They are rocks and seashells, seaglass, foods from the area, something a relative may have made, and stories of places we’ve visited.  The natural objects are typical of that area and may tell of the geology and history.  We bring home recipes to try and ingredients we might not find at home.  (I use these for my travel writing, but the grandchildren seem to look forward to them, too.)

Image: sxc.hu

•  Rocks of a particular area
• Shells from a beach
• Foods
• Recipes
• Food ingredients for making ours at home
• A costume
• Piece of jewelry typical of the region
• Postcards for making collections or scrapbooks
• Seaglass

My daughter was going through some of her souvenirs from trips as a child and teen.  Even though she might have purchased a few “touristy” items, those she saved were stones and seashells, postcards and photos!

 What do you collect for your grandchildren when you travel?  Are there items that aren’t expensive?  That create memories?  That add to the youngsters’ knowledge?  That expand their imaginations?

Post from: Blisstree

Rocks & Seashells- Simple Gifts for Kids

Talia Mana, an Offbeat Homes reader sent me pictures of one of her previous homes located in Whangarei New Zealand. Talia has since sold it but had a hard time doing so. Seemingly folks thought it was a little too wacky — I actually think it’s very approachable. But then, I see a lot of wacky homes.

Here’s a view of the front; notice the rocks incorporated into the outer wall — I love that look. You get rocks that provide a natural look, but it’s not overwhelmingly rock made.

If I had to guess, I’d say the roof helped to throw buyers for a loop. People are still catching on to the idea of green garden roofs. According to Talia, one buyer came back five times but couldn’t get his wife to agree to the purchase.

Regarding the house, Talia says, “Everything was built from eco friendly materials. No paint was used only stains and washes without harmful chemicals… The earth roof and grasses purpose is eco friendly absorption of rain to prevent waste water problems and insulation.“

Cool. As noted often, we love a good eco-friendly home here at Offbeat.

Something neat about this home is the landscaping. When Talia lived here the plot was 45 acres. So you don’t want to be the one doing the landscaping but it is nice to look at.

And another full view of the home with some of the landscaping.

The pictures above are a bit scratchy but you get the idea — really nice layout on the land. Although this house is in New Zealand, it reminds me of a lot of the architecture you see in New Mexico. Two very different cultures but still with likewise designs.

The home was designed by an architect who worked with Hundertwasser. Hundertwasser was a well-known artist / architect who really deserves his own post so we’ll stop the discussion now — but it’s an interesting and good selling point for this particular home.

Do you want to have your home be the star of Offbeat for a day? What about that oddball doghouse you built or that wacky shed. If you’ve got an offbeat structure I’d love to see it and so would other readers. Send that structure to jennifer.chait (at) b5media.com

Many thanks to Talia Mana for sending me the very first reader offbeat home. If you’d like to learn more about Talia, outside of the fab home she owned you can visit her at The Centre for Emotional Well-Being or at New Zealand Reality TV Updates & Gossip.

Post from: Blisstree

Reader Home #1: New Zealand Retreat