Where to eat:
Taller 17: Our go to morning spot to grab a delicious coffee, a light breakfast pastry and oh my god, those cinnamon rolls!
Jazamango Cafe: We had dinner at this farm-to-table restaurant and this was a favorite during our trip. Traditional local food by Chef Javier Plascencia, everything on the menu was delightful and we'd recommend not only for food, but the atmosphere as well.
Barracuda Cantina: A family owned casual eatery in Cerritos, a town about 10 miles from Todos Santos. They are known for their delicious fish tacos!
Oystera: A high-end seafood restaurant in the heart of Todos Santos. The ambiance is just as enjoyable as the food.
La Confianza: A natural wine bar that serves tapas style food. They sometimes have live music too!
Teatro 6: This crafty cocktail bar has tasty drinks and a great mix of locals and visitors. The interior is gorgeous and makes for a nice hangout spot with friends.
Where to Shop:
Nomad Chic: An evolving globally sourced collection of apparel, accessories and furnishings. You are sure to find a piece that fits right in to wear in Todos Santos or bring home with you.
Hilo Rojo: One-of-a-kind, high-end Mexican designs and finds.
Bésame Mucho Bazaar: Find treasures and souvenirs to take home, made by local artisans and makers. You're sure to acquire some unique gifts while walking through.
El Taller: A locally made clothing and accessories shops. Great prints and colors!
Where to Stay:
Casa Melina: This place was the highlight of our stay! We cannot recommend Casa Melina enough for relaxing with a large group, that also provides plenty of privacy. This reimagined 19th century sugarcane hacienda, has been modernized with a thoughtful restoration and will ensure the most magical time in Todos Santos. It just so happened that the month we stayed there, they were featured on the cover of Dwell Magazine!
Hotel San Cristobal: This beachside hotel is beautiful in design and known to have exquisite views for catching sunrise or sunset.
Paradero Hotel: This hotel is wonderfully designed, with its inspiring architecture and landscaping. It has a cute gift shop too for small gifts and accessories with a touch of Mexican flair.
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It’s springtime in California and the wildflowers are blooming with bursts of orange, purple, and yellow all over fields and along hillsides. The rains that drenched the earth of the sunshine state brought about the most beautiful and bountiful season we have experienced in years. Over spring break, Melis and Melda traveled up to northern California with their families in search of inspiration and grandeur among the blooms, which brought them all the way up to Mar Vista Farm + Cottages.
Magically tucked away on the secret coast of Mendocino County, Mar Vista Farm + Cottages is an experience like no other. This is no AirBnb or hotel stay, but a mindful and serene escape that will bring you back to center. Life moves slower among the many acres on which can be found cottages, a farm, a glass house communal area, a redwood soaking tub, forested trails, chickens, and so much more.
House No. 23 had the pleasure of working directly with Christopher and Deanna Boettcher, the stewards of this agriturismo, to turn the living spaces (11 vintage cottages) into areas of rest, calm and ease. Besides opening this retreat up to Melis and Melda’s families, they were also kind enough tell us all about this inspiring property:
1. We know the property has a lush, rich history prior to your discovery of it—can you give us a quick snapshot of the area's past (leading back to the 1800s)? What is your favorite historical detail?
Our property is ceded Pomo Territory and we are grateful for the care and preservation of this space they once inhabited. There is a special, almost magical feeling here—many guests can feel it too. We believe it comes from the deep respect for the land that the Pomo had.
In the late 1800’s this property was part of the Brick and Tile Association—and you can still see why—our land is full of very heavy clay soil. This area was also in the center of a now defunct town called Fish Rock which had its own Post Office and General Store.
It wasn’t until the late 1930s that the original founder, Louis Kovacs, purchased the property as part of 100 acres of land he bought on the coast. He started as a chicken farmer and only came up seasonally from his home in San Francisco.
By the early 1940’s, he and his partner Eschen Eriksen lived here full-time and started building the cottages (which were then fishing cabins) to cater to the year round fisherman coming up here that needed lodgings.
In the mid 1960’s Louis + Eschen sold the property and it would change hands four more times before settling in ours in 2020.
Our favorite historical detail (from the 1800’s) is an allowance in our deed that says we can build a railroad on site if we want to! (We assume this was for the Brick + Tile association to help move the materials out to the dog-hole schooners in Anchor Bay).
2. How did you and Christopher stumble on this property and become stewards of it? Was it serendipitous or intentional?
It was both intentional and serendipitous. We decided in 2019 that we wanted to start a business together that combined our passions and expertise while also enabling us to live the lifestyle we wanted. As we brainstormed, the vision for a place where we could create experiences for people to connect with nature, wellness, and themselves took form. We were living in LA at the time and scouring all lodging broker websites for a property to purchase and build on. One day, a former colleague sent us an article from the SF Gate about Mar Vista going up for sale. He said, “Aren’t you looking to do something like this?”…
That was Jan 29, 2019 and by Feb 4th we made the 9hr drive to come see Mar Vista.
We entered into a contract on March 13th, 2020. YES, the exact date the world shut down. This changed everything for us. What started as a somewhat easy transaction suddenly became nearly impossible. We could not get financing while the business was closed, and once it reopened no bank wanted to talk to us. Hospitality was one of the worst hit businesses during Covid so banks would not even look at our business plan or the actual property itself. We were rejected by 35 banks before we found bank 36 in October 2020. It was an emotional roller coaster and a lesson in never giving up. On December 6, 2020 our dream came true and we officially became the stewards of Mar Vista Farm + Cottages. Perseverance won!
I always tell people - this was not a fluke or fly by idea—this was something we manifested and we made happen. We are meant to be here
3. What amenities and experiences are unique to Mar Vista Farm & Cottages?
We cultivate over 24 raised garden beds of fresh produce year round that we give all of our guests access to, complimenting their meals while staying with us. We also have a flower cutting garden where guests can cut flowers to make arrangements for their cottage.
We deliver fresh laid eggs each evening to all cottages (from our resident hens) for cooking their breakfast daily.
We have private access to the beach across the street. In addition, we also have a small creek trail on our property surrounded by redwood and fir trees. Our Japanese style soaking tub, which is as old as the cottages, is glorious to experience while gazing up at the night sky. We have an outdoor gathering space with a fire pit and barbecues.
We offer daily goat gab and chicken chat—meet our triplet Nubian goats or join us in collecting the day's eggs from chicken city. Guests can also participate in complimentary yoga and meditation on the weekends. Due to the ample outdoor space, Mar Vista offers opportunities for the traveler that wants solace as well as those that want social interaction. They can co-exist here in harmony.
*We are also dog-friendly!
5. How large is the property and how many cottages are there on it? Do the cottages vary in size/style?
The property is 9 acres including a small creek + trail on the east side with 2 ponds on the south side with vast open spaces throughout. We have 11 cottages total—seven 1 bedroom cottages and four 2 bedroom cottages. Most of the one bedrooms are the same size and while the layouts are essentially the same, each cottage has its own charm with different vintage furnishings and views. We do have 2 one bedroom cottages that are larger than the rest offering more relaxing space.
6. How would you describe the style of the cottages? Do you feel the style honors and ties into the surroundings?
I would describe the cottages as Scandinavian inspired and minimal, honoring the original founders intent but modernizing to today's times. Most have large picture windows bringing the outside in and we use only natural materials for all soft furnishings. The cottages tie into the surroundings perfectly, as we have preserved the open spaces—giving ample outdoor space for roaming, playing, and just being. We intentionally have no TV’s in the cottages and the style and layout encourages you to spend less time indoors and more time in nature.
7. On that note, can you tell us about the House No. 23 products and pieces that inhabit the cottages and kitchen of Mar Vista Farm & Cottages? How did you come about incorporating these goods into the space and what do they bring to the overall experience?
We first found House No. 23 while we lived in Los Angeles (before embarking on our business partnership) and purchased the Alaia bedspread at a local Makers Market for our own home. We already loved the product and the sustainably produced philosophy so when it was time to refresh the cottages, House No. 23 was an immediate pick. We chose to adorn all cottages with the Alaia bedspread, and also added the delightful kitchen towels. Not only are the products beautifully made with organic materials, but we also think the minimal modern styles and colors compliment the cottages. The variety of colors and patterns adds a nice touch and also keeps that individual uniqueness to each cottage. We take great care into the businesses that we purchase from and look for like-minded partnerships. We also like to support small, women owned businesses.
The Alaia bedspread is our favorite piece—we use it on our own bed as a layering piece for those cooler nights. But it’s also great to curl up in front of the fire or just lounging with a book. The combination of the larger size and the soft, fine cotton make it cozy without being bulky.
Christopher, Deanna, and their team hope each guest leaves Mar Vista Farm + Cottages feeling INSPIREd. “Everything we do here is rooted in conscious living,” they tell us, “and we want our guests to not only feel it, but be inspired by it. Whether it is eating fresh vegetables from the garden or introducing a child to chickens for the first time. The more we all understand about nature, wildlife and our mother earth, the more we respect and care for it.
If you are looking to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and a bit lighter on your feet, book your visit and stay at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages here: Inspiration is just a click away
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While the last few years for retail have been murky due to an ongoing pandemic that has threatened the supply chain as well as any consistency of in-store visits, global ecommerce sales are continuing to rise as consumers flock more and more toward online shopping. House No.23 used the last year to solidify a business model that relies on embracing change:
“We are changing every year. We think it’s very important to adopt a change, try new things and explore more opportunities in business. We continue to grow every year, discover our brand more and more and be open to challenges that lead us to take a new step. We are a homeware textile company, but we are so thrilled to carry a curated roster of visionary brands and makers on our website. We expanded our online presence. We really focused and developed our website during the pandemic and are still improving to serve the best shopping experience for our online visitors.”
House No.23 attended many home & decor shows over the last year, making it difficult to favorites, but some of them did shine brighter than the rest:
“We love debuting our new collection every year at different shows such as Shoppe Object, a curated home and gift market in New York with products from over 450 vendors and America’s Mart in Atlanta, and the Las Vegas Home & Show. Through these experiences we get to run into our current buyers and meet new buyers as well as connect more with our sales team. We loved meeting so many direct consumers at the West Coast Craft in San Francisco. By attending those shows, we always have a great opportunity to get direct feedback from our buyers and have a great chance to listen to them and adjust our new additions to our upcoming collection.”
Understanding that they would have such a busy year ahead of them, Melis and Melda took time to nourish the parts of themselves that help make their small business successful: time with family, traveling, and a sense of curiosity and wonder:
“We take family nature trips every year. In 2022, we made a road trip to Russian River, Marshall, Sea Ranch, and the Sonoma Coast. From spectacular coastal views at Sea Ranch, to the magnificence of Mother Nature on the Sonoma Coast, to the towering redwoods of the Pacific, we found this trip to be as inspiring as it was beautiful. Not to mention, we devoured plenty of delicious seafood!”
With 2022 off to a wondrous start, House No.23 indulged their direct consumers with surprising new products, one of which made its way to a very famous list—Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things of 2022.
“Our newly launched Alaia Sherpa Throw landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2022 list. The exposure revved us up for the holiday season and was more successful than we could ever imagine. Our online traffic spiked tremendously with many shoppers exploring all of the products on our site.”
Other new products include the Alaia Duvet Set and Alaia Napkins which is an exclusive collaboration between Food 52 and House No.23. The small business would not have been able to pull off these successful launches without the help of their team and the community around them:
“We never feel alone as small business owners because we have the support network. We have friends who also lead and operate small businesses, allowing us to share each other’s challenges and successes and support each other. We would also not be complete without our great team. We understand that we can’t do everything—it would be overwhelming and take all the energy from our creativity and vision. We feel comfortable asking for help, as should any small business owner. Finding your niche market and sticking with it alongside a strong team leads to a path of success. We try to continue innovating around our niche.”
As for 2023, House No.23 is optimistic about and thrilled to see what this year will bring them. This last year taught them that if they want their business to grow, it’s important to fully invest in it. That means growing the collection, expanding their website, and adding to their workforce.
“We are eager for even more growth in 2023. Our goal is to grow our workforce in order to meet our anticipated increase in demand. H23 is expanding into new categories like bathmats and new loungewear, as well as adding to existing categories. We’re planning to double the size of the business in 2023, primarily through growth in the e-commerce and wholesale platform.”
Spending money to elevate the H23 brand and growing their team allowed the company to achieve all their dreams for 2022 in a smooth and efficient manner. Melis and Melda are ready to take on 2023, the company’s golden year, with the same level of exuberance and dedication that has fueled all their success thus far. Bring on the new year!
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We always go to Cesme, Izmir which is our hometown. We stay in the home that my sister Melda and I grew up in.
What really brought us there was visiting family and old friends—it was a gift to us to be able to relive our childhood and teenage years by spending the days in their company.
We start our day with a traditional Turkish breakfast with family, which consists of: olives, cucumbers, cured meats, dips and sauces, eggs, fresh cheeses, fresh tomatoes, fresh-baked bread, fruit preserves and jams, honey, pastries, and sweet butter. We spend an enormous amount of time—probably close to two hours—around the breakfast table, eating and chatting. My mom makes Turkish coffee immediately after the meal.
Then we get ready for the beach and spend all day with the kids on the sandy and crystal clear Aegean Sea until sunset. Our friends and family members enjoy it with us. The beach is our meeting point with everyone. Then we head home, and get ready for a lively night on the town.
It's an easy life. Here in the United States we always rush things but in Turkey we slow down and really enjoy the beauty around us with family and friends.
Turkish people love to be surrounded by many friends and family. When you go to a restaurant or family dinner, you are always surrounded by big groups on the table. Here in the United States, we notice that people choose to live more privately and you see more couples or small groups when you’re out to eat.
Breakfast and dinner are very important in Turkish culture. We all sit down at a big table, eat, drink and talk for hours and hours. They really enjoy food, eat slowly and connect more. Here in states, food culture is quick. You go to a restaurant and you are done max in one hour. It really makes me uncomfortable when the server rushes the dining experience, and brings the check right after you finish your food. That would be considered rude in Turkey.
I would love to discover Turkey more, and visit different cities that I have never been to before and experience the small village life.
We eat lots of fresh fish like branzino, red mullet, calamari with small mezze dishes. My favorite mezza plate is “Atom” which is a garlic yogurt served with fried red hot pepper.
The Crystal clear water, history, small villages, living the simple life of my home inspire us every time we go to visit.
We are working on new products launching on SS23. They are still in the process. Once we have the samples we'll share more sneak peeks with you! :)
]]>Joshua Tree is widely known for its panaromic vistas, oddly-shaped trees, and ethereal sunrises and sunsets. Melis and her family instantly felt at peace in this small desert town—so she took it upon herself to redesign a home here that would blend effortlessly into the sandy landscape.
1. Why did you decide to buy this particular home in Joshua Tree?
We love nature as a family. We had several day trips to different places like Idyllwild, Borrego Springs, and Green Valley Lake during Covid. We were looking for a vacation home with every visit.
We ended up falling in love with Joshua Tree and the wonderful national park there. We built great memories when we climbed the rock faces. We enjoyed countless picnics, watched magical sunsets, and stargazed at the beautiful night sky. Our kids especially hoped to repeat this experience, so it seemed the perfect place to have a getaway home.
Mojave Rosa had so much potential that we couldn’t pass it up. I could immediately see how we would transform the interior design of the house into a light, airy desert home that felt like a place we could always relax and recharge at.
2. What do you love about Joshua Tree and the desert? What are some of your favorite sights and local businesses?
It’s magical every time we visit. There is still so much to discover and enjoy in this tranquil desert town.
I highly recommend having lunch at La Copine. It’s secluded and intimate, located in the middle of nowhere, but so worth the extra 20-minute drive. They serve some of the most incredible food in that area. Other fun places to stop by for a bite to eat are Pappy and Harriet’s, which doubles as a music venue, and Natural Sister’s Cafe, which offers plant-based cuisine. Don’t forget to grab fresh sourdough and mouth-watering sweets from Luna Bakery.
For picking, thrifting, and grocery shopping, we stop by Acme 5 Home Store, Mojave Flea, and Holistic Ranch to find everything we need.
3. How does Mojave Rosa compare to other AirBnb rentals in Joshua Tree? How is it different?
Mojave Rosa is above all else, a serene sanctuary. As a home away from home, this house is designed to pull us out of our chaotic lives and give us permission to simply be—be ourselves and be 100% present for our loved ones. No matter how messy the outside world gets, this home never fails to bring us back to center. The moment my family enters through its doors, we instantly relax and take a deep breath. That feeling will never get old.
Mojave Rosa combines rustic reclaimed desert vibes with modern style on land that stretches 2.5 acres. Centrally located in the middle of Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree, this space is far enough from town to enjoy quiet solitude, but close enough in case you forget creamer for your morning coffee.
4. What was your source of inspiration when designing the space?
My wanderlust fuels my inspiration! During my travels, I’ve explored countless bustling markets. I’m always searching for little hidden gems at flea markets—you never know what you might find. I need to see and feel what I’m shopping for—it’s a much more personal experience than shopping online.
Mojave Rosa is a reflection of my love for traveling and the many beautiful things I’ve found along the way.
5. Tell us about the name, Mojave Rosa?
The name comes from the breathtaking roses that bloom from the cactuses that grow on our land. It’s incredible how something so vibrant, colorful, and full of life can spring from the dry desert soil. It only seems fitting to name our sanctuary after this remarkable flower.
6. What is your favorite architectural feature?
It’s impossible not to obsess over the high wooden ceilings, which open up the space and breathe life into the rest of the home. As a family, we like to play and lounge on the spacious outdoor patio, which has incredible views of the valley.
7. What do you love most about this home?
At 900 sq ft, the Mojave Rosa is on the smaller side but you wouldn’t know it by standing in it. It makes use of every inch of space and is intimate without feeling cramped. The house is built on 2.5 acres of desert—a giant piece of land that we can call our own and that feels very special. I love to wander around the property wrapped in my robe in the morning, spotting jackrabbits and other wildlife. It’s amazing.
8. Who is the space ideal for? How many people can enjoy it at one time?
This space is ideal for someone that can work remotely and still enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the desert.
It can accommodate four people comfortably. If you’re traveling in a larger party, there is a large sofa bed, bringing the capacity to six people.
9. What sort of activities can you participate in at Mojave Rosa?
Our desert oasis, Mojave Rosa, has everything your heart desires. Cool off in our cowboy tub or warm up in the hot tub. Lay down on the outdoor bed and stargaze for hours.
For an additional fee, book a private in-house sound bath, a yoga instructor, and massage.
10. What did you love most about making this space a home?
We wanted this home to feel like a quiet retreat.
The space is not only filled with handcrafted textiles and homewares from House No.23, but also includes beautiful art and rugs from my favorite small businesses like Upton Home, Morrow Soft Goods, and the special gems I find at flea markets. I used soothing shades to transform this 2-bedroom 1-bathroom into the sanctuary I knew it could be.
I didn’t want to just decorate this house. I wanted to live in it with my favorite pieces. We focused on mood and comfort and kept the neutral desert color palette. We hope others enjoy it as much as we do!
To find out more about Mojave Rosa or to book your next visit, click here: Mojave Rosa
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On the Northwestern edge of San Francisco lies Marin County, an area famous for seafood, coastal views, hiking trails, and redwoods. Also rich in history, Marin is one of California’s original 27 counties, established all the way back in 1850.
Melis and Melda recently piled in their cars with their families to drive up the Sonoma Coast in search of oysters and a refreshing sea breeze. We asked them to share their hot tips and favorite moments from around Marin:
1. What are your top five traveling essentials when you’re on the road?
2. How do you keep the kids occupied on a long drive?
Our kids like to bring their journals with them to write about the amazing things they see on the road. We make sure to bring their favorite snacks for them to enjoy during the drive. They also like to read books and listen to music. They have fun creating their own playlists for the trip. Right now, their favorite podcast to listen to is “But Why” where kids ask interesting questions about the world and adults answer.
3. What initially drew you to Marin/the Sonoma Coast?
We wanted to experience the fresh seafood/oysters and farm life that we have heard so many incredible things about. We also enjoy taking road trips as a big family, no matter the destination. The scenic drive that took us up the Sonoma Coast was a huge plus.
4. What are your top three Spotify playlists to listen to while on a road trip?
5. Walk us through dining at Hog Island Oyster Co. What did you order? Did you shuck your own oysters?
We've been wanting to come here for years...and we finally made it! A reservation is required, and if you plan on coming on a Saturday or Sunday be sure to plan months in advance! We came on a perfect weekday ...sunny, not windy, mid-60s, and the scenery was earthly and gorgeous!
The oysters here are harvested right here in these waters, shucked on-site, and brought right to your table. These fresh, gooey, juicy, salty, and heavenly creatures are so incredibly delicious! Try a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of hogwash sauce... We ordered bread and butter, olives, cheese charcuterie plate, and lots of oysters. We accompanied them with a bottle of Hog Island white wine. All we can say is WOW!
6. What do you order for the table (in general)? Describe the ideal space to dine in.
We prefer to dine outdoors somewhere comfortable with kids. We like easy, casual, and scenic surroundings. We try to choose local items or fresh appetizers to start with. Family-style is the way to go and we love to share! We tend to order several main dishes, starters, and a salad.
7. How does the Northern California coast differ from the Southern Coast? Which do you prefer?
The Sonoma Coast has some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, and the entire west coast. The Pacific here is nothing at all like the Southern California coast. It lies in its breathtaking waves, cliffs, and rock formations. We spent almost half a day watching the giant waves crash against the rocks. The rolling green on one side of the road and the rugged cliffs on the other. There are also some cool little towns to stop through. Lastly, you get to see where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean.
8. What are your go-to vintage shops in NorCal?
We shopped in Cayucos. Our favorites were Remember When and Main Street Antiques.
9. When you shop vintage, what do you typically look for?
We like to shop for ceramics, wooden kids' toys, and small furniture items. We love any random unique décor pieces as well. Vintage architectural books are always a hit for us as well.
10. What part of your trip took your breath away?
Sea Ranch took our breath away, for sure. If you’re every passing through, make sure to stop by Sea Ranch Lodge to grab a quick coffee or lunch. You can spend the beginning of your day walking along the beach, watching the waves hit the rocks, and come back to have some tranquil time at the scenic Sea Ranch Lodge. It’s just so peaceful.
With another successful family road trip in the books, Melis and Melda are rested and ready to get back to House No. 23. We can’t wait to see where they head to next!
]]>Have you ever wondered what the ‘23’ in House No. 23 stands for? More than just a number, its power can be traced back through our company’s history and remains deeply ingrained in our core values.
Read on to find out why ‘23’ is significant to House No. 23 and the ways in which it can bring happiness, spirituality, and hope to your home and to your life as it did for us.
As human beings, we are hard-wired to look for patterns in our everyday life. Whether we are at home, at work, or traveling the world, our brains search for familiarity and order. It’s how we make sense of our little worlds and maintain an inner sense of peace and contentment. So, when we see a repeating number throughout our day, we attach meaning to it.
In numerology, the number 23 is known for expressing a personal sense of freedom. If we notice it out in the world, like on clocks, in emails, or on a shopping receipt, the universe might be trying to tell us something…
If we break 23 down even further, we find that:
2 represents coexistence, acceptance, teamwork, beliefs, spirituality, and stability.
3 represents creative self-expression, optimism, charisma, imagination, hope, and eloquence.
Each and every House No.23 product is made with these values in mind. Your home is your happy place — where you find your peace, and where your family resets and recharges. We believe there is nothing more important than filling your home with products that mirror your true self and bring you an abundance of joy.
House No.23 was founded by twin sisters Melis and Melda, who were born in Izmir, Turkey, on the 23 of April. They were born into a family of textile workers and grew up with respect and love for the fine fabrics that came out of their Turkish town.
When they moved to the United States in 2000, they quickly jumped into the retail profession, gaining knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry by handling all merchandising, buying, and ordering for their respective companies. For many years, the idea of running their own business felt like a far-off dream.
The sisters began to have a strong sense that there was something big on the horizon and that their dream of starting their own company was about to come to fruition. What started out as a feeling turned out to be a sign, as they began to take notice of the number 23 popping up everywhere around them. As it is their birth date, Melis and Melda always took 23 to mean something special, and now they began to see it as a sign.
They saw the number 23 on shipping dates and orders, beckoning them to branch off into unfamiliar but exciting territory. It was a sign from the universe telling them that it was their destiny to seek out personal freedom and start their own business, so they listened.
House No.23 was born out of the belief in finding truth, happiness, and self-expression in something as simple as our household products — and knowing that we deserve them.
When asked how the number 23 reflects House No.23’s core values, Melda says that “Our company stands for accountability and love, just like the number does. It also fuel's spiritual awareness and growth within the household. We want to bring to your home this energy in every House No.23 product”.
Have you seen the number 23 lately? If so, the universe is telling you that something great is coming your way.
Photo by Samuel Black
]]>Big Sur is arguably one of the most beautiful places in California, if not the country. With its majestic views of mountains, ocean waves, and trees, one can’t help but feel inspired when exploring its endlessly gorgeous surroundings.
Melda recently visited with her husband and two small children, and she couldn’t wait to share her experience:
We stayed in one of the cabins at Glen Oaks in Big Sur which was super close to all the attractions. Our cabin was over a suspension bridge so it was fun for the kids to immediately experience an amazing adventure :) We had to park our car and drag our luggage across the bridge and take a short walk to the cabin.
Food is very limited here. In order to do your own grocery shopping, you would need to go to the nearest town, which is Carmel and is 45 minutes away. If you are traveling with kids, I would stock up on fruits and some good healthy snacks. On this particular trip, we ate out a lot. Here are my favorite spots:
- Big Sur Bakery: It's a classic. We've been here many times and food is always delicious. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Coast Big Sur: It's a wonderful place for lunch and afternoon drinks. We sipped our wine on the deck looking out over the ocean.
- Deetjen's - This is another classic — nestled in a unique and historic hotel in Big Sur. The restaurant has a wide menu and they serve amazing breakfast and dinner.
- Sierra Mar - We stayed in Post Ranch Inn a few years ago with my husband and its restaurant Sierra Mar is a must-dine. If you are coming as a couple, I would highly recommend this spot, as it’s very romantic with incredible views. Just make sure to make a dinner reservation.
I actually did great for packing for this trip, but I’m admittedly not usually the best packer. I have a tendency to overpack :) but not this time! Since I not only pack for myself but for two little kids also, I recommend packing layers, jeans, hiking gear, a couple of sweatshirts, and a warm jacket if you are visiting in Springtime.
6. How does it feel to get out of the city? What feelings and emotions do you experience when you’re in such a beautiful environment?
It felt magical to be in Big Sur! Looking out to such dramatic coast and views gave me goosebumps. It was calm and relaxing beyond belief. My family and I love to take our trips out somewhere beautiful in nature — we all love it!
7. What are your favorite places to travel to in California? Do any of these places remind you of Turkey?
Favorite places are definitely Yosemite, Truckee, Joshua Tree and anywhere in Northern California. Big Sur's ocean reminded me of Aegean Sea — it is so similarly clean and clear.
We love road trips as a family. The kids have been traveling with us by car since they were born — my husband and I have always loved taking road trips and discovering new places. We stopped at Cambria to see elephant seals and also had lunch in San Luis Obispo. It's such a cute town, we definitely would like to explore it more next time!
Traveling has always offered a well of inspiration for the makers and designers behind House No. 23, and we can’t wait to see what Big Sur has stirred in them.
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While presenting numerous challenges, the last few years have given us a remarkable chance to self-reflect. Quarantine allowed many people to pause, think, and reconsider what it is that makes them truly happy.
At House No. 23, we are refocusing our energy on living a life that is joyful and full of love. We no longer want to hold back or settle for anything that doesn’t bring us ultimate peace and happiness, and we think you shouldn’t have to either. To reach our full potential, we have to first show up — not just for others, but for ourselves. Here are some practical ways to cultivate self-love by showing up for yourself:
It can often feel like there isn’t enough time in a day to do everything you need to do, let alone want to do. Quarantine shook us out of our routine and woke us up to the possibility of having a little more time for ourselves. While quarantine might be over, we can’t help but feel like we stumbled on the secret to happiness — and that reserving a few minutes for ourselves each day can help boost our well-being.
Setting aside time for yourself every day is essential to taking care of your mind, body, and soul. This might mean going for an evening stroll, reading in the morning sun, or doing a face mask in the bath. Whatever your daily practice might look like, they all allow us to unwind and prepare for the day ahead. Get into the habit of carving out time for yourself every day to cultivate self-love.
Without realizing it, we spend much of our lives on autopilot. We wake up, help our loved ones get their days going, go to work, come home and watch tv before falling asleep. Then the day starts all over again. We spend our days either doing things for others or overworking.
Being mindful means taking a break from all of this in order to be present, take care of your own health, and nurture your own well-being. Ways you can be mindful throughout your day include but are not limited to:
A significant way to show up for yourself is to be kinder to yourself. That means checking that negative self-talk at the door. It is a new year, and there is no way we are allowing ourselves to be our own worst enemy any longer.
When you speak kindly to yourself consistently, you experience more confidence and happiness in the long run. Imagine how wonderful you would feel if every day you believed in yourself the way your loved ones believed in you. Becoming more aware of your negative self-talk and thought patterns could drastically change how you go about your day. Watch your step get lighter as you shoo away any negative talk that previously weighed you down.
House No. 23 was founded when we stepped outside of our comfort zones and listened closely to what would make our hearts happy. These are just three ways we show up for ourselves to make our dreams come true — what are yours?
]]>2021 is almost over, and we can hardly believe it. While the year brought many challenges to our House and yours, it also welcomed immense joy and growth. Here are some notable mentions from our year.
We Got To See You In Person
All of us at House No. 23 missed you! The pandemic put many events and trade shows we love to attend on hold. But this year, we were able to participate in some truly inspiring events, such as West Coast Craft in San Francisco and Shoppe Object NY. We were overjoyed at the opportunity to meet face to face with our customers again. We were also happy to meet with new designers and visionaries, which got our creative blood flowing. To learn more about the creative minds and extraordinary brands that inspire us, you can always check our website's Brands We Love section!
We Added To Our Collection
We love to hear about how all of you have your own favorite House No. 23 piece. Each unique style fits a unique personality. We want you to continue enjoying your favorite styles, but now in more colors! Change your bathroom's color scheme with a new towel set without compromising on style. Shop for your favorite colors today! In the new year, you can also expect to find that House No. 23 is adding the double gauze Alaia style to our growing list of duvets — we can’t wait to share it with you.
We Made Big Moves
This year will forever mark a pivotal moment in House No. 23’s history: we moved into an office and warehouse space, allowing us to work efficiently in our day-to-day operations and focus on what matters most — getting quality Turkish cotton products to you. This move also allowed us to expand our marketing and creative teams to build brand awareness on digital platforms. While we make moves in our warehouse and online, feel free to find our products in major stores like Revolve, ShopBop, RealReal, Food52, and LuLu and Georgia. Looking ahead to 2022, we are excited to announce House No. 23 will be featured in Nordstrom stores.
2021 has been a whirlwind of emotion. With only a day or two left, we can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. We want to offer a profound thank you to our entire House No. 23 community. We are so lucky to not only meet so many of you but to be inspired by you daily. We can't wait to be with you all again. Here’s to more joy, inspiration, and growth in 2022. Happy New Year from the House No. 23 family to yours!
]]>At House No. 23, we are grateful for all the local businesses that spread cheer and joy in our community during the holiday season. Below is a list of our go-to’s.
Melis and Melda’s Favorite Local Spots:
First on the list, we visit the warm bakery Colossus Bread at their newly opened location on 2nd street in Belmont Shore. The smell of sweet dough and rich coffee immediately overpowers our senses, filling us with anticipation.
We were first introduced to this bakery at their booth at the Marina Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday. Colossus prides itself on incorporating seasonal fruits, herbs, and vegetables that are local to the region. Like House No. 23, their products are sustainably sourced and made with all-natural resources. You are not only eating “good” but doing good when you buy your baked goods here. There are many notable and unique pastries that you won’t find anywhere else and are impressive in their own right, but our favorite is the perfectly proportioned chocolate croissant, filled with rich chocolatey goodness in every bite. Before you leave, make sure to grab a fresh baguette to enjoy later.
Making our way from 2nd street to 4th street we head into Oh La Vache, the premier cheese shop on Retro Row. Whether you are serious about cheese or just cheese-curious, you will be welcomed here with open arms. Oh La Vache aims to make the cheese-buying experience as accessible and fun as possible. Pronounced like “Oh My Gosh”, Oh La Vache literally translates to “Holy Cow,” and you might just exclaim that when you realize this little shop has over 50 cheese varieties. Remember that baguette we told you to grab earlier? Make your own artisan charcuterie board with your selection of soft-cut cheeses, imported cured meats, and the wild assortment of condiments and spreads you can find in this fromagerie.
Now that our bellies are full of incredible local food, it’s time to head to Rose Park Roasters for a little pick-me-up. This coffee shop has three convenient locations for wherever you happen to be in town: 4th street, Pine Ave., and Ocean Ave. While there certainly isn’t a lack of coffee shops in this city, few are as dedicated to an ethical and sustainable process. This commitment to quality is represented by the perfection of their cappuccino, which is hands-down the best in the city. Their comforting and exciting flavors even extend beyond coffee with their newly launched Brunch and Dinner Menus, served exclusively at their Pine location. The menu items are sustainably created by Chef Melissa Ortiz, who insists on zero waste - she reuses, reduces, and recycles! The fresno water leftover from fresno chilis, for example, was added to a seasonal cocktail for some extra punch.
Fueled by food and energized by coffee, we gather our entire family and head over to El Dorado Frontier to enjoy a day filled with adventure and nonstop play. Never mind the crowds and exorbitant prices at Disneyland when you can take your family to Long Beach's very own theme park. Patricio Wolovich, a former set designer, is the owner and creator of this amazing mini-theme park. El Dorado Frontier invites families to experience the historical California frontier. The main attraction is the El Dorado Express, an 18-gauge model train built in 1946. 75 years old and still running! Since the park opened in 2018, Wolovich has invested nearly a million
dollars into enhancing the park's rides and facilities. You can now find a mini theater, a morse code educational display, and designated picnic area. Have some fun here - you might even learn a thing or two.
Last on the list is our guilty pleasure. No, it’s not dessert. We indulge in home decor shopping at 6th and Detroit. Fortunately for our pockets, the artfully curated selection of vintage furniture and home items are offered at a great price point. Owner and curator Michelle Qazi believes that home is a feeling that we bring to the spaces we inhabit, and she hunts down beautiful vintage pieces so you don’t have to. House No. 23 appreciates her clear love of natural earthy tones that give off a warm glow in the home.
Keep the heart of our community going by visiting these local spots during the busy holiday season. Grab bread and cheese to bring to your holiday potluck, snag tickets to the joyful Tree Lighting Ceremony at El Dorado Frontier, or eye a gift for your partner (or yourself) at 6th and Detroit. The continued support of small businesses like these makes a huge impact that ripples throughout our wonderful city.
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