How to Live Like You're Traveling : Part 2 - What Makes Us Happy When We Travel?

Welcome to "How To Live Like You're Traveling" series, where we explore what is it that makes us happy when we travel and how to achieve this happiness in our everyday lives. Join us on this adventure, and write out your very own travel day that stands out in your memory using this template in part 1 of the series. 

In this Part 2, we are going to break down one of my favorite travel days to see what makes us happy when we travel and if these elements are transferable into our everyday life. 

Let's take a look at a favorite travel day together...

The Set-Up
Family vacation in France, staying at the lovely Les Mathes Camping in a delighful mobile home, as one does. 

The Characters
• Alla - that's me!
• Vito - my other half
• Mo - our delightful oldest son 
• Vin - our equally delightful youngest son
• Dan - my high-school sophomore brother visiting from NY
 

1 - Waking-up
How did you wake up? When? What did you do?

We were woken up by Vin who must have been treckking through the Sahara desert during the night judging by his thirst. Once the milk bottle was in hand we were able to continue waking up propensed by Mo who decided to contribute to the process by running into our room and joining us all in bed. Mother's joy is complete... when all children are within an arms reach!
 

2 - Breakfast
Think about your first meal, what did you eat, who did you eat with? How did you feel about the coming day spread out ahead of you? 

Breakfast would usually start with a walk to the little market together with Dan. We would talk about life and universe and so on and so forth. My brother is totally smarter than me... and better looking. At the market we picked up freshly baked croissants, with chocolate for me, plain for Mo and Vito, and a pecan pastry for Dan and a baguette for everyone. Back at the house we'd sit down at our little table to eat and plan our day. (Well, usually I would just tell the family what I wanted to do and expect complete and immediate agreement.) 

3 - First part of the day
Write down everything you did in the first part of the day. Did you sight see? List all the activities and think about how they made you feel. 

We (I) decided to drive over to La Tremblade, a little fishing village to just check it out. A quick google search revealed very little information about the town so we had absolutely no idea what to expect. Plus, it just so happened to be Bastille Day, and judging by other towns we drove by on the way, everything in La Tremblade would be closed. Lo and behold we arrived to a PARTY. To our amazement the tiny town was filled to the brim with people! There was a market happening in the central square and many shops lining the streets were opened. We strolled and promenaded and bought presents for family back home. 
 

4 - Lunch
One has to eat! What did you eat, where did you have lunch? Remember the tastes, aromas, views... 

For lunch we sat down at one of the sidewalk cafe's ordered cappuccinos, and juices. The cafe we were at did not serve food but we noticed a long line next door at the bakery. We thought it would be a good idea to get in line and buy whatever it is they were selling in there. My brother and I joined the line to continue our earlier conversation about the universe. Mo joined us, and since I'm priming him to become aerospace engineer it's good that we expose him to the relevant topics early on. At the bakery there were all kinds of delights! We ordered baguette sandwiches and got a few different little cakes and pastries to try. They were delicious! We then sat, chowed, people watched and took turns taking bites of the pastries. Ahhh...  On the way back to the car, we ducked into a very atmospheric indoor food market to get meat for a barbeque we decided to have for dinner. Mo was introduced to various sea creatures... 

5 - Second part of the day
What did you do after lunch? How did you feel? Who were you with? Who did you meet? Why did you enjoy it?

After lunch we happily drove back to the house for a nap. Then it was time to grab towels and head over to the pool, the pool is nice, but you know what else is nice? The bar right next to it. So after an hour or so of splish splash, Vin and I headed over to the lounge to polish off a 51. Well, a 51 for moi, and Vin got a drink and a banana. 

6 - Dinner
How did you decide what you will eat? Where did you have dinner? What did you eat, who were your dinner companions? What was your favorite part about this dinner? 

Dinner was a barbeque outside of our little home. The meat and the shrimp from the market were going to be our hero dishes. We tossed some salad together and cut-up amazingly sweet melon as side dishes. A couple of beers made the everything complete. Dan and Vito did the manly things like grilling and Mo, Vin and I did the rest, like chowing down on the sweet melon. It was sunny, we were eating al fresco, random things were hilarious for no reason, and everyone was happy! 
 

7 - Evening time
What evening activities did you do? Did you do some more sightseeing, did you relax? Did you go to a party?

Remember how you felt. Embarrassingly enough Vito and I went to bed quite early. Dan on the other hand went to hang out with the neighbors, a rowdy French family. 
 

8 - Night
Perhaps you stayed up all night? Or maybe just the opposite, you had the best night of sleep?

We did have a great night of sleep, with our little window open, hearing fireworks in the distance...

---

THE 6 ELEMENTS

So what DID we do all day to be so happy and was it directly tied to the specifics of the location? Let's inspect...

I think it's pretty clear that we spent quality time with each other all day. We had nothing else on the agenda but to spend time together. What and where was pretty much secondary. 

The day started with us daring to discover something new and being pleasantly surprized stumbling in on a local town Bastille Day party. 

Something important to notice is that we did not have a schedule, we did not rush, we did everything at our own pace.  We took a nap, some of us read, having a drink.

We all got creative. I took photos, Dan wrote in his blog. Vito read a novel. We got creative in our own ways and took on activities that we immersed ourselves in.  

We spent most of the day outdoors. 

We frolicked at the pool, and walked a lot.

---

Which elements were most abundant in YOUR travel day? 

These six elements were in abundance during my travel day. It turns out that all the elements had nothing to do with the actual geographic location.  In the next installment of How to Live Like You're Traveling, we are going to look at the science behind these elements and why they make us happy.

• • •
Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

---

READ NEXT:

---

How to Live Like You're Traveling : Part 1 - Anatomy of a Travel Day

Have you ever stopped and wondered what is it that makes us so happy when we travel?

Why are we so engaged and interested in our surroundings? Is it really because we're visiting amazing places, or is it something within us responding differently? These are the questions we tirelessly try to answer here at Live Like You're Traveling headquarters. The question of why we are happiest when we travel and even more importantly, how to bring that high into our everyday lives so we can be just as excited and tuned-in. 

We are excited to introduce a new how-to series that will explore these very concepts by exploring the science behind it. We invite you on a journey to discover once and for all what it is that makes us feel happy when we travel and exactly how to bring those elements into our everyday. In other words we want to help answer the ultimate question...

How do you live like you're traveling?

PART 1. Anatomy of a Travel Day (Template) 

First, we are going to re-create one of your favorite days. A Travel Day...a day that brought you inspiration, a day that made you feel excited about life all over again. We will re-live this wonderful day and write down absolutely everything that made you feel amazingly happy. In doing this we will create the ultimate model day that we wish we can live daily. This is the first step to understanding what is it that makes us happy when we travel. After that we will look at each element separately to understand why it made us happy and of course how we can achieve this happiness when we're not traveling. 
 

• • •    LET'S REMINISCE    • • •

Start by thinking back to one of your holidays. Think about a favorite day you spent, copy and paste the questions below into a document or grab a notebook and describe everything that went on that day.

1. Waking-up: How did you wake up? When? What did you do?
    
2. Breakfast: Think about your first meal, what did you eat, who did you eat with? How did you feel about the coming day spread out ahead of you? 
    
3. First part of the day: Write down everything you did in the first part of the day. Did you sight see? List all the activities and think about how they made you feel. 
    
4. Lunch: One has to eat! What did you eat, where did you have lunch? Remember the tastes, aromas, views... 
    
5. Second part of the day: What did you do after lunch? How did you feel? Who were you with? Who did you meet? Why did you enjoy it?
    
6. Dinner: How did you decide what you will eat? Where did you have dinner? What did you eat, who were your dinner companions? What was your favorite part about this dinner? 
    
7. Evening time: What evening activities did you do? Did you do some more sightseeing, did you relax? Did you go to a party? Remember how you felt.
    
8. Night: Perhaps you stayed up all night? Or maybe just the opposite, you had the best night of sleep? 

• • •

In the next post I will share one of my favorite travel days and together we will take apart our day to individually look at the elements that came together to form this amazing day. Stay tuned... 
 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

---

READ NEXT:

---

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

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

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

• • •

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

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

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

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

Lacy Yamaoka, Anguilla Island Life, Make Coconut Oil

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

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

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

• • •

Learn to Make Coconut Oil Like a Local

Lacy Yamaoka, Anguilla Island Life, Make Coconut Oil

What You Will Need

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

How to Prepare

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

View fullsize

View fullsize

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

anguilla locals make coconut oil

• • •

4. Using a flat head, knife or tool, gently separate the coconut meat from the hard shell. 
5. In the kitchen, break meat into small chunks and put into food processor with a little water to get it moving. Pulse until finely chopped.

anguilla locals make coconut oil fresh

• • •

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

anguilla locals make coconut oil fresh

View fullsize

View fullsize

• • •

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

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

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

fresh coconut oil in anguilla

 Lacy's Favorite Uses for Coconut Oil 

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

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

---

lacy yamaoka

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

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

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

4 Unique Uses of Coconut Oil to Try

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

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

• • •
 

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• • •

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

IDEA176: Get Lunchbox App and Connect with Lunchtime Travelers!

Here at LLYT Headquarters, we go on and on about being a "Lunchtime Traveler." It's about using your lunch hour whether it's in the middle of your work or school day as an opportunity to have an adventure.

Why not? When we travel, lunch is a chance to explore a new culture, see something new, taste something new or meet someone new. When we're home we tend to just fall into a routine of doing the same exact thing during lunch, eating the same thing, or... gasp... eating at our desk. Oh dear, call the intervention squad! Now, the Human Performance Institute has long ago established that we are more productive and perform better if we take breaks so there is no need to expound on that.

The bottom line is, how do we do something new during our one-hour lunch window?

To answer this question, Artyom Avanesov created the Lunchbox so we decided to meet for lunch, of course! and get all the details.

First of all, what is Lunchbox App and who is it for? 

Download the app and you can post a lunch status letting everyone (using the app) know where you're going for lunch, others can click to join you and meet up at the stated lunch place. Is it just for the office workers looking to break the routine? Travelers wanting to meet up with locals or other travelers? Mommies with babies getting together for a lunch date? For art aficionados looking for a partner in crime to check out a new gallery during lunch hour? Umm... I think it's pretty clear that Lunchbox App is for everyone! Hey, we all have to eat right? 

We headed to a great lunch place right in the center of Amsterdam, Cafe de Jaren. It's always full and hopping for lunch with a nice mix of students, entrepreneurs, bloggers and suit types. Despite it's central location, this place remains undiscovered by tourists. In the summer by the way it's nice to arrive by boat via the canal. Just saying. 

{ Pictured: serious discussion about entrepreneurship, the future of travel and social networking in progress... Artyom on the right } A little bit about Artyom. He speaks Russian, once lived in a favela in Rio, is no stranger to China and pretty much feels at home in the world. He got the idea for the Lunchbox one fine day when his co-workers seemed to be either skipping lunch or eating at their desks.

During my internship my colleagues would often be busy during lunchtime and I would go out for lunch on my own. Walking around the financial district I would see other people eating their sandwich by themselves. So I thought; wouldn't it be great if there were an easy way for all of us to get together and enjoy lunch in good company?

Artyom thought of the lunches he had during his travels, when it was an opportunity to discover the culture, taste new delicacies and connect with people. And so...Lunchbox was born! Now, we always have new friends to meet at lunch.  

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

{ Exotic fruits on the beach in Paraty, Brazil  ~ Chinese fish market ~ Family style lunch in China } 

{ Sangria, paella and friends! Perfect lunch Barcelona style. }

Speaking of lunches in exotic locales with exotic friends...why can't we continue lunching like we do when we are traveling?

Why can't it be a discovery for our taste buds when our cities are brimming with ethnic cuisine and lovely lunch spots to discover covering just about any culture! A chance to meet someone perhaps completely different and discover things you actually have in common. This happens all the time when we travel and does not need to stop.

--> Download the Lunchbox, and seek out an opportunity to be a #lunchtimetraveler. 

View fullsize

View fullsize

{ Artyom practicing calligraphy in China ~  View from Artyom's pad in Rio's favela }

For me personally it was absolutely incredible to meet Artyom.

A fellow travel lover, promoter of living an inspired life and always discovering. Not to mention a fellow lunch enthusiast, who is not afraid of snapping a photo of the said delicious lunch. Currently the Lunchbox is very active in Utrecht and Amsterdam but wherever you are in the world do not be afraid to be the first one who posts a Lunch Box. Invite friends and ask them to invite their friends and soon we'll all be lunching all together! Thanks Artyom for helping us Live Like We're Traveling!

Artyom's Lunch Spot Recommendation:

The location of the world's first stock exchange! The remodeled building now houses space for events, work sharing space for entrepreneurs and a couple of cozy cafes. 

• • •

Join us @livelikeyouretraveling for more #LunchtimeTraveler ideas! 

IDEA161: Try the Powerful Practice of Eyegazing

These days, especially in the city... most people don't look at each other. In it's own quiet way, it can be one of the most aggressive ways to dismiss another person. Choosing not to see someone. If you have noticed a bit of a disconnect and or life moving at a pace where direct eye-contact seems to be non-existent, you may want to explore a practice called eye gazing, often referenced by the Sufi Poet, Rumi. 

According to Will Johnson, author of Spiritual Practices of Rumi, it's "like iron filings being drawn to a powerful magnetic source, we experience ourselves as being ineluctably drawn closer to a shared feeling of union, relatedness, and love. Where formerly we were two separate beings, we join together through the practice and become something that neither of us could quite be on our own. When hydrogen comes into the presence of oxygen, suddenly there's water..."

Likewise, through such a meeting, two people lose their sense of separateness and drown together in the waters of love and union.

I first tried eye gazing at the Sukhava Bodhe Yoga & Music Festival at the Stonehouse Farm Retreat over the summer. It was the near the end of one of the workshops and I was paired with a man next to me. Unsure about what to expect, we sat across from each other in crossed-leg, easy pose and gently began to gaze in each other's eyes for the next 5 min or so. I settled into my gaze, and as I began to focus less and less on any one particular aspect of his face or eyes, it's as though I began to melt into a space within his eyes.

Towards the end of the practice, I felt a letting go, and it was at this moment that I began to tear up.

I tried to hold it in. I mean this was a stranger, so why would I be crying? I was overcome by a feeling of connected-ness and a sense of compassion, knowing nothing about this person other than the experience of two human souls acknowledging each other. Initially I thought that trying this with a stranger would create a more closed experience, however the exact opposite was true. Because I had no preconcieved notions or back story with this man, I was able to maintain a neutral space of openess and curiosity.

It is said, that when eye gazing with someone that you have a past with, that many types of emotions can emerge. One can feel uncomfort or raw emotions, but the act of sitting with it and allowing it to pass is healing, so for some it can be an interesting check for a relationship to see if anything comes up. Naturally, I wanted to try this at home with my husband. We decided to try it once or twice a week for several weeks to see what would happen.

Now that it was going to be with someone that I knew deeply... what would I feel or experience? 

Our first time, we locked eyes and I felt a vulnerability from being so fully seen and acknowledged. I was giggly and remember the time going by so fast that we had to keep turning the timer back on. We held hands as we gazed and it just felt really nice, it was almost as if our eyes were smiling even though our faces were still. Trying it again, a second time...we couldn't stop laughing! I would see just a slight twitch in the corner of his mouth and we both would end up belly laughing. We've practiced it several times and each time seems to bring a new experience. The last time we gazed, I remember thinking my husband's face had such an innocence and sweetness as he looked at me. For us, it is a fun activity that connects us in a way that normal day-to-day life doesn't typically offer and we definitely plan to continue exploring it. 

{ Fun Fact: There are actually speed dating events that start off with a few minutes of eye gazing }  

So are you curious about trying it? Below are a few tips to help if it's your first time. 

Eye Gazing Exercise 

• Set a timer for 5-10 min. 
• Take a few deep breaths to center. 
• Begin by gently looking at your friend’s left eye only.
• Then move your gaze to the other eye.
• When that feels comfortable, gaze into both eyes.
• Breathe naturally and relax your gaze gently on your partner. No staring :) 
• Share your thoughts and reflect on the experience afterwards.
   

Get more ideas to feel more connected everyday...follow us @livelikeyouretraveling 

IDEA160: Go on a Solo Adventure to Connect and Reset

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

• • •

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

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

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

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

• • •

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

PLANNING TIPS FOR GOING SOLO 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• • •

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

LLYT Glimpse: 8 Decor Elements Found In Every Scandinavian Home This Winter

There is something our neighbors to the North know about winter. And that is... how to enjoy it!

Since the cold and the dark are conditions that last for quite a few months out of the year they're not something one just puts up with for a short period, they are the reality of everyday life. What do our neighbors in Scandinavia do? They make their homes warm, cozy and bright! 

After consulting the live catalog of livingrooms (Thanks Instagram!) we have picked out the 8 elements that every Scandinavian home seems to have. And we're sort of obsessed. 

1 - The Star - Perhaps it is the Christmas star (jul stjärnan) or the advent star, or the North star that shines brightest of all. It is a star that is hung on windows with a little light inside. (See above)

• • •

photo by: @marenbaxter

2 - The Rocking Chair - More specifically the white rocking chair from Eames. 

3 - The "plus sign" pillow and it's geometric friends - It could be a black plus sign on white, or white plus sign on black, or a whole other color altogether, but it's a plus sign and it's right there in the middle of the room demanding attention, and for some reason completely irresistible! Julie from the Einstein blog talks all about it here. 

4 - White fury thing - We can call it sheep skin throw, but honestly it can be a fake one too, weather real or fake it's simply a furry white thing. Inspiration overload here. 

• • •

photo by: @jeanette-duaas

5 - Urbania Tea-lights - Candles, tea lights, lanterns etc, etc, the more the merrier. THE tea lights of note ofcourse belong to the Urbania collection by Danish designer Kähler. (World shipping available through Nordic Moods.)  

6 - The "Snow ball" lights - These are not Scandinavian, they are apparently Thai, but this winter EVERY home in Scandinavia has them.

• • •

photo by: @brenates

7 -The Omaggio vase - It has stripes, usually black, sometimes grey and this year it's GOLD to celebrate 175th Anniversary of the Kähler brand. 

• • •

photo by: @mokkasitt

8 -Striped Mug from Lexington Company -  last but definitely not least, is the striped mug. Speaking of stripes, the inconspicuous beige stripes and star mug is what's holding everyone's hot coco this winter. Don't be fooled by this company's very patriotic American look, they're a 100% Swedish company from Stockholm. 
    

Share your suggestions for a cozy winter, and use  #LiveLikeYoureTraveling!

___
Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

IDEA159: Tackle the Mysterious Fennel with a French Recipe, Even Your Kids Will Eat

Do you have a certain vegetable that you in principle find a good idea to eat but in practice a culinary puzzle to prepare?

I have a vegetable like that and it's fennel. I like the way it tastes, I like its fragrance, but how to actually consume it always remained a bit of a mystery. I mean, taking raw bites out of it is simply not very elegant. What is elegant on the other hand is French cuisine... always! So I figured I will go to my latest obsession the evocative, Mimi Thorisson's Manger blog, to see if there was any hope left for the poor fennel bulb. I was in total luck! (As one who searches usually is...)

I scanned the recipe for "Sausages and Fennel" picking out key words such as, mustard, thyme, butter and red wine and immediately decided to give it a try! 

Since the oven was doing most of the work, I was left with the hard task of struggling against myself not to finish all of the red wine before it was time to add one cup of it to the recipe... An hour later and a bit later dinner was served. It was phenomenal! Let's just say even our two boys ate the fennel. We did end up pairing it with some fancy Belgian beers because alas the red wine did not make it to dinner.

Thank you Mimi for changing my non-consummate relationship with fennel, the flirtation is definitely on - STRONG!  

Here is the recipe for the amazing "Roast Sausages With Fennel" and happy Culinary Travels!
 

• • •    LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

When you're not sure what to make, make it French! 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling  

---

READ NEXT:

---

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

---

READ NEXT:

---