Follow Us on Instagram @nyc.country.folk
NYC Country Folk highlights and honors countryside cozy home methods and creations in and of rural regions from around the world. NYC based company. All are warmly welcomed.
Highlights
Warmest Easter season thank you to Liz Nelson Potter for wonderful, original content !
----
For more, go to our YouTube account under World Travel Babes / Playlist: NYC COUNTRY FOLK
Also enjoy our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts.
And you can !
Warmest Easter season thank you to Pixie Dust Crafts for wonderful, original content !
----
For more, go to our YouTube account under World Travel Babes / Playlist: NYC COUNTRY FOLK
Also enjoy our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts.
----
For more, go to your YouTube account under World Travel Babes / Playlist: NYC COUNTRY FOLK
Also enjoy our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts.
----
For more, go to your YouTube account under World Travel Babes / Playlist: NYC COUNTRY FOLK
Also enjoy our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts.
COMING SOON:
NYC COUNTRY FOLK Events + Courses + Services !
*For more ideas, follow us on Instagram @nyc.country.folk
Garden
Floral
Variety Seeds
I stroll throughout NYC plucking random blooms - umm, er ... is that even legal?
My Country Bumpkin side can't help it - but I should probably behave better than that and grow my own flowers in my apartment, ya think ?
CLICK HERE to order a variety of flower seeds you can start growing in your own NYC home.
I like the Non-GMO kinds.
Garden Decor
Fun DIY Kids Garden Figures
So you don't want your kids' toys all over the place - I get it!
HOWEVER, IF you ALLOW them to plant a toy T-Rex or plastic doll or truck in the garden or in your houseplant from time to time, you can make it a fun game or interesting story time (with 'jungle' figures visuals) they may find endearing - and happy that you allow it!
It's worth a try and MAYBE the darling youngins in your house will even help water and long term tend to the plants. Try it?
Edibles
Leafy
Was back 'home' on the rural North Shore of 'Oahu in Hawaii recently, and hit up 'Kahuku Farms' for this wonderful locally grown (right on the premises!) meal - the lettuce was especially organic fresh tasting.
Yummy!
Feel free to CLICK HERE to BOOK a HAWAII TRIP to check out KAHUKU FARMS.
OR - CLICK HERE to grow your own lettuce indoors right here in NYC (Non-GMO).
Garden Decor / Storage
Cute Mini Library or Cupboard
I need a cute place outside my inside living space to store more of my crap - and yet still look cute storing more of my crap.
Does that make sense?
HERE's another one already assembled.
I also like the Amish crafted kits - CLICK HERE TO BUY.
HERE is a durable plastic one already put together for you ready for ordering and delivery !
Ya oughtta Luxury Lounge all day with books, snacks, relaxing music in NYC's greenspaces - CLICK HERE to book it !
While you're at it, join a low fee quarterly meeting BOOK CLUB in NYC Manhattan HERE.
Gardening
Egg Shell Methods
It's such a contemplative country thing to see an abandoned eggshell of a tiny bird, and stare at it while somehow cognitively summoning the wondrous philosophies and joys of the cycles of life ...
... Okay, maybe not.
But if you're gonna garden in the city, you need soil reinforcements.
Who knew that grounded egg shells are a secret super power plant food? Now THAT'S whatcha call summoning the joys of the cycles of life, eh ?
Order awesome ground egg shell plant food HERE for your own gardening needs.
Floral
Tulips
Aunty on the American Indian rez in South Dakota loves her tulips.
But so do her wild bunny friends
They eat up her tulip heads like the spring time delicacy they are - many of her blooms don't even see the light of day since the early Spring season rabbits get to them before they even get a chance to fully open up !
YET - if YOU grow your own, then nary a wee fluffer jumper dare slurp up 'em gooder goods err, ennit (Country Bumpkin Translation: No wild rabbits in your NYC apartment = safe tulips).
And if you ever want to visit Holland, iconic world renown 'home' of tulips, book your luxury stay there HERE.
Honey Bees
Beehives
Long time buddy of mine just recently began keeping honeybees.
I personally think it's pretty cool he does that.
He also keeps quails for their eggs - but he lives in the rural MidWest in smalltown USA. Over there, it's not a big deal at all to foster parent honey producing swarms and other more non-conventional domestics.
Also cool.
AND - did you know that NYC allows bees to be kept right here in the city ? Deets HERE.
Also - yes, you can own and keep quails in NYC as well. HERE are some official details for you to do so with a legal permit if you wish - however, make sure to call the right offices to ask for necessary clarifications first !
Wanna vacay in amazing and 'wild' South Dakota or even take a wonderful trip to Amish country ? CLICK HERE !
Garden
Mini Waterfalls: Pots, Rocks, and more !
Oh c'mon !
How come only NON-urban places have waterfalls more frequently and we in NYC don't ?
Let's change that !
Order a 'waterfall' for your own home deck/balcony/indoors !
The relaxing soothe of running water + the visual beauty of brings that much needed calm to your living space. I saw this one in my photo here made of pots, but if you prefer one with rocks, or greenery - we gotchu !
Click on one of the following to get the outdoor waterfall you like:
Get some real life inspiration in person for your own natural waterfalls by visiting places like Niagara Falls, Hawaii, Havasupai Tribe Lands, Tahiti, Asia - so many gorgeous larger than life falling water spots for your next Luxury or Adventure vacation.
Garden Decor
Wagons
Order a garden wagon.
Comes with real life Ox.
Okay just kidding about that second part.
But doesn't a mini wooden wagon just scream, 'pioneer' - that charming and iconic symbol of gritty strength Country Folk we city slickers all admire ?
What I like to do is take the whole family or a group of friends (or just myself! sheesh, nothin' wrong with some solo travel time, eh ?) to visit historical North American westward expansion sites such as De Smet (Laura Ingalls Wilder), The Alamo, The Oregon Trail routes, Chimney Rock and the Platte River in Nebraska, Lewis and Clark trails, TransContinental Railroad sites, Ghost Towns, and so much more ! Book HERE !
Herbs / Spices
Sage+ and Other Herbs
Every time I see sage, I wanna smoke it.
No, not inhale.
Calm down.
But just burn it so that the scent is known to all nearby that the air we breathe in is actually being purified, inside and outside.
Food
Fruit
Creative Slicing
We cut fruit almost every day, all day - right?
So who sits around and thinks about how to slice fruit prettier? Barely anyone I know.
But in that rare occasion you do find yourself in want of cuter cutting, here's a tip:
Cut your apples in full bodied slices straight across from top stem to bottom calyx/stamen - in this way, you'll get that twinkly mid star that looks so pretty and is automatically display ready visually!
Get your awesome slicing knives HERE.
Visit rural New York during Fall apple picking season! Book HERE !
Beverages
Mocktails
I don't drink alcohol at all - old fashioned country bumpkin gal that I am.
So I made a fun NYC Chubby Wubby - Monday Mocktails Tour for you!
How fun is that ?
All the fun and safe buzz with no debilitating buzz whatsoever!
You can even walk home in a straight line. Drive after if you like !
Monday is a great evening to hold these because the alc-free watering holes here in NYC are not really crowded that night. Awesome !
Book HERE to sample a lot of the fun flavors in our city !
And order Yummy Alcohol Free Mocktaiil ingredients HERE through our very own ZIPZ store !
Cooking / Baking
Easy Pie Crusts
I do love making then baking a yummy light and crispy pate brisee.
Sure - if I was still living rurally with time on my hands and where locals there expect homemade everything, I could typically do it.
But we realistically llve in NYC - we are dizzy busy!
So I grab a ready made pie crust and toss that onto either a Chicken Pot Pie or Cherry or Apple filling I have in a pie pan. It's just as good anyway! And hassle free.
And quicker.
Order your ready made pie crusts HERE.
And order your beautiful, durable pie pans and oven/microwave safe pie dishes HERE.
Cooking / Baking
Easy DIY Curry, Baked Peppers
Look, I'm no expert curry cook.
But I do love chowing on curry!
These days, l quickly look on YouTube or elsewhere online to speedily whip up my own fake curry.
But if I want the real deal stat, I go to an East Indian restaurant, OR I order ready made authentic East Indian Curry (in a jar or bag), OR East Indian friends invite me over for dinner -
believe me, I know when to step the heck back to let the certified, bona fide experts handle their goods.
Order some authentic East Indian curry HERE to sample for yourselves.
One day, I will visit East India and the West Indies. Book HERE if you'd like to head that way to explore them, too!
Upcycle / Repurpose
Honey Bear Squeeze Bottle
Used to babysit some cutie pie kids in Brooklyn. And they had this: an emptied out honey bear squeeze bottle upcycled/repurposed as a water bottle. Simply add a straw - nothin' to it !
And I loved it! So did the wee cutie pies who drank from it (and got territorial about it).
That got me thinking - maybe if parents needed a fun way to get their small children to drink liquid meds or juices or milk - MAYBE just MAYBE, the key is a fun honey bear squeeze bottle to contain the nutrient rich liquids.
Plus it spilled far less when tipped over. I know parents (and nannies!) love that, need that type of security.
Heck, I'd drink from this myself since they're so dang cute !
Order your honey bear squeeze bottles (filled with honey) HERE.
Here's some without any honey in them at all - order HERE.
Then there's that mystical healing Manuka Honey HERE if you like.
Book an ultimate Alaska cruise HERE - you may actually see beautiful wild bears ! ... they also love honey.
Cooking / Baking
Crispy Flautas Tacos
I once visited El Paso, Texas for some family living there at the time.
I did research beforehand about what the food is like - the Mexican yummies especially.
Ese, it's so close to the border, i knew the tacos would be freakin' A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
And they were!
I tried these crispy flautas (rolled 'flute' shaped) from Chicos Tacos - a local well known Mexican food stop beloved by all there in town and beyond.
Then again, I personally do know where several really yummy tacos are made right in the city in nearly every borough! Book a slot for our Chubby Wubby - Taco Tours in NYC HERE.
If I were you, I'd actually visit MEXICO, or even TEXAS, or San Diego, CALIFORNIA for both the Tacos and regional fun cultures there. So BOOK HERE to do that!
Pantry
Easy DIY Meds
Been reading up on healthy 'already-in-your-pantry' items that actually serve your gut health quite well.
When your gut is served, your entire body is, too.
Some of you may be surprised at these home remedies you have long kept in your cupboards, these 'medicines' disguised as regular, uninteresting ingredients.
Find out more about your medicinal spice rack by ordering:
And if you do not have all these 'meds' already, order some spices HERE.
Cooking / Baking
Lectin Free Treats
I don't personally know anyone who is super militant about when and what and how to eat sweet treats.
I quit trying to police that in myself ages ago.
#BecauseYOLO
A wonderful way for me to not sacrifice my sweet tooth while remaining as gut healthy as possible is to order sweets from wonderful companies supporting me in trying to have the best of both worlds. Order HERE from the Lectin Free Gourmet for your own Plant Paradox compliant goodies!
Book our fun, healthy, and yummy compliant Chubby Wubby - Lectin Free Food/Beverage Tour in NYC HERE.
Pantry
Lectin Free Oils, Foods
Few years back, I discovered the Plant Paradox.
Not everyone is into it, and you don't have to be.
I just remember learning so much more about food, biopsychology, genetics, and sciences all rolled into one when I discovered Dr. Gundry.
I practice some of his findings off and on today. I also order a lot of his products.
I love them.
If you'd like to try/enjoy them also, click HERE.
Pantry / Fridge
Fresh Wild Caught Fish
Was back 'home' in Hawaii again recenlty, and the good ol' summer church camp for families was once again underway at the traditional campsite: Hukilau Beach.
One of the activities for our local rural small town Youth there was to go Night Net Fishing - semi traditional in method.
The second time the net was cast into those late evening waves, this bundle of fish was caught. Yummy!
For fresh wild caugh fish (or other wild ocean delicacies) for yourselves in NYC, order HERE.
To book your luxury resort vacay to Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji or elsewhere in the Pacific, book HERE.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Holiday / Halloween
Easy DIY Bloody Hand Punch
This photo is creepy.
And scary.
And looks guh-ROSS!
But it's really a hand shaped ice in yummy refreshing red cherry kool aid punch.
It's a cinch to make and often a Halloween party fave! Click HERE to learn how get that perfectly shaped frozen hand.
If you don't have supplies already for this, order them HERE.
To book your fun vacay trip to any of the following fun or festive spook spots in the world, click below onto any destination event:
*SITE OF THE OLD WITCH TRIALS - Salem, Massachusetts, USA
*CARNIVALE MASQUERADE PARTY - Venice, Italy
*DIA DE LOS MUERTOS/DAY OF THE DEAD - Mexico City and Oaxaco, Mexico
*MARDI GRAS - New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
*ORIGINAL MARDI GRAS - Mobile, Alabama, USA
*DRACULA'S CASTLE - Transylvania, Romania
Cooking / Baking
Rustic Shaped Cookies
Thank goodness DiClaudio's in NYC had their regular desserts sold out the night I stopped in for a late pasta meal.
The sweet cooks literally made these cookies for me in lieu of all their sweet treats gobbled up by others who love and frequent that place. They were delicious!
I honestly don't know what their cookie recipes are, but I do love the rustic shapes of these -the heart especially, all manually hand shaped clearly.
Cookie cutters are nice, but rustic shapes are also worthy of country-fied adoration. Simply take any cookie douch, then shape them into whatever shape you like. Hearts seems easy enough.
In case you do need cookie cutters, order them HERE.
Beverages
KoKo Samoa
Want a super drink from Samoa?
Well here it is.
Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I do trust several of those that do when they say our pure island chocolate can taste as strong as coffee, and can perk them up like coffee - all without that post spike caffeine migraine.
KoKo Samoa back home in our islands is not quite factory produced largely and processed by machines. Instead, it is processed LIKE THIS still - even in larger quantities.
Travel to our Samoa islands to taste KoKo Samoa for yourself in person by booking HERE.
Boards
Char.CUTE.Rie - Chubby Wubby
I often search online to simply gawk at the splendid array of charcuterie boards all over the internet to get inspiration.
But most times if it's just my family I'm prepping for, my boards don't get as fancy.
And that's totally okay! They'll just gobble it up anyway. HOWEVER - when my family first catches sight of my charcuterie, they get a pleasant streak of delight and joy from the visual a graze board gives right before they grab.
This photo is one of many examples of that very thing.
NYC Manhattan dwellers, order our cute Chubby Wubby - Char.CUTE.Rie boards HERE !
Cooking / Baking
Tamales
Here at Evelia's Tamales in Queens NYC - AND this is the actual Evelia herself !
Our little food tour group got so lucky to meet her in person !
We honored her world renown tamales by purchasing several of them. Good thing we did right then and there - word on the street is they sell out f-a-s-t !
For this and other Chubby Wubby - Food/Drink Tours in NYC, click HERE.
Wanna visit NYC ? Book HERE.
Party
Easy Star Wars Theme
"Aren't you a little short for a storm trooper?"
Ha Ha !
I've always wanted to say or type that - but I would never say that to an actual person in real life.
Instead, I'll feed them to the Sarlacc.
Or lead them to eat up the Sarlacc - like in this photo of carrots and dip I made a while back for a MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU party.
I love that the Star Wars theme spills over into party decor life - no matter how cliched the franchise has become over these many years. I still love it so very much ! Party theme decor included.
Click HERE to see some creative Star Wars party decor ideas to inspire you !
AND book a trip to see Star Wars sets and other space opera related activities HERE !
Cooking / Baking
Easy Quick Cakes
All I did here to make this scrumptious cake is make a box cake - white flavored - and then made some peanut better whip to slather on top of it. YUMMY!
To make it taste a little bit like a PBJ cake, I added blueberries. Strawberries or raspberries could be added instead or in addition to.
If I could go back in time, I would replace the peanut butter with almond butter - so in future, that will be my go-to whip.
To order cake flour that makes life easier, order HERE.
Don't wanna bake in NYC? Then book our Chubby Wubby - Dessert Tour HERE for a sweet and yummy time in the city !
Cooking / Baking
Easy DIY Dry Baked
Citrus Garnish
Thought I needed a fancy schmancy, kinda spendy fruit dehydrator to make these dried sliced lemons.
But I don't!
I simply sliced these then baked them - tried to keep an eye on them, though some of them did caramelize in some spots to a darker color (I think a dehydrator helps alleviate that coloration).
In any case, I was quite happy with how these turned out - they make a wonderful (and edible) rustic visual garnish atop any mocktail - or even a nice glass of iced water, or just the right dessert.
IF you really want and need a dehydrator, click HERE:
And if you REALLY don't want to bake or dehydrate anything for a drink - but you just want a lovely mixed drink (non-alc), then book our Chubby Wubby - 'Monday Mocktails' Tour in NYC HERE.
Cooking / Baking
Easy DIY Crispy Fritters
We. Love. Crispy. Fritters.
ESPECIALLY when they are so dang easy to make - I don't even measure anymore.
I first get a pan and put about a quarter of an inch of oil in (use Avocado oil if you can). Set the fire on the stove to low.
Next, I get a big, tall plastic cup, then I fill it up half way with very warm tap water. Then - I scoop in flour (a healthier nonWheat flour like millet will work) until it's the thickness I like. At times it's thicker, other times it's a thinner batter - all depending upon the group I'm cooking for.
Lastly, add in the sugar (I prefer Erythritol or Allulose or their equivalent) to the sweetness you like.
Mix it real good, then pour 1 or 2 at a time in the now hot pan of oil.
Flip over once you think the underside is the golden grown shade you like.
Once both sides are crispy, pull out carefully and IF you want that extra added sweetness, dredge in more sugar/Erythritol, OR add jam to it.
It goes PERFECT with KoKo Samoa!
I made these fritters frequently while staying with relatives in California just north of L.A. and only 2 hours' drive to Vegas. In both spots, more rural and beautifully mysterious desert surrounded us - totally gorgeous! I really do love arid terrain of all types.
Book your luxury stay in either L.A. or Vegas HERE !
Cooking / Baking
Easy Bacon Avo Tostadas (Crispy)
Real Easy = fry up to a crisp your corn tortillas into a flat tostada.
Put crispy bacon, avocado slices, and whatever else you want on it.
Done !
Easy.
Don't wanna fry ANYthing ? Then book our Chubby Wubby - Taco Tour in NYC HERE.
Herbs / Spices
Teeny Tiny Salt and Pepper Shakers
The Lilliputians have arrived!
Well not really, but it's cute to think that with this S&P shaker pair around.
At first glance, I thought this to be a cleansing keep case for contact lenses. Instead, these wee cuties were culinary.
Order yourself a pair or a few HERE - because why should only hotels have all the fun with these ?
Wanna visit a cozy, nesty small town ?
Book HERE for your unique and BIG experiences on a vacay to awesome SMALL locations !
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Cooking / Baking / Party
Pineapple Shaped Cheese
Isnt this an amazing pineapp ... um, er - a cheese block ?
It's so lovely, l almost did not want to eat it!
All it is: is a dippable cheese block with slivers of sliced almonds all over it - the upcycled/repurposed pineapple top completes the persuasive tropical look of it.
Saw it at a friend's engagement party. Helped eat it up. Sharing now here with you.
To order ingredients for this edible faux tropical fruit for Gourmet Spreadable Cheese, click HERE.
And for sliced almonds, CLICK HERE !
To book a luxury resort vacation in a beautiful tropical country, book HERE.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Beverages
Gourmet Chocolate Tea
This was one of my favorite edible gifts I ever did receive. Chocolate tea!
I'm not a black tea drinker, so anything healthy herbal (and tasty!) along these lines AND unique - well I just love !
Order one of many types of chocolate tea HERE.
To get your chocolate vibe on in Switzerland or Belgium or Germany, book HERE !
OR - stay right here in NYC Manhattan to create beautiful fresh or silk+ flower hair pieces over over herbal tea while lounging like royalty in our Wall Flower Lounge + Tea Party session - Book HERE !
Cooking / Baking / Party
Deviled Eggs with Easy Garnish
Usually, paprika and/or or pepper are the final garnish on a deviled egg. Maybe even some edible dill is laced on there.
I did not have any of those at the time I made these here in the photo.
BUT I did have butter sauteed shrimp and Doritos & Potato Chips instead ! These rocked the look and taste of these eggs.
Party attendees in NYC made these disappear pretty quick.
Inhaled even.
Order a durable and practical dish designed to hold your own Deviled Eggs HERE.
Visit San Sebastien, SPAIN for the world's tastiest (imho) pinxtos - several served with gourmet deviled egg toppings and locally caught shrimp on them ! Book HERE !
Artsy Craftsy
Floral
Hawaiian Flower Lei Making
In a sweet little way, you can now have a little bit of Hawaii in NYC. How ?
Book a workshop with me HERE for our Hawaiian Flower Lei Making sessions - right here in Manhattan !
I'm excited to teach you how to make this simple Haku Lei Po'o (and other authentic island varieties) I am wearing on my head here.
And if Hawaiian Flower Lei Making is just not enough for you, book your Luxury vacation to Hawaii HERE !
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Floral
Flower Cake
Saw a beautiful flower cake like this one at my friend's place who just celebrated a birthday. This image is from one created by Karina online.
And I decided I could create and then maybe sell or gift these myself some time!
NYC Manhattan dwellers, place an order HERE for yourself and/or a loved one! I have fresh flowers as well as silk/foam flowers that last a life time.
Make your own flower cake ? Order your materials here below:
Love flowers as much as I do ? Bruh, I'm obsessed with them actually.
Book a wonderful trip to any FLOWER FESTIVAL in the world HERE !
Upcycle / Repurpose
Wrapping Paper
One Christmas a few years back, I decided to save a few bucks and utilize materials I already had like a used brown paper bag + some found objects in nature (I opted for a few sprigs/twigs of pine).
And voila! These little cutie pie wrapped gifties were born! I just love how the simplicity of their look really makes it an old nostalgic countryside era come alive (at least to me it does). Get this wrapped look HERE.
Stitch
Hawaiian Quilting
This particular island quilting style is so unique, intricate, and beautiful - and so much work to produce! Feel free to cut directly to enjoying one for yourself and order a pattern HERE! All sizes, shapes, colors, designs.
To actually see this quilting in person for yourself in Hawaii, BOOK HERE.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Leafy
Hawaiian Flower Lei Making
Not into decorative flowers on your head?
Prefer a crown of leaves instead?
Lemme teach you how to make it!
CLICK HERE to learn how right here in NYC.
And click HERE if you're ready to visit Hawaii or any other Pacific Island where we create and wear these often.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Photos / Upcycle / Repurpose
DIY Photo Holder
Wire hanger fabulousness. Who knew ?
Learn how HERE !
and HERE !
You might need some craft pliers - order these HERE.
Don't have any wire hangers at home or nearby? Order them HERE.
Need some creative Graphic Design for your photo (e.g., wedding announcements, birthdays, etc.)? Click HERE.
Misc.
Citrus Fruit Design Making
These are so easy to create - and it's pretty much limitless as to what can be created, all on a lemon!
Order the affordable materials here (if you don't already have these around the house):
Floral
Hawaiian Flower Lei Making
The Hawaiian flower lei I made in this photo is one of those classic simple styles that naturally twist into a visually stunning look. Learn how easy it is to make by clicking HERE right in NYC Manhattan !
Wanna go to Hawaii in person? Click HERE to book your Luxury stay.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Painting
Easy Watercolor Shapes, Figures
Just because I took a few studio art classes in college does not mean I'm a high level 'Artist'.
But I sure do try! Not super hard, but I do give some effort.
I start with drawing or watercolor painting very basic shapes like watermelon wedges (always a food theme with me - LOL!).
Order your affordable watercolor paint set HERE as a gift for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
Take your inner Artist to the next level and travel to Paris or Rome to experience European Art/Architecture sites in person! Don't forget the northern Africa ancient pyramids in Egypt, too, and the fantastical faces of Mt. Rushmore.
Book HERE to travel the world for your love of all things Art.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Self
Vision Boards
A long time college bestie of mine held a really awesome gal pal hang out. We made Vision Boards - and I really loved it!
It's the perfect catharsis + mental health self examination + cognitive thought organization de-clutter activity. And it's all ART creativity !
So fun !
Decor / Accents
Wall Flowers
Can you tell I'm obsessed with flowers? What can I say - it's a countryside gal thing ?
So when I found these very affordable tissue paper flowers, I gathered them on my wall and started forming a bigger tissue paper flower for that decor accent vibe. Was real easy to do with adhesives like tape.
Think of these blooms as low maintenance - at least you don't have to water them.
Order your tissue paper flowers HERE and your adhesives HERE.
Take that flower power love up a notch and visit Thailand during their Annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival ? Book your luxury visit HERE.
Decor / Accents
Paper Plate Art
I once walked into this pizzeria in northern Manhattan and saw this amazing collection of paper plate Art on the wall.
I loved it !
The circular plate shape really frames the creativity in a nice way, plus the paper plates are so light weight.
I invite you to create your own cool paper plate Art for yourselves - order easy, affordable Art supplies here below:
Indigenous
Samoa
Green Bananas
That's right - unripe bananas.
They're delicious !
Us Samoans enjoy cooking these underground outside in a semi sub surface oven called an 'umu - we actually cook all kindsa stuff in there.
Most likely if you live in NYC, you probably won't have the luxury of an outside yard to do all that.
However, you could peel your green bananas and boil them in a pot right on your kitchen stove.
Watch how we make our island 'umu and traditional foods HERE !
I am so very happy these and countless other Samoa cultural traditions are perpetuated, taught, and carried out today and for future generations.
*COMING SOON !:
STAY TUNED for NEAR FUTURE VIDEOS/REELS/SHORTS of our TRAVELS to VISIT IN PERSON INDIGENOUS PRACTICES and CUSTOMS in NATIVE LANDS !
#GoNative
Lakota
Rawhide/Parfleche Bag
There is so much craft, skill, inspiration, tradition, and beauty in creating a Rawhide/Parfleche bag and/or pouch.
It's a seemingly timeless creation process and a precious one. Read a little more about rawhide parfleche HERE.
I have the same one in this photo for you to rent if you live in NYC Manhattan. To enjoy Northern Great Plains style Indigenous/American Indian culture in your special or every day look at an affordable vintage rental rate, then CLICK HERE !
With thankfulness in my heart, I am so grateful that so many Native American Indigenous cultural practices are still carried out today and for future generations.
*COMING SOON !:
STAY TUNED for NEAR FUTURE VIDEOS/REELS/SHORTS of our TRAVELS to VISIT IN PERSON INDIGENOUS PRACTICES and CUSTOMS in NATIVE LANDS !
#GoNative
Fiji
Iri Hand Fans
In the Native tropics, one needs a hand fan.
It's a most wonderful and practical way to stay cool back home in the South Pacific islands.
This particular 'iri (fan) in this photo is made of pandanus leaves and is more or less designed for cultural dancing. Watch a native cultural Fijian fan dance HERE.
It's so wonderful to know that Fiji cultural traditions continue today and for future generations. To visit Fiji and other tropical cultural nations in the Pacific, CLICK HERE !
*COMING SOON !:
STAY TUNED for NEAR FUTURE VIDEOS/REELS/SHORTS of our TRAVELS to VISIT IN PERSON INDIGENOUS PRACTICES and CUSTOMS in NATIVE LANDS !
#GoNative
Manahatta
Manahatta - NYC Indigenous Walking Tour
One must never forget that even our modern trade and commerce capital of the Western world NYC was once occupied by Indigenous preAmericans who in turn were also engaged in trade and commerce for centuries AND hunting !
Always remember that New York's original First Nations have not disappeared.
*COMING SOON !:
STAY TUNED for NEAR FUTURE VIDEOS/REELS/SHORTS of our TRAVEL to VISIT IN PERSON INDIGENOUS PRACTICES and CUSTOMS in NATIVE LANDS !
#GoNative
Havaiki (Hawaii)
He'e Nalu
Few folks remember that surfing is actually originally an Indigenous sport.
Native Hawaiians have enjoyed this past time for centuries previously naming it, He'e Nalu. Other Indigenous cultures located around the Pacific Oceania rim also enjoyed preContact surfing.
How happy we all can feel to know that this ancient sport still thrives today worldwide in that Hawaiian style and for future generations.
Order your surf boards HERE to try He'e Nalu for the first time !
*COMING SOON !:
STAY TUNED for NEAR FUTURE VIDEOS/REELS/SHORTS of our TRAVEL to VISIT IN PERSON INDIGENOUS PRACTICES and CUSTOMS in NATIVE LANDS !
#GoNative
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Family History
Travel
Family History / Family Search
Solo & Group Travel
Who are you ?
Where is your Great Grandfather from ?
What country did your Great Aunt emigrate to ?
Let us help you learn more about your wonderful family. Book HERE for your personal Family History trip !
Online
Family Search Sign Up
Anyone can sign up to create an account.
Add your name to your family members that are most likely already signed up !
Click HERE to sign up and create a free account.
Online
Ancestry Sign Up
Don't wait another minute - sign up to create an account to connect to your roots and family!
Click HERE to get started on locating your family worldwide and locally !
Online
AncestryDNA
Science is doing its best to connect us with our global and ancient families genetically.
Though still not a perfect system, I'm personally glad people in labs are trying to unite us through our wonderful origins.
Click HERE to order your DNA Kit !
House Home
Photos / Upcycle / Repurpose
Shell ... Just Shell
So many Indigenous cultures utilize large ocean mollusk former homes for various purposes.
One of them being our tribal home decoration.
Fetch a tribal shell for yourself by booking a trip HERE to an Indigenous rich region.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Cleaning / Organizing
Traditional Samoan Hand Broom
People order online or go to an actual store in person to purchase a broom.
We islanders like to make our own.
This hand broom in thie photo, made with the parts of the coconut tree fronds, is actually quite easy to make - all of it automatically biodegradable.
Watch how we produce these HERE.
Order similar hand brooms HERE !
Book your trip to Samoa HERE !
Bedroom
Easy DIY Nook Items
I keep saying my older sister and Mom now live in DC. But really - and thankfully - they actually live in green and bushy Virginia (that whole DMV area).
It feels and is nice and country-side here, and always with access to urban DC urban centers.
One day I came 'home' to 'DC' to them, and they prepped a cozy work nook for me.
Awhhh ...
While I wish it was mainly pink, I was still touched by the whole effort and gesture.
Book a nesty cozy Luxury Lounge in NYC HERE.
Or lazily lounge in Luxury at Club Med ANYWHERE in the world to work remotely - book HERE.
Furnishings
Easy DIY Sitting Room
Walked into this library where one of my cousins works, and saw multiple beautiful sit and study mini nooks in the lobby.
Loved it!
What was once a semi-cold, half welcoming foyer space is now this very warm welcome center portion of that library.
I also learned that it was my own cousin who was invited by the library admin to design and decorate these wonderful little spaces. I am so proud of her !
She also told me where you could order pieces similar to these you see in this photo.
I love the simple, clean tropical color scheme - but you can switch this up any way you like for your own cozy abode !
Also happy to design, decorate your digital wall art for you - CLICK HERE to contact us about that!
Floor
Wood Floor Panels
Aunty in southwestern South Dakota inherited a fiixer upper.
Over several months, it's been beautifully flipped into today's house.
It's just so much more cozy, more spacious than it used to be, and cleaned up so nice.
I love the flooring she had her brother (aptly titled, 'Uncle', of course) lay down over the linoleum tiles underneath.
Ha Ha Ha! At times, both pets here in this photo of Aunty's camouflage blend into these new wood panels!
Order new 'wooden' floor paneling for your place HERE.
Or visit South Dakota to experience that 'Old West' vibe in historic Deadwood, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse monument, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the sacred and ethereal Black Hills, and so much more! Book HERE.
Decor / Accents
Floating Clouds
Either make these yourself, or purchase them ready made. Aren't they just so fun ?
They are too cute not to have !
OR order them already finished (other than hanging them) HERE.
Decor / Accents
Unique Mirrors
There's a reason New Jersey is officially 'nick'named, The Garden State.
Few remember why. Much of it is green, gorgeous, and lush.
AND they have whales and dolphins - I've seen them myself.
Just off their southern coast at Cape May, you can take a large boat ride to see them in their watery world magnificence for part of the year.
They truly do come out, too!
After my fun day excursion, I hanged out in Cape May town and discovered this lovely taco shop. I did not order any tacos here - too full from the fish&chips I had earlier at another historically renown spot locally.
I did, however, use their restroom (they were so nice!), and was greeted in there by this gorgeous 'wick'(?) fringed framed mirror.
Order a similar one your home HERE if you like.
And if you would like to watch sea life of all sizes and types emerge from ocean surfaces, book HERE !
Decor / Accents
Pixie Lights and More
I had this little room the first time I moved to the UWS here in NYC. And eventually found time to make it real cutesy, nook-ish, nesty, inviting, cozy, my comfort shrine.
Feel free to do the same with your own sleeping quarters - I used really affordable accent pieces to do so while capitalizing on the beautiful warm lighting emitted from the string of LED pixie lights you see here. And so can you.
Click on any item listed here below:
TISSUE PAPER DECOR - Florals, etc.
And if you'd like to Luxury Lounge in comfort outdoors in NYC greenspaces duringthe day, book HERE.
Bathroom / Decor / Accents
Cute Signage
Hilarious!
And lightens my heart.
One of my younger sisters used to live in fairly rural, desert Texas. This sign is from that house - I hope in all her moves since then, she has not tossed this one.
Need cute signage for your place ? Click HERE to request a Digital POD (Print On Demand) to pay for one I can create, then send you to print yourself.
Decor / Accents
Lights and More
Aren't stringed lights so beautiful ?
Gorgeous even - I tend to favor white or ivory colored ones.
Enhance home life with THESE stringed lights .
While Paris, France - The City of Lights - is a good start for illuminating travel experiences, visit any location on the planet by booking HERE.
Kitchen / Beverages
Beverage Dispensers
Years ago, I walked into an acai berry bowl shop in NYC and saw how beautifully brown and wooded every fixture in there was.
Okay, the acai berry bowl was nice tasting, but the decor in that spot was transportational for me. It was rustic in its interior design. The only thing missing was saloon doors as an entrance.
Coulda sworn I walked into an Old West bar filled with gun slingers in Deadwood.
Who knew dark brown wooded interiors in NYC could do that to me ?
I did notice this lovely touch of a glass water dispenser. I also loved that it was sliced green apples and not the typical sliced citrus fruit that's usually floating in these types of beverage vessels.
Purchase one for yourself HERE.
Maybe it's time to make a visit to the historic O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona ?
Book HERE.
Decor / Accents
Throws / Shawl
This beautiful dusty rose brown and white woven shawl also acts as a bed or sofa throw., and even as a picnic blanket.
Its perfect for warming me on colder nights, and several times, I have preferred to wear this over a sweater in more frigid winters rather than don a typical winter coat - I was always kept toasty warm in it (sometimes even overheating).
I thank one of my rural Rez Aunties who gifted this to me. I have had this for years and really enjoy it.
Get one like it in different colors with Native American designs for yourself HERE.
The American Indian designs on it seem to also fit the American Southwest tribal region. Book a great American destination vacay there HERE.
Decor / Accents
Versatile Candle Warmer/Wax Melts
It's practically a candle without a wick, right ?
And it smells really yummy year round !
It's also really cute - awwww ...
Try it !
Purchase yours HERE.
Aromatics
Air Humidifier + Aroma Diffuser in One
I want you to have a nice and fresh smelling home from a fuss free air humidifier and aroma diffuser.
So buy this why don't you?
Purchase HERE.
This That
Travel
Foldable Pocket Size Stool
I love sitting.
Like, who wants to stand foreverz in a bank line or at an amusement park?
Obvz, nobody.
So when I came across this awesome foldable 'pocket' sized stool designed to travel with me without the typical cumbersome clumsiness so many other folding and lounging chairs do, I fell in love.
Try it for yourself HERE.
Decor / Accents
Cute Headbands
Sooooooooo cute !
And typical of what lots of us country gals wear on our heads. Buy some HERE.
Or make your own HERE.
Activity
Easy DIY Light Bottle
Just got off the phone with this buddy pal o' mine o' from small town USA in the more rural region of the MidWest.
I never did take him to be an artsy craftsy kinda guy, but here he is proving me wrong.
He made this cool creation a few years back, yet these lighted bottles are still trending as popular today!
Get your own materials to create your personal 'Light In A Bottle' HERE.
Outdoor
Grill
Late afternoon.
The open air.
Sun heading home for the day.
Chores completed by early evening.
Grill out.
It's the perfect scenario for mid Summer.
Purchase your lightweight 4 or 5 dial grill HERE.
Book a vacation spot in rural WHEREVER YOU LIKE land HERE !
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Holidays & Seasons
Year Round
Holidays & Seasons Shop !
Lots to celerate throughout the year. Head over to our ZIPZ shop !
And/Or our Instagram account @holidays.season.nyc to order lotsa festive Holiday and Season goodies !
Christmas
We Wish You a Paper Christmas
We don't ever have to worry about 'expensive' overly fancy Christmas tree decorations - especially when upcycle Arts/Crafts culture gives us each that cutesy, homemade edge in our creations without breaking our bank.
Loving these re-upped cardboard decorations!
Order items below if you need:
Christmas
We Wish You a Paper Christmas
We got angels.
Easy to make.
Cute.
Christmas
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tea
Hot.
Festive.
Spicy.
Citrusy.
Herbal.
Tea.
Valentine's
A Beary Sweet Valentine
Nothing says Valentines Day more than Teddy Bears and Heart Shaped Chocolates.
Which is why I really love these paper candy studded paper ones - on top of being so affordable!
Some items you can buy to make these are listed here below:
Dove's Heart Shaped Chocolates
Valentine's
Lovely Soul - Annual Free Valentine's Show !
Since 2020, I have held a Valentine's Concert of some kind and in some form called, 'LOVELY SOUL'.
And this current year, I held an interactive Art Installation within live music.
I have been wanting to create a music performance venue for all regardless of level.
I do not hold stressful, strenuous auditions - mainly because I prefer to keep the performance set list open to all in positive ways, family friendly, happy, and as a reminder to all that we each as humans are far more than our musical talent.
We each are lovely souls.
I am excited to further develop our shows.
St. Patrick's Day
You're In Luck !
I've recently enjoyed St. Patrick's Day by simply not skipping it - not sure why lotsa folk have lately treated it like Thanksgiving: forgotten.
But not me!
I've really enjoyed the sales affiliated with the Luck of the Irish, too !
Spring / Easter
Hoppy Easter !
How uplifting is this napkin hack ?
Simple, inviting, loving, cozy, and perfect for your upcoming Easter and Spring gatherings !
Though bright daffodil yellow and sage/olive green are featured here in this video (Thank you Creator Willis Welt!) - YOU do YOU with your own fave Spring/Easter season hues!
My personal faves would be sweet soft pink, lavender, and lemon yellow.
SHOP HERE for Easter:
Mother's Day
Does February like March? No, but April May (AKA 'Moms Rock' post)
In this current horrible economy, parents are doing all they can to get by, get through, get savvy.
So MOMS - we celebrate all that you are doing to make ends meet and doing it all with such aplomb, grit. Thank you Frozen Pennies on YouTube for such insightful tips that help families/individuals !
To thank Mom for being such a great caretaker, CLICK HERE for MOTHER'S DAY BEAUTY GIFT IDEAS for her !
OR some fun, practical, lovely Mom gifts for Home, Office, and/or Travel - CLICK HERE !
Father's Day
Dad, You're Like
A Father To Me ...
Dearest Dad:
Who cares if you duct taped me as a crawling baby to the living room wall so you can take a nap ?
I still love you.
And we never hafta inform Mom about that, btw.
You're great.
Know that.
For Father's Day (or any day!), lemme take you on a trip to Hawaii, or if you could have it your way, a trip to the Golf Course. CLICK HERE for that, Mr. Ultimate Jorts Wearer King !
Beauty
Skin / Hair
Polynesian Traditional
Coconut Oil
At the Polynesian Cultural Center where I work lately whenever I'm back 'home' in Hawaii, no one realizes how many times daily in the Fiji village I cheekily sneaked dousing the freshly made coconut oil onto my skin and hair - all before the manager sees me do it. LOL!
Us islanders LOVE our homemade coconut oil. Back home, ANYone can learn to make this. And we do.
Our cousins from Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia like to infuse the fragrant tiare bloom in their bottles and call it, 'Monoi'.
Order some of our coconut oil HERE for yourself.
Better yet, visit any South Pacific island for vacay and book HERE.
NOTE: Currently, we are not booking to Maui due to recent tragic events.
Mental Health / Fresh Air
NYC Outdoor Events/Activities
People forget that fresh air in green spaces is also really lovely for self beauty retention.
I like to do a number of things in and near water.
And if I'm not doing that, a mere afternoon walk is a many splendored thing.
Hmmm - not even sure if I quoted that correctly, but I just felt like saying/typing it anyway. Ha !
In the case you're itching to do a fun outdoors sum'n sum'n in NYC's green spaces, click below to book!
VINTAGE FINDS - SHOP/WALK TOUR
Makeup / Cosmetics
Beauty Implements
You can purchase makeup and cosmetics implements anywhere. I see these lovely tools online everywhere.
But I'd like to see more implement cleaning devices. Purchase HERE.
Makeup / Cosmetics
Lip Care
I don't have thin lips.
This means I often have to clean these pillowy things - their 'vast' enough surfaces gather up more dryness than I can keep up with.
And this usually concludes them being a little more crusted out than yoozh.
Gross, right ?
A great little remedy is this lip exfoliator from Tarte. IF you like, try it by purchasing it HERE.
Other lip exfoliators can be purchased HERE.
Watch how to make your own HERE.
Aromatics
KKW Parfum
Okay okay - Kim Kardashian isn't exactly the pinnacle example of rurality.
But hold on ! I
f you took a whiff of her fragrances, you'll find they each have a refreshing moment that transports your mind to lovely outdoor worlds of flowers.
At least they do to me.
Okay, kinduva stretch ?
Well, maybe if you saw how beautiful her krystal shaped perfume bottles are, that might make you hit up the outback of Arkansas to dig up quartz like an old miner.
Order some HERE.
Mine Diamonds, Quartz, and other earth valuables in Arkansas - AND keep what you find! Book HERE !
Accessories
Judith Lieber - Vintage
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
This vintage Judith Lieber can work as a gorgeous lizard skin clutch with a cabochon bezzled shell clasp.
I am not selling it, but I do rent it out to NYC Manhattan residents for just a few buck$ per day HERE.
Accessories
Pat Smith - Vintage
Bring back the 1980's !
Or at least bring back the vintage Pat Smith Moon Bags - they've even been featured in the latest seasons of the SATC spinoff, 'And Just Like That' which speaks volumes of the fashion clout this retired designer still has even in showbiz.
I'm not quite willing to sell my many Pat Smith vintage pieces, but I am renting them out to NYC Manhattan residents for super affordable per day HERE.
Skin / Hair / Bath
Bar - Soap, Shampoo, etc.
I've been studying that soapy soaps, soapy shampoos, and exfoliators are not great for skin and hair.
But still - I could not stop myself from purchasing these super cute milky 'soaps' and 'conditioners' from Lush.
And they smell soooooo good !
Up to you if u want to buy similar bath soap items, CLICK HERE.
Aromatics
Chanel Parfum
I don't care what anyone says - Chanel No. 5 is still my most consistent go-to over the years.
Mad props to Coco.
Depending on which garden I'm standing in, I can smell notes of sandalwood (probably my fave stand alone desert musk scent), freshly butter popcorn, and a few floral highlights.
A country bumpkin gal can love here fancy aromatics - what can I say ?
Purchase your fave Chanel No. 5 HERE.
Visit Chanel in Paris on a Luxury vacation ! Book HERE.
Skin / Hair / Bath
Bath Bombs and More
Nice fizzies.
Get these.
Keep it simple.
Travel to Bath England where ancient Romans used to ritually bathe ? Book HERE.