going to do about all this? 
How about just 3 SIMPLE THINGS?!!! 

1 - Choose ONE holiday celebration from another culture to celebrate this year. 
Is there one you've always been curious about? Maybe you've seen your neighbors celebrate and it looked like a good time? Maybe your city or a cultural house organizes a celebration. Challenge yourself this year to join in on the party!

2 - Choose a cuisine that you've never cooked before... and learn to cook ONE dish! 
Perhaps a friend can teach you? Or how about a cooking workshop? Why not get in touch with a food blogger and ask them for advice.

and the 3rd... EASY!

3 - Follow a global neighbor on Instagram from a country/culture that you're curious about. 
Choose someone who likes to share views of their country and everyday lives (and their eats!). Ask them questions if you see something you're not familiar with! 
 

You might be thinking, ok maybe I will take your challenge...
but are YOU guys going to do this too? 

Of course!

I'm very infatuated with Asia in general lately and Chinese New Year celebration in particular. My curiosity was peeked through friends that have taken me by the hand and introduced me to this holiday over the years. Amazingly enough a French friend took me to China town in NYC for Chinese New Year to hear the drums and see the dancing dragon collecting money from shop owners. A Panamanian friend introduced me to one of her Chinese New Year traditions of going out for a dim-sum brunch. Both these friends are not Chinese, they just fell in love with the holiday and decided to make it part of their traditions! 

So I in turn would like to introduce my little family to the fun of Chinese New Year and create a CNY tradition in our house! To help me, our very own Mu-Hsien will share a glimpse of a special way to celebrate from her home town and a global neighbor Amy, who writes a delightful cooking blog, will guide me with getting started with Chinese cooking! I'm beyond excited! Of course we are sharing it all with you in case Chinese New Year is on your list of holidays to 'try on'.  

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

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 belw 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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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. 

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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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IDEA135 : Infuse Your Days with Costa Rican Colors!

@reremorales #dippedinturquoise #getarunningstart #treasureisjustaroundthebend

Learn to see hidden treasures!

{Beach in Manuel Antonio.} 

The very same one pirates used to lounge on... and apparently a huge amount of treasure that escaped Captain Morgan's grasp is still hidden somewhere in the hills of Manuel Antonio. 

Welcome to OTSP Glimpse.

OTSP Glimpse is a visual hop to discover a piece of the world, to peek into someone else's window, to see what life is like as seen by our global neighbors. We are fascinated by the way people present their world. And by sharing with each other we will be inspired to see our own lives in a new light, to try doing something differently or to simply think in a new way.  Remember, the most beautiful glimpses you might see may be someone's everyday, and what is a regular occurrence for you, may be very exotic to another global neighbor. By sharing we might just discover that what's around us is indeed glimpse worthy!

This first glimpse of the year takes us to Costa Rica. There is something about starting a new year submerged in an atmosphere very different from our own. It reminds us to think differently and notice new possibilities. What is one new thing you'd like to try or learn this year?

• • •

@patlyn10 #intothegreen #reachingforsun #neverstopgrowing

Try ONE new thing each month.

{Hiking near Vulcan Irazu.}

• • •

@proyetoasis  #betheredqueen #bebold #bevibrant #beheard

Infuse your days with COLOR!

{Alpinia purpurata, or Jungle Queen in Arenal.}

Bright colors have a therapeutic effect on our minds. They almost trigger us to wake up! When outside is a never ending pallet of grays, it might feel safe to cocoon yourself in the safety of black sweaters, but to splash a bit of bright color around you may very well be the prescription to awaken from the winter slumber.

What color makes you smile?

• • •

@samcrevelin #lavenderhorizon #getawayboat #discoveriesawait 

Plan tiny escapes.

Is your 'proverbial' getaway boat ready!? Mine is just there on Tamarindo Beach.  I have to always remind myself that everyday routine has been created by me and only me, and to depart from it all it takes is doing something differently and acknowledging that you're not stuck in it. And if needed: plan that getaway, it could be as simple as a longer lunch break at a brand new location, or planning a weekend trip to a new city...

• • •

@maria_eva #goldensunset #ordinaryisextraordinary

Be passionate and you will be rewarded in gold.

{Sun setting on Tamarindo Beach.}

Just like the fable of a king who turned all he touched into gold, we can do it too. There is a difference between just getting something done, or putting real effort into it. We can turn things around us into gold, and ordinary moments into golden memories by being passionate.

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

You alone are in charge of coloring your day.

{ Keep in touch via Bloglovin, Feedly or Facebook }

 

How to Live Like You're Traveling : 5 Key Principles

ohhh... if we could just bottle this feeling! 

You know what we’re talking about…that freeing feeling of wind in your hair, the curiosity you feel when exploring a new town and the interesting folks you meet along the way. You greet each day with a sense of endless possibility. But is it only reserved for those occasional trips?...or more if you're lucky? What if you were able to infuse it into your everyday?! <gasp!>What if each day could be enhanced with a deeper vibrance, more enthusiasm and sense of adventure!

We have always shared a love and curiosity for the world and as our lives evolved, so did the types of adventures we were seeking. Whether we’re experiencing them in the kitchen, home, or in foreign lands, we invite you!, our global *neighbor* to stop by, chat and let us in on your traditions and perspectives. After all, anything in life can be attainable with creativity, gusto and inspiration from friends near and far!

We invite you to join a movement that challenges the mundane of everyday life. To say yes to greater awareness, curiosity & engagement... to experience life in full color!

5 Ways to Live Like You’re Traveling

1 - Foster a curiosity for the world and celebrate our differences.

Well that's why we travel right? We want to soak up a new language, discover amazing food you won't get elsewhere or shop in the quaint streets of a charming town... even to see what it feels like to live like a local. The life-long student in us, feels alive with the stimulation of new experiences and learnings. We borrow from other cultures and traditions to enrich our own.

Fontainblue, France

2 - See beauty through *fresh* eyes.

Notice how even a dusty Italian cobblestone road can draw our attention, much like a blazing sunset would. Whether it's exploring our neighborhood with a tourist mindset or seeing the good in those around us...life is too precious of a gift to waste not spending it in awe and gratitude. Just when we think we've seen it all... we realize there's still so much more to discover.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

3 - Pamper ourselves.

Sure, not every trip involves spas and massages outdoors (although they should!) Due to the scheduled down time, we actually allow ourselves to choose activities that help us to relax and enjoy the moment. We naturally connect with the fact that when we're relaxed and smiling...we're gorgeous! It takes realizing that it’s a purposeful activity (NOT a nice-to-have) nourishing us so that we can truly be there for others.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

4 - Push ourself with an adventurous spirit.

Whether the adventure is in the kitchen or on a mountain, we take on an "anything can happen" mentality, where tomorrow only brings more possibilities. Getting outside of our comfort zone and trying things we wouldn't at home because it's a "once in a lifetime chance". We seem to spot AND take advantage of opportunities everywhere! Are there really more there when we travel? or are we just less distracted and more open to seeing them?

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

5 - Cultivate connections and make every moment count.

Walls come down, and we find ourselves more open...skipping small talk and getting to what’s important more quickly. Despite differences in circumstances we find familiarity in shared struggles and what makes us laugh. We feel rich in broadening our view of the world. Time feels more “valuable” and we dare not miss a moment.

Lucerne, Switzerland

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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IDEA132: Go on a Culinary Adventure to Savannah with a 15 Min. Crab Chowder

"It's a Snap" has been inspired by the obsession of instagramming one's meals (Guilty!). These come straight out of my Instagram feed @alla_otspblog, and they're actual meals that I cook daily for my family. Disclaimer: I'm no chef, I just love home cooking. All meals you'll see here take no longer then 30 minutes to prepare, and I make these on regular weeknights. If a recipe is based on another I will link the original for you!  

Lazy Girl's Crab Chowder Recipe (15 Minute Crab Chowder)

My mom in law was due to come over for dinner and usually I like to make a bit of a bigger deal for her, but I sort of... forgot (well now that I have 2 kids I can always blame it on them for not getting something done on time). Anyway, I still wanted to wow her just a little bit by making something "different" that we don't eat everyday. Crab Chowder popped into my mind! Don't ask me how or why, the mysteries of the inner workings of my mind shall remain undisclosed. The recipe however is below.

15 Minute Crab Chowder (serves 4 with leftovers)
• 1 tbsp of butter
• 2 potatoes peeled and chopped into small cubes
• 1 medium onion
• (Optional) half of a zucchini chopped into small cubes (I had this laying around the fridge and wanted to use it up so in it went!) 
• 1 red bell pepper chopped really small (great for a pop of color)
• Chicken stock (about 6 cups)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups of frozen corn
• 2 cans of crab meat
• 1 tsp of Chinese fish or oyster sauce (if you'd like to make it just a tad more fishy)
• 1 tsp of berbere (I put this in everything pretty much!) or cajun seasoning
• a bunch of fresh parsley chopped-up
• pinch of chili pepper
• ½ cup of milk

Prep: 
Heat up the butter in a pot or Dutch Oven. Throw in the onion, potatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper and the parsley. Stir it over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add berbere or cajun seasoning and give it another stir. Pour in the chicken stock and throw in the bay leaf. Add the corn and cook for about 10 minutes (peppers and potatoes should get soft). Add the crab meat and let it warm up for another 2 minutes. Add the fish/oyster sauce and that pinch of chili pepper. As the last step, turn of the heat, add the milk, stir and serve! Perhaps with a warmed up baguette smothered with garlic butter! 

• • •

If you'd like to do this the longer way, and have 2-3 hours, check out this lovely recipe. 

And even longer... why not fly on down to Savannah, Georgia and head over to River Street to eat this southern specialty overlooking the harbor? We hear also that within 30 minutes drive from downtown, A-J's Dockhouse on Tybee Island, is THE place to be for crab soup... 

• • •
River Street, Savannah
{ Via TripAdvisor }

• • •
AJ's Dockside Restaurant
{ Via Trip Advisor } 

Hope you'll enjoy this quick recipe or the longer trip down to Savannah, Georgia. Let me know which Instagram meal you'd like a recipe for next! 
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

"Armchair travel" can also be
done from the kitchen counter!

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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Blog

IDEA107: Channel the Romance of Nice with a Savory Pumpkin Soup

about 12 years ago

IDEA131: Get a Stitchfix Personal Shopper Who Will Read Your Mind

I just signed up for a clothing delivery service called Stitch Fix. It's exactly what I've been waiting for! While I don't mind shopping, I don't always have the time to keep up with trends the way I'd like to and have always wanted to have a stylist just select a few (must have) items for me each month.   

Enter Stitch Fix. How it works...
• Fill out a detailed style profile that gets into sizing, styling and cost preferences. Everything is super customized. They even ask for pinterest boards or brands that you love to help them understand your style. I provided these two boards and it must have really helped! (Classic Naturalist) and (Polished).
• Items they offer: jackets, blazers, cardigan, sweaters, scarves, tops, bottoms, jewelry...
• This is not a subscription service. You are not obliged to pay anything unless you request a box. 
• Request a box as much as once a month, or only when you need it. You can be as specific as you want. e.g. "I need a dress for a wedding, send me 5... For me, I set it so that I would get some staple items, but to also "surprise" me occasionally to be sure to keep things interesting.
• Anything that you don't want, just send it back in the pouch that's included within 3 days. (Think Netflix.).

Reasons to try it out...
• I got to a point where it felt like I had 10 of the same tops in different colors. By going this route, it might help to keep my wardrobe more well rounded. Every once in a while I need someone to push me outside of my usual favorites.
• Usually I binge-purchase clothes when I actually have time to go shopping. Monthly purchases might help to balance out new clothes more evenly through out the year.
• The $20 per box fee goes toward any item you keep. The way I see it, if you like at least one item, it's a win. (Additional 25% off if you keep all five)
• If you hate going out to go shopping. You'll love this.

Even though I love the idea, I had low expectations...
I figured it would take them a few tries to figure out my size, styling and color preferences, so I kept my expecations low. To my surprise, I liked 3 out of the 5 items that were sent. It felt like Christmas, and I couldn't wait to open the box! I took a peek on the way home in a cab, and the minute I saw the colors and fabric, I was really excited! Here are the items I kept...

• • •

I was JUST admiring a military jacket...

The jacket I saw recently was a $150 version at Madewell.
(This one was only $49! Artwork, a gift painted by my hubby for our first Christmas.)

• • •

I love tab sleeves + kelly green...

I've been needing tops for work and it's super flowy and comfortable.
(Tab sleeve V-neck ~ $69, House of Harlow Pyramid Station Necklace)

• • •

how'd they know I'd love tribal chevron?

I didn't ask for a dress, but I've actually been needing some.
(Tribal Print Dress ~ $49, Iraeli Designer, Annalis Jewelry, Coral Teardrop Delicate Gold Necklace )

• • •

And just in case you need more ideas, every item comes with a styling card!

If you found this helpful and would like to try Stitch Fix out:
GET STARTED through ---> { My Stitch Fix Referral Link }

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Don't be afraid to ask for help,
in the end, it might make you look better ;)

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

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